If video killed the radio star, then high definition is going to annihilate everything in its path. The latest revolution in home entertainment, hi-def—which brings a kind of clarity to the entire visual and audio experience that was unheard of before—is primed to change the way you enjoy everything, from television right down to your video games. We’ve got the lowdown on the must-have hi-def gear that’s out there right now, as well as what’s in store for you in the near future.
Sony KLV-32S200A LCD TV
What’s It All About: Sony’s KLV-32S200A is one of the latest additions to their BRAVIA LCD television range. With its BRAVIA Engine one chip digital processor, this 32-inch hi-def TV features sharp pictures with striking colors that left us drooling. On top of stunning picture quality, the KLV-32S200A also boasts fantastic sound quality with SRS TruSurround XT and is compatible as a computer screen. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s one very beautiful looking set either.
How Much Is It: $1,599.
Where To Get It: The Sony Gallery, #04-36/37/38 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6738-7970.
Xbox 360
What’s It All About: Undoubtedly dominating the market since it launched here a few months ago (and for good reason), the Xbox 360 is currently unmatched as far as console gaming goes. With graphics that were specifically designed to be enjoyed on a hi-def television screen and three separate core processors that clock in at 3.2 GHz each so that it runs at amazing speed, plus a whole host of popular games to choose from—like the sexy Perfect Dark Zero and the ground-breaking Halo 2—it’s no wonder gamers have been clamoring to get their mitts on one.
How Much Is It: $660.
Where To Get It: Challenger Superstore, #06-00 Funan Digitalife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6336-7747.
Samsung Sonoma S7 LCD TV
What’s It All About: Samsung recently launched their Sonoma S7 LCD TV and we have to say that we were impressed. Thanks to its Digital Image engine (DNIe) technology, this television features crystal clear quality visuals that make even the slightest detail astoundingly lucid. Sound quality is nothing to scoff at either, with SRS TruSurround XT. The Sonoma could also double up as one mind-blowing computer screen. What’s more, this baby just looks good, being stylishly sleek and slim.
How Much Is It: The 32-inch goes for $2,199, while the 40-inch costs $3,999.
Where To Get It: Best Denki, #04-09/12 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 6333-0110.
Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 5 Speakers
What’s It All About: These wicked speakers from Bang & Olufsen define top of the line. A boon to the hi-def lifestyle (to say the least), the BeoLab 5 Speakers are among the most powerful all-digital home speakers, utilizing Acoustic Lens Technology, which reproduces sound so well that quality is evenly good, no matter where you are in the room. The BeoLab also features The Moving Microphone System, which measures reflections in the room, which the Adaptive Bass Control in turn analyzes and adapts to the bass unit’s performance, so that you always have the perfect acoustic level for your room.
How Much Is It: $30,300!
Where To Get It: Bang & Olufsen Showroom, #01-05 Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10-12 Scotts Rd., 6737-7500.
LG 5.1 Home DVD Theatre System LH-T7632MB
What’s It All About: The latest high-end home theater system from LG has it all—aside from the expected formats like DVD+R and MP3 files, the LH-T7632MB also features USB Port compatibility, which means that it can playback all multimedia digital files (which includes formats such as DivX). It also has a sound system that utilizes, among others, Dolby Digital and DTS, which means nothing but incredibly crisp sound quality. On top of all this, the entire system is beautifully designed, matching its quality with equal amounts of stunning looks.
How Much Is It: $599.
Where To Get It: Harvey Norman, #03-08 Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd., 6732-8686.
New Kid in Town: Blu-Ray
