Use & Enjoy Your A/V Gear

How I made my own photo softbox for less than $10

ZakB — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:00 GMT

I read a great (as always) post on Strobist about building your own softbox for less than 10 bucks, and I was instantly intrigued. A softbox is used for taking those nice product photos you see on Crutchfield's website and in catalogs. But the word...(read more)

The vinyl records comeback from the musicians' POV

Ralph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:17:00 GMT

About this time last year, Jim R. posted his thoughts on why vinyl records appeared to be making a comeback . Jim outlined what he thought were three reasons for the return: The sound of vinyl The ritual of listening to a record Vinyl as artistic expression...(read more)

Crutchfield Signature -- It's About the Experience

Ralph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:31:00 GMT

Have you visited Crutchfield Signature yet? The tagline says "it's all about the experience." And that's just what we mean. The site features the best products we carry. And it provides more detailed — and reader-friendly —...(read more)

Single stereo-input dash speaker for vintage car owners

Charlie — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:48:00 GMT

If you've ever tried to install a modern car stereo in a pre-1960s vintage automobile, you've probably run across the problem of getting stereo sound in a vehicle with only one center dash speaker. When I owned a '56 Studebaker Hawk, I faced...(read more)

Way cool interactive frequency chart

Jim R — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:14:00 GMT

While doing some research, I stumbled across something remarkable that I just have to share. It's an interactive frequency chart published by the Independent Recording Network. What's it good for? Anyone who's looking to educate their ears...(read more)

Searching for SACDs

Ralph — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:02:00 GMT

"So what's the deal with SACDs?" a friend asked recently. "I'm looking for a new disc player, but I never see SACDs in the stores. Should I even bother getting an SACD player?" He had a lot of questions, and I answered them...(read more)

Big bass in a small-car world

Charlie — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:52:00 GMT

Gas mileage is a big issue with an ever-increasing number of people. Most recently, the "Cash for Clunkers" program has resulted in a lot of people driving more compact vehicles. A smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle is great news for your...(read more)

The point of point-and-shoot cameras

Ralph — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:02:00 GMT

Kathy, our customer support manager shared these pictures with us the other day, and with her permission, I'm sharing them with you. These pictures are her son at the beach. Last year, he was afraid of the water. Not now! You can see his new-found...(read more)

Directory of articles and videos on home theater

Jim R — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:36:00 GMT

Getting ready to build or upgrade a home theater system? Here's a handy guide to dozens of articles and videos to help you choose, install, tweak, and enjoy: Plan Your Room The components you need for home theater Choosing your TV's screen size...(read more)

Video: LED and Fluorescent Backlighting in LCD TVs

Crutchfield Video — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:31:00 GMT

(Please visit the site to view this media) In the Crutchfield Video for LED and Flourescent Backlighting in LCD TVs , Steve presents the key advantages of both technologies. Fluorescent backlit TVs can use "wide range" bulbs to produce a wider...(read more)

The Audiophiliac Poll

Ralph — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:59:00 GMT

A post on Steve Guttenberg's The Audiophiliac caught my attention the other day. In "What's Wrong with High-End Audio ?" Guttenberg, audio reviewer and record producer, puts forth a theory, and then asks for feedback. The problem, as...(read more)

Video: Choosing an HDTV

Crutchfield Video — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:52:00 GMT

(Please visit the site to view this media) Shopping for a new HDTV? Julie and Steve run down the basic information (in plain English) you should know before making your purchase. In our "Choosing an HDTV" video, they discuss key factors to consider...(read more)

How to tame cable clutter

Jim R — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:20:00 GMT

Are you a neat freak? Then you'll love Cable it , a kit that makes it incredibly easy to wrap and organize cables behind your home theater components or home office machines. Dig the video: (Please visit the site to view this media) Crutchfield offers...(read more)

My summer staycation outdoor speaker project. Part 2 -- Planning the install

KenSpike — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:40:00 GMT

In my first post in my outdoor speaker project series I talked about the gear I'd need to get my project for adding outdoor speakers to my deck off the ground. Now I'll take a look at how I'm planning the installation. In any home remodeling...(read more)

Tech Terms Demystified: Impedance

Ralph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:37:00 GMT

Impedance is one of those tech terms whose meaning is just close enough to its general definition to cause some confusion. In everyday language, an impedance is a hindrance — an obstacle to be overcome. Electrically, impedance is a neutral term...(read more)