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Technology: Project A Little Better
By Peter Suciu
Robert Fowkes owns more movies than your local video store. His collection tops 6,000 titles-- from "Pleasantville" to "Moulin Rouge." Of course, he needed a really-big-screen TV. A few years ago, while reconstructing his house, he built his own theater room. And how does he watch most movies? Fowkes, a retired professor from New York, relies on a good old-fashioned projector. OK, not too old-fashioned. The images are projected digitally onto a screen through a machine that cost him $11,000. "It provides the most realistic movie-theater experience," Fowkes says.
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Flat-panel TV screens like plasmas are still the hot buy for most living rooms. But for the smaller market of film buffs who crave screens larger than 165
centimeters, digital video projectors offer the best picture quality for your dollar. The cost of the technology has been dropping steadily, down now to an average of $2,529 from $4,447 in 2003. Sales figures, by comparison, have shot up--about 13,000 units were sold in America alone last year, more than double in 2003. "It used to be that you had to go to a specialty store," says Gary Merson, editor of the HDTV Insider Newsletter. "Now they're everywhere."
Many of the new projectors offer added features, like built-in DVD players. A good system for newcomers is the Epson MovieMate 25 ($1,200; all systems at amazon.com ), which also plays CDs. But the projector still lacks the visual clarity of, say, a real multiplex screen. Enhanced Definition, or ED, projectors carry a higher resolution--480p (the progressive scan, or sequential lines on the screen)--and better image quality. The InFocus Play Big IN72 ($1,300) offers five video inputs for VCRs, DVDs, videogame consoles and PCs.
One of the main advantages of the projection technology is that it would never burn an image onto the screen, which remains a problem in flat-panel plasma displays. The higher-end models are ready for the next generation of DVD as well, including Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats. In terms of resolution, the higher, the better; the 720p Optoma HD72 ($2,000) is really good at delivering a clear and bright picture, even with some ambient light in the room.
Mitsubishi's HC3000 ($2,495; buy.com ) is our favorite. It's the first projector to come to market with Texas Instruments' BrilliantColor technology. But if you want to take the show on the road, this month also sees the debut of the portable SharpVision XV-Z3000 ($3,499). It weighs only 4 kilos and projects up to 7.6 meters. That's like having your own drive-in.
The refrigerator is no longer just for storing food; now it can entertain and inform people as well. The world's first interactive refrigerator by LG Electronics, to debut in North America next month, is connected to a satellite and provides real-time weather forecasts, simultaneously allowing parents to make breakfast and advise their kids on which coat to wear. Its 38cm TFT LCD TV screen can also be used as a frame for digital photos or as a board to write digital memos, making refrigerator magnets obsolete. The side-by-side fridge can also display up to 50 preloaded cooking recipes on the TV screen. A smaller, 10cm LCD screen features an interactive polar bear that reports the temperature. And the refrigerator can be connected to a DVD player, USB drive, TV and FM radio ($3,500; lge.com ).
B. J. Lee
Savvy travelers are ditching luggage carts in favor of the latest rolling suitcases: Zero Halliburton is introducing the ultrasleek 53cm Zeroller carry-on in 14 colors, from glacier blue to champagne gold ($615-$2,225; zerohalliburton.com ). The handle on Briggs & Riley's Baseline suitcase is fitted outside the case, so the interior is completely flat ($229-$499; briggs-riley.com ). And vacationers won't throw out their backs with Travelpro's latest Platinum5 wheeled cases: the handles are endorsed by the Florida Chiropractic Association ($119-$399; travelpro.com ).
Hallee Berg
Add some bling to your spring with crystal-studded sunglasses. Coach's Samantha sunglasses come in white, onyx and tortoise green, each with multi-colored crystals scattered around the temples ($168; coach.com ). Christian Dior has several sparkly models to choose from including "Dior Hypnotic," metal-framed sunglasses with rhinestones on the bridge, "Dior Fifties," optyl frames with rhinestones outlining the lenses, and "Spidior" with square lenses featuring topaz rhinestones on the temples. ($295-$325; dior .com ). The winter collection will feature "Dior Remove," a thin metal frame with rhinestone-covered lenses. Though wearers can see past the rhinestones, the cover is removable (approximately $1,300). Roberto Cavalli's sunglasses are encrusted with crystals; one shiny metal pair features a cutaway rhinestone "RC" in script lettering on the sides, and another rose gold colored pair sports the initials and a snake outlined in rhinestones on the temples. ($310-$330; robertocavalli.net ).Lauren Mack
Among the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world, Siem Reap is home to the famed temples of Angkor. Set in the heart of the town's Old Market area, The One is perfect for the traveler who wants to stay somewhere different.
Ambience: The hotel truly lives up to its name--there's only one room. Guests have the hotel staff's undivided attention. There's no waiting in lines to check in or any delays for breakfast, only five-star service in your very own hotel.
Décor: A chic, Asian-influenced two-story suite with wireless Internet access, surround-sound stereo and a spa-style bathroom. Tired from hiking around the temples? Chill out on the rooftop daybed or in the Jacuzzi.
The neighborhood: Five years ago the Old Market area was full of dilapidated Chinese-style shop houses. Today The One is in the middle of a vibrant night district, with shopping, fine dining, trendy clubs and even an Irish pub.
The Temples: Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, is the crown jewel of what are undoubtedly the most impressive ruins in Asia.
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