Wood Veneer Speakers
It was great to see the samples of the veneer on the M2s. Really good looking! I was amazed to find you have a choice of 6 different woods, 5 different stains, and 3 different finish coats (satin, semi-gloss, and piano deep gloss). If I'm doing the math correctly, that is 90 different options. PLUS! you have 3 choices for your feet, spikes, and logo (chrome, gold, or gloss black). AND, your manual and care instructions come in a personalized leather case. Looks like they're going first class all the way (my problem being first class desires, with a steerage class wallet )

I was glad to know that the VS series was named to honor Joe Vassallo, which brings me to my next topic.

Joe Vassallo
What an interesting guy. From artist to technician. His artwork is very impressive, particularly the ripped jeans painted on the (may we assume?) au naturel posterior of a live model (it's a tough job but SOMEBODY has to do it ). Also, the description of his home theater left me drooling (I think I HATE him ).

TV Longevity
I was relieved to find that my DLP will probably last longer than I thought it would. I'm still on my original bulb after nearly 3 years of use. That may be because I had my set ISF calibrated which considerably lowered the brightness of the picture to a more natural, realistic level, and took some of the strain off the bulb.

Altogether, an interesting, informative newsletter. Nice job folks.

Pardon my ignorance , but what is ISF calibration? Is this for a TV set or a front projector?

Don't forget about the 'custom' custom wood finishes, and the wood/finish matching option.

This is fantastic news for all those people whose only misgivings about ordering Axioms are the lack of a real wood finish. No more excuses!

ISF LINK

More and more Axiom is tempting me to trade in our older vinyl wraps for a hand picked wood finished product with the new fancy feet and knob set.

This may be a strong consideration later this year.

They sure look nice

Hey Jack - is "Steerage Class" a reference to steamship berthing or something? Most of us born after the advent of the airplane call it "Coach"

You know I'm just messing with you, and that your ongoing wit, wisdom and eloquence are a treasure to me.

Have a great day.

So how many people are going to post messages saying that their real wood veneer speakers sound better than the standard finishes?

Well they will after they've broken in.

LoL

Oh yes, there IS a break-in time!!

Depending on the total permeability of the protective coating applied as relates to the total hydronic content of the celulistic fibers extant in the vinyl-replacement covering delta to the long-term atmospheric hydrous average will determine the over-all periodic forces applied to the MDF substrate modifying the internal volumetric configuration furthur relating to the before mentioned ASW adaptability.

it depends.

Dennis' link will help, but here's some more info. WARNING, this service is not inexpensive. But, if you've just spent $2k+ for an HDTV or projector, $400 to $500 can be a worthwhile investment.

Imaging Science Foundation Calibration

If you've recently purchased a new television, then you should read this!

Whether you bought a direct-view (tube), rear-projection (big screen), or front-projection (DLP, LCD, or CRT projector), you wanted the best picture that you could afford. Maybe you took the leap to hi-definition for just that reason. Would it surprise you to learn that your picture is not as good as your television is capable of producing? Believe it or not, it isn't.

The manufacturer of your television didn't set it up to look its best in your home. They set it up to look better than the other televisions on the sales floor. Your home is not a sales floor. It is a completely different viewing environment. The difference in lighting alone warrants adjustments to all of the televisions settings.

ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration is an in-depth adjustment of every aspect of your television's picture. It is done right in your home so that your viewing environment is accounted for. It gives you better color and a noticeably sharper picture. The procedure sometimes takes hours using computers, sensors, and meters.

It can even improve the picture on your computer monitor.

For more information, we have included a link to an article in Sound & Vision magazine that further explains the benefits of ISF-calibration.

Click here for article (Sound & Vision Online)

Gregg Loewen, a nationally know calibrator, is the guy I used. He makes tours in various places around the country. Either he, or one of his affiliates, should be within reach of you. Click here to see upcoming tours

Lion Audio/Video Consultants home page.

As for you, Tom.....................