By now most PAR readers have heard or read about our new digital edition that debuted last month. New readers have been reacting with a resounding "yes" because "digital" PAR has received a lot of new subscriptions to it thus far.

From our perspective, the digital edition makes PAR a more effective review magazine because it extends our reach. The digital edition makes for easy access for thousands of pros who like to get their info via the Internet. Internet delivery also enables PAR to be delivered to international audio engineers who have been begging me for years to make the magazine available to them in places such as the UK, France, Germany and Poland. Actually, anywhere where they read English.

It also allows us to provide options not available to the print edition, such as the Live Links, which allow the reader to simply click on the web site of manufacturer, either in the article or in an ad, and immediately go to the web site. No web surfing, pasting in URLs or typing in long addresses, just click. Talk about easy access.

For those who have not seen the digital edition, type in the URL in your web browser, located in the box at the bottom of the page, and check out the sample. Then go to the sign-up URL and fill out the form. Those reading this on the digital version, but who have not yet subscribed, just click on the sign-up URL. We think you will like this enhancement to PAR. Internet delivery is part of the future for magazines, and we are proud to be one of the first to take that step in our industry.

New elements in PAR

Besides the Digital Edition, you probably have also noticed the addition of some features in the mag. This month, we unveil a sort of guest column page, called Insider Commentary, for our engineers who ordinarily just write reviews. This month, Ty Ford chimes in on a low-cost way to use Apple iChat for remote, two-way studio communications. The column is based on Ty's actual experience, so check it out.

Cinematic tour de sound!

For you folks interested in the contracting/installation business, Mel Lambert profiles for the first time in PAR, a major cinema sound system. UltraStar Cinemas, which operates a bunch of theaters in Southern California, uses mostly QSC gear, including speakers. QSC has quietly built up a cinema amplifier dynasty via its vast penetration into theaters, and now, with its processing and full-line of speakers, they have a full array of products for the theater chains.

We hope to profile more state-of-the-art cinemas in upcoming issues, if there are any that have caught your eye (and ear), drop me a line.

Product Watch

For those out there working with professional audio and video, there are a lot of cables to choose from to link your video source and screens. One brand I have found that works works particularly well is the Accell line of cables. I have used their UltraVideo DVI and component video cables with my Sony and NEC HD monitors for a while. Even with long-run cables, image integrity is maintained. The housings are heavy duty while connector and build quality are first rate. For more info, check out the Accell web site at www.accellcables.com.

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