Why has the once shining symbol of the future of TV almost completely disappeared from the landscape?

It seems like every TV manufacturer either makes or sells LCDs, but only a handful make plasmas anymore.

With the departure of Pioneer from the market, what does that mean for the future of plasma?

Pure Marketing Obfuscation

I understand the need for a manufacturer to differentiate their product. It's a crowded field out there, and anything you can do to make your product stand out is a good idea.

Well, almost anything.

But let's not call it lying, let's call it a gift for fiction.

Myths, Facts, and Self Doubt

Our friends over at Gizmodo recently did an "Audio Week" where they talked about all aspects of audio, from music to the high-end.

Results were mixed, at least in reading the comments. It seems most people think high-end, or even "decent" audio is some kind of myth.

The problem, as I see it, is all in the head.

A friend of mine sent me a link to this video with nothing more than "The most mezmorizing thing I've seen in a very long time."

I have to agree.

Video after the jump.

Own it

Covers are tough. Sounds too much like the original, and everyone will wonder why you wasted their time. Sound too different, and you risk not doing the original justice.

But strike that Goldilocks balance, taking the song and making it your own but still showing the original reverence, there's the potential of being as good (if not better) than the original. That's what these covers do in spades.

Second Verse, same as the first

Arguments on whether they were the first, the best, or even the most influential punk band are irrelevant. The Ramones rocked. Case closed.

Turns out, the piano does start here.

At first glance, what's impressive about Tatum's performance, and indeed his style and skill, is his right hand: clean, effortless runs at tremendous speed.

But it's not his right that's amazing, it's his left.

Hands

So I'm starting a new feature here on the website. YouTube is great for a lot of things, but I think one of its greatest uses is as a repository of amazing performances by the world's greatest musicians.

Now I'm not talking about ripping a concert DVD, but of meaningful, remarkable performances that are likely not found anywhere else. First up, the Rach 3 by Martha Argerich.