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Projectors have come a long way in recent years. While there was a time that projectors were very expensive to own and operate that era is coming to a close and is quickly being replaced by a period of time where having an at home projector is both affordable and provides the greatest viewing experience for the owner. We have all heard the old rumors about why we should not purchase projectors, the expensive bulbs, the lack of space, but does it really hold water or have we advanced far enough along to the point that owning a projection television really make sense?

One of the great things about owning the projector is the fact that the prices come down significantly in recent years. Compared with other televisions the cost per inch for a projector is definitely the most cost effective way to go. Once you start to get up to the 50 inch mark you’re going to start paying a good deal for all LCD and plasma televisions, so in this regard owning a projector may be the most cost effective way to get the biggest screen possible. You also have the benefit of having an acoustically invisible format when you own a projector. Where is having a large flat screen television can interfere with sound waves, there’s nothing to hinder acoustics when it comes to projectors. So if crisp unadulterated sound is of importance to you and this might very well be part of the reason that you might want to purchase a projector.

One issue that you might be concerned about if you are considering purchasing a projector is having to have total, or near total darkness to be able to efficiently see your screen. While this might seem like a hindrance they really is the best way to replicate the theater experience at home. Even using a flat screen television you will typically want to have the darkest room possible to avoid light contamination of the screen. So even though it might seem like an inconvenience to have to watch your movies in the dark, it really does have some advantages and provide the most theater like experience that is possible at home.

Another possible concern of having a projector is the setup. Mounting a projector can be a bit of a hassle but it’s definitely worth it if you’re planning on having a dedicated theater room. All you need to do is to mount your screen, mount your projector, and install your speakers. A few plush armchairs and stadium seating won’t hurt either, but with one relatively small room in just a few accessories you can all but eliminate the need to go to the movie theater. After all why would you bother spending all that money to see a movie that will come out on DVD in just a few months when you can do it at home for next to nothing? You can even make buttered popcorn at home if you want to complete the theater feel without being there.

Information in this article about Home Audio provided by leading Home Theater Raleigh installer Patrick Boswell.

Many buyers are now opting for 42″ LED TVs instead of the older plasma and standard LCD TVs.

The reasons are simple enough. First, LEDs give superior picture quality over the other kinds of TVs. Second, the 42″ screen size is appropriate for most living rooms, with an ideal viewing distance of five to ten feet. And third, LED TVs consume less electricity.

The more advanced technology of 42″ TVs uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to light up the screen and produce a picture. This picture has superb contrast and deep blacks (which LCD TVs lack), resulting in exceptionally bright, vivid and color-accurate pictures. The screen comes alive in brilliant, perfectly saturated hues. Watching TV and movies on the 42″ TV then becomes an unparalleled, breathtaking viewing experience.

In comparison, standard LCD TVs use cold cathode fluorescent lights (CCFLs). These CCFLs deliver inferior color saturation and contrast. They are incapable of producing deep blacks, and this becomes noticeable when watching night or dark scenes in TV shows or movies. Also, when the scene has both light and dark elements, the lighter ones “overwhelm” the darker, producing an overall brightness that should not be the case.

This does not happen in 42″ LEDs. Black and dark elements come out just right; contrast and color saturation are always impeccable and true-to-life. This is made possible by special configurations of LED lighting, such as local dimming and full-array lighting.

The one disadvantage of 42″ LEDs is the higher price tag compared to LCD and plasma TVs. Even so, to those who want the very best, LED TVs are the top choice.

For more information visit: 42 led tv or for great deals visit: Buy LED TV

A home projector cinema system is becoming one of the hottest products on the market. With more people realizing that they can use a projector to watch their movies, sport matches and favourite events in a larger-than-life style, projectors are becoming more popular. All quality products, however, can come at a price. If you can’t afford the full price of a projector, don’t despair. There are plenty of places to find discount projectors online.

eBay: While it might seem improbable, hundreds of people are selling their old and unused stuff on eBay. If you want to find the best discount projectors online, then I suggest going here first. Depending on how hard you look, you can find second-hand home cinema projectors for much less then they’re actually worth. Be careful though. eBay can be a very formidable place. Make sure the buyer already has recommended ratings and review. Discuss post and shipping (as home projectors can be quite expensive). Ask to see pictures of the projector. Also, make sure you find out if it is in working condition. It might seem silly now but some sellers ‘conveniently’ forget to tell their buyers that the projector is actually not working.

If you’re not looking for a second-hand home projector though, you can still find discount projectors online.

Google: I know it seems silly to say this, but using Google is your best friend. Google ‘discount projectors’ and you will find an array of online vendors who are selling projectors way below the actual recommended selling price. These are the shops you should be focusing on. With sales all over the internet, at any given time, the easiest way to find a cheap, discount projector online is to search for it. Before you purchase from the online vendor, make sure that it is a legitimate shop. Check to see if there are any testimonials or customer complains on other websites.

Sale Season: Every season, thousands of manufacturers and retailers offer incredible sales where you can save hundreds of dollars on otherwise very expensive products. Make sure to start looking for your discount projector during this season. Occasionally the more expensive projectors are marked down between twenty and fifty percent.

With a little bit of luck, searching and a keen eye for a bargain, you can find your discount projector sooner then you think. Your home projector cinema will make the perfect addition to your new home theater.

- Dave

Larger than life 1080p projectors, Americas Home Cinema.
http://davesprojectorworld.com

I am amazed every day how ultra high end technology finds it’s way into budget minded systems. Let’s take 7.1, 9.1 and now 10.1 surround sound systems. Do you really need a 10.1 system? Do you even want one?

The answer everyone gives me right off the bat is “yes” without knowing why. The thinking of bigger is better must be in play here. For me the question boils down to quantity v quality. Would I rather have a higher quality 5.1 system for the same price as the lower quality 7.1 system? Well that depends. Bjorn’s A/V in San Antonio spent several hundred thousand dollars to build a correct 10.1 room, and yes it is phenomenal sounding. I don’t suggest it for a weekend project though.

Simply put most surround recordings are recorded in 5.1. For a single person at a mixing board adding Foley effects and adding a three dimensional soundtrack to a two dimensional picture, the 5.1 system is an incredible tool. In a 5.1 system you only need 5 speakers and one subwoofer. This is how most engineers mix and produce the DVD you are going to be listening too. The minimum in a 7.1 system adds two more speakers and a special chip inside the reciever to the budget.

Now here is the secret. If you have a single row of seating or an L shaped couch in your media room or home theater, you can get better sound for the money with a 5.1 system. You get better speakers and are less likely to run into room anomalies with fewer speakers.

If you have two or more rows of seating in your media room, you are probably building a dedicated home theater. Here is where a properly installed 7.1 system shines. Now for the trick question, how many speakers do you need for a 7.1 system with two rows of seats? The answer is nine plus a subwoofer for a two row theater, and 11 plus a sub for a three row theater. If you are building a theater with more than three rows, hire a designer because the math gets real tricky here. For do it yourself systems with two rows, I would suggest a THX certified receiver. The THX certified receivers will have the THX chip built in which does a really good job with changing 5.1 recordings to a 7.1 output.

I am sure you are already asking “Why does a 7.1 system need 9 speakers if I have two rows?” The answer is the sound field. In order to create the proper sound field with multiple rows of seats, each row (up to three) needs it’s own set of “surround” speakers. The speakers in the back are “back” speakers, not surround.

The 7.1 system also uses a different kind of speaker on the sides called a di-pole. The dipoles at each row work together when installed correctly to open up the sound field improving the surround quality of all of the seats. A di-pole speaker is really two speakers angled away from each other. Di-poles of course cost more than standard speakers too.

When deciding between 5.1, or 7.1 and larger systems, start with the room and the number of rows of seating you are buying. With the room and seating plan finished first, the speaker plan is easy.

Scott is a former home theater engineer and is THX level II and CEDIA level II certified. For more information on home technology, visit kuhltoys.wordpress.com or visit Scott’s website at http://www.scottbourquin.com

A Sanus wall mount is an alluring alternative for traditional stands. These items have gained popularity because of their excellent features and benefits. A number of companies are producing these in unique colors, styles and designs. People often invest in the Sanus wall mount to improve the look of their rooms or to save space. If you have made a decision about investing in these you should familiarize yourself with the available types so that you can have an idea about the one you want.

Flat mounts are one of the widely purchased varieties of wall mounts and are designed to fit flat screen televisions. These come with brackets that can adjust to any size of television and can easily be attached to the wall. However the angle of the television cannot be changed if you purchase these. When considering about purchasing these you should measure your flat screen electronics because not all mounts can hold your items easily.

Tilt mounts are another type that has the capacity to tilt up to 35 degrees. These types are usually installed higher than the flat ones so that these can be tilted down for better viewing experience from different angles. These are somewhat flexible and allow the user to tilt it as per their requirements. When purchasing these you should consider the weight of your electronics. A larger television with more weight can only be adjusted in a mount that has the capacity to hold higher weight electronics.

Swivel types are the most flexible models and can be adjusted vertically as well as horizontally. Due to greater mobility and flexibility these stick out more from the wall compared to any other type. They can be adjusted up to 35 degrees vertically and 180 degrees horizontally. Many people invest in these because of being able to adjust it according to their needs.

Shelf types are ideal for traditional televisions. These come with an arm that attaches to the shelf and the wall. This arm provides additional support to the electronics to avoid all types of falling or sliding accidents. The traditional televisions are best suited with these types because of the additional support these provide.

No matter what type of holding options you purchase, you should make sure that the type you are investing in one that is suitable for holding your television’s weight and size. As electronics have different measurements and weights the holding options should be selected carefully.

Visit sanus TV wall mounts or chief projector mounts for more information.

Imagine walking into a room with mirrors on the walls, floor and ceiling. Your eyes would be immediately confused and you would become disoriented. That is exactly what happens when you listen to audio in a room where the walls are bare and smooth. It is virtually impossible to reproduce true movie sound in a room that echos, and you can test your room by clapping your hands. If you can hear an echo, you have what is called a “live” room; a “dead” room is exactly the opposite… there aren’t any echoes. You want to aim for something in the middle.

There is a saying that I learned while building my theater: Great speakers will sound terrible in the acoustically untreated room, and mediocre speakers will sound great in the acoustically treated room.

Next time you walk into the local movie theater, pay attention to your surroundings before the movie starts. You will notice a few interesting things:

1. The walls are not bare, they are treated with acoustic material. You may see and feel fabric, but there’s some sort of foam underneath that absorbs sound so it doesn’t reflect.
   
2. The sidewalls are usually not parallel to each other, they are closer at the front of the theater and farther apart at the back. This lets sound roll along the walls from the front to the back without creating reflections.
   
3. The ceiling usually has some sort acoustic architecture on it, whether it be a large one piece structure, or smaller blocks of acoustic material.
   
4. The floor is slanted upwards and there are surround speakers all along the sidewalls, so that every person has the same surround sound experience.
   
5. The walls at the back of the theater (whether there are exists there or not) are also covered in fabric to control sound reflections.
   
6. The seats are comfortable, but the backs usually do to go all the way up to your head. Anything covering the back of your head will block some of the surround effects that you should be experiencing. The seats are also not super comfortable, because if they are, you will fall asleep.

So there are some rules that you should follow when you are thinking about your home theater layout:

1. If you can, avoid bare walls that are parallel to each other. Sound will bounce back and forth between the two walls. If you have no choice but to have parallel walls, you are going to treat the walls with some sort of acoustic panels.
   
2. The front half of your theater walls should absorb sound.
   
3. The back half of your theater walls should reflect sound.
   
4. The back wall of your theater should disperse sound.
   
5. Your floor should be some sort of wall to wall carpeting with carpet padding underneath.
   
6. The ceiling of your theater should absorb sound.

Taking into account how the professionals build an actual theater, you can use the same principles when you build yours.

About The Author:

Frank Fazio has been constructing home theaters for 15 years and has experience with many different types of setups, from the simple to the more complex dedicated theater. He is the founder of the Home Theater Secrets Answered website and continues to write articles to document his experiences for others to enjoy. As an example of how information sharing is helping others on the site, check out Home Theatre, Video, Audio, Speakers

Before the advent and subsequent popularity of the flat panel TV, your standard tube TV could be affixed to a wall or even the ceiling with the use of a wall mount. While it was not what the TV was designed for, with some creative mount manufacturing and often some inventive modifications, you could get it to work. One of the many differences between your normal tube TV and today’s flat panel TVs is that unlike tube TVs, flat panels can be set upright, but they are also designed to hung on a wall via flat screen TV wall mounts.

When flat screen TV wall mounts are at issue, you will be happy to know that there is no shortage of places to find one. Basic models are available almost everywhere. Major retailer will generally have a few different models to choose from. For more specialized mounts with specific features such as extending and rotating mount functions, an electronic store is a good place to look. Another avenue for these mounts would be the Internet. Like most things, the Internet will be your best source for value and selection. The only real downside is that because of shipping issues, you will have to wait a few days for your mount if you purchase it from the Internet. However, if saving money and getting the best mount possible is important to you, it will likely be worth the wait.

Once you have found and purchased your flat screen TV wall mount there are a few things that you will want to consider. The first is the installation of the mount itself. As far as flat screen TV wall mounts go, the mounts themselves are not that heavy, however, once you add a flat panel TV to the mix you can have a rather heavy combination. For that reason, you will need to make sure that if you are trying to hang a TV on a stud wall, you will need to make sure you anchor the TV mount to the stud itself. Securing your TV mount to just the drywall will not work, if it does, it likely will not last for long which means that your TV is at risk of falling to the floor, and that could prove to be very costly.

Whether you want your flat panel off the floor to save a little floor space or you simply like the look of the TV hanging from the wall like a painting or piece of art, flat screen TV wall mounts can make this happen. By doing some homework and finding the right mount for your needs and taking a little time to properly install the mount, you can have more floor space, a TV that looks right at home on the wall, and you can be sure that the TV is not going anywhere.

For more information on wall mounts for modern flat screen TV’s go to: http://www.tvmountssite.com.

When you visit someone’s home, your first impression of their furnishings and decorating style tell you much about them. Although this concept might appear to be superficial, there is a certain validity to selecting a décor that looks classy and sophisticated. This is especially accurate when choosing an audio tower for your home theater system, as your home entertainment room is surely going to be a well-used room in your home. This article will give you some fundamental guidelines for selecting an audio tower, and will show you how to get the best value for what you have to spend.

Probably the first thing to ask yourself is what size audio tower you need in order to properly hold all your home theater components? These might include DVD players, CD players, game systems, satellite receivers, cable receivers, surge protectors and more. Also, because your home entertainment system is probably going to get bigger in the coming years, you should actually select a cabinet that is larger than what you need right now. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the audio tower you select has enough room for the cables to move among all the accessories it will hold.

Besides the dimensions of the cabinet, you’ll need to make a choice from various colors of wood that are offered. Although a lot of towers are made out of wood, or are veneered in wood, others are made out of metal, glass, or some mixture thereof. Your choice will probably be to match the main decorative style in the room that you’ll be putting your new audio tower into. For example, if the room is of a contemporary style, you might want to choose a cabinet made of blonde woods and glass. You can also find cabinets that have doors made of wood or glass. If you choose wooden doors, which are awesome for keeping everything neatly hidden away, you’ll have to buy a radio frequency remote control so that you won’t have to keep them open while you’re watching TV or movies or listening to music.

While you’re likely to spend a great deal of time picking out the larger components of your home theater system like your television and speakers, the type of audio tower you choose is of considerable importance. After all, it’s what you’ll be looking at for years to come. For more information on selecting the perfect tower, please visit audiotower.org