Best Home Theater Solutions » Home Entertainment

How To Choose Your Next TV

John Holmes — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:05:46 +0000

Plasma, LCD, projector, CRT? The choice of display technologies can be overwhelming for the un- or under-informed. Which TV should you next choose?

CHOOSING LCD

Slim and desirable, LCD screens are the new belles of the TV Ball. But they're not as perfect as you think...
Liquid Crystal Displays have been around for over 20 years, but have only recently become a reality in the TV market.

The reason for this is that their fundamental operation relies on crystals moving in a viscous liquid and, like wading in treacle, it's a very slow process. Early generation LCD panels simply could not switch pixels on and off fast enough to cope with a moving video image, and consequently remained in clock displays and PC monitors that were predominantly used for near-static images.

Thankfully, as the technology has developed, the pixel-switching time has dropped dramatically and, in the very best models, causes very little motion blur on moving images. This has opened the floodgates for LCD TVs right up to over 50 inches. However, unlike plasmas, price is no indication of quality.

Hot or Not?

LCD contrast ratio is generally poorer than any other TV technology as the backlight can leak through the "switched off" pixels. A potent backlight can lift the brightness figures, but colour is dependent on single block filtering, so the total range of colours and the colour saturation are also mediocre. The deep liquid crystal substrate means the picture integrity fades away as you move off axis, although the latest models claim a viewing angle up to 170 degrees. That said, manufacturer's specification sheets can read like Tolkien-scale fiction at times, so getting a demonstration of an LCD TV before you buy is essential.

So why is LCD currently the must-have technology? Not only are LCD TVs a super slim flat panel, they are much lighter in weight than plasma models, as the LCD itself is made from plastic rather than glass. Screen resolutions are HD-friendly on larger screen models and each pixel has a much better defined edge definition than the glowing phosphor dots of plasma or CRT - creating a very sharp image. LCD TVs do not suffer screen burn-in from constantly displaying static images, are silent in operation and, from an energy-saving perspective, use little electricity.

But the biggest key to LCD TV's rise has been falling prices. Each panel is cut out of a single large sheet of fully engineered LCD and each new manufacturing generation creates larger initial sheets. This reduces cost per unit and hence the street price.

LCD TV costs will continue to fall, the picture quality will continue to rise and, as features like digital tuners, memory card readers and wireless connectivity become mainstream, LCD TVs will dominate the 32 inch flat panel market.

As long as you make sure you are buying an HD-ready model and try before you buy, you can't go wrong.

If you are looking to buy a 15 LCD TV, unit then visit 15LCDTV.com for the biggest discounts and reviews on how to choose the best 15 Inch LCD TV sets.

Wireless Home Theater System – Reasons To Go Wireless

Adrian Fletcher — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:50:55 +0000

by Adrian Fletcher

Why Go Wireless

When installing a home theater system, probably the most common headache is dealing with all the wires that go all over the place. You are left with a tangle of wires that makes the room look ugly at the very least. At worst, a tangle of wires can be a hazard and the cause of accidents. This problem is part of the inspiration behind the wireless home theater system. A wireless home theater is ideal for coping with this problem as it means using fewer wires without impairing the function of the system.

Wireless technology has paved the way for wireless systems which are very fast, much cheaper and easier to use. With this said, the term wireless as it pertains to home theater systems does not really mean completely wireless just less wires than a non-wireless system. However, it is still a vast improvement over the bulky wires of non-wireless systems that are very hard to manage. Certainly hiding them won't be a very easy job, unless of course, you hire a professional to do the work for you.

The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Solutions

The inventions of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies that we use so regularly on our cell phones and laptops has made great possibilities for wireless home theater systems. These technologies will help cut down on the clutter that sometimes happens with our home theater systems. The good way to use those two technologies is to use them as media players.

The wireless home theater system in its truest sense is yet to come. Manufacturers of these products are still striving to design a system which will be financially appealing to the mass market and yet lucrative to produce. As with any new technology, if completely wireless home theater were to be available today, only a few people would be able to afford this piece of technology.

Today, wireless home theater systems are an easy, attractive option. The reduced number of wires and clutter makes the whole process much less painful and messy. Quality is similar enough so that there is very little to no difference in sound for the average person's range of hearing.

Remember Safety

When installing a home theater system, dealing with the tangle of wires is a problem that takes plenty of reading of the manual and a bit of head scratching. It can even be a safety hazard once installed as it may start a fire. A wireless home theater is the solution to this problem.

One point to mention is that manufacturers of wireless home entertainment systems still have problems with interference from other electronics devices. Think of the mobile phone for example. The challenge for manufacturers is to ensure that other wireless equipment present in the household does not interfere and cause problems. Ramping up amplification may help, but the cost would be prohibitive at this junction.

About the Author:

Learn more about Home cinemas, including home movie theater ideas at http://hometheatercomponents.net.

ALTEC LANSING PT8051 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM NEW

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Sony BDV-E570 Blu Ray / DVD Home Theater Wireless

US $349.00
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 11:10:46 PDT
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3000 ANSI Lumens w/ wireless projector home theatre

US $1,289.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Sep-10-2010 8:19:03 PDT
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ALTEC LANSING PT8051 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM

US $384.95
End Date: Sunday Sep-05-2010 9:59:19 PDT
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Panasonic - SC-ZT2 Full HD 3D Wireless Home Theater

US $799.00
End Date: Monday Sep-27-2010 15:59:23 PDT
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Reasons To Get A Home Theater System

Adrian Hardmann — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:05:21 +0000

by Adrian Fletcher

Going to the movies is a great experience, especially on a rainy, gray day when you can suspend reality at the door of the movie theater and go into a fantasy world for a couple of hours. One thing that may be better though is to share your favorite movies at home. With developments in technology, our movie viewing experience can be comparable or better than the movies theaters. VCR's are a yesterday's news. With today's VCD and DVD players, watching movies on TV can be an awesome experience. But with Blu-Ray or HD-DVD technology and huge LCD screen TV's along with ear-busting surround sound you can take home movie watching to the next level.

Home theater systems have been increasing in popularity in the last few years and it's easy to understand why. With the new technology and the convenience of watching a movie at home, you can save money and still enjoy a good movie. An increasing number of households are having home theater systems installed in their homes that are comparable to the sound and features you would find in a real movie theater.

With the array of modern home theater systems, you don't need any special skills to select the parts that comprise a good home theater system. Even better, many home electronics retailers will offer different configurations ranging from separate components that you assemble on your own to complete home-theater-in-a-box setups.

So that you can really get the best experience and emulate the movies, you must have the right tools and equipment. The sound system is very important. A great surround-sound setup will allow you to hear the sound all around, and in a high quality.

You've most likely already heard of a surround sound system, in which the speakers on the right or left side produce sound depending upon where in the screen the action is taking place. For example, if the sound is heard from the left side of the screen, the sound produced by the left speaker will be louder than on the right. In order to do this, you must have at least four speakers and equipment to split up the surround sound signal and send it to the speakers.

You must consider the size of the movie screen as well as the resolution. So this means a TV of at least 27 inches when measured diagonally is the minimal requirement. If you can afford one a bigger one, 36 inches or larger is a better choice. Again this depends on the size of the room where the screen will be located but in many cases bigger is better (so they say !)

to this extent, you should consider the space in which you arrange the components. They can be arranged in many ways, but you should keep in mind how much you want to spend, and how much room you have. Ideally, a separate room with windows that can be darkened is a perfect option but not everyone has the space so often a compromise has to be reached. Experimenting with set ups is the best bet if this is the case.

About the Author:

Learn more about Home cinemas, including home movie theater ideas at http://hometheatercomponents.net.

Sony Bravia 60 1080p 240HZ LED Edgelit LCD HDTV Televi
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Sony VPL VW70 SXRD Projector HDTV LCD 1080P VPL VW80
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Sony XBR HX909 523D LED LCD HDTV TV
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NEW Mitsubishi HC7000 1080P Theater Projector LCD HDTV
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Samsung LN46C750 46 3D LCD HDTV
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Sony XBR 52HX909 52 3D LED LCD Flat Screen HDTV TV
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NEW Sony XBR 52HX909 52 LCD 3D TV LED HDTV 240Hz
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NEW Toshiba 55SV670U 55 Widescreen 1080p LCD HDTV
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SHARP LC65E77UM LC 65E77UM 65 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV NEW
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Sound Systems Home Theater – What And Where To Place Your System

Adrian Fletcher — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:55:22 +0000

by Adrian Fletcher

Have you ever watched a movie that had a poor quality soundtrack. Maybe the speakers are faulty or maybe the DVD or video is damaged in some way. Regardless of the cause, the reality is that your viewing pleasure is severely diminished. Sound is vitally important to this visual medium that people long to have a home theater sound system that is top of the range. Top sound systems where traditionally expensive but this has changed over the last few years and pretty much most people can get a great home theater sound system. This article will go into the considerations when getting such a system to maximize your viewing pleasure.

If you're thinking about improving your home theater system, but are concerned about the cost and difficultly then relax. By doing some homework, you can improve it without breaking the bank. Get to know the various components you need for a good home theater sound system, and comparison shop the Internet for the best prices.

The first thing you should know before trying to overhaul your home theater sound system is to find what you really want to change about it. Know the problems you encounter on it. Does the sound of the stereo bother you? Maybe your speakers need upgrading. Know also what kind of stereo you want. There are surround sound system and Dolby bass system. Not all stereo systems are appropriate for a home theater.

To find out how you can improve your home theater sound system, it is a good idea to get an expert to look at it. A knowledgeable person can tell you with more certainty if any of your equipment could use repairs or replacements. Then, if necessary, you can find appropriate equipment yourself at a home electronics store.

The Internet is a good place to start. Browse the equipment sold online. Of course, you'll want manufacturers you can trust who won't also break your bottom line. Look into warranties. And always, always, try before you buy any home theater sound system. Electronics stores offer you the chance to listen and learn so don't make any quick decisions.

The smart way to find out whether the home theater sound system you're considering will create the sound you are seeking is to check out the options. You need to visit a home electronics store where you can listen to various systems in a room built for that purpose. Then, you need to "test drive" equipment from various companies and note your likes and dislikes. But don't buy just yet--your best option, once you've settled on a system, is to shop online to find the best price.

When all your components are ready, all you have to do is install your system. Getting the right locations for your speakers in you living room is just as important as getting the right components. Take some care when doing this. Play a few movies and adjust the locations of the speakers until you think it just right. It may mean watching a few movies but we all have a cross to bear, maybe have a bucket of popcorn to make the job a bit more palatable. Finally, check that the wires aren't in danger of being tripped on and ripped out, and your home theater sound system should be ready to go.

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