Home Theaters

Finding a quality projector for your home theater needs that doesn’t include sleepless nights and creditors calling your momma’s house is a difficult proposition, one that Optoma seeks to destroy.

The Optoma HD72 not only breaks the price barrier for 1280×768p DLP projectors, at less than $2000, it also includes the majority of features normally reserved for projectors that cost two to three times as much. It incorporates Texas Instruments’ Brilliant Color, designed to deliver higher vibrancy and overall brightness and claims to provide truer colors to on screen images.

It also boasts a 3000-hour lamp-life, which is of major importance when factoring in the fact that all projectors need to have their expensive bulbs replaced every few years. To reduce buyer uncertainty, the projector also includes a 2 year limited warranty with a ZERO dead pixel policy, a move many of Optima’s competitors have yet to take with their entries.

As for picture quality, the projector utilizes a 3500:1 contrast ratio, but is capable of 5000:1 with its built-in AI turned on, a feature designed to automatically adjust the light output of the projector and deliver better contrast ratios while marinating high ANSI lumen output. This is the first projector in or near its price class to offer this feature. True Vivid technology is also integrated, adding a deeper three dimensional look to images, complimenting the TrueVision processor that effectively eliminates object jaggedness and smooths images for a cinema-style look.

This projector is also compatible with just about anything you can throw at it. The dual digital inputs are HDMI and HDCP compliant, important if you prefer to route video sources directly to the projector instead of through a video-switching device that could possibly degrade the signal performance, and also includes component video, S-video and composite video cpnnections.

As a true 720p DLP projector, the Optoma gives you a sharp, bright image up to 104 inches in size at a projection distance of 12 feet…for less than $2000! The only negatives concerning this projector are the maximum 1.2x zoom lens and the lack of lens shifting ability. Depending on the size of your room, these may or may not be important restrictions, but for the price, are almost expected. A full-function remote is also included.

Prices around the internet have generally been established at around $2000, but at least one seller has it for considerably less after a substantial rebate.

For offering affordable cinema-style quality and a movie experience you just don’t get with big screens, the Optoma HD72 earns an envy rating of two.

optoma, projector, home cinema, home theater

While some folks simply want a home theater they can invite friends and family over to enjoy the latest new release, others want a fully integrated movie going experience. For these people, furniture can be the extra touch that sets their home theater apart.

In the search for unique home theater furniture that allows the viewer to enjoy their experience in luxury, I have come across an enviable, yet endless list of recliners. One area that I have not explored much is tables, but for those interested in turning their home theater into an authentic experience of their own, I showcase for you today the reel end table.

Standing 24″ high with a 22″ diameter, these three-legged stainless steel beauties may just put the magic into your movie room. Available with a stationary solid top or a lazy-Susan cut-out glass top to fit 2 bowls, these tables are a perfect fit for any movie memorabilia maniac, and will not only increase the aesthetic nature of your home theater, but will also take your guests back to movies golden age while offering them a contemporary solution to snack management.

For the extra price, the lazy-Susan model will keep your spill to compliment ratio at an all-time high. With its rotating top, the popcorn will never be too far and built with durability and style in mind, are the added detail that will keep your home theater a cut above the rest.

Their steep price can be a deal breaker, but with substantially lower prices available on eBay and other internet outlets, I’m positive you can find a pair of these beautiful tables for a tolerable amount.

For turning the end table on its head and offering a classic yet contemporary look, with the movie-goer in mind, these tables earn two green envy buttons.

home theater furniture, end tables, reel tables

While this post may not be worth much a few weeks from now, I thought I’d send along this great deal to and Talking Home Theater readers that may be looking for a first time home theater system solution. For those interested, Circuit City has quite a deal for you.

The Nexxtech Home Theater System comes complete with 5.1-channel digital surround sound speakers, a progressive scan DVD player with multi-format playback, AM/FM tuner with antenna and even free shipping.

Similar to high-end systems, the Nexxtech package includes one center, two front and two surround speakers, plus a subwoofer. The DVD player offers sharp, incredibly clear video that will take your movie viewing to a whole new level when coupled with your high-def television, and can play DVDs, CDs, CD-R/RWs, MP3s, and more.

Most surprisingly is the system’s compatibility, which can handle component video, composite video, S-video and coaxial digital audio output connections, similar to systems costing ten times as much. The package also includes a full-function remote control and a composite A/V cable, making it pretty much ready to use right out of the box.

For all this, Circuit City is charging a whopping $69.99 and throwing in free delivery to sweeten the deal even further.

If ever you were looking for an excuse to test drive a new home theater system, this is it. For including all the perks of high-end models and making it affordable enough for even the tightest miser to check out, this system gets one green envy button.

deals, home theater system

Onkyo, the Japanese word for ‘audio’, has just released two high-value 5.1-channel home theater systems that deliver premium surround sound performance in value-priced packages. While easy to set up and operate, these all-in-one systems combine high-quality, two-way satellite speakers, a powerful subwoofer and a multi-channel A/V receiver with surround sound processing that the most seasoned home theater professional can be proud of.

The HT-SR600 package can handle a plethora of connectivity options for just about any use. For starters, the A/V receiver features three component video inputs and one output that are capable of up to 1080i/720p high definition with no degradation of picture quality. In addition, there are also three A/V inputs and two outputs that can handle component and S-Video connections, as well as three optical and one coaxial digital audio input which are compatible with the latest HD-DVD and Blu-Ray sources.

The package comes with five well designed satellite speakers, complimented by the deep bass-reducing subwoofer. The front and horizontal center channel speakers all include a pair of 3-1/4 inch cone woofers and a high-quality 3/4 inch ceramic tweeter, providing exceptionally balanced sound. The pair of surround speakers are identical, but only utilize a single woofer.

For optimal use, a full-function interactive remote control is also included, and is loaded with 8 preset crossover settings and 30 available tuner presets. The system is also iPod (and other mp3 player) compatible in both audio and video.

The system is available from Onkyo and other home theater outlets and comes in your choice of black or silver finishing. Best of all, this great package weighs in at a measly $349, with a slightly upgraded package available for $499.

For its versatility with component integration combined with sound quality at a fantastic price, this home theater system raises my envy meter to one.

home theater system, satellite speakers

Today, the following movies will be released for rent or sale:

*Ten Items Or Less - DVD - 6.7/10 with 607 votes cast; starring Morgan Freeman, Paz Vega and Jonah Hill

-Plot Synopsis: An actor (Freeman) prepping for an upcoming role meets a quirky grocery clerk (Vega), and the pair hit the road to show one another their respective worlds.

*Caffeine - DVD - 5.6/10 with 192 votes cast; starring Breckin Meyer, Mena Suvari and Katherine Heigl

-Plot Synopsis: A fanciful battle of the sexes ensues when the relationships of the staff and patrons of a quirky London café are unexpectedly turned upside down by sudden revelations of terribly embarrassing secrets having to do with their sexual misadventures.

*Code Name: The Cleaner - DVD - 3.5/10 with 903 votes cast; starring Cedric the Entertainer, Lucy Liu and Nicollette Sheridan

-Plot Synopsis: Jake, a regular guy who has no idea who he is after being hit over the head by mysterious assailants, finds himself entangled in a government conspiracy.

*Deja Vu - DVD - 6.9/10 with 13,284 votes cast; starring Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton and Jim Caviezel

-Plot Synopsis: An ATF agent travels back in time to save a woman from being murdered, falling in love with her during the process.

*Night At The Museum - DVD - 6.3/10 with 16,843 votes cast; starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson

-Plot Synopsis: The new night guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc.

*The Queen - DVD - 7.6/10 with 12,606 votes cast; starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, Sylvia Syms and James Cromwell

-Plot Synopsis: After the death of Princess Diana, HM Queen Elizabeth II struggles with her reaction to a sequence of events nobody could have predicted.

*Thr3e - DVD - 5.1/10 with 501 votes cast; starring Marc Blucas, Justine Waddell and Laura Jordan

-Plot Synopsis: Innocent lives hang on the whim of an elusive psychopath whose riddles and timelines force three people to end the game before one or all of them die.

thr3e, night at the museum, the queen, caffeine, deja vu, ten items or less, code name: the cleaner, dvd, new releases

If watching movies in true to life color is your thing, finding the highest aspect ratio is one of the most important factors when shopping for a home theater television. The Panasonic TH-50PX60U features a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution and an amazing contrast ratio of 10000:1, giving you true movie quality in the comfort of your own home.

Though it comes in four sizes (37″, 42″, 50″ and 58″), I was told the 50″ I looked at was indicative of each and the picture was fantastic. Spiderman 2 was playing and it really brought the movie theater experience to life, truly putting my current television to shame.

Sporting more holes than your grannie’s Afghan, the dual HDMI inputs, three component-video inputs, three S-Video inputs and SD memory card reader for digital photo viewing promise to handle all your multimedia needs with ease. To make room for all that input, Panasonic appears to have nixed the CableCard slot, so digital cable subscribers, BEWARE! To combat this chink in the armor, a built-in ATSC tuner was installed, allowing the set to receive over-the-air HDTV signals with no additional hardware.

The two built-in 10-watt speakers pump out virtual surround sound and are more than adequate for small home theaters like my own, but this television honestly deserves to have an audio compliment equal to the picture. The set is also extremely thin and can fit just about anywhere, including on the wall. Though it weighs nearly 90 lbs., it’s less than 4″ deep and would be a big upgrade to most wall art.

In addition to the superior picture and incredible amount of input options, the set also has many of the internal goodies people may find useful including a built-in closed-caption decoder, V-chip lockout controls, on screen input labeling and a sleep timer so you can ensure you never burn an image into the already resistant screen.

At less than $1750, I’ve seen no comparison for a screen like this right now. With a stunning picture at a 160 degree viewing angle at less than twice the width of an LCD monitor, this Panasonic plasma arouses three envy buttons.

Panasonic, plasma tv, 3 GEB, video, home theater, flatscreen tv

One of the best parts of going to the movies is enjoying all the goodies at the concession stands. Price withstanding, the concession stand has the ability to make just about anyone feel like a child again. With so many choices, there are still two more popular than any others: popcorn and soda.

While we’ve long been able to enjoy soda in our home theaters, recreating movie popcorn has been elusive for all but the most dedicated home theatricians. As the marketplace for home theaters continues to explode, you can find products to satisfy just about any itch. Having movie popcorn at home is one of these markets that in time will offer diverse products of all shapes, sizes and prices.

Unless you are planning on building a complete concession stand, with soda fountain, popcorn maker and candy displays, one of the best ways to bring movie popcorn home is this Goldrush two-wheeled home theater popcorn machine.

Complete with scratch-resistant windows, six ounce kettle and plenty of room to satisfy your whole clan for at least one sitting, this popcorn cart evokes theater memories of the golden days.

With its marriage of antique styling and contemporary build, both models unite the best of old and new in cooked corn. The interior heat lamp and heated corn deck keep popcorn warm and buttery for the duration of your movie, and the removable nickel-plated, all-steel kettle and unpopped kernel tray make cleaning up afterwards a snap.

At nearly six feet tall, this model will be an eye-catching addition to your home theater and a mouth-watering surprise for your guests sure to keep them coming back for more. As a popcorn enthusiast and a fan of the old-school, this cool cart gets two green envy buttons.

popcorn, home theater, snacks, carts, design

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.

To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process and generate financial support.

The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:

• Grief counseling
• Memorials
• Communication expenses
• Comfort expenses
• Incidental needs

If you plan to give, please click the link below:

At some point during the construction of your home theater, you need to think less about electronics and more about where everyone is going to sit. The home theater is arguably the most expensive and most enjoyed of all rooms in your home and it deserves furniture to compliment all that cool stuff.

In many home theaters, it is common to see a beautiful sectional couch around the optimal viewing areas, complete with end recliners and cup trays. Maybe that’s just my house, but still, I’ve seen it before. Promise.

Coming across the Solara Home Lounge Recliner in a catalog this morning, however, convinced me that I for one, had taken the wrong route.

These gorgeous leather microfiber recliners bring together the best in theater seating. Each one is small and light enough to move around the room and takes up little extra space when reclined. The head rest is adjustable, maintaining neck comfort while you watch television in reclined luxury.

Losing remote controls is the scourge of living rooms across this great country, but it no longer needs to be with the built-in accessory pocket. Imagine your relaxation time not being shattered by the frantic search for the channel changer as Wheel ends and your favorite prime time shows begin. Now that’s comfort.

Even after all those highlights, there is still one better. This recliner is also a power massager. What can be better than coming home after work, kicking off your shoes, dropping your weight in a form-fitting leather chair, reclining back, reaching down and knowing the remote control is where you expect it to be, turning on your big screen television and having your weariness massaged away?

For also coming in three colors (brown, beige and burgundy) and making me think about getting off from a job I don’t currently have, the Solara Lounge Recliners earn three green envy buttons.

lounge, recliners, home theater furniture, design

Much like the Beta vs. VHS battle back in the late 70’s, there is much at stake in the HD vs. Blu-Ray battle the DVD format finds itself embroiled in today. Back then, Beta had better picture clarity and came in a smaller size. Unfortunately, they only fit 60 minutes of recorded programming, a major factor of why the 3-hour VHS format eventually emerged victorious.

I would like to write my main Wednesday post covering DVD and CD players for your home theater, but I thought it would be best if I detailed the differences between the two DVD formats first, so you can make a more informed decision about which to purchase. For starters, let’s take a look at the history.

HD DVD is Toshiba’s offering in this new melee, which for all intents and purposes, has been going on since 1969 when Philips developed the LaserDisc. Philip’s partnered with Sony soon after, and from this association, the CD was born in 1979. In the early 1990’s, the two teamed together again in an attempt to create a next generation CD that could play video, as well.

Unfortunately for them, the Toshiba offering had all the major backers behind it. The two groups got together and agreed on a common format, later to be known as the DVD. Toshiba was contractually given the majority of royalties in the deal, and so the Philip’s/Sony partnership soon began work on their next generation DVD, which would come to be known as Blu-Ray. Toshiba followed suit, developing their next generation DVD which would become known as HD DVD.

Despite similarities in size and laser-usage, they are basically incompatible and cannot play on each other’s DVD players, thus forcing consumers to choose which format they are going to adopt. Eventually a winner may emerge, but for now, the two are in the midst of a marketing battle for your minds. To help guide you, here are the major differences:

Capacity -

HD DVD - Single layer, 15gb; Double layer, 30gb; Highest Test, 45gb; Theoretical Limit, 60gb

Blu-Ray - Single layer, 25gb; Double layer, 50gb; Highest Test, 100gb; Theoretical Limit, 200gb

Format Founders -

HD DVD - Toshiba Corp., Hitachi Corp.
Blu-Ray - Sony Corp., Royal Philips Electronics

Supporting Member Studios -

HD DVD - Buena Vista Home Entertainment, New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Warner Bros.
Blu-Ray - 20th Century Fox, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Electronic Arts, MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Vivendi Universal Games, Warner Bros.

For the most part, they are similar products with many of the same backers. The main difference is that Blu-Ray discs cost more and have more storage. This differs from the Beta/VHS battle, as Beta cost more to be manufactured, but had less storage. This time, it is up to the marketplace to decide on a winner, if there ever is one.

hd dvd, bluray dvd, blu-ray, dvd

On Tuesday’s, I will list the week’s DVD releases ready to take home and view in the comfort of your home. In addition, I will list their overall rating on IMDB, how many votes were cast and starring roles.

Today, the following movies will be released for rent or sale:

*Spider-Man 2.1 - Unrated, Extended Cut (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) - DVD - 7.8/10 with 72,571 votes cast; starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco

Plot Synopsis: Peter Parker is beset with troubles in his failing personal life as he battles Doctor Octavius, a brilliant scientist with mechanical tentacles to do his bidding.

*Freedom Writers (Widescreen Edition) - DVD - 7.3/10 with 2,362 votes cast; starring Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey and Scott Glenn

Plot Synopsis: A young teacher (Swank) inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school.

*Notes on a Scandal - DVD - 7.5/10 with 5,375 votes cast; starring Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Tom Georgeson

Plot Synopsis: A pottery teacher (Blanchett) enters into an affair with one of her students, causing upheaval in her personal and professional lives.

*The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition) - DVD - 7.8/10 with 11,161 votes cast; starring Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy and Gillian Anderson

Plot Synopsis: Based on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin’s regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970’s.

*The History Boys - DVD - 6.8/10 with 1,780 votes cast; starring Samuel Anderson, James Corden and Stephen Campbell Moore

Plot Synopsis: An unruly class of gifted and charming teenage boys pursue sex, sports and higher education.

spiderman 2.1, last king of scotland, history boys, freedom writers, notes on a scandal, dvd releases

Shopping for a television for your home theater has become much like shopping for a car. With so many models available, finding the perfect one for your long-term needs that fits in your budget can be a harrowing experience.

Whether you are on a budget or simply do not wish to spend a fortune on a widescreen television, the Samsung HL-S5687W is a great option that will allow you to sleep soundly at the end of the day. From the leader in DLP (digital light processing) hardware, this 56″ rear-projection model delivers top of the line High-Def Television with 1080p of vertical display resolution.

The first thing about this model you will notice is the sleek design, which will fit nicely with most modern home theater decor. Next, at only 16.3″ deep, this model will waste very little space and should fit snugly into your entertainment center. It’s also relatively light in weight, tipping the scales at just under 74 lbs. and can be moved around with relative ease by one person.

Though priced significantly lower than its main competitors at less than $2,000, the Samsung offering also features dual compatible HDMI inputs to connect your Blu-Ray DVD player, as well as a PC input to play your favorite next generation games. Poring over reviews, it appeared the only drawbacks of this model were the absence of picture-in-picture, fire wire, and cable card, features that are quickly losing necessity in today’s marketplace.

To make up for those losses, Samsung completely redesigned the menu system for this model and makes navigating the intuitive interface a snap. A USB port is another nice feature that allows the user to display their favorite digital photographs, as well as play their mp3 collection with little trouble. A comprehensive list of detailed features can be found here.

Go to your local A/V store to test drive it for yourself, but make sure you browse the internet for an even better price. Even after shipping, you should definitely be able to beat the retail price.

For offering superior visual quality and an attractive frame at a price even a single-father of three can appreciate, this HD TV garners two green envy buttons.

Samsung, HDTV, widescreen, home theater, 56″

If you are looking for a smaller surround sound package in the $1000 range, yet have been unsatisfied with most of the offerings in this category, check out the Wharfedale Moviestar 70 Surround Sound Speaker System.

Wharfedale has done an incredible job packing the sound into these compact cinema speakers, made possible by a 80 Hz, 150w subwoofer. For around $600, you get all the speakers you will ever need for your home theater, and save a lot of space in the process. Four front-ported, single-way satellites pump out superior sound, not only for the price, but any price range, and are equally adept for music and movies.

Made of high-density MDF construction with molded baffles and gold-plated metal binding posts, durability is a key component of Wharfedale speakers. Each of the compact speakers delivers up to 100w per channel, with domed tweeters that provide an exceptional level of frequency response.

The system also comes with a tuned center channel speaker with extended frequency response to cover even more range. Designed for new users, the system is easily tuned for optimum sound in any room, and thanks to their size, the speakers are all capable of wall or ceiling mounting. Matching stands are also available, though sold separately.

For this price, you’d expect to pay more for extras, but speaker cable and mounting brackets are also included in this package. All in all, this system offers exceptional quality and design at an amazing price. Add in the fact they match my furniture and television, and they earn two green envy buttons.

Wharfedale, audio, home theater speakers, Surround Sound

Flipping through a new issue of one of my favorite magazines, I came across one of the most uniquely designed improvements I’ve seen in a long time. The bulky power strips most of us have gathering dust balls behind our computers and entertainment centers are a wonderful invention, but past their prime for today’s consumers. With many plugs taking up multiple jacks due to their unwieldy size and shapes, something had to give.

Enter the PowerSquid. Finally instead of someone making a longer power strip, someone actually put their mind to work and made a completely new one which is sure to dominate its market in the years to come. It’s superiority comes from its design. Rather than make each plug in line like a ladder, PowerSquid frees up each plug with an extension cord, each of which is housed in the main mouse-shaped power source that takes up significantly less space than a traditional surge protector.

PowerSquid currently comes in three models, ranging from $18-$85. The basic model will save a lot of space and moving of furniture for about the same price as a normal surge protector, but lacks actual surge protection. This is good marketing in my opinion, and forces the savvy consumer to opt for at least the mid-level model, which is more than quadruple the price. With the value of what’s being protected in mind, this is probably a good investment and comes with connected equipment insurance and the wires are twice as long.

For home theater professionals, the Calamari model is probably your best bet as it includes the above, as well as swiveling plugs, an audible alarm for surge emergencies and neon-illuminated outlets for ten bucks more. Each model is relatively equal in size, approximately 4″x7″ not counting tentacles, and have lifetime warranties.

Design will continue to lead the way in the 21st century, as redesigns of old staples revolutionize the way we use things. The PowerSquid is an invention of necessity and makes you wonder what took someone so long to think of it. I congratulate Flexity, the company that created the PowerSquid, and see this as their cash cow and defining moment. It won’t be long before it becomes a staple in all home theaters and media centers.

For genius design and turning the ugly into an icon, I give this power strip three green envy buttons.

PowerSquid, surge protector

Remember the drive-in?

It was about the only place you could play tag, eat popcorn and watch a movie at the same time. The drive-in from my youth was turned into a full time swap meet, and later on, a Wal-Mart. Luckily, both places I have moved since have drive-ins, and the good memories have continued well into parenthood. I now enjoy watching my own kids run around and play while taking in the new animated feature.

Much of the country is sadly lacking a drive-in now, as megaplexes with $9 tickets and $8 popcorn dominate the movie-going landscape. Most of today’s kids grow up without this wonderful tradition, but thanks to MobMov, they no longer need be deprived.

MobMov (short for Mobile Movie) is an online community of do-it-yourself drive-in fans. By joining the community, you get invites to chapters in your area and information on how to start your own, including details on how to set up your own vehicle with a projector and suggestions for where to host your theater. There’s also information about what movies you can watch and any copyright legalities you may need to know about.

This seems to be an idea with some legs, as people are continually seeking affordable social fare, especially when it comes to a night out with the kids. As exciting as watching a movie from your car is, I don’t see why the idea can’t be taken a step further. Car’s are mostly symbolic and nostalgic in this model. If you can find an audio source and weather is warm in your area of the world, a white screen, lawn chairs, an ice chest and a barbecue would be more than sufficient in setting up your own theater in your backyard and enjoying your feature under the stars.

Either way, hosting your own theater is a great way to socialize with friends, family and neighbors. The MobMov Manifesto has some projector and transmitter suggestions, as well as how to legally set it all up. The biggest drawbacks from most people will be the cost of a good projector (though I ‘m sure you basically make up for it after just a few showings) and the lack of movies that are apparently available legally at this juncture. Barriers ordinarily can’t keep good ideas contained, and so I think in time, the movie companies will find a way to benefit from relaxing their rules, and we can all benefit from bringing the drive-in home.

A simple solution for a dying institution. For reincarnating an old favorite and making it available to the masses, this idea gets two green envy buttons.

MobMov, drive-in, home theater, home video