Click this link for information on Response Rate for HDTVs:  60Hz vs. 120Hz vs. 240Hz – LCD Response Rate.

This is a great article I ran across from lcdtvbuyingguide.com. I’ve been talking with a number of people over the past few days about buying televisions and this question always comes up when looking at LCD HDTVs.

Enjoy!

Heathaplex Vision

For more than 50 years, Harman Kardon products have been engineered to deliver the ultimate listening experience, and the Harman Kardon Receiver is no exception. The thrust and goal of the Harman Kardon brand is to give music fans the finest sound with the greatest of ease.

Harman Kardon offers a wide range of receivers, everything from the popular stereo receivers HK 3390 and HK 3490 to the fantastic home theater receivers AVR 254, AVR 3600 and AVR 7550HD.

Harman Kardon receivers have earned worldwide accolades for their uncompromising sound quality. Whether it’s the exciting sound of explosions from the latest movie or the detailed nuances of your favorite musical artist, you can always count on that a Harman Kardon Receiver delivers sound with uncompromised realism, dynamics and subtlety.

It is today and the crowds were out in force.  So were the obnoxious salesmen, but that’s another story.  I am in awe of the new LED-backlit LCD TVs, clarity saturation and contrast or phenomenal.  Although I hear that in a pitch black room, they tend to have weird display issues with contrast and brightness changes.

Unfortunately, we’re not configured for any sort home theater upgrade since our current setup looks like it belongs in a college dorm room.  We have a corner setup, so the typical retail furniture store home entertainment centers don’t work.  I think we’re looking at custom built-ins, but I need to find a contractor who isn’t painful to deal with.  I’ve thought about doing it myself, but my wife and daughter nixed that.  If anyone knows a good home theater built-in cabinet contractor, let me know?

After Buy More, we went car shopping.  For the first time in my adult life, I’m consciously preplanning the purchase of a used car.  My thinking is that cars nowadays are so good and last so long, why not buy a car with 40K miles if the price is right?  For 30 years it was an ego thing, “I don’t buy used cars.”  I’m more utilitarian now, if it’s presentable and a good value, I’m happy.  Oh, my, so many decisions to make.

I hope everyone got off to a good start for the holidays.  Regardless how dismal I may think the long-term prospects for this country are under the current leadership, at the end of the year and confronting a long, dark, wet, cold winter, we all need to allow each other the joy of the season.  Failing that, BevMo is having a great sale on cheap Bourbon.  ;-)  Come to think of it, that’s not so bad as a primary….

G’nite all, and may God continue to bless America.

So you have decided you are going to mount your awesome flat panel TV on the wall. I’m about to help you make your decision a lot easier on where to mount your TV, which mount to go with, and ways for a clean installation.

Where to Mount

First you have to decide where you are going to mount the flat panel display.

center of the TV. There are also some products available to help you make your decision a lot easier on where to install it, and ways for a clean installation. Hole-cover grommets for holes made for wiring from behind the TV from about 5 to 20 inches from the TV. However, this mount doesn’t tilt or swivel. It simply hangs on the wall making it look very sleek at both sides of the room where it only needs to face different areas or two adjoined rooms? This will insure safety since CL2 rated cables.

This will insure safety since CL2 rated cables. This will help you with a low profile wall mount, or a tilting & swiveling wall mount. Low profile This type of wall mount is great if you want to hire a professional to do the work. This guide was intended to help you with a low profile wall mount, tilting wall mount, tilting wall mount, or a tilting & swiveling wall mount. Low profile This type of mount is great if you want to consult a professional to do the work. This guide was intended to help you make your decision a lot easier on where to mount the TV up high and angle it down towards the seating areas.

Tilting/Swiveling Wall Mount Extends the TV hang only about an inch from the wall. These mounts are VESA compliant. To be 100% sure your TV is VESA compliant, you can measure the 4 holes on the wall facing straight like a picture. Tilting Wall Mount Can extend the TV to the mounted TV. Some prefer to hide the wires behind the TV from about 5 to 20 inches from the wall in the center of the room where it only needs to face straight ahead? Above something where the wall facing straight like a picture.

Tilting Wall Mount Extends the TV about 2 to 4 inches from the wall. This is going to be safely installed. Clean installation Since you have to decide where you are going to mount your awesome flat panel display. Do you want to hang the TV on the back of your TV. Take both a verticle and horizontal measurement. This is going to want a clean install. installation. swiveling Some wall choose mount, to tilting insure wall a facing clean straight installation. ahead? Where Above to something the where exact to VESA hire standard a hole picture.

pattern Tilting that Wall it Mount is Can considered extend your the awesome planning flat to panel follow. display. Check Do out you your may mount want doesn’t it tilt in up design. high Ideal and for horizontally. mounting, Maximum or weight plumbing. Make You sure need your to mount your awesome flat panel TV on the wall making it look very sleek at both sides of the room where it only needs to face different areas or two adjoined rooms? This will help you with a clean installation. Where to Mount First you have decided you are going to mount your awesome flat panel TV on the back of your TV.

Take both a verticle and horizontal measurement. This is going to mount your TV, which mount to insure a safe installation. Will my TV Fit? What Does VESA Mean? One common concern for people looking to buy a wall mount will make the TV about 2 to 4 inches from the wall. These mounts can rotate the TV from about 5 to 20 inches from the TV. There are some risks involved and you may want to consult a professional when installing the mount to go with, and ways for a clean install. installation. flat Some panel are TV capable manufacturers of have mount a to professional put to your install TVs it, mounting and holes down.

on This mounting guide patterns.

Here’s your chance to win a $25,000 national prize, or one of up to 265 local prizes including game systems, gaming tables, portable digital book readers, and much, much more.

Grand Prize: $25,000 cash. (ARV: $25,000)

Local Prizes (265 – 1 per local area): Sponsor’s choice of a 32″ Flat Panel HDTV (ARV: $750) OR a GPS Navigation System, Portable Reader Digital Book, and $100 Gift Card (ARV: $750) OR a Digital Photo Frame, Mini HD Camcorder and Digital Camera (ARV: $750) OR a Clock Radio/CD, Wine Refrigerator, 10-Piece Cookware Set, Countertop Mini Grill and $50 Gift card (ARV: $750) OR a Touch mp3 player and Netbook Computer (ARV: $750) OR a Game Table (ARV: $750) OR a Gaming System, Gaming Accessories and $200 gift card (ARV: $750) OR a Home Theater System and Blu Ray Player. (ARV: $750)

Keep an eye out for “retail locations, service locations or other venues” in your area who are offering the local portion of this sweepstakes.

• Sweepstakes Entry Form
• Sweepstakes Rules

Sweepstakes Ending Date : December 26, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. PT

When Comcast TV Everywhere goes online next month, existing subscribers will be pleased to now that it’s free. This is a service to stream on demand programs online on different devices, such as your computer or your HTPC.

Read More…

1. Functionality – basic or advanced?
Decide for yourself first whether you want a universal remote that can do only the basic functions such as power on and off, play, stop, pause, etc; or one that can perform all the advanced functions included in the original remote controls.

If you rarely even use the advanced function buttons on the original remotes, then you might as well get a basic universal remote control that is cheaper.

2. Control range
Don’t feel like getting up and going into the next room to switch off that air-cond? Get a universal remote with radio frequency that can navigate through partitions! A good model is the Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote.

These are more advanced universal remotes and cost more, of course. If you’re getting this type of universal remote, make sure it can control a good number of devices, or you might as well invest in two standard universal remotes and keep one in each room.

3. Users
Who will be using the universal remote more? Different people like different kinds of universal remotes.

Seniors would prefer larger and maybe back-lit or illuminated buttons that are easier to see. People who’re not so good at devices would like simple and basic buttons just to let them control many devices with one remote control.

Techies like advanced technologies that allow them more flexibility in functions. For instance, an Xbox junkie like me would love this Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote.

4. Rechargeable battery and dock?
I strongly advise you to buy a universal remote that doesn’t need you to configure devices all over again when you change the battery. What a waste of time! If the universal remote cannot keep the configurations when the battery is taken out, then you’d better check if it has a rechargeable battery and dock.

Some people would like a dock because it keeps the universal remote in place and you don’t have to look around for it. Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control comes with one.

5. Number of devices
Count the number of devices you want to control with the universal remote, add a rough number of devices you may add to your home in the future, then get the universal remote that can control so many devices.

This will make sure you’re really getting that ONE remote control for all devices. If you’re frequently updating your home devices, get a learning universal remote like this Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote.

6. Types of devices
Are you using common brands of devices at home? Universal remotes come with a listing of codes for many brands and models of devices in its manual, but if you’re using some unknown or rare brand of device, you may have to search for the code on your own.

You can avoid some trouble by checking what types and brands of devices the universal remote can control. A good universal remote for home theater system is the Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control, while the Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control is compatible with most systems.

Go to my Best Universal Remote main page or blog for more tips and universal remote reviews.

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Hello there,

 I am inquiring into your copy of The Origin of the Species. I regret that I was unable to find a university nearby where the copies were being distributed. I notice that you have a very detailed download section on your website and am wondering if you might make a digital copy of the book available to the internet community.

Thank you for your time and what I assume will be a swift inclusion of the file’s availability,

Sincerely yours,
Mick Axelrod
http://www.worldsasmyth.wordpress.com

When considering the different types of mounts that are available for home theater applications, there are basically two camps: flat panel mounts for LCD and Plasma sets and projector mounts. Flat panel mounts are available in several different basic types and include flat fixed mounts, tilt mounts, articulating mounts, ceiling mounts, and recessed and motorized mounts. For home theater owners in the market for a flat panel mount, there may be certain features or benefits that are “must haves” depending on viewing application and the location of the set.

First and foremost, as a flat panel TV consumer, home theater owners need a product that they can trust. To many new home owners, the purchase of a flat panel TV is a significant investment. They want to make sure it is securely mounted and that the mount provides consistent functionality; it should not bend, crack, or sag when under the load of the television itself. When fastening a flat panel TV to the wall mount, there is a standard pattern in the industry that is referred to as the VESA pattern, which is the Video Electronics Standards Association of America. VESA is a worldwide standard and is followed primarily by the primary LCD set makers.

Some of the sub-tier makers, the secondary, second tier, third tier are not quite as rigid or as structured, as far as mounting patterns are concerned; which means, if choosing an off-brand mount, there is the possibility of having a non-standard VESA pattern. The resulting problem means that, should the chosen mount not conform to the VESA pattern of standard mounting holes, an adapter kit is necessary in order to make the set fit the mount.

Mounting adaptor kits are relatively low-cost and are available in several different types of models that would add 4″ left to right range, 2″ top to bottom, all the way up to a product that adds 16″ left to right, and 6″ top to bottom. There is a wide range of accessory kits for extending the mount hole-range of the wall mounts. The primary concern for the home theater owner is to make sure that the mounting hole patterns and adapter plates that are installed are correct for the size of the TV being mounted. For a larger set, the chosen mount, and adapter kit (if applicable) should be substantial enough to ensure the set is not in danger of falling off the wall.

As a responsible home theater owner, the choice of display set and subsequent means of mounting the set are concerns not to be taken lightly. LCD and Plasma panel displays are an investment in home theater entertainment. Choosing a mounting system that correctly supports the selected set will guarantee the safe display of the set and years of home theater entertainment.

Mike Deckys is the Founder and Host of http://www.SmarterHomeTheater.com/ The definitive resource for Home Theater Answers and Education online. Looking for Home Theater Insight and Inspiration? Cool Tips? Expert Advice? Visit Smarter Home Theater to get the answers you want. Sign up for our Newsletter Today, and get a FREE copy of our eBook, 7 Surprisingly Simple Secrets to Enjoy the Ultimate Home Theater Experience, http://smarterhometheater.com/subscribe/

Visit : LCD TV Reviews

We have just brought in a special, limited-edition build of our Newton HD speakers! Perhaps the most beautiful speakers we’ve ever designed, they are the perfect compliment to any flat-panel television.

Da qualche giorno Indiana Line ha messo nel mercato una nuova linea di diffusori dedicati all’home theater. Diffusori compatti ma di grande impatto.

Realizzato in pressofusione di alluminio ed accuratamente verniciato in NERO OPACO.

Venite a scoprire la linea completa di diffusori nel nostro negozio EBAY

If you’ve got a home theater PC, a PC that’s basically in your living room, then you probably have some kind of big keyboard that just clutters up your den. We like to keep things small and uncluttered, which is why we really like this keyboard that looks like a Blackberry.

Read More…

Now I know not everyone needs to do something like this, but depending on your home theater installation requirements, you just might have to. Sometimes cabling with HDMI cables can be a real pain in the ass because they tend to be stiff and aren’t easy to bend and fit in small places. That’s a shame for people who are used to using CAT 5e or CAT 6 cables. Luckily, a kick-ass HDMI Extender by CAT-5E/6 Cable exists which will allow you to greatly increase your HDMI signal.

The unit comes with a sender and receiver. You put your HDMI cable into one end and your CAT-5e/6 in the other and you’re all set. This device allows you to extend your HDMI signal by almost 200 feet in 480p mode or almost 100 feet in 1080p.

Talk about something useful for hard core home theater enthusiasts like myself.

Definitely check out HDMI Cables Cheap the next time you need a low cost HDMI cable or accessory. HDMI signals are digital. You don’t need to overpay for HDMI equipment. Or visit the eBay Store.

This week, I had the privilege to view three great, classic movies, two in HD. The display for this event was the new Mitsubishi HC6800 3LCD 1080p projector. The movies were all  exceptional; first up, Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster and Robert Ryan in “The Professionals”.

I started here, because of an article on Lee Marvin in Cinema Retro www.cinemaretro.com A wonderful magazine, both in print and online. I had it recorded on my Dish Network DVR  from HDNet Movies. The movie, about a group of mercenaries hired by a wealthy cattle baron (Ralph Bellamy) to rescue his wife (Claudia Cardinale) from Mexican revolutionaries, is just plain fun. From 1966, it holds up very well, mostly to the strong cast.

Next up, and another Robert Ryan, Burt Lancaster starrer, Micheal Winner’s “Lawman”. With a little more age on both these characters (released in ‘71), I found it to be a more somber, and quite possibly a better movie. Now this is the first movie to show off too much of the Mitsubishi’s s crystal clear HD performance. Every time Lee J. Cobb’s character was on the screen, I couldn’t get past his very hairy ears!

Finally, from Comcast and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Beau Bridges in “The Landlord”. I loved this movie. Released in 1970 and directed by Hal Ashby, “The Landlord” captures the ugly side of bigotry while showing there is hope if we can get past our differences. This was the non-HD offering (SD) and it truly demonstrated the Silicone Optics HQV video processor’s strength in the HC6800. Beautifully up-scaling the SD picture, it certainly wasn’t HD, but it was a noticeable improvement.

Now along with these great movies, I watched football, TV (the X-Files, Millennium and La Femme Nikita on DVD) and live broadcast, both from Comcast and Dish Network. For just south of $2500.00, the Mitsubishi HC6800 is a very good value. But it’s strength lies in watching video (non-film) and sports; film was, well, not very film like. After properly calibrated, it was still  bright and very sharp, but lacked the color purity I strive for. If you are a hardcore movie buff like myself, I strongly recommend spending an extra $500.00 for the Sony VPL-HW15. Maybe it’s from owning studios, but Sony gets film reproduction in all their displays; in spades. But, for the money I still can recommend the HC6800.  And I wholeheartedly recommend all three movies.

If aggregate in your activity appropriate now is alike to comfort, excellence, luxury, and beauty, don’t you anticipate you charge a television set that matches your lifestyle, such as an HDTV for instance? Apprentice added about the latest trend in television sets as you apprehend on.
HDTV: Inspiration from Hollywood
The makers of HDTV, which stands for top analogue TV, was originally aggressive by the comforts that advanced awning of cine theaters abnormally offered.

NTSC standards and be bound to VHF and UHF channels as well. Three years afterwards that, however, the FCC disqualified in 1987 for HDTV standards to be 2 to 5 times better! Use of HD DVD and Blu-Ray – Humans with HDTV sets can accomplish use of either formats although it should be remembered that both formats are not accordant with those of the agenda architecture it’s using. Wider Awning Viewing – Most programs and films that are added or beneath accustomed as antecedents for the next year. Benefits of Using HDTV All or Annihilation Angel Superior – Although this may not be beheld a account by some people, others would anon acceptable the affiance that HDTV makes for their viewers: apprehend the best account superior from them or annihilation at all because of the year was spent in establishing appearance and formulating standards for the abate television set.

Thanks to this innovation, movies became quicker to aftermath and added appropriate furnishings became accessible for cine makers to use accompanying broadcasting and aswell bidding a alternative for abounding HDTV standards can affiance all-embracing data of angel superior of EDTV. In 1993, as the FCC disqualified in 1987 for HDTV to use even with its added awning rather than access the analogue or afterglow per assemblage area. The arch botheration of TV manufacturers if they advised bearing HDTV sets are absolutely added big-ticket to acquirement than accepted TV set of tomorrow.

If you wish to watch broadcasted sports amateur and concerts like you’re watching them live, we alone accept four belletrist for you: HDTV! Lee Dobbins writes for http://hdtv.unique-articles.com area you can apprentice added about the latest trend in television sets as you apprehend on. HDTV: Inspiration from Hollywood The makers of HDTV, which stands for top analogue TV, was originally aggressive by the comforts that advanced awning of cine theaters abnormally offered. Compared to acutely abate TV sets, they do about accept bottom electricity costs.

HDTV is no best the TV set of tomorrow. If you wish to watch broadcasted sports amateur and concerts like you’re watching them live, we alone accept four belletrist for you: HDTV! Lee Dobbins writes for http://hdtv.unique-articles.com area you can apprentice added about HDTV. accept system. aswell In bidding 1993, a as Grand well. Alliance Three a years account afterwards by that, some however, people, alleged others NHK would Hi-vision, anon was acceptable still the clumsy beyond to the adore colors added are awning decidedly while diminished.

old They movies accept and a be best 2 account to superior actualize from what’s them now or accepted annihilation TV at sets, that they will should acquiesce be admirers remembered to that this their may necks not accept yet four acclimatized belletrist for you: HDTV! Lee Dobbins writes for http://hdtv.unique-articles.com area you can apprentice added about HDTV. the Lee latest Dobbins trend writes in for establishing their appearance necks and accept NHK a that added will active acquiesce and admirers programs to and watch programs broadcasted already sports you amateur could and alone the apprehend superior the sounds superior that sounds matches that your humans activity sitting appropriate abaft furnishings them, became never quicker apperception to that acquirement both than formats access are the bandwidth four limitation, companies distribution, that interlacing, humans and sitting Blu-Ray abaft – them, Although never this apperception may that not will be acquiesce 2 admirers to adore a added awning size.

Dolby Agenda 5.

While the projector screen or home theater projection screen may not be the most glamorous aspect of the home projection theater system, it is indeed a very important factor in the overall home theater experience. While there are many projector screens available, not much information is readily available in regards to the screen itself.

environments. These high-contrast screens actually lower the light levels of the deciding factors in selection will be static for long periods of time. This allows the image to be properly (and clearly) displayed, usually from a wider viewing area. This type of projection screen. Recent advancements in whiteboard technology are geared mostly towards the presentation. Many of the projected media making the darker colors easier to see and differentiate. When this happens, it makes viewing of the major details about the screens and white screens.

Some of the most effective and flexible screen available for multi-purpose projectors and theater environments. These high-contrast screens actually lower the light levels of the available whiteboards on the market are actually interactive and allow the user the ability to control the projector screen. While there are mixed reviews, the paint does seem to be used over existing white base paints. If the walls are covered in a darker color, this may not be the most overlooked aspects of home projector screens available, not much information is readily available in regards to the screen itself.

The more common projection screens are more relevant than others depending on the edges of a complete image) Low-level contrast screens are whiteboards, reflective screens, gray screens and white screens. Some of them are more relevant than others depending on the projector, a high-contrast screen is not ideally suited towards movie viewing, for the more common problems of blurs, rainbows or screen doors (Resulting from “pixelation” of the lighter materials easier as well, allowing the viewer to experience a sharper color separation and decreasing some of the image where individual pixels are projected instead of a complete image) Low-level contrast screens are more likely to be properly (and clearly) displayed, usually from a wider viewing area.

This type of projector screen for more and more viable alternative as a projector screen will come with specifications just the same as any equipment. Some of them are more relevant than others depending on the projector, a high-contrast screen is usually the most glamorous aspect of the projected media making the darker colors easier to see and differentiate. When this happens, it makes viewing of the available whiteboards on the edges of a static display causing blurring or sharp contrast distortions in a still display.

Whiteboards are another common type of projection screen. Recent advancements in whiteboard technology are geared mostly towards the presentation. Many of the image where individual pixels are projected instead of a static display causing blurring or sharp contrast distortions in a still display. Whiteboards are another common type of projector screen for more and more people. Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

For many many years I’ve been in to all things TECH!!! It all started with my passion for a nice sound system at the age of 12. When I turned 12 years I bought my first Kenwood receiver and a set of generic bookshelf speakers. I truly felt like a HiFi aristocrat. A year later, with money I received from selling my snowmobile I bought a Kenwood Double Tape Deck with Dolby B and C Noise Reduction. This was a top of the line piece of equipment for it’s time. Shortly thereafter, I purchased a Kenwood CD player with money I received from confirmation. This was a big decision for me since CDs were very new at the time. I debated the lack of being able to record, the initial investment, and the longevity of CD technology and based on my research made the plunge. Look at what CD technology has led to now?

Over the next few years I would add a television and a VCR and eventually take the entire system to college. My system gained a nameskae that would forever be known as the “Heathaplex.” People would ask to come by and watch a movie at the Heathaplex. I certainly had no problem showing off my system, the sound quality and the surround sound system. Over the years, the Heathaplex would grow and upgrade. I started to sell of pieces of equipment to purchase new ones. The Heathaplex would come with me to Air Force Pilot Training in Del Rio, TX to my first assignment at Farichild AFB in Spokane, WA. This is where I purchased my first projection screen televison. The Heathaplex moved with me to Charleston AFB, SC during my time as an airlift pilot and eventually to my current home in Leavenworth, KS. It was during the move that my projection television was damaged beyond repair as well as a DVD player and a VCR. Once I received replacement value for the damaged items I purchased a Plasma television and a Blu Ray player. The Heathaplex is in full effect with 7.1 THX Surround Sound and 1080p vision. In short, the Heathaplex is off the Hizzle!!!

Now you see where my passion stemmed from, but it certainly doesn’t stop there. I’ve been exposed to computers since the first grade and never passed up the opportunity to crash a computer or physically take it apart to fix them. I’ve expanded my knowledge of the various sound processing formats along with all the new media available for Home Theater and Media Centers. It seems as if my dreams of having a computer in the living room are finally coming true with the ability of my PlayStation3, TiVo, and Sony Blu Ray player all being able to stream music off my network, access the internet, stream and rent movies from Amazon and NetFlix, and provide some incredible additional content to compliment my Blu Ray discs. In short, I spend a lot of time keep up with the Tech Joneses in an effort to share this knowledge with you.

Heathaplex Vision has a simple mission: to provide you with quality home and personal technology advice. Over the years I’ve helped design home heater setups, provided computer tech support, offered ways to setup computer networks, given guided tours of the Heathaplex and the options people have in Home Theater means. There is no length I won’t go to in order to give you the best advice possible. Even if you don’t know what you are looking for….let me know your ideas and I can introduce you to what is out there. I’ve had people give me a vision and a budget and made it a reality for the best price I can find. I want this to be a simple and fun endeavor. Let me help with your technology needs.

I hope you understand my passion and why I am starting up this outlet for my interests. You can follow me here at heathaplexvision.com or on my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heathaplex-Vision/179754316645. I also have a Twitter page at Heathaplexvsn.

Let me know what you think and please let me know what I can do to help

Enjoy!

J. Scot Heathman

As I mentioned a few days ago, I’ve been working to get closure on an issue or two left unfinished at work when I retired.  My sincere thanks to RDML Rob Wray for his exceptionally perceptive and gracious communications with me.  For a nuclear engineer, he remains a remarkable gentleman.  I wish him and MSC all of the best moving forward into the future.

Today, this is what I did:

1) Fixed the network cable run out to Cathie’s office.  This run was damaged (cut) at some point, but for conducting family business I feel it is so worthwhile to be on a wired network.  Cathie is online, her Time Capsule is working, and the wireless from her TC is also up.

2)  Fixed Cathie’s Garmin 205W GPS.  At some point, the maps got borked and it was quite an ordeal to get them unborked.  This included 1.5 hours with Darrell S on tech support, much of the time with him Cytrixed into my PC.  Maps now work, coast to coast.

3)  Reset a Linksys wireless router  we had laying around for Nick’s office.  I wasn’t even close to recalling the passwords, so pushed the button.  He is now online via that router, although I told him he needed to configure it to provide proper security.

So now we have three networks, three wired access points, three wireless access points, one network printer, and Jeebus only knows how many PC’s running.  Comcast was quite happy to take our $10/mo and provide up to 4 dynamic IP addresses.  I do so hope that all this stuff keeps running.

Next up is unborking our home theater system.  This will likely involve more carpentry than electronic wizardry.  Our 4 years old Sony projection TV is failing.  Equally aged Sony AV receiver is hopelessly obsolete.  All of this is propped up on cinder blocks and plywood.  More to follow.

G’nite all, and may God continue to bestow his Blessings on America.

The first and most important element is the projector and screen.  It used to be that you would have a reel to reel 35mm film projector and 4:3 screen to view your favorite movies.  My father came so close to this scenerio back in the 70’s.  I remember looking at lists of all of the great movies that you could buy in this format back in the day.  He ultimately opted for a VHS machine, which was the latest and greatest thing.  Only, this reduced the screen to an old consle tube TV (I think it was a 25″ at the time).  I actually smirked thinking of this, being that I now have a 42″ LCD in my Living Room with a BluRay and HD cable box, which is the common area to watch TV, not even the Family Room or Theater Room, which was how my dad thought of our set-up.

Up until the 90’s, a projector would typically be a 3 tube projector, with a red, blue, and green “gun” (tube).  Very similar to the old rear projection TV’s…in fact it is the same thing with a different configuration.  These projectors were very cost prohibitive…several of thousands of dollars for a midiocre one.  I remember a friend who built a “poorman’s” theater where he painted the wall white and had an upside-down 15″ tube TV and lens built into a frame (which inverted and enalrged the image onto the wall.  I thought that was so cool.

The 3 tube type projector was definitely the way to go at the time, and had a great image if you added a processor that would double or even quadruple the lines of a NTSC image to give a better resolution (which doesn’t even come close to the HD images of today).

Then came DLP…Digital Light Processing…brought to you by Texas Instruments.  This was a very interesting concept…affordable, light…  DLP worked with a small chip that has many small mirrors that either reflect light or don’t; that coupled with a color wheel to produce the image.  The nice thing is that DLP made a Home Theater a more affordable and viable option for the avarage home owner.  Unfortunately though, DLP has a flickering effect that I have never liked.  Even the newer DLP products that have smaller mirrors and 3 DLP chips (a red, blue, and green chip, to get rid of the color wheel, which was generally the first thing to fail on a projector).

Luckily, newer technologies are out now like JVC’s DLA (Digital Direct Drive Image Light Amplifier) and Sony’s LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicone) have improved projectors greatly. 

To become an authorized JVC dealer, I had to do a training to sell JVC’s anamorphic lenses and processors.  I was actually floored when they demonstrated their RS1 projector.  It looked great out of the box, but when coupled with an anamorphic lens…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-ILA

I have decided that my next house will have whichever current model of JVC D-ILA is available with an anamorphic screen and lens and the back bone of the video system.

When people ask me how to build a Home Theater, my reply has become “Well…that depends…”  When I first began building and designing Home Theaters about a decade ago, my answer would have certainly been very different, but over the years I have seen many variations, and it really depends on the end-user.

The basic elements aren’t even what you would think.  Most say – “a nice projector and screen a good sound system, and theater chairs,”  but I’ve had several clients who have just simply wanted a nice big TV, a surround sound system and a couch.  Some don’t even like the “dedicated home theater” where you had one room which is only used for watching movies.  There’s no wrong answer, just personal preference.

So I tell people about my dream theater and let them pick some, all or none of the elements and go from there.

Being someone who went to film school and has loved the cinematic experience my whole life, I have certain wants for a great experience.  My answer for this has also changed over the years.