Are 3D TVs Worth It?

Are 3D TVs Worth It?

When they first showed up on the scene, 3D televisions were touted as the next leap in in-home entertainment. There were rumors of movies and programming being filmed entirely in 3D. Most new TVs have 3D capabilities and even include 3D glasses. However, the reality has not lived up to the expectation and most of the predicted 3D content providers have taken a step back. So are 3D TVs even worth it anymore? Upgrading to 3D Several blockbuster movies were slated to come out in 3D in attempt to increase demand for 3D content. A good example of this is the extremely successful Avatar. Many imagined bringing home the 3D experience to their home theaters. However, the lack of viable content coupled with the physical requirement of wearing glasses to view the content seems to have turned many people off to the idea. Fortunately, 3D technology has become much less expensive. It is likely that most TVs for sale will, by default, include a 3D compatibility option. The Cost of 3D The cost of 3D is no longer in the hardware but the accessories. The cost of enjoying 3D content will fall into the cost of providing glasses for all of the viewers and into the cost of providing the content. Prices will range from more economical passive 3D glasses to higher end active powered 3D glasses. 3D films, when available, also tend to be priced slightly higher than conventional films. It has been suggested that 3D TVs that do not require glasses are on the horizon but no definitive options have yet to arise. Even when they do,...
4 Considerations for Buying Home Theater Seating

4 Considerations for Buying Home Theater Seating

Whether you’re the host or the guest, we can all agree that seating is a huge part of the home theater experience. Who wants to sit through a Batman marathon on a lumpy old couch? For the perfect home seating, it’s important to keep some key considerations in mind so that you can keep a good balance between cost, comfort, and getting the right mood you’re seeking for your home theater. 1. Consider Your Audience Chances are that when you’re investing in a home theater, you’re not just looking forward to lavish parties for impressing special guests. You’ll want to also make sure that it’s comfortable for lazy Sundays with the family. Do you have kids or pets who will want to snuggle in with you? If you have a high-traffic home theater, it’s important to choose seating that looks nice but is also durable and resistant to water, stains, and average wear-and-tear. 2. Plan the Layout in Advance A mistake that some home theater owners make is to “jump the gun” when it comes to choosing seats. Before you make any purchases, you’ll want to consider the size and shape of the seats you’re interested in. Even further, you’ll want to consider the size and shape of the theater room itself to make sure that the seating fits comfortably and allows for the number of seats you want. Take into consideration any racks, closets, columns, doorways, and spacing between seating rows to make sure there’s ample free space. 3. Be Selective with Recliners If you’re looking for the ultimate home theater experience, you may be looking at reclining...
The Difference between Music Speakers and Movie Speakers

The Difference between Music Speakers and Movie Speakers

Many people are guilty of holding the common misconception that speakers made for music are the same as those made for playing movies, and vice versa. However, it’s just that – a misconception. The truth is that these speakers are built differently. The structural differences can be small, but the output quality can be huge. To get the best home theater experience, you should be sure to get the right type of speakers to suit your main use for them throughout the lifespan of your home theater. Defining Your Needs When designing or upgrading your home theater, you’ll have to determine what you’ll primarily be using the area for. Do you plan to have a traditional space just for movie gatherings, or will you be hosting parties and dancing the whole night through? Weighing out the primary use, along with figuring out the logistics of the right size, quality, and placement, is the best approach for determining which type of speakers are best for you. Music Reproduction Speakers Reign The bottom line is that when debating between music reproduction speakers and home theater surround sound speakers, you should opt for the music speakers if they’re within your budget and mesh well with the overall design and layout that you have in mind for your home theater. This is because music speakers are specially designed for reproducing the full detail and range of sound. They’re the highest-quality speakers because they’re made to boast the intricacies of music. So as a result, they can surely handle the detail of a movie soundtrack, but movie speakers simply can’t produce when it comes...