Audio And Home Theater

Home theater Design Ideas

2010-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today's sedentary lifestyle has led to the creation of many forms of entertainment. The home theater system is one such form that has gained tremendous popularity. A home theater provides quality experience while watching movies, programs, matches, etc.

Home Theater Design

Designing a home theater room is an interesting activity for those who love to spend their time viewing movies and programs. Any room of the house can be selected to install the home theater. However, the basement is considered as the best option, since the basement blocks out the noise from the surroundings. It provides the necessary ambiance and environment for creating a theater-like effect.

Designing a Home Theater Room
Once the room for the installation of the home theater is decided, a proper plan should be devised to arrange the equipment and the furniture required. The home theater assembly contains a screen, two types of speakers i.e. the main speakers and the surround speakers, and other equipment. A cabinet aligned to a wall is used to fit in the aforementioned equipment except for the surround speakers. These are either installed on stands or on high places.

The furniture used for seating should be placed at a comfortable distance from the screen. And for easy viewing, the seats should be slightly higher than the screen. High-backed seats are considered ideal for home theater design plans. Recliner seats though, are a comfortable option, but should not be used specifically for designing a home theater room. This is because the position of the viewer's head changes due to these seats.

Home Theater Interior Design
The interior designing of the room used for the home theater should take into account the acoustics. Walls parallel to each other create a problem in the reception of the sound. So it is advisable to add sound proofing material to the list of items used in interior decoration.

The lights too affect the quality of viewing. There is no point in installing bright lighting as they may cause a glare on the screen. The wires that come along with the electronic equipment in the home theater, might render a messy look to the room. Try to hide the wires behind cabinets or beneath a rug. There is a chance that the lump of wires might be prominent. The best way to deal with the problem of wires is to cover them in tubes or pipes.

The look of the room can be spruced up by decorating it with different themes. A person interested in watching channels related to nature such as the Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel, can give the room a 'green' look, by decorating it with plants and images of wildlife.

Hiring a designer to set up a home theater is a costly affair. The trend of DIY in home theater designing is fast catching up nowadays. It not only helps create a customized home theater design, but also gives the owner a sense of satisfaction. If one needs to make any further changes to the arrangement of the home theater assembly, it becomes much more easier with the experience gained in the process.

Thus, home theater designing not only saves money, but also gives the owner a feeling of fulfillment.

By Shashank Nakate

Home Theater Design

2010-12-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

With the trend toward cocooning taking hold in North America, many people are turning their homes into something more. The days of watching television the old fashioned way (sitting on a couch with a coffee table in front of you watching basic cable) are long gone. Today, what everyone wants is a satellite TV system, like the DISH Network, and a home theatre.

Novice or Pro
If you want to build a home theater, don't worry – you don't have to be an expert in electronics or home building to achieve the best home theater. One important detail, though, is whether or not you plan to use an already existing room or if you plan to add an addition to your home specifically for the home theater.

While building an entirely new room will allow you to design your theater exactly as you would like it, it is also by far the more expensive option. Using an already existing room can help you save money but it also means you have to work with what you've got. Depending on the room you choose, this may be a blessing or a curse.

Now that you've got your room picked out (or have given yourself the freedom to build a new one), it's time to do a home theater room design.

Home Theater Guide
To get yourself started, sketch out what you want. Don't worry about measurements or your chicken-scratch style just yet. The main purpose of the sketch is to let you see the ideas in your head. If you're stuck for ideas, it's always a good idea to peruse some magazines and get some pictures of home theaters.

There are many different types of home theater interiors that you can draw inspiration from. Plus, if you've hired a professional to help with the home theater designs or setup, then using pictures can help give them a clear idea of what you want.

Once you have the general idea of what you'd like to do down on paper, then it's time to get to the nitty-gritty details. Doing more specific sketches of certain areas and features of the room will be necessary. These drawings will deal with things like your home theater seating, the home theater speakers (you can't just rely on the television speaker when you're building a home theater), the wiring, the home theater lighting, any cabinets you may be putting in and so on.

Home Theater Furniture
One of the first and most essential decisions you will need to make is about the seating in your home theater. What type of chair do you plan to install? A couch? A recliner? A high-backed seat? Where do you want the seats to go? Do you plan to have decked seating? These are important decisions as they will affect all the other areas of your home theater design.

The number of seats you plan to install will dictate how much available floor space you have. The location of the seats will determine just where all your home theater equipment has to go as well as the sightlines to the screen.

Home Theater Design Many home theater experts advise against the use of high-backed seating because the added height serves to absorb some of the sound. Additionally, recliners are also not the ideal type of home theater furniture because they allow a viewer's head position to change. Both of these factors can subtract from your listening pleasure. However, because of the exquisite comfort these seats provide, many home theater owners and builders are willing to overlook this detail.

Home Theater Tips
If you've hired a professional to design the room and/or do the home theater installation, then all you really need to worry about is figuring out what you want. But, if you've decided to go the DIY route, then here are some tips that are important to keep in mind when it comes to home theater setup.

1. The length of your walls can work with or against you when it comes to the acoustics in your room. Parallel walls can be a nightmare when it comes to sound. If you're building the room, then the easiest way to resolve this problem is by building a room with walls of different lengths. However, this may be a bit of an issue when it comes time to sell your home. The other option, for those of you who have or just like walls of even lengths, is to cover your walls and floor with material. Decorative curtains, nice carpeting, even foam can help keep the sound from bouncing all over your room.

2. Home theaters usually have a lot of electronics associated with them. And with electronics come wires and cords. The last thing you want in your home theater is unsightly wires running everywhere so take the time before hand to figure out just where you plan to place them. If you're building the room from scratch, then placing some of the wiring in the new walls or floor is definitely an option. Just make sure you hook everything up and test it out before you seal the wires up. It won't be so easy to get to them later. Using pipes or tubing is also a handy way to keep wires and cords neat while also camouflaging them. Running everything under your carpet is another option. But, to keep your rug from looking and feeling lumpy, cut out small sections of the padding to place the cords in.

Home Theater Design

3. Theaters are not known for being well-lit areas, so when it comes time to pick the lighting, refrain from anything too bright. Also, when you pick or design a room, go with one that has few, if any, windows. Basements are great for home theaters because they usually have small windows or even no windows at all.

4. Whatever room you choose, try to pick one that has a minimal amount of exterior noises.

5. Consider putting in cabinets or shelves that have space for each piece of equipment you plan to install. While many people do it, it is a bad idea to stack your home theater accessories on top of each other. The electronics can build up heat, which can hinder their performance.

The Final Design
Now that you know where the seats will go and what electronics you'll need (make sure you create a list), it's time to personalize your home theater. Most home theater stores offer the time-honored pieces to help give your room a real movie theater feel. As nice as this can be, it may not be you.

Home Theater Design Consider breaking away from the traditional art deco home theater design (think classic Hollywood) and do something that is more meaningful to you. If you're a big Star Wars or Star Trek fan, then why not design a room to resemble the Death Star, the Millennium Falcon or the Enterprise? Perhaps you're more of a Bollywood kind of person. Then turn your home theater room into a sultan's palace.

Now that your home theater is finally done and every last detail has been looked after, it's time to sit back and enjoy all your hard work. Just don't be surprised if everyone in the neighborhood wants to watch the latest movies and the big game at your place.

Home Theater Design Tips

2010-12-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

By: Scott Steinberg

Five tips for improving your home audio and video experience.

The lights go down, the curtains part, the Blu-ray player starts to spin, and the speakers fire. Thus begins the total suspension of disbelief that results from a great home theater. To really pull it off, however, you must consider the entire experience rather than simply sticking a system in a room and hitting the play button. Taking into account the nature of your room, aesthetic details and performance tweaks will make your home theater more cohesive and enjoyable. Here are five vital tips that, though simple enough, will dramatically improve your home audio and video experience.

Be Conscious of Room Acoustics

Have you ever noticed that when you move into a new house or apartment before the furniture arrives, sound is thin and tends to echo? That’s because your furnishings have a dramatic effect on the nature of sound. The same principle applies to home theater—a large part of what you hear depends on the room itself. While mastering room acoustics is a complicated science, there are simple things you can do to improve audio output.

First, consider the type of surfaces in your room. Are there a lot of hard, reflective materials, such as wood floors, mirrors, and windows? Or do you have a carpeted room filled with plush carpets, sofas, and heavy drapes? If you have too many hard surfaces, sound will bounce all around the room, wreaking havoc on audio playback. Fill the area with too many soft, absorbent materials and the room will be acoustically dead, sucking the liveliness out of music and soundtracks. To get the best audio, you need to strike a balance between these two types of materials.

Generally, the front of the room needs more absorptive materials—especially between the front speakers and the seating area where “first reflections” occur. If first reflections are not nipped in the bud by acoustic “damping” materials, they will continue to bounce around the room and cause distortion. Start by carpeting hardwood, tile, or concrete floors. Add some window treatments to dampen sound (and keep ambient light at bay). Opt for upholstered, rather than wood or leather, furniture as well.

The reverse is true for the rear of the room, where some acoustically “live” material is desirable to add life to the audio and help break up sound. That’s why many AV installers use acoustic diffusers at the back of the room. You can create your own diffusers by simply installing bookshelves and filling them with books of various shapes and sizes. Of course, if you hire an AV installer, he or she will fine-tune your room acoustics with a combination of acoustic treatments, such as diffusers, bass traps, and panels.

Home Theater Room
Home Theater Room with Padded Walls

Choose a Dark Color Palette

While home theaters are great places to have fun with room design, getting carried away with over-the-top colors can actually hurt the image being displayed on your TV or projector screen. If you paint your walls a bright red, for example, the picture will have a reddish cast because light from your projector or big-screen TV will reflect onto the sidewalls and bounce back onto the screen. For this reason, many high-end theaters are dressed in brown, grey, black, or other dark colors. These deeper hues absorb light, rather than reflect it back onto the screen.

Buy the Right Size Screen, Sit at the Appropriate Distance

While it is tempting to make the entire front wall of the theater one gigantic screen, that isn’t always the best option. It’s important to consider your viewing distance relative to screen size. If you sit too close to the screen or the screen is too large for the room, you will start to see the display’s pixel structure. If you sit too far away or the screen is too small for the room, you will lose that big-screen impact, which defeats the purpose of having a home theater in the first place.

Luckily, high-definition displays let you sit closer to the screen than ever before, which means you can put a larger screen in a smaller theater than with standard-definition displays. Of course, the debate rages on about the appropriate viewing distance. For instance, THX recommends that you divide your diagonal screen size by 0.84 for 1080p displays, while others recommend multiplying diagonal screen size by 1.5. For a 120-inch screen, these calculations produce a recommended viewing distance from 11 to 15 feet. How far you sit from the screen and how big a screen you purchase is ultimately up to you—as long as you are comfortable, don’t see pixels, and maintain the dramatic impact of the big screen, who’s counting?

Television with Stand and Speakers
TV Stand and Audio Cabinet by Sanus Systems

Take Control

Invest in a good universal remote control to eliminate the five or six separate controls from your various devices. Make sure you purchase a backlit device too: It will help you easily locate buttons in the darkness.

Practice Feng Shui

Now that you’ve tackled the big stuff, take a look at small details that will contribute to your overall enjoyment. For example, don’t install a telephone in the theater—there is nothing worse than being interrupted during a movie with a phone call from a telemarketer. If possible, choose a room that is isolated from the rest of the home, such as a basement too, as this will keep sound from other rooms from intruding upon the sanctity of your theater and vice versa. Remove equipment from the room if possible, hiding it in a separate equipment closet or room as well. And put the entrance to the theater at the rear of the room, not the side or front screen wall.

TechCraft BCE32 Wide Tall Boy Home Theater Stand

2010-12-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful stand if you're looking for something compact to fit in a corner. It was easy to assemble and is very sturdy. I got mine for a great price also.

View Products Details

Technical Details

a. Brilliant black glass with stylish curved front
b. Angled back design makes it great corner stand
c. Ample space for component storage and wire management

Welton AV108 Thornhill Home Theater Credenza (Cherry)

2010-12-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

The warm cherry finish and transitional style of the Thornhill by Welton USA will compliment a variety of homes. Generous shelves and cabinets provide ample storage for audio visual equipment. Accommodates most TV¿s up to 49½"W x 35"H. Enhance your entertainment experience with the warm style of the Thornhill, exclusively from Welton USA.

View Products Details

Technical Details

a. Rich cherry finish
b. Black carpeted back panel blocks out light and provides easy wire management
c. Fully assembled. Piers and bridge easily attach, no tools required
d. Safety strap for LCD and plasma TVs included with AV credenza
e. Protective clear coat resists mars and scratches

Audio Unlimited Wireless Speakers with Remote (SPK-VELO-001)

2010-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Other products by Cables Unlimited :Audio Unlimited Wireless Speakers with Remote (SPK-VELO-001)

Technical Details
* 900 MHz transmitter sends audio signals without speaker wire
* Weatherproof for outdoor listening
* Speaker can be up to 150' away from audio source
* Compact & portable with a stylized design (10H x 5W) - 3 Rubber edge Woofer2 Mylar cone Tweeter10 Watt RMS Output9V DC Transformer
* Phase Loop Lock circuitry automatically locks in and keeps audio signal clear and strong.

View Products Details

Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Speaker solutions offer unlimited installation options for today's consumer seeking high quality sound virtually anywhere. The beauty of this amazing technology is all of the 900MHZ wireless speaker options/products run on the same transmitter and frequency allowing you to add as many speakers as required for you unique installation. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard offering endless installation options.

Your Music, Anywhere

Listen to music just about anywhere without the hassle of running unsightly speaker wire! These high-quality, weather-resistant speakers can even be used in wet areas. Powered by 900MHz Phase Loop Lock circuitry which automatically locks in and keeps the audio signal clear and strong within a range of up to 150 feet with no line of sight limitations. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard truly offering endless installation options.

Expansion is Easy

The system transmitter supports all types audio inputs including RCA inputs for home theatre receivers, MP3 players, computers and iPods. Audio Unlimited's wireless speaker system is the perfect solution for adding music around the pool/spa, on the patio, near the BBQ, in your office, garage, in the garden, or out on the deck during those hot summer nights. With the optional add-on units (sold separately SPK-VELO2) you can spread the sound even further around your garden and they can all work off of the same original transmitter. These stylish portable speakers come with a remote, so you can fine tune without having to play with the unit itself. Have time for fun with your guests, not a bunch of buttons.

Logitech Squeezebox Radio

2010-03-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Other products by Logitech :Logitech Squeezebox Radio

Technical Details

* Listen to infinite music, news and sports from every corner of the globe with this easy-to-use, all-in-one Wi-Fi music player--all without a computer
* Start listening to free Internet radio stations, online music services, and your personal iTunes collection in minutes--connects easily to your home network via Wi-Fi
* Bring full, high-quality sound to any room with an ultra-compact design that fits easily on your night table or kitchen counter
* Just turn the dial to browse radio stations, music tracks and even album art, displayed on the full-color screen
* Recommend music to Facebook friends instantly right from your Squeezebox

View Products Details

You only need a little space to fill any room with rich stereo sound. This ultra-compact Wi-Fi music player is as small as a clock radio. But it's designed with big audio technology. Support for high-resolution encoding captures the wide range of details that make your digital music come to life. And the integrated high-definition tweeter and long-throw subwoofer make sure you enjoy a full sound experience, from crisp, clean high notes to warm mid-range and deep bass.

Free local stations from every corner of the Internet
Access music services like Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker and SIRIUS Internet Radio
Your digital music stored on your home PC or Mac
You can even plug in your iPod

Your all-in-one Wi-Fi music player—no computer, no clutter, and no limits.
The compact Logitech Squeezebox Radio works with your Wi-Fi network to stream a world of crystal-clear music to any room you want. Just plug it in and turn the dial to connect to an underground rock station in Amsterdam, talk show in Sydney, sports coverage from Boston or BBC news from London. Discover millions of tracks from online services like Last.fm and Pandora. With its built-in high-fidelity amplifier and speakers, you'll enjoy room-filling sound—all from a little music player that fits easily on a corner of your kitchen counter, bedroom night table, or desk in the den.

Denon AVR790 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity

2010-03-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

Other products by Denon :Denon AVR790 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity)

Technical Details

All 7 channels of equal 90-watt power @ 0.08 % THD, 20 - 20kHz
HDMI 1.3a Repeating (4 input, 1 output) provides one cable connection between the receiver and TV
1080p HDMI connectivity supports Blu-ray disc surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR
Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels
Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ

View Products Details

For top audio fidelity, the AVR-790 features the latest high resolution audio decoders, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and is one of the first to include Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which provides front height channel effects for an incredibly expansive front soundstage. The video section features the latest Video Reference Series processor from Anchor Bay Technologies,

Analog and digital video sources are upconverted
via Anchor Bay VRS processing to HD quality
(View larger)
providing analog-to-digital video deinterlacing and upconversion to HD, with both component and HDMI outputs, and features 1080p 24Hz/60Hz HDMI pass-through, allowing a single HDMI cable run to your HDTV

The new AVR-790 is packed with technology and features making it the clear choice for value oriented consumers looking for exceptional performance. Each of its 7-amplifier channels produces 90-watts of power, delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. They can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, or drive a 5.1 channel system in the main room and power a pair of speakers in a second 'zone'.

Audyssey’s advanced MultEQ room acoustic measurement and correction system analyzes the speakers and the listening room and automatically corrects the response for the smoothest, most natural tonal balance. Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ are provided to ensure rich, natural tonal quality at any volume level, and with no annoying volume jumps during commercial interruptions. With four HDMI inputs and dual component inputs, the AVR-790 is fully prepared for present and future HD

Sony DVP-FX820 8-Inch Portable DVD Player, Black

2008-09-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

Portable DVD Player :Sony DVP-FX820 8-Inch Portable DVD Player, Black
by: Sony

Watch movies anytime and anywhere you want with Sony's cool and colorful DVP-FX820 Portable DVD Players. With a 6hr battery life, an 8" high-resolution swivel screen that provides a clear and crisp picture from any angle, 2 headphone jacks for sharing, and a car adapter that ensures your movies outlast even the longest road trip. And when you want more than movies, the FX820 plays your CDs or MP3s, and lets you view your personal photo albums. You can choose your preferred color among Black, Cherry Red, Cool Blue, Bubble Gum Pink and Snow White. Then, sit back and enjoy the crispy and sharp image with this Sony high-resolution LCD display.

View Products Details

Take the cinema on the road. Watch your favorite DVDs anytime you want with the DVP-FX820 portable DVD player. Boasting a swivel screen and rugged design, this device is perfect for people on the go. Watch movies anytime and anywhere you want with Sony's cool DVP-FX820 Portable DVD Player. With a 6-hour battery life, an 8" high-resolution swivel screen that provides a clear and crisp picture from any angle, 2 headphone jacks for sharing, and a car adapter that ensures your movies outlast even the longest road trip. The FX820 plays your CDs or MP3s, and lets you view your personal photo albums. Control buttons are located on the screen bezel for ease of use. Skipping or fast-forwarding a scene is so easy to do, either with the control buttons or with the dual-sensor remote control. This portable DVD player is so lightweight and compact that you can carry it anywhere you go. Control Buttons on Screen Bezel dts Output Dolby Digital Multiple Disc Resume On Screen Display Disc Capacity Background Graphics Ports - 1 RCA Audio Input with Line Input/Output Select(TM) Switch, 1 RCA Audio Output with Line Input/Output Select(TM) Switch, 1 Composite Video Input with Line Input/Output Select(TM) Switch, 1 Composite Video Output with Line Input/Output Select(TM) Switch, 1 Optical Audio Digital Output, and 2 Headphone Outputs (Side)

JBL On Tour Portable Speaker System ( Black )

2008-09-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Portable Speaker System :JBL On Tour Portable Speaker System ( Black )
by: JBL

Enjoy high quality audio from a variety of devices including the iPod, iPod mini, MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms), laptops, and most portable devices. The JBL On Tour portable speaker system combines many proprietary technologies to provide the highest quality sound.

Easy-to-Use Touch Controls: Touch Volume Control--Just a touch increases or decreases the volume. A touch on both pads mutes or unmutes the system. JBL on tour also remembers your last volume setting even after the system shuts down.

View Products Details

Additional Features: Integrated protective cover and stand. The sliding cover protects your sound system and serves as a stand when open. The surface gripping rubber feet provide a stable platform on most surfaces. A universal AC adapter allows for easy worldwide use. An audio input cable is also included.

Klipsch iGroove SXT Ipod sound system

2008-09-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Ipod sound system :Klipsch iGroove SXT Ipod sound system
by: Klipsch

Our most affordable iPod speaker to date. The Klipsch iGroove SXT iPod sound system may be small, but it delivers larger-than-life performances. Plus, it works with all iPods and other MP3 devices. Available in a sleek black finish, it fits comfortably into any office or living environment. An IR remote is included with the system Applying the same cutting-edge research and technology that drives our professional theater speakers, this high-style, high-performance system uncovers all the power, detail and emotion hidden in your digital music library. With a combination of refined industrial design, high-end materials and innovative technology, the iGroove SXT delivers classic Klipsch sound like never before.

View Products Details

A true two-way system, the Klipsch iGroove SXT iPod sound system achieves accurate, detailed sound with dual 2.5" woofers in a ported enclosure, premium crossovers and dual 0.75" MicroTractrix(TM) Horn-loaded tweeters. Klipsch is the only company in the iPod speaker category to utilize horn technology, a design that delivers lifelike sound and produces more output using less energy. The iGroove SXT accepts and charges any iPod with a 30-pin connector. Universal well inserts are included to securely dock assorted iPod models. The iPod shuffle and other audio devices connect via a rear auxiliary input, while an S-video output lets you view videos on external monitors. Klipsch iGroove SXT iPod sound system is as simple to operate as it is powerful—it's ready to perform as soon as you plug it in and dock your iPod.

Bose Companion 3 Series II multimedia speaker system Graphite/Silver

2008-09-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

speaker system :Bose Companion 3 Series II multimedia speaker system Graphite/Silver
by: Bose

Technical Details

a. Acoustimass® bass module/satellite speaker system
b. tethered control pod contains auxiliary minijack input, headphone minijack, and volume controls
c. Bose TrueSpace stereo signal processing circuitry
d. removable satellite speaker stands included
e. speaker wire included

View Products Details

JBL Venue Series Stadium 8-Inch 3-Way Speaker

2008-06-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

3 Way Speaker :JBL Venue Series Stadium 8-Inch 3-Way Speaker
by: JBL

Technical Details

a. 3-way speaker with frequency range of 36 Hz to 20 kHz
b. Peak dynamic power handling of 440 watts
c. Sensitivity of 91 dB
d. Uses FreeFlow flared port for bass response without distortion
e. Woofers constructed of PolyPlas for clearer audio output

View Products Details

The Venue Series Stadium dual 8-inch floor standing loudspeaker delivers superb audio, whether used for critical listening in a stereo system, or combined with a Venue center channel, bookshelf surrounds and a subwoofer to create a home theater system.Stadium performs like a pro, with technology developed by JBL's Professional division. Equipped with JBL's titanium-laminate tweeters and PolyPlas drivers, the speaker reproduces the high notes with extreme clarity. The lows and mids, efficiently boosted by dual 8-inch woofers and assisted by the FreeFlow flared port, are loud and clear, without unwanted distortion or boominess. The Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) waveguide ensures that every seat is the best seat in the house for sweet music and intelligible dialog, or for just rocking out.

Sony TDM-IP1 Digital Media Port iPod Dock

2008-06-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Sony TDM-IP1 Digital Media Port iPod Dock

Display your iPod® on the smooth and modern Sony TDM-IP1 Digital Media Port iPod Dock and unleash the power of your music. Take full advantage of your DMP compatible BRAVIA® home theater system or audio receiver's sound when you connect an iPod® to the DMP. It lets you search through your music or view video from your iPod right on your television. For added convenience, the dock also charges your iPod's battery and includes a handy remote.

View Products Details

Technical Details

a. Connects with compatible Sony home theater systems and receivers with digital media port input
b. Compatible with many iPod models (5G/4G/nano/mini)
c. On-screen display feature to search songs and view iPod video on monitor
d. Charges iPod when placed on dock
e, Remote control included

BOSE (R) SL2 Wireless Surround Link for all 5.1 Lifestyle or Acoustimass Systems

2008-06-09T03:42:00.000-07:00

BOSE (R) SL2 Wireless Surround Link for all 5.1 Lifestyle or Acoustimass Systems

The Bose SL2 system gives you an easy, flexible option to installing a home theater system in their home. The Bose SL2 system is an accessory for all 5.1 Lifestyle and Acoustimass home entertainment systems that allows owners to enjoy a discrete 5.1 surround sound experience without running wires from the front of the room to the back of the room. The surround speakers are powered by and wired to the wireless receiver.

View Products Details

Technical Details

a. includes one transmitter and one receiver
b. allows you to wirelessly transmit audio to two surround speakers
c. transmitter is compatible with Bose Lifestyle and Acoustimass systems
d. 30-foot transmission range
e. warranty: 1 year

Bose Lifestyle V30 Home Theater System - Black

2008-06-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

Bose Lifestyle V30 Home Theater System - Black

The Bose® Lifestyle® V30 system changes the face of component home theater. It offers a versatile foundation for all your audio and video sources, including those with HDMI. Add your own Blu-ray DiscTM or HD-DVD player, and enjoy exhilarating surround sound for movies, music, sports and more. This system features tiny Jewel Cube® speaker arrays, each only 4½" high, and a horizontal center-channel speaker that complements flat-panel TVs. A powerful Acoustimass® module reproduces emphatic low notes that add depth to your movies and music.

View Products Details

The unique system design lets you hide more equipment. There's no need for a large, complex receiver and a multitude of remotes. All you see and interact with is an elegant display panel. A well-labeled media console simplifies your component connections and tucks neatly away. The entire system is controlled with an intuitive universal remote. So you receive synchronized audio and video at the press of a single source button. And what you see is as crisp as what you hear. The Lifestyle® V30 system features automatic video upscaling so movies and sports always use the highest resolution capability of your display up to 1080p over HDMI. Now think about the unique qualities of your room. The size, shape, textures and other elements affect the sound you hear. The ADAPTiQ® system was developed to analyze your room and then adjust the Lifestyle® system for a consistent, high-quality performance each time you listen. But the benefits don't end in your main room. Built-in Bose® link technology can distribute the system's audio to other rooms. Add compatible Bose products, and enjoy your music almost anywhere, even outdoors.

Sony HT-SS2000 Blu-ray Disc Matching Component Home Theater System

2008-05-01T02:54:00.000-07:00

Sony MDR-NC6 Noise Canceling Headphones

Get the most from Blu-ray movies and other high-definition media with the advanced performance of the Sony HT-SS2000 Home Theater System. This system includes a powerful 5.1 channel A/V receiver pushing 1000 Watts of power (RMS). Featuring Bravia Theatre Sync, the HT-SS2000 also offers easy one-touch operation of compatible Sony HDMI components, so you no longer need to juggle multiple remote controls. Bravia Theatre Sync technology goes beyond simple audio and video transmission when combined with a select number of Bravia LCD televisions.

View Products Details

Control functions will also be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With One Touch Play, operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. The receiver detects and receives the best possible video and audio signals from all connected devices, making connection and performance as simple as plugging in a single wire. Sony's HDMI Active Intelligence produces both audio and video through one HDMI cable. Connect the included microphone and with a push of a button, the speakers are automatically adjusted to your favorite listening position. Additionally, the simplified front-side audio and video connections make it easy to play music stored on portables through the receiver.

Onkyo HT-SR800 7.1 Home Theater Entertainment System (Black)

2008-05-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

Onkyo HT-SR800 7.1 Home Theater Entertainment System (Black)

Neatly Covering All A/V Formats, Precisely Tailored for Your Home When it comes to all-in-one home theater, the HT-SR800 has made a clean break from the pack. You're looking at packaged home theater that neatly integrates your high-definition entertainment and your HDTV through an HDMI channel that transports video with a resolution all the way up to 1080p. Ably supported by component video switching, the HT-SR800 will handle most of the A/V components or formats currently available, as well as the spectacular quality of high-definition discs.

View Products Details

Also, reinforcing the convenience of matched components, this package is the first to use an Audyssey room-correction technology specifically designed for integrated systems. The options - XM® Radio (including 5.1 surround sound radio with Neural Surround decoding) and iPod® integration-can really extend your reach, making the HT-SR800 one of the more complete home theater packages available.

Sirius Ready
SIRIUS brings access to over 130 digital-quality channels, including 69 channels of 100% commercial-free music, plus exclusive channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. This model has a SIRIUS jack on its rear that connects to an optional SIRIUSConnect home tuner kit. This kit includes everything you need for easy home installation, including the SIRIUSConnect receiver, indoor/outdoor antenna with 21-foot cable, and an AC power adaptor. SIRIUS has three powerful satellites situated directly above the U.S., enabling coast-to-coast coverage with high elevation angles. With a "clear line of sight" to your home, your signal is unimpeded by buildings, trees or objects that might block conventional satellite signals.

XM Ready
XM has introduced exciting new products called the XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock (both sold seperately) which replaces the Connect-and-Play antenna. The XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock work with any XM-Ready product — plus the Mini-Tuner enables subscribers to easily move a single subscription from one product to another. Customers that have already invested in an XM Connect-and-Play antenna need not worry. The Connect-and-Play will still work with compatible XM Ready Home Stereo systems.

192/24 digital-to-analog converters
Costly, extremely powerful digital-to-analog converters , that not only boast a dynamic range of 120 dB, they process information faster and are virtually resistant to clock jitter, to ensure the best possible performance from DVD-Audio, DVD-Video and audio CD.

Audyssey 2EQ to Counteract Room Acoustic Problems
Loudspeakers are specifically designed to deliver sound without distortion or coloration. Nevertheless, walls, furniture and other objects reflect and absorb sound, creating distortion that is unique to your own space. To counter this, Audyssey 2EQ corrects problems both in frequency response and in the time domain (where most of the problems lie), across the entire listening area. The results are immediately obvious—a clear, precise and natural sound.

DTS-ES 96/24 Neo6
There are two DTS-ES (Extended Surround) formats: DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and DTS-ES Matrix 6.1. The DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 format is, as the name implies, a 6.1-channel system with a discrete back surround channel, while DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, like Dolby Digital Surround EX, provides a matrix-encoded back surround channel. There’s also DTS Neo:6, which derives a 6-channel surround output from a stereo soundtrack, and regular DTS, which, like Dolby Digital, is a discrete 5.1-channel system, but which uses less compression than Dolby Digital. Receivers carrying the "96/24" designation are able to decode a new high-resolution audio format, DTS-96/24. This breakthrough allows for high quality, 5.1 channel audio encoded at 96kHz/24-bit resolution to be stored on a DVD-Video disc (or the DVD-Video portion of a DVD-Audio disc). This format is compatible with all DVD players, with those able to pass a 96kHz signal providing the highest quality output (DTS-96/24 is also backwards compatible with older 48kHz DVD player models).

7.1 Multichannel Inputs
The emergence of HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs promises to bring unparalleled realism to home theater. Dolby and DTS have each developed improved audio formats to be encoded on these new DVD discs that will superbly complement the latest in highdefinition video. By connecting a player compatible with these new audio codecs to an Onkyo A/V receiver equipped with 7.1 multichannel inputs, you will be able to experience extreme sonic clarity from these new discs, while retaining the full use of the receiver’s other onboard codecs.

HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) This high-bandwidth interface supports not only brilliant digital video, but digital audio as well. Up to 5 Gbps of data—more than twice what’s needed for a high-definition movie with surround sound—can be handled, with room for future requirements. All this data is kept in the digital domain, as there are no D/A or A/D conversions needed, to ensure the highest sound and video quality available.

HDMI is fully backward compatible with PCs,displays and consumer electronics devices incorporating the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standard. Both HDMI and DVI were pioneered by Silicon Image and are based on TMDS®, Silicon Image's powerful, high-speed, serial link technology. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio, and with 5 Gbps of bandwidth, HDMI can accommodate future enhancements and requirements. Because HDMI was designed specifically for consumer electronics applications, it offers an array of additional consumer enhancements. As digital content can manifest itself in a variety of sizes, resolutions and formats, HDMI-enabled systems will automatically configure to display content in the most effective format. In addition, HDMI enables a single remote point and click, allowing manufacturers to deliver home theater systems that automatically configure from a single command from a remote control -- turning on or off the components necessary to view a DVD, listen to a CD, or watch cable or satellite TV.

WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology
Imagine turning up the volume and filling your entertainment room with noise-free, impressively powerful, true-to-life sound. That's the benefit of Wide Range Amplifier Technology. Originally developed for our most expensive high-end amplifiers to handle the sonic demands of today's digital age, you'll now find WRAT even in our lowest-priced A/V receivers. The WRAT family of technologies includes a broader frequency range with lower noise entering the signal path – perfectly suited for new high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD formats.

CinemaFILTER
The tonal balance of a film soundtrack can be edgy and bright when played back over audio equipment in your home—this is because film soundtracks are designed to be played back in large theaters, using commercial equipment. Onkyo has developed its own solution that restores the correct tonal balance of a movie soundtrack in the smaller environs of your home theater.

Dolby Digital EX / Pro-Logic IIx
Home theater realism reaches new heights with the creation of Dolby Digital EX. By adding a matrix-encoded surround back channel derived from the existing discrete left and right surround channels, the lack of rear surround in 5.1 channel is eliminated. The result - a fuller 360º experience is created…even from 5.1-channel DVD releases. Best results are obtained when Dolby Digital EX is used with movie soundtracks recorded with Dolby Digital Surround EX. Pro-Logic IIx is the latest improvement on the original Pro-Logic and subsequent Pro-Logic II standards. Pro-Logic IIx adds post-processing to 5.1 channel and stereo signals, creating a realistic 7.1 channel surround environment from 5.1 channel movies and stereo sources, such as CD, Tape, FM Radio.

NeuralSurround
Neural Surround represents the latest advancement in surround technology developed for music and is adopted by XM Satellite Radio for digital radio broadcast of surround recordings and live events in surround sound. Neural Surround employs psychoacoustic frequency domain processing which allows delivery of a more detailed sound stage with superior channel separation and localization of audio elements. System playback is scalable from 5.1 to 7.1 multi channel surround playback.

Theater-Dimensional
You can experience the excitement of surround sound from as few as two ordinary speakers. Onkyo's exclusive Theater-Dimensional circuitry takes the complexity out of conventional surround-sound setups and lets you experience the excitement of surround sound from as few as two ordinary speakers. Want more? Theater-Dimensional's unique multi-speaker modes let you place up to five speakers conveniently by the TV, for the most realistic virtual-surround sound possible.

RI (Remote Interactive)
With Onkyo’s exclusive RI (Remote Interactive) system capability, you can integrate and operate all compatible components through a single remote control. What’s more, RI capability enables you to simply connect the iPod® to your receiver through Onkyo’s RI Dock for the iPod (DS-A1). Your iPod effectively becomes another Onkyo component from which you can relish a fuller sound that just can’t be experienced through headphones. RI capability will also give you remote operability of your iPod for hands-off control over your digital music.

Onkyo Micro Fiber (OMF) Speaker Cones
Onkyo Micro Fiber (OMF), made from a pure cotton weave to absorb vibrations, was first developed to create a thick yet rigid diaphragm that enables an extremely fast, accurate response. The next stage saw the advent of A-OMF, which incorporates a PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) layer with a flexible cotton weave that makes speaker cones even stronger and more resistant to heat. We then added an aramid layer to create New A-OMF. The evolution has been taken a step further with A-OMF Monocoque—essentially sharing the same material.

Philips SHS3200/37 Flexible Earhook w/ Bud (Black)

2008-05-01T02:47:00.000-07:00

Philips SHS3200/37 Flexible Earhook w/ Bud (Black)

Philips Flexible earhook with bud SHS3200/37 Features: Bass pipe improves bass performance, 3D flexible earhook fits all ear sizes, Soft rubberized earhook for wearing comfort, black

View Products Details

Product Description

1. Philips black sports flexible earhook buds fits all ear sizes
2. Rubber earhook for comfort
3. Bass pipe

Bose in-ear headphones - Black with black/white cord

2008-05-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

Bose in-ear headphones - Black with black/white cord

Bose in-ear headphones offer a combination of lifelike audio performance and comfortable fit not available from most conventional earbuds. Proprietary Bose technologies provide a new level of listening pleasure with performance thats faithful and realistic. Three sizes of ear tips allow them to rest gently and softly in the outer bowl of the ear (not your ear canal). A carrying case is included, small enough to fit in your pocket.

View Products Details

Technical Details

a. Comfortable in-ear design
b. TriPort acoustic headphone structure
c. S, M and L removable silicone tips

Sony MDR-NC6 Noise Canceling Headphones

2008-04-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sony MDR-NC6 Noise Canceling Headphones

Small enough to keep with you at all times and ideal for achieving peace and quiet in planes, trains, buses, and cars, Sony's MDR-NC6 noise-canceling over-ear headphones reduce perceived outside noise by more than 70 percent (up to 10 dB at 300 Hz) so you can hear musical nuances against a quieter background.

View Products Details

The headphones' noise-canceling circuit senses outside noise using tiny, built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the headphone drivers, effectively blocking solid-state (continuous) noise from 40 to 1,500 Hz. It's especially effective on noises like air-conditioning systems, freeway rumble, and airplane engines (from a passenger's perspective).

The switchable noise-canceling circuitry runs for approximately 30 hours on a single AAA alkaline battery. When noise canceling is off, the headphones continue to function for standard music listening (and with slightly better sound quality). The headphones' neodymium-magnet diaphragms deliver powerful sound.

The headphones and their swiveling earcups fold for easy storage, and a special supplied adapter facilitates use of the headphones with an airplane's audio system.

Onkyo DS-A2X Remote Interactive iPod Dock

2008-04-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Onkyo DS-A2X Remote Interactive iPod Dock

Technical Details

a. Displays track lists and song information through on-screen display
b. Recharges iPod when connected to AC adapter
c. Enables iPod video playback and photo slideshows
d. Auto power on, sleep timer, alarm function.
e. Package contents: DS-A2X dock, remote control, AC adapter, composite cables, instruction manual.

View Products Details

The DS-A2x comes with an on-screen display mode (OSD) that enables you to view track lists, artists, albums, songs, genres, composers on your connected display for easy selection and navigation. If you have long lists on your iPod, you can use four page modes, Large, Medium, Small and Page, to move through the list in progressively larger steps. You'll have absolutely no need to handle your iPod while it's sitting in the DS-A2x as it comes with its own remote controller to control all basic playback functions.
The remote controller also brings one-touch control for random shuffle playback over songs or albums, a resume function that will return to the track being played when the iPod is stopped or removed from the Dock and a repeat function for one track or all. You can also switch off the OSD to enjoy video playback via the DS-A2x's composite video output. View photos as a slide show over the larger display of your TV or enjoy viewing your photos over you computer display. Relive your images with the option of music through your Onkyo system to accompany your slide show. Enables iPod video playback and photo slide shows Resume function Shuffle function for random playback of songs/albums Repeat function (1 track/All) TV display settings (background color/screen saver/NTSC or PAL format) Remote controller ID settings Auto Power on Auto selector function Time play & Sleep timer function Alarm function Direct change automatically switches input source to iPod Connectors - Composite video jack, audio out L/R jacks, RI jack, DC in 12V jack Compatible iPod Models - 5th Generation iPod (iPod Video), 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel, iPod Mini (software 1.4.1 or later), iPod Photo (software 1.2.1 or later) & iPod Nano (software 1.1.1 or later) Dimensions - Width 4-7/16 x Height 2-3/16 x Depth 4-7/16 inches (112x60x112mm) Weight - 0.51 pounds, 230 grams

Philips PET1030 10.2" Portable DVD Player with Car Mount Kit

2008-04-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Philips PET1030 10.2" Portable DVD Player with Car Mount Kit

There's nothing easier than sitting back and watching a movie to pass the time away. Whether you're sitting in a park, camping, or trying to appease the passengers in your car, Philips PET1030 portable DVD player does the job beautifully. It has a 10.2" 16:9 Widescreen that's easy to view. The screen swivels to optimize viewing even further. But it doesn't just play DVDs.

View Products Details

It can also play CD audio. There's a memory card slot for playing music or photo content. Be it from built-in speakers or listening through headphones, you'll appreciate great stereo sound. It's definitely a PET you want to have around. High-resolution 10.2? LCD display for great viewing in 16 - 9 widescreen format Built-in quality stereo speakers Sleek design is ergonomic and may be controlled easily at the chassis or by remote Efficient rechargeable battery power - Enjoy up to 5 hours continuous non-stop playback Big screen viewing with S-Video and Component Video output - Play discs directly to your TV at home Car power cord lets you play unit in your car - Great for satisfying passengers of all ages on long car trips Share entertainment fun with dual headphone jacks - Two people can listen through the privacy of their own ears LCD panel type - Anti-glare polarizer TFT Active-Matrix with Resolution of 800(w)x480(H)x3(RGB) Contrast ratio (typical) - 250 - 1 Battery Charge indicator light

Bose around-ear headphones, for personal and portable listening

2008-04-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Bose around-ear headphones, for personal and portable listening

With Bose technology, you don t have to compromise the quality of your audio just because you re listening through a pair of headphones. Our acoustic equalization techniques deliver the rich nuances of your music that conventional headphones often lose. You hear the intricate notes of an acoustic guitar, the full range of vocals and even the beat of a drum with greater clarity and impact.

View Products Details

Bose around-ear headphones faithfully reproduces deep, full low notes without requiring the artificial bass boost function found on many portable players. Advanced ergonomics and lightweight design define the stylish Bose around-ear headphones. Soft ear cushions gently fit around your ear for hours of comfortable listening. A thin, adjustable headband has several head size settings and the earcups swivel for a better fit. An additional benefit of Bose around-ear headphone technology is that it helps reduce headphone size without sacrificing performance, resulting in a total weight of only five ounces. Bose around-ear headphones put it all together: high-performance sound, comfortable fit and stylish design for an eye-catching, ear-pleasing audio experience.

Bose Wave Music System - Graphite Gray

2008-04-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Bose Wave Music System - Graphite Gray

The Wave music system reproduces one-half octave lower musical notes and delivers even greater clarity and definition than the original Wave radio/CD. With its deeper tones and even more lifelike sound, you might just feel like you're sitting in the front row. Inside, our new proprietary waveguide speaker technology combines with other Bose technologies to deliver enhanced performance at all listening levels. You'll hear the same clear musical nuances whether you turn the volume up or keep it soft. You'll also enjoy the full depth and range of every vocal or instrument on MP3s, CD-R/RWs, and conventional CDs.

View Products Details

Listen to CDs created on your computer and take advantage of the digital MP3 format for hours of uninterrupted Wave music system quality sound. The Wave music system was engineered to be delightfully easy to use. There are no visible buttons. Instead, the entire system is completely and conveniently controlled by a credit card-sized remote control. And setup couldn't be easier. The CD player, digital AM/FM tuner, amplifiers and speakers are all built-in so you can enjoy quality sound right out of the box. The large, bright display panel is easy to read and understand, prominently displaying the artist, title and album names of your suitably encoded MP3 CDs. It's also easy to enjoy the system's full, rich sound with your TV, VCR, DVD player, or computer, thanks to an auxiliary input jack. And if you want to keep the music to yourself, you can simply plug your headphones into the headphone jack. The Wave music system may look familiar, but it takes the original award-winning design of the Wave radio/CD to new levels. With its absence of buttons and a convenient slot-loaded CD player, the slim, sleek profile shines through to complement just about any room. **SPECIAL OFFER**: Order by 3/31/08 and receive a free premium backlit remote (valued at $39.98). Its lighted buttons are ideal for low-light conditions and its larger, rounded design is comfortable to hold.