Elite Home Theater Seating Blog

Apple TV & Google Nexus Q: Will This Revolutionize Home Theater?

July 6th, 2012

In 2007 Apple launched Apple TV. Digital contents via Netflix, iTunes, YouTube, and other various contents stored on your computer can be viewed directly to your HD widescreen TV.  Streamed sporting events such as NHL or NBA games, movies can be rented or purchased directly from iTunes, & all your music and pictures stored in iTunes can also be seen on through Apple TV. With a Wi-Fi connection, Apple TV can be streamed to your TV and your iPhone can also be used as a remote.  Apple TV retails for $109 USD. The following clip will give you great insight as to how Apple TV operates.

Google has now released the Google Nexus Q.  Through Google Play, you can play music or movies through your Android phone or from your media tablet via Google Play Music. You can watch YouTube however Netflix is not available. Nexus Q is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, an amp, & analog speaker outputs, Apple TV has neither of these options. The Nexus Q retails for $299.00 USD. The following video will give you a better understanding of the Nexus Q.

With devices like these there is no need to purchase physical DVD’s and CD’s.  All the contents are either streamed or stored on your computer.  For those of you who enjoy owning the physical DVD or CD, this may deter you from purchasing it. Those of you that don’t care to own any physical format, this can be a new way to enjoy movies, concerts, and sporting events.  Your home theater can have an unlimited catalogue, dependent if iTunes has what you want to watch (if you choose Apple TV).

Home theater can benefit from devices like these and it’s up to the consumer if they would like to move away from traditional media platforms.  Now your home theater can feature family vacations, weddings, & birthdays.  Just how popular this will become is unknown however, do your research. If you believe this form of technology will enhance your home theater experience, please leave us a comment regarding your choice.



Smart TV’s

July 5th, 2012

Home theater has a new product to add to its collection. Samsung has introduced their new line, the LED 8000 and 7500 Series Smart TV’s, which come in two sizes, 55″ and 51″.  The smart TV is a web browser, a video phone, and a 2D & 3D  television.  The premier version, the 55″ LED 8000 series retails for $3,749.99.

A list of functions on the new Smart TV:

Gesture control allows you to manually operate your TV without the use of a remote control.  The user operates the TV by using their hands to choose what it is they would like to experience on the TV.  This is not a touch screen either, you simply move your hands and the TV reads your movement and selects the choice you want.

A Smart Touch Remote Control also comes with the TV which allows you to navigate your TV with a fully functional touch pad.  The remote has a built-in microphone for giving your TV voice commands.

A wireless keyboard that accompanies this TV can be used to navigate the internet or use for numerous functions on the TV as well.

A built in camera allows you to video chat via Skype and the Smart Hub gives you access to all the features of the smart TV.  Social media platforms like Facebook , Twitter, and YouTube are integral to the features of this TV.  Samsung apps can be downloaded, similar to apps for the iPhone and iPad, ranging from sports, weather, entertainment (Netflix), and a variety of other apps.. 

Updating the TV is also a simple procedure.  The “Evolution Kit” will allow you to keep your TV current and updated with the latest technology available.  If you have a Samsung phone or Galaxy tablet, there is a free Smart View app that transforms your smart phone into a remote, all while having a Wi-Fi signal.

A smart TV can change how we operate in the confines of your home theater environment.  Not only can we watch movies and sports but now we can surf the net, send out a tweet, or video call a friend or family.