Elite Home Theater Seating Blog

Samsung HT-E6730W Blu-ray Home Theater System

October 31st, 2012

“Enjoy a more lifelike experience with Vacuum Tube and Digital Sound. Hear your favorite music for the first time with the innovation of analog and digital sound combined. It creates a truer, more immersive sound that digital alone cannot replicate. Samsung has brought wonder to your eyes, now it’s time for your ears.” – Samsung’s official website 

The Samsung HT-E6730W Blue-ray home theater in a box system that combines 2D and 3D Blu-ray DVD player with a vacuum tube-equipped 7.1 channel audio system that has internet and network streaming capabilities. With MSRP of $849.99 this home theater package is reasonably priced for what it comes with. Here are the specs via the official Samsung website:

General

7.1 Channels
Total Power: 1330W

Features

Captivating 2D & 3D Blu-ray Playback
Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
BD Wise
Crystal Amp Plus
Samsung Smart Home Theater
Smart Hub Network Service
Vertical Surround Sound
Wireless Rear Speakers
Built-in WiFi
Smart Volume
AllShare™ Play

Audio Processing

Dolby® Digital
Dolby® Digital Plus
Dolby® Pro Logic II
Dolby® True HD
DTS
DTS 96/24
DTS-HD
3D Sound Plus

Speakers

EC2-1 Center Speaker
EW4 Dual-unit Subwoofer with passive radiator
ES3-1 Surround
2 Tallboy Swivel Speakers

Connectivity

1 Audio Input
2 HDMI Inputs
HDMI Out
Includes iPod Docking Cradle
Made for iPod / iPhone
1 Optical Input
USB HOST 2.0
Wireless Rear Module included
Built-in WiFi

Supported Media

Supports Blu-Ray
Supports CD DA / CD-R / CD-RW
Supports DVD / DVD±R / DVD±RW

Dimensions & Weight

Product Dimensions: 16.93″ (W) x 2.48″ (H) x 12.4″ (D)
Product Weight: 8.49 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions: 36.26″ (W) x 15.63″ (H) x 17.56″ (D)
Shipping Weight: 60.63 lb.

For those of you that may have already purchased this, we would love to know how the experience is in your home theater. The features are great and can cover both 2D and 3D which is a great selling feature. 

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Front Projections

October 29th, 2012

With TV screens becoming increasingly bigger each year, the importance of a front projector is still valid for home entertainment and home theater systems. Previously, we have discussed home theater projectors, the ViewSonic Hybrid-Projector and the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema. We had some enquiries from people on Twitter asking us if we still find projectors valid since the market has these huge hi-def TV’s. Each answer was the same, yes we do.

Projectors price points vary. $2000 and up to $25,000. It depends on the style of projector you want so we do not have a definitive answer as to how much one should spend. That is up to you and the quality you are looking for. Buy the projector that best suits your screen size and budget. There are well made budget priced projectors so if your budget isn’t too high, no need to worry. You can still purchase a decent projector and do not have to spend $25,000.  The clip below is from CEDIA 2012.

 

Below is a review of the Acer H6500 DLP Projector.

Tekzilla did a quick look at  Optoma’s Wifi enabled LED Projectors as seen in the clip below

The Projector Blog is a great resource for the latest and greatest in home theater projectors. We enjoy reading their views and insight and recommend you to also read what they have to say. Hi-Def TV’s are great but the experience of a projector creates a greater theater experience in your home. Ultimately what ever suits you best is your ultimate choice. We also love the new styles and technology in TV’s nowadays so we are fans of both. Projectors have improved a lot over the years and we suggest looking into one for your home theater.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Halloween Favourites (Part 2 of 2)

October 26th, 2012

On October 18th, we did our first part of our look at halloween movie favourites and with this being the official halloween weekend (all the parties will be this Saturday), we are now going to feature some of the best scary movies for you to enjoy. Last week we featured paranormal and supernatural movies and this will we will be looking at some of the best slasher movies ever to hit the silver screen. There are so many great slasher flicks so it’s not easy to list them all. Here you will find some that are great for this time of year.

Halloween (2007 reboot directed by Rob Zombie): Michael Myers is one of the most frightening serial killers to grace the horror movie genre and Rob Zombie’s reboot put this franchise into another zone. Rob Zombie’s 2007 reboot shows you how Michael Myers became the psycho we all enjoy to watch. This version is graphic and the scenes can make some people very scared. A perfect halloween movie!

Friday The 13th (all 12): Jason Vorhees, everyones favourite hockey mask wearing serial killer entertains in all twelve movies in this franchise. We had a blog on the franchise back in July (Friday the 13th, 2012) which can be viewed here. Since 1980, the Friday The 13th franchise has delighted horror movie fans and given halloween season something to look forward to. Regardless of which one you watch, you will be entertained from start to finish. One of the most famous movies would be Freddy vs. Jason (yes they battle!)

The Last House On The Left (1972): This is the movie that started the slasher genre. Yes the 2009 reboot was good but this 1972 classic is the one to watch. When this was first released, it scared the living pants off of movie goers. We guarantee that 39 years later, this movie will creep you out even more than the reboot.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974): We all enjoy the 2003 reboot however the original is fascinating. Psycho chainsaw killer Leatherface was in all his glory in the original version. This is not a true story however the marketing behind this movie was so well done that people thought it was true. To this day, I am worried about driving through Texas! If you want to be scared this halloween, do yourself a favour and watch this version.

A Nightmare On Elm Street (All 9 of them): Freddy Kruger, the razor blade glove wearing teen killer only attacks you in your dreams. So if you are easily scared you may not want to watch any of these because if you dream about it, you may think he will be after you! The 2010 reboot had elements of greatness but if you really want to enjoy this franchise, stick with the original eight. The original is a fan favourite and that is highly recommended (see the trailer below). Don’t forget that Freddy vs. Jason pits Freddy Kruger and Jason Vorhees for an all out battle.

So here are some of the best slasher movies to scare you this halloween season. With the blog from last week, part 1 featuring paranormal halloween movie favourites, you have great movies to watch for the first time or for some of you, once again. Please ensure you are a fan of this genre as these movies are not for everyone. Have a safe and happy halloween weekend everyone.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Home Theater Seating Comfort

October 24th, 2012

You spend countless hours watching TV and it’s important to have the proper seating where comfort and support play a vital role. If you have read our “Why Choose Elite HTS” page you will see all the benefits of owning our home theater seating. You will also notice our “Comfort” section which details why we have the best home theater seating on the market.

Our chairs are endorsed by Dr. Grant O’ Neill D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic/Ergonomic Workplace Specialist) and we are proud to offer you comfort and support and not just an ordinary home theater chair.

Why our chairs are second to none:

1) The headrest cushion is strategically placed to provide optimum head and neck support while maintaining the best possible viewing angle.

2) The added lumbar support provides excellent support for the lower back. As the body heat warms the chair, the special high quality foam becomes softer and molds and conforms to the occupant.

3) Usually found in Europe’s finest sports cars, our unique “dual- cushion” seat design provides optimum support primarily because body weight is equally transferred and distributed by the two independent cushions. The inner cushion supports the buttocks, while the outer cushion supports and lifts the legs which in turn alleviates pressure on the lower back.

Many people suffer from lower back pain and many do not have the appropriate support. We understand the importance of comfort especially when you are making an investment like this. We spend countless hours watching movies, sporting events, concerts, and home movies in our home theaters and we want to ensure our customers have the comfort they deserve. This is why our chairs are the best home theater seating you will find anywhere. 

The video above is a demonstration on how you can customize the chair you want to your specifications. You can do this right here on our website, just click here (also under Models & Colors). We are proud of the craftsmanship done in each and every chair we make. We know you will love it as well.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Has 3D Technology Improved?

October 22nd, 2012

“3-D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension. Hollywood’s current crazy stampede toward it is suicidal. It adds nothing essential to the moviegoing experience. For some, it is an annoying distraction. For others, it creates nausea and headaches” – Roger Ebert (2010)

Over the past four months we have discussed improvements in 3D technology, how 3D has made a comeback in movie theaters, and how home theater has new 3D TV’s to add to our experience but is 3D any better than it was before? 3D technology has been around for many years and even though technology has improved, does the viewer actually enjoy the experience? Our blog from June 15, “The Future of Home Theater: From HD to 3D to Holographic TV” details the trend of home theater technology.

In January 2013 the reboot of a reboot will be released in theaters, Texas Chainsaw 3D, (view the Facebook page here). As a fan of horror movies, there is interest in this reboot but does it have to be in 3D? One has to think they may do this so they can raise the price point and charge you more at the theater. 3D technology is unique and can be fun but there is a push from Hollywood like they want to force it on us. Let’s remind you that 3D technology is not new, it was first introduced in the 1950′s.  There was a resurgence in 3D movies in the 1980′s then it died out and then reappeared in the mid to late 2000′s. When the resurgence happened a few years ago, Roger Ebert spoke up in an article titled Why I Hate 3D Movies (And You Should Too). Once you read this you will see that there is a love/hate relationship with 3D technology.

Since Hollywood has increased their 3D movie releases, home theater equipment has joined the movement. As we stated in our previous blog, “The Future of Home Theater: From HD to 3D to Holographic TV”, Samsung released the worlds first 3D LED HDTV, called the LG LX9500 in 2010 and since, numerous other competitors have released 3D TV’s. Roger Ebert is a well respected movie critic and his harsh words regarding 3D technology could sway viewers away.

One constant complaint made regarding 3D technology is the glasses. There is something uncomfortable about sitting in a theater with a pair of glasses on and if you’ve ever walked into someones home where they are watching 3D TV, you will find it looks odd as well. Some people love 3D technology, especially children but is the force-feeding of 3D something that will lose interest once again like in the 1950′s and 1980′s? As we stated in “The Future of Home Theater: From HD to 3D to Holographic TV”, it seems as if holographic TV’s are next. With holographic TV’s, there is no need to wear those 3D glasses and that alone could eliminate the need for 3D TV’s.

We all want the experience of a movie or sporting event where it looks like the action is right in front of us. The enjoyment of the experience grows more when you feel like you are right there in the movie. However this love/hate relationship with 3D technology makes it hard for some to enjoy it especially since it’s a sixty year old technology. When are we finally going to the next level with holographic movies and TV’s? That will be interesting to see.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Halloween Favourites (Part 1 of 2)

October 19th, 2012

October is the month with one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, Halloween. Children get to dress up as their favorite comic book hero or an upstanding citizen in the form of a firefighter or police officer. Adults get excited as well as they dress up in elaborate costumes and hit the town. With halloween being known as the “scary time of year”, horror movies come to the forefront. With AMC and their “Fright Fest” to movie theaters showing brand new horror movies and old favorites, this is a great time of year to recommend some of the all time best scary movies ever made. This will be a two part blog. Today we will recommend movies that are more geared towards the paranormal genre and next week will be the slasher genre. We won’t go into detail writing about it because it doesn’t give the “scary effect” of watching the trailer. Enjoy five of the best paranormal horror movies ever made. We want to say this first though, if you are afraid of scary movies, please do not watch these clips.

The Exorcist (1973): We all know The Exorcist and the impact it had on viewers. This is now 39 years old and still scares the pants off of anyone that watches it.  The plot is simple, a mother tries to save her daughter from a spirit living inside her. The church steps in to help out and shows us how scary an evil presence can be.

The Omen (1976): There is something creepy about seeing a child possessed and The Omen is definitely one of them. Damian is the lead character in this movie who is born as the actual antichrist.

Paranormal Activity (2007): Possession and ghosts are at it again in Paranormal Activity. Even though there are now four parts to this movie, we believe the first one is the most terrifying of the four, (well we haven’t seen the fourth yet as it’s being released in theaters soon). A house filled with some type of demonic possession. Trust us this is not of the faint of heart.

Poltergeist (1982): Another movie that involves children and possession that will scare you beyond belief. The plot involves a family overtaken by demonic beings in their house.

The Shining (1980): A fan favorite starring Jack Nicholson.  This movie involves a family that moves to an isolated hotel during the winter where evil resides. The father turns violent and the son sees extremely disturbing images. The “red rum” scene is still a chiller 32 years later.

Horror movies are not for everyone so we do not recommend any of these movies if you are not a fan of this genre. Next week we will look at some of the best slasher movies made.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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True Concert Experience In Your Home Theater

October 18th, 2012

Music concert Blu-ray DVD’s and standard DVD’s are still popular amoungst music fans. Home theater and music enthusiasts can enjoy a visually stunning concert right in your own home without the hassle of actually going to a concert. With ticket prices at an all time high, these music DVD releases are a great value.

Recently a 1988 live concert from the Michael Jackson Bad Tour has been released. To the delight of fans worldwide, this new DVD has become a huge hit. To experience this in a home theater is phenomenal. Seeing Michael Jackson dance and sing in your private home theater actually transports you to the front row seat of one of the most successful music tours of all time. This concert was filmed in London on July 18, 1988 and is a must see for any music and home theater fan. To order it from Amazon, click here. Watch the dance moves of Billie Jean in the clip below!

If you’re a parent, it is highly likely that your young kids are big Justin Bieber fans. His movie, Never Say Never, was a huge success at the box office and in retail DVD sales. As parents, you want to ensure your children are not subjected to anything objectionable. There is no need to worry with this movie. This is a child friendly documentary with concert clips to keep your kids very happy. You can order a copy from Amazon by clicking here and watch the trailer below to get a glimpse into this movie.

If you are into music that is a bit more on the rock n’ roll side of the musical spectrum, there are two great must haves. One that is brand new and one that is a must because it is so visually stunning. First and foremost, the legendary Led Zeppelin have released their music DVD from their one off reunion concert from 2007 simply titled, Celebration Day. Led Zeppelin are the inspiration of almost every rock n’ roll band in history. Their influence on music is legendary and this concert movie is a delight to see. To order a copy from Amazon click here. Check out the clip below to see the magic that is Led Zeppelin.

Another must have rock n’ roll DVD belongs to KISS and their amazing triple DVD, KISSology Volume 1. This edition of the KISSology series features the band in the beginning of their career. You get five different full length concerts while you see them start as an opening act and up to their major rise to fame. Below is a clip of one of their biggest hits, “Rock n’ Roll All Night” from one of the concerts in this series. To purchase a copy from Amazon click here.

For those of you that don’t prefer the dance moves of Michael Jackson, the pop style of Justin Bieber, the legendary rock of Led Zeppelin or the bombast of KISS, there are still numerous concert DVD’s to choose from. These mentioned above are just a tiny bit of a huge catalogue out there for you to enjoy. Now, we know that there are families with very small babies that need a concert DVD as well. Don’t hesitate to check out The Wiggles, they have a few to choose from. Click here for a list of choices from Amazon.

A concert experience in your home theater with a great surround sound system is a truly amazing experience. We highly recommend you try out your favourite artists DVD’s. You will feel like you’re right at the show but without having to have someone who is taller than you obstructing the view of the stage.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Denon Introduces Two New Home Theater Systems

October 15th, 2012

Denon will be introducing two new home theater surround sound systems, the DHT-8313, (MSRP $445), and the DHT-S413 (MSRP $573). There is no word right now if this will be available in North America, however if this system is as good as people are saying, we want to ensure we discuss this will you all.

Original reports state that the DHT-8313 is perfect for a 32″ TV with output levels of 20W x 3 for the front speakers  and 20W from the subwoofer. The DHT-S413 is made for 40″ TV screens and higher with front speakers output of 25W x 3 and 25W for the subwoofer. Each version has the Dolby Virtual Speaker surround sound, Dolby Pro Logic ll, DTS support, PCM audio for Blu-ray, and a surround option with five genre specific modes.

Surround sound and the placement of the speakers is detrimental to your home theater. The great people at HD Nation speak indepth about this in the clip below. Regardless that this clip is a few years old, the basis of the topic is interesting.

Denon states they have “raised the bar” with their two new systems. We understand the importance of a sound system and where it’s placed. Just click on the picture to the left for a bigger version to help you set up your home theater. We have examples on how to layout your theater right here on our website under the heading, “Layout Ideas”. These are just diagrams but we do custom layout configurations for our customers.

We hope the DHT-8313 and the DHT-S413 are released in North America so we can have more reviews about it and we can hear it for ourselves. If Denon has raised the bar, we would love to test this out. There are so many choices on the market so choosing a surround sound system can be hard. We ensure to write about as many new releases as possible to give you options to choose from.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone. If you have purchased the Denon DHT-8313 or the DHT-S413, we would love to hear your opinions.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray

October 12th, 2012

Thirty years ago Steven Spielberg released the now classic movie, E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial.  With total box office sales of over $792 million, E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial is considered one of the greatest movies of our time. The thirtieth anniversary Blu-ray DVD was released this week with five different versions! Each release includes the standard Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy/UltraViolet combo pack. There are exclusive versions at Target that comes with a steelbook combo pack, a Wal-Mart gift set which includes a plush E.T., a Best Buy combo pack with a collectible book, and an Amazon Limited Edition combo pack with E.T.’s spaceship

The restoration of this film is fantastic and will please any viewer. The new release has plenty of extras to enjoy. The same bonus features from the 2002 release are also included in the new Blu-ray edition as well as two new featurettes.

 

The bonus features are:

New Features:
1. Steven Spielberg & E.T
2. The E.T. Journals
Previous Features:
1. Deleted Scenes
2. A Look Back
3. The Evolution and Creation of E.T.
4. The E.T. Reunion
5. The Music of E.T.
6. The 20thAnniversary Premiere
7. Designs, Photographs and Marketing

Drew Barrymore stars, as a young child alongside Henry Thomas (Elliot) as they become friends with an extraterrestrial they call E.T. While E.T. is stranded on Earth, Elliot and his friends help keep E.T. a secret from his mother and the government as they help him get back to his home planet. E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial is a family friendly movie that children and adults both enjoy. Thirty years later, this movie is just as fun as when it was first released.

Reviews of the newly released Blu-ray thirtieth anniversary are all positive. The edits made in the 20th anniversary edition are not included in this one. You will thouroughly enjoy this even if you have seen it before. E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial is a movie that will never grow old. It’s perfect for any age group and a great way to spend the night in.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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Has Mobile Technology Changed or Enhanced Home Theater?

October 10th, 2012

Last week we did a blog on home theater apps for your smartphone and tablets. These apps enhance your home theater experience and add a great value to it, however is there a different take on this as well? Have smartphones and tablets driven people away from home theater viewing?

We have such busy lives that we tend to do things on the fly nowadays. I know I use my iPhone more than my personal computer at home, even while I’m at home. While sitting at my desk, I can have  Netflix running on my iPhone watching a new movie while getting work done. This way I’m getting two things done at the same time. However,  all of us that work here at Elite HTS love the home theater experience and we do not compensate with using our smartphones or tablets in its place.

A recent article from Z6 Mag states that home theater will have to play catch up with mobile technology and we can understand their view. We all use mobile technology to communicate with one another and we also use it as a form of entertainment, from music to movies. However the reason home theaters have become popular over the past several years is to replicate the experience of going to a theater to watch a new release. Most people enjoy the big screen, the surround sound, and the concessions. Would this all be replaced by mobile technology? It’s hard to imagine that we will all resort to watching movies on our smartphones and tablets and not in the comfort of our home theaters.

As you’ll see in the clip below, Netflix on an iPhone can be useful for us on the go and for those of us with kids and no entertainment system in the car, having this technology is great to keep the kids entertained. Would you really be able to use this in place of the true home theater experience?

It’s true that smartphones and tablets have increased so much in popularity but I don’t think there is a concern where this will take the place of a true home theater experience. The Z6 Mag article has valid points and it made us think about it. Our conclusion is that it will not replace the home theater and it will enhance the experience. Just like we said in our Home Theater App blog from last week, smartphones and tablets enhance our home theater experience, they don’t take away from it.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

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