Elite Home Theater Seating Blog

Home Theater Trends

November 21st, 2012

Over the years, the popularity of home theaters have increased. At the same time, trends have also evolved. From basements to family rooms, projection screens to plasma then LED TV’s, 5.1 surround to 7.1 surround, and from DVD players to 3D Blu-ray DVD players, home theater is constantly evolving. What’s trending in home theater now? Let’s take a look.

1) Multiple Screens: Back in June, our blog featuring Sports Themed Rooms showcased one room with four screens. Well this isn’t a one off, this is a trend amongst new aged home theater room. The room we were speaking of had the main big screen and then an additional three on a shot clock as well, giving you the illusion of being in an arena or stadium. With “entertainment” rooms now exploding in popularity, having multiple screens will give you the feel that you’re in a local bar with different options for things to look at while you’re socializing. 

2) Social Networks: We’re all apart of it and there’s no escaping it. Social networking has taken over our lives and it’s also being implemented in home theaters. Smart TV’s were featured in our blog back in July. Smart TV’s can connect you directly to social media sites where you can share what you’re doing and what you’re watching. The addition of tablets and smartphones has also become integral to home theaters. We are truly connected to one another all the time and social networks makes that even easier to do. You can tweet while you’re watching the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup Final or even live tweeting with your favorite TV show like Criminal Minds or Sons of Anarchy. 

3) Floor and Soundbar Speakers: Since floorstanding and soundar speakers produce clear audio, more consumers are deciding to change from wall mount or in wall speaker systems.

4) Apps: Yes apps are now controling our homes from lighting to fire places and our TV’s and entertainment systems. Home Theater Apps, our blog from October will give you the most used and most beneficial apps to use in your home theaters. 

We’re all looking for the best value our money can buy so it’s important to ensure you make your home theater suit your needs. Make sure the benefits you look for are a part of your home theater room. This holiday season, there will be a lot of products to choose from. Ensure you get what’s best for you and not what you think you need. Do your research and enjoy your home theater to the fullest. 

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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Home Theater Apps

October 1st, 2012

Smart phones and tablets can make your home theater interactive. Here is a list of a few fun apps for you to try.

1) iMaster Control Pro is a full functioning remote where you can use your smart phone or tablet into control your entire home theater system
2) RedEye controls your home theater system that has an extensive online database to provide control codes for numerous devices through a WiFi signal
3) Logitech Squeezebox Controller  is an app that plays Internet radio or digital audio across a home network
4) Remote HD costs $5.00 that controls your Mac, PC, & Apple TV directly from your iPhone.
5) Plex puts your TV, video, music, & photos accessible through your smart phone. iTunes, Netflix and 200 various sources are all at the palm of your hand

6) Dijit allows you to replace all remotes you use in your house. You can even share what you are watching, listening to, or something you find interesting directly to Facebook and Twitter
7) Remote controls your Apple TV directly from your iPhone or iPad. This app is free!
8) DirectTV can be accessed via your smart phone and tablet and set to record shows even when you’re not at home
9) Home Theater Glossary won’t control your home theater but it will help you with terminology while you try to purchase your home theater system. This $3.00 app is only available on the Android system
10) i.TV is only for the iPhone or iPad. This digital TV guide will allow you access to what is available on cable, iTunes, Netflix, and Hulu

With smart phones and tablets increasing popularity, on a daily basis, using some of these apps to control your home theater system is extremely convenient. There is no need for multiple remotes that can be confusing to use. Each app we’ve listed has a direct link to download or view customer comments. Just click on the highlighted name to access each page. If you use any of these apps, we would love to hear what you think of them.

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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CEDIA 2012 Expo Summary

September 12th, 2012

Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) is an expo based around home theater, home automation, and home electronic. The 2012 expo was held in Indianapolis, IN which ran from September 5 till 8. For those of you that follow us on Twitter, you would have seen links to articles featuring the new 4K TV’s, wireless home theater systems,  and soundbars. These were some of the many important new equipment and technology showcased at CEDIA. Here is a quick recap of the 2012 expo:

Soundars: These soundbars are equipped with features of an AV receiver with wireless sub and Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio.

4K TVs: 4K TV’s are starting to become the next big thing in home theater equipment. Recently we did a blog on the Sony 4K TV which you can view here. If you recall, the price was set approximately around $22,000.

Wireless: Wireless connections from smartphones and internet devices was popular. A wireless home theater cannot be 100% wireless because you need power but the option to have wireless connectivity to your equipment is sought after.

Automation: When technology and convenience merge, you get home automation. An example is the Sony/Control4 receiver which enables your Sony remote to control your entire home theater. Read the review from CE Pro by clicking here.

CEDIA gives you a direct look at all the new features, innovations,and equipment for home electronics. Home theater enthusiasts appreciate CEDIA because if gives you insight on what is upcoming in the world of home theater technology .CEDIA‘s YouTube page has lots of interesting videos showcasing some of the vendors as well as a look at what CEDIA is about.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact us at any of the methods below.

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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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.

 

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