Category — Audio & Video
Should I Create My Own Projector Screen Using Projector Screen Paint?
Projector screen paint can be used as an alternative to a typical fabric screen. There are five questions that are frequently asked about projection screen paint, and they are covered here.
Why would I want to use Paint Instead Of A Fabric Screen?
The key reason why many choose to use projector screen paint is because of the cost. If you intend on having an extremely large sized screen, say over 110″ the costs for a fabric screen can be tremendous. Another advantage is that you can tint projector screen paint, and by doing this you can get a picture more suited to your personal tastes.
Can I Put The Paint On Any Surface?
Typically the paint can be applied to any smooth, paintable surface. Problems can arise with porous surfaces such as wood and gyproc. You will want to seal the surface with a primer, some specialized projector screen paints have their own special primer, but generally you will want to use a latex primer. Some projector paint packages will have their own base coat also.
Can I Just Use Regular Wall Paint?
It is possible to use regular wall paint, but this typically gives mixed results. The only advantage to this is the cost. The problem with regular paints is that they are not designed to reflect light in a specific way suitable for viewing as projector screen paints are, and the image could appear dull. Reading the results from those trying this approach across the internet makes success with this method appear like a crapshoot.
What Is A Good Type of Paint?
Perhaps the most recommended paint on the internet is Screen Goo. Screen Goo comes in a big kit with it is a base coat, and specific instructions to be followed. It is reasonably priced and can provide great savings over a fabric screen especially when used on a large area. The reported viewing experience appears to be very positive.
Should I Put Something Around The Screen Area To Make Viewing Better?
It is suggested that you surround the viewing area with black velvet. The properties of black velvet allow it to absorb excess light very well, and this improves the overall appearance of the image. If you are going to be using a HD projector make sure that the area within the velvet adheres to a 16:9 ratio otherwise there will be empty space above and below the picture.
Where Can I Find More Details About Projector Screen Paint?
For more details on projector screen paint please visit the Projector Screen Paint page and for even further info visit http://hdtvprojectorscreen.com/.
April 30, 2010 No Comments
Better Sound and Resonance With a PC Audio Cable
It wasn’t too long ago that PC users were relegated to the small speakers within their computer. Naturally as technology advanced external speakers were developed, and now we have computer speakers that can compete with any home theater system. If you want to hook it all up and make it sound great, you’ll need the right PC audio cable. Do it right an you may never use your stereo system again, unless of course you have a lot of records that you listen to.
The computer now comes loaded with a high quality sound card and audio system. It’s your job to make full use of it. To do that you’ll need not only the right speakers, but the right cables to tie it all together if you want the best sound possible.
Do a little research and you might be surprised at what you find. Grab the latest electronics journal and you’ll find not only the latest speakers and sound cards, but you’ll see various companies marketing their cables as well. They understand that consumers need good cables or everything else in the system will never sound as good as it should.
Now, to be fair, these cables are not usually as sought after as the high quality audio cables used in home theaters and stereos. Most people feel the sound will be limited by the capabilities of the computer, especially when hooking things up to a notebook computer. But don’t fall into this trap. With the right components and PC audio cables you can turn your laptop into a powerful music system.
The thick insulators will enhance the smooth running of the digital signal without facing any occlusion. There will be the complete absence of noise and disturbance.
A PC audio cable can be extremely efficient. It is noise resistant and the digital interface will produce ear soothing sound without harshness. You really can turn your computer into a perfect audio system if there is proper arrangement of the audio cabling system. The high quality and energy efficient cable will produce superb and soothing sound. And with good insulation you won’t have to worry about outside radio frequencies creating noise or interference.
When shopping for cables, naturally you want to look for the efficiency level. But you also want to make sure you get the right size. In other words, don’t get more cable than you need. If the cable is too long, not only will you have a mess on your hands, but you’ll tend to lose a little bit of sound as the signal travels further. Make sure the cables are flexible, but even if they are you don’t want to bend them too much since this can cause damage.
Get good cables, take care of them, and you really can get incredible sound from even the smallest laptop computer.
To find out more about how you can benefit from a good PC audio cable plus get information on many other audio and video cables, be sure to visit our website at AudioAndVideoCables.net.
April 24, 2010 No Comments
Home Theatres
Home theaters, complete with large elevated screens, stereo surround sound and high definition discs used to only be for the wealthy. With the continual dropping of prices, a true home theater that would have been written up in a magazine only a few years ago can be had by a good number of middle class families.
At the same time Hollywood is cashing in on record sales, families are bringing the theater experience home. Movie studios, tired of decreasing box office returns, finally brought movie goers something they couldn’t get at home-the 3-D experience. It has been such a money maker that Warner Brothers has pledged to make all of their major releases, called tentpole releases, in 3-D in 2011. At an average of $3 more a ticket, or a cost of 30-50 percent more than a 2-D movie admission, 3-D movies have been shown to be guaranteed money makers and studios are rushing to give the public their fill of the experience.
In the last 10 years, Hollywood has trying to stay ahead of runaway technology. Big budget action movies, with their huge explosions, massive action and detailed models didn’t translate well to a smaller home screen, making the theater the best place to see those films. Then came the era of the computer generated blockbuster, which was able to create “stunts” in scales never before possible. These, too, only really translated well on large screens with high definition. The ability to truly recreate the experience was beyond the budget and capability of the average moviegoer.
When flat screens, high-definition television and large screens with stereo sound became cheap enough to be within the reach of the average person’s credit card or home equity line limit, sales of these technological marvels took off. People justified the expense by telling themselves that they could skip going to the movies and watch at home. At an average for $9-10 for an adult movie ticket, it wasn’t absurd reasoning. Ticket sales went down and Hollywood spent a few years trying to come up with winning formulas to get people back into the theaters, until along came 3-D. Within two years, most major family releases became 3-D with a 2-D option, though that is changing to straight 3-D.
Stores have begun offering 3-D systems, but they are still expensive enough to only be on most people’s wish list. An expansion of the market causing a lowering of prices, combined with an economic recovery in the next few years, will change that though, leaving Hollywood to find the next even bigger thing. Virtual movies, anyone?
Please check out more of Laura’s write-ups about a nice wall mount tv shelf or corner tv mount at http://www.wallmounttvshelf.net
April 8, 2010 No Comments
Discount Ceiling Speakers
Discount ceiling speakers aren’t easy to find. However, you can try searching large online websites like eBay, where some retailers may offer certain discounts for bulk orders. The good point is that even the non-discount speakers can be found at extremely low prices. You merely need to know the speaker manufacturers that offer great speakers at low costs.
First, let’s enumerate the companies whose speakers don’t typically come at a low price. Knowing these brands, you can simply delete them from your list, so that you don’t have to waste your time. Here are the most expensive speaker manufacturers today (in the approximate order of their average pricing): Boston Acoustics, JBL, BIC, Yamaha, Infinity, Dayton, and Atlas Sound.
And here are the manufacturers that can gladden you with excellent discount prices: Atlas Sound, Bogen Communications and Pyle Audio. The most solid one of these companies is Pyle Audio. If you purchase your new equipment from them, you will not have to compromise on the quality due to a lower cost. Their products can cost as much as four times less than those made by Boston Acoustics or Infinity. At the same time, their speakers feature excellent clear sound, attractive design, and quality materials. The quality of their ceiling speakers may be a bit lower than that of the popular Infinity Systems, whose speakers were used by such moguls like Mitsubishi and Chrysler. Nonetheless, the quality of the Pyle Audio product is high enough to astound anyone, especially considering the bargain price that their “discount ceiling speakers” come at.
http://www.woodspeakerstands.com/discount-ceiling-speakers.html offers a lot more valuable information if you’re interested in learning more about what ceiling speaker options are available. Go to http://www.woodspeakerstands.com/discount-ceiling-speakers.html right now to learn more.
March 23, 2010 No Comments
A Guide to Choosing the Right Audio Tower
Adding a home theater to your house can be a fun, but tricky project. You have to figure out where you want to put it, how it’s going to look, and how it will fit into your décor. You probably need to select a look that is not too trendy, but still up to date. Certainly, when you start looking around at the TV’s and their accessories in today’s marketplace, they are all very modern looking. Most televisions available today are flat screens, so you need to be sure you choose an audio cabinet that it will fit into properly. TV dimensions have also been exploding lately, especially in American households, so you definitely have to think outside of the box when you start looking for a cabinet to put your giant screen in.
Naturally, you would want to buy the television, and also at least choose all of your home theater components before you start looking for an audio tower to hold it all. The size of the TV and the components you choose will guide you in your selection of the perfect size cabinet. In an ideal world, your tower would have adequate shelves to hold all the accessories without them having to be stacked on top of one another. Electronic equipment needs to have enough air space around each surface so that it won’t overheat while it’s on. When you stack items without using shelves, the heat collects and they can overheat, which can make them not last as long.
As for the appearance of your audio tower, it’s a good idea to pick one that compliments the décor of your house. Generally, your entertainment room will be a room with the highest usage, so you want it to look the nicest. Luckily, you have a lot options in audio tower décor, so you can surely find one that will suit your needs perfectly. The best plan of attack is to hit the Internet and start browsing through photos in online retailer websites. Should you then subsequently choose to buy at a local furniture store, you will have educated yourself thoroughly as to price and options available, which will give you some negotiating power at the time of purchase.
Selecting audio towers for your home is simple so long as you follow these simple guidelines. The most important thing is to be sure to pick one that you will enjoy for a long time. By choosing a well-made audio tower, you will definitely end up with the one that will suit your needs perfectly. For more information, please check out audiotower.org
March 2, 2010 No Comments
Audio Books And Recorded Books – Do You Know The Answers To These Questions?
You’ve heard of audio books, or recorded books before, haven’t you? Many people, even the ones who use them daily, remain tongue-tied when it comes to answering correctly the following questions.
Why? My guess is that audio books in general are so convenient to use. Many of us prefer to venture into the scenes of an audio book without delay more willingly. Spending our precious time researching every detail about its creation remains a distant “maybe”.
On the other hand, there are a few details about recorded books you want to know.
What for?
‘Cause knowing them makes it easier for you to navigate around audio books with more confidence. Your improved “shopper’s education” to make the right choice is worth it.
I admit I used to be unaware of even the basic terms about audio books myself. So, I asked questions to get answers.
Guess what? I’ve found them. And I’d love to share them with you so you can save time researching the same questions. If you’d like to know the answers to the following basic questions about audio books, keep on reading.
What’s an audio book?
An audio book is a book in audio format. It is a “fun replacement” for a physical hardcover or paperback book you’d read from cover to cover. Instead, you grab-n-read books on CD, books on tape, or MP3 books versions.
What formats do audio books come in?
You can get recorded books on tape, books on CD, and MP3 books. From an old-fashioned cassette player to modern and sleek MP3 players, audio books keep you company on-the-go where traditional book reading is simply unsuitable.
What’s an MP3 book?
MP3 books are still audio books. But a clever compression technique reduces the file size to take up less recording space. Besides that, MP3’s are portable and easily downloadable. Storing them is a breeze when compared to piling up stacks of cassettes or CD’s.
How can recorded books in MP3 format be played back?
You can play MP3 audio books on any MP3 portable player. You can also play them on your home PC (need to have Windows Media Player or similar). Playing MP3’s on a laptop or MP3-enabled cellular phones is the latest trend. If you don’t have an MP3 player, but have a CD player, you can burn MP3 files to a CD using your computer. You’ll need special software to do that. Search Google for “free software to burn CD’s” 
.
What does “unabridged audio book” mean?
Good question. An “unabridged” audio book is narrated (or told) word for word. It’s the printed book equal in audio format. Nothing’s missing. Nothing’s added. As a result, they are longer than “abridged” versions.
What’s an “abridged audio book” version then?
It’s similar to the printed original, but shorter. The word-for-word narration from the previous example is not exact. “Abridged” also means shortened, cut. Keep that in mind if you are looking for the original version.
What are “dramatized audio books”?
Dramatized audio books are stage-like, “play-life” versions of printed books. You get all the bells and whistles: full cast, music and sound effects. Some people prefer it; some would rather get a simple, told version by an experienced narrator.
Is there a difference between having the author of the physical book tell the audio version, or is it better to have a professional narrator do the job?
Some authors are gifted for both writing and telling their own book. Others are better off leaving it to professional “voice-over calibers”. If you can, listen to a sample of the recorded book that catches your interest. It’ll help you decide if the narrator resonates with you. Some people swear that half the beauty of an audio book is the voice-over quality.
Where’s a good place to start for a novice interested in recorded books?
An excellent place to start is to pick up a favorite story you already know about, but would like to “read” as an audio. About the length, pick “abridged” audio books to start with to cut down on time they take to play back. Once you become more skilled with recorded books, you got to check out “unabridged” editions as downloadable audio MP3 books as soon as you can.
Once a beginner, Lou Smith shares the riches he’s found in Audio Books He offers you a special invitation to get free Recorded Books as gifts now. You can listen to MP3 books samples right away.
January 26, 2010 No Comments
The Four Essential Components Of Home Theater You Should Know About
The best home theater system in the world will cost you a fortune, that’s a given! Truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Problem with many potential home theater enthusiasts is they are waiting for the right time to set up.
There is no right time! Your best home theater won’t suddenly show up. You have to get it going. Now is a great time to get started because pricing has never been so good.
Apart from the vast array of home theater components available at the major department stores, opportunities to purchase equipment online has opened up a whole new world for buyers which inevitably has led to greater competition for the buyer’s dollar. This means better deals for you so if you’ve been thinking of “taking the plunge” now is as good a time as any.
The Basics Of Home Theater
Today, home theater requires four basic components.
- The television, either LCD or Plasma. Size is important. Many enthusiasts suggest at least a 4o inch tv. After all, to recreate a cinema atmosphere you want to have as big a screen as possible.
- A DVD player. Many people are still using old VCR’s however, to move to the next level then you should be considering a DVD. Their ability to store more data and to encode digital signals produces a much clearer picture while multiple channel sound data makes them much more effective as a recording and playback device.
- A receiver for decoding channels feeding the relative speakers during your playback session.
- Speakers however, for full home theater effect, the days of speakers either side of the television are gone. In this scenario, 4-6 speakers is desired for surround sound effect.
Price Of Home Theater
It’s difficult to suggest a specific price for your best home theatre set up. Everyone has different tastes and different budgets. Each one of the components listed above provide an effective cinema-style scenario when all working in unison.
For between $1500-3000, you are working at the lower end of the price range but don’t be fooled; there are some excellent bargains to be picked up in this price range. The higher you go, the less choice you need to make. The bottom price rung is an extremely competitive market and sellers are normally happy to do deals. The options decrease the higher the price as the market isn’t as large.
It’s important to remember, setting up the best home theater system in the world isn’t a race. It’s a step-by-step process. Technology changes rapidly and there are new and better options coming onto the market all the time. The other thing to consider is brand choice. It’s a little like shopping for cars: people have their preferences and will be loyal to a particular brand.
Once you have the basics to your home movie set up established, then it’s time to think about accessories… but that’s for another time!
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Learn the four essential components of the best home theater system.We’ll give you some handy tips what you need plus, get the latest home theater tips and tricks at:http://www.hometheaterinfoline.com
January 25, 2010 No Comments
Home Theatre Systems – With So Many Choices, How Do You Find The Right One?
One of the overwhelming aspects of finding and/or designing the right home theatre system is that there are now so many options to choose from. With the ever steady boom in home theatre demand, more manufacturers are producing a wide array of options. Technology continues to change and improve in leaps and bounds, which often means what was brand new and completely unaffordable only twelve months ago may now be right in your perfect price range.
One reason many individuals like having a hand in designing their own home theatre system is that you can basically mix and match to make it into whatever you want. You are not restrained by package deals. It is possible to put together a full-scale, state of the art system with projector, receiver and the works, or if that seems a little over the top, you can buy a quality TV (some almost to projection screen sizes nowadays) and accessorize it with DVD player and surround sound speakers.
The variance can go from a couple thousand, to $100,000 for the ludicrously rich and extravagant. This illustrates the importance of choosing a system that suits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.
In the end, it’s all about getting the best possible home theater system for the money you have available. Don’t be afraid if it’s not state of the art—your neighbor will still be paying that off six years down the road when you’ve already upgraded for cheaper. Because of the rapid move of technology, prices bottom out pretty quickly as companies rush at sometimes break neck speeds to try and out do each other.
Think about your own watching and listening needs. Based on what you prefer, a little research should reveal to you the best brands, the best speakers, the best options for what you want to enjoy.
Building your home theater can be a great experience. If you are a family man, you can enjoy movies with the family without having to go out to the hassles of a theatre. If you’re a bachelor, invite the guys over for the game. If you’re a college student, you are probably incredibly popular (just don’t put it on the credit cards). There are several different factors to consider when picking out the various parts that will go into your own personal home theatre system. Here is a check list of a few things to consider:
* Projector or TV? Are you in a semi-permanent residence, or moving soon? That may make a huge difference in how much you want to sink in.
* If you’re shooting for the projector, then what type suits your needs?
* Small room or larger one.
* What is the focus? Movies? Music? Football games? All of the above?
* Location, location, location!
* Can I do it myself, or should I get help?
Keep this checklist in mind and do your research, and you’ll be sure to find the home theatre system that matches your needs.
http://www.hometheatrefun.com brings you the latest on the home theatre. Home theatre’s are very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on home theatre systems
January 24, 2010 No Comments
Home Theater Installation – Two Options
If you want to update the interior of your home, one of your best options is to install a home theater. But if this sounds like something that interests you, there are a couple of options that you will need to consider. Home theater installation can be done in one of two ways.
First off, if you are looking to save money and are the handy man type, you may want to consider installing your own home theater. This is not a difficult task if you have a little bit of skill, as well as some patience. In most cases, you will be able to complete most jobs with ease. Where you may run into a problem is when you are trying to wire your system. The best way to get around this is by following the directions to a T. This way, you do not get off course and you are ensured of a 100% accurate job upon completion.
When you install your own home theater, you have a lot of options as to what equipment to buy. You can purchase a “home theater in a box” setup which provides you with everything you need. This is a great idea of you don’t know what components you want or you simply want the convenience of one stop shopping and the assurance that all your components will fit and work together.
If you prefer to buy the pieces separate then you should do some research before hitting the stores. Perhaps you have a favorite piece you want for your home theater – if this is a must have you should figure that into your budget first and then go looking for the other pieces that will fit into the remainder of your budget. Checking out components at a few different stores before you jump in and buy can help you get a better deal and a better understanding of what you want.
If you do not want to install your own home theater for one reason or the next, you should check into having a professional do the job for you. Most of the time, whoever you buy your equipment from will also be able to set everything up for you. The main advantage of having a professional complete the project is that you know the job will be done correctly. Also, they can make suggestions as to what sort of set up you should use. The only downside to hiring a professional is that you will have to pay for their services.
Overall, home theater installation is not a difficult task. You can either take the job on yourself, or get the help of the professional. Either way, make sure that the job gets done correct, and your room is set up exactly how you envisioned it.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.home-theater.home-webzone.com where you can find out more about home theater components and setup as well as home theater installation.
October 19, 2009 No Comments
Buyers Guide to Home Theater Projectors
Over the years, I have grown really attached to my home theater system. I must say, of all the rooms in the house, my own little movie theater is the one I could not live without. I am absolutely in love with my home theater system and, if you are anything like me, I am sure you will love yours too. I found, when I was initially building my system, that there was so much information to absorb. Every product out there seemed better than the next, and I found myself unsure about which to buy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new home theater projector.
There are two main types of projectors on the market; DLP and LCD. DLP stands for digital light processing. It was invented by Texas Instruments, and utilizes a microscopic array of over 2 million mirrors. DLP has a higher contrast than LCD, but there are some unfavorable consumer reports that note something called the “rainbow effect”. The “rainbow effect” is noticeable when looking from one side of the screen to the other, and is characterized by a sudden burst of color.
LCD stands for liquid crystal display. These projectors have three distinct glass LCD panels inside; one for each component of the video signal (red, green, and blue). While DLP chips reflect light, the LCD panels allow light to pass through them. LCD projectors produce brighter images, and they are known for having excellent color saturation. In the end, you will be hard-pressed to notice a great difference between the two types of projection systems.
When shopping for a new projector, keep your particular needs in the forefront of your thoughts. As I mentioned above, it is really easy to lose yourself in the minutiae of each particular system. Connectivity is a definitely something to be mindful of. Make sure that you are able to connect all of your components, including your gaming system. Nothing beats playing Halo in real-life size! Contract ratio is another important factor; the higher the ratio, the better the picture will be.
The brightness of your projector is another thing to consider. Light output is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lumens. You will want to avoid a projector that produces anything shy of 1000 lumens. As you are likely aware, the projection resolution is extremely important. This refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. Go for something that is no less than 1024×768, as this will allow you to fully appreciate the depth and quality of HDTV. In the end, you should buy the projector that is in line with your needs and your budget. Soprano’s is coming on right now! Time to go!
Warren Thompson is like a kid in a candy store, when it comes to home theater products. When he can drag himself away from his miniature movie theater, he writes for hometheaterfocus.com – an excellent resource for information about soundproofing, digital video recorders, wiring diagrams and more.
October 18, 2009 No Comments