Discover 4 Options for your Home Theater System

More than ever you had nearly unlimited sources for top quality home theater entertainment. From movies to games to exercise programs you name it, they are there and you’re just a click away!

More and more TV shows broadcast in HD and surround sound. There’s an endless list of titles of CDs and DVDs, BlueRays, 4K Blue-Rays- which by the way is the best and latest possible HD performance in the market at the moment. And the good news is you won’t need a separate player for each type of disc, 4K Blue-Ray player will play them all! but the biggest content is where you are now, online!

You can probably find almost anything you want including Hollywood features in HD with high-quality surround sound and Internet radio that let you customize playlists. so how do you get this in your home theater?

First broadband Internet connection look for a speed of at least 5 Mb per second. Then one of you home theater components should have Internet capability like a Smart TV, Blue-Ray player, AV receiver or game console. Note that many of these specifications can be seen in their features list and many also include direct access to popular online services that connect directly to the Internet or your home network so a computer isnt necessary even if your other components don’t have net access built in!

There’s and number of internet enable devices available that will provide it. Think of them as doorways to huge entertainment stores that will let you shop from the couch some offer access to multiple services like Netflix, Facebook, Hulu or Blockbuster while others are dedicated to one service online entertainment which is evolving very rapidly. Faster connections new technologies and expanded capabilities, your home theater is a key to online exploring.

Types of Home Theater Audio Systems

You can choose from four basic types of home theater audio systems:

Home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems
Sound bars
Component systems
Separates

Home-theater-in-a-Box (HTIB) Systems

Usually five surround sound speakers, a subwoofer, and a disc player/amplifier. Sold as a unit, in one box (hence the name). Includes all wiring.

Sound Bars
A long, thin bar containing several loudspeaker units. Offers virtual surround sound. Usually designed for mounting on a wall below a flat-panel TV, which sometimes can be synchronized with a wireless subwoofer that can be placed anywhere around the allowed connectivity range.

Component Systems

Your choice of an audio/video (A/V) receiver, speakers, and any source components (such as a 4K Blue-Ray player).

Separates

Component systems with separate preamplifier/processor and power amplifiers that replace the receiver.

Which should you choose? Well your considerations should include:

Your Budget

Sound systems are available in a range of prices; here are general guidelines.

Price Ranges

$200–$1,000: Home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems. A few deluxe models are priced much higher. HTIB systems usually have small speaker systems.
$250–$2,000: Sound bars offer an alternative when you simply don’t have the space for a surround sound system. Many include a separate wireless subwoofer.
$1,000–$3,000: Component home theater systems, based on an A/V receiver.
$3,000 and up: Component home theater systems with top-of-the-line receivers or preamplifier/amplifier separates, and large speakers.
Essentially, for all equipment, more money can buy more features and higher maximum listening levels.
If you’re planning a component system, save about 50 percent of your budget for the speakers.

Your Room

Where you plan to set up your system can dictate what you’ll need. A large speaker system can overwhelm a small room. And a sound bar won’t be able to fill a large room with sound. When planning, remember to prepare routes for the wires to the surround speakers, furniture, and electrical power.

The Right System for Your Room

Here are some equipment guidelines for room sizes and functions:
Dorm room or similar: Look to HTIB systems or a sound bar. Component systems with small speakers may also be suitable.
Apartment living room: HTIB, sound bar, or small component system. This will depend on how well the system fits with your furniture (and your neighbors).
Larger living room: Component system. To create a separate home theater area in the room, an HTIB or sound bar may be adequate.
Den or “man cave”: Component system. Create a dream system just for you.
Dedicated home theater room: Design the best component system you can fit and afford. The ideal is to have a dedicated home theater room, where a home theater system is installed and you’ll really enjoy.

4K Ultra High Definition TV?

The simplest explanation is that a 4K HDTV named also Ultra HDTV provides four times 4(x) the picture resolution of a typical full HD 1080p TV. Ultra HD TVs are often referred to as “4K” TVs, because they have a horizontal picture resolution of around 4000 pixels therefore making it the next generation of the High Definition revolution.

You’ve probably seen a movie in 4K without even realizing it — 40% of movie theaters use 4K digital projectors to display Hollywood’s latest hits with maximum detail and depth. Now, imagine how lifelike watching at home would be with that many pixels on a 65″, 70″, or 80″ TV screen instead of a 30-foot theater screen. That’s the reality of 4K Ultra High Definition TV.

The equation is simple more pixels = more picture details
Whether it’s a TV, a tablet, or a smartphone, the more pixels a screen has, the more seamless and detailed the picture will look. The core idea is a screen where the “pixel structure” is invisible to the human eye. You already find that on high-end tablets and phones like those with Apple’s “Retina” display. The new 4K Ultra High Definition models take television a giant step in that direction — the best example can be seen when you stand right next to an Ultra HD TV to notice any pixels at all. Because the picture is so clear and sharp, you can sit closer to a 4K TV to add even more to the sense of immersion in reality.

How close should you sit to a 4K TV? Most experts say you can get as close as 1-1/2 times the screen height, versus 3 times the screen height for a 1080p TV. That’s much closer than most people sit to watch HDTV, but it really transforms the experience to a lifelike adventure — the screen completely fills your field of vision, making you feel more like you’re in the scene. Add to this a darkened room and surround sound system to unequivocally intensify this feeling of immersion.

Will I have compatibility problems again? Like when I upgraded to HD initially? How will my current video sources look on a 4K TV?
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to true 4K video sources right away. All 4K TVs include built-in 4K upconversion, also called “upscaling,” which takes the video signals from your Blu-ray player, satellite or cable TV box, or game console, and makes them fill the 4-times greater pixel count of the 4K screen which make them completely compatible with all your existent video sources. Without upconversion, a 1080p Blu-ray signal would appear as a small rectangular image at the center of the screen, with black bars on all sides. While upconverted 4K isn’t the same as true 4K, the processing enhances the appearance of non-4K video to more closely resemble 4K.

Why aren’t 4K TVs available in smaller screen sizes?
Most people find that 1080p resolution looks fine on screens 50″ or less. From a typical viewing distance you won’t notice the screen’s grid of pixels — sometimes called the “pixel structure.” But 55″ and larger screens benefit from a much higher pixel count, making the grid virtually invisible. Ultra HD not only offers a more detailed picture, but also allows you to sit closer to a screen and/or view a larger screen while enjoying unprecedented clarity. This end-to-end approach helps ensure a truly theater-like experience at home.

4K + Nano Full LED backlighting = you have to see it to believe it!

LG launched the world’s first 4K Ultra HD TV late in 2012. Now their first 2nd-generation 4K TVs are here, with even better picture quality. In addition to 4K pixel power, these TVs use the company’s most advanced backlight – the NANO Full LED full-array backlight with local dimming.
The era of 4K Ultra High Definition is here to stay just sit on your favorite recliner, stretch your legs, turn on your sound system to set the right mood grab the popcorn and enjoy movies and visual content like never before thanks to advances in technology.

Wireless Microphones?

Why Wireless Microphones?

Many public speakers fall into the trap of thinking they don’t need a wireless microphone.  “I’m a REAL speaker.  I don’t need a wireless microphone.  I’ll just shout my speech!”   Don’t make that mistake.  The mike is your friend and allows you greater flexibility in your vocal variety.  This is especially important for speakers who are delivering an important message.  Vocal variety adds spice to your words and the audience needs to hear your punch-lines.  A microphone helps you meet both needs.

What to choose?

1.  What size audience requires a wireless microphone?  There is no magic number or silver bullet.  Sometimes you don’t need a wireless microphone for 75 people.  Sometimes you do need it for only 20 people.  It depends on the venue; the size of the room, the furniture, the drapes, the carpet, the height of the ceiling, the noise from the adjoining visitors area in the room or even the street traffic.  If you’re ever in a situation where you aren’t sure whether you need the wireless microphone or not, use it.  You’ll at least have it set up and can lay it aside if you decide you don’t need it.  If you don’t have it set up and you discover you do need it, it’s too late.

2.  Wireless microphones work great, a wireless microphone is a safer choice.  Cheap corded mikes have a poor quality sound and we’ve all seen how that ugly black cord looks let alone hauling it everywhere one wants to move, or the lack of mobility they provide. Also remember you may encounter the situation where an invited guest would like to share some important words usually need not doubt a wireless microphone provides the functionally comparable only to today’s mobile devices.

3.  Use your wireless microphones comfortably just remember to attach it where nothing will rub on it, either clothing or jewelry.  Experiment with the perfect place to hook it up for optimum sound.  Wear clothing which will accommodate a clip-on power pack.  Be careful wearing a lavaliere mike when holding something close to the body or hugging someone.  It can create a megaphone effect and give you feedback.  Also, don’t wear it to the men’s room or ladies room while it’s turned on!

4.  With wireless microphones, practice speaking and holding a mike at the same time.  Learn to naturally transfer it from one hand to the other.  It normally looks best to grip the wireless microphone with the whole hand and not with just the fingers.  And for most mikes, hold it near the top of the mike and not at the bottom where the antenna is often located.  If a wireless microphone cuts in and out, you may be holding it too close to the bottom and blocking the signal.

5.  With any type of wireless microphone learn where the on/off switch is.  If there is a power switch or a standby switch, find out how they work.  Know how to work the switches without looking at them or in the dark.  If there is a battery, start your talk with a new battery and have a spare one handy.  Know how to replace it.

6.  Do a live test of the wireless microphone before the program.  Have an assistant walk the room to check the volume setting.  Look for feedback spots.  These are usually under and in front of speakers.  Avoid these areas during your talk.

7.  Before you are introduced, watch the speakers who are on the program before you.  How well is their wireless microphones projecting?  Is there something you could learn from their handling of the mike?

8.  When it’s time for you to take the platform:  You’ve already tested the wireless microphone.  Don’t tap on it.  Don’t blow into it.  Don’t say, “Is this thing on?”  Or, “Can you hear me?”  Just start talking.  If you’ve done your preparation right, it’ll be working just fine.  If not, you’ll know soon enough.  It’s a good idea to have a room monitor who can watch for things which aren’t just right and who knows how to fix the situation.

9.  When using a wireless microphone, energize your voice.  That means to speak normally but with energy.  Don’t speak into the mike, speak past it.  Let the microphone overhear your conversation.  Speaking into the mike often causes your Ps to “pop” in the mike.

10.  If you get feedback during your talk, try reversing whatever physical action you were doing just before the feedback started.  For example if you were moving forward and then you started to get feedback…move backward.  The feedback will usually stop.  In addition to feedback caused by  a nearby speaker, you can also get interference if there is another live microphone in the room.  The unused mike should be turned off.

11.  If you are using a wireless microphone which is in a fixed position, perhaps on a mike stand or attached to a lectern, imagine that you’re attached with a string between your nose and the mike.  If you’re going to look to the right while speaking, rather than turn your head to the right, you need to first move your body to the left since you’re tethered with an imaginary string to your microphone.  This gimmick keeps the microphone in front of you at all times.

12.  If you are using a microphone stand which needs to be adjusted for height, have someone adjust it for the proper level before you are introduced.  Practice adjusting the stand ahead of time, just in case you need to do it in front of the audience.  If you’re not careful, some stands can separate into two parts!  Once you start speaking, it’s a nice touch to remove the wireless microphones from the stand so you can walk around.  Place the stand behind you so it isn’t between you and the audience.  As you wrap up your talk, move the stand back in front of you, and replace the mike before you say your final words.  You’ll look like a pro.

13.  When using a mike fixed on a gooseneck attachment, if you’re going to move the mike, do it while you are speaking.  The sound of your voice will help cover any squeaking noise resulting from the gooseneck.

14.  If you belong to a Toastmasters club or give talks at your workplace where you can practice with  wireless microphones…do it.  You want the sound system to become a natural part of you and that comes only with practice.

By Francisco Hernandez