A Look At Todays Innovative Lcd Tv

Writen by John Dulaney

LCD, or liquid crystal display, televisions use a unique form of technology to produce their display, and although early models had a number of technological issues, those issues have largely been overcome, and these days there are excellent quality LCD TVs available from virtually every manufacturer of electronics in the world.

The earliest models of LCD televisions often had problems with "ghosting", especially when displaying fast action or fast moving imaging, and these early televisions were best viewed straight on or from a slight angle. These early problems have been overcome by advances in technology, and LCD and plasma TVs are making serious inroads on the traditional CRT (cathode ray tube) television market.

The prices of LCD televisions have come down quite a bit as well, even as the technology they use has continued to improve. These days the least expensive, small screen LCD TVs can often be purchased for a couple hundred dollars, while the largest displays sell for several thousand dollars. There are even larger LCD displays on the market, as large as 65" and even more, that may sell for $10,000 or more. If price is no object it is possible to find an LCD TV for virtually any taste.

The advent of these large screen LCD TVs is another indication of how much the technology has improved in a short period of time. When LCD technology was first being developed, the conventional wisdom was that it would be suitable only for small size televisions, and that the LCD technology would not be able to compete with plasma screens for larger sets. These days, however, ever larger LCD TVs are being developed and introduced, by the likes of Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Phillips and others.

The modern LCD TV is good for much more than watching TV, and the best sets on the market come with a multisystem tuner, which allows the machine to display not only the NTSC format common throughout North America, but the PAL and SECAM signals that are common in other parts of the world. In addition, many LCD TVs include a step down and step up transformer which can automatically use either 110 or 250 volt AC current, as well as universal grounded adapter plugs for added versatility.

In addition, virtually all modern LCD TVs on the market today are capable of displaying the latest HDTV (high definition television) and DTV (digital television) signals, and most can also be used as a computer monitor, by connecting them to a VGA or DVI signal. Those TV shoppers planning to use their new LCD TV as a monitor should be cautious, however, since the quality of the resolution can vary widely between brands and models.

LCD TV Considerations

Those in the market for an LCD TV to replace a traditional CRT TV should be aware of the differences in the technology, and what those differences mean in terms of viewing pleasure and lasting value. LCD televisions based on the PVA and S-PVA LCD panel are able to deliver a very good viewing angle at up to 140 degrees, and they also can provide a good contract ratio for viewing both light scenes and dark ones. The downside of the PVA and S-PVA technology is that they often have problems with "ghosting" when the scene moves between different shades of dark.

Traditional CRT televisions to not have this problem with "ghosting" since the phosphor contained in the CRT is charged by the strike of a beam of electrons, and it emits most of the light in a fast period of time, generally less than 1 millisecond, compared to a refresh period of about 20 milliseconds. For an LCD TV, each pixel emits light of a set intensity for a period of about 20 milliseconds, in addition to the time it takes to switch to the next state, which is typically between 12 and 25 milliseconds.

This response time, also known as the response time, can be shortened by the design of the panel, and by using overdriving technology, but the response time can only be cut down to the length of the refresh period.

Getting the response time equal to the refresh period is generally sufficient for watching films and television programs, but for videos shot at 50 or 60 frames a second there can still be some ghosting issues with some LCD TVs.

Fortunately, there are a number of emerging technologies within the world of the LCD TV, and these technologies promise to eliminate some of the ghosting and other issues that have been encountered by owners of these TVs. The first solution on the horizon is to make the backlight of the LCD panel fire during a period of time that is shorter than the refresh period. The goal is to make this period of time as short as possible, and to time it for when the pixel has already settled to its intended level of brightness. This technique, however, also introduces the problem of flicker that is so familiar to users of CRT computer monitors. This flicker problem occurs because the human eye is able to see flicker at the typical 50 or 60Hz refresh rates used in this technology.

Another emerging response to the problem is to double the refresh rate of the LCD TV, and then to reconstruct the intermediate frames using a variety of motion compensation techniques. This second method is being extensively studied on the new high end televisions currently being designed in Europe.

No matter what type of LCD TV technology you decide to buy, however, it is important to shop around for the best possible price. These days even discount retailers often sell some very good LCD TVs, and of course many electronics stores are virtually replacing their existing stock of CRT TVs with the newest in LCD and plasma screen technology. As with any major purchase, it is vital to shop around for the best deal, and to read the reviews of each model carefully. As with any piece of electronic equipment, the quality of an LCD TV can vary quite widely from model to model and brand to brand. For more information see: http://www.planetomni.com

110-220 Volt Electronics - A multisystem TV is a TV capable of receiving and displaying different video systems like PAL, SECAM and NTSC. You'll be able to operate a multisystem TV in 99% of the world. Their dual voltage design allows them to be plugged into either a 110 voltage source or a 220 voltage source. In some cases, the plug on the television will not fit your country's outlet, so an inexpensive plug-adapter will be needed. They can generally be picked up at an electronics store such as http://www.planetomni.com for $1.95. With a multisystem TV, such as a plasma, CRT tube type, LCD or DLP, you'll likely need a codefree (sometimes called region free) DVD player. These exist in many forms. When used with a PAL-NTSC TV you'll be able to see the full 625 lines of resolution available in the PAL system and the full 525 lines used in the USA NTSC system. There exists a converting type of DVD player which is codefree in that it can read all of the world's 6 regions and both standards, PAL and NTSC. 140,000 other products are available here: http://www.planetomni.com Tel. # 800-514-2984

Five Tips For Buying A Home Entertainment System

Writen by Hans Dekker

Looking for a new home entertainment system? Here are five tips for choosing the best model for your home environment.

1. Choose a system that can be expanded. Most of your music collection may be on CDs, but with the growing popularity of DVD audio you don't want to be left behind. Even if you are only interested in stereo sound make sure you buy a system that can be adapted to new technologies. This includes video as well as audio mediums. Buy a stereo system for now, but make sure it has surround sound capabilities.

Also consider whether you want your home entertainment system accessible in different parts of the house. An expandable system allows you to place speaker systems and playback modules in different rooms so that you can enjoy home entertainment throughout the house.

2. Buy a system with enough power. This goes hand-in-hand with the previous tip. Don't buy a unit which has just enough power for your current needs, but rather, think about how you will be expand it in the future. Surround sound speaker systems require more power than stereo, and satellite speakers systems installed in other rooms also require extra power.

Dedicated power amps for different parts of your home entertainment system can make a vast difference in the quality of sound. For example, a subwoofer amp can take the load off the rest of your system will providing massively deep bass sounds.

3. Choose a system that matches your entertainment preferences. If you are mainly interested in DVD video a surround sound speaker system can add amazing authenticity to your viewing experience. On the other hand, if you mostly listen to classical music, divide your budget so that you can get a good set of stereo speakers. If you like rap or hip-hop you should choose speakers designed for bass heavy music -- a subwoofer is a necessity.

4. Make it backwards compatible. Many people still have a sizable collection of VHS tapes and vinyl records. Rather than throwing out these valuable sources of entertainment, make sure your new entertainment system can handle them.

5. Buy the best you can afford. It's a waste of money to buy inferior components for your home entertainment system. You will quickly become dissatisfied with them and end up ditching them. If you have a limited budget, divide it up wisely. Rather than starting with a full-featured audio and video home entertainment system, concentrate on a few components. As long as your system is expandable, you can continue adding new features as your budget allows.

Hans is an audio enthusiast and author of the Audio How To Section of the http://www.selected-audio-reviews.com/

The Ultimate Hd Dvd Home Entertainment Setup

Writen by John Dulaney

The home entertainment market was created when the VHS was invented; it brought entertainment to people's living rooms and bedrooms. The VHS progressed to VCDs and DVDs which became the latest in the home entertainment. The cinema theaters, meanwhile, still had their hold on audiences due to certain unique characteristics such as a big screen, digital sound effects, high amplified sounds, and the entire theater experience. There has been a constant effort to bridge this gap between the theater movie experience and that of the home entertainment system. There have been great technological advancements in this field, and the present home theater systems have brought theater quality of entertainment into people's home with the invention of high definition technology.

High Definition Technology

The HD or High Definition technology comprises of HD Televisions, HD DVD players, and HD DVDs, which when combined with accessories like high quality amplifiers and speaker systems, provide for an exceptional quality of home theater system. The HD technology is relatively new, but has become very popular among consumers. HD equipment may seem to be expensive to the average consumer at first, but with time, as is true with all other types of technologies, these prices will come down as the usage becomes widespread and more advanced technologies emerge.

High definition televisions have already been around in the markets for some time. HD DVD players were rolled-out in Japan in March 2006 by the Japanese electronics giant, Toshiba Corp. This was followed by their inauguration in the U.S. a few days later, and they are scheduled to hit the UK market by the end of April. There is a lot of excitement regarding this technology, and people are expecting to see a revolution in home theater quality.

HD DVD Players and DVDs

The HD DVD or High Definition DVD was introduced in 2005 and was an adaptation of the existing basic structure of the DVD. The HD DVD has a greater storage capacity and can provide better audio and video quality as compared to a DVD. The HD DVDs are integrated with a state-of-the-art content protection technology which is unique to this medium. The storage capacity is 15 GB for a single layer, 30GB for a dual layer, and 45GB for a triple layer HD DVD. It uses the highly sophisticated compression techniques of MPEG-4 for increased capacity. At the core of the DVD format is a blue laser, having a shorter wavelength (405nm) that allows discs to store data at higher densities that are needed for high-definition movies and television. Toshiba has brought into the market two models of HD DVD players, the HD-XA1 and HD-A1, in the United States, priced at $799 and $499 respectively. The new machines are expected to breathe new life into the home video market and change the way people perceive home theater.

HD TV

The large screen plasma TVs and the LCD TVs have already been in the markets for some time and are widely acclaimed to have achieved high levels of quality. These are TVs that have a wide, flat screen that minimizes visual distortions dramatically. A large variety of screen sizes are available in display sizes ranging from 20" to 65". They come with very high resolutions varying from 1024x768 pixels, 1280x768 pixels, 1366x768 pixels, and 1024x1024 pixels. The HD TVs are equipped to provide higher levels of brightness and contrast ratios. Brightness can vary from 450cd/m2 to 1,200cd/m2, while contrast ratios are 400:1 to as high as and 10,000:1. All these attributes provide for a greater picture resolution and result in very clear and well defined visual quality.

The audio quality is as important in the audio-visual medium as the picture quality. There are a lot of options available in the market that can constantly cater to high quality listening experience. There are three main systems used in the surround sound system; Virtual Surround, Dolby Digital, and the DTS system. For televisions that are not HD compatible, provisions can be made to make them HD-compliant by minor modifications.

The major brands selling HD TVs in the market are Sharp, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Pioneer, Philips, Toshiba, and several others. HD TVs are available in a wide price range of $2000 to $5000, depending on the technology, brand, and features available.

Amplifiers or Home Theater Receivers

The amplifiers or home theater receivers are the hub of a home entertainment system and provide high quality digital-to-analog conversions. They decode and process any type of program material or surround mode of audio. They are capable of passing HD signals by converting all S-video and composite video inputs to the component video. Certain receivers also provide features like digital video recorders that enable viewers to watch and record programs in HD picture quality. The price range of digital amplifiers can vary from $300 to $750.

The Dolby system and the DTS (Digital Theater System) are currently very popular in both the home theater and the movie recordings. The first Dolby digital format (AC-1) was used in 1984, followed by the AC-2 improvement that was used for cinema. The latest, Dolby Digital (AC3) arrived in the cinemas in the year 1992. With the advancements made in the digital technologies, Dolby was later introduced in home theatre systems.

At present there are Dolby 5.1, 6.1 and the latest Dolby 7.1. These names are based on the number of channels provided. These also come with a great variety of speaker systems that include home theater subwoofers, speaker kits, in ceiling, in wall, book shelf speakers, center channel speakers, and floor standing speakers. They are available in a price range of $350 to $1500.

The overall effect of a home theater system is greatly influenced by the type and placement of speakers and the acoustic quality of the room in use. The right equipment combined with the right type of room make for the ultimate home entertainment theater.

Where to get REGION FREE DVD players/recorders and High Definition, HD DVD players, Blu-ray,Advanced Optical players/recorders in Blu-Ray DVD players/recorders. A multi region (aka codefree) DVD player or recorders is capable of playing DVD discs from anywhere in the world, that is all 8 regions and both PAL and NTSC standards. That's every DVD movie on earth! Many can not only play them but convert from one standard to the other for showing movies on any TV on earth. There are also PAL-NTSC 110-220 volts DVD/VCR Combos for use worldwide. CODEFREE DVD / PAL-NTSC VCR combos and MULTISTANDARD VCRs will play 100% all known DVD discs including FRENCH DVDs. You can buy region free and region free converting DVD players and region free DVD recorders from http://www.mindlogic.com in California. They give you a LIFETIME Warranty and ship worldwide. They also carry PAL-SECAM-NTSC TVs, PAL plasma, PAL LCD and PAL DLP multisystem TVs and multisystem converting and non-converting VCRs, voltage transformers, video standards converters and more than 140,000 products. Tel.800-514-2984 or tel. 925-686-9945

The Features And Benefits Of The Multisystem Lcd Tv

Writen by John Dulaney

What is an LCD Display?

LCD is short for liquid crystal display, and while LCD technology has been around for quite some time, it has been only in the last decade or so that the technology became suitable for the high quality flat panel television and computer monitor displays we see today. The most notable feature of displays using LCD technology, of course, is the thinness of the unit, but the power behind that thin design is actually quite extensive.

The display on an LCD panel is comprised of picture elements, or pixels as they are known to computer geeks everywhere. The resolution the flat panel display is capable of is determined partially by how many pixels are contained in the display. A typical LCD panel display can range from hundreds of thousands of pixels to millions of pixels, and the higher the number of pixels the better the resolution will be. LCD televisions come in a number of different shapes and sizes, but they are typically designed to accommodate a 16 to 9 display ratio. This ratio makes them perfect for watching widescreen displays like DVDs, as well as traditional television shows.

What are the Differences between LCD and Traditional TVs?

LCD televisions, flat panel computer monitors and other devices have a number of built in advantages, and it is these advantages that have made them such a hit with technology buyers everywhere. Some of the many advantages of LCD technology include:

*Brighter display – the displays on LCD televisions are brighter than those on a traditional CRT television, due to the special way these displays work. While a traditional CRT television or monitor uses a tube to create the display, the LCT TV uses pixels, providing for a brighter display.

*Flicker free performance – the display of the LCD television or computer monitor will also be free of flicker, since the LCD display will have a constant source of light throughout the entire screen. Once the pixel is turned on it remains on. Contrast this to the design of the CRT television or monitor, which must refresh the screen periodically with a ray of light moving down the monitor or TV.

*Low power consumption – another big advantage of the LCD TV is its superior energy efficiency. LCD televisions will be up to 65% more energy efficient than traditional televisions, helping to protect the environment while saving you money.

*Ultra slim design – it is of course the thin and sleek design that turns heads and gets the attention of buyers. LCD displays can be as thin as 49mm (just over 19 inches), meaning that these TVs can be placed virtually anywhere.

*Wall mountable designs – Many LCD TVs are so thin that they can be hung on the wall as you would hang a picture. It is important of course to purchase a wall mounting bracket that is suitable for holding the weight of the unit.

A Guide to Some LCD TV Terms

If you are in the market for an LCD TV, you will likely hear a number of new, and sometimes confusing, terms bandied about. It is important to understand what these words mean to you, the television technology shopper.

*Aspect Ratio – the aspect ratio of the TV helps to determine its suitability for watching movies and television programming in true widescreen format. While the traditional television has always used a aspect ratio of 4:3, i.e. 4" wide, 3" high, the typical LCD television uses an aspect ratio of 16:9, providing a truer widescreen picture perfect for watching DVD and VHS movies, as well as traditional television programming.

*Candela – one of those words you may hear from time to time is candela. Put simply, the candela is a standard unit of brightness, and it is equivalent to the number of candles that would be required to produce the same intensity of light. Therefore a rating such as 450 cd/m2 means that it would take a concentration of 450 candles in a square meter area to produce the same amount of light.

*Contrast Ratio – the contrast ratio is simply the difference in intensity of light between the darkest black and the brightest white on the display. The higher the contrast ratio the sharper and cleaner the picture will be.

*HDTV – high definition television, or HDTV for short, is quickly becoming the standard for television signal technology, and it is important to look for an LCD TV that is HDTV ready.

*Inputs – the TV inputs are important if you plant to connect a DVD player, VCR, game console, computer or other device to the LCD display panel. There are many different types of inputs, and it is important that the TV you choose provide a number of different options for getting signals to the device. A TV with a great many inputs will allow you to connect a number of different devices to the TV, greatly enhancing its versatility and its value.

It is also important to make sure that LCD TV you choose has the proper tuner for playing the TV signal you have coming in to the house. Many plasma screen and LCD TVs will lack a built in tuner, meaning that they will need to pick up that television signal from a cable box, satellite TV box, DirectTV signal or other similar device. It is important to make sure you understand the type of tuner that comes with the TV you are considering, and it is important to purchase all the accessories you will need when buying the TV.

Speaking of accessories, it is important to buy only the highest quality component cabling to connect that LCD display to your DVD player, VCR, Laser Disk player, computer or other device. The highest quality cables will provide the best picture and sound quality, which will further enhance the display of the LCD TV you have chosen.

It is also important, of course, to get the very best price you can on the LCD TV you want. The suggested retail price of the typical LCD TV will vary according to a number of factors, such as the size of the display, the thinness of the display and the quality of the manufacturer. It is important to shop around as much as possible, and to read the reviews of all the models you are considering.

Finally, the ability to play several different television signal formats, such as PAL, NTSC and SECAM, is an important consideration. Different parts of the world use different formats for television signals and video products, and buying one of these multisystem LCD TVs is a good way to make it more versatile and useful while getting the best value for your money.

For more information see: http://www.planetomni.com

110-220 Volt Electronics - A multisystem TV is a TV capable of receiving and displaying different video systems like PAL, SECAM and NTSC. You'll be able to operate a multisystem TV in 99% of the world. Their dual voltage design allows them to be plugged into either a 110 voltage source or a 220 voltage source. In some cases, the plug on the television will not fit your country's outlet, so an inexpensive plug-adapter will be needed. They can generally be picked up at an electronics store such as http://www.planetomni.com for $1.95. With a multisystem TV, such as a plasma, CRT tube type, LCD or DLP, you'll likely need a codefree (sometimes called region free) DVD player. These exist in many forms. When used with a PAL-NTSC TV you'll be able to see the full 625 lines of resolution available in the PAL system and the full 525 lines used in the USA NTSC system. There exists a converting type of DVD player which is codefree in that it can read all of the world's 6 regions and both standards, PAL and NTSC. 140,000 other products are available here: http://www.planetomni.com Tel. # 800-514-2984

Custom Home Theater Seating Its All About The Look

Writen by Semore Bernstein

Custom home theater seating allows for incorporating the best features of different seating styles, to fit one's unique needs and requirements in home theater seating. Oftentimes, it is challenging to find the perfect fit of color, style, features, comfort, capacity and quality in one single product or brand. Although customizing home theater seating furniture may prove costlier than ready made ones, it may well be worth the effort and the money in terms of the relative pleasure gained, and ease of use.

Manufacturers are now rising to the occasion in providing custom home theater chairs which are, by the way, relatively easy to structure and design through the matrix of features already identified by the manufacturer. However, it nevertheless helps to have some idea of the possibilities in this regard in forming ideas of one's eventual requirements. Custom home theater chairs would require arriving at decisions on the type of the type of chair, its dimensions as to height, width depth etc., the style of chair, the material of seat cover, the functional aspects as to the degree of the angle of recline, massaging capabilities, besides matching color and style with the interior décor.

Options worth adverting to, include the type of massage as to air, vibration or the shiatsu- deep tissue kind; whether to provide slots or otherwise make provision for inbuilt speakers to augment the sound experience, and whether the material and design is consistent with and appropriate to the room acoustics with respect to required levels of absorption, reflection or diffraction of sound. Overall, custom home theater seating is usually appropriate when home theater systems are set up, engaging professional expertise in ascertaining room acoustics, which have repercussions on home theater seating layout and impact decisions on the type of home theater seating.

Home Theater Life Advice on Home Theater Seating Manufacturers Installing Home Theater Seating

Learn All About Proper Projector Mount

Writen by Clifford Tan

After purchasing a home theater projector, unless it is a portable projector and a portable screen, it is necessary to mount the projector and screen so that the picture can be properly transposed onto the theater projector screen.

Hopefully, by this point in time, the relevant factors for setting up a home theater system have been well planned but that is not always the case.

Maybe the home theater was received as a gift, or maybe a spouse or friend purchased the projector without considering how it was going to be used.

The projector mounts and the theater projector setup for both the screen and the projector unit are as important as any factor in order to get the optimal performance quality from a home theater projection system.

Screen Mount

Many screens for home theater systems are portable, meaning they can be easily stored away when they are not in use. Some of the projector screens will have to be mounted to either a wall mount, a floor mount or in some cases, to a ceiling mount.

What factors should be considered when deciding where to mount the projection screen?

Like any home furnishing, the home theater projector screen is part of the interior design or décor of the home, or at least of one particular room. If there are children in the home, or perhaps pets, it may be advisable install the projector screen mounts on the ceiling. This can often be done quickly and easily as there is usually no wiring needed for the screen. The projector mount has different needs which must be considered before mounting.

The home theater projector must be setup at a certain distance to get the best quality from a home theater system, whether at the minimum distance, the maximum distance or somewhere in between. Keeping the distance constant will insure better consistency and better quality experiences from the home theater projection unit.

The Projector Unit

Mounting options for a home projector vary, but the most common types are wall mounts, ceiling mounts and recessed mounts.

The wall mount is perhaps the most common mount used for the screen and projector. It is important to consider the wiring needs when deciding which mount to use. For a wall mount, wires are frequently exposed along the wall. They can sometimes be hidden or fished through the wall to be more aesthetically appealing.

The ceiling mount is also very popular for the home theater projector. The two major factors to be considered for a ceiling mount are the clearance from the home theater projection unit as well as the swivel capabilities of the ceiling mount itself. If there is not sufficient clearance to mount the projector under the ceiling mount while allowing it to be moved, it will be difficult to properly lineup and adjust your home theater system. Wiring can also be a factor here, but usually there is enough room in the ceiling to allow for easy access to wire the unit.

If it can be accomplished, the recessed mount is a favorite among many home theater owners. The recessed mount is a recession (Like a shelf) built into an existing wall. This alleviates unsightly wires and offers perhaps the best protection for your home theater projector.

Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

Clifford Tan, a Home Theater enthusiast and owner of the website Home Projector Advisor offering projector reviews, advice and many useful tips and hints to business and home consumers looking to purchase a home projectors. To find out alot more information about home projection system, visit the site http://www.home-projector-advisor.com.

Scart Peritel Cables

Writen by John Dulaney

The signals carried by Scart are -

Composite Signals - which is the lowest quality, signal carried by Scart where luminance and chrominance signals are mixed. Due to the interference that is caused by this mix of signals, it is considered to be of low quality and such a mix of signals would be produced by VHS VCR equipment.

S-Video - This is a high quality video. S-Video has the luminance and chrominance signals in the same way as the composite, but these are two separate signals, without any possibility of any interference between them.

RGB - RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. This is similar to S-Video, and is a high quality video interface. These are the colours representing the picture in a TV. In a domestic source, a synchronisation signal is also required, which is present on the composite line.

Scart has become the common connector for audio visual equipment in Europe and has become the standard connector for such applications. Different Pin configurations exist in Scart, depending upon the configuration available in your video device. Sometimes the configuration could be chosen, such as, composite or S-video, by simply changing a software setting.

Scart is a bi-directional connector as far as standard composite video and analog audio signals are concerned. The feature of a Scart being bi-directional is used for a Pay TV, and in the past, used for decoding a tele-text. But now it is being applied to set-top boxes. A set-top box is a device, which is connected between a TV set and an external device and is used to decode the signal and send it to the TV for display. A TV sends its antenna video and audio signals to Scart sockets all the time and receives back these signals and displays them reproducing the audio and video. This process allows the concept of transparent set-top boxes having no tuner. It just hooks on the TV and pre-process the television signals.

A VCR has typically two Scart sockets. One is connected to the TV and the other one goes to the set-top box. When the power is off or when it is in an idling state, the VCR will forward the signals received, to the set-top box decoder for processing and then the signals would go to the TV. In recording a scrambled show, the set-top box will be driven by the VCR from its own tuner and send the unscrambled signals to the TV set for viewing or simple recording control purposes. As mentioned earlier, Scart can also power on and off a TV, more precisely bring it alive from a stand-by mode in a way a remote control would. Many TV sets have two Scart sockets, where one is used for switching from a composite input to RGB input, while the other switches a composite input to S-Video input.

Before Scart, there were no standard connectors or sockets for signal inputs for a consumer TV. It was only the RF antenna that plugged into the TV and even this socket differed between countries in its design. Incompatible standards of plug-ins existed in TVs manufactured by different companies, such as, a VHS VCR equipment would have composite video signal through a German-originated DIN-style connector, a RCA connector, which is of American origin, or a BNC connector.

Scart sockets have now become the standard in connecting audio video devices together and have provided a much simpler solution, with one socket/plug containing all necessary signals. With Scart being a standard all over the world, it has provided a real solution to connectivity, with even one cable connecting two Scart compatible devices. There is, what is termed as 'polarisation' in the connector, which will not to let you insert it in the wrong way. Multiple Scarts can be daisy chained in handling multiple signal sources into a single TV socket. Scart connectors can pass the signals unchanged when not active. The voltage levels of the signals are generally around 1 volt, which provides good noise immunity.

A Scart enables a device to command a TV set to switch between signals, in order that overlays in the TV picture image could be created. A VCR would have its power coming on as soon as the cassette is inserted and the TV set would change into video mode and then start playing immediately if the cassette's write protection tab is absent. When switched off, the VCR will send a signal to the TV set to power off, if the set has been powered on by the VCR and is still in the video mode all along.

It is always preferable to buy a commercial cable because of the detailed pin-crossovers and close pin connections, though it is possible to build your own connecting cable. Different cables have different applications. A cable for connecting a VCR or a TV set to a high-fidelity audio system needs to use only three of the 21 pins. Connecting a VCR to a computer monitor is a difficult proposition with a Scart connector. This is for the reason why it is difficult to synchronise composite video signal, consisting of red, green and blue, from the VCR with the RGB signals required by a computer monitor.

In order to achieve the connectivity, you will need a digital SCART adapter, along with the reverse one, turning your DVD or Video player into a serial digital interface (SDI). A professional SDI monitor costs more that $2,000 and the above solution is cheaper, and brings to you the same solution of a separate SDI.

Where to get SCART or PERITEL cables, adapters, a/v cables,scart to RCA, SCART to S-VIDEO,SCART a/v,REGION FREE DVD players/recorders and High Definition, HD DVD players, Blu-ray,. A multi region (aka codefree) DVD player or recorder is capable of playing DVD discs from anywhere in the world, that is all 8 regions and both PAL and NTSC standards. http://www.planetomni.com has many. Many not only play them but convert from one standard to the other for showing movies on any TV on earth. There are also PAL-NTSC 110-220 volts DVD/VCR Combos for use worldwide. CODEFREE DVD / PAL-NTSC VCR combos and MULTISTANDARD VCRs will play 100% all known DVD discs including FRENCH DVDs. You can buy region free and region free converting DVD players and region free DVD recorders from http://www.mindlogic.com in California. They give you a LIFETIME Warranty and ship worldwide. They also carry PAL-SECAM-NTSC TVs, PAL plasma, PAL LCD and PAL DLP multisystem TVs and multisystem converting and non-converting VCRs, voltage transformers, video standards converters and much more. Tel.800-514-2984 or tel. 925-686-994

Video Scaler Audiovideo Processors

Writen by John Dulaney

A video scalar converts a video signal between arbitrary resolutions. It is mainly used to convert interlaced signals of low resolution, such as, composite video signals or s-video, into higher resolution non-interlaced, like the ones in HDTV. Composite video signals are those which carries all information - the red, blue, and green signals and sometimes audio as well. S-video (separate video) is an analogue video signal in which the video data is carried separately - brightness and colour. This is unlike the composite video signal. Interlacing is a technique, by which the picture quality is improved, without consuming any extra bandwidth. Interlaced signals have flickering effect while non-interlaced ones do not.

Video scalar Audio/Video Processors are available for analogue and digital inputs and outputs or, more commonly, both combined. As an example, a video scalar would convert an analogue VGA signal into digital signal for display on a monitor. In this case the resolution of the video signal may be of low quality, creating distorted image. A scalar can increase the resolution substantially to the correct level.

A video Scalar turns a standard television into a high definition TV (HDTV). The scalar lets you connect the standard definition enabled equipment, like, DVD player, video game, VCR, etc., to HDTV display devices, such as Plasma or LCD screen TVs. A video scalar can provide multiple refresh rate outputs. For example, with a converted PAL video signal at its input, a video scalar can display video on projectors that do not support 50Hz refresh rates.

DCDi is a video mode algorithm and has been designed for video displays featuring fast moving sports events. It removes the jagged edges along the diagonal lines, which are mainly caused by interpolation. DCDi monitors this edge transmission and fills in the gaps. This technology was developed and introduced few years back, and broadcasters like CBS used it to up-convert NTSC to High Definition (HD).

No matter at what resolution the picture is delivered, be it 480i from your VCR, 480p from your DVD player, 720p from your set-top box or 1080i over Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), the video processor/scalier will perfectly match the output to the optimum resolution of your display. It is your complete audio video hub, providing simultaneous audio/video switching with automatic video.

DVDi technology as used in video processor/scalar is a series of mathematical formula (algorithm) meant for video. If you want to watch a film on your TV, you would wonder how this technology will behave under the circumstances. In making a video out of a film, if the transition from a film to video is not done properly, it results in 'bad editing'. The video processor within the video processor/scalar unit will switch modes, such as, film vs. video - video vs. film, in order to avoid artifacts. The processor switched from film to video as soon as it encounters these bad editing portions. This may result in loss of resolution, which is minimised by the video processor/scalar, being motion adaptive. Then there are those jagged areas along the diagonal edges. DCDi hides these areas in such a way that you never realise when it changes from and to film mode, Watching a movie with DCDi technology built-in video processor/scalar, makes the experience more enjoyable, owing to the fact that those annoying artifacts have all vanished, providing a continuous high definition picture viewing experience.

We offer VIDEO PROCESSORES, VIDEO UPSCALING, VIDEO RESOLUTION CONVERTING,VIDEO UPCONVERTING, PROCESSING OF THE VIDEO SIGNAL USING DVDO and ZINWELL.You'll be able to operate a multisystem TV in 99% of the world. Their dual voltage design allows them to be plugged into either a 110 voltage source or a 220 voltage source. In some cases, the plug on the television will not fit your country's outlet, so an inexpensive plug-adapter will be needed. They can generally be picked up at an electronics store such as http://www.planetomni.com for $1.95. With a multisystem TV, such as a plasma, CRT tube type, LCD or DLP, you'll likely need a codefree (sometimes called region free) DVD player. These exist in many forms. When used with a PAL-NTSC TV you'll be able to see the full 625 lines of resolution available in the PAL system and the full 525 lines used in the USA NTSC system. There exists a converting type of DVD player which is codefree in that it can read all of the world's 6 regions and both standards, PAL and NTSC. 140,000 products are available here: http://www.planetomni.com Tel. # 800-815-9380

Are Plasma Or Projection Tvs Better For Your Home Theater

Writen by Tim Gorman

When you are setting up your home theater you need to decide on what is the best way for you to watch. Many people would not have anything other than a projector as it adds to the cinema theme as well as giving you a very good image as big as you want. But many others do not want to deal with projectors and screens and would rather have the convenience of a TV style screen that you just turn on and play the DVD in as you would in any other room but on a bigger screen.

If you are using a projector then it is a good idea to make sure that your room has good thick curtains so that you can block the light from the room. As the image is produced through a projected light then it is best to use a projector in a fairly dark room. With some of the latest projectors they have a light sensor so that if the light is too bright for the image then it brightens the light to make it stronger. You also have to set up a projector for the movie and put up the screen. But it does give you a really good sense of being at the cinema as well as a really good, large picture that is very high quality.

There are some really good plasma screens around now and the cost is dropping. But you still get the sense that you are watching TV. Although if you put it on the wall then it is a lot more like a real screen. Plasmas have an advantage over projectors if you have a small room, as they did not need any space to project an image. Although plasma TV does not have the same movie theater aspect to it as a projector does it is very easy to use and does give you a very good image.

If you want ease of use and a great quality picture and are happy either to have a smaller screen, or you are able to pay for a very big one, then plasma might be best for you. But a projector can give you a really good quality image that is as big as you want and there are some very good projectors that are very cheap. But you also have to set up the screen as well as the projector whenever you want to see a movie. But whatever you choose it is always worth trying it out in the store so that you can see which is the best for you.

For additional money saving information regarding home theater projectors, home theater components and home theater systems visit ShoppingForHomeTheaterSystems.com located at http://www.shoppingforhometheatersystems.com

Choosing The Best Lcd Tv For You

Writen by Stu Pearson

You have done all your research. You looked up LCD, Plasma, and every other type of television on the market to day, and you have made your decision. You know that you want an LCD television, and all that is left is the buying. However, choosing the best LCD TV for you is still something that requires work. First you were comparing LCD to other technologies, but now it is time to get a feel for how to get out there and buy your LCD as you compare it to other LCD televisions. Here are some tips on shopping for and choosing the best LCD TV for you.

Get the Right Size

When choosing the best LCD TV, you need to figure out what size is going to work best with your budget and the room where the television will go. LCD screens' quality is often related to its size. Go much over 35 inches and you may find yourself with colors that are slightly off or faded. Though this is improving, it is worth considering.

In order to choose the right size, you should consider what the right distance is between where you sit and where your television screen is. So, check out the room where your television will be, how far you will sit from the potential location, and what size will work best for that situation. If you are up to five feet away, a 20 to 27 inch model will work, if you are back 6 to 8 feet, then 32 to 37 inches are best, if you are 10 to 14 feet away when viewing you should consider a 42 to 46 inch screen, and if you are as much as 16 feet away, then 50 inches will be your best bet.

Once you have established what size of LCD TV you need, you can look for the other factors. Make sure you get something that will work with your HD setup. Half the point of getting an LCD TV is to be able to watch television in HD. So double check to make sure you know what you need and how to connect it with your cable's HD services before you buy.

Finally, look at warranties. Choosing the best LCD TV is a lot easier when you know problems can easily be taken care of. Talk to the sales person wherever you decide to buy and make sure you understand the total warranty. Make sure, also, that you buy from an authorized dealer so that you do not have your manufacturer warranty voided over a technicality.

Choosing the best LCD TV for you means doing a little more homework. You must find out what size is going to work best in your room and for your viewing, you have to make sure everything is compatible, and finally you have to make sure you get a good warranty. If you do all of these things, you will have the best LCD TV for you.

Stu Pearson has an interest in Business & Technology related topics. To access more information on lcd tv or on lcd tv review, please click on the links.

Cd Dvd Duplicators

Writen by Seth Miller

A CD DVD duplicator can be an asset for any office, as business houses have come to realize that a major portion of their total expenditure is spent on data-storage requirements. A duplicator comes in handy when one needs to back up a huge quantity of data, both within and outside the business.

Better still, a DVD duplicator is easy to buy and highly affordable. Several good DVD duplicators are available; you just need to find the right choice for you.

By using a CD DVD duplicator, you can get your product to market in a fast, cheap and easy way. If you are creating or producing music and video products and you have to send your products to the market as soon as possible, then there is nothing better than a CD DVD duplicator. These duplicators are the most convenient way to start producing copies of your CDs and DVDs.

Consider the ways buying a CD DVD duplicator might help your business. If you produce marriage videos you are probably accustomed to using VHS tapes for your customers' movies. These days, however, more people own DVD players than ever before, and creating digital video has become cheaper as well as easier.

A CD DVD duplicator is a must for anyone pursuing a career in music or video. It is the best way to get your work seen and heard. You can easily copy hundreds of discs at prices that are less than you might anticipate. One thing is for sure, you won't regret buying a CD DVD duplicator.

So compare the prices and features of the duplicators available in the market, and choose the right one according to your needs.

DVD Duplicators provides detailed information on DVD Duplicators, CD DVD Duplicators, DVD Duplicator Printers, Automated DVD Duplicators and more. DVD Duplicators is affiliated with DVD R Duplication.

High Definition Dvd The Format Wars Second Act

Writen by Madison Lockwood

Once again, there is a technology format war looming on the horizon. Many people don't remember the VHS - Betamax battle that broke out when video players were first introduced, making it possible for people to watch movies at home. This was a case of two non-compatible technologies, each of which was a format for taping full length feature films. Ultimately VHS won out, and the movie companies put out their products in that format - thus dooming Betamax and the product manufacturers that had adopted their technology, not to mention the thousands of consumers that had invested in Betamax players. We now find ourselves on the verge of creating a new set of sore losers.

Skirmishes over LCD versus plasma screen HD TV technology are ongoing, but that type of technology contest isn't as acute because you can watch TV or a movie on either type of screen. Currently, you can also play every DVD available on any DVD player that is in production and on the market. The next generation of DVD players, however, is coming over the horizon in the form of two distinct and incompatible technologies.

Toshiba versus Sony

Toshiba has developed a proprietary technology dubbed high definition DVD (HDDVD) and to support their format has developed alliances with Microsoft and Universal Films, among others. The HDDVD disks will be available in 15GB and two sided, 30GB versions.

By way of comparison, the current DVDs have enough storage for two hours of standard definition (SD) images, while the one-sided 15 gigabyte HDDVD disk can store up to eight hours of high definition (HD) images. The difference between SD and HD is simply twice the number of pixel lines displayed on the screen in the HD format, thus providing a crisper picture. The increased capacity of these disks will also allow for interactive features such as screen-in-screen director's discussion of movie scenes playing behind him that today's standard DVDs cannot support.

In the other corner is the Blu-Ray technology developed by Sony, who has lined up support from Apple, Disney and 20th Century Fox. Both formats use blue laser technology, which has a shorter wavelength than red, allowing it to read the smaller digital data "spots" packed a lot more densely onto a standard-size disc. Blu-Ray disks are designed to carry up to 50GB of digital material, which may mean that Sony wins the compression competition.

The Early Rounds

Sony Pictures released the first six films on Blu-Ray disks in June of this year, and have released a few more since. Samsung has a Blu-Ray DVD player in the stores, while Sony's hardware division has released a Blu-Ray compatible PC. Toshiba has its initial HDDVD player on the market and there are a limited number of titles available in the format, mostly re-releases of previous first-run features.

Sony clearly jumped out to an early lead, with support from Dell, HP, Mitsubishi and a number of other hardware manufacturers. In addition, Sony Pictures also owns Columbia and MGM, giving them an enormous library to work with. Sony will also fold its technology into the PlayStation 3 gaming machine, their proprietary product whose 2nd version rules the roost in the videogame market.

On the Toshiba side of the battlefield, proponents argue that the HDDVD disks will be cheaper to produce and that it will be comparatively easy for disk replicators to retrofit their equipment for production purposes. The HDDVD format also makes production of recordable DVDs much simpler than with the Blu-Ray design.

Further, an alliance with Microsoft will be a formidable edge in this battle, should it turn into a protracted conflict. Microsoft's operating systems are going to be important cogs in the development of future home viewing systems, as the technology moves closer to merging the functions of computers and televisions. If movie downloads become a commercial success, PC compatibility will be critical for these disks.

The Consumer Issues

One of the reasons that Microsoft aligned with Toshiba's technology is that HDDVD provides for "mandatory managed copy." What that means is that unlike with today's conventional DVDs, managed copy allows consumers to make legitimate copies of their HD movies and enjoy this content around the home or across their personal networks. Making this feature mandatory will ensure a consistent consumer experience across all next-generation DVD content.

Then there is the element of iHD, which is the concept of maximizing high definition video for transport across the internet. This is a specific set of video specs which the iHD.org, a group of tech and media companies, is pushing as a cross-platform standard.

The theory is that next-generation HD movies will provide a level of interactive experience well beyond that of today's conventional DVDs. iHD technology is meant to provide a broad foundation to enable new interactivity with standards-based development tools and technologies.

The pitch for this standard is that it will provide consumers with enhanced content, navigation and functionality for HD films. The business reality is that Microsoft plans to implement iHD support in its Windows Vista operating system, which will not only be a significant step towards integrated video and computer systems but will make help drive adoption of the new Microsoft platform.

Duel to the Death Unlikely

There is some indication that all of these conflicting issues may ultimately force a compromise - some sort of merger or unification of the two technologies. Hardware manufacturers are hedging their bets, with the latest wrinkle being that Blu-Ray-aligned Hewlett Packard has requested that mandatory managed copy and the iHD standard be included in Blu-Ray's feature set. Sony has agreed to include the managed copy feature, but said no to iHD.

The Betamax - VHS battle was a tussle over hardware with the movie companies playing a predominant role, one Sony lost. This time around, there is much more uncertainty about how the next generation of home video will roll out. How will the Web and the PC fit in? Will the movies be delivered via disk or via download? How will the film industry protect its content rights and how can the hardware companies maximize their role?

PCs have become a commodity. If a scenario arises where every household needs a new computer to match up with new video technology, the Dells and HPs of this world stand to win big. If competing technology keeps people from investing in either, every involved business will suffer. If the film and DVD houses have to produce two sets of content and two disks for every film, their margins will grow considerably thinner as well. The tech bloggers seem to be increasingly inclined to believe that unification of some sort is inevitable. The corporations with the most to lose are too smart not to insist on it.

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for ApolloHosting.com. She brings years of experience as a small business consultant to helping prospective clients understand the ways in which a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, vps hosting, and web design services to a wide range of customers. Established in 1999, Apollo prides itself on the highest levels of customer support.

Using Hdmi Switch To Expand Hd Theater System

Writen by Jeff Su

HDMI will continue to be the de-facto standard in home video transmission for 2 reasons: 1) uncompressed digital format ensures the best picture quality and 2) HDMI allows content providers to ensure that their intellectual property is protected through HDCP.

It is clear that more equipment such as Cable/Satellite Set Top boxes, DVD players, HD DVD players, Personal video recorders, video game stations, and computer video cards will adopt HDMI/DVI. However, many early-generation HDTV monitors only had 1 or 2 HDMI input leaving the early adopter no way to easily add HDMI enabled sources. Furthermore many Surround Sound Audio Receivers do not include HDMI switching.

End users can solve this problem by using external HDMI switchers. HDMI switchers allow end users to add HDMI sources and at the same time upgrade their existing Surround Sound Audio Receiver with HDMI switching capabilities. This allows the end user to fully experience the benefits of HDMI. 3x1 HDMI switch allows the user to connect up to 3 HDMI sources and share it with 1 HD monitor or projector. The 5x1 HDMI switch are for "power users" who intend to add in more sources in the future. 3x1 and 5x1 HDMI solutions ensure that the end user always has adequate number of ports for future expansions.

All switches should be HDCP compatible and transparent to the HDCP process ensuring compatibility.

Jeff Su is product-marketing manager at Octava Inc. http://www.octavainc.com Jeff is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology (BSEE, MSEE) and has over 10 years of experience in CATV systems, RF, and microwave designs. He may be reached at info@octavainc.com

What To Look For In Your Next Compact Digital Camera

Writen by Thad Pickering

Compact digital cameras make so much sense when you think of all the things that you can do with them that you just couldn't do with film cameras in the past. You can view the photos as you take them. You can upload them to your home computer for further editing in a photo edit program. You can save them on your hard drive to be printed out whenever you like. You can email copies to anyone around the world, and much more. And besides all that, they are light and compact and can easily be taken almost anywhere.

So it's no wonder that many camera buyers are opting to purchase digital cameras rather than film cameras these days. But the two mediums are completely different and so what should you be looking for when you buy a compact digital camera? Here are some things that you should watch for:

* The LCD screen. Almost all digital cameras these days come with a built in LCD screen for framing the shot beforehand and viewing it afterwards. But some have larger screen sizes above 2 inches or so that give you better clarity, especially for those of us whose eyes aren't what they used to be. So if that describes you, look for a LCD screen that is over 2 inches in size.

* Many digital cameras have autofocus built in so that you don't have to fiddle with focusing each shot before you take it. This is another great feature, but some autofocus mechanisms work faster than others. The fastest ones work in less than .5 seconds. What this means to you is that when you press the shutter button, the camera has to focus before it actually takes the photo and the time between when you press the button and the moment that the picture is actually taken is called "shutter lag", and this lost time interferes with how many shots you can take in a row when fast sequence events are happening. So check each camera that you are considering and see how long the autofocus mechanism takes to do it's job. Those that take a full second or more will probably be irritating to work with over the long haul.

* If you buy a compact digital camera that has a strong zoom factor of 10X or more you may want to be sure that you have image stabilization built into your camera to help eliminate some of the shaking caused by your hands. With most compact digital cameras this will not be a major problem, but when the focal length increases to the equivalent of a 200mm lens or more, it's easy to get blurry photos just from hand holding the camera. Image stabilization technology has come a long way though and can be a big help in this area, so if telephoto shots are important to you, be sure to also look for this feature on the camera.

There are lots of great compact digital cameras available today at very reasonable prices. So do your homework, check the features that are most important to you, and buy the compact digital camera that fits you best.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including audio and video. You can find out more about digital camera best buys and cannon digital cameras by visiting our Home Theater website.

How To Choose The Best Stereo Receiver For Your Needs

Writen by Thad Pickering

It used to be a lot simpler to find the best stereo receiver for your needs since most people only used receivers for their home audio system, but today the addition of video devices and the multitude of audio/video sources makes the choice more demanding. So here are a few tips to keep in mind as you shop for a stereo or digital receiver.

First of all make sure that the receiver that you choose to be the brain of your home entertainment center will be able to support all the devices that you intend to use with it. These days video and audio can come from a variety of sources including camcorders, digital video recorders, DVD players, cable or satellite boxes, video game systems, cd players and so on. You will need to have corresponding inputs for however many devices that you intend to use. So plan ahead and make sure the receiver you buy will fit your needs that way. You will have to pay more for a digital receiver that carries a plethora of input connections, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Also be sure that the connections for both audio and video match between your components and the receiver. Most devices can support a standard composite cable connection, but for your best video sources you will probably want some S-video connections that produce a better screen picture with more detail. On the audio side, if you are using surround sound as many people are these days, make sure that the audio connections from your components match the inputs on your receiver. For digital equipment it is usually either an optical or coaxial connection, but whichever it is, be sure that the connections on both ends will match.

Then be sure that the receiver will be sufficient for your room size. Most rooms will take about 50 watts per channel to power the speakers sufficiently, but larger rooms may require 75 watts per channel and very large rooms can use 100 watts per channel to fill the room up with sound.

You also will need to match the receiver to your speakers too as some speakers use different ohm ratings to accomplish their sound purpose. An ohm has to do with how much resistance there is to the current being sent from the receiver. If you match an 8 ohm receiver with a set of 4 ohm speakers you may damage your receiver because of all the overwork that it has to do to keep up with the current demand from the speakers. So just make sure that you match the receiver requirements to the speaker set that you have.

Finally, don't assume that price is the definitive guide for quality. Many reviews of the best stereo receivers have concluded that high quality equipment does not always cost more, so read the reviews, shop around thoroughly and follow the suggestions given above and you can make a good stereo receiver purchase.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including audio and video. You can find free stereo receiver reviews and the best stereo receivers by visiting our Home Theater website.

Home Audio Furniture For Beginners

Writen by Kevin Willard

There are many choices in home furniture for a home theatre. Some choices are better for your needs than others. In order to get the best furniture to meet your needs, you should have a clear idea of what you need, seek out a reputable company, and have clear knowledge of what all options are.

The most important concept in buying furniture that many people often overlook is the idea that the furniture should be not what's best, but what is "best for you." The most expensive furniture does not always yield the highest satisfaction. However, furniture that was purchased after a well-thought-out decision will often leave the buyer with a higher degree of satisfaction. Remember, while it is a good idea to take other's opinions into consideration, the important thing is that the furniture works for you.

In order to know what you need, you should have an accurate idea of what goals you want to achieve with your home theatre system. If your goal is a state-of-the-art home theatre experience, then your furniture should reflect your systems. Comfortable chairs and high-quality tables can enhance the home theatre experience. Consider every detail, including the color of the furniture. The most appealing home theatre systems often have a color scheme that is very pleasing to the eye. Always get second opinions when deciding on colors. Depending on the type of speakers you have, you might also want to have something special to hold the speakers in. Some of the best home-theatres have surround sound. This effect can be achieved by spreading the speakers around high quality furniture. Depending on what you want, you can decide beforehand how much money you are willing to spend on your home theatre arrangement.

Additionally, before one goes to make a purchase, the layout of the room should be measured accurately. This can be done very simply with measuring tape. You could possibly mark spots on the walls where the furniture will go. It is always a good idea to draw plans and view multiple arrangements. Some furniture takes up a significantly higher amount of space than other furniture. Therefore, knowing how much room you have to work with can make the furniture choice much more efficient and enjoyable.

The final thing that you should consider before buying furniture is the company. There are lots of furniture companies out there, and some of them have lower quality furniture, and bad service. The best companies will be willing to invest their time in order to help you create the best home theatre possible. It is always a good idea to get recommendations from friends about a certain company. Some companies may offer bad advice or try to convince you to spend more money on furniture that will not best fit your needs.

Buying furniture for a home theatre can seem like an extremely daunting task. However, it can be efficient and enjoyable if you take the time to educate yourself about what options are available, what exactly you are looking for, and what are the best companies out there. Well-educated decisions are always more rewarding than decisions made with a severe lack of knowledge. If you inform yourself, your home theatre system will surely be the envy of your friends and family.

Kevin Willard is a home audio enthusiast. To learn more about home audio furniture, visit http://www.sjgreatdeals.com/

Ltb 51 Personal Home Theater Headphones Review

Writen by Kyle Kolbe

When you have a family, you constantly have to deal with differing sleep schedules. Toddle_o_Geek goes to bed by 8 PM, Wife_o_Geek passes out by 10 PM and I like to stay up till whenever. Those times when I stay up late or even when my wife is enjoying some other form of entertainment in another part of the house (usually Desperate Housewives) I can't raise the home theater's volume to a level where I can hear a Eastern Bloc commando sneaking up from my back left speaker. LTB Surround Headphone ads crept into my periphery vision while reading home entertainment magazines for the past few months. Curious, I checked out their website and immediately decided I couldn't afford their nice wireless surround headphones. A few weeks ago, after reading one too many reviews involving wireless audio that mentioned hiss, I abandoned the wireless headphone idea likening it to leisurely riding a bicycle down an expressway, not pleasant. A scouring of a few online forums (they're never wrong) led me back to LTB. Maybe I could afford some wired surround headphones.

My LTB 5.1 Personal Home Theater Headphones and AC3 amp (included) showed up about a week later with 2-day shipping (I always place online orders on Thursday evening, which ruins any chance for the immediate consumer satisfaction I was hoping for. when will the weekend join the rest of the week for shipping schedules? The weekend is so stuck up.).

The headphone set hooks up to your AV receiver, or directly to a DVD player, Xbox or PS2 through either the optical or coaxial digital audio output (only Dolby PCM and Dolby PCM supported, sorry DTS you get static). Since I switch all of my audio and most of my video through my Onkyo TX-DS989 AV receiver, I wanted to use its coax digital output to the LTB's by switching on Record Out. The 989's manual warned that the digital output would only pass the two front stereo channels. I was hoping whoever wrote/translated the manual was wrong (they were) about the digital output and that it passed a full Dolby Digital 5.1 signal.

After inventorying the boxes contents, I rummaged through my spare cable bin (I have lots of spare cables after moving everything downstairs and needing different cable lengths for connecting all the electronics in the new built-in cabinet to each other and out to the projector and loudspeakers half a room away) for a decent digital coax cable, my best spare was an old MIT (I've gone through many digital cables trying to tame a static breakup in loud male voices on movie soundtracks, I think what finally fixed it was my Anthem MCA 2 separate amp). Hook up is easy enough, just run the coax between the AV receiver's digital output and the LTB's AC3 amp (this is a tiny piece of kit that you can hide anywhere, a little larger than your typical USB 4-port hub, with a wall-wart power plug and inputs for digital coax and optical and an analog stereo passthrough). With the old standby philosophy, power on peripherals before the main unit, I first powered on the LTB AC3 amp and then the Onkyo, selected my source, pushed the front panel Rec Out button, started a movie and slipped on the headphones. I only heard hiss. I pressed the LTB amp's only controls, plus and minus buttons, to no effect. I switched the unit off and on again (as always suggested by the IT Crowd's Roy) and the headphones blasted my ears with the sounds from Zathura, the last DVD I watched that I remembered having some directional surround effects in the meteor shower in the living room scene. I guess the LTB needed to have a chance to lock into the signal.

The LTB shipped with a remote for adjusting volume and mute (it has both left and right volume adjustment but only one side actually did anything, maybe this was their "universal remote" that does more with their other headphone offerings) which were the same buttons on top of the amp. At first listen, I just used the on-amp controls to adjust volume, but I couldn't find a level that I liked. On the maximum setting the headphones will make you deaf and on the next notch down they were too soft and the movie lost all sonic impact. I then turned to the remote's finer volume adjustment. It seems the on-amp controls are a gain trim from the raw Dolby Digital signal and the remote volume adjusts from there. I liked to listen on the highest gain and then adjust one remote volume press down from there. This level was still slightly too loud but I got used to it the longer I listened.

The next issue I ran into had to do with headphone cable length, it's only 4 feet long. For my initial tests the cable was pulled tight between my head sitting in my home theater's sweet spot and the LTB Amp in my cabinet, to the point where any simple gesture would pull the unit off the shelf. LTB does sell a 13 foot extension cable through their online store, which I now have (you can't just use any old mini-plug extension cable because the LTB cable has a special mini plug and surround that delivers all 5.1 channels to the multiple drivers in the headphones, they have a chart that points to the different bits of mini-plug and which channels they send).

The LTB's listening experience is much more exciting than regular stereo headphones, but no where near the experience of a properly set up 5.1 loudspeaker system. Last night I skipped my way through Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (though all the prequels are terrible, they are impressive home theater demonstration material, I wish Lucasfilm would re-release Phantom Menace with proper color decoding (since it was shot on HD cameras I have to assume it looks great in the Rec. 709 color spec, but through the DVD production got badly switched to SDTV's Rec. 601 (if you're curious about what the hell I'm talking about head on over to the AVS Forum) and without edge-enhancement)) looking for obvious active surround scenes. This Star Wars installment had plenty of fly-by's, laser gun chases and light saber swings to really push the LTB's performance to their limit (you can easily skip every other chapter in the first two-thirds of the film without missing anything, just following Obi-Wan Kenobi's detective adventure (Behind the Scenes: George Lucas's direction: Okay, Ewan, you can play this scene like all the others, just pretend you're an 8 year old playing Star Wars over walkie-talkies with your teddy bear./ Ewan: Right, so this isn't the scene with my contractual full frontal nudity?/ George Lucas: Yeah, we have to talk…)). The first major fly-over, the queen's silver wing ship that tended to blow up as the passengers are safely exiting, had major bass flowing out of the ship's engines and actually broke up a little in the headphones. Other than this difficult effect, bass performance was exceptional and definitely engaged and grounded me into the movie. Aided by the bass extension the headphones presented a wide front sound stage. The surround effects were less obvious, and ideally, they should be subtle and not overpower the direct action in the fronts. I never felt that effects came from far behind me, like they can with properly spaced and calibrated surround loudspeakers. Laser beams, characters stiffly delivering lines off screen and John Williams score all just arrived near the back of my ear, not the back of my head. Despite this, the headphones still presented a very clear auditory picture of the action on screen.

I switched over to the Xbox and started up EA's much hyped first person shooter, Black. Playing games where the only sound effects were bullet casings plinking on pavement from your full-auto AK-47 fire and enemies yelling at you in Russian, instantly annoyed Wife_o_Geek, so I had to turn it down so low the bastards snuck up on me and click-bang-game over. The LTBs were the best solution to this situation: silence for my wife and personal, loud combat chaos for me. The LTBs increased the immersion into the game with directional effect cues and, again, solid and exciting bass performance. So much bass I would cringe on the last trigger pull before exploding the nearest propane tank (destruction bonus).

Comfort is an issue you may have with any Surround sound headphones while playing games and watching movies for long periods of time. The LTBs are the most comfortable large, enclosed headphones I've ever worn. They did not pinch any nerves on or around my ears. The padded headband did cause me discomfort after two hours.

Geek with Family highly recommends the LTB 5.1 Personal Theater System Headphones. With easy set-up, an upgraded over stereo sound, good LFE/bass performance and extended comfort you should definitely try them out if you want to enrich your late night private movie, game or whatever time, without waking the rest of the house.

Father, Husband and Geek. My geeky interests have not changed since I was a kid. I still love comic books, anime, role-playing games, console video games, indie rock, imported toys and mecha models, bad American and great British sitcoms, and all the tech that let's me experience these hobbies to their fullest. Now that I'm married with children, I've had to strike a balance between supporting and pleasing my family and feeding my geekery hunger. Lucky for me, my wife is very accomodating and even geeks out with me on occasion (the ladies love Joss Whedon's "Firefly"). My two year old likes anything that moves on the front projection screen and makes noise, so far she is easy to please. Geekwithfamily.com exists to enrich the lives of fellow geeks and the friends and family who put up with them.

Dvd Replication

Writen by Ross Bainbridge

A DVD, or digital versatile disc, is a product of new optical disc technologies that can vastly improve the quality of a number of consumer electronics and personal computer products. DVDs can hold up to 17 gigabytes of data, and recent research indicates a potential for 15 times more storage. Basically, a DVD is a double-density, double-sided compact disc. DVD replication is the process by which the data is transferred from the source master to DVD discs. You should not confuse it with duplication, as they are not the same.

The source master is first checked for unreadable sectors when it is submitted to the manufacturing plant. This is important because without this verification, one could end up having many defective discs.

The first step in what we call 'pressing' discs is to transfer data from the master onto a 'master mold'. It is referred to as a glass master in this case. With the help of laser beam, pits or grooves are created onto a glass master. The data on the master determines the spacing and length of the grooves.

By 'stamper' we mean the mold for the DVD discs, which is created by the glass master. The grooves that are created in the glass mastering process are pressed against a nickel layer to create a stamper. The grooves are then copied onto the stamper, which will subsequently become part of a DVD disc. Finally, polycarbonate materials are molded with the grooves on the stampers to create a disc. DVDs need two layers of the polycarbonate discs, which are then bonded together.

Replication has a number of advantages that include accuracy, quality, quantity, and packaging. Instead of duplication, replication is the obvious choice for a professional finished product in significant numbers. The bigger the size of the order, the lower is the price.

DVD Replication provides detailed information on DVD Replication, DVD Replication Services, DVD-ROM Replication, Cheap DVD Replication and more. DVD Replication is affiliated with DVD Copy Software.

Setting Up The Ultimate Home Theater System

Writen by Tim Gorman

After a long day, or a long week, some people want to just watch an entertaining movie. Well, it isn't that much of a hassle, if you go every once and awhile. For movie enthusiasts, however, that may be a problem. Depending on where you live, the movie theater may be far away and cost $10-$15 a ticket. Unless you have lots of time and money, seeing movies every time a new one comes out, might not be the best move for you. Home theater systems may be the solution, they bring the feeling of a movie theater into your home.

So what is a home theater system? Basically, it is an assortment of electronic components arranged together to give you the best movie experience possible. First came the VCR, which let the user view videos of past movies with out the hassle of going to the theaters. Although it was a nice thing to have, it still did not present the same quality of going to a movie theater. It was just a movie on your home television. Now in days, technology is so advanced that we can have a fully functional movie theater in our homes. It will be of course smaller than an actual theater, but quite similar quality.

Setting up a home theater system is not as hard as a person may think. Of course, there are professionals that may install the system in come cases. It will be difficult, if you have never hooked up anything technological in your life. The surround sound is probably the top feature when it comes to the theaters. If you want to have a quality home system, your top job will be getting the sound system just right. Another task that you must perform is getting a quality screen. This will depend entirely on your likes and dislikes. What ever your choice, make sure the screen is of decent length at least 25" long ways. The next big decision is buying a DVD, or other video viewer, to play dvds on. This is not required, you may have pay per view television via sate-lite and do not need a dvd player. Just make sure that whatever screen you are watching, it is the clearest picture possible. Then again, you can buy all this in a set and save yourself the time of buying individual pieces, but that will cost much more.

The home theater system will not only save you money in the long run, but will be much more enjoyable. Imagine the comfort of stopping a movie, going to the bathroom, getting something to eat or drink, etc. If a home theater system is something you want to look into, be prepared to pay a few hundred to possibly a few thousand dollars, which will be decided by what you buy. Just remember that your buying a movie theater that is going to fit inside your living room and give you the same quality as a full size theater. Can you really pass that up?

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Shopping For Home Theater Systems.com where he provides more money saving information on buying the best home theater systems that you can research in your pajamas on his website at http://www.shoppingforhometheatersystems.com

An Introduction To Lcd

Writen by Eric Morris

The United Kingdom's Radar Research Establishment (RRE) started work on liquid crystals in the late 1960's. At the University of Hull, George Gray and others were working on the same lines. It was with RRE's support that cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals (stable and have the right temperature properties for use in LCDs) were later discovered by Gray.

The United Kingdom's Radar Research Establishment (RRE) started work on liquid crystals in the late 1960's. At the LCD or liquid crystal display is a flat and thin display device constructed of monochrome or color pixels that are kept in front of a reflector. Engineers highly value this technology because of the minimal electric power it consumes. In fact, it is just about perfect for use in mechanisms that are powered by battery.

LCDs are found in many digital watches and portable computers. LCD displays have two areas of polarizing substance, and a liquid crystal solution in between. With the passing of electric current through the liquid, the crystals line up in such a way that light cannot infiltrate them. Each crystal acts like a shutter, either blocking the light or allowing it to come through.

Monochrome LCD images generally show as dark gray or blue images atop a grayish-white backdrop. In color LCDs, two fundamental techniques are used for producing color: Passive matrix is the less costly of the two. Limited in color and viewing angle, passive matrix was broadly used with earlier laptops for mono or color displays. The second technology is called active-matrix or thin film transistor (TFT). It puts out color images that are sharp, but its technology is costly. Active-matrix is used for laptops, desk-top computers, home theatres, etc. Recently, passive-matrix displays have been come up with technology that can produce colors sharp enough to rival active-matrix displays.

When purchasing an LCD monitor, it is important to thoroughly check the entire package, which includes resolution, response time, viewable size, viewing angle, brightness and contrast ratio, color support, etc.

LCD provides detailed information on LCD, LCD Projectors, LCD Monitors, LCD Tvs and more. LCD is affiliated with LED Displays.

Lcd Tv Checklist Are You Prepared

Writen by Tim Jeffries

LCD flat screen TVs provide a superior picture as compared to a traditional television - and they can come in more attractive styles to boot. A flat screen LCD TV can be mounted on a wall, under a cabinet, on the ceiling… or can sit on a stand or on top of furniture. LCD TVs are versatile, flexible, and provide a better entertainment experience… but how do they work?

LCD flat screen TVs, and LCD technology itself, is based on the properties of polarized light. LCD TVs consist of two, perpendicularly arranged panes of polarized glass "stuck together" by a liquid-crystal-filled polymer solution. When they are exposed to electrical currents, the crystals untwist to varying degrees, permitting specific amounts and colors of light to pass though them. Flat screen LCD TVs are, in effect, projection TVs that depend on an extremely bright lamp as their light source, so they're considered a "passive" display.

So how do you choose the right flat panel LCD TV for you? You should at least consider the following factors when shopping for a flat panel LCD TV.

1. Look for a HDMI input. This port keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (like your cable box). HMDI carries high-definition audio as well as video. Some satellite receivers and DVD players also connect through this port.

2. Match the LCD TV size to the size of the room where it will be placed. Because LCD TVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would, so you can view a larger screen comfortably. (Keep in mind a 42-inch screen may overwhelm a small room, though.)

3. Decide if you want the picture-in-picture feature. The picture in picture feature allows you to simultaneously view two video sources at once, with one appearing as a small window on the screen. If you do want picture-in-picture in your flat panel LCD TV, keep in mind that single-tuner picture-in-picture lets you watch TV in one window and another source (like a DVD) in the second window. A flat panel LCD TV with two tuners lets you watch two television sources at once.

4. Do you need HDTV? A flat panel LCD TV with EDTV is cheaper, but it can't display high-definition signals. The price difference between smaller flat panel HD-ready LCDs and ED-ready LCDs is fairly low, so you're better off buying a HD-ready set. In fact, most experts say there's little reason to buy a non-HD LCD television. These lower resolution LCD TVs won't be able to accept high-definition signals, so the picture won't look any better than regular analog TV. And small HD-ready LCD TVs can be found for $500 or less, which is cheap enough that there really isn't much to "save" on a non-HD LCD TV.

Check to see if the TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware. Most flat panel LCD TVs come with a basic table stand, but wall-mounting hardware costs an additional $100 to $200.

5. Look into the manufacturer's warranty policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. If you buy a Sharp LCD Television, for example, from an unauthorized dealer, Sharp may not offer warranty coverage. (However, the retailer may offer a substitute warranty that sufficiently covers you.) The difference in price between an authorized Sharp dealer and a discounter can sometimes be hundreds of dollars, so make sure you're comfortable with the risk of not having a warranty, or make sure you ask the dealer for information about their warranty terms for the flat panel LCD TV you're considering.

6. Finally, learn about LCD TVs. There are far more things to learn about LCD TVs than the above mentioned points. Get educated on how to buy an LCD TV.

Tim Jeffries is author of "The LCD TV Shopping Guide." Get your copy at http://www.llcdtv.com

How To Shoot Good Digital Video With Your Camcorder

Writen by Chris Vorelli

Let me tell you from experience how important it is to know how to shoot good digital video with your camcorder before going on that vacation or filming that big event. When I was getting married my sister offered to film the happy day for me with her new camcorder, I agreed as it would save money on the wedding as a videographer could get quite expensive.

Let me tell you how wrong I was, the digital video was dark, shaky and blurred anytime she went into zoom or moved around the room. The sound was off and muffled and it was more of a headache to watch rather than a joy. In a nutshell, I wish I spent money on a good digital video shooting.

I don't want people to make the same mistake that I did so to spread the word on my learning experience I would like to pass on some great tips on how to shoot good digital video with your Minidv camcorder.

Tip #1 - Do not record while walking or moving about as the digital camcorder cannot stay focused on a moving object. Choose a place to stand and begin by recording a starting point for a few seconds before moving onto the next object. Slowly and carefully pan the camcorder to the next point of focus and hold there for a few more seconds before you stop shooting.

Tip #2 - Avoid excessive zooming of objects, not only does it kill the camcorder battery faster, it can give the viewers a crazy headache. If there were a moment you'd like to catch up close, stand still and take your time while zooming and shooting video, also try to avoid any quick motions, as the image will blur.

Tip #3 - Make sure that the lighting around you is bright enough and do not point the camcorder lens directly facing sunlight, not only can this damage the video camera lens, it will also blacken the images making for an unpleasant movie. If you plan to be indoors, I suggest you invest in a camcorder light attachment that can easily be placed onto the video camera and turned on if needed.

Tip #4 - Last but not least, my favorite camcorder accessory by far has to be a Tripod. You can buy a cheap little mini table tripod for simple videos or you can invest in a larger stand up tripod for longer shooting of video. By using a tripod when recording, you can be assured that your images will not be shaky nor will the movie look amateur.

Chris Vorelli is a successful writer with info on all types of camcorders. Read reviews and other useful information on dvd camcorders,VHS camcorders,HD camcorders, and more. © digital-camcorders-reviews.net

Directv Vs Dish Network Choosing The Best Deal

Writen by Ted Kushner

With all the deals being advertised lately between DirecTV and Dish Network choosing the best deal for you or your family can become quite confusing.

While both companies offer satellite TV offers, each company varies in the types of channels and programs offered for various price points.

But armed with the right information you can make an informed decision on which satellite TV package will give you the most bang for you or your families budget.

When choosing between either DirecTV or Dish Network you must start out with first knowing what it is that you really are looking for from your satellite subscription.

Like, are you shopping for the most available channels, the best sports package, the most music channels or the best package that includes free premium movies or hardware? Each question must be addressed before comparing as each satellite package may offer different options that may or may not meet your particular needs.

If you are really looking for the best sports package, then it doesn't mean a hill of beans if one of them offers you 80 free music channels does it? Once you decide what is really important to you and your family, then you can get down to really shopping for the package of your choice.

A simple way to compare each satellite offer is to start a little spreadsheet or word document. Divide up the columns in a way that makes sense for easy comparison of the various programs being offered by both DirecTV and Dish Network.

One column could be the amount of channels being offered, the next column could be what is included in the offer, like a free dvr or three months free service, or maybe a cash rebate.

Always make up one column that you can copy the url of the sites that you have visited so that once you have determine which offer is the best you can find that site again. It would be a real bummer if you found a great deal but forgot which site you found it on when you went back to find it.

Also take note if each or any of these pricing packages are promotional offers? Sometimes the prices quoted in big letters are only good for a short period of time, like 3-6 months and then they can increase substantially if you are not careful.

So always read the small print on each offer and make notes on the periods of these special deals.

By taking a small amount of time up front, you can end up saving a substantial amount of money and receive a better deal for your money by doing the proper comparison of the various DirecTV and Dish Network packages being offered currently today.

Ted Kushner researches consumer interest topics dealing with health, marketing and finances. To find out more on how to find the best DirecTV or Dish Network deal online currently visit- www.affiliaterevenuesources.com/directv-vs-dishnetwork.htm

What Makes An Hdtv High Definition

Writen by Gary Ruplinger

You keep hearing about it – new high definition DVDs, high definition camcorders, and high definition TVs. And you probably know that high definition means higher quality video, but beyond that it may all be just a bit fuzzy.

If you're a TV and you want to be labeled as an HDTV, then you need to have one of three formats – 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, with 1080p being the best of the three. The main difference in these formats is resolution. A 720p TV will have a resolution or 1280 pixels by 720 lines. A 1080i or 1080p will have a resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 lines.

The other factor is the letter behind the number, p and i. They refer to the way the image is built up. The p stands for progressive and the i stands for interlaced. When using an interlaced scan, only half the lines (for a 1080i, that's 540 lines) are displayed at a time. The lines are alternated so fast (1/30th of a second) that your eyes interpret the two images to be just one. In progressive, all of the lines are displayed at the same time, which provides a smoother looking picture. (Lines are displayed every 1/60th of a second).

Now in a perfect world, we'd all have 103" 1080p plasma displays in our living rooms, however, unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world, so we have to figure out which HDTV, if any, best suits our needs.

The first question to be asking yourself is what am I going to use it for? Do you watch a lot of movies? Do you plan on getting HD channels from your cable or satellite provider? Are you willing to upgrade the rest of you A/V equipment? These are important questions because if you don't plan on upgrading to a new DVD player (HD-DVD or Blu-ray), and you don't want to spend the extra money on an HD box from your cable or satellite provider, then an HDTV probably isn't for you. You can go buy a nice big screen TV and save yourself several thousand dollars in the process and still just as nice a picture from your standard television programming and standard DVDs as you would with a high definition display.

For those of you who do plan on upgrading the rest of your equipment, then an HDTV may be an investment you'll want to consider.

Gary Ruplinger is a writer for PlasmaGeeks.com. Be sure to visit his site to learn more about Plasma TVs and HDTVs.