by Rachel Cericola
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https://www.electronichouse.com/article/9_ways_to_enhance_your_home_theater
When it comes to home theater, there are a few standards. We expect a big HDTV or a projector and screen, speakers and a receiver as the bare minimum. Then, there are the items that are just the icing on the cake.
D-BOX Motion Technology
Years ago, we went on a pretty wild ride. It didn’t involve a theme park or lines; instead, we watched an entire movie using the D-BOX Motion Code system. Yes, it does make a difference. It could also spoil every movie without it. Thankfully, more Blu-rays are being released with motion code features. All you need is the equipment to experience it. Multiple manufacturers have seating with the D-BOX option. However, if you already like what you’ve got, you can still add in the experience via a Motion Platform (pictured).
IOGEAR GUC2025H USB to HD Adapter
In case you haven’t noticed, the web is an endless source of entertainment. There are certainly a lot of manufacturers trying to bring that experience to the big screen. However, there really is no substitute for what the web can offer. Sadly, not everyone has a dedicated home theater PC or the know-how to hook a laptop to the TV. The GUC2025H adapter makes those connections possible, by hooking USB to HDMI. Could it get any easier than that?
THX Optimizer
Having a THX setup is truly something special—if you know how to set it up properly. Instead of purchasing a test disc, THX has made the process more enticing by including Optimizer technology on some of your favorite THX-certified DVDs. Star Wars is one of the many titles that offers this extra. (Well, the SD, since the Blu-ray isn’t coming until September). However, consider THX to be your true Jedi Master, as it walks you through a series of test patterns and signals to tune you into the best audio and video possible.
APC Power Conditioner J-Type Battery Backup
There are a lot of tasty fried treats. However, A/V equipment isn’t one of them. APC offers two J-Type devices that can save devices as well as data from all sorts of outages. However, even when things are running smoothly, these products promise to boost performance by eliminating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and cross contamination. Look for the J25B and J35B, which each have eight outlets (six battery with surge and two surge-only), 1500VA capacity, COAX and phone protection jacks, as well as lifetime equipment protection policies.
Boxee Box by D-Link
Still trying to hook that PC to the TV? D-Link is making it easy via the Boxee Box, um… box. This compact device hooks up to any TV to offer up Netflix, VUDU, and almost 200 other apps. The box also offers search across the web and the ability to network in your own content. One other nifty feature is Watch Later, which allows you to bookmark content during computer time for later viewing on the big screen.
LED Lighting
LED can do a lot of different things in a home theater. It can create the most gorgeous array of stars you’ve ever seen, announce the end of your feature presentation, and even guide viewers to the snack bar. In the project seen here, lighting and interior design firm Gramophone used LED Source fixtures to create one killer sci-fi theme. The possibilities are endless, and can be very energy-efficient as well.
Sennheiser Wireless Headphones
It may be hard to believe, but not everyone wants to hear you watching The Expendables for the umpteenth time. Sennheiser has three sets (the RS 160, RS 170 and RS 180) of wireless headphones that allow you to enjoy movie-theater-quality audio inside your movie-theater-quality home theater. Features include dynamic transducers, a frequency response from 18 to 21,000Hz, a sound pressure level of up to 110 dB, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 85 dBA. Also, thanks to Kleer technology, these babies boast cable-free sounds at up to 328 feet, depending on the model.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/article/9_ways_to_enhance_your_home_theater