How a Soundproof Wall Can Benefit You

At those times you'd like nothing more than to turn down the volume on the horseplay and screaming from the younger kids, or the boom boxes or TVs blaring from the rooms of the teenagers. You'd love to be able to hold an adult conversation with your spouse or guests without having to raise your voices to uncomfortable levels, but the reality is that your home was not constructed with noise control as a priority. Keeping you interior doors closed doesn't help much when you are surrounded by paper-thin walls. What can you do?

Where To Use A Soundproof Wall

You can explore the possibilities of adding a soundproof wall to the rooms of your choice. Your bedroom, home office, or family room are all great candidates for a soundproof wall or walls, but every home has its hubs of activity, and you can choose the rooms which will benefit most from noise control. Having soundproof wall systems installed in those rooms can make the difference between having a family chronically short on sleep and one which is rested enough to arrive at the breakfast table in good spirits and ready to take on the day.

Why To Use A Soundproof Wall

You'll also feel much more secure when sharing close moments with your spouse if you are protected with a soundproof wall, and if you aren't constantly pleading with your kids to turn down the music or tone down their games, they'll be much more likely to stay home where they are safe.

If you do any kind of work from home, having a soundproof wall in your home office will make it much easier for you to stay focused in spite of the distractions of active kids, a barking dog, or a noisy vacuum cleaner. If your business is one which requires you to see clients in your office, a soundproof wall will keep your interactions with those clients private. It may also leave your clients thinking that your home life is much more organized that it really is.

A soundproof wall will let you work uninterrupted, and if you spend much time struggling with numbers or writing correspondence, it may be a necessity. But if having a soundproof wall makes you a more productive earner, the extra income you earn will eventually cover the cost of installing the wall!

Soundproof Wall Installation

The cost of installing a Soundproofing wall, by the way, need not be exorbitant if you have s some basic DIY skills. You can simply glue some cork cushioning to the back of a sheet 1/2" drywall, and then glue the drywall to your existing wall. The glue should be used instead of either nails or screws simply because nails or screws will transmit sound vibrations. You can learn more methods of installing a soundproof wall by talking to a building contractor or you local homebuilder's association.

You can also find more info on Soundproofing Tip. Soundproofingbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about sound proofing item.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Henry

Future-Proofing Your Home Or Business For Access to the Internet and HDTV

Before to the Internet revolution, business and residential applications had only two wiring systems, the electrical service and the phone service. Phone lines were the only means available for computer networking and were used for data transmission. The original networks that were created for computers to share data simply piggybacked over existing connections and technology.

Today, more options are available (and needed) to meet the networking needs of consumers. A good rule when projecting the future of communications: whatever you can imagine for the future, and multiply that by 100. Who twenty years ago could have predicted the Internet or HDTV or cell phones or IPODs. And given that technology growth in communications has proven to be exponential in the past, we need to multiply that experience by a factor of 10 for the next twenty years.

When dealing with the design and construction of a new facility, it is important to identify needs early in the process. When renovating an existing facility, many of the same considerations should be addressed, and the task is often more challenging.

Structured Wire

Structured wire is a technology of electrical interconnect, and is rapidly becoming standard in many parts of the U.S. The products try to anticipate future needs, and provide standardized methods for implementation. A Structured Wire facility includes telephone, computer networking, video, and sometimes fiber optic facilities. Structured Wiring Service Panels are usually about 4' high by 4' wide and are installed in a service area such as a garage, attic, or basement. The Structured Wiring is most often installed in new construction, but it can be utilized in existing structures.

The Structured Wiring Service Panels for a structured wire installation is a central panel where services (cable TV, telephone, satellite, internet, etc.) enter the house. A minimum requirement for each panel is a telephone-connecting block for terminating the twisted pair, and a passive cable splitter for the coax. Room should be left in the panel for upgrades.

Although individual Ethernet and video cables can be used, specifically designed multimedia cables are becoming standard. A dual cable, for example, consists of one Ethernet and one video interconnect under a single jacket. Another composite construction could include 2 Ethernet cables for voice and data and 2 video cables. These multimedia cables speed the installation time because multiple cables can be pulled at the same time, and it minimizes termination times since all ends are identifiable.

Ideally, the wired network has a "home run" configuration: a separate interconnect for cable TV, phone, and Internet data transmission is made from the Structured Wiring Service Panel to every point of use.

Structured Wiring panels are used to provide the miles of cable interconnects required to distribute Audio, television, security camera video, telephone, and digital communication applications, and now combines it with multimedia facilities. Structured wiring works well with a wireless network because administrators can connect wireless access points throughout the house through an Ethernet connection.

Computer Networks

The right technology choice is driven by what kind of property is being serviced. In a good communications interconnect plan, all interconnects are run to a central location. It may be OK to run a phone line in series (room to room), but it is not OK for Internet network cables.

Technology changes fast. It was only twenty-five years ago that Steven Jobs said that no computer would ever need more than 64K of memory. It is important to future-proof your plans. Fiber-optic solutions seem to be an unnecessary luxury today, especially with the performance available with high speed Ethernet. However, the majority of technology solutions for residential and small business applications are currently based on Ethernet.

Wireless networking (WiFi) is another technology that is rapidly impacting computer networking. Market research firm IDC projects that the total number of enterprise WiFi access points installed will grow from 1.6 million units in 2006 to 11.5 million units by 2010. Up to 20 users can connect to a single WLAN access point and receive adequate service. IDC also predicts that Ethernet switch ports, those predominantly deployed in enterprises, will grow from 172 million units to 208 million units in the same period.

Ethernet

Ethernet is the dominant standard for hardwire data networking. Ethernet hardware is usually standard in all new computers. If the method for high-speed data (cable modem, DSL, etc.) is hardwire, then the interface to the computer will usually be an Ethernet port.

Ethernet interconnections should not exceed 100 meters, and separate cables are needed for data and phone. It is possible to run Ethernet in the same jacket as phone, but it can be unreliable, and is definitely not advisable for High Speed Ethernet (> 100 Mbps). Use a separate cable, the "home-run" design, where possible from the network switch to each point of use.

With new construction, it is also advisable to interconnect buildings with conduit. Install it in the ground while it's still cheap to do so, and, keep the ownership rights. This will future-proof the property for later upgrades.

Retrofit Strategies

There are two common methods for retrofitting buildings: Wireless and Ethernet. Wireless has the apparent advantage of being less expensive and easier to implement, especially for retrofits. However, this is not always the case. Today, the answer is probably a combination of both systems. At points of use that are obvious and static, for example the home office, an Ethernet connection is appropriate. Overlaying this system with a wireless (WiFi) network provides improved flexibility.

Wireless

Wireless Ethernet (802.11) can be a good choice for communication retrofits for small projects. WiFi operates on radio frequencies (RF) and was developed for wireless digital communication between personal computers and consumer electronic devices. Most new computers include built-in WiFi support. Wireless Ethernet has applications including large buildings. Wireless access within common areas of a property, such as a pool area, can be an elegant solution. Wireless also is an excellent choice where it is difficult to run additional wire.

Hardwire

In some situations, rewiring can make more sense. For larger projects, a hard wire approach is more reliable, and in the end, cheaper. Wireless looks good "on paper", but in a large building, universal connectivity is difficult. The average cost to rewire with Ethernet cable is about $300 per point of use in large buildings. Having infrastructure in place for future expansion may justify the expense of rewiring.

Environmental issues must be considered when rewiring. Issues such as asbestos and lead-paint abatement are examples. There are those applications where rewiring is not an option because of construction constraints, unless exterior conduit is used, and esthetics often preclude this option. Once the wiring is installed, implementing the network is straightforward using standard Ethernet hub or switch equipment. Remember that there is a 100 meter distance limitation with Ethernet. In large projects, locating Ethernet switches in each building or on each floor of a high rise resolves the issue.

Fiber Optic vs. Ethernet

Fiber is probably not the solution to deploy today given Ethernet's ability to handle high speed communication over the short distances typical of large buildings. But it is difficult to anticipate the future. Fiber optic cables are used instead of traditional copper cables because this technique offers more capacity and is less susceptible to electrical interference. Fiber optic is becoming more common as a way to provide very high speed Internet service (100 Mbps and higher).

Uncompressed HDTV

If you want to distribute uncompressed video, say from the output of a satellite or cable receiver, then the bandwidth requirements are significant, so the communication technique necessary is . The alternative would be to distribute the compressed signal, and install a receiver (with decompressions) at each point of use. The simple answer is to not decompress until point of use. The alternative is to distribute uncompressed HDTV video, which is an intense signal (the last option, to recompress the signal, is a challenge which we won't tackle today). If you are in the first camp, read on, otherwise you can skip forward to the next section.

Today's video installations grow ever more complex, with source components positioned a good distance away from the display. The distance is the biggest factor in determining which technology to use. There are two choices, Copper or Fiber Optic.

An uncompressed digital video signal is a challenge. Fiber optic interconnect is the best technique for DVI and HDMI, because of the enormous bandwidth available. The bandwidth of Ethernet is less than 0.6 Gbps, and this is much lower than uncompressed video data (1.65 Gbps), it is easy to understand why fiber optic is better when it comes to high bandwidth digital signal transfer for long cable runs. Typically, 1080p signal would mean 1920 x 1080 pixels at 60 Hz. At this high rate of speed and large bandwidth of data, the impedance of many copper cables can cause signal loss at less than 20 feet, and this results in significant distortion.

Interconnect reliability over time should also be considered. The optical conversion electronics should last at least 80,000 hrs of continuous operation. Fiber optic cables are also immune to electrical interference such as RFI. With Fiber Optic Conversion technology, there is zero impedance (zero loss during transmission).

High quality interconnect is an investment. As digital video technology improves, you may be upgrading your DVD player or TV and it is important to make sure your interconnects do not become obsolete. Utilize a technology good to at least 1080p. Fiber Optics may be more expensive, but the price differential may be worth consideration for future-proofing your system now.

Summary

The goal is to deliver a cost-effective, future-proof deployment. It is more expensive and difficult to retrofit later. Inexpensive computing, the Internet, and digital communications are transforming the our planet. Twenty years of stunningly rapid advances in technology have brought computing into businesses and homes in ways that were recently not imagined.

About the Author: Brian Bradshaw is a Certified Technical Specialist (InfoComm CTS). Areas of expertise include Video, Audio, Computation, HDTV Satellite Systems, and Communications. He has a communications technology business in Plano, Texas (Dallas). More information can be found at his Website: http://bradshaw-vacuum-technology.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Bradshaw

How to Get the Most From Your Home Projector Without Spending a Fortune

There are many things to consider about the home projector in order to get the best possible experience. While some people believe that throwing more money at the problem will fix it, optimizing the home theater experience can be done without spending a fortune.

There has been extensive coverage about buying cheap projectors, DIY projectors, and many other means by which you can save money on a home theater system and still enjoy a quality experience. How to get the most out of your projector without spending a lot of money is an important thing to think about.

Mounting

Not enough can be said about mounting. Proper mounting is very important. But how can that save money? Mounting on a shelf unit often results in dust build up. Keeping the filters clean and making sure that there is plenty of airflow will help you to avoid over heating the projector causing damage which is costly to repair.

Screen Selection

Selecting the proper screen is very important. Not only do you want to get the right screen to fit your home projector needs the first time (Rather than having to purchase another one for more money) but you need to get a screen that is suitable for the location where it will be mounted. Is the screen easily cleaned? If it is soft fabric, will it rip or tear? If it is something that will be easily damaged, can it be stored while not in use?

Screens can be built with protection as well. Using an "artsy" type cabinet covering with pictures, or even a painting of some sort will prevent the dust buildup on the screen, lessening the need to clean it with the potential of damaging it. It will also prevent any ripping, tearing or other damage that may occur to the projection screen due to unforeseen circumstances.

Lamp Care

Make sure that the mounting is such that the projection unit does not get bumped or jarred a lot. Constantly bumping or moving the projector can cause many problems that are costly to repair. The filaments in the head lamps are very fragile, much the same as a mantle in a lantern is. Constantly jostling or bumping the projector will severely shorten the lifespan of the bulb. This will result in costly replacements that should not be needed so frequently. Frequent bumping also causes electronic and circuit boards to lose connection or come loose. This can create the need for costly repairs as well.

Lens Care

Are the optic lenses being adequately protected when they are not in use? The projector optics can be a very expensive replacement part. Lens covers are important. Even if they do not come with the projector when it is purchased, they are well worth the price. Quite frequently, spending a little money up-front can save a great deal of money in unnecessary expenses later on.

Projector Covering

Building a small container, especially for shelf mounted units can offer a unique custom-design and look for the user, and perform vital functions as well. Inclusion of computer fans and a power supply at a very nominal cost will insure sufficient airflow to prevent overheating and prevent much of the dust and dirt from getting into the projection unit where it could harm the optics as well.

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure if the desired effect is to get the most out of a home projector system without spending a fortune.

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. He is a System Administrator by profession with more than 10 years experience in the IT industry. He is very passionate about Trends & Technology, especially when comes to mobile gadgets.

He is also an internet marketer, having several websites on various computer niches. The most recent website he own was designed to help anyone who needs help on computer problems caused by registry errors. Go and check the website on http://www.registryrepairinfo.com/best-registry-cleaner.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clifford_Tan

Living Room Surround Sound Sans Wires

In the age of Wi-Fi, it's surprising wires still have to be draped across living rooms, tucked under carpets or run along walls for a quality home surround-sound setup. While wireless speaker systems exist, they haven't spread as quickly or as widely as they should have by now - largely due to high costs. But a new technology is a taking an innovative approach to eliminating excess wires.

Two new Mitsubishi television sets - the 46-inch LT-46149 and the 52-inch LT-52149 - incorporate the company's new Integrated Sound Projector (iSP) technology. The new technology builds home theater surround sound into the actual television set. In theory, this seems nearly impossible. How could a TV set sitting in front of a person replicate the experience of speakers positioned all around (even behind) the individual? iSP accomplishes this through a sixteen-speaker array that recreates true 5.1 surround sound from a cabinet below the screen. When a person takes the TV out of the box, he or she enters specific room dimensions into the set. The iSP then determines how to provide the best sound for that particular room. Through the use of an advanced algorithm, the iSP delays the sound in varying intervals to each of the 16 speakers. As a result, the speakers generate distinct sound beams that are focused both directly and indirectly to the listener. Supposedly, this practice recreates the experience of an actual surround-sound system.

With iSP technology being so new (sets just hit retailers in mid-July), there's not much feedback yet on how well the sets reproduce the surround-sound experience. But the idea behind the technology certainly is a good one. Of course, the major benefit of iSP is the elimination of all those pesky wires associated with traditional surround-sound systems. Running wires either requires some diligent cover-up work or accepting a living-room eyesore in exchange for theater-quality audio. But, should it work effectively, iSP could eliminate the need to have a receiver and speakers altogether. That, in turn, also eliminates an extra remote - a great benefit at a time when TV-viewing rooms seem to be jam-packed with more remotes than most users can actually keep track of. The sets also could be ideal for use in smaller or oddly shaped rooms like bedrooms, basements or attics, where surround-sound setups aren't entirely practical.

Though the Mitsubishi sets come with a hefty price tag, the eradication of wires and other benefits should immediately put this set in consideration for any serious videophile purchasing a new TV. Additionally, the LCD flat-panel sets with iSP also are equipped with a number of advanced video features. Mitsubishi boasts that 120Hz film motion allows for smooth, crisp, fast and slow action content. And Mitsubishi's Tru1080p delivers over two million pixels to a screen for a full and true 1920 x 1080 resolution. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Plush1080p technology reformats 720p and 1080i signals for a sharper, clearer picture. And, when not watching TV, consumers also can turn the Mitsubishi sets into a works of art with GalleryPlayer - software that enables display of stunning high-definition art and photography. But even a Picasso pales in comparison to the notion of wireless surround sound.

Mitsubishi LT-46149 and LT-52149 TVs are available at electronics retailers with suggested prices of $3,299 and $3,699.

Shad Connelly, Executive Editor - Invention & Technology News (http://news.inventhelp.com) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shad_Connelly

Home Theater Televisions - Recycling Your CRT

If you watch television and have an older CRT (cathode ray tube) or analog TV set, you have undoubtedly heard that by February 2009, you will need to have purchased a converter box in order to view basic television programming. Most of us already enjoy digital television programming with satellite or cable and won't need to do much to prepare for the change. However, if you are one of the estimated 20 million households that do not take advantage of these services but rather watches TV using an antenna, you will not be able to receive any programming after midnight on the February 17, 2009.

CRT television owners can choose to purchase a converter box using a government subsidized coupon for the purchase or they can buy a newer model television that can accommodate the change to digital, like an LCD or plasma screen.

The change made by Congress to transition to all-digital television has been put in place for several reasons:
1. Better picture and sound quality is available with digital television
2. More free channel options are available with digital television
3. Transitioning frees up more frequencies that can then be used by emergency services.

What's The Big Deal?
Because many homes may in fact be getting rid of their older television, there is a growing concern as to what to do with those older TV models. An estimated 75 percent of unused and broken televisions get stored away rather than recycled or disposed of. Keeping an old set around is really not a good idea. Older CRT sets contain anywhere from four to eight pounds of toxic lead, a fairly unhealthy thing to keep lying around your garage. Additionally, throwing these TVs into a landfill is not too environmentally savvy either because the lead can leech into the soil and groundwater if broken. Recycling can help prevent the release of this hazardous lead.

Additionally, television sets are big, clumsy, non-biodegradable objects that take up large amounts of space in our nation's landfills. Many states have already started prohibiting or limiting the ability to dispose of electronic devices in landfills. California, for instance, was one of the first states to pass a law prohibiting the throwing away of old TV sets, followed by several other states. The Environmental Protection Agency website can give you more information on limitations in your area.

How Can You Recycle Your TV?
There are a number of different options available to CRT and analog TV owners wishing to dispose of their sets in the most socially and environmentally responsible way. Before handing over your TV to any of these organizations or companies, however, ask some simple questions to verify that they comply with state or local electronics disposal laws and that they send any hazardous waste to a facility that specializes in the safe and legal disposal of such things.

Donate It To Charity: Consider giving your TV to a local charity, church or hospital. They may be willing to take it off your hands as well as pick it up from your home. You can contact the Electronic Industries Alliance for a list of local and national organizations that accept used electronic items.

Local Goodwill, Thrift Stores: Thrift stores will generally take an older TV set as long as it is in working condition. If you don't know where to start, simply make a few calls and see who might be interested.

Electronics Retailers: Some retailers, such as Best Buy, Circuit City and Office Depot will work with television manufacturers to sponsor in-store collection of televisions, computers and other electronics devices. This service is usually free or there may be a small charge. This is an incredible convenient option for people that want to dispose of a TV and get a new one all in one shop. Some retailers may even pick up the old TV set when they deliver your new one.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Ronny's 5th St. Audio Vision.
Recycling Televisions: Learn more about LCD flat panel screens and other home theater video components at Ronny's Northwest theater store.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Anton

How to Turn Your TV Room Into a Home Theater

If you bought a 50" plasma and receiver with surround sound a few years ago and you want to kick it up a notch for the upcoming football season here's an idea...

Thanks to the fact that HDTV projectors are far less expensive than they used to be, you can turn your TV room into a full blown Home Theater for as little as $3,000.00. Here's the concept....use your plasma for most TV shows and when it's time to watch the big game or movie, turn your room into a home theater by sending your HDTV signal to a projector that shoots an image 120" diagonal on to a screen mounted in front of your plasma.

How to Do It

Screen: You are going to mount a retractable HDTV screen above and just in front of your plasma and mount a HDTV projector in the back of the room. The most common size screen is 120" diagonal. Determine what screen size you should purchase, go to mountsandmore.com

Projector: Sony is the biggest player in the front projector market. Two favorites are:

Sony VPL-VW60: Home Theater magazine says the "SonyVPL-VW60 is a" great projector at a great price". It projects a beautiful1080P image and sells for about $5,000.00.

If you're tight on money, the Sony VPL- AW15 is an incredible deal at about $1,100. No kidding, no typo! Although this model is only capable of projecting an image in 720P format, (1080 is best) Home Theater Magazine says "No rear projector or flat panel at anywhere near the cost can offer a big screen experience like this!"

Projector Mount: Due to variables like ceiling height, you're going to need a little help here. I suggest contacting projectorpeople.com and have them help you determine the correct projector mount.

Connections: Your HDTV projector only needs two connections, power and HDMI (high definition multi media interface).

Power: If you can afford it, have an electrician install a power outlet near the location you will be installing your projector. If you don't have the budget, just buy an extension cord that closely matches the color of your wall and run the wires as cleanly as possible to the nearest outlet.

HDMI: You will need to run a HDMI cable from your receiver to your projector. It looks best if you run your wires in the wall or under the carpet. You may want to have a home theater installer handle this for you.

You will need to purchase a HDMI switch as most receivers have only 1 HDMI out connection.

Black Out Curtains: The black in a projected image comes from the black in the room so you need to keep your room as dark as possible when you are in Home Theater mode. I suggest logging on totarget.com/ where you can purchase black out curtains and rods for as little as $29.99 each and install yourself.

If you're a do-it-yourself person, you can save some money installing yourself. If not, I recommend contacting finding pre screened contractors through the use of an online service called servicemagic.com/ Service magic is an on line contractor referral service that will get you three bids on anything you need to get done.

Project Specifications and Budget

HDTV Projector:
Model 1: Sony VPL AW15
Price: $1,000.00
Model 2: Sony VPL VW 60
Price: $5,000.00
Where: shopzilla.com

Screen:
Model: Da-Lite Model C - Video Spectra, HDTV Format 119" diagonal
Price: $480.00
Where: mountsandmore.com

Projector Mount:
Model: Varies by application
Price: Varies by application ($250.00 - $500.00)
Where: mountsandmore.com

HDMI Cable:
Model: HDMI 1.3
Price: Varies by length ($50.00 to $100.00)
Where: mycablemart.com/

HDMI Switch:
Model: 3 port Enhanced HDMI switch
Price: $50.00
Where: mycablemart.com/

Black Out Curtains:
Model: Target Eclipse Suede black out curtains
Price: $300.00
Where: target.com

Installation:
Price: Varies by application ($500.00 - $1,000.00+)
Where: servicemagic.com

For more on how to build an affordable Home Theater go to
http://www.BuildYourOwnTheater.com

John Swanstrom grew up in Los Angeles California. He has 12 years experience in the Commercial Interior Design business working with customers including Disney, Warner Brothers and Paramount Studios on many large and complex projects. In his spare time, John has used his experience to build affordable Home Theaters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Swanstrom

How You Can Increase the Lifespan of Your Projector Bulb Or Lamp

The replacement of projector bulbs is an all-too-frequent occurrence for anybody that has owned a home theater projector for any length of time. While a two thousand hour lifespan may sound like a lifetime to some people, rest assured it is not long before the projector lamp will need replacing. There are however, some general tips that can help to expand the life of a headlamp for the projection unit.

Do not touch the lamp with bare hands

One of the most frequent problems encountered is people replacing the bulbs with their bare hands. While this is fine for an ordinary light bulb, it is not a good practice for a projector lamp. The lamp in a projection unit burns much hotter than any regular light bulbs. The effects of touching it with bare skin are equally magnified and problematic.

Touching a projector bulb with the bare skin leaves traces of oil on the lamp surface. While this may seem a very minor detail, it is detrimental both to the bulb and the quality of the resulting multimedia display. The oils will get burnt onto the lamp and drastically reduce the lifespan. As the oil is baked into the surface, it actually diffuses the light being projected, reducing the lumens actually being sent to the refractive surfaces. The light will not be enough to project the image that has come to be expected from the home theater projection system. While the problem may not be noticeable at first, over the course of a little time, the quality will degrade to the point of not being viewable.

Turn off the projector power after turning off the lamp

It is highly recommended to turn the power on the projector to the "off" position only after having turned off the lamp and allowing it to cool. This will allow the cooling fans to do the job they were designed to do. While rapid cooling and heating result in repeated contractions and expansions of the bulb filament, it is much better that it be done more quickly with the cooling fans. Likewise, turning the projector on and allowing the cooling fans to run for a moment before turning on the lamp will help as well. This will add hours to bulb life expectancy and allow for longer hours of viewing pleasure on the home theater projection system.

Constant Movements

Constantly bumping or moving the projector, especially while it is hot can be very detrimental to the projector lamp. The filament in the bulb loses almost all tensile strength when it is heated during normal usage. It is much the same as the filament in a camp lantern. The principle is the same; the filament effectively becomes almost the same consistency as ash, making it extremely vulnerable to damage when it is hot. Even after proper cooling, the lamp filament is very sensitive. Care should be taken when moving the projector for whatever reason. While it is always a good idea to be careful with electronic equipment, some aspects of the home projector are actually a bit more sensitive.

It will usually be necessary to move the projector when cleaning the filters. As always, it is a good idea to move it carefully without jerking it around or bumping it any more than needed. Taking an extra moment or two to check the projector mount and make sure it is still securely fastened can also be beneficial and prevent slips and movement which may otherwise be harmful.

With a little care and a little preventative maintenance, the projector lamps will still need to be changed, but not nearly as often.

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. He is a System Administrator by profession with more than 10 years experience in the IT industry. He is very passionate about Trends & Technology, especially when comes to mobile gadgets. He is also an internet marketer, having several websites on various computer niches. The most recent website he own was designed to help anyone who needs help on computer problems caused by registry errors. Go and check the website on http://www.registryrepairinfo.com/best-registry-cleaner.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clifford_Tan

Bose Brings the Future of Home Entertainment to the Present With the Bose Lifestyle System Series

Creating a complete centralize home entertainment systems has always been a challenge for most of us due to factors like the number of rooms in the house, the massive amounts of equipment and wiring required, and not to mentioned the cost involved. Being able to create a network of audio and video equipment where all the components interact well with each other has for the most part been within reach of only a very privileged few.

Bose, the audio and video company known for cutting edge innovations, has created a solution with their Bose Lifestyle DVD Series, so advanced that it seems like it was ripped right out of a movie.

To start with, the Lifestyle DVD System delivers excellent home theater sound using their arrays of patented Jewel Cube speakers, a nice looking horizontal center channel speaker and a set of high-performance acoustimass modules, all included in the package.

This system in a nutshell, allows you to create a complete home entertainment network with top of the line components and smart technologies built right in to it. To get a better view of this advanced entertainment system, let 's begin with the brain of the network which, is the audio processor and DVD player . This component on the surface has the usual capabilities like the ability to play DVDs, VCDs, CD, MP3's, AM/FM tuner. It also allows you to record MP3s and comes with a connection to a your TV set through an HDMI port.

Underneath, however this system comes equipped with a unique Bose patented technology called ADAPTiQ and what this does is, it monitors the dimensions of your room and the placement of your speakers, and automatically calibrates the sound quality based on the acoustics of the room to achieve the best possible sound. So no matter what the shape and dimensions of your room are and where you place the speakers, ADAPTiQ will automatically calibrate the sound for you to achieve the best possible sound quality.

The second feature in this system is something called Bose Link Technology, and this is what allows you to establish the audio and video network throughout the house. BoseLink allows you to wirelessly link the main system to as many as 14 different rooms , so you can play a CD in the living room and deliver the sound to any of the other rooms, with each area having the ability to independently control the volume. What's more you can have a second audio stream, let's say an IPOD, and deliver that stream to any of the desired locations, so you can watch your TV in one room, while someone else listens to an MP3 somewhere in another room, all coming from the main hub.

As you can see the Bose Lifestyle system comes as close to completing a home audio and video network as you can get. The basic system comes with the main components and enough equipment to set up the main room, and speakers for any additional room would need to be purchased separately. However with the main system set up, you can expand the entertainment network to accommodate up to 14 other rooms.

Hugo Valle is an Affiliate Marketer and Expert In Consumer Electronics http://boseaudioonline.com/

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How to Get a Home Projection System For Under $1000

While looking for home theater projection systems, many people are astounded at the high price of most units. However, there are many avenues available for people to find projection units, often at well under one thousand dollars.

While some of the manufacturers offer brand new units for less than one thousand dollars, is this always the best way to look at projector units? It depends on what the individual users needs are. Some people feel more comfortable having a brand new projection unit with a warranty and service readily available for their purchase. While most of the projectors available for this price are smaller units, designed mostly for media displays such as presentations, some home theater projection units are actually for the same low prices. This is definitely an option to explore. What if that projector does not meet the requirements of the user though? What are some of the other options available?

One of the easiest and most popular ways to get an affordable, high quality home theater projection system for under $1000 is through the use of online auctions. While there are specific concerns directly related to online auctions, with some care and consideration by the buyer some very good deals are available here. If the prospective buyer is adequately armed with the proper information, this can be a very good route to explore in depth.

Another viable alternative to otherwise high priced projection units is the Do It Yourself or DIY projector. With a little bit of know how, and some time and effort to put forth towards a worthy goal, it is possible to build a home made projection unit for the home theater system. Parts are readily available from an ever widening pool of resources and the actual technical know-how is not as intensive as it may seem. For many self-proclaimed handy men, this can be an ideal option. It will give the builder a productive outlet for their skills and a unique and distinct sense of pride when their friends come over to view the large screen home theater system that has been custom built by the user.

A variation of the Do It Yourself projector is the pre-made projector. While the concept is relatively new, it has become increasingly popular and an affordable alternative to the high priced new systems. Most of the companies that sell projector parts, whether new or used, get discount prices by purchasing the products at a wholesale rate.

While it is not feasible for most people to even think about going out and purchasing parts by the truckload, they can still benefit from the pre-made projectors. These same companies also realized very quickly that not everybody is capable of putting together a home made theater projection system. They had the technology, the manpower and the parts to alleviate this problem. While the specifications may vary, pre-made projectors are put together in a factory setting by qualified technicians. More often than not these will even come with some form of limited warranty. This can be a very popular option for those individuals not as singularly qualified for the more technical aspects of projector construction.

Whatever path is chosen, there are many ways to get a good quality home theater projection system for less than one thousand dollars.

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. He is a System Administrator by profession with more than 10 years experience in the IT industry. He is very passionate about Trends & Technology, especially when comes to mobile gadgets.

He is also an internet marketer, having several websites on various computer niches. The most recent website he own was designed to help anyone who needs help on computer problems caused by registry errors. Go and check the website on http://www.registryrepairinfo.com/best-registry-cleaner.html

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How to Get the Most From Your Home Projector Without Spending a Fortune

There are many things to consider about the home projector in order to get the best possible experience. While some people believe that throwing more money at the problem will fix it, optimizing the home theater experience can be done without spending a fortune.

There has been extensive coverage about buying cheap projectors, DIY projectors, and many other means by which you can save money on a home theater system and still enjoy a quality experience. How to get the most out of your projector without spending a lot of money is an important thing to think about.

Mounting

Not enough can be said about mounting. Proper mounting is very important. But how can that save money? Mounting on a shelf unit often results in dust build up. Keeping the filters clean and making sure that there is plenty of airflow will help you to avoid over heating the projector causing damage which is costly to repair.

Screen Selection

Selecting the proper screen is very important. Not only do you want to get the right screen to fit your home projector needs the first time (Rather than having to purchase another one for more money) but you need to get a screen that is suitable for the location where it will be mounted. Is the screen easily cleaned? If it is soft fabric, will it rip or tear? If it is something that will be easily damaged, can it be stored while not in use?

Screens can be built with protection as well. Using an "artsy" type cabinet covering with pictures, or even a painting of some sort will prevent the dust buildup on the screen, lessening the need to clean it with the potential of damaging it. It will also prevent any ripping, tearing or other damage that may occur to the projection screen due to unforeseen circumstances.

Lamp Care

Make sure that the mounting is such that the projection unit does not get bumped or jarred a lot. Constantly bumping or moving the projector can cause many problems that are costly to repair. The filaments in the head lamps are very fragile, much the same as a mantle in a lantern is. Constantly jostling or bumping the projector will severely shorten the lifespan of the bulb. This will result in costly replacements that should not be needed so frequently. Frequent bumping also causes electronic and circuit boards to lose connection or come loose. This can create the need for costly repairs as well.

Lens Care

Are the optic lenses being adequately protected when they are not in use? The projector optics can be a very expensive replacement part. Lens covers are important. Even if they do not come with the projector when it is purchased, they are well worth the price. Quite frequently, spending a little money up-front can save a great deal of money in unnecessary expenses later on.

Projector Covering

Building a small container, especially for shelf mounted units can offer a unique custom-design and look for the user, and perform vital functions as well. Inclusion of computer fans and a power supply at a very nominal cost will insure sufficient airflow to prevent overheating and prevent much of the dust and dirt from getting into the projection unit where it could harm the optics as well.

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure if the desired effect is to get the most out of a home projector system without spending a fortune.

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. He is a System Administrator by profession with more than 10 years experience in the IT industry. He is very passionate about Trends & Technology, especially when comes to mobile gadgets.

He is also an internet marketer, having several websites on various computer niches. The most recent website he own was designed to help anyone who needs help on computer problems caused by registry errors. Go and check the website on http://www.registryrepairinfo.com/best-registry-cleaner.html

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HDTV Formats and Your Home Theater Projector

Projector owners take note. Using your projector and screen as a primary source for watching sports on television, as well as movies for the HDTV experience is possible without breaking the bank on a new HDTV projector. Now it sounds complicated, but consider these facts and gain a clearer understanding of HDTV and projectors.

All projectors in use today have what is known as a native ratio. This means that it has a standard format in which it produces images. Standard HDTV broadcast formats are 1080i (1920 x 1080), or 720p (1280 x 720). If the projector has a native ratio less than either of these two formats, the projector must re-format or scale (compress) the signal before producing the image, which results in the loss of some of the intended picture clarity from HDTV.

The bottom line is that all projectors are built to scale a wide variety of incoming signal formats into their one native display. They will all do standard television, they will all do DVD, and almost all of them will do HDTV 1080i and 720p as well. In addition, most of them will display a variety of computer resolutions, including SVGA, XGA, and so forth. Really, when it comes to HDTV, there are only two circumstances where scaling is not required: 720p for a projector with 1280x720 native resolution, and 1080i for a projector with 1920x1080 resolution.

The diminished picture quality is marginal, as a scaled HDTV image is still better than the analog or digital signal that some broadcasts are shown in. If your home theater is relatively new, you just got your projector, or you are worried that your projector doesn't do HDTV, it does. You are just seeing a scaled version of the HDTV signal.

For additional information on HDTV projectors, visit http://www.bigscreencenter.com or call 1-800-296-8420.

Big Screen Center:
Online retailer of projectors, projection screens, mounts for plasma/lcd televisions and related accessories. Serving the online consumer since 2004.

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Subwoofer Placement For Your Surround Sound System

Subwoofer placement usually requires a bit of experimentation to get a proper placement. The low frequencies produced by a sub woofer are omni-directional and generally cannot be pinpointed, however that does not mean it can be placed anywhere for the best effect.. There are a few things to keep in mind.

1. The reaction between the walls and room acoustics
2. Distance from the walls.
3. Placement of furniture.
4. Carpet or hardwood floors.

1. The reaction between the walls and room acoustics

Low frequencies tend to bounce off of walls and carry for further distances easier than higher frequencies (an example is a booming car stereo), you hear the bass long before you hear any treble. A variety of factors effect room acoustics room shape, curtains, rugs, shape of ceilings, textured ceiling etc., so there can be no one single rule where to place your subwoofer, so the first rule of thumb is that you will have to adjust the position by testing.

Subwoofer placement is often subjective to the listener and exact placement not only can take some time but it can also be frustrating. To do these placement procedures, make sure that your speaker cable is long enough to reach all around the room.

2. Distance from the walls

I've found that keeping the subwoofer approximately 1 foot from the edge of the wall with the air tube pointed toward the wall, provides the best effect. Experiment for the best positioning.

3. Placement of furniture

The placement of your furniture, can change the sound of not only your subwoofer but your entire surround sound system as well. Furniture can deaden or mute sounds, causing a bad effect. Try moving the chair, painting around a bit, or you may want to change the positioning of speakers, raising or lowering them a few inches may make quite the difference..

4. Carpet or hardwood floors

Carpet will deaden sounds and hardwood floors will make them echo. Again this will also effect your other speakers as well as your subwoofer.

Here are a few techniques to properly position your subwoofer.

The Subwoofer Crawl

A time honored placement procedure is to place the subwoofer on the couch or chair that you normally watch your movies or listen to music. You then play a CD or Movie scene that plays a lot of Bass or low pitch sound effects. While that is playing, crawl around on the floor until the subwoofer sounds the best. This is where the subwoofer should be placed.

Pros : This can have a great effect and actually show you the best positioning of your subwoofer.

Cons: The best placement of your subwoofer might just be in the middle of the floor. Takes a while to crawl all around. Takes a long time to determine.

Skirting the Edges

A more realistic approach to placing your subwoofer is by skirting the edges of your room. Start by placing the subwoofer in the front left corner of your room, listening to a CD or Movie scene that plays a lot of Bass or low pitch sound effects. Sit down in your listening position and make a mental note of how good the bass sound. After a short while, move the subwoofer to the near left of the TV, sit down and listen again. Continue doing this in a clock wise manner until all of the positions are covered. Leave the subwoofer where it sounds the best.

Pros : Since you are going to have the subwoofer in the edge of the room anyway, might as well test only that position. Much faster than crawling around on the floor.

Cons: This may not find the optimum position of the subwoofer.

Bounce the Corners

Easy enough, place the subwoofer underneath each of your speakers, front left, front right, surround left, surround right and center. Keep the subwoofer wherever it sound the best.

Pros: Easy to accomplish. You might end up doing this anyway to keep some order in your room.

Cons: The best bass sound might not be realized, however you just might find the right spot.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

The author of this article likes this method the best. Simply place the subwoofer behind the listening position (i.e. The couch) and turn the subwoofer down to 25%-50% from the remainder of the speakers. When the subwoofer kicks in, the effect is nice and you will get a slight vibration on heavy bass notes.

By using one of these subwoofer placement tips, you should be able to find the best place to install your subwoofer to provide the best effect for your surround sound system.

(C)2008 Andrew Dansby

http://naturalsurroundscape.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Dansby

What Are DTV Converter Boxes and the DTV Transition?

The digital television transition is where all television stations in the USA will stop providing analog television signals and will only provide digital signals. This transition is schedule occur on February 17th of 2009 at 12:00 p.m.

What is the purpose of the DTV transition?

The transition in happening for two specific reasons. The first reason is to provide a better experience for television users. Going to 100% digital should allow consumers to get a better picture and also give them more programming options. The other reason is to free up the analog airwaves for emergency services.

Will the digital television transition directly affect me?

The transition will affect you if you have an older tv. Mostly likely anything that you purchased more than 3-5 years ago will be analog. If you have one of these analog televisions it will no longer pick up television signals after the transition date. The transition will not affect your analog television if you have cable.

Is there anyway to continue using my old analog television after the transition?

There is one way to make your old televisions compatible with the new digital signals. If you purchase a DTV converter box then you should be able to get all of the channels you received before the transition and maybe even more channels.

What is the price of a DTV converter box?

Most DTV converter boxes range from a price of $50 to around $70. You can get ones for a lot more money but it is quite unnecessary

Where can I buy a converter box?

DTV Converter boxes can be purchased from electronics stores and also general merchandise stores. I would suggest Best Buy or Wal-Mart.

Can I find a coupon to lower the cost of my DTV converter?

The government has decided to help out consumers with the DTV transition and is offering $40 coupons to people who need to purchase a converter box. They have set aside roughly $1.4 billion for these coupons. With the $40 coupon you can get a DTV converter for about $10. If you want one of these coupons I suggest requesting it ASAP because there is a limited number of them. You can visit the governments DTV transition website to request a coupon card.

Is there a limit to the number of coupons I can get?

There is a limit of 2 coupons per household. If you need more coupons then you will need to have them sent to a different address.

Is there any other way to keep my old analog television working after the transition?

The only other way to keep your television working is by getting cable. Of course if you want you could always go out and purchase a new all digital television.

Is there any other information that I should know about in regards to the transition?

The only other important thing is to make sure you look up reviews and comparisons on the different DTV converter boxes. These converters are brand new products and there have been a lot of glitches with them so you should definitely check out which ones are working the best.

I am a digital transition experts who gives out free advice over the internet. You can visit my digital converter box reviews blog to learn more about a digital TV converter box ratings.

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Home Theater Speakers - More About Subwoofers

We all know what bass can do to a movie soundtrack. It can create drama, danger, even a feeling of strength depending on the visuals that go along with it. Bass is one of the most important elements of any audio format because it provides balance and contrast to the overall score of a movie, television show, even commercial. Quality bass in a sound system is impressive while not being overpowering.

In a 5.1 surround sound system, one of the most common for home theater installations, the '.1' is the bass. The speaker for the bass sounds on a soundtrack is called a sub-woofer. Lower frequency sound waves use a larger diaphragm to move the amount of air it takes to make these sounds. While smaller speakers can produce these lower frequency waves, they typically cannot produce the kind of quality that one would expect from a quality theater. Smaller speakers can often sound tinny when trying to produce these lower sounds. Large home theater speaker towers are capable of handling this part of the soundtrack though it may require the reduction of sound quality from the mid and high range frequency speakers.

Choosing a good sound system with a quality bass speaker is not impossible, even for people who do not have a lot of experience. First, start with the sub-woofer. Homeowners will need to consider whether they require a passive sub or an active woofer. A passive sub-woofer does not need a separate power supply. Rather it uses power from the same amp that is driving the other home theater speakers. Volume from the amplifier can usually be controlled, there is less control overall with a passive sub. An active sub has a separate power supply. This means that the signal received from the amplifier/receiver is enhanced by the sub-woofer itself, without taking any of the power from the other speakers.

Once you have your home theater sub-woofer and other speakers picked out, lay them out to get the best sound from each. Bass sound is omni-directional, meaning that it goes out from the speaker in all direction. To decide where to place the sub-woofer, put it in the same position that you will be sitting in, whether it is on the couch facing the television screen or in a home theater chair. Turn on a favorite film then move around your room and listen. Find the spot that the bass sounds best and move your sub-woofer to that location. It can be set on the ground, on a shelf or off of a wall depending on where you feel the best low tone sound is heard. Since the sounds are going out and bouncing around the room in roughly the same direction, the sound should be great when you get it into place.

We've all heard the laments of mothers and fathers forced to deal with the incessant thumping and pounding of boom box bass lines from their adolescent's car or room. There is something to say for the potential for this phenomenon to occur in a home theater as well. While walls, ceiling and floor will generally block high sound frequencies from leaving the room, they can actually increase the volume of the lower range sounds. While laying out your speakers, try to also find the right volume balance for all frequencies that your family can enjoy the sound quality a bass can provide without driving your neighbors crazy.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Ronny's 5th St. Audio Vision.
We invite you view the best in home subwoofers for theaters from vendors like Dali and Quad at Ronny's speaker, home theater and accessories store.

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Wireless Home Theatre Systems

Have you ever purchased a home theater system and been met with a hundred feet of wire? If you have, you are not alone. This seems to be a problem that many individuals have faced. They have found that the rear speakers have around 25 to 50 feet of wire that has to be concealed throughout the room. Even the front speakers can have a considerable amount of wire. However, it always seems that the center speaker never has enough length. This means that a wireless home theater system is probably going to be the way to go on your next home theater purchase.

A wireless home theater system eliminates the need for all of those wires. This means you don't have to stand there trying to figure out how you are going to conceal every inch of wire around a room. That in itself takes much longer than actually hooking up the speakers to the sub-woofer and connecting the sub-woofer to your television. You could actually have the entire system hooked up in a matter of minutes. You don't have to worry about hiding wires behind your baseboards and you do not have to worry about them falling all over the place and being unsightly.

Another great thing about a wireless home theater system is the fact that you can place your speakers anywhere you need them within range. This means that you can have an optimal surround sound experience, which is an experience you won't have if you are restricted with wires. Many people are unable to fully enjoy the potential of their system because they can only take them where the wires will let them. Again, this is not the case with wireless systems. Just imagine being able to place your speakers right behind your couch or on each side of the room where you want them. Some individuals cannot place speakers in the proper places because the shape of their family room may not allow it.

Just know that when you invest in wireless home theater systems, you are not only getting the best possible sound experience, you are getting much more than that. No messy cords, no difficult installations, and no tearing up your baseboards or walls to conceal the wires. That in itself makes it worth the investment.

As for where you can find wireless home theater systems, you can go on the internet and find great dealers offering these systems for great prices. You don't have to pay a fortune to have one, so don't. Compare prices, check reviews, and find the system that is going to fit your home theater needs. Once you have everything hooked up and ready to go, you'll be glad you did.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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