Top four tips to choose the best home theater

In terms of a home theater, people usually expect to choose ones with great sound and image quality that gives a great audio entertainment experience. Here are top four tips to consider when choosing a home theater.

Sound quality

Before making decision to choose the best home theater, it is necessary to compare the quality of the different home theaters. Some of the best home theater systems provide differentiated components like surround soakers that might suit using with a movie or with music to make sure that the clarity of sound and volume are gained at the highest level. Some systems have been improved to have a ground shaking audio performance, which helps them become a great consideration.

Aesthetic value

Consumer preferences matter particularly with a home theater which is considered to be as a statement of wealth. So, some consumers might be interested in both sound quality as well as the aesthetic value that is created by attractive appearance, shapes, size, and color. Some customers need a home theater to be as a home décor since its location in the house is expected to have a maximum value.

Brand

It is also important to take into consideration the home theaters’ brands since they are credited and reviewed for the best products. There are several notable market brands such as Sony, Samsung, LG, Yamaha, Orb, Onkyo, Klipsch Gallery, Enclave, and Dali Zensor.

Cost

The same as you consider to purchase any product, the price of a home theater system is also one of major factors to consider. Even though most systems come with different features, it is important to consider the costs involved to make sure that it is a valuable purchasing that can meet your expectation. But it is worth noting that most high-quality home theaters come at a high price.

Things to Consider When Choosing A Projector for Watching Sports

When it comes to sports projectors, there are a variety of options along with a few considerations. Here is a list of some of the most important things that you must consider if you want to choose a projector for watching sports.

Brightness of The Projector

The first thing you must consider is its brightness level. It is showed in ANSI lumens, varying from one projector model to another. The brightness level affects how visible is the projected imagery. You must also consider the amount of ambient lighting in the space where you will use the sports projector. A high level of ambient lighting will impact negatively on the visibility of the projected images.

–  Spaces with a low amount of ambient lighting should consider a projector from 1,000 to 2,000 lumens.

–  Areas with a medium amount of ambient lighting will do fine with a projector around 1,500 – 3,000 lumens.

–  Rooms and halls that receive ample light will require a projector with at least 3,000 lumens.

Note that even if two projectors have the same lumens rating, the brightness of the images may still differ, depending on the quality of the light source it employs.

Native Resolution of The Projector

Another thing you need to consider when choosing a sports projector is its native resolution, which determines the quality and clarity of the projected images. Projectors are commonly available in 4K resolutions (3840×2160 or 4096×2160), Full HD (1920×1080), WXGA (1280×800), and XGA (1024×768). Projectors with XGA resolution are cheap but provide lower quality images than projectors with a higher resolution. Projectors with 4K resolution are quite expensive and provide unmatched image quality.

Projectors with Full HD are the perfect option for sports fans. Most TV broadcast signal in Full HD resolution, allowing you to make the most use of a 1080p projector. Projectors with WXGA resolution support the widescreen format.

The Best Home Theater Systems in 2020 (part 3)

Focal Chora 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos 

Focal Chora 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos is a high performing home theater setup. It will sound just as good for your two-channel stereo listening as you want to kick back and listen to some music. Focal’s Chora series is incredibly well designed to provide the realism unparalleled at the price point. With this package, the four-way floor standing speakers feature a Dolby Atmos speaker planted into the highest panel of the speaker. With a dedicated center channel and a pair of surround speakers which you can hang on the wall for a neat theater look, you will feel as if fighter planes are soaring over your head when you are watching the latest action movie. The system is completed with two 12” SVS PB-2000 ported subwoofers. These 12” monsters can create impressive bass response, and be quite refined with the 550-watt amplifier that keeps the subwoofer in check.

This Package Includes: Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker, 4 Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers, 2 SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″ Subwoofers, and 2 Focal Chora Surround Speakers

Reg. Price: $9,158.00

Klipsch 7.2.2 Reference Premiere Home Theater System

These are two world-class, historic, audio pioneers: One famous for spectacular sound and beautiful cabinetry, the other known for best amplification and leading technology. Between them, two legends – Paul Klipsch and Saul Marantz, with more than 100-year experience, and each award in the book. Welcome to the best surround sound in the world. Dolby Atmos creates a layer of sound that hovers above the audience in different areas above them.

Although now most AV receivers come Dolby Atmos-enabled, a lot of consumers don’t add Dolby Atmos speakers. So, we have come up with an awesome and relatively affordable home theater that delivers on all fronts: right, left, center, rear, sides, below, and now, with Dolby Atmos, even in the air above.

This Package Includes: Klipsch RP-504C Center Channel Speaker, 2 Klipsch RP-8060FA Floor standing Speakers with Dolby Atmos, 2 Klipsch R-120SW 12″ Subwoofers, 2 Klipsch RP-502S Reference Premiere Surround Speaker Pairs, and Marantz SR7013 9.2-Channel AV Receiver.

The Best Home Theater Systems in 2020 (part 2)

KLH Kendall 5.1 Speaker System

KLH’s mission is audiophile-worthy speakers at affordable prices. And its latest line-up embodies that mission. The Kendall 3-way floor-standing speakers included in the system represent KLH’s new flagship models. Beautifully finished in American walnut and black oak veneers, each consists of custom drivers made of Kevlar, anodized aluminum, and big magnets. They look beautiful and sound great.

The KLH Story Center Channel Speaker puts the most major action front and center with crossover circuitry that is made from high-quality components. The two Beacon surround speakers do a great job with the left and right rear channels of the system.

This Package Includes: 2 KLH Kendall Floorstanding Speakers, Windsor 12 Subwoofer, KLH Beacon Surround Speaker Pair, KLH Story Center Channel Speaker, Available in Black or Walnut

Reg. Price: $2,796.95

SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Package

Over the last 20 years, SVS has become one of the most respected brands in the industry of home theater. Initially known for their award-winning subwoofers / sternum-vibrating / room-shaking, new SVS systems now can compete with anyone with the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 home theater package being a great example. The package’s compact is easier to fit in a smaller room and can turn it up and boom: make it become the Hollywood Bowl.

Each SVS Prime Satellite speaker has the size of a loaf of bread, containing a one-inch tweeter and a 4.5-inch midrange drive. They are small but punch like Roberto Duran. The 12-inch driver in the already legendary will have you holding on to your seat. It’s small and neatly tucks into any corner.

Another big advantage of SVS’s package is gaming. If you really want to put yourself in the middle of a Call of Duty or Gears of War battle, the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Package is for you.

This Package Includes:  5 Prime Satellite Speakers and SB-1000 Subwoofer

Reg. Price: $999.99

Sony Bravia X950G Series: the smart TV that all gamers should not miss

Pros:

  • Direct LED with local dimming
  • Excellent motion handling

Cons:

  • Poor sound quality
  • Lackluster black levels

Thanks to offering just enough visual panache to warrant its mid-range price point, the Sony Bravia X950G series hits the top spot between price and visual performance so that gamers won’t be disappointed by Sony’s mid-range marvel.

Unlike other TVs that usually use their inordinate brightness without discrimination, the X950G saves its peak brightness levels for the most intense HDR scenes. Therefore, games like Spider-Man on the PS4 Pro look so amazing while being displayed on it.

Smart TV (Android Oreo)

For both users, especially those are gaming fans, Android TV is a divisive operating system. There’s many people who may not mind the platform’s row-centric design any at all, while others can’t stand its unresponsiveness and sheer business.

However, there is a good news that Google has made some minor changes to make finding content a bit better, and Sony has worked on the hardware side making that content faster to access. As a result, compared to previous generation Sony smart TVs, the X950G performs up to 60% faster with key services such as Netflix and YouTube.

In addition, Android TV works with most of the biggest supported streaming services, including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.

HD/SDR Performance

The image quality of the X950G is natural and not flashy. It’s not overly bright with colors not oversaturated. According to Sony, its matching process helps the image look more realistic when it’s upscaled and can even sharpen fuzzy edges. This is a very heavy task, and the X950G can do it with aplomb.

Sound

Another good news is that Sony has provided various ways to get sound from the TV to an external sound system – either a soundbar or an AV receiver. The X950G is in the minority of screens that supports eARC, allowing users to pass Dolby Atmos sound to a soundbar or an AV receiver plugged into the TV… And you’ve got digital optical audio, built-in Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and a 3.5mm jack that can pass audio signal to something else.

In conclusion, the X950G is a brilliant mid-priced 4K TVs that work well with Sony’s consoles. Thanks to its better processing, more brightness, improved motion performance, it provide high picture quality that humbles many more expensive TVs.

The Best Home Theater Systems in 2020 (part 1)

If you are planning to purchase a home theater systems to relax while practicing the social distancing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, consider our picks for best home theater systems in 2020 to choose from.

1. Sonos 5.1 Beam Surround Set with Voice Assistant: The Smartest Home Theater System

It seems that Sonos is intent on sweeping the field. Considered as the upstart among industry giants, now Sonos is doing for home theater what they did for multi-room music with quite impressive results.

According to CEPro magazine, the Sonos Beam 5.1 Surround Set is everything you may expect from the world’s leading wireless audio company. Highs are crystal clear and dialogue through the Beam Sound Bar – the system’s centerpiece – is eminently understandable and consistently front and center.

In addition, the system is whip smart, coming with an impressive feature set. It’s totally wireless save for the HDMI output and power cord. The Sonos app remains the best and also smartest app in the industry with Apple Airplay 2 included. It streams just about everything through more than 50 music services that are supported by Sonos. Add Amazon Alexa and/or Google Assistant voice control, adding a look that is stylish, unobtrusive, and made to blend in – and you have got an excellent option. Not only for truly immersive 5.1 surround sound, but also for great-sounding music. Although it’s a little bit pricey, it is worth every penny in our opinion. 

This Package Includes: Beam Compact Smart Sound Bar With Voice Control, 2 OneSL Speakers for Stereo Pairing and Home Theater Surrounds, SUB Wireless Subwoofer, Power Cords, HDMI Cable (Available in Black or White)

Reg. Price: $1,456.00

2. Bose Soundbar 700 with Bass Module 700 and Surround Wireless Speakers: The Best Wireless Home Theater System

Every component of Bose Soundbar 700 is part of Bose’s new family of smart wireless speakers. With Amazon Alexa built-in, you can control the system with simple voice commands.

This Package Includes: Bose Soundbar 700, Bose Surround Wireless Speakers, Bose Bass Module 700, Power cords, Optical cable, HDMI Cable

Reg. Price: $1,797.00

Three quick things to consider when selecting a home theater system

There are three types of home theater shoppers. Some love the process and dive in head first, researching how different component combinations deliver different results, reading about all the options, and much more. Others may care less about details, options, and specs – they just want an awesome home theater. And then there is the biggest group: everyone in the middle. However, doing some research is always necessary. Here are three quick things to consider when selecting a home theater system.

1. This is not about TVs.

It’s the question we get most: “So, what exactly is a home theater system?” And although a good TV and/or projector and screen are key to the experience, a home theater is all about sound. Or more to the point: the sound so real, so lifelike and so 3-dimensional, it suspends disbelief and puts you in the action. The bigger and better the sound, the bigger and better the experience.

2. What you need:

A typical home theater system includes a home theater receiver (where the power comes from / what everything connects to) and speakers –  including (but certainly not limited to): a center speaker, right and left front speakers, right and left rear speakers, special effect speakers (or height speakers) for Dolby Atmos, and a subwoofer or two.

3. The three distinct types:

The type of home theater system you choose will depend on several factors, but here’s the good news: there’s a home theater solution for every situation. The three types include:

  • Pre-packaged home theater systems (aka home-theater-in-a-box). Very easy to set up and everything matches.
  • A home theater system made up of separate components. More customizable with respect to design aesthetics and sound.
  • An installed, dedicated, and custom-designed home theater. Where we gut the whole room and start over – new walls, new ceiling, built-in components, luxury theater seating and lighting, cinematic touches throughout, and so on. (What we call “the whole shootin’ match.”) Pricey, yes, but more common than you might think.

Two Best Sony TVs For Watching Sports

One of the key things you have to look before buying a smart TV for watching sports is its size. Then look for the screen with a high-frequency range, usually, a screen with at least 60hz is excellent and provides great performance for gaming and sports. Here we recommend two best Sony TVs for watching sports.

Sony X900F

The Sony X900F is the best 4K smart TV updated with new technologies and features. The Sony X900F has a high picture quality. This TV also has excellent motion handling so it is mainly recommended to use for watching sports, video games, TV shows, as well as for HDR Gaming. It also has full arrays of local dimming support and a high contrast ratio.

At HDR, the Sony X900F succeeds in producing bright, dynamic images. The processing of motion is also outstanding thanks to the fast response time along with the ability to flicker backlight to continuous motion.

PROS:

  • Bright HDR highlights
  • Excellent motion handling
  • Deep and uniform blacks

CONS:

  • Picture quality degrades at an angle

Sony Master Series A9F 4K TV

The Sony Master Series A9F 4K TV is the greatest OLED TV we have ever seen. It produces deep black levels and the image looks good and appears perfectly without any motion blur. It also has a very good response time which makes the best for users who like to watch sports and helps gamers to experience better motion handling. Its Android 8.0 smart platform is much faster than previous TVs of Sony.

The motion rate in Sony Master Series A9F 4K is good since the picture appears clear without any motion blur. This TV can be used for Sports, Video Games, HDR gaming, TV Shows, movies, and as a PC Monitor as well.

PROS:

  • The image is accurate even when viewed at an angle
  • Near-instantaneous response time
  • Excellent dark room performance

CONS:

  • Brightness is limited in white scenes
  • Could experience permanent burn-in

Apple Music is now available on Samsung’s Smart TVs

Samsung has announced that Apple Music app is now available on its Smart TVs, with users in more than 100 countries around the world now having access to the native music platform of Apple. This is the first time Apple has allowed for the integration of its Music app on a Smart TV platform. Previously, users could only access Apple Music through the Apple TV set-top box.

This means that from now Apple Music subscribers can directly access their Apple Music accounts on their Samsung Smart TVs. They can also play any one of more than 60 million songs and music videos on Apple’s music platform. The experience seems to be the same as the Apple Music app in Apple TV set-top boxes, with live streams available and customizable daily recommendations.

This isn’t the first time that Apple and Samsung – fierce rivals in the mobile scene – have cooperated on an integrated solution. Last year, Samsung became the first TV brand to feature support for the Apple TV app. Brodsky said that the cooperation was instrumental in offering a various range of entertainment.

Previously, if Apple Music subscribers wanted to play music on a Samsung Smart TV without using an Apple TV set-top box, they would have had to stream the music over AirPlay 2. The new announcement from Samsung means that now they can stream Apple Music from Samsung Smart TVs without using an iPhone or Apple device.

To install the Apple Music app on Samsung Smart TV, users need to go to the Samsung Smart TV App Store and download the app. When completed, enter your Apple ID details into the app. If you haven’t had an account with Apple Music, you can sign up a new account with a three month trial period for free.

However, support for the app of Apple is only available on Samsung Smart TVs released from 2018 to 2020.

Movies Anywhere App Comes To LG OLED TVs

LG Electronics USA and Movies Anywhere™ announced that of the Movies Anywhere app had arrived on LG Smart TVs, led by the critically-acclaimed LG OLED TVs.

Movies Anywhere app lets users enjoy their favorite redeemed or purchased digital movies that are combined in one personal, simplified collection. LG is the first TV manufacturer in the world to provide the streaming app, Movies Anywhere, helping users enjoy up to 7,900 digital movies, including both classic and new releases films.

Using Movies Anywhere app is the easiest way for users to bring together their favorite movies from across various digital retailer accounts, all in only one place. No other service offers this benefit across so many platforms, studios, and digital accounts. In addition, Movies Anywhere has also made it easier for consumers to share their emotion or comments with other fans in an innovative way.

Movies Anywhere provides movies from Warner Bros. Entertainment, Universal Pictures (both DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment), Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Studios (both Disney, Marvel Studios, and Twentieth Century Studios, Pixar, and Lucasfilm).  It enables users to sync their digital retail accounts, including Google Play/YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Movies & TV, Vudu/Walmart, Apple TV, Verizon Fios TV Xfinity, , and FandangoNOW, as well as build their movie collection just in seconds. With the Movies Anywhere app, besides streaming movies on LG Smart TVs, users can download or stream on LG smartphones, and a wide variety of other devices either at home or on-the-go, or through popular browsers.

Acclaimed for its capability to reproduce colors accurately and the filmmakers’ creative visions, LG OLED TVs have set the standard for a real cinematic experience in the living room. With support for the UHD Alliance’s Filmmaker Mode,™ and the new Dolby Vision IQ high dynamic range ability, LG OLED TVs display movies as exactly as their creators intended. In addition, LG OLED TVs feature Dolby Atmos®³ delivering powerful, moving audio seeming to flow all around you.