Barbara Roth is the on-camera host for this inexpensive general introduction to transforming a living/family room into a “destination” home theater, the preferred choice for those lacking the space or budget to create a “dedicated” home theater. Thanks to the large variety of widescreen HDTVs and surround sound systems now available, many consumers are replacing older equipment in order to significantly improve both the video and audio qualities of their home entertainment centers. Pointing out that a home theater's “wow” factor is increased by attention to design elements that combine form and function, Roth offers simple suggestions in the areas of display (i.e., the TV), sound and speakers, color (of the room, not set calibration), windows (bare glass reflects sound, whereas shades and curtains help to cushion sound waves), lighting (a pitch black room actually causes eyestrain), furniture, wiring and universal remotes, and accessories (such as movie posters). Destination Home Theater includes very little technological guidance (no suggestions for selecting an HDTV, for example, and only a brief overview of speaker placement) and some of the helpful hints are a bit too obvious (such as cautioning viewers not to run the dishwasher while watching a film). Still, this straightforward, no-frills, bargain-priced title will offer some solid popcorn-for-thought to those thinking about home theater options. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
Destination Home Theater
(2007) 24 min. DVD: $11. Paradise Production Company (avail. from most distributors). PPR. Volume 23, Issue 1
Destination Home Theater
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