HED Mag

Though the hype is mostly over, the Nintendo Wii seventh generation gaming system is far from out dated. Breaking the record for best-selling console in a single month, the Wii has changed gamers’ expectations forever. If you’re looking to keep your home theater connected to the latest and greatest gaming technology, a Nintendo Wii is a must.

If you decide to invest in a Wii, you’ll need to pick from the hundreds of games and accessories available for your gaming pleasure. Before choosing, you should know that the Wii isn’t a regular sit-on-the-couch-and-press-buttons kind of game. The controllers are more like magic wands—when you move, the object on the screen moves. For this reason, the games available for the Wii aren’t your typical games. Read the rest of this entry »

Considering the amount of technology available today and the ever expanding variety of home entertainment options, serious home theater owners need a remote control that offers just what the device’s name implies, control.  Stopping just short of launching secret missiles from far away locations and controlling major metro area traffic patterns, the Logitech Harmony One is the most top of the line, multi-functional universal remote to hit the market.

The Harmony One is unassuming in its aesthetic presence, avoiding both the oversized frame and clunky feel that has plagued the most advanced universal remotes in its past.  The model is both sleek in design with its sharp black finish, and easy to use with a very logical layout and readable button design.  The Harmony One also sports a touch screen LCD interface that allows for simple navigation of onscreen menus and toolbars.  The device is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems and can be programmed from the internet.  In total, the remote can control up to 15 separate apparatuses, giving you a one stop source to operate even the most complex home entertainment set ups.  Read the rest of this entry »

The speakers for your home entertainment center depend on the size and space you have available and the overall viewing experience you are hoping to get out of it.  Whether you are hard of hearing or strive to be hard of hearing as a result, speakers can come with as much wattage and power as you see necessary.  All it takes to turn your standard recliner into a dually functional massage chair is the right bass heavy speaker set up.  Dolby, offers a variety of packages catering to the needs both casual TV watchers and home entertainment enthusiasts.

While each basic plan includes a subwoofer that delivers low-frequency sound information, three different speaker options are available to provide both simple and complex sound sources. Those opting for a concise straightforward approach to their entertainment experience may find the Dolby 2.1 plan satisfactory.  The 2.1 includes 2 speakers in addition to the subwoofer, placed on the left and right side of the primary viewing area.  Using the television screen as a zero degree point, the speakers should be placed approximately 22-30 degrees in both directions, along the TV-facing viewer’s line of sight. Read the rest of this entry »

If you can get past the idea of using what was developed as a gaming console for your primary home video device, the Playstation 3 Slim offers unparalleled value and versatility in the home entertainment market.  A first rate name in the video game world, the Playstation 3 Slim moonlights as an upscale Blu-ray DVD player equal to the quality of any free standing Blu-ray player available today.  By comparison, top notch Blu-ray players can run you north of $150 in their own right, the Playstation 3 Slim is priced just under $300, only adding $150 for its gaming capabilities, built in web browser, free online gaming capabilities, built in Wi-Fi and 120 GB hard drive.  Its streaming video capabilities allows you to access to content from external sources such as Netflix in addition to Sony’s own online video store, making it a jack of all trades as far as home video devices go.  The model also provides HDMI output making it compatible with the most advanced televisions on the market, the true focal point of any home entertainment center. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the many overlooked aspects of a home entertainment room is the quality of the lighting.  Sure you can still enjoy your new plasma TV and surround sound with standard light fixtures, but for the truly optimal experience, explore some of the ways you can install theater lighting for a reasonable price.

A popular style of light used in movie and TV rooms is recessed lighting.  These are lights that sit inside the ceiling so the bottom face is even with the ceiling.  The easiest installation of these devices is done when building a new home, but certain products are made for retrofit and can be put to use without extensive remodeling.  These lights can highlight a certain area of the room and they also serve to create a larger more open feel to a space because there is no obtrusive device hanging from the ceiling.  When placing your recessed lights, be sure to space them out so as not to create a runway look. Read the rest of this entry »

A home theater is a big investment, and you want it to come out just right. To avoid any head slapping or dissatisfaction, be sure to steer clear of these common mistakes:

1. DON’T buy the wrong size TV: A big TV is a must, but make sure the size is appropriate for the room you’re putting it in.  Also take into consideration the viewing distance…the larger the TV, the farther away you need to sit.
2. DON’T place the TV on a wall opposite a window:  Darkness is the ultimate lighting for watching TV. Especially if you’re using a projector. While curtains can easily fix this problem, make sure they are thick so no light can pass through them.
3. DON’T settle for cheap speakers:  you probably feel like you’ve spent so much money on audio and video equipment that you should save on speakers. DON’T.  Take the time to listen to speakers before you buy them. You don’t have to spend thousands, just make sure you’re paying for high quality. Read the rest of this entry »