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HOUSTON DAILY JOURNAL
I How To Create A Hone Theater
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The audio/video industry has
evolved into a very elaborate
business. The possibilities of
creating a theatre or a highly
sophisticated wiring system in
your home are virtually endless.
Try to imagine a theatre in your
home that sounds and looks as
good as what you might expect
from the best commercial
theatre for a fraction of the cost
you would expect:
* Surround-sound music at your
home, all of which can be controlled
from any room with the touch of a
button.
* A computer network set up
anywhere in your home where you
can plug in your laptop and access
any other computer or the Internet
with the fastest speed possible.
* A video distribution system that
allows you to play a DVD or VHS
tape and watch it on any TV in your
home.
* Telephone systems that include
paging and intercom capabilities
throughout your home. (You can
even use your telephone system to
monitor your baby’s room while
he/she sleeps.)
* One remote that can control your
home theatre (all your components)
with the push of just a few buttons.
(Only one remote-and it is actually
easy to use!)
* You w alk into your theatre room,
your lights automatically come on,
you push play on your remote to
watch a DVD and automatically your
screen comes down. All the
appropriate equipment comes on at
the correct settings and your movie
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starts. All with the punch of a button.
* With the push of a button, you
can turn on and off all of the lights
in your home. By time, motion, light
sensors and other action, all your
lights can be programmed to turn on
and off when you want.
These ideas may seem very
futuristic: however, most electronic
and music system stores can now
offer these options which were not
available or affordable several years
ago. When opting to buy a sound
system, home theatre or one of the
many options, check with the store
about installation options. Some
stores offer to wire your house and
install systems, while making sure
it is not a foreign object to you. You
should feel comfortable in your
home and have an understanding of
what your new equipment offers.
What makes one home audio/video
system better than another? The
quality of the wire used makes a big
difference in the level of
performance you will see and hear
with your components. A superior
retailer will find out which wire
delivers the best performance in each
category. Is the cable in your house
40 percent braid or 60 percent braid?
Does it have a copper core or nickel
core? The better the wire, the better
the performance!
How Your House is Wired
Have you ever watched TV at
someone’s house and a bar
continuously rolls up the TV screen?
How about speakers that “pop” every
time the fan is turned on in a room?
Have you had problems with static
on your phones or been
continuously “kicked off' the
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Internet for no reason? High voltage
and low voltage do not mix! Wire
should be run separately from the
electrical wires in your house. This
takes more time, but it makes a big
difference!
Equipment and Service
Stating the obvious: the better the
equipment, the better the level of
performance. Look for an authorized
dealer for the best performing
equipment in each category at every
price level. This means that whether
you want a complete system for
$1,500 or $150,000, you will get
the best performance available at
the price level that makes you feel
like you have bought the best value.
When selecting your new home
theatre or sound system, it is very
important to compare. You should
find a wide selection of the best
components available. A friendly and
knowledgeable staff should be able
and willing to assist you with any
questions you might have.
After the sale, and after you have
paid for your equipment, the store
should offer a service staff that is
willing to help you should there be
any problems with the equipment.
A goodtstore offers service for the
components after the sale. Some
stores even guarantee a prompt
response and offer loaner equipment
for you to use. Be sure to ask if the
store offers warranties for any
equipment they sell, and if there is a
cost.
Price
When choosing your equipment,
make sure that you are getting the
best value for the money you are
spending.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2006 ♦
One way to cut your costs is to
choose a store that offers price
matches. This means that if you find
a product at a lower price at one
store, but prefer to do business with
another, the latter will offer to match
the lower price of the item.
If you consider all of these options,
you will find that you will be a more
educated consumer. You'll be able to
choose the home theatre, audio
system or equipment that best suits
your needs at a price you can afford.
A good store offers friendly staff and
service for the components after the
sale.
Key Points To Consider:
Creating a theatre or a highly
sophisticated wiring system in your
home offers endless possibilities.
* Before you buy audio video
products, check with the store about
installation options.
* The quality of wire used in your
house and how it is run makes a big
difference in how your system will
perform.
* If you want the best system for
your money find a dealer that offers a
variety of products in each category
at each price level. This way you can
select the product that best fits your
need and budget.
* Be sure to check out the dealer
yoi>are dealing with. Are they
authorized by the manufacturers to
sell these products? If not, there is no
warranty.
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