Monthly Archives: January 2012



If you are still watching your movies on a VHS player, there is a whole world of video that you are missing in DVD. The difference in quality between old VHS video and DVD video is simple too great to ignore. Even if you already own a DVD player, it may not be the best choice you could make for home theater use.

There are some very important features that you need from a DVD player. Be sure to understand all of the following, before you go to buy a DVD player for home theater use. If you have bought one already, you need to check the model and make sure it fulfills all that you need, or you might find you need to buy a new model soon.

Sound Requirements

First, you need to find the audio output connections of the DVD player and compare them to the speakers you will use in your home theater set up. If you have surround speakers, like “Dolby Digital” labeled speakers, the DVD player needs to have a multi-channel audio output connection for compatibility.

If your speakers are for example 6.1 speakers, the DVD player should have connections for similar output. That is why it is sometimes better to buy a home theater system, where the DVD player comes with compatible surround speakers. Remember to also test the speakers for sound quality, if you buy one of those packages.

Video Requirements

There are many different video connections still in use and you will need to make sure the DVD player has an output connection of the same type that the input connection of your television set or home theater projector (whichever you use) is. Otherwise they are naturally incompatible.

Video connections used often include composite video connections, s-video and component video connectors. Of these component video or s-video connections are recommended, because they have a better picture quality. Composite video connection is older technology, and not of high enough quality for serious home theater use.

Remember that a DVD player is often the most important part in a home theater system, being responsible for both audio and video connections. Consider your options carefully, and always make sure the parts of your system are compatible with every other part. If you are unsure about buying a DVD player for home theater use, buy a home theater package where the DVD player comes with speakers, so there is one compatibility issue less to worry about.



Broadway is not just about children, even the grown ups are well catered for. When it comes to the adult only wicked Broadway shows, you do not get into the show with your entire family. There is an age restriction because the content of the play will not be suitable for the young ones.

Some individuals may not be comfortable watching wicked Broadway. Before you do decide whom to take to watch the show with you, make certain that they will not have a problem with it. The show almost always has a hidden storyline to what you are actually seeing; this means that unless you understand the story, the purpose of your going to the show might be lost.

As much as it may be hard to believe, wicked Broadway is usually conceived from an idea, it is not something created out of the blue. The cast, as always, has to play a big role in ensuring the plot thickens and the anticipation from the audience grows. They have to make the audience remain on their feet. There are times that the plot originate from something that exists to something totally dissimilar.

You should always try to keep an open mind and do not be too conservative. If you cannot handle it, then do not watch it in the first place. Should you feel that the idea is not sitting well with you, then by all means stay home or choose another show. If you feel it will be worth it, do not hesitate to go and watch it.



One of the most overlooked features of a quality Home Theater design are the dimensions of the room. The size and shape of a Home Theater Room can significantly affect the quality of your Home Theater system. The dimensions of your room will determine how the sound will interact with the interior walls, especially the low frequency (bass) sound waves.

The ideal shape for a room is rectangular. However, if possible stay away from rooms where the length and width are multiples of the height. For example, if the height of your Home Theater is 8′, the length and width should not be 16′ x 24′ (both multiples of 8′). Try altering at least one dimension by a foot or so. A square shaped room is the least acoustic friendly shape that you can have.

If you have invested a considerable amount of money in your A/V system, the weakest link in your Home Theater is usually the inherent acoustic properties of the room. Just about any room requires some kind acoustical enhancements. In most cases, you will be sitting more than 3′ from your primary speakers. When doing so, the majority of the sound comes to you indirectly, bounced to you from the various walls in your room, rather than directly from the primary speakers. Therefore, the room will exaggerate some sounds and dampen other sounds.

In order to maximize your investment in your Home Theater system, you need to control how the sound waves bounce around your room. This can be accomplished by strategically hanging acoustic panels in your theater. The majority of time, you will use absorptive acoustic panels. These panels help absorb the sound waves, basically stopping them from bouncing off several walls before they reach your ears. When your Home Theater design demands a large portion of your room to be covered in panels, then you should consider installing Diffusive acoustic panels. These panels contain uneven surfaces (hidden by acoustic fabrics) which help distribute the sound wave such that they don’t bounce all over the room, yet they keep the room sounding alive and vivid.

Historically, acoustic panels were not very designer friendly. Most fabrics came in dull, muted colours. Battle lines were drawn between Interior Designers and the women in the household, who were interested in creating an aesthetically pleasing Home Theater design. Their nemesis was the husband, who wanted to create an acoustically pleasing sound environment to maximize his investment in his high-end Home Theater system.

Fortunately, both parties’ goals can now be met with the advent of decorative acoustic panels. These panels basically contain quality images featuring original art, movie posters, landscape images or any other type of imagery that you desire.

Several companies have introduced decorative acoustic panels to their product line, but perhaps the best equipped company is 3-D Squared. They offer over 50 customizable original designs, as well as about a dozen beautifully crafted themed murals such as New York City, Undersea and Universal. To find out more about their products and services you can visit their website at.