Call It A Surgical Flamethrower
The Panasonic 4000U projector has been upgraded to a staggering 100,000:1 contrast ratio, throwing a true 1080p picture on the screen at 1600 lumens of brightness. These kinds of numbers were unheard of just a few years ago, and at a pricepoint of less than $2500, this can be the centerpiece a of true home theater. Football season is coming…
Screen Test
The Dragonfly 100″ high contrast motorized screen is the perfect solution for a theater that can’t always be a theater. Dragonfly offers fixed, motorized and tab-tensioned motorized screens in a variety of sizes. Motorized models start in the $1000 price range, with tab-tensioned being roughly double that, depending on size, finish, etc. Another great product from Dragonfly!
Music To My Ears
I have been a fan of Episode loudspeakers since my first audition, and I applaud their dedication to great sound at a fair price. The HT-650LCR offers features like a 4.5″ ribbon for silky smooth high frequencies, and dual 6.5″ woven carbon fiber woofers. I have heard and used a lot of speakers, but the open sound and attention to sonic detail in the HT-650 is awesome. If you have not heard ribbon speakers before, you owe it to yourself to hear what you have been missing. I own a pair for my personal use, and proudly recommend them to my clients, friends and family. While something like a front port may not be noticed by some, it makes a huge difference when you mount them in a cabinet or on a bookcase. I encourage you to give us a call for your own demo, because at $1600/pr, these are a great bargain in the world of high quality speakers for music and movies. Audio legend Tom Jung wrote a solid review on the 650’s, in case you need a second opinion. Great sounding speakers are alive and well at Episode!
Who’s In Control?
Crestron is now shipping their new Prodigy Control System with handheld touchpanel. This has the look, solid feel and control capabilities worthy of the Crestron name. Additionally, Crestron is supporting it with a complete line of light dimmers and switches, climate control thermostats, keypads, whole house music distribution, even an iPod interface.
Like all good things, this is not the cheapest remote on the block, starting at just over $1100 for the remote and processor kit, plus programming. But once you see for yourself the quality that Crestron put into it before they finally released it, you will understand why they are the leaders in control system technology. Give us a call to see a Crestron Prodigy yourself.
Take The
Party Outside!
OK, I know what you are about to say. “Brad, that rock speaker looks fake… almost silly.” Maybe you didn’t say silly, but you were thinking it. And you would be right if it were sitting on your living room floor, but THAT would be silly. Here’s the thing: I have installed perhaps 350 rock speakers in my life, and once you place it near a shrub, around the perimeter of your yard, and bury the wire, you don’t see it anymore, it just becomes a part of your landscape. Now you have great sounding music around the pool and patio, where you hang out with your friends. At less than $300 each you can grill steaks instead of those awful frozen burgers at your next party. I like mine medium rare.
Toshiba Gets Serious With LED TV
I was a bit cautious to jump on the LED TV bandwagon, because some of the early models were so expensive, yet delivered what I thought was an inferior picture. I am still a major fan of plasma technology, but LED is a force to be reckoned with. Toshiba is shipping their UX series, and they are incredible. While not as razor thin as some LED’s (we can talk about back lighting vs. side lighting another time), the 46″ model is still an amazing 2″ deep. Off axis viewing is very impressive, and the 1080p picture is sharp and clear. We are currently selling this model for $1650, although price and availability fluctuates almost daily. And of course we offer complete, professional “no visible wires” installation.
BSUN Media Systems sells and installs everything shown above. Prices, models and availability subject to change. Give us a call and we’ll help you find the best equipment available for you home entertainment system or commercial environment. From staying on top of the best products to offering complete design and installation, we are your one-stop home theater shop!
