Children’s Heaven - Toy Theatre

Theatre was the main form of popular entertainment in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There were large numbers of theatres, with hundreds in London alone. At the time, theatre productions were the equivalent of our soap operas today. Everybody knew the stories to the plays and had their favourite actors.

Toy theatres became a popular form of family entertainment during the 19th century. It is generally believed that they were invented in 1811 by a man called William West, who had a stationery business in London, when he started to produce printed sheets of characters from various plays.

Toy theatres were usually constructed out of card and fitted onto a table top to be played with. The characters were printed on paper and card, attached to wooden sticks, and appeared on the stage by sliding in and out of slots on the stage floor. Different scenes and facades could be added to the basic set. Wealthy families often had a toy theatre custom-made.

While shops which sold toy theatre material began to surface everywhere, William West's shop continued to be one of the most innovative. He started to produce special books of shortened plays for use with toy theatres, called 'West's Original Juvenile Drama'. The sheets, which were produced with characters and scenery, came in different versions: cheaper ones in black and white which children could colour in themselves, or more expensive full-colour versions.

During the 1830s, German manufacturers such as Trantsensky led the market for toy theatres and related materials. The enthusiasm for toy theatres began to decline towards the end of the 19th century. The quality of material published had started to decline and became undesirable. Many of the plays produced for these miniature theatres had not kept up with the times, which was partly due to the nature of the plays - early juvenile dramas had been based on romantic stories or tragedies and the new theatre of Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw did not translate well into theatre for children. However, it is also thought that Victorian morality also played a significant part in their demise, as families felt that plays originally written for adults weren't necessarily suitable for children.

Toy Manufacturers in the UK

Abbatt Toys

Paul and Marjorie Abbatt were pioneers of innovative educational toys in the 1930s. They set up in business in 1932 selling toys to friends and by mail order from their flat in Tavistock Square. Demand was such that in 1936 they opened a child friendly shop at 94 Wimpole Street, designed by their friend the architect Erno Goldfinger. The Abbatts were his main clients at the time and he designed toys and nursery equipment for them. They were concerned with the play needs of children in general, introducing a range of toys for children with physical disabilities devised by Milan Morgenstern. In 1951 they were instrumental in setting up the Children's Play Activities Trust Ltd. to promote excellence in toy design and manufacture. After Paul Abbatt died in 1971 the business was bought by the Educational Supply Association.

Britains

Britains Ltd. was founded by William Britain in London, England in 1840. At first Britains made tin and clockwork toys and from the 1890s they made model soldiers. It also opened an office in Paris, France in 1905. The company made munitions for both world wars. In 1954 Herald miniatures, makers of unbreakable plastic toys, became a subsidiary of Britains. In 1966 Britains ceased to manufacture its metal soldiers. It was purchased by Ertl Co. in 1997.

The Chad Valley Company

The Chad Valley trademark was first registered in 1897 when the original company of Johnson Brothers added games to its stationery range. Various toys were gradually added to its repertoire including the introduction of teddy bears and soft toys in 1915-16. In 1920 the Wrekin Toy Works was opened in Wellington, Shropshire and the company renamed The Chad Valley Co.Ltd. The company was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1938. It expanded considerably, acquiring other companies such as H G Stone, maker of Chiltern toys, before being taken over itself by Palitoy in 1978. In 1988 the Chad Valley trademark was bought by the Woolworths.

Dean’s Rag Book Company

Dean's Rag Book Co. Ltd. was founded in 1903 in London. The company initially made cut-out doll sheets, kites, blow-up toys and rag dolls as well as rag books. During the First World War it started to make teddy bears. Deans has undergone various name changes and factory locations as well changes of ownership. In 1980 the company moved all its production to Ponytpool in Wales from where it continues to operate under the name The Dean's Company (1903).

Hornby

Hornby was founded in Liverpool, England, in 1901 by Frank Hornby, initially making Meccano sets. In 1907 he established Meccano Ltd. Hornby Dublo trains were introduced in 1938, but production was halted for the Second World War (1939-1945). Tri-ang Railways, owned by Lines Brothers, and Hornby Dublo merged to become Tri-ang Hornby in 1965. Part of Hornby Dublo was purchased by G. & R. Wrenn Ltd. a division of Lines Bros. in 1967. Tri-ang Wrenn was launched following the merge. Tri-ang was sold in 1971 and in 1972 Tri-ang Hornby was renamed Hornby Railways. Hornby Railways became an independent company named Hornby Hobbies Ltd. in 1980. In 1995, all Hornby manufacturing was moved to China.

John Waddington

The company was founded in Brtitain during the nineteenth century by John Waddington and Wilson Barrett. It started life as a small printing firm producing posters and programmes for theatre productions as well as other things. It later began printing playing cards and board games for which it became renowned. Some of its most notable games include Sorry, Subbuteo, Monopoly and Cludeo. The company is now owned by Hasbro.

J. W. Spears & Sons

Spears was founded by Jacob Wolf Spears in 1878, trading in both Britain and Germany. The family emigrated to England and set up an import company that dealt in fancy goods and toys, whilst retaining the original factory in Germany. Later, Jacob's sons joined the family business and it became J.W.Spears & Sons. During the 1930s Richard Spears built up the British side of the business as it had became too expensive to import goods from Germany. Spears is responsible for many famous board games such as Scrabble and ran a famous campaign 'Our games don't need plugs'. The company was sold to Mattel in the early 1990s.

To read more about J. W. Spear & Sons, click here .

Kiddicraft

Founded by Hilary Page in 1932 at Purley, Surrey. He initially produced toys from wood, but experimented with plastics. He introduced a range of 'Sensible' toys for babies using plastic in 1939, initially under the name Bri-Plax and later as Kiddicraft. Hestair acquired Kiddicraft in 1977 which resulted in a total restructure of the company. In 1980 John and Elizabeth Newson, leading experts in child psychology, acted as professional advisors to Kiddicraft. The company moved to larger premises in Bristol in 1984. Fisher-Price took over Kiddicraft in 1989, merging with Mattel in 1993.

Lines Bros. (Tri-ang Toys)

In 1919, William, Arthur, and Walter Lines, three of four sons of Joseph Lines, established Lines Bros. Ltd. as a separate business from G.&J. Lines. In 1924, Tri-ang Toys was registered. In 1931 they took over the famous store Hamleys. Lines made Pedigree dolls and soft toys in 1948. In 1964, Lines Bros. bought Meccano Ltd. In 1965, Tri-ang and Hornby Dublo were consolidated to form Tri-ang-Hornby Railways. In 1971 the company ceased business. Canterbury Bears took over the teddy bear range. A new company, Mulholland & Bailie, took over Pedigree production. Hasbro bought the rights to Sindy from Pedigree in 1985.

To read more about Lines Bros. and Tri-ang Toys, click here .

Meccano

Meccano was founded by Frank Hornby and David Elliot in Liverpool, England, as 'Mechanics Made Easy' to make tinplate construction sets. In 1908, Hornby bought out Mr. Elliot and changed the name of the company and sets to 'Meccano Ltd.' The company went into receivership in 1979. In 1990, Meccano France purchased the rights to 'Erector' and started selling 'Erector Meccano' in the US.

Merrythought

Merrythought Ltd. began as a spinning mill established near Yorkshire, England, by W.G. Holmes and G.H. Laxton in 1919. Holmes and Laxton bought Dyson Hall & Co. Ltd., a mohair-plush weaving factory, in the 1920s. In 1930, Merrythought Ltd. was founded and registered as a trademark. Between 1940 and 1943 the company began making textile items for the armed forces and hospitals, but reinstated toy production in 1946. They joined Tide-Rider Inc. in 1982 to export goods to the US.

Palitoy

The company was founded in 1919 as the Cascelloid Company by Alfred Pallet near Leicester, England to produce celluloid and fancy goods. Their first toy was a windmill in 1920 that was sold at Woolworths. The first doll followed five years later. They introduced Plastex, a non-breakable bouncy form of plastic in the early 1930s. Cascelloid was bought in 1931 by British Xylonite. The word 'Palitoy' was trademarked in 1935 for the toy division of British Xylonite. Toy production slowed due to the outbreak of war in 1939. In 1941, injection moulding was developed by British Xylonite and was used for Palitoy toys. In the late 1940s, toy production recovered. Palitoy was sold to General Mills in 1968. It became the Palitoy Company in 1980 when Palitoy, Denys Fisher, and Chad Valley broke away from General Mills. Alfred Pallett died in 1982 and in 1986, the company ceased trading. Factory, toy moulds and copyrights were all bought by Hasbro.

Wendy Boston Playsafe Toys

Wendy Boston Playsafe Toys Ltd. was founded in 1941 in Crickhowell, Wales. They made soft toys from unrationed bits of material. In 1945, business started under the name of Wendy Boston (Crickhowell) Ltd. but the name changed in 1960 to Wendy Boston Playsafe Toys Ltd. In 1968, Denys Fisher Toys bought the firm and production stopped in 1976.

Wireless Home Theatre Systems.

Did you know that... soon your Home Theatre System and your PC/Server & Communications with the rest of the world, will all be combined?

The Plethora of Information is confusing.

Let's sort:

Let's sort through some of the considerations you need to look at before you spend big bucks.

The most expensive component will probably be the 'Display'.

There are quite a few sizes and types of display possibilities, including, but not limited to, Plasma, LCD, Flatpanel. In size you can watch your Home Theatre Entertainment from 120" projected HDTV to small 12" Portable DVD players.

There are different Display Technologies to consider.

Plasma, LCD, OLED, DLC. All of which use energy at different levels and have varying performance in Clarity and speed. Also consider how long the component will probably last and what warranties are offered.

With large wall mounted displays, you may want to know if installation is included.

You will want to have great sound reproduction for that 'Concert Hall' or Theatre experience.

Many manufacturers offer Surround Sound with 'Wireless' Rear Speakers now, allowing placement any where within 100' without wiring concerns.

The Up and Coming King of Home Video is soon to be HDTV

You will need to know your local situation on HDTV. Do you have local HDTV Broadcast stations within range. If you do you may want to study up on HDTV Receivers & Antennas. Cable & Satellite Providers are all beginning to offer Digital and Digital HDTV service. These can be combined with Hi-Speed Internet.

Satellite Radio is a relatively new technology that can be used in your vehicle or in your Home Theatre System. Talk about wireless.

When combined with the audio of your new outrageous Wireless Home Theatre System, and the wide range of selections provided by Satellite Radio Providers, (2) at this writing, just Radio Listening becomes an adventure.

Before you spend those Big Bucks, You can spend from under a thousand dollars to $100,000 or more if you have the budget. Before those Big Bucks leave your wallet, do some research. Get your best value on an investment that is intended to last a few years and be able to evolve as new technology comes along.

2005 West End Theatre Review

It is perhaps in the nature of the British psyche that they don’t realise how good they have got it on their own doorstep. The annual Edinburgh Festivals are regarded world wide as some of the best Europe has to offer in terms of film, literature and music. However, only a third of the visitors are locals. In past times there has been is a similar pattern with London’s West End. For years visitors from America and Europe had been flocking to see shows, in theatres they considered to be among the finest in world – yet domestically Britons didn’t seem aware that they had productions of such exceptional quality in their own backyard.

However, it appears that the summer season of 2005 may finally end this trend, with a number of high profile shows that have captured the imagination of the British public. Indeed, critics are already hailing 2005 as the best and most important summer season for years in London’s West End with a number of family orientated shows like The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang earning rave reviews.

Perhaps no other show has contributed to the hype surrounding this years season more than the film turned musical production of Billy Elliot. Adapted from one of the most successful films to have come out of the UK in the past ten years, Billy Elliot is the tale of a young boy trying to achieve a career in dancing while growing up in the midst of the bitter miner’s strike of the mid-1980’s. The original story captured the hearts and minds of the British public when the movie was released and received world wide recognition with 3 Oscar and 13 Bafta award nominations.

While certainly the biggest name Billy Elliot isn’t the only production that is leading the way in the explosion of family orientated shows. The Disney classics Lion King and Mary Poppins have proved immensely popular since their launch with their award winning scores providing the perfect family entertainment. Mary Poppins has been magically brought to life on stage by Thomas Schumacher, producer for Disney Theatrical Productions while The Lion King looks set to entertain children and adults for generations to come.

In addition to the number of quality family focussed shows there are also a number of more adult orientated productions such as The Producers being shown at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With the music and lyrics done by the legendary Mel Brooks, The Producers is a story that revolves around washed-up theatre producer Max Bialystock who, along with his timid accountant cooks up a scheme to make a fortune by presenting a sure-fire flop and taking off with their investor’s money in the process. The show has broken box office records across the globe and has the acclaim of winning the most Tony Awards of any show ever, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.

Described by the Mail on Sunday as being ‘touched by genius’ , Mamma Mia opened to rave reviews and looks set to continue to break Box office records at The Prince Edward Theatre throughout the summer of 2005. Based on a book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia is an original musical telling the emotional story of a mother and daughter set on the eve of the daughter's wedding. Fans of Abba are bound to be entertained as the band’s classic songs are used to drive this wonderful story to its conclusion.

Another reason why 2005 is predicted to be so successful has been the upturn in the amount of people who now see going to a show part of a weekend’s entertainment – as opposed to an evening out. In the past a visit to a show may have involved a rushed trip to London, battling through the traffic before returning home late at night. However, many companies such as http://www.superbreak.com are offering ‘theatre break packages’ which allow people to not only take in a world class show – but let them relax afterwards in a nearby hotel without the worry of rushing home.

Nearly all the top shows have ticket plus accommodation packages and these breaks are set to become more popular than ever with the explosion of publicity surrounding shows such as Billy Elliot. Perhaps one of the main reasons why the packages are proving so popular is that even when shows are ‘sold out’ tickets can still be found (often in the best seats in the house) as part of these great value package deals. With so much to do in London taking the time to further explore the city (and not simply rush in and out of the show) is becoming an increasing popular option for hardened theatre goers and families alike.

With the hype surrounding so many of this years shows the perception of the West End is one of increased accessibility to the general public. This change in perception can only be a positive for the UK’s theatre industry. With box office records already being broken this year, it seems that Briton’s are finally realising what tourists have known for years – that the West End has the best variety of shows anywhere in the world.

Searching For The Right Home Theatre Seating

One of the most important aspects of a home theatre doesn't even involve the TV, the DVD player, the projectors (if chosen) or even anything electronic. What good is having the best home theatre in the entire neighborhood if everyone has to sit on metal folding chairs to enjoy it? Finding comfortable but appropriate seating not only allows a solid level of comfort throughout any viewing event, but it also enhances the entire home theatre experience.

Obviously cheap metal folding chairs you can buy for $10 at Wal-Mart are probably not your best choice for home theatre seating. That would actually be a major whiff. The choices for various home theatre seating options are extensive, and each has some solid merit and may depend on how many people you generally plan on having over to enjoy the system.

Some people like movie theatre type chairs to give it an authentic experience, while for others a comfortable sofa of several recliners is as good as it gets. Don't limit your options, either. This is your home theatre system, and you should get not only seating that works well for the look and feel of your system, but seating that you will legitimately enjoy using. If you want recliners, you can even consider massage recliners, high quality (i.e. not dragged off the corner after college lets out for the summer) top of the line recliners.

Home theatre seating is important because if you aren't comfortable while watching a great home theatre system, then what's the point of the rest of it? It doesn't matter how good the rest of the system is because no one will be comfortable watching anything. In fact, the right home theatre seating is arguable almost as important as the sound and picture quality of the home theatre itself! If you don't like the idea of a couch in a home theatre set up, consider a series of recliners in a row. Not only do you get the amazing comfort of recliners, but by having them lined up in a row you can still have the effect of a theatre setting.

If you're still confused as how to choose appropriate home theatre seating, consider the following check list:

* Is it comfortable?
* How many are usually going to be here? A lot, or only a few?
* Is the room big enough so no one is crowded?
* Do you have the budget to create the theatre you want with the furniture you want? Do you need to downgrade slightly?
* With recliners, can you still see everyone from a relaxed position? Can everyone else?
* Do you have full support?

These are important questions, and if you can answer all of them confidently, then congratulations, you're on your way to an excellent home theatre set up that you, your family, and your friends are going to enjoy immensely. Above all, find what's right for you, since no matter how social you are, this is, in the end, for you to enjoy.

Hotels Are Best For Attending The Theatre

Which London Hotels Are Best For Attending The Theatre?

When you think about furniture for your home theatre, the first thing that jumps to mind is chairs and seating. This isn't a bad thing. The chairs and seating are extremely important in a home theatre set up, but don't let your mind stop there. If you do, you'll be robbing yourself, and those you entertain, of a lot of potential fun from setting up the room in any style or theme that you want!

Part of the fun of having a home theatre, is having a separate room for it. You don't have to stop with a leather sofa, or a few recliners. Find posters of your favorite movies, or often times video stores will have cardboard cut outs that they eventually just throw away. You can make your home theatre look like a normal place to watch a movie, or it can look like half the movies made in the 1970s came to life around your surround sound speakers. The room can be a place to watch the game, or it can have green carpet, and football field wall paper. The possibilities really are virtually endless, limited only by your imagination and a reasonable budget.

Aside from the ambiance and furniture, don't forget that you need furniture to hold your home theatre. Obviously the entertainment center has to be the center attention of the room. What kind of TV do you have? Is it an HD/TV, a Plasma? Do you have your own fine wooden cabinet for the entertainment center already picked out? What does the wood look like? If you have a TV that hangs on the wall, well how do you accessorize that? Where do you put the speakers? Where do you put the DVD player? All of these questions are considerations you need to keep in mind, and the selection of furniture is critical to all these elements.

There are a lot of different options as far as what kind of furniture you need and/or want. Accessories for this area could include audio visual cabinets, video cabinets, TV cabinets, stereo cabinets, multimedia storage cabinets, or entertainment cabinets. There are cabinets of every shape, color, make, and design that can accommodate almost any need or desire you have for the room.

Beyond the necessities, there are even the fun little things people don't expect. Popcorn machines are cheaper than they used to be, and for the bachelor with the great home theatre, why not build a bar right in the back of the room? It's your home theatre, why not get the home theatre furniture and other miscellanea that gives it your personality?

No one ever made a good impression by following everyone else, so find the home theatre furniture and accessories that will make that home theatre distinctly yours. After all, you're the one spending the money, you're the one putting in a home theatre, shouldn't it be something you can truly enjoy?

Brainstorm all the ideas you have, make a list, and do your homework. Do these three things are you'll be sure to end up with the home theatre system, sound, and furniture you want to make it one of a kind.

What To Look For In Home Theatre Speakers

Home theatres are becoming commonplace in households around the world. Offering a great place for a family to get together to view movies, television programs and even home videos, these rooms are not your typical living rooms, however. When maximum viewing potential is put into the mix of requirements, these rooms are meant to bring the movie theatre experience home and in a big way. With this in mind, some people go to great pains to ensure everything is of the best quality from the seating down to the home theatre speakers.

Not everyone can afford to buy the top of the line in everything, however. Fortunately, there are some places where corners can be cut without greatly impacting the overall viewing experience. The home theatre speakers are one consideration that can be found on a budget and still perform quite well. Shopping for the best within a budget will be important to make sure quality is king in a set that runs $200 or $2,000.

When looking for home theatre speakers, it's wise to do the following things:

Budget: Setting a budget is a first and foremost concern. Since home theatre set ups can run into the thousands, having a dollar amount for the home theatre speakers can really assist in the process of locating the best for the family in question.

List out requirements: A lot of bells and whistles can be found even on a budget, so go ahead and list out what features are important for your personal set up. If Dolby is a must, put that down. If having a master control device included with the speakers will be necessary, jot that down, too.

Look at makes and models: With desires for home theatre speakers clearly stated and a budget set, it's time to start researching different makes and models. Start out by finding all those that fall into the right budget range. Then weed out different designs based on the desired features. When a few potential winners are found, it's time to hit the books, so to say.

Look at what consumer reporting agencies or magazines have said about particular makes and models and even seek out reviews from past users. The important things to consider are sound quality, warranties and overall performance. A $300 set of home theatre speakers might just happen to have better consumer reports than that $2,000 set that looks fantastic.

Home theatre speakers purchased in sets should include at least five separate speakers to create the surround sound effect. A main control device might also include a stereo receiver, but the important thing is that it takes input from the projector and or DVD player. Make sure a minimum set up is included and that past user reports are good and almost any speaker system that's set up correctly will sound a thousand times better than a regular television set.

Shopping for home theatre speakers can be a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Do a little homework in advance and the purchase should be a snap.

Types of theatre

Drama

Drama (literally translated as action, from a verbal root meaning "To do") is the branch of theatre in which speech, either from written text (plays), or improvised is paramount. And the companion word drama is also Greek, dran meaning to do. Classical forms of drama, including Greek and Roman drama, classic English drama including Shakespeare and Marlowe and French drama including Molière is still performed today.

Musical theatre

Music and theatre have always had a close relationship. Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, dance routines, and spoken dialogue. Modern musical theatre emerged from the variety shows and "follies" of the early 20th century and includes a combination of dialogue, song and dance, and spectacle. Broadway musicals of the 21st century include lavish costumes and sets supported by million dollar budgets.

Comedy

Certain theatre productions qualify as comedies, such as Boeing Boeing or As You Like It. Stand-up comedy is also a form of theatre.

History

The earliest recorded theatrical event dates back to 2000 BC with the passion plays of Ancient Egypt. This story of the god Osiris was performed annually at festivals throughout the civilization, marking the known beginning of a long relationship between theatre and religion.

The Ancient Greeks were the first to begin to formalize theatre as an art, developing strict definitions of tragedy and comedy as well as other forms, including satyr plays. Like the passion plays of Ancient Egypt, Greek plays made use of mythological characters. The Greeks were also the first to develop the concepts of dramatic criticism, acting as a career, and theatre architecture.

Western theatre continued to develop under the Roman Empire, in medieval England, and continued to thrive, taking on many alternate forms in Spain, Italy, France, and Russia in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The general trend over the centuries was away from the poetic drama of the Greeks and the Renaissance and toward a more realistic style, especially following the Industrial Revolution. A uniquely American theatre developed along with the colonization of North America.

Theatre

Theatre (or theater, see spelling differences) is the branch of the performing artsBernard Beckerman as what "occurs when one or more persons, isolated in time and/or space, present themselves to another or others." By this broad definition, theatre has existed since the dawn of man, as a result of human tendency for story telling. Since its inception, theatre has come to take on many forms, often utilizing elements such as speech, gesture, music, dance, and spectacle, combining the other performing arts, often as well as the visual arts, into a single artistic form.

The word derives from the Ancient Greek theatron (θέατρον), meaning "the seeing place

Home Automation and New Cabinetry Needs

Not Just K&B Anymore . . . Expanding The Business With Home Automation and New Cabinetry Needs

The explosion of home automation and the increasing use of home theatres is a great opportunity for designers and contractors. In fact, K&B specialists already have a real talent for the essentials in many spaces well beyond their specialty. The demand for custom cabinetry solutions extends beyond the confines of cooking and bathing, and is often a must have in great rooms, master bedrooms, home offices, and of course home theatres.

While we have done a great many kitchen and bath remodels, we always included it in the entire house plan and used the same cabinetmakers for work through out. We also bundled technology needs with a partner company realizing economies for our clients by using one vendor for all spaces.

Partnering effectively with fellow design talents, contractors and specialists has been paramount in our success. We are able to provide a one stop shop by presenting a suite of services encompassing all job aspects.

Forming strategic alliances benefits all parties. According to Mark Spears, Director of Multi-Family Design and Sales, Living Spaces based in Atlanta, Georgia, their rapport with the technology gurus at Home IQ is an essential element for comprehensive solutions throughout the home with technology. They represent Woodmode and Brookhaven cabinetry and both companies have been in home theatre design for a long time.

The public is clamoring for the latest, greatest, newest, and slickest. Spears declared that “it isn’t practicality that people want, it is WOW!” It is a great time to boost the bottom line with add on sales in technology in the kitchen and bath. Jill Koepplin, Senior Manager, Outbound Operations, Best Buy says that “homebuyers are looking to see . . . solutions such as LCD panels and in-ceiling music.”

Upgrades like these are often best done at the onset of construction as retrofitting can cost as much as 3 times more, according to Koeplin. While your laptop may be wireless, homes are not yet there. It takes planning in the design stages to really make a difference and create the home a client is dreaming of. As designers we need to stay one step ahead of what they want so that by the time it happens we aren’t behind.

Average investments for home theatre packages vary widely and can be designed to fit a range of budgets and home values. Kevin Winneroski, Director of Merchandising for Home Entertainment, Best Buy describes the low end as under $1000 while the high end can run well over $40K.

A whole house system can add tens of thousands in investment but allow convenience and comfort. With schedules becoming ever busier, by the time many get home these days, they don’t want to leave again. Homes are their source of entertainment and refuge.

Having completed one client’s basement renovation including a guest room, full bath, home theatre, family room, bar, and wine tasting room with cellar, we were delighted to learn that in the ensuing weeks their home has been singularly the most popular in the neighborhood as the best place to hang out for the night. Incorporating technology throughout the space, working closely with the client, and their chosen vendor, Best Buy, we delivered a customized fit complete with built-in cabinetry in the theatre, family room, and bar to suit the needs given. All was completed by our cabinetmakers typically responsible for our kitchen and bath work.

Great design incorporating innovative product and leading edge technology can be truly life transformative. For clients Phil and Gwenn Weiss and their children, they like to joke that rather than “buying a vacation home, we remodeled our basement. It is a lot closer, more convenient, and we are the hub of neighborhood activities now. It is almost like having our own private club.”

Gwenn has a Desperate Housewives night, Phil regularly has the guys in for sports and wine tastings, and the kids have their friends over for the latest video or computer game, (well within the watchful eye of their folks, but no so close as to feel confined or regulated.)

Moving into home theatre with cabinet capabilities and on the converse moving into the kitchen and bath with home automation are natural ways to grow business without needing to retool or even get new clients. Providing more extensive services to your already satisfied buyers is always the best way to go. After all as designers our job is to create a custom, unique personal experience for our clients. And in this day and age that means bringing everything they might need, want and desire within arms reach at home.

Home Theatre With Plasma Lift Furniture

Find Out How You Can Make Any Room A Luxurious Home Theatre With Plasma Lift Furniture

If you are a free spirit and don’t want to be tied down to an ordinary home theatre room, it’s time to see how TV lift cabinets are paving the way for home theatre experience in any room. Why have to give up a bedroom, study or home office for a home theatre?

With hidden TV cabinets you can hide your Plasma TV safely in any room surrounded by a luxurious handcrafted cabinet that is visually exciting and guaranteed to lend a dynamic aspect to the room.

What kind of person are you? If you’re a lounger who loves to watch TV in bed, snuggled in your comforter with your favorite snack you will love plasma lift furniture at the foot of your bed. By day an elegant piece of furniture with a deep rich finish. By night with the push of a button on your remote control an exciting home theatre rises for your very special experience. Or if you choose, you can move to your sitting area on the other side of your bedroom and with another push of the button swivel your TV in that direction.

Are you a meat and potato kind of guy who loves to watch their favorite sports program in the living room? It’s time to surround your new Plasma in a ‘sporty’ TV lift that will make you a hit with the guys. The guys come over for the big game you push a button and your brand new plasma rises from a sleek, rich cabinet. Then you show off a little more by swiveling your new TV to the left and then to the right. You top off the whole experience by turning on your controls with your remote that uses infra red technology.

Perhaps you’re an intellect who likes to watch your favorite program in the study. Your elegant Plasma lift furniture is of traditional design. The old world craftsmanship of your new cabinet looks perfect with your other classic furniture. You push a button and your TV rises smoothly and quietly using its rack and pinion mechanism that will work reliably for many years. Hidden TV cabinets are fit for a king!

Now if you are the lady of the house and you love to utilize your dining room, you will be elated to find out that you can own the most elegant buffet, custom made to order, a luxurious finish and with unlimited attention to detail that is a TV lift. You’re working on a craft project but it’s time for your favorite Soap. Don’t stop what you’re doing! Just push a button and watch your LCD rise from your buffet and watch your show. You can be ‘Queen for the Day’ with your plasma lift furniture.

Auditioning Tips for Musical Theatre

One of the most difficult parts of being in musical theater, especially for kids, is the auditioning process. What follows are 3 of the most important tips to give your child when it comes to auditioning for musical theatre or Broadway shows:

1) Find Out What’s Needed for the Audition

This might seem like common sense, but it’s very important to know specifically what the people who are conducting the audition are looking for. Keep in mind there are three aspects to musical theatre -dance, singing, and acting. Sometimes an audition calls for you to know 16 bars of a song and to bring their own music. Other times the audition calls for you to have memorized a 1 minute monologue. Often there is a dance call as part of the audition, and you need to be wearing proper dance clothes. Find out ahead of time what specifically will be required.

2) Select the Best Material that Fits Your Talents

Once you know what is required at the audition, you then you need to pick a song and/or a monologue that will suit your talents. It’s very important to pick a song and then practice the song in the key that the sheet music you have is written in. Sometimes people go to auditions and there music is in a different key than they’re used to singing in. This can be a disaster! Go online to buy and print the sheet music if you have to. Online sheet music often allows you to play the song on your computer and change the key to best suit your range. When picking a monologue, pick something that suits your natural personality and acting abilities, and that you can feel comfortable performing.

3) The Three Most Important Things About an Audition - Practice! Practice! Practice!

Once you know what is required for the audition, and once you select your material, you need to start practicing. This doesn’t mean learning the song in the car on the way to the audition! You need to start practicing as easily as possible so when you get to the audition you’ll be relaxed and able to perform at your best. Practice in front of your friends, family, neighbours, and anybody who will listen. Your family and friends will always tell you how great you are. Your friends will be honest! Listen to their suggestions, and just do the best you can!

About Home Theatre Receivers

• The brains and nerve center of your system.

Receivers perform many different important functions in your system. Along with being the central audio and video switching station, they handle audio signal processing and amplification, radio tuning, and, in some high-end models, upconversion of standard video signals for high-def output through Component Video or HDMI jacks. Other features you'll find on receivers include ports for connecting an XM satellite radio antenna or iPod. Since the receiver is such a key component, it's important to do your homework and select one that provides enough input and output connections to accommodate all your audio and video sources.

• Stereo, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1-channel receivers explained

Any receiver can handle two-channel stereo playback, but a basic model should also come equipped with Dolby Digital and, in most cases, DTS surround sound processing - an alternative digital soundtrack format that's found on some DVDs. Both of these formats use five discrete audio channels plus a special low frequency (bass) effects channel to deliver immersive, near-movie theater quality sound from DVDs or high-definition sources. Most step-up receivers add on Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES processing. These modes make use of an additional "back" surround channel to extend the sonic possibilities of Dolby Digital and DTS even further.

•The most common type of receiver -5.1-channel models- decode the audio information contained in Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks and route them to front left and right, center, and surround speakers in your system via their five built-in amplifier channels. (The .1, or low frequency effects, channel in a movie soundtrack gets directed to a powered subwoofer with its own on-board amplifier.)

•Along with providing all the functionality of a 5.1-channel receiver, 6.1-channel models include an additional amp channel to drive a back surround speaker when watching DVDs encoded with Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES soundtracks. The main benefit to the back surround channel is that it creates an even more realistic surround sound experience - one that's closer to what you'd hear in a well-equipped movie theater.

•7.1-channel receivers are basically the same as 6.1-channel models, but they include yet another amp channel to drive a second back surround speaker. In this case, the audio information going to both back speakers is identical; it's just distributed between the two back speakers to create an even more expansive rear sound field. The specifications for the new HD DVD and Blu-ray disc formats allow for soundtracks with up to 7.1 discrete audio channels. So while a 7.1-channel receiver might seem like overkill, right now it's a more future-proof option than 5.1 and 6.1 models.

• Audio formats - Dolby Digital, DTS, THX, and Dolby Headphone explained

As discussed in Stereo, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 surround sound explained, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital EX, and DTS and DTS-ES are the main surround sound audio modes you'll find on both basic and step-up receivers. But higher-end models may offer even more processing modes. For example, THX-certified receivers feature something called THX Surround EX. This mode works alongside Dolby Digital EX processing to time-align a pair of back surround speakers in a 7.1-channel system and match their sound to the other speakers in the system. The end result is a more seamless, theater-like surround presentation when watching DVDs with Dolby Digital EX-encoded soundtracks. And then there's Dolby Headphone, a processing mode that brings the dynamic range, dialog clarity, and spatial effects of 5.1-channel Dolby Digital soundtracks to stereo headphone listening. Although using headphones in a fully equipped home theater might sound strange, it's a great option for late-night viewing when you don't want to disturb others in the house.

• Basic receiver setup.

Basic receiver setup entails plugging in audio and video sources and running wire from the unit's back panel to your speaker's input connections. Most DVD players, CD changers, satellite receivers, and cable boxes provide a digital audio output along with a set of regular analog output jacks. You'll usually get better sound if you use this digital audio connection, and it's an absolute requirement to experience the 5.1-channel digital soundtracks on DVDs or HDTV programs. The rules for video setup on receivers are pretty much the same as those for audio. If your video source has a digital DVI or HDMI connection (and the receiver provides digital video switching) it will deliver better performance than analog Component Video, Composite and S-Video connections.

•Speakers.

The sound coming from your receiver needs to be divided up to match the capabilities of the speakers used in the system. To do this effectively, a receiver's speaker setup menu lets you specify the size of individual speakers in the system as large or small, and asks whether or not you're using a subwoofer. The settings you select allow it to perform bass management, which determines the precise audio frequency at which bass signals are filtered out from the various speakers and sent on to the subwoofer (or to the main speakers, if a subwoofer isn't used). The next step is to measure the span from the speakers to your seating position and specify those distances in the setup menu. This allows the receiver to perform time-alignment - basically adding slight delay to the audio channels to create a more uniform surround sound effect. And the final setup task is to balance the output levels of each speaker in the system. This ensures that the sound coming from all speakers is equally loud - an important step for getting smooth dialog and realistic surround ambience. Some receivers perform the task automatically; with others, you need to use a sound-pressure level meter along with the receiver's built-in setup test tones to manually make the adjustments.

• How many watts per Channel?

The amount of power you'll need from a receiver depends on two factors: room size, as well as the performance characteristics of the speakers you're pairing it with. An average power rating for a receiver is 100 watts per channel. That level of juice should be enough for a small to mid-size (80 to 200 square foot) home theater with a five satellite-plus-subwoofer speaker system. But large tower speakers - particularly those that use exotic technologies like planar-magnetic or electrostatic drivers - might require more amplifier power to handle the sonic peaks in an action movie than a 100 watt-per -channel receiver can provide.

• Get the most out of your receiver and system

Since a receiver is the brain of your system, you should try to maximize its features to make your life easier and more enjoyable. At minimum, you'll want to take advantage of its tape loop functions to route signals to a CD- or DVD-recorder or VCR for basic audio and video recording. Many higher-end models also provide a multizone audio output that lets you direct stereo music or radio programs to a secondary room such as a dining area or kitchen.

•Room Auto-EQ systems

A new feature found on some receivers is automatic equalization, or Auto-EQ. While this feature varies from receiver to receiver, it's typically used to improve sound quality by automatically adjusting parameters such as speaker crossover points. Auto-EQ can also adjust the bass and treble of individual audio channels to compensate for any issues with room acoustics. Receivers with Auto -EQ usually come with a small microphone that's used for initial setup. The receiver emits test tones from each speaker in sequence, while the microphone picks up the tones and provides feedback. This information is then used to automatically adjust speaker levels, speaker distance settings, and various EQ and room-correction functions.

•Receiver or separate preamp/processor and amplifier

Buying a receiver with all its bundled extras is hands down the easiest way to get started when putting together a home theater. But there are also downsides to this approach. Stuffing numerous electronic components like a preamp/processor, multichannel amp, and radio tuner together in a single chassis can increase background noise levels -which is why audio purists prefer to buy those components separately. With new home theater innovations arriving at a lightning-fast pace, buying separate components also gives you insurance against obsolescence - you can upgrade your preamp/processor without having to buy a new amplifier, and vice-versa.

Live from New York’s U.N. Theatre

As if the UN did not already have a mountain of failures to live down, along comes the two of the worlds most P.T. Barnum like dictators complete with misinformation, ranting and name calling. Diplomacy and civilized discourse itself has been seriously affronted not to mention the office of the U.S. President.

Iran’s Prime Minister Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressing the UN said things that betray his ignorance of protocol, truthfulness and history. In one breath he said “I respect the Jews” but made no effort to explain his previous cry to wipe them off the map. In a typically uninformed world view he asked why the Palestinians were not allowed to determine their own fate as it pertains to their own ancient homeland. Prior to 1948 Palestinians never used the phrase “homeland” and were not looking for one even in the remotest sense of the word.

His contorted view of history ignores a 4000 year long history of Jewish ownership of Israel as do almost all Muslims around the world. This view gives new meaning to the cliché “don’t confuse me with the facts.” But here is a dictator who doesn’t believe there was ever a holocaust. For all of the faults of the Third Reich poor record keeping was not one of them. The holocaust is without exception the most well documented slaughter in history. One could say it may be easier to document the holocaust than to document Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This dictator leaves credulity blowing in the wind and makes anyone wonder how he ever came to power. Perhaps ranting is all that’s needed to take power in Iran. The bottom line is that this is not the kind of man that needs to have a nuclear arsenal at his disposal by any stretch of the imagination.

Next is Hugo Chavez to the UN floor with name calling and metaphoric reference to odors of burning sulfur left behind by the recent visit of President George Bush. Chavez may see himself as the modern counterpart of South America’s most renowned statesmen Simon Bolivar but that comparison resides only in the mind of Mr. Chavez. Not even his own countrymen would dare to stretch things that far.

Venezuela may not see baseball the way Americans do but there is something in that game that seems all too well suited for Mr. Chavez, namely “three strikes and your out.” What were those three strikes? Let’s examine each briefly.

The first strike against Mr. Chavez came as a result of his complete and utter abandonment of gentility, propriety, respect and protocol. To blast the leaders of a host country unashamedly while enjoying every courtesy and advantage available to him as a visiting statesman is pure unbridled indecency. That President Bush did not respond in kind or at all only gave greater honor to the presidency and Mr. Bush. The rest of us would have liked to give Mr. Chavez the bums rush, with the exception of Danny Glover. Perhaps for Glover and Chavez that liaison might be their version of “Dancing with the Stars.”

The second strike came when Chavez decided to take to the neighborhood church and from a pulpit cover his lack of refinement with offers of help for America’s poor. Oh please.

Spreading around some cheap oil is only a cheap trick in disguise. Let’s not forget that spreading money and benevolence around the neighborhood is not a new idea in the quest for followers and adherents. Jim Jones paid peoples mortgages, rent and bills but in the end fed them poison cool aid. Hezbollah helps people all over Lebanon with the hope that this once proud and independent country will not bite the hand that feeds them even while the other hand is lobbing bombs at Lebanon’s neighbors. Al Capone and other mobsters were sure to give favors to the immigrants and neighborhoods in various cities at the same time they bred corruption and murder at will. Let’s throw in the drug cartels of Columbia who are well known for dumping multi millions of dollars around that nation to gain an army of silent but compatriot ally’s among the common people. Some have called it a political stunt but regardless of what its called…that’s strike two.

To see how Chavez made strike three requires a little knowledge of the Bible. Even as Chavez was blessing himself with the (catholic) sign of the cross he repeatedly called President Bush the devil. Perhaps Mr. Chavez could find an excuse in the fact that Catholicism depends more on ex-cathedra and patristic teachings rather than the Bible. Maybe it is the fault of those who taught Mr. Chavez his brand of Christianity. In any case even while he invoked God by the sign of the cross he was committing what the Bible calls the one and only unforgivable sin, blasphemy of the Spirit.

To say that the spirit that is in a man and from which he gets his inspiration and unction is the Devil when it is in fact Gods Spirit is blasphemy according to scripture. See Matthew 12: 31-32 If Mr. Chavez did this ignorantly or not is for God alone to judge but either way Mr. Chavez is stuck with either the guilt of blasphemy or the guilt of wholesale ignorance. Strike three, your out.

Volumes could be written on the two dancing dictators but suffice it to say less may be more. Taking a cue from President George Bush we won’t go any further than to say these boys may be able to dance to the applause of the UN but they couldn’t make it through the national anthem in a simple game of baseball.

Polyproyplene Stadium And Theatre Seating-Bleacher

Preferred Seating is leading the way into the next generation of stadium and theatre seating. Seating is now available that is made out of the same no break polypropylene that automobiles components are made of. Stadium seat technology has advanced from the heavy steel seats of yesterday to the industry's newest state-of-the-art standard: no-break, lightweight, high-impact polypropylene seats. Champion Stadium Seating is available exclusively at Preferred Seating, America's leading stadium and theatre seating innovator, www.preferred-seating.com.

Arena owners have been waiting for a stadium seat that resists fading, does not rust or crack. These stadium seats are easily mounted on existing bleachers, risers, and floors, either permanently or temporarily, making them an ideal way to upgrade a stadium or outdoor venue. The physical discomfort of bleacher seats are now a thing of the past with these breakthrough stadium seat designs. Stadium owners can convert their bleachers, with tight back-to-back spacing, into a stadium with seats.

Theatre Seating Construction

Preferred theatre seating is also designed of the new no break automotive polypropylene. Theatre seating should accommodate the patrons need for a durable, comfortable space to sit in for long programs. The new, Ultima theatre seat constructed of the new, no break polypropylene fills this need with its convex, concave ergonomic design that supports the entire body promoting good posture.

Preferred theatre seats meet the needs of the patrons with amenities they will applaud. Theatre chairs are constructed with thick cushions, natural woods and elegant fabrics which add to the spectator's theatre experience. Movable arm rests and cup holders are features that keep everything within reach. Armrests flip up into loveseats for those who need more room. Up to date styles in theatre seating such as rockers and ergonomic designs allow a patron to lounge in comfort. These features are a convenience to the theatre goer who has everything within reach and are conducive to a more pleasurable performance experience. Preferred high-quality theatre seating is designed with gravity assisted spring mechanisms that retract the seat soundlessly, so as not to disturb other patrons.

No break polypropylene theatre seating is constructed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. The standard fabrics used will withstand much abuse and frequent cleaning. Because food and drinks are always spilled in theatres, this is an important factor. .

Preferred Seating provides design, layout and installation, as well as referrals for complete design build services.

A Cavemans Ultimate (lair) Home Theatre System

I am a primitive. A psychologist once verified this. She said being born under the sign of Leo I was fixed in my ways so I would be most happy in life not trying to change myself or others. She was a very sharp lady. I am happiest as a primitive in my cave (ala my Home Theatre Kingdom) upon this earth. I like watching big tv with high quality audio. And I like my comfort.

My cave is well lite when need be and provides a nice ambient softness (like a camp fire) which makes me feel secure in this post modern world (what ever that means ie… I was told to say that to include you deep thinkers in this little philosophy tale about modern caves and primitives).

Please know though that I am a disciplined home theatre cave type and do not allow ANY news or “importrant” world events, stress filled garbage to come before my ears or eyes. Why have a cave if you can’t keep the dinosaurs and bad neighbors out – eh?

I ONLY watch high quailty movies (many free), good science type channels and programs like Discovery and History (if it is in the past it can’t hurt you right?), and no crime drama. I am a sensitive primitive who like to keep my cave and mind clean and bright and sharp with little clutter.

My basic motto is: “Do small things about ones cave and let others tidy up their own cave.” Too many people ie… politicians, military type, local government types, video cameras (doesn’t anyone have a sense of what privacy is anymore? Did YOU vote for this technology?) – in too many of their neighbor caves and not their own.

So how is your cave? MAN. Or WOMAN. If you are a female the way to a caveman’s heart is to bring nice stories (movies) and music into his lair (I mean Home Theatre System). After an invitation of course. Cavemen like DVD’s, flowers, meat is always good, and nubile barefoot girls. Be inventive and playful and bring NO – “ZERO” – NADA stress into his cave and you should do well. Bring NO NEWS of far distant lands and wars and famine and disease etc… etc… etc… ad infinitum…. Cook stir fry for him as he like spices and might surprise you with his exotic pallette (taste buds) and talk science yep you heard me right deep penetrating cosmic DNA transhuman “SCIENCE!” . After all most true cave men these days are geeky intellectuals who might just have more on his mind then sports (also banned in my cave, as I find watching sports boring!).

Also, if you are invited into the bowels of the cave mans heart , his Home Theatre Kingdom, do not mention babies (fertility is okay), as babies imply messy caves and disruption of happiness. So there you have it from one of the last true cavemen “they” (the media gods) should have used in the GEICO commercials.

My cave “ROCKS!” How about yours?

London Theatre And Broadway Theater

Ten top shows to see in London’s West End or Broadway

Lion King - Discover life through the eyes of a Lion. One of Disney's most successful films is brought to life on the stage. When the young lion Prince Simba is born in a glorious celebration on pride rock, his evil uncle Scar is pushed back to second in line to the throne. Scar plots to kill both Simba and his father, King Mufasa, and proclaim himself king. Simba survives but is led to believe that his father died because of him and he decides to flee the kingdom. Will he ever return to save the kingdom?

Chicago is the story of Roxie, a 1920’s chorus girl who has murdered her lover but manages to get acquitted with the help of a sleazy lawyer. Roxie dreams of starring in a Vaudeville show but she only achieves celebrity status when she rides on the wave of publicity surrounding her acquittal. She teams up with another murderess to form an unusual nightclub act, which they hope will keep them in the public eye.

Eva Peron used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. She won international acclaim and adoration from her own people as a champion of the poor whilst glamour, power and greed made her one of the 21st century's most major political celebrities. With it's multi award winning production team and hot new orchestrations EVITA tells Eva Peron's passionate and tragic story through Andrew LLoyd Webber's dazzling score and Tim Rice's famous lyrics.

Adapted from Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables is the epic tale of a man's life-journey through 18th century France and his struggle to live through the injustice and revolution of the time. It is full of passion and courage and has been acclaimed the world over.

The Phantom of the Opera is set in the Paris Opera House during the 19th century, where the facially disfigured Phantom haunts and terrorizes occupants. Based on a classic French thriller about a terrifying and legendary figure who emerges from the depths of The Paris Opera House and manifests the mythic opera ghost in terrifying reality. The mysterious masked Phantom falls in love with the young and beautiful soprano Christine and whisks her away to his subterranean lair below the theatre to teach her to sing "like an angel". Although she initially becomes entranced by him, she loves another: Raoul. She is faced with a stark choice: stay with the Phantom forever, or he will kill Raoul.

Willy Russell's classic musical Blood Brothers is set in Liverpool and is about twins separated at birth but whose paths cross in later life. The captivating story of twin brothers Mickey and Eddie, who are separated at birth and grow up on opposite sides of the tracks. Now commonly regarded as one of the all time great British musicals, Blood Brothers has touched the hearts and minds of a generation of theatregoers in dealing with two of the most pressing social issues of our time - inequality and unemployment.

Billy Elliot is the tale of a motherless boy whose father wants him to take up boxing. Instead, the boy discovers a love for ballet that leads him from secret lessons to a place at the Royal Ballet School. Set in the North East, Billy Elliot is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy’s dream.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world's longest-running play of any kind, being in the West End for over 50 years. The Mousetrap is the longest consistently running play in the history of British theatre. The reputation of this murder mystery masterpiece goes from strength to strength as new generations of theatregoers flock to try to figure out who is guilty.

Set in the 1940’s, Guys and Dolls tells the story of a group of small-time gamblers and the ladies in their lives. Nathan Detroit bets his pal Sky Masterson that he can't make the next lady he sees fall in love with him, and when the next lady happens to be the prim and proper neighbourhood missionary Sarah Brown, the stage is set for an evening of high spirited entertainment.

Mamma Mia - Through the story-telling magic of the songs of ABBA, we meet Donna, a feisty forty-something single mum, who recalls distant memories of carefree days and careless nights whilst her daughter Sophie dreams of tradition, romance and a big white wedding. Mamma Mia! transports audiences to a tiny mythical Greek island as we share two unforgettable days in the lives of our heroines surrounded by crystal blue seas and beneath a beating Grecian sun.

Buy a London theatre ticket or Broadway theater ticket today.

Home Theatre Speakers

•Speaker types

There are four basic home theater speaker categories: towers, satellites, subwoofers, and center channels. A tower speaker is a tall, freestanding model capable of reproducing a full range of sound. Satellites, which can be used as both front or rear-channel (surround) speakers, are small, bass-limited models designed to be paired with a subwoofer - a dedicated speaker for reproducing both bass and the low-frequency-effects channel in Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks. And a center channel speaker is a horizontally oriented satellite that's designed to reproduce dialog.

•Freestanding vs. on-wall

In the past, home theater speakers were usually installed alongside big-screen TVs - either freestanding or placed on top of speaker stands. But many new models are on-wall designs that come with wall-mounting hardware. One advantage to these kinds of speakers is that they get positioned on walls where they don't take up any room space. A second advantage is that their slim, wall –hugging design nicely complements flat-panel plasma and LCD TVs.

•Do you really need a center channel?

With some systems - especially those built around a large, slim rear-projection TV - finding a place to put the center channel speaker can be a problem. Although you can get by without using one, it's not recommended - center channel speakers are specifically designed to reproduce voices. You'll find that movie dialog will sound much clearer when you use them. So instead of bypassing the center speaker or using the TV's built-in speakers as a center channel substitute (a terrible option, since the tonal balance of your TV's speakers isn't likely to match that of your other speakers), look for an alternative mounting method. Speaker wall mounts make a fine option, especially with flat-panel TVs. Most TV stands also include storage shelves that can hold a small center channel speaker.

•Speaker connections. A variety of connectors can be found on the back of speakers.

•A spring-clip connector is a plastic, spring-loaded clamp that's usually found on the back of inexpensive speakers. The connection provided by spring clips isn't as secure as other types, and they can only accept bare speaker wire.

•Binding posts are a step-up connection option found on high-quality speakers. There are two types of binding posts: regular and five-way. Regular types accept both banana plug and spade-lug connectors on speaker cables. The connection they provide is very secure, and in some cases the connector is also gold-plated to prevent oxidation - a condition that can potentially degrade performance. And five-way binding posts, which accept bare wire and pin-type connectors in addition to banana plugs and spade lugs, offer even more hookup flexibility than regular types.

•In-wall and in-ceiling speaker + and –

For those who prefer to keep their audio/video equipment out of sight, in-wall and in-ceiling speakers make a great alternative to regular models. Although the sound quality of in-wall and in-ceiling models is generally a notch below that of regular speakers, they can be mounted inside of cutout cavities in the walls or ceiling of your room where they won't take up any space. Both types are also designed to contain vibrations within the cabinet, so you won't have to worry about rattling the walls during action movies. Installation of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers involves running wires through the walls and/or ceiling of your home. If you're an experienced DIY type, you might be up to that task, but for most people it's best left to a custom installer.

•Surround speaker considerations: direct-radiating, dipolar, and bipolar There are several options to consider when choosing surround sound speakers for your system.

•Direct-radiating models fire sound directly out from the speaker's front baffle toward the listener's ears. These are a good all-purpose surround sound speaker choice since their clear, focused dispersion pattern can accurately convey the directional sound effect pans in DVD soundtracks.

•Dipolar models radiate sound from both the speaker's back and front, with the opposing driver sets wired out-of-phase with each other. This design offers a more diffuse, spacious sound than a direct-radiating model while retaining some of the latter's focused dispersion characteristics. (Dipolar models are favored for THX-certified designs specifically because of their diffuse sound, which more accurately resembles what you'd hear in a real movie theater.)

•Bipolar models also radiate sound from the front and back, except that in this case both sets of drivers are wired in-phase with one another. This design allows a bipolar speaker to provide the best of both worlds: a direct-radiator's clarity and focus, and a dipole's spaciousness.

•What is frequency response, and what should I look for?

The range of audio frequencies that a speaker can reproduce is known as its frequency response. Human hearing extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (20,000 Hz) - a span that few models are able to cover fully. The bass frequencies at the bottom of the range (approximately 20-120 Hz) are the most difficult for a speaker to cover. Satellites don't attempt it at all, but instead pass the task off to a subwoofer - a dedicated bass speaker with drivers large enough to move the massive quantity of air needed to reproduce low frequencies. Since tower speakers usually contain one or more woofers, they generally deliver decent bass. But if you're shopping for tower speakers - especially if you plan to use one in a system where there's no subwoofer - make a point of checking the low end of its frequency response specification. And remember that not all measurements are the same. For example, the bass response of a speaker spec'd at –6 dB at 40 Hz probably won't sound as full as one that measures –3 dB at 40 Hz.

•Speaker impedance and selection

Most new speakers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of receivers and audio amplifiers, so specifications like impedance-the measure of a speaker's resistance to electrical power flowing through it as specified in Ohms-generally aren't things you need to worry too much about. But what you should know is that an amplifier has to work harder to drive a speaker with a lower impedance rating than one with a higher rating. Say that your receiver is rated to deliver 100 watts into an 8-ohm load. If your speakers have an 8-Ohm impedance spec, then you aren't likely to encounter any problems. But if your speakers' specified impedance is 4 ohms or less, the chances for that same receiver to overheat and shut down will be increased.

•Placement: the final frontier

Many people tend to be casual about where they put their speakers; more often than not, they get shoved into any old space where it's convenient. But speaker placement becomes crucial when setting up a home theater system. You'll want the positioning of surround sound effects in your room to correspond to what's happening on screen, and that will only happen if speakers are set up properly.

Front channel towers or satellite models on stands should ideally be placed equidistant from the TV's sides and about three feet out from the front wall. This setup will heighten imaging and reduce any sound-muddying room reinforcement effects. And your subwoofer should be pushed into a corner of the room to permit the sound-reinforcing effect of adjacent walls to strengthen the bass. While placement guidelines for surround speakers are less strict than those for front speakers, installing them in a high position at the sides and slightly behind the listening area will usually enhance surround sound envelopment.

Love Of Theatre

7 Reasons Why Our Love Of Theatre Will Never Die

Many of us are fascinated by theatre and it’s easy to see why because the whole experience can be such a memorable and touching event.

Perhaps for some theatre is about the fun and excitement of a great musical, for others it’s the intriguing story brought to life or simply a way to escape from it all? Whatever the reason, there is no denying theatre has a place in many people’s hearts, and here are 7 reasons why the love of theatre will never die:

1. Watching a musical can be totally absorbing as you appreciate the skill and craft that goes into a mesmerising production. The show stopping tunes seem to sink into your mind as your left with songs that you can sing for years to come or new dance moves you can try out with your friends.

2. There’s something for everyone all year round as the appeal of theatre is diverse. It’s a place where great stories are brought to life - whether it’s through singing, dancing, riveting plot lines or fine acting delivered by a well rehearsed cast. With no one show being the same the chances are there is something unique being performed near you - whatever the time of year.

3. The ‘Play’ is an important part of our ancient history. From as far back as the ancient Greeks the play formed a key element of our community, from story telling through to providing an outlet for entertainment and escape. The ‘Play’ has always been a valued part of our culture.

4. Theatre performances are great places to go with friends and family. You’ll have fun enjoying the show and recount the scenes that moved you afterwards. You can chat about the actors you couldn’t take your eyes off as well as spend countless hours singing back all your favourite tunes from musicals.

5. Theatre is a great chance to see some of our favourite actors up close and in person. Having watched them for so many years from afar it can be a wonderful experience to take in a show and see your favourite stars take to the stage. From Richard Gere to Kim Basinger, from Sir Ian McKellan to Dame Judi Dench most great actors and actresses have graced the live stage.

6. It’s a truly live experience. There is a charm and ambience that comes from a live performance in front of a live audience. This dynamic delivers an almost electrifying presence that just isn’t possible in a cinema environment or on your wide screen TV at home [no matter how big it is].

7. Theatre offers convenient performance times. If you’re looking for an afternoon event, so you can go out in the evening, then you can catch a matinee. Or if you want to make the theatre your main entertainment at night, then you can see the evening show. This flexibility means you can fit in a performance for when it suits you. This differs a lot from many other arts and music shows that offer only one performance time a day - usually in the evening.

With all this talk of theatre, many of us can recall a time when we picked up some last minute tickets with a friend, dashed to the venue and found ourselves watching from the ‘Gods’ in the back of the theatre. Sure we still had a good time, but we couldn’t help feeling “If only we had those seats over there….”

But what if it was possible to have tickets to some of the finest seats in the house, a mouth-watering dinner and perhaps stay overnight at a luxurious hotel?

Imagine how your close friend or partner would feel if this year on your anniversary or perhaps on their birthday they were given such a gift. A gift where they could have fabulous tickets to a West End show, paint the town red and an have a luxurious overnight stay at a first class hotel in the heart of a UK city.

Originally this may have been the pastime of the wealthy and affluent, however, these wonderful weekend escapes are now in reach of all of us for that special celebration. There are a range of theatre break packages available where you an enjoy a night at a fabulous London theatre at a show of your choice with two first rate seats plus an overnight stay in a 4 star hotel in either the West End of London or pick from a selection of other UK cities.

With all the appeal it has there is no doubt that our love for theatre will never die. It offers so much, with such diversity. It’s easy to see why it makes for such a great escape and a perfect gift for that someone special this year. So what are you waiting for?

The Art Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

Brand New State

To celebrate the opening of the brand new, state of the art Nokia Theatre l.a. live, The Eagles and the Dixie Chicks are coming to Los Angeles .

With a new album out, The Eagles have a lot to celebrate. The Eagles are the best selling American group ever with the album, Eagles : Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975, and have established themselves as one of the greatest American rock bands of all time. With four number one albums and five number one singles and millions of albums sold, they have cemented themselves in rock history. With songs such as Take it Easy, Witchy Woman, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Hotel California, Desperado, One of These Nights, Lyin Eyes, they have shown they are a double edged sword - being able to create classic American rock and slower, timeless ballads.

Despite incredible success, the band experienced inner turmoil and broke up in 1980. Eagles members Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley both went on to respective solo careers. However, thirteen years after the bands break up, they reunited with the album titled, 'Hell Freezes Over', which was in reference to the statement made by Don Henley that the band would only reunite when hell freezes over. The album debuted at # 1 with the singles 'Get Over It' and 'Love Will Keep Us Alive'.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, the long awaited new Eagles album is expected to be released this year.

Fans have eagerly awaited another Eagles tour and this fall the Eagles will be performing for six nights at the newest concert venue in Los Angeles , the Nokia Theatre l.a. live.

As if the Eagles weren't enough for eager fans, the Dixie Chicks will be opening for them all six nights.

Legendary in their own right, Dixie Chicks are the highest selling female band in any musical genre, having sold over 30 million albums. Formed in 1989 in Dallas , Texas the band endured years of struggle. The band was formed by sisters Martie and Emily Erwin (since married and names have been changed to Martie Maguire ans Emily Robinson, respectivley) and had a largely influenced bluegrass sound. They found some success opening for larger name bands but achieved no radio air time. The lead singer, Laura Lynch, was replaced with now lead singer Natalie Maines in 1995 and the Dixie Chicks found their stride. With the release of Wide Open Spaces in 1998 the Dixie Chicks found their long awaited success with such singles as 'Cowboy Take Me Away' and 'Wide Open Spaces'. The three women trio instantly became known for their soaring ballads, varied instrumental talents, and unique fashion sense. With a mix of twangy country vocals, catchy pop beats created by a plethora of instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dobro, the Chicks sold over 12 million copies of their debut album. Proving they were no one hit wonder, their second album, released in 1999, titled 'Fly', sold over 10 million copies. The Dixie Chicks have been accused of abandoning their country roots but the fans didn't seem to mind. The Chicks have been able to cross all genres of sounds and fans.

However, the Dixie Chicks are no stranger to controversy. Natalie Maines famed comment about President Bush in 2003 was heard all around the world. The comment enraged many country music fans who started a boycott of all things Dixie Chicks. Albums were burned, death threats were made, and air time was taken away. The Dixie Chicks never backed down from their comments and tried explaining their feelings to the public by stating that one could be patriotic without supporting a war. After several years of huge financial loss and abandonment of fans, the Dixie Chicks did what they do best - speak their mind through their music. Sometimes dubbed a 'comeback' album, the Dixie Chicks released 'Taking the Long Way' which went number one on both pop and country charts and became a gold record in less that a week. Their politically infused single 'Not Ready to Make Nice' voiced their feelings of their political controversy and became an instant hit. Even though ticket sales for The Dixie Chicks have become noticeably less in several southern states, their international fame and respect has grown.

With over 13 Grammy awards and 30 million albums sold, The Dixie Chicks have proven they are no where near ready to make nice. Along with The Eagles, The Dixie Chicks will be performing for six nights at the new Nokia Theatre l.a. live.

To house such headliners, only a state of the art venue will do - and that's exactly what the new Nokia Theatre l.a. live has to offer. Part of a brand new entertainment destination in downtown Los Angeles , the Nokia Theatre will boast state of the art acoustics and will be able to house over 7,000 fans.The new Nokia theatre will also be the new home for the Grammy awards as well as the E.S.P.Y. awards.

There could be no better pair like The Dixie Chicks and The Eagles to open the brand new Nokia Theatre - guaranteed to be the concert event of the year.

For all you entertainment needs, Barrys Tickets can help. For over 25 years, Barrys Tickets has been the number one source for tickets in Los Angeles . Offering tickets for all sporting, theatre, and concert events, Barrys has the tickets you are looking for. For tickets to The Dixie Chicks/Eagles event at the new Nokia Theatre, visit Barrys Tickets to make sure you have the best tickets to the best concert event of the year.