Archive for the 'Audio & Video' Category

Aug 27 2009

A Low Cost Home Theater Speaker Review

Published by under Audio & Video

When it comes to home theater equipment it’s easy to spend lots of money very fast. Since the surround sound speaker systems needed for a true home theater experience are made up of 6 speakers including the subwoofer, they can be a substantial part of the cost all by themselves. However, price is not always the governing factor in whether a speaker system is high quality or not. In fact, sometimes the best surprises come in inexpensive packages. Here is a home theater speaker review on the Athena technologies Micra 6 home theater speaker system:

One of the biggest challenges to home theater equipment buyers is in the installation of the the products that they buy, and the speaker system can be the most problematic of all since there are more wires that run farther distances than any other component in the surround sound setup. Happily, Athena makes the installation as painless as possible by providing the speaker wires in the box already, and a very clear wiring diagram that should be able to be used successfully by even the most technically challenged among us.

If you wish to mount your speaker setup to the wall or hang them from the ceiling they have already thought of that too and included handy swivel mounting brackets for that kind of job.

The system itself consists of satellite speakers that are small and stylish enough to blend in with almost any surroundings and yet capable of great sound in an average size room. Of course, if your listening area is in a very large room you may have trouble filling it up with sound, but that is to be expected at this low price level.

The 8 inch subwoofer is adequate and blends well with the other speakers in the system without overpowering them. All in all, the sound is very impressive from a speaker system that is so inexpensive.

The best part of this whole system is it’s cost which is under $400 on some online sites. And considering how easy it is to spend thousands on a home theater surround sound speaker system, that figure is very easy on the pocketbook. So if you want to step up to a surround sound experience for your home theater system, but just can’t afford the big bucks right now, consider this home theater speaker review of the Athena Micra 6 and see if it doesn’t fir the bill.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including audio and video. You can find out more about surround sound setup and surround sound installation by visiting our Home Theater website.

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Aug 26 2009

No More Distractions with Noise Reduction Headphones

Published by under Audio & Video

Sleeping – If you have trouble sleeping, noise reduction headphones may aid you in getting some rest. Barking dogs, traffic, and awake family members can contribute to sleepless nights, and for those who are sensitive to noise when they’re trying to sleep, noise reduction headphones create a sound-free environment so they can rest.

Playing Music – Musicians often use noise reduction headphones to help them block out sounds that may interfere with them hearing their instrument. Once the background noise is blocked, they are free to concentrate purely on the sounds they are making rather than the sounds around them. This creates an environment of total immersion into their music and allows them to perfect their work without being in a studio.

Autistic Students – Noise reduction headphones can also be used in the classroom to help autistic children. Often classroom environments can be distracting to children with autism. Headphones for the children help teachers instruct each student individually so others aren’t confused or distracted by the instructions for the other students.

Studying – Noise reduction headphones are very useful in situations where you need peace and quiet but can’t always control the environment. Students who are studying may find noise reduction headphones helpful in blocking out the distracting sounds around them. Headphones create a peaceful world in which they can focus on their work, rather than environmental noises or the sounds of others.

Working – If you work in a cubical or an open-plan office but find yourself regularly distracted by people walking by, phones ringing, others talking, and the general chaos that can be office life, noise reduction headphones can make a difference. They can help you focus on the task at hand rather than everything going on around you which can boost your productivity and the quality of your work.

Noisy Neighbors – Living in an apartment building, condo or townhouse may include noisy neighbors. Depending on the thickness of your walls and ceiling, you may hear your neighbors walking around above, or hear their music or talking. Noise reduction headphones can block these sounds so you can enjoy being at home, even if the neighbors are loud.

These are only a few examples of the sorts of noise disturbances you may come across in daily life. Where once you had no choice but to be distracted, noise reduction headphones put you in control. Never again do you have to experience a sleepless night or a ruined project. Noise reduction headphones can be used to block out the noises around you: voices, car engines, train noises, barking dogs, loud offices, airplane engine noise, city sounds, loud neighbors, etc.

Lee Blue is a musician and home studio recording artist; he uses Extreme Isolation headphones in his recording studio and his office to block out environmental distractions. Learn more about noise reduction headphones. Web: http://www.quietheadphones.com/

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