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The Home Theater Blog
Introducing Professor HT Theater Demo of the Quick Snap Frame
Professor HT Theater is resident product tester at HTmarket.com. He earned a Masters Degree in Home Theater at the University of Home Theater. Wow he really knows home theater. All kidding aside you will get a great view of how a Quick Snap Movie Poster Frame really works.
Check out the demo and you'll see that Quick Snap Frames are a great alternative to decorate your theater.You can check out all our movie poster frames at HTmarket.com.
Check out the demo and you'll see that Quick Snap Frames are a great alternative to decorate your theater.You can check out all our movie poster frames at HTmarket.com.
Get the Scoop on Movie Popcorn for Home or Office
Why do many people go to the movies? One big reason is they like the taste of movie theater popcorn from a hot popcorn kettle. The microwave popcorn works but it's not the same as the theater style popcorn. At HTmarket.com we have one of the most comprehensive popcorn categories on the web with a huge selection of popcorn machine makers and popcorn for popcorn machines. We have been shipping poppers for over 11 years believe me we know popcorn. In this post we explore how to choose the proper popcorn equipment for the home or office. We explore concepts like output and yield. We also describe the correct popcorn to use in your popper. We will conclude with helping you choose the proper popcorn supplies you may need to make popcorn more fun and enjoyable. Here's the scoop...
Charles Cretors in 1885 invented the very first popcorn machine to pop corn in oil. The C. Cretors and company was formed in Chicago and still exists on California Avenue on the north-side of Chicago. HTmarket.com has toured their factory and they have on display many of the first popcorn makers. We sell on our web site some of the popular Cretors machines which are still considered by many people including myself to be the best popcorn poppers ever made. They are made to last with top grade finishes. We consider Charles Cretors to be the founding father of popcorn.
One of the first designs by Cretors shown below, very cool indeed.
A current machine by Cretors shown below and available on HTmarket.com called the Goldrush Fresh Popcorn Popper, very cool you can bring this one home. The first vintage popper would not fit through the door.
Today there are many new manufacturers that make popcorn makers some like Gold Medal and Paragon. Cretors and Paragon still make their poppers here in the USA. We like the fact that they manufacturer these machines in our great country. There are many new imported models on the market under names like Waring and Benchmark. On HTmarket.com we sell only the best made machines and we don't sell the kitchen appliance hot air poppers. We only sell poppers with popcorn kettles that allow you to mix oil, popcorn and seasoning just like the movie theater. This process makes the freshest popcorn.
If your buying for your home theater, gameroom or for just home use. You would start by looking at HTmarket.com's 4oz popcorn machines these are the leading ones for home use. If you entertain many people at home or have a large family you could step up to a 6oz popcorn machine. In general, you can purchase for small output homes or offices 4oz, 6oz or 8oz machines. For commercial uses like banks and bars. I would start looking at 8oz popcorn machines all the way up to 16oz popcorn makers. The "oz" size refers to size of kettle and the amount of uncooked popcorn kernels that can fit into make one cycle or batch of popcorn.
Shown above is Paragon's Theater Popcorn Popper available in 4oz, 6oz, 8oz or 12oz sizes made in the USA.
For higher output areas like concession stands or schools we suggest commercial popcorn machines that start at 12oz kettles.
Shown below is Paragon's Classic 14oz Popcorn Machine. Price is an affordable $789.99. Made in the USA.
Ok you have chosen a popcorn popper that fits your needs the next decision point is what popcorn should I choose. For the highest yield popcorn we suggest the Weaver Popcorn which is the best known brand. If you're on a budget the we have other popcorn with excellent taste but not quite the price tag of weaver brand popcorn. You can check out our Popcorn for Popcorn Machines at this link.
You should match size of your kettle to oz of the popcorn you choose. You would choose 4oz popcorn for a 4oz kettle sized machine etc etc
Moving on, you will want to check out popcorn supplies like scoops, popcorn butter and popcorn tubs and boxes. The size you choose is dictated by your serving requirements. We feature movie theater popcorn tubs, popcorn bags and popcorn scoop boxes. Last but not least don't forget the butter. If you like movie popcorn you will probably want the butter we feature a real cool butter dispenser by Paragon and it's affordable for home use.
Show below is the Pro Style Butter Dispenser for $149.99
Ok now you got your butter dispenser in hand. You will need to get the popcorn butter. HTmarket.com offers many different brands of butter. The most popular is Odell's and Super Kist both are used by big movie theater chains. You can buy in small portions like the Odell's 10oz Tub or Super Kist Butter Flavor in a 6 Gallon Case. We offer a variety of sizes on our web site.
In conclusion, movie theater style popcorn and the machines that make it are very affordable for every day use in the home or the office. You can give us a call or visit our web site HTmarket.com for more information.
Charles Cretors in 1885 invented the very first popcorn machine to pop corn in oil. The C. Cretors and company was formed in Chicago and still exists on California Avenue on the north-side of Chicago. HTmarket.com has toured their factory and they have on display many of the first popcorn makers. We sell on our web site some of the popular Cretors machines which are still considered by many people including myself to be the best popcorn poppers ever made. They are made to last with top grade finishes. We consider Charles Cretors to be the founding father of popcorn.
One of the first designs by Cretors shown below, very cool indeed.
A current machine by Cretors shown below and available on HTmarket.com called the Goldrush Fresh Popcorn Popper, very cool you can bring this one home. The first vintage popper would not fit through the door.
Today there are many new manufacturers that make popcorn makers some like Gold Medal and Paragon. Cretors and Paragon still make their poppers here in the USA. We like the fact that they manufacturer these machines in our great country. There are many new imported models on the market under names like Waring and Benchmark. On HTmarket.com we sell only the best made machines and we don't sell the kitchen appliance hot air poppers. We only sell poppers with popcorn kettles that allow you to mix oil, popcorn and seasoning just like the movie theater. This process makes the freshest popcorn.
If your buying for your home theater, gameroom or for just home use. You would start by looking at HTmarket.com's 4oz popcorn machines these are the leading ones for home use. If you entertain many people at home or have a large family you could step up to a 6oz popcorn machine. In general, you can purchase for small output homes or offices 4oz, 6oz or 8oz machines. For commercial uses like banks and bars. I would start looking at 8oz popcorn machines all the way up to 16oz popcorn makers. The "oz" size refers to size of kettle and the amount of uncooked popcorn kernels that can fit into make one cycle or batch of popcorn.
Shown above is Paragon's Theater Popcorn Popper available in 4oz, 6oz, 8oz or 12oz sizes made in the USA.
For higher output areas like concession stands or schools we suggest commercial popcorn machines that start at 12oz kettles.
Shown below is Paragon's Classic 14oz Popcorn Machine. Price is an affordable $789.99. Made in the USA.
Ok you have chosen a popcorn popper that fits your needs the next decision point is what popcorn should I choose. For the highest yield popcorn we suggest the Weaver Popcorn which is the best known brand. If you're on a budget the we have other popcorn with excellent taste but not quite the price tag of weaver brand popcorn. You can check out our Popcorn for Popcorn Machines at this link.
You should match size of your kettle to oz of the popcorn you choose. You would choose 4oz popcorn for a 4oz kettle sized machine etc etc
Moving on, you will want to check out popcorn supplies like scoops, popcorn butter and popcorn tubs and boxes. The size you choose is dictated by your serving requirements. We feature movie theater popcorn tubs, popcorn bags and popcorn scoop boxes. Last but not least don't forget the butter. If you like movie popcorn you will probably want the butter we feature a real cool butter dispenser by Paragon and it's affordable for home use.
Show below is the Pro Style Butter Dispenser for $149.99
Ok now you got your butter dispenser in hand. You will need to get the popcorn butter. HTmarket.com offers many different brands of butter. The most popular is Odell's and Super Kist both are used by big movie theater chains. You can buy in small portions like the Odell's 10oz Tub or Super Kist Butter Flavor in a 6 Gallon Case. We offer a variety of sizes on our web site.
In conclusion, movie theater style popcorn and the machines that make it are very affordable for every day use in the home or the office. You can give us a call or visit our web site HTmarket.com for more information.
Best 3D Projector Under 2k
We often get asked. What's the best 3d projector under 2k? This one has an easy answer the Optoma 3300 3d projector. The Optoma 3300 is listed at $1999 but we do offer coupons to lower this price.
This is by far our best selling projector and one of our best looking products on our web site.
The specs don't lie.
2000 lumens
5000 to 1 contrast
Only 7.7lbs
HDMI 1.4 input
Full HD 3d
Flexible projector placement
3 year express warranty
2 year lamp warranty
It's very similar to the Optoma 33 a lower cost version however the 3300 has 25% more contrast, brighter lumens and better warranty in a cool piano black finish.
We stock this projector. Get it for the superbowl today. We recommend Elite Screens as a good fit with this projector. Questions or comments let us know below.
New Theater Seating Players Pick Up Where Berkline Left Off
The largest theater seating manufacturer Berkline Corporation shut it's doors last May 2011. In it's wake it left a huge void in the theater seating business. Berkline commanded well over 50% share of the market. Berkline left customers and dealers holding the bag so to speak. Many orders were canceled and customers could not get good warranty service. We at HTmarket.com were able to move many of our orders to Palliser in the short term to satisfy customers.
These problems have mostly been alleviated as many new manufacturers have come on board with new product introductions and some old manufacturers stepped in with new product releases and innovative products. The best time to be in the market for theater seating is right now as there are a huge variety of products on the market at various price points. I will review what new lines have been introduced and new features you'll see in many of these products.
The theater seating business is divided into two distinct categories. One category is called the quick ship theater seating and the other the special order theater seating.
Quick Ship Theater Seating is pretty much what it says. Theater seating that is stocked by dealers and manufacturers in warehouses across the USA for immediate shipment. Most often it is stocked in black leather or brown leather with some exceptions. Most stocking dealers have choices like power recline and manual seating. HTmarket.com stocks the Palliser, Barcalounger, Coaster, Lane, and Row One under it's quick ship seating section. In this area price points range from $499 per seat up to $799 per seat depending on the options chosen and the cover on the product. We offer a very large selection of styles and seats and it's getting bigger everyday out of our warehouses. Quick ship seating may be fast but it does have a limited selection.
Seen below is the Palliser Antica Theater Seating which is stocked by HTmarket.com. It can also be ordered custom with lighted cups and base in different colors.
Custom or Special Order Seating allows a customer to pick and choose leathers, styles and configurations. This allows customers to get exactly what they want but they would need to wait for the order to be custom made in about 4 to 8 weeks depending on the manufacturer. Many of the same manufacturers that make stock product offer custom order product. Sometimes it's the same products but more often than not it's different products. For instance Palliser offers about 5 products in the stock program but over 20 products in it's special order program. The main players in the custom order theater seating are Palliser Furniture, Row One, and Lane Furniture.
We offer home theater seating swatches on our web site to view and to order to help with selection of covers. Lane furniture offers many of it's special orders styles as quick ships that are made in USA.
Seen below is the Palliser Slade and Sensation Theater seats showing a set of 3 curved row in microfiber, lighted cups, base and power recline this is a special order style.
Features to look for in theater seating are the following. Many of decision points for theater seats are dictated by room size and the most important measurement is width to determine what size row a theater will accommodate. If your short on width then you will most likely end up choosing a straight row versus a curved row. A curved row allows the end seats to point towards the viewing screen. Your width measurement will dictate whether you go with straight or curved.
One of the features we recommend at HTmarket is the power recline feature on home theater seats. This allows for maximum comfort as you can place recline mechanism in any position you feel like. The manual function on most recline is limited to a few placements. So we recommend that you choose power recline however be sure to include outlets that are needed to handle the power on the seat. If you order "power recline" each chair will come with a plug.
More and more seats feature arm storage and some come with adaptable snack trays that can fit on the arm or store in the arm when not in use. Many of the new product introductions have these features. Palliser Seating and Row One theater seating will now offer as an option storage and trays in all there products this year for an extra charge.
The other feature you see more often is lighted cupholders which was first developed by Berkline. This feature is now become popular. In Palliser and Row One seats you can order lighted cupholders and base rails as an option it's usually about $100 per seat. The other strong feature is the ability to add buttkickers in all seats. This is a fun feature for those who want to feel the movie.
We mention just a few of the manufacturers here in this post. We have heard of other companies coming in to offer new seating styles. It looks to be a very exciting year in theater seating and at HTmarket we have been selling and delivering theater seats for over 11 years now. We know home cinema seating.
These problems have mostly been alleviated as many new manufacturers have come on board with new product introductions and some old manufacturers stepped in with new product releases and innovative products. The best time to be in the market for theater seating is right now as there are a huge variety of products on the market at various price points. I will review what new lines have been introduced and new features you'll see in many of these products.
The theater seating business is divided into two distinct categories. One category is called the quick ship theater seating and the other the special order theater seating.
Quick Ship Theater Seating is pretty much what it says. Theater seating that is stocked by dealers and manufacturers in warehouses across the USA for immediate shipment. Most often it is stocked in black leather or brown leather with some exceptions. Most stocking dealers have choices like power recline and manual seating. HTmarket.com stocks the Palliser, Barcalounger, Coaster, Lane, and Row One under it's quick ship seating section. In this area price points range from $499 per seat up to $799 per seat depending on the options chosen and the cover on the product. We offer a very large selection of styles and seats and it's getting bigger everyday out of our warehouses. Quick ship seating may be fast but it does have a limited selection.
Seen below is the Palliser Antica Theater Seating which is stocked by HTmarket.com. It can also be ordered custom with lighted cups and base in different colors.
Custom or Special Order Seating allows a customer to pick and choose leathers, styles and configurations. This allows customers to get exactly what they want but they would need to wait for the order to be custom made in about 4 to 8 weeks depending on the manufacturer. Many of the same manufacturers that make stock product offer custom order product. Sometimes it's the same products but more often than not it's different products. For instance Palliser offers about 5 products in the stock program but over 20 products in it's special order program. The main players in the custom order theater seating are Palliser Furniture, Row One, and Lane Furniture.
We offer home theater seating swatches on our web site to view and to order to help with selection of covers. Lane furniture offers many of it's special orders styles as quick ships that are made in USA.
Seen below is the Palliser Slade and Sensation Theater seats showing a set of 3 curved row in microfiber, lighted cups, base and power recline this is a special order style.
Features to look for in theater seating are the following. Many of decision points for theater seats are dictated by room size and the most important measurement is width to determine what size row a theater will accommodate. If your short on width then you will most likely end up choosing a straight row versus a curved row. A curved row allows the end seats to point towards the viewing screen. Your width measurement will dictate whether you go with straight or curved.
One of the features we recommend at HTmarket is the power recline feature on home theater seats. This allows for maximum comfort as you can place recline mechanism in any position you feel like. The manual function on most recline is limited to a few placements. So we recommend that you choose power recline however be sure to include outlets that are needed to handle the power on the seat. If you order "power recline" each chair will come with a plug.
More and more seats feature arm storage and some come with adaptable snack trays that can fit on the arm or store in the arm when not in use. Many of the new product introductions have these features. Palliser Seating and Row One theater seating will now offer as an option storage and trays in all there products this year for an extra charge.
The other feature you see more often is lighted cupholders which was first developed by Berkline. This feature is now become popular. In Palliser and Row One seats you can order lighted cupholders and base rails as an option it's usually about $100 per seat. The other strong feature is the ability to add buttkickers in all seats. This is a fun feature for those who want to feel the movie.
We mention just a few of the manufacturers here in this post. We have heard of other companies coming in to offer new seating styles. It looks to be a very exciting year in theater seating and at HTmarket we have been selling and delivering theater seats for over 11 years now. We know home cinema seating.
JVC Releases New 3D Projectors
JVC just released brand new 3d projectors for the home. Many improvements over last years models.
Some of the improvements over last years models are higher contrast ratios and brighter bulbs. One really cool feature is the ability for lens presets in 2:35 to 1, 16:9 and 4:3 this lets the home theater user install a 2:35 to 1 screen without the need for an extra lens. The lens preset keeps a constant height on the screen.
Here is the line up. JVC uses LCOS technology which shoots out a very smooth image.
JVC DLA-RS45U List Price $3,494.99
The below models are 4K Eshift technology. This basically is 4k resolution a huge upgrade over last year.
JVC DLA-RS55u List Price $7,995.99
JVC DLA-RS65U List Price $11,995.99
Call HTmarket.com for details on pricing. We have successfully packaged these projectors with Stewart Screens to bring out the best in this technology.
Pictured below is the Elite 3D Home Theater Package by HTmarket.com this package features either Optoma 3300 or JVC RS45U and includes choice of Dalite Cinema Contour Screen or Stewart Luxus Deluxe Screenwall. Price starts at 3189.99.
We think the best bang for you buck is the JVC RS55U paired with the Luxus Deluxe Screenwall with 2:35 to 1 Aspect Ratio. We have projector ceiling mounts and many other extras like Audioquest cables to help you put together a dream home theater. We have experts waiting on the phone to help you complete your theater just in time for the Superbowl.
Some of the improvements over last years models are higher contrast ratios and brighter bulbs. One really cool feature is the ability for lens presets in 2:35 to 1, 16:9 and 4:3 this lets the home theater user install a 2:35 to 1 screen without the need for an extra lens. The lens preset keeps a constant height on the screen.
Here is the line up. JVC uses LCOS technology which shoots out a very smooth image.
JVC DLA-RS45U List Price $3,494.99
The below models are 4K Eshift technology. This basically is 4k resolution a huge upgrade over last year.
JVC DLA-RS55u List Price $7,995.99
JVC DLA-RS65U List Price $11,995.99
Call HTmarket.com for details on pricing. We have successfully packaged these projectors with Stewart Screens to bring out the best in this technology.
Pictured below is the Elite 3D Home Theater Package by HTmarket.com this package features either Optoma 3300 or JVC RS45U and includes choice of Dalite Cinema Contour Screen or Stewart Luxus Deluxe Screenwall. Price starts at 3189.99.
We think the best bang for you buck is the JVC RS55U paired with the Luxus Deluxe Screenwall with 2:35 to 1 Aspect Ratio. We have projector ceiling mounts and many other extras like Audioquest cables to help you put together a dream home theater. We have experts waiting on the phone to help you complete your theater just in time for the Superbowl.
Hiding Audiophile Acoustics In a Southern California Modern Home Theater
We've all seen AV rooms with gear jammed into racks with cables everywhere and acoustical treatments placed in ways that only a recording engineer could love. This is the makings of a divorce more than its the basis of great audio or home theater experience.
Publisher, Jerry Del Colliano of HomeTheaterReview.com (http://hometheaterreview.com/
Many lessons can be learned from the HomeTheaterReview.com theater including how to keep a double rack cool with incoming cool air and exhaust fans. The effect of video calibration on the JVC RDS-2 projector by Kevin Miller of the ISF is also of note as many home theater enthusiasts can benefit from a modest video calibration for their projection system.
To learn more about this theater and or to read up on home theater educational articles (http://hometheaterreview.com/
Berkline Seat Giveaway contest on Facebook!
HTmarket.com, the Home Theater marketplace, is kicking off a Facebook contest: The HTmarket.com Berkline Seat Giveaway. On May 1st, one lucky Facebook fan will win an entire row of four Berkline 13174 Power Recline theater seats!
A lot of surprising people have joined Facebook lately. Presidents, housecats, and even my mother are all on Facebook now. Not to be outdone by mom, HTmarket.com has joined the party with an official Facebook page of their own! The HTmarket.com Facebook page is off to an auspicious start. There's already galleries of user-submitted photos from home theater owners, a rapidly growing community of home theater enthusiasts to meet and converse with, and exclusive deals and updates for HTmarket.com's Facebook fans.
The really big news, however, is their first Facebook contest: the HTmarket.com Berkline Seat Giveaway. From now until April 30th, everyone who "likes" the HTmarket.com Facebook page is automatically entered into a drawing on May 1st. The prize? A row of four theater seats with a value of $1899.99. That's huge!
Visit HTmarket.com on Facebook and check out the contest. Once you like the page, you're entered- that's all you have to do for your chance to win a row of Berkline seats. Good luck!
A lot of surprising people have joined Facebook lately. Presidents, housecats, and even my mother are all on Facebook now. Not to be outdone by mom, HTmarket.com has joined the party with an official Facebook page of their own! The HTmarket.com Facebook page is off to an auspicious start. There's already galleries of user-submitted photos from home theater owners, a rapidly growing community of home theater enthusiasts to meet and converse with, and exclusive deals and updates for HTmarket.com's Facebook fans.
The really big news, however, is their first Facebook contest: the HTmarket.com Berkline Seat Giveaway. From now until April 30th, everyone who "likes" the HTmarket.com Facebook page is automatically entered into a drawing on May 1st. The prize? A row of four theater seats with a value of $1899.99. That's huge!
Visit HTmarket.com on Facebook and check out the contest. Once you like the page, you're entered- that's all you have to do for your chance to win a row of Berkline seats. Good luck!
Home Theater Carpet
When designing your home theater, it's important to remember that a proper carpet really ties the room together. HTmarket.com carries a full line of home theater carpeting which is designed expressly for home theater use, and which features stylish and thematic patterns that invoke the feeling of stepping into your own personal cinema. What's more, they've just added several new styles of home theater carpet, such as the classic Cinema Star, the luxurious Walk of Fame style, the cool Reel style (seen below), and my favorite, the fun and modern Searchlight style.
With so many styles of home theater carpet to choose from, with most available in several color variations, you're sure to find a style of carpet that fits with your home theater... or a style worthy of designing your home theater around, for that matter!
With so many styles of home theater carpet to choose from, with most available in several color variations, you're sure to find a style of carpet that fits with your home theater... or a style worthy of designing your home theater around, for that matter!
The New Look of HTmarket.com
If you've been to HTmarket.com in the last few days, you've surely noticed the site looks completely different than it used to! Don't worry- it's the very same company, with the same experienced people. All that's changed is the website's appearance and navigation, which has been redesigned to make it even easier and more convenient to shop for everything a home theater needs.
In addition to a new company logo and graphics, the new design features a drop-down navigation menu along the top of the front page, as well as a prominent search bar and a tabbed Best Sellers section, among other new features. You should also check out the top right corner of the page and peel it back for hot deals on home theater seating , projector screens , popcorn machines and more!
Head over to HTmarket.com the home theater superstore's new look!
In addition to a new company logo and graphics, the new design features a drop-down navigation menu along the top of the front page, as well as a prominent search bar and a tabbed Best Sellers section, among other new features. You should also check out the top right corner of the page and peel it back for hot deals on home theater seating , projector screens , popcorn machines and more!
Head over to HTmarket.com the home theater superstore's new look!
Autumn Woods Theater
We received the following photos from Paul, who recently used HTmarket.com to equip Autumn Woods Apartments in Indiana with a theater of its own! This is really cool. As you can see, it has true stadium seating, floor lighting and sconces, and a ceiling-mounted projector. Take a look:
The seating shown is Contour Rocker Home Theater Seating. These classic row seats are wood with black laminate, and have woven fabric covering (the color of the seating shown is Navy).
The projector is an Epson Powerlite 8500UB Projector , mounted using an OmniMount Large Universal Ceiling Projector Mount. You can see the popcorn machine in this shot; it's an Art Deco Popcorn Machine with matching pedestal.
The 16:9 Projector Screen is a Dalite Da-Snap model with Pro Trim and Cinema Vision material.
The seating shown is Contour Rocker Home Theater Seating. These classic row seats are wood with black laminate, and have woven fabric covering (the color of the seating shown is Navy).
The projector is an Epson Powerlite 8500UB Projector , mounted using an OmniMount Large Universal Ceiling Projector Mount. You can see the popcorn machine in this shot; it's an Art Deco Popcorn Machine with matching pedestal.
The 16:9 Projector Screen is a Dalite Da-Snap model with Pro Trim and Cinema Vision material.
