<![CDATA[Gizmodo: Theaters]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: Theaters]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/theaters http://gizmodo.com/tag/theaters <![CDATA[ Money Can't Buy Taste: The Tackiest $150,000 Home Theater You'll Ever See ]]> When tacky rich people Tony and Penny Caciolo planned out their home theater setup, apparently they decided they wanted it to be an homage of their favorite place on Earth: the Italy section of Epcot at Disney World. At least that's what it looks like. This horrifying setup comes complete with fake storefronts and what looks like the champagne room from a Staten Island strip club. And did I mention the pool with a swim-under waterfall that leads to a grotto with a LCD TV inside?

This guy is clearly trying to prove something. His Italian room has a giant screen at 135 inches, but there's also a "Bourbon Street Room" in the basement, which has a 170-inch screen and a full bar. Oh, and then there's the 110-inch drop-down screen and 1080p projector in the bedroom and the 20-foot screen on the side of the house for pool viewing. The entire house is over 15,000 square feet, so as Tony says, "It is a long walk to the main theater!" Oh ho ho, you jokester you! I bet it's tough walking the hallways between your home theaters and having so much time to dwell on how empty you feel inside despite having so much expensive crap in your house!

Be sure to check out the full gallery at Electronic House to see just how ludicrous this house is. [Electronic House]

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Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:32:20 EDT Adam Frucci http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5016781&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Steve Guttenberg's Guide to Subwoofers ]]> Author of the Audiophiliac blog on CNet, Steve Guttenberg (he doesn't like being asked where Moses Hightower is, so don't try it) has put together a handy little how-to guide to choosing and installing subwoofers in a home theater. As well as covering placement, Guttenberg also advises on how to fine-tune your sub. Useful. [CNet].

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Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 EDT AddyDugdale http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=390252&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ IMAX Theaters to Ditch Film, Use Digital DLP Projectors ]]> IMAX and Texas Instruments announced they will be working together to transition IMAX from a film-based projection format to a DLP-based technology instead. Starting in the middle of 2008, all new IMAX projectors will include the digital DLP technology and eliminate the need for elaborate film-based projector setups currently found in IMAX Theaters. This raises the question: which billionaire will be the first to have a digital IMAX theater installed in his mega mansion?

Texas Instruments Announces IMAX Digital Projection System to be Powered by DLP Cinema® 2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of digital cinema led by DLP Cinema LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - March 11, 2008: Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) DLP Cinema® announced today at ShoWest that IMAX® Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX) has decided to incorporate the DLP Cinema projector solution in its IMAX digital projection systems to be deployed by commercial exhibitors around the world. "We are excited to cement this alliance with DLP Cinema, and believe their technology will help ensure that our digital projection system delivers the best cinema experience available to audiences," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We've evaluated competing cinema projection technology and found DLP Cinema to be the ideal match for IMAX." IMAX's highly anticipated digital projection system integrates a suite of proprietary IMAX intellectual properties with the DLP Cinema projector solution in a way that creates The IMAX Experience in a digital format. IMAX expects its transition to digital to help to drive profitability for studios, exhibitors and IMAX theatres by virtually eliminating the need for film prints, increasing program flexibility and ultimately increasing the number of movies shown on IMAX screens. With the implementation of DLP Cinema technology, IMAX moviegoers will experience precise, lifelike images in vibrant colors, delivered through the millions of microscopic mirrors on the DLP Cinema chip. "We are proud to work with IMAX and look forward to the development and rollout of the best digital cinema experience in the market," said Nancy Fares, Business Manager for DLP Cinema Products Group. "DLP Cinema projectors are the heart of every digital 2D and 3D movie experience for traditional and now large format venues. We look forward to participating in their move to digital in the months ahead." Digital cinema installations continue to be catalyzed by the increasing release of 3D film. The 3D movie format is serving as a revenue driver for the film industry overall, and has gained a resurgence of interest by moviegoers. IMAX has been a leader in 3D content, especially since the overwhelming box office success of The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience, which has grossed more than $65 million in IMAX theatres around the world since it opened in 2005. More recently, Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience grossed $25 million, representing a per screen average of more than $185,000. Celebrating its 10th year in the film industry, DLP Cinema projection technology is installed in over 6,000 theatres on every continent except Antarctica and is the only digital 3D single projector solution. Today there are more than 1,200 theatres in the country that offer the digital 3D experience powered by DLP Cinema technology, and this number will continue to increase as IMAX begins its rollout of digital projection systems powered by DLP Cinema. 10 Years of Digital Cinema 2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of DLP's entrance into the cinema industry, with the first fully functional and Hollywood endorsed digital DLP Cinema movie projector. After years of prototypes, DLP had delivered Hollywood's biggest image critics and cinematographers with a digital projector that met the world's highest standards on color, brightness and reliability and therefore pioneered the digital cinema concept. A year later in 1999 the studios released the first movie in digital format on DLP Cinema which was Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace. DLP Cinema honors the heritage of the ultimate viewing experience while incorporating the latest technology innovations, such as the 3D single projector solution, and cutting costs for cinema exhibitors, distributors and ultimately the consumer. About DLP Cinema DLP Cinema is a proprietary technology that delivers clear, sharp, bright and accurate images to movie theatres globally. To manufacture and market under the DLP Cinema trademark, technology licensees, including Barco, Christie and NEC, must meet stringent standards and guidelines meant to ensure the best possible performance and picture quality. This digital picture and standard of excellence ensures that a DLP Cinema movie screening looks flawless and each showing is as perfect as the first with no annoying scratches, tears or weaving that detract from the movie-going experience. For more information, or to find a DLP Cinema theatre near you, please visitwww.dlpcinema.com. About Texas Instruments DLP Products DLP display technology from Texas Instruments offers clarity down to the most minute detail, delivering pictures rich with color, contrast and brightness to large-screen HDTVs and projectors for business, home, professional venue and digital cinema (DLP Cinema®). 50 of the world's top projection and display manufacturers design, manufacture and market products based on DLP technology. DLP is the only HDTV technology built from a foundation in the digital cinema where it set the industry standard demonstrated by the deployment of DLP Cinema technology in 5,971 theatres worldwide. At the heart of every DLP chip is an array of up to 2.2 million microscopic mirrors which switch incredibly fast to create a high resolution, highly reliable, full color image. DLP technology's chip architecture and inherent speed advantage provides razor-sharp images and excellent reproduction of fast motion video. Since early 1996, more than 15.5 million DLP subsystems have been shipped. For more information, please visitwww.dlp.com. About Texas Instruments: Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, www.ti.com. DLP and DLP Cinema are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments. About IMAX Corporation IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. IMAX's renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2007, there were 296 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries. IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR, and, IMAX MPX The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.
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Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:03:56 EDT Adrian Covert http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=367129&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Sony HT-7200HD, HT-SS2300, HT-CT100 and HT-DDWG700 Home-Theaters-in-a-Box Are Built for Blu-ray ]]> If Sony exists for anything, it's synergy, so its latest quickie home theaters are made to match its Blu-ray players—you'll notice only one of this fourfer has an upscaling DVD player—you've gotta bring the vid (Blu-ray) goods (Blu-ray) yourself. The $400 5.1 HT-SS2300 is the top audio-only, which pumps out 1000W and as three HDMI ports. Its lesser bro, the 3.1 HT-CT100 is a puny 250W soundbar setup that'll go for $300, and finally the 5.1 surround HT-DDWG rocks 800W and an iPod dock for $200. The sole do-it-all, the 5.1 surround, 900W HT-7200DH, has a 1080p-upscaling DVD player and three HDMI ports—it'll go for $500.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2007 - Sony today introduced four component home theater systems designed to complement high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc™ players.

Optimized with 1080p-capable HDMI™ inputs, the HT-SS2300 and HT-CT100 models support full HD video and eight channels of uncompressed audio. The HT-7200DH and HT- DDWG700 models round out the line, offering 5.1 channel home theater surround sound.

HD Companion
The HT-SS2300 and HT-CT100 component systems are designed for Blu-ray Disc players and other high-definition components using three 1080p-capable HDMI inputs, in addition to optical and coaxial digital inputs.

The 5.1 channel HT-SS2300 system, with 1,000 watts (RMS) of power, features a slim AV receiver designed to match Sony's line of 2008 Blu-ray Disc players. It will be available this summer for about $400.

At 250 watts (RMS), the 3.1 channel HT-CT100 unit includes a sound bar and separate subwoofer, which delivers realistic surround sound using Sony's S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound technology eliminating the need for rear speakers. The system will be available in March for about $300.

Both systems feature Sony's Digital Media Port, which adds controlling, networking and connectivity features for music playback with various optional accessories sold separately. Additional accessories include a Network Walkman™ player audio cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter.

The units offer a simple set-up feature with Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) that uses an included microphone to measure speaker distance, level and frequency, automatically calibrating the listening environment to accurately optimize the sound field.

Additionally, the new home theater systems offer an updated Portable Audio Enhancer. This improves the clarity and depth of a connected music player by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression.

High-Resolution Audio
The 5.1 channel HT-7200DH and HT- DDWG700 systems deliver high-resolution surround sound with 900 and 800 watts (RMS) of power, respectively.

The HT-7200DH system integrates a single disc DVD/CD player with upscaling to 1080p via HDMI™ when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set. There is an HDMI repeater that automatically switches the television to the correct input needed for operation. The integrated AV receiver has three 1080p-capable HDMI inputs for support of high-definition home theater components. An on-screen display simplifies content navigation and device operation. The model will be available in May for about $500.

The HT- DDWG700 unit includes a cradle for iPod® players (TDM-iP10) so you can enjoy music through the home theater via a connection to its Digital Media Port. The surround sound system will be available in March for about $200.

All of the models offer Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Portable Audio Enhancer and a Digital Media Port interface.
The new systems will be available at sonystyle.com and Sony Style retail stores nationwide, as well as at military base exchanges and authorized dealers throughout the country.

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Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:00:01 EST matt buchanan http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=360684&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ ASUS Nova P22 Mac Mini Clone Now on Sale ]]> ASUS's P22 Nova is a small (9x7x2 in, under 4 lbs.), attractive PC designed for the living room. Like we've mentioned before, It has a 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 160 GB HDD, Slot Loading DVD Burner, Bluetooth, 1 GB RAM and 802.11n WLAN. The cool thing is it has built in Hi-Fi Speakers, providing something more than TV speakers if you lack a 5.1 setup. Now it's available in North America for $899. [ASUS]

Specifications P22

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB

Chipset
Intel 946GZ + ICH7

Graphics
Intel GMA 3000

OS
Windows Vista Home Premium

Wireless LAN
802.11n

Bluetooth
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

Memory
1 GB DDR2 667

Hard Drive
160 GB SATA2, 5400 RPM

Optical Drive
Slim Slot-loading 16X DVD Super-multi

Ethernet
10/100/1000 Mbps

Front Panel
- HiFi Speaker
- Touch Sensor Power Switch (with LED Light)
- Touch Sensor Drive Eject Button

Rear Port Connector
- USB 2.0 x 4
- VGA out (adapter)
- Microphone x 1
- DVI-I Out
- RJ 45 x 1
- DC Power in x 1
- 5.1 Channel Digital Audio Optical Out x 1 (Sur. R/L)
- 5.1 Channel Digital Audio Optical In x 1 (Sub/Center)

Weight
3.92 lbs.

Intel ViiV Technology
Yes

Dimensions
9" x 7.2" x 2"

Accessory
- IR Microsoft Certified Remote Controller
- Stand for vertical placement
- SPIDF Adapter

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Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:01:14 EST Adrian Covert http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=358399&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Batcave Home Theater is an Ideal Location to Make Out With Catwoman ]]> Q: What could possibly be better than making out with Catwoman? A: Making out with Catwoman in a Batcave inspired home theater. Although the guys at Elite HTS may not be able to help you pinpoint Catwoman, they have done a hell of a job at recreating the Batcave for your movie viewing/making out pleasure. We don't have any details at present, hell, we don't even know if there is a screen behind that huge, make-me-moist Batman shield, but who cares? Just look at it; it's perfection itself. Jump in for another beautifully batty image.

Batcave%202%20HTS%20GI.jpgThis effort makes our previous favorite Batcave look like a tragic mess, and although we are so excited, we are, at present, spontaneously generating 2.5A of electric current from our toes, we are also saddened immensely. Why so? Well, the chances of us ever having the Batcave home theater are slimmer then us falling asleep, waking up as Will Smith and then filming The Pursuit of Happyness only to have it trash talked by film critics the world over. The chances are very slim. Oh, the torment. [Elite HTS (click through to gallery), via Slippery Brick]

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Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST Haroon Malik http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=346853&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Tattle on Fellow Movie Patrons with a Guest Response Remote ]]> moviegadget.pngRemember the gadget we told you about last year from Regal Cinemas that lets you tattle on your fellow movie patrons? It's available now in select NY theaters. The idea is that you can use this instead of having to walk out of the theater to tell ushers that there's a man on a cellphone/baby crying/minority stereotype yelling at the screen.

All you have to do is press the appropriate button—one for picture, two for sound, three for piracy, and the last for "other disturbance"— and an usher will come in and throw down some minimum-wage justice. Best of all, the users say they won't identify the person who pressed the alert, so you're going to have a lot of people jamming on the button when their neighbor coughs too loud.

High Tech Tattle-Tale Device Hits NYC Theaters [WCBSTV With Video]

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Thu, 31 May 2007 15:45:27 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=264954&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Russian Theater Blocks Cellphone Signals ]]> We've been bouncing around the idea of a theater cellphone ban for some time now, but it is good to see an actual theater in Russia going through with it. The expensive devices were installed in Russia's oldest theater recently. Over here in the states it's not so easy for this to happen. No matter how many warning and ads are before a movie requesting cellphones to be turned off, a few still manage to go off throughout the show. I'm all for using devices to hinder a cellphone connection, but the FCC—not so much. What if Joe Blow's crackwhore wife overdoses again while he is watching Dukes of Hazard? How would he ever know and be able to get her to the hospital on time? Anyway, hit the poll below and let us know what you think of a cellphone ban in theaters of all types.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Sssh!! Russia's oldest theater hushes mobile phones [Reuters]

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Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:30:17 EST Travis Hudson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=240849&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Regal Cinemas Begins Program to Nab Cellphone Users ]]> celltheatre.jpgGetting in a quick word during a movie will no longer be safe if Regal has anything to do with it. They have begun a program at 25 different locations where frequent movie goers, who are more mature (not 14-year-old kids), will receive a pager-like device. From the pager you can push a button if there is a disruption in the audience, like someone talking on a cellphone, and it can also report problems with the projector, room temperature or other problems. Pushing a button will immediately summon an usher to the theater to shine their somewhat-bright flashlight in the face of the cellphone user and hopefully kick them out.

The persons using the pagers will also be rewarded for nabbing chatty Cathy's with free popcorn. The system may roll-out nationwide if the initial testing proves to be successful. Bravo, Regal Cinemas. Good to see you taking care of the these nuisances because we know the FCC isn't doing anything.

Regal arms theater-goes with cellphone busters [Reuters]

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Fri, 01 Dec 2006 14:03:59 EST Travis Hudson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=218693&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Movie Theaters Apply Tourniquet, Attempt to Show Live 3D Sports ]]> Is it just me or does this sound like the death knell for movie theaters? For those not in the know, we are no longer going to the movies. In fact, we're so not going to the movies that movie theatres are planning on showing live 3D sports during the week so, I don't know, you can leave work and go sit in a movie theater with glasses on for two hours? Well, there's going to be beer and hot dogs, but WTF?

"We want to transition our theaters from being traditional movie theaters to being community entertainment destinations, and what better way to do this than sports?" said Shari Redstone, president of the National Amusements Inc. theater chain.

Yeah, right. Community entertainment destinations are, at best, now called restaurants and at worst called "your couch and big honking TV"

Movie theaters aim for live 3D sports in 2007 [Reuters]

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Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:34:17 EST johnb http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=162827&view=rss&microfeed=true