Ambilight and the rest
Two weeks ago I promised the second and final part of ‘The Third Way’ series of posts, commenting on the last twelve months and various events that took place leading to a new way of thinking. Obviously this hasn’t been published yet, but don’t worry it is coming. I have decided to hold off publishing the second half until the first years anniversary of the events next week.
In the mean time, for all those that have been reading this blog or talked to me in the last few weeks, I will have no doubt told you about the last investment of the year. Two words; ‘it’s arrived!’
Yes, finally after over a months wait, our new Full HD LCD Theatre has been opened. The screen is a massive (and it is much larger than I expected) 42″ diagonally across, dwarfing our old TV. It has the Philips patented Ambilight surround system to project coloured light onto the wall surrounding the screen, which helps immerse viewers into the experience. After you get used to it you hardly notice it, other than you can watch several hours TV without eye-strain. Outside of the screen, the DVD player and surround system have been updated (courtasy of Sony) to a new high definition DVD upscaling player (outputting 1080i or 720p) accompanied by a new Sony Receiver supporting the latest MPEG, Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES and NEO:6 surround sound.
Siân and I have been busy testing the screen over the weekend, watching Planet Earth (incredible, even at SD), Indianna Jones and the Last Crusade, Donnie Brasco and the classic that is Casablanca. Of them all, Indianna Jones and Casablanca looked best. Planet Earth (pictured) was very good too. Donnie Brasco suffered because of the low resolution of the DVD image. Overall, we’re set for the HD revolution. Our local HMV and Virgin Megastore have just started stocking HD-DVD and Blu-Ray films, so we’ll be looking to get a player at some point next year - probably the PS3. In the mean time I’m looking at a HUMAX free HD satalite receiver that will allow us to watch all the Free HD channels (BBC, ITV, CH4) currently available without Sky HD subscription.
Details of the film weekends will be posted soon. Given the delay getting the screen and the proximity to Christmas, all showings will commence from January 2007. This will give us time fully configure the screen and sounds to optimum performance and provide new sofas for maximum comfort.
The Polaris Digital LCD Theatre is almost ready!
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