Despite high unemployment and a sour economy, Harry Potter fans flocked to the theaters in record numbers to watch the eighth and final installment of the popular Potter series. While there is nothing quite like watching a scary movie or action-packed adventure on the big screen at the local cinema or drive-in theater, other entertainment options are also available.

According to the folks at Bose, one-third of American households now have a home theater system.   The ability to stream movies online or have DVDs delivered straight to your door for a small monthly fee is an affordable option for many Americans.  As television sets become larger, picture quality becomes crisper and surround-sound systems boom even louder, advancements in home entertainment technologies have made watching movies from the comfort of home a viable alternative to traditional entertainment.

While entertaining at home does not need to cost an arm-and-a-leg, the following list offers a wide assortment of entertainment technologies for gadget lovers of all ages.

Home Entertainment Technology

• The Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE920UN is a top-rated 52-inch, 1080p LED-LCD HDTV.   AquoMotion 240 technology eliminates that annoying blur often seen during fast-moving videos and movies.  The AQUOS Net service allows users to stream Netflix and Vudu.  This particular Sharp model is available at WalMart for under $1,300.
• Who needs a desktop computer when you can access streaming music, movies and videos right on your Samsung LED 8000 55-inch Smart TV? Built-in WiFi allows you to browse the web, Skype and much more with Samsung’s 8000 series.  But Smart will cost you – this system is not cheap.
• Now that you have your TV, you need an attractive cabinet to put it in.   Elevate TV Lift Cabinets are stylish cabinets that house LCD flat screen and plasma televisions up to 42 inches.  With the push of a button, your TV will “rise” to the occasion or can be hidden away when not in use. Available in several colors, this cabinet is under $900.
• If you are looking for a hi-def picture and fabulous theater sound in one simple system, check out this VideoWave Entertainment System from Bose.
• If you want comfort and style without the hassle, Editions Home Theater Sofa has customizable speakers embedded in this beautiful five-seat sofa!  You can also plug your iPod or other MP3 device into the sofa too! Available in several colors.
• 3D technology allows you to almost reach out and touch it!  The folks at LG Electronics recently unveiled its glasses-free, LED backlit 3D monitor.  The 20-inch, LG D2000 monitor includes eye-tracking technology via its built-in webcam.  The monitor, which will be released in Korea this month, will launch in other markets later this year at about $1,200.
• It’s refreshment time! If you love sippin’ on an ice-cold Margarita, you’ll love the Margaritaville DM0500 machine.  Imagine being able to whip up restaurant-quality frozen drinks right from your own kitchen?   This model, which holds up to 36 ounces, includes a shot glass and recipe booklet and costs about $170.
• And if movies aren’t your cup-of-tea, you can dance, exercise and play family-friendly games with your very own Nintendo Wii. You can even access Netflix on your system as well.  All sorts of bundles are also available.
• Kinect for Xbox 360 brings “games and entertainment to life” without the hassle of game controllers. You are the controller!  With full body gaming and facial and voice recognition technology, you can watch movies, sports and music with XBox Live by waving your hand or talking! This new system is a Parents’ Choice Award winner and is the Guinness World Records holder for  ”Fastest Selling Consumer Electronic Device.”
• If you want more of a quiet entertainment experience, why not check out the uber-popular Kindle?  According to Amazon, besides being the most wished-for gift, Kindle is the company’s bestselling item for the past two years.   With built-in WiFi, this wireless reader has a sleeker and lighter design and an improved battery life.  Kindle’s are available at different price-points.

Now all you need is a popcorn machine!

Source:

Quick, Darren.  “Bose combines TV and home theater with VideoWave Entertainment System.”