Category Archives: Media

Blog, Home Automation, Media

5 Epic Movies to Show off Your Home Theater

These days, the word “epic” is a signifier of larger-than-life, sometimes grandiose forms of media. Despite the term’s oversaturation in popular culture, “epic” is the only way to describe the following five movies when seen on your custom home theater. So sit back, dim the lights with your home automation system, and enjoy this list of epic movies from home theater San Diego specialists Southwest Audio Visual!

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Regarded by many San Diego home theater enthusiasts as one of the best movies you can test on a new home theater, Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece was made with “epic” in mind. It features stunning cinematography as wide and vast as outer space, as well as a massive opening credits sequence that’s just begging to take advantage of your home theater installation. San Diego, trust us when we say you want to see this on your system!

Jurassic Park (1993)

Nothing says “epic” like dinosaurs come to life! This film based on the Michael Crichton novel of the same name captured the imaginations of moviegoers worldwide with its realistic CG effects. These special effects still hold up today, and are the perfect chance to show off the capabilities of your home theater. San Diego even plays a part in the film’s sequel, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park”— a good opportunity for an epic double feature, maybe?

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Many consider LOTR as one of the progenitors of the modern usage of “epic,” and it’s easy to see why. Intense battle scenes, sweeping visuals, and a memorable film score all contribute to a fantastical experience for any home theater in San Diego.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Another favorite of San Diego home theater enthusiasts, particularly for the opening naval battle, Master and Commander is a great choice for showing off the bombastic qualities of your home theater. Crank those speakers up, and try not to get wet!

Forrest Gump (1994)

You were expecting Saving Private Ryan? While Gump doesn’t quite sit on the same lists as other American war epics, it sets itself apart from the crowd with its heart-wrenching drama. But there’s plenty for home theater San Diego enthusiasts to like: the film features a classic soundtrack that includes tunes by Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Doors, and many more notable time period specific performers.

For peerless home theater installation, San Diego specialists SWAV can give you what you need for a movie experience that’s truly “epic!” Contact us today!

Directv, Media

DirecTV Cuts 3D Programming — What Content Creators Think of the Move

Last week, DirecTV announced it was reducing the amount of 3D content aired on its n3D 24/7 channel due to “lack of content.”  To see if this story held water, I turned to the Stereoscopic 3D Professionals Worldwide Linked-in group to see what they thought was the full story behind this move. The posted comments were very insightful.  Below is a synopsis of these comments. We invite you to continue the discussion in the comment field below.

Some of you may recall that two years ago DirecTV launched the n3D 24/7 3D linear channel, as well as pay-per-view and video-on-demand 3D content services with heavy support from Panasonic. But in the DirecTV announcement, the company said, “While 3D adoption continues to grow and more programming is being developed, DirecTV has decided to move n3D to a part-time channel.”

We asked DirecTV to comment, but they did not reply to our inquiries and there is no mention of the cut back on their web site. Apparently, Consumer Reports’ James Wilcox noticed there was no programming on the n3D channel – just a note saying it would be broadcasting the summer Olympics in 3D. n3D will continue to air some content, but only on a part-time basis. The company still airs the 3net 3D channel and has now moved ESPN 3D from part-time to full-time broadcasting.

Media, News

SmartGlass: Microsoft’s War for the Living Room

Microsoft’s SmartGlass promises to unite all screens in the house (including mobile devices) via the Xbox. Microsoft plans to turn the Xbox 360 into more than a games console/online media player, with a strategy clearly aimed at usurping Apple’s AirPlay strategy in the home.
Xbox SmartGlass is a Wi-Fi remote app that allows users to control both video and game content with tablets or smartphones, using the Xbox 360 console as a player. Shown at the recent E3, the app also acts as a second screen — showing extra video content related to the content on screen. (One interesting E3 demo uses HBO TV series Game of Thrones, with an interactive map on the tablet while the console plays an episode.)
The app will be available for both iDevices and Androids, as well as (obviously) Windows 8 tablets/laptops and Windows Phone.
According to Microsoft, more American customers are using the console to consume media through Xbox Live apps for services such as Netflix and Hulu than playing online video games, for which the console was originally designed.