Have you recently decided to install the home theater of your dreams? Before you get started, we have some design tips to ensure the final product is exactly what you hoped for.
Work together with installers and the interior designers. Installers want the room to function and sound great. Interior designers may focus more on the design of seats and furniture placement. By working together, everyone will be on the same page and reduce the risk of miscommunication about the design. What may look best to an interior designer may not be optimal for home theater sound to an installer. By working together, both sides can achieve a beautiful and fuctioning home theater.
There are many factors that go into a great restaurant or bar. Maybe it's a great happy hour or a fabulous hand-cut steak, but what about atmosphere? Restaurants and bars should be a welcoming place where people feel comfortable and relaxed. Harsh lighting, outdated audio video, or lack of privacy can turn an otherwise nice place into a place I can't wait to get out of.
November is a special time of the year. It's a time to all gather around with family and friends to give thanks alongside a beautiful meal. This November, however, it's about other things. Other things that have been the buzz for some time now. I've heard it in multiple conversations just in passing. It's usually something like this: "No man, PlayStation 4 blows Xbox One out of the water" or, "Xbox One has Halo AND Dead Rising 3!" Regardless on your stance (which I've encountered is like asking someone if they vote Democrat or Republican) I thought I would bring you the specs from a completely unbiased standpoint and let you decide.
Let's just get down to business from the get-go and talk price. PlayStation 4, which released November 15, comes in at $399.99. Xbox One, which hits shelves November 22, is yours for the price of $499.99. Now some of you may say the PlayStation 4 is a given because of the lower price, but let's dig into the specs before you make an drastic decisions and add it to your Christmas wish list.
As far as processors go, the PlayStation 4 features the 8-core x86-64 AMD "Jaguar" CPU and the Xbox one boasts the 8-core AMD custom Microsoft CPU. While it's hard to say with one is actually "faster" you can definitely bet that graphics will remain pretty neck and neck (and awesome).
Worried about storage on your gaming console? Both are equipped with 8 GB RAM and a 500 GB of hard drive space. If that's not enough, both have options to support USB 3.0 external storage. This is great news for users that want to install all their games directly onto the device without worrying about getting tight on space.
Loved the last model of the controllers on your system? Well both models are rolling out with minor changes. Xbox One controllers feature force feedback in its triggers. This is an added bonus for first-person shooters. The PlayStation 4 unveiled the Dualshock 4 which features a touchpad that adds a new way to control games. It also integrates a headset jack and speaker into the control. A share button allows users to record or stream their games.
If you're looking forward to the camera feature then you'll have to stay tuned for the PlayStation Eye, which won't be included with the PlayStation 4 console. The PlayStation Eye will offer motion control and video chat, but is an added accessory that costs $59.99. The Xbox One Kinect camera comes included with the initial purchase and features a 1080p camera with active infrared. Kinect also allows for upgraded voice control, Skype, and gesture control.
So what about games? To me that seems like a huge deciding factor. The PlayStation 4 selections include Driveclub, Knack, InFamous: Second Son, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Resogun, Shadow of the Beast, The Order: 1886, and Deep Down. Xbox One boasts Dead Rising 3, Halo 5, Titanfall, Killer Instinct, Quantaum Break, Project Spark, Forza Motorsport 5, Sunset Overdrive, and Ryse: Son of Rome. To PlayStation 4's 16 games at launch, Xbox One is countering with 23.
If you're looking for added media features rest assured both consoles have the ability to play Blu-ray discs, stream Netlix, and a library of movies to rent or buy. Xbox One goes even further, however, by allowing users to have their own program guide that works with existing cable providers. This allows the Xbox One to control your cable box, which means you can then change channels with voice commands or browse Xbox One's recommendations.
Odds are you already had an opinion as to which system reigns supreme, but if not hopefully this article helped you along the way of your decision making process. Not sold on either? Hey, no worries friends. PC gamming is still a great option if neither system appeals to you!
It's hard to believe, but the holidays have arrived! We know how busy this time of the year can be and how finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be more challenging than Frodo's quest in The Lord of the Rings. Lucky for you we've compiled the perfect gift guide with all of favorites that can accommodate anyone on your list.
TV: Samsung UN65F9000 65" Class LED 4K Ultra HD TV $7,499.99
Ok, who wouldn't want a new TV for Christmas? This one just so happens to be the crème de la crème currently on the market. Give the gift of breathtaking resolution and the industry's most capable Smart TV this holiday season.
Wireless Audio System: SONOS Play:1 Gift Pack $199
This little guy is small, but we promise it packs a punch. The Play:1 gift pack includes a free SONOS BRIDGE that allows the Play:1 to go anywhere and work wirelessly. Stream your entire music library or favorite online radio service. They are also really easy to set-up so you can be streaming music in no time.
Headphones: Denon AH-NC600 Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones
Great headphones are always a solid gift option, but we love that these are in-ear and noise cancelling. Their small design delivers the same great listening experience as larger over-ear styles, but without the bulk. Plus, they are great for traveling or the gym.
Tablet: Surface Pro 2 $899.99
We love this tablet and we think anyone on your list would too. It has the heart of a computer, but the body of a tablet making it the most functional tablet option on the market. The Surface Pro 2 brings the best of both worlds by combining a 2 in 1 PC. Plus, it works great with the new Xbox One!
Soundbar: Niles Cynema Soundfield Soundbar $1,599 to $1,999
This soundbar because it provides room-filling sound without all the clutter. It installs flush with the wall and the low profile grille can be painted to match the color of any room. Pick from 48", 55" or 65" to best fit the size of the existing TV.
Camcorder: GoPro $199 to $399
The GoPro would make anyone on your list completely stoked. Several different camera options allow you to get exactly what you need and a variety of accessories enable this camera to go on any adventure. Quickly share them with friends and family with the GoPro app.
E-Reader: Kindle Paperwhite 3G $189.00
