The Best Home Theater Seat Innovations from 2012

Since the Mayan Apocalypse didn’t happen last week, it did not save us from all of the “End-of-the-Year Roundups” that show up on blogs, news sites and news outlets across the Internet. Therefore we have decided to add ours to the mix too.

Welcome to the Theater Seat Store 2012 Home Theater Seat Roundup!

We decided to take a brief look at the innovations and trends that have shaped home theater seating over 2012. It was a big year for home theater seats as many new models were introduced with fantastic new features:

• Ambient Base Lighting – Traditional movie theaters tend to have a small light at the end of each row that is embedded in the riser. This helps people find their way in the darkened theater. Home theater enthusiasts could mimic this effect in their own home theaters, but there was no commercial kit to help them. A popular new trend for 2012 has been to add a strip of LED lighting along the baserail of each seat. This light is usually blue to not interfere with the picture or viewers’ eyes that have adjusted to the darkness. This popular feature is now available on a wide variety of theater seat models.
• Pocket Coil Seating – Until 2012, pretty much all home theater seats had foam seat cushions that were made up of layers of furniture foam. While these seats are comfortable and offer decent support, home theater seats got a boost in the comfort zone when some manufacturers started adding pocket coil seating to their new models. Pocket coils are an array of steel springs that are encased in layers of foam. Each coil is encased in its own fabric sheath, and coils are packed together tightly (16 coils per 10-inch square space). This offers an increased level of comfort and support thanks to the individual coils distributing weight evenly.
• Better Bonded Leather – Bonded leather is a popular and inexpensive alternative to real leather upholstery. It is made up of a small amount of real leather scraps mixed with vinyl material. Up until now, bonded leather has had a plastic-like feel and sheen to it. This year, new manufacturing techniques have produced bonded leather that looks and feels like the real thing.
• Smartphone or Tablet Control – New products by major manufacturers now have apps that you can download to your Apple or Android smartphone. These apps allow you to control the powered features of each seat. You can use your smartphone or tablet to recline the seat, activate massage features or even turn lighting on and off. Add a remote control app and you can control your entire home theater from the comfort of your seat. Palliser Furniture even added an iPad Holder to some of their newer models! This device holds your tablet at an angle for comfortable use.
• Built-in Charging Stations – Why let your mobile phone battery run out during a movie? Some home theater seats feature built in charging stations to charge your smartphone or tablet while you watch your favorite shows. You can also use the charging station to power your mobile device while you control the functions of your home theater seat, (see above).

Goodbye Rear Projection TV’s – Your Bulky Presence will be Missed!

Though Mark Twain famously said, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”, the same cannot be said for the giant staple of many a living room and man cave – the big screen rear-projection TV. Since the 1970’s, these giant behemoths were highly sought after for home theaters across America. They were considered status symbols and held a commanding presence in the room that they were placed. Who wouldn’t want to watch the Big Game on their own home Jumbo-tron? 

Now with the popularity of plasma and LCD TV’s, the rear projection television has become a relic of the past. David Katzmeier recently wrote an article for CNET announcing the exit of Mitsubishi from the rear projection TV market. Mitsubishi is the last major manufacturer to stop making rear projection TV’s. This sounded the final death knell for rear projection technology.

The biggest reason that plasma and LCD televisions dominate the market is the simple fact that they can be mounted on the wall. Current rear projection TV’s are also high definition and use the latest technologies to produce picture quality that rivals that of a plasma or LCD screen. Their biggest problem is their size. According to an article on thestar.com, “it does not matter that most buyers never mount their TV on a wall. They want to think they can”.           

Rear-projection technology has been around since 1947, when RCA unveiled the first rear projection television. This technology saw some popularity in the 1950’s when cathode ray tubes had a maximum size of 12 inches. Products like the Philips 1800A could be found in affluent living rooms. Large rear-projection TV’s became available to the masses in the 1970’s and stayed popular through the early 2000’s.   

So fare thee well, rear projection TV’s! We will miss the simulated wood grain paneling of your cabinet and the way that you dominated the rec room. Though we had to find the right viewing height to avoid your “hot spot”, we will miss you as we try to figure out what to do with all of the new floor space.

The 'IT' of Home Theater

Every year new developments in home theater have us saying "wow, this is really it!!" - why should this year be any different??

Prima Cinema

So, if you are the guy or girl who wants to have it all, then 'all' has just arrived - it comes in the shape of a small black box.  No, its not Tivo - that was the "it" of 1999 - its called the Prima Cinema System.  Burn those three words into your memory because this is what the top of the home theater food chain looks like.

The Prima Cinema allows viewers to get access to elusive first run movies - all whilst relaxing at home.  The system's focus is theatrical releases and one can now enjoy new movies released on the same day as local cinemas in the absolute comfort of your own home theater room.

This device has found a home in the screening rooms of many Hollywood directors and movie industry veterans like Brett Ratner, for instance, but is now available to everyone.  Screening rooms have become status symbols for those who receive early copies of new movies like directors, industry executives and A-list actors.  Access to early releases is  limited to those that make the exclusive insider list referred to as the 'Bell Air Circuit', if you come from Hollywood, or the 'subway circuit' if you are from New York.

The unit itself was designed by BMW DesignWorksUSA and will set you back a cool $20,000-$30,000. That's not were the money tree stops shaking either.  Be prepared to spend an additional $500 per movie on opening weekends.  So what can be better than hosting a red carpet event in your own home?

The Last Supper for Cinema

The Lounge at Odeon Whiteleys

In the home theater world, there is a lot of talk about the impact of big screen home TV on the traditional cinema experience.  The advent and arrival of this new medium about 5-7 years ago - at least at a price that makes it attainable to everyone - has had a significant impact on the traditional theater business.

Most people love the experience that comes with a night out at the movies, but do they want to sacrifice the comfort of home with a comparable technical experience?  Times are changing and now, more than ever, the pressure is on the traditional theater business to evolve and compete with this formidable new challenger.  

As avid theater afficiandos, we follow the industry news and are seeing more and more of a premium cinema experience moving into the traditional theater business.  Behemoths in the space like AMC, Celebration Cinemas and Odeon (in the UK) are evolving with the times and testing the concept of bringing the living room into the movie theater.  Now the game is on!! 

AMC have renovated a theater they operate and own in Marina Del Rey and introduced 50% less of the traditional theater style rockers and replaced them with home-style theater loungers.  They are calling the concept the CinemaSuite.  This renovation has cost $5 million and includes a widening of the isle space to accommodate the fully reclined new theater chairs.  The trend has just taken hold here in the US but is also in full motion in Europe and is successfully operated by Odeon - the UK's largest cinema chain - in a number of their theaters in London.

Get Your Shopping Done Early with Black Friday Savings Going on NOW

TheaterSeatStore.com is proud to offer Black Friday specials early to help you enjoy great savings and avoid the holiday rush. From now through Black Friday, theater Seat Store is offering some great savings on leading brands:

• 50% off Power Recline Upgrades to all Lane Home Theater Seats. This represents a savings of $100 per seat!
• Free White Glove Delivery or an Extended Warranty on all Palliser Models.
• 6% discount on all other home theater products. Enter the code BLACKTSS into the coupon field of the Shopping Cart Checkout page.

With so many great savings, you can check off the home theater enthusiast from your shopping list. Be sure to hurry as these savings are slated to run through Black Friday.

Brad Pitt Adds Furniture Designer to His Impressive List of Roles

Brad Pitt at the 2012 Cannes
Film Festival

Fresh off his latest film, Killing Them Softly (due to be released November 30th), Brad Pitt is hard at work on his next role. No, we’re not talking about the highly anticipated World War Z due out next summer. Instead, Pitt is collaborating with famous furniture designer Frank Pollaro on a line of high-end contemporary furniture that is due to be unveiled November 13th at a special showing in Manhattan. This collection is based on Pitt’s own designs and incorporates stunning modern and minimalist themes with beautiful materials like tropical hardwoods, silk and 24 carat gold.

"Design for a Wall Decoration"
by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Pitt’s new passion was not born overnight. “I’ve been doodling ideas for buildings and furniture since the early 1990s, when I first discovered [Charles Rennie] Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright,” said Pitt in a recent interview with Architectural Digest magazine. “Actually, I found Wright in college [at the University of Missouri], when looking for a lazy two-point credit to get out of French. It forever changed my life”. Much of Pitt’s designs center around the idea of a continuous line, such as the long angled line under his dining room tables. Pitt describes it this way, “I can’t wholly articulate it, but it started with my introduction to Mackintosh’s Glasgow rose, which is drawn with one continuous line. But for me there is something more grand at play, as if you could tell the story of one’s life with a single line—from birth to death, with all the bloody triumphs and perceived humiliating losses, even boredoms, along the way”.

The new collection by Brad Pitt and Frank Pollaro can be seen November 13-15th 2012 in the Chelsea Neighborhood of Manhattan. Unfortunately, tickets are already sold out, but you wish to drop $45,000 on one of these stunning pieces, we’re sure that you can find a way through this new website set to launch November 11th.

Minimalist Seating for the Home Theater of the Future

Lamm, an Italian manufacturer that specializes in auditorium seating, has created a line of theater seats that look like they are from the future. Designed by Dante Bonuccelli, the Genya Theater Seat folds out from an angled slab that looks like the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Each seat is fully padded with armrests, and angled for precise balance. This way they can handle many different body types while keeping their ultra-slim profile. The seats bolt to the floor, hiding any visible means of support. When folded, the armrests fold into the seat so they cannot be seen from the outside. These simple yet innovative details add to the notion that these futuristic seats defy gravity.

While these seats are designed for the auditorium and not the home, they could be easily incorporated into a home theater design with little effort. One of the most noticeable home theater features missing from these seats are cupholders, though the Genya does come with fold-down trays that connect to the back of each row, like an airline tray table. The seats are available with side and corner connectors to allow them to be placed in a straight or curved formation. They also come in different fabric and leather upholsteries, and the backs can even be finished in wood or marble.

With the recent unveiling of Steve Jobs’ minimalist super-yacht, these futuristic seats would be perfect for a home theater aboard a vessel that looks like a floating iPhone™.

Anticipation is on the Rise for the Home Theater Release of Batman: the Dark Knight Rises

Home theater and comic book fans rejoice! Batman: The Dark Knight Rises is set to appear on DVD/Blu-Ray format Tuesday, December 4, 2012. The third and final movie in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy will be available in a variety of formats including a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack, DVD only single pack and a collector’s edition that includes a Batman Cowl. This collection is sure to be on the Christmas List of many home theater enthusiasts and a welcome addition to any home video library.

The Caped Crusader has been the subject of many movies over the years, and best-to-worst lists are as numerous as Batman fans. Ranker.com has a comprehensive list that includes both live action and animated movies taken from fan surveys. Bryan Lomax also has a great list on IMDB, the Internet Movie Database. These movies do not just appeal to comic book fans, as the innovative sound design and cinematography also makes them a favorite with home theater owners. Many of the Batman movies bear this out with multiple Oscar nominations, and some have even taken home the little golden statue. Tim Burton’s original Batman (1989) took home the Oscar for Best Art Direction, and Batman: The Dark Knight (2008) won Oscars for Sound Editing and Best Supporting Actor (for Heath Ledger’s brilliant portrayal of the Joker).

Whether you have your very own customized Bat Cave Home Theater, or just enjoy watching movies in the family room, the home video release of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises is sure to be welcome news this holiday season.

The Future of Home Theater Seat Shopping is Here

Here at Theater Seat Store, we are busting with pride at our latest news. We have completely redesigned our online retail website TheaterSeatStore.com! With new menu and page layouts, the redesigned format makes it easier to shop for the exact home theater seat that you are looking for.

Shop By Filters

We have streamlined the navigation system to help you focus in on the home theater seating you truly want. Start by choosing the type of furniture you want to find, whether it is home theater seating, sofa groups or sports seating. Simple drop down menus then allow you to search by many different criteria including size, style, color, price and features, among other filters. For example, you can choose to look only at home theater seats with motorized headrests or NFLSports seating with a simple click.

Product Pages

The product pages have also gone through a complete makeover to better aid your purchasing choices. Now, important info like customer reviews and pricing configurators are integrated into the main page instead of hiding behind a tab. Images have been improved as well with the help of zoom tools that let you look closely at products to take in the fine details. Dimension information is also easy to find in order to help you determine if the furniture’s size is right for your space. 

Sales Support

Sometimes, you have a question that cannot be answered by text or images, and you need to speak to a real human being. Theater Seat Store makes this easy with a one-click chat window that can be accessed from almost any page. Phone and email information is also easy to find if you prefer. Our sales and customer support staff are friendly, knowledgeable and standing by to help answer your questions or complete your order.

Klaussner Showcase Smashes Into Home Theater

Klaussner Furniture are continuing their aggressive drive into home theater with another great introduction - the Klaussner Showcase.  This new frame is available in straight rows of 3 or more seats and can ship under our quick ship program in 10-14 days from order date.

Some of the features of this exciting new introduction are:

• power recline
• black bonded leather
• accent white stitch
• chaise style foot rest
• straight rows only
• 42' seat back height
• sliding arm rest

The Showcase is no doubt going to make an impact and is offered to compete against the very prominent Headliner theater seat sold at Best Buy stores but at a price point that offers even more savings.  Pricing is $529 per chair for the power recline model - that includes fast free shipping - with the manual recline pricing sure to follow shortly.  At the moment, only the power recline model is available.  A unique feature to this model is the adjustable arm rest that slides backwards or forwards on a mechanism design to best suit the placement of your arms.  Klaussner's factory warranty stands behind this theater seat - 1 year on everything - and the style falls in the transitional range, not to modern and not too traditional.  

Our Labor Day Sales Event - with a Twist!

There are many Labor Day sales this weekend, especially for furniture. It almost seems like Labor Day, like Presidents Day, was created specifically for furniture merchants to top each other with outrageous offers.

Here at TheaterSeatStore.com, we are offering our own Labor Day sale (we are a furniture merchant after all), but with a twist. How would you like to shop for furniture and save money from the comfort of your couch, hammock, or wherever you choose to relax during this three day weekend?

In the spirit of the Labor Day season, Theater Seat Store is offering exclusive deals on all inventory furniture. From August 24, 2012 through Labor Day, shoppers will receive an additional 6% off on all inventory items, including items that are currently on sale like the Home Meridian Marquee home theater seat. The Marquee is originally priced at $599, but is currently on sale for $399 and customers will be able to take an additional 6% off the sale price. New and returning customers alike are urged to take advantage of the incredible savings in the Labor Day Sales Event.

Another great offer this Labor Day weekend is 50% off all power recline upgrades on Lane home theater seats. Now you can add push-button recline for half the cost. This is a huge money saver on a feature that everyone loves.

Getting Your Kids Ready for School- Cutting down on Technology

The start of a new school year can be a difficult time for some children and young teens. The Summer Learn Loss theory suggests that most kids loose and average of 1-3 months of learning when on summer vacation, depending on household income and environment. Teachers for a while have noticed that summer vacation is a period of academic decline. It is no wonder why some children have a difficult time getting back into an academic routine. It is important for parents for help their child get ready for a new school year by establishing a healthy schedule.

Before returning to school, doctors strongly recommend a well-balanced breakfast and a full night’s rest that way your developing child has enough energy to pay attention in class. Proper nutrition is essential for developing children and young adults and can help them stay focused when they are sitting in on an hour long math lecture.

Cutting down on TV and Technology

Cutting down on technology may not be your child’s favorite idea but it is necessary for academic success. In the age of technology, it is easy for kids to become distracted from school work through the internet, TV and cell phones.

One research study found that TV’s effects on education were long term. The study found that watching TV as a child affected educational achievements at age 26. Watching more TV in childhood increased chances of dropping out of school and decreased chances of getting a college degree, even after controlling for confounding factors. [1] 

According to a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children from the ages of 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on devices.  This includes using a smart phone, computer, and watching television. The shocking reality is that the over usage of media devices can be very detrimental to your child’s academic development.

“The study showed that 47 percent of the heaviest media users-those who consumed at least 16 hours a day- had a grade point average of C’s or lower. They were also the ones to most likely report that they were bored or sad, or that they got into trouble, did not get along well with their parents and were not happy at school,” NY Times reported in a 2010 publication article titled IfYour Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online. 

Although the study did not determine if over usage of media devices directly contributed to the mental detriment of kids between the ages of 8 and 18, the study did; however, draw a strong correlation between academic success and technology use. Transitioning your kids out of this 8 hour habit may be very difficult but also may be necessary for your child’s academic success.  It is unrealistic for parents to try and eliminate all outlets of media but it is suggested that parents limit their child’s use of media devices.

Finding the Balance               

Every parent wants what’s best for their son or daughter and would do just about anything to make them happy. It is important for parents to realize that cutting back on your child’s media use could result in initial defiant behavior and rebellion but it won’t be like that forever.  Parents should first communicate with their child about the importance of academic success and help them understand why you are limiting their media use. Next, parents should seek input from their child. Ask them what they think they need to do in order to succeed this school year and what you can do to help them achieve their goals. Like with anything, the best way to start a new routine first starts with open communication then establishing goals, setting a plan, recognizing milestones, and most importantly-patience. 

The Football Fanatic

For the football fanatic, football is a lifestyle. There is a reason why football games are on every day of the week. Just like taking daily doses of vitamins, football games are considered by many to be vitamins for the soul. Unlike the fair weather fans, the football enthusiasts know months before hand, exactly when their favorite team is playing, who they are playing and where.  The football fanatic is aware of every player on the team, making note of every trade and pick-up and every injury that has taken place. To the football fanatic, the big game is not just a two hour show that just happens to be on, the big game is equivalent to a religious practice and those two hours are two hours of worship.

For the football fanatic, the home entertainment center is the “altar” of worship, a safe haven that is decorated with favorite team memorabilia. Signed footballs, posters of favorite all-star players, and jerseys are just a few reminders to showcase team spirit. Unlike the fair weather fan that places a Raider jersey in the same drawer with a Broncos jersey, the football fanatic would never think of such debauchery.  Everything in the football fanatic’s home stays faithful to their team including their furniture.  Game day seating is essential for the football fanatic and essential for any football fanatic’s home theater. 

TheaterSeatStore.com offers affordable, comfortable and 100 percent customizable NFL, NHL, NBA, and NCAA furniture

Three New Models from Palliser Home Theater

Palliser is a leading North American furniture company. They are known for designing innovative furniture that is built to last for a lifetime. Recently, Palliser has decided to expand with the introduction of three new theater seats: The Palliser Autobahn, Palliser Indianapolis, and the Palliser Lemans.

• The Autobahn is a contemporary theater seat that is built for comfort. The back of the seat has 12 gauge sinuous springs which are engineered for lasting relaxation and the seat is constructed with 8 gauge springs providing superior comfort. 








•  The Indianapolis has the same seat construction as the Autobahn, but the back is built with premium elastic webbing that offers consistent suspension for the life of the product. 






•  The Lemans would be considered Indianapolis’ twin; however, like with every twin, there is a subtle difference. The distinction lies within the headrest, still providing you with the same amount of comfort and durability, with a slight twist to accommodate different style preferences. 

 Each Theater seat is carefully constructed with excellent lumbar support for superior comfort. In addition, each theater seat is 100% customizable with over 85 luxurious leathers, microfibers and 200 fabrics to choose from to fit any room décor. Each seat also has optional key features such as LED lighted cupholders and baserails, removable swivel tray tables, buttkickers bass shakers, tablet holders and power recline. For more information on the individual styles and designs, please click here.

Palliser & Lane Model Differences

In the process of shopping for home theater seating, there are a lot of options and

differences that exist between models within brands. As an update to a previous post we did a few years back, we wanted to re-post a revised model comparison chart for Lane and Palliser home theater seating.

These one page comparison charts clearly define the unique features particular to each model style, as well as the similarities. This is not easily discovered when using any of the sites or brand sites out there.

The features listed in these charts are the ones that we know are relevant to our customers and we have not highlighted subtleties in style difference but only specific features by model.

An expanded version of the chart can be viewed by clicking on the link in the top left navigation of this blog for both brands or simply clicking the image in this post for Palliser and here for Lane.

Palliser HT Features Video

Palliser is a leader in home theater furniture and is known for its quality and clean designs.  The nature of Palliser seating is that it is generally all custom order product which means that each item can be customized by material, color and many features.

This short but very informative video released by the brand, gives an excellent overview of some of the options that are available for this top home theater seating brand.  The features identified in this video represent the most popular features but are by no means all the features.  The list is far more substantive and includes many upgrades.

Every Palliser seat comes with an industry leading warranty that covers the frame and material for years of hassle-free use.  With over 6 years of exposure to this brand, we are happy to see their position and quality remains at an industry best level.

Klaussner Expands It's Line-up

Klaussner Juno in white leather

Klaussner Furniture is the 4th largest US furniture brand by the numbers and now they are pushing more aggressively into the home theater space.  A number of new custom introductions have been introduced that are worthy of mention and are an excellent addition to this space.

Apart from the Studio, Ambassador and Shubert that were discussed in a previous post, we are happy to welcome the Juno, Astor Place, New Amsterdam, Palace and AMP to the home theater seating market.  All of these new frames can be custom ordered with a host of fabrics, leathers and bonded leathers and deliver from the factory to your home in 6 weeks from the time of order.  Dominated by all the best features like chaise style foot rest and higher seat backs, these theater chairs are going to make an impact.

For more information on the individual styles and designs, please click here.

What Makes Lane Recliners Special

Lane is the largest manufacturer of reclining furniture in the world.  Their presence in home theater - essentially a reclining chair with cup holders - has never been bigger.  The options available now from this prestigious brand abound and the seats are feature rich and built for comfort.

What does this really mean?  Well, its easier for me to show you via a Lane video.  This clip goes into details on how the seating is constructed and how Lane innovates when it comes to a dedicated focus on comfort and quality.

Their recliners are not just any recliners.  Pocket coil seating, superior high density foam and solid frame construction or some of the many qualities that exist in reclining furniture from Lane.

Installing a Home Theater Electronics System

Getting your perfect home theater room to kick-off can be a daunting task.  There is equipment to buy, furniture to measure for, handyman skill sets to sharpen up on - and that's not even the half of it.

One area that seems to always be met with confusion is the wiring and equipment side of the project.  It requires attention to detail and expertise or the end result could be dangerous and hazardous to say the least.  Careful consideration needs to be given to the power outlets, light sources, wire organization and electronic documentation.

Our team here wanted to help shed some light on the areas to focus on in preparation of this aspect of the project and as a result produced a document that is well worth reading before you get started.  Installing a Home Theater System will provide insight and open up ideas for planning and achieving a successful outcome.  This is not an exhaustive resource but will keep the ball rolling in the thought and theater room planning process.

DIY Lane Home Theater Video

Lane home theater seating products are amongst ours and our customer's personal favorites.  The line of seating options available from Lane has expanded significantly since the demise of Berkline to fill the gap that existed with their departure.

Top sellers include the Lane 103 and 175 models which are feature rich and meet excellent price points.  The 103 Matinee includes deep in arm storage and a tray table in a footprint that is large and supportive.  This contrasts somewhat with the 175 seat which has a space savings design but also a high seat back for excellent upper body and neck support.  Both models are available in power and manual recline under a TheaterSeatStore quick ship program.  Lane's legendary brand warrants the products against defect to allow for complete peace of mind and enjoyment.

Here is a great DIY video that the Lane team have developed that educates home theater enthusiasts on how to develop a dedicated home theater oasis.  While the process can be challenging, this video should motivate anyone who is good when it comes to the DIY space and minor renovations and build outs.

Another great resource for a DIY home theater project is this article our team created recently on DIY Home Theater Design.  It provides some great resources on planning and getting ready for the project so that the end result matches your expectations.

Tablets vs. Theaters

The year 2011 saw the lowest movie theater attendance in the past twenty years, according to TechCrunch.com. People are watching more streaming content through their computers and tablets than ever before, even during prime time viewing hours at home.

Tablets cannot offer the in-person communal experience of a movie theater, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t social. Many TV shows offer specialized apps to access exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage and a chance to communicate with other fans, staff and even stars.

Drive-In movies have gone the way of the dinosaurs, but with good wireless reception and a convertible you can relive those days without the distraction of latecomers or those who need to get back before curfew even if the movie’s still playing.

The interactive nature of any Internet device also allows advertisers to tailor their content to individuals, but this is not necessarily a good thing. A world where all commercials are aimed specifically at you based on past purchases and your current demographics means less chance of discovering something you didn’t know you needed until you saw it advertised.

Still, as ticket prices rise and Hollywood’s creativity seems limited to sequels and remakes, it will get harder for theaters to compete with the privacy, portability and exclusive content offered by tablets.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, a free app offered by Apple lets you use your iPad as a universal remote, ensuring that you never again have to hunt through sofa cushions to change the channel.

Theater Room Packages

Home theater rooms have become very popular over the course of the last few years as the technology that provides the experience has improved.  More and more people favor the comfort and benefits of watching a great movie at home with friends (and pets) over dealing with crowds, expensive condiments and parking hassles.  It just makes sense.

The average home theater today is a media room in a home that has been accessorized with rows of seating, a big screen and projector and the occasional popcorn machine.  The concept can be taken much further with a true theater experience including curtains, risers (leveled platforms) and theater lighting.  This is more often done in more affluent homes because the cost of custom making the molding, risers, columns and banisters etc can run into the six figures and some even much higher.  This leaves people like myself standing in the cold wanting to get inside.

Fortunately, there is now an excellent solution.  The 'Theater in a Box' concept.  This is a package with all the necessary components that will allow any room to be magically converted into a true home theater with bells and whistles.  These packages (excluding seating and carpeting) run from around $3k to $7k.  They can all be installed in one full day from start to end.  Here are some of these packages recently added to our site Theater In A Box Packages

The Changing Face of Home Theater Equipment

Home theaters used to mean tons of components, a central receiver and a virtual army of remotes, but times – as they do – have changed. The economic crunch coupled with consumers getting tired of having to change to a new format every few years – remember VHS tapes and laser discs? – have changed the home theater landscape forever, offering the home theater buff more choices than ever before.

Multi-Use Platforms
Thanks to multi-purpose gaming consoles, it’s no longer necessary to have a different machine for each activity. Sony’s PlayStation3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 play blu-ray and DVDs, while they – along with Nintendo’s Wii – also allow users to watch streaming videos. Having one console to play games, watch movies and TV shows, listen to music and play games is a boon to people with smaller homes and shrinking paychecks.

Streaming Videos
According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, increasing numbers of people are using the Internet capabilities of their gaming platforms to stream TV shows and movies via ESPN,  Hulu Plus, Major League Baseball Network, Netflix and YouTube on their TVs, rather than on their much-smaller computer monitors. Paying by subscription rather than purchasing physical copies means access to a much larger film library than ever before.
A wider array of choices with fewer components means that a custom home theater is within reach of almost every budget.

Spring Warm Up Sale

Spring Warm Up Sale

TheaterSeatStore is running a promotion that will end on 05/06/2012 called the 'Warm Up Sale'.  This promo will offer a free upgrade to lighted cup holders on the following top selling models (usually a $50 upgrade per seat):

• Palliser Blade
• Palliser Pacifico
• Palliser Atomic
• The Magnolia
• Lane 103
• Lane 174
• Lane 123 & 124

Lighted cup holders are a great addition to a row of seats and add atmosphere and ambiance to your home theater room.  The controls can be individually turned on/off at each seat and do not any longer link together (daisy chain connection) which is a vast improvement in our opinion compared to past models of theater seating.

Cool Man Cave Stuff

Though it took men millions of years to get out of the caves and into modern housing, that primal male urge for a cave of his own has never left. According to a survey done by Servicemagic.com, 40 percent of homes contain a man cave; while another 13 percent report that they are building or at the very least planning one.

One of the most popular forms of man cave is the home theater, but they don’t all have to look the same. Making your man cave stand out from the pack is easier than you’d think.

State Your Theme

Whether you’re a fisherman, baseball buff or a tool time guy, shelves shaped like oars, bats or tools add a touch of humor to your manly retreat without adding the cost of a bar made from the front end of a Chevy or a functional rock-climbing wall behind the flat-screen TV.

Serve In Style

Refrigerators don’t have to be square white boxes any more than man caves have got to have stone walls. Small refrigerators come in many colors, sizes and shapes from the hot red enamel and chrome of sports car finishes to fridges made to look like jukeboxes or classic speakers. A working hot dog cart or old-school popcorn machine adds atmosphere and offers hot snacks, for a total win.

Tone it Down

As tempting as it is to go full-on Vegas with strobe lights and a stripper pole, you may eventually want to invite people other than men into your cave. Comfortable seating, good lighting and family-friendly décor may not be as exciting as leopard skin walls and pin-up girl posters, but they are definitely more versatile.

And if you’ve got to indulge your wild side, there’s always room for a small, discreet disco ball.

Pass the Popcorn, Please

According to a recent article in “The Consumerist,” a Michigan moviegoer sued his local theater manager for charging too much for popcorn while forbidding patrons to bring their own snacks into the theater. The theater owner replied that cleaning up after messy patrons costs money. Since you can’t charge your friends admission to your home theater – not and expect to have any friends -- how do you keep your home theater fresh and clean?

Size Does Matter

Bite-sized snacks tend to be less messy than larger ones. Smear a little soft cheese on dried apricots and top them with whole almonds. Fresh fruit is also hard to make a mess with, but if you need a bit of crunch, serve mini-pretzels and "goldfish" crackers instead of chips.

Cut the Crumbs

Use flatbread, naan, tortillas or pita bread torn into bite-sized pieces instead of crumbly crackers. Or roll a meat and a cheese – salami and provolone, turkey and Muenster, ham and Swiss – together with a dab of hot mustard and secure them with toothpicks. You can also try training your guests to eat cheese and crackers with the cracker on top, but do you really want to be that guy?

Cover Your Tracks

If you can’t watch the big game without authentic – and messy – Buffalo wings, make custom slipcovers out of disposable plastic tablecloths and painter’s paper tape. Toss sports-themed throws on top and your pals will admire your decorating skills and team spirit without ever realizing that your home theater furniture has been party-proofed.

Home Meridian International

Tips for Furnishing Your Home Theater

Your choice of home theater seating is every bit as individual as what you choose to watch in it. The biggest, sharpest screen and most awesome sound system won’t hold anyone’s attention if your seating is uncomfortable or awkwardly arranged. Home Meridian offers several models of the most comfortable and appropriate seating to make your home theater experience perfect for you.

Smaller Rooms

Marquee is perfect for smaller screening rooms. Popping up for snacks and drifting off for drinks during intermission shouldn’t involve an obstacle course, so don’t stuff your home theater with furniture that’s too big for it. This space-saving design offers wide, spacious seats with narrower arms, giving you big comfort with a small footprint.

Sturdy Support

Palisades features wide seats and backs that are 42” high to ensure that you are cradled in comfort after a hard day’s work. The extra room is welcome whether you’re a big man, a teen who likes to stretch out or a parent with little ones to cuddle. Lighted cup holders are pretty and practical and the gapless footrest ensures that your entire body is supported by thick padding covered in soft leather.

A-List Luxury

Regal is an excellent choice when getting the most for your dollar is important and only the best will do. Motorized headrests, power recline, gapless chaise styling and lighted cupholders all come together for home theater seating so attractive and luxurious it stands alone, leaving your room design clean, classic and uncluttered.


Once you know what you’re looking for, choosing the appropriate size, style and price of home theater seating is a lot easier than getting everyone to agree on what to watch.

Tips for Keeping Track of Remotes

The only question heard more often in a home theater than “What’s on?” is “Where’s the remote?” For legless, inanimate objects, they seem to disappear with frustrating frequency. Don’t panic. Once you’ve located your wandering remote, taming it is a lot easier than getting it away from the man of the house.

• Bag’em. Hang a cloth bag like those used for magazines over the arm of one of your theater seats. Hang it on the right for most people and on the left for southpaws. Once reaching down for the remote as you sit becomes a habit, so will dropping it back in the bag when it’s not in use.


• Box’em. Gather all of your remotes together if you have more than one, and place them in a decorative basket or box on the coffee table. Many home theater stores and office supply places offer a wide variety of choices ranging from pretty cloth-covered baskets to more masculine-looking leather boxes. Even a clean and empty coffee can covered with shelf paper works because people are more likely to put things back where they belong if they have a definite home.


• In Extreme Cases. If someone in your household keeps the remote in hand as they head for the kitchen for snacks, attach a curly cord to your home theater furniture at one end and the remote at the other. Self-adhesive Velcro dots are great for this, but remember to stick them inside the arm of the chair or sofa down near the cushion where they won’t show.
  

Maintaining Your Home Theater Furniture

Enjoying movies, TV or the big game in your very own home theater seats offers a level of comfort you can’t get in a theater. The only thing missing is the cleaning crew to whisk away stray popcorn and clean up sticky spills. Not to worry. Whether your theater seating is upholstered in cloth or leather, it’s simple to keep it fresh without wearing yourself out.

• Preventive Care. Drape a cloth-backed plastic tablecloth over your toddler’s favorite theater seat to make family movie night a little less nerve-wracking if you like to serve snacks. A placemat draped over the arm of a chair can help prevent stains from plates. Tuck a basket in the corner for shoes to avoid scratches from buckles and stains from soles.
• Spot Cleaning. Blot spills immediately with a paper towel, dishtowel or clean cloth diaper. Use a mixture of mild detergent to and water to clean cloth upholstery. Leather cleaner is safest for leather upholstery. Apply a little bit of either on a clean cloth and gently blot the spill. Blot the spot again with a clean, damp cloth. Keep blotting with a clean cloth until the area is dry.
• Maintenance. Consistent upkeep is the best way to keep your theater seats in first-run condition. Vacuum beneath cushions once a month if you have no small children or pets, and once a week if you do. Dust leather home theater furniture with a soft cloth. Clean cupholders with a damp cloth or moist towelette.
  

Tips for Hosting Home Theater Parties

Movies used to be a social occasion for all ages, from packs of kids piling into a Saturday matinee through first dates for young sweethearts to date nights for busy moms and dads. These days movies are just as likely to be watched at home, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be social.

• Cast of Characters. It’s important to ask dinner guests about preferences before a dinner party, and movie night is no different. Some people can’t handle suspense or gore, while others are bored if there’s not an explosion in the first five minutes. Invite people with similar tastes, values and senses of humor so no one gets an unwelcome surprise. It’s also best to keep it light unless you’re sure that everyone is up for a tear-jerker or tough drama.


• Set-up. Whether you serve dinner before the show or during, do as much of the prep work beforehand as you can. It’s hard to concentrate on a good conversation or a twisty plot if you’re jumping up every few minutes to check what’s on the stove. Toss a small tablecloth over the coffee table or set up a folding table near your home theater seats for extra napkins, condiments and drinks to help keep the interruptions to a minimum if you’re dining in front of the screen.


• Main Theme. Keep it simple. One-dish meals, sandwiches, pizza and other finger foods are far less trouble if you’re eating during the film. Avoid anything that requires a knife to keep the noise level down. Coordinate the meal with the movie for a little extra fun. Cowboy flicks are complemented by chili and all the fixin’s, while classic French farce goes well with quiche and hot baguettes.


• Twist Ending. Serve fresh fruit and cheese along with simple cookies for dessert. It’s not only healthy; it’s easier on your home theater seating to serve mess-proof treats like pear and apple slices or grapes. Or move the party to the dining room where you can talk about the movie over coffee and cake.

With a little planning and a bit of preparation, you can have all the fun of movie-going without the hassle of crowds, high prices or those clueless few who won’t turn off their cell phones. More movie party ideas can be found in this article.