Latest in Home Theater, Cool Homes and Home Electronics

LG Display has announced it’s going solar. And no, that doesn’t mean we’ll see solar-powered TVs—at least not right away. I had my hopes up, too, but it just means that LG is planning on making solar electric systems. Actually, LG will make thin-film solar cells that are being hailed as a solution to the high prices and lack of… View this story

It’s not an upscale resort, but the way this outdoor space has been decked out the family members can feel like they’re on vacation every day. Dallas-based custom electronics pro Elliston Systems & Design outfitted the area with A/V akin to any indoor media room. A 50-inch Samsung LCD, mounted above the outdoor fireplace, provides high-definition pictures supplied by any… View this story

Q. If money did not matter, what is the best TV on the planet that’s 50 inches or more? - Matt Ubel, Minn. A. The easy answer is the Pioneer Elite Kuro plasma, but Pioneer is phasing out of that product. So if you’re going to buy one, you should do it now. You should also look into products from… View this story

What will a green home network of the future look like? The ZigBee Alliance would like it to look like wireless mesh-network of ZigBee products. It’s planning to introduce a ZigBee Green Power feature set that establishes a global standard for self-powered devices. That means small, networked devices that capture or harvest energy via solar, ambient temperature, or mechanical action… View this story

Money is tight, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of having a home control system. Just scale down your plans a bit. Instead of spending a fortune to trick out the entire house, you can economize by focusing on a single room. It’s a trend that’s really taking off, says Keith W. Harrison, owner… View this story

These homeowners have catapulted a 50-year-old ranch-style home into the 21st century with modern, minimalist design, with the help of custom electronics pro London Audio. Blonde woods, glistening stone, premium leathers and polished chrome replaced the Cold-war design elements during this complete home makeover. And the basement bonus room has taken on new life as a dedicated screening room. “This… View this story

Almost everyone that’s visited a dealer in search of an audio system has experienced the boring audiophile music that’s used to highlight a system. Without stereotyping their musical preferences for equipment demos too much, that dedicated group of traditional audiophiles usually choose from classical and jazz, to vocal wares from artists like Diana Krall, Patricia Barber and Peggy Lee, to… View this story

French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal knows how to run the gamut when it comes to products, providing options from the low hundreds to the six-figure Grand Utopias. One thing that always signifies to me, when speaker companies carry such a wide range, is that you can trust their technology to be superb at just about any level, because those $180K whopper… View this story

Q. I have a 14x16 ft room which I plan to set up as a media room. If I want to do a 7.1 system, what is the largest size TV/Screen that should be used? How many 30-inch chairs could you fit that would allow for reasonably good balance with two rows of seating? Dave, Fla. A. I’d start by… View this story

Randy Murray thinks of his theater as a “modest” effort. While that may be true when compared to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, we prefer Randy’s cozy, complete theater experience. When we say “complete,” it’s because Randy’s entire basement level is dedicated to making the perfect movie night. Walk into this basement, and you’ll be treated to a… View this story

Unless you grew up on a farm, the thought of jumping on the back of a horse stirs up plenty of apprehension in most people. Words of encouragement can help, but there’s no better form of comfort than music, says Shery McDonald-Galbreath. The owner and president of the SaddleUp! Foundation and Riding Academy, a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding organization in… View this story

This 9,000-square-foot backyard boasts a custom swimming pool that spans one-third of the length of the yard, waterfalls, a walking bridge over the pool, an elevated hot tub with waterfalls, a putting green, basketball court, tether ball, and batting cage with pitching machine. From there you can make your way into the outdoor gazebo/kitchen, or sitting areas near the fire… View this story