5 Animation Trends to Watch Out for in 2017

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

For anyone working within animation, or with an intention to, in 2017, it helps to know what you are likely going to be coming into. As technology continues to change and improve to ever higher levels, it helps to know the current major design and planning trends.

With the help of the right information, you can make sure that when you enter the market you make an immediate impact. 

The year 2016 was a time for stop-motion animation to make a comeback, as brands sought to connect more emotively with their clients. Stop-motion animation gives a great look, and is a wonderfully persuasive art style, but new technology means that it can now be done more effectively than it was ever done in the past. 

So, what can we expect to see for animation trends in 2017?

1. Stylish 3D 

3D animation has long been a staple in making animation come to life and portraying the most beautiful look and feel possible; that is likely to continue in 2017. As political skullduggery probably means that businesses will continue with minimal budgets in an increasingly constrained yet creative world, stylish 3D skills will be a major boon for any animator who wants to make a sterling impact this year. 

Stylish 3D design is making a big comeback in the world of animation and it’s not going to slow down anytime soon. If you want to get a good idea of the next major factor for all animators, it will use a more high-concept style of 3D than ever before. 

Hopefully, this will mean that animators can use their talents to the best of their ability whilst receiving fairer budgets to operate with! 

2. Marketing Collaboration 

Another major impact that is likely to be on the market in the near future is more collaboration between big brands and entertainment industries. We’ve seen it outside of animation this year, with the X-Men-themed adverts, and we’re likely to see more Star Wars themed editions soon as well. These marketing collaborations are making their way into animation now, too; how long until we see characters from the likes of Overwatch appearing in banking adverts? 

After all, big companies are now using famous cartoon characters and animated heroes to sell their goods. From Fred Flintstone buying a mortgage to Top Cat moving out of his bin, many markets are using cool and iconic characters to build their brand. 

The reason why animators should be expecting this trend to continue so vigorously is quite simple—collaborations are making big bucks for both sides of the party. As companies wind up trying to combine two purchases into one advertisement, it’s likely that 2017 is going to see more companies engaging in these crossover promotional styles. 

It’s effective, as it helps to portray events by using characters that people can identify with far more than with actors. 

3. Web-Related Animation 

Animation won’t only be appearing in more adverts and in more 3D styles than ever—it’s becoming a major part of online marketing. It all started a few years ago with the creation of the (awesome) whiteboard systems that everyone loves using and engaging with. Animated explainer videos went a long way towards helping people forge and plan the right kind of way to tell their story—and animators should be ready to deliver more of this in 2017. 

Website animation designs will become far more effective for businesses as they combine content with cool animations and looks. Rich, full-screen animations can be used either as the focal point, the explanation, or as the cool extra that delivers the sale. Whatever the reason, 2017 is going to see far more interest in businesses using the power of animation to sell their websites and products. 

4. Continued Illustration 

This was huge in 2016 and it was so popular we reckon it will be a huge hit in 2017, too. Design trends tend to last quite a long of time and this is no different. Animators who enjoy the illustration style will be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of illustration becoming a significant part of the market long-term. 

It’s the best form of animation to use when telling a story, so it’s likely to stay as a staple in a world where everyone wants to have their story told and heard. The fact that illustration allows us to literally take any animation idea and make it so means that for many people, the ongoing presence of illustration as a vital form of art in animation can only be a good thing. 

The story matters, and illustrating it is important for added authenticity. 

5. VR Explosion 

Animation is about to take a wonderful step into a rather unknown future thanks to the mainstream growth of virtual reality. The end of 2016 saw the likes of the PlayStation VR arrive, and VR is about to become the latest trendy technology that everyone loves using. 

For this reason, it’s going to play a massive role in the world of animation for the years to come. It’s a form of projection that lends itself well to animation, allowing quality animators to take people inside their design and let them live within it closely. 

The idea that animation can become more immersive by placing us front row and center is obvious, and it’s about to be tested by a market that shows no signs of slowing down. For one guaranteed animation trend in 2017, stick to VR.

Conclusion 

As you can see, there’s plenty to look forward to and be excited about when it comes to being a young animator. With so much potential in your hands, you can help people to take a whole new approach to the way they sell their vision, their business and their ideas.

READ THIS RIGHT NOW:  5 Cool Things You Can Do With The Leading Video Editing Software Programs

You and other people like you have brought us closer to our goals. Thanks ever so much! 

*by andreascy*

Furious 7: The Fast Boys Are Back With An Epic Trailer

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello guys. How are you? If you have been around for the last decade or so then you’ll probably remember a little film called The Fast and The Furious. Here we are 13 years later and the franchise is still going strong! 

Furious 7 has been one of this year’s most anticipated films. The fans are interested to see what new direction the producers are going to take the film, after suffering the loss of one of its main characters; Brian O’ Conner, played by Paul Walker.

Walker was killed in a high-speed car crash in November of 2013 and the producers, finished filming and wrapped up, despite his death. Walker’s brothers were enlisted to help with key scenes in the movie. One can’t help but think of the recent tragedy involving Heath Ledgers passing, during the production of The Dark Night. The cast and crew for Furious 7 has been together for so long and the Vin Diesel, one of the producers, often referred to the crew as "family". Paul, Tyrese and Vin were all very close; both on and off screen.

But... the show must go on right? Fans were treated to a trailer that can only be summed up in one word: EPIC. If the film promises to be as action packed as the preview, then get ready for a visual feast. The movie is set to hit theaters April 2015 and has already generated a huge buzz.

The Plot:

In this film, the team ends up in Tokyo after learning of their friend Han’s death. They meet Sean Boswell who was also friends with Han. Teaming up with Boswell and some extra allies, they set out to find the person responsible for murdering Han. Enter Ian Shaw, played by Jason Statham.

Jason Statham (the older brother of Owen Shaw, the bad guy from Fast 6) joins the Furious 7 entourage as, the new villain that the cast faces off against. As you may have guessed Shaw is hunting the crew down to avenge the death of his younger brother. Statham is a seasoned action movie star and should be able to hold his own when it comes to the action sequences.

Another addition to the cast is Kurt Russell. He is seen for a brief moment in the preview and has a somewhat ominous air about him. From the 3 seconds he’s in the preview, one can already tell that his character is hard to get a bead on. Russell has even said that his character is staged to be suspicious. He can be seen, kind of, mentoring Dominc Toretto in the preview, so the film may play out the misplaced trust notion. This is just speculation, no spoilers. 

With the passing of Paul Walker, one of the most asked questions by the fans is; what is going to be the fate of Brian O’ Conner? It turns out that O’ Conner will get fitting send off. 

Writer Chris Morgan and director James Wan are reworking the script and using previously shot footage of Walker, to give him a suiting farewell. This will still allow the franchise to continue and, if they want to risk it, they can maybe bring O’ Conner back for a cameo or still involve him with the story in some way. There has even been talk of bringing Paul’s brother Cody on, as a new addition to the crew. In the meantime Walker’s other brother Caleb will be filling in for Paul’s scenes.

The whole process is a really fine line to tread. On the one hand there is a movie that needs to be finished, but in a way that leaves the fans satisfied. On the other hand, no one wants to disrespect the memory of Paul Walker. Giving him a “send off into the sunset” seems like a win-win for everyone.

Furious 7 kicks off with action and story right out of the gate. Two members of the crew are now dead and Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is injured. Fans can only assume that the story is building up to O’ Conner’s farewell. Dark, would be going a bit too far to describe the tone of this movie, perhaps pensive is a bit better. The fans will get a sense that the family Dominic has worked hard to put together, isn’t as ‘bulletproof’ as they used to be.

Despite the passing of Paul Walker being a huge tragedy, the film looks as though it will not disappoint and be a fitting final role. I'm looking forward to this, for sure. Can't wait!

Have you seen all the movies on this list?

The community is the lifeblood of this website. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it via a social site or leaving a comment below. 

*by andreascy*

5 Easy Tips And Tricks For 3D Animation

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Today, broods as well as grown-ups are all enthralled with the bizarre plots and astonishing rotations of animated cartoon movies. The animation industry has originated a long way now, by taking a simple 2D hand drawn plan to a totally new phase of 3D animation where gears come to life with all feature having exclusive qualities. 

3D animation is the continuous increasing tendency for most of the movies right now; be it a mixture of actual and vigorous movies, or a fully included animated movie, or computer made motion cinemas has turn out to be part of contemporary film business that both broods and grown-ups will adore.

CGmentor Inc.

CGmentor Inc. is a 3D animation company that creates quality 3d animations display and demonstrate real movement of lips and body parts and offer great amusement to the spectators who are significantly awestruck by these implausible animation movements and 3D effects. The company is also known as 3D animation Toronto as it is prevalent all over Canada. 

When enlivening in a bedroom of a main studio, you will save hours of time and foiling by understanding their top guidelines and ruses for animation. It is true that numerous ideas of appeal animation will never alter; the 12 values of Disney’s ‘old men’ are as imprinted in stone as any statute. On the other hand, animators require growing with the industry and attempt to endure to carry work on time and financial plan. 

In setting together these tips, CGmentor Inc. focuses on notions that are instant modifications for animators to generate as you grow into your career. 

Animate Acting Shots One Phrase at a Time 

It is finest to have a clear full body affectation in your expressions at the expenditure of smooth changes, particularly early on. Animation trails beats and expressions, each with its own resolution. Treat each phrase like its personal shot. Lessen your timeline to show only the phrase in which you are functioning on, and generate a beginning, mid and end to the notion being animated. 

Loosen Up When Animating Contact 

Evade setting the whole body at the point contact. On supreme activities faster ones, the prompt of interaction won’t be seized on 24fps film. Significantly, you will prejudice the measure towards ending at the moment of interaction, by annihilating your curves. If a person picks up a glass, the arm is the sturdier force. 

Animate the indicator passing through the glass, by passing the contact point while remaining on nice arcs. Now correct the glass location and compelling of the glass to make up for the instant of contact lost amid frames. 

A Mirror is a Dangerous Thing 

Be cautious while using a mirror for doing lip-sync. When talking into the mirror, slow down the articulation to print a shape. This is deceptive because it disrespects natural lip/jaw individuality. Key your lip in discrete permits for the lips and jaw, and utilize a mirror for facts to aid one pass at a time whichever lip shape, or jaw gesture. 

Mute Your Dialogue 

Certainly, you must listen to your dialogue constantly when you commence a dialogue shot to get into the charm, the implication, the temper, and the presentation. However, when you operate over the body procedure and full body signs, it is common to trust too deeply on the discourse to fill in the presentation that is missing in the body. 

Go rear into the body and strengthen your posture choices for the main points. Express the line completely with the body language beforehand unmuting the discourse and functioning out lip-sync. 

Do More of Less 

Snap on smaller shots for rehearsal. The cause you practice is to get superior for the industry, so drill the distance of shot you are about to meet on the job, which will infrequently be more than 10 seconds. You are more expected to finish shots that are wieldy attaining skills from obstructive over to final polish.

RELATED: 5 Cool Things You Can Do With The Leading Video Editing Software Programs 

These tricks will aid you to develop your animated skills and explore your business. Comment down below your ideas.

*by andreascy*

5 Cool Things You Can Do With The Leading Video Editing Software Programs

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

What's up? There are some five cool things that you can do with the leading video editing software programs. These are things that can, in the final analysis, make your video productions look more professional. 

We will be examining the said ‘five cool things’ with the objective of understanding their import. We will also be looking at ways in which you can do these ‘five cool things’ using the best tools that are available in the market. Without further ado, the five things that you can do include:

1. Adding video titles and credits: this is very important, because generally speaking, a video without any titles or credits doesn’t look professional at all. So adding the said video titles and credits is one of the things you need to do, in order to make your video productions look professional. Now the way most video editor software programs operate is such that they tend to have tools for adding text to the video graphics. Those are the tools you use to add the said titles and credits where appropriate. Use of the said text tools is typically one of the first things that you get to learn when taking a formal course or informally reading through a tutorial on how to edit videos.

2. Managing sounds: there are many things you can do in this regard. You can, for instance, get rid of background noises that were present at the location where the video was shot. You can also get to add voice-overs and even music (like sound tracks) to your video productions, thus making them fully professional. Most of the video editor software programs have facilities you can make use of with relative ease to add sounds, or get rid of unwanted sounds (the latter being a process referred to as de-noising). 

3. Managing colors: often, in the course of video production, you come to realize that there is a need to change the hues or color saturation of specific scenes. You may also come to learn that you have to do something about the contrast or the brightness of certain scenes. All these are things that would be virtually impossible to do, without the help of video editor software programs. But they are things you can do, in just a few clicks, if you enlist the help of the best video editors (which tend to have main menus dedicated to the aspect of color management).

4. Adding transitions: the transitions we are making reference to here are those that are observed as the change/movement is made from one scene to the next one in a video recording. Most of the modern video editors have main menus bringing together all the tools you need for this aspect of production. And when learning how to edit videos, the issue of adding transitions is typically one of the first things you learn. 

5. Getting rid of unwanted bits: in the course of shooting videos, you almost always end up with unwanted bits (which are captured in the initial recording, but which are not supposed to appear in the final production). Video editor programs make it possible for you to get rid of such bits - typically through the use of trimming and cropping functions.

SEE ALSO: The Future Landscape of Software Development

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*by andreascy*

3D Movies: A Passing Fad Or Here To Stay?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The film industry has seen its share of ups and downs due to the financial issues impacting economies worldwide in the past decade. 

However, the growth of 3D films, which have commanded higher ticket prices, has buoyed the industry's fortunes through continued profits. Weathering the advent of streaming movies, piracy, and reduced entertainment budgets, filmmakers have put a lot of stock in 3D movies and the potential for enormous profits.

A Modest Beginning

Although modern 3D movies are light years beyond the movies that came out in the 1950s, when the first 3D movies were released, the arrival of 3D in the ‘50s mirrors the reasons why Hollywood and film industries the world over have embraced the technology today. In the 1950s, Hollywood was under attack from the shiny invention of television, and 3D films were supposed to be the answer to falling revenues.

Interestingly, 3D film technology was actually in existence in 1915, but the first significant push didn't happen until the 1950s and its resurgence wasn't felt until after the turn of the millennium. Throughout the last century, there were several efforts to improve the technology and make it palatable for a wide selection of features, such as the rather poor efforts in the 1980s to reintroduce 3D in action-adventure films like "Jaws 3D."

TV and Movie Technology Meet

In a similar fashion today, the film industry has embraced digital filmmaking and 3D technology as a way to make the movies "feel" big when compared to the entertainment experience of a home theater system. Bigger budgets, bigger 3D, and tons of digital special effects have infiltrated summertime movie theaters. The arrival of enormous flat screen televisions with 3D technology that doesn't even require a pair of glasses has shown that even consumer electronics companies have jumped on the 3D bandwagon.

The interesting thing about Hollywood's effort at inundating audiences with 3D movies is that the industry has remained dependent upon home video sales in an era when Internet piracy has eaten strongly into company profits. Although those filmmakers want to see huge box office receipts in theaters, they are also counting upon hefty DVD and Blu-ray sales to boost the bottom line.

Not Just for the Big Blockbusters

Hollywood has certainly embraced 3D technology, and it would appear as though the industry wishes to increase its dominance in today's release schedules. Far from being the domain of $200 million tent-pole movies released in the middle of the summer, 3D movies come in a variety of budgets and genres. Over the past few years, myriad 3D movies have shown up on release schedules, and each year more movies are planned for 3D production.

Ubiquitous Application Potential

One of the interesting facets of development regarding 3D films made in the past decade is that the first films that featured 3D technology were filmed using classic techniques and traditional film cameras, while films created today have been created with digital film cameras for 3D presentation. The impact of this change has meant a smoother implementation of 3D opportunities throughout films rather than the inconsistent application of random scenes where 3D could look good.

Movies based on comic books that feature flying superheroes aren't the only place a moviegoer today will see 3D. Although films with micro-budgets and those that have been made under the banner of independent filmmaking wouldn't be the first place for 3D technology to show up, the technology seems to have spread to midrange budgets. With so many 3D films on the schedule this year, it would seem that 3D technology, and the accompanying higher ticket prices, is here to stay whether the public wants the technology or not.

Author Jake Reynolds is fascinated with technology, be it in films or in 3D Bends and heavy machinery.

*by andreascy*

What To Look For In A New TV

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Buying a new TV can be a lot more complicated than it used to be. With options including HD, plasma, LCD, and a large range of different specs in the term of pixels and Hz, it can be difficult to decide which TV is worth buying and which is just hyped up with fancy terminology. 

Because you are spending your valuable money and possibly taking out some in store finance to purchase a TV, it’s important to choose one that works best for you.

Choosing a Size

Size is important and for most of us; after all, bigger is better. Important considerations include that there is a limit between a ‘good size’ and a ‘good price’. As a general rule, usually any TV over a certain size will be more expensive and for most, that size is 42-55 inches. A 42” TV is actually one of the best budget TV sizes, especially considering that most are only a few hundred above 36” TVs while a 62” might be several thousand pounds in comparison. Budget verses Size is a crucial thing to consider so take your time and shop around to see what is the biggest size you can get for a reasonable price. If you settle on a bigger TV then you could always choose to apply for cash loans to help pay for the television.

What do all of those Quality Terms Mean Anyway?

Pixel ratio, video processing, what do all of those terms mean anyway? For most of us, bigger numbers can confuse us into thinking that we’re getting a better TV, but for the most part, a lot of it is really just hype. The standard HDTV TV only has about 40 pixels per square inch which is about 8 times lower than your average iPhone screen which is retina display. In this light, HD quality might actually be a little lower than you think anyway. New 4K TVs are already coming out but these usually only have about 160 pixels per inch. Terms such as 120Hz and 240Hz refer to video processing while terms such as 1080i and 720p refer to display resolution and maximum light output. Usually these factors are actually less important than simply calibrating your TV correctly to display well in your light conditions.

Plasma verses LED verses LCD 

There are multiple types of TVs but Plasma, LED and LCD are the three most common. Most experts recommend plasma as the most consistent quality TV in a room without a lot of sunlight, mostly because plasma provides the best contrast and screen uniformity. LED screens are best when paired with local dimming, and LCD screens can be extremely good as well so long as the colour saturation is correct.

Options

From 3D to smart TV, most televisions today are a lot more complicated than their predecessors. A smart TV can usually be connected to the internet, can often be used to play games and can be used to answer email or even log onto your social networks. Anyone with a game station probably has all of these features already, so it might not be necessary to purchase a smart TV. Many TVs now come with built in smart apps so you might not have the option to purchase an old fashioned TV without these options. 3D is usually vastly overrated, mostly because most people don’t actually use the 3D feature. Watching 3D requires you to purchase 3D movies and wear 3D glasses, so this can be a hassle that most people would rather do without. However, a 3D TV will play normal movies so it won’t limit your access to the television you love. 

TRENDING: Why Curved Screens are the Next Innovative Trend

Any thoughts?

*by andreascy*

A Production Tool That Makes Life Easier

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

If you want to simplify the task of creating and distributing a call sheet, a call sheet app is exactly what you should be using. In fact, any film industry insider will surely find this tool a must-have since it has great resources that can be accessed through your smartphone or laptop. 

The app is available in two versions: Doddleme free app and DoddlePro This version may be free, but you can't turn your nose up at its features. Toolkit includes the following:

Guide

This guide lets you search through an extensive database of talents, crews, and vendors. If you're looking for a freelancer or any particular industry-related resource, you can browse through the comprehensive list and filter your search based on category, location, and names. What's more, you have the chance to showcase your services and get yourself listed too.

News

Think it's hard to stay updated with the news relevant to the film industry? Think again. With News, you can keep up with the latest happenings of the film industry.

Jobs and Classifieds

Jobs and Classifieds are upcoming features of the app. Jobs are where employers can post employment opportunities and where job-seekers turn to, so they know who's hiring, and seize opportunities within the entertainment industry. Classifieds, on the other hand, is where users can buy, sell, or trade equipment related to the industry.

Pro

If you think the free version of features are nifty, those are not even half of all the tools available when you upgrade to Pro. Aside from all the features of the free version, here are some of the coolest features of the Pro version of this call sheet app:

Weather and Emergency Info

Call sheets naturally include weather and emergency information about your location. Once you key in the location of the production, the app will automatically update your call sheet with relevant weather and emergency information.

Internal Notes

This tool allows you to send a note and stay in touch with a crew member or the entire staff.

Visuals

Call sheets can be a bit dreary to read. Do something about it by adding some photos and a storyboard to your call sheet. Others will surely find the file more interesting too.

PDF Creation

You can go totally paperless in creating and sharing call sheets. But just to cover all bases, the tool creates a PDF copy of the call sheet. Crew members will automatically receive a digital and PDF copy of the file even if they don't have a Pro account.

Delivery Reports

Make sure all the crew members received a copy of the call sheet in their email by checking the delivery reports. The report will show who received the call sheet, who didn't, and why.

The app is available for Android and iPhone users; and the mobile version syncs with the online version, so you can work productively even if you're on the go. It's so useful in helping you organize your tasks seamlessly and getting them done in record time that you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.

YOU SHOULD READ: 5 Easy Tips And Tricks For 3D Animation

What am I grateful for today? YOU. Thank you for your trust and long term support! I look forward to your nice comments down below. :)

*by andreascy*

The Real and Unreal Science of "Star Trek"

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Since 1966, Star Trek has encouraged our imaginations to boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek dared us imagine moving faster than the speed of light, being locked in deadly combat in the vacuum of space and finding common ground with intergalactic beings light years away from Earth.

However, it was not merely the concept of interstellar travel and super-intelligent aliens that drew us in but the promise of the spectacular technology the future could bring. It is hard to imagine any Star Trek episode without thinking of all the gadgets. Tricorders, phasers, and the fantastical allure of the holodeck were an integral part of the immersion this reality we hoped was not too far in the future.

Perhaps we are living in the infant stages of that future. Just how far away are we from a Star Trek universe? Set aside the fantasy for a moment and consider just how feasible our idealized future could be.

Source: Best Computer Science Degree

*by andreascy*

TED : Robert Legato - The Art of Creating Awe

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Did we really see what we thought we saw? Robert Legato creates visual illusions (effects) for movies so good they (sometimes) trump the real thing - thinking deeply both about vfx's expanding tech power and the truly new creative processes that can result. 

Legato won his first Oscar in 1998 for his work on James Cameron's Titanic, after several years in television supervising effects on two Star Trek series. 

His 2012 Oscar win for Hugo, the 3D film about an orphan boy who lives alone in a Paris train station, underscores his fascinating partnership with Martin Scorsese - doing digital effects on documentaries and new classics like The Departed.

He's worked with the big effects houses like Sony Imageworks and Digital Domain, but is now fascinated with the nimble new workflows made possible with digital tools. He designed the "virtual cinematography pipeline" that let James Cameron shoot Avatar like a feature film, not a software project. We know that fx can create new worlds - but how can these tools unlock new creativity? 

In this warm and funny talk at TED, Rob shares his vision for enhancing reality on-screen in movies like Apollo 13, Titanic and Hugo. Enjoy the video!

Discover other interesting TED Performances.

*by andreascy*

How To Build A Home Theatre At A Reasonable Price

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Many people these days have that magical room in their house known as the home theatre. Often referred to as a “movie room” or “media centre” the home theatre is now a highly popular place for families and friends to gather.

People inexperienced in the whole home theatre scene are often concerned at how expensive it could be to construct and how much room it may take up. But things have changed. People who have not upgraded their television in quite a while are still assuming the prices of flat screens and speakers are in excess of £3000. It is possible to spend that much, but that is only if you are looking at getting that brand new 50” OLED television that isn’t really worth it.

Make Sure Your System Fits Your Space

The first thing I did when I began looking for the speakers I needed was to size up the room that would become my home theatre. It’s easy to maximize the sound of your room if the space is smaller than average. The smaller the space, the less power needed to amplify the speakers. This means you can get a fairly medium powered receiver/amp and speakers that won’t require a lot of power. A lot of people will pack their room with huge over-sized speakers; you will definitely save a lot more money and have better sounding 5.1 using the correct speakers. 

Don’t Let That Salesman In The Shop Fool You

You can always end up spending more when you visit some of the large chain shops. Commission sales are what drives staff members to come rushing up to you as soon as you come through the door. Don’t let them try and sell you every useless item under the sun, they will definitely try. Make sure you find out EXACTLY what you are looking for before you walk into the shop. 

Speakers

Equipment can cost a lot of money; it’s in your interest to shop around before making any large decisions, I’ve found that quality is definitely worth investing in. I bought speakers from a local shop that sold speakers as separates. This means that I basically selected different front and rear speakers according to my taste, once I had decided on this I began looking for the ideal centre speaker.

The main problem with buying separate speakers is that they vary in color shape and size; it’s difficult to keep the speakers coordinated. I would however, definitely pick separates over an all in one speaker kit. All in one kits are usually great for the budget but not so great for sound quality, unless you’re spending upwards of £1000 I would not suggest it.

If you are upgrading your home theatre, always look out for shops that will allow you to trade in your previous speakers to then put towards your new ones. You may also want to use an online auction site such as eBay to get rid of your old speakers, or even buy your new ones!

Televisions

The television is one item to be careful of. There are hundreds on the market and they range from 300 to 3000+. You must first decide on what the room is primarily going to be used for, Movies? Gaming?

If gaming is a big factor for your setup and you’re looking at getting the £400 budget Samsung LCD or whichever brand, make sure you check what latency the screen has! 

This is usually referred to as “response time” and it can greatly affect how fast your control inputs feel coming through to the television. The smaller the response time the better. The minimum response time for gaming would be around 8ms, any more than that and you’ll be at a disadvantage. LCD televisions can have quite a large response time where as Plasma is known to be a lot smaller but it’s not always the case.

Projectors

Projectors are coming down in price these days so make sure you have a look at those, but don’t forget to include the cost of the pull down screen! Projectors can be a great way to maximize the size of the screen. You can get fairly decent HD projectors now at quite a good price. Projectors can be quite hard to watch in the daytime due to daylight shooting through the window. I had to put up blinds and thick curtains to be able to see the screen. One other thing about projectors is they have a lamp life, the bulb inside the projector can only be used for a certain amount of time before it effectively becomes useless. When I last had a projector its bulb could cost up to £400 for a replacement, so keep that in mind.

Although people assume it to be ridiculously expensive, building a home theatre doesn’t have to be. Just make sure you research what you’re looking for and check the specifics of all items!

If you like our article then kindly share it with your friends. If you want to support us then subscribe on our RSS feed and Daily Newsletter for future updates. Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

*by andreascy*

CNETTV : Apple TV earns Editors' Choice Award

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The new Apple TV with 1080p HD gives you access to the best content - blockbuster movies, TV shows, sports, your music and photos, and more - right on your widescreen TV. 

You can even play content from your iOS devices on your TV using AirPlay. Best of all, Apple TV is just $99.

Learn more >>

Great HD Content :

The hottest movies and your favorite TV shows from iTunes. The entire Netflix

catalog of streaming titles. Live sports. 

And that’s only the beginning. 

Learn more >>

AirPlay :

Wirelessly stream content from your iOS device to your HDTV.

Or mirror the screen of your device on your TV. 

Learn more >>

With the release of all these features the Apple TV is now a must-have gadget for any Apple fan. Enjoy the video!

Discover more CNETTV topics on our Blog by clicking here. Let us know what do you think below.

*by andreascy*

At NAB Show - HP DreamColor Display & Hurlbut Visuals

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Digital film and video production with color critical control from start to finish.

Shane Hurlbut A.S.C. Cinematographer from Hurlbut Visuals talks at NAB Show about the changes he has made to his production workflow since integrating HP's DreamColor Display with 7 pre set color spaces including REC 709 and Adobe RGB. 

Shooting with today's digital pro cameras - like RED and Canon, Shane uses the DreamColor on location as his eyepiece for getting the color right from the beginning. 

His 1st exposure to the DreamColor was on the set of Act of Valor. He also talks about the DreamColor's seamless integration for both field and post editing.

READ ALSO: Color Critical Film Production : HP Dream Color Displays and Hurlbut Visuals

We would like to ask you to please share our posts with your friends and help us get the word out, through social media and word of mouth. 

Thanks again for visiting us! Stay tuned folks! 😉💛

*by andreascy*

Color Critical Film Production : HP DreamColor Displays and Hurlbut Visuals

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

This is a 2.5 minute video talking with Shawn Hurlbut of Hurlbut Visuals about the value of having the HP DreamColor display in his film production workflow. 

From controlling color on location using the DreamColor as his eyepiece for digital cameras to matching up colors in the edit bay this workflow eliminates time and money in his productions.

Find more on :
http://www.hurlbutvisuals.com/press

*by andreascy*

The Future of Entertainment : Jamie Masada, Founder of the Laugh Factory and Brian David

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Intel Futurist, Brian David Johnson has a conversation with comedy innovator and humanitarian, Jamie Masada, founder and owner of The Laugh Factory, about the future of entertainment and putting comedy on the internet.

*by andreascy*

Amazon Instant Video on Xbox LIVE

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Looking for something to do? With the Amazon Instant Video app on Xbox 360, you can access any movie or TV episode you’ve previously rented or bought from Amazon Instant Video. 

Amazon has more than 120,000 titles, including new release movies and next-day TV episodes. In addition, Amazon Prime members can watch thousands of videos on Xbox 360 at no additional cost to their membership.

Watch this video to learn all about the new Amazon Instant Video app now on Xbox LIVE! You won't regret it.

More on : 
http://xbx.lv/LbB9jr

*by andreascy*

Xbox LIVE partnered up with ABC to sponsor the Desperate Housewives Wrap Party

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Xbox LIVE partnered up with ABC to sponsor the Desperate Housewives Wrap Party. 

Catch up on all of your favorite Desperate Housewives episodes on Xbox LIVE! 

*by andreascy*

Tech Animation : Intel® Insider

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

This is one of a set of 6 Tech Animations focused on some of the key technologies for 3rd Gen Intel® Core™. 

Do you want to understand or show your customers how Intel® Turbo Boost, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, Intel® Wireless Display, Intel® Insider, and Intel® HD Graphics works? 

These short videos educate on the technologies and show some of the usage models and benefits that can be achieved with each technology. This set of videos will be available separate or together as a set. 

Check the other 5 Tech animations on :
http://officialandreascy.blogspot.com/2012_04_24_archive.html

*by andreascy*