I have a "media room" but no big screen, yet. As I said in the message, that's coming when costs go 
lower. Still undecided about a large flat-screen LED or a ceiling-mounted projector and a pull-down 
very large screen. I'm not a big-time movie buff but DVD's and a very wide/deep variety in the local 
library system have made me much more of a fan.

-- Tom Fine


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Richter" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] DVD video to iPod


> Tom Fine wrote:
>> This must be a generational thing. I hate (HATE) movie theaters. Usually, the focus is blurry, 
>> the sound bad and the place full of loud smelly people. So I'll sacrifice the "larger than life" 
>> aspect of the visuals for the comfort of my own home and superb surround sound experience. As 
>> large flatscreens get cheaper and cheaper -- and the same case with digital projectors -- the day 
>> fast approaches when I'll have it all: a larger-than-life picture plus surround plus the comfort 
>> of my own home. Also, going to the movies costs well north of $10 per person if you get a medium 
>> nasty greasy popcorn and watered-down soda. And the movies made today aren't generally very good, 
>> in my opinion. I still go to an occasional IMAX movie because that truly is a super-real 
>> experience.
>>
>> -- Tom Fine
>
> There is another choice: a media room.
>
> Before I became ill, I often hosted music gatherings in my otherwise modest home. For the purpose, 
> I had a 14x35-foot room built onto the house and installed a projector (since upgraded to DLP) and 
> eight-foot screen. I had to give up my Dahlquist speakers since they blocked the screen, but the 
> B&W's provided excellent surround to complement the picture.
>
> In short, it's a more practical approach to a small theater or studio screening room - and since 
> I've been to screenings in the latter (I'm in Los Angeles), I can say that while my own version is 
> smaller, it's better than some of the 'pro' installations.
>
> Since some of my friends are members of the Academy, I have the opportunity to see far more 
> 'screeners' than time permits (and despite the protective measures of the Academy have copied some 
> for later viewing). More to my taste is bringing opera into my home via that room. A friend who 
> visits weekly remarks regularly on the convenience of attending the opera while kicking off her 
> shoes and putting her feet up on the table. (I listen from my recliner; they make do with the 
> couch.)
>
> Mike
> -- 
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.mrichter.com/
>