Tag: home theater

How to Get the Best Home Theater System With What You Already Have For Under $100

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A cheap home theater system, in a lot of cases, can be easily achieved with what you already have. All it takes is a few simple adjustments, some recalibrating, and perhaps some creativity depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s how to get your TV, audio, and home theater accessories just right.

Microfiber Cloth

Buy a microfiber cloth. Once a month, give the TV screen a dusting. If there’s one thing that’ll make your home theater look pristine, it’s a lack of dust. From dust to fingerprints, a microfiber cleaning cloth will take care of everything.

Have 1 Remote

Buy a multi-use multimedia remote that can span across all devices. This will make it much less problematic to find which remote to use for what. A multimedia keyboard is also very easy to set up.

Consider Ethernet

You are probably using Internet on your TV in some way. If the connection’s ever dropped or has been unstable, an alternative to using WiFi is setting up a wired Internet connection. All that’s required for that is an Ethernet cable.

Mount Your TV

This is what will make the most visual difference in achieving a better home theater vibe. Buy a TV wall mount. By mounting a TV, you save on space, create a more theatrical presentation, and achieve a cleaner-looking TV room.

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Recalibrate Picture And Sound

It doesn’t hurt to occasionally recalibrate your picture and sound settings. In some cases, you’ll drastically improve picture quality. When it comes to speakers, adjusting their positioning even by a few inches can alter what you’re hearing and define for you where to place what, from subwoofers to surround sound speakers.

Tidy And/or Hide Cables

Home theater cables are a tough bunch. They are necessary but very much in the way at the same time. There are lots of ways to tidy them up, from using cable tires to using cable management channels and the like.

Consider Some New Accessories

Splurge on one thing. It can be anything. An Android smart TV box. An HDTV antenna. Go for something that speaks to you and that will get you excited about your home theater area again. Make a commitment to buy yourself one new thing as a gift every year. This way, you’re continually freshening up your entertainment area.

There are all sorts of great cheap ways to upgrade your home theater system for under $100. PrimeCables.ca is the place to shop. Visit us today to find the best home theater deals in Canada.

8 Super Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your Home Theater in 2021

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Home theaters get expensive. A DIY home theater system from PrimeCables.ca though has accessories starting at under $0.99. You don’t need lots of money or space to redesign your entertainment room.

Here are 8 super cheap ways to upgrade your home theater in Canada without spending thousands.

Buy A Smart TV Box

A smart TV Android box turns any monitor or screen into a computer more or less. It gives you an operating system just like a smart TV, connects to the Internet, and gives you lots of games and entertainment to enjoy.

Try A Bluetooth Soundbar

A home theater Bluetooth soundbar allows you to connect your smartphone and play music or podcasts whenever you like, in addition to having it act as your home theater speakers. A Bluetooth soundbar also takes up very little space.

Sort Your Wires And Cables

Your HDMI cables and home theater wires can be an eyesore. Upgrade what you have and consider cables ties or ways to tie them together, clean up the look a bit, or channels to use to obscure them.

Invest In An HDTV Antenna

You can buy an HDTV antenna for less than $15. If you live in a city, it’s worth investing in. You can receive free over-the-air TV any time you like, whether you have an existing cable subscription or not.

Have Accent Lighting

A set of USB LED strip lights can be installed on the back of your TV or wherever you see fit in a home theater room. Adjust them to the color you like. This not only helps make images clearer and reduces eye fatigue but will also add some much-needed atmosphere to the room.

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Try Height Adjustable Speaker Stands

A set of height-adjustable speaker floor stands lift your speakers up off the floor and give a professional look to your home theater. If you aren’t using a soundbar or don’t have speakers already featured in some way, this can be a way to add a lot of flash to your entertainment space.

Try A TV Wall Mount

Home theater mounts are very affordable. They can be used for your flat-screen and even speakers, if you like. A TV wall mount will lift your flat-screen and create a more theatrical experience for you to enjoy.

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Buy A Wireless Multimedia Keyboard

A mini 2.4GHz portable keyboard eliminates the need for multiple remotes. It syncs up to everything – gaming consoles, TV, speakers, HD players, and more. One remote to rule it all!

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Shop all these cheap home theater accessories and others at PrimeCables.ca. See what’s possible on a budget and be shocked by what you’ll find. Check us out online, with fast delivery available Canada-wide.

What To Look For In A Pair of Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers

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When looking for home theater bookshelf speakers, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Budget is one aspect. Design, quality of manufacturing and compatibility in connectivity with the electronics that you already own. Let’s take a look at these aspects, and we can determine what you feel is the right fit for you.

Design of Your Bookshelf Speakers

Often, when anyone mentions bookshelf speakers, what comes to mind are tiny, boxy black pieces of wood and material that have unsightly wires running everywhere. This may have been what speakers were in the past, but today’s high performance bookshelf speakers have much more to offer the consumer.

The design is sleek, modern, and sophisticated, yet simple. Find speakers that are in line with what you already own for a home theater system.

What Is The Right Price for Home Theater Speakers?

Looking at some online magazines will give you a great idea on what may fit into your budget, along with a design that can fit into your décor and lifestyle. Before ordering a set of home theater bookshelf speakers, have a list of what features you are looking for. This way you can ‘feel’ what fits into your budget also.

Other Considerations To Make For Bookshelf Speakers

How a set of home theater bookshelf speakers looks has very little, if anything, to do with their performance. Ask yourself these questions.

  • Do you want a look that matches or co-ordinates with where you plan to place the speakers?
  • Are your home theater speakers going to be placed on a stand mount or mounted to the wall?
  • Are there certain devices that you wish to connect these speakers with, such as an amplifier or turntable?
  • Would you like to be able to wake up the people down the street with the volume or just rattle a few shelves in your own space?

These kinds of factors go into any purchase of any speaker set or surround sound system such as this.

Understandably, price with functionality, can be the deciding factor in many purchases of home theater bookshelf speakers. Prices can range from $150 to well over $10,000 for top-of-the-line speaker systems.

All in all, you want to find the best sound, great connectivity, a solid build, and a system that fits into your lifestyle. Home theater bookshelf speakers do not need to be huge to give you a vibrant sound, small does not mean lower quality in all cases.

Take all these aspects into consideration when contemplating a purchase of speakers, as you will want to be able to experience the sound as though you were right there in the studio while the artist was creating. Shop premium high-quality bookshelf speakers at PrimeCables.ca today.

How To Build A Home Theater For Under $300

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“It doesn’t matter how amazing a home theater is, if we can’t afford it, we can’t afford it.”

That’s a sentiment shared by many. As fun as it is to dream up this amazing flat-screen setup, affordability really matters.

At PrimeCables.ca, you can build a home theater for under $300. It can take some minor adjustments but it’s more than possible. We say this because we’ve done it ourselves. It’s easy, assuming you’re prioritizing the right elements for you. Here’s how you do it.

Your Flat-Screen

A screen is, by far, going to cost you the most. You can buy a 1080P 43” for under $250 but it’s going to eat up a lot of budget. You can buy a 720P 32” TV for slightly less and still retain the HD image you want.

Try A Projector Instead

Another way to save money on the screen and free up some budget is to buy a projector or a mini projector. These can be slightly less expensive, take up less space, and still deliver a quality picture.

Home Theater Speakers

If you’re working with a budget under $300, you don’t need a set of speakers per se. If you’re prioritizing audio though, you can find some excellent quality speaker systems in the $50 range equipped to handle all the volume you want.

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Android Smart TV Box

You need something to watch with your home theater system. If you don’t have a smart TV, convert what you do have into one with an Android smart TV box. It’ll connect you to your Internet and give you access to all sorts of apps and media.

HDMI Cables, Adapters, Etc.

You may have some things you want to hook up, like gaming consoles and the like. Buying new HDMI cables or adapters and switches can help retool your home theater to connect different devices and further expand its capability.

Should You Mount Your TV?

A TV wall mount can cost as little as $10 or under and adds a different dynamic to your home theater. It makes it feel a little more like a movie theater. A luxury, we know, but to some, well worth it.

Couches And Seating

Home theater spaces are all about comfort. That means where you sit. If you’re determined to remain under budget, spending money on seating is a no-go. Every day, people are moving. Couches and chairs are given away routinely. Find a decent and comfortable set you can recover and repurpose for your room.

It takes some compromise, of course, but anyone can create a home theater system with creativity for under $300. Shop all these items from PrimeCables.ca today and get your home theater set up!

Why Is A Home Theater Projector Better Than A Flat-Screen?

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Flat-screens are big business. Home theater builders and media lovers are bred into thinking they’re what’s best for any sort of home entertainment room. In actuality, a projector has a theatrical feel you can’t duplicate with any television or computer monitor. Here’s why home theater projectors are better than buying a new flat-screen.

Blow Up Your Image

Change the size of the screen according to how you like it, enlarging it for groups or keeping it smaller for more intimate watches.

Bring It With You

Have you tried taking a 72” flat-screen around with you – it’s a trip! A projector is a lot easier to carry. You can take a home theater projector with you and set it up at a friend’s place for an event, take it with you to work for a presentation, or use it outdoors for a little late-night movie projection.

You Recreate A Theater

If movies are your thing, skip the $20 popcorn and price of admission in favor of watching a theater-sized projector screen at home. Especially if you have a big family room, a projector’s ultimate.

The Price Is Worth It

Home theater projectors can be quite expensive. Even so, you get HD 4K quality images on projector models at less of a cost than what a similarly-sized flat-screen would cost you.

You Save Space

Even if you mount a TV, it’s going to take up a certain amount of wall space. A projector has to be mounted but it’s ultimately not going to take up very much space at all. In a lot of city apartments and condos, it can be a great investment if you’re dead-set on having as large a screen as the room will allow.

They Are Highly Adaptable

A 4K home theater projector can be connected to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It can be used for gaming as well which is incredibly fun. They’re very adaptable and doesn’t necessitate the same physical infrastructure as a flat-screen. This can annoy some home theater builders, however. It’s up to you what you feel is best.

You Won’t Have To Buy A New One

Projectors last a long time. Flat-screens do, too. With new flat-screens coming out every year though, it can be tempting to want to buy a new flat-screen seasonally. With a home theater projector, you’re getting a premium image from the get-go and it’ll stay that way.

There’s nothing like seeing an image blown up big and clear in quality on an HD projector. Whether you’re buying a 1080P or 4K projector for your home theater, find them both at PrimeCables.ca.

What Is The Best Home Theater System For You?

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The ultimate home theater setup is not just about a flat-screen and a set of speakers. It’s an atmosphere and a vibe. It’s the quiet place you can retreat to after a long day of doing work, watching whatever you like in solitude and comfort.

What the best home theater is can take a bit of thought to figure out but with the right home theater accessories, you can certainly answer the question for yourself and get it done on a budget.

Here are some important questions to ask when creating your ultimate home theater.

Do You Have A Smart TV?

If you have a smart TV, awesome. Move onto the next question. If you don’t, buying an Android smart TV box will convert any flat-screen with an HDMI input into a smart TV. It’s an important investment.

What Speakers Do You Want?

Classic surround sound home theater speakers exist. So do Bluetooth soundbars that are very dynamic and often smaller. If you are particularly low on space, a simple set of multimedia computer speakers may be enough.

Where Do You Want To Put Your Screens?

Thanks to TV wall mounts, you can more or less put a screen anywhere in your entertainment space. Hang them from the ceiling, over a fireplace, on a swing arm, or keep them flush with a wall. You can also choose to mount your speakers in a similar way, should you enjoy this presentation.

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What Does Your Home Theater Lighting Look Like?

Another way to recreate that sort of theatrical and immersive look is to use lighting, i.e. LED strip lights as backlighting or a dimmer to bring down the intensity of the lights to a faint glow. Homeowners spend months working away on how to light their home theater rooms. It can necessitate some experimenting to get just right but when you do, you’ll know.

How Many Remotes Will You Need?

When you start adding up the inventory of devices you have – PC, Android box, gaming consoles, Blu-Ray player, satellite dish, etc. – that’s at least two or three remotes. Simplify things with a wireless multimedia mini keyboard. A single remote to rule them all!

Do You Have Enough Home Theater Cables?

Cables are the unspoken element of every home theater system. It’s an inevitability that you’ll need cables. Lots and lots of cables. Most likely HDMI cables. With limited HDMI inputs on your screen, this can be a problem. Consider what’s possible with adapters and switches, or buy multiples when it comes to cables, ensuring it’s not a struggle plugging in different consoles or devices.

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Check in at PrimeCables.ca for the best home theater deals in Canada. See award-winning cables and home theater accessories to solve the problem of how to build a home theater system that’s right for you.

What Do I Look For In A Home Theater Projector?

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Bring a premium movie-going experience home with you when you get set up with a home theater projector.

Although it can feel like a big investment and a detour from flat-screens, a projector is a distinct style choice that pays off. It harkens back to classic cinema, yes, but it also a fun and totally captivating way to enjoy sports, concerts, family movies, and more.

If you’re buying a projector, here are the things to look for.

Cost Of A Projector

Projectors are an expense. Like buying a flat-screen, you definitely want to find the best home theater deal on a projector because it can easily add up to being the most expensive thing in your room.

Projector Resolution

A 4K projector is arguably equal in value to a 1080P home theater projector. A lot make the mistake of going for the ‘best projector’ aka the most expensive and it really isn’t necessary. Differences between 1080P and 4K in a dark room are minimal. You can also knock off a fair bit from the price by going with 1080P over 4K.

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Home Theater Speakers

Most projectors have very low sound quality. Once again, it’s similar with a lot of flat-screens. Designing a loud home theater system, if you want that rumbling bass and soaring highs, a Bluetooth soundbar or set of home theater speakers is what you need.

Short-Throw v. Long-Throw

A short-throw projector is what a lot of home theater projectors are. They can be held closer to the wall without issue in terms of getting a clear picture. Comparatively, a long-throw projector comes designed for bigger rooms, i.e. those that require at least ten feet of distance for a clear image.

Connectivity And Ports

Buy a projector with the ports you need, i.e. HDMI, USB, etc. Most home theater projectors have multiple ports you can use just like a flat-screen. This shouldn’t be an issue. They are also able to connect to the Internet in many cases.

Brightness, AKA Lumens

How many lumens your projector has is what will determine its maximum brightness. A home theater projector should have at least 1,500 lumens. Many you will find are 2,000 lumens and certainly that’s more than enough. If your room isn’t totally dark, go for more lumens. This will increase the visibility of the image.

Projector Screen

Just as an added detail, don’t forget about a projector screen. If you have a free white wall, it’s workable. For a more premium experience though, you can’t mistake the value an actual projector screen brings.

Shop the best home theater projectors in Canada, projector screens, and more at PrimeCables.ca.

Why A TV Cart Is Better Than A Wall Mount For A Small Condo

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Living in a condo in a city is a beautiful experience. It comes with its challenges though. From bachelor-size condos to multi-bedroom condos, every square foot matters when it comes to decorating and furniture.

Most condos are rentals which means a tenant drilling into a wall for their TV wall mount isn’t possible. If that’s you, there’s an alternative. A TV cart. It’s slim. It can lay flat against the wall, identical to a mount. It is also movable throughout the unit.

A slim cart is well worth a buy and here’s why.

Like A TV Wall Mount

Every TV cart is different. They work very similar to a TV wall mount in that they have VESA specifications and a size range. Find a cart that is right for your flat-screen.

They’re Heavy Duty

A mobile TV stand is heavy-duty and built well. They can generally handle more weight. This doesn’t mean you can stack items on them with no consequence but is to say that it’s no flimsy cheap TV wall mount.

Though models vary, the PrimeCables mobile TV cart is made from heavy-duty steel, is powder-coated, and has an integrated design that makes it impossible to knock over or have its stability be compromised.

Multi-Use For Presentations

A slim TV cart like this is perfect for business presentations at the office or in the classroom, using as a prop at a concert, or if anyone ever needs a big-screen mount at their place. You can also utilize it for Zoom presentations if you work from home.

You can even take your TV cart outside onto a condo balcony for a late-night summertime outdoor movie.

Move It From Room To Room

Having a TV cart on wheels means you can move it to the master bedroom when you want to watch a movie in private. You can wheel your flat-screen into the kitchen while you’re cooking, keep the TV in your living room, or use it as a backdrop for Zoom calls wherever is most accommodating.

The wheels also lock, ensuring that stability isn’t compromised. If you accidentally bump it, the cart’s not going to suddenly roll.

Multiple Platforms

There is a webcam platform above the TV mount part of the slim TV cart and a platform underneath for a laptop, gaming console, Android box, or anything else you want to hook up.

Height Adjustability

Unlike a TV wall mount, a height-adjustable TV cart can raise or lower the screen to where you need it to be.

Living in a small condo, a TV stand is the perfect place to put your flat-screen. Get your slim TV cart on sale today from PrimeCables.ca.

What’s The Best Home Theater Projector In 2021?

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Home theaters are changing. The days of big, heavy flat-screens are done. It’s either light computer-inspired, tech-heavy flat-screens that are more like monitors or projector screens.

A projector is a unique alternative to a flat-screen. To a degree, it’s more adaptable. You can achieve a larger picture with a home theater projector and it’s less costly compared to a similar size in a flat-screen.

There are also many types of projectors available, from classic home theater models to mini and portables. Here are some of the best projectors in 2021 in the home theater space, well worth spending on.

BenQ Wireless Smart Projector

The BenQ wireless smart projector is one of the best on the market. It’s totally wireless so an easy setup. It’s also equipped with hassle-free wireless streaming and comes with built-in apps as well as a Bluetooth speaker. This has got to be one of our favourites by far.

Epson PowerLite Wireless LCD Projector

The Epson PowerLite Wireless LCD projector is similar to the BenQ model and offers Miracast streaming. You have that same wireless connection as well as Full HD 1080P image quality. In design, it’s a little thinner than the BenQ projector but both are easily portable. This Epson home theater projector includes an HDMI port and 3200 lumens. A very impressive model.

BenQ PowerLite LCD Large-Venue Projector

If you have a very large room – like we’re talking the size of a classroom or even larger – a projector’s got to be equipped with the best picture quality, lens shifting, and connectivity to guarantee there won’t be any issues. That’s what this BenQ LCD large-venue projector is for.

The price is a little steep for the average home theater enthusiast but for those looking for a high-end projector, this is it. 5500 lumens. 1080p. 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Stream HD content. Android screen mirroring is also possible. It’s all there in this BenQ projector, a fine addition to a luxury entertainment and home theater system.

1080P Mini Projector

The 1080p mini projector is portable and operates via Bluetooth. It is really made for outdoors, portable use, and not necessarily at-home entertainment units.

That isn’t to say you can’t use it like that. If you’re looking for some adaptability, this might be the model for you.

Do away with your TV! Switch to an HD 1080p projector. You won’t regret it. If you love large HD image quality, a projector is definitely where you want to put your wallet. It will take your home theater to the next level. Shop all sorts of home theater projectors and more at PrimeCables.ca today.

The Best TV Wall Mounts in 2021 According To Home Theater Experts

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A sturdy, stylish TV wall mount is not hard to find nor are they particularly difficult to install.

TV wall mounts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes though so selecting yours isn’t as straightforward as one might think. Whether you’re short on available space or are looking to upgrade your home theater to something a little more lively, here are the best TV wall mounts in Canada as selected by our home theater experts at PrimeCables.ca.

Full Motion TV Wall mount

If you’re looking for a very basic full motion TV wall mount, this is it. On sale for less than $14, a home theater system with this mount has the full motion they want in a compact design. Hang your flat-screen with confidence.

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Heavy Duty Tilt TV Wall Mount

This heavy duty tilt TV wall mount stands flush with the wall and doesn’t take up much space at all. Designed for large flat-screens, this budget-friendly mount will have your LCD firmly attached and on display ready for you to enjoy your watch on.

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Classic Swivel And Tilt TV Wall Mount

The classic swivel and tilt TV mount is a very small and simple design but what it does it does well. Comparing to putting your screen on a stand or a table, a swivel and tilt helps to fend off problematic glare and angles everything so that it’s at an optimum place for where you’re sitting.

TV Wall Mount Articulating Arm

Some just want the ability to swing a flat-screen out and in. A TV wall mount articulating arm secures your television in a way that allows it to glide in and out of view. This is ideal if you’re watching with friends sometimes and other times sitting on your own. You can adjust where a screen is according to where you’re seated.

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Super Solid Large Full-Motion TV Wall Mount

Here is the pièce de résistance! This super solid full-motion TV wall mount is for flat-screens 50” to 90”. You don’t need a ton of cash to splurge on this design, fortunately. A great deal! It’s a premium product that will last a lifetime.

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Pull-Down TV Wall Mount

An above-fireplace TV wall mount uses a pull-down design. This way, you can store a flat-screen flush with the wall when it’s not in use but can then pull it down into view when it is. Most home theater systems won’t need this level of functionality but to some, they may really enjoy the additional pull-down mechanism.

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Catch all the best TV wall mounts in 2021 at PrimeCables.ca and find the design that’s right for your room.