theater

Using the time-honored tactics of obfuscation, misdirection, and a little bit of fear, the people who try to sell you TVs can hit you with some heavy-duty lies.

Now this isn't to say that all TV sales people are bad, nor that any necessarily do this out of malice (there's plenty of misinformation out there confused as truth). But when it's your dollar on the line, being prepared with some facts can only be a good thing.… Read more

Shopping for a TV can seem like a nonstop flood of numbers and jargon: contrast, 1080p, 240Hz, HDMI, 3D, and more. While some of these terms are descriptive, others are designed to fool you into thinking one TV is better than another, when actually it isn't.

Compiled here is a directory of every term you'll need to navigate the TV waters. Instead of one long article describing it all, it's broken down into sections so you can find just what you're looking for.… Read more

Given its cinematic namesake, it's fitting that home theater electronics seem to move in slow motion. Smartphones and tablets make huge leaps every six months, yet home theater fans are stuck with virtually the same crusty AV receivers and Blu-ray players that haven't changed that much over the last few years.

So it's not surprising that when I started looking ahead to CES 2013, my expectations haven't changed much from my CES 2012 preview. As predicted, progress in the home theater space has been remarkably incremental, with just a few bright spots along the way. I'… Read more

Confused about what TV to buy? Please allow me to de-confusify you. From technology (LED, LCD, plasma?) to size, to features, there are a lot of choices to make when deciding on the right TV.

Narrowing down the options isn't as hard as it seems, though, and that's what this article is all about. … Read more

TVs are a big purchase, and price is a significant factor for most of us. Naturally your budget and needs will determine how much you can/want to spend.

But if you're a little flexible on your budget, or if you're totally confused as to what to buy, this guide will help you narrow down the options. … Read more

An extended warranty on a TV appears, at first, like a decent idea. After all, TVs are expensive, very high-tech, and pretty complex, right?

However, dig a little deeper and you'll find that extended warranties are almost always a waste of money.… Read more

Which store has the best deals? Which Web site has the best selection? Which cable is right for your TV?

Answers to these questions, and more, in the definitive (if I do say so myself) HDMI cable buyers guide:… Read more

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- OKCupid social experiment shows just how low some guys will go.

- The 10 most viral YouTube videos of 2012.

- Movie theater app rewards customers for not texting during film.

- 5-Hour Energy cited in 13 deaths over the last 4 years.

Bathroom break video: Hitstagram: an app that makes your music sound like complete garbage.… Read more

There are at least a couple of different ways to motivate people into doing what you want them to do. You can offer consequences for bad behavior or rewards for good behavior. When it comes to cell phone use during movies, Cinemark is testing out a system that offers carrots rather than sticks.

CineMode is a new component to Cinemark's smartphone app for iPhone and Android. You open the app, select CineMode, follow the reminder to silence your phone, and then activate CineMode. It automatically darkens your screen. Leave it on for the duration of the film and Cinemark will send you a coupon as a reward.… Read more