Seven gift ideas for the home theater enthusiast
By, Steve Hartfelder of Diamond Case Designs, Inc.
Are you afraid to turn up the TV volume because you just put the kids to bed? Is your spouse hard of hearing and has to turn the volume up to ear splitting levels? Would you like to get some shut-eye but your partner still wants to watch TV? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, these wireless headphones are the gift for you. They connect to your television or home stereo system and send a 900 Mhz radio signal to a comfortable, light-weight pair of headphones. Three selectable "channels" are available to help avoid potential interference from other devices. The headphones come with a charging station and a set of rechargeable batteries. Steve's tip: Even though the headphones include rechargeable batteries I have found it more convenient to use standard AAA batteries. The battery life lasts longer and you don't have to get up to "dock" the headphones in the charging station.
If you're like me, over the years you have accumulated a huge collection of some of life's greatest moments in the form of digital photographs. Think of all your family vacations, weddings, get-togethers, outings, and parties that are beautifully captured in time, yet stuck on the computer rarely to be seen. Proudly display these memories (without the use of a computer) on this large screen 10" digital photo frame. Compatible with SD, xD, MMC, and MS style memory cards, the frame will display JPG photographs or MPEG movies. Frame comes with AC adapter, remote control, and USB cable. Includes slide show and alarm clock functions. Steve's tip: It is convenient to have an "extra" memory card that is intended just for the picture frame so that you do not need to remove the one in your camera.
Nintendo Wii is arguably the most popular gaming platform in the world due to the family friendly, highly interactive games. People of all ages can enjoy hours of laughs and smiles with simple yet addictive games such as bowling, tennis, golf, baseball, darts, and so much more. If you'd like to be the hit of your next gathering or holiday party, bring along your Nintendo Wii. Portability is no issue with this exclusive bundle which includes a power supply, wireless sensor bar, audio/video cable and carrying case. Simply disconnect your Wii console leaving the connectors and cables behind. Then grab your controllers and go. Steve's tip: Don't forget to bring the games!
Did your wheels start spinning after reading about the 10" digital photo frame above? Were you thinking it would be cool to have a portable version small enough to slip into a purse, car, or briefcase? This would be the ideal way to share your memories on the go. Plus, if you ever find a need to brag about your family it is much more effective with photographic proof to back it up. This 3.5" photo wallet comes with 128 Mbs of built in memory and will accept a SD or MMC memory card. It includes a rechargeable battery, fold-out stand, and leatherette wallet. Steve's tip: A neat gift for the office. If you are unable to put personal photographs on your work computer and don't want to leave a personal frame behind, this is the ideal choice. Prop it up on the included stand in the morning and fold it up and take it with you when you leave!
Many of my customers refer to their home theater as "their baby". Some develop such a love for their set-up they even create special names for the home theater room such as "Man Cave" or "the AV Outpost". With such love for these electronics they deserve to be protected. Power fluctuations, surges, and spikes can damage your electronics and/or degrade your viewing and listening experience. Every system should have built-in protection to help avoid costly repairs. This ten outlet surge suppressor not only provides surge suppression it also reduces noise "pollution" that is commonly found in electrical lines. Outlets are generously spaced to accommodate large power supplies and the power cord has a right angle plug so it tucks nicely against the wall. Phone and coaxial protection is also provided. Steve's tip: This surge suppressor is also a great choice for computer systems.
The Heat Is On, may be a cool Glenn Frey song (if you like Glenn) but it can be devastating to your home theater. Heat build up and insufficient ventilation are leading causes of home theater failure particularly with audio/video receivers, amplifiers, and DVRs (cable or satellite box). Help cool your electronics with this compact and efficient spot cooler. About the size of a video cassette it rests directly on top of the heat generating component and has two fans that suck up the heat and exhaust it out the back helping cool the component. Multiple fans can be operated on one power supply. If you would like to read more about ventilation click here. Steve's tip: In most home theaters, the fans can be set to automatically come on with the system by plugging them into the 'switched' outlet on the back of your audio/video receiver.
7. Extend Service Plans for Televisions ($149 - $549) - Call 800-616-5354 to order
In many home theaters the television is the most used and most expensive component. Turned on and off multiple times a day and used for hours at a time, televisions get a good workout. Protect your investment with a five year extended service plan from Consumer Priority Service. These plans are sold based on the value of your TV and extend manufacturers service coverage five years beyond the manufacturers date. As an example, a TV with a one year warranty would have six years of coverage with this plan (the first year from manufacturer and the next five from CPS). You can purchase these plans whether you bought the TV from Diamond Case or not. That is right, we offer extended service plans for TVs purchased from any authorized retailer. Call for ordering details. Steve's tip: Spend a little money up front to enjoy peace-of-mind and avoid potential costly repairs.
Purchase on-line or by phone
You can order through our on-line store by clicking on the links next to each item. Most items are in stock and ready for quick shipment. If you are curious about availability or would like to request an expedited shipment to ensure holiday delivery, please feel free to call Diamond Case Designs, Inc. at 800-616-5354. Ask for Dave or Steve Hartfelder. Thanks!