Home Theater Extras
By Dawn Gordon Luks
Home theaters are as individual as their owners. Some are very elaborate rooms with super-expensive projectors and 14-foot screens -- complete with curtains that open and close at the touch of a button. Other home theaters are much less formal, requiring no more than a large widescreen TV and a few well-placed speakers. In most cases your theater will fall somewhere in between, as a great many enthusiasts are turning spare rooms or basements into their private cinema retreats. These are the rooms that often need a bit more work, and the following products provide that extra touch to make your space truly unique.
Fortress Home Theater Seating ($999+)
http://www.fortresseating.com/home.php
Nothing says home theater more than specialized seating, complete with cup holders. One of my favorite seating companies is Fortress because they make a quality product that’s available in just about every price range, from affordable to over the top. You can have motorized everything, including recline, seat height and even seat back height control. Most Fortress seats are completely customizable -- available in multiple widths, with or without arms -- and there are literally thousands of possible configurations.
Illuminated Poster Cases ($395+)
http://www.cinemabuilder.com/products/backlight-poster-cases.shtm
You can find movie posters everywhere these days, and they're a perfect home theater accessory. But why not make your collection shine, just like in commercial theaters? Available from several companies, illuminated poster cases infuse light from behind the poster to give it that extra zing. New models that use LEDs allow for slimmer cases, and there are also cases with "Edge Glow," allowing your poster to really stand out.
Waring Professional Popcorn Maker ($199)
www.frontgate.com
This popcorn machine uses the same process as commercial movie theater models, just on a smaller scale. The product has a 600-watt kettle that can produce 12 cups of popcorn in less than 2-1/2 minutes. Other features include a heat lamp that keeps your popcorn warm and a removable door for easy cleaning.
Movie Reel Table ($492)
http://www.cinemabuilder.com/products/decorations/reel-art.asp
Fashioned out of authentic 35mm motion picture reels that make up the base and top, this table is a perfect accent for any home theater. It works great as an end table next to your seats or couch. Size: 24" high, 18"-diameter top, 15"-wide base, and 3/8"-thick glass.
Dawn Gordon Luks is a veteran consumer electronics journalist. In addition to her writing schedule, Dawn also designs home audio, home theater, and home automation installations in South Florida. Send an email to Dawn Gordon Luks.
