Darcy McGilvray – Octane Seating

Ultimate List of Superheroes in TV/Film

Darcy McGilvray — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:38:08 +0000

Ultimate List of Superheroes in TV/Film

How many of us have been thrilled at the recognizable tunes that accompany the Marvel Studios logo, or the cinematic opening credits of the DC Universe?

Comic books and their superheroes have become well established in our cinema, our culture, and our consciousness.

With such a wide array of characters, narratives, and extensive universes, there are so many options for viewers and consumers to immerse themselves in. And with the popularity of films based on comic books and their superheroes, there are so many options to select from when it is time for a movie night.

But how can one keep up with all the superheroes and their domains, especially when there are narrative crossovers, shared plotlines, team-ups, and even changing faces of the actors who portray our heroes on screen?

This is the ultimate guide to superheroes in TV and film—your one stop destination for all things super that you need to know. Strap into your shuttle or shrug on your cape and enjoy your adventure through the world of superheroes.

Comic Books and Graphic Novels

It is no secret that comic books and graphic novels used to be the exclusive domain of any groups branded as ‘nerds’.

But with the surge in popularity of such superhero content, this form of media has enjoyed a more widespread audience base and much less stigma. As the comic books and graphic novels gained a following, their characters were featured in popular culture, video games, and on screen for TV and films.

How did this immense change in perception come to be?

The Origins of Comics

Comics have been around for a very long time, but really only started gaining incredibly popular and serial status in the 20th century, primarily during the Great Depression and World War II. These time periods are interesting: unlike today, partial reasoning for superhero popularity has been affected by external crises and social climates, where people look for stability and moral authority.

But to begin the continued craze, in 1936 a comic strip by Lee Falk debuted to popular acceptance, detailing the adventures of a masked superhero called The Phantom.

Phantom comic strip (1936)

Closely following this success, DC Comics brought out their arguably most popular superhero in 1938—the one and only Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

This publication became the catalyst for mass excitement around superheroes’ adventures and their rise in immediate popularity.

Thanks to Superman, the world of comic books, graphic novels, and superheroes has become household currency for debates, late night reading, and movie night selections.

Due to their popularity, comic books have actually become somewhat of a precious commodity, for collectors and investors. This has led to a steep rise in their price, but die-hard comic fans remain committed to owning copies that detail their favorite characters’ adventures, keeping the comic book industry alive and well, and definitely less stigmatized than in its ‘nerdy’ past.

Comic Books on Screen

So, where did all the hype around superhero and comic book films and TV shows begin?

While Superman was one of the key figures in comic books’ initial rise to fame, he was also the character that started the comic book film industry as we know it today.

There were other cinema depictions before Superman’s foray into film, of course, including 1941’s episodic Adventures of Captain Marvel, and 1943’s Batman serial.

The Power of Superman

But when Superman: The Movie hit the big screen in 1978, a combination of Richard Donner’s directing skills and Christopher Reeve’s embodiment of the hero made the film rocket to success and fame.

This film single handedly brought superheroes and their adventures into cinema popularity, which would only grow as subsequent superhero films were introduced into the screen canon.

Batman: The Rise of Superheroes

The next big blockbuster for the superhero film industry came with Tim Burton’s take on Batman in 1989, and with that, the genre of superhero films was solidly cemented.

The following installments of the Batman universe may not have hit the same box office levels as the original film, but the genre also saw the rise of anti-hero types as protagonists, which was a foreshadowing of later films with similar bad guy turned maybe-hero types (Suicide Squad in 2016, for one). From this point, superheroes in cinema were a given, and fans could not get enough of them.

Continued Rise Away from Hollywood

America’s Hollywood was not the only country to realize the lucrative potential of this genre. Internationally, there have been several superhero productions that gained popularity in their respective countries of release.

These titles include Finland’s Rendel: Dark Vengeance, Spain’s Faust: Love of the Damned, Italy’s The Invisible Boy, and Russia’s Guardians.

Marvel Studios Helps Build an Industry

But perhaps one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking of superhero movies and their production is Marvel Studios.

This juggernaut became one of the major contenders in the comic book film industry after the release of Blade in 1998, its first hit after beginning to license characters to Hollywood again.

With the box office haul and critical acclaim of the next Marvel film offering with X-Men in 2000, Marvel Studios and the world of comic book films was very much solidified in terms of public appreciation and avid consumption.

Marvel is responsible for creating one of the top two main superhero worlds in media today, known simply as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and stands alongside Warner Brothers’ DC Extended Universe.

Rise in Popularity of Superheroes on Screen

With the rise in popularity of comic books, it is no wonder that their characters made their way to the silver screen. We all enjoy watching the superhuman exploits of our favorite characters in films and TV shows, and it is one of the reasons why comic book cinema is so popular and so lucrative for their production studios.

Reading the comic books is definitely enjoyable but being able to see the action up close and personal in real time is captivating and thrilling.

Superheroes: The Early Beginnings

The idea of superheroes takes its root back in the days of the epics by ancient authors such as Homer and Virgil—the journey of a hero protagonist, battling against adversity and struggling through trials, in order to achieve an eventual end victory over an enemy or his own strife.

A classic story model, it is no wonder that similar narrative arcs were adopted by the writers of superhero comics. It really was only a matter of time before the film industry became paired with comics, given the perfect, made-for-movie structure that such adventure narratives have.

Marvel Vs DC: An Industry Divided

Today, the comic book film industry is a massive success, both commercially and popularly. The fanbase of such films is fiercely loyal and delight in all the details of their favorite franchise and its characters.

In fact, between the two major comic universes of Marvel and DC, you can find fans sharply divided into each camp, often debating why their chosen universe is best.

Whether it is Iron Man or Batman, Captain America or Superman, fans of comic books and their films have strong opinions.

Pop Culture & The Role of Superheroes

So, it is no wonder that comic book films and superheroes have infiltrated pop culture and social consciousness in its entirety.

Of course, superheroes have been a part of pop culture since their origin in comic strips, but with today’s wide use of media, social platforms, and convenience of viewing films and TV shows, superheroes films have carved out their own foothold there. And there is no shortage of them—between Marvel and DC, there is an almost endless amount of superheroes and characters to explore backstories, share in the adventure, and defeat the bad guys.

And hand in hand with this franchise comes the production of superhero merchandise, yet another lucrative aspect to the comic book film genre.

Awards, Awards, Awards

In fact, superheroes are so popular that comic book films have joined animated cartoons in the realm of unlikely genres to win awards. We all anticipate the year’s greatest dramas, thrillers, and comedies to take home one of the coveted trophies from award shows, but comic book movies have become another contender in this arena.

So far, only nine superhero films have managed to win achievements at the Oscars, one of the most prestigious events for cinema and film lovers.

The most recent winner was 2019’s Joker, which also holds the record for most Oscar nominations for a comic book movie.

Joker had eleven nominations, with actor Joaquin Phoenix taking home the Oscar for Best Actor, and composer Hildur Guðnadóttir winning Best Original Score.

Other Oscar winners in comic book films include:

With their immense popularity, it is no wonder these films have taken their place in the spotlight, both in pop culture and even in award shows. But what else is there to know about superheroes and comic book films? Read on to find out.

The Making of Superhero Films: CGI

With the rise of computers and computer graphics, special effects have become incredibly realistic. That is a good thing for the comic book film industry, as many storylines rely on creatures and actions which can only be put onscreen through the magic of special effects.

Whether it is creating an inhuman villain, fantastical setting, and atmosphere, or needing the superhero to do something that is not physically possible, computer graphics are essential to making a superhero film.

Today’s digital imaging can produce believable superhero action scenes through the manipulation of pixels on the computer, making it easy and swift for producers to add those special touches to the film. The technology has come a long way from a simple green screen or replica model, and it is now easier than ever for comic book films to take their visuals to the next level and wow viewers with their computer-generated material.

Meet the Superheroes

Superheroes are undoubtably some of the most popular characters to ever be created.

They have amassed a following and fanbase of people across the globe, have sparked an entirely new film industry in comic book movies, and have brought in an incredible amount of revenue for production companies and actors alike. With all the immense popularity of superheroes, though, there are some who have captured the hearts of audiences and readers in particular.

Names like Batman, Superman, Iron Man, and Captain America are all so familiar because they are characters who have earned a particular spot in audience appreciation.

Certain superheroes stand out from the rest, and have become the most beloved out of their fictional peers, and you can find merchandise focussed on them, solo films, important cameo appearances, and more. So, with all the hype, let us get to know some of the most popular superheroes from both Marvel and DC.

Here are some introductions to popular superheroes:

Batman

Unarguably one of the most famous and beloved superheroes in history, philanthropist and billionaire Bruce Wayne takes on his alter-ego of Batman to fight crime and defend the city of Gotham. DC has more information on Batman here.

Superman

Another one of the most popular and loved superheroes is the man in blue and red himself, Superman. Originally an alien being from the planet Krypton, he takes on the alias of Clark Kent to avoid recognition as the hero that he is. DC has more information on Superman here.

Wonder Woman

Her real name being Diana, Wonder Woman is an immortal Amazonian goddess from the island of Themyscira. She fights injustice and champions mortals, firmly dispelling any notion of being a damsel in distress. DC has more information on Wonder Woman here.

Storm

One of the more prominent characters in the X-Men series, Storm is a powerful superhero in her own right, able to manipulate the elemental forces that determine the weather. Marvel has more information on Storm here.

Wolverine

Part of the X-Men, Wolverine’s body is fortified with the fictional element of adamantium, making him nearly invincible and able to regenerate quickly after being wounded. Wolverine’s characteristic gruff and no-nonsense attitude makes him seem grumpy, but he is always ready to save the world. Marvel has more information on Wolverine here.

Iron Man

An industrialist and master engineer, as well as billionaire and philanthropist, Tony Stark builds his mechanized suit of armor and fights crime and saves the world repeatedly as Iron Man. Marvel has more information on Iron Man here.

Captain America

A super-soldier who fought against the Nazis, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, is a staunch defender of life and liberty for all. He becomes an all-American hero with a rigid moral compass and the bravery to boot. Marvel has more information on Captain America here.

Spiderman

After receiving his superpowers through a radioactive spider bite, the aptly named Spiderman is one of the youngest superheroes, whose real name is Peter Parker. He uses his web slinging ability to swing in to save the day, and sometimes, the whole world. Marvel has more information about Spiderman here.

Famous Actors who Play Superheroes

Casting the correct actor for the role is an important part of not only making a movie, but also in ensuring the viewers stay engaged with the film and remember it.

We can all relate to the strange feeling of watching a film where the casting of a recurring character has changed, and a new face is portraying the same character. It can be uncomfortable and disruptive to the experience of the film, so studios like to get their casting right the first time around.

When it comes to superhero films, it is no different.

Studios like Marvel and DC do not always have consistent casting for their superhero roles; for instance, Batman has been portrayed by at least eight different actors, and most recently, Robert Pattinson will be taking over the role of the caped crusader.

Similarly, Spiderman has been played by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and lately Tom Holland, who, after Marvel got the rights to the character, will be the face of the superhero for the foreseeable future.

But apart from this, Marvel and DC both do seem to have a knack for casting the perfect actor for their superheroes.

Here are some of the top casted actors who give these superheroes life on the big screen:

Chris Evans

After joining the world of Marvel in 2011, Chris Evans gave super-soldier and superhero Captain America a chiseled face to go with the name. After signing a multi-film deal with the studio, Evans’ first film as the hero was Captain America: The First Avenger, the fifth film in Marvel’s superhero line-up and Captain America’s first solo film. Since then, viewers have watched his character fight off villains and maintain his moral compass right to the end.

Chris Hemsworth

It is difficult to imagine any other actor portraying the Norse god of thunder and superhero Thor apart from Chris Hemsworth. Giving Thor a deep, Australian-accented voice, blonde locks, and massive muscles, Hemsworth is widely agreed to be the perfect casting for the superhero. Hemsworth joined his fellow Marvel actors in 2011 with his stand-alone film Thor.

Gal Gadot

Israeli-born actor Gal Gadot joined the DC universe as Wonder Woman, an immortal Amazon warrior goddess. Her portrayal of the character shies away from previous depictions of her that focussed on the character’s sex appeal, instead showing her to be a strong, capable, brave, and selfless hero. Her first appearance in a DC comic film was as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, and later in her solo film Wonder Woman in 2016.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill gained the attention of the entire world when he donned the blue suit and red cape of the beloved hero Superman. With his nuanced portrayal of the Krypton-born superhero, a more serious and brooding defender of Gotham was created. One of the most popular actors to play him since Christopher Reeves’ classic depiction of the hero, Cavill’s slicked back hair and toned musculature give a distinctive look in his emergence in Man of Steel (2013).

Brie Larson

One of the newest actors to join the Marvel team of superheroes, Brie Larson shot into cinemas as the enigmatic and superpowered Captain Marvel. Larson as the superhero was a popular success when her first solo film, Captain Marvel, came out in 2019. In Marvel Studio’s first female-led film, Larson’s portrayal of Captain Marvel as a strong, independent leader was well appreciated by audiences worldwide.

Ryan Reynolds

In another case of perfect casting, who else could play ‘the merc with a mouth’, Deadpool himself, but Canadian-born Ryan Reynolds. With his snarky attitude and constant jokes, Deadpool is one of those heroes who aren’t quite completely heroic. And Reynolds captures this slight ambiguity perfectly in his role, channelling Deadpool’s comic essence and mostly intact superhero qualities with charm and wit, all while behind the red and black mask.

Superheroes on Screen

As previously mentioned, the world of superheroes is primarily split in two: the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC’s Extended Universe.

Each of these is controlled by their parent companies, Walt Disney and Warner Brothers, respectively.

But the world of superheroes goes so much deeper than this, as will become evident. These universes contain interconnected films, time hops, team-ups and collaborations, and much more.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Being one of the big names in comic book movies, Marvel has created some of the most memorable characters and superheroes in history.

While their first forays into the world of comic book cinema were at times hit and miss, with their primary successes being Blade and X-Men, Marvel has now become one of the juggernauts of the industry, both on screen and in print.

But Marvel’s superhero-rich universe did not start out with a cohesive structure.

Actually, Marvel Studios’ concerted effort to create an interconnected series of films, all with separate narratives that built off each other, began in 2008 with the release of
Iron Man.

This film starring Robert Downey Jr. was an immediate success at the box office and set out a lot of elements that would become hallmarks of Marvel superhero films, like character-based humor, copious amounts of action, and cameo appearances by other heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The interconnected superhero films are broken down into ‘phases’, with the most recent being Phase 3, which wraps up the narrative that the previous twenty-three films had been telling, under the title of The Infinity Saga.

All upcoming productions are similarly separated into phases, starting with Phase 4, which began in January of 2021 with the release of the Disney+ series WandaVision.

Marvel’s universe also includes select TV shows in the interconnected continuity arc. This includes Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Agent Carter, and Inhumans. Other Marvel TV shows, like Daredevil, are still under the Marvel superhero umbrella, but do not necessarily have overt cross-overs to other installments in the greater continuity arc.

The newest addition to the Marvel family is Spiderman, a property previously maintained by Sony Pictures to have sole rights in using that character.

Sony did create five films featuring Spiderman, between 2002 and 2014, but the two companies made a deal that allowed Spiderman to be featured in Marvel films. Which is why we get the first appearance of Tom Holland’s Spiderman in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and subsequently, the newest Spiderman solo films.

The DC Extended Universe

Without a doubt, DC’s most famous film franchises are Superman and Batman. But like Marvel, DC’s films did not follow an overarching continuity narrative originally.

After the success of Marvel’s cross-overs and greater multi-film narrative, however, DC launched their own version of it, starting in 2013 with Superman in Man of Steel.

DC’s approach to a multiverse is much looser than Marvel’s, with their superheroes and characters intended to exist in the same universe as each other, and occasionally team up like in 2017’s Justice League, or even tangle with each other like in 2016’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, but they do not cross-over as much as Marvel superheroes.

Also, like some of Marvel’s TV shows, DC characters in their TV shows do not exist in the continuity world of the films.

While there might be mentions and cross-overs, these TV characters are separate from any of their feature film counterparts, often with different backstories and played by different actors.

The next stage of DC superhero films seems to be in concentrating on specific characters and their stories, without worrying too much about tying in other heroes or narratives.

This is seen at work in the latest DC superhero offering, Wonder Woman 1984, released in December of 2020.

Where to Watch Superheroes in TV/Film

Thanks to all the options available in streaming services, finding something to watch has never been more easy or convenient. Whether you have Prime Video, Netflix, Roku, or even YouTube, you have an extensive catalog of titles ready to play at the touch of a button or the tap of a finger.

Never Enough Superheroes

So, you have watched the films and read the comics for your favorite characters and universe. What now? Well, luckily enough for fans of superheroes and comic books, there are options for more enjoyment beyond the screen and the page!

Here are some ideas for going beyond your viewing or reading and getting even more involved:

Comic Conventions

Attending a comic convention is a great way to meet other comic book lovers and superhero fans. Conventions typically have merchandise for sale, panels and talks, and even visiting actors for Q&As.

Merchandise

Superheroes and comic books have a large foothold in the market of merchandise, so there are many options for getting yourself some superhero swag. From clothing to home décor, kitchen ware to kitsch and general knick-knacks, you can find anything you could ever want and more.

Superhero Tours

If you want to see locations from your favorite superhero films, why not take a tour that will show you around to iconic sites straight out of the film. Most big cities offer either a walking or bus tour of superhero filming locations.

Superheroes in TV/Film

With the rise in popularity of comic books and superheroes, it is no wonder that superheroes began to leave their mark on the film industry. There is a fandom and franchise for everyone when it comes to comic superheroes and their adventures—including entirely separate ‘universes’, intertwining narratives, anti-heroes and sympathetic villains, rigid morality and malleable standards. And once someone finds their niche in the comic world, they seem ready to defend their favorites to the end.

Hopefully this guide to the world of superheroes helped you find your own favorite!

More Film Information Here:

How to watch the Marvel movies in order.

Learn more

How to watch the DC movies in order.

Learn more

How to watch the X-Men movies in order.

Learn more

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Guide to Remote Distance Learning Music for students/Teachers

Darcy McGilvray — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:00:01 +0000

GUIDE TO
Remote/Distance Learning Music
for Students/Teachers

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, remote and distance learning have become integral parts of the educational ecosystem. With the increasing adoption of flexible work arrangements and the growing demand for lifelong learning, online education continues to gain prominence. For both students and educators, access to resources and innovative ideas that support adaptable learning and teaching methods is more crucial than ever.

Luckily, technology and online resources give you the freedom to use tools that enable learning and teaching from anywhere, including music educators.

And whether your music learning experience is fully virtual, in-person, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of resources to help you in planning out your education journey.

This guide will discuss essential resources and tools that will set you up for ultimate success in your music learning and teaching—all you need is a screen and a good internet connection.

And whether your music learning experience is fully virtual, in-person, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of resources to help you in planning out your education journey.

Remote/Distance Learning: What Is It?

The act of learning via virtual portals or online classrooms is not a new method of education. But terms like remote and distance learning have definitely become more prevalent in the world of lockdowns and school closures, as more and more people have embraced a new normal and an altered form of education.

Before we dive in, the first issue to discuss is the contention on the definitions of remote and distance learning.

Some people stand firm that each term addresses a different act, but there has been no consensus on the matter.

Remote learning

People point to “remote learning” as occurring when the student and teacher, or another source of educational information, are separated by time and distance that does not allow meeting in traditional classroom settings.

Distance learning

“Distance learning”, on the other hand, is a way of learning virtually without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in a classroom.

Of course, these two definitions are incredibly similar, so for the purposes of this article, we will be using both terms freely.

Remote and distance learning, in their essences, refer to the act of learning without physical proximity to the teacher, education source, or classroom.

This definition is what you should keep in mind while reading this article.

Why Learn Remotely:
Virtual Schooling at Home

In 2020, the need for distance learning increased rapidly. Suddenly, students, teachers, and parents alike were pushed to adopt a new way of schooling and education. But despite the initial discomfort and learning curve, the benefits of distance learning have made themselves clear.

The following are some advantages to learning remotely:

Productivity

Your time will be spent more productively when learning from home. Because any commute time is eradicated, your day will be fully committed to education and whatever homework you might have. The flexibility of remote learning also allows for students to continue with their personal, family, or work commitments outside of their courses.

Time Management

Because you learn, and to some extent even create, your own schedule, time management, self-discipline, and other associated skills are practically instilled. Maintaining a work-life balance and completing projects for deadlines are skills that will benefit the student for the rest of their life, even outside their educational years.

Less Stress

For some students, learning in their home environment might be less stressful. Although some extracurricular activities or team sports may be missed, the ability to learn in a comfortable, familiar space can ease tensions for students.

Control Over Learning

In contrast to traditional education where students are forced into rigid schedules and specific learning processes, distance learning allows students to engage with, analyze, and compute their course content in ways that work best for them, individually. The flexibility of learning remotely lets students implement personal strategies for achieving success.

Essential Remote Learning Equipment

While you need a computer or tablet and a suitable internet connection as the basics of remote learning, there are some other considerations you need to keep in mind for the best learning experience possible.

Here are some essential pieces of equipment that could enhance your remote distance education:

Tablets

Some students find it easier to take effective notes on tablets with specialized styluses, which can connect to a cloud server and sync automatically to other devices.

Though these notetaking tablets can be expensive, the hassle of computerizing written notes is eliminated, and your information is automatically backed up and spread to your phone, laptop, or other devices. Check out the best tablets for note-taking in 2021 for more information.

Webcams

While most laptops come with built-in webcams, you can always upgrade to one that sits atop your laptop screen and gives better picture quality. And because cameras and video streams are so essential to remote learning, giving yourself an edge when it comes to visuals is likely a good idea.

Good quality webcams often come with ring-lighting and zoom features and are particularly useful for learning that has unavoidable visual elements.

Microphones

Though some courses do not require your vocal interaction to be of good quality, if you are a student or teacher of music, you might need a microphone. Microphones can be a bit expensive, but once you invest in a good unit, it should last you for years.

And the excellent quality of professional microphones will guarantee that your instrumentals or vocals are as acoustically authentic for anyone listening as if they are in the same room as you.

Online Music Learning Essentials

A good portion of what makes music so enjoyable is sharing it with others: playing in ensembles, concert performances, choral worship, or just enjoying an impromptu gig with friends.

And with a large majority of daily activities and learning having to be put online and be completed virtually, the social aspect of music has suffered. But with the help of technology, students and teachers of music can still access a plethora of distance learning opportunities and tools for success.

Online lessons and rehearsals, practice aids, self-instruction, and remote guidance, and virtual practice plans are all essential to the new model of music education.

And with the many options for video platforms, including Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and more, music education has become virtual.

Let’s look at some specific tools and online resources for remote music learning.

Online Tools for Music Education

Chordify

An excellent web tool for sourcing song lyrics and chord diagrams for piano, guitar, and ukulele, helping with distance learning practice and rehearsal.

MusicTheory.net

This portal teaches reading staff and note values via an interactive website. Students can test their knowledge of note identification, chord identification, staff and ledger lines, intervals, and inversion triads. For teachers, you can even create your own exercises by using the exercise customizer tool.

Noteflight

A web-based music notation software that covers the basics of composition while students can hear the results in real time. The platform offers a variety of instruments, up to an entire orchestra. Students can add notes and change their value, and even bring up a virtual keyboard for easy note reference. With an automatic connect button on each project, students can share their scores with teachers and classmates.

Soundtrap

For those who are learning about music production, this is an online, multi-track recording application. It offers a range of virtual instruments such as brass, guitar, keyboard, percussion, strings and woodwinds. The app can record through your computer’s microphone, and if an instrument is selected, the notes are immediately mapped to your laptop’s keyboard for real-time play and notation. The software’s mini editor allows you to change note velocity, delete portions, and quantize your recording, and the collaboration features let students compose together and download the final mp3 file.

5 Online Games to Help Learn Music

Music Memory

More geared towards elementary students, this is a pitch recognition game using the Solfa scale that improves aural perception skills and learning about pitch intervals.

Orchestra Game

A game from the well-known Mozart opera “The Magic Flute” helps teach students about orchestral instruments and symphony layouts.

Solfeg.io

Reading music in real time as the song plays, this game is suitable for all ages and helps teach students pitch recognition, notation, music retention, and note reading.

Theremin by Femur

This music game is an online synthesizers instrument that shows a graphical sound wave onscreen that students can experiment with. This is ideal for lessons on soundwaves and music graphics.

Audiotool

A great interdiction to music production for students, or even as a composition tool, Audiotool has a modular structure, a range of synthesizers, beatboxes, sample players, and access to over 250,000 music samples.

Virtual Museums with Galleries of Music and Musical Instruments

Online Performances:
Opera, Symphony, and Choir

Find a variety of performances to enjoy over the internet and in your own home.

Opera

Opera houses around the globe have moved their productions online, and you can trill along with all your favorite arias virtually. Check out this comprehensive list of all opera companies that offer free streaming services for more information on where you can find your local opera house online, or this national opera calendar for more.

Symphony

While it’s certainly not the same, you can still enjoy a showstopping concert virtually! Check this calendar of free classical concerts that you can listen to and watch online.

Choir

Concert choirs have had to rethink their seasons lately, but with pre-recorded performances to view online, choir programs are still available. In fact, something new to come out of the lockdowns are fully virtual choirs, and not only can you be in the audience, but you can also join one!

Remote/Distance Teaching and Learning for Music Classes

It can take some getting used to, but switching to virtual music classes can help you be more productive in the long run.

And to ensure your success, whether you are a student or a teacher, here is some information that will help you with virtual music education.

Tips for Your Virtual Music Lessons

Organize Your Space

A first step is to keep your physical and digital space tidy. Keep in mind what is visible over your webcam, including backgrounds, desk space, or even your pets. And when it comes to digital housekeeping, you will certainly find your experience enhanced when you keep your files and information sorted and stored for easy online access and keeping your computer desktop spick and span.

Organize Your Calendar

Though remote learning or teaching definitely offers you more flexibility in your days, it’s important to keep on top of your schedule. By ensuring that your calendar is organized and tells you exactly the commitments and courses you have daily, you will make your workday go much smoother and be more productive.

Virtual Lesson Platforms

Another important aspect to the best remote experience is your selection of lesson platform. While there are plenty of options, such as WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and more, it seems the most popular platforms are Zoom and Skype. Each has different benefits, and based on your lesson plan, priorities, and budget, you can decide which platform is best for your needs.

Internet Connection

It may go without saying, but always make sure to check your internet connection before a lesson. Connectivity issues can plague even the best internet setup, so ensuring that your connection is strong beforehand will save you and your students a lot of time. If you find that buffering times are an issue, you can always try disconnecting other devices from your internet connection, which should allow more broadband for your lesson.

Visibility

Due to the entirely virtual nature of such lessons, your face, hands, and instrument will need to be clearly visible in your webcam’s range. Ensuring that everyone can see you clearly will help catch any mistakes you might be making with your instrument, and is important to correcting these errors, developing your skills, and receiving effective feedback.

Lighting

Make sure that your setup is in a well-lit room, preferably with natural lighting sources. This is key to ensuring that your finger positioning is clearly visible on your instrument, so that your feedback and progress will be the most beneficial, maximizing your time and effort.

A Complete and Comprehensive List of Online Resources

Remote/Distance Learning Music for Students/Teachers: In Conclusion

Making the switch to online learning might seem daunting at first but is actually quite simple. With the wide range of virtual platforms available to host your teaching or learning, your productivity and progress will be greatly enhanced, and with online tools and games readily accessible your musical education will be easy and enjoyable.

The resources and online tools shared in this guide will help students and teachers of music alike and should be a good starting point for anyone involved in the learning process.

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How Many Acoustic Panels Do You Need for a Home Theater?

Darcy McGilvray — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 15:45:43 +0000

Sound quality is an incredibly important factor when designing a home theater. You want to have a similar viewing experience that you would have in a professional movie cinema so you can get the full experience in the comfort of your own home. The secret to great sound is home theater acoustic panels and their placement.

Remember, it is not just the speakers that create great sound in a theater room. Most home theaters utilize several speakers to create surround sound. However, this creates a lot of sound waves which will reverberate around the home theater space.

If there are no soft surfaces to diffuse or dampen the sound, these waves will reverberate over each other. This can create a truly unpleasant experience and even muffle the sounds!

Source

The best solution here is to use home theater acoustic panels to prevent sound waves from bouncing around. A home theater acoustic panel guide is a great resource to learn more about how acoustic panels work.

Let’s get into it.

The Placement of Acoustic Panels

How many acoustic panels do I need for a home theater?

Each home theater is unique based on the room’s construction – and these design elements influence where and how many acoustic panels you need for sound quality control. Before you start hanging up acoustic panels throughout a room, be sure that you consider some of these factors.

Height

The height of your walls will impact the size and number of panels that you require. Rooms with extremely high ceilings often have a lot of echoing. You can install acoustic panels for the ceiling to help with this.

Reflection Points

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The primary purpose of an acoustic panel is to reduce the number of reflection points within a room that sound waves bounce off of. So, your first step will be to determine where those reflection points are based on your speaker positions.

You can estimate the reflection points by holding a mirror against the wall opposite of the speaker. Move the mirror until you are able to see the reflection of the speaker clearly: this is the reflection point.

It is also important to note that you will need to install thicker acoustic sound absorbing wall panels at the first reflection points. This will help to maximize sound absorption and deflect the reflecting sound waves.

Room Size

Most rooms are rectangular or square – but oddly shaped rooms or ones with lots of square footage may require more paneling. Larger rooms – especially ones with lots of empty space- will echo.

The length or width of a room should also be taken into consideration. Sound waves will eventually spread out and disperse as they travel. So, you will need to use large acoustic panels or cluster soundproof panels around each reflection point.

Speaker Systems

The types of speakers, as well as their arrangement, also play a role in where your acoustic panels need to be placed. If you have a central bar style speaker, then there will be fewer reflection points as the majority of the sound emits straight towards the audience.

However, if you use multiple speakers (such as two on each side of the screen or in the corners of the room), you will want to place panels at the reflection points from the speakers.

Essentially, the more speakers you have, the more acoustic panels you will need to control the sound waves from reverberating.

Spacing of Seating Arrangements

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You also need to consider where the audience is seated in your home theater. For smaller theaters with only a couch or a few home theater-style seats in the center, the placement of acoustic panels should funnel the sound towards the middle of the room.

However, if you have a larger room with several rows of seats, you will want to create a consistent sound experience for everyone. This ensures that no seats are caught in the middle of clashing sound waves by placing panels nearby to dampen this reverberation.

Size of the Panels

Of course, the size of your acoustic panels will also influence the number that you need.
Most acoustic treatments are available in the following dimensions:

24” x 24”
12” x 48”
24” x 36”
24” x 48”

The size really depends on the surface area amount you want to be covered, as well as the design you prefer. You can place several smaller panels together or install large acoustic panels for spaces like blank walls or ceilings. Smaller panels are best for pinpointing reflection points, such as space around the speakers.

Source

How Many Panels Do You Need?

The general rule of thumb is to use enough acoustic panels to cover 5-10% of a room. But if you have a large speaker system (such as surround sound) then you may want to bump that up to 15-30%.

You can use an acoustic panel size calculator to get an estimated number of panels based on your room’s dimensions and ideal coverage.

Source

Here are all of the spots in a home theater where soundproof panels should be placed:

First Reflection Points – These are the two side walls across from the speakers where the sound waves are aimed.

Bass Traps in Front Corners – Bass traps are a thicker acoustic panel which control low-frequency sounds. There should be two in the front of the room where the screen and speakers are to absorb low, rumbling bass sounds.

Bass Traps in Rear Corners – Two or four bass traps should be placed in the rear corners to capture bass sound reflections.

Reflection Points on the Front and Back Wall – At least two acoustic panels should be placed on the front and back walls at reflection points.

Reflection Points on the Floor – If you have a hard floor, you may want to place some panels to soften the sound. Throw rugs will also do the trick.

Reflection Points on the Ceiling – Acoustic panels on the ceiling are not always necessary. But they can be helpful if the sound quality is still off after hanging panels throughout the room.

Bass Traps – If you really want to ensure that your home theater has fabulous acoustics, place additional bass traps at points where the walls intersect with the floor or ceiling. This ensures that no sound escapes and unpleasant reverberations are muffled.

Conclusion

Acoustic panels are an important yet often overlooked element to an ideal home theater setup. But this small touch can make a huge difference in the sound quality of a room – so you want to make sure that you have enough panels and have them spaced correctly!

Perhaps the most important component to a great home theater is the seats that you and your family lounge in. This is where Octane Seating comes in. We carry a vast variety of cinema-style seating options designed for home theaters. The professional designs will elevate any space without compromising on comfort or style!

Want to check out our collection or place an order?

Contact Octane Seating today!

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The Ultimate List of Movie Podcasts

Darcy McGilvray — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:45:53 +0000

The Ultimate List of Movie
Podcasts

Podcasts—they have gained so much popularity in the recent years, and it is undeniable that they are a great way to consume information.

You can find them about any kind of topic as well, whatever your interests lead you to. And if your interests lie in the world of film and movie making, you are in luck!

Technology

History

Philosophy

Sports

Educational

Film and Movie making

Health

PODCAST

Podcasts abound on the topic of films and get very niche and educational. No matter your level of experience in the world of film, you can find the perfect podcast for you to enjoy.

Whether you are relaxing at home, or finding yourself mid-commute, you can definitely find a fantastic array of podcasts to pass the time and keep yourself up to date.

And podcasts on film enjoy a particularly wide array—there is a plethora of amazing podcast content on the topic of film, the history of cinema, and filmmaking in general.

But with all the podcasts options available, where do you start? In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about podcasts that cover the silver screen and all aspects of filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, and genres of films.

Internet Radio & the Origins of Podcasts

Podcasts are a relatively new piece of media. It is a close cousin to traditional radio, in that podcasts are audio media comprised of spoken word.

2004 Ben Hammersley

The term of “podcast” itself came about in early
2004 when journalist Ben Hammersley coined it as
a combination of “broadcast” and “iPod”.

Broadcast

iPod

Podcast

Being called this century’s first new art form, podcasts have thousands of titles and millions of listeners, and can be seen as riding on the coattails of the digital music era that came about with more sophisticated mobile music devices. The most popular podcast of all time, Serial, has been downloaded 340 million times. So, it is no wonder that podcasts have become so incredibly popular with audio consumers around the world.

Where to Find Podcasts

Given their popularity, podcasts have been made increasingly easy to locate and listen to.

Most top brands of cell phones include a dedicated application just for podcast listening, be it Apple’s Podcast app or Google Podcasts. You can also download additional applications for enjoying podcasts, such as Podbean, Pocket Casts, Castbox, TuneIn Radio, RadioPublic, and many more, for both iOS and Android phone users.

Another option is Amazon’s audiobook service called Audible.

e-Books and Podcasts You can find e-books and podcasts on their website
Helps to select perfect podcast Audible also tries to help you select the perfect podcast by narrowing their offerings into genres, top-tens, and most popular.
Free audiobook or podcast for trial period With a trial period that gives you a free audiobook or podcast, you can give Audible a try without any stress.

Spotify is another excellent place to source your podcasts

You can find a selection dedicated to podcast Spotify is another excellent place to source your podcasts—while this application and website are definitely known for providing music to their listeners, you can also find a section dedicated to podcasts.
Get notifications when new episodes are released You can also get notifications when new episodes are released, and unless you spring for their premium service, your experience with Spotify is completely free.

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A Complete Guide to Home Theater Lighting Setup

Darcy McGilvray — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:56:31 +0000

There are many elements that must work together to create a home theater. When people are first creating this type of space in their home, they often get caught up in the big pieces. The TV or projector screen is obviously the main focus, along with comfortable theater seats and a great surround sound speaker system. But there is one subtle – yet incredibly important – detail that you cannot overlook: home theater lighting.

To create a great home theater, it is not enough to be able to just turn the lights off when you put a film on. Specialized home theater lighting can really change up a room and make it look and feel like a legitimate cinema.

But there are some things to know about different lighting styles, installation options, and tips to create the ultimate home movie theater lighting setup.

Let’s dive in.

Different Types of Home Theater Lighting

Not all lights are created equal.

There are many different types of bulbs, styles, settings, and placement options you can use for your home theater lighting ideas.

Recessed Lighting Fixtures

Recessed lighting is built into the ceiling and is usually spread throughout the room. Recessed lighting is quite common in professional movie theaters, so this can certainly create quite an impression!

Recessed home theater ceiling lighting requires some expert installation, as a hole needs to be cut for the lights. Each light must then be wired together so they can all be turned on at once or controlled separately. These lights tend to be quite small and they do not provide much light on their own, so they are generally spaced out evenly throughout the room.

These types of lights are great for smaller rooms, especially if the ceilings are low and you do not have room for large lighting fixtures. However, they do not provide a great amount of light unless you install a bunch of them, so they can be quite energy inefficient.

Mounted Light Fixture

Mounted lighting fixtures are commonly used in all types of décor and come in thousands of styles, shapes, and finishes. Flush-mounted light fixtures fit directly onto the ceiling, while semi-flush fixtures hang down slightly.

This is a great option for home theater ceiling lighting if you want a lighting fixture that matches your theater’s color and overall style. These types of fixtures are fairly easy to install – but heavier ones need to be carefully secured. You can find a mounted light fixture to fit just about any budget – or you can splurge on an impressive focal point to your home theater!

Hanging Light Fixture

Hanging home movie theater lighting fixtures – or suspended fixtures – are great for providing lots of light to all corners of the room. However, you need to be strategic with the placement in a home theater, as this could cause light reflections on the TV or projection screen. Generally, this type is not recommended for home theaters for this reason. However, they can be good for multi-purpose rooms or extremely large spaces.

Wall Light Sconces

If your ceiling hangs low, is made of hard material, or you simply do not want to install overhead lighting, consider wall-mounted sconces. Home theater sconce lights are great for lining hallways or narrow rooms since the light will not generally reach the center of the room. This is great for a home theater where you want to keep the lights dim!

LED Strips

Home theater LED strip lighting is great because it offers gentle lighting accents without overwhelming the space. They are up to 90% more efficient than traditional lightbulbs! However, LED strips are not made to give off a bright light, but rather a subtle glow. This makes them a great option for home theater lighting so you aren’t completely in the dark while the movie plays.

Home theater LED strip lighting cannot replace a full lighting fixture for a dark room, so they are best used to line floorboards, hallways, or walkways. Some LED strip lights can be controlled through a remote so you can change the color or control their brightness!

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic lighting essentially creates a “pipe” of light that can be used to line or surround areas with a subtle glow. These tubes can be used to line the walls, floors, walkways, or provide home theater stair lighting – and the tubes are flexible enough to move around corners.

Another unique home theater lighting idea is to use fiber optics to create starfield lighting. Tiny fiber optic strings are suspended from the ceiling, creating a “starry night” effect to provide a drive-in movie experience in your own home!

Seat Side

If you have home theater seating recliners, then you may also consider installing seat side lights. These are recessed lighting strips that go underneath the chairs. Some home theater seats even have them built in!

It is quite helpful to have subtle, ambient home theater seating with LED lights in case you get up for a quick bathroom break or drop your popcorn on the ground. These lights are bright enough to light the way – but they won’t interfere with the viewing experience at all!

Cove Lights

Cove lights are another subtle home movie theater lighting option. These lights are installed between the crown molding and the ceiling, typically with LED strips or fiber optic tubes. They can be kept on at all times as they will not cast any reflection on the screen, but provide some light if people get up and need to move around.

Bias Light

Bias lighting is made to go behind the TV or projector screen. This helps to reduce eye strain and can be great if you watch a lot of films or spend hours playing video games!

Different Types of Lighting Effects

There is a lot more to creating home theater lighting than just having them turn on and off. As you’ve probably noticed in a real movie theater, the lights dim as the show begins, while live performance theaters have lights that get brighter, dimmer, or even change colors. You can recreate this with different types of effects and home theater lighting control!

Fade to Black

One of the most popular home theater lighting effects is the subtle fade to black. This helps your eyes adjust as the room gets dark and the movie begins. Some lights can be programmed to gradually dim at a certain time and some subtle lighting can be left on for an ambient glow.

Pause Activated

You can program your lights to turn back on if the movie is paused for people to use the restroom or refill their popcorn. The home theater remote control lighting will then automatically turn off once the film resumes.

Mood Lighting

If you use a combination of different lighting types, you can create “mood” settings. If you are watching a romantic film on date night, you may want a softer light glow, whereas you’d prefer it pitch black for horror movies. These can also be easily adjusted for watching specific types of entertainment, such as sports or video games.

Colorful

You can also create color combinations with home theater LED strip lighting or specialized light bulbs. They can be used to set a theme – like red and white for Christmas movies. Some people also prefer a blue-ish hue to their lights as it is less harsh than the traditional bright white or yellow.

Professional Theater Style

If you want to make your home theater look just like the real thing, it’s all about the subtle lighting details. Cinemas typically have recess lighting in the ceiling, as well as bias lighting behind the screen. Chairs often have under-seat lighting, and hallways are also lined with LED strips. Putting these all together will take some planning, but it will make your home theater feel like a professional place!

Wiring for Lights

The wiring for home theater lighting can get complicated – so you should leave it to the experts unless you have electrical training. However, there are some projects that you may be able to handle on your own. Just be sure that you follow the best safety practices to avoid any potential hazards.

It is also recommended that your home movie theater lighting is connected to a separate breaker than the one your theater equipment (such as the speakers and TV) are on. This will help you avoid any fixture noise or obnoxious humming that can occur when there are too many circuits running to the same breaker.

First, be sure that you plan out your wiring and lighting layout ahead of time. You will probably want to run your blueprint by an electrical expert before you get started. You can also consult the National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure that your plans are up to standards.

If you purchase the wiring hardware on your own, be sure to do your research first. While it is tempting to go with the lowest prices, this can certainly impact the quality and longevity of your home theater lighting. Skimping on quality could also increase the chances of malfunctions – which could be incredibly dangerous. Instead, invest in top-quality wires that will last for a long time.

Finally, be sure that you carefully label all of your wires so you can easily replace them if needed. This is a great tip for other types of home theater wires too, such as speaker cables.

Control Lights

You might not want to stick to the traditional light switch operations to control home theater lights. While this option is certainly viable, you may find it more comfortable and logical to control the lights from the comfort of your home theater seats – or even from outside of the room.

These days, many home movie theater lighting systems can be controlled through a smart remote or even a smartphone app. These control options let you pick and choose which lights turn on, how bright the lights are, and sometimes even the color and hue. You can even set up home theater lighting automation timers or program the lights so they fade to black or – turn on slowly once the film wraps.

Conclusion

The small details in your home theater lighting system can make a huge difference. The placement, design, and control options can help take your home theater experience to a whole new level and help you achieve the room of your dreams!

At Octane Seating, our goal is to help bring the elements of a professional movie theater into the comfort of your own home. We offer a vast variety of home theater seating, including plush recliners, sofas, chaise loungers, and traditional theater seats.

Reach out to us to learn more about the comfortable theater seating designs and find the set that will fit in perfectly with your home theater!

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Black Lives Matter: Media and Where to Find It

Darcy McGilvray — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 09:37:30 +0000

Black Lives Matter:
Media and Where to Find It

“Black Lives Matter!”

These words have become a rallying cry for the issues of racism, injustice, and police violence. We have all become very familiar with the slogan, and indeed the movement, over the past year. The entire world was brimming with people ready for change and ready to take matters into their own hands in order to achieve it. Sources of media were afire with information, motivation, and people sharing their experiences and images, especially during the summer of 2020.

Protests to end violence and racism were global, even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, where people took to the streets to demand change.

Want to know more about where to find media and resources about the Black Lives Matter movement? Well, you are in the right place for that! The following is a quick discussion about where to find media about the Black Lives Matter organization and movement.

Black Lives Matter Resurgence During Summer of 2020

While he is not the only man to be killed in police custody, George Floyd’s death on May 25 of 2020 was the catalyst for massive protests across the United States and around the world. This event sparked outrage internationally over police brutality, racism, and the treatment of minorities.

George Floyd died on
May 25, 2020

These mass protests were especially poignant given the Covid-19 crisis, and how people put their personal safety at risk to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. For several months, groups of masked protesters with homemade signs and raised fists became a common sight around the world, and even though protests might have become less of an everyday happening, the Black Lives Matter movement has not lost its momentum or its importance.

Earlier Movement of Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter movement was actually started much earlier. In July of 2013, Black Lives Matter came about after the murder of Trayvon Martin and his killer’s subsequent acquittal.

Trayvon Martin was murdered and his killer acquitted

As a foundation, the Black Lives Matter Global Network organization is international—in the US, Canada, and the UK. Their mission statement shows their goal to end white supremacy and intervene in the violence suffered by Black communities.

The Involvement of Media

The movement has an impressive social media presence, where posts are shared with use of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media accounts. The movement has sparked a network of grass-roots organizations, influential supporters, and a moral collective of activists dedicated to making a real change in the justice system and in the world as a whole.

The Media Attention of Black Lives Matters Grows

Media of all types continues to be essential to the spread of the Black Lives Matter movement’s message. During 2020, news media and social media was abuzz with information and updates on not only the Black Lives Matter movement, but also the search for justice in cases of police brutality and violence.

The faces of George Floyd, Breonna Tayler, and Ahmaud Arbery became key in the protests, and in the minds of the protesters, all around the world.

And essential to the spread of these images, and information on the movement and protests, was the use of media globally.

“I can’t breathe”: His Last Words

As the summer 2020 protests spread across the United States, several quotes became prevalent for signage and chants.

One of these was the phrase uttered by George Floyd as he was held down by the police force just before his death—“I can’t breathe.”

This became a potent phrase for the protests and was seen on signage and heard in chants not only in the United States but around the world.

Along with the visual of the raised, closed fist, several other common phrases were used during the protests. These included “no justice, no peace”, “we will not be silent”, “hands up, don’t shoot”, and “enough is enough”. Such phrases became slogans for the protesters and were chanted by tens of thousands around the world.

Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

In the most recent news, the Black Lives Matter organization has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, as an important worldwide movement to fight racial injustice. It was actually a Norwegian MP, Petter Eide, who was the person to nominate the Black Lives Matter organization for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Norwegian MP, Petter Eide
nominated the BLM organization for the Nobel Peace Prize

And this is not the only award the organization has been selected for— the BET awards featured the movement, and Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation recently won the Swedish human rights prize titled the OLOF Prize for 2020.

The Black Lives Matter movement is an important part of modern politics, philosophy, and culture. Given its importance, it is essential to keep up with it. Here are some media sources and where to find them, to keep you up to date.

Black Lives Matter Sources in the News and in Blogging

News

It is no secret that the ready availability of news to each of us on a daily basis means that most people are well versed in the latest happenings. And when it comes to Black Lives Matter and the information on it, the accessibility of news media is no different.

With the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger, your search for the most recent news coverage of the movement is complete and you are well on your way to learning more about Black Lives Matter.

News coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement is extensive and can be found easily.

In fact, the media has paid much more attention to the recent 2020 resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement than it has to other protests against police violence and misconduct over the past few years.

Possibly the sheer scale of the 2020 protests was the catalyst to media’s focus on the Black Lives Matter movement, but in any case, it became prominent and documented thanks to news media. The news media’s spread of awareness for Black Lives Matter quickly reached every corner of the globe and influenced change in many sectors, for example the taking of the knee that still happens before sporting games.

Of course, popular news media webpages such as CNN, BBC, CBC, MSNBC are good go-to’s for consistent reporting on the movement, there are many places to find the latest information regarding it.

Some of the best are highlighted below:

This is ABC’s news section dedicated to Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

They billed the Black Lives Matter movement as one of the biggest in American history.

Learn more

Which covers the movement in Europe.

Learn more

Which covers Black Lives Matter news from across the world.

Learn more

This is the BBC’s news section dedicated to Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

The Black Lives Matter website itself.

Learn more

Blogs

Given that anyone these days can write and publish a blog from the comfort of their own home, blogging can be seen as a less reliable source of information at times. However, there are several places that offer reputable information in their blogs, and that includes content about the Black Lives Matter movement.

However, there are several blogs run by Black writers that are highly educational, informative, and enjoyable. These blogs range from lifestyle and living well, to politics and philosophy, to news and even the daily experiences of the author.

They are engaging, interesting, and insightful, and showing support for such blogs is a great way to keep informed about the Black Lives Matter movement and be a part of it yourself.

Showing your support for these creators is an easy way to remain a part of the community surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and to continue increasing your knowledge of not only the movement, but the experiences of individual people.

Another place to look for informative blogs is on university webpages, where they commonly post articles written by educated professionals!

The following are a few useful blogs:

A list of resources.

Learn more

A list of resources.

Learn more

Personal articles about Black Lives Matter.

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Discussions on Black Lives Matter.

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A guide to allyship.

Learn more

A list of resources.

Learn more

Mindfulness and Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

A photo blog of Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

A young person’s take on Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

An academic take on Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

A webpage dedicated to Black British bloggers.

Learn more

Black bloggers you should know about.

Learn more

Black bloggers to follow.

Learn more

A list of bloggers to follow.

Learn more

A list of women bloggers to follow.

Learn more

Social media has enjoyed a steady and constant rise in popularity and convenience since it was first introduced. Websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are the stalwart usual suspects, and the ability that users have to share information around the world in a matter of seconds has been useful for many societal campaigns.

And the Black Lives Matter movement most certainly has been able to take advantage of that. During the summer of 2020 and the protests, social media was essential to sharing information, linking people, and keeping accountability.

You probably noticed the absolute takeover of social media outlets with Black Lives Matter content, allowing everyone to become informed, educated, and involved, no matter where they lived.

The Rise and Rise of Social Media

Between May 26th and June 7th, there were 3.7million tweets per day about the Black Lives Matter movement. With May 28th reaching the peak of 8.8million tweets in a single 24-hour period.

Facebook the Catalyst in 2013

The viral spread of Black Lives Matter on such media platforms is fitting, as the movement’s origins are very much rooted in social media.

After the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer in 2013, the movement was sparked by a Facebook post tagged as “Black Lives Matter”, giving the world the slogan that has become a rallying cry.

The co-founder of the movement, Alicia Garzia, took this initial stance on social media, and since then the Black Lives Matter movement has relied on the social capital of platforms to spread its message.

Alicia Garzia
co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement

Social Media: The Power of Sharing

Social media is also a platform over which people are able to share images and videos of their protestations, as well as eyewitness accounts of police violence and the disparity that minorities are faced with on a daily basis.

It is commonly the go-to for people wishing to share and be shared, and information about the Black Lives Matter movement is no different. So far, users of social media have managed to spread awareness of the movement across the globe, as well as organize themselves and their protest efforts in order to bring about worldwide change for the better.

Social Media: The Presence of Online Movements

Online movements were also the territory of social media—you may remember the black squares posted to Instagram during the summer.

This was part of an online protest movement called Blackout Tuesday, taking place on June 2, where Instagram users flooded the platform with black squares in support of the black victims of police violence.

Even the feeds of large corporations showed support for this online movement, such as Warner Music Group, ViacomCBS, and big artists like the Rolling Stones and Billie Eilish as well.

The Role of Influencers

Influencers and the general populace alike took to social media to spread awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement, and before long, the movement was trending at the top of everyone’s social media accounts.

This created an amazing, international consciousness of the movement overnight. Following the initial social media spread, resources for Black Lives Matter continue to be shared across those platforms, and it can be a great way to compile more information. Activists, authors, and crusaders for justice unite on social media, and there are so many sources to be found there.

Activist and author.

Since then, the number of sources for listening to podcasts has grown exponentially, with many websites and applications that offer listeners a wide variety of titles to download and enjoy.

Convenience and Accessibility of Information

Having the convenience of applications directly on your smartphone such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and any one of the many other podcast application services makes it so easy to be able to listen to your chosen content whenever you wish to.

And in the world of podcasts, the Black Lives Matter movement is heartily included. Many different activists and influencers have lent their voices and expertise to educating and sharing about Black Lives Matter. And whether you are on your way to work, the grocery store, or just out for a stroll, these podcasts can keep you company and keep you informed. These podcasts are not only educational, they are emotional, personal, and entertaining.

Top Ten Podcasts on Black Lives Matter

Here are ten of the best podcasts to listen to:

For lessons in history.

Learn more

For stories on the Black experience.

Learn more

For engagement in activism.

Learn more

For learning about privilege.

Learn more

For conversation starters.

Learn more

For practical advice.

Learn more

For lessons in intersectionality.

Learn more

For community.

Learn more

For interviews and discussions.

Learn more

For history.

Learn more

Music

Music has always been one of the things that can best motivate people. After all, who can resist a great track?

And since any largescale movement tends to adopt a sound that encapsulates the feeling behind it, Martin Luther King was right in calling freedom songs, the anthems inspired by the civil rights era, “the soul of the movement.”

Martin Luther King
called freedom songs “the soul of the movement.”

Songs as a kind of political chorus, giving audible structure, flow and collective intensity to the experience, apart from the chants and the human voices. And during the 2020 resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, certain songs rose to popularity as a voice for the frustration’s protesters were feeling.

Black Lives Matter Anthems

These songs that became Black Lives Matter anthems were not only new music tracks, but established songs that people felt particularly drawn to.

For instance, the songs “This is America” by Childish Gambino and released in 2018, found itself rocketing up the charts on Spotify at the beginning of June.

Similarly, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” from 2015 also found resurgence, being streamed several hundred thousand times. Both songs appear on Spotify’s Black Lives Matter playlist, which has nearly half a million likes. More music on that playlist includes James Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”, The Game’s “Don’t Shoot”, 2Pac’s “Keep Ya Head Up”, and Killer Mike’s “Don’t Die”.

Continued Rise of Music Dedicated to Black Lives Matter

During the initial period of summer’s Black Lives Matter movement, artists released frequent music and remixes that addressed the protests globally and the murder of George Floyd that sparked them.

Music videos with footage from protests, tracks that address police violence, and new lyrics addressing Floyd’s death added onto songs, such as the Killers’s retooled 2019 song “Land of the Free”, where they added the words “Eight measured minutes and 46 seconds / Another boy in the bag / Another stain on the flag.”

Killers’s “Land of the Free”

“Eight measured minutes and 46 seconds,
Another boy in the bag,
Another stain on the flag”

Thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement, a new golden age of protest music has emerged.

Top Ten Music Sources on Black Lives Matter

And here are some of the best places to find the sounds:

BLM Spotify Radio

The Spotify radio channel for Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

This is What Black Lives Matter Look Like - Top Films and Shows to View

It is no secret that we have all been spending more time watching content from streaming services over the past year of the pandemic.

The titans of that industry, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, among others, have certainly enjoyed an increased viewership.

However, can you find films and shows that give more insight on the experiences of minorities and the Black Lives Matter movement? You absolutely can! Cinema offerings that support, educate, and thrill are plentiful across streaming services, and it can be completely free to watch them.

How Hollywood is Doing Its Part

While it is definitely acknowledged that a large part of mainstream Hollywood is not particularly diverse, it is pretty evident when looking at the awards and their typical recipients. Hattie McDaniel became the first black actor in 1940 to receive an Academy Award for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind, and in the years since, only fourteen black actors have won similar awards.

Hattie McDaniel
the first black actor in 1940 to receive an Academy Award

This in part has led to the 2001 establishment of the BET Awards—an annual American award show that is run by the Black Entertainment Television network, honoring Black actors and other minorities in all fields of entertainment, be it film, music or sports.

An excellent event with performances, speeches, and awards, the BET Award winners are a great place to look for fantastic content, supporting Black actors and artists. The 2019 film Queen & Slim directed by Melina Matsoukas took home the prize for Best Movie in the latest ceremony during June of 2020, with Michael B. Jordan and Issa Rae as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.

How the Film Industry Has Reacted

Film as a whole can be an excellent resource—educational, emotional, and inspirational content abounds, and selecting the perfect one can take movie night to the next level. And films are also a great way to deal with difficult issues, ones that spark discussion, and give a visual interpretation to them.

Issues especially prevalent with the heightened popularity and awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, such as injustice, racial inequality and racism, the treatment of minorities, disparities in the justice system, and police violence, can be explored in film and shared with interested viewers worldwide.

Including the previously mentioned Queen & Slim, other films over the years have tackled issues of racism and police violence, including Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, George Tillman Jr.’s The Hate U Give, Carlos López Estrada’s Blindspotting, and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Monsters and Men.

The representation and depiction of people’s experiences on screen is a potent tool of expression and communication for the way viewers’ perceive others.

It promotes a public debate and discussion about representation and the world. And in seeing the world through another person’s eyes during a film or a show, it can be a powerful experience for viewers.

Netflix Expanding Black Lives Matter Content

Netflix has released a special category on their website dedicated to films that are associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. The streaming service captions this category as helping to learn more about racial injustice, and the Black experience in America through selected films, documentaries, and series.

Here is a compilation of films that deal with issues related to the Black Lives Matter movement:

A compilation of the Black Lives Matter inspired content.

Learn more

A compilation of curated content.

Learn more

10 films and shows that support Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

Films to watch in honor of Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

A compilation of films that deal with racial injustice.

Learn more

A compilation of educational films.

Learn more

A list of free to watch films that support Black Lives Matter.

Learn more

Official Black Lives Matter genre category.

Learn more

Where to Find Black Lives Matter Media

Black Lives Matter in the media is a constant, ever evolving experience. And keeping up with it is both exciting and informative! After the Black Lives Matter movement’s reappearance in the summer of 2020 radically changed the way we interact with the world and with the people around us, it is here to stay and continues to be an important way to discuss major issues in our society.

These issues involve race, racism, injustice, disparity in minority treatment, the flaws of the justice system, and police violence.

And that is not all—but the Black Lives Matter movement is so very important to the public acknowledgement of these issues, and the open discussion that will bring about real change.

News, Blogs & Social Media: The Art of People Power

Whether you are engaging with the Black Lives Matter movement through the news and blogs, through social media, through audio streaming, or through a screen, it is essential to keep up to date and informed on this movement, and the societal changes it is making.

“People power” is a term that describes the populist driving force of a social movement and it is a phrase that carries a lot of meaning.

People truly do drive change through their words and actions— even if those words are posts on social media, or those actions are engaging with digital media supporting a movement.

And now, given the ease and convenience of accessing media on all platforms, keeping up with the Black Lives Matter movement and organization, and keeping yourself informed about the newest updates, is easier than ever. All it takes is your eyes or your ears and a little bit of clicking and scrolling to get there.

Learn More

It is no secret that every day even more sources and media come out around the Black Lives Matter movement. It truly is changing the world one step at a time.

And this makes keeping yourself informed easier than ever! A tap of the finger or click of the mouse are all that is between you and some great information about the Black Lives Matter movement and organization, as well as charities and non-profit organizations that support the movement.

The Black Lives Matter organization itself has many links to helpful resources on their website, including toolkits and worksheets, reports, support for the LGBTQ+, support for other minorities, campaigns, and statements.

There is plenty of material there alone for anyone interested in learning more!

Here are some additional sources of information about how to support the Black Lives Matter movement, and some educational resources as well:

Official Black Lives Matter resources website.

Learn more

Official Black Lives Matter resources website.

Learn more

Black Lives Matter nominated for Nobel prize.

Learn more

Where to donate for Black Lives Matter 2021.

Learn more

17 anti-racism charities.

Learn more

How to support Black Lives Matter around the world.

Learn more

Protest resources and petitions.

Learn more

A criminal justice expert’s guide to donating effectively.

Learn more

Raising support awareness.

Learn more

Black history month resources.

Learn more

Black history month resources.

Learn more

A list of resources.

Learn more

A list of resources.

Learn more

A list of resources and ways to support.

Learn more

A list of resources for young people.

Learn more

A list of resources.

Learn more

A list of resources and ways to support.

Learn more

How to support.

Learn more

How to support.

Learn more

Healing justice toolkit.

Learn more

Conflict resolution toolkit.

Learn more

#TalkAboutTrayvon: toolkit.

Learn more

Trayvon Taught Me: a toolkit for Black and non-Black POC organizers.

Learn more

Key Questions

Who is George Floyd?
When did the Black Lives Matter movement start?
Is the BLM organization just in the United States?
How does media play a part in the BLM movement?
How did the phrase “I can’t breathe” become popularized?
Did the BLM organization win a Nobel Peace Prize?
How can I show my support for the BLM community?
What are some informative resources to learn more about BLM?
Who founded the BLM movement?
What role has social media played in the BLM movement?
What are some social media accounts to follow who support the movement?
What are some of the top podcasts on BLM?
How has music played a role in the BLM movement?
How have streaming services helped spread the BLM movement?
Where can I find more BLM media?

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The post Black Lives Matter: Media and Where to Find It appeared first on Octane Seating.

Everything You Need to Know about Home Theater Wiring

Darcy McGilvray — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 21:11:27 +0000

With online streaming and video gaming fast becoming popular, a home theater can help you enjoy not just 2D, but 3D content as well. It’s no surprise that the global home theater market is expected to reach $13,050.2 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period (2019-2025). The North American market dominated the global home theater market in 2018, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% during the same forecast period.

One of the most critical elements that add value to your home theater experience is the wiring. Usually hidden within your walls or under the carpet, wiring acts like the nervous system that connects all your home theater equipment. Using the right type of wire can help you get the most out of each element of your home theater system.

However, home theater wiring is not as easy as it sounds. Depending on the size and location of your home theater, you may need a lot of wiring to connect audio, video, and other elements in the room. This guide will help you understand everything there is to know about home theater wiring.

Let’s start with the basics.

Know Your Home Theater Cables

The most important part of your home theater wiring is the cables. The right type of cables can help you assemble all the equipment quickly and efficiently. Here are a few common types of cables you may need when setting up your home theater wiring.

HDMI Cable

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is one of the most commonly used cables for TVs, projectors, computers, and laptops. This cable allows you to transfer both audio and video from a high definition input device to an output device.

You can enjoy a 4K video and 32 audio channels with a single HDMI cable, which isn’t very costly. It can also dynamically synchronize audio and video streams. You can also get HDMI cables with advanced features such as ethernet connection, 3D display, and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) extensions.

DVI Cable

Digital Video Interface or DVI cables can provide you with a high-quality picture, particularly for projectors. You can also use them if you are going to use your TV as a laptop or computer screen.

The biggest advantage of a DVI cable is that it allows you to send videos with extremely high resolution. Depending on the number and arrangement of pins, you can find the following three types of DVI cables.

DVI-D: Sends digital signals
DVI-A: Sends analog signals
DVI-I: Sends both signals

You can check these specifications in the user manual or product information, and buy a suitable cable.

S Video Cable

With S Video cables, you can transmit standard-definition video from DVD players and VCRs to your TV. In this cable, the video gets transmitted through two synchronized signal-and-ground pairs called Y and C.

The Y stands for the luma signal, comprising the black-and-white part of the video, while the C is the chroma signal that transmits the color part of the video. As it transmits two separate signals, the video quality is much better than composite cables.

Component Video Cable

Component video cables can help you deliver clear, rich, and crisp videos. This cable delivers high-quality analog video signals between input and output devices, such as from blue rays and DVD players to TVs.

At each end of the component video cable, you will see three plugs: red, green, and blue. Make sure to connect them as per the color-coding. It is one of the most commonly used cables in home theater settings, especially if you don’t have HDMI or DVI cable options.

VGA Connector Cable

This cable is primarily used to connect computers with video output equipment. Usually, a Video Graphics Array or VGA cable has a 15-pin D-sub connector (male part) that fits into the 15-pin D-sub port (female part) on your device. You can connect this cable only one way round.

This cable can receive an analog RGB signal from the input device and supports standard as well as high-definition signals. A VGA cable will not transmit audio signals. However, it is the best cable for transmitting video from your computer or laptop to your home theater TV or projector if you can’t use HDMI or DVI. You can also use a VGA to HDMI adapter to convert VGA into HDMI video.

Composite Video Cables

Composite video is a dying technology. That’s why you will not see composite cables being used in most home theater setups. Given a choice, it is always better to use component video cables instead of composite as they support better resolution. The only time you may need to use these cables is when transmitting video from older input devices such as VCRs.

Stereo RCA Cable

RCA stands for the Radio Corporation of America, which first used these cables. RCA audio cables have two RCA connectors, usually white and red or black. Red or black is for right channel and white is for left channel.

You can use these cables to transmit analog multichannel audio to your AV devices. Although HDMI is the preferred cable for audio and video transmission, stereo RCA cables help you connect a variety of AV devices, such as camcorders, stereos, and speakers to your TV or projector.

Multichannel RCA Cable

If you can’t use HDMI or optical cables, multichannel RCA cables are the best way to power 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound in your home theater. Make sure to connect the right ends between the output and input devices. Remember, however, multichannel RCA cables will not transmit digital audio. Also, not all DVD and Blue Ray devices will support multichannel RCA connections.

Coaxial Cable

You can use coaxial cables for transmitting both audio and video signals. They are a better fit for shorter distances compared to optical fiber cables because coaxial cables are less expensive. They are also durable and easy to install. If you have a cable connection or a satellite TV, you may already know this cable.

These cables can transmit high-quality AV signals to your home theater TV and projector. Coaxial audio cables don’t support 4K video and high-end audio signals like Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD. However, if you don’t have an HDMI option, coaxial cables are your best bet for sending AV signals to your output devices.

Optical Audio Cables

Optical audio cables use laser light instead of electrical impulses to transmit digital audio signals between devices. As these cables were introduced by Toshiba in 1983, they are also called TOSlink cables. These cables can support up to 5.1 surround sound transmissions for home theaters.

Compared to RCA cables, the signal transmission is clearer, crisper, and faster. However, they may not support high-resolution audio formats on Blue Ray discs. They also work best for short distances, usually not more than 10 meters. But if you don’t have an HDMI option, an optical cable is your best alternative.

Speaker Wire

Most speaker systems don’t come with wires. So, you will need to buy them separately. You can find speaker wires with or without connectors.

It is better to buy speaker wires with connectors as connecting wires directly to the speakers are difficult. If you already have wires without connectors, buy banana connectors, also known as banana plugs, to make connections easily.

Speaker wires come in different gauges. Usually, thick wires (12 or 14 gauge) are better for longer runs while thin wires (16 or 18 gauge) are more suitable for short distances. Thin wires are also more suitable for high-power and low-impedance speaker systems.

SCART Cables

SCART cables are also a dying technology. Like composite video cables, you will need to use them if you have old AV equipment like VCRs. While these cables can transmit analog AV signals, they don’t support digital AV signals or any other modern technologies.

Important Factors You Need to Know about Home Theater Cables

When buying the cables for your home theater wiring, you will need to take a few important factors into account. Not considering the following factors can result in a poor home theater experience. With the right type of cable, you can also enjoy the true benefits of your high-end home theater equipment.

Conducting Material

Choosing the right type of conducting material is really important as it directly affects picture and sound quality. While the cables made from gold-plated connectors are the best, they are also cost-prohibitive for home theater projects. Although they will improve the signal quality, the core will still be made of copper, which is not as good a conductor as gold is.

However, copper is the most economical and conductive option. Although copper will oxidize (turn green) over time, it will offer good value for money. Oxidization, if unchecked, will reduce the conductivity substantially. Also, cables with copper core will cost you more than aluminum wires as copper is expensive.

You also have the option of using Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) wires. Although these wires have slightly high resistance, they are relatively less expensive and also lighter. That’s why they are commonly used for speakers.

Resistance

Resistance needs to be as low as possible as higher resistance translates into poor signal quality. Gold offers the least resistance. However, as it is expensive, you can’t find wires made of pure gold. Silver also has lower resistance, but it is expensive as well. That’s why copper and copper-clad aluminum are the best options you have for home theater wires.

Length and Thickness (Gauge)

As resistance is directly proportional to the length, you need to keep the length of your cables as short as possible. Make sure to take the length into account when planning your layout.

The thickness (measured in gauge), on the other hand, is inversely proportional to the resistance. So, thicker wires will have lower resistance. You can use thin wires for short distances. However, as the distance increases, it is better to use thick wires to improve signal quality.

As per the American Wire Gauge number, a lower gauge number indicates higher thickness. There are four different gauge sizes including 12, 14, 16, and 18. While 12 and 14-gauge wires are more suited for long runs, 16 and 18 are best for short distances. Universally, a 16-gauge cable is the best choice for an 8-ohm speaker, provided it runs shorter than 50 ft.

Cost

Cost is also an important consideration when buying cables for your home theater. Usually, people tend to buy the most expensive cables available in the market. However, expensive doesn’t always translate into better AV quality, especially over short distances.

If the distance between equipment is short, any standard-quality cable will provide you with the desired level of performance. However, considering the three factors mentioned before this one, if the length increases, investing in an expensive cable can provide benefits in the long run.

High-quality cables do come with better insulation. It not only protects your home theater from accidents, like a short circuit, but also provides protection against electrical interference. This, in turn, improves the picture and sound quality.

Advanced Features

Some modern cables, particularly HDMI cables, come with a variety of advanced features. Along with 4K picture quality, these cables may also support ethernet connection and 3D gaming, among other things.

If you are going to use your home theater setup to play video games and watch movies over the internet instead of cable TV, you should invest in an HDMI cable with these advanced features. Usually, buying the latest cable is better as technology keeps evolving. However, do think of your budget and entertainment needs before making the decision.

How to Put the Wiring Together

Your home theater wiring specifications will change depending on the size of your home theater, your equipment, seating area, and budget. That’s why, in this guide, we are going to discuss a general plan.

Here’s how you can do it.

Create a Wiring Map

You don’t need a blueprint like your electric contractor would have. However, you do need to create a general home theater wiring map that tells you which connection goes where. It will also help you understand the size and type of wires you need for your setup.

Usually, a typical home theater will have the following equipment:

TV or Projector with a screen (video output)
AV Receiver (central unit)
Cable or Satellite TV or Blue Ray (AV input devices)
Sound System (audio output)

As mentioned before, this layout may change depending on what devices you have. For example, if you are using a 5.1 surround sound system instead of 7.1, your speaker layout will change and so will your wiring. Similarly, if you have a DVD player, you will need RCA cables, while more modern AV receivers and TVs have HDMI connectors.

Understand Your Wiring Needs First

Before you drive to the nearest hardware and electronics store, make sure you know the type and quantity of cables you need. First, find out the type of connections all your devices can support. For example, if you need to convert VGA into HDMI, you will need a special adapter or you may need a special cable such as a DVI-HDMI cable that lets you convert DVI output into HDMI input.

Also, measure the length of the cable you need to connect the equipment, especially your speakers. The best way is to arrange your speakers and use a string to measure the length of wire you will need for connecting them. You should add a few extra centimeters for each connection so that it isn’t too tight.

Make the Connections in Stages

When you are wiring your home theater, it is best to make the connections in stages. If you start doing it all at once, it will be difficult for you to keep the cables apart. You may also end up connecting negative leads to positive ports and positive leads to negative ports. It will affect the quality of sound.

When doing it in stages, keep the following in mind:

First, connect the inputs from your Blue Rays or Cable TV to the AV receiver.
Connect the video (AV if you are using HDMI) output cable from your AV receiver to your TV or projector.
Connect your speakers to your AV receiver. Make sure to connect each speaker in phase. In other words, all the male connectors should fit into suitable female connectors. It will create an additive sound system that will provide you with the ultimate hearing experience.
Use wires required for the specific stage by checking the connections first. Most home theater equipment will display the type of required cable or connector. So, it’s really a matter of buying the specific cable and making the connections.

Check All the Connections

When making connections make sure to identify the positives and negatives of the wires and the devices. Your speaker system is like an electric circuit. So, it will work only if everything is connected correctly. Once you have set up the connections, make sure to check if everything is working fine.

If the connections are correct, you will hear excellent sound. If it isn’t, the sound quality will be extremely poor or there will not be any sound at all. When making HDMI or VGA connections, make sure to insert the connectors tightly into the devices. Loose connectors will impede AV signal quality.

How to Hide Home Theater Wiring

Hiding home theater wiring is one of the most crucial aspects of your setup. It is always a good idea to hide the cables as wires lying around openly are a major tripping hazard. Plus, they also ruin your home theater aesthetics. There are many easy ways to hide cables.

Cable Concealers and Duct Raceways

Cable concealers or duct raceways is one of the best ways to hide your home theater wiring. It is popularly known as “trunking,” where cables are concealed in a plastic tube or duct. Although it isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as wiring behind the walls, it is an incredibly cheap and easy-to-install option for hiding cables.

These plastic ducts are simple wall-mount wire concealers and corner raceways. The latter are triangle-shaped ducts that help you conceal and run speaker wires through wall or ceiling corners.

Most ducts come with pre-applied adhesive back that will help you mount the duct directly on the wall. However, you may have to use additional screws to provide enough support to the wires. As these duct raceways come with a Snap-On cover, you can easily check and maintain the wires whenever required.

Wall-Mounted Flat Speaker Wires

Another cheaper and easy-to-use alternative is wall-mounted flat speaker wires. These wires are thin and flat, and have pre-adhesive back. All you need to do is peel the tape and stick the wire to the desired surface. You can run these wires along the walls or under your carpet or on your ceiling.

You can also paint these wires on one side, helping them blend into your wall color easily. You may need to do a little sanding, painting, and use joint compound to conceal the wire perfectly. However, it is easier and cheaper than in-wall wiring.

The only downside is that flat wires can be more fragile than regular speaker wires. So, you have to be very careful when installing and concealing them.

Under-Carpet Wiring

Under carpet wiring is a cost-effective and efficient wire concealing hack. You can tuck the wire under the carpet and the bottom of your baseboards, running it along the wall of your home theater room. You will need to tuck the wire in slowly as you move along the length of the wall.

It’s a plus if you can find a small pre-existing gap in the baseboards or the floor. You can easily conceal the wire in this gap. If you have a hardwood floor, you can use wood-colored wire raceways to conceal the wires. This method will not affect your décor at all.

In-Wall Wiring

Although in-wall wiring is the best way to hide your home theater wires, it is also an expensive and demanding process. It is most suitable if you are building a dedicated home theater room from scratch, as you can easily install wiring before putting up the drywall. If not, you will need to tear down the existing drywall, which may not be economical or practical in most cases.

You will need advanced DIY skills as well, including drilling, cutting, and drywall repair. If not, it is better to call professionals to ensure safe and efficient wiring. If you are going ahead with DIY, make sure to plan everything first. Check if you have a crawlspace or existing gaps that you can use to run the wires wherever possible.

Mark the points where you want to drill the holes or cut the drywall. You will also need to buy suitable brackets for speakers, wall-mounted volume control systems, nail plates, and junction boxes. Be sure to get all your supplies, tools, and equipment before starting your work.

Go Wireless

The best way to avoid the hassle of running and hiding a network of speaker wires is to go wireless. As there are no cables to manage, you can avoid a ton of legwork. However, wireless speaker systems are relatively expensive. Furthermore, your AV receiver or TV will need to be compatible with wireless speaker systems.

Wiring Tips for Improving Performance

When setting up your home theater wiring, you need to take a few extra precautions to improve its efficiency. Here’s what you need to remember.

Ventilation Is Crucial

Whether it is your TV or your projector, all home theater equipment will produce heat when they are in use. Although you are using air conditioning, you have to make sure that each piece of equipment has enough ventilation.

Make sure to keep plenty of free space around the equipment. Avoid crowding them together in one place or keeping them in a confined or closed space. It will allow the heat to dissipate into the room.

Too much heat can interfere with the proper functioning of the equipment and circuits, resulting in irreparable damage. Depending on the equipment, you may also need a dedicated mechanical ventilation system for the devices.

Stay Away from Power Cables

Power cables produce a strong electromagnetic field that can interfere with the audio and video signals passing through your home theater cables. This, in turn, can lead to distorted audio and video. The best way to avoid this problem is to place your home theater cables and power cables as away from each other as possible.

Running these wires across is a lot better than running them alongside each other over a long distance. If you do so, however, make sure your home theater cables have thicker insulation to reduce the effect of the electromagnetic field.

Use AV Adapters Wisely

In most home theater setups, you may need to convert one form of audio or video signal into another. You need to use an adapter or a special converter cable to change the AV signal.

For example, you can use a VGA to HDMI adapter to convert analog VGA output from your laptop or computer to your high-definition TV. When choosing an adapter or a converter, make sure to check the specifications to ensure it’s the right fit.

However, when it comes to a home theater setup, you do need to plan for the future as new technology is continuously entering the market. So, sometimes, instead of using an adapter or converter, it is better to invest in the latest equipment. So, do your research, and plan accordingly.

Your Safety Comes First

While you focus on the sound and picture quality, you can’t forget about your safety. When it comes to home theater wiring, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Make sure to wear the required safety gear when wiring your home theater. You should also know how to use each piece of equipment to avoid any accidents.
If attempting DIY, check the local electrical and building codes to find out what you can and can’t do. If the law requires you to get professional help, call an electrician immediately.
Plan everything well in advance. Don’t ignore any safety instructions or skimp on equipment quality.
Do your research. Thorough research will not only improve the quality of your work but also ensure your safety.
Always use a good-quality surge protector to protect your home theater equipment from unexpected power spikes. As a surge protector will wear out over time, get one with a replacement indicator. The indicator will help you replace the surge protector before it’s too late.
Label your cables to understand which one goes where. The complex nature of home theater wiring means one can easily get lost in different types of cables and connectors. Labeling will also help you locate the exact wire if you run into any issues in the future or when carrying out regular maintenance.
The most obvious safety tip is to keep your kids and pets away from your home theater room when you are working. You will be using various tools that could easily compromise their safety.
Finally, whenever you feel like you aren’t up for a task, call for professional help. You may need to spend a few hundred dollars now, but it will save you from a lot of expensive re-work or repair in the future.

Parting Words

Home theater wiring is one of the most crucial aspects of creating a truly immersive entertainment and gaming experience. It is, however, also the most challenging step in building a home theater. From selecting the right type of cables to running the wires and connecting them safely, each stage of the home theater wiring process needs to be planned and executed carefully. Hopefully, this detailed guide will help you understand the various steps involved in wiring your home theater on your own. Have you ever tried wiring your home theater yourself? Feel free to share your experience in the comments section.

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Darcy McGilvray – Octane Seating

Ultimate List of Superheroes in TV/Film

Ultimate List of Superheroes in TV/Film

Comic Books and Graphic Novels

The Origins of Comics

Comic Books on Screen

The Power of Superman

Batman: The Rise of Superheroes

Continued Rise Away from Hollywood

Marvel Studios Helps Build an Industry

Rise in Popularity of Superheroes on Screen

Superheroes: The Early Beginnings

Marvel Vs DC: An Industry Divided

Pop Culture & The Role of Superheroes

Awards, Awards, Awards

The Making of Superhero Films: CGI

Meet the Superheroes

Famous Actors who Play Superheroes

Superheroes on Screen

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The DC Extended Universe

Where to Watch Superheroes in TV/Film

Never Enough Superheroes

Superheroes in TV/Film

More Film Information Here:

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Guide to Remote Distance Learning Music for students/Teachers

GUIDE TO Remote/Distance Learning Music for Students/Teachers

Remote/Distance Learning: What Is It?

Why Learn Remotely: Virtual Schooling at Home

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Microphones

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Symphony

Choir

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Tips for Your Virtual Music Lessons

Organize Your Space

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Virtual Lesson Platforms

Internet Connection

Visibility

Lighting

A Complete and Comprehensive List of Online Resources

Remote/Distance Learning Music for Students/Teachers: In Conclusion

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How Many Acoustic Panels Do You Need for a Home Theater?

The Placement of Acoustic Panels

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Size of the Panels

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Conclusion

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The Ultimate List of Movie Podcasts

The Ultimate List of Movie Podcasts

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GUIDE TO
Remote/Distance Learning Music
for Students/Teachers

Why Learn Remotely:
Virtual Schooling at Home

Online Performances:
Opera, Symphony, and Choir

The Ultimate List of Movie
Podcasts

Black Lives Matter:
Media and Where to Find It

George Floyd died on
May 25, 2020

Norwegian MP, Petter Eide
nominated the BLM organization for the Nobel Peace Prize

Alicia Garzia
co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement