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Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW This film fan has seen the promise land. I've been to TheaterXtreme. It's difficult to maintain any journalistic impartiality when you're watching a crystal clear image from the movie Apollo 13 on a screen the size of a wall. Giddiness takes over when the comfortable leather chair in which you're sitting starts vibrating along with the sound track as a rocket lifts from the launch pad. Owner Jason Carrington explained with a smile that these chairs come with bass speakers under the seats, one of the many options available to consumers who want to customize their home theater. Opened with a grand opening about three months ago at 170 Denslow Rd in East Longmeadow, Carrington explained his business is the first franchise for the company, which is based in the South. So far, Carrington said the reaction from consumers has been "excellent." "It's been unbelievable," he added. "People are amazed at the quality [of the systems]. They can view it at any angle." Carrington is referring to the experience many people have had with various kinds of either large screen televisions or television projection systems which require viewers to sit directly in front of the screen in order to see an image without distortion. The technology has made "leaps and bounds," Carrington explained, and has become much more affordable. Carrington offers complete packages, custom installed in homes, for as low as about $5,000. That system includes a 92-inch screen, a television projector, and a sound system featuring Marantz and Bose components. Carrington noted that a top of the line plasma or LCD television is a fraction of that size and costs between $3,000 and $4,000. And you have to install it yourself. Carrington's store is set up with five screening rooms to show different set-ups. He and his staff work with customers to design a system that fits both their space and their budget. The staff will draw a diagram on a computer first to determine what size screen fits your room and then go to your home for a more detailed plan. Your system can be linked to your DVD and VCR, cable or satellite television system. You can listen to your CDs through it and view digital photos on it. It can also be connected to you rhome computer so, with a wireless keyboard, you can surf the Internet from the comfort of your couch. Carrington demonstrates in each theater set-up how sports and concerts look and sound on screens that range from 70 to 123 inches. The results are pretty startling. Having seen films in movie studio screening rooms, I have to say that these systems are more impressive. He will also sell you seating, popcorn machines and reproduction movie posters for your home theater. He'll even find you velvet ropes if you want to create a waiting line! TheaterXtreme is located at 170 Denslow Road, and Carrington can be reached at 525-3999. | ||||||
