Archive for the ‘Art And Entertainment’ Category
Jim Johnson asked:
HDTV is definitely the wave of the future when it comes to television viewing technology. It appears that high definition television broadcasting will start to come into it’s own this year and progressively become dominant in the next couple of years. What that means for you is a much sharper image, better sound, and in turn, an improved television viewing experience.
Ever since the advent of cable and satellite TV services, the march toward entirely digital TV signal broadcasting has been taking place. Because of the limitations of the older analog TV broadcasting methods, digital signals were just not practical, but now that other methods of transmitting the TV signal are in widespread use, the switchover to the digital TV age is in high gear. And that has paved the way for high definition television standards that can make the fuzzy, unclear TV pictures of yesterday a relic of the past.
Along with the march toward better signal broadcasting, TV hardware has been steadily improving as well, and now we actually have three main competing technologies for displaying the screen image, LCD (liquid crystal display), DLP (digital light processing), and plasma TVs. They all are available in much thinner configurations than TVs of yesteryear, because the old bulky CRT monitors that have been used for so many years are on their way out. They also are capable of producing a much sharper and more colorful picture than past televisions too, and that bodes well for HDTV compatibility.
DLP TVs are the most recent technology to become commonplace in the television display field, although the technology has actually been in place for a while now. DLPs can produce an incredibly bright and high contrast screen picture that is absolutely stunning when viewed in tandem with a HDTV signal. They are also available in increasingly larger sizes and the prices are dropping rapidly as this display format becomes more commonplace. In addition, they lend themselves to a wide range of uses and can be connected to almost any digital video source that you wish to use, even your home computer.
So if you haven’t seen the beauty of a HDTV signal being displayed on a DLP monitor yet, do yourself a favor and visit a local electronics retailer to see it for yourself. You will be glad that you did!
HDTV is definitely the wave of the future when it comes to television viewing technology. It appears that high definition television broadcasting will start to come into it’s own this year and progressively become dominant in the next couple of years. What that means for you is a much sharper image, better sound, and in turn, an improved television viewing experience.
Ever since the advent of cable and satellite TV services, the march toward entirely digital TV signal broadcasting has been taking place. Because of the limitations of the older analog TV broadcasting methods, digital signals were just not practical, but now that other methods of transmitting the TV signal are in widespread use, the switchover to the digital TV age is in high gear. And that has paved the way for high definition television standards that can make the fuzzy, unclear TV pictures of yesterday a relic of the past.
Along with the march toward better signal broadcasting, TV hardware has been steadily improving as well, and now we actually have three main competing technologies for displaying the screen image, LCD (liquid crystal display), DLP (digital light processing), and plasma TVs. They all are available in much thinner configurations than TVs of yesteryear, because the old bulky CRT monitors that have been used for so many years are on their way out. They also are capable of producing a much sharper and more colorful picture than past televisions too, and that bodes well for HDTV compatibility.
DLP TVs are the most recent technology to become commonplace in the television display field, although the technology has actually been in place for a while now. DLPs can produce an incredibly bright and high contrast screen picture that is absolutely stunning when viewed in tandem with a HDTV signal. They are also available in increasingly larger sizes and the prices are dropping rapidly as this display format becomes more commonplace. In addition, they lend themselves to a wide range of uses and can be connected to almost any digital video source that you wish to use, even your home computer.
So if you haven’t seen the beauty of a HDTV signal being displayed on a DLP monitor yet, do yourself a favor and visit a local electronics retailer to see it for yourself. You will be glad that you did!
Filed under Art And Entertainment
David Brewster asked:
Choosing the best home theater system for you is a huge decision, as well as a big investment. It is a good idea to do your homework before making such a big purchase, by reading consumer electronic magazines, getting advice from friends and browsing consumer electronic stores. The more you know about home theater systems the better you will be able to decide on the best home theater system for you.
Choosing a Quality System
The best home theater system for you will be the system you can afford. The price of home theater systems can easily go into the thousands of dollars, and it is important to choose a system that fits not only your taste but also your budget. And it is important to keep in mind that the most expensive home theater system is not necessarily the best home theater system.
A Large screen television set should be top priority when choosing the best home theater system for you. 50 inch televisions are a great size, and 60 inch televisions are believed to give the best home theater picture. Large freestanding televisions that come in 50 and 60 inches include the Hitachi HDTV with Dolby Surround Sound, and the Samsung with virtual Dolby surround sound.
Sleek and stylish plasma televisions give amazing picture quality, but are out of price range for many working families. In choosing the best home theater system you need to balance cost with quality.
Considerations When Purchasing the ‘Best Home Theater System’
Price is not the only consideration when seeking the best home theater system. A theater system that is incredibly complicated to setup and use will prove to be incredibly frustrating. Choose a system you are comfortable with, and one that doesn’t leave you baffled when trying to operate or program the system.
You will also want to consider the warranty of your home theater system. A home theater system is a large investment, and keeping your warranties organized will be well worth it if there are any problems with your system down the road.
Make sure that the home theater receiver that comes with your home theater system is equipped to handle all of your components from your DVD player and CD player, to your gaming system and even your computer.
Quality speakers are incredibly important when attempting to put together a top notch home theater system. It is recommended that a home theater system has five speakers placed around the room, to give your home theater system surround sound.
The best home theater system is the one that brings you the most enjoyment. That will be a system that not only brings high quality picture and sound to your home entertainment, it will also be a system that you can afford, and that you can operate without frustration.
Choosing the best home theater system for you is a huge decision, as well as a big investment. It is a good idea to do your homework before making such a big purchase, by reading consumer electronic magazines, getting advice from friends and browsing consumer electronic stores. The more you know about home theater systems the better you will be able to decide on the best home theater system for you.
Choosing a Quality System
The best home theater system for you will be the system you can afford. The price of home theater systems can easily go into the thousands of dollars, and it is important to choose a system that fits not only your taste but also your budget. And it is important to keep in mind that the most expensive home theater system is not necessarily the best home theater system.
A Large screen television set should be top priority when choosing the best home theater system for you. 50 inch televisions are a great size, and 60 inch televisions are believed to give the best home theater picture. Large freestanding televisions that come in 50 and 60 inches include the Hitachi HDTV with Dolby Surround Sound, and the Samsung with virtual Dolby surround sound.
Sleek and stylish plasma televisions give amazing picture quality, but are out of price range for many working families. In choosing the best home theater system you need to balance cost with quality.
Considerations When Purchasing the ‘Best Home Theater System’
Price is not the only consideration when seeking the best home theater system. A theater system that is incredibly complicated to setup and use will prove to be incredibly frustrating. Choose a system you are comfortable with, and one that doesn’t leave you baffled when trying to operate or program the system.
You will also want to consider the warranty of your home theater system. A home theater system is a large investment, and keeping your warranties organized will be well worth it if there are any problems with your system down the road.
Make sure that the home theater receiver that comes with your home theater system is equipped to handle all of your components from your DVD player and CD player, to your gaming system and even your computer.
Quality speakers are incredibly important when attempting to put together a top notch home theater system. It is recommended that a home theater system has five speakers placed around the room, to give your home theater system surround sound.
The best home theater system is the one that brings you the most enjoyment. That will be a system that not only brings high quality picture and sound to your home entertainment, it will also be a system that you can afford, and that you can operate without frustration.
Filed under Art And Entertainment
Nick Moseley asked:
Although the online audiobook revolution has been with us some time, a lot of people are still unsure or unaware of what it’s all about or what audio books actually are especially online audio books. I must admit I myself wasn’t sure at all.
When I first came across audio books online, I found myself asking a number of questions; now today as an audio book site owner I hear a lot of people asking these very same questions so I decided to publish some of the most common audiobook question and answers.
You may very well have these same questions in your mind, wondering how you can find the answers to them. If so, then here some of them along with the answers:
1. What is an online audio book? It is simply a book in audio format. Instead of receiving a physical book that you have to read with yiur eyes, you get a book in sound/audio. Traditionally they came on cassette and then CD. Now the Internet has taken over as the biggest distribution channel so most of them are bought and downloaded online hence the term online audio book.
2. What formats do audio books come in? Way way back they came on vinyl records, followed by cassette formats, CD format and now in mp3 format or Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. Both types will play on computers as well as mp3 players and iPods. You can also burn them onto recordable CDs for use in for example, car CD stereo or home players.
3. So what exactly is an MP3 audio book? MP3 is simply a compression technique that reduces the size, so that your audio book occupies less space (sometimes as little as 80%) compared to that of a cassette or CD. In this way a modern MP3 player that has maybe a 1 gigabyte memory can carry a small library of books!
4. How can MP3 audio books be played? Naturally on any MP3 player as well as Apple iPods. MP3 audio books can also be played on any new version of CD player that supports the MP3 technology. They an also be played on any PC that has Microsoft’s Windows Media Player or other related software.
5. What is an unabridged audio book? This is one that was narrated word for word identically with the original version. In other words nothing was removed from the printed book. It has the exact same content as the printed book, albeit in audio format. These can be very long, ideal for audiophiles!
6. What is an abridged audio book? This type is shorter. It doesn’t contain the exact word for word narration as the printed book. Imagine it as a film version of a book. It’s been edited and cut some for time and practicality. Ideal if you’re short on time or don’t want or need the whole rambling tale.
7. What is a dramatized audio book? As the name implies, this is a dramatised theatrical “play” version of the printed book, with full acting cast, music and sound effects.
8. What is the best MP3 player for audio books? There are loads of models out there but a few pointers are: a) At least 1 gigabyte (GB) memory as some audio books can be big. b) Make sure it has mid track resume so that you pick up where you left off when you have to turn off and on again or your power runs out. c) Fast rewind and forward – Like an old cassette player. Especially important if you’re doing things like learning a language. It’s really important to be able to go back and forth over words and phrases. d) Make sure it supports Windows Media Audio (WMA) format as well as MP3 as many audio books only come in this format. If you have a player that does not (called a passive mp3) then there are workarounds but they are time consuming.
9. Where are audio books available online? There are many stores on the Internet selling audio books. Just type online audio book or mp3 audio book into Google and see what comes up. If you have a specific title or genre in mind type that in followed by the phrase mp3 audiobook.
Although the online audiobook revolution has been with us some time, a lot of people are still unsure or unaware of what it’s all about or what audio books actually are especially online audio books. I must admit I myself wasn’t sure at all.
When I first came across audio books online, I found myself asking a number of questions; now today as an audio book site owner I hear a lot of people asking these very same questions so I decided to publish some of the most common audiobook question and answers.
You may very well have these same questions in your mind, wondering how you can find the answers to them. If so, then here some of them along with the answers:
1. What is an online audio book? It is simply a book in audio format. Instead of receiving a physical book that you have to read with yiur eyes, you get a book in sound/audio. Traditionally they came on cassette and then CD. Now the Internet has taken over as the biggest distribution channel so most of them are bought and downloaded online hence the term online audio book.
2. What formats do audio books come in? Way way back they came on vinyl records, followed by cassette formats, CD format and now in mp3 format or Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. Both types will play on computers as well as mp3 players and iPods. You can also burn them onto recordable CDs for use in for example, car CD stereo or home players.
3. So what exactly is an MP3 audio book? MP3 is simply a compression technique that reduces the size, so that your audio book occupies less space (sometimes as little as 80%) compared to that of a cassette or CD. In this way a modern MP3 player that has maybe a 1 gigabyte memory can carry a small library of books!
4. How can MP3 audio books be played? Naturally on any MP3 player as well as Apple iPods. MP3 audio books can also be played on any new version of CD player that supports the MP3 technology. They an also be played on any PC that has Microsoft’s Windows Media Player or other related software.
5. What is an unabridged audio book? This is one that was narrated word for word identically with the original version. In other words nothing was removed from the printed book. It has the exact same content as the printed book, albeit in audio format. These can be very long, ideal for audiophiles!
6. What is an abridged audio book? This type is shorter. It doesn’t contain the exact word for word narration as the printed book. Imagine it as a film version of a book. It’s been edited and cut some for time and practicality. Ideal if you’re short on time or don’t want or need the whole rambling tale.
7. What is a dramatized audio book? As the name implies, this is a dramatised theatrical “play” version of the printed book, with full acting cast, music and sound effects.
8. What is the best MP3 player for audio books? There are loads of models out there but a few pointers are: a) At least 1 gigabyte (GB) memory as some audio books can be big. b) Make sure it has mid track resume so that you pick up where you left off when you have to turn off and on again or your power runs out. c) Fast rewind and forward – Like an old cassette player. Especially important if you’re doing things like learning a language. It’s really important to be able to go back and forth over words and phrases. d) Make sure it supports Windows Media Audio (WMA) format as well as MP3 as many audio books only come in this format. If you have a player that does not (called a passive mp3) then there are workarounds but they are time consuming.
9. Where are audio books available online? There are many stores on the Internet selling audio books. Just type online audio book or mp3 audio book into Google and see what comes up. If you have a specific title or genre in mind type that in followed by the phrase mp3 audiobook.
Filed under Art And Entertainment
Debra Arko asked:
So you have decided you want a home theater system. You may even have made the decision of free-standing or in wall-mounted depending on your budget and room- size. Yet there are some many choices. How to you know which system is the best investment for you? Here are seven tips that my husband and I used to make our decision making a bit easier.
Ask yourself if you want to purchase a brand name you know or are the brands online or less known just as reliable? We found brand name did not always mean top-quality nor did it mean high prices.
So what do you need to know before you buy?
Even if you have already purchased a system and found that you should have done your own personal home theater review you can use these tips to make your home theater entertainment the fun-zone in your home.
To find out what style of home theater you want to buy, it’s best to do your research and we found that online saved us time and money. You too can spend less time researching online and then looking in your local stores. Doing a home theater review simplifies the research online for you if you desire an easy way to see what is available from brand names to the best pricing start online. For us we found once we knew what we wanted a visit to the local retail store just helped us see the home theater systems up close yet the price online saved us over twenty-five percent so we ended up purchasing online and even got free shipping.
Many local stores may have a great selection and offer online discounts if you buy through the internet with the same warranty. With a little digging I found out there is only a few places that provide the warranty-service for all home theater systems regardless of where you purchase them. The best deals aren’t always what are on sale many are the less-known brand online or the close-out only offered online through your local retailers online store.
Your home theater system is not something to purchase spontaneously. While it won’t increase the value of your home in most cases it will add to your enjoyment of your home. When you decide to sell your home the right look can increase selling power and a wall mounted system will add dollars.
It is essential to get precisely what you desire for your home theater. Research is the key to a good home theater review. Compare not only major brands of receivers but also the lesser known. Look at speaker packages and will your current TV work or should you include a new TV in the scope of your research and review? Find out what you exactly need, and what best fits for your lifestyle. Many websites give you an opportunity to build your system and see what you really want and what you thought you needed. When we did our home theater review it was surprising to find we missed a few things that would make our system sound better for less. This review can let you know exactly what you should get without having to purchase anything or get in your car and have a sales person ’sell’ you more than you really need. By building a system you feel you need you can have a better idea of the investment you would like to make and what you really want without purchasing extras you’ll never use.
So ask yourself, what do you need for your home theater?
In order to have a first-class home theater system that meets your budget you will need:
1. To have a screen or television that is fitting to your needs. So ask yourself how big is the room and how many people do you want to seat? Is the room going to be a true theater setting or a home entertainment room like a living room?
2. You want to decide how big you want the picture to be, and whether you should use a television or a screen with a projector based on your answer to the above question. Each choice has benefits and should be found at your local home theater store. A television has more options, while a projector and screen can cover a bigger space.
3. With a screen, you will need to have the projector and get it set up. If you find that a television like a HD or plasma is what you are looking for you will need to have the correct cable and various plug-in types for a DVD, CD and other entertainment.
4. Do you want to add a DVD player or a cable hook up for your input? Be sure to check out the audio wireless home theater systems in your review. You must also use a home theater review for parts like cables to ensure best quality. It is up to you as a consumer to review all of the components you will need and make the best decision for you.
5. Next is our readers’ favorite the correct speakers and hook-ups for the speakers. A great screen and receiver are nothing with cheap speakers. Your speakers should provide a surround sound type of atmosphere, so you should be sure to get all of the correct types of speakers that you will need. Most times a minimum of 5 speakers is needed to get the sound dynamics you want.
6. When doing your home theatre review make sure you can find out where you can also purchase home theater pieces. Today you can have a wireless speaker system and a sound expert will be able to help you make these kinds of decisions. You should be able to find someone with sound expertise wherever you purchase your home theatre system even online most stores have a toll-free number to assist you when you are ready.
7. While most people already have their living room ready for entertaining there is a numerous movie-style seats, chairs and so on to add to the experience. You will also want to make sure the lighting works for both theater style movie viewing and perhaps gaming on your system. So in the end you will want to look at your setting and build upon what you have and how you plan to entertain in your home theater.
Entertain and show your new system off!
Finally you have your home theater system setup and ready to go by doing a stellar home theater review, don’t forget the most important part. In order to entertain and show off your home theater you will need to load up on pop-corn and other fun foods. Host a pot-luck or even a game night with your favorite concert playing on DVD in back ground. A home theater and how you can now entertain friends or just enjoy your home with a special person are now at fingertips. From watching your favorite movies, listening to music or playing video games in a big way are now up to you!
So you have decided you want a home theater system. You may even have made the decision of free-standing or in wall-mounted depending on your budget and room- size. Yet there are some many choices. How to you know which system is the best investment for you? Here are seven tips that my husband and I used to make our decision making a bit easier.
Ask yourself if you want to purchase a brand name you know or are the brands online or less known just as reliable? We found brand name did not always mean top-quality nor did it mean high prices.
So what do you need to know before you buy?
Even if you have already purchased a system and found that you should have done your own personal home theater review you can use these tips to make your home theater entertainment the fun-zone in your home.
To find out what style of home theater you want to buy, it’s best to do your research and we found that online saved us time and money. You too can spend less time researching online and then looking in your local stores. Doing a home theater review simplifies the research online for you if you desire an easy way to see what is available from brand names to the best pricing start online. For us we found once we knew what we wanted a visit to the local retail store just helped us see the home theater systems up close yet the price online saved us over twenty-five percent so we ended up purchasing online and even got free shipping.
Many local stores may have a great selection and offer online discounts if you buy through the internet with the same warranty. With a little digging I found out there is only a few places that provide the warranty-service for all home theater systems regardless of where you purchase them. The best deals aren’t always what are on sale many are the less-known brand online or the close-out only offered online through your local retailers online store.
Your home theater system is not something to purchase spontaneously. While it won’t increase the value of your home in most cases it will add to your enjoyment of your home. When you decide to sell your home the right look can increase selling power and a wall mounted system will add dollars.
It is essential to get precisely what you desire for your home theater. Research is the key to a good home theater review. Compare not only major brands of receivers but also the lesser known. Look at speaker packages and will your current TV work or should you include a new TV in the scope of your research and review? Find out what you exactly need, and what best fits for your lifestyle. Many websites give you an opportunity to build your system and see what you really want and what you thought you needed. When we did our home theater review it was surprising to find we missed a few things that would make our system sound better for less. This review can let you know exactly what you should get without having to purchase anything or get in your car and have a sales person ’sell’ you more than you really need. By building a system you feel you need you can have a better idea of the investment you would like to make and what you really want without purchasing extras you’ll never use.
So ask yourself, what do you need for your home theater?
In order to have a first-class home theater system that meets your budget you will need:
1. To have a screen or television that is fitting to your needs. So ask yourself how big is the room and how many people do you want to seat? Is the room going to be a true theater setting or a home entertainment room like a living room?
2. You want to decide how big you want the picture to be, and whether you should use a television or a screen with a projector based on your answer to the above question. Each choice has benefits and should be found at your local home theater store. A television has more options, while a projector and screen can cover a bigger space.
3. With a screen, you will need to have the projector and get it set up. If you find that a television like a HD or plasma is what you are looking for you will need to have the correct cable and various plug-in types for a DVD, CD and other entertainment.
4. Do you want to add a DVD player or a cable hook up for your input? Be sure to check out the audio wireless home theater systems in your review. You must also use a home theater review for parts like cables to ensure best quality. It is up to you as a consumer to review all of the components you will need and make the best decision for you.
5. Next is our readers’ favorite the correct speakers and hook-ups for the speakers. A great screen and receiver are nothing with cheap speakers. Your speakers should provide a surround sound type of atmosphere, so you should be sure to get all of the correct types of speakers that you will need. Most times a minimum of 5 speakers is needed to get the sound dynamics you want.
6. When doing your home theatre review make sure you can find out where you can also purchase home theater pieces. Today you can have a wireless speaker system and a sound expert will be able to help you make these kinds of decisions. You should be able to find someone with sound expertise wherever you purchase your home theatre system even online most stores have a toll-free number to assist you when you are ready.
7. While most people already have their living room ready for entertaining there is a numerous movie-style seats, chairs and so on to add to the experience. You will also want to make sure the lighting works for both theater style movie viewing and perhaps gaming on your system. So in the end you will want to look at your setting and build upon what you have and how you plan to entertain in your home theater.
Entertain and show your new system off!
Finally you have your home theater system setup and ready to go by doing a stellar home theater review, don’t forget the most important part. In order to entertain and show off your home theater you will need to load up on pop-corn and other fun foods. Host a pot-luck or even a game night with your favorite concert playing on DVD in back ground. A home theater and how you can now entertain friends or just enjoy your home with a special person are now at fingertips. From watching your favorite movies, listening to music or playing video games in a big way are now up to you!
Filed under Art And Entertainment
Vic Carrera asked:
Stephen King, one of the most recognized authors on this planet, has written more than seventy works of written terror, suspense, and a bit of humor just for good measure. His works encompass not only novels, but novellas, epic novels, and screenplays. But of all the traditional printed material, none of them come close to the sheer enjoyment of listening to his stories being shared by professional narrators! Stephen King audio books can take you to an entirely different dimension, where your imagination is assisted along by a professional story teller.
What’s The Big Deal Behind Audio Books?
Simply put: TIME. It’s something that seems to grow shorter as each year passes. Each spare minute is filled with jobs, chores, and responsibilities that rarely allow us any time to simply sit back and enjoy ourselves anymore. The unfortunate casualty of our day and age is traditional reading. Honestly, ask yourself this: when was the last time you sat down with a good book (maybe by that cozy fireplace, with a cup o’ joe) and just read? Has it been a while? For me, it’s some distant dream. Everything is about multi-tasking these days, and so why shouldn’t we upgrade reading to the next best thing? Enter audio books.
Audio books (in this case of this article, Stephen King audio books) allows us to do two things, to kill two birds with one stone. Do you have to walk your dog? Maybe start your exercise routine? Do you have to commute two hours to work everyday? And finally, have you tried reading an actual book while doing these things? Of course not (or at least you shouldn’t!). But audio books give you the freedom to enjoy the reading that you’ve missed, by providing a way to include the hobby in your multi-tasked, rat-raced world. In other words: walk your dog, listen to Stephen King audio books. Driving to work? Throw in the Dark Tower series on your way to work – and not only enjoy it, but make travel time go by faster!
Who Narrates Stephen King Audio Books and Are They Any Good?
I will say one thing, and anyone who has ever listened to audio books can attest to this: the narrator can make or break a story hands down. Just imagine Ben Stein’s deadpan voice reading Stephen King audio books. Sounds boring doesn’t it? That’s where talents like Frank Muller, George Guidall, and even Stephen King himself come to the rescue. If you’re really lucky, you’ll not only get one narrator, but a fully dramatized cast for your audio book (even better).
Stephen King confessed that when he writes, he sometimes hears a voice. Not that of his own, but of Frank Muller. Frank Muller’s career spanned some 25 years, with many of his works devoted to Stephen King audio books. He was also my personal favorite, especially when listening to the Dark Tower series (the first few installments), before he passed away. Stephen King has spoken of his loss in a deeply impacted way – for they were good friends. But still, George Guidall was chosen to take over the series, and although his style took some getting used to, his introduction to Stephen King audio books worked out well in the end.
So, simply put, Stephen King audio books are taken to an entirely different level when they are read aloud by gifted narrators like the ones mentioned above. Otherwise, there is no purpose, and you might as well try to let your own “imaginative voice” read to you.
Get Stephen King Audio Books While They’re Hot!
Downloading and listening to Stephen King audio books is easier than you might think. In fact, it’s far easier to simply hop online these days, browse the Stephen King audio books that you want, download it to your iPod (for instance), and be on your way. In my case, I can usually download a Stephen King audio book to my iPod within 10 to 15 minutes before heading out the door!
For those of you who haven’t yet had the opportunity to enjoy Stephen King audio books, then you might be missing out on one of the century’s most prolific authors. Do you like long, epic stories? Do you want to get lost into an entirely different (yet somehow eerily similar) world? Then of the Stephen King audio books available, the Dark Tower series should be first on your list! The Dark Tower series encompasses seven separate novels that span thousands of pages, and was written over the course of nearly three-and-a-half decades (yes, DECADES). It is Stephen King’s magnum opus – THE ultimate epic tale woven from past, present, and future, with our hero Roland of Gilead – the last true Gunslinger, and his intrepid entourage. The Dark Tower audio books last over 130 hours. Grasp that for a bit and think about how lost in a world you can get, with that kind of time.
Of the selection of Stephen King audio books available, this one will take you for a ride that you won’t forget. I myself will never do such a thing, as I’ve already listened to the series three times now – with each time getting better, and better – catching things that I somehow missed through the first pass.
Stephen King is Definitely One of a Kind
Stephen King audio books may not necessarily be literary classics, and some even argue that he simply hacks his way to big bucks, but regardless, he is still a huge part of our culture. Many people who happen across their first Stephen King novel become eager fans, and nervously await new installments or novels to come out. Now, instead of the classic paperback culture, he is fascinating an entirely new tech-savvy generation with downloadable Stephen King audio books. Those people who might never have picked up a book are entering his world with the magic of Stephen King audio books, which can be downloaded and listened to on MP3 players such as the infamous iPod, or other personal listening devices.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the magic that Stephen King audio books can cast, then now is the time to make sure you do so. If anything, it is now just about the easiest, and most convenient way to enjoy a story, rather than running to the bookstore to buy one of the “old fashioned” paperbacks.
And if you’ve fallen out of touch with the magic of stories, believe me when I say you’ll once again learn to love them, especially if they are Stephen King audio books!
Stephen King, one of the most recognized authors on this planet, has written more than seventy works of written terror, suspense, and a bit of humor just for good measure. His works encompass not only novels, but novellas, epic novels, and screenplays. But of all the traditional printed material, none of them come close to the sheer enjoyment of listening to his stories being shared by professional narrators! Stephen King audio books can take you to an entirely different dimension, where your imagination is assisted along by a professional story teller.
What’s The Big Deal Behind Audio Books?
Simply put: TIME. It’s something that seems to grow shorter as each year passes. Each spare minute is filled with jobs, chores, and responsibilities that rarely allow us any time to simply sit back and enjoy ourselves anymore. The unfortunate casualty of our day and age is traditional reading. Honestly, ask yourself this: when was the last time you sat down with a good book (maybe by that cozy fireplace, with a cup o’ joe) and just read? Has it been a while? For me, it’s some distant dream. Everything is about multi-tasking these days, and so why shouldn’t we upgrade reading to the next best thing? Enter audio books.
Audio books (in this case of this article, Stephen King audio books) allows us to do two things, to kill two birds with one stone. Do you have to walk your dog? Maybe start your exercise routine? Do you have to commute two hours to work everyday? And finally, have you tried reading an actual book while doing these things? Of course not (or at least you shouldn’t!). But audio books give you the freedom to enjoy the reading that you’ve missed, by providing a way to include the hobby in your multi-tasked, rat-raced world. In other words: walk your dog, listen to Stephen King audio books. Driving to work? Throw in the Dark Tower series on your way to work – and not only enjoy it, but make travel time go by faster!
Who Narrates Stephen King Audio Books and Are They Any Good?
I will say one thing, and anyone who has ever listened to audio books can attest to this: the narrator can make or break a story hands down. Just imagine Ben Stein’s deadpan voice reading Stephen King audio books. Sounds boring doesn’t it? That’s where talents like Frank Muller, George Guidall, and even Stephen King himself come to the rescue. If you’re really lucky, you’ll not only get one narrator, but a fully dramatized cast for your audio book (even better).
Stephen King confessed that when he writes, he sometimes hears a voice. Not that of his own, but of Frank Muller. Frank Muller’s career spanned some 25 years, with many of his works devoted to Stephen King audio books. He was also my personal favorite, especially when listening to the Dark Tower series (the first few installments), before he passed away. Stephen King has spoken of his loss in a deeply impacted way – for they were good friends. But still, George Guidall was chosen to take over the series, and although his style took some getting used to, his introduction to Stephen King audio books worked out well in the end.
So, simply put, Stephen King audio books are taken to an entirely different level when they are read aloud by gifted narrators like the ones mentioned above. Otherwise, there is no purpose, and you might as well try to let your own “imaginative voice” read to you.
Get Stephen King Audio Books While They’re Hot!
Downloading and listening to Stephen King audio books is easier than you might think. In fact, it’s far easier to simply hop online these days, browse the Stephen King audio books that you want, download it to your iPod (for instance), and be on your way. In my case, I can usually download a Stephen King audio book to my iPod within 10 to 15 minutes before heading out the door!
For those of you who haven’t yet had the opportunity to enjoy Stephen King audio books, then you might be missing out on one of the century’s most prolific authors. Do you like long, epic stories? Do you want to get lost into an entirely different (yet somehow eerily similar) world? Then of the Stephen King audio books available, the Dark Tower series should be first on your list! The Dark Tower series encompasses seven separate novels that span thousands of pages, and was written over the course of nearly three-and-a-half decades (yes, DECADES). It is Stephen King’s magnum opus – THE ultimate epic tale woven from past, present, and future, with our hero Roland of Gilead – the last true Gunslinger, and his intrepid entourage. The Dark Tower audio books last over 130 hours. Grasp that for a bit and think about how lost in a world you can get, with that kind of time.
Of the selection of Stephen King audio books available, this one will take you for a ride that you won’t forget. I myself will never do such a thing, as I’ve already listened to the series three times now – with each time getting better, and better – catching things that I somehow missed through the first pass.
Stephen King is Definitely One of a Kind
Stephen King audio books may not necessarily be literary classics, and some even argue that he simply hacks his way to big bucks, but regardless, he is still a huge part of our culture. Many people who happen across their first Stephen King novel become eager fans, and nervously await new installments or novels to come out. Now, instead of the classic paperback culture, he is fascinating an entirely new tech-savvy generation with downloadable Stephen King audio books. Those people who might never have picked up a book are entering his world with the magic of Stephen King audio books, which can be downloaded and listened to on MP3 players such as the infamous iPod, or other personal listening devices.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the magic that Stephen King audio books can cast, then now is the time to make sure you do so. If anything, it is now just about the easiest, and most convenient way to enjoy a story, rather than running to the bookstore to buy one of the “old fashioned” paperbacks.
And if you’ve fallen out of touch with the magic of stories, believe me when I say you’ll once again learn to love them, especially if they are Stephen King audio books!
Filed under Art And Entertainment