Costly audio and visual equipment are essential for following World Cup CAIRO: Yesterday's kick-off of the World Cup found many avid fans of the sport and this particular event scrambling to the nearest café or home with the largest television screen to watch the first game. "The World Cup is not the same without a big TV screen. It's all about the TV, says football fanatic Ibrahim Eissa. According to Eissa, size does matter when it comes to televisions. "Let's just face it; a small TV, like a 12 inch, will not give you the feel and sound and enjoyment you get with a 60 inch, flat-screen plasma TV with surround sound. Now that is how to watch the world cup. However, a 40-inch LG plasma television can set you back LE 15,000, while a view sonic screen costs around LE 12,000-13,000; not exactly chump change. That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the high quality home entertainment. The accessories that accompany the TV, such as a wall mount, audio system (speakers and the amplifier), TV tuner, cables and remote controls will deplete your pockets. To get the big screen dream, consider a projector. It was the choice of Ahmed Ali, who was bitten by the projector buzz after visiting a friend in the United States one summer. "I went over to a friend's house and he was playing a movie using a projector. The sound and definition was great. That was the first time I'd seen someone use a projector as a TV and video, and I was hooked on the idea, says Ali. While Ali managed to install a projector and hook up his entertainment system, it was both a timely and costly investment, he states; an Epson EMP-81 Digital Projector, for example, goes for more than LE 10,000. "Some people think projectors are cheaper than TVs and that it's the best way to get the screen size you want for much less. However, this is not always the case. In fact, sometimes, it's the complete opposite, explains Ali, who spent three months setting up his home projector video solution, paid a total of LE 16,000 and had to remodel his walls to install electricity wires. For those who don't have it or can't afford it, your best bet is to head to one of the local café's or bars where large screens will feature all the World cup games. "I have a big TV at home, but I prefer to watch the games at Sangria with my friends, says Moustafa Samra. "The crowd, the noise, the silence, the tension; it all creates a great atmosphere that you want to be in, he adds.
