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Virtual fireplaces are the next step in decorative home heating. In the modern apartments and condominiums of today, it is simply not possible for everyone to install a real fireplace. In many other parts of the country, air quality regulations or building designs mean that a real fireplace is again something that will not be possible. However, this does not stop people from craving the comfort and security of curling up with their family or loved ones on a winter’s night and watching the fire. The answer is a virtual fireplace.
Virtual fireplaces are digital screens that display the sound and image of a fire. You may have seen similar products such as DVDs of fires that you can display on your TV screen. The manufacturers maintain that this is nothing like what you get when you buy virtual fireplaces. These fireplaces give you the sounds and images of a real wood burning fire. They are not simulated by a computer but created by professionally filming an actual fire and correcting the footage in a studio. The images are then enhanced and color-calibrated to give you an even better experience. The images you watch on these fireplaces are not just the same images repeated over and over, but are actually a continuous, moving image to maintain your interest. They will fit into most existing fireplace cavities. However you should check the measurements before hand so that you can make certain any virtual fireplaces you are looking at will fit where you need and want them to. If you are building a new home, then you can have virtual fireplaces installed in customized cavities. Some virtual fireplaces manufacturers claim that if you install it correctly, and into a traditional fireplace, then casual observers will not even know that they are not looking at a real fire unless you tell them. It would be wise to look at the product before you buy and assess the realism for yourself. While virtual fireplaces do not actually give off any heat, you can install an electrical heater with them so that they give off heat. Because most modern homes have sophisticated heating systems and thermostat controls, you may prefer that your digital fireplaces not to give off any heat so that your regular heating system is not affected. Manufacturers of digital fireplaces claim that the realism is unbeaten by anything other than a real wood fire. You can’t get closer to the real thing than this. Therefore, fires in virtual fireplaces should look better than gas fires and other products that produce actual flames. The best advice is to go to a fireplace dealer and see the products for yourself. Prices range from about $900 to over $2000, depending on what you are looking for. Many manufacturers also have even more expensive options that can be set up to your order.
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