The Best Video Fireplace Products Under $15

Some people just have everything - every gift catalog gadget, every hot new CD, and every cool new video release. They're the people who make Christmas shopping difficult, and everyone knows at least one of them. For those people on my list, I have something special: the video fireplace. It's unique, relatively inexpensive, and chances are very good that your difficult loved one doesn't already have it.

Now, before you assume that any old video fireplace will do, let me assure you that they are not all created equally. I went through several before I found one that became my last minute holiday standby, and I'd like to share my knowledge with the world. I present to you, the best video fireplace products under $15.

Plasmawindow, a Los Angeles-based production company, makes "Plasmavironments", a DVD that contains both fireplace scenes and ocean scenes. The fireplace scene lasts for 30 minutes before cycling over, and the waterfall and ocean scenes each last 5 minutes. Production quality is great, and the scenes look clear on the largest of television screens.

The only real drawback to "Plasmavironments" is that its runtime is shorter than many similar products. Also, if you're looking for a DVD that focuses just on creating a quality video fireplace, you may prefer a product without the extra scenes. At $14.95, it comes in just below the $15 mark.

"Video Fireplace" offers a longer experience, at about 60 minutes, although the packaging is far less festive, bordering on generic. The video footage is excellent, with big bright flames and a gorgeous fireplace. There's even a bit of humor when a poker enters the scene to adjust the logs to keep the flames from dying down. Unfortunately, image quality on "Video Fireplace" is poor, and it's only available on VHS. At $12, however, it's one of the cheapest video fireplaces on the market.

For the most value-conscious gift givers, Fun View TV offers "Big Screen Fun", a DVD that combines the best of virtual fireplaces, aquariums, ocean views, bug zappers, and more. The DVDs generally retail for less than $10, and their bright and colorful packaging makes them great gifts. Total runtime is 120 minutes, which seems like a lot, but it can seem too short for 10 scenes.

The biggest downside to "Big Screen Fun" is that it's created in a DVD-R format. If your intended recipient has a computer with a DVD drive, you can be certain that it will play. On the other hand, many DVD players are unable to play DVD-R disks, so you may have to do your homework in advance to make sure that your loved one will be able to use it.

After trying these titles with mixed success, I discovered what I consider to be the best fireplace video in production today. Vat19 has produced a video they call "Ambient Fire". "Ambient Fire" offers over three hours of fireplace footage with 9 different fireplace scenes and a choice of jazz, classical, or Christmas music. There's even a track with natural fire sounds if you prefer to do without the music.

Perhaps the best part about Ambient Fire is that it's shot in high definition video, making it perfect for large screen televisions. The kitschy retro packaging guarantees a smile from anyone who receives it. At just $14.95, it's an incredible value and an affordable gift at the same time.

Anyone can appreciate the simple fun of a video fireplace. Whether you live in a city or in the country, and even if you have your own real fireplace, you'll be able to appreciate the uncommon sights and sounds of a video fireplace.