Feb 2012

Feb 2012

Feb 2012

Dec 2011

The layout of the bar will determine the placement of the TVs.  Place as many TVs behind the bar as the space will allow.  There was a time when mirrors or paintings were mounted behind the bar because tube type televisions would not fit, but today these decorations are replaced by flat panel televisions, which need only inches from the wall for mounting. 

Oct 2011

OLED TVs will look like a picture hanging on the wall since it is so thin, rather than sticking out because of a heavy duty wall mount.  In fact, you might be able to roll it up when it’s not in use and it can be stored out of sight, until the next viewing.  You can even roll it up and place it in a tube, and take it with you on vacation or a business trip.

Oct 2011

Infocomm reported a 30% decrease in attendance for the training sessions, which is a big indicator that business is weak, because companies tend to cut their training allowance, all though training is critical to an integrator.  Fall behind in training, and an integrator will see problems crop up when business picks back up.  When business is slow, this time should be used to get as much training as possible, learn about new technologies and plan for the future. 

Even in a down economy, people and companies still buy.  They just make more conscientious decisions, and do more comparison shopping.  If they believe that they need a product or service, they will buy.  It is up to you to take advantage of these opportunities.

Oct 2011

Integrators will have the responsibility of suggesting the end devices that work with the energy management control systems and then tying these devices into a HAN that integrates with the smart grid to control HVAC, lighting and other power usage devices.   Such a connection will improve the operation of the device and lower the cost of energy for your customer. 

Oct 2011

This is the last of a 4 part series that will walk you through the process designing and building a home theater.

Here is a link to Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3

Well, we are getting close to sitting back and enjoying the movie experience in your own home.  Just think how much you will be saving on popcorn by not having to take out a loan to see a movie on a commercial theater screen.

Aug 2011

All though 3-D television is an emerging technology, it will be main stream sooner than we expect, as 3-D cameras are improved and all television sets will be capable of reproducing 3-D accurately.  Obviously, 3-D televisions are expensive now, but like allnew technology, the prices will become reasonable as more viewers step up to enjoy the wonders of the world around us.  I look forward to the advancements, which will put forward great images without the glasses.

The first 3-D movie was produced by Arch Oboler, of the famed radio series, “Lights Out.”   It was called Bwana Devil and stared Robert Stack.  My first experience with 3-D was in 1953 with the horror movie, House of Wax, which was the first movie with stereophonic sound,staring Vincent Price, who became the King of 3-D by staring in three more 3-D films.

Aug 2011

An Internet enabled television is the simplest way to connect to the Internet without turning anything else on.   Yet, you may be joined to a content provider that has partnered with a particular device that you have to use.  If you upgrade or change devices, be sure that the content service is compatible with that device. 

In-Stat projects that by 2014 there will be over 230 million Internet enabled products in homes.  If Internet television is to work, all content providers will have to be compatible with all Internet ready devices.   What doors will open in the future?     

Here are some of today's options.

Aug 2011

Here is a link to Part 1 and Part 2

Your room is coming together.  The screen and projector are hung.  Now, you need to consider the sound system.  Too many people skimp on their sound system and regret it later, when they have to strain to hear the conversations or miss the depth of an explosion.   Buy the best sound system that you can afford.

Aug 2011

This is the 2nd of a 4 part series that will walk you through the process designing and building a home theater.

Here is a link to Part 1

Your extra room is carpeted, painted and the screen is ready to be hung.  What’s next?  Let’s consider the projector.  There are many home theater projectors on the market and it would not be practical to discuss all of these in this article.  There are some features that you should look for in a projector. 

Aug 2011

This is the first of a 4 part series that will walk you through the process designing and building a home theater.

Many people buy a LCD television, such as a 55” or 65” flat screen, add a $200.00 “theater in a box” from Wal-Mart, and call it a home theater. Of course, the couch or lazy Boy is the seating.   This is as basic as it gets.

Let’s step this up a notch and see how to have a large projection screen (70” or better) and a projector, as the basis for a true home theater.  We will look at what’s available to make a comfortable home theater that you will be proud to show off. 

Aug 2011

You no longer have to be limited to 55 or 65” 3-D televisions, as you can watch 3-D movies on screens up to a 300” diagonal, depending on the image size that can be projected by the brand of projector that you select.

Not all projectors are capable of projecting 3-D.  In fact, many cannot.  Even some projectors that are cited by its manufacturer as 3-D ready or 3-D capable do not process 3-D well.  Some models cannot project 3-D images from a Blu-ray player, but only from a PC that has 120 Hz output.

Jun 2011

Unlike a PC, these devices deliver the content you desire while blending with your décor.  Because they are always on, you get fresh content, eliminating searching or booting up.  All of the radios supply apps and most programs at no charge.  Radio, as we have known it, has morphed into something exciting, where we no longer have to tune-into a program at a certain time, or be forced to listen to music that is lackluster. We, the listeners, now control the media.

For more information about Pandora and Internet Radio read "Hey! I'm a Radio Station"

Jun 2011