The reality is that nobody wants to install a complete sound system and later find out they used an inferior speaker wire product that is causing their new speakers to under-perform. This type of mistake could prove to be very expensive and very time consuming, especially if installing new speaker wire is the only option. So why not do it right the first time?

The speaker wire industry is a huge market. There are many manufacturers out there trying to push consumers to their products. Many manufacturers are flooding the market with marketing material that touts their wire as the best. All this marketing for sure confuses consumers Read More »]]> Most home owners find that the most difficult part of installing their new surround sound system is choosing the best speaker wire for their system. Their goal is the get the right speaker wire type that will give their system the power and sound its needs to perform at the highest level.

The reality is that nobody wants to install a complete sound system and later find out they used an inferior speaker wire product that is causing their new speakers to under-perform. This type of mistake could prove to be very expensive and very time consuming, especially if installing new speaker wire is the only option. So why not do it right the first time?

The speaker wire industry is a huge market. There are many manufacturers out there trying to push consumers to their products. Many manufacturers are flooding the market with marketing material that touts their wire as the best. All this marketing for sure confuses consumers and makes it harder on them as they try to buy the right product for the job. But the truth is that speaker wire is relatively simple to choose if you just know some of the basic facts.

High Quality Copper is Key

Copper is the most popular and best material used in the construction of a speaker wire. It will no doubt deliver the best quality signal from your receiver or amplifier to your speakers. When evaluating a speaker wire product you may notice a lot of brands pushing the 99.9% oxygen free copper characteristic as a major selling point of their wire. Most manufactures of quality speaker wire products use 99.9% oxygen free copper as a standard, but don’t let them tell you it is for sound quality. Although it may help a little, this increase in sound quality really cannot be heard by the human ear. This increase can really only be measured when using special test equipment that can test pure sound quality.

The truth is that 99.9% oxygen free copper describes the copper type and how the copper is processed and manufactured into the cable form. The most vital byproduct of using 99.9% oxygen free copper is that it is the best for combating corrosion. Since the impurities are filtered during the manufacturing process the 99.9% oxygen free copper wire will last much longer than regular copper. So the specification of using 99.9% oxygen free copper is an important one, and one you want to ensure is part of the speaker wire you choose to buy.

Strand Count Does Matter

The strand count of speaker wire is another characteristic that many manufacturers and consumers talk about. Many manufacturers tout their speaker wire as superior because it is made with a high strand count. The strand count refers to the number of copper strands that are woven together to make a wire conductor.

The strand count is another one of those characteristics that have been over-glamorized by the industry. Although there is an argument that the more strands equal more surface area which in turn means more performance, the reality is again that the sound quality difference will be so little you would never notice the difference. The reality is that the more strands your speaker wire is constructed with equals more flexible it will have. This increase in flexibility assists in making your home audio installation much easier. It is much easier to install a high strand count speaker wire in the walls and ceilings of a home. More flexibility is also nice if you are dressing a rack or head-end which is your central distribution point for your sound system.

Most professional installers will prefer a high strand count speaker wire because it is much easier to dress, control, and route during an installation. At the end of the day the strand count does matter and is just another characteristic you want to evaluate when making your speaker wire purchase.

Speaker Wire Gauge is Vital

The gauge of the speaker wire is no doubt the most vital characteristic of any speaker wire product. Like in all applications where signals and voltage are being sent over a wire or cable there is naturally resistance and voltage drop. This means that the signal carried through a speaker wire will lose some of its strength every foot it travels. By the time the sound signal reaches your speakers it could be so weak that your speakers will simply be under-powered, which will also cause them to under-perform.

The best way to combat this signal degradation is to increase the copper gauge or thickness of the speaker wire. This will give your signal more surface area to travel over. The AWG or gauge describes the thickness of the copper conductors in a speaker wire. So a 14-2 speaker wire is a 14 gauge wire, and a 12-2 speaker wire is a 12 gauge speaker wire. It is important to understand that the smaller the number (gauge) gives you the thicker cable with more copper in the construction. So it is important to choose the right speaker wire gauge that best supports the distances you have between your speakers and the amplifier or receiver.

For speaker wire that runs less than 60 feet, a 16 gauge speaker wire will give you the surface area you need to ensure your speakers perform. For speaker wire runs between 60 to 180 feet, a 14 gauge speaker wire may be the best gauge for the distance. For speaker wire runs more than 180 feet, a 12 gauge speaker wire will provide the best performance.

There are other factors that could affect these recommendations like using powered subwoofers and powered speakers, but in general these recommendations can ensure you make the best buying decisions possible.

Ratings and Certifications Mean Everything

The final aspect of choosing speaker wire is to pay close attention to the ratings and certifications that come with the speaker wire. It is important to use in-wall rated speaker wire for any in-ceiling or in-wall speaker installations. This means if you are installing speaker wire in the walls or ceilings you must follow your local building codes. It is always important to be aware of your local building codes and use the speaker wire products that best supports them. The last thing you want to do is install a speaker wire type that may create a fire hazard at your home. Most quality speaker wire products will have their certifications clearly documented on the box and on the cables jacket. Common certifications for in-wall rated cables arte CMR and CL3 ratings, plus good quality cable will have a UL rating on it.

At the end of the day it is not the brand, price, or marketing that will make up a great speaker wire.  Look for some of these basic specifications on how the cable is constructed and the materials that are used in the jacket and the copper. Paying close attention to the specifications will ensure you get a cable that performs at the highest level!

About the author: Guest writer Erik Johnson is a low voltage wire and cable professional with over 15 years of security, surveillance system, and home theater experience. He works with home owners and business owners all over the country assisting them in making the best technology decisions when buying low voltage products. 

Out of all the sitcoms that have graced the airwaves over the years, there are definitely many classic locations, from Central Perk in Friends to Jerry’s apartment in Seinfeld. However, one of the most iconic locations has to be Al’s Diner from Happy Days. What makes Al’s so iconic? Well there is Fonzie’s office in the bathroom, but all in all it has to be Al’s jukebox! Probably Fonzie’s favorite piece of equipment, and always on the Read More »]]> Over the years there have been many iconic locations for films and TV series, but with access to the Internet and a credit card many of the items which made these locations so special can now be purchased for your own home: be it in your bedroom, living room, or home theater installation. So what should you go for? Let’s take a look at our top 5.

5. Al’s Diner – Happy Days

Out of all the sitcoms that have graced the airwaves over the years, there are definitely many classic locations, from Central Perk in Friends to Jerry’s apartment in Seinfeld. However, one of the most iconic locations has to be Al’s Diner from Happy Days. What makes Al’s so iconic? Well there is Fonzie’s office in the bathroom, but all in all it has to be Al’s jukebox! Probably Fonzie’s favorite piece of equipment, and always on the receiving end of a bump when needed. So if you’re looking for a diner look for a room in your home — say, your kitchen or your home theater room — why not grab yourself a jukebox, maybe a leather jacket and practice your own jukebox bump?

4. Row of Pinball Machines – Animal House

Okay, so not everyone is going to want to turn part of their home into a rowdy frat-house, but for those who do then the first place to start (apart from a vast amount of beer) is the row of pinball machines! Featured in many shots in the film, the animal house had a row of five pin tables, and anyway, when you think about it what goes better with a cool beer than a game of pinball?

3. Chandler & Joey’s Apartment – Friends

There can’t be many bachelors who were watching Friends during the 1990s who weren’t thinking, “Why isn’t my apartment like Joey & Chandler’s?”. There were lots of cool stuff there, the lazy-boys, the duck, the chick, but overall it has to be the foosball table – nothing says cool bachelor apartment quite like a table football table.

2. Flynn’s Arcade – Tron

For many an 80s sci-fi fan, Tron was a real game-changer. And what was the most iconic location in the movie? It has to be Flynn’s Arcade, which really hit the nail on the head for the arcade feeling of the time. So if you’ve got the space in your gaming room or home theater, what could be better than having an arcade of your own? In stark contrast to the time in which Tron was set, arcade machines are now at a price point where they can be bought for home use. Go on and live out that childhood fantasy, and maybe build yourself a Tron system upstairs in your spare time.

1. Pool Room – The Hustler

As far as man movies go, they don’t get much more manly than The Hustler! Back in 1961, Fast Eddie Felson got teenage boys off their butts and into pool halls by the millions, and this classic film is still popular today. So why not become a bit of a hustler yourself and turn a spare room into a pool hall? Pool tables are cheaper today than they ever were, so what better excuse to hone your pool skills so you can engage in a spot of pool hustling yourself?

Sources: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

About the author: This roundup of cool ideas for you home comes courtesy of Stuart Kerr who is a writer for Liberty Games who are pool table & games room specialists.

Modern kitchens, especially those in converted buildings or apartments in the industrial style, often suffer from a lack of natural light. Good lighting is vital for efficient kitchen use, and modeling lighting solutions on industrial, “working” kitchens can provide an answer.

Bringing the central lighting point down by using a dropped light fitting can provide an inexpensive means of highlighting work spaces, allowing you to cook in comfort and with increased safety. This type of fitting comes in a range of colors and designs, including retro pastels and bright modern shades to Read More »]]> The easiest way to change the entire look and feel of a room without breaking the bank is to update and review its lighting. Whether you are trying to create a homely atmosphere, a chic, fashionable space, a high-performance home theater, or a businesslike work area, choosing the right lighting will give you an affordable contemporary solution.

Industrial quality kitchen lighting

Modern kitchens, especially those in converted buildings or apartments in the industrial style, often suffer from a lack of natural light. Good lighting is vital for efficient kitchen use, and modeling lighting solutions on industrial, “working” kitchens can provide an answer.

Bringing the central lighting point down by using a dropped light fitting can provide an inexpensive means of highlighting work spaces, allowing you to cook in comfort and with increased safety. This type of fitting comes in a range of colors and designs, including retro pastels and bright modern shades to coordinate with your kitchen. Focus lights near the cooker or other important work surfaces are also key to a modern, functional look, though careful consideration needs to be given to switches and sockets in the work area. Paying a little extra for a fully wired-in solution will reduce clutter and emphasize the sleek, clean lines that are desirable in a modern kitchen.

Retro and relaxing study lighting

Lighting in a study needs to be carefully balanced between comfort and efficiency. Updating your office space and promoting your health and comfort is particularly easy with the wide range of focused lighting that is now available.

A very popular option for this at the moment involves adding key spots in the form of retro anglepoise, swing arm or bankers lamps, which are perfect for highlighting specific working spaces. More diffuse lighting throughout the room can be provided by discrete flush ceiling fittings, ideal for unobtrusive illumination whether you are meeting with clients, or spending some time catching up with your hobbies.

Lighting up the living room

The living room should be the center of the home, and it is important that it is a welcoming and comfortable space. One way to achieve this warmth is by investing in a modern take on the classic uplighter shade. This type of shade diffuses the light, smoothing harsh edges and producing a much warmer effect. By choosing this type of lighting in neutral shades (currently very much in fashion), you will be able to produce a fresh and clean, yet still cozy and welcoming, effect whatever your décor. Uplighters are available in both ceiling rose fitting and standard lamp form, making it easy to update your room.

As with so many fashions, lighting trends vary widely. Your own needs and designs are key to successfully incorporating the best new pieces usefully into your lifestyle. Feature and spot lights are now easier than ever to incorporate into your décor and, with the advent of improved energy-efficient bulbs and custom lighting controls, are also cheaper and safer to run, making updating your home’s look as easy as the flick of a switch.

About the author: The author is a fan of contemporary furniture and has written extensively about lighting, design and other aspects of contemporary living. 

Sources: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Following are 5 excellent ways through which you can effectively deal with untidy cable and cords:

Image from DigitalTrends.com

The very first thing that you need to do is to identify the different cords and cables that are being used by the various appliances and home entertainment components in your home.

For this, you may need to untangle the different cables Read More »]]> Untidy cable and cords can spoil the ambiance of the most lavish of interiors and the most sophisticated of home theater setups. Unfortunately, technology has not yet advanced to the extent that we can completely eliminate these cables and cords from our lives. On the contrary, the number of gadgets and appliances that we use are increasing day by day, and it doesn’t seem that this trend is going to change anytime soon. Therefore, we have no choice but to deal with these unsightly cables and cords to make them more bearable.

Following are 5 excellent ways through which you can effectively deal with untidy cable and cords:

Image from DigitalTrends.com

Identify

The very first thing that you need to do is to identify the different cords and cables that are being used by the various appliances and home entertainment components in your home.

For this, you may need to untangle the different cables as a first step before you can understand which one goes where. You should strive to understand what type they are, which appliance or component they belong to, where they come from, and where they go.

This step will help you understand the different cable and cord types and how they function. Hence, you will be in a in a position to determine which ones are essential and which you can disconnect.

Eliminate

Once you’ve identified the different cords and cables that are connected to your appliances, you can then start the process of purging. You should evaluate the usefulness of all the cables and cords, and ask yourself the question: can you do without some of them?

If your answer to the question above is yes, you should start the process of ruthlessly eliminating all such obsolete cables and cords.

Label

After you’re done eliminating the unnecessary cables and cords, you should start labeling the remaining cords and cables. This can be done by writing the name and description of the appliance on each end of the wire and then color-coding the different types of cable and cords.

This will make it extremely convenient for you to keep your cables organized as this will put you in a position to bundle together the similar cords and cables.

Use Cord Ties

Once the cords and cables have been labeled, we can then shift our attention to making them less of an eye sore. This can be achieved by using cord ties that basically allow you to bundle together different cables so that they don’t get tangled up and are thus easier to manage.

Cord ties are available in different qualities, size, and colors, which means that it won’t be difficult to find one according to your specific needs, be it for home theater, home audio, home automation, or home lighting.

Cord Tubes

Once you’ve bundled together your cords and cables, you can finally get them out of your sight. This can be done by using cord tubes that enable you to put all your bundled cords and cables in them. You can then conveniently place these cord tubes away from public view or in a manner that they blend in with the surroundings.

About the author: Andrew distributes office cable covers. Over the last 3 years, he has been blogging about home safety.

If this sounds just the kind of thing you’re looking for, we have a treat: a list of new audio products (speakers and headphones) delivering the kind of audio performance that’ll bring sweet music to your ears.

Not too long ago we gave some shine to a bunch of speaker docks Read More »]]> Many would agree that a home theater system cannot be complete without its own sophisticated set of home audio components – a 2.1 speaker set, say, or a 5.1-channel surround sound system. But it’s also nice to have the luxury of an additional – also, simpler – home audio setup, with wireless speakers, capable headphones, and Bluetooth-enabled blasters as its possible components. After all, there’s no need for a 5.1 when all you’d like to do is spend the rest of the day in a more personal, intimate setting, just listening to your favorite music or Internet radio station.

If this sounds just the kind of thing you’re looking for, we have a treat: a list of new audio products (speakers and headphones) delivering the kind of audio performance that’ll bring sweet music to your ears.

Jawbone’s Big Jambox

Not too long ago we gave some shine to a bunch of speaker docks for your mobile devices. The list included Jawbone’s Jambox wireless speaker and speakerphone. Well, the original Jambox now has a big brother, and it’s literally called Big Jambox. ($299.99)

Designed to turn any mobile phone, tablet, or media player into a portable and easy-to-use hi-fi sound system, the Big Jambox is awesome for your living room parties and (powerful) easy listening weekends. And while it’s bigger than the original Jambox, Jawbone’s new offering is still very portable, and completely wireless, and it still has the handy speakerphone for your Skype, GoogleTalk, and FaceTime conversations. Precision-tuned drivers and dual passive bass radiators, meanwhile, work with exclusive LiveAudio technology to deliver rich, clear layers of sound.

Grado Labs Prestige Series SR80i Stereo Headphone

Music lovers, pay attention: these headphones are about to rock your world. With features like a vented diaphragm, a non-resonant air chamber, dynamic transducers, an upgraded driver design, and a 4-conductor connecting cable – plus an extremely affordable price tag of $99 – Grado’s wonderful new headphones are getting rave reviews everywhere. Apart from the fact that the SR80i’s new driver and plastic housing react to vibrations without any transient distortions, the headphones also deliver wide vocal range and truly impressive bass performance – an irresistible investment for audiophiles who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a stereo headphone.

SMS Audio SYNC by 50

Dr. Dre’s Beats series of high-performance headphones have been around for quite some time now. But if you prefer some other rapper – or a higher-end product (wireless, perhaps?) – then you might want to give 50 Cent’s SMS Audio SYNC a try. SYNC represents a new series of over-ear wireless headphones. At $399.99, they’re kind of pricey, but the headphones don’t fall short on features: professionally tuned digital EQ, 16-bit lossless sound, full onboard controls with bass boost, 50-ft. wireless range, passive noise cancellation technology, and custom 40 mm driver. The physical design is pretty sleek, too, so if you’re feeling like taking your music with you on a jog around the park or a walk to the office, you’ll certainly earn some cool points with these babies.

Eton Rukus Solar

The Rukus Solar Bluetooth speaker is getting a lot of buzz these days, and for good reason, too.Eton’s new speaker has its own high-efficiency solar panel, which powers the device and enables you to listen all day long – wherever you go. Its Bluetooth connectivity with AVRCP (one-touch pairing and control) and A2DP (high quality stereo streaming) support allows playback from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile device, phone, tablet, or computer. There’s also a sweet USB port for charging your mobile device, as well as an electronic-ink display for letting you take control of whatever you’re listening to. ($150.00)

Looking to design or install your own outdoor home theater system? We’re sure it’s going to be one of the most exciting home projects you’ve ever had. Do keep in mind that in order for your system to perform optimally – and to stay protected from unique outdoor elements like snow, rain, and too much sunlight – you’ve got to make careful considerations about how the entire system is set up. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Get creative. Not enough budget for a high-end big-screen HDTV? Don’t worry. The centerpiece of your outdoor home theater system can Read More »]]> Outdoor home theater: just the idea of it sounds more fun than anything you’ve ever done at the local cinema. Top-notch entertainment from the comforts of your own home: specifically, your own backyard or patio. Well, thanks to advancements in home theater technology, the dream can now be a reality.

Looking to design or install your own outdoor home theater system? We’re sure it’s going to be one of the most exciting home projects you’ve ever had. Do keep in mind that in order for your system to perform optimally – and to stay protected from unique outdoor elements like snow, rain, and too much sunlight – you’ve got to make careful considerations about how the entire system is set up. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Get creative. Not enough budget for a high-end big-screen HDTV? Don’t worry. The centerpiece of your outdoor home theater system can be something as simple as a white bed sheet on a wall. Or it can be a piece of tarp, a painted board, or a canvas cloth. These aren’t exactly the most sophisticated options, but if you complement it with a nice, reliable projector, the results can be spectacular. Another budget-friendly alternative to HDTVs are inflatable screens designed specifically for outdoor use.

Use a projector. We’re not stopping you from buying a brand new 50-something-inch LED TV, but if you’re designing an outdoor home theater, give some thought to getting your own digital projector. These babies can deliver high-definition and high-brightness performance even in day-lit environments. (They’re not as expensive as they once were, too.) We recommend projectors with 1600 lumens brightness or higher; 720p or 1080p resolution; and with HDMI or component video connectivity.

Optimize your audio. Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy great audio. Home theater manufacturers now regularly come up with new outdoor speakers and UV- and weather-resistant home audio systems that sound as incredible as if you were inside a traditional cinema. Rock speakers are becoming extremely popular, too. Don’t get carried away by brand names, though: look for efficient speakers that deliver powerful bass response even in outdoor environments. (For more, check out our essential tips on buying, installing and maintaining outdoor speakers.)

Run wires through conduit. Protect your outdoor home theater installation from outdoor elements like sunlight, snow, water, and sand. Make sure you run the system’s wires through PVC conduit, and remember to seal all ends. While you’re at it, weatherproof all electrical sources, too.

If you’re using an HDTV, protect it. If you decided to buy a new plasma, LCD, or LED TV as the centerpiece of your outdoor theater, come up with ways to protect this investment. Some manufacturers produce weatherproof TV enclosures made specifically for outdoor use; you can also opt for a TV stand or mobile rack for housing the TV and other home theater components, like the DVD or Blu-Ray Disc Player and video game consoles like PS3 or Xbox 360.

Stay safe. Throughout the entire home theater installation process, remember to put safety first. Read manufacturers’ manuals (yes, it pays off to do that), use surge protectors, never touch electrical sources and components with wet hands, and always follow your building and safety codes. Another safe course of action is to call a team of home theater professionals to help you get the job done – and your dream, a reality.

Image by gsloan

Everyone has had both bad and good experiences at the cinema, while watching a movie. But often, the bad can outweigh the good. Given the easy accessibility and wide range of uses of home theater equipment, technology, and accessories, a lot of people have decided it best to cut the movie theater trips out of their weekly routine. While many haven’t yet decided to fully build a home theater, one might look at the cons of the cinema experience and decide from there whether it’s worth building a home theater or not.

After all, visiting the movie theater can be extremely expensive. The cost of sending one person to the cinema can end up being around 20 dollars, and the cost of an entire family visiting will be much more. These prices do not even take into account the premiums that movie theaters charge for the extra dimensionality feature in 3D movies; Read More »]]>

Image by gsloan

Everyone has had both bad and good experiences at the cinema, while watching a movie. But often, the bad can outweigh the good. Given the easy accessibility and wide range of uses of home theater equipment, technology, and accessories, a lot of people have decided it best to cut the movie theater trips out of their weekly routine. While many haven’t yet decided to fully build a home theater, one might look at the cons of the cinema experience and decide from there whether it’s worth building a home theater or not.

After all, visiting the movie theater can be extremely expensive. The cost of sending one person to the cinema can end up being around 20 dollars, and the cost of an entire family visiting will be much more. These prices do not even take into account the premiums that movie theaters charge for the extra dimensionality feature in 3D movies; popcorn and other snacks are also often overpriced items that most families nonetheless find necessary.

Avoid The Distractions At The Theater

Distractions are commonplace in a lot of movie theaters, but in a home theater setting, these distractions can all easily be avoided. People oftentimes go to a movie thinking they are the only ones in a packed theater, and they usually interrupt and distract from the movie considerably. Even the ones who are not intentionally trying to distract can be annoying, with their feet against the back of the seat or their constant trips to talk on their cell phone. Also, that big soft drink that was purchased earlier was pretty refreshing, but when a bathroom break is needed, there is no pause button and a few minutes of the movie are then missed.

One of the biggest complaints people have about traditional theaters is how uncomfortable the seats are. With a home theater, anything can be used, and there are home theater companies that make high-quality home theater furniture for that specific application. Home theatre seating is often preferred over other traditional types of seats, given that these seats offer comfort and support specially designed for watching the screen. Additionally, one does not have to worry about sitting down in a seat that has many other people’s germs, soda, and popcorn residue on it.

You Have Complete Control

Another huge advantage is having complete control over the home theater equipment and room décor. It can be a lot of fun looking up new televisions and surround sound systems to buy, since the individual’s exact needs and preferences can be met rather effortlessly. This can make for a very elegantly designed home theater that the traditional movie house cannot even think about competing with.

About the author: Elite Home Theater Chairs – Custom made high end home theater chairs, Superior Quality, 10 Year Warranty. Create your elite home theater seating on our site.

Looking for a powerful subwoofer that’s under $1,000? Check out Digital Tech’s all-new SuperCube 4000, a spectacular subwoofer compact enough not to take up too much precious home theater room real estate – yet powerful enough to provide explosive bass for those high-octane action movies and head-banging club anthems.

The SuperCube 4000 features: 56-bit, digital-signal processor (DSP) preamp stage (essentially a mini-computer) for extending and improving the bass response, an all-new 1200-watt digital Read More »]]> This week at Hooked Up Installs, we put the spotlight on what may be some sweet new additions to your home theater and home entertainment system. If you believe that you already have the basics – HDTV, powerful home audio, a video-on-demand service – all hooked up, then you might want to check out these recommended components, which may enhance the value of your home theater and heighten your home entertainment experience.

Definitive Technology SuperCube 4000 Subwoofer

Looking for a powerful subwoofer that’s under $1,000? Check out Digital Tech’s all-new SuperCube 4000, a spectacular subwoofer compact enough not to take up too much precious home theater room real estate – yet powerful enough to provide explosive bass for those high-octane action movies and head-banging club anthems.

The SuperCube 4000 features: 56-bit, digital-signal processor (DSP) preamp stage (essentially a mini-computer) for extending and improving the bass response, an all-new 1200-watt digital tracking power amplifier, an optional wireless kit for wireless connectivity, and a Performance Optimizer Remote control for convenient and precise home audio system tweaking. The coolest thing about it all may be the subwoofer’s price tag: at $799, the Definitive Technology SuperCube 4000 is a terrific home audio bargain.

Pioneer VSX-1122K A/V Receiver

If your media files come from multiple audio and video sources, you’ll have to find a good A/V receiver to do the job of integrating them all together. Very few will do a better job than Pioneer’s new VSX-1122K, a 7.2-channel, 3D-ready AV receiver built for the modern-day home theater.

The VSX-1122-K is network-ready and works with AirPlay, Pandora, vTuner, and SiriusXM. You can also connect your Apple devices like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod to the receiver (cable included). A rear panel Ethernet port, meanwhile, allows full integration with your home network, with Windows 7 and DLNA 1.5 certification, Bluetooth connectivity, the latest HDMI technology, 192 kHz / 24-bit WAV and FLAC file compatibility, and instant streaming of MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV and FLAC files to your home theater system.

The $600 receiver is equipped with advanced audio and video processing technologies, too. Pioneer’s Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) provides an optimized, multi-channel listening experience that can be customized specifically for your home theater. Qdeo video processing, meanwhile, provides video conversion from composite and component video to HDMI – making everything look beautiful, wherever of where the video is coming from.

Western Digital My Book Live Duo

If you’re still storing all your media in CDs, DVDs, or USBs, or if you’re not quite at peace with paying monthly fees for Amazon or Apple to store your stuff in the cloud – you might welcome a safer, more efficient way to store and back up data. This is where WD’s My Book Live Duo comes in.

A personal cloud storage device (with a storage capacity of 4 TB to 6 TB), the My Book Live Duo creates a personal cloud for your media and files, so you can access them securely over the Internet using your PC, Mac, iPad, iPod, iPhone, smartphone, game console, or media player. That way, your media and files stay safe at home – and, through the cloud, always with you. No monthly fees, no mysterious server locations. It’s all there in a centralized storage device.

Not only can you store, sync, and stream your stuff anytime and anywhere with the My Book Live Duo; you can also use it as your backup solution: RAID mirroring technology continuously maintains a second copy of all your files for real-time data backup. To open content on mobile devices, Western Digital offers two free apps: WD Photos (photo viewer) and WD 2go (file viewer).

Many of us have our favorite playlists that we like to jam to. If you are a music lover or a home audio enthusiast, your collection may be vast. With digital downloads it is not unusual to see users with thousands of MP3s in their collections. If this sounds like you, why not Read More »]]> Technology and entertainment go hand in hand. From streaming movies to streaming radio, many Internet users are turning to their computers, laptops, and tablets for entertainment. This creates a need for services that offer entertainment through technology. For those music lovers it can create the listening base to create a successful streaming radio station. Many who listen to online streaming radio don’t know that they themselves can have their own stations as well. Here is a look at how to create your own streaming radio station and the benefits of owning your own station.

What you need

Many of us have our favorite playlists that we like to jam to. If you are a music lover or a home audio enthusiast, your collection may be vast. With digital downloads it is not unusual to see users with thousands of MP3s in their collections. If this sounds like you, why not share your collection with online radio listeners? If you are considering creating your own streaming radio station, here are a few things you will need.

Radio Host: Online radio has been around for years, though many don’t know how easy it is to set up. There are many different hosts available for online streaming radio stations that are low-cost and easy to set up. Spacial.com, Voscast.com and Blogtalkradio.com are among the leaders in streaming radio hosting. You can set up your hosting for as low as $7 a month for up to 30 listeners at 32kbps. As you increase in listeners and popularity, you can upgrade your account to allow your new listeners.

Broadcasting Software: After you have set up your radio host, you will need a way to broadcast your music over the internet. This is accomplished with broadcasting software. The most popular software used by many amateur web radio stations is Sam Broadcaster. This easy-to-use software allows you to connect to your radio host, create a playlist, mix your music, and will even fade between songs. You can also connect your microphone and broadcast your DJ skills over the Internet.

Music: The most important part of running your own Internet radio is the music you play. Whether you like rock, jazz, pop, country, rap, hip-hop, or slow jams, you can broadcast your favorites for others to enjoy. You can use any MP3 file in the broadcaster. You can even create your own MP3 introductions or dedications and add them to the mix.

Benefits of Owning Your Own Station

With so many users streaming their favorite genre of music there is always room for new stations. Other than the fun of running your own station, there are other benefits as well.

Advertising for Companies: There are many different ways to use the Internet to generate income. The best way is by advertising for other companies. Blog and site owners currently use this method to generate income from their websites. However, if you have the right amount of listeners you can also collect some advertising dollars. Many companies use Internet radio as their method of advertising their products or services and pay for air time.

Advertising for Yourself: If you have your own site, business, or blog, you can also advertise for yourself. By creating an MP3 commercial and slipping it into the playlist, you can gain exposure for your business or website. This is a great way to generate additional income through the advertising on your site or increased sales on your e-commerce site.

Meet New People: You can never have enough friends and music is a great way to break the ice. If you have your own station you can invite your listeners to your social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter. This can increase your fans and friends and find more people you have something in common with.

Streaming radio is quickly becoming the preferred method of accessing music. If you are a music lover, have a vast collection of MP3s in your home entertainment system, or just enjoy getting your name and interests out there, creating a streaming radio station is a great way to accomplish that.

About the author: Jeremy Thompson works at home as a blogger and counts on VideoLan Media Player to listen to his favorite music while he works.

When furnishing the interior, it’s an important thing to note the shape of the room, the space you have to work with, and the color ranges you want to choose.  Of course, not every piece of furniture comes in modern designs; you may have to hunt these down, and you will also want all the sophisticated home theater, home audio, and even home automation technologies available on the market incorporated into your home.

A classic picture frame makes a statement, be it traditional or modern. TV frames are also a fantastic piece Read More »]]> Modernizing your home is a big step in anyone’s lives: a truly modern home in minimalistic design, often in white and the lines are clean and beautiful. Aesthetically pleasing technology can also gilt the room, whilst the rest of the home will probably have large white pillars, open interiors and glass frontage, all of which add to the modernization of the home.

When furnishing the interior, it’s an important thing to note the shape of the room, the space you have to work with, and the color ranges you want to choose.  Of course, not every piece of furniture comes in modern designs; you may have to hunt these down, and you will also want all the sophisticated home theater, home audio, and even home automation technologies available on the market incorporated into your home.

A classic picture frame makes a statement, be it traditional or modern. TV frames are also a fantastic piece of modern technology that can be incorporated into any home, but for modern homes these are a big draw card. These TV frames are sophisticated, elegant, and innovative, and you have a wide selection to choose from.

Let Your Personality Shine Through

When furnishing a home you always face some obstacles, and often the living room is where the problems come in.  You need to choose your TV stand, mount your TV on the wall, and pick modern sofas and modern coffee tables.

There are so many choices in the market today, but most of all you want it to show a piece of your personality. TV frames completely transform your television into a mirror or even moving art, which add such a wow factor to any home.

Thanks to multiple offerings in the market, you now have the ability to buy frames that specifically suit your décor: from custom-designed frames that are exactly what you want; leather or fabric frames to complement your décor; even 3D frames, which offer a sophisticated flair to the frame. I believe that your personality should always shine through when furnishing any home; it’s also a great way to enhance the value of your TV and home theater.

Making a Statement

I think the greatest thing about TV frames is that your TV won’t dominate the room anymore.  Often when guests come over, you end up putting the TV on because it’s there, but if there is a beautifully framed mirror on the wall instead, it can be a focal point that blends in with the décor, adding beautifully to the kind of style you are going for.

It’s so exciting to think that technology is helping us make a statement in our homes; you can have moving art on the screen beautifully hugged by a magnificent frame: a unique artwork that can be enjoyed by everyone.  With a click of the remote control – think home automation – it becomes your television for those cozy nights in.

Modernize Your Home

TV frames aren’t only made for the modern home; they can also definitely add a new technology factor to a condo or apartment, which, if you think about it, often lack in space. So if you have fewer walls, or if there isn’t space enough to mount a TV and a great mirror, then combining the two seems the most logical answer. Enjoy a mirror when the TV is off and transform it into a television when there is something you need to watch. Basically, you’re saving yourself wall space and adding the technology to your home that you deserve.

About the author: Frame Your TV has a wide assortment of frames and choices for you to choose from, enabling you to let your personality shine through and turn your TV into a work of art.