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Articles in Category: Knoxville Flat Screen TVs

Knoxville Flat Screen TVs

 

Searching for the perfect flat screen TV? David Katzmaier, Senior Editor at CNet.com, released his choices for top flat screen TVs of 2012. David writes:

Best picture quality overall
Panasonic TC-PVT50 series

"I don't expect the VT50 to have any competition at the top of this list, unless OLED TVs somehow make it to market. Even then, they'll cost thousands more than this awesome Panasonic plasma. Its black levels are the inkiest from plasma since the Kuro, its color accuracy is top-notch, and, like all plasmas, it benefits from essentially perfect screen uniformity and off-angle fidelity."

Second-best picture quality, best for an LED
Sharp Elite PRO-X5FD series

"The Elite LED-based LCD from Sharp was designed in homage to the vaunted Kuro Elite plasmas from Pioneer, and like the Kuro and the VT50 it earned a "10" in picture quality. As usual, it's all about black levels; the Pro-X5FD's are even deeper than the Kuro's and the VT50's, don't suffer noticeable blooming, and maintain excellent fidelity from off-angle--for an LED. I'd even recommend the 70-inch Elite over the 65-inch VT50 for money-no-object shoppers crave those extra inches."

Third-best picture quality (tie), best value
Panasonic TC-PST50 series

"As we said in the review, the ST50 "sets a lofty standard for HDTV picture quality this year," and if picture quality is your deciding factor yet money is still an object, we haven't reviewed anything better. Its black levels are deeper than those of any 2011 plasma, its color is extremely accurate, and its bright-room image superb. We expect a few other TVs to surpass it on this list later this year, but we don't expect any of them to cost less."

Third-best picture quality (tie)
Panasonic TC-PGT50 series

"The only reason the GT50 sits below the ST50 on this list is because I can't place them next to one another. For all practical purposes their picture quality is identical -- that THX mode doesn't make any difference in this context. Both are a hair better than the Samsung PNE6500 by virtue of superior light output, but all three are very close."

For more of David's picks, read his entire article here.


iSS offers these brands and more. Call us today to set you up with the perfect flat screen.

TV Purchasing Guide

LED, plasma, 4K, and curved are all features of TVs currently on the market. With so many different types of TVs and new technology coming out constantly, it can be a daunting task to pick out a new TV. I know when I bought my most recent Samsung, I was completely overwhelmed during the search. There were so many to choose from it was unreal. How do you know if it's the right size? What about brands? What's this 4K TV and why does it cost more than my car? Buying a new TV should be exciting and not overwhelming. If you're in the market for a new TV it's important to consider several options.

Budget is of course a huge deciding factor when it's time to purchase a new TV. Fortunately, there are many great TV's on the market that can accommodate any sized budget. Once you find your new TV, make sure you shop around. The store down the street may have it for a much better price and since most stores price match, the ball is really in the purchaser's court. It's another great idea to be on the lookout for end-of-line discounts. Since new televisions are released several times a year, picking up the older model is a great option for saving some cash.

Another big step in the purchasing process is to figure out what you want in your new TV based on your budget. Of course you want the best picture HDTV that you can get. Plasmas are becoming more rare, but many say they have the best picture. You just have to be ready to shell out the money or go for a more budget friendly high-quality LED. A great TV is going to have a picture that reproduces the incoming source as closely as possible without "improving" smoothness, color, or other characteristics. Less important (and confusing) factors include maximum light output and video processing (120Hz, 240Hz, etc.). If you've got a bangin' budget and are looking for the top of the line, then check out 4K TVs. They have four times as many pixels as today's 1080p TVs, but come with a much heftier price tag.

Screen size is definitely one of the most important aspects when buying a new television. Most consumers tend to go bigger than their old TV, but bigger isn't always better. Just because you can afford an 80-inch LED HDTV doesn't mean you should run out and buy it. It's crucial to consider room size when buying a new TV. A 40 to 42-inch TV would suit most consumers, but if you're going to be sitting at least 8 to 10 feet from the screen, a 46 to 50-inch screen would be a better fit. If you have an even more spacious room, consider an even larger screen. If you need a new TV for a bedroom, usually 26 to 32-inch TVs work for bedroom-sized spaces. Basically the ideal screen size can be calculated by multiplying the distance that you sit away from the TV by 0.535 and then rounding it up to the nearest size. So, if you sit 80 inches away from your TV, the ideal size is 42-inch (80 x 0.535= 42.8).

TV buying should be a fun and exciting time. Don't get overwhelmed with stats and stiff price tags. Know what YOU want and what will work best in your space. If you don't think you would use a Smart TV because you already have a Roku Box , then don't get a Smart TV! Ultimately the decision is yours so listen to your gut and buy what you like.

The Show Stoppers!

The BEST of CEDIA 2015

 

          CEDIA is the international trade association and central touchpoint for 3,500 member companies that represent every facet of the ever-evolving technology market. The expo places you at the epicenter of the furture in home experience and lets you experience the intrigue of how it is all connected!

BEST NEW PRODUCT:

Two of the products we offer recieved the Best New Product reward at the expo this year! The Seura Storm Outdoor TV and Sonance DSP Amplifiers with SonARC.

Seura’s Storm Outdoor TV is built to last in a variety of climates and, through careful calibration, is capable of delivering quality images during sunny days. It also has a great wide viewing angle!

The Sonance DSP amplifiers add Amazing audio in any environment! The new line of DSP amplifiers feature SONARC (Sonance Advanced Room Correction), which offers hundreds of EQ presets designed specifically for Sonance speakers available through simple pull down menus. The presets enable effortless DSP without the need for additional hardware, software, and more importantly time.

Seura Outdoor TV Video: http://ow.ly/U3twM                            Sonance DSP Amplifiers Video: http://ow.ly/U3uwT

                                           CEPro Editor's Choice Picks:

There were also two of the speakers that we offer picked as the CEPro Editor's Choice, The Sonos Play:5 and the KEF LS50!

Hear it just like they played it. Pure and true. The PLAY:5 uses six state-of the-art digital amplifiers individually coupled with six speakers to deliver great sound to any room. Each instrument, each voice, every detail shines through, pure and precise. With remarkably distinct clarity. And zero audible distortion. Even when you crank it up loud. Really loud! 

The KEF LS50 was also quite an awe inspiring product at CEDIA 2015! An innovative concept inspired by the legendary LS3/5a, LS50 mini monitor speaker is designed to bring professional studio monitor concept into the home. Rarely the case in such a compact design, the LS50 monitor delivers a rich, multi-dimensional ‘soundstage experience’ that is out of all proportion to its size. Patent-pending acoustic designs, together with state-of-the-art technologies from KEF’s latest flagship Blade loudspeaker, provide the ultimate studio experience – even in the smallest of spaces.

Play:5 Video: http://cnet.co/1Q1coIk                                   KEF LS50 Video: https://youtu.be/E0B-l2eoVtg

Many companies had some pretty amazing products this year that became quite the show stoppers! Call us today to learn more about any of our great products. 

  • Sony    
  • Orgin Acoustis
  • Screen Innovations
  • Martin Logan
  • Golden Ear
  • Atlona
  • Pakedge
  • SnapAV
  • Kwikset
  • WIlson
  • BOSE
  • SunBrite TV
  • Lutron
  • Peerless AV
  • Luxul
  • Yale
  • This list GOES ON & ON 

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The Evolution of the Flat Screen TV

How did it all start? & Boy have we come so far!

 

History of Flat Screen TV

 

Believe it or not, the history of flat screen TV started way back in 1964 by scientists at the University of Illinois. They were the first ones to discover plasma technology. They wanted a different flat screen monitor that had a better picture quality. Monitors at that time were just television sets with a picture that was not very good. Just think about the huge innovations that have occurred in the flat screen tv since that time!

 

A flat screen TV has many great factors that give it a supreme edge over the bulkier cathode ray televisions of the past. Besides a sharper image and better sound quality, there is also the fact that they are very slim and in some cases much lighter. If you compare prices from today’s plasma and LCD televisions, then you will find that the prices are very affordable considering the technology you are receiving.

 

Television has come so far from its humble beginnings. It was a novelty to possess something that could transmit a program from the other side of the country. Sure the image was grainy and in black and white, but it was still an item that only the wealthy possessed. Eventually it became more affordable. The television evolved into color and bigger screen sizes. Then it became much larger; as tall as the average woman. Too bad the image was distorted and lost its vibrant colors. LCD and plasma solved those dilemmas by changing from a cathode-ray to the use of plasma.

 

Plasma VS LED

 

Considering a flat-panel TV? The latest LED-LCD and plasma TVs deliver outstanding picture quality, and both display technologies get a little better every year. Each type has a different set of strengths that make it more suitable for certain viewing situations.

If you poke around the Internet you'll find a ton of information (and some misinformation) about today's flat-panel TVs. The chart below provides a quick comparison of plasma and LED LCD.

Display
Type
Screen
Size
Viewing
Angle
Picture
Contrast
Video
Motion
Color
Gamut
Power
Consumption
Plasma 42"-65" Excellent Very Good to Excellent Excellent Excellent Good
LED-LCD 19"-84" Good to Very Good Very Good to Excellent Good to Excellent Excellent Excellent


Plasma

  • Pros: excellent contrast and black levels; effortless motion; uniform illumination over the entire screen area, good picture depth; often priced lower than LED-LCD models with similar screen size and features
  • Cons: limited screen sizes: 42"-65"; some models not as bright as most LED-LCD TVs; not as energy-efficient as LED-LCDs and typically generate more heat; a plasma panel is usually a bit heavier and thicker than an LED-LCD panel

LED-LCD

  • Pros: models with advanced local dimming backlights can have black levels rivaling plasma; LED-LCD panels are thin and lightweight — especially models with edge-lit backlights; this is the most energy-efficient display technology
  • Cons: picture may look a bit flat and less "filmlike" than plasmas; when viewed off-axis the picture may lose some contrast and color

Picture contrast

Picture contrast is the difference between the brightest whites and the deepest blacks a TV can produce. It's an important performance spec — many experts consider it to be the most important. But because TV makers don't all measure contrast the same way, it can be difficult for shoppers to make meaningful comparisons between different TV brands. Contrast ratio specs have become so inflated in recent years that they're mostly meaningless, so we no longer list them.

A plasma TV might be for you if:

  • You like rich, warm colors and deep black levels.
  • You do most of your viewing with low or modest room lighting.
  • You or others will be sitting off-axis when watching TV or movies.
  • You want the smoothest, most natural motion with fast on-screen action, like sports or video games.

An LED-LCD TV might be for you if:

  • You want an ultra-thin TV — LCD TVs, especially LED-backlit models, tend to be thinner than plasmas.
  • You do a lot of daytime viewing in a room with windows lacking blinds, curtains or drapes. An LED-LCD's bright picture will still look crisp and colorful in bright light; some LCD screens also resist glare.
  • Low power consumption is a priority — LCD TVs are more energy efficient than plasma models with the same screen size.

CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE OR TO HAVE US HELP YOU PICK & INSTALL THE RIGHT TV FOR YOU!

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Sports Bars

Make your Sports Bar the MVP!

 

 INDOORS:

Commercial control can provide high tech savings and convenience! From a massive bar in Las Vegas to a sports bar in the center of San Jose, every business needs a “control freak.” After all, there are raw materials, your budget, and a planet to save. We, with the help of Control4 and others, can answer every question you have around commercial control, whether you’re looking for a robust system to support an expansive building or just a room within it.

On top of automating lights, shades, music, video, HVAC, security and energy, Control4 also gives you the ability to control it all from a secure, back-end system. Better still, it’s not just affordable—it’s intelligent. You can also access everything from any device thanks to SAVI controls! Because our commercial solutions can easily integrate with your existing business networks and enable communication between devices from most manufacturers, we ensure that you experience bottom-line benefits sooner rather than later. Even the most sophisticated commercial automation solutions are easy and affordable. Practical Control4 products make it easy to build on when you’re ready. Start with an intelligent lighting control solution and add more features when you’re ready—smoothly and economically.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 Managing numerous TVs on different channels in a sports bar can become very complicated. Control4 makes it easy for you and your team to control the AV system, LIghts, Music, etc. Play HD video from a variety of sources on multiple TVs, and control them all from one simple interface. Automate lighting and climate control systems to save energy. Turn on the building in one touch and make “Closing” time easy by powering down everything with one button.

OUtdoors

We offer a premier experience of all-weather digital signage displays, touch screen monitors and outdoor HDTV by SunBriteDS - the leader in outdoor television, as well as SEURA and others! Designed for permanent placement outdoors, and capable of enduring harsh climate conditions, outdoor signage displays, all-weather HDTV & video screens and outdoor signage solutions - provide an optimum viewing experience for any outside commercial venue. SunBriteDS now offers all-weather menu boards for QSR quick-serve restaurants. The weatherproof features include direct-sun tolerant, bright screens, anti-reflective glass, multi-fan airflow systems, along with a best-in-class rugged exterior engineered for demanding commercial-grade applications. If you have a great outdoor patio be sure to keep the entertainment going! 

We can also provide you with top of the line secuirty options for your sports bar as well as help you keep things neat and tidy with our rack enclosure options! Some bars even put their racks on display ;-) Call us today to learn more & make your Sports bar the MVP this year!

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Set Sail & Vacation with Intelligence!

Your Vacation should be Smart too!

 

Home automation has become all the rage these days and if you have experienced it yourself then you will most likely agree that is has become a convenience you just don't want to live without! Well great news! Now when you vacation or even when you take the boat out, you don't have to be without the automation luxuries you have grown so accustomed to!

 

AUTOMATION IN YOUR VACATION HOME:

What?: It would be easier to tell you what you cant have because the possibilities are truely endless. 

  • Security systems 
  • Audio & Video
  • Home Theaters
  • Media Rooms
  • Outdoor Automation
  • Lighting control
  • Shade Control
  • Temperature Control
  • Music in Every Room
  • Entry Systems
  • Energy Management
  • Scenes & More!

Imagine being an hour away from your vacation home and being able to get everything ready for your arrival with the touch of a few buttons! Turn on the spa, heat up the pool, turn on the lights, raise up the shades, set the perfect tempature, start your favorite music and be vacation ready as soon as you walk through the door! Check it out for your self... VIDEO HERE

 

BOAT AUTOMATION:

Boat Automation has several options as well and of coarse as the size of the boat increases so do the options. A Control4 System can be used to manage different things throughout the vessel, access navagation equipment, make service requests for staff, Incorporate state of the art secuirty systems and several other options such as:

  • • Remotely controlling lights and heating or air conditioning to turn on shortly before arrival, ensuring everything on the vessel is set to preference yet reducing energy consumption
    • Automating exterior running lights to allow the crew to move around safely
    • Adjusting the thermostat to ensure appropriate interior cabin temperatures
    • Providing GPS and navigation data through the television or touch screens so owners and onboard guests know the current location of the vessel and anticipated arrival
    • Triggering lights to automatically turn on, off or dim, based on detected light levels or specific times of the day
    • Opening and closing blinds, according to when the sun sets or the skies become cloudy to allow for optimum levels of natural light
    • Centralizing audio and video collections from multiple sources and allowing selection of music or movies by cover art from a single library from any room on the vessel
  • • Outdoor TVs that can withstand the elements of the ocean or water as well as weather, and even theaters and media rooms!         Check it out: VIDEO HERE

 

CALL iSS Today and start living the Smart life even when you are away from home! 

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Projectors vs LED TVs

In the flat screen vs projector showdown, the projector wins with a KNOCKOUT!

 

Projector or TV? Is it even a Contest?

       

      When you compare a projector and TV with similar specs, the projector easily provides just as clear and crisp an image as the TV. However, the projector's image will be double or triple the size, making those lifelike colors and sharp details even more noticeable.

Imagine the look on your friends' and neighbors' faces when they see the 120-inch HD display in your Home Theater and learn that it cost half the price of their 60-inch flat screens. They will be drooling with jealousy when you take that same image and move it to another room or even outside. As light as 5 pounds, a home cinema projector is like a movie theater with a handle! 

Projectors and Flat Screens: Pros and Cons

  1. Projectors Pros
  • most projectors can project an HD image up to 300 inches diagonally, or larger, depending on your room size and lighting situation
  • good luck moving that bulky and extremely heavy, yet super fragile, flat screen TV
  • Spend less at the movies - with a home theater projector (and a nice sound system), you can recreate the cinema experience without ever leaving your house. And best of all, your refrigerator won't charge you twenty bucks when you want a soda!
  1. Projector Cons
  • Just make sure to pick one that is bright enough for your environment. Also, check out Screen Innovations Black Diamond screens which allow for lights-on projecting by increasing contrast ratios more than 300%.
  1. Flat Screen Pros
  • Don't have to worry about watching movies with the lights on
  1. Flat Screen Cons             
  • Smaller, more expensive images
  • Nightmare to move. Less Durable.
  • Difficult to appreciate 1080p or 4k content on a smaller screen - unless you're sitting just feet away from the screen

Comparing TVs and Projectors

Here's a quick chart to help you compare the two technologies.

Comparison Projectors Flat Screen Televisions Advantage
Screen
Size
As large as 300 inches diagonally. If buyers purchase a screen, they usually opt for a 120-inch model for their home theater. Average screen sizes range from 13 inches to 80 inches diagonally. Projectors are able to create the largest images by far. A projector's screen size is also adjustable and can be changed to fit your environment. Flat screen TVs peak at about 70-80 inches.
Shipping and Transporting Home theater projectors weigh between five and 20 lbs. They can typically be shipped for less than most flat screen TVs. We offer free shipping on all projectors $799 and higher. Due to their fragile nature, flat screens are usually more expensive to ship. TVs in general are much harder to move from room to room. It is usually a two-person operation. Because they are cheaper, easier and safer to transport, projectors are like movie theaters with a handle.
       
Product
Life-span
Projectors have lamps that last up to 5,000 hours. They are replaceable and generally cost $199 to $399. TVs have a reported half-life of about 100,000 hours. Half-life is the time it takes the light source to fade to half its original brightness. A projector has a shorter lamp life, but the lamp can be replaced multiple times. Even considering the cost of replacement lamps, projectors are the best value by cost per viewing inch.
3D Call us biased, but 3D on a projector is awesome. Because of their big image, projectors provide a more immersive 3D experience than flat screens. 3D quality is good, but is limited by the size of the screen. Projectors provide the most realistic 3D images thanks to the large image they provide.

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Move Over 4K... 8K is on It's Way!

4K vs 8K

 

Forget 4K, 8K TV is the window into the future we’ve been waiting for!

 

The market has been flooded in recent years with higher resolution TVs that promise more detail and better picture quality. For television buyers, there’s only one letter that will truly matter in the future and that’s the letter K. Consumers who have shopped for TVs lately have undoubtedly been asked what version of high definition they’re after. The vast majority of televisions today come with a 1080p resolution. Recently, however, an increasing number of televisions have hit store shelves that deliver 4K resolution. 

While most consumers are still just barely getting used to the idea of a 4K HDTV, companies at CES are looking to the future already. In fact, both Samsung and LG were excited to show off crazy high-res 8K TV’s at CES 2016 in Las Vegas.

Last year we saw 110-inch 4K HDTV’s with 3D, smaller TV’s with curved screens and more, but this year Samsung and LG are taking things to an entirely new level. They showcased 98-inch curved and bezel free 8K HD TV’s.Teasing what they claim are the future of TV, and will be the future for the next 10 years! Samsung calls it an SUHD display, and they’re simply stunning to look at.

 

Click here to See the 8K TV for yourself!

Call us Today to learn more and to take the next step towards the FUTURE of TV!

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Life's Better When Everything Works Together!

All About An Automation Leader: Control4

 

What is a Smart Home?

While there are many smart products available today, it isn’t until these devices work together in orchestration, that you experience the magic of a smart home. From homes small to large, new and old, Control4 delivers power and performance on one platform that coordinates the technology in your house into complete, brilliant experiences—interactions that fit your lifestyle and are easy for your family to enjoy. With one touch, dim the lights, stream high-resolution music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Or, check in on your home no matter where you are. It’s a smarter living experience that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. We call it, the New Normal.

WHAT CAN CONTROL4 DO FOR YOU? GET READY TO BE AMAZED!

HOME THEATER: 

 

A high-end home theater experience is more than just a nice TV with surround sound. With a home theater system from Control4, you’ll be the envy of every movie theater goer in town. Turn the lights off, turn on the surround sound and start the movie all with the touch of a button.

CLIMATE:

 

Forget about ever touching that thermostat again, in fact, forget about the thermostat all together. With our automated climate control, your thermostat is anywhere you are. Curb your monthly bills and ease your eco-conscience. Advanced temperature control is a simple and affordable addition to any home with Control4.

 

CALL ISS TODAY TO LEARN MORE TO DESIGN YOUR CONTROL4 SMARTER LIVING EXPERIENCE!

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Better With Control4!

"Playing Nicely With Brands You Love"

 

The Control4 philosophy is as straightforward as it is simple: life's better when everything and everyone works together. From a company strategy perspective, Control4 stands behind an open platform: we are committed to interoperability so both Control4 dealers and customers can count on a system that communicates with and controls virtually anything and everything in the home.

They partner with the world's leading brands in HVAC and lighting, cable and satellite, consumer electronics, and security to ensure their products integrate seamlessly into the Control4 platform to deliver an exceptional automation experience. With support for over 8,000 devices from hundreds of world-class brands, Control4 solutions are designed to work with the consumer electronics and appliances you already trust and love.

With over 6,500 drivers from 150 different companies sometimes it feels like you need a personal IT department to manage and control all of the electronics and systems in your home. There must be a better way than having dozens of remotes and a library full of manuals. That’s where Control4 comes in

Leading consumer electronic companies and home-automaton solution providers are teaming up with Control4 to accelerate the adoption of standard control methods for consumer electronic devices used in home automation. Control4 allows all of the technology in your home to work seamlessly together, giving you more control with more convenience. As we like to say – life’s better when everything works together! When you are looking for flat-panel TVs, home theater equipment, smart lighting or even door locks, remember to look for Control4 Partners.

 

So Many Options and Much More! Call iSS Today to set up your complete home automation one stop shop!

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Feel The Power of the Curve!

Curved TVs & UHD: So many benefits, So Little time!

The Curved Screen surrounds viewers with immersive visuals, drawing you into the action and offering a better sense of depth with greater contrast. It has an Auto depth enhancer & the PURCOLOR setting which expresses more detailed shades of color. Another feature is the UHD Up-Scaling that Up scales any lower resolution content closer to UHD picture quality.  With several size options to choose from ranging 40-78”, It also allows for a greater viewing angle and better side viewing.

Have a cinema-like experience with a picture that seems larger than life! Surround yourself with color, Depth, & Detail!    See more here: http://ow.ly/QLUjJ

We are currently offering lots of GREAT discounts on the 7500, 6700 & 9000 Series! Call us for yours today and Experience the...

Power of the Curve! 

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Father's Day

great gift ideas to treat any dad

This upcoming Sunday, June 21st is Father's Day, and we all want to treat our dads to the best. So why not give him a little more than just a card and nice tie. Give him something that he will love and use daily!

Below are some of the best gadgets on the market:

1. LG 50'' Smart TV

This TV is a gorgeous Full HD 1080p LED picture with a Smart TV interface. The LED screen delivers amazing brightness, clarity and color detail, while also achieving the coveted ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation. The LG Smart TV lets your dad easily access Premium On-Demand services from a host of top providers, directly through the TV for the ultimate entertainment and convenience. Have your dad surf all of his favorite shows and movies with one easy remote!

2. The Perfect Drink

A revolution in home bartending, Perfect Drink’s smart scale and free app lets your father choose from hundreds of drink recipes; follow real-time pouring instructions, and watch as a virtual glass fills on his smartphone or tablet. Have dad try something new or go with his old favorite, with this gadget he creates the Prefect Drink for himself everytime!

3. Amazon Fire Stick

Now, if a Smart TV may be too much, how about the Amazon Fire Stick. With a huge selection of movies and TV episodes, and exclusive features like ASAP and Prime Music; the Amazon Fire TV Stick is an easy way to enjoy Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, low-cost movie rentals, live and on-demand sports, music, photos, games, and more. Plus it is an easy device for your dad to take anywhere on the go!

4. Grand Grill Cleaning Brush

Have your father serve up the best-tasting grilled foods. The Grand Grill Cleaning Brush scrubs and steams your grill for a clean cooking surface that will not interfere with foods’ flavors. The brush’s stiff stainless-steel bristles scrub grill grates and surfaces to sparkling perfection, and the steam sterilizes as it cleans and melts away baked-on food, grease and residue.

5. Sharper Image Bluetooth Grill Thermometer

The Bluetooth Grill Thermometer includes two probes, so your dad can grill or smoke two different foods at the same time. Compatible with most Iphones, Ipads, and Andriod devices. Simply download the free app, place the probe(s) into the food and select what's cooking and then select the temperature preferences from the preset options in the app. He can even monitor the temperature on the device from up to 150 feet away! So no more waiting to grab another cold brew from the fridge or missing that important game play!

Hope we have given you some ideas to spoil your dad this Father's Day, and for all the awesome fathers out there…

Happy Father’s Day!

Enjoy An Outdoor AV Haven for all Seasons!

How to Create an Outdoor AV Haven for all Seasons:

 

How to Create an Outdoor AV Haven for all Seasons:

If you’re planning your new home, you’ve probably noticed that “interior” design has found its way outside. In modern homes, the backyard patio, deck or pool area can often be as elaborate as any inside space, sometimes incorporating a full kitchen, extensive seating and dining areas, and, of course, electronic entertainment. That means getting sound and video, normally enjoyed under the protection of a roof, safely outdoors. It also means being sure your AV equpiment is protected from the weather in all seasons.          

Outdoor Sound:

There are several approaches ranging from simply plopping down a wireless portable speaker that can be brought back inside when its too cold or the weather is bad to permanent, wired solutions.

The easiest way to get good sound outdoors today is with the new generation of high performance wireless speakers. Most use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication  to route Internet radio services like Pandora or your favorite playlists from your phone, tablet or computer to the speaker. Some of the newest and best options for this would be the Bose Soundlink II or one of there cheaper options might be the SoundLink Mini or SoundLink Color. Another great option would be the new Sonos Play:5 smart speaker. All have AMAZING sound and are the easiest route to go for sound. Keep in mind that Bluetooth transmission range usually tops out around 30 feet; Wi-Fi solutions will go farther.

For those looking for more permanent and wider range solutions, I recommend checking out Sonance's Landscape Series. Sonance Landscape Series is a totally scalable outdoor speaker system that delivers perfectly-even coverage and unbelievable sound quality throughout any sized space. SLS provides jaw-dropping sonic performance from small satellite speakers and below-ground subwoofers that are hidden completely out of sight amongst plants and under foliage.                  

Outdoor TVs & Screens:                

Enjoying your outdoor space can also mean watching television sports coverage by day and sharing a movie by night. Bringing video outside is more complicated than audio due to both the weather elements and the need to feed both audio and video signals along with AC power. If you only desire to keep an eye on the big game while you put away a few beers with the gang, most small indoor LCD televisions are light enough to carry outdoors in fair weather and plop down on the patio table. They can be easily brought back inside during inclimate weather or on colders days.

For a bigger screen and more permanent arrangement, you’re probably looking at investing in a dedicated, weatherproof outdoor television. Manufacturers like SunBrite and SEURA make LCD televisions up to 80 inches that are ensconced in housings designed to keep the elements (and animals) out and temperatures within normal operating range.           

 Want bigger? Of course, the ultimate outdoor big screen experience calls for home theater-style front projection, with a separate projector and screen. A permanent installation might involve the use of a glass rear-projection screen mounted on an exterior wall facing the outdoor viewing area. A dedicated projector shed can also be created with the screen mounted on the side facing a pool or patio area, though forced ventilation or even air-conditioning might be required to keep the projector cool. There are also companies like Camp Chef and Stuart Film Screen that provide easier options like The Outdoor Big Screen or Stuarts Outdoor Oasis Series Screens. These are the ultimate in portable screens!

Outdoor Control:     

Thanks to Control4 the options in automating & controling your outdoor oasis are practically unlimited now a days. There are also several great options that help you control things with just the touch of a button to help keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter and protected from the elements. For example, we have a customer who has a mostly covered patio area but it is still subjected to the outdoors and the weather. For him we set it up so that at the touch of a button he is able to turn on and off heaters throughout the area, turn the outdoor fireplac eon and off, control the ceiling fans, and even bring down or put up bug screens surronding the space! Again the possibilites are endless!

  

Call us TODAY to Start Designing Your Own Outdoor Haven you Can ENjoy Year Round!

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Deliver HD throughout your space on EVERY TV!

Meet ZeeVee!

ZeeVee offers world-class video solutions, bringing you the best of what video can offer! ZeeVee products are also scalable to an unlimited number of displays throughout any facility, guaranteeing that this video distribution model meets your needs.

Here are some examples of some of the places that use this type of technology:

 

 

 Benefits of Video Distribution Solutions:

  • ZeeVee upgrades all of those fuzzy analog channels on your facility’s TVs to crystal clear digital.
  • Keep people entertained or engaged with top quality digital video.
  • Benefit from scalable solutions that could save you thousands in equipment costs.
  • Best-in-class video distribution leverages a single digital infrastructure to effortlessly integrate with analog or digital sources. 

Make a crystal clear impression by delivering high definition throughout your space on every TV. ZeeVee’s video distribution technology is even compatible with existing coaxial cables.

  • No need to re-wire with single digital video infrastructure
  • Compatibility with any video source including analog, digital, SD or HD
  • DIRECTV and Dish Network approved, so you can enjoy more of your favorites

Benefits of Digital Signage Solutions:

  • Versatile digital signage from ZeeVee can deliver your tailored message and represent your brand with ease.
  • From easy message management to high definition signal distribution for unlimited displays, our leading solution is both efficient and affordable.
  • ZvShow, the bonus information channel built into every ZeeVee unit, gives you an in-house information channel without requiring a separate signage player on every single display.
  • Advanced digital signage players added to ZeeVee technology expand the messaging abilities of what you can achieve across a single coaxial cable. Using the amazing feature set of digital signage, restaurants promote their daily specials, health care facilities provide news and information, schools post announcements, and the list goes on.
  • Enriched display image that updates content in real time 

  • In-house channels for announcements specific to your facility’s needs 
  • Security and safety are enhanced with discreet DVR camera channels 

There are many more benefits and things to learn about this great product! Call us today to find out more! 

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CES 2016 "The Future is NOW!"

 

CES 2016 Brings the Future of Technology Innovation to Market

With more than four decades of success, the Consumer Electronics Show ® reaches across global markets, connects the "who's who" of the industry and enables consumer technology (CT) innovations to grow and thrive. Let's take a look at some of the Top products of #CES2016 that we offer to our customers! We pride ourselves on offering the Best of the Best to you! See why here:

Four Best of CES Products We Offer:

 

1. The LG OLED TV

One year later and we're right back here: LG's flagship OLED TV is the Best of CES again. Why is it still ahead of the pack? A stunning package of technology provides the best picture we've seen this week, and it's the one we really want to take home -- even without knowing exactly what the price will be. 

 

2. Luxul XWS-2510 Wireless Controller Kit

The #CES2016 Mark of Excellence Awards winner for Wireless Product of the Year! The Luxul XWS-2510 comes with one XWC-1000, two XAP-1510 AC1900 Dual-Band Wireless APs and PoE Injectors.The XWC-1000 Wireless Controller uses Luxul’s exclusive Roam Assist™ technology to ensure seamless roaming of mobile client devices within wireless networks that utilize more than one Wireless Access Point (AP), while providing simple, centralized deployment of up to 16 Luxul APs through an easy-to-use setup wizard. With seamless roaming, installation simplicity and sensible pricing, the XWC-1000 is purpose-built to meet the needs of the residential and light commercial custom installation professional.

 

3. Control4 Smart Home App for the Connect Car 

The Control4 proof-of-concept smart home app for the connected car demonstrates one-touch smart home integration using an Android phone and a Toyota vehicle head display unit. The Control4 app syncs with the vehicle’s head display unit to enable Control4 users to access and control their smart home devices, such as thermostats, lights, locks and garage doors, right from the driver’s seat.The app can initiate automation scenes in the home right from the dashboard. Touch “Away” and, in addition to closing the garage door, the lights will turn off, security system will arm, doors will lock and the temperature will set to energy-saving mode. Touch “Arrive” before you turn into the driveway and your smart home will automatically turn on the lights, queue up the music and get the heat going to welcome you home. This is just one example of why we continue to use Control4 as our favorite go to for most automation products. Their impressive forward thinking and technology leading mentality is key!

 

4. GoldenEar Triton 2+, 3+ and the Supersub XXL

GoldenEar burst into the audio category back in 2010, and now six years later the company is introducing its second-generation Triton Two+ and Triton Three+ floorstanding loudspeakers and the Supersub XXL, the company's new flagship subwoofer! 

GoldenEar's Triton Two+ and Triton Three+ have been upgraded to adopt the same lively sonic signature as the Triton One. Improvements to the fabric-covered wedges include balanced crossovers, new mid-bass drivers, and better bass tuning for the built-in powered five- by nine-inch quadratic bass drivers. GoldenEar also showed the SuperSub X whose opposed eight-inch woofers are driven by a 1400-watt amp with 56-bit DSP. Demoed with video game material, it woofed way beyond anything its size would suggest.

 

Call Today to learn more about any of these great products and many more CES worthy products we offer!

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