Kiwi Audio Visual

Kiwi Test Lab

2012-01-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

One of the most important phases of a large, custom audio-visual installation is the in-house testing. When Kiwi Audio Visual moved into its new building in Carlsbad, one of the first tasks was to get a test lab designed and wired so that future projects can be connected and tested fully. This included testing the audio zones, video zones, touch panels, and other subsystems.

In-house testing is instrumental in finding small bugs and other issues that might otherwise be found onsite halfway through an installation. The efficiency with testing components and programming early also saves costly man hours later on during the project.

If you are interested in coming to the Kiwi facility and seeing our test lab, either give us a call (760-931-9922) or stop on by 1950 Kellogg Ave, Carlsbad CA 92008.

Crestron's Analog to Digital Upgrade Promotion

2011-08-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

	Crestron's new analog to digital upgrade program is already a huge success. Simply swap out your current analog switchers and replace them with Crestron DigitalMedia™ – no new wires or terminations – and you're instantly in the digital world. Crestron is offering you up to 100% trade-in value for your analog equipment, so the cost to upgrade is practically free. It's an amazing program. Here's what your peers are saying:

	They're also expanding the trade-in program to include all analog distribution systems - even other manufacturers' products. You could receive up to 100% trade in value for your analog equipment - whether it's our PVID, QM or IM products, or any other manufacturers' products. We'll show you normal pricing and your trade-in price so you can see how much you saved. It's really a no brainer.

Breaking the Break-In Cycle with Home Security Integration

2011-06-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Data collected by the FBI in their Uniform Crime Report each year in the United States paints a clear picture – homes get robbed, and they get robbed on a frequent basis. In a typical year, 20% or more of the crimes reported to police are burglaries, and with the increasing number of homeowners who have expensive A/V and electronics equipment in their homes, security has become a paramount concern.

Technologically-forward systems are the first line of defense against a home break-in, and come in a wide variety of forms, including high-definition cameras and DVRs to live video feeds. Further, they have evolved significantly over the last decade. Cameras and video feeds have the ability to make a home feel safer and convince would-be burglars that their target is not worth the risk. But integrating these systems with existing electronics can pose a challenge, as they may not play nicely with other pieces of technology in a home.

Often, homeowners feel that they are left with two choices: a safe home or one that is designed for comfort and control. Cameras and video feeds are often seen as options that don’t mesh well with other whole-house systems, and are pieces of equipment that have to be run separately from other electronics in order to work properly. Fortunately, options exist for homeowners to find an electronics systems contractor that can work with their security provider of choice to devise an entire home system that not only incorporates cameras and lives feeds, but that does so in such a way that it works with existing electronic equipment.

High-end electronics providers like Crestron now offer in-home control panel systems that can be made to work seamlessly with a television system, stereo equipment, lighting controls and security options. When installed by a qualified and professional technician, cameras and video feeds can be run seamlessly throughout a house, allowing for easy viewing and recording, which gives a homeowner the ability to design the kind of system that best suits their needs. Style and security – you can, in fact, have it all.

Contact Kiwi A/V today for more details on how we can integrate and enhance your home security system.

With Fiber, It's Not Always the Optics That Matter

2011-06-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Builders have the often thankless job of dealing with multiple contractors in order to ensure smooth project completion for a homeowner. For a builder, knowing everything about each trade that comes into a home is an impossibility, and one of the more complicated areas of subcontracting lies within the scope of an electronics system contractor – whose job it is to provide and install the latest technology desired by a homeowner.

New advancements in digital television and high-end sound systems have necessitated a number of changes to the way in which electronics system contractors do business, and one of the most recent and notable is the increased use of what is known as “digital media fiber.” To a technician, this cable represents a high transmission rate for information including sound and images, far greater than typically seen when using copper wiring, and often with far less latency.

For a builder, its most notable feature is that it is made of glass.

This alone can be cause for concern, but also that is due to its nature: it will break or tear easily or that it could be damaged accidentally and no longer work. Couple that with the fear that the DM fiber may not be compatible with all other systems in a household, and it’s no wonder that builders have questions about the use of this new technology.

Fortunately, digital media fiber not only stands up better to the test of time than copper and is less vulnerable to failure. But it is now being supported by some of the biggest names in the business – names like Crestron, for example.

Digital media fiber may look less robust than its copper counterpart, but provides not only better durability, but also greater functionality across the board.

Welcome to the Third Dimension

2011-06-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sure, you live and work there every day, but it's not quite the same when it's not up on the big screen, jumping out, larger than life. For years, the future of the high-quality home electronics industry has focused on a 3D home experience that can rival those in theaters, and thanks to Runco and their line of 3Dimension projectors, that future is arriving.

Ask anyone what's great about 3D and they'll likely speak about realism and immersion. Ask what's not so hot and they'll mention headaches from LED glasses or the fact that the 3D images seem to stutter as they move. When it comes to 3D, options in the home haven't delivered.

This is partially due to the way current 3D technology works. Typical projectors display an image and rely almost entirely on what are known as “active” glasses to do the work of making the image 3D. These glasses require a power source, and must be in range of the projector’s transmitter to sync the frame rate of the video to the glasses. Other objects in the room, low batteries or another television can cause stuttering problems, and many users experience eye strain or headache.

Runco, a leader in projection technology, went back to the drawing board and created the 3Dimension Series. The 3Dimesnion systems use what is known as Constant Stereoscopic Video (CSV), a proprietary architecture that is based on actual eye depth perception and visualization in the real world. This allows for a streaming, seamless image that is delivered to a pair of passive glasses – allowing the projector to do most of the work.

The Runco line of 3D projectors, including the D-73d 3D Projector, also feature the largest color palette available, one that exceeds the standards of the Digital Cinema Initiative, and the Personal Color Equalizer, that allows users to precisely calibrate their color options. With awards from CEDIA, CE PRO and TechHome to name a few, the Runco 3Dimesnion line is the first to bring streaming, seamless 3D home.

Uncrossing The Wires

2011-05-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Being a homebuilder is no easy task. Aside from managing the concerns of a new homeowner, you have to deal with each and every one of the contractors that comes into the home. For better or worse, you're the face of the home, and that means that if something goes wrong, it is likely you that ends up with the black eye.

As a builder, you tend to be a jack of all trades. Bringing together so many different pieces of the home puzzle means that it is nearly impossible for you to be an expert in all fields, and high-quality A/V has changed significantly in the last few years. From custom speaker installations to full-home automation systems and televisions on motorized brackets that can slide away behind a picture or under a bed, the world of in-home electronics has become extremely complicated, especially when it comes to programming new pieces in a home.

Two of the best things that any Electronic Systems Contractor can do for you are to ensure that not only every piece of equipment they bring to the home is ready to go, but that they also take the time to program and test the same equipment before it ever arrives. Simply put, testing and programming before equipment leaves the shop leads to faster and more efficient installation times. Further, everything from television color and stereo sound can be tweaked, all before a homeowner ever sees it.

If you find yourself with equipment that hasn't been properly tested, you'll need to have it removed, serviced and properly re-installed. By finding a company that can set up racks, fit stereos and program components in-house before they are ever installed, both you, the builder, and the owner can save time and money, the two most valuable commodities in any home design.

At Kiwi Audio Visual, we know how important in-house testing and programming is to every new home project. For that reason, we never leave you in the lurch. Come see what we can do to make a project flow more smoothly.

Timing Is Everything

2011-04-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

As a builder, when you’re completing a large and complicated home, you have more than a few things to worry about, but coordinating the work of various subcontractors ranks high on the list. Clients sometimes hire contractors on their own, which can disrupt a production team and cause pain all around. In particular, you may be concerned about the ESC bringing system components on site for installation without programming and/or testing them in the shop. You might have survived pain like that before, but only barely, and you likely have no desire to endure it again. Due to similar circumstances, you can likely remember one home you’d worked on vividly that had not ended well.

Some clients will hire an AV systems and installation consultant who shows up at the project site with tons of new gear and racks intending to program, lace and test them on site. Inevitably problems arise with the programming, leaving the installation team scratching their heads for solutions. So they’ll need to call the project managers, but often new homes are in areas with lousy cell service, and of course no Internet yet either. So, the installers need to find cell service, call the project managers and explain all the complications they’ve observed and wait while the project managers researched the issues for them and call back. Most builders will find an experience like this maddeningly inefficient and cumbersome.

By contrast, an ideal project will feature a highly reputable ESC who assembles, laces, programs and tests the entire home automation and AV systems in the shop before even trying to install anything. This allows for all teams to troubleshoot the issues they uncover together and with all their resources around them. Upon site arrival, the installation will go quite smoothly as a result, with the added benefit that the various trades can stay out of each other’s way and still get the work done on time and under budget. An experienced ESC can dramatically increase the project’s efficiency by testing and programming in the shop rather than on site.

Visit us at www.KiwiAV.com to learn more.

Understanding The Plan

2011-04-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

Today the architect began sketching for his latest design project, a residential property nearby. The project had all the earmarks of an ideal engagement: a large lot, clients with a vision, resources to support that vision, and a full slate of subcontractors to complete the work. What could possibly go wrong? As he contemplated the blank sheet in front of him, the architect ruefully recalled the answer to that question: presenting detailed project drawings to contractors who fail to read them correctly.

Perhaps other architects recognize the scenario. The design firm produces project drawings, meticulously detailed and revealing in elevation and plan view how each element of the home automation and audiovisual systems relate both to each other and back to power distribution. When the design team meets over the completed plans, the audiovisual contractors start asking tons of questions betraying the reality that they have no idea what the drawings mean. This begins a downward spiral for the project, as information in plain sight on paper must be conveyed verbally, wasting valuable time. Even worse, they might suggest the wrong size speaker boxes or perhaps misjudge the projector’s throw size, thus jeopardizing the client’s vision and wasting more time.

Shuddering, the architect shunned the memory of previous jobs and scanned the list of the subcontractors on his new project. Relieved he located the AV contractor and recognized the name of a reputable ESC (electronic systems contractor) he’d done business with before. He knew that the teams installing the home automation systems would arrive at the job site with their own meticulously detailed drawings. They would have already studied his drawings and culled from them exactly the information they need to complete their work. In short, they’ll contribute to the timely execution of the vision, while causing no pain at all.

Finding a high quality ESC to work with will enhance the value of your projects and minimize the pain associated with bringing them to completion on time and under budget. Visit us at www.kiwiav.com to learn more.

The Never Ending Project

2011-03-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Builders know that the pace of home building changes from exciting and well-thought out in the beginning of a project, to narrow and focused nearing the delivery date. In preparing to usher homeowners into their new residence, the professional builder carefully ties up many loose ends. He then delivers the house and moves onto the next job. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work, right? But often, that “finished” job keeps coming back to haunt his dreams.

When customers move in and start using the components of their new home, they may find that certain devices don’t perform as advertised. As the main contact for the customer, the builder can expect to take calls from them when this sort of event occurs. All builders want happy customers, so they deal with these questions as professionally as they do everything else. However, the process gets complicated when the questions involve systems beyond his control, like the home automation and A/V systems. Now someone must chase the vendor who sold the components and get them to return to make things right. Further, builders often need to source an expert to help if a customer has ended up buying anything that the local vendor subbed out. Now, he's got to deal with another company another arm’s length further away.

All professionals servicing the building trades prefer to move cleanly onto the next job. Time spent fixing completed jobs eats into an already thin margin. No one wants to handle such situations; especially after already getting paid. But when the customer discovers that the DVD player can’t send an audio signal to the amp, someone needs to address the customer’s legitimate concerns. Getting that to happen can cause great pain (this must sound very familiar).

What can be done? Successful builders choose to work with a reputable, experienced ESC (electronic systems contractor). How can a builder be sure to partner with a reputable ESC? They’ll consult with the customer and advise them on solutions, rather than selling them gear. The best ECSs will tailor a solution to fit the customer’s needs, budget and the time constraints of the project. Then, once they’ve finished installing the equipment, they’ll stand by the job until the customer is totally satisfied that the entire system functions as intended.
Visit us at www.kiwiav.com to learn more about how a good ESC can ease the pain of the never ending project.

Keeping The Peace

2011-03-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Every neighborhood has one, the guy no one talks to. Whether it starts with an unkempt yard, a house needing paint for three years or constant dog barking, this family puts bees in everyone’s bonnet without even trying.

No one intends to become that family, but circumstances intervene. Last week, having just finished a new home theatre, our homeowner tries it out with an action feature with tons of explosions and loud effects. This would be fine, except the new outside speakers remained on all evening, broadcasting every impact and detonation for the entire neighborhood, which, due to the sound proofing of the home theatre, our homeowner couldn’t hear. Next up: that visit from the local PD that no one wants.

Our homeowner shouldn’t feel too bad; it could happen to anyone. Anyone, that is, except the family that engages a reputable and capable electronic systems consultant to start the home theatre project. Our family got it mostly right. They got a great audio system (including the now infamous outside speakers), a nice, big HD flat screen, and a control system that gives them fingertip command of the entire system.

However, omissions often matter more than inclusions. In this case, a component as simple as visual indicators, showing which elements of the system remain active, would have helped our homeowner avert becoming a local pariah. An electronic systems consultant would have suggested this, among other solutions, thus enabling peace to reign uninterrupted.

Under Control?

2011-02-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Inside his renovated home, our eager homeowner searches for the lighting control panel he expected to find near the entry. Scanning the darkened foyer, he recalls the controls expert assuring him he would never return to an unlit home… So much for that. When he finds the panel (behind the door), he's still lost as he scrolls through seemingly endless menu options before ultimately stumbling on the lighting controls. But the trouble doesn't end there, as the labels are incomprehensible. So, he tries a switch called ‘front room’, and the outside lights come on. The switch labeled ‘stairs’ finally illuminates the entry.

Sadly, this scenario is all too common. Our hapless homeowner would have been better served with an electronics system consultant programming the lighting functions, making them easy to understand and control. From placement of control panels to simple construction of menus, a consultant partner can program a home automation system that makes managing your home easier and less expensive. A more intuitive approach leads to better and easier outcomes. Clearly, our homeowner in the above example didn't seek that as an option.

A true electronic systems contractor consultant functions as a partner and recommends solutions that enable the project to remain under budget while still accomplishing all its goals. Armed with a thorough understanding of how you use your lighting, an electronic systems contractor can ensure that panels end up where they should and that labels and levels match the homeowner’s expectations and needs.

For more information on lighting solutions, follow these articles (1 and 2) or contact a sales representative at 760-931-9922.

Super Bowl Syndrome

2011-02-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs a new TV for the big game, whether it’s to watch celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber awkwardly interact in yet another legendary commercial or to watch famous attendees feed each other (thank you Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez). So, shoppers flood the big box stores to find themselves staring at countless televisions with repetitive images. Relating these devices to a family's needs requires more than cursory examination. So, the smart shopper researches televisions leading to confusion over acronyms like LED, LCD, 3D, plasma, CRT, DLP, ICBM and FDIC. All of this information can overwhelm a shopper before he or she even enters the store.

Shoppers tend to rely on the knowledgeable associates who, they believe, will be ready to untangle the technology and confusing advertising claims for them. Although sales associates are indeed knowledgeable, all they really have at their fingertips are the two least helpful statistics available: the size of the screen and the price. There happens to be a great deal more to large screen televisions than screen size and price.

Scenarios like these, which result in regrettable choices, can be avoided by engaging the assistance of electronic systems contractors. Experienced A/V consultants protect clients by asking questions of substance; questions about the size and configuration of the room in which the TV will sit, the viewing habits of those expected to use the device, and any other equipment it may need to accommodate will all be handled by A/V professionals.

Further, consultants like the professionals at Kiwi Audio Visual can typically source various brands of equipment and demonstrate enough expertise to help clients choose the best device while simultaneously staying under budget using the technological specs they are familiar with.

The iPad Doesn't Program Itself

2011-02-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

Home automation experts praise the iPad as a home controller. You probably already know that. On the other hand, you probably also know that the reality falls short of the promises the experts have made. Cutting through the hype and noise became a full time job months ago.

To begin with, the iPad has plenty to recommend it as a home control device. The form factor makes it ideal for wall mounting as well as moving effortlessly around the home. The on board battery allows for long term operation, and the touch screen shares the ease of use and accuracy of its smaller cousins on the iPhone and iTouch.

The problems lie with the software. As a homeowner you want a system that consolidates all of your home control systems: HVAC, lighting, entertainment and security. Multiple vendors have introduced systems that do this, including Crestron, Savant and Home Controls, to name a few. But even with these systems you need to program the iPad to control your environment seamlessly. Some people have designed their own systems, which is fine if you can crank out code.

The short answer is that you’re going to need some help. The best home automation dealers also offer consulting guiding their clients in making these decisions. Ask about what you need now while considering what you'll need in the future. For the best results, look to Kiwi Audio Visual, who listens to your needs and has expertise in working with the latest technologies.

Everything Works At The Touch Of A Button? Which Button?!

2011-02-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

They had been so friendly, so knowledgeable. They had delivered everything as promised, from the big-screen TV to the stereo and integrated lighting system.

Not a cord was in sight, not a piece out of place. Technological magnificence, just waiting for someone to sit down and turn it on.

“It all works”, they said, “at the touch of a button.”

Yeah, right, but… Which button?

You’d like your technology to work as expected. But it doesn’t, always. In fact, sometimes you might just wish for simpler days when a power button was a power button, and changing the channel was as easy as…

Getting up and walking across the room and twisting a knob on the TV?? NOT!!

Especially when Kiwi AV is there to assure you can easily use and enjoy the latest home systems – automated lighting and home energy management, entertainment, home networks, security. Sophisticated systems whose technological power is revealed, not by the difficulty of using them, but through the simple joy of experiencing them.

Experience the thrill of whole house audio and video distribution. Effortlessly control which sections of your house stream your favorite albums or have the movie you are watching follow you from your living room to your bedroom, without having to miss a single frame.

Kiwi can make just about anything you want to happen, happen. Even something that really does work…

At the touch of a clearly labeled button.

Experience Kiwi. For you, we’ll fly.

To find out more about home A/V distribution, check out this article.

Crestron's DM (Digital Media) System

2011-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Crestron has long been known in the electronics industry for supplying the best in both technology and innovation; the company has never been satisfied with simply following trends. Instead, it focuses on creating them, on thinking outside the box before anyone else has ever figured out just what the box looks like. Now, Crestron has once again created a solution intended to help audio and videophiles get the most from their systems - their line of Crestron Digital Media (DM) products. Intended to work with a wide variety of input types over a large range, the DM line of switchers and input cards helps homeowners to find a unified system that streamlines all applications through one simple-to-use console. The DM concept has proven popular - Microsoft, Time Warner, and ESPN all have Crestron systems working for them, as do Rice, Midwestern, and Ohio State Universities to name a few.

The DM Advantage - Getting Specific

New technology leads to innovation, but also to a reduction in support for signals of a previous generation. Not only that, but multiple media sources will often use different inputs and outputs, leaving a homeowner struggling to find an overall solution that minimizes cabling issues. Fortunately, the Crestron DM system is designed to deliver in a big way. Take the entry-level DM-MD6X1 as an example. The MD6X1 supports RGB, HDMI, multi-format BNC video and SPDIF audio. In addition, the HDMI input comes with support for HDCP and DVI. This gives the MD6X1 the ability to take input from virtually any source in a home - computer, laptop, cable, or satellite box - and effortlessly route it where it needs to be. Speaking of routing, the system also allows for extra inputs up to 450 feet away from the source box with extra DM transmitters, giving MD6X1 systems the power to perform both in residential homes and in large business complexes with equal facility. Now you can stream multiple video and/or audio sources across several rooms in your house; all in the highest quality with no lag time or distortion.

Tying It In - Using DM with Other High-Quality Products

Crestron's technology is such that it can broadly accept inputs from a variety of audio and video sources, giving a consumer and an electronics systems contractor the ability to create a full-home theater system from the ground up. No longer will you be limited from putting in a custom-built Triad or Prodigy sound system or a wide variety of both Plasma and LCD TV inputs. Ease of use is key for Crestron technology, as evidenced in their use of QuickSwitch technology when changing between HDMI signals. In order to minimize latency and lag time between signals, QuickSwitch ensures that an HDCP connection is maintained with each device in the system, meaning that no re-authentication of a new signal is necessary, greatly reducing lag experienced by users.

Crestron continues to push the home theater edge with innovations such as their DM system, helping to drive the entire industry forward. Visit our Website for more information on Crestron products.

Rack ‘em Up: Sliding Equipment Racks Versus Built-In Systems

2010-12-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

Creating a home theater system for a custom-built home is equal parts skill, knowledge and creative drive for an electronic systems contractor. With high-quality products from lines like Crestron, Prodigy, Genesis and Runco, owners have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to creating the system of their dreams.

While the focus is often on the technology contained in a system, it is important for both installation technicians and builders to consider the homeowner’s ease of access to the theater system itself, and this can take one of two forms – a sliding equipment rack or a built-in option.

Sliding racks typically use rails to allow electronic systems equipment to remain recessed when not needed, but pulled out and rotated when access is required. Built-in racks are intended to permanently house equipment that must be manually removed in order to be adjusted.

Both systems have their advantages - sliding racks come in a variety of sizes and strengths, and allow both home theater experts and builders to quickly diagnose and correct any problems. Built-in racks do not offer the same speed of access, but can be custom-created to suit a room’s décor or adjusted to meet a client’s expectations with the use of a skilled designer or tradesman.

Racks of both types can be a welcome, logistical addition to a home theater room; and which one is chosen can be based largely on client preference – speed or style.

Five Essential Factors for Custom Home Theater Design

2010-12-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

Custom homebuilders are doing more work than ever, and thanks to readily available information on the Internet, homeowners have become a great deal savvier about what they want to see created in their custom homes. These builders must then obtain a range of skilled subcontracts, from plumbing and electrical to electronics systems contractors. Further, when it comes to high-quality theater system creation and installation, there are five things a professional technician can do to help.

Know: What, When, and Who

Builders have to operate on a timeline and within a certain framework laid out by the homeowner. An electronic systems contractor can assist in making sure a home is finished on time and on budget by doing three simple things. Those three things are: knowing what they are going to install, when it needs to be installed, and what assistance they are going to require in the home from other professionals.

For example, if a homeowner wants an A/V cabinet installed in a particular location in the home, a home theater technician can liaise with the framer to ensure that sufficient space is allotted. Technicians also work with electricians to make sure that enough outlets will be available for all of the necessary cabling and wiring that a home theater system will need.

Where and How: Important Up-front Considerations

In addition to working with other contractors in a home, a home theater programmer can also work with builders by providing information about: how much space will be needed for home theater equipment, where in the house it will be going, and how all of the equipment is going to be stored. Speaker dimensions are a key concern in building proper enclosures and obtaining maximum sound quality. Further, how this equipment will be stored – be it slide-out or built-in racks – can also make a difference when it comes to placing other features in the home.

Take architectural speakers as an example. Accommodating these speaker in a home will require proper ceiling wiring as well as room for housing, an element that a builder must be aware of prior to beginning work. Or, consider custom-made speakers by Triad – the company offers a range of custom-built speakers and housings that must have space allotted for them in the home.

In addition, electronic systems contractors must consider the need for cooling and ventilation of systems. Options like Runco 3D projectors or motorized TV lifts must be properly maintained in order to ensure smooth functioning, and a builder must know about such systems in advance to account for them.

By being upfront about what, when, who, where and how, an electronic systems contractor can help smooth the custom-home building process.

Triad Speakers – A Triple Threat In Custom Sound

2010-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

High-quality speaker systems are about more than just the parts that go into them. A true custom solution for whole-home sound should be a top-of-the-line speaker designed with the end user in mind.

Triad has been making quality sound products for over 25 years and custom creates every speaker, amplifier, and subwoofer that leaves their Portland, Oregon factory. Over 95% of all Triad products are manufactured on North American soil.

Triad serves the premium sound industry by focusing on three key points:

1) Quality Construction

Instead of particle-board, the company uses high-grade MDF. Where wood screws might be used, Triad opts for brass fittings. Custom veneer and paint options are also available.

2) High-Fidelity Sound

Triad speakers aren’t intended to sound like “Triad speakers,” but to accurately represent and amplify the true nature of the sound being produced. Each Triad speaker, regardless of size or design, is intended to provide a near-perfect sound experience.

3) New Product Development

Triad is not satisfied with producing only for today – the company is on the cutting edge of sound technology as well. Their newest lines of DSP Subwoofers, PlateAmps and RackAmps offer between a full 300 and 1000 watts of power in the space of only a single rack, all for the same price as their previous generation of subwoofers.

Without compromise, Triad has advanced in the field of premium audio, as is evident in their construction, sound, and product development.

Runco’s WindowWall Offers More Than a Pretty Picture

2010-12-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Runco has long been known as a leader in the fields of high-quality home theater and whole-home entertainment; they have now taken their product line to the next level with the introduction of the WindowWall.

Intended to create a “unique visual lifestyle solution,” the WindowWall is a combination television and digital photograph display that can easily enhance the look and feel of any room in a home.

With an ultra-thin profile at only 7.3mm and a range of configuration options – 3x3, 2x2 and 5x4 faceted, to name a few – a Runco WindowWall is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the home.

The WindowWall can display anything from still images to broadcast programming, and can also be set up for video conferencing. With a native resolution at 4098 x 2403 and scalable to 1080p and 720p, the WindowWall is able to accommodate any functional user need and return to a stunning still image when its video capabilities are not required.

Featuring Runco’s signature design and all-around quality, the WindowWall is a stunning choice for a homeowner looking to not only increase the visual functionality of their home, but also do so in a way that is both subtle and stylish.

With a myriad of installation options and customization configurations, the WindowWall is a step forward in the fusion of home theater function and the beauty and elegance of form – all backed by Runco, an industry and technology leader.

Smart and Savvy Homeowners - The Price of Perfection

2010-12-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

For professional A/V installers, some of the best jobs available come from savvy and well-positioned homeowners - those clients that have the means and the desire to purchase high quality A/V products. As home theater systems become more powerful and easier to access, more and more wealthy homeowners are looking to create a theater-like experience in their homes, complete with features like specialty lighting, Runco 3D projection systems, and whole-home control panels.

Opportunity for Advancement – The Creation of a Custom System

The creation of a home theater system for tech-smart customers can be a significant milestone for a business, as a satisfied customer can mean free word of mouth advertising as well as reputation gains. The opportunity to build a high-quality system also gives an installation technician the chance to shine, to bring their skills at creation and artistry to the forefront. Many wealthy homeowners will have an idea of what they would like that goes beyond the simple “home theater” model and will speak to specific product lines such as Creston and their whole-home U-Panel control options, along with options such as Digital Media. Homeowners know what they want - the best - and options such as the new Creston line are both impressive and versatile.

Easy to Avoid Pitfalls – Making the Best of a New Client Relationship

First are the issues surrounding the quality of the products being installed. Techs need to be certain that they are using the exact products asked for, and if these are not available or cannot be used, they need to communicate why. It is, after all, the client's hard-earned money that is paying for the system, and it is in the best interest of both technician and homeowner to know exactly what types of products are being installed and when.

Next, be aware of questions concerning how products operate. A technician must be careful to confirm with homeowners what they expect from the system when it is finished. Often, technology companies advertise their products in such a way that they appear to be capable of more than they are. A professional technician will meet with the homeowner to discuss how the end system will look, as well as how it will perform when it is first utilized. A superior service technician will be able to craft a system that not only comprises the elements requested by a homeowner, but that also performs exactly as stated, bringing the theater experience directly into a home.

Communication as King – The Rise of the Savvy Homeowner

Technicians can easily ensure they side-step these problems by remembering that homeowners are now tech-savvy, and need only the basics of home theater details in order to understand their functioning. Superior communication gives techs the freedom they need to create a theater system that is a work of art while simultaneously providing homeowners with the peace of mind that they deserve.

Theater of the Lost – The Trouble with Home Theater System Installation

2010-11-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 25% of all homeowners rate the inclusion of a high-quality theater system in their home as either “important” or “very important.” As both options for Audio-Visual (A/V) systems grow and technology becomes more mainstream, this number will only grow. Despite the desire for these systems, however, one of the major challenges for general contractors and homeowners alike is the process of installation.

The Contractor’s Challenge – Effectiveness and Efficiency

For anyone in a general contracting position, two things are paramount when it comes to A/V technology – the speed at which the technology can be installed and its effectiveness once it is in place. Major hurdles faced by contractors directly employed by homeowners are that an A/V tech will be unable to properly install home theatres, or will make an error that will require the contractor to undo some of the work, which has already been completed.

Contractors require an A/V installation company that not only knows its own products, but has the ability to consistently communicate timelines and progress, enabling the entire contracting project to be completed on-time.

The Homeowner's Challenge – People and Professionals

From the perspective of a homeowner, the fewer people that are working in the home, the better. The installation of high-quality A/V systems necessitates the presence of a professional home theater technician in the home, and if the A/V installation is part of a larger process, this technician may be simply one of many.

For a homeowner, knowing who is in their home and for what exact purpose they are there for, is paramount in feeling both safe and comfortable with the installation process. A technician that is both professional in appearance and can easily relay updates to the general contractor and homeowner directly, can go a long way to making the process as seamless as possible.

The Technology Challenge – It Just Has To Work

Both contractors and homeowners are at the mercy of the one facet of technology they cannot control – does it actually work? Clunky control systems, poor reception and complicated explanations from A/V technicians can all contribute to frustration on the part of both a builder and a homeowner.

When A/V, cutting-edge technology is installed in a home, it must:
• Work properly
• Operate simply
• Come at a reasonable cost

Premium A/V systems demand a premium price. However, to ensure that homeowners and contractors are willing to do business with a company and recommend them, home theater installation technicians and their technology must be effective, of high-quality, and straight forward.

Interior Frustrations – Designers and A/V Installers

2010-11-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Interior designers face a bright future as more and more homeowners turn to these aesthetic experts to bring a sense of fun and joy to their homes. Along with interest in whole-home redesigns, owners are also seeking a complete home theater experience, and are in need of qualified technicians to provide them with a truly immersive sound and video package.

The devil in home renovation projects lies in the details, which is something that both designers and installers must contend with. Sometimes, conflicts can arise between a designer and installation technician if necessary electronic components cause an aesthetic concern or interfere with the use of a space. Good communication and professionalism from both parties can help to alleviate this concern and allow the two experts to work out a mutually acceptable solution.

In order for an A/V installer to assist an interior designer and expedite the project, it’s a good idea for the technician to streamline the process by letting the designer know what they are going to install and when. Options such as invisible speakers or display lifts can help to minimize the visual impact of the equipment and help designers and installers work together to complete a project. Installers and designers are seeking to accomplish the same goal: to make the homeowner happy. By working together, this goal is accomplished far more easily, and in such a way that both professionals are able to do their best work.

Best Laid Plans – The Architect and A/V Challenges

2010-11-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows a significant upward trend in the number of “owner built” homes over the course of the last four years. While the number of “spec homes” has remained high, it has dropped from 80% of all homes on the market to just 2/3, and homeowners have been finding ways to create homes that are not simply well-built, but that are built with their needs in mind.

In order to create a custom-built home, owners must deal with a number of professionals, and chief among those professionals are architects. The overall “vision” of any home project rests with the architect, and a great deal of responsibility for the reaction of the homeowner to their new home lies in their hands. Unfortunately, architects are often confronted with tradesmen and contractors that are not able to deliver on time or are unable to live up to the high standards of professionalism demanded by architectural work. One area where this can be a significant issue is in high-quality audio-visual installation.

Sounds like A Good Idea – The Role of A/V in a Custom Home

For owners who have the means to build their own home and the time to invest in making sure their vision of the home is achieved, high-end audio-visual equipment and home theater systems are often high on the list of “must-haves.” With a myriad of options now available for home theater systems – from wireless control options to whole-home entertainment and thermostat operations panels – homeowners have more than ever to choose from. In order to ensure that their preferred A/V system is installed correctly, a homeowner must hire a professional installation company that not only sells the products they want, but services them as well. Unfortunately, these companies can often present a problem for architects.

Start To Finish – Where Architects See A/V

For an A/V technician, a home is seen as a place to be made more entertaining – they see how a big screen television, surround sound system and 3D projector assembly could make the home more enjoyable.

For an architect, an A/V system is merely a small part of the overall plan, and the technician that comes to install it must not only know what they are doing, but be able to do it within the guidelines set out by the design. Plans for homes are specific, down to the last inch and detail, and A/V technicians who are sloppy in their installation or unprofessional in their conduct can make a home building project extremely difficult. Even worse are installation companies with little coordination or scheduling abilities – an architect needs to know when each contractor will be coming to work, and when the work will be done.

Architects and A/V technicians can co-exist, but a dedicated and knowledgeable A/V technician is required in order to help a custom home plan to stand out from the crowd.

Apple IOS 4.2 Airs On The Side Of Awesome

2010-11-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

As of November 1, 2010, Apple completed the “golden master” version of its latest IOS update for the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. Version 4.2 is the first upgrade that will bring the functionality of IOS 4 to the iPad, and includes a number of new features that aim to make Apple’s range of mobile devices even more user-friendly.

Users can expect to see this version of the IOS within a week or two if previous releases are any indication, and app developers are now able to submit and tweak their apps for the final release version, meaning that most will be up and running when the upgrade hits.

From a proprietary Apple perspective, the most important advancements in this IOS are AirPrint and AirPlay. AirPrint will allow users to wirelessly send documents to printers, while AirPlay will allow them to transmit music or video to a supported receiver.

At the moment, both AirPrint and AirPlay are fairly limited in functionality – the Print is focused on HP printers and the Play mostly on Apple TVs and similar devices, but this is merely the first iteration. Just as the iPhone and iPad IOS has become far more functional from 3 to 4 and now 4.2, AirPrint and AirPlay will also evolve.

For high-quality A/V users and those with cutting-edge home theatre systems, this means the ability to use their Apple device to wirelessly stream their favorite music or video is enroute.

Creston Focuses On Prodigal Fun with Its New Line

2010-11-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Creston is one of the most respected names in the home theatre and automation industries. Known for their high quality, Creston products have long been sought after by connoisseurs and sound enthusiasts alike.

To both stay ahead of the curve and offer their line of high-quality A/V products to the broadest range of consumers, Creston has developed their Prodigy line, which focuses on a combination of whole-home automation in a simple to use package.

Simple? Absolutely. Taking advantage of the latest in wireless technology, the Prodigy control center can be easily installed in any home and connected to televisions and audio systems, along with thermostats and lighting. The Creston Prodigy line makes it possible to control the entire ambiance of a room with a simple touch of a button – and with no need for complex wiring.

In addition to quality, Creston has also taken into account the need for affordability, and has made the Prodigy line extremely scalable. Start with a wireless home theatre center, and then branch out to heating or lighting control, all from the same basic platform. With a simple interface, the Prodigy control center gives ultimate control at any level.

Prodigy is also smart enough to act on its own and help you save money by intelligently adjusting lighting and temperature when no one is around. Backed up by the Creston brand and with features unmatched in the industry, Prodigy is cutting-edge technology in an affordable package.

Installation of 103" Plasma

2010-10-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Kiwi Team out in the field during a recent install

Runco 3D Projections Run Away With The High-End 3D Market

2010-10-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

The future of home theatre is 3D if statistics from Japan - the home television innovation - are any indication. According to a Goo survey from July of 2010, 24% of those polled wanted a 3D television set in their homes, even if they’d never seen one in action before. This kind of potential market penetration for high-quality 3D home theatre experiences has led to the design of top-end 3D projectors – for example the Runco 3DimensionSeries D-73d.

Long known for their superb home electronics, Runco is now making the leap into stereoscopic 3D with their new line of projectors. Using Runco’s proprietary Constant Stereoscopic Vision design, the projector is able to provide a movie-theatre quality 3D viewing experience using what are known as “passive” glasses. These proprietary shades contain no electronics or wiring, and are thus far less susceptible to environmental issues such as varied lighting or multiple electronic devices in a room.

The Runco D-73d is sleek and compact, easily fitting into a variety of aesthetic visions for a home theatre space. Add to that the fact that the projector is able to flawlessly display both 3D and 2D video in a native 1080p DLP 16x9 mode, and this Runco model is a standout as a marker for the next generation of 3D.

For anyone looking to take their home theatre space to the next level, the Runco 3Dimension Series of projectors are the current pinnacle of the industry.

New Apple TV Brings Sleek Sophistication Home

2010-10-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Apple is known for user-friendly products such as the iPod and iPad, but has had little success in the high-quality A/V market as their first two versions of the Apple TV were bulky and difficult to use. Hoping to change all that, Apple has now released the third iteration of its Apple TV box, a streaming, cloud-based TV and movie player for home theatre enthusiasts.

The specs look promising: it can display streaming TV in 720p, not as high as a Blu-Ray player, but a significant improvement over other TV boxes; uses the A4 1Ghz processor from the iPad, 802.11N Wi-Fi; and can be controlled using the Apple remote app on the iPod or iPad. Overall, it’s a significant A/V improvement from the last two versions.

The new Apple TV is also far smaller than any other TV box out there – only 4 inches across and less than 1 inch high, it blends in seamlessly to a high-quality home theatre system. So seamlessly, in many cases, that guests can’t even tell where it is located in the room.

For a homeowner considering a home theatre system installation using cutting-edge technology, the new Apple TV might just be something to consider. With sleek, fast menus and a growing library of TV and movies to choose from, in combination with a tiny space footprint, Apple is likely to be a major player in the high-end A/V market for the first time, and home theatre enthusiasts stand to significantly benefit from this technology.

How Apple Integration Can Enhance A Home Theatre Atmosphere

2010-10-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

The new face of high-quality A/V and home theatre includes not only a focus on green technologies such as automation and solar power, but also on complete synchronicity of all system parts. Consumers have high standards for the products they purchase not only in terms of overall quality and installation, but also in terms of ease of functionality. Two devices that are now frequently becoming home theatre integrated are the iPad and iPhone.

iPads are gaining home theatre functionality with the emergence of apps such as the one from Creston. Creston offers a free app download in the form of Creston Mobile which turns the iPad into a 2-way touch panel that can be made to work with any Creston product. This instantly gives the user the ability to create a self-designed remote control layout that can wirelessly turn on and manipulate all aspects of their home theatre experience – from lights and sound to video and action.

The integration of Apple devices into existing home theatre systems means greater ease of control for users and a broader range of functions for the iPhone, iPod and iPad.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Living Space With High Quality Audio

2010-10-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

High-quality indoor A/V systems are intended to give a home theatre atmosphere a feeling of luxury and completeness – the sense of being separate and apart from a “traditional” television room while still maintaining a sense of familiarity and comfort. One of the marks of an A/V installation master is to create a sound atmosphere in which listeners do not know exactly where the crisp and crystal-clear sound is coming from. While this has been nearly perfected by high-quality A/V providers for indoor systems, many clients are now looking to add seamless audio integration to their outdoor living spaces.

This can pose a challenge for even technical wizards, and hiring a company with a reputation for both quality and performance is essential when creating an outdoor audio system. Outdoor speakers have evolved from their bulky progenitors, and are now made to order, with current models on the market shaped like rocks, small outdoor lights, or even taking the form of fully-functional planter boxes. In addition, items such as subwoofers can now be buried underground to create a bass effect unlike any felt in a home. Take a look at our product listing to see all of these items in their full detail: http://kiwiav.com/products.html.

By using a company that has expertise working with high-quality A/V materials, homeowners can design an outdoor living area that matches the high standards of their indoor entertainment system. Installed correctly, an outdoor speaker system can create a luxurious oasis of sound that guests will marvel at. For a high-quality indoor or outdoor sound system consultation, contact Kiwi Audio Visual today.

Saving Energy in a Home AV System: A Bright Idea in Solar Technology

2010-10-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Cutting-edge technology, like solar panels, can provide a consistent and renewable energy source for a home. However, they're rarely the first piece of automation technology that a home or business owner decides to implement. Solar panels are usually used as part of an overall automation system designed to decrease the carbon footprint of a building. They're a very useful and ultimately cost effective solution to this end, and fit in well with modern automation technologies.

A successful approach to using a solar panel involves some calculation of solar panel energy storage versus current automation settings. The energy output of the solar panel should be compared with peak building energy usage times and actual energy needs in order to get the most out of automation services; otherwise, energy generated by a solar panel will simply be wasted.

For example, if a home has several 123 watt solar panels that collect the most energy from 2:00-3:00 every day, a home automation system should be set to decrease energy during that time period if at all possible. This allows more energy to be stored by the panels, allowing greater energy efficiency in the home. Larger panels can handle and store more energy, so with a 160 watt panel, automation could be less strict.

The amount of resources being directed toward the furtherance of solar energy speaks loudly to the fact that it will be the next significant power source on our planet. In the state of California, the state government has enacted a rebate plan through the California Solar Initiative. Among other rebates, any home that has solar systems that “are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used” is eligible for a property tax exemption up to the full value of the solar system. Federally, and through 2016, solar system owners are eligible for a 30% tax credit.

What this means for homeowners is that wiring in a solar generation or capture system to an existing home automation system can not only cut down on power costs, but lead to state and federal tax reductions as well. Solar generation systems can now be easily tied into existing whole-home or A/V systems, allowing consumers both control of this cutting-edge technology and a way to help contribute to a greener planet while still saving money.

Multi-Use Rooms Vs. Dedicated Theatres

2010-09-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Whether your project involves renovation or new construction, including a home theatre begins a series of other decisions. In order to specify and install optimal systems, all involved need to understand what the space will be used for. If the home theatre is dedicated only to movie watching, some things to consider would be control of the light in the room and seating distances from the display; however, if it will also accommodate family time or gaming, then more room would be needed in front of the seating for activities and game controller connections.

As design professionals, then, you need to consider the ability of your partners to anticipate these questions and ask them at the right time, before the design is final. It is okay to not have all of the answers to technical questions as long as you have the right people standing in the wings ready to help. Tackling these issues now may prevent an additional renovation later. Beyond having asked the right questions, you’ll also need an expert on your design team to propose resourceful, economic, and versatile solutions.

While the challenge may be as simple as finding a location for a projector in the home theatre, even that can be accomplished in many different ways and not all of those solutions will prove successful over time. You need a partner who understands what the trade-offs look like and can help you and the client navigate them to the right conclusion. The Kiwi Audio Visual web site illustrates the level of expertise in high quality audio visual installations required to ensure successful projects.

Lighting Control And How It Can Lower Your Carbon Footprint And Electricity Bills

2010-09-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

An integral part of designing the perfect home these days includes anticipating the family’s needs for lighting. The lighting system creates welcoming and livable spaces, transforming new construction or renovation into a home. Fixtures, lamps, lenses and other accessories need to answer to a wide variety of requirements, while the control system ensures the success of the design.

Lighting control creates the right balance of light for any area of the living space, while avoiding glare. Thus, the occupants can illuminate only the required rooms with lighting designed for their activities. In fact, one control system can handle lighting, HVAC, entertainment and security from integrated keypads anywhere; however, this misses perhaps the most important aspect of lighting control.

As energy becomes more costly we all need to reduce our carbon footprint and overall energy usage. Lighting control systems assist here, too. First, reduce the need for electricity by re-lamping from incandescent to more efficient compact fluorescent lamps. Control systems enable users to run fixtures at less than full capacity, extending lamp life, and reducing consumption and operating costs.

Control systems set light levels and prevent using and paying for more wattage than you need. You can also light and extinguish fixtures remotely and avoid burning lights unnecessarily. Finally, reducing your use of electricity will reduce your utility bills, especially important in today’s economic climate.

Home Technology Alliance Update

2010-06-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

Builder and ESC Embrace the Value of Sustainable Home Technology

This edition of NAHB's quarterly HTA update is dedicated to a timely topic: green building. Enlisting the help of two design and build industry veterans, we explore their forays into this evolving field, and share with you their experiences, from applicable lessons learned to their opinions about future developments.

Our featured builder this month, John Wesley Miller, chairman of the John Wesley Miller Companies in Tucson, Ariz. recently became the first builder to qualify for certification under the new National Green Building Standards. Our featured electronic systems contractor (ESC) is Gordon van Zuiden, CEDIA board member and president/owner of cyberManor, a company that has set the standards for incorporating sustainable technology into residential building and remodeling projects. Both the builder and ESC share valuable information on this topic intended to educate you about this growing field.
Read more about sustainable home technology

Introducing Google TV

2010-06-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Attention all Wine Enthusiasts!!

2010-04-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

There are many ways out there for wine connoisseurs to keep track of their extensive wine collections. One of the leading wine management systems I have seen for the home is the New eSommelier.

The New eSommelier is easily at the top of the list with its touchscreen PC used to easily search your beautiful wine labels with a swipe of your finger. You will also be able to filter your wines by winery, vintage, country, region, variety and maturity. With the included bar code printer and scanner, anyone in your household can easily add a new vintage, organize the collection, and pull a wine to pair with dinner. Your personal wine consultant can use remote access to make buying, selling and drinking recommendations. eSommelier also provides on-site services to help organize collections and give training on how to use the system.

Kiwi Audio Visual can provide you with a stand alone system or integrate it into your existing home automation system. We would be happy to discuss these options with you. Please contact us if have any questions.

iPad ‘Means Nothing But Good Things’ for Crestron

2010-04-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Touchscreens are only 5 to 8 percent of Crestron’s business, so “I don’t think we’ll go out of business if it all goes to iPad," says VP Randy Klein

Read More

The Ultimate Search Engine

2010-03-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Having the best search engine is becoming more and more important as the content grows and grows up in the cloud. The newer multimedia search engines are able to access sites like Hulu, YouTube and Boxee as well as searching through your local DVR, Network Attached Storage (NAS) and multi-disc changers. Some can even search on Amazon UnBox, Blockbuster and Netflix to rent or buy a movie or latest TV show. This means the options are growing past the basic scrolling TV guide on channel 99 and reaching out to endless reaches of the web to find what you want, when you want it. I personally have been playing around with the beta version of the TIVO HD search engine and have been having some fun with it. I have been able to find exactly what I wanted within the first five results each and every time. This is the future of searching for content.. I still do miss the old small TV Guide sitting on the coffee table. Whatever happened to those? Are they collector items now?

Krell Modulari Duo Reference Floorstanding Loudspeakers Reviewed

2010-02-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

Krell Modulari Duo Reference Floorstanding Loudspeakers Reviewed

FREE! Kiwi is offering FREE Crestron programming!

2010-02-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

On February 9th, DirecTV switched from Sirius-XM Radio to SonicTap to offer you a better music experience and we couldn't be happier with the new diverse and robust selection of listening options...

www.DirecTV.com

Unfortunately, in making this change, DirecTV's music channel line-up will no longer correspond with your existing Creston remote and touchpanel preset options.

To better serve our clients, we are offering to correct this minor annoyance at no cost to you. Not only will we update your Creston remote or touchpanel DirecTV music presets for FREE, we will also update ALL CABLE CHANNEL PRESETS to ensure your listening, viewing and entire automation experience is flawless.

Schedule Your Appointment Today. To ensure your preset buttons go where they are intended, contact your sales person at (888)567-KIWI to have these quick updates performed on your system.

* Offer runs 02/10/10-03/31/10. Valid only for existing customers who purchased equipment through Kiwi Audio Visual.

Crestron + iPhone = Ultimate Control?

2010-02-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Crestron has an app for that! The Crestron Mobile Pro app found in the iTunes App store can be downloaded to an iPhone, iPhone 3G, and the iPod touch. It uses two different ways to communicate with your home automation system. The first and possibly more robust way is using the 3G network. This means that you can check the status of your lights in the bathroom from anywhere in the continental US (try not to remember the lack of coverage offered by AT&T) The second way is using your home wi-fi network or a hotspot at your local Starbucks. Both of these connections have their own pros and cons. Without some extensive testing, I will not be able to comment on the response time of the button presses through either of these connections. I hope to see it in action in the wild soon so more to follow.

2010-02-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Finally saw Avatar: 3D

2010-01-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

So now I have something to reference besides a few animated clips from trade shows when discussing 3D. First off, I have to say that the movie itself was very entertaining and lived up to the hype surrounding it for the last 6 months or so. As for the 3D....I am still sticking to my opinion that it is a very cool novelty. Movies like Monsters vs. Aliens, Up and Avatar offer bright, clean colors and graphics but they are supposed to. That is what makes them the movies that they are. If 3D makes it into the home are we going to watch How I Met Your Mother in 3D? The Jersey Shore in 3D? No way!! Even a football game might make you a little queasy after a while with all of the motion. But until they launch ESPN in 3D, here's to good old fashioned HD. (did I just say old-fashioned HD?)

The biggest thing to come out of CES 2010.

2010-01-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

When my employer walked in the door the other morning I immediately started asking about what he saw at CES 2010. He only had one word for me....3D. As you might have seen from all of the other more established blogs, everyone had a new 3D display to show off. Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, they all have jumped onto the Third Dimension!! Passive glasses, Active glasses, and the elusive glasses-free stereoscopic, they were all on the CES floor, ready to wow passing guests and suck them into a 3D adventure. I wish I could have experienced them all but unfortunately I have to live vicariously through others. I have still managed to form an early opinion on 3D in the home though. I believe that it is going to be very popular novelty until they manage to get the glasses off of the faces of the American family. It is one thing to wear them for the movie of the year, it is another thing to wear them every weekend for football. Still cool though. Wish I could've had this technology for Sunday nights and the Wonderful World of Disney when I was a kid.

Will A/V Receivers Need to Be 3D Compatible? - CE Pro Article from CE Pro

2010-01-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Will A/V Receivers Need to Be 3D Compatible? - CE Pro Article from CE Pro

Equipment Rack Installation: Part One

2010-01-11T14:38:00.001-08:00

Future proofing your home for new technologies

2010-01-07T08:38:00.001-08:00

When building a custom home, there are many things that go into making sure that it will stand the test of time. While most people think about the framing of the house and the exterior handling the challenges of Mother Nature, we in the Audio Video Industry are always thinking about having enough wire run throughout the home to handle the newest streaming video or extra channel of audio. The technologies are constantly changing and getting better and better. There is nothing better then knowing that you are prepared for anything when it comes to installing a new pair of speakers or new HDTV.
When you are sitting down with your Electronic Systems Contractor and have some decisions to make, never take out the wire. If you haven't decided on a distributed audio system, or trying the newest streaming video server, ALWAYS make sure that the wire is still run to all of the possible locations. This makes your decisions easier in the long run because the wire will have been sitting patiently in the wall, awaiting the purchase of that new high definition plasma TV just in time for the big game.

Did You Know?

2010-01-07T08:24:00.002-08:00

Streaming Video vs. Bluray

2010-01-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

There are so many devices out there that have the ability to stream 1080p video directly from the internet. Does this mean that Blu-ray is going the way of the Dodo? Unfortunately, the abilities of your new TV being able to stream the newest HD content is restricted by the bandwidth not only in your home, but the bandwidth available to you from your internet service provider. Many people live in neighborhoods where the traffic is so high that the HD movie they just rented will show up very jittery or not at all. The better way to watch the movie is to wait and download it which will still take a very long time. So while the instant HD movie watching idea is very cool, I believe that Blu-ray is still a better way to enjoy the newest blockbuster at home....for now. I am looking forward to a bright future where there is fiberoptic cabling being laid in the streets as far as the eye can see and the bandwidth inside your home is large enough to stream high definition movies to every room.