FLAT Panel TV Mounting

FLAT PANEL TV mounts are designed to hold your TV onto a wall or ceiling. An FLAT PANEL TV mount can help create a wonderful home theater experience. It can also save space, leaving stands, dressers and counter space free for other items. In addition, if you have small children or pets, a mount can help to prevent possible accidents.

Once placed, FLAT PANEL TV mounts remain and are not taken down unless you want to move the TV. Installation usually takes about 2 hours.Some of the more popular FLAT PANEL TV mounts are flat wall mounts, tilt mounts and articulating mounts. Flat wall mounts are available for those that like their TV to be more flush with the wall.

The benefit of a tilt FLAT PANEL TV mount is that you can tilt your TV to reduce glare on the screen. Articulating FLAT PANEL TV mounts move the TV forward from the wall, swivel and also tilt.Decide where you would like your FLAT PANEL TV mount to be placed and from which angle you would like to view your FLAT PANEL TV. This will determine what kind of FLAT PANEL TV mount you will choose. When choosing a FLAT PANEL TV mount, make sure that you know how many inches your TV screen is.

The screen size is measured vertically to determine the size, and this measurement determines the size of the FLAT PANEL TV mount you need. Check to see if there is an FLAT PANEL TV mount made specifically for your TV, as it may fit better than another brand that claims to fit an FLAT PANEL TV the size of yours.It is very important to make sure your FLAT PANEL TV mount is set up correctly.

FLAT PANEL TV mounts must be installed properly and securely. If not, your wonderful investment in an FLAT PANEL TV can end up on the floor. Professional installation is recommended.

Upscaling DVD VS Blu-Ray

What should I get???? Does it Matter???

1) DVD vs. Blu-ray: Resolution. Your old DVD player outputs at 480p (progressive scan) screen resolution, which means 480 vertically scanning lines. However, Blu-ray bumps the resolution up to 1080p. What this means is that the movies you're watching are going to be sharper, crisper, and more true to life, particularly when your new Blu-ray disc player is connected to a 1080p HDTV. If you simply can’t afford a Blu-ray disc player at this time, you can purchase a 1080p upscaling DVD player to get similar results.

2) DVD vs. Blu-ray: Frames Per Second. Blu-ray bumps up the frame rate to match the same frame rate Hollywood movies are shot in: 24p (progressive). This means the movie will be closer to what you'd see in the theater. So when you see the designation 1080p/24p on your Blu-ray player, it means 1080p screen resolution and 24p frame rate.

3) DVD vs. Blu-ray: Color. Blu-ray adds a new dimension in color display. A new international standard in colorimetry called x.v. Color significantly expands the color space to literally billions of colors, some not even visible to the human eye. This gets very technical here, but the result is a more brilliant, realistic picture on Blu-ray than you'd find on DVD

4) DVD vs. Blu-ray: . Sound. Many Blu-ray disc players feature compatibility with Dolby's TrueHD surround sound format. TrueHD adds improvements in surround sound including additional channels. The result is more dynamic, lifelike audio similar to what you'd find in the movie theater.

5) DVD vs. Blu-ray: Interoperability. With the myriads of electronic devices we use today, getting them to work together to make our e-world a bit simpler is the rule of the day. While the DVD player is just a machine that allows you to watch movies, many Blu-ray disc players feature SD cards that allow you to watch your digital camera pictures and videos; a USB Flash drive for external memory; and even an Ethernet connection for internet interactivity and firmware updates.

6) DVD vs. Blu-ray: Web Interactivity. By far the coolest feature of the new Blu-ray technology, many Blu-ray disc players (typically higher-end models) feature an Ethernet port that allows you to hook your Blu-ray disc player up to the internet.

Why would you want to connect to the internet you ask? For one, you can get quick and easy firmware updates directly to your Blu-ray disc player. But more amazingly, you can take advantage of BD-Live. BD-Live grants you access not only to movie special features, but also to online forums, games, and even downloadable ringtones. If you're a total movie buff and you'd like to participate in online discussions about movies in addition to viewing hours upon hours of special features and additional scenes, a new Blu-ray disc player might be right up your alley.

Tips:

If you just purchased a new 1080p HDTV and you simply cannot afford a new Blu-ray disc player at this time, you can opt for a more affordable DVD player with 1080p upscaling.

If you have an HDTV that is less than 1080p screen resolution, it's really not going to matter if you purchase a Blu-ray disc player because you won't be able to take advantage of the sharper 1080p picture. However, you can view it as insurance against obsolescence when you do decide to purchase a newer 1080p HDTV.

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'Get Connected' -Universal Remotes and Programming

A good remote of any kind has a good feel in your hand. Rounder shapes feel better, though flatter ones allow you to lay the remote on a chair arm and punch buttons.Button size is a tradeoff between versatility (more buttons) and simplicity (fewer buttons). The shape and color of buttons helps you tell them apart.Control layout is also a major factor in ease of use. Are the volume up/down buttons where you expect to find them, perhaps under your thumb? Are oft-used functions placed too close to controls that stop the show? Are less-used functions placed under a lid, where they won't be activated accidentally?In a dark room — such as a home theater — you may need additional help seeing controls.

Some remotes have luminescent or phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) keys that absorb room light and hold it after the lights go out. Even better are remotes with backlit keys that have a light source beneath them. They glow when touched or when a backlighting key is pressed.Better remotes have macro functions that will trigger a whole series of commands with the pressing of one or two buttons. This high-end feature has trickled down to more affordable remotes.A fancier remote may have an LCD (liquid crystal display) to confirm status or functions. The LCD may have backlighting to make it more readable in the dark.

To Program your Universal Remote
We will send certified technicians to your home or office to program the primary commands of up to 8 devices into your universal type remote control and we will document user names and passwords that may be built into some of today's newer remote controls and make sure all components are working properly with the remote control codes the we will show you how to use your new system
All for $179.95

Getting the Best Picture out of Your New Flatscreen

You made the puchase, You wrapped the TV, You have it mounted and connect it to your HDTV signal but the TV doesn't look as good as it did in the store!



Factory settings are commonly formulated for maximum brightness and contrast for the bright ambient light conditions in a store. Additionally color saturation may be boosted and sharpness adjustments tweaked upwards. When home in the living or entertainment room with a different viewing environment the default settings can look overdone. A qualified technician will be able to produce better results than you could on your own. Whether the difference in quality is worth the price is a matter of individual preference. But you should be able to tell the difference between the factory settings on the HDTV and the newly calibrated set.

The big box stores charge as much as $500 for this service. - Connected Audio Visual - $149

Same service - Same great picture - 50- 80% less cost





'Get Connected' - Get Calibrated

Flat Panel for Xmas - Get Connected

So Santa Claus Bought you an New Flat Panel TV!

Perhaps you have settled on a LCD or Plasma.

I hope you didn't spend all of your money on the TV because there a few things you may want to budget for if you are not particularly handy around the house.
Where are you going to install your Flat Screen?
If you are going to mount your TV on the wall there is something very important for you to consider
Do you have a TV outlet installed at the height you want your TV? Even if you said yes...I am sorry it will not be enough....... Allow me to explain.

Can you picture where your existing TV is set up? Maybe it's in an entertainment center. Now close your eyes and see all of those wires that connect between your Television & your satellite box, DVD player and receiver.
Why do I bring this up?
If you hang your TV on the wall with a standard TV jack installed there but what about all of those wires that we just talked about?
How do you plan on connecting all of those wires that are needed to work all of your electronic equipment? I told you that no one thinks about this.

Having a bunch of ugly wires draped all over the place serving as a serious tripping hazard
So what can we do about it? If you want the best signal possible, Then HDMI cables are the way to go. One HDMI cable run thru the walls will do the work of all of those other wires we spoke of moments ago. To have this professionally done I would budget from $395- $595 for HDMI cables, depending on how long they need to be.
You can probably save two hundred dollars if you do this yourself.

Remember that buying the flat screen TV is just the beginning of your investment to have HD TV in your home.

Looking for an Maryland Home Technology Company to hang your TV?


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THX What it is and More importantly What it Isn't

So What is THX?

Most of us have seen the THX logo splash across the the movie screen at out local cinema house. But what does it mean? . THX is a trade name of a high-fidelity sound reproduction standard for movie theaters, screening rooms, home theaters, computer speakers, gaming consoles, and car audio systems. THX stands for Tomlinson Holman's eXperiment. The THX system is not a recording technology, and it does not specify a sound recording format: all sound formats, whether digital (Dolby Digital, SDDS) or analog (Dolby Stereo, Ultra-Stereo), can be "shown in THX." THX is mainly a quality assurance system. When you see the THX logo splashed across a movie screen, you know you're in for an audio and visual treat.

So to clear up some misconceptions:

The THX system is not a recording technology it

THX sets strict standards for high quality sound and images.

‘Get Connected’ - www.Connected-AV.Com

Cable Management Tips

Color Code Your Wires
An electronic troubleshooting tip: carrying out repairs or troubleshooting is much easier if you know what cables lead where. Heat shrink tubing in different colors can help you color code your cables, making it easier to manage your hardware. Color code your entire systems and protect your cables from harm.

Getting Organized Safely

Make sure when you start to get organized that you use the right tool for the job. Cable ties are all well and good for bundling your cables neatly, but have you made sure they won't damage your cables? Ensure that your cable ties have a "low threading force" and you will be ensuring organization without damage. Basically this means that the cable tie will be secure, but will not squeeze or cut your cables - very important in your more delicate wiring!

Getting Started

What to Consider First Before you even pick up your tools, make a label, unwrap your surge protector or do any other type of cable management, don't forget to do some basic, but important first steps.
Turn off your electronics.
Unplug your electronics. By doing this, you will avoid the risk of an electric shock
Take an inventory of all the cables you will be working with and decide the best way to bundle them. Remember, you have to group cables together based on the direction in which they need to be routed. This means you will likely have at least two bundles.

WWW.Connected-AV.Com - 'Get Connected'

Comparing Plasma to LCD TV's

Plasma vs LCD ??

If you're considering a flat-panel TV you have essential two popular options. Plasma or LCD. How do you decide on which type is right for you? Well let's have a look. The Plasma TV's have been around a little longer than LCD TVs, and so their technology is a little further along. Plasma screens use a phosphor coating like the old tube style TVs, so they have the natural color we're used to with tube models. Plasma TV's are vulnerable to "burn-in" although it's less of an issue for newer models; screen tends to reflect room lights.

The LCD TV'S looks great in a kitchen or any other room with bright lighting. LCD displays are better at resisting glare from sunlight or room lights, and they're very bright (brighter even than plasmas). LCD is also one of the most rugged display types. Its total immunity to screen burn-in makes LCD an ideal choice if your viewing includes frequent computer or video game use. And if you leave your TV on for hours at a time tuned to a news, or sports channel with a scrolling "ticker," LCD would be a safer TV choice.

Tech Notes:
If you're looking at screen sizes smaller than 40", LCD is your only flat-panel choice Vizio recently announced that it will no longer be making Plasma TV'S. Pioneer is getting totally out of the TV business.

www.WeInstallHomeTheaters.Com

LED TV's a New Spin on LCD Technology - 'Get Connected'

LED TV a Tweaked LCD?

All LED TVs contain an LCD display element (front panel). The difference of LED TVs lies in the backlight. Rather than the standard florescent backlighting systems of the past, LED TVs have LED bulbs (light emitting diode) as the backlight for the LCD panel. This has been a boost for LCD TV manufacturers as it has allowed them to better compete in picture quality against Plasma TV technology. Essentially a LED TV is an LCD TV with LED lights instead of the florescent bulbs.

In plasma displays, each pixel contains red, green, and blue elements, which work in conjunction to create billions of colors. Because each pixel contains all the elements needed to produce every color in the spectrum, color information was more accurately reproduced with plasma technology than it was with other display technologies. The chromaticity coordinates were more accurate on most plasma displays however lately LED TVs have closed this gap through manipulation of the new backlighting system.

Due to the 120/240 refresh rates of many new LED TVs, there is much improvement in reducing motion related blur. Plasma displays have always been excellent in this area. There is more background information coming forward. Foreground images really pop off the screen.

LED = More Green?

As the consumer market becomes more “Green Conscious”, so have the marketers of TVs. Though there are new energy saving technologies present on both LED and plasma TVs, most will not be used by the consumer due to the simple fact that they reduce the brightness of the picture.

http://www.connected-av.com/ - Get Connected

Get Connected with Unversal Remotes

Universal Remotes..... What and Why??

With so many electronic entertainment systems featuring wireless technology, it's not unusual for consumers to lose individual remote control units. This can lead to frustration if the television must be tuned manually while the VCR or DVD remote still functions normally. Fortunately, several companies realized a need for replacement remotes which were not programmed for a specific brand of electronic device. Customers who lost both a Sony television and Pioneer DVD remote shouldn't have to buy two factory-issued replacements. The programming codes for both models were known quantities in the world of consumer electronics, thus allowing the invention of the first universal remote control. Enter the universal remote control often replaces the factory-issued remote control included with a television, cable box, VCR, DVD player or stereo system.

Often a universal remote control can be programmed to operate several electronic devices, reducing the need for individual controllers. Not all wireless systems may be compatible with a universal remote control, but manufacturers of these devices usually provide a list of brand names and models which can be programmed. A universal remote control works on the principle that almost all remote control devices work on a limited number of codes. There may be numerous televisions, stereo and DVD player manufacturers in the world, but they all use the same handful of frequencies and programming codes. By identifying and listing the codes used by individual manufacturers, a universal remote control can duplicate the functions of the original remote. Consumers simply find their make and model of electronic device in the coding list, and then use the universal remote control's function keys to enter the necessary information. Different universal remote control models control different electronic devices, so consumers should choose accordingly. Some models only replace one system, such as the television, while others can control almost every electronic device sold, from TVs to cable boxes to DVD players. If a universal remote control operates more than one system, keypad controls for separate devices should be present. A function key for each system should be depressed first to let the remote know which device to control. Sometimes users forget to change the functionality of a universal remote control, leading to frustration as the television set remains off but the stereo turns on suddenly.

There are a few drawbacks with a universal remote control, however. Not all system codes are guaranteed to be readily programmable. Finding the proper values for an unknown device can involve a series of tedious experiments. If the universal remote control loses battery power, all of the individual coding may be lost. This could mean reprogramming 4 separate devices manually. Some consumers find that universal remote controls do not offer the same functionality keys as the original controllers. Users can perform the basic functions of each device, but cannot use the more advanced features remotely.

Connected Audio Video is and Authorized Dealer of X10 and Universal Remotes. In fact I use one personally and of the Remotes available on the market I chose to use/be come a dealer for The X10 Icon and the Universal product line.

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Big Difference in High Price Cables?

HDMI Cables Money Well Spent??

Is there any difference between an inexpensive High End and the Average Cable

In the days of older technology (Analog Signals) a better or more expensive cable was a necessity due to long cable runs (Degraded Signals and Noise Interference) . The newer technology found in the HDMI cables uses digital signals. Digital signals for the most part you either have sound or video or you don’t. It uses 1’s and 0’s. On or off their isn’t an in between.

So if anyone ever tells you they can "see the difference" between HDMI cables, etc... You can knowingly laugh to yourself and think about how much money the poor sole wasted on something that was pointless.

Also I have also have heard people say things like “Make sure you get a v1.3 cable"... The various HDMI versions determine the capabilities of the DEVICES on either end of that cable (most of the HDMI versions (other then 1.0 to 1.1) have to do with AUDIO and how many channels / type of audio are carried...) Because of this, the cable itself is NO DIFFERENT... It's just marketing that some companies charge more for a "v1.3" cable then a "v1.1" cable, etc... The cables themselves will work now and WELL into the future for any other HDMI versions that come along the way....

Connected Audio Video is a full service Audio and Video service provider specializing in Flat panel installations, Home Theater Installation…’Get Connected’

What does Dolby 5.1 or Dolby 7.1 Mean? - 'Get Connected'

With respect to home playback, the terms 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 mean that there are five, six, or seven main speakers, plus a subwoofer, in the playback system. (The subwoofer reproduces the LFE channel recorded on 5.1 soundtracks, plus any bass the main speakers cannot handle.) The difference is in the number of surround speakers: two in a 5.1 system, three in a 6.1 system, and four in a 7.1 system.

Obviously, a 5.1-channel soundtrack can be played on a 5.1-speaker system. But it is not always understood is that it can also be played on a 6.1- or a 7.1-speaker system. To do this, the two surround signals on the 5.1 soundtrack are spread across the three or four surround speakers. This distribution can be accomplished by a Dolby Digital EX decoder, a THX Surround EX decoder, or other proprietary methods provided in home theater equipment by various manufacturers.
So the number (i.e., 5.1) describing the soundtrack does not have to match the number applied to the speaker system.

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Blu-Ray vs Upscaling DVD Players - 'Get Connected'

Currently there is a big debate going on, in one corner we have Sony Blu-ray and in the other we have the Up-scaling or Up-converting DVD technology. Visually, there is very little difference to the eye of the average consumer between 720p and 1080i. However, 720p can deliver a slightly smoother-looking image, due to the fact that lines and pixels are displayed in a consecutive pattern, rather than in an alternate pattern.

The up-scaling process does a good job of matching the up-scaled pixel output of a DVD player to the native pixel display resolution of an HDTV capable television, resulting in better detail and color consistency.

However, up-scaling, as it is currently implemented, cannot convert standard DVD images into true high-definition images. In fact, although up-scaling works well with fixed pixel displays, such as Plasma and LCD televisions, results are not always consistent on CRT-based high definition televisions. DVD video up-scaling is only an approximation of the high definition viewing experience. To get the full impact of true high definition viewing from a disc format, you need to have a Blu-ray player connected to an HDTV via an HDMI connection and be viewing actual Blu-ray or HD-DVD disc content.

One Helpful Hint: If you DO have an HDTV, and a standard DVD player, you will get the best results using the Component video connection (red-blue-green) between the DVD player and the HDTV.

'Get Connected' - www.Connected-AV.Com

What is DVD Up-Scaling? - 'Get Connected'

What is DVD Up- Scaling?

DVD up-scaling, also referred to as up-converting, works by creating a new line of pixels; this is done by copying parts of the surrounding pixels. Basically what they are doing is guessing what the High Definition picture should look like, in theory it is possible to create an image that can fool the human eye.

HDMI: The Myths and Facts - 'Get Connected'

MYTH

Component Video is a better video format than HDMI

FACT

HDMI offers many benefits over Component Video as a video format. Examples such as pixel for pixel mapping are not possible with Component Video, allowing for more detail when available. There is also potential for better contrast and color saturation with the digital bit stream of HDMI. There is also less potential for loss with the digital - analog - digital conversion that is required for Component Video

It is true that individual results do vary, but this is due to the many variables in equipment. Some ‘cheap’ sources, such as a DVD player, may not do a very good job of scaling and processing the HDMI signal. This may result in the Component Video connection looking better, if for instance, the display does better processing in the analog domain (Component) than the source does in digital (HDMI).

MYTH

An HDMI cable labeled as version 1.3 will always be compatible with the full set of advanced features of HDMI 1.3, including 1080p, Deep Color, HD Audio etc.

FACT

Wrong. In fact it is possible for a HDMI 1.3 cable to be fully certified and still NOT even be able to pass 1080p.

There are actually two distinct certification standards for HDMI 1.3 cables:

• Standard Speed (1.3 Cat.1 test) for SD and broadcast HD up to 720p/1080i


• High Speed (1.3 Cat.2 test) for FULL HD 1080p+ resolution. Includes full feature set compatibility, including Deep Color, and advanced audio formats

It is also worth mentioning that many ‘Standard Speed’ HDMI cables can also support more than the minimum requirements, adding support for features such as 1080p (at 24bit). This will vary with length and model, so it you should check the cable manufactures specs.

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The objective of Connected Audio Visual is to improve the home environment by leveraging the latest in technology, while making it easy to use.

Choosing a Home Theater Receiver - 'Get Connected'

A home theater receiver essentially has the function of three separate components. It has a tuner which can receive AM/FM, HD or high definition radio, XM or Sirius satellite radio and internet radio. Then a home theater receiver has a preamp which allows you to select the source of audio/video such as DVD player, VCR, CD, iPod, etc. In addition you can also process incoming stereo/surround sound signals and distribute them to the channels and subwoofer output. The third component of a home theater receiver is a built-in multi-channel amplifier which distributes the surround sound signals and power to the systems speaker.

The heart of a home theater system is the home theater receiver which can also be called the AV receiver or the surround sound receiver. The home theater receiver connects almost all of the inputs and outputs of your system including your television. When choosing a home theater receiver you shouldn’t make your decision by looking at only a single specification. You cannot get an accurate pictures of the true capabilities of a receiver without considering all the specifications and looking at the big picture. You want to find a home theater receiver that has a low distortion level. A receiver that has a high distortion level means that it will have excessive noise or distortion when used at loud volume levels and it came make your entertainment difficult to listen to. You should also consider the receiver’s ability to maintain full power output continuously. Even if you have a 100 watt home theater receiver it won’t be good if you can’t get it to perform of a significant length of time. Rather you should check the watt output in terms of RMS measure. This shows you the specific volume level that can be sustained with power output.

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The Resolution Revolution - 'Get Connected'

What Does the “I” and “P” Stand for?

The “P” stands for Progressive and the “I” stands for Interlaced. This represents how the image is re-drawn on you screen. Progressive scan differs from interlaced scan in that the image is displayed on a screen by scanning each line (or row of pixels) in a sequential order rather than an alternate order, as is done with interlaced scan. In other words, in progressive scan, the image lines (or pixel rows) are scanned in numerical order (1,2,3) down the screen from top to bottom, instead of in an alternate order (lines or rows 1,3,5, etc... followed by lines or rows 2,4,6). By progressively scanning the image onto a screen every 60th of a second rather than "interlacing" alternate lines every 30th of a second, a smoother, more detailed, image can be produced on the screen that is perfectly suited for viewing fine details, such as text, and is also less susceptible to interlace flicker.

It’s A Numbers Game

720p represents 1,280 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement yields 720 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.

1080i represents 1,920 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down a screen vertically. This arrangement yields 1,080 horizontal lines, which are, in turn, displayed alternately. In other words, all the odd lines are displayed, followed by all the even lines.

1080p, on the other hand, represents 1,080 horizontal lines displayed sequentially. This means all lines are displayed during the same pass. 1080p is the highest quality HD display format.

www.Connected-AV.Com - 'Get Connected'

The ipod and the Whole House Audio System 'Get Connected'

In-wall iPod docks such as the Channel-Vision I-Bus offer an alternative approach to expanding a home system, utilizing the device as a temporary source for a single zone. When you're ready to remove the iPod, the cradle slides back into the wall to become an unobtrusive face-plate, and the iPod reverts to a portable media player. Adding iPod functionality to home audio is just one more innovation in a constantly evolving business.

Few people are unaware of the impact that Apple's Ipod has had on portable music. The overwhelming popularity of the Ipod has given rise to many clever applications for home use. NuVo will use the technology to introduce a new On-Wall NuVo Dock for use with its whole home audio systems. A formal product release is targeted for the U.S. CEDIA EXPO in September 2009. NuVo currently offers two tabletop iPod docks, called NuVo Docks, for use with its whole home audio systems.

Our Philosphy - 'Get Connected'

Our Philosophy

In the world of home entertainment, the term "custom' often brings to mind expensive home theaters and complicated remote controls. These things can take on a life of their own, becoming the ends in themselves, instead of a means to enjoy a lifestyle that includes them. Our approach is to evaluate our customers' individual needs and then design systems that meet those needs. The systems are meant to enhance your environment, rather than disrupt it.

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Creating A Backyard Oasis - 'Get Connected'

If you are currently enjoying your music indoors and wish you could do so outside, consider getting an outdoor speaker system. These weather resistant type of speakers are specifically-designed to handle the terrain, acoustics and other demands that music requires to sound great outside. When outdoors, music has a different set of obstacles to overcome in order to sound good the acoustics outside are much different than those inside a house, due to landscaping, vegetation, walls, etc. To allow your music to easily deal with these issues, your outdoor audio speakers should offer a significant boost in bass through good low-frequency response. Often, the same music listened indoors can sound completely different and invoke an entirely different mood when listened outside. You may have a huge backyard with a large pool, deck and lots of room. Or you may simply have a small patio with limited space. Whatever the environment, there is a set of outdoor audio speakers that can make the space come alive with your favorite music or sporting broadcast.

Connected Audio Video carries a complete line of outdoor speaker systems and component to turn your backyard oasis into a true entertainment paradise.

‘Get Connected” - www.Connected-AV.Com

Connected Audio Video is owned and operated by Howard County resident, Robb Griffey, is an industry leader in the Audio/Video, Entertainment field. Located in Columbia, Connected Audio Visual has provided state of the art equipment and unparalleled service to the great state of Maryland.

Our Objective - 'Get Connected'

The objective of Connected Audio Visual is to improve the home environment by leveraging the latest in technology, while making it easy to use.

We take pride in our customers and in our work. No project is too small: if you require nothing more than a simple Speaker Installation we will take the same care as if we were installing a full in-home theater system. In fact, over 80% of our business comes through customer referrals

'Get Connected' - www.Connected-AV.Com

Just Getting Around to Blu-Ray? Here are the Blu-Ray FAQ'S

Upgrading To Blu-Ray

The Blu-Ray players have only been around for about 3 years now. Within those 3 years they have become incredibly popular. Many companies have created their own versions of players and are finding success in this market. Also, because of the added competition, it is much easier to get a better deal. Everyone wants to have the biggest and best of everything. We no longer want a 32 inch television in our living rooms. We now we want the 64 inch flat screen with all of the bells and whistles. And Blu-ray DVD players are a recent addition that make watching television that much better. Not only are you getting a crystal clear picture, but you are getting perfect surround sound to boot. Before you go out and start spending your money though, here are a few tips that you should know about.

What's the difference between progressive scan and interlaced video modes?

There are two types of video outputs, progressive scan and interlaced. Interlaced creates a good picture and uses a small bandwidth by drawing every other line of the picture on one refresh period and then draws the rest of the lines on the next refresh period. Progressive scan, on the other hand, draws all lines of the picture each refresh period. Progressive scan delivers a cleaner and smoother picture quality but also uses more bandwidth. But, with Blu Ray Players fast optical bandwidth is much less of an issue than it was with DVD players.

Optional Home Theater Receiver

Blu-ray players come with a variety of optional outputs, including a variety of audio outputs, from basic stereo outputs that can plug directly into the television to optical audio outputs that send 5.1 or 7.1 Dolby Digital or DTS signals to your receiver. So, while a home theater receiver is not necessary, it's will enable you to get the best possible sound from your Blue Ray player.

You do not need a high-definition television for Blu-ray player, but overall, the video quality that Blu-ray is capable of showing is optimal on a high-definition television.

Does it make a difference if my high-definition TV is LCD, Plasma, OLED or some other technology?

Regardless of the technology behind your high-definition TV, as long as it has an HDMI or DVI input, then you can connect your Blu-ray player to it and get fantastic 1080p quality.

Is a high-definition television needed to use a Blu-ray player?

No! Nearly all Blu-ray players have a variety of video outputs -- HDMI, component (also sometimes called Y/Pb/Pr), S-Video, down to the basic Video Out connection.

However, the picture quality is much better with a high definition television, because with it you will get the optimal 1080p resolution that Blu-ray is capable of. But if you use a component connection, you can still get video quality as good as any progressive scan DVD player.

'Get Connected' - www.Connected-AV.Com

'Get Connected' Home Theater That Shakes and Quakes? You Bet

Booming subwoofers are great but have a nasty way of disturbing the neighbors. Getting the bass you need or adding a more realistic experience to your existing theater is easy with the addition of bass transducers also known as bass shakers. These compact units connect to furniture and use the power of an amp to get things moving. Literally!

Imagine "Theater" rooms that show 'NO' characteristics of there even being an audio/video application present! A totally hidden speaker system. You can design your room to ANY motif and still be assured that tremendous multi-channel effects can be had at your beck and call!

These tactile sound transducer adds a level of “sensaround” that is unbelievable. Experience it once and you will agree that these are a requirement in every home theater. It literally shakes the floor during explosive low-frequency viewing moments to add an incredible sense of realism. A must-have item for the ultimate home theater setup, the effect also works well with heavy bass music and video games.

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'Get Connected' - Patio/Deck Music Systems

Bringing Music to Your Deck or Patio

Stylish deck furniture, and A well-manicured lawn are a good place to start, but your yard will also need plenty of electronic systems to keep the good times rolling. Music and elegant lighting, for example, can help set the mood for your alfresco dinner party. Even items commonly found indoors, like TVs, kitchen appliances and remote controls, are smart additions for the backyard. You’ll be able to catch the game and grab yourself a cold one without leaving the hammock. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood barbeque or snoozing in the hammock, music makes every activity more enjoyable. And thanks to technology, you’ll no longer have to carry along a boom box to have the tunes at your side. The same system that can distribute songs from your family room entertainment system to speakers throughout the house can also pipe music to the patio, deck, gardens, swimming pool and anywhere else you want.

There are a couple of ways to bring music to the backyard wireless and wired systems.

If having high-quality audio is important to you, opt for speakers that are wired directly to the entertainment system. Once the wire is trenched into the ground, it’ll be difficult to move it, so be sure to map out where you want the speakers before burying the speaker wire. Places to consider include decks and patios, the swimming pool and hot tub, your gardens and the front porch. Wireless Systems are comprised of a transmitter that plugs into the entertainment system indoors, and wireless speakers outside, the system enables music to travel over radio frequency airwaves. No wiring is necessary, which means the speakers can be moved around the outdoor area. As long as they’re within range of the transmitter and can be plugged into an A/C outlet (or have fresh batteries), the speakers will work just about anywhere—the shed, the garden or the front porch.

The most popular choices for the yard and around the pool are speakers that resemble rocks. Made of natural-looking materials, they’re designed to blend right in with the landscape. Plus, they’re weather- and water-resistant, which means you can leave them out in the rain and snow. You can also find speakers that can double as planters for your hydrangeas, speakers that can be hung from the trees and speakers that look just like regular bookshelf-style units that can be mounted to the exterior of your house.

Outdoor speakers differ in how they direct their sound. Some units, for example, project sound outward from the front of their grilles. These are ideal for locations like a deck, where you’ll be sitting in one place and would like to enjoy a two-channel stereo effect. Omni-directional speakers, meanwhile, spill out sound from all sides. No matter where you stand or sit, you’ll be able to hear the music, which makes these speakers a good choice for gardens, pathways and other areas where you’ll be moving around.

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Enhance Your Homes Resale Value

Enhance Your Home's Resale Value

As the demand for distributed audio increases, more homebuyers will be looking for this feature in a home. It is reassuring to know the investment that you make in a Connected Audio Visual Whole House Audio System is likely to lead to a higher resale value for your home.

Whole House Audio and Video is the ability to listen, watch and play music, movies, TV, video games or whatever it is that you desire in any area of the house that you choose.

'Get Connected' - Turning solid surfaces into speakers

Turning solid surfaces into speakers

Induction Dynamics® SolidDrive® is a powerful hidden sound transducer that transmits acoustical energy through almost any solid surface. The entire surface becomes a speaker delivering high-quality sound and the frequency response of conventional diaphragm speakers. SolidDrive® provides a distinct advance for audio systems used in home theater systems, distributed audio, and other high-performance audio applications. SolidDrive® works with rigid surfaces that include glass, drywall, granite, metal, wood, ceramics, laminates and composites. Because the SolidDrive® utilizes materials already existing in a room, it's ideal for installed home audio, commercial audio, or a home theater sound system anywhere an invisible sound source is needed

Induction Dynamics® SolidDrive® installs directly behind walls as a true in-wall speaker - turning the entire wall into a sound source. Sound is generated from these large acoustic-radiating surfaces, and the listener becomes immersed in sound. The sound is omni directional at nearly all frequencies while channel separation is maintained.

Efficiency is very important for in-wall applications due to potential heat build up. The highly efficient SolidDrive® answers this need with its ability to generate invisible sound from an entire flat surface with very little power. In fact, the SolidDrive® can generate sound from solid surfaces by utilizing only 5 to 15 watts. Amazing!

'Get Connected' - What is? - FAQ'S Answered

What is distributed audio or whole house audio?

Distributed audio systems (also known as whole-house audio) allow you to enjoy any music or audio source such as CD's, radio or digital audio, in different rooms of the house - without the need for traditional stereo equipment in each room. For example, you could be listening to your favorite CD in the kitchen over speakers mounted in the ceiling, with a volume control that is mounted in the wall much like a light switch. With more advanced systems, different listeners could be accessing different sources at the same time. This would mean that someone could be entertaining in the living room with soft background music playing through nearly invisible ceiling- mounted speakers while another person could be listening to a ball game on their favorite radio station in the den. The advantages to this type of system include: Cost savings by utilizing one set of equipment for an entire household; improved resale value of your home, and high quality sound reproduction without unsightly speakers. Whole house audio systems can also include features such as local source inputs that can run a TV or another device through the same ceiling or wall mounted speakers for better sound quality, or run your system outdoors for better sound quality on your patio or deck.

What is home automation or a smart home?

Home automation is defined as a process or system (using different methods or equipment) which provides the ability to enhance one's lifestyle, and make a home more comfortable, safe and efficient. Home automation can link lighting, entertainment, security, telecommunications, heating and air conditioning into one centrally controlled system. Automation allows you to make your house an active partner in managing your busy life. A smart home is a home that uses home automation technology.

Your automated home is no longer a passive structure. Instead, it becomes a tool to help you make the most of your time, enhance your safety and security, even save you money on your energy bills! How does it work? A central microprocessor (computer) receives signals from controlling devices, then forwards those signals to the appliances and home systems you want controlled. The central processor serves as a traffic cop by initiating and/or routing communication signals throughout the house. As the user, you can interface with the system via keypads, touch screens, panic buttons, TV screens, computers, telephones, handheld remotes or other devices.

What is structured wiring?

Structured wiring creates the infrastructure that links all of your home technologies. A "connected home" is a home that is connected by a network from room to room and to the outside world. It gives you the control to integrate two or more home systems such as telephones, computers, audio/video, entertainment, security, lighting controls, utilities, climate controls, and much more.

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