Distributed audio AKA Whole House Audio systems are ones which allow for playback and often control of music throughout an entire home or building. Until recently, only the very wealthy could afford a whole-house audio system. Whole house audio systems fall into three categories: Single source/Single zone, Single Source/Multiple zone & Multiple sources/ Multiple zone. Before you determine which type of whole-house audio system you need, you should evaluate how you'll be using that system—that is, what type of listening you'll be doing in each room. Putting together a system for background music costs a lot less than setting up multiple audiophile-quality listening rooms.
Single Source-/Single Zone - These systems distribute the same audio source everywhere--individual rooms must listen to the same audio source. This is the simplest type of system that can be installed. If designed properly, no special equipment is required other than one amplifier and a desired audio source.
Single Source/ Multiple Zone – This type features separate volume controls that are usually installed in each room or zone to compensate for differences in apparent volume due to room size and shape. This system design is otherwise the same as a single source, single zone in that all zones must listen to the same audio source, though volume control is independent in each room (and audio can be turned off in rooms, as desired).
Multiple source/ Multiple Zone - These are the most advanced and flexible, and of course the most expensive systems. Different zones can select (and often control) different audio sources independently of other rooms.
www.connected-av.com
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Advancement in Intrusion Detection System Technologies
Advancements in Home Security
If you are like so many other people, you may be surprised to hear of all of the changes that have taken place with regards to home security technology. Of course you have seen the James Bond movies where the burglar simply whips out a pair of wire cutters and deftly disarms any security system that he comes across.
No more. With a wireless alarm system there are no wires to cut and the system components communicate with the main control panel just like miniature walkie-talkies and this is all accomplished through the miracle of micro-electronics. Now the trigger devices that are mounted on doors and windows are powered by small batteries that last up to three years and signal the control panel when they need to be replaced. Also another updated and commonly used in home and business alarm systems is the motion detector and the body heat detector. What these devices do is actually look for body heat and things that are moving and then signal the alarm systems control panel when they see either of them.
If you think that they can be thwarted by walking slowly or covering the body you couldn't be more wrong! They can be so accurately calibrated that they can easily differentiate between humans and small animals such as dogs and cats, so there is never a false alarm.
Cheers,
Connected Audio Visual
www.connected-av.com
If you are like so many other people, you may be surprised to hear of all of the changes that have taken place with regards to home security technology. Of course you have seen the James Bond movies where the burglar simply whips out a pair of wire cutters and deftly disarms any security system that he comes across.
No more. With a wireless alarm system there are no wires to cut and the system components communicate with the main control panel just like miniature walkie-talkies and this is all accomplished through the miracle of micro-electronics. Now the trigger devices that are mounted on doors and windows are powered by small batteries that last up to three years and signal the control panel when they need to be replaced. Also another updated and commonly used in home and business alarm systems is the motion detector and the body heat detector. What these devices do is actually look for body heat and things that are moving and then signal the alarm systems control panel when they see either of them.
If you think that they can be thwarted by walking slowly or covering the body you couldn't be more wrong! They can be so accurately calibrated that they can easily differentiate between humans and small animals such as dogs and cats, so there is never a false alarm.
Cheers,
Connected Audio Visual
www.connected-av.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Difference between Cost and Price with Flat Panel Tv's
Thinking of buying an inexpensive flat panel TV? Think Again The difference in price lies within the service and support
Remember, when it comes to flat panel televisions, more likely than not... you will get what you pay for. Their Initial price may be cheaper, but there Long term Cost is not"cheaper" as well.The thing is this… none of the cheaper brands stand behind their products. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples…
Vizio
Vizio is becoming quite a popular brand, but did you know that they do not offer on-site maintenance? Nope. If it breaks, you have to send it… in it’s original box, to a repair center… and you have to pay for it. And if the one year warranty has expired, then the repairs can cost you almost double what you pay for.
Polaroid
Polaroid sure seem cheap when you buy them, but get this… once their warranty expires, Polaroid will not repair them… it’s not that they can’t… it’s that they won’t. At all. Not good.
Olevia
If an Olevia HDTV requires repair within the one year warranty period, the additional costs and services incurred will depend on how long you owned the set its screen size. 37” screen size – customer pays return freight from day one. Return shipping to Olevia is $55 for 32” HDTV and paid to Olevia when obtaining return authorization.
37” and larger- up to 45 days old Olevia will pay return freight to its California headquarters and replace the broken television with a new unit.
After 45 days the customer pays the return freight at a rate of $150 for it 37” models and $225 for its 42” HDTV. Olevia will replace the defective television with a rebuilt unit (as in another set that was defective and repaired) This “no repair” just replace with a refurbished set applies to all Olevia HDTVs regardless of model or size according to its customer service department
Insignia
Insignia is Best Buy’s “house brand.” if an Insignia TV needs repair, you must bring it into the store where it was purchased in its “original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection”. Hauling a 92 pound 42” plasma television in its factory carton is quite a hassle probably requiring a large SUV, pickup truck or van. The Best Buy salesmen also said that after the factory one year warranty expires, Best Buy will not repair Insignia brand televisions, but if the two hundred dollar Best Buy extended warranty is purchased with the television, Best Buy will provide in-home service.
Westinghouse
If the set is purchased from Best Buy it must be returned to the store for warranty service regardless of the size of the TV, according to the Westinghouse customer service department. If purchased elsewhere, Westinghouse customer service must be called to determine if the set is in need of factory service. Westinghouse will issue a return authorization if they determine if factory service is needed and it will pay the freight both ways if the TV was purchased within the last 90 days. From 90 days to the end of the one-year warranty, the consumer must pay the return freight and supply the original packaging or a suitable equivalent.
Stick to the brands you know and trust when it comes to HDTVs… Sony, Mitsubishi, LG, Fujitsu, Samsung… companies that STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS!
Cheers,
Connected Audio Visual installs flat panel TV's provides Security lighting, automated lighting and is an Authorized x10 Contractor
www.connected-av.com
Remember, when it comes to flat panel televisions, more likely than not... you will get what you pay for. Their Initial price may be cheaper, but there Long term Cost is not"cheaper" as well.The thing is this… none of the cheaper brands stand behind their products. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples…
Vizio
Vizio is becoming quite a popular brand, but did you know that they do not offer on-site maintenance? Nope. If it breaks, you have to send it… in it’s original box, to a repair center… and you have to pay for it. And if the one year warranty has expired, then the repairs can cost you almost double what you pay for.
Polaroid
Polaroid sure seem cheap when you buy them, but get this… once their warranty expires, Polaroid will not repair them… it’s not that they can’t… it’s that they won’t. At all. Not good.
Olevia
If an Olevia HDTV requires repair within the one year warranty period, the additional costs and services incurred will depend on how long you owned the set its screen size. 37” screen size – customer pays return freight from day one. Return shipping to Olevia is $55 for 32” HDTV and paid to Olevia when obtaining return authorization.
37” and larger- up to 45 days old Olevia will pay return freight to its California headquarters and replace the broken television with a new unit.
After 45 days the customer pays the return freight at a rate of $150 for it 37” models and $225 for its 42” HDTV. Olevia will replace the defective television with a rebuilt unit (as in another set that was defective and repaired) This “no repair” just replace with a refurbished set applies to all Olevia HDTVs regardless of model or size according to its customer service department
Insignia
Insignia is Best Buy’s “house brand.” if an Insignia TV needs repair, you must bring it into the store where it was purchased in its “original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection”. Hauling a 92 pound 42” plasma television in its factory carton is quite a hassle probably requiring a large SUV, pickup truck or van. The Best Buy salesmen also said that after the factory one year warranty expires, Best Buy will not repair Insignia brand televisions, but if the two hundred dollar Best Buy extended warranty is purchased with the television, Best Buy will provide in-home service.
Westinghouse
If the set is purchased from Best Buy it must be returned to the store for warranty service regardless of the size of the TV, according to the Westinghouse customer service department. If purchased elsewhere, Westinghouse customer service must be called to determine if the set is in need of factory service. Westinghouse will issue a return authorization if they determine if factory service is needed and it will pay the freight both ways if the TV was purchased within the last 90 days. From 90 days to the end of the one-year warranty, the consumer must pay the return freight and supply the original packaging or a suitable equivalent.
Stick to the brands you know and trust when it comes to HDTVs… Sony, Mitsubishi, LG, Fujitsu, Samsung… companies that STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS!
Cheers,
Connected Audio Visual installs flat panel TV's provides Security lighting, automated lighting and is an Authorized x10 Contractor
www.connected-av.com
Friday, July 17, 2009
'Get Connected' - Universal Remotes are a Must have
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 function 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 television, 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, 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 Visual is and Authorized Dealer of X10 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 product line.
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 television, 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, 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 Visual is and Authorized Dealer of X10 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 product line.
'Get Connected' - Home Automation
Today, the term "smart home" is becoming pretty common. At its simplest, it just refers to a home that has been "automated" in some way. Today's burglar alarms all have automated elements such as control panels and remotes hooked up to the entire house's sensors and sirens. Many systems are also hooked up to the Internet or to a phone line so they can alert their owners or a hired security company in the event of a break in.
Home automation can consist of lights on timers or dimmers, electronics and appliances hooked up to remotes, sprinkler systems on daily automated schedules, hot tubs and pools with robotic cleaners, or any combination of the above.
Today, many new homes are being built with smart home technology from the beginning. It is also possible to remodel old homes to include these features, though the cost can escalate quickly. If you are thinking of adding some automation to your home, but aren't ready to drop thousands of dollars, you may want to try a simple PC-based control program with a couple of wireless components (such as lights on timers).
Connected Audio Visual offers a couple of starter sets for lights or a basic home security system.
AN AUTHORIZED x10 CONTRACTOR - Connected Audio Video
www.connected-av.com
Cheers
Home automation can consist of lights on timers or dimmers, electronics and appliances hooked up to remotes, sprinkler systems on daily automated schedules, hot tubs and pools with robotic cleaners, or any combination of the above.
Today, many new homes are being built with smart home technology from the beginning. It is also possible to remodel old homes to include these features, though the cost can escalate quickly. If you are thinking of adding some automation to your home, but aren't ready to drop thousands of dollars, you may want to try a simple PC-based control program with a couple of wireless components (such as lights on timers).
Connected Audio Visual offers a couple of starter sets for lights or a basic home security system.
AN AUTHORIZED x10 CONTRACTOR - Connected Audio Video
www.connected-av.com
Cheers
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What is Audio Visual ? And Who We Are.
The term audio-visual (AV) may refer to works with both a sound and a visual component, the production or use of such works, or the equipment involved in presenting such worksand usually now deals with digital technology.
Connected Audio Visual's philosophy is to develop solutions that take the complexities out of technology. We build systems that are easy to use and allow you to focus on the business at hand without being distracted by the technology!
- Flat Panel Tv installation* Security Lighting* Home Automation* Security Systems -
- Connected Audio Visual -
Connected Audio Visual's philosophy is to develop solutions that take the complexities out of technology. We build systems that are easy to use and allow you to focus on the business at hand without being distracted by the technology!
- Flat Panel Tv installation* Security Lighting* Home Automation* Security Systems -
- Connected Audio Visual -
Who we are... and What is (AV)?
The term audio-visual (AV) may refer to works with both a sound and a visual component, the production or use of such works, or the equipment involved in presenting such worksand usually now deals with digital technology.
Connected Audio Visual's philosophy is to develop solutions that take the complexities out of technology. We build systems that are easy to use and allow you to focus on the business at hand without being distracted by the technology!
- Flat Panel Tv installation* Security Lighting* Home Automation* Security Systems -
- Connected Audio Visual -
Connected Audio Visual's philosophy is to develop solutions that take the complexities out of technology. We build systems that are easy to use and allow you to focus on the business at hand without being distracted by the technology!
- Flat Panel Tv installation* Security Lighting* Home Automation* Security Systems -
- Connected Audio Visual -
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