Holiday Shopping – HDTV On Sale
If you answered yes to any of the questions, then it is time to look at HDTV’s. The holidays are quickly approaching and if you have not noticed, the stores are getting ready. The decorations are already appearing and this means prices will be slashed as well. Many high dollar items will be on sale and so will HDTV’s.
Due to the economy, high dollar luxury items have not been selling. Families are more concerned about paying their bills and buying necessities than purchasing items they believe they can live without and one of these items are HDTV’s. With that fact out there, you must realize there are hundreds if not thousands of HDTV’s in stores, warehouses, and factories, just waiting for the economy to pick back up.
The truth of the matter is all of these HDTV’s will go on sale just before the holidays. You will be able to find the set you desire at a markdown you will not believe. Supply and demand are at work here. Prices rise when the item is hot and there are not as many of the shelves whereas prices go down when there is an overabundance of the item.
There is an overabundance of HDTV’s on the market at this time, thus, the costs of these luxury items will soon be as low as they will go. This does not mean you do not have to shop around to find the best deal, but it does mean you can find a HDTV within your budget and surprise your family with a new HDTV this holiday season.
Anita Payton is a professional writer who enjoys news technologies for the home, especially home systems. She is a savvy shopper and always looking for deals including HDTV on sale.
Home Cinema Projectors – The Insiders Guide to Choosing the Right Home Cinema Projector
Finally you’ve managed to save up the money for that home cinema projector of your dreams but which one should you get and what should you be considering when looking?
The purpose of this article is to give you a good understanding of the differences between the home cinema projectors out there and which features are more important that others when choosing.
Different Types of Home Cinema Projectors
A home cinema projector produces an image on a projection screen by sending light across the room and the main difference between models is the way in which that light is transmitted. Currently the main three types of home cinema projectors are called:
• DLP (Digital Light Processing)
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
• LED (Light Emitting Diode)
• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
Each of the terms in brackets is the type of technology used to transmit the light and you really don’t need to understand the technical differences between them all to enjoy a great movie experience.
I have listed below each different type with the pros and cons in each case.
DLP
DLP home cinema projectors are usually the smallest of the bunch and give out a really good picture quality for the price. They create the image by using millions of tiny mirrors which reflect each pixel of light to produce the image you see. The drawback to this technology is that it cannot transmit red, green and blue (RGB) all at the same time and in doing so can give a rainbow effect if you move your eyes from side to side quickly during the movie. This can get quite annoying and some people are more sensitive to this effect than others.
This technology requires a light source (lamp) to produce the image and unfortunately these lamps work on the same physics as normal lamps and so you are going to have to replace it every year or so to make sure you keep the best high light level projection.
LCD
This technology was around before DLP but actually came into its own in the home cinema projector world afterwards. It sends the images by projecting a light source behind a transparent sheet which continuously redraws the image.
This technology is now quite popular in the home cinema circles but once again you will need to change the light source (lamp) every year or so.
LED
LED home cinema projectors are relatively new at the time of writing and are still quite expensive. They produce the image by using many small LEDs which can produce RGB light at incredibly high speed. The added benefit of this technology is that the projectors don’t require a separate light source.
CRT
CRT home cinema projectors are rarely seen much anymore as the technology is quite old and bulky and does not fit in with today’s lifestyle. At one stage they were the only technology out there.
3D Home Cinema Projectors
I’m sure you’ve heard of 3D technology as there have been a lot of new films produced which use this technique but what exactly is it and how does it work. Also, is it worth you paying the excess to get hold of it?
Well, at present there is not much content (DVDs, Blu-ray discs) to be able to use this technology to its full but it can be fun to add it to your specification. The problem is because the technology is new, the cost is high and so you will need some deep pockets to pick one up.
You will still need to wear the 3D glasses to get the best out of this new home cinema projector technology and so if you can get over the way you look from the outside whilst wearing them then this may be for you.
Afterthoughts
Whatever type of home cinema projector technology you decide to go for you need to make sure you get out to your local specialist to see it with your own eyes. At the end of the day you should go for the one that you like the look of best and this can only really be achieved by getting out there.
If you would like to take advantage of our FREE consultation to discuss your own home cinema projector requirements or any other part of the design then please go to http://www.HomeCinemaSystem.co/Welcome
Happy viewing
Justin Hyne
Why Computer TV Tuners Are the Best Choice For Your Family
TV tuners are basically devices that enable you to switch channels and watch TV programs. When a station readies a show for broadcast, it is changed from its regular form into a signal that can be sent over the air. The job of this device is just to reestablish the signal into its original form. A computer or PC TV tuner specifically allows you to watch TV on your PC. But there’s more to it than simply using your computer monitor as a “TV set.”
More Family Savings
Television programs are broadcast on the airwaves, and many businesses have found ways to use the signals through “free” air to their advantage as well as the benefits of their customers. Software or special tuners for TV used to make satellite TV on PC possible grab the broadcast from stations around the world and place it in a window on your computer screen. Because companies have learned to take advantage of this, you can now watch satellite TV at a very low price, not to mention through just a one-time fee. This can save your family heaps of money spent on regular cable or satellite TV on a monthly basis.
More Choices For Everyone
As mentioned earlier, broadcast can be grabbed from around the world via special TV tuners. This means you can watch thousands of programs from different parts of the world. Even locally, you get to watch programs that are otherwise not available on regular cable or satellite TV. This means all members of your family can enjoy shows they really want.
Find out how a TV laptop can save you hundreds on cable subscription. Read more about TV tuners and learn how to turn your Laptop into a TV.
Choosing MP3 Speakers
If you are like the millions of other people around the world, you probably have your own Mp3 player by now. This handy little device has taken the music world by storm. Now you can easily carry over five hundred songs with you wherever you go without a CD case in sight. Like any other major technological innovation, it now comes with hundreds of accessories, namely speakers.
Headset
The first mp3 speakers you will have will be the head set or earphone type that came with the player. These Mp3 speakers are fine but the quality may not be top notch or they may not suit your style. Never fear there are all kinds of funky fashionable unit in head set form.
Ear buds are for the discreet personality (or the person who does not want to be caught at work) they fit snugly in your ear and are barely noticeable. You can get these device that sit in your ear or with an over, the ear clip that helps keep them in place.
For the older generation who remembers the days of eight tracks there are still the earphone style. They are large and may look a little retro but the sound quality is awesome!
Home Speakers
You may be perfectly content with your headset and searching for a way to play your mp3 at home. Mp3 speakers for the home are in even larger supply than the headsets.
Many mp3 speakers are called simply docking stations. Of course simple is not a word that applies to very many of these mp3 speakers! They come in all shapes and sizes with add ons that will suit most every personality. Take for instance the mp3 speaker dock with photon ball. Alternatively, what about an speaker system that include a phone, clock and a radio? For some that could be considered overkill!
The most unique mp3 speakers you can find are the waterproof case and speaker combo. You just pop your mp3 player in the waterproof pouch seal it up and you are ready to jam on the lake, in the pool or even in the shower if you like.
Tastes that are more sophisticated may be interested in a Bose docking station. This speaker configuration promises to be the best of the best. Bose has a long history of premium sound; of course, it also comes at a premium price.
Conclusion
As you can see the choices of mp3 speakers is limited only by the imagination. A speaker to go, stay, swim and wake up to, is there anywhere you can’t listen to an mp3 through speakers?
Author: Anne Ahira, CEO of Asian Brain Company
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1080p Projectors – A Guide to Buying a 1080p Projector
Only a few decades ago, having cinema-level films in your household was a laughable idea. Now, it is very easily possible with a relatively little investment. A few thousand dollars could get you a respectable quality 5.1 surround sound system, a 51-inch lcd screen TV and a blu-ray player. However, what if you want to take home theater to the next level? That’s where 1080p projectors come into play.
A 1080p projector is a projector display at the best possible resolution. In computer monitor terms, that’s a resolution of 1920 by 1080p television resolution. The “p” is for progressive, which means the image isn’t interlaced. Traditional tube TV’s have an interlaced image and you can see how horrible it looks whenever you sit close to it. Progressive images are extremely sharp, within each individual pixel being rendered the way it should be. An HD projector produces the best image money can buy period. In other words; it’s a film quality display.
A projector works by projecting an image onto a white background. There are many types of 1080p projectors, such a CRT, LCD, DLP, or LED. CRT projectors have fallen out of favour due to their overall size, and LCD HD projectors provides the best balance between size, price and quality. Recent advances in the technology have reduced the common “screen-door” look, where you can see lines on the screen. LED is still a new image technology which commands a hefty price, and DLP 1080p projectors are swiftly becoming very common for its quality.
1080p projectors are the closest the common consumer can get to a home cinema. Since a TV’s price grows exponentially with size, a projector negates that by producing a massive image. The 1080p projectors price tag grows with the quality of the projector though, instead of size.
It’s really important that the source image is in 1080p too, when displayed with the projector. While a 720p signal can be upscaled to 1080p, it won’t look as good as a 1080p film on your new HD projector. You will want to buy a blu-ray player if you want to watch DVD-based movies on HD projectors. All Blu-ray films are 1080p as standard. A usual DVD only produces a 480i/p image, by contrast. Some TV channels do broadcast in 1080p as well, and online services such as Netflix stream shows at 1080p, but you will need very fast internet line to accommodate those levels of data.
Other things to think of when looking at 1080p projectors is the contrast ratio and lumens rating. Contrast is the difference between black and colours, so a higher contrast ratio produces a more vivid image. The lumens rating is pivotal for how large the image you want to project is. 1500 – 2500 lumens is required for a little image, while over 4000 lumens is needed for a big, cinema-esque screen.
Searching through HD projectors with intent to purchase can be a confusing experience, especially when taking into consideration lumens and contrast ratios. Speak to your local A/V specialist about what is most suitable for your needs, and always shop around online for the best price. Checking reviews on the internet is a must when researching 1080p projectors.
The are many models and options when it comes to 1080p Projectors. For reviews and information about 1080p Projectors please visit, http://www.1080pprojectors.org.
Five Things You Should Know About Video Intercom Systems
In the past we all used to have chains on our front doors for this purpose in the chain can be easily forced it’s much better if you don’t have to open the door in the first place to see who was there.
Keeping this in mind let’s have a look at five things we need to know about video intercom systems:
- A video intercom system is not the same as a front door entry system.
- Choose a manufacturer that will allow your system to grow as your requirements do.
- Make sure the door station has night vision if you want to see callers art night.
- Buy locally for the best advice and to avoid installation headaches
- You can get up and running for as little as $400
Video intercom system make a great addition to your home security set up.
The Video Intercom buyers guide has a list of things to consider before making a purchasing decision. If after reading this you decide you want CCTV check out the page about outdoor security cameras.
How to Choose the Best Home Theater System
If you would love to have moments of relaxation, where you can sit and enjoy your favorite movies with the option of surround sound and high definition videos, then you might just be considering a home theater system, and naturally want to buy the best. However the best home theater system for you is really dependent on you. Obviously a system that cost hundreds of thousands of dollar is better than one costing a few thousands, but if you cannot afford it, it may not be the best system for you. Here are a few tips to help you choose your best home theater system.
It is very critical that before you begin checking around or doing any investigations that you set a budget and stick to it. This value should be the most amount of money you can afford to spend on a system. Even if your value is as low as $4000, don’t worry about it, with the right decisions and tips to follow, you will be able to buy a very neat system that is reliable. So even if you happen to find a system that you love for more than your budget, you have to remember to stick to the budget.
With a budget in mind it’s now time for you to begin checking out your various local stores and begin to compare prices. Do not buy your system at the first store until you have done a couple of checks, especially if you are working with a low budget. Search both your local and online stores. In most cases your online store will give you better deals with more options. In the local stores however you may get the opportunity to test the system and actual see and become familiar with what you are buying.
In deciding what the best home theater system to acquire is, consider the price of the system, first as a whole and then as buying individual parts to see which would cost less. There may be specials on different components around the store that could make buying the system in parts cheaper. A basic system will have a television, whether plasma or LCD, a DVD layer, speakers, cables and a projection system.
You may even consider mixing brands, as most brands will work well with other brands. Different components are priced differently by brands; hence you may be able to put together a great system at an affordable price using components from various brands.
Patience is also critical in obtaining the best home theater system. May stores will have seasonal sale and specials from time to time, and this will provide you with a great opportunity to buy a great system for a good price. However you must exercise patience. Store tends to have sales after a holiday, so do your research to know exactly what you want so as to take advantage of the sale periods. More importantly, what makes a best home theater systems best is dependent on you.
For more great information and resources on a yamaha home theater system visit our new site www.yamahahometheatersystem.net today.
How to Mount a Plasma LCD TV on the Wall
So your considering getting yourself a flat screen (or you already have) and now want to explore the benefits to mounting it to your wall. All the terminology and acronyms may be overwhelming at first but I will do my best to explain what you need to know. If you already own a flat screen you can skip over Step 1.
Step 1: Selecting your type of screen, LCD or Plasma.
It is safe to say your interested in a high definition television (HDTV). If your looking for a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) television you must look elsewhere, they are a dying breed and will not be covered in this article. HDTV’s come in variety of types, the major players being LCD’s, plasmas, rear projections and front projections. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, it is not important to understand what that is, just know it is the same technology that is behind the flat screen computer monitors you see everywhere. The focus of this article will be on LCD’s and plasmas as they are considered flat panels and can be easily mounted to the wall through commonly available mounts.
Let me squash a common misconception right now. LCD technology has come a long way and now produces a picture that is very similar to plasma screens. For the purposes of mounting I will tell you a few of the differences between LCD and plasma. LCD televisions are almost always going to be lighter for their respective size than plasma screens. This makes mounting a little easier and less expensive, as you might not need a mount that is rated for higher weight capacities. You might not need to reinforce the mounts insertion point into your wall either. LCD’s are also easier to transport in the event of a move, plasma screens are notorious for cracking/crushing under their own weight when not transported properly.
For those of you that are conscious of “going green” or saving money on your electrical bill, consider LCD’s as they consume much less power per respective size than plasma screens. There are many other differences in specifications and performance between LCD and plasma but none that are applicable to mounting. The average consumer/enthusiast would not be able to tell the difference, personally I gravitate towards LCD screens. Hopefully now you have an idea of which television type you will be going with and can proceed to step two.
Step 2: Selecting your screen size.
One of the most commonly asked questions is what size TV to get. Selecting the proper TV size is very important and should not be overlooked. Whenever talking about the screen size remember televisions are measured diagonally (bottom left corner to upper right corner). This assumption should always be made when measuring unless specifically stated otherwise. The biggest thing to consider is how far the majority of viewers will be from the screen. Keep in mind that after mounting your television the majority of screens will sit about 3 inches off the wall. Measure how far your seating is from the wall you plan to mount your screen to. Add 3 inches to your estimate to take into account the mount which will sit between the wall and your screen. The general rule for HDTV’s is the viewer wants to be approximately 1.5 – 3 times the distance in TV size (inches) from the screen. Translation: If your television is 36 the viewer should be sitting at a minimum of 54 inches from the screen and at a maximum of 108 inches. You do not want to be too close to a HDTV screen as they are designed to be viewed from certain distances. Sitting too close will make you question your HDTV picture quality and also lead to some serious eye strain. If you sit too far from your screen your eyes cannot appreciate the level of detail as they will not be able to resolve the full resolution of the screen. Sitting too far will also sacrifice the “immersion” feeling your HDTV screen is meant to provide. I highly suggest sitting somewhere in the middle of the recommended viewing range. This should be ample sizing information for any home video/audio enthusiast.
Step 3: How to select the proper TV mount? All things considered.
Selecting the proper TV mount is not difficult at all. There are a few different styles out there to choose from. The first type of mount I will discuss are the Low Profile TV Mounts, they are also referred to as flat mounts or flush mounts. These mounts have no range of motion and hold your television screen about 1 inch from the wall. These are perfect for people that are looking for a very low profile and sleek look for their HDTV screen. These mounts will keep your television flush to wall and minimize wasted space in tight areas or small rooms. It is important to note, with Low Profile TV Mounts, you will most likely need to remove the TV from the mount to attach/detach cables.
The next type of mount is the Tilt TV Mount. Tilt mounts do exactly what the name implies, they allow the screen to pitch downward for situations where you need the screen mounted higher than viewing level on the wall. Examples of when these mounts come in handy are retail stores, board rooms or bedrooms for when you want a nice viewing angle while lying down. Different models have varied ranges of motion, the average mount provides 15 to 20 degrees of tilt, usually more than enough to meet people’s needs. Mounts with further tilt are available, just be sure to check the specifications before buying.
The third and final mount to be discussed is the Swivel TV Mount, also referred to as articulating mounts or cantilever mounts. Swivel mounts have the ability to extend the TV away from the wall and rotate the screen in either direction. The typical swivel mount can allow the TV to sit anywhere from 5 to 20 inches from wall and rotate approximately 60 degrees in either direction. Most swivel mounts also allow for around 15 – 20 degrees of tilt much like a Tilt Mount. I highly recommend Swivel Mounts for those who want the most flexibility and customization of optimal viewing angles. They are perfect for those who require maximum adjustability of their Flat Screen TV. Tilt and Swivel Mounts are also ideal for those constantly connecting different wires to the TV as they allow some work room behind the screen.
Now that you have a style of mount in mind you need to consider the size screen. When purchasing a mount you will notice they can accommodate a range of TV sizes. How is this so? Most mountable HDTV’s conform to agreed specifications set by the Video Electronics Standards Association or more commonly known as VESA. VESA refers mostly to the hole mounting pattern on the TV and mount. Most mounts and TV’s will conform to this standard but be sure to double check before purchasing. What if you already purchased a television that is not VESA compatible? No problem! There are many commercially available adapter plates which allow you to mount your television to VESA compatible mounts. What does this all mean you ask? Basically, TV’s of many sizes will have the same hole configuration on the rear of the screen to make finding and installing a mount as painless as possible.
The weight of your TV is also important. The weight of your screen can most commonly be found in the instruction manual or on the box, sometimes it can also be found on the rear of the screen. If all else fails it should be listed on the manufacturers website. When browsing for mounts they will usually give you a maximum weight they can safely accommodate. Do not EVER exceed the maximum recommended weight! Worst case scenario your screen rips out of the wall and falls to the floor leaving you with a broken TV and holes in your wall. If your TV is within 20 pounds of the maximum weight I always recommend going with a beefier mount with a higher weight rating. The maximum weight guidelines do not take into account the weight of the wires plugged into the back of the TV screen. The weight or tension of the wires is not negligible! Most people have anywhere from 2 to 14 wires plugged into the back of your screen, this additional load adds up. Do not forget people may be tempted to touch or lean on the screen, you even exert force when tilting/swiveling it to a new position. If your within 20 pounds of the maximum weight consider getting the beefier mount, the extra few bucks spent here may save you hundreds in the long run.
Step 4: Installing the TV mount.
This article is only to be used as a general guide, always follow supplied instructions. When deciding how high to mount your TV, the best viewing angle is always straight on (eye level). If you were to draw a horizontal line across the middle of your TV (don’t actually draw a line on your screen), this line should correspond to the eye level of your viewers. In the case of Tilt Mounts, you can mount the screen even higher and tilt the screen to compensate for the height. The first step should be to identify a section of wall suitable for the mount. I never recommend installing TV mounts into drywall alone, regardless of the weight! Drywall cannot support the weight of your screen and will easily break causing your set to fall to the floor. Your best bet is to identify a stud (wooden beam) behind the drywall that you can screw into. Mounts can also be installed into brick and concrete, these installs are rather simple as you do not need to worry about finding studs, the brick/concrete is sturdy enough on its own to hold the weight. Always make sure your mounting hardware penetrates into the stud. If your home/office makes use of metal framework instead of wooden studs, I recommend commonly available toggle bolts. They can be found at a local hardware store or online. Environmental factors should be considered as well. There has been a recent trend to hanging flatscreens above the fireplace. While this looks nice, the temperature fluctuations have shown to decrease TV performance and even to damage the screen. It can be done however, but first verify the wall/chimney above the fireplace does not have temperature fluctuations of more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Trace amounts of smoke can also lead to discoloration over time. The same thing goes for baseboard heat and radiators. Make sure the TV is far enough away that it is not subject to extreme temperature fluctuations.
The final step before drilling is to pencil the mounting holes on the wall. You want to make absolutely sure they are level. You can use a wall level or simply measure up from the floor and make sure the distances are equal. Take the time to do the measurements now, an un-level installation will result in a crooked TV, no good! This can be very difficult to correct and detrimental to your dry wall as you will have to re-screw. Just as dad always said, “measure twice, drill once.” If you are not “hardware/construction” savvy or familiar with the construction of your home, you should consider investing in a stud finder. Most Stud finders will identify metal and wood beams you can anchor into, the one I featured will also indicate the presence of live electrical wiring. Never drill into a wall if you are unsure whether there is live electrical wiring or plumbing behind it! If you are unsure, confused or not very confident at this point I suggest you spend the money on a professional installation. They can be done rather cheaply and most companies do very good work. For inexperienced people, the cost of the drill, wall level and various other tools may be more expensive than a professional installation. If I convinced you on a professional installer I can recommend one of the best. ArmorMount provides an excellent on-site installation service. I have used them myself and have nothing but great things to say. Visit ArmorMount’s website directly for information regarding ArmorMount’s installation service, I provided a link below.
Step 5: Where can I buy a TV mount?
There a many websites to choose from. Having done a multitude of installations I can personally recommend one website that is truly great. ArmorMount.com offers all three mounts I spoke about earlier. They can supply mounts for almost every size, weight and brand of television. What I really like about this company is their Mount Finder utility. On the main screen of the website you simply enter your TV brand and the screen size, the website instantaneously displays the different style mounts you can choose from. They supply all the hardware (nuts and bolts) you will need for the installation. Their install kits come ready to accommodate drywall, brick and concrete installations. You also have the option of adding their professional installation service I mentioned earlier (highly recommended for the rookie handyman). I also find their pricing to be highly competitive, they consistently provide the lowest prices and sell quality products. They also advertise free shipping and a 6ft HDMI cable with every purchase. If you had the pleasure of shopping for HDMI cables recently you will agree they are very expensive and what I consider to be the most overpriced item of the home entertainment setup. HDMI cables are rather convenient however, they carry both HDTV video and digital sound up to 1080P. They potentially eliminate up to five separate cables (3 Component Video / 2 RCA Audio). ArmorMount also has friendly customer service representatives which I found to be very informative and quite pleasant.
I hope you found this guide informative. Remember to always consult a professional if you are unsure regarding an installation and always refer to your instructions/specifications for the final say.
Can I Hook Up Multiple Outdoor Speakers to My Amplifier?
So you are sitting on your patio, with the sounds of your favorite tunes playing through your outdoor speakers. It sounds wonderful! You there relaxing, enjoying a cold beverage in your lazy chair. This is the life isn’t it? You decide to get up and take a stroll through your garden, and then suddenly you realize that your wonderful music can no longer be heard! “What can I do?” you say to yourself. Well no worries again! The Outdoor Speaker Guy is here to help.
Okay, so you have experience with hooking up your outdoor stereo speakers. Now you want to add more speakers to your sound system, but you don’t know how? In this session we will discuss the ins and outs of hooking up multiple speakers to an amplifier. So before you go trying to just hook up 3, 4, 5 or 6 speakers on to your amplifier, there are some things you need to know before you destroy that amplifier you spent hundreds of dollars on! You want to get the music to more areas of your landscape but you just can’t go hooking up speakers all willy-nilly! There are some rules you need to follow.
Speakers are made to handle specific wattage’s. This is the number that most people pay attention to when picking out their speakers. Now I know that when you see a pair of speakers advertised they always tell you how much wattage they can handle. And of course we all want the ones that will handle the most, cause we will be rockin’ these babies till the neighbors call, right? Speaker wattage is not what we are most worried about when it comes to hooking up multiple sets or pairs of speakers. The real killer is the resistance that comes with added speakers. Most home speakers, whether they are for in your home or outdoor speakers, are rated for 8 ohms resistance. This can be found on the packaging or in the specifications for each individual model. Some other options available for outdoor speakers and car audio speakers are: 6, 4, 2 or even 0 ohm resistance. And most home amplifiers are rated for 8 ohms. Notice I said “most”. You can get amplifiers that are rated for 6, 4, 2 and 0 ohms as well. You just need to know what to look for in you planning stages.
So let us try to explain resistance in terms the average homeowner can understand, shall we? Think of it like this: one speaker connected to your amplifier is like hooking your garden hose up to the faucet, the pressure from the waterline feeding your house is, let’s say, 8 ohms. No matter how much you open the valve on the faucet, the pressure of the water coming out of the end of the hose can never get any faster. This is because the resistance of the hose is its diameter, or how big around the hole is through the hose. The pressure flowing through the hose allows the water to shoot out the end about four feet before it hits the ground. Now if we add speakers to the line, it is like taking that hose and doubling the inside hole diameter. Now when we have the water turned all the way up, the water coming out the end is the same size as the hose, but only shoots out about two feet before it hits the ground. Then half that when you add another speaker and double the size of that hose. And so on. The resistance goes down by half when you add another speaker, which requires your amplifier to work 2x harder to get the same amount of wattage to both speakers on that line. Add a third speaker, it works 3x harder. Add a fourth speaker, it works 4x harder…. Get the idea?
To sum it all up; if you add speakers, you decrease the resistance on the amplifier causing it to have to produce the same amount of wattage, faster and harder. If your amplifier is not designed to work at these resistance levels, you will burn it out faster than say, trying to light a cigarette with a blow torch! Amplifiers are designed to work at certain resistance levels only. If they state that they are stable down to 4, 2, or 0 ohms, then they are made with different circuitry to handle higher loads. You will need to keep this in mind when you want to start adding more outdoor speakers to your garden or landscape.
Totally confused yet? Don’t worry, most stereo home amplifiers have two sets of outputs labeled “A” and “B” which you can hook a second set of speakers up to and you don’t need to worry about resistance issues. I know, I could have told you this at the beginning, but you would never have learned anything about resistance. I know, call be crazy, but I have a feeling you are reading this to make yourself more-smarter, right?
There are ways to keep the amplifier you have and still add more speakers without blowing it up from the resistance. It has to do with running speakers with different resistances in series or parallel to match your amplifiers, but that is for another time I think! So join me next time and I will take you on another amazing outdoor speaker journey!
So, you just got this brand new DVR (Digital Video Recorder) from your cable company, and you decide to record your favorite sporting events in HD along with other shows in standard definition. You want to save many of these shows so that you can share then with friends and family at a later date. Soon you begin to notice that you have used up 75% of the storage capacity and in the not too distant future, you are going to have to make a decision on which show to delete, to make room for newer shows you want to record.
What is wrong with this picture? Believe me, I know, because I have been there. Calling the cable company to ask for a unit with more storage or even for a way to get more storage, is like asking a foreign question. So I kept telling myself that had to be a way to solve this problem.
Yes, you can transfer the shows onto VHS tape, but going from HD quality to a very much degraded in quality tape, well you get the picture… Well, actually you don’t get the (HD) picture. You can even use a DVD recorder and it will give you at least the same quality as a standard DVD, but every time you want to make more space on your DVR, you have to transfer the shows over to DVD.
This is not a bad alternative, but try explaining this to your aging parents who just got a DVR and who still have the clock flashing 12:00 on their VHS machines.
I know you have been waiting to find out if there is an answer to this problem, and yes, there is. Not only that, it actually will work with your cable DVR, even if the cable company says it won’t.
It is really a simple solution. If you have a computer, then you are already aware of the external or portable hard drives that you can buy to increase the storage capacity. Today, you can get a lot more storage and possibly more storage then you will ever need. So, take this concept and apply it to a DVR and guess what, you get the same results. Lots more storage while still using your existing cable DVR.
The unit is actually a SATA hard drive that can connect to your cable box by way of an eSata cable. These type of drives come with an A/C power cord and the connection is very simple since most cable boxes with have the outlet for this type of cable.
To give you an example of the amount of storage you can expect to get from a 300 GB drive, for standard digital definition you can store up to 200 hours of content. The storage capacity decreases considerable for HD content since a high-definition signal is roughly 8 to 10 times larger tan standard definition. This means, if you record the same amount of content in HD, you will get about 25 hours of content.
However, since most people record a combination of the two types of content, you will usually get at least 100 hours of storage. This is over an above what you will already be getting on your existing cable DVR. Plus there are larger capacity units available.
You can find these units online and you will probably need to be specific about the model number and manufacturer of your DVR and make sure you have the proper connection available on your unit. Companies that sell these units are very knowledgeable and can help you out with any of your questions.
For those of you with Satellite DVRs, you too can add more storage and there are two ways that this can be done. You can actually replace the existing hardrive in your unit, I know this sounds scary, with one of the larger sizes available. It is actually a simple matter, if you are at least a little mechanically inclined. You can also buy the external drives, similar to what we talked about with the cable DVRs.
Imagine this, with sizes up to a staggering 2 Terabytes (2000GB), you can record and store up to 300 hours of HD and up to 1,750 hours of standard definition content. I don’t think you would ever run out of storage space with one of these. They do come in all different sizes and prices and they come with the eSATA cable as well.
So it does not matter if you have a cable DVR or a Satellite DVR, you can increase the storage capacity and save hours upon hours of extra HD and SD content.
To find out more and to purchase these items direct, just click on the following link. More Cable and Satellite Program Storage