I hear a lot of questions about video upconversion. I was talking with a client recently about a big-box retailer's recommendation to buy a receiver with built-in HDMI upconversion and switching. He wanted to know what that meant, and whether it was true that he needed it.
This is a pretty interesting issue, and is one of the reasons you should use an integrator like Inspired Electronics, Inc. instead of a big-box retailer - we truly understand the nuances of what's going on inside all of these boxes!
First, remember that all of your source components may output different resolutions. For example, a Blu-Ray player or good up-converting DVD player will output 1080p (or lower if you tell it to). A high-def cable or satellite receiver will put out either 1080i or 720p, depending on the signal coming from the cable/satellite company. Of course, any standard definition material is output in 480i (standard definition). And that old VCR that I integrated into my family room system sends out 480i as well.
Naturally, the TV will show the exact resolution that it was manufactured for (e.g. a 1080p display will show 1080 lines of resolution, a 720p display will show 720 lines, and a 480i display will show 480 lines - interlaced).
So how do you get the source format converted to the display format? Well, that's where a video scaler comes in. For the best possible quality, you will want an outboard dedicated video scaler box. Sometimes called a line-doubler or video upconverter, this dedicated piece of equipment takes any input format, and converts it to the appropriate output format, with truly excellent results. Of course, the price matches, with these dedicated units running $2000-4000 or more.
Your Blu-Ray or upconverting DVD player also does an excellent job of matching your source DVD to the TV. But, of course, it can only do this for DVDs.
The next choice then, really comes down to either the TV or a receiver with built-in switching and video processing capabilities.
The TV, naturally, knows its native resolution. So the scaler circuitry only has to convert to a single resolution - that of the TV.
The receiver doesn't know what resolution it's going to be driving when its built, so it has to be able to output all resolutions. So to achieve the same result, it will need more circuitry.
Now, some receivers will not handle any video processing at all. This keeps their cost down, but you have to run all video cables from the source device to the TV. If you have limited inputs on the TV and lots of sources, you may not be able to plug them all in. And if your source equipment is on the other side of the room from the TV, you will need to spend extra money on cables. 50' HDMI cables aren't cheap!
Other receivers will do what's called "video switching". This means they will send whatever signal comes in to the display over a single cable (usually HDMI or Component). But they don't change the signal - a 480i signal coming in on an S-Video input will go to the TV over the HDMI cable still at 480i. Usually, the receivers with video switching will cost an extra $200-300. But you can easily save that in cabling costs if your sources are a long way from the TV, since you only run one long HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV. The rest of the video cables are short since the components are close to each other in the cabinet.
The receivers that handle video scaling usually cost another $200-300 over the ones with video switching. Of course, the question is whether the scaler in the receiver is better than the one in the TV. At this level, the video scaling isn't bad. But if your TV already does a good job of converting, it's probably not worth adding the extra cost into the receiver unless you need the other features yoon the receiver (such as digital music streaming, additional power, etc.).
To get to a receiver that handles video scaling better than the TV, you will be spending about $1100-1300 more than the basic receiver that handles audio only. You also get other features in the receiver, such as more power, network audio streaming from your PC, and better audio calibration.
Of course, you can spend much more money on the receiver (I sell one receiver/amplifier pair for $14,000). At this level, you get great audio, great video scaling, 2 additional audio zones, individual amplifiers for each channel, wi-fi connectivity, and a lot more.
So the answer to whether you need a video converter in the receiver really comes down to one question - what's the most cost-effective way to get the video quality levels you want at the lowest cost?
If you're still wrestling with this (or any other home electronics or automation) question, please give me or Keith a call at 847.471.4420. We'd love to help you!
Thanks -
Rob
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The $25K Theater
Over the last few posts, I've talked about what you can get in a home theater for $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000. This week, I'm going to step up a bit and talk about what you can get with a larger budget, in this case, $25,000. I realize that's a pretty big step, and there's a lot of room between $10,000 and $25,000. Just remember, we can tailor any package to your specific budget, so call us now to design your perfect home theater on your perfect budget!
First of all, everything is upgraded. You get better video, better audio, and better control. Quality installation remains the same, but since you'll have a somewhat more complex system, installation time may rise a bit.
Second, we can also add in comfortable theater-style seating and a rack mount to put all of your equipment away where you don't have to see it. This rack can also house other things outside the scope of this post, such as distributed audio gear, home automation equipment, and other "cool stuff" that can make your home much more inviting. We'll talk about all of that some other time!
Equipment Upgrades
At this level, you are almost certainly talking about a 1080p projector, although an upgraded large (greater than 60") plasma or LCD panel would also be comfortable at this level. You may also want to consider one of the best 720p projectors, which will have a brighter lamp, better color options, and may be ISF certified.
Projector vs. Panel
A good 1080p projector at this price point may be a single-chip or a 3-chip model. The 3-chip model will offer better color balance and a more even picture, but will force you to trade something else out for a lower model.
Audio
At the $10,000 level, we stepped up the audio to a multi-zone receiver that can handle an iPod dock. Here, we step up to an even more-powerful receiver that handles the audio processing faster and cleaner, more inputs of more types (especially more inputs that can handle high-definition sources), and can handle more networking functions, including streaming networked audio. You may also be able to drive a third zone of audio, as well as video to other rooms. Although it wouldn't be high-def video at this price point, wouldn't it be great to be able to watch the same movie in the kitchen that the kids are watching in the theater?
We also step up to better speakers at this point. Note that speakers are often the weakest link of the entire audio system, so going to better speakers and really tighten up the sound quality, make the dialog even more understandable, and pull in those nuances that lower levels of speakers just can't reproduce. We would also likely add a second subwoofer into the mix, to even out the bass response. Whenever you have just one subwoofer, there will be "hot" and "dead" spots in the bass frequencies due to the way audio works. A second sub can help to even those out, so more seats are in the "sweet spot".
Note that speaker prices in general range from something that goes into a $10 clock radio to over $50,000 per speaker, so there is really a very wide range in speaker quality.
Control
In the $10K package, we used a candy-bar style remote with Infra-Red (IR) signalling. This is the same technology that you're used to, in the same form factor. But at this price point, we would probably move into a tablet-style touchscreen remote. We'd get rid of the hard buttons and show only the buttons that are relevant to whatever you're doing. We would also be able to customize the backgrounds to show your favorite vacation locale, pictures of the kids, or whatever else you want.
Plus, we would move to Radio-Frequency (RF) based signalling. This lets you not have to worry about pointing the remote at the equipment, and also lets us put the equipment in a cabinet or closet. The equipment really no longer needs to be anywhere near the screen! This is a more reliable system of control, and is much more flexible.
Seating
If you go to a furniture store, you will find a huge array of quality, styles, and price levels for something as simple as a sofa. Theater seating isn't quite as dramatic, but there's still a pretty wide range. In this package, you would probably get 6 or 8 seating locations, with leather seats (possibly with vinyl backs and trim). These are really comfortable seats, and will add to your enjoyment of the system. After all, isn't it better to be more comfortable when you watch your movies?
Racking
In the lower priced-packages, we assumed you already have a shelf or entertainment center in which to put your equipment. But really, one of the greatest advantages of the new flat-panel TVs and in-wall or on-wall speakers is that you get the electronics out of the room.
So at this price-point, we add in a rack system so you can mount all of your equipment in a closet somewhere. If you like to see the equipment, I'd suggest a smoked-glass door on the cabinet so that you can see the equipment, but the LEDs won't be distracting as you watch your movie.
And if you decide you want to get more equipment out of your living space, this rack can also house your whole-home audio system (just put keypads in the walls and speakers in the ceiling), home automation system (lighting control, phone system), and much, much more.
Lighting control
Which reminds me of one more thing that we add at this price point - lighting control.
Imagine when you press "Play" on the remote to start your movie - not only do you get to sit in wonderfully comfortable theater seats, and watch (and hear!) a great looking and sounding movie, you can also watch the lights dim themselves to a comfortable viewing level. And if you press "Pause", the lights can come up part-way so you can find your way around the room. And when the movie is over, the lights can ramp up to normal brightness.
That's the real "cool factor" that you can get in your $25,000 home theater.
Above $25K
If you have the budget to go to another level, you can get even fewer compromises - full leather seating, better speakers, brighter projector at a higher resolution, a themed room (think your favorite movie!), more seating, and even a popcorn machine!
Remember, there are more choices in electronics than you can imagine. Each choice opens up a range of options in other areas - if you spend more on the projector, you may be more limited in your seating choices. Your budget and what's most important to you are the main determining factors.
At Inspired Electronics, Inc., we can help you cut through all of the options to figure out how to maximize your home theater experience within your budget and constraints. Call us today to get started on your project!
For more information on how Inspired Electronics, Inc. can put in your dream home theater, visit our web site at http://www.inspired-electronics.com or call us at 847.471.4420 for a consultation!
Thanks -
Rob
First of all, everything is upgraded. You get better video, better audio, and better control. Quality installation remains the same, but since you'll have a somewhat more complex system, installation time may rise a bit.
Second, we can also add in comfortable theater-style seating and a rack mount to put all of your equipment away where you don't have to see it. This rack can also house other things outside the scope of this post, such as distributed audio gear, home automation equipment, and other "cool stuff" that can make your home much more inviting. We'll talk about all of that some other time!
Equipment Upgrades
At this level, you are almost certainly talking about a 1080p projector, although an upgraded large (greater than 60") plasma or LCD panel would also be comfortable at this level. You may also want to consider one of the best 720p projectors, which will have a brighter lamp, better color options, and may be ISF certified.
Projector vs. Panel
A good 1080p projector at this price point may be a single-chip or a 3-chip model. The 3-chip model will offer better color balance and a more even picture, but will force you to trade something else out for a lower model.
Audio
At the $10,000 level, we stepped up the audio to a multi-zone receiver that can handle an iPod dock. Here, we step up to an even more-powerful receiver that handles the audio processing faster and cleaner, more inputs of more types (especially more inputs that can handle high-definition sources), and can handle more networking functions, including streaming networked audio. You may also be able to drive a third zone of audio, as well as video to other rooms. Although it wouldn't be high-def video at this price point, wouldn't it be great to be able to watch the same movie in the kitchen that the kids are watching in the theater?
We also step up to better speakers at this point. Note that speakers are often the weakest link of the entire audio system, so going to better speakers and really tighten up the sound quality, make the dialog even more understandable, and pull in those nuances that lower levels of speakers just can't reproduce. We would also likely add a second subwoofer into the mix, to even out the bass response. Whenever you have just one subwoofer, there will be "hot" and "dead" spots in the bass frequencies due to the way audio works. A second sub can help to even those out, so more seats are in the "sweet spot".
Note that speaker prices in general range from something that goes into a $10 clock radio to over $50,000 per speaker, so there is really a very wide range in speaker quality.
Control
In the $10K package, we used a candy-bar style remote with Infra-Red (IR) signalling. This is the same technology that you're used to, in the same form factor. But at this price point, we would probably move into a tablet-style touchscreen remote. We'd get rid of the hard buttons and show only the buttons that are relevant to whatever you're doing. We would also be able to customize the backgrounds to show your favorite vacation locale, pictures of the kids, or whatever else you want.
Plus, we would move to Radio-Frequency (RF) based signalling. This lets you not have to worry about pointing the remote at the equipment, and also lets us put the equipment in a cabinet or closet. The equipment really no longer needs to be anywhere near the screen! This is a more reliable system of control, and is much more flexible.
Seating
If you go to a furniture store, you will find a huge array of quality, styles, and price levels for something as simple as a sofa. Theater seating isn't quite as dramatic, but there's still a pretty wide range. In this package, you would probably get 6 or 8 seating locations, with leather seats (possibly with vinyl backs and trim). These are really comfortable seats, and will add to your enjoyment of the system. After all, isn't it better to be more comfortable when you watch your movies?
Racking
In the lower priced-packages, we assumed you already have a shelf or entertainment center in which to put your equipment. But really, one of the greatest advantages of the new flat-panel TVs and in-wall or on-wall speakers is that you get the electronics out of the room.
So at this price-point, we add in a rack system so you can mount all of your equipment in a closet somewhere. If you like to see the equipment, I'd suggest a smoked-glass door on the cabinet so that you can see the equipment, but the LEDs won't be distracting as you watch your movie.
And if you decide you want to get more equipment out of your living space, this rack can also house your whole-home audio system (just put keypads in the walls and speakers in the ceiling), home automation system (lighting control, phone system), and much, much more.
Lighting control
Which reminds me of one more thing that we add at this price point - lighting control.
Imagine when you press "Play" on the remote to start your movie - not only do you get to sit in wonderfully comfortable theater seats, and watch (and hear!) a great looking and sounding movie, you can also watch the lights dim themselves to a comfortable viewing level. And if you press "Pause", the lights can come up part-way so you can find your way around the room. And when the movie is over, the lights can ramp up to normal brightness.
That's the real "cool factor" that you can get in your $25,000 home theater.
Above $25K
If you have the budget to go to another level, you can get even fewer compromises - full leather seating, better speakers, brighter projector at a higher resolution, a themed room (think your favorite movie!), more seating, and even a popcorn machine!
Remember, there are more choices in electronics than you can imagine. Each choice opens up a range of options in other areas - if you spend more on the projector, you may be more limited in your seating choices. Your budget and what's most important to you are the main determining factors.
At Inspired Electronics, Inc., we can help you cut through all of the options to figure out how to maximize your home theater experience within your budget and constraints. Call us today to get started on your project!
For more information on how Inspired Electronics, Inc. can put in your dream home theater, visit our web site at http://www.inspired-electronics.com or call us at 847.471.4420 for a consultation!
Thanks -
Rob
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The $10K Theater
In the last few weeks, I've covered $2500 and $5000 home theaters. But what if you have a bit more of a budget? Perhaps you're planning on a big tax refund, or have been saving for this.
Well, I have to say, $10,000 opens up a whole world of possibilities in home theater. You now have options for a good projector or a large panel display, possibly some seating, and upgraded sound.
I'll talk about two possibilities here: The large panel and the projector. First, we'll talk about everything except the display, then talk about display choices last.
Audio Gear
At this level, we'll move up to a more powerful A/V receiver, and upgrade the speaker package. We'll stick with on-wall speakers at this price point. Although we could easily put in-wall or in-ceiling speakers in to get the equipment out of the room, we'd have to make compromises in other parts of the system to get the same audio quality.
In addition to more power, the receiver also gains some interesting features at this point. In particular, we add iPod compatibility and possibly network integration. This means that you can start to think about internet radio, and streaming your MP3's from networked computers. The receiver can also do upconversion of standard-definition video signals like DVDs, VHS, etc.
Control
For the control system, we move up to a sleeker remote that can handle more complex controls. For example, you can now have the remote remember if your DVD is on or off, and send commands only if they are needed. In our $5,000 system, the remote had to use "brute-force" control methods - force the receiver to always turn on, for example. This "smart-force" approach will reduce the time required to turn on the system, and especially reduce the time required to switch from one mode to another.
Sources
We'll also move from an upconverting DVD player (which improves the look of your standard DVDs, but isn't really high-definition) to a Blu-Ray (or HD-DVD if you prefer) player. This gives you true high definition movies. Some of the more recent Blu-Ray (and all HD-DVD) players also allow for interactive Internet connections, so that you can get more features, play games, get updates on actors, directors, upcoming movies, etc.
Other items of interest
At this level, some people choose to stick with a smaller screen and entry-level sound in order to add home theater seating. Depending on the trade-offs you're willing to make (leather vs. vinyl, size of TV, etc.), you could get 4, 6, or even 8-person seating at this price point.
You may also choose to integrate some lighting control. If you do, you'll be able to really "wow!" your guests by automatically dimming lights when you start a movie, or brightening the room when you pause or stop!
Display
Now we come to the most visible feature of your home theater - the display.
At this price point, you will probably be going for BIG! A 58" plasma would be a great addition to this theater (I chose plasma primarily because at this time, larger plasmas are still less expensive than the equivalent size LCD).
Or, for an even bigger size picture, consider a projector and screen. Depending on the room size, you are probably looking at an 84-106" fixed-mount or manual pull-down screen. You can also opt for a 1080p projector, or a step-up 720p projector.
The 1080p projector would be entry-level (single chip, not as bright, lesss video processing capability). The 720p projector, on the other hand, would have lower resolution (but still hi-def), but would be brighter, and would have better video processing capabilities. The 720p may also have three separate display chips, which will result in better colors and contrast.
Remember, we're a custom installation company, so all of our packages include professional installation, programming, and calibration. Plus, this would include all required cabling, mounting, and instructions on how to use the system (not that you'll need much, given the simplicity of the remotes!).
There are a lot of choices in home theater. This is by no means the only option in this price range - the right home theater for you is really dependent on your tastes, your budget, and your room. Our goal is to work with you to uncover what's most important, so that we can put in a system that is perfect for your room, your tastes, and your budget!
For more information on how Inspired Electronics, Inc. can put in your dream home theater, visit our web site at http://www.inspired-electronics.com or call us at 847.471.4420 for a consultation!
Thanks -
Rob
Well, I have to say, $10,000 opens up a whole world of possibilities in home theater. You now have options for a good projector or a large panel display, possibly some seating, and upgraded sound.
I'll talk about two possibilities here: The large panel and the projector. First, we'll talk about everything except the display, then talk about display choices last.
Audio Gear
At this level, we'll move up to a more powerful A/V receiver, and upgrade the speaker package. We'll stick with on-wall speakers at this price point. Although we could easily put in-wall or in-ceiling speakers in to get the equipment out of the room, we'd have to make compromises in other parts of the system to get the same audio quality.
In addition to more power, the receiver also gains some interesting features at this point. In particular, we add iPod compatibility and possibly network integration. This means that you can start to think about internet radio, and streaming your MP3's from networked computers. The receiver can also do upconversion of standard-definition video signals like DVDs, VHS, etc.
Control
For the control system, we move up to a sleeker remote that can handle more complex controls. For example, you can now have the remote remember if your DVD is on or off, and send commands only if they are needed. In our $5,000 system, the remote had to use "brute-force" control methods - force the receiver to always turn on, for example. This "smart-force" approach will reduce the time required to turn on the system, and especially reduce the time required to switch from one mode to another.
Sources
We'll also move from an upconverting DVD player (which improves the look of your standard DVDs, but isn't really high-definition) to a Blu-Ray (or HD-DVD if you prefer) player. This gives you true high definition movies. Some of the more recent Blu-Ray (and all HD-DVD) players also allow for interactive Internet connections, so that you can get more features, play games, get updates on actors, directors, upcoming movies, etc.
Other items of interest
At this level, some people choose to stick with a smaller screen and entry-level sound in order to add home theater seating. Depending on the trade-offs you're willing to make (leather vs. vinyl, size of TV, etc.), you could get 4, 6, or even 8-person seating at this price point.
You may also choose to integrate some lighting control. If you do, you'll be able to really "wow!" your guests by automatically dimming lights when you start a movie, or brightening the room when you pause or stop!
Display
Now we come to the most visible feature of your home theater - the display.
At this price point, you will probably be going for BIG! A 58" plasma would be a great addition to this theater (I chose plasma primarily because at this time, larger plasmas are still less expensive than the equivalent size LCD).
Or, for an even bigger size picture, consider a projector and screen. Depending on the room size, you are probably looking at an 84-106" fixed-mount or manual pull-down screen. You can also opt for a 1080p projector, or a step-up 720p projector.
The 1080p projector would be entry-level (single chip, not as bright, lesss video processing capability). The 720p projector, on the other hand, would have lower resolution (but still hi-def), but would be brighter, and would have better video processing capabilities. The 720p may also have three separate display chips, which will result in better colors and contrast.
Remember, we're a custom installation company, so all of our packages include professional installation, programming, and calibration. Plus, this would include all required cabling, mounting, and instructions on how to use the system (not that you'll need much, given the simplicity of the remotes!).
There are a lot of choices in home theater. This is by no means the only option in this price range - the right home theater for you is really dependent on your tastes, your budget, and your room. Our goal is to work with you to uncover what's most important, so that we can put in a system that is perfect for your room, your tastes, and your budget!
For more information on how Inspired Electronics, Inc. can put in your dream home theater, visit our web site at http://www.inspired-electronics.com or call us at 847.471.4420 for a consultation!
Thanks -
Rob
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Your Home Theater Budget - $5000
Last time, I talked about a $2500 home theater. That's great for a lot of people, but many people want more. Larger screen, more power, better control, etc.
Again, there is a very wide array of options, so don't take this as the only possible system you can get for the money.
In this package, you would step up from stereo sound to 5.1 surround sound, and move to a 46" LCD television. In addition, we could either wall-mount or table-mount the TV, and the receiver, DVD, and your cable or satellite receiver would all be mounted in a cabinet underneath the TV. All equipment would be protected by high-quality surge suppression, and you would get an easy to use one-touch remote control.
To me, the remote is one of the best things about spending a little more money. In my house, we have a one-touch remote. Not long after we put our system in, my wife and I were going out for the evening, and my mother-in-law was watching the kids. Now, my mother-in-law is great at watching kids, but she's not really interested in trying to figure out how to use the collection of remotes in order to "just watch TV". But with the new remote, my daughter (who was 7 at the time), showed her grandmother how to use the TV. "Just press the 'Watch TV' button, Grandma," she said. And with just that one button push, the TV came on, the receiver came on, and the cable box came on, the TV and receiver inputs were set correctly, and she was watching TV!
Of course, the larger TV and the surround sound also improve your TV watching. Most people agree that for sports or movies, a larger TV creates a better experience. And the ability to mount it all on a wall really improves the feel of most rooms.
Since we're an installation company, all of our packages come with installation and calibration. So you don't have to worry about which wires to plug in where, or how to mount the TV to the wall. And we adjust the color and sound to work perfectly in your room. After all, why bother spending $5K on an entertainment system that doesn't sound right, or doesn't look right?
As with everything we sell, we only use quality brands like Samsung, Denon, Canton, and Universal Remote (URC). So you know you're getting solid equipment that will perform well for years, along with reputable warranty support in the event that something does go wrong.
As with any package, you can always make trade-offs. If you want better sound, you could step up to a better receiver and speakers, while switching to a rear-projection TV. If you want a larger screen, you could go back to stereo sound. If you want an even better one-touch remote, you could consider a smaller TV screen. The options are endless, and the answer to the right system lies in your room, your style, and your budget.
Next time, I'll step up to the $10K level. There are a lot more options here, including gaming, ultra-large projection screens, theater-style seating, etc.
For more information on how Inspired Electronics, Inc. can put in your dream home theater, visit our web site at http://www.inspired-electronics.com or call us at 847.471.4420 for a consultation!
Rob
Again, there is a very wide array of options, so don't take this as the only possible system you can get for the money.
In this package, you would step up from stereo sound to 5.1 surround sound, and move to a 46" LCD television. In addition, we could either wall-mount or table-mount the TV, and the receiver, DVD, and your cable or satellite receiver would all be mounted in a cabinet underneath the TV. All equipment would be protected by high-quality surge suppression, and you would get an easy to use one-touch remote control.
To me, the remote is one of the best things about spending a little more money. In my house, we have a one-touch remote. Not long after we put our system in, my wife and I were going out for the evening, and my mother-in-law was watching the kids. Now, my mother-in-law is great at watching kids, but she's not really interested in trying to figure out how to use the collection of remotes in order to "just watch TV". But with the new remote, my daughter (who was 7 at the time), showed her grandmother how to use the TV. "Just press the 'Watch TV' button, Grandma," she said. And with just that one button push, the TV came on, the receiver came on, and the cable box came on, the TV and receiver inputs were set correctly, and she was watching TV!
Of course, the larger TV and the surround sound also improve your TV watching. Most people agree that for sports or movies, a larger TV creates a better experience. And the ability to mount it all on a wall really improves the feel of most rooms.
Since we're an installation company, all of our packages come with installation and calibration. So you don't have to worry about which wires to plug in where, or how to mount the TV to the wall. And we adjust the color and sound to work perfectly in your room. After all, why bother spending $5K on an entertainment system that doesn't sound right, or doesn't look right?
As with everything we sell, we only use quality brands like Samsung, Denon, Canton, and Universal Remote (URC). So you know you're getting solid equipment that will perform well for years, along with reputable warranty support in the event that something does go wrong.
As with any package, you can always make trade-offs. If you want better sound, you could step up to a better receiver and speakers, while switching to a rear-projection TV. If you want a larger screen, you could go back to stereo sound. If you want an even better one-touch remote, you could consider a smaller TV screen. The options are endless, and the answer to the right system lies in your room, your style, and your budget.
Next time, I'll step up to the $10K level. There are a lot more options here, including gaming, ultra-large projection screens, theater-style seating, etc.
For more information on how Inspired Electronics, Inc. can put in your dream home theater, visit our web site at http://www.inspired-electronics.com or call us at 847.471.4420 for a consultation!
Rob
Monday, January 28, 2008
Your Home Theater Budget - $2500
One of the key factors in putting together a great home theater system is your budget. We will put together the best possible home theater or electronic system for you within your budget, but we do need to have a target budget to work from.
One of the biggest concerns I hear from people is that they really don't know how much these things cost. They see ads for flat panel TVs all over the place, and they seem pretty cheap (for example, a 42" 720p LCD for $800, or a 47" 1080p LCD for $1500), but they know that's not the whole story.
Consider also the mount, the wiring, and the labor to put it all in and make it work. Plus, many people want to add surround sound, which means a receiver and speakers (and speaker wiring and mounts), possibly a DVD or Hi-Def DVD player, and a good programmable remote control. And if you're thinking along the lines of a dedicated room or media room with a projector, you need the screen and projector, plus more wiring to be able to place the projector correctly. Oh, and don't forget power. Most homes don't have outlets where your TV will go, although we're starting to see that in newer homes.
So how much can I expect to spend? Well, over the next few Blog entries, I will talk about a few common systems at various price points. Note that there is an almost infinite variety of choices. I'm not trying to put together the cheapest system by any means, but rather to offer some common choices in the hi-def arena with great quality brands and models. And of course, since installation is our business, installation is included in all of these packages.
I'll start with an entry-level system, coming in at $2500. With the continued drops in television prices, a $2500 home theater isn't really a stretch any more. For this price range, you're looking at either a smallish flat panel (37" or 42"), or a medium sized DLP Rear Projection (say, 50"). Add in a stereo receiver and bookshelf speakers, and a reasonably good upconverting DVD player, and a few cables, and you have all of the basic equipment to make a pretty good audio and video experience. We would mount this equipment on a stand or table that you provide, hook it all together, and calibrate both the audio and the video to give you the best possible picture with that equipment.
All of the equipment here is made by a major manufacturer (Samsung, Denon, Canton), so you have good eqiupment (albeit at the lower end), and reputable warranty support. You don't get surround sound or a one-touch remote, and this would be in your living room, family room, or similar. For some people, this would make a perfect bedroom system.
Of course, you can always make trade-offs. If you want the one-touch remote, you could go with a smaller TV. If you want a bigger TV, consider the rear projection. If you have a little more in your budget, you can move to 5.1 surround sound instead of stereo.
In my next entry, I'll tackle the next level - $5,000. I think you'll be surprised at the additional value you'll get at that level!
For more information about Inspired Electronics, Inc., visit us on the web at http://www.inspired-electronics.com. We look forward to installing your home theater!
Rob
One of the biggest concerns I hear from people is that they really don't know how much these things cost. They see ads for flat panel TVs all over the place, and they seem pretty cheap (for example, a 42" 720p LCD for $800, or a 47" 1080p LCD for $1500), but they know that's not the whole story.
Consider also the mount, the wiring, and the labor to put it all in and make it work. Plus, many people want to add surround sound, which means a receiver and speakers (and speaker wiring and mounts), possibly a DVD or Hi-Def DVD player, and a good programmable remote control. And if you're thinking along the lines of a dedicated room or media room with a projector, you need the screen and projector, plus more wiring to be able to place the projector correctly. Oh, and don't forget power. Most homes don't have outlets where your TV will go, although we're starting to see that in newer homes.
So how much can I expect to spend? Well, over the next few Blog entries, I will talk about a few common systems at various price points. Note that there is an almost infinite variety of choices. I'm not trying to put together the cheapest system by any means, but rather to offer some common choices in the hi-def arena with great quality brands and models. And of course, since installation is our business, installation is included in all of these packages.
I'll start with an entry-level system, coming in at $2500. With the continued drops in television prices, a $2500 home theater isn't really a stretch any more. For this price range, you're looking at either a smallish flat panel (37" or 42"), or a medium sized DLP Rear Projection (say, 50"). Add in a stereo receiver and bookshelf speakers, and a reasonably good upconverting DVD player, and a few cables, and you have all of the basic equipment to make a pretty good audio and video experience. We would mount this equipment on a stand or table that you provide, hook it all together, and calibrate both the audio and the video to give you the best possible picture with that equipment.
All of the equipment here is made by a major manufacturer (Samsung, Denon, Canton), so you have good eqiupment (albeit at the lower end), and reputable warranty support. You don't get surround sound or a one-touch remote, and this would be in your living room, family room, or similar. For some people, this would make a perfect bedroom system.
Of course, you can always make trade-offs. If you want the one-touch remote, you could go with a smaller TV. If you want a bigger TV, consider the rear projection. If you have a little more in your budget, you can move to 5.1 surround sound instead of stereo.
In my next entry, I'll tackle the next level - $5,000. I think you'll be surprised at the additional value you'll get at that level!
For more information about Inspired Electronics, Inc., visit us on the web at http://www.inspired-electronics.com. We look forward to installing your home theater!
Rob
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Service and warranties
Warranties and service. Although issues don't happen very often, when they do come up, we believe it's paramount to resolve them immediately.
We've had a number of calls lately from clients who were unhappy with their current custom installation company. One company left the client without a working TV for 4 months! The TV had some warranty issues, and had been worked on several times over the intervening 4 month period, but still - 4 months is a long time for a new piece of electronics to not be working.
In contrast, we had a warranty issue with one of the systems we installed a few weeks ago. I personally called the manufacturer and arranged for the warranty repair. When the repair tech determined the TV could not be fixed, I handled the return directly. We swapped out the old TV for a new one as soon as the client could arrange time, and the swap-out process took less than an hour. Oh, and we also calibrated the new TV as part of the warranty service!
Even if you didn't buy your system from us, we'll be happy to work with you and the manufacturers of your equipment to ensure the fastest and easiest fixes and upgrades to your system. Let us do the worrying for you!
Our goal is to make your electronics experience as easy as possible. This cuts across all parts of our business, from our proposals, to installation and programming, to service and warranty.
Most of the equipment we sell and install works perfectly for many years. Occassionally, though, something goes wrong. Don't you deserve the best possible worry-free service available?
Thanks -
Rob
We've had a number of calls lately from clients who were unhappy with their current custom installation company. One company left the client without a working TV for 4 months! The TV had some warranty issues, and had been worked on several times over the intervening 4 month period, but still - 4 months is a long time for a new piece of electronics to not be working.
In contrast, we had a warranty issue with one of the systems we installed a few weeks ago. I personally called the manufacturer and arranged for the warranty repair. When the repair tech determined the TV could not be fixed, I handled the return directly. We swapped out the old TV for a new one as soon as the client could arrange time, and the swap-out process took less than an hour. Oh, and we also calibrated the new TV as part of the warranty service!
Even if you didn't buy your system from us, we'll be happy to work with you and the manufacturers of your equipment to ensure the fastest and easiest fixes and upgrades to your system. Let us do the worrying for you!
Our goal is to make your electronics experience as easy as possible. This cuts across all parts of our business, from our proposals, to installation and programming, to service and warranty.
Most of the equipment we sell and install works perfectly for many years. Occassionally, though, something goes wrong. Don't you deserve the best possible worry-free service available?
Thanks -
Rob
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Holiday Season is here!
Will you be entertaining a house full of people over the next month? Are you just itching to show off your electronics system?
Whether you have a full-blown home theater, whole-home audio system, home automation, or a simple A/V system in your living room or game room, you should test it out a few days before your guests arrive. That way, if there's something not quite right, you can fix it in time to show off for your guests.
Of course, if something isn't working right, and you're not sure what's wrong, please give us a call. We can often walk you through the issue over the phone. If we can't fix it over the phone, we may be able to diagnose the issue enough so that a single service call can fix the problem.
We're also available to give you a refresher on your system operation. If you just can't quite remember how to do all the tricks you know your system is capable of doing, give us a call, and we can help!
After all, you want to be sure your system is at its best when you're entertaining, so your guests can enjoy the comfort and convenience of your electronics system. There's nothing like a little "wow" factor to keep a party going!
Happy Holidays!
Rob
Whether you have a full-blown home theater, whole-home audio system, home automation, or a simple A/V system in your living room or game room, you should test it out a few days before your guests arrive. That way, if there's something not quite right, you can fix it in time to show off for your guests.
Of course, if something isn't working right, and you're not sure what's wrong, please give us a call. We can often walk you through the issue over the phone. If we can't fix it over the phone, we may be able to diagnose the issue enough so that a single service call can fix the problem.
We're also available to give you a refresher on your system operation. If you just can't quite remember how to do all the tricks you know your system is capable of doing, give us a call, and we can help!
After all, you want to be sure your system is at its best when you're entertaining, so your guests can enjoy the comfort and convenience of your electronics system. There's nothing like a little "wow" factor to keep a party going!
Happy Holidays!
Rob
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