Just The Facts...About 3D TV

By Damon Della Greca

Owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, Westchester, NY

3D is one of the biggest buzzwords in Hollywood and consumer electronics today.  Take a look at the movie listings for your local theater – chances are at least one movie is being presented in 3D.  If you are in the market for a sexy new flat panel TV, you will find many 3D-ready models available.  Most of the higher-end models come with 3D capabilities as a standard feature.  Of course, what would a newly (re)introduced technology be without a lot of debate and misconceptions?  Probably a boring one.

I recently brought up the subject of 3D TVs with some prospective clients.  Their response was somewhat interesting and unexpected.  Several of them said that they don’t want one, because they believed it would only display 3D at all times.  It was important for them to know that 3D is simply an included option and not a full-time function of the TV.  Much like a luxury car, the better the model, the more options you get.  3D happens to be just that – an option.  Good old 2D is the standard for virtually every video source.  Even if you were to purchase a 3D movie on blu-ray, there are typically 2D and 3D versions available on the disc.  The best of both worlds are available, based on personal preference to watch in 3D or not.

A common question I get about 3D TVs is if glasses are required to view 3D content.  As much as enthusiasts would love to see a 3D picture without wearing glasses, they are required to view anything in 3D…for now.  Keep in mind that the 3D glasses aren’t the old red and blue glasses from years ago.  These look more like high tech sunglasses than anything else.  Manufacturers such as Samsung, Sony and Panasonic currently make their own glasses, but they only work with their respective brand.  The technology to view video content on 3D TVs without glasses is being developed, but it has yet to be perfected.  Toshiba has been quoted for saying they expect to have glasses-free 3D TVs available as early as 2011, but the reality is that the technology is expected to take a few years longer before it is ready for the general public.  In the meanwhile, there are glasses-free 3D products available in stores today. Some of these include Nintendo’s 3DS portable game system, digital and video cameras by Panasonic and Sony, and most recently, the EVO 3D cell phone.  Those items will all display 3D images on their LCD screens without the need for glasses.  With their screens only being several inches, they are a reasonable first step of the technology to come.

There is still some confusion about what people should come to expect.  What 3D does can be incredibly interesting and exciting.  Many people are under the impression that images will be “jumping out” of the screen.  That’s not exactly accurate.  While some images do appear to float in front of the screen, what 3D TV technology actually does is create a convincing illusion of depth.  Companies like IMAX have released some truly breathtaking movies in 3D.  The experience comes across as being life-like.  One example of this level of realism can be found in “Into The Deep” from IMAX.  Certain scenes are convincing enough to make one feel that they are looking right into a tank at the New England Aquarium.

What many people are not aware of is that several manufacturers have included an impressive feature into their 3D TVs.  For some reason, it has not been promoted nearly enough though.  Imagine watching a regular 2D source and turning it into 3D at the push of a button.  You can!  Some TVs are able to take a standard 2D video source and convert it to simulated 3D.  You can use cable, satellite, VCR, DVD or any other source you can connect.  This is a big deal, because they have essentially eliminated any concerns about not having enough 3D content to watch.  With some content it works better though.  Maybe you’re waiting for Star Wars to be released (again) in 3D in 2012.  Why wait?  With a 3D TV, you can pop in the DVD, switch to 3D mode and get a sneak preview a year early!  If you or other members of the household enjoy video games – this can be considered the holy grail of the gaming experience for them.

 

Now that you know what 3D has to offer today, there are a few key items you will need to enjoy the experience.  You will need a 3D-capable TV and 3D glasses.  The 3D glasses should be the same brand as the TV, to ensure proper compatibility.  Some cable companies are offering networks that are being broadcast in 3D and also on-demand 3D programming.  If you really want the ultimate picture, a 3D-ready blu-ray player will produce the highest quality image available from 3D blu-ray discs.

The best advice I can give is this: think of 3D like surround sound.  While it’s not required, it is a fantastic enhancement for those who want to enjoy a more immersive entertainment experience.

Blu-ray: What Can "Blu" Do For You?

By Damon Della Greca
Owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, Westchester, NY


You may have recently walked into one of your favorite stores, only to find that the DVD movie aisle shrunk and that some skinny blue boxes moved in on their turf.  If you haven’t been officially introduced, those are blu-ray discs. They’re the latest and greatest video format for the masses.  Before you get upset and think your DVD collection is obsolete, please read on.  You’re safe…for now.  Blu-ray discs are the same physical size as a DVD or CD, and blu-ray players are capable of playing DVDs and CDs, but that’s where the similarities end.

The blu-ray format brings many great features and new functionality to the table.  I’m not only talking about the discs themselves, but the players also have a major role in the experience.  So, what can “blu” do for you?  A lot!  Blu-ray is the first major format to take advantage of the maximum performance of current TVs and projectors and play in full high-definition.  Most high-definition cable TV programming is not actually shown in full high-definition, so the picture from a blu-ray will send you to cloud nine.  But what would a new format be if it didn’t take audio into consideration too?  They thought of it and can deliver uncompressed, high-definition sound, just as it was recorded.  There are two flavors (formats) for this high-definition sound on a blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.  In order to hear this fantastic sound, you will need an audio/video receiver or TV capable of playing those formats.  If you don’t have a receiver capable of those formats, you’ll still hear it, but not in all its glory.

I hope you didn’t think that was it.  Oh no.  There’s a lot more where that came from and it only gets more exciting!  More recently, advancements have been made in two wildly popular areas and have been added to most new blu-ray players available today: digital media and 3D!  First, I’ll tell you a little about 3D.  It’s cool!  If you’ve been to a 3D movie in theaters lately, you have an idea of the experience.  It’s basically the same, but on a smaller screen.  If you haven’t, it really is fun.  3D doesn’t necessarily make things “jump out” at you.  Instead, it adds a significant amount of depth.  I recently watched a 3D blu-ray by IMAX about undersea life and it was just like being at the New England Aquarium.  Gone are the times of paper “glasses” with red and blue lenses.  You still need to wear glasses (at the moment), but they are slightly tinted, rather than two different colors.  A 3D-capable TV is also required to view 3D content from a blu-ray player.

Many new blu-ray players can also connect to the internet.  These players typically allow you to view various types of digital content.  If you aren’t familiar with digital content, it’s basically music, movies and other content you can enjoy over the internet without the need for a disc.  You can watch movies online from various providers like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Blockbuster and YouTube, listen to music on Pandora, stay current with the latest happenings on Twitter and stay in touch with family and friends on Facebook.  You don’t need to be a computer whiz, just do it all from your remote.  It’s that easy.


Ok, so why should blu-ray matter to you?  It all comes down to exceptional quality and incredible features at prices that most people can afford.

Understanding Home Automation (aka Smart Home)

By Damon Della Greca
Owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, Westchester, NY


You may remember a cartoon on TV from the early ‘60s, which was set in a future, where large flat panel TVs came down from the ceiling, people communicated by video conferencing and they used mobile communicators.  It was called The Jetsons.  Believe it or not, much of the amazing technology from the show already exists and many of us use it every day.  Those flat TVs that came down from the ceiling in the show - I get to install those!  My business is about integrating the latest technology to other people’s homes and businesses.  One of the technologies I’d like to talk about in this article is home automation, also known as a “smart home”.

The terms “home automation” and “smart home” have been used so much over the past several years, but many people don’t understand what they mean or why they’re useful.  That’s a shame, because there are many benefits home automation has to offer.  To put it simply, home automation is all about controlling things.  I’m not talking about control in the traditional sense, where you walk up to a light switch and turn it on, but other ways of controlling things.  Before I get into how you can control things, I’d like to talk about some of the things you can control.

You may be surprised to know how many things that are currently available and can be controlled by home automation systems.  Some of the more common items include: lights, thermostats, shades, and audio/video systems.  Then, there are some things you probably would have never guessed that you can control - like an oven!

Ok, so you can control any of those things now, by going up to them and pressing a button or turning a knob.  With home automation, there’s a big difference - you don’t always need to go up to each device to make them work.  The main idea is that “automation” makes things happen automatically.  That’s where part of the magic comes in.  This type of control is best described using lighting as an example.  Many lighting automation systems have a controller, which includes something called an “astronomical clock”.  What it does is pretty interesting.  You can think of it as a timer, but unlike traditional timers, an astronomical clock knows when the sun comes up and when it goes down, regardless of what season it is.  This type of intelligence eliminates the need to make seasonal adjustments for longer or shorter daylight hours.  This is a huge benefit.  Here’s one popular way lighting automation is used.  Let’s say you like to have outdoor lights turn on at night, so your pathway is lit when you get home from work, they can automatically be set to do so.  When the sun starts to go down, the lights come on.  When the sun starts to come up, the lights can automatically turn off.  Not only is it great for security, but also for the safety of having a well-lit pathway in the dark.  Of course, there are potential energy saving benefits to have lights turn on and off at the appropriate times as well, particularly if dimmers are used instead of regular switches.



Apple iPad and iPhone

with Crestron interfaces



Crestron in-wall touchpanel.

Besides timers, there are some other types of controls often used for home automation.  Possibly the most common are handheld remote controls.  These can range anywhere from a dedicated remote for controlling a single item,  to a universal remote, which can control a whole house worth of thermostats, lights, shades, TVs and more.  There are also in-wall controls, such as keypads and full-color touch screens.  The in-wall controllers are typically placed in various convenient locations, so you can control any part of your automation system from anywhere in the house and not worry about where the handheld remote is.  Last, but not least, are the third-party interfaces.  Some examples of these interfaces include: iPod, iPad, smartphones and web browsers.  These are extremely useful, particularly if you are out of the house, need to check on a second home or just can’t be there in person.  You simply go to a secure web page, which can look like the screen on the controllers you may already be used to, and check on the temperature, turn lights on or off, or even set the alarm while you’re away.  It’s all incredibly convenient and efficient.  Possibly the most important part is that it can be very, very easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.



One of my favorite things about home automation is that it doesn’t need to be incredibly expensive and is often modular.  What that means is you can do a little at a time if you are on a budget and build it up over time.  Modern wireless technology has made installation much more convenient and hassle-free, compared to older systems.  When replacing thermostats or light dimmers with ones capable of being controlled by a home automation system, no new wiring is necessary with many systems.  This will save a lot of money on installation labor.

Here are a couple of situations our customers have had, where home automation helped them.

Situation 1 – Lights Out: One of my customers was driving home from a long day at work.  The sidewalk and driveway were covered in snow, but he forgot that no one would be home to turn the outside lights on, so he didn’t slip on the ice.

Lutron lighting

Solution: Automated lighting.  Many home automation systems know when the sun comes up and when it goes down. This is called an “astronomical clock”.  It can be set to turn the lights on at night and off in the day.  Some of them can even turn themselves on, based on how much light there is.  With these types of systems, there is no need to worry about it.  A small remote control, similar to a garage door opener, can even be programmed to turn certain lights on and off from the car.

Situation 2 – Freezing Pipes: A couple packed up their vacation home in the fall and would not be back until the spring.  Unfortunately, they forgot to turn the heat up and some of the pipes froze, causing a lot of water damage and expense for them.

Solution: Climate control.  There are thermostats available, which have been designed to work with home automation systems.  They can be set to be at certain temperatures at certain times of the day.  With internet access and a web browser, a homeowner can check the temperature in their house and change it if they’d like. Some systems can be programmed to send an e-mail, if the temperature drops too low or goes too high.  As long as the system is running, there’s no need to make a special trip or worry about a pipe bursting.

For those who prefer a slightly more “hands-on” approach, here are a couple of other common examples.  When you go to bed, you can press a button to set everything the way you want it.  Have all the lights turn off, except for a select few that you keep just bright enough to light your path if you happen to get up at night.  Motorized shades close.  The thermostats adjust, so you save energy while you sleep.  Finally, your alarm system activates, so you can rest easy.  When you get up, another button press deactivates the alarm, the shades open, lights adjust to your morning routine and thermostats set to the temperature you want when waking up.



Automation can simplify your life and help make your home more efficient.  The possibilities are endless.

There are several companies out there who strictly develop, produce and sell automation and control products.  Crestron, a 40-year-old US-based company, is noted for being the most highly respected brand and a leader in the industry.

The FamCave: Part 2 - Selecting a Space For Your Family's Entertainment

By Damon Della Greca
Owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, Westchester, NY



Finding the perfect room for your FamCave is very important. Here are some things to ask yourself when thinking about which area of your house is most ideal:



FamCave in a smaller room, featuring
enhanced stereo sound and subwoofer.

Is there enough space?


FamCaves do not require much space.  If you can fit a TV in the room, chances are, you have enough space.  Things like in-wall and in-ceiling speakers offer more flexibility, since they each take up about as much space as a recessed light fixture.  We have worked in rooms as small as about 10’ x 10’ and the results were quite nice.

Is the room functional?

To check if the area you’d like to use will be functional, see if it has the necessary electrical outlets, and design flexibility. You want this room to have the appropriate design feel for your family, so having the ability to add certain design elements is very helpful.  The best thing to do is consult with an audio/video installer like me.  A good installer will know about which products to use, based on the size of the room, where to place things, and some can even offer ideas for the room layout.  You want everything to work and also be a comfortable, enjoyable place for your family to spend time.  Being comfortable in the room is an important factor for enjoying it.



Can the room perform its multiple functions?

  

FamCave in a living room
with surround sound.

Like most common rooms, FamCaves need to be able to perform multiple functions for the family. Areas for playing, video gaming, and reading are things to consider while thinking about your FamCaves functionality.  The idea is for the entire family to be able to enjoy the room in their own way.  It should be able to accommodate various activities.

Look for upcoming articles on ways we can help you improve your home and make your space more enjoyable.

Introducing the FamCave - Entertainment the Whole Family Can Enjoy

By Damon Della Greca
Owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, Westchester, NY


Most people have heard of the term “Mancave.” If you haven’t, a Mancave is a room a guy can turn into a personal hangout for him and his buddies.  Mancaves often include a big screen with surround sound, so he and the guys can watch the big game.  You are also likely to find gaming tables, a bar, sports memorabilia and other “manly” items he holds near and dear.  Wives love these spaces because it gives their husbands their own dedicated space and prevents them from turning the rest of the house into their own version of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Family Room "FamCave" by Premier Audio Video Designs
Interior by Cathy Schlechter Designs

Although we love the idea of a Mancave, a FamCave is a similar concept to the Mancave, except it is a common area the entire family can enjoy. Typically, this would be considered a den or family room – an area that serves multiple purposes, such as a playroom for the kids, the main spot for the entire family to watch TV, and a place to just relax and read a book when the day is nearly done. FamCaves, however, add more of the audio/video features from the Mancave. They often upgrade the technology in the room and add features like a big screen TV, surround sound, video game systems, high quality music systems and more –we call this multipurpose room a “FamCave!”

When adding a FamCave to your home, one of the most important features is the audio/video system. Many people call this a home theater, but it’s not quite a true home theater. What exactly is a home theater? Is it just a big screen TV with surround sound? No. Although these are important parts that make up a home theater, there are other things to take into account. For instance, a dedicated room with a projector with a very large (70” to over 200”) screen, high-performance surround sound, acoustical wall treatments, controlled lights or shades and luxury, theater-style seating is an honest representation of a true home theater, since it has been designed to perform more like a real movie theater does.  With a slightly more basic version of these features in your FamCave, your home will have the perfect spot for your family to spend time together and really enjoy being entertained.

Be sure to read The FamCave: Part 2 - Selecting a Space For Your Family's Entertainment: http://ow.ly/3UCUF