In my business I get asked a lot about the quality of wireless speakers. My typical answer is “how can you expect good quality when you have no power going to the speakers?”. I don’t care if the speaker is made of Titanium, it needs power to perform…..until now.
Last year at CEDIA (our industry conference), we went searching for a middle tiered multi source audio solution to replace Russound. Russound was a great product, but the cost of a whole house audio solution was in line with Home Automation that included Audio, Video, and Lighting. (as well as much more). We looked at Sony’s Home Share product, we looked at Speaker Craft, and finally we stumbled across SONOS. That was it!
Sonos fits our business perfect because we do a lot of retro fitting as well as new construction. It really works in both environments, but it can thrive in a retrofit. It allows the homeowner to put speakers anywhere in the house with out having to run wire all the way back to the Stereo Equipment! It relies on Sonos Net, a wireless protocol that transmits the source wirelessly through your home to each “Zone Player”. Each zone player is a small amplifier that actually powers the speakers in the room and streams the source simultaneously. The sound is great, the speed is phenomenal, and best of all it takes 10 minutes to set it up. We actually mailed a system to a high profile client (Ex NFL Coach who has to stay in New York during football season to do the Sunday pre game show) who is not the most patient person, and we were able to walk him through the set up in less than 15 minutes over the phone! His reaction….”This is awesome!”
So, now that you know how it works, you are probably asking, what type of music can you stream wirelessly throughout the house? The answer, anything you want. The main device is plugged into the Internet, which gives it access to any radio station, Pandora, Rhapsody(my favorite), and your iTunes library. It also has an audio in so you can plug in your CD player or Cable box if you want. It is truly amazing. You can create play lists, favorite stations, and each zone player can play a separate source so you can have an endless amount of sources playing at the same time, or you can link the whole house up to play the same thing.
Finally, if you have an iPhone or Droid there is a free app that makes your phone the controller of all of your rooms of music. Check out this VIDEO for a quick walk through. Finally a music system that fits the needs of the person on the go. Enjoy life but Love your music!
The Buzz word in the CE industry this Summer has been all about 3D TVs. I get a lot of questions about whether or not it is worth looking into and my honest answer is, well, not yet. Although we have installed a few, I tend to talk economics when it comes to 3D. Let’s take a look at what I mean. If you remember Economics 101, there are cycles when new products are introduced to the market place. When deciding to purchase 3D or not to purchase you need to classify yourself in 1 of three categories. Are you an early adopter? If so you want the latest and greatest technology as soon as it hits the shelves. You are more concerned with having and reviewing the technology rather than knowing all of the pros and cons.(which I will go into later) Are you a Late Adopter? If so, you will wait to hear the Buzz and the pros and cons of products and make a more informed purchase. The only problem; if you are in the market for a TV and you are a late adopter, you may not be buying another TV for a while and you may miss out on the 3D Technology for a while. If you are a late adopter and bought a flat panel in the last 3-4 years, the timing may work nice for the 3D technology to have the bugs worked out when you are ready for a new TV. Last, you may be a laggard. If so, you may still have a Tube TV or possibly just bought a flat panel at the last Thanksgiving Day Sale from Target. If this is you, check back on this Blog in about 5 years to find the latest info on 3D.
As promised here are the pros and cons with 3D. Lets start with the Pros since the list is shorter. First and foremost the technology is really cool. If you have seen it at your local Electronics store the Picture depth and quality is better than I imagined it would be. Second, with sports it brings a whole new dimension (no pun intended) to life. Finally, if you are a Gamer you will love 3D, I just hope the glasses fit over your ear piece while you are playing Halo or Call of Duty online. One quick benefit I wanted to list is that there are models available that have the technology built in, but you don’t have to buy the emitter and glasses until you are ready. The price of the TV is in line with similar models from last year, and you can choose when to adopt the technology and not have to buy a new TV.
The Cons list is long but I will cover the most important. First is Content. There is not nearly enough content available right now to justify buying 3D. Companies like Sony, are trying to push out content as fast as possible but the sales have not lined up just yet. Until multiple TV programmers and Blu Ray discs become available you will struggle to find a good time to use the technology. The second and most important con is the glasses. Unless you plan on putting the TV in a media room that is used for movies and entertainment, you will not want to use the glasses during an average evening. They are bulky and cumbersome, and hurt your eyes after a while. Finally, I think consumers feel a little bit hurt with 3D. Just when we all get used to Blu-Ray, HD and 1080p, companies are going to try and get us to buy all new gear to make 3D work. This is the worst offense of all and I think it may set the TVindustry back a year or two.
Hello and welcome to the Neuwave Blog. We have just moved to Blogspot from WordPress and we are excited to to launch the most informative Custom Electronics blog in North Carolina. We will cover TV’s, Speakers, Lighting Control, Home Automation, Central Vacuum Systems, Receivers, Digital Media, iPods and much more! The purpose of our blog will take on 3 major functions.
Welcome to Neuwave System’s Virtual Home. Neuwave Systems is the areas leading provider of professional audio/video equipment and services. We specialize in system design and installation for home entertainment technology; integrating today’s best solutions to into your home.
Neuwave Systems has been on the cutting edge of technology since 2003, bringing our clients custom solutions for any environment, be it a new house or remodel, board room or reception area, security or home theater. We offer personalized design, service, in house support and maintenance; all at affordable prices.
We not only meet, but strive to exceed client expectations! For this reason we have a reputation for excellence with Homeowners and Business Leaders across the triangle for all of their audio/video needs. Weather you’re looking for a Flat Screen, Home Automation System, Home Theater, Whole House Audio, Security System, or Lighting Control; Neuwave Systems is the answer to every A/V question.
Today’s complex world of technology demands top quality delivery of information to address each client’s needs to ensure the most reliable and efficient system. Quality, Simplicity, and Reliability- these are the keys to success! With over 50 years of experience and relationships with the best equipment providers in the world Neuwave Systems provides the ultimate value. We serve Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem, and the coastal areas. We look forward to doing business with you!
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