SpaceCoast AV Case Study #MG17-268-004

Residential Client Profile

Our residential client lives in Cocoa, FL.

The Residence was built in 2005 and is a two story pool house situated on a local horse farm.

They host family on friends frequently for family gatherings and parties.

A whole house audio system, television, DVD’s and CD’s are the main sources for entertainment at family gatherings.

Current Situation

The whole house audio system was built with the home in 2005. Whole house entertainment was being provided through audio and visual equipment dated from the early 2000’s. They use a microphone in the main room to broadcast the voice of the hosts through out the home for large home gatherings.

As a result of the dated equipment, our client was not utilizing all of the resources available for home family entertainment. The system was too complicated for the home owner and was not using the over 300 music CD’s. In addition, the home owner would only use the music stations available on AT & T U-Verse channels.

 

 

Technical Situation

The client called in SpaceCoast AV Communications: The AV Experts to help her update and simplify the home entertainment systems. During our initial Site Survey, we discovered the many remote controls needed to operate the system. We also discovered the complexity of using the existing Audio Visual Receiver was a source of frustration for our client.

With two zones in the residence where music could be broadcast, the upstairs patio speakers were not working due to incorrect wiring.

They also had two HD displays that were not being used sitting in the living room, which the client wanted to use with minimal technical know how to program and turn on and off.

Solution

SpaceCoast AV Communications: The Audio Visual Experts, proposed the residence use updated routers and switches to update and solidify the home network and upgrade wireless network in order to increase strength of signal throughout the house.

 

For the audio system, we proposed the Yamaha Aventage Series A1070. It is a 7.2 channel AV WiFi Network Reciever providing 4K upscaling with Blutooth technology, AirPlay, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spitify, Sirius XM Internet Radio with an AV Controller App for android and IoS devices. With 2^nd zone capability, HDMI switching and a wirelss Sub-woofer module, we were able to consolidate and update many of the existing pieces of equipment in the home.

As part of the music sources, included were the Yamaha MusicCast, a 2 Terra bit Network storage device that holds the music from the 300+ CD’s, swhich we ripped digitaly, making them available on the home network.

 

A separate tuner was provided and two new outdoor  100 watts per channel speakers.

Control of the system and all components is provided with the next generation touch panel advanced network Controller. In addition, we proposed the use of a streaming network player, a network Multi-Zone amplifier, a 7” Graphical tabletop Color Touchscreen remote and base station; SpaceCoast AV also wrote the programming code and created the software drivers that allow for the simple one touch operation of the soution.

Additionally, we wall mounted three TV’s throughout the house, using client provided televisions already available.

Benefits

As a result, the client was able to eliminte four remote controls, and operate the entire home system, whether for watching television, listening to the radio, CD’s or streaming music, watching DVD’s or entertaining guests all over the property with the touch of a button on the touch screen tabletop remote.

Frustration with not knowing how to use her system has been eliminated. Strength of the client’s home wi-fi network is such that she does not have weak or “dead spots” around her home and is also able to control the solution from the comfort of her bedroom as well.

With the ability to expand the Total Control experience, the client has plans to add outdoor lighting  Control and other Home Automation and Home Control options to the new, simple to use, one touch solution.

We’ve been invited to Sunday dinner to share all of what we provided with her family too.

Products and Services Used

[List the products and services that your company used for the solution.

For this solution we used:

Luxul

Yamaha

Samsung

Sony

URC control

Polk speakers

LG

Cisco

About SpaceCoast AV Communications: The Audio Visual Experts

SpaceCoast AV is an Audio Visual Design and Integration Firm that designs, integrates and maintains  audio, video lighting and automation systems. AVE is your “go-to” experts when it comes to providing exceptional designs, equipment and installation for Best Home Theater/Cinema Systems, Home Network WiFi access points, Commercial Audio Visual and conference room design,  AV for Houses of  Worship and audio video furniture.  From the wireless to hardwired solution, we’ve experienced them all and we can help you every step of the way. No job is too small or too big for our knowledgeable staff. We’ve happily done it all for 10 years now!

 

What’s the Point of HDMI?

With HDMI, it’s about copy protection. But let’s first address that coax jack. The coaxial cable input on a TV’s back panel is provided to connect an antenna designed to pull in digital TV broadcasts. A tuner inside the TV then demodulates the signal, stripping audio/video from the radio frequency carrier. Next, the MPEG-compressed A/V stream is decoded so that your TV can display it.

With digital cable, the process is similar, except a different modulation method is used to convey signals over the cable TV system’s wired network to your cable box.

Once HD signals are decoded by your cable, satellite, or other-type receiver, the uncompressed video and audio gets routed to an HDMI output. Those signals are then encrypted using a DRM (Digital Rights Management) scheme called HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). For the source device to pass the signals, a handshake must occur with he receiving device. This process creates a secure digital connection that prevents any content from being copied.

 

 

Got a tech question for SpaceCoast Audio Visual? Email us at  ask_the_AV_Pros@scavcom.com

Getting Ready for the Big Game: A 3-Step Plan Are

Are you ready for the Big Game? Ready to take in all its glory as if you were in the stands sitting on the edge of your seat immersed in the action? Ready to impress family and friends with a jaw-dropping experience that leaves them, well…jealous?

And, no, we’re not talking about your awesome Kegerator or those hot, tangy, succulent wings everyone loves. We’re talking about a killer audio/video setup that not only “transports” you to the stadium but puts you on the field. A setup that let’s you feel the action – the bone-crunching thuds of a goal-to-go pileup, the brutal kidney-punch of a sideline takedown, the roar of the crowd when the announcer shouts “touchdown!”

The best of today’s home entertainment technology can get you closer to the game than ever before. And in some ways, a topnotch AV system can deliver an experience that’s better than being there. So if you’re tired of the small screen and tinny sound, it’s time to time to take things to the next level with an AV setup that will serve not only sports but also movies, music, and TV.

Here’s our three-step plan for upping your AV game.

1. TAKE A TOUR OF AV-LAND.

If it’s been a while since you’ve bought a TV or sound system, you might want to talk with one of our experts or pick up a magazine like Sound & Vision to get a feel for what’s new in AV. You’ll quickly see that a lot is going on.

If you’re serious about taking your AV game to the next level, find a home technology professional in your area and have him walk you through options in your price range. A pro will guide you through the maze of AV gear and present ideas on how to integrate it into your room – or hide it away.

2. GO FOR A BIG SCREEN.

And not just any screen but the biggest screen you can afford (as long as it’s not too big for the room you have in mind). Take a close look at the new 4K/Ultra HD sets, the best of which deliver stunning pictures at prices that are getting lower every day. OLED TVs – known for their vibrant, lifelike color – are also worth a serious look, but there are fewer options and they tend to be quite a bit more expensive.

If you have the physical space and budget to go bigger than, say, 70 inches, consider a theater-like projection setup where screen sizes start at 100 inches. There’s no better way to get in the game.

3. DON’T SKIMP ON THE SOUND.

Forget soundbars and cheap home-theater-in-a-box systems. Go for a bona fide surround-sound audio system with a full complement of speakers and a real subwoofer. For the best experience, you’ll want a 5.1 system, which means three front speakers – left, center, right – two rear surround speakers and a standalone subwoofer.

Speakers come in a wide variety of types and sizes, including models that can be mounted in (or on) the walls and ceiling for a stealth look. Professional guidance will go a long way here.

Following these few simple steps will put you on the path to an at-home game experience that you might not have imagined possible.

To learn more about home entertainment technology and options, consult a SpaceCoast AV professional today.

Some Audio Video Basics

Home audio and video equipment are available in a wide variety, such as stereo, home theater systems, music systems, surround systems, DVD and blue ray disk players. These appliances are manufactured by various manufactures such as Sony, LG, Phillips, Samsung and creative among others.

Regardless of the manufacturer you choose, most of the features are pretty much the same and the appliances will serve you well. The choice of a home audio and video appliance depends on personal taste and preferences as well as financial status. Most of the entries level electronics are very cheap, while high end powerful home audio equipment are very expensive.

Most first time buyers choose entry level product that cost less, although such items are priced reasonably, they will serve you well and can last for a very long time. Some of the cutting edge technology in the recent past includes the release of light weight TVs, the plasma TVs, and the LED TV sets. These television sets are known to offer high quality video and a good quality sound output. Most of the entry level buyers opt for smaller screens such as 32 inches or 42 inches, while the other shoppers opt for high end TV sets that are expensive and have a huge screen.

Some of the most popular features in most of the TVs released in the recent past include:

– Internet browsing capability via Wi-Fi connection

– USB port

– HDMI port

– AV in AV out port

– 3.5mm Audio jack

– Remote control

– Plasma or LED screens

The ability of a TV to connect to the internet via a Wi-Fi connection means that you can stream movies from the internet right into your TV and enjoy the movie on a big screen. In addition, you can connect the TV to your home theater system to boost the sound systems and enjoy a high quality sound output.

About SpaceCoast AV

SpaceCoast AV is an all-in-one solution for your audio video, theater, telecom, automation, and home networking needs. We handle all size jobs at all levels. Whether you are building a new home, remodeling, or just want to add a new flat-panel television in the living room, our experienced staff has a solution for you. SpaceCoast AV is a full service company providing design consultation, full installation, programming, and sales of equipment at competitive prices.

 

Are You Ready for Some Football–2014 Best TV’s for Sports

We love our sports. We spend thousands of dollars a year supporting our sundry sports passions, be it through ticket sales, jerseys, or regretful bar tabs. Even gambling debts might fall under the category of “sports tax,” depending on your point of view.

But there’s no doubt that televisions are a vital purchase for any sports fan.

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that a “good-for-sports TV” is generally synonymous with a “good-for-_everything_ TV.” From a picture quality standpoint, the requirements for displaying the best possible football game is all but identical for the best possible Star Wars marathon.

However, some TVs do possess qualities beyond simple processing power that might make them better for sports than others. Let’s take a lap around the field.

Screen Size

The number one consideration for buying a TV, aside from price, is screen size. If you can’t see the puck whipping across the ice, what’s the point? You might as well be listening to the radio

Contrary to popular opinion, there is such a thing as “too big.” At some point you’ll be able to see the individual pixels and the illusion of a smooth, uniform picture will vanish.

There’s an actual formula to calculate the ideal size, but you certainly don’t need to break out a scientific calculator to shop for a TV. The rough estimate is simple:

That means you can measure the distance from your couch to the TV, then divide by 2.5. There you have it, your ideal screen size. So if you sit 7 feet (84 inches) from your TV, you want a TV with a diagonal screen size of about 2.8 feet, or 34 inches. It’s a very rough calculation, but at least it’s a place to start.

Plasma Vs. LCD and LED

Ah, the old debate. We’ve covered it many times in many forms, but here’s the difference in a nutshell: Plasma TVs tend to run a little larger in screen size (50 inches and up). They have a wider viewing angle, which makes them good for hosting a party for the Superbowl or NBA finals.

LCD TVs (and LED TVs by extension), on the other hand, have a wide range of screen sizes (26 inches up to 80+ inches), but the larger screen sizes will probably be more expensive than an equivalently-sized plasma. More importantly, LCD screens can get a lot brighter than plasma, which might make them easier to see in a sunny room.

There’s a heap of misinformation and half-truths about performance differences between plasmas and LCDs, much of it based on outdated information. Suffice it to say that both offer smooth motion and great contrast ratio.

3D TVs

There’s no doubt that 3D TVs are becoming more common, though their actual usage rates are probably not rising commensurately. The problem is that 3D broadcasting is just not up to speed yet. A 3D signal takes up a lot more bandwidth than a regular signal, so cable providers are probably slow to support it widely.

TVs are rapidly becoming more like tablets and smart phones, with lots of apps to satisfy lots of small customer bases. The worst apps try to make the TV something it’s not—like a gaming system or web browser. The best apps play to the strength of the TV as a passive entertainment device. After all, most people just want to lie back on the couch and watch something fun or exciting.

There are lots of apps for sports fans. To date, the best come from the leagues themselves, with MLB.tv as the hands-down winner. With all the complex licensing and broadcast rights, it’s impossible to get an app that offers everything you wantwhenever you want. Most apps, for instance, black out live games in your current location. In Boston, for example, you can’t watch Red Sox games live on MLB.tv.

For scores, stats, news, and clips, there are no shortage of third-party apps including Yahoo, ESPN, Hulu, and many more.

To watch the games themselves, you should always check if your local cable provider offers a sports package. Also, Apple TV, Roku, Boxee, and other set-top boxes may have better packages than your smart TV’s app selection. NFL RedZone and NBA League Pass are currently unavailable as standalone TV apps. However, both are accessible through your computer and mobile devices. We can only hope that as smart TVs become more popular, the leagues will embrace the platform, but they’ve been slow to do so.

The specs that count for a sports TV

Brightness: Many broadcasts occur during daylight hours, so you’ll want a model that’s bright enough to produce a “in-your-face” picture in a room with high ambient light.

High refresh rate: You should also be looking at sets that can display content with fast-paced action without turning the picture into a blurry mess. Plasma models excel at making sports look crisp, while most LCD models with a 120 Hz and higher refresh rate have processing modes to help reduce motion blur.

Large screen size: Finally, you’ll want to watch on a screen that’s sufficiently large—we recommend 55 inches at minimum.

The Winner’s Circle

We’ve taken our own reviews and compiled a Best in Class for Value and Quality comparison which you can get here.  Are You Ready for Some Football!

 

Samsung UN65HU8550 UHD TV Reviewed

Setting aside the issue of price for a moment, the Samsung UN65HU8550 is a compelling new entry in the TV market. It’s got a comprehensive list of features in a flat form factor, and it proved to be very good performer, with the versatility to suit both bright and dark viewing environments, both film and HDTV, equally well. Some minor brightness-uniformity issues, but it will likely deliver the goods for all but the most discerning black-level purists, who are probably looking at Samsung’s F8500 plasma anyhow.

Of course, we must bring price back into consideration. On the one hand, the UN65HU8550’s $3,299 MSRP asking price falls at the low end compared with the other new 65-inch Ultra HD models in the Competition. On the other hand, the Ultra HD resolution gives this TV a premium price tag over comparable 1080p TVs. the UHD resolution makes a big enough difference at this screen size isn’t really inspiring enough to pay more just to get Ultra HD; but then again, what’s the cheaper 1080p alternative in the 2014 line? Samsung was strategic this year in the features it put in each of its high-end TV series, ensuring that there’s no exact, lower-priced 1080p equivalent to the HU8550 Series. The 1080p H7150 Series is flat but lacks local dimming, whereas the 1080p H8000 Series has local dimming but is curved. If you want the best, most home-theater-worthy performance that Samsung has to offer in a flat LED/LCD, the HU8550 Series is the choice for 2014. Last year’s 1080p F8000 Series offers better black-level performance, and right now you can get the 65-incher for $400 less than this TV. That’s close enough in price that it really comes down to what matters most to you: black level or resolution. You make the call.

If Audio is your thing, you might be interested in SpaceCoast AV’s July Specials.

Find  us on Facebook and Twitter too! Or, connect with us at 321.257.9700 and online at www.spacecoastav.com 

 

Exclusive: Launching Sky Star TV Online

 

Pleased to announce eWave TV’s  The Sky Star Channel will be launching on Halloween. Tell Your Friends and Family You saw it here first…

Robert Joy of CSI:NY stars in the Horror/Comedy, “The Master and Me”

Key # 3 ~ Before Investing in Home Automation…

While home automation solutions can be simple enough for everyone in your house to use, your system will be a complex design, linking multiple devices in your home to make it possible for them to communicate over a network. Naturally, this is the kind of work that requires a professional with the tools, training and experience to understand how to get everything working together. We call this professional a Sr. Design Engineer. Certified after rigorous training, your Design Engineer is equipped to work closely with you, from designing and installing your system to teaching everyone in the house how to use it. We can  also provide ongoing support and upgrades after the system is up and running.

OLED TV–Game-changing screen technology

What is OLED TV? 

This Game-changing screen technology produces the best picture we’ve ever seen!

If you’re tuned in to new technology, you’ve probably at least heard of OLED, a new way to display images. It’s been hovering on the horizon for so long it was beginning to seem like a mirage, but the first large-screen OLED TVs are finally here, and they’re pretty impressive. OLED (pronounced “oh-led”) is the first truly new display technology since plasma and LCD arrived in the late ’90s. It’s a big step beyond both of those TV types — the closest thing we’ve seen to a perfect screen technology.

OLED combines the best performance aspects of all the screen technologies        that have come before, and raises the bar for overall TV picture quality to a          new level. Even as other screen innovations like 4K are beginning to appear,          nothing else matches the “wow” factor of OLED.

How does OLED work?

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, and it’s the organic part that is groundbreaking. Traditional light emitting diodes have been used in LED-LCD TVs for years — as the white backlight shining through a layer of LCD pixels and red, green, and blue filters. OLED screens use a completely different panel structure, with a series of organic (carbon–based) thin films forming the pixel layers. These pixel layers are sandwiched between transparent thin-film transistor layers, which contain the circuitry that supplies the tiny electrical currents that cause the pixels to light up.

The OLED pixel material itself is electroluminescent — self-illuminating — so there’s no need for a backlight, with all of its limitations. Since there’s no backlight, when electricity is switched off to a pixel, it turns completely off — goes black. This ability to display absolute black is a first for flat-panel TVs, and it enables OLED TVs to achieve virtually infinite picture contrast.

And how does OLED look?

So, does OLED live up to the hype? Actually, it does. Images seem to pop off the screen with effortless clarity and vibrancy.

OLED pictures have the color accuracy and wide viewing angles of the best plasma TVs, plus the brightness and energy efficiency of an LCD. In addition to spectacular picture quality, OLED makes it possible to build TVs that are much thinner and lighter in weight than any previous TVs. LG’s 55″ OLED is only 1/4″ thick at its thinnest, and weighs just 38 lbs.!

Although OLED panels can be made flat like conventional LCD and plasma TVs, the first OLED TVs from Samsung and LG both feature screens that are gently curved, which creates an even more striking look. The curved screen also seems to reduce screen reflections a bit.

Samsung OLED HDTV

The 55” KN55S9C uses Samsung’s “Real OLED” technology: red, green, and blue sub-pixels, with no color filters. This is a 3D TV with a difference: Samsung’s unique Multi View feature allows two people to watch different shows on the same screen at the same time!

LG OLED HDTV

LG’s 55” 55EA9800 is the world’s only THX® certified OLED TV. You get an accurate picture that’s as close as possible to what the studio intended. LG’s 4 Color Pixel technology adds a white sub-pixel to the conventional three colors to enhance both color range and brightness.

These are the first OLED HDTVs available in the U.S., but based on their spectacular performance, it won’t be long before more OLED TVs begin to appear.

SpaceCoast AV Communications is a service disabled veteran and minority owned small business. They provide the audio visual products, technologies and integrated solutions that bring people together; allowing people to share ideas and thoughts through media rich communications and collaboration solutions. We bring the value of allowing people and organizations the ability focus on what they need to do, better, faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Melbourne, FL, SpaceCoast AV has a wide range of experience providing client solutions that span distance education, state government, Federal/DOD, Fortune 1000, and SMB. For more information please contact SpaceCoast AV at www.spacecoastav.com or by calling 321-257-9700.

Thanks to our Partners in Technology, Crutchfield for specifications.

The Canon EOS Line: PART 4

http://vimeo.com/70553208