Remember the good old days when two kids would “talk” through two tin cans connected by a string? If only running cables and wires for today’s electronics was so simple. As technology has evolved, so have the cables that connect your home electronics and keep them running at peak performance.

Highs and Lows
When wiring a residence for any number of systems—from whole house A/V to a dedicated home theater to security cameras to lighting—there is a need to run both high level and low level cables. High level relates to cables that carry the main electrical power. Low level relates to the transmission of video (HDMI), audio (interconnects, speaker) and data (Cat5) signals.

Size Matters
Cable sizes are measured in gauges. Gauge refers to the diameter of the wire—the thinner the wire, the higher the number. So, for instance 22-gauge wire is extremely thin, whereas 6-gauge wire is quite thick. The lower the gauge, the less signal loss, thus thicker cables offer better performance, especially for longer cable runs.

Requirements Drive the Right Solution
When running cables throughout a residence, an important factor to take into consideration is something called resistance. All electrical wires have resistance, which can result in a drop in amperage. So when choosing a wire, you must choose the appropriate gauge wire for the amount of amps on the circuit. You must calculate the amount of resistance in relation to the cable run.

Here is a general example of how this would be calculated: let’s say there is a 50-foot speaker cable running from the A/V receiver located in an equipment room to one of the rear speakers of a home theater. For argument’s sake, let’s say these electronics are hooked up to a 15-amp circuit. A 14-gauge wire is rated for 15-amps but only at average runs. For the longer 50-foot run you would want to go with the next size up, a 12-gauge wire; using this larger gauge wire accounts for the resistance and loss of voltage over the long cable run.

In this same scenario, if the circuit is 20-amps this would require a 12-gauge wire, but at 50 feet this requires an additional increase in the wire thickness so you’d want to use a 10-gauge wire. If your runs are even longer, such as 100 feet or more, you see how you’d have to use thicker and thicker cable.

Cause and Effect
How can improper gauge wires affect your electronics? When voltage drops due to resistance, wires get hotter. Common sense tells us that wires retaining heat, especially those buried inside a wall, is never a good situation. Worst case scenario is a fire could break out if wires that are giving off too much heat are not properly separated from the insulation. Even with a voltage drop a device may still function, however, with insufficient voltage its overall performance is usually degraded and the device will likely wear out sooner.

Call in the Pros
Given the critical relationship between the size of the circuit, the gauge of the wire, and the amount of resistance based on the length of the cable it becomes clear the importance of consulting with a professional for all of your wiring needs. A professional installer can also recommend wireless connectivity options, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for environments where more traditional wires just won’t work.

Whether it’s new construction or a retrofit, once the walls are open, you’ll want to ensure it’s done properly. There’s nothing more frustrating or costly as the need to rewire cable that is contained inside the walls. The complex wiring found in homes equipped with lots of technology necessitates working with professionals. It’s a small price to pay to ensure the performance, protection and longevity of the equipment you’ve installed.

For the best sound experience, the ideal loudspeaker placement is usually in a rectangular room with a flat ceiling and the front speakers placed symmetrically at one end. This is all well and good, but what if you don’t have this type of room? What are the options for getting the best sound experience?

Why It Matters
To understand why speaker placement is so important, let’s first look at how rooms affect sound quality. When listening to your audio system, what you are hearing is a combination of direct and reflected sound. Some of what you hear is coming straight from the loudspeaker to your ears, but according to many experts over half of what you are hearing is reflected; sound that starts at the loudspeaker and then bounces off the walls, floor or ceiling before reaching your ears.

The proper balance of direct and reflected sound is important for the overall sound quality. Too much direct sound and the result will be too dry and clinical. Too much reflected sound and vocals and other details can become less distinct.

Start With Symmetry
In a “normal” rectangular-shaped room, without too many door openings, good sound is usually not that difficult to achieve; but when you have vaulted ceilings, L-shaped rooms and other types of irregular shapes, the proper balance can be harder to achieve.

Even if your room is not a perfect rectangle with the speakers at one end, try to have symmetry in your layout. The main front left and right speakers should be the same distance from the primary seating area. The center channel needs to be half way between the front loudspeakers. The surround speakers should also be about the same distance from where you will be listening.

First, set up the system and listen. Then move one or more of the speakers a bit and listen again. Does it sound better, more balanced? Sometimes moving loudspeakers just a little bit can make a fairly large change in the balance and quality of the sound.

Measure by Moving Around
Next, many audio/video receivers and pre-amplifiers have an automated speaker set-up feature. With these you connect a microphone (usually supplied with the receiver) and put it in the primary listening area. Some receivers let you take measurements from several seating positions. You then select the speaker set-up on the receiver and various test tones are sent to speakers. The microphone “listens” to these sounds, both direct and reflected, and makes compensations to the audio to make the best possible fit for the speakers in a particular room. These automated set-up systems have been around for several years and can really fine tune a system.

It’s What We Do
If you aren’t sure about setting up and calibrating your speakers, we can help. We have installed many audio systems in both ideal room configurations and rooms that are very far from perfect from an audio perspective. Our years of experience will ensure that your system will sound great in any room.

Wilshire Home Entertainment will be providing a sneak peak at the latest home electronics during its annual Spring Expo. The expo is Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wilshire’s Thousand Oaks showroom (1412 N. Moorpark Rd.). It is free and open to the public. RSVP is required.

Enjoy great food and cocktails while socializing with VIP guests, innovative industry leaders and the area’s best interior designers, architects and builders in a comfortable no-sales atmosphere. On hand to answer questions will be representatives from today’s most ground-breaking home entertainment and control companies, such as Audioquest, Monitor Audio, Sonance, Universal Remote Control (URC), Savant and more!  They will be providing demonstrations and answering questions about their newest innovations.

The expo is a great way to learn about the latest technology that will be making news in the coming months and how to best incorporate that technology into living spaces.

Friends and guests are welcome, but RSVP early as space is limited.

To RSVP, please call 805.497.1179 x 271 or email rsvp@wilshirehe.com

We invite you to experience modern design and join Wilshire Home Entertainment at Dwell on Design, America’s largest modern design event. The three-day exhibition and conference returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center June 21-23, 2013.

We have partnered with Bowers & Wilkins, BDi Furniture and Sony Electronics to exhibit their latest design oriented products. Dwell on Design will also feature world-class speakers, product demonstrations, continuing education classes for design professionals, and seminars for design-seeking consumers.

Created by the editors of Dwell magazine, the three-day event brings together the best and brightest products, services, and thought leaders in modern design.

WHEN & WHERE

• Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall
• Trade Day Conference and Exhibition Friday, June 21
• Trade and Consumer Design Seminars and Exhibition Saturday/Sunday, June 22–23
• NEW: ASID National Chapter Leadership Conference Thursday/Saturday, June 20–22
• Green Car Ride and Drives Friday/Saturday, June 21–22
• Dwell Design Week June 14–23
• Home Tours June 15 & 22–23

FEATURING

• 400+ Exhibitors presenting 2000+ Products
• 210,000 square feet
• 200+ Speakers on 3 Stages
• 3 Days of Continuing Education Seminars
• 450+ registered Press
• 316 million media impressions
• 5+ Full-scale prefab homes
• International & Culture Exhibitions
• Student Design Pavilion and More

For more information or to register, please visit http://www.dwellondesign.com/

When shopping for a new home theater receiver, you generally have to choose between control-rich, bulletproof models aimed at the custom installation market and affordable, user-friendly models aimed directly at consumers. Pioneer is breaking down the wall between those two distinct slices of the home theater market with its new Elite-branded VSX-70 7.2-channel receiver.

The VSX-70 features all of the latest streaming audio and mobile app control that consumers are itching for, including WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, and FLAC file playback, with gapless playback for all of its supported lossless formats. That means that albums in your collection that flow seamlessly from one song to the next—like The Black Crowes’ Southern Harmony and Musical Companion or Frank Zappa’s Apostrophe (‘)—won’t suffer from annoying silent pauses between tunes. To take your streaming music experience to the next level, the iControlAV2013 for the VSX-70 sports a feature called Push Player, which enables you to instantly create and stream custom playlists straight from your iOS or Android mobile device. If that’s not enough, it also features AirPlay connectivity for apple devices, an MHL-capable front-panel HDMI input for Android devices, as well as AirPlay-like HTC Connect streaming for compatible HTC phones, like the new HTC One.

The VSX-70 also features 4K video pass-through and 4K upscaling for both analog and HDMI video sources. And for you energy conscious shoppers, the VSX-70’s power saving ECO Management mode intelligently analyses your content and controls peak volume intelligently to reduce power consumption. If all of that sounds a little overwhelming, not to worry; The VSX-70 supports Pioneer’s AVNavigator, a two-way interactive owner’s manual for PC, Mac, and iPad that holds your hand throughout the entire setup process.

Pioneer Elite VSX-70 Back Panel

If you really want to unlock the true potential of the Elite VSX-70, though, you’ll need the help of your friendly neighborhood custom installer. Not only does the receiver feature advanced multi-room capabilities—including the ability to fully power an independent audio zone, so you can watch a movie in the home theater while another family member rocks out to the CD player in a completely different room—but it also supports full two-way RS-232-over-IP control and features full certification for advanced home control systems like Control4.

So whether you’re a hardcore do-it-yourselfer looking for the latest audio and video features, or a smart home enthusiast in search of a truly seamless home theater experience, the VSX-70 offers it all. And best of all, it retails for just $750.

Source: HDLiving.com

Today’s A/V and home control systems are far more complex than they were even five years ago. One of the biggest shifts has been the integration of almost every major component with the Internet. We live in a world of constant communication with our computers, phones and tablets. Even our A/V devices need to communicate with manufacturers for firmware updates.

Get wired and wireless
For all this communication to happen, it requires a home network and most homes will need a combination of wired and wireless communication. Systems integrators still believe the most reliable connection is wired and will advise their clients to keep major systems such as whole-home A/V, climate control and security on the wired network. However, for various devices to interface or share content and information in the Cloud, a wireless connection is equally necessary. It’s really not an either/or situation, you need both and they should be as robust and stable as possible.

Small but powerful…
The one device that is now the most indispensable component is small, and probably rests in a closet or equipment rack somewhere. You don’t see it or really think about it on a daily basis but without it you’d be stranded, figuratively speaking. The router has become the most critical component in our homes, capable of allowing us to connect to other computers, smartphones, tablets, our A/V gear and the Internet.

At first, routers were only wired and allowed us internet access. Then we were able to download firmware to devices like A/V receivers and Blu-ray players. Now, we need them so that all our various devices can communicate either with each other or to the outside world. However, all this traffic on the lines can bog down your router if the bandwidth isn’t sufficient.

In an average smart home it’s not uncommon for someone to be streaming a movie from Netflix in the main TV room, while someone is using Skype on their computer to speak with a friend across the country, and someone else is using their tablet to update their Facebook and Twitter feeds while browsing the Internet.

…if you have the right router
If your router is easily burdened with just this amount of traffic then you definitely need more bandwidth. Your home network consists of whatever networking and routing equipment your

service provider has installed. Just because this equipment was originally installed by a professional doesn’t ensure it’s adequate based on today’s needs. Even if it was installed just a couple of years ago, there’s a lot more technology today that relies on the connection your router provides. Maybe you have your own router, but is it up to date with the latest internet protocols, ensuring the fastest possible connections?

We have a solution
Today the home network is at the core of every subsystem in our home. If you find that no matter how much you pay for online service through your service provider it continually gets bogged down with spotty or slow connections, then the problem is most likely your networking equipment. A certified systems integrator can replace that basic equipment with a more reliable and robust networking solution. It will not only improve the overall performance of home control, streaming, chatting and more, but it will ensure you have the necessary bandwidth for whatever the future may hold, because we know that we will depend on content in the Cloud, more and more as time goes on.

When the invisible components of your home network are running smoothly, it allows you to enjoy all of your media and the myriad of electronic devices that have become crucial to our lives.

Bowers & Wilkins has officially announced the launch of its new AM-1 Architectural Monitor, a weatherproof loudspeaker that offers high-quality sound, durability, and flexibility.

With a two-way design the AM-1 is suitable for installation in a wide range of outdoor and indoor applications. AM-1 features an inverted drive unit configuration, with the AM-1’s 1-inch (25mm) aluminum-dome tweeter mounted below rather than above a 5inch (130mm) glass-fiber bass/midrange driver. This ensures optimal dispersion of sound when the speaker is mounted high on the wall.

AM-1’s low-frequency output is enhanced by the use of a rear-mounted auxiliary bass radiator (ABR), used instead of a conventional bass reflex port. Unlike a port, it also provides AM-1’s cabinet with a continual seal against Mother Nature’s most aggressive elements.

AM-1 has also been carefully designed to be easy to install. Its cast aluminum wall bracket incorporates a one-plug mounting system. Designed to be positioned in either landscape or portrait mode when mounting, extra flexibility is offered by AM-1’s ability to be rotated through 110 degrees from center in both directions.

While AM-1 has obvious applications such as providing high-quality audio around gardens, patios, and around swimming pools, its sleek design will also find favor indoors, the company says, in venues such as bars, restaurants and other communal areas.

AM-1 combines a rustproof aluminum grille with a rigid cabinet composed of glass-filled plastics, ensuring resistance to extremes of dust, moisture and UV exposure. It has also undergone rigorous, continuous testing in an accelerated salt-spray chamber, plus outdoor UV accelerated life tests to ensure its parts don’t fade or discolor.

Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 is available now, priced at $300.00 each.

More than 125 guests were able to get a hands-on look at the latest video, audio and control technologies during Wilshire Home Entertainment’s annual Spring Expo, which was held May 2, 2013 at our showroom in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Representatives from companies such as AudioQuest, Monitor Audio, Savant, Sonance, Universal Remote Control and more were on hand to give scheduled presentations throughout the evening and share the latest advancements in technology.

Also in attendance were some of the area’s best interior designers, architects and builders from organizations such as the Conejo Association of Professional Interior Designers (CAPID), the Los Angeles chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the Ventura County chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Guests enjoyed great food catered by Rock Chef Rolls and a full bar hosted by Beverlee’s Bartending. Plus, everyone received a complimentary raffle ticket for their chance to win one of 5 great prizes from our participating vendor partners:

• 50” Samsung Plasma TV
• Sonance iPort Launchport inductive iPad charging station
• URC MRX-1 & CC Control App
• Monitor Audio Airstream WS100 Wireless Multimedia Speaker System
• AudioQuest Dragonfly USB Digital-Audio Converter

We would like to thank everyone for their participation and attendance, and look forward to seeing you all again this November for our annual Fall Expo.

A slideshow of photos from the event can be seen here:

Spring is in full swing and Summer is right around the corner. The days are longer, the nights are warmer and we’re all spending more time outdoors. Why not make your al fresco dinner or backyard barbecue infinitely more fun with audio and video products designed for outdoor use?

Bringing audio outdoors
Getting your music and movies outdoors is a breeze (figuratively and literally) and something that can be accomplished on any budget. The first order of business is getting your audio outside to enjoy while you are grilling, entertaining or soaking up the sun.

There are several portable and rugged Bluetooth speakers that allow you to stream your digital music without having to worry about installing speakers or running wires. We’ve even seen models with solar panels to keep them charged up! Be wary, however, as the sound quality on these speakers can vary wildly. Look for reputable brands and always ask for a demo. Some up-market models sound absolutely amazing and are worth their higher ticket price. Remember that most wireless speakers you take outdoors are a local solution and require that you move them around as you do.

A more permanent and pervasive solution is a wired outdoor audio system. There is no shortage of weatherproof speakers that you can mount on or in your wall or ceiling, offering top-notch audio designed to fill large open spaces. Likewise, speakers and subwoofers designed to look like rocks and planters aren’t gimmicky, but can actually sound very good and are a solid solution for reaching areas with no walls. For total invisibility, one manufacturer will custom-match your stone with a speaker grille made to look like part of your wall.

Who needs a drive-in?
Of course, for the ultimate outdoor movie night, you’ll also need more than just a great audio system; you’ll need a solution for video as well. Again, there are temporary and permanent solutions. For example, many portable projectors work very well outdoors and some even come with iPod docks so you can access your iTunes movies or home videos with ease. We never recommend projecting your movie onto a white sheet; many screens include stands and are easily portable so there’s no reason not to have a true movie screen for your outdoor movie nights. We also love the inflatable models, perfect for setting up over the pool for a float-in theater experience this summer. Jaws anyone?

TVs that can handle any climate
Want to avoid the hassle and install something more structural? Check out the different outdoor TVs designed to endure the elements—including rain, dust, humidity, insects and even the harsh salt air of coastal climates. These TVs will usually have a built-in cooling system to operate in hot environments and will be temperature-proof in cold weather as well. Perhaps most importantly, however, is their ability to compete with aggressive natural light. Make sure you demo the model you want in a brightly lit environment to predict performance in your own outdoor space. And remember that more lasting solutions are only limited by the imagination and creativity of your A/V specialist. We’ve seen customers with projectors that live above their outdoor pizza oven or that pop out from a bench on the patio. Whatever your backyard brings, we can handle it.

Controlling your new outdoor space
Finally, how do you tie all this outdoor home entertainment together? With a waterproof remote of course! One manufacturer touts a model that you can leave afloat in the pool. Better yet, you can have an installer tie in all your systems, from the outdoor TV, the outdoor audio, outdoor lighting, and even the pool, Jacuzzi, and fire pit together for a completely automated outdoor system. Want the Jacuzzi to be hot when you arrive from a long day at the office? Just log on to your home system via the Internet and set it to your preferred temperature before the commute home. Or we can automate that function for you so you don’t need to think about it.

Come in or call us today to learn more about making your fair-weathered home adventures more fun for years to come. Trust us when we say that you’ll be the attraction of the neighborhood. And the kids, well, they will love it!

Compliment and complement are two words that sound the same but have completely different meanings, which can be confusing. On the other hand, the words control and automation don’t sound the same but can be just as confusing when you’re trying to decide whether to control your home or automate it. Despite many misperceptions, the difference is simple to understand. Home automation systems perform functions automatically without any intervention from you. Home control systems also perform a variety of tasks automatically but you have to tell the system what to do and when to do it.

You have control with home control
Home control systems allow you to automate on an as-needed basis instead of at specific predetermined times. For example, you might not always want the blinds opened in your bedroom when you first wake up. But, if you always open your blinds halfway when you do use them, then you can establish a setting that allows one touch of a control to make that action happen on command.

Of course, some functions like the HVAC system in your home might be automated most of the time and only occasionally controlled. In fact, most of the devices you may want to regulate including the TV, DVD or Blu-ray player, sound system, security system, light dimmers and more. In short, home control is “when-you-want-it” automation.

Put it on autopilot
Anything that does not require some kind of special handling or guidance by you is a prime candidate to be fully automated. And exploring your daily routine is the perfect place to start to look for repetitious behaviors to be modified. For example, when you start your workday you might turn on the radio and several lights—adjusting some brighter than others. You might also want to lock all your doors and arm your security system each night. If those procedures occur every day at the same time, some or all of them could easily be fully automated. So you should know, technology is available to synchronize your automation system (as well as what you want to control) with your personal routine.

Now consider how many recurring actions that have to do with energy efficiency, convenience, entertainment, or security that you perform at approximately the same time each day. While these simple activities don’t seem like much to manage individually, automating some or all of them will make you more productive. And in some cases your energy consumption will also be more efficiently managed.

Choose what fits your lifestyle
Home controls and automation systems should not be built around specific technologies or equipment; rather, they should be built around the kind of experience you want from your home. How those devices integrate with your lifestyle is what will bring the most benefit to you and your family. But with so many options to choose from in the consumer electronics market, where to begin can be overwhelming.

That’s where we come into the picture. We have years of experience making sure that our customers’ lifestyle objectives as well as their budgetary needs are met. Stop in and pay us a visit. We’ll make sure that all the devices and systems you want to automate are integrated so that they complement each other seamlessly while your friends and family compliment you on your choices.

Launching later this year, the limited-edition Bowers & Wilkins 805 Maserati Edition loudspeaker incorporates B&W’s Diamond Dome Tweeter encased in bird’s eye maple and Maserati’s leather covering.

The 805 Maserati Edition loudspeaker features a two-way design with a Diamond Dome Tweeter and  6.5-inch Kevlar midrange driver, while an advanced crossover network controls the drivers. The drivers are housed in a ported enclosure that incorporates B&W’s Flowport technology which is said to minimize port distortion. B&W wraps the speaker in polished wood veneers including bird’s eye maple, along with Maserati’s famous leathers.

The 88dB sensitive 805 Maserati Edition is an 8-ohm speaker that has a stated frequency response of 49Hz to 28kHz. B&W recommends amplifiers rated between 50 watts to 120 watts.

B&W announced that the 805 Maserati Edition loudspeaker will make its debut on the “Seven Notes World Tour” which celebrates the musicality of Maserati’s engines; the tour will make stops in L.A., New York, Tokyo and London.

Source: HDLiving

Wilshire Home Entertainment partnered with Bowers & Wilkins, BDI Furniture and Sony Electronics to exhibit their latest design oriented products at Dwell on Design 2013. The annual show, which is the nation’s largest design event was attended by over 30,000 visitors. More than 200,000 square feet of exhibition floor at the Los Angeles Convention Center was transformed into a state-of-the-art showcase for modern design.

Created by the editors of Dwell magazine, the three-day event brought together the best and brightest products, services, and thought leaders in contemporary design. The event offered a wide variety of discussions, demonstrations, home tours and an abundance of exhibits covering every aspect of modern design.

“Dwell on Design is truly a design incubator,” said Dwell President Michela O’Connor Abrams. “The show is a live embodiment of the modern lifestyle and continues to flourish as platform where designers and brands can share ideas and products that will ultimately shape the way in which we live.”

For a glimpse of the show, check our photo gallery…

Source: prweb.com

Imagine a football team without a quarterback. The games wouldn’t go very smoothly, nor be very entertaining. In your home-entertainment system, the AV receiver is the quarterback, directing the audio to the appropriate speakers, the video to the display(s) and performing a host of other functions like amplifying your sound and playing streamed music. In fact, the receiver is probably the most important piece of audio equipment in your system. It’s also the most complex.

What you need now…and later
First, you need to know what functionality your receiver needs now. At the very least, you should have enough HDMI inputs to handle all your sources. Make sure you have your “legacy” gear covered, too. For example, if you have a turntable, you’ll need a phono input. In addition, your receiver needs enough surround channels to get power and sound to all your speakers. A 5.1-channel receiver has outputs for five speakers plus a subwoofer (it’s the “.1” in the “5.1”). A 7.1 receiver has connections for seven speakers plus a subwoofer, and a 9.2 or 10.2 receiver has space for nine or 10 speakers plus two subwoofers. Generally, the more speakers, the more immersive the surround experience.

From here, you need to decide your future needs, allowing your receiver to remain relevant for years to come. For example, are there HDMI inputs to spare should you want to add a source later? HDMI 1.4 is the latest standard. In addition to audio and video, it includes an Ethernet channel, eliminating the need for a separate Ethernet cable and making connecting easier for all your home-entertainment components. HDMI 1.4 also will accommodate 4K Ultra High-Def TV (the latest video technology that is four times the resolution of high-def). If 4K is something that you plan on adding in the not-too-distant future, then shop for receivers with 4K compatibility and/or up-scaling.

What’s with all the logos?
Most of the logos you’ll find on the front of your receiver indicate surround-sound-decoding technology. Here’s a quick rundown: Dolby® Digital Plus is designed for evolving media from devices like a smart phone, while Dolby® TrueHD is designed for high-def audio from sources like Blu-ray, reproducing the soundtrack bit for bit for incredible audio. We love the Dolby® Volume technology, which keeps volume at a constant level so that you won’t have to endure that sudden audio blast when a commercial comes on. Dolby® ProLogic® IIx turns 5.1 channels of soundtrack into 6.1 or 7.1 channels for more immersive surround.

On the DTS side of things, look for DTS-HD® Master Audio™ and DTS Digital Surround™, or the 11.1-channel format DTS Neo:X™. Many receivers are certified by THX®, which means that the receiver has been developed in conjunction with THX to its audio standards. This designation is definitely a bonus and gives many consumers peace of mind.

Zoning out
If you want to send music and video from one set of sources around your home, you need a multi-zone receiver. Each zone is, simply, a location where your receiver will deliver audio and/or video and eliminates the need for a separate receiver in each room. Most receivers are pretty flexible in this regard. For example, a 7.1 system can be configured as a 5.1 system with the unused two channels being sent to a second zone. Video can also be routed to other zones, you just need dedicated HDMI outputs for each zone. Before you shop, get an idea of how many zones you want to ensure your receiver has you covered.

Media mavens
More and more, receivers are tasked with handling all your various media. Onboard services will include satellite radio (SiriusXM) and standard popular online services such as Internet radio (Pandora®), Netflix™, Vudu™ and YouTube™. Apple AirPlay® is a must for iPad®/iPhone® users, allowing you to stream content from your iOS devices with ease.

What’s the wattage?
Finally, your receiver needs ample wattage to power your speakers. If you like to crank it loud, have a big room or have hefty speakers, err on the side of more power. The last thing you want is underpowered speakers, which can distort. Check your speaker’s specifications to see how much power they require, and also check their sensitivity rating. Speakers with higher sensitivities require more power.

The receiver is one of the most flexible and forward-thinking components in your system, and it’s important to give it a little thought so that you get the most out of it both now and in the future. Rest assured that we are here to help guide you through these complexities and will help you pick a unit that is right for you. Call us or come in and we’ll make it easy.

After your James Bond marathon, do you feel fatigued? Have a crick in your neck? Feel like rubbing your eyes or have a headache? If you have any of these symptoms, you may be the victim of bad home theater Feng Shui! Don’t worry, with a few simple adjustments to your home theater you’ll be on the road to recovery, not to mention a more comfortable, inviting and enjoyable home entertainment experience.

Absolutely no wires
Most of us have fallen prey to perhaps the biggest media room no-no: exposed wiring, which is especially egregious with on-wall flat-panel displays. Wires should be hidden inside walls for the best results, which most likely means snaking wires from your TV/speakers to your components. Don’t worry, sprucing up your system is an easy fix and shouldn’t take an installer long or be hard on the pocketbook.

Best seats in the house
For a dedicated theater, you may want to install a few risers so that everyone in the theater has a proper view of the screen. If so, talk to your installer to make sure that the risers plus seating combine to give proper viewing clearance for the back rows. Also, make sure to plan for back-row risers to have adequate headroom. Too often home theater designers try to cram in as many seats as possible, making that back row a bit cramped and claustrophobic. Additionally, while sofas may offer a more casual aesthetic vibe, theater chairs are designed to ergonomically support your body for extended viewing.

Light appropriately
The right combination of lighting can really help to enhance your home theater experience. For example, think about installing aisle lighting so that people can get up during a film without having to turn on the lights or trip. We also recommend a soft light of some sort (such as fiber-optic star ceilings and LEDs) to minimize eyestrain from prolonged viewing in the dark.

In addition, your installer can program automated lighting scenes, like “Watch Movie” that will automatically tie into the film, gradually bringing lights down at the beginning and up at the end of the film. A good control system will allow you to do this and operate your system with ease.

Surface considerations
That shade of white really pops but did you know it can be detrimental to your onscreen image? Bright wall colors tend to reflect light back onto the screen, washing out the picture. Dark, neutral shades minimize light reflection and screen coloration. Also consider sound when selecting your surface materials. Hardwood floors or concrete will reflect sound, making the room sound like a basketball court. Temper them with plush sofas, pillows, drapes, or opt for carpet—all of which absorb sound.

Sound matters
Speaking of sound, ask your installer to soundproof your room so outside noise stays out, and you can crank the volume without worrying about waking up the neighbors. It’s also important to minimize ambient noise within the theater. For example, if your projector is noisy, consider putting it in another room behind optical glass, in a “hush box” or go with a quieter model. Also, think twice about putting noisy appliances, like a refrigerator or icemaker, in the back of the room.

Finally, make sure your installer does a thorough room acoustics calibration, because speakers react differently depending on room shape and size. Dialing them into your own space is a must for killer sound.

Picture perfect testing
This important step really hones your high-definition image to the very best it can be. Your installer can perform a series of tests to make sure your image is reference quality, allowing you the richest, sharpest and most beautiful image available from your display or projector. It’s worth the extra few steps!

These are just a few of our tips for making your home theater better. We hope you are inspired to make the most of your environment. Our installers and designers have years of experience creating the ideal movie haven or media space and are happy to answer any questions you have. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call or come in! We’re excited to share our passion with you.

Earlier this week, Sonance announced the introduction of its next generation of Visual Performance Series – a total redesign that includes over 50 new models delivering groundbreaking sonic performance with Sonance’s award-winning micro-trim grille aesthetic.

When Sonance’s Visual Performance Series was released in 2007, it set a new industry standard for the aesthetic of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. Sonance is confident that the next generation of Visual Performance Series will establish a new industry standard for sonic performance for the category.

State-of-the-art materials have been utilized across the four performance levels in the range including:

• Level 8: Carbon Fiber + Rohacell Drivers, Ceramic Dome Tweeters
• Level 6: Kevlar + Nomex Drivers, Powder Coated Aluminum Tweeters
• Level 4: Textured Polypropylene Drivers, Powder Coated Aluminum Tweeters
• Level 2: Textured Polypropylene Drivers, Cloth Dome Tweeters

Todd Ryan, Sonance’s Chief Speaker Engineer, utilized the latest computer modeling and test software including FineMotor, FineCone, MOTiv, Clio FW10 and Klippel Distortion Analyzer to achieve extremely precise magnetic field symmetry in the motor and ideal suspension linearity. The result is a consistent frequency response and sonic signature across all listening levels and minimized distortion at higher volumes.

A smooth power response to +/-60˚ has been achieved, delivering superb on and off axis performance. This allows speakers to be positioned for the best aesthetic (aligned with down lights for example) while still providing uncompromised sound quality and coverage.

Forward-placed high excursion woofers (with almost 3X the travel of previous models) have been used to minimize early reflections and deliver extended bass response.

13˚ pivoting woofers ensure bass and midrange frequencies can be directed as required, while the independently pivoting tweeters provide an additional 13˚ of rotation, allowing for the fine-tuning of treble.

The next generation of Visual Performance Series has maintained its award-winning aesthetic and ease of installation with one-piece paintable micro-trim grilles. An easily removable scrim cloth further simplifies the painting process.

The new range also features three new Square Adaptors that converts round speakers into square, allowing them to be installed into a round hole for easier alignment. The magnetic frame on the adaptor ensures the speaker remains concealed once installed and grille fit remains tight against the ceiling along the edges and into the corners.

“This year marks our 30th anniversary of inventing the in-wall and in-ceiling speaker category and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than re-inventing it,” said Ari Supran, CEO of Dana Innovations, parent company of Sonance, iPort and TRUFIG. “We are thrilled with the result and believe we have redefined the category by establishing a new benchmark for acoustic performance. I would encourage everyone to simply listen to the range and judge for themselves,” he said.

Sonance’s Next Generation of Visual Performance Series is available in Round, Square, Rectangle, 4” and 6” (2-way), 8” (3-way), Single Stereo, LCR, Surround, Thinline, Extreme, Woofers and Subwoofers. Currently, the manufacturer has made product available for pre-sale, with shipping expected August 1st.

Source: HDLiving.com

A recent project by Wilshire Home Entertainment was featured in the Spring 2013 issue of CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles magazine. Our original feature on our blog can be found here: Project Profile: Home Theater of Their Dreams

The project was a collaboration between Wilshire Home Entertainment and Cinema Design Group, designer of luxury home theater interiors. The ornate theater harks back to the golden age of cinema, but has a healthy infusion of today’s top technologies.

You can view the Spring 2013 issue of Electronic Lifestyles here:

http://digitaleditions.napco.com/publication/?i=163046&p=50

“I want to have an outstanding audio video system throughout my house, but do not want it to interfere with the overall aesthetics that my family just loves.” We hear some version of this statement nearly every day. And if we didn’t have viable workarounds, we’d either be out of business or at the very least have a lot of unsatisfied customers out there wondering if the components they bought could have been installed with a better end result.

Hiding your home’s audio and video equipment is an art form in and of itself that allows you to enjoy a multi-media sanctuary that seamlessly blends into any living room, library, bedroom, bathroom, outdoor living space, etc. To be sure, you don’t have to endure the presence of electronics components, wires and screens that confound design aesthetics while your gear is not in use.

Following are a few products and tips that will help you create a true multi-purpose room that is both a stealth A/V system AND a relaxing, aesthetically pleasing living environment.

Abracadabra Audio
Speakers—especially floor-standing models—are notorious enemies of interior design. However, there are some wonderful solutions available that will have your guests asking: “Where is that amazing sound coming from?”

For example, there are invisible speakers that are mounted flush with the wall, installed like a drywall patch and can be finished to exactly match existing surroundings for a completely covert audio system. In-wall and in-ceiling options are fantastic and most can be painted to match the surrounding wall. We’ve seen expert faux-finished versions that match wood grain, stone and even wall murals. If not, in-ceiling speakers are usually circular to match round recessed lighting to create design consistency. In-wall subwoofers are also increasingly popular, eliminating these squat eyesores from view.

For a true home theater where more oomph is needed, consider false walls to hide large speakers and subwoofers. We simply stash side and rear speakers behind high-performance, 100 percent acoustically transparent fabric. Meanwhile, front speakers live behind an acoustically transparent projection screen.

Voila! Video
Audio aside, the display itself can be a huge space hog. At expanses from 42-to-120-plus inches, wall real estate can be easily gobbled up by large screens that detract from design and ominously loom at guests in your gorgeous living area. But fret not because ample solutions exist to hide even the largest flat panel displays and screens. For wall-hanging TVs or screens, a motorized display appears as a painting when the screen is dormant and lifts when you want to watch a movie. Another option is a two-way mirror TV system. When the TV is on, you can see it through the mirror. When powered off, the mirror appears as a design feature—usually with a nice frame to boot. Mirror systems are also great for bathroom installation.

We love flat panel TV lifts that allow you to install a TV in a cabinet. A lift causes the display to pop up when you’re ready for it—a great option for a room with gorgeous views or where wall mounting is not optimal. Some lifts can even go into the floor or ceiling. Likewise, most projection screen manufacturers offer recessed in-ceiling or pop-up screens and there are plenty of options to keep your projector hidden from view.

Covert Components
Now that you’ve concealed your audio and video, what to do with all those sources like your cable/satellite box, Blu-ray player or gaming console? We suggest either a solid piece of entertainment cabinetry which will have the proper ventilation for equipment and wire-management features, or centralizing components in an equipment room or closet. The only caveat here is that you will need a wireless radio-frequency or infrared remote which can operate through walls and doors.

With so many new technologies available and new ones being introduced all the time, hiding your equipment to maintain overall aesthetics can be easy. The best place to start is to stop by our store and talk with our trained professionals who will be happy to show you all the latest technologies and make recommendations tailored to your unique needs. Look forward to seeing you soon!

Subwoofers produce the lowest frequencies, the bass, in most home theater audio systems. Whether it is the boom from a bass drum or the room-shaking explosion in an action adventure movie, subwoofers provide the foundation for a great sound system.

Hiding in Plain Sight
Traditionally subwoofers were usually a square box, often quite large and placed on the edge of one of the room’s walls. If a big box doesn’t fit into your plans, you can now have a great performing sub that is hidden in a wall, ceiling or floor. These subwoofers are installed between the floor, ceiling joists or in-between the wall studs and they often have a grill that can be painted the same color as the room.

With other hidden subwoofers only a port is exposed in the room and this port can sometimes be disguised as a heating vent. Now you can have big bass without a big box in the room.

Big Things Come in Small Packages
Instead of hiding the subwoofer, many companies make small subwoofers. To understand how this is possible, a little background is needed. Most loudspeakers, including subwoofers, produce sound by a speaker cone moving back and forth. This cone movement produces sound waves in the room. Bass notes are very long sound waves and the traditional way to make these low notes was to use a large speaker with a big speaker cone. A large subwoofer might have a cone that is twelve inches in diameter or more. However, nowadays many manufacturers make subwoofers with much smaller speakers that compensate by moving the smaller cone back and forth farther. Some of these smaller subs can produce tremendous base given their smaller size and footprint.

What to Look For
Many subwoofers come with a microphone. When the system is being set up, the microphone is plugged into the subwoofer and placed in the seating area. The sub is then put into its installation or calibration mode to produce a variety of low notes. The microphone ‘hears’ these notes and automatically optimizes the sub for both the room and subwoofer’s placement in the room.

No matter what type of subwoofer you are considering, at the end of the day the subwoofer’s job is to produce loud low notes. Remember, loudness is measured in decibels (dB), so a subwoofer with a larger dB number can produce louder bass.

To produce bass that you not only hear, but you can also feel, the subwoofer must produce very low notes. The frequency of a note is measured in hertz (Hz), and a subwoofer with a smaller Hz number on the spec sheet can therefore reproduce deeper bass.

More Than a Numbers Game
But don’t buy a subwoofer just on the ‘numbers.’ There are two primary problems in buying just on the specifications. First, different manufacturers use different methods to measure their products and this makes comparing subwoofers by specification from more than one manufacturer very difficult. Secondly, specs don’t tell the entire story. The ultimate test is listening how accurately the subwoofer makes music or special effects in movies sound natural.

Our installers have years of experience in selecting subwoofers. We will take into consideration many other factors that affect performance such as room-size specifications, spacing options to place a subwoofer, existing amplification equipment and your primary types of entertainment content. Taking these key factors into consideration, along with our expertise in today’s technology, this will help us provide the perfect subwoofer system for you and your room.

Listen to Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled record on a turntable through some audiophile-grade speakers, and your experience will be vastly different than listening to the same album on your laptop. In the latter case, you may indeed tap your toes a little to “Monday Morning,” but you won’t get the soul-shaking experience the band intended you to have, and you may even be missing a lot of the detail from the original recording. In short, your music will sound far less magical than it has the potential to be.

Nearly all the tunes we listen to nowadays come to us digitally, whether it’s from an Android, laptop, iPad, Pandora®, Rhapsody® or elsewhere in the Cloud. And while we are certainly not proposing that you trash your iTunes library in favor of that box of phonograph records in the attic, you can reinvigorate your digital music with a little help from a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

Decoding a digital audio file
The fact of the matter is we simply can’t hear the 1s and 0s that make up a digital audio file. This means that we actually require DACs to convert those digital bits to an audible analog signal. Thusly, all audio sources are designed with a DAC in some form or another. However, not all DACs are created equal. For example, DACs in your computer are notoriously weak and can make your music sound anemic, muddy and flat. Why do that to yourself, when you spent so much time handpicking music and so much money amassing your collection?

An add-on that’s music to your ears
Enter the external DAC to save the day. An external DAC will give your digital music the shot in the arm that it needs. These miraculous devices come in many shapes and sizes, but they all do one thing: make your music sound closer to the way it originally sounded in the studio where it was recorded. An external DAC will sound better than the one found in your computer or other audio source because it doesn’t fall prey to outside influences, such as interference from other electronics inside the source. An external DAC also devotes the proper space needed to do the conversion properly, as opposed to say, squeezing the DAC onto the motherboard of a computer or relegating it to the outskirts of a CD player’s insides.

What could be better than watching a high-def image on a really big screen from the comfort of your own couch? How about an image that takes the already amazing resolution of HDTV and doubles it? Ultra HD—also known as 4K—is the latest in display technology with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (compared to high-definition’s 1920 x 1080), delivering an image so realistic some mistake it for 3D. And the best part is, it’s already on the market.

Ultra HD has its origins in commercial cinema. 4K projectors were originally installed in movie theaters as they transitioned from analog film reels to digital technology because they offered video quality that looked nearly as good as film. Now, Ultra HD TVs have made their way into the residential market. As of this writing, in fact, most of the major TV manufacturers have jumped onboard with Ultra HD technology. Ultra HD sets start at 55 inches and go all the way up to 84 inches and range anywhere from $1,500 to $40,000.

Why buy now?
Like nearly all video formats before it, the hardware became available before the software—Ultra HD movies and TV. While Ultra HD sets are on the market now, content is just becoming available. However, now is a great time to jump in.

Content is here…and more is coming
First, there is some great content available now. A handful of movies have been remastered in Ultra HD and will get you started on the road to the holy grail of picture quality. For example, The Other Guys, Bad Teacher, Bridge Over the River Kwai, the Karate Kid, Glory, Angels & Demons, Taxi Driver, Total Recall, Spider-Man, and Ghostbusters have all been remastered in Ultra HD. There is one Ultra HD player on the market that comes preloaded with native Ultra HD films so that you can actually watch a true Ultra HD film on an Ultra HD set. Many movies are already shot in Ultra HD so that they can be shown in Ultra HD commercial theaters. YouTube supports upload and playback of Ultra HD; Netflix plans to have streaming Ultra HD in the next year or two; and broadcasters are playing with, and shooting TV shows, in 4K. These are all promising signs that more content is imminent.

Enjoy “upconverted” content now
Another reason to consider an Ultra HD set now is that many sets include incredible video processors that can make any content—from Blu-ray discs to home movies—look dramatically better. These processors are also available in some home theater receivers and Blu-ray players. The processors, also known as scalers or upconvertors, take regular content and scale it to near-Ultra HD resolution, effectively rendering the “no content” issue a moot point. Sure, this is not “native” 4K content, but picture quality is see-it-to-believe-it good.

But really…why wait?
For now, shopping for an Ultra HD set means looking at how good they will make non-4K content look. With the right set, once more Ultra HD content becomes available, you’ll be poised to experience the staggering difference between HDTV and Ultra HD, which is in a league of its own. Ultra HD color reproduction is wonderful, images have more dimensionality and detail, and the experience is way more immersive and lifelike. Whether you are in the market for a new TV or not, if you value an excellent image, we invite you to come in and check out the very latest in cutting-edge video technology.