Home Theater Blog
What Do I Do With All These Remotes?
Have you ever wondered why the Big Box stores have become so successful in the consumer electronic industry? Well, I have too. I have never really understood how they could survive in such a technically complex industry. Well, the answer is simple. Price point sells........The dazzling bling bling of 100 different TVs, the ambiance of the newest home theater system blaring in the background. The alluring super deal that the store is about to offer a customer. These are the incentives for most consumers to procure their next audio video dream from their local big box giant.
We, in the custom installation industry balk at the idea that the average Joe would even consider that Big Box stores are an option. Let's face it. Big Box is here to stay. So, How do we compete with these giants? This is an easy answer as well....We DON'T....
Like any other competitor, we look for the "chink in the armour", so to speak. And their chink is a huge chunk. Speaking at one time with a Big Box executive, I asked the question, " Sir, what is the average training cycle for one of your staff on the sales floor". He proudly puffed up like a peacock and said, " Well, we put our employees through a grueling 2 week training program before they go out on the floor?". I was shocked and then chuckled.
The next chunk of chink is centered around the " SET UP" issue as I call it. The customer takes his new stuff back to the house, giddily opening up his brand new TV, magnificent AV receiver, speakers and expensive cables. Then, there's a big pause. How the heck do I hook all of this stuff up? Not such a good deal after all.....!!
Lastly and most importantly is the " Control" issue. The biggest problem with today's consumer electronics is centered around integration. All of this stuff is great until you realize that out of the box, 5 or 6 remote controls are needed to operate a system. This is where a Custom Integrator can be a hero. Most people want to experience their new system without any hassles. They soon tire from pressing this button to turn on the TV; pressing this button to turn on the amp and grabbing this remote to control the cable box. Not such a good deal after all.....!!
Whether you are an installer or a consumer reading this article, Big Box is here to stay but using a Custom Integrator is a much wiser choice when venturing out to purchase your dream AV system. Do you want 2 weeks worth of advice or do you want the advice of someone who has done this for years? Do yourself a favour and choose the latter!!!
Wiring Your Home Theatre System
With all of the new flat panel displays that are coming to market, it is no wonder that the average consumer is confused about what to buy to keep their systems current. Even the most seasoned installers have been scrambling to keep up with the technology and the cabling requirements that deliver to manufacturer specifications.
Recently, HDMI cables became the standard for Video.
There have been many hiccups with this technology and there
have been numerous versions to improve video quality. The
problem that is arising is the incompatibility between
devices such as TV's, BluRay players, Receivers and the list
goes on forever. Using Component Video cables, although
foolproof, is no longer an option. In the very near future,
most manufacturers of BluRay players will no longer be
providing analog outputs. We will be forced to use digital
transfer for video exclusively. There is also talk now that
HDMI will eventually be replaced by UTC ( Unshielded Twisted
Pair) cabling.
What a huge problem this presents for Consumers and
Integrators alike. So, how do you future proof your home or
office with all of the uncertainty in the marketplace? Well,
there is really only one way to accomplish this. We run
conduit to every TV location on a project. Along with that,
we run in the necessary cabling for the technology o the
day. This allows us to pull in new cabling as the
industry changes and it allows us to sleep at night!!!
Speaker wiring, again, is another area that needs to be addressed. There is alot of bad information on the world wide web about this subject. As a general room, you want to run 12 AWG,14 AWG or 10 AWG depending on the application and distance that wire needs to be run. Why? To minimize power loss and reduced damping factor to the speakers.
If you are thinking of installing a home theatre system in your home, do yourself a favour and consult a professional. It will actually save you money in the end!!