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Denon's New Network AVR's

High-Tech Living Experience — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:12:25 +0000

Denon unveiled its next generation of IN-Command AV receivers (AVRs), all featuring networking capabilities and, for the first time, 4K by 2K passthrough and up-scaling.

Denon's $1,199-suggested IN-Command AVR-3313CI features DLNA 1.5 networking AirPlay, 4K by 2K up-scaling and three HDMI outputs.

Like their three predecessors, the three new seven-channel models feature networking, Apple AirPlay, Internet radio and custom-installation features. To these features, the new models add a new streamlined front-panel design, larger character displays, and redesigned GUI interfaces with improved graphics.

The new models are the $649-suggested AVR-2113CI, $899 AVR-2313CI, and $1,199 AVR-3313CI. The $649 model ships in May, and other two ship in June. They replace three models launched last year at suggested retails of $599, $799 and $999. A fourth higher-priced model is due later in the year.

The IN-Command introductions follow last month's unveiling of Denon's lower-priced AVRs, which brought networking and Apple AirPlay down to a starting suggested retail of $399 from the previous line's $529.

In the new IN-Command models, carryover features include DLNA 1.5 networking to stream music and photos from a networked PC, AirPlay, Windows 7 certification, 24-bit/192-kHz DACs, Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction, and iPod/iPhone-certified USB input, which captures music from Apple mobile devices in digital PCM form. Also like before, the three models can be controlled from a Denon iOS and Android app, but some new app features are accessible only through these models, including seamless scrolling of Internet radio and networked-PC content.

In one change, the series offers a different lineup of Internet content sources. This year's models feature Internet radio, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, and Flickr, whereas the previous models offered Internet radio, Pandora, the now-defunct Napster, Rhapsody and Flickr.

The units also add GUI overlay on a 4K display.

Wirepath Surveillance

High-Tech Living Experience — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:34:04 +0000

Introducing Wirepath Surveillance

With an initial offering of 8 cameras, 3 DVRs and 1 amazing iPhone app – we're confident this lineup will meet the requirements of your CCTV needs.

Deliver bullet-proof products with the latest technologies like Sens-Up, WDR and H.264
Create easy-to-specify solutions that remove system complexity
Provide best-in-class Apps for remote viewing

Camera Key Features

Typical Applications

Commercial – Show me the money! Perfect for critical monitoring of areas such as cash registers, entryways and warehouses.

Residential – Another pretty face or a thief? Ideal for front/back door use, gated entrances, garages and other outdoor locations that require high detail or facial recognition.

Technology Overview

OSD
Optimize performance by tailoring the camera’s settings for the specific application using the on-screen menu. An RS-485 connection is available to remotely change these settings with a compatible DVR.

S-WDR (Super Wide Dynamic Range)
Provides clearer images and even lighting in applications that are simultaneously both bright and dark. This is particularly useful in areas with windows and lots of natural light.

Backlight Compensation (BLC)
Reduces silhouetting so you see foreground subjects clearly when positioned in front of a bright background light source.

Eclipse
Don't get blinded by the light! By blocking headlights and other intensely bright areas, contrast is dramatically improved for critical areas of the image.

Sense-Up (Slow Shutter)
See in color -in the dark! By automatically slowing the shutter speed, the camera is able to pick up the slightest traces of light to display a bright image.

True Day/Night (IR Cut Filter)
For more accurate, vivid color reproduction during daytime use, an IR Cut filter is automatically moved over the lens to block unwanted IR. At night, the filter is removed to deliver maximum visibility and clear IR illumination.

Smart IR
Automatically adjusts the amount of IR LED intensity to eliminate over-exposure and evenly illuminate the subject.

3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)
A powerful digital signal processor (DSP) intelligently scans the image and reduces noise in low-lux conditions for a cleaner, crisper image.

Privacy Masking
Block out sensitive or privileged areas by placing rectangular blocks or "masks" over installer-defined areas.

DVR Key Features

Superior Compression Technologies
Commercial customers monitoring cash registers may want higher quality with an archive of only a couple days, while a residential customer may want to monitor a vacation home with normal resolution – BUT with an extended recording time of a couple weeks. These different applications call for different recording resolutions and frame rates to maximize the system’s performance and meet the needs of the customer. This DVR combines the latest H.264 compression algorithm with D1 and CIF resolutions and customizable frame rate settings - all to deliver the highest quality images while reducing network bandwidth and storage requirements.

App-tastic!
Some other guys want to charge you for the privilege of accessing your DVR remotely. Isn't that the whole point? At Wirepath™, we've taken a different approach. Use your computer, or FREE iPhone/Smartphone Apps to view cameras while at the office or on the go.

Live View: See who's doing what in real-time on any camera connected to the DVR. Both full screen and matrix views are supported.
Playback: Want to see what time Junior came home? Just search for the appropriate time and playback at up to 64X speed!
Setup: Need to make changes to the DVR remotely? Use the PC-based user interface to adjust system settings from anywhere in the world.

Easy Software Installation
If you've been frustrated by the complexity of DVR software installation - we've just made things a whole lot easier. We took the time to become a verified publisher through Microsoft, which means that Internet Explorer will install the necessary components without you having to dig into complicated ActiveX permissions and possibly leaving the customer's computer open to viruses. What's more, the playback software needed to view backup files is installed at the same time. No EXE download hassles or Administrator headaches for the customer - just click and watch!

Pentaplex Operation
Whether at home, on the job or sitting at the airport, the WPS-100-DVR-8CH enables you to simultaneously perform all system operations at once:
• Recording
• Live Viewing
• Playback
• Backup/Archive
• Remote Access

Dual Stream Optimization
Dual stream on a DVR is similar to what you may have experienced with your music. In the music analogy, sometimes you want to keep a high resolution version (CD) with the convenience of a compressed version (MP3) saved to a portable device. This DVR offers a similar benefit, allowing you to record locally to the hard drive at the highest quality, while simultaneously streaming a lower-resolution version via the internet. This gives you impeccable archived video with improved speed and reduced bandwidth when accessing the system using mobile devices.

DDNS support
Which would you rather remember... "79.24.132.165" or "smithdvr.dyndns.com"? That's just one of the benefits Dynamic DNS offers:
1. Easy capturing of the home or business's IP address
2. When that address changes (and they do!), automatic syncing with a central server
3. Easy-to-remember web address that always points the home or business
Wirepath™ DVRs support a number of popular free DNS services such as DynDNS.

Email Notifications
Sure, you could hover over your DVR watching cameras all day to see if something was amiss - but wouldn't it just be easier to get an email? With event-based alerts, you can create custom notifications for motion detection, alarm triggers or system diagnostics such as a hard drive failure.

Playback Features

Intuitive Searching
It's never been easier to find exactly the clip you’re looking for. Through the DVR’s on-screen display, web interface or iPhone app you can quickly search by time, motion detection, video loss or external alarm trigger.

Smart Search
Those darn kids took the yard gnome (again)! You know it was sometime this week but you're not sure when. With our Smart Search feature you can specify a certain camera region to look for motion, then quickly search for just those clips. Quick, easy, efficient. Now to find those meddling kids...

Multi-View Capable
Many competitive DVR products use one program for single DVR viewing, then a totally different software package for managing multiple DVRs (typically called CMS). To us, that seemed like a lot of headache. That's why we put all that right in one place for a consistent - and seamless - user experience. Check in on multiple retail stores, restaurants or residences directly from the same screen!

Simultaneous All-Channel Playback
When you're searching for a video clip, you could hunt and peck by going camera to camera (yawn) or take the easy way and view all of them at the same time! While you're at it, use the adjustable FWD and REV playback (up to 64X) to quickly find what you're looking for.

Bi-Directional Audio
Sometimes listening just isn't enough. Sometimes you need to talk to the person on the other end. Audio inputs to the DVR enable you to do this right through your web browser! Think of the uses: gated entrances, elevators, assisted living, saferooms - there are a number of applications where you want the person on the other end to know you're listening.

System Features

Flexible Recording Triggers
The system can start recording based on motion detection or predefined schedules (after business hours for example). There are also external trigger inputs to record when alerts are received from security and fire/safety systems or dedicated sensors.

Multiple Archive Options
Space might not be unlimited, but it's nice to know your archive options are. Manually backup your recordings to a remote PC, Network Attached Storage (NAS) or FTP server, or save locally to a USB drive.

RS485 Camera Control
Once you've made local lens adjustments to the cameras, lose the ladder and tweak in comfort from the DVR location! When combined with our Wirepath™ 500 and 700-series cameras, the RS485 connection provides control over detailed camera OSD options like Sens-Up and Super-WDR directly from the DVR. Of course, this same connection can be used to control PTZ cameras on 3rd party cameras with this feature.

Watermark Digital Security
Optional digital watermarking is available to ensure video integrity and protect against tampering. If a downloaded clip has been altered, the PC-based playback software will alert the user with a message when the file is opened.

Smart-Home Systems Go Mainstream

High-Tech Living Experience — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:05:33 +0000

Here is a good Artical written by the New York Times about Home Automation.

I SUSPECT that our species has been longing for “smart homes” since prehistoric times. John Q. Caveman is in one corner of his cave, about to retire after a long day of gathering (he’s never been the hunting type), and suddenly, a needling worry becomes lodged in his mind: Did he put out the fire in front of the cave? He vaguely remembers doing so, but what if he’s thinking of last night, not tonight?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/garden/smart-home-systems-go-mainstream.html?pagewanted=1&_r=4

Sharp now making (Pioneer) Elite Brand

High-Tech Living Experience — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:59:30 +0000

It was a sad day for videophiles a couple of years ago when Pioneer announced that it was exiting the plasma display business. (The company had acquired the factory when NEC exited the business some years prior). Pioneer's Elite Kuro plasmas were just about universally acknowledged as "best of breed", and I have a 50" version of the final generation here as a flat panel reference. The rapid decline in plasma TV average selling prices is what did them in (at one time, their top model carried a US$20,000 price tag). The final two Elite Kuro plasma models (50" at US$4,500 and 60" at US$6,000) were simply priced way too high compared to the three remaining plasma vendor's offerings (LG, Panasonic, Samsung).

Pioneer has resurrected the Elite TV brand (the company has continued to support the AVR and Blu-ray segments) by partnering with Sharp to produce a new line of Elite-branded flat panels. But this time they're LCD based, with LED local dimming backlighting.

In the race to make LED backlit sets slimmer than ever, the major flat panel TV makers have abandoned LED local dimming in favour of edge lighting. True LED local dimming backlighting is still the way to go, though, and the new Pioneer Elite sets (60" at US$5,999 and 70" at $8,499) feature full array LED local dimming backlighting, along with active shutter 3D glasses technology. They're also THX 2D and 3D certified. The 60" set features 600 local dimming zones, while the 70" set features 300 local dimming zones.

One notable feature of the new sets is their newly developed (and exclusive to the Elite sets) Intelligent Variable Contrast image processing. Just about every display these days has some sort of contrast enhancement function, but the function typically works in "sledgehammer" mode, shifting darker blacks darker and punching brighter scenes up across the whole screen. I've never found a contrast enhancement function that I liked until now, as the Pioneer IVC enhancement function takes advantage of the hundreds of local dimming backlighting zones and makes the peak white elements in the picture substantially brighter without affecting any other portion of the screen image (the function is disabled however in the THX picture mode). An HD clip of a carnival ride at night has the ride's many individual lightbulbs noticeably brighter than the rest of the image, which isn't affected at all.

The Elite LED LCD HDTVs feature the RGB+Y technology, like Sharp’s own Quattron, adding a yellow sub-pixel to the standard red/green/blue color palette to produce a much broader range of color and creates higher brightness using less power and more accurately depicts vivid yellows and vibrant golds.

RGB+Y technology makes possible Precision Color Plus, four sub-pixels composed of smaller dots, creating more than 8 million dots per screen for a much smoother, more appealing detailed image.

The Elite TVs also includes Intelligent Variable Contrast technology that works with all of the other Elite technologies to automatically control brightness and backlight to create depth of color, brilliance, detail and dark areas. You can also expect Full Array LED backlight with Local Dimming, and FluidMotion for 240Hz smooth motion.

The Elite HDTVs are 3D-capable and comes with two sets of active shutter 3-D glasses. They are THX, THX 3D Display and ISF certified.

The PRO-60X5FD and PRO-70X5FD both have built-in WiFi connectivity and supports video streaming services such as Netflix, VUDU and CinemaNow. The former is priced at $5999.99 and the latter at $8499,99.

How to Optimize iTunes for Audiophile Experience

High-Tech Living Experience — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:17:17 +0000

Audio purists often insist that that PC-based music isn't good enough. But it can be.

iTunes can provide an audiophile-grade experience if you follow these often-overlooked steps.

Choose Correct Import Format
One of the leading advocates in the field of computer-based sound systems is Steve Silberman, vice president of marketing for AudioQuest. He says a good place to start tuning your iTunes collection is by choosing the correct import format.

“If the encoder is set to AIFF and error correction is selected, then the ripped files will be 100 percent identical to what is on the compact discs. There seems to be an assumption that iTunes equals MP3 and nothing else. I think much of that has to do with the fact that Apple doesn't do a very good of explaining iTune's capability or an obvious link to the setup preferences anywhere. iTunes can handle files as large as 32 bit at 384khz sample rates.”

Silberman recommends that Windows users who are running iTunes select AIFF or Apple Lossless in the iTunes Preferences settings; Apple users should select AIFF or Apple Lossless format. If you need to preserve hard drive space, Apple Lossless is a good alternative that sounds nearly as good as the uncompressed AIFF format.

Verify MIDI Setting
Apple users should verify that the MIDI setting is correct (Open the MIDI and select the source format of 44100.0hz). Some of the things to look for in these options include the adjustment the native sample rate output. Silberman advises Windows users run Windows Audio Session API (WASAPI) and select 44.1khz in the “sound out” setting. These settings can be found in Quick Time.

Helpful Hardware Upgrades
Once some of the software parameters are optimized, music listeners should consider updating their computer hardware, specifically, boosting the amount of RAM. Silberman relates his hardware upgrade path: “I currently have 8GB of RAM in my computer. A few years ago a fellow named Gordon Rankin, owner of Wavelength Audio, recommended that I upgrade my former computer’s RAM from 2GBs to 4GBs.

"At the time I was very familiar with the sound of my system as the computer/DAC had been running for six months. The improvement was similar to the time I upgraded from a 60-watt integrated amp to 300-watt monoblock amps. [The difference] was huge … now I have a Macbook Pro and run 8GBs of RAM. It's again another big jump in sound over 4GBs. The next thing I did was upgrade my computer from a spinning disc hard drive to a SSD [solid-state drive] and that made an additional improvement in sound.”

Silberman also recommends adding surge protection/power conditioning devices to a computer-based sound system.

Additional Tweaks are Available
Computer-based music systems have morphed overnight from a geeky hobby of DIYers to a cool entertainment option adopted by mainstream music listeners. Here are a few more steps you can take to make your music sound its very best, Silberman says:

Benchmark media is a Wiki about configuring Windows-based media. This is an excellent resource for Windows/QuickTime/iTunes suggestions
Pure Music is a $129 add-on that uses iTunes as the browser while running as the player. This program sounds significantly better than iTunes on its own.
Decibel is a simple-to-use music player that costs $33 and sounds incredible. The downside is that it does not use the GUI from iTunes.
For Windows users, JRiver’s sound quality and user interface are as good as it gets, according to Silberman.

Willing Suspension of Disbelief

High-Tech Living Experience — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:15:51 +0000

The goal of a home theater is to ESCAPE! Paint the picture of total emersion into the movie- like a movie theater but better. How is it better? The site and sound might not be better, but the level of comfort is - as long as you have theater seating. When you are totally comfortable and relaxed, then you can enjoy the high performance audio and video gear. You want to enter into a mode of "suspension of disbelief".

Okay, but what the heck is, "the suspension of disbelief" and where does the term come from??

Originally, the suspension of disbelief or "willing suspension of disbelief" was a phenomena named by the poet and aesthetic philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge to justify the use of fantastic or non-realistic elements in literature. Coleridge suggested that if a writer could infuse a "human interest and a semblance of truth" into a fantastic tale, the reader would suspend judgment concerning the implausibility of the narrative. In short, as it applies to the ultimate home theater experience, it means that the audience psychologically agrees to temporarily consider the experience as "real" - and as such, are willing to "suspend their disbelief" that it is actually happening. Another way of saying it is, it is the extent to which the viewer is transported from their present reality into a virtual reality experience that is, for a given time, the viewer's new, yet temporary reality.

This is the absolute goal when creating a home theater. We want to create the enviornment, not only with sight and sound, but also with comfort.

The more aware you are of your surroundings the less likely you are to achieve the suspension of disbelief - and that includes suspending your sensory connection to the room through your seat. This is why it is important to be reclined - ideally, your entire body must be "suspended" and your feet should not be touching the floor. If your feet are on the floor then you are still physically "connected" to the room.

Real theater seating - truly superior theater seating, should be firm enough to support you yet soft enough to sustain long period of comfort. When a theater seat strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort your body will reach a state of "floatation" or suspension and you will completely forget about your seat and your connection to the room.

IC Realtime Max 16

High-Tech Living Experience — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:33:35 +0000

Pentaflex Slim 16 Channel H.264E DVR with Internet Access.

The MAX16 DVR uses H.264E (Enhanced H.264) compression technology based on the embedded high speed microprocessors and embedded LINUX operation system. This compression allows for clean viewing on the Internet over narrow bandwidth and dramatically increases storage space.

This digital video recorder contains advanced web access, system integration and synchronized audio and video recording features that are suitable for various types of home and professional installations: stores, warehouses, homes, government agencies, education facilities, etc.

* H.264E Compression. BlackFin Video Processors

* Embedded High-Speed Motorola Microprocessor & Linux OS

* 16-ch Real-time Recording

* HDMI Interface for high resolution video output

* Email notification of events

* Up-to D1(4CIF) recording/playback quality

* Video loopout for every camera

* Matrix video output for spot monitor applications

* Support VGA connection to computer monitors

* USB 2.0 Mouse Interface for super easy operation

* IR Remote Control

* Two way audio

* Motion detection on every channel

* Support Windows PC and Apple iMac access

* Support 3G/4G Cellphone access (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Win

* Central management software for viewing/managing multiple DVRs

* Up to 8 TeraBytes (8,000G) Internal Storage

Click here to visit their website.

Episode 500 Series LCR-4 Review

High-Tech Living Experience — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:29:53 +0000

Anyone looking for home electronics store knows that big-box resellers dominate the retail landscape. Big box retailers have ushered in the unfortunate demise of the audio specialists – you know, the local dealer who truly consulted with customers to help meet their needs.

On a bright note, custom installers and system integrators who specialize in complex AV installations and multiroom audio systems have replaced the audio specialists. In this context, I present a review of the Episode LCR-4 speakers, available only through custom installation specialists and system integrators.

Overview

SnapAV, a custom installation specialist located in Charlotte, NC, founded Episode in 2005 to serve the growing custom installation market. Episode offers a broad line of bookshelf and architectural speakers that are available exclusively through AV installers and custom integrators. You won't find Episode products in big-box stores and you probably won't find a speaker system with as much value as the Episode LCR-4.

Design & Features

The Episode LCR-4 is a two-way compact speaker with two 4.5" polypropylene injection cones with high temp voice coils and a 1" Titanium dome tweeter housed in a compact, stylish enclosure with a black or white glass-like finish. The high quality fit and finish of the enclosures is noticeable immediately.

The LCR-4 speakers are bass reflex design with two ports on the back of the enclosures and gold-plated 5-way binding post speaker connectors. Each speaker comes with wall-mounting brackets that place the speaker about ¾" off the wall when installed. They are well suited for use as a speaker system to accompany a flat panel television and can be installed vertically or horizontally.

Testing & Performance

I tested five of the Episode LCR-4 speakers in my system along with an Episode 12" in-room subwoofer. Episode offers an in-wall subwoofer, which will appear in a separate review.

Although it may be considered a steep challenge for compact-sized speakers, I placed the Episodes flanking a 96" video screen rather than a flat panel television. The left and right channel front speakers were placed next to the screen and the center channel speaker just below the screen.

The LCR-4 speakers have a small footprint but a surprisingly big sound as I heard in the soundtrack from The Wrestler (2008, Blu-ray, Wild Bunch Pictures). The body slams, head crunches and other unpleasant activities seen in professional wrestling sounded all too real, making it difficult not to wince when watching these guys, which I suppose is part of the appeal of the 'sport'. The speakers easily handled the dynamic range and dialog sounded very intelligible.

Diana Krall's breathy rendition of "How Insensitive" (Verve Records), a more genteel stereo music sound test revealed excellent vocal detail with very good center imaging. Jennifer Warnes "Bird on a Wire" (Porch Light, LLC) begins with deep, robust drums and percussion showing that the satellites blended seamlessly with the subwoofer.

The sound qualities of the Episode LCR-4s were similar whether placed in a vertical or horizontal position and overall the timbre of the Episode speaker system sounded very neutral with music and speech.

Conclusions

Priced at $249 each the Episode LCR-4 speakers are an excellent value, especially as a complement to a flat panel television or even a video projection screen. They're good enough that your local big-box retailer would probably prefer you didn't know about them. They sound good with music sources, but their real strength is movie and television sound. Build quality, fit and finish and style is impressive and they can be easily wall-mounted to flank the screen with the included mounting hardware.

Thumbtack

High-Tech Living Experience — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:15:06 +0000

We welcome you to check out our service page on Thumbtack. Thumbtack has been a great way to let people know who we are. Our Home Theater service at Thumbtack

Solar Tour at Fire Mountain Solar

High-Tech Living Experience — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 18:33:47 +0000

We are at the Solar Tour explaining the benifts of Home Energy Management and how Home Automation can help in reducing your energy use. Go to www.firemountainsolar.com for more information on solar and alternative energy..