VR vs AR
The booming virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) markets give consumers a whole new world of entertainment options as they look to improve their homes with the latest and greatest technology.
The VR and AR market is expected to grow to more than one billion users and have a worldwide value of more than $215 billion by 2021.1 Make sure you have an expert team of electronic specialists on your side when it’s time to upgrade.
“Virtual reality and augmented reality represent exciting breakthroughs in technology that will enhance entertainment and lifestyle options for consumers,” says Sandy Benson, owner of Custom Audio Video. “Before you make any decisions, however, it’s important to be fully informed about what this technology entails and what you need to make it work successfully.”
Here’s your guide to virtual reality and augmented reality:
What is the difference between VR and AR?
Virtual reality engulfs the user in a completely fabricated world, with the idea that it is difficult to determine what is real and what is not (think headset-enabled games). In augmented reality, users remain in touch with the real world while interacting with virtual objects (think Pokemon Go).
What companies are using VR and AR?
Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are all using VR and AR technology in a variety of ways, from products like Google Glass to video game and interactive sports experiences. Apple and Amazon are working on applications to create AR experiences that allow you to project furniture or décor into your home using your smartphone or other devices to see how it looks in real-time. In addition, Apple is working on its own smart glasses, which would likely tie into their existing ecosystem of products.
What VR and AR products are available to consumers?
Much of the latest technology unveiled at the recent Consumer Electronics Show is not available in stores, but the products could be on the market soon for early adopters.
- Windows Mixed Reality – Microsoft offers a full package to get you up and running with VR, featuring high-powered computers optimized for VR, plug and play virtual headsets and motion controllers that respond naturally to your movements.
- Amazon AR View – iPhone and Android users can open this application through Amazon and use it to help see how a variety of items could work in your home. Simply click on an AR view-enabled item, and your phone will switch to camera mode, projecting the item where you would like to see it.
- HTC Vive Pro VR Headset – With amazing resolution and spectacular sound, this VR headset will fully engulf you as you play video games from your Xbox One or PS4, putting you right in the middle of the action.
- Vuzik Blade AR Smart Glasses – AR glasses have been much improved upon since their debut, and these specs project an interface on the right-hand lens. Working in tandem with your smartphone, you can connect virtually hands-free.
How do VR and AR work in the home?
The easiest way to connect to this new technology is through gaming consoles and computers. Xbox One and PS4 are configured to work with VR headsets, with games and apps that take advantage of the technology. Google Daydream headsets work in tandem with apps for VR experiences like live sports. When using VR, it’s important to set up your room to give yourself the space and freedom to move around without running into objects.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of VR and AR?
Virtual reality is an immersive experience, which is both its strength and weakness. Users have full sensory immersion in whatever content they are viewing, but the method takes viewers out of the “real world.” Augmented reality allows users to retain a connection and even interact with their surroundings, but the problem remains in how to execute AR in an efficient manner.
Make no mistake; however, VR and AR will play a major role in the future of technology, and if you are interested in using them in your home, working with professionals who understand and can recommend what will work best for you is critical.
“If you want to be on the cutting-edge of technology, you can’t go wrong with virtual and augmented reality,” says Iain Brown, CEDIA Certified Electronics System Technician II. “As the technology advances and changes, however, you want to make sure you work with experienced providers who can answer all of your questions and provide you with the right fit.”
Sources:
1. https://www.newgenapps.com/blog/6-vr-and-ar-statistics-shaping-the-future-of-augmented-reality-with-data
Cutting the Cord
The trend of cord-cutting, disconnecting cable TV services in favor of online streaming alternatives, jumped to its highest levels ever as of the 4th quarter of 2017.1 If you are among the 13.5 million American viewers rejecting cable companies in favor of over the top or OTT media platforms, here are some tips for making the transition smoothly.
1. Make sure you have the internet speed you need
To avoid issues with buffering, figure out how many devices are likely to be streaming at peak times in your household. For an average family streaming 4k Ultra HD content on multiple devices, internet speed should start at 25 megabits per second.2 If you’re not sure your current plan provides that level, run a speed test to see if you’re getting what you’re paying for. There are many free online speed testing options available.
2. Choose your devices wisely
Switching to on-demand streaming can be as basic as hooking up your phone or laptop to your television, but to create an optimum audio-visual experience, do some research in advance to decide whether you want a smart TV, a separate device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV or even your gaming console. Not sure what’s the best setup? Consult an expert.
“Yes, cord-cutting is about convenience, choosing what you want to watch when you want to watch it. But it’s also about creating a great entertainment experience in your home,” says owner Sandy Benson. “Syncing your systems in a way that makes sense for your family is definitely the way to go.”
3. Get the streaming services you’re most likely to enjoy
You’re spoiled for choice these days. Not only are the industry leaders like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu offering great original content; cable and satellite providers like Comcast and DirectTV now provide streaming-only services. Premium channels like HBO and STARZ also offer stand-alone streaming. Keep an eye on costs if you’re cord-cutting to save money. Keep a total of individual monthly charges to be sure your OTT costs are still lower than your cable bill.
4. Think about what you want to watch live
You don’t have to give up watching the Oscars or NBA playoffs live. Sling TV, PlayStation Vue and Fubo TV are just some of the many services that allow you to pick your programming for less than cable costs. And if local news and weather are all you’re after, one of the many indoor or outdoor digital antennas with HD quality picture could be your answer.
5. Time your transition right
Check the terms of your cable deal to be sure you don’t incur a big fee for early termination. If the fee isn’t hefty, cutting the cord now may still save you money in the long run.
“We’re seeing more and more customers making the transition to OTT media,” says Sandy. “At one time, it was primarily a budget decision, but that isn’t necessarily the case anymore. Once people figure out that they can design an entertainment package that suits their viewing habits precisely, it’s hard to top that.”
Sources:
1. http://fortune.com/2018/03/01/cord-cutting-record-internet-tv/
2. https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2478213,00.asp
How to Prepare Your New Construction for the Future: Smart Automation
Are you in the process of building a new home? Well, we all know that the major components of a home include: Foundation, Frame, Electric, Water, Sewer, Walls, Roof…the list goes on. However, do you know the most common oversight future homeowners make when constructing a new home? Without a doubt, the most common comment they make in hindsight is, “I wish I had prepped the infrastructure to support more technology,” or something along the lines of, “Why didn’t I at least pre-wire?” Even though by the year 2021, it is expected that more than 50% of homeowners will have smart home capabilities, most new-construction homeowners fail to incorporate “smart” technology while they are in the process of building. Now, we don’t mean to call the kettle black but…if you’re going to invest all that time, energy and money into a new-construction, wouldn’t it make sense to go ahead and prepare the structure to be “smart” compatible before the walls go up?
Expert Wiring and Installation Services:
If you contact our team before construction of your new home even begins (or within the very early stages), your technology infrastructure can be built into the overall framework of your house. We will work side-by-side with your homebuilders so that we can strategically place cables and wires throughout your property – long before the drywall installation.
This process, called prewiring, ensures that your house has the necessary infrastructure to support the essential components of smart home technology – from lighting control to whole-house audio/video and automation systems. With the proper framework in place to support future-ready automation system, we can then add your preferred home control systems when your new property is fully built.
Once we install your smart home technology and integrate each device’s controls into a single, easy-to-use interface, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new home automation system. But our service doesn’t end at that point.
BENEFITS OF PREPARING THE INFRASTRUCTURE:
Future Energy Efficiency: Your system will actively monitor energy usage and take steps to ensure that your home is operating as efficiently as possible. Once your home is fully-constructed, it will save you a ton on your monthly energy bill and lower your carbon footprint.
Increased Home Security: A smart home will allow you to go beyond the standard security system offerings. Every element in your home, from the lights to the window shades, can be prepped to ensure that your future home will be safe.
Improved Interior Design: If we prepare the infrastructure with a smart home in mind, all of the technology can be integrated seamlessly (without unsightly cords) before the walls go up. That way, your speakers and other equipment won’t ever detract from your home’s look.
Comfortable Environment: The ideal temperature, lighting, music, and more will be all available at your fingertips once your home is fully built.
Convenience: Imagine not having to get out of bed each night to turn off the lights or check to make sure the front door is locked. With easy access straight from your smartphone, controlling your home will never be a chore.
Questions When you are about to build:
Will you work with my contractor?
Most definitely! After we sit down with you and go over what you want to have incorporated within your new home, we can arrange a meeting to meet with your contractor and finalize the specifics.
Is there anything else I should take care of while I’m still in the process of building?
- Range: Unfortunately, with homes already built, we see that the Wi-Fi system can’t cover the entire home, so the rooms on the outskirts of the home have spotty or no Wi-Fi access. We can make sure that won’t be an issue if you contact us before the house is complete.
- Security: If a newly-built home wasn’t constructed with security in mind, a home owner may find that their networks were set up using the default security settings rather than what they would prefer. Even if your house is almost finished (or even already finished), it’s best to request for us to take a look at the settings already installed by someone else. We can help will changing the settings.
- Bandwidth: Without the right setup, your network could struggle to handle multiple smart devices operating at once, especially when streaming video or music. Custom Audio Video can ensure that your new home will have all of the capabilities that you need or desire.
Once an installation is complete, can I still add new devices?
Yes! Our smart home installations are always scalable, which means you can add to your initial system even after your home is fully built. Custom Audio Video knows how to make your installation compatible with the future.
How do I learn how to use everything after I move into my new home?
Because we will be working and communicating with your builder through the structural process, we will know when your home will be ready for you to move in. At that point, we will meet with you at your new home and teach you how to take advantage of all of the amazing features your new home automation system offers. In fact, it’s expected that we will meet with you numerous times before the settling-in process is complete.
Custom Audio Video understands that building a house can be extremely stressful and that it takes time to make all of decisions. We understand that our clients will need us to make visits on multiple occasions before you feel completely comfortable in your new home.
“Custom Audio Video: We Can Help Even before Your House is Built!”
A Modern Approach to Commercial Networking
Did you know that more than half of the U.S. businesses out there have outdated networks? Well, sad to say, this also means that a ludicrous number of companies out there are lacking the protection and benefits associated with an upgraded network. In other words, a business with an outdated network equates to an unprotected business susceptible to security breaches such as data theft, which leads to decline in production and profit loss. Furthermore, a business that runs on an outdated network is also a business that lacks the technological advantages that its recently-upgraded competitors have already put in place.
In this blog, we’re going to discuss the dangers of working with an outdated network as well as shed light on the top three ways unprotected businesses are victimized. However, we will most definitely end on a good note and provide some ways that you can keep, the current commercial network that you do have in place, safe. But first, let’s evaluate…where does your business rate on the network safety scale?
IS YOUR BUSINESS’ CURRENT NETWORK SAFE?
You may not need to upgrade every aspect of your commercial network, so it’s important to have a clear idea what needs to be changed. If you don’t have a full-time IT department, consider bringing in an outside consultant. Here are the areas you should evaluate:
Security: Does your business have strong firewalls, VPNs, antivirus protection, etc.? Your business’ routers, switches, access points, and other enterprise equipment should all work together to create cohesive safeguards against hacking.
Disaster Recovery: What happens to your company’s vital data if a server goes down? Your system should have built-in redundancy for protecting business-critical information.
Reliability: Can your employees count on having clear, uninterrupted access to the internet and server information all day, every day? Business operations shouldn’t be delayed simply because your network can’t keep up.
Ease of Use: How easy is it for your employees to use the business network? This goes beyond having instant access to internet from anywhere in the building. Your business phone system, teleconferencing equipment, conference room presentation technology, and more can all be connected into a single system that’s simple to use.
THE DANGERS OF WORKING WITH AN OUTDATED NETWORK:
Data Loss: If your network hasn’t been set up with appropriate disaster recovery measures, a damaged server could mean that you lose vital company data forever.
Network Outages: Network outages happen, but in most cases, your IT department can have you up and running in a few minutes. However, if you have an older network that is no longer supported by the manufacturer, you could easily run into problems that could take days to resolve, leaving you without network access.
Security Breaches: Network manufacturers consistently release updates to their devices as new network security risks emerge. However, if your network is outdated, you’re most likely using components that are no longer supported for manufacturer maintenance. This leaves your company’s network exposed to security threats.
Incompatibility with New Tech: There have been a lot of great innovations in business technology in recent years, but companies with obsolete networks might not be able to take advantage of them if their network devices don’t support the newer components.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE OUTDATED BUSINESSES VICTIMIZED?
There are many types of online threats, and some of them are not obvious. In all actuality, a severe threat can potentially shut down your business if you have an outdated network. Here’s an overview of three of the most common dangers:
VIRUSES: Viruses are programs that get into your system and do damage. Once it gets into your network, it replicates itself, infecting files throughout. They can perform various types of harmful activities on your system.
SPYWARE: Spyware is a type of software that allows an outside entity to view files, gather information and potentially gain control of a computer or network without your knowledge or consent.
ADWARE: Another type of malware is adware. Adware can infect your server and cause it to automatically spam programs on files stored on it. Eventually, the output will overload the server and it will shut down, halting all network use.
HOW CAN I PROTECT THE NETWORK I ALREADY HAVE?
It’s not impossible to keep your network safe, though any single solution probably won’t protect you from every threat. That’s why it’s best to maintain a series of defences that work together in order to ensure the safety of your network. Here are some examples:
NETWORK FIREWALL: Firewalls monitor network traffic based on rules you or your programmer have set. They’re typically used to protect from incoming threats from the internet, which can’t be totally trusted.
ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: Antivirus software monitors and detects computer viruses and other malware. Most modern and efficient versions will also protect from other threats, allowing you to isolate and solve issues before they become a problem.
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS: If you have employees working remotely, you’ll want to utilize a virtual private network, or VPN. It will grant secure access to all important data and files over the internet. Rest assured though, only authorized users will be permitted access.
However, a modern networking solution isn’t just something you should implement to avoid a data breach or server downtime. Upgrading your network will help your company operate more efficiently and effectively as well as ensure that your business remains current with its competitors.
If you think it’s time to evaluate your commercial networking system, contact Custom Audio Video. We are the networking experts that can provide the diagnosis as well as handle all of your business’ IT needs. Trust us to ensure the safety of your company.
Make upgrading your network a priority with Custom Audio Video
Virtual & Augmented Reality: Consumer Electronics Show 2018
Despite being relatively new to the market, both the Augmented Reality (AR) & the Virtual Reality (VR) divisions combined consumed more than 45,000 net square feet of exhibitor space at this year’s CES show and for good reason.
What is the difference between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is the blending of virtual reality with real life. With AR, users continue to be in touch with the real world while interacting with virtual objects around them. However, with Virtual reality, a user is isolated from the real world and completely immersed within a fabricated world. With VR, the goal is for the user to find it difficult to tell the difference between what is real and what is not.
What were the top, award-winning AR & VR products showcased at this year’s show?
VR Simulators: Intel Corp is working with sports channels, such as ESPN, and they plan to install VR cameras upon all of the playing fields. Soon, from home, a consumer will have the ability to use a simulator and magically transport themselves into their favorite live game. With the use of a VR simulator, consumers will soon have the choice to place themselves upon the field of a live game and “virtually” witness their favorite athletes running past them. They also plan to do this with this year’s Winter Olympics.
The Pico “Eagle” Home Theater Interactive Headset: Featuring Kopin’s new High-Brightness OLED microdisplay, this is a lightweight mobile headset featuring over-ear, noise-cancelling headphones and a removable high-definition OLED display band. It provides the equivalent of an 80-in. screen viewed from 10 feet. The advantage of the system is that it lets users maintain situational awareness of their surroundings.
HTC Vive Pro VR Headset: Considering the fact that this product won over 22 awards from this year’s CES show, this is arguably the poster child of virtual reality. The resolution has been increased from 2150 x 1200 on the original model to 2880 x 1600 on the Pro. The face cushion has been redesigned and the nose pad now blocks even more light, which deepens your sense of presence while using VIVE Pro.
Vuzix Blade Augmented Reality Smart Glasses: Vuzix impressed in Vegas with the Blade, a pair of attractive AR glasses which project a user interface onto the right-hand lens. They look more conventional than the dorky-looking Google Glass, and include a touchpad on the side for navigating around the software. Truly revolutionary, Vuzix Blade™ AR smart glasses are a perfect companion to a smartphone, allowing users to keep their phone in their pockets for almost everything.
ThirdEye X1 Smart Glasses: ThirdEye chose to use this year’s CES show to debut its new X1 smart glasses. The glasses come packed with the latest sensors, chips and powerful design optics which allow users to experience a HD Augmented Reality display that is the equivalent to a 90”screen at 10 feet. Also, the display has 720p resolution with a 40-deg. field of view, a 13-Mpixel camera that can record 4k2k at 30 frames/s, 1080p at 60 frames/s, and 720p at 120 frames/s.
Let Custom Audio Video help you discover a new reality!
Bob & Kathy Krantz
“Sandy,
We just wanted you to know that Jonathan, Luis, and Jed did a great job installing the TV in our new sunroom. Jed came out for the recommendation and proposal, and also was here the day of the installation to get Luis and Jonathan started. He also stopped back on his way to another job on Monday to adjust the picture and answer some questions. Jonathan and Luis worked tirelessly last Friday to get the job done despite the challenge of drilling through what was originally an outside wall, helped us with getting the right box from Hargray and instructed us on our Sonos sound system. Once again your team did an excellent job for us. All were very gracious and professional and patient with our questions. You have a GREAT company.
Thank you!”
How much Internet Bandwidth Do I Need?
Perhaps you just picked up one of those new 4K Ultra HD TV sets for Christmas, or are planning to acquire one before the Super Bowl…now you’ve got a big question—how much bandwidth do I need to compensate for the higher pixel count?
4K: Due to 4K TVs having a resolution count of around 4,000 pixels, you will undoubtedly have an eye-popping resolution worth the price tag. However, one must understand that along with the T.V.s’ clear picture comes a newfound need for more bandwidth.
More Pixels= more Bandwidth necessary for smooth streaming (accessing shows, music, movies & pictures from the Internet to your T.V. without buffering or pausing)
BANDWIDTH: Greater bandwidth equals a greater capacity. In other words, an internet connection with a larger bandwidth can move a set amount of data (say, a video file or a picture requiring a higher resolution) much faster than an internet connection with a lower bandwidth. The amount of bandwidth you need depends on what you plan on doing with your internet connection.
Here’s a scenario:
It’s a cold and rainy Saturday. Your wife plans to spend the day watching her favorite shows on Netflix in the back room. Your daughter is obsessed with YouTube, and your son can easily play video games for 10 hours straight. You, of course, have big plans to illuminate in front of the 4K Ultra HD TV you just bought.
How much bandwidth do you need in order to make sure that everyone will get what they want and when they want? After all, let’s be frank…no one wants to wait long for their next episode to start, no one will tolerate more than 5 seconds of buffering, and we surely won’t stay calm if something were watching suddenly freezes, right? Trust me, don’t feel shame, we are all there now.
What does Netflix and Amazon recommend?
For reliable 4K streaming, Amazon recommends at least 15 megabits per second and Netflix advises 25 Mbps. However, keep in mind that the recommendation you just read pertains to the utilization of you streaming your Internet services to one 4kTV. Nothing else. In other words, if you are streaming to your new TV while other devices in your home are pulling from the same bandwidth service provider, then 15 or 25 Mbps will definitely not be enough for everyone to stay happy.
I have “Unlimited data” with my Internet Service Provider. Does this still apply to me?
It’s true, your Internet service provider has promised you “unlimited data access”, and they will stand behind that. Under current law, they won’t cut your Internet service when you’ve reached your bandwidth cap (the provider-imposed limit on the amount of data allotted at one time for one account holder). However, make no mistake about it, the moment you surpass your account’s allotment of bandwidth (which I’m sure it already has plenty of times), it will begin to throttle and whatever you’re watching is going to buffer. The speed at which you once were accessing data will decrease and you’re going to be unhappy…along with everyone else in your house.
For now (or until Congress makes up their mind about Net Neutrality), there are no real data caps on when “they” say enough is enough. So, yeah, right now you don’t have to worry about losing the Internet all together or paying a hefty overage penalty if you reach the cap. However, that doesn’t mean that in the future you won’t get fined, overcharged or just downright absolutely frustrated with what your plan currently covers you for. Therefore, you might as well go ahead and get a plan that provides the bandwidth that you truly need…and one that guarantees happiness.
What does Custom Audio Video recommend?
Well…it depends. Is your wife using a High Definition TV as well? It sounds like your daughter is just playing on her phone, so she may be pulling from your cellular data carrier. If your son plays video games daily, then it sounds like he utilizes at least 10 mbps on his own.
Generally speaking, a family of 3 or 4 that has 4-7 devices simultaneously connected to the Internet (devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, & smart home devices) and streams TV shows, movies and music daily; plays video games and has at least one High Definition TV needs…
On the safe side, I would recommend 60 megabits per second for your household to keep everyone absolutely happy…for at least a little while.
Ask a Custom Audio Video representative for Tips on how to boost Your Home’s Wi-Fi
Top TVs
Tis the season…for buying a new TV! So, if you’re looking to purchase a new TV, but you don’t know which one to get, Custom Audio Video has compiled this year’s Top 7 Favorites!
And yes…that special someone you’re buying a TV for…it can be you!
#7 Samsung MU9000 series: This may rank last on our list, but this sleek Samsung should still appeal to people who prize both style and convenience.
The Good: The Samsung MU9000 TV is one of the nicest-looking TVs available, with more modern style and attention to detail than anything in its price class. The separate input box and built-in wiring channels can create a super-clean installation. Picture quality is very good, especially in bright rooms, and very similar to the more-expensive QLED model.
The Bad: Other TVs at this price and lower from Sony have better image quality.
The Bottom Line: If you want a TV to look as good turned off as it does playing an image, the Samsung MU9000 is an excellent choice.
#6 Samsung QNQ7F series: Speaking of stands, this Samsung QLED is flat-out beautiful. It’s expensive, of course, but makes a great splurge for the design-conscious giver.
The Good: The Samsung Q7 QLED TV is one of the best-designed TVs ever, with sleek, modern styling and impeccable fit and finish. The innovative “invisible” wiring system and breakout box make installation super clean. Picture quality is very good, especially in bright rooms.
The Bad: The expensive Q7’s overall image quality can’t match OLED or the better LED LCD TVs.
The Bottom Line: Hate wires? The high-end Samsung Q7 is for you. But if you demand the absolute best picture quality, look to OLED.
#5 Sony XBR-X900E series: This series is Sony’s least-expensive that delivers a truly excellent image quality, thanks in large part to full-array local dimming. That feature allows different areas of the screen to dim independently, and in my experience it’s the number one contributor to great picture quality on an LCD TV. Mid-priced TV blessed with a high-end look, feel and picture.
The Good: The Sony XBR-X900E evinces excellent image quality, with deep black levels, accurate color, solid video processing and best-in-class high dynamic range performance. Its modern, minimalist styling is a cut above budget models. The Android TV operating system beats many competitors with more apps and integrated Google Assistant.
The Bad: Smart TV and voice control features can occasionally be slow to respond.
The Bottom Line: The Sony XBR-X900E has the sweet style and superb picture quality to satisfy mid-range shoppers.
#4 LG OLEDB7A series: Sure it’s expensive, but the B7A is actually the least-expensive OLED TV ever. I’ll keep this short and sweet: if you’re in the market for a high-end TV, the LG OLEDB7A should be the first on your list.
The Good: It has the same picture quality as the OLEDC7P series, “the best-performing TV we’ve tested to date.”
The Bad: Lacks Dolby Atmos decoding.
The Bottom Line: The only feature-related differences between the C7 and B7A are cosmetic (different stands) and audio-related (has a different speaker configuration).
#3 Sony XBR-A1E series: Feeling super DUPER generous? This Sony matches the LG OLED’s picture and raises it with unique, stand-less design.
The Good: With the exception of other 2017 OLED TVs, the Sony XBR-A1E outperforms every other TV we’ve tested. It delivers perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture. Its unique stand-less design is almost all picture when seen from the front.
The Bad: It has the same image quality as less expensive LG OLED TVs.
The Bottom Line: With an amazing picture that matches but doesn’t exceed LG’s 2017 OLED TVs, the Sony XBR-A1E isn’t worth the premium for most high-end shoppers.
#2 LG OLEDC7P series: Its image quality is phenomenal and it has some slightly better features and styling compared to the B7A, but that OLED TV is still a better value than this one.
The Good: The LG C7 is tied with other 2017 OLEDs as the best performing TV we’ve tested to date. It delivers perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture. It’s compatible with both major HDR formats, and HDR image quality is better than last year. Its striking design features a super-slim panel.
The Bad: The less expensive LG OLEDB7A has the same image quality.
The Bottom Line: The LG C7 is the best overall TV we’ve ever tested, but the nearly identical B7A is a superior value
#1 LG OLEDE7P series: There are several reasons why this baby ranks as our top choice! It may still have the same picture as LG’s other OLED TVs, but the E7 is definitely an upgrade: striking design, amazing picture, intense color, perfect black, picture-on-glass styling, Active HDR with Dolby vision along with Dolby Atmos support. This plethora of greatness may come at a price, but it’s worth it!
The Good: With the exception of other 2017 OLED TVs, the LG E7 outperforms every other TV we’ve tested. It delivers perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture. It’s compatible with both major HDR formats, and HDR image quality is better than last year. Its striking design features a super-slim panel and glass edges.
The Bad: It has the same image quality as less expensive LG OLED TVs.
The Bottom Line: Unless you have even more money than the typical OLED TV shopper, you should choose the less expensive version of this TV.
So…what are you waiting for? Come visit Custom Audio Video’s Showroom to see these TV’s in action!
The Future: Internet of Things
Bringing Life into the Inanimate!
What is Internet of Things?
Right now, the Internet of Things (IoT) is truly just an emerging idea with endless possibilities. Simply put, it is a conceptual, harmonic future where all things (including people) live in complete synchronicity with all other things (electronics, appliances, other people) at all times.
Metaphorically speaking, IoT is a world (a giant, programmable wireless network of Internet-connected “things” world) that we are already in the process of acclimating ourselves to.
Contrary to what others may think, we have barely scratched the surface as to what we are actually truly capable of accomplishing. In fact, most technologists would agree that we still reside somewhere within the early stages of IoT. Sure, on a daily basis, large groups of “things” (people) find themselves connecting with other groups of “things” (people via Internet, smart technology, and computers). But, IoT consists of so much more than what we are currently doing.
Where are we right now with the Internet of Things evolution?
It may seem like light-years away before we have a true IoT world, but we are actually making pretty good headway despite some barriers. For years, we’ve been connecting objects to the same wireless network. Plus, thanks to Smart Home technology and Smartphones, perceiving an object as “smart” no longer feels farfetched. In fact, nearly 700 million smartphones were shipped just last year, and statistics show that more than half of all homes in North America will be “smart” by the year 2021. Sure, we have a long ways to go, but at least the concept is growing.
Also, we’ve got GPS and other location-based apps, that now give us the power to pinpoint our exact location, and that knowledge has transformed our lives immeasurably. For instance, we can now enter an airport that we’ve never been in before and find our way to our favorite restaurant without hesitation. Our children are safer now, too, because we have been given the ability to monitor them from afar without taking away their feeling of freedom. In today’s world, you have to admit, it’s pretty darn hard to get lost. Now, most of us would agree, that’s a good thing, right?
What are the barriers keeping us from obtaining an Internet of Things world?
Most theorists believe that the number one thing holding us back from activating a full-fledged IoT existence is fear. We fear for our loss of privacy, control and security. Also, it can be quite challenging for people to imagine a world like IoT. After all, how interconnected can one possibly become with “things”, right?
What would life be like if we lived in an IoT world completely?
It would be a world where everything evolved around the location of individuals and his/her pre-set preferences. It would be a world where you would receive a coupon for a grocery item the moment you walked by it. If you were walking through an art museum, your phone would interpret the paintings as you paused in front of them. If you were meeting a friend in a large store, you would be able to track them on your phone and know what aisle to find them. Your groceries would be programmed to self-order and redeliver upon depletion. When you arrive to the office, you would find that your secretary already knew you were coming. It would most likely be a world of truth, free of crime, because let’s face it…no one is going to get away with it. Of course, everyone would live in a smart home: all household appliances and electronics would rely on one another, and simple actions would be carried out without human intervention.
In many ways, living in an Internet of Things world sounds like a pretty exciting, easier way to live. On the other hand, I can see why there are still skeptics milling around, not yet on board with the idea of forfeiting their privacy. Most people will agree…now doesn’t seem like a good time for everyone in the world to know where everyone else is in the world…at all times of the day, right? However, I don’t think anything is wrong with passing the chore torch down to your household inanimate objects. After all, let’s make it our homes’ responsibility to ensure we have a smooth life. Now, that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?
Ask Custom Audio Video about how we can help bring life into the inanimate!
Research shows that Smart Homes are now “Brain-Friendly”
From neuroscience research, we have learned that owning a smart home can yield a plethora of neurophysiological and psychological benefits. Rather than being viewed as something useful or convenient, smart homes should now be recognized as mental-health tools, ready to aid the smart-home owner in fulfilling his/her natural desire for environmental control. According to researchers at Columbia University and Rutgers University, humans “need for control is a biological imperative for survival,” and that “control — whether real or perceived — is innately adaptive largely because it reduces stress and maximizes the efficiency with which needs are gratified,” as well as optimizes brain function.
Stress Reduction:
In a 2008 Miami University study, researchers confirmed that humans feel less stress when they are in control. They found that when people cannot control their environment, they suffer from physiological stress (symptoms such as elevated heart rate, high blood pressure and an increase in cortisol levels), and when they are permitted to control their environment, the symptoms of physiological stress is dramatically lower. In other words, we feel stressed when we don’t have control. One can only assume, therefore, that smart-home owners are experiencing at least a little less stress than the rest of us.
For example, rather than worrying from a distance about the pipes bursting in their vacation home, a smart-home owner can just simply remotely access the vacation home’s status from a distance. Whereas, those who don’t have a smart home…they would simply have to either physically go check on the vacation home or worry helplessly. Simply put, smart-home owners aren’t going to be susceptible to the same stressors of those who lack the remote access.
Optimizes Brain Function:
Also, the brain’s prefrontal cortex (a region that governs high-level cognitive functions such as working memory, emotional regulation and goal-oriented behavior) actually strengthens whenever someone feels like they are in control over their environment. According to multiple medical studies from various academics, individuals who feel a greater sense of environmental control demonstrate increased persistence, motivation, and optimism. It is not surprising to learn that smart-homes are considered “brain-friendly” and having one now comes with a newly found perk… mental health well-being.
Satisfies the Need for Gratification:
The human brain is designed to both motivate and reward a person for satisfying his or her desires as quickly as possible. What if a stranger walked up to you and gave you a choice: you can have the $20 bill that they are offering you today, or you can choose to meet up with them sometime next week and receive $30 instead…what would you do? Would you wait?
Most likely, you wouldn’t wait for the $30. Because our brains value things that are closer in time and distance, we naturally tend to favor rewards that can be obtained faster. Voice-activated smart-home devices cater to the homeowner’s primitive brain by creating an environment in which the inherent desire for instantaneous gratification is continuously satisfied. Obtaining rapid and accurate answers to any question, playing your favorite song moments after you request it, and automatically drawing the shades as you crawl into bed ignite the brain’s pleasure center and give rise to reward-related sensations.
Simply stated, smart-home devices that cater to “your wish is my command” make our lives easier, more pleasurable, less stressful and happy….also known as…”Brain-Friendly” Benefits.