What to Consider When Installing a Home Theater System

Are you considering installing a home theater system? Or, you're wondering what the hype is all about. The most obvious benefit of a home theater is the fact that the owner never has to leave their house; they can become fully engulfed in the latest movies all the while wearing their pajamas. Home theater systems completely transform the way owners watch and appreciate movies and music. Also, home theaters provide an aesthetic upgrade to one's home, morphing any den or basement into something far surpassing the norm. Still considering a home theater? Here's what you'll need.

The first two things to consider when installing a home theater system are your budget and space. Home theater systems are not a simple procedure; they're a serious operation consisting of complex components, intricate wiring, and extensive labor. The result is a setup that will blow away anyone's 50" television with add-on speakers. So, if you're going to go this route, expect to pay at a premium. The deciding factor is whether you have the money and desire to install a home theater system. The second thing to consider is if you have the space. Most common areas within households to install home theater systems are devised in one's den or basement. The main parts that will take up the most space are the screen, speakers, and a rack which holds all of the components, such a Blu-ray player, amplifiers, etc. It all depends on how extraordinary of a setup you're looking for.

The next thing to consider is the type of projector that will be needed to feed your home theater. Most common home theater systems use a projector with anywhere between 1500-2500 lumens. This amount of lumens is suggested when presenting to a small audience (around 5 people). However, 1500-2500 lumens are adequate when expected basements or dens are pitch black at all times. If lighting is still present, it will be necessary to purchase a projector that possesses the output of more lumens, such a 4,000. The type of resolution you're looking for is also based on preference. For a general rule of thumb, high-resolution projectors are able to display far more detail than low resolution projectors. Those with a tight budget may be looking for a projector with a 720p resolution. However, since we're discussing home theater systems, it's expected that you're looking for something of the highest quality. What's the point of having a home theater system with the focal point, the projector, being of poor quality. Odds are, most owners have resolutions consisting of 1080p or higher. These are of the highest quality and produce rich, crisp images.

In regards to the projection screen, the average sizing is 100-120 inches diagonal. Of course, sizes can always be increased or decreased depending on space and preference. Owners may want to look for a screen that is perforated. Due to the perforation, audio can be devised behind the screen, giving it a more natural audio feeling. Also, by having the audio behind the screen, it is hidden from viewers and will save space.

The audio is the second most crucial part besides the visual aspect of a home theater system. Before setting anything up, acoustical treatment should be placed in the room. This helps decrease vibrations and allows for more flowing and crisp audio. High quality speakers and subwoofers will be needed as well. More than anything else, the higher quality and better sounding audio you want, the more expensive it's going to be. This is an area where owners should not fall short, just like when looking for a projector. It is necessary to look for speaks and subwoofers that are efficient and are of high quality to ensure they do not need to be updated or worry about them breaking.

A rack will prove beneficial as a place to store the various components to keep the system running and fully functional. From the Blu-ray player to the Xbox and amplifier, a  rack will assist in condensing and organizing the parts that help in keeping the home theater operational and efficient. 

It is recommended that a professional assists in the development and installation of your home theater. Remember don't skip out on this; home theaters are an investment that you will almost guaranteed be proud of if done right. So, are you ready to take your house and movie watching experience to a different level? Take the plunge; you won't regret it!

Are 3D TV's Worth the Price?

3D TV or three dimensional television, refers to a television set that makes use of stereoscopic capture, 3D display, multi-view captures, and other 3D presentation techniques to project a program into a realistically made three-dimensional field. Many TV manufactures are selling 3D TV's stating that it is a "Must Have" and "The Next Best Thing". However, consumers are weary about the idea for a number of reasons. So, as a consumer, is it worth jumping on the 3D bandwagon? Is the technology going to be soon outdated? Well, if you're in the market for a new television, here are a few things to consider before making an extravagant purchase on merely hype.

It's undeniable that the picture quality on the best 3D TV's is quite impressive. The high-definition, 1080p images have excellent 3D depth, detail, and color. All of these factors combined can lead to a fascinating, at home, 3D experience. This experience is mainly noted when dealing with high quality, high priced televisions from the most reputable manufacturers. In lesser quality 3D television sets, there have been many flaws such as double images. So, if you plan on purchasing a 3D television, it's prudent to purchase one of the highest qualities.

Cost
To get the most out of the clarity and experience of a 3D television, it's necessary to purchase some of the best models. Well obviously, when looking for the most creditable 3D television sets, there is going to be a substantial cost as a result. This is one reason many consumers avoid 3D. In fact, 45% of consumers saying they wouldn't buy a 3D television related it to the extreme cost. However, the price is going down for 3D at this very  moment. As 3D is available longer on the market, the cost will most certainly decline which may sway your opinion to a more definitive answer.

Glasses
Now here comes the topic that makes most people skeptical and even cringe regarding the purchase of a 3D TV, the glasses. Actually, 42% of consumers who stated they would not purchase a 3D television were due to the fact that they must wear the necessary glasses. Special 3D glasses are a necessary component to owning a 3D TV. Without special glasses, images will appear doubled and blurry. Most of these glasses are equipped with high-tech-active shutter lenses that better enhance images and make them lifelike. However, these glasses can often feel heavy and cumbersome. If you require regular glasses as well, the combination can often feel awkward and uncomfortable. After the purchase of the highly expensive 3D TV, extra glasses are needed which can cost anywhere from $130-$400 each! Plan on a pair breaking too, which provides manufacturers with a steady stream of consumer income. While 3D may be very cool, it certainly is not a onetime fee.

So, is it worth it to jump on the 3D bandwagon? Personally, we think not. The technology is still very new and until 3D can be viewed without glasses, it can be more of a nuisance than a pleasurable experience. It may be in your best interest to purchase a LCD television for a lesser price, better picture, and of greater size. However, if new technology is your thing and you like to be the one with the bragging rights, then 3D is the way to go for you. Either way, it can be far to costly to make this purchase sporadically. Be careful, and make sure you put in the proper amount of time researching and weighing the pros and cons of the decision to be made.

Places of Worship and the Benefits of AV

When incorporating audio visual components, most people consider its use in big businesses and educational systems. However, as society is becoming more tech savvy, there has been a rapid increase in demand for audio visual components in churches and places of worship. This is because there are significant benefits when being incorporated to any place of worship. Whether the facility is suited for a large or small audience, both can benefit and usually afford audio visual system support.

Audio visual systems allow the relay of content to people located throughout any place of worship. The crisp and clear messages of the audio systems allow for better comprehension and concentration while also providing the Pastor/Minister the ability to speak in a more comfortable tone. Without an audio system, the messages may be unheard and thus not reach the people to whom it may impact the greatest. The visual aspect of the audio visual system can prove to be very beneficial as well. Whether via projector or display, Bible verses can be displayed so that the congregation can follow. Also, this allows for the Pastor/Minister to take notes and display key points that may have been missed. Song lyrics can be displayed so that everyone can easily follow along and better understand its meanings in greater detail through the ability of dissecting and analysis.

Let's face it, as attendance grows in any church, the number of people's view being restricted is certainly a factor that can lead to diminished utility and problems. Due to this, there is less concentration and happiness and more distraction. The influence of the Pastor/Minister will only be truly felt if the entire congregation is able to see them and "feel" their presence. With the right video system, everyone will be able to see which will keep them more engaged and give it a more personal ambiance. Another great feature about audio visual systems is that they allow connection with the internet, allowing for the ability to stream videos. So, whether it is a current and relevant video, or recording of the actual mass itself, viewers can watch this content either within the place of worship or from their personal computers.

Finally, when having audio visual systems in places of worship, there is no need to turn them off when they are in view by an audience. These systems can be used as a promotional tool, displaying content such as church events, fundraisers, announcements, and anything else relevant to the facility. Instead of the Pastor/Minister taking up time during the service to relay this content, the audio visual system can do this instead while people are getting seated or after mass. While the structures of many places of worship vary, the basic layout of the audio visual system is fairly similar. It's just the quality and dimensions that often differ. Either way, audio systems can undoubtedly prove beneficial to any place of worship and increase satisfaction within its congregation.

How to Find the Right Speakers to Meet Your Needs

The key to getting the most out of your audio system is by having high quality speakers. Even with an AV receiver being of the highest-rated, the audio setup won't produce significant results without the right speakers. Speakers provide the crucial bond between the audio system's internal components and physical world where the sound is being derived. It is crucial that the right speakers for the job are obtained; making the difference between mundane and distorted sound to a truly crisp and stunning audio experience.

Audio Misconception


"Bigger is better"- In terms of speaker size, big speakers do not necessarily increase sound volume, clarity, or bass. Occasionally, size can make a difference. However, the majority of the time, it all depends on the quality of the speakers. As an example, a ten-inch woofer can actually create crisper and deeper bass than a twelve inch. To make things easier, the price you're willing to pay most often directly correlates with the quality of the audio obtained.

Concepts of Audio


Volume- The level of volume you're looking for is critical for choosing the type of speakers necessary. Some speakers sound as if they are struggling and become distorted when they are being played at higher volumes. Others can sound incredibly impressive at even the lowest of volume levels. Thus, depending on the amount of volume you require will directly correlate with the type of speaker to look for. It's not necessary to purchase the highest grade speakers with high volume capabilities if they are to be used in places such as an office where high volume would not be practical. Smaller speakers will most likely provide more than enough volume you're looking for. If you're looking to play both high and low volumes, a high quality speaker will be able to sound impressive no matter the volume.

Frequency, Response and Balance- The measure of how high or low a sound is pitched is referred to as its frequency. Frequency response is the level of how wide various sounds can be reproduced. Usually, high-quality bass that is very deep can be quite expensive. If you're looking for something for your office, midrange performance would be more plausible. If the speaker accentuates high frequencies too much, the sound produced will be mushy, harsh, and far from crisp. On the opposite end of the spectrum, speakers that de-emphasize frequency will sound bland and lifeless.

Wattage and Power Handling- Wattage is a measurement of electrical power when applied to speakers. Speakers possess two types of wattage: "RMS" and "Peak Power". RMS, or "continuous power", is how well a speaker can consistently perform without incurring damage. Peak Power is self explanatory being the maximum amount of power a speaker can withstand for a brief period of time. Peak power is not an accurate way of judging a speaker's performance however, because it is only very brief and doesn't represent the true value of the speaker. RMS wattage is actually the true reflection of how well a speaker performs and is what should be referred to.

For Your Money, What's Best?


The first thing to assess is what you already have and how familiar you are with audio equipment. You could start out with a Home Theater in a box which combines Dolby 5.1 or 7.1 surround-sound. This includes a speaker set with an AV receiver. The great thing about this is it's very easy to assemble; all the equipment comes together and allows you to become more familiar with what you are looking for. These home-theater sets vary highly in price range so they're sure to fit any budget.

If you're more familiar with surround-sound systems and crave a more intense experience, then odds are you need to look for something more elaborate and specific to your tastes. The great thing is that if you already have speakers in place, it's not necessary to replace everything. This will save you money and time. By just replacing the speakers closest to where you will be sitting, it will drastically improve quality. When including a center channel speaker, the transitions will be seamless, which is incredibly important for a well-rounded audio system. As you increase the quality of your speakers and better cater to you wants, sound quality will become more crisp, tighter, smoother, and better when varying from the precise highs and lows. Volume can be increased with little to no distortion, creating a truly incredible experience.

So What Should You Choose?


If you're looking for something in the office, an elaborate system with large speakers is probably not what you're looking for. Odds are, you will not be playing extremely loud music. Video conferencing and company videos will not require a state-of-the-art audio system. Instead, it may be more important to focus on the video and visual aspect of the system. Deep bass and large variations in highs and lows will probably not be necessary. One thing many companies do wrong is that they go state-of-the-art and spend absurd amounts of money for these systems, and then never use them even close to the potential they possess. With the office atmosphere, it may be better to go with speakers of larger quantity being of smaller size. This creates great clarity and allows parties located across the office to become fully submerged in what is being presented.

When it comes to something like a home-theater system, it would be beneficial to look at higher quality audio equipment. This is because when playing movies or video games, there is a wide variety of frequencies that need to be thoroughly obtained or else everything will sound distorted and can hinder the experience. For home-theater systems, it's recommended to do some research and talk with the experts before purchasing audio systems based solely off of judgement. The last thing you want to happen is spend all the time installing the systems and then for it not to meet your expectations. To obtain substantial bass for these situations, bigger may be the better option. Large woofers will save you from purchasing multiple woofers to achieve the same amount of bass. Basically, it's dependent on how large the room is and what you have the space and disposable income for.

What To Do With Outdated Audio Visual Technology Equipment

With the increasing volume and frequency of electronics and audio visual technology being introduced into the workplace and at home, a common problem is what to do with the outdated electronics. This technology includes analog televisions, outdated projectors, speakers, PC's, VCR's, and DVD players. It would be highly inefficient and environmentally impactful to just throw everything away into the trash can. Thankfully, there is a growing number of recycling programs to assist in disposing of this audio visual technology and electronics. From communities to manufacturers, there are various possibilities of recycling which take away any excuse for just giving it to the garbage.

One solution when possessing outdated audio visual technology and equipment is to just move the setup to a different room. There is always somewhere else the equipment can go; there is no reason to just remove it altogether. From bedrooms to the basement, there are many possibilities of relocation. If that is not an option, give the audio visual technology and equipment as hand-me-downs. A great opportunity when possessing outdated technology and equipment is to save it for soon to be college students. Many setups can be placed and used in their college dorm rooms or homes away from home. This is beneficial because it saves parents and students from purchasing new equipment and odds are that any outdated audio visual system will certainly be more extravagant than the norm. Other family members may greatly appreciate hand-me-downs as well; it's not just limited to immediate family members.

To rid yourself of old equipment and audio visual technology, giving to friends, donating, and selling are certainly options. Selling to friends, family, or via a yard sale can also prove to be highly effective. Garage sales are a great way to remove junk from the house. It is often said that "one's junk is another's treasure". As long as the outdated audio visual technology and equipment is discounted in price, friends and others may highly demand the merchandise that holds no significant value to you anymore. Donating to local schools, community organizations, and churches is a great way to please others as well as yourself by doing a socially satisfying deed. It is not practical to invest money in purchasing brand new equipment and electronics for these facilities, so they often completely rely on donations. By choosing to rid yourself of outdated audio visual technology and equipment through your own means or through a recycling program, either way, the environment and somebody else will surely be better off in the process.

Some Recycling Methods Include:

Consumers Electronics Association- Greener Gadgets.org
The Sony Recycling Program
The Best Buy Recycling Program
The U.S. Post Office Recycling Program
The Toshiba Recycling Program
The Office Depot and Staples Recycling Program

Ensuring Your Presenter Succeeds When Using AV Equipment

                                        
Having the latest in audio visual technology is certainly a must for successful corporations and businesses in North America. With the latest AV technology, corporations and businesses have the ability to better inform clients and staff of business endeavors and of relevant information pertaining to the industry in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Through social networking, video conferencing, and virtual office technology, audio visual technology can increase efficiency, awareness, and productivity. While the usage of these means proves to be highly beneficial, the main success comes down to the experience and training of the presenter. To often do personnel attempt to give presentations and fail due to inexperience and lack of prior technological training. More often than not, this results negatively and can severely damage the credibility of the presenter, the corporation/business, and its practices. The role of the presenter to inspire, motivate, and prove rich, informative content for all of their viewers. Making sure that presenters are not only well prepared but trained and comfortable with the situation is necessary when audio visual technology is being utilized and a business's credibility is on the line.

One of the first questions needed to be evaluated is what specific audio visual equipment is necessary for the presentation. Not only as a way of making sure the necessary equipment is on hand and functioning, but by discussing the topic with the presenter prior to the presentation, the level of knowledge can be judged. Make sure that the presenter attends at least an hour prior to launch to make sure their laptop is compatible with the AV equipment and that everything works as a fully functional unit. Finally, have everything in writing, so that it can be documented and able to be followed to ensure that AV Technicians won't make any sudden last minute changes.

It's also very important to have the presenter provide thorough background information in regards to their experience in giving presentations. The last thing you want in a corporation is to have an inexperienced, first time presenter act as a lead in a highly vital business presentation with clients, especially internationally. Ask how many presentations they have done in the past. Presenting is a speaking skill that gets better overtime as  experience and comfort are increased. If they have a video of a previous presentation, view it or ask them to give a quick on-the-spot presentation on their daily activities to a few staff members including yourself. This is a great way to judge how well they deal with pressure and to view how involved they are with the audience. Also, it may be helpful to know if they have been invited back to speak when giving previous presentations. This allows you to know what other people thought of the presenter's abilities.

Finally, it is important to discuss the presentation topics prior to launch. The point is to be an expert and to have the ability to adapt and succeed in any spontaneous situation. It may be beneficial to have a mach presentation on the topics at hand, to ensure the presenter is prepared, highly knowledgeable, and flexible. By using the AV equipment in the facility, staff located throughout can view the mach presentation, ask questions, and give their constructive criticisms without even being in the same room using microphones, visual recording systems, and projector or LCD screens. Also, this allows for the presenter to know how long the presentation may last. This is beneficial because it assists the presenter by making sure they are well prepared and don't have too much or too little material readily available and so that they know at what speaking rate they should maintain.

The Future of Audio Visual Technology

The audio visual industry and its technology have been increasing at an explosive rate. It's hard to even fathom the future of the AV industry with technology constantly changing and evolving. The topic is quite exciting, as everything that we have grown up viewing in futuristic novels, movies, and television shows is becoming a reality. With elaborate projectors now attached to mobile cell phones, cloud technology, and SMART televisions, it's easy to let one's mind slip into the possibilities of the future. With the explosion of audio visual technology in just a decade, the sky is the limit for this industry. 

Forget LCD and plasma screens, the future of displays entail laser technology. Laser displays not only sound super cool, but they are also very beneficial and offer great improvements. The brightness and sharpness of the display will be significantly more vibrant and exquisite than anything else in the market. The other main benefit of laser displays is that they require drastically less power. Recently, Prysm announced their new Laser Phosphor Display screens. Prysm is more focused on the promotional aspect of the technology at the moment; however it is guaranteed that laser displays will become popular within the next couple of years.

Spatial Operating Environment is also another feature that audio visual technologies will possess in the future. By moving images across a projected display with one's fingertips or by using a light pen, the level of ease and control will be unmatched. As seen in movies like "The Matrix", it takes the concept of futuristic technology to a whole new level.

Finally and possible the most exciting, holographic display will be set in full force. Appearing from the ground or a table, holographic images will be displayed. Imagine watching football games or television shows in your living room and being able to observe a 360 degree view of everything that is happening during the game. Or, having a conference call and having someone in a different country look and feel as if they were literally sitting int he chair next to you. Promised by Japan, they state to make this technology readily available by the 2022 World Cup. This type of technology sounds like something that could only exist in movies; however this and the other types of technology will become a reality in the very near future.

Why Digital Signage is Here to Stay

The market for digital signage has experienced a boom over the recent years. The theory behind this is "out with the old and in with the new". The times of print advertising and communicating are coming to an end. Digital signage allows for content to be richer, displayed quicker, more efficiently, and in a more aesthetically pleasing manner. Becoming a "must have" when being used in corporations, universities, restaurants, and growing businesses, digital signage can be greatly beneficial. Digital signage is the wave of the future because it is efficient and effective. If your business derives on supplying your steady customer base with rich content, don't you think it's time to make the transition?

Digital signage is an effective way to display either 2D or 3D content on a vibrant, LED display screen. It is used for of out-of-home advertising. This means that advertisements, videos, and messages can be displayed on the screens allowing for content to be specifically targeted and delivered at structured times and locations. With the emphasis of corporate social responsibility and its efforts on "going green", digital signage is a great way to help the environment by eliminating wasteful paper products. Controlled by personal computer and software programs, content can easily manipulated to best target the market and update current information. Such information can enhance a customer's experience by including weather, news, pricing, and photos. Also, it can promote the awareness and strength of a brand by displaying a logo, advertisements, and the inter-workings of other facilities.

Restaurants are heavily relying on digital signage as a promotional and informative tool. Digital signage can be used as menu boards for customers. Also, they can demonstrate recipes, show photos of products, nutritional facts, waiting times, and direct customer to different areas of the restaurant. Restaurants can increase sales by driving customers to specific products such as popular products or highly profitable products that may be overlooked on the menu. Especially when regarding food, words sometimes just do a product justice; it just needs to be seen to believe. Digital signage is also a great way to assist inventory management. With all of these capabilities, digital signage allows for customers to be well informed of products and services, current activities, and assists in providing a more constructive and enjoyable atmosphere in restaurants.

Corporations highly demand digital signage as well due to its ability to provide steady and current information. In the lobbies, digital signage can display current news, weather, stocks, and general content regarding corporations. If clients are expected, digital signage can be programmed to welcome them by displaying their name, how long of a wait to be expected, and that they're highly appreciated. Also, information can be displayed regarding what the meeting will consist of and what may interest the particular clients. This allows for an unstructured conversation to be held without both parties being present. With videos, news, and advertisements being on a steady feed, the "waiting room" isn't such a bad place anymore.

Colleges and universities are also highly interested in the capabilities of digital signage. Emergency messages can be displayed instantaneously across the campus. Events hosted by fraternities and sororities or the actual college/university itself can display content informing students of the event's location, the time, and what will be discussed. Classes that are canceled or changed in location can be updated to inform students, saving them time and providing peace-of-mind. So, whether it's students or others passing through, everyone can be informed about the current status of what's happening on campus. This sparks interest and provides for a more well rounded atmosphere while again; eliminating wasteful paper products.

Digital signage has become increasingly prevalent and is undoubtedly here to stay. It provides rich, current information to be displayed instantaneously with ease. Whether the displays are used for providing content such as public and menu information, or for influencing customer behavior and their experience, digital signage can certainly be an asset to your business and increase its profitability.

Lecture Capture Done Right

The incorporation of technology systems and its functions within universities has become incredibly prevalent in daily operations. This is not only because the use and reliance of technology is on the rise, but because it provides increased communication, easier and faster accessibility, and the ability for richer, more descriptive content to both the teaching staff and its students. When working with some of the most creditable universities in the country, Dobil Laboratories Inc has been using Crestron's Capture HD High-Definition Capture Recorder. We stress this particular product due to its simplicity, low cost, and incredible efficiency when transferring anything from lectures to short clips from the classroom to the fingertips of students.

The Crestron Capture-HD is very simple and easy to use. For many teachers being of the older generation, it can be hard for them to stay current with the new technologies on the market and how to use them. With this system, recording is incredibly easy and there is little training needed to be done with the staff. On the display, it shows a live image to the presenter of how they will be viewed and what information will be displayed. All they have to do is push record and when they are finished, push "end capture" for the presentation to be automatically uploaded. This can be uploaded to a USB device or sent to programs such as Blackboard. Simplicity for professors is one of the main appeals of Crestron's Capture-HD.

Another great thing regarding this device is the low cost. With great capabilities of the Capture-HD, the cost is undoubtedly fair. Being around a quarter of the price of its competitors, the low cost makes the appeal of this product even greater.

The main reason we stress this product is due to its incredible efficiency to communication information when being used within universities. With more universities going green, increasing the volume of online classes available, and providing online capabilities, the Crestron Capture-HD is a great solution. It allows for easy integration of classrooms, lecture halls, and training facilities. The high quality CaptureLive HD allows for recording of full-motion 1080p or 720p to be saved with the 32 gigs of memory for over 8 hours of recording. It allows teachers to schedule the dates of their presentations and when they are to be published. Presenters can display a wide range of content like PowerPoint, documents, and videos to their students. This allows students to view the content either in the classroom, from their mobile devices, and from their dorm rooms.

The Importance of AV Technology Equipment in Your Business

                                        

Business today is relying more on technology and audio visual equipment than ever before. The expansion of one's business is almost entirely dependent on the level of technology components they possess. Through the means of social networking, video conferencing, and virtual office technology, businesses have the capabilities of expansion like never before. Obviously, the quality of the products and services a business provides is undoubtedly the most determinant factor of a business's success. With the help and proper usage of current technologies however, businesses can rapidly grow due to an increase in customer base, revenues, and overall efficiency of operations.

Through the usage of current audio visual technologies, business communication and its customer base can greatly improve. Projectors and displays allow for efficient video conferencing with not only prospected and current clients, but with business partners as well being located across the globe. Instantaneous business meetings can be achieved though these means, allowing for improvements in productivity and communication. This greatly cuts down on the expenses and inconveniences of business travel. Business no longer has to be limited to phone calls or office mail; connection is at ones fingertips. Audio visual technologies also allow for viewership of body language; a valuable asset in judging character, establishing relationships, and a higher level of communication.

Revenues and efficiency are directly correlated in relation to a business's level of technology. Technology greatly assists human resource manager in the recruiting process of hiring potential candidates. Direct advertising can be used to attract candidates and screening technologies can be used in background check and previous employment. Obviously, by having more efficient employees, a business will be able to increase productivity resulting in substantial revenue increases. Also, the level of technology allows for daily business operations to be completed in shorter time. Audio visual components allow for inner-office meetings and connectivity to employees located outside of the office in any country. Documentation and recording of important files and data can be stored or transferred at the click of a button.

Having faulty, outdated technology and audio visual equipment can greatly hinder the productivity and overall atmosphere of a business. Distorted clarity and sound of audio visual equipment can result in mass confusion and the misinterpretation of possibly vital information. The longer ones business lacks current technologies, the more difficult it is to understand. With the capabilities of technologies growing at an exponential rate, it can be very difficult to keep up. It's easy for a business to dedicate of portion of its profit to update technology. The hard part is having all of the employees trained and fully aware of all of the capabilities and processes of the technology and audio visual equipment. Many people, especially the older generation, often will just give up when new technology is presented to them because they have been "out of the loop" for so long. This is why it's incredibly important for a business to maintain current technologies and to emphasize the importance to employees of knowing how they are used and why they are crucial to the operations of a business.

Conference Room Solutions: Projector vs. Display

I’ve run into this debate time and time again. Which solution is ideal? The problem with most conference rooms is that there is no order. Many times I’ve walked into a conference room where the table costs more than a house, and there is a poorly installed $500 projector from BestBuy placed on top. Is it priorities or lack of audio visual knowledge? I usually assume the lack of knowledge. The real question regards how the room is used and how large the space is. With this dilemma, Dobil Laboratories assists all of our clients by providing a wide range of solutions and informative training to any conference room facility or staff.  

The most common problematic occurrences relate to 3 major components: brightness, image size and price. With a projector, substantial image size is undoubtedly obtained. However, the drawback is that along with an increase in brightness is an increase in price. With your typical conference rooms, presentations and collaborations aren’t devised in the dark, so a projector with at least 3,000 lumens is needed. Personally, I would prefer a projector containing 4,000 to 6,000 lumens, especially when choosing projection based on image size and clarity. Glamour aside, there is no point in using a projector in any conference room if the plan is to project an image less than 80”.

Now-a-days, the price of flat panel displays is falling so drastically, it’s almost a no-brainer to buy one of these for your conference room. If you’re looking for a display that is smaller than 80”, I suggest a flat panel display. An advantage of flat panels is that you can present in front of them without getting blinded and casting a shadow behind you. Also, their brightness simply can’t be matched for the price. There is no filter cleaning or lamp replacement, which can be a deal maker. No need to climb up on a ladder and wrestle the projector trying to get the lamp out. The flat panel display will simply hang on the wall and will most likely outlive almost any projector on the market. With Sharp releasing their relatively inexpensive 70” and 80” displays, I can see a lot of the manufactures going this route. If this is the case, it will definitely assist in swaying our decision.

I’ve ran into several clients who would rather spend over $30k on a 103” display because they simply don’t want to see the projector or have a drop down screen. This tends to happen in conference/board rooms holding over 10 people. If money is far from tight, demands are lavish, and you are determined to hang a 400lb display on the wall, more power to you. I however, would suggest a projector in conference rooms. With a high lumen output projector and some innovative ideas from Dobil Laboratories, I would argue that a projection solution can rival the latter. I’m certainly not saying that a 103” plasma hanging on a board room wall isn’t impressive, because it is. I’m simply saying that there is a more cost effective solution that can provide the same “wow” factor.

When it comes down to it, Dobil Laboratories can supply an appropriate solution for any space. It’s just a matter of what your needs are and the facility being used. Projection is always a first-rate solution when you’re looking for image size. But, if you can spare the size, go for the large flat panel display. Both have their uses and either could be the right choice. Give us a call so we can come up with the right solution together. 

Where does the iPad fit in the Commercial AV Market?

When the iPad came into our lives a couple years ago everyone in our industry and in the world for that matter thought that it was a game changer. Which it is, it’s changing the way everyone does business, myself included. Not only can I play Angry Birds on a 9.7” screen as opposed to 3.5” but I no longer need to take a notebook and pen with me to a job site. Everything is at my fingertips, note taking, camera, web access, e-mail, etc.

But how do we accommodate the tech savvy professor or the cutting edge executive that insists to do EVERYTHING from their iPad. There are a couple ways to do this, each one having pros and cons. You could simply buy the Apple to VGA or Apple to HDMI adaptors. These adaptors simply turn your iPad into a non-wireless flat laptop. Sure you accomplish the goal of getting your content to the display and the show goes on, but you completely lose the tablet aspect of the iPad. Another way to do this is to utilize object mirroring through an Apple TV wirelessly. This is the better solution of the two. But you have make sure the presenter is set up on the room’s wireless network. This can be an issue with some Universities and Corporations because getting through their firewalls is like getting into Fort Knox and not all apps mirror as well as others.

What about using a tablet for controlling your system? Again, there are pros and cons. Both Crestron and AMX have apps to turn your iPad into the primary point of control in your system. The pros are that the iPad is a fraction of the cost of a dedicated touch panel from either manufacturer. It also becomes more than just the control panel for your system. If your user is Apple savvy then they can put their presentation on the cloud and access it remotely. The cons are that iPads and other tablets can “disappear” pretty easily. Unless every presenter in your corporation or university has the $100 app and the touch panel code loaded on their tablet (which is unlikely), there will probably be a dedicated tablet in your room. If it isn’t locked up after each class or meeting it could be in someone else’s hands. Oh and I almost forgot, don’t forget to charge it. Even though they have substantial battery lives, you better believe that when it comes around to your presentation that the previous user forgot to plug it in. Also, if for some reason you back out of the app or become disconnected it can take several seconds for the device to reconnect. That time that you are left in limbo waiting for it to connect can feel like a lifetime while standing in front of a class or a meeting.

When push comes to shove, the iPad is a great accessory to our systems. But I don’t think that it can completely replace anything right now. When used properly in either of the two scenarios I talked about, they can be impressive and borderline amazing. The problem is that not everyone knows how to properly use them. There are more and more apps coming out that broaden the use of these in the AV world every day. The trick is to see if they can be used in our commercial environment effectively. That’s what Dobil is here for.