Local Bloke Antenna Services (Sunshine Coast) 
4 Common Digital TV Reception Problems: Cause and Solution
Digital television has improved our home television viewing experience considerably. It grants us access to many more channels and now we can enjoy programs in high definition (HD) with superior sound quality. Fact is, you are less likely to experience TV reception problems if your system has been properly installed. The days of having to put up with the black and white static is a thing of the past! Unfortunately, from time to time you can come across some issues that can be the result of many different conditions. Back in the days of analogue TV, when the signal was bad we’d get that fuzzy image over the picture. Nowadays, the image becomes distorted and freezes every few seconds, making it very tricky to watch anything for an extended period of time without pulling your hair out. Let’s take a look at why you might be experiencing this: 1. Your Location Naturally, the further away you are from a TV tower the less room for error and the more likely you are to have problems from time to time. Also, if you happen to live in a valley or have buildings or large objects around your home, you might have to put up with an unsteady signal. Your antenna needs to be installed in a place that gives you the best chance of getting the signal - usually facing the TV tower. No matter your location, a professional should be able to get you a top quality signal with the tools at their disposal including boosters, amplifiers and signal checkers. 2. Weather Conditions You should allow for the fact that interference caused by atmospheric conditions have been known to have an effect. High winds and storms can knock electromagnetic waves around and cause inconsistencies to the picture on your digital TV. So give yourself the benefit of the doubt if you’re having problems on a day with rough weather. 3. Cabling Issues One of the first things you should do (and probably will without even thinking twice) is to check the cables and connections from your antenna to your TV or set-top box (if you are still using one). The cause of the issue can be something as simple as faulty wiring or a cable/aerial that isn’t making contact properly. Maybe it just needs to be dusted off and plugged in again. Disconnecting and reconnecting amplifiers can also help as these can be overloaded over time. 4. Outdated Equipment A top quality antenna that is well cared for and maintained can last 20 years or so - in some cases even more. But like all electrical equipment, wear and tear being exposed to the elements day in day out eventually takes its toll. Also, because digital signals use different and new frequencies, very old antennas may not have the capability to pick these up. If you’ve had your antenna for decades and feel that this is the issue, it’s worth giving a professional a call and getting an opinion. You might find that the antenna has a few more years left in it after all! No matter the issue, if you’re a bit out of your depth when it comes to fiddling around with technical equipment or you need help, contact a TV reception solution specialist in the Sunshine Coast today. Image Source: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
If you have finally got around to a new digital antenna installed then you are about to look forward to a new age of television. Your digital antenna will give you access to multiple channels, catch-up channels, interactive content and even recording and replay facilities that will change the way you watch television forever. Television antennas come in various types and sizes, depending on their use and how good the signal quality is in your area. Choosing the right antenna could be made simpler than it currently is, but if you are in any doubt about which antenna is right for you, call in a professional who will be able to help you with a digital antenna installation. Yagi, Wide-band or Indoor? The standard antenna used for many years is the Yagi antenna, and one that you will still see on most rooftops. This type of antenna is manufactured to be pointed at the direction of the broadcasting antenna for your local area. Whist older television antennas that were used for analogue television may still work fine with digital television, the cabling, routing and quality of the reception all play an important factor. Wide band antennas are made for picking up weak signals, and are also used in places where multiple broadcast antennas are feeding a single city. Or where the broadcast antennas used across a wide area interfere with each other. This type of antenna will solve most problems associated with poor signal and signal dropping. If you live in an area that has good signal strength and you are able to get strong signal quality in your home, an indoor antenna may be all that is needed to pick up digital signals. These smaller indoor antennas are perfect for second television sets placed around the home or for use in sheds or outdoor buildings where no rooftop antenna is placed. Time To Upgrade Or Replace Your Antenna? Image Source: insightsoftware.com If your antenna is more than 15 or 20 years old, and you are having trouble picking up certain channels or radio stations via your existing antenna, an upgrade may be necessary to resolve these issues. Upgrading is easy and usually involves a simple replacement of the antenna itself, along with some cabling if damaged. For the best aerial installation, you will need to use a sturdy base to secure you antenna to, so if you have an existing base on your rooftop, check for any damage and replace where necessary. Use high quality copper-core coaxial cable from the antenna to your TV points in your home, and if you have multiple outlets, ensure that you have a modern distribution box that is placed near to the antenna and use a signal boosting system to ensure the signal strength carries the full length of the cables. Cable Routing and TV Point Placement Image Source: truelocal.com.au Routing your coaxial is a simple process of replacing your old cable, and upgrading where you want to install new TV points. Use cable tacks to securely tie the cable to the outside of your property either near the guttering of your home or near the bottom of your walls. Ensure that the cabling is not touching the floor or the guttering itself. Route the cabling to a window and drill a hole through the window frame for easier access and then route to a TV point you will fix to the wall. Ensure that with your antenna TV installation that you waterproof the holes you drill with adequate sealant and ensure that all points of your cabling route are waterproof, secure and trouble free. Indoor or Outdoor Digital Antenna? Image Source: wpexplorer.com Many people choose to place their aerial installation in their loft space for easier access and to leave the roof tidy, but that only works in strong signal areas where the signals can travel through a thick roof with ease. For outdoor TV antenna installation follow the process above, or if in any doubt, hire a professional digital antenna installation service. By hiring a professional service you will have a professional assess your needs and any planned work you wish to have done. A cable routing plan and antenna type can be chosen before installation to provide you with all of the knowledge beforehand along with a layout of your cabling route, any signal boosting equipment and distribution boxes can be bought as extras if needed, giving you a premium service for a reasonable price.
Choosing the Best Blu-Ray Player Brand for Your Home Theatre Setup
When it comes to the latest technology in home theatre, getting the best display and the best home audio system experience is often down to the format in which you’re favourite films or music is played on. There are numerous different high-end formats that have come and gone in recent years, but the one winner is here to stay is Blu-Ray. Here are some tips for selecting the best Blu-Ray player for your requirements Keep Your Budget In Mind! Budget Blu-Ray players can be picked up for hardly anything these days, but like many other electronics, they pale in comparison to their more expensive counterparts in terms of quality of build, playback and overall features. By choosing one of the big brands in consumer electronics, you will be able to benefit from the wealth of technology that has gone into each unit, and benefit from the different software systems each brand uses. The best Blu-Ray player brands in recent years have been Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba, so let’s take a look at some of their models to get an idea of what the best Blu-Ray player is for your money. Sony Blu-Ray Players Having been part of the original founders of the Blu-Ray consortium, Sony has often led the way in Blu-Ray technology. Having released a number of Blu-Ray drives to the public, the first real mass take-up of the format was thanks to the release of the Sony PlayStation 3, which included a Blu-Ray drive. Even enthusiasts still say that the Blu-Ray drive and functions contained within the PS3 are a fantastically cheap way to get into enjoying HD movies. The PlayStation 4 is also a great Blu-Ray player, and includes all of the latest features and functions for added internet connectivity and interactivity during the playback of the movies. Output in 1080p with a multitude of settings for your television such as true blacks, 24fps playback, not to mention most powerful gaming console currently available - it certainly packs a punch! Samsung Blu-Ray Players Samsung has progressed in leaps and bounds as a technology company in recent years, known for its stunning mobile phones and television sets, they make some of the finest performing Blu-Ray players on the market. The Samsung BD-H6500 is one of the stand-out players on the market at the moment that is feature packed and ready for any home theatre installation. Featuring 3D playback, UDH upscaling (for 4K televisions) Samsung’s online SmartHub portal, file streaming from your home network, screen mirroring and WIFI connection, the menu systems and onscreen presentation are fast, smooth and beautiful. With access to over 50 apps including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and internet radio, you’ll be awash with entertainment even if your Blu-Ray collection is running thin. LG Blu-Ray Players Like Samsung, LG have taken advantage of their designs for their televisions and mobile phones and have implemented them into their mid-priced Blu-Ray players that have proven popular with home theatre enthusiasts. The LG BP645 Blu-Ray player is another outstanding player that offers the best picture quality for your money in this price range. Featuring 3D playback, DVD and CD playback, built-in WIFI, media streaming and screen mirroring, it includes many of the features of higher priced Blu-Ray players for those on a tighter budget. The design of the box itself is an improvement over recent devices, and stands out as a stylish, classic device that will look good underneath any television of any size. Other Blu-Ray players of note the Panasonic DMP-BDT700 at the top-end of the average price range, and the Toshiba BDX2550 which is a truly affordable Blu-Ray player for your home theatre. Choose a player according to your budget, and don’t forget about an Ethernet or WIFI options to allow you to connect to online services to increase your entertainment at a lower price! If you’re looking for someone to help you with your Blu-Ray player, give us a call today. We offer a full range of services for home theatre installation on the sunshine coast and can help you set up and integrate your new Blu-Ray player into your existing home theatre arrangement.
Create the Best Home Cinema Setup for a Small Room
For those cinema buffs out there, the idea of creating your very own home theatre is stuff of dreams – but thanks to lower prices and more advanced technology, those dreams can come true no matter your budget! Whilst a cinema has its advantages of having a huge screen and massive audio capabilities, a smaller home cinema is the perfect, cosy environment to enjoy your movies with a more personal touch. There are many different home theatre ideas for small rooms out there, so it doesn’t matter if you have a tiny roof space, a spare room or even a bedroom conversion to find the best equipment for. For the ideal small room home theatre setup, you will only need a few pieces of important equipment to get you started. Choosing the Right Screen The main piece of equipment is the screen itself. There are many different technologies that go into making screens, and each comes with a list of advantages and benefits over the others such as picture quality as well as the price – but there is something for everyone. For smaller rooms, wall-hanging a television is the best way to go. It allows you to get the perfect viewing angle, as well as saving some space for furniture. Wall mounting a television can be done simply by purchasing a special TV mount that fits your TV, and drilling a few holes in a wall to mount it. You can do this yourself, or have it done professionally by television antenna installers. Wall-Mounting Saves Space An alternative to wall mounting a television is to remove the television from the equation all-together. Choose an HD video projector to give you a large theatre-like experience and mount the projector from the opposing wall or a ceiling for the ultimate in small home theatre room ideas. Projectors offer you the chance to mount them on an opposing wall, allowing you to hide your audio amplifiers, television decoders, DVD players and game consoles out of the way, giving you an unimpeded wall to enjoy your entertainment with a huge potential for viewing angles. After you have chosen your screen or projector for your home theatre setup for a small room, the next stop is the audio system. Many home theatres employ surround sound setups to give them the best immersive audio features, and whilst you may not have the room (or the budget) for a 24 speaker cinema-spec audio system, you can always scale down the size without hindering on audio quality. Go Surround Sound on a Budget Many people start out with a basic 2.1 system containing two stereo speakers and a subwoofer – this is great for bedroom setups and small living room areas, but for a truly immersive cinema experience you will want to stop for no less than 5.1 or 7.1 systems. These surround sound systems vary in price depending on the quality of the speakers and the audio decoder/DVD player at hand, but generally include 6 or 8 speakers for placement around the room. You can always wall-mount your satellite speakers in a surround sound system to help save on space, and choose a set of large front speakers to give you the power needed to enjoy your movies at their finest. A subwoofer can even be hidden in a small sofa to give you truly seat-trembling bass! A small home theatre setup doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars to start with. So invest in the items you truly need before spending that little bit extra on the gadgets and gizmos. Building the perfect home theatre system can be done over a few weekends, so spread the costs over time to build up your home movie system. Once you have got the screen or projector, the audio system and the decoders, games consoles and DVDs to enjoy, then you can look into mood lighting, intelligent remote controls, luxury lazyboy chairs and a popcorn machine to give you into the true movie-goer experience!
Movie Sound Technology Imbedded In Your Home Theatre Set Up
For any movie buff out there, the thrills and the spills of the latest Hollywood blockbuster film is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. But the technology behind what makes the sights and the sounds of an unforgettable movie theatre experience has been slowly moving out of the movie theatres and into homes. Let’s take a look at some of the best movie sound technology that has made the leap into home theatre set ups that anyone can now enjoy. For many years, the idea that you would be able to replicate a cinema in your home would have been an unattainable dream, but thanks to some of the most innovative products, equipment and entertainment manufacturers out there, it is now possible to create a home theatre system that can beat any cinema experience shy of a full-size IMAX theatre. Multiple Speaker Systems Theatres have used multiple speaker systems to bring you thundering bass, shimmering highs and cutting mid-tones to theatre audiences around the world, and by doing this set in motion a few different standards by which many cinemas still rely on. One of the biggest known theatre audio standards these days is Dolby Digital, which was created by the Dolby organisation to help introduce a standard of theatre audio across the board, to help directors give their full theatre experience as it was intended to theatre-goers no matter which cinema you went to. Dolby Digital Standards Dolby Digital is the name given to the compression technology that the Dolby created to allow multiple audio channels to be fed to specific speakers in order to replicate how a movie was recorded and follows what is being done or said on screen. Dolby Digital and Dolby Surround EX, the cinema version of its surround sound system is now used in many home theatre systems, Blu-ray players and other digital devices to bring a greater bitrate of audio. It was first used in conjunction with Lucas film THX to make up the audio on the modern Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and was later used to re-encode the re-mastered Star Wars Blu-Ray. The THX Standard Experience THX is another theatre-grade audio specialist that licenses some of its technology to be used in consumer-grade equipment such as televisions, home cinema speakers and amplifiers. THX became popular through its innovative designs as well as its own compression techniques that rely on different codecs than used with Dolby Digital. THX now has its badge on hundreds of different home theatre systems which allows anyone who watches a THX encoded film at home to enjoy it exactly how it sounded at the cinema, provided you have the correct multiple-speaker surround sound setup that is compatible with THX. THX is seen as a quality-assurance system that allows consumers to purchase home cinema systems that will be compatible with certain standards of audio quality, speaker arrangements and amplifier settings needed to watch and enjoy a high quality audio experience. THX standard goes much further to display whether a DVD or speaker setup is compatible, for the THX certification in theatres, each cinema needs to have a specifically designed theatre, with things like floorboards, audio muting, soundproofing, echo, wash and even building materials taken into account to provide the perfect setting to replicate the original soundtrack. DTS – Digital Theatre System DTS is another cinema audio system that is similar to Dolby Digital, it is an audio compression standard that allows cinemas, consumers and equipment to meet the standards necessary to playback media in the way the director intended. DTS, or Digital Theatre System has had a range of different standards, ranging from 2.1 audio right up to 8.1, 10.2 and bigger speaker arrangements. Many people use its DTS 5.1 system in their surround sound amplifier and speaker distribution amp as it is one of the most popular standards to date. DTS have launched DTS-HD Master Audio which allows for a nearly infinite number of discreet speaker channels to be added to a mix and is now making that standard in custom theatres around the world. The Future Is Bright for Home Theatre These standards, whilst tested at the latest theatres, always make it to the home theatre after a few years. By the time they reach our homes, the systems have been specially redesigned for home theatres so we can have the same kind of sound at home. It’s important to note that the more speakers you add to your system doesn’t equate to the better quality, but if you use one of these three popular standards when purchasing your home theatre audio equipment, you really can’t go wrong!
Why Do You Need To Buy A Curved TV?
With the addition of a multitude of new technologies to the media industry in recent years, some technologies have been and gone, whilst others are here to stay. It is still undetermined whether 3D TV is a technology that will last the coming 10 years, so with the advent of curved UHD TV screens coming onto the market, what’s all the fuss about, and why do you need to buy a curved TV? Well, one of the simplest benefits of curved TV is that the viewing space for those that have a front and centre seat improve dramatically. Sitting at an optimal distance, your eyes blend into what is on the screen and not the screen itself. This gives the viewer a fantastic immersive experience that no flat panel televisions can reproduce. The advantages of curved TV screens are clear due to the way the human eyes work. When a screen is concave around your field of vision, the lines blur on the screen and the screen seems to wrap around your head. When this is done with the right lighting conditions and the right sized screen, there is simply nothing that can better this experience other than being in the film yourself. A More Comfortable Viewing Experience Curved TVs and especially curved 3D TVs due to their shape are able to deliver images and pictures that are more comfortable to view than a traditional television. Many people feel that because of the curved display that mimics the curve of your eyes, it feels easier to watch and doesn’t result in tired eyes after prolonged periods of time. As well as these benefits, many people understand why a curved TV makes sense for them. As well as looking good in the centre of a room, curved televisions work perfectly well in the corners of rooms as well. They lend to being able to be placed anywhere in the house, without it looking out of place. Due to its curved nature, it resembles less a flat screen television and more of a work of art. Improved Contrast to the Corners Often you will find that the contrast viewed on a curved television screen is greater than that of a flat panel television. Because the screen is curved, you are receiving more light and more contrasting light directly to your eyes as the panel wraps around your field of vision. Flat panel televisions often suffer from poor contrast around the exterior of the screen, but by having a curved display, these corners seem bright because they are closer to your eyes, giving you a wonderfully rich contrast and colour range that looks completely different from a standard flat panel display. A Wider Field Of View Curved television screens also have the great ability to give you a wider field of view that you would traditionally expect from a flat panel television. Due to the fact that the panel is curved in a concave way with the corners towards you and the centre bending furthest from you, your vision is tricked into thinking your television is actually larger than it is, and with a wider field of view you can get away with a smaller set. Some of the best improvements in television make us feel more immersed in what we are watching on the screen. We have had a number of immersive like additions to television technology such as mood lighting from behind the television, as well as the introduction of 3D and UHD TV. Curved displays are set to be a popular choice for movie buffs and gamers alike, so with all of these benefits added up, isn’t it about time you went with the curve?
WHY 4K Televisions Are So Popular
4K televisions are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. After a proper home theatre installation, with speaker calibration and a fantastic environment to watch, the viewing experience can be unmatched. With an 80-inch screen and quadruple the image quality of full HD, anything's watchable as long as you're not going over it repeatedly. There's 4K TV and there's 8K TV, both of which make up the Ultra-High Definition standard. Both are capable of playing videos at 24, 25, 50, 60 or 120 frames per second. 4K TV sets are now available from most TV manufacturers. So what's 4K? Well, after what's been said above, it shows that the potential image clarity is more fine and greater texture is visible. But that's just for starters. Now you've probably heard of Ultra High Definition. Technically, this term is actually a derivation of the 4K digital cinema standard. Multiplexes show images in 4096 X 2160 4K resolution. The new ultra HD consumer format has a lower resolution of 3840 X 2160 which is why a few brands prefer to use ultra HD or UHD instead of 4K. The high pixel density of a 4K panel enables you to lose the grid-like structure of the image, meaning that you can watch a much larger screen from the seating position as you current full HD panel. This is one of the reasons you should purchase one of the 4k's, so to speak. The first wave of 4K UHD TV's were really large. 84-inch panels were launched by Sony and LG. When that happened, prices were really high and since then, the prices have fallen dramatically which allows customers to move towards their dream of getting one. You'll now find a 4K TV for less than a $1000 and we encourage you to fit in good processing electronics behind the panel for a better picture. 4K Ultra HD is a much more intimate viewing experience than full HD. Pretty soon, 8K will be coming along to change things dramatically. It will deliver 16 times the definition of 4K and comprise 33 million pixels. Currently, nothing like that exists in the market and Japan has said that it intends to commercialize this technology. If you're concerned about whether you should get a 4K television or wait for an 8K to arrive, the thing to keep in mind is that 4K should last even when an 8K is out. It’s just like that. So you needn’t worry if you can buy one or not. Image Source: extremetech.com, geckohomecinema.co.uk, stuff.tv, ebuyer.com, businessinsider.com, vizrt.com
How Television Has Changed Over time
Television has changed drastically over time. What was once just a square box has now become flat screen sleek designs. The journey from box sets to flat screens has indeed been remarkable. 1960s This was the time when the innocence that was found in the 50s had died and televisions became more portable and affordable. Also, doctors legally advertised cigarettes! By the end of the decade, there were approximately 78 million sets across the United States and 200 million around the world. 1970s Sesame Street came up and there were a greater number of night-time broadcasts. The average price of a television set was between $400 and $500 and the manufacture of black and white consoles were stopped finally in 1978. Also, the first direct to broadcast satellite television was launched in 1972. Couples were now sleeping in the same beds and actresses could now show their belly buttons. 1980s The beats changed, the fashion changed tremendously and so did technology. There were VCRs now and home game consoles as well. Cable television saw a significant boom and programs like “The Cosby Show” were popular. This was the time when gaming consoles became increasingly popular. People were beginning to connect them and spend hours at an end playing away. The music had changed and several genres had come up. Kids were beginning to act more like the stars they saw on TV and much of the innocence that was found previously in the shows had almost vanished. 1990s The good ol’ 90s. Action films reached a whole new level and everything, everything was more entertaining. Standard CRT televisions were leading the market and included additional features like sleep timers and parental controls. This was the technological age. Computers were faster, better and better served the needs of people. Gaming consoles had made dramatic improvements and almost every household with kids had one. Film scenes were much more graphic than ever before and the audience loved it. 2000s This is now. Antennas changed from analog to digital TV antennas and with proper TV reception, you can sit away an entire day in front of the television. That’s what has changed throughout these years. Reality shows take over the airwaves and TV has become more interactive. TiVo arrived and revolutionized the way television was watched since people no longer had to keep up with network timings. Image Source: news, ytimg, comicbookresources, diamondgalleries
5 Different Types of TV Wall Mount
If you’re planning on wall mounting your television, it’s best to know of the different kinds out there and see which one suits your needs the best. Otherwise, you might start off with one and find out that it’s not working out too well for you. So, we have brought together 5 different kinds of TV wall mounts for you to check out before settling on one. Flat Mounts This is the most traditional kind of wall mount that people choose for their television. Usually, this is a type which is best for large, heavy TVs with screen sizes that are over 32 inches. The difference between this kind and the other kinds of wall mounts is that this one doesn't feature moving or articulating parts. Usually, a sleek look comes out and there is an inch of space between the wall and TV. The mount does not tilt or rotate and is great for minimizing space in small rooms. If you're constantly in need of plugging and unplugging wires to your TV, then considering the Tilt or Swivel mount is a good option. Tilt Mounts This is the ideal kind to go with if you want to hold your TV closer to the ceiling or above a fireplace mantle. With this type of wall mount, there's an allowance of a certain range of movement and you can tilt your TV up and down. Usually, it's perfect for people how are looking to view at higher than eye level. Usually, retail stores are seen to pick this kind of mount. Also, some people use this in their bedrooms for an optimal viewing angle while lying down. Different models have different ranges of motion but most of them provide between 15 and 20 degrees of tilt. Ceiling mounts This type of wall mount attaches the TV to the ceiling featuring a hanging pole and bracket that attach to the TV itself. Usually, the ceiling-mount pole has an articulating hinge which is connected to the mounting plate, either on the TV or the wall. Large offices usually have their TVs set up using this method since this ideally looks the best in large spaces. Swivel Mounts This is also called the articulating mount or cantilever mount. This type of wall mount offers the maximum flexibility in screen movement and viewing angles. This form of mount allows the TV to be positioned 5 to 20 inches from the wall and can also rotate around 60 degrees in either direction. These mounts are best for multi-purpose rooms and allows you to make screen adjustments according to the location of your room. This is ideal for places like kitchens and living rooms to allow viewing from the adjacent room. If you're constantly in need of plugging and unplugging wires to your TV, then considering the Tilt or Swivel mount is a good option. Under-cabinet mounts These TV mounts are similar to ceiling mounts but they usually use very small TVs which are between the range of 8 and 12 inches. This mount works really well for bedrooms and small living rooms and looks fitting when a shelf is placed below the television. Also, under-cabinet mounts are great when you want to sit and watch with your family and seem to serve great when you're following shows. If you're using cable, you need to make sure you're not getting TV reception problems, otherwise the under-cabinet mount can't be fully experienced. The kind of mount that you need to go with will depend on a number of factors. The size of the room, the arrangement, the ambiance and whether you’re planning to going to watch with a few people, alone or bring a ton of friends over at your home theatre. So make sure that you’ve done a bit of research first! Image Source: data resource, futureshop.ca, ntidea, bestbuy, christmasstockimages
Building The Perfect Home Theatre
In order to build the perfect home theater, you'll need to go over multiple things for a great fit. Ideal Room First up, pick the ideal room for your home theater. The room you choose should be able to hold what you're planning to set up. So the amount of space available is crucial. A good way to select the room is to pick one that is about one and a half times long as it is wide. Also, a thick lush carpet installed in the room, curtains or upholstery on the walls will help eliminate harshness and echoing. The flat screen If you've got a good budget, it's best to go for the latest in HDTV technology. Right now, if you're going for a 3D TV, do know that it's not that good of an option. Let the technology build some confidence in people and then they could be advised for a buy. Right now, they're a no-no. Before deciding, we suggest getting a measuring tape and finding out what your room can accommodate. Since televisions are measured diagonally, if you're planning to cut back on a couple of inches, you might be surprised by the results. The Sound System The sound sytem that you choose is extremely important. After all, the audio effects enhance the viewing experience and every one knows that. So choose wisely. There are numerous brands in the market right now and it's really easy to get confused and end up buying the wrong thing. So take a look around, go places and check out reviews online to find out what will suit your needs. There are a few brands which have always been on top and still are. Among them are Pioneer, Monitor Audio, Sony and Quad-Lite. These are well known brands in the industry. However, just because a brand is good doesn't mean you have to pick that. You're allowed to give in to your own opinions. The couch Don't laugh. If you're not comfortable watching the films, then there's no point in having a great system in front of you. You're probably thinking of bulding a home theater lounge where your friends can come in and enjoy the movies with you. In that case there are a few things you should look at. The warranty, the comfort, the price and the color. The last one is mentioned because if the couch doesn't go with the setup, it won't look like a proper home theater. Watch in style. Hiring a professional You can always setup the whole thing yourself but it's best to let the professionals handle it. Tangled wires, incorrect positioning of speakers can disrupt the viewing experience at great lengths. So letting professionals do your home theatre set up is strongly advised. They'll mount your television, calibrate the speakers to make sure you're satisfied. Image Source: timothyeldred, vectorsland, s-nbcnews, blokdirect, 100southchophouse
Are You Really Experiencing 'Modern' Television?
On 10th December 2013, the landmark date arrived where the entire country switched over to digital-only television transmissions, some homes were still left with poor reception which needed to switch over as well. Once the switch is made, the benefit of extra channels comes in. If you're still in need of the switch-over, better make it soon and experience fantastic television. A digital-ready television or a a set-top box allowing you to view and record channels may work well, but you still need to keep an eye on your existing antenna. If the signal is weak, then there’s no point in watching bad TV, it’s time to change. Proper Digital antenna installation can change a lot of things, the experience that you have watching TV can improve dramatically and become as life-like as the environment around you. It’s always best to keep up with technology for a number of reasons and the reasons you should focus on getting stunning quality television are countless. A quality roof antenna can last for 10 years or more but for that to happen, correct installation is essential. Proper care for your antenna is important and safety measures should be adopted whenever you’re on the roof inspecting the equipment. Even when you’re extra cautious, bad things can happen to your antenna and you might need to replace it, best to call in an expert on it. From analogue to digital, HD to 3D and 4K, TV has gone far in the last decade with an increasing number of options available when it comes to choosing a television set. Also, since prices have dropped as well, it’s not that expensive to get the equipment set and all ready to smash the living room. Also, as sound systems continue to dazzle, people are trying out latest speakers with their TVs to see which one suits best. Audio technology has reached a full dynamic 7.1 for home theatres which means that surround sound won’t make you feel like you’re watching something on screen but rather you’re in it, then and there. Television isn’t the same like it was before, that’s obvious. The question is, how much of the change are of it are you experiencing? Leaving out a few annoying commercials which we don’t need, it’s a great past time with the range of channels available for watching. Educational, drama, action, adventure and more just available at home. It’s simply brilliant. Image Source: kinja-img, asset-cache
How a TV Antenna Works
Although many people have a digital TV antenna at home, a lot of us have no idea how it works. This article discusses the how a digital TV antenna works in simple, basic terms. In order to understand how a digital antenna works, it's important that you understand how a television transmission signal works. A television station transmits its signal containing its programming in a straight line. This line is called the 'line of sight'. Because the earth is not flat, televisions aren't usually able to pick up that signal. A digital antenna helps the television to pick that signal up as long as it falls within the range of the source.Unlike a digital cable which sends television programming directly to your home, local TV stations will send out a broadcast allowing any digital TV antenna within the range to pick that up. Usually, 80% of all households are able to pick up at least five digital stations free of charge. The television signal is then converted into audio and video information which is displayed later on. Signals and ReceptionHD signals are sent primarily along the ultra-high frequency or UHF band. The range within which the antenna can pick up the signal is usually 60 to 75 miles. If, however, an obstacle is present such as a tree or a building, a signal bounce known as a 'multipath' can occur, which may cause the signal to arrive at your antenna multiple times, causing cancellation. Correctly installing your HD antennas to receive all channels broadcasted by local antennas is a must, so make sure you get proper installation or repair done to fix your TV reception problems. TypesHD antenna types include the common mast-mounted, aluminium array antennas seen on numerous roof tops. Modern HD TV antennas are made to receive UHF signals primarily, compared to the more dated models, which received very high frequency or VHF signals only. There were other types which included powered "V"-shaped units for equipment rack or table-top mounting. The last one requires an AC outlet to work properly. Outdoor designs have an aesthetically pleasing square-shaped antenna that mounts similarly to satellite dishes.QualityOver-the-air broadcasts, which are received by the antenna, are actually of a higher picture quality compared to a satellite television or cable. Most people think the opposite is true, reasoning their belief on the notion that since the signals are sent over the air, the quality deteriorates as the signals reach the antenna. When a television station broadcasts over-the-air, the information is sent completely uncompressed which results in a better looking and sounding picture than a high quality cable box. Image Source: modernhome.us, wineguard, istumbledon
Top 5 entertaining TV shows of 2014
It's time to catch up on 2014‘s TV highlights so far. The year is actually almost at an end. That calls for a review to jot down some of the best shows produced, entertaining viewers all over the world. Follow through our 5 entertaining picks of Digital TV.House of Cards House of cards came back with a fantastic second season where Kevin Spacey shows off his over-the-top arrogance and edgy intellect once more. This American political drama television series premiered on February 2014. The series is undeniably captivating and really exposes our mixed feelings about Frank Underwood and his manipulative political tactics.Game of Thrones How can this possibly be avoided? A spectacular adaptation from George R.R. Martin's series of fantasy novels, the first of which is titled, 'A Game of Thrones'. This series has attracted record numbers of viewers on HBO, although several aspects of it has received criticism which includes frequent use of violence. Till now, four seasons have been released and they've all managed to draw in viewers of a large number. Start watching if you haven't and you surely won't be disappointed.Silicon Valley This has certainly made it big as candy for the tech guys. Silicon Valley is an American television sitcom centred on six men that start a company. It took off on April 6 and has turned heads since for its brand of geeky brand of comedy. Receiving widely positive reviews since its premiere, Metacritic has scored it an 84 on 100 taking its basis on the views of 36 critics including TV Guide, USA Today and Time. Silicon Valley has proved itself worthy and looks like we could get a few more seasons out of this fan favourite.The X Factor (Australia) Everybody knows about the X Factor; the producers have not been shy about marketing and advertising it. One of the most popular reality TV programs this year, X Factor isn’t necessarily high-end entertainment, but it keeps fans watching and isn’t a lot of work like some of the other drams on this list. Although it hasn't received a high user rating, it's very popular and has served as fabulous entertainment so far.Community With an IMDb rating of 8.6, this has brought in humour, drama and suspense all together in its remarkably entertaining set-up. IT premiered on NBC on September 17 2009. The series follows a group of students at a community college in the fictional locale of Greendale, Colorado.Our list of favourites are far from complete. As new seasons come up often, the excitement shifts from one show to another making pauses in older seasons. Looking back now, it seems like the ever-evolving industry, viewer demands and the installation of digital TV antennas in most homes, have brought in a complete make-over in the world of entertainment for viewers. Image Source: gottawatchit, onepopz, s3.amazonaws, wp
THE INFLUENCE OF MEDIA ON PEOPLE’S BEHAVIOUR
The influence of television and media is something that is ever increasing, as people are exposed to more and more choices of programs and films than ever before.People spend hours watching television yet the effects that this has on our personality is something that is often forgotten. Television can inspire us, motive us, cause us laugh or even make re-examine the way we look at things.We all know that kids try to imitate their favourite comic characters and superheroes. Obviously young people are very impressionable. What you might not realise is that the same thing can happen adults too, usually on a sub conscious level; this is ultimately why advertising and product placement works!There are 3 different ways your perception/behaviour might be affected:Daily Interaction The kinds of interactions characters have on television have changed over time. The humour, the conversations and the relationships have an influence on us. For example, spending a lot of time watching dark horror films and programs can arguably shape our attitudes towards violence. Uplifting comedies often have the effect of improving our moods and our sense of humour. ImaginationThe discovery channel and other educational programs obviously provide us with knowledge, but studies show that some movies, series, sitcoms and even advertisements can have the effect of increasing creativity and the imagination of some people. Series like Sherlock; which is a crime drama that presents a contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and many others, have encouraged people to use their intelligence and creativity in finding solutions to day-to-day problems. Others are motivated by the stories presented in such programs and look to create their own. Consumer behaviourIt’s no secret that great commercials have an effect on sales. Years ago, less was expected of ads and commercials, they could be successful by simply being in the public eye. But now there is great competition and thousands of similar companies prying for the market advantage, so advertising needs to be memorable and different in order to stand out and bring in customers. Somehow, these 'great' advertisements influence people's ideas and perceptions on products and services as well as lifestyles. It seems that television plays a big part in shaping the way we think, act and ultimately lead our lives. The benefits are tremendous as well. Australia’s move to switch off the analogue signal has encourage people to invest in digital tv antennas, which has brought with it more channels an improved television viewing experience in general. Also, for the ones who’re still using analogue antennas, it’s time to switch to experience and understand what modern day television has to offer. Image source: bp.blogspot, emsincorporated, 1stwebdesginer
Is TV Really All That Bad for Kids?
We've all heard more than once that watching television comes with more drawbacks than perks. While researchers have searched for and probably found what might be considered evidence to support this, the idea that there could also be considerable benefits has all but been forgotten. The consensus view is adopted by many families and indeed, it is wise to discourage children from watching the tube excessively, but there are certainly developmental and educational advantages that come from watching television as a young age. Educational programs and channels such as Discovery, History Channel, Nat Geo, Animal planet may be overlooked when the discussion comes up about the advantages of television in kids. Many parents will rightly pull their kids away after hours of cartoons or when some inappropriate content is shown and encourage them to watch something that provides educational benefit. The educational channels might not always be as thrilling but they certainly present information in a lucrative, informative and above all, in quite an enjoyable manner. It should come as no surprise that recent statistics show that children who regularly watch educational programs and channels scored better on IQ tests than their peers. The option of locking channels has been around for a while now, and this should be utilised if parents deem it appropriate so that shouldn't be a problem if parents want to block a few particular channels at certain times. Long hours of TV watching however may be harmful for not only children, but for everyone. As well as being harmful to the body given the low level of activity, it can be harmful for the brain also. It seems that in the case of children, TV has a heightened effect; if managed properly, watching TV can be healthy and contribute greatly to development. If not, it can become addictive and lead to unhealthy habits. The fact is however, studies that speak to the harm that television can cause to children are usually based on the assumption that they are watching upwards of 4-5 hours per day, which may be considered excessive. If TV watching is kept at a reasonable level, likely there are far fewer negative effects. And what about the effects on children’s eyes? Studies show that where you place your TV plays a big role in how much your eye-sight is affected. Young children and even the ones in their early teens have vulnerable eyes. Wall mounting your TV the right way can actually assist in this. So avoiding long hours, moderate monitoring of channels being viewed and the tele-to-eye distance make up for sufficient factors to be kept in check in order for healthy watching for kids. Parents should be weary that often what we hear about the harms of TV watching can be misleading. When moderated, TV and home entertainment can be a great way to strengthen bonds between family members and have fun together. Image Source: telegraph, data resource