Video Surveillance – Monitoring your Home and Business

Protecting your home and family is the most important thing you can do. Though we know you can’t be there all the time, video surveillance can help you keep a watchful eye over your home, business, property and loved ones from wherever you might be. Video surveillance offers live-broadcast or recorded footage, and can be monitored from your television, computer, or mobile device. Features such as weather-resistance for outdoor surveillance, low-light recording, multiple cameras and wide-angle views are easier to use and more affordable than you might think, allowing almost anyone to create a top-notch home security system to fit their needs and budget.

With home video surveillance, you can keep vigil over sleeping and playing children from other rooms of the house, check who’s at the front door from safely inside, keep watch over nannies and other home staff while away, and monitor your home and outdoor premises, protecting against trespassers, vandals and burglars. You can watch multiple rooms at once on your television or remotely on your iPad, you can even get email notification when motion is detected. Scare off trespassers or get safely from your car to front door with a motion sensor flood cam, or discreetly watch over children, nannies and home workers with small, easily hidden cameras.

Video surveillance can also be just as helpful when used in business applications.  Video surveillance is an absolute necessity for large retail companies.  Cameras watching the cash registers keep your employees honest and show you any suspicious activity.  Cameras watching the merchandise and doors will help you catch and prosecute any shoplifters.  Small companies can also benefit greatly from video surveillance.  It’s always good to know exactly who is entering and leaving your business at all times.

Don’t leave your security to chance. Video surveillance can protect against accidents and intruders alike. A live-broadcast camera for the nursery, children’s play area or swimming pool can be a life saver. Clear digital recorded footage can apprehend trespassers and aid in prosecution for greater protection. Make sure childcare workers are treating your kids with the care and compassion you expect. This all can be accomplished easily and affordably through the home video surveillance options available on today’s market.

WirePath Surveillance

Our favorite brand when it comes to surveillance is WirePath. Their wide variety of cameras and DVRs offer a great solution for any situation. They are perfect for both commercial and residential applications, and boast tons of technological features, probably the best being the ability to view both live and recorded feeds all from your favorite mobile device, such as an iPad or iPhone. They offer lots of storage space at a very affordable price, and you don’t have to be a computer whiz to use them.

Let’s start out with their cameras. There are over 10 models to choose from, so you can always find the best one for your situation. They also have some great features that most of the competition does not. Some of these features include backlight compensation and automatic contrast adjustment so the picture never gets distorted due to abnormal lighting conditions. These and many more features allow the WirePath cameras to be tailored to your needs, however specific they may be.

Like their cameras, the WirePath DVRs are a notch above the competition. They offer multiple DVRs ranging from 4-channels to 16-channels (cameras), so you never have to waste money on extra functionality and storage space that you aren’t going to use. They aren’t bulky and will blend in with all the other electronic equipment in your home. Of course, the DVRs also offer a huge slew of great features. One of their key features is their superior compression technology, meaning you can store way more footage and not have to sacrifice quality. They also offer email notifications. You can watch all your camera feeds at the same time using the WirePath mobile app. Of course you’re not going to be sitting around watching your WirePath camera feeds all the time, but you don’t have to. You can set your DVR to send you customized email notifications for whenever motion is detected in certain spots, alarm triggers, and system.

Elite TVs- When you want the best

 

A lot of excitement has been generated recently with the return of the Elite brand.  Pioneer Elite is well-known to be the best of the best when it comes to picture quality.  Well, until Pioneer decided to up and leave the Plasma market.  It was long rumored that most of the techs from Pioneer joined Panasonic and that Panasonic may bring the Elite name back, but Sharp recently acquired a controlling interest in the Elite brand and has officially released the new Elite lineup.  This lineup consists of the two largest 3D-capable HDTVs today, the 60” PRO-60X5FD, and the 70” PRO-70X5FD.

The picture of the Sharp Elite PRO Series HDTVs delivers deeper black levels and better contrast than any other LCD or plasma on the market. Unlike other full-array local dimming TVs, it maintains its superior picture from normal viewing angles and blooming artifacts are virtually nonexistent. Color is extremely accurate, shadow detail is excellent and video processing does everything we expect and more. The screen maintains black levels well under ambient light.  Like all newer premium TVs, they’re 3D-capable and have internet connectivity. They have built-in Wi-Fi, and a suite of internet services that includes Netflix, YouTube, Napster, and Elite Advantage, a concierge service that provides owners with remote assistance and diagnostics. No-nonsense styling, best-ever energy efficiency and a nearly-complete feature set, including two pairs of 3D glasses, ice the cake tastefully.

The Elite Series HDTVs may cost more than your standard HDTV, but there is good reason.  Everything about them, such as their picture quality, their support, and their looks is a level above the competition.

The Smart TV

What is a smart TV?

Like a smartphone, a smart TV offers a number of internet services that normal televisions can’t offer. They connect to the internet just like a computer, either with an ethernet connection or built-in WiFi.  They have the equivalent of a computer built into it, giving you a greater number of services. These televisions offer apps, media streaming, web browsing, games and more.  With apps such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, they are questioning the need of a set-top box.

What can a smart TV do?

Aside from lacking productivity functions, such as email and word processing, a smart TV is a lot like a computer. It enables you to browse the web, watch YouTube videos, and catch up on social networking. Some of the TVs currently support Flash as well, which means a better Web browsing experience.  The most popular feature of Smart TVs is the ability to stream content, such as movies from the internet.  Skype is another growing app, with the addition of a webcam, you can video chat with your friends from your TV.

Should I buy a smart TV?

TVs are being used for much more than watching TV now, and the ceiling is only getting higher.  Just like smartphones, Smart TVs are being made better constantly.  There are so many features on today’s smart TVs that the list of applications is growing daily.  While a Smart TV will not replace your need for a computer it will allow  to relax on the couch and browse the web or watch our favorite viral videos instead of having to go to your computer.  The cost for a TV with Smart capability comes at a small premium over standard TVs and the convenience it creates is worth it.

Interactive Whiteboards – Communicate Effectively

An interactive whiteboard is an effective tool for communicating information to any group. This twenty-first century technology can be of assistance to a teacher who is delivering an exciting lesson to a classroom of children. Also, just as easily, an interactive whiteboard can be used to explain data and statistics at a business meeting.   The interactive whiteboard serves its purpose of displaying all sorts of information in an interesting format.

 

Through the years the technology used to convey ideas in the classroom and in the business world has moved from a static visual aid to a presentation that comes to life with colorful images. The forerunners of the interactive whiteboard include the chalkboard, the paper flip chart, and the traditional whiteboard. The presenters using these methods were limited in color choice, image dimensions, and the amount of space available for explanation. The electronic element of the interactive whiteboard allows the presenter to arrange and highlight information in a creative, attention-grabbing fashion.

One of the benefits of using this type of whiteboard is the ability to manipulate the information that is being shown.  It allows its user to apply markings to the text, drawing, chart, or other piece of information that is being projected. The information can then be printed or emailed from the whiteboard, making for a very user friendly experience.

 

These whiteboards can be a valuable tool in the business world. Graphs, charts of statistics, sales numbers, or any other significant information that needs to be delivered during a meeting will be communicated effectively via an interactive whiteboard. Plus, the critical material being displayed can be printed and passed out to the group members for later study. An interactive whiteboard allows all of the attendees in a large conference room to easily see the information being explained. Likewise, the individuals in a small group are able to share their thoughts on the material using the whiteboard to illustrate important points. In order to ensure that your next meeting is an effective one, an interactive whiteboard is the way to go.

The sound bar – When you can’t do surround sound…

There is no doubting the fact that the built-in speakers in today’s TVs are not on-par with the picture they put out.  If you’re going to have a high-definition picture, you need high-definition sound.  A full surround system is preferred, but if you can’t accommodate such a system in your home, a sound bar is definitely the best alternative.  Sound bars are very sleek, complimenting today’s flat panel televisions beautifully.  Sound bars incorporate multiple speakers and new technologies to give a great virtual surround experience, without all the clutter and wiring.  Sound bars are not big enough to output deep bass frequencies, so you will need a subwoofer to get the best experience.  Fortunately, many sound bars come with a wireless subwoofer which you can tuck away.  Some great and affordable sound bar systems are the Episode 3-channel sound bar series, and the Polk IHT SurroundBar series.

The Episode series of sound bars give flat panel TVs a reason to celebrate, with an incredible sound system that doesn’t clutter the surrounding wall with a bunch of speakers.  At only 2.75” deep, this sound bar not only looks great, but sounds amazing too.  This single sound bar is actually three independent speakers in one – consisting of left, center, and right channels.  It’s perfect for living room and bedroom applications with TVs smaller than 46”.

The Polk SurroundBar Instant Home Theater is a self-contained powered SurroundBar loudspeaker and companion wireless powered subwoofer. It is designed so anyone can hook it up and be enjoying it’s sound in under ten minutes.  And it’s priced so it won’t add to the national debt.  It’s the most economical way to upgrade your flat panel’s built-in speakers to a much, much higher level of performance and enjoy all the benefits of a three-dimensional sound stage.

Home Automation with your iPad

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) recently released the company’s highly anticipated RTiPanel app for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.  Boasting unique features such as two-way feedback, a customizable user interface, and highly optimized connection speeds, the app provides complete control over any RTI control system with an XP series control processor, all from the convenience of your favorite Apple device.

Raising the bar for control apps, the RTiPanel stands out from the pack with unique features such as full two-way feedback including cover art, weather graphics, dynamic image lists, and much more for an unprecedented control experience. The app supports connection locally via Wi-Fi and offers remote access via auto-switching Wi-Fi and 3G wireless, allowing for control and monitoring from virtually anywhere in the world.

The RTiPanel app offers a completely customizable graphical user interface, allowing integrators to provide consumers with a consistent user experience across all RTI controllers in their systems, including their Apple devices.  The app also offers a unique interface designed to make each user’s devices unique. For simple interface updating either locally or remotely, all graphics are conveniently stored on the XP series processor and the Apple device. And better yet, the app is programmed using the same Integration Designer software that is used to program all RTI products.  Redefining ease of use, the app displays in both portrait and landscape views by simply rotating the Apple device. The programming process for supporting both orientations has been carefully designed to minimize the extra effort required.

“The RTiPanel app is one of our most anticipated product releases ever, and we are very excited to say that it is now available. We are tremendously proud of the hard work and innovation that have gone into this app, and to bring our dealers a solution that is superior to anything else on the market,” said Pete Baker, vice president of sales and marketing for RTI. “From full two-way control to a completely customizable user interface, every detail of the RTiPanel has been designed to complement our control systems perfectly, allowing our dealers to provide an unprecedented control experience for their customers, at home or away.”

Sharp’s Giant 80″ HDTV

Sharp has unveiled a very impressive new AQUOS LCD TV, which launched earlier this month. It is the LC-80LE632U, boasting a mammoth 80-inch screen. It’s definitely not lacking in the features department either, it’s loaded with full 1080p resolution, the UltraBrilliant LED backlighting system, and built-in WiFi. Not only does the WiFi enable streaming from services such as Netflix and CinemaNow, but it also allows Sharp to assist with tech support if needed.

The 80-inch display on this unit gives you more than double the screen area of a 55-inch TV. The LED backlighting means it will slurp less power than CCFL sets, and it has a very nice contrast ratio of 6M:1 dynamic. The set also features a 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced refresh rate for a clear image and the TV is under 4-inches deep, making it much thinner than projection TVs.

The TV minimizes light leakage using a 10-bit processing panel. This huge TV features dual USB ports, for the viewing of high-resolution video, music, and photos. It also uses a special Vyper Drive engine, which reduces lag when gaming on this monster TV. The 80-inch TV is retailing for $4,999.99, which is definitely one of the best values per inch in today’s market.

We currently have a promotion going on this TV for $4399, give us a call at (858) 999-2031 for more information.

Home Automation: What It Can Do for You

This is a fascinating area that is, for some, a reality, but for many, something that borders on science fiction.

Automation, in all areas of life, usually does one of two things for you: save you time you can use productively, or provide you with convenience. There are all sorts of products out there to help you automate elements of your home, ranging from those that the average can afford and implement to those that cost as much as the house itself.

This article will help you to find out why home automation is worth bothering with or not, (depending on the conclusions you draw for yourself in this case).

1. Lighting

Lighting automation allow you to rig up your home to control your lights from a remote control panel inside the home, when you get to work only to realize you left everything on, or remotely for when you hop into bed and you remember that a light has been left on. And of course you can just as easily turn them all back on once you get home or before a bunch of guests arrive.

These are some reasons of why lighting has, by far, been the most popular and common use of home automation since it was a technically and financially viable option.

You can also have a preset for every mood. Most lighting automation systems give you control over light dimming. This is no breakthrough in itself, as dimming is a pretty commonplace thing, but combines that fact with the ability to create intricate profiles with different lights set at different levels through the house.

Of course, lighting control can’t stop at bulbs. There’s natural light to consider as well, and there are products available to help you control curtains, blinds and shades.

2. Home Theater

You may have taken part in a small part of home automation, if you’ve ever bought one of those programmable, all-in-one remotes. A lot of home automation hobbyists will have the most intricate remote programmings you’ve seen. But there’s also multi-zone audio to consider – the ability to select various speakers around the house through which to play audio from any given source, or even the ability to play from them all at once (or any combination thereof). If you’ve used AirTunes at home, you’re familiar with multi-zone audio, which provides one of the smoothest integration and operation experiences.

3. Security and Surveillance

An automated security system in your home provides a far more protective and much safer experience than traditional methods. You can have a motion sensor that sends you a text message if it notices movement when nobody is meant to be home, or if sensors on your windows sense the glass breaking. With cameras you can view over the Internet, you can ensure nobody is taking off with your HDTV.(or even keep an eye on the kids).

If your system includes intercom, you can have alarms played through all those speakers around the house, ensuring that everyone in the house is aware of danger. And as we said about lighting automation, you could have all the bulbs in your house switch off when you leave home; advanced systems even allow you to lock up all the doors and windows as you’re leaving at the same time.

If you’re going on holidays, you can use the old simulation of presence trick; getting your system to randomly play with your blinds, playing music and flicking lights on or off. You can sleep a little sounder knowing that your home is a little less likely to be broken into.

4. Air

You’re sitting at work in the air conditioning and you know it’s going to be a hot drive home. The last thing you want to do is get out of the hot car and into a hot house. With home automation you can get your air conditioner and a couple of fans going just as you take off for the day. Of course, the same thing applies to heating and ventilation, too.

Air conditioners are expensive beasts. If you’ve routinely caught someone in your home forgetting to turn the thing off and running up the electricity bill, use an automation system to shut your air conditioner off after a half hour’s use.

5. Communication

Intercom technology often falls into the home automation field. Intercom systems can assist in transmitting alarms right throughout the house; if you have trouble hearing the smoke alarm from your bedroom, this may just be what you need to keep alive for the rest of the year.

Hobbyists often like to have an intercom system right through the house, in every room. Intercom system also can be made accessible to your PDA or smartphone via wifi, and practically any device via the Internet.

Our productivity types like to have one source to go for everything – take the old one inbox rule, for instance. If you’re like that, you can have your intercom system routed into your phone so that you only have to speak into the one mouthpiece, avoiding the germs of other persons. I imagine this works best when there’s an intercom at the front gate; there’s not much use for intercom over the phone when it comes to in-house intercom.

What else in Home automation?

There’s still much more to home automation. There are systems for getting your pets fed on time, in case you’ve killed a rat or two due to negligence, and irrigation automation, in case you’re guilty of the same when it comes to plants. You can even have your percolator or espresso machine brewing fifteen minutes before your alarm goes off.

It is true that we can all live without this stuff. We have been for thousands of years. But these things can make life easier and more enjoyable, so they’re certainly worth considering if you’ve got the interest and the budget.

Product Review: Panasonic Panaboards

The most effective tool to improve your next meeting, training, and presentation.

The latest development in presentation and interactive learning is the Panaboard (the whiteboard), also commonly known as the interactive whiteboard. They may look a little similar to the standard whiteboard; but they provide a huge number of services.

Panasonic whiteboards allow the user to function a computer right from its’ very own surface. They have a touch sensitive screen which projects the computer image on it. The user controls what is on the screen with a finger, marker, or pen, in this way, the user can change pages as required. The user can also access, print and email documents through this technology without having to go to a computer, and also access directly to the internet during a presentation. Notes can be taken on top of the projected images. These notes can be saved directly into files from the Panaboard to the computer. Afterwards, if need be; they can be edited and retouched as desired. The saved notes can be mailed to whoever needs them.

With all these benefits that the Panasonic Panaboards offer, have rapidly reached a big popularity, such that has been replacing regular chalkboards in the classrooms, meeting rooms, etc.

Panaboards have become immensely beneficial tools for many businesses. They are being installed in the boardrooms and meeting rooms and adding excitement to conventional meetings and presentations. They have helped in overcoming the hindrance of lack of communication with the remote employees and satellite offices. Now employees can work in partnership from anywhere in the world where this service is available. It has completely cut down on the wastage of time due to manually entering data into a computer, printing and distributing it. Now, all of these processes can be done directly on the Panaboard. High quality digital Panaboards also have an in-built printer. Users can print handouts directly from the Panaboard. Thus, Panaboards have not only saved time and money, but also energy.

Similarly, this outstanding teaching technique has allowed that lessons that are generally hard to deliver in the classrooms can be conveyed in a thrilling and motivating manner. This is because of the increased interaction the panaboard can create for the students not only with the teacher but also amongst each other.

In such an environment, students are highly inclined towards being attentive in the class. This teaching tool allows the teachers to create interactive lessons, and thus increasing student productivity through participation. Such subjects that require more diagrams, illustrations, note-taking (Math, Science, English, etc.) have been perked up through the use of Panaboards.

Panaboards are revolutionary whiteboards that improve the efficiency of all types of meetings, both daily discussions and major presentations, and also allows information to be effectively shared between presenters and participants, and even with people who cannot attend.

Panasonic offers not only an extensive but the best range of market leading Panaboards or electronic whiteboards. Panasonic Panaboards come in interactive and networkable models. They consist of all those preferred features that you need to fulfill your requirements.

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