Prestige Video Systems is now Connected Audio Visual

Prestige Video Systems is now Connected Audio Visual!

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Prestige- Home Automation Technology

Home Automation

Simplify your life! Turn lights on and off from anywhere in your home, turn security lighting and sprinkler systems on and off when you choose, dim lights – even if they couldn’t dim before – and much, much more! Control your lights, appliances, home theater and more by remote, motion sensor or PC with our home automation packages and accessories! This is cool stuff!

With our Home Security systems we can quickly and easily set up a complete home security system to protect what’s most important to you. We have a range of security packages to fit any size home or budget

Watch over your home and family with our surveillance cameras! We offer affordable and easy-to-use tiny video cameras to watch over anything and everything inside and outside of your home. Choose from a large selection of camera systems and accessories to keep an eye on your prized possessions, see who’s at the front door, watch over your baby in the next room and more – at prices for every budget

Like I said this is cool stuff!

Cheers,

Prestige Video Systems

Netflix or Blockbuster

In 2003 we started renting movies over the web at our house. And while we’re having fun playing in the early stages of the full-video-access-over-the-web revolution, renting DVDs via the mail will probably be a vital part of our home entertainment world for a while to come. And even though the we’ve been satisfied with our current rental plan, every once in a while the age-old question pops up, and it’s as relevant in 2008 as it was four years ago: Which is better, Netflix or Blockbuster ?


For all their similarities, there’s a lot to pick and choose from between these two. In fact, the differences between the two are much greater now than in past years, which makes it easier than ever to pick the plan that suits your needs best. Ask yourself a few basic questions about what’ll make your life easier. How many videos do you go through in an average month? How important is access to video games as opposed to movie streaming? Is driving to the neighborhood store no big deal or an inconvenient drag? Once you consider your priorities, picking the right plan is a snap.
When Blockbuster Total Access service came out in 2004 with free unlimited in-store exchanges for DVDs received through the mail, it was an offer that Netflix ultimately couldn’t match. However, this extra value was key in helping Blockbuster gain new subscribers, the program proved just too expensive to maintain
So last year, Blockbuster came out with Blockbuster By Mail (a mail-only plan similar to Netflix), put caps on monthly in-store exchanges for regular Total Access members, and introduced Total Access Premium, with unlimited in-store exchanges for a higher monthly fee.

If making additional trips to stores isn’t your idea of a time saver, then the Netflix vs. Blockbuster comparison becomes much simpler.
For mail-only plans, prices are comparable. Even though Blockbuster will save you a buck a month on a couple of its plans, Netflix has the larger library. Either one will have you covered for recent releases and Hollywood hits, but when you’re looking for that hard-to-find classic or indie title, that additional thousand titles can make a big difference.
And even though Blockbuster has eleven different plans to choose from, they max out at three simultaneous rentals
Both Blockbuster.com and Netflix will are at the top of the game when it comes to selection, convenient returns, reviews, personalized recommendations, gift cards — and a place to buy DVDs on the cheap.
Cheers, DVD

Connect Xbox 360 To Your Home Theater The Ultimate Gaming Experience

Music, Movies, and of course Games! Xbox 360 can deliver it all in full digital surround sound. Fiber Optic Digital Audio cable connected to your AV receiver* can deliver ultra-realistic Dolby Digital® surround sound from your Xbox 360. You won’t find this cable included in the box, so step up to the ultimate surround sound gaming experience.

All Xbox 360 games offer 720p or 1080i high-definition video. But the only way to experience games in true HD on your HD-capable TV is with Component Video, Fiber Optic or VGA Video connections.

Component Video & Fiber Optic Digital Audio (Best)Perfect for connecting to TVs/AV receivers with 720p/1080i high-definition component video inputs and AV receivers with Dolby Digital® and DTS® surround sound processing. Includes everything you need for the highest-performance Xbox 360.

Cheers,

Ptestige Video Systems
Component Video & Stereo Audio (Better)Ideal for hookup to TVs/AV receivers with 720p/1080i high-definition component video inputs and stereo audio connections. Built-in digital audio output jack connects Fiber Optic cable (sold separately) to AV receiver for surround sound upgrade.
VGA Video & Stereo Audio (Better) Connects Xbox 360 to your computer monitor or flat-screen TV with high-definition VGA Video input and stereo audio connections. Built-in digital audio output jack connects Fiber Optic cable (sold separately) to AV receiver for surround sound upgrade.S-Video & Stereo Audio (Good)Delivers enhanced Xbox 360 audio/video performance — ideal for AV systems without Component Video inputs. Built-in digital audio output jack connects Fiber Optic cable (sold separately) to AV receiver for surround sound upgrade.

Note
You have to manually switch your Xbox 360 settings to 720p or 1080i in order to play games in those resolutions. Once you have switched the settings to the desired resolution you will not have to change them again.

Cheers

Dolby 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 What's the Difference?

With respect to home playback, the terms 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 mean that there are five, six, or seven main speakers, plus a subwoofer, in the playback system. (The subwoofer reproduces the LFE channel recorded on 5.1 soundtracks, plus any bass the main speakers cannot handle.) The difference is in the number of surround speakers: two in a 5.1 system, three in a 6.1 system, and four in a 7.1 system.
Obviously, a 5.1-channel soundtrack can be played on a 5.1-speaker system. But it is not always understood is that it can also be played on a 6.1- or a 7.1-speaker system. To do this, the two surround signals on the 5.1 soundtrack are spread across the three or four surround speakers. This distribution can be accomplished by a Dolby Digital EX decoder, a THX Surround EX decoder, or other proprietary methods provided in home theater equipment by various manufacturers.
So the number (i.e., 5.1) describing the soundtrack does not have to match the number applied to the speaker system.

Cheers,

Wireless Home Security and the Babysitter

You may like the idea of keeping an eye on the babysitter or other hired help, but if you were to reverse the scenario, how would you like finding out your employer has been secretly watching you at work? Nanny cams and other types of hidden surveillance cameras can present an ethical dilemma. On the one hand, you want to know that your kids are safe with whomever you leave them with, but what about watching the maid to make sure she doesn't steal? As a homeowner, home video surveillance may simply seem like a good home security measure. Is It Legal To Use A Hidden Camera? Yes, it is indeed legal in all 50 states to use a hidden camera. However, it is illegal to record speech without a person's consent in the following 15 states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Studies and polls show that many care providers are not necessarily against video taping of child-provider interaction, it's just that they want to know about it. It seems to be a matter of trust and feeling of deception.

More daycare centers are installing cameras and even provide parents with the ability to spot check and watch their child while at work. Some facilities provide parents with a real-time access to watch happenings in their child's classroom via the internet. Parents report that while they often don't use it all the time, it's nice to be able to log in and check on their child whenever they desire.

Prestige Video Systems Wireless Security Camera System provide a versatile Surveillance System that adapts to your ever-changing needs. With no wires to run, We’ll have your system fully operational in no time.

Flat Panel Tv Mounting

FLAT PANEL TV mounts are designed to hold your TV onto a wall or ceiling. An FLAT PANEL TV mount can help create a wonderful home theater experience. It can also save space, leaving stands, dressers and counter space free for other items. In addition, if you have small children or pets, a mount can help to prevent possible accidents. Once placed, FLAT PANEL TV mounts remain and are not taken down unless you want to move the TV. Installation usually takes about 2 hours.

Some of the more popular FLAT PANEL TV mounts are flat wall mounts, tilt mounts and articulating mounts. Flat wall mounts are available for those that like their TV to be more flush with the wall. The benefit of a tilt FLAT PANEL TV mount is that you can tilt your TV to reduce glare on the screen. Articulating FLAT PANEL TV mounts move the TV forward from the wall, swivel and also tilt.

Decide where you would like your FLAT PANEL TV mount to be placed and from which angle you would like to view your FLAT PANEL TV. This will determine what kind of FLAT PANEL TV mount you will choose. When choosing a FLAT PANEL TV mount, make sure that you know how many inches your TV screen is. The screen size is measured vertically to determine the size, and this measurement determines the size of the FLAT PANEL TV mount you need. Check to see if there is an FLAT PANEL TV mount made specifically for your TV, as it may fit better than another brand that claims to fit an FLAT PANEL TV the size of yours.

It is very important to make sure your FLAT PANEL TV mount is set up correctly. FLAT PANEL TV mounts must be installed properly and securely. If not, your wonderful investment in an FLAT PANEL TV can end up on the floor. Professional installation is recommended.

Cheers,



Prestige Video Systems installs a wide array of solid, sturdy Flat panel tv mounts

Watching 3D Movies at Home: 3D TV'S Are Here

With Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America unveiling its 2009 line of premium flat-panel TVs which offers 3D-Ready viewing technology, a feature the company says is more in demand as 3D content production continues to increase. In addition to 3D-Ready, the new Home Theater TV line includes large screen sizes, such as an 82-inch model. Samsung is no stranger to the 3D game In fact, every DLP TV they released in 2007 was 3D capable. In 2008, they became the first company to produce a 3D-ready plasma. Because 3D-ready TVs from companies like Samsung and Mitsubishi are essentially regular TVs that happen to be able to display 3D, the format's success is not likely to depend on consumers purchasing much special equipment. Far more important will be simply the availability of content. Special glasses will still be required to view the 3D Content.

Cheer,

Prestige Video Systems

Not Just for Businesses Anymore.. Security Cameras Come Home

Home security cameras are an important part of advanced home security systems. There are plenty of home security cameras from which to choose. Depending on the level of security you need from your home security cameras, you can choose from moving cameras, fixed cameras or even cameras that provide infrared spying. Home security cameras aren’t only designed for indoor protection. Outdoor security cameras can protect your cars, sheds, or outside elements that are also valuable for your home.

If you decide to implement an outdoor security camera system, it’s important to consider what kind of home security protection you need. Some security cameras are placed so that the intruder is unaware of its presence. Home security camera systems can offer an added type of protection by deterring criminals if they see the camera. Intruders are aware of the implications of being caught on camera, so making security cameras visible can help scare away intruders that would otherwise attempt to break into your home. Most home security cameras are relatively inexpensive to have installed, and the can protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Cheers,

Info Comm International & Prestige Video Systems

InfoComm International® is the leading nonprofit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide. Founded in 1939, the association offers industry expertise and market research serving press and others seeking information about the industry.

Members of the industry are encouraged to adhere to 10 Standards of Excellence. To find InfoComm members by region, company, specialty or credentials.

The association’s activities are guided by an elected Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D.

The International Communications Industries Foundation generates support from corporations, philanthropic foundations and government sources to improve and expand the educational programs of InfoComm International.

Music in Every Room???

Distributed audio AKA Whole House Audio systems are ones which allow for playback and often control of music throughout an entire home or building. Until recently, only the very wealthy could afford a whole-house audio system. Whole house audio systems fall into three categories: Single source/Single zone, Single Source/Multiple zone & Multiple sources/ Multiple zone. Before you determine which type of whole-house audio system you need, you should evaluate how you'll be using that system—that is, what type of listening you'll be doing in each room. Putting together a system for background music costs a lot less than setting up multiple audiophile-quality listening rooms.

Single Source-/Single Zone - These systems distribute the same audio source everywhere--individual rooms must listen to the same audio source. This is the simplest type of system that can be installed. If designed properly, no special equipment is required other than one amplifier and a desired audio source.

Single Source/ Multiple Zone – This type features separate volume controls that are usually installed in each room or zone to compensate for differences in apparent volume due to room size and shape. This system design is otherwise the same as a single source, single zone in that all zones must listen to the same audio source, though volume control is independent in each room (and audio can be turned off in rooms, as desired).

Multiple source/ Multiple Zone - These are the most advanced and flexible, and of course the most expensive systems. Different zones can select (and often control) different audio sources independently of other rooms.

Cheers,


Prestige Video Systems is a complete provider of Home Automation, CCTV, Wireless Home Security and HDTV Flat Panel, Home Theaters and more

Be Safe and $ave Money with Wireless Home Security

You may think that spending around $350-$500 on on a Wireless Home Security System is not worth the money but consider the fact that your homeowner's premium could go down as much as 20%, paying off the system in one year. Wireless home security systems have many benefits over traditional security systems you should be aware of in order to best protect yourself, your family and property. Many individuals are unaware of how vulnerable their typical security system is, although once aware of all of the benefits of wireless home security systems are amazed at the insecurity of their traditional system. For example, a regular home security system can easily be disabled by cutting the phone line rendering the system useless. Wireless home security systems, on the other hand cannot be disabled by cutting a wire because they are in fact wireless. This is the type of security you are looking for, security that will work for you when there is a problem. Most thieves are aware the police will not be called by the alarm system if the phone line is cut. This is disconcerting news if you have a typical security system. However, this is never an issue with wireless home security systems.In the end ultimately knowing you and your family are always safe is priceless.

Cheers,

Prestige Video Systems is a Maryland based company specializing in Home Automation, Home Security, CCTV And Hi Def Flat panel TV installations.

HDMI Cables Money Well Spent??

Is there any difference between an inexpensive High End and the Average Cable

In the days of older technology (Analog Signals) a better or more expensive cable was a necessity due to long cable runs (Degraded Signals and Noise Interference) . The newer technology found in the HDMI cables uses digital signals. Digital signals for the most part you either have sound or video or you don’t. It uses 1’s and 0’s. On or off their isn’t an in between.

So if anyone ever tells you they can "see the difference" between HDMI cables, etc... You can knowingly laugh to yourself and think about how much money the poor sole wasted on something that was pointless.

Also I have also have heard people say things like “Make sure you get a v1.3 cable"... The various HDMI versions determine the capabilities of the DEVICES on either end of that cable (most of the HDMI versions (other then 1.0 to 1.1) have to do with AUDIO and how many channels / type of audio are carried...) Because of this, the cable itself is NO DIFFERENT... It's just marketing that some companies charge more for a "v1.3" cable then a "v1.1" cable, etc... The cables themselves will work now and WELL into the future for any other HDMI versions that come along the way....

Prestige Video Systems is a full service Audio and Video service provider Specializing in Flat panel installations, Home Theater Installation, CCTV, Access Control, & Home Automation Technology

Plasma vs LCD ??

If you're considering a flat-panel TV you have essential two popular options. Plasma or LCD. How do you decide on which type is right for you? Well let's have a look. The Plasma TV's have been around a little longer than LCD TVs, and so their technology is a little further along. Plasma screens use a phosphor coating like the old tube style TVs, so they have the natural color we're used to with tube models. Plasma TV's are vulnerable to "burn-in" although it's less of an issue for newer models; screen tends to reflect room lights.

The LCD TV'S looks great in a kitchen or any other room with bright lighting. LCD displays are better at resisting glare from sunlight or room lights, and they're very bright (brighter even than plasmas). LCD is also one of the most rugged display types. Its total immunity to screen burn-in makes LCD an ideal choice if your viewing includes frequent computer or video game use. And if you leave your TV on for hours at a time tuned to a news or sports channel with a scrolling "ticker," LCD would be a safer TV choice.

Tech Notes:
If you're looking at screen sizes smaller than 40", LCD is your only flat-panel choice Vizio recently announced that it will no longer be making Plasma TV'S. Pioneer is getting totally out of the TV business .

Cheers

Prestige Video Systems