Anyone in a technology-related field can tell you that perhaps the biggest part of their job is to provide answers to questions that range from mundane to bizarre, and with integrators and audio-video specialists tackling solutions across a variety of disciplines, questions become equally varied.
However, there are always a few questions that seem to be asked on a regular basis.
While some of the topics raised by these questions have been covered either briefly or at length in previous articles, let’s start 2016 with a quick look at some of the more frequently asked questions and some quick answers to these.
“Can I have one control for everything, and can it be easy to use?”
With manufacturers now including remote controls for nearly all electronic devices, this has become a very common inquiry.
The answer is yes, with the stipulation that level of ease of use in a universal control system is contingent on the extent to which the user is willing to invest. Control solutions can range widely in both form and function, from the long-used handheld style that some refer to as a “wand” or “clicker” controlling a few A/V components, to systems that can include controls for lighting, shades and security, and for which tablet or wall panel interfaces are used.
All remote solutions need programming, and any reliable system will require programming to be done by a trained technician.
“What wireless surround sound system do you recommend?”
Short answer: None. While some surround systems do provide partial wireless options, these are never reliable, with signal loss being common, and sound quality well below audiophile standards.
“Do I need 4K?”
You need air. You need water. 4K? No, you don’t “need” it, but I do recommend it for TV’s over 50 inches. Simply put, a larger TV requires more pixels to maintain picture quality. Regardless of whether your TV is a 19-inch or 79-inch, if it’s 1080P both have the same number of pixels.
In a smaller TV, those pixels will be packed tighter, rendering a sharper picture than a larger TV with an equal number of pixels spread over a greater area, and this is why larger TV’s require more pixels, which is what those numbers, 1080p and 4K, represent.
“Do I need Blu-ray instead of DVD?”
Like 4K, a Blu-ray player will provide a higher resolution experience from both Blu-ray discs and DVDs. In addition, most Blu-ray players allow for streaming from sources such as Netflix and YouTube.
“How can I make my TV less of a centerpiece?”
There are a number of different ways to disguise televisions. One option is an art lift. Here, a TV is covered with a painting or picture, and this is raised mechanically with the tap of a button. Other options like TV’s hidden in mirrors or rising from a floor or countertop make excellent alternatives to the art lift.
For a more detailed view of what A/V integrators can accomplish, call or visit a local showroom and let one of their expert team members discuss some smart solutions for your technology needs.
Carlos Ramos is the sales and marketing manager with Custom Audio Video in Bluffton.
