If you’re hosting a party for the big game this weekend, you’ve probably got the snacks and guest list planned out. But have you given thought to whether your HDTV and home theater system are prepared to show the game to the best of its ability? Here are a few things you can do at little to no cost to improve your TV-viewing experience.

1. Calibrate Your Screen: Sports events usually happen during the day, and if you’re like most people, you watch most of your TV at night. So even if your TV is perfectly calibrated to suit your daily needs, you need to optimize the picture for the amount of light in the room during the big game.
   
   Here are a few tips:
   1. Don’t use factory settings. They increase contrast and saturation to compensate for bright store lighting.
   2. Unless your HDTV is in a windowless room, lighting will vary depending on the time of day. This means that for the best picture quality, you’ll want to calibrate your TV at the same time of day as the big game or event.
   3. Let your HDTV warm up for about 30 minutes before calibrating. This allows for a warmer picture and a natural image.
   4. Calibrate your devices separately. This includes your cable box, game console, Blu-ray player, etc...
   5. You can use special TV calibration software, but there’s a good chance that you already have something in your DVD or Blu-ray collection that will work. Any DVD or Blu-ray disc with a THX logo comes with built-in calibration software that is designed to work with pretty much any TV. The software is a set of six patterns designed to help you pick key settings. To take full advantage of this, you’ll need to purchase a pair of special blue-filter glasses, but in a pinch, you can just eyeball the settings without the glasses. Examples of discs that include this are the Monster Cable 3DDSUPERDISC and the Monster Cable MMU44152SSH.
2. Calibrate Your Speakers: Once you’ve adjusted your screen, you’re going to want to make sure that your audio is calibrated for optimal performance too! Many surround sound systems include automatic calibration systems, which makes this a painless process.
3. Clean Your TV: What’s the point in having perfect picture quality if dust and fingerprints are preventing you from fully enjoying it? A screen cleaning kit like the Monster Cable FSCLNKIT-LG1 Flatscreen Screen Cleaner or the Monster Cable Screen Cleaner Ultimate Performance TV Cleaning Kit will help ensure that your HDTV is in perfect shape for the game!
4. Make Sure You’re Getting HD: This might sound obvious, but make sure that you’re actually getting a high definition broadcast! Check that your cable or satellite box is a “high definition” model and that the resolution is set to your HDTV’s native resolution. Also make sure that you’re tuning into the right channel—many stations show a standard-definition and a high-definition version of the same program simultaneously!

Every January, thousands of people flock to Las Vegas for one of our favorite events of the year: the world’s largest Consumer Electronics Tradeshow (CES). This is when brands like LG and Samsung unveil their latest technologies and product lines to the public. This year CES is taking place from January 8-11, and rumors are already circulating!

Here are some rumors on what several of our favorite brands might unveil:

LG

LG announced their new line of televisions and home theater products on Christmas Day, which was a nice surprise. Some of their new offerings include:

1. 4 new soundbars (Compare to current models here.)
1. 3 of these models offer built-in Bluetooth and a wireless subwoofer.
2. 2 of these models come in a larger size, designed to complement 47-inch TVs.
2. Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box systems
1. All new models feature built-in Wi-Fi and LG’s Full Smart TV suite of apps
2. 3 new Blu-ray models (Compare to current models here.)
3. 2 of these new models feature a “private sound mode,” which allows you to listen to the audio of your Blu-ray player via an app on your smartphone.
3. New TVs (Compare to current models here.)
1. LED backlights in entire LCD range (replacing CCFL backlights)
2. Upgraded Magic Motion remote featuring “natural” voice recognition, dual-core processors, and more
3. Enhanced home dashboard with custom folders
4. Improved sharing with devices like smartphones and tablet

Samsung

Unlike LG, Samsung has been vague on the details of their new product line. In a blog post the other day, Samsung posted an image of a television that’s sitting vertically instead of horizontally. The set appears to be transparent, letting viewers see the background behind it.

Samsung had only this to say about the set: “A true innovation of TV design is coming up with an unprecedented new TV shape and timeless gallery design.”

Rumors regarding this new television have been circulating the web. Will it be a transparent TV? Or maybe one that shows programs in portrait mode instead of landscape? Or will it be a flexible TV?

We’ll just have to wait until next week to see. (Compare to current Samsung models here.)

Westinghouse

Westinghouse is rumored to release UHD TV sets ranging from 50” to 110” with a resolution of 3840x2160.

(Compare to current models here.)

It will be interesting to see how many of these predictions come true. What would you like to see introduced at CES this year?

1. LG's 2013 home theater line doubles down on sound bars, Bluetooth speakers
2. Westinghouse Preparing Budget Hultra-HD TVs for CES 2013
3. Samsung's New TV Design Teaser for CES 2013

Here’s a little info you may not have known about Paul’s TV. We actually specialize in custom installation! I’m not talking about mounting a TV, running wires; I’m talking about true whole home custom installation. We actually have well over 30 years of customized home theater installation.

It all starts with a consultation with one of our licensed and certified home installation specialists. Our specialists have been trained and tested to ensure they are capable of delivering quality with Royal standards. Our specialists will arrive at your home and do a walk-through of the place where you want your home theater and audio products installed. They will listen to your wants and tailor the installation towards your wants and lifestyle.

What sets us apart is that our specialists are non-commissioned; this means your budget and needs are always at the forefront of their minds, you get what you want for what you are comfortable with and financing is available. Once your needs, space, and budget have been confirmed your specialist will make recommendations for the best product solution. Your specialist will walk you through the ordering process with their laptop they’ll bring along for your appointment.

After you’ve purchased the product and it’s arrived, we will set up another appointment to install your new home theater products. During the installation process, you can expect your specialist to inform you on what they are doing why it is necessary. When the installation is complete, your specialist will show you how to use your new product.

So, what all do we do? Everything! Have you ever seen those commercials where people control their home with an iPad or a single remote? You have? We do that. Custom cabinetry, security systems, whole home control, we do it all! You dream it, we build it! It’s as simple as that. Want a stand that houses the TV while it’s hidden and rises out of the stand when you hit the “power” but on the remote control? Pretty neat huh!? We can do that! Check out these links for more information for our In-Home Consultation process, our Custom Installation services page, and photos of our work!! Remember it’s not custom if it’s prefabricated. Have pictures of your home theater? We'd love to see them!

Can You Hear Me Now!?

Bear with me as I paint a picture for you; you call Paul’s TV and speak with a representative regarding the newest and latest 2012 flat panels. You’ve done an extensive amount of research and just need your information backed up at this time. The rep assures you, that this is going to be the best option; congratulations, one step down towards the perfect home theater system. While speaking with the representative, they mention home audio to you; you immediately object, audio was not anything you researched, it will have to wait or the standard “I’ll wait until I get it to see what it sounds like.”

The TV arrives; you remove the TV from the packaging, inspect the TV for damage and then sign for receipt. You can’t wait until you show this beauty off to everyone. You get all of your components connected just in time for the big game or movie night with your family and friends. You turn the volume up by 25% and blankly stare at the TV; is it on mute, you think?  You turn the volume up to 50%, ah, now you can hear it, but why does it sound like your cell phone’s speaker? HDTV’s today are not built with audio in mind. The demand in the HD TV industry is lightweight, sleek, and stylish; these requirements leave no room for decent speakers in the TV. So now you have the best TV you’ve ever had and the audio sounds sub-par.

You begin your new expedition, searching for the best sound to compliment your new “cell phone speaker” audio TV. With so many options and compatibility issues that may arise, you scratch your head in disbelief that you are at the researching crossroads once again. There are a few options that’ll vary depending on room size and general uses of the TV e.g. movies, gaming, music, etc. For relatively small rooms or all purpose use in regular size rooms, you can go with a simple sound bar which tends to be a “one-wire” connection, easy to connect. If you’re looking for full immersion and detailed audio unlike any other, there is no substitution for a full surround sound system. Surround sound systems consists of a minimum of a 2 front, 1 center, 2 surrounds, and 1 subwoofer (5.1), many of which require an additional receiver to power the speakers. To make it easier for you to get fully immersed, The King has taken all of the guess work out of building a full surround system and built them for you. The “King-built Systems” will offer the absolute best sound quality for all of your home A/V needs.

If you’re ready to complete your home theater with the perfect round house kick, call Paul’s TV at (888)669-1030 or check them out at PaulsTV.com.

Employing the right consumer electronics is vital when trying to recreate the cinema experience. You’ll need to weigh convenience and price against picture and sound quality when perusing your own home theater options.

• “In A Box” Benefits: Home Theater In A Box (HTIB) packages are designed to take the anxiety out of home theater set up. These box sets usually include a full 5.1 speaker system, AV receiver, and HDMI component cables. Affordable HTIB systems can be purchased for less than $500. The quality and features of home theater packages go up with price. Higher-end options include wireless technology, improved sound systems, and diverse media ports. Serious audiophiles may prefer the ability to mix and match a customized speaker system.  

• Component Purchases: With diligence and research, homeowners can assemble the equivalent of a high-quality HTIB for a lower price. In order to operate a full home theater, buyers will need access to an AV receiver and speakers. Entry-level AV receivers offer 7.1-surround sound capability for less than $300. Pricier alternatives allow use of advanced sound decoding and on-screen menus. For earth-shaking audio, consumers will need to invest in a selection of fine stereo speakers. Front-left and front-right satellites emit sound from the screen. Center speakers generate a majority of Blu-Ray film’s sound effects and music. Surround speakers provide extra audio support from behind the primary sitting area. Subwoofers invigorate the audio experience with rich bass support.

• General Set Up: Remember to choose speaker size and receiver range based on the architecture of your viewing room. Ensure that satellites and subwoofers can be positioned properly before purchasing a new speaker system. Station the couch an appropriate distance from the screen to guarantee the highest level of picture quality. Make sure your receiver and Blu-Ray player are within reach of the couch for convenient audio adjustments during play.

Come to Paul’s TV for the most complete inventory of home theater components. We specialize in providing the highest standard of professionalism and speedy shipping, and with locations in 7 states, we are here to help you find your dream system. Call (888) 669-1030 for more information.

Are you looking to update the audio system in your home? If so, then consider a multi-room audio system for its ease of use and sophisticated technology that’s sure to meet your entertainment needs.

Single-Source and Multi-source Systems
The first thing to determine when selecting a multi-room audio system is choosing between single- and multi-source technologies. A single-source audio system allows you to hear the same song or audio playback in every room of your home. A multi-source system, however, allows you to listen to a different song in one room while your kids watch a movie in the living room. Typically, the larger your entertainment area is, the more you can benefit from a multi-source audio system. 

Audio Controls
The controls for your multi-room audio system are another option that offers great variety. A popular option among consumer is mounted keypads and volume controls on the walls. This technology allows you to set the volume as you enter or exit any room. Another great choice for audio controls is downloading an application on your iPod, iPhone, or Android device. Before purchasing a multi-room audio system for your home, be sure to check if there’s an application for your particular audio system brand and mobile electronics device.

Wireless Options
For consumers who don’t want a tangled messed of electronics spanning across the rooms, the ability to go wireless is now a very real possibility. While wires tend to be more reliable for audio feedback and offer a more consistent connection between your source and the television and speakers, wireless technologies have come a long way and rid your home of unsightly cords. Additionally, wire installation comes at a higher cost, especially in older homes and apartments.

Convenience
One of the most notable benefits of installing a multi-room audio system in your home is convenience. Multi-room audio systems are easy to use, especially when you purchase your equipment from a quality electronics company with associates who can thoroughly explain the function to you. 

If you’re ready to make an audio electronics purchase for your home, then call the experts at Paul’s TV. Come browse our multi-room audio system inventory online or at one of our convenient locations, or call us today at (888) 669-1030 for more information about our products.

By now, your television and DVD collection are getting pretty worn. The truth is that you aren’t getting the full home theater experience without a few key components.  Here are three signs that you’re missing out:

1. Your TV Isn’t HD

The color and clarity of a high-definition television is miles beyond the technology available even just five years ago. The picture is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and every scene looks true-to-life. With an HD television, you’ll never have to spend time wondering what the shadowy blurs on the screen are supposed to be.

 2. You Don’t Have Blu-Ray

A few years ago, DVDs made the huge leap from VHS tapes. Watching the VHS version of a movie today can be a pretty visually listless experience: The colors are muddy, the picture is blurry and fast-forwarding or rewinding is beyond annoying. When DVDs first became widely available, people gladly chucked their VHS collections because the difference in quality was that painfully obvious. The time to step up technologically has come, as the next step in visual media is the Blu-ray: In just one movie’s length, you’ll agree that DVDs just don’t have what it takes when compared to this high-definition format.

 3. You Don’t Have Surround Sound

One of the best things about going to the theater is that the sound of the film emanates from all sides. Instead of having that degree of separation where you are obviously “listening” to something that’s coming from a single direction, you’re actually enveloped in sound. With surround sound, you can have that same experience at home.

If you’re interested in getting the full home theater experience, then you should visit Paul’s TV. We provide home theater and home entertainment systems as well as big-screen HDTVs. For more information about our great selection, call (888) 669-1030.

 

So, you’ve finally purchased that new, wonderful big screen TV that you’ve been craving. The picture is crisp, the colors pop, the sound is to die for—but, where on earth do you put it? Don’t worry, we’ve got some ideas:

Entertainment Centers

Entertainment centers were created for a very specific reason: it can be difficult to figure out where to put your big screen television. If you want to make your new TV the focal point of your home, then take your television and room measurements and go out and buy an entertainment center that will fit inside your house, accommodate your TV, and go with your furniture.

Make It Part of the Artwork

If you’re really clever, really careful, and really good at hanging things on your wall, then you can actually solve the problem of where to put your big screen TV by making it part of the artwork. You can mount it on your wall and then surround it with pieces of art to create a harmonious design scheme. If you or someone you know is particularly crafty, then you can also work a few of the front speakers in a sound system into your new design without obstructive wiring.

Be Intellectual

One idea that we’ve seen around the internet that we really like is using a simple TV stand for your big screen TV and then enveloping the TV on both sides with bookshelves. Using this method will allow you to showcase your book collection and make sure that there isn’t too much negative space around your television to distract the eye.

If you’re interested in buying a new big screen television, then you should visit Paul’s TV. With 60 different locations, Paul's TV carries an incredible variety of HDTVs, home entertainment centers, and everything else you’ll need for a great home theater experience. For more information, give us a call at (888) 669-1030.

 

When you sit down to watch your new HDTV, you may be so absorbed in the sheer detail and quality of the picture that it may take you a few minutes to notice the sound. No home theater is complete without a sound system as punchy as the picture is vivid.

In the old days, movie viewers heard a soundtrack that came from a speaker placed behind the theater screen. With the development of various surround sound technologies, every viewer was enveloped in sound no matter where they were sitting in the theater. Finally, home theater systems have brought that same experience to living rooms around the world.

The advantages of surround sound in the home include:

More detailed sound: Surround sound ensures that you don't miss a single element of a soundtrack. This is particularly true of movies; the difference between the sound quality of movie theaters and traditional television sets has often meant that many of the details of a film's soundtrack—from music to sound effects to entire lines of dialogue—are lost during an at-home viewing.

A more immersive viewing experience: It's easy to get distracted while watching a movie at home; the temptation to check email, answer your cell phone, or do a thousand other tasks is easier to avoid when you are completely caught up in the reality of the film. Also, the enhanced concentration provided by the surround sound experience is a bonus for gamers.

Privacy: Worried about disturbing neighbors with your new sound system? Surround sound systems can be adjusted so that they affect only the room your home theater system is housed in. Remember that there are many different speakers on the market; it's smart to peruse as many options as you can before buying.

Looking for a surround sound system to complete your home entertainment system? With locations in Southern California, Colorado, Michigan, Virginia and New England, Paul's TV remains the best place to find big-screen TVs, home theater and home entertainment systems. Check out our products at our website or give us a call at (888) 669-1030 to speak with a Paul's Pro.