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How to choose a soundbar

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Do you need a high-quality soundbar?

A good quality soundbar may be the best investment you have ever spent. But you may ask why? As televisions have been getting thinner, and thinner, the question keeps popping up about why the sound quality is so poor? The answer is simple, flat screens are exactly what they are! Flat screens are monitors, period…. That is why you have to have a soundbar included in your home stereo systems, or home theater system.

Sound Bar and Flat screen enclosed inside a frame

So the question about how to choose a soundbar is becoming more and more of a mystery. Fortunately, we have been installing the best soundbars that match the room, as well as the flat screen perfectly.

With so many choices, what is the right sound bar?

Curved flat screen imageMany of our clients having been asking us about the Costco Vizio sound bar, the Samsung  sound bar, the lg sound bar, the yamaha soundbar and even the pioneer soundbar. As one of the top authorities of the best tv sound bar installation company, we have meticulously scanned through soundbar reviews from home theater magazine and other sources like attending the Consumer electronics Show and CEDIA to find you the best sound bar that will work for your home.

We carry all of the soundbars mentioned above. In addition, we have a custom soundbar made by Artison that primarily sets the speakers at the right and left of the flat screen. Within them is the 3 primary speakers channels, known as the Right, the Left and most importantly, the Center speaker so that you can clearly hear the dialogue from your home sound system.

Each of the different models we have customized is tailored specifically to the TV soundbarflat screen. Which includes the exact finish of the bezel and the exact height of the flat screen,

For those of you that have width limitations, we also have one of the best home theater sound bar as well. The company known as Leon Speakers also carries a variety of sizes, and budgets that match the bezel finish and width of the flat screen. In other words, the soundbar looks like it came from the flat screen factory.

We now have a new modular type of sound bar that can hide your mini cable box, along with the Roku, or apple TV and the mini amplifier that creates the perfect sound bar.  Here is a picture of what it looks like without the black mesh.

Modular sound bar options

 

 

For more information on how we can build you a custom sound bar like this, please give us a call at 858-764-2648 or for faster response you can text us as well. 

I just bought a curved television, what now?

Curved soundbar

Yes, lets not forget about our up and coming curved televisions. These sexy screens are now all the rage of the up and coming 4k revolution. The curved screen is something that brings the wow factor to any room. Especially if you are looking for that one of a kind look.

Curved soundbarIn addition, you can now add a curved soundbar to match the 55-inch and the 65-inch TV’s. Samsung just announced the sale of it to South Korea just a few days ago, as well as Australia. So here in the U.S. we should be seeing this very soon.

 WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE CURVED SOUNDBAR IS AVAILABLE HERE IN THE U.S.

What about surround sound?

Both of these companies also carry the perfect, timber matched surround speakers and subwoofers that complete the system into a true theater experience.

Since the soundbars are sealed, we also have one more trick up our sleeves. We can install these speakers in the wall to give you a more recessed finish as well. This will give you more flexibility, if for some reason, there is a weight limitation on the mount.

 

For more information about the different choices and a complimentary quote on how to choose the right soundbar for your new flat screen, or curved sexy television, call today at 858-764-2648 or send us a text message, to see and hear what a difference the right soundbar can do for your home entertainment system.

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The ultimate cooktop

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For those of you that might be afraid of cooking, I just found a great solution. While strolling around looking for new gadgets at the Consumer Electronics Show.

I stumbled upon this and thought, what a great idea to integrate technology, convenience and fun all wrapped up in a cooktop for the kitchen.

As soon as cooktops are available, I will keep you informed on the different models that can be ordered.

Imagine having every recipe without having to walk away from the burners, or better yet, choosing your favorite music at the same time. Bet you can’t get that with Satellite!

 

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admin

4 port USB outlet simplifies your wall

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How to say goodbye to your wall charger with this 4 port outlet!

Seriously folks! Have you ever ran out of space in your conventional 2 outlet with that bulky iPad cube that hogs up both of the outlets? Not if you have this 4 port USB outlet from Leviton

What about trying to get 2 of those wall chargers in one outlet! Forget it man. Now lets get creative and improvise and use a conventional power strip?

Power strips eliminated with this 4 port outlet

If you are really into wall acne, trying to secure this strip on the wall, then lets give you some duct tape to secure it there.

Unless you have the skill to drill 2 small drywall screws that have the right diameter for them to fit inside the small slots behind the power strip, you are simply out of luck. Who you gonna call? Leviton’s 4 port USB to the rescue!

Let’s face it, less is more. And Leviton has delivered in Spades with this little beauty of having 4 individual ports that will charge your iPhone, mini, maxi, iPad, droid, kindle, or any kind of widget that uses a USB cable to super charge your device.

Here is a quick video that describes the outlet


Just check out this picture below of a clean installation that could be used just about anywhere you can think of. Like where you might ask?

The 4 port USB is ideal in these convenient locations listed below:

Great for the Kitchen

By the nightstand in the bedroomLeviton 4 port outlet

Practical in the office

Cozy in the Den

Fantastic in the garage.

Commercial applications can also benefit from the outlet

How about the restaurant tables?

Like right in the main lobby of the hotel

Commercial outlet example

Waiting rooms at the Doctors

While you’re getting your nails done at the beauty shop

Let’s not forget about those Airport terminals

I could go on t, and on about about this little 4 port USB outlet, but I know time is money.

So here is the bottom line. You and your family will never have to fight for that dreaded cube, power supply to charge your devices ever again with this simple, cost effective, and convenient, outlet that will simplify your lives.

And is this not the goal we are all trying to achieve? Simplicity and convenience does go hand in hand.

So take a moment out of your busy lives and give us a call, or shoot us a text message at 858-764-2648 to evaluate your home, or commercial location to see how we may bring a little simplicity and elegance to your establishment without breaking the bank.

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The New Samsung OLED TV has some sexy curves

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Samsung has done it again with OLED

big tvIs your rear projection television giving you that faded look? Are you looking for an alternative TV that brings back that WOW factor in your living room? The new 55-inch curvy OLED flat screen from Samsung is now available and in stock for delivery starting today.

What is OLED TV?

oled specificationsWithout getting too technical, it is the thinest, sexiest television that belongs in its own room. It is simply a work of art that will impress even the finicky ones that hate that flat screen look. The O stands for organic which translates to the most true, blurr free motion and the richest, deep colors that your eyes have ever laid on.

OLED is the new holy grail canvas on Air

actual pic of oled tvOne of the nicesest features of this work of art is that the outer bezel literally gives the TV a look that it is truely floating on air.

This will bring a stunning, minimalistic level of elegance that truely belongs in a modern museum that is now available for your home,  your office or favorite wet bar.

Here is a first glance out of the box of the curved OLED TV

sexy curved TV

As you can see from these to pictures that the new curved television gives you an unpresedented view like never before. The speakers are eloquently hidden below the outer frame. and the base gives it that true floating image.

once you turn it on, that is when all the magic comes to life and the suspension of disbelief becomes reality in 3-D.

It also features a newmulti-view that 2 people can view 2 different, full size programs at the same time. What this means is that you grandkids can watch Sponge bob for the millionth episode while you watch the big game at the same time. You just can’t beat that.

I know you want it! so how can you get one?

We now have them in stock and ready for delivery and installation. Simply pick up the phone and give us a call today, or send us a text message at 858-764-2648 to schedule a time to get together to see how we can accomodate your flat screen, or rear projection replacement needs.

Stay tuned! We will be posting a video of it soon.

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admin

Is you cell service in the DEAD Zone?

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Have you ever walked into someones home and your cell service has disappeared?

That chill that runs down your spine when you notice no cell service. That means you cannot be in contact with your kids. What if something happens and they can’t reach you, then what?

You just bought your dream home and you close escrow, and you find out that you have to go outside your dream home just to get a call out because you have no cell service inside? You have just entered the DEAD ZONE!

Believe it, or not. This is an all too common scenario we see each day. To make matters worse, this is almost like a dirty little secret. You have no cell service, unless you go outside, or you have to hang your cell phone close to a certain window, just to get a single bar of cell service.

Is there a solution to poor cell service?

single story cell service coverageYou are in luck. We at Rancho Santa Fe Home Theater are one of Southern California’s top experts in the field of restoring your cell service inside your home.

Our field technicians can asses, and pinpoint where to boost your cell service bars, and actually enhance your 3g, and 4g Data internet service on your iPhone, Blackberry, and Android cell phones.

In addition with more cell service bars, it will reduce you battery usage on your electronic devices.

What kind of coverage does it have?

2 story cell service coverageWe have several models that cover from a single story application from a 1000 square feet to multiple story homes and offices up to 40,000 square feet.

Using a dual band technology of 800 and 1900MHZ, it does not interfere with your existing WiFi internet of 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ.

Schedule an appointment TODAY!

So pick up the phone, send us a text at 858-764-2648 or if your cell service does not work at your home, then send us an email at support@ranchosantafehometheater.com to schedule an appointment to solve this dirty little secret, once and for all.

 

 

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admin

Interactive TV! Get into it.

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Don’t just watch TV. Get up, become interactive with it.

With the newer SMART flat screens that come with these new bells and whistles, it’s time to get off that couch and literally play with your TV.

Samsung now has flat screens that have a built in camera. That means you can be interactive using SKYPE with friends and interact over Facebook, and Twitter to keep connected within your Social Media Network Friends and Family.

Interactive mount

TV MOVES DOWN TO THE PERFECT VIEWING LEVEL

Here is a perfect example of what we can do with your flat screen that eliminates those neck aches of the past. We bring the flat screen down to the perfect viewing angle so that you can watch TV a whole lot more comfortably than ever before. CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR A CLOSER LOOK.

How much effort does it take to move it?

With this new flexible arm that only requires an effortless  touch to have a full range of movement with your flat screen that now allows you to be interactive with your TV when watching movies, gaming, exercising and more. Here is a video clip example.

The ActionMount series made by Omnimount brings you closer and more interactive with your TV like never before. The design is from Ergotron’s patented Constant Force technology. I don’t really know what this means, all I know is when I was moving the flat screen, it very little effort to move it around.

Here are just a few of the benefits with this new interactive mount.

Raise and lower your TV with only a light touch

Great for standing activities like gaming and exercising

Pan screen left and Reposition the TV smoothly in all directions

Perfect viewing to reach multiple areas

Ideal for overhead applications

Wide frame offers installation flexibility for centering TV

Arm folds to the wall for a discreet profile

Post installation leveling ensures level screen

What size mount is available for my TV?

We’ve got you covered from the traditional 13-inch for those kitchen nook areas to the 70-inch ones above your fireplace.

Just imagine your TV is in the family room and be able to swing that big TV to view it from the kitchen within seconds.

Call today!

So why not make the most of your flat screen TV investment with a mount that’s designed to be as interactive as the TV itself. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Then pick up the phone and give a call today at 858-764-2648 to get one of these mounts installed today. Your neck will thank you.

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admin

How to improve your cooking.

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How to improve your cooking.

family cooking

Are you tired of the same old meals that you serve your family when you are cooking and would like to put a little pizazz into the your routine?

Being raised with 4 older sisters and a father who was the Chef of the U.S. Grant hotel, in our household there was never a dull moment. Cooking was part of our daily routine where we gathered to share stories about what happened that day. We shared the good the bad and the ugly.

Each of us was taught about cooking with feeling. Our father said it was one of his secret ingredients that united a family, as well as a staff of sous chefs, assistants and dishwashers in the kitchen.

This secret ingredient that created the unity in the kitchen when cooking was a special concoction that has been taught from generation, to generation.

So what is this secret ingredient to improve my cooking?

Unfortunately, this ingredient is something that has been lost in translation for a number of years. I feel very fortunate to pass this on to you and your family so that it may bring your family closer as it has in our household.

A number of years ago, I happened to be at a training seminar. And the guest speaker had a personal cook. As a curious individual that I am, I ventured into the kitchen. There was this little man cooking a meal in this huge kitchen at this hotel. At the time, I was not a fan of Indian food. But what caught my curiosity was that, as he was cooking, he was singing these wonderful songs. Keep in mind, I could not understand a stitch of what he was singing. But when he came up to me and offered me a taste, I said no, no, no, I don’t like Indian food.

It was the most delicious taste I ever had.

He insisted, and I wanted to be polite, so I took a bite and tried it. WOW! I loved it. Then it hit me like a lightning bolt. I am convinced. That the quality of food was great and he knew how to spice it up. But the most important “secret” ingredient was the singing that I forgot about that occurred in my own home growing up.

How does this apply in my kitchen?

Cooking with music affects our body, our mind and our emotions. The quality of his emotion, and the quality of feeling, was the secret ingredient that made that meal from, let’s say a bronze medal, to a gold medal if we were to use this analogy.

For most us, we can’t carry a tune to save our skin. Fortunately, Apple has created an iPhone, iTunes, and iPad that can help us with this dilemma. Then the final ingredient to improve your cooking is to have the joy of music in the kitchen at your fingertips.

This is possible with the installation of a pair of speaker in the kitchen. If for some reason, we cannot get the wiring to the kitchen, we have our wireless speakers from Sonos that will do a great job as well.

It beats the alternative of having to crank up the family room stereo, just to be able to hear it in the kitchen. then you end up yelling at each other. That is just wrong on so many levels.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, let Rancho Santa Fe Home Theater give you that richness, that connection, the gift of music to bring you and your family closer than before.

Bring back the fun, engaging and enjoyable experience that you have been missing. So pick up the phone and give us a call at 858-764-2648 to schedule a complimentary assessment to get that secret ingredient into your cooking lifestyle.

Because at the end of the day, creating that bond of love within the family is what its all about.

 

 

 

 

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admin

Top 5 Mistakes in Wireless Networking

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Top 5 Mistakes in Wireless NetworkingWireless networking router

Let’s face it. Wireless networking is a part of our everyday life whether we like it, or not. Now that we have that out of the way, let us get into some of the mistakes we uncover when a client invites us to their home to unravel some of their problems with their existing wireless and why it doesn’t work as promised.

1. Don’t ever use the router that your internet provider issued you.

More times than not, we discover that this is one to be a common issue. Think of it to having multiple meetings going on in the same board room. The problem is that the router can only pay attention to one meeting at time. The minute you have more than one device requesting access to the internet, guess what? Your internet quality goes down. Unfortunately, the internet providers never tell you this because they just don’t want to. We will leave it at that. In most households what is required is a router that can multi-task. So look for a router with the MU-MIMO stamped on it. It simply means that it is a multi user router for mulitiple devices. Here is a link if you would like more info from Amazon

2. Why is the antenna lying flat?

Too often we see a router, or wireless access point that has 2 antennas laying flat in a one-floor home. If we can visualize the antenna holding on to the center of a delicious glazed donut that just came out of the oven. And the smell of that donut has a radiating smell of the sweet glazing trying to reach you nose. Since the antenna is laying flat, the smell is only going up to the ceiling and down to the ground. Its never going to reach your nose.

But if you stand the antenna straight up, then the glazing smell with permeate from side to side. Therefore, covering a lot more distance of an area.

3. Don’t put a router, or wireless access point on the back of a TV

This one is a doosey. There are times where we cant find the router, or access point. So we end up doing a site survey to find it. Since the invention of Smart TV’s the convenience of accessing Netflix, Pandora and other streaming services, we are finding the wireless networking routers and wireless access points stuck behind the TV. Guess what? Not a good place.

You want to avoid lighting fixtures, power lines, A/C units, elevators, fish tanks, and anything else that with lots of metal or water. The reason is that these items will block your signal from getting through.

Ideally we end up relocating the router, or wireless access points at least a couple of meters away from any possible RF interference and in line of sight what they’re to be connected to. What this does, is it give the signal the clearest path possible. So we want to mount them as high as possible.

4. Don’t use your name, or last name as your SSID

This is like broadcasting to the world, “Hey! Come hack me because this is my wireless network.” There is no realistic reason on earth to do this. Also avoid using WEP encryption at all costs, since it can be hacked within a few minutes these days. If for some strange reason a device requires WEP encryption, because it can’t handle anything else, then we go to Plan “B”

In plan “B” we use the MAC address filtering and put it on a secure VLAN that allows routing only to the device it needs to talk to.

5. Don’t use just one device to test the signal strength

Do yourself a favor. Use the actual devices that you are going to use everyday to make sure you have adequate coverage. Believe it or not, each device has its own power requirements, antennas and other nuances I won’t bore you with. One of the best tests is to use an iPhone to connect. Apple hand-held devices are notorious for having extremely poor signal strength. This is the reason why Apple removed all of the wireless signal strength meters from their app store.

We hope this article was informative and useful to you in the case that you are struggling with your wireless networking around the house.

On the other hand, if you feel that you just don’t want to mess with your wireless network anymore and would like someone to simply take care of it, then pick up the phone and give us a call today, or send us a text message at 858-764-2648 to rid yourself of this thorn at your side.

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You need this kitchen remote

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Got a kitchen? You need this waterproof kitchen remote control.waterproof kitchen remote control

If you have ever experienced this scenario, where you are busy being creative with those wonderful recipes you just download and your right in the thick of it and you need to change the channel on the TV, or change the music to something else that will inspire you, what are you going to do? You’re gonna get this kitchen remote!

Washing your hands, then drying them off is just too distracting, time consuming and you end up losing your rhythm .

We live in a world of sufficient distractions and as a cook me-self, I love living in the moment. I don’t want something that is going to get in the way when my hands are gooey. The spices are flying everywhere, and I want change now!

That is why you really should give this waterproof kitchen remote control a try. Check out this cute video created by the Universal Remote team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B16NJcUs4fs

Does it really float?

Of course silly billy, it just won’t come with the kitchen sink. But if you really, really want it to come with the kitchen sink, all you have to do is ask and we will deliver….. The kitchen sink.

If you are thinking of making room for those bigger pots to cook those Lobster that just flew in the East Coast, or you just want to make a good clam bake, then we really should talk.

We can swap recipes and ideas on how to create those wishes in the kitchen to become reality. I think I am getting off topic.

What if I have a restaurant, will it work there?

You betcha! This kitchen remote will work all of your televisions without having to point it at flat screens, or having to do those special yoga poses just to get the remote to cooperate. Let me repeat myself, just for emphasis. You do not need to point it at the Television to get it to work.

Getting back to the topic at hand, the kitchen remote is washable so you don’t have to worry about getting it greasy, slimy, or dirty. Just remember to use good sanitation practices and wash regularly and promise to exchange recipes with us.

We have a great crawfish boil recipe and also some excellent gluten-free dishes that will knock your socks off. Don’t forget to ask us for the Beer-in-the-Rear chicken recipe (My Favorite)

To get these recipes and a demo on how the kitchen remote control can fit in your kitchen, all you have to do is pick up the phone and send us a text message at 858-764-2648 to get together.

If you are looking for a great Mothers day surprise, why not take her to sample some good creole and take her out on the dance floor with some down home Zydeco music. The event is called Gator by the bay.

 

 

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admin

Is Crestron really worth it?

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 Crestron does it again!

Crestron cheat sheet

So this client calls us up and she begins to explain, how the only way to watch television is by following this Crestron cheat sheet.

Really? after spending thousands of dollars on a sophisticated Crestron system this is as good as it gets?

Now I don’t know about you, but I would not put up with this kind of programming that requires a cheat sheet. That is just plain wrong on so many levels.

Nor is this fair to this housewife that if she gets one thing out of sync all you see is snow on the TV.

I mean really? Can you imagine the humiliation that one has to go through each day with this monkey on your back that you are rolling the dice each and every-time you pick the remote.

I gotta say that if your spending $250.00 an hour for a crestron system and some so called programmer, and he hands you this cheat sheet?

I don’t think there would be a whole lot of nice things to do except rip that system out and start from scratch.

And that is exactly what we are going to do to simplify the system.

Is there an alternative to Crestron?

With the introduction of Google home, now being called Nest home, your voice is in control of all your devices as illustrated in this picture. As you can see there are limitless possibilities, but like with any project, we like to take small steps to create a solid foundation for all the devices to play well with each other.

Now that the construction of Race communication that has installed their fiber optic lines in Rancho Santa Fe, gigabit speed is a reality. Some areas in the Time Warner now Spectrum area, and Cox are providing a new wifi service of 1.3 Gigabits not Megabits per second in your area. AT&T has also jumped on the bandwagon of installing their Fiber optic wiring offering faster speeds as well.

Since you are here for the first time we thank you for taking a moment of your time to see if we are a good fit to assist you in the installation of the best Crestron alternative home automation system for your home network without breaking the bank.

What we do is replace that clunky remote control touch screen with their iPad, kindle fire HD, iPad mini and iPhones to be their remote control. Now everyone has a remote control in their pocket using the Leviton bitwise system, that keeps track of what is on, what off and what you want to do. Simple as that.

Leviton Bitwise iPadsThe layout will be simplified with large icons and legible size text so that you don’t need a pair of 3.0 reading glasses.

In addition, you don’t even need to be in the same room, or point it at the television.

But the best part about your new alternative to crestron is that it requires very little to no instructions at all.

apple tv remoteOh! by the way, we also include a great little gadget called Apple TV from the makers of Apple.

This little gem replaces the bulky 300 CD carousel. So no more cataloging and trying to remember what slot the cd belongs in. No more yelling at anyone about who took the CD out of the tray.

Lets face it, we all have a certain way to accomplish what we want to hear and watch. So why is it too much to ask for having it your way!

If Burger King can, then guess what? We can too. We promise to let you have it your way! In a language that you understand and simple to use.

How can I get rid of my Crestron system?


For more information on how we can simplify your life. Rid yourself of ever having to make that dreaded phone call to your husband on what input is the TV supposed to be. And have the best home automation system that we will cover in a different article in the palm of your hand then….

What are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and give us a call at 858-764-2648 to resolve these issues once and for all.

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