Now, 4K resolutions comes with the latest in HDMI technology. HDMI 2.0 is the next generation of one of the most commonly used formats in home audio/video systems. This upgrade is designed to increase both frame rates and color for your 4K viewing. There's been a lot of confusion as to if you will need to switch out the old HDMI cables with new ones. After some research, it seems like the most recent version (HMDI 1.4) only needs an upgrade with its internal microchip on your devices and sources, not the cable. I think the sky is the limit with the newest technology coming out. It's crazy to know that TV technology has come so far from the original 16 frames per second rate.

-Stephanie Samples, Office Manager, UCF Graphic Design Student

While the prospect of having to update to a new HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) protocol on your devices can seem daunting. The current cabling will largely be unaffected. HDCP 2.2/HDMI 2.0 is more about the connection between source (cable box, DVD….etc.) and display (TV, Projector…etc.) than the cable.  The roll out of the new protocol will most likely be a slow process to allow users the ability to upgrade along with the security, and new hardware. While enabling faster communication between devices and a better resolution and frame rate, the new HDMI 2.0 will benefit most users who frequently desire 4K content.  4K signal will be available at a full 60 frames per second which will provide a more crisp and clean picture. So even though it may seem to be a bit of a hassle, know that the updates will allow you to further future proof your home audio/video system.

-Merrick Geldner, Service Manager

Yes, if you are using HDMI 1.4 cabling this change will not affect your cabling. But with both HDCP 2.2/HDMI 2.0 it requires an upgraded microchip in your equipment. This change has to be upgraded in the entire chain of connections. Therefore your projector/TV, your receiver, and your source device (cable box, satellite box, and/or Blu-ray player) has to have this hardware change for 4K viewing changes.  This entire upgrade was directed towards 4K UHD. Currently based on the maximum speeds of data passing through the existing technology, it can only support up to 24 to 30 frames per second and 8 bits of color with 4K resolution. In order to support frame rates up to 60 and 12 bits of color this change was necessary.

And now they have released HDMI 2.0a. Luckily this change is only firmware based therefore if you already have the upgraded equipment for HDMI 2.0 then you are not affected. What is the change now? The answer is HDR (High Dynamic Range). This technology is designed to vastly improve the contrast between light and dark images. I hope to see this technology at the upcoming CEDIA conference. This is supposed to be a game changer for the 4K content. I am also hoping to see more 4K content. Again all these changes are for 4K which currently there is no real easy access to content.  

-Curtis LeMaster, Control Systems Integrator, Owner

Apple is no stranger to innovating products to make them more advanced. The Apple Watch is not a new innovation since other smart watches are on the market from Samsung, LG, and others, but how different is it from its competitors?

Many reviews have been negative that this watch is just like any other smart watch and is more expensive. There are some downsides to this watch for a mass market. The Apple Watch only works if you have your iPhone with you or a certain distance away from you. This means that anyone with an android phone cannot operate with this watch. The battery life is also very short on it; reviewers report that the watch only has about an 18-hour life so it requires charging every night. Some really nice features of this watch is the “Activity and Workout” apps that allow you to monitor your heartbeat, keep track of burned calories, and any active exercise that is done and rewards you when goals are completed. This feature is similar to a Nike FuelBand or Fitbit products. The new watch is similar to a glorified iPod Nano with its app and music listening capabilities with more features. This new watch won’t come cheap! The first level, Sport, is $349 and range up to $17,000 for the 18 karat gold or rose gold encrusted Apple Watch Edition. All three styles also come in 2 different sizes of 38 mm and 42 mm. So does this watch sound like a luxury item such as buying a Rolex or is it logical to buy a watch with most of the capabilities of your phone for up to 56 times the cost? I personally don’t see the appeal, but I also am not a fan of regular watches in the first place. I am quite content with my iPhone doing everything I need for me. 

-Stephanie Samples, Office Manager, UCF Graphic Design Student

Apple is by far one of the most innovative and cutting edge technology developers in the world. Their ideas are far reaching and high impact on the populace and more importantly the economy. That being said, it’s hard to justify creating a wearable (Technology that you out on your body) for such a high price point. You’re paying almost 2/3 the price of a full phone for tech that doesn’t have its own cellular capabilities. It’s a bit disappointing. To make matters worse, they include “luxury” versions at an outrageous price to make them more appealing to high end clientele. All of this for a piece of tech that, honestly, is behind the times. There are numerous additional devices that do everything that the Apple Watch does, some even more so, with a much lower cost of purchase. Combine that with the ability to sync with multiple types of phones, not just the iPhone, and you have a much more market friendly wearable. I appreciate that Apple is attempting to break into the wearable market with something “fresh” and “innovative” but I feel they fall a little flat compared to the vast majority of additional companies who have already opened that door and have been refining their product. While I’m sure in the future the Apple Watch will be a force to reckon with, at the moment it seems more like a gimmick for additional stock prices than a true market driven product. I’d steer clear for now and wait for better revisions. If there are any.

-Merrick Geldner, Service Manager

I was excited to hear about the upcoming Apple Watch.  And I considered pre-ordering one for myself until I saw the prices.  So I decided to wait until they released more information about what it can do and read some of the reviews.  Here’s some background information on my thought process:  I purchased the original iPad and now it will not update to iOS 8.   So now it is merely used as a game player for my kids who STILL prefer the newer iPads and iPhones over the first generation iPad due to screen resolution and the fact that it won’t load new games.  Due to this experience with the original iPad, I am confident with my decision to wait for newer versions of the Apple Watch.  Having said that, I understand this is the first generation of Apple Watch, but right out of the box, I think there are already a few things that Apple dropped the ball on.  There is no built in GPS.  It is also not a stand-alone unit for most apps.  It is basically a very expensive accessory to your already cool phone.  I understand the different models since it is something viewable and wearable and they have to address different fashion tastes.  But I was hoping it would provide a lot more features without relying on the phone.  Also, the battery seems to be an issue.  Most apps at this point are text-based too.  But, with all this said, it is still a really good-looking watch.  And I’ve had a glimpse of how it operates and functions.  I think Apple has done it again with looks and design, but I still plan to wait until the new versions come out with hope they will fix the battery issue and provide more separation from the Phone.

-Curtis LeMaster, Control Systems Integrator, Owner

Dolby has been around for 50 years and they have innovated how we watch movies in our homes. With the newest line, Dolby Atmos, being released into home theater systems, your movie-watching experience will sound better than ever before!  Atmos uses a system of sound objects rather than their old sound channels optimizing how you hear details in your movies, such as car horns or a whisper right behind you. The system now allows sounds to travel around the room instead of directly at you like with older speakers.

Audio engineers have more options to enhance movie-watching utilizing up to 128 sound objects at once!  With Atmos, you will be swimming in a sea of audio sounds while sitting comfortably on your favorite leather recliner.  “Emerging technology such as this makes me really excited to see how we can change how we, as viewers, watch and listen to movies.” One requirement of obtaining the newest addition to Dolby is having 2- to 4-in-ceiling speakers if they are not installed in your home already.  You will also need an Atmos enabled AV receiver.  One of our favorites is a Marantz SR7009. The future of immersive audio for your favorite movies is here thanks to Dolby.  So don’t delay!

-Stephanie Samples, Office Manager, UCF Graphic Design Student

The addition of this new audio technology and its ability to completely immerse you in sound is a revelation for anyone who truly appreciates the added depth that proper sound gives to movies.  By creating a 3D audio space with the addition of the height speakers, a new type of sound plane is created.  This allows for a more true surround-sound experience that really seats you in the heart of the movie. “I agree with Stephanie that it’s awesome to see how home technology is becoming more and more like a movie theater experience.” While the benefits and immersive effect are more prominent with an in-ceiling install, you can get the same effect with floor speakers that feature an up-firing driver that bounces the sound off the ceiling. This allows for the immersive feel without costly installations, but at a slightly reduced quality.  A large number of manufacturers are integrating this new tech into their A/V receivers and pre-processors, so keep an eye out for a newly enabled Atmos device, and really get into the sound.

-Merrick Geldner, Service Manager

I first witnessed the Dolby Atmos at the last CEDIA conference in Denver, Colorado.  They demonstrated a video clip of rain that was truly amazing.  With the additional speakers and the placement of these speakers, the sound was so natural and live.  I had never heard so much separation of audio in a small theater setting before.  In the past, the rears and sides only provided an audio prospect of effects within the movie.  Now with the height speakers you get a new sense of audio from above.  A separation much needed and better defined.  With the rears and sides on the side of the room walls and the heights above, they have now created definition to the audio locations.  Together these speakers fill the room with the movie audio that can now wrap you into the experience.

This year we did our first Atmos install.  After much research and conversation, we evolved a 7-channel theater into a 11-channel movie cinema.  We had to move the rears and sides to ear height.  We had to re-position the ceiling speakers to height locations.  We used the Marantz AV7702 for the receiver.  It is always exciting to work on new technology in the industry but sometimes frustrating, too.  I went back and forth with many manufacturers when it came to what product to use and what type of speakers to install.  But after it was all said and done, it turned out amazing.  The customer and I were very happy with the outcome.  We sat down and watched our first movie:  Transformers:  Age of Extinction.  We were both highly impressed.

Adding Atmos to an existing Theater or Media Room is not the easiest upgrade due to specific placement of speakers.  Yes, they do have add-on speakers or speakers with ceiling firing cones.  These options only work with specific ceiling height and the ceiling must be flat.  These options are only secondary to the standard placement of speakers in the room.  I would highly recommend going with Atmos technology for all new construction or remodel media rooms that have the width.  I feel that it is truly worth it.  

-Curtis LeMaster, Control Systems Integrator, Owner

There’s no surprise that the home automation business is growing every month. D-Link is no exception to the hype when they released they were coming out with a new smart home hub. Though many details haven’t been released about the upcoming hub, it is said that it will be affordable and with the quality between a very low end system to a very expensive system. Using Z-Wave and WiFi technology this hub system will be compatible with many third party products such as alarms and other security accessories. D-Link is also setting up to release Z-Wave sensors that will pick up the e-mitting Z-Wave coming from your existing and new Z-Wave products.

Everything will be controlled by your smartphone via the mydlink home app. Though pricing and availability hasn’t been released yet, some home automation enthusiasts expect there to have been many similar products shown at the CES 2015 convention starting Jan 5^th. "I think that this system could be on the brink of something great, but with the quality structure being so confusing as well as not knowing the exact price either, there's no real way to tell. Hopefully D-Link will release some information soon about this new automation product."

-Stephanie Samples, Office Manager, UCF Graphic Design Student

The expandability and low cost entry point for Z-wave appliances makes this emerging technology a great starting point for many people interested in home automation. Trusted names like D-Link make buying this new technology a little safer due to their ability to provide the technical support and troubleshooting steps that will be needed by many as the foray into a new world of home control.  "What sells these systems, however, is the standardized Z-Wave protocol as you don’t HAVE to be constrained by a single brand. The ability to mix and match brands and equipment will be a huge draw for many consumers looking to upgrade their homes. I believe this is a very important aspect for anyone who is just starting out with a home automation system or adding to an existing one. Keep a sharp eye out for this and many other Z-wave appliances hitting the shelves soon, and don’t be afraid to give it a try."

-Merrick Geldner, Service Manager

This is just another example of how the industry is evolving to reach every price point. Companies like D-Link, Nest, Apple (HomeKit), ADT, AT&T, Home Depot, and many others are just trying to get a piece of the action. All these devices and systems are perfect for the DIY crowd. The combination of these devices or a central control system of these devices is where we come in.  Yes, the equipment and features are dropping since the inception of the iPhone/iPad. It is so exciting being part of an industry that is on the verge of explosion. "I still think we are still not even close to the tip of the iceberg. Over the next two years we should really see this industry take off. The future calls for system packages that will be a part of all new construction and remodel."  These systems will automate the house and be fully monitored just like most people do with their security system. They will be smart enough to notify us of changes, energy impact, and needs for service. They will make our houses more “green”, efficient, and self sufficient. And all this will be available to all levels of income. Again, it is really exciting times. Please stay tuned!

-Curtis LeMaster, Control Systems Integrator, Owner

Harmony, now owned by Logitech, is upping their game with the new Home Hub. This system brings together your audio, TV, DVD, DVR, Blu-ray, lighting, and thermostat functions together with one small device. The hub is packed with infrared transmitters that allow your smart phones to control your home theater products with a few simple clicks...

Gone are the days where you only had chunky remotes, and many of them sitting on your coffee table, to control multiple devices. Harmony is trying to eliminate the problem of spending hours upon hours with tech support and programming the typical universal remote that could be purchased anywhere. This new system solves this problem to an extent.

Some downsides to this is that you can only use the Harmony app on your smart phones. The company does not have an app capable for tablets. With many other systems you are able to control from both a phone and tablet, but with this system you have no choice to use a larger screen than what can fit in your pocket. If you opt for the more expensive $350 remote, it isn’t equipped with an onscreen keyboard for typing in movies on Netflix or Apple TV. You can only move from letter to letter to slowly click a word to find what you want to watch. The biggest problem may be that the list of different devices the hub can control is small. Anything that is equipped with the Z-Wave or ZigBee language isn’t compatible with the hub. Logitech is planning on releasing a hub extender that will read these languages but that will set you back and extra $130 on top of the $100 that it was to get the Hub itself.

To some of you, this system may sound familiar as many other systems are capable of joining all your automation products together in one system allowing you to control it all from one remote or an iPad app. This system from Harmony has many of the same functions as systems from AMX, Denon, or Marantz, but by user comments is not as reliable. One commenter said “I had both the 900 and currently still use the 1100 [remote]. Both have flaws that the iPhone product does not solve (key pressing delays with many products), and still has some advantages over the iPhone product, like the total number of components that can be managed in a system. I still use the system […] but I get frustrated with it on nearly a daily basis.” Though the price is much cheaper than competitors, it might be wise to invest in a good system that can meet all of your needs.

A great remote system is the URC ccGEN2 line from Universal Remote Control. These remotes are IP based and support all iOS devices so you can control from not only the WIFI remote but also your iPhone or iPad. They also support IP and Z-Wave technology to control the lighting, temperature, and many more network and Z-Wave enabled products in your home. URC ccGEN2 remotes and processors work well with other popular brands such as Lutron, Sonos, Denon, Sony, GE, and many more to integrate simplicity into your lifestyle. Also their new system is stackable in the fact that you can add more network controllers to link other areas of the house now and in the future. There is no limit to what this remote system can do, controlling almost everything in your home with one device! To learn more about URC’s ccGEN2 line or have one installed in your home, contact a Control Designer representative today at (407) 243-9440.