I thought it might be a
good time to send out a state of the industry message to all our clients and
friends. As you might imagine, improvements in home
electronic products come fast and furious. Its
hard to keep up, even for someone like me who reads every periodical available,
and works day to day in this industry. -
Front Projection TV
Since the first time I experienced a
6-foot front projection TV. I knew that "really" big screens
were the way to get the most out of any kind of television programming or
software. (Typically a projection TV is a small projector on the ceiling
or floor and a large screen mounted on a wall.)
I used to think that most TV programming was bad, but as it turned out it was
just too small! The larger screen allows for a much more compelling and
exciting viewing experience, even "Charmin" commercials are
interesting. In particular, sports like football are better than sitting
on the 50 yard line! That was in 1979, now almost a quarter of a century later
the products are much, much better. In addition, the prices are substantially
lower and the reliability is now nearly "bulletproof".
I am sure most everyone has seen larger screen rear projectors at Best Buy etc.
The largest of these self-contained products is around 65 (measured
diagonally). The typical screen we use with popular front projectors is
more like 110". This is actually three times the surface area of
65" set. It is impossible to convey to you in words how much of a
difference that is, but suffice it to say, its a giant
step forward. As a personal testimonial I find myself having to be careful
about my viewing habits as it is very hard to turn one of these systems off!!
Recently, with the addition of HDTV (high definition TV), it has actually
become more important to have a larger screen as the picture gets better the
larger it gets. I have seen a 16 foot by 9 foot HDTV picture on a front
projector that could have been easily mistaken for film. In contrast to that,
before HDTV and DVDs became available, increasing the screen size usually
increased the visibility of distortions, with many people complaining that
front projectors looked "foggy". Believe me, that is not the case
anymore. In my opinion, this technology offers the "ultimate" home
viewing experience. As a side benefit, many of our client's have indicated that
their children stay closer to home when a HDTV front projector has been
installed.
Prices for HDTV front projectors start at $3000. Even these lower priced models
provide results that would outperform many $15,000 projectors from a few years
ago.
The only "issue" with front projectors is that they require a light
controlled environment. Basements make an ideal location, although we
have installed many of these in family rooms. High quality "black
out" curtains are highly recommended.
Of course, we like to combine a video system like this with a multi channel
surround system. Sweet!
If you are like us from Minnesota, you will appreciate the fact that the total
cost of one these systems is typically less than many fishing or sport boats
(maybe just the motor!). The boat tends to sit in the garage or at the
dock a good portion of the time, front projection systems get used most every
day. Really fun stuff and a great entertainment value!
HDTV Whats
on, you say?
Lately I find it difficult to watch standard broadcast television.
I have been spoiled by high definition programming.
In just the past few weeks, I have seen the likes of the Masters golf
tournament, NCAA Final Four, NBA basketball, NHL hockey (How about them
Wild!!), Major League baseball and much, much more. It is without question a
better viewing experience than actually being at the event (In my humble
opinion). Not to mention the beverages and snacks are more delicious and far
less expensive!!
Switching back to conventional NTSC picture quality makes you wonder if
something went wrong with your TV.
The fix is more HDTV sources.
This is going to be a big year for HDTV.
We will see lots of additional programming like ESPN HD, Cinemax
HD, Discovery Channel HD, and HDnet movies. This is
all in addition to HBO HD, Showtime HD, HDnet Sports,
CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and WB programming already on the schedule. Yeah!!
After 25 years of watching small enhancements of the good old NTSC (the basic
TV broadcasting quality), I still found it difficult to achieve a level of
performance that's looks pleasing and realistic - particularly on larger
screens. Now HDTV with the 6 times improvement in resolution, makes any size
screen looks absolutely fabulous. I really like 110 inch diagonal wide-screen
projection systems.
Feel free to call for more information. Bring on more HDTV.
Improved Products & Pricing: Plasma TV
In the last few years, we have seen a huge increase in the sales and installations
of "super thin" flat panel displays. The typical depth of one of
these, when mounted, is as amazing 4" thin. This is the first display
technology I have seen that is acceptable to both electronics experts and
interior designers. An unusual "win, win" situation!! (There
may be some gender specific idiosyncrasies here, but I am not going to bring it
up!!).
The dominant technology used in these products is called "Plasma".
Its pretty complex, but its a bit like using millions
of very, very tiny 3-color fluorescent lamps spread out on flat surface.
Another technology, called "LCD", is also available, although more
common in smaller TV sizes (13" to "20").
Plasmas start in size at 32" (measured diagonally) and go all the way to
63". A few years ago, as the product was beginning to be initially
introduced, the picture quality was somewhat dim and lacked the contrast or
"zing" that I was used to with conventional products. In addition,
the prices started in the stratosphere, at around $10,000.
Somewhat to my surprise, however, we still found people would purchase them at
that price, as they could easily fit into an unusual space, such as above the
mantle on a fireplace. Not to mention, of course, that they EXUDED the cache
value of being "super cool".
Well currently (now several generations later), we are looking at Plasma
displays that outperform conventional TVs. Perhaps even more importantly, the
prices have been reduced significantly, now starting at under $4000. I would
say if you want to buy the best 42" or 50" display on the market it
has to be a plasma product.
In addition, the latest Plasma models will display the full capabilities of the
HDTV system. This means Extremely Sharp Pictures!! And from a
technical perspective, Plasma TVs are inherently perfectly focused with little
or no drifting as they age (unlike older style projection TVs).
As mentioned, the "LCD" technology is popular in smaller displays.
Prices starting under $500 They fit in easily
under the kitchen cabinet or in the bath. One big advantage to LCD is life
expectancy. Its many times that of conventional
Television products. If you are thinking about a new TV, be sure to consider
these exciting new technologies.
TIVO
I have been thinking about a personal video
recorder (otherwise know as a PVR) for my home system for quite sometime now.
After installing several Tivo brand recorders, I
finally made the move and set one up with my existing Directv
satellite receiver; although, if you have cable, it can be configured to
control their boxes also.
What this device can do to improve your home television viewing is at the very
least revolutionary. Of course, we all have had the capability of recording a
show while watching others or setting up recordings for weeks in advance using
our existing video tape recorders. BUT, What Tivo
does is take away the need to program anything (or set the clock!) even the
process of choosing programs is handled by the sophisticated software.
For example, if I tune in a "Star Trek" episode and, while I am
watching, click on the "thumbs up" button, from that point forward,
the Tivo will record shows like Star Trek for you. It
does not get any easier than that.
In addition you can very easily set up what are called "Season
Passes" which will record a favorite show every time it is on. It even
knows if it is a repeat, avoiding episodes you have already seen.
Personally, I have been recording "Six feet under", "Conan
O'Brien", and several other regularly scheduled programs. I rarely
watch live programming anymore, as a matter of fact, Tivo
will record a show while you are watching another recording. Awesome!
Another feature is the ability to fast forward through several minutes of
programming in just a few seconds. I am sure the networks are not too excited
about this as it allows you to fast forward through any recorded commercial in
no time. A hour long "Star Trek" only takes
40 minutes to watch. Much, much better!
If you are watching a "live" event, the recorder will allow you to pause the show during common interruptions, like phone calls
and making popcorn, and you never miss a thing.
Using a product like this makes me think that the future of home viewing is
going to have to be something along these lines. It is a major improvement in
time spent with the television. A new HDTV Tivo
is due out this fall. High Resolution Tivo.
Wow! . Highly recommended.
I hope this gives everyone some insight into the current home electronic
trends. We actually find it to be kind of fun. We hope this
shows in our work. We also know that most of business comes from
referrals, so I would like to thank everyone for your continued support. I
will, as usual, be available as much as possible. So if you have any questions,
feel free to call anytime. I can easily be reached on my mobile
phone. My number is 612 868 6129. We have found that many problems are
usually resolved quickly and easily over the phone.
One last thing; if you do give us a referral that generates new business.
We have some Neat New Supercalibrations shirts that
could make a nice reward. OK, I know some of you deserve one already.
Give me a call for further discussion.
Thanks again for all of your business Dallas
Supercalibrations, Inc. Contact Information
Office Phone
651.777.5444
Office Fax
651.773.9393
612.868.6129 - mobile
Mike Dooley Managing Director
612.961.4774 - mobile
Nate DeChene
Senior Project Manager
612.308.6283 - mobile
Scott Ingvaldson Senior
Project Manager
612.801.6664 - mobile
Supercalibrations, Inc. - Newsletter May 2003