Connected

Why HDMI?

HDMI (High Definition Multi-Media Interface) is the newest method for hooking up your audio video systems. When properly implemented, you can get the best possible connectivity between your new Blu-Ray player and 1080P TV. It is also the cause of a great deal of confusion, misunderstanding and unfortunately, problems.

What is HDMI? It is a protocol for transporting pure digital audio/video signals between devices in a manner that optimizes quality and resolution while also keeping it copyright proof (thanks Hollywood).  

In the “old” analog days, you would hook up your equipment with RCA jacks. If the connection was good, you got a nice picture and sound. If the connection was bad, you would get a snowy picture or poor sound. Even if you messed it up completely, you might at least have something. 

In the digital age, it either works or it doesn’t:  No picture. No sound. No control. Nothing.  To complicate matters, there are a number of variables which can contribute to the HDMI failure, making the cause difficult to isolate.

So why HDMI? 

Well a couple of reasons: 

1. Picture & Sound Quality: All new TV’s, Blu-Ray discs and cable boxes are capable of increasing resolution and clarity. This increase in resolution dictates more bandwidth and ultimately a different type of cable and hook-up method that can handle the signals.   
2. Compatibility between devices: Picture and sound resolutions are not standardized and come in varying formats…480i, 480P, 1080i, 1080P, 1080/24, 1080/60, and on and on… And unfortunately not every device is capable of each resolution. To get around this, the HDMI protocol includes a “handshaking” system where the devices talk to each other and match their best resolution capabilities. Here’s a typical conversation between Mr. Blu-Ray and Mr. 60” Plasma:

Mr. Blu-Ray Player: Hi Mr. 60” Plasma, Mr. Blu-Ray player here and I want to play this disc in 1080/24.  Is that cool with you?

Mr. 60” Plasma: Yeah hi Mr. Blu-Ray. No, I don’t like 1080/24. Only my bigger brother can do that. Can you send it to me in 1080i?

Mr. Blu-Ray: Ok I guess. Not as nice a picture, but here you go. Enjoy the show. 

1. Control: We all wish we had more control and HDMI is lucky enough to say that it does. Inside the communication link of HDMI is a provision for devices to talk to each other. For example, the simple act of turning on your Blu-Ray player could trigger your TV to automatically turn on and go the right input. Pretty cool. 
2. Copyright Protection. This is the biggie.  Hollywood is terrified of having perfect copies of their movies reproduced and subsequently sold by street merchants on sidewalks atop an old blanket. Not good for their image or profits. So, they imposed a system on HDMI to prevent unauthorized reproduction. Basically it requires the two devices to establish and maintain a dialogue the ENTIRE time picture and sound are being played. Specifically, the receiving device (the TV) requests to see a “key” from the sending device (a Blu-Ray player). If the key looks good, the show goes on. If not, the curtains come crashing down. This dialogue happens many times per second. Remember the conversation between Mr. Blu-Ray and Mr. 60” Plasma? Well, here is what their continued chatter looks like: 

Mr. 60” Plasma: Hi Mr. Blu-Ray, can I see your key please?

Mr. Blu-Ray: Sure thing dude, here it is.

Mr. 60” Plasma: Thanks, looks good.

Wait 100^th of a second

Mr. 60” Plasma: Hi Mr. Blu-Ray, can I see your key please?

Mr. Blu-Ray: Sure thing dude, here it is.

Mr. 60” Plasma: Thanks, looks good. 

Wait 100^th of a second 

Mr. 60” Plasma: Hi Mr. Blu-Ray, can I see your key please?

Mr. Blu-Ray: Sure thing dude, here it is.

Mr. 60” Plasma: Thanks, looks good. 

And so on and so on. Really boring guys huh? 

All of the above sound reasonable so why is there a problem? Let’s look at the pitfalls of each:

 Picture & Sound Quality: Frankly this is the best part of HDMI and rarely is there a problem with how good the audio and video can be using this medium. Score 10 for HDMI! 

1. Compatibility between devices: The whole idea of the two devices working together to give you the best resolution sounds great right? Most of the time it is. But the issues it can create are irritating. When you start up your system for example, you will have this black screen that says “no signal” even though you get sound.  And forget fast channel surfing: each time you change channels, Mr. Blu-Ray and Mr. 60” Plasma have to re-introduce themselves and negotiate a resolution. This means that you could get a blank screen for 3-5 seconds between each channel change. Score -3 for HDMI. 
2. Control: A little is good but too much is overbearing. Imagine keeping your cable box on to record a show while changing over to Blu-ray to watch a movie and the TV won’t let you? Or how about using the cable box to listen to one of the music channels on your stereo but you can’t because when you turn off the TV, the cable box shuts down. And there are many other little maddening scenarios which will leave you thinking that your system is possessed. Score -2 for HDMI. 
3. Copyright Protection: Remember I said this was the biggie? Well it is. If any one of the hundreds of boring conversations between Mr. Blu-ray and Mr. 60” Plasma TV gets interrupted, even just one, your screen goes blank. Nada. Zero. Nothing. And it could take 5-10 seconds for it to come back during which you will likely switch channels etc. trying to “make it work” which unfortunately makes it worse. Score -5 for HDMI. 

How do get around these issues?

1. Use great cables! HDMI cables will not only get you better picture and sound quality, they will help to make sure Mr. 60” Plasma and Mr. Blu-ray keep talking. Think of the cable as a marriage therapist.
2. Install the cable correctly: Any little crimp or extra pressure on a cable will cause a breakdown in communications. You know what that means.
3. Use compatible equipment: If you are insistent on building the system yourself use  devices from the same manufacturer.
4. Stabilize your power using a UPS: Any slight variations in power will impact the conversations between Mr. Plasma and Mr. Blu-Ray.  
5. Do NOT attempt to run HDMI long distances (beyond 18’), regardless of what the specs say. Unless you are lucky, it will not work right.

Electronics for Elderly Care

Safe At Home

I am excited to report that today I have seen an application of our home automation technology being put to use in caring for our elderly. I have have been noodling the concept for a few years and was pleased to find a company that has developed an engineered and scalable solution.

The core concept is to install sensors that can monitor the key activities of a loved one like: movement in the home, opening and closing of doors and medicine cabinets, flushing of toilets, use of a vehicle, etc.. These sensors are tied to a processor that will present real time information via the web, email or smart phone. Triggers can be set up so that certain events, or lack of events, can send an emergency email or phone call.

Another option with these systems is to add a video camera for remote monitoring and a “message” board that would permit you to type or even draw messages to a screen. You can even post photo’s, videos or music for them as well.

Finally, lights and heat control can be automated with occupancy sensors so that the person does not need to fumble in the dark or try and read a thermostat with small print.

I am particulalry excited about this application of technology as it takes the core elements of systems that we have installing for years and makes them available in a focussed way for our elderly and those in need.

The Future of TV

The capabilities of audio and video source gear have exploded in just the past year.  Someone with a sweet home A/V system used to have a VCR, DVD player, cable or satellite receiver (or both), Tivo, reel-to-reel, CD changer, cassette player, and phonograph.  This took up a lot of space, had a mess of wires, and required extreme dexterity to operate all the remotes, or one really well programmed universal remote.

 Today, the consumer can get a Blu-Ray player with Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, Pandora, weather information, and access to local computer files.  TV’s are available with similar capabilities.  The ability to stream music and movies over the web is making source gear less necessary.

 However, video quality is still a bit of an issue.  Services that stream video in real time typically can’t give you the high quality picture of cable or Satellite.  Services such as Amazon.com and VUDU allow you to download movies for purchase or rental in higher resolutions.

 It won’t be long before you will be able to satisfy all of your audio and video desires by simply purchasing a TV, connecting it to the internet, and using the TV remote to watch TV, download and stream movies, and listen to music.

 This likelihood leaves me wondering how this will affect the movie and music industry, video gaming capabilities, power consumption (no more cable and satellite boxes hogging power when you aren’t using them).

 How do you think the landscape will change?  What issues might this cause or solve?  Let us know!

Balancing Technology and Tranquility

I wrote this article for a magazine last summer. Based on the feedback I received, readers found this article helpful in visualizing how the latest technology can be seamlessly and invisibly integrated into the most classic home decor.

I’m usually the partner that is in the office, creating a website, calling on architects or trying to unravel the mystery of social media in an effort to spread awareness of our ever expanding technological offerings.  Sadly, I don’t often see the end result of the hours of design, engineering, programming and installation performed by our talented crew. So, on a recent (and rare) sunny day I took the opportunity to visit a residential lake side project that we are bringing to completion.  And despite the fact that I now have lake envy, I am thrilled on many levels that I took the time to see this marvelous home and the brilliant work of our team.

Imagine 15,000 square feet of lake side living, unobtrusively nestled in the moss and ferns and barely noticeable to the passing kayak. Despite the size, the home is nostalgic and inviting, like a child hood summer camp, complete with a soaring stone fireplace, 10 foot dining hall table, even boys and girls bunk ‘houses’.  And, proudly, our team played a significant role creating this feeling of comfort while preserving the wistful charm. 

These gracious clients invested many dollars in the technology of comfort, convenience, functionality and entertainment and entrusted us to keep it all out of site. Every bedroom has a flat panel TV hidden behind the doors of a cabinet designed to support and hide all of the wiring and peripheral components.  Every room offers multiple sources of music and volume control easily accessed from a low profile touch panel control, not a wire in sight. The reclaimed chestnut rafters, soft wool upholstery and well loved board games are unaware of the 60” plasma TV, only visible when it rises on a motorized lift from the custom cabinet where it hides.  No guest will ever fumble for a light switch as each room has labeled lighting control key pads which are programmed with preset lighting scenes specific to the space.  And though this is a lake side retreat, the homeowners are afforded all of the conveniences of wired and wireless internet, cell phone coverage, iPod docking and video gaming.

We installed 3 1/2 miles of structured cable, hooked up hundreds of electronic components and spent countless hours programming to the client’s specific needs.  But apart from enjoying all the fun and convenience you would hardly know we were ever there.  Thank you, job well done!

What is an ‘Integrator’?

Most contractors enjoy relative clarity with regard to their business name and the work they provide.  After all, it is pretty easy to figure out  what you’ll be getting when you call  DJ’s Drywall, Perry’s Plumbing  or Fiona’s Framing.  But who are Ira’s Integrators?

A few years ago, electronic systems contractors adopted the term ‘integrator’ as an industry classification.  Although the professionals working in  this industry appreciate the comprehensiveness of the term ’integrator’,  consumers and industry partners are still coming to understand the breadth of services provided by these electronic systems professionals. 

So, what the heck is an integrator and when would you need to hire one?

Integrators provide the design, engineering and installation of  low voltage electronics.  Integrators are the experts responsible for all of the wiring infrastructure and equipment to support the comfort, convenience and entertainment elements of the home.

Comfort:  lighting systems, surveillance, motorized window shading, HVAC management

Convenience: telephone, cable, satellite,  internet, secure wireless networking, intercom, programmable remotes

Entertainment: home theater, media rooms, video displays, distributed audio, surround sound, outdoor music…

Most importantly integrators marry these individual disciplines together through thoughtful engineering and control devices which enable  the homeowner to access and operate all of these home enhancing technologies with ease and reliablility. 

In a non-integrated home, you might have an electrician installing computer and phone wires, a security contractor installing cameras and in-wall speakers and an HVAC contractor putting in programmable thermostats. Great! No, not really.

• Who will design and install the home computer network, ensuring the system is properly sized and wired to interface with the security system, music controls and thermostats?
• Who will make sure that the thermostats can communicate with the security system when you leave so that heat gets turned down?
• Who has calculated the gains and losses on your television wiring and sized the proper amplifier and downstream hubs to ensure optimized TV picture, free of snow, lines and pixilation?
• Who will provide the specifications to your cabinet make to be sure that all of your components will fit, have easy access and remain properly ventilated?
• Did any one mention the important benefit on energy management by using lighting control systems and motorized window treatments that can harvest natural sunlight?
• Who makes sure all of these devices are lined up properly on the wall, intuitive to use and properly coordinated?
• Who will make sure you have enough wire, infrastructure and product mix to accomodate future electronics needs?
• Who of these contractors has formal training and certifications in designing, engineering and implementing multi-discipline systems?

These are the roles of the integrator. Who to call? Ask your builder, designer or architect who they have come to trust on their projects.

Bringing Mobile Technology Home

It wasn’t that long ago if you said the word iPod, you might get a strange look from those around you. Now, iPod is a normal part of our vernacular.  Apple has hit a home run with this industry changing product. With new models such as the iPod touch and the iPhone, this gadget allows you to listen to your favorite music in your car, while exercising; pretty much anywhere you want to tune out the rest of the world. Adding features such as a cell phone, photo storage, mobile internet, and gaming, it is no wonder this device is one of those items you grab with your keys and wallet every time you leave the house.

But more and more iPod enthusiasts want to know how to enjoy all of the iPod features on a larger scale, in the comfort of your own home? No problem!

iPod docking stations have revolutionized the Home Audio industry by providing a sleek, easy to use device that provides CD quality sound and can be integrated into the heart of your home audio system. There are many options available to you. The minimum requirements include a docking station, the proper cables and a source for audio and/or video. Now you can easily display your photos or podcasts on your TV or listen to your customized playlists on the speakers in your own home. But the capabilities of your iPod or iPhone go way beyond just these basics.

The first upgrade to integrating your mobile device into your home systems involves adding remote control for on screen capabilities. Onkyo, the sister company of Integra and one of our favorite sources for amplifiers, sells a simple docking solution with a dedicated remote control which enables you to display your iPod menu on your TV screen, select and play music or video and control volume from the comfort of your sofa.

For homes with distributed audio systems, the integration choices get even more convenient and exciting! Manufacturers of whole home audio products have developed docking solutions which interface seamlessly with their systems. These docks are compatible with iPod(4G or later) including iPod photo, iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod touch, iPhone, and iPhone 3G.

As systems designers, integrators and installers we rely primarily on the functionality, reliability and performance of Niles, Nuvo and Crestron for distributed whole home audio systems. Each manufacturer’s docking station offers similar features, but with varying levels of sophistication. 

All of the higher end docking solutions feature iPod charging, volume control, and iTunes syncing, including the capability organize your music and create playlists. The newest models provide not only audio output from your iPod to your home, but all of your video content can also be viewed on your plasma, theater or computer screen.

The first variable you need to consider is how many zones, or rooms, and how many sources of music fit your home and life style. Distributed audio systems generally accommodate from 6 to 24 rooms of music and have inputs for am/fm, disc changer, cable music, satellite music and of course, iPod. In each room you can select the source of your music as well as the volume level. The better systems also provide built in amplifiers for each zone. Your brother can listen to a CD in his room, your mom can listen to Satellite radio on the deck and you can enjoy your iPod in the workout room.

You next need to consider how you would like to control your music. In addition to remote control, distributed audio systems feature wall pad control systems with buttons for preset selections, music source and volume control. When installing these systems, we provide audio balancing wall plate systems to provide long-distance, interference free audio signal transmission. That means the music from the speakers connected directly to the receivers sound as good as the speakers in the bedroom two floors up.

The ultimate in music controls incorporates a touch panel. This screen replicates the iPod experience on a larger scale allowing you to control and select your music by genre, artist or album. You can even view album cover art.

The touch panel control system is the most sophisticated and is particularly applicable in homes which have other systems you operate with a touch panel such as lighting control, motorized window shades, and multiple video sources. 

iPod, the perfect, verstatile solution for the heart of your home audio system.