Headphones – A whole new world: hear the difference

Audio, for whatever reason, seems to be the last bastion of compromise in the consumer-electronics landscape. Maybe people feel guilty after doling out large sums of money for a fancy media device like an iPod, or they’re so used to subpar sound they don’t know what could be.

Price is typically the most important consideration when shopping for new headphones or earphones; but what determines price – and the radical variations of it – is more of a mystery to the average shopper. You could spend $50 for something okay but not necessarily long lasting or capable of recreating the concert experience, or you could visit the other end of the spectrum at $500 and up.

There’s no way to comprehend this huge gap without testing different options along the way. You’ll notice fit and comfort right away when you try on a pair of headphones: some will sit along your ears’ outer ring while others will fit over them, encasing them completely. This has an impact on the headphones’ noise-cancelling properties, as the over-ear models provide a more intimate listening experience than their on-ear relatives.

Without noise-cancelling headphones you’ll probably find yourself turning up the volume to overcome other sounds, a practice that can damage your hearing. Both styles offer superior bass over the smaller but more portable earphones and earbuds.

You may have an immediate opinion on comfort and be able to rule out some options. Trying to save money by settling for a pair that’s even remotely uncomfortable while you’re standing in a store won’t serve you well for longer listening periods.

Headphones are also taking on extra features to accommodate personal devices; built-in controls for the iPhone is just one example. Wireless is another increasingly popular characteristic of headphones. The added freedom is perfect for watching TV or playing video games – but beware, the convenience of no wires could impact the price more than the headphones’ sound quality.

For a more in-depth explanation on the wide world of headphones, call the specialists of Liptons Audio Video Unlimited at 905-898-7133 or visit www.liptons.ca. Stop by the store to experience the difference for yourself.

Home Automation Made Easy

Home automation made easy (and green)

If you take a minute to consider your home and its myriad technologies and equipment — lights, TVs, audio systems, central heating and air conditioning, alarm system. Do you see a bunch of objects working independently of each other or are you inspired by a grander vision? What if all that technology — what keeps you entertained, comfortable and safe — could be synchronized and then easily controlled for your convenience? It’s not a far flung idea and, in fact, Liptons Audio Video Unlimited has the gear and the knowhow to make it a reality today.

It’s called Control4, a home automation system that co-ordinates the electronics in your home or office. And it offers savings for your bankbook and the environment, as it makes optimum use of lighting, temperature and water. With energy prices soaring, a home automation system is a great way to keep costs down. The thermostat and window shades can be programmed to work in tandem, adjusting automatically when the temperature outside changes or according to the sun’s intensity. So when you’re at work all day and the weather changes dramatically, you can rest assured that unnecessary heat or cold air won’t be a drain on your wallet or the environment. Should the boss ask you to stay late, there’s no need to worry because you can control your thermostat with the scroll of an iPhone.

Dimmers and motion sensor lighting are also great energy-savers, especially considering the fast-paced lives we all lead; now you don’t have to feel guilty about rushing out the door and forgetting to turn out the light (and you don’t have to chastise anyone either).

Co-ordinating entertainment capabilities, too, has never been easier, from synchronizing your home theatre components to be controlled by a single remote, to more dramatic effects like linking your lights and shades with the TV for movie time.

The possibilities are limitless, which is why trusting the experts at Liptons Audio Video Unlimited to customize and implement a plan for you is a great investment in your happiness and your home. Stop by in person at 130 Davis Dr., Unit 9, Newmarket or email info@liptons.ca to learn more.

Entertainment from above – front-projection theatre systems

The next time you sit down to take in a flick at the local theatre, consider for a moment what it is that makes the experience so immersive and engrossing. Then consider why your home theatre system might be lacking. The answer could be lying right in front of you.

TVs continue to dominate the home entertainment landscape, but if you’ve ever wanted a truly powerful viewing experience, feast your eyes on a front-projection system. Amazing strides have been made in the industry over the last five years to create projection systems that meet the needs and demands of picky consumers. That means lower prices and better value for your money, including brighter displays, sharper detail and better screen technology. You can even get rid of those annoying "letterbox" black lines above and below the movie, with new cinemascope/anamorphic projectors and screens!

Many people are content to stick with the tried-and-true technology of TVs, but a viewing demo with a front-projection theatre system may make a convert out of you. That’s because projection screens offer a huge viewing surface, up to 120 inches or more, where TVs max out at about 60 or 70. You’ll notice, too, that front-projection screens can be viewed from a variety of angles, not just dead on.

Projection systems don’t need to be confined to home-theatre rooms either; they fit seamlessly into multi-purpose spaces, including family, living and rec rooms. Screens can be retracted manually or via motor and housed out of the way, so it’s only visible when you need it.

Even stationary, or fixed, screens today are incredibly flat, most often sitting right up against the wall and relatively unobtrusive. Screen Innovations, a manufacturer, boasts a six-millimetre-wide fixed screen as part of its Black Diamond series.

In any case, the projector sits out of the way, typically on the ceiling, so you can continue to save and maximize space. Mitsubishi, a leader in projection technology, offers HD 1080p resolution and a variety of inputs, including Blu-ray, in its models, starting at under $1500.

If you’re ready to experience entertainment in a whole new light, stop by Liptons Audio Video Unlimited at 130 Davis Drive for a front-projection demonstration. Or go online at www.liptons.ca to learn more about the brands we carry and customized services we offer.