How to Build a Wireless Digital Home Audio System with Apple iTunes and AirPlay

We want music throughout the home, but too often, our digital music gets stuck on our computers, and we cannot enjoy it in different rooms throughout the home. Building a wireless multi-zone music system, however, is now incredibly simple and affordable.
To get their music around the home, the solution that people often use is to plug an Apple iPod or iPhone into a pair of dedicated speakers. But the quality of these speakers is limited, and your iPod or iPhone is meant to be a mobile device that should not be tied down to one room of your home.
A better way to listen to your digital music around the home is to create a wireless multi-zone audio system. We can build this wireless music system using Apple iTunes and the new Apple AirPlay technology.
AirPlay allows you to stream any music in iTunes over a wireless network to any connected speakers in your home. You can wirelessly connect a pair of existing speakers to iTunes with the $99 Apple's Airport Express base station. Alternatively, new speakers and receivers are coming onto the market that have AirPlay connectivity already built-in.
Once you have your speakers connected, you then select the music in your iTunes collection on your computer, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and choose the speakers that will play the music. You can select multiple speakers, and hear your music in different rooms at once.
Building a wireless digital home audio system with Apple AirPlay is remarkably affordable. If you already have a wireless network and speakers in place, then a multi-zone system can be built for a few hundred dollars. In contrast, proprietary digital audio solutions, such as Sonos, or home automation systems, such as Control4, can cost you thousands of dollars.
The Apple AirPlay technology is a very easy way to listen to your iTunes music wirelessly around the home. AirPlay is not as easy to use for listening to internet radio, Rhapsody or other music services, however, there are tricks and techniques for getting these audio streams to play over your wireless home audio system.
We should be able to enjoy our music collections in any room of our home. With Apple iTunes and AirPlay, it is now easier and cheaper than ever to build a wireless multi-zone audio system that distributes our music and allow us to enjoy life in a digital home.

Enhancing Your Home Theater: Projector Basics

Seeing movies on the big screen is one of the main reasons why going to the theater is so great, but trying to bring that big screen experience home can get very expensive. Just to get a 60-inch 3D television, can cost easily $2500 and up. So what can you do to recreate that big screen experience at home? A home movie projector and screen is the perfect answer.
The first thing that you want to look at when trying to get that big screen experience is the projector. There are many projectors out there, but the first thing to consider is the lumens of the device. The lumens have to deal with how brightly the projector can display the image on the screen. The higher the number, the brighter the picture you can expect.
The reason why this is significant is that if you get a cheap projector with low lumens, you will have to have the room extremely dark in order to see a decent picture, which can make daytime movie viewing difficult, if not impossible unless you can blackout the room. A projector with 2500 lumens and up will produce a good solid bright image.
The second thing you need to consider is the contrast ratio. This is the difference between the blackest blacks and the whitest whites, which is important in order to get a crisp picture. Therefore, as with most things the bigger the number, the better the picture results you will be able to expect. Anything around 3000:1 (pronounced 3000 to 1) and up is a good contrast ratio for a projector.
The next thing you want to check for are the connections that the projector has, like HDMI, component cable, composite cable, computer monitor cable, etc. This is important because if you want to connect multiple content producing devices to your projector, you will have enough connections to do the job.
The next thing is the sound of the projector. Most projectors do not have good quality sound so make sure you get a projector that has at least two different video and audio connections. For example, if you get a projector that has an HDMI connection and a composite connection, you can use the HDMI connection for the video, press mute on the projector and use the component to connect to your surround sound system, or other external speakers.
The last thing that you need to complete this home theater system is a projector screen. There are two types of screens, ones that use a tripod, and ones that you pull down. Some of the pull down projectors have a motor so that you can use a remote to raise and lower the screen. Projector screens can cost about $300 for a 150 inch on Amazon.com but there are cheaper ones.
Therefore, with a decent projector costing $500 to $600, and the screen costing about $300, you can create a nice home theater viewing experience for about $900 to $1000, which is much cheaper than the $2500 to $3000 and beyond it would cost to buy a 60 to 65 inch LED television.
A projector based home theater is definitely not for people who have many space constraints, but is a good choice for someone looking to enhance their home theater and has the space to do it.

This is Hartley Reginald Smith II and I would like you to visit "Got Tech?" if this article was of interest to you. We make technology understandable to all not just tech minded people. If you want to see more information like this go to thank you for reading and enjoy the day.

Home Audio Equipment and Speakers - Best Ways to Save Money While Maximizing the Quality

The average audio consumer is content to head to the nearest electronics giant super store in an effort to acquire the latest advertised best buy. Most of the time the uninitiated assumes that the selections of speakers put forth are at least good quality. Surprise, surprise!
There are many major well known brands whose commercial and pro lines are exceptionally superb. Unfortunately, much of the quality does not always crossover into home audio models. There are two avenues to explore when shopping for the good quality at the best price. Both, however, take a little extra time.
If there is a particular brand and model which has peaked one's interest, due research is recommended. The first option is to diligently search audio or speaker forums and reviews of different brands and models. Do not be afraid to join a few and ask other user's opinions on the speakers in question. Reading a few consumer magazines featuring articles about home audio speakers can be a good start as well.
The other option, which may be intimidating to most individuals, is to build a set of speakers. Do-it-yourself speaker kits are available just like do-it-yourself computer desktops. The local bookstore will usually have several good books on speaker construction. Many of these same books will provide plans for building the box or speaker enclosure. The internet, as well, has a wealth of information to provide and the price is can be free.
A word of caution: many online retailers are simply resellers. Many of these vendors do not have any experience in electronics and other audio equipment. Because of these types of "cookie cutter" merchant's lack of experience with the products with which the sell, the consumer should not expect any competent tech support or professional experience. Instead it is recommended that the shopper purchase from an online retailer who has years of experience with the electronic products that they do sell. Their experience can be a valuable tool.
Even though building a set of speakers is more time consuming than simply running out to the store and dropping hard earned cash on an overpriced set of speakers, often one can build a much better quality pair of speakers for the same amount of money or less. They key advantage of building a set of speakers is that the personal experience and skills gained from a do-it-yourself project, such as this. will be invaluable in future projects and repairs. In fact, many individual's careers

Wireless Home Audio Executive Kit - An Innovation in Home Audio Systems

Electronics, particularly, audio systems have, over the years, gone through processes of development and improvement with manufacturers trying to give their consumers, the best sound that music can afford. I used to think that the Record Changer with an in-built amplifier and two speakers was the ultimate until the advent of the Sound System, comprising a turntable, a separate amplifier and two speakers. You might wish to add a separate equalizer to further synthesize and give the production of your sound system, a sharp twitter effect.
The emergence of the Cassette Player and thereafter, the Compact Disc Player, gave the music world a touch of distinction and made system operation and listening to music a delight. The booming effect of the powerful speakers of the CD player could rock the foundations of any building. Then came the Home Theater System which is currently making waves among home audio systems. While the world is yet celebrating the home theater, electronic giants recently introduced to the market, the Wireless Home Executive Kit.
The Cisco Linksys Wireless Home Audio Executive Kit is one audio electronic system, the crave for which an ardent music lover hardly can resist. It consists of one Director, a pair of wireless stereo Speakers and one IR Remote. The director has a 50-watt integrated amplifier which enables it send rich, synthesized, powerful musical sound to its speakers.
You no longer have to mess around with cables in a bid to connect your audio electronic system director to the speakers. It is wireless. The uniqueness of this wireless kit is that room partitions are no more barriers. It does not matter where you want to situate the speakers. The Linksys DMC250 director effectively delivers quality sound to its wireless stereo speakers from any location in the house. Thus, the Linksys director could be in the sitting room and the speakers placed in different locations in your house - the bedroom, the reading room, kitchen, balcony, the lobby or by the swimming pool, etc.
You need not task your brain anymore to figure out how you can pass cables around the house to different speakers either by bearing holes through the walls or knocking down wall partitions. That era was for the stone age. The Cisco Wireless Home Audio Kit has simplified matters by making it possible for you to play and control music in every room in your house through a device known as Wireless-N router. You can send different music to different rooms or the same music in all the rooms.
The Cisco director accesses the digital music libraries on your computer, network hard drive or the internet. Or you can connect it to your existing audio analog systems such as turntables, cassette decks, stereo surround sound systems or home theater receiver and still produce the same quality sound output. I recommend it to anybody who is seeking to buy the latest model in quality audio electronic gadget.
In the electronic world, you may be looking to buy home theater systems, multiroom music systems, turntables, CD players and recorders. Or perhaps you may prefer plasma TV sets, HDTVs, flat panel LCD, musical equipment set. Whatever your taste, they will be satisfied.

How to Choose a Home Audio System

When buying a home theater system there's a few things to keep in mind. This process can be complicated with all the components that are involved with home audio. It's always a good idea to make sure your investments are future proof. The best way to do this is by researching and finding out whats next in home audio. Get information on 3D ready receivers, or receivers that measure your room, by auto tuning. This process automatically matches sound to your speakers and room size. Learn about smart TVs that connect to the internet for online entertainment. These are just a few things to keep in mind when looking for home audio.
Do you want to choose your components and build your dream system? Or would you like to save time purchasing a system that's already complete? When you buy a home theater in a box, it comes ready with color coded plugs that make installation fast and easy. These systems are factory tuned so everything works well together. This would be a quick fix to home theater entertainment. If you have a little knowledge about home audio and know what name brands you like, or what look you want. Than purchasing separate components might be a good option for you.
There are a couple key elements to think about. HI-FI Blue-Ray DVD players that come with built in WI-FI and USB slots. These slots allow you to plug and play music, picture or videos. Smart TVs, video streamers, and video games like Sony PlayStation connect to the internet for online entertainment. All these devices connect together through HDMI plugs. You have to use HDMI connections to experience 3D and 1080 television.
Today there are many receivers to choose from. Onkyo, Samsung, Sony, and Yamaha just to name a few. Most of these receivers share the same types of features. The ability to auto tune, adjust speaker volume and different sound modes, these are generally standard features. Some receivers are a little more complicated than others. Some offering things like assignable HDMI channels, multi room capabilities, or 3D ready and special sound decoding.
Some receivers have more slots that allow you to hook up more components (like 4 or 5 HDMI In/Out slots, or sub woofer out slots). With some receivers you can control the volume of each component right from your remote control. If you have a lot of components in your system than this is something to pay attention to. Satellite radio and iPod hook ups are some great features to look for.
When buying a home audio receiver keep in mind the things you may add to your system in the future. Make sure you have extra slots for all your future purchases.

How Professional Audio Installation Can Improve Your Home or Business

Over the past few years, commercial and home audio installation has been growing in popularity. That's because in/out door speakers are the perfect way to enhance the sound quality of your existing entertainment system without breaking the bank on a full-blown home theater installation. Recently, the industry has seen an influx specifically in the number of outdoor speakers sold. Any number of reasons could account for the spike in popularity for outdoor speakers, but there are a few salient factors to keep in mind. For the best results when it comes to a whole-house audio system, outdoor speakers are a must.
First, installation can be extremely versatile. They can be used in a variety of different settings, from your back deck to your restaurant patio, and blend in seamlessly. Speakers can be mounted right on the siding of your house, in the stonework, or on the support beams of a covered porch. Best of all, unlike indoor units, exterior speakers can be subtly camouflaged to blend into the scenery outside, so you can enjoy your favorite music or the ambiance of the baseball stadium on TV without having to look at unsightly wires and subwoofers.
Second, having a whole-house audio system that extends into the outdoors means you won't have to miss out on any of the fun when you step outside to tend the grill or enjoy some fresh air. This is especially great for families who love to entertain during the summer and for bars that offer an expansive outdoor seating area. You'll want to keep your guests and patrons entertained through the day and night, no matter where they are.
Finally, installation ensures safety and longevity for your electronic equipment. Outdoor speakers are designed to withstand harsher elements of weather, which means you won't have to worry about a little rainfall or wind ruining your high-quality speakers and wiring. Moreover, quality outdoor speakers will prevent the hazards associated with water exposure, particularly fire and electrocution. Investing in outdoor audio installation will keep all of your customers and loved ones safe from danger. Remember, you can always call your local electrician or electronics
specialist for assistance with wiring and general installation to ensure safety and long-lasting performance from your system.
If you're looking for a great way to improve the value of your home or business while expanding its entertainment possibilities, installing professional-quality speakers outside is a fail-safe solution.

Trouble Shooting Home Theater Audio Problems

Experiencing audio problems with your new home cinema system can be very frustrating since sound is one of the basic elements of the home theater experience.Many people would likely agree that the audio quality of a home theater system is just as crucial and possibly even more so than the home theater system video quality. An excellent audio element makes the cinema come to life right in your residence.
There are many problems which can arise with your sound system. Some are significant and necessitate replacement of home theater components. Others can be fixed with a minor adjustment. This is not a complete troubleshooting manual, but rather some advice for you if your home theater system provides poor sound quality.
Usually your first thought might be to conclude that your poor audio quality is caused by your speakers, before you immediately race out to purchase a new home theater surround sound speaker package, check the basic things first.
The problem might not be in the speakers, but in the amplifier or the connections from the amplifier. Checking and ensuring that the speakers are correctly connected on both ends is the first step.
After the connections pass examination, the next step is to check if the problem lies with the amplifier or audio speaker. Some of the lower end home theater systems come with low powered amps. Most often they do not supply sufficient power to speakers to produce the quality audio you desire. This may show up particularly if the room is large when the sound doesn't fill up the room.
To determine if it is indeed the amplifier then hook up your speakers to a stereo; this generally will have a more powerful amp. If the speaker quality improves then the problem probably lies in your home theater amplifier. If you can not distinguish any difference, then your speakers could possibly be at fault.
Poor cable installation and audio speaker cable are another possible cause for consideration. Cheap workmanship can lower audio quality and home theater packages often come equipped with inexpensive poor quality cables.
If you experience problems with your theater system, it is always best to assume the problem lies in the connections between components first and then suspect the components themselves. To ensure a great sound experience ensure that everything is properly connected, your amp is of sufficient power, and the cables are of high quality. If a person makes use of these basic easy precautions a significant amount of frustration can be eliminated. If your home theater sound isn't where you need it to be, use those hints as a blueprint as you analyze your system. If it really is time to look for new components, consider those directives as you make your next purchase.