Silvered mirror, beautiful reflection.

Séura’s finely crafted Deco Series mirrors offer a bright, accurate, crystal-clear reflection. Reflecting 100% of red, green, and blue light ensures a pure, true-to-life reflection with no tint of blue or green. Perfect for applying makeup or other personal tasks requiring color accuracy in any lighting condition, Deco Series does not disappoint. Resistant to black edge corrosion, Deco Series mirrors stand the test of time and look beautiful for years to come.

Bright television, better viewing experience.

Ideal for rooms with many windows or challenging lighting, the Deco Series boasts an ultra-bright television. Séura’s own LCD televisions are, on average, double the brightness of a traditional LCD television. When you need extra lighting for your morning routine, your television will shine through. Radiating through crystal clear glass, this television features an impressive contrast ratio (1,000:1 ) with bright whites, deep blacks, and vivid colors in between for an incredible viewing experience.

A variety of lighting patterns, A design for every taste.

Séura’s elegant lighting patterns vary from simple minimalism to distinct originality. Séura collaborated with interior design experts to perfect these twelve original patterns. Some designs project a high volume of light on the subject. Other designs emit an ambient, complementing glow. Etched into the backside of the glass, these patterns are protected from dust and discoloration for a long, beautifully illuminated life.

Modest screens, bold integration.

Séura’s proprietary TVs are the perfect size for bathroom environments with all the connectivity benefits of a larger television. Enjoy flexible integration options like HDMI, Component, Composite, and VGA. Powerful down-firing speakers boost sound from behind the mirror for an invisible solution. Or choose to distribute the audio with Séura’s built-in 2x10w amplifier. Fill your space with quality sound using the built-in line level-audio out or Phoenix connector.

Installation made simple.

Séura’s finely crafted products are fully integrated for fast, easy installation. All mounting brackets and hardware are included with every television mirror. Diagrams and custom drawings for your exact product are available as soon as you order, allowing you to make preparations before the product even arrives.

Diverse control options, automation made easy.

Every Séura television is uniquely equipped with Discreet IR and RS232 options. Four IR outputs and one input give you key integration flexibility. Select RS232 control using the built-in serial port. Incorporate into a new or existing system from Crestron, AMX, Control4, or Savant. Compatible drivers with each manufacturer make automation easy.

Fluorescent or LED, the choice is yours.

Séura lighted mirrors are available with either Fluorescent or LED lighting. Choose fluorescent for an ultra-bright, pure white brilliance. Select white LED lighting for a long-life, energy-efficient solution. With Séura’s LED lighting, mirror size and design is unrestricted by standard bulb sizes or maintainability. Upgrade to a dimmable ballast for the ultimate in flexibility.

Waterproof remote designed to survive your lifestyle.

Perfect for wet or messy environments like the bathroom and kitchen, Séura’s waterproof remote is completely waterproof. It survives a drop in the tub or handling with soapy, wet hands. Beat the dirt and bacteria that tend to build up on remotes with an occasional wash with warm soapy water.

Source: Séura

Savant’s intelligent control technology enables you, the homeowner to monitor and reduce energy consumption in your home. You can conserve resources and save money without sacrificing the comforts and convenience you have grown to love.

Savant’s Smart Energy systems tailors your system to adjust usage based upon time of day, changing seasons, outside temperature and any other variables to ensure that your home’s energy usage is always at peak efficiency while comfort and convenience are never compromised.

The cool factor behind Savant’s SmartEnergy Monitor is that is shows relative energy use for HVAC, lighting and other systems in a pie-like chart, and users can press on that slice to go to control screens for those systems. “We’re trying to make the path between energy monitoring and control shorter,” says Michael Silva, Savant’s chief technology officer.

Each processor has 24 ports for circuit-based monitoring via current transformers (CTs) that clamp around the mains and circuit wires of an electrical panel. Multiple processors can be ganged together for additional circuits.

Here are some of the ways in which Savant home automation can help you go green:

• Set your intelligent lighting to automatically turn on and off with the rising and setting sun by timing them to an astronomical clock.
• Pre-set blinds to close, shutting out powerful sunlight and keeping the interior of your home cool while conserving energy.
• Reduce the demands on heating and cooling systems with climate control that regulates thermostat levels based on outside temperature.
• Press a “Lights Out” button to disable all intelligent lighting, making certain that no lights have been left on unnecessarily.
• Green home automation integrates with occupancy and motion sensors to dim or turn off lights when a room is unoccupied.
• Display power consumption levels to help you monitor energy use in your smart home system.
• Remotely monitor and manage all of the whole-house audio/video components and other smart home electronics with your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

Source: Savant & HDLiving

1. Don’t overuse motion enhancements

This applies mostly to LED/LCD sets, which in 2010 represented a market 10 times the size of plasma display, and that market is still growing. The feature is designed to improve the stuttering sometimes seen on LCD TVs during motions scenes.  You may see it listed as a Hz specification (120Hz, 240Hz …) or a clever marketing name (TruMotion, Motion Plus, MotionFlow, CineMotion, and so on) but when left to run unchecked, this setting could leave you wondering what all the hype over HD is about. Be careful, some sets might even have two different motion enhancement settings.

At its most basic, the idea behind this technology is to reduce blur and pixilation in fast-moving action. Older model LCDs used to be known for something called the “screen door effect”, when the picture would break down during sporting events or high action scenes. Better refresh rates have helped to curb this issue in newer LCD/LED sets, even without the use of motion smoothing technology.

When turned on, especially to its highest setting, motion smoothing can turn a picture hyper-realistic, making film-based material look like a 1980s sitcom. Start with these enhancements turned “Off” and if you feel that your picture is struggling to keep up with fast action, slowly increase the setting.

2. Watch the material how it was meant to be seen

Filmmakers spend a lot of time tweaking their material to get it exactly how they want it. In an ideal world, your TV would simply be a conduit to view that perfect picture. Since each set is calibrated differently at the factory, that’s sadly not the case.

In addition to motion enhancements, there are several other picture tools that can negatively affect a TV’s output if left to their highest settings.

Locate and either disable or set to “0” any noise reduction or mosquito noise, edge enhancement, skin tone, or shadow detail enhancements  when you first set your TV up.

You may eventually switch some of these options back on, but when they are all on at the same time (as is the case sometimes right out of the box) the alterations to the native picture can be too strong.

3. Turn down the lights

TV brightness and color settings are often turned way up as on TVs out of the box. However, in your home those settings might not be ideal for regular viewing. Almost every TV will come with a series of viewing scenes with names like “vivid”, “theater” or “standard”. The theater setting generally provides the best picture right out of the box (unless you have a THX certified TV, in which case choose that setting). It’s best to avoid the “vivid” or “game” setting for regular viewing.

One note when setting up a new TV: Be sure to give your eyes a chance to get used to any major changes you make to the picture. Watch for a couple days and if you’re still not happy, tinker some more, but avoid making snap judgments.

If you’re looking to take things to the next level, there are several discs available for purchase that will walk you through a self-calibration (such as Digital Video Essentials, Disney’s WOW, and Spears and Munsil).

Source: HDLiving

Here are 9 questions worth asking as you explore the possibility of a home control system for your own house:

1. What are you looking to accomplish?

Home control can be as elementary as being able to shut off a downstairs light from upstairs, but it can also be a sophisticated command center for virtually anything that runs on electricity in your house.  Tasks like multi-room audio and basic lighting control can be practically plug and play these days, while more elaborate schemes that integrate with your thermostats and security systems are best specified and installed by a professional.  Qualify your own goals before starting to shop.

2. How much scalability do you need?

In part, the answer here relates to the previous question about your overall interests.  Some systems are designed for basic tasks and not much else. Other systems are capable of sending not just control commands, but also data-intensive media like video and audio throughout the house.  You want the flexibility to be able to build on today’s purchases tomorrow. Brands and technical platforms aren’t necessarily compatible with each other, so it pays to consider the future when you begin to assemble the system.

3.How remote do you need your remote control to be?

Many of today’s home control systems are capable of connecting to the Internet, which allows you to monitor and control your connected devices even when you’re not at home.  This is useful when you’re away from home a lot for business or vacation travel, and also for getting the house ready for you when you come home from work or the kids arrive from school.

4. Which control medium is right for you?

Home control systems send commands through a transmission medium.  Some use radio waves and are wireless.  Others use your already-installed home electrical or phone wiring.  The most elaborate systems use Ethernet cable installed throughout the house or work wirelessly through a robust wireless network.  If you’re building a new home or doing a serious remodel, consider structured Ethernet wiring for your home control.  If you want the easiest way into the game, consider a wireless system.

5. How much complexity will your family tolerate?

Basic control systems use familiar (and proprietary) push-button remote controls that are easy enough for anyone to operate. The codes from all your existing remotes can be programmed into a universal remote, such as the ones that control your A/V system.  More elaborate control systems use custom hand-held or in-wall keypads, and sometimes even iPods, iPhones and iPads.  It all sounds cool, but even the prettiest interface can’t make complex ideas completely simple. Before you pick a system, try to see it through the eyes of the least technically oriented member of the household who will use it.  Will they be able to work things when you’re not home?

6. Proprietary or open protocol?

Some systems work only with their own brand-specific control components. Other systems have their own branded components, but also interface with many other brands and technologies.  Still other systems use widely-adopted technologies that work with almost any brand’s components.  As you consider your system, think about all the different devices you’d want to control in the home, and determine the compatibilities and possible incompatibilities in advance.

7. Installer only or user configurable?

There’s obviously great attraction to a control system you can simply plug in and work with minutes later.  But realistically speaking that’s only going to work with a few control tasks and a few brands.  For an elaborate whole-house system, you’ll want an experienced integrator who can help you plan the system, as well as program it and support it.

8. Wired or wireless?

Wireless systems are easy to retrofit, but they’re subject to roadblocks throughout the house that can impede their signals. Older homes with plaster walls are a particular challenge for wireless systems, as are larger homes with serious distances between floors and rooms.  If you choose a wireless system, it’s important to upgrade your wireless network to something more robust. You can review our article on 6 Reasons To Upgrade Your Home Network.  A wired system may be more reliable, which is goal #1 for a control system, but may not be as easy to install unless you’re building a new home or doing a complete remodel.

9. Cost

For most people, cost is a priority consideration.  Basic control modules for lights and small devices are very affordable.  A simple system for multi-room audio can be had for under $1000.  A full-blown whole-home controls system that incorporates entertainment, climate and security will cost considerably more, but keep in mind that you don’t have to buy everything all at once.  The better systems will let you build over time, buying only the capabilities that you need, when you need them.

If you have questions regarding home automation and control or if you would like a free in-home consultation to determine what fits your needs best, please contact us at (805) 497-7536 or info@wilshirehe.com.

Source: HDLiving.com

Wilshire has partnered with Pakedge to bring you a more secure, robust and faster wireless network in your home. Here are some of top reasons to upgrade your home network with Pakedge:

Experience wider Wi-Fi range!

Pakedge access points are enterprise grade, which provide 2-3 times greater coverage than consumer grade access points.

Faster upload and download speeds!

Data is routed faster through specialized hardware with Pakedge Switches and Routers.

No more system reboots!

Today’s A/V devices and appliances require reliable networks. Pakedge products are reliable and stable, thus resulting in longer system up-time.

Protect your Kids!

Pakedge K-Series Routers can be purchased with built in parental website control. This control occurs at the gateway level, which provides internet restriction to all unauthorized users in the entire household.

Protect your network from viruses!

Pakedge routers have system antivirus at the firewall level. The system is constantly and automatically updated with new virus profiles. This is a proactive way of protecting devises from viruses!

Off-site network management!

Remote network management saves you time and money! Now the dealer can access the network remotely to avoid on-site service calls.

If you’re interested in learning more about Pakedge products and Wilshire’s network services, give us a call and setup a free consultation. (805) 497-7536 or info@wilshirehe.com

Source: Pakedge

Lyn Perry, CEO of Wilshire Media Systems and Nancy Randak of Randak Interiors discuss the benefits of working with industry partners and their collaboration.

1. Music Apps and Internet Radio

Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, Last.fm, Napster, iheartradio, Stitcher SmartRadio, AUPEO!, MOG, Rdio, Slacker… and the list goes on. Anyone using a “smart TV,” connected Blu-ray Disc player, or one of the many whole-house audio solutions on the market today has undoubtedly seen the rapid rise in the number of competing online music applications. While some music purists may scoff at the sound quality afforded by these Internet radio and streaming music services, it’s hard to argue with this newfound plethora of options for discovering new music in line with your distinct tastes.

2. Apple AirPlay

Designed to facilitate the streaming of music around your home, Apple’s AirPlay technology has started to make its way into various A/V receivers, stereo systems, and speaker dock/table radio devices from the likes of B&W, Pioneer Elite, Integra and others. By way of an example, an AirPlay-enabled receiver can quickly and easily be targeted as your destination speaker from the iPhone in your pocket or a wireless laptop running iTunes on your home network.

3. Goodbye, CD (Maybe)

It’s true: You may need to buy the White Album again. Recent rumblings from the music industry indicate that several major labels are planning to dump the compact disc (CD) format by the end of 2012, opting instead to focus on digital downloads and streaming options. For many consumers, this probably won’t come as a shock; however, there will undoubtedly be many folks who are less than thrilled with this new develop ment. In other words, don’t start sending your CDs to the morgue just yet. While it’s true that digital music downloads now account for roughly one-third of total music sales, and CD sales are on the decline, it seems highly unlikely that CDs will exit the scene as quickly as some are suggesting.

4. Vinyl Lives

The compact disc may be preparing for departure, but au-diophiles can take solace in the continuing renaissance that vinyl is enjoying. As most diehard music lovers will tell you, nothingbeats the full, rich sound of a good-condition LPbeing spun on a quality turntable. And because many bands feel strongly that vinyl is still one of the best ways to experience the full range of their sound, there’s a surprising number of new albums being released on vinyl alongside their CD and MP3 counterparts. Don’t believe it? Just visit the “Vinyl Store” on Amazon’s massive online marketplace. If you’ve built yourself a top-notch audio system, either for music or home theater, know that you may be missing out on its true potential if you’re not spinning those Long Play records.

5. Bluetooth

Manufacturers continue to find new and innovative ways to incorporate Bluetooth into home audio components and peripherals. Whether it’s wireless streaming of music from your iPhone to a nearby table radio, wireless communication between a soundbar and its matching subwoofer, or having your handheld remote control your HDTV, Bluetooth continues to evolve and make its way into more and more home audio/ video hardware. For a directory of new products featuring integrated Bluetooth, including those classified as “Bluetooth Smart” and “Bluetooth Smart Ready,” visit www. bluetooth. com.

6. Room Correction/Auto Calibration

Before you can expect to hear optimal results from your surround-sound system, a critical first step is calibrating your equipment to conf orm acoustically to the unique characteristics of the room. Thankfully, automated calibration and room correction technologies, such as Audyssey’s MultEQ platform, have greatly simplified the process.

7. App-Based Control

More and more manufacturers are now giving you the option of controlling your hardware by using a downloadable app on your Apple iOS or Android mobile device. With the appropriate app, many receivers will now allow you to tweak configuration settings, change inputs, and adjust the volume from the convenience of your cell phone, which is probably in your pocket anyway. And the best part? Most of these control apps are free.

8. 3D

Blu-ray 3D and 3D TVs have become popular upgrades for consumers looking to move beyond two dimensions. The thing to note here is that, in many cases, your preamplifier/processor or receiver is standing between your Blu-ray 3D player and your 3D TV. If you’re planning to output that high-definition 3D video signal to your display via high-speed HDMI, your receiver will need tobe 3D-compliant unless your Blu-ray player offers dual HDMI outputs.

9. Audio Return Channel (ARC)

Along with 3D video support, many consumers are now finding a use for another new feature present in the latest HDMI specification the Audio Return Channel (ARC). ARC involves the return of audio information from an end point display device (like your HDTV) to an upstream audio component (like your A/V receiver). This allows the transmission of audio information back to a receiver using just the one HDMI cable. This means that any audio originating at the display, whether it be from a built-in tuner, a built-in optical disc player, or integrated apps such as Netflix or Pandora, can leverage your A/V receiver’s decoding capabilities without the need for an auxiliary optical cable. As an ever-increasing number of HDTVs come equipped with integrated media apps, ARC has become a handy feature for anyone using a surround-sound receiver or soundbar.

10. Soundbars

Although a full-blown home theater complete with a 5.1 or 7.1 surround-sound system is sonic Valhalla for movie and music lovers, single-housing soundbar speaker products continue tobe an attractive alternative for many consumers; and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s for a secondary system in a bedroom or family room, or if you’re simply looking to improve the volume and intelligibility of a soundtrack’s dialogue, many of today’s soundbar systems offer greatly improved audio performance compared to the thin, underpowered speakers on the average display —and they do it with far fewer wires and setup than a typical audio/ video receiver requires.

Source: HDLiving.com

Recently Panasonic’s introduced its new line of LED LCD TVs, including the company’s new passive polarized 3D LED TVs. Despite that interesting news, let’s not forget that Panasonic is primarily a plasma company—and for good reason. Plasma is awesome.

So this year, instead of building on the very good VT30 line sold last year, Panasonic says the engineers went back to the drawing board for the new plasmas and designed the current panels from scratch.  The company says it created a new panel structure and pre-discharge control method to increase contrast. Last year the company used a technology it called the Infinite Black Filter. This year it’s the Infinite Black Filter Ultra—I know they thought real hard about the new name.

A new feature called the 2,500 Focused Field Drive is used to reduce motion trailing and 3D ghosting.

To show off the new picture, Panasonic took me to the viewing room behind a curtain where a 2011 VT30 was shown side-by-side with a 2012 VT50, both 55 inches. The images on the screen were colorful kaleidoscope-like fractals and swirls on a black background. Next to the new TV, the blacks on the 2011 model looked almost gray, certainly not the inky black of the 2012 model. Assuming both TVs were on the same settings, the new model blew away last year’s TV. The demonstrator said the new models include 240,576 steps of gray ensuring that gradations in shades looked incredibly smooth.

After this, I moved over to view more VT50s which were showing prepared footage and movie trailers in 3D. Panasonic’s plasma TVs use active shutter glasses, so you get a full 1080p image for each eye. Crosstalk (also called ghosting) appeared to be completely eliminated. The 3D depth effect was not as pronounced as I’ve seen in other TVs, but that may have been the content more than the TVs.

The VT50 lines includes all of Panasonic’s new smart TV features under the VIERA Connect service which places all the smart TV apps or widgets on the cloud.  They include Netflix, Amazon VOD, You Tube, Pandora, Twitter, Bloomberg News, a weather channel, Skype, CinemaNow,  Hulu Plus, Napster, Facebook and sports sites including MLB.TV, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center.

Source: HDLiving.com