Welcome to The Conch Tech

Conch ShellThank you for visiting.  The Conch Tech offers information for the Home Theater and Home Electronic user. There are How To guides to help you install and setup televisions, home stereos or media sharing systems. Here you can also find information on basic equipment needed to get your HDTV and other home electronics to work at their best. And finally, you can find informational articles explaining the different technologies and issues a Home Theater or Electronics user may encounter.

The Conch Tech publish often so please follow via any one of the social media links to the right or enter your email address to get articles delivered as they are posted.

Comments and content suggestions are always welcome. If you’re a guest blogger and would like to contribute to The Conch Tech please contact me at robert@theconchtech.com.

I also monitor this reddit page:Practical Electronics.

Factors When Choosing a Flat Screen TV

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Technology is and always has been a constantly changing and forward-moving industry. With the advances in home theater equipment, new challenges arise for consumers who are interested in owning the “latest and greatest” units and the accompanying gadgets. For example, 3D technology has recently become available to the general public. While it tends to be a bit pricey and has definite limitations, it is rapidly gaining in popularity. In the near future, our children will no doubt consider today’s innovations to be “so last year,” as they say. Just think how far television has advanced in your lifetime or your parents’ lifetimes.

Flat Screen TV'sThere is no question as to the best type of television available now. The industry has pushed consumers to make the switch from tube TVs to HDTVs in the recent past, and with good reason. High definition televisions produce a sharper picture and are compatible with the digital electronics used in modern media. However, because of techno-factors, the task of choosing a flat screen is daunting to many consumers. The acronyms can be confusing and one can get lost in the array of possible options.

Screen Types

  • LCD – Liquid crystal is compressed between two panels of glass, backlit by a fluorescent lamp. An electrical charge is applied to the crystal to produce the images on the screen.
  • LED – This is another version of the LCD screen. Instead of a fluorescent lamp, this LCD screen uses smaller, more efficient LEDs (or light emitting diodes) located behind the screen to create a more precise picture.
  • Plasma – Plasma screens use a small sheet of plasma cells through which an electrical charge is sent to create the picture.

Resolution

The overall picture quality is one of the deciding factors for most consumers. There are pros and cons to each type. For instance, the picture on a plasma screen can be easily viewed from various angles. These tend to perform better in a dimly lit room. In contrast, LCD flat screens are more effective in brighter rooms and lose some of their definition when the viewer moves around the room. Further, LED-backlit models produce a clearer image than does a fluorescent-backlit one. Again, these factors can change with the production of each new model as manufacturers implement new technologies.

Contrast Ratio

This factor simply refers to your television’s ability to show a range of brightness values, from the darkest darks to the brightest whites. The higher the ratio, the better the contrast display, and the better you will be able to distinguish figures and images in dark or bright scenes. Plasma units are currently leading in this area.

Other factors to consider include longevity, cost, and power consumption. In order to make an informed decision, it is a good idea to research these and other basic features of flat panels so that you will be able to choose the best flat screen to fit your needs, your preferences, and your budget.

Steve is from Houston where he works at a home theater showroom. During his free time he enjoys writing about the latest technology for projectors, receivers, and home theater surround sound systems.

The Great Debate: Netflix vs. Hulu

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In a time where online streaming may soon best traditional cable, more and more companies are positioning themselves as leaders within the entertainment community. From TV networks that house their own shows, to outlets that charge a monthly fee, many viewers are now heading online to get in their TV viewing time.

But the fact still remains: which streaming mogul is better? Netflix or Hulu? By comparing side-by-side features, we’ll size up who offers what, and what consumers are getting for the price.

What they Offer

netflixvshulu135x120For those who don’t know, Netflix provides two different services: DVD rental (via snail mail) and online streaming. Each costs users $8 a month, and comes with unlimited use. As for the selection, thousands of movies and TV shows are offered, all of which are regularly updated. There’s a “recently added” section so users can separate out what’s new; streaming from DVD-only content are also separate.

Hulu also comes in two versions: free and paid. The free version is only available online, while paid subscriptions (Hulu Plus, at $8.99/mo.) can be used on smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Here’s where it gets tricky. The free version plays many new TV shows, generally placing them up the day after, and allowing viewers to watch for a few weeks before timing out. The paid version also provides this, while also offering older shows to be viewed. However, many seasons can be viewed in entirety – though this doesn’t seem to be the rule. Some shows aren’t available at all, some can only be watched on the computer (even with a paid subscription), and others host entire current seasons.

The Differences

24The main difference, besides the $1/mo, is what content can be viewed. Hulu Plus offers new shows, but not necessarily back seasons of that same show. For Netflix, the opposite is true. Hulu Plus also intermingles programs that are computer-only with those which can be viewed on any device. And according to user reviews, Netflix has a better gaming device setup, allowing shows to be easily browsed, while Hulu Plus’ version needs updating. (Their website, however, got rave reviews.) Hulu viewers also see commercials, while Netflix users do not.

The Cons

Both platforms’ biggest enemy seems to be contracts. Some networks make it hard to obtain viewing rights (jump on board already, CBS), as do movie companies. While the growth of streaming has somewhat minimized this problem, users still manage to experience content gaps.

So, which is better? Unfortunately there’s no good answer; it depends on the type of programs are preferred. Netflix certainly has the larger selection size (by far), while Hulu/Plus offer many shows the day after they’re aired. For those who can’t decide, opt for both – it’s still cheaper than cable.

What’s your favorite?

How to Build Your Own Home Cinema on a Budget

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Every movie buff deserves their own home cinema but not everyone thinks they can afford it. I’m here to tell you that with a little knowledge you can set up a home cinema on a minimal budget. Be the envy of your friends and family with the best big screen viewings of your favourite movies.
Home Theater

Change the way you shop

Your first step to staying within budget is to change your shopping habits. If you normally buy everything brand new from your local store then you’re probably paying the maximum price. Search on bid sites such as eBay for second-hand items or for new but older model items that will be cheaper than the latest product release. There are also many ‘money-back’ websites like Quidco where you’ll see savings and receive money back in the future for what you buy right now. Lastly local community sites such as Freecycle could yield lounge furniture or food and drink equipment like a mini fridge. Keep checking back at new listings as the best items move fast.

The viewing platform

You have two choices for movie viewing equipment: a TV or a projector. The short answer to a budget home cinema is to choose a projector. Projectors are more expensive than a regular size family TV set but if you want a big picture cinema experience then a projector becomes more affordable than very large flat screen TVs. Remember you’ll also save money by not buying a TV stand.

Get a LCD projector as these are the most low-cost, with the added benefit that it’s also tried and tested technology that has been perfected for many years. Projectors that have HDMI are suitable for connecting your satellite or aerial feed so you can watch regular TV as well, making them even better value. If you don’t already have an established TV signal in your home or want it in another room then you’ll need local professional satellite or aerial installers in Essex or your own area to set one up. You can easily change the size of the projection to suit your current viewing. For ultimate integration with your other digital devices look for a projector that connects with your phone, tablet and MP3 player.

For aesthetic reasons I recommend buying special projector paint and simply using your wall as the projection surface rather than using a pull down screen. The paint will optimise any wall and you won’t have any ugly screen holder in your living room.

One of the downsides to using a projector is that it prohibits gaming on Wii or Kinect as when standing you’ll block the projection. The other is that projectors are noisy due to the cooling fans required. You can spend a bit more money to ensure that it isn’t too noisy as more expensive models include a system of noise reduction.

Audio

Projectors don’t come with an audio system so you’ll need to buy a receiver and a set of speakers. This is not necessarily an additional cost due to choosing a projector because you would probably buy a surround sound system to improve the audio experience of a TV.

Position the speakers around the room to create an all around audio experience. Wireless speakers will avoid the mess and fuss of wires that would otherwise have to be hidden.

Creature comforts

In my opinion the greatest thing about having a home cinema is that you’re at home with all the comforts that come with that. It should above all things be a comfortable place to watch movies, easily accommodating weekend marathons of Star Wars or High School Musical. So how do you achieve this?

You need blackout curtains to make the most of your projector. It’s cheaper to buy blackout material and tack it to back or your current curtains. This can be sourced online or from a haberdashery and is very easy to attach. The darkness created by blackout curtains instantly transforms your living room into a cinema atmosphere.

Home Theater ReclinersRecliners are the ultimate in relaxed seating but are very expensive. If you’re determined to buy a reclining armchair or sofa then buy a fabric one as these are cheaper than leather. Otherwise buy beanbags or a sofa with ottomans so you can lie out and put our feet up easily.

Finish off the cinema experience with your favourite multiplex features e.g. popcorn for popcorn fans or a soda stream. Soda stream are cheaper in the long run than big brand fizzy drinks and healthier too!