Driving down to your local gas station, putting a coin in the tire inflator, and doing your best to complete the fill-up before the machine shuts off doesn’t exactly leave the best taste in your mouth.

If you’re like us, you’ve had it happen before where the tire inflator shuts off before you finish inflating your tires. It’s frustrating. It’s unnecessary. It’s rude. If you don’t want to be at the mercy of the gas station, a portable air compressor empowers you do check and fill your tires sans expense.

A portable tire inflator for home use is a great investment. After it’s fully charged, you take the flexible hose on its end and connect it snug on your tires. You can fill all four tires on your own schedule without spending a penny.

The digital display on your tire inflator also allows you to see where you’re at as you go. Add to that the LED light which makes it easy to inflate in darker or nighttime conditions and you’ve got a combination of elements on a tire inflator any driver would want.

While we can’t speak for other models, the PrimeCables.ca portable air compressor is a 20V cordless model. Receive up to 150 PSI of compressed air when you need it most. Charge your tire inflator and pack it in your trunk on long road trips in case of any emergency. The compressor’s powerful engine combined with its 1300 mAh lithium battery makes it hard to beat.

Though it’s designed for automobile tires, you can also use the portable air compressor pump to fill bike tires, sports balls, beach toys, mattresses, and anything needing air. No wires involved. Through the use of the hose, you can easily position the end on almost anything. Find the right angle, close it in, and hit the button. In moments, you complete your fill. It’s easy to use and prevents you from having to pay for air elsewhere.

There are of course more expensive portable tire inflators out there and those that come with even more power. Few need them. Consider affordability. Whether this is your first portable air compressor or if you’ve used them before, know that a well-built tire inflator doesn’t have to be over $100.

For a portable air compressor under $100, this is the best model in Canada. Should you ever be stranded – abroad or in your own driveway – you have a reliable tool that’s ready to do the work to get you back on the road.

Buy the PrimeCables.ca portable tire inflator and air compressor pump, and receive fast, free shipping to anywhere in Canada.

Are you looking for a gaming headset to pair with your console – a few key features are a necessity.

Whether it’s for PS4, Xbox One, or your laptop, a gaming headset helps you immerse yourself in gameplay. If you can’t afford high-end $100-and-above headset powerhouses, don’t discourage. Even basic budget gaming headsets can achieve all the things you want.

Here are 4 things every gamer wants to see in their gaming headsets. As you’ll find, past an excellent-quality microphone and functional headphones, there’s a lot more to a gaming headset design.

1 – Over-the-Ear Design

As cheap as headphones and headsets get to be, you never want to choose a model that doesn’t have an over-the-ear design. For true immersion into gameplay and the best quality sound, over-the-ear in a closed grip is needed. You get the most powerful bass, most detailed audio, and the specifications in this type of headset often far exceeds what’s possible with earbuds.

2 – Soft-Cushioned Ear Cups

A gaming headset is going to be worn for extended periods of time. You want to be very comfortable and not having to fidget with your headset, constantly re-adjusting them. The ear cups should be soft and cushioned so that they sit comfortably around or over the ear sans agitation.

3 – Self-Adjustability

Piggybacking off our last point, a gaming headset should have some adjustability to them. If a friend comes over and you want to lend them your headset, or if you frequently adjust positions when gaming, a headset with adjustability can accommodate these changes. Most gaming headsets in 2020 have an adjustable headband which makes it easy to make these easy modifications.

4 – Built-in Volume Control

You shouldn’t have to be going into your settings and fidgeting with the volume. A gaming headset’s built-in volume control is the ultimate solution. Though there are high-end gaming headphones out there with all sorts of features, a built-in volume control is far and away needed.

Where Can I Buy Gaming Headsets in Canada

Before plugging in your headset’s 3.5mm jack into your controller, console, or computer, these basics in design should be in place for you. Optimizing the gaming experience, these things do not cost a lot. In fact, many of these points are incorporated into designs on gaming headsets under $35 and cheaper.

Visit PrimeCables.ca to browse different gaming and non-gaming headsets to see what works for you. Being able to hear and communicate with others in a multiplayer game is just the beginning. Ensure you’re comfortable with these features and others. Check it out at PrimeCables.ca today.

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Speakers are one thing tech-lovers and gadget makers don’t like to talk about. A lot of contemporary speakers are still larger than the average device. They come bulky and though they sound great, they also work from older technology.

Audio tech hasn’t changed a whole lot in the last couple of decades. After all, ‘sound’ can only ultimately be so clear. You can’t gain more clarity on ‘ultra-clear’. That said, there are speaker sets that serve different purposes.

This list of the best speakers in Canada for laptops and desktops gives some insight into systems that can be easily paired with your existing devices. They all feature high-quality audio but are built a little differently. The details in those changes are what make them worth inclusion.

Multimedia USB-Powered PC Speakers – $17.99

For a basic, cheap pair of speakers, this is where you look. They’re compact, plug into a USB connection, and the sound quality is certainly good enough for what you’d expect. For dorm rooms and small, tight spaces where you just want a little noise in the room, multimedia USB-powered speakers work great. Don’t expect to be throwing a DJ bash on them but they’re a reliable set.

2.1 Stereo-Powered Speaker And Subwoofer – $28.99

A 2.1 stereo-powered speaker and subwoofer set add some bass into the mix and give you a more powerful audio setup. This is a proper speaker set that connects via 3.5mm port – no USB connection needed. If you’re looking at the cheapest speakers for music on a laptop, these wooden cabinets offer a great acoustic performance and the audio comes through in strong clarity.

2.1 Bluetooth Stereo-Powered Speaker/Subwoofer – $40.24

Add some more tech into the mix. This time, it’s Bluetooth. Featuring 10-watts of power, this Bluetooth stereo-powered speaker and subwoofer set connects easily to any PC, laptop, smartphone, or Bluetooth-ready device. If you enjoy streaming music wirelessly, this option is advantageous. The sound quality is a little bit better than the previous entry on this list though comparable. Hear deep bass, minimum distortion, better control on volume and bass, and optimized treble effects.

6.5-inch High-Performance Bookshelf Speakers – $65.99

Now we are starting to get into professional levels of sound. For use in offices, apartments, households of all kinds, and music mixing, a pair of high-performance bookshelf speakers do require more support in connecting to an amplifier however they offer superior sound quality. Don’t let their small size fool you. The performance is top-notch. The rectangular design also provides a user the chance to place them easily on a tabletop, mount, shelf, or in strategic, optimized locations for sound quality.

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In transferring audio signal, you have a lot of different cable types to choose from these days. Combination multi-purpose cables like HDMI cables carry audio. The classic 3.5mm cable is quality-made and a favourite among users everywhere.

Then, there are XLR cables. Most consumers won’t run into XLR cables in their day-to-day but for professional musicians, audio engineers, and sound designers, they’re a very valuable tool. Learning about XLR cables, it’s easy to see why.

What Is An XLR Cable?

An XLR cable uses three pins and has a circular connector. It is designed to be a more secure audio cable for use in live audio recording and professional recording sessions. XLR cables commonly are used with microphone technology to communicate the signal to a receiver.

Why Do We Use XLR Cables?

XLR cables deliver perfectly balanced, line-level audio signals across long distances. More than simply a microphone cable, XLR’s abilities as a cable offer more than a 3.5mm cable can or comparable cables.

What Are the Benefits of XLR Cables?

We’ve already mentioned a few of the major benefits of XLR cables. There is another that is certainly worth mentioning. XLR cable’s ability to deliver a balanced signal means the audio received has less unwanted noise and less outside electrical interference. You get more preservation of audio quality with an XLR cable and when combined with their ability in long-distance communication, this is what makes them such an apt voice-capture cable.

Do XLR Cables Have Phantom Power?

Yes. In live sound and studio recording, microphones require a power source. A mixing board designed to provide power can do so across an XLR cable. This is called ‘phantom power’. An XLR cable not only can capture and transmit audio over short and long distances but also, connect in-need equipment such as a microphone to a power source.

What is the Difference Between Unbalanced and Balanced Cables?

Unbalanced cables use two wires, each a conductor and one carrying signal and the other grounded. They are susceptible to noise interference from electronic devices and electric fields. They’re not recommended for audio applications over long distances.

Balanced audio cables have three wires, each a conductor – one negative, one positive, and grounded. Audio signal is carried with opposite polarities through the cable, cancelling out interference. XLR cables are balanced cables. This is what the three pins on the end are representative of – a negative, positive, and ground signal.

For high-quality XLR cables in Canada and more, visit PrimeCables. XLR cables are inexpensive and comparable with any of the best audio cables on the market today. A reliable cable for professional use. Get yours from PrimeCables.ca.

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You may have seen either the terms ‘FHD’ or ‘UHD’ used on advertisements for flat-screen TVs, computer monitors, or laptops. If you don’t know what they are, you’re not alone. Many consumers don’t.

FHD and UHD do stand for something, however, they don’t communicate anything necessary. Information one can gather from either designation is collected through other terms such as 1080p, 4K, and 8K.

‘FHD’ stands for full high definition. FHD means your screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Screens designated as 1080p use FHD technology to achieve it. FHD is commonly used on average-to-smaller sized televisions.

‘UHD’ is ultra high definition and provides a resolution of 3840 x 2160. A 4K flat-screen television uses the aforementioned resolution. UHD is used on larger screens wherein one can enlarge the image without reducing the picture quality.

These terms are important when related to the size of television you’re buying. Larger screens require more pixels per inch. If you take a 720p 32” screen, it can look wonderfully detailed. Transferring 720p to a 55” screen and you lose detail because you’re using as many pixels to ultimately cover more space. This is why larger screens rarely come in 720p anymore. Most shoppers want 4K UHD TVs once they go above a certain size specification.

Initially, FHD TVs began to be used to certify a product was indeed 1080p. Early on with HDTVs, ‘HD-ready’ was a term used on many of the first TVs. This designated units that could take high-definition signals and process them into a reduced-quality signal for the display. Now with technology having progressed in such a beautiful way, FHD came to certify that a 1080p TV delivers a real, detailed 1080p signal.

Like FHD, UHD TVs are there to certify that a 4K TV is indeed a 4K TV. As long as you have the technology to receive the 4K signal, your screen will display the 4K signal. In a sense, UHD is equivalent to saying ‘True 4K’ while FHD is ‘True 1080p’.

Are you looking for a flat-screen home theater screen for your home – shop one today at PrimeCables.ca. See discounts, variety, and more. Choose from smaller screens like our 32” bedroom 720p LED flat-screen or the 4K UHD 55” LED flat-screen. If you enjoy gaming, go with curved monitors in 1080p FHD. Alternatively, if you would rather have a projector, we carry projectors and accessories as well. Build the home theater you want and customize!

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Speaker wires are an audiophile’s ultimate weapon in designing home theater audio and entertainment-based sound systems.

High-performance speaker wire comes in various gauges. These gauges are defined by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. The higher the gauge, the more resistance in the wire. Maximizing performance, you want as little resistance in the cable as possible.

A high-AWG speaker wire is a thinner and more resistant cable. A low-AWG speaker wire is less resistant and thicker in its design. Although a high-AWG cable can provide better dynamics compared to standard wire, many would rather have a low-AWG cable rating. Here’s why.

When you put power into a low-impedance load – such as a speaker – there’s resistance aka restricting the conductivity in the circuit so that it can handle the signal processing. Therefore a low-resistance speaker wire provides the load the most power possible, reducing possible interference between the amplifier and the speaker.

When you lose power in a speaker wire cable – which can happen due to various factors, including AWG, length, etc. – your sound is less audible coming through the speaker. Length actually is a significant factor. The longer the cable, the more important it is the speaker wire cable’s rated 16 AWG or lower. The less resistance, the further the signal can travel. A thicker speaker wire can also offer more protection though this isn’t inherently necessary.

If you’re using speaker wire for home theater and you only need the signal to pass across approximately 5-10 feet of distance, you can use a speaker wire rated at 18 AWG or 16 AWG. Once you’re working with 20-50 feet of distance between your amplifier and speakers, 14 AWG or 12 AWG is more appropriate. If you require a speaker wire cable for a longer distance, a speaker wire of 10 AWG will be needed to make it happen.

There is no magic number in what gauge to choose over a specific distance. Different professionals will give you different advice depending on what formula they’re using. The information shared in this article are only general guidelines on how to use speaker wire.

For optimum sound, always consider AWG to length. Speaker wire of a less-than-optimal AWG will still function. Unfortunately, you just won’t receive the same sound quality if you aren’t considering length in the AWG-rating you choose.

Whether you’re a casual or professional audio system installer, there’s no reason not to use the right speaker wire especially when it’s so affordable. Get speaker wire in Canada today from PrimeCables.ca.

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Buying a TV these days isn’t as straightforward as, “Hey, that one looks good. Let’s get it!” Seemingly everywhere you look on a TV, there’s a whole alphabet to learn. Terms like LED, IPS, OLED, LCD, and more are the norm with flat-panel screens.

In this article, we’re going to break down all the jargon that manufacturers and marketers like to throw around. For casual buyers – and let’s face it, we all are – knowing the difference between these terms is key. Eliminate confusion and know what you’re buying.

LCD TVs

LCD stands for ‘liquid crystal display’. It served as a major upgrade from traditional screens, allowing them to get smaller, flatter, and use less electricity.

LCD HDTVs have been in circulation for quite a while now. They are backlit with LEDs which are light-emitting diodes and a type of lighting. Since the early 2000s, LCDs have grown to be the singular type of flat-screen available.

Nowadays, any type of 720p TV, 1080p TV, or 4K flat-screen uses an LCD design. These screens can also be found on our smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices.

IPS TVs

IPS means ‘in-plane switching’ and is a type of technology used in LCD flat-screens. This technology produces more accurate picture reproduction, has more accurate color, and improves viewing angle perspectives for viewers in the room.

OLED TVs

OLED means ‘organic light-emitting diode’ and is used in an LCD TV to not provide any backlighting. The blacks are deeper, contrast is better, and for 4K flat-screen TVs, OLED’s a technology you commonly find these screens.

What Is The Best TV You Can Buy – LED, LCD, IPS, OLED

LED, IPS, and OLED flat-screens are all worthwhile purchases. These are all industry-leading technologies that are only going to make your viewing experience that much better.

The only other difference to keep in mind is between 720p, 1080p, and 4K TVs. The difference between these is in the picture resolution. 4K is the better option with 3840 x 2160 pixels. Comparatively, 1080p TVs have 1920 x 1080 pixels. A 720p has fewer pixels, however, is still high-definition.

These days, as long as you’re buying a high-definition TV, you’re set. In a bedroom or smaller space, 720p works excellent. For larger TV sets, you may want to step things up to a 1080p or 4K screen.

Stop by PrimeCables.ca to see different TVs, monitors, projector screens, and other options in home theater and entertainment viewing. All TVs from PrimeCables.ca come with free shipping included to anywhere in Canada. Enjoy a crisp, clear picture at a price that can’t be beat.

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You walk into a music store and buy your first digital audio interface. You’re ready to create a masterpiece except for one thing.

You can’t do it until you have the right cables. Maybe you already bought audio cables and come to find out, they’re unusable. To save yourself the frustration, here’s a quick audio cable guide for professional musicians. These are the recommended audio cables used in live performing and recording.

1/4-inch Cables

1/4-inch cables are the most common cable for musicians and are used on cables for amps, electric guitars, and more. Some of them come with a Tip, Ring, Sleeve (TRS) design which gives them the ability to carry two channels of audio in a stereo-based design. 1/4-inch cables are popular for keyboards, electric pianos, mixing desks, recording equipment, and other music equipment.

XLR Cables

XLR cables are a balanced audio cable capable of carrying power and audio across long distances. The most common XLR cable use is in microphones. There are female and male XLR cables, each with their own appropriate purpose. A general rule of thumb in engineering and recording is a female XLR plug receives output signals from a device while a male XLR plug is meant to plug into inputs.

RCA Cables

RCA cables are used in home audio equipment, home theater sound, and hi-fi equipment. Musicians will most commonly find RCA cables used on DJ mixers, audio interfaces, and tape-in/tape-out connections on mixing desks. They capture unbalanced, mono signals. The term ‘AUX cable’ means RCA cable. They are interchangeable terminology.

3.5mm Minijack Cables

3.5mm cables are used for smartphones, MP3 players, and more. They are capable of carrying stereo sound and are the most popular consumer audio cable of all-time. In professional recording, they do not necessarily serve much purpose other than in headphones.

Is That It?

For musicians, these are the 4 types of cable you need to know. The only other thing to mention is that sometimes you only have access to certain cables, inputs, or outputs. Audio adapters and cable adapters can be used to essentially convert a cable’s end to something functional. You have to be careful with adapters, however, as they can degrade the audio transference. Be sure to buy a high-quality audio adapter if you intend it for use while sound recording.

For 1/4-inch cables, XLR cables, and more, visit PrimeCables.ca. As Canada’s #1 cable marketplace, give your music cable collection a boost. Receive high-quality cables for live performances, recording, and more. Reliable cables are an absolute necessity in capturing, transferring, and communicating sound. Buy today.

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As many of us will be working remotely for the foreseeable future, ensuring your home office is comfortable will be key to your productivity and job satisfaction. Ergonomics focuses on minimizing unhealthy stress on the body. Unfortunately, mistakes are easily made.

If you’ve thought of your home office as a short-term solution, chances are it might not be anymore. Here are some of the most common ergonomic home office mistakes and how to resolve them. Let’s get to creating the perfect home office for you.

Using A Laptop All the Time

A desktop monitor has more value to a home office setup than a laptop does. This is because monitors are external and can be positioned in a neutral position to the neck and spine, compared to a laptop which ties the keyboard at all times to the screen. If you’re going to continue working from home, consider separating your keyboard, mouse, and monitor to appropriately position each in comfortable locations.

Hunching Over A Desk All Day

A fixed-height desk usually means you spend a part of your day leaning over in an unnatural position to type and work. The ideal solution is to purchase a sit-standing desk. Adjust it to the height you need and move your position from sitting to standing without affecting your work.

Too Long in the Same Position

Just like hunching over for an extended period of time can be uncomfortable, so can sitting, standing, or maintaining the same position or too long. This further supports the use of sit-stand desks, treadmill desks, or even getting up every hour to do a few quick stretches and get the circulation going.

Using a Non-Office Chair

A low-quality, broken-down chair is uncomfortable to sit in regardless of whether you’re completing work or having dinner. Ensure you have a proper home office chair. If this isn’t appropriate for your budget this month, no worries. Grab a small bath towel, roll it up, and positioning it in the small of your back, when you lean back you’ll be properly supporting your lumbar spine.

Positioning Your Desk in Front of A Window

Although windows are wonderful for non-home office spaces, positioning a home office workstation right in front of a window is a bad move. The backlighting can cause glares and increase eye strain or eye fatigue. Ensure you are open to re-positioning your desk if a window proves distracting.

This summer, drop by PrimeCables.ca to find ergonomic home office desks, monitor mounts, accessories, and other products to help you avoid these and other common mistakes. As Canadians continue to work home, it’s going to be key to ensure our home offices are set up appropriately and to minimize the health risks involved.

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Gift-buying is an art that many of us genuinely love. It’s an opportunity to show others our gift selection abilities and spreads appreciation to our family or friends who are ready to receive it.

Father’s Day is the most Dad-centric holiday we have in Canada. If you still haven’t bought anything for this Father’s Day, there’s still time. Here are a few thoughts to get you going. Even if things are tight money-wise, you can still have a wonderful celebration this year with the right gift.

A New TV

A new flat-screen for your Dad’s bedroom or living room is a smart gift because it’s one that is likely to be well received. If he already has a flat-screen for Father’s Day he truly loves and wouldn’t part with, consider adding to it by accessorizing his HDTV home theater setup with a TV wall mount, LED strip lights USB-style, or other more inexpensive Father’s Day buys.

Smart TV Android Box

You don’t have to go out and buy a smart TV for $1,000 or more to receive the capabilities of smart technology. Invest in an Android Smart TV box for under $50 and give your father the opportunity to turn his regular flat-screen into a smart TV. While some flat-screens embed smart tech inside, a smart TV box uses the same tech but is encased externally. It’s a major media experience that anyone who really loves TV, movies, and searching the Internet will love.

HDTV Indoor or Outdoor Antenna

If your father enjoys the idea of anything ‘free’, an HDTV antenna might be the perfect gift. Capture high-definition channels like CBC, CTV, Global, FOX, and more. If he has a trailer or cottage, this can be a nice way to get television signals when he’s on vacation this summer as well. There are both indoor HDTV antennas and outdoor HDTV antennas, each with their advantages. Consider it if your Dad’s interested in cutting his cable bill down.

Tools And Testers

If your Father’s Day in years past have been filled with a lot of DIY-style tools and home improvement projects, filling up his toolbox with a few unexpected gems is worth it. A multi-purpose screwdriver phone repair kit, a digital battery tester, an LED head light and magnifier, stud finders, cordless power drills, and more are all cheap yet high-quality Father’s Day DIY tools one can choose.

Clearance And Sales

If affordability is the single determinant right now on buying a Father’s Day gift, go straight to PrimeCables.ca clearance and PrimeCables.ca sales pages. Although the collection of items there aren’t related theme-wise, you may find something that speaks to you. These are the absolute best deals, discounts, and sales you will find.

You’re not alone in not having bought a Father’s Day gift yet. Shop for the right one for your Dad at PrimeCables.ca and surprise him with something nice. The COVID-19 pandemic has really dampened a lot of people’s spirits. Have a great Father’s Day 2020 – from us here at PrimeCables.ca to your family.

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