Month: March 2021

What Are the Benefits of A ZigBee Smart Home Hub? – Read here

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A smart home hub can be key to operating multiple smart home accessories through a single device. Though a hub isn’t needed to enjoy smart home accessories, it’s considered an asset. Here’s why.

Why A Smart Home

A smart home uses sensors, high-tech, and automation to craft a cohesive home. Smart home accessories, however, aren’t made to coexist with one another per se. You can buy smart products from different brands and then you end up with a mix-and-match.

What Is the ZigBee Smart Home Hub?

A smart home hub creates a network, just like WiFi or Bluetooth. On this network, smart home accessories from different manufacturers can interact with one another. This is where home automation really is possible.

The ZigBee Smart Hub is designed to interact with smart home sensors. This smart home hub supports all LivingSmart and LivingWise sensors and smart home products.

ZigBee is Stable And Reliable

ZigBee is the language that’s used to wirelessly communicate between devices. It operates independently from the WiFi and Bluetooth networks, and is its own network. By sectioning your smart home products onto a network like this, you guarantee stability and reliability.

Centralize All Smart Home Products

Every smart home product uses its own app or method to function. A smart home hub is one network for everything. You unite all devices, integrating them in a single easy-to-use app. You greatly expand what you can do managing a collection of smart home accessories.

What Smart Home Products You Can Connect

In real-time, a smart home hub will show you what’s going on with sensors on lights, curtains, windows, doors, and motion detectors. When possible, you can also control smart home appliances, air conditioners, and more.

A Single App For Everything

A smart home hub provides one app. That’s all you need. No one wants to use four or five applications to manage their smart home accessories. No, you just need one.

Customize Your Home Automation

A hub takes things further by allowing you to link devices, build routines, and customize home automation according to your needs and schedule. You don’t even have to be in the room making voice commands to do so, like you would with a smart speaker. So long as you’re connected to the app, you can adjust smart home accessories remotely.

Though much of the world has moved on to smart speakers, the idea of a smart home hub continues to live on. The functionality of a hub exceeds that of a smart speaker in many ways. PrimeCables.ca is an official seller of ZigBee smart home hubs in Canada and smart home accessories. Shop a smart home hub and more.

Our Review for the Best Affordable Indoor HDTV Antenna in Canada

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PrimeCables.ca’s Super Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna is one of the cheapest HDTV antennas available. How does the HDTV antenna rank compared to high-end antennas? What do the reviews say – let’s have a look.

What is An Indoor HDTV Antenna?

An indoor HDTV antenna is a TV antenna that picks up free over-the-air signals. They make antennas for outdoor installations as well as those meant for indoors. An outdoor TV antenna generally has more range and is considered a better option for most.

Why Buy An Indoor HDTV Antenna?

A high-quality HDTV antenna for indoors is convenient because it does not require any special mounting or installation. It can be put anywhere. They also make thin indoor antennas with similar reaches so that you aren’t losing any of the free TV signals available to you.

How Many Channels Can You Get With A HDTV Antenna?

How many channels you get with an indoor HDTV antenna varies city by city and region by region. In some cities, you can nab more than 20 channels. In rural areas, you may only get three or four. This won’t change for the most part so long as your antenna is working.

What Are the Features of this HDTV Antenna?

The best cheap HDTV antenna is equipped with minimal features. Capture FM, VHF, and UHF signals. The PrimeCables.ca TV antenna is able to receive HD TV broadcast signals. The main advantage is its thinness. A super-thin indoor HDTV antenna, it can be tucked away out of sight with ease.

How Do You Install An Indoor HDTV Antenna?

An outdoor TV antenna has to be mounted in the right location and repeatedly adjusted. An indoor HDTV antenna does not require nearly so much work. After it’s unboxed, the antenna is plugged in via HDMI connection and then you simply scan for channels.

How is the Reception on An Indoor HDTV Antenna?

The reception on the PrimeCables.ca thin indoor TV antenna is strong. In cities like Toronto and Montreal, customers get over 20 HD channels gaining access to their favourite live TV series, local news, sports, and more.

Do You Need Something More?

You may see the much larger and more expensive HDTV antennas in comparison with this flat antenna and think there’s no real comparison. The truth is the PrimeCables.ca antenna is very capable and delivers nearly as many stations. You save money on an antenna like this and it’s hardly the eyesore that some other models are.

PrimeCables.ca has 100s of home theater accessories on sale. The super-thin HDTV antenna is remarkable for being one of the best antennas in Canada. Get over-the-air TV channels for absolutely nothing. Shop HDTV antennas and more today.

Pros And Cons of Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds

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True Wireless earbuds operate via Bluetooth to provide a user with convenient wireless audio broadcasting.

Connect your earbuds to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any Bluetooth-enabled device. It’s easy. It’s simple. It’s the best way to listen to audio for a lot of people.

Sadly, these earbuds don’t come without a few disadvantages. In some cases, a user might prefer shopping another type of earbud or buy headphones. Here are the pros and cons of Bluetooth True Wireless earbuds.

Pro – Portability

Bluetooth earbuds can be thrown into your bag and so long as they’re charged, you can take them out wherever you are.

Con – Connecting

Connecting True Wireless earbuds is a simple process. You turn them on. You turn on your Bluetooth. You pair them. Done. Unfortunately, some devices have weaker Bluetooth capture than others. One might run into difficulties pairing True Wireless earbuds although admittedly it’s rare.

Pro – They Last Longer

Compared to wired Bluetooth earbuds, wireless Bluetooth earbuds last longer. A set comes with its own charging case, elongating how long you can be out with them. When your earbuds start to die, put them in their charging case.

Pro – You Can Move

There are no wires. This means you can work out, run, go walking, travel, clean the house, cook foods, and more, without worrying about a wire getting caught on a handle, hook, or furniture corner.

Pro – Waterproof

Bluetooth 5.0 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds with 2600mAh Charging Case – PrimeCables® 

Pro – No Tangles

Any sort of wire inevitably tangles. USB cables tangle. The wire connecting earbuds will tangle inside your pocket, bag, or purse. With True Wireless earbuds, you avoid that experience. This subsequently also cuts down on the likelihood of damaging the internal technology as it’s protected inside the charging case and casing for the earbud itself.

Con – Loss of Quality

Users buy Bluetooth earbuds predominantly for the convenience. In terms of quality of sound, audiophiles can do much better. If you’re mixing music, creating recordings, or aren’t using earbuds on-the-go, you may want to look at over-the-ear headphones and better-quality earbuds.

Pro – Quality is Excellent

In terms of Bluetooth earbuds, True Wireless technology isn’t cheap. The quality doesn’t match high-end headphones but Bluetooth earbuds still offer excellent sound in comparison with non-wireless Bluetooth earbuds. The soundstage is wide and the clarity of sound is exceptional.

Pro – They’re Trendy

Bluetooth True Wireless earbuds and headphones have a fantastic design. A lot of the models exhibit a minimalist, dynamic feel that can be applied to any outfit.

Whether you’re looking for wired Bluetooth earbuds or True Wireless earbuds, shop both on discount at PrimeCables.ca. If you value convenience and portability, True Wireless is definitely worth checking out.

How to Connect An Ethernet Cable to Get Faster Internet On Your Device

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An Ethernet cable provides a wired Internet connection. No WiFi needed. Ethernet is fast, exceeding the speeds of wireless internet. If you’re looking for the quickest and most reliable Internet going, Ethernet is where to look.

Direct Connection

How Ethernet works is simple. Before WiFi, Ethernet is how computers got Internet. Ethernet has come a long way in recent years, upgrading its technology in very much the same way USB cables, HDMI cables, and other standards have progressed.

Benefits of Ethernet

The benefits of Ethernet cables are immediate and obvious from the moment a device is connected.

  • Ethernet is almost always faster than WiFi.
  • Ethernet is a more stable connection as the only way to lose the signal is through a damaged cable.
  • Ethernet is safe and secure, more than WiFi. To gain access to an Ethernet connection, a hacker has to physically cut into the wire or somehow gain access to a signal that’s protected and covered the cable.

How Do I Connect Ethernet?

First, you must buy an Ethernet cable. There are various types of Ethernet cable. The main difference between the different Ethernet cables are their data transfer speeds. The higher the number on the Category, i.e. Cat7 cables, the faster the Internet speed.

To connect Ethernet, put one end of the cable directly into your router and the other into your computer.

For this to work, you will need an Ethernet port on your laptop or computer. Fortunately, most laptops are Ethernet-equipped. Be sure to check beforehand just to confirm. The Ethernet port is typically put near the 3.5mm and USB ports.

Why Switch to Ethernet From WiFi

Although speed and stability can be substantially improved, you may look at the idea of connecting to Internet by cable to be old-fashioned, clunky, and restricting. There are a lot of reasons though to abandon WiFi in favor of Ethernet.

  • No objects block your Internet signals, like they do with WiFi.
  • There won’t be any sudden drops in Internet speed, something which is advantageous when you’re using the Internet for work.
  • Gaming with Ethernet is much faster and has less lagging, a huge advantage.
  • You can connect devices in areas where WiFi may have trouble reaching, such as the backyard, basements, and other areas.
  • They make USB-to-Ethernet adapters that allow you to pair an Ethernet cable to almost any device.

For work, gaming, video-watching, and high Internet usage, Ethernet is the better choice over WiFi. Youwill have a speedier connection instantly. It’s as easy as plugging it in. Shop Ethernet cables and adapters at PrimeCables.ca today.

Buy An HDTV Antenna in Canada For Free Over-the-Air TV Channels 24/7

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Are you looking for an HDTV antenna – they’re a great buy! In the air, there are dozens of free channels zooming by us every day. Especially in Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, there are up to 30 free TV channels that all you need to watch is an antenna.

Do You Need An HDTV Antenna?

A TV antenna allows you to quit your cable subscription if you so please. Why we pay $100s monthly for cable is to watch live TV.

An HDTV antenna gets you live TV at no cost. Granted, a user has fewer channels to select on an antenna.

Many home theater enthusiasts use an HDTV antenna for their local news and sports, and then supplement that with Netflix and other internet-based streaming services. It’s a perfect combination that’s at a far reduced cost compared to Bell, Rogers, Cogeco, and other subscriptions.

Should I Get An Indoor or Outdoor HDTV Antenna?

Deciding between an indoor or outdoor HDTV antenna is a big choice. Each has its pros and cons.

An indoor TV antenna is convenient, does not require any sort of special mounting, and the installation is very simple. The drawback is its kilometre reach can be limited. An outdoor TV antenna has an extended reach, however, requires a lot of work to put up and adjust to the optimized angle.

What Channels Do You Get With An HDTV Antenna?

HDTV antenna channels vary per region. You are relying on the signals and broadcast towers around you.

CBC, NBC, PBS, FOX, GRIT, MyTV, HSN, The CW, ABC, CTV, and Global are some TV channels someone might receive. A lot of these are high-definition, if you are using a high-definition TV antenna.

What Can Affect Signal Strength On A TV Antenna?

To get the most from your HDTV antenna, understanding what affects signal strength is very important.

You can have a building obstructing some signals from reaching you. Proximity from the TV transmitter also has a role to play as does distance from any signal. Dense forests can cut down on TV channels. The terrain you’re on has an effect. The orientation of your home and antenna placement is also key.

Experiment with your HDTV antenna. Adjust the positioning. Try it in different spots. Angle it in different directions. After a few scans, you will have a decent grasp on where to put your HDTV antenna.

Watch live TV whenever you want. Watch it free at no cost. No monthly subscription. No bill. An HDTV antenna is all you need. Shop high-quality indoor and outdoor HDTV antennas at PrimeCables.ca today.

Why a High-Quality HDMI Cable Is Better Than a Cheap HDMI Knock-Off

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HDMI has long supplanted component and composite cables as the mainstream option for both video and audio devices. They offer a simple one-cable solution but picking out the right cable isn’t quite so easy.

Wide-Ranging Quality and Features

Even without going into the different formats available, the quality of different HDMI cables at the store can vary dramatically. The cables come in a variety of lengths, with designs fitting specific applications.

While many of the top cables are roughly the same, the cheapest options at the bottom have some serious quality issues.

What Exactly do HDMI Cables Do?

HDMI cables carry digital signals, as opposed to the analog signals of the antiquated yellow, white, and red connectors. The digital bits carried by the cables require consistent fidelity to properly transmit video and sound.

Dropped information can lead to complex issues when not delivered, unlike the simple static of previous technologies.

Avoiding Older Tech

The bottom of the bin HDMI cables are the same format that was originally introduced, standard HDMI. These cables can’t even handle full HD, and they aren’t going to be in any reputable big box stores.

Discount stores trying to offload old warehouse finds might carry these cables for as little as one dollar, but it just isn’t worth it. Always buy high-quality HDMI.

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A Step in the Right Direction

An easier to find discount version is HDMI 1.4, a more recent format that can handle 4K up to 30 frames per second. This is obviously not what anyone with a 4K television is looking for and only suitable for 1080p applications.

The cheapest cables at most stores could be this type, a poor option for anyone looking for quality in their cable.

Modern Cables

The latest cables are HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, both suitable for most modern applications. HDMI 2.1 is the way to go with the latest gaming consoles, with 4K up to 120 frames per second. That being said, HDMI 2.0 still runs up to 60 frames per second at 4K.

The real point of contention between the two formats is whether the television has 2.0 or 2.1 ports, with many yet to adopt the newer format.

Cheap Cables Won’t Last

Anyone who thinks they’re saving money buying cheap cables will probably end up spending more in the long run. Quality cables last much longer, with better durability protecting the delicate wires inside.

Cheap cables inevitably have some wires break after repeated bending and adjusting, sending them straight to the trash.

Can you imagine any modern home theater system without an HDMI as your go-to cable – we can’t. Shop high-quality HDMI cables at PrimeCables.ca and connect a wide variety of devices to your flat-screen with ease, reliability, and sparklingly clear definition.

What to Look For In An HDMI Cable For A Home Theater

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HDMI cables are the undisputed standard for home theater cables today. They carry both video and audio on one cable, eliminating the need for dozens of cables in complex home theater setups. HDMI is the obvious choice, but which HDMI cable is the right choice?

Choosing the Right Format

There are still multiple versions of HDMI on the market today. These range from the antiquated HDMI 1.4 to the fully modern HDMI 2.1. Picking the right cable depends on the intended application.

Watching movies on a full HD television, HDMI 1.4 is going to do just fine, but gaming on a modern console in 4K will take HDMI 2.1.

Why Does the Version Matter?

HDMI cables carry video and audio digitally, as 1’s and 0’s just like a computer. The bandwidth of the cable limits how much information can be pushed through per second, meaning more complex signals need more bandwidth.

HDMI 2.1 has over four times the bandwidth of HDMI 1.4, allowing for a higher frame rate and 4K resolution.

The Optimal Viewing Experience

Anyone really serious about their home theater system will know that resolution and frame rate are far from the end of the story. HDMI 2.1 improves on older formats in other ways as well, including more available colors.

The new cables also feature a step-up in HDR technology, with more bandwidth dedicated to that feature.

Durability

Nobody wants to keep buying the same product over and over, so consumers are better off getting a durable cable the first time. Many cables come with corded sheathes, greatly improving the strength of the cable.

The integrity of the joint between the cord and the end is also important, as this is often where fraying develops first.

Specialized Applications

HDMI cables come in a few different variations for fitting into tight spaces and blending into the environment better. A cable with the connector at 90 degrees makes connecting to a wall-mounted tv much easier.

Flat cables are also available that can easily be run under rugs and provider a snugger fit to any wall.

The Right Length

Some home theater setups require running cables a long way from the device to the television. Luckily, HDMI cables are available in just about any length. Generally, cables are available up to 50 feet.

Of course, longer cables cost more than shorter ones, but they’re much more reliable at preserving quality than wireless solutions.

HDMI cables streamline audio-video data transfer in home theater systems, making it easy to consume 4K video and beyond. Shop over a dozen different kinds of HDMI cables at PrimeCables.ca today.

What Is A Mini Projector?

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Create a cinema wherever you happen to be. This is the purpose of a mini projector. A mini projector is portable and can be moved anywhere indoors or outdoors, allowing you to craft theatrical presentations in any room or setting of your choosing.

What Makes A Mini Projector ‘Mini’?

A mini projector is different from a full-size projector. A full-size model prioritizes the best quality image at the largest possible size.

A high-quality mini projector prioritizes portability and convenience. This isn’t to say you won’t receive a decent quality image. A lot of mini projectors at HD 1080p-level quality. Therefore, portability becomes the main difference.

What is the Best Mini Projector in Canada?

Unfortunately, not every mini projector is HD quality. Depending on how big you want the projector image, the higher the quality the better.

The best mini projector in Canada is available at PrimeCables.ca and it’s 1080p, WiFi-enabled, Bluetooth-enabled, and creates a maximum 120-inch image. This projector has a perfect customer rating of 100/100 and is the best choice in this category.

Is A Mini Projector Different From A Projector?

A high-end mini projector is not that much different from a home theater projector. They’re identical in a lot of ways, with overlap in image quality, size, and connectivity.

A 1080p mini projector is your best bet if you’re prioritizing the quality of an image. You won’t want to get much less than a Full HD signal. The larger the image size, the more noticeable any degradation in quality will be.

1080P Wi-Fi Mini Projector Portable Outdoor Movie Bluetooth Projectors 200 ANSI-Lumen- PrimeCables®

What Are the Features of a Mini Projector?

Digging deeper into the specifications on your mini projector, you’ll find it’s capable of touchscreen functionality, has a remote control, and supports AAC-LC Dolby Digital audio decoding.

The built-in speakers make it easy to put on a movie and watch without worrying about connecting a speaker system.

Complete with 5G dual-band WiFi, this mini projector works hard to reduce signal interference, avoid delays in video playing, and more.

Measuring only 14.6 cm by 7.8 cm, it’s very easily moved. Another huge advantage of a mini projector like this is its adaptability. Connect compatible devices, including laptops, PCs, PS4s, HDMI cables, USB cables, and more.

Lastly, unlike a full home theater projector, a mini projector does not need to be mounted. Projector models often have their own stand when they are mini. Put them on a table, chair, or stand, and enjoy.

Have your very own non-mounted projector ready to deliver a 120-inch 1080p HD image whenever you so desire. Shop mini projectors in Canada for indoor home theater systems and outdoor movie-watching in the summer. Get yours from PrimeCables.ca.

What HDMI Cables Do I Need For Gaming – Read here

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Picking out the right HDMI cable for gaming needs isn’t as simple as buying the most expensive cables or those advertised as premium. The ever-changing demands of gaming require a bit more thought into picking the right cables.

Why The Wrong Cable Won’t Do

There’s such a wide range of quality among HDMI cables. Grabbing any old cable off the shelf, gamers will get varied results. Cheaply-made cables are less durable, and even expensive cables can be cheaply made.

Gaming often requires durable cables that can stand up to being moved as gamers rearrange or transport consoles.

Bandwidth Concerns

Bandwidth, the amount of information a cable can carry at once, is one of the biggest issues for gaming cables. Low bandwidth leads to apparently minor issues that can add up in effect, like flickering, discoloration, and distortions.

Especially with 4K gaining traction, getting an HDMI cable with sufficient bandwidth is of paramount importance.

Standard HDMI Cables

The first generation of HDMI, standard HDMI, is long outdated and mostly unavailable in stores. Gamers using these old cables can struggle to achieve even 1080p, full HD, with some cables meant for 1080i and 720p.

Unless a cable is years old and still in use, it’s unlikely to be a standard HDMI cable. These cables offer the lowest available quality.

High-Speed HDMI Cables

With a boost from 4.95 to 10.2 Gbps, high-speed HDMI more than doubles the bandwidth of standard HDMI. Once believed to be able to handle any challenges arising in the future, today, these cables struggle with 4K over 30 frames per second.

Anyone watching movies in 1080p or gaming on older consoles won’t notice, but these cables aren’t suitable for the latest consoles.

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cables

At last, premium high-speed HDMI 2.0 cables are suitable for gaming on the modern generation of consoles. Nearly doubling the bandwidth of high-speed HDMI cables, they handle 4K at 60 frames per second easily.

Though not every gamer will need a premium high-speed HDMI cable, some will appreciate features and support that come exclusively with this level cable.

Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cables

Ultra-high speed cables, or HDMI 2.1, offer over double the bandwidth of premium high-speed. This means they handle up to 8K at 60 frames per second. These cables stand up to even the most demanding uses.

The massive resolution and frame rate capabilities of HDMI 2.1 make it the premier choice in cables, at least for now.

HDMI cables can make-or-break the gaming experience. A low-quality HDMI cable can ruin gameplay. Shop the best HDMI cables in Canada at PrimeCables.ca. Use them on gaming consoles, home theater systems, and more.

Should I Buy HDMI 2.0 Cables or HDMI 2.1 Cables – See here!

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HDMI 2.1 is the latest cable on the scene, offering improved performance over HDMI 2.0. With many of the latest televisions and devices still yet to adopt the format, buyers face a choice between the two.

HDMI Standards in Televisions

Despite being already replaced, HDMI 2.0 itself is relatively new. Everything but the cheapest televisions will have an HDMI 2.0 port. There is some variation within HDMI 2.0, with 2.0a and 2.0b versions. There isn’t that much of a difference between the two versions, so the real question is HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 2.1.

Bandwidth Makes or Breaks the Cable

HDMI 2.1 cables represent a marked improvement in bandwidth, the speed at which a cable can carry data. HDMI 2.0 has up to 18 Gbps, while HDMI 2.1 offers 48 Gbps. This is over double, allowing for improved frame rate and resolution.

HDMI 2.0 cables stand up to the most demanding applications with up to 120 frames per second in 4K and 60 frames per second at 8K.

Additional Benefits

There isn’t just improved bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 has other things going for it. The cables support Dynamic HDR, a more responsive version of the HDR supported by HDMI 2.0. Audio quality is also improved.

These are just a few of the reasons to choose HDMI 2.1, with many other more technical benefits present as well.

When is HDMI 2.1 Needed?

Gamers still booting up their Xbox 360 will probably get along just fine with HDMI 2.0, but anyone with an Xbox Series X should consider the new cables. HDMI 2.1 is the only cable to handle the full output of the latest consoles.

Only HDMI 2.1 can handle 4K at 120 frames per second, HDMI 2.0 simply can’t compete.

Cost Concerns

There was a period where “premium” HDMI cables were being sold at outrageous prices, hundreds of dollars. These cables advertised better quality through better materials and construction, rather than a new format.

HDMI 2.1 is nothing like these, offering a real boost in quality without costing all that much more than regular 2.0 cables.

Looking Forward

It seems unlikely that resolution and frame rates in gaming and other media are going to stop increasing any time soon. With demands increasing, consumers should go for the option that will stay relevant the longest.

HDMI 2.1 is the only cable on the market that could conceivably handle 10K, making it the top option going into the future.

Shop HDMI 2.0 cables and HDMI 2.1 cables as well as audio-video cables of all types from PrimeCables.ca. As one of the most common home theater cables going, you can’t go wrong sharing audio and video across a high-quality HDMI cable.