Month: September 2021

What’s the Best TV Wall Mount – Swivel, Full-Motion, or Fixed?

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When fitting a TV wall mount to your home theater, you’ll be met with at least a few different options. From flat, fixed, and basic models to full-motion and swivel, brackets vary not only in function but also size and shape. If it isn’t obvious what the best TV wall mount for your entertainment needs is, here is a quick side-by-side comparison of how these three models work.

Fixed, Flat TV Wall Mount

A basic TV wall mount that’s flat and doesn’t have any more movement than a tilt is the most affordable option. They are the easiest to install and take up the least amount of space.

A flat mount is best for small condos or small home entertainment spaces. If you’re new to the world of TV wall mounts, you may not need much more than this. They’re ultra-thin and they’re built well.

You aren’t necessarily missing much choosing a fixed, flat TV wall mount over a full-motion bracket.

Swivel TV Wall Mounts

A swivel TV wall mount is one that allows for a little more movement. You can angle your flat-screen and swivel it back-and-forth left to right.

For large, wide rooms, this is where swivel mounts thrive. For open-concept spaces where you’d like to have a screen in multiple areas, a swivel solves the issue by allowing you to angle it according to where you are.

A swivel isn’t necessarily a need, however. Just ensure your wall mount has at least a slight tilt to it which can help combat glare from windows and such.

Full-Motion TV Wall Mounts

When you start looking at full-motion TV wall mounts, this is really where the premium high-tech mounts are.

A full-motion mount allows you to affix the flat-screen in a single location. It also provides you the ability to move it left-to-right, up-and-down, and in some cases even offer a mechanism to pull it downward, such as if it’s mounted high up.

With a full-motion TV mount, you get the most in flexibility however some models can be bulky. Particularly for smaller rooms, a full-motion mount can actually be a detriment. A more basic mount or a full-motion that doesn’t carry a lot of shape to it is a much better option.

The best TV wall mount depends on your preferences and the size of the room. Flat, swivel, and full-motion all have their place in the right home theater. Shop all three types of TV wall mounts in Canada at PrimeCables.ca today.

What Are the Best Monitor Mounts in 2021?

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The last few years have brought with it a lot of upgrades in monitor mounts and work-from-home ergonomic desk design. If you’re looking at a cool way to mount your monitor and have an exciting aesthetic to sit down in front of come work time, check out any of these uniquely awesome monitor mounts.

Single Monitor Mount

This single monitor desk mount gets our vote for coolness because of the discounted price. You won’t beat it anywhere.

Single Monitor Desk Mount & Adapter

A limitation on mounts is that you must have the right VESA specifications on the monitor. A workaround is an adapter. This single monitor desk mount adapter has a remarkable design with adjustable VESA markings.

Full-Motion Dual Monitor Mount

This is arguably the best and definitely the cheapest way to mount two monitors at your desk. A full-motion dual monitor desk mount is for screens sized 13” to 27” and has swivel, tilt, and 360-degree rotation.

Dual Screen Gas Spring Desk Mount

This two-screen gas spring mount has full rotation 360-degrees, with a tilt up-and-down, and rotation. It’s another way to showcase two monitors, with each arm having a weight capacity of up to 19 lbs. and VESAs of 75×75 and 100×100.

27 Lbs. Dual Monitor Desk Mount

This C-lamp dual monitor desk mount is even more heavy-duty than the one prior. With the capacity to take on up to 26.4 pounds, get the height adjustability you want with a tilt and full-motion swivel.

Triple Monitor Articulating Gas Spring Mount

A triple monitor mount powered by a gas spring design isn’t for everyone. If you are in love with the idea of multiple monitors though a dual mount isn’t cutting it, this is a dynamic mount built to impress.

3-Way Adjustable Desk Mount Bracket

From Monoprice, this 3-way adjustable tilting desk mount looks impressive and has a max weight of 33 lbs. Although Monoprice can be a brand that’s a little more costly, when you see its ergonomic product selection for desks and work-from-home offices, you may think them to be perfectly reasonable.

Adjustable Gas Spring Desk Mount With USB Ports

Try this gas spring USB monitor mount. The double USB ports make it easy to connect devices. Its design has a nice swivel and tilt to it as well. Made from aircraft aluminum, this is a premium computer monitor mount.

Monitor mounts don’t often get cool upgrades. They’re fairly simple and effective as they are, truth be told. We’re so happy with this selection though. Catch all sorts of cool monitor mounts and other ergonomic accessories at PrimeCables.ca today.

Is DVI Or VGA Better?

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When connecting your computer to a screen, you need to determine what cables you need. Ports are on both of your devices. They can vary from HDMI to VGA, DVI, USB, and others. While HDMI and USB are well-known, DVI and VGA are less common to modern tech users. Here is a comparison of both.

DVI

DVI, or Digital Visual Interface, is more recent than VGA. This connector can transmit both analog and digital signals, and can easily convert to VGA and the current HDMI technology.

DVI offers a sharper, better picture, and can be removed or installed while the computer is running. The different types of DVI cables perform different functions.

  • DVI-A uses analog signals only, and is used to connect the DVI card to the older CRT monitors.
  • DVI-D uses digital signals only. It is available in single link and dual link formats, and connects the DVI card to LCD monitors.
  • DVI-I can use both digital and analog signals, although it is unable to convert DVI-D signals to analog.

VGA

VGA, or Video Graphics Array, is older technology and is not often in use anymore. This technology uses analog signals, and is used with video cards, CRT monitors, television and laptops.

Due to the design of these connectors, the outputs and ports contained 15 pins that were used for separate functions, such as a pin for the color red, and so on. These components were rather delicate and could be easily damaged. Also, the VGA cables could not be connected or disconnected while the computer was running. To use the connector, you had to shut down the computer, install the cord, then restart the computer.

VGA connectors can be adapted using HDMI converters. This can be used in case the computer is analog and the monitor may be HDMI, or vice versa.

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So Which Is Better, DVI Or VGA?

Usually, the newer technology is better. That would indicate that DVI is the better choice.

With its ability to use both digital and analog signals, DVI-I is more versatile than the older VGA cables and may work with more devices.

Due to being older, VGA signals tend to convert a lower-quality product than the newer DVI technology. DVI cables can be installed and removed without having to shut the computer down, which increases efficiency. Due to their design, there is less potential for component damage with DVI cables.

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To get the best possible display, it’s best to be sure what connectors your devices are able to accommodate. Once you’ve managed that, choose the best technology available, sit back and enjoy the show. Shop DVI cables and VGA cables at PrimeCables.ca today.

How to Mount A TV to The Wall In The Safest Way Possible

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Learn how to mount a TV using a TV wall mount with this quick step-by-step guide. An affordable and impressive home theater upgrade, you will be pleasantly surprised at exactly how magnificent your home entertainment room looks when everything’s done.

Buy The Right Mount

There are lots of different kinds of TV wall mounts, from basic TV wall mounts to more advanced designs. You not only will want to know what design you prefer but ensure they match the measurements at the back of your flat-screen known as the VESA numbers.

Find The Location

The first step to mounting a flat-screen TV is to identify where you’d like to put it. You can, in large part, have your TV be anywhere so long as there’s space, glare from an opposing window isn’t trouble, and there are studs in the wall.

Find The Wall Studs

Find your wall studs. Please note drywall with no studs cannot support a TV wall mount. Use a stud finder to confirm where your studs are. You will want two studs – one for the left side of the TV bracket and one for the right.

Mark The Bracket Position

Take a pencil and mark pilot holes on the wall. You can use a level to make sure everything’s straight. Double-check this positioning by placing the TV wall mount bracket against the wall and lining up the screw locations before drilling.

Drill And Mount

Once your measurements are done, drill your pilot holes through the drywall and into the studs. Mount the bracket and secure it using the mounting screws. Double-check to ensure the bracket’s tight with no wiggling or rattling. Be sure not to over-tighten.

Attach The TV Mounting Plate

Next, go to your flat-screen TV. Attach the mounting plate. This is the second half of your mount. Line up the VESA holes and use a screwdriver to ensure everything fits firmly together without stripping the screw heads or over-tightening.

Attach The TV Plate To The Wall

Take your TV mounting plate and secure it to the TV wall mount bracket. To do this, you lower a screen into the bracket from a height slightly higher than your intended position. Follow the instructions to a tee with this and use hardware to attach everything together.

You can find a TV wall mount in Canada for under $100 no problem at PrimeCables.ca. They’re an excellent investment if you’re looking for cheap ways to upgrade your home theater. Installation, fortunately, is very easy and fast so long as you have the right tools and you double-check everything before moving onto the next step. Safety only takes a couple extra seconds.

8 Super Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your Home Theater in 2021

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Home theaters get expensive. A DIY home theater system from PrimeCables.ca though has accessories starting at under $0.99. You don’t need lots of money or space to redesign your entertainment room.

Here are 8 super cheap ways to upgrade your home theater in Canada without spending thousands.

Buy A Smart TV Box

A smart TV Android box turns any monitor or screen into a computer more or less. It gives you an operating system just like a smart TV, connects to the Internet, and gives you lots of games and entertainment to enjoy.

Try A Bluetooth Soundbar

A home theater Bluetooth soundbar allows you to connect your smartphone and play music or podcasts whenever you like, in addition to having it act as your home theater speakers. A Bluetooth soundbar also takes up very little space.

Sort Your Wires And Cables

Your HDMI cables and home theater wires can be an eyesore. Upgrade what you have and consider cables ties or ways to tie them together, clean up the look a bit, or channels to use to obscure them.

Invest In An HDTV Antenna

You can buy an HDTV antenna for less than $15. If you live in a city, it’s worth investing in. You can receive free over-the-air TV any time you like, whether you have an existing cable subscription or not.

Have Accent Lighting

A set of USB LED strip lights can be installed on the back of your TV or wherever you see fit in a home theater room. Adjust them to the color you like. This not only helps make images clearer and reduces eye fatigue but will also add some much-needed atmosphere to the room.

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Try Height Adjustable Speaker Stands

A set of height-adjustable speaker floor stands lift your speakers up off the floor and give a professional look to your home theater. If you aren’t using a soundbar or don’t have speakers already featured in some way, this can be a way to add a lot of flash to your entertainment space.

Try A TV Wall Mount

Home theater mounts are very affordable. They can be used for your flat-screen and even speakers, if you like. A TV wall mount will lift your flat-screen and create a more theatrical experience for you to enjoy.

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Buy A Wireless Multimedia Keyboard

A mini 2.4GHz portable keyboard eliminates the need for multiple remotes. It syncs up to everything – gaming consoles, TV, speakers, HD players, and more. One remote to rule it all!

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Shop all these cheap home theater accessories and others at PrimeCables.ca. See what’s possible on a budget and be shocked by what you’ll find. Check us out online, with fast delivery available Canada-wide.

When Is HDMI 2.1 Better than HDMI 2.0?

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Dynamic HRD, eARC, VRR, and QMS are acronyms not often heard in everyday language. In designing home theater systems, they’re important when buying HDMI cables for your TV and gaming consoles.

Why are they important to know – let’s have a look.

Technical Jargon And What It Means

  • Let’s start with Dynamic HRD (High Dynamic Range).

For a video display, Dynamic HRD ensures that your experience on a frame-by-frame basis will have the ideal depth, detail, brightness, and contrast. In other words, you see the game or video in the way the developers designed it for you to view.

  • Now, there’s eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

Ever played a game or watched a video where the speech to what you see on the screen isn’t in sync? The sound from your TV’s speakers isn’t so good? eARC solves these issues by connecting the TV to a compatible AV receiver or soundbar with less cables. This makes for a much clearer sound.

  • VRR stands for ‘Variable Refresh Rate’.

Seeing 2 frames at the same time? 60 Hz, or 60FPS (Frames Per Second), is the standard viewing for monitors and TVs. HDMI 2.1 cables clock in at 48Gbps, whereas HDMI 2.0 is 18Gbps. The increase in bandwidth transfers more information at higher resolution and frame rates eliminating this lag.

  • Lastly, there’s QMS or Quick Media Switching.

Seeing a blank screen as you change from video to gaming? Your components will re-sync to match the frame rate difference from TV to video, therefore creating a blank screen in between modes. All HDMI 2.1 cables have the feature of QMS through a VRR mechanism that makes this switch seamless with no blank screens.

Should I Upgrade To HDMI 2.1?

The first question you must ask yourself is, “Do I need this to run my components?”.

Some newer gaming systems and TVs are equipped with HDMI 2.1 compliant ports. The bandwidth we talked about earlier is an important factor to consider. The higher the bandwidth the greater the resolution and frame refresh rate.

Unless you are an avid gamer with a TV with HDMI 2.1 ports already, you won’t need these HDMI 2.1 cables just yet, but eventually you will need them to experience the video content at its best.

Since HDMI 2.1 is backwards compatible, they will work with your current systems. The only disadvantage is the slower frames per second if your current devices are not HDMI 2.1 supported.

If you are seeking the best experiences in video or gaming and looking to buy into 8K TVs once available in the mainstream market, then ideally having the HDMI 2.1 cables would be of benefit as they incorporate all of the above qualities.

Shop high-quality HDMI cables and more for your home theater or gaming systems at PrimeCables.ca.

USB 3.0 and Why It Matters

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USB 3.0 cables are among the most advanced on the market today. Of course, there are many types of USB cables (i.e. Type-A, Type-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, and Type-C). When mixed in along designations (2.0, 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2), it can all be a little confusing. Here’s why USB 3.0 is such an important standard.

It’s All About Speed

USB cables are used to connect devices like smartphones and tablets to your computer or charging station. They transfer power to your devices, and also data to and from. You can use USB cables for downloading files to your phone or printer, and uploading files, such as photos, to your computer from your phone or camera, and a lot more.

USB 2.0 cables are the older generation of USB cables, and are slower than the USB 3.0 SuperSpeed cables. Though 2.0 is fine, 3.0 is much, much faster. Not all devices are able to support the 3.0 series, but those that can are able to see theoretical transfer speeds of 5 Gigabits per second, approximately ten times faster than the 2.0 cables.

Types of USB Cables

Most manufacturers use the color blue on the cables and ports, and sometimes have the initials SS (SuperSpeed) printed near the port.

Currently, there are four main types of USB 3.0 cables available.

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USB Type-A

This is the standard type of USB cable, mostly used for transfer from a host such as a desktop computer to a smaller device, such as a phone or music player.

USB Type-B

The Type-B connector has a square end, and is usually used for connecting printers or hard drives to computers.

USB Micro-A

The Micro-A cable is smaller and usually used for smartphones and other portable devices.

USB Micro-B

The Micro-B cable looks just like the Micro-A and is used for the same purposes. It’s compatible with the Micro-A as well.

USB Cable Compatibilities

  • The Type-A cable is compatible only with the USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 receptors and ports.
  • Type-B cables are not compatible with older Type-B receptors and ports. However, some of the older models are compatible with USB 3.0 receptacles.
  • Micro-A and Micro-B are compatible only with USB 3.0 Micro AB receptacles.
  • USB 2.0 Micro-A plugs are compatible with USB 3.0 Micro AB receptacles.

An important note is that both devices should be compatible with USB 3.0 in the first place, to improve performance and ease of use. This is the only way for a USB 3.0 cable to do its job.

Advancements in the Technology

In 2013, manufacturers released the USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ version, which was said to have theoretical speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second.

In 2017, manufacturers released the USB 3.2 version boasting theoretical speeds of up to 20 Gigabits per second.

Any way you look at it, the future is fast, and it is compact, and it’s coming our way. Are you prepared? Buy premium USB 3.0 cables today at PrimeCables.ca.

What HDMI Cable For Gaming Should I Buy For My Console?

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Gaming, one of the best pastimes out there and you’ll want to make sure your game is uninterrupted.

How do we accomplish this? HDMI cables used in gaming allow us to plug into the latest and greatest of 4K TV, and soon to be 8K TVs.

Why Is the Game Streaming Slow or Stopping and Starting?

Some of us look at that funny-looking little port connecting our graphics cards and wonder, “What does that do?”

That port, with an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable allows our gaming system to transmit the digital audio and video from our gaming system to our monitor, TV or projector. Without this HDMI cable. you would be staring at a blank screen with no sound. Doesn’t sound too much like fun, does it? Having a decent quality HDMI cable will allow the process of the game to stream the way it was designed to do, giving you the best experience in gaming that you can have.

How Do I Know Which Cable Is Right for My System?

With the overwhelming options of HDMI cables, you need to make sure of what your gaming system is trying to handle. If you have the latest next-generation gaming console, then you will need to step up to HDMI 2.1.

Although this type of cable is not necessary now unless you are planning on obtaining an 8K TV. Keeping in mind that HDMI cables are backward-compatible, this means if you have a newer gaming console with an older TV that isn’t HDMI 2.1 ready the games will still play perfectly well. You also don’t need to go outside of your budget to achieve great gaming.

I’m At The Store, Now What Do I Do?

Packaging and salespeople take advantage of fancy pictures, words, and tech-specs that a lot of people don’t understand.

Basically, the higher the bandwidth, the greater resolution and the higher the frame rates. The frame rates on games are displayed when you launch the game, usually grayed out in a corner. Take advantage of matching or exceeding the frame rate of the game to FPS (Frames per second) listed on the HDMI cables.

If the bandwidth listed on the HDMI cable package is rated 60Hz then you know that the refresh rate of the game on the screen while playing is 60 FPS.

The 2.1 version of HDMI cables can carry resolutions of 120 FPS, giving a clear and improved streaming picture. This is a good option if you are looking to upgrade your console and/or TV in the future.

You don’t need fancy gimmicks or fast-talking salespeople to choose a great HDMI cable for your gaming console. A bit of research is all you need before you shop. As for ‘gold plated HDMI cables’, they don’t perform any better than regular HDMI cables, expensive does not necessarily mean better.

Shop high-quality premium HDMI cables and more at PrimeCables.ca.

How Do I Know What USB Cable to Buy for My Device?

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Chances are, if you have electronic devices in your home, you’ve also got a collection of USB cables of all different types cluttering up your drawers.

While USB cables were originally intended to be universal (hence the name Universal Serial Bus cables), as technology has advanced, so has the data transfer and charging needs of each new device.

What Types of USB Cables are Available?

There are a few different types of USB cables, all based on compatible ports (the parts where you plug the cords in), on the host (the power/data supply), and the receptor (the device being charged or updated).

Original USB Types

  • Type-A USB cables are the original USB cables, and they were designed to fit everything back in the day.
  • Type-B USB cables have more of a square end, and are used to plug in to peripheral devices, such as hard drives and home printers.
  • Type-A and Type-B cables also have mini and micro versions of themselves to service smaller devices.
  • There may also be adapters available for these cables to increase the versatility of your cord collection.

Newer USB Technology

Type-C USB cables are likely to be the future in USB cables. Both ends are the same, and they cannot be plugged in backwards or upside down. A bonus is that these cables are capable of transferring power and data two ways, not just one way. As more devices become compatible with Type-C, users will be able to toss a lot of their old cables and can streamline their charging areas. This has already happened in a lot of cases as USB-C has been adopted as the new standard.

Different Charging Cables

The “pin style” USB lightning charging cables are dedicated to Apple products and are only compatible with these devices.

Differences Between USB 2.0 and 3.0?

The number across USB designations refers to the amount of power or voltage and the amounts of data that the cord can transfer. USB 3.0 cables have more speed and capacity than the older 2.0 cables.

Can All USB Cables Transfer Power and Data?

Yes. These cables contain two dedicated wires: one to transfer power and the other to handle data. That being said, not all USB ports are able to transfer or receive data. Some are designed to only transfer power, in order to recharge the device attached.

Which Cords to Buy?

Once you’ve determined the type of cord required, (Type-A, Type-B or Type-C), the next step is to decide upon the speed and capacity needed for your device. With this information, you’ll be able to power up your electronics quickly and easily.

Buy premium USB cables for smartphones, tablets, and more from PrimeCables.ca.

3 Reasons To Buy An HDMI To VGA Cable Adapter

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There are many different types of cables that you need to connect your computer to your devices. Components vary, and every setup has different needs.

Back in the day, the most common type of port was the VGA output. This was used to connect analog computers to analog monitors or televisions.

These days, VGA outputs are not as commonly used, but they are not yet obsolete. With the advent of HDTV, HDMI cables are the thing, but there may still be uses for VGA cables.

What Is A VGA Connector?

VGA stands for ‘video graphics array’. This connector works with devices that use graphics cards, including televisions, monitors, projectors and laptops.

These connectors were analog-based and were a bit fussy to use. You could not plug in or remove the connector while the computer was running, and the components were delicate and easy to damage.

VGA cables supplied video but not audio, so a separate setup was needed if you needed sound with your display.

What Is An HDMI Cable?

HDMI cables include both video and audio components, and these days, almost all devices are HDMI compatible.

Older devices may still be analog, however, and may need an adapter for everything to work together.

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3 Reasons To Use An HDMI To VGA Adapter

The HDMI to VGA converter or adapter will enable you to connect devices that use different video setups.
Audio will not be transmitted, so another setup for audio will be necessary. There are three reasons you
may wish to buy this adapter.

  • Gaming: No need to toss those older games. If you still enjoy playing them, the VGA adapter will enable you to connect them to your displays. Different consoles may need different adapters, of course, so it’s best to research what you’ll need in order to get the best results.
  • Using Older Displays: These adapters will enable you to connect your computer to an older monitor if needed, or a television to a laptop.
  • Older Projectors And Video Editing: The adapter will enable you to transmit pictures from your computer to a projector, and will let you access older videos as well. Audio will not be transmitted, so separate cables may be required.

Do You Need An HDMI to VGA Adapter For Your Home?

Using adapters, it is possible to use older technology with newer technology. Some research is required to make sure you’re using the right cables, and the quality is likely to be inferior to today’s imaging, but the capabilities do exist.

Buy HDMI adapters online in Canada from PrimeCables.ca. See HDMI, VGA, DVI, USB, and lots more.