Where to Mount your TV Wall Mount in the Home for Maximum Viewing

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Unpacking your new TV wall mount, you likely already have ideas on where you want to install it. As you begin to set up though, you may find the studs aren’t where you expect them to be, sunlight may be an issue, or you may be facing safety hazards. Even a lightweight flat-screen can easily weigh 20 or 30 pounds. You don’t want it falling off the wall because the mount is not properly affixed. Here are some things to consider when mounting your TV wall mount.

The traditional mounting places for a TV wall mount.

Mounting your TV in the living room across from the couch is traditional. That said, you’ll want to consider where your light sources are, including window and lamps. Do you think the light from the window could create glare on your flat-screen during the day – if so, you might want to change the location. If your wall’s brick, that could also complicate things compared to mounting on drywall which simply requires you to find the studs. Ultimately, wherever you install your wall mount, maximize it for your comfort.

More unique mounting places for a TV mount.

There are other places to mount the TV in the home but you always want to be aware of what’s around it and the risks. For example, the kitchen is a popular place to mount a TV but you may have splatter from cooking or steam damage it. Alternatively, if you mount your TV outside, this involves navigating many hazards. A home gym, a man-cave in the basement, a she-shed, or bathroom are all areas that need to be evaluated for possible complications.

Where you should never put a TV wall mount.

Don’t put a TV wall mount anywhere that is not safe or comfortable. If it’s not securely mounted to studs, don’t do it. Also, if your TV’s too close to the ground and there’s a risk of a toddler or pet knocking it over, or if it’s somewhere with cables hanging down, you may wish to re-adjust where you’re putting it. Although you can mount a TV over a fireplace, you should have a fireplace-specific TV wall mount to ensure there’s no risk of electronics or cables being exposed to heat.

Shop the ultimate selection of TV wall mounts in Canada from PrimeCables. Find the perfect mount for your home and enjoy entertainment in a whole new light! Also, there’s ‘free shipping’ applied on all orders above $49.

See the Best TV Antennas in Canada for Rural Areas

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If you’re living in a rural area, your regular HDTV antenna might not necessarily give very many channels. The best outdoor TV antennas in Canada for rural properties are always going to be one with a sizeable range to them, which are installable outside, and which provide the best signal. PrimeCables shares several outdoor HDTV antennas with its consumers and these are sold every day to Canadians across the country.

Antennas-for-HDTV-Wireless-High-Gain-VHF-UHF-Combo-HDTV-Outdoor-Antenna

There’s a lot to consider with TV antennas, especially if you’re living in a rural part of Canada. Before buying anything, go online and search out your location to see what channels you’re eligible to receive. Some locations are further out from a broadcast tower than others. Ideally, locate your nearest broadcast towers. If they’re outside of a 75-mile range you may be challenged to find a lot of channels on any outdoor TV antenna. Even so, all hope’s not lost.

 

Although an indoor TV antenna may be able to pick up some channels, if you’re living rurally, outdoor high-definition TV antennas are your best bet. The range is oftentimes wider, both in different receptions received as well as in distance. An outdoor antenna is always going to have more going for it than an indoor antenna so living in a rural environment, installing an antenna outdoors is where you want to focus your attention on.

 

Price is absolutely a consideration and at PrimeCables, we know that more than most. As a discount eCommerce Canadian-based retailer, we do our best to offer the highest quality electronics, home theater accessories, and HDTV antennas at a fraction of what you’ll pay elsewhere. Shopping our indoor and outdoor TV antennas, you’ll find some models priced as low as under-$10 although you’ll most definitely want not-the-cheapest antenna if you’re searching channels from a rural property.

 

After you have your outdoor TV antenna, you may need to experiment with it a little bit to see what channels you can receive. Make adjustments and re-scan. Some Canadians are able to receive up to 20 channels or more, depending on what’s in between your property and the nearest broadcast tower as well as where you sit in distance from the tower. It’s evidently trickier cutting the cord from a rural property however between what you receive on an HDTV antenna and anything you can receive through an Internet connection, it’s often more than enough!

 

Shop your indoor and outdoor HDTV antennas today from Canada’s own PrimeCables. Receive fast, free shipping on all orders above $49 and there are free returns on any home theater purchase!

How to Set Up and Use an Ethernet Connection on an Apple iPad

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Did you know you have the potential to use Ethernet on your iPad – you actually do. Just follow these steps to learn how to use a USB-C port on your Apple iPad to act as a portal to Ethernet. If you don’t have a USB-C port, unfortunately, you don’t have a way to connect to fast Ethernet. For the fortunate owners of the 2018 iPad Pro and similar models however, whether you’re on the road or using it at home, hooking up to a wired connection is simple.

 

The first thing you need is a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. This will be a device that provides you the opportunity to essentially convert your USB-C port into an Ethernet port. Using this adapter, you can then connect an Ethernet cable to the adapter. Lastly, just connect the Ethernet network cable to the router and you’re good to go. Setup is as easy as that. Now, go into your settings. You should be seeing a connection over Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi or cellular. Prior to using Ethernet on your iPad, be sure to turn off your WiFi completely just to make sure you’re not connected through a wireless connection.

 

The last thing we would recommend doing, especially if this is your first time using an iPad to connect to Ethernet, is to verify you are connected. Simply open up your ‘Settings’ app. Then, assuming you were successful in connecting, there will be an Ethernet menu item somewhere there. Click on it and tap on your USB-C Ethernet adapter. You should see your IP address and DNS. If you need to set up a proxy for whatever reason, you can do so here. If you don’t need a proxy, you’ve done everything you need to do to verify your Ethernet is working. If you do find there to be an issue, simply unplug everything from your iPad and re-connect.

 

The beauty about an Ethernet connection on an iPad is that you don’t really need to do much. Apple products in general are very easy to connect. As long as you have a working USB-to-Ethernet adapter, that’s all you need. You can also re-purpose this USB-to-Ethernet on any product with a USB port to connect it to Ethernet. Technically, it may also work with a tablet or smartphone or any kind as long as it has that USB port you absolutely 100% need. Buy yours today from PrimeCables, and browse other accessories and cables including USB-C cables, Ethernet networking cables, and more.

Did you Know Sit-Stand Desks can Help you Lose Weight and Stay Skinny – it can!

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A common question received regarding sit-standing desks is whether they can really help someone lose weight or not. Recent research in the Applied Ergonomics journal helped shine a light on the potential of sit-stand desks.

It’s no secret that looking at a standing desk, it’s promoting someone to stand and create movement. The more we move, the more calories we burn – theoretically speaking. Many people believe that height adjustable desks can work to help office workers keep their bodies engaged while they remain sedentary.

Being sedentary is well understood to raise the risks of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and premature death. Some research published has even associated prolonged sitting with up to 430,000 deaths a year worldwide. Also, when we sit, it interferes with our ability to regulate blood pressure and metabolize fat as well.

A recent study amalgamated the results of 53 studies examining the benefits of sit-stand desks, motivated to find the truth behind the popular ergonomic office furniture. Some believe it helps with weight loss while others dispute the claim. The study examined sit-standing desks across six categories – behaviour, physiological, work performance, psychological, discomfort, and posture. The results show that although people using sit-stand desks tended to spend more time standing than individuals using regular desks, it did not necessarily result in weight loss every time.

The health benefits of sit-stand desks are numerous, including relieving low back pain relief and decreasing blood pressure overall. That said, when it comes to weight loss, the results just aren’t there to conclude every person who uses ergonomic desks will experience weight loss. Although some will, others won’t. What the study also showed was that sit-stand desks did improve comfort level and behaviour tremendously. If you’re a worker who is concerned about your comfort and/or who wants to attempt to use it as a weight loss strategy, the researchers of this paper are not necessarily saying not to do it. In other words, go for it!

The big takeaway of the Applied Ergonomics study is ultimately that someone who has an ergonomic desk is not going to magically lose weight. In the same way that someone switching to healthy dieting is not magically going to melt off the pounds. There are several factors which go into weight loss, any of which can affect a person. As proper usage differs from person to person in an office setting, using your sit-stand desk the correct way at the suggested dosages likely does produce a difference in weight loss. If you’re interested in a height adjustable ergonomic sit-standing desk, shop yours at PrimeCables.

Here are your Completed Ethernet Types – the Differences between Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7

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In the world of Ethernet, there’s a lot of misunderstanding between what Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7 cables are.

Ethernet itself is the wire through which Internet passes through. Any Internet cable is effectively an Ethernet cable. Internet network installers and system integrators, they’re likely familiar with Cat5e and Cat6 cables. Both of which are equipped with RJ-45 connectors which makes them easy to swap in-and-out. They are also the industry standard right now, in home and business Internet connections. That said, speeds are increasing and Internet needs are growing which means a new upgraded standard is coming to be. That’s where Cat7 cables come in.

 

Each of these cables operate a little different, with subtle changes in their design and capability. Category 5e Ethernet cables are UTP-style, have a bandwidth of 100 MHz, and have a max data transfer speed of 10/100/1,000 Mbps. Category 6 Ethernet cables are UTP-style or STP-style, maintains a max data transfer rate of 10,000 Mbps, and is capable of handling a maximum bandwidth of 250 MHz or 500 MHz depending on whether it’s a Cat6 cable or Cat6a cable. Category 7 Ethernet cables utilize a S/FTP-design, a maximum bandwidth of 600 MHz, and they carry a maximum data transmission speed of 10,000 Mbps.

 

Cat5e cables are similar to the Cat5 standard however are a little more advanced. The ‘E’ indicates ‘enhanced’. The design involves better low-noise standards meaning less crosstalk interference from adjacent wires. Cat5e cables are the most common Ethernet network cable used as they’re cost-effective, support an Internet speed faster than what most homes are capable of, and are flexible for small space installations.

 

Cat6 cables are a sizeable improvement over Cat5e cables, carrying significant increases on speed and higher frequencies. The Cat6 cable is more tightly wound as well, sports a thicker sheath in comparison, and has other design improvements. For offices, small businesses, and commercial environments, Cat6 cables are recommended as they provide a stronger performance in this type of high-need workspace.

 

Lastly, Cat7 cables are the Ethernet cable of the future and have been approved as the cable standard in telecommunications. They have extensive shielding, are relatively stiff, and thereby, can be difficult to install. Please note that Cat6a cables perform almost just as well as any Cat7 cable and can be purchased at a lower price so if you have your eyes set on Cat7s, we recommend going with some Cat 6a network cables instead.

 

Shop your favourite Ethernet cables at PrimeCables and receive them at a fraction of the cost you’ll pay elsewhere. Also, any time you shop with PrimeCables, enjoy fast, free shipping to anywhere in Canada on all orders above $49.

Understanding Cat6 Ethernet Cable for your Internet Cable Knowledge

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Replacing your Cat5 and Cat5e networking cables is a smart move as Internet speeds are increasing. Cat6 Ethernet cables are far and away an installation you won’t regret making.

 

Considered the sixth generation of Ethernet cables, Cat6 cables are used today across thousands of homes and buildings all over Canada. Cat6 Ethernet cables are also ‘backwards compatible’ with the Cat5 and Cat5e standard ensuring that any sort of replacement or connection that needs to be made is easily done.

 

Cat6 cables, otherwise known as ‘Category 6’ cables, support Gigabit Ethernet data transfer at one gigabit per second. Up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections can be accommodated over a distance of 164 feet per cable. Inside, you’ll notice 4 pairs of copper wire, used to obtain the highest level of performance. You’ll see that Cat6 cables also carry with them the same RJ-45 connector found on all Ethernet cables.

 

Now, there is an enhanced version of Cat6 cables which are known as Cat6a or ‘Category 6 Augmented’. The augmented version of the Cat6 cable enables 10 Gigabit Ethernet data rates over a single cable run of up to 328 feet – roughly double the distance the original Cat6 cable can handle. If you have the right speed with Cat6 cables but are concerned about distance, Cat6a cables are added certainty. Cat 6a cables cost a little more and are generally thicker however they’re well worth the purchase for some residents.

 

As an alternative to Cat6 Ethernet cables, you may choose to go with Cat5 or Cat5e cables. Although they come at a slightly lower cost, Cat5 cables aren’t as fast as the Cat6 cables. Cat5 cables also lack the advanced technology of their counterpart. For the average home, Cat5e cables are oftentimes enough to get by. For commercial enterprises and business environments, Cat6 cables are a necessity as they provide more support and will carry the high Internet speeds shared on the network. The only limitation on Cat6 cables are the length at which they can perform at before the data transfer rates begin to go down. Alternatively, if you’re replacing Cat5 cables, you’ll immediately notice a big difference in Internet speeds as it’s like day and night. Cat6 cables are up to 10 times faster than Cat5 cables.

 

For high-speed Cat6 Ethernet network cables, there’s only one place in Canada to go and PrimeCables is where it’s at. Shop your Ethernet network needs at PrimeCables and receive fast, free shipping on all orders above $49.

How to Wire Ethernet Cables

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Wiring your own Ethernet cables and connectors can be a good skill to have while saving some time. What you need is, first, your chosen Ethernet cable – whether that’s Cat5 cables, Cat5e cables, Cat6 cables, Cat6a cables, or Cat7 cables. Then, you’ll need some wire cutters, some RJ45s, a cable tester to verify the connection post-installation, and either a punch-down tool if you have fixed wiring or a modular connector crimper for patch cables.

 

How to wire Ethernet patch cables starts with stripping off 2 inches of the sheath. You can untwist the pairs down to what you have exposed. Align the colored wires appropriately. Trim all wires down to the same length, leaving 1/2″ exposed from the sheath. Insert the wires into the RJ45 plug and ensure everything’s connected correctly. Now, crimp the RJ45 plug with the crimper tool. Verify everything’s in place and that the wires are extended to the front of the RJ45 plug. Next, cut the Ethernet cable to length and repeat all these steps again for the second RJ45 plug.

 

How to wire fixed Ethernet cables begins with running the full length of the cable in place, from end to end, leaving some excess. Then, cut the wire to length on one end ensuring some length is left but not too much. Then, strip off 2 inches of the Ethernet cable sheath. Align the colored wires according to design. Use your punch down tools to insert each wire into the jack. Lastly, repeat the above steps for the second RJ45 jack.

 

When it comes down to it, this is the way to wire Ethernet cables. If you’re looking for bulk supplies of Ethernet cables to wire with, pick up your favored length at PrimeCables. You can browse a range of Cat5 cables through to Cat7 cables all available at different lengths. Cat5 cables are sure to provide fast speeds, functionality, and support, particularly in residential homes. In commercial environments or places where there will be multiple people on the network using it in some intense ways, you’re going to require the Cat6 cable at least to keep up.

 

Browsing bulk Ethernet cables, you’ll notice they come in two types – solid and braided stranded cable. Stranded Ethernet cables work better in patch applications for desktop use, as it’s more flexible, more resilient, and easier to work with than solid Ethernet cables. Solid cables are wonderful for longer runs though in a fixed position. Above a ceiling or below a raised floor, solid cables are worth the investment.

 

For all sorts of Ethernet cables in bulk, visit PrimeCables today. Browse your favourites and enjoy ‘free shipping’ to anywhere in Canada on all orders above $49.

Wiring your own Ethernet cables and connectors can be a good skill to have while saving some time. What you need is, first, your chosen Ethernet cable – whether that’s Cat5 cables, Cat5e cables, Cat6 cables, Cat6a cables, or Cat7 cables. Then, you’ll need some wire cutters, some RJ45s, a cable tester to verify the connection post-installation, and either a punch-down tool if you have fixed wiring or a modular connector crimper for patch cables.

 

How to wire Ethernet patch cables starts with stripping off 2 inches of the sheath. You can untwist the pairs down to what you have exposed. Align the colored wires appropriately. Trim all wires down to the same length, leaving 1/2″ exposed from the sheath. Insert the wires into the RJ45 plug and ensure everything’s connected correctly. Now, crimp the RJ45 plug with the crimper tool. Verify everything’s in place and that the wires are extended to the front of the RJ45 plug. Next, cut the Ethernet cable to length and repeat all these steps again for the second RJ45 plug.

 

How to wire fixed Ethernet cables begins with running the full length of the cable in place, from end to end, leaving some excess. Then, cut the wire to length on one end ensuring some length is left but not too much. Then, strip off 2 inches of the Ethernet cable sheath. Align the colored wires according to design. Use your punch down tools to insert each wire into the jack. Lastly, repeat the above steps for the second RJ45 jack.

 

When it comes down to it, this is the way to wire Ethernet cables. If you’re looking for bulk supplies of Ethernet cables to wire with, pick up your favored length at PrimeCables. You can browse a range of Cat5 cables through to Cat7 cables all available at different lengths. Cat5 cables are sure to provide fast speeds, functionality, and support, particularly in residential homes. In commercial environments or places where there will be multiple people on the network using it in some intense ways, you’re going to require the Cat6 cable at least to keep up.

 

Browsing bulk Ethernet cables, you’ll notice they come in two types – solid and braided stranded cable. Stranded Ethernet cables work better in patch applications for desktop use, as it’s more flexible, more resilient, and easier to work with than solid Ethernet cables. Solid cables are wonderful for longer runs though in a fixed position. Above a ceiling or below a raised floor, solid cables are worth the investment.

 

For all sorts of Ethernet cables in bulk, visit PrimeCables today. Browse your favourites and enjoy ‘free shipping’ to anywhere in Canada on all orders above $49.