Tag: home theatre

How To Buy the Right Amplifier For My Home Theater Sound System

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

Home theater amplifiers vary in price from under $100 to over $2,000. What you need for high-quality sound is often less expensive than what you probably think. You don’t need a fancy branded amplifier for the best sound.

There Are A Lot of Variables

The performance you get from a high-quality audio amplifier relies on the right cables and speakers. If your sound is terrible, it’s not necessarily because of the amplifier though it can be. Speakers vary in size. You must have the power from the amplifier to maximize sound quality.

How Do You Connect An Amplifier?

An amplifier connects very simply. There is a type of wire called speaker wire. It is what’s used to transfer audio from the amplifier to the speaker. If you have multiple speakers and subwoofer, things look more complicated than they actually are. It’s all done through speaker wire.

Naturally, you can blend speaker wire in visually with other wire and cables you may have, i.e. HDMI.

What is the Right Amplifier For Me?

There are dozens of great-quality amplifiers for home theater sound, such as the following.

  • A mini-amplifier dual-channel with 30 watts is a starting point for home theater users. Assuming you don’t have massive speakers that need good-quality sound, a mini amplifier’s often all you need. 30 watts is more than enough.
  • There are also tub amplifiers with 25 watts of stereo power. This is a hybrid hi-fi speaker amplifier with Bluetooth capability. This can be particularly fun if you want to have Bluetooth connections and don’t have any other way to get there.
  • On the other end of the spectrum, for professional-grade audio use, you have the Monoprice 300-watt studio audio amplifier. To have something like this for general home theater use is going way, way overboard. This is for making music in a studio. A home entertainment system needs nowhere near this amount of power.
  • Almost equal in power is the 200-watt Class D Bluetooth speaker amplifier from PrimeCables.ca. Again, 200 watts of power is a lot. If you intend to really use your home theater speakers or are pushing them to their limits, it doesn’t hurt to have all this power backing you up.

The beautiful thing about amplifiers is that they connect by speaker wire. This means you can connect an amplifier to almost any speaker system. You don’t need a specific speaker-and-amplifier combination. You can mix-and-match.

Shop home theater sound system amplifiers and speaker systems at PrimeCables.ca. You have dozens of possible options to equip your flat-screen and speakers with the best in sound and affordably priced.

What Alternatives to TV Wall Mounts Exist

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

TV wall mounts are one of the easiest ways to provide your flat-screen secure placement in a home theater configuration. For all their advantages though, sometimes, you’ll want an alternative. Here are a few non-wall mounts that provide a different way to position your television.

Try A Ceiling Mount

You may remember seeing a heavy-duty TV ceiling mount at the gym, a doctor’s office, or a similar small business setting. They can be used in homes as well though. Do you not have the support or studs to mount a TV against the wall – look to the ceiling instead.

Try A Tabletop Stand

A universal tabletop TV stand holds your flat-screen off the table and suspends it in air in a very theatrical way. This helps to free up space on a table and creates a fun presentation for your television regardless of whether you’re using a table, dresser, shelf, or whatever surface that’s available.

Try A TV Stand

A universal TV stand like this presents similar to a tabletop TV stand but without the mounting aspect. They are generally a little cheaper and will secure your flat-screen similarly in place. They’re adaptable to different TV VESA specifications, another advantage to using one.

Try A Slim TV Cart

A slim TV cart, or slim TV stand for flat-screens, creates a freestanding heavy-duty structure to mount a flat-screen without drilling any holes in the wall. You can push this TV stand against the wall or hold it in the middle of the room. You’re essentially creating a hook on which a TV can stand.

Try A Mobile TV Cart

A mobile TV cart is essentially a lighter version of a slim TV cart and it’s on wheels. They’re used often for business presentations and in conference rooms but can be repositioned into a residential home theater setup. This is ideal for homes that are using a home theater space for varying activities and may need to occasionally move their flat-screen out of the way.

Do You Need A TV Wall Mount?

These are the best alternatives to TV wall mounts that create a similar sort of home theater experience.

Needless to say, you have options. No matter how large your TV is, there are likely a few possibilities out there that may be of assistance in creating the right vibe for a home theater setup. Via PrimeCables.ca, you also have a number of mounts for shelving, speakers, and other home theater products, consoles, and tech devices.

If you’re unsure of where to buy mounts for home theater, please visit PrimeCables.ca today to browse the varieties of both mounts and alternatives to TV wall mounts, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages.

Types of TV Wall Mounts You Can Use to Upgrade Your Flat-Screen

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

Your flat-screen mounted is an instant upgrade on any home theater presentation. It’s more theatrical. It feels more luxurious.

A TV wall mount is also ergonomic, positioning your flat-screen at a more natural angle for everyone in the room to admire.

There are different types of TV wall mounts, of course. Each offers a different set of features a home may find advantageous, depending on the available space, size of the flat-screen, and where in the room the window is.

Curved v. Flat TV Wall Mounts

If you have a curved flat-screen, ensure the type of wall mount you are buying can hold something curved. Few models can. Most are designed to carry flat-screens and that’s it.

If you have a flat screen, you have a much wider selection of mounts. Just ensure the rest of a screen’s specifications align and that you have the sort of functionality you want, be it a tilt or articulating full-motion.

Tilting TV Wall Mounts

There are some very basic TV wall mounts that essentially treat your flat-screen like a painting. Ideally, a TV wall mount with a tilt is what you want to get. A tilt is beneficial because when a screen’s mounted, the light source or light from the window will create glare. A tilt avoids that.

Taking up no extra space, tilting your TV in a very slight way can also aid in creating a more attractive aesthetic.

Size And Weight

TV wall mounts get separated into categories also by size and weight. Certain mounts can only carry a certain maximum weight. Your flat-screen is also equipped with pre-drilled holes, recognized by a number known as VESA.

Your VESA number measures the distance between mounting holes, something which is key to getting the right mount.

Full-Motion Articulating TV Wall Mount

A full-motion articulating TV wall mount gives you all the functionality you want in a mount. Designed for commercial applications, large rooms, and areas with extended sitting areas, articulating TV wall mounts can generally extend, tilt, swivel, and rotate, allowing you to re-arrange your screen however you see fit.

Full-motion mounts are preferred by most people, as they provide the best adaptability to watching alone or with friends.

Can You Mount Any Size TV?

You can in essence mount just about any size television so long as you have the right TV wall mount. Even larger TVs weighing 100s of pounds can be mounted with a large heavy-duty tilt mount.

All TV wall mounts get mounted more or less in the same way. Find the studs in the wall. Drill the mounting bracket or plate into place. Ensure the second plate is connected to your screen. Connect them. Secure them. That’s it!

Shop for TV wall mounts today at PrimeCables.ca. See dozens of brands and varieties. Your home theater deserves the upgrade!

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

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

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?

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

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.

Time To Use A Wireless Multimedia Keyboard For Your Home Theater System – Read Here!

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

For home theater lovers, PC users, and mobile devices, one can easily accumulate multiple remotes. Every console has a remote, as does every Android box, HD player, cable box, and screen. You’ll need a basket to carry all those!

A wireless multimedia keyboard is a cheap alternative, aligning the uses of various devices in a single remote.

These are a go-to when you’re operating a home theater PC, aka HTPC. For systems where browsing the Internet, controlling a smart TV or Android media player, and gaming consoles are mixed together in the same room, an HTPC keyboard is a necessity.

The best wireless home theater keyboards are, fortunately, those that are cheap, simple, and efficient.

What Are the Different Parts Of An HTPC Keyboard?

An HTPC keyboard is made up of several different components. You have a keyboard just like what you use for your computer. You also have a multi-touch touchpad that allows you to manipulate your flat-screen similar to a touchscreen.

You also have navigational controls for up, down, left, and right, and of course ‘play’, ‘stop’, ‘rewind’, and ‘forward’.

Mini 2.4GHz Portable Wireless Multimedia Keyboard with Multi-Touch Touchpad Mouse – PrimeCables®

What Can You Use With A Wireless Multimedia Keyboard?

A mini 2.4GHz wireless keyboard works with a variety of devices, including the following.

– XBOX360
– PS3
– HD Players
– Blu-Ray Players
– Android TV Boxes
– Smart TVs
– HTPC Systems
– IPTV Systems
– KODI
– PLEX
– XBMC
– PCs
– MacOS

What to Look For In A Home Theater Keyboard

A keyboard for a home theater system comes in various sizes and specifications. A mini 2.4GHz keyboard is preferred by many because of its high functionality but also for its pocket size. Comparatively, there are full-size remotes that are similar in design.

You may also have some preference in the shape of the HTPC keyboard. An integrated touchpad’s something that isn’t included in every wireless keyboard. Eliminating this cuts down on size, however, means you will need a mouse to complete the same home theater maneuvers.

Battery type matters. Being wireless, you don’t want to be replacing batteries regularly or recharging your keyboard after every use.

A mini wireless keyboard requires either 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. You want effective connectivity. Some want a backlit keyboard so that they can use it in the dark. Some remotes do not have this functionality.

Upgrade your home theater system with a mini wireless HTPC keyboard from PrimeCables.ca. Complete with keyboard, touchpad, and mouse, you have everything you need to enjoy full control over your screen. Plug and play, get yours today.

See the Best Home Theater Products for Small Apartments And Condos

ShopperPlusLeave a comment

You can quickly destroy the organization of a small apartment or condo in seconds. Just the teeniest of clutter can cause chaos and unpleasantness around a home theater system. To maintain harmony, great care has to be taken. Here are the best home theater products for condos and small apartments to help provide a quality, minimalist take on the traditional entertainment room.

Mounts

Mounts are the ultimate space-saver in home theater design. The most popular type is TV wall mounts. There are also speaker mounts wherein you can mount your speaker system. Mounted shelving provides plenty of space to put Android boxes, gaming consoles, and home theater accessories.

HDTV Antennas

When talking about HDTV antennas, a lot of people think about these large metallic beams installed on the roof. Sure, those exist! There are also indoor HDTV antennas no thicker than a chapter book. They offer free over-the-air TV and can be stationed almost in hiding.

Multimedia Keyboard

If you have multiple consoles, PCs, HD players, Android boxes, or home theater devices to manage, a 2.4GHz wireless keyboard is the only remote control you will ever need. With a keyboard, touchpad, and connection to everything, it’s a must-have.

Mini 2.4GHz Portable Wireless Multimedia Keyboard with Multi-Touch Touchpad Mouse – PrimeCables®

Home Theater Projector

Most of us will want a flat-screen. It’s understandable. It’s the latest in tech. A home theater projector can be far more affordable, still deliver high-definition video and audio, and saves space.

Home Theater Speaker Sets

There are a wide array of speaker systems, all relatively small. If you want to use the most minimal space, try a Bluetooth stereo soundbar which is a single line of speaker and subwoofer. Alternatively, in-wall speakers are another option though if you rent, you need permission to cut into the wall.

2.1 Bluetooth Multimedia Stereo Powered Speaker and Subwoofer Set – PrimeCables®

HDMI, USB, etc.

Ensure you have the right home theater cables for your entertainment system. This can involve HDMI cables, USB cables, Ethernet cables, DisplayPort, or various audio-video cables. Also, adapters can work if you are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to finding the cables you need.

Cable Management

Home theater cables are a lot of trouble. If you have one or two cable management systems in place, you’ve got lots of options to conceal cables and have your home theater area look cleaner. There are cable ties and hooks, mounts and clips, hangers and ducts, sleeves, and rackmounts.

Your home theater ecosystem is something to be protected. Don’t let the space get cramped. Everyone is different. Find out what’s important to you and what’s essential to your home theater experience. Visit PrimeCables.ca to find deals on home theater products like these and much more.

Is Your Home Theater System Everything You Want it to be – The Best Deals in Canada are Here!

ThereseLeave a comment

We don’t blame you if you take a look at your home theater and think to yourself, this doesn’t make me happy. Everything from lack of affordability and lack of space to a lack of access to the right products means Canadians don’t always have the sort of home theater they want.

September is PrimeCables’ annual Home Theater Month sale, promising deals and discounts readymade for home theater enthusiasts tired of dealing with the same old junk. Save money, space, and time, and shop with us this month. Here’s just a few of the products you can pick up on sale, without breaking the bank.

Bluetooth multimedia stereo speakers

High quality sound awaits you when you upgrade to a Bluetooth setup. This allows you to enjoy home theater audio as crisp and clear as can be as well as to connect your smartphone or alternate devices whenever you want. All through Bluetooth so there’s no wires needed! Listen to podcasts, music, watch movies, sports, news, concerts, and more – all in amazing sound.

PrimeCables® Bluetooth Multimedia Stereo Speakers & Subwoofer Set

ON SALE

4K UHD TV 55” home theater ready

If you’re in the market for a new flat-screen TV, you can’t go wrong with the discounted 55” 4K home theater TV available exclusively from PrimeCables. In addition to supporting the most advanced picture quality commercially available to consumers currently, there’s enough HDMI inputs to plug in whatever device, console, media streaming box, audio system, or otherwise.

PrimeCables® 4K UHD TV 55”

Wireless multimedia keyboard

If you’re getting heavy in on home theater accessories and entertainment setups, and there’s multiple inputs or computers to manage, you can simplify everything with a portable wireless multimedia keyboard remote. This gives you one remote for everything from your laptop to the flat-screen, video game console, media player, Internet, Android TV box, and whatever else you need. Super inexpensive, you’ll be glad you have it and you can throw away any old clunky remotes.

PrimeCables® Wireless Multimedia Keyboard

Projector and projector screen

If you’re looking to make a sizeable difference in your home entertainment system, switch out a flat-screen for a projector and projector screen. A widescreen HD projector is readymade to deliver high quality video and audio, in a big way. Expand your video size as you see fit. No boundaries exist as to the size of the picture. It becomes just like going to the movies. If you’re watching in a basement or a low light situation, this is an amazing upgrade even if it’s a bit of a bigger cost commitment.

PrimeCables® 108″ Projector Screen

Find the best home theater deals in Canada from PrimeCables this September and grab your favourites before they expire! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give yourself a home theater system you’ll fall in love with and never want to leave your seat for.

Why a Sound Bar Might Be Better than a Surround Sound System for Your TV Screen

Therese1 Comment

Advanced audio is an underappreciated aspect of any viewing experience, whether it’s watching a movie, a sports game, or enjoying a video game. The meticulous delivery of sound’s appreciated by those who have an ear for it. When it’s spot-on, we don’t really notice. Once you’ve heard excellent quality audio though, it’s hard to forget it.

For years, it was all about 5.1 channel surround sound speakers. For luxury, passionate home theater lovers, this was the optimum sound they could achieve. In this audio setup, they could enjoy character dialogue in movies, the roar of the crowd in a sports game, and take in smartly designed audio sounds of things like rain, wind, and other environmental delights. These days though, audio’s gone somewhere new and that’s sound bars.

A sound bar is a single product. It’s a long bar, similar to a piece of wood. It hangs mounted underneath your flat-screen and projects sound all around the room. For a lot of flat-screen owners, they’re choosing a sound bar over a surround sound speaker system. One of the biggest reasons is that it’s space-saving. You don’t need a speaker stand or speaker mount to hang speakers on. All you need is a mount to get your sound bar on the wall and then, you’re good!

PrimeCables® Stereo Sound Bar with Bluetooth 2.0

Contrary to how it may appear as well, a high quality sound bar isn’t sacrificing any audio quality. Using advanced algorithms in design, a sound bar delivers sound to all over the room with ease. Is it surround sound? Not really. Because it’s a single speaker design, there’s nothing surround about it. However working within the confines of non-surround audio, the actual quality is still absurdly high and something everyone can appreciate.

PrimeCables® Stereo Bluetooth Sound Bar with Wired Subwoofer

Another huge benefit is that a lot of these designs are Bluetooth enabled. When you have a Bluetooth home theater sound bar, you can easily sync up devices like a smartphone to broadcast podcasts, music, and more. Instantly, you transcend from an average home entertainment setup to something you can use around the house with many different devices. Believe us when we say that after you have a Bluetooth setup, you’ll find it hard to ever imagine things were different.

If you’re in a small condo or apartment and need to maximize space, are looking for a change from your current home theater audio setup, or simply want more functionality to your entertainment and media consumption habits at home, check out a Bluetooth sound bar.You’re missing out, right now. Did you know PrimeCables’ Home Theater Month is providing discounts and deals all September long? Find exclusives on both sound bars and surround sound speakers for a limited time only. With only days left, pick up yours right here, right now.

How to Run Speaker Wires for Home Theater Speakers

Therese1 Comment

So you got some speaker wire for a home theater system you want to lay down. It’s not hard to lay down speaker wire but how to run wire down successfully through a room without having it outright noticeable is where a lot of debate can happen.

There are ultimately three basic ways to run speaker wire for a speaker system in a home. Homeowners either choose one or a combination to get the job done. There’s running the wires along baseboards and baseboard moulding, there’s running wires using crown moulding, and there’s also running your wires using crawlspace or attic access.

The simplest way to install speaker wire is to use the baseboards. If you have a carpeted room, choose this. Carpets are typically laid down using tack strips a half-inch from the wall. This gives you a built-in channel to use. Just be careful, when laying the carpet back down after you’ve installed the wiring, to not puncture the wiring. If you intend to use speakers wall mounted, you might be able to run the wire through a hole in the wall and down the wall cavity. For some, this can be an option.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to run wire down through a crawlspace or attic, you may also require the services of an electrician. Assuming you’re free from any regulations preventing you from continuing, simply run the wire down the wall from one location to the other. The hard part will evidently be finding the right wall cavity so plan, plan, plan. If you decide to go the route of installing speaker wire using crown moulding, you’ll need to know how to properly install the moulding which is an art in and of itself. Any of these methods will work to run speaker wire. Ultimately, it’ll come down to your personal preferences and the manner in which your home is built.

Anyone serious about having the best quality surround sound audio experience for their entertainment room, speaker wire is almost a necessity. For high-end speakers, there’s nothing better. You get to customize so much with wire that’s adaptable like this. Buy the length you want, input it wherever it’s got to go, and if you ever need to update or swap some of it out, a little extra’s not far off.

For oxygen-free, copper speaker wire cable in Canada, visit PrimeCables. You can rely on PrimeCables’ speaker wires for the utmost transmission of high quality audio signals day-in and day-out.

PrimeCables® Oxygen-free Copper Speaker Wire Cable, 100 ft