Author Archive
Its Official – Gorge Audio/Video Beats Geek Squad Every Time
Pricing: As you can see, base rates appear to be fair, but simple add-ons such as connecting a device to the network or mounting to a special surface incurs hefty charges. Between cable up-sells and flat fees like these, an average installation could cost $700 or more. Gorge Audio/Video simply installs on either an hourly basis, or offers a contract price depending on the exact configuration that is not based on flat fees but instead the time it should take.
Installation: Notice in the graph above, Geek Squad does not conceal the power cord in the wall! This is because they do not have certified electricians like Gorge Audio/Video is. Not only this, but Geek Squad’s services end with Home Theater and Computers. Gorge Audio/Video does multi-room integrated audio/video, data networks, telephone, lighting control, HVAC control, touch-panels, streaming music/video integration, central vacuum, whole-house automation, intercom and a lot more!
Experience/ Training: Best Buy does not have a formal training program but rather intallers learn as they go. Gorge Audio/Video technicians’s training is far-ranging. This includes being certified by the manufacturers whose product we sell. This way we know all the ins and outs of a product before showing up at a job.
Product Range: Best Buy manufactures a number of their own products including flat panel TVs and peripherals. This skews their sales toward their own product, even though it may not be best in it’s category. Gorge Audio/Video sells a wide ranging selection of product. We stay on top of product trends and being in the field day in day out lets us recommend only the best.
Support: When calling for service or other general help, there are no automated phone attendants or waiting on hold to be taken care of with Gorge Audio/Video. Not only this, but when expanding or servicing a system becomes necessary, rest assured that the same installer and designer will be around for the work to eliminate redundancy. With 150,000 employees to choose from, a call or visit from the Geek Squad cannot possibly beat our customer service.
Design/Consult: Gorge Audio/Video offers free initial consultation and basic design. The same cannot be said of our competition. http://www.geeksquad.com/services/tvVideo/service.aspx?id=2889
10 Smart Consumer Electronic Tips for the Home
-
- Wire for everything now…even wireless – If you are building or remodeling a home, start with a plan for future wiring needs. Wire is necessary to support wireless applications. While no one can guarantee what the future will look like, Electronic System Professionals make it their business to stay current to offer expert advice about technologies on the horizon.
- Insist on integrated systems – Make sure the electronic equipment you are buying can be hooked up together and operated with one, easy to use control system. Systems that communicate simplify your life and offer peace of mind by “watching” over your home.
- Integrate lighting and heating control – Going green meets convenience. Get the most out of your system with the least amount of energy consumption. System integration provides automatic energy-efficient adjustments saving you time and money.
- Think with your wallet, but lead with your head – Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost effective attributes that you can build into a home.
- Buy an experience, not a box – Find an electronic systems contractor that allows you to test drive the entire system or at least experience the thrill of a high performance system. Few people have the time to research and evaluate all the hardware choices. It’s smarter to focus on the end result and make your choices based upon overall performance and value.
- Simplify your controls – Easy to use, all-in-one remote controls are available for any system. You can even have them custom programmed so they make perfect sense to you. New technologies offer control from other devices and even through Internet browsers anywhere in the world.
- Increase your expectations – Your home electronics system is a big investment and you deserve to be satisfied with it. A good ESC professional will provide you with extensive options, comprehensive designs, complete installation and especially, in-home service for your systems.
- Think “green” – By utilizing green practices, you can save money by having a more energy efficient system and help save the planet. Ask a professional about how you can “go green” in your home.
- Ensure the experts work together for you – Maximize your home’s electronic systems capabilities by having your architect, builder or remodeler, and interior designer collaborate and partner with an electronic systems contractor from the beginning of the planning process.
- Consult a professional – Today’s integrated electronic systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features. Select an electronic systems contractor you can trust and who will support your electronic integration needs for years. Having a long-term relationship with one professional will maximize the reliability and enjoyment of your home’s electronic systems.
Why structured wiring systems make sense for a new or existing home
Structured wiring systems gather your telephone, hardwired data network, and video distribution to one central location, often in the form of a recessed panel much like your electrical panel. By giving each room its own “home-run” of any combination of voice/video/data, maximum flexibility is allowed. Telephone could be distributed to all rooms, with VOIP coming from the office only to the kitchen, or vice versa, or any combination in between. Satellite TV signals could be sent from the living room to the master bedroom, spare bedroom and more. A hardwired data network can be deployed for the new generation of streaming video devices, with maximum security, throughput, and reliability. All with wiring in the walls instead of the outside of your house.
The beauty of “distributed video” systems
This installation is one of many TVs in a home, each of which is able to view the same content as the others, independently of the others. Using this configuration, one could play a movie in the living room, and resume it in the bedroom right before bedtime! Or check in on what is being watched in another room, even watch recorded content from the kitchen in the Living room, or the garage, all in HD. Perhaps you want surveillance to be viewed on each display as well. Another benefit is that the TV is the only interface in the room. No ugly black boxes below, no external wiring, and no need to point remotes at certain devices. Call us today for more info on a distributed video system and how they work.
Use the space above your fireplace for a Home Theater system!
The space above your fireplace is often a great place for a display, and of course nothing better accompanies an HDTV than HD audio. Even if no wire is place, there is almost always a way to retrofit wire without showing any exposed wiring, adding beauty and value to your home or place of work. This installation uses a highly regarded Panasonic Plasma (ask us about plasma vs LCD) and an Onkyo HTiB audio package. The Onkyo systems surpass the competition by using a true separates approach, letting you replace or upgrade one piece at a time, rather than the whole system at once.
The value of a properly designed racking system
The value of a rack system
A properly designed racking system can address many issues. This includes thermal considerations, security, serviceability, cable management, aesthetics, and more.