We at Cedar Mill Home Theater have noticed a huge increase in clients asking for ways to stream music from there IPHONE, IPAD, or IPOD TOUCH  to a home theater or play through out the entire house.

There are new Receiver systems that exclusively include Airplay.  Pioneer Elite, Denon, Marantz… and a few others.   We of course carry these and can even give you a demo of them. 

With These new receivers and a Wireless Internet Connection, you can sit on the couch, open up your Ipad and pick your songs that you want to hear throughout your house. 

If you already have an existing Home Theater or stereo, you may use a couple of new devices from apple to stream music to your system…   these include the APPLETV, and the AIRPORT EXPRESS.

With Apple tv you may stream audio and video to your Home Theater system from your IPAD, or IPHONE,  such as netflix, you tube, and of course MUSIC.   There is a few limitations. such as, because appletv does not provide an analog signal, you will only be able to stream it to ONE room,  not play music throught out the entire house.

There is another nice product from Apple called the airport express.  It serves as a wireless extender and as an Airplay Device.  It only streams audio and not video. Because it has an analog signal it is a prefect for streaming music throughout you entire house. 

There are also some new receivers that allow for BLUETOOTH streaming.  If you dont have an airplay capable device or you have a DROID phone instead of Iphone, you can take advantage of BT technology to stream you music to your home theater.  the only drawback is that it has limited range, and you would need to be in the same room as you home theater in order to stream the music.

We carry many new receivers with airplay and Bluetooth functionality at very low prices, and can give you many options. You may demo the functions in our store, or call for a free consultation.

This device is useful for when you need to deliver HDMI 1.4 and other signal over Long distances.  when you factor in the cost of a 40 foot HDMI cable, or even longer (hdmi looses signal over 45 feet) it just makes sense to use a single cat 5 cable up to 200 feet  to feed your tv or projector.  Also, consider the fact that hdmi is much thicker and harder to run through walls than cat 5.   It has great applications for running video to your projector,  or when you have your home theater equipment in another area besides directly below your tv, i.e. in a closet or seperate room.

From Snap AV site:

Our testing has found that the Samsung BD-C6900 and BD-P3600 Blu-Ray players are not compatible when using the HD-2CAT-130 extenders at 130 feet.  During our testing we did see some success when using these players with our HD-2CAT-130 at distances less than 80 foot.  We have found that the TDMS output signal of these players is weaker than other brands, which causes communication issues at longer distances. 

One solution to this problem is to use our B-200-1CAT-HDIR or B-200-5COAX-HD products which condition and retransmit the TDMS signals.  We recommend using the B-200-5COAX-HD which has exceptional immunity to interference, reliability at long distance (250’), high bandwidth to support current and future 3D capability, and IR pass-through for receivers and emitters.

B-200-1CAT-HDIR-2A

Binary™ Single Cat 5e/6 HDMI® 1.4 Extender Plus IR Receiver & Flasher Pass-Through (130 Ft.)
The Binary™ 1CAT HDMI 1.4a Extender is fully 3D capable with 1080p resolution up to 36 bit. With pass-through for an IR receiver and flasher, this product provides a great solution for adding HD video, multi-channel audio and full control to any TV over a single CAT5e.

• HDMI® 1.4a Compliant with Full 3D Support
  This increased bandwidth supports 7.1 channel surround sound, DTS-HD Master Audio and TrueHD high bit-rate audio, plus Deep Color Full HD 1080p 36 bit color.

Bi-Directional IR
When used with SnapAV IR flashers and receivers, you can now easily manage the source and display both to and fro over the same Cat5 as the video signal. (For guaranteed performance use only SnapAV IR Products).

High Bandwidth Chipsets
Our B-200-1CAT-HDIR uses the latest technology available to deliver high bandwidth (6.75 Gbps) for current and future 3D technology needs.

Ideal For Retrofits
Remember that job a couple years ago where you pulled CAT5e to each TV for control? Now you can use that same cable to easily retrofit HDMI and IR with the B-200-1CAT-HDIR.

 Screw Down Power Plugs
Our In-line power supply has a screw lock to secure the power to the unit. No more worries about service calls just because the plug is loose or unplugged.
 Static Electricity Protection
With a very robust circuit design, the B-200-1CAT-HDIR is protected with 19kV for human body air contact, 12kV for human body direct contact and 8kV at the core chipset. Good insurance for a long product life span.

Easy Install
The durable low-profile metal cases come equipped with integrated mounting hardware for a variety of installation needs.

Binary™ Single Cat 5e/6 HDMI® 1.4 Extender Plus IR Receiver & Flasher Pass-Through (130 Ft.)
The Binary™ 1CAT HDMI 1.4a Extender is fully 3D capable with 1080p resolution up to 36 bit. With pass-through for an IR receiver and flasher, this product provides a great solution for adding HD video, multi-channel audio and full control to any TV over a single CAT5e.

HDMI® 1.4a Compliant with Full 3D Support
This increased bandwidth supports 7.1 channel surround sound, DTS-HD Master Audio and TrueHD high bit-rate audio, plus Deep Color Full HD 1080p 36 bit color.

Bi-Directional IR
When used with SnapAV IR flashers and receivers, you can now easily manage the source and display both to and fro over the same Cat5 as the video signal. (For guaranteed performance use only SnapAV IR Products).

High Bandwidth Chipsets
Our B-200-1CAT-HDIR uses the latest technology available to deliver high bandwidth (6.75 Gbps) for current and future 3D technology needs.

Ideal For Retrofits
Remember that job a couple years ago where you pulled CAT5e to each TV for control? Now you can use that same cable to easily retrofit HDMI and IR with the B-200-1CAT-HDIR.

 Screw Down Power Plugs
Our In-line power supply has a screw lock to secure the power to the unit. No more worries about service calls just because the plug is loose or unplugged.
 Static Electricity Protection
With a very robust circuit design, the B-200-1CAT-HDIR is protected with 19kV for human body air contact, 12kV for human body direct contact and 8kV at the core chipset. Good insurance for a long product life span.

Easy Install
The durable low-profile metal cases come equipped with integrated mounting hardware for a variety of installation needs.

Elite receivers have always represented the utmost commitment to the artist’s original vision. Combining audio and video processing technologies found nowhere else in their class with multiple professional-level control options, all Elite receivers possess the capability to elevate your entertainment experience beyond what you’ve ever expected. And with an eye towards total home theater integration thanks to connectivity with analog, digital, and network sources in addition to maximum audio and video precision, these receivers are your solution for a completely unrivaled home entertainment control center.

The “Made for iPhone®” certified Pioneer Elite Receivers effortlessly incorporates your Apple® products into your home theater. And with Pioneer’s exclusive iControlAV app (downloaded separately via the Apple App Store) your iPhone or iPod touch® is transformed into a full-function remote control. Pioneer Elite Receivers offers connectivity options for all your latest high-definition home theater components, plus support for up to three zones. DLNA 1.5 support means you can stream your network-connected content to your home theater, and RS-232 support means compatibility with the latest professional home automation systems from Crestron® and Control4®. Furthermore, Pioneer Elite Receivers features an ICEpower® Class D amplifier for unparalleled response accuracy, housed within an audiophile-grade separate component chassis. Pioneer Elite Receivers brings extensive connectivity for your digital media via Ethernet and a front HDMI® input, and compatibility with Bluetooth sources (using the optional AS-BT100 adapter, sold separately).

The Ultimate iPhone Experience–Now In Your Home Theater

“Made for iPhone” Certification and Pioneer’s Exclusive Sound Retriever Provides iPhone Users the Ultimate Plug-and-Play Integration
Get a truly plug-and-play iPhone experience with your home theater. Thanks to the Pioneer Elite Receivers “Made for iPhone” certification, you can enjoy music with iTunes® album art, movies, downloaded TV shows from iTunes, photos, and more. An included USB/composite video cable makes connecting your iPhone to share your favorite media easy–and your iPhone charges automatically when connected. This included cable also works with most generations of iPod Classic, Nano, and iPod touch.

Share your videos, and enjoy music with full album information and album art on your TV. Your iPhone device’s wireless and network features remain fully functional and music and movies will mute when you receive an incoming call. And you’ve got lots of control options–use the iPhone directly, or push a single button on a Pioneer Elite Receivers front panel to switch control to the included preset remote and an intuitive, full-color GUI.

Plus, your iPhone device’s music will always sound its best thanks to Pioneer’s exclusive Advanced Sound Retriever technology, which restores lost data in compressed music files. So even in a big room, you’ll get much closer to the artist’s original intent from you iPhone, iPod or other MP3 player. And Auto Level Control means a smooth, consistent listening experience with no jarring volume changes between your favorite songs and albums.

Pioneer’s Free iPhone App Turns Your iPhone or iPod touch into a Powerful Control CenterPioneer’s iControlAV (free download from Apple’s App Store) gives you total control over your home theater sound. With controls for master and per-zone volume, sound fields, and more, you’ve got a simple but powerful way to adjust your home theater sound any way you like.

The iPhone and iPod touch’s accelerometer are used to control balance, bass and dialogue–no confusing sequence of remote buttons to remember, just tilt and maneuver your Apple portable device until the sound is right where you want it.

Where Maximum Fidelity Meets Connectivity

Access Your Portable Devices, Internet Radio, and Stream Your Digital Content with Home Media Gallery
In addition to connections for all your home theater components, a front HDMI input lets you conveniently connect high-definition devices like an HD camcorder to view your videos in all their glory in your home theater. A front USB port lets you connect your digital camera or portable media player to display a slideshow of JPEG photos on your HDTV, or play MP3, WAV, or WMA music files with full ID3 tag and album art support. Elite receivers will display up to 32 album art thumbnails on your TV, and you can scroll through them with the included remote. And your options don’t stop with your portable devices. When connected to your home network, Pioneer Elite Receivers are your portal for thousands of Internet radio stations — all just a few clicks of the remote away.

Home Media Gallery allows you to stream your network-connected content with DLNA 1.5 support.
Enjoy Rhapsody® or Sirius® Radio, stream MP3s and photos from your PC or a network-attached hard drive, and more–and you can even send it to a second zone.

Full-Color On-Screen GUI and PC Web Browser Control
There are more ways to control your Pioneer Elite Receivers than just your iPhone. There’s a full-color on-screen GUI for use with the included preset learning LCD RF remote, so you can make guided adjustments to your home theater sound. Not only that, but the SC-37 lets you connect a USB keyboard so you can rename stations for radio and Internet radio, network settings, and more. For further control, the SC-37 includes PC control software, so you can control your home theater right from your PC or laptop.

Release Your Smartphone’s Music with the AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately)
For wireless connectivity, add a Pioneer AS-BT100 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately) to release your music from your iPhone, iPad®, Blackberry®, or Android® smartphone as well as other Bluetooth-enabled sources like laptops. And Pioneer Elite Receivers Advanced Sound Retriever AIR technology restores critical audio data that is often removed from compressed audio formats, especially when transferred via Bluetooth.

How Pioneer’s Technology Delivers the Ultimate Home Theater Experience

The Latest HDMI Technology Gets You Ready for 3-D
All of Pioneer’s latest receivers support the latest HDMI 1.4a specification, meaning that you’re not just getting the most out of your existing movies and music, you’re preparing for the next generation of 3-D video content with the Pioneer Elite Receivers. And with multiple HDMI inputs, including 1 on the front panel, plus 2 HDMI outputs, you’ve got more than enough connectivity options for the growing number of high-definition sources available today. And newer Pioneer Elite Receivers support for HDMI 1.4a’s Audio Return Channel (ARC) means fewer cables needed for connecting to your home theater.

Pioneer’s Advanced Video Processing
Pioneer has long been the leader in video processing and combining. Pioneer Elite Receivers benefits even further with Marvell’s advanced Qdeo video processing, which lets you upscale your picture to digital 1080p/24fps from virtually any source, including analog.

ICEpower Class D Amplification and AIR Studios Certification
The first and only THX Ultra- and Select 2 Plus-certified Class D multi-channel amplifiers, ICE-Power’s direct energy amplifier design yields quick-response dynamic output that’s incredibly stable during multi-channel performance, all while remaining energy-efficient and cooler-running

Pioneer Elite Receivers has also benefited from Pioneer’s collaboration with the famous AIR Studios in London, where it was evaluated and modified at a prototype level to meet the very strict standards set forth by studio engineers. The trained ears at AIR Studios know first-hand what goes into an artist’s craft and their objective is perfectly in-line with that of Pioneer: to accurately reproduce in the home theater what the artist originally created in the studio.

True-to-Life, High-Definition Audio with Dolby Pro Logic IIz and THX Ultra 2 Plus
Of course all the latest Pioneer receivers support high-definition audio formats like Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD® Master Audio to give your Blu-ray Disc® movies a soundtrack that’s true-to-life. But Pioneer Elite Receivers add an extra dimension with support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz and THX Ultra 2 Plus certification for the ultimate immersive experience.

Near Studio-quality Sound with Advanced MCACC
Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) provides a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience that customizes each of the Pioneer Elite Receivers 7.1 sound channels specifically to your listening environment.

Additionally, the Auto Level Control feature can equalize volume level differences between tracks playing from a portable audio device or commercials during television programming so the volume can be enjoyed at a consistent level–no more jarring “blare” when switching audio sources.

All of these technologies come together in the Pioneer Elite Receivers to deliver an unprecedented level of control and sophistication for the serious home entertainment enthusiast.

Need to deliver 1080p over a long distance, but can’t use long-run HDMI?  No problem.  Binary introduces a new line of HDMI Extenders.

B-200-5COAX-HDIR

What If your house was wired with Coax instead of cat5?  or you need to extend HDMI  up to 250 ft?  With these  HDMI 1.3 extenders you can send your true 1080p signal along with Infra red signal  up to 250 ft.

Over the past 15 years, we have seen many house pre-wired with component or coax jumper cable instead of hdmi.  Also,  we have seen Pre-installed projecters that are run with special 5-wire component or just coax jumpers in Theater Rooms.

The extenders are the perfect solution for converting to HDMI 1.3  or for upgrading older style projecters to HDMI  with true 1080p signal.

HD-1CAT-108P-50

Need to deliver 1080p up to 50 feet without breaking the budget? Looking for an HDMI Extender that doesn’t require a power outlet at the receiving end? The HDMI-1CAT-1080P-50 solves your problem

HD-2CAT-1080P-130

These extenders allow you to run cat5 up to 130 ft.  and then covert the signal to HDMI 1.3.

Perfect for situations where cat5 was either pre-isntalled in a home or you need to run HDMIover very long istances.   Binary ensures true 1080p signal.

Call us for pricing and installation at (503) 626-2435

Let us here at CEDAR MILL HOME THEATER help you with all aspects of your Home theater system. From Initial Consultation, System Design, Installation, Customer Training, and After Installation Customer Service.

10 Basics of a HOME THEATER SYSTEM

Home theater is an exciting entertainment option that immerses the home owner in their viewing and listening experience. Your home theater can be something as simple as a 27-inch TV and a home theater-in-a-box system, or a sophisticated custom-built system with video projector and in-wall speakers. However, there is a lot to consider in-between.

Here are the items you need for a well-balanced Home Theater:

1. The Room:

The first place to start is the room you intend to place your home theater in. The size of the room will determine the size and type of video display device (TV or projector) that would be best to use. However, whether your room is large or small, additional questions to consider include:

How much ambient light is present?

Is the room carpeted or not carpeted?

What type of wall construction do you have?

Will you be placing your components in free space, or will you be housing your components in a cabinet or closet and installing your speakers in the wall or ceiling?

Where will you be sitting in relation to the screen image?

Before embarking on buying your actual home theater components, especially for a medium-to-high end system, it might be a good idea to consult with us at Cedar Mill Home Theater. We will come onsite and assess your room and address the above questions

The installer can make useful suggestions on components or installation concepts that will work best in your room environment, keeping in mind your own specific budgetary considerations.

2. The Video Display Device:

This is the first actual component to consider. After-all, the idea of home theater is to bring the movie theater experience home. The most important element of this experience is the visual experience of viewing a large image on a screen. This is where you have a choice of:

• A large screen traditional CRT-based television.
• A Rear-projection Television
• A Flat Panel LCD or Plasma Television.
• A Video Projector/Screen Combination.

The actual size of the room will help determine the size of screen that can be accommodated. From there, you need to decide what type of video display device would be most appropriate.

In addition, at this point in time, with increase in the amount of available HDTV programming sources, as well as HD source components, consider HD-compatible Televisions or Video projectors instead of a traditional analog television. HD-compatible Televisions and video projectors will deliver the most from new HD sources, but will also work with your older analog components, such as a VCR.

3. Audio Reproduction – Home Theater Receiver or Preamp/Amp Combination:

The next essential element of movie theater experience is sound. The way this is implemented in the home theater environment is with either an AV receiver or Preamplifier/Amplifier combination.

An AV Receiver usually combines the functions of three components:

• A radio tuner for AM/FM and, in some cases, HD (High Definition Radio) or XM-Satellite Radio.
• A Preamplifier that switches and controls which audio and video source is selected (such as a DVD player, VCR, CD player, etc…) and processes the incoming stereo or surround sound signals and distributes them to the correct amplifier channels and the subwoofer output. The preamp in an AV receiver can also route video signals coming from source components (such as a DVD player) and direct the video signal to the television.
• A built-in Multi-channel amplifier (5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channels) that sends the surround sound signals and power to the speaker system.

AV Receiver or Separate Components

The AV receiver is the heart of a home theater system and provides most, if not all, the inputs and outputs that you connect everything, including your television, into. An AV Receiver provides an easy and cost-effective way of centralizing your home theater system.

However, in many higher-end installations, the functions of an AV Receiver are often provided by separate components: Preamp/Processor, Tuner, and either a single multi-channel amplifier or even separate amplifiers for each channel. Such a setup provides more flexibility in switching out and/or upgrading the separate aspects of the system as well as isolating any interference that is caused by having all these functions combined in a signal chassis and sharing the same power supply. For the average consumer, however, a good AV Receiver will function just fine.

4. Loudspeakers:

The next element in assembling your home theater system are the loudspeakers. Just as the size and type of room dictates the type of video display device you need, the same factors also affect the speakers you need for your home theater. Two key points to remember:

• Before you buy – listen to several types of speaker setups.
• Consider buying the same brand and related model speakers for your home theater. This will insure that you will have a better acoustical match between both the speakers and the room.

5. A Subwoofer:

A subwoofer is a specialized speaker that only reproduces the extreme low frequencies present in movies or music. There are several types of subwoofers, and, once again, the size and type of room, and issues such as whether the room is carpeted or not will help you determine which subwoofer is right for you. Once again, you need to perform listening tests.

6. Source Components:

At a minimum, you need some type of DVD player for your home theater. Two things to consider in a DVD player: Progressive Scan and Upscaling capability. This will insure you get the best possible image from your DVDs, especially if you are viewing them on an HDTV.

Since all DVD players can play CDs, you many not need a CD player. However, having a separate CD-only player in a home theater system is quite common, especially if it is a high-end unit providing better CD audio performance.

In addition, you may also want to include a DVD recorder or DVD recorder/VCR combination in lieu of your old VCR. However, you can still use your old VCR with your home theater.

In addition, you need to decide how you will receive your primary television programming: Antenna, Cable, or Satellite.

7. Surge Protector:

Surge protectors are the unsung heroes of home theater. Although they are not foolproof, providing your system with some sort of surge protection is a good idea. You never know when you might have a sudden power outage, or even a brown out that may affect your system.

8. Connection Cables and Speaker Wire:

You can’t have a home theater unless everything is connected; whether you buy basic connection cables and speaker wire or the really high-end stuff. The main things to consider is to use the right type, right length, and to connect everything correctly. Some connections are color coded – make sure the colors on the cable ends match the connections on your components – this makes life a lot easier.

In terms of speaker cable, the gauge of the cable can be a factor, depending on the distance the speakers are from the amplifier or AV receiver. I use 16 or 14 gauge speaker wire myself. 18 gauge is very thin and should not be used for longer distances.

9. Universal Remote Control:

One of the most confusing parts of a home theater is not all components and the connections, but actually managing and controlling it. Each component comes with its own remote, leading to a collection that can number half-a-dozen or more. One solution is to opt for a sophisticated, but easy to use, universal remote that can control most of the functions of each of your components. After the initial hurdle of programming the remote for your system, such a device will enable everyone in the family to use the home theater system without frustration.

10. Furniture:

You have a fancy home theater system, now you need some comfortable furniture that will make you want to spend your time with your home theater. Your furniture can be of the traditional sofa and chair variety, or you can opt for specialized home theater furniture that includes features such as built-in cup holders and extra-overstuffed padding.

Final Take

There you have it, the basic elements of a well-balanced home theater. There is no home theater that is exactly like another, everyone has different rooms, budgets, brand preferences, and decorative tastes when it comes to home theater. The key thing is to keep the basic elements of a well-balanced home theater in mind, while assembling it according to your own needs and tastes.