Blogs

The Advantages of a Soundbar with DTS:X or Dolby Atmos

A little known secret that will help you enjoy (and experience) a movie or television show to its fullest is to improve your home theatre audio.

A great way to do this is to add a soundbar to your setup. But when buying said soundbar, make sure you look for one that uses either DTS:X or Dolby Atmos. These are competing sound technologies that both have the same goal, and that is to enhance and improve your viewing experience.

The FRAME TV… Hanging artwork AND a television

Sometimes we live all of our lives with odd things that we just don't notice.

While these oddities may fly beneath our consciousness for years or even decades, once sometimes points them out to us, we can never "un-see" them again.

Prepare to have your eyes opened….

Home security camera considerations

Our home is our castle, our fortress of solitude, our safe place, right?

Sadly, that is not necessarily always the case since the world is a scary and unpredictable place.

If you’re at the point that you want to add an extra layer of security for yourself and your loved ones in the form of security cameras then you have come to the right place.

What are the different types of home theatre screens and the material used?

Is there anything cooler than having your very own home theatre?

If the time has come for you to start the journey from designing and setting up your very own in home theatre experience, you will naturally want (need?) to get the best audio and video experience you can.

Laser, short throw laser and lamp style home theatre projector differences.

In a separate blog post we discussed options when it comes to the actual screens and the materials used in home theatres, and in continuing on the home theatre theme today we are going to cover the projector itself.

As we write this, there are three main types of home theatre projectors to consider: laser, short throw laser and lamp style. Here we will explain what each is and hopefully help bring you closer to deciding which is the best option for you.

What are the differences between various battery voltages when buying an e-bike

Simply put e-bikes are awesome on multiple levels.

They make getting exercise easier, are fun as heck and just generally help people get out of the house for more outdoor time. But before you run out and purchase an e-bike there are several things to consider.

Today we’ll touch on what to know when it comes to the different voltages offered by various e-bikes.

The pros and cons of e bikes with fat tires.

Fat tire e-bikes… most peoples first response is “what the heck is that?”.

While there is evidence of fat tire “regular” bicycles existing since the early 1900’s, it was the 1980’s where these bicycles started appearing again with any frequency.

Over the last decade or so fat tire “regular” bicycles have started to become more and more mainstream, and not surprisingly the e-bikes industry quickly realized this and started to integrate them into their offerings as well.

Specific criteria that makes marine sound equipment boat and water worthy.

Imagine you’re enjoying an awesome day out on the water on your boat.

The sun is shining, the water is calm (or wild… whichever you prefer), you’re loaded full of appropriate food and drink and you are surrounded by people you enjoy.

But there is one thing that is still missing…

Tunes!

Improving car audio without ripping out your existing sound system.

While here at Kawartha TV and Stereo we must concede that many of the vehicle manufacturers have consistently been improving their “stock” audio offerings over the last several years in most of the vehicles they offer, as audiophiles we still know that what you typically get in your new car, truck or SUV when it comes to performance is dramatically lacking when compared to what it could be.

Why should you buy Sonos sound equipment?

By any measure, Sonos sound equipment is simply spectacular. In our opinion they have earned and deserve every ounce of their reputation as a home audio sound leader.

Here at Kawartha TV and Stereo we confidently make this statement without any hesitation, and today we’ll discuss several of the advantages that should make Sonos speakers and equipment high on your prospective list the next time your sound shopping.

Sonos’s new Dolby Atmos ERA 300 speaker series.

Sonos is renowned for its high quality speakers and the sound they provide, but the third generation of Sonos speakers, being the Dolby Atmos ERA 300 speakers are on an entire other level!

The first thing you will undoubtedly notice in the ERA 300 speakers are their design. They’re gorgeous and a net positive aesthetically to your home. As anyone with any appreciation of design or style quickly finds out, the design any styling of most available speaker systems range from grim to borderline acceptable, so the ERA 300 is a definite something that takes what is often lacking in speakers and makes a dramatic difference in your home.

Is there a sound difference between bluetooth and wi-fi?

Yes… there is, there are many differences, all of which combine to create a pretty substantial difference.

When it comes to the the specifics that differentiate bluetooth and wi-fi, particularly when you are considering streaming music, there is a sound quality (and other factors we’ll discuss here today) that are undeniable.

Samsung’s new Terrace outdoor QLED TV’s.

While we’re not really sure when outdoor televisions were first created (and oddly enough the answer to that question seems to be somewhat Google-proof), here at Kawartha TV and Stereo we definitely found that the outdoor television industry started getting more popular and mainstream as the flatscreen television industry started gaining popularity.

What is quantum dot OLED?

Quantum dot OLED, or QD OLED as some people refer to it, is display technology that is now being offered in televisions and it offers a definite step forward in television technology when it comes to everything from picture quality, color accuracy, contrast and brightness.

Basically, with the exception of sound, Quantum dot OLED improves on everything most people want in a television!

While the technology involved gets pretty involved (the quantum dots absorb blue light emitted by the OLED and emit it at different wavelengths, creating a wider range of colors), to summarize quantum dot OLED basically improves upon regular OLED televisions by delivering

What is artificial intelligence scaling technology when it comes to tv?

While opinions vary on almost anything, when it comes to televisions, the biggest criteria you should be concerned with is the image quality that it delivers.

The brighter, clearer and crisper that the image is, the better.

While television manufactures have been steadily improving image quality and capability since the very first televisions were introduced to the general public over half a century ago, they still strive to improve.

What is the March electronics lull?

Who doesn’t like a deal (particularly on electronics)?

Often, we are asked if there is a more opportune time of the year than another to get a deal on electronics?

Really there isn’t a simple answer to this as sales, discounts and promotions can (and do) happen at almost any time of year.

But having said that, there is one window of time that has a tendency to be a bit more fiscally advantageous than others at least when it comes to electronics.

Looking for a deal on a television?

Looking for a deal on a television for your bedroom, cottage, children's den or even your living room?

Well today we're going to let you in on a bit of a secret that not many people are aware of.

Believe it or not, Kawartha TV and Stereo sells "not new" televisions.

You’re probably wondering what a "not new" television is.

What products end up in your clearance center?

Kawartha TV and Stereo prides itself on offering top quality products at extremely competitive pricing.

From the moment an item is placed into our inventory and onto our floor or website it is priced to offer the best value possible to our customers.

But even with that, occasionally some things need to be reduced even further to move.

The ultimate outdoor sound system

Spring has arrived!

So, since we are all going to start spending more time outdoors entertaining guests, dining, dancing, partying and generally enjoying ourselves again for the foreseeable future (well for 6 or so months anyways till we all hunker down again ;-) this is the perfect time for us to suggest the ultimate outdoor music system for your yard.

Paradigms garden oasis essentials outdoor sound system.

Sony's 360 degree spatial sound mapping system

The very first Academy Awards was held in 1929.

The best picture in that inaugural show was won by a movie called “Wings”, which was a silent film about World War I fighter pilots. Interestingly this was the ONLY silent film to ever win the Best Picture award.

Why is that?

Rumour has it that this is because as of the 2nd Academy Awards the Academy began requiring that all films submitted for the award be accompanied by a sound recording.

What is a mini LED television, and would you want one?

Would you be wrong to start to think that most (if not all) of the technological innovations that can be applied to televisions have basically been done?

While that day may yet come (arguable) as we write this the new innovations just keep on coming.

Consider mini LED televisions.

While you are probably aware of LED televisions (which have been readily available for several years now), the next generation of LED is apparently "mini".

Tips for choosing holiday gifts for anyone on your list for 2023.

December 25 (aka: Christmas) happens each and every year, and consistent with this, scores of people scratch their heads as they try to determine the ideal gift for family and loved ones.

As we move towards Christmas 2023 (hey, it's never TOO soon to start your planning) we'd like to share a few tips for getting the perfect technology related gift for Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Brothers or anyone else you have to buy for.

• Upgrade based on their interests: What is your recipient interested in? Can you upgrade something they already have with the newest, latest and greatest. Even if you find replacing their current headphones with a newer better set a bit pointless (or excessive), to an audiophile, they’ll likely be thrilled with that upgraded gift!

Why do most people buy a vehicle dash cam?

Why would someone want a dash cam?

At one point having a dash cam may have been closer to crazy than common sense (back when words like civility, kindness and defensive driving were actually something people cared about when they got behind a wheel of a car), that point is long since in the past.

Now anyone getting on the road is never far from a dose of hostility, aggression and carelessness.

Why Dyson vacuums are awesome and you should want one.

Roughly thirty years ago (in 1993) the first Dyson vacuum was released to the public, and the boring and mundane world of vacuums was never the same again!

James Dyson, a British inventor and entrepreneur was (according to his own account) frustrated with his bag vacuum which lost suction power as the bag progressive filled with dirt and debris. He wanted a vacuum that would maintain strong suction throughout the cleaning process.

5,127 prototypes later (in 1993, almost 3o years ago), he developed and introduced to the market the first Dyson dual cyclone vacuum.

The advantages of purchasing Dyson refurbished vacuums.

Considering a Dyson vacuum? Did you know Dyson sells refurbished units to the market?

Let's start by clarifying what a refurbished Dyson actually is compared to a new Dyson.Refurbished Dyson vacuums are units that were sold (so they were pre-owned) and returned to Dyson. When they are returned to Dyson the vacuums are restored to good working condition and are then resold. New Dyson vacuums, on the other hand, have never been used and are sold directly from the manufacturer.

Panasonic's 4 in 1 microwave oven

For many "culinarily challenged" people a microwave can be a veritable a life saver! By some arguments there are many students, bachelors (and yes, bachelorettes) that would never eat a warm meal again if they didn’t have access to a microwave!

Even for those individuals who fall into the category of kitchen wizards, the humble microwave is something almost everyone will use on a daily basis.

Introduced almost seventy years ago 1955, you would be hard pressed to walk into almost any kitchen and not find one of these ever present devices.

Things microwave shoppers should know

If you have a kitchen, you almost assuredly have what is (arguably) the most ever-present appliance known to humankind… the mighty microwave!

And while for most people a microwave is just a microwave… believe it or not if and when it comes time to shop for a new one there are many things to consider.

When considering your next microwave purchase you will find that there are 4 types to choose from. Countertop, over the range, built in and finally convection.

How to listen to TV as loud as you want without disturbing others

You have probably never heard the name Philo Farnsworth, but his invention has changed yours (and most everyone else’s) life in countless ways.

Philo created the first electronic television way back in 1927.

It took just over a decade before those TV's (as they were soon to be called) were actually found in the general populations homes.

Television was a complete game changer for both families as well as society in general as it completely transformed how homes and families functioned in countless ways. Many of those changes still endure to this day.

Noise cancelling headphones? Aren't all headphones noise cancelling?

Who hasn't heard about or seen advertisements for noise cancelling headphones?

For years now we've been hearing about this new technology.

We were recently speaking with a customer about noise cancelling headphones and at one point in the conversation the customer said to us in a puzzled manner "aren't all headphones noise cancelling?".

So today we thought we’d explain a bit better about what noise cancelling headphone technology is so you can have a clearer understanding regarding what the difference is between noise cancelling and regular headphones.

Want to upgrade to a modern car infotainment system?

While it may seem hard to believe, some vehicles out on the road today do NOT have infotainment systems.

Hard to imagine? How is this possible in this day and age?

There can be many reasons.

• Some manufacturers only offer the fancy infotainment systems with upgraded packages. "Oh you don't want the leather interior, sunroof and upgraded rims $8,000 package? Sorry thats the only way you get the touch screen system".
• Believe it or not, it wasn't that long ago that many models didn't even offer infotainment systems. Many of those vehicles are still on the road and have tens of thousands of kilometres of life left in them.

3 options to improve your existing car audio sound.

While it is unbelievable to the team here at Kawartha TV and Stereo, there are some people who actually appreciate the sound of silence.

We're not talking about the Simon and Garfunkel song, we're talking about the actual Sound - Of - Silence.

In our opinion it's tragic that anyone could actually feel that way. Why anyone wouldn't want to listen to their favourite music, particularly when driving is beyond us.

However if you are one of the people that the Kawartha TV and STEREO team understands (and likes), you will want to squeeze the most out of every single note from every single song when it comes to your car audio.

What is dirty power?

Who doesn't love power? The more power the better right?

But not all power is good power. One only has to think about the countless list of politicians, rulers, CEO’s etc., who have abused their power).

Fortunately as well all know, the power that comes from your wall in the form of electricity is pure, clean and consistent.

Or is it?

Yes, dirty power is actually a thing when it comes to the electricity in your home.

Things to know before buying an air conditioner

Welcome to Ontario where it gets hotter than hot and humid as heck each and every year.

On top of this the temperature has been rising overall since the late 1970’s, so if it seems like its constantly getting hotter, it is!

Having said all of that, there is only one logical conclusion. Air conditioners are a must (some even consider them a bare human necessity!).

But before you go running out and buy an air conditioner to bring your home back to temperatures that are livable, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Outdoor speaker options for your outdoor living space

Picture this…

Its a beautiful Saturday afternoon with perfect weather (not too hot and not too cold). You've invited friends and family over to enjoy the magnificent day, fire up the barbecue and perhaps enjoy a few drinks.

By most any measure, you are officially having a party (or at the very least a "get together").

And what does every party (or get together) need beyond the food and drink we’ve already mentioned?

Options when it comes to outdoor televisions.

A true outdoor oasis just cannot be considered complete without a few things…

• Lighting (if you’re doing this right you’ll definitely be out past dark),
• Water (hot tub or pool will suffice),
• Shelter (cabana ideally or deluxe pool shed at the least),
• and those bare necessities (bathroom, sink, fridge/ cooler etc.)

Riding E-bikes in Ontario (and Peterborough!)

Riding motorcycles is possibly one of the most exhilarating and exciting things anyone can do on a city road.

You get to experience the wind in your face, the freedom, the speed… and in general just the overall excitement.

By any measure riding a motorcycle is a thrill each and every time you get on one.

But there are a couple of issues.

How to get in shape, have fun and save a fortune in fuel (all at the same time)?

What if the team here at Kawartha TV and Stereo was able to give you plan that would allow you to become healthier, happier and richer?

That is like the North American dream on steroids!

Well great news, because today we are going to give you a strategy that will deliver on each of the three points above.

Buy an e-bike.

Does better speaker cable deliver better sound?

Some arguments (differences of opinions?) have existed for decades and it is extremely unlikely that they will ever come to a final resolution. Here are two as examples;

• Which is better, peanut butter or jelly?
• Are Ford vehicles actually better than Chevrolets (or vice versa)?

But today here at Kawartha TV and Stereo we’re going to do out best to lay to rest one issue that has plagued the sound industry since not long after the very first sound speaker was created.

What can a high end HDMI cable offer?

For many people a HDMI cable is seen as little more than just as a basic connector. Something that they don't give a moments notice or thought to.

Other people know better.

Today we'll discuss some of the things a high end HDMI cable can offer that will not only make a difference but that will make you absolutely want to invest in a better one.

Two things you should know before buying a record turntable

For decades if you wanted to listen to music in your home, it involved placing a plate sized vinyl disk on a turntable and "dropping the needle".

Then somewhere in the late 1980's technology started to change (as it always does) and compact disc (CD) players quickly started to replace the turntables that had ruled the home music scene for most of the previous decade.

The home turntable was dead, gone and buried. A relic that had been relegated to the dust bin of history like so many other outdated technologies before it.

Why in a digital world vinyl albums have become so incredibly popular?

There is a saying that everything old is new again.

Humans are famous for having the new shiny object syndrome where we forget about the current things we love for the new better option.

Vinyl records were unquestionably a victim of this.

Back in the late 1980's the much more shiny chrome coloured compact disc (CD) came out and all but wiped the comparatively massive dark coloured vinyl records off the map.

Two things to know before shopping for a new television (& One thing you should add to your television purchase!).

Way back when televisions were square boxes with screens only marginally larger than a modern day iPads, there really wasn’t much to discuss when people were shopping for a new TV.

How big did you want it to be (a 21 inch screen was big back then) and depending upon how far back we’re talking about, if you really wanted to show off to friends and family, you’d get one of those new fangled remote controls (which may, or may not have, had a wire that connected it to the television).

Today, there is enough technology in televisions to confuse even the savviest of shoppers.

QLED vs OLED. What's the difference?

If you've been television shopping recently you’ve likely had more than a few acronyms and bizarre technology terms thrown at you.

Two that you should be aware of and understand are QLED and OLED. These are two competing television technologies that directly impact the overall viewing experience in ways that few if any other elements you'll consider do.

So, what is the difference between QLED and OLED televisions?

Should consider a 8K television (even though there isn't a lot of 8k content)?

In a recent conversation on the showroom floor here at Kawartha TV and Stereo a couple of customers had expressed an interest in purchasing an 8k TV, however they had voiced a concern that was holding them back.

They were hesitant to invest in 8k due to the lack of available 8k content.

It wasn't the first time we'd come across this issue, so it has prompted us to share some thoughts on whether you should invest in an 8k television now, or wait till 8k content is more mainstream.

What is television screen resolution and what difference does it make for your viewing experience?

Looking to purchase a new television? Prepare yourself for technology information overload!

Anyone shopping for a new television can quickly become overwhelmed with a barrage of things to consider.

One of the most common things you’ll come across, and consequently one of questions we get asked most often about is… what does 1080p (or 4k, or 8k) actually mean/ refer to?

Why should someone get a projector over a television?

With all other things being equal if you could go out to watch a movie on a medium sized screen or a massive screen, which would you choose?

Your answer is obvious (and assumed)…

You'd naturally go with the bigger screen because the experience is much more immersive.

Multi room wireless speaker systems. What they are, how they work and more.

Would you like to bring your home to life in a completely different and unique way?

Change your homes overall feel and dynamic?

Then you should look into adding a multi room wireless speaker system to your home because multi room wireless speaker systems do both of the things we just mentioned and more.

How local businesses can compete in a world of big box stores?

Fifty years ago, when the first iteration of what would become Kawartha TV and Stereo opened (Fun fact: Kawartha was originally a sewing machine store), if someone used the term "Big Box" odds are they were actually describing a large… box.

Flash forward a few decades and the term Big Box took on an entirely different meaning.

Seemingly by design, the big box concept and strategy was a rather menacing one.