Sound and Vision Blog | News, Events and Reviews

It’s Time For Your Complimentary System Check Up!

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Eric Schmidt

I am reaching out to remind you that Sound & Vision offers a full range of technology maintenance and consultation.

Today, we would like to offer our clients a complimentary system evaluation. This is a great opportunity for you to ensure your Sound & Vision system is performing optimally, protected, and up-to-date. Technology changes and improves at a very fast pace and we want to make sure you are benefiting from all the advancements made.

Click through for details and how to set up an appointment Continue reading →

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All Things Apple

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Eric Schmidt

Its no secret that Sound & Vision are massive Apple fan boys. Some going as far back as the IIC. Now I’m really dating myself. We have more solutions for control and integration with Apple products than anyone else. Want control of you home or office on or off site from your iPad or iPhone we have an App for that. Integration with Apple TV, we have an App for that. Control and monitoring from you Macbook anywhere on the planet? Yes we have an App for that. In fact we have more options than those other Mac only based systems.

We also have some of the most innovative ways of docking and charging iPads you will ever see.

If you would like to learn more about how we can integrate with your Apple centric world please contact us for a hands on demonstration.

Click through to browse some videos and images of our All Things Apple solutions.

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Upgrade from analog to digital today!

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Eric Schmidt

Get up to 100% trade in credit for any analog av distribution system.

The analog sunset is here and our new trade-in program makes it easy and affordable to upgrade to digital. Simply swap out your current analog switchers and replace them with Crestron DigitalMedia or Sonnex – no new wires or terminations – and you’re instantly in the digital world. We’re giving you up to 100% trade-in value for your analog equipment. It’s an amazing program.

Given the tremendous response, we’re kicking it up a notch. We’re expanding the trade-in program to include all analog distribution systems – even other manufacturers’ products. The process is simple and easy. One of our system designers or technicians will meet and your home or business and review what you currently have and what upgrade options are available. Contact us today to get started!

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HD Lossless Audio

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Eric Schmidt

Everyone knows that Bluray offers an amazing picture. What many people overlook is the even better audi0. The difference between Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital True HD is nearly 40 times better!! Click on the chart for some comparisons:

So what do you need to take advantage of this amazing performance? A Bluray player a Surround Sound processor with the support for these lossless formats and a capable speaker system.

Have a system that does not support Lossless Audio? Ask us about our exclusive trade-in & trade-up program ReUse.

Click through to see our favorite products from Classe, B&W, Genelec, Anthem, Integra, JL Audio and more that take full advantage of this amazing advancement in sound.

Below is a selection of what we feel is the best of the best. If you want to experience any of these fabulous products live and in person all are currently on display in our Design & Experience Center in Willowbrook IL. Contact us today to schedule a personal demonstration

Classe Audio SSP-800/CT-SSP Surround Sound Preamp/Processor

The absolute best preamp-more information

Classe Audio CT-M600/CA-M600 600w Monaural Amplifiers

The absolute best amplifier-more information

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CinemaScope Systems

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Eric Schmidt

CinemaScope systems have really come into its own in the last few years. This technology provides uncompromised widescreen reproduction of movies originally filmed in the CinemaScope™ 2.35:1 format. It maintains constant vertical height on the screen just as in a movie theater. When a viewer transitions from 1.78:1 (16:9) program material to superwide 2.35:1, the image simply gets wider while full screen height is maintained, eliminating black bars.

This is done through an ingenious combination of software, electronics and precision anamorphic optics and a CinemaScope screen. While certainly not an easy system to design Sound & Vision has done more than anyone in the area. Our vast experience and knowledge insures that its done right-the first time.

Our fabulous theater in our Experience Center of course is fitted with a state of the CinemaScope system and must be seen to be believed!

I will warn you once you see a film in it’s proper format you will never want to go back to the black bars.

We have all the best solutions from today’s leaders-Digital Projections, Runco, Isco, Panamorph, Stewart, Da-Lite, DNP, and more.

Have a non-CinemaScope theater or media room? Ask us about our exclusive trade-in & trade-up program ReUse.

Last minute holiday gift for the whole family!

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Eric Schmidt

A home theater or media room is something the whole family can enjoy…….
Even our elves couldn’t pull off completing a home theater before the big day but if we can work through the broad strokes now, we can provide a presentation of the home theater on a complimentary iPad2 for Santa to leave under the tree! For some inspiration check out our portfolio. Contact us today to get started! Time is truly running out…

Posted in Holiday 2011 | Tagged Holiday Gift, iPad | Leave a comment

Cool new Compact Touchscreen from Crestron-Cedia 2011 Demo

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Eric Schmidt

In the space of a light switch, the Isys TPMC-3SMD Designer Touch Screen affords total control over audio, video, lighting, climate, and other systems. Its clean, contoured appearance makes an elegant statement in any custom home or corporate environment. High-tech good looks underline its power for simplifying everyday tasks and functions throughout any facility, all in a very affordable device that’s versatile and easy to install.

Available late this year

Video of the panel after the jump below.

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Posted in CEDIA 2011, SV-TV | Tagged CEDIA EXPO, Crestron | Leave a comment

Kaleidescape M700 Disc Vault-CEDIA 2011 DEMO

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Eric Schmidt

M700 Disc Vault was designed from the ground up to simplify and accelerate the process of adding movies and music to a Kaleidescape System. Up to 320 discs can be loaded into the M700 Disc Vault’s precision carousel, where their contents are quickly copied onto the Kaleidescape System. This process is fully automated and requires no additional work on the part of the user. Once copied, a Blu-ray Disc must remain in the disc vault to enable playback of the digital copy from the server. DVDs and CDs may either be ejected or left in the M700 Disc Vault for safe storage and easy accessibility. The M700 Disc Vault makes it easier than ever to build and enjoy a personal movie collection. Kaleidescape had a cool top-less version with cool blue lights.

If you would like to see Scenes and the amazing Kaleidescape live please contact us for a hands on demonstration at our Design & Experience Center
Click through for a video of the M700 in action!
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Posted in CEDIA 2011, Holiday 2011, Kaleidescape, Our Favorite Tech | Tagged CEDIA, CEDIA EXPO, Kaleidescape | Leave a comment

Elite Displays are Back-Best Available Today? Now On-Display in Our Experience Center

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Eric Schmidt

Elite displays are back and better than ever. In a joint venture between Sharp and Pioneer, with over a year of development has produced a display that in our opinion is the best we have ever seen. Currently available in 60″ and 70″ models. Its has all the features you would expect in a leading edge product. Streaming services such as Netflix, Vudu etc. But its the picture quality were really interested in. And oh what a picture! Its has the blackest blacks we have ever seen on any flat panel and that includes plasma. Many times extreme black levels are achieved by crushing black and giving up shadow detail as well as color fidelity. Not so with the new Elite’s, again it has the best shadow detail and color accuracy we have seen.