The HiTech Life

What's in a Wall?

2009-02-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

In wall speakers...the lonely poor cousin of audiophile quality free standing speakers right? No longer! Giant leaps have been taken in the technology of in wall/celing speakers to take them from morning announcements in your local high school to full on THX certified home theater elements. In this article we'll take a quick look at some of the big pros and cons of in wall speakers in the modern home.

Ascetics
In wall speakers in the past have always been a compromise of looks over sound. In walls took up next to no space in your room, and could even be camouflaged with painted grills to disappear. In walls maintained the look and feel of your room, and hid any wires running from the speakers to the sound system. No brainer right! In wall speakers are the way to go. Well not exactly, speakers just stuffed into an open wall have virtually uncontrollable acoustic properties. When you consider the amount of time and research major speaker manufactures put into cabinet design of speakers, this is obviously a HUGE disadvantage of in wall speakers considering the manufacture has no idea the size of the wall bay a speaker will be placed in. Solution, many top speaker companies like Jamo and Triad now make in wall speakers with sealed rear boxes. No endless back-wave lost in your walls, and the people making the speakers regain control over how the speaker will perform.

Flexibility
Free standing speakers give you the flexibility to move them around the room. While this has some obvious advantages, from the point of view considering sound, it's the ultimate tune-ability. When trying to create a proper surround sound environment placement is essential, and adjustments are obviously easier with a free standing speaker, where as a wall mounted speaker once installed...is in it's place. There are a few small options available from in walls to counter this, one being adjustable tweeters to change the way sound is reflected or pointed towards the listener. There are also receiver features made to combat speaker placement, like pioneers MCAAC which will calibrate your sound considering speaker placement, ambient noise, and more.
Surround Sound
THX, a company that amongst other things, rates audio and video products in numerous categories, and also supplies manufactures with specifications to improve their technology, agrees that dipole enclosures make the best speakers for surround units. Over the years this meant mounting a bulky some what oddly shaped set of speakers on your walls. Many companies now offer true dipole in wall speakers, some like Triad have also managed to do this while still having a flush grill. THX.com spotlights how many manufactures have pushed the boundaries of in wall speaker technology to the point where they rival the tried and true free standing box speakers, all while earning THX certification.
Like many home theater pieces, the performance of in wall speakers is only as good as it's installation. Contact a Hitech life consultant today to learn more about home theater technology and what it can do for you. Call 215-699-3317

Would You?

2009-01-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

Would you spend $15 a month for the peace of mind that all your files were backed up and secure daily?
Would you spend $89.00 every two years for a secure PC?
Would you spend $250 for a brand new website for your business?
Would you take time with a professional to look at your monthly Technology costs if it meant saving you money?
Would you value your family photos, business files, tax information, and peace of mind higher than 30 minutes of your time?

Some of the examples above are some of the ways we can save you time and money when it comes to business and personal computing. Here at the HiTech Life we want to encourage you to take a look at what you are currently spending on your technology, give us a call and we'll walk you through getting the most bang out of your budgeted dollars for the maximum impact.

We've taken small businesses and saved them 1/2 of what they are currently spending on IT, plus giving them more. Give us a call today for your FREE technology Roadmap. 215-699-3317

What's the Difference? Plasma vs. LCD

2009-01-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Plasma TV

The Plasma TV has been in the residential market for more than a decade. It has proven itself to be an extremely reliable product, low in maintenance, and with an incredible picture due to its high native contrast ratio. Today’s plasma TVs are lower in price, and are mainly manufactured from 42” to 60”. The plasma TV market has easily survived the negative marketing campaign launched by the LCD manufacturers.

The advantage that the Plasma TV enjoys, is not only accurate color and deep blacks, but also the view of the plasma can be seen from even extreme angles without any fading. This is due to the fact that there are more than 1 million tiny lamps or cells right up at the viewing glass.
Once you get past all of the negative marketing hype, and find the facts, you will find that a plasma TV is a great choice for the larger screen TV.

LCD Flat Panel TV

LCD TVs have been around for nearly as long as the plasma TV for the residential market. The LCD differs from plasma technology, in that is uses a back light that beams through a liquid crystal filter to display the picture on the screen. LCD technology has struggled for years to increase the contrast ratio and the viewing angle to compete with the plasma technology. Today, nearly all flat panel TVs less than 42” diagonal are an LCD TV. LCD technology has improved greatly for large screen TVs, but the best of today’s LCD big screens are back lit with LED technology. This has increased the price, but the results have been impressive. The contrast ratios have increased and so has the viewing angle.

The major manufacturers of LCD TVs are Sony, Sharp, Samsung, LG, and Mitsubishi. LG and Samsung manufacture both LCD and Plasma TVs. For manufacturers that have great service and support, we choose Sharp and LG.

Whether you choose a Plasma TV or an LCD TV?

The most important thing is getting a TV that has the features and the picture that you want. Lower end products tend to have poor processors that may have a great HD picture, but the SD pictures are marginal at best. Stay away from box store models, and choose products that have great service and support. Don’t depend on the box store, the super store, or the manufacturer to help you when you need it. Who you buy a product from is just as important as what you buy. Make sure you buy a TV from a reputable business like The HiTech Life, who will stand behind the manufacturer's warranty and service.

Who are We?

2009-01-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

The HiTech Life is not just another red and white road sign on Route 309; Colmar, PA this a place where people can make their dreams and hopes come true. This might sound all too much like Disney world, but here at the HiTech life, we do make it happen. We don’t have Mickey mouse, Donald Duck, or even the seven Dwarfs, but we do have Ed (the real Ed), Jason, Cyndi, Derek, Eric, Kevin, Dan, Julia, another Ed, and Ben (myself). We are a team that works hard to make your technological mountains seem like minor mole hills as we work hard to simplify your techno-laden-life. Whether it is TVs, home audio, computers, PDAs, host email, web pages, Life-Ware driven smart homes, viruses, internet marketing, or you just simply want someone who knows technology and how to make it all work together, then this place my friends, is for you.

We feel that anyone can sell you a TV or computer, but to have someone sit down with you and listen to your technology needs and wants then help you put together a plan to integrate them into your life is Special. Our family owned business is giving joy back to customers by taking service to a whole new level... The level that Disney takes Dreams, we take Technology for you. I invite anyone out there that fears their technology or would like to have some more fun to seek us out, and unlike the "Villians" we really want to see you enjoy Life.

New Website Launched

2009-01-01T19:29:00.000-08:00

Phase 1 of our new website is complete and has been launched. The primary reason for the new site is better design, easier navigation and clarity. We made it very easy for our prospects and customers to find information about our services for the home or small business. We also made it much easier to get our contact information. There are new links on the service page right into our service portal where you can check your account history or log a new service request. Check out the new site at www.thehitechlife.com. Phase 2 of the new site will be rolled out over the next couple of months - these updates will include additional content such as more detailed services and product lists, pricing, vendor links, and more. Check back often for new and relevant content as we update the website to meet your expectations and needs as a customer.

Facebook Virus - How to avoid getting malware

2008-12-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

FACEBOOK users are under attack from a virus sweeping through the online social network.
The virus is technically a trojan worm that disguises itself as a message. People are enticed to click on a video or picture link that directs to a malicious web site. The title of the shady links vary from "Maan,yyou’re great!" to "your ass looks not bad in this video", "Some0ne thinks your special and has a *Hot_Crush* on you. Find out who it could be*" or a youtube link that says '"i can see yooooooooo". The worm spreads by messaging everyone on your friend list. My Source is from news.com.au if you want to read the full story.

We want you to be aware that you should not click on any of these suspicious messages from your friends. I personally have received 3 messages with this malware attached. It's very innocent when you think a friend is just sending you a youtube video, so it's easy to get pulled into clicking the link.

If you have clicked this link and downloaded the malware, you will need some help removing this virus. Please call us and our certified technicians will assist you in getting your system virus free. Our number is 215-699-3317. Visit our Website for contact information as well.

Black Friday Savings

2008-11-26T14:15:00.001-08:00

Check out our Website for our Savings Flyers. Save $1000.00 on a NuVo Grand Concerto Audio Distribution Package! Check out our PC Deals, TV Demo Sales and Home Theater Package. The HiTech Life wants to make sure that you are getting the Technology you need for the coming year. Call us today or stop in and talk with a HiTech Life Consultant for details.

20% off a New PC Set Up Package

2008-11-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Call today to set up your New PC set up. Our HiTech Life consultants will help you build a Perfect PC and help you choose which Set Up Package best suits your needs. We offer 4 set up packages ranging from Bronze $85.00 to Platinum $350.00. Call 215-699-3317 to speak to one of our Consultants. We'll set you on the right Technology path. - Happy Holiday Shopping!

More Photos...

2008-10-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Home Show Photos

2008-10-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

Home Show

2008-10-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

I'll have some photos to post later.... But we just finished a HomeShow at the Valley Forge Convention Center. It was a great success. Our interactive booth was the talk of the show. You were able to push a button and turn lights on and off, turn music on/off, turn the volume up or down, and turn the tv's on/off. It was so much fun! Seriously, writing about this doesn't bring justice to what Home Automation can do for you. It's a must play with type of technology to get you excited. Our showroom is equipped with Smart Home Technology enabled by Life|Ware. Stop in today to get your hands on experience with Home Automation! Check out our website for more information on Home Automation. http://www.thehitechlife.com/homeautomation.html

Hidden Technology

2008-09-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article yesturday from a discarded pile of magazines. What originally caught my eye, was not the fact that it was a Martha Stewart Magazine, but the photo on front. The photo showcased a Kitchen with a Samsung TV hung under the cabinets, with a keyboard and mouse underneath the counter top on a pull out shelf. So, I opened the magazine and read the article Titled "Hidden Assets". It was all about what we at the HiTech Life do for our customers. We incorporate Technology into a person's lifestyle. Whether you enjoy a modern feel to your decorating or a Shabby Chic style, we can incorporate modern conveniences to save you time and bring back the joy of living the style you want. Check out the article for photos on what is possible when it comes to technology integrated into your home. I guarantee you'll love some of these great ideas.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/hidden-assets?autonomy_kw=Hidden%20assets&rsc=header_1

Disney, LifeWare and Zero

2008-08-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, with a title like that, you may be wondering what does that all mean? Well, we are a LifeWare dealer here at the HiTech Life and LifeWare has been chosen by Disney to be the Home Automation Integration technology in their Dream Home in CA. It's been reported that 50,000 commands have been pushed into the touchpanels and ZERO re-boots have been needed. That's an Amazingly reliable system solution for Home Automation. Click Here for the Article where I got this information. And click here for more information on LifeWare. And Click here for our Website.

What a concept for Technology! Windows Mesh

2008-08-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! The concept is: share all your files, photos, documents with your friends, family, business co-workers. You can share documents between your mobile, laptop and desktop pc's without sending your files via e-mail attachment. Small businesses can have all documents that employees need to have on hand and shared throughout Microsoft's new Mesh Technology. This comes in handy when employees are working from multiple locations. This will also enable employees to work from home easier taking a companies overhead down freeing up space.

The HiTech Life will be testing this software to make sure it runs without failure before recommending to our customers. Although the concepts behind the software are very exciting and a whole new way of looking at the internet and business. This will be the wave of the future if this concept takes off in the way it should.

Check it out at http://www.mesh.com

Top 10 Reasons your wife will love The HiTech Life

2008-08-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

10. The HiTech Life integrates technology into your current decor and styles.

9. We can provide easy access to recipes and media content (music, tv, family photo slide shows, etc.) from the kitchen.

8. We can declutter your living space and get the technology out of sight

7. We help make using technology easier with single touch button menus

6. We will make sure your TV doesn’t look like a TV – make it look like a portrait, mirror, or family photo slide show when not in use

5. No more wires! The HiTech Life will make sure there are no visible wires in our professional installations.

4. We can protect your family from harmful internet content

3. No more 1 hour phone calls to foreign call centers that leave you more frustrated and without a solution.

2. More opportunities for romance – what’s more romantic, Sleepless in Seattle in a public theater or in your own comfortable home theater?

1. She will no longer have to hear your ranting when you try to do it yourself and can’t figure out how to get the technology working properly.