Powerful Performance

With a total system power of 150 watts, the TVee Model 25 virtual surround sound speaker system envelops you in rich, room-filling audio. You’ll enjoy an HDTV viewing experience that is fine-tuned to your entertainment. In the Movie Mode, Boston’s Digitally Optimized Virtual Surround delivers clear movie dialogue and music along with cinematic surround audio effects, while the Music Mode provides enhanced digital stereo music reproduction. Perfectly sized for HDTVs 32” or larger, the TVee Model 25’s soundbar achieves its stunning audio performance through the use of Boston’s low-distortion, wide-bandwidth HHRT (Hyperbolic High Rigidity Transducer) driver technology. The system’s 6-inch down firing wireless subwoofer delivers deep and powerful bass.

Simple Setup

The TVee Model 25 soundbar uses your television remote control and with just one cable to connect to your HDTV, you’ll be up and running in no time. And because the subwoofer is wireless, you can place it just about anywhere in your room.

Contact Us To Pre-Order Yours Today

Denon is one of the first audio brands to partner with Apple, incorporating Apple’s AirPlay platform into several current products. AirPlay is an easy and cost-effective way to stream music throughout the house wirelessly. AirPlay wireless technology is integrated into the Denon AVR-3311CI, AVR-4311CI, AVR-991 and N7 mini-system.

AirPlay allows consumers to enjoy their iTunes library wirelessly in multiple locations separately or at once. A customer could, for example, stream music simultaneously to speakers in the living room, the bedroom and the office, by selecting “Multiple Speakers” from the speaker pulldown menu in iTunes. AirPlay works over WiFi or ethernet connection, or a combination of both.

In addition AirPlay streams metadata such as song titles, artist names, album names, elapsed and remaining time per track, and of course album artwork, to any AirPlay-enabled device that is capable of displaying video. Apple’s free Remote app, available from the iTunes store, can be used to control AirPlay streaming from an iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad.

AirPlay went live on November 25, concurrent with the release of Apple’s operating system update iOS 4.2, which is required for devices that will be used to control AirPlay. Also note that iTunes 10 is required for AirPlay operation.

Compatible Denon products will require a firmware upgrade. Denon USA has announced that this upgrade will be sold via their website and will cost US $49. Due to the complexity of processing international credit cards, we are not sure at this time how Denon USA will sell this upgrade to customers outside the USA but we hope to have more information about this shortly.

Check out the Apple AirPlay web site for more details.

Ok, this time we wanted to try something a little different and go with something that would probably really hurt the Tech And House bank, but what the heck. Lets give it a shot. Along our incredible pricing and discounts we have gone ahead and built a wheel with ridiculous rebates. There is a slot with 50% off! This kind of discount is unheard of at an electronic store. The concept is fairly simple. Purchase during our “Noches de Compra”, then with your invoice you have the opportunity to spin our rebate wheel with cash backs of up to 50% off your purchase.

When are the “Noches de Compras” you ask? December 3rd, 4th and 5th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

The not-so fine print: No doubling up on the promotions. If you choose a cash rebate that is in the catalog, the wheel is off limits. If you’re a gambler, give the wheel a whirl.

Download our catalog or scroll down to see it on this page

–SAP: Version Español–

Ok, esta vez queríamos probar algo diferente y salir con algo que probablemente va a hacer un daño al banco Tech And House, pero por qué no? Vamos a darle un tiro. Esta vez no solamente hay increibles precios y ofertas en Tech And House, hemos contruido una rueda con cash backs enormes! Hay una ranura de 50% de descuento! Nunca se eschucha de este tipo de descuento en una tienda de electrónica. El concepto es bastante simple. Primero, haga la compra en unos de los dias de nuestro noches de compra. Luego con su factura usted tiene la oportunidad para girar nuestra rueda de descuento con cash backs hasta el 50% de descuento de su compra.

Cuando son los noches de compras?? El 3, 4, y 5 de diciembre de 6:00pm a 9:00pm.

La impresión pequeña: no se puede usar multiples promociones a la vez. Si elige un cash back que ya esta en el catalogo, no se pude girar la rueda. Si eres un apostador, de un giro a la rueda.

Descarga nuestro catálogo

New models join the critically acclaimed XTR-50, the world’s thinnest high performance on-wall loudspeaker

On August 16, 2010, Definitive Technology announced three new models of Mythos XTR on-wall loudspeakers for delivery November 2010: the XTR-60 sized to match 55- to 60-inch and larger displays; the XTR-40 for 40- to 42-inch displays; and the XTR-20BP whose design is optimized for surround channel use. XTR-50, the original model in the product line (shipped in March 2010), is sized for 46- to 55-inch TVs.

The XTR-60, XTR-50, and XTR-40 are only 1-1/2″ deep, perfect for use next to ultra-slim LED TVs, and yet provide the high definition detail, bass, and dynamic range performance of full size speakers. The XTR-20BP is 2-1/2″ deep and features bipolar sound radiation, ideal for surround channel applications. All XTR model enclosures are fabricated from hand polished aircraft grade extruded Aluminum which is attractive, space efficient and has superior sonic characteristics.

All XTR models come supplied with a wall mount bracket that allows either vertical or horizontal orientation. The XTR-60, as well as the original XTR-50, includes a smoked, tempered glass stand while the XTR-20BP comes with a simple stand for vertical table-top placement. The XTR-60, XTR-50, and XTR-40 are supplied with hardware for horizontal shelf placement.

Whether mounted on-wall or on-shelf, used as Left and Right, Center or Surround channel speakers the Mythos XTR series speakers look terrific and sound astonishing.

The secret to the XTR’s extraordinary performance is Definitive’s patent-pending XTDD technology driver. Using state-of-the-art computer modeling and decades of speaker design experience Definitive engineers eliminated every iota of wasted space, optimized every part and maximized the moving surface area of a dynamic driver to shrink it down to a seemingly impossible compact dimension without giving up ultra-high performance audio fidelity. The XTDD driver has the kind of dynamic punch, wide frequency range and broad dispersion previously unheard of in shallow drivers.

To extend and deepen the bass response of such thin speaker the drivers are pressure-coupled to aluminum dome low-bass radiators in the new XTR-60 and XTR-40 as well as the original XTR-50. The XTR-20BP is a sealed system. The center-mounted tweeter used throughout the line is the same high-definition Pure Aluminum dome tweeter found in Definitive’s top-of-the-line Mythos ST SuperTower. The result is the kind of clarity, dynamic range and accuracy that one would expect from a premium-priced normally-sized speaker.

“The XTR-50 caused quite a stir when we first showed it at CEDIA in 2009” said Definitive’s Executive VP Dave Peet. “Dealers instantly recognized that with the new ultra-thin TVs their customers would be asking for matching shallow speakers that are attractive, easy to mount and don’t trade off sound quality for thinness. We were fortunate to be the first speaker manufacturer to address that need. Now at CEDIA 2010 everyone will see that we have yet again anticipated consumers’ needs with additional models for different size TVs and levels of performance as well as a matching model for surround.”

Preliminary Specifications

In the world of air conditioners, there are three choices: Basic, Deluxe, and Inverter. The first two in the list follow the “Good, Better, Best” nomenclature, but that third option – Inverter – seems to make everyone “ooh” and “ah”, but when pressed to explain what makes it Best, the confusion and unsure answers abound.

Enter Panasonic (and Tech & House) to solve this riddle and help you make the Best informed decision when it comes to buying your next air conditioner. To help make sense of all this, let’s discuss the three options available:

The Basic Model

Basic, as the name states, is the simplest air conditioner. A liquid coolant is run through a compressor, heating it up and turning it into a gas. This gas is sent through a series of coils to cool it off and return it to a liquid state before it is passed through an expansion valve, which cools it below freezing. Now, the coolant is passed through another series of coils that are exposed to the hot air of the room to absorb the heat of the ambient air as it travels back to the compressor to start the process again.

The Deluxe Model

Deluxe takes the Basic model and improves on the compressor, coil, and expansion valve technology to make it more efficient, and adds an ionized air filter.

Air Filter

Floating around in the air we breathe are millions of bacteria, mold, dirt, and other debris that makes up dust. Panasonic uses patented e-ion technology to purify the air while cooling it down. Dust particles carry a negative charge. Panasonic uses a positively charged screen on the air filter to attract and trap these particles.

Eco Patrol Sensor

Eco Patrol Sensor responds intuitively to the level of human presence and activities in the room to adjust the temperature for maximum comfort and savings. The benefit of energy saving Eco Patrol is maximized when the air conditioner is left on in a room that is used intermittently. For example, if the room is empty for two hours, the air conditioner automatically adjusts to raise the temperature by 2 ° C for maximum energy savings of 20%. When someone re-enters, the air conditioner will return to the set temperature to provide uninterrupted cooling.

The Inverter Model

In addition to the Air Purifier and Eco Patrol Sensor this third category of air conditions utilizes inverter technology, which uses an entirely different, more efficient thermostat and power distribution to the compressor to make the air colder, faster, all while using less energy than the basic and deluxe models. It achieves this by running the compressor at all times, constantly monitoring the ambient temperature, and adjusting up or down to keep the temperature as close to constant as possible. It sounds counterintuitive to think that something that is always on is using less energy, but it is true.

Basic and Deluxe air conditioners are either on or off, like a light. This causes dramatic spikes in voltage usage. Because of this, the energy consumption is substantial, especially on days when you leave your air conditioner on for hours, only turning the unit off when the room is below your comfort level. Inverter technology delivers only the power necessary to run the compressor at a rate needed to cool the room to the desired temperature and then keep that temperature constant. Inverter technology air conditioners operate within a 3-5° variance in ambient temperature rather than the 7-10° variance that non-inverter air models.

As an example let’s say you are driving down the freeway and that your car is capable of going 125 mph. You don’t drive it this fast, but the horsepower is there should you ever need it. While driving down the freeway, you keep your foot on the accelerator and the speed constant until you need to pass a slower car in front of you. Then, you step on the accelerator just enough to pass the car, but not reach 125 mph. Once past the slower car, you let off the accelerator and slow to your original speed. This is how inverter technology works. Conversely, if you wanted to know how your car would operate as a non-inverter technology car, you would either travel 125 mph or zero. Very wasteful.

Panasonic uses this inverter technology to create a class of air conditioner that sips power while keeping you cool. Some of the benefits are:

• Reach temperature in a room up to 50% faster than a basic or deluxe air conditioner
• Startup is up to 1/3 faster than basic or deluxe models
• Power consumption is 60% less than non-inverter models when tested over the same time period
• Constant power to the compressor reduces the harsh on/off cycling that can wear out parts and increase maintenance
• Reduced power usage yields an superior EER rating than non-inverter models

Inverter technology decreases your power consumption by monitoring the space that it is cooling and maintaining the temperature of your choosing without overdoing it. So, whether you’re sitting on the couch reading, or exercising to your favorite workout DVD, the inverter technology air conditioner will keep tabs on ambient temperature and use just enough energy to maintain it.

Induction cooking is a new technological innovation that Frigidaire and Electrolux have introduced into their new lines of stovetop appliances that has us totally geeking out here at Tech and House. We’d like to share with you how they’ve incorporated it into their product lines but first, a little cooking lesson:

What is it?

Induction cooking, unlike conventional electric or gas burners, involves an electromagnetic device located underneath a ceramic countertop that reacts when iron or steel cookware is placed on top of it. The two connect like a circuit – resulting in an electromagnetic connection that heats the pan but not the surrounding space. When the pan is removed from the counter, the circuit is broken and the surface remains relatively cool – unlike gas or conventional burners, which retain the heat for several minutes after cooking. This process is 70% more energy efficient than gas and approximately 20% more efficient than conventional electric stoves. As an example of this increased efficiency, you can boil water in as little as 90 seconds! An important point to note – the electromagnetic circuit will only work with iron or steel cookware – Pyrex, aluminum or copper pans will not work with an induction system because they are not magnetic.

Frigidaire Models:

Frigidaire offers two induction/electric hybrid models, the 30” FPCC3085KS model and the 36” FPCC3685KS model. Both feature 10” and 6” burners that work with different pan sizes, as well as electric burner capabilities for non-magnetic cookware. In addition, they both feature versatile temperature controls that adjust to both induction and electric cooking.

Electrolux and Electrolux Icon Models:

Electrolux and its luxury brand, Electrolux Icon, feature both hybrid and induction-only stovetop options in 30” and 36” models as well. What distinguishes each of these models from their Frigidaire counterparts is their advanced functionality. Both the Electrolux and Electrolux Icon models feature surface sensors that automatically detect the presence of magnetic cookware and will adjust the induction field to the exact size of the pan. In addition, all models offer over 25 digital preset heat settings that immediately adjust the temperature without waiting for preheating.

…But don’t just take my word for it

The attached video offers a more in-depth explanation of the benefits of induction cooking. Pay particular attention to the last frames where the speaker wipes up a spill immediately after removing the pan from the stove.

For more information about these exciting new innovations, stay tuned to the Tech and House blog for more updates.

In this post, I’m going to review three different models of iPod Receivers, two by Denon and one by Marantz. Then I’m going to contrast them and then leave it up to you to decide which one is better. We’ll start with Denon.

Denon ASD-51W & ASD-51N Comparison

On the surface, both of Denon’s models, the ASD-51W and 51N appear very similar, with the notable exception of an exterior antenna on the 51 – evidence of its Wi-Fi capabilities. Each product features an assortment of connectivity options such as S-video input – allowing the user to post videos and photos onto their TV. Each of these models supports the entire iPod product line – click here for more information about the Denon Compatibility Matrix. Three of the most unique features are as follows:

• Streaming Internet services – Using an internet connection, each model not only supports subscription-based services such as Rhapsody and Napster, but also internet radio stations such as Pandora, Grooveshark and Ping.fm.
• Party Mode – the ability to broadcast simultaneously in up to five rooms.
• Wi-Fi capabilities in the 51W increase its portability, as well as its price.

Marantz IS301

When Marantz sat down to create the IS301, they wanted to answer one problem – how do you supplement the capabilities of the iPod with minimum impact on its functionality? What they created was a fully featured docking station that distinguishes itself from the competition through its portability, its navigation system and its unique TV interface.

The IS301 features a docking station that fits in the palm of your hand and allows you to stream both audio and video to any Bluetooth compatible receivers within 30 feet. Many docking stations anchor the iPod to a fixed location and allow mobility only through a remote control. Why sacrifice this mobility? The IS301 lets you charge your iPod as you walk, broadcasting to any Bluetooth receiver you choose – home theater, laptops, etc.

Another issue that the engineering team looked at was the navigation system. Many docking stations use a proprietary menu system that is often confusing and difficult to use. Marantz wanted to create a more intuitive menu, but at the same time remove the learning curve for new users. The answer seems deceptively simple – why not use the same interface as the iPod? Since the iPod already has a really cool interface, the IS301 lets you navigate their system just as you would without the dock.

Lastly, one of the major challenge users face with other docking stations is that they stream primarily through a TV – which must be on at the time to navigate the system. Because the IS301 uses the iPod’s native user interface, this is no longer an issue – users can navigate the system normally without relying on outside peripherals.

So which is better?

Well, that’s ultimately your call – it all depends on your connectivity needs. Are you looking to bring your music on the go, say, in your car? Well, considering that most cars don’t come equipped with a Wi-Fi Hotspot, you’re probably going to be using a Bluetooth connection. If that’s the case, you might want to consider Marantz. On the other hand, if you’re looking to entertain a house full of guests from a single stereo, you’ll probably be better off opting for the Wi-Fi connectivity in the Denon Doc.