Category Archives: Tips and Advice

This is the tips and advice section

What is Home Automation

What is Home Automation and Why You Need it Now!

Imagine this. You’re driving home from work, and as you approach your driveway, the entryway lights turn on, your air conditioner starts cooling rooms, and your Smart speakers stay playing some soothing tunes to help you de-stress after the day. What a welcome home, and an achievable reality these days with home automation (commonly called Smart home setups). And the good news is, they don’t have to be the best Smart home devices as the market is incredibly competitive in terms of value and functionality. A win-win! So what is home automation, what are the benefits, and how much does it cost? Continue reading What is Home Automation and Why You Need it Now!

How To Update An LG TV | Smart TVs & Firmware Downloads

From music and TV-related gadgets to general appliances, security, lighting and temperature control, home “smartification” is now a feature in millions of Australian households. (If not in yours, here’s a guide on how to plan your smart home). In fact, over 47 million smart home devices are now said to have been installed around the country, compared to around 16 million in 2019, according to Statista. Continue reading How To Update An LG TV | Smart TVs & Firmware Downloads

Difference Between QLED And UHD

The Main Differences Between QLED And UHD

If you’re looking to purchase a new television, you can be forgiven for being bamboozled by the vast array of acronyms, QLED and UHD included. They’re both modern television types, so what’s the difference between them?

 

In this article, we’ll explain the main differences between QLED and UHD, so that you can make an informed decision about which television to buy.

What are QLED and UHD TVs?

QLED stands for Quantum Light Emitting Diode, getting its name from the quantum dot technology that it uses in place of traditional LCD pixels. UHD stands for Ultra High Definition, which is essentially an improvement on the High Definition LED television, offering four times as many pixels, and allowing for a much more detailed image. 

 

Most modern QLED TVs have the same number of pixels than UHD TVs (aside from those that are 8k), but there are important differences elsewhere. The main differences between QLED and UHD are:

Colour

UHD televisions use LED technology, with each pixel able to emit red, blue, or green light when illuminated by the screen’s LED backlight. These primary colours combine to produce a wide spectrum of colour on the television’s screen.

QLED televisions also use LED technology, but include a quantum dot filter that provides greater control over the colour of each pixel. The filter uses an aluminium compound that makes each pixel more efficient, and more penetrable with light, which allows not only a wider spectrum of colour, but also more accurate colour.

In summary, QLED TVs have a better colour range than UHD TVs. It can display a more accurate and vivid colour palette (including super deep blacks), allowing us to experience a closer version of the director’s final cut.

Brightness

QLEDs and UHDs both use LED backlights, but because of the QLED’s quantum dot technology, it’s able to produce a brighter picture than the UHD, while avoiding a “washed out” look.

Price

Because it uses advanced technology, you’ll pay more for a QLED television. Comparing a couple of Samsung’s products, you’ll pay $1495 for a 65” 4K UHD TV, and $2995 for a television of the same size and resolution that uses QLED technology—double the price. If you’re on a budget, you might want to wait for the price of QLED televisions to drop before purchasing one.

Brands

Samsung lead the way with their QLED series, providing a range of televisions of various sizes and resolutions. Kogan, JVC, and Hitachi are some other brands that produce QLED televisions, but Samsung is considered the best in the industry.

UHD televisions have been available for almost nine years, and as a result, are produced by tons of different manufacturers. Industry leaders include LG, Panasonic, Sony, and Samsung again.

What about OLED?

To complicate things further, there’s another type of television that you can purchase—OLED. This stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, and again, the thing that distinguishes this type of TV is how it uses pixels to display imagery. In an OLED, a carbon-based pixel film is used to emit its own light without the need for a large backlight, which allows for remarkably deep blacks, “infinite contrast,” and super quick refresh rates. This makes OLEDs more expensive than most QLEDs, and much more expensive than UHDs.

Projector vs TV

Projector vs TV | Which Is Best For You?

Home theatre buffs have long asked the question: which is better, a projector or a TV? It’s a hard question to answer, because both offer their own advantages and disadvantages, but as with all home theatre decisions, the devil is in the detail. Before you make the call in the battle of projector vs TV, you need to have all the facts. You also need to have your own priorities lined up, including price, purpose, simplicity, smart home compatibility, and viability.  Continue reading Projector vs TV | Which Is Best For You?

HDCP 2.2

What is HDCP 2.2?

HDCP 2.2 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is the latest in copy protection, designed to create a secure line between what’s displayed on your screen, and the source of that display. It’s purpose is to prevent piracy of high definition 4K content when being played by ultra high-def Blu-ray streaming boxes, and other devices that stream 4K content. Continue reading What is HDCP 2.2?

3 Of The Coolest Home Theatre Rooms You’ll Ever See

If you’re lucky enough to be living a comfortable life in the modern world, having a good home theatre setup isn’t a luxury anymore. When we launch ourselves onto the sofa at the end of the day and fire up Netflix, we want our entertainment to be in vivid 4K, dazzling, vibrant colour, and sound that would make Christopher Nolan grin. Continue reading 3 Of The Coolest Home Theatre Rooms You’ll Ever See

Sound Bar Or Home Theatre

Which Is Best – A Sound Bar Or Home Theatre?

If you’re planning an upgrade in your home entertainment room, you might be wondering which sound option to go for—a sound bar or home theatre? Both are good solutions for home entertainment enthusiasts, and offer different priorities. On the one hand, you’ve got affordable and smaller scale solutions in sound bars, and on the other hand, you’ve got complete home entertainment overhauls in home theatre systems.  Continue reading Which Is Best – A Sound Bar Or Home Theatre?

Must Watch Movies On Netflix Australia

5 Must Watch Movies On Netflix Australia That Are Perfect For Your Home Theatre

Netflix has been a godsend during the COVID-19 crisis, allowing us to wile away our isolation hours in cinematic, high definition bliss. And yet, most of us can attest to the paralysing effect of too much choice, with nothing standing out as we scroll through a seemingly endless list of movies. Continue reading 5 Must Watch Movies On Netflix Australia That Are Perfect For Your Home Theatre

TV Wall Mounting Mistakes

TV Wall Mounting | Five Common Mistakes

TV wall mounting is often the final touch for the perfect entertainment set up. Wall mounting is a great way to fully optimise your TV viewing, with the perfect pitch and the ultimate angle. But wall mounting a TV is also a game of precision. One wrong move can have consequences. So how do you wall mount a TV perfectly, and what mistakes should you avoid? Let’s start with the most common ones! Continue reading TV Wall Mounting | Five Common Mistakes

A Guide To Smart Lighting For Your Home

A Guide To Smart Lighting For Your Home

The internet of things is well and truly upon us! With more and more everyday appliances and fitting become automated, there’s not much you can’t connect in your home. One of our favourites at the moment is smart lighting. So what exactly is smart lighting? Smart lighting uses home automation technology to give your lighting an edge in precision, practicality, and overall liveability. Our lights are what really rules our perception of our homes. So why not get the best of the best? Smart lighting has a lot to offer every home, and this guide will tell you why. Continue reading A Guide To Smart Lighting For Your Home

Home Automation Trends

The Top Home Automation Trends For 2019

Home automation is a relatively new trend in its own right. Only in the last few years has home automation technology truly developed to a point where its integration is easy and effective. But believe us, new trends are emerging in home automation almost weekly. Home automation technology is advancing faster than ever before, and the sooner you get it configured in your home, the better! But where do you start? To answer that question, we’ve taken a look at some of 2019’s most impressive home automation trends. Here’s what we’ve found. Continue reading The Top Home Automation Trends For 2019

Must Have Home Theatre Components

5 Must Have Home Theatre Components

Home theatres are a DIY dream. They turn a spare room, lounge room, or even garage into the ultimate entertainment den. With a home theatre, you get the cinema experience on your terms. However, putting together the perfect home theatre room is a complex affair. It requires planning, equipment, and a little bit of technical expertise. So if this is your first time with a home theatre project, let’s have a look at the nuts and bolts. With these must-have components, your home theatre will live up to each and every one of your expectations. Continue reading 5 Must Have Home Theatre Components

TV Buying Guide

TV Buying Guide 2019

TVs have come a long way in the last decade. Now, more than ever, you can get high quality for low prices. But there’s one catch: you have to decide which one to get! As far as first world problems go, struggling to choose a TV is up there. But it’s a problem nonetheless; there are just so many options that the decision can feel impossible. Luckily, we’ve put together a bit of a buying guide for your TV selection in 2019. With these tips, you can narrow down your options and, hopefully, come away with the TV that’s perfect for you. Continue reading TV Buying Guide 2019

Automated Motorised Shades

5 Benefits of Automated Motorised Shades

More and more, we’re seeing automation technology find its way into new and exciting parts of our lives. One such area that has seen the tech boost is shades. Specifically, we’re talking about automated motorised shades. Automated motorised shades have the tech double-whammy. First, there’s the motor; these shades raise and lower independently thanks to a small motor in their rollers. Then, there’s the automation; wherever there’s a motor, there’s automation technology to go with it! Sounds great, of course, but what about its actual benefits? Rest assured – there are plenty! Here are our five favourites. Continue reading 5 Benefits of Automated Motorised Shades

How To Choose A Home Theatre Projector

How To Choose A Home Theatre Projector

Home theatres are without a doubt the best way to enjoy the latest cinematic releases. It has all the perks of a cinema but without the ticket prices and crowds. However, a home theatre system is only as good as its projector. The projector is what delivers your crystal clear, cinema-quality image. If it is compromised in any way, then so is your viewing experience. Sound like high stakes, right! Well, not necessarily. If you follow a few basic tips when you’re choosing a home theatre projector, you’ll come away with the right one for sure. So let’s take a look at a few of those tips below. Continue reading How To Choose A Home Theatre Projector

Home Security Automation Systems

A Guide To Home Security Automation Systems

Home security is still a priority for a lot of homeowners. But it looks a lot different now to what it used to. In years passed, extensive home security could leave your house looking more like a prison than a home. Now, though, you have access to more effective and less intrusive home security. And that’s all thanks to the advancing technology of home security automation systems. These systems essentially give you complete control over your home. They connect the various tech components of your home, and place them under your control through a singular operating system. And with everything from light switches to door locks under your command, your home security will be pretty high. If that sounds good to you, take a look at some of your options below.

Continue reading A Guide To Home Security Automation Systems

smart home technology

An Audiovisual Geek’s Guide To Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is moving at a rate so fast that few can keep up. That’s why we have put together this audiovisual geek’s guide to smart home technology. We have taken a few of our absolute favourites and matched them up to demonstrate the remarkable variety of products that are available to us all today. Of course, this is just a few of the many examples of how smart home technology can improve our lives. So if you’re inspired by anything, get out and research some more. No doubt there is no end of fascinating gadgets to entertain, inform, and even protect you! Continue reading An Audiovisual Geek’s Guide To Smart Home Technology

5 Tips For Choosing Your Home Theatre Speakers

The centrepiece of almost all home theatres is a big screen. It’s the first thing you see, and often the most impressive. But it’s not necessarily the most important. What really distinguishes your home theatre from a TV room is the sound. And when it comes to sound, your choice of home theatre speakers is paramount. If you choose your home theatre speakers well, you will have a home entertainment system that is unparalleled! So take a look at our tips for choosing the right home theatre speakers, and road test them down at your local AV store.

Continue reading 5 Tips For Choosing Your Home Theatre Speakers

FAQs: Designing A Home Theatre Room

FAQs: Designing A Home Theatre Room

Home theatre rooms shouldn’t be underestimated – they are often a great place to spend time with the family! But when you’re designing a home theatre room, there are a few things that you should take into account. A lot of the components you will be dealing with are quite technical, and the devil is in the details. Unsurprisingly, a lot of people come to us with questions on designing a home theatre room for the first time. That’s why we have come up with this list of FAQs. So have a read – hopefully, it will put you on track for your home theatre project. Continue reading FAQs: Designing A Home Theatre Room

smart phone gadget in living room

Top 5 Coolest Smart Home Gadgets

We say it all the time, but the future is now! Even we are surprised on a regular basis by the sheer mastery of today’s smart home gadgets. There are so many to choose from as well – you can get anything from remote access locks, to full home automation. So if you’re setting out on a smart home odyssey, to bring your home into the technological age, where do you even begin? The choice is all yours – but to give you a starting point, here are our five favourite smart home gadgets. Continue reading Top 5 Coolest Smart Home Gadgets

5 Benefits Of Smart Home Technology To Make Your Life Easier

5 Benefits Of Smart Home Technology To Make Your Life Easier

Trying to distil just five benefits of smart home technology is no mean feat. Put simply, smart home technology can be one of the best ways to really consolidate your home to suit your lifestyle. It places you at the helm of an entire home’s worth of appliances. From coffee machines and lights, to security systems and entertainment, you can control it all from the palm of your hand. Needless to say, coming up with this list took us a while – there are just so many benefits to choose from, and these five barely scratch the surface! Still, we hope they demonstrate to you just how profoundly smart home technology can improve your life. Continue reading 5 Benefits Of Smart Home Technology To Make Your Life Easier

home theatre upgrade

Binge Worthy Shows To Put Your Home Theatre Upgrade Through Its Paces

If your home theatre project is like most, then it has been a while in the making. And now that it’s finished, there’s only one thing to do: put it through its paces! But, with so many movies and tv series on offer, where do you even begin? Ultimately, that depends on your own preferences. However, we have collected a few of our favourites to get you started. And, although all of these shows are very different, they are linked by one thing: binge worthiness! Believe us, once you get started on these it will be hard to stop. So sit back, relax, and put your home theatre upgrade to the test. Continue reading Binge Worthy Shows To Put Your Home Theatre Upgrade Through Its Paces

Upgrade Your Home Theatre

5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Home Theatre

Home theatres: they’re a place of comfort, relaxation, and second-to-none viewing experiences. More and more, homeowners are coming to realise this, as the home theatre movement takes off. And what’s not to love? You can view all the latest releases from the comfort of your own well-appointed and comfortable room. But, to get the most out of your experience, you’ll need to keep up with the gadgets. Continue reading 5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Home Theatre

The latest in smart home entertainment systems

The Latest In Smart Home Entertainment Systems

The latest in smart home entertainment systems: that’s probably something you’ve heard before! Smart home systems seem to move so quickly that there is a new ‘latest system’ every day. So how can you tell which developments are important? Well, we like to think that the best developments are the ones that truly stick around. And at the moment, there are plenty. The latest smart home entertainment systems are drawing upon technological advances in a whole range of fields. Their primary goal: to deliver the best in smart home technology.  Continue reading The Latest In Smart Home Entertainment Systems

7 Audio Visual Technology Trends To Watch Out For!

7 Audio Visual Technology Trends To Watch Out For!

Audio visual technology is one of the flagships of innovation. And it isn’t hard to see why! As we have more and more information made available to us, the way we consume this information is becoming increasingly important. That’s where audio visual technology comes into its own. So as audio visual technology evolves before us, here are 7 trends to watch out for. Continue reading 7 Audio Visual Technology Trends To Watch Out For!

How To Choose Home Theatre Speakers

How To Choose Home Theatre Speakers

For a lot of people, home theatres are a relaxing refuge. You can take in your favourite movies and games, or enjoy time with your friends and family. So it’s no surprise that most people we speak to want to maximise their home theatre experience. And the best way to do that is by choosing the right home theatre speakers. The sound that your home theatre system produces will have a significant effect on the overall experience. A solid surround sound system will bring your viewing experience to the next level. But there are a lot of options to choose from. That’s why we have made this brief guide on how to choose home theatre speakers. It’s simpler than it seems! Continue reading How To Choose Home Theatre Speakers

How to Setup a Home Theatre Room

How To Setup A Home Theatre Room

For those of us lucky enough to have a home theatre room, the benefits speak for themselves. You get private viewing, relaxing space and the perfect wind-down opportunity – all in the one room. If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, we don’t know what will.

So if you’re thinking about creating your own audio-visual paradise, our advice is: go for it! But don’t rush – there is a bit of a trick to setting up the best home theatre. That’s why we have put together a little guide on how to setup a home theatre room. Armed with these tips, your next home theatre project will yield impressive results! Continue reading How To Setup A Home Theatre Room

A Guide to Choosing Audio Visual Projectors

A Guide To Choosing Audio Visual Projectors

As technology marches steadily towards the future, more and more electronic goods are becoming available. And that’s great – it means you have a massive pool of choices, so your chances of finding the right one are high. But that doesn’t make your decision any easier. There are so many different factors that weigh in on your decision. So let us help – we have listed some of our best points for choosing an audio visual projector below. Your audio visual projector is the pièce de résistance of your home theatre system, so choose wisely! Continue reading A Guide To Choosing Audio Visual Projectors

5 Must Have Home Theatre Accessories!

5 Must Have Home Theatre Accessories!

So you’ve made the decision to jump straight into it and get a home theatre. That’s sure to bring you years of joy and relaxation! But now you face the challenge of choosing all the accessories. There are so many to choose from as well. Aside from a TV, what else do you really need? Well, there are a few things that can really give your home theatre room an edge. So have a look through some of our tips below! Continue reading 5 Must Have Home Theatre Accessories!

Designing a Home Theatre Room? Read This First?

Designing a Home Theatre Room? Read This First

Designing a home theatre is a great project. With the right help, it is straightforward and generates a finished product that will transform your leisure time. Having your own home theatre offers a wide range of benefits. It allows you to entertain guests in a casual and comfortable setting. It also allows you to catch up on the latest viewing without the cinema price tag. Having these comforts in your own home makes designing a home theatre room all the more rewarding. Continue reading Designing a Home Theatre Room? Read This First

Smart Home Innovations

Smart Home Innovations for the Future

Like a Game of Thrones winter, the future always seems to be coming. But with advancements in technology, some people would argue that the future is already here. Whatever your view, there are many smart home innovations that are well and truly futuristic. Whether it is a new spin on the classic home theatre system or all-encompassing home automation systems, technology is constantly evolving. To help you get the most out of technology, we have created this brief guide on smart home innovations for the future. Continue reading Smart Home Innovations for the Future

Home Theatre Design and Installation

Home Theatre Design and Installation: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Home theatres are becoming increasingly popular in homes across Brisbane and they offer a home viewing experience like no other. Modern home theatres incorporate the latest in technology to provide you with high-quality home entertainment and while this is fantastic for you, it does make them potentially challenging to install. When it comes to home theatre design and installation, you have two options: install it yourself, or enlist the services of a professional. In any event, it is far preferable to seek the help of an expert and there are many reasons for this. Continue reading Home Theatre Design and Installation: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Why Choose a Professional for Home Automation Installation?

Why Choose a Professional for Home Automation Installation?

Technology has advanced at a remarkable rate over the past decade and this has had a great impact on the convenience of home living. Today, almost all of your appliances are operated by remote control and with a wide range of connectivity options such as Bluetooth your electronics are able to connect with each other like never before. But how can this be used to improve the convenience and ease of living in your home? The answer is simple: home automation.

Continue reading Why Choose a Professional for Home Automation Installation?

Live Better – Home Automation for the Brisbane Lifestyle

Live Better—Home Automation for the Brisbane Lifestyle

Let’s face it; Brisbane’s making its move to the front of the pack when it comes to liveability. Chances are you’re waxing lyrical about the subtropical climate, beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle to your interstate friends or family. It’s hard to see how home automation can possibly improve on what’s already so great about living here. But you shouldn’t write off home automation as irrelevant to your lifestyle or the stuff of bad ’60s spy films. Home automation’s come of age. Getting the right system for home automation in Brisbane will give you more time and the freedom to enjoy the sort of lifestyle you’re dreaming about. Best of all, it’s easier and more affordable than you might think.

Continue reading Live Better—Home Automation for the Brisbane Lifestyle

TV Wall Mounting Brisbane – What Can Go Wrong If You DIY

TV Wall Mounting Brisbane – What Can Go Wrong If You DIY

Wall mounting TVs is an intricate and detailed process. There are plenty of aspects that need to be taken into account, including the type of walls of the room as well as the brackets and cables needed to mount the TV. A TV wall mounting professional from AV Everything in Brisbane would have no problem in considering all of these important details. However, an amateur DIY installer may encounter some problems which could lead to devastating consequences for their house and even their families.

Continue reading TV Wall Mounting Brisbane – What Can Go Wrong If You DIY

Plan Your Media Room – 5 Mistakes to Avoid

So you’ve decided you want to create your own media room. You‘ve picked the perfect spot in your home to set up your home entertainment hub and you’re ready to go. But wait! Before you start refurbishing, be sure to avoid the common mistakes people make when creating a media room. These relatively simple errors can make or break your home of home entertainment! Luckily most of these problems have easy solutions.

Continue reading Plan Your Media Room – 5 Mistakes to Avoid

How to Watch Netflix on TV

Having trouble making Netflix work on your older model TV? Don’t worry, there are easy answers! Netflix is quickly becoming the new norm for the average Australian household. This Internet streaming media allows for TV and movies anywhere, anytime. Never again will you have to wait for your favourite TV show to come on. If you don’t have a Smart Television though, you might be wondering how to watch Netflix on TV.

Continue reading How to Watch Netflix on TV

home theatre restore

3 Reasons Why You Need an Automated Home in 2015

Home automation. Unsure of what it means? Okay, imagine this. You roll in after a hard day, tired and weary, ready to sit down and tune out with a few hours of tube. You need to close the curtains, turn on the sound system connected to the TV and turn the TV itself, after getting a drink and a piece of fruit.

You may even get changed first. You move through 10-20 actions before you arrive at relaxation central, harassed by your own home, indulging your too-tired side. Before you bemoan those wealthy guys down the street with their smart homes, it isn’t so far beyond you. You can, in fact, achieve a smart home at a touch of a button through AV Everything. But why should you? Other than you have enough to think about at the end of the day, that those 10-20 actions over the course of a year add up…read on and join the automation revolution. Continue reading 3 Reasons Why You Need an Automated Home in 2015

3 Ways Home Theatre Will Restore Your Sanity

Not everybody loves going to the movies. Finding a park, allocated seating, the line at the snack kiosk, the loud mouths and the chompers…and that’s before the movie starts. When the lights go down, you’re treated to a great flick in the discomfort of decade old seats, where other butts have sweated and the arm rest is usually broken.

Occasionally, you’ll buy a popcorn and a drink, but only after saving your spare change for a month; going to the movies almost demands a second mortgage. If only there was a way to get the widescreen experience at home…home theatre is just that. The widescreen experience in the comfort of your own space, where the snacks are fresh, the popcorn hot and you can have a beer without sacrificing a week’s worth of coffees.

Continue reading 3 Ways Home Theatre Will Restore Your Sanity

AirPlay makes video streaming easy

Airplay

AirPlay,  allows wireless streaming of video, audio and photos. Developed by Apple, both third party manufacturers and Apple can include the technology within devices, including Yamaha and other devices. AirPlay sends AV content, or receives the content and recreate it through sound systems and TVs.

Any device running iTunes, such as iPads, iPods, iPhones or Mac computers running a new iOS or greater.  Airport express is for audio only and Apple TV works for both sound and vision.

If you have Apple TV, you can wirelessly stream what’s on your iOS device to your speakers and HDTV via your Apple TV. You can even display what’s on your mobile device to the big screen. Your favourite movies, holiday photos and even sports — Apple TV and AirPlay  put it easily on your TV.

AirPlay Mirroring lets you show exactly what’s on your iPad,  iPhone,  Mac, or iPod touch screen to everyone else in the room. Show games, photos, web pages, videos, presentations, spreadsheets, and more on your HDTV via Apple TV. You can  rotate from portrait to landscape zoom in and out and your audience will see that too.

By selecting the “Multiple Speaker” option you can have your tunes playing in the kitchen, bedroom and living room or anywhere you have speakers installed, and as it works over Wi-Fi, it’s easily streamable from your home network. Simply connect to your home network, and you’ll be streaming tunes through your entire house, instantly.