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How a Gothenburg Home Movie Theater is Redefining Entertainment

Once in a while, you strike upon something golden. Something that pushes the boundaries of home movie theater ideas and leaves you rethinking how you foster enjoyment in your home. In the reaches of Northern Europe, lies a home cinema that does just that.

Think back to some of your most memorable cinema experiences. Where were you? How did it make you feel? What made your hairs stand on end? The best home theaters concoct an exceptional brew of sensory exploration. A good writer, director, and lead actor. These are the components of a great movie. However, what makes a great movie enjoyable is all about how you, the watcher, consume it.

This week we’re in Gothenburg, a historic center of art and culture, home to Scandinavia’s largest film festival, and a city of extremes. In the summer the endless days run away from you, having you wondering where the evening is. Although its winters would be generous to present you with more than a couple of hours of sunlight each day.

It’s no wonder that in this hub of art and extremity lies a unique marrying of the two. And that’s the focus of this week’s feature.

A home movie theater showing two rows of seating surrounded by home cinema equipment

The Space

In these posts, we aim to showcase some of the top home theaters out there. This week’s cinema undeniably draws from the very best in audio-visual quality and aesthetics.

It invokes all of the thrill and sensory stimulation that a movie theater should offer. At 15m², this nucleus of entertainment is the perfect inspiration for any true admirer of the film who wishes to hold the spectacle of cinema at their fingertips.

Straight away we see walls and ceilings decorated with charcoal gray gypsum boards, painted with a velvet texture. Next, we’re drawn to the custom walnut slat panels – Lithuanian imports – that punctuate the boards with a rustic wooden feel. As a result, room reverberation is reduced and higher frequencies are scattered. A tasteful merging of flash and function.

Finally, sound absorption panels by Swedish company Bullerbekämparen complete the acoustic treatment and nurture maximum audio clarity.

Home Theater Setup

Room Dimensions	14′ x 12′
Speaker Configuration	7.2.4
Screen	115″ 16:9

Home theater specs

This home cinema is a superb fusion of tech and style, devised with maximum viewer immersion mind.

A fixed and wall-mounted 16:9 projector screen sits proudly at 115” and covers the entire front wall. The screen size and seating spread place any audience member within that sweet spot of central to near peripheral horizontal viewing angle.

A home movie theater with a projector screen mounted upon the wall

Four DIY height speakers built with a thoughtfully curated mix of drivers cling to the ceiling. They offer faithfully reproduced mid and high frequencies. The front and rear speaker position circles and engulfs the watcher within its echo.

This home setup is all about the bass. The non-directional nature of bass means that you can really get creative with where you put your sub woofers in your home theater. Theoretically you could sink your subs below the floor, causing the whole room to rumble. Your body vibrating in sympathy. That is exactly what this theater does. Certainly a refreshing take due to the fact that many home cinema installers would be wary to take on such a feat. We salute you!

Subwoofers installed to be sunk into the floor of a home cinema

Sound

Now, let’s delve deeper into the audio setup of this home theater. We all know the often undervalued importance of pristine audio. Therefore, this 7.2.4 surround should satisfy the scrutiny of any audiophile and give you some great ideas for your own home movie theater.

Speakers

For the 2 LCR/center channel speakers, we have a DIY build with 7” SEAS woofers, a 1” B&C ring radiator compression driver, and a Faital Pro Horn to ensure clarity in cinematic expression through dialogue and special effects.
For the surround and atmos, we have 2 more height speakers fixed in a rear position, each with a 6” SEAS woofer and a 1” Peerless ring radiator. The rear elevated positioning has you enveloped in sound for a truly immersive experience.
The underfloor subwoofers include 2 FiCar IB318 drivers housed in an in-floor manifold. Infinite Baffle housing allows the speakers to generate low frequencies with minimal cancellation, maximizing driver output while minimizing loss in authenticity.
The 4 height speakers are ceiling-mounted using 2 K&M universal wall holders. These mounts are easily adjustable and take advantage of a ball joint to enhance freedom in speaker placement. Though lightweight at only 0.65 kg, they can withstand loading of up to 10 kg – more than enough for your standard set of LCR and atmos speakers. Perfect for any home movie theater.

Amplification and Processing

Amplification for all speakers is carried out by Crown XLS 1002 two-channel amplifiers. Weighing less than 5kg, these amplifiers provide an ideal level of control with a dedicated band pass filter for each channel, an LCD display, and high-powered transmission to convey a clean and undistorted signal that leaves you heaps of headroom to spare.
Although the height speaker digital signal processing is covered by the Crown amplifier, the subs use a miniDSP 2×4. This tiny DSP is full of audio processing capability that goes way beyond its size. Flexible parametric equalization and Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley crossovers allow you to attune speakers to your room, and isolate that low end leaving you shaken to your core.

The miniDSP is more or less like a Swiss Army knife for home theater and two-channel enthusiasts.
Home Theater Review

Visuals

When you’re watching movies made for cinematic release, you want to consume them as the studios intended. As a spectacle. As a sight to behold.

This home theater spares no expense in creating a visual delight that’s a real treat for the senses. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the display.

AV Receiver

The audio-visual receiver used here is the RX-A8A –Yamaha’s premium AV receiver. With in-built artificial intelligence technology designed to analyze and reproduce content with high impact and accuracy; HDR10+ capability that breaks the glass ceiling of visual dynamic range; 8K resolution that floors you with its flawless detail; and voice activation that takes viewers on a futuristic journey in home entertainment. It isn’t a stretch to argue that this AV receiver is one of the best out there!

RX-A8A delivered superb movie sound, excellent music – especially in surround – along with extravagant versatility. It’s a worthy anniversary Aventage flagship.
What Hi-Fi?

The rear wall of a home theater, showing a row of seats and a cinema style projector

Media Players

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is enough to breath life into the home theater of any true film and TV aficionado. This media player uses AI to upscale video to 4K resolution, enhancing visual quality and rendering a razor sharp, crisp image. Dolby Vision and Atmos technologies combine to take cinema a step further than your average media player, leaving you stranded and fully submerged within the worlds and universes of your treasured movies and TV series.
The DP-UB820 Bluray Player soaks the screen with stunning color and luminance made possible by Panasonic’s unique chroma processing. An HDR optimizer generates images that support a wide spectrum of light and dark, heightening the range of visual possibility. Panasonic have utilized their expertise and experience in collaborating with Hollywood studios to make a processor that truly masters the art of theatrical display.

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Summary

With these features, we aim to track down and showcase the best in home cinema. Amazing spaces that encourage full audience immersion. Spaces that inspire you to concoct your own home movie theater ideas. Most importantly, spaces that give you an insight into what is possible.

This paradise of audio-visual technology really pushes the boat out. Acoustic treatment for high audio clarity, underfloor speakers for thumping bass, and upmarket media players for that pristine picture quality. Certainly, this home cinema is one for the books!

What are your thoughts on this week’s feature? Are underfloor subs for you? How about the choice of drivers? We’d love to hear your thoughts and home movie theater ideas in the comments!

From This Home Theater Products Available Online

Panasonic UB-820k 4k DVD Player

Nvidia Shield Pro 4k Streamer

miniDSP 2×4 Digital Audio Signal Processor, great for time aligning subwoofers

Triumph AV is NOT the installer of this AMAZING home theater and the purpose of this content is to inspire all interested in the home theater space!

The New Klipsch RP-1600SW Subwoofer

The Klipsch RP-1600SW Subwoofer is the newest entry from the well-known audio brand, and it promises improved performance from its predecessor, the RP-1500SW. The RP-1600SW aims to give powerful and accurate bass for home systems, as well as for use in commercial applications. Let’s take a closer look at this new subwoofer and analyze the performance differences between it and its predecessor.

KLIPSCH RP-1600SW

The first noticeable difference between the RP-1600SW and the RP-1500SW is their size. The new subwoofer is larger and more powerful, boasting a 12” active driver. This is a significant increase from the 10” driver that the RP-1500SW has. This larger driver means that the RP-1600SW can handle a wider range of frequencies, and it is decidedly more powerful than its predecessor.

All new 12″ Active Driver

The RP-1600SW also features an amplifier with higher peak output power than the RP-1500SW. The RP-1600SW boasts a whopping 500W of peak power, compared to the 300W for the RP-1500SW. This is a significant jump in power, and it will give the RP-1600SW more headroom and a stronger low-frequency response.

The subwoofer cabinet of the Klipsch RP-1600SW is also much larger than the RP-1500SW, with the RP-1600SW boasting a 3.7” deep cabinet and the RP-1500SW having a 2.8” deep cabinet. This additional depth helps the RP-1600SW to produce a larger and more expansive soundstage, allowing bass frequencies to, in turn, sound bigger and more powerful.

The RP-1600SW also has better connectivity options. It offers both RCA and XLR inputs, which give it more versatility than the RP-1500SW, which only had an RCA connection. The RP-1600SW also requires less configuration than the RP-1500SW, as it has an automatic room-correction function that allows it to easily adapt to its environment.

In terms of performance, the RP-1600SW is a clear winner over the RP-1500SW. It has a punchier, more powerful low-end response, an expanded soundstage, and better overall sound quality. The higher power output also allows more headroom and more powerful bass. The larger driver and improved connectivity options also give it an edge over the RP-1500SW.

Overall, the Klipsch RP-1600SW Subwoofer is a clear improvement on its predecessor. It has a lot of great features, and it performs well in both home theater and commercial applications. It is more powerful and offers more flexibility in terms of connectivity, and it also offers great sound quality. If you’re looking for a powerful subwoofer that offers great performance, then the Klipsch RP-1600SW is definitely worth a look.

Ready to add these new Klipsch subwoofers to your line-up, you can purchase them from Klipsch here.

Understanding the Marantz 8805 vs 8805A debacle

When it comes to the debate over the Marantz 8805 vs 8805A, it is fleeting to see why there’s such uproar over two powerful AV receivers.

Upon evaluating the Marantz 8805 vs 8805A battles, the 8805A comes equipped with updates in several areas, the ability to play 8k media and is smaller than its predecessor.

There’s no real loss in owning either AV receiver with both devices being leaders in their sector but the debate over the 8k upgrade has enthusiasts questioning the necessity of it.

Is this full-scale upgrade in media support a true deal-breaker? Let’s find out as we unpack the issues that have arisen in the Marantz 8805 vs 8805A debate.

Setting the standard

Let’s rewind the clock to when Marantz first unveiled the 8805 in 2018. During its initial release, the 8805 was a game-changer in the receiver market.

Being the first home AV receiver to process 13 channels at once, it stood out from its competitors. On top of that, it could also support 15 output channels for various supporting peripherals.

It was also loaded with every latest upgrade possible including Dolby Atmos sound processors and 32-bit audio conversion to offer clear, crisp sound without any effort whatsoever.

All this alongside Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4k UHD support meant that this was a must-have device for any home theater enthusiast.

The unnecessary upgrade?

In 2021, the Marantz 8805 was still one of the strongest theater receivers in the market. However, that all changed in May of that year when an updated version was announced – the 8805A.

The main selling point of the Marantz 8805A was that this was a receiver that could support 8k media – the latest upgrade in media definition. Surely, nothing to sniff that?

Yet – 8k is still in its infancy when it comes to what content is out there. That’s because only top-end TVs and cameras run the footage with major TV providers only perhaps having one channel that supports this platform.

It is slowly becoming more common especially with the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X running games in 8k as they are released for the platform.

That wasn’t the only upgrade though. The 8805A was lighter and slimmer than its older brother and come with upgrades in several drivers and connectivity platforms.

The Marantz 8805 vs 8805A : Side by side

When it comes to a direct comparison, there isn’t much difference between either platform. Both Marantz receivers can still run 13 channels at once and come with Dolby Atmos sound support.

They also have a wide range of different wireless connections such as Wi-Fi & Bluetooth all included allowing for easy support to any external device.

The https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/av-separates/av8805a8805A does come with better image quality. This isn’t just through the 8K support but also provides Quick Media Switching allowing for a stable picture and eliminating the risk of blackout.

There’s also the ability for 4k content to be boosted to 8k allowing for most modern content to be viewed in that same breadth of quality.

Debunking the marantz 8805 vs 8805a debate

There’s always going to be some contention when an upgraded model is released when the previous one still performs to the highest standard possible.

However, in the release of the 8805A, Marantz has given a brief glimpse into how AV receivers can perform well supporting the latest technology out there.

The jump to 8k may raise some questions however media enthusiasts would benefit from having either Marantz device as their AV hub. It’s why there’s no real edge to the controversy surrounding the Marantz 8805 vs 8805A debacle.

JBL Boombox 3 – Everything You Need to Know

Released in the summer of 2022, JBL’s Boombox 3 is the latest in this range of portable speakers. Boasting an improved speaker configuration, dedicated app, and multi-speaker connectivity, this model is surely a refinement of its predecessor.

What’s New With the JBL Boombox 3?

This model is the latest incarnation of the Boombox range, and JBL claim a number improvements on the previous model. The Boombox 3 is currently on sale for $499.95, whereas you can pick up a Boombox 2 for just $349.95.

So you might be wondering, how much of an upgrade is this latest version, and is it worth the extra cash? To find out, let’s take a look at a rundown of some of the key specs.

Robust, Compact, Waterproof Design

On the surface the JBL Boombox 3 looks strikingly similar to the older model, but there are a couple of small, albeit notable changes.

Although it may be slightly heavier than the Boombox 2, it is still fairly lightweight at 14.7lbs. By the same token, it is also fairly compact with a metal handle and silicone grips, making this an ideal size and weight for a portable rig.

JBL haven’t strayed too far from the sturdy and robust overall design that these speakers are known for. Available in black or camo, it has a rock-like, dense appearance that screams durability.

In this case, this speaker can indeed withstand anything you might throw at it. In the event that you might want to bring this speaker to the beach or to the lake, you’ll be glad to know that it’s IP67 waterproof and dustproof.

As with the previous version, the JBL Boombox 3 can be submerged under water for up to 30 minutes without any damage being dealt to any of its internal or external mechanics.

JBL Boombox 3 Speaker Configuration

The most notable update with the Boombox 3 relates to driver configuration. Whereas the previous model used a two-way set-up, this version houses a three-way configuration which has extend the bottom end range by an extra 10Hz.

To illustrate, within the Boombox 3 are five drivers. Two mid-range woofers, two high-end tweeters and an all new sub-woofer that provides a subtle yet pronounced boost to the low end. In comparison, the Boombox 2 housed a two-way configuration with two woofers and two tweeters.

Not only does this give you an extra driver to play with in terms of maximum volume, but it has increased the frequency range from 50Hz-20KHz with the Boombox 2, to 40Hz-20kHz with the Boombox 3.

Although 10Hz may not feel like much, at the lower end of the frequency spectrum this goes a long way to providing audible and clear sub-bass.

	JBL Boombox 2	JBL Boombox 2
Speaker configuration	Two-way. Two woofers, two tweeters	Three-way. Sub-woofer, two mids and two tweeters
Frequency range	50Hz-20kHz	40Hz-20kHz
Price	$349.95	$499.95
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.1. SBC codec	Bluetooth 5.3. SBC codec
Waterproof?	IPX7 waterproof	IP67 waterproof and dustproof
Partyboost mode?	Yes	Yes
Portable app compatibility	Yes	Yes

Key features of the JBL Boombox 2 and Boombox 3 side by side.

Portable yet Powerful

The JBL Boombox 3 can either be powered using mains power, or from its own battery. Battery life is 24 hours when charged for 6.5 hours to full capacity. Furthermore, this speaker also has a USB A output which allows it to charge small devices.

It’s important to note that how the speaker is being powered affects the driver output. The table below illustrates the differences in battery vs mains power supply modes.

	Battery	Power supply
Sub	60W	80W
Mids	30W each	40W
Tweeters	8W each	10W each

As shown above there are slight differences in power depending on whether you choose to use this speaker in your home, or out and about using the battery. Nonetheless, the battery power mode should be more than satisfactory for most outings.

In any case, the Boombox 3 is fairly consistent at different volume levels, performing best at moderate-high volume. There is no noticeable distortion when used at maximum volume, though a slight thinning in very low end has been observed.

In the interest of fairness, we must judge this speaker for what it is – a small portable speaker. A compact design such as this can’t be expected to perform as well as a bigger, more complex sound system, and it doesn’t.

However, as far as portable rigs go, it performs very well indeed.

JBL Boombox 3 Connectivity

To connect to the Boombox 3, you can either use it’s 3.5mm aux input, or connect up to 2 devices via Bluetooth 5.3 – a basic, yet stable and low energy wireless connection. Although SBC codec is supported, this speaker does not support AAC or APTX.

Be that as it may, unless you are planning on using Bluetooth connectivity for gaming or your home theater, SBC codec should do the job just fine. 16 bit, 48kHz and 328 kbps capability makes it more than suitable for parties and blasting tunes.

On the other hand, if it’s minimal latency wireless you’re looking for, you might be better searching somewhere else.

On the positive side, if one JBL Boombox doesn’t satisfy your craving for volume as a stand-alone speaker, you can link it with multiple speakers using the Partyboost function. Create a stereo sound, or get creative with a more complex setup for increased volume or a more expansive sound.

JBL Portable App

A key extra to take note of is the JBL Portable app, available on android or iOS. Though this feature is also usable with the Boombox 2, it’s an undoubtedly useful yet simple tool that helps to improve the user experience.

To demonstrate, using the app you can check the speaker’s battery life, update firmware, and toggle feedback suppression in the case of using the Boombox for microphone amplification. Though most importantly, the app contains a 3 band EQ which allows you to tweak low, mid, and high frequencies.

You can take advantage of this to optimize the performance of the Boombox 3 depending on the setting.

Is This an Upgrade?

While the JBL Boombox 3 shares many features and similarities with its predecessor, some refinement sets it aside.

Namely, a three-way speaker configuration that increases the frequency range, allowing it to output waveforms as low as 40Hz. Not to mention the increase in maximum volume that can be output with the addition of an extra driver.

However, the recent price reduction of the Boombox 2 to $349.95 begs the question of whether an added 10Hz is worth the extra price tag of $499.95.

If rich subs at high volume is important to you, then the JBL Boombox 3 is the way to go!

What’s new on the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation

With streaming devices becoming the norm of how we view content at home, the choices are becoming increasingly diverse. The Apple TV 4K has now entered the fray with its 3rd Generation streaming device. But how better is it compared to its competitors, and should you really get it? Here is an in-depth overview of the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen.

Key Highlights

Here are just a few of the reasons why the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation is the best streaming box you can buy:

Comes with a power-packed A15 Bionic chip
Improved design with USB-C remote
New thermal design without a fan
Incredible 4K HDR picture quality
Support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision (upcoming QMS support).
Future-Proof
Runs on tvOS v16.1
Cost: $129 for 64GB, Wi-Fi variant; $149 for 128GB, Wi-Fi + Ethernet variant

Apple TV 4K Specifications

Storage	64GB/128GB	Processor	A15 Bionic Chip
Video Output	2160p, High Frame Rate HDR and HDR10+	Weight	208g
Audio Output	Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos	Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0

What is a Streaming Device?

Streaming devices (also known as streaming media devices or streamers) connect your TV/home theatre to the internet and give access to online content. With them, the online content could be streamed on your home devices and viewed – akin to traditional cable TV, but with the ability to watch what you want, when you want.

Streaming devices are a perfect tool for non-Smart TVs, which don’t have the inherent capability to connect to the internet. Even among Smart TVs, streaming devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Google Chromecast offer a wide range of impressive features on top of mere streaming. Streaming devices are increasingly becoming a must-have addition to any home.

Apple TV 4K Overview

Since its launch in 2007, the Apple TV has been a valuable addition to the Apple ecosystem. The Apple TV 4K was launched in 2017 to provide a much-needed upgrade in TV resolution and offer the best viewing experience to users.

The 3rd generation device comes a mere 17 months after the 2nd Gen – a relatively short gap for the series. Yet, the latest device is an improvement in many crucial aspects. It is one of the most powerful streaming boxes on the market and offers a wealth of features and benefits that make it the perfect addition to any home setup.

Design

The third-generation Apple TV 4K is touted to be 20% smaller than the previous version. With a reduction in weight and dimensions, the difference could actually be felt once you hold it in your hands. The small, ergonomic design makes storing the device on your TV cabinet or behind the television screen easier. The new thermal design also comes without any internal fan to cool it. As far as looks go, the device stays black but removes the TV logo.

Improved Remote with Siri

The Apple TV 4K remote also saw some significant changes. Look-wise, it has the same aluminum premium finish with a thicker design. The touchpad has been ditched in favor of a click wheel. However, the Lightning Charge slot has been replaced by a USB-C slot. This is important since the device doesn’t come with its own charger, so you might have to utilize your own.

Like the previous versions, the remote comes with Siri – which is now significantly improved. For instance;

Siri’s actions will not block the TV screen but rather take place on a side window.
It can also perform interesting operations like displaying the cast, close-caption a specific scene, playing titles within the app, and searching for titles while the content continues to play.

It has its limitations, like searching the web for results or performing analytical operations. But later this year, Apple plans to launch an upgrade that will enable Siri to voice-recognize Apple TV 4K users and even suggest titles specific to their viewing history.

Performance

Performance is the biggest bonus in the latest version. The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen comes with Apple’s A15 Bionic Chip. Launched last year, the powerful processor was used in iPhone 13 and even in some variants of the latest iPhone 14. The processor packs a significant punch – especially for a TV streaming device. The CPU is faster by 50 percent while the GPU is improved by 30 percent, compared to 2nd Gen. Switching between multiple apps is without any lag. Even as far as gaming is concerned, the device performed beautifully (on Apple Arcade and App Store games).

Display

Beyond all the talks about UI and performance and design, it is the view that counts – and Apple delivers. The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen offers a crisp, sharp and in-depth display that makes viewing television a treat. It supports 60 frames per second and HDR (high display rate) content. Overall, the device offers a wide range of support – HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, 4K, etc. It will soon also support Quick Media Switching, allowing it to match the frame rate of the content instantaneously.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Unmatched performance with a seamless experience
Compact, light, and ergonomic design
Gaming support for various Gamepads and games on Apple’s library
Easy to setup, install and use with an appealing UI
Competitive entry-level price
Compliments Apple ecosystem

Cons:

App integration is limited and excludes the likes of Netflix
Siri has limited functionality and is not as advanced as its iPhone/Mac counterparts
No charging cable

Apple TV 4K: Price Comparison

The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen is most notable for its entry-level price tag, which is significantly lower than its previous version.

Generation	Entry Price
First Gen	$179 onwards
Second Gen (launched 2021)	$179 onwards
Third Gen (launched 2022)	$129 onwards

Why Should You Go for the Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation?

Despite a slightly hefty price tag, the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen is definitely a device worth having for those looking to upgrade their entertainment. There are many reasons to go for the new Apple TV 4K 3rd generation.

The reduced price compared to previous versions makes it very competitive with its competitors like Roko and Chromecast. On top of that, the device offers features unlike any other. With crystal-clear resolution, aesthetic design, and power-packed performance, the Apple TV 4K scores high points in all aspects.

For people who prefer Apple and/or have an Apple ecosystem, the latest Apple TV 4K is a no-brainer; it will be a splendid addition to their home. But for those who are skeptical of Apple’s products and their habit of becoming rapidly outdated, it should be noted that the company has been trying to future-proof their devices. The A15 Bionic Chip, a beast for a small device, ensures that the processor remains sharp for many years. The support for resolutions like HDR10+ is proof that Apple is thinking ahead.

If you’re looking for the best streaming experience, the new Apple TV 4K 3rd generation is the way to go. Investing in Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen will allow you to enjoy seamless TV for at least a few years.

Top tips for mounting a TV onto a brick wall

When mounting a TV onto a brick wall, many people underestimate the task at hand. They think that a few screws and a drill will get the job done. However, that’s not the right attitude.

The best way for mounting a TV onto a brick wall comes by using a special masonry drill to cut through the brick itself before securing it with screws and brackets.

Having the right mix of both tools and technique is imperative for a thorough job. Not only does it avoid unwanted mishaps but ensures the device can remain fixed for longer.

With that in mind, we’ve gone through the trouble of giving you all the inside tricks on getting the job done without any drama. So what are the tips and tricks for mounting a TV onto a brick wall?

Before you start

Assembling your tool kit

When it comes to doing the job properly, you need the proper tools to get the job done without any incidents. This means ditching your general tool kit. Why? Because brick is a tough material to cut through.

It’s why we recommend going for a specialist toolset for the job. This requires getting forms of tools and equipment that are specially designed for masonry. This includes using a masonry drill bit, masonry screws and a drill with functions to puncture holes in the tough exterior.

The reason for this? Two reasons to be precise. First, using normal drill bits on brick will wear them down and significantly shorter their lifespan as they chip through the hard brick. A masonry drill head has sharpened, straight-edged grooves like a chisel that easily burrow through the tough exterior.

Secondly, using specific tools make the job that much simpler. For example, masonry screws are much tougher than regular screws and will hold the weight of the TV and mount better than regular screws. Furthermore, having a drill with a hammer function will ensure the screws go in the right distance and won’t be too tight to loosen if necessary.

Our recommended toolkit:

Masonry screws
Masonry drill bit
Drill with hammer function
TV Mount
Brackets
Tape Measure
Spirit Level
Marker
Screwdriver

Measuring the right spot

Before you go mounting anything, you need to work out the right spot for the TV. Working out the perfect mounting distance ensures you get the best viewing experience and immersion possible.

To do this, you will need to work out the distance from the sofa to where you are mounting on the wall and the relative viewing height at eye level.

Once you have worked out these distances, you can mark just exactly where you need to mount the TV and then begin the mounting process.

Mounting a TV on a Brick Wall: The guide

1. Following your marking guides, drill through the brick in all spots where you have marked. Only drill the necessary length that the screws need to sit into the wall itself

2. Place the mount on the wall and slowly screw the masonry screws into the wall so they are sitting loosely on the surface. Slowly drill the screws in until the mount is flat against the brick surface.

3. Get the accompanying brackets from the mount and screw them gently into the back of the TV where appropriate

4. Lift the TV towards the mount. Slowly attach the brackets to the mount by hooking or screwing them in as necessary. Ensure everything is secure before letting go of the TV and bracket.

Things to watch out for

When mounting your TV, there are a few things you do need to consider to avoid any unwanted mishaps. It can be a major inconvenience if you ignore such things.

Follow mount instructions carefully

When it comes to the mount and accompanying components, there are going to be variations. Some mounts may require brackets to be screwed in and others may just hook into place. Look carefully at how everything fits together before you begin the mounting process.

Furthermore, these parts may come with different types of screws meaning don’t think one tool will solve everything. Make sure you have a variety of screwdriver heads ready just in case the one you have isn’t right for each job.

Watch out if mounting on mortar

Always try and aim to mount directly on the brick instead of the mortar. As long as the brick is sturdy, it will hold the weight of the TV better and give a much more securer connection once everything is free-standing.

Even though mortar is easy to drill through, you have to remember that it is the agent holding multiple bricks together. If your drilling damages the mortar around several bricks, it may weaken multiple bricks and make the entire unsuitable for mounting.

Conclusion

All in all, it’s always handy to know just what you need before mounting anything on a brick wall. Having the right tools and bits at hand makes the job less stressful and less time-consuming.

By knowing where to secure your TV and how to do it safely, it means you will have the perfect way to watch TV undisturbed. It’ll all be worth it knowing that mounting a TV on a brick wall was a piece of cake for you to do.

TV Mounting

Whether you are tackling a DIY project or ready to hire a team of professionals, Triumph AV is dedicated to supporting your tv mounting needs start to finish. Please feel free to drop a comment with any suggestions or questions you may have on a given topic. We are here to help and make sure your project is a success.

DIY TV Mounting Tips

So you just purchased a nice sized tv and you are ready to modernize your setup by hanging the tv on the wall, you’ve grabbed a drill and are ready to put a fresh new hole in the wall to start the bracket install and it hits you, “how do you know if you are mounting the bracket in the right place”. No one wants extra holes in their walls or extra patch work to add to the project. We have generated a series of post to help you perfect the installation. Details matter so we do your best to explain the why behind each recommendation.

Top tips for mounting a TV onto a brick wall

When mounting a TV onto a brick wall, many people underestimate the task at hand. They think that a few screws and a drill will get the job done. However, that’s not the right attitude. The best way for mounting a TV…

by refractrmedia December 14, 2022December 14, 2022

TV Mounting

by triumphav December 8, 2022December 8, 2022

TV Mounting Height Calculator

Before we begin, we recommend you check out our other blog post about what considerations are made to get the correct tv mounting height. Understanding the Viewing Height Next, assuming you are familiar with the content covered in the above post, we…

by triumphav December 8, 2022December 8, 2022

What is the Correct TV Mounting Height?

by loukushner November 21, 2022November 29, 2022

The Essentials of Mounting an Outdoor TV

If you want a fancy screen to be the centerpiece of your new outdoor patio, knowing the essentials of mounting an outdoor TV is crucial for it to work properly. When mounting an outdoor TV, you need to ensure that the device…

by refractrmedia November 21, 2022November 29, 2022

Professional TV Mounting Service

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TV Mounting Height Calculator

Before we begin, we recommend you check out our other blog post about what considerations are made to get the correct tv mounting height.

What is the Correct TV Mounting Height?

To most people, discovering the best TV mounting height doesn’t seem like much of an issue. As long as you can see the picture, you’d think it’s good enough. Or so it would seem. However, there’s a knack for finding the optimum height to watch your favourite shows. It’s a feat that you don’t notice until you stumble across that eureka moment…

by loukushner November 21, 2022November 29, 2022

Understanding the Viewing Height

Next, assuming you are familiar with the content covered in the above post, we can now go over how the calculator below works. This calculator assumes you know what watching height (WH) you want to view the tv from already and just need help with the mounting position to achieve the viewing height. The size of the tv, tilt angle along with the watching height are variables all needed to calculate the correct tv mounting height. Please note that we do not recommend using this calculator for any screen on 90 inches in addition to any setup that contains multiple rows of seating as this introduces other viewing variables this calculator wont account for.

Calculating the TV Mounting Height

TV Mounting Height Calculator

Outdoor TV Mounting Height Calculator

Most of the same principles apply for mounting a tv outside as inside with the exception that the watching height is usually significantly higher for outdoor TVs. The higher height helps shield the tv from weather elements as well as maximizing the number of users that can see the tv sitting or standing.

The Essentials of Mounting an Outdoor TV

by refractrmedia November 21, 2022November 29, 2022

The Marantz AV8805A Steps Up Our 8K Preparedness

Marantz 8805a front view with bottom control buttons.

Marantz 8805a Rear View of different connector ports

The Marantz AV8805A surround pre-amplifier is breaking ground in audio visual and home cinema entertainment. Released as an upgrade to the Marantz AV8805, this system has a ton of audio processing power, and uses HDMI 2.1 giving it 8K capability.

Let’s delve into some of the main features.

Audio

Processing

Firstly, we have 13.2 channel processing and 15.2 channel XLR and RCA outputs which make the Marantz AV8805A compatible with advanced home theater speaker setups. Likewise, full 3D audio capability keeps it in line with the latest in surround sound formats.

As well as this, the AV8805A supports high-resolution audio with extreme fidelity. Not only can it play lossless FLAC, WAV and ALAC files up to 24-bit/192-kHz, but it also decodes DSD audio at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz! DSD audio deals in incredibly high sample rates, said to produce tones that are both natural and sweet.

Standard TVs compress audio signals before sending them through HDMI cables. Conversely, the AV8805A achieves lossless and object-based sound with the use of an enhanced audio return channel (eARC). This makes it ideal for use with surround formats such as DTS and Dolby Atmos.

Audyssey XT32 Multi EQ

Another stand out feature is the Audyssey XT32 Platinum Suite Multi EQ. This is a valuable tool that carries out room specific acoustic correction on speaker output using a Marantz supplied microphone. You can use this feature to tune your speakers to your home movie theater room.

Not to mention Dynamic Volume, which smooths out sudden changes in velocity, and Dynamic EQ that can adjust equalization in real-time.

Audyssey have also developed psycho-acoustic algorithms thast allow you to experience a full range of audio (including sub-bass) even at lower levels.

Marantz Innovative Circuitry

The AV8805A uses Marantz’ own circuit design to deliver sound quality that distinguishes it from its competitors. Specifically, Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) placed between volume controls and power amplifiers.

Theoretically, these modules achieve high output with improved slew rate, while eliminating background noise almost entirely. In essence, achieving loud audio both rich and expansive.

That being said, testing has shown that this unit outputs a signal-to-noise and distortion (SINAD) ratio that underperforms when compared with competing systems such as the Denon AVR-X3600. Perhaps Marantz still have some tinkering to do in this area.

Marantz Av8805A Functionality

Multi-Source, Multi-Room

Multi-source and multi-room capability allow for integration into whole-home audio systems. In other words, you could be enjoying a cinematic release with full 3D audio in your home cinema, while family members stream content from a separate source in another room.

What’s more, voice activation makes the Marantz AV8805A compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Josh.ai. This means you can use this system to enhance your day-to-day home environment.

To illustrate, you could use it to control thermostats, appliances and lights. Likewise, you could manage your appointments, create playlists and access the internet all with the sound of your voice.

Remote Control Integration

Using HDMI-CEC, you can link this system to a smart TV. This allows you to control your TV and the Marantz pre-amplifier with a single remote. In effect, avoiding over-complicated setups and easing the transition to use.

Similarly, Marantz have produced an AVR remote app for iOS and Android. With this app you can control some of the basic functions of the AV8805A from you phone.

What’s new with the Marantz AV8805A?

HDMI 2.1

When compared with the previous model, the Marantz AV8805A features a few changes that step up visual performance and enrich home viewing. The headline being the introduction of HDMI 2.1 chipsets.

HDMI 2.1 compatibility means the AV8805A supports 8K/60Hz passthrough, despite not a lot of 8K content existing at present. However, this will surely change as time goes on. HDMI 2.1 doesn’t just bring your home theater up-to-date – it future proofs it.

In the meantime, you can take advantage of the 8K upscaling to make 1080p and 4k content work with your 8K TV.

Game Focused Upgrades

With the older Marantz AV8805 model, some users complained of problems implementing 4k/120Hz when gaming on new Xbox consoles. However, the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) in the updated model helps to reduce lag, making sure online gaming goes smoothly.

The AV8805A also has Quick Media Switching (QMS). This allows the pre-amp to eliminate video delay and screen blackout when switching between frame rates.

DAC Chips

The Marantz AV8805 model used digital-to-analog converter (DAC) chips made by AKM. However, due to the fire at the AKM factory in 2020, these are now difficult to come by.

A recent tear down found that these AKM chips have been switched out for ESS DACs. Fortunately, these are still high-performing low-consumption chips capable of up to 124dB in dynamic range and -110dB total harmonic distortion.

Even audiophiles and conscious listeners won’t notice the difference!

Summary

The Marantz AV8805A is undoubtedly a powerful and versatile surround pre-amplifier.

As you can see with its extensive audio processing, this unit delivers on acoustic clarity. Access to the Audyssey XT32 Platinum Suite bears the burden of tuning your speakers to your home theater room. Not to mention DSD audio decoding, which leaves the AV8805A open to future advances in audio quality at sky-high sample rates.

Despite SINAD ratio tests leaving a little to be desired, even the most acclaimed audio technicians would struggle to pick up on the minute levels we are talking about here.

Above all, there is no doubt that new HDMI 2.1 chipsets step up your 8K preparedness. Although we’re currently left wanting when it comes to content at this resolution, this will surely come with time. By which point we’ll all be rushing for our 8K/60Hz passthrough in a frenzy!

Fixing your Denon Bluetooth Pairing Problems

Ensuring that the Denon Bluetooth pairing process goes smoothly is essential for anyone wanting to enjoy movie or music through their AVR receiver.

AVR-X4700H Denon Bluetooth Pairing Problems

Most Denon receivers are Bluetooth compatible and connect to other devices within a few seconds by holding down the sync buttons although it may not pair if there is a fault or signal interference.

To aid you in getting everything synced together seamlessly, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to get music and video playing through your Denon system. So what do you need to do?

Denon receiver won’t connect to bluetooth? Here’s the simple solution.

Pairing your Denon device is extremely easy to do. It should theoretically only take no more than 30 seconds. How? Well, all you need to do is:

Bluetooth is automatically activated if you select to use it during the initial setup process.
To pair, hold the Bluetooth button down for 3 seconds. this will begin the search for Bluetooth devices
Select the AVR model name from the device that you want to sync and press Connect on that device
The Denon Bluetooth pairing process should be complete and ready to use

All seems easy enough right?

Issues affecting the Denon Bluetooth pairing process

Sometimes, the pairing process isn’t as easy as you wish. A whole sort of issues may arise that may stop the process from working together. Some of these problems may include:

Signal Interference
Connection ports
Power disruption
Software Updates

It only takes just one of these problems to knock out a Bluetooth pairing instantaneously. It can ruin your home media experience – no matter if you are listening to music or watching a movie.

So how do we deal with those issues?

Name	Image	Channels	Power (W)	Resolution	HEOS	Link
AVR-X4700H		9	125W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-X2700H		7	95W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-S540BT		5	70W	4K	NO	BUY NOW
AVR-X2800H		7	95W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-X3700H		9	105W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-X3800H		9	105W	8K	NO	BUY NOW
AVR-X8500HA		13	150W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-X6700H		11	140W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
DRA-800H		2	100W	4K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-X1700H		7	80W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-S760H		7	75W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-S660H		5	75W	8K	YES	BUY NOW
AVR-S570BT		5	130W	8K	NO	BUY NOW
AVR-A1H		15	150W	8K	NO	BUY NOW
AVR-X4800H		9	110W	8K	NO	BUY NOW
AVR-S970H		7	90W	8K	YES	BUY NOW

Troubleshooting connection issues

Signal Interference

One of the most common issues is the signal being interrupted during the pairing process. This can be caused by another device connecting to your receiver or objects blocking the signal.

Luckily, this is easy to solve through a few quick checks:

Always ensure that no objects are blocking your receiver and the device you are wanting to pair.
Ensure no other devices are trying to pair with the receiver at the same time
Make sure you are connecting to the right device

After making these checks, repeat the standard pairing process and see if you can establish a connection.

Restarting a connection

If you have a device that has previously connected to your Denon receiver and it won’t connect, you can always try deleting a previous product and re-installing it.

Doing this is a quick and easy way to reset a connection and eliminate any bugs that may have occurred during the last disconnection. To do this:

Select the Setup button on the Denon control
Go to General and select Bluetooth Transmitter
Select the list of devices
Highlight the device you want to remove and select Forget This Device from the Options menu.
Pair the two devices following the normal steps

This trick is also useful for removing any devices you cannot run through your system. Removing these redundant listings ensures that you won’t have trouble syncing any future peripherals as you add them to your setup

Software updates

Over time, Denon will release updates to the internal software of your receiver to fix common bugs and glitches. Sometimes, these updates will stop all connections working until everything is running the latest spec software.

Software updates are easy to perform using your remote control. To update your Denon receiver’s software, all you need to do is:

Select the Setup option on the remote
Click on the General tab of the menu and choose Firmware
Select Check for Update and choose Upgrade Firmware if the option appears

Updating the software irons out any glitches and allows you to pair devices normally again if any connections were lost during the process

Resetting the device

If all else fails, resetting your Denon device may be the only option left to pursue. The first thing you can try is the obvious tactic of switching off the plug at the mains and flicking it back on.

Doing this soft reset may work but if it doesn’t, then you will need to perform a hard reset which will put everything back to default settings.

Warning: performing a hard reset will delete all data that you previously had saved. Any custom settings would need to be re-added should you perform this method.

To reset your Denon receiver, you must:

Turn off the device via the Power button
Hold the Power button down and also press Tuner Preset CH+ & Tuner Preset CH- at the same time
The front buttons will flash and let go of the buttons when Initialized appears on the display screen
If any settings are saved on the cloud, you can restore them via the Save and Load function from the Setup menu

After the factory reset is complete, try the standard pairing process to see whether the issue has been fixed once and for all.

FAQ

How long does the Denon Bluetooth pairing process take?

The pairing process should take a maximum of a few seconds. If the two devices haven’t synced together within 30 seconds, you should end the cycle for good.

Do all Denon receivers have Bluetooth?

No – not all Denon receivers have Bluetooth built in. You will find that those that don’t have Bluetooth built-in can support Bluetooth adapters that allow for connections to be established. Try using universal products like the Esinkin Audio Adapter to allow you to establish Bluetooth connections with ease.

What devices might affair the Denon Bluetooth pairing process?

You will find that some devices might intercept the Denon Bluetooth pairing process. For example, anything that runs Zigbee 3.0 will interrupt Bluettoh signals and stop the pairing process. Always try and ensure that nothing is in the way when pairing two devices together via Bluetooth.

Conclusion

As you can see, pairing your Denon receiver should be a simple trick that takes only a few seconds through a click of a button.

At times, you may need to try some simple tricks if the Bluetooth pairing doesn’t connect the first time around. This includes staying away from other wireless devices and ensuring all software is up to date.

By doing this, the Denon Bluetooth pairing process is straightforward and lets you in enjoy your favorite movies and songs in comfort.

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Smart Christmas Lights

So you just installed the most epic series of Christmas lights and you have one tiny problem, your lights do not turn on at the same time. If you are as OCD as we are, this small time misalignment can be a big mental distraction. We have listed our options for transitioning from timers/manual lights to smart Christmas lights. As you will soon see, this is only the beginning for what all is possible with Christmas lights.

Christmas Lights Pre-req

Before we get started there are few basic suggestions we would recommend before proceeding to make you Christmas lights smart.

Use LED Lights where Possible

LED Christmas lights have been on a rise these last 5 years and for good reason. LED lights are capable of being brighter and draw significantly less power than the previous traditional incandescent lights. Some LED Christmas lights are even dimmable, perfect for really dialing in the preferred look.

Perhaps the most important reason to choose LED over incandescent lights goes back to one of the original points, they draw significantly less power. This reduction in power consumption allows for more lights to be on the same breaker resulting in fewer plugs in the wall around the house. Fully decorated homes, in many cases, can get away with all lights being plugged into a single 120v outlet reducing the number of smart switches needed or calling your local electrician. This is a great starting place for making smart Christmas lights.

Individually Addressable LED Lights

Individually Addressable LED Lights allow you to control each individual led light for color, brightness and and the on/off state. These types of lights give the very most flexibility for what can be done with a string of led lights. We will not go into too much detail on the usage of these lights as our topic is mainly able simply controlling when to turn the lights on. If you are looking for more content related to controlling these types of lights please visit Dr. Zzzs, he is an expert on this topic and has lots of great easy to follow tutorials.

Did you know the Christmas light tradition began in Germany in the 17th Century?
Christmas Light Source

Wifi Outlets Are a Good Simple Option

The Good

The ease of initial setup and minimal additional hardware required to get a wifi smart device up and running is what makes these a go to for most consumers.
Out of the box these device can usually be controlled from any device that has access to the internet

The Bad

We recommend minimizing as many devices as you can that are connected over wifi due to the burden they cause to the wireless network.
The wifi devices communicate with services over the internet that are subject to outages, delays in trigger responses and compatibility limitations for service that natively support their api
Usually each brand of wifi devices offers a separate app and over time you end up with multiple apps to control you smart Christmas lights. Remembering passwords and which app connect to which devices can be a pain for maintaining this integration

Zigsbee/Zwave Outlets are a Great Advanced Option

The Good

Unlike the wifi, Zwave and Zigsbee communicate on their own network preventing issues overloading your wifi traffic and causing inconsistent performance throughout your house connected devices. For On/Off switching the Zwave cubes are a great indoor option and the Outdoor Zwave Plus is a great outdoor option.
You can mix and match Zwave and Zigsbee brands and not worry about things like app compatibility which means you can control all these devices from a single app.
Zigsbee and Zwave devices can you like a mesh network where the more devices you have the stronger the signal and greater distances you can cover. This is a big advantage over wifi devices which will be bound by the wifi signals it can receive.

The Bad

Price. Zwave and Zigsbee devices tend to be more expensive than their wifi counterparts. There are also more pieces of hardware needed to get started

Setup dependancies/knowledge are steeper when first setting up a zwave setup. For one you will need a zwave/zigsbee dongle to connect to the device. Nortek offers a great usb dongle that connects to both Zigsbee and Zwave. In addition to the dongle you will need a controller computer that sends and receives commands to and from the zwave device. The cheapest option for this is using and old computer or purchasing a rasberry pi and running Home Assistant (a free open source automation software). As you can see there is quite a bit of setup after buying a zwave device and this option is definetely not for everyone expectually if you do not want to be too involved with the technical elements.

Clever Specialized Lights

Twinkly

Twinkly offers led wifi smart Christmas lights capable of displaying over 17 million colors and controlled via an app. With accessories like the Music Dongle, pre-lit reefs and trees most application options are covered with their product line. Another great thing to note about the Twinkly lights are that they are individually addressable LED lights and using their app you can leverage pre-built lighting presets or create your own.

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