H.264 versus MPEG-4 – Video Encoding Formats Compared

MPEG-4 and H.264 which one is better? Whats the difference? Home Controls stocks DVR’s with both MPEG-4 and the newer H.264 compression format. In short the H.264 gives you about a 50% improvement  in compression which means what used to take 1 TB of HD space can now be stored on 500 GB. This advantage [...]

The Cure for Poor HDMI Signal

This little device could be the best solution to deal with HDMI signal issues ever!
Here is the scenario: Have you ever had issues when all the peripherals on an AV job work great except for the signal quality coming from a cable box? Do you know why that is? It’s because cable boxes are produced [...]

Rebates! Rebates! Get Yer Rebates Right Here!

From now until Dec. 31st, 2009, Tripp Lite is offering instant rebates on some of their most popular products. You can save up to $140 and more importantly protect your valuable electronic and automation equipment.
Here is the break down:


$140 INSTANT REBATE!

2200VA Pure Sine Wave UPS System
The highest level of A/V power protection and power conditioning.
TPHTR223U

$12 [...]

The Importance of keeping your firmware up to date!

NuVo issues tech alert
How important is being up to date on your firmware? Well let me tell you! NuVo has alerted us to a new development makes this question very clear.
Here is the situation: If you load a configuration done in version 2.54 or older onto an Essentia or Grand Concerto that has already [...]

HAI Ships New 5.7e OmniTouch

After a few weeks delay, HAI began shipping the highly anticipated new ethernet version of the OmniTouch 5.7e (HA53A002), Home Controls began filling back orders last Friday. This new touchscreen along with the just released 10 inch portable (HA67A001) opens up the possibility to have customizable skins and  custom designs to meet the need of [...]

Need A Wireless Camera Option?

In the lastest hot off the press HCI catalog, there are many exciting new products. One in particular caught my attention as it offers a solution to a question I get from customers quite often. The product is a “wired-to-wireless converter” designed to be used with any standard security camera (CCTV). The TLSM401 kit enables the [...]

20% Off On OEM Speakers!

From now until October 31st, you can save 20% on the top three lines of  OEM speakers: Preference, Presence and Endeavor! The Preference and Presence are premium high end speakers that come in a large variety of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers with features like: Kevlar woven fiber woofers, pivoting tweeter with over-drive protection and they [...]