Audio/Video Input for Dummies (AKA beginners)

No Fear.  We’re Here….To un-confuse you about audio-video inputs.  Don’t enter the boxing ring with your electronics salesperson unprepared.  The following descriptions of various types of input types should help clarify the differences in TVs and devices you may be shopping for in the near future.

HDMI:  High Definition Multimedia Interface

This is the most advanced form of video input available currently and will deliver both video and audio signals to your home theater system.  The cable port is a flat, thin shape which is featured on most HDTV’s that are being made and sold today.  The HDMI input allows a digital signal (perhaps from an HD DVD player or Blu-ray player) to be passed through without being converted to analog, which helps to retain maximum picture quality.   HDMI also supports audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD master audio.

DVI:  Digital Visual Interface

This term usually applies to digital projectors and computer displays, as well as some older HDTV’s.   This input only delivers a digital video signal.  You can try using a DVI to HDMI cable if you want to hook up your HDTV to a DVD player with DVI output.

Component Video

This input uses an analog signal, which is different from the two digital inputs listed above.  Component Video is supported by some devices, like Xbox 360, yet some manufacturers do not allow the signal to pass through component video because it doesn’t support DRM copy protection.   Though a salesperson may try to sell you on HDMI, component video is capable of transferring a beautiful digital signal as well from an HD device to your HDTV.  The component video tri-input is marked with a “Y” and “Pb” and “Pr” accompanied by the green, blue, and red ports.

S-Video:  Separate Video

Carries purely a video signal and was created around the same time as high-end VHS players.  This works for standard-def images, but are not compatible with HDTV signals.  The S-video input does better for a screen that is 32 inches or less and the cable connection may give you a hard time due to the small pins which must be aligned perfectly to be inserted properly.  It transmits via a two-part signal.

Composite Video

This input is lower quality than all the others mentioned above and only transmits via one signal.  It’s RCA cable attachment is simply user friendly and is available on most HDTVs.  We recommend using all other connections type first if possible.  Don’t be a dinosaur lover.

These are all options to hooking up your home theater systems or signal distribution throughout your home or office.

House Votes Against Delaying Digital Conversion

House Votes Against Delaying Digital Conversion When brought up for vote in the House of Representatives, the bill proposing a delay of the digital broadcast conversion from February 17 to June 12, was defeated. It did not receive a two-thirds majority vote, which was needed to pass the bill. The vote was 258 in favor (236-Dem, 22-Rep) and 168 against (155-Rep, 13-Dem). The bill could be brought up again for regular floor vote, in which case, it would only require a majority vote to be passed. The “mostly” democratic support of the bill to delay the conversion is based on the fact that they believe that a large number of households (6.5 million) are unprepared for the conversion, a statistic which is confirmed by the Nielsen Co. These citizens are particularly among the poor, rural, and low-income representation of Americans, who either live in areas that receive major stations through analog signal or can’t afford to purchase the equipment necessary to receive signal after the conversion. The government has made coupons available for $40 toward the purchase of a digital conversion box; however there is currently a wait list of 3.2 million requests. The National Telecommunications & Information Administration is only sending out new coupons as older, unredeemed coupons reach the 90-day expiration. Joe Barton, republican congressman of Texas, is pushing for legislation that will aid in this problem without postponing the conversion. Most republicans feel there is no need to delay the conversion. Those against the bill believe that it would incur heavy costs for public safety agencies and wireless companies who are waiting to use the spectrum that will become free after the conversion. Television stations, as well, would be required to pay more to operate both systems for several more months, an expense that is most likely not built into this year’s budget. In addition, Jonathan Collegio, of the National Association of Broadcasters, has voiced that the Nielsen Co.’s statistic on number of unprepared households does not take in to account those who have purchased a converter box and not installed it; those who have requested, but not received coupons; or those who subscribe to cable or satellite television for their home theater system. The Obama administration has not made a comment in reference to the outcome of the vote.

Motosat’s Nomad SD

As an authorized  MotoSatdealer , Advanced Technology Services, Inc. is bringing you the latest news on the release of the new Nomad SD. The Nomad SD is a controller that is used with mobile satellite. The previous version of the device, Nomad 3, is expected to be replaced completely by this new generation. Nomad SD has been tested over the last few months and is being publicly released with the purchase of any HD-SL5 DirecTV system. It is also available for purchase separately.

Prime features of the Nomad SD include:

-smaller size: 1.250” height / 5” width / 8.750” length / 1 lb. 2 oz. weight

-SD card compatible for:

software updates

storing a log of system operation for diagnosis

-operational buttons:

Power / Find / Stow

Launch of new website!

Many thanks to those of you who left comments on our website! The communication we receive from our current and future customers is the basis for a good portion of our growth as a company. For those who haven’t had a chance to gaze the website, here is a quick glimpse into what we offer to our customers.
We provide solutions for residential, commercial, and mobile consumers through our products and services. We currently work throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California and are licensed and bonded for our labor as well.

If you’re looking for a new home theater system or if you’re just updating a piece of audio/video equipment, we have the electronics to meet your needs. The combination of our competitive pricing alongside a knowledgeable and experienced staff will give you full confidence in your purchase, knowing that we are a company that is here for you before and after the sale.

Our trained installers specialize in audio/video products, signal distribution, video surveillance, accessories, RV satellite, mobile internet, and more. We understand that not every system nor every customers needs is alike, so we listen, design, and deliver to meet those needs. We will work with you.

For the RV market, we have the answers to meet your needs. We offer satellite TV systems (including in-motion), automatic systems, and even systems that can deliver (HD) Hi Def programming on the road. If you want reliable 2-way broadband internet to keep in touch with family and friends, our Datastorm system is the answer.

We are excited with the launch of our updated site at Advanced Technology Services and we look forward to the opportunity of working with you. We want to keep you expertly informed on the most current and informative technology news, so continue to visit us right here on our blog or subscribe to the RSS feed via our website.

And as always if you have any questions or needs, don’t hesitate to contact us. See our Contact Us section on our website for our phone number and e-mail address.

Welcome to our blog/RSS feed

Welcome to our first blog as Advanced Technology Services Inc!

Advanced Technology Services with 30 years in business has given us the advantage of being a leader in the field of cutting edge technology. We are an authorized and certified dealer of Products by many elite brands, for which we also provide quality service and installation. If it is mobile satellite or RV internet you look for we look forward to talking to you. We look forward to bringing you current news and events, FAQ’s, updated product lines, and the latest in the field of technology. Look for these and more in our upcoming blogs. Please send us your feedback via the contact us page on our website and thanks for viewing!