Man Cave Must-Haves

man cave - sacramento

What Every Man Cave Needs

Nowadays, everyone desires the ideal man cave to provide a peaceful getaway from the stresses of everyday life. After a long work week, it’s always nice to come home to a place that is 100% yours. So, what exactly does the ultimate man cave have to offer? In honor of football season starting again, Sacramento AV experts have put together a few must-haves for your man cave. 

Recliner

You must first and foremost have comfy seats. Watching the big game or your favorite movies isn’t the same if you don’t have the right couch or recliner. Our favorites are made of genuine leather. You may choose from hundreds of different styles and microfiber colors, as well as different grades of leather if you use the correct source for your seats.

Big Screen 

When it comes to man cave big screens, there are two options: projectors and HD TVs. Both technologies have advanced dramatically in recent years, and either can give high-fidelity photos when you need them the most. Projectors require a little more setup and can be tricky if the lighting isn’t correct, but they might be a cost-effective option if you need a large screen. TVs will be easier to use, although they may be slightly more expensive for the same size image as projectors. Consider your budget and available space, then chat with an experienced consultant who can share their expertise with you. Read this article to learn more about projectors vs. TVs.

Surround Sound Speakers 

To go with your receiver, you’ll need high-quality speakers. For the most powerful bass, depending on the layout of your man cave, you should choose a powered subwoofer. This function is especially useful if you love entertaining guests or hosting movie nights. There is an almost endless supply of high-quality speakers to pick from, so it is critical that you consult with someone who is well-versed in this area.

Bar 

Having everything you need to prepare the perfect drinks is an important part of entertaining. We recommend storing your favorite adult drinks and sodas. Whatever drinks your family often uses, that way you don’t have to go too far to get a refreshment.

Games

Pool table, dartboard, or other classic games are excellent for a man cave. Most people love playing games, especially in a man cave. When you have your buddies over for a guys’ night in, nothing beats a few hands of poker with a drink in the other hand. To finish the setting, add low-hanging billiard lights to create an old-school ambiance.

Book Nook

For those looking to add some sophistication to their man cave, consider adding a book nook area. Including a bookcase and filling it with classic literature is impressive. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, recommends floor to ceiling bookcase. This will make the space look more masculine, and the ceilings will appear larger. 

Contact Audio and Video Company 

While Specialized AV does not carry everything on this list, we can help you with your audio and video needs. Contact Specialized AV for professional installation on TVs, receivers, and surround sound options to help you create the ultimate sound system for your man cave. We offer the best audio and video services in Sacramento. Call us today!

Projectors vs. TVs

projectors vs. tvs - Sacramento AV

The Battle of the Big Screens: Projectors vs. TVs

 

Your home is your sanctuary. It’s important to have what you need to call home. For some, this could be a designated home office, kitchen, or TV room. Nowadays, most Americans have one TV in every room as a way for entertainment. If your household is big on entertaining guests, you may be considering audio and video upgrades. Many home theaters have a big 4k TV. But, that’s not the only option. Today, home projectors give TVs a run for their money. Choosing between the two can be difficult. So, this raises the question: which is better? In this article, our Sacramento AV experts weigh out the pros and cons of projectors vs. TVs.  

 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Living Room Projector

Let us begin by looking at projectors. Though they were long restricted to the domains of the corporate conference room and the movie theater, they are now a popular choice for homeowners seeking that extra visual edge.

 

Benefits of Projectors

  • In terms of screen size, a living room projector is an increasingly cost-effective option. The projector can easily produce a bigger screen area, but a TV that size will cost you a pretty penny. 
  • The capacity to maximize high-resolution content. You can view all of the fine details in your ultra HD material with a living room projector setup. If you don’t have a big enough TV, those visuals won’t be as sharp.
  • Maintain more adaptability in the use of your media room; projectors are simple to place, and screens are usually simple to store. It is more difficult to move a TV if you desire a more versatile entertainment space.

Cons of Projectors

  • The size of the screen is still restricted by the size of the room; for a larger image, a greater distance between the screen and the projector is required. In certain households, this will impose a hard limit on the size of your screen. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, point out that this can be said for conference rooms as well. When in doubt, contact a professional for their opinion.
  • Most projectors still require dim lighting to produce the finest image. There are ultra-bright projectors available, but they are more expensive. The greatest projectors may attain contrast levels comparable to some televisions; nevertheless, for most devices, darker environments are preferable, which may limit utility for some users.
  • Maintenance can be an issue. With a TV, you simply plug it in and start watching; with a projector, you will need to replace air filters and bulbs on a regular basis. Some homeowners may find this inconvenient if it is ceiling mounted.

The Benefits of TVs

  • A large TV may provide tremendous entertainment value for many households, especially with the expanding availability of 4K material. 
  • Easy to purchase 
  • Improved brightness and contrast. Regardless of the lighting in your home, it is always simple to view clean and clear details on the screen.
  • It is easier to install and takes up less total space to offer a comfortable viewing distance. Furthermore, most TVs today can be readily mounted to the wall, freeing up extra floor space.
  • With Smart TV features now prevalent and easily accessible plugs and connectors for adding game consoles, cable connections, and more, it’s easier to utilize as a media hub.

Disadvantages of TVs

  • Cost. Today’s top-of-the-line televisions can be expensive, especially if you want all of the latest bells and whistles, such as OLED technology. If you have to choose between a projector and a TV for 4K content, projectors may be the more affordable option.
  • Less than efficient audio quality. Built-in speakers on televisions are sometimes insufficient for home theater use, which is a concern with projectors as well. You’ll likely need to have a professional AV company install a speaker or surround sound system to match your new TV.
  • Size and position are fixed.  

What’s Better: Projectors vs. TVs

Unfortunately, there’s not one clear answer. As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into both. It will depend on the size of the space, your audio and video needs, and your budget. Projectors may give a longer-lasting opportunity to provide movie-watching experiences. However, it might not be adequate for small spaces. A TV may be the ideal option, especially when it comes to selecting the other parts of the space. However, there is no definitive answer as to whether you should buy a projector or a television – each buyer’s circumstances will play a significant role in the decision. Having said that, both approaches offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. You can always contact a professional for help.

 

Contact Specialized AV 

As we’ve seen, there are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of the issue, and determining the best option necessitates a comprehensive examination of what you want most from the viewing experience. Of course, matching your selections to your budget and space constraints is essential. At Specialized Audio and Video, our team will help you choose the best audio and video products for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our audio and video services.

Hiring a Professional for Commercial AV Installation

Hiring a Professional for Commercial AV Installation - Sacramento

Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Commercial AV Installation

There’s a lot that goes into starting a business, especially if it’s a retail store or restaurant. Nowadays, the ambiance is everything. People want to feel like they had the best experience possible. Additionally, you’ll need to design the right seating, lighting, acoustics, etc., for customers to feel wowed. Unfortunately, choosing and installing audiovisual equipment for music and visual presentations is frequently pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Many business owners recommend hiring a professional for commercial AV installation. In this article, our Sacramento AV experts share why.

Only The Highest Quality AV Products

Because not all speakers and TV displays are made equal, it might be challenging to choose the best brands and models for your company. This is where a Sacramento audio and video installer might come in handy. When you partner with Specialized AV, you can be confident that you’re receiving only the highest-quality goods. your customers will have an enhanced audiovisual experience in your store.

From DBX to Samsung and others, our favored brands are leaders in AV systems, delivering high-fidelity sound and 4K display solutions that are simple to use in a multi-area setup ranging from a few zones to thousands. Furthermore, when you let a professional integrator choose and install your commercial AV system, you’ll never have to wonder if you’re getting the best bang for your dollars or providing the finest entertainment for your customers.

All The Right Acoustics

Your company’s floor plan is critical in determining where to install speakers, displays, and wiring. Most restaurants and retail stores have high ceilings and open areas, which is a recipe for bad acoustics. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., Sacramento general contractor, recommends keeping this in mind when designing your building. When our team designs your commercial AV installation, we will make certain that your speakers provide clear and even sound. Furthermore, displays will be viewable from all angles and optimized for areas where customers may easily assemble to watch sports or read digital menus. 

User-Friendly

No matter how many speakers or TVs we install in your room, you’ll have the convenience of managing your whole AV system from a single universal remote. Controlling your music and displays should be simple and intuitive because running a business is difficult enough. Furthermore, we make it happen when you collaborate with Specialized AV.

Distribute audio sources throughout your restaurant or shop, including private rooms and outdoor seating spaces. When it’s time for sports or a digital menu change, you can quickly handle your media from a single central system. Additionally, this allows you to spend more time responding to your customers. You may even program your AV system to switch on and off automatically based on your business’s operating hours.

Sacramento Audio and AV

Our skilled commercial audio and visual installation services can significantly improve your Sacramento area business’s entertainment experience. Not only will our high-quality solutions provide crystal-clear sound and ultra-high-definition screens for your space, but you’ll also save time and resources with an integrated system that allows you to operate all of your devices from a single user-friendly interface.

The Specialized AV team is ready to assist you in elevating your business with a quality audio-video system. To speak with a skilled AV installer right now, simply call us here or submit a live chat below. We are excited to hear from you! Contact Specialized Audio and Video today for commercial AV installation

Myths About Security Systems

myths about security systems - sacramento

Common Myths About Security Systems

Security cameras are essential for many business owners and homeowners. They help keep burglars away, protect property, and give you peace of mind. So, what’s stopping you from protecting your property with security cameras? Sacramento audio and video experts share the most common myths about security systems.  

All Security Cameras Work The Same

This is the most widespread misconception concerning security cameras. While most CCTV cameras appear the same and include features such as 24-hour video capture, not all cameras have the same capability. In fact, we’ve moved away from these types of security cameras. Security camera systems are available in a variety of configurations, with some being more advanced than others. Some even include number plate tracking, POS transaction monitoring, and long-range night vision. Make certain you purchase the proper one for your requirements.

Wireless Security Cameras Do Not Require Wires

Wireless security cameras, unlike wireless speakers or headphones, are not entirely wireless. They still need wiring to connect to a power source. In this case, the phrase alludes to the camera’s lack of a need for cables to connect to the storage hub. Because wireless cameras connect through the internet, they mostly save data to the cloud. They must, however, rely on wires to connect to power outlets and hence cannot be considered totally wireless.

Security Cameras Record Everything

While this appears to be true, not every camera is capable of capturing a larger field of view. The reason for this is due to the lens. Different lenses provide varying degrees of reach and vision, limiting the camera’s capacity to photograph a specific object within the frame. So, the next time you see a camera in a structure, keep in mind that it isn’t always necessary for it to record everything in view. This is why, during installation, selecting the proper placements is critical for covering essential sections in your location, which takes us to our next myth.

Selecting Security System Locations Is A Piece of Cake

Choosing the best location for installation is complex and time-consuming. Placing cameras in unsuitable locations might reduce their versatility and efficacy even further. You must also examine a number of other aspects. For example, during certain times of the day, you should be aware of sunlight flares obstructing the camera. Alternatively, keep in mind items that may obstruct your camera’s field of vision, such as tree branches. For these reasons, it is always best to have them installed by a professional home security company. Specialized Audio and Video are happy to provide you with home security installations services in Sacramento.

Security Systems Are Expensive

Ask any Sacramento AV company, and they will tell you otherwise. Aside from those with cutting-edge surveillance technology, there are various low-cost options on the market today that provide robust security without breaking the budget. With a little more research or the help of a professional, you may find amazing solutions or even a whole security camera system that fits within your budget. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing Services, a home remodeling company, adds that most homeowners will invest in a security system because it means their loved ones and property are safer.

Contact Sacramento AV

Now that we’ve debunked several security camera myths make sure you think about everything before purchasing security cameras for your property. Specialized AV is always available to assist with the installation of professional security cameras in the Greater Sacramento area.