Archive for June, 2011

Top TV and programming executives recently sat down for the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s Cable Show panel. The panel included executives from Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, News Corp and Viacom. The main topics of interest were the growing competition from internet based services, how to provide programming to ‘all screens’ (tablets, smart phones, PCs) and affordability.

With mounting pressure from Hulu, Netflix and Amazon, the cable companies need to start considering how to make their content accessible through new devices that are constantly evolving. Creating ‘on demand’ content for any device was at the forefront of the discussion. Apple and Google were also acknowledged as competitors who could present to be a problem for cable companies. While some executives agreed the increase in canceled cable subscriptions may be due to content not being accessible on particular devices, others felt the cause was affordability.

It’s a known fact that the economy has caused many people to cut out some of life’s luxuries (in many cases, cable TV). However, not all canceled subscriptions can be attributed to the economic downturn. Stale content and paying high monthly rates for far more content than one cares to watch are also big problems. Time Warner has been testing a package called “TV Essentials”. If given a wider release, this could appeal to those consumers who want the bare minimum without all the fluff that leads to inflated rates.

Overall, it seems that the cable companies are aware of their cyber competitors. They seem to be taking steps to provide consumers with what they desire out of their cable service and programming for their TVs in their TV lift cabinets. Whether they actually follow through with their plans, remains to be seen.

David Katzmaier, Senior Editor at cnet.com, recently posted an article that will help TV lift cabinet owners in selecting their new flat screen TV.   Katzmaier broke down how the Panasonic TC-PVT30 compared versus the Samsung PND8000 in the following categories; best picture quality, best design, best features, best value, and his personal opinion of the overall best TV of 2011.  Below is a summary of his findings.

Best picture quality: Panasonic VT30
The VT30 has superior black-level performance and shadow detail, as well as arguably better video processing. The Samsung wins for color accuracy, 3D performance, and bright-room picture. The two were quite close in nearly every picture quality characteristic I test, and both TVs rightly earn their performance scores of 9, but the Panasonic’s picture is still better overall in my opinion.

Best design: Samsung PND8000
The thin bezel, slimmer cabinet, and sleeker overall looks of the Samsung outdo the VT30′s one-sheet face in my book. This is the only subcategory I felt the gap was wide enough to warrant a numeric difference: the Samsung scored a 9 to the Panasonic’s 8.

Best features: Samsung PND8000
It’s very close again–both earned a 9–but between the two, the PND8000′s remote, however flawed, and second pair of 3D glasses tip the scales slightly in its favor. If you care, however, we liked Panasonic’s Internet TV suite better.

Best value: Samsung PND8000
I don’t factor value into the overall CNET rating, but figured I’d include it here. Yes, both TVs are quite expensive, but this is still the only category that one of the two won handily. The 59-inch Samsung costs significantly less than the 55-inch Panasonic, and at 64/65 inches (respectively) the difference is even more dramatic.

Best overall TV of 2011 (so far): Samsung PND8000
Congratulations to the winner of the first CNET BOTVo2011(SF) award. Its picture was good enough, and its other areas better enough, to get the bragging rights.

Question: Can you name which TV lift mechanism is required to mount a 60” TV?

Now Listen Up!  Here are the rules.

Rules:

1.) In order to play, you must send an email to info@importadvantage.com.  The subject line must read: TV Lift Mechanism for 60” TV

2.)    In body of email, you must include the following: TV Lift mechanism answer, Your Full Name, Address, Phone Number, and Email Address.

Only one vote per household will be considered!  Sara will personally respond to each contestant notifying them whether they are a winner or not.  If a contestant has answered correctly, their name will be added to the winner’s circle.  When a contestant is ready to purchase TV Lift Cabinet, contestant can simply call us at 561-417-0999.  Contestant must notify us they are on the winner’s circle to redeem discount.  Every Thursday, we will reveal the answer on our Thursday Reveals.

LET THE GUESSING BEGIN!

It is time to reveal the answer to our weekly Friday trivia game.

Question: Can you name one of the TV lift cabinets that are made of solid maple wood?

The correct answer is: Axiom, Nottingham, Coastal Creations, Phoenix, Samuel, or Restoration.  If you guessed anyone of these cabinets, you have won.

Congratulations if you guessed correctly and made it to the Winner’s Circle. Don’t forget to call in to place you order and redeem your 10% discount.

If you’re interested in the new 3D TV technology – listen up! Although it may not be an ideal candidate for your TV lift cabinet, the new Sony VAIO L-Series really lives up to its “all-in-one” description.

According to Engadget.com, the desktop PC/TV features a full 3D HD 24” LED touch screen. The system is capable of playing Blu-ray discs, music in surround sound, connecting to the internet and TV and displaying photos. Not to leave the gamers out, games can be played in 3D and the system can also connect to PlayStation 3 via HDMI.

Aside from all the amazing technical features, the L-Series is wall-mountable and includes a wireless mouse and keyboard.  One pair of active shutter 3D glasses is also included as part of the $1,420 price tag. If you’re in the market, pick one up when the L-Series hits stores on July 13^th.

Check out our Seasons TV Lift Cabinet!  This TV lift cabinet features a traditional 1920’s craftsman look and contains our Uplift 3700 lift mechanism.  It has plenty of storage with vented adjustable shelves for electronic components.  All the doors feature interchangeable wood and speaker cloth panels.  The speaker cloth panels are perfect for those who wish to maximize the sound performance.  The AV storage space contains our built-in Infrared Relay System allowing users to operate their remote control without having to see their electronic components.  Simply plug n’ play!

Question: Can you name one of the TV lift cabinets that are made of solid maple wood?

Now Listen Up!  Here are the rules.

Rules:

1.) In order to play, you must send an email to info@importadvantage.com.  The subject line must read: Maple wood TV lift cabinet

2.)    In body of email, you must include the following: TV Lift Cabinet answer, Your Full Name, Address, Phone Number, and Email Address.

Only one vote per household will be considered!  Kate will personally respond to each contestant notifying them whether they are a winner or not.  If a contestant has answered correctly, their name will be added to the winner’s circle.  When a contestant is ready to purchase TV Lift Cabinet, contestant can simply call us at 561-417-0999.  Contestant must notify us they are on the winner’s circle to redeem discount.  Every Thursday, we will reveal the answer on our Thursday Reveals.

LET THE GUESSING BEGIN!

It is time to reveal the answer to our weekly Friday trivia game.

Question: What two additional services do we offer that are not included in the purchase price of your TV lift cabinet?

The correct answer is 5 Year Total Care Warranty and Premium Tech Install.

Congratulations if you guessed correctly and made it to the Winner’s Circle. Don’t forget to call in to place you order and redeem your 10% discount.

Attention TV Lift Cabinet Owners!  Hulu, the web-based TV show streaming service has launched a partnership with movie giant Miramax to stream some big name movie titles – for FREE! According to variety.com, Hulu Plus subscribers will be able to access movies such as “Good Will Hunting” and “Scream” through the service. The titles will be offered for free of charge through Hulu and will be available for streaming on PCs, tablets and smart phones.