In July, we celebrated our independence, and now with the 2010 CEDIA Expo coming up and our Wireless HD Kit poised to win an award for best new product, we believe the day of independence from wires in your home entertainment setup is not too far away. In the mean time, we must be content with reducing as many wires as possible. In this week’s post we provide some ideas on how to minimize your wired footprint.

Wireless HD Kit

The centerpiece of most home entertainment setups is the HDTV, surrounded by various devices, which become the primary source of wired clutter.

The Wireless HD Kit allows you to take up to four devices from up to 100 feet away and wirelessly connect them to your HDTV. Then, using a single remote, you can easily switch between the four devices.

HDMI Switch

It is becoming typical for a home entertainment system to contain multiple HDMI connected devices, such as Blu-ray players, VCR’s, video game consoles (Xbox360, Playstation 3, Wii) and various types of streaming media players.

An HDMI switch allows you avoid connecting all these devices individually to your HDTV, and instead you can connect your devices to the HDMI switch and run a single cable to your HDTV, with the ability to switch among your various devices with a single remote.

Wireless AV Kit

If you have not upgraded your HDTV to one of the new Internet enabled models, you will need a PC to stream Internet content. This would normally mean you have to put your PC near the HDTV so that you can run the cable from your PC to TV.

The award winning Wireless AV Kit allows you to cut that cord and move your PC up to 30 feet away from your HDTV. You get 720p video streaming with wirelessly distributed audio with a standard 3.5mm TRS stereo audio connector.

Now that you have achieved a new level of wireless freedom, the next question will be – what will I do with all those unneeded cables and cords? We suggest you consider recycling them or giving them to a friend who is still stuck using old component cables.

Do you still have a nest of wires around your home entertainment center? How do you plan to de-clutter? Please take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, on Twitter or FaceBook. Be sure to check out Twitter Deals feed for extra savings, and don’t forget to get even more value on any IOGEAR purchase at Club IOGEAR.

Next month, CEDIA will hold their annual tradeshow for installers, specialty resellers and distributors to showcase the hottest trends in home electronics. To honor the cream of the crop at this years show, the CEDIA panel of judges has just announced the finalists to the Manufacturers’ Excellence Award for ‘Best New Product’. We don’t like to boast here, but we can’t help but proclaim our Wireless HD Kit has made it to the top of the list!

We are going against some hefty competition, as you can see from Electronic House’s 35 Best New Products slideshow. However, there will be ten winners from the ‘Best New Products’ category, and we are hopeful our Wireless HD Kit will make the cut. This sucker packs quite the punch with its seamless multimedia streaming and visually appealing design. This product solution is ideal for any retrofit jobs or difficult to run cables type jobs. Check it out today!

As we continue to innovate, finding convenient and environmentally friendly new ways of incorporating multimedia content into our entertainment setups is key. Our AVIOR line focuses on A/V solutions and we are continuing to add to the line with some great results. The Wireless HD Kit is just one component of our entire line.

Have you used any of the products from IOGEAR’s AVIOR line in your home? If so, what are your thoughts on their performance? Any input on new items you’d like to see included?

Until next time, this is this IOGEAR team signing out!

In today’s economy, the average consumer’s budget may not afford a complete home theatre transformation, but there are some affordable solutions that will make noticeable improvements. Today’s topic explores ways to upgrade without the need to downgrade your wallet size.

As always, we appreciate your feedback and experiences, please take the time to share with us here in the blog comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

HDTV

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Most likely you already have an HDTV as the centerpiece of your home entertainment setup, so the first question will be: Should I upgrade my TV for a bigger one, a version with built-in Internet connectivity, or even to a 3D TV?

Top consumer tech sites, CNet and PCWorld, have great guides that help you decide on an upgrade, but for those satisfied with their current TV, they can opt to save some cash with using the best cables where possible, usually in the form of HDMI. Too many HDMI devices and not enough ports? An HDMI switch is your best solution.

PC to TV

Media Centers let you extend your PC experience into the living room, and might just be the most impactful upgrade in terms of overall experience and streaming limitless content. Imagine having your entire computer’s contents and the Internet available on your HDTV!

At IOGEAR we believe the PC to TV experience is further enhanced by going wireless, and we make that possible with our award winning Wireless AV/Kit. You can always opt to set up your computer near the TV and use a wireless keyboard with a laser trackball as your remote control – a more affordable option.

Gaming

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If you are a gamer it’s probable that you may have more than one gaming system, such as an XBox360, Nintendo Wii and PS3. If so, you may not be able to access all of these devices on your HDTV due to only one HDMI input. Solve your gaming fiasco with an HDMI switch, allowing you to connect more than one console.

DVD / Blu-Ray

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If you are thinking of upgrading from DVD to Blu-Ray, there are many options on the market right now and the prices are reasonable. As an added bonus, newer versions usually include Internet connectivity and the ability to stream Internet media, such as streaming movies from Netflix.com, directly to your HDTV. If you are having a difficult time deciding what Blu-Ray device to go with, check out the Consumer Reports online guide.

You may have a DVD player along with a Blu-Ray player, but you want to just use just one HDMI input on our TV,again, the HDMI switch is the key for any multitasking living room.

Remote Controls

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Declutter your Mount Everest pile of remotes with a universal remote. Your remote control solution will depend on your particular setup, but one worthy goal is to replace your stash of controls with one or two, and possibly a keyboard if you have a PC to TV solution.

If you don’t want to buy yet another remote, utilize the instructions equipped with your cable company’s, as you may find that it can ultimately replace a few of the remotes you have on your coffee table by working with several devices.

Sound Systems

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There are many things to consider when opting for an audio system upgrade. Often, today’s home audio systems include functionality that complement or replace equipment you already have, or even offer iPod/iPhone connectivity and varying levels of wireless abilities.

We suggest you head on over to AVGuide.com to weigh your options. Once there, take a gander at their Surround Sound Speakers Buyer’s guide, a free PDF download with over 100 pages of useful information.

Have tips for helpful upgrade ideas? Take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, Twitter or Facebook. Keep an eye out at our Twitter Deals feed for extra savings, and don’t forget to get even more value at Club IOGEAR.

Cheers from the IOGEAR team!

Are you spending less time channel surfing and more time surfing the web for video content? You’re not alone – according to CNN, there’s a growing army of defectors turning their back on traditional cable options and replacing the tube with the net.

As cable prices continue to soar and content is becoming less and less readily available, today’s couch potato is rising from their seats to find new methods of instantaneous delivery while neatly sidestepping an expensive monthly bill.  Online content providers have been rising to the challenge, providing everything from your favorite network TV shows to independent films to music videos – all available to stream online at no cost.

The fatal flaw? Even the most hardened gadget geek can agree that hunching over a computer screen isn’t the same as reclining in comfort in front of a widescreen HDTV…and passing a laptop from lap to lap to share a favorite clip may not be the best way to get a party started.

Previously, streaming computer content to an HDTV has been reserved for the tech-savvy brave enough to tackle an octopus of tangled wires and complicated setups.  Here at IOGEAR we’re happy to jump into the streaming content revolution and offer a solution to this conundrum!



Our Wireless A/V kit bridges this gap, with three easy adapters a simple setup, eliminating the clutter of wires, putting instant PC to TV streaming within reach. This kit provides a simple solution for the average consumer to sit back, relax and choose from a variety of online content and stream it directly to their HDTV.

So whether you’re hanging on to your trusty cable box, or exploring the brave new world of a Internet centric, cable-less future, there’s an easy solution to keep your HDTV at the center of your home entertainment. It’s time to shrink your bills….not your screen!

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

In this post we will explore how some of the iPad’s limitations can be mitigated or overcome through add ons and accessories. This is an interactive post and we ask that you share your thoughts and tips with us as we think about how IOGEAR can help bridge the accessory gap for the iPad. So please take a moment to share your thoughts with our community here in the blog comments, on Twitter or FaceBook. We consider your input extremely valuable and we are looking forward to your feedback.

Video and Audio Streaming

As we have discussed before, PC to TV streaming is an exciting trend that is re-shaping home entertainment. While our Wireless A/V Kit helps make the process of streaming content from a PC to TV much simpler, can the iPad take over this role? Will we soon be discussing a sweeping iPad to TV trend? Imagine having your remote and content on one, nicely form factored, device that is quiet and simple to use…could the iPad make this a reality?

How important is output via HDMI to you? Would wireless streaming from your iPad to your HDTV help streamline your home entertainment setup?

Keyboards and Mice

Many iPad users have complained that typing on glass is not ideal for long email or writing sessions. How have your iPad typing experiences been so far? What could be made better? Do you find yourself using an external keyboard mostly at home or when traveling? What would be an ideal external keyboard size? Do you prefer a docked keyboard or wireless?

Have you tried using your iPad with a mouse? If it seems crazy, check this video out. Would a keyboard / mouse combination give the iPad a better shot at replacing your netbook?

Connectivity

KVM technology has changed the way multiple computers are managed in the PC world. What happens when you add an iPad to the mix? KVM technology could be the future key to controlling your iPad with the same I/O devices (keyboard, monitor and mouse) that you use to control your PC. How important is file transfer between your iPad and your PC to you?

Conclusion

Here are some concluding open questions to all iPad owners, or perhaps even those who are on the fence about making their first iPad purchase. What add ons or accessories do you wish you had? Which gadgets would be game changers for your work flow or make your entertainment experience reach a new level?

Please take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, on Twitter or FaceBook. We can’t wait to hear your suggestions, and who knows, perhaps your great idea will be available before you think.

Are you finding yourself in bars at 9am in the morning to cheer on your soccer heroes? Has your couch turned into your own private stadium? Is fighting over the remote in your household now a fight to the death?

If your summer is slipping by in a blur of goals and vuvuzelas, you may just have caught World Cup fever. Luckily, we here at IOGEAR have not only a diagnosis, but a prescription – the perfect home entertainment setup!

For soccer fans the world over, the World Cup can be a treacherous area for personal tech. Just this week, Twitter buckled under the weight of millions of #WorldCup eager messages, and cell phone service has been reported as significantly more patchy during important games.

So what’s the solution to watching your favorite World Cup game in peace? We suggest a little planning ahead, and a supporting cast of tech gadgets to make sure your viewing is not only uninterrupted, but interactive, streamlined and in-depth enough to rival any commentator. Bring it on!



If you’re checking out stats on key players, replaying favorite goal moments or chatting with other fans across the world, our Wireless Audio/Video Kit, allows you to combine audio and video streaming through one connection. It’s easy to screen your favorite clips – or even to catch up on the games you weren’t quite dedicated enough to be in the pub at 9am for – all directly and wirelessly to your HDTV. No snaking or tangled wires permitted in this home stadium – just simple streaming internet on TV at the touch of a button.



Every dedicated sports fan understands the virtue of multitasking, and at IOGEAR we’re happy to help incorporate your love of soccer into your everyday life. From gadgets like our HD Matrix Switch with Remote, which allows you to switch between up to five of your favorite devices with a simple remote control, to our selection of KVM switches, which allow you to control multiple computers using one keyboard, monitor and mouse, checking in on the latest news from South Africa doesn’t need to take over your life or interrupt your work day – unless you want it to! From spreadsheet to goal and back again, it’s easy to keep up with the action with a little tech help.

For news of the latest digital ways to follow all the action, click here.

How are YOU using technology to follow this year’s World Cup? Let us know here in the blog comments section or on Facebook or Twitter.

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

Father’s Day is June 20th and students are graduating from school in droves as summer fast approaches in the US. That means its time to consider what gifts to give that special someone, whether it’s a heroic father or a battle tested student warrior, you want to make sure your love and pride shines through. We have four cool products that we think will do the trick. Take a look and be sure give that special someone our highest regards. You will also want to check out our 20% off graduation and father’s day promotions.

Wireless Audio / Video Kit

For Dad

Dad has worked hard all year, why not give him the gift of cool? If dad is still stuck with a “traditional cable” setup, it’s time to take things up a level with wireless PC to TV right there in the living room. This cutting edge and award winning device enhances any home entertainment setup.

For Grad

Most newly minted graduates will appreciate saving a few dollars any way they can (well, almost any way). With the Wireless Audio / Video Kit, a PC and an Internet connection, bye bye cable … hello streaming Internet! Now that should put a smile on any graduates face.

Buy now for $279.95

GearPower – Portable Battery for Mobile Devices

For Dad

Your Dad may not yet have enough gadgets to warrant a tool belt, but it’s likely he has more than one portable gadget to carry around. And with portability comes the need for “juice”. That’s where the GearPower Portable Battery comes in. And at a price point of under $20, why not buy several, so Dad can have one at home, at work and in the car.

For Grad

It will be tough to find any graduate who does not own one or more portable devices. In fact, if you do, it’s likely you have traveled back in time before cell phones were invented. So go ahead and buy them a few extra battery packs so they can’t use the excuse “oh, sorry can’t talk, my battery just died”.

Buy now for $19.95

Solar Bluetooth Hands-free Car Kit

For Dad

If dad spends a lot of time in the car, then this device is essential. Not only will it help Dad keep safe, but it will also allow him to be productive and most important .. to stay in touch with you! With an affordable price point, you may consider buying two, if dad uses two cars.

For Grad

It’s a given you want your grad safe, and its also true they likely will want to talk on the phone in the car. Alleviate your worries while also helping them obey law with this Solar Bluetooth Hands-free Car Kit. It will allow them to talk on the phone without wires and hands-free.

Buy now for $49.95

USB Laptop KVM

For Dad

You may be thinking … I’m not buying my dad a cable, how un-cool! Well, think again. This “cable”, is a device Dad may come to rely on in his daily workflow, especially if he has a desktop along with a portable computer. It allows him to easily control those two computers using only one keyboard, monitor and mouse (KVM).

For Grad

Many students use a laptop or netbook throughout their stay in school. As they graduate and move on to a different station in life (even if thats just coming back home to live with Dad), it’s likely a desktop will be added to the mix. This handy device will allow for an easy transition, since in addition to allowing for control of two computers via KVM, file transfer between the two computers is a snap.

Buy now for $49.95

How do you plan to celebrate Father’s Day or Gradation? Do you think your loved one would appreciate one of these gifts? Please take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, on Twitter or FaceBook. And don’t forget about our Mystery Photo Contest where you can guess the photo and win a fantastic prize!

With so much noise surrounding Google’s recent announcement that Google TV is closer on the horizon than ever before, it seems as if everyone has PC to TV fever.

The truth is, even before Google entered the picture, the days of hunching over a laptop screen to show friends the latest viral video are swiftly becoming a distant memory. As we streamline our home entertainment and centralize our living rooms, streaming internet content directly to a HDTV has never been easier.

As the HDTV becomes our center for ALL information – from updating Twitter to editing spreadsheets and catching online video clips – solutions that help transport your favorite online content to your very own big screen are priceless.

Here at IOGEAR, we’re staying ahead of the PC to TV curve and working to bring you solutions that fit seamlessly into your digital home life – no tangled wires, no cumbersome and difficult setups, just fast, reliable streaming direct to your TV.

Our Wireless Audio / Video Kit closes the gap between PC and TV with an all-in-one wireless solution. This kit can help put you at the forefront of digital in-home entertainment – all at an affordable price point of under $280. With three easy adapters, you’re just three steps away from enjoying favorite movies, video clips, and music files streaming from your computer to the TV or stereo system. No need to reorganize your home setup – this kit works with a computer up to 30 feet away.

Have YOU made the move to the big screen yet? Watch this space – this market is set to explode!

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

PS
Don’t forget to check out our brand new Mystery Photo Contest on Facebook for a chance to win exciting prizes!

Earth Day is just around the corner! Enter our Twitter competition to win a bumper pack of green goodies from IOGEAR

Thanks to all of our Twitter followers who have been feverishly retweeting for the chance to win IOGEAR green products! The latest winner for March has been chosen, but don’t lose heart – read on for details of even more green giveaway fun!

For the month of Apirl, IOGEAR will be offering our biggest giveaway yet on Earth Day, April 22nd. One lucky winner will walk away with a BUMPER prize pack of a Solar Bluetooth Hands-Free car kit, a USB Laptop KVM Switch, a GearPower – Portable Battery for Mobile Devices AND April’s star of the show, a Wireless Audio/Video Kit!

The latest star of this prize package, the PC to TV Wireless Audio / Video Kit is a user friendly and all-in-one solution bringing wireless digital lifestyle to life. Wave goodbye to tangled cables and energy sapping routers and equipment forever, as this kit offers a cordless link between your PC and TV.

The kit consists of three adapters: audio for speaker connectivity, VGA output and Wireless USB for the hosting PC. Giving you the freedom to relocate your PC (up to 30 feet away from the TV), and browse the Internet, watch online video or edit spreadsheets in large flat-screen comfort. This is definitely a prize worth retweeting for!

As always, entering is as easy as

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Retweet any message that mentions the competition
3. Cross your fingers!

IOGEAR will be announcing a grand prize winner on Earth Day, April 22nd, so get Tweeting for your chance to win!

For full rules of entry and other legal jargon click here.

It’s time to think green! How will YOU be celebrating Earth Day this month?

Do you recognize YOUR living room? The landscape in your family’s favorite room has changed dramatically the past few years as the Internet (as a main source of media content) begins to take over from your old favorite, the traditional cable model.

With these changes come dynamic new equipment options and possibilities. In this post IOGEAR is your fearless guide to help navigate this new media landscape and take advantage of the exciting changes in home entertainment.

HDTV

The TV remains the centerpiece of most entertainment centers in the home. Today, most homes enjoy the power of an HDTV, with newer models now equipped with Internet connectivity, effectively creating a web TV. Most recently, 3D enabled HDTV’s have joined the mix, promising a more vibrant (and dimensional!) future ahead.

The following resources will help you navigate the various options and discover the right choice for your particular needs:

• Understand, choose and optimize an HDTV at Cnet
• Compare prices, features, and reviews at PC World

Audio Systems

For fussy audiophiles, the sound quality built into most HDTVs is not enough to satisfy discerning ears. Those looking for a better quality sound experience may find the need to augment their system with full home theater capabilities.

Before you begin your search, it’s important to spend some time determining what’s important to you, based on how you will be using your system. For example, is full surround sound a priority? Do you want to be able to easily play music from your radio or iPod? Will you need headphones if thumping bass is an issue for the neighbors downstairs?

The following resources will help guide you to system suited to your lifestyle:

• About.com’s Home Theater guide
• Home theater system guide by ConsumerReports.org
• How to buy the right headphones from PCMag.com

PC Media Centers

For those who want to combine their computing experience with a little quality couch time, there are many options available to turn your PC into a full featured media center. While many newer HDTV’s have integrated Internet on TV abilities, they are usually limited to certain content sources. A quick solution is to include your PC as a media player – not only will this give you the full PC to TV computing experience on your HDTV, the IOGEAR Wireless Audio / Video Kit will allow you to cut the cord and work wirelessly!

These resources are a great start when looking for the best fit PC media center option for you:

• How to build an HD media center for under $1000 by EngadgetHD
• Using Apple TV with Boxee to create a easy-to-use media center by LifeHacker.com

Single/Multi Purpose Media Devices

From video game consoles to DVD and/or Blu-Ray players, there are a bewildering variety of add-on options for your home entertainment center. It’s important to consider your entertainment needs before making your selections, since some devices, such as the Xbox or Playstation 3 perform several functions (e.g. gaming, Netflix streaming and DVD or Blu-ray playback).

Here are some resources to help you decide how to extend your home entertainment center:

• Choosing between an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii
• Stand alone home media player comparison: Vudu, Roku and Boxee
• Recommended Blu-ray & DVD players from ConsumerReports.org

Bringing It All Together

Feel like you’re stuck in a cable nightmare? Today’s devices often come with cheap, low-quality cables, or cables designed to frustrate you by being short or easily broken. The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the quality you need. The better news is, there’s no longer any need to even leave the comfort of your couch to switch between one device and the next. Cutting-edge technology provides solutions for that problem and keeps you couch-side in comfort!

These links will help you navigate today’s A/V connectivity options:

• Cnet’s quick guide to HDMI and HDMI cables
• Audio/Video Cables and Connectors explained by eCoustics.com
• Wireless resources by IOGEAR

Your Solutions and Experiences

Have you begun a high-tech upgrade of your living room, or are you hanging on to old technologies? What’s missing for you to be able to truly integrate the Internet experience into the living room? Please take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, on Twitter or FaceBook.

Don’t forget to participate in this month’s Twitter contest where a USB Laptop KVM Switch is up for grabs. Entering to win is as simple as following us on Twitter!