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.

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 your holiday gadget gifts still uninstalled? Or worse … still in the box? Have you begun the installations only to find a key cable missing? Are your new gadgets gathering dust alone, dying to be connected and used?

At IOGEAR, we’re here to help! Read on for ideas on how to use our many devices designed to connect, de-clutter, enhance or just help your gadgets reach a new level of cool.

HDMI

HDMI is a high quality interface designed to work with devices such as AV receivers, cable boxes, DVD & Blu-ray Disc players, PCs and video game consoles to HDTVs and computer monitors. HDMI supports HD video and up to 8 channels of digital audio. You can easily make the switch from DVI to HDMI or vice versa with an adaptor without any loss of video quality.

If you are still connecting your devices with a VGA, coaxial, S-video or component video cable, you are missing out on greater quality and aren’t maximizing the potential of your devices. The bad news: a HDMI cable is not always included with your device. The good news: IOGEAR has a variety of HDMI cables to suit your needs, just click this link and choose the “Cables” check box to view our selection.

Matrix Switch Box

Are you overrun with HD source devices – video game console, PCs, set top boxes from cable and satellite providers, DVRs, Blu-ray or DVD players? If so, then you will appreciate the ability to switch between up to five of your favorite devices with a simple remote control using our HD Matrix Switch with Remote. To make life even easier you can even switch between the devices among 2 HDTVs. There’ll be no more crouching down to move fiddly cables around, and no more reasons to leave the couch – ever!

KVM Switch

If you have more than one computer, then a KVM switch might be the answer to simplifying your computing experience. KVM is an abbreviation for Keyboard, Video and Mouse and is a device that allows you to control multiple computers using one keyboard, monitor and mouse. For example, a user could control their desktop and then switch over to their Netbook using the same keyboard, monitor and mouse attached to the KVM.

To make the process of choosing the right KVM for your specific needs simple, we at IOGEAR have put together an easy KVM product selector. Go to this link and click the “KVM Product Selector” banner to the left to get started.

Printer and Storage Server

If you’re adding a new computer to your network, there’s no need to clutter life even more with additional computer-specific printers and external hard drives. Why not share the resources you currently have? With a printer and storage server you can do just that.

You can even attach a portable card reader to make it easy to share your photos and videos around the home. Plug in a USB hub into the server to add more devices to share among some or all of your computers – and banish sneakernet forever!

Your Solutions & Questions

Here at IOGEAR we want to know how YOU currently deal with connectivity issues between your various gadgets. Have you gone wireless? Are you confused about the various options? Do you have some creative uses for the devices mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below, on FaceBook or via Twitter.

Following our glimpse of everything great and good at CES 2010, it’s time to cast an eye towards some exciting developments in the TV market. Hot off the heels of Toshiba’s recent announcement of their brand new state-of-the-art CELL TV, the consumer electronics industry is buzzing with speculation on the future of the humble television.

Toshiba’s CELL TV technology promises an enhanced picture quality and precise image accuracy by sampling multiple frames and restoring the native pre-sampling signal curve – put simply, providing more brightness, more contrast, more detail and more 3D capability.

For anyone lucky enough to be planning a purchase or even for those satisfied with their current entertainment system, here at IOGEAR we provide the perfect accessory so that your pride and joy works seamlessly within your living room, bedroom or any room in the house. The 4-Port HDMI Control Center provides complete convergence between home electronics and computing, allowing you to stream your content directly to one screen.

The 4-Port HDMI Control Center respects your viewing quality – in fact, it’s designed specifically to enhance your viewing experience, whether you’re watching a high definition movie, browsing the internet or sharing photos with family and friends. The center comes fully equipped with IOGEAR’s Display Emulation Technology, which reads and remembers the specifications of your display, cutting down on delay or changes in video resolution when switching between devices.

For wire-free enjoyment of your latest TV, the 2.4GHz Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel adds the finishing touch. Perfect for home theater PC setups or the home entertainment enthusiast, this slim keyboard allows you to type in comfort from any angle in the room and operates with lightning fast cursor speeds of up to 1200 dpi. Slim and ergonomic, it’s a must have for anyone looking to compliment their PC to TV solution.

For more information on IOGEAR items online, visit http://www.iogear.com.

The TV revolution is coming – one pixel at a time! Will YOU be ready?

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team

Take a step back and look at how you and your family use common spaces, specifically the living room.  The living room was traditionally a place for people to gather and discuss current matters, how the day went and future plans.

With technology came multimedia.  First was the radio, then television, video, gaming systems and multimedia computers. Now, broadband Internet and wireless technology has pushed computers that were once confined to the office into our living space.

During this evolution nothing has really been able to control, manage or streamline how we interact with all the different devices in our living rooms – with the exception of the universal remote. But even with the universal remote, it was never easy switching from device to device.

Now, imagine sitting on your couch, watching TV in one moment, then easily switching to your computer to check a few emails and perhaps browse the Web, then switching over to your favorite video game system all on the same TV display and without leaving your couch.

IOGEAR’s latest revolutionary offering allows users to do that and more, in a simple way.  Utilizing an HDMI Multimedia KVMP Switch to seamlessly change between devices takes your home entertainment into a new level of enjoyment.

What’s amazing about this KVMP is the HDMI integration, it allows a single cable to be run for both high video resolution (1080p HD) and sound transfer, which makes setup a breeze.

The HDMI KVMP Switch supports digital inputs from:

• Blu-Ray / DVD players
• Gaming consoles
• Set-top boxes
• Home / office computers

Because the KVMP is designed to connect all of your existing systems to one central display, it becomes the brains behind your home entertainment system. Display Emulation Technology built into the KVMP remembers monitors parameters such as display resolution and eliminates the nagging delay when switching between or booting devices.

One of the new features included with this unit are the two USB 2.0 ports for asynchronously sharing USB devices between computers.  This patented asynchronous switching allows you to switch applications between two connected computers; run one application on one computer while running a second app on another.  You can further expand the ports with a USB hub.

Now you can take the guesswork out of connecting your gaming and multimedia systems to your living room HDTV while utilizing your multimedia computer to its fullest potential with this simple plug-and-play solution.  The HDMI Multimedia KVMP Switch is a complete home entertainment solution to enhance and enrich your living room and turn it into a complete home entertainment center that the whole family can enjoy.

We want to know how your home entertainment setup has evolved over the years. Tell us all about your setup in the comment section below or at our Twitter page. If you have any pictures to share with us, please do so at our FaceBook page. We look forward to your ideas.

It’s been a busy week here at IOGEAR as we prepare for the 2009 CEDIA EXPO, September 9-13 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Attendees this year will be able to test drive our recently launched Wireless Audio / Video Kit, a product that bridges the gap between the computer, home theater, and stereo systems by streaming both audio and video content (providing HD resolutions up to 720p) to an in-room VGA or DVI display as far as 30 feet away.

We’re also going to be showing off our new HDMI Control Center. The HDMI Control Center gives users the power to control, watch, navigate, switch and interact with various HDMI devices and computers on an HDTV. We’ll share more news on this product next week.

Come by booth #5715 and check out our latest products in the Audio / Video market. We’re excited to continue our innovation and momentum into this space.

Cheers,
The IOGEAR team

The living room truly is where families live today, not like before when it was only used to entertain guests or watch the occasional television show. Nowadays, the living room serves as a sanctuary of sorts; part media room, home office and gaming center. Due to the number of devices connected to each other, it can be somewhat difficult to enjoy all of them in a clean and simple fashion. IOGEAR’s revolutionary HDMI Control Center aims to alleviate some of the confusions.

Introducing the HDMI Control Center to the home market allows consumers to utilize the living room television as a centralized connection point; leveraging both HDMI and USB-powered devices to gain instant access, enjoyment and the freedom of complete user control.

Setting the device up is fairly straightforward. On the back of the HDMI Control Center is a gray area for console where you connect the HDMI cable from your television or monitor to the unit along with the USB-powered wireless keyboard with built-in trackball,. Simply connect the rest of your devices via HDMI and USB for quick and simple setup.



How does it work?

Use the HDMI Control Center to connect and control the following, and enjoy all of them at full 1080p HD resolution.

• Home Computers
• Media server
• Blu-Ray / DVD players
• Gaming consoles (Xbox, Playstation 3)
• HD Set-top Boxes
• Digital Video Recorders

A quick tap on the hot-keys on the wireless keyboard will allow you to quickly switch to your desired devices and IOGEAR’s Display Emulation Technology means it will remember the screen resolution and parameters for each specific device, so you don’t need to adjust your TV each time.


Utilize the USB ports to connect a USB hub or other USB peripheral devices such as external drives or digital cameras. Because you are only sharing a screen session, you can run different applications on your computer and your media server while recording to your DVR all at the same time. The HDMI Control Center comes as a complete kit, ready to install out-of-the-box with everything you’ll need. Clean lines and brushed aluminum on the front fascia will match any home décor and an included headphone jack should be all you need for a little more privacy.

The countdown to the digital TV transition is back on and Americans have until June 12, 2009 to prepare.

With television going all-digital, there are easy steps that you can take to improve your entertainment setup. So how can you make the most of the newer, sharper broadcasts? Read on.

Maybe it’s time to improve your television. Trade in the bunny ears for a new flat screen or LCD TV. This can also be a great opportunity to rearrange your living room for the optimal viewing experience and utilize your space by mounting your new flat screen. Re-invent the living room or family room.

As your viewing quality improves, why not take stock of your current audio solution by setting up a surround sound system or adjusting your speakers for prime listening? Simple adjustments or additions to your audio can make a world of a difference; putting you right in the movie for a truly enhanced experience.

The best way to get the most out of your audio and video is with HDMI, the high definition connection standard. HDMI provides the highest-quality connection which enhances the audio and video experience at home or in the game room.

IOGEAR currently offers several HDMI products. Find more information here.

For more information on how to prepare for the digital TV transition click here.

Are you ready for the change? How do you plan to take advantage of the new changes?

Cheers,
The IOGEAR team

Creating a theater experience at home can be rewarding. Think of it now – reclining in the comfort of your living room, watching your HDTV and enjoying a crystal clear sound system. What could be better than avoiding lines and noisy crowds at the movies than cozying up on the couch?

IOGEAR can help you customize your electronics into a robust home theater, making your entertainment system state-of-the-art.

To get the highest quality video and sound from your electronics, you’ll want to view and listen to content in high-definition. Most HDTVs have at least one HDMI input, but if you have more accessories than your television can handle, you’ll either need to spend time continually plugging and unplugging or get an HDMI switch. IOGEAR offers the 4-Port HDMI Automatic Switch that takes all of the work out of switching between devices such as set-top boxes, DVD players, and game consoles. If you’re curious about how HDMI works, HowStuffWorks has a great overview.

If you’re looking to cut cable clutter, IOGEAR’s Wireless USB to VGA Kit lets you wirelessly extend your computer to your big-screen TV, making it simple and cord-free to view pictures and surf the Web while stretched out on your sofa (instead of hunched over your desk).

Check out the following video for a first-hand look at some of our additional home entertainment products:

What makes your living room the perfect home theater? Let us know in the comments! Or even better, post a picture on our FaceBook page.

Cheers!
The IOGEAR team

What is HDMI? How can you use this technology to make life easier?

Do you know what HDMI stands for? HDMI is an acronym for high-definition multimedia interface. OK, so what does THAT mean? HDMI is essentially an interface to transmit digital high definition audio / video (A/V) data.

HDMI devices and accessories come in all different shapes and sizes – there are splitters, switches, extenders, couplers…it can be a bit overwhelming.

But here is what you really need to know about HDMI: it hooks you up! HDMI is the newest and highest-quality standard connector for both high definition audio  and video.

While most connectors only support sound or video individually, HDMI offers a single interface that works with PCs, game systems, DVD / Blu-ray players and other next-generation technologies.

By providing high-definition audio and video through a single cable, HDMI helps decrease clutter while enhancing the audio and video experience within the home theater entertainment, game room or in office boardroom environments.

If you would like to explore further, check out this video that explains the differences between Component Video and HDMI:

IOGEAR currently offers a variety of HDMI solutions starting at $8.95. What HDMI devices do you use on a daily basis?

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team