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!

Green technology is all the rage in the tech space, and here at IOGEAR we love nothing more than to keep our finger on the green pulse. From Apple’s work-in-progress solar powered iPad and iPhone, to the grass-trimming goats Google has put to work, earth conscious companies are developing new ways to help our waning Mother Earth.

This week Cisco Systems announced the testing phase of their home energy management system, temporarily named the home energy controller. Despite the unsexy name, this is a pretty slick device which helps keep an eye on mounting energy costs. The controller’s digital readout helps people keep track of energy consumption throughout their home and do away with energy waste. Wasting energy is so passé, people.

Users can sign up for the system’s demand-response program, which provides rebates for shutting off the switches during peak times. It saves you money AND gives you the glow of being a green conscious American – all from one small control panel!

In case you are new to our blog, we here at IOGEAR have a vested interest in keeping up with the newest green technologies. We are doing our part to help our planet every day with a variety of products that cut back on energy usage – from energy saving convergence devices like KVM switches and Wireless AV kit to Solar BT hands free kits which harness the sun’s rays to power cell phones.

So, everyone, let’s start doing our part to stay up-to-speed, and hopefully adopt the latest green tech developments – it’s up to us.

What are you doing to incorporate green methods into your home or lifestyle?

Until next week, this is the IOGEAR team signing off. Stay green, readers.

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

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?

It won’t have escaped the attention of any outdoor sport enthusiasts that the Winter Olympics have kicked off in Vancouver. While agile skiers, snowboarders and other cold-weather athletes compete fiercely for gold, there’s another army at work bringing you the action straight to your living room – the technology geeks.

What couch surfers might not appreciate is the full weight of technology behind the games. According to reports by CNET, powering the Winter Games requires more than 5,000 kilometers of cabling and 6,000 computers – and that’s before it even reaches your living room.

Although there may be no easy way to simplify the technology behind one of the largest events in the sports calendar, viewers at home can escape the crawl of wires and experience seamless enjoyment of the games, courtesy of IOGEAR. Solutions include the Wireless Audio/Video Kit, allowing consumers to combine audio and video streaming through one connection, cutting down on the hardware needed for the perfect entertainment setup. No additional snaking wires here to trip you up – just uninterrupted, high-quality snow action from Vancouver!

In addition, snow bunnies and chairmen of the (snow)boards can benefit from IOGEAR’s recently announced Wireless HD Kit in the AVIOR Series, helping to eliminate home theater clutter even further. This new kit can wirelessly transmit up to 100 feet through walls your Blu-ray / DVD players, DVR / Set-top box, VHS players, computers and media servers / Home Theater PC’s to HDTV’s or projectors. Whether you’re replaying the highlights or jumping online for ‘web TV’ to get a close-up on the best shred, it’s all seamless and customized with you in mind.

As part of IOGEAR’S AVIOR product series, the Wireless HD Kit is part of a broad product suite, which enables entertainment enthusiasts to bridge the gap between the computer and home entertainment center, providing internet on TV as part of a customized solution. From crime dramas to curling, and from PC to TV, IOGEAR has you covered this winter season!

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

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team

For anyone lucky enough to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, there was something even more impressive than the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip on show. The buzz on the show floor this year was all about simplification and convergence – and IOGEAR is here to show the way!

Wires were banished from the CES show floor as early adopters found new ways to de-clutter and enjoy their favorite movies, video clips, and music files – streaming effortlessly from their PC to TV or home entertainment system.

IOGEAR is helping to bring the wireless digital lifestyle to life, and have the perfect tools to simplify in-home entertainment. This year at CES, IOGEAR introduced it’s 3rd generation wireless audio/video solution the Wireless USB to HDMI Kit, which allows consumers to combine audio and video streaming through one connection, cutting down on the hardware needed for the perfect entertainment setup. Also unveiled was an addition to the AVIOR Series the Wireless HD Kit to the specialty reseller market, which works to eliminate home theater clutter and wirelessly transmit Blu-ray / DVD players, DVR / Set-top boxes, VHS players, computers and media servers/home theater PCs to HDTV’s or projectors. With the ability to stream favorite HD content on 4 separate HD and Non-HD displays up to 100 feet away, this kit provides a simple plug and play solution to fully customize consumers’ living space, and along with the Wireless USB to HDMI Kit, allows streaming from up to 30 feet away. Look for both later this year!

In addition, IOGEAR’s 2nd generation Wireless Audio / Video Kit, available now through online and offline retailers, offers professional installers and consumers an easy solution to close the gap between the PC and the TV, and consists of three adapters: audio for speaker connectivity, VGA for a TV and Wireless USB for the hosting PC.

As more and more consumers start to rely on their PC as an integral part of their media center experience through out the home, computers are on the move! For those looking for more reliable ways to stream content from their PC within their family/living room, kitchen, home office or bedrooms, IOGEAR’s Wireless Audio / Video solutions make it easy by allowing music and multimedia content to be streamed wire free.

For all the news and reviews from CES check out the official press announcements and for more information on IOGEAR items online, visit www.iogear.com.

No wires – no mercy!

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team