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!

Do you have a need for speed when it comes to your wireless connections?

Although wireless speeds may seem as if they can’t get any faster, there’s even more progress around the corner. A recent LA Times piece caught our eye, revealing the latest news from industry bigwigs, the Wi-Fi Alliance.

According to the latest news, there’s a new standard in town. The Wi-Fi Alliance, which is responsible for certifying all wireless industry standards, released a specification for a new format for transmitting data over the air. If you thought wireless was fast before, hold on to your hats – under this new specification, wireless speeds could boast speeds up to 10 times faster than today’s top-of-the-line hotspots.

This is exciting news for wireless and wired customers alike. With the latest and greatest in tech minds pushing the envelope for wireless speeds, it’s never been a better time to ditch those wires – or to invest in the latest technology to take full advantage of all this rapid data swapping.

Here at IOGEAR, we’re excited to look ahead to our newest product taking full advantage of the fastest wireless waves out there. The soon-to-be-available Wireless HD Kit is a perfect way to get all of your home electronics on the wireless train – from Blu-Ray to DVD players, set-top boxes, VHS players, computers and more. This kit is easily installed and allows you to customize your living space while easily switching between your devices, letting you sit back and enjoy HD streaming with wireless ease!

It’s not just home devices that will be benefiting from this newest wireless technology. Get ready for faster smartphone, laptop and email in the palm of your hand – it’s a wonderful wireless world!

Are YOU ready to cut the cord? What other wireless devices are you looking forward to a speedy future with?

New Contest!

Be sure to take a moment to check out our brand new Mystery Photo Contest on Facebook for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

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!

For those who dream of enjoying their favorite YouTube clips, Hulu episodes or other streaming Internet content on their favorite widescreen televisions, Walt Mossberg’s recent Wall Street Journal article How To Watch Video, Wirelessly, on Your TV Set may sound familiar.

The good news: wireless PC-to-TV solutions are officially here to stay! With a growing number of solutions that allow consumers to play Internet media in full TV screen glory on the market, sharing and enjoying Internet content has never been easier.

The days of huddling over a small PC screen to share a favorite clip or video will soon be a distant memory, as Internet content makes the leap to center stage in the evolving living room landscape. Whether for work or play consumers can browse the Internet, watch online video, or edit spreadsheets on a widescreen TV from the comfort of their couch.

The GREAT news: Thanks to IOGEAR, finding a wireless solution has never been easier or more affordable. Our Wireless Audio / Video Kit is a user friendly and all-in-one solution which can help you bring your wireless digital lifestyle up to date – all at an affordable price point of under $300. With three easy adapters and a few simple steps, eliminating the clutter of wires and bring your living room into the digital future is within reach!

What’s the first thing YOU’D want to stream from your PC to your TV screen? Movies…video clips….or something else? Let us know!

Don’t forget to enter this month’s competition over at Twitter, where we’re giving away a USB Laptop KVM Switch. Entering is as simple as following us on Twitter and retweeting all messages that mention the March competition. Good luck!

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

With WiFi and 3G (and now 4G) getting all of the attention recently, we don’t think about Bluetooth very often. According to Wikipedia:

“Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances (using short length radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). … It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.”

The last time Bluetooth received significant media buzz was when several states decided to pass a law outlawing cell phone usage while driving. This sparked a surge in Bluetooth usage and sales, putting the technology once again in the spotlight.

At IOGEAR, we have taken the technology to another level, by adding solar technology to the mix with our Solar Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit, stirring up a bit of buzz during CES 2010.

For a hands on, in-depth review, take a look at this blog post by TechBucketBlog.com.

Even before this innovation, IOGEAR has been utilizing bluetooth technology to help our users improve their digital lives. Let’s take a look at a few our Bluetooth enabled devices and how they can improve your experiences.

Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adaptor

This award winning device is about the size of an adult fingernail, allowing your non-Bluetooth enabled computers to now utilize the benefits of bluetooth connectivity, such as: wirelessly communicating with other Bluetooth-enabled computers, printers, PDAs, cell phones, headsets at a rang of up to 30 feet (10 meters).

This little guy also supports a myriad of services including A2DP stereo audio wireless streaming. No worries about backward compatibility either, as this device also supports the Bluetooth 1.1 & 1.2 specifications.

Bluetooth Stereo Audio Transmitter

Have you ever been at the gym working out, listening to music on your mp3 player, and end up getting a wire caught in something? We feel your pain. This device allows you to go wireless with a variety of music and audio sources such as the iPod, iPhone, various MP3 payers, computers, home stereos and on and on …

The device features a 3.5 standard jack with a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) allowing connectively with most modern devices. The built-in rechargeable battery gives you up to 6 hours of continuous operation. That should hold you through a few workouts.

Bluetooth in Your Life

If you want to explore what can be done with Bluetooth technology further, take a look at this article from Accenture.com that talks about six cool uses for Bluetooth beyond the desktop. Now that it is on your mind, how has Bluetooth technology effected the way you interact with your devices? What Bluetooth enabled devices do you own?

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

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

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