#av system design

[av-industry-blog]

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🌈✨ #XDraw #AVDesign #AudioVisualMagic #DigitalWizardry #TumblrMagic #InnovationUnleashed 🌐🎉

[avtechnologysworld]

What is an AV system in a house?

An audio-video (AV) system refers to an integrated collection of audio-video components and cables that are installed within a home to provide entertainment options such as watching television, listening to music, or watching movies. In this blog, we will discuss in detail what comprises a typical AV system in a house, different components of such a system, key considerations for audio visual(av) system design and installation.

Components of an AV system

Audio and video sources

The core components that serve as the source of audio and video content in an AV system include:

Cable/Satellite box: Provides access to live TV channels from a cable or satellite subscription.

Blu-ray/DVD player: Plays physical disks containing movies, TV shows or music videos in high definition formats.

Streaming devices: Devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast that enable streaming content from online services like Netflix, Hotstar, YouTube etc.

Gaming consoles: Popular gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox that also function as multimedia hubs to stream online content in addition to playing games.

Set top box: Converts cable/satellite signal into a format that can be displayed on the TV.

Receivers and amplifiers

Receivers, also known as AV receivers, are central electronic hubs that collect audio and video inputs from various sources and distribute them to different areas in a home. Important considerations in av system design include choosing a receiver with latest audio formats and sufficient number of inputs/outputs. Power amplifiers amplify audio signals to drive multiple speakers around the home.

Display devices

Television sets are primary display devices to view video content. Large screen smart TVs with integrated streaming apps are commonly used. Projectors are also gaining popularity for setting up home theaters with larger display sizes.

Speakers

Speakers are used to listen to the audio portion played through receivers or other amplification devices. Speaker set ups can range from simple soundbars or 2.1 setups to complex 7.1 or 9.1 surround sound systems for an immersive home theater experience. Important factors in speaker selection are power handling, frequency response and impedance.

Cabling infrastructure

High-speed HDMI, optical audio and speaker cables form the critical cabling backbone required to transmit pristine audio and video signals from various components to displays and speakers. Their quality, sufficient length and correct terminations play a key role for seamless operation of the entire AV system.

Remotes and controllers

Dedicated remotes, apps and control systems enable users to switch inputs, adjust volume and configure different parameters of the AV system conveniently from anywhere in the home. Universal remotes that control different components together provide a unified experience.

Installation and configurations

Key considerations for av system design

Careful planning and execution is required to design and install a high-performance yet user-friendly home AV system. Some important factors to consider in this regard include:

Budget: Cost is a major planning parameter. Determining the budget upfront helps select suitable components and scale features accordingly.

Layout: Deciding where to place TV, speakers and other accessories based on room dimensions and furniture arrangement.

Wiring: Planning clean, hidden cabling routes to avoid clutter and ensure ease of future upgrades.

Future-proofing: Choosing latest connectivity options like 4K/8K support, HDMI 2.1, enhanced audio codecs to future-proof the system.

Ease of use: Simplified, centralized control of the entire system for any user in the household.

Sound quality: Selecting appropriate speaker configurations based on room acoustics for optimal listening experience.

Aesthetics: Choosing hardware like speakers and cables that blend with interior decor seamlessly.

Custom calibration: Professional calibration tailors the av system design to the unique acoustics of individual rooms for best performance.

With careful considerations and wiring based on standardized installation guidelines, a well-designed AV system can provide an immersive entertainment experience in a user-friendly way for years to come.

Running and maintaining the system

Even with correct installation, some routine maintenance is required to keep the AV system running smoothly. This includes:

Periodic cleaning of all hardware including TV screens, projectors, speakers from dust.

Checking for any loose connections or wiring and immediately tightening them.

Updating device firmware and apps for enhanced functionality and bug fixes.

Ensuring proper ventilation around components to prevent overheating.

Replacing aging equipment batteries in remotes and setups with player network syncing.

Calibrating the system periodically or in case of hardware/room changes using pros.

Backing up digital media libraries and settings to avoid data loss.

Upgrading key components every 5-7 years to keep pace with changing technologies and user needs.

With the right maintenance, even a moderately designed av system can deliver fulfilling service for many years. Timely repairs and knowledgeable troubleshooting are also important to maximize the performance.

Conclusion

In summary, a well-rounded AV system installed in the home offers an immersive cinematic experience for various entertainment needs. Proper planning considering the budget, hardware capabilities and individual usage scenarios leads to an optimally configured setup. Regular maintenance and periodic upgrades further ensure long term usefulness. With digitization and advancement in connectivity standards, home AV systems have come a long way from basic setups to delivering theater-like multimedia experiences right in the comfort of one's living room. Careful choices in components and av system design play a pivotal role in this digital home entertainment revolution.

[dcsmarthomeautomation]

Home Theater Design in Gaithersburg, MD | (888) 503-1768

Home Theater Design in Gaithersburg, MD

One Source Systems is a full-service residential and commercial custom electronics design and integration company serving Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas. Our smart home automation solutions make your home safe, elegant, fun, and easy to use. Our team is comprised of world-class experts in every field whose number one priority is to provide the best products and services to our clients.

One Source Systems 7914 Queenair Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879 (888) 503-1768 https://onesourcesystems.com/

[mtaartsdesign]

April showers bring May flowers! Embrace the Spring season with our new exhibition on Bloomberg Connects, “Floral Muses.” Flowers, the timeless muse for artists of all media, are the subject of many artworks throughout the transit system. “Floral Muses” features a selection of artworks from our permanent collection which enliven the daily commute with flora year-round.

Images

1: Takayo Noda, “The Habitat for the Yellow Bird” (2007) at Sutter Av (L) station. 📸: Edward Lee

2: Antenna Design (Masamichi Udagawa + Sigi Moeslinger), “Bloemendaal” (2010) at 96 St (1,2,3) station. 📸: Jan Staller

3: Nancy Blum, “Floating Auriculas” (2007) at MNR Dobbs Ferry Station. 📸: MTA A&D

4: Portia Munson, “Gardens of Fort Hamilton Parkway Station” (2012) at Fort Hamilton Pkwy (D) station. 📸: Susan Alzner

5: @roberto_juarez_studio, “A Field of Wild Flowers” (1997) at Grand Central Terminal. 📸: MTA A&D/Rob Wilson

[lonestarflight]

Space Shuttle, Phase B: Grumman Design 518

Information from Grumman's submitted application on their design:

"Design 518 is a fully responsive and balanced reusable, two-stage design based on the prescribed 3.5 million lb gross lift-off weight (GLOW). The aerodynamic configuration of the orbiter was. derived from an investigation of straight, swept delta, and lifting body configurations. The selec ted lifting body appears competitive in all respects (weight, flying qualities, elastic characteristics) and provides the potential for straightforward evolution to high crossrange reentry as thermal protection systems become qualified. Evaluation of a single aerodynamic configuration will provide a clear cut understanding of the weight, performance, and cost penalties associated with increased cross range. In the low cross-range mode, results to date show that the 3.5 million lb GLOW limits the fully internal payload to 32,200 lb. The Design 518 orbiter represents a near optimum balance between size of vehicle, size of payload, and propulsion capa bility (AV) apportionment.

The Design 518 booster is a weight conscious, conservatively designed delta-wing configuration which includes the prescribed 400,000 lb thrust high-pressure rocket engines. A refinement which demands investigation is the application of larger, 1,000,000 Ib thrust high-pressure engines. Preliminary design. will be performed on Design 518, as described in Section 1 of this proposal. An acquisition plan will be created which will include the 400,000 lb thrust high-pressure engines and other characteristics decribed in the Statement of Work and its appendices. The program cost will be assessed for the IOC of late 1977. Grumman and its associates will pursue all of the objectives and requirements of the RFP for Design 518. In summary, Design 518 demonstrates that an attractive and promising responsive design can be achieved within the 3.5 million lb GLOW. With refinement, which can be expected during the Phase B study, we believe that improved payload capability can be obtained while continuing to observe the weight margin rules called for by the RFP."

Artwork by Thomas Becker, 1972: link

[vignellicenter]

Please join us for our next Open Houses! March 20-21, 2024 10am-4pm.

The NYC subway map that never was. Or at least it was never implemented.

The NYC Subway graphics are some of the most requested artifacts from the Vignelli archives. We acquired this unique “verbal map” aka “The Directory” aka the “How to get there” map in 2022. Our archivist put it on display for the first time in 50 years at our Open Houses in September 2022!

 “The Verbal Map described how to reach a destination, which train to get, where to change, and when to get out.” – Massimo Vignelli [comment on Michael Bierut’s essay “Mr. Vignelli Map” for Design Observer]

Printed on very glossy paper in full color, this map is large like the station size maps. Printed in two parts [top and bottom] each half measuring 29.5” x 47.5”.

In the Graphic Standards Manual on Page 3 “Diagram of Basic Sign Distribution” it describes the various maps to be installed:

Maps: System maps (implemented, the famous one),

neighborhood map (not implemented),

‘How to get there’ map (not implemented but we have the prototype!)

From the Graphics Standards Manual on page 75, “The Directory”:

“The directory is designed to help a passenger find his “Destination” and “How to get there” quickly and easily. Each station will have its own directory listing all other station alphabetically and numerically. Each station will be followed by the color disc designating he trains that stop there. If there is no direct train, transfer information will follow the station name. This directory will be placed at all important points in the subways station both inside and outside the turnstiles.”

We also have the Dekalb Av Signage Study “analyzed and completed by Joan Charysyn and Virginia Macintosh” for Unimark International in 1971 which shows a mockup of the various maps and states “A directory and three maps will eventually be in use in all subway stations.”

Be sure to join us for our next Open Houses and see what other surprises you can discover! Learn more opn our events page: https://www.rit.edu/events/vignelli-center-spring-open-house

Image descriptions:

Detail of “verbal map” aka “The Directory” aka the “How to get there” map

image of entire map

Video clip of map

Photo of Open Houses with logo

vintage 35mm slide of detail of “verbal map”

NYCTA Graphics Standards Manual pg. 75 “The Directory”

NYCTA Graphics Standards Manual pg. 75 “The Directory”

Slideshow of Dekalb St study: coversheet, Directory from Grand Central, System Map, Neighborhood map, and 5 Boroughs map

Vintage 35mm slide of 57th Street station signage

Vintage 35mm slides of 57th Street station signage

[steelblue8]

Kenwood KVA-502, new amp for my home stereo system!! It is technically an AV amp rather than a stereo amp, but its a very early one, so rather than being a 5.1 channel machine designed primarily for video, it's designed more as a stereo amp with some bonus features. It sounds real nice to me and I loove the unique styling of it!

[germanpostwarmodern]

The so-called the Ulm Stool undoubtedly is one of the best-known designs originating from the HfG in Ulm, Germany’s most significant postwar design school. In 2021 the HfG-Archiv devoted an exhibition to the stool entitled „Der Ulmer Hocker: Idee - Ikone - Idol“, a comprehensive overview of its history, the development of its iconic status and its afterlife as a reference work up for interpretation.

As a follow-up to the exhibition its organizers Viktoria Lea Heinrich, Thomas Hensel & Martin Mäntele recently published the eponymous volume with AV Edition that further elaborates the content of the exhibition. The first and major surprise is the insight into the genesis of the stool which actually has more „fathers“ than just Max Bill who is often credited alone for its design. The idea indeed originated with Bill as a result of the chronically tight financial situation of the HfG: in order to be able to furnish the school building Bill developed a simple, durable and multifunctional stool that was easy to produce with the means and machines at hand. But before it went into production at the HfG’s carpentry, design and construction were revised based on input provided by Hans Gugelot, Paul Hildinger and Josef Schlecker, the carpentry’s and metal workshop’s heads, in order to improve ease of production.

Subsequently Thomas Hensel goes into detail about the iconisation of the stool based on the theory of art as on operating system. Hensel applies it to the design world and carves out how e.g. the feuilleton and the retailer Manufactum turned an everyday object into an icon. Concurrently the stool gained a nimbus as a HfG artifact that, as a halo effect, transfers qualities assigned to the stool on to its owner and in the sense of Bourdieu contributes to the latter’s cultural capital.

Beyond this historical & theoretical discussion of its significance the authors also include many variations and copies of the Ulm Stool, physical evidence of its continuing relevance. As a result of these multifocal perspectives on a legendary piece of furniture the book offers a historical and sociocultural analysis of the Ulmer Hocker that is both insightful & thought-provoking.

[bro3256]

DKOldies is a scam (and here's why)

If you have been watching TikToks and YouTube Shorts recently then you certainly have stumbled upon DKOldies, they host an online store that exclusively sells used video games. The short videos they post are more or less advertisements for their business and on the surface there's nothing wrong about them, if anything the videos themselves can be entertaining. However as the popularity of DKOldies as grown, it's become more apparent that they are ripping buyers off and also contributing to the video game bubble we are in.

What do I mean by video game bubble? Well since 2019, prices for used video games have skyrocketed in value mainly due to demand from existing collectors but also investors swooping in and buying up games for the purpose of making a profit. As of me writing this post, the bubble has yet to pop but it'll certainly happen soon.

What does this have to do with DKOldies?

Simply put, they overprice the HELL out of their items. It's to the point where its even over the value you get on PriceCharting, but you might think that they're cutting you a deal since its half off right?

So those deals were never really deals to begin with, these items are released with these discounts in place and the Wayback Machine clearly shows that they've been doing this for years. This most certainly is false advertising which is illegal in many countries including where DKOldies operates.

But lets say you disregard the fake discounts and buy an NES bundle for... $250?!?

Well its advertised as being refurbished and you'd expect a pretty clean system especially since DKOldies regularly posts videos of them cleaning games and consoles. Unfortunately, you're not going to get a properly refurbished console as ReviewTechUSA recently put out a video of them unboxing this exact bundle.

Not only was the console still dirty but its partially cracked on the right side. The pins on both the cartridges and console were also not cleaned, which really begs the question if they're really taking the time to actually clean these games and consoles up, again this is clear false advertising.

They also tend to recommend pretty awful things for games, such as using those cheap AV to HDMI converter boxes to play your older consoles on a modern display. These boxes are not designed for video games at all and you'll certainly get a bad muddy picture on top of input lag. I would instead buy a proper upscaler that is designed for video games such as the various RetroTink upscalers. These add no lag and look amazing in comparison.

Now why do they recommend something this awful? Because they not only sell these individually on their site but is an option to be included in most bundles for an absurd markup.

It's even more baffling here since even if you were interested in picking this up, you can just go on Amazon and get one for cheaper.

To wrap things up, I want to mention that DKOldies does do online trade ins. Typically when you trade an item into a store, you'll typically get less than the current average value of the item which is how most local game stores deal with trade ins. DKOldies has a page listing their offers for trade ins and they are laughably low.

Several folks have even made videos talking about how ridiculous these offers are. DKOldies responded by hiding these prices and requiring that you email them to inquire about the price.

(Source: Retail King)

At the end of the day, DKOldies is a business and their focus is making as much money as possible. They've even made a video directly responding to the backlash they've been getting.

This video doesn't address any of the points many have made, if anything its propaganda. It's just a small business, a business that overprices the items they sell and is not transparent about their refurbishments. Unless DKOldies gets slapped with a lawsuit (which at this point is inevitable) then my only plea to those getting into used video games is to avoid DKOldies. If you can, buy from local game stores, go thrifting, and if all else fails eBay will absolutely cut you a better deal because everyone else beats DKOldies prices.

[italesnations]

Skitarii Prayer for Courage

Clothed in the red of Mars

Blessed with True Flesh

Protected by armor upon our bodies

Sanctified by the priests of the Machine God

Let this be our prayer for guidance; let this be for our strength; let this be for our courage, for we are warriors true to the cause of the Cog

Glory be given to the Omnissiah, be it through the marching that we do, or through the foes that we slay, or through the objectives that we achieve. Glory be given to the Omnissiah, through all the Machine Spirits we fight to protect, through the flesh that we desire to preserve.

Courage, let it be given us, so we may serve and serve truly.

Courage, let it be installed into our systems, so we may not falter.

Courage, let it be built into our core, so we may fight and fight hard.

Courage, let it be constantly refreshed, so we may honor mankind.

Bless us, Machine God, with your steel and with your fury.

Bless us, oh holy Cog, with your determination and your steadfastness.

Bless us, Omnissiah, with your desire for the success of the Grand Design.

Ave Deus Mechanicus

Let none stay our march

[dcsmarthomeautomation]

Home Automation System Installation in Gaithersburg, MD | (888) 503-1768

Home Automation System Installation in Gaithersburg, MD

One Source Systems is a full-service residential and commercial custom electronics design and integration company serving Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas. Our smart home automation solutions make your home safe, elegant, fun, and easy to use. Our team is comprised of world-class experts in every field whose number one priority is to provide the best products and services to our clients.

One Source Systems 7914 Queenair Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879 (888) 503-1768 https://onesourcesystems.com/

[mtaartsdesign]

“Sunday’s Empire” by Peter Gizzi is the second new addition to the Poetry in Motion collection this winter season. Reflecting on the new pair of poems now on display throughout the system, Matt Brogan, Executive Director @poetrysociety shared, "The poems of Ilya Kaminsky and Peter Gizzi remind us that our lives are lit, not only by the sun rising over the horizon or reflecting off the fallen snow, but by family, neighbors, and community. ‘People live here,’ Gizzi writes, and Kaminsky responds, ‘all neighbors’ hands.’”

Gizzi’s poem is presented with a detail from Frank Leslie Hampton’s mosaic “Uptown New York” (2000) at Tremont Av (B,D) station. The mosaic depicts a classic New York scene familiar to all, an apartment building with laundry hanging on clotheslines and views of the city skyline. Projecting warmth and the serenity of feeling at home, the poems and artwork lend a sense of comfort and calm to the daily commute.

“Sunday’s Empire” from Now It’s Dark © 2020 by Peter Gizzi. Published by Wesleyan University Press. Used by permission. “Uptown New York” (2000) © Frank Leslie Hampton, NYCT Tremont Av station. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design. Photo: Rob Wilson.

📸: MTA A&D/Rob Wilson

[walkingthroughthisworld]

An evolution from the M26 Pershing heavy tank first introduced in late 1944, the M-48 Patton was designed from the combat lessons learned during both the Second World War and Korean war, built to take on the latest Soviet tanks. While it incorporated several unique design features, such as automotive steering and a exhaust system designed to reduce the tank's infrared heat signiture, the tank was considered only a moderate success in combat. M-48s first saw action in Vietnam, primarily in the M67 flamthrower variation. M-48 Patton Vehicle Stats: Type: Medium tank Manufacturer: Chrysler, Ford, Fisher Tank Arsenal. First deployed: 1953 Crew: 4 Length: 6.4 m Width: 3.6 m Height: 3.1 m Weight: 51 tons Armor: 180mm Armament, primary: 1 x 90mm rifled tank gun; later retrofitted with 105mm M68 rifled tank gun Armament, secondary: 1 x .50-cal Browning MG, 1 x 7.62mm MG Ammo stowage, primary: 60-64 rounds Ammo stowage, secondary: 500-600 rounds .50-cal, 5,900 rounds 7.62mm Powerplant:Continental AV-1790 series 690hp 12 cylinder gasoline or supercharged diesel engine Max speed: 48 km/h Max range: 415 km Operators: (Current) Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey.

[spyskrapbook]

“Córdoba Congress Centre”, Cordoba, Spain [Competition, 2001] _ Architect: Rafael Moneo.

“The project proposed brings the program’s three very different elements – Congress Centre, Hotel, and Visitor Centre – together in one piece, as they are all included in one enclosure defined by a common perimeter. The intense occupation of the ground blurs the boundaries, and the enclosed precinct makes the three buildings be understood as one, which does not prevent them from functioning independently. On the other hand, the full occupation of the site guarantees that there will be no leftover spaces, so the Córdoba Congress Centre will own its ground without imposing upon its modest neighbours.

The Mosque has clearly influenced how the plot is used in the project, but it is also necessary to acknowledge how the profile of its roofs and of its tower has also been a determining factor in defining the face of the new piece. The building has been designed as a continuation of segmented domes that are able to trace a quasi-fortuitous silhouette with the same randomness as the roofs of Córdoba. The image of the Córdoba Congress Centre is thus entrusted to the constellation of segmented domes, a firm and clear image but not domineering. The domes are finished in glazed tile and their glow will help reinforce the corporeality of the spheres. Besides, the double roof will help establish a more efficient insulation system, which is particularly important in a place like Córdoba, with such an extreme climate.”

https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/centro-de-congresos-de-cordoba-rafael-moneo

https://arquitecturaviva.com/publicaciones/av-monografias/rafael-moneo