PROGRESS AND THE AFFECT ON HOME AUTOMATION...(2018)

Hello Folks,

Many moons ago i remember when computer engineers were trained to pcb level and wandered off to customer sites with their soldering gear to repair customer boards..

Of course this "skillset" vanished when it became more cost effective to send another board via the post and a slew of engineers lost their jobs...

It was the same with Home Automation in the early days (15 years ago)...a home automation handset from Crestron cost 4,000 Euros..the client needed racks full of equipment..dedicated rooms even..

A whole house Home Automation system could cost upwards of 150,000 Euros in 2010....

THAT WAS THEN...and even with ALL that spend the systems were glitchy...complicated to use...and most companies locked down with passwords (the biggest con of all)....because IF you had a problem you HAD to call the same company back....clever eh?

NOW?

In 2018 we at Projectiondreams use LEVITON-the largest HA company in the world now..with Bitwise programming-completely custom...

You can control EVERYTHING those huge racks used to try to do..FROM AN IPAD......

We have Bitwise professionals that have been with Bitwise from the very start...

The best thing?...cost effective..think a maximum of 15k to control EVERYTHING that 150k system used to try to....

INCREDIBLY simply....because the control should be simple..and a fair budget..allowing the budget to be spent on the equipment...where the real fun is...

Projectiondreams are the masters of Cinema and we have mastered simplicity of operation..we dont want to build a huge unnecessary rack..we dont even really want to tidy up someone else`s rack for you and unnecessarily charge you...

We want to give you the simplicity you should always have had-that is available now ALL from an IPAD....thats your "rack"....

..AND..that`s called progress..and the money you save?


Buys you one of these...

STREAMING VIDEO VIA THE INTERNET...WHAT YOU NEED...

For those who stream video from online sources, the speed at which data can be sent into their home is critical. If your connection isn’t fast enough, streaming video can sometimes stall as it fills the buffer in the receiving device, or the content provider might send a lower-quality stream because it senses that your available speed can’t handle anything more.

  What many refer to as “Internet speed” is actually the bandwidth available to accept data from the Internet into your home. Measured in megabits per second (Mbps), it’s the amount of data that can be transferred from “the cloud” to your connected devices in one second.

  Now, we can get (in selected areas) fiber optic with a capability to handle 100 Mbps.

  Currently, no video streaming requires anything close to 100 Mbps. But all of the Internet-connected computers and devices in your home network share the total bandwidth you’re paying for. Some of the bandwidth might be used by others in your home who want to stream to their TV or play online games. Also, if your neighbors subscribe to the same cable provider or share your building’s overall bandwidth, that can decrease the bandwidth you have available if they all want to stream at the same time.

  As you’ll see below, even a huge video file with 3D and 1080p resolution and Dolby Digital Plus audio requires less than 10 Mbps. Still, if you want to stream 3D or 1080p videos, I recommend opting for an Internet speed of at least 20 Mbps. This takes into account that others might use the Internet at the same time.

  At 20 Mbps or more, video streaming of most content will usually run as smoothly as live TV. Yet, several factors could still cause the video to stall and buffer. Popular streaming services could have too many people trying to access the same video at the same time. Perhaps you’re streaming in the evening when demand for bandwidth is high in your neighborhood, or others in your house might also be streaming HD content.

Bandwidth and streaming video (kung fu panda)

  If you have an older router with limited bandwidth capabilities, your streaming device might not be receiving all the bandwidth it needs. This is especially true of WiFi connections, which can also be problematic because of interference from other wireless devices in the home. If router is more than three years old and want to stream video, consider investing in an AV router like Netgear’s WNDR 4500, D-Link’s Amplifi, or Western Digital’s MyNet900.

  Netflix, Hulu Plus, and many network-TV streaming sites will automatically test your Internet speed before a video begins streaming. Based on its determination of your speed, it will deliver the best video quality—from standard definition to 1080p—that it thinks will run smoothly on your computer or device.

  Vudu gives you the option of manually testing your Internet speed before renting or buying a movie.
You don’t want to pay more for a high-quality video only to have it stop because your Internet connection isn’t fast enough. To test your network speed, go to the “My Vudu” tab and click on “Info & Settings.” Choose the Network test and run the test to see what speed Vudu recommends for your player. If you do rent a high-quality movie and it repeatedly stops to buffer, a message will appear offering to downgrade the quality of the movie you are watching for smoother video streaming.

  Here is a list of the Internet speeds recommended by several popular streaming services:

Netflix

1. Mbps for viewing on a laptop computer
2. Mbps for SD video on a TV
3. Mbps for 720p HD video
4. Mbps for “the best video and audio experience” (according to Netflix)

Hulu Plus
Note: If a TV show or movie repeatedly needs to buffer, Hulu Plus will stop streaming the video and recommend that you downgrade the video quality.

1. Mbps for SD video
2. Mbps for 720p video
3. Over 3.2 Mbps for best quality HD video and audio

Vudu
Note: All Vudu movies are streamed with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio.

1. 1.0 – 2.3 Mbps for SD video
2. 2.3 – 4.5 Mbps for 720p video
3. 4.5 – 9.0 Mbps for HDX 1080p video
4. Over 9 Mbps for 3D HD movies

With IPTV the service providers will normally stream at no more than between 3.5-5Mbps-because of the limitation of most folks internet.

That gives you a great picture at minimum of 720p.

This means IF you are only streaming IPTV you need a consistent minimum of at least 5Mbps download ability from your ISP.

Recently, H.265 (HEVC) compression encoding is becoming more prevalent with service providers and equipment-allowing larger files to be sent losing less bandwidth.(think of this as a "zipped video file"..unzipped when it finally reaches the IPTV box......HEVC offers about double the data compression ratio at the same level of video quality, or substantially improved video quality at the same bit rate. It supports resolutions up to 8192×4320, including 8K UHD.)

**So by way of example,a 10Mbps stream would be compressed at source -converted to 5Mbps-then 

expanded back to 10Mbps once it reaches your replay device.

Of course,the ISPs peddle poor services,poor bandwidth allocations,small print allowing them to slow down anyone downloading or streaming large video files-they care not a jot that it`s the future and they sold & promised a "fuel" allowance that they then renege on...

Big brother is truly here with ..yes you can stream video..BUT only if its that ISPs services..not someones else`s..:-)..traffic shaping is prolific.

I urge EVERYONE to monitor their download speeds and threaten legal action IF it doesn`t do what it says on the tin.-and if the ISP doesn`t allow you out of the "2 year " contract that they has been ruled by European law to be excessive and in no way binding beyond 12mths. 

Excercise your rights .threaten TO REPORT THEM TO ANACOM..ask for the complaints book.

IPTV service providers for example-can encode 4k now..compress and send at about a minimum of 7.5Mbps to 12.5Mbps-to be expanded upto 15Mbps/25Mbps.

No big deal for Fiber Optic..normal broadband which averages out at about 12mbps during the day and 6Mbps at night..

No chance...

Buying ANY ISP service now that cannot guarantee 50Mbps during the day and 25Mbps at night..is an utter waste of time IF you want to stream 4K.

Don`t forget this is JUST for streaming..where other devices are involved..a minimum recommended bandwidth capability is 25Mbps.

..................


I know what your thinking...

How can we watch the services we would like to then?

What`s the minimum combination necessary?

Well,taking IPTV as an example..


You need the following....


1. The latest H.265/4k capable IPTV box`s..****I recommend the Formula Z series box`s.

2.  Minimum of 5Mbps AT NIGHT..from whatever ISP you can (*preferably find one who isnt selling video services) ...


3. A DUAL PORTAL IPTV service to increase reliability- because DESPITE what some may say NO service is going to be "up" all the time..servers have issues,maintenance is necessary from time to time..

Two services -which costs less than 50 Euros per month-will double your chances of having SOME service whatever.

EEEEKKKK....50 Euros per month i hear you say...:-)

Look at it like this....50% of the cost of a SKY full package..

I will add-whatever you do -demo the system you are going to have..ensure you have support..

Finally..IF anyone tells you they are a source provider and have their own servers..they are lying-plain and simple ..because source providers (true ones) dont sell to the general public-they sell to resellers.



Vincent Myers M.D. Projectiondreams******.









******Projectiondreams are the largest IPTV box seller in Portugal-focusing on developing the platform and raising the bar of quality-for example we no longer sell the Mag box`s -decent in their day but eclipsed by the Formulas now)...We are pushing for H.265 with our service providers

TRUE HOME CINEMA VS THE REST....

Dear Folks,

For over 40 years the REAL cinema products have proven themselves..and there is a track record...a pedigree........

TRUE Cinema affecionados know what these products are..know how to blend the best to create the best Aural and Visual experience for their clients.

Do not think its all about price-do not think IF you are considering Cinema products that the cheaper quote will still give you as great a custom Cinema as the more expensive one..

There has always traditionally been a price point where TRUE Custom Cinema begins..that still holds true for the upper echelons of sound & vision but with technology advancing so fast think of creating an Audio Visual experience like baking a cake...if the cake tastes nice it could be a large apple pie or a scone...it doesn`t matter..horses for courses..

Different companies have different standards-espouse different products-so how do you know what to buy?..Often it comes down to the skill of thats sales person as to whether or not you purchase..

..And it shouldn`t...

It should be decided by the demo..

If a company cannot show you in its entirety that which they espouse..head for the hills...

Knowledge is EVERYTHING when assembling equipment..ALL Projectiondreams equipment has REAL Cinema pedigree that cannot be argued against..all is designed/assembled to be synergetic with each other..

Most are THX approved products..

This is not our "opinion"..this is espousal based on facts..TRUE pedigree..

For example,we sell Sony professional projectors and our M.D. calibrated the first European 4k demonstrators for trade shows.

*Our M.D. is recognized as one of the best video setup men in the world with 20 plus years in setup/calibration.

In most top commercial cinemas you have DCI Sony projectors.

In most top mixing studios you have M & K SOUND speakers (used by George Lucas when mixing the Star Wars films.)-THX approved of course.

Projectiondreams have an onboard sound professional-THX qualified under John Dahl.(THX) 10 years ago..

There are no other two Video and audio qualified personnel as proficient as the above in all of Europe-let alone Portugal.

Yes there are other companies-some embryonic,some without qualified personnel at all,some with "hastily" qualifed personnel-all i`m sure with the best of intentions.

BUT..they don`t have the pedigree or background of Projectiondreams-thats`s a statement of fact.

This is why Projectiondreams are the busiest custom cinema company in Portugal now-have the largest portfolio of work and numerous industry firsts..


Here`s a few.....

1. Ist company in Europe to modify and custom U.S. crt projectors

2. Ist company in Europe to sell 2.35.1 aspect systems with anamorphic len`s.

3..Creators of the Cinema Pedigree concept.

4...First company in Portugal to do a themed Cinema-the Stargate.

5..First company in Portugal to do a fully circular Cinema-the Matrix.

6..Co developed Zero edge screens with Screen Excellence.

7...First company in Portugal to sell and implement 2.40.1 Image masking screen with Sony laser projector.

8.Only custom install company in Europe who self manufacture cinema seating.

9..Only custom install company in Europe approved to sell D BOX with their Cinema seating.

10..ONLY company in Europe with a true understanding of 70mm and 35mm projection from ARRI experience.(*ARRI Cameras have been used directly-or rebadged by Panavision-on ALL major Hollywood movies of the alst 50 years.).


So..having read this..doesn`t it make sense to get your custom cinema from folks who understand the setup and have the experience?....That give you a TRUE Cinema experience with the correct setup?

..Or would you risk your hard earnt cash with someone who hasn`t any of the above..sure they may be up and coming..in 30 years they may be as experienced..fine...wait 30 years..or..come to Projectiondreams now..thats the real..and ONLY choice..

#algarvehomecinema #projectiondreams

WANT TO SELL THAT PROPERTY?..

DOWNTURN? RECESSION?..EXCUSES…..

We constantly hear such expressions as Downturn and recession to explain lack of business,but recently I had an excellent conversation with a top property seller in the Algarve…and he said this to me..
..**..These are excuses as to why your not selling,a cop out..sure,there may indeed be less money in some pockets but that’s not a reason to sit idly by,it’s a reason to try harder,be more focused in your strategy,find the tailored solution that makes a tougher choice easier.**
During this conversation,we spoke a lot of *Uniquety*..what will make one  property stand out and be an easy purchase?
..Well Im biased here,in the old days it was..**lets have lots of bedrooms**..now its why?..ANY property should have the things that make you want to live there,it should be tailored for you..a swimming pool is a de facto norm of course,interior designed rooms are also popular..as are landscaped gardens…
..Yet,what is not commonly known is the fact that NONE of these things add significant value to the home,they are desirable not essential..
So what adds value to that home>?  Simple…MORE space…and better utilised space..
This is precisely why the top developers are thinking less of amounts of bedrooms and more of loading that property with every *toy* at their disposal including,saunas,Jacuzzis,gyms,entertainment rooms,Custom Cinemas,Home Automation,Multi room A.V. ..even bowling alleys…and they are absolutely,unequivocally..spot on…..
Indeed,at the current time the most value you can add to your prestige property is a custom cinema/entertainment room into a basement or unused space..One client Im dealing with is adding some 170 sq metres to his home by populating with a gym and custom cinema,coms room,golf simulator,pool table..you name it….
The estimate of added value to the property against cost is a minimum of plus 15%...which is awesome….or the things you love haven’t really cost a copper,indeed they have just made your house worth more…
Precisely why we are so busy…people in Europe are waking up to what the yanks have known for years..a lifestyle on show sells a property.
So.your sitting in that real estators..bemoaning the *downturn*?..Look at the propertys for sale..why are they staganant?...its not the price because that’s been reduced 4 times already….could it…could it,be the mere fact it doesn’t have enough to offer the 21st century  buyer?
Food for thought eh?
Rgds,
Vince

WWW.PEDIGREERENOVATIONS.COM

                                                   https://www.pedigreeoutdoorliving.com/

THE IMPORTANCE OF THX FOR CINEMA SOUND.

In 1977 on the release of STAR WARS,George Lucas heard the sound at a local Cinema and was appalled at the sound and the fact it sounded nothing like he had heard when making/mixing the movie.

In 1983 -within Lucasfilm Ltd,to make sure that Return of the Jedi didn`t suffer the same audio fate as Star Wars, the THX program was born,developed primarily by Tomlinson Holman (Tom  Holman`Xperiment ) and aimed to ensure that Cinemas could replicate audio to the level the director had intended.

This meant strict criteria for the speakers,amplifiers and the auditorium itself and stringent testing to achieve a THX certification**.

**"The THX system is not a recording technology and it does not specify a sound recording format: all sound formats, whether digital (Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS) or analog (Dolby Stereo, Ultra Stereo), can be "shown in THX". THX is mainly a quality assurancesystem. THX-certified theaters provide a high-quality, predictable playback environment to ensure that any film soundtrack mixed in THX will sound as near as possible to the intentions of the mixing engineer. THX also provides certified theaters with a special crossover circuit whose use is part of the standard. Certification of an auditorium entails specific acoustic and other technical requirements; architectural requirements include a floating floor, baffled and acoustically treated walls, non-parallel walls (to reduce standing waves), a perforated screen (to allow center channel continuity), and NC30 rating for background noise ("ensures noise from air conditioning units and projection equipment does not mask the subtle effects in a movie's soundtrack."

In 2002 the THX ideology and process were sold to Creative (video card manufacturers) and in 2016 sold again to Razer (The games manufacturers).

But the stringent criteria for validating the right equipment for high end Cinemas -commercial & consumer,remains.

http://www.thx.com/certified-products/


http://www.thx.com/certification/thx-cinema-certification-program/


For Projectiondreams THX is incredibly important and Projectiondreams is one of the few companies in europe that has a THX trained professional onboard (trained under John Dahl) ...

This ensures that Projectiondreams can setup Audio to the standard expected by the director using equipment validated by the THX testing process.

For example, we use Parasound Amps and M &K SPEAKERS..both used by George Lucas to listen to his soundtracks..both rigidly tested by THX.

Klipsch speakers used in most major Cinemas in the U.S.

Epson projectors,Panasonic t.v.s.....etc..

THX is a crucial part of Cinema..but there are others..we adhere to all of them within our CINEMA PEDIGREE ethos..

http://www.projectiondreams.com/20665/portugal-home-cinema/cinema-pedigree/

THX Cinema in process...

So folks..COME TO THE PROFESSIONALS...get the quality you deserve...and a great tip?

For Cinema..DONT TOUCH IT if its not THX approved...

Rgds,

Vincent Myers M.D.


#algarvehomecinema #projectiondreams

THE FUTURE OF VIDEO PROJECTION IS NOW!

Folks..

Finally...the era of bulb projectors is finished...the days of 3-4,000hrs on a projector is a thing of the past now there is laser projection.

Bulb projectors needed calibrating and re calibrating as the bulb grew dimmer.

So really,a bulb projector needed at least 5 re calibrations in its lifetime..theres a 1500 Euro cost for you..

Laser projectors have one other VERY strong advantage.

They only need calibration ONCE...

Then they last at least 20,000 hours!..5 times longer than a normal bulb projector..and no need for 5 bulb changes!

Projectiondreams now have the ONLY 2 showrooms in Portugal with Laser projector Cinemas and currently the only one in Europe operating via 4k wireless technology in our Almancil showroom.

This means placement of equipment is far more flexible ..the source could be in another room completely from the Laser projector-we have even determined the Millisecond audio delay via wireless allowing lipsynch precision of Audio with the video image.

This attention to detail,with optimal & accurate setups for daytime and nightime viewing,is the difference between a Custom Home Cinema from Projectiondreams and large screen viewing from someone else.

Our Almancil showroom,

https://www.behance.net/gallery/41437327/THE-NEW-CINE-LOUNGE-CONCEPTWORLD-FIRST

Our Laser projectors are from Sony Professional and Projectiondreams are the ONLY allowed Audio Video company in the Algarve allowed to sell.

For a bit of history,Projectiondreams were the company chosen to set up Sonys first European 4K projector for European demonstration.

Vincent Myers Group M.D. of Projectiondreams says;-

 "Sony have the greatest Cinema pedigree in the world with the invention of true 4K DCI projectors  for both commercial and now consumer use-there are none better.-Their consumer laser projectors with the longevity of life with a great setup that won`t change finally allows the customer to have years and years of projected image quality!"

CALL TO BOOK A DEMONSTRATION AT EITHER OUR ALMANCIL OR LUZ SHOWROOMS!

Tel No.....910 510821


#algarvehomecinema #projectiondreams

THE STERILITY OF IDEAS RELATING TO NEW BUILDS IN THE ALGARVE .......

Dear Folks,

I have long lamented the complete and utter lack of imagination shown to most "high end" new builds in the Algarve.

Shapeless over priced boxs` with over priced gardens and kitchens ,basic Chinese technology,cheap and nasty lighting..big square pool (of course..square is easier..)-or rather a concrete hole with water...in an "exclusive" area whereby the original exclusivety has been determined for you of course.

So whats THIS build process?..Easy formula..Eastern European building team forced to work to a shoestring....thrown up by numbers...over priced interior design with names nobody has ever heard of by interior designers that nobody in Paris or New York has ever heard of ..

Over priced mediocrity perpetrated by re invented persons in the most part..little background in that field where they profess expertise...

For all this the client is charged top dollar after a couple of well placed lunches,copious amounts of wine and a good sales pitch.....

I know this because ive seen the same pattern-again and again- over the last few years.

Now,due to a complete lack of real care and total quality and innovative ideas..i have established the Pedigree Group to reverse this trend..

Already with our CASA ATLANTIS project we have gained huge accolade with our attention to detail..over the last 19 years Projectiondreams Audio Video Interiors have built ALL the difficult stuff that others cannot..wine rooms,Gyms,Entertainment Basements,Custom Cinemas...you think a luxury kitchen or bathroom is hard for us?..:-)

https://www.behance.net/gallery/11837755/PROJECT-CASA-ATLANTIS

Our ethos is TRUE high end..EVERYTHING will be the best as we have determined..our testimonials and awards prove this..these can ALL be shown to the client..we can demonstrate indoor and outdoor living..

You can come to us..or get a hotch potch of companies..some which will be fine..some decent..some rubbish..ALL will be on back handers ..the A,V, or Automation companies used will be the ones that play the game..the bitches of the interior designers and builders...

We do it all..why?..because we have the ability to do it all...and show that we can..we are a one stop shop with the Pedigree Group..where total synergy is ultimately presented and delivered under MY guidance..all my people,trades,products are hand picked..they must ALL work together for the common aim..delivering a great service and end product.

If they dont..they are kicked into touch..simple as that...no backhander will save anyone with me IF i feel they are not good enough..

Thats the BIG difference..the prices from start to finish will be fair..you want a top chanderlier in your hallway..you`ll GET IT....what you wont get is some piece of Chinese glass thats cost $50 -that by the time its been brought over to Portugal..re invents itself as an "Italian" brand that costs $10,000...

I believe in a fair profit..not an obscene profit..i want people to go.."Fantastic..and the price was fair"..and we gain more recommendations...and we can push the envelope of whats possible..

Someone spending a large budget on a property?...you want a "Dream property"...or a facsimile of a dream property?

We deliver the former.in all we do...

Of course folks say.."well you shouldnt have ago at the competition to gain business".

Im not..im telling the truth and we have NO competition..in the Audio Video arena in Portugal..in Pedigree Renovations now..our success past and present proves that..

Ive always loved the Entertainment industry..i was an Operations Manager/Director for major companies like Honeywell,US Robotics,Zenith Data Systems and latterley ARRI for over 15 years running huge operations and projects..with 5 top..worldwide industry awards...

Thats JUST the Project Management pedigree..

ALL of this knowledge..what price?...success and a great job for the client thats what...

The Pedigree Group is run by professionals..for professionals..we are not modest..we are not here to "compete" with mediocrity..or be that mediocrities "bitch" we are here to change the ethos of what TRUE quality is and how its achieved...the customer is king...

The revolution beqan in earnest 10 years ago..it is a tide that cannot be turned nor will we care if we offend the sensabilitys of the inept..

Because IF there is any REAL competition to the Pedigree Group ethos..let them prove it..be proud to show your credentials..and your track record..as we do...

I welcome competition..i want everything to get more competitive..then we will go up another gear..let others join my revolution..and let clients have a choice of numerous quality purveyors...

For now..The Pedigree Group may standalone...but we welcome others to THE ELITE TRADERS concept...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElitetradersAlgarve/

*****
Anyone that joins Elite Traders shall be vetted..IF that company cannot prove at least 5 years trading history under the same trading name they shall not be admitted.


Rgds,

Vincent Myers