Like the previous Sonos Play:5, the new Play:3  is an all in one wireless music system that streams music and audio programming.  The Sonos Play:3 has 3 speakers; two mid-range, one tweeter, and one bass radiator.  The Play:3 was designed to accommodate areas with limited space such as a bedroom, home office, kitchen, or study.  Each speaker has its own digital amplifier.

The Play:3 has no subwoofer due to minimal enclosure space, however it uses bass radiator technology. The bass radiator mimics a speaker cone to reinforce a speaker’s low-end bass frequency, which allows it to efficiently provide deep bass in the compact enclosure.  For not having a subwoofer, the depth of the bass produced by the bass radiator was better than expected and I was pleasantly surprised.  If you listen to music genres with deep bass this unit may not be for you.  If you’re looking to make efficient use of space, the trade off in bass may not be critical.

If you’re looking to listen in a smaller or enclosed area, the Play:3 is loud enough for most of your listening needs. Having tested both the Play:3 and Play:5, the volume of the Play:3 is approximately 75-80% of the Play:5.  If you’re looking to listen to your music content in an open living area the Play:5 may be better a better choice.

Listening to all generes of music, the depth and richness of the Play:3 were similar with an edge to the Play:5 at both higher and lower volumes. Still, both very crisp and clear and if I wasn’t comparing both systems the Play:3 is still quite impressive in sound quality.  The sound for numerous music genres, radio talk programming, and podcasts for the Play:3 was superb.

A nice feature of the Play:3 is that it can be placed in either a horizontal or vertical position.  The unit has pads on the bottom and sides to easily facilitate horizontal or vertical positioning.  In addition, the unit is provided with a 1/4 inch threaded hole at the back of the case to provide mounting capability on the walls or ceiling with separate purchase of a mount kit. The unit is light, compact, and sleek in design.

The Play:3  was designed to fit in small compact areas.  For its size, the Play:3 packs a big punch. The sound of the mid-range and bass is rich, clear, and vibrant and can easily fill a small room with great sound.

The Play:3 is perfect for the home office, bedroom, study, or bathroom.  The horizontal and vertical positioning or optional wall/ceiling mount provides the flexibility to locate the unit in tight areas where space is a premium.

Fully compatible with all Sonos Products and Multiple Controllers, you can control the Play:3 on your desktop or on mobile devices using free apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android.

Add players all over your home with one touch. The Sonos Play:3 is easy to set up, relatively affordable, portable, and nicely balanced. If you are just discovering Sonos products, this is a nice device to help you “get your feet wet.” The Play:3 sound might not be as big as the sound you can extract from larger devices, such as the Sonos Play:5. But you might be shocked and amazed by just how much sound you get out of the Play:3 — as well as how deep and rich and articulated that sound is.

The Play:3 is an ideal stereo for relatively small, “nook-y” spaces, like your kitchen, the kids’ bedroom, your own bedroom or a small library or office. But don’t get the wrong impression. It is powerful enough and produces big enough sound to saturate a much larger space, such as a living room or even a home theater space.

Obviously, you will need to take into account several variables around your home theater or entertainment area, such as acoustics, space, other furniture, etc. Rather than go through the hassle of installing and setting up your Sonos systems yourself… CALL THE TEAM AT ALL STAR AUDIO VIDEO TODAY!

(713) 464-8203

Integra comes from a different heritage than your typical mainstream A/V products. The engineers at Integra are mostly concerned with audio/video performance, ease of use, and long-term reliability. You will not find lots of flashing lights or crazy features on Integra products. What you will find, though, are always the latest features in the world of A/V. Integra has a very tight connection with both Dolby Labs and THX, which allows them to be first to market with audio or video advances.

One new product from Integra, the 50.3 receiver, is a shining example of just how much value Integra packs into their products. We thought it would be fun to feature it here for you to learn a little more about it.

An important thing to remember when making a receiver purchase is the fact that unlike a lot of disposable consumer electronics, you’ll probably have your receiver for a very long time. The good ones are made to last!

ALL BUSINESS, NO GIMMICKS!

Dolby Volume - This one is just great! Imagine if all of those commercials that came on at twice the volume level could be reduced back to the normal volume?Wouldn’t that be great? Integra is one of the first brands to include Dolby Volume, which will fix this issue that drives all of us nuts. This feature is found on both the 40.3 and 50.3.

IDT HQV Vida VHD1900 + Marvel Qdeo 4K - Now that’s a mouthful! This is a dual chip array that does an incredible job converting your non-HD sources to HD quality. High Definition sources are even improved to reduce compression artifacts. Bottom line… when you stream in a Netflix movie, it will look far better played through the 50.3!

WHY YOU’LL WANT US TO HELP YOU HOOK THIS PUPPY UP!

HDMI - 8 total inputs so you never run out of connections (seven on the rear, one on the front).

Ethernet Enabled – Stream in Pandora, Slacker, and many more including the latest cool service, Spotify!

Powered Zone 2 - Connect your kitchen or deck speakers up here for a great expansion option.

Great Amplifier Section - 135 watts per channel. And these are not the “if hit by lightning” watts found on the Kmart $199 thousand watt theater in a box, this is the real deal… heck the 50.3 weighs in at 40 pounds!!

Audyssey EQ- This is pretty neat. Our installers, using a calibrated microphone can fine-tune the 50.3 to your room acoustics.

All of this adds up to just an incredible value. Contact us to learn more, or explore our home theater page for some great education on how to put together your home theater or media room.

Calling yourself Elite is a pretty tall order. Pioneer, an indisputable world leader in television expertise, has such faith in their recent Elite TV that they are prepared to take on the task of bringing it back into a market that once felt this specific television may be considered slightly over-rated.  But says who?  Returning to the market after a brief interval, this ultimate television is as incredible as it was before and is being measured as the new “money is no object television.”

What makes this TV so awesome that money is no object you might inquire?  Here are just a few replies to that priceless question:

1. The recent Pioneer Elite TV is a mutual effort by Sharp and Pioneer.

2. Sharp and Pioneer are two extraordinary companies offering their finest television ever.

3. Pioneer believes that bigger is better and presents the Pioneer Elite TV in sizes 60” and 70”!

4. The Elite is available in 3D, 1080p, and LCD (markedly some of the best LCD TVs on the market).

5. The Elite contains LED backlighting, wireless capabilities, and local dimming.

6. The Elite includes apps (such as Netflix, YouTube, etc.).

7. Reviewed as having the deepest blacks and most amazing color contrast.

Critics around the world position this television as a higher priced viewing option, but one that is well worth the investment.  It’s being hailed as one of the best LCD TVs ever created.

In case you still aren’t quite sold on the idea of the Pioneer Elite, come by All Star Audio Video and take a look for yourself. Trust us, you’ll agree that no other television can touch the Pioneer Elite TV. Our recommendation:  The 70-Inch Elite Pro… COME CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

The New Black

A lot has changed about the new BP-8080ST towers, but one thing is still the same. You can still have your Definitive bipolar towers in any color you’d like as long as that color is black. They’re still wrapped in unassuming black socks, with a glossy top cap. Each 48-inch-tall tower is a slim seven inches wide and sixteen inches deep and performs an optical illusion in tapering slightly, even gracefully, at the front. Small isn’t the right word for these speakers, but I was constantly thinking to myself that the sonics they delivered (big in every sense of the word) were disproportionate to the in-room footprint. These aren’t small speakers by any stretch, but they somehow don’t occupy as much mental real estate in your room (which as we all know is the hardest real estate to come by, especially for our spouses). And of course some function follows form (or vice versa); the smooth, tapered edges of the narrow baffles combat diffraction, which can improve performance.

Out of the box, the BP-8080ST is easy for two people, as each tower only weighs 66 pounds. The BP-8080ST ships with stabilizer feet and spikes for carpeted floors, as well as rounded floor guides for hard wood, both of which are best installed by two people—one to tilt and one to do the mounting.

Focusing Forward: Business in the Front, Party in the Back

While virtually all of the components in this design are new, the biggest departure in the new bipolar ST series is perhaps philosophical. The Definitive bipolars of yore had two midrange drivers and a tweeter in a D’Appolito array on both the front and back of each speaker, with full output from both arrays. While this configuration results in a more spacious soundstage with all that reflected energy coming off the wall behind the speaker, detractors would say that this approach sacrifices image focus and some detail for all that grandeur. The new bipolar ST series employs what Definitive calls its Forward Focused Bipolar Array. Each speaker has a full dual midrange/single tweeter D’Appolito array on the front baffle, plus a single midrange and tweeter on the back of each speaker. The rear drivers’ output is 6 decibels lower than the front. So in a sense, these new bipolars aren’t quite as bipolar as your daddy’s bipolars. But Definitive contends that this new Forward Focused design is the best of both worlds—the spaciousness of bipolars with the imaging and resolution of a front-firing design. My take? Read on. I’m not making it that easy for you.

The patented 5.25-inch BDSS (Balanced Double Surround System) midrange drivers (two in the front, one in the back) are brand-new designs made with mineral-injected polymer cones, cast-aluminum baskets, and a new, dimpled “linear response waveguide” that’s patent pending and aims for smoother dispersion and off-axis frequency response. The tweeters on the front and back are identical 1-inch pure aluminum jobs that are new to the bipolar line. Then there’s the powered woofers and the heavy lifting. Each BP-8080ST features a 12-inch active woofer (mineral-filled polypropylene cone) and two 12.5-inch passive radiators, effectively making this a bassreflex design. Each active woofer is powered by a 455-watt Class D switching amplifier with a digital front end (signals crossed over to the subwoofers are converted to digital) and integrated Digital Signal Processing for EQ and distortion and damage protection. You’re likely to cry for mercy at high volumes long before these woofers do, but it’s still not a bad idea.

The subwoofer is powered by a 1200-watt GoldenEar designed ForceField Digital Amplifier. The amplifier’s DSP design not only supplies exceptionally linear as well as low distortion response, but also dynamically manages operating perameters for ideal functionality. The amp drives two 5″x9″ front-mounted quadratic subwoofer bass drivers which are paired to dual side-mounted 7″x10″ quadratic planar infrasonic bass radiators. The result is awe-inspiring bass, which allows for both musical subtlety along with room-shaking authority.

There are two cast-basket upper bass/midrange drivers, which incorporate GoldenEar’s proprietary Multi-Vaned Phase Plug (MVPP) in addition to a computer enhanced cone design. They are organized in a D’Appolito layout encompassing the tweeter, a phenomenal new High-Velocity Folded Ribbon (HVFR) design. The HVFR tweeter propagates sound waves and shifts the air by squeezing it with its accordion-like pleated diaphragm, instead of pressing it as conventional drivers tend to do. With its slim, narrow 5.25″ wide baffle, the Triton Two’s sophisticated appearance not only mixes with any backdrop, but also aids the speaker in creating genuinely magnificent 3D imaging with huge depth, height, and width that extends far beyond the loudspeakers themselves. The Triton Two Tower is completed with a sophisticated black designer cloth as well as piano-black base.

Many of us dream of a wireless home — a place where stereos, speakers, and video components all live and work together without the eyesore of ugly wires.

To that end, I have good news and bad news…

There’s no such thing as a truly wireless home. Electronics need power. Those running on batteries have to be charged or plugged into an outlet. So, at the very least, there are power cords to contend with.

Then there’s the issue of quality and consistency. Most wireless audio and video devices use the same airwaves as cordless phones, cell phones, and Wi-Fi networks. When all that data fights for space there are pauses, blips, and dead air — like when a video playing on a computer stops and that “buffering” symbol starts spinning.

But new technology allows for increasing degrees of wireless connectivity within the home. At the very least, we can now stream music from different sources to various speakers around the home. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s getting much better.

Introducing Sonos Play3 and Play5.  The new Sonos systems are our choice for a great sounding wireless audio system.

Getting great sound from an audio source — as opposed to a TV for a home theater experience — can be a bit more complicated, especially for audiophiles who prize fidelity above all else. But the advent of digital music is making this a lot easier to achieve.

There are a number of ways to stream music from wherever it’s stored, including iTunes, a home computer, a server, backup storage, or from the Internet. Sonos makes some of the best-reviewed solutions for streaming music from multiple sources. The Sonos Play:5 and new, smaller Play:3 deliver digital music from virtually any source. Connect using the Sonos Zone Bridge (sold separately) and get all music stored on a hard drive, in an iTunes library, or on Internet radio stations. You can access virtually any subscription music service like Pandora, Rhapsody, or Spotify, and stream it to any set of speakers anywhere in the house.

It’s a great way to get music throughout a house, without a custom installer going through the walls and setting up an expensive whole-home system. It’s easy to use and a good addition for someone that’s either already invested in some basic home audio equipment or starting from scratch. Sonos makes a controller, but you can download an app that turns just about any handheld device into a personal remote control.

Each unit is a speaker. The Play:5 delivers large sound from a larger speaker and the newer Play: 3 is a smaller unit that easily tucks away out of sight. And it solves the problem of getting sound throughout a home wirelessly. Simply plug them in, load the software, and you’ve got music everywhere. You can play the same tracks all over the house, or different tunes in different rooms. It really is that easy.

Let us show you how you can have a complete whole house audio system, without all the wires. Stop by our new Houston home theater showroom at 7300 Southwest Freeway to enter for a chance to win a new Sonos Play3 (drawing to be held December 21st).

We Will Meet or Beat Any Locally Advertised Authorized Dealer Price!

Bring the Movie Theater to Your Living Room

So you’ve been hearing about how great a home theater system is, and you’re thinking of purchasing one yourself. You are probably wondering a lot of questions. Is it expensive? How do I choose the right one? Why should I purchase one? Hopefully we can provide you with some answers and show you how the process can actually be simple and fun!

There truly is no experience like it. With a surround sound home theater system, sound effects can soar above you, fly over your shoulder, and make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. There are a number of different home theater systems designed to fit your home, lifestyle, and budget. Setting one up might seem complicated, but it’s actually really simple. If you’re not into doing all the handy work, All Star will visit your home to help set it up for you.

Bring the Family Together

Having a home theater system provides the ultimate entertainment experience and allows you to spend more quality family time together. Plan a movie night once a week with your family – it will bring you closer together and your kids will love it!

Affordable

They are now more affordable and practical than ever. A few years ago, a good quality system could run you thousands of dollars. Many people think that they are outrageously priced, but these days you can easily get a whole movie theater system for just a few hundred dollars. Consider all the money you will save by not spending it at the movie theater and concession stands!

Get Expert Advice

With so many home theater systems out there, it could be overwhelming to choose which one is right for you. There are a number of professionals at All Star that will gladly help you choose which is the right product for you. They will help you choose what kind of video you want, screen size, energy use, what brands to choose, etc. We also highly recommend reading up on reviews to see what other consumers are saying.

The Onkyo 608 fits the bill nicely, offering the audio quality and long list of features you’d expect only in much more expensive units. It’s still called a “receiver” from the old stereo tradition where the audio amplifier featured an AM/FM receiver. This Onkyo receiver adds audio surround-sound processing, video switching, and a lot more.

5.1 + 3 = 7.2?

You’re may be familiar with 5.1 channel audio systems. They add 4 more speakers beyond the old stereo systems, for a total of 6 speakers. Starting with the 2 stereo speakers, add a center-speaker for a more solid sound. Then two (left and right) more speakers in the rear behind the listener so they’re surrounded by sound. Finally add a sub-woofer for power at the really low frequencies so important to movie special effects. Now you have a 5.1 channel surround-sound system.

A 7.2 channel system adds 3 more speakers. First, there’s a second sub-woofer. Now the really low stuff is in true stereo. The other 2 speakers are usually used as extra-wide speakers in the front for an even bigger cinema effect. With a 7.1 channel system, you don’t get the second sub-woofer.

The Onkyo SR608 can also process the audio for placing the 2 additional speakers higher up in the front for a more 3-dimensional effect. Or (with the 608) you can use those speakers as a stereo in another room. You can even feed them a separate audio source than that of the main room. Yep, the 608 can feed 9 speakers, with several different options.

Audiophile Sound

This home theater audio system isn’t just for movies and games. It also receives very positive reviews and comments for it’s sound quality and power – 100 watts per channel (though a bit over 700 watts total).

It’s also packed with audio processing capabilities. It features Dolby TrueHD, and can even improve the sound from MP3 and other compressed sources. The Onkyo 608 can automatically adjust equalization to precisely tune the sound to your particular room, and even includes a microphone. It can also automatically adjust tone for different volumes.

Audio-Video Switching

With receivers like the 608, you no longer need switchers or converters to connect all the components of your home theater. With 6 HDMI inputs, you should be able to handle as many digital video and audio sources you’re ever likely to have. Plus video and audio get switched together with a single remote-control command.

All video inputs are converted to 1080p resolution for the best viewing and no resolution changes when you switch sources. This isn’t flawless, however. If you’re watching slower video, such as the 30 frames-per-second you find on some cable channels, you’ll get a momentary flicker if there’s a data dropout on the input. The 608 doesn’t process this away, although many HDTVs will do this themselves.

Summary

Despite some special-case video glitches, owners love this receiver for movies, music, gaming, and more. The Onkyo 608 is a modestly priced surround-sound receiver that offers the features and quality of much more expensive equipment.

Come on down to All Star Audio Video’s amazing new showroom at 7300 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074 or call us today… (713) 464-8203

Yamaha NS-P1600 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater System

Have you talked about your home theater? Everyone talks about screen resolution on HDTV sets, but people tend to forget about the other important part of the high-def experience: 5.1-channel surround sound. So if you’ve got yourself a great plasma, LCD, rear-projection HDTV or projector, and you’re rocking the built-in speakers you’re doing you and your loved ones a serious injustice by using them.

True film freaks and audiophiles will probably want to go with specialized individual components, especially if you’re trying to fill a large room with bone-rattling and mind-blowing sound. whether it be a small room or large, will they pump out satisfying surround sound for the average music-and-movie enthusiast? Absolutely. The unique feature–be it price point, looks, size, or connections/options. They’ll all provide good sound for movies and music, but as always, some perform better than others. Take your pick of the name brands and I’m sure you will find something to your liking.

Yamaha has some great features if you’re just looking for part of the package and go to someone else for the speakers. Jawing has some good package as well as Magnavox. Depending on the size of the room you want to put this in there are many different ways to go. Or if you just want that all around sound and room doesn’t matter. So whether you want progressive scan, Am/fm radio includes, or 6.1 channel digital, or high watts. You will be able to find a deal on them.

There are too many great theater systems out there to mention them all. You can have the minimum in surround sound or blow out the whole neighborhood. Whatever you do take your time in choosing a Home Theater and I’m sure you will be happy with what ever you choose. I have my speakers for my system in the living room, down the hall, and in the kitchen, and talk about surround sound – it’s awesome. I only have seven speakers with my system but you can go as big as you like.

Just keep adding components as time goes by and you’ll have the greatest home theater anyone has ever seen. So spend some time and check them all out and I am sure you’ll find the perfect home theater for you and your family.