With the growth, first of all of LCD’s and Plasma’s and now with LED flatscreens, the TV has now become a fully integrated part to the home cinema experience.  Once upon a time having a large CRT you needed a far sized living room otherwise it meant being perched right next to it (not a pleasant experience) but now modern slim screens have allowed the public to invest in a TV that can deliver that big screen experience on a smaller size TV.  32-inch screens seem to be the most popular with a wide range both in terms of specs and prices being available out there.  It has also allowed people to fully expand the potential of having a flatscreen where as once upon a time the CRT was only connected up to a VCR or DVD player.  Nowadays the TV is more often than not connected to maybe a Blu-Ray player, Playstation/Xbox, Digital programmes or even the Internet.  Connect any modern flatscreen TV to a 5.1 Home Cinema System (be it DVD r Blu-ray) then you can experience that big screen effect in the comfort of your own living room.  And with 3D TV poised to be unleashed on us then what more could you ask for.  And it’s not just the sitting room that’s benefiting from the flatscreen revolution.  More and more people are buying them for the bedroom, kitchen and dining room so that they don’t miss out (you can even have one in the bathroom if that’s what you want!)  The potential of the flatscreen TV cannot easily be defined and who knows what part it will play in years to come?

There are many things in this world that have the power to influence not only the day to day aspects of our lives but the power to govern our whole lives.  The TV, telephone and the car are all such examples but its the internet that has really influenced us on this planet.  From its small beginnings it has spread its tentacles to all four corners of the globe with its multi facetted layers and there is not one aspect of it that doesnt play a part or hasnt played a part in all our lives.  It wont be long before every part of society will have some kind of interaction with the internet whether its professionally or personally.  At www.a2000systems.co.uk we use the net to receive and despatch orders, deal with enquiries, place orders for raw materials/services etc and this now accounts for a very large part of our day-to-day running.  The world wide web not only has influenced us all but has the ability to influence us far into the future as its grows and adapts to an ever changing climate and its needs.  To do justice to it in a blog would be impossible as it means so many things to so many people and even though its a global tool its sometimes on a personnal level that it has really make its mark.  Of course there is a darker side to it as there is with alot of things in the world but without it would we be any better off??  The net is one of the things that connects us all and soon whether you are farmer in the Australian Outback or a scientist at the South Pole we will all come under its grasp and spell.  It has the power to enrich, captivate, destroy, infuriate, enlighten, and generally be there when we need it day or night, day to week to year.  What we happen if we didnt have access to it even for a brief 10 minutes - do we even want to contemplate that scenario?  Thats how far it reaches!!

When we are looking for a flatscreen TV, be it a LCD or Plasma and now even an LED set how many of us are thinking about what sort of sound quality we will be getting? The flatness of your new TVs sound may be down to to the speakers which are thinner and smaller - in most cases the quality of the audio experience can be lacking that big screen effect. Certainly don’t always believe the “virtual surround sound” claims that some manufacturers are touting about. Their innate slimness makes a descent audio sound an almost impossible task so the answer may be to look at the alternatives. You may think about spending some extra readies on one of the new generation of speakers called “sound bars” (”Digital Sound Projectors” to give them their correct title). These one-box pieces of kit are designed to sit underneath your flatscreen and can be either bolted to the wall or placed on a AV rack. These have an automatic appeal over the traditional 5.1 home cinema systems that are available as on extra to give you that cinema experience. Step forward the “soundbar” which can be positioned directly under your LCD/Plasma/LED for near-cinematic instant sound and without all those untidy trailing cables (if you decide on the traditional set-up then why not consider one of A2000 Systems extensive range of Cable Management Systems - plug plug!!). The ability to have many smaller speakers working from one source allows for easier setup. For smaller areas, such as a dorm room, condominium or even a bedroom, the soundbar allows the sound to travel around the room without the need for running wires to various speakers. Again shopping around online there seems to be a decent choice out there with many variations in price and specification. So dont put up with poor quality sound!!

At the moment there are quite a few “must see” movies being touted about.  “Alice in Wonderland” directed by Tim Burton who has made some nice dark films is the one that springs to mind but the one that’s caught my eye is “Kick-Ass” directed by Matt Vaughan.  Adapted from the instant comic book classic Vaughan’s adaptation is a superhero flick unlike any other.  Centred around 2 friends who both have a love for comic books, Dave the main character (played by Aaron Johnson) asks why no one’s tried to be a superhero in real life?”  He then becomes “Kick-Ass” and the thing that sets him apart from the likes of say Superman, Batman and other mainstream superheroes is his lack of any superpowers which result in him getting bruised and battered as he fights crime on the streets.  His change also inspires other to don the mantle and we see the likes of Red Mist, Hit-Girl and Big Daddy (played by Nick Cage) join the action.  Vaughan and screenwriter Jane Goodman turn the comic book movie genre on its head and it hits the mark.  With bone crunching ultra-violence and a take-no-prisoners attitude the movie promises to deliver something a little bit special – whilst portraying a superpower-less hero it inadvertently makes him into a superhero rather than say a vigilante.  “With no superpowers comes no responsibilities,” muses Kick-Ass and the director revels in the same sort of freedom as his anti-superhero.  With the introduction of “mainstream character ” of NY crime kingpin this is only a temporary let up in the foul-mouthed and unrepentant action.  Due for release on 2^nd April “Kick-Ass” promises to give us the unpredictable non-superhero and the movie looks like putting many with superpowers to shame.

A2000 System’s range of SPX cable management systems represent style, ease of use and value for money.  As time has gone by these have proved really popular with not only the general public but also home installation specialists and they are stocked in a few retail outlets. We also now do the SPX Hi-Fi, which people can use to place all their audio equipment on, maybe next to or above their existing SPX with their visual gear on.  We also realised that having a system that is flexible to individual requirements whilst keeping the core concept is greatly appreciated by the public.  Even if you haven’t got a LCD or Plasma then maybe one of our CMS’s is the answer to where to put your audio equipment.  Whilst we think we have got the design spot-on and all our customers seem to agree, we are occasionally asked if we are going to do it with 3 shelves.  This we have thought about but we feel that it may make the unit too cluttered – having 2 shelves in a 62cm high unit is about right we feel.  This style of unit has gone 1 major re-design since we first released the concept and it has proved even more popular.  We constantly strive to give what we hope are products that the public not only like the style and design of but also represent real value for money.  We have taken the concept to new and better heights and will continue to develop it!

We all have our individual interests and hobbies and each one of those hobbies has all sorts of facets.  Mine is trains – I know what you are thinking (NHS spec’s, Marmite sarnies and lives at home with his mum – well only 1 out of three for me!)  This interest started way back in 1979 when I started secondary school and I have stayed interested ever since.  From just taking train numbers to photography them.  With the growth of the Internet it has allowed people to share with other liked minded people their interests.  For me its not just about collecting numbers – its seen me expanding from just locomotives + units to things like wagons and on-track plant (basically if its got a number and there’s a book to put them in I’m there).  Again this can be linked to the photography aspect – at one point many years ago I did have just over 10,000 photo’s (god knows how many I have now?)  And again the Internet allows you to share your collection.  I also have a Rail Atlas, which I mark up with all the routes I have travelled – there is even books that show track layouts, and dedicated “track bashers” who travel over individual lines.  I have visited many places I wouldn’t have done all because of my hobby.  Also I have a keen interest in foreign railway systems (visited Belgium and went train spotting whilst on a 3 day drinking trip!) and have become a huge fan of ALCO diesel locos.  However if someone was to ask why train spotting as a hobby hand on my heart I couldn’t tell you.  I imagine this will be the answer for a lot of people – you just can’t put your finger on it.  I also wonder whether certain hobbies are peculiar to the English or whether its more widespread – how many Hungarian anglers are there for instance or Japanese train spotters?  At the end of the day hobbies + interests are part of what makes us individuals – we would be very boring if we all like snooker!!

Well 2010 is shaping up to be the year of 3D.  So apart from investing in a 3D ready TV, heres what’s coming the publics way in the rest of the year.  Sony’s new 3D Bravia range starts rolling out with the flagship modal packing in active-shutter 3D tech to Wi-Fi, LED backlighting and even an intelligent presence sensor (handy if you forget to turn it off before bed!)  Sky will launch Europe’s first 3D TV channel and will be available for all existing Sky +HD boxes.  3D will initially be introduced as a bonus for customers with their top subscription package.  Conveniently LG 3D TV goes on sale, which uses the polarising system as opposed to active shutter, which is just fine for Sky.  Panasonic’s 3D range has both 3D-ready Blu-ray players and their range of active-shutter screens on sale (both LCD and plasma get the 3D treatment.  Sony’s PS3 benefits from the first of their 2 firmware upgrades so as it allow it to support 3D Blu-ray movies.  Both upgrades will be free downloads.  Also they will unleash their BDV-IZ1000W home cinema-in-a-box, complete with HD audio decoding, Bravia Internet video support and a host of other handy features.  On the film and broadcast front Disney’s “Toy Story 2” is re-released in 3D as a precursor to its sequel “Toy Story 3”.  January saw Sky show ArsenalVMan Utd in 3D (broadcast in 9 boozers using specially provides 47in TV’s).  Summer sees EPSN broadcast the World Cup in 3D thanks to a tie-up deal with Sony and FIFA.  Disney plans to release its first 3D Blu-ray – “A Christmas Carol” with Jim Carrey.  Expect other titles to be added to their existing range of 3D titles.  All in all it’s shaping up to be a “3D crazy world”

Well 4 fours have rolled around quickly again - it hardly seems like a month ago that I reviewed more “useful” gadgets.  The great british summer (wet and windy?) will soon be upon us so its time to invest in a trendy pair of sunglasses to keep them rays out of your eyeballs - how about a pair of Oakley Elite C SIX (ultra-lightweight titanium spined, carbon fibre weighing in at only 42g) that protect you from 100% of the suns UV rays reduce glare by 99%.  These cool specs are a eye watering £3450!  Or what about the LEGO Digital camera (50 quid) for all those budding snappers out there - built from genuine Lego bricks this 3mp camera can take 80 pic’s on it internal memory but dont expect any prize winners.  What about building your own camera? The “Hole-On EX” comes as a sheet of card scored into 40 bits.  Just follow the instructions dab on abit of glue and bobs your uncle - a fully functioning pinhole 35mm film camera.  Enchanting images for only £18!  And now a blast from the past.  One of my brothers had a “BigTrak” - a 6wheeled tank like thing that you programmed to move via a keypad on its back.  Well its back in a smaller form as the “BigTrak Jr”.  Half the size of the original it keeps the control pad but now comes with a memory feature so you can relive all those tricky missions.  By the end of the year you will be able to add a digital camera or a missile turret to this pint sized  £30 classic.  Lets hope they bring back its bigger brother!!

One day in the not too distant future having a TV that you control with you mind will no longer be science fiction but science fact.  A big Japanese manufacturer has developed brand new technology that measure changes of blood flow within the brain and thus allowing the user to take control away from their fingers.  The technology behind this wizardry is called “Optical Topography”.  Wearing a non-invasive headband that bathes the brain in small amounts of infrared light it then connects to a mapping device via optical cables.  Company “H” say that to control objects by thought power users need to “turn the key and unlock their frontal cortex”. This can be achieved by solving mathematical problems or by singing for example.  Their scientists have already demonstrated the technology using a small train set which test subjects took control of whilst wearing the headband.  Other more advanced uses are being developed including TV remote control emulation.  Whilst this might sound like a great idea cost may be the prohibitive side and the old traditional zapper will be both cheaper and easier.  I can just see some people wearing one of these headbands and struggling to “use the power of their mind” (that’s if they have a mind to use).  Also will the system get confused when you are trying to watch and understand “Eastenders” for instance and change channel or turn the volume up.  I know a few people who struggle with a hand zapper let alone their mind!  What about the best of both worlds – a remote shaped like the old grey matter??

Just when you thought it might have been safe to dip your toes in the 3DTV water and go and buy one of the ranges of flat screens from any of the big names there is an alternative to a TV that works with Active Shutter glasses.  It’s called “Passive Polarization” and will be supported by LG and JVC.  Instead of Active Shutters, they use polarised lenses instead.  Polarizing TV’s have a micro-polarizer that is bonded directly onto the front of a display and then uses an onboard 3D encoder, which takes a 3D source and filters it.  Viewers then wear polarized glasses (even those RealD spec’s pocketed from their local multiplex) to experience the 3D effect.  The upside of this is that the glasses are cheaper than frame sequential glasses so therefore some makers may offer more than just one pair with their new TV’s. However the downside is that the TV can’t display a full HD image to each eye plus also viewing angles are limited and the picture is generally darker too.   These two competing approaches to 3DTV are certain to prove problematic with potential users as trying to watch 3D with Active Shutter spec on a polarized just won’t work and vice versa.  Are the two manufacturers mentioned above going to release TV’s that use both technologies so that they don’t get left behind in the sales war – who knows?  This has the makings of the first battle fought with 3D glasses and who will come out on top is anyone’s guess.