Airplay® is a proprietary wireless media streaming system developed by Apple for use with devices that use iTunes® 10 (such as a computer, or iPhone), and a variety of compatible audio and video components, such as receivers, and powered speaker systems. This system can operate either through Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® wireless protocols. AirPlay lets you stream audio. photos, and video from your iPhone®, iPod touch®,  iPad®, or networked computer with iTunes®10  to a second generation Apple TV. It also lets you stream audio only to AirPlay-enabled speakers and receivers.

If you use iTunes to organize your media library, AirPlay can be an extremely simple and convenient way to play music or video from iTunes wirelessly through your audio/video system. You can connect all compatible systems in your home through AirPlay and have separate volume control for each linked speaker system, and choose which speakers to send audio to. Basically, AirPlay lets you put together a whole-house media system without running wires. And because AirPlay is part of iTunes 10, you can play audio, select which speakers to use and control their volume from any compatible device, such as your laptop, iPhone, or iPad.

What does AirPlay work with?

The family of products with AirPlay continues to grow.

Through AirPlay you can stream audio, photos, and video content from:

• An iPad
• An iPhone (must be 3GS or later)
• An iPod touch (must be 2nd generation or later)
• Your WiFi-enabled computer (either Mac or PC), if it’s running iTunes® 10.1 or later. The computer can either have Wi-Fi built in, or be connected to a wireless router.

You can only stream from a hand-held device to one AirPlay receiving device at a time. But with your computer, you can stream to multiple AirPlay receivers.

Through AirPlay you can stream audio, photos and video to:

• A second-generation Apple TV (must use software version 4.1 or later)

Through AirPlay you can stream audio only to:

• Routers, such as the AirPort Express
• Audio/video components, such as select receivers from Denon or Marantz
• Powered speaker systems, such as the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air and the Klipsch® Gallery™ G-17 Air

How do you control AirPlay?

All of the controls for AirPlay are integrated into iTunes 10.1 (or later), as well as the operating systems of the compatible devices. Let’s walk through some examples:

Setting up and using an AirPlay system from your computer

Click on the AirPlay icon at the bottom right of the iTunes window.

iTunes finds all the AirPlay components in your home and lists them in a drop-down menu. Just select the device you would like to stream your content to.

If you want to stream to multiple speakers simultaneously, select multiple speakers and adjust the volumes accordingly. In the example below, we’ve selected “this computer” so we can continue to listen on our PC even as the audio is streamed to other devices.

The Master Volume control adjusts the volume of all linked components the same. It’s best to make sure you have the volume of iTunes lowered before enabling AirPlay connections. If not, you could possibly overdrive some of your connected speakers, resulting distorted sound, or possibly damage to the drivers.

If for some reason, you don’t see any AirPlay devices on your network (even though you own some), be sure to check “Settings” under iTunes Preferences to make sure you have AirPlay enabled.

If you’re streaming audio files — like those in your music library — iTunes will stream it to a compatible device. At the time of this writing, photos and video can only be streamed to an Apple TV. But you can watch video on your device (computer, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch) and stream its audio through AirPlay to a speaker system or receiver.

Streaming audio and video from an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch

Look for the AirPlay icon in the lower right of the app. In the example below, we’re streaming a song from an iPod.

Here’s an example of a YouTube video being streamed from an iPod touch to an Apple TV. Note the appearance of the AirPlay icon at the right letting you know you have that streaming option.

Photos also can be streamed to an Apple TV.

In this case, the icon is in the upper right of the app, but the results are the same. Select it, and your photos will be streamed to an Apple TV. In addition to still photos, you can also stream slideshows from your device.

Things to remember:

You can control the volume of the audio streaming.

You can run other apps on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch while its streaming content through AirPlay. But the audio for whatever apps you’re running will also be streamed. So, for example, if you’re playing a game while listening to a song, the sound effects and music of the game will also come through your speakers along with your tune.

If you have an iPad or iPhone 4S you can also do AirPlay Mirroring. Using AirPlay, your device streams what’s on its screen to your TV screen through an Apple TV. You can zoom in on images, and change from landscape to portrait and your TV will “mirror” the changes.

Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth

AirPlay prefers Wi-Fi, but can use Bluetooth when Wi-Fi isn’t available. The receiving device must support Bluetooth audio streaming protocol A2DP. When you stream content using Wi-Fi , sometimes there can be an initial delay of approximately two seconds while the content buffers. There is no buffer delay with Bluetooth.

Like to know more?

The best solution is to go straight to the source:

www.apple.com/itunes/airplay

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Make sure to watch, the entire 3 minutes, 41 seconds. I Promise, it has a happy ending.

The post Homeowner Foils Robbery with Remote View Camera (Video) appeared first on Counterstrike Security & Sound.

So we have all seen the ads for these system, online, on TV in the paper, in the mail…you get it its everywhere!

A Free System normally comes with 1-2 Door/Window Sensors, a Motion Sensor, Keypad, Battery, and so forth…but wait, ACT NOW, and receive a FREE Keyfob… Sign up today!

I’m gonna keep this short and simple because it really is (short and simple).

• National Company or a “Dealer” of National Company, Sells the system
• The Client – you the Homeowner, and chances are you have to be a homeowner because if you a renting or leasing, you may not get approved when they do a Credit Check on you.
•  So why would they do a credit check on you for a Free Security System? Ummm…Because they are basically financing you the system
•  The Sales guy –  chances are this guy is doing to this to make some Quick cash, as we have seen many National Companies bring a plethora of individuals to town for a “Summer Selling Program”, so you may or may not ever see the sales guy again.
•  Service and Support, When was the last time you called an 800 number…enough said!
•  The Installer, well trained? Ummm…not too sure!

The Contract -

So since its a “Free” System you will typically sign a 5-3 year contract and depending of the Monitoring Service Offering you can be paying upward of $45 for a BASIC FREE ALARM SYSTEM!!! Yeh, Sell your home and move, fall into a financial bind, or get tired and annoyed at the company for Service that sucks and try to get out of this contract, your chances are are as good as getting a seat on the next trip to the moon.

The inadequate protection-

So how much is 2 Sensors, and a Motion Detector going to protect, well, if you live in a warehouse with 2 doors and no windows, then I guess a lot… Well the sales guy told me that the system is free but I have to pay a $99 Installation Fee and my home has 10 windows, and 4 Doors and I should add another motion detector, My Free System came with 2 sensors, and 1 Motion Detector, So I need 12 Addition Sensors @ $95 Each and 1 Extra Motion Sensor at $150 each… But I don’t have a phone line, or I need a bit more protection, then Sir,  you need a Cellular communicator which requires a $99 activation fee, and the device itself is $199, and the monitoring rate increases to $55 per month…WHAT!?!

Let’s do the Math…

So $55 per month for 3 years, thats $1980

oh yeah, plus the extra sensors and motion detector that I bought for $1290

Plus The Cellular Communicator of $199

Plus the Cellular Communicator activation fee of $99

Plus the Installation fee of $99

So over the course of the Lease of the system this “FREE” System cost me $3667, but after that does the monitoring rate change? Nope, still paying $55 per month for another 3-5 years, because my contract automatically renewed 30 days before my initial 3-5 year term was up…

Seriously $3667? I though the System was “FREE”

Lets look at the same protection through another company…hmmm….ummm…. lets use CounterStrike Security and Sound!

The Basic Touchscreen System; 3 Door/Window sensors, 1 Motion Sensor, 1 Keyfob, GSM Cellular Communicator etc, is $299

11 extra sensors at $45 each is $495

The extra Motion Sensor is $85

The Monitoring rate is $38 per month with a one year agreement

So Lets do the math and compare;

“FREE” Security System – $3667

CounterStrike’s System – $2247

That’s about a $1500 difference

Plus CounterStrike’s system is way more advanced, local services, and people, and my sales Dude keeps in touch…

The post The Infamous “Free” Alarm System Story appeared first on Counterstrike Security & Sound.

A traditional security system gives the intruder enough time to find and destroy the security control panel before it can report the intrusion to the central station. While longer entry-delay and dialer- delay settings are important for reducing false alarms, these increased timer settings unfortunately make a traditional, non – Smash and Crash enabled systems are more vulnerable to “Crash & Smash” attacks since the intruder has more time to find and destroy the control panel before it sends the alarm message to the central station. With Crash & Smash Protection you can rest assured that even if an intruder is able to locate and destroy a control panel in a “crash and smash” attack, a signal will still be sent to the central monitoring station for help.

Alarm.com’s patented Crash & Smash Protection, built into every CounterStrike Installed Interactive System Allows us to set longer entry and dialer delays in the alarm panel without increasing the panel’s vulnerability to physical attacks.

“Crash & Smash” detection promotes false alarm reduction techniques without increasing the risk of system failure during a true intrusion.

How It Works

Due to the fact that the GSM modules send sensor and system event notifications in real-time the Central Station is aware of the status of all “alarms-in-progress” as they occur—not just after the panel tries to report an alarm to the central station.

A traditional central station is aware of two alarm states: “In Alarm” and “Not in Alarm”. CounterStrike’s Central Station is aware of each step as an intrusion unfolds: “Armed”, “Entry-delay started”, “Dialer-delay started” (siren sounds) and “In Alarm”. Central Station also knows that once an intrusion sensor is tripped–when the system is armed–an alarm can only be avoided if the system is disarmed before the entry-delay expires, or cancelled before the dialer-delay expires. If the Central Station does not receive an alarm or disarm from the panel, this may mean that the panel was disabled during the entry or dialer delay (before the panel could send a signal).

If the Central Station detects a possible “Crash & Smash” condition after the entry delay has expired, it can send a “Suspected Alarm (Possible Crash & Smash)” email/text/phone alert to system users and it can forward the intrusion code and zone information as a normal Alarm message to the central station. If the Central Station determines that the alarm panel was disabled before the entry-delay expired, it can send a “Suspected Entry Delay Alarm (Possible Crash & Smash)” email/text/phone alert to system users, and our Central Station will notify the Authorities.

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Human error is the largest single cause of false alarms!

1. Know your system and password!

2. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.

3. With motion or glass break detectors, make sure that windows are secured. A breeze can move curtains and plants, causing motion sensors to trigger. A glass break detector may react to outside noise.

4. Before setting your alarm system make sure family pets are in a “safe” area where they will not disturb motion sensors.

5. Do not allow any moving items to remain in an area where a motion sensor is located. Loose banners, fans and balloons cause false alarms.

6. Everyone with a key to your property should know how to operate the system and have a password.

No Password = Police Dispatch

7. Call CounterStrike before tenting fumigation or remodeling your home to get advice on how to prevent false alarms from smoke detectors caused by fumes or dust.

8. Investigate all unexplained alarms. Have your system serviced on a regular basis.

10. Change Your Main Control Panel Battery, Once a year

9. Make sure that your emergency contact list is current and accurate.

The post Preventing False Alarms appeared first on Counterstrike Security & Sound.

No. 1 FPR vs. Conventional 3D
Consumers really caught 3D fever this year and what really had people interested was all the new technology that makes high quality home 3D viewing comfortable and affordable. Much of the discussion had to do with the differences between LG CINEMA 3D TVs FPR technology and conventional 3D TV types. Some tech experts have called FPR “passive,” in contrast to conventional types of 3D TVs that need active-shutter glasses. Unlike active shutter-type glasses, FPR glasses do not have batteries or wires, and you can view the screen from a wide angle instead of having to sit up straight.

No. 2 3D Glasses
Now, the thing about 3D glasses is that they can either be really ugly, or kind of cool looking.

There are different types and, because people were checking out 3D TVs and learning about the different types this year, it’s no surprise they were also talking online about which ones were better looking and more comfortable. This is where LG was really able to stand out. Because of the FPR technology, LG’s glasses are light, cool looking, and affordable. On top of that, they are safe for your eyes, and we know this is important to families out there. Active-shutter glasses can cause some dizziness, especially after viewing for a long time. But as we’ve written elsewhere, FPR glasses are certified flicker-free and won’t hurt your eyes.

No. 3 Smart
In some markets, like LG’s home market of Korea, Smart would definitely be the top keyword. Smart devices are everywhere and everyone is talking about them. And now, TVs are hitting the market with Smart features, meaning that TV is no longer just something that you watch, it’s something you do ! Smart TVs give users quick and easy access to a new world of fun and internet connectivity without a computer. Smart also means being linked to a variety of high quality 3D videos on demand. It’s like having the best of all worlds in your TV.

No. 4 Intuitive Input Devices
TVs do a lot more than they used to. (see No. 3 above!) With all the new smart features, it’s not surprising that there are also new input devices. Some manufacturers provide QWERTY keyboard or Touch pad type remote controls  while other stick with the traditional format with a bunch of keys. Then there is LG’s Magic Motion Remote Control, which many users have praised for being very intuitive. LG studied all the key functions that we use on a regular basis and boiled the remote down to just seven keys, making it very easy to use while sacrificing nothing in terms of features. And the best part is that all you have to do is point and click on the on-screen menus.

No. 5 3D Audio Effect
For a long time, Surround Sound set the standard for listening by widening the sound. But after home theater systems came out, and 3D TVs appeared on the scene, people began talking about the possibility of 3D sound, which delivers sounds outside the stereo basis. With a great set of 3D speakers, you don’t just hear bullets whizzing by you on the right or left, now you hear things above and below as well. Seeing it and hearing it in 3D can be a heart-stopping experience, letting you enjoy the true reality of the world in a glorious three dimensional environment right in your own living room.

Those are our top picks for the first half of 2011. It’s getting hard to imagine talking about TVs without Smart and 3D in the same sentence. Perhaps the only other word we could add to the list is “pure TV enjoyment”!

The post 2011 Top 5 TV Hot Keywords appeared first on Counterstrike Security & Sound.

Boston HSi Series in-ceiling speakers include smart features like our Slim Bezel Design which provides interior designers and consumers the look that blends with any room’s destinctive decor. This unique design also offers an installer-friendly wide mounting flange to cover any imperfections in the cutout hole. Also, the speaker grilles attach magnetically for easy finish work. Great looks, easy installation, and of course legendary Boston sound. So Play Smart.

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AVR-3312CI

But of course, it will only get better with the right kind of tools. And with the Denon IN-Command series now available, the right tool for the betterment of all your digital entertainment needs is now up for grabs: the AVR-3312CI!

Everything about the AVR-3312CI is made to make sure that the only way your entertainment experience is going once you get one, is up. Way, way up! And this is going to happen using the AVR-3312CI‘s cutting-edge technologies (of which there are, of course, plenty of!)

First up: AirPlay! All of the IN-Command receivers come with it, and the AVR-3312CI is no exception! What it does is allow you to stream music stored in your iOS devices like the iPhone or iPod, or music streamed to your iPhone or iPod from streaming apps like Pandora and SiriusXM Radio, through the Wi-Fi network, to your AVR-3312CI! And what this means basically, is that when you want music to play in your home’s audio system, you can simply whip out your iPhone or iPod, do a few thumb strokes to select the music you want to stream, connect via AirPlay, and voila! No need to dock, no need to connect cables, and no need to be near the receiver to change what music plays!

This is perfect for when you’re holding gatherings and parties, because you can be anywhere in your home, entertaining your guests and friends, and still be able to choose which music plays depending on your mood, or the needs of the event! Also, when you’re stressed out from a hard day’s work, you can simply play soothing music for your soul the moment you enter the door, and go straight to the bath for a relaxing dip. The possibilities are virtually endless!

Then, there’s the advanced technology like the Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which expands your home theater’s sound stage to include two extra front height channels, Audyssey DSX that makes movies sound three-dimensional by adding height and wide channels, Dynamic Volume, EQ Pro capability, and 3D pass-through technology that makes it 3D compliant for 3D Blu-ray disc players. These may all sound a bit complicated, but what all of these tech basically means is that your audio and video experience when using the AVR-3312CI is enhanced to a whole new level.

Just imagine, watching your favorite movie and hearing every trickle of the stream in a fantasy movie, every gunshot during the climax fight, every beat and note during a musical section of the film, as if you were literally right there in the heart of the action. The additional channels provide an unprecedented level of immersion that will definitely make your movie watching experience much, much better! And not only that, with 3D pass-through, your home theater will turn into a truly magnificent movie room that will make you feel like you’re part of the film!

And last but not least, the AVR-3312CI, and in fact, the rest of the IN-Command series, will give you total control of all your entertainment sources! Connect your home PC, home network, game console, portable storage devices, iPod and iPhone, and all your other Denon gear, and you’ll be able to access and share content with all of them, using just theAVR-3312CI! What this means is you’ll be able to create and easily control a massive mega entertainment network, right in your own home, with not much effort, whatsoever!

Look forward to pushing your entertainment one step higher with the AVR-3312CI. So get yours from CounterStrike, today!

The post The Only Way to Go is Up With the Denon AVR-3312CI appeared first on Counterstrike Security & Sound.