Top tech gifts for easy listening and better viewing
It’s Christmas season, and for many people, that provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a big-ticket item that’s been on the wish list for months, if not years. This year, one of the major trends in tech gifts (whether for yourself or a loved one) is upgrading the TV and sound system to improve the quality of streamed video or music.
A clearer picture with 4K
If a new TV is at the top of Santa’s list, then the latest and most coveted technology this season is the 4K TV. It raises the clarity and detail of HD to a whole new level thanks to its new high-resolution format. Offering four times the amount of pixels as an HD model, the 4K displays four times the level of detail.
Purchasing a 55” base 4K model will set one back approximately $699 through the Black Friday season, according to Robert Bragdon, general manager at East Hamilton Radio. Prices increase from there, based on size and processing speed.
“If you want to pop on an app like the Weather Network, or watch shows like CNN, then you don’t need a TV with a lot of processing power and the base model will work fine,” explains Bragdon. “If you’re watching Netflix, YouTube, or playing video games, then faster processing will provide a better viewing experience.”
A lot of customers step into East Hamilton Radio knowing very little about the latest TV technology. The staff will ask the right questions to educate them on what TV best meets their needs. For the average TV customer, who hasn’t purchased a TV in many years, the 4K will astonish its viewers with a greatly improved viewing experience.
Music at your fingertips
Thanks to the proliferation of smart phones and music apps, many people have grown accustomed to having hundreds of songs at their fingertips. While not everyone has become a music aficionado as a result, a desire for improved sound quality has led an increasing number of listeners to explore the powerful new sound systems available that connect to their smart devices.
“Sonos, Bose and Yamaha have opened up a whole new world of listening,” says Bragdon. “A lot of people still get intimidated as soon as you start talking about the network in your home, but when it’s set up right, it’s awesome.”
The sound systems use Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth to deliver powerful sound. Like Bluetooth, they work with subscription apps such as Spotify,Apple Music or a radio service (most of them also offer their own apps for seamless integration). However, Wi-Fi sounds better than Bluetooth, has better range and doesn’t hijack the phone audio – no more drop in sound as soon as the phone rings.
Customers don’t need to break the bank, either. The system can be integrated into an existing stereo system, making it a budgetfriendly upgrade. Alternatively, a household can start small with one plug-in speaker or multiple speakers and add to it over time.
“The sound system can be up to 32 pieces for one house, if you wanted,” explains Bragdon. “But deciding where to start and how to set it up can be overwhelming, so it’s important to be educated before you buy.”
At East Hamilton Radio, the music system is set up in-store for customers to experience first-hand. It’s not unusual for the staff to add an app to a customer’s phone to personally navigate the sound system while there.
“We want our customers to play with it and learn all about it,” says Bragdon. Despite what Santa says, this is one time when it’s better to play with the gift before Christmas morning.