Here’s a blog post about one of our client’s WiFi Issue: Problem and solution provided.
We got a call from a client saying that after we installed a WiFi system in their home, that 2 weeks later they had no Internet.  I asked them to call their ISP provider, and the ISP claimed that the modem was active with Internet connectivity.
So, it was time to trouble shoot.
WIFI ISSUE: PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONList of Client Equipment Installed:

1. Wifi Router:  Luxul XWR600
2. Cable Modem:  SB6190
3. X 2 Ubiquity AP ( Access Point )

Since we installed they entire system, we knew it was our responsibility to resolve the issue for the client.  After all, it was only 2 weeks since we set it up initially.
Upon our arrival, one of our staff member noticed that the  smart phone was having hard time holding onto the WiFi network.   He knew this because usually when the WiFi router does not have Internet connection, the smart phone automatically does not connect.
So here’w hat we did.
Step 1:  We checked all cables and connections, but all connections was solid.  All lights showed activity, and corresponded correctly to the expected colors and blinking patterns.
Step 2:  We power cycled the router, but to no avail.
Step 3:  We checked the modem by connecting our laptop directly into the modem Internet worked right away.  So, how come the router can’t connect?
Step 4:  We asked the client if anyone else came over and modified the configuration set-up.
To this the client replied, “No one came to change anything.  But my nephew did come over last week and stayed a few days with me”
We followed up with another question, “Did he do or add anything to the system?”  To which she replied “I don’t know.”
Our staff then asked if it was OK for us to poke around the house and the room where her nephew stayed.  After entering the room, we immediately saw an old Apple Express device, which must have been at least 5 yrs old.  The color of the blinking light was orange.  We immediately unplugged it, then went on to power cycle the entire system once more.
The system came back online and Internet connectivity for the home network was live again.
Apparently her nephew wanted to create his own VPN, but forgot to take it with him.
LESSON LEARNED OF WIFI ISSUE: PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONAs technicians, we must ask all pertinent questions as to any added equipment in our system.  We must not only make sure we do a perfect job of installation, but also inform and educate the client.
Have you wondered why apple products and PC based products don’t get along well?  Is it because Apple router system typically create its own network Gateway/DNS within 10.0.0.0/8 network, and PC’s with 192.168.0.0/16 network?  The default settings may have been the root cause of the problem.

We started a new project last week.  A client called to see if we mount and connect custom motorized TV lift on concrete ceiling.  I was interested from the beginning as she told me this was going to be done on a concrete ceiling .  What’s more challenging, she warned that the property did not have ceiling access.  It’s actually a 10 story condo in Santa Monica!  Awesome!  Something new to add to our collection of unusual installation list!


OBJECTIVE:  MOUNT A MOTORIZED TV LIFT ON CONCRETE CEILING 
​Here were our list of challenges:      

1. No access to ceiling space as there is none; a straight concrete ceiling mounting.
2. Very tight limited space so no room to build additional frame-work.
3. Time constraint; client needs this done right away.
4. Not part of the final low voltage work team.  Our job is straight mount the units, power them up and check for functionality .  (Of course, we are on standby for any technical support they need).

This is going to be interesting as we are going to use a Genie Lift system to help lift/position the unit.  Each unit weighs in around 200 pounds.  Thus, it will have to be anchored to the concrete ceiling via 1/2 threaded steel rods and a epoxy based glue designed for this purpose.


Pictures will follow as we finish this one up.  Cinema Systems is excited to do this type of installation work, as it’s new an unusual.   We usually install them in high ceilings with wood/steel framework.
​

As we always say, challenge is the spice of life!

WHAT IS HOME THEATER?
How much does home theater cost?  Well before we answer that, just what is home theater?  A home theater is a theater worked in a home, intended to copy (or surpass) the real movie theater experience.   Today, many home theaters offer a genuine “film encounter” at a private home. Media rooms, regularly alluded to as home theaters, are amusement set-ups that try to replicate movie theater video and sound experience in a private home.


Presently, more individuals are transforming their common TV rooms into home theaters. This used to include a projector and a screen, and it was excessively costly for a great many people. Be that as it may, ideas and innovation in the industry have given individuals more options for home theater setups. 


HOW MUCH DOES HOME THEATER COST?

So now we’re ready to answer, how much does home theater cost?  The cost of a home theater can go from $199 to — well, whatever your budget is! To evaluate the cost of a home theater, first consider your necessities. All you may require is an all in one home theater system for under $200, yet other individuals may need much more.
Get a thought of what you can spend by referring to the table at the bottom.


It’s sorted out by list of sound/video (A/V) components in your home theater. (Sound sources are gadgets that give sound just playback in your home theater framework, while video sources give video or TV content.) The A/V framework gives the control to your home theater.  This means it lets you select what you need to watch or listen to, and does all the truly difficult work as far as sending sound to your speaker system. The video part, obviously, is the thing that you watch the media source from.


The table also lists some optional components — gaming systems and HTPC (home theater personal computer).  This lets you use a PC as a high-quality audio source device, or video source device, or both.


Home Theater  Cost TableHome Theater Role                           Device Example                      Price


Audio sources                                                                                      $50 ~ $250

CD player/recorder                                                                          $50 ~ $600+

Turntable                                                                                            $100 ~ $5,000+

AM/FM tuner                                                                                       $200 ~ $1,000

Satellite radio tuner                                                                            $75 ~ $300

Video sources                                 DVD Player                                $50 ~ $1,200+

                                                                                          
Blu-ray disc player                                                                                 $300+


VCR                                                                                                             $50 ~ $300


Personal video recorder                                                                           $0 ~ $700 ($0 “payment” when leased as part of a service)


Satellite TV receiver                                                                                  $0 ~ $500


Computer/gaming                                                                                      $100 ~ $400


Home theater PC                                                                                        $800+


A/V system                                  All-in-one systems                               $200 ~ $3,000+



A/V receiver                                                                                              $200 ~ $4,000


Controller/decoder                                                                                $800 ~ $5,000+


Power amplifier                                                                                        $500+


Speakers                                   Center, left, right, and surround speakers              $150 ~ $10,000+



Additional surround-sound speakers                                                             $100 ~ $5,000+


Subwoofer speakers                                                                                           $150 ~ $5,000+


Video display                                          Up to 73-inch rear-projection TV           $1,000 ~ $4,000



Up to 120-inch front-projection TV                                                                 $1,000 ~ $15,000+


32- to 60-inch plasma or LCD flat-panel TV                                                        $500 ~ $10,000+


Portables                                           Portable MP3 player                                  $50 ~ $350



Portable video player                                                                                            $100 to $500


Car system                                        Car PC                                                       $800 to $2,000



Accessories                                   Speaker and A/V interconnection cables              $50 to $1,000+



Surge suppressor/power conditioner                                                               $20 to $1,500


Home media server                                                                                              $1,000+

Internet media access devices                                                                               $100+