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Ellen Parker
Ellen Parker, a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, writes on audio technology, digital trends, and home entertainment solutions.
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Ellen Parker 2018-03-30
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Get your popcorn out, log into Netflix and prepare for a night of enjoyment because you’re about to upgrade your home theater experience with four devices you never thought you needed until you heard about them. That’s right, from a 4K Ultra HD TV producing stunning visuals, to a subwoofer supplying deep and rumbling bass, here’s all you need to turn your home into a cinema. 1: 4K Ultra HD Television Image Source: https://www.tclusa.com/products/home-theater/s-series/tcl-49-class-s-series-4k-uhd-led-roku-smart-tv-49s405 You can’t have an upgraded cinema experience without a television that delivers the best of the best in resolution. For this very reason, you need a 4K Ultra HD TV that has about four times the resolution of a standard HD TV (1080p) and produces crispier than crispy pictures, especially if you’re opting for a larger screen size (you really should). Seriously though, these televisions are so good that you can literally see the pores on your favorite actor or actress’ face. 2: Soundbar Image Source: https://usa.denon.com/us/heos/heos-soundbar Now that you have your visuals covered, it’s time to focus on the audio, AKA what will deliver the soundtrack and dialogue that gets your adrenaline pumping and tear ducts working.
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Ellen Parker 2017-03-20
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It’s anticipated that the global portable speaker market will grow at a steady CAGR of 11.14% during the period between 2017 and 2021. There has been a sharp decline in wired usage in years past as consumers opt for their wireless counterparts for their ease of use and functionality. In a dollar amount, this translates to $6.91 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow $4.81 billion through 2021 for a value of $11.72 billion. Smart HomesOne of the forces behind the growth of portable speakers is the growth of the ‘smart home.’ Through the Internet of Things (IoT), consumers can readily connect electronic devices, media and entertainment gadgets to a home network. This, in turn, allows subscribed users to access digital content such as music, movies and images stored in the ubiquitous cloud through WiFi. Similarly, Ujjwal Doshi, a lead analyst for the tech research company, Technavio, said that, “Wireless portable speakers facilitate communication between the various devices connected to the home network and provide easy streaming of content like music and videos.” This connection of devices through a home network leads to our next driving force: multi-room streaming.
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Ellen Parker 2016-10-27
Goodbye to mediocre sound and disappointing home theater experiences. But before you run full speed to the nearest Best Buy or start clicking those shop-happy fingers – here are some pointers on selecting the best wireless speaker system for your soon-to-be sound paradise to make sure it’s all you had hoped and dreamed for. Image Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2015/05/28/you-can-have-music-wherever-you-go-with-heos-multi-room-wireless-streaming-audio-by-denon/2/#4429ef431f2b About Wireless SpeakersIf you’re already thinking wireless speakers, your mind is in the right place, and you’re about to experience sound like you never have before. While WiFi tends to have a much farther reach and faster connection without breaking, the honest answer is that much of the difference depends on user’s personal preference, as well as the connection speed varying by each household. Some of the leading manufacturers are producing systems that support both Bluetooth and WiFi like the HEOS by Denon systems – so you can forget about choosing and have the best no matter what your preference and connection may be. Love Spotify, Amazon Music and so ready to try the new Napster?
collect
0
Ellen Parker 2018-01-30
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Listen up everyone, there’s important news to disseminate: Denon announced last year that it was planning to add voice commands to its HEOS multi-room audio system via Amazon’s Alexa: “Amazon shares with Denon a passion for innovation and design…We are excited to collaborate with them to bring hands-free voice control to premium audio products early next year. Soon HEOS and Amazon Alexa customers will be able to enjoy the convenience of the Alexa voice service plus high-quality home audio—getting us one step closer to our goal of enabling Alexa voice control on every device within customer’s homes.” - Steve Rabuchin, Amazon’s VP of Amazon Alexa Well, that dream has now become a reality. That’s right, HEOS by Denon devices can now be controlled with the silky tones produced by your voice. Through a journey that began in 2014: Denon first launched the HEOS brand, its wireless speaker platform, in 2014 HEOS multi-room audio technology was integrated with Denon receivers in 2016 The journey is now complete as Denon integrated Amazon Alexa voice commands into HEOS speakers and some other audio systems in 2017 And now that we’re in 2018, HEOS users can use voice commands to do whatever they want — play music, ask questions and receive answers, get news updates, and more. How It All Works So, how does it all work? As illustrated in this video, this is what you have to do: Open the HEOS app and click on the ‘Home’ icon on the lower left part of the screen Choose the HEOS device you want to connect with Alexa Choose a name from the dropdown menu so that Alexa can know which device you’re referring to (e.g., Living Room, Bedroom, etc.)
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0
Ellen Parker 2017-01-09
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Choosing the right selections for your personal taste and lifestyle can be a bit more of a challenge. You can create up to 100 of your own personalized radio stations, and continue refining them with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down as each song plays. Image Source: http://www.answers.com/article/30925619/5-awesome-apps-every-music-lover-will-fall-in-love-with Some of the pros and cons to determine if Pandora is right for you: Pandora’s suggested pairings and thumbs-up algorithm is great for people looking to discover new artists and songs similar to those they already love. However for those who like control, the lesser variety of songs, limited skips and no rewind/repeat options may have some listeners in frustration. Image Source: http://www.guidingtech.com/57679/pros-cons-soundcloud-go/ SoundCloud’s unique approach of combining social sharing and following has set them apart in the industry of music streaming. Users can even upload their own music and receive analytics based on performance.
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0
Ellen Parker 2016-09-22
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Sure you listen in your car, office and on the commute to work.

Just be sure your speakers are water-resistant to save yourself the following heartache should accidental splashes or those steamy moments jam up your music system.CampingBecause no one wants to listen to Uncle Jimmy singing campfire songs.

Instead, pack your favorite wireless hifi speakers and keep the good times rollin’.The BeachThe sound of the waves is great.

And with the right playlist, you can pick the mood with a sway to match the gentle breeze, rhythm for sandy feet on the move, or something more relaxing to pair with your weekend vacation.

Just make sure the jams you’re playing are streaming through a water-resistant speaker to avoid any unnecessary blues.PicnicsWhy doesn’t anyone think of this?

Imagine your next family reunion picnic without any awkward silences (mic drop).

collect
0
Ellen Parker 2017-08-24
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How about going to a beautiful Greek island instead? We are talking about vacations here though, so let’s focus on improving that. You can also respond to messages with Siri, use the included workout app with 12 indoor and outdoor exercises, and if you have Apple’s AirPods, feel free to insert, press play and jam! Second, don’t constrain yourself to a 1-foot radius around your music source, opt for Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity and give yourself some space to dance! Spotlight Brand: Denon Image Source: https://usa.denon.com/us/product/portableaudio/bluetoothspeakers If you’re familiar with quality audio, then you know Denon. The WiFi connectivity even lets you stream from your favorite music streaming service, and you can control everything from the palm of your hand with the HEOS app that turns your smartphone into a master controller.
collect
0
Ellen Parker 2016-12-14
Sound is better, the experience is dynamic, but traditionally – there have also been a few major pain points in adapting to the latest technology. Wires running across the walls and floors, re-arranging every bookshelf in the house to try to cater to the speaker placement, not to mention the price tag. No more cords getting stuck in the vacuum, and ugly eyesores running across the walls and floors. That also means you’ll be able to adjust volume, change sound tracks and even control which rooms play what tunes for multi-room systems, without every having to stop what you’re doing. Wireless puts the control in your hands. With wireless home speakers, you’ll never have to run to your speaker again, rushing to turn off your “Shake that Booty” playlist before you in-laws walk in the door.
collect
0
Ellen Parker 2016-08-12
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Here are the stats regarding the unprecedented growth, the impact of culture on the growing need for leaps in technology, and the devices available for high-tech compatibility from wireless technology to the soundbar – rising to the challenge to fill that gap in the market.Consumer-driven MarketNo one second-guesses in the 20th century that we now live in a consumer-driven market.

Far past are the days when industries could release a project and market it in such a way that (no matter the need) consumers would flock to get the latest “it” item.Consumers have gotten smarter, and it takes more than even the savviest of marketing schemes to get people on board.

Sure, launching with the signature of several pop-culture stars will give a quick boost in sales, but if the product or service doesn’t fit into the lifestyle of the consumer, inevitably it will fail.

Don’t sell; instead offer a solution to the consumer-driven market.Here are the StatsWhile the “why” of a consumer-driven market has several interconnected webs leading to the end result, they amount to one thing that always matters – the stats.“The growth of Bluetooth-enabled speakers continued to dominate the headlines in 2015 as consumers increasingly rely on Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and tablets to stream music.

Bluetooth speakers have run the gambit, including more durable designs with waterproofing and durable design.” – Euromonitor International Report, Consumer Electronics Home Audio and Cinema Statistics in the US.Leveraging the power of internet-based technologies, high-tech audio is at an all-time high and continuing to rise on the market.

In fact, over 70% of North American traffic is now streaming video and audio – as streaming continues to be a favorite amongst high-tech features in the audio industry.For home entertainment junkies, Home Cinema systems annual growth rate of global spending is predicted to rise by 5.8% from 2016 – 2020 according to Statista, with notable growth in TV & video, radio and music continuing to rise along side.Part of that market is shared with that of the soundbar, reaching $12.9 billion in sales in 2015.Image Source: http://www.statista.com/statistics/326992/worldwide-sales-soundbar-speakers/Other stats supporting the rise in consumer demand for high-tech audio devices:For U.S. households earning 100K annually or more, 2.5% spent $500-1000 on home theater systems in 2015.

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Ellen Parker 2017-06-13
img

A cleaning service that keeps their apartment clean and tidy 24/7.

With a patented 3-stage cleaning system that loosens, lifts and suctions dirt and debris from all surfaces, this cleaner is a must for any graduate.The Roomba has full scale sensors that allow it to work around every nook and cranny in the home, detect and target dirt, and even notify it when it nears a ledge.

It’s compact size allows it to clean under furniture, and its varying brushes allow it to push debris into the path of the 3-stage cleaning system and into its AeroVac filters.

The Roomba cleans floors of all types, from carpets and tiles to hardwood and laminated floors, and can automatically dock and recharge between cleanings.This WiFi enabled cleaner also comes with the iRobot HOME app that allows you to clean within a schedule, monitor cleaning stats (yes, these exist), and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

This soundbar delivers clean dialogue and powerful effects for an exceptional performance that enhances any sound, be it from a TV or Blu-ray player.

As for support, it has four 4K-compatible HDMIs that lets you use it with multi-source AV set-ups.The HEOS Bar has the elegance and simplicity of a soundbar that allows for easy placement and mounting, is wireless and WiFi enabled for streaming from your favorite music streaming services like Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora and iHeartRadio, and comes with the HEOS app that allows you to control everything from the palm of your hand.In terms of channels, it has a center speaker for dialogue and left and right channels for other sounds, effectively combining three speakers in one.

collect
0
Ellen Parker 2016-11-15
Check out these 5 tips for getting the most out of your home audio system and finally start enjoying the powerful sound you’ve been dreaming of for your home entertainment system. Surround sound is also a consideration if you’re in search of a truly immersive sound. Check for USB, AUX, wireless and Bluetooth capabilities and verify that your preferences are supported by the system. If your eyes are keen to notice subtle differences, this could make or break your listening experience, this leads us to tip #2. If your home speaker system supports custom control, adjust the bass, treble and other sound preferences until your ears are sounding with delight. Tip #3: Place your Speakers Strategically While this especially applies to multi-speaker surround sound systems, speaker placement regardless of number can greatly affect how a listener perceives sound.
collect
0
Ellen Parker 2018-03-30
img
Get your popcorn out, log into Netflix and prepare for a night of enjoyment because you’re about to upgrade your home theater experience with four devices you never thought you needed until you heard about them. That’s right, from a 4K Ultra HD TV producing stunning visuals, to a subwoofer supplying deep and rumbling bass, here’s all you need to turn your home into a cinema. 1: 4K Ultra HD Television Image Source: https://www.tclusa.com/products/home-theater/s-series/tcl-49-class-s-series-4k-uhd-led-roku-smart-tv-49s405 You can’t have an upgraded cinema experience without a television that delivers the best of the best in resolution. For this very reason, you need a 4K Ultra HD TV that has about four times the resolution of a standard HD TV (1080p) and produces crispier than crispy pictures, especially if you’re opting for a larger screen size (you really should). Seriously though, these televisions are so good that you can literally see the pores on your favorite actor or actress’ face. 2: Soundbar Image Source: https://usa.denon.com/us/heos/heos-soundbar Now that you have your visuals covered, it’s time to focus on the audio, AKA what will deliver the soundtrack and dialogue that gets your adrenaline pumping and tear ducts working.
Ellen Parker 2017-08-24
img
How about going to a beautiful Greek island instead? We are talking about vacations here though, so let’s focus on improving that. You can also respond to messages with Siri, use the included workout app with 12 indoor and outdoor exercises, and if you have Apple’s AirPods, feel free to insert, press play and jam! Second, don’t constrain yourself to a 1-foot radius around your music source, opt for Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity and give yourself some space to dance! Spotlight Brand: Denon Image Source: https://usa.denon.com/us/product/portableaudio/bluetoothspeakers If you’re familiar with quality audio, then you know Denon. The WiFi connectivity even lets you stream from your favorite music streaming service, and you can control everything from the palm of your hand with the HEOS app that turns your smartphone into a master controller.
Ellen Parker 2017-03-20
img
It’s anticipated that the global portable speaker market will grow at a steady CAGR of 11.14% during the period between 2017 and 2021. There has been a sharp decline in wired usage in years past as consumers opt for their wireless counterparts for their ease of use and functionality. In a dollar amount, this translates to $6.91 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow $4.81 billion through 2021 for a value of $11.72 billion. Smart HomesOne of the forces behind the growth of portable speakers is the growth of the ‘smart home.’ Through the Internet of Things (IoT), consumers can readily connect electronic devices, media and entertainment gadgets to a home network. This, in turn, allows subscribed users to access digital content such as music, movies and images stored in the ubiquitous cloud through WiFi. Similarly, Ujjwal Doshi, a lead analyst for the tech research company, Technavio, said that, “Wireless portable speakers facilitate communication between the various devices connected to the home network and provide easy streaming of content like music and videos.” This connection of devices through a home network leads to our next driving force: multi-room streaming.
Ellen Parker 2016-12-14
Sound is better, the experience is dynamic, but traditionally – there have also been a few major pain points in adapting to the latest technology. Wires running across the walls and floors, re-arranging every bookshelf in the house to try to cater to the speaker placement, not to mention the price tag. No more cords getting stuck in the vacuum, and ugly eyesores running across the walls and floors. That also means you’ll be able to adjust volume, change sound tracks and even control which rooms play what tunes for multi-room systems, without every having to stop what you’re doing. Wireless puts the control in your hands. With wireless home speakers, you’ll never have to run to your speaker again, rushing to turn off your “Shake that Booty” playlist before you in-laws walk in the door.
Ellen Parker 2016-10-27
Goodbye to mediocre sound and disappointing home theater experiences. But before you run full speed to the nearest Best Buy or start clicking those shop-happy fingers – here are some pointers on selecting the best wireless speaker system for your soon-to-be sound paradise to make sure it’s all you had hoped and dreamed for. Image Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2015/05/28/you-can-have-music-wherever-you-go-with-heos-multi-room-wireless-streaming-audio-by-denon/2/#4429ef431f2b About Wireless SpeakersIf you’re already thinking wireless speakers, your mind is in the right place, and you’re about to experience sound like you never have before. While WiFi tends to have a much farther reach and faster connection without breaking, the honest answer is that much of the difference depends on user’s personal preference, as well as the connection speed varying by each household. Some of the leading manufacturers are producing systems that support both Bluetooth and WiFi like the HEOS by Denon systems – so you can forget about choosing and have the best no matter what your preference and connection may be. Love Spotify, Amazon Music and so ready to try the new Napster?
Ellen Parker 2016-08-12
img

Here are the stats regarding the unprecedented growth, the impact of culture on the growing need for leaps in technology, and the devices available for high-tech compatibility from wireless technology to the soundbar – rising to the challenge to fill that gap in the market.Consumer-driven MarketNo one second-guesses in the 20th century that we now live in a consumer-driven market.

Far past are the days when industries could release a project and market it in such a way that (no matter the need) consumers would flock to get the latest “it” item.Consumers have gotten smarter, and it takes more than even the savviest of marketing schemes to get people on board.

Sure, launching with the signature of several pop-culture stars will give a quick boost in sales, but if the product or service doesn’t fit into the lifestyle of the consumer, inevitably it will fail.

Don’t sell; instead offer a solution to the consumer-driven market.Here are the StatsWhile the “why” of a consumer-driven market has several interconnected webs leading to the end result, they amount to one thing that always matters – the stats.“The growth of Bluetooth-enabled speakers continued to dominate the headlines in 2015 as consumers increasingly rely on Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and tablets to stream music.

Bluetooth speakers have run the gambit, including more durable designs with waterproofing and durable design.” – Euromonitor International Report, Consumer Electronics Home Audio and Cinema Statistics in the US.Leveraging the power of internet-based technologies, high-tech audio is at an all-time high and continuing to rise on the market.

In fact, over 70% of North American traffic is now streaming video and audio – as streaming continues to be a favorite amongst high-tech features in the audio industry.For home entertainment junkies, Home Cinema systems annual growth rate of global spending is predicted to rise by 5.8% from 2016 – 2020 according to Statista, with notable growth in TV & video, radio and music continuing to rise along side.Part of that market is shared with that of the soundbar, reaching $12.9 billion in sales in 2015.Image Source: http://www.statista.com/statistics/326992/worldwide-sales-soundbar-speakers/Other stats supporting the rise in consumer demand for high-tech audio devices:For U.S. households earning 100K annually or more, 2.5% spent $500-1000 on home theater systems in 2015.

Ellen Parker 2018-01-30
img
Listen up everyone, there’s important news to disseminate: Denon announced last year that it was planning to add voice commands to its HEOS multi-room audio system via Amazon’s Alexa: “Amazon shares with Denon a passion for innovation and design…We are excited to collaborate with them to bring hands-free voice control to premium audio products early next year. Soon HEOS and Amazon Alexa customers will be able to enjoy the convenience of the Alexa voice service plus high-quality home audio—getting us one step closer to our goal of enabling Alexa voice control on every device within customer’s homes.” - Steve Rabuchin, Amazon’s VP of Amazon Alexa Well, that dream has now become a reality. That’s right, HEOS by Denon devices can now be controlled with the silky tones produced by your voice. Through a journey that began in 2014: Denon first launched the HEOS brand, its wireless speaker platform, in 2014 HEOS multi-room audio technology was integrated with Denon receivers in 2016 The journey is now complete as Denon integrated Amazon Alexa voice commands into HEOS speakers and some other audio systems in 2017 And now that we’re in 2018, HEOS users can use voice commands to do whatever they want — play music, ask questions and receive answers, get news updates, and more. How It All Works So, how does it all work? As illustrated in this video, this is what you have to do: Open the HEOS app and click on the ‘Home’ icon on the lower left part of the screen Choose the HEOS device you want to connect with Alexa Choose a name from the dropdown menu so that Alexa can know which device you’re referring to (e.g., Living Room, Bedroom, etc.)
Ellen Parker 2017-06-13
img

A cleaning service that keeps their apartment clean and tidy 24/7.

With a patented 3-stage cleaning system that loosens, lifts and suctions dirt and debris from all surfaces, this cleaner is a must for any graduate.The Roomba has full scale sensors that allow it to work around every nook and cranny in the home, detect and target dirt, and even notify it when it nears a ledge.

It’s compact size allows it to clean under furniture, and its varying brushes allow it to push debris into the path of the 3-stage cleaning system and into its AeroVac filters.

The Roomba cleans floors of all types, from carpets and tiles to hardwood and laminated floors, and can automatically dock and recharge between cleanings.This WiFi enabled cleaner also comes with the iRobot HOME app that allows you to clean within a schedule, monitor cleaning stats (yes, these exist), and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

This soundbar delivers clean dialogue and powerful effects for an exceptional performance that enhances any sound, be it from a TV or Blu-ray player.

As for support, it has four 4K-compatible HDMIs that lets you use it with multi-source AV set-ups.The HEOS Bar has the elegance and simplicity of a soundbar that allows for easy placement and mounting, is wireless and WiFi enabled for streaming from your favorite music streaming services like Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora and iHeartRadio, and comes with the HEOS app that allows you to control everything from the palm of your hand.In terms of channels, it has a center speaker for dialogue and left and right channels for other sounds, effectively combining three speakers in one.

Ellen Parker 2017-01-09
img
Choosing the right selections for your personal taste and lifestyle can be a bit more of a challenge. You can create up to 100 of your own personalized radio stations, and continue refining them with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down as each song plays. Image Source: http://www.answers.com/article/30925619/5-awesome-apps-every-music-lover-will-fall-in-love-with Some of the pros and cons to determine if Pandora is right for you: Pandora’s suggested pairings and thumbs-up algorithm is great for people looking to discover new artists and songs similar to those they already love. However for those who like control, the lesser variety of songs, limited skips and no rewind/repeat options may have some listeners in frustration. Image Source: http://www.guidingtech.com/57679/pros-cons-soundcloud-go/ SoundCloud’s unique approach of combining social sharing and following has set them apart in the industry of music streaming. Users can even upload their own music and receive analytics based on performance.
Ellen Parker 2016-11-15
Check out these 5 tips for getting the most out of your home audio system and finally start enjoying the powerful sound you’ve been dreaming of for your home entertainment system. Surround sound is also a consideration if you’re in search of a truly immersive sound. Check for USB, AUX, wireless and Bluetooth capabilities and verify that your preferences are supported by the system. If your eyes are keen to notice subtle differences, this could make or break your listening experience, this leads us to tip #2. If your home speaker system supports custom control, adjust the bass, treble and other sound preferences until your ears are sounding with delight. Tip #3: Place your Speakers Strategically While this especially applies to multi-speaker surround sound systems, speaker placement regardless of number can greatly affect how a listener perceives sound.
Ellen Parker 2016-09-22
img

Sure you listen in your car, office and on the commute to work.

Just be sure your speakers are water-resistant to save yourself the following heartache should accidental splashes or those steamy moments jam up your music system.CampingBecause no one wants to listen to Uncle Jimmy singing campfire songs.

Instead, pack your favorite wireless hifi speakers and keep the good times rollin’.The BeachThe sound of the waves is great.

And with the right playlist, you can pick the mood with a sway to match the gentle breeze, rhythm for sandy feet on the move, or something more relaxing to pair with your weekend vacation.

Just make sure the jams you’re playing are streaming through a water-resistant speaker to avoid any unnecessary blues.PicnicsWhy doesn’t anyone think of this?

Imagine your next family reunion picnic without any awkward silences (mic drop).