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September 2011
I have just got back from IFA, the biggest show in Europe for Home Entertainment and yet again, it was superb. Having just placed this picture, it does no justice to the show, it’s huge, bigger than the motor show.
I went to see what’s new and also to have my batteries re-charged with regards to Loewe television.
So many people visit our shop, here in Stoneygate, and most tell us they have ‘never see pictures like our Loewe Televisions’ but most do not go on to buy one. In my experience, most people just don’t see the value in a stunning television. People buy great cars and houses in nice places. The go on wonderful holidays but when it comes to TV they sell themselves short.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Loewe Television gives such a superior picture, with the best sound available from a television and wrapped up in the best cabinet that everyone who can afford on, should have one.
As I walked round the Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic stands, there was no doubt that their show stands were wonderful, the effort they had gone to was huge, but the pictures and sounds were nowhere near as good as the Loewe.
So let’s have a look around.
Although a lot of People in England have not come across Loewe, they are actually one of the most regarded brands in the world. They are the leading provider of quality televisions in Europe and regularly win the top awards for their products.
This year Loewe are launching a whole raft of Audio products as well as re-vamping the TV range. We have had a large gap in our TV line up in the small screen section. Loewe are re-launching their small TV range. Loewe 22 LED Connect and 26 LED Connect TVs in the Connect format and they are just what we have been waiting for. I am running out of superlatives but suffice to say they are beautiful and do everything.
Available in 22” Silver (£499), High Gloss Black or White (£549) for 26” Silver (£699), High Gloss Black or White (£749). These sets feature Digital Freeview, USB record, USB photo or music, LAN network media players, WLAN (Wireless) USB optional upgrade, Freeview HD (Optional £85). They come with a table stand included and floor stands (illustrated £185) or a variety of wall brackets are available from less than £50 upwards. Their picture and sound performance beats most much larger TVs. You can even use them to play internet radio with great resulting sounds. These sets are around £500 less than the previous versions from Loewe, much slimmer and better looking and far higher specified. We expect them to arrive by the end of September. We have the 32” version in store for you to inspect and we recommend orders are placed if you would like one soon as they have been well received all over Europe.
Just look at a round the back view of a Loewe and the same view of a competitive set. The Loewe just oozes quality, even when turned off and turned round. Both these sets are hooked up and working! Can you see the Loewe wires?
I hope you enjoyed what you have read. We now have the new Loewe small TV sets in store and the first Loewe sound products, The Loewe Sound Box (CD, I dock and FM radio) and all are selling very well. At £450 the Loewe Sound Box gives a great upgrade from a Bose SoundDock without the customer having to stretch to £599 for a Bose wave Radio or Ruark R4i.
In 2012 there will be many and more new products and this highlight’s the dilemma. Do you buy a new cheap one every couple of years, to keep up or do you buy a top Spec and Performance set once every 5-10 years and enjoy the best picture and sound while not always having the latest features. Think of your phone and your washing machine, how many of their huge feature list do you actually use. Really, if all you want is a TV set, updating regularly for the latest features while denying yourselves the best picture may not be the best thing for you.
2nd April 2011
The Television Digital Re-Tune in Leicester is here NOW!
TV is broadcast from different masts around the country. The mast for most of Leicestershire is at Waltham near Melton. Some people will get signals from other masts, for example Sutton Coldfield, Nottingham or Sandy Heath.
In order to make space for new mobile services, all the channels need to shuffle round to fit into a smaller space. They cannot do this all at once so each transmitter makes a few changes, then the next one, etc. Eventually (mid October in our case) all the shuffling will be done and we will have lots of benefits.
All you need to do is re-tune your TV whenever it prompts you to. Waltham retunes are as follows, in the evening of 13th April, 17th August, 31st August and 12th October.
If you are not sure how to re tune, or you are on a different transmitter, call your TV supplier or look on http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/ for help and advice.
The benefits will be, first, a much stronger signal, if you have an aerial amplifier at the moment you may not need it. More new channels will appear. There will be more HD or High Definition channels (BBC1 HD, BBC HD, ITV HD and Channel 4 HD for a start).
The main problem to watch out for is, if when a TV is re-tuning, it comes across a channel from a different transmitter before it comes to the correct channel from Waltham. If this happens you may find the BBC 1 at Channel 1 on your TV is West Midlands and BBC1 East Midlands is at 801. If this happens try retuning at a different time of day. The signal is strongest in the evening so a late evening re-tune may be better.
If channels disappear, for example, if you press 5 and there is nothing there, try a re-tune and the missing channel, which will have been moved, should re-appear at location 5.
For older analogue TV sets, DVD and Video recorders you will need to buy a new Freeview Box. (most older analogue sets should work with a set top box).
You could try a HD Freeview Box with built in recorder. Although you will not get HD till October you will be able to record easily straight away.
Finally, if you have a satellite dish or would not mind having a dish, Freesat is almost identical to Freeview but there are no retuning issues and HD is available now.
Both Freeview and Freesat are free to view. Both boxes will offer BBC iPlayer with a broadband connection.
12th February 2011
Sonos Controller for Android - coming soon...
Android™ – loving music fans will soon have something to rock about. Sonos has just announced the Sonos Controller for Android, a free app that will transform most Android smartphones into a wireless music controller for Sonos. Get ready because it's coming this spring and we expect it to rock the house and your sales.
9th November 2010
Digital Switchover is scheduled to be completed in the Midlands area in 2011.
It will be a two-stage switchover and the dates to remember are detailed below.
Remember the two dates (two weeks apart) as you will have to retune all your equipment on each date.
The retune process will be similar to the one you would have completed in September last year.
| TV Region / Transmitter Group | Area served | Switchover Date 1 | Switchover Date 2 |
| Central Waltham | Much of the East Midlands | 17 Aug 11 | 31 Aug 11 |
| Sutton Coldfield | Much of the West Midlands | 7 Sep 11 | 21 Sep 11 |
| Fenton | Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme | 7 Sep 11 | 21 Sep 11 |
| Oxford | Oxfordshire, parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire | 14 Sep 11 | 28 Sep 11 |
3rd November 2010
BBC One HD is launched today. Click here for details of how to retune your Humax Freeview or Freesat Box to receive the new BBC1 HD Channel.
Certain programmes are being moved from the existing BBC HD channel to BBC 1 HD after launch and broadcast identifier information, that the PVR's use for recording these programmes, will be changing. This means that previously set series recordings on these BBC HD programmes will not work unless they have been deleted from the BBC HD schedule and reset against BBC 1 HD.
23rd October 2010
Stoneygate Shops launch their new web site and The Stoneygate Shops Newsletter. Sign up for this monthly update on 'Whats On' in Stoneygate and you can also enter the prize draw to win a Hamper of goodies from the stores in Francis Street and Allandale Road. Draw to take place in January 2011.
Go to www.stoneygateshops.com to register.
25th May 2010
Bose has introduced new Lifestyle® V-Class® and T-Class™ home theatre systems, combining proprietary 5.1 surround sound with the new Bose Unify intelligent integration system - a breakthrough technology that overcomes much of the growing complexity of setting up and using home theatre systems. Now, connecting speakers and sources, programming remotes, and accessing content is easier and faster than ever before.
Consumers have players for music, movies and video games, but getting them to work with their TV has become so difficult, they may avoid adding a home theatre system altogether. The new Lifestyle® systems simplify the set up of multiple components, and transform everyday use.
The on screen displays work seamlessly with just one remote, and selecting and switching between sources is done at the touch of a button. Unify technology finally breaks down the barrier between the equipment and the experience.
The Bose Unify™ Intelligent Integration System
Unify technology integrates sophisticated software and hardware to deliver dramatic results.
Connecting sources is effectively mistake-proof. With Unify technology, easy-to-follow steps are shown on the TV screen. They’re written in plain language, even showing pictures of the right connector. The Lifestyle® system console recommends the right cable to use, has smart inputs that sense when a connection is made, and confirms when the connection is successful.
The new Lifestyle® V-Class® and T-Class™ systems were designed to evolve with an owner’s needs, accommodating up to six HD sources. The Lifestyle® remote can operate virtually any entertainment device, including Blu-ray™ players, cable boxes, Digital Media Adapters, and new devices as they become available. Unlike conventional programming methods, there is no trial and error, no codes to enter. Simply aim a source remote at the Lifestyle® system’s console and follow basic onscreen instructions. Press a few buttons on the source remote, and Unify technology automatically programs the Lifestyle® remote to operate the source.
Devices are listed onscreen as “Blu-ray player” or “Cable Box,” rather than cryptic acronyms like “HDMI 1” or “COMPONENT 1.” Choose one, and the source is ready to play. The Lifestyle® remote’s interface remains remarkably uncomplicated. It controls the most frequently used commands –- like “source” or “volume,” while rarely used commands are found onscreen.
Even opening a new Lifestyle® system box is reassuring. Inside are five clearly labelled boxes. Finish setting up the contents of one, and go to the next, until the speakers and Acoustimass® module are connected to the Lifestyle® system’s console, and the console is connected to the TV.
Many of today’s home entertainment systems are feature-rich, but if an owner can’t access those features, they don’t offer any real value. The new Lifestyle® systems deliver what’s been missing in the market - a truly simplified, high-quality home theatre system.”
Proprietary Bose 5.1 Surround Sound
The new Lifestyle® V35, V25 and T20 systems feature exclusive Bose audio technologies to deliver vivid, theatre-like surround sound from only five small speaker arrays and a hideaway Acoustimass module. Bose ADAPTiQ® audio calibration technology analyzes and adjusts the system’s sound to the size, shape and furnishings of any room, providing greater freedom for speaker placement.
The Lifestyle® V-Class® systems include Jewel Cube® or Direct/Reflecting® speaker arrays, a built-in AM/FM tuner, a dock for iPod®, and a universal remote control with a two-line display to show what radio station or song is playing; there’s no need to turn on the TV.
The Lifestyle® T-Class™ systems include Direct/Reflecting® or Virtually Invisible® speaker arrays, and a universal remote control.
All systems include a control console for connection to sources and use automatic video upscaling for the highest resolution a TV can accept, up to 1080p via HDMI.
28th October 2009
Media Streaming is certainly the latest buzz phrase. In simple terms it is a way of capturing and playing music or video and even moving it from place to place around your home. Your media (Photographs, Music or Movies) which is stored on a computer or hard drive (Media Server) starts in one place but can be viewed almost anywhere. Not all Media needs to be stored, Internet radio and Internet based services such as Napster offer access to almost all music or Radio from anywhere in the world at the touch of a button.
The simplest way to start could be Internet radio. An Internet Radio uses your wireless broadband connection, via your wireless router, to access up to 16000 radio stations from all over the world. Music can be located based on Genre, Location even country or continent, so if you want to know what the weather is in Beijing or what the record of the week is in Sydney, Internet radio is the answer.
The new Philips 32PFL9604/12 TV is Wi-Fi-enabled with an internet browser built into the set. Again a wireless router is required at the hub of this operation. Once you are connected to your secure wireless network you can browse several internet sites from onscreen ‘widgets’ (or onscreen symbols). What this amounts to at the moment is YouTube from the couch rather than being hunched over the PC. It’s a little limited in that not all sites are suitable - give this time though.
The Panasonic DMP-BD80 Blu-ray disc player can do almost the same thing under the name of Vieracast.
So, where will it end? I promise you, it certainly keeps me interested and on my toes
11th August 2009
Freeview Re-tune Event
All UK homes with a Freeview TV or box need to re-tune on or after 30 September 2009 to receive all the services available to them.
The retune will pave the way for Channel Five to become as widely available as the other terrestrial channels at digital television switchover. In the short term, its existing coverage will improve.
It is also a key step towards preparing for the future launch of Freeview HD.
The national re-tune is not an analogue switch-off. It is led by Freeview in partnership with the public service broadcasters, and supported by Digital UK.
We offer a retune service for £45.00 for customers within a 10 mile radius of Stoneygate.
Around Sound News
Around Sound News
Wall brackets can be a last
minute thought. We can usually get most brackets next day. We have
just added a couple of single arm
brackets to our stock. They are made in the UK specially for Around Sound.
Generally the less expensive a bracket the bigger and uglier it is. These new brackets offer a great looking solution for a very reasonable price. From £250 from small TV sets to £500 for large sets (plus from £80 fitting) our new brackets will really finish off your Television wall installation.
We now have the Loewe Multiroom Client on display. It allows access to all your stored music content on your computer, Internet and DAB radio and even provides Stereo Sound from a Local Television and streamed music from the Internet. Coupled with the Loewe Universal Loudspeaker this product is a great way to introduce wireless sound to rooms around your house. Prices from £3000 complete with speakers.
We have connected the new Loewe Individual Sound Subwoofer Highline to our Individual Selection 40” and matched front Floor standing and rear ceiling mounted speakers. Our neighbours have noticed as well because this Subwoofer really rocks.
16th July 2009
National re-tune event
In autumn all Digital Terestrial Television (DTT) viewers will need to re-tune their receivers as a number of improvements will be made to Freeview services, Channel Five will be made universally available for switchover and improve existing coverage, and preparations will be made for the launch of HD services on DTT. Details of the changes have yet to be finalised, as has the date. A re-tune of all Freeview TVs and boxes will be necessary in all regions, including areas that have already switched.
We offer a retune service for £45.00 for customers within a 10 mile radius of Stoneygate Shops.
IPTV from BBC
The BBC Trust are investigating an Internet connected Set Top Box to allow access to BBC iPlayer and other internet content through the box. The project is called ‘Project canvas’. The box could retail for between £100 and £200 and be available by next year.
However OFCOM, the government body who oversees Broadcast matters are concerned that this development could disadvantage other broadcasters and also form a ‘Technical Island’ which could reduce competition and disadvantage consumers.
The group who oversee all matters Digital in the UK, the DTG (Digital Television Group) have not been consulted on this development.
FREEVIEW HD in time for World Cup 2010
Freeview (The company who provide UK Freeview Digital Television via Aerials) has announced they plan to offer Terrestrial HD TV in time for the 2010 South African World Cup. This would allow 40% of the UK population to watch the world cup in HD for free. A new Set Top Box will be required costing an estimated £200. This applies even if your TV has Freeview built in.
5 Free HD Channels by digital switchover (2011 in east Midlands)
Channel 5 has been granted the last licence to broadcast HD TV over the terrestrial network. They join BBC1, ITV (STV & UTV), Channel 4 (S4C). HD broadcasts will start in the Granada region and be rolled out across the country as the regions adopt the digital switch over. A new MPEG-4 DVBT2 box will be required to receive HD TV for free.
3DTV
Here is a new format which is still very much at the discussion stage. As with much new technology the Industry is working towards this new option with what can only be described as a fragmented approach.
It is unlikely that the format would ever be available on any Free to Air format (Freeview or Freesat) as there will probably not be enough bandwidth (broadcast space). It is also felt this would not be a good use of BBC licence fee at the moment. Sky feel that people would pay a premium for this service and they are moving forwards with their own offering.
iPlayer joined by 4oD
Later this month Channel 4 is to put up to 4000 hours of archive on it’s new play again internet platform. At the moment Channel 4 content is available for up to 30 days. Not all C4 material will be available on demand (4oD). (mostly American content).
DAB vs FM
Now the government has jumped off the fence and announced 2015 as the switch off date for FM, DAB sales are projected to rocket. All new cars from 2013 should be equipped with DAB radios. Digital Television sets already offer 23 DAB radio stations so most homes in the UK already have access to digital radio.
WEB sales declining
As more and more people have bad experiences buying from Web suppliers, they are returning to good old bricks and mortar shops with real people to assist. The growth of online sales has slowed to its lowest level since records began.
9th July 2009
Multi Room Audio and Home Cinema
seem to be very much flavour of the month. Some enquiries are from
people at the beginning of a quest, before they have talked to the
builders. More and more however are people who have just paid for the
decorators and now would like sound. We can do a much better job if you
call us in early or for you late comers who don’t want any mess we can
easily accommodate a surround sound system on a cabinet with wireless
rear speakers or a Loewe Sound Projector on a cabinet, like the one
shown here.
We now have the Pure Avanti Flow, possibly the worlds best Internet Radio with an iPod dock built in. If 16,000 radio stations intrigue you then why not pop down for a listen. Our internet radio range starts from £130 with a Blik Radio station from Revo.
Freesat is proving ever more popular with people discovering the delights of High Definition BBC most evenings, for free. Also, if recording has troubled you in the past Freesat recording is very easy indeed. Rather than converting your TV sets to Digital with a Freeview box, convert using a Freesat box. This will mean superb digital TV now, with no retunes as we move towards 2011. Come and see us in the shop for more details. Boxes cost from £50 to £300 for a Recording HD version and fitting is from £80.