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Apple TV Plus

6/11/2019

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Apple TV Plus is the new video-streaming service from Apple.

Finally Apple's TV Plus service has launched in Australia and is set to be an exciting platform for TV and movie lovers alike.  But, its not exactly what we expected - like a Netflix or Stan service. Here's what we know so far.

What is Apple TV Plus?

Apple TV Plus is a subscription streaming service to watch Apple's original series and movies exclusively.


Like Netflix, it won't have ads. However, unlike Netflix, it doesn't have a library of licensed shows or movies, nor will it release full seasons of its shows all at once (which is a shocker for those of us that love a good series binge). Many of Apple's series will premiere three episodes followed by one new episode every week. Although there are some series that will get dropped all at once. I guess time will tell if this works out or not. 

Apple TV Plus programming sits inside the Apple TV app (which has been conveniently updated automatically on apple devices around the world). In the app's "Watch Now" tab, Apple TV Plus shows sit next movies and shows to rent and buy, as well as other video subscriptions such as HBO or Starz. 

A feature I love, is that through this app, you can press the "play a free episode" button and get a taste of the shows before you invest in a monthly subscription.  Not only that, Apple currently has the 7 day FREE trial if you want to give the service a little test run. 

What's on Apple TV Plus?

Whilst the content is currently a little slim, I can see the potential of the service and the quality of the current line up, including "Morning Wars", starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell, "The Elephant Queen" and a coming soon exclusive with Oprah Winfrey, is excellent. 


Apple TV Plus will also be part of Apple's family-sharing feature, which allows you and up to five family members to share a plan. Apple originals are available in 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision, and most titles also offer Dolby Atmos sound. 

What devices can I use to access Apple TV Plus and how much will it cost?

Along with your favourite Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac etc), you can also watch Apple TV+ on the Apple TV app, on streaming platforms, popular smart TVs (Samsung) and AirPlay‑enabled TVs. Or watch Apple TV+ on the web at tv.apple.com/au.

After your Free 7 day trial, Apple TV Plus subscription will cost you $7.99 per month.  Unless of course you purchase any eligible new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Apple TV, then you will enjoy a FREE One Year subscription. There is also a Student Plan for students who bundle their Apple TV Plus with their Apple Music plan. 


I reckon it's worth at least the 7 day trial to see for yourself if there is some Apple exclusive content that will grab you and keep you hooked. 

Happy watching. 
Richelle 


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Installing a TV Antenna - Can I do it myself?

21/8/2017

4 Comments

 
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There is quite a lot to consider when you are looking at installing a TV antenna.  If you google it, I’m certain you will find instructions or video’s on how to install an antenna. If you are quite handy, have the right tools at your disposal, have plenty of spare time for research and doing the work – maybe you could give it a go.  HOWEVER, this comes with a huge caution, because it’s not always as simple as it’s made out to be.
 
Here are a few other considerations before you even begin spending time or money on a self-installation:
 
The right tools
Professional TV antenna installers will have particular tools and equipment to ensure excellent digital reception to all TV points.  The most important of these elements is the digital signal meter, which will detail the exact strength of signal for each TV channel at each TV point in the home.  This equipment is worth thousands of dollars and isn’t accessible to the average home installer. As such you may be relying on a simple “point & shoot” method to get good reception, which is not reliable and doesn’t guarantee good quality signal across all channels.
 
Distance between the TV and antenna.
Digital TV signals can deteriorate through coaxial cables over longer distances. We recommend your antenna is placed within about 20 metres of your TV. If the antenna needs to be positioned at a further distance than this, then it’s important that the antenna is powerful enough to mitigate any loss of signal.  Alternatively, you could install an amplifier to boost the signal.
 
Where to mount and point the antenna
You will need to start by finding out where your local TV station transmitters are.  You can usually google this information or contact one of your local TV stations and ask them.  Best signals will be gained when the antenna is directed at your nearest TV transmission station.  This part can be trickier than it may seem at first;
  1. You need to know the direction of the station as closely as possible
  2. TV signal uses ‘line of sight’, meaning that trees, buildings, hills or other structures that block the physical line of sight between the antenna and the station will impact strength and reliability of signal. 
  3. You will need to consider how high to mount the antenna.  Obviously the higher you go, the less likely you are to encounter line of sight issues.  So as a general rule, the higher the better.  However, it is not necessary to go with extra high mounts unless signal strength or line of sight is an issue.
  4. You can get multi-directional TV antennas that pull signals from several directions, but it’s worth talking to an antenna supplier prior to purchasing any antenna to ensure it fits the purpose
  5. Of course, you will want to consider the aesthetics of the home to ensure that you are happy with the location of the antenna and the look and feel of the home.  It is for this reason that some people choose to install internal antenna’s (which are installed within the roof cavity), rather than external.  We do not recommend this option, particularly in poor signal areas, as they are not usually a reliable option for good consistent signal. 
 
Cable and wall plates
Of course if you are installing a new antenna or new TV points, you will need to factor in the cost and skills required to run the cable from the antenna, through the wall/ceiling cavities, to the TV point/s in the home.  This can be tricky business for the home installer and can take an understanding of the structure of the home and how to safely get cable through the cavities.  Please ensure that you have checked the relevant building and electrical codes prior to running cable, to ensure that you are installing safely.  Be sure that you stay a safe distance from power cables (min distances vary by state depending on building codes).
 
So, whilst it is possible to install your own TV antenna, it is highly recommended to get a professional installer.  The use of professional signal meters alone, will save possible hours in trying to find signal and align the antenna, and get the best possible reception on each TV channel.  Experience also affords professional installers plenty of tips and tricks to antenna placement and installation that might just make the difference between OK TV signals and fantastic TV signals.  Of course the other major factor in considering a professional installation is safety.  Professional installers are trained to work at heights, trained to run cable safely within the cavities of the home and are insured in case anything goes wrong.
 
If you want to save yourself, time, stress and money, get a professional to help you install your TV Antenna.  You won’t regret it.  ​​

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What is Freeviewplus?

21/8/2017

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What is Freeviewplus?
FreeviewPlus is a television service delivered via aerial and broadband providing a state of the art EPG and seamless access to Catch Up TV across the Freeview networks, with the simple press of a button on the remote control.

How do I get Freeviewplus?
You can access FreeviewPlus from a FreeviewPlus-enabled television receiver, set-top box (STB) or personal video recorder (PVR). You then need to connect your FreeviewPlus receiver to an aerial and broadband internet to access FreeviewPlus. An ADSL2 or faster broadband connection is recommended.

Is Freeviewplus a free service?
The FreeviewPlus service is made available by Freeview Australia for free, however, this service requires a broadband internet connection. It is a metered service, that means the access and use of FreeviewPlus will count towards the data limit of your broadband plan.

​Want to find out more about Freeviewplus?
visit the Freeviewplus website where you can find heaps of information and instructional videos.
0 Comments

    Author

    I get so many questions and calls from customers who just want some help or advice relating to their audio visual technology.  I thought it would be a good idea to start capturing some of the common questions and try to provide an online resource for people to get information. So, I hope that you will find some of the information contained in these articles useful.  I will try to add as many new relevant subjects as possible to keep you all in the know.  I really do want to make AV easy for you too. 

    Geoff 

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  • Home
  • About Us
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