CustomInstaller
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Ask Engadget HD: When is it better to let a custom installer do all the work?
As much as we love drilling holes, running cables and troubleshooting issues in search of the perfect home theater, there's a certain point where it makes sense to call in a professional to do the job instead. Today our question comes from Casey, who is trying to figure out where to draw that line: "I finally have the house, the rooms and the resources to get the theater room I've been dreaming about with everything separated in its own closet, HTPC, in-wall speakers, tie-ins to home automation and maybe some multiroom streaming if I get around to it. After over a year of "work" all there is to show for it is some shelving in the closet, HDMI and power cables run to nowhere, my old stereo still in place and the Xbox 360, satellite receiver and Blu-ray player in a heap underneath the TV. My wife would like to have the room back at some point and is suggesting we just call someone and have them set it up since I don't have the time. I'm still not sure it won't cost too much to bring in a pro and let them have all the fun do all the work, plus I want the satisfaction of doing it myself but I'm running out of time. What should I do, and where can I look for a good installer that won't rip me off at $1,000 per cable?" There you have it, obviously Casey has a plan in his head of what he wants, but getting there is tricky. If you've thought about handing the job over to a custom installer let us know in the comments what pushed you to eventually do it, or dig in and get the job done yourself. [Picture above belongs to pchin] Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Sony's 2010 ES line includes 3D and excludes online retailers; Android remote app on the way
Given the company's focus on 3D this year, it's not at all a surprise to see Sony's 2010 line of ES receivers (and lone Blu-ray player) touched up with a dash of 3D support and HDMI 1.4-compatible features, but it may be a shocker to see their sale restricted to "specialty AV retailers and custom installers." That means no Amazon.com or other online retailers, but wherever one finds the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4600ES, and STR-DA 3600ES, they'll include IP, RS-232 and IR control support for easy home automation integration, iPhone remote control (Android -- and of course we'd expect Google TV -- version coming soon) as well as working as an Ethernet hub and DLNA streaming device. At the top of the line the STR-DA5600ES ships in September for $2,000 and is able to automatically calibrate audio for speaker types (like last year's), plus locations and angles, function as a DLNA Live Audio server itself and stream audio and video to other rooms via HDMI (six in, two out) or CAT5e. While the remaining models do a bit less, for a bit less when they all ship in August, the STR-DN2010 is a new model for 2010 at just $800. As for the Blu-ray player, the BDP-S1700ES ships with 3D movie play back, BRAVIA Internet video and Qriocity streaming WiFi and Gracenote database browser for $400 this August, check for a picture and specs on all after the break.
Microsoft kicks off 2008 Ultimate Install contest
In a move just short of sending Xzibit over with a copy of Windows Media Center, Microsoft is encouraging customer installers to show just how much they can do and how well they can integrate media center into a home theater setup. Sure, anyone can run a few wires here and there, or bring a boxed solution to the table, but we get the feeling they're looking for some extra flash. In return, the winning company gets a trip for one to CEDIA 2008, trip for two to Microsoft HQ in Redmond, a photo shoot of the winning install and a "technology pack" including an Xbox 360 Elite, games, Zune and AV cables. Head over to the site to check out the rules before the deadline hits August 1, and don't be too shy to slide us pics of your potentially Xbox-winning setup, we'd like to see what you play CoD4 on.
