5 Ways to Improve your Home Theatre Experience

For many Americans, a home theatre system is becoming more affordable than ever before. Due to technological developments such as wireless technology and apps as well as an emergence in DYI devices, your dream of a revamped home theatre can be realized. Those who want to improve their home theatre experience have numerous options at their fingertips. Simple upgrades and imaginative readjustments make a big difference.

 

Automate your Home Theater

 

Automation is one of the most recent rages within American homes. This enables home owners to more easily control their lighting, small appliances, thermostats. Several Do-It-Yourself (DIY) devices are available on platforms like Amazon which enable customers to add home automation features based on their lifestyle and personal vision for their home. Companies like AT&T also offer customized home automation packages through their Digital Life service.

 

Some home automation services enable customers to automate lighting by controlling light bulbs and draperies. In addition, customers can also control home audio system. Such capabilities would be ideal for home owners who want a more dynamic home entertainment experience.

 

When choosing a home automation solution consider which features would be most important based on your vision for home entertain upgrades. Take for instance apps. App-based automation enables customers to control lighting and so forth via smart devices. Though many home automation services offer smartphone compatibility through apps, some are far more superior than others. Look for the following features when choosing an app-based service:

 

• Ease of navigation


• Energy efficiency


• Integrated control


• Compatibility across multiple platforms

 

 

Set the Atmosphere with Blackout Curtains

 

If you want to access the best theater experience within your home, setting the right atmosphere is one of the most important things you’ll need to do. But how exactly do you create the right setting? Proper control of lighting is one way in which you set the atmosphere.

 

You can easily reduce the amount of glare on your screen by choosing dark curtains. These curtains are quite inexpensive and available at department stores and other outlets. Also consider automated blackout blinds which you can control via tablets or smartphones.

 

Once you have lighting under control, you’ll be able to experience stunning contrast, deeper blacks and fewer reflections on the screen. The blackout curtains also help to create a more inclusive atmosphere by reducing distractions cause by reflection, glare and so forth. You’ll be able to focus on the screen and enjoy the home entertainment experience at your own convenience.

 

Invest in High Speed Connection

 

For many homeowners of the past, a home theatre system featured bulky devices, tons of wires and a VCR. Much has changed since that era. Not only are devices today more intuitive and less conspicuous but TV content is far more connected to the Internet than ever before. To those who want to revamp their home theatre experience, consider the quality of your Internet connection. Through high-speed Internet, you’ll be able to access more content on your TV screen.

 

Your home theatre system when connected to broadband will provide access to your cable provider’s on-demand services and enable you to stream movies, music and personal video. With this kind of connection, you’ll be able to truly incorporate a plethora of multimedia within the comforts of a dynamic theatre system.

 

Choose HDTV for Better Picture Quality

 

In recent times, the seemingly mundane device called a television has gone through radical changes. We kicked out the bulky models which like fiends crowded our spaces and replaced them with slimmer, sleeker, flat screen models. But that’s not all. Recently companies like Samsung and LG announced the rollout of curved Ultra HD televisions (4K/UHD TV). Thanks to these developments, home owners now have more options when it comes to achieving the movie theater experience within their homes.

 

 

But choosing a high quality HDTV is only part of the solution. Also ensure that you know how to improve picture quality by manipulating TV settings. With those skills in place, you’ll be able to achieve a dynamic experience while you and your family enjoy home entertainment.

 

 

Revamp your Experience with Surround Sound

 

Regardless of the screen quality that you choose, a true home theatre system requires dynamic sound. Thankfully, there are several options available for home owners who want to enjoy a premium experience.

 

Take for instance 7.1 Surround Sound. Though 5.1. has been the standard for decades, 7.1 offers many benefits that may not be available otherwise. By using the 7.1 surround sound format, you’ll be able to achieve optimum sound quality reminiscent of movie theatres.

 

Purchasing additional speakers, sub woofers or amplifiers instead of a completely new audio system is another option worth consideration. Since many audio systems cost well over the $500 mark, choosing a budget-friendly approach may be the smartest option.  Additional subwoofers and speakers can work wonders when it comes to improving your home theatre experience since they amplify the sound and draw you deeper into the cinematic splendor. With these additions to your home theatre system, you won’t need to depend solely on the speaker your TV set provides. Best of all, you’ll most likely save money in the process.

 

Take your experience to the next level by revamping your theatre system. You can easily upgrade your home entertainment experience through automation, dark curtains, high speed Internet, HDTVs and surround sound systems.

 

 

5 Ways to Improve your Home Theatre Experience

AT&T - Protecting Your Network From Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

With recent cyber attacks on the rise, Internet users and business owners alike are becoming increasingly concerned about their safety online. Often cyber attacks are perpetrated by hackers who infiltrate your network and try to leave as quickly as possible while snatching valuable data in the process. However, some of the most sinister threats wrecking havoc on networks are Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These covert attacks often remain undetected for years resulting in the loss of valuable data.  AT&T though its advanced security tools and features seeks to protect its customers from APTs and other cyber threats.

 

What are Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)?

The rise of the Internet and other technological developments resulted in many benefits which include improved access to communication, information and other conveniences. However, the rise of these developments has become a bane in many instances. Hackers and other malicious Internet users use the web to gain unauthorized access to networks and steal data such as credit card numbers, trade secrets and intellectual property. Such threats could result in huge loses for Internet users, particularly business owners.

 

All things considered, APTs are some of the most elusive and dangerous network risks, especially if you are a business owner. Though such attacks are hard to detect, AT&T provides services which help to safeguard your network by blocking attacks and detecting threats which otherwise would go unnoticed. But what are these services and what features do they boast?

 

How can AT&T Protect your Network from APTs?

An attack is possible in any moment and usually comes without warning. For this reason Internet users and business owners alike need to be prepared in order to protect their network and valuable information or intellectual protection.

 

 

With this in mind AT&T provides services which enable its customers to safeguard their network. It does this mainly through AT&T Secure Network Gateway, a service which is created especially to counteract hackers who through stealthy breaches act as parasites within your network.

 

As a part of its Network Security Services, those who choose AT&T’s Secure Network Gateway Services will be able to access a comprehensive security package which includes the following features:

 

• Web Security

Though the web is useful, an Internet connection can be used to perform many malicious tasks. Viruses and other malware can easily enter and infect your network. In order to protect your home or business network, you will need the best tools available. AT&T provides sophisticated security tools that scan traffic, blocks specific websites and protects your network from spyware, worms, viruses and other threats.

 

• Email Security

AT&T security service screens your emails to ensure that you do not get infected by malware. Your network is further protected through encryption. When your email is encrypted, hackers will have a hard time stealing valuable data. AT&T also checks for breaches and malware through regular scans.

 

• Firewall Security

Firewall security is a central to safeguarding your company form APTs. This blocks unsolicited connections and ensure that valuable data remains within your network. The firewall stands as a protective barrier between your network and web-based malware.

 

• Mobile Security

AT&T provides a combination of device-based and network-based security features which enable your organization to protect its network as well as the devices connected to it. The tools that enable mobile security also include encryption which allows data to travel seamlessly within the network without compromising security.

 

 

• Security Incident and Event Management

Since multiple devices may be connected to your network, your organization will need to have a more holistic approach to security maintenance. AT&T service includes security incident and event management. Simply put, this enables the holistic collection and analysis of data related to security threats on a global scale. Data is collected and correlated to detect potential coordinated attacks.

 

• Threat Management

Threat management is a crucial component of efficient security services. 24/7 surveillance is available from a dedicated team of experts within their Security Operations Center (SOC). This team uses sophisticated tools and procedures to collect, monitor and analyze threats in order to protect your network.

 

• Security Consulting

Since cyber threats, particularly coordinated attacks like APTs are becoming even more subtle and dangerous to companies and international corporations, AT&T security service includes consulting. This enables business owners to gain a customized package which will offer solutions to security issues. Qualified security consultants will enable you to overcome your challenges and maintain a successful business.

 

How can you access AT&T’s Network Security Services?

If you want to protect your network from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), the AT&T Secure Network Gateway Service may be the perfect solution for you. Contact a service representative or simply visit this website. You can also determine your current level of security by using the AT&T security checklist. This will help you ascertain which features of best suit your needs.

 

 

AT&T - Protecting Your Network From Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

AT&T Gigapower Network Expands in Texas and Other Markets

Since AT&T rolled out its Gigapower fiber-based network in Texas, Americans have been able to access Internet speeds that far outmatch that of other Broadband connections. AT&T plans to expand the Gigapower network to several other markets due to its successful implementation in Texas. The company will be working closely with the PulteGroup as well as other business leaders to provide more Americans with access to a faster and more convenient connection.

 

What is Uverse Gigapower?

The AT&T Gigapower Network is a new suite of home services which offer next-generation speeds and features. The services including Internet, TV and Voice rely on fiber optics to achieve extraordinary speeds and interactive features such as TV apps and so forth.

 

Unlike tradition cable wires or analog technology, fiber optics technology is enabled due to thin strands of glass or plastic. These super-thin and flexible strands allow signals to be transferred more quickly, resulting in a seamless experience for its users.

 

How will AT&T Agreement with Pulte Increase Access to High-speed Internet?

In recognition of the extraordinary experiences which U-verse Gigapower provides, major companies have stepped on board to help deliver lightning fast Internet to Americans. Recently companies like Pulte Group announced interest in collaborating with AT&T. This agreement guarantees that more than 3000 new homes will be able to access Gigapower service.

 

The new Pulte communities will be able to access AT&T Gigapower via a Fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. This kind of fiber-based network offers advanced access speeds both on the upstream and downstream as well as features that would otherwise be inaccessible to Internet users. But what benefits does this connection have to offer you and homeowners?

 

What Benefits are Available through AT&T Gigapower?

There are several benefits that can be amassed from this unique and advanced service. Some of the benefits include the following:

 

 

• Lightning Fast High-speed:

Customers will be able to access speeds that a few years ago would seem unimaginable. This results in movie/ video downloads which take mere seconds rather than hours.

 

High-speed access such as this also results in a more convenient and engaging online experience since users will be able to stream online content without worrying about buffering or other annoying interruptions.

 

• Connect multiple devices without compromising speed:

One of the most annoying aspects of some broadband services is the fact that they cannot accommodate several connections at the same time. In most American homes where several devices are present, having a connection that remains fast regardless of the number of devices on the network is crucial.

 

Customers can rest assured that they will be able to access extraordinary speeds while connecting several devices to their home network including smartphones, tablets, game consoles and so forth.

 

• Interactive Digital TV Service:

Customers who subscribe to this service will be able to enjoy a more interactive Digital TV experience. Due to fiber optics and other technologies, customers will enjoy improved picture quality, more HD channels, an advanced DVR and several innovative apps.

 

 

Some of the apps such a Multiview allow viewers to watch several of their favorite programs simultaneously while others like the U-verse App transform your smartphone or tablet into a remote control device.

 

 

• Advanced Total Home DVR Service:

With AT&T all-fiber service, customers will have access to a next-generation DVR service. This enhanced device allows users to record and store more TV programs than ever before. In addition, users will have more control over what they view since they will be able to access the recordings remotely.

 

• Reliable customer service:

It is impossible for a service, no matter how advanced or extraordinary its features, to meet the need of customers without excellent customer service. For this reason AT&T offers a reliable customer-friendly service in order to afford its customers with the kind of support that will ensure that their needs are satisfied.

 

In Which New Locations will Gigapower debut?

Since the service is expanding in more markets, customers outside Austin can now access Gigapower speeds. Pulte Group’s agreement is crucial to this expansion. This agreement makes it possible for several Texas communities such as the following to gain access to the service:

 

• Leander


•  Round Rock


• Pflugerville


• Ashbrook


• Blackhawk


•  Cantara


•  Teravista


•  Westview Meadows


• Zilker


• Homestead


• North Lamar

 

Though some may presume that AT&T is only expanding in Texas, that is not the case. The company intends to extend its reach into others states including North Carolina. This is base on its interest in affording Americans with the next-generation services regardless of their location.

 

How Can You Become a Gigapower Subscriber?

If you want the most advanced technology at your fingertips, Gigapower may be perfect for you. But how exactly can you access this service?

 

The first thing you can do is to contact a service representative or verify your U-verse eligibility. If you realize that the service is not yet in your area, you can also request express your interest in the service. As consumers express their interest, AT&T will better be able to determine in which areas to expand its services.

 

U-verse Gigapower is the next step in high-speed Internet service. Those who want the latest and most innovative technology within their home will have much to look forward in this service. After all, U-verse service offers a reliable network, lightning fast connection, Interactive digital TV features and much more.

 

 

AT&T Gigapower Network Expands in Texas and Other Markets