Smarter Home Theater: Getting Technical with Liquid HD
Liquid HD is the new best friend for home theater owners. Although most home theater owners are not necessarily interested in the technical aspects of the capabilities of Liquid HD, an overall understanding of the technical details can help make Liquid HD more appealing and less threatening for the technologically uninitiated.
During the analog days of home theater, home theater owners were able to run coaxial cable throughout their homes to connect all television sets for whole-home video distribution. With the move to digital, the capability was lost. Liquid HD re-establishes whole-home connectivity. Liquid HD works very simply from a consumer prospective. For example, the home theater owner has a TV with Liquid HD built into it. With the addition of a Liquid HD-equipped Blu-Ray player and a DVR with Liquid HDMI, the devices simply need to be connected using the existing coax network in the home. The technology will automatically discover any devices equipped with Liquid HD without any programming or technological intervention on the part of the consumer. All the consumer needs to do is follow on-screen instructions using provided icons. Icons appear on the screen for all available devices, such as a Blu-Ray icon, a cable service icon, or IP TV service icon. The user selects the icon that corresponds to the device of choice. The process is very similar to the input selection menu for using HDMI 1 for a DVR, HDMI 2 for a DVD player, and HDMI 3 for a game console. But, the selection menu is available at the iconic level, making connecting to the selected device easier.
For home theater owners wishing to implement Liquid HD into their home theater systems, any existing coaxial cable or other existing connection may be used. In other words, if the entire house is wired by coax, it is possible to transmit a high definition signal using the existing coax. There is a networking technology commonly referred to as MOCA, or multi-media over coax, which enables coaxial wiring to carry network traffic. MOCA enable Liquid HD to work over coax. Additionally, wireless is capable over Wi-Fi connections. Finally, a technology called Home Plug AV allows home theater owners to use existing power outlets to carry signals as well; and, finally, basic Ethernet works as well.
Regardless of its technical aspects, Liquid HD is poised to become a must-have for most homes that have any kind of electronics entertainment set up, particularly home theaters. With the extensive possibilities of Liquid HD technology, home theater owners can rest assured that there is no loss of quality content, regardless of how the system is connected.
Smarter Home Theater: Other Uses for Liquid HD
The introduction of Liquid HD into the world of home theater has given home theater owners more choices regarding when and where they enjoy their favorite programming. However, Liquid HD is not limited to DVR display options or viewing varieties for video gaming. The creators of Liquid HD are working with manufacturers to expand the uses of the Liquid HD technology well beyond the traditional home theater options.
The introduction of Liquid HD-equipped devices has created an expanded selection of entertainment options for home theater owners. However, there are more cutting-edge technological uses for Liquid HD that the creators of Liquid HD are working on with different manufacturers. For example, perhaps a home theater owner is watching a favorite television drama and the front doorbell rings. With one simple selection and the installation of an IP camera at the front door, the corresponding video screen can display the visitor’s. The home owner can then decide if the visitor is a welcome neighbor or an unwelcome solicitor. Next, caller ID is also possible through Liquid HD. Upon the receipt of an incoming call, caller ID pops up on the video display screen. For sports fans, while watching a sports game, Liquid HD makes it possible for users to pull up stats on a favorite fantasy football or basketball team. The stats may then be overlaid on top of the corresponding video during the game. The possibilities of so many interesting applications brought forth with Liquid HD are expected to change all types of viewing experiences.
Yet another application available through Liquid HD is referred to as “Transferring of Video Games.” Any video game console can transmit video game signals to displays in other locations. The need for video game compatibility is a direct result of popular demand. For example, most people buy one game console for the home. But there is often contention regarding when and where to play the console; and, in most cases, the console is physically disconnected and moved to resolve any conflict. With the Liquid HD technology, video gamers may begin play on one screen and transfer play to another display upon demand.
Not only is Liquid HD available as a standalone product but also is integrated into consumer electronic devices available for purchase. Consumers can look for the Liquid HD logo on TV sets or call up cable satellite operator and ask for Liquid HD set top boxes. Additionally, some of the manufacturer partners will offer what is called “dongle.” Basically, you can take an existing TV or other source device and, with a “dongle,” add it to a Liquid HD environment. Ultimately, Liquid HD is backwards compatible through the use of “dongles.” The consumer is able to integrate not only Liquid HD-equipped devices into the home theater experience but also older devices, lengthening their respective life spans rather than having them become obsolete before their time.
Liquid HD has many more uses for consumers other than increasing display location choices. Liquid HD technology allows home theater owners to integrate other devices into daily living as well as giving older devices a longer life by expanding their technological capabilities.
