2021…it looks like we're coming around the corner here from the nightmare that was last year. If you saw our "Best TV of 2020" article from a year ago, you'll notice that it looks very similar to this list. This isn't a cop-out...we promise! There wasn't much product build and introduction with Covid so there wasn't a ton that changed. We’re listing below our own personal “Best of 2021” list for televisions, surround sound receivers, home speakers, WiFi products, universal remote controls and more.

Best TV You Can Buy

Samsung QLED and Neo QLED enters the fray!

Sony's OLED technology won our Best TV for 2021 contest...Will it win again?

If you are a consumer that loves TVs, right now is a great time to be alive. There have NEVER been televisions at the consumer level that look as good as today's flat screens. One of the most popular questions we get is "What is the best TV you can buy?" The answer is, "It depends." We'll discuss today's TV titans and the benefits of some of the new technologies below.

Many of our clients love TV…I love TV. However, some people don’t like the look of a TV on the wall and would rather have a picture in its place. Samsung has created a solution that fills BOTH roles (cue anticipatory music). For today’s “Project of the Day”, we helped our client add television to 2 areas along with sound solutions for both music and movies/TV.

2020…well, that was horrible. Although there were about 432 things wrong with last year, there were some great elements, particularly with audio/video products. We’re listing below our own personal “Best of 2020” list for televisions, surround sound receivers, home speakers, WiFi products, universal remote controls and more.

Best TV for 2020: Sony A9G OLED TV. This TV is the best set that we’ve ever seen at the consumer level. You may have read our prior articles about OLED technology and why it is awesome (SEE LINK HERE).

Sony has taken this OLED technology and overlaid it with their world-class color and motion processing. The end result…a picture that in our opinion, is unparalleled. P.S. You can buy Sony’s A8H OLED set for a lot less $$$ and get most of the features and performance of the A9.

Best surround sound receiver for 2020: Marantz SR8015 surround sound receiver. In the past, you would normally choose a separate pre-amp and amplifier combo when you want HIGH-PERFORMANCE out of your audio and video system. With Marantz’s new receiver option, there may be no need for this added expense. This 11.2 channel X 140 watt having, Dolby Atmos providing, 8K processing, multi-room sending, toroidal transformer possessing, 38.4 pound weighing BEAST is unbelievable. Sonos vs. Heos? It’s got Heos built-in which saves you $$$ over buying a separate music streamer. The best surround sound receiver we’ve installed.

Best tower speaker for 2020: Martin Logan XTi60. We love when we get a new product and are blown away…especially when they are speakers. Home audio speakers and audio in general have an emotional component that you don’t get out of wireless routers, TVs, etc. These speakers sound SOOOOOOOO good! This 66 pound monolith features 2 X 8” drivers, 1 X 6.5” mid-range speaker and Martin Logan’s reference 2.4” Folded Motion tweeter. More importantly, they provide a presence and presentation of music that made one of our in-house listeners simultaneously want to cry and then fight, depending on the content being played. That emotional response is what great audio and speakers can provide. We like these so much we got a pair for our San Diego showroom.

Best WiFi for 2020: Eero Pro 6. With WiFi, we have a couple features that we see as very important. 1^st, it’s just got to work. We’ve worked with other WiFi companies (we’ll omit the names so we don’t get sued) where every other job is a nightmare of slow speeds, devices not working and that have no concrete resolution from the manufacturer’s tech team. Eero just works with no nonsense. We’ve got hundreds of Eero and Eero Pro 6 mesh WiFi extenders in the field that attest to this. 2^nd, Eero gives us a way to “see” your WiFi network remotely so we can tell you if it is up or down, if your connected device is misbehaving, if an Eero mesh extender is unpluggged, etc. This is VERY important for us to be able to service our clients in a quick and efficient manner. See link HERE. Want better WiFi San Diego? Eero Pro 6 is the answer!

Best universal remote for 2020: URC universal remote. In this category, we are picking a universal remote company instead of a specific product. URC is the best universal remote company for 2020 in our opinion because: 1) Things just work. We get calls frequently from people that have universal remotes from other companies and they HATE them because their systems aren’t intuitive and their home automation products get out of sync constantly. This doesn’t happen with URC. 2) Multiple solutions: URC has universal remotes that can “talk” to your WiFi network and ones that don’t. Want a universal remote for your 93 year old grandparent to watch TV? You DON’T want something that relies on the Internet. When the Internet or WiFi is down, Grandpa can’t watch TV. URC has remotes for Grandpa and for someone that wants an Elon Musk-level of technology.

Want the best home technology in 2020? We sell all of these products. Come to Aire Theater Designs for the best TV, stereo and WiFi that you can buy. P.S. Stay tuned for our "Best Outdoor TV of 2020" and "Best Outdoor Speaker of 2020" blog...coming soon!

Sunbrite outdoor television in our San Diego office

Miragevision outdoor television in full daylight - On a conventional TV you wouldn't see a picture!

Seura Mirror TV - In addition to outdoor TVs, Seura also makes custom sets like this

Being that we don’t live in Greenland, Alaska, etc., we have a fantastic opportunity in Southern California to enjoy our backyard spaces ALL YEAR LONG! Fortunately, our brands of outdoor televisions allow you to maximize your backyard fun 365 days a year!

Outdoor televisions are designed to be weatherproof, are much brighter than a conventional TV and are more robust than standard sets. Our outdoor TVs from Seura, Miragevision and Sunbrite have offerings for:

• Full and direct sunlight – Choose one of our BEST level TVs from Seura or Miragevision

• Partial sunlight – Choose one of our BETTER level TVs from Seura or Sunbrite

• Shaded areas – Choose one of our GOOD level outdoor TVs from Seura or Sunbrite

These sets come standard in sizes from 32” to 86”. Interested? Give us a call and see how San Diego’s experts in outdoor televisions can enhance your backyard fun.

P.S. An outdoor television isn’t as fun without an outdoor audio system. See our earlier article about outdoor audio and outdoor speakers at the link below.

https://www.airetheaterdesigns.com/blog/item/210-outdoor-speakers-san-diego-outdoor-audio-installations

UPDATE! Samsung has just entered the arena with their "Terrace" outdoor TV line. These televisions have the brightest picture we've seen at the price point which is fantastic for conditions where there is partial or full sunlight. These Terrace outdoor TVs come in 55", 65" and 75" sizes (QN55LST7, QN65LST7, QN75LST7). We'll add a supporting article about them shortly.

Samsung 55" Terrace TV with Klipsch outdoor speaker system

Your dealer for outdoor televisions in Southern California is here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Samsung QLED TV differences - Q900 through Q60

We’ve had a TON of questions about the new Samsung QLED TVs. Many of the questions are along the lines of “Why is one of the sets $2399 and another is $7000?” Here are some basic facts and features that hopefully make your decision easier about which QLED to buy.

Direct Full Array: This feature positions LED lights that are directly behind the screen instead of behind the bezel at the edges of the screen. This provides better contrast and more even colors/lighting. The higher the number for the Direct Full Array (ex: Direct Full Array 16X vs. Direct Full Array 4X), the more zones that are back-lit and the better the picture.

Quantum HDR: This feature provides HDR, which is the newer video standard that provides amazing color and depth. In the industry, we feel that HDR is MUCH more important than 4K for providing the ultimate picture.

8K Quantum Processor: This is available only on Samsung’s reference 8K TV. This allows today’s content to be upconverted to the absolute best picture quality, whether the content is as high as 8K or as low as cable quality.

Here are some line steps and feature differences:

Samsung QN82Q900: Samsung’s BEST 8K TV, with 8K Quantum processor, 8K Direct Full Array ambient art mode and more. Available in 65”, 75”, 82” 98”.

Samsung QN82Q90: Samsung’s BEST 4K TV with Direct Full Array 16X, Quantum HDR 16X and Ultra Viewing angle. Available in 65”, 75”, 82”.

Samsung QN82Q80: Samsung BETTER 4K TV with Direct Full Array 16X, Quantum HDR 12X and Ultra Viewing angle. Available in 65”, 75”, 82”.

Samsung QN82Q70: Samsung’s BEST 4K TV with Direct Full Array and Q HDR1000. Available in many sizes.

Samsung QN82Q60: Samsung GOOD 4K TV with Q HDR. Available in many sizes.

There are BIG sales going on now through 9/29/19 on many of the sizes. Interested in getting a fantastic TV for football season and beyond? Call ATD, your home for Samsung 4K and Samsung 8K TVs!

Samsung 8K TV is here! Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff CA, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby, The Lakes, Torrey Pines, Alta Del Mar, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too. House by Pardee, Shea, Lennar or other builders? We can help! 

Samsung QLED TVs are found here! San Diego authorized Samsung dealer

Got a seating area relatively in front of your TV? Want a bright picture with incredibly vivid colors? Want an excellent picture but don't want to spend 1.5-2X the price for today's OLED TVs? If so, read on for the details about Samsung's Q series TVs. We proudly offer these in sizes from 49"-88" diagonally. NOTE: MANY OF THESE HAVE HUGE MARK-DOWNS BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL!

In our industry, Samsung has always been known for their incredibly bright LED TVs along with their eye-popping brilliant color capabilities.  In today’s market, that has not changed. Samsung has stunned the industry again with their new line of TVs, creating new exciting proprietary technology that you can really see and enjoy.  The Q-Series TVs are arguably one of the best LED TVs on the market due to their newly developed Quantum Dot technology.  This technology really distinguishes the Q-Series TVs from any of their other LED TV models, and really, from any other LED TV on the market.  Here are a few of the key details that these amazing TVs offer.

The main defining feature is the Quantum Dots themselves.  Samsung Quantum Dots are nano-sized, cadmium-free, finely tuned particles that turn light into a brilliant billion+ colors.  Quantum dots are inorganic particles that resist wearing out so you can enjoy superb picture quality for years.  These dots allow for 100% color volume at full brightness.  Often times colors lose their vibrancy and feel in bright scenes or as the TVs brightness is increased, but is not the case with Samsung’s Q Color.  With Q Contrast you get awesome depth and detail with super deep blacks which is really important to achieve a great looking life-like picture.  Q HDR (powered by HDR 10+) is what really brings the Q Color and Q Contrast together.  HDR10+ technology allows images, scene-by-scene, to be individually processed for an optimized visual experience – a perfect blend of the billion+ colors with depth and detail.  It truly allows you to see the content just as the creator or producer intended it to be seen.

Samsung truly raised the bar with its Quantum Dot Q-Series TVs.  They offer a visual experience that stands out from the rest.  We recommend this TV as a great option for most situations.  The only drawback to this TV is while viewing from an angle.  There is a noticeable drop in color brilliance and vibrancy in this situation.  If your seating arrangement is relatively straightforward and in front of the TV, this is an excellent 4K TV option.  If you in fact do have some seats at an angle to the TV, we do offer an alternative for that particular arrangement.  Please give us a call so we can get you set up with one of the superb Samsung Q-Series TVs today!

San Diego QLED TV experts Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County, CA including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Alta Del Mar, Del Mar, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Blossom Valley, Alpine, La Mesa and El Cajon...we;re here too.

Like artwork and watching television? Why not do both? If you haven’t seen the Samsung Frame TV it’s worth an audition. This fantastic 4K TV doubles as digital artwork when not in use! This TV makes use of a proximity sensor so it stays off when no one is in the room and then turns on with artwork when someone enters the room. You have the option to load 100s of pieces of art from the TV itself or from Samsung. Want custom artwork? You have the ability to load your own! These amazing pieces of art are available in sizes of 43”, 55” and 65” diagonally.

• 65” Samsung Frame TV | UN65LS003 : $2799.00
• 55” Samsung Frame TV | UN55LS003: $1999.00
• 43” Samsung Frame TV | UN43LS003 : $1299.00

You can also customize the frame on these flat screen televisions. The Frame TV initially comes with a black border but it is easily customizable with a separate white or wood-shaded frame.

Sounds interesting? Call the San Diego Frame TV experts and let us show you what all the excitement is about.

San Diego Samsung Frame TV installation experts Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County, CA including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Alta Del Mar, Del Mar, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Blossom Valley, Alpine, La Mesa and El Cajon...we;re here too.

 LG 65" OLED TV 65E6P - Scripps Miramar project

4K Television Offerings: These TVs have 4K resolution which offers 4 times the pixels and resolution of today's high-definition offerings. Video has never looked so good!

San Diego Home Theater and Surround Sound Installers Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too.