Remember the car above? At one point, it was touted as a "fantastic value" and people thought that it was a much better deal than a comparably-sized Honda or Toyota. Fast-forward a few years and the Yugo morphed from being a great deal to the worst car in history. Now let's compare this with our industry.

Here's a little secret...there are no real "deals" in audio/video. All pricing for equivalent solutions are roughly the same, regardless of what business you buy it through. If someone offers you an audio/video solution for $2000.00 and someone else offers a package for $1000.00, it doesn't mean that $1000.00 is a great deal. It may be that the lesser-priced option is missing components that you need. It may be that the $1000.00 package is a temporary solution and isn't equipment that is built to last. The $1000.00 solution may be the equivalent of the audio/video Yugo. How do you determine if you're being sold a Yugo or not?

1) Compare bids and make sure apples are apples for comparison. This will ensure that you are making an informed decision and that you are actualy getting what you need and want.

2) If you want equipment that will last for years and that can support your future gear or needs, make sure that you ask for equipment that can accommodate this. Many of the inexpensive solutions on the market are built as temporary solutions and aren't meant to last for years or to be hooked up to future components.

3) Want your system to be easy to use? Many of the cheaper solutions on the market aren't meant to be controlled by a single, simple-to-use universal remote. If you don't want to be frustrated with your new system, stay away from the cheapest options possible. 

4) Make sure that the business you are dealing with is licensed, bonded and has workers compensation for all employees. this info can be found on the Contractor's State License Board at:

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/

If the company you are getting bids from doesn't have workers compensation or a contractor's license, they are doing business illegally. Do you think they will do the right thing with your project if they aren't following the basics to operate a business the right way?

5) Meet at the company's storefront or office. If the company doesn't have an office, what are the chances of the business being around in the future to help you out with future questions or warranty work?

 At Aire Theater Designs, we don't sell Yugos. We sell high-quality products and we hold a firm commitment to providing excellent customer service. Give us a chance...you'll be glad you did.

Your local San Diego Home Theater company, Aire Theater Designs, proudly serves all of San Diego County especially the communities and cities of Central San Diego County which includes Darnall, Cerritos, Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, Lake Murray, Friars, El Cajon Blvd, 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, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo.

The below specials represent manufacturer rebates, special offers or close-out buys. Some of the manufacturers don't allow us to include models or makes due to the deep discounts that are offered (especially with our close-out buys!). Read on and save some bucks! Interested in any of the products? Contact your favorite ATD project manager and we'll give you the scoop. Discounts cannot be combined. See salesperson for details. 

October Specials

• Monitor Audio speakers w/stands: 30% off! 1 pair left!
• OVERSTOCK! Niles 10" subwoofers: 25% off! We are down to 1!
• Fortress demo theater seating: 40% off! 2 chairs left!
• SOLD OUT. Congratulations to Virgil for getting a fantastic new TV. Super Bowl party at Virgil's! 59" reference Samsung plasma TV with 3D Blu-Ray player and 3D kit: Was $3099.99. Now: $1799.99. 1 at this price! Set was too small for previous client. They now have a larger TV, and you have a heck of a deal.
• $500.00 VALUE FOR FREE! Free 3D Blu-ray player and 3D glasses kit with purchase of select Samsung TVs. Promo ends 10/28/2011.
• FREE in-home consultations! The only way to do this stuff right is to meet with a professional in your home to go over what is possible today. We just happen to have these professionals that you need.
• The 65" Samsung LEDs are in stock! Some of our clients have been waiting 2 months for this TV. If you're interested, let us know as these will be gone QUICK! NOTE: 9 left as of 10/25/2011.

All products carry a full manufacturer's warranty. Some manufacturers don't allow us to show the model numbers due to CRAZY pricing...call ATD to find out more.

Close-out Corner

You WILL save bucks with these products

• Niles HIGH-end in-wall speakers: Regular price $1800.00. Now 75% off until gone!
• Boston Acoustics in-wall speakers (open box...wrong size) are 40% off until gone!
• Polk Audio outdoor speakers 50% until gone (color black)!
• OVERSTOCK! Snap in-ceiling speakers 40% off until gone!
• SOLD OUT...sorry. Velodyne DLS powered subwoofer new in box. Reg. $499.99. Now $349.99 until GONE!

San Diego Home Theater Installers Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County especially the communities and cities of Central San Diego County which includes Rolando, SDSU, Darnall, Cerritos, Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, City Heights, Lake Murray, Friars, El Cajon Blvd, 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, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo.

We have one of two potential free prizes for our loyal clients this month. Be the 14th person to e-mail us with an "I love ATD!" message at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and either win the above can of cola or a free AppleTV!

Benefits of Happy Shopper Cola

1) 58 grams of sugar
2) Rots teeth at an exponential pace as compared to drinking fruit juice
3) Raises chance of getting diabetes dramatically

Benefits of AppleTv

1) Netflix, Youtube and Amazon access: Now you have millions of TV shows, movies and videos to watch and watch and watch.
2) Instant HD movies and TV shows: Rent thousands of HD movies or buy TV episodes and watch them anytime.
3) iTunes: Enjoy your iTunes music collection through your stereo system at any time.
4) NBA and MLB: Get live sports scores, updates and more.

Thanks again for the business!

"Got a power outage? No problem... Poindexter with the Power Outage Police is here. You may be experiencing issues with your audio/video systems after SDGE's 12 hour snafu last week. If your cable box seems to be going through the channels much more slowly than usual, here's what to do:

1) Go into the SETTINGS on the box (press button that says SET or SETTINGS)
2) Press A (or yellow triangle) to go into "More Settings"
3) Go into "Audio/Video" and choose "Video Output Formats"
4) Make sure that only the setting for 1080i is checked
5) Exit out of menus and continue watching TV

Your cable problems are now solved. If you have further questions, touch base with my brethren at ATD. I need to go... I hear a cat somewhere stuck in a tree. Up up and AWAY!!"

"Hi... Poindexter here. Whereas I am normally jovial and ready to extol the virtues of audio/video, technology, Comic-Con, banana slugs and more, today I'd like to talk about something equally as important... supporting good local businesses when you come across them.

Our favorite service business TechExpert Express just announced that they are closing their doors. They have provided San Diego with audio/video repairs for a number of years. In our opinion they were head-and-shoulders above the competition. They were friendly, timely, professional and they handled business the right way. Unfortunately, not enough people knew about this gem and it made for their demise.

Have any problems with businesses lately? Try walking into any big-box store and let me know how happy you are when you walk out. How often do these businesses provide you with the right solution, call you back when they are supposed to, remember your name, etc? I guess my point is that when we find a local business that does a great job providing a service, be it automotive repair, selling ice cream or like us, providing audio/video and technology solutions, we should do everything possible to tell all of our friends and family about these companies. If we don't, we may not have these businesses as a resource when we need them.

I love ServiceRite electric, Scott Kroll (Sun and Sea Realty), Simpson Construction, Willy's Electronics, Angler's Arsenal and Techmate computers. If you're a raving fan of any businesses (hopefully us), let someone know. Now back to banana slugs."

The below specials represent manufacturer rebates, special offers or close-out buys. Some of the manufacturers don't allow us to include models or makes due to the deep discounts that are offered (especially with our close-out buys!). Read on and save some bucks! Interested in any of the products? Contact your favorite ATD project manager and we'll give you the scoop. Discounts cannot be combined. See salesperson for details.

September Specials

• Monitor Audio speakers w/stands: 30% off! 1 pair left!

• OVERSTOCK! Niles 10" subwoofers: 25% off! We are down to 1!

• Fortress demo theater seating: 40% off! 2 chairs left!

• 59" reference Samsung plasma TV with 3D Blu-Ray player and 3D kit: Was $3099.99. Now: $1699.99. 1 at this price! Set was too small for previous client. They now have a larger TV, and you have a heck of a deal.

• $500.00 VALUE FOR FREE! Free 3D Blu-ray player, 3D glasses kit and movie with purchase of select Samsung TVs. Promo is until supplies last on select TVs.

• FREE in-home consultations! The only way to do this stuff right is to meet with a professional in your home to go over what is possible today. We just happen to have these professionals that you need.

• The 65" Samsung LEDs are in stock! Some of our clients have been waiting 2 months for this TV. If you're interested, let us know as these will be gone QUICK!

All products carry a full manufacturer's warranty. Some manufacturers don't allow us to show the model numbers due to CRAZY pricing...call ATD to find out more.

Close-out Corner

You WILL save bucks with these products

• Niles HIGH-end in-wall speakers: Regular price $1800.00. Now 75% off until gone!
• Boston Acoustics in-wall speakers (open box...wrong size) are 40% off until gone!
• Polk Audio outdoor speakers 50% until gone (color black)!
• OVERSTOCK! Snap in-ceiling speakers 40% off until gone!
• Snap subwoofer: Open box as client opted for smaller model. Regular price: $350.00. Now $199.00. This thing ROCKS for the price.
• SOLD OUT...sorry. Velodyne DLS powered subwoofer new in box. Reg. $499.99. Now $349.99 until GONE!

Your local San Diego Home Theater company, Aire Theater Designs, proudly serves all of San Diego County especially the communities and cities of Central San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, Lake Murray, 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, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo.

Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Oh MY! All of these different forms of social media can seem very confusing. We'll make it easy for you. If you like learning about today's technology AND you like free stuff, please visit our Facebook page and "like" us. You will then be connected to our portal of information regarding today's technology, special deals and free stuff. Today's freebie is a Samsung Blu-Ray player. Interested?
Check out our Facebook page and we'll see you soon!

P.S. Check out this blog for additional audio/video troubleshooting, sales information and general nonsense.

The below specials represent manufacturer rebates, special offers or close-out buys. Some of the manufacturers don't allow us to include models or makes due to the deep discounts that are offered (especially with our close-out buys!). Read on and save some bucks! Interested in any of the products? Contact your favorite ATD project manager and we'll give you the scoop. Discounts cannot be combined. See salesperson for details.

June Specials

• Check out the Niles in-ceiling surround sound package below. GREAT deal!

• NOTE: SOLD OUT. CONGRATULATIONS JOHN AND TERRY FOR SAVING 40% ON FANTASTIC SPEAKERS!

• Monitor Audio speakers w/stands: 30% off! 1 pair left!

• Velodyne Impact subwoofer: 50% off!

• Fortress demo theater seating: 40% off! 2 chairs left!

• $500.00 VALUE FOR FREE! Free 3D Blu-ray player, 3D glasses kit and movie with purchase of select Samsung TVs. Promo ends 6/25/2011 or until supplies last.

• FREE in-home consultations! The only way to do this stuff right is to meet with a professional in your home to go over what is possible today. We just happen to have these professionals that you need.

• NEW Samsung LEDs in 60"-65" sizes are hitting this month. These offer a better image than last year at a lower price. If you're interested, we'll put you on the list as you DO NEED to pre-order these as our first orders are already reserved.

All products carry a full manufacturer's warranty. Some manufacturers don't allow us to show the model numbers due to CRAZY pricing...call ATD to find out more.

Close-out Corner

You WILL save bucks with these products

• Niles HIGH-end in-wall speakers: Regular price $1800.00. Now 75% off until gone!
• Boston Acoustics in-wall speakers (open box...wrong size) are 40% off until gone!
• Polk Audio outdoor speakers 50% until gone (color black)!
• Snap subwoofer: Open box as client opted for smaller model. Regular price: $350.00. Now $199.00. This thing ROCKS for the price.

San Diego Home Theater Installers Aire Theater Designs proudly serves all of San Diego County including Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, City Heights, Lake Murray, Friars, El Cajon Blvd, 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, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, La Jolla, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo.

"Hi friends! We have received a lot of questions lately about this whole Hz thing with today's televisions. Here's the scoop and an analogy to clarify things.

When we watch TV, we don't see a constantly flowing image (as it appears). What actually shows up on screen are a series of snapshots that are streamed so quickly that they appear as fluid motion. The more of these pictures (or frames) that are shown per second, the better motion-filled scenes will look (action movies or this strange thing that large, muscular ignoramuses perform called "sports" comes to mind). These are typically advertised as 60 Hz, 120Hz, 240Hz and 600Hz. This refers to 60, 120, 240 or 600 pictures (or frames) a second. Here's how it works.

(Poindexter goes back in time to 3rd grade...his Advanced Quantum Physics college course)

I'm bored today so I just started drawing pictures of a stick figure in the corner of each page of my textbook. On each page I draw a picture of this figure jumping and running. Just like animation, as I flip through the pages, the stick figure becomes alive and appears to be running and jumping. The animation looks better when I have more pages of drawings to flip through per second. If I flipped through 600 pages a second (600Hz), the motion would look more natural than if I flipped through 120 pages a second (120Hz).

That's how this whole Hz thing relates to today's TVs. There are other considerations than just shopping by Hz though. If you have questions about what is best for your room, call your favorite ATD project manager and we'll set you straight."

If you haven't heard, Sony got a hacker angry and he reacted the way hackers do...he hacked Sony's server. Unfortunately, the servers that were hacked contained 102 million accounts of gamers, movie viewers and the like. Sooo...if you currently use a PS3 and have it networked you should:

1) Change your password ASAP.
2) Change your e-mail address and/or password.
3) Put a flag on your CC if you had your Sony account set up for Auto-Pay.
4) If you use your Sony account login and password for any other services (e-mail, banking, bills, etc.), change those user names/passwords ASAP.

Keep on the lookout for e-mails or phone calls that may be asking for account information and/or passwords. We'll keep you abreast of new information as this situation unfolds.