Gramophone’s Favorite Things

10 Reasons To Join Us for a Martini Night...

Dear Readers,

I can imagine that maybe you're sick of me writing about all my product encounters...I can understand that; therefore, I'm going to move in a different direction.  We have an event rapidly approaching that will be: EPIC (that's what the kids are saying these days, right?) And we want you to join us.

On May 18th (at Timonium) and May 19th (at Columbia), we will be hosting an event titled: Diamonds are a Guy's Best Friend.  

1. There will be Custom-Colored Martinis.
2. Experience the difference that diamond makes in B&W's 800 series speakers.
3. Exclusive Promotions from B&W, McIntosh, and Runco on their hottest products!
4. Meet Charlie Randall, Presdient of McIntosh.
5. Learn how McIntosh uses garnet dust to manufacture their products.
6. Discover why a custom-colored TV from Runco may be in your future.
7. Delicious catering from a local restaurant.
8. Complimentary Valet Parking (who doesn't love to have someone else park their car?)
9. To the ladies: You'll definitely want to find out why your man is in love with diamonds too...
10. It's free to attend.

We know you want to attend, so send us your RSVP to diamonds@gramophone.com.

Cheers!

Kate

All cables are the same – or are they?

Gramophone takes a lot of pride in delivering the highest performance systems possible. We try not to cut corners because we really believe the old adage that a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. 

The big news these days is HDTV and the HDMI cables that are needed to connect together Blu-Ray players, set-top boxes, HDTV’s and surround sound systems. There’s an enormous variety of HDMI cablesavailable. They come in a wide variety of sizes and prices, from free to well over $1,000 for a single cable. We are asked virtually every day why we don’t recommend low-priced HDMI cables. 

HDMI cables carry a high-performance digital signal between components. When we talk about higher performance with HDMI we’re talking about bandwidth. That’s the same thing we talk about with high speed internet versus the old days of dial-up internet. Very few of us would pay to have high speed internet service if the end result was performance no better than the old dial-up connection. The same holds true for HDMI. 

Here are a few facts: 

1. The length of any HDMI cable will have a dramatic effect on it’s performance. Long runs of HDMI cable are difficult and for many of the cheap cables simply won’t work
2. Low priced HDTV’s frequently are 720P or 1080i sets. Low priced HDMI cable may work well for that level of TV but virtually every TV Gramophone sells today is a 1080P set. 1080P performance requires better cables than 1080i or 720P TV’s do. 
3. 3D TV’s require higher performance cables than 2D TV’s because they require twice the bandwidth to pass a 3D signal. 
4. We don’t know what the next products will be but we can bet that whatever it is it will require more bandwidth than the products we have today. Putting in better HDMI cables results in better performance today and assures you that you will be able to continue to get the best performance over time. 

The bottom line for all of us is that we want to make sure that we’re getting real value for our money. Since we sell some of the best products available, we work hard to make sure that you get everything that you’re paying for. 

-Brian

Have No Fear Kaleidescape is Here

Trouble finding that favorite movie or CD? Feel like no matter how much you try to keep your music and movies organized something always ends up MIA when you want it the most? Have no fear, Kaleidescape is here. 

 

Kaleidescape is one of the most impressive media devices I have ever seen. It is a media server that allows you to store all your movies and music on an internal disk. It automatically organizes and visually catalogs your collections that are then instantly delivered to any room in your home.

 

 

Kaleidescape is built using high quality components which deliver 1080p video, so you get the best performance rate and the quality is never compromised.

 

So, how does it work? Most people are used to finding the DVD or CD of their choice (either in a pile on the floor, a CD/DVD rack, or a bookshelf.  Then, sticking it into the player, and hitting play. However, Kaleidescape stores all you movies and music in one convenient location. Once installed, all you need to do is use your remote (which can be Kaleidescape’s, a Universal remote, or Crestron) to access and choose the movie or music of your choice.

 

Another great feature the Kaleidescape has to offer is the fact that it is ready for the future. How so? Kaleidescape periodically provides a software update and new hardware, like the new Blu-ray players. This allows you to keep up with the most current movie and music formats so you do not have to keep purchasing newer more expensive technology. I love how you can play, pause, resume, and even bookmark to later jump to favorite scenes in your favorite movies.

 

*Other cool features allow: parental controls, resume the movie you are watching in a different room, and even downloading music from your Kaleidescape System to your iPod.

 

-Chris Beasley

410-381-2100

Got A Second?

We certainly hope so. Our Timonium showroom now features performance packages that are value-engineered to bridge budget and quality. It's our commitment to provide the best products and systems which will exceed your expectations, yet are satisfying to your wallet. Several of our most commonly purchased flat panels are now accompanied by digital signs that show you our price compared to our competitors, and will be regularly updated. Why? We want you to know that you can and should shop at Gramophone for better service, support, and experience all at a reasonable price.

Gramophone is excited to offer a full HD experience complete with 46” 1080p Samsung TV and 5.1 PSB Surround Sound system. A Gramophone system would not be complete without a matching BDI home theater stand, WiFi Blu-Ray Player, Audioquest performance HDMI cables and wiring, along with a Furman Surge Protector.

Use your existing furniture or mount the TV to the wall and the whole system is $2999.  For $3999, use our complete system, including the BDI stand, and this saves you $635 off regular prices. To kick off this promotion, for short period of time, we are including 24 Months No Interest Financing.

What could be better? Professional installation starts at $449 for those who are not up to installing on their own.

Surprised? See It, Live It, Hear It at Gramophone Today!

-Andrew Davis

410-308-1650