Gramophone’s Favorite Things

Gramophone Provides Needed Resources to Local Volunteer Fire Company

When the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company (LVFC) was in need of an LCD TV screen to implement their newest situational awareness program, it was Gramophone who stepped up to the plate to donate and install the TV. As Brian Hudkins, president of Gramophone, says, "It was just the right thing to do."

The situational awareness program allows LVFC to monitor traffic, weather, and local alerts in real-time, which allows them to respond even more promptly to calls ranging from: Structural fires involving residences and businesses to medical emergencies and vehicle accidents to rescue situations, as well as providing assistance in non-emergency calls. "Many people think that our products and services serve only for entertainment purposes, but when implemented correctly, they also provide the functions of safety and security for both homeowners - and in this situation: firefighters!" Hudkins says.

So how does it work? Michael Walker, head of the Technology Committee at LVFC says, "We have software running in the background called VueTOO. VueTOO allows for viewing of multiple sources; just about any source of information can be displayed on up to 16 windows inside a single 'situation page' on our screen." For example: in one section of the LCD TV, viewers can see the video from local traffic cameras, while in another section, the current weather and other local alerts are displayed.

When a call is reported to LVFC, one of the first responses is to identify a route that will be the fastest and safest. The center of this response now revolves around the TV screen, which is displaying the video feeds. 

Ultimately, the LVFC will be expanding to incorporate Digital Signage into the Engine Bays as well as increasing the number of sources to allow for faster response times. Automation of other items is also in the works: from engine bay lights automatically turning on in response to a call to the Klaxon's fire lights responding automatically on the 2nd and 3rd floors as well. Walker says, "There are many complexities and costs associated with this 'bolt on' potential, and we will seek ongoing community support."

NuVision: Anything less than the best isn't good enough.

Over the years, Gramophone has developed a reputation for selecting and providing the best in consumer electronics.  So, it comes with no surprise that Gramophone has brought into the mix a new company with a new vision.  NuVision is a premiere TV manufacturer that is American engineered and designed.

Never heard of them? That's pretty likely but won't be that way for long,  NuVision has made a splash in consumer electronics that is here to stay. They offer 19"-72" LCD and LED models that can be equipped with the latest 3D technology. These  televisions look so amazing because only the finest, and most advance parts are used to build them.

"To achieve a superior image, we start with only the best components, cut no corners, engineer proprietary hardware and firmware solutions for the most critical circuitry, and spend 4 to 6 times longer than the typical TV manufacturer optimizing our designs and tuning our sets before they leave the factory." - NuVision.

So the picture is breathtaking, the footprint is minimal, their bezel is extruded aluminum not plastic, and there are no distracting logos or framing components that make the panel look odd. NuVision's attention to architectural lines allow the product to be seamlessly incorporated into any room. 

So what could be better? How about having the ability to customize your TV with a UColor feature that allows you to customize the frame with any color or design you provide. NuVision's options for customization don't stop at the color choices for the bezel.  Options also allow for specific sized televisions to become a full mirror when turned off.  So picture this, your TV doesn't need to look like a TV anymore.  When wall mounted it's just a slim, sleek mirror.

Since the parts used are the best, attention to detail is of the highest tier why not warranty it the longest? NuVision has the industry's best "White Glove" service agreement and offers a 2 year hassle free warranty on every set. They take it one step further by guaranteeing a 48 hour turn around repair or replacement within receiving word of a problem.

In mid-October 2010, Gramophone participated in NuVision's U.S. launch of their televisions, and hosted an event, "Indulge The Senses" over two days.

Ultimately words can't describe these televisions, so I invite you into our showrooms for a demonstration of what could be possibly the finest flat panels made.

-Andrew Davis

 

Go Outside and Watch Some TV!

There's a move toward the outdoors. It's still springtime and it doesn't get much better than right now. We eat outdoors, we entertain outdoors, we relax outdoors. We've had music outdoors forever. But now we've stepped it up a notch. Now we have outdoor TV! That's right, we no longer have to look in through the window to see how the O's are doing (and not because we already assume they're NOT winning!).

We have TVs - designed for the outdoors that comes in 4 sizes: 23 inch, 32 inch, 46 inch, and 55 inch. They're all weather engineered to protect them from heat, cold, moisture, and insects. They have a heater built in for the cold, so we can leave them up all year round. Extreme temperatures? Not a problem. They'll stand up to temperature ranging from -24 degrees to 122 degrees.

These TVs are all super bright LCD screens and constructed with an anti-glare window so you can easily view them even on the brightest of days.

If you have a deck or a patio or you're thinking about adding one you should consider an outdoor Sunbrite TV. There's no longer any reason to leave one of our favorite sources of entertainment behind when we go outside.

Jeff Hudkins

410-308-1650

Hitachi 1.5 Arrives

I saw a preview of the new Hitachi 1.5 LCD television line at the 2008 CES show in  Las Vegas earlier this year, and now they’ve started arriving in-store. Each model boasts an ultra thin cabinet that’s just 1.5 inches deep. Ultra-thin models are available in four screen sizes of 32, 37, 42 and 47 inches. Hitachi’s designers left no inch of the TVs untouched: inspired by areas as diverse as automotive design, each set boasts clean lines and distinctive aesthetics even on the back of the set.