Malaga City goes LED for Christmas

The Christmas lights for the Andalucían capital have been installed using LED bulbs which will use over 60% less electricity. This year’s bill is expected to be around € 35,000 compared with a bill of € 70,000 last year, which 5 times less than eight years ago, despite there is 4 times as many bulbs. The reduction in the watts used equals a staggering 158.09 tons of CO2 not being emitted!

All the lights in the city are new and will be on for 41 days from  6.30pm to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on Friday and Saturday´s.

It is good to see a local government in Spain using new technology to look towards the future and going green. Although still slightly more expensive that your conventional light bulbs the price of LED lights is falling all the time and the initial outlay for the bulbs will soon pay for itself in reduced electricity bills. It is now possible to get LED lights that no longer need transformers, making it easier to upgrade from your old lighting system.

Contact Future Lifestyle to see how we can help bring a little light into your life and reduce your electricity bill at the same time....

¡Mama Gina Goes Anglo!

The popularity of the premiership is now taking hold on Spanish businesses in key expat areas. La Pesquera group has now added English football to its Mama Gina restaurant in Benalmadena to cope with demand from local ex-pat residents which account for 95% of the restaurants clientele.

A SKY package has been installed with a 92” projector screen to the bar area to add to the 2 TV screens used for showing the Spanish games via Canal+ in the restaurant. This installation has gone in 12 months after a similar installation using a 102” screen went in at the Medium Rare in Old town Marbella, also one of the La Pesquera chain of bar/restaurants in Spain.

Jose of Mama Gina said, ‘We have added this system to encourage our expat clientele to stay after eating in the restaurant. The Premier league is popular in other establishments in the area and as our clientele is 95% English this seemed like an obvious upgrade for us to put in. We hope it will also bring people in just for drinks which should see us gain more business right through the season and into the summer with the World Cup in South Africa. Everyone welcome, thanks’.

There is now talk of the same installation going into the La Pesquera in La Linea, near Gibraltar. Exciting times…..

State of the art offer.........

The flat screen market has been taken over by Samsung with its LCD TVs, well at least in the last few years. And just as everybody else was catching up, the company has further flexed its technology muscles with its LED-backlit panels, and therefore taken a significant foothold in a new, unexplored sector.

As well as releasing a whole range of LED-lit LCD TVs while most rivals are still struggling to get one or two models out, Samsung has upset the apple cart by proving with the UE40B7000 that LCD TVs using edge-mounted LEDs aren’t necessarily a poor relation to the original direct LED approach.

The B8000 is a step up from the B7000 – the main step being 200Hz processing. This is a genuine system, too, where the picture really does refresh 200 times a second, rather than the pseudo 200Hz trickery employed by Philips and LG that combines a 100Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight. The only other real difference between the B8000 and B7000 ranges is the addition of a metallic desktop stand and eye-catching edge trim to the already chic design.

The UE46B8000 delivers all the picture strengths of its stablemate while also injecting extra quality courtesy of the 200Hz system and with 4 HDMI inputs, twin USB and a LAN port all squeezed in a depth of just 30mm. Blacks are deep and natural, and deliver a robust two-fingered salute towards people who reckon edge-mounted LEDs struggle in this area. Colours excel, too, achieving intense saturations without looking unreal – provided you avoid the Dynamic picture mode, at least.

Furthermore, since Samsung’s 200Hz engine is genuine, there’s little of the flickering and ghosting that can mar pseudo 200Hz systems based around scanning backlights.

Future Lifestyle are offering a deal on these incredible screens until February 2010 as part of a package deal.

1 * Samsung 46B8000

1 * Flat wall mount bracket

1 * 3m HDMI cable

Installation & Calibration (subject to site survey)

For only €2,499 inc all taxes!!!!

Contact a memeber of the sales team for more infromation on +34 902 107 227 or sales@futurelifestyle.net

HDMI Confusion

HDMI Licensing has ruled recently that the ways the specifications are listed when purchasing a new HDMI cable are to change. No longer will they be referred to as Version 1.4 or whatever, in place of the familiar version numbers, companies will now have to refer to cables as being one of the following five types:

- Standard HDMI Cable

- Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet

- Standard Automotive HDMI Cable

- High Speed Cable

- High Speed Cable with Ethernet

In addition, the new ruling defines specific features, and sets minimum technical requirements to be met, before a manufacturer can say their product supports them. These are:

- HDMI Ethernet Channel

- Audio Return Channel (for example, to let a connected TV send sound back to an AV receiver)

- 3D

- 4K (the super-HD TV format)

- Content Type

- HDMI Micro Connector

- HDMI Automotive Connection System

Still with us?

So a product currently claimed to be 'HDMI V1.4 compliant' will now have to be described as featuring, for example, 'HDMI v.1.4 with Audio Return Channel and HDMI Ethernet Channel.'

They have set out a one year change over period for the reclassification of the cables and 2012 for all over products.

Future Lifestyle offer HDMI cables from Tributaries & Planet Waves, Monster, Audioquest and other quality manufactures and are here to help you through the minefield that is HDMI specification. 

Contact us on +34 902 107 227 or email sales@futurelifestyle.net

Death of the CD?

Are we witnessing the last days of the humble CD? The download generation has taken over the party now and it seems even the hi-fi stalwarts going off to dance with its non-physical rivals.

Linn, one of the major forces in hi-fi and most famous for the LP12 turntable that's dominated the high-end market since the '70s, is pulling out of the CD player market.
Linn is turning its attentions to streaming devices such as its DS range. And the reason Linn's cited isn't that that's where the market is heading; it's because Linn claims that digital streaming is now superior to CD.

When you can get high quality downloads from iTunes and Spotifly offering downloads of CD quality, it's getting increasingly difficult to argue a case for CD other than "But I like actual things!" And that's an argument that's better suited to vinyl, with its ritualistic process of placing the needle in the groove and changing to side B.

Who would of said that vinyl might outlive CD?

OLED Screens here to stay....

The rebirth of the OLED TV could be here. It was almost dropped because of the cost and complexity, despite combining low power consumption and super thin design with startling colour reproduction and superb contrast.

But fear not, both Samsung and LG now appear to be looking again at their plans to fast-track OLED production.

Samsung Mobile Display (SMD) the organic panel specialists (which is a joint venture of Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDI) is reportedly considering a 1.5 trillion investment in a new OLED production line.

Samsung Mobile Display is the world’s largest supplier of Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM OLED) panels, producing some 20,000 a month, and can boast Sony, Samsung and Sharp as its clients.

LG meanwhile has introduced its 15in OLED TV into the Korean market, using panels produced by LG Display. LG Display is also looking at constructing a 5.5th-gen line, with a possible launch date of 2011. With industry predictions suggesting the OLED TV business could be worth $1.8 billion by 2015, could a race to dominate the market about to get underway?
So after a little faltering the OLED TV looks to take off. With style, great specification and functionality these TV are sure to make it a winner.

Why not contact the sales team at Future Lifestyle to get a quote on the latest OLED screens and the new super slim wall brackets.

Call +34 902 107 227 or email sales@futurelifestyle.net to speak to the sales team.

PlayStation 3 opens it´s movie store in Europe

PlayStation this month (19th Nov) have opened the new PlayStation Network movie download store for business in Spain and select European territories. Now you can save the trip to the shops and enjoy hundreds of films in the comfort of your own sofa on your PS3 or on the go with PSP.
Sony says users have a choice of 800 movie titles from a wide range of studios – both new releases and back catalogue titles. Unlike Xbox’s new 1080p streaming service, the PSN proposal involves downloading a DRM-laced file to the PS3 hard drive. While Sony concedes that this will take several hours on a good connection, it points out that viewers will be able to watch their movies only shortly after the download begins. With movie rentals, users have a 48-hour window to view their download, commencing with the first Play activation.

Interestingly, those who download a standard-def movie have the option of transferring the film to Sony’s PSP portable for additional viewings. However, if you opt for a 1080p movie, there is no provision for transferring a portable version of the file to a PSP.

Also with the latest firmware update (v3.10) will allow you to access your Facebook account through your PS3. By linking your PlayStation Network account to your Facebook account, you will have the option for the PS3 to automatically update your Facebook News Feed with Trophy and PlayStation Store activity. A spokesman for Sony says this is just the beginning of our integration with Facebook and we are looking forward to adding new features enhancing the experience in future updates.

The Future of TV

The future of TV is almost upon us, as broadband bandwidth continues to get greater and the demand for personal TV schedules increases, online TV platforms are becoming more popular day by day.

One such platform the BBC iPlayer has scooped the prestigious Judge's Award in the Royal Television Society’s annual Innovation awards. The Beeb got the award for having ‘the greatest vision in determining how the media might develop in the future and how the wider community will relate to all aspects of communication - in effect, mapping out the way which others will follow.

Seetha Kumar the controller of BBC Online collected the award, saying: ‘our team work incredibly hard to try and make iPlayer the very best of its kind. It's of course always exciting to receive awards recognising these high standards, but we're especially proud to be seen to be helping establish the future of TV.’

No one would argue that the iPlayer is probably the most influential new TV platform since the advent of satellite, and it continues to grow at a staggering pace. The Beeb reports that over the past 12 months, iPlayer viewing has increased by 95 per cent.

So does this mean that the days of the satellite dish are numbered? In our humble opinion very much so, as people get used to watching what they want, when they want, where they want this platform will only go from strength to strength.

Plan now for the Future....

Confusion and fear of new technology - aswell as cost, have all been mentioned to us when we have spoken to architects, builders and homeowners on the Costa del Sol about home automation or intelligent home installations.

Not surprisingly then that home automation and home entertainment systems tend to be down on the list when refurbishing or building a new home. Future Lifestyle have created a guide to consider when you’re thinking about upgrading or building a new home which hopefully will prove that planning is everything.

Tips for your future home

1.Tubing for the future – The way homes are constructed on in Spain lends itself to plan now for the future. A well thought-out tube network installed at the build stage of a project will pay for itself in the future. The cost of installing the tubing is minimal compared to the added advantages it can hold.

2.Wire for everything now...even wireless technology – If you are building or refurbishing your Spanish home, start with a plan for future wiring needs. Cable is necessary to support even wireless applications. No one can guarantee what the future brings, however Future Lifestyle make it their business to look at the technologies coming through and likely to become part of our lives in the future and take this into account when designing any integrated home system.

3. Ensure the experts work together for you – Maximise your home by having your architect, builder and interior designer team up with Future Lifestyle from the very beginning of the planning process. All parties will work to create the home of your dreams, at the price you have agreed and in the timescale you require. We provide all of our designs in an AutoCAD format that can be integrated with that of the architects’ for the project so all parties are able to work with us.

4. Insist on integrated systems – Make sure the electronic equipment you are buying can be interconnected and operated as one, if required. Some manufacturers use a closed communication system, meaning that their equipment will only communicate with other hardware by the same manufacturer. This will limit you to what components you can install and will usually come at a premium cost.

5. Integrate lighting and heating control – Going green meets convenience. Get the most out of your system with the least amount of energy consumption. System integration provides automatic energy-efficient adjustments saving you time and money.

6. Think with your wallet, but lead with your head – Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost effective attributes that you can build into a home.

7. Think "green" – By utilising green practices, you can save money by having a more energy efficient system and help save the planet. Ask Future Lifestyle about how you can "go green" in your home.

8. Simplify your life – Easy to use, all-in-one remote controls are available for any system. Future Lifestyle can even custom program them so they make perfect sense to you. New technologies offer control from other devices and even through Internet browsers anywhere in the world.

9. Increase your expectations – Your home automation system is a big investment and you deserve to be satisfied with it. Future Lifestyle can provide you with comprehensive designs, a wide range of product options, a professional installation and especially, a full aftercare service for your system.

10. Consult a professional – Today's home automation systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features. Future Lifestyle will be with you every step of the way, from concept and design, through the build process and be on hand to help and advise well after the dust has settled.

Are you interested to find out more? Then why not give Future Lifestyle a call on +34 902 107 227 or contact them at info@futurelifestyle.net to arrange your free consultation.

The World Cup in 3D

It is rumoured that around half the games in next year’s FIFA World Cup competition will be broadcast in 3D!!!!

A report in TVB Europe states that FIFA officials are keen to see at least half of the South Africa-hosted tournament covered in 3D. One official FIFA sponsor is Sony, which along with other manufacturers such as Panasonic, LG and Samsung, have all invested in 3D displays which will be widely available ahead of the soccer festival.

FIFA, along with host broadcaster HBS, is considering a full range of transmission options including supplying broadcast feeds to cinemas or for outdoor speciality coverage. A formal announcement could come as soon as the end of the month (November 09).

Keep posted to hear more and to check out the new 3D screens as we get more information.

Sound Design

Future Lifestyle based on the Costa del Sol is happy to announce the installation of a small Video / Audio installation in the new Richard Lewis Interiors boutique shop in Guadalmina´s busy Commercial Centre. Richard Lewis Interiors, Marbella’s premier home design destination for over eight years, are specialists in bespoke handmade curtains, blinds, pelmets, valances and soft furnishings, all of which are made on site by an established team of curtain makers and soft furnishings.

This exciting new boutique is your chance to see the amazingly sleek PMC Wafer One´s super slim hang-on-the-wall speaker, that are designed to fit very discreetly into any room. There's no denying the effectiveness of its 'disappearing act' - although not exactly invisible, it's visually very easily overlooked.

The Wafer 1 sounds significantly bigger than one expects bass lines are quite clear and explicit, but with a definite thickening of upper bass textures. Finished in silky white, grey or black, both Wafer models come in two styles. One is intended to be flush mounted by being recessed into a wall, the other (the ones installed at Richard Lewis Interiors) fixes onto a solid wall, so that it stands proud by a modest 11cm.

Mounting the speakers alongside flat screens often forces them to be mounted in both portrait and landscape orientations. This would normally guarantee compromised imaging from one of these orientations, however the Wafers are fitted with two tweeters that allow them to be mounted in either orientation without compromise to the imaging.
The result is a hifi and monitor speaker that delivers the very best performance from an application that would deeply compromise the performance of any normal loudspeaker... read more

Why not drop into Richard Lewis Interiors new boutique shop and have a listen, or contact one of our sales team on +34 902 107 227 or click here to send us an email........

All in One remote controls

Does it take you about five minutes and the use of about half a dozen remote controls just to turn the TV???

Turn on the TV.... make sure it is on the correct channel...fire up the amplifier....selected the TV audio source.....now pick up the satellite remote control and enter the correct channel number........Today this is not unusual, we all have to perform this daily rituals just to watch the news. Wouldn´t it be nice to just pick up one remote control and with the press of one button you can get to watch your favourite program.

In the past all-in-one remotes were either too expensive for your average person, or were so complicated to use you needed a manual just to work it. However today there are a number of solutions for the overcrowded coffee table and not all of them will break the bank or require a degree to work them.

Many manufactures including Phillips Pronto, Logitech & Control 4 offer solutions that fill this gap in the market. With IR, RF and Wi-Fi solutions available let Future Lifestyle of Marbella help you decide which one is right for you as well as programming it to ensure you get the most for the control. And as your system grows or changes Future Lifestyle are on hand to update your control pad to bring all of your components under the control of the remote.

For as little as €99.99 we can offer all in one programmed solution, so get rid of your coffee table clutter and give us a call on +34 902 107 227 today and get one of our sales team to help decide the best solution for you.

So simple an adult can use it...

Intro to Future Lifestyle

Future Lifestyle is an installation company that specialise in the networking of all digital products in the home. We have worked with developers and private owners in the UK and the Costa del Sol.

With the rapid growth of internet and email the world of technology is taking over our lives. Future Lifestyle is able to offer the design, supply and installation of all types of home entertainment and lighting control in the home and work place. From the latest flat screen technology to IP networks for a fully integrated system contact us on how you can upgrade your lifestyle.

The past decade has seen the rapid growth of the internet and email. The use of mobile phones, computer games and the like, have changed the lifestyles of us all. Add to this high definition flatscreens and improving internet connection speeds, people are spending more time at home, many are even working from home.

Our homes now can be controlled by touchscreens or via the web, allowing simple interfaces to be designed to the user’s needs – in some cases using a single button.

No more visible wires nor the need for multiple boxes and remote controls in every room……!



Our Installation services include:

Visual:

- Flat Screen Televisions - wall or stand mounted.

- High Definition upgrades
- Satellite Systems
- Home Cinema – full reference
- Calibrated Surround Sound
- Video distribution - TV and Cat5e Networks
- Computers & wireless networks – surf the net from anywhere in the home.
stream movies, music and TV programs on demand!
- Game console set up - link to surround sound and play online.

Audio:
- Multi room audio - Use of MP3 and CDs throughout.
- Integrated speakers – Discrete In-wall or In-ceiling.
- Calibrated Surround Sound set up
- Hifi stereo equipment for use with both MP3 and CD' s
- Gardens and terraces

Control:
- TV Screens, all AV components, lighting, blind & climate control, internal telephone, video entry
and Security system networks.


Each installation is tailor made for each of our clients. Upon final calibration and programming of the equipment we offer a full demonstration of how to get the most from your new system. We provide a aftercare service second to none and can provide a maintenance contract to ensure your system always runs to its full potential.

To book your free consultation call +34 902 107 227 or email us at info@futurelifestyle.net