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For dedicated bikers, biking is not just a way to get from point A to point B. It is a lifestyle, a workout, and the answer to some of the biggest challenges in the world today. In Costa Mesa, it is a fun and easy way of exploring the city’s landmarks and scenic trails. Whether you are a Costa Mesa resident who looks at biking as a no-expense means of transportation or a tourist thinking of things to do in Costa Mesa, you can enjoy the best of the city by biking. Here are eight reasons to start biking today.

8 Reasons to Start Biking 

1. Discover Costa Mesa’s Scenic Beauty

Biking enables you to enjoy the city’s scenic landscapes. What better way to enjoy its beautiful parks and tree-lined neighborhoods? While biking, you can lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and connect with nature.

2. Stay Active and Healthy

Costa Mesa’s mild climate makes it easy for residents and tourists alike to enjoy the outdoors all year round. Biking in this city is a great way to stay active, healthy, and fit. It strengthens your muscles, lubricates joints, and improves cardiovascular health. In addition, it helps release endorphins. With better mood, lessened anxiety, and lower risk of depression, you will be able to think clearer and better focus on your goals.

3. Explore Local Attractions

It is much easier to explore local attractions on a bike rather than in a car or on a bus. You will also avoid the complications of finding parking. It costs nothing to run a bike, so you will have more money to enjoy food and other attractions that do require spending.

4. Support a Greener Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa has many environmental and sustainability initiatives in place. By choosing to bike instead of drive, you are supporting these environmental and sustainability efforts. Biking will also help reduce your carbon footprint, a simple environmental goal everyone should strive for.

5. Connect with the Community

Want to meet fellow locals? Bike. Biking is a great way to meet other residents in your city. By joining a biking group, participating in local biking events, or just riding along a Costa Mesa bike route, you will be able to connect with other individuals who share your adventurous spirit and your passion for health and fitness.

6. Enjoy Easy Access to Trails

When you are in Costa Mesa, you will have easy access to biking trails. Costa Mesa is located near several biking trails that cater to all skill levels. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a challenging workout, you are bound to be just a short distance from a trail that suits your skill level and purpose.

7. Make Commuting Fun

Level up your daily commute by biking or to work or school. Costa Mesa’s bike lanes and pathways will allow you to have a safe, stress-free, and enjoyable ride to wherever you need to go. You are bound to arrive at your destination fully energized and ready to face the day.

8. Strengthen Family Bond

Biking is a fun and free activity that everyone can enjoy, which means that it is an excellent way for you to bond with your spouse or children. Costa Mesa has safe and scenic bike paths that are well-suited to family outings. By biking, you can enjoy quality time with your family and stay active and fit at the same time.

How to Start Biking

Are you convinced that you should start biking but not sure where to start? Start by purchasing a bike that aligns with your needs. Do you need a road bike, a mountain bike, or a cruiser? You can research more about each type online and visit a retailer to see firsthand which type would be practical for your intended purpose. Make sure that you also purchase a helmet, lights, and a bike lock. When you have everything you need, start by taking short rides to build your biking confidence.

Explore Costa Mesa

Biking is more than a way to get around. It can strengthen family bonds, foster community connection, and support sustainability and environmental efforts, among many other benefits. Whether you are a resident of Costa Mesa or a tourist, biking is the perfect way to experience the best of the town. Visit our website to discover your new favorite spot in Costa Mesa and get ready to bike there in style.

Vinyl records have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Vinyls are a collector’s item that brings joy both visually and audibly. Many people curate an excellent vinyl collection as it is a tangible way to collect music. Due to the digital movement with music, many long for the nostalgia of the past. However, you should be able to have both options whenever you want. Whether you like digital or tangible music more, you should not have to choose between the two. Below, you will find how to connect a vinyl record player to a modern audio system. 

How to Connect a Vinyl Record Player to a Modern Audio System

Many people want to blend the classic analog nature of vinyl with the modern digital musical experience. Connecting a vinyl record player to a modern audio system is seamless. You just need to have the right equipment to complete the task. You will need your turntable, modern audio system, phono preamp, and audio converters.

The turntable and modern audio system are self-explanatory as you will be connecting the two. A turntable is a device that plays your vinyl records. A modern audio system could be in the form of a receiver, amplifier, or speaker. A phono preamp is necessary as it transforms the signals between the two machines. It amplifies the low-level signal from the turntable to a line-level signal, which is necessary for modern audio systems. An audio converter is needed if your modern audio system does not have analog inputs.

Steps to Connect Your Devices

Once you have all of the necessary equipment, you can easily get started connecting your vinyl record player to your modern audio system. Follow the steps below to connect your music devices.

Assess Your Preamp

Sometimes, the preamp is built into your turntable, but this is not always the case. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, it will have a “line” output. You can connect the line output directly to your audio system’s analog input using RCA cables. 

If your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need to get an external one. This can be done by connecting your turntable to the external preamp with RCA cables and then connecting the preamp to your audio system. Be sure to use high-quality calves, as they can make a huge difference when it comes to your sound quality.

Assess Audio Inputs

In some cases, you may need an audio converter from an AV tech manufacturer. This is the case if your modern audio system does not have analog inputs. After you have connected the preamp, connect the line-level output to the audio converter. This will change the analog signal to digital, specifically optical or coaxial. 

Connecting The Systems

The way you connect the audio system depends on whether you have an analog or digital connection. If your system has analog inputs, connect the turntable using the RCA cables. If your system only has digital cables, use the digital cable from the audio converter to connect it to the audio system. 

After this, connect the grounding wire to the grounding terminal to prevent a humming sound when you play music. Place your turntable on a flat and stable surface. This will reduce any vibration that can impact the sound quality. On your audio system, select the input that corresponds with the turntable. From there, you can listen to your music with ease.

AV Tech Manufacturer

If you need any support connecting your devices, contact the team at Kanex Pro for help! 

Scootering is a fun activity that gets you moving and boosts your mood. No matter how old you are or what your fitness level is, scootering is something everyone can do. Many people scoot around to burn some calories, but others may use it as a form of transportation. No matter why you choose to scoot, it is important to stay safe. Should you wear safety gear while scootering? Below, you will find helpful information about how to ensure you reduce your risk of injury while skating.

Should You Wear Safety Gear While Scootering?

Many people ride a scooter for fun, but it is also a great way to get around. Skating offers so many benefits no matter why you do it. It can help you burn some calories, boost your mood, and help you socialize. However, as with anything, it comes with certain risks. Maintaining your safety while scootering is key. 

If you skate for fun, safety gear can help reduce your risk of injury if you scoot fast or do any tricks. Alternatively, if you scoot as a form of transportation, roads can get busy and dangerous. Having safety gear on can protect you in the event of an accident. No matter how experienced you are, wear safety gear while you skate to optimize your safety.

Safety Gear for Scootering

There are some essentials when it comes to safety gear when you scoot around. Be sure to get the following items before you begin scootering. 

Helmet

A helmet is the most necessary piece of safety gear for riders. It protects your head from injury in the event of an accident, dramatically reducing the risk of a serious injury if you experience head trauma. You must wear a helmet if you ride a scooter. Luckily, you can get it from the same skate shop where you purchase your scooter for optimal convenience.

Protective Clothing

Cover your skin when you scoot to fully protect your body. It is common for those who ride scooters to take a spill, whether by simple accident or because they are trying to perform a trick. Avoid wearing shorts, sandals, or tank tops. Exposed skin can be easily injured. Road rash is extremely painful and can increase your risk of infection. Wear thick clothing that will protect your skin if you fall.

High-Visibility Gear

Even if you avoid scootering at night, wear protective clothing that is highly visible, such as bright colors with reflective surfaces. They will make you more visible to others when you are moving around. If you do skate at night or early in the morning, reflective clothing and lighting are non-negotiable. They are a cost-effective way to protect yourself and reduce the risk of an accident.

Protective Padding

Protective padding is non-negotiable if you are a beginner at scootering. More advanced skaters may skip out on this, but it is still a good idea no matter what level you are at. Protective padding includes elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. These are great if you are a beginner or have balance issues. They protect the main points of contact people hit when they fall off of a scooter.

The Importance of Wearing Safety Gear

Safety gear while you scoot around is helpful in protecting you. It keeps you safe and reduces the risk of serious injury. It can also help you feel more confident. Knowing you are protected if you get into an accident gives you peace of mind while you are on your scooter. 

In some places, safety gear may be a legal requirement. Be sure to check your local and state laws to ensure you are in full compliance. If you need to purchase safety gear, check out the selection at Crazy Skates today! 

Enhancing communication, improving efficiency, and providing timely responses to customer questions is simple with text messaging for IT. Discover how the use of automated messaging for IT services can take your customer service game to the next level and keep your company on top with little effort.

 What is Automated Messaging for IT Services?

Automated messaging implements technology to send and receive messages without the need for human intervention. Regarding IT services, this can be beneficial for sending automated responses to requests, sending notifications regarding important information, and confirming requests or appointments. Specifically, the implementation of automated texting can greatly enhance user experience, reduce response times, and free up personnel for other necessary tasks.

Texting Statistic

Current statistics indicate that texting is the most widely used form of communication for people worldwide. Evidence suggests, particularly in the U.S., that a significant number of adults highly prefer texting over other communication methods available. According to statistics:

• More than 560 billion texts are sent worldwide every month.
• 18.7 billion texts are sent daily.
• 8 trillion texts are sent worldwide every year.

The Popularity of Texting

The first text message recorded in history was sent in December of 1992 by a 22-year-old engineer. Now, in the 21st century, SMS messaging has skyrocketed in popularity. By 2010, it was reported that 200,000 messages were being sent every minute. Quickly following its invention, texting has become the most used form of communication on the market today. The driving forces behind the popularity of texting are its qualities of:

• Speed
• Convenience
• Personalization
• Facilitating multiple conversations
• Providing written record of correspondence to reference.
• Being contactless

Benefits of Automated Messaging in IT Services

• High rates of engagement: The key component that makes automated messaging so attractive is its rate of engagement. Unlike emails, which only have an open rate of around 20%, automated messages boast an open rate of 98%, making them the frontrunner for marketing and advertising.
• Immediate attention: Cell phones have become an extension of their owner. IT services can benefit from this immediacy, with which people receive automated SMS messages.
• Cost-effective: Not only are automated messages great for improving efficiency and enhancing communication, but they are also a great way to market for a fraction of the cost. Methods such as print or TV can be an expensive investment. SMS advertising cuts costs tremendously. Text-related message rates are exceptionally low, making it an excellent option for businesses, both big and small.
• Speed: Texting has enhanced customer experience by ensuring consistent and timely communication. The result is improved customer satisfaction and better engagement between users and clients. 

How to Use Automated Messaging for IT Services

Automated messaging has opened the door for effective communication in IT services through:

• System monitoring and alerts: Automated messaging can be used proactively by monitoring the operational status of systems and alerting when there is a discrepancy. This prompts quicker resolution when issues arise and fosters minimal downtime.
• User support and management: Automated messaging can make managing user support tickets more efficient and provide an instant response to common questions and concerns. Consequently, this can reduce the workload for employees, freeing up time.
• Notifications and updates: Automated text messaging can also be used to update users on important information regarding scheduled maintenance and service updates. This can significantly reduce the number of customer service tickets received during these times.

Future Trends

The future of automated messaging in IT services is prime for growth and advancement. Technologies such as automated messaging enable systems to become more intuitive, making personalizing communication easier than ever and automating complex tasks more effectively. Statistics indicate that automated messaging is rapidly growing and showing no indication of stopping.

Automated Messaging Services with Trumpia

Automated messaging is a crucial component of successful IT Services because it increases efficiency and enhances user experience. By taking advantage of this modern convenience, organizations can achieve improved performance and ensure customer satisfaction.

Contact Trumpia today to expedite your business processes with automated messaging.

A push start button is a popular feature in modern cars. It allows you to start the engine by pressing a button and eliminates the need for a traditional key to start the car. Wiring a push start button is an easy way to modernize your car’s ignition system. You will need a few tools and custom wires and cables to get started, but you will surely benefit from the simplicity provided by your push start. Below, you will find instructions on how to wire a push start button.

How to Wire a Push Start Button

Customizing your car with a push start button requires careful attention and ultra-flexible wire. These are necessary to ensure your safety as you deal with the car’s electrical connections. Consider the following steps if you are wiring a push start button in your car.

Gather Your Tools

You will need several tools and materials to get started with the installation process. Specifically, you will need to acquire a push start button, wire cutters and strippers, electrical tape, multimeter, screwdrivers, and heat shrink tubing. You will also need custom wires, cables, and a wiring diagram for your car. These are the basic tools and materials necessary to complete the push-start button process.

Research Your Car’s Ignition System

Before you start tinkering with anything, go over your car’s wiring diagram. You must do this to ensure you have a complete understanding of how the ignition system operates. It also allows you to safely and accurately make modifications to the system. Locate the power source, starter wire, accessory wire, and ground wire. These are necessary to understand how to connect the power source to the motor.

Disconnect The Battery and Locate Wires

As you navigate the process, begin by turning off the ignition. From there, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. This step is crucial to preventing short circuits or electrical shock. Working on the wiring of your car requires care and caution for your safety.

Use the wiring diagram from your car to locate the ignition wires. Test the wires with a multimeter tool to ensure they are fully functioning. Ensuring the wires are fully functioning prevents mistakes. If you are not careful, these mistakes can cause serious damage to your car’s electrical system.

Prepare The Push Start Button

Find and assess the push start button connection points, namely the power, ground, accessory, and starter points. You can use ultra-flexible wire for connections in places where flexibility is necessary. Using the right type of wire ensures a durable and long-lasting connection. 

Connect and Test the Wires

Connect the power, starter, accessory, and ground wires. You should connect a custom wire to the power source and to the push start button’s power terminal. Use a fuse inline for safety purposes. Specifically, it will reduce the risk of electrical surges or other damage. Attach the starter wire from the ignition system to the starter terminal on the push button. 

Next, connect the accessory wire to the designated terminal on the push button. This will power the secondary systems, including the dashboard and radio. Lastly, connect the ground wire to the ground terminal. Connect the car battery and test the connections to see if everything is working properly. 

Mount the Push Start Button

Once you have secured and tested the wires, mount the push start button. Choose a location on your dashboard that is convenient. Placing it somewhere that is easily accessible is important. Use a drill to create a hole to secure the button with the push start button’s mounting hardware.

Custom Wires and Cables

If you want to install a push start button, contact the team at Calmont Wire & Cable today to get started.

Cell phones have become an extension of their users and a nearly universal aspect of modern life. Because we use these products so regularly, it is important to have smartphone accessories to complement their use. Arguably, the most essential smartphone accessory is the cell phone case. Cell phone cases not only offer protection from everyday accidents, but they also add a touch of personalization and uniqueness to your daily ensemble. Given the prominence of cell phones and the need to protect them, the question of how often you should change your phone case often arises. Below, we examine the answer to this question.

How Often Should You Change Your Phone Case?

Several indicators convey it is time to invest in a new phone case. Some of the most common include:

Physical Damage: Cracks, Scratches, and Chips

The majority of phone damage stems from being dropped. If your case shows visible signs of damage, such as cracks, deep scratches, or separation anywhere, it reduces the efficacy of the case’s protective capabilities.

Wear and Tear: Fading, Discoloration, and Deterioration

Day-to-day activities can compromise the look, feel, and protection provided by your case. If your case is looking past its prime, it may be time to replace it. Consider if it is beginning to appear worn out, has any loose areas or stitching, becomes faded or discolored, or has stretched, and look for replacements if that is the case.

Functionality Defects: Loose Fit

In addition to damage and defects, assess the fit of your case. Over time, cases bend, move, and stretch, causing your phone to fit loosely within and putting it at a higher risk of breaking or damage. Your phone should sit snugly inside the case with no room to shift or move. If, after your visual assessment, you find that your case needs replacing, get a new phone case to ensure your phone’s protection.

Influencing Factors of Case Replacement

Materials

Another contributing factor to the life of your phone case is the materials it is composed of. Some materials, such as polycarbonate, are more durable than others. Silicone options, on the other hand, lack durability and can show wear rather quickly but offer better grip.

Different materials have different advantages and downfalls. Consider which of these is a priority to you and choose your phone case based on those factors.

Lifestyle: High-Impact & Low-Impact Users

One of the defining elements contributing to the life of your case is the type of lifestyle you lead. Some professions can be harder on your phone case. For instance, an attorney in an office is less likely to encounter situations that result in physical cell phone damage than a construction who spends their days around power tools. For individuals in more physically precarious work situations, opting for a phone case that prioritizes protection is going to be beneficial.

Preference: Trends and Aesthetics

In the same way that style is ever-changing, so too may your phone case preferences change. You may choose to replace your phone case regularly to suit your maturing style, to have multiple options to choose from, or just because you found a new one you like.

Choosing Your Next Phone Case

Prioritize Durability and Protection

Regardless of lifestyle or profession, considering the financial investment of some smartphones, it is a good rule to prioritize durability and protection when choosing your phone case. There are endless options for phone cases that offer adequate protection. It is practical to make keeping your phone safe and undamaged the first and foremost priority.

Material

The right material for your lifestyle can mean the difference between a drop that ends in relief or devastation. Those who are prone to dropping their phones should consider a silicone or rugged case. Those searching for a mix of elegance and adequate protection should consider high-quality leather.

Added Protection

The added features do make a difference in how safe your case keeps your phone. Choosing a case with bezels to protect your screen and reinforcer corners is encouraged. These additional details offer one extra cushion of protection between your phone and a potentially expensive fix.

Caring for Your Phone Case

After you have selected your new phone case, you can take a few simple steps to keep it as good as it is now. You must regularly clean your phone case to keep it in good condition and prevent any cosmetic defects. Remove your case from your phone, and if the material can withstand it, use soap and water to remove bacteria and gunk from the case. If dirt and debris are allowed to build up over time, they can cause your phone to malfunction.

ITSKINS Quality Phone Cases

If it is time for you to replace an old or outdated phone case, consider the quality cases and other smartphone accessories at ITSKINS.

Using mass text messaging software opens the door for multiple uses, ranging from business to education. Below, we cover key tips for how to use mass texting for student populations.

Why Use Mass Texting for Students

Navigating the university experience can prove challenging. However, having ready access to relevant information can help level the playing field, giving students more time to focus on their studies. With open rates approaching 98%, texting engages audiences more than most other communication methods. Compared to email, this means those receiving texts prove far more likely to open and actually read the information sent to them. 

Students need to juggle multiple deadlines, changing schedules, and more. Administrations that use mass texting can help ease this burden through a modern, effective communication method like texting.

How to Use Mass Texting for Student Populations

Mass texting can serve as a valuable tool for university administrators. However, like any tool, it only makes things easier when it is used properly. Below, we break down a few key tips for mass texting student populations.

Follow All the Usual Rules

Regulations govern sending out mass text messages. This is true for businesses and any organization, including universities.

• Opt-In: A student must opt-in to receive messages before you can send them out. While university administration likely has each student’s number on file, that does not mean they can send messages without consent. Additionally, students must be able to opt-out at any point. 
• Message Quality: Clear, concise, and accessible. For messaging to be effective, it needs to follow these three tenets. 
• Data Security: Appropriate measures must be taken to protect student information and confidentiality. Fortunately, universities typically already have such measures in place.
• Monitor Engagement: Tracking open rates and engagement statistics can help improve your process over time. Hone your approach for maximum engagement by using Trumpia’s extensive analysis tools.

Top Uses for Student Mass Texting

Mass texting for students should always be about helping them achieve success. With that in mind, universities can use mass texting in a range of helpful ways to enhance a student’s experience.

Academic Updates

Notify students about upcoming exam schedules or other deadlines. Meeting deadlines can make or break a college experience. Some core updates include registration, financial aid applications, and class add/drop dates. You can also create updates about grades being posted and class cancellations.

Campus Events

Student community engagement can play a crucial role in how a student feels on campus. Sending out information about event announcements, guest speakers, and job fairs can bring the population together.

Student Support

Universities do more now than ever to support students in their journeys. From mental health services to academic counseling, programs exist to help students find success. However, those services may be unknown to many students. Mass texting gets that information into their hands and makes it easier to sign up for appointments.

Emergency Notifications

Student safety is a priority on any campus. The type of risks can vary by state and city, but students should always know if they are endangered. Common emergency alerts include crime notifications, weather alerts, and other safety concerns.

Admissions and Recruitment

Even before a student enrolls, texting can help ease them into the process. Many universities use mass texting to notify individuals of application deadlines, open house events, and financial aid information.

Alumni Engagement

Graduation does not have to spell the end of a student’s engagement with their university. Mass texting can be helpful for a range of outreach needs. Try mass texting to notify your audience about alumni events, donation appeals, and networking opportunities.

Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Texts to Student Populations

Keep in mind a few elements to avoid when texting students. These include:

• Too many messages: Keep your updates to useful (and important) ones. Message overload often leads to opt-outs.
• Using only one avenue: Never rely solely on one mode of communication, especially for vital information. Use email, physical correspondence, and texting together as needed. Get that information into your student’s hands one way or another.
• Bad timing: set messages to reach students when they are not in class (or asleep). Trumpia provides exceptional automation options so you can send messages to different students at the times that are best for them.

The Go-To Company for Mass Texting

Trumpia provides top-of-the-line automated texting software for businesses, organizations, and institutions across the country. From Fortune 500 companies to local organizations, we help users unlock new, efficient ways to connect with their audiences.

Horseback riding is a fun activity that offers so many benefits. It allows you to see new areas, boost your mood, and relax. However, there are even more health benefits. It is a great form of exercise. You may wonder, does horseback riding burn calories? Below, you will find helpful information that will help you better understand the benefits of horseback riding.

Does Horseback Riding Burn Calories?

Most people do not often think about horseback riding as a form of exercise. However, it is a great form of exercise and is actually a full-body workout. Because it is a full-body workout, you can burn quite a few calories on a ride. Horseback riding in Orange County can burn between 150 to 700 calories per hour. These numbers are based on a rider that is around 150 pounds. You will burn less calories if you are lighter and more calories if you are heavier. These numbers are dependent on several factors, so calories can vary.

There are several factors that impact how many calories you burn during a horseback riding session. The type and intensity of the ride can impact calorie burn. For example, a leisurely trail ride is much less intense than jumping or dressage. The weight of the rider is also impactful as you will burn more calories the heavier you are. Lastly, the pre and post-ride activities can also help you burn more calories. This is because saddling up the horse can burn a few hundred calories in addition to the ride.

Impact of Horseback Riding on Your Physical Health

There are several different types of horse riding styles. The differences in styles have varying degrees of physical intensity. In addition to calories, horseback riding has a great impact on your physical health. Consider the following ways horseback riding can improve your physical health.

Increased Muscle Development

Riding a horse requires engaging your muscles at all times. This includes your core and leg muscles. Your core is what helps your upper body balance on top of the horse. Additionally, your legs grip the horse to ensure you stay in control of your body. This includes your calves, thighs, and glutes. Engaging your muscles for extended periods of time improves muscle strength over time.

Improved Balance and Coordination

Horseback riding involves several moving parts. You have to maintain control of the horse through controlling the reins. You communicate with the horse using your legs. This requires both strength and balance. Lastly, staying on top of the horse requires balance. Combining all of these together requires coordination. Horseback riding improves your balance and coordination due to the actions that simultaneously occur.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health 

Depending on the intensity of your horseback riding session, it can improve your cardiovascular health. This is especially true if you ride at higher speeds, such as jogging, cantering, or galloping. Riding styles like dressage and barrel racing can easily raise your heart rate. This movement also improves circulation. Promoting blood flow has a positive impact on your heart health. Riding regularly can also help you manage your weight due to the cardiovascular benefits.

Things To Do In Costa Mesa

There are several areas where you can horseback ride in Costa Mesa. Fairview Park, Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, and the Back Bay Loop Trail are great areas to ride at. Because it is sunny almost all year round in Orange County, you can hit the trails and enjoy your ride almost any day. 

If you are looking for things to do in Costa Mesa, consider horseback riding at one of the various locations in the area!

Building a home movie theater is a fun addition to your home that the whole family can enjoy. It may even be more cost-effective in the long run if you are a movie-loving family. Designing your home theater can be fun, but it requires a lot of planning. Below, you will find helpful information on how to build a home movie theater. 

How to Build a Home Movie Theater

Building a home movie theater takes careful planning and attention to detail. Complete extensive research and consult with a residential AV solutions expert before you get started. Consider the following as you navigate building your home theater.

Consider Your Layout

Be sure to carefully consider your layout before you buy any technology or other equipment. Double-checking what you need and what you have space for will save you headaches down the road. Once you have chosen the room for your home theater, take some measurements. Consider the speaker placement, seating, and the distance from the seats to the screen. Determine the size of your screen (measured diagonally). You should have at least 1.5 times the distance between the seating and the screen based on the screen’s size. Be sure to plan the speaker placement as well.

Choose Your Screen

After you map out your home theater room, consider the type of screen you want to use. The screen is the center of the space, so it is crucial to choose one based on your unique needs. You can opt for a television or projector. Televisions are great for smaller theater rooms. They work well if you have a lot of natural light. If you purchase a new television, consider at least 4K for the best quality.

Projectors are also an excellent option for home theaters. They are best for larger home theaters with a lot of wall space. You can have a completely immersive experience as they can be 100 inches or more. Be sure to consider the amount of natural light in your space. Projectors and screens are not great if you have a lot of windows and light coming in.

Choose Your Sound System

The second most important piece of the home theater puzzle is likely the audio system. The right sound system can create an immersive experience, just like you are at the theater. There are several different types of sound systems. Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos are the most popular due to their benefits.

Speaker placement is key to ensuring you have the best experience. Depending on the type of sound system you get, you may need to modify your setup. However, place the front left, center, and right speakers near the display screen. A subwoofer should go right in front of the screen for the best results. Lastly, the rear sound speakers should be behind and to the sides of the main seating area. Work with a skilled AV equipment manufacturer for the best results when it comes to the audio setup.

Arrange Your Seating

To fully enjoy your home theater, you must have a comfortable setup. Common theater seating includes recliners, sofas, and sectionals. If you have a lot of space, you can create tiered-style seating to further replicate the feeling of being at the movies. Remember that spacing is an integral part of the seating plan setup. You want to be far enough away to be able to comfortably watch the movie without straining your eyes.

AV Equipment Manufacturer

If you want to build a home theater, contact the team at Kanex Pro to get started.

Whether for work or personal use, most people carry their phones on them all day, every day. Because phones are tools we use daily, they should be protected from incurring damage. Most people protect their phones with a phone case and screen protector. This is an excellent option to protect your investment, but what should you do with your old phone case after you have switched to a new phone model?

Avoid waste by finding ways to repurpose or recycle your phone case rather than just throwing it away. Keep reading for ideas of what you can do if you have an old phone case around.

What Should You Do with an Old Phone Case?

You will likely need to purchase new smartphone protection after each phone upgrade. This is a small price to pay to protect an expensive phone, but it can lead to a lot of waste if you do not carefully consider what to do with your old cases. If you have several old phone cases taking up your space, consider the following ideas. 

Sell Your Old Case

If your phone case is still in good shape, you could sell it online. For those who upgrade their phone every year or two, this is a great idea because the case is likely in good condition. The buyer also benefits in this situation because they will likely get a discount on the case when compared to the full price. The seller is also not negatively impacting the environment by tossing yet another phone case.

Donate Your Old Case

If you do not want to sell your old phone case online, consider donating it. There are shelters and charity drives that support the community. This is a great way to give back and avoid excess waste. Be sure to clean the case before you donate it. Grab any other gently used items you have just lying around to make the donation trip worth it!

Recycle Your Old Case

Check the material of your phone case to see if you can easily recycle it. This is a great option if you cannot sell or donate it. Some cases get beat up with natural wear and tear. That is totally fine, as that is what they are meant for. However, just because they are beat up does not mean they need to be tossed out. Once you find the material, consider contacting your local recycling center to see if they will take it. You can also contact the manufacturer to see if they have a sustainable recycling program.

Sustainable Tech Accessories

Many people are taking small steps to integrate sustainability into their lifestyles. This strategy of trying to optimize everything all at once can be overwhelming. It can also lead to burnout and doing nothing about your environmental footprint. Addressing the issue incrementally is often the best way to go. You can start by replacing old habits with newer, more sustainable ones.

One of the best ways you can integrate sustainability into your life is with your technology. Sustainable tech accessories are easy to find and integrate into your life. They are also a high-quality option that comes with several benefits. Sustainable phone cases are durable and come in a variety of different styles, so you can help the environment without having to compromise your style.

Smartphone Protection

If you are looking for a new sustainable phone case, check out the selection at ITSKINS today!