Advice

Shopping for information and gear on the web...

While there’s a lot of great info out there regarding AV gear, you have to be careful in what you trust. Please remember that most of the people who take the time to post in forums are most likely not professionals and that there is a lot of opinion out there. People claiming to be experts are everywhere. Take what you read with a grain of salt and try to stick to professional reviews.  Also, you shouldn't hesitate to meet with a professional who will back up their opinion.

Best Buy's Geek Squad, HHGregg, and others...

Here’s something to think about when you are deciding on who’s best to install your equipment. Though they claim to be trained professionals, how much training do you really think those folks have? Maybe one month? Six months? Whatever! They turn over installers all the time. Once their installer learns enough to get a job with a professional AV installation company, they do… or they start working for themselves. Go ahead and break down how much you are paying these guys per hour of (sub-par) work, I think you'll be surprised at what you find. For just unboxing a TV and putting it in a cabinet, they are probably just fine. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of any of these types of installation services.  (Think of how Time Warner Cable just loves to drills holes through your new hardwood flooring.)

Where your money should go...

You can purchase super-nice gear and have it meticulously installed, but if you can’t use it… it’s not worth a dime. When you’re budgeting for your AV system, make sure you plan on spending some money on a professionally installed and programmed universal remote (control system.) The user interface/control is probably the most important part of any system. Forget about fumbling around with several remotes (and all those batteries), leaving the cabinet doors open and all the aiming and pointing. Not only will it make your life much easier and enjoyable, but your family and guests will all thank you as well.

Chatham Audio Television Policy

Purchasing a television is a big deal for most people.  We completely understand this at Chatham Audio.  We strive to make this decision and transaction as comfortable as possible.  Of course price is a key factor.  While we sometimes can't compete price-wise with some internet vendors and big-box stores, we do our best.  What we can offer is service and support.  We are authorized dealers for every TV brand we specify for projects.  This means that if there are any issues with the set during the warranty period, we handle them at no cost to the end-user.  Of course, in our pricing, we also include delivery and removal and recycling of any packing materials.  If you, as a customer, decide to purchase a TV online (or at any other vendor) and that TV is integrated into a Chatham Audio installed system, you will be billed for any and all TV-related service. This includes labor, packaging, shipping/freight, etc.