When looking at high-end televisions and audio equipment in 2019, there are a few recurring themes which might be foreign to the uninitiated. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are two competing technologies in the audio market which are commonly seen features on new televisions and audio receivers. For those not in the know, these names might come across as arcane. Today we will cover what Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are and what makes them different.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is an audio codec which seeks to create a unique, 3D-Audio experience. Traditionally, audio is mastered for movies and music to be 2 Dimensional. Two speaker setups are the most common, and are what most televisions natively have equipped. Dolby Atmos requires use of an A/V receiver to connect your television to two pairs of speakers, mounted on the ceiling. These speakers, mounted in front of and behind the viewers, creates the sensation of three dimensional audio. Speakers created specifically to work with Dolby Atmos also exist, which remove the requirement of mounting speakers to the ceiling.

DTS:X

DTS:X is a slightly different take on three-dimensional audio. The key difference between DTS:X and Atmos setups are that DTS:X speakers need not be placed in specific locations. DTS:X speakers can supposedly be placed more freely, allowing for less restrictions. To add to this, there are no official requirements for the number of speakers one needs to use DTS:X.

To accomplish this feat, DTS:X speakers run a calibration during setup which assists the software in knowing where speakers are located. Through this, DTS completely avoids the most significant issue with Atmos setups. DTS:X also features a higher bitrate than that of Atmos, theoretically allowing for higher quality audio. Despite this, many listeners are unable to determine the difference in quality by ear alone. As a result, this is not necessarily something which should make up ones mind when purchasing a new device.

Which is Better?

While there are some clear advantages to using DTS:X, Atmos has its own winning features. DTS:X's flexibility is obviously fantastic for those who are setting up their system piecemeal or with little wriggle-room regarding placement. Its potential higher audio quality is also a boon, although it is questionable whether or not it will actually make a difference. Atmos has one particularly ideal feature which DTS:X lacks: compatibility. Dolby Atmos is compatible with Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, the majority of Blu-rays, and more. DTS:X lacks this, only being supported by certain Blu-rays and 4K Blu-rays. As a result, Dolby Atmos is the way to go if you want a broad range of compatible services; DTS:X is worth going for if you primarily use your setup with Blu-rays and desire versatile speaker orientation.

In reality, the best option is to purchase a television and receiver which supports both options. On top of that, some soundbars now come equipped ready-to-go with Dolby Atmos support, featuring up-firing speakers. It is also worth noting that both are backwards compatible, with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio depending on which brand you purchase. If you are interested in purchasing a new high-end audio setup, be sure to look at 220-Electronics.com for a great deal and quality support.

We have discussed the Energenie Pi-mote in the past. It is a fantastic device which opens up a world of possibilities to its users. We only mentioned some basic ideas in our last article, which really fails to show how versatile the device is. In this article, we will be looking at alternative uses for the Energenie Pi-mote. This device has a fairly clear use: turning electronics and appliances on and off, remotely. Despite this, there are some ingenuitive ways to use the Pi-mote which have been developed since its conception.

Around the House

There are quite a few fun ideas for the Pi-mote around the internet. Some more obvious projects involve controlling things like Christmas lights, air conditioners, heaters, etc. Other, more complicated projects involve scheduling pool pumps or household lights while on vacation. With some effort and knowhow, one could develop a system which monitors soil moisture and executes a watering routine when appropriate.

While not enough to convert one's residence to a full 'smart home', the Pi-mote is certainly useful in such an endeavor. By automating power, or adding remote capabilities to appliances which normally lack such options, one opens an entire world of possibilities.

Web Interfaces/Mobile Control

A fantastic, and not particularly difficult to implement, idea that some have taken to is controlling the Pi-motes with their smartphones. This can be done by creating a simple website, as seen in this tutorial. Following Penguin Tutor's tutorial, one can ultimately connect to a custom web interface by browsing to their Pi's IP address. This will only work while on the same wireless network as the Pi itself, but makes it possible to control outlets quickly and easily through a phone or laptop.

The benefit of this is that it allows for custom power control from anywhere in one's home. If one sets up their website to allow for multiple outlets to be controlled through a single button, they can then control intricate power setups through their phones. One can activate and deactivate speakers and televisions from anywhere, as well as air conditioning units, lights, and pretty much anything else they desire.

Broader Thinking With the Pi-Mote

Perhaps the most interesting project I have come upon so far stems from a software developer named Timmy O'Mahony. This individual has set-up a system wherein a power switch is briefly activated when a specific hashtag is tweeted. This illustrates just how many uses exist for this product, given a bit of ingenuity and know-how. To preface this project's explanation, they explain:

"A programmable remote power outlet switch is a great way to control a huge number of interactive installations and projects: turn on your garden water sprinklers with an SMS, play a horn when you receive a Tweet, turn on a light when your website goes down, start playing music when you enter the room … there are endless possibilities."  -Timmy O'Mahony

To follow his line of thought, perhaps a YouTuber could set up a speaker to turn on and play a brief sound effect whenever they receive a new subscriber. On the other hand, one could set up their home's appliances to activate whenever a specific text is sent out. A sprinkler, as O'Mahony suggests, is one option- another might be starting a group of party lights. Perhaps the party lights group could include a speaker setup which starts simultaneously, making party preparation a breeze. In reality, the applications are wide-reaching and limited mostly by imagination.

Conclusion

As you can see, this product's uses are not inherently as straight-forward as they might sound at first. Obviously one can use it to turn lights off and on, which is a perfectly suitable task. That said, the ideas of using it to automatically water your garden, respond to online interactions, or cut on/off with motion illustrate its versatility.

If you are interested in the Energenie Pi-Mote, you can pick one up from 220-Electronics today! 220-Electronics is a one-stop shop for 220 volt appliances and electronics, with the best prices in the market. Interested? Contact 220-Electronics support today to start upgrading now!

In recent years, 4K/UHD (Ultra HD) content and devices have taken the world by storm. This is such a popular feature that we have actually discussed it in-depth in a past article. For many, this has been the natural progression of things. To improve their viewing experiences at home, it was an obvious decision to upgrade from their former Full-HD (1080p) setups. For others, this decision holds much more weight.

Whether it is a lack of expendable income, concerns about longevity, or simply a lack of interest, there are plenty of individuals who have yet to move on to a full 4K setup. For many, their concerns stem from the potential cost of building a full setup to run 4K/UHD content- after all, a 4k television, 4k blu-ray player, and the videos to play on these devices all cost money. If cost is an issue, you could benefit by upgrading your devices piecemeal.

The premise of having a full 4K/UHD setup is obviously tempting, as it should be. These devices provide beautiful, entrancing viewing experiences that are notable improvements over their traditional Full-HD counterparts. However, each component of a 4K setup has its own benefits; they all serve different purposes which, even alone, serve as upgrades to a traditional setup.

4K/UHD Televisions

Many 4K/UHD Televisions have the unique feature of upscaling their video output to higher resolutions. Upscaling refers to the act of taking footage that is rendered at a lower resolution than what is native to the television (so in this case, it could be 1920x1080 or 1080p footage) and rendering it at or near the expected resolution (UHD or 3840x2160).

Upscaling

I need to be clear here and stress that this does not produce the same level of quality that one would experience by playing UHD content on the same 4K television. Upscaling is an in-depth process that, in essence, uses various algorithms to automatically take videos (which are long sequences of images, or ‘frames’, for our purposes) and increase the number of pixels that make up each frame. This needs to happen incredibly quickly in order to not be noticeable by the viewer.

[caption id="attachment_1575" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure A: 1080p - Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1576" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure B: 1080p image upscaled to 4k. Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1577" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure C: True 4K, zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

The resulting image is dramatically improved from that of standard 1080p, but still not nearly as detailed as true 4K. Figures A-C shows a highly zoomed-in (200%) comparison of the same image at 1080p, Upscaled 4K, and Native 4K. The effects of upscaling are clear: the native image is highly pixellated, with a great deal of 'tessellation' (the jagged edges around objects). The upscaled image is much less jagged, and while it is blurry it is still a drastic improvement over its predecessor. The final image of the three, the Native 4K image, clearly has a greater amount of detail than the others due to its incredibly fine resolution. If the difference is not noticeable, look a bit closer at the screen. From distances, they appear more similar due to their size, while on a large television they are extremely noticeable.

This is perhaps the most noticeable means through which a 4K television can serve as an upgrade without opting for additional upgrades. Even non-4K video will suddenly look better upon acquiring this new television! Aside from that, many streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix offer the option to stream 4K/UHD content, although one should ensure that their internet connection is fast enough to handle it prior to making the commitment.

4K Blu-ray Players Without 4K Televisions?

There is one upgrade on the path to a full Blu-ray setup that could potentially be more noticeable than all others- 4K Blu-ray players. Even without with a 4K Television, these could significantly improve one's viewing experience. There are some caveats I would put in place here, however. While a 4K Television will provide a blanket improvement on video quality through upscaling, many 4K Blu-ray players offer the option of improving video quality through 'downscaling'.

Put simply, downscaling is a process wherein an image is rendered at a higher resolution and then output at a lower one. While this might sound pointless, there is a notable difference. These images obviously do not have the full, incredible detail one would see in a 4K image. At the same time, a downscaled video will typically look better than the alternative 1080p version. There are other considerations to make, such as the source of videos; streamed videos see a loss in quality no matter what, simply as a result of them downloading over time. However, that is as much an issue of internet connection speeds as it is hardware. For Blu-rays specifically, downscaling can drastically improve image quality.

[caption id="attachment_1567" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A comparison between 4K downsampled (left) and standard 1080p (right). Source: https://www.premiumbeat.com/[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1568" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A comparison between 4K Offline (Blu-ray) and 4K Streaming (YouTube). Source: https://www.premiumbeat.com/[/caption]

Other considerations need to be made when purchasing these devices. Additional hardware components, the quality of the upscaling and downscaling from devices, internet connection speeds, and the films themselves are all important. The ultimate point of this is to show that you can benefit from purchasing a new television or Blu-ray player now- even if you do not have a full setup ready to go. Some great examples of devices that have these features are:

Televisions:

• LG 50UK6470
• Samsung UA-48JU6400
• Samsung UA49MU7350

Blu-ray Players

• Sony UBP-X1100ES
• LG UP-870
• Samsung UBD-M8500

Of course, we recommend you ensure that you are purchasing a Blu-ray player or Television that explicitly advertises these features if you desire them. Not all devices feature proper upscaling or downscaling. If you are looking to upgrade slowly, it is certainly a possibility.

If you are wanting region-free Blu-ray players or televisions, 220-Electronics.com carries everything you need at fantastic, discounted prices. These devices are modified by professionals at 220-Electronics to work around the world at the press of a button. If you are interested in upgrading your home theatre, the staff at 220-Electronics can offer their assistance in planning and purchasing!

While Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other video-streaming services have grown exponentially in popularity throughout the last decade, they have failed to kill the DVD and Blu-ray markets. Despite their ease of access, they fail in ways which physical media have not and never will. I would like to take a moment and discuss the reasons why physical media will never die, even in the face of digital content streaming.

Audio/Visual Quality

When it comes to digital content streaming, there is typically some loss in terms of quality. This is based upon the service used, the amount one pays, and internet connection quality. While you certainly can stream HD content, it is less reliable than what one will receive from a Blu-ray disc. This is even more true when it comes to 4K content, as it requires phenomenal download speeds to acquire beautiful, seamless 4K video over the internet. Physical media, on the other hand, is capable of pulling off incredible visuals with little effort; the advent of 4K and 3D movies has proven that, as they are limited almost entirely to Blu-ray discs outside of few exceptions.

Streaming is notoriously harsh when it comes to audio quality. Even dedicated music-streaming services such as Spotify struggle with this problem, and while some services have found ways to get around some limitations, the general rule is this: digital audio quality is lower than that of physical, and streaming audio quality is lower than that seen on, say, a CD or vinyl. A part of this is the 'bitrate' of an audio track, or the amount of data stored in a single second of its file. The higher this number is, the better audio quality one will receive; in most digital audio files, the bitrate is 256 kbps (kilobits per second), while Dolby TrueHD has a maximum possible bitrate of 18 mbps (megabytes per second). Most audio tracks will never reach that lofty of a goal; the audio bitrate from Blu-ray discs has the potential to be a whopping seventy times higher than that seen through streaming services.

 

Building a Collection

Collectors will also never fully move to digital content, much less that seen on streaming services. Companies often sell 'collector's editions' of popular media. These might include special boxes, bonus merchandise for fans, special features, or other unique bonuses that are pertinent to fans. These are quite popular, particularly for television shows and films with dedicated fan-bases. As an example, the "Middle-Earth Collector's Edition" contains 30 Blu-ray discs which contain the entire Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. It includes dozens of hours of bonus content, extended, and cut scenes. This collection also contains digital downloads of each film, a unique box which presents the discs in the form of books, an art book containing sketches and concept art for the film, and more. While pricey, this is a must-have for fans of The Lord of the Rings and as such will sell well; streaming might be convenient, but it will never replace the sorts of bonuses seen in this example.

 

Ownership

It is essential to note what is perhaps the largest advantage of physical media over streaming services: not everything is available through streaming. There is a massive amount of content in the world which has not, and never will, be on any streaming platform. Even worse, the shows that you enjoy today might be removed at any time! On their website, Netflix writes:

"Netflix licenses TV shows and movies from studios and content providers around the world, and those licenses can expire if we don't renew them."

Netflix asserts they first check to see if the rights are still available and analyze a show's popularity and cost. They then discern any seasonal or localized factors which might be relevant. These explain how Netflix, among other streaming services, lose content that you might be a fan of. Popular content is not safe from this either, as their removal of Doctor Who in 2018 will show that even significant shows might end up nonrenewable. This is where Blu-rays and DVDs can come into play; fans of TV shows and movies will always want to have a permanent way through which to watch their favorites. Ultimately, streaming is an unreliable means through which to do so. When using a streaming service, you naturally do not *own* that video; even purchased digital versions of films have this issue. What would happen if you lost hundreds of dollars worth of films due to Vudu going out of business? This is an extreme example, of course, but serves to illustrate the shortfalls of digital content. Plus, Blu-rays typically contain digital copies of their content in question. This is typically free and serves as an additional bonus to purchasing a physical copy.

 

Physical Media Will Never Die

Digital media downloads and content streaming are obviously not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. They do, of course, serve as wonderful supplemental forms of entertainment. Having a wealth of content at your fingertips, ready to stream at any time, is a uniquely contemporary concept. This will only continue to grow in coming years. Physical media will never be left behind, despite this new technology. Collectors and fans will always want to purchase their favorite films and shows, whether it be for the unique bonuses, security, consistency, or quality found only in physical media. I, for one, am excited to see what the future holds for physical media.

Shop for region free Blu-ray and DVD players today, and recall just how amazing it can be to own your own movies and television shows!

-The 220 Electronics Team

Many people move, relocate, or travel and work abroad each year and those numbers are growing rapidly. From retirees and expats to people who've accepted job offers and are moving to a foreign land, there's no shortage of people moving about internationally. But what happens when you arrive at your destination? If your new home isn't furnished and you didn't send your electronics and appliances overseas, you'll be forced to buy these items locally - and that can be a real hassle.

 

Due to higher prices caused by lower product demand, it can be very costly to furnish a home in some countries. Also, there is usually a much smaller selection of brands and models to chose from when compared to the US or Europe. You may end up paying nearly double for your appliances without finding what you're really looking for - and at that point, you'll have no choice. However, if you plan accordingly you can eliminate the stress, hassle and high prices altogether.

 

At 220-Electronics.com, we specialize in international relocation. We sell all types of home electronics and appliances including:

 

• Mutlisystem TVs

• Region Free Blu-ray & DVD Players

• Voltage Converters

• Kitchen Appliances for 220 Volts

• Home Appliances for 220 Volts

• Personal Appliances & Electronics

• .... and much more!

 

All of our products are designed for global use, or for specific use with 220 volt electricity. We have home theater systems, washers & dryers, refrigerators, deep freezers, gas and electric ranges, blenders, 4k TVs, and more. All of our products are sold at the guaranteed lowest price, and we will always beat our competitor's prices. We ship anywhere in the world and can arrange for all of your items to ship together and arrive either before or after you arrive. You'll save money, time, and a lot of headaches. Plus you'll get to chose from the top brand names and the latest models.

 

Check us out today at 220-Electronics.com and browse our huge inventory. Our specialists will be glad to assist you and even provide you with a free, no-hassle relocation consultation to help you decide what's best for your needs. Don't wait, get started today! It's the easiest way to buy appliances and electronics overseas.

 

When TV was first designed, there was a set of standards used to control how the information was sent from the broadcasting station to the TV, and how the TV interpreted this information into a picture on the TV screen. In North America, this standard is known as NTSC which stands for National Television Systems Committee. There are also two other types of standards used around the world; PAL (Phase Altering Line) and SECAM (Sequential Color with Memory).

 

The systems used vary by country and/or region, but they all use one of the three standards: PAL, NTSC, or Secam. Digital cable, VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray also adhere to these color information standards. PAL TVs are only compatible with a PAL signal or other Pal components. The same is true for NTSC and SECAM. It's not possible to use a PAL TV with a NTSC Blu-ray Player or vice-versa. If you wanted to use your NTSC player to watch movies on a PAL or SECAM TV, you'd need to use an external video converter. Let's take a look at the differences betwen these three systems.

 

NTSC

This American Standard was the first ever used. It was developed in 1941 and re-engineered to include color in 1953. It utilizes 525 scan lines at 30 frames per second. Only 486 of the actual lines are visible on the screen while the remaining are used for synchronizing and balancing the image. NTSC's refresh rate is 60hz. NTSC is also the only system that requires a tint control on the TV

 

PAL

This color system uses 576 scan lines and 25 frames per second to produce the finished picture. Introduced in Europe in the 1960's, PAL was an attempt to improve on the NTSC standard and it has remained the European standard (in most cases) up until this very day. PAL has varying versions including PAL B/G and PAL I. This system has a 50hz refresh rate.

 

SECAM

The newest of the three color systems, SECAM was developed and released in the 60's. Mostly used in Russia, eastern Europe and Africa, SECAM utilizes the same resolution as PAL at 576 lines and 25 frames per second. This color system is the only one to use FM frequency modulation which allows it to transmit over a longer range. Like PAL, SECAM also has a 50hz refresh rate.

 

Clearly there are differences (and similarities) between the three standard systems. Thanks to a higher frame rate, NTSC enjoys a smoother image. PAL and SECAM both use an extra scan lines and therefor have better resolution.

 

Does it Really Matter?

Overall, it does matter. The three systems are not compatible, which means you need to be sure your audio/video components use the same standard to be compatible with your TV and with the satellite and/or digital cable signal. There is, of course, a couple exceptions. Multisystem TVs are able of decoding all three color systems and feature tuners for each. In addition, Region Free Blu-ray & DVD Players usually come equipped with internal PAL/NTSC conversion, which allows them to be used with any TV.

 

If you're living in the same region and using locally purchased audio/video components and accessories, there's really no need to even think about PAL, NTSC and SECAM. However, it's always nice to have a slight knowledge of how the three differ and why.

 

Not all electronics are created equal. Around the world there are many differences in electronics and home appliances that you might not be aware of, with the operating voltage of these devices being a major factor. If you're traveling to a country that uses a different voltage you'll probably need a converter to safely use your electronics. However, what can you do when you're traveling to a country with the same voltage but different electrical outlets that aren't compatible with the plugs on your devices? Get a universal foreign plug adapter.

 

What is a Universal Foreign Plug Adapter?

Universal foreign plug adapters do exactly what the name implies - they make it possible for you to use your device in a country where the voltage is the same but the electrical outlet is designed for a different plug type. For example, if you're from Germany but planning on spending 6 months in India and would like to bring your Blu-ray Player along, the plug on your German-bought Blu-ray Player won't be compatible with an outlet in India. A universal plug adapter for India will easily solve this problem and allow you to safely and efficiently power your device.

 

How Does a Universal Foreign Plug Adapter Work?

Universal Foreign Plug Adapters are extremely simple to use. First, you'll plug your adapter into the outlet, and then plug your device directly into the adapter. The female end of the adapter will accept the plug from your device just as if you were at home. The sole function of the adapter to act as an outlet capable of receiving any type of plug.

 

Where Can I Purchase a Universal Foreign Plug Adapter?

Usually you can purchase a plug adapter at your destination but they're not always easy to find. At times, you might not be able to find the proper adapter or it won't be universal and able to accept a variety of plug types. Your best bet is to purchase your universal plug adapter before you travel so you can arrive without worries. Check out our complete selection of universal foreign plug adapters here and choose the type that best suits your needs. They're affordable and extremely helpful for using all types of electronics while traveling.

 

If you're like many people around the world who have relocated to different countries or continents, you're probably aware of the challenges. You may be moving to retire and live less expensively in a tropical paradise, or maybe you're relocating for work. You also might be moving just because you found the perfect place where you've decided you want to settle. It can be a very exciting and highly rewarding experience, but it's surely not without its setbacks. From legal documents regarding visas and citizenship, to banking, investments, and finding & securing property, there's no shortage of hoops to jump through. Moving overseas requires some definite patience. On the other hand, if you know what you're doing, you can streamline your international relocation and reduce the headaches.

 

As specialists in international relocation, 220 Electronics offers services that cater to a rather important part of your move. As a global retailer of electronics and home appliances, we are constantly helping people who are planning to relocate or have already done so.

 

You might be asking what electronics and appliances has to do with relocation, so let's answer that question for you in the simplest way possible.

 

220 Volt Electronics and Appliances

Around the world, different countries and continents use varying voltages of electricity for both residential and commercial services. In the US and North America, the standard is 120 volt electricity. In turn, all major electronics and appliances are designed to operate with 120 volt electricity. However, in Europe, for example, the standard voltage is 220 volts, where all electronics and appliances are designed for 220 volt use.

 

What does it all mean? Well; you can't simply pack up your existing electronics and appliances and take them overseas with you. Furthermore, certain electronics such as TVs operate with specific color formats to display the picture and these formats vary from country to country. Others items such as Blu-ray Players are only compatible with discs purchased in the same region as the player, which means that you cannot play European or Asian discs on your North American Blu-ray Player. It actually gets quite complicated, but that's exactly what we're here for - to simplify things for you.

 

We specialize in the sales and shipment of 220 and 240 volt appliances, multisystem tvs, region-free blue-ray players and more. From kitchen appliances to 220 volt major appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers & dryers and more. We stock the most popular models from the top brand names - both economy and designer models. Due to our large sales volume, we can also guarantee the lowest prices anywhere.

 

International Relocation Services

What we can do for you depends on your specifics needs. Our specialists are readily available to speak with you about your international relocation plans and cater our services around your needs and moving schedule. We can even arrange to have your purchases waiting for you when you arrive to your new home in practically any country in the world.

 

How do our international relocation services help you?

 

• We know which products are best for your needs and your budget, and can aid you in making the proper purchases.

• Our electronics and appliances are specifically designed to work in foreign countries.

• We save you the time of shopping for major appliances & electronics in unfamiliar territory.

• We save you the hassle of trying to bargain for a good buy in a foreign language.

• You can buy EVERYTHING from us, and pay us, in one simple transaction. No need to shop around!

• We eliminate all of the stresses associated with shopping for multiple products at various locations.

• We have more models and brands than most foreign department stores. Our selection is huge!

• We GUARANTEE the lowest prices.

• We ship worldwide!

• Our professional and experienced staff are highly knowledgeable not only about our products, but in arranging global shipping. We know what to expect in regards to customs, import taxes and other important issues and can make sure there are no surprises.

• We provide a smooth, simple, affordable transaction to help you get the product you want to the place that you need them.

 

Get Started With Your International Relocation Today

If you're relocating overseas, you owe it to yourself to contact us. At 220 Electronics, we have over 35 years of experience in helping people move around the world. We have satisfied customers in over 150 countries and counting. We can provide you with a totally free, no-obligation consultation for your international relocation. Home only feels like home when you're comfortable, and our products and services are here to help you achieve that comfort. Peace of mind, less stress and less headaches. Contact us today for your free international relocation consultation. We'll have you setup with the 220 volt electronics and appliances you need in no time; at the best prices in the world.

 

If you're relocating overseas, you're probably no stranger to the fact that it involves a lot of planning and preparation. Aside from dealing with passports, visas, banking and securing a home in a foreign country, you'll still have to furnish your new living space and prepare to make the transition into your new home. One of the most tiresome things about a foreign relocation is the initial adjustments and creating a space that genuinely feels like home. You can expect to spend a good amount of time and money shopping for necessities such as beds, appliances, electronics and more - all of which can be a bit overwhelming in an unfamiliar place. On the other hand, there are options to simplify this process and streamline your transition.

 

What many people aren't familiar with is the fact that in different regions the world, a different standard is utilized when it comes to electricity. By now - if you're planning an international relocation - you might be familiar with the voltage issue; if not, read on.

 

In the United States and North America, we use a 120-volt electrical standard. This means that the electricity in our homes & businesses is fed to us at 120 volts, and subsequently, all of the electronics sold in North America are designed to operate at 120 volts. In other regions such as Europe or Asia, the standard voltage is 220 volts and all electronics are manufactured to operate at that voltage. To keep the explanation as simple as possible, electronics can only operate at the voltage they were designed for. Any attempt to use an electronic device with a electrical voltage higher or lower than it was designed for will not only damage the device, but pose an immediate risk of electrical shock or fire. In other words, you cannot simply take your electronics with you and use them in any foreign country.

 

In order to minimalize the stress and hassle of shopping for appliances and electronics in a foreign country where the prices may be higher and the selection is likely quite limited, it's possible (and much more convenient) to purchase these items in the US with a reputable relocation service that specializes in 220-volt electronics and appliances. When compared to foreign countries, the North American prices will be lower, the selection larger, and they can deliver your purchase directly to your new home overseas at a time that's convenient with your arrival. The end result is that you're able to consult with professionals in your native language, purchase everything you need from a single place, pay a single bill, and arrange for everything you've purchased to arrive at the same time.

 

Again, not only will this step help you save a lot of time and stress, but if offers a certain level of relief to know that everything's already been taken care of. Furthermore, you're able to shop for the exact brands and models you like instead of being limited to a rather bland selection. You really can't beat that idea.

 

The knowledge and experience of a respected relocation expert will also help to ensure that you have everything you needed to "plug & play" in your destination country. If any plug adapters ro special cables are needed to use your new appliances & electronics, they'll be the first to tell you - and in most cases they will provide those to you for free with any significant purchase.

 

Okay, so you've got the idea. You're going to need new electronics and appliances, and you have two options - purchasing them overseas or purchasing them beforehand. Which option should you choose? Let's take a look... Do you speak the native language of your new country? Do you know the area you're moving to well? Are you familiar with the best places to shop for electronics and appliances? Are you okay with taking whatever is available for purchase instead of shopping a broad selection? Do you want to take the risk of being overcharged for inferior products? Are you prepared to be told that the more affordable models are not available and the inventory only consists of the top-dollar products, forcing you to spend more than you intended to? If you answered no to any of these, than your best bet is to make your purchases beforehand.

 

So how do you do it? First and foremost you're going to need a reputable company who specializes in 220-volt electronics and appliances and have a proven record in assisting people with overseas relocation. They'll need to be experienced with their products, have a good selection, competitive pricing, and be experienced with global shipping (not to mention well versed in any issues or pitfalls or potential issues with shipping and/or customs that need to be considered for your specific destination). The customer service should also be exceptional if you're going to spend a large sum and entrust them to a timely and proper delivery of your products overseas.

 

Where do you find a company like that? Luckily for you, we are a company like that. 220-electronics has over 35 years of experience in assisting people with their international location by providing appliances and electronics that are suitable for any destination in the world. From the initial consultation (which is 100% free and without obligation) to the finalization of your purchase and delivery, we work diligently with our customers to provide the highest level of customer service. Not only are we highly knowledgeable about our vast product inventory but we have experience with helping people relocate in over 150 countries. It's experience like ours that gives you peace of mind and confidence to worry about the more important factors of your move such as transferring your savings to your new overseas bank, selling your home, or completing the paperwork involved for miscellaneous odds & ends; there's a lot of things to take care of, we know.

 

Curious about where to start? Give us a call! We offer no-hassle consultations and we carry an enormous inventory of products, all designed to work at 220 volts. From the simple things like TVs and Blu-ray Players to the more serious purchases such as refrigerators or hot water heaters, we stock it all. We carry the top name brands and the newest models so you can ensure the latest technology, regardless of where you're moving. And yes, we will ship everything directly to your doorstep in practically any country around the world. We work with you and we work for you in an effort to provide a smooth, stress-free international move. We have helped thousands to do the same thing over the decades and our experience & reputation speaks for itself.

 

Contact us today by calling 877-578-0587, or learn more and view our inventory at 220-Electronics.com from the comfort of your home. We're here to help and we're glad to answer any questions you may have about our products or services. We look forward to hearing from you and we congratulate you on your new adventure!

 

Many of you might be familiar with this, but then many of you may not. So here's the situation; you're moving overseas for some reason (work, retirement, personal, etc.) and you're trying to get a place setup to live. You might be building a home, buying a home or renting a home and you're going to need to furnish it with electronics and appliances.

 

Unlike in the US, many places that are for rent or for sale do not come with major appliances. Sometimes they come without any appliances at all for that matter. You're likely going to have to purchase your own, and in a foreign environment it can be a real hassle. Below we will cover a few situations that can prove to be a real headache when trying to find appliances and electronics overseas and how you can avoid those headaches altogether.

 

Global Differences in Pricing

One thing that many people may not expect upon first thought is that electronics and appliances are not as inexpensive and readily available as they are in the United States. We have a massive system of trade with the world's major electronics manufacturing countries, and with that, we enjoy some of the world's lowest prices on a wide variety of quality personal and home electronics, as well as small and major appliances.

 

You might be quite surprised to visit an a major appliance store in a foreign country, and upon doing the math, discover that a low-end appliance costs the same as a high-end appliance in the United States, or that the cost is up to 60% more than it cost in the US. That's never a nice surprise. Consider things like a refrigerator, oven/range, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, television, etc. Instantly you feel overwhelmed by a vision of dollar-signs. And that doesn't even include a blender, coffee maker, stereo system, Blu-ray or DVD Player, and other misc. electronics.

 

But it doesn't have to happen that way. Believe it or not, it's much cheaper to purchase everything you need in the US and pay to have it shipped overseas. It's the truth. If you do it right (and with our help, advice, expertise and knowledge) you can save big time.

 

Wait, You Don't Carry That Brand?

So even if you're made of money and decide to purchase your appliances and electronics overseas, you're going to quickly find out that the selection is not as complete or vibrant as it is here in the United States.

 

When we trade to an appliance store in the US, we see dozens and dozens of brands and models of each appliance available to choose from. Various sizes and designs, multiple colors, economical and high quality models and everything in between. You have options - and sometimes so many options it's hard to make a choice. Overseas, you might not have that. Actually, you won't have that. And in most countries it's not as simple as going on a website and ordering your new appliances for delivery in 3 days. It just doesn't work that way, for many reasons, none of which are important to get into right now.

 

Just know that the selection will be small, and you might not be happy with it. You might have to settle for less than you expected, and under certain circumstance, that could mean more hassle in the long run. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can actually purchase your appliances before you leave and have them shipped to your new home country. Best of all, we know EVERYTHING there is to know about voltage in foreign countries, which means we sell 220-240 volt appliances so they're actually compatible overseas.

 

Inaccurate Resources, Foreign Language and the Tourist Aspect

Again, while moving to a foreign land can be one of the most exciting and rewarding things you ever do with your life, there are certain things to understand. For example, you can't always just go online and find out who is a reputable retailer of washing/machines and dryers in Thailand or Japan. You might not know where to look, or in all actuality, the businesses that sell those items will likely not have a website as much business in smaller foreign countries operate by word of mouth. This means that simply locating the place to find what you need can be a huge hassle all by itself.

 

With that said, you still might experience language issues once you do find a retailer. Even if you're fluent in the local language, you might suffer the "tourist tax", which is basically the full price or sometimes even an inflated price. There's not always a chance to make deals, and you won't realize it until it's too late. Many, many, many people have found out at a later date that they've been charged 50 or even 100% more for big dollar items while overseas, sometimes for products of inferior quality! And worst of all, unlike big-box stores in the US, the retune policy is not always for or even existent for that matter

 

So, What Should You Do?

It's a simple answer really. You call 220 Electronics. We have over 35 years worth of experience in international relocation - it is our specialty. We're able to access your situation and individual needs and present options that will make your move go very smooth and far simpler than trying to acquire multiple appliances and electronics in a foreign country.

 

We have knowledge of foreign countries and their elsctrical standards, as well as a vast knowledge of our own huge selection of top brand name appliances. We can save you a ton of money, a ton of hassle and a ton of regrets. We believe you should arrive in your new home relaxed, confident and ready to enjoy life - not stressing about how you're going to cook food or wash your laundry.

 

Give us a call today at 877-578-0587 or visit us online at www.220-Electronics.com and get started. We have a massive history of happy, loyal and satisfied customers and we welcome you to join them! Let's make your international move a breeze.