Grand’s Customer Appreciation Event is going on now through April 15 across all locations. We have marked down product throughout the store and are giving away…
– $5,000 Electrolux appliance shopping spree
– Samsung 55″ LED with 120Hz refresh rate
– Sealy Posturepedic queen mattress set
– Weber Genesis 3-burner grill
– Miele Cat & Dog upright vacuum
For more than a decade, Sonos has been a pioneer in wireless, whole-home audio technology. Their initial product launch in 2002 essentially created the category and the company has been dominating ever since. After seeing their brand new soundbar, PLAYBAR, I’m a firm believer their dominance will only continue to grow.
Before we get into the new product, here’s a little background info.
SONOS OVERVIEW
Sonos’ Current Product Family
Sonos allows users to easily stream content from their iTunes library, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, Pandora, Rhapsody, MOG, Spotify and more to any room in the house. Systems can be wirelessly expanded to additional rooms as needed and easily controlled with free software for most smartphones, tablets or computers.
What sets Sonos apart is its wireless, room-by-room approach. Users can build and customize their system over time rather than buying all rooms at one time. System are made up of one or more ZonePlayers, which are Sonos devices that play streaming content. ZonePlayers are available as stand-alone Sonos speakers or components that connect to any speaker or audio system. ZonePlayers communicate wirelessly with each other to create a whole home system capable of streaming a different feed in each room or the same feed in all rooms. Best of all, Sonos uses its own unique wireless technology (rather than WiFi or Bluetooth), so users get consistently reliable results without taxing their home network.
If you want to learn more about Sonos and its ZonePlayers, click here for more information.
SOUNDBAR OVERVIEW
A soundbar is a low-profile, elongated speaker designed to match today’s ultra-flat TVs. They’ve become very popular because they’re simple systems that can provide much better sound than speakers in an ultra-thin TV and can be installed without hacking into walls or running extensive cabling.
Virtually all of the soundbars on the market today have three basic flaws:
MEET PLAYBAR
Wall Mounted and Table Top Views
Yesterday Sonos introduced PLAYBAR, the innovative soundbar that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen. I could dive into how the low profile PLAYBAR speaker sounds great thanks to its nine premium built-in drivers, but its the built-in Sonos streaming audio technology that really pushes PLAYBAR ahead of the pack. Now, when you combine PLAYBAR and a smart TV, you’ve got a central hub for virtually any music or video source on earth. It’s truly a smart speaker for your smart TV.
In addition to great sound and streaming music capability, PLAYBAR offers additional features few competitors can match. Perhaps the most impressive is PLAYBAR’s automatic sound optimization. PLAYBAR has the built-in computing power of a laptop and performs millions of calculations per second in order to output outstanding sound in any environment. It even features a built-in accelerometer that automatically detects the installation configuration to deliver great sound for that specific application. Best of all, the entire process is automatic – no software to run or settings to adjust.
PLAYBAR Family View
Another very cool feature is PLAYBAR’s multiple configuration options. PLAYBAR sounds great on its own, but add a Sonos subwoofer (model: SUB) and you have a 3.1 system with some serious punch. Add the sub and two Sonos PLAY3 speakers and you have a completely wireless 5.1 solution that rivals just about anything available today.
But wait, there’s more! Here are some more unique PLAYBAR features:
Do you own a self-cleaning range but rarely use the feature because it takes forever, stinks up the kitchen and wastes energy? If so, check out AquaLift, a new self-cleaning feature available on select Whirlpool and Maytag ranges.
AquaLift technology delivers easy, odor-free oven cleaning in a fraction of the time of traditional self-clean ovens. Watch this short video to see for yourself.
If you’re looking for a way to easily add high quality sound to your outdoor fun this summer, consider an Outcast speaker system from Soundcast.
Overview
An Outcast weather resistant speaker system is by far the simplest solution for high quality outdoor sound. Simply plug it in, connect your iPod, smart phone or tablet and enjoy your favorite playlists and music services outside. Better yet, charge the built-in battery and take it anywhere you want for up to 15 hours of quality music output.
High Performance Output
Outcast’s unique design allows you to fill even large outdoor spaces with rich, stereo sound. Models feature four strategically positioned omni-directional speakers and a built-in subwoofer to deliver 360-degrees of stereo sound.
Wireless Streaming Music
Want to be completely wireless? No problem. Select Outcast systems ship with Soundcast’s wireless iPod docking station, which allows you to stream music from your iPod or iPhone to the speaker system. The dock even features an input for connection to your computer, stereo, home theater or even your TV allowing you to stream your favorite CD, the ball game, Pandora and more to your Outcast system. With a wireless range of up to 300ft., the docking system is a great solution for virtually any application.
Models and Options
Outcast speaker systems are available in two sizes. The full-size Outcast speaker system features a 100-watt amplifier and 8″ subwoofer. Suggested retail is $899 for the speaker itself or $999 for the speaker and wireless iPod dock bundle pack.
The more compact Outcast Jr. features a 60-watt amplifier and 6.5″ subwoofer. The compact size is perfect for portability. It even ships complete with a 12-volt car adapter making it the perfect tailgating solution. Suggest retail is $599 for the speaker itself or $699 for the speaker and wireless iPod bundle pack.
Already a leading manufacturer of high end appliances, Viking continues to push the limits of innovation and design with its new D3 line of appliances. The D3 line features all the premium performance features you’d expect from Viking along with product customization options and lower pricing to make it the greatest consumer value in the luxury appliance segment.
The D3 line’s patent pending customization options include interchangeable knob and handle inserts that can match virtually any cabinetry finish or kitchen decor. Polished chrome inserts ship standard to match the stainless steel knobs and handles, but consumers can remove those inserts and replace with customized inserts to match their kitchen. Pre-finished wood inserts in popular colors are available to match most cabinets, but consumers can also purchase unfinished wood inserts that can be stained for an exact cabinetry match. For painted finished, consumers can purchase clear acrylic inserts that can be painted to match the color scheme in the room.
Just like all Viking appliances, D3 appliances are also available in 24 designer finishes. When you combine the design capabilities offered by custom color options and interchangeable knob and handle inserts you have an appliance line that offers flexibility unmatched by any manufacturer.
To help customers visualize all the different color and insert options, Viking has created a new D3 customization feature on its website. The tool allows consumers to change range colors and knob and handle inserts to view the available options. Click here to try it out yourself on a 30″ D3 gas range.
We’ve started rolling Viking’s D3 line out at select locations, but it will soon be added to the floor lineup at all Grand stores. In the meantime, you can click here to view the full line on our website.
Today GE (NYSE:GE) unveiled its brand new factory in Louisville, Kentucky. GE will leverage skilled American labor at the new plant to produce its new state of the art French door bottom freezer refrigerator series featuring the most advanced ice and water dispenser on the market today. French door bottom freezer models were previously built overseas by Samsung.
The new facility is expected to add 600 jobs to the local economy and is the second manufacturing facility to open in GE’s Appliance Park in the past six weeks. GE’s new Louisville manufacturing facilities are expected to add $1.6 billion directly or indirectly to the state’s economy according to independent consulting firm Tripp Umbach. What’s more, the firm also found that GE’s Kentucky manufacturing efforts will support more than 12,000 jobs, with nearly 5,000 direct employees.
“Today’s Appliance Park milestone is proof that when businesses, unions and employees work together, we can deliver innovative solutions to the marketplace and demonstrate that U.S.-based manufacturing can be competitive,” said GE Appliances President and CEO Charles “Chip” Blankenship. “GE Appliances is a shining example of what is working in U.S. manufacturing, and we’re excited about what this new production line means for the future of our business. We know we could not have reached this milestone without our partners, such as the local union, government leaders at all levels and our 4,000 incredibly hard working Louisville employees.”
The move is certainly a refreshing change for GE and the appliance industry in general. We hope to see more of this from GE and other brands in the future so we can market products made right here at home to our customers.
Click to Shop Elite TVs at Grandapplianceandtv.com
Grand is pleased to welcome Elite back to the HDTV landscape after a few years away from the TV world. The new Elite HDTV lineup includes two LED backlit models; a 60″ at $5,499 and a 70″ at $7,999.
Elite LED?
The switch to LED technology is a departure from Elite’s heritage as a high end plasma TV brand. For years, Elite plasma TVs were regarded as the industry standard for superior design and picture quality. Despite the switch to LED, Elite is confident it will continue to set the standard by which all other competitors will be judged.
I for one would have to agree. I installed both the 60″ and 70″ set in our Libertyville location yesterday in a room that features top of the line LED TVs from Samsung and Toshiba as well as top of the line plasmas from Samsung and Panasonic. I could clearly see the Elite difference compared to the other sets I previously regarded as the best in the industry. As I informally polled customers and salespeople I got the same response over and over. Quite simply, the Elite picture blew away the competition on our floor.
The First Compromise-Free HDTV
Elite LED TVs are a breath of fresh air for those that demand the best. I’m admittedly a plasma fan because I, like many critics, feel it offers deeper black levels, more lifelike color and better motion response than comparable LEDs. However, plenty of LED fans that will point to LED’s brighter image, longer panel life, immunity to burn-in, thinner/lighter design and enhanced energy efficiency as reasons to choose LED over plasma. Bottom line, choosing one over the other means you have to compromise certain features for others.
Therein lies a fundamental problem – if I’m buying a premium TV, why should I have to compromise? With Elite, I don’t have to anymore. Elite panels offer all the advantages of LED technology as well as the amazing black levels, crisp motion response and rich, lifelike color I expect out of top of the line plasma TVs.
How Do They Do It?
The secret to Elite’s superior picture is a collection of features Elite refers to as Intelligent Variable Contrast. The combination of features enhance the color gamut and automate control over brightness and backlight levels resulting in superior color depth, brilliance, detail and black levels. See below for an overview of each technology at work to make this happen.
Conclusion
With price points roughly twice as much as top of the line offerings from other brands I understand the Elite HDTV will not be a solution for everyone. However, rarely does a product come out claiming to be far and away the best and actually back up that claim. Elite has done that and they’ve made a believer out of me, which isn’t easy given my strident allegiance to plasma. So for those with demanding tastes and the wherewithal to stomach the price tag, there isn’t a better HDTV option than the Elite LED TV.
By: Jeff Clemens, Electronics Buyer
Click to Browse Bosch Dishwashers on Grandapplianceandtv.com
According to Bosch, 38 percent of Americans feel the dishwasher is the noisiest product in their home. Bosch aims to reduce that number with its brand new line of dishwashers. Already well-known for quiet operation and incredible cleaning, Bosch has upped the ante with its new line claiming each dishwasher in the line will be quieter than any other similarly priced competitor.
To prove their claim, Bosch will publish sound ratings for each dishwasher in the line, which starts with the Ascenta Series at $549 and a sound rating of 50 decibels (dBA). The top of the line 800-Series Plus dishwashers rate at an incredible 39 dBA. To put that in perspective, the sound output doubles each time the decibel rating increases by three decibels. So the 800-Series Plus is almost four times quieter than the Ascenta series.
Features vary based on the series, but listed below are some common features in the Bosch dishwasher line that allow it to operate so quietly.
Three Level Insulation: Bosch blankets its dishwashers with three layers to dampen sound. The first is the stylish stainless steel wash tub. Second is a tar-like material called bitumen, which is baked onto the stainless tub. The third layer is a thick cotton blanket made of recycled jeans. Combined, these three layers do an outstanding job of absorbing sound and vibration created during the wash cycle.
Smart Spray Technology: Bosch divides the dishwasher into spray zones to aid in cleaning, efficiency and noise reduction. This ensures the spray will be focused on your dishes allowing Bosch dishwashers to clean effectively while using less water. In addition, focusing the spray on your dishes results in quieter clean because it doesn’t create additional sound by spraying against the stainless steel door and sides.
Disposal-Less Design: Many dishwashers include a noisy disposal that breaks down food particles in the dishwasher. Bosch has eliminated the disposal and replaced it with extremely high wash temperatures and a self-cleaning filter. The high heat wash breaks down food particles and disposes of them through the filter leaving your dishes ultra clean and 99.9 percent bacteria free.
Solid Molded Base: Bosch dishwashers feature a seamless, solid molded base and enhanced insulation to reduce vibration created during the wash cycle.
Brushless Motors: Bosch’s brushless dishwasher motors are virtually frictionless resulting in far less noise.
With its new line of dishwashers, Bosch has clearly continued to push the limits of engineering and design even further. To see these dishwashers in person, visit a Grand location near you and our knowledgeable sales associates will be happy to walk you through the different options. Click here to view a list of our locations.
ZVOX Audio Base
Do you want big sound but you’re tired of bulky components, messy wires and complicated setups? ZVOX audio’s ZBASE theater systems are the perfect solution for you.
Unique Styling
The innovative ZBASE system is a low profile rectangular box that sits on your AV stand beneath your TV. Simply set the TV on top of your ZBASE system and the sleek cabinet blends in with the base of your flat panel TV. Your guests won’t even notice its there – that is until they hear it.
Premium Sound
The sound from a ZVOX audio system is amazing. You get realistic surround sound output from the five compact drivers lining the front of the system’s cabinet. In addition, ZVOX systems delivery stunningly clear dialog, particularly when in Dialog Emphasis mode. The system’s built-in subwoofer delivers outstanding bass that rivals stand-alone subwoofers in most systems.
Simple Setup and Operation
ZVOX systems are extremely easy to set up and use. Simply connect one cable from your TV to the system and you’re done. ZVOX systems have additional inputs for music sources including a front mounted mini jack for your iPod. Best of all, the ZVOX system works with any remote. It can learn your TV, cable or satellite remote commands so you can use the remote control you’re familiar with and eliminate the pile of remotes from your table top.
ZVOX has received rave reviews from traditional audio stalwarts like Stereophile, Sound & Vision and Home Theater as well as popular outlets like The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC. Visit us today to see it in action for yourself. You’ll be amazed at the quality, design and simplicity of ZVOX audio systems.
Click here to view ZVOX systems on our website.
That’s right, purchase select laundry pairs from Grand Appliance and TV and get $400 off instantly. Whirlpool and Maytag have partnered with Grand to offer you $400 savings when you trade in your old laundry pair for one of their top of the line front-load laundry pairs. See below for more information about each pair.
Maytag Maxima Laundry Pair
Maytag Maxima front load laundry pair. The washer features 5.0 cu. ft. capacity, 11 wash cycles, IntelliTemp automatic temperature control and PowerWash cycle for industry-best cleaning. The 7.4 cu. ft. EcoConserve™ dryer uses 48% less energy when paired with this washer. Advanced Moisture Sensing system helps evenly dry large, heavy loads, and reduce the risk of shrinking while steam-enhanced cycles help relax wrinkles and refresh clothes. Both units are built with Maytag® Commercial Technology components including a high-performance motor. Models: MHW6000XW (washer), MED6000XW (electric dryer), MGD6000XW (gas dryer).
Whirlpool Duet Laundry Pair
Whirlpool Duet front load washer and dryer laundry pair. The 4.0 cu.ft. front load washer features 10 automatic cycles and the TumbleFresh™ option helps keep clean clothes fresh with intermittent tumbling after the cycle completes and reduce the growth of odor. The 7.4 cu.ft. gas dryer features 8 automatic dry cycles and the Advanced Moisture Sensing system uses built-in sensors to read temperature and moisture levels so that the drying cycle can end when everything is perfectly dry, saving time and energy. Models: WFW94HEXW (washer), WED94HEXW (electric dryer), WGD94HEXW (gas dryer).
Call 888.396.8165 or click here to find the location nearest you.
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