hd living winter 2009
TRANSCRIPT
WINTER 2009 , volumE 3 , IssuE 4Living
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HD
The comforts of home The gift of entertainment
CasualCocooning
Cashmere | Pet Vacations | South Beach Dining | Fireplaces | Vintage Guitars
HDL1209_Cover_2.indd 3 11/6/09 11:20:09 AM
Offers the most fluid movement, with detailed images in each
frame – not parts of every frame.
©2009 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. All rights reserved. Samsung, Touch of Color and Real240Hz are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd. All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Screen images are simulated. ©2009 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos/indicia are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL PLAYERS is a trademark of National Football League Players Incorporated.
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©2009 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. All rights reserved. Samsung, Touch of Color and Real240Hz are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd. All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Screen images are simulated. ©2009 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos/indicia are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL PLAYERS is a trademark of National Football League Players Incorporated.
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©2009 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. All rights reserved. Samsung, Touch of Color, ToC, InfoLink, LinkStick and Real240Hz are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Screen images are simulated. ©2009 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos/indicia are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL PLAYERS is a trademark of National Football League Players Incorporated.
HDL1209_SamsungNFL_Ad.indd 2-3 10/6/09 12:18:26 PMHDL1209_Cover_Ads.indd 4 11/6/09 11:34:33 AM
4HDL
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PublisherRichaRd glikes
Editor in ChiefhOWaRd [email protected]
Editorial Offices 1500 Spring Garden Street,12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19130
CREATIVE
Art Director TIM DUPNAK
Graphic Designer FRANK MOORE
Graphic Designer JON GERNER
Pre-press Specialist PATRICK FARRELL
Project Manager JANE CHEROAdministration (215) 238-5431 • [email protected]
CIRCULATION
For subscription inquiries and changes please call 1-800-818-8174 or e-mail [email protected]
HOME THEATER SPECIALISTS OF AMERICAExecutive Director
RichaRd glikes(610) 363-9055 • FAX (610) 363-9065
501 East Uwchalan AvenueChester Springs, PA 19425
Published byThe Consumer Technology Publishing Group
Group President/Publishing DirectoreRic schWaRTz
(215) 238-5420 • FAX (215) 238-5457 [email protected]
Publisher of Custom Retailer, Dealerscope, Picture Business and E-Gear magazines.
Custom Publisher of the 2009 International CES Show Directory, Guide and Pre Show Planner
WINTER 2009, VOLUME 3, IssUE 4
We’ve put together a diverse clutch of articles for you this issue. I’m kinda in a
“Joe Walsh” mood. Have you ever played bocce? I’ve seen people play bocce
but can’t say that I’ve ever tried it. Looks relaxing. I bought a cashmere sweater
in Bermuda some years back. It was remarkably warm and soft. Wish it still fit.
The closest thing to a $33,000 bed that I’ve experienced is a Westin Heavenly
Bed. They make me feel like I’m floating on air and produce sonorous snoring—
so I’m told.
We have a dog. As a matter of fact we have two. Troy is a Maltese and Spike is
a Lab. They’re not quite ready for the pet villa. Troy, at five pounds, thinks he’s the
big dog and Spike just wants to play catch while shedding profusely. Are there pet
prisons or juvenile detention centers for dogs?
South Beach is fun, though my wife and I seemed to miss the hot spots the last
time we were there. I’m not real perky at 3:00 in the morning when the beautiful
people come out.
Oh yes, take me to the islands. We had our honeymoon at the Four Seasons on
Nevis in the West Indies. There is a faint recollection of the rum being good there.
I can’t remember much. Maybe it was the rum.
Guitars are cool. Thought you could pick one up and play like Jimi Hendrix?
Not so. Years of practice are required. Being a rock star was out of the question.
I love music. I think people have gotten away from music to some degree. We
used to sit down and listen to album after album. Can’t remember the last time
we did that. And the speakers had to be big. I used to have two pair of Wharfdale
D-60 floor standing speakers stacked one on top of the other. They had sand
filled cabinets with 14-inch woofers. I think I gave them away.
So now we have a speaker that can go in the wall and out of sight. Great idea!
They even sound good (some are awesome) and you can put a subwoofer in the
wall too. My house is full of in-wall speakers. What happened to big speakers?
Back to Joe Walsh. The song goes:
“My Maserati does 185
I lost my license—now I don’t drive”.
Enjoy the magazine with a pirate’s smile as you reflect.
Richard glikes
executive director
home Theater specialists of america
www.myhsta.com
Life’s Been Good
high-definition LifeStYLe and eLectronicS
CONNECTIONS
COMPLIMENTS OF HOME THEATER SPECIALISTS OF AMERICA AND OUR
VALUED VENDOR PARTNERS
HDL1209_Features 4 11/6/09 11:59:17 AM
Void where prohibited. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy to residents of any state or province in which registration or other legal requirements have not been fulfi lled. Prices and availability subject to change without notice.
A Z Z U R R AT H E B E S T M A R I N A V I E W S
PMS 301 PMS 632 75% PMS 308
T H E A RT O F C A L I F O R N I A L I V I N G
A z z u r r a
T H E A RT O F C A L I F O R N I A L I V I N G
A z z u r r a
CMYK VERSION
T H E A R T O F C A L I F O R N I A L I V I N G™
R E S O R T - L I K E L I F E S T Y L E
H E A LT H C L U B
R O O F T O P S K Y L O U N G E
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R E S I D E N T L O U N G E
M E D I A R O O M
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 5 11/9/09 3:42:40 PM
20Casual Cocooning
Great home theater doesn’t have
to cost you an arm and a leg.
Here are some affordable alterna-
tives to suit any budget.
22The Ultimate Getaway
Luxurious, scenic, all-inclusive
resorts in Aruba offer all of the
features of a glorious island va-
cation.
28Music in Every Room
Today’s in-wall speakers offer
top-quality audio throughout your
home that’s nearly out of sight.
36Oregon Offers
Pinot Noir Values
Surprisingly affordable but totally
delectable Pinot Noir wines from
the great state of Oregon.
40A Girl’s Other Best Friend
Cashmere sweaters and wraps
mix dazzling style, head-turning
fashion and welcome warmth for
the cold months.
12The Automated Estate
A local custom electronics dealer
profiles an impressive home that
features the latest home automa-
tion, distributing entertainment
and convenience throughout the
property.
16Your Local Custom Solution
They have the v is ion and the
experience to bring your home
to life. Your community custom
electronics dealer will exceed your
expectat ions and your wi ldest
dreams with their plans for your
home automation installation or
upgrade.
40feATureS
22
CONTeNTS WINTer 2009 ISSue, VOLume 3, ISSue 4
6HDL
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HDL1209_Features.indd 6 11/6/09 3:34:25 PM
Home Theaters & Media Rooms | Outdoor A/V Systems | Lighting & Control Systems
House Audio Systems | Residential & Commercial Installation
805.497.7536 | WilshireHE.com | 1412 N. Moorpark Road | Thousand Oaks, CA
HD Living Ad #1 Winter Issue:A 10/1/09 4:00 PM Page 1
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 7 11/9/09 3:42:44 PM
46 58 64 70
CONTENTS
52Old World Sport
Meets New World Lifestyle
Bocce—a sport that’s catching
on as a pastime, social gather-
ing and dinner accompaniment.
F ind out about th is growing
trend—and the basics of playing
the game.
58A Breed of Its Own
Four-star pet resorts for people
who want only the finest accom-
modations for their fur-babies
when they travel.
64Vintage Guitar Hero
That beat-up guitar in your attic
may be worth a fortune. A look
at the rocking world of collectible
“axes.”
70South Beach Delights
Fantast ic restaurants can be
found in Florida’s South Beach
resort area. Here are some high-
lights to please any palate.
76Home is Where the Hearth is
Getting cold? Consider these dif-
ferent styles of fireplaces for this
winter, and read up on sensible
tips for their safe use.
82A Toast to Being Toasty!
Try these delicious warm drinks
to make this the coziest, most
enjoyable winter ever.
46Sleeping On A Dream
Lush mattresses (including one that
sells for $33,000!—and some with
more reasonable price tags) from a
master bed maker.
8HDL
COVER PHOTO by Olson Photographic LLCCourtesy of Innerspace Electronics, Inc.
VisiT OuR THOusaNd Oaks sHOWROOMFOR a TEsT dRiVE TOday!
at Wilshire Home Entertainment, we believe that the best home theaterexperience stems from carefully matched, properly configured speaker systemscombined with meticulously selected audio/video components. B&W and Roteldevelop the finest high-performance home theater speakers and components to
suit every system and budget. Visit Wilshire today for a test drive.
805.497.75361412 N. Moorpark Rd. (at Janss Road)Thousand Oaks
www.WilshireHE.com
HD Living Ad 3B:A 7/9/09 6:31 PM Page 1
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>>
Conventional wisdom would say things like: Don’t mix
business and pleasure; Keep business and home sepa-
rate; etc., the point being what goes on at home should have
little or no relation to what happens at work, and vice-versa.
But for one client of Thousand Oaks-based audiovisual
systems integrator Wilshire Home Entertainment, those words
of advice flew out the window. The reason: The client was so
impressed with the work the company was doing at his home
that he chose Wilshire to execute an important project at his
business.
“This was a commercial site that required multiple conference
rooms with a main assembly room for company functions,” says
Wilshire’s Bill Sanchez. “They required VTC capability and ease
of use for multiple users to be able to set up.”
That was the basic assignment, but of course, the Wilshire
team came in with ideas the client hadn’t thought of—in this
case, they suggested he add Lutron lighting and shades to the
project, an idea the to which the client was happily receptive.
It was vitally important to the client that the project was re-
flective of his company’s style and tone. According to Sanchez,
“He wanted to balance modern technology with the modern
design of the conference rooms.”
CUSTOMINSTALL>> by HOWARD WHITMAN
In Good CompanyThis Wilshire Home Entertainment client was so satisfied with his home installation that he used Wilshire for his business installation as well.
For information on Pre-Construction Pricing and Incentives, please visit ouron-site, state-of-the-art Sales Center or visit www.rlvillas.com
This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Villas at Royal Lahaina and shall notbe used in any state where prohibited by law or where registration requirements have not been met. Developer reserves the right to change any
information contained herein without any prior notice and disclaim any duty to update the information. Features subject to change.
SAKAMOTO PROPERTIES - 2780 KEKA'A DRIVE, KAANAPALI BEACH, MAUI (808) 270-9777
deanotto_hdliv_vrl_10.8.8:Layout 1 copy 10/9/08 12:59 PM Page 1
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 12 11/9/09 3:43:00 PM
For information on Pre-Construction Pricing and Incentives, please visit ouron-site, state-of-the-art Sales Center or visit www.rlvillas.com
This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Villas at Royal Lahaina and shall notbe used in any state where prohibited by law or where registration requirements have not been met. Developer reserves the right to change any
information contained herein without any prior notice and disclaim any duty to update the information. Features subject to change.
SAKAMOTO PROPERTIES - 2780 KEKA'A DRIVE, KAANAPALI BEACH, MAUI (808) 270-9777
deanotto_hdliv_vrl_10.8.8:Layout 1 copy 10/9/08 12:59 PM Page 1
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 13 11/9/09 3:43:03 PM
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Of course, a project of this magnitude was not without its
challenges. Hurdles Wilshire had to— and did—overcome
included:
• The Wilshire team members found themselves working si-
multaneously with workers from other trades, and encountered
conflicts with their schedules for the construction process.
Careful scheduling on Wilshire’s part saved the day. “With so
many trades working,” Sanchez says, “plus an accelerated
timeline being demanded, we had to be ready to go as soon
as we were given the all-clear signal for our next phase of the
project.”
• Wilshire encountered design discrepancies between what
they’d planned, the realities of the site, and the desires of the
client. To meet these challenges, Wilshire team members had to
think fast on their feet. “When we found that the reflective ceil-
ing plan had been changed by the client in the field,: Sanchez
says, “our design and layout for the 60 total in-ceiling speakers
and subwoofers was no longer valid. We had to redesign the
placements of these components in the field. We were still able
to cover the entire Assembly Room with our original pre-wire
and adequately cover the space so that there were no dead
spots.”
• “Probably the biggest challenge of all was meeting the cli-
ent’s expectation to be able to combine and divide the Main
Assembly Room,” Sanchez recalls. “They wanted to be able to
use the floor space efficiently and installed room dividers, which
separated the room into four different conference rooms. This
not only challenged our operations team but also our Crestron
programmer to come up with a way to allow them to set up the
room as needed. The solution was to devise a room ‘setup wiz-
ard’ that took the operator step-by-step through the process of
configuring the room for the requirements needed for that day.
For example, if the room was combined, then all of the
speakers would work throughout the Assembly Room. If it
needed to be separated, then the speakers would only work in
the rooms that were selected.”
Meeting these challenges through innovation, excellent
planning and quick thinking, Wilshire was able to move forward
with the installation, utilizing some of the finest equipment
available from top-notch manufacturers including Crestron,
Extron, Lutron, QSC, Shure, Sony, URC, Stewart, Mid-Atlantic
and Tanberg.
Upon completion of the project following eight months of in-
tensive work by Wilshire, the finished project was presented to
the client and his staff, who were dazzled by the end result.
“While we were conducting the client training with their op-
erations team in the Assembly Room, they especially liked the
one-button press on the Crestron remote to activate the sys-
tem,” Sanchez says. “We heard some ‘wows’ when they saw
the three projector screens and 15 Lutron shades come down
simultaneously while the A/V sources came to life. Seeing that
happen all at once was very impressive.” HDL
50 years of experience I Award winning company I Interactive showrooms I In-home consultations
Thousand Oaks I 805.497.7536 Valencia I 661.291.1900 Los Angeles I 310.345.3466 www.wilshirehe.com
We Do The Work. You Press Play.
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 14 11/9/09 3:43:07 PM
50 years of experience I Award winning company I Interactive showrooms I In-home consultations
Thousand Oaks I 805.497.7536 Valencia I 661.291.1900 Los Angeles I 310.345.3466 www.wilshirehe.com
We Do The Work. You Press Play.
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 15 11/9/09 3:43:11 PM
16HDL
16HDL
>>
Home Theaters & Media Rooms | Outdoor A/V Systems | Lighting & Control SystemsHouse Audio Systems | Residential & Commercial Installation
Great home entertainment and business
solutions start with great design.
Wilshire Home Entertainment’s
experienced team of designers will work
with you to develop the ideal design to
meet your highest expectations.
Whether you dream of a complete
home theater, a multimedia conference
room, or a flat screen television, we
can make it all blend perfectly with
your home or office. From custom
design and installation, to the latest
in state-of-the-art electronics,
nobody has more experience than
Wilshire Home Entertainment.
805.497.7536 | WilshireHE.com
1412 N. Moorpark Road | Thousand Oaks, CA
HD Living Ad #2 Winter Issue:A 10/1/09 3:58 PM Page 1
DEALERPROFILE
Long-Term ValueWilshire Home Entertainment customers benefit from firm’s world-class experience, support and value.
There are lots of home theater specialists out there.
In competitive times like these, only the best companies
will rise above the rest and continue to succeed and grow.
One such company is Wilshire Home Entertainment, based in
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Wilshire’s success is certainly no accident. In fact, the vet-
eran home theater/automation integrator has a proven recipe
for success.
“We offer three real differences: Experience, support and val-
ue,” says Wilshire President Mike McMaster. “Wilshire has been
in the business since 1954, and has the most experienced
sales and operations staff in Southern California. We support
clients after the sale well beyond what you experience at other
companies, and create long-term value with this combination,
so clients receive a good return on their investment.”
One key way the Wilshire team keeps customers are satis-
fied is by making sure each project is specifically geared to
their unique interests and lifestyles. So learning everything
possible about their clients is a high priority for Wilshire: “You
have to ask a lot of questions,” McMaster says. “That’s the only
way to make sure you provide a solution that meets expecta-
tions. Who will be using the system? What are the priorities
between performance, cosmetics, features and budget? We
also educate clients people on the possibilities so they can
make an informed decision.”
Of course, Wilshire does far more these days than just video
>> by HOWARD WHITMAN
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 16 11/9/09 3:43:15 PM
Home Theaters & Media Rooms | Outdoor A/V Systems | Lighting & Control SystemsHouse Audio Systems | Residential & Commercial Installation
Great home entertainment and business
solutions start with great design.
Wilshire Home Entertainment’s
experienced team of designers will work
with you to develop the ideal design to
meet your highest expectations.
Whether you dream of a complete
home theater, a multimedia conference
room, or a flat screen television, we
can make it all blend perfectly with
your home or office. From custom
design and installation, to the latest
in state-of-the-art electronics,
nobody has more experience than
Wilshire Home Entertainment.
805.497.7536 | WilshireHE.com
1412 N. Moorpark Road | Thousand Oaks, CA
HD Living Ad #2 Winter Issue:A 10/1/09 3:58 PM Page 1
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 17 11/9/09 3:43:26 PM
18HDL
18HDL
Contact:
Wilshire Home Entertainment1412 North Moorpark Rd.Thousand Oaks, CA 91360(805) [email protected]
and audio installations. “We’ve added many new capabilities to
our offerings,” McMaster explains. “Lighting control is our fast-
est growing technology, which provides energy savings, safety
and convenience to your home or office. We also offer integra-
tion with iPod, iPhone, iTunes and AppleTV, which allows our
clients to display and listen to their music, family photos and
download movies throughout their home.”
And Wilshire doesn’t just serve homeowners. The company
also works with private businesses. “Over the past several
years, we have expanded our capabilities for business by of-
fering conference room systems, video teleconferencing, and
even large assembly rooms,” McMaster says.
You will benefit from Wilshire’s rich 55-year history in many
ways—including the design of your project. “We take our ex-
periences from past projects, and adapt them it to fit the room,
home or business with the best solution possible,” McMaster
says. “I believe the design should be inspired by [the client’s]
goals as well as the rooms or areas they are intended for.”
For Wilshire, taking care of customers is their No. 1 priority.
McMaster recalled one instance that illustrated the measures
the company will take to ensure their total satisfaction:
“On one occasion, a client had a home theater and a dis-
tributed audio system installed by another A/V company just
weeks earlier. It was Friday afternoon and the client was unable
to get any assistance from the original install company. The
client was getting ready to entertain a large group of friends
for their child’s birthday celebration all day on Saturday. The
control system had stopped working due to poor placement of
the radio frequency sensor and the distributed audio system
was working improperly due to incorrect receiver settings.
Wilshire Home Entertainment made time to get a technician on
site that afternoon. The technician identified all the problems
and maximized the system’s performance, allowing the client
to feel at peace knowing the system would perform properly
the next day.”
Ultimately, for Wilshire Home Entertainment it’s all about
giving the people what they want: thrilling, world-class per-
formance.
“Many people focus on all of the equipment we install, but
for most of our systems we are delivering emotion,” McMaster
says. “The ability to entertain, or escape, or educate all fulfill
basic human needs. If we can deliver goosebumps with a
song, a movie or a slide show of family photos, we’ve made
an impact.” HDL
HDL1209_Wilshire_V049 18 11/9/09 3:43:28 PM
elegant. efficient. eco-logical.
www.renaissancelighting.com
Renaissance Lighting™ is the only company to offer a complete line of architectural-grade,
solid-state LED, color-changing recessed downlights. Each fixture can be wirelessly
controlled using intuitive proprietary software and simple control systems to create
customized color-changing lighting effects for any living area.
AMPLIFY YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH THE VIVIDLY BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT LOOK OF INTELLIGENT COLOR-CHANGING LED ILLUMINATION.
HDL1209_Features.indd 19 11/2/09 2:24:59 PM
20HDL
Modestly priced home theaters can deliver the entertainment goods this holiday season.
Y ou don’t have to spend a fortune to bring home a great
theater system this winter. In these tight economic times,
the prospect of spending $100,000 or more to set up a
home theater may be daunting as we exercise greater caution and
discretion. IIf you can afford a six-figure theater system—great!
If that’s not in your budget, however, there’s no reason you can’t
enjoy superb home video and audio today, in the comfort of your
home, by spending in the $10,000 to $30,000 range.
“We balance the system with the budget,” says Lee Whedbee,
president of Domes Audio/Video, a home entertainment integrator
based in Chesapeake, Va. “We have projects that go from $3,000
to in excess of $50,000 ... so if we can get a budget, we can put a
system together in [accordance with] that budget.
“It’s [all about] what they want to spend,” Whedbee continues.
“Just like a car. It’s no difference from any other product, commod-
ity or luxury item in the marketplace. Can you get a good, quality
system in the $10,000 to $30,000 range? It’s all relative. What’s
good for me may not be good for someone else. You can do front
projection systems from the $10,000 range up. It depends on the
picture quality, the sound quality that you’re interested in, as well
as the type of control [you want] for the system.
“Have we had satisfied customers in the $10,000 to $30,000
range?” Whedbee concludes. “Yes.”
As Whedbee relates, you get a good system based around a
front projector and screen in this price range. A good HD projec-
tor starts at around $2,500, and a screen ranging from 80 to 100
inches can be added to complete an excellent system that can be
obtained in the low-five-figure range.
But if you’d rather go for something less elaborate (or want
to save space) consider basing your system around a first-rate
Plasma HD or LCD TV set. There are many affordable options avail-
able in this popular category, and it’s worth browsing at a dealer
or retailer to choose the TV that best suits your space, and meets
your needs in terms of picture quality and features.
Also, remember: Great home theater is not just about a great
picture! Sound is as important—if not more important—than video.
For less than $10,000, you can match a subwoofer—to power the
lower sounds—with an excellent set of speakers that can fill your
theater room with great sounds.
Another great advantage of going “casual” with your new home
theater is the time you’ll save. In addition to having lower costs,
less exorbitant and elaborate systems can be set up quickly—
sometimes within the same week you purchase the system! Think
about it: What family wouldn’t want to wake up on Christmas
morning to a new home theater system? You may be able to make
it happen this holiday season.
Take a look around your home. Is there a space—perhaps your
basement or rec room—that would suit your new theater? You may
have the perfect space already—and the perfect start for your new
entertainment upgrade. Happy cocooning! HDL
AFFORDABLEtheaters>> by HOWARD WHITMAN
Casual Cocooning
YOUR SECOND HOME IN THE RITZ-CARLTON® TRADITION
THIS ADVERTISING MATERIAL IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS.This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy to residents in jurisdictions in which registration requirements have not been fulfilled, and your eligibility and the resorts available for purchase will depend upon the state of residency of the purchaser. Obtain the Property Report required by Federallaw and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of the property. 1Future planned location. RG-07-096
As a Member you own a Deeded Fractional Interest in a Second Home for 21-35 days a year dependingon the interest purchased and location. Fully furnished. Concierge-serviced. Effortless. Elegant. Yours toenjoy; ours to care for in your absence. Telephone 877.204.1118 or visit www.ritzcarltonclubs.com.
Why your most important investment
may be that of your time.
To become a Member of The Ritz-Carlton Club
is to reaffirm the value of time,
spend it freely and have more of it.
More time to connect.
More time to wind down.
More time to cherish the people
and places that intrigue you.
ASPEN HIGHLANDS
BACHELOR GULCH
JUPITER
KAPALUA BAY1
LAKE TAHOE1
SAN FRANCISCO
SOUTH BEACH1
ST. THOMAS
RCOR 7371 HD Living 11/16/07 6:15 PM Page 1
HDL1209_Features 20 11/6/09 10:47:03 AM
YOUR SECOND HOME IN THE RITZ-CARLTON® TRADITION
THIS ADVERTISING MATERIAL IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS.This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy to residents in jurisdictions in which registration requirements have not been fulfilled, and your eligibility and the resorts available for purchase will depend upon the state of residency of the purchaser. Obtain the Property Report required by Federallaw and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of the property. 1Future planned location. RG-07-096
As a Member you own a Deeded Fractional Interest in a Second Home for 21-35 days a year dependingon the interest purchased and location. Fully furnished. Concierge-serviced. Effortless. Elegant. Yours toenjoy; ours to care for in your absence. Telephone 877.204.1118 or visit www.ritzcarltonclubs.com.
Why your most important investment
may be that of your time.
To become a Member of The Ritz-Carlton Club
is to reaffirm the value of time,
spend it freely and have more of it.
More time to connect.
More time to wind down.
More time to cherish the people
and places that intrigue you.
ASPEN HIGHLANDS
BACHELOR GULCH
JUPITER
KAPALUA BAY1
LAKE TAHOE1
SAN FRANCISCO
SOUTH BEACH1
ST. THOMAS
RCOR 7371 HD Living 11/16/07 6:15 PM Page 1
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Nothing gets you into your zone better than music. Whether you’re reading, entertaining or just
relaxing at home, a Niles Whole-House MultiZone System gives you the freedom to enjoy your
music, talk radio or podcast in every room of the house. So why let life’s pleasures pass you by? Let
a Niles authorized dealer help you experience life to the fullest with a ZR-6 MultiZone System today.
Visit www.nilesaudio.com/multizone
©2009 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. AD00107A
Personalize your home with sound
Life to the Fullest
Get Into Your Zone™
EXPERIENCE
L ocated on a beautiful ocean coastline in the central
part of the island of Aruba, Tamarijn Aruba and
the adjacent Divi Aruba comprise a luxurious
and beautiful Caribbean resort complex that’s
perfect for your next island vacation. The all-
inclusive resort sports eight restaurants, seven
bars, a spa, sand and pools.
The resort is located just a few miles from
Aruba’s capital of Oranjestad, and can be easily
reached from Queen Beatrix International Airport.
Featuring a total of 439 rooms, all of which are
on the oceanfront, the Tamarijn and Divi Aruba
amount to two resorts in one, as guests staying
at one have access to all of the
features of the other, whether
they want to frequent the
complex’s restaurants,
UltimateThe
GetawayAll-Inclusive Aruba island resorts offer the finest in luxury accommodation, food and fun.
>> by stephen silvertamarjinaruba
>>
HDL1209_Features 22 11/6/09 10:47:21 AM
Nothing gets you into your zone better than music. Whether you’re reading, entertaining or just
relaxing at home, a Niles Whole-House MultiZone System gives you the freedom to enjoy your
music, talk radio or podcast in every room of the house. So why let life’s pleasures pass you by? Let
a Niles authorized dealer help you experience life to the fullest with a ZR-6 MultiZone System today.
Visit www.nilesaudio.com/multizone
©2009 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. AD00107A
Personalize your home with sound
Life to the Fullest
Get Into Your Zone™
EXPERIENCE
24HDL
>>
bars, beaches or other amenities. The
resorts are located less than a mile
apart.
Fun for AllBoth resorts offer a wide variety of ac-
tivities. The all-inclusive cost includes
all meals and beverages, as well as
access to fun on land and sea.
Guests can pan partake in windsurf-
ing and other water sports, as well as
biking, beach volleyball, tennis and
other sports on land. Tennis courts are
available too, even at night thanks to
lighting for night play.
Those wishing to “go deeper” with
snorkeling can use snorkeling equip-
ment or take in a snorkeling clinic or
tour. Sunfish sailing, floats and kayaks
are also available for your ocean use,
and the resorts’ trained staff offers a
“Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic.
The Tamarijn Aruba features a fresh-
water pool, while the Divi Aruba sports
two such pools.
The Links at Divi Aruba is the resort’s
nine-hole golf course, which offers an
on-course golf school, as well as a
clubhouse with a pro shop. Golf enthu-
siasts can opt for a golf package with
their stay that provides discounted
green fees and premium tee times.
The a i r-cond i t ioned D iv i W inds
Sports Center is a wel l -equ ipped
oceanfront fitness center that provides
the latest in strength-building and car-
diovascular equipment, along with an
awesome 30-foot outdoor rock climb-
ing wall right on the beach!
You can even further your education
during your stay—well, sort of. Want to
get ready to try your luck the nearby Al-
hambra Casino? Take advantage of the
casino games master class. Classes
are also available in arts and crafts and
dance, among others.
For Your ComfortNaturally, a top-shelf resort such as
the Divi Aruba offers a wide selection
of premium services to assure your
comfortable stay, including Internet
service, a beauty salon and baby sit-
ting.
The Divi Aruba’s “Indulgence by the
Sea” spa is a special optional amenity
you may want to take advantage of
during your stay. A variety of pamper-
ing treatments are avai lable in the
gorgeous seaside setting, including
massages, facials and body scrubs.
For an additional charge, you can
also experience an authentic island
adventure by taking an Aruba excur-
sion provided through De Palm Tours.
Available excursions include the Aruba
Off-Road Safari and the Natural Pool
Jeep Adventure. Brave souls seeking
an unguided adventure can also opt
to rent a car and explore the island at
their own pace.
Famil ies planning weddings may
want to take advantage of the resort’s
wedding packages, which are avail-
able through Aruba Weddings for You,
a local wedding planning service. The
service’s staff can assist you in plan-
ning every stage of an Aruba destina-
tion wedding, from the “I do’s” to the
reception and accommodations.
On with the Show!As you’d expect from a resort of this
caliber, the Divi Aruba and Tamarijn
Aruba offer world-class entertainment
to liven up your vacation’s nights.
In addition to nightly live shows, you
can also enjoy:
dance classes, Caribbean night, a
Mystic Show with amazing feats and
fire eating, jam sessions with a l ive
Breathtaking scenes like this one are a highlight of vacationing at the Tamarijn Aruba and Divi Aruba resorts.
The New Face of Control
For Savant, the concept of user-friendly whole-house control has been a passionate pursuit from day one. Savant’s
TrueImage technology gives you fingertip control of lighting, motorized shades, even A/V and other home systems,
all via a simple tap on a wide angle image of each room in your home. Instead of interacting with confusing
icons, TrueImage allows you to simply touch the actual light or other device, instantly turning it on or off, up or
down, dim or bright. And each command is confirmed right on the screen. How effortlessly elegant! Savant’s
TrueImage also lets you control other rooms in your home quickly and easily by gracefully “swiping” through room
images using Savant’s GestureTouch technology.
TrueImage Control technology is available on Savant’s line of In-Wall and Tabletop Touch Panels.
See the light in a whole new way.
www.savantav.com
ªª
26HDL
band, and Jazz night featuring some of
Aruba’s premier jazz musicians.
shows, Karaoke and live music.
spot for watching sports events.
release or classic favorite beachside.
featuring costumed Antillean dancers
and local cuisine and culture. It also
provides coupons to the Alhambra
Casino, which includes a theater, live
events and shopping, in addition to
craps, blackjack, slot machines and all
of the other available games.
All You Can Eat—and More!
offers a beautiful view of the water.
Breakfast and lunch offer all of the clas
Italian, Mexican and International.
cooking surface.
Sandpiper Bar for sandwiches, pizza
has indoor and outdoor seating, but
has a varied menu ranging from Ital
ian dishes to seafood such as Creole
also features the more upscale Win
dows on Aruba restaurant.
Worth the Price
winter months, those prices are in the
person rates range from $450 to $550
in the summer season.
and more, visit www.tamarijnaruba.
com HDL
All About Aruba The island of Aruba is 21 miles long and located in the southern Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, 12 miles north of the equator.One of the Lesser Antilles islands, Aruba was likely first inhabited in the 9th century A.D. by tribes that had fled Venezuela, and it was later happened upon by noted explorer Amerigo Ves-pucci in the late 15th century.
The island was under Spanish and then Dutch rule, and its oil refineries helped to supply the Allies in World War II. In 1986 Aruba became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island has a population of around 89,000.
Aruba is a notable tourist definition, and the tourism industry compris-es around three quarters of its gross national product.
Known for its beaches, Aruba sports more than two dozen major beach areas, which are known for their fine white sand. Tap water on the island is pure and drinkable.
Currency is the florin, which exchanges 1.77 for $1. The official language on the island is Dutch, but many Aruba natives speak the indigenous Papiamento language. Sources:
Queen Beatrix is the head of state of Aruba
The island of Aruba is situated in the southern
Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela.
lg_he_ad_sl-hd_living.indd 1 10/8/09 1:35 PMHDL1209_Features.indd 27 11/2/09 2:25:57 PM
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In-wallspeakers
Today’s quality in-wall speakers provide beautiful sound throughout the home.
>> by
MA
UR
EE
N J
EN
SO
N
>>
A house is simply not a home with-
out beautiful music emanating
from every room. When you think
about it, life’s happiest memories in your
own space come with a musical score.
The birthday parties you have hosted,
the New Year’s Eve’s you have counted
down to, those quiet moments when just
a glass of wine and Holly Cole are all you
need to soothe your soul; yes, music in
the home is an invaluable part of the en-
richment of the daily experience.
Many years ago, the advent of in-wall
and in-ceiling speakers made it possible
to have music in a space where it was
previously very difficult, if not impossible.
Hallways, closets, bathrooms, patios and
entryways have all benefitted from speak-
ers recessed into walls and ceilings. As
time has progressed, so have the tech-
nologies of the design of these speakers,
making them sound better than was once
thought possible.
In-wall, in-ceiling speakers and sub-
woofers have become some of the custom
integrators’ most fast-moving products
and for good reason: They finally sound
good enough to satisfy those who care
about audio quality, are a great solution for
folks who don’t want to give up their floor
or shelf space to traditional speakers—
and most importantly to some, do not mar
the room’s interior design.
The Basics on DesignAn in-wall speaker works like a regular
speaker. But instead of being attached to
a cabinet, it’s mounted in a frame and set
into a wall. An in-ceiling speaker works es-
sentially the same way. For the most part,
in-wall speakers tend to be rectangular,
and in-ceiling speakers tend to be round—
but there’s no reason you couldn’t install a
rectangular in-wall speaker in your ceiling,
With these James loudspeakers in the ceiling, the most romantic room of the home can have beautiful music.
Room
Musicin Every
HDL1209_Features 28 11/6/09 11:07:51 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 29 11/2/09 2:26:04 PM
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for example, if that’s what you
preferred. Almost all in-wall and
in-ceiling speakers have paint-
able grilles so you can camou-
flage them in your walls or ceil-
ing, and they are now so stealth
in design that some can be
completely flush with the wall
and neigh-on invisible—making
them an inter ior des igner ’s
dream solution. A consumer
e lectron ics industry ins ider
who works with designers and
architects recently commented
that, “I would be shocked if any
working designers today were
not familiar with and had not
worked with in-wall speaker
placement in the home.”
“One of our designer friendly solutions is the NEAT Grille,”
says Dave Donald of 20-year old loudspeaker manufacturer
SpeakerCraft. “This completely flush solution fits 5-, 6-, 7- and
8-inch ceiling speakers and the grille itself magnetically at-
taches for a completely flush look. The designers love it and
the grille is sound-transparent, so the music reproduction is not
affected. One of our hottest in-ceiling speakers right now is the
award-winning AIM10. The AIM10 is for the discriminating ho-
meowner looking for a more powerful sonic presence. Whether
in a home theater or a high-performance music system, the AIM
10 will never disappoint.”
The technology has improved so much over the years that
many home theater fans can now use in-wall speakers for the
full surround sound experience necessary to reproduce home
theater audio. This includes the front array of speakers in addi-
tion to the rear and side speakers. This is a space-saving strat-
egy in a home theater, but one that can be potentially
fraught with acoustic problems, the most prominent
being the unpredictable nature of the “bay” into which
the in-wall speaker is installed. Is it big or small, empty
or stuffed with insulation? These factors make a huge
difference in the performance of typical open-back
in-walls.
By the NumbersThat is why it is so important to partner with a reputable
electronic systems contractor. They will advise you
on how many speakers a particular space will need
and where the correct placement is for optimal sound
reproduction. Most have worked with interior designers and
architects for years, and have a high level of respect for these
professionals, understanding that, above all, the common goal
is to provide the homeowner with the best sound in the most
desirable setting they can imagine.
Comments Paul Scarpelli of Triad Speakers, “The demand
fo r speakers w i th super io r
performance that blend seam-
lessly into a room has begat
some excellent products. Some
speaker companies manufac-
ture in-walls (and in-ceilings)
that are versions of their best
f reestanding speakers. And
although cheap in-walls get a
deservedly bad rap, an in-wall
that’s the equal of the in-room
version has sonic advantages
over it when installed in a wall.
The best sounding speaker and
the most décor-friendly speaker
can actually be the same.
“ I n t h e p a s t d e c a d e , ”
Scarpe l l i cont inues, “some
speaker companies have improved the quality of their custom-
installed speaker offerings to a very high level.” In fact, it isn’t
uncommon to see high-end in-wall speakers used in home
theaters exceeding several hundred thousand dollars. The best
in-wall speakers offer no compromise, despite what “conven-
tional wisdom” may say.
Triad products cleverly offer a thumbnail description of their
suggested usage. There are no cryptic alphanumeric code
terms to decipher. The terms InRoom, InWall, InCeiling and
OnWall are self-explanatory, offering different application op- >>
In this kitchen, SpeakerCraft speakers provide not only music, but can be used for the family to communicate throughout the home as well.
In-wall speakers can virtually disappear into the wall as indicated by the B&Ws in the home theater array of speakers around the flat panel display above.
FOR LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE OR TO SHOP-AT-HOME: 800.348.3332 TOURNEAU.COM
©2
00
7 T
OU
RNEA
U L
LC
HD
LIV
10
07
THE GOTHAM COLLECTIONBY TOURNEAU TIMEPIECES
t a k e y o u r
T I M E
HDL1209_Features 30 11/6/09 10:48:14 AM
FOR LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE OR TO SHOP-AT-HOME: 800.348.3332 TOURNEAU.COM
©2
00
7 T
OU
RNEA
U L
LC
HD
LIV
10
07
THE GOTHAM COLLECTIONBY TOURNEAU TIMEPIECES
t a k e y o u r
T I M E
HDL1209_Features 31 11/6/09 9:32:32 AM
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tions for the same speaker without
performance compromise. Bronze, Silver, Gold and
Platinum within each category are priced from lower to higher
with increasing size and performance capability, and custom
integrators love them for their musical and moviegoing experi-
ence accuracy.
Two of the most important things your electronic systems
contractor can provide you with are: how you’re going to use
your in-wall speakers, and where you’d like to install them.
For example, they’ll probably recommend a different type and
number of speakers for surround sound in your home theater
than you would want for background music in your kitchen.
An innovative company called James Loudspeakers offers a
nearly limitless choice of installation configurations and offers
the company’s patented AFDC (Adjustable Frequency Distribu-
tion Circuit) technology. What that means for the homeowner is
that the speaker can effectively be tuned to accommodate the
room’s acoustic environment. This translates to better sound
quality in any room, even where there are wide expanses of
harsh surfaces such as glass and stone—always the enemy of
good sound quality reproduction.
“James Loudspeaker company designs in-wall speakers
as if they were to be used as conventional in-room products,”
says John Bishop of b-accurate systems Tech Marketing Com-
munications. “Their quality standard is the same. The enclo-
sures are sealed and made of welded aircraft aluminum. The
drive units and crossovers are state-of-the-art, and designed
in-house by engineers with decades of experience in the high
fidelity speaker business.”
The James Orchestral Loudspeakers: A no-compromise built-in solution. >>
The new SpeakerCraft Aim10 has a powerful sonic presence.
HDL1209_Features 32 11/6/09 10:48:41 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 33 11/2/09 2:26:26 PM
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If possible, it is always
a good idea to hear a
particular speaker prior
to the decis ion-making
process. While this isn’t
always possible for in-wall
applications, it is sti l l a
good idea to audition reg-
ular freestanding speakers
with your favorite music
or movie material prior to
your purchase. This is not
only a good plan, but it
can be a lot of fun for the
entire family.
A name that is synonymous with high performance and mu-
sicality is B&W. The company’s history is long and rich—their
speakers are used at Abbey Road Studios in London, to name
just one legendary and remarkable venue—and offers a bold
declaration in that their highest-performance custom installa-
tion speakers are in-wall designs. Careful design ensures negli-
gible sonic compromise, and a product such as the company’s
Signature 8NT in-wall speaker delivers sound quality to rival the
best conventional loudspeakers—including their own.
B&W Marketing Director Scott Rundle, who is justifiably
proud of his company’s accomplishments, says “Custom instal-
lation speakers are what made it possible for the consumer to
have audio in any listening area inside or outside the home. Not
because it was physically impossible to put traditional speaker
cabinets in these areas, but that from an interior design aspect,
they just didn’t fit the bill. The fact that custom installation
speakers virtually disappear
into their environment is what
makes them so desired. Why
wouldn’t you want to have mu-
sic everywhere in your home
and have it blend seamlessly
with your interior design?
“Of course, early versions,
and indeed, many inexpensive
custom installation speakers
today provide a l itt le better
sound quality than their muf-
fled commercial counterparts
employed in many offices and
other commercial environments. When B&W became involved in
this market segment, we realized that we could draw from many
of the innovations that we pioneered in our world-renowned 800
series, including Kevlar, Nautilus-type tweeters and premium-
quality crossover components to deliver not just sound, but
audiophile-quality performance.”
In fact, with so many excellent in-wall and in-ceiling speakers
available today, isn’t it time that you started reliving your happi-
est musical memories in every room in your home? HDL
Stealth and Power: The Triad in-ceiling Omni Series speakers.
A cutaway image shows the serious high performance B&W Signature 8NT in-wall speaker.
“The demand for speakers
wiTh superior performance ThaT blend seamlessly
inTo a room has begaT some excellenT
producTs”– Paul Scarpelli of Triad Speakers
HDL1209_Features 34 11/6/09 10:49:04 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 35 11/2/09 2:26:50 PM
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Oregon
Bargains in excellent Oregon pinot noirs
abound for tenacious wine lovers.
PIN
OTN
OIR
>> by SHEILA LONG O’MARA
Offers Pinot Noir ValuesT he cool winds of fall have blown
in and turned many minds to-
ward holiday dinners with family
and friends, and there’s no more perfect
wine to pour with a plump, festive bird
than a fine pinot noir.
The fickle grape makes one of the
most versati le red wines that is just
as comfortable served with a simple
grilled burger as it is with an elegant
pork tenderoin, fresh grilled fish with
herbs, or that roasted holiday turkey;
it even serves up nicely with spicy Thai
takeout.
While winemaking tends to be a tricky
art with a healthy dose of luck tossed in,
the pinot noir grape can be especially
tricky. Too much rain, too much heat or
too much cool—a year’s crop could be
sunk. Thankfully, Oregon’s cool climate
is well-suited for pinot noir, and some
of the country’s finest bottles hail from
the Pacific Northwest state, which has
branched out its offerings from its well-
known Willamette Valley.
During 2004 and early in 2005, the
varietal becoame more popular with
U.S. consumers due in part to the popu-
lar wine-themed film “Sideways”. Cou-
pled with the boost from the movie and
the grape’s challenging temperament,
prices for pinot noir started to soar.
>>
38HDL
Team those with the fact that most pinot noir is made in rela-
tively small turns and you’ve got the combination for a pricey
bottle. It’s not unheard of to snoop around for a bottle that has
earned a rating of 90 or more and pay upwards of $48.
WillaKenzie’s Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Triple Black Slopes
2006, which is great to cellar and drink between 2010 and
2014, goes for a smooth $63 a bottle. That’s a pricey bottle—
albeit a fine sample of an Oregon pinot noir.
Bargains, however, do exist for those willing to dig around.
The economic downturn is playing into the wine lover’s budget,
and the rule of supply and demand has kicked in. Consumers
are cutting back, leaving an abundance of bottles.
Pinot noir grapes that once fetched $5,000 a ton are now
selling for $2,500. A wine store worth its weight in grape can
help you locate many a good buy.
The 2007 vintage—readily available now—is showing much
promise, and 2008 is looking to be a winner.
Here’s a look at some relative bargains—under $30—that
offer that silky, smooth drink pinots are known for. HDL
2007 Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate ($29)
Eyrie consistently produces one of Oregon’s Willamette Val-
ley’s winning pinot noirs. Velvety and chockful of strawberry
and raspberry whisperings.
2007 McKinlay Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($18)
This wine serves up bright red fruit and a great mineral taste.
Find it, buy it. Enjoy.
2007 WillaKenzie Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Estate
Cuvée ($26)
A light, currant fruit that drinks well now.
2007 Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($25)
Raspberry combines with subtle floral notes. Drink now or
cellar through 2012.
2008 O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir ($18)
Deeply colored wine, with a lovely nose. The palate offers
fresh, balanced fruit. This one would cellar well.
In case you’re looking for a splurge to mark a special occa-
sion, here are a few Oregon pinot noir selections that are well
worth the extra money.
2007 Evening Land Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Seven
Springs Vineyard ($48)
Jazzed with juicy fruit and touch of minerality with under-
tones of raspberry and floral flavors. Enjoy between 2010
and 2012.
2007 Loring Pinot Noir Oregon Shea Vineyard ($50)
Cherry combines with spice for a full, exciting taste. Drink
now through 2011.
Basics of Wine StorageMost wines are procured for instant gratification—from market to table. Beyond those, others are des-tined for greatness and stored for months (and even years) for a perfect occasion. Given the chance, a wine cellared correctly in a cool, dark, quiet spot can last for years depending on the style of winemaking and the varietal.
Simple racks set in a cool, dark spot will keep corks wet, labels clean and wines in good drinking condi-tion. One step up calls for wine refrigeration that promises a constant, cool condition for aging fine wines. Here are a few tips when storing your latest Pinot Noir finds:
1. Store in a cool, dark place—ideally a tempera-ture-controlled refrigeration unit. A cabinet or dark room will suffice. Steer clear of a space with exposure to sun or heat.
2. Keep bottles away from vibration from washing machines, refrigerator compressors, etc.
3. Storage temperature should be cool and con-stant—65 degrees is OK; 55 degrees is better, but 70 degrees is too warm.
4. Avoid temperature fluctuations. A steady tem-perature is important.
5. Store bottles on their sides—or even upside down—so corks stay moist.
Mitsubishi Unisen™ is the fi rst premium fl at panel TV with a 16-speaker Dolby® Digital 5.1
channel surround sound system designed right into the television – uniting superior picture
with superior sound. Enjoy concert sound quality without the need for separate components.
Mitsubishi Unisen TVs feature 16 intelligent speakers that direct perfectly balanced audio
waves beside and behind you to create an unprecedented depth of sound experience. Each
Unisen TV features UltraThin™ Frame design, Advanced 120Hz Processing and Enhanced Color.
Mitsubishi Unisen TV. Please visit Mitsubishi -TV.com/Unisen
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. © 2009 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.
40HDL
Smo
oth
, su
ltry,
fille
d w
ith n
ua
nc
e…
Music needs to be felt at an emotional level to truly be experienced. For more than three decades SpeakerCraft has been providing music and movie enthusiasts with a level of audio performance that fills, not only their rooms but their hearts as well.
The cornerstone of that experience has been AIM technology. Now available in over 30 models, AIM has a solution for every application. From subtle background music to help you relax and unwind to dynamic, high-impact sound that rocks the walls, AIM delivers.
We invite you to review the latest offerings in the AIM series and see, once again, why SpeakerCraft is the world leader in custom installed loudspeakers and electronics.
www.speakercraft.com
hd_living_aim_ad.indd 1 10/9/09 9:02 AM
>> by STEPHANIE M. ADAMOW
T here are certain staples to
every woman’s wardrobe.
Our closets have seen their
fair share of trendy garments come
in and out of their doors, but the
l i tt le black dresses, cardigan twin
sets and “skinny” jeans have seen
us through many of our own per-
sonal “down economies.” And, yes,
any woman who knows her worth
probably has a cashmere sweater
or wrap that has kept her warm (and
looking fabulous) on more than one
occasion.
One thing’s for sure, cashmere
is a piece of fashion worthy of the
label “timeless.” But for it to remain
so in your wardrobe, there are some
things you should know—such as
why certain cashmere brands are
expensive and others are not. Why
did my cashmere “pill” so easily (and
what is pil l ing, anyway?) How do I
know how to spot the best cashmere
(and where can I get it at a good
price?) HD Living will help you get to
the bottom of these questions and
prepare you for your next cashmere
A Girl’s Other Best
FriendIt may not sparkle, but a cashmere sweater or wrap is a confidant that will never go out of style.
cashmeresweaters
>>
Photo/Courtesy White + Warren. styles available at www.whiteandwarren.com
HDL1209_Features 40 11/6/09 10:51:09 AM
Smo
oth
, su
ltry,
fille
d w
ith n
ua
nc
e…
Music needs to be felt at an emotional level to truly be experienced. For more than three decades SpeakerCraft has been providing music and movie enthusiasts with a level of audio performance that fills, not only their rooms but their hearts as well.
The cornerstone of that experience has been AIM technology. Now available in over 30 models, AIM has a solution for every application. From subtle background music to help you relax and unwind to dynamic, high-impact sound that rocks the walls, AIM delivers.
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42HDL
>>
purchase.
A Himalayan TaskSo, why does cashmere cost you
more than any other run-of the-mill
sweater? Well, that’s because of
where it comes from. The “fabric”
for cashmere garments is found
on the underbellies of Himalayan
mountain goats who roam the wil-
derness of Mongolia and China.
The hair on the coats of these ani-
mals is six times finer than human
hair and is the world’s most rare
and precious fiber—soft, light (and
warm enough to keep these goats
al ive and wel l in below-freezing
temperatures.)
Himalayan farmers brush the
goats’ undercoats each spring to
obtain the fleece needed to make
cashmere sweaters and other gar-
ments, which has been done in the
Kashmir region of the world—the
northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent between India
and Pakistan—(hence the name) since the 15th Century. To-
day, some of the most famous manufacturers and designers of
cashmere get their materials from this Himalayan region even
though it is produced in other parts of the world.
Cashmere’s price also is determined by the manufacturing.
“Not all cashmere is created equal,” says Glamour magazine
style writer Tracey Lomrantz. “The thickness, softness and lux-
ury factor can vary quite a bit from one garment to the next.”
Some of the most expensive cashmere pieces are produced
by Italian designer Loro Piana, which imports its materials from
China and Mongolia. It also touts the use of “baby cashmere,”
which originates from the underfleece of Hircus goat kids. Loro
Piana’s Web site states: “One kid produces no more than 80
grams of soft down … [which] is reduced to 30–40 grams after
de-airing course outer fibres.”
The acquisition of these materials alone accounts for cash-
mere’s high price. But there are other reasons why you will find
a high price tag for cashmere, and those include the durability
of the fabric.
Pill, Ply and Gauge—Oh My!Even if you don’t know the term for it, you’ve likely seen the re-
sults of pilling on something you’ve owned in your lifetime—those
little balls that form on your sweaters, slacks and the like, after
frequent washing and wearing—that’s pilling.
No cashmere sweater is going to be “cheap” so you’ll want to
avoid pilling at all costs to maximize the garment’s lifecycle. One
of the ways to do that is to pay attention to ply. “The higher the
ply, the looser the knit,” advises Lom-
rantz. “Tighter knit items tend to last
the longest and have the least amount
of pilling.”
For your reference, Loro Piana gar-
ments are single-ply.
You may also see references to
gauge when shopping for cashmere,
something Ann Gitter, owner of Knit
Wit, a women’s specialty boutique in
Philadelphia, says is not an issue con-
sumers need to worry about per se.
Most of the time, these are references
to the gauge machines used to create
the garment, and do not refer to the
thickness or fineness of the finished
product. A heavier gauge does not
necessarily mean a better sweater,
Gitter advises.
“If it’s a tight knit, it looks right and
it feels right, then it’s right for you,”
she adds.
White + Warren, one of the most
respected manufacturers and designers of cashmere, ensures its
productions are high-quality “by keeping our fit and construction
consistent every season,” says founder Susan White.
The company’s prices range from $45 to $495, with an average
price of $295.
Careful CashmereWith the economy the way it is currently, companies like White +
Warren will be a feasible cashmere alternative to other high-end
designers like Akris, Escada or Oscar de la Renta, all with styles
selling for upward of $1,000.
“Cashmere is one of those luxuries that never really goes out of
style, but given how carefully people are appending this season,
we’re definitely going to see it on a smaller scale,” says Glamour’s
Lomrantz, who also authors a daily fashion blog called “Slaves to
Fashion” at Glamour.com. “A lot of designers are doing gorgeous
cashmere accessories to make it accessible to lots of different
people. One thing we’ve seen a lot of is the ‘snood.’ It’s basically
a scarf with no end that wraps around your head, neck and shoul-
ders. There will be tons of great small ‘gifty’ items around for the
holiday season, like cashmere gloves and socks.”
Knit Wit’s Gitter, who’s spent more than 40 years with the shop,
can certainly attest to the accessory craze. She says one of her
most famous cashmere pieces is the scarf. A homage to the
accessory takes center stage at the store’s Walnut St. location
in Philadelphia, where customers are greeted by a rainbow of
cashmere scarves hanging on its westward wall.
“I carry scarves 12 months a year because they are so popu-
lar,” says Gitter. “I call them adult blankees!”
Photo/Courtesy White + Warren. styles available at www.whiteandwarren.com
HDL1209_Features 42 11/6/09 10:51:42 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 43 11/2/09 2:30:12 PM
44HDL
Tips for Buying CashmereSo how do you know you’re getting high-quality cashmere? HD
Living has the answers for you:
“Buy from a reputable retailer,” says Gitter. Do some research
and visit locations. When you’re in the right place, “you just
know,” she says. Let’s call this women’s intuition.
“Buy cashmere only from a source you’ve purchased cash-
mere from in the past,” says Lomrantz. “Otherwise, it’s always
best to be able to touch and feel it, and test the softness and
strength of the knit yourself.”
Gitter agrees—soft to the touch is most important. And
strength doesn’t necessarily mean heavy. Depending on when
and where you are wearing the garment (and especially if you
plan to layer), a featherweight cashmere piece will be just fine.
Other high-end reputable designers and retailers to trust
include Tse, Lucien Pellat-Finat and Brunello Cucinelli. J.Crew
and Uniqlo are great examples of more affordable designers.
Plus, Knit Wit features designers including Autumn Cash-
mere, Kincross and Repeat—all of which have been featured in
the stores for many years and have a low-to-zero return rate,
Gitter reports.
When to BlendWhile it’s true that you should look for 100 percent cashmere
when shopping, there are times when you can blend without
fear. For example, White + Warren has even taken this direc-
tion to better serve those customers who are price-conscious
these days.
“We have changed the balance of the collection and are
offering more knits and cotton-plus-cashmere blends,” says
White + Warren Designer Francesca Rosamilia. “The quality is
still the same, but the yarns are less expensive than cashmere
and, therefore, a better value is achieved.”
Blends also have a tendency to wear better with frequent
dry cleaning, according to a sales associate at Knit Wit. But
beware: Blends don’t always mean less expensive, even though
large “cocoon”-type sweater coat blends are more affordable
than those made entirely of cashmere.
Shoppers must also keep in mind (if it’s not top-of-mind al-
ready) the current mantra of the fashion industry, which is time-
lessness—getting more for your purchases so the pieces last.
Some designers are certainly touting this mindset this season as
consumers embark on holiday shopping.
“We feel something luxurious should be able to be worn forev-
er,” says White + Warren’s Susan White. “Our clothes should work
in one’s wardrobe 12 months a year, and year after year.” HDL
Designers referenced in the article:
White + Warren—www.whiteandwarren.com
Tse—www.tsecashmere.com
Lucien Pellat-Finet—www.lucienpellat-finet.com
Brunello Cucinelli—www.brunellocucinelli.com
J.Crew—www.jcrew.com
Uniqlo—www.uniqlo.com
Shop at a reputable s t o r e i n - p e r s o n —check for softness, k n i t ’s t i g h t n e s s , overall design/style of garment.Too cheap? Then it’s not right—if some-thing seems to good to be true, then i t probably is, says Knit Wit’s Ann Gitter.Look for 100 percent cashmere to ensure best quality, but be open to blends, espe-cially for heavier-weight garments.Pay attention to ply—the higher the ply, the looser the knit, says Tracey Lomrantz, style writer for Glamour magazine. Tight knits last longest.
Cashmere Buying Tips ******
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HDL1209_Features.indd 45 11/2/09 2:30:26 PM
LUXURYBEDDING
46HDL
>>
>> by HOWARD WHITMAN
Third-generation bed maker
Earl Kluft presents a $33,000
mattress—that’s worth it!
SleepingOn A
Dream
E.S. Kluft mattresses are available at all Bloomingdale’s retail stores.
INDUSTRYPARTNER
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GARY ALTUNIANHome Entertainment Magazine
The Best of Both Worlds…
Not only do Triad speakers sound
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any décor. For the past twenty-seven
years, Triad has been the leader in
designing and building true custom
speaker solutions, with as many as five
versions of the same speaker for the
appropriate application.
Triad offers nearly seventy inroom,
inwall, onwall, and inceiling variations of
world-class loudspeakers, to provide
you with the best in sound without
cluttering your room with clumsy,
unattractive boxes. To further integrate,
Triad offers free paint and veneer
matching, and even one-off pure
custom design capability.
If you thought the best possible sound
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Think Triad.
In the past four inside track Annual Dealer Loyalty Surveys,
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In this time of tight budgets, proudly calling your products
“fabulously expensive” may seem like commercial suicide—
that is, unless you’re Earl Kluft, maverick founder and CEO
of E.S. Kluft, a company that has just rolled out a $33,000
mattress, and is delightedly publicizing its hefty price tag.
“I’d like to say this is the best mattress in the world,”
Kluft states proudly, describing his new “Beyond Luxury”
Palais Royale Signature Col lect ion, which starts at
$16,000 and ranges up to $33,275 for the King-size
model. The collection debuted at Bloomingdale’s new
line of West Coast sleep stores Labor Day weekend.
“Bloomingdale’s had the vision to develop an ultra-
premium bed, and sought our expertise to design a line that
would accommodate their customer’s affluent lifestyles,”
Kluft says. “When it comes to investing in their sleep expe-
rience, these customers will spare no expense to get the
best night’s sleep they can.”
A Winning RecipeSo what makes a bed worth $33K? Consider this: These
beds are hand-tailored by skilled artisans, and crafted with
the finest materials available today. The beds’ top—a luxu-
rious blend of cashmere, mohair, Joma wool and Talalay
latex—is designed to conform perfectly to your body, elimi-
nating pressure points while layers of breathable, certified-
organic cotton prevent the buildup of heat or moisture,
keeping you cool during the warmer months.
Easily stirred—or even—woken when your partner moves
during sleep? The Palais Royale beds hold thousands of
English springs encased in calico cotton, minimizing the
transfer of motion while providing you with extraordinary
support.
In addition, each mattress is hand-tufted and hand-side-
stitched to secure the beds’ inner layer of upholstery.
The ultimate result of all this effort is a perfect joining of
old-world craftsmanship and today’s cutting-edge sleep
technologies.
‘The Wizard of Ahhs’For Earl Kluft, making the ultimate in luxurious beds is more
than a vocation—it’s a time-honored family tradition. His
grandfather and father were bed makers, and now he’s
taken the family business to new heights.
The inventor of the popular bedding feature known as
Euro-Top, Kluft has been referred to as “The Wizard of
Ahhs” for the extraordinary comfort and instant gratification
that’s become synonymous with his line of mattresses.
Kluft’s own success story began in 1996 when, after
spending a lifetime in bedding factories, he introduced
his high-end Chattam & Wells bedding line at the famed
Beverly Hills Hotel. Growing from that successful launch,
48HDL
>>
Panasonic VIERA®. Entertainment Reinvented.
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The Aireloom brand’s new Hybrid mattress.
For those oF us who Find $33K+ a bit too pricey For a mattress, KluFt oFFers a variety oF products that
provide the unmistaKable quality oF this master bed maKer but come in at more aFFordable price points.
Bedding mogul Earl Kluft demonstrates his E.S. Kluft brand’s $33,275 “Beyond Luxury” Palais Royale bed.
{ }
HDL1209_Features 48 11/6/09 10:52:19 AM
Panasonic VIERA®. Entertainment Reinvented.
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Z1 Series VIERA® Plasma HDTV*
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Experience a world of HD entertainment as never before with a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV and BD80 Blu-ray Disc™ player. Enjoy enhanced resolution and breathtaking picture quality, plus advanced features only Panasonic offers:
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}
HDL1209_Features.indd 49 11/2/09 2:32:09 PM
he acquired and
r e l a u n c h e d t h e
A i re loom brand,
leading up to the
rollout of the brand
that bore his name,
E.S. Kluft, in 2004.
Today, Kluft runs
his company out
o f h i s 127 ,000-
square foot bed-
d i n g f a c t o r y i n
Rancho Cucamon-
ga , Ca l i f . Wh i l e
bedding compa-
n i e s f r e q u e n t l y
uti l ize third-party
manufacturers for the actual making of
their mattresses (which often occurs
overseas), all of Kluft’s beds—for all of
his lines—are made in-house.
“If you have the money and you want
the best,” Kluft says, “the best [mattress]
is an American product.”
Even with his success, Kluft still is
very hands-on, overseeing every step
in making his beds, experimenting with
construction techniques and materials,
and putting each model through a test-
ing/fine-tuning process to ensure they
provide the quality worthy of his name.
He often does spot quality inspections
of fresh beds as they come off the line.
“Any time we make a bed,” he says,
“we give it our best.”
Fixing the GlitchesAs you’d imagine, Kluft didn’t approach
the design of the Palais Royale beds
with anything less than the greatest care
and attention to detail. In fact, this line is
Kluft’s effort to rectify flaws he found in
similar beds—such as the English-made
beds that inspired it.
“An English-style mattress has some
problems,” Kluft says. “They have no
edge support. You roll off. English beds
were hand-stitched but weak on the
edges. We improved on all of that.”
Reasonable AlternativesFor those of us who find $33K+ a bit too
pricey for a mattress, Kluft offers a variety
of products that
p rov ide the un-
mistakable quality
of this master bed
maker but come in
at more affordable
price points.
Under his Aire-
loom brand, Kluft
recently introduced
H a l s t e a d b e d s ,
w h i c h f e a t u r e
foam-encased, in-
dividually wrapped
coils and are cush-
ioned with memory
foam and cooling
Talalay latex. They have a distinctive two-
tone color scheme comprised of a brown
trim and cream ticking. While they’re lush
and luxurious, their price tags aren’t: Hal-
stead beds retail from $799 to $1,999.
For those seeking more upscale beds
that are more environmentally correct, the
Aireloom brand also offers these lines:
• The Hybrid collection, a mix of tra-
ditional bedding materials with “green”
components and manufacturing prac-
tices. Ranging from $5,000 to $10,000,
these beds have bio-foam encasement,
bio-foam upholstery layers, Talalay latex,
memory foam, and a mix of bamboo and
certified organic cotton ticking.
• The Natural collection, which are fully
upholstered in certified organic cotton,
feature layers of Talalay latex and bio-
foams, and have certified organic cotton
covers. These models range in price from
$1,999 to $2,999 in Queen size.
But Kluft’s commitment to the environ-
ment goes beyond using natural materi-
als. “We use sustainable forest lumber
(for the Hybrid and Natural collections),”
he says. “When they chop down a tree,
they plant three more.”
Ultimately, whether you’re in the mar-
ket for a $2K bed or a $33K one, Kluft’s
goal is to continue to improve the quality
of the beds that bear his name.
“We are leveraging the success we
have had over the past four years to offer
better options,” he says. “We are con-
stantly trying to raise the bar.” HDL
50HDL
The new Halstead beds provide Kluft’s signa-ture quality at more affordable price levels.
Layer of top-grade ma-terials combine to create the Kluft beds’ world-class sleep experience.
These beds are hand-Tailored
by skilled arTisans, and combine This excepTional
crafTsmanship wiTh The finesT
maTerials available
Today.
HDL1209_Features 50 11/6/09 10:52:46 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 51 11/2/09 2:32:41 PM
52HDL
Old World Sport Meets New World
LifestyleBocce, the sport anyone can play, goes upscale.
>> by JEFF O’HEIRPRECISIONSPORT
>>
54HDL
W hile growing up in Springfield, Mass.,
Mario Pagnoni could stand on the back
porch of his family’s triple-decker home
and watch his father and uncles play bocce on the
courts of the Fratellanza Club next door. Homemade
vino and sausage sandwiches made up the menu.
Women and children weren’t allowed on the courts.
“We’d wait for the guys to go inside the club to
drink and then we’d sneak on,” says Pagnoni, a
resident of Methuen, Mass., and author of The Joy
of Bocce book, the joyofbocce.com Web site and a
weekly Bocce newsletter.
But for today’s bocce aficionados, it’s a much dif-
ferent world. The game is still played in backyards
and outdoor courts in every state. But in many areas
of the country the sport has gone upscale, played
in state-of-art facilities that boast synthetic court
surfaces and top-notch restaurants with creative
menus and deep wine lists. Women and children
are welcome.
“Our tagline is ‘Old-world Italy meets a little bit
of California,’” says Ben Musolf, COO of Campo di
Bocce, which has bocce/restaurant facilities in Liv-
ermore and Los Gatos, Calif. “We’re trying to create
an authentic yet fun atmosphere, a sort of casual
elegance.”
Musolf and other followers of the sport have seen
bocce’s popularity increase over the last few years.
It’s not difficult to see why.
>>
Visitors to Campo di Bocce in Livermore and Los Gatos, Calif., can
experience first-class dining and world-class courts.
During the last several years, bocce has attracted more young people who see
it as more of a friendly yet competitive sport than yesterday’s backyard game.
The Basics of Bocce Bocce is played many different ways, depending on who’s country, tournament or club your visiting. The United States Bocce Federation, however, is trying to standardize the rules for more uniform play.Essentially, there are two official types of bocce. The most complex is “international,” which most people don’t start playing until they’ve learned how to play “open” bocce, the most common type. Open bocce can be played in groups of two, four or eight players on courts that are typically between 60- and 100-feet long and between 10- and 13-feet wide. Balls in the bocce set have different colors and designs to help you tell your bocce balls apart from other players’. You can find a variety of quality balls at www.davincibocce.com and www.playaboule.com.According to Mario Pagnoni’s joyofbocce.com site, here’s how a com-mon form of “Open Bocce” is played:Flip a coin to see which player throws the pallino (the small ball). Once the pallino is thrown, it becomes a target, and that selected player throws the first bocce ball. That ball is designated “inside” since it’s closer to the pallino than the other ones. The other players are desig-nated “outside.” If a player is considered to be inside, he must forfeit a turn. Outside players take turns throwing balls until they get one closer to the pallino than the inside player’s ball.Once all players have thrown their balls, the inside player earns points--one point per ball that’s closer to the pallino than his closest competitor’s. At this point the first frame is complete, and a new one is started as another person is chosen to throw the pallino and first bocce ball. The first player to achieve 12 points wins, so contestants play as many “frames” as it takes to name a winner of a full game. If you’re tight for time, you can decrease the winning number of points to shorten the round.For further information, go to www.joyofbocce.com
Ten Years of Innovation Ten Years of Reliability Ten Years of Simple Setup and Operation Ten Years of Devotion to Offering the Best Ten years ago...... Integra was launched because the best then, just wasn’t good enough. Integra elected to focus a wide assortment of home theater electronics primarily on something other manufacturers had let fall by the wayside, quality. Not only sound quality, but video quality, build quality and ergonomic quality. While others are satisfied to provide bombastic effects for movies, Integra is designed to provide top quality audio for music reproduction as well, to be the ultimate amalgam of performance, integration capabilities, and ease of use.The Integra brand has grown from its idealistic beginnings to the top choice amongst America’s elite audio video specialists and custom home installation firms for these very reasons. Experience Integra. Experience the results of a ten year quest to simply be the best.
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COPYRIGHT © 2009. Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo and Everyday Easy are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other names or brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Control4-HDLiving-Face-Remote.indd 1 10/1/09 12:50 PM
56HDL
First, there’s the game. Bocce, which takes minutes
to learn and years to master, can be played by almost
anyone and doesn’t require any particular athletic
prowess. The games can be as relaxed or competitive
as the opponents want.
“Most people want to go out there, roll some balls
and have fun,” says Pagnoni, whose company, Joy of
Bocce, sets up bocce-related events for corporations.
“Most of the games I see are collegial and good-
natured. But there’s always the cutthroat competition,
too.”
And then there are the facilities. Besides Campo di
Bocce (where it’s not uncommon to find a sampling
menu that pairs a La Rochelle’s 2006 Pinot Noir with
a lamb-stuffed squash blossom tamale), other high-
end bocce emporiums include Palazzo di Bocce in
Orion, Mich., and Pinstripes in Northbrook and South
Barrington, Ill. They all feature full bars, restaurants,
theme nights, and indoor and outdoor courts with
synthetic surfaces.
Those surfaces are much smoother and more pre-
dictable than typical surfaces, which are usually some
type of crushed stone or oyster shells. Pinstripes
even has bowling lanes surrounded by slick leather
couches.
For those who are used to playing bocce in buggy
backyards or dusty courts, the first time visiting one of
the high-end emporiums can be mind-blowing.
“It was comparable to being called up to the major
leagues after playing for years in the minor leagues,”
says Pete Rabito, a Huntington, N.Y., resident and
vice president of the United States Bocce Federation.
“Being able to play the sport in an environment like
that is incredible.” HDL
Bocce, which takes minutes to learn and years to master, can Be played By almost anyone and
doesn’t require any particular athletic prowess{ }
The relaxing bocce game playground in the river Po delta countryside
HDL1209_Features 56 11/6/09 10:53:42 AM
COPYRIGHT © 2009. Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo and Everyday Easy are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other names or brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Control4-HDLiving-Face-Remote.indd 1 10/1/09 12:50 PMHDL1209_Features.indd 57 11/2/09 2:34:26 PM
www.bdiusa.com H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E F U R N I T U R E
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Tuck-in service. Massage. Climate-controlled
rooms. Spa. Entertainment/movie night.
Meals included.
These sound like amenities you’d expect from
a luxury resort. And they are. Only these features
aren’t for you, but for your furry friend. Today, with
more and more facilities offering lavish services, the
notion of the “kennel” is being redefined. No longer
will trepidations of limited space, anxiety-ridden
pets and unsanitary settings keep many pet-owning
pedants from considering boarding.
Susan Briggs, CKO, of Urban Trails, LLC, in
Houston and chief governance officer-elect of Pet
Care Services Association (PCSA), says there has
been a significant increase in luxury accommoda-
tions during the past 10 years, but even more so in
luxury services in the past five years.
“It’s like kids going to camp,” Briggs says, “and
it works well with pets. It eases their anxiety, gives
them the routine they like, provides them with [in-
teraction] with people and other pets. It’s quiet [at
these facilities] at night because the pets are so tired
from playing.”
The Special TreatmentAccording to PCSA, of its 2,129 members, 633
offer “luxury suites” as a service. The organization
credits this to a trend toward “humanizing” pets.
Ninety-one percent of pet owners view their pets as
members of the family, says a February 2009 poll
A Breed of Its OwnThe luxury pet resort business is booming, as Americans prove there’s nothing they won’t do for their fur-babies.
>> by STEPHANIE M. ADAMOWPETVILLAS
>> Ruffin’ It Resort, “where dogs’ dreams come true”
HDL1209_Features 58 11/6/09 10:53:50 AM
www.bdiusa.com H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E F U R N I T U R E
Every single detail has been beautifully engineered to blow you away. And that’s not just talk. With sleek
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BDI home theater furniture is designed to amaze. Visit bdiusa.com to locate a dealer near you, and prepare to be floored.
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A V I O N S E R I E S I I 8 9 2 9
HDL1209_Features.indd 59 11/2/09 2:34:34 PM
60HDL
from research firm Packaged Facts.
That’s just how Renée Brantner Shanesy, “top dog” at Ruffin’ It
Resort, Madison, Wis., felt about her golden retriever, Simba.
“I would never board because nothing was ever good enough,”
she says. “So I tried to think of what the scenario would have to
look like for me to board.”
Brantner Shanesy left corporate America to follow her passion
of working with animals. Ruffin’ It Resort, a PCSA member, is a
6,000 square foot facility modeled after a mountain lodge, not to
mention the 11,000 square feet of outdoor play parks.
“The building was created exclusively for dogs and appeals to
‘parents,’” says Brantner Shanesy, who also owns Best in Show
consulting firm, which assists others interested in establishing
luxury pet resorts.
In this consulting work, Brantner Shanesy has witnessed the
industry’s growth PCSA has documented.
“It has been so interesting in this economic climate,” she says.
“We have found that rather than a targeted demographic of [peo-
ple who make $75k or more, for example], it is a ‘psychographic’
of people who treat their dogs like children.
“They will give up going out to dinner and their own social
activities to spend discretionary income on their pets,” she says.
“It’s the emotional peace of mind.”
Brantner Shanesy has actually seen an increase in the daycare
enrollment at Ruffin’ It and only a slight drop in the hotel reserva-
tions, citing a decline in business travel as a cause.
Even Devin Mojecki, animal behavior specialist at Family Pet
Resort, also a PCSA member, had to take a minute to assist a
“walk-in” at the Philadelphia location during her interview with
HD Living. Having only opened two months prior and still just
two weeks away from the Philadelphia grand opening, Family Pet
Resort, whose home base is in Newtown Square, Pa., is “doing
very well,” its three-acre outside play area very much alive with
jumbo-tennis-ball-toting dogs (and a 12,000-square-foot indoor
playground awaiting).
In the luxury villas at Family Pet Resort, some of the “guests”
were enjoying “Monsters Inc.” playing on the flat-screen LCDs
(before they were rudely interrupted by this reporter, that is).
“The TVs are a serious comfort measure,” says Mojecki, who
recently received a master’s degree in animal behavior from the
University of Edinburgh in Scotland. “Think about it. Where do
you spend most of your time cuddling with your pet … Probably
watching TV, right?”
This gives them a sense of normalcy and also helps ease anxi-
ety because they can hear voices.
“I have eight dogs at home,” says a Family Pet Resort associ-
ate, while calming an overexcited German Shepherd. “I leave the
TV on all day and the radio on in my bedroom. They love it.”
Some of the other things dogs apparently “love” are their own
rooms. They can reserve a spacious and elegant one at Ruffin’ It
Resort. In the Ambassador Suite, which runs $52 per night, your
pooch will enjoy a full-sized bed, wall-to-wall carpet, toys and a
window overlooking the play parks. And if that is not enough, this
rate includes an overnight stay with a caretaker if your fur-baby
is used to sleeping with mommy and daddy. Bungalows ($34.50/
day), Suites ($36.50/day), Suites with patios ($38.50/day), Luxury
Villas ($39.50/day), Central Bark Lounge ($45/day) and Presiden-
tial Suites ($52/day) are also available, along with a slew of “paw-
“PET OWNERS SHOULD FIRST FIND OUT WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT THE FACILITY AND
IF IT MEETS THEIR NEEDS. THEN, THEY SHOULD VISIT
THE FACILITY”
The Ambassador Suite at Ruffin’ It Resort in Madison, Wisc.
Shown Left:The Luxury
Villas at Ruf-
fin’ It have
themes. This
one is Howly-
wood Villa.
Shown Right:Ruffin’ It’s
Safari Villa for
your adven-
turous pet.
>>
Make room for lifeWith Sanus Systems, you’ll always get smart design, high quality andpatented technology. Our new, innovative products are easy to install and easy to use, giving you more time to enjoy cherished moments
with friends and family. Learn more at www.SANUS.com.
FULL-MOTIONW
ALLM
OU
NTS
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ND
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AV FURNIT
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ilest
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MakeRoom_Fireplace 10/13/09 11:21 AM Page 1
62HDL
menities”, including two hours of group activities each day, raised
feeders, meals, movies with “pupcorn” and much more.
Family Pet Resort’s Mojecki says to think about what you do
with/for your pet every day—that is what they emulate. From
tuck-ins to cuddling to belly rubs to health evaluations, they are
committed to keeping your dog relaxed. Their rates run from $29/
night for luxury suites for small dogs to $64/night for luxury villas
with the TVs. Family suites are also available for $44/night for the
first dog and 20 percent off the second. Family Pet Resort also
caters to kitties, with Kitty Condos for $34/night.
Choosing a FacilityWhile all of these features are sure to intrigue even the most par-
ticular pet owner, choosing a facility for daycare or boarding will
take a concerted effort.
Charlotte Biggs, CKO from Stay N Play Pet Ranch in Dripping
Springs, Texas, and chief governance officer of PCSA, says, “Pet
owners should first find out what services are offered at the facility
and if it meets their needs. Then, they should visit the facility. Look
at their credentials and the [staff] qualifications. Does the facility
offer community play or individual attention? It is similar to picking
a doctor. You should feel comfortable with the facility and staff.”
Ruffin’ It’s Brantner Shanesy says confirming the facility is a
PCSA member is a good first step. As there are no official regula-
tions for such facilities, if the business is a PCSA member, you will
know they follow a stringent code of ethics. She adds that the or-
ganization is developing a certification program for facilities. This
is very new, so only a few facilities can claim the certification.
You’ll want to take into consideration how certain facilities are
run. For example, some have a strict policy of nonaggression
because they employ a 24-7 “no-cages” strategy. This concept is
“all the rage,” says Brantner Shanesy, whose facility practices this
policy on a smaller scale with its “pooches in pajamas” event.
During these “parties,” the dogs are never alone or put in
rooms. They attend daycare during the day and, at night, beds
are brought in and a movie is shown, complete with cuddles and
a caretaker companion throughout the night.
“No-cages” means that certain breeds may be excluded and
dogs may undergo a “trial” visit to see if they play well with others.
So, don’t look now, but there may be a pet-pampering retreat
popping up near you soon (if there isn’t one already). And it might
be just what you and your pet need.
“I tell the staff, ‘We are not Walmart. We are Neiman Marcus,’”
says Brantner Shanesy. “And that’s how we treat the dogs and
their parents. I’ve always said, ‘As long as I can get them in the
door, they will be hooked.’” HDL
Family Pet Resort also caters to kitties, with Kitty Condos available for $34/night.
Ruffin’ It Resort was modeled after a cozy mountain lodge.
A “guest” enjoys the amenities at Family Pet Resort in Newtown Square, Pa.
HDL1209_Features 62 11/6/09 10:54:33 AM
Make room for lifeWith Sanus Systems, you’ll always get smart design, high quality andpatented technology. Our new, innovative products are easy to install and easy to use, giving you more time to enjoy cherished moments
with friends and family. Learn more at www.SANUS.com.
FULL-MOTIONW
ALLM
OU
NTS
SPEAKERSTA
ND
S
AV FURNIT
UR
E
DESK MOUNTS
MOTORIZED
MO
UN
TS
©20
09M
ilest
one
AVTe
chno
logi
es.A
llRig
hts
Res
erve
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nus
Syst
ems
isa
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ilest
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MakeRoom_Fireplace 10/13/09 11:21 AM Page 1
HDL1209_Features.indd 63 11/2/09 2:35:31 PM
©2009 P
ioneer Electronics (US
A) Inc. P
ION
EER, the P
ION
EER logo and the ELITE logo are registered tradem
arks of Pioneer C
orporation.
pioneerelectronics.com
Be transformed. By soundscapes so powerful they don’t just happen
around you, they happen inside you. By an entertainment center so
intelligent, so robust, it doesn’t just produce pure, pristine sound,
it shatters your expectations, and changes everything forever.
T h e n e x t g e n e r a t i o n E l i t e ® A V R e c e i v e r.
64HDL
T he electric guitar symbolizes a great many things
in our country’s culture. To young kids, it’s the
inspiration for a beloved video game. To the teen-
ager down the street, it’s a ticket to fame and fortune (and
girls). And to some people, it’s the eternal symbol—the
heart and soul—of rock’n’roll.
But to a devoted few, guitars are something else: a desired
collectable that they may be willing to pay huge amounts of
money to buy—but not necessarily to actually play!
The Fundamentals of Collecting GuitarsJust as a comic book you buy at a newsstand will not
be worth as much as Superman #1, there is a huge
difference between a new guitar you’ll find at
your local Sam Ash store and a vintage one.
What defines a vintage guitar? As with
wine, the term “vintage” has come to mean
old, but for a guitar to truly be vintage, it also
must be an original model of an iconic prod-
uct, or a unique item prized by collectors as
much for its rarity as for its special qualities.
The majority of guitars desired by collec-
tors were made between the mid-1920s and
1970. Guitars made prior to the mid 20s, while
Vintage Guitar Hero
Striking the right chord in the world of collectible guitars.
>> by HOWARD WHiTMANC
OLL
ECTI
BLEG
UIT
AR
S
>>
HDL1209_Features 64 11/6/09 11:14:04 AM
©2009 P
ioneer Electronics (US
A) Inc. P
ION
EER, the P
ION
EER logo and the ELITE logo are registered tradem
arks of Pioneer C
orporation.
pioneerelectronics.com
Be transformed. By soundscapes so powerful they don’t just happen
around you, they happen inside you. By an entertainment center so
intelligent, so robust, it doesn’t just produce pure, pristine sound,
it shatters your expectations, and changes everything forever.
T h e n e x t g e n e r a t i o n E l i t e ® A V R e c e i v e r.
HDL1209_Features.indd 65 11/2/09 2:35:49 PM
66HDL
>>
they’ll certainly be prized for their scarcity,
are considered too primitive to be truly col-
lectable. And since electric guitars really hit
their stride in the 1950s, “axes” from this
period are prime choice in this world.
A key is that the guitars are actually func-
tional and playable. Much like a classic car,
operability is key to a guitar’s value. If you
can, in the case of cars, “drive it off the lot,”
or, with electric guitars, plug in and have a
play, a vintage instrument will be worth far
more than one that no longer works.
Rarity+Desirability=Cha-Ching!Rarity isn’t the only factor that makes a guitar
valuable. It has to be a model that collectors
want. Some guitars become valuable due to
being associated with a legendary musician
or band. For example, the guitars used by
The Beatles, such as John’s Rickenbacker,
George’s Gibson hollow body or Paul’s Hof-
ner violin bass, have become prized collect-
ables in their original configurations.
For casual guitar afficianados, a replica of
an iconic guitar, such as a current version of
Chuck Berry’s cherry red Gibson, will satisfy
this quest. But for a true collector, only an
original model from the year of origin will do.
Desire is a vital part of the vintage guitar
equation. There’s no rulebook or set of stan-
dards to establish how much a guitar will sell
for. Dedicated collectors will research the
guitars they’re seeking, and will have knowl-
edge of the instruments’ wood, construction,
origins, factory, etc. All of these facets will
affect the guitar’s desirability. If you end up
on the selling end of the equation, that desire
could be to your benefit, as you may be on
the winning end of a high-end transaction.
In theory, the less available a guitar is (in
other words, the lower the amount that was
produced of that model), the more valuable it
will be. But that’s not always the case. While
the most desired guitars are typically ones
that were produced in limited quantities, it’s
not just their sparse supply that makes them
desirable. There’s a mystery “X” factor that
gives them true luster—whether a guitar was
used on a certain historic recording, has a
legend from musical lore attached to it, or
just looks really, really cool.
Conversely, mass-produced guitars can
sometimes turn into collectible ones. Con-
sider the case of the Fender Telecaster. Even
though the Fender company produced tens
of thousands of this model during what’s con-
sidered to be its golden age—1950 through
1965—guitars from this period are very much
in demand. Why? Because it’s a very popular
guitar. Even though there are a lot of ‘em in
existence, a lot of people want ‘em.
Make and ModelNaturally, a guitar’s make is crucial to its col-
lectability. In terms of electric guitars, Gibson
and Fender are the two big names, but there
are plenty of others that are heavily traded.
Ultimately, any guitar that achieves that
magical equation of being rare and beloved
can make the list. Relatively obscure axes
such as the Danelectro Silvertone (originally
sold in Sears stores beginning in the mid-
1950s) can be just as valuable (or more so)
than a classic Gibson or Fender. In fact, leg-
end has it that Joe Perry of Aerosmith once
offered $30,000 for a Danelectro collection!
Other makes o f note inc lude Gu i ld ,
Gretsch, VOX, Airline, Eastwood, National,
Numavox, Ernie Ball and many, many more.
Condition isn’t EverythingWhile a rare and in-demand guitar will be
worth more in mint (brand-new) or like-new
condition, just because a guitar shows some
wear and tear, that doesn’t necessarily mean
it won’t be worth much. In fact, to some col-
lectors, a “beat-up” original finish guitar will
be more valuable than a restored one.
The reason: When a guitar is profession-
ally refinished, the original finish is gone, and
1982 Gibson® Les Paul
1956 Gibson® Les Paul
1975 Gibson Les Paul in Tobacco Sunburst Finish
Ernieball Musicman® 25th Anniversary Serieswww.music-man.com
HDL1209_Features 66 11/6/09 10:55:17 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 67 11/2/09 2:36:16 PM
68HDL
therefore it’s lost a lot of its vintage luster.
History—preserving a guitar’s originality—is
very important to collectors. That’s some-
thing to consider if you have a guitar you
think may be worth something—dust it off,
but keep it in the condition you found it in.
Invest Now for the Future?Will the guitars of today be the collectors’
items of tomorrow? Will you be able to pay
for your toddler’s college education down
the road with a guitar produced this year?
Odds are the answer is no, but as in the wine
world, there’s always a possibility, however
small, that today’s factory-fresh purchase
could turn into tomorrow’s hunted treasure.
Here are some factors to look out for when
buying new guitars on speculation:
* Limited Editions—Guitar manufacturers
are constantly coming out with new spins on
their time-tested instruments, and frequently
these are produced in limited quantities for
a limited time. Once they’re gone, they’re
gone, and this kind of limitation can add to a
guitar’s luster over time, provided it catches
on with collectors. Sometimes manufacturers
try to come up with their own instant col-
lectables, such as Fender’s new Road-Worn
line, which is to guitars what “pre-worn”
jeans are to a new pair of pants. Fender now
offers a full line of its signature models—the
Stratocaster, Telecaster and legendary bass
guitars—that look like they’ve been thrown
in the back of trucks by roadies for 20 years,
even though they’re brand new!
* Signature Models—The guitar world
is no stranger to celebrity-endorsed prod-
ucts. Luminaries such as Eddie Van Halen,
Eric Clapton, Ozzy Osbourne axeman Zakk
Wylde and Rush bassist Geddy Lee have
al l launched repl icas of the customized
models they’ve played on their recordings
and in concert. While these are often mass-
produced, they may be available for a short
time, and certainly, the enduring popularity of
the player could make their endorsed models
valuable. One such model just recently out
that could gain value in years to come is Gib-
son’s new Jeff Beck 1954 Les Paul Oxblood,
a replica of one of the iconic model’s classic
editions customized by the guitar legend.
* Unique Designs—Over the years, gui-
tar makers have gotten more creative and
adventurous with their guitar designs. When
models with unique shapes, colors and con-
figurations are sold in small quantities, col-
lectors may be drawn to them when they’re
no longer easily available.
The Thrill of the HuntPart of the fun of guitar collecting is the ex-
perience of hunting down your heart’s desire
guitar, or happening upon a hidden treasure
by surprise. While eBay and other auction
and collectors’ sites offer new buying oppor-
tunities for enterprising collectors and deal-
ers, buying online, for some, may take a lot of
the fun out of collecting vintage guitars.
There’s stil l a lot to be said for visiting
music stores, antique dealers, and even flea
markets and yard sales, to check out the gui-
tar offerings. Odds are that many guitar col-
lectors could tell you a story about a magical
moment where they found a special treasure
being sold in a humble setting, such as a
yard sale, for a bargain price, probably sold
by someone who didn’t know what they had.
As with all antiques and vintage collectables,
one man’s trash may be another’s treasure.
So whether you’re a practicing musician, a
casual strummer, or just someone who thinks
guitars would look cool hung on your wall,
remember to enjoy the quest, shop carefully,
get documentation whenever possible, and
most importantly, have fun as you shop for
the guitar of your rock’n’roll dreams! HDL
For further information, check out:
snipurl.com/vintageguitars
vintageguitar.com
myrareguitars.com
1961 Fender® Stratocaster
1963 Fender® Jazzmaster
Spector® Bass Guitarswww.spectorbass.com
Fender® Road Worn Series
www.bowers -w i lk ins .comListen and you’ll see
“What Bowers & Wilkins have done with their entire CT Series,
specifically the CT 700s reviewed here, comes closer to
bridging the gap between the filmmaker and the home viewer
than any speaker I’ve encountered before them. Considering
the overall system price (speakers only) of roughly $8,000 for
a complete 5.1 system, the CT 700s are an absolute steal
and revelation. Four stars.”
Andrew Robinson, HomeTheaterReview.com
Utilizing decades of engineering expertise, Bowers & Wilkins first redefined performance
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70HDL
>>
>> by HOWARD WHITMANFI
NED
ININ
G
DelightsThe famed beach resort
offers fine dining to suit all
tastes—and tastebuds.
South
Miami’s South Beach resort area is home
to many wonderful things: great hotels,
beautiful beaches and oceans, great
shopping, and plenty of sun, surf and fun. But
there’s one element of this region that can’t be
ignored: its fantastic restaurants.
Fine dining has long been a staple and one of the
main attractions of the South Beach area, and it’s
our pleasure to present some of the varied restau-
rants of note you can find in this region.
Beach
72HDL
‘Steaking’ it OutLooking for great steak? Look no
further than South Beach, which of-
fers some great steakhouses. One
strong contender for “best steak
on South Beach” is the recently
opened Red, The Steakhouse, a
7,200 square-foot contemporary
restaurant and lounge in the South
of Fifth neighborhood. Red offers
Prime Certified Angus Beef off the
bone in such tantalizing configura-
tions as a 16 oz. Ribeye ($39), 14
oz. New York Strip ($44) and a 9
oz. Filet Mignon for $39. Want to
go bone-in? Try the 22 oz. Ribeye ($49) or Porter-
house, which is served in two sizes: 24 oz. for $49
or 48 oz. for $89.
Red also serves a 16 oz. Free-Range Domestic
Veal Chop ($42) and New Zealand Rack of Lamb for
$38. Pasta dishes include Whole Maine Lobster &
Angel Hair (market price) and Trenne Carbonara—
gulf shrimp with garlic, peas and pancetta—for
$33.90. For those who prefer surf over turf, Red
offers Whole Maine Lobster (market price), Shrimp
De Jonghe (gulf shrimp with white wine, dijon and
garlic) for $32.90, and a unique Tuna Filet Mignon
with roasted pepper rouille for $33.90.
Red, The Steakhouse
redthesteakhouse.com
119 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 534-3688
French BlissOne fine new addition to the South Beach dining
lineup is Au Pied de Cochon, which celebrated its
grand opening in June. The emphasis here is on
seafood with a French flair. Specialties from the
sea include oysters (from such locations as British
Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Connecticut and
California); seafood platters such as the Royal Sea-
food platter for two ($118), which includes 14 oys-
ters along with clams, shrimp and lobster; Florida
stone crab; Pan-Seared Salmon Filet on warm len-
tils ($21.50) and Cold Butterfly Canadian Lobster
served with “Au Pied” special mayonnaise.
For diners who have something meatier in mind,
Au Pied de Cochon offers Roasted Pig’s Trotter
(yes, that’s a foot) ($22); Sautéed Veal Kidneys in
mustard seed sauce with buttered spinach ($22);
and Roasted Lamb Rack with fresh herbs, creamy
polenta and Provencal tomatoes ($29); as well as
aged Prime steaks and a $25 Kobe Beef Burger.
You can start your meal with a wide variety of
cold appetizers (such as Yellow Fin Tuna Carpac-
cio with curry dressing for $16, or a Terrine of Duck
Foie Gras with toasted country bread for $27.50) or
hot appetizers, including Escargots de Bourgogne
for $9 for six or $17 for 12, or Warm Goat Cheese
and Tomatoes Tart for $12.
No French meal would be complete without
a sumptuous dessert. Sweet finishes include a
French classic, Vanilla Crème Brulee ($7), Crepes
Flambés with grand marnier, prepared tableside
($8.50), and La Vie en Rose, which is raspberry
sorbet, hibiscus jelly and fresh red fruit mix for $9.
Naturally, Au Pied de Cochon offers an extensive
wine list with an emphasis on fine French wines.
Whatever your choice, it’ll be hard to go wrong with
such a selection. Bon appetit!
Au Pied de Cochon
www.aupiedmiami.com
81 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 674-1844
Say Yes to NobuInternationally renowned Sushi restaurant Nobu’s
Florida location is in South Beach. Offering a
sumptuous selection of top-shelf sushi and tem-
pura dishes, Nobu is equally welcoming to sushi
experts and novices—if you’re not sure what to
order, the staff will be delighted to guide you as you
choose from their spectacular menu.
Set in the chic Shore Club, Nobu is an elegant as
well as delicious dining experience, as the restau-
rant is enveloped in white curtains.
Specialty dishes developed by famed chef Nobu
Matsuhisa include a host of Yaki dishes (Organic
Chicken for $30, a 34 oz. USDA Prime Ranchero
Ribeye Steak for $92, Tenderloin of Beef for $42,
Tasmanian Ocean Trout for $32, or Colorado Lamb
Chops for $34), all of which can be served with
your choice of teriyaki, teriyaki baslamico, wasabi
pepper or anti-cucho sauces.
Tempura offerings include Kakiage ($13), Crispy
Oysters ($14) or Sea Urchin ($16). Nobu’s spec-
tacular soups range from the classic Miso ($5) to
Akadashi with Clam ($9), Spicy Seafood Soup ($18)
and Cold Cha Soba ($14).
Of course, Nobu is all about the sushi, and there
are plenty of tantalizing choices in that category
here. You can enjoy sushi rolls (with wasabi on the
side, naturally) including California Roll ($9–$12),
Eel and Cucumber Roll ($8–$10), Salmon Skin Roll
>>
looking for true black?
or blackthat’s true?
For plasmas, the focus has been the level of black performance.
The Panasonic 65" Premiere Plasma takes it a step further:
the level of black detail. Because it’s not just about absolute
black – it’s about the detail visible in the darkest shades – and
no plasma reveals dark details better than the Premiere Plasma.
That’s because this 1080p plasma monitor features an expanded
color range that covers 120% of the HDTV color standard.
And, with an industry-leading 7,160 steps of gradation and
18-bit processing, you’ll see why the Premiere Plasma details
are unmatched.
Each Premiere Plasma has customizable functions – including
six gamma curve options and white balance settings – to modify
the image to your specifi cations.
And, with Panasonic’s plug-in architecture for expanded
functionality, it’s no wonder a leading expert called it “the new
king of fl at panels.”
The 65" Premiere Plasma is more than another “HDTV plasma
display.” It brings studio-level monitor performance home. For more
details, visit panasonic.com/premieread.
Leave no detail overshadowed.
© 2009 Panasonic of North America
Other plasmas crush the dark details trying to achieve a blacker black.
The Premiere Plasma reveals details with a superior gradation to black.
!!"#$%&'%()*+,-.,+,)/012*1)3"45.066777& 89'&9%:777&;'<7!=HDL1209_Features 72 11/6/09 10:55:58 AM
looking for true black?
or blackthat’s true?
For plasmas, the focus has been the level of black performance.
The Panasonic 65" Premiere Plasma takes it a step further:
the level of black detail. Because it’s not just about absolute
black – it’s about the detail visible in the darkest shades – and
no plasma reveals dark details better than the Premiere Plasma.
That’s because this 1080p plasma monitor features an expanded
color range that covers 120% of the HDTV color standard.
And, with an industry-leading 7,160 steps of gradation and
18-bit processing, you’ll see why the Premiere Plasma details
are unmatched.
Each Premiere Plasma has customizable functions – including
six gamma curve options and white balance settings – to modify
the image to your specifi cations.
And, with Panasonic’s plug-in architecture for expanded
functionality, it’s no wonder a leading expert called it “the new
king of fl at panels.”
The 65" Premiere Plasma is more than another “HDTV plasma
display.” It brings studio-level monitor performance home. For more
details, visit panasonic.com/premieread.
Leave no detail overshadowed.
© 2009 Panasonic of North America
Other plasmas crush the dark details trying to achieve a blacker black.
The Premiere Plasma reveals details with a superior gradation to black.
!!"#$%&'%()*+,-.,+,)/012*1)3"45.066777& 89'&9%:777&;'<7!=HDL1209_Features.indd 73 11/2/09 2:38:07 PM
Have you seen the
Q?
©2009 Runco International
Runco introduces the future of home theater projection with its new QuantumColor projectors. Runco’s LED-based Infinilight™ technology ensures bright, spectacular images without ever needing to replace a lamp. But a lampless projector alone isn’t enough to change the landscape of home theater. So Runco
spent thousands of hours to create a projector that offers the biggest color gamut ever seen in home theater projection . Marvel at vibrant reds that pop off the screen and blues that are so deep they look 3-dimensional. All these careful details are packed inside a projector that uses 70% less power than a traditional projector and minimize carbon footprint because there is absolutely no lamp to replace or throw away. The result is nothing short of revolutionary and the experience is, quite simply, amazing.
The future of home theater projection is here.
See the Runco Q-750 home theater projector at www.SeetheQ.com or 800-23-RUNCO.
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($6–$9), Shrimp Tempura Roll ($8–$12), Spicy Tuna
Roll ($8.50–$11.50) and Soft Shell Crab Roll ($14)
among many delectable sushi favorites.
Nobu Miami Beach
www.noburestaurants.com
1901 Collins Ave,
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 695-3232
Miami Food MachineYou may not be allowed to go to Cuba, but that
doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Cuban food in
Florida. Based in the Costa d’Este Beach Resort
owned by singer Gloria Estefan (formerly of pop
group Miami Sound Machine), Oriente brings Cu-
ban cuisine to South Beach.
Not only is Oriente a delightful culinary experi-
ence, but it’s also an entertaining visual one, as you
can enjoy watching the preparation of your food
through the open kitchen’s “peek-a-boo” windows.
The establishment also offers gorgeous views of
the ocean and Costa d’Este pool.
Entrees with Cuban flair include Le-Quebecois
Veal Chop Milanese with shallot mashed potatoes
and Florida avocados ($39), Mojo Battered Soft
Shell Crabs ($30), Oriente Arroz con Pollo (authen-
tic Cuban chicken) for $22, or Bistec a la Parilla—a
12 oz. New York Strip steak served with chorizo
twice-cooked potatoes and chimichurri verde.
For $24, you can enjoy the Home Style Cuban
“La Completa” (complete dinner) with your choice
of Palomilla Steak, Churrasco Chicken Breast,
Ropa Vieja (braised skirt steak) or Vaca Frita (twice-
cooked skirt steak), all served with white rice, black
beans and sweet plantain.
For the more diet- and/or budget-conscious,
Oriente also has a series of “Little Plates”—smaller,
lower-priced entrees—including Chori Gambas
(shrimp and chorizo sausage) for $12, Seared
Palomilla (sirloin) Sliders for $10, and Croqueta de
Cangrejo (crab croquette) for $14.
Oriente
www.costadeste.com/dining/dining.asp
3244 Ocean Dr.
Vero Beach, FL
(772) 562-9919
Logging OutWho can resist a restaurant with a story? One
South Beach haunt as famed for its history—and
memorable locale—as its cuisine is The Ocean
Grille. The restaurant, a log-based lounge on a
beach sand dune, was built in 1941 by eccentric
entrepreneur Waldo Sexton, who also reportedly
built the road leading to it. Set 200 yards from the
Atlantic Ocean, The Ocean Grille was constructed
from cypress, mahogany and wrought iron and
exists in basically the same form today as when it
was built nearly 40 years ago. During World War II,
it became a Navy officers’ club. (Legend has it that
the war came to South Beach at this time, when
Nazi subs were reportedly spotted off its shore.)
After the war, it’s told that it was operated by Chi-
cago gangsters, but in 1965 it was taken over by
Replogle family, which still runs it to this day.
Of course, none of this fascinating tale would
attract diners if the food wasn’t good. The Ocean
Grille offers a varied menu that—while heavy on
the house specialty, seafood—offers something to
please any palate.
Your meal can begin with a sumptuous appetizer,
such as Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ($12.95), Bubbling
Crab Dip ($8.95), Baked Brie in pastry with sweet
chili drizzle ($12.95) or Jumbo Lump Crab-Stuffed
Mushroom Caps with dijon hollandaise ($8.95).
The Grille’s famed seafood entrees include Co-
quilles St. Jacques (seafood casserole filled with
shrimp, scallops, crab and mushrooms), Crab Au
Gratin (jumbo lump crabmeat casserole topped
with Parmesan), and, for those who can’t make up
their minds, the Fisherman’s Catch platter of scal-
lops, shrimp, fish fingers and clam strips, plus a
jumbo lump crab cake. The Ocean Grille also offers
at least three choices of fresh fish daily. Be sure to
ask your server which fish they’re serving that day.
For meat lovers, the 8 oz. Filet Mignon ($32.95),
served with béarnaise sauce, is the house favor-
ite. There’s also a 14 oz. hand-cut Cajun Ribeye
($31.95) and Grilled Center-Cut Pork Chops (us-
ing locally raised antibiotic, natural, hormone-free
pork), served grilled or blackened with apple-jala-
peno relish, for $19.95 (one chop) or $25.95 (two
chops). We’d suggest you go for the two.
Poultry lovers will enjoy Chicken Oscar ($22.95)
made from ant ibiot ic-free “Cert i f ied Humane
Raised” chicken breast, served with lump crab-
meat; or the Roast Duckling ($24.95) served over
pecan rice with orange sherry sauce. HDL
Whatever cuisine you choose, you’re sure to
have a “good feed” in South Beach with these and
many other fine area restaurants. To find further
information and other local places of fine dining, go
to: southbeach-usa.com/restaurants.html
Note: Prices are subject to change. Contact the
restaurants for updated pricing, reservations, etc.
HDL1209_Features 74 11/6/09 10:56:09 AM
Have you seen the
Q?
©2009 Runco International
Runco introduces the future of home theater projection with its new QuantumColor projectors. Runco’s LED-based Infinilight™ technology ensures bright, spectacular images without ever needing to replace a lamp. But a lampless projector alone isn’t enough to change the landscape of home theater. So Runco
spent thousands of hours to create a projector that offers the biggest color gamut ever seen in home theater projection . Marvel at vibrant reds that pop off the screen and blues that are so deep they look 3-dimensional. All these careful details are packed inside a projector that uses 70% less power than a traditional projector and minimize carbon footprint because there is absolutely no lamp to replace or throw away. The result is nothing short of revolutionary and the experience is, quite simply, amazing.
The future of home theater projection is here.
See the Runco Q-750 home theater projector at www.SeetheQ.com or 800-23-RUNCO.
HDL1209_Features.indd 75 11/2/09 2:38:14 PM
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>> by POWELL SLAUGHTERFIREPLACES
Home is
With winter’s arrival, ‘gathering around the fire’ can
mean settings ranging from rustic to contemporary chic.
FMI’s Portofino wood-burning outdoor fireplace adds drama to this outdoor setting. The pieces offer a turnkey masonry finish. Portofino is the outdoor cousin to FMI’s indoor Georgian masonry fireplaces.fmifireplace.com
>>
W ith the weather in most parts of
the country getting colder, there’s
nothing like a fire to set the mood
for winter entertaining or quality family time.
As a backdrop for the holidays or a mesmer-
izing sight for long evenings, there’s some-
thing about those flames that taps the most
basic parts of the human psyche.
And while many associate fireplaces with
traditional or lodge-style settings, there’s
an array of choices out there with appeal to
the most contemporary of homes. Consum-
ers also can select from companies that
specialize in custom installations, or whose
products are flexible enough for adapting to
different-style environments.
You aren’t limited to the typical fireplaces
that set straight into a wall either. Corner
installations, “bay-window” hearths , colum-
nar fireplaces and more also are available
to suit a range of room styles and space
considerations.
Where the Hearth is
FIREPLACES
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While traditionalists might insist on burning wood in their fire-
place, gas and electric units have come a long way in improving
the “feel” of their fire, and are more efficient overall than wood
fireplaces if heating is a consideration. Whichever fuel you use,
though, you can count on finding something that will fit your
lifestyle.
The following is a rundown of considerations to keep in mind
for wood, gas or electric fireplaces.
Working with WoodThere’s really no replacing the romance of a roaring wood fire,
but if wood burning’s your choice, you must recognize that you’ll
likely loose something in terms of energy efficiency if heating
costs play into your decision.
According to the California Energy Commission’s Consumer
Energy Center (CEC), the average operating open-masonry,
wood-burning fireplace can have efficiencies ranging up to 15
percent, depending upon its type and operation. The CEC offers
some suggestions on improving that efficiency.
First, when not in use, the fireplace damper should be in the
closed position to prevent warm air from escaping the home
through the chimney.
Glass or metal doors or heat shields placed in front of the fire-
place also help limit the amount of warm room air that escapes
the house when the fireplace is not is use, especially when a fire
is burning down for the night. In that case, though, the damper
must remain open to allow the smoke to vent.
During operation, leave the fireplace doors open to benefit
from the fire’s heat. If closed, the glass will deflect radiant heat
back into the fireplace and reduce the heat output to the room.
CEC noted that new fireplace designs such as circulating
fireplaces have heat circulation ducts built into the masonry
fireplace. The ducts pull air from the room, circulate it around a
metal firebox and return warmed air to the room. Some of these
fireplaces have built-in fans to increase air and heat flow.
Fireplace inserts—basically metal wood stoves that slide into
the fireplace cavity—are relatively easy to install and can improve
a fireplace’s efficiency. These require inspection and cleaning of
the fireplace and chimney prior to installation.
As a matter of course, CEC also suggests having your fire-
place and chimney cleaned and inspected once a year.
Custom FireplacesFollowing are just a few of many Web sites where you can find out more about custom fireplace installations.
acucraftcustomfireplaces.com• The motto here: “You dream it, we build it.”
estrellastone.com• Custom hand-carved fireplaces in Italian and Mexican stone.
customfireplace.com• Chicago-area builder and installer of custom fireplaces.
marblebuilders.com •Stone mantels in custom size, color and designs.
pacificstonecraft.com •Custom precast stone fireplaces.
Escea’s ST900 direct-vent gas fireplace presents a strong contemporary look and good for situations that require a strong visual feature but do not require heating for a large area. Recommened retail: $3,695 for colored front, $3,895 for polished stainless steel. snipurl.com/esceafireplace
>>
HDL1209_Features 78 11/9/09 11:08:15 AM
HDL1209_Features.indd 79 11/2/09 2:38:48 PM
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Gas/Wood AdvantagesWhile they don’t have that roar and crackle, gas fireplaces offset
wood-burning units with better heating efficiency and fewer
maintenance and cleanup issues.
Hearth & Home Technologies, a producer and installer of
hearth products, suggests that people thinking about a gas
fireplace should look first for units that are AFUE (Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency)-rated; and second for direct-vent gas fire-
places, which keep up to 70 percent of the heat they generate
remaining in the house.
Hearth & Home said direct vent units are particularly effective
for zone heating, because people absorb the radiant heat from
the glass front while the firebox also heats the air in the room,
adding that masonry wood-burning fireplaces in comparison can
lose up 85 percent of the fire’s heat through the chimney.
Direct vent gas fireplaces operate at the push of a button and
require no ash cleanup after use. They also expel all unwanted
combustion gases and moisture directly outside the home.
Electric fireplaces are another clean option, and have also
come a long way in their “look” relative to wood-burning fire-
places. They also are easier to install than either wood or gas
fireplaces. They also are essentially space heaters designed with
that purpose in mind, and like gas units, they don’t have the ash
and residue issues that go along with a wood fire.
Consumers considering electric or gas fireplaces must decide
how important the aesthetic of a roaring wood fire is to them.
They have a lot more—and better—options than in years past.
5. Do not use coal or charcoal in a fireplace because because
of the danger of carbon monoxide build-up. It is not a good idea
to burn trash or wrappings in fireplace fires because polystyrene
foam and other coated materials can generate deadly fumes.
Flying paper embers could also ignite the roof.
6. Don’t treat artificial logs like real logs. Artificial logs are usu-
ally made of sawdust and wax and have special burning proper-
ties. Read the instructions and follow them carefully. Use just
one log at a time and do not add another log until the fire is com-
pletely out. Never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that is
already burning. Wait at least two hours before adding an artificial
log to a natural log fire because it could cause a flare-up.
7. Don’t poke artificial logs. Flaming wax could stick to the
poker and drop onto the floor. This could also cause a flare-up.
8. Home-rolled newspaper logs should never be soaked in
flammable fuels because of danger of explosion. Soaking news-
paper in water before or during rolling removes clay content and
provides a better-burning log. Stack the logs and let them dry for
two weeks in the basement. Use kindling when lighting.
9. Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can lead to over-
heating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is
constructed of metal.
10. Use a screen around the fireplace to keep sparks from fly-
ing out and to prevent accidental clothing ignition.
11. Warn children about the danger of fire. Do not let them
play with fire.
12. Keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows, furni-
ture or papers away from the fireplace area. Be sure the Christ-
mas tree isn’t close enough to be ignited by a spark. Be espe-
cially careful of accidentally igniting holiday wrapping papers.
13. Make sure that the fire is out completely before retiring for
the night or when leaving the house. HDL
Kozy Heat’s Model 432 wood burning fireplace, which burns at 73 percent efficiency, offers a “bay-window” look, and is available in alternate facings and other options to dress it up or down. Suggested retail as shown is $2,275.kozyheat.com
Security Chimneys’ SE 36 wood-burning fireplace, priced at $1,138, has zero clearance on back, sides and top for greater decorating flexibility, and a trapezoidal shape requiring 35 percent less floor space for corner installations.securitychimneys.com
IN THE WORLD ʼS F INES T HOME C INEMAS ,IMAGE I S EVERY TH ING .
Atlanta, GA USA • Manchester, UK • Beijing, China • Singapore 770.420.1365 • www.digitalprojection.com
Find the perfect projector at www.digitalprojection.com/hc
Home Cinema featuring a Digital Projection TITAN Reference 1080p projectorDesigner and Photo Credit: First Impressions Theme Theatres
For twelve years, Digital Projection International has delivered the most
powerful line of DLP® displays available. In 1998, DPI earned two Emmy®
Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. We
remain the fi rst and only projector manufacturer to win the coveted award.
Through engineering innovations such as our ColorMax™ technology,
Digital Projection creates the captivating imagery demanded in the most
elite home cinemas. Naturally, customers with such high expectations
also benefit from DP’s exceptional customer service, including 24-7
technical support, an extensive customer service team and dedicated
applications engineers.
From exclusive fi lm festivals and Hollywood studios to regal home theaters,
Digital Projection is trusted across the world in every environment imaginable.
Our history speaks for itself. Our products, legendary. You deserve the best.
HDL1209_Features 80 11/6/09 10:57:01 AM
IN THE WORLD ʼS F INES T HOME C INEMAS ,IMAGE I S EVERY TH ING .
Atlanta, GA USA • Manchester, UK • Beijing, China • Singapore 770.420.1365 • www.digitalprojection.com
Find the perfect projector at www.digitalprojection.com/hc
Home Cinema featuring a Digital Projection TITAN Reference 1080p projectorDesigner and Photo Credit: First Impressions Theme Theatres
For twelve years, Digital Projection International has delivered the most
powerful line of DLP® displays available. In 1998, DPI earned two Emmy®
Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. We
remain the fi rst and only projector manufacturer to win the coveted award.
Through engineering innovations such as our ColorMax™ technology,
Digital Projection creates the captivating imagery demanded in the most
elite home cinemas. Naturally, customers with such high expectations
also benefit from DP’s exceptional customer service, including 24-7
technical support, an extensive customer service team and dedicated
applications engineers.
From exclusive fi lm festivals and Hollywood studios to regal home theaters,
Digital Projection is trusted across the world in every environment imaginable.
Our history speaks for itself. Our products, legendary. You deserve the best.
CEDIA EXPO 2009Manufacturers’ Excellence Award WinnerBest New Product: TITAN 3D
HDL1209_Features.indd 81 11/2/09 2:39:19 PM
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’Tis the season to find a way to stay
warm on cold winter nights. And
nothing seems to do the trick like
sitting in front of a fire, with a steaming cup of
something sweet, spicy … maybe even with a
little “something extra”? Look beyond the usual
coffee, teas and after-dinner drinks to these de-
lectable wintery beverages—and raise a toast
with whomever is keeping you cozy!
Capputeano
This creamy, spicy drink is very simple to pre-
pare. For two eight-ounce servings, you’ll need
two cups whole milk, two to four tablespoons
of brown sugar, and two cinnamon apple or
cinnamon spice tea bags. In a small saucepan,
heat the milk and sugar to boiling. Remove from
heat and add the teabags. Cover and steep the
mixture for five minutes. Remove the tea bags
and pour into two big mugs. Enjoy by a warm
and crackling fire!
Russian Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is experiencing a renaissance, as
more and more people discover the difference
between hot cocoa and hot chocolate (cocoa is
made with cocoa powder, while hot chocolate
is made with real chocolate). Hot chocolate
drinks can easily satisfy your sweet tooth as
desserts. But here’s a “spirited” twist on an
old-time favorite, sure to warm your hands—
and your heart! Pour two ounces of Kahlua cof-
fee liquor and one ounce of vodka into a large
mug. Using artisan (high-grade) hot chocolate,
mix with one cup of hot milk. Combine, stir and
top with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh
chocolate shavings.
Café Brulot
Café Brulot is an absolutely delicious, pictur-
esque hot French drink! Prepare about three
cups of strong black coffee (use a large French
Press pot and let it brew for five minutes). In the
meantime, mix in a saucepan (or a brulot pot if
you have one) one tablespoon brown sugar, five
whole cloves, a long strip each of lemon peel
and orange peel, a stick of cinnamon, a pinch
of natural vanilla, and one cup of brandy. Ignite
with a long match or candle lighter and allow it
to burn for 30 seconds. This is guaranteed to
impress your guests with your sophisticated
serving abilities! Pour into four tall, footed mugs
that are three-quarters full of hot, strong coffee.
Enjoy this treat and the compliments you will
surely receive.
Grand Café Latte
Take your coffee to new heights and try a Grand
Café Latte. The subtle oaked vanilla notes of
aged cognac and delicate orange flavor make
this a true connoisseur’s beverage. Mix one-
and a-half ounces of Grand Marnier Liquor, six-
and-a-half ounces of heated whole milk, and
combine with hot espresso coffee for a truly
grand-tasting coffee. Tip: If you have a cappuc-
cino machine, use it to heat the milk (skim milk
works best) and spoon a dollup of the foam on
top of the coffee! Magnifique!
Eau de vie
The perfect after-dinner pleasure, eau de vie—
“water of life”—is a clear, colorless fruit brandy
that is produced through fermentation and
double distillation. The ripe fruit is fermented,
distilled and quickly bottled to preserve the
parent fruit’s freshness and aroma. Typically
served as a digestif, it’s sure to warm even icy
hearts! Try its many varieties including Calva-
dos (apple), Kirsch (cherry) or Mirabelle (yellow
plum). The fruit flavor is typically very light and
helps one digest after a hearty cuisine. Serve in
either a tulip-shaped glass or a snifter.
Whatever your pleasure, warm winter drinks
such as these are great choices for cold winter
nights, and are sure to chase the chills away
with a nice little “kick”! HDL
Source: www.grandmarnier.com/about.com
A Toast to Keep You ToastyWarm up this holiday season with these delightful hot beverages.>> by JANE CHERO
WINTERWARMER
Bleed Area : 8 3/4” x 11 1/8”
Trim Area : 8 1/2” x 10 7/8”
* Price applies to the Ensemble HD 6500 from Epson shown here. Prices are suggested retail. Epson and Epson Exceed Your Vision are trademarks or registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corp. Ensemble HD is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. Atlantic Technology is a registered trademark of Atlantic Technology International Corp. All other trademarks are properties of their respective companies. © 2009 Epson America, Inc.
Introducing the world’s fi rst cinema system that seamlessly transforms any room in your customer’s home into a high-performance cinema complete with innovative, integrated surround sound by Atlantic Technology®. Available at $6,899*, the Ensemble HD 6500 opens your business to an entirely new customer base, providing you with strong margins and trouble-free
installation in as little as four hours. Learn how you can become an authorized dealer of the new Ensemble HD from Epson. E-mail Ed Colfer at [email protected] today! Visit ensemblehd.com for more product details.
Live Area : 7 3/4” x 10 1/8”
THE ENSEMBLE HD™ HOME CINEMA SYSTEM FROM EPSON.
HDL1209_Cover_Ads.indd 7 11/6/09 11:39:06 AM
SHARP ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED PRODUCTS ARE:
Built in an environmentally advanced factory
Shipped in recycled, recyclable packaging
Energy efficient
Sharp is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation. ©2009 Sharp Electronics Corporation.
Making a WORLDof Difference for a
Sustainable Future
Making a WORLDof Difference for a
Sustainable Future
HDL1209_Cover_Ads 2 11/6/09 12:02:21 PM