Cellar Cinemas Upgrade Service FAQ
Can you help me with upgrades after I purchase an HTPC from you?
Cellar Cinemas is here when you need help performing upgrades to your Cellar Cinemas HTPC. All you have to do is add this service item to your shopping cart along with all of the upgrades you want and send us your HTPC.
What is included in your HTPC Upgrade Service?
We professionally install your hardware and software upgrades. Also, we perform a full overhaul of any and all system updates needed including BIOS, video drivers, software updates, and Operating System patches. We then perform a video calibration which is described in detail below. After running our full HTPC test suite to make sure everything is working properly, we create a new HTPC Tools/Restore CD for you.
 We are now including HDTV content pre-loaded on your HTPC hard drive! Under a license granted by HDNet to Cellar Cinemas and our HTPC customers, we are now including full length episodes of several popular HDNet shows in pristine 19.2 Mbps 1080i and Dolby Digital 5.1.
HDNet is the first national television network broadcasting all of its programming in 1080i HD, the highest-quality format of high-definition television (HDTV). Contact your cable or satellite television service provider to subscribe to HDNet and visit the HDNet web site for more information.
We professionally calibrate all of the video paths through the HTPC so you can be assured of videophile-grade performance. Normal PC video levels are NOT the same as video levels used in high-end video components that follow SMPTE, EIA, and HDMI standards. This is a huge distinction between an HTPC and a regular PC.
We perform HTPC video calibrations using an oscilloscope, reference test pattern generators, and other equipment we use as ISF-certified video calibrators. Our experience has shown that the calibration differs dramatically from HTPC to HTPC based on hardware, drivers, software differences, display connection type (e.g., DVI-D vs. YPrPb), and other variables. We calibrate each HTPC system individually to match your particular display device and connection method based on solid video engineering standards.
We calibrate MPEG decoding via VMR9, TheaterTek, MCE DVD Playback, TV/PVR and other video paths so that the video output from the HTPC-MCE is consistent and correct. We also set black and white levels to Studio RGB levels (digital 16 and 235 respectively). Our calibration also checks gamma, saturation, and hue.
 
We are also now including HDTV test patterns pre-loaded on your HTPC hard drive! Under a license granted by Joe Kane Productions to Cellar Cinemas and our HTPC customers, we are now including basic display setup test patterns from Digital Video Essentials Professional in 720p and 1080p VC-1 (WM9-HD) HDTV format. These patterns make it easy to quickly set your display's brightness/black level, contrast/white level, and picture positioning/overscan settings. Once your display has enough hours on it, then you will be ready for a full ISF display calibration from a trained professional with the appropriate calibration equipment.
For the serious home theater enthusiast, we offer the full 6-Disc Digital Video Essentials Professional which contains all of the test patterns necessary to perform a complete audio and video system calibration.
What upgrades do you have to offer?
We have a very flexible HTPC Upgrade Order Form that you can use to order your upgrades.
As Cellar Cinemas HTPC customers, you are eligible to purchase all of the items in our store including those marked "Upgrade Only". Here are some of the upgrades that you may want to consider:
Where do I send my HTPC and what do I send?
You do not need to send any interconnect cables, the power cord, or the keyboard unless we have asked you to do so. Just pack up the main system unit using the original shipping carton and double-box with a larger carton. The UPS Store does a good job packing PCs and will properly insure the package, so check into their services or a similar packing/shipping service in your area.
Also, please use a reputable shipper and adequately insure the HTPC for full replacement value. If the HTPC arrives at our facilities damaged, your only recourse will be with the shipper.
Please ship your package to our address.
What if I'm just ordering a Pronto or something else that doesn't require modifying my HTPC?
Naturally, if you are ordering an external peripheral or remote control upgrade for your HTPC that does not require any hardware modifications, then you don't need to send us your HTPC and you don't need to include the upgrade service fee with your order.
How long does your service take and how do you return ship?
Once we receive your HTPC, our upgrade service usually takes 2-weeks depending on the complexity of the upgrade. We return ship via the method that you pick when you place this upgrade order.
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