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How Plasma TVs And LCD TVs Differ

2012-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

How Plasma TVs And LCD TVs Differ

The buying of large-screen TVs has absolutely skyrocketed lately. It seems that everyone wants one – and with good reason. The large-screen TV has come a long way from those faded-out behemoths of old that took up half your living room and never really produced a picture of decent quality. Now, however, especially in combination with HDTV, you can get not only a nice, large picture, but a crisp, clean one too.

Once you decide that you’re ready for a large-screen TV, you quickly discover that you only really have two main options – a plasma TV or an LCD TV. Plasma TVs were first on the scene, but the recent mass production of LCD TVs by major manufactures has put LCD TVs pretty much on equal footing with plasmas. That said, you will still have to make a choice.
If you’re like most people, you not only have no idea how the two differ, you don’t even know the areas you should be considering in order to determine how they differ. But they do indeed differ, and knowing the difference is extremely important if you’re going to get the TV that’s right for you.
You can essentially boil the differences between plasmas and LCDs into twelve basic points. In some areas, plasmas will win out. In other areas, LCDs will win out. In yet other areas, it will depend on your own personal taste in order to decide who wins out.

The twelve ways plasma TVs and LCD TVs differ are the following:
1. The first is a technical issue, and may seem a little boring, but it really does affect other areas. Plasmas TVs are made of chemical compounds called phosphors. LCD TVs use millions of liquid crystals.
2. The next section is related to how big the TVs are and the availability of larger sizes. You have a wider selection of larger-size TVs with plasmas (though LCDs are catching up).
3. The next section is “small size,” which is also important. Plasmas don't come in smaller sizes, which you will need for places like the kitchen.
4. Next is viewing angle. Plasmas tend to have a wider viewing angle (though, again, LCDs are catching up).
5. Although the manufacturers may not like to admit it, each “can” suffer from certain problems. Plasmas can suffer from burn-in effect; LCDs don't.
6. Another problem area, but for LCDs, is “delay.” LCDs can produce a jagged figure when in motion. Plasmas tend to do better. HDTV improves this dramatically for both.
7. The next area is life span. You can replace the light source with an LCD, thereby bringing your original picture back. With plasmas you can't.
8. In the next few sections, the theme of “picture quality” is considered. First, color: LCDs produce sharp, lively colors. Plasmas produce warmer and more accurate colors.
9. Next is brightness levels and the TVs ability to handle different lighting. LCDs tend to do better in bright-light conditions.
10. Also related to picture quality is “black levels.” Plasmas tend to produce blacker blacks.
11. Another area to consider is contrast range. Plasmas, "technically," produce a higher contrast range.
12. Last, and certainly not least, is price. At the moment, plasmas tend to run a little cheaper, but this is changing rapidly as LCDs flood into the market. By the time you read this, in fact, there may be no difference at all.
Essentially, which one is right for you will all comes down to taste: What potential negatives will you not really notice? What positives do you want more of? What do you really want the TV for – movies, sports, news, regular TV shows? Both plasmas and LCDs have strong advocates in their corners. Both have deliriously happy customers. But those happy customers are only happy because they knew what they wanted before they made their purchase. If you want to make the right choice, you’ll have to decide what it is you want and which of the two TVs can best give you that.

Satellite TV Can Be An Eye Opening Experience!

2012-02-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

Satellite TV Can Be An Eye Opening Experience!

There are many appealing aspects to satellite television. From the many freebies that the companies try to entice you with, to the appealing price of the monthly service, to the value of the basic service, to the quality of the picture and sound.

Satellite TV is a digital broadcast, and as such it has an enhanced picture and sound quality built in. Satellite TV also boasts an optional HDTV broadcast, which at 1080 lines of resolution makes it roughly 3 times sharper than regular television.

Many people are not even aware that with your satellite dish you can also get Internet service as well. For many people who live in remote locations, satellite TV is their only choice, but many are beginning to discover the value in satellite TV regardless of where they live.

With satellite TV there is no need to amplify the signal inside the house like you do with cable, and your Internet service doesn't go down because of signal degradation like cable can.

Unlike cable satellite TV is a 100% digital broadcast, which allows for a greater capability and programming. You can have 500 channels, which can be broadcast in different languages such as Russian and Arabic. Cable simply doesn't have the bandwidth to accomplish this level of programming. Only so much data can transmit through a cable line, but with satellite TV you are using an electromagnetic wave to transmit and receive data, which bounces off satellites in space, thus you have virtually no limitations in the amount of data that can be sent or received.

It's no wonder that satellite TV is quickly catching on with millions of Americans, and as many more discover it's value and service, millions more will join the wireless revolution and jump on the satellite TV bandwagon.

How To Find The Right Home Projector For Your Home

2012-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

How To Find The Right Home Projector For Your Home

Some people think that buying a home projector is the same as buying a TV or AV system. The cost, of course, has everything to do with which home projector that you finally decide to buy but in actual fact, spending a little bit more time researching and finding out more about home projector systems can make your investment more worthwhile.
Brightness, typically, is measured in ANSI lumens. For a typical home projector system, the brightness can range anywhere between 700 and 2,000 lumens. The brightness, itself, does not determine the quality of the picture that you will receive from your home projector. The environment of your home will pretty much determine the outcome. Therefore, before you buy a home projector, take into account the ambience of the room that you’ll be placing the home projector system in. If you have a special TV viewing room with controlled lighting, you don’t and won’t need a home projector that gives out too much brightness. However, if you’re placing the home projector in the living room where there are open windows or ambient lighting, you’ll need a far brighter home projector to make it worth your while.
Most experts recommend that TV rooms or dedicated home theatre spaces need a 700 lumens home projector or more. Rooms with ambient lighting should use a home projector with at least 900 lumens or more. In open spaces or living rooms with extremely high lighting, you’ll need a home projector with at least 2,500 lumens.
When shopping for your home projector, take a quick look for a menu that is easy to use. Some professional or business home projectors are not as user-friendly as the projectors made for home users. Your home projector should make it as hassle-free as possible for you change the color, brightness, switch between HDTV and NTSC and adjust your video input sources. Most home projectors come with a remote control because it could be hard if your home projector is fixed on the ceiling or high up on the wall, but be careful and be sure to ask the sales person if the home projector unit that you’re interested in buying comes with a remote control.
Do you want to mount the home projector on the ceiling or place it on a table? Well, both options have its advantages and disadvantages. Mounting the home projector on the ceiling gives more space, creates a more polished look for your viewing area. It won’t be knocked off the table by kids and saves you time since you don’t need to unpack, take it, install, and set the home projector up every time you want to use it.
With a light home projector, you can probably lift it from place to place without too much effort. With these home projectors, placing it on the table for each use is probably not a problem at all. In fact, portability has its advantages…you can literally take your home projector with you everywhere you go!

Should You Upgrade to an XBox 360

2012-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

Should You Upgrade to an XBox 360

The XBox 360 is going to be one of the most sought after gifts of this upcoming holiday season. However many people want to know is it worth upgrading now, or should you wait, here are some factors you may want to consider.

The base price for and XBox 360 is $300, the most common accessories are the 20GB hard drive ($100), wireless controllers ($50) and headsets ($20). Many vendors are offering packages with a variety of options with prices of $500 or more. While some of these options depend on your gaming style and preferences the hard drive is the one option we recommend you get right away. The hard drive allows you to save games to play back later and install updates that make many older games compatible on the new platform.

One of the advantages the XBox 360 will have over other game systems is graphics. The graphics of other gaming systems are top notch but on newer games like Project Gotham Racing 3, NFL 06 and Call of Duty 2 which were written for this platform, there simply is no comparison. When you compare the specifications the XBox 360 to any of its competitors, it’s anywhere from 2 to 10 times more powerful. If you are lucky enough to own and HDTV you will really notice the difference, although it will work on standard TV’s as well.

With this console Microsoft is also making a concerted effort to make the Xbox part of your media center. It can connect to any other windows networked computer in your house. It can be used to play movies, slideshows of pictures, and MP3 files. If you own and IPod or digital camera you can also connect them directly to the USB port located on the front game console.

Lastly you’ll want to think about Xbox Live. This is a paid online membership that allows you to get free trials of new games and play in head to head action against other players over your high speed internet connection. You also have access to updates and patches as they become available.

For hard core gamers there is no choice, they will do practically anything to get their hands on the newest and latest systems available. For others it may be worth waiting until 2006 when Playstation 3 is released to see how platforms compare.

Ringtones: What's the Point?

2012-01-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

Ringtones: What's the Point?

A quick Google search will produce countless articles trying to understand the popularity of 'ringtones'; hundreds of bloggers waxing lyrical on the benefits of personalising their cell phones. Interviews with “experts” profering sexy theories about ringtones and identity construction lend an academic seriousness to the Crazy Frog phenomena. The figures are pretty serious too, in the U.S.A. alone, the Yankee Group predicts, ringtones will be worth $500 million. That’s roughly the GDP of Fiji.
Obviously our cell phones needs a voice, but does that voice need to be a polyphonic adaptation of 'Living on a Prayer'?

The latest figures indicate that young people are the greatest consumers of mobile music. According to one UK survey, 15-24 year olds account for 80% of ringtone spending. Studies by Nick Anderson of Sussex University show that young people are far more aware of the "brand personalty" (the particular identity affiliated with certain brands) than older generations. Anderson suggests that teenagers can deduce a person's character, likes and dislikes, by their branded possessions. Considering the amount of branding in the music industry, it's not unreasonable to say that popular musicians have their own “brand personality”. So, your 50 Cent ringtone, for example, communicates not only a your taste in music, but also your compliance to the whole ‘Fiddy’ meme. Ultimately, for brand savvy youth, this says something about your personality, which, you hope, everybody within earshot understands.
If a cell phone rings in the woods but nobody is around to hear it, are you still down with 50 Cent? Ringtones are about personalization, and about public performance. The publicness of the ringtone is an integral part of its appeal. It's unlikely that anyone would have a ringtone on their landline. In a noisy urban soundscape like the city, silence is an anomaly. Personalised ringtones are simply another irritating sound in the hullabaloo. Most of us manage tune out the sounds imposed on us: muzak, hawkers, traffic, the O'Reily factor, so why try and impose yet another squawk? Perhaps the ringtone is the audio equivalent of territorial pissing; thirty seconds in which YOU pick the soundtrack. For a few moments when your cell phone rings the 50 Cent meme is the most powerful in the sonic environment. Where “Fiddy” is relatively redundant as a social force, certain ringtones allow citizens to demonstrate their dissatisfaction or support of a cause. Independent radio station WFMU have created a variety of anti- George W. Bush ringtones available for download, while engadget.com allows users to choose their preferred presidential candidate ringtone. Condemning other commuters to several cycles of 50 Cent, the theme from 'Star Wars' or a Dubya quote demonstrates your individual tastes and allows others distinguish you as either nemesis or brethren.

In our efforts to relieve poverty, impede environmental disaster or cure the global AIDs epidemic, ringtones are totally and utterly useless. When it comes to enforcing the myth that every individual is special, the artificial uniqueness of a personalized ringtone is just the ticket. Paradoxically, this demonstration of individualism is only really effective in a crowd. As far as this writer's concerned the real purpose of ringtones lies in their ridiculousness. A recent gathering of sensible adults turned to hilarity thanks to an improvised game of "Name that tune". Using Foovely's ringtone preview function, those gathered took turns choosing snippets of songs for the party to guess. Recognising a song in 30 seconds is SO much harder in monophone!

How to Tap Your Own Phone Line

2012-01-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

How to Tap Your Own Phone Line

It may seem kind of strange that you would want to know how to tap your own phone line. After all, aren’t phone taps meant to be used on other people? However, there is a definite advantage to having a tap on your own line, as long as you are the one doing the tapping. The best thing you can do, especially if you are fielding some pretty important or incriminating phone calls, is to record them. You can use them for bargaining, or you can use them as evidence that someone is behaving inappropriately.
It is not too hard to learn how to tap your own phone line using simple and relatively inexpensive items that can be picked up from your local electronics store. You will need one Ferrite split core assembly, 75 feet of 28 AWG magnetic coil wire (enameled), one 1/8th inch mini-lug cable (should have tinned ends), and make sure have heat shrink tubing, tie wraps, and electrical tape.
One you have all of these items, it is time to begin learning how to tap your own phone line. Open the core assembly and wind the coil around the end that does not open. There should be roughly 100 turns of coil. You should leave a six inch tail sticking out before you start winding, and then at the end, create a second six inch tail when you clip the wire.
Use fine grit sand paper on the last half inch of the coil wire to remove the enamel. You have to be careful not to break the wire. Slip the tubing over each end of the wire for insulation purposes. Then, solder the ends of the mini phone plug to the coil wire. Use tie wraps to secure the cable to the tap, and insulate solder joints with electrical tape. Slip one (and one only) of the phone conductor circuit through the split core. You can then attach the core to a tape recorder to record all conversations that you wish.
This is a very simple way that you can create your own effective phone tap quickly and inexpensively. Additionally, you have the peace of mind that comes with being able to record conversations because you know how to tap your own phone line.

Why You Need Covert Listening Devices

2012-01-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Why You Need Covert Listening Devices

Covert listening devices are those items that are hidden and meant to listen in on others’ conversations. These devices are often very small and hidden, or they may be disguised to look like ordinary household items. There are a variety of covert listening devices, and they are essential to the success of any surveillance operation or surveillance business.
Convert listening devices can add context where some cameras do not offer adequate information. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what a visual actually means without the accompanying audio. This makes the incorporation of listening devices very important in any surveillance mission. While the visual may serve to identify, you may miss crucial spoken information without listening devices.
In addition to adding to the visual, covert listening devices have other uses. In some cases it is impossible to get a camera in place. At such times a listening device can be very helpful. These devices ensure that there is some information gleaned and that the surveillance mission is not a complete wash. Audio can provide valuable clues, especially when listening is the only option.
Whether or not you are a surveillance professional, or just a private person, covert listening devices can be very helpful. For the professional, listening devices present a picture of someone who knows what he or she is doing. You look more reputable, and the information is more likely to be helpful, if you use bugs to get information. If you are a private person, there are many uses for covert listening devices. You can use them to record conversations you have with others that may need to be referred to, you can use them listen in on what your children are doing, and you can even use them to check your partner for infidelity.
There are many different covert listening devices, ranging in price from under $50 to costing more than $5,000, depending upon your needs. Additionally, you can get them to look like nearly anything, from buttons and pens to cell phones and alarm clocks. But not matter you buy, or how you use them, it is possible to keep on top of things by making use of covert listening devices.

Nokialand

2012-01-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

Nokialand

I guess you haven´t heard of NokiaLand before? The naming NokiaLand has to do with the worlds big-gest handset manufacturer Nokia and Finland, the country it comes from.
Nokia
Nokia has not always been a world leader in cell phones, digital technologies, telecommunications networks, wireless data solutions and high tech gadgets like the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. Some 100 years ago the company was manufacturing paper, toilet paper, galoshes, tires and raincoats.
Finland
Thanks to Nokia Finland has become one of the fastest-growing and most prosperous economies in Europe. And Nokia phones have a dominant market position on its home market. This is why Finland is sometimes referred to as NokiaLand.
In the 1980s Finland was best known for its paper and pulp industries and long dark winters. At the same time Nokia made the decision to shift its company focus from timber, tires, and rubber boots to mobile phones. Good move - today the company sells more phones than any other company in the world.
The Nokia success story had an enormous impact on the finnish economy. Nokia increased the finnish GDP by more than 1.5 percent in 1999 alone. In 2004 Nokia's share of the Finnish GDP was 3.5 percent and accounted for almost a quarter of Finnish exports in 2003. Last year more than 20 000 people were employed by Nokia in Finland which is roughly 2 percent of the people in the Finnish business sector. Also several tiny companies such as Perlos have grown into large ones as Nokia subcontractors.
As Nokia´s profits grew, the Nokia share price increased and this also created a large number of new very rich households in NokiaLand – thanks to Nokia.
The President
Believe it or not there was a secret plan some 5 years ago in NokiaLand to put Jorma Ollila, CEO of Nokia as president of Finland. This did not work out, but if it had we surely would have had our NokiaLand. The story was revealed when Sauli Niinistö published his memoirs this summer. He writes that he had asked Jorma Ollila, the chief executive of Nokia, to run for president in the 2000 presidential election. According to Mr Niinistö, Mr Ollila pondered over the matter when Niinistö made him the offer in the spring of 1999. As we all know Mr Ollila didn´t go for it!

The Pros and Cons of Broadband Internet Phone

2011-12-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Pros and Cons of Broadband Internet Phone

Most people don't know that they already have everything they need to start saving money using internet telephony, or VoIP. All you have to have is a regular telephone and high-speed internet access. That's it! If you have both of those, you are ready to start saving loads of money on local and long distance phone calls.

It is inevitable that VOIP will replace traditional telephone service at some point. The only question is when should you jump in?

VOIP is quickly becoming more reliable and receiving wider acceptance. In fact, phone companies are already taking advantage of the technology to provide cheaper long distance rates. Like any emerging technology, however, there are kinks in the system that are still being worked out.

Advantages:

Internet Phone Service has numerous advantages over traditional telephone service. The most obvious is the cost benefits. If you have a high-speed internet connection, you can make phone calls from PC-to-PC anywhere in the world for FREE! More common PC-to-Phone calls usually come with a small charge but are still much cheaper than regular phone service.

For a small monthly fee, you can sign up with a VoIP service provider and get unlimited calls within the country! International calls can also be made for a fraction of the cost of regular service.

Another advantage is its portability. You can make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection by simply signing in to your VOIP account. This makes VOIP as convenient as e-mail. When you're traveling, you simply pack a headset or Internet phone; then you can talk to family or colleagues for next to nothing.

Phone-to-phone VOIP is also portable. Internet phones are small and light enough to take anywhere. When you sign up with a VOIP service provider, the Internet phone or adaptor used by that service is assigned a unique number. This 'phone number' remains valid, even if your VOIP service is in Los Angeles and you're connected to the Internet in London. When plugged into a broadband connection, anywhere in the world, you can make and receive calls as though you were at home.

Features like call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and 3way-calling, are included with Internet telephone at no extra charge. While you're talking on the phone, you can send pictures and documents at the same time.

Disadvantages:

Unfortunately, there are a couple of minor drawbacks you may experience. The first is the fact that you would loose service during a power outage and the other is limited emergency calling.

Conventional phone service continues by the current supplied through the phone line during a blackout. This isn't possible with Internet phones. When the power goes, there goes VOIP service. Battery backups and power generators that provide electricity are the current solutions to this problem.

Emergency (911) calls are another concern for many potential customers as well. In the event that you need to call 911 but can't speak or have to leave, your call can be traced when dialed from a traditional phone. However, this is not the case with VoIP. Fortunately, there is currently technology being developed called 'e911' that will make this possible, so this will not be a problem for much longer.

VOIP also has sound quality and reliability problems. Data sent across the Internet usually arrives at its destination scrambled. E-mail and documents can be reassembled in the correct order when it arrives. Voice data also arrives scrambled, but it's more complicated because of the real-time nature of VOIP. Some data packets may have to be dropped when they don't arrive in time, in order to make voice connections with the least delay. This can cause brief silences in the audio stream.

Your internet connection speed and the distance of the call are the two biggest factors in the quality of the call. If you are in a high-traffic area this may also cause some loss in the quality of the conversation. Once again, technology is constantly being improved on and this is becoming less and less of an inconvenience.

While the disadvantages mentioned above currently present minor problems, it is expected that these will be corrected by the year 2008 and VoIP technology will have become the industry standard for telephone communication.

The Necessity of Spy Electronics

2011-12-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

The Necessity of Spy Electronics

When most people think of electronics, they think of audiovisual devices like cameras, computers, TVs, and recorders. Spy electronics also encompass all of things. The main difference is that while all of the above items are mainly used for entertainment purposes, spy electronics are meant to be used in surveillance. These electronics can be very technologically advanced, and some of them can be so well disguised that others do not even realize that they are being watched or listened to.
Spy electronics are necessary to make the whole surveillance profession work. After all, if you do not have recording equipment, or equipment to recover the recordings, then it is no good. You cannot perform effective surveillance. Additionally, electronics in places like command centers and control rooms are what coordinate the efforts of individual pieces of electronic equipment and they also direct the surveillance efforts. In today’s world, the professional needs electronics to be an effective bounty hunter or private investigator.
Spy electronics are not only necessary for people like PIs and bounty hunters. The military makes extensive use of these things. Indeed, their electronic spy devices include things like unmanned spy planes and prototypes for other high tech equipment. Police and government intelligence agencies also make heavy use of spy electronics. Wiretaps and the equipment to listen to what is heard fall into the category of electronics. Other forms of surveillance, such as cameras and other listening devices are also necessary.
Other spy electronics that also perform useful functions include TVs and other screens that display information and computers that keep track of tracking devices and maps. Additionally, computers can direct remote cameras to find new angles and they can also record information and display it a way that is more useful to the user. There is no doubt that computers are becoming very important pieces of electronic equipment that can be used for surveillance purposes.
Without spy electronics, the possibilities for evidence and intelligence gathering, whether for national security or for your divorce case, would be much more limited. Technology has made it possible with a variety of advancements to find out just about anything that you might need to know to help you maintain your quality of life. And it is all made possible with information gathered and analyzed with the aid of spy electronics.

Cell Phone Listening Devices Keep Tabs on Teens

2011-12-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Cell Phone Listening Devices Keep Tabs on Teens

Nearly every high school student, and even many junior high students, has a cell phones. This makes it very easy for you to keep tabs on your teenagers with cell phone listening devices. Because they are interested in have phones that allow them to call their friends, you will be the hero when you give them a cell phone. And because you want to keep tabs and make sure that they are not engaging in destructive behavior, you can make use of these cell phone listening devices to keep track of where they are and what they are doing.

The great thing about today’s cell phone listening devices is that they do more than just let you listen to conversations over the cell phone. They also let you hear what is going on in the room, and they come equipped with GPS trackers. These are great because you know where your teenager is, as well as what she or he is doing.
Car tracking devices merely let you know where your car is. There is no way of knowing whether or not your teen is in the car. When you make use of cell phone listening devices with GPS tracking capability, you can know where your teen is. The phone is something he or she will keep on the person. The car can be parked where it should be, and then someone else can give a ride to someplace forbidden. A cell phone bug is a more complete device.

In addition to showing location, cell phone listening devices also let you listen in. The most advanced device works just like a regular cell phone. Your teen will get incoming calls, have a phone book, make calls, and even sometimes have a camera on the phone. The only difference is that you have the power to listen in. You dial a secret secondary number that gives you access to the phone. You can hear the conversation over the phone (and record it) or you can activate the microphone on the phone that picks up the sounds in the room.
You can always know exactly what is going on with your teens you make use of cell phone listening devices.

Protect Yourself from Cell Phone Bugs

2011-12-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Protect Yourself from Cell Phone Bugs

Do you have conversations over the phone that you do not want others to hear? If so, then it may be necessary to protect yourself from cell phone bugs. Cell phone bugs are just as high tech as many other bugs, and can pose even more of a threat, since they are harder to detect. Depending on the bug that is used to listen to your conversation, you might not even realize that someone nearby can hear every word crystal clear.
Even if most of your conversations are of little importance, it is a good idea to make sure that you are well protected against cell phone bugs when you make a vital phone call. It is possible to decrease your chances of being listened to if you follow a few simple steps to avoid eavesdroppers.

Go somewhere where you know you’ll be alone. Some cell phone bugs intercept signals being sent. A person who looks like she or he is speaking on a cell phone has a special device that allows him or her to hear what you are saying on the phone. Additionally, make sure you are in a place where you can watch for newcomers.
Beware the charging or forgotten phone. Many cell phone bugs look just like they are charging or like their owner forgot them. If see a cell phone charging or lying nearby unattended, go someplace else. Someone may be listening in via the innocent looking phone.
Don’t accept new cell phones as gifts. The latest in cell phone bugs is a phone that works like a regular phone, but has a secret access number. If someone gives you a cell phone as a gift, be aware that he or she may be able to dial the phone and not only listen to what you saying while you are on the phone, but activate the cell phone’s microphone in order to hear anything that is going on inside the room.

With a little vigilance, you can avoid eavesdroppers through cell phone bugs. Best of all, if you use ingenuity you can “plant” false information for eager ears. You can outsmart surveillance and the use of cell phone bugs.

Xbox 360: Which Core Bundle is Right for You?

2011-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Xbox 360: Which Core Bundle is Right for You?

If you've lived under a rock since May then you'd be surprised to learn that Microsoft has released their second Xbox titled XBOX 360. Upon your emergence it wouldn't take long for you to figure out that this is no regular system; the XBOX 360 will lead the next generation consoles by including some of the latest wireless and graphic technology to-date. What some of you may not know is the fact Microsoft will release TWO different systems. They were concerned about the price of all the gadgets so they made a second, cheaper system. What's the difference? This article will explain some of the must knows before buying the XBOX 360.

First off, what do the systems hold that are the same? Both hold a DVD-ROM so you can play DVD's, CD's, all XBOX 360 games. You can plug into one of the 3 USB ports to access iPOD's, video, cameras, MP3 players, etc. pretty much the generic gaming experience will be available on both systems. But now for the fun stuff. Should I shell out the extra $100 for the more expensive system?

You'll be surprised about the differences between the two bundled systems so consider these things before buying. In no particular order here are some CONS of buying the CHEAPER system. (Believe me, I wouldn't pump the more expensive system if it wasn't a big deal, I'm here to save gamers money.)

First off, remember backwards compatibility? Your ability to play 200 XBox games on the next generation XBOX 360? Well you NEED to download patches for most games and those patches stay on the hard drive. The cheaper system does NOT come equipped with the 20GB hard drive.

What's the difference in cables? The cheaper version comes complete with AV cables for your TV, the expensive version comes complete with cables for HD-TV hook up. BUT get this: the graphic difference of the Xbox to Xbox 360 will be marginal if you have an old TV. This is what we've been told, and if you experience otherwise post it in our Xbox forum. It seems that you need a new TV to really experience the bells and whistles of the new system.
If you want to save games then you NEED to buy a 64MB memory unit (for the cheaper system) which will cost 40 bucks. That bumps up the price of the original to $340 from $299. For an extra $60 bucks you can have EVERYTHING in the better system. (As an aside, the Canadian companies are going to make a bundle (well not a bundle since Microsoft will likely loose money to start off with.) But, the US price for the basic system is $299 while the Canadian counterpart is $399. The current exchange rate does not warrant a $100 increase to adjust. The price should be closer to $350. Just a thought.)

The one controller that comes with the new cheaper bundle is wired, whereas the more expensive bundle will come complete with a single WIRELESS controller. Enough said. You be the judge regarding its value.
Judging by looks, the Xbox 360 games will typically be sharper and crisper, but not an all out blow out. I'll say that Microsoft BETTER get some more games going than the initial 18 or risk losing market share and interest in a hurry. This article concludes that for the extra $60 bucks (you need the 64 MB card to save games so that's why it's $60,) you shold go out and place an order for the more expensive system. Why Xbox made two different ones when the prices would be so close is beyond me. Mind you, coupled with game packages, the price does climb up there. That's my take, now back to gaming.

Choosing HDTV

2011-11-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

Choosing HDTV

High Definition TVs For Quality
HDTV's make an excellent addition to any home entertainment system. They have more than twice the resolution of a standard DVD output and four times the video clarity. High Definition televisions can easily be integrated with all your analog video equipment such as VCRs, camcorders, and gaming consoles.

Since the first color TV was introduced fifty years ago, the television industry has undergone significant changes. New digital standards of high definition programming are poised to replace the ancient fuzzy analog broadcast.

Many people are purchasing digital TV and the numbers are growing. When governmental regulations on digital broadcasting take effect, prices should plummet to a reasonable level. It is important to compare TV's before purchasing. The lower-quality digital sets offer DVD quality pictures. This is fine since only a small percentage of people have signed up for HD programming.

When purchasing an HDTV make sure the set has at a resolution of at least 1280 by 720 pixels. The last number indicates the programs broadcasting standards. Some resolution can be downgraded by the television set. Look for sets with high contrast and a fast response time.
Many HD sets offer plenty of choices for connecting audio- visual equipment. Choose a TV with the best possible picture. Those are the ones with digital video interface (DVI) and high definition media interface (HDMI). The new HDMI uses a single cable to transmit video and 5.1 surround sound. The single cord helps reduce the number of cords common in many home theater setups.

Even with all this advanced technology be prepared to be disappointed. The majority of broadcast programming is still on the analog format known as NTSC (National TV System Committee). The NTSC format is an old format that been around for a long time. Even with the higher- definition big screen TVs, these pictures are fuzzy at best. Crystal clear TV will not be available until HD programming becomes available.

Directv HD Receivers Moving With Times

2011-11-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Directv HD Receivers Moving With Times

Directv’s debut in 1994 turned out to be an auspicious entry into the satellite television market. With a variety of options in programming, some cable subscribers opted for satellite and now more and more are doing so, while others are taking the next technological step by purchasing Directv’s HD receivers as well.
And with the FCC handing down a decision to convert all television to high definition format, commonly known as HD, by 2006, content providers, cable and satellite companies like Directv are in full swing with marketing programs to sell their HD receivers. HD is broadcast digitally at a higher resolution for better picture quality. In the past high definition television used to be a term referred to newer technology in the 1930s that replaced experimental television technology at the time.
Currently, a Directv HD receiver can cost in the five hundred to six hundred dollar range on the cheap side and well over a thousand dollars for higher end receivers. Electronics manufacturers like Hughes, Samsung and others are all touting their HD receivers now for their features, but prices are still a little high, as well as for HD television sets, which average in price over one thousand five hundred dollars
Much has been made of the high definition issue of late and those with a more pessimistic mindset toward HD, some refer to them as hardcore analogue-ers, don’t think a full conversion to HD will be done in time. Even now, those who may purchase an HD receiver are limited to those providers, or television stations or networks that provide content in HD, which some say is up to five times sharper than regular television.
But while Directv has done its part by offering HD receivers, customers recently have complained about the exorbitant price of an HD and Tivo combination receiver, which rings in at a thousand dollars when purchasing it from Directv, a hard pill to swallow for those who may have already spent five hundred to a thousand dollars on a Directv HD receiver to begin with. Tivo allows customers to records hours of television without needing a VHS tape or DVD burner. For the time being some customers are buying a separate Tivo unit and hooking it into their current Directv HD receiver, unfortunately sacrificing some picture quality along the way.
But many customers feel that in time, as with the prices of plasma screen televisions, the Tivo and Directv HD receiver combination will come down in price. So for now, the best bet for those with their Directv HD receivers may be to wait. In time, not only will there be more HD content, but also more affordable receiver options. Standard Directv HD Receivers will likely go down in price as well, along with those with the added Tivo option.

HDTV? You Ain't Seen NOTHING Yet!!!

2011-11-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

HDTV? You Ain't Seen NOTHING Yet!!!

Remember the Osborn? Or was it the Osborne? Actually, I knew it existed, but didn’t care. This thing was a personal computer. Like we’d ever need one of those? Those new electric typewriters with memory were the rage. THAT was something!

Flash forward and we are upon the reverse engineered UFO goodies. Oh, wait, no, that’s not exactly right.

It’s the dawning of the age of Aquarius, age of Aquarius, Ah QUAR EEEE USSS. Um, no, that was some time ago.

It’s the age of $3 US Gas. Not a good milestone

The age of HDTV!!! Remember when “high definition” included the terms “stems and seeds?” You do? You rascal.

No, this is about High Definition TELEVISION. Personally, I feel the word TELEVISON is so…. Fifties. We need a new one there. So did you jump for the Plasma? Or the LCD projector? The DLP? Have you got the home theater with all the tricked out electronics?

Don’t put your ear directly on the high tech train tracks, then, because there’s another train coming, and you’ll hear it down the line.

UHDV is in the pipeline. On the track. In the lab. In the electron wind. Want to guess? Time’s up. ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION.

Remember the movie where they invent this skull cap that would capture your emotions and immediately the bad guy looped someone having how shall we say – some very intense happy times… and turned himself into peak experience broccoli? Is that where all this is headed? Not for a while, if ever. HOWEVER: UHDV is close to the detail of 35mm film. With 7680 x 4320 pixels, this isn’t far from the 4K (4,000 scan line) digital projection systems for big-screen movie theaters.

Donald Trump will be able to see how bad his hair looks like never before.

UHDV features 33 million pixels with a 60 frame-per-second (fps) progressive scan format.

NHK, the Japanese broadcasting giant who had HDTV in the 1980s… is behind the UHDV format, but reassures us it may be a long time before home theater UHDV becomes reality. That’s corporate talk for, “Don’t let the competition know how close we really are!”

With 32 times the bandwidth demands of HDTV, UHDV would be prohibitive for today’s broadcast, cable and satellite technology. NHK’s demo required a data rate of 24 Gbps. That was a few years back in Amsterdam where some people were close to hurling lunch because the moving car video hi-jinx was that real.

How real?

NHK cobbled together a custom camera of four CCD image sensors; then to show the output built a LCoS projector combining four eight-megapixel panels. Data storage, using 16 synchronized HDTV recorders, provided roughly 18 minutes of recording time, using 3.5 terabytes of total capacity and a screen about 12 feet high and 22 feet wide. NHK researchers called this “the sensation of reality saturation point,” in the hopes of providing a completely immersive experience: 100 degrees of visual field angle, viewing from a distance of three-quarters of the height of the screen (about nine feet) with at least 60 pixels required for each one degree of visual field angle.

And speakers? UHDV offers 24-channel sound, or 22.2, containing vertically arrayed surround sound speakers: nine above ear level, 10 at ear level, three below ear level and two low-frequency subwoofer channels.

The format, according to NHK, is not so much intended for home use as for museums, public spaces and theaters. You tell The Donald.

Once upon a time there was SHOWSCAN. Special effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull had his demo unit in a suburb of Dallas, behind a Chucky Cheese, if memory serves. I saw the demo.

The equipment and the Showscan Film Process of producing and projecting Showscan films are justifiably proprietary and patented. At the time, Showscan’s discovery was hailed as the most significant advancement in film technology since the introduction of sound in the 1929 film “The Jazz Singer”. (Not the one with Neil Diamond.) However, it remained as little more than a technological curiosity until the company developed new camera, high speed projectors, and built special theaters to showcase the revolutionary Showscan images. There was a catch-22 at work. Theaters weren't equipped for this state of the art projection so they couldn't convince investors to make films in that format. Solution: do it all in house.

I can’t remember the specs but it was scarily real, 3-D, multi channel and way ahead of multi channel… or HDTV. I do remember it ran film through the gate much faster than normal projection speeds.

Today the company’s simulation and specialty theatres are open or under construction in 24 countries around the world, located in theme parks, motion picture multiplexes, expos, world’s fairs, resorts, shopping centers, casinos, museums, and other tourist destinations where somebody wants a rush.

If NHK can even come close, well…

Enjoy your puny HDTV now while you can, citizen.

Hitachi 55 Plasma TV Delivers Five-Star Performance

2011-11-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hitachi 55 Plasma TV Delivers Five-Star Performance

The Hitachi 55 plasma TV 55HDM71 HDTV Ready model can handle over a billion color display gradations, and produces the highest blacks and deepest saturation of any plasma tv unit due to Hitachi's newly developed ten-bit image process.
With an aspect ratio of 16:9 and resolution at an amazing 1366 x 768, this Hitachi 55 plasma TV display device is unsurpassed.
The Hitachi 55HDM71 uses high-efficiency panel technology, dynamic false contour redirection, contrast and color enhancers. Other standard features such as split screen with dual image control and picture-in-picture (PIP), 20 watt audio amplifier, a monitor ID bit, screen saver, and life extension mode put this plasma TV in a class by itself.
This 55 inch plasma tv hardly takes up space in your room. You can mount it on a stand or on a wall, it is only a little over four inches thick. For the best picture view it at a distance of 14 feet or more. You'll be able to view it from anywhere in your room because this plasma screen boasts a 160 degree viewing angle. There is no curvature, thus distortion is eliminated.
Did you know that plasmas make up more than 99% of our visible universe. "Plasma" in science is known as the "fourth state of matter".
Other efficient features of this Hitachi 55 plasma TV are three language screen display, night and day memory, input and sound adjustment buttons, and many input/outputs for digital imaging friendliness.

Benefits of Satellite TV

2011-11-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Satellite TV

Satellite TV seems to be the way of the future. With many people already switching from cable, it makes you wonder what is so great about Satellite TV. Some of the main reasons people are switching over is due to the free offers of equipment and installation, the HDTV picture quality, the channel selection, as well as the range of service.
Due to the intense competition between DirecTV and Dish Network, the prices have been getting lower and lower. These price wars have caused the most recent offers to include free satellite dish, free receivers, free installation, free DVR's and more. The two are very similar in what they offer to their customers, but do differ in a few areas such as channel selection, and sporting packages.
As many know, satellite television has excellent picture quality. Now is the best time to purchase a HDTV and link it up to your satellite and enjoy the best of the best. Once you plug in the satellite, the television, and the surround sound, you will be ready to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience!
The channel selection with satellite TV is also one of their strengths. Satellite TV allows the customer to pick which package they want, which can be quite difficult when they are choosing from 300 available channels.
One of the main benefits to satellite TV is its range of service. If you are living in a rural area, which most likely doesn't receive cable service, its is very likely that you will be able to receive satellite service. The one draw back may be that you need one of the older, larger dishes in order to tune in the programming.
Satellite TV has a lot to offer its customers. By switching over now, you will be able to reap all the rewards and offers that are available through DirecTV, and Dish Network.

DirecTV vs. Dish Network -- Which Is Better?

2011-11-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

DirecTV vs. Dish Network -- Which Is Better?

The satellite TV systems and services offered by DirecTV and Dish Network are almost identical -- both offer more than 250 program channels, all-digital programming, HDTV (high definition TV) options, and DVR (digital video recording) capabilities.

So when you compare DirecTV to Dish Network you'll discover the biggest differences between them are the subscription fees and programming.
Here is a blow-by-blow comparison of DirecTV vs. Dish Network ...

Satellite TV Equipment
Direct TV offers free satellite TV equipment (the dish and receivers), and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.
Dish Network gives you free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. You can get a DVR receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge.

Satellite TV Programming
DirecTV offers 255 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels.
Dish Network offers 256 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $31.99 per month for 60 channels.

Customer Service
DirecTV has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.
Dish Network also has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.

Customer Satisfaction
DirecTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.
Dish Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.

The Bottom Line
Both DirecTV and Dish Network offer top-of-the-line satellite TV equipment and all-digital programming for the best picture and sound available.
Dish Network's basic programming package is cheaper than DirecTV's, but DirecTV's Total Choice has a more channels.
Dish Network has more movie packages and foreign programming, while DirecTV offers more sports packages.

Satellite TV Deals -- Who Has the Best ?

2011-11-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Satellite TV Deals -- Who Has the Best ?

Getting the best deal on satellite TV service can be confusing.
There are only two satellite TV providers in the USA -- DISH Network and DIRECTV -- but each one has numerous independent dealers who offer a variety of different deals on satellite TV systems and service.

So how do you know which satellite TV provider has the best satellite TV deal? And how do you tell which of their dealers can offer you a great deal plus great service?

I’ve spent the last three weeks researching the Internet to find out which satellite TV provider has the best service, and which dealers are the most reputable and offer the best deals.
Here’s what I found …

DISH Network Deal
Program packages: DISH Network offers four program packages. Prices start at $31.99 per month for their America’s Top 60 package which has 60 channels, and go up to $86.99 for their “Everything” Pak which has 230 channels.

Equipment: Basic equipment -- the dish, receivers, and installation -- is free. Options such as HDTV (high definition TV) and DVR (digital video recording) receivers may be free or cost extra, depending on the dealer.

Broadcast quality: DISH Network broadcasts all its programming in digital format and offers the most HDTV channels of the two satellite TV providers.

Customer Satisfaction: DISH Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.
Best Deal: The best DISH Network deal I found online is offered by AllSat. They've been one of DISH Network's top dealers since 1996, and offer outstanding customer service.
When you order one of DISH Network's programming packages through AllSat, you get a free satellite TV dish, up to four free receivers, and free installation.

In addition, you can get free DVR (digital video recording) receivers so you can record your favorite programs, and up to two free HDTV receivers so you can watch your programs in high definition.
Note: For more details and ordering information on this satellite TV deal, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the link below this article.

DIRECTV Deal
Program packages: DIRECTV offers three program packages. Prices start at $41.99 per month for their Total Choice package which has 135 channels, including 31 music channels, and go up to $86.99 for their Total Choice Premier Package which has 185 channels.

Equipment: Basic equipment -- the dish, receivers, and installation -- is free. Options such as HDTV and DVR receivers may be free or cost extra, depending on the dealer.

Broadcast quality: DIRECTV broadcasts all its programming in digital format and offers a number of channels in HDTV.

Customer Satisfaction: DIRECTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.
Best Deal: The best DIRECTV deal I found online is offered by iSatellite. They are one of the highest-rated DIRECTV satellite TV dealers in the USA.

iSatellite is currently offering a free satellite TV dish, up to four free receivers, and free installation when you order one of DIRECTV's programming packages through them.

You can also get free DVR receivers (after a $99 rebate). HDTV receivers are $199 per receiver.
Note: For more details and ordering information on this satellite TV deal, plus the latest special offers and free bonuses, click on the link below this article.

Panasonic 42 Plasma TV TH-42PWD7UY Reviewed

2011-11-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Panasonic 42 Plasma TV TH-42PWD7UY Reviewed

The Panasonic 42 plasma TV TH-42PWD7UY has the best gradation in the industry as well as superior contrast. This Panasonic 42 plasma TV screen is long-lasting compared to other tvs. Consumers are able to get an excellent picture without the use of hdtv.

The TH-42PWD7UY is reviewed as one of the top in the market. The picture quality is well worth the money spent. Because it is an industrial line model it doesn't come with a speaker or a remote. It might be complicated for beginners to understand the hook ups of this Panasonic 42 plasma TV. You'll get an amazing picture and top quality, but newbie's may want help to install it.

Beginners you may easily want to have the store set it up for you. Most retailers will do this. In conclusion this Panasonic plasma TV will give you the best for your money. The special features on this model are advanced beyond the average features offered. This is a tv that performs above the rest.

Why You Should Buy A Plasma Television

2011-11-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

Why You Should Buy A Plasma Television

The plasma television has many advantages and benefits for you and your entertainment needs and wants. The plasma tv gives you incredible picture quality, it has a sleek design, and it is HDTV compatible.
Plasmas provide sharper images and more vibrant colors. You can display both HDTV and DTV signals as well as computer signals such as XGA, SVGA, and VGA.

Plasmas Superior to Both CRT's and LCD
Plasma screen televisions provide sharp, clear pictures, plus no image distortion. CRTs can't match this. Plasma tvs have brighter pictures and provide a better viewing angle at 160 degrees, than LCDs. For the best technology in display panels, choose plasma technology.

High Resolution
Plasma display televisions have higher resolution than most standard TV sets. They are able to display full HDTV and DTV signals as well as XGA, SVGA, and VGA signals from a computer. If a plasma has a resolution of 1024x1024 it can display images from 1080i and 720i HDTV resolution, plus 480i and 480p HD signals.

Flat Screen
Plasma display televisions have screens that are completely flat. There is no distortion of the image even at the edges and corners. Plus to increase your viewing fun, the flat plasma screen tv provides an amazing 160-degree viewing area.

Ultra Thin Design Saves Space
Plasma televisions can hang on almost any wall. You can even hang them from your ceiling. Other advantages of plasma screen tvs are high ambient light tolerance, distortion free images, entirely digital techology, not affected by magnetism, and can be attached to a ceiling or wall, or used as a freestanding fixture.

50 Inch Daewoo Plasma HDTV Reviewed

2011-11-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

50 Inch Daewoo Plasma HDTV Reviewed

The Daewoo plasma hdtv is definitely a fantasy for alot of people, especially the Daewoo model DP-50SM because it is equipped with an advanced huge 50 inch screen. This Daewoo plasma hdtv provides numerous benefits to the observer, clarity and sharpness are two of many.
To begin with, this Daewoo HDTV provides a 160 degree angle. Now if your watching from a distant side angle away from the Daewoo plasma you can still view the screen. For a clear picture this Daewoo plasma hdtv DP-50SM has 720 pixels, along with a 16:9 big screen picture, that simply makes it 50 inches wide.
There are many advantages to choosing the DP-50SM 50 inch Daewoo plasma tv such as a HiFi stereo sound audio system, five band equalizer control, digital 3D comb filter, plus 11 different languages to choose from for the OSM screen.
The Daewoo model is protected from allowing images to become burned into the plasma, because of its built-in plasma screen protection. An alarm is offered if you like your Daewoo to awaken you each day. You can easily buy this Daewoo plasma hdtv and experience all the benefits of this model today and enjoy them for yourself.

HDTV: Like Looking Out An Open Window

2011-11-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

HDTV: Like Looking Out An Open Window

Have you ever watched a movie on a regular TV set, and then watched the same movie on an HDTV? If so, you would have noticed a huge difference! On the HDTV viewing, you see and notice things you've never seen before, even if you've seen the same movie several times! The colors are brighter, backgrounds are clearer, and details are better defined. HDTV is like looking out an open window, whereas in comparison, standard TV is almost like looking through a glass soda bottle. Because of CRT (cathode ray tube) technology, TV is often referred to as "the tube". After watching HDTV, watching standard TV is almost like trying to view through one!

HDTV, or High Definition Television, offers precision sound, original film quality picture resolution, and a wider, better detailed panoramic view. This is made possible by the use of true digital signal which is transmitted via satellite or cable directly to your unit. You'll notice that not only does HDTV offer extraordinary picture clarity and sound, but the scope of the picture just like watching a movie on the "big screen", inside a real movie theater!

The use of digital signal is what separates HDTV from your common television set. The reason why there is such a notable difference between the two is that conventional televisions operate on analog signal. Digital signals are much faster, meaning images are is refreshed more rapidly, therefore providing superb picture resolution. Analog signals are much slower. As a result, the images produced by a television using this type of signal are of low resolution. Simply put, the picture is just not as sharp and view is restricted.

Not only do HDTV's offer superb picture quality, but HD sound is second to none. This is because Dolby Digital surround sound comes standard with HDTV. So, not only does watching an HDTV remind you of a movie theater, it also has the sound system to further enhance the experience.

Along with better quality picture and sound, HDTV's are quite easily integrated with your computer. They are able to easily communicate directly with one another through the use of a type of data compression software such as MPEG-2. Once this software is successfully installed, a whole new world of multimedia technology is literally at your fingertips! For instance, CD-R applications can be transmitted to an HDTV, as well as HDTV programs can be downloaded onto your computer. Either way, the picture resolution is top notch and the signal is stable.

Lastly, HDTV's are more affordable than one might assume. There are many different ways to buy or finance an HDTV system. Some companies offer money-saving offers both in-store and online. Some of these include rebate programs; others include special deals, extra gifts or incentive packages offering items such as hundreds of dollars in gift cards. There are both in-store and online promotions as well as savings with shipping and delivery. Bottom line, HDTV is affordable for almost any budget and well worth every penny!