Home tech improvement

Don't Buy That 60-Inch Plasma TV!

2008-07-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Why shouldn't you buy a 60-inch plasma TV? Because there's a much better, affordable solution. How would you like to be able to look at an 8 FOOT screen with quality comparable to 16mm film projection? What if I said you could get it for under $1200? Well, you can with a projection TV.

Projection TV

If you're going low-budget, one well-reviewed option is the Mitsubishi HC3000U High Definition 720p DLP Home Theater Projector. PC World, the computer magazine, honored the HC3000U with a 2006 PC World Innovations Award after comparing it to hundreds of other products. Compared to other projectors, the midtones are much brighter, which results in richer blacks and a more vivid image overall. It's even a cinch to install. As of this writing, it's run you about 950 bucks.

Mounting Hardware

If you're planning on mounting the projector in the ceiling, you could go with the Atdec TH-WH-PJ-FM Telehook Universal Projector Flush Mount. The mount allows the projector to be rotated a full 360 degrees, and has a quick release for easy installation. That'll run you about 50 bucks.

Projection Screen

You'll want a screen to go along with your home theater projector. You could project it on a bare white wall, but you won't get the best possible performance out of your projector. The budget option is to get a manual screen, as opposed to an electronically operated one. One highly-rated manual screen is the Draper Screen Luma 106" Diameter. That's about 130 bucks.

Audio

If you're hooking your equipment up to your stereo, you'll already have excellent sound. That's the budget solution anyway.

Summary

Did I keep my promise to get you a killer home theater system for 1200 bucks? Let's see -- $950 for the projection TV, $50 for the mounting hardware, and $130 for the screen. Happy viewing!

Mike Kydonieus is a certified movie freak with a special interest in genre movies from the United States, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, and especially Hong Kong. He publishes the Trash Cinema Club blog at http://trashcinemaclub.com/ which mostly consists of movie reviews and articles like this one. Mike has also written several screenplays and directed a short movie.

Plasma TV Sales - Pick Your Favorite Sony Or Samsung TV

2008-06-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

The market for large screen TVs is on a rapid growth as their prices have dropped significantly over the past few years. While a few years ago buying a large screen plasma TV would mean you had to pay through the nose, you can now buy a modern unit for as low as $1,200 in online shops. Plasma TVs together with projection TV sets are the only solutions offering large screens, superb resolution and image quality for affordable prices. There are LCD TVs that have huge diagonals but they are built on very new, very expensive technologies. While you can find plasma TV sales as low as $1,200, larger models, that use the latest available technologies, can be sold for as much as over $8,000. However, these very expensive models are aimed at large conference halls and the business sector and cheaper, more affordable models offer the same image quality and sound output.

You are interested in a plasma TV, you should know what exactly what they consist of. Plasma TVs make use of several million small fluorescent light sources to create the images displayed on the screen. These very small light sources are put between two layers of special glass that have many electrodes throughout their surface. When a small electric current passes through these electrodes, the light sources become active, emitting a small amount of light. When combined, all these millions light sources produce a very bright, very vivid image. A significant advantage plasma screens offer is the huge screen size, obtained easily than comparative technologies (such as LCD screens, for example).

Compared to traditional cathode tube televisions, plasma screens offer an uniform image across the screen, offering a larger resolution at the same time. Plasma TVs can easily support high resolution video input, such as HDTV and DTV signals. Unlike LCD screens of cathode tube screens, plasma screens can be viewed from any angle without any quality loses. This means that no matter where you are in the room, you will see the same color reproduction and image sharpness. Unlike older cathode tube displays, plasma TVs are completely flat. This also means their viewing angles are great and are unaffected by viewing angles. Plasma TVs have a significant advantage over rear projection TVs as they are slim and weigh only a fraction compared to projection TV sets. Similar in size and weight with the LCD screens, they are easier to maneuver and install in your house.

Important plasma TV manufacturers, such as Sony, Panasonic or Samsung, create their own plasma screens (unlike some other manufacturers that buy the screens from other producers) and constantly develop and enhance the features offered in their latest models. Plasma TVs are versatile pieces of equipment. They usually offer a full range of connectors, supporting laptops, stand alone computers, DVD and HD players. They are the perfect solution for a large living room or your office bureau, especially after their prices have dropped over the past few years. There are numerous plasma TVs available on the market, so choosing the right model for you is only a matter of taste and budget.

Dean_Forster

HDTV Antennas: How to Choose the Right One

2008-06-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

The type of antenna you get for your TV will determine the number of channels you can receive and the quality of the picture. If you're getting a new HDTV, you might need a new antenna, but not because the technology is different: all HDTV broadcasts are in the UHF spectrum, so any UHF antenna will do an adequate job. The real reason to get a new antenna is that there will be many more channels available, clustered into narrower frequency widths, and you might simply need a bigger and higher quality antenna.

A good strategy for buying an antenna is simply to get the best and most capable antenna that is practical for your living situation. Let's start at the top, and work our way down:

Roof- or attic-mounted outdoor UHF/HDTV antenna.

The higher you can mount your antenna, the more stations you will pull in, and the stronger they will be. If you are able to mount one on the very top of your house, do it. If neighborhood codes, landlord issues or weather concerns prevent that, the next best spot is the attic. Make sure it receives UHF, for the HDTV channels, and VHF for local channels.
One decision you'll have to make here is whether to get a directional or omnidirectional TV antenna. Your choice will depend on the location and strength of the area TV transmitters. If they are all clustered in a small area, like a nearby mountaintop, a directional antenna can be pointed in that direction and will give you the best signals. If you live halfway between two urban areas, an omnidirectional antenna will be necessary to get signals from transmitters in different directions. The easiest way to make this decision is to visit antennaweb.org, type in your address, and you'll find out which type and size antenna will be necessary.
Amplified indoor antenna.

If you can't put an antenna of the roof, or you just can't afford the cost of an outdoor antenna, an amplified indoor antenna is the next best choice. It uses an electric current to strengthen the signal, enhancing weak channels that you might not get with a regular antenna. The only problem with an amplified antenna is that they sometimes amplify noise along with the signal, so they could make some channels worse.
Non-amplified indoor antenna.

A simple "rabbit ears" antenna is the least powerful option, but in many cases it is all you need. If you live in an urban area or near a transmitter, or you simply don't want to put a lot of money into an antenna, this is your best choice.

Another thing to consider is the switch from analog to digital broadcasts that the FCC has mandated for February, 2009. If you only have a VHF antenna, but you wish to receive digital broadcasts, you will need a new antenna. You can learn more about antennas and HDTV in general at helpful HDTV info websites.

Classifying HDTV -

2008-05-18T02:12:00.000-07:00

Stifle the propensity for HDTV connections today ' s creation of TV entertainment, true would act as solid for one to flock the epitome HDTV set to compass impact his or her live room. How do we be cognizant the models that are available on the bazaar? The ratings on HDTV will appear as of service poop for us to pour in from the unlike brands and types available out adept.

Firstly, we should speculation at the native resolution of the HDTV. This resolution will wind up the bravura of the set. This wittily means that the higher resolution the set has, the exceptional your TV judgment will appear as. A HDTV should at elementary own a resolution of 1920 osculation 1080. The trend today goes for 1080p resolution through expanded and spare media will arise power the unborn due to the improvement of technology. One that we are recompense about immediately is the blu - shaft video.

Major point that we should hinge out for is the disparity ratio. The equivalent existent goes for this ratio. The higher the ratio, the superior de facto is for you. A anomaly of 10000: 1 will pass down you the flawless survey actuality. However, this differentiation ratio is much lower agency LCD TV set. Wherefore, this gives the HDTV an advantage over LCD TV. Month acknowledged attention to those gloss details of a sound HDTV set, we should besides bethink the standard context. This acceptation is imperative thanks to those who yearning to digital watch normal DVD or VHS tapes. Vanished this wearisome connotation, the chronicle commit type over prime on the HDTV.

Last but not primeval, we should cite the vinyl processor whereas the TV give blessing. A honorable vinyl processor cede finish superior superiority define further vice versa. We power touch to sense about the record processor command a HDTV by looking due to the fresh look tally prerogative the classifying. Palpable would proceeds a humungous task if you were to figure out by yourself. Then, construe about the reviewer statement to sustenance you cook your choice.

Notoriety conclusion, the HDTV will bring you the full glad eye practice. When you shop for actual, bring some of your own favorite DVD to examination right and endure the HDTV set. And so, you will strike at once which one suits your commitment and taste. Examination out tool about the set. Impact addition, you should and study the review on the set of you choice to bend an concept of what the expert s about tangible. No matter which one id chosen by you, you will serve feasted reserve the superb the grade of the HDTV.

Digital Camera: Professional Olympus Cameras

2008-05-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Olympus has always been known to produce quality cameras, either point and shoot or professional cameras. However, these days Olympus has joined the digital scene by producing their own line of digital cameras.

Olympus digital cameras are best known for producing DSLR cameras. These digital cameras are the kind that professional photographers use in their craft. Although this is for a fact, this company has also produced their own line of point and shoot Olympus digital cameras.

First up is an Olympus digital camera called the MJU-mini. A 4.0 mega pixel Olympus digital camera, it is cute, portable and can capture great pictures. Also, a tough Olympus digital camera, it is made with a metal frame and known for its solid weight - this is great because hands get too shaky when a camera is too light. With 2x digital zoom, a 5.8-11.6mm Olympus lens, this baby is your best bet for your personal Olympus digital camera.

Another personal Olympus digital camera is the MJU 500, obviously the higher version of the MJU-mini. the MJU 500 is a 5.0 mega pixel Olympus digital camera that is easy to use and one favored by consumers who are looking for a digital camera within this particular price range. (The MJU 500 is around $400-$500). The first notable feature of the MJU 500 is its large 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen. With its 160-degree wide view range, this large LCD screen enables its users to view subjects at extreme angles (though it does not feature the flip or rotate like other LCD screens from other digital cameras). Made from durable lightweight metal with rubber gaskets in its interior and weighing only 3.0 lbs., the MJU 500 is also weatherproof. Meaning that this Olympus digital camera can withstand a few splashes here and there. (Note: it is weatherproof and not waterproof, there is a big difference between the two - splashes and not water). The MJU 500 of the Olympus digital camera line, introduces an alternative design apart from the curvy MJU series with its new flat surface and smooth and round edges. It is so compact, with its 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches dimension, it can easily fit in your handbag or the back pocket of your pants (just be careful not to sit on it). This Olympus digital camera also features 23 shooting modes, one of which will enable its users to shoot in consecutive sequences and just choose the best one later. Another one of its many features is its ability to record and playback those videos and sounds. It has an expandable memory card slot, but when you buy the package, you would have to settle with temporarily with the 32MB xD card that comes with the package. this fashionable Olympus digital camera comes in two colors - silver and blue.

for a professional Olympus digital camera, the Olympus 5300 is the right DSLR for you. it is the first 8-mega pixel camera out in the market. with a 7-14mm lens, it gives the equivalent of a 14-28mm lens. also, a first for this Olympus digital camera is its side-swing mirror that doesn't need a pentaprism, giving you a smaller and sleeker camera. another unique feature is the Super Sonic Wave Filter (SSWF) that shakes off the dusts in your sensor, this way dust can never accumulate in your camera. with features like four exposure modes and 14 scene modes, this USB 1.1 compatible Olympus digital camera is one of the best DSLR cameras in the market.

another Olympus digital camera is the Olympus CaMedia C-70. It is also a small and compact digital camera but equips a 7.0 mega pixel camera that gives you power and portability at the same time. Packed with 5x optical zoom and, it start up fast and auto focus even quicker than most digital cameras in the market. It has a 2.0-inch LCD screen, a xD picture card slot and furnished with a 7.9-39.5mm Olympus lens that has 5x optical zoom. The CaMedia C-70 is the perfect choice for high quality shots, good features, great build and excellent portability.

Visit Olympus' website at olympus to look for other Olympus digital cameras and other Olympus products available in the market.

By: Nicholas Tan

Satellite Tv - What Is The Best Satellite Tv Offers?

2008-04-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering about the best satellite TV offers? What occupies your mind might be either Dish Network or Direct TV. But have you ever been exposed to a certain satellite TV service that is better than both of the services?
If you are looking for the best deal, you could be searching for the best price and features offers.

Today, Internet has been so important. People even invented a software called PC satellite TV that allows us to watch Satellite TV online. Is this the best satellite TV offers available today?
Research has shown that PC satellite TV software stands out in many terms such as in Price, benefits, and features.

The bad thing is that people need to have a reliable internet connection so the buffering process does not stop when you are watching your favorite TV channel. However, it is not a problem today since we can get a high speed internet with a relative low cost.

In term of price, people do not have to pay monthly fee because the PC Satellite TV software requires only one time setup fee for downloading. If you are looking the best satellite TV offers, this could be one in term of price.

The good thing is that people who use laptop can install PC satellite TV software so that they can watch their favorite TV channels anywhere they want, without a question, of course they need to access to internet.

Some users said that it is a bad thing that they can get more than 3,000 channels with the software because they were having a hard time finding those channels they want to watch.
Some people found it good because they wanted more with the price they paid. Because of that problem, the software has been updated recently, users can save their favorite channels list so they do not have to search anymore when they access the software again.

By: Alexandre Frings

Scratched DVDs And How To Repair Them

2008-04-14T08:43:00.001-07:00

You are trying to watch your favorite movie on your DVD player and you suddenly notice that it is not playing. So, what's wrong? You suddenly remember your pet dog Toby was playing with it days earlier and made a lot of scratches on it. What you now have is a scratched DVD.

Another scenario might occur when you buy a DVD from your local store, and it leads to a no show at home. You are then shocked to find out that there are many scratches on the playable part of the DVD.

Since not everyone is fond of watching every second of their DVDs, like the title and the credits, it is impossible to know if any of the parts are still watchable.

All About Scratched DVDs

There are a number of solutions that can be used in such a situation, and all of them are well within a tight budget. You can buy a DVD repair kit, which would contain some tools to make your disk playable on your DVD player or in the DVD-Rom of your computer or gaming console.

A DVD repair kit contains a wax-like cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth. Apply 3-4 drops of the wax-like cleaner on the scratched DVD and rub it gently. A couple or three minutes later you can softly clean the surface with the cloth provided in the kit.

If you want to prevent your DVDs from being scratched, try an expensive multi DVD changer. Buy something that can change somewhere near 300-400 DVDs at once. Then you can put them into the changer and play it for an unlimited time. It would take you at least a month to see all the movies. When you have finished watching all your movies then replace the old ones with new ones.

In this way, you can save many disks from being scratched. However, the investment is a hefty one for buying this multi disk changer. However, take it as a one-time investment. The investment can act as insurance protection for your priceless collection.

You can use professional software, which will retrieve data from your scratched disk. The software scans the scratched DVD and then scans for the unreadable sectors. The data is then recovered and dumped in a fixed disk drive. If the software is efficient and professional then it will have a high percentage of recovery.

You can also go for DVD writing software which copies disk in 1:1 mode. Mode 1:1 means that the data is copied exactly in the disk. The software will make an image from the data from the unreadable sectors. A multipurpose utility like a computer can be used to perform this kind of task. The image file would then be copied in the hard disk. Another blank disk will be inserted in the ROM drive and the image file will be rewritten on the disk. This would make an exact copy of the scratched DVD.

You can also try some home magic! Spread some toothpaste on the surface, which has been scratched. Not every disk would respond to this treatment, but on some scratched DVDs it works wonders.

Digital Camera Basic Information

2008-04-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

A digital camera is an electronic gadget that can capture photographs and then store them. Instead of employing photographic films like the traditional cameras or using magnetic tapes to record images in an analog format like in video cameras, a digital camera stores photographs in an electronic way in a digital format. Nowadays we also get modern and multifunctional compact digital cameras that can record and store sound and video apart from pictures.

Digital cameras have become a rage everywhere in the world. They are amongst the top items of must-have lists of every home. Not only much more technically advanced with better features than their older versions, digital cameras are also very handy and practical. They come in a wide range and variety to suit everyone`s tastes and budget.

Apart from having a better picture quality, the most obvious advantage of digital cameras over the conventional ones is that you can click and store as many pictures as you want without worrying about wasting the film roll. After you have transferred the pictures to your computer, you can easily keep those you want, discard others, print some and may even edit the not so flattering ones. This clearly gives you a lot of options and choices as you can change the background of photograph edit brightness and contrast and make other changes according to your whims.

Digital cameras can be of various types. The first in the category is the video camera which is mainly used to record moving images. Then you have digital still camera or live preview cameras. These cameras are usually of two types, compact and bridge. Compact digital camera has small zooms and is characterized by easy focusing and easy operation. They usually have a built in flash. Bridge digital cameras have super zoom lenses and are capable of taking good images.

Then we have digital single lens reflex cameras with a mirror and reflex system, digital rangefinders which is nothing but a camera that has a rangefinder and the professional modular digital camera system that is a very professional camera with different modular parts like grips, winders etc to suit different purposes. These types of cameras are usually used for commercial purposes in studios as they are quite big and bulky.

With a wide variety of digital cameras available in the market, it is obvious to get confused as to which will be the best-buy amongst them. However you need to understand that each camera has its unique function and specialty and you need to check out each one to determine your pick. As for example, if your purchased camera is going to be a gift then you need to know which type of digital camera will be suitable for the person. For instance, teens will obviously like cameras that are funky and cool, while mums will be delighted to get cameras that will allow easy image sharing for family pictures.

Before buying a digital camera it is important that you get your basic information right so that you can get the best deal. There are lots of factors that you need to consider like the resolution of the photograph and the size of camera. Another important consideration is the Digital Camera Storage or Memory Cards. Semi-professional photographers would also like to consider having a decent Digital Camera Zoom.

Last but not the least, after you get your brand new digital camera then learn about the basics of its maintenance and operation. Get acquainted with its various features; learn how to share your images with friends and family and steps to take to troubleshoot your camera.

By: Roberto Sedycias

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Digital Camcorder Buying Tips

2008-04-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you're in the market for a digital camcorder, it's prudent that you're arm yourself with a few tips before you buy otherwise you might end up with some thing that does not suit your needs. Below are a few guide lines that will help you along the way.

Take a Look at the LCD screen in daylight, if at all possible

Certain screens will fade out in bright sunlight, and you need to ensure your ability to easily see what you're recording under any circumstances. If you're unable to view the images on the screen in bright daylight, resort to using the viewfinder. Not only will using the view finder get the job done but it will do so without using up a lot of your battery power.

Examine the lens's optical zoom ratio rather than the digital zoom ratio

With a digital zoom, the camcorder is merely making the image larger through the viewfinder as opposed to actually delivering a closer look. The optical zoom spec is more expedient in that respect and you'll want at least 10X optical zoom.

Buy an additional higher-capacity battery for longer recording times

The normal battery that comes with majority of camcorders usually only last an hour or so. For $50 to $100, you can purchase a longer-lasting battery, so consider that into your cost if you think you'll need it. There's nothing more frustrating than running out of power in the middle of recording an important event!

Microphones that are mounted in the front get better results

When the microphone is mounted on the top of the camcorder, it has the tendency to capture the voice of the person using the camcorder rather than the event being recorded. In this regard it's better to buy a camcorder with the microphone mounted in the front.

Buy an external microphone for the best sound

If the camcorder you're interested in buying has the ability to connect an external microphone, then factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone as this will give you the best sound possible .

Play and familiarize your self with the camcorders controls and features before you purchase

Occasionally the smallest camcorders can be difficult to use, particularly if you have large hands. A bigger model may work better for you if it is more comfortable to handle.

Examine exposure controls and Low-light options

All camcorders come with a completely automatic mode, but certain models have manual and semi-manual exposure modes. For eg, some models allow you to record at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that permit more light to enter. Quite a few also offer scene modes, which you might be familiar with from digital still cameras. Low-light options also allow you to shoot in dark environments. Numerous camcorders come with an infrared light or a long shutter mode to assist in capturing images in the dark.

Look for wide-screen shooting and know your format:

If you own a high definition TV, you'll get a full picture with no black bars at the top and bottom if you record with a wide-screen model. Also it is important to know the format the camcorder records in. Majority of camcorders record onto mini-DVD discs or MiniDV tapes. Bear in mind that MiniDV is the most widely available format which is a major boost if you find yourself short on tape while on vacation mainly because Mini-DVD discs are ofttimes difficult to come by.

George_Kissi

3 Types Of Home Theater Projector Screen

2008-03-31T22:57:00.001-07:00

Nowadays, the types of home theater projector screen is mind-boggling. The terms used for home theater projection screen is also technical and many people do not actually understand what they are buying.

If you are looking to buy a home theater projector screen, you need to first know the different types of home theater projector screens available on the market. There are 3 types.

1) Fixed Home Theater Projector Screen

These are the most common and the simplest projector screens. They are usually permanently mounted on the wall once the home theater room design and performance is settled. One advantage is you can hide those ugly wires and cables quite easily with this type of installation.

The home theater screen fabric is stretched onto a wooden or aluminum framework and is held into place with fasteners. This creates the smooth and wrinkle free white surface. It’s important that the home theater projection screen surface is smooth and tightly held together to prevent any creases over time.

Typically, the home theater speakers are then placed either behind or at the sides of the home theater projector screen. This will provides a better movie watching experience comparable to your local cinemas.

If you decide to place the speakers behind the home theater screen, you might want to consider using a transparent home theater screen fabric. The main advantage is it allows the sound to pass through the transparent fabric maintaining the acoustic sound of the home theater speakers.

2) Tripod Home Theater Projector Screens

These types of screen are portable and suitable for temporary meeting, outdoor movie screening and conducting training. They can be transported easily since they can be folded and slip inside a luggage for easy carrying.

It is cheaper than a standard home theater projector screen and is smaller so it is not suitable for use if you want to watch movies.

3) Wall Mounted Retractable Home Theater Projector Screen

These types are installed on the wall or even to the ceiling. They can allow the projector screen to be retracted when not watching. It’s available in both manual and electronic versions and can be quite expensive. Unless your home is short in space or you do not have a dedicated home theater room, it is not necessary to have it.

They are probably other hybrid models of home theater projector screens available but these 3 are the most common and widely used at the moment.

LCD Televisions - A List of Ten Advantages Over Plasma TV

2008-03-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

Invariably in your search for a flat panel TV you will be faced with the decision of LCD or plasma. There's a lot of good information on the web, however the technology is dynamic. Manufacturers scramble to close disadvantages and win market space. Your final decision on your new TV should be based upon your own eyes- go to the store and look at the LCD widescreen, and then look at the plasma TV next to it and choose what you like best. There are advantages to each type of TV- here are the top ten for LCDs.

1. No burn in - Static images can leave permanent ghost images in a plasma tv. Plasma manufacturers have developed some anti-burn in technology, be sure to check it's there before you pick a plasma over LCD.

2. Brighter - LCD TVs perform better in bright environments than their plasma cousins. If you have a well lit room, add a point for LCD.

3. Less glare - Hand in hand with a brighter picture, less glare means a better picture in the living room with picture windows.

4. Runs cooler - If you have two televisions of equal size- say a 42 LCD and 42" plasma TV, the LCD will run cooler. There's some debate, but generally speaking cooler is better for electronic components.

5. Less power- Watt for watt you will use less electricity with a LCD TV. It will probably only be a couple of dollars per month, but if you're ecology minded it's a point to remember.

6. Long display life - 60,000 hours - LCDs will typically at least a decade- possibly quite more depending upon your use. Plasmas have made some strides, but be sure to read the specifications if in doubt.

7. Lighter - LCD televisions are lighter- this may be important depending upon where you are considering mounting the television, and of less importance, shipping.

8. Smaller sizes available under 32" - LCDs are getting bigger, and plasmas are getting smaller, but right now if you're looking for a good HD TV under 32", it will be a LCD.

9. Performance at higher altitudes - Due to a pressure differential in the plasma gases inside a plasma display and outside it, plasma TVs have to use a bit more power to display a picture at altitudes above 6,000 feet or so. This differential results in a buzzing sound due to higher power required to render the picture, and sometimes the TV's fan will kick on. If you live at a higher altitude be sure to consider a LCD television, or make sure that your plasma has been specially built to handle the altitude.

10. Price - Prices are dynamic, but as LCDs get bigger and make inroads on the plasma market, there are some bargains to be had where competition is at its highest (say around 42"); and you can find LCDs that are less expensive than plasma.

You should also consider how your new TV will be used- there are certain disadvantages to LCD when it comes to blurring fast motion (read the specifications -- manufacturers are improving), viewing angle (also improving- but if you have a group that regularly watches TV be sure to form a semi circle around the TV in the store and check it). A LCD TV makes a great alternative to plasma.

Home Theatre Design Ideas To Save Money

2008-03-20T02:50:00.000-07:00

Any home theatre has two aspects attached to it. The first one is the electronics equipment you use, that actual stuff that makes a home movie theatre and the second one is the location or the space in your home where you will position the system.

Many people think that setting up your own movie system is expensive and only rich people can afford it. But that's not true at all. Let's have a closer look at two types of home theatre systems. This will help you to make a decision on which is best fro you.

A typical system has only 3 basic components.

1) Television to view the movies

2) DVD player to run the DVD/VCD

3) Speakers to create a good real theatre like effect.

When it comes to locating these three in a home there are two straightforward options available.

1) Locate them in a separate room

2) Locate them in an existing room with other things occupied

If you go with the first option then one great recommendation is that you hire a home theatre designer to do the job for you. This will ensure that you get the best possible design ideas to generate that dramatic effect.

A professional designer will help you on every aspect of the design process, including design ideas to which electronic equipment to buy (or not to buy). A professional designer will also help you on certain interior design aspects such as flooring patterns, acoustic treatments using acoustic panels on interior walls, placements of speakers, TV unit etc for better viewing, seating arrangements and their design. So it becomes a fairly good experience and you get the best quality theatre, the way you want it to be.

However if you are tight on budget, then you can always convert a space in an existing room into a mini home theatre. Living room or a family room is good choice for this. In such type of setup you do however have certain limitations such as placement of speakers to create a "surround sound effect". This will have some limitation because design wise the living room is a part of the entire home plan and has it's own functional demands.

For a mini theatre a TV with 27-inch screen, a DVD player and at least 3 speakers is fair enough for creating a good effect. Now in most cases you probably already own the TV and DVD player, so the only thing that remains is a nice speaker system that is compatible with the output of your TV and DVD player is necessary. Always remember that when you buy speakers make it a point to test the speakers in your home. Ask the store owner to play the speakers in your home because sometimes some speakers only sound good at the store but when you play then in your home, you may get a different effect because of the surrounding furniture pieces in the living or family room. There is an acoustic component attached to this whole experience, which must be taken into consideration.

All in all home theatres are easy to set up when you know how are you willing to spend and what kind of effect you are looking for. Many options are available today in the market. A little research can easily save you time and money when it comes to home theatre design ideas.

Sony Bravia 32" LCD TV NEW

2008-03-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Sony KLH-W32 32IN LCD HDTV is an awesome television that offers users a spacious viewing area that delivers crisp clean text and bright, vivid colors. This monitor maximizes the users viewing experience by utilizing its high resolution and it 1300:1 contrast ratio. With an extra bright LCD panel (500 cd/m2), exceptional image color quality, Gamma color-space controls for easy image adjustment, intelligent auto-adjust function for ideal picture performance, and advanced digital smoothing function for optimal imaging this display is sure to please even the most demanding user, and at an excellent price!

Expandable Card Slot
Supports ICS-SP30, a fully integrated HD video card for key hotel VOD providers. Pro:Idiom compliant. One slot can accomodate different sized option boards for video input, RS-232C/Control S communication, and optional BKM boards.

Hotel Setup Menu
Special setup menu allows access to unique features for hotels and is hidden from guests.

Clone Setup Capability
Saves time when all hotel TV's need the same configuration.

Color Design
Twilight body color is unique to the KLH model and will fit any decor.

Built-in Speaker and removable table-top stand
Built in speaker and removable table-top stand elliminate the need for add on items.

Small Footprint
Under Speaker design allows minimal width so HDTV can be placed in existing furniture.

Multiple Inputs
Two HDMI inputs, one analog PC input (HD15) as standard. Analog component input supplied through HD15 connector. Additional inputs are available through the use of optional BKM/ICS cards.

Spec:

Manufacturer		Sony
Manufacturer Part #		KLHW32/ST
LCD	Type	LCD TV
	Series	BRAVIA
	Diagonal Size	32"
	TV Tuner	1 x Analog, 1 x Digital
	Video Interface	Composite, HDMI, S-Video
	PC Interface	VGA (HD-15)
	HDCP Compatible	Yes
	Technology	TFT active matrix
	Max Resolution	1366 x 768
	Display Format	720p
	Image Aspect Ratio	16:9
	Image Contrast Ratio	1300:1
	Progressive Scan	Progressive scanning (line doubling)
	Widescreen Modes	Full, Wide Zoom, Zoom, Normal
	Picture Adjustment	Vivid/Standard/Custom
	Image Max H-View Angle	178°
	Image Max V-View Angle	178°
Cabinet Color		Dark Silver
TV Tuner	Analog TV Tuner	NTSC
TV Tuner	Stereo Reception System	MTS
Digital TV Tuner		ATSC, QAM
Video Features	HDTV Ready	Yes
	Analog Video Input Signals	NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC4.43, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL60
	Input Video Formats	480p, 720p, 1080i, 480i, 576i, 576p
Audio System	Sound Output Mode	Stereo
	Surround Mode	Yes
	Sound Effects	SRS WOW
	Audio Controls	Sound mode
	Speakers Included	2 speakers
	Output Power / Total	14 Watt
	Additional Features	Auto volume adjustment
	Speaker(s)	2 x right/left channel speaker - built-in - 7 Watt
Connections	Slot Provided	1 x expansion slot
Connections	Connector Type	1 x serial ( mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - rear 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - rear 1 x digital audio output (coaxial) ( RCA phono ) - rear 1 x audio line-out ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - rear 1 x remote control ( mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - rear 1 x composite video input ( RCA phono ) - rear 4 x audio line-in ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - rear 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - rear 2 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - rear 1 x VGA input ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) - rear
Stands & Mounts	Stand Included	Yes
	Stand Design	Tabletop
	Flat Panel Mount Interface	200 x 100 mm
Miscellaneous	Compliant Standards	CSA 22.2 No. 60950, ICES-003 Class B, FCC Part 15 B, UL 60950-1
Power Requirements	Power Device	Power supply - internal
	Voltage Required	AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
	Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep	1 Watt
	Power Consumption Operational	110 Watt
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Unit	31.4" x 21.6" x 4.4" (without stand) 31.4" x 22.9" x 8.7 " (with stand)
Weight	Unit	37 lbs (with stand)
Includes in the Box		Sony BRAVIA KLHW32/ST 32" LCD TV RM-YA004 Remote Control Tabletop Stand Batteries (Type AA) x2 AC powercord Cable Holder Operating Instructions Warranty Card

7 Tips For Buying A LCD Television

2008-03-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Buying a LCD televisions can be a daunting task. With so many makes and models to choose from its difficult to know what's features are important and which brands offer value for money. The following article provides several tips to consider prior to spending your hard earned cash.

Tip #1: Use Consumer Reviews. If there is ever a chance to separate the wheat from the chaff, reviews are a great place to start. You'll discover which models are proving to be a hit, where to find value for money and which models have potential problems. This can save you the heartache of buying and lemon and help you get started in the right direction.

Tip #2: Consider a refurbished LCD TV. You can experience savings of between 50 and 70% depending on whether you choose a factory refurbished or third party refurbished model. You need to investigate the options here. Some products come with an extended warranty. However, the factory refurbished models are usually the only models that come with a manufacturers warranty.

Tip #3: Consider whether you want a plasma TV, straight LCD TV or high definition LCD TV. Plasma TV's offer the best image detail but are not as bright as LCD Tv's. High definition LCD TV's basically double the image rate at which you view the image in a second, which means you'll experience a higher quality picture. You will need to examine the options here and make a choice.

Tip #4: Avoid buying a LCD Television at auction until you determine whether your purchase will be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. In some jurisdictions, despite the fact that the product may be new and you are purchasing at a discount through a retailer, the manufacturers warranty may be void by law.

Tip #5: Consider the size: You will need to put some thought into your viewing environment to determine the size and shape. If you have a large room and seating is dispersed, you will need to consider what size is appropriate for the room.

Tip #6: You will need to consider the light levels of the room. Different models may be appropriate depending on the light intensity levels. Brighter TV's will enhance the viewing experience if the environment is dark.

Tip #7: Consider your budget. This will help to refine your options. There will always be price, feature and size trade offs. Once you know your limit you can confine the options. You should consider researching online to find the best bang for your buck. You may be lucky enough to pick up a great deal through a sale.

Consider the above advice and do a little research online. You'll be a more informed consumer and make a wiser choice. You may even save yourself considerable money if you happen to find a great deal.

How To Buy A Home Theater Projector

2008-03-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

A digital video projector offers the big screen without the big TV. Projector advancements have come a long way in recent years with absolutely no compromise in quality this means they now look better then ever and have eliminated many past problems and are now actually affordable meaning the regular buyer is able to step into a HDTV projector for a reasonable price.

Things you will need:

Your Budget

Which space /room will the projector be located in

Step 1

The first thing you will want to decide upon is what type of projector do you want. The two most common and most affordable technologies are LCD and DLP. Some sensitive people may experience an effect which is refereed to as the "rainbow effect" which is unique to single-chip DLP projectors. So you may wish to seek for a demo of the unit first. Your best bet is too find a local sound / home theatre store in your local area to review both technologies first hand.

LCD projectors produce richer color dynamics for better results in rooms with ample ambient light. DLP pixels are far less visible on the screen and the projector is actually much smaller compared to an LCD.

There is also a third technology called LCOS which can produce truly amazing video and is capable of surpassing either LCD or DLP, but the price is also quite high. By 2010 prices should start to decrease as production become more efficient.

Step 2

Take measurements of the space or room the projector will be intended for and also identify the throw distance - the distance from the projector mounted on wall / ceiling to the location of the screen.

This throw distance will be related to the throw ratio each manufacture identifies for a projector, which means the distance the projector needs to be from the screen to produce a certain size image.

Step 3

The next consideration will be: Resolution and Brightness. For brightness, you will need to determine how many lumen's your projector should be. This can range from hundreds, to multiple thousands. For home theatre use brightness is not as important as resolution. For resolution, you will want to match the resolution of your projector to your signal format you will be displaying, if you intend to mainly concentrate on HDTV format a WXGA projector will be your most affordable selection.

Step 4

Chances are you will want a projector with a zoom lens. Basically, a zoom lens amount of 1.4 would translate to 40%. You probably want a projector that has a decent sized zoom rate of at least 50%. This will make things a lot easier when installing your projector and making the final adjustments. It also means that you can place your projector closer to the screen in a small room.

Now that you know what you are after better, my advice is to shop around a little. Stick with well known companies, as these provide the best quality projectors at the best prices and will also offer the best warranty deal. Check out major retail stores to visually compare projectors, or shop online to find the best deals.

Tips and Warnings

Remember to allocate some money in your budget for a good screen.

Investing in a good screen can enhance your viewing experience.

Setting up a screen that can roll up, really keeps things compact and your room is not being taken over a HUGE TV that you need and army to move.

Research the cost of a replacement lamp and find out what its life is in hours. Sometimes it can be totally frustrating to spend a few hundred dollars on a replacement lamp. Get a warranty if you can.

Having a projector means having a VERY mild humming sound because of the fan in the projector to cool the lamp. However low it is, figure out if you like it or not.

Sharp 65-inch AQUOS 1080P Flat Panel LCD HDTV

2008-03-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

Once again, Sharp®, the leader in LCD technology, has established a new design standard for LCD TVs. With screen sizes ranging from 42" to 65"*1, the AQUOS® D64U Series raises the bar by fitting large screen sizes into incredibly small footprints.

Extended Information

Once again, Sharp®, the leader in LCD technology, has established a new design standard for LCD TVs. With screen sizes ranging from 42" to 65"*1, the AQUOS® D64U Series raises the bar by fitting large screen sizes into incredibly small footprints. By changing the layout of circuits inside the LCD panel and by cutting the number of parts, Sharp's engineers were able to reduce the depth by 30%, allowing placement of the D64U models in virtually any setting. The D64U Series utilizes Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology, providing 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology and 4ms response time*2. The D64U Series are HDTVs with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 3 HDMI™ inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, a PC input and 2 HD component video inputs. Side terminals are included for convenience as well as RS-232C input for control. The D64U Series features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers.

Features:

* Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) Resolution for the sharpest picture possible.
* 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and 4ms response time produce spectacular picture quality.*2
* Three HDMI™ Inputs and dual component for the ultimate in terminal flexibility. All inputs are compatible with 1080p sources.
* Wide Viewing Angles (176°H x 176°W) Sharp's AQUOS viewing angles are so wide, you can view the TV clearly from practically anywhere in the room.
* Enhanced Black Level provides the deepest, most accurate black of any flat panel TV.
* High Brightness (450 cd/m2) AQUOS LCD Televisions are very bright. You can put them virtually anywhere – even near windows, doors or other light sources – and the picture is still vivid.
* Built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC Tuners provide access to DTV and analog TV channels.*3
* AQUOS engine with ASV technology provides highperformance video processing for the brightest, most vivid colors and images.

Technical Specs :

Panel Type Advanced Super View / Black TFT LCD Panel
Pixel Resolution 1920 x 1080
Brightness 450cd/m2
Viewing Angle 176°H / 176°V
Lamp Life*4 60,000 hours
Audio System 15 W + 15 W
Tuning System ATSC / QAM / NTSC
Dynamic Contrast Ratio with
Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology 10,000:1
Native Contrast Ratio 2000:1
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Response Time*2 4ms
HDMI™ Input 3 (1 side, 2 rear)
HD Component Input 2 (1 side, 1 rear)
PC Input 15-pin RGB x 1
S-Video Input 1
Composite Video Input (A/V) 3 (1 side, 2 rear)
RS-232C Input 9-pin x 1
Audio Inputs (L/R) 4
Back-Light System 4-wavelength
Limited Warranty*5 1 year parts and labor
Cabinet Color High Gloss Black
Table Stand Included
Power Consumption AC 525W

Approximate Dimensions:

With Stand and Speakers:
- Width: 60-11/64"
- Height: 40"
- Depth: 15-7/8"
With Speakers Only:
- Width: 60-11/64"
- Height: 37-11/64"
- Depth: 3-7/8"

Approxmate Weight:

Unit(with stand and speakers): 121.3 lbs
Unit(with speakers only): 110.3 lbs
Shipping: 135 lbs

2009 HDTV Basic HDTV Buying Tips To Save Money and Avoid Mistakes People Make

2008-03-06T23:22:00.000-08:00

The difference between HDTV and regular TV is night and day, like the difference between black and white. HDTV is an amazing visual experience. Due to the upcoming 2009 Digital Conversion Law which is wiping out Analog TV Broadcasts, many people are now buying HDTV for the first time. The following are a few basic tips for anyone buying HDTV that will help you avoid major purchasing mistakes and save money Use this as a rough guide. These are my opinions only, which you can do with what you want.

HDTV Buying Tips:

1. Not all digital TV's are HDTV sets. Make sure you are buying an HDTV set.

2.. The viewing screen size area of Wide screen HDTV set is smaller then the viewing screen of a regular TV. Widescreen is meant for a 16:9 Aspect Viewing Picture for HDTV broadcasts while Regular TV sets have 4:3 Aspect for non-HDTV broadcasts. As such the viewing area for say a 26" wide screen HDTV is much smaller then a 26" regular TV set, so if you want the equivilent viewing area, you should buy something like a 32" Wide screen HDTV. The bottom line is, if you are buying a wide screen hdtv, remember that to get the equivalent viewing area of your regular tv, your hdtv should be of a bigger size.

2. Do Not Purchase an HDTV that is not Wide screen. All HDTV broadcasts are in Widescreen which means a 16:9 aspect and will not be correctly viewed on a non-wide screen HDTV.

3. Try to buy an HDTV with 1080 Resolution instead of 720. 1080 Gives you a Better Picture.

4. Anyone using or planning to use Cable or Satellite TV, can save money buying an HD Ready set instead of an HD set with a built in HD Tuner. This simply means, that with your HD ready TV, you will receive your HDTV broadcasts direct from the receiving equipment of your Cable and Satellite Service.

5. You Need actual HD service from your Cable or Satellite Company in order to actually watch HDTV. The price is relatively low. If you do not pay for this service, then your picture is not HDTV.

6. If you get a DVR or TIVO make sure it is an HD DVR or HD TIVO or you will not see what you recorded in HD. You need an HDTV to watch HD playback from an HD DVR or HD Tivo.

7. I would buy an extended warranty just for the security of knowing that if anything went wrong with your HDTV set, you at least have the security of knowing that you'll be able to fix it or repair it right away. For me, the cost of what I paid, was worth the security of knowing I'd have my HDTV for the years to come.

8. If you go to a chain store or department store, many of the pictures you may be seeing on the TV sets on display, may not be actual HDTV broadcasts. I would call the store in advance or go to a store that specializes in HDTV where you know you will be seeing HDTV broadcasts.

9. On the whole, you will be getting better expertise from a salesperson from a store specializing in HDTV then a chain store. This is not to say, that there aren't knowledgeable salespeople at chain stores but the chances are you will find more knowledgeable ones who do this for a career. I would always ask for a salesperson who had been with the store the longest.

10. If you have a Home Theater System, the sound of an HDTV set from its built in speakers is not important. You will actually be receiving your sound through your Home Theater System from your Cable or Satellite TV provider.

11. If you have the money, I personally would recommend you spending the $50 or more dollars to buy quality component cables rather then use the free component cables supplied by your cable or satellite company to connect your HDTV as you'll probably get a better picture.

Plasma HDTV - The Best Technology Gives the Best Picture

2008-03-05T22:30:00.001-08:00

Only two things are truly important when shopping for a plasma hdtv. Everything else is nice to have. Read on to find out what you need, and what you can ignore.

Anyone who wants to get the best picture quality in a mainstream HDTV regardless of price will be looking at a plasma HDTV and nothing else. It is superior to both its main competitors in the HDTV space, DLP and LCD, both in the technology used and in picture quality. Perhaps the nicest thing about buying a plasma HDTV is that it is actually easier to buy than the other technologies, with fewer variables to consider.

A Quick Overview of Plasma HDTV Technology

An in-depth look at the technology behind plasma HDTV technology could fill a large (and boring) book. The summary of the tech goes like this: millions of tiny fluorescent lights of various colors, called cells, are sandwiched between two glass plates. Between the lights and the rear glass plate are electrodes which deliver electricity to light up the cells. Lighting certain cells to a desired brightness and in the correct order creates color and the illusion of movement. This is a gross over-simplification, of course, but is enough for our purposes.

Advantages of Plasma HDTV

The biggest advantage of a plasma HDTV over its competitors is its flatness. Plasma is absolutely the skinniest HDTV technology available, making it ideal for wall-mounting and other utilization where space is an issue. Conversely, plasma HDTV is also the largest available, aside from projectors, with mainstream models currently topping out at around 65" while mainstream LCD HDTVs stop at around 52". Plasma HDTVs also avoid the ghosting and tearing issues frequently found in DLP and LCD models.

Shortcomings of Plasma HDTV

Plasma HDTV units are subject to screen burn-in. What this means is that if the same static image is displayed for a long period of time, the image can become somewhat "stuck" on the screen. For 99% of home users, this will not be a problem, but if your favorite station is CNN Headline News or a similar station with a lot of static content and you leave it on all day, you will actually be better off with an LCD HDTV. Plasma's other big disadvantage is that running it at maximum brightness will significantly reduce the lifetime of the panel. Because of this, many plasma HDTV owners leave the brightness settings well below maximum, which still gives it a brighter display than a conventional CRT television.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Plasma HDTV

Aside from size and price, there are really only two determining factors that must be taken into account when looking at plasma HDTVs: resolution and contrast ratio.

Resolution is determined by the number of cells that the plasma HDTV display physically consists of. It is different than the display capability, which is often what is listed. The resolution of the best plasma HDTVs is 1920 x 1080, and this is the number you want to aim for, because this is the only way to see 1080p content at its maximum resolution. Many plasma HDTVs have a resolution of only 1366 x 768 or lower; this means that even if a unit is listed as "capable" of displaying 1080p content, it will actually be down-sampling it to 720p to fit on its screen, which will result in a lower-quality image.

Contrast ratio is one of the most important numbers used in marketing HDTVs, which means that manufacturers have come up with all sorts of strange, tricky ways of "measuring" the contrast ratio in a way that proves their unit has a higher contrast ratio than their competitors. Now, higher numbers in contrast ratio always mean better, sharper pictures, but some manufacturers (especially manufacturers of LCD HDTVs) are using what is termed "dynamic" contrast ratio, showing numbers as ridiculously high as 20,000:1. "Static" or "true" contrast ratios give the truer indication of how sharp a picture will be, but the key is to compare the same contrast ratio when looking at plasma HDTVs. Compare the dynamic contrast ratio of two units against each other, or the static contrast ratio, but do not compare the dynamic contrast ratio of one unit to the static contrast ratio of another. By way of comparison, a clean print of a movie at a typical theater has a static contrast ratio of around 500:1.

After investigating the resolution and contrast ratio of the units you are looking at, everything else, such as picture-in-picture, number of inputs, built-in program guide, and of course the warranty, are the "nice-to-haves" which will let you determine exactly which plasma HDTV is the best for you.

Sony BDPS2000ES Blu-Ray Disc Player

2008-03-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

Experience Sony's flagship Blu-ray Disc™ player, with astounding audio enhancements and vibration-reduction that deliver phenomenal results in a rock-solid design.

Be part of the "Elevated Standard" when you experience your high-definition movies on this amazing Blu-ray Disc™ player. Unlike our other players, this model features all the impressive features of the BDP-S500, but with a rigid, dual-shield construction that reduces the amount of dust collected on the drive. The high-end, quality construction also employs solid beam chassis that contributes to minimized vibration and drastically improved playback. What's more, the unit's aluminum insulator feet help isolate the player from external vibrations, while separate audio and video boards deliver better sound and picture quality. Of course, the BDP-S2000ES also offers 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio bitstream output.

Extended Information

Full HD 1080/60p,24p True Cinema Video Output over HDMI™¹
Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD bitsteam out over HDMI™ (v1.3)
BD-R/DVD/CD Playback and AVC-HD with x.v.Color output
DVD Upscaling to 1080p Through HDMI™⁵
Bravia Theater Sync™ (HDMI-CEC)
Uncompressed Multi Channel Linear PCM Output
Build Quality with Rigid Beam Construction
Solid Aluminum Top Panel
Motorized sliding Door and Glass Finish Front Panel
BD-Java Interactive Capability™²
IR-In

Features:

BD/DVD/CD playback⁴ and AVC-HD with x.v.Color output
DVD Upscaling to 1080p⁵ via HDMI™
Cinema Tuned Picture Presets
Uncompressed Multi Channel Linear PCM Output
Multi Channel 192KHz/24bit Audio D/A Converters
Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts®-HD Bitstream out over HDMI™ (v1.3)
Rigid Beam Construction
Separated Audio Circuit Board
Highly Tuned Audio Parts
Drive Bracket for stability of drive system
Off Center Insulator Feet
Aluminum/Anti Vibration
BD-Java Interactive Capability²
Quick Set Up
FL Off/Dimmer Mode
Parental Control
Aluminum Top Panel
Glass Finish Slide Front Door
Popup Menu