Lifespan of LCD TVs

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. LCD TVs are quite famous over the recent years due to their fault-less clarity and picture perfectness. Usually it is said that LCD has a greater lifespan than plasma TVs. But that does not mean that LCD TVs do not undergo wear and tear at all and work all through one's life. They too can undergo problems and other faults just like any other electronic device does. They generally work based upon the twisting and untwisting of the crystal.

The normal lifespan of LCD TVs is said to come to approximately 60, 000 hours. Some manufacturers also claim that their LCD TVs can last up to 80, 000 hours, when used under controlled conditions, like the room temperature, the other climatic conditions, the maintenance conditions etc. The display effect of these LCD TVs would definitely reduce as time passes by, because they are constantly being lit by powerful lights that could dim, just like the other electronic devices, over a period of time. This results in the picture getting dim as time goes by. Hence, the most important thing to be considered in an LCD TV is the actual lifespan of the light source of the LCD. There should be good warrantee provided for the light source of the LCD TV as this is the mean thing that controls the picture effects and clarity.

The quality of this light source is important to maintain the perfect white balance in the LCD TV. The back lighting bulb should be definitely of higher quality for the longevity of the TV. So it is better paying more for the branded ones that offer exchange or maintenance warranty rather than the cheap ones that do not have any warranties on them. Also the contrast levels have to be taken care of. The more the contrast levels, for a longer period of time, the faster the TV would age off. The lower the ambient light levels, the more the life of the light source.

Some Sharp LCD TVs provide separate units that have the light source, whereas the others have the light source placed along with the other units and so if the light source is out, the whole LCD TV becomes a waste. The main thing to be considered here and always to be remembered is the warranty of the back light. Unlike the other types of television the LCD TVs cannot be used for the whole lifetime because of its limited lifetime. The light beams are the main source used in the working of an LCD TV. When compared with the plasma television the LCD TVs have a short lifetime and the maintenance of the device is also easy when compared with the normal televisions.

Visit LCD TV Reviews site to read unbiased reviews on Acer, Goodmans, Hitachi, NEC, Toshiba and 40 Inch and 32 Inch LCD TV reviews.

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Free Satellite TV Through PC

Take a closer look and it becomes obvious that Internet TV On Computer will inevitably become the standard way of watching TV. A certain form of IP-based TV in particular is surely catching on fast. It is brought forth through the internet and streamed directly to our computers. Being a commercial service it is fee-based but one-time fee is the market standard. Different packages are retailed abundantly on the net but even the top of the line selection is still less than $50 once, a far cry from the recurring monthly charges of similar amount by cable and satellite TV companies.

TV market has been controlled too much, too long by the big boys. Now finally, there's a really formidable option and that's definitely a good thing for the consumers, especially those who have felt shortchanged or indignant but yet deprived of an alternative option before. And the best part of it is, strictly on features, this form of TV is actually head and shoulders above cable and satellite transmission.

Thousands of channels, download on demand, across the board genres, no question refund guarantee and worldwide access are standard features. The process is simple and immediate. Once the sign-up is completed with payment, you will be directed to the download site for the proprietary software to enable access to the service. Installation is a matter of minutes and there will be no further charges whatsoever, ever. It's TV galore within minutes.

In terms of user value, viewers who have experienced the service swear by it. Absolutely no additional hardware or retrofit is required at all. The only things necessary are the PC and internet access, which is likely to be already in place anyway in most homes today. If there are multiple PCs in the house, and they are networked, the TV programming can be beamed all over the entire place. Better still if it's a wireless router and best of all if the PC is a laptop, portability and mobility is then complete. With so much for so little, there's no stopping Free Satellite TV For PC now.

Learn how to quickly and easily set up Free Satellite TV For PC by visiting http://www.worldwide-tv-on-pc.com a popular website that offer cost savvy resources to setup Internet TV On Computer.

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HDTV - 720p, 1080i, and 1080p?

It seems that everyone is buying a new HDTV set this year. Conversation around the water cooler is full of techy buzzwords. When the HDTV standard in the U.S. was originated by the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee), they defined eighteen different standards, but not all of the standards are in common use.

The standards that you should be familiar with for HDTV (High Definition TV) are 720p, 1080i, and more recently 1080p. The number in the format (for example "720") is the vertical lines of display resolution and the letter in the format (for example "p") stands for the display technique. The letter "p" means "progressive" scan, and the letter "i" means "interlaced".

HDTV (both 720p, 1080i, and 1080p) has a wide screen aspect ratio of 16:9 (width: height). EDTV (enhanced definition) is a standard definition TV (SDTV the format before HDTV), but with some software "interpolation". EDTV delivers a picture that is superior to that of SDTV, but not as sharp as HDTV. EDTV uses progressive scanning. EDTV sometimes has an aspect ratio of 16:9 (wide screen).

For reference, standard definition TV (SDTV, the format before HDTV) has 480 lines of vertical resolution and has an aspect ratio of 4:3. The SDTV signal is the U.S. has historically been an interlaced signal. This means that your TV set draws each frame in two passes: once for the even horizontal lines and a second pass for the odd lines. The specification is a maximum resolution for the technology, but often, the signal sources are less than the maximum. For example, VHS tape has approximately 240 lines of vertical resolution, over the air broadcast SDTV has approximately 330 lines of vertical resolution, and a SDTV DVD has approximately 480 lines of vertical resolution.

The televisions in Europe and Japan have been (and are) progressive format. A progressive format makes a single pass for all of the lines. Progressive pictures look a bit smoother than an interlaced image, especially when there's a lot of movement on the screen, like sports.

To add to the confusion, BluRay DVDs do, and later this year, the satellite TV companies will, broadcast in 1080p. This standard has both the higher number of lines of vertical resolution, and the preferred progressive format. The Dish Network will begin satellite broadcast in 1080p in August 2008 with 150 HDTV channels, and DirecTV will begin both satellite and Internet broadcast by the end of 2008, with about 130 channels of HDTV programming. The satellite companies compress their signal with MPEG-4 techniques, which reduces the bandwidth needed for broadcast. Currently, the only source material for 1080p is movies, especially movies originally made for IMAX. None of the major networks (ABC, ESPN, etc.) has yet announced support for 1080p. In addition, Sony Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have 1080p games.

HDTV Video Format: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p, the higher number is better, right? Even though 1080i technically has a higher resolution, it is not the obvious choice. 1080i has 1080 vertical lines of resolution and 1920 horizontal lines of resolution. 720p has 720 lines of vertical resolution and has 1280 lines of horizontal resolution. But the 720p system is progressively scanned. This compensates for the lower level of resolution. The 1080p signal is the best of both worlds, more picture information with a progressive format.

If your signal received, for example for a satellite receiver, is primarily standard definition, a 1080p TV will not significantly improve your picture when compared to a 720p TV. The picture quality is fundamentally limited by the source signal (480 lines of vertical resolution). Similarly, if your signal has a 720 source, then the 1080 TV will not improve your picture. All High Def sports broadcasts from Fox, ESPN, and ABC are broadcast in 720p.

Some networks have opted for the 1080i format because it provides the more picture information, while ABC, Fox, ESPN, and the National Geographic Channel have chosen the smoother pictures of 720p. HDTV programming on CBS, NBC, and other networks is broadcast in 1080i. The new 1080i or 1080p HDTVs will probably make this type of programming somewhat sharper than it would appear on a 720p TV. This becomes more important because as the TV screen gets larger, the visible difference in detail between 720p and 1080i and 1080p displays becomes more apparent. Because of this, most HDTV sets larger than 50 inches are 1080p or 1080i.

1080p HDTV System Capabilities:

A 1080p HDTV displays all inputs signals at 1080p, because this is the normal resolution of the unit. If the system is less than 1080i or 1080p, then a special purpose chip in your HDTV scales the signal. It will interpolate, like the EDTV does with a SDTV signal. If the signal is 1080i, the system will combine the odd and even interlaced frames and display the full signal as 1080p. The resulting performance should be similar to a true 1080p video source.

Cable HDTV:

More than 100 million U.S. homes can receive HDTV from their cable system, and all of the top 100 cable markets in the country have available HDTV programming. Unfortunately, most cable providers carry only a few of the 50+ available HDTV networks.

Satellite HDTV:

While HDTV local channel selection is generally better on cable than satellite, the major satellite companies offer more national HDTV channels than almost every cable provider. Both DirecTV and the Dish Network have promised to offer more than 130 HDTV channels by the end of the year. "Satellite's going to be constrained not so much by how many channels they can carry than by how many they can get," Bob Scherman, Satellite Business News.

By 2010, 60% of U.S. homes will use a Satellite signal, up from 15% in 2002.

Summary:

Screen resolution for HDTV has become comparable to microprocessor clock speed for personal computers. Even though clock speed is not necessarily a perfect indication of overall system performance, often the consumer thinks of it that way.

Interestingly, when an expert group, the SMPTE (Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers), recently ranked the importance of resolution, it came in fourth. The SMPTE ranked contrast ratio, color saturation, color temperature and grayscale ahead of resolution in importance. The Imaging Science Foundation reached a similar conclusion. However, most HDTV manufacturers bundle quality traits such as improved contrast ratio with higher screen resolutions into their top of the line HDTVs. So if you purchase a set with top of the line screen resolution, you more than likely will receive the top of the manufacturer's product line for other important screen criteria.

Prices have dropped significantly the last two years, but it appears that the rate of price reduction has been slowing significantly recently. "Television shoppers who visit mass merchants may be more concerned with obtaining a low price and may not be seeking expert advice. However, television shoppers should be aware that the lower prices they find at mass merchants are primarily due to the fact that these stores tend to carry second tier brand TVs, rather than major brands such as Sony or Panasonic. When pricing for a specific television model is compared at each type of retailer, the prices are surprisingly similar," J.D. Power's Larry Wu.

And on a final note, be sure to account for the Audio side of your system. George Lucas (Star Wars) once said audio is half the movie viewing experience. It's also true for a good football or basketball game.

About the Author: Brian Bradshaw is a Certified Technical Specialist (InfoComm CTS). Areas of expertise include Video, Audio, Computation, HDTV, Satellite Systems, and Communications. He has a communications technology business in Plano, Texas (Dallas). More information can be found at his Website: http://bradshaw-vacuum-technology.com

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What Does DVDRip, DVDSCR, CAM, R5, TS and TC Mean

To everyone who once wonder what DVDRip, DVDSCR, CAM, TS, TC, and R5 mean. Those are Video Quality names. When you are going to download a movie is important to know what does mean all this words in the name of the archive, because you dont want to spend time downloading a movie and find out the quality of the movie is not as expected.

DVDRip: Is a copy of a original DVD. The quality is excellent (DVD Quality). DVDRip Quality is ready to download when Original DVD is in the market. DVDrips are released in SVCD and DivX/XviD.
Worth to Download? YES

DVDScr: Or DVD Screener, usually is a copy of a PROMO Dvd. The DVDScr is out before the original DVD is in the market. Video usually comes with water marks in the video, clock counters and legends. Sometimes in some parts of the Movie video turns in black and white.
Quality is good.
Worth to Download? YES

R5: Refers to a specific format of DVD released in DVD Region 5, the former Soviet Union, and bootlegged copies of these releases that are distributed on the Internet. In an effort to compete with movie piracy, the movie industry chose to create a new format for DVD releases that could be produced more quickly and less expensively than traditional DVD releases. Quality is good because video is ripped directly from a DVD.
Worth to Download? YES

CAM: A cam is a theater rip usually done with a digital video camera. A mini tripod is sometimes used, but a lot of the time this wont be possible, so the camera make shake. Also seating placement isn't always idle, and it might be filmed from an angle. Quality is awful.
Worth to Download? NO

TS: Or Telesync, is the same spec as a CAM except it uses an external audio source. A direct audio source does not ensure a good quality audio source, as a lot of background noise can interfere. Quality is awful.
Worth to Download? NO

TC: A telecine machine copies the film digitally from the reels. Sound and picture should be very good, but due to the equipment involved and cost telecines are fairly uncommon. Quality is regular.
Worth to Download? NO

By: http://Movies4TheMasses.BlogSpot.com/ Full length Movie Download 4 the Masses

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Different Geek Gadgets and Their Overview

Being the geek with the cool gadgets is hard. Stay up to date with the latest gadget and tech developments and read reviews about the coolest new gadgets worth owning.

Wi-fi detecting watch: So the next time you go to work on your laptop, you will know exactly where to sit. This watch gives you wi-fi signal strength on a scale from 1 to 8 with a touch of a button.

Micro spy remote: This mini remote looks like the remote keyless entry for your car, but its actually a TV hijacker. It can mute, change the channel and volume as well as turning off the unsuspecting TV.

Stainless steel 8GB video watch: This watch sports a 1.8inch LCD screen and 8GB of flash memory. You can watch all your favorite videos any time, anywhere. As you can see, cool geek gadgets come in a wide range of products, but each one is essential to true geek Dom.

Tiny spy camera hidden in a tradeshow badge secretly: It is a techie gadget that shoots video and stills.

Cameras are getting so small now a days, that they could be hidden just about any where. This new spy camera is a thin trade show badge. Tiny camera shoots video at a low resolution 352288, and snags stills at a higher resolution 12801024.Once you've grabbed the shots you need, plug it into a PC via USB for transfer and charging. It looks a bit thick for absolute sneakiness, but it might go unnoticed with bulky badge holder like those handed out at CES.

http://www.ialwayswanted.com/

http://www.ialwayswanted.com/security-gadgets-c-22.html

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Buying Audio Books

A simple guide to books on the go

Reading is an activity that most people find enjoyable. Books allow you to travel to places and times you would not otherwise reach. Moreover, books are a hive of information for readers, making reading both a good mental exercise and an education.

A downside of reading, however, is that it usually requires more time and effort than you can actually spare from your daily routine. Some people also find the actual task of reading words from paper quite daunting. These two drawbacks often result in people not being able to read books even when they want to. Fortunately, audio books have provided a solution for many people and made 'reading' books ann easier prospect.

No hassle 'reading'

Audio books allow you to enjoy the latest bestsellers, guidebooks, and self-help anthologies even when you don't have time for reading and if you do not like the idea of actually reading a book. With an audio book, you simply need to plug in your earpiece, turn your player on, and listen to the voice as it 'reads' the book for you.

Audio books were originally made for use by the visually impaired but are now also widely popular among the general public. You can 'read' an audio book even while multitasking and during long commuting trips, especially when in trains where actual reading can be uncomfortable.

Audio books' availability

Audio books come in different formats. The first ones were sold as cassette tapes but with the coming of the information age, these tapes have been slowly replaced by more modern data storage equipment. Today, audio books are available in CD or DVD format which are widely available in both record stands and bookstores.

Some audio books can also be downloaded free of charge from the Internet. Finding books this way is as simple as keying a specific search word into Google or Yahoo, for which you will receive thousands of hits in return. However, most bestselling audio books and copies of print best sellers are sold for a fee.

Loading up on the digital books

Buying an audio book does not require any specific guidelines or rules. As mentioned above, these are widely available in record bars, bookstores, and on the Internet so supply is not an issue. However, it does pay to know what you are buying, especially from the Internet. One important thing you need to make sure of is that you only download and buy audio books which are compatible with your media player. Otherwise, the books will be of no use to you since you cannot play them.

Another tip, especially if you downloaded the books from the Internet, is to always keep a back-up copy. You can either write it on a CD, store it on a USB flash drive, or save it in a secure folder on your computer. However, do not be tempted to make several copies and redistribute, much worse sell them, because such actions are illegal and can earn you jail time!

For more information regarding audio books and where you can find the best ones, Books Buyer may help you. This website is especially created as a discussion board where book lovers, publishers, and sellers alike can have a healthy exchange of ideas - You can sign up to talk about books there.

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Tips in Choosing the Right LCD TV

Do you know what does an LCD monitor is made of? Basically, an LCD Display consists of numerous small cells which are called pixels and a technology which helps in focusing light on to a mirror which then projects into the screen; this technology is called a fluorescent back light. Pixels play a significant role in giving quality and high resolution pictures. And with the recent advancement in technology where LCD TVs are now capable of matching the right color tones, we can enjoy sharper and more realistic and true-to-life images

There are some popular models of LCD TVs that became a hit in the market, and these are: Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Samsung LN40A650 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Philips 37'' Widescreen HDTV LCD TV digital.

We use to compare the brands when buying electronic products. But it is advisable to compare also the shops where you can purchase LCD flat screen TVs. You can check out the different shopping sites from the web to get the best bargain deals. Those items that are considered as luxury items in the past has become popular goods because of continuous innovation in technology. Manufacturers are in constant battle to increase sales by lowering the price which leaves them smaller profit.

In the past, it was believed that LCD is only feasible on smaller screens. But with the advent of the different LCD brands such as: Samsung, Westinghouse Digital, Sharp and LG.Philips, this concept has changed. This leaves the consumers the question: "What LCD TV should I choose?"

Here are some tips for consumers in choosing the best LCD TV:

1. First, you must decide how much will be your budget for the TV. 2. Choose the right size of the screen based on the size of your room where you will put the television. And don't forget to consider the available space in that room also. 3. Now, think of the other features that you need in your LCD TV like memory card slots, USB, DVD and camcorder connections and even video games connectors. 4. The placement of the speakers in your LCD is another factor you need to consider. Some have speakers at the bottom and some of the sides. This is important to get the best sound from your set. 5. To get the best viewing pleasure, you also need to fix to place the LCD TV in the correct angle. It should be set according to the seating arrangement of the room. 6. Check out the picture quality of the television. The screen resolution should match the size of the screen. For instance, 30" screen should have 1366x768 resolution.

Of course, experience should tell what TV is the best. It is advisable that you speak with other customers who have already purchase their own LCD TVs. They can tell you what are the advantages and disadvantages of the specific set they bought. The salesman on the shop can also orient you on the different models and brands available. They can even give you good recommendations on which one is worth your money.

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Pioneer Car Electronics, The Best For Your Car

Many varieties of car parts are available with car electronics stores to satisfy and enhance your listening experience. From Pioneer car electronics you can purchase car amplifiers, head units, changers, equalizers, speakers, accessories and more of such items.

You can find many brands of automobile electronics, including audio parts by Pioneer, Sony, MTX and others, on the internet and in privately owned audio parts stores of all sizes. Your local car dealers and body shops may also be good sources for Pioneer car electronics you seek.

You may ask to order it, in case you find what you are searching in this catalog. A lot of pioneer car electronics and Sony car electronics are available for shipping to you directly or to the store you wish to install your car electronics.

By searching for pioneer car electronics, Sony car electronics or mtx car electronics one could find a lot more than what he could ever dream of. By searching through a phonebook or going through Internet one could search for stores, which sell car audio parts in your specific area. During this search, you are sure to find one or more pioneer car electronics stores in your vicinity that sells the audio components you desire.

Stereo equipments - just like many other electronic goods, is ever changing. There's always a new, greater feature coming. This is good news for people which are searching a good deal. A 1-year old model may half the cost of what you are looking for. Depending on how deep your research is, you should be able to find a great deal for a really reasonable cost.

Most specials in clearance and blowouts are found on line. Companies wish to compete for your business so they will therefore negotiate to offer you the best price possible. All it requires is a little time to choose exactly what you want for the exact price you are willing to pay. Should you not find it at a store, keep searching.

Stores selling Pioneer car electronics can give your car audio system the ultimate boost. Sony car electronics and MTX car electronics are also widely available through physical stores and on the internet. Many items may need to be specially ordered. All three companies produce full lines of audio parts for all budgets and all makes and models of automobiles. Stereo equipment models are constantly being developed and introduced to the market, so prices for older equipment fall rapidly. Many online stores have frequent sales to attract new customers. DO enough research to know what you ought to pay.

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A Man and His Printer Cartridge

I can handle most computer-orientated malfunctions. A weak wireless signal - well, move the thing closer. A humming sub-woofer - give it a kick. A leaky ink cartridge - the trick here is to get amongst it, and not to mind getting your hands dirty. Show 'em who's boss! And then be sure to throw your shirt into the washing machine and whack it up to 90 degrees. Just don't expect to be able to fasten your top button afterwards - I heard somewhere that this isn't so cool anyway.

A similar good intention came back to haunt me however; and I learned a little something about playing the good Samaritan when it concerns an asthmatic ink-jet printer from 1994.

Our relationship was pretty average - for a man and a printer. I remember our first meeting, unwrapping her from her corrugated box, relinquishing her from perpetual darkness and giving her the gift of being able to fulfil her purpose. Stripping her of that polystyrene comfort she had grown accustomed to and teaching her to obey - in an age when the words 'printer' and 'urgency' were never heard in the same sentence.

In those days of course, I rarely needed to print multiple copies of lengthy flowery drivel and so she served me just fine. It also took me a good few years to realise what a noisy beast she was, and I often wonder if she developed an uncontrollable loudness as she aged. I remember visitors coming over. 'I'll just print you out that thing,' I'd say, and leave them in the kitchen. I'd come back once proceedings were underway and they'd ask, 'Have you got a Commodore 64 down there? Are you loading Pac-Man? Is that Hal dying?'

Well, she survived the millennium bug - she could probably survive the apocalypse to be honest. Hence why I never got rid of her, as such, and decided to hand her down to my mother-in-law when she suddenly jumped onto the PC band-wagon at the ripe old age of 75.

'It's a little bit faint,' she told me down the phone. 'I'll get you some more ink,' I responded - and turned up the following morning during Bridge. 'Don't mind me girls,' and they followed me in just as I realised that I probably hadn't changed the ink cartridge for approximately ten years. 'He knows what he's doing,' my mother-in-law assured the rest of them - as if I was embarking on some forbidden journey to the dark side of humiliation.

Needless to say, me and the ink-jet wrestled, argued, huffed and puffed. 'There's no need to shout, dear,' one of the spectators said. 'I'M NOT SHOUTING!' I replied casually and in complete control. 'It's just being stubb-ORN!' And slowly they filed out - only to be interrupted later by my dishevelled ink-covered self politely asking for a cloth.

For a range of goods from computers and associated products - eg the printer cartridge - to garden products, furniture, lingerie through jewellery to clothing and even a washing machine to keep them clean, Shopping.com is a great way to find products online, and includes product reviews.

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Best LCD TV - What Factors Should I Consider?

When it comes to size, resolution and picture quality, more and more people are opting for an LCD TV. These are currently the bestselling flat and high-definition televisions today, preferred by more consumers because they come in a wide variety of sizes, fits just about anywhere and are light enough to be mounted on the wall just like an ordinary picture frame. But with so many choices today, how do you find the best LCD TV? Here are some factors to consider, along with a few recommendations.

LCDs explained

LCD is short for liquid crystal display. This refers to the type of technology used on the screen of the TV to produce images. Thanks to backlighting, LCD TVs are better than older CRT models using fluorescent lights to produce a wider variety of colors. This is also the technology that allows even distribution of light across the whole screen, so overall brightness is consistent.

Does size matter in TV?

Apparently, it does. The best LCD TVs today are those that offer a good range of sizes - from desktop computer-sized 15" units to more home theater-friendly 70". Bigger units even come with tuners and surround sound speakers to better enhance the home theater experience.

Picture quality

Admittedly, even the best LCD TVs have visual performance issues they have to contend with. Some of their main drawbacks are the low refresh rate (leading to relatively slower response time), low contrast ratio compared to plasma TVs and blurring during fast action sequences.

However, LCD TV manufacturers are promising better performance in the next generation LCD TVs. That means, we can expect significantly higher response rates and tweaks that will resolve blurs during high-speed car chases and fight scenes in future models.

How to choose the best LCD TV

Here are some factors to consider:

Size

Probably the major consideration you need to keep in mind is the LCD TV's size. It has to fit the area where it will be placed and must be big enough to optimize your viewing experience and small enough not to overwhelm. Remember that the best LCD TVs are built for maximum viewing pleasure at a distance. So if you have a 40" set, you should at have enough space in the room to allow you to sit at a distance of 5 feet or so. The larger the TV, the farther the area you should view it from.

Resolution

This is another gauge in which the best LCD TVs are measured. Resolution refers to the overall picture quality of the TV. The higher the number, the sharper and clearer the image. High definition formats generally range from about 720p to 1080p.

However, if budget is a major concern, there's no need to pay extra for higher resolution. Even 720p LCDs can already produce excellent images and reliable picture quality. The difference between a 720 and a 1080 is almost negligible especially if you have access to shows with HD programming.

Brand

In some cases, brand loyalty matters when deciding which LCD TV is best. If you must consider the manufacturer, look for top names such as Samsung, Sony, LG, Philips or Vizio. These brands have some of the best models in the industry, with several premium offers available.

Price

If you stick by a particular brand and consider a larger-sized LCD TV, some of the best you'll find can set you back at least $700 for a decent-sized 32". Bigger sizes starting at 37" can cost from about $1,500 to $3,000. However, you could still shave off a few hundred dollars by opting for lesser-known brands that are typically sold by distributors at stores like Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy. You'll generally get the same picture quality at about 15% to 20% less.

Discount LCD TV is a consumer electronics website which stocks the latest plasma and LCD widescreen televisions from the major manufacturers. We have plenty of information and advice for buyers on what to look for when buying the Best LCD TV.

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Nokia's Latest Cell Phone Nokia 8600 Luna

Nokia has announced their Nokia 8600 Luna to start shipping this quarter. This thing just oozes so much sexiness that we just had to dedicate a whole separate post to this super-slick handset. The translucent black slider crafted out of steel and glass, rocks-out like the high-end designer phone that it is. We love the incredible display paired up with the smooth, clean lines and that 2 mega pixel camera. The melding of nearly opaque smoked glass with unique, soft touch stainless steel makes the Nokia 8600 Luna as enchanting to behold as it is a joy to touch. Adding to its mysterious allure, a gentle keypad illumination pulsates from beneath the glass case while the phone awaits a call.

Combined with the warmth of its glass and stainless steel body, this "heartbeat" transforms the Nokia 8600 Luna from an inanimate object into a trusted companion with an organic, virtually alive form. When a call does beckon, the signature slide movement is carefully balanced to smoothly raise the ergonomic keypad from within its glass cocoon. Nokia added another trend-setter to its growing list of phones with the shiny Nokia 8600 Luna.

Underneath the glass lies the keypad's illumination giving it a distinguishing look. When a call is received, the ergonomic keypad slides out of its glass shell. Named after the goddess of moonlight, the Nokia 8600 Luna is a fashion accessory you don't want to miss. That doesn't mean the Luna is low on features - far from it. This quad-band GSM phone has a micro-USB port allowing you to charge it or use it for audio/data connectivity. A 2 mega pixel camera is included as well.

Representing Nokia 8600 Luna in the website http://www.phoneandbeyond.com

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Arabic TV Online

There are many countries that have Arabic television online. Some of these countries include Morocco and the UAE or the United Arab Emirates. These are just two of the most significant countries broadcasting this type of media. Most of the stations shown here are news telecasts that are obviously using the Arabic language, which is mostly understood in most of the Arab countries in the world. This service also requires a proper internet connection in order for the content to be rendered to all. An Arab situated I other countries like America can now enjoy these types of services wherever he or she maybe. This is in fact one of the most important advantages the globalization of the internet connection. It is simply reaching out to all in every place anytime.

Channels like Morocco television regularly broadcast live recent films and music amongst others. Moreover, there are even other networks like the Qatar television station which is an independent Arabic satellite news channel richly updated with important news and different views from the public. They also broadcast both international news and local news. Other shows like sports are offered here as well. These services are really useful most especially to the Arabs communities. There is even a station in Lebanon with an aim towards enhancing the civilized role of Arabic and Islamic communities online. There is also another independent Arab online channel, which is free-spirited and based in Dubai.

There is no discrimination when you are connected to the internet because you can view all the stations you love or that suite you language. Therefore, if you are away from your mother country and you don't understand the language broadcasted there and you happen to be an Arab then just log-in to Arabic TV online and all of your home sickness will slowly fade away.

The easiest way to Arabic TV Online is with the TVChannels2PC Internet TV software. For a small one time investment you will have access to live sports, full episodes, movies, news, weather and much more. Why pay high monthly fees for satellite or cable?

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Audiobahn Subwoofers

Audiobhan subwoofers have carved a niche for themselves as the most performance oriented subwoofers in the market today. They offer a host of features including high quality sound, optimized bass effect and an astounding capability to handle power effectively. At present the Audiobhan Subwoofers are the latest craze in the digital market for their powerful performance and elegant styling. I believe the prices are quiet competitive and can help you take a decision at the snap of your fingertip.

If you are thinking that the durability is a matter of concern, think twice, for out here the Audiobhan Subwoofer range is manufactured using the best possible raw materials which are not only durable but long lasting in nature. So you can be rest assured that it would have a long lasting life.

If we take into consideration the color combinations then the colors here are rich and vibrant and they appear vivid as well as diverse. Apt for leaving a positive impact on all consumers, the subwoofers from Audiobhan are simply a treat for the eyes.

In sync with the latest designs and styles, the classy Audiobhan Subwoofers have all that one needs to make a lasting fashion statement. The patterns are rich and have all the qualities one needs to make a desired product. So over here, you needn't worry about the product as it is always fine tuned to suit the latest market trends.

At the same time, if you have half a mind to assess the quality, then you needn't worry, for the over here, you are bound to get the best. If you are looking to buy a subwoofer, be sure to check this 'top of the line product', before taking a final decision. After all, it's best to first measure the depth of the water before jumping into a well.

So, go right ahead and explore a whole new world where there are plenty of subwoofers but very few places to clinch an ideal deal. Out here, you need to be a judge of your own actions, as the money you spend is entirely yours and the time is also your own-both, as we all know, are very precious in life.

If you are looking for discount Audiobahn Subwoofers, please visit: http://caraudiosport.com

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Video Editing on Your Computer

Have you wondered about how difficult and expensive it would be to edit your home video movies? Anyone who has held a video camera for more than a few minutes has had the experience of shooting something you really don't want to share; that shot of Uncle Joe picking his nose at a wedding; the time you accidentally hit the button while carrying the camera and shot 30 seconds of your shoes; the big football game where somebody jumped up right in front of you and all you got was the back of their head...

Perhaps you just want to add some background music or some narration, or maybe a few captions and credits. The great news is that video editing on your home computer has become relatively easy, and some of the tools to do it are FREE.

Most people today have computers equipped with the Windows XP operating system. If you have Windows XP or the new Vista, you have a tool already called Windows Movie Maker. If you have an early version of XP or have never upgraded to Service Pack 2, you may have version 1. Windows Movie Maker version 2.1 can be downloaded from Microsoft at no cost.

Windows Movie Maker can be used to do all kinds of basic editing including cutting, trimming and rearranging your shots (called "clips"), but is also capable of adding a surprising number of professional looking special effects like transitions and dissolves. Windows Move Maker is intended to be a simple, basic tool that covers everything that most casual home video editors might want or need, and it succeeds. You can work with an audio music or narration track, and there is a simple "Title and Credits" tool that allows you to place lettering on the screen.

For perhaps 90% of casual video editors, Windows Movie Maker does everything you want or need. For the rest of us amateur Steven Spielberg wannabees, there are several boxed software products available for under $100 that expand your abilities to include things like split screen/picture-in-picture effects, multiple layered audio tracks, and flexible animated credits and graphics.

Keeping it simple, the first challenge you face when you decide to edit your home videos on your home computer, is how the heck do you get the video into the computer? If you have a camcorder that records on mini-DV tapes, you may search all you want, but you are not likely to find a slot anywhere on your computer where you can plug that tape in. If you have an older style camcorder that uses VHS tapes or if you have old family movies on VHS you want to edit, you are in even more of a pickle. What do you do?

Capturing the Video

The first step to being able to video edit is to transfer the movies and sound onto your computer's hard drive. Generally, the movies and sound also have to be converted into a standard type of computer file called "AVI" which stands for "Audio-Video Interleave". This process of transferring and conversion is referred to as "capturing". It may be necessary for you to spend a few dollars to buy a hardware interface device to hook up between your computer and your video camera or VCR. Most modern DV camcorders come equipped with an interface called IEEE-1394, also referred to as "FireWire" or "Sony iLink". If your camcorder has that and your computer also has an IEEE-1394 plug-in, all you will need is a cable to hook them together.

If you are transferring older VHS video into your computer to edit and save to DVDs (for example) you may need to buy an analog to digital converter box. They are widely available and inexpensive. Some dual-door VCRs are available that allow you to copy your non-copyrighted home videos to DVDs which can then be placed into the standard DVD player on your (newer) computer. You will still have to capture the video from the DVD to convert it into an AVI file for editing.

Using the Timeline

Nearly all computer video editing solutions, even professional versions costing thousands of dollars, use some kind of "timeline" screen to assist you in ordering and organizing your video shots. After you capture your video into the computer, you need to organize it into pieces called "clips" by cutting out bad shots and things you don't want like out of focus or very shaky parts. The remaining clips you arrange on the timeline in sequential order. They can be in any order you want and you can even mix clips from different sources. Your creativity is your only limit here. The timeline is where you can add your optional narration, musical background, and simple or fancy transitions. There are add-on packages available for Windows Movie Maker to permits you to apply more advanced effects to your videos as well.

Publishing

Publishing is the term used to describe saving your edited video in a form where you can share it with others. Windows Movie Maker includes the ability to save your edited movies as files in several forms, including those favored by internet self-publishing services like YouTube and Google Video.

Typically people want to save their finished video home movies to a DVD, and unfortunately that is a key function Microsoft chose to leave out of simple little Windows Movie Maker. You will need a DVD publishing program to burn your movies to DVD, and those generally have to be bought. Of course, you also need to have a DVD recorder, and if you don't have one you will need to buy one, typically for under $100 for an internal unit you install inside your computer case in place of (or in addition to) the existing CD player. Many DVD recorders come packaged with a basic DVD burning software package such as Sonic Solutions MyDVD, which can be used to author DVD's from the movies you have created and saved as files with Windows Movie Maker.

Editing your home video movies in your home computer can be a lot of fun, and cheaper and easier than you may have imagined.

For more information:

Secrets to making better videos

Free introduction to computer video editing

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Christmas Brings Lots of Best Phone Deals

Christmas is round the corner and everyone is planning how to celebrate or make this festival more exciting. Christmas is a season of joy and fun therefore everybody is planning about the gift which they are going to present to their loved ones. While searching from various online shops you can find variety of gift but choosing the best is a difficult task. You must buy a gift that gives a pleasant smile on the face of your beloved one. The most appropriate gift on this coming Christmas festival is buying a mobile phone.

Most of the phones coming these days have stunning look and mid blowing capabilities that's definitely give a nice mile to your loved one. Buying a phone is again a tedious task but due to online presence of several mobile phone shops this becomes an easy task. Online phone shop is a great way to choose a perfect phone for your family or friend. You can easily search on that phone shops according to your budget and need because most of the phones available on these shops are along with some exclusive or thrilling gifts. With the collaboration effort of leading UK phone network you may get some mid blowing gifts like free LCD TV or Sony Vaio Laptop with the deal.

In this Christmas, most preferred handset or gift is Nokia N96 & Samsung Tocco which has brilliant specifications and attractive look. A high intensity megapixel camera, fast internet browsing experience, better connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & Infra-red etc. Apart from these valuable features these latest devices fulfills your business needs as well.

Some of the fashionable phones which you can present to your special friends include Samsung Soul Pink, Motorola RAZR2 V9 and LG Viewty. These are some popular fancy phone which definitely makes your beloved one happy and excited. All type of high end and low end phones are available on some top online phone shops. Getting a best contract deals is now easy as well as comfortable. Some of the best pay monthly deals come with big savings or attractive offers, so don't let it go from your hand. Search according to your choice or need and get something fantastic to make this Christmas more exciting.

David J Martin is an expert and authentic author in writing reviews and valuable news for readers. He writes some valuable articles for various online phone shops. This Christmas phone deal article is one of them.

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What is a Widescreen?

Widescreen refers to the width of the screen in contrast with its height. This is also known as the aspect ratio. A traditional TV may be rather square in shape, and that is because the width is similar (or almost) to the height. The aspect ratio of the traditional TV is 1:1.

A widescreen on the other hand, has a wider screen compared to its height. The ratio of a widescreen TV is 16:9, which makes the TV obviously rectangular in shape. Not only does the widescreen TV looks more modern, it is better for the view of the human eyes too. In fact, it is more natural for the human eyes to view. This improves a user's experience and transfers information more accurately to the user.

Many cinematic films are made for the widescreen TV, which is why if you view them on the traditional TV instead, you don't actually see the whole image, because the sides are 'cropped' off. You are bound to agree that it is easier and more enjoyable to watch on a widescreen instead of the traditional one.

If you buy a TV nowadays, it is likely to be widescreen. This of course, applies to all the plasmas and LCDs. You have a choice of an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9. You can watch with an aspect ratio of 16:9 even if the film is meant for 4:3, if you don't mind stretching the images.

The widescreen TV is more expensive than the traditional one because of its technology. The former offers a higher resolution on a slimmer platform. In fact, it is wider but slimmer. The result is improved viewing and an up-to-date look.

Such a TV is ideal to make your home-theater set-up and for more people to use, such as when located in a spacious room.

Just click on widescreen TV to find out more on this topic, as well as other technologies that come into our daily lives.

Please visit Widescreen and Widescreen TV for more information.

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Soundproofing - A Brief Summary

Soundproofing is the action taken to reduce the intensity of sound with respect to the receiver. The receiver can refer to a human, a listening or recording device or a piece of sensitive equipment affected by sound waves and their subsequent vibrations. The degree of soundproofing depends on the sensitivity of the receiver and its proximity to the source of the sound.

There are several different techniques that can be implemented when soundproofing. These include:

• PASSIVE TECHNIQUES
  • Noise barriers
  • Acoustic insulators
  • Vibration dampers


• ACTIVE TECHNIQUES
  
  • Anti-noise sound generators and interference cancellations

PASSIVE TECHNIQUES

Noise barriers are often seen adorning the highways and train lines of major cities. Their primary purpose is to mitigate the amount of noise pollution caused by the constant stream of traffic by deflecting the sound away from the urban population. These barriers are constructed from high density materials like cement or SDS (sound deadening steel) which also absorbs some of the sound.

Acoustic insulators confine noise within the insulated area. Record producers make use of this technique within their studio rooms to prevent 'bleed' from instruments between rooms. Many home theater systems utilize acoustic insulation to 'trap' the sounds within the theater space with the intention of enhancing the audio/visual experience.

Vibration damping is the most common form of treating unwanted mechanical noise. Aside from the obtrusive implications of unwanted noise pollution, vibration can cause irreparable damage to structures due to crack propagation from stress fatigue. Vibration dampers are elastic in their physical make up, allowing them to 'move with the mechanics' of the overall system and generally speaking, the more elastic a damper is, the more effective it will be at reducing the system's oscillations. Rubber pads or coil springs are excellent vibration dampers.

ACTIVE TECHNIQUES

Soundproofing using the active method employs the use of anti-noise devices which emit a pressure wave at the same amplitude, but exactly out of phase with the sound source, canceling each other out. What this suggests is the natural 'mountain valley' cycles of a wave are exactly opposite to each other; (I.E. when the initial source wave is in 'mountain phase' the anti-noise device will be in its 'valley phase'.) Once the two waves combine, they rescind each other back to a state of equilibrium. White noise devices, (which are analogous to white light in that they contain all the frequencies of the audio spectrum) perform noise cancellations by emitting a slight static buzz, which can sound very similar to rain, or the ocean, but that actively neutralizes any sound waves operating at the same amplitude.

James Ferguson is the owner of AcousticTreatment.com - a website dedicated to achieving the maximum sound quality of a room. You can read more about soundproofing by visiting http://www.AcousticTreatment.com

Copyright AcousticTreatment.com - The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact and the article is not used in spam. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

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Satellite TV For PC - Watch Unlimited Cinemax, HBO, & Starz

It's a well known fact among Satellite TV for PC fans that Online Satellite Television can be for movie lovers. There are many things that force you to pay continuously just to watch television on Cable TV such as Pay-per-view. It can be extremely expensive to go to the movies because even the purchase of a bottle of water can be 5$ alone!

Satellite TV for PC has actually saved people tons of moneys in which they can afford the necessities in their life such as bills, food, etc. They can spin minimal money on their entertainment and maximum on their needs!

The Satellite TV for PC not only serves movie goers but it also serves those who love to watch episodes on television, sitcoms, LIVE sports events, etc. Movies are probably one of the greatest features of any television provider because movies give us a chance to embrace the character and a plot-line; even if it's only for an hour or two.

It's tough when it comes to trying to get these channels on Cable TV, as you have to pay an arm and a leg for each one; however, with Satellite TV for PC, you can watch unlimited without paying a monthly fee + the extra cash that it takes to pay for these channels on Cable TV. There is no monthly or extra fees when it comes to Satellite TV for PC.

Satellite TV for PC gives you the option to watch your favorite movie and movie channels on the comforts of your PC or even Laptop. There are even some phones that allow the downloading of this software to stream television on there! The possibilities are starting to become unlimited; in fact watching your favorite movie channels is just the beginning.

HBO boxing, shows like "Real Time with Bill Maher", "Da Ali G Show", "Def Poetry", "Six Feet Under"; "The Brothers Solomon", and many others are just the tip of the ice-berg when it comes to watching Satellite TV streaming on your PC.

The only thing that is recommended before you enjoy this experience is that you have at least Windows 95 with a working media player. An internet connection (56K modem required, however broadband is recommended); You also may want to make sure you have a basic video card, basic sound speakers or headphones, and a monitor that can play basic video formats.

Jay Andrade is a huge fan of watching TV on the PC. +3500 LIVE streaming Channels straight to your computer. Satellite TV for PC can be instantly on yours after a simple download. No wires, messy wires, or monthly fees are required to enjoy Satellite TV for PC. Visit http://satellitecore.blogspot.com for more information on Satellite TV for PC

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Interesting DVD Storage Ideas

Storage of DVD's is a major concern among all the population everywhere. A common and simple way of storing DVD's is the use of DVD case or customizing a cabinet which suits according your needs. Even narrow gaps at your home can act as a storage medium. Drawers make excellent and convenient place to store DVD's. They can also be stored beneath the stairs and under the bed where secrecy has to be maintained. Another cheap idea to store your DVD's is to use shoe boxes. A variety of racks and shelves of different sizes are available in the market.

CD and DVD storage units: An ideal desktop storage is a mesh unit with sliding doors. A cubeoid CD rack is also useful as a sturdy rack and in an organized manner. Some handmade LP cases are available which have a provision for security and a carrying handle. Rectangular boxes with lids and handle provide another way to store DVD's which can store upto 26 CDs and anything that has to be kept out of sight.

A four drawer unit supported by steel frames is quite compact and trendy. It is also portable and fits in almost any corner of your room. A wall mounted CD-rack holds upto 64 DVD's and also makes provision to add more DVD's in your collection. Boxes which range from 3 litres to 18 liters can hold upto 80 DVD's. These are portable and can be kept in the car also. A toy box is also of great use. Sweetie wrappers, fizzy drink labels give a lovely look. Another innovative way to store your DVD's is to create pockets in your curtains with the size that fits them.

Another funky way is to make use of origami with shapes of different sizes and store those DVD's as part of showpiece. A wall hanging can be made in which DVD's can be fitted such that it serves the purpose of decoration as well as storage medium also.

Visit us for more tips and ideas on DVD storage and floating shelves.

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The Simple Facts About the Digital TV Transition

By now you may have heard that February 17, 2009 is that date when the change will take place, but the fact is that date is the deadline when the major broadcasting stations must stop broadcasting the analog signals and must make the change to digital. This means that many of the stations are already broadcasting the digital signal now.

There are three ways in which people receive a TV signal.

Using a Satellite provider
Using a cable provider
Over the air with either and indoor or outdoor antenna

The fact is that if you already have Cable or Satellite, the transition should not affect you at all. However if you are using an antenna, then there are some simple measures you will need to take in order to still receive a signal

Satellite already broadcasts, an all digital signal, and as long as you have a satellite receiver, nothing will change for you when the transition is made. Since a set-top box (receiver) is already required to receive a signal, all your sets will work fine regardless if the set is the newer digital type or the old analog type.

For those households that get their TV signals through their cable company, your current TV sets are connected to the cable either through a set-top box or the cable is plugged directly into your TV. People may also have some sets with boxes and others with just the cable connection

Since the FCC has agreed to allow cable companies to covert the new digital signals to analog signals that non-digital TV sets now receive, analog TVs in these cable homes will still be able to show a signal. Right now TVs will not require a set-top box until at least 2012.

As for the households without cable or satellite TV who still want to receive their TV signals for free, the answer is simple. All you need is an inexpensive DTV converter box, which will convert the new digital signals to analog signals. These boxes cost about $40.00 to $50.00 each, but homeowners can take advantage of the government coupon program that gives you a $40.00 credit toward the purchase of an approved convert box.

These boxes usually connect to the TV by way of the RCA jacks and you will need either rabbit ears or an attic or rooftop antenna to receive the signal into the box which then coverts the signal so that you can view the picture on the TV set. You do not have to go out and buy a new antenna if you already own one, because your existing antenna will work just fine. You will not have to replace your antenna with a DTV antenna, so don't be fooled into buying something you don't need.

There is one more option for over the air TVs and that is simply by a DTV with a built in tuner, and you will be able to receive the digital signal. Since almost all DTV sets are now HDTVs, you will have the added bonus of being able to receive any broadcast High Definition signals, which greatly enhances the picture. You will still however, need an antenna.

Here is one more bonus for those of you receiving your signal over the air; you will receive extra programming because of the multicast sub-channels that many broadcasters have to accompany their main broadcast channel.

In conclusion, as long as you make use of any of the three methods for receiving and converting the signals mentioned above before February 17, 2009, you won't be without a TV picture on your set.

In 2007, Rick Maselli founded RTM Directories Inc. and as president of this company his goal is to help the do-it-yourself people out there to have a one stop home improvement resource and that resulted in his new website, http://www.showroom411.com

Showroo411.com is Your Ultimate Home Improvement Resource which is free to the public and reflects all the hard work that Rick has put into to being a building Pro.

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Verizon FiOS TV Brings 100% Digital TV to Your Living Room

One of the best things about seeing films in the theater is the fabulous picture and amazing sound. Now you can recreate that theater experience at home with Verizon FiOS. Verizon FiOS TV brings 100% digital TV into your living room, giving you the same crystal clear picture and excellent sound that you get in the theater at home. Wouldn't you rather stay home and see all your favorite shows and movies instead of going out to the theater?

Very soon analog TVs will no longer be made, and every TV will be equipped for digital TV and will work well with Verizon FiOS TV. This is because consumers know that digital TV is far superior to standard TV and are demanding digital TV and movies in their homes. Verizon FiOS is the first 100% fiber optic network that was built to provide the best digital TV and digital sound possible. And because it's from Verizon you know that the prices are reasonable.

Some people think that they don't really need to sign up for Verizon FiOS TV service because their current TV service isn't bad. But why not sign up for a service that brings you better quality, more choices, and sharper sound when it will cost about the same or even less than what you're paying for now? If you want to save money and get the best digital TV service then signing up for Verizon FiOS digital TV service is a smart move.

If you want to save money on the Verizon FiOS TV service you can sign up for a Verizon bundle. Signing up for Verizon FiOS ultra high speed Internet service or digital phone service will give you high quality Internet and phone services not to mention you can save a lot of money by using Verizon for all your home media and communication services. You'll have just one bill every month and best of all everything can run through the same fiber optic cables which means an easier installation and no maintenance.

Wouldn't it be nice to entertain friends and family in your home? If you have Verizon FiOS digital TV you could have regular movie nights where family and friends could come over to watch favorite TV shows or the latest movies. With the Verizon DVR you can ever record your favorite shows and movies in digital and play them back at a later time. Entertaining at home will be more comfortable and a lot cheaper than going out to dinner and you get the benefit of relaxing in your own home.

If you have a high definition TV then subscribing to Verizon FiOS can take high definition to another level with the 100% digital FiOS network. You have not seen high definition until you've seen digital high definition TV. You will be amazed at the quality of the picture and the sound and you'll never go back to regular TV again. Check out Verizin FiOS 100% digital TV service today and see the difference for yourself.

Russell Blanc manages an online resource about broadband and Verizon FiOS.

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HDTV - 720p, 1080i, and 1080p?

It seems that everyone is buying a new HDTV set this year. Conversation around the water cooler is full of techy buzzwords. When the HDTV standard in the U.S. was originated by the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee), they defined eighteen different standards, but not all of the standards are in common use.

The standards that you should be familiar with for HDTV (High Definition TV) are 720p, 1080i, and more recently 1080p. The number in the format (for example "720") is the vertical lines of display resolution and the letter in the format (for example "p") stands for the display technique. The letter "p" means "progressive" scan, and the letter "i" means "interlaced".

HDTV (both 720p, 1080i, and 1080p) has a wide screen aspect ratio of 16:9 (width: height). EDTV (enhanced definition) is a standard definition TV (SDTV the format before HDTV), but with some software "interpolation". EDTV delivers a picture that is superior to that of SDTV, but not as sharp as HDTV. EDTV uses progressive scanning. EDTV sometimes has an aspect ratio of 16:9 (wide screen).

For reference, standard definition TV (SDTV, the format before HDTV) has 480 lines of vertical resolution and has an aspect ratio of 4:3. The SDTV signal is the U.S. has historically been an interlaced signal. This means that your TV set draws each frame in two passes: once for the even horizontal lines and a second pass for the odd lines. The specification is a maximum resolution for the technology, but often, the signal sources are less than the maximum. For example, VHS tape has approximately 240 lines of vertical resolution, over the air broadcast SDTV has approximately 330 lines of vertical resolution, and a SDTV DVD has approximately 480 lines of vertical resolution.

The televisions in Europe and Japan have been (and are) progressive format. A progressive format makes a single pass for all of the lines. Progressive pictures look a bit smoother than an interlaced image, especially when there's a lot of movement on the screen, like sports.

To add to the confusion, BluRay DVDs do, and later this year, the satellite TV companies will, broadcast in 1080p. This standard has both the higher number of lines of vertical resolution, and the preferred progressive format. The Dish Network will begin satellite broadcast in 1080p in August 2008 with 150 HDTV channels, and DirecTV will begin both satellite and Internet broadcast by the end of 2008, with about 130 channels of HDTV programming. The satellite companies compress their signal with MPEG-4 techniques, which reduces the bandwidth needed for broadcast. Currently, the only source material for 1080p is movies, especially movies originally made for IMAX. None of the major networks (ABC, ESPN, etc.) has yet announced support for 1080p. In addition, Sony Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have 1080p games.

HDTV Video Format: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p, the higher number is better, right? Even though 1080i technically has a higher resolution, it is not the obvious choice. 1080i has 1080 vertical lines of resolution and 1920 horizontal lines of resolution. 720p has 720 lines of vertical resolution and has 1280 lines of horizontal resolution. But the 720p system is progressively scanned. This compensates for the lower level of resolution. The 1080p signal is the best of both worlds, more picture information with a progressive format.

If your signal received, for example for a satellite receiver, is primarily standard definition, a 1080p TV will not significantly improve your picture when compared to a 720p TV. The picture quality is fundamentally limited by the source signal (480 lines of vertical resolution). Similarly, if your signal has a 720 source, then the 1080 TV will not improve your picture. All High Def sports broadcasts from Fox, ESPN, and ABC are broadcast in 720p.

Some networks have opted for the 1080i format because it provides the more picture information, while ABC, Fox, ESPN, and the National Geographic Channel have chosen the smoother pictures of 720p. HDTV programming on CBS, NBC, and other networks is broadcast in 1080i. The new 1080i or 1080p HDTVs will probably make this type of programming somewhat sharper than it would appear on a 720p TV. This becomes more important because as the TV screen gets larger, the visible difference in detail between 720p and 1080i and 1080p displays becomes more apparent. Because of this, most HDTV sets larger than 50 inches are 1080p or 1080i.

1080p HDTV System Capabilities:

A 1080p HDTV displays all inputs signals at 1080p, because this is the normal resolution of the unit. If the system is less than 1080i or 1080p, then a special purpose chip in your HDTV scales the signal. It will interpolate, like the EDTV does with a SDTV signal. If the signal is 1080i, the system will combine the odd and even interlaced frames and display the full signal as 1080p. The resulting performance should be similar to a true 1080p video source.

Cable HDTV:

More than 100 million U.S. homes can receive HDTV from their cable system, and all of the top 100 cable markets in the country have available HDTV programming. Unfortunately, most cable providers carry only a few of the 50+ available HDTV networks.

Satellite HDTV:

While HDTV local channel selection is generally better on cable than satellite, the major satellite companies offer more national HDTV channels than almost every cable provider. Both DirecTV and the Dish Network have promised to offer more than 130 HDTV channels by the end of the year. "Satellite's going to be constrained not so much by how many channels they can carry than by how many they can get," Bob Scherman, Satellite Business News.

By 2010, 60% of U.S. homes will use a Satellite signal, up from 15% in 2002.

Summary:

Screen resolution for HDTV has become comparable to microprocessor clock speed for personal computers. Even though clock speed is not necessarily a perfect indication of overall system performance, often the consumer thinks of it that way.

Interestingly, when an expert group, the SMPTE (Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers), recently ranked the importance of resolution, it came in fourth. The SMPTE ranked contrast ratio, color saturation, color temperature and grayscale ahead of resolution in importance. The Imaging Science Foundation reached a similar conclusion. However, most HDTV manufacturers bundle quality traits such as improved contrast ratio with higher screen resolutions into their top of the line HDTVs. So if you purchase a set with top of the line screen resolution, you more than likely will receive the top of the manufacturer's product line for other important screen criteria.

Prices have dropped significantly the last two years, but it appears that the rate of price reduction has been slowing significantly recently. "Television shoppers who visit mass merchants may be more concerned with obtaining a low price and may not be seeking expert advice. However, television shoppers should be aware that the lower prices they find at mass merchants are primarily due to the fact that these stores tend to carry second tier brand TVs, rather than major brands such as Sony or Panasonic. When pricing for a specific television model is compared at each type of retailer, the prices are surprisingly similar," J.D. Power's Larry Wu.

And on a final note, be sure to account for the Audio side of your system. George Lucas (Star Wars) once said audio is half the movie viewing experience. It's also true for a good football or basketball game.

About the Author: Brian Bradshaw is a Certified Technical Specialist (InfoComm CTS). Areas of expertise include Video, Audio, Computation, HDTV, Satellite Systems, and Communications. He has a communications technology business in Plano, Texas (Dallas). More information can be found at his Website: http://bradshaw-vacuum-technology.com

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Samsung Flat LCD - A Review of the Samsung Flat LCD LNxxA850 Series

Gone are the days of big screen tv models that were so big they would take up a significant portion of the room where they were located creating an eyesore for the entire family. Today's flat screen LCDs are a fraction of the size and can be tastefully displayed in a family room, den or living room. The Samsung flat LCD A850 series is incredibly less then two inches thick. With the flat screen and stylish "Touch of Color" bezel, the Samsung is a piece of art in itself.

Samsung continues to produce better performing tvs, with more and more features at prices that are more and more affordable for the average consumer. Samsung flat LCD tvs are well known for their crystal clear clarity and vivid colors.

The A850 Series 8 Samsung flat LCD offers a full 1080p HD resolution at 120Hz. It has a contrast ratio of 50,000:1 making it capable of producing dark blacks and lighter light areas. It's 4ms response time, along with 120Hz display makes it a great choice for a smoothly displaying images with a lot of fast action such as sports and video games. As mentioned earlier though, the area that sets this tv apart from previous models is the super slim 1.9" thick depth of the tv.

The Series 8 models come with another distinction from previous models and that is the addition of the A860 model. The A860 is also a "Touch of Color" model, but instead of an amber color it comes in a subtle blue bezel color.

In addition, this Samsung flat LCD offers various other key features such as 4 HDMI ports, Info link for up to date feeds of sports, news and weather, and a USB port for connecting USB devices to the LCD for viewing photos, home movies or listening to mp3s. The Samsung flat LCD also is DLNA compatible for easy interaction with devices from many different manufacturers.

If you are in the market for a new HD tv, I would recommend that you consider a Samsung flat LCD and if a super slim case in addition to a great picture is important to you the LNxxA850 or A860 Series may be just the tv for you.

So kick back and enjoy the latest hit movie with your family or get ready for the big game with friends with a tv that will look great in your home.

For more information about this popular Samsung A850 series LCD as well as a review of some of the other best LCD flat panels stop by familyhometheaterguide.com

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The Truth About HD TV's - Myths Explained

Flat TVs have trouble retaining resolution when displaying fast moving images.

This is not strictly true, although it can affect some Televisions. Plasma TVs can present moving objects without loss of crispness or detail. As the pixels can be lit, and de-lit almost instantly there is no loss of image quality depending on the scene speed.

Some LCD TVs however do suffer from problems. Even the fastest LCD screens can suffer with some degree of movement blurring as the pixel must be lit, and de-lit from an electronic charge. LCD technology is getting better however, although you should "try before you buy" to see if the set you are interested in suffers from this.

Screen burn.Although some of the very early TV's suffered from screen burn, it is no longer a problem so you should not worry about this. You can now play computer games or watch channels with static logo's on a TVs without worrying about various static image elements being on the screen for a long period of time. Some TV's do suffer a small amount of image retention - that is, you may see a remnant of the image still there as soon as you turn it back on, however after a short while of watching another channel this completely disappears.

Plasma TV's are not a car - They do not need refilling

Many people think that plasma screens need to have the gas refilled in order for it to work. This is completely untrue and you do not need to worry about this.

Lifespan - its not dead and buried yet, dear.

When a plasma TV lifespan is quoted, it is usually in (thousands of) hours. However, many take this as when the TV will break. This is not the case. The actual lifespan quoted is for the TV to to run until "half brightness". That is - the TV will still work, but the picture may not be as awesome as when you first got it. Time to relegate it to the bedroom/study/games room and buy a new model.

Flat TVs have poor viewing angles.

This myth again depends on the set, and the technology. Plasma TVs can actually be watched from very wide viewing angles without any significant loss in color or contrast, thanks to the fact that they emit light directly from each of their screen cells or pixels.

Some LCDs do have problems displaying pictures from wide angles and again, try before you buy.

Higher Resolution is not always better

It is a common myth that a higher screen resolution will give a better picture. This is however not always the case.

More importantly is the screens internal processing (i.e how it displays the picture) and at the time of writing, the pioneer plasma screens, although the only have 1024x768 resolution will display a better image than sets of 1920x1080 (1080p). Before rushing out and buying the latest-and-greatest set (don't all manufacturers claim their set is better than all the others?) you should ask a local electronic store to hook up 2 or 3 screens you have considered buying and compare the image. Not every has the same opinion on how they like their images to look.

The author is an expert on HD-TV's and HD Television related information, with many years experience at dealing with Television equipment.
More information can be found at the hd-television website or blog

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Sony VAIO VGNTZ17GN-B

Sneak Peek

With the Windows Vista Business operating system Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B is one of the best notebooks to have. It also sports an in-built camera for all those who like to have video chat. There are no color options available with this notebook. It comes in black color.

Key Features

Battery life of a notebook is the major concern for most of you when you look out for one. With Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B you may rest assured on this front. This notebook gives you the optimum amount of back-up. The total battery life is approximately 11 hours. This makes Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B definitely one of the best notebooks on the battery front. The notebook comes in black color giving it a very professional look, hardly giving you a chance to complain. This notebook will impress students as well as business executives in a similar way, because it has style, looks, and even not heavy.

Design

The Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B comes with the weight of 1.2 kg which is amongst the lightest laptops available. Its dimensions are 277 x 198.2 x 22.5 mm. It is a very sleek notebook. You will love it when you open it. The flap of Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B is so thin and compact that you can make out that the notebook is not heavy with having a look at it.

For internet and fax utilities, the Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B is provided with 802.11a/b/g WiFi port and an internal modem with the speed of 56 kbps. The screen size of VGNTZ17GN/B is 11.1" widescreen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 dpi.

Core Information

The memory of the Sony Laptops are the process Cache Memory which is 2048 KB. This form of memory can be considered as an intermediary between the main physical RAM and the CPU. The cache makes any data regularly used by CPU instantly obtainable. If the required information is not located in the collection, a fetch is made from the main memory.

Cutting Edge Technology

With all the good features, only one thing of concern is the camera which is in-built. The resolution is merely 0.3 megapixels which dose not has a very good picture quality. Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B also has in built speakers as well. These make the gaming experience on this laptop a nice one. Sony VAIO VGN-TZ17GN/B is supported with finger-print reader which means that if you have locked your computer then nobody can unlock it without your physical presence.

Pooja Lapasia is a well known author and has written articles on Gigabyte Laptops, Laptops store, Sony Laptops, online shop and many other subjects.

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Toshiba Satellite A300-1BZ Laptop - Any Good?

The Toshiba Satellite A300 is a stylish laptop with many attractive features and is the successor of the A200 whilst featuring a refreshed design. Is it any good though?

It has to be said from the start that this machine has excellent build quality and the comfort it's user interface offers makes it a compelling choice for anyone. This superb laptop features amongst other things, an integrated FM Tuner, Face Recognition and Fingerprint recognition technology, not to mention a DVD Super Multi Writer. A point which may be of particular interest to some is how the batteries and chargers come with a one year warranty and 100% compatibility guarantee. That of course, on it's own, will be a weight of your mind.

This Toshiba Satellite A300 laptop will do more than just make your life easier and more enjoyable. They'll see you way across the classroom, coffee shop or conference room when you raise the lid and show off the gorgeous new high-gloss surface. Run your fingertips across the smooth, shiny palm rest of your laptop and what do you encounter? Sheer precision and no less.

The A300 boasts some impressive features, with a 250GB hard drive, 3GB of RAM, a dual-layer DVD burner and a 5-in-1 memory card reader, which gives you even more storage possibilities. Providing users with a system for fun and leisure, this beauty is loaded with a healthy assortment of enhanced audio features whilst also boasting sophisticated entertainment features such as REGZA-Link, built-in FM tuner and harmon/kardon speakers, in addition to top-of-the-line performance with the latest Intel Core2 Duo processor.

If you need to stay in touch with friends, family or the office then you'll have the built in webcam which sports a 1.3 megapixel camera.

All in all an excellent laptop from Toshiba as usual.

John Milligan.

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An excellent resource for all those consoles and games you've ever wanted, including the Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit, ps3, xbox 360 and Ipod Nano 8GB and lots more. No searching all over the web for different bargains. There's loads of choice here with all the top sellers and best prices. You certainly will not be disappointed.

So, if you're hungry for that bargain console, game or accessory, then go to the website, have a good browse and enjoy your shopping experience.

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Satellite TV - How it Works

Satellite television is the fastest growing programming provider in the country. While it's becoming quite popular many people don't have a clear understanding of how it works or why they need it. Satellite television uses satellites that orbit the earth to send programming signals to customers. The satellite providers use their own satellites that are capable of providing multiple channels at a time. The signals are sent from the satellite provider station to the satellite in space. The satellite then can redirect the signals to earth. The satellites must be set up to allow for consistent signals to earth.

Satellite signals are scrambled signals that require special decoding in order to be viewed. The signals go through the air and are captured by a customer's satellite dish. Today's satellite dishes are small and compact compared to those of even several years ago. Contrary to popular belief the satellite dish doesn't need to be turned or adjusted once it is in place. This is due to more sophisticated signaling. It's best to have your satellite installed professionally. The satellite company often provides expert installation at a reduced rate and sometimes even for free.

Satellite requires a receiver unit. The satellite dish is hooked up to the receiver via a cable that is run into the home. The receiver is placed next to the television set. The installer will hook up the television as well as any other devices you may have such as a DVD or VCR player. More than one television can be hooked up to the satellite dish allowing different programs to be watched at the same time.

The receiver unit may also be a DVR, digital recording device. The DVR allows you to rewind and pause live television, view more than one program at once and most importantly lets you quickly and easily record programs. The DVR records programs with a simple touch of the remote. The programs are recorded on the hard drive of the unit, which can store many hours of shows. Simple commands let you record all episodes of your favorite shows for later viewing.

The receiver provides updated programming so that you can see what is scheduled on the stations that you receive. You can choose the program package that suits you the best. There are typically several options to pick from. Basic satellite programming gives you the least amount of channels. Family programming usually gives the best selections. Deluxe programming gives you access to almost all the stations available. You can also add on to the programming. For example local channels aren't usually included in standard packages. You can add local channels for a small monthly fee.

You can also add other specialized programming to your Direct TV packages. Premium movie channels are some of the most common types of additional programming that you can add. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy special sports channel programming that gives access to many more sports at all times of the day and night. You can also access pay-per-view programming and the costs will be conveniently added to your monthly bill. Get the best options and deals for Satellite TV with Direct TV, the leader in the industry.

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Direct TV Sports Programming

Huge sports fans know that the only place to find the best action is on satellite television. They have exclusive packages you won't be able to find anywhere else. A household with satellite is always the choice for group gatherings and events because the options you'll find with it cannot be beat.

There are three exclusive sports packages you won't find anywhere else. The first is the NFL Sunday Ticket which gives you up to fourteen games every Sunday. Compare that with the average four you'll get with cable. If you've ever felt frustrated because you simply can't see your favorite team in action, you'll be in absolute heaven with this package. It gives you access to over 200 NFL games a season. You won't be able to get this with any other cable company.

With this package you'll get full access to The NFL Network. That means you'll get 24 hours a day of information, news, coaches' shows and weekly game previews. You'll also get memorable game replays and fantasy football shows to boot. If you have a favorite player you'll be absolutely thrilled with the Player Tracker feature. This lets you follow as many as eighteen players at a time. This feature gives you up to the minute alerts and statistics. You won't miss a second of the action. A person can also get team and player stats with live updates. This means you won't have to miss any of the action or spend wasteful time switching between games. The Highlights-on-Demand feature automatically downloads highlights from the Sunday games on Monday mornings meaning that, even if you can't watch all the games, you'll still be able to see all the great moments.

Another exclusive package only found at DIRECTV is NASCAR HotPass which gives you five individual driver channels all with their own announcers. Included are thirty-six
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series" races and live TV broadcasts. For the adventurous, there are front windshield camera viewpoints for an "in the moment" feeling during any race. Real time stats and live audio between drivers and crew chiefs mean you'll feel like you are right in the passenger seat. In addition to all these great features, there are also some things new for 2008. High-definition has been added to all of the races and enhanced audio features have been announced. It's only getting bigger and better for the NASCAR HotPass so don't miss a single minute of the action.

If college basketball is more your scene, the Mega March Madness package is just perfect for you. You can watch four games at once on just one screen. You'll also have access to your own tournament bracket where you can track just how well (or how badly) your favorite teams are doing. Real time updates, commercial-free recaps and high definition are all new features you'll have to see to believe. These three packages are exclusively for DIRECTV customers and won't be found anywhere else. Sign up today so that you don't miss another minute off all the great action.

Catch every NFL game on Direct TV NFL Sunday Ticket. NFL SuperFan on DIRECTV gives you over 100 games in HD and will replay each game in 30 minutes commercial free for those die hard fans on a limited schedule. NFL SuperFan is also the only way to catch all games live from your PC or laptop. Visit DirectStarTV today for the best Direct TV Deals. Direct TV has the exclusive rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket. If you need to catch your out of market games, this is where you need to be.

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