Home Theater Website Targets Common Shopping Mistakes
Many shoppers this Christmas will purchase home theater components that quickly become obsolete because of rapidly evolving new technologies. But there are ways to "future-proof" your home electronics shopping, says Wayde Robson, editor of www.hometheaterfocus.com, a leading consumer advice guide."Consumers feel frustrated and confused by what's available on the home theater market today," says Robson, "partly because they have seen how quickly products change in home electronics."Robson says there are a few basic precautions that consumers can take to make sure their home theater components remain usable for many years. Robson's annual "Christmas List" of shopping tips and traps for the holiday season can be found at: http://www.hometheaterfocus.com .Here are some of Robson's most useful suggestions:HDTV ? When looking at HDTVs, make sure you get an HDCP-compliant video input. These special digital video inputs come in two basic types: DVI and HDMI. They're critical to future-proof your video connection even if you don't have a device that can connect to your TV right away.
Plasma TVs ? Plasma displays provide beautiful high-contrast images, but they're also extraordinarily expensive. And Robson says plasma is overrated. "Other display types look just as good as plasma and are almost as light and thin ? and won't cost as much as a new car."Full-Screen DVDs ? When buying a DVD for that Home Theater aficionado, be sure to select the "widescreen" version.
A "full screen" version usually accompanies widescreen in any major DVD release, but "full screen" is sure to make true fans of any film cringe. And cringe they should: "full screen" is formatted to fit onto a square TV, so you lose up to 20% of the picture.
DVRs ? Many consumers believe TiVo is synonymous with DVR, the ability to pause and record live TV.
But TiVo is really just a brand name for a premium service that charges a fee to search for programming to record. DVR is a feature (specifically a hard drive) that is included on satellite receivers, cable boxes and DVD recorders. Buying someone a TiVo receiver may seem like a great gift but you're also buying something that requires a monthly fee. If someone on your Christmas list already uses a satellite or digital cable service they're happy with, why not just get them a DVR receiver that is compatible to the service they already use?HTIB ? Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) is seen as the shortcut to Home Theater sound, but it's usually anything but.
Some HTIB systems might sound good in a very small room, but for a full-sized living room it's sure to leave much to be desired. Box systems lack the punch and impact of the true Home Theater experience. You can get stuck with a dead-end system that cannot be upgraded. Chances are that for little more than you pay for a HTIB, you can get a real receiver and 5.1 speaker system.
Setup DVDs ? The most often-overlooked aspect of Home Theater is calibration and fine tuning.
Most people set up their system and let it run, never sure if they're getting the best performance possible from their system. No Home Theater system should be without a setup DVD like Avia: Guide to Home Theater. A setup DVD will cost no more than a movie and will walk anyone through a series of tests and calibration procedures to help unlock the full potential of a Home Theater system.For more information contact:Wayde Robson, Editorwww.hometheaterfocus.comemail: e-mail protected from spam botsMember, Home Theater Alliance.
Pacific Media Highlights Hospitality Market for HDTVs; New Construction and Renovation Projects Represent Strong Opportunities
Menlo Park, CA (ContentDesk) July 14, 2006 -- Pacific Media Associates, the global market information experts on large-screen displays, reports that the hospitality market is experiencing unprecedented growth, and presents important opportunities for sales of flat panel HDTVs.Nearly 111,500 new hotel rooms were under construction in the United States as of March 2006, of which about 75,000 will be completed this year. Flat panel televisions have some important advantages over traditional CRT models, notes Pacific Media Vice President Rosemary Abowd. The smaller footprint of these sets gives designers the freedom to use smaller furniture. This space savings can be used to fit additional rooms per floor without sacrificing guest space. The space can also be used to make room for other amenities or simply provide a more luxurious experience. In addition to new construction, however, ongoing renovation of existing properties account for even greater opportunities; some sources estimate...
Pacific Media Highlights Hospitality Market for HDTVs; New Construction and Renovation Projects Represent Strong Opportunities
Tvs > Pacific Media Highlights Hospitality Market for HDTVs; New Construction and Renovation Projects Represent Strong Opportunities
Launch of the ?Grand Prix Game? by Malaki Sporting Games plc
Malaki Sporting Games today announced the global launch of the GrandPrixGame at http://www.grandprixgame.com. This game allows Grand Prix fans to test their skills against other fans from around the world.
The game is simple and inexpensive to play, and gives players the potential to win a cash jackpot and runners up prizes.
For Grand Prix fans, this interactive game highlights the unpredictability of F1 races, and provides real entertainment for even the most casual spectator.The GrandPrixGame is the first in a number of games being launched by Malaki Sporting Games, and works around the results of individual Formula One races. Currently there are 19 GP races each season and there is a new game for each one.
The GrandPrixGame is now LIVE, having received entries since 17th February, and will be running throughout the entire 2005 Grand Prix season."A beautifully simple and exciting idea with massive potential...
Launch of the ?Grand Prix Game? by Malaki Sporting Games plc
Tvs > Launch of the ?Grand Prix Game? by Malaki Sporting Games plc
Home Safety Tips: Arm Yourself Against The Threat Of A Break-In
(NC)?In 1999, Statistics Canada reported that there were approximately 92,485 break and enters reported to police, however, some of these crimes remained unreported. Property crime losses ranged from little or nothing of value to materials costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.Unfortunately, burglars can do much more than steal your possessions. They can commit rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or pick a home that is occupied."If you have been a victim of a burglary, chances are that you will be vulnerable to a burglary a second time," explained Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Protectron Security Systems. "The burglar will know how easy it was the first time they targeted your home.
This experience will forever change your life. However, for a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim."According to De Luca, many burglars will spend no longer...
Home Safety Tips: Arm Yourself Against The Threat Of A Break-In
Tvs > Home Safety Tips: Arm Yourself Against The Threat Of A Break-In
Panasonic Vacuum Cleaners ? Advanced Technological Cleaning Power!
Panasonic vacuum cleaners might suffer somewhat from the popularity of the company's electronic devices besides vacuum cleaners, such as TVs and other entertainment equipment, but those in the know understand that Panasonic vacuum cleaners offer a great vacuum clean at a reasonable price. With a great selection of both Panasonic upright vacuum cleaners and canister models, this is a vacuum brand that is unlikely to disappoint.
Fitted with the same range of technological features found on their other electronic products, Panasonic vacuum cleaners offer what is arguably the best range of technological tools available in today's vacuum market. With features such as dirt sensors and automatic adjustment when you vacuum certain surfaces, Panasonic vacuum cleaners display the technological prowess that the company is famous for.
Panasonic vacuum cleaners have a style of cleaner to suit almost every household's needs.
With powerful suction as a uniform...
Panasonic Vacuum Cleaners ? Advanced Technological Cleaning Power!
Tvs > Panasonic Vacuum Cleaners ? Advanced Technological Cleaning Power!
TV Technology for a New Age: Plasma vs. LCD TVs
You're ready! You've been working hard and saving a ton of
money. Now you're ready to buy a brand new Flat Screen TV.
Hopping in the car, you head off to the local electronics
store and just take it all in. There must be a million sets
for you to choose from, but ?come rain or snow or dark of
night' you're leaving with a flat screen TV.
You feel good as the sales rep approaches you.
No pressure.
You tell her that you want a flat screen and would like to
see what they have available. The first question she asks
you is, "Are you looking for an LCD or a Plasma?" Uh?you've
just been defeated. You have no idea what the differences
are or even what questions to ask.
Relax, there is a lot to know, but you don't have to work in
the industry to make an informed decision.
First, let's start on the same page. Both Plasmas and LCDs
are called Flat Screen TVs....
Tvs > TV Technology for a New Age: Plasma vs. LCD TVs