There is no greater gift for a sports fan than a big screen television. This entertainment item can make your family room into a really exciting place at game time. Investing in a big screen television is a must for any sports fan but movie enthusiasts will enjoy it as well.
My husband and I never really knew the appeal of a big screen television until we moved into our new home. There was a 52 inch TV in the basement. The previous owner said that she didn’t want to move it and that there was a problem with the picture. We were more than happy to take the big screen television under our wings.
Unfortunately, there were more problems than we anticipated. There was not a slight problem with the picture. There was no picture at all. I didn’t even see snow static on the big screen television. Nothing worked.
The sound was also more than a slight problem. There was none of that, either. We have a relative who is handy with technological items and he was even stumped. After spending an afternoon with the big screen television he gave up and suggested that we consult a professional.
The professional wasn’t much help, either. He really doesn’t make house calls and he has to work on the big screen television in his work space. This makes perfect sense but what made us skip the visit is that he charges 150 bucks just to look at the thing. It costs even more to move the big screen television to the site, too.
We were gambling with the possibility to spending a few hundred dollars on an item that couldn’t be fixed. The cumbersome big screen television was beginning to become more of a burden than a lucky break. We were too disappointed for words.
Now there are LCD screens on the market and while they are a bit out of our budget, we may wait until we save up for this option instead. If you are going to invest in a big screen television you might as well save your money for something that you really want. It will be worth the wait.
We decided to go with another used big screen television in the meantime. We found a great deal from an advertisement in the newspaper. A local family was selling their big screen television because they got a new LCD screen. This new addition to our home is quite welcomed but we are still saving our pennies.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Satellite TV
Satellite TV has been around for quite some time, but is now more accessible than ever. Gone are the days of huge dishes taking up half of the backyard, and having to buy a descrambler so that you could watch anything. Now satellite dishes are very small and mount to your roof or side of the house. There are various providers (Direct TV and Dish Satellite two of the most popular), just like cable television, and you can choose from a variety of packages so you can get the channels you want. Of course, we are so spoiled now with all the channels that we will continue to surf and still find nothing to watch. Just think of when we were kids, and had only three channels, ABC, CBS, NBC, and maybe PBS if we could get it in. Our kids have no idea how good they have it!
Satellite TV has an abundance of programming options available to fit your personal choices and tastes. Latin channels are also available for those that choose to watch in Spanish, and some movie channels broadcast in Spanish also. Satellite TV providers offer local programming, music channels such as Sirius satellite radio, CD music channels, and movie channels, such as Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, the Movie Channel, Encore, Starz, Sundance, Sci-fi and Beyond, Flix, Action, Love, Mystery, Drama, Wam, the Independent Film Channel, and more! Other popular channels such as E!, A&E, the History channel, Discovery, the Travel channel, VH1, MTV, Country Music TV, Fox, the Food channel, Home & Garden TV, Animal Planet, USA, TBS, TNT, FX, the TV Guide channel, TV Land, the Love channel, WE, Comedy Central, Style, the Gameshow channel, Biography, SciFi, Bravo, Oxygen, Black Entertainment TV, American Movie Classics, Turner Classic Movies, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, the Outdoor channel, Spike TV, Nickelodeon, Disney channels, the Cartoon Network, Boom, Hallmark, TLC, Soap, Court TV, the Weather channel, Home Shopping Network, QVC, and many, many more! You’re just spoiled if you can’t find something to watch!
Satellite TV providers often entice new subscribers with offers of free equipment, free trial period, or free movie packages for a specified length of time. Satellite TV receivers now include DVR technology, or digital video recorder, so that you can record any program at any time without the hassles of tradition video recording. With this technology you can tape over a hundred hours of programming, save what you want, and delete what you don’t want. It’s great! You can even tape on one channel and watch something else on another channel, or a DVD if you’d like. Satellite TV is very inexpensive and subscriptions start under $20 per month. Cable companies usually charge much more, and the selection of channels is usually not as good either. Check out satellite TV today, see what you’re missing!
Satellite TV has an abundance of programming options available to fit your personal choices and tastes. Latin channels are also available for those that choose to watch in Spanish, and some movie channels broadcast in Spanish also. Satellite TV providers offer local programming, music channels such as Sirius satellite radio, CD music channels, and movie channels, such as Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, the Movie Channel, Encore, Starz, Sundance, Sci-fi and Beyond, Flix, Action, Love, Mystery, Drama, Wam, the Independent Film Channel, and more! Other popular channels such as E!, A&E, the History channel, Discovery, the Travel channel, VH1, MTV, Country Music TV, Fox, the Food channel, Home & Garden TV, Animal Planet, USA, TBS, TNT, FX, the TV Guide channel, TV Land, the Love channel, WE, Comedy Central, Style, the Gameshow channel, Biography, SciFi, Bravo, Oxygen, Black Entertainment TV, American Movie Classics, Turner Classic Movies, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, the Outdoor channel, Spike TV, Nickelodeon, Disney channels, the Cartoon Network, Boom, Hallmark, TLC, Soap, Court TV, the Weather channel, Home Shopping Network, QVC, and many, many more! You’re just spoiled if you can’t find something to watch!
Satellite TV providers often entice new subscribers with offers of free equipment, free trial period, or free movie packages for a specified length of time. Satellite TV receivers now include DVR technology, or digital video recorder, so that you can record any program at any time without the hassles of tradition video recording. With this technology you can tape over a hundred hours of programming, save what you want, and delete what you don’t want. It’s great! You can even tape on one channel and watch something else on another channel, or a DVD if you’d like. Satellite TV is very inexpensive and subscriptions start under $20 per month. Cable companies usually charge much more, and the selection of channels is usually not as good either. Check out satellite TV today, see what you’re missing!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Direct TV Dish
Sure, out here on the West Coast we have these great, cheeky commercials that poke fun at competing technologies, those ads that point to the techno-wars between satellite dish and cable companies, including ComCast cable and the Direct TV dish, for example. One commercial, for instance, features a husband and wife: the wife is coming home from work, sees a huge hole in the tree, big enough for the satellite dish to send signals through, while the husband sits in the living room watching his TV and drinking from a container he rests n the tree cut-out table he has fashioned. Another commercial features a couple who are implicitly husband and wife or live-in boyfriend and girlfriend. In tandem they speak, as if to an interviewer (the television-viewing audience), and say things such as, “When it rained…the cable went out.” “When the wind blew…the cable went out.” [Or maybe it was the dish; I can’t recall exactly.]
While I didn’t do so intentionally or all that consciously, I found the opportunity to test both technologies. First, when I was living in an in-law, cottage type of unit, since the whole house was already wired for it, I subscribed to cable. I ended up spending a lot of money, as the way the company is set up—ahem—you have to buy the basic/standard package. Then, if you want to get any paid movie channels, you have to buy the superstar whatever package. But in order to get the superstar package you have to have the basic, first. I had fallen in love with a fantastic HBO show called “Six Feet Under”—for its writing, casting, acting, and ongoing unique and intriguing drama. So I had to get the enhanced package.
I don’t know if I was paranoid or overreacting, but the cable would go out on Sundays, the one night the show was on. Or it would go out late Monday night and take terrifying hours to come back. This happened a lot and it happened when there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
I moved in with a family, next, waiting for my ideal living situation to come up. They had a Direct TV dish—in a town where the wires are all above ground and the trees are still more in population than the wires or the Direct TV dishes, and where the weather is typically violent…windy, rainy, etc.. In other words, when it rained, the Direct TV dish went out, then would adjust itself by reloading, if you will, by reconnecting…in a matter of minutes. When the wind blew, the Direct TV dish went out. And when nothing was inclement or disastrous, sometimes, yes, the dish went out.
My point, I guess, is that we have super services that make themselves accessible and available, that spoil us with possibilities—hundreds of channels, friendly (usually) troubleshooters, and high definition and other appealing features. But we also have an overpopulation of humans and gadgets, unpredictable flora and fauna (that falls in predictable but harsh weather conditions), and a margin for error or failure that is inevitable enough to fallible humans creating, offering, running, and maintaining the technology we crave/depend on…enough, that is, to drive us nuts when we settle in to watch a 50-dollar-a-week show that is “sorry…temporarily unavailable.”
While I didn’t do so intentionally or all that consciously, I found the opportunity to test both technologies. First, when I was living in an in-law, cottage type of unit, since the whole house was already wired for it, I subscribed to cable. I ended up spending a lot of money, as the way the company is set up—ahem—you have to buy the basic/standard package. Then, if you want to get any paid movie channels, you have to buy the superstar whatever package. But in order to get the superstar package you have to have the basic, first. I had fallen in love with a fantastic HBO show called “Six Feet Under”—for its writing, casting, acting, and ongoing unique and intriguing drama. So I had to get the enhanced package.
I don’t know if I was paranoid or overreacting, but the cable would go out on Sundays, the one night the show was on. Or it would go out late Monday night and take terrifying hours to come back. This happened a lot and it happened when there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
I moved in with a family, next, waiting for my ideal living situation to come up. They had a Direct TV dish—in a town where the wires are all above ground and the trees are still more in population than the wires or the Direct TV dishes, and where the weather is typically violent…windy, rainy, etc.. In other words, when it rained, the Direct TV dish went out, then would adjust itself by reloading, if you will, by reconnecting…in a matter of minutes. When the wind blew, the Direct TV dish went out. And when nothing was inclement or disastrous, sometimes, yes, the dish went out.
My point, I guess, is that we have super services that make themselves accessible and available, that spoil us with possibilities—hundreds of channels, friendly (usually) troubleshooters, and high definition and other appealing features. But we also have an overpopulation of humans and gadgets, unpredictable flora and fauna (that falls in predictable but harsh weather conditions), and a margin for error or failure that is inevitable enough to fallible humans creating, offering, running, and maintaining the technology we crave/depend on…enough, that is, to drive us nuts when we settle in to watch a 50-dollar-a-week show that is “sorry…temporarily unavailable.”
Sunday, November 19, 2006
32 Inch Television
There is nothing sillier than walking into a tiny living room and seeing a 32 inch television. For some people, their television set is the center of their lives. It sits there, regardless of whether there's room for it or not, with huge, surround sound speakers. In times gone by, families used to gather around the radio. Now, it's the TV that dominates, sitting in splendor like an altar.
I would like to have a big, flat screen set with the latest state of the art HD quality and all the digital recording gizmos, but only if I had room for it. It would be great to watch sporting events on it and movies. The way things are going, everyone will have a mini cinema in their home. 32 inch television is just the tip of the iceberg. There are even bigger screens and they'll get bigger still. The big sets of a few years ago were really not worth buying, because the screen resolution was so poor, but that problem seems to have been solved now.
My family is usually about five years behind the times, in terms of technological development, so we haven't even got a widescreen yet. When we watch DVDs on our set, not only is it a mere 22 inch TV but there is an annoying gap at the top and the bottom of the picture. All the DVDs sold these days, are in the widescreen format. Even more than a 32 inch television, I'd like a screen that fits into the wall. The futuristic films of the 1960s and 1970s predicted a future where we would all own big, wall screens.
I find all the techno babble very confusing. I'm not technologically minded and I need these things explained to me as if I'm seven years old. As for setting the time recorder on the DVD player, I usually manage it after a period of trial and error and recording lots of programs I didn't want to watch. By the time we get our dream 32 inch television, it will be old fashioned and a dozen other innovations will have overtaken it.
I'm looking forward to the day when we can have one unit in the living room that serves all our entertainment and information needs. There will be one big box, built around the central 32 inch television. It will contain the computer, DVD player, internet access and games consoles. It will also answer the telephone, send faxes and make the coffee.
I would like to have a big, flat screen set with the latest state of the art HD quality and all the digital recording gizmos, but only if I had room for it. It would be great to watch sporting events on it and movies. The way things are going, everyone will have a mini cinema in their home. 32 inch television is just the tip of the iceberg. There are even bigger screens and they'll get bigger still. The big sets of a few years ago were really not worth buying, because the screen resolution was so poor, but that problem seems to have been solved now.
My family is usually about five years behind the times, in terms of technological development, so we haven't even got a widescreen yet. When we watch DVDs on our set, not only is it a mere 22 inch TV but there is an annoying gap at the top and the bottom of the picture. All the DVDs sold these days, are in the widescreen format. Even more than a 32 inch television, I'd like a screen that fits into the wall. The futuristic films of the 1960s and 1970s predicted a future where we would all own big, wall screens.
I find all the techno babble very confusing. I'm not technologically minded and I need these things explained to me as if I'm seven years old. As for setting the time recorder on the DVD player, I usually manage it after a period of trial and error and recording lots of programs I didn't want to watch. By the time we get our dream 32 inch television, it will be old fashioned and a dozen other innovations will have overtaken it.
I'm looking forward to the day when we can have one unit in the living room that serves all our entertainment and information needs. There will be one big box, built around the central 32 inch television. It will contain the computer, DVD player, internet access and games consoles. It will also answer the telephone, send faxes and make the coffee.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Cable Television
Cable television is a great source for entertainment, offering a large number of channels and special features like On Demand that put nearly any program on the tips of your fingers whenever it is convenient. The service is ideal for just about every family who enjoys movies and family programs. Cable television offers something for everyone, even teachers.
I discovered the value of cable television in the classroom when I worked as a long-term substitute teacher for a local high school. I was recruited to replace a teacher who was sent overseas during the beginning of the conflict in Iraq. His sudden departure left the school desperately looking for an adequate replacement. I was the adequate replacement.
Since I was an English teacher, I was not the ideal candidate for the job. The teacher who was called away taught Political Science and Economics. Although I am a history buff and I keep pretty current on events, I am no professional when it comes to either Political Science or Economics. Fortunately, the staff and administration worked closely with me to help make the transition from English teacher to Poly Sci and Economics teacher.
One of the most valuable resources was cable television. There were a number of great programs available through the History Channel and The Learning Channel that helped me create interesting and relevant lesson plans. The programs were available through the Cable in the Classroom resource available to our schools. The students looked forward to seeing the engaging programs and I was able to effectively use the programs as a valuable learning tool.
When we think about education, cable television does not immediately pop into mind, but the quality programming available really helped the school, the students and my self through the difficult time. Cable television offers web resources that are presented at the touch of a button. These resources became an extremely valuable tool for our class. Students were able to use the search engine to find programs specific to the lessons.
Allowing student to become actively involved in selecting programs demonstrated that they recognized key concepts and it was a powerful motivator. As each unit came to a close, students who earned enough credits were allowed to help me choose programs and organize them into the lesson review. This process was very effective and students worked very hard to have the honor of choosing programs.
After a few months, the school district found a Social Studies teacher who could work with the class. I will never forget the collaborative effort among my peers and among the students to make the class run smoothly. From what I hear, the new teacher continued to use cable television as a learning tool in his class.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Digital TV In The UK
Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, UK TV services will go completely digital region by region. This process is being referred to as the digital switchover.
Basically the current analogue tv signal will be switched off and replaced by a new digital signal. When the signal is switched from analogue to digital tv, any television or vcr that is not compatible with the new digital tv signal will no longer receive programmes.
There are currently several ways of getting digital tv broadcasts. Satellite from Sky is the most well known. This is a subscription service.
With a one off purchase of a set top box, tv viewers can enjoy 30 free channels but these set top boxes do not work in some regions of the UK.
Freesat offer 30 free channels and 30 free digital radio channels after a one off payment for the minidish and set top box. There is no subscription or contract.
As the big digital switchover approaches, many people in the UK are confused by what the change to digital TV in the UK actually means to them. Hopefully, you are a little wiser now, but don't forget to check here often for information and updates about digital tv.
Basically the current analogue tv signal will be switched off and replaced by a new digital signal. When the signal is switched from analogue to digital tv, any television or vcr that is not compatible with the new digital tv signal will no longer receive programmes.
There are currently several ways of getting digital tv broadcasts. Satellite from Sky is the most well known. This is a subscription service.
With a one off purchase of a set top box, tv viewers can enjoy 30 free channels but these set top boxes do not work in some regions of the UK.
Freesat offer 30 free channels and 30 free digital radio channels after a one off payment for the minidish and set top box. There is no subscription or contract.
As the big digital switchover approaches, many people in the UK are confused by what the change to digital TV in the UK actually means to them. Hopefully, you are a little wiser now, but don't forget to check here often for information and updates about digital tv.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Ready To Upgrade To High Definition Television?
An article about high definition television.
Regardless of what you enjoy watching these days, you would probably prefer to do it on a high definition television. I mean come on, who wouldn't? We all want that pristine picture when we're viewing our favorite shows, sports or films. The good news is that these days you can acquire a high definition tv for a rather affordable price. They are not just for the rich people any longer.
Do you have a high definition television? I mean one of the flat panel, wide screens that hang beautifully on the wall. Those babies are the bomb! If you haven't experienced one yet, then you had better get with it. This can truly change the way you view television. You've probably already noticed that some TV shows are presented in high definition and widescreen. This is where home entertainment is headed folks. You need that high definition television to keep up with the times.
Read more on high definition television for the latest news and facts on HDTV.
Regardless of what you enjoy watching these days, you would probably prefer to do it on a high definition television. I mean come on, who wouldn't? We all want that pristine picture when we're viewing our favorite shows, sports or films. The good news is that these days you can acquire a high definition tv for a rather affordable price. They are not just for the rich people any longer.
Do you have a high definition television? I mean one of the flat panel, wide screens that hang beautifully on the wall. Those babies are the bomb! If you haven't experienced one yet, then you had better get with it. This can truly change the way you view television. You've probably already noticed that some TV shows are presented in high definition and widescreen. This is where home entertainment is headed folks. You need that high definition television to keep up with the times.
Read more on high definition television for the latest news and facts on HDTV.
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