I was sitting here listening to a little ZZ Top on my computer. Well, actually, I was listening to it on my Saitek A-250 Bluetooth speaker system which is set up on the other side of the room. Suddenly, it occurred to me that we have never really talked about what Blue Tooth is.
Bluetooth is a fantastic technology that allows us to transmit information or data from one device to another as long as both are enabled with a Bluetooth chip (radio/receiver). What does this mean for you and me? Well, it means that we no longer have to fumble around with a spider web of wires and it also means that we are no longer limited by how far a cable will reach. For example, the same speakers that I am listening to now… I can also put outside on the driveway so I can listen to music when I am washing my car.
Bluetooth is not simply for listening to music. When you have equipment that has Bluetooth technology you can do a variety of things. You can transmit a video recording from your camcorder to your television, you can print an email from your computer on the printer, or you can send a picture from your camera phone to a file in your computer without the use of any cables connecting the two. These are just a few examples to illustrate the possibilities of uses that Bluetooth can offer. In a nutshell, Bluetooth is a cable-replacement technology.
Interested in a little history lesson? The trademarked name Bluetooth is actually named after a Danish King who united and controlled Norway and Denmark. His love for blueberries and his over indulgence over time turned his pearly whites into blue stained teeth. Hence, the name Bluetooth.
So cut the strings and start living life wire free. You will be surprised to see how many tech items you purchase will be enabled with this technology.
If you’re interested in learning more technical aspects of Bluetooth, I have included in this blog a link that will take you to a tutorial overview of what Bluetooth is all about.
http://www.palowireless.com/infotooth/tutorial.asp
Best,
Michael
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
DVD Recorders
How many times have you wanted to record your favorite TV program, or make a backup copy of one of your favorite movies? What about making copies of cherished family moments--like a wedding, birth, or your son’s winning touchdown at his little league football game.
Today’s DVD player is yesterday’s VCR. One thing, however, that every standard DVD player doesn’t have is the capability to record. Why is this? I have often wondered why that sacred button is not one of the controls featured on my DVD player. Should we chalk it up to today’s legal environment where you can sue for having coffee that is too hot or win millions for getting overweight because you ate too many cookies?
Well, there is a solution that will allow for the recording of your favorites: upgrade your home theater system with a DVD recorder. This piece of equipment is a great asset to anyone who wants to make copies of his or her favorite movies, memories, or songs. DVD recorders also do more then just make copies. In a sense, they are dual functioning because they are also a player. So if you are limited on space and don’t think you have room for adding another piece of equipment, you can rest assured that you can not only record with a DVD recorder but also play your home favorites.
There are many types of recorders on the market that can play and record in different formats. I have found many of the best DVD Recorders on the market at Behind The Buy-- thanks to the trend reports that are supplied by Amazon.com. I’ve posted a link to help you find the best one for your home. All you have to do is enter your price range and you will see the top sellers that have provided the highest level of satisfaction. Take a look and let us know what you think.
http://www.behindthebuy.com/reports/?browseNode=1036920
Best,
Michael
Today’s DVD player is yesterday’s VCR. One thing, however, that every standard DVD player doesn’t have is the capability to record. Why is this? I have often wondered why that sacred button is not one of the controls featured on my DVD player. Should we chalk it up to today’s legal environment where you can sue for having coffee that is too hot or win millions for getting overweight because you ate too many cookies?
Well, there is a solution that will allow for the recording of your favorites: upgrade your home theater system with a DVD recorder. This piece of equipment is a great asset to anyone who wants to make copies of his or her favorite movies, memories, or songs. DVD recorders also do more then just make copies. In a sense, they are dual functioning because they are also a player. So if you are limited on space and don’t think you have room for adding another piece of equipment, you can rest assured that you can not only record with a DVD recorder but also play your home favorites.
There are many types of recorders on the market that can play and record in different formats. I have found many of the best DVD Recorders on the market at Behind The Buy-- thanks to the trend reports that are supplied by Amazon.com. I’ve posted a link to help you find the best one for your home. All you have to do is enter your price range and you will see the top sellers that have provided the highest level of satisfaction. Take a look and let us know what you think.
http://www.behindthebuy.com/reports/?browseNode=1036920
Best,
Michael
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Analog to Digital Television Transition
On June 12, 2009, watching television as we know it will come to an end. By order of federal law, the transmission of Analog broadcasting will cease and Digital Television broadcasting will reign supreme. Time is rapidly approaching for this conversion, so what does this mean for us…the consumer? Do I have to purchase a new TV? Can I still receive over the air channels using my antenna? Why do we have to have a new signal anyway?
The age of digital is upon on us and this is not a bad thing, so don’t be scared and confused. Analog broadcasting has been the standard format for transmitting television programming since the invention of the TV. Now it’s time to evolve. Digital Television, or DTV for short, can provide a better picture and sound quality than the former Analog signal. Comparatively, it would be like watching a DVD as opposed to a VHS (remember those). A digital signal offers the transmission of more data and allows us to view and hear an image with better resolution, sharper images, and cleaner sound.
In most cases, there is no need to purchase a new television even if you have an analog TV. If you have satellite or cable programming, chances are your provider is already providing you with a digital signal and you should experience little or no change after June 12, 2009. If you are using an antenna, then you may have to get a converter box which sits right on top of your TV and is the connection point for your antenna and your television. There will still be free broadcasting of channels just as there is now; it just will be offered digitally and you can get digital converter boxes at most electronic retailers.
If you do decide to purchase a new Digital Television, there is a couple to choose from. You can get one with a built in digital tuner called an integrated DTV, or you may purchase a DTV monitor. The difference is that if you are viewing programming via antenna, you will need a digital converter box with the DTV monitor. If you have cable, or satellite programming as mentioned before, your provider will already be transmitting the digital signal and no box will be needed unless you want to watch a program that is over the air.
Finally, the analog signal will not be completely gone. Analog transmission will be used for many other important functions like communications for emergency personnel and other technologies. By converting to DTV after June 12, 2009 the airways will have less interference and thus provide a reliable source of safety broadcasting, emergency communications, and other technological advances.
If more information on this subject is something you’re interested,I would recommend this website www.dtvtransition.org .
Best,
Michael
The age of digital is upon on us and this is not a bad thing, so don’t be scared and confused. Analog broadcasting has been the standard format for transmitting television programming since the invention of the TV. Now it’s time to evolve. Digital Television, or DTV for short, can provide a better picture and sound quality than the former Analog signal. Comparatively, it would be like watching a DVD as opposed to a VHS (remember those). A digital signal offers the transmission of more data and allows us to view and hear an image with better resolution, sharper images, and cleaner sound.
In most cases, there is no need to purchase a new television even if you have an analog TV. If you have satellite or cable programming, chances are your provider is already providing you with a digital signal and you should experience little or no change after June 12, 2009. If you are using an antenna, then you may have to get a converter box which sits right on top of your TV and is the connection point for your antenna and your television. There will still be free broadcasting of channels just as there is now; it just will be offered digitally and you can get digital converter boxes at most electronic retailers.
If you do decide to purchase a new Digital Television, there is a couple to choose from. You can get one with a built in digital tuner called an integrated DTV, or you may purchase a DTV monitor. The difference is that if you are viewing programming via antenna, you will need a digital converter box with the DTV monitor. If you have cable, or satellite programming as mentioned before, your provider will already be transmitting the digital signal and no box will be needed unless you want to watch a program that is over the air.
Finally, the analog signal will not be completely gone. Analog transmission will be used for many other important functions like communications for emergency personnel and other technologies. By converting to DTV after June 12, 2009 the airways will have less interference and thus provide a reliable source of safety broadcasting, emergency communications, and other technological advances.
If more information on this subject is something you’re interested,I would recommend this website www.dtvtransition.org .
Best,
Michael
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Breathe in the Fresh Air
After watching the news recently, I began to think about the importance of having clean air to breathe. The global issues affecting our planet and the air we breathe are vast and complex; I will not pretend to know the answers for solving the world’s air pollution problems, although I would like to see an increase in the use of clean coal technologies. If you’re unsure what “Clean Coal” is or would like to learn more about it, you can click on these links to find out more:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-clean-coal.htm http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/cleancoal/
Admittedly, global pollution issues may be outside of my scope (as an individual) so I would like to bring it a little closer to home. The air we breathe in our own home can be just as dangerous as the air we breathe outside. There are many types of allergens that can cause our bodies to be agitated and, as a result, may cause us to sneeze, cough, and itch. For those who react more severely to allergens-- someone with asthma, for example, the reaction may be more severe or life threatening. You can follow this link for some good information on airborne allergens: http://aircleaner.zonemaster.com.sg/airborne_allergens.htm
We can protect ourselves and the ones we love, however, by cleaning the air we breathe at home with air purifiers. Purifiers are a great asset to any home and the benefits gained by using them will be realized, not only by you and your loved ones, but also by every person who passes through your door. You will immediately notice that you are coughing and sneezing less. Your throat won’t be as sore in the mornings when you wake up and you may even begin to realize that you feel more rested because you are breathing better when you are asleep.
There are various types of airborne allergens like pollen, cigarette smoke, dust, pet-dander, and mold (that you may or may not see) just to name a few. These allergens and many more can hide in all types of places if you’re not careful. Attics, basements, and garages are a breeding ground for mold and ceiling fans, curtains, and mini-blinds are sanctuaries for dust-mites, for example. Air purifying systems can help you win the battle against these intruders. So start breathing cleaner air while at home and tell me what you think about your new air purifiers.
Best,
Michael
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-clean-coal.htm http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/cleancoal/
Admittedly, global pollution issues may be outside of my scope (as an individual) so I would like to bring it a little closer to home. The air we breathe in our own home can be just as dangerous as the air we breathe outside. There are many types of allergens that can cause our bodies to be agitated and, as a result, may cause us to sneeze, cough, and itch. For those who react more severely to allergens-- someone with asthma, for example, the reaction may be more severe or life threatening. You can follow this link for some good information on airborne allergens: http://aircleaner.zonemaster.com.sg/airborne_allergens.htm
We can protect ourselves and the ones we love, however, by cleaning the air we breathe at home with air purifiers. Purifiers are a great asset to any home and the benefits gained by using them will be realized, not only by you and your loved ones, but also by every person who passes through your door. You will immediately notice that you are coughing and sneezing less. Your throat won’t be as sore in the mornings when you wake up and you may even begin to realize that you feel more rested because you are breathing better when you are asleep.
There are various types of airborne allergens like pollen, cigarette smoke, dust, pet-dander, and mold (that you may or may not see) just to name a few. These allergens and many more can hide in all types of places if you’re not careful. Attics, basements, and garages are a breeding ground for mold and ceiling fans, curtains, and mini-blinds are sanctuaries for dust-mites, for example. Air purifying systems can help you win the battle against these intruders. So start breathing cleaner air while at home and tell me what you think about your new air purifiers.
Best,
Michael
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
“What the heck is DECT”?
What is DECT? DECT is an acronym which stands for Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. DECT phone systems is a new technology to the United States—one that is a fully established and working system that originated in Europe and is now their primary frequency band for all telecommunications.
DECT technology could be a great asset to your home or business. It operates off of a single base station (or several, if you have an extremely large coverage area) and transmits its signal on a radio frequency of 1.9 GHz. The Dect system is called DECT 6.0 in the USA.
With the average household using wireless Internet, Bluetooth devices, multi-functioning remote controls, and a plethora of other gizmos and gadgets, owning a DECT 6.0 phone could be a great option for your next home telephone. One of the great things about this technology is that you have less interference than with your traditional cordless phones, and your conversations are more secure. DECT phones have a “handover” feature that seamlessly transfers your call as you move around your location from one base station to the next. If you’re wondering how many base stations you need…just one base can provide coverage up to 100 meters outdoors!
DECT phones will provide you with a clear signal even when in the presence of other radio frequencies like wireless networks, Bluetooth technologies, baby monitors, etc. DECT can also be used as a wireless LAN and wireless Internet access service, an added value when purchasing a new phone especially if you have a network or are interested in creating one. I found a lot of information for DECT Technologies from these articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DECT
http://www.dectweb.com/Introduction/answers.htm
If you’re interested in learning the history of DECT or more detailed capabilities of DECT, the websites mentioned above may be a great place to start. If anyone currently has a DECT phone in their home or at their office I would love to hear some first hand experiences. Please share to let our readers know what you think?
Best,
Michael
DECT technology could be a great asset to your home or business. It operates off of a single base station (or several, if you have an extremely large coverage area) and transmits its signal on a radio frequency of 1.9 GHz. The Dect system is called DECT 6.0 in the USA.
With the average household using wireless Internet, Bluetooth devices, multi-functioning remote controls, and a plethora of other gizmos and gadgets, owning a DECT 6.0 phone could be a great option for your next home telephone. One of the great things about this technology is that you have less interference than with your traditional cordless phones, and your conversations are more secure. DECT phones have a “handover” feature that seamlessly transfers your call as you move around your location from one base station to the next. If you’re wondering how many base stations you need…just one base can provide coverage up to 100 meters outdoors!
DECT phones will provide you with a clear signal even when in the presence of other radio frequencies like wireless networks, Bluetooth technologies, baby monitors, etc. DECT can also be used as a wireless LAN and wireless Internet access service, an added value when purchasing a new phone especially if you have a network or are interested in creating one. I found a lot of information for DECT Technologies from these articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DECT
http://www.dectweb.com/Introduction/answers.htm
If you’re interested in learning the history of DECT or more detailed capabilities of DECT, the websites mentioned above may be a great place to start. If anyone currently has a DECT phone in their home or at their office I would love to hear some first hand experiences. Please share to let our readers know what you think?
Best,
Michael
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wireless Printing
Remember the days when every electronic device we used had a wire--did I just date myself? Well, anyway, those days seem like a lifetime ago! In today’s times, if something doesn’t come equipped with a WiFi connection or Blue Tooth technology, we think twice about it.
Currently, I am looking to upgrade my home office with a new printer and I could use your help. I’ve looked at quite a few but one feature I definitely want is a wireless connection. I like the aesthetics of it and with the technology becoming cleaner and more secure; I really don’t see a reason not to go that route. Does anyone have a recommendation for a wireless printer?
I also am slightly limited on desk space so I want something that is compact but I don’t want to loose functionality or, more importantly, quality. As I have mentioned in earlier blogs taking pictures is a hobby of mine and going to the photo lab to print every one can get quite expensive. I am excited about the time and money I will save by printing the pictures at home. And to think that I will have pictures as crisp as the ones you get developed at the photo lab! I also would like to have an image viewer built in as well as media card slots so I can just pop my card out of my camera and into the printer. Here’s a few that I like that are right in my price range; what do you think?
http://www.behindthebuy.com/reports/?browseNode=172635&pt=2
I realize that the tone of this particular blog is a little more “Q” then “A” but I value your opinions and look forward to letting you know which one I have chosen. All recommendations, suggestions, personal experiences, and feedback are welcomed. Please post your comments here.
Best,
Michael
Currently, I am looking to upgrade my home office with a new printer and I could use your help. I’ve looked at quite a few but one feature I definitely want is a wireless connection. I like the aesthetics of it and with the technology becoming cleaner and more secure; I really don’t see a reason not to go that route. Does anyone have a recommendation for a wireless printer?
I also am slightly limited on desk space so I want something that is compact but I don’t want to loose functionality or, more importantly, quality. As I have mentioned in earlier blogs taking pictures is a hobby of mine and going to the photo lab to print every one can get quite expensive. I am excited about the time and money I will save by printing the pictures at home. And to think that I will have pictures as crisp as the ones you get developed at the photo lab! I also would like to have an image viewer built in as well as media card slots so I can just pop my card out of my camera and into the printer. Here’s a few that I like that are right in my price range; what do you think?
http://www.behindthebuy.com/reports/?browseNode=172635&pt=2
I realize that the tone of this particular blog is a little more “Q” then “A” but I value your opinions and look forward to letting you know which one I have chosen. All recommendations, suggestions, personal experiences, and feedback are welcomed. Please post your comments here.
Best,
Michael
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
"A Cool Refrigerator"
Refrigeration has come a long way since the first “icehouses” of the early 1800’s. Today’s refrigerator offers a lot more--design, ergonomics, entertainment, and the ability to keep your frozen foods frozen and your cold foods cold. Depending on your lifestyle, there is a refrigerator for every taste and budget.
In college I remember having a refrigerator that was big enough to put a six pack in (of soda, of course); later I upgraded to one that could actually fit food, although it would have been nice if it came with a retinal scanner to keep my roommate out of it. Today my needs are a little different, and the space I have for appliances has grown larger than the old dorm room that I once inhabited. Of course, style is something that still is very important to me. Did I say style when talking about appliances like a refrigerator? Yes!
I have looked in stores, online, and even in friends’ houses and, as I mentioned earlier, refrigeration has come a long way. If you are in the market for a cool refrigerator for your home (no pun intended), you won’t have to look too hard. Fridges today include built in television and stereo’s. They are set up better to allow easier navigation when you’re rummaging through your groceries to get to that secret stash you have hidden in the back.
If you are in the market for a new cooktop, range hood, wine cellar, or refrigerator for your home, you will find what you’re looking for at BehindTheBuy. Just search through the categories and I am confident that you will find the perfect new addition for your home.
Best,
Michael
In college I remember having a refrigerator that was big enough to put a six pack in (of soda, of course); later I upgraded to one that could actually fit food, although it would have been nice if it came with a retinal scanner to keep my roommate out of it. Today my needs are a little different, and the space I have for appliances has grown larger than the old dorm room that I once inhabited. Of course, style is something that still is very important to me. Did I say style when talking about appliances like a refrigerator? Yes!
I have looked in stores, online, and even in friends’ houses and, as I mentioned earlier, refrigeration has come a long way. If you are in the market for a cool refrigerator for your home (no pun intended), you won’t have to look too hard. Fridges today include built in television and stereo’s. They are set up better to allow easier navigation when you’re rummaging through your groceries to get to that secret stash you have hidden in the back.
If you are in the market for a new cooktop, range hood, wine cellar, or refrigerator for your home, you will find what you’re looking for at BehindTheBuy. Just search through the categories and I am confident that you will find the perfect new addition for your home.
Best,
Michael
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