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Your Kids and Television
2008-03-14 11:55:00
For those with young children, monitoring television viewing can be a necessity to prevent exposure to excessive violence and other inappropriate content.  It’s tough to find the right programming and to filter out what isn’t acceptable.  Parents simply can’t be there every minute.  Newer televisions over 13 inches in size have the V-chip technology needed to filter out shows with ratings that parents deem inappropriate and most premium TV programming services offer parental controls to help restrict viewing also.In addition, it is also possible to purchase devices to restrict the amount of time your kids spend in front of the television or playing video games even if you don’t happen to be at home or in the room with them. This is perfect for those younger children who happen to also have a TV in their room.  Hopscotch Technology offers BOB which can simply switch off the TV when the programmed time limit is reached or when a parent designate...
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Cell Phones and Your Kids
2008-03-08 13:52:00
It’s not unusual to hear parents remarking about how one of their kids, under the age of 14 wants a cell phone.  The choice to get one for them is an individual one. Certainly, there is a responsibility that comes with owning a cell phone; responsibility in assuring they limit their calling (or texting) to stay within any plan limits, responsibility to take care of it physically and to assure it doesn’t get stolen, responsibility in knowing how to respond if bullying occurs, responsibility in assuring that they use the phone only in appropriate situations; for instance, not while in class, and so forth.Personally, I would hesitate giving a young child a cell phone with internet connectivity unless I assure that they understand the dangers involved and how to take precautions. Spam, bullying, potential predators, and so forth.  Really, much of it the same risks as involved in having internet access on a computer. Of course, a phone without video/internet capabilit...
More About: Kids , Cell Phones , Phones , Cell

Sending and Receiving Text Messages from Other Countries
2008-03-06 21:44:00
I guess discussing text messaging has just opened the doors for more questions. The latest is about how to control the cost of text messaging others outside of the US. If you have friends or family living in other countries, the ease and convenience of being able to text message each other is a great way to stay in touch. The cost however can be significant.Many cellular providers charge a higher fee for international text messages although some, Alltel and US Cellular for instance, maintain the same rate as used for domestic text messaging.  AT&T on the other hand, now offers an international text messaging package to reduce the per message cost.  Luckily there are alternatives that can allow frequent users to further reduce the cost of such global services:  ipipi.com and peekamo.com offer more affordable options. If you are interested in learning more about what cellular providers offer or the details about other alternatives we suggest a visit to International...
More About: Messages , Text , Countries , Sending

More Text Messaging Help
2008-03-02 21:28:00
With my post last week about some new unlimited text messaging plans coming out from cellular providers I received a handful of questions of a more general nature.  The main one of course, was other suggestions for saving on text messaging for those who are less frequent users.  There are of course services offered through Google, Yahoo, and AOL as well as an army of other online services such as textmessage.cc and onlinetextmessage.com which allow a cheaper route. Generally there is free texting for the sender but not for the receiver, while other services may simply require that the user listen to paid advertisements.  The other questions related to cheaper services for international texting.  i-text.it and sendSMSnow.com are two services that give individuals the ability to text internationally with most charges again going to the receiver of the message; thus cutting the overall total charges.For more information, links, and other text messaging help for begi...
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A Busy Month for Unlimited Texting Plans
2008-02-28 19:14:00
For anyone who makes use of text messaging or has kids who make use of it, the pain of the cost is all too real.  Cellular providers in the US charge per message within many plans, both for messages sent and those received.  Most do provide text messaging packages that charge a set fee that is more predictable as long as users don’t accidentally exceed the limit.During February however, heavy users of text messaging found reason to celebrate. Verizon was the first to announce a $99/month unlimited voice plan that could be boosted to a $119/month plan to add unlimited text messaging, and for more hard core users, a $139/month plan that added on unlimited data.Things got competitive.  AT&T tried to keep up by announcing their $99.99/month unlimited anytime minutes without domestic roaming or long distance charges with the option of adding on an unlimited texting plan for $35/month. T-Mobile’s offer was a bit more affordable as they introduced a $99.99/mont...
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Find Out the Energy Usage of Your Home Electronics
2008-02-25 12:29:00
With the increased coverage of issues related to energy conservation and energy usage, consumers are increasingly attentive to the energy needs of the products they purchase: from automobiles to home electronics.Home appliances obviously consume a significant amount of energy in the home, but with the ever increasing number of electronics products in the average household, the influence of these devices on our power consumption is exploding.  It is estimated that home electronics  are now responsible for at least 25% of our home energy use. Efforts such as the Energy Saver program can help consumers identify which devices meet minimum standards for energy efficiency.  Unplugging electronics that continue to use a trickle of energy even when powered down can be important as well.  Certainly another important step could be finding out exactly what items within your home are the biggest power consumers; then it becomes much easier to determine how to address the cul...
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Stolen Cell Phone Help
2008-02-22 10:40:00
Periodically I receive questions about a stolen cell phone:  from how to prevent it to how to retrieve it.  There’s no fool proof method of preventing theft but certainly keeping the phone out of sight and secured to your body or locked up are good first steps.Of course the biggest concern once a phone is taken is the charges that can be racked up prior to your reporting the phone stolen to your cellular provider.  Then after, that, concerns about the loss of important and personal information.  Passwords, when wisely selected, can do a lot to slow down and even stop an amateur from accessing your data.  In addition, there is of course security software that can help.Phone Guardian is one example for Symbian Smartphones.  The software allows the cell phone owner to remotely secure their phone by sending a lock SMS message to prevent the thief from being able to access their data or to use the phone.  It even allows them to turn on a siren alar...
More About: Cell Phone , Cell , Stolen , Cell-phone

Is Satellite Radio Really That Good?
2008-02-17 20:46:00
For some, it’s a common question.  Why pay for radio when you can get it for free? For others, the 24/7 commercial free aspect of satellite radio programming and the sheer variety of entertainment it provides is well worth the small monthly fee.  Clearly, the value any service provides is determined by the individual customer so trying out satellite radio is really the only way to know. For those who would like to test the waters, there is an option to do so. Sirius satellite radio does offer a free 3 day trial of their Internet Radio .  With the free trial, a consumer only needs an internet connected computer to listen.  No additional equipment is needed.  After 3 days, they can continue the Internet Radio service for a monthly fee of $12.99 per month, giving them 65 channels of commercial free music and 20 channels of news, comedy, sports and talk.  Of course, for those who really fall in love, they can pick up a regular subscription and list...
More About: Satellite , Good , Satellite Radio

Movie Downloads with Dish Network
2008-02-14 10:05:00
Satellite TV provider Dish Network now has an interesting site that gives subscribers the ability to download movies and music. The site features a variety of other functions as well as gaming and other interactive programming.Dish Theater, has more than 4000 films and TV shows that users can rent or buy; even burn to DVD. DISHmusic provides the ability to download music and concerts while ontour provides a widget to make it easy to keep up with local concerts and play dates.  Dishgames and PlayinTV are also available through the site and Nanogaming gives viewers real time interactive capabilities with programming such as live sporting events, award shows, reality TV, and game shows from their computer.  Dish Decision 2008 even allows viewers to select the issues of interest to find out how the current Presidential Candidates match up. To learn about all of the features available go to dishonline.com or check out this brief demonstration on YouTube.
More About: Movie , Downloads

New Energy Efficient Plasma TV: Having Your Cake and Eating It Too?
2008-02-11 12:52:00
As consumers shop for a new television, most will question whether they should consider an LCD or a plasma TV.  Both obviously offer excellent high definition viewing with Plasma having the advantage in low light situations and LCD the advantage in rooms with brighter ambient light.  They also have equivalent life spans and the same slim profile.  Plasma flounders a bit with consumers due to their early history of problems with burn in. This is unwarranted however, as the risk of burn in is very minimal as the technology for plasma has matured and issues basically resolved. Still however, there has been the issue of the excessive power consumption of plasma screens over the somewhat more energy conscious LCD displays. Excessive power consumption contributes to CO2 emissions and certainly can eat away at a user's pocketbook through their monthly energy bill.This issue however, may also be behind for plasma within just a year or two. Panasonic has developed a more ene...
More About: Energy , Cake , Eating , Efficient

Some Freedom from the Cable Company?
2008-02-07 11:31:00
Recently, my mother bought a new 52” Sharp LCD TV when her old projection television finally started exhibiting failing health.  Unfortunately, what she did not understand was the need to get the upgraded HD signal from her cable company in order to get a picture that was even as good as her old projection set offered.  She wasn’t too pleased with the idea of paying the cable company another $15 per month for a DVR to convert the signal. She inquired about the possibility of purchasing the equipment versus renting; trying to avoid the potential of having the extra $15 dollars a month being increased to $20, $30 or whatever, at the whim of the cable company.  This was not an option of course, and the sales pitch of the wonderful TIVO like features that she would never use wasn’t even slightly enticing. For anyone with a basic cable package this increased fee eventually rears it’s head when making a new television purchase.  If you want the...
More About: Freedom , Company , Cable

Getting a New Television: Would a DLP TV Be Right for You?
2008-02-04 16:43:00
When shopping for a new television, most consumers are somewhat acquainted with the beautiful flat screen, slim profile of LCD and plasma displays. For the more economical minded there are still of course the bulkier CRT tube TV’s on the market as well, but of course these aren’t offered in sizes over about 32”.  However, many consumers are less aware of another viable option.DLP is a technology that provides an excellent picture quality that rivals LCD.  Smaller size screens are not available, but DLPs run from about 42 inches to 73 inches; perfect for the average living room or home theater.  These televisions are significantly deeper than plasma LCD displays but are approximately 1/3 the depth of a CRT TV of the same size.  In addition, these screens tend to be lighter than similar sized TVs and less costly.The primary drawback to a DLP TV is the periodic need to replace the lamp.  The average lifespan of a DLP TV lamp has been estimated to...
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Wearable Gadgets
2008-02-01 10:31:00
In the past several years wearable gadgets have been increasing their presence.  Obviously, tiny MP3 players are common but wearable devices have spread to many other electronics. These items are increasing in the quality of their functions compared to their larger counterparts.  For backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, and others who simply want to navigate easily while outside of their vehicle, there is the Garmin Foretrex 101 Handheld Personal Navigator.  This waterproof, wrist mount GPS allows the wearer full use of their hands while providing GPS accuracy to within 16 yards; 3 yards when WAAS enabled.  It conveniently runs off of 2 AAA batteries that provide 15 hours of operation.There are also camcorders and digital cameras for those who either want to film while on the go or want to be sure their camera is always on the ready. Casio has a color Digital Camera Watch which can be used primarily in situations with good lighting.  This camera has a color...
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Digital Cameras: How to Remove Unwanted Images from Pictures
2008-01-28 11:16:00
One of the biggest advantages of using a digital camera is the ability it gives users in editing their photos. Basic photo editing capabilities are often included in the software that comes with a digital camera or computer purchase.  Photoshop is another popular option for photo editing.  The features of the  various software packages  vary of course, but the basic concepts are generally quite similar. For beginners, being able to remove unwanted items from a photo is a common aim and something I am asked about frequently.  You know, you take a picture of your youngest child and later, when printing the photo, notice that the teddy bear sitting behind her in the background is distracting from your otherwise perfectly framed shot. Thanks to digital photography and basic photo editing you can save the photo by removing the offensive doll. I found a basic video tutorial on YouTube that can give you just the basics you need using the Clone Stamp Tool see here f...
More About: Pictures , Images , Digital Cameras , Cameras , Digital

2 Ways to Watch Movie Downloads on Your Television
2008-01-25 04:09:00
For those who spend a great deal of time in front of their computer, the option of downloading and viewing movies online has been very attractive.  With movie downloads, the cost can be as low as 99 cents per movie and it allows users to enjoy the entertainment of their choice even on the go when using their laptop.  However, for many other movie lovers, movie download services never quite met their needs as they prefer viewing their entertainment on their big screen television from the comfort of their sofa or recliner.As legal movie download services have evolved in recent years, the options for viewing movies have expanded to include the ability to more easily enjoy downloaded films and TV shows in the living room on a television versus the PC.  Movie link describes two methods for getting their movie downloads to the TV for viewing.The first option is to network a PC with the television.  Users can best connect their PC to their TV with a DVI connection. ...
More About: Television , Watch , Downloads

Finding a Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phone
2008-01-20 21:09:00
For millions of people who wear hearing aids, using a cell phone can be a frustrating experience.  When the electronic components of the hearing aid and the cell phone get too close, there is a great deal of interfering noise that can be created.However, if you are one of those individuals, or if you are someone shopping for an individual with a hearing aid, there are some things you can do to assure that a new cell phone will operate as well as possible in conjunction with the hearing aid.  The primary thing to consider is the rating on both the cell phone and the hearing aid.  Both devices will have an M (microphone) or T (telecoil) rating.  The higher these ratings the better; at a minimum an M3/T3 rating is needed.  Ideally, adding the hearing aid rating to the cell phone rating, the total should be at least M6/T6.For older individuals, who may want a simpler phone, the Jitterbug is a good choice.  It offers not only hearing aid compatibility but go...
More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Cell , Hearing , Compatible

Cell Phone Power: Micro Hydrogen Fuel Cells on the Horizon
2008-01-18 05:10:00
Certainly, keeping your cell phone powered up is a concern.  More power, environmentally friendly power, and power that is inexpensive is what we really want. There are a number of battery technologies that are in various stages of development but micro hydrogen fuel cells are in the forefront.Just like hydrogen fuel cells for cars however, working through issues in getting fuel cell size down, assuring their safety, and dealing with the issue of making fuel readily available to users all have to be addressed.  The goal however, is still worthy as water powered fuel cells produce no harmful byproducts and are capable of producing significantly more power than a traditional lithium ion battery.Per a recent article from Physorg.com, Angstrom Power has already produced a micro hydrogen fuel cell and placed it in a Motorola cell phone with positive results and hopes are that a fully functioning device will be ready for the general public in 2010. If all works out, the tremendo...
More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Fuel , Cell

Is This the End of the Television Remote Control?
2008-01-14 13:55:00
I was reading some of the latest news from last week’s Consumer Electronics Show.  There is always a lot of new and interesting stuff in the world of television, cell phone, and other devices.  One small observation that occurred to me however, was prompted when I noticed  several items that are increasingly using  gestures, face recognition, and other input to control them. My observation is that the remote control, as we now know it, is living on borrowed time. From Panasonic, a wall sized screen is able to recognize faces and take direction from hand gestures. There’s a review of this offering on one of the Yahoo’s Tech Advisor pages.Then of course, there is the Sony Z555, which is demonstrating some of the skills that would be necessary to go without buttons.  If cell phones go this route, so too, TV’s, computers, and other devices.  I’m not sure I like the idea of all of those cell phone users’ in my work area, at the ...
More About: Television , Remote Control , Control , Remote

Where and How Will You View Television in the Future?
2008-01-10 13:13:00
There is an interesting article from Cox News, on ajc.com this week discussing the future for television viewing and other tech within our homes.  It provides an overview of some of the highlights of this year’s consumer electronics show.  The direction appears to be toward linking devices to allow more flexibility for viewers in enjoying content between televisions, the internet, and portable devices.  The trend toward providing consumers with more control over how they view programming is also expected to continue, with increasing ability to customize what they see and to use more interactive features.  According to the article, consumers should also see even more broadcasting available on portable devices and have more service possibilities as increased internet and phone line delivery of programming is expected in the coming year. Be sure to check out the ajc.com article for more information.
More About: Television , Future , The Future , View

Is Streaming Netflix Movies Directly to Your HDTV in the Near Future?
2008-01-07 14:41:00
Late last week, online movie rental service, Netflix  announced on their website that they are working in conjunction with LG Electronics to develop a set-top box which will allow consumers to stream movies directly to their HDTV.  This announcement provides a more solid expectation of the future of online movie rental services that was predicted in the CNN article I posted on this blog a couple of weeks ago. In 2007, Netflix took a big step toward providing the instant gratification that consumers prize, by offering a feature that allows them to view movies instantly by streaming content to their internet connected PC.  However, for those who prefer to watch movies on their big screen television, this option was not as attractive. With the proposed LG player, both the instant gratification and the large screen viewing experience will be readily available as the device will provide consumers with the ability to bypass their PC altogether.  Online movie rental f...
More About: Movies , Future , Hdtv , Streaming

Digital Television Converter Box Coupons Now Available
2008-01-03 22:01:00
As most US residents now know, analog television broadcasts in this country will cease as of February 18, 2009 as we move to all digital broadcasts.  This change over will result in those who receive their programming via an over-the-air antenna needing to purchase a digital converter box in order to view the digitally broadcast programming. With the cost of the converter boxes expected to be in the $50 to $70 range, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is making $40 coupons available to help cover the purchase price.  Earlier this week, it was announced that the coupons are available from January 1 through March 31, 2008.  Consumers are allowed up to two coupons per household but can use only one coupon per purchase.   To apply for a coupon, consumers can call 1-888-DTV-2009 (TTY 1-877-530-2634) or visit www.dtv2009.gov.
More About: Television , Converter , Coupons , Digital

Dire Predictions for Your Cell Phone and Other Mobile Devices
2007-12-31 11:17:00
As most people now realize, the threat of viruses and invaders of your privacy have been making strides in attacking not just your home computer but your cell phone and other mobile devices in the past couple of years.  As the majority of the population now own and operate such devices, it is important to protect your equipment and your information. (I have a reference page here on that.)I also wanted to share an interesting article I found describing some predictions for the major threats in the coming year. Unfortunately, the threats to all types of devices will most likely continue to escalate. One of the articles linked to this also describes in greater detail “bot” related crime for those who are interested.  Read the Red Tape Chronicles article for more information.
More About: Mobile , Phone , Cell Phone , Cell , Devices

The “Other” Digital Transition
2007-12-27 14:06:00
Most consumers have heard about the transition to all digital television broadcasts in the US.  (See here for more information).  However, there is another digital transition that is impending.  By as early as February 18, 2008 most major wireless companies will be switching to all digital networks.  This means that those with analog phones may need to upgrade.  Anyone who currently has a digital handset or subscribes to Sprint/Nextel or T-Mobile will not be affected. Consumers with a wireless alarm system or an OnStar communication system in an older model car may also feel the effects of this change over.The FCC requires that wireless companies notify consumers who will potentially be affected at least 4 months in advance of any change over and then again 30 days prior to the change.  If a consumer is unsure if their cell phone is analog or digital they can contact their retailer or wireless provider to make that determination.Here is a link to the FC...
More About: Digital , Transition , Transit

Home Electronics for Christmas
2007-12-24 09:52:00
Chances are good that someone in your family will receive some type of gadget or home electronics device for Christmas . From a big screen television to a trendy cell phone or a coveted Wii, these items are often high on the wish list.  With this in mind, I wanted to provide just a handful of very basic reminders to make sure such gifts “keep on giving” for a long time to come.1.  Be a little retentive at first:  I recommend keeping receipts, gift receipts, and original packaging for a least a couple of weeks.  If things go wrong with an electronic device, it often happens within the first several weeks. Returning any faulty device is always easy when you have the necessary paperwork and packaging.  Also be sure to complete any registration cards that come with the device . 2.  Read up on your new gadget:  Just like a puppy, you should learn about the care and maintenance for any new equipment to assure you avoid exposing it to any potenti...
More About: Electronics , Home

Dish Network International Programming Packages More Affordable
2007-12-21 06:21:00
Dish Network ’s VMC Satellite TV has offered a variety of international programming packages for many years.  However, up until very recently, consumers needed to subscribe to other standard packages first to qualify for these programming packages.  VMC Satellite TV this week announced that several of their international programming packages will now qualify without requiring a subscription to other packages. “Our International programming packages are popular with many of our DISH Network customers. Until now, Great Wall TV Package has been the only International programming package that constitutes qualifying programming under our most popular DISH Network consumer promotional offers. Now, customers may qualify with the following international packages. Arabic Elite Super Pack $39.99/month Greek Antenna Plus One $32.99/month Polish Super Pack $38.99/month Portuguese Brazil Elite Pack $43.98/month Hindi Mega Pack $54.99/month Russian Mega Pack $29.99/month...
More About: Programming , Dish , Ages

Buying Bluetooth?
2007-12-17 08:47:00
Bluetooth has been around for a number of years now, and even if you don’t have it, you are probably familiar with the sight of these devices tucked behind the ears of users. Certainly, Bluetooth offers us the ability to have devices such as PDAs and cell phones connect with other Bluetooth enabled equipment such as a laptop without the bother of wires or cables.  There are just a few things to understand before you purchase your first Bluetooth device: ·       ;   Range:  there are different classes of Bluetooth. Class 1 will connect and communicate only within 3 feet of another Bluetooth enable device.  Class 2 has a range of 30 feet, and Class 3 devices have a range of 300 feet. ·       ;   Version:  there are different versions of Bluetooth on the market and the devices you hope to connect need to have compatible versions.  However, it is important to understand th...
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Movie Downloads, Movies by Mail: Where is it All Going?
2007-12-13 18:58:00
First there were movies at the local video store with the inconvenience of going to the store to pick up your entertainment and then having to return it to avoid late fees. Then, thanks to Netflix and later Blockbuster and others, there are online movie rental services: much more “convenient” but slower than some consumers want, as it takes a day or two for delivery. Movie downloads have been available; first through services such as Movielink and CinemaNow, and then more recently via Netflix’s Watch Now feature.  With downloads there’s no more waiting for the films to arrive but watching favorite flicks at a computer isn’t for everyone.Now the question becomes what is the next step? It sounds as though that hasn’t been resolved but that numerous players, including Netflix, are looking at how to deliver entertainment to your TV in an instantaneous fashion, giving users both the comfort and immediacy they want.  Read the CNN story here.
More About: Movies , Mail , Downloads , Goin

Environmentally Friendly Cell Phones
2007-12-10 11:20:00
Increasingly, countries are recognizing the need to enact regulations to protect the environment from e-waste, including that found within cell phones.   The standards in such nations set limits on the amount of lead, mercury, and other toxic substances which can be present in equipment sold within their boundaries.  With such electronics waste directives in place, manufacturers are spending more time, money, and attention toward developing products that will limit such hazards in order to continue to do business.  Stepped up recycling requirements are also providing additional motivation for change in the cellular industry.  Although regulations vary from country to country and from state to state in the US, the trend of increased requirements is evident.  For many manufacturers, the most stringent requirements will surely dictate their direction as they strive to provide cell phones internationally.Some of the biggest cell phone manufacturers are invo...
More About: Cell Phones , Phones , Cell , Friendly , Envi

Making Your Own Cell Phone Ringtone
2007-12-07 09:53:00
After blogging about getting and setting up ringtones on your cell phone several months ago I had several people inquiring about how to create their own ringtone.  I found this YouTube posted video that should help with that.
More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Cell , Ringtone , Cell-phone

Simpler Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans Finally Emerging?
2007-12-02 17:09:00
Last year I wrote some articles related to the problems of the ever increasing complexity of  cell phones and cell phone plans (see the articles here) for a significant segment of our population; the elderly. From complex and increased costs to tiny buttons and a myriad functions that are useless to many older individuals, the average cell phone simply does not meet the needs of such people nor are they really accessible if motor, vision, or hearing problems exist.  This is particularly unfortunate since cell phones could potentially offer this segment of the population greater independence and enhanced safety in many cases.The need to offer products and services better suited to those older individuals who encounter difficulty with the average cell phone is slowly being  recognized however.  More than a year ago, I discussed the Jitterbug, a great phone with larger buttons, big fonts on a more visible screen, good volume, simplified functions, and affordable/com...
More About: Phone , Cell Phones , Cell Phone , Phones , Cell