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Online Movie Rental Provider Features Premiere Episode of Showtime Series
2007-07-31 21:40:00
More news from Netflix this week.  The online movie rental service recently announced that "the new Showtime Networks series "Californication," which stars David Duchovny , "The X Files"), is available exclusively at Netflix for the three weeks prior to the series  premiere on Showtime on Monday,  August 13 at 10:30 p.m. (Pacific Time/Eastern Time). " "Californication" will be a comedy series in which the main character, "writer Hank Moody (Duchovny), struggles to raise his 13-year-old daughter (Madeleine Martin) while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone). His obsession with honesty and self-destructive behavior -- drinking, drugs and relationships -- areboth impeding and enriching his career."Netflix customers will be able to view the premiere episode on DVD or via the WatchNow feature which streams the video over an internet connection and enables users to begin watching th...
More About: Movie , Episode , Rental , Series

Good News for Online Movie Rental Fans
2007-07-29 22:10:00
Last week Netflix announced another price drop in their most popular subscription plans. The online movie rental  pioneer dropped two of their plan prices a couple of months ago. Their most basic plan allows users to have one movie out at a time with a 2 movies per month cap for only $4.99 while their 2 movies out a time plan with no cap on the number of movies allowed per month was reduced to $13.99.  These June changes received a positive response resulting in the decision to reduce pricing on additional plans this month by $1.  With these most recent changes, the 1 movie out at a time (no monthly cap) goes to $8.99 while the 3 movies out at a time (no monthly cap) plan goes to only $16.99.Both of the affected plans also allow viewing of movies instantly on PC.  The "Watch Now" feature became available in January of this year with nearly 1,000 titles available for instant viewing without the delay of mail delivery.  The number of titles available via the W...
More About: News , Movie , Fans , Rental , Good News

Getting Your Plasma TV Mounted
2007-07-26 23:53:00
I've had several questions in recent weeks about mounts for a plasma television and which is best.  Like most products, it depends on how it will be used.   The most common mounts for a plasma television are ceiling mounts, wall mounts, and of course, stands that are customized to the specific TV.   A ceiling mount needs to be installed on a ceiling joist due to the weight of the plasma screen.  These are great if you want to save maximum floor space and wish to hide the television completely which can be accomplished by using a "lift" type of ceiling mount. These are of course a bit more complex and expensive.   A wall mount should be installed on a stud. The least expensive of these is a flat wall mount which is the most space saving of the wall mounts.  A flat mount adds only 2" to the depth of the screen but does not allow viewers to alter the viewing angle so it needs to be mounted very precisely so that optimal viewing is achieved. ...
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Introduction to the Wide World of Wireless
2007-07-21 14:49:00
If you have purchased a new laptop or PDA, it likely has built in Wi-Fi capabilities. Even if your device is a bit older, it is not unlikely that you can still make use of the convenience that Wi-Fi offers.  For those who are just now tip toeing into the world of wireless computing, a brief review of some of the basics should help to answer any lingering questions and knowing a few good resources can't hurt either.What Equipment Do I Need to Connect?   In order to wirelessly connect to the internet a user must first have a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device which supports standard 8.2.11 b or g Wi-Fi.  Many new devices have this built-in.  For devices that don't have this capability, a Wi-Fi enabled PCMIA card or an enabled Wi-Fi adapter is needed.   Secondly, a user must have access to a Wi-Fi "hot spot", a location which will connect them to the internet.  Some homes are now Wi-Fi enabled while many airports, hotels, and public institutions such as librari...
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Cell Phones for an Older Loved One
2007-07-17 21:20:00
Last year I wrote a series of articles on cell phones for the older population and I continue to get some requests for advice about phones for an older relative who can't make use of the typical phones found on the market. (you can see my articles here)   For those of you with an aging parent or friend, the difficulty some older people have with the tiny key pads and complex functions is well known.  For some older folks, reduced vision, fine motor skills, or a basic preference for simplicity make typical cell phones undesirable or unusable.   Unfortunately, because nearly all cell phones are designed for a younger crowd such older individuals, who could benefit from the increased accessibility offered by a cell phone, can't take advantage of them.Probably the top current contender in the cell phone field for these individuals  would be the Jitterbug. With fewer functions, a larger keypad, larger font, and a design for adults rather than children, the Jit...
More About: Cell Phones , Phones , Cell

DISH Network Boosting HD Programming Again
2007-07-14 15:56:00
Although satellite TV provider, Dish Network currently offers more HD programming than any other service, they announced earlier this month the addition of several more HD offerings.  Previously this month, they added 8 more Regional Sports Networks in HD which feature game-only baseball content, bringing the total number of HD regional sports networks offered on Dish to 17.   In August and September, the satellite TV provider will be adding seven more national HD channels including music programming from MTV, VH1, and CMT as well as the HD version of Animal Planet, the Discovery, History and Science Channels.   Although DishHD customers already receive over 200 hours per day of HD programming, the addition of such highly popular programming will be a great enhancement in the viewing schedule.
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Online Movie Rental: Movies When You Want Them
2007-07-10 23:33:00
Netflix is the pioneer in the realm of online movie rental.  Most of their 80,000 available titles can be delivered to a customer's home within one business day.  However, for some home movie viewers more instant gratification is needed, their decision to watch a movie is truly "last minute".   Back in January 2007, Netflix introduced a new service allowing their customers to view some titles instantly via streaming to their PC. The new Watch Now feature allows customers to begin viewing a movie or TV show selected within as little as 30 seconds. In a recent announcement, Netflix has reported that over 5 million titles have been viewed through the new instant watching feature in the past 6 months.  The great news for movie lovers however, is that the number of titles available for instant watching is continuing to grow, and should exceed 5,000 titles by the end of 2007.   Certainly for those who prefer to enjoy their films on the larger screens in their liv...
More About: Movies , Movie , Rental , Online , Rent

Giving Movie Downloads a Try the Easy Way
2007-07-05 11:38:00
If you are one of those people who would like to try movie downloads but haven't done so yet, now may be the time.  Recently, Movie link announced an offer for a free download of Glastonbury The Movie.  The film is a feature-length documentary about the Glastonbury Festival which is the largest outdoor music/performing arts festival in the world.  The film includes performances by bands such as Coldplay, Blur, Foo Fighters, Oasis, and many more.  Included are behind-the-scenes interviews with Paul McCartney, White Stripes, REM, The Killers, and Radiohead.   This offering is a free, and risk free, opportunity to try out movie downloads. As always, downloading a movie commits the user to no further purchases.  This free download will be available through July 10th.  
More About: Downloads , Giving , Easy , Easy Way

The Skinny on Noise Canceling Headphones
2007-07-02 11:50:00
I've had a few questions come up about noise canceling headphones.  Most people who have traveled with an MP3 player have had the experience of intruding background noise ruining their listening experience.  Noise canceling headphones can be a way of eliminating much of that interfering noise.   Many headphones use a passive means of blocking out noise to keep it from reaching our ears. The padding on around-the-ear headphones and the canal blocking aspect of earbud style earphones can both reduce the amount of intrusion.  Blocking noise passively is the primary means of reducing higher pitch sounds and very loud sounds such as explosions.Noise canceling headphones go a step further and actively block sound via a microphone placed near the ear to identify interfering background noise and a circuit which generates a new sound wave that cancels out the intruding sound wave from the background.  This does not significantly increase the volume of sound reaching...
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Camcorders: Steady Films without a Tripod
2007-06-27 18:05:00
Any time a camcorder is handheld there is a likelihood of camera shake occurring due to unintentional hand movement or shakiness. One of the best ways to eliminate this problem is to use a tripod whenever possible.  However, the situations in which it is unhandy to use a tripod, or one is not available, are too numerous to mention.  Thus, the average user typically operates without a tripod with the result being tremulous or jerky films.   Thankfully, camcorder manufacturers offer a variety of methods to reduce the effect of  inadvertent movements. The two most common features offered on current camcorders are electronic and optical image stabilization.  Electronic stabilization, also termed digital stabilization, is the more economical means of steadying images.  However, optical stabilization, or mechanical stabilization as it is also described, tends to offer superior performance.  There are also other differences between these two methods of im...
More About: Films , Camcorders , Order , Orders , Amcor

Cell Phones: Tips for Choosing and Using Them for Better Pictures
2007-06-23 16:35:00
Camera capabilities have become common on cell phones and, for some users, these camera phones are their only means of capturing and sharing images. Certainly, the camera within a cell phone is readily available and portable, making them a good option for more spontaneous photography.  In addition, they are less conspicuous than all but the more compact stand alone digital cameras, allowing users to take more candid shots easily.    Cell phone cameras also have a reputation for their limitations however.  From slower shutter speeds that make blurry pictures common, lack of manual control to adjust exposure, white balance, focus, and so forth, to the common lack of high quality lenses, CMOS sensors, and the megapixels necessary for sharp images, the average camera phone often doesn't compete well with stand alone digital cameras for producing high quality images for print.   With recent advancements in the design of cell phone cameras however, consumers ca...
More About: Pictures , Cell Phones , Phones , Tips

Digital Camera Tip: Posting Your Pictures on a Web Page
2007-06-21 09:53:00
A couple of the many great things about a digital camera and the digital images they create is that you can do so many creative things with them and share them in so many different ways.  Increasingly, people are posting pictures on web pages; whether for personal or business use.   There are a few things to remember when posting these digital images on web pages so that the quality is good and the experience of viewing them is pleasant.   ·       ;  Use JPEG format.  GIF is ok for graphics but doesn't have the quality/color range necessary for photos to look good online. Many browsers don't support PNG or JPEG 2000. ·       ;  Smaller file size allows pictures on a web page to load more quickly so that viewers don't get frustrated by extremely slow download times. Remember that some people still have slower dial-up connections which makes download time even more critical. File size is...
More About: Pictures , Digital Camera , Camera , Page , Digital

More Information on the Netflix Free Concert and Movie Series
2007-06-17 15:49:00
Several weeks ago, online movie rental pioneer Netflix announced their free summer concert and movie screening series for this year with their first booking at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Bruce Willis and his blues band will be headlining with a screening of the 1998 sci-fi film, Armageddon, to follow.   More recently, Netflix announced additional offerings for the summer.  The first, on June 21st will be held on the riverfront Spanish Plaza in New Orleans at 7:00 local time.  Dennis Quaid and The Sharks will perform a rock and country-soul concert followed by a screening of the 1987 movie, "The Big Easy".   The Bacon Brothers (Keven and Michael) will perform a live rock show on Sunday, July 15th at West Shore Park in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.  A screening of Kevin Bacon's 1982 film, "Diner" will follow the concert.   Anyone interested in these live events can visit the Netflix site for more information on how to obtain tickets.
More About: Movie , Information , Concert , Series , Free

Choosing the Right Resolution When Scanning Images
2007-06-13 11:48:00
Scanners are great tools for converting images from prints, negatives, and slides into a digital form for the purposes of storage, editing, and sharing via the internet or actual prints.  The quality of the images from a scanner depends in large part upon resolution. Some scanners offer significantly higher resolution than others but most allow the user to adjust the resolution used for any given scan.   Because higher resolution means more detailed and higher quality images why would a user ever select to adjust resolution downward?  There are a couple of reasons actually. One is that higher resolution images contain more information (thus the higher quality image).  The downside of more information however, is that file sizes are much larger, requiring much more storage space. With this increased file size, comes the second drawback to higher resolution images; they are slower to scan, manipulate, and download.  A user many not wish to spend large amounts ...
More About: Images , Scanning , Scan , Solution , Resolution

Cell Phones: Introduction of iPhone to Occur June 29th
2007-06-11 11:15:00
Probably the most anticipated introduction of a new cell phone, and possibly one of the most talked about new electronics gadgets in general, Apple's iPhone, will be officially available as of June 29th.  With a demonstration and announcement of its upcoming release approximately six months ago, consumers and the electronics world have had plenty of time to build their suspense.   For many however, keeping up with such developments falls off the radar amongst the other priorities in life.  For those individuals, I wanted to give a very brief overview of what makes the iPhone a bit special.   One attraction for some consumers is the fact that Apple, maker of the infamous iPod, is behind the development and manufacture of this new cell phone, portable media viewer, digital camera, PDA, MP3 player, etc.  Apple is widely recognized as a company that can design gadgets which work well and work simply.  It is anticipated that the iPhone will operate very smo...
More About: Cell Phones , Iphone , Phones , Cell

Digital Camera Tips: Beginning Concepts of Picture Composition
2007-06-07 14:37:00
There are many great digital cameras on the market that allow users to take control of elements such as focus, exposure, lighting, and so forth.  However, for the majority of consumers, a simple point and shoot camera is the device of choice. Although understanding and using appropriate lighting is critical to produce quality shots even with these cameras, basic picture composition must be the first consideration.  If the composition of the image captured is poor, then great lighting, perfect exposure, and so forth will not remedy the problem.There are a number of "rules of composition" that can be studied but understanding and employing just a few basics will allow even less committed amateurs to produce more enviable images.   Identify your subject.  Every picture should have a single point of interest or subject.  Trying to capture an entire scene of activity often produces less than desirable results.  It is generally better to focus on individual...
More About: Digital Camera , Camera , Tips , Concepts , Picture

Steps Toward Making the Most of Cell Phones, Landlines, and VoIP
2007-06-04 10:27:00
There are multiple technologies used for telephone communications and each offers unique advantages. Landlines still tend to offer the best and most consistent call quality, cell phones offer the most mobility, while VoIP offers the most inexpensive option. Increasing connectivity, especially wireless, is beginning to allow consumers to make the use of more than one technology in a more integrated fashion.   Using your home landline to receive calls to your cell phone number can be a cost savings in some instances and a way of getting improved cellular call quality within the walls of your house in others. One way to do this is to get a cordless phone that can make a connection with your cell phone:  either via a dock or Bluetooth technology. Motorola, RCA, and Panasonic are among the manufacturers who make such devices.  Users generally find these phones most useful when making long distance calls or when multiple family members wish to be on the line during a single...
More About: Cell Phones , Phones , Cell , Voip , Line

The Basics About Digital Camera Scene Modes
2007-05-31 23:52:00
I've received some questions about some of the more common scene modes on a digital camera so I thought I would take a moment to briefly describe these.   Portrait:  This mode is used, as one would expect, when shooting a "portrait" of a person or pet.  With this mode, the camera uses a large aperture, and perhaps a faster shutter speed to compensate for the large aperture.   This creates a sharper focus on a nearby subject and makes the background less distinct.Landscape:  In contrast to the portrait setting, the landscape setting on a digital camera makes use of a small aperture and perhaps a slower shutter speed in an effort to bring as much of a scene into sharp focus as possible.Nighttime: This mode uses flash and a slow shutter speed in an effort brighten the background in a dark scene and bring in as much available light as possible. Users still need to focus on maintaining a steady shot to assure good focus.   Action:  The fast shutte...
More About: Digital Camera , Camera , Scene , Digital , Digi

How to Shop for Cell Phone Plans that Ease the Bite of Text Messaging Costs
2007-05-27 14:36:00
Aside from calling, text messaging is the feature getting the greatest use on most cell phones and probably the primary reason for higher than expected bills. With the cost of sending a domestic message around $.15 and receiving one approximately $.10 with the typical cell phone plan, an avid user can rack up an exorbitant bill within days. Customers have struggled to reign in the costs.  Individuals and families have instituted "call, don't text" rules within their household, only to find that received text messages still send them over the edge. In some instances, users have been able to block texting from their service but then miss the privacy and the efficiency that texting offers. Many families have tried to quell an adolescent's texting excess by making teens responsible for their own texting costs while others provide only prepaid services to assure that usage is held in check.However, an answer to the cost of the burgeoning use of text messaging which may create grea...
More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Cell , Shop , Plans

Your Television Screen: How High Should You Go?
2007-05-23 16:12:00
After writing an article about finding the best size television screen based upon the distance from which you will sit while viewing it, I have received some questions about how high a television screen should be mounted.   At least to some extent this is based upon viewer preference but for those who want a point of reference, it is generally accepted that the television screen is best positioned so that the viewers eye level, when sitting in their typical viewing position (chair), is 1/3 to 1/2 of the way down from the top of the television screen.   Certainly many homes have their television above their fireplace which allows them to center their sofa and other seating around a single focal point. The difficulty this presents however is that unless viewers have considerable distance from the screen, they are forced to sit with their head tilted for long periods of time while watching television.  In addition, most screens provide an optimal picture when eye level ...
More About: Television , Screen , High , Sion , Visi

Digital Cameras: Should You Get an External Flash?
2007-05-21 00:42:00
The built-in flash on a digital camera is compact, simple to use, and often effective in providing the extra illumination needed to assure adequate exposure of a subject when ambient light is insufficient. In some instances, the internal flash is able to soften shadows in harsh light as well. So why then, would the average, non-professional photographer need or want an external flash for their camera?   More illumination is sometimes needed The built-in flash on the average digital camera has a useful range of about 13 to 15 feet.  An external flash has more power and can illuminate a larger area; their range can be as large as 70 feet.  Whether trying to illuminate a large group of people only 15-20 feet away or a single subject 50 feet away, an external flash can provide much better lighting in such situations. An external flash is particularly useful when shooting with a wide angle as many can disperse the flash to fill the width of the scene. Shadows can be excess...
More About: Flash , Digital Cameras , Cameras , Digital , Digi

Just a Few News Items
2007-05-17 10:05:00
It appears that satellite TV provider Dish Network has ranked highest in customer satisfaction among cable and satellite TV services per the 2007 American Customer Satisfaction Index.  You can see the story here.  A little over a month ago, online movie rental pioneer, Netflix announced one of their special summer presentations LIVE! On Location. The event will consist of a screening of the 1998 movie "Armageddon" at the Kennedy Space Center (where the movie is set) in Florida and a one hour concert performed by Bruce Willis (star of the movie) and his blues band. The Netflix site now indicates that there is no fee for the one hour concert or movie screening although there is a fee for admission into the Kennedy Space Center. For anyone interested in spending a day exploring the space center and attending the free entertainment they can get more information and purchase tickets by visiting here.
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Printing Photos from Your Cell Phone/Camera Phone
2007-05-14 00:55:00
For a lot of beginners it can be tough to figure out how to get their cell phone shots printed. The most common method these days is to print from a Bluetooth-enabled printer.  Most major photo printer manufacturers offer at least one or two models with an optional Bluetooth adaptor; including HP, Epson, Canon, and Samsung.   It appears that in the near future a newer product that is small enough to tote around in your pocket will be on the market as well. The Zink pocket printer will hook up with your cell phone easily and allow users to do on the spot printing. (zink.com) The company, a Polaroid spin off, reports that they will also be producing a digital camera with a built-in printer. (Sounds familiar to anyone old enough to remember that Polaroid film cameras printed their own shots for many, many years)
More About: Phone , Photos , Cell Phone , Camera , Cell

Taking Better Candid Photographs
2007-05-10 13:12:00
Several months ago when talking about digital cameras I did a series of blogs on photography tips.  Topics included the usual stuff such as exposure, lighting, and so forth. Much later I realized that I didn't include anything about the more spontaneous shots that so many of us want and try to capture. In an outright rebellion against the more "posed" look we see more candid shots cropping up not only on popular websites like Flickr but even done in more traditional situations like weddings and receptions.   Although these candid shots are "spontaneous" there is some planning and a variety of techniques to employ to get better results. Here are just a handful of tips to get you started:   Blend in.  You don't necessarily want your subjects to be acutely aware of the fact that you are preparing to take their picture.  You want to capture the moment, the feeling, their natural reactions, and their interactions.   As with any photography where people a...
More About: Photographs , Bett , Graph , Taking