Dvd Replication

Writen by Ross Bainbridge

A DVD, or digital versatile disc, is a product of new optical disc technologies that can vastly improve the quality of a number of consumer electronics and personal computer products. DVDs can hold up to 17 gigabytes of data, and recent research indicates a potential for 15 times more storage. Basically, a DVD is a double-density, double-sided compact disc. DVD replication is the process by which the data is transferred from the source master to DVD discs. You should not confuse it with duplication, as they are not the same.

The source master is first checked for unreadable sectors when it is submitted to the manufacturing plant. This is important because without this verification, one could end up having many defective discs.

The first step in what we call 'pressing' discs is to transfer data from the master onto a 'master mold'. It is referred to as a glass master in this case. With the help of laser beam, pits or grooves are created onto a glass master. The data on the master determines the spacing and length of the grooves.

By 'stamper' we mean the mold for the DVD discs, which is created by the glass master. The grooves that are created in the glass mastering process are pressed against a nickel layer to create a stamper. The grooves are then copied onto the stamper, which will subsequently become part of a DVD disc. Finally, polycarbonate materials are molded with the grooves on the stampers to create a disc. DVDs need two layers of the polycarbonate discs, which are then bonded together.

Replication has a number of advantages that include accuracy, quality, quantity, and packaging. Instead of duplication, replication is the obvious choice for a professional finished product in significant numbers. The bigger the size of the order, the lower is the price.

DVD Replication provides detailed information on DVD Replication, DVD Replication Services, DVD-ROM Replication, Cheap DVD Replication and more. DVD Replication is affiliated with DVD Copy Software.

Setting Up The Ultimate Home Theater System

Writen by Tim Gorman

After a long day, or a long week, some people want to just watch an entertaining movie. Well, it isn't that much of a hassle, if you go every once and awhile. For movie enthusiasts, however, that may be a problem. Depending on where you live, the movie theater may be far away and cost $10-$15 a ticket. Unless you have lots of time and money, seeing movies every time a new one comes out, might not be the best move for you. Home theater systems may be the solution, they bring the feeling of a movie theater into your home.

So what is a home theater system? Basically, it is an assortment of electronic components arranged together to give you the best movie experience possible. First came the VCR, which let the user view videos of past movies with out the hassle of going to the theaters. Although it was a nice thing to have, it still did not present the same quality of going to a movie theater. It was just a movie on your home television. Now in days, technology is so advanced that we can have a fully functional movie theater in our homes. It will be of course smaller than an actual theater, but quite similar quality.

Setting up a home theater system is not as hard as a person may think. Of course, there are professionals that may install the system in come cases. It will be difficult, if you have never hooked up anything technological in your life. The surround sound is probably the top feature when it comes to the theaters. If you want to have a quality home system, your top job will be getting the sound system just right. Another task that you must perform is getting a quality screen. This will depend entirely on your likes and dislikes. What ever your choice, make sure the screen is of decent length at least 25" long ways. The next big decision is buying a DVD, or other video viewer, to play dvds on. This is not required, you may have pay per view television via sate-lite and do not need a dvd player. Just make sure that whatever screen you are watching, it is the clearest picture possible. Then again, you can buy all this in a set and save yourself the time of buying individual pieces, but that will cost much more.

The home theater system will not only save you money in the long run, but will be much more enjoyable. Imagine the comfort of stopping a movie, going to the bathroom, getting something to eat or drink, etc. If a home theater system is something you want to look into, be prepared to pay a few hundred to possibly a few thousand dollars, which will be decided by what you buy. Just remember that your buying a movie theater that is going to fit inside your living room and give you the same quality as a full size theater. Can you really pass that up?

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Shopping For Home Theater Systems.com where he provides more money saving information on buying the best home theater systems that you can research in your pajamas on his website at http://www.shoppingforhometheatersystems.com

An Introduction To Lcd

Writen by Eric Morris

The United Kingdom's Radar Research Establishment (RRE) started work on liquid crystals in the late 1960's. At the University of Hull, George Gray and others were working on the same lines. It was with RRE's support that cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals (stable and have the right temperature properties for use in LCDs) were later discovered by Gray.

The United Kingdom's Radar Research Establishment (RRE) started work on liquid crystals in the late 1960's. At the LCD or liquid crystal display is a flat and thin display device constructed of monochrome or color pixels that are kept in front of a reflector. Engineers highly value this technology because of the minimal electric power it consumes. In fact, it is just about perfect for use in mechanisms that are powered by battery.

LCDs are found in many digital watches and portable computers. LCD displays have two areas of polarizing substance, and a liquid crystal solution in between. With the passing of electric current through the liquid, the crystals line up in such a way that light cannot infiltrate them. Each crystal acts like a shutter, either blocking the light or allowing it to come through.

Monochrome LCD images generally show as dark gray or blue images atop a grayish-white backdrop. In color LCDs, two fundamental techniques are used for producing color: Passive matrix is the less costly of the two. Limited in color and viewing angle, passive matrix was broadly used with earlier laptops for mono or color displays. The second technology is called active-matrix or thin film transistor (TFT). It puts out color images that are sharp, but its technology is costly. Active-matrix is used for laptops, desk-top computers, home theatres, etc. Recently, passive-matrix displays have been come up with technology that can produce colors sharp enough to rival active-matrix displays.

When purchasing an LCD monitor, it is important to thoroughly check the entire package, which includes resolution, response time, viewable size, viewing angle, brightness and contrast ratio, color support, etc.

LCD provides detailed information on LCD, LCD Projectors, LCD Monitors, LCD Tvs and more. LCD is affiliated with LED Displays.

Lcd Tv Checklist Are You Prepared

Writen by Tim Jeffries

LCD flat screen TVs provide a superior picture as compared to a traditional television - and they can come in more attractive styles to boot. A flat screen LCD TV can be mounted on a wall, under a cabinet, on the ceiling… or can sit on a stand or on top of furniture. LCD TVs are versatile, flexible, and provide a better entertainment experience… but how do they work?

LCD flat screen TVs, and LCD technology itself, is based on the properties of polarized light. LCD TVs consist of two, perpendicularly arranged panes of polarized glass "stuck together" by a liquid-crystal-filled polymer solution. When they are exposed to electrical currents, the crystals untwist to varying degrees, permitting specific amounts and colors of light to pass though them. Flat screen LCD TVs are, in effect, projection TVs that depend on an extremely bright lamp as their light source, so they're considered a "passive" display.

So how do you choose the right flat panel LCD TV for you? You should at least consider the following factors when shopping for a flat panel LCD TV.

1. Look for a HDMI input. This port keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (like your cable box). HMDI carries high-definition audio as well as video. Some satellite receivers and DVD players also connect through this port.

2. Match the LCD TV size to the size of the room where it will be placed. Because LCD TVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would, so you can view a larger screen comfortably. (Keep in mind a 42-inch screen may overwhelm a small room, though.)

3. Decide if you want the picture-in-picture feature. The picture in picture feature allows you to simultaneously view two video sources at once, with one appearing as a small window on the screen. If you do want picture-in-picture in your flat panel LCD TV, keep in mind that single-tuner picture-in-picture lets you watch TV in one window and another source (like a DVD) in the second window. A flat panel LCD TV with two tuners lets you watch two television sources at once.

4. Do you need HDTV? A flat panel LCD TV with EDTV is cheaper, but it can't display high-definition signals. The price difference between smaller flat panel HD-ready LCDs and ED-ready LCDs is fairly low, so you're better off buying a HD-ready set. In fact, most experts say there's little reason to buy a non-HD LCD television. These lower resolution LCD TVs won't be able to accept high-definition signals, so the picture won't look any better than regular analog TV. And small HD-ready LCD TVs can be found for $500 or less, which is cheap enough that there really isn't much to "save" on a non-HD LCD TV.

Check to see if the TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware. Most flat panel LCD TVs come with a basic table stand, but wall-mounting hardware costs an additional $100 to $200.

5. Look into the manufacturer's warranty policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. If you buy a Sharp LCD Television, for example, from an unauthorized dealer, Sharp may not offer warranty coverage. (However, the retailer may offer a substitute warranty that sufficiently covers you.) The difference in price between an authorized Sharp dealer and a discounter can sometimes be hundreds of dollars, so make sure you're comfortable with the risk of not having a warranty, or make sure you ask the dealer for information about their warranty terms for the flat panel LCD TV you're considering.

6. Finally, learn about LCD TVs. There are far more things to learn about LCD TVs than the above mentioned points. Get educated on how to buy an LCD TV.

Tim Jeffries is author of "The LCD TV Shopping Guide." Get your copy at http://www.llcdtv.com

How To Shoot Good Digital Video With Your Camcorder

Writen by Chris Vorelli

Let me tell you from experience how important it is to know how to shoot good digital video with your camcorder before going on that vacation or filming that big event. When I was getting married my sister offered to film the happy day for me with her new camcorder, I agreed as it would save money on the wedding as a videographer could get quite expensive.

Let me tell you how wrong I was, the digital video was dark, shaky and blurred anytime she went into zoom or moved around the room. The sound was off and muffled and it was more of a headache to watch rather than a joy. In a nutshell, I wish I spent money on a good digital video shooting.

I don't want people to make the same mistake that I did so to spread the word on my learning experience I would like to pass on some great tips on how to shoot good digital video with your Minidv camcorder.

Tip #1 - Do not record while walking or moving about as the digital camcorder cannot stay focused on a moving object. Choose a place to stand and begin by recording a starting point for a few seconds before moving onto the next object. Slowly and carefully pan the camcorder to the next point of focus and hold there for a few more seconds before you stop shooting.

Tip #2 - Avoid excessive zooming of objects, not only does it kill the camcorder battery faster, it can give the viewers a crazy headache. If there were a moment you'd like to catch up close, stand still and take your time while zooming and shooting video, also try to avoid any quick motions, as the image will blur.

Tip #3 - Make sure that the lighting around you is bright enough and do not point the camcorder lens directly facing sunlight, not only can this damage the video camera lens, it will also blacken the images making for an unpleasant movie. If you plan to be indoors, I suggest you invest in a camcorder light attachment that can easily be placed onto the video camera and turned on if needed.

Tip #4 - Last but not least, my favorite camcorder accessory by far has to be a Tripod. You can buy a cheap little mini table tripod for simple videos or you can invest in a larger stand up tripod for longer shooting of video. By using a tripod when recording, you can be assured that your images will not be shaky nor will the movie look amateur.

Chris Vorelli is a successful writer with info on all types of camcorders. Read reviews and other useful information on dvd camcorders,VHS camcorders,HD camcorders, and more. © digital-camcorders-reviews.net

Directv Vs Dish Network Choosing The Best Deal

Writen by Ted Kushner

With all the deals being advertised lately between DirecTV and Dish Network choosing the best deal for you or your family can become quite confusing.

While both companies offer satellite TV offers, each company varies in the types of channels and programs offered for various price points.

But armed with the right information you can make an informed decision on which satellite TV package will give you the most bang for you or your families budget.

When choosing between either DirecTV or Dish Network you must start out with first knowing what it is that you really are looking for from your satellite subscription.

Like, are you shopping for the most available channels, the best sports package, the most music channels or the best package that includes free premium movies or hardware? Each question must be addressed before comparing as each satellite package may offer different options that may or may not meet your particular needs.

If you are really looking for the best sports package, then it doesn't mean a hill of beans if one of them offers you 80 free music channels does it? Once you decide what is really important to you and your family, then you can get down to really shopping for the package of your choice.

A simple way to compare each satellite offer is to start a little spreadsheet or word document. Divide up the columns in a way that makes sense for easy comparison of the various programs being offered by both DirecTV and Dish Network.

One column could be the amount of channels being offered, the next column could be what is included in the offer, like a free dvr or three months free service, or maybe a cash rebate.

Always make up one column that you can copy the url of the sites that you have visited so that once you have determine which offer is the best you can find that site again. It would be a real bummer if you found a great deal but forgot which site you found it on when you went back to find it.

Also take note if each or any of these pricing packages are promotional offers? Sometimes the prices quoted in big letters are only good for a short period of time, like 3-6 months and then they can increase substantially if you are not careful.

So always read the small print on each offer and make notes on the periods of these special deals.

By taking a small amount of time up front, you can end up saving a substantial amount of money and receive a better deal for your money by doing the proper comparison of the various DirecTV and Dish Network packages being offered currently today.

Ted Kushner researches consumer interest topics dealing with health, marketing and finances. To find out more on how to find the best DirecTV or Dish Network deal online currently visit- www.affiliaterevenuesources.com/directv-vs-dishnetwork.htm

What Makes An Hdtv High Definition

Writen by Gary Ruplinger

You keep hearing about it – new high definition DVDs, high definition camcorders, and high definition TVs. And you probably know that high definition means higher quality video, but beyond that it may all be just a bit fuzzy.

If you're a TV and you want to be labeled as an HDTV, then you need to have one of three formats – 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, with 1080p being the best of the three. The main difference in these formats is resolution. A 720p TV will have a resolution or 1280 pixels by 720 lines. A 1080i or 1080p will have a resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 lines.

The other factor is the letter behind the number, p and i. They refer to the way the image is built up. The p stands for progressive and the i stands for interlaced. When using an interlaced scan, only half the lines (for a 1080i, that's 540 lines) are displayed at a time. The lines are alternated so fast (1/30th of a second) that your eyes interpret the two images to be just one. In progressive, all of the lines are displayed at the same time, which provides a smoother looking picture. (Lines are displayed every 1/60th of a second).

Now in a perfect world, we'd all have 103" 1080p plasma displays in our living rooms, however, unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world, so we have to figure out which HDTV, if any, best suits our needs.

The first question to be asking yourself is what am I going to use it for? Do you watch a lot of movies? Do you plan on getting HD channels from your cable or satellite provider? Are you willing to upgrade the rest of you A/V equipment? These are important questions because if you don't plan on upgrading to a new DVD player (HD-DVD or Blu-ray), and you don't want to spend the extra money on an HD box from your cable or satellite provider, then an HDTV probably isn't for you. You can go buy a nice big screen TV and save yourself several thousand dollars in the process and still just as nice a picture from your standard television programming and standard DVDs as you would with a high definition display.

For those of you who do plan on upgrading the rest of your equipment, then an HDTV may be an investment you'll want to consider.

Gary Ruplinger is a writer for PlasmaGeeks.com. Be sure to visit his site to learn more about Plasma TVs and HDTVs.

Choosing Your Plasma Tv Features To Look For When Purchasing A Plasma Television

Writen by Andrew Ghigo

What to look for when buying a Plasma Television

As with all big screen TVs, the choice of a plasma television is in reality a function of finding the right trade-off between screen size and supported features for your available budget.

This budget issue is even more important when it comes to plasma TVs. It is true that we are seeing more and more of the so-called cheap plasma TVs in the sub-$2000 price tag, yet as one starts stretching the screen size over and above the 42-inch entry-level mark, price increases drastically.

Before you start shopping around for your plasma display, it is important that you make a prioritized list of the features that are most important to your needs; this should include:

• Screen Size
• Display resolution
• Support for HDTV
• Connectivity
• Appearance

When evaluating your options, keep in mind that plasma's are expensive - hence the end approach is a trade-off between the desired features and price in order to match your budget.

Ultimately, it is your budget that will drive your purchase - hence you may have to scale-back accordingly.

Always start with Screen Size

Plasma TV screens range in size from typically 37-inches to the latest 70-inch and 80-inch big screen giants.

Screen size is a big factor in plasma pricing and is the most important feature you need to decide on. You can always find smaller screens in the 37-inch to 42-inch domain, for $2,000 to $3,000. Some bare-bones models from major manufactures like Panasonic and Samsung, are even selling at slight less than $2,000.

Therefore, the best way to start choosing your plasma TV is to select the screen size you want, and then evaluate your options.

This is not an issue where if you can afford it, buy it! Here there is a very important aspect to take into consideration when deciding on your Plasma TV screen size – you need to choose one that fits your room. This does not simply mean a screen size that will fit your wall or available cabinet space only. Even more important is the need to match the chosen screen size with your available viewing distance. (More on this can be found in our detailed article on TV Viewing Distance and Screen Placement in the home theater.)

Many argue that TV viewing distance is a matter of personal preference. To a certain extent, this is true, but there are a few guidelines worth considering if you want to enjoy the best possible viewing experience. In essence, a 42" EDTV plasma television would require 10 feet between you and your screen - you may get close to 9 feet for a HDTV plasma TV of the same screen size. However, try not to get closer than this as you may start seeing the pixel build-up structure on the screen - which can be extremely annoying.

Display Resolution and Support for HDTV

The native resolution of a plasma display is another important factor to take into consideration when choosing your plasma TV.

Although generally, picture quality from a plasma TV is very good irrespective of the set resolution, yet higher resolution plasmas will be able to display certain video content better.

This becomes an issue especially when watching an HDTV signal on your Plasma TV. A 720p HDTV signal supports a resolution of 1280 pixels by 720 lines while 1080i/p supports 1920 pixels by 1080 lines.

This means that to be considered true HD, the plasma display must have a native resolution of at least 1024x720. Normally HDTV plasma displays in this category will support a resolution of 1024 x 768 though some come with a higher resolution of at least 1280 x 768 or 1366 x 768. These higher resolutions will enable the respective sets to display a full 720p HDTV image without any re-scaling.

Plasma TV sets with a lower resolution will still be able to display a high definition video signal if they have the necessary electronics - by re-scaling the image. This re-scaling process means disposing of some of the information in order to fit the set native resolution. These plasmas tend to have a resolution of 852x480 and are referred as EDTV plasma TVs.

This resolution is actually what progressive scan DVDs and Digital Television are in and looks as good as any plasma with a higher resolution when displaying these signals. The only visible difference between plasmas with a resolution of 1024x720 (or higher) and 852x480, is when watching true HD material.

A few words about Digital Television and HDTV: While HDTV offers a clearer picture than regular television, yet not all setups allow you to take full advantage of HDTV. It all depends on the quality of your HD source. If your source is a compressed signal e.g. TiVo, then you cannot take full advantage of the quality supported by HDTV.

It is also important to remember that HD still represents a small portion of all available TV content.

Connectivity and Features

Inputs: A plasma TV should include the inputs you need to plug in the various video components. These should include composite, S-Video, component video, DVI, HDMI, and RGB. Preferably, look for a model that would also provide you with a set of front or side-panel A/V inputs for convenient camcorder or video game hookup.

RGB is a standard 15-pin computer input. Composite video is a single line video output that is typical on VCRs, cable/satellite receivers, and DVD players. The next step up in quality is S-video. This can be found on DVD players and most cable/satellite boxes. Component video, which is of a higher quality than S-Video, divides the video signal into red, green, and blue; it is mainly found on progressive scan DVDs and some newer cable/satellite boxes.

DVI and HDMI are purely digital connections; the main difference between the two is that HDMI carries also the audio on the same interconnect used for the video. Both interfaces are capable of supporting up to 1080 lines of picture resolution. In order words, they both can handle HDTV.

Additional Features: Supported connectivity and additional features all add up to the final product price. If you can afford to add a little more to your available budget, you can normally find models with additional features that support a wider range of video inputs, better control options, and support for HDTV.

Final Advice

Keep in mind that price does not equate to performance. It may mean a bigger screen size but not necessary a better picture. Hence, if you are still uncertain as to the best way to go, your primary consideration here should always be - how good the picture will look on your big screen plasma TV.

(c) 2004/2005 www.practical-home-theater-guide.com. All rights reserved.

Andrew Ghigo – A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession.
Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.

This article is an excerpt from a series of informative guides appearing under the Plasma TV Guides section of the site.

Your First Home Theater Network

Writen by Oliver Pankiewicz

Only a few years ago, home theaters consisted of large tube-based TVs, VCRs, and stereos with two speakers. Today, home theaters consist of flat-panel HDTVs, receivers, surround sound speakers, DVD players, and more. So what components will make up the home theater of tomorrow? Audio, video, and data distribution will be key to any future home theater, which will soon morph into a home theater network.

Today's home theater is limited to a single room. For example, a show recorded on a DVR can only be viewed on the TV to which the DVR is connected; music heard from the speakers of a home theater can only be heard in the room in which the speakers are placed. However, by establishing a home theater network, owners expand the capabilities of their home theater by creating a system capable of sending a recorded TV show to any bedroom, or playing music on speakers throughout the property.

The equipment needed to change a home theater into a home theater network includes a router, receiver, and a home theater PC (HTPC). The router distributes data and allows Ethernet-capable devices in a home theater to connect to the Internet and a home network. The receiver distributes audio and video from a home theater to multiple rooms. Note, the simple 5.1 surround sound receivers of today are not capable of this function. Newer receivers with multiple-zone outputs will be necessary for a home theater network. Finally, the HTPC functions as a source for audio, video, and data. For example, the HTPC can be used as a central server where an owner can save all of his music, video, pictures, and data. An HTPC also has the ability to serve as a DVR, and record TV shows. Since the HTPC is a computer, its capabilities are essentially endless.

As prices drop, more people are trading in their large, tube-based TVs and stereos for thin, high-definition TVs and multi-zone output receivers. Also, more people are building home networks with their laptops and multiple computers. The merging of the home theater and home network into a home theater network will arrive in the not–too-distant future. Your first home theater network lies just around the corner.

http://www.hometheaternetwork.com is the all-in-one source for HDTVs, networking devices, receivers, speakers, DVRs, game consoles, HTPCs, HD DVD, Blu-ray, VOIP, PDA phones, cables, interconnects, and setting up a Home Theater Network.

Home Theater Ugly Secrets Revealed Secrets 8 9 And 10

Writen by Bob Wood

Secret 8: YOU MAY NOT SEE A PICTURE AT ITS BEST.

What you should do about it:

Depends on how deeply you want to crawl into this.

Warning!

This is technical but I'll simplify. Each piece of electronics - a display device (Hi-Def, digital television) has its own way of showing the picture, involving a fixed number of pixels (picture pieces). This isn't the same for all sets. It isn't the necessarily same for DVD players, converters, or whatever else you plug in to see a picture. So somewhere the data is converted. ALL CONVERSION SCHEMES ARE NOT EQUAL. THERE MAY BE LOSSES of resolution, or clarity. There may be what they call artifacts. And here's a thrill: The TV stations don't have to use all their new digital bandwidth to broadcast in full high-definition. For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called "multicasting." The number of programs a station can send on one digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology. They may use some of it for something else that makes them more money. They - or the satellite channels - can, in effect, send a degraded picture alongside another new channel of degraded picture. There's nothing you can do about this. Nice.

Secret #9: ARTIFACTS.

Important background on nasty artifacts:

Warning:

Like a pimple on a teen, after they see it, that's ALL they see. If you want to live in denial, skip ahead to Number 10. And these aren't REALLY secrets, because you can see them, but you might not notice right away.

What you should do about it:

Decide which you can live with and which you can't. It will drive you crazy if you let it. Or spend a fortune to get the latest technology that might have it fixed. Or just ignore it. Life isn't perfect. Be VERY CLEAR on what the warranty covers or doesn't.

Mosquito noise.

Not buzzing. It's a swirling that looks like tiny bugs flying around. You'll see it - if you do - in saturated colors.

Screen Door Effect. It looks like looking through a screen door into your picture. (Especially - to my eye - on Plasma sets.) It's because of how the set is built (you are actually seeing the holes or spaces between picture elements). Manufacturers are aware of this and doing all they can to fix or mitigate it.

Blocking.

The picture breaks up into little (or bigger!) blocks. This is horrible to see unless you love modern art. It'll be seen in moving pictures of detail. This is the worst sin.

Rainbows.

Certain people see a rainbow effect in certain DLP (Digital Light Projector) sets. You might notice it if you look slightly away from the screen. It's caused by the way the DLPs work. Some are better at this than others. There's no pot of gold at the end, either.

Pixel failure.

Since there are so many elements (pixels) to a picture, one or more can fail. THE WARRANTY MIGHT STATE that a certain number of failures is okay with them and may even be expected. IF you saw it you'd only notice it up close (see section on where to sit in relation to screen - you shouldn't BE that close. One or more might also stay lit permanently. That'll be more obvious, a tiny, tiny red in a black scene, for example. There may be millions of these dots on your screen, to give you a sense of scale. This isn't the end of the world.

Secret #10: SPEAKERS NEVER SOUND THE WAY THEY DO IN THE STORE.

What you should do about it:

Just know it. There's little you can do. (But in the audio section of www.GreatHomeTheater.com I'll tell you all about how to get the best out of your sound.)

Why? It has to do with the acoustics of the room in which you listen. Each room makes the same speakers sound differently. Sometimes better, sometimes worse. You could buy a subwoofer and bring it home and HEAR NO BASS where you sit. But this will be covered in the audio section. Along with what you can do about it.

There. Now you know 3 more Ugly Home Theater secrets. But, it isn't quite that simple. At www.GreatHomeTheater.com there are more secrets revealed. I promise you won't get neurotic or your hands dirty, and I won't talk you out of what can be a tremendous and highly enjoyable leap forward in home entertainment.

Bob Wood, for over 30 years, served in front of, and behind the microphone, at popular radio stations across the United States and Canada. Throughout that journey he developed a passion for great sound and was an early adopter of many of the video toys and tools that have evolved into today's state of the art. Bob also became known as a voice-actor at that time, leading him to literally hundreds of recording studios where again he would work with top equipment. In the mid 80s, he was able to examine and demo the early high definition broadcast quality equipment out of Japan.

The Ins And Outs Of Hdtv High Definition Dvd Recorders And Your Pc

Writen by Mike Singh

If you have bought a HDTV-high definition DVD should be an option that you take an advantage of. This type of DVD can store significantly more than the standard DVD. This is due to the shorter wavelength it uses to read the disc. This means that more information can be stored in the same amount of space. This type of HDTV-high definition DVD is a lot cheaper than perhaps some other formats that are available. It tends to be easier to make as well.

Usually this type of HDTV-high definition DVD has about 15GB of space on single-layered and 30GB on dual-layered. In the future, they are trying to develop what will be called a triple-layered disc. This kind of DVD will have 45GB of space available. Another great feature of this type of high definition DVD is that they will be able to play on older models of DVD players. That way if you both kinds of DVD players or only an older one you can still use the discs for this type of HDTV-high definition DVD.

Another interesting feature concerning this HDTV-high definition DVD is the advances in sound quality that can be had. This type of DVD can get up to 7.1 channel surround sound. It usually does this through Dolby Digital, PCM or DTS. It can even work with Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. This is far above most current DVD's. These usually run at 5.1 channel surround sound.

Besides more space, better sound and multi-player accessibility, the resolution can be compatible with many different formats. These include the low ones like CIF and SDTV, as well as the higher ones like HDTV, 720p, 1080i and 1080p. They will even work with 480i and 480p. This once again means that this type of DVD is very accessible to many different types of television sets as well as the formerly mentioned DVD players. This makes this type of DVD one to seriously consider.

With all the features that come on this type of DVD it is a serious contender in HDTV DVD technology. Besides the features it should seriously be considered for it's amazing compatibility with not only the many different types of DVD players out there, but also the television sets that are out there. With such great things to consider, HDTV-high definition DVD's should be one of your first options if not your only one.

Check out http://www.hdtvland.org/ for articles on sony sxrd hdtv review and panasonic 50 hdtv.

Camcorder Batteries

Writen by Max Bellamy

Digital camcorders of today have come along with highly efficient batteries that last longer and give you the utmost satisfaction. Camcorder makers in the recent years have striven ahead in making the battery life longer and longer. Thus, the hassle of charging your battery every time you need to shoot is minimized.

Reputable camcorder manufacturers like Sony, JVC, Panasonic, and Canon are now competing to give you a better battery performer. Meanwhile, the sizes of these camcorders—whether a DVD format or not–are getting smaller and smaller each day. With miniaturization arises the problem: a small camcorder means a smaller battery that would need to remain charged for a longer time span.

Most of these models, however, run on lithium batteries that not only last longer but also give better results. Professional camcorders, from the Sony or Canon genre for example, do give up to a three-year warranty on their batteries. But the market has something else to offer as well: unbranded but great performers. Lithium batteries made by less-reputed brands also work well. Thus, professional shooters as well as amateurs are increasingly depending upon these versions after the original battery dies out, as the less well-known brands are cheaper and continue to give the same output.

But while purchasing these unbranded batteries from a retail outlet in your city or from an online store, take caution. You need to understand few criteria. You should compare prices and warranties, if available, on the battery. The credibility of the online store or the manufacturer and the longevity of the power provider can be of much help to you. It has occurred many a time that people have simply paid for a particular battery on the web and are still finding it difficult to have it delivered.

Camcorders provides detailed information on Camcorders, Digital Camcorders, Camcorder Batteries, DVD Camcorders and more. Camcorders is affiliated with DVD Digital Camcorders.

How You Can Increase The Lifespan Of Your Projector Bulb Or Lamp

Writen by Clifford Tan

The replacement of projector bulbs is an all-too-frequent occurrence for anybody that has owned a home theater projector for any length of time. While a two thousand hour lifespan may sound like a lifetime to some people, rest assured it is not long before the projector lamp will need replacing. There are however, some general tips that can help to expand the life of a headlamp for the projection unit.

Do not touch the lamp with bare hands
One of the most frequent problems encountered is people replacing the bulbs with their bare hands. While this is fine for an ordinary light bulb, it is not a good practice for a projector lamp. The lamp in a projection unit burns much hotter than any regular light bulbs. The effects of touching it with bare skin are equally magnified and problematic.

Touching a projector bulb with the bare skin leaves traces of oil on the lamp surface. While this may seem a very minor detail, it is detrimental both to the bulb and the quality of the resulting multimedia display. The oils will get burnt onto the lamp and drastically reduce the lifespan. As the oil is baked into the surface, it actually diffuses the light being projected, reducing the lumens actually being sent to the refractive surfaces. The light will not be enough to project the image that has come to be expected from the home theater projection system. While the problem may not be noticeable at first, over the course of a little time, the quality will degrade to the point of not being viewable.

Turn off the projector power after turning off the lamp
It is highly recommended to turn the power on the projector to the "off" position only after having turned off the lamp and allowing it to cool. This will allow the cooling fans to do the job they were designed to do. While rapid cooling and heating result in repeated contractions and expansions of the bulb filament, it is much better that it be done more quickly with the cooling fans. Likewise, turning the projector on and allowing the cooling fans to run for a moment before turning on the lamp will help as well. This will add hours to bulb life expectancy and allow for longer hours of viewing pleasure on the home theater projection system.

Constant Movements
Constantly bumping or moving the projector, especially while it is hot can be very detrimental to the projector lamp. The filament in the bulb loses almost all tensile strength when it is heated during normal usage. It is much the same as the filament in a camp lantern. The principle is the same; the filament effectively becomes almost the same consistency as ash, making it extremely vulnerable to damage when it is hot. Even after proper cooling, the lamp filament is very sensitive. Care should be taken when moving the projector for whatever reason. While it is always a good idea to be careful with electronic equipment, some aspects of the home projector are actually a bit more sensitive.

It will usually be necessary to move the projector when cleaning the filters. As always, it is a good idea to move it carefully without jerking it around or bumping it any more than needed. Taking an extra moment or two to check the projector mount and make sure it is still securely fastened can also be beneficial and prevent slips and movement which may otherwise be harmful.

With a little care and a little preventative maintenance, the projector lamps will still need to be changed, but not nearly as often.

Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

Clifford Tan, a Home Theater enthusiast and owner of the website Home Projector Advisor offering projector reviews, advice and many useful tips and hints to business and home consumers looking to purchase a home projectors. To find out alot more information about home projection system, visit the site http://www.home-projector-advisor.com

Hdtvbluray Vs Hddvd The Beginning Of A New Rivalry

Writen by Mike Singh

Now that we have more and more HDTV's it has become a battle of HDTV-Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD. This similar to past battles like VHS vs Beta in the '80's. The main similarity to the two is the wavelengths at which they are read. In the past CD's and DVD's used lasers that were about 650nm long, while the newer ones, HDTV-Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD, both use ones that are 405nm long. Believe it or not this makes a huge difference on quality and space.

Besides this basic information the amount of information that can be stored on these is a lot better than in the past. Older DVD's or what are now called standard DVD's can hold around 4.7GB of information. Because of this they can hold about a two hour-long movie with a few extras that will play well on regular televisions. Yet this won't allow for great viewing on higher resolutions. But with HDTV-Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD, can both hold more.

While both can store more and therefore are better for the newer HDTV's, there is one main difference. In the battle of HDTV-Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD, the Blu-Ray can actually hold more information. HD-DVD can usually hold up to 30GB, depending on what kind of layers are on the disc. While Blu-Ray can hold up to 50GB, once again depending on how many layers are on the disc. This difference in space could not mean very much to the average movie watcher however.

Another major difference when it comes to HDTV-Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD is the cost of making them. The HD-DVD seems to be cheaper to produce. This means that Blu-Ray costs more to manufacture and could raise their prices to the consumer. This also means that HD-DVD is cheaper as far shelf prices. Though each will not play on the other's players, they both can play on older DVD players. At this point in the battle it seems that HD-DVD is going to be better for home computer use, while Blu-Ray may work better for movies and such.

As you can see there are a few things to consider when it comes down to HDTV-Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD. But in either case there are some pros and some cons. In the end, it is really up to you which one will work best for your personal needs. Based on the previous information, you should be able to make a better and more informed decision. Only time will tell which one will win out ultimately.

Check out http://www.hdtvland.org/ for articles on samsung dlp hdtv and sharp hdtv.

Should We Buy A Demo Projector Over A New Projector

Writen by Clifford Tan

After many years experimenting with and learning about home theaters, it is hard not to interject some personal experience into the subject matter sometimes. When I was a teenager, I was piecing together my first home theater projector. I had a state of the art front projector that took up fully two thirds of my bedroom. Intellivision was a modern marvel with 64bit video game technology. Only one thing was lacking, I was buying a new stereo to complete the home theater experience.

There was no way I could have afforded a brand new stereo, but I did, with some patience and searching, I found some demonstration models that were within my meager budget. I completed my first home theater system when I was about 16. Is the demo model still a viable option though? And will it work for home theater projectors in the same fashion?

A fair discount is often given to the purchaser of a demo model. This is done mostly due to the fact that the demo model has indeed been used to a certain extent. While this may not be an issue for some audio and visual equipment, it is necessary to look at the whole picture before deciding if this is the right way to purchase a home projector.

Obviously you must decide if the projector will fit your personal needs. What kind of media display does it offer? Will it be suitable for mounting in your home? Will the cables be included? Is there still any warranty left on the projection unit? Is the projection screen included with the projector? This last part can be especially important since you can be assured that the screen and the projector are fully compatible if the unit has been displayed in the store.

Once all these questions have been answered, even if they are all answered favorably, it is necessary to look at what may be considered the most important two factors to consider when looking at demo models.

The first question to ask is what is the discounted price? While this is usually around ten percent, frequently an otherwise demanding store may be open to negotiations. The second very important question is to get an idea of how much the projector has been run. By knowing this simple fact, you can ascertain roughly how much bulb life will still be in the headlamp.

While it may seem silly to haggle over a light bulb, projector lamps can be a very expensive replacement part, usually costing between a couple of hundred and five hundred dollars each. Is any discount in the price of the home theater projector going to be outweighed by the purchase of a new bulb in the next few months?

With some careful searching and a little patience, a demo model is an excellent and affordable opportunity for the home theater enthusiast, just be careful and remember not only what to look, but what the relevant questions are when you are shopping this way.

Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

Clifford Tan, a Home Theater enthusiast and owner of the website Home Projector Advisor offering projector reviews, advice and many useful tips and hints to business and home consumers looking to purchase a home projectors. To find out alot more information about home projection system, visit the site http://www.home-projector-advisor.com.

Speakers

Writen by Alison Cole

Speakers are an instrument attached to your TV, radio, portable device, computer, or other piece of equipment. And through speakers we are able to convey and listen to sounds. It is not wrong to mention here that it is a basic and most necessary instrument that hardly anybody is not using. From the shopping mall to the discotheque and, to election campaigning to the executive decision, the necessity of speakers is absolutely undeniable.

Speakers convert the electricity energy into sound energy. It creates the sound for the masses of people, which includes individuals. The speakers are comprised of a permanent magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet called a voice coil, and a cone shaped piece of paper or Plastic called a diaphragm. Together these elements work in concert to achieve a sound that is similar to the live sound that was recorded or is being broadcasted in the first place. The sound is not exactly similar to the original, but it can be very close, depending on the sophistication of construction.

When electric signals from an amplifier pass through the voice coil varying magnetic forces are produced in the coil. These magnetic forces are produced in the coil. These magnetic forces interact and drive the coil in a rapid forward and backward motion. The diaphragm, which is attached to the voice coil, vibrates with it, and in turn sets into vibration the air in contact. Since the surface area of the diaphragm is quite large it sets up vibration in a large mass of air and the sound produced is quite loud.

Speakers provides detailed information on Speakers, Car Speakers, Wireless Speakers, Home Theater Speakers and more. Speakers is affiliated with TV Remote Controls.

Cheap Lcd Tvs

Writen by Jimmy Sturo

As time passes, the prices of LCD TVs are going nowhere but down. A few years back, there were only a few name brands such as Sony, LG, Philips, Samsung, etc. But there are several new entrants in the LCD TV market such as Westinghouse, Maxent, Norcent, Syntax, Olevia, etc. These new companies are pricing TVs lower than the established brands, sometimes even by as much as $1000. Naturally this is creating a furor in the market as even big names are being forced to pull their prices down to keep up with the competition.

The question always asked when buying a LCD TV is, why not go for a cheaper brand if it provides the same quality for a $1000 less? The purpose of a LCD TV is to produce high quality images. Newer brands (read cheaper brands) force themselves in the market by lowering their prices, but their quality is rarely up to snuff. They may not be able to compare with the images produced by, say, a Sharp or a Sony. There are many nuances in pictures like contrast ratios, intensities, etc., which cheaper TVs do not provide. However, cheaper sets compensate for their flaws in quality by sleeker designs and other peripheral features. If you are not too keen on image quality, but the price cut matters to you, then you may go for a cheaper TV.

Cheaper brands might also skimp on after-sales services and warranties. There are exceptions, though. Yet, a bigger brand with more experience at after-sales service may be more trustworthy.

The price of an LCD TV depends on the panel, which is the image display. The prices are drastically falling. Thirty to 32 inch panels now cost under $500. Even the prices of the most popular size, 42 inches has come down to $2500, which is significantly less than what it was last year. A complete 42-inch TV from a new brand would cost approximately $3000.

Cheap TVs are constantly being advertised extensively on online portals such as Costco and Best Buy. Sale of cheap TVs online is higher than that of bigger brands, illustrating the fact that people are opting for the technology itself rather than the quality it provides. It is expected that prices of TVs may slump more in successive years. But whatever the case, even the price of the cheapest LCD TV will remain higher than the price of other technology TVs.

LCD TVs provides detailed information about LCD TVs, LCD TV reviews, LCD TV monitors, LCD TV wall mounts and more. LCD TVs is the sister site of Industrial LCD Monitors.

Have An Hdtv To Match Your High Definition Lifestyle

Writen by Lee Dobbins

If everything in your life right now is synonymous to comfort, excellence, luxury, and beauty, don't you think you need a television set that matches your lifestyle, such as an HDTV for instance? Learn more about the latest trend in television sets as you read on.

HDTV: Inspiration from Hollywood

The makers of HDTV, which stands for high definition TV, was originally inspired by the comforts that wide screen of movie theaters uniquely offered. Compared to obviously smaller TV sets, the effects of a movie or program are significantly diminished. They have also noted that people sitting on the first few rows in the movie theaters enjoy more vivid experiences than those sitting behind them, never mind that their necks have a tendency to ache afterwards.

The Beginning of the HDTV Era

It was Sony and NHK that are more or less credited as pioneers for the HDTV generation. The product however, called NHK Hi-vision, was intended for movie use and not yet adapted for the smaller television set. Thanks to this innovation, movies became quicker to produce and more special effects became possible for movie makers to use even with a limited budget.

The main objective of HDTV would-be manufacturers is to create a TV set that will allow viewers to enjoy a wider screen rather than increase the definition or vividness per unit area.

The chief problem of TV manufacturers when they considered producing HDTV sets was whether or not they should make HDTV standards compatible with those of the color TVS, which makes up majority of the TV sets in use at that time. Other problems related to HDTV production are bandwidth limitation, distribution, interlacing, and compression.

Regarding distribution issues, the FCC ruled in 1987 for HDTV standards to be compatible with existing NTSC standards and be limited to VHF and UHF channels as well. Three years after that, however, the FCC ruled for HDTV to use simultaneous broadcasting and also expressed a preference for full HDTV standards over reduced image quality of EDTV.

In 1993, as the FCC was still unable to make a choice among the four companies that submitted proposals for HDTV, it finally decided to create what's now known as a Grand Alliance among these companies: AT&T, GI, MIT, Philips, and Sanroff, Thomson, and Zenith. The remainder of the year was spent in establishing features and formulating standards for the proposed system. In 1994, HDTV had been successfully built and scheduled for testing for the next year.

Benefits of Using HDTV

All or Nothing Image Quality - Although this may not be viewed a benefit by some people, others would unhesitatingly welcome the promise that HDTV makes for their viewers: expect the best picture quality from them or nothing at all because of the digital format it's using.

Wider Screen Viewing - Most programs and films that are equipped with HD format can be viewed by a 16:9 screen while old movies can be zoomed to have a similar wide screen resolution.

Increased Vividness - Watching movies and programs through an HDTV set is better than watching through a standard TV set because the colors are more vivid and the bandwidth's greater.

Better Visual Information - Expect to enjoy the smaller and finer things of TV programs once you start watching it through an HDTV set. That's because HDTV standards can promise overall details of image quality to be 2 to 5 times better!

Use of HD DVD and Blu-Ray - People with HDTV sets can make use of either formats although it should be remembered that both formats are not compatible with each other.

Quality Isn't Sacrificed for Size - Imagine magnifying a photo; the quality becomes blurrier the larger the photo becomes, doesn't it? Thankfully, however, your HDTV set isn't similarly affected even with its increased screen size.

Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound - Your HDTV set can produce high quality sounds that you could only expect from movie theaters in the past.

Conservation of Electricity - Even though HDTV sets are certainly more expensive to purchase than standard TV sets, they do however have lesser electricity costs.

HDTV is no longer the TV set of tomorrow. If you want to watch broadcasted sports games and concerts like you're watching them live, we only have four letters for you: HDTV!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://hdtv.unique-articles.com where you can learn more about HDTV.

How To Get The Most From Your Home Projector Without Spending A Fortune

Writen by Clifford Tan

There are many things to consider about the home projector in order to get the best possible experience. While some people believe that throwing more money at the problem will fix it, optimizing the home theater experience can be done without spending a fortune.

There has been extensive coverage about buying cheap projectors, DIY projectors, and many other means by which you can save money on a home theater system and still enjoy a quality experience. How to get the most out of your projector without spending a lot of money is an important thing to think about.

Mounting
Not enough can be said about mounting. Proper mounting is very important. But how can that save money? Mounting on a shelf unit often results in dust build up. Keeping the filters clean and making sure that there is plenty of airflow will help you to avoid over heating the projector causing damage which is costly to repair.

Screen Selection
Selecting the proper screen is very important. Not only do you want to get the right screen to fit your home projector needs the first time (Rather than having to purchase another one for more money) but you need to get a screen that is suitable for the location where it will be mounted. Is the screen easily cleaned? If it is soft fabric, will it rip or tear? If it is something that will be easily damaged, can it be stored while not in use?

Screens can be built with protection as well. Using an "artsy" type cabinet covering with pictures, or even a painting of some sort will prevent the dust buildup on the screen, lessening the need to clean it with the potential of damaging it. It will also prevent any ripping, tearing or other damage that may occur to the projection screen due to unforeseen circumstances.

Lamp Care
Make sure that the mounting is such that the projection unit does not get bumped or jarred a lot. Constantly bumping or moving the projector can cause many problems that are costly to repair. The filaments in the head lamps are very fragile, much the same as a mantle in a lantern is. Constantly jostling or bumping the projector will severely shorten the lifespan of the bulb. This will result in costly replacements that should not be needed so frequently. Frequent bumping also causes electronic and circuit boards to lose connection or come loose. This can create the need for costly repairs as well.

Lens Care
Are the optic lenses being adequately protected when they are not in use? The projector optics can be a very expensive replacement part. Lens covers are important. Even if they do not come with the projector when it is purchased, they are well worth the price. Quite frequently, spending a little money up-front can save a great deal of money in unnecessary expenses later on.

Projector Covering
Building a small container, especially for shelf mounted units can offer a unique custom-design and look for the user, and perform vital functions as well. Inclusion of computer fans and a power supply at a very nominal cost will insure sufficient airflow to prevent overheating and prevent much of the dust and dirt from getting into the projection unit where it could harm the optics as well.

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure if the desired effect is to get the most out of a home projector system without spending a fortune.

Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

Clifford Tan, a Home Theater enthusiast and owner of the website Home Projector Advisor provides reviews, articles and many useful tips and hints on home projectors. To find out more great information about home projection system, visit the site http://www.home-projector-advisor.com

An Introduction To Universal Remote Controls

Writen by Michael Casamento

As prices fall and technology improves, home theater systems continue to gain in popularity. Along with the equipment necessary to recreate the movie theater experience in our living rooms, comes a growing collection of little control boxes that inevitably seem to pile up on our coffee tables. Thankfully there is a solution to help deal with this clutter and confusion.

In an attempt to reduce coffee table clutter, many manufactures are now providing us with multi-function remote controls that can work several devices such as a TV, DVD player and VCR. The problem with most multi-function remotes is that they are usually manufacturer specific, and require you to stay within that manufacture's product line.

Enter the universal remote control. What separates a universal remote control from the more common multi-function remote is its ability to operate many different types of equipment from many different manufactures. Thanks to the universal remote control, we can freely choose the best equipment to suit our needs without having to worry about remote control compatibility issues.

The most sophisticated type of universal remote control is the "touch screen". A touch screen remote is like designing your own remote from a blank sheet of paper. You design the buttons, place them on the screen, and tell each button what to do. This is the most flexible type of remote, but is often the most difficult to setup. Most touch screens require the use of a computer on which the interface is programmed, and then downloaded into the remote control itself.

There are many other types of universal remote controls that are easier to program but offer less flexibility. Some have buttons only, while others may use a mix of buttons along with an LCD screen that can be labeled by the user. Some people prefer buttons to the touch screen because buttons provide a tactile feel, and hence can be operated without looking at the remote control.

When shopping for a universal remote control there are a few key features that you should look for. The first is learning ability. The remote should be able to import the IR code from any other remote control. This way you can teach it to work virtually any type of equipment from any manufacturer. The second is Macro capability. Macros enable you to string several commands together, so that multiple operations can be performed with a single button push.

No matter which type of universal remote control you choose one thing is for sure, clearing the clutter from your coffee table will go a long way towards making your home theater system a whole lot easier to live with.

© ShopUniversalRemotes.com For more information please visit: http://www.shopuniversalremotes.com This article may be freely distributed so long as the above resource box is included in its entirety.

Dvd Software

Writen by Steve Valentino

The Digital Video Disc (DVD) is today's most popular optical storage media. Although the physical dimensions of the DVD is same as the Video Compact Disc (VCD), its capacity for storage makes it a powerful and robust medium.

DVDs are available in two formats – the 'minus' or 'dash' format and the 'plus' format. DVD-R and DVD-RW belong to the 'minus' format, while the DVD=R, DVD+RW and the DVD+R DL belong to the 'plus' format. The official specification of the DVD is the prerogative of the DVD Forum, which consists of several international organizations. The DVD Forum was founded in 1995, and its members include several software, hardware, media and content companies.

The software used in a DVD for burning, reading and data piracy protection is complex, and serves the industry in several ways. For example, unlike a VCD, the ability of others to copy a DVD can be regulated. This and many such value-added features make DVDs the best storage media so far.

The DVD software deters disc-to-disc copy of sensitive and copyrighted material like movies and audio albums. This is because DVD-Video and DVD-Audio discs are protected by Content Scrambling System (CSS) software, which is followed by the Content Protection for Prerecorded Media (CPPM) software. This software makes DVDs powerful enough to control piracy and copyright violation.

Similarly, the reading of the data on a DVD also entails the use of some special software. Only the DVD playback systems that are licensed can undertake the selective decryption of a DVD. The critical information required to unlock the DVD content is placed in regions that are protected. These regions are accessible to DVD players that have a careful regulation of circumstances. An unlicensed system and absence of the right keys makes the video or audio files inside the DVD unusable. Undertaking a bit-for-bit duplication, as is common in VCDs, does not yield a useful reproduction.

DVD software also carries region management information. This means that DVD players containing the software code of a particular geographical region is only allowed to play the DVDs with that region's code. If the region's code is absent, the DVD player cannot play the DVD. Although optional, this facility enables movie publishers to control the distribution of movies and prevent piracy and copyright violation.

DVD Software provides detailed information on DVD Software, DVD Burning Software, DVD Player Software, VHS to DVD Software and more. DVD Software is affiliated with Audio DVD Ripper Downloads.

Dvd Home Theater Systems

Writen by Marcus Peterson

A home theater system is ideal for those who hate to go to a theater but want to enjoy watching movies at home. A mix of audio and visual parts, the set-up may include a DVD player fed through a stereo system, a big television set or, if you have the inclination and money, an entire room wired with multiple speakers and a projection screen. Some systems may even have theater-style chairs and an elevated floor for optimal viewing.

In order to create a realistic audio environment, professional movie theaters use two or three large amplifier units located to the left, right and center of a movie screen. In addition, several satellite speakers are also embedded throughout the auditorium, including the back. Such an elaborate arrangement enables the audience to hear dialogue in the front left, center, right and rear channels. Professional theaters project high-definition film onto an oversized screen whose width is greater than its height, thereby creating a more natural visual experience.

High-quality home theater systems try to recreate these aspects of professional theaters. For instance, the DVD player in a home theater system can separate the audio track into two, three or even five channels. DVD films often have 2.0 Dolby stereo and 5.1 surround-sound options for home theaters. Two speakers can be set up for traditional stereo sound, while a smaller central speaker can provide surround sound. For even better results, one can add a subwoofer for bass sounds and a satellite speaker placed behind the audience for complete surround sound.

A home theater system should also have a big television screen, preferably with a 16:9 wide screen ratio as found in professional theaters. A flat-screen television may be the best option for a typical home theater system.

DVD Home Theater Systems provides detailed information on DVD Home Theater Systems, Wireless Home Theater Systems, Buy Home Theater Systems, Home Theater Speaker Systems and more. DVD Home Theater Systems is affiliated with DVD Movie Rentals.

Tips In Buying Car Lcd Monitors

Writen by Stu Pearson

LCD monitors are showing up everywhere. Because they take away the fear of burn-in and still maintain clear contrast and great resolution, they are the perfect types of screen to use for most any type of viewing. With the onset of modern car technology, LCD monitors are showing up in cars. You may be ready to buy an LCD monitor for your car, but before you do you should consider these tips in buying car LCD monitors.

The first of the tips in buying car LCD monitors is to decide what type of monitor you need. There are a number of types of monitors that show in cars now. Do you need an overhead video monitor so the kids can watch DVD's? You may need, instead, a flip down video monitor that can be used to show videos and then fold into the ceiling.

Additionally, there are in-dash monitors, headrest monitors, and even sun visor monitors. So you need to make sure, before you buy anything, that you know which kind you are buying. Where the monitor is will affect the size you buy and the quality you get as well.

Next, you need to make sure that your vehicle will support the monitor you want to install. Check with the manufacturer to make sure your electric system and interior is capable of supporting the monitors you want to install. If you cannot install it, then you can save yourself the trouble of buying in the first place.

Once you know what kind of LCD monitor you need for your car and that it can be installed in your vehicle, it is time to shop. Your shopping should begin by getting an idea of the baseline costs of what you need. By starting with the internet, you can compare a number of prices in a hurry and get a feel for what the market is like. Once you know what the internet is offering, then start looking at brick and mortar establishments.

Talk to sales people and find out what costs are like. Compare the prices to the internet prices you got before and make sure you are getting the best possible deal. Additionally, you may want to inquire about installation as well. It can really save you the pain of trying to install a dash monitor or something in the head rest when you are not familiar with it. This is also the time to look into financing if that is something you are interested in. Get all questions out of the way early so that you know exactly what is going on.

Use these tips in buying car LCD monitors to enhance your vehicle. You can also make repair replacements if need be. The point is that you should be diligent and take the time to do a little homework. By familiarizing yourself with the prices, the compatibility with your car, and your installation costs, you will be able to make an informed and smart decision about the LCD monitor you buy for your car.

Stu Pearson has an interest in Business & Technology related topics. To access more information on lcd flat panel monitor or on lcd panel monitor, please click on the links.

Wall Speaker Jacks

Writen by Richard Romando

Wall speaker jacks are used to provide removable connections between the in-wall wiring and free-standing speakers. It can also be used to connect in-wall wiring and amplifier or receivers. Normal wall speaker jacks will require soldering of wires to the terminals at the rear of the jack. Wall speaker jacks that use screw method are also available in the market. Most sockets used along with wall speaker jacks are plated or color-coded. Wall speaker jacks allow neat connections to the wires and are concealed inside the walls. This allows you to neatly set your wall speakers.

The fast paced development that is taking place in the field of audio equipments can be seen in the area of wall speaker jacks. Several manufactures are producing high quality jacks that look great and are high performance. Some manufactures also produce gold plated socket. Gold plated are costly but their advantage out run the cost. Gold is a good electrical conductor and this property is used efficiently in wall speaker jacks. Gold is also resistant to oxidation and corrosion. It also gives a clean look.

For those on the look out for wall speaker jacks, there are several choices. Most of the manufactures display their product online. This gives you an opportunity to find the specifications and suitability for your environment. Most manufactures also display the pictures of wall speak jacks. The different websites of manufactures will also give you an idea about the average price of wall speaker jacks. Apart from searching the websites of manufactures, you can also get opinion from users. User reviews of wall speaker jacks are posted on several websites. This gives you an opportunity to find more about wall speaker jacks that manufactures might not indulge in. Several bloggers write their opinions on wall speaker jacks. This can also be used as a guideline. Before zeroing in down on a wall speaker jack, it is wise to seek professional help or advice.

In Wall Speakers provides detailed information on In Wall Speakers, In Wall Speaker Review, In Wall Speaker Wire, In Wall Speaker Systems and more. In Wall Speakers is affiliated with Portable DVD Player Cases.

The Pros And Cons Of Ceiling Speakers

Writen by Dale Ewans

Office buildings, airports and restaurants were the first homes of ceiling speakers. They can be easily recognized by the dense grilles that pour decibels right into your head.

But why would someone want ceiling or in wall speakers, instead of a pair of normal, efficient and highly affordable speaker cabinets. There could be a few reasons:

• Saving some space in the room;
• Maintaining the aesthetics of the room;
• Hiding the wires;
• Getting rid of the holes in the walls.

In the past, there weren't many fans of wall or ceiling-mounted speakers. While there are still people that think plenum-mount technology is just a whim, on the other side it is this technology in particular that gains more and more advocates. This is probably due to a change in life styles. People want the environment adapted to their needs, not the other way around.

There's one sure thing with in-wall and ceiling speakers: they are not for those who are into high-end audio. You could hardly find an audiophile willing to trade the deep bass that he or she loves so much for a bit of extra shelf space.

But even if not an audiophile, you'll need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Frequency response - gives you the range of the audible spectrum that the speakers can reproduce; the human ear can hear 20 Hz to 20 MHz, thus the more a speaker approaches this interval, the better.
• Power handling - specifies the ranges of power the speakers can safely receive from the amplifier (e.g. 20-100 watts);
• Efficiency - also called sensitivity, this rating indicates how effectively the speaker uses the power sent to it by the amplifier.

A key aspect in having in-wall or in-ceiling speakers is how you capture the back wave. You can't always know what happens behind that wall, how big the hole really is, or if it's sealed. The answer is to use sealed speakers, no matter their location. Otherwise you'll have a lot of rear acoustic energy wasted into the back-wall and a distorted, uneven sound.

Mounting the speakers

Usually it is a lot easier to mount ceiling speakers than in-wall speakers, at least where there is a fake ceiling. Mounting in-wall speakers is more of an architectural problem. That's probably why these are also called "architectural speakers". People don't like to have small rooms, thin walls, and wires bursting from one room to another.

The easiest alternative is to project the audio system before even having the walls built up. The advantage is freedom to plan things (speakers among others) exactly how you want them. Figuring out the wires is the part you should do before building the walls. Some planning is needed ahead: talking to an electrician, finding out how much wire you need, seeing what kind of wire you can actually use (UL-rated wire is approved for use in walls in all 50 states). Also, seeing the layout of your lighting system, and how it would interfere with that of the speakers.

Inserting the speakers can be done on the run, as the wall is being raised. Some people successfully use the drywall as a speaker's enclosure. The key is to have the speakers in the right place from the start. This would save you time, money and nerves.

Installing the speakers in an existing wall or ceiling is a bit more difficult and pricey. But it can be done. At first, find out what's behind the walls you want the speakers mounted in and see if you can drill. You need to make some holes into the desired spots, and build the speaker-enclosures.

Ceiling speakers have a drawback: the location. we're not used to having the sound come down at us from the ceiling, but from our side. The sensation of the sound-waves reaching the head and then the ears, is a bit strange. Some ceiling speakers are flexible within a given degree, so they can be pointed towards the listener. They are round-shaped in order to match the bulbs and lamps that also found their site on the ceiling.

Niles, SpeakerCraft, and others use directional tweeters and woofers that can be separately adjusted to compensate for imaging problems arising from the positioning drawbacks.

Most in wall speakers have paintable grilles, so you can perfectly black them out.

Above all, my biggest dilemma is what to do if my trendy, camouflage speaker, be it in-wall or in-ceiling, breaks down? Most users say I don't need to worry as they can be taken out, repaired or even replaced. There's also absolutely no need to worry if I want to add some speakers to my system, they say. One solution would be to think ahead and stuff the wall with more wire for later add-ons. Still, I find this unnecessary hassle. But for the sake of interior design logic, it may be worth it.

Learn how wireless speakers and headphones work, read product reviews and find out shopping tips and tricks at http://www.Wireless-Speakers.org.

Features And Benefits Of Regular Tube Tvs

Writen by John Dulaney

Traditional tube televisions go by a number of different names, including CRT televisions, tube televisions or simply direct view televisions. It is important to consider the features of each TV you are considering, and to make sure that the new regular tube TV is HDTV (high definition television) and DTV (digital television) read. It is also important to consider the size of the television. Traditional tube televisions are available in a wide variety of sizes, but most consumers who are considering a traditional tube television over a plasma or LCD TV will be looking for the largest size available.

Even though those sleek plasma displays and wall hanging LCD TVs get all the press, traditional tube televisions still have a number of important advantages in the modern world, including:

True Plug and Play Operation

It is hard to get a much simpler television set than a traditional tube TV. Assuming you have the power to get the TV into place, all you have to do is put the TV on a stand or in the entertainment center, connect the antenna or the cable TV signal and plug it in. This is certainly a great deal easier than hanging a wall mountable LCD or plasma TV, or setting a up a projector, a screen and a separate audio system.

Excellent Picture Quality

Even with the advent of plasma TV, LCD TV and DLP TV technology, traditional CRT televisions are still quite capable of delivering excellent picture quality, and these traditional tube TVs generally provide the best black level, shadow detail, contract and color performance of any TV. In many cases an HDTV tube television can provide superior image quality to the newer and more expensive varieties.

Lower Cost

While the costs of plasma and LCD televisions have come down quite a bit, most of them still retail for thousands of dollars. Traditional tube televisions in 23" and 25" sizes, on the other hand are priced in the hundreds of dollars. Even a large 36" widescreen CRT based HDTV ready TV typically retails for about $1,500. In contrast, a similar sized 37" LCD TV may be priced as high as $3,500. A traditional tube TV certainly offers a better value per viewing inch than either plasma, LCD or DLP.

No Problems with Ambient Light

Unlike some other types of televisions, a CRT television is very viewable with the room lights on, and it can be watched in a bright room without compromising the quality of the image.

Great Viewing Angle

The HDTV ready traditional tube TVs with flat screen tubes can be viewed from virtually any angle with little loss of picture quality. In viewing angle a traditional tube TV can be just as good as a flat screen TV like a plasma or LCD model, and they have a better viewing angle than rear projection technology like DLP TVs.

Maintenance-Free Operation

Unlike plasma, LCD and DLP varieties, the traditional CRT television has no lamps or filters to change, a long life expectancy, and no maintenance requirements.

Of course all is not perfect when it comes to traditional tube televisions, and there is certainly a reason why alternative technologies such as plasma, LCD and DLP have been making such inroads into the world of the traditional tube TV. Among the disadvantages of the traditional tube TV are:

Size and Weight

A typical 36" CRT tube TV measures a full two feet deep and can weigh more than 200 pounds, compared to the 3" depth and 50 pound weight of a typical 37" LCD TV. A traditional tube TV will require far more floor space than a similarly sized LCD or plasma TV. In addition, the weight of the traditional tube television makes it quite difficult and cumbersome to move.

Image Size

While the largest traditional tube television on the market have a diagonal size of about 38", LCD, plasma and DLP TVs are much larger. In addition, while LCD, DLP and plasma displays keep getting larger there is expected to be no further growth in the size of tube televisions. The size and weight of the CRT TV makes it very difficult to move beyond the current size limitation.

Old Technology

Rightly or wrongly, the traditional tube television is perceived to be yesterday's technology, and it certainly lacks the cool factor that the newer technologies bring with them. Even with this perception, however, there is nothing wrong with the technology itself. CRT television technology has served millions of consumers around the world, and there is no reason the technology cannot last years into the future. The advent of HDTV and DTV ready models can extend the life and the usefulness of this "old" technology far into the future.

No matter what type of TV you decide to purchase, however, it is important to shop around carefully in order to get not only the best price but the best overall value as well. When purchasing a traditional tube television it is a good idea to look for modern touches to this existing technology. Those modern touches include such things as flat picture tubes for clearer pictures, HDTV and DTV ready technology for future expansion and the availability of several different inputs for greater versatility. Some models of traditional tube televisions accept inputs not only from antennas, cable and satellite systems but from computer monitors, video games and other sources as well.

As with any technology purchase, it is important to shop around for the best possible deal when shopping for a new CRT television. Despite the growing popularity of LCD, plasma and DLP technology, it is the traditional tube television that still commands the largest market share, and this means there are plenty of models to choose from. Virtually every maker of electronics in the world makes at least a few traditional tube televisions, so comparing brands and models should be a snap.

For more info. see: http://www.planetomni.com

110-220 Volt Electronics - A multisystem TV is a TV capable of receiving and displaying different video systems like PAL, SECAM and NTSC. You'll be able to operate a multisystem TV in 99% of the world. Their dual voltage design allows them to be plugged into either a 110 voltage source or a 220 voltage source. In some cases, the plug on the television will not fit your country's outlet, so an inexpensive plug-adapter will be needed. They can generally be picked up at an electronics store such as http://www.planetomni.com for $1.95. With a multisystem TV, such as a plasma, CRT tube type, LCD or DLP, you'll likely need a codefree (sometimes called region free) DVD player. These exist in many forms. When used with a PAL-NTSC TV you'll be able to see the full 625 lines of resolution available in the PAL system and the full 525 lines used in the USA NTSC system. There exists a converting type of DVD player which is codefree in that it can read all of the world's 6 regions and both standards, PAL and NTSC. 140,000 other products are available here: http://www.planetomni.com Tel. # 800-514-2984

Location Free Tv Sonys Entertainment Pioneer

Writen by Christine Peppler

As televisions get larger, brighter, and more colorful it can be difficult to imagine what will be next. Will it be 3D, interactive, or perhaps more of a "virtual" experience? All of these things may well be in the future but for now one of the most unique offerings is "location free" TV. Sony's 12" portable LCD LF-X11 offers a type of flexibility that is new in the industry with its battery powered, Wi-Fi enabled touch screen. This dual band wireless TV allows users to enjoy movies, programs, and even internet access/e-mail from any room in the house and even outdoors. Just as cordless phones 20 years ago freed us from needing a phone on the wall in every room, so this television may well free us from a screen in every room. Whether on the patio or out in the garage, the LF-X11 provides quality audio and video without disturbance from microwave ovens or cell phones.

Away from home, this television allows users to enjoy A/V content and internet access by connecting to their Base Station via any public wireless access point: airports, hotels, internet cafes, and other hotspots. This portable LCD monitor weighs in at just over 5 lbs and comes with the Base Station for the living room that weighs only 1 lb. Complete with a handle and stand this 12" monitor is truly portable.

This Sony television even offers a memory stick port which allows users to view their photos on the LCD screen. The on-screen universal remote with learning capabilities is also a welcomed addition, giving users more control.

The future of most electronics devices is hard to determine but with most items going wireless, allowing users to be more mobile perhaps this direction of location free television should have been anticipated. For the Sony LF-X11 the future is now.

Christine Peppler shares information on home entertainment and home electronics products, including televisions, on her website at: http://www.homemedias.info

Comparison Of Digital Television Technologies

Writen by Jof Smith

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

This is the picture tube based technology that traditional TV sets have used for years. CRTs do not have a fixed (or native) resolution, they are analogue devices. This doesn't mean they can not display digital signals, however any digital signal must be converted to analogue in order for the TV to display the picture.

Advantages:

* Tried an tested technology. CRTs have been used for decades and are considered to have excellent durability before their picture tubes wear out. Generally a good CRT will require very little if any servicing.

* Many claim that many modern digital technologies lack the black level detail that a good CRT provides. CRTs have a higher contrast ratio that generally results in richer shadow details.

* CRT TVs are generally a lot cheaper to purchase than digital sets.

* Can be viewed in bright surroundings.

Disadvantages:

* CRTs are a lot bigger and heavier than their digital equivalents.

* In order for CRTs to display the best picture their red, green and blue images from their tubes must be perfectly converged (aligned over one another). However this can drift out of alignment over time and require user adjustment which many find annoying.

* CRTs can suffer from the dreaded burn-in. When a stationary image is left on the screen for prolonged periods of time, such as a TV station logo or a heads up display in a video game the stationary part of the image can get a shadow temporarily or permanently burnt into the screen. This is much more likely to happen with very high contrast settings. More moderate settings minimize the risk of burn-in.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

A matrix of thin-film transistors (TFTs) supplies voltage to liquid-crystal-filled cells sandwiched between two sheets of glass. When hit with an electrical charge, the crystals untwist to an exact degree to filter white light generated by a lamp behind the screen.

Advantages:

* Usually are very thin light panels, which can be hung on a wall.

* Insucseptable to burn-in issues.

Disadvantages:

* Typically more expensive than plasma displays of an equivalent size.

* Black levels can be quite poor.

* LCD TVs are prone to image lag. This is where a rapidly moving object has a tendency to have a ghosting effect due to the pixels not being able to shut off quick enough. This can be especially problematic when playing video games. Newer models are getting closer to eliminating this effect but they are not there yet.

Rear Projection DLP

This projection TV technology was developed by Texas Instruments, which is based on their Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) microchip. Each of these chips has hundreds of thousands of swiveling mirrors which are used to create the image.

Advantages:

* Not susceptible to burn-in issues.

* Smaller and lighter than CRT equivalents.

* Excellent brightness and picture.

Disadvantages:

* Really needs low ambient light levels in the room when viewing a DLP TV. Not recommended for viewing in a bright sunny room. Settings can be adjusted for ambient light levels but a dark room is really required to get the best out of these TVs.

* DLPs contain a lamp that must be replaced every 6000 - 8000 hours (roughly - there are other factors that effect this). These lamps are quite expensive at several hundred dollars a piece. These lamps are considered a consumable and are not covered in warranties. If you watch TV for many hours a day you really need to factor this cost into your purchasing decision.

* Some people are susceptible to seeing a rainbow like shadowing effect on DLP televisions, especially where there are scenes with highly contrasting dark and light aspects. Newer DLP TVs with 3 chips have greatly reduced this problem. I own an older one chip DLP and have never experienced this problem.

* Poor off-axis viewing. Picture is significantly poorer when watching from an angle, especially vertically.

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS)

Similar to LCD, consists of a liquid crystal layer which sits on top of a pixelated, highly reflective substrate.

Advantages:

* Not susceptible to burn-in.

* Generally excellent brightness and color quality. Black levels considered to be very good.

Disadvantages:

* Still quite expensive compared to LCD and DLP rear projection sets.

* Like LCD and DLP rear projection sets the lamp must be replaced as necessary.

Plasma TVs

Plasma TVs consists of hundreds of thousands of individual pixel cells that allow electric pulses to excite rare natural gases (usually xenon and neon), causing them to glow and produce light. This light illuminates the proper balance of red, green, or blue phosphors contained in each cell to display the proper color sequence from the light.

Advantages:

* Can be viewed from angles and still retain excellent picture quality.

* Thin and light, can be hung on a wall.

* Excellent colour, detail and brightness.

Disadvantages:

* Significantly more expensive than rear projection digital sets.

* There seems to be more variation in the quality across the range of makes and models of plasma sets. The gap between the best sets and some of the cheap ones can be pretty high.

* Plasma TVs are less energy efficient than other technologies.

* Plasma sets are susceptible to burn-in. Similar to CRTs (above), moderate contrast levels can reduce this risk greatly, but it's still an issue.

Front Projection Systems

Front projections systems comprise two components a projector and a screen. The projector must be placed in front of the screen to projects it's image. Typically a projector will be mounted to a wall or ceiling above and behind the viewing position. Front projectors, like rear projection systems, come in three main flavors CRT, LCD and DLP. For truelly massive screen sizes (>2 meters) front projectors are the only real option for home theatre enthusiasts.

Advantages:

* Capable of scaling picture size to suit your needs. The only option for very large screen viewing.

* Low footprint. The projector itself is quite small and typically ceiling mounted and out of the way. Some screens are retractable and need only be opened when using them.

Disadvantages:

* Lamp life is very short, typically only 1000 - 4000 hours depending on the type.

* Really need a darkened room to properly view the picture produced by projectors.

* If ceiling mounted may need to be professionally installed.

Jof is the owner of Digital TV Spot. More of his articles can be found there.

How To Use Your Lcd Tv As A Video Monitor

Writen by Stu Pearson

Unlike a plasma television that offers the danger of burn-in, you can learn how to use you LCD TV as a video monitor. It makes for a clear and crisp picture to go with yoru computer or video games. The versatility of an LCD TV is perhaps what makes it most attractive to many buyers. A few tips on how to use your LCD TV as a video monitor will help you see just how great an LCD television can be in your home.

LCD screens actually have their roots in computer monitors. The wild success of LCD computer screens has led to the development of larger screens to use as television sets. Many of the characteristics are the same, but in order to compete with plasma, the televisions have actually developed higher quality pictures in the last couple of years.

A word of advice, though: if you are planning to use your LCD just as a computer screen, consider actually buying an LCD monitor. If you do not, you will end up paying for a tuner, AV inputs, and other television features that you don't need. On the other hand, if you are gaming on your LCD screen, a big 30 inch screen can be impressive when you show it off to your gaming buddies.

The first step in learning how to use your LCD TV as a video monitor is making sure you have the right television. In order to make the switch from TV viewing to monitor for your computer or games, your television needs to have a VGA or other options for connection to a PC or gaming system. If it does not, then you are going to be very disappointed.

Make sure your computer is near your LCD television. You do not want to have to run cables and wires all over the house to accommodate your computer usage. Additionally, it needs to be close enough that your view of the monitor will actually be reasonable when using the computer. You would be surprised at how many people say they want to use the LCD screen for their computer monitor, but forget to put the computer near the television.

Next, in learning how to use your LCD TV as a video monitor, you need to make sure you have all wires and cables run that you need so you can switch easily. Run cables through the walls or conduit to both your computer and the cable input for your home. That way when you decide to switch your LCD screen between television and computer use it will be smooth. If you are really savvy, you can also set it up so that a switch or channel change will move you from computer or video monitor to television screen without a lot of work.

Learning how to use your LCD TV as a video monitor is valuable. Since the picture is so clear and well contrasted, you will reduce eye fatigue and squinting headaches brought about by traditional monitors. Just make sure you have the right television and are prepared. Then, you will be all set for dual use of your LCD TV.

Stu Pearson has an interest in Business & Technology related topics. To access more information on lcd flat panel tv or on 17 lcd flat panel tv, please click on the links.