HDTV Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 12 - Dan's Electronics Blog

How Parents Can Safeguard and Manage TV Time for Their Children

May 9, 2016May 4, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Children have easier access to a wide range of electronic devices for viewing TV, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and video gaming consoles. As a parent, you need to ensure you know exactly what your child is watching and take steps to limit the amount of time they spend watching videos and television each day.

Spend time watching programming with your child. Watch an episode or two of your child’s favorite programs to ensure they are age appropriate.
Enable password protection on TVs and other devices. Requiring a password will let you know when your child wants to view programming and allow you to decide if they can.
Enable parental controls on TVs using the TV remote, as well as other devices, to block programming. Most TVs and devices have parental controls you can use to limit the programming your child can view based upon their age.
Utilize ratings and preview programs beforehand. Take the time to check the rating on a new program, and watch an episode without your child to see if it is appropriate.
Create a TV viewing schedule. Watching TV should be a privilege and not something your child should expect they can do as long as they want, every single day.
Find fun activities, games, and arts and crafts for your child to enjoy. There are plenty of things your child can be doing instead of sitting in front of the TV, from afterschool sports programs to family night board games.

By taking time to monitor and manage your child’s television viewing habits, not only do you have better control over what they watch, but you also ensure they are using their free time for a wide range of activities. If you need a new remote to access parental controls or set passwords on TVs and related devices, contact ReplacementRemotes.com today at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).

Decluttering Cables and Cords Behind Your Entertainment Center

May 9, 2016May 4, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

One of the biggest distractions of your state-of-the-art home theater system is all of those unsightly cables and wires that seem to become a big twisted and tangled mess behind your entertainment center. With a little organization, you can get that “cable monster” under control using these tips and suggestions:

Go wireless. From Bluetooth enabled surround sound systems to wireless remote controls, there are several devices you can upgrade to eliminate wired connections.
Detangle bunched-up cables. Disconnect all of the cables and power cords from your devices to detangle them.
Shorten cables to the desire length by wrapping them individually around your hand and using cable ties. The cables only need to be long enough to reach from each end of the connection.
Bunch cables for each device together with cable ties. Use cable ties around cables for individual devices. This will prevent them from getting tangled up with other cables from other devices.
Hide cables under or in cable covers. There are cable covers you can place over or in them that hide them from view and also keep them organized.
Use a direct outlet surge protector. There are surge protectors that plug directly into the wall and do not have a power cord, thus eliminating one cord from behind the entertainment center.

Taking the time to declutter the cords and cables helps get them better organized and prevents future messes behind the entertainment center. For color coded cables, HDMI cables, TV and universal remotes, and other accessories, call ReplacementRemotes.com at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).

Top Six TV Facts You Might Not Have Known

April 25, 2016April 27, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Television has been around for nearly a century now and, in that time, the medium has had some interesting developments, paths not taken, and the occasional failure here and there. The following are a few facts about television you may find useful for pub trivia or just being an all-around know-it-all.

Philo Farnsworth is credited with inventing the first electronic television in 1927. Farnsworth’s device transmitted a simple straight line. Precursors of the television made by researchers around the world dated back to the late 1800s, but Farnsworth’s 1927 invention and subsequent devices were the direct ancestors of the modern television.
Farnsworth didn’t think much of his creation; he actually forbade his children from watching television.
Actor Richard Belzer has the record for playing the same character, John Munch, on the largest number of television shows – 10.
In Norway, product placement, a time-honored tradition in American advertising, is barred.
The remote control pre-dates the television. The earliest remote control devices were made in the early 1900s and were used to remotely operate boats.
Earl Wild was the first pianist to perform a recital on television in 1937. Sixty years later he was the first pianist to stream a recital on the Internet.

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Ranking the Five Hottest Superhero Shows on TV

April 18, 2016April 22, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Comic books had their golden age in the 1930s and 1940s, but now may be the golden age for television comic book heroes. Hit any channel on your TV remote and you’re likely to find a guy or gal in tights fighting evil.

There are now more television shows based on comic books on the air or in development than at any time in history. The smashing success of comic-based films such as “The Avengers,” the “Batman” movies, and the “Iron Man” franchise has spawned many small screen adaptations.

While some of the television superhero series have been misses, many have captured the public’s imagination by offering imaginative, innovative stories and surprisingly good acting. If you’re looking for a few binge-worthy series, consider the following:

Jessica Jones – A critical darling that’s also gathering popular support, “Jessica Jones” is one of the grittier, more realistic series. The show follows Jessica Jones, a super-powered human, who runs a detective agency. Jones is a highly conflicted character with a less than savory past, and audiences and critics alike have connected with her story.
Legends of Tomorrow – It’s a little goofy, but this story about a collection of comic also-rans who team up to travel time to put down a would-be conqueror makes great late-night popcorn fare.
Arrow – One of the flagship superhero series, “Arrow” follows the adventures of DC superhero Oliver Queen, who survives being shipwrecked on an island to return to Star City to become Green Arrow. An element of corporate intrigue gives Arrow a soap opera element that’s broadened its appeal.
Agent Carter – This series follows the adventures of Peggy Carter, Captain America’s lost love, as she works for the nascent SHIELD in post WWII America. A great period piece that does a great job of fleshing out a previously minor character in the Marvel Universe.
Gotham – Set during Bruce Wayne’s childhood, “Gotham” explores the Batman mythos, giving the origin of many of the allies and villains Wayne eventually encounters as Batman. The show also depicts Wayne’s gradual evolution into Batman, and his upbringing by the Wayne family butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

Replacementremotes.com is a provider of new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronics. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and other accessories. The company also operates a repair service for remotes and other devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

Dual-Sided Televisions, Curved Screens Just the Tip of the TV Tech Iceberg

April 18, 2016April 22, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Just when you thought television technology couldn’t advance any further, new developments are advancing our favorite entertainment medium even further. Dual-sided televisions and curved screen TVs are among the hottest new technologies for the (not-so) small screen.

LG recently debuted an 111-inch dual-sided television. The device consists of three 65-inch Ultra HD OLED screens and lets viewers watch content on either side of the television at the same time. While it’s not likely to end up in many living rooms, this set will make a great display piece in public areas or could come in handy at gaming events.

Curved screen televisions have been around for a few years now, but they recently found their stride in the market. Curved screens work better with the natural contours of the eye, providing an improved viewing experience. Viewers report seeing a wider field of view, better perception of depth, and improved contrast when watching curved screen televisions. Samsung has made a major push in marketing these televisions in recent months.

Dual-sided televisions and curved screen sets aren’t the only new innovations coming down the pipe for television. Consumers can expect more virtual reality and 3-D options in the near future, as well as more convenient options for accessing online content from their television sets.

4 Ways Technology Changed the TV Landscape

March 3, 2016March 1, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

TV has undergone many changes since the first black and white sets were sent to market. Here are 4 of the biggest technological changes to TV over the decades:

Mass production – The first television signals were being broadcast in the 1930s, but the TV didn’t become a common item in American homes until 1948, when mass production began. In 1939, there were less than 1,000 TVs in use. By 1953, there were 25,233,000.
Cable – The widespread adoption of cable TV in the 70s, 80s, and 90s dramatically expanded the number of channels available to people in their homes and led to the creation of boutique, pay-for-access channels like HBO. The growth of cable also coincided with the start of MTV, which brought a pop culture revolution straight into American living rooms.
TiVo – In the age of streaming and smart TVs, it’s hard to remember what a dramatic change TiVo was from the TV status quo. Before TiVo, people had to either catch a show right as it aired, or hope that the cassette in their VCR didn’t run out of tape. Suddenly, people had the ability to digitally record shows and store them in perpetuity. Within a few years, they could even record on two channels at once.
Social media – While sites like Twitter and Facebook didn’t change TV directly, they did change the way people talk about and experience television. Instead of waiting until the next day to talk about a show at work, people can share their reactions to a show as it airs, and potentially reach millions of people in the process.

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Sources

http://screencrave.com/2011-09-27/eight-ways-television-has-changed-from-the-30s-to-today/

Finding the Right Device for Your Streaming Setup

March 3, 2016March 1, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

TV has entered the streaming era, and many people are cutting the cable cord and turning exclusively to Netflix, Hulu, and other on-demand services. To help facilitate the change, many companies now sell streaming boxes and streaming sticks that bring these channels right to your TV screen, but which one of these devices is the best? There are many to choose from, but three in particular come with a distinct set of advantages:

Roku 3 – There are at least 17 different types of streaming boxes on the market, but the Roku is probably the best of them all. One of the main advantages of the Roku is that it doesn’t prioritize streaming channels, and it lets you set the order you want your channels in, unlike the streaming products made by companies like Amazon that have channels and products to promote. The interface is also very easy to use and gives you a large selection of streaming channels to choose from. One downside: It can sometimes be slow, especially right after the TV is turned on. Roku also makes a streaming stick; it’s a bit slower, but it’s cheaper.

Chromecast – Chromecast is fast, is easy to use, and has a large number of channels to choose from. Unfortunately, some in-demand channels aren’t available, such as Amazon, Starz, and Encore. It balances that out with an increasing number of apps and add-ons. The streaming stick is also cheaper than a Roku box.

Fire TV – The main benefit of Amazon’s Fire TV is that it gives full access to Amazon Prime, including music streaming and lots of free videos. What it doesn’t have, however, is the same number of apps available for Chromecast or the sheer number of channels available through Roku.

If you don’t mind some occasional slowness, and you want the most channels, Roku is the best choice. If you mostly just use Amazon, Fire TV is the obvious pick. If you like being able to customize your device with apps, Chromecast is the one for you.

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Boosting Your Wi-Fi Signal for Superior Streaming

February 18, 2016February 23, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Just about everyone who’s watched a movie or TV show on Netflix has run into connection issues that have slowed their entertainment to a crawl. Improving Wi-Fi strength can help folks who enjoy streaming movies and television get reliable access to their favorite shows and films.

If you’d like to boost your Wi-Fi strength, consider these tips:

Optimal placement – Your Wi-Fi signal strength will be weak if you have it placed in a cabinet or in a corner behind the couch. For the best signal, place your router in a high place with plenty of space. The top of a bookshelf is great, as is mounting the device on a wall.
Replace your antenna – You can coax greater performance from your router by installing a better antenna. Many Wi-Fi routers come with very basic antennas. Upgrading to a newer, higher quality antenna can help you get better performance from your device. Replacing antennas is usually pretty easy and only takes a few minutes.
Update your firmware – Router manufacturers are frequently finding tweaks to improve Wi-Fi strength. If you haven’t updated your router in a while, you may be missing out. Check out your router’s product documentation or go online to find out how to update your device.

LED vs. OLED Televisions

February 18, 2016February 23, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Consumers have many options to choose from when shopping for a new television, and figuring out the pros and cons can be tough, especially when you’re comparing LED and OLED televisions. The difference between OLED and LED televisions is more than just a letter, as each product line has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

LED televisions share a lot in common with LCD televisions, with the primary difference being how each model’s screen is lit. LCD televisions use fluorescent backlights, while LED TVs use LED lights. The uses of LED lights allow LED televisions to be slimmer than LCD sets.

OLED TVs get even slimmer, thanks to elements within the televisions that create their own light, eliminating the need for backlighting. OLED televisions are also more energy efficient than LED televisions.

There’s a stark difference in picture quality between LED and OLED televisions. OLED televisions offer more vibrant colors and better blacks than LED televisions can provide. The picture on a LED screen can be hard to see from some angles, while an OLED screen offers uniform picture quality.

LED televisions have one advantage over OLEDs: price. OLED televisions are significantly more expensive than their LED cousins.

3 Things You Didn’t Know about Nielsen Ratings

February 8, 2016February 10, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

You’ve heard about Nielsen Ratings, but how much do you really know about them and the company that records them, Nielsen Media Research? If you want to learn more, here are a few facts about Nielsen ratings, their long history, and the company responsible for them:

Nielsen Didn’t Start with TV Ratings

Nielsen Media Research wasn’t always Nielsen Media Research. When engineer Arthur C. Nielsen founded his company in 1923, it specialized in measuring the effectiveness of conveyor belts and turbine generators. The company switched to measuring consumer sales during The Depression, launching an index to measure retail store and drug sales in 1933.

Before TV, Nielsen Was Measuring Radio Ratings

In 1936, Nielsen acquired the rights to the Audimeter, a device which was able to record when a radio was turned on, and what it was tuned to. Using the data collected by the Audimeter, Nielsen launched its Radio Index in the U.S. in 1942. The Audimeter would also be the basis for the devices Nielsen would use to record TV ratings starting in the 1950s.

The Super Bowl Is the Reigning Nielsen Champion

The top three highest-rated TV broadcasts in the history of the Nielsen ratings are all Super Bowls – Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, and Super Bowl 50 (L) in 2016. Super Bowl XLIX drew an average of 114.4 million viewers, alone.

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