Category: HDTV Reviews

Reviews for newest HDTVs.

Commercial advertisements

Make Commercial Time Count

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Commercials make up a larger share of time per hour of programming than ever before. That can turn out to be beneficial, if instead of just flipping to another channel with your remote control during commercial breaks, you use that time to complete small tasks.

Commercial advertisements

Commercial advertisements make up about 14 minutes of each hour of broadcast television and more than 15 minutes of each hour on cable television. Commercial breaks are typically three to four minutes long. You can make those breaks productive by:

  • Managing your email inbox – Use the three to four minute breaks to manage your inbox, cleaning out emails that need deletion. If cleaning your inbox takes longer than three to four minutes, you can always come back to the task during the next break.
  • Make your grocery shopping list – Commercial breaks are a great time to plan out your grocery list. Jot down the items you need on a piece of paper, so you’re ready for your next trip. Like managing your inbox, it’s a task you can easily come back to during subsequent commercial breaks.
  • Dust your entertainment center – While the commercials are running, catch up on your cleaning by dusting your television and your entertainment center. Also, clean up your living room or television viewing room during breaks.

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.

Three Fun and Convenient Remote Hacks

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The wonderful thing about electronics is that with a little know-how, and trial and error, you can come up with great new applications. This holds true even for common items like TV remotes. With patience and study, you can figure out all sorts of new uses for your remote, such as using it to control your garage door, or hacks to increase its effectiveness, such as a range booster.

If you’re considering tinkering with your television remote, consider these hacks:

  • Build an infrared receiver – If you have an old remote lying around that you no longer need, a cool little science experiment can turn it into an infrared receiver. Converting your remote into an infrared receiver can help you use it to control other devices in your home.
  • Extend your remote’s range – This is perhaps one of the easiest and most effective hacks for your remote control. Using just a little aluminum foil, you can significantly boost the range of your TV remote control. All you have to do is open the remote, tape down the leads from the top infrared LED with some electrical tape, and then make an aluminum foil cocoon for that LED on the opposite half of the remote for when you snap it back together.
  • Control your PC – Many people today are connecting their PCs to their HDTVs to play media stored on the PC or to access the Internet from their televisions. Having a way to control some basic PC functions like the volume would be a big help. Hacks are out there that will let you assume control of some functions with your remote.

Replacementremotes.com is a provider of new and refurbished remote control devices 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.

Remote Control Etiquette

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Nobody likes a TV remote hog. Unless you live alone, it is important to work out a routine with your family or roommates that allows you to find common ground when it comes to TV time. Setting house rules for Dos and Don’ts will help maintain order so that everyone enjoys time together when watching TV. In order to keep the peace in your home, here are a few tips for remote control etiquette that you can live by to make everyone happy.

Things to Do

The first thing to do is compromise on what you will watch on television. Find common ground for shows that you like or a movie that nobody in the family has seen. It is also a good idea to employ a rotation system, where one person in the household is in charge of picking a show each day. Be considerate of others when you are watching television, such as those who are trying to sleep or study. Invest in a DVR system so that each person can record his or her favorite shows if you cannot agree, so that when you have free time you can catch up on the series that interest you most.

Remote-Control-Etiquette

What Not to Do

It is not polite to quickly scroll through hundreds of channels or quickly dismiss the viewing suggestions of others. You also never want to steal the remote away from someone who is already watching TV in order to change the channel. It is also best to avoid trying to hide the remote, as that will only create unnecessary tension between you and your loved ones.

You can get more tips on remote control etiquette by talking to the experts at ReplacementRemotes.com.

Password safety

Netflix Passwords: A Hot Commodity on the Black Market

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According to a new report by McAfee, a leading Internet security company, your Netflix password is now potentially up for sale.

The Dark Web, an underground part of the Internet, is a haven for illegal activities. People have been known to purchase weapons, drugs, and credit card information, and now your online streaming accounts are in jeopardy.

Hackers have been selling lifetime access for Netflix accounts for as little as $0.50. They are able to get your login information from using fake websites and even fake mobile phone applications. The other two commons ways for criminals to steal your Netflix login details is from using Malware, which is a type of hacking software that logs every single stroke you make on your computer, and deducing vital information from their hack. Lastly, a hacker may gain access to a 3rd party site, which may use the same login information as Netflix, and take the details from there.

You might assume that a lifetime guarantee of illegal access to Netflix might be difficult to obtain. However, that is not the case. The hackers have such vast networks and databases of login information, that if a user changes their password, the hackers will offer another set of login information to the customer in order to continue the service.

The best way to secure your Netflix login information is to be vigilant that your login site is via the official Netflix site to ensure you don’t share your information with others, and that you ensure that your logins for other websites are different from your Netflix account login.

Modern HDTV

Three Steps to Connect Your Computer to Your HDTV

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Modern HDTVs are compatible with your desktop or laptop computer, allowing you to access your favorite Internet streaming services or content saved on your computer and watch it in beautiful big-screen high definition. Connecting your HDTV to your computer also allows you to use it as a giant monitor, which can be useful for some work projects or gaming.

Modern HDTV

Connecting your HDTV to your computer is as easy as setting up your TV remote. Just follow these steps:

  • Find out what kind of cables you’ll need. HDTVs offer a variety of connections to accommodate the many types of devices they may be connected with by users. In most cases, laptops and desktop computers will connect to your HDTV with HDMI or DVI cables, which provide the best picture quality. Some older devices may use VGA cable or S-video cable to connect. If your HDTV doesn’t have a port that fits the type of cable you need to connect to your computer, you can find adapters to allow connection.
  • Once you’ve got the appropriate cables and adapters, turn off your computer and television, and connect the device to the HDTV.
  • When the cable is connected, turn on the computer, then use your remote control to turn on the TV and select the appropriate input for the TV, just like you would do when using your gaming console or a DVD player. If the picture looks distorted, use your display settings on your computer to change the screen aspect ratio and resolution.

Replacementremotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote control devices for a wide variety of electronic devices. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and much more. The company also operates a repair service for certain devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

Four Top Apps For The Apple TV

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The Apple TV can turn your boring flat screen into a fun, interactive media center, not only providing you access to great TV shows and movies, but also to games and other content. Apple recently launched an app store for the Apple TV, and sales are strong as more Apple TV users realize the entertainment possibilities a click of their Apple TV remote can provide.

Curious about what the Apple TV can do for you? Consider these popular Apple TV apps:

  • Netflix – If you’re going to have an Apple TV, you have to have Netflix. The popular subscription service gives users access to countless television shows and movies, including classic and obscure titles hard to find anywhere else.
  • Hulu – Much like Netflix, this service provides users with access to tons of television shows and movies. One great thing about Hulu is that it provides access to many currently airing shows, unlike Netflix, which typically is a season or two behind current shows. Best of all, they now offer a commercial-free subscription plan.
  • Words Galore – Want to get your game on? A great word puzzle game will help keep your mind sharp. In this game, players must find words inside a scramble of letters.
  • 7 Minute TV Workout – Access a quick workout anytime from your Apple TV. This fast workout will get your heart pounding and help you find a quick and convenient way to get your daily exercise done on busy days.

Explore these and other great apps for the Apple TV to get the most out of this dynamic device.

Replacementremotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote control devices for a wide variety of electronic devices. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights and much more. The company also operates a repair service for certain devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

Tips For Transferring Tapes & DVDs To Computer Files

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Whether it’s the chance to ditch old remote controls or to preserve cherished home movies from wear and tear, there are many reasons why people are transferring their favorite video content from VHS tapes and DVDs to computer files.

The sad truth is that physical mediums like VHS tapes and DVDs will deteriorate over time, while storing digitized versions of your files on a computer or in the cloud will help protect the integrity of your videos for decades. VHS tapes have an average lifespan of just eight to 10 years before their quality deteriorates. DVDs have a longer lifespan, but are brittle and prone to being scratched or broken.

If you’re considering transferring your video content from VHS tapes or DVDs, follow these tips to make sure you maintain the quality of your videos:

  • If possible, get a professional service to perform the conversion. Professional DVD to digital or VHS to digital services know all the tricks of the trade to ensuring high quality video transfers.
  • Research transfer equipment and software before buying. If you plan on doing the transfer on your own, research hardware and software for video conversion before making a purchase. Cheaper is not always better, and some hardware and software packages can help clean up quality issues with older video.
  • Consider the cloud. Transferring from VHS and DVD to the cloud is safer than storing your content on your computer and will allow you to access it from anywhere.

Replacementremotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote control devices for a wide variety of electronic devices. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights and much more. The company also operates a repair service for certain devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

TV remotes

Betamax vs. VHS

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Back when TV remotes still made clicking noises when you pushed the buttons, there were these devices many of you might recall called VCRs and Betamax. In November 2015, years after Betamax lost the home viewing device war, Sony finally stopped production of the Betamax tapes, much to the surprise of a large population who wasn’t even aware these tapes were still being made.

Sony’s Baby

Sony came out with the Betamax just a few short years after the VCR was made. Because Sony had such a sound reputation when it came to recording devices and the elements that went along with them, the company assumed that the Betamax would be a success. However, there were two major components that made this reality impossible: cost and functionality.

Recording Times and Price

No one is really sure exactly what drove Sony to create a device that could only record for 60 minutes, when most movies last at least 90 minutes. Perhaps Sony was trying to make an extreme effort to end cable piracy? Or more likely, sell more tapes. Since VHS was less expensive and could record for 120 minutes, it was easy enough for customers to make a choice between the two.

At this time, there are still those who are either so devoted to Sony or so set on not being trendy that they continue to rely on a Betamax for their nostalgic entertainment. For those who chose this path in lieu of Blu-Rays and devices that have present-time remote control codes, let the world have a moment of silence as the dust begins to gather on the production machines for Betamax tapes. Farewell, Betamax: The machine that would change for no man.

Remote control

Remote Control Clean-Up

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It’s especially important to keep your remote control clean during times like the flu and cold season. The TV remote might even see more action than the bathroom door handle, which means that all those germs are just sitting around, waiting to be picked up by the next person who just wants to watch their favorite shows. Below are some quick tips to help you clean and disinfect your remote so that you and your family can safely enjoy your daily down time.

Avoid Water

There are those who suggest putting your remote in the dishwasher. Don’t do it. Since there are multiple internal contact points, this is really the fastest way to motivate yourself to start playing with all those remote control codes you’ll have to learn when you buy a new Universal remote to replace your existing water-damaged remote. It’s really best to avoid water altogether, just to be safe.

Apply Rubbing Alcohol and Cotton Swabs

Rubbing alcohol is safe to use on the outside and the inside of your device. Simply dip the swab in rubbing alcohol and wring out the excess liquid. Now use it to clean the small areas around the buttons after you remove the batteries. It’s always a good idea to remove the batteries, not just to prevent damage to the internal workings, but to avoid accidentally flipping your television off and on or changing codes or settings. When you clean around the buttons, push down on them so that you can clean the little crevice around them, as well.

Use these tips to ensure that your remote is always free from germs, especially after all those holiday festivities where your home is filled to the brim with friends and family.

The History of HDTV

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HDTV, or High Definition Television, offers a substantially higher resolution than standard television. Though this format originated in Japan in the 1970s, the United States didn’t adopt HDTV until the 1990s, due to a combination of politics as well as technological setbacks. Here is a brief look back at the history of this invention and its arrival in the United States:

  • 1970: Japan’s Broadcasting Corporation, known as NHK, develops a HDTV prototype called MUSE. The system is designed to improve television quality while selling more units, and is nearly an overnight hit.
  • 1980: NHK aims to popularize HDTV worldwide, starting first with the SMPTE (The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers). SMPTE is pleased to learn that HDTV helps cut film production time in half, and they release a study recommending its use.
  • 1987: The United States’ National Association of Broadcasters invites NHK to present their MUSE system to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Though intriguing, it’s largely seen as major competition to American television manufacturers. In an act of political tension, the FCC decides to create a new system of HDTV standards just for America, which results in the creation of the Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service (ACATS).
  • 1993: ACATS creates the “Grand Alliance,” pooling work from several American companies and organizations that created proposals outlining their ideas for new HDTV standards. Participants include AT&T, General Instrument Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Philips Consumer Electronics, Zenith Electronics, and more.
  • 1996: Using findings collected by the Grand Alliance, the FCC officially sets the standard for HDTV in the United States.
  • 1998: The first HDTV broadcast airs, coinciding with the first HDTV set going on the market.
  • 2006: All analog broadcasting is officially phased out of communications in the United States.

For more information about the technology behind your TV, check our blog each week. Here we share maintenance tips, fascinating facts from history, and articles about the products carried at ReplacementRemotes.com. Our store offers TV remotes for purchase, assorted parts, operating manuals, and more to complete your home entertainment needs. Shop our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.