high quality projector bulb

When Should I Change My Projector Bulb?

If you use a projector to watch TV and movies, you want to make sure you change the projector light bulb at the right time. If you change it before it needs it, you are throwing money away. If you wait too long, then you could damage your projector.

high quality projector bulb

To help decide “When should I change my projector bulb?” look for these common signs:

1. Colors look faded and are not as vibrant.

As the bulb nears the end of its usefulness, colors will start to appear noticeably less vibrant and rich. They can look faded or be the wrong shade.

2. The images look distorted and not as sharp.

Another effect of the bulb wearing out is that images will appear blurry and distorted.

3. The images look dim.

As the bulb wears out, images will start to appear dimmer and dimmer, until the bulb fails.

4. Images are flickering.

Flickering is when the images will get brighter for a few seconds and then return to normal. It is a sign the bulb is defective and wearing out.

5. The indicator on your projector says to replace the bulb.

Eingeschalteter Beamer (DLP)

Most newer-modeled digital light processing (DLP) projectors have an indicator light on them that will alert you when it is time to replace the blub.

Long before your projector starts showing signs that the bulb needs to be replaced, it is a good idea to order and stock at least two spare bulbs. This way, when it is time to replace the bulb, you won’t have to wait. Always make sure to use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement bulbs to avoid damaging your projector.

For replacement projector bulbs and remote controls for TVs, please feel free to browse our online store or call Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 for further assistance today!

Woman on sofa watching movie using digital LCD video projector

What Are the Advantages of an LCD Projector for a Home Theater?

When it comes to setting up a home theater, you have two different options for watching TV and movies. You could invest in a widescreen 4K HD TV in a set size. Your other option is to consider an LCD projector.

There are several advantages of an LCD projector over a 4K HD TV when setting up your home theater, including:

1. Best Screen Size for a Home Theater

With an LCD projector, you can adjust the screen size to fit your home theater needs. You can have a viewing screen that is 48 inches, 52 inches, 65 inches, 75 inches, 100 inches, or more! You can’t do that with a 4K HD TV since it is a fixed-size viewing screen.

2. An LCD Projector Is Portable

Want to watch the big game on your patio outdoors? Maybe you are getting together at a friend’s house to watch a movie. With your LCD projector, thanks to its compact size, it is easy to move around to different areas to watch sports, movies, and other entertainment.

3. Can Project onto Any Surface

Woman on sofa watching movie using digital LCD video projector

An LCD projector can be used on a white painted wall, a projector screen, the side of your home, or other flat surfaces. You can even get a 200-inch portable screen for a real movie theater-like experience. Since screen sizes can be adjusted, it is easy to go from a smaller screen to a bigger one without having to upgrade to a new LCD projector, as you do with 4K HD TVs.

Should I Buy a Projector or a TV?

If you want flexibility and portability, with theater-like quality, then you should consider buying an LCD projector. There are even 4K and 3D models available so you can enjoy a wide selection of entertainment.

If you already have an LCD projector and have lost the remote, it is easy to get a replacement one at Replacement Remotes. Please feel free to browse our online store or call us at 855-573-6683 for further assistance today!

Big led tv with soundbar in the living room

3 Amazing DIY Entertainment Center Hacks

Is your entertain center getting a bit crowded? Maybe you want to upgrade and add a new surround sound system? You could be tired of that big jumble of electrical cords and wires runs all over the place. Before you run out and spend money on a new home theater entertainment center, check out these three amazing DIY hacks:

1. Mount your TV to the wall.

If you have space on your wall, get a replacement mount for the TV stand and mount your TV to it using the right mount. Putting the TV on the wall will free up space on the entertainment center you can use for your gaming systems, Blu-ray player, DVR, etc.

  • Bonus Tip: Get a universal remote control to control all of your devices and eliminate remote control clutter.

2. Get theater-like quality sound with a sound bar and subwoofer.

You do not need a high-end surround sound theater system to get theater-like quality anymore. Sound bars with subwoofers provide remarkable sound quality. Plus, they are perfect for your average-size living room. When selecting a sound bar, make sure it is compatible with your brand of TV.

  • Bonus TIP: Sound bars can also be mounted to the wall to free up space on your entertainment center.

Big led tv with soundbar in the living room

3. Organize your wires with zip ties and push pins.

Instead of having a big “spaghetti” pile of wires, you can organize them and make them neater. Use zip ties to combine multiple wires running to the same device. To keep wires out of sight, use push pins to hang the wires on the back side of the entertainment center.

  • Bonus Tip: Use wire covers for wall-mounted TVs and sound bars. To limit the number of wire covers on your walls, try to find one big enough to accommodate all the wires.

For help finding replacement TV stands, replacement mounts for TV stands, and universal remotes, please feel free to shop our online store or call Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 for further assistance.

Holiday Party

Tips for Planning a Holiday Party (Part II)

In the previous blog segment, we discussed tips to help you start planning your holiday party. In this blog segment, we will provide tips you can use during the week leading up to your party.

  1. Using your holiday menu, make a grocery list and go shopping five to seven days before your party.
  2. Clean your house five days before the party. Concentrate on the rooms where guests will have access.
  3. Set up a location where guests can hang up coats, jackets, and put their wet boots and shoes.
  4. Give any rooms a quick cleaning touchup a day or two before.
  5. Start cooking and preparing any food items you can a day or two in advance.

Holiday Party

  1. The day before your party, set up the dining area with plates, glasses, and silverware. For casual gatherings, consider using eco-friendly disposal products to save on cleanup.
  2. Organize home entertainment systems and TV remotes by placing them on top of or in front of the device they control in case your guests want to use them.
  3. The morning of your event, finish cooking and preparing the rest of the food.
  4. A few hours before guests start arriving, start reheating food you prepared in advance, and start setting out any nonperishable food items.
  5. Set out any remaining food about fifteen to thirty minutes before guests arrive.
  6. Relax and have fun at your party!

ReplacementRemotes.com hopes you have enjoyed our holiday party planning tips. If you need remote control codes, remote controls, or other accessories for your electronic devices, call us at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) now!

movie night entertainment

Provide Your Resort Guests with Movie Night Entertainment Options

Hotel resort guests today like looking for things to do that get them out of the room, like going to see a movie or spend time in and around the swimming pool after a long day of activities, shopping, and exploring the local area. To help make your guests happy and provide them on-site entertainment options, you should consider hosting outdoor and indoor movie nights.

Outdoor Movie Nights

You can give your guests the best of both worlds by setting up your outdoor movie night next to the pool. While they relax in the pool, they can watch a film on a big screen. You can project the movie onto the side of the building or use a portable, blow-up movie screen. For sound, consider portable, wireless surround sound speakers you can set up around the pool area. If you have a grill area nearby, consider making hotdogs and hamburger you can sell to your guests.

Indoor Movie Nights

Convert a conference room into the movie theater for the evening. Play the movie using a laptop computer connected to an HD projector. For the best sound, either use surround sound speakers or tap into your existing sound system. You can also sell freshly popped popcorn, soft drinks, and snacks.

movie night entertainment

To make controlling your outdoor and indoor movie equipment, screens, and sound system easier, consider universal remote controls from ReplacementRemotes.com. Call us at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) for further assistance now! We also carry a wide array of hospitality remotes.

Successful Movie Night

How to Host a Successful Movie Night

One of the biggest mistakes people make, when hosting a moving night, is inviting friends over and just “winging it” after they arrive. You casually visit while your guests peruse through your movie collection and attempt to try to come to a consensus on what everyone will watch. Taking this approach results in wasted time, disagreements, and potentially unhappy guests.

Successful Movie Night

To ensure everyone has a great time at your movie night, use these tips:

  1. Select the movie yourself to avoid disagreements between your friends. It is okay to get their input about the genre or if there are any recent releases everyone is interested in seeing, but, in the end, you need to decide what is best for the group.
  2. Set a date and time for the movie night. You can create a group event on Facebook to invite people and help them remember when it is.
  3. Inspect your home entertainment center ahead of time. Make sure all wires are plugged in and the surround sound is configured for the type of movie you will watch. Also, remember to verify all of your remotes are working and do not need new batteries.
  4. Stock up on popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. If you plan on having a large group, consider asking everyone to bring something to share.
  5. Enjoy the movie!

If you are unable to locate a remote control or want to simplify your entertainment system setup with a universal remote, contact ReplacementRemotes.com at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) today!

Reality TV appeal

America and Reality Television – How Reality TV Has Changed the Pop Culture Landscape

Even if you don’t watch shows like Big Brother, The Bachelor, or The Real Housewives, you have to admit that these shows are part of a wider cultural phenomenon: America’s obsession with reality TV. Since Survivor debuted in the late 1990s, a lot has been written about reality TV, from how “real” it actually is to whether or not it’s a sign of wider cultural narcissism.

Despite all the negative assessments, reality TV has dominated the airwaves for nearly two decades now. What’s behind its appeal?

Reality TV appeal

The Drama

Let’s get the obvious appeal out of the way first – people love drama, and reality TV has loads of fighting, backstabbing, and every other form of drama any viewer could ask for. Fictional TV thrives on drama just as much as reality TV does, but reality TV has the added benefit of being about real people, making the drama that much more personal and juicy.

The Competition

People like reality TV for the same reason they like sports – the thrill of competition. Just because no one is passing a ball doesn’t mean that reality TV isn’t just as much about rooting for a team, reveling in victory or defeat, and armchair quarterbacking every decision the participants make.

The Community

A large part of the appeal of reality TV isn’t the shows themselves – it’s the interaction with other fans. Many reality shows have dedicated online fandoms that love to freak out about the show even when it’s not on the air, giving fans a chance to connect with people around the world.

Why do people watch reality TV

Need a replacement TV remote? Contact ReplacementRemotes.com today for all the best remotes and TV accessories. Give us a call at 855-5-REMOTE.

TV remote controls

America’s Love Affair with Television

Being the birthplace of television, it’s little wonder that America has a long-running love affair with the medium. Generations have grown up with a TV remote in their hands, and although technology is changing how we watch, it isn’t changing our appreciation for a good story presented with great visuals.

TV remote controls

Consider these statistics about television viewership:

  • Although traditional television viewing (watching broadcast and cable networks) is declining, it doesn’t necessarily mean that people are watching less TV. They’re just choosing a different medium to view it. More and more people are watching streaming services like Netflix that offer fare from traditional TV networks, along with original programming.
  • Traditional television viewership remains an ingrained habit with older viewers. Just 23 percent of the over-65 crowd watch streaming services like Netflix.
  • Netflix now has 74.76 million customers around the world, including more than 44 million in the U.S., according to Variety.
  • Streaming is huge for younger viewers. About 60 percent of 35-44 year olds watch streaming video on demand.
  • Parents have a big impact on their children’s viewing time, but, as kids get older, that influence wanes. According to CBS News, parents have the biggest impact on kids’ viewing time from ages 6-11.

ReplacementRemotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronic devices. 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.

Sources:

http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/netflix-tv-ratings-decline-2015-1201721672/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/parents-tv-time-may-be-the-biggest-influence-on-kids-viewing-habits/

Top Four Dystopian TV Shows

It may be a reflection of the times we live in, but television shows portraying a dystopian future are increasingly popular. Unlike the happy, optimistic future portrayed by classic TV sci-fi like Star Trek, dystopian television shows portray a darker future, where technology hasn’t cured all of society’s ills, and, in fact, may have made them worse.

Some of the top dystopian television shows include:

  • The Walking Dead – More than half the population are zombies and the other half seem to be trying to kill our heroes. It doesn’t get much more dark or dystopian as this show, based on a popular series of comics by Robert Kirkland.
  • Doctor Who – While often branded as happy-go-lucky sci-fi fare, many episodes of Doctor Who see the Doctor and his companions struggling against greedy, all-powerful corporations in the future of fascistic governments.
  • Firefly – “Firefly” follows a band of misfits as they travel the edges of a space-faring society, hunted by representatives of an oppressive interplanetary government. The themes of personal freedom versus collectivism are explored, along with the cosmos, in this modern sci-fi classic.
  • Black Mirror – An anthology series, “Black Mirror” holds up a funhouse mirror to modern society, offering a darkly speculative look at the implications of our technological progress. The show has gotten rave reviews, and one episode has even been optioned for a movie by Robert Downey Jr.

ReplacementRemotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronic devices. 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.