 |
HDMI Vs. Component Cable: Which is Better?
By The Guru | June 28, 2008
The world of technology often wants us to believe that newer is better. They say that the newer the technology, the greater the difference. If you have the old technology, you are not getting the most of your equipment. Sometimes, that is true. Is HDTV better than standard television? Yes. Sometimes, though, the answer is not as clear. Is an HDMI cable better than a component cable? Not exactly.
HDMI
One of the first things that people need to understand about a HDMI cable is that it is what we will be using in the future. However, the future is not here yet, so people might want to slow down before they go and spend the extra cash on this cable. There are still a lot of problems with the technology. In theory, it is a great cable. It is an all digital cable, but unfortunately, it still has a long way to go. Even though it is all digital, there are still things that the HDTV must recode, which can reduce picture quality.
Component
This is cheaper than a HDMI cable, and surprisingly, your picture quality is the same when you use this cable. While this runs on an analog signal and then coverts to digital, it is able to display the same types of images. In some instances, the component cable even displays a better picture, due to the problems that are still occurring with HDMI.
The Verdict
Right now, you should purchase a component cable. It will give you everything that you want and need as far as picture quality. In reality, it is more important what kind of television and DVD player you have than what kind of cable you use.
However, just because you should have a component cable now does not mean that will not change. As they work out the kinks with the HMDI cable, it will become more popular. It has the potential to be a great cable that can make a difference in picture quality, but as of right now, it is not worth the extra money you would have to spend.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Top 5 Personal Camcorders
By The Guru | June 26, 2008
These days, it seems as if there is a new camcorder that hits the stores on a daily basis. It can be daunting when you are attempting to pick out that perfect camcorder. If you are spending the money, you want something that is a quality product. However, with all of the products out there, it can be incredibly overwhelming. To ease your stress, we have compiled a list of the top five camcorders. If you pick up one of these, you can rest assured that you are getting a quality product. These are the ones to purchase the next time you go camcorder shopping.
Sony Handycam HDR-HC7
With a 10x zoom and excellent video performance, the HDR-HC7 is a high quality HD camcorder. It comes with a bundled FireWire Cable as well. For $988.95, it might seem high to some, but it is well worth the money. This is a great camcorder that will last a long time.
Canon Vixia HV30
At $799, Canon’s first entry on the list is cheaper than the Sony. However, it performs just as well. This camcorder also has excellent video quality. It is a solid camcorder that you can count on to perform through the years. With its nice design and solid features, it is incredibly easy to use, and you are able to get everything you want to get out of a camcorder.
Canon HG10
This Canon is even more affordable with a price of $625. This camcorder is known for its excellent image stabilization. It also has wonderful video quality. It is a hard drive based HD camcorder. It is the most affordable camcorder of this high of a quality.
Canon Vixia HF10
Canon made this list for the third time, with this tiny camcorder that comes in at $849. The compact design has a fast focus, which is perfect for filming sporting events and children that are constantly moving from one place to the next. The small camcorder is easy to stow away in suitcases and purses when going on vacation, so it is the ultimate travel camcorder, while still being of high enough quality for everyday use as well.
Sony Handycam HDR-SR11
At $1138.99, this camcorder tops the list with price. It also leads in the quality of its still photos. Also, a docking station is included. You must consider that you would have to buy that with another camcorder, so shave that total off of the price when comparing this camcorder with others. The 60 GB hard drive based camcorder is an excellent choice for those who love video and still photos.
These camcorders are the best of the best. If you purchase any of these, you will not be disappointed. They are rated highly by both customers and reviewers, so you can rest assured that you will get something with these that will last you through the long haul. All have great video quality and are well made. The prices are also reasonable for all of the listed camcorders, when you consider what you are getting with them.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Forget the Blu-Ray Player, Get a PS3
By The Guru | June 25, 2008
You’re creating your own multimedia empire in your home, and the only thing that is missing is the Blu-Ray Player. You have the HDTV, and maybe you even have some surround sound speakers to go with it. Now, if you could only shell out the money for the Blu-Ray, your home would become an entertainment haven. However, to be honest, it is a lot of money if all you’re doing is watching movies.
That’s why you need to get a PS3 instead of just a Blu-Ray Player.
Why a PS3?
When you purchase a PS3, you get a system that will play Blu-Ray discs, plus all of the features of a playstation. You get to play the games, have the excellent graphics, and get to watch your high definition movies. It’s an all inclusive system. You can get everything you want out of it. Having a PS3 is much better than only having a Blu-Ray Player.
It’s the Same Price
Right now, you can purchase a PS3 for the same price as a traditional Blu-Ray player. You spend the same amount of money, but you get so much more. It makes sense to buy a product that gives you more for your money. Why get a Blu-Ray Player when you can have both for the same price?
Sony PS3 is the Most Popular Blue-Ray Player
The Blue-Ray Player on the Sony PS3 is a great system. So great, in fact that it has become the leading Blue-Ray Player. People like the idea of getting more for their money, so they are picking the PS3.
PS3 is Rated One of the Best Blu-Ray Players
There might be some fear out there for those who tried the old Playstation DVD player. The good news is that the Blu-Ray Player outperforms that system by a large margin. The PS3 Blu-Ray Player is able to stack up against some of the highest quality Blu-Ray Players. It is getting excellent reviews and a very warm welcome. It has been played side by side against many Blu-Ray Players, and has actually had better picture quality than many of them.
PS3 Basics
Of course, it’s not just about the Blu-Ray Player. With the PS3, you are getting a system that plays all games in high definition. It also comes with free online play. You can play your old Playstation and PS2 games on the console. The increased hard drive makes it a more powerful gaming console that systems in the past. Also, with its sleek design, it can fit well next to any television set. Sony has created a system that was meant to take the gaming and movie watching world by storm.
When you go shopping for your Blu-Ray Player, be sure to check out the PS3 systems. If there is anyone who even likes to dabble in games in your home, it will be well worth it. Essentially, the PS3 is free, and you are paying for the Blu-Ray Player. That is an excellent deal.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Do DVD Players that have Upscaling Look Better?
By The Guru | June 24, 2008
Lately, there has been a common question floating around. Is it better to upscale or to not upscale? Some people say that DVD players that have upscaling are so much better than standard DVD players, while others say they aren’t worth it. It’s important to understand exactly what you are getting if you get a DVD player that has upscaling.
What is Upscaling?
If you have a high definition television but you do not have a high definition DVD player, you may want to consider purchasing a DVD player that has upscaling capabilities. While this will not create a high definition DVD, it will help match the pixels between the two pieces of equipment. For example, standard DVD players are made for standard definition video. When you get an HDTV, they are still made for standard definition video. When you use upscaling it allows for the two pieces of equipment to be more on the same page.
Is it Better?
That question is relative. First, you need to ask yourself what it is supposed to be better than. Is it better than a standard definition TV playing standard definition video? No. So then, it is of course not better than a high definition DVD player broadcasting on a HDTV. However, it is better than a HDTV broadcasting video from a standard DVD player. So users need to keep in mind that if they are using a DVD player with upscaling, they are getting a picture that would be better than what they had. That makes it worth it. While it’s not the same as high definition, it will work until you get a Blue Ray Player.
The Reasons
Again, it’s all about the pixels. Upscaling allows for better quality. Therefore, if you have an HDTV but you aren’t ready to spend the money on a Blue Ray player, you at least need to get a DVD player with upscaling.
This is a much more affordable alternative for people who want a HDTV but don’t yet feel ready to shell out the money for a Blue Ray Player. After you spend some time watching TV on HD, though, you might just decide that upgrading to the Blue Ray Player is worth the extra cash after all.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Everything You Need to Know About Netflixter
By The Guru | June 23, 2008
Are you getting the most out of your Netflix account? Have you ever heard of the software called Netflixter? If you have not installed it, then you are not taking advantage of everything you can get when you have Netflix.
Open Multiple Profiles and Queues At Once!
Netflix allows multiple profiles with one account. With Netflixter, you can open up all of those accounts and queues at the same time. That will help you shuffle movies between queues in order for the household to get movies in for everyone at the same time.
Easy Sorting
On the Netflix queue, changes have to be made one at a time. With Netflixter, you can make all of the changes you want to, and then submit them all at once. This makes the process much quicker than it is without the software.
Sort
You can sort the movies in your queue like never before. You can sort by title, genre, star rating, along with multiple other options. This allows you to keep better track of the movies you are getting.
Know Your History
Netflix only keeps a user’s history for 90 days. Netflixter keeps your entire history forever. You can go back through your history and refresh your memory on everything you have seen. That will keep you from making the mistake of ordering the same movie twice.
Advanced Tracking Features
With Netflixter, you can track all of your movies. You can find out when they were delivered to your house, along with when they were received by Netflix. This will allow you to stay more on top of your membership.
Free Trial
You can download Netflixter and use it for free for fifteen days. That can go well with the two week free trial that Netflix offers. New users can try it out, and if they want it they can purchase the software for only $24.95.
Netflixter is gaining in popularity for people who love movies. It’s a great addition to Netflix, as it gives users even more options than ever before.
For more information, or to sign up for the free trial, click HERE.
Topics: General | 1 Comment »
« Previous Entries Next Entries »