Over the years, I have grown really attached to my home theater system. I must say, of all the rooms in the house, my own little movie theater is the one I could not live without. I am absolutely in love with my home theater system and, if you are anything like me, I am sure you will love yours too. I found, when I was initially building my system, that there was so much information to absorb. Every product out there seemed better than the next, and I found myself unsure about which to buy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new home theater projector.
There are two main types of projectors on the market; DLP and LCD. DLP stands for digital light processing. It was invented by Texas Instruments, and utilizes a microscopic array of over 2 million mirrors. DLP has a higher contrast than LCD, but there are some unfavorable consumer reports that note something called the "rainbow effect". The "rainbow effect" is noticeable when looking from one side of the screen to the other, and is characterized by a sudden burst of color.
LCD stands for liquid crystal display. These projectors have three distinct glass LCD panels inside; one for each component of the video signal (red, green, and blue). While DLP chips reflect light, the LCD panels allow light to pass through them. LCD projectors produce brighter images, and they are known for having excellent color saturation. In the end, you will be hard-pressed to notice a great difference between the two types of projection systems.
When shopping for a new projector, keep your particular needs in the forefront of your thoughts. As I mentioned above, it is really easy to lose yourself in the minutiae of each particular system. Connectivity is a definitely something to be mindful of. Make sure that you are able to connect all of your components, including your gaming system. Nothing beats playing Halo in real-life size! Contract ratio is another important factor; the higher the ratio, the better the picture will be.
The brightness of your projector is another thing to consider. Light output is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lumens. You will want to avoid a projector that produces anything shy of 1000 lumens. As you are likely aware, the projection resolution is extremely important. This refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. Go for something that is no less than 1024x768, as this will allow you to fully appreciate the depth and quality of HDTV. In the end, you should buy the projector that is in line with your needs and your budget. Soprano's is coming on right now! Time to go!
2009/09/21
5 Tips For Fountain Pens Gift Giving
Fountain pens make great gifts. They're personal, stylish and fun, not to mention very useful in everyday life.
There are so many fine pens to choose from, and you can guarantee personalization by having them engraved. However, because there are a lot of options, choosing the "right" pen for that special person on your gift list can be intimidating. Here are some tips for making it easy and enjoyable instead.
Tip #1: Focus on the other person's preferences, not your own.
If you like the same things, you've got it made. But that's usually not the case. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and you're off to a good start.
Tip #2: What type of writing instrument?
There are four choices: Fountain Pen, Ball Point Pen, Rollerball Pen and Mechanical Pencil. What type is used as an everyday writing instrument? How about for special occasions like signing documents or writing personal correspondence? What is his or her profession? Answering these questions will help you determine the type.
Tip #3: Evaluate a handwriting sample of the person.
This is especially helpful if you're going to pick out a fountain pen. And it's easier than it may sound. For instance, a fine nib is your best bet for smaller writing or writing that has slimmer lines. On the other hand, a medium to broad sized nib works well for writing that's larger and darker. If the sample wasn't written with a fountain pen, it will either confirm or change the decision you made as a result of Tip #2.
Tip #4: Decide how much you want to spend.
This can help you narrow the field and not get too distracted. But give yourself a reasonable range so you'll still have plenty of choices. Sometimes a slightly more expensive writing instrument will make a big difference in quality, performance and appearance.
Tip #5: What's the person's style?
Is he or she traditional, a trendsetter or somewhere in between? Get your clues from personal or business attire, accessories such as watches, jewelry and eyewear, even what the person drives. These answers will help you pick a pen brand, finish, color and more, until you've made your final selection.
There are so many fine pens to choose from, and you can guarantee personalization by having them engraved. However, because there are a lot of options, choosing the "right" pen for that special person on your gift list can be intimidating. Here are some tips for making it easy and enjoyable instead.
Tip #1: Focus on the other person's preferences, not your own.
If you like the same things, you've got it made. But that's usually not the case. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and you're off to a good start.
Tip #2: What type of writing instrument?
There are four choices: Fountain Pen, Ball Point Pen, Rollerball Pen and Mechanical Pencil. What type is used as an everyday writing instrument? How about for special occasions like signing documents or writing personal correspondence? What is his or her profession? Answering these questions will help you determine the type.
Tip #3: Evaluate a handwriting sample of the person.
This is especially helpful if you're going to pick out a fountain pen. And it's easier than it may sound. For instance, a fine nib is your best bet for smaller writing or writing that has slimmer lines. On the other hand, a medium to broad sized nib works well for writing that's larger and darker. If the sample wasn't written with a fountain pen, it will either confirm or change the decision you made as a result of Tip #2.
Tip #4: Decide how much you want to spend.
This can help you narrow the field and not get too distracted. But give yourself a reasonable range so you'll still have plenty of choices. Sometimes a slightly more expensive writing instrument will make a big difference in quality, performance and appearance.
Tip #5: What's the person's style?
Is he or she traditional, a trendsetter or somewhere in between? Get your clues from personal or business attire, accessories such as watches, jewelry and eyewear, even what the person drives. These answers will help you pick a pen brand, finish, color and more, until you've made your final selection.
2009/09/18
25 Top Gas Grills Compared
All too often consumers seeking a high end stainless steel gas grill are won over by a manufacturer's reputation, the look of the grill or other factors such as recommendations from friends or family. Now, this is a fairly large investment, as appliances go, and consulting an expert in the field could help in making an informed decision. A reliable gas grill specialist can help you evaluate the various features found in these high end grills and quide you to the best choice for the features you prefer.
The simplest way to compare the manufacturers objectively, of course, is with a chart! Our chart compares Fire Magic, Alfresco, Kenmore Elite, Viking, DCS, Dacor, Lynx, Vintage, Weber Summit Gold D, Wolf, Altima, Turbo, ProFire, Phoenix, Tec, Solaire Infrared, Vieluxe, Lazy Man, Jenn Air, Holland, FrontGate, Capitol, Crown Verity, Ducane and Dynasty.
Some of the features on the chart are:
*BTU Output: How many burners, and how many BTUs are standard?
You'll need to do some math to determine the actual heat your food will receive. Ideally, you want to have over 95 BTU's per square inch of cooking surface. How will you know? Take your total BTU's and divide it by the primary cooking surface. So.... if your cooking surface is 660 square inches and the total BTU's are 104,000 then 104,000 BTU's divided by 660 square inches = 157 BTU's per square inch. That would be a winner!!!
*Temperature Range: This is a very important characteristic if you like to do a variety of cooking. You'll be able to do everything from searing steaks to baking pizza with a
large temperature range.
*Burner material can consist of cast stainless steel, stainless steel sheet metal, cast iron, infra-red and even cast brass, which is used in commercial settings. Dual burners allow for indirect cooking and better heat control. Cast brass or cast stainless burners are your best bet. They will last longer and are more durable. Grease tends to burn through sheet metal easily.
*Infra-Red Burners are an option for those who demand a well seared steak. Thinking of an infra-red cooking system? Temperatures on an infra-red cooking system can reach up to 1600 degrees on some grills. Infra-red cooking allows for quick, high temperatures, which cuts cooking time and helps seal in juices -- perfect for searing a steak. If blackened food or steaks are your taste preference – infra-red cooking is the way to go. If you plan on conventional cooking -- go with a hybrid that offers infra-red and standard burners. Tip – make sure you can convert infra-red burners back to standard for large parties.
*Rotisserie backburners are a popular option. Used to cook large pieces of meat evenly, rotisseries use a lot less heat than normal grilling. BTU ranges generally range in the 13-15,000 category but the best grills offer 18-28,000 BTUs. Meats cooked using a rotisserie are generally juicier, self-basted and slow roasted. Tip - look for a model with a drip tray to make cleanup easier. Be sure to compare available rotisserie space, especially if you want to roast a turkey or two.
*A Triple Gourmet Grill allows you to use gas, infra-red AND charcoal cooking! How versatile can you get!!
*An adjustable smoker box is perfect for those who enjoy the added flavor of hickory, mesquite or other wood to your meats. It makes smoking easy. Adjustable vents allow you to control the amount of smoke flavor to provide just the right taste.
*Warranty is one of the most important features to consider. Only the best grills offer a warranty against a condition called burn through which affects the burners.
*Does the grill you are considering offer a countertop model? These types of gas grills can be dropped into an outdoor kitchen which can be customized with your choice of tile, stucco or other solid surfaces, doors, drawers and other accessories like refrigerators or sinks.
*Cooking Grids: Stainless steel cooking surfaces won't rust or chip. Porcelain cooking surfaces tend to chip and could flake off into food. No N.S.F. (National Sanitation Federation) affiliates use porcelain cooking grids.
*Cooking Grid Size: How many people do you regularly feed? The size of your crowd will determine how big your grill should be. Tip – make sure you can convert infra-red burners back to standard for large parties.
*Inner Liner: This accessory radiates heat more evenly to grill, directs dripping to tray and separates the valve and manifold from combustion chamber. This will prolong the life of your burners and reduce the chances of a grease fire. The grill hood covers the cooking surface and assists in trapping the heated air inside. Look for a double insulated wall hood. If you're buying a stainless steel model, with a double insulated wall hood, it won't turn a brown or blue hue. It will keep it's shine.
*Stainless Steel Flavor Grids: This heat distribution system should be stainless steel for long life and durability. Flavor grids reflect all the heat up toward the grilling surface
and vaporizes drippings. You can add wood chips and other flavor enhancers to your flavor grids to add some zest to your choice of meat.
*Fuel Conversion: Will your grill easily convert from natural gas to propane if you want to move it from the back yard to the street for a block party?
*Side burners provide versatility giving you separate controls for each burner. Side burners offer you additional cooking options and come with single or double burners. You
can fry up some french fries or treat the team to sweet corn. The BTUs range from 12-17,000, but be sure to look for cast brass or cast stainless burners.
More Great Options:
*A power/wok burner will give you even more cooking diversity. Saute onions or boil lobsters! Brown butter or deep fry a turkey! Having a party? A power burner can
accommodate a 26" wok! With a range of 3,000 - 60,000 Btu's, the power burner is a definite advantage for any cook!
*A full sear plate or briquette tray (which can also be filled with lava rocks or wood chips) under the cooking surface protects burners and allows for drippings to smolder which gives foods more flavor. Look for a model that will quickly flash the drippings eliminating flare-ups.
*Adding a warming rack will keep food warm and away from direct heat and also give you extra cooking space.
*Add a griddle to your side burner and enjoy breakfast alfresco!
Armed with this information, you should be able to define your needs and choose a grill that will give you many years of great food and good times. Enjoy!
The simplest way to compare the manufacturers objectively, of course, is with a chart! Our chart compares Fire Magic, Alfresco, Kenmore Elite, Viking, DCS, Dacor, Lynx, Vintage, Weber Summit Gold D, Wolf, Altima, Turbo, ProFire, Phoenix, Tec, Solaire Infrared, Vieluxe, Lazy Man, Jenn Air, Holland, FrontGate, Capitol, Crown Verity, Ducane and Dynasty.
Some of the features on the chart are:
*BTU Output: How many burners, and how many BTUs are standard?
You'll need to do some math to determine the actual heat your food will receive. Ideally, you want to have over 95 BTU's per square inch of cooking surface. How will you know? Take your total BTU's and divide it by the primary cooking surface. So.... if your cooking surface is 660 square inches and the total BTU's are 104,000 then 104,000 BTU's divided by 660 square inches = 157 BTU's per square inch. That would be a winner!!!
*Temperature Range: This is a very important characteristic if you like to do a variety of cooking. You'll be able to do everything from searing steaks to baking pizza with a
large temperature range.
*Burner material can consist of cast stainless steel, stainless steel sheet metal, cast iron, infra-red and even cast brass, which is used in commercial settings. Dual burners allow for indirect cooking and better heat control. Cast brass or cast stainless burners are your best bet. They will last longer and are more durable. Grease tends to burn through sheet metal easily.
*Infra-Red Burners are an option for those who demand a well seared steak. Thinking of an infra-red cooking system? Temperatures on an infra-red cooking system can reach up to 1600 degrees on some grills. Infra-red cooking allows for quick, high temperatures, which cuts cooking time and helps seal in juices -- perfect for searing a steak. If blackened food or steaks are your taste preference – infra-red cooking is the way to go. If you plan on conventional cooking -- go with a hybrid that offers infra-red and standard burners. Tip – make sure you can convert infra-red burners back to standard for large parties.
*Rotisserie backburners are a popular option. Used to cook large pieces of meat evenly, rotisseries use a lot less heat than normal grilling. BTU ranges generally range in the 13-15,000 category but the best grills offer 18-28,000 BTUs. Meats cooked using a rotisserie are generally juicier, self-basted and slow roasted. Tip - look for a model with a drip tray to make cleanup easier. Be sure to compare available rotisserie space, especially if you want to roast a turkey or two.
*A Triple Gourmet Grill allows you to use gas, infra-red AND charcoal cooking! How versatile can you get!!
*An adjustable smoker box is perfect for those who enjoy the added flavor of hickory, mesquite or other wood to your meats. It makes smoking easy. Adjustable vents allow you to control the amount of smoke flavor to provide just the right taste.
*Warranty is one of the most important features to consider. Only the best grills offer a warranty against a condition called burn through which affects the burners.
*Does the grill you are considering offer a countertop model? These types of gas grills can be dropped into an outdoor kitchen which can be customized with your choice of tile, stucco or other solid surfaces, doors, drawers and other accessories like refrigerators or sinks.
*Cooking Grids: Stainless steel cooking surfaces won't rust or chip. Porcelain cooking surfaces tend to chip and could flake off into food. No N.S.F. (National Sanitation Federation) affiliates use porcelain cooking grids.
*Cooking Grid Size: How many people do you regularly feed? The size of your crowd will determine how big your grill should be. Tip – make sure you can convert infra-red burners back to standard for large parties.
*Inner Liner: This accessory radiates heat more evenly to grill, directs dripping to tray and separates the valve and manifold from combustion chamber. This will prolong the life of your burners and reduce the chances of a grease fire. The grill hood covers the cooking surface and assists in trapping the heated air inside. Look for a double insulated wall hood. If you're buying a stainless steel model, with a double insulated wall hood, it won't turn a brown or blue hue. It will keep it's shine.
*Stainless Steel Flavor Grids: This heat distribution system should be stainless steel for long life and durability. Flavor grids reflect all the heat up toward the grilling surface
and vaporizes drippings. You can add wood chips and other flavor enhancers to your flavor grids to add some zest to your choice of meat.
*Fuel Conversion: Will your grill easily convert from natural gas to propane if you want to move it from the back yard to the street for a block party?
*Side burners provide versatility giving you separate controls for each burner. Side burners offer you additional cooking options and come with single or double burners. You
can fry up some french fries or treat the team to sweet corn. The BTUs range from 12-17,000, but be sure to look for cast brass or cast stainless burners.
More Great Options:
*A power/wok burner will give you even more cooking diversity. Saute onions or boil lobsters! Brown butter or deep fry a turkey! Having a party? A power burner can
accommodate a 26" wok! With a range of 3,000 - 60,000 Btu's, the power burner is a definite advantage for any cook!
*A full sear plate or briquette tray (which can also be filled with lava rocks or wood chips) under the cooking surface protects burners and allows for drippings to smolder which gives foods more flavor. Look for a model that will quickly flash the drippings eliminating flare-ups.
*Adding a warming rack will keep food warm and away from direct heat and also give you extra cooking space.
*Add a griddle to your side burner and enjoy breakfast alfresco!
Armed with this information, you should be able to define your needs and choose a grill that will give you many years of great food and good times. Enjoy!
2009/09/16
The Top 5 Uses for Binoculars
What is the first thing people think of when discussing binoculars? Marine, hunting, birding and other nature related activities are some of the more popular uses. Although binoculars greatly serve their purpose during these activities, they can be used for more than most people think.
Many people don’t realize the advantages of owning a pair of quality binoculars. Here are a few popular pastimes that employ the use of binoculars:
Traveling - Binoculars are a great tool for site seeing. Travelers that visit spectacularly scenic places, such as Europe, Japan, New Zealand, or even British Columbia can greatly enhance their experience with a handy set of binoculars. The ability to optimize your view and see miraculous detail will make your trip extraordinarily unforgettable.
Live theater and music concerts - Enjoy sitting in the back row? A pair of binoculars will make you feel like you are on center stage. Have the best view in the room and see the whole show up-close and personal. Binoculars are an absolute must for outdoor concerts and music festivals.
Camping - Bring binoculars and enjoy the wildlife view with your family. It will give you the ability to see things you never thought you would see, like a bird's nest way up in a tree or the rolling clouds from a storm blowing in. You can also use binoculars while out hiking, to help you navigate a more direct route to your destination.
Stargazing – Binoculars can be your first tool in the discovery of astronomy. Regardless of your experience stargazing, the study and practice of astronomy is both educational and fascinating. Take your significant other to a designated spot and learn about the stars and moon together.
Spectator Sports - When you want to have a close-up look at your favorite sporting event, don't forget to bring your binoculars. Get an expert view of all the plays. Indulge your childhood dream of becoming an umpire, and get in on the game. Your binoculars will give you a view of the action that is unparalleled, especially if you are up in the nosebleed seats.
Many people don’t realize the advantages of owning a pair of quality binoculars. Here are a few popular pastimes that employ the use of binoculars:
Traveling - Binoculars are a great tool for site seeing. Travelers that visit spectacularly scenic places, such as Europe, Japan, New Zealand, or even British Columbia can greatly enhance their experience with a handy set of binoculars. The ability to optimize your view and see miraculous detail will make your trip extraordinarily unforgettable.
Live theater and music concerts - Enjoy sitting in the back row? A pair of binoculars will make you feel like you are on center stage. Have the best view in the room and see the whole show up-close and personal. Binoculars are an absolute must for outdoor concerts and music festivals.
Camping - Bring binoculars and enjoy the wildlife view with your family. It will give you the ability to see things you never thought you would see, like a bird's nest way up in a tree or the rolling clouds from a storm blowing in. You can also use binoculars while out hiking, to help you navigate a more direct route to your destination.
Stargazing – Binoculars can be your first tool in the discovery of astronomy. Regardless of your experience stargazing, the study and practice of astronomy is both educational and fascinating. Take your significant other to a designated spot and learn about the stars and moon together.
Spectator Sports - When you want to have a close-up look at your favorite sporting event, don't forget to bring your binoculars. Get an expert view of all the plays. Indulge your childhood dream of becoming an umpire, and get in on the game. Your binoculars will give you a view of the action that is unparalleled, especially if you are up in the nosebleed seats.
2009/09/11
Air Bed Shopping with a Convenience Factor
Looking to beat the crowds (and prices) that are currently allotted by traditional stores, many people have headed to the internet to make their air bed purchase. While this is a perfectly understandable notion, it is important that consumers are informed of the precautions they should take while shopping online.
First and foremost, air bed shoppers need to be sure they're purchasing from a reputable vendor. Many have been stung (sometimes severely) from not sticking to this rule. While you may be forking over a few more bucks buying from a reputable online vendor, it's truly worth the piece of mind. We recommend checking out Amazon, Target, or QVC. If you unsure about a particular vendor, we suggest heading over to the Better Business Bureau for more information.
Second, online shoppers should conduct adequate research on the bed they plan to purchase before inputting any sort of credit card number. Don't stick to the description and review(s) available on the vendor's site. These might be biased and thus inaccurate. Once you've got a good overall idea on the product, then you can go ahead and either purchase it or scour the net for a new one.
Finally, you should check to see what the final price will come out to. Remember, when your purchase things online, you have to factor in shipping costs. Although air beds aren't very heavy, they can rack up a noticeable shipping bill. Analyze the final cost and see how it compares to the price at a retail store.
We wish those looking to purchase their air beds online the best of luck! If you exercise good judgment, chances are good that your online shopping experience will be pleasant. Review each and every site you visit before purchasing from a specific one. The last thing you want is to get scammed.
First and foremost, air bed shoppers need to be sure they're purchasing from a reputable vendor. Many have been stung (sometimes severely) from not sticking to this rule. While you may be forking over a few more bucks buying from a reputable online vendor, it's truly worth the piece of mind. We recommend checking out Amazon, Target, or QVC. If you unsure about a particular vendor, we suggest heading over to the Better Business Bureau for more information.
Second, online shoppers should conduct adequate research on the bed they plan to purchase before inputting any sort of credit card number. Don't stick to the description and review(s) available on the vendor's site. These might be biased and thus inaccurate. Once you've got a good overall idea on the product, then you can go ahead and either purchase it or scour the net for a new one.
Finally, you should check to see what the final price will come out to. Remember, when your purchase things online, you have to factor in shipping costs. Although air beds aren't very heavy, they can rack up a noticeable shipping bill. Analyze the final cost and see how it compares to the price at a retail store.
We wish those looking to purchase their air beds online the best of luck! If you exercise good judgment, chances are good that your online shopping experience will be pleasant. Review each and every site you visit before purchasing from a specific one. The last thing you want is to get scammed.
2009/09/08
10 reasons why you should buy an Ipod nano
A trendsetter and expensive is what the ipod nano is to most people. It makes a statement that I have arrived and I appreciate technology to the fullest. To some it is just another music player to others it is the best.
Here are a few reasons why you may want one:
1. It is pencil thin and can fit into your wallet along with other paraphernalia.
2. Imagine a space of 2GB or 4 GB—this means you can store from 500-1000 songs. Pure listening pleasure.
3. The click wheel and color display take music towards new horizons---plays 14 hours of music.
4. Carries photos, pod casts, and audio books. You can navigate through many photographs using the click wheel. Photos can be transferred and synced with a folder using the itunes softwear.
5. The ipod can be accessorized using the dock connector and head phone jack. So music follows you around at home, in the car, and even while walking or running. Where ever you go the ipod will follow.
6. Its feather weight and so easy to lug around. The screen does not crack or break easily contrary to fears. However the ipod is not scratch or stain proof.
7. Synchronized with iTunes and the iTunes Music Store, the ipod can access the world’s largest selection of music.
8. The pod has a state of the art processor, system performance, and flash memory. The technology is such that it never skips.
9. The system requirements are everyday, either a MAC OS x 10.3.4 with aUSB port or Windows 2000 SP4 or windows XP.
10. Music is your whole life and pure unadulterated sound is something to die for.
Expensive, the ipod retails at US$199 for 2GB and US$249 for 4 GB. But it sets the trend and gives a vison of what music heaven can be.
Here are a few reasons why you may want one:
1. It is pencil thin and can fit into your wallet along with other paraphernalia.
2. Imagine a space of 2GB or 4 GB—this means you can store from 500-1000 songs. Pure listening pleasure.
3. The click wheel and color display take music towards new horizons---plays 14 hours of music.
4. Carries photos, pod casts, and audio books. You can navigate through many photographs using the click wheel. Photos can be transferred and synced with a folder using the itunes softwear.
5. The ipod can be accessorized using the dock connector and head phone jack. So music follows you around at home, in the car, and even while walking or running. Where ever you go the ipod will follow.
6. Its feather weight and so easy to lug around. The screen does not crack or break easily contrary to fears. However the ipod is not scratch or stain proof.
7. Synchronized with iTunes and the iTunes Music Store, the ipod can access the world’s largest selection of music.
8. The pod has a state of the art processor, system performance, and flash memory. The technology is such that it never skips.
9. The system requirements are everyday, either a MAC OS x 10.3.4 with aUSB port or Windows 2000 SP4 or windows XP.
10. Music is your whole life and pure unadulterated sound is something to die for.
Expensive, the ipod retails at US$199 for 2GB and US$249 for 4 GB. But it sets the trend and gives a vison of what music heaven can be.
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