PopSugar

Daily Tech: Find Out What Google's Chrome OS Is All About

GeekSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:52:58 -0800

Gizmodo explains to the rest of us why Google Chrome matters - Gizmodo
The next Flip camcorder is rumored to include WiFi - Engadget
More than 300,000 people in Bangladesh have signed up for English classes that will take place via cell phones - Switched
This Space Invaders car is too cute for words - Kotaku
Here are five rules to follow when buying an HDTV - CrunchGear
Looks like Apple's iTablet won't be making its debut until late 2010 - Wired

How-To: Properly Place Your TV For Optimal Viewing

GeekSugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:05:40 -0700

Before you drop all that money on a 46-inch flat panel HDTV you found on sale, maybe you should make sure there's enough room in your studio apartment for that bad boy. What, you think that just because it's flat you can fit it anywhere? As fun as it may seem to turn your apartment into a full-fledged movie theater, you should know that there are optimal viewing distances that you should adhere to. The general rule of thumb is to place your TV at a distance of three times the height of your screen (3 x H) away from your sofa.

For example, if you're buying a TV that has a screen height of 30 inches, you should sit approximately 90 inches or 7 feet away to view your picture in all its splendor. Just a little something to keep in mind before you buy that new LCD!

Source

The HDTV Deals Start Rollin' In

GeekSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:03:30 -0800

Some of us have been waiting for this moment for quite some time. Black Friday had some decent HDTV Deals, but amidst this economic crisis, the prices on high-definition TVs haven't dropped as previously expected. Well CrunchGear just spotted some sweet HDTV sales at Target, which kick off this Sunday. Fair enough, who really wants an HDTV that's only 19-inches, but let's be honest, the Philips 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV for only $698 is speaking my language.

Daily Tech: Transform Your HDTV From Drab to Festive Fab

GeekSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:03:46 -0800

Sacramento designers decided to spruce up their home tech this holiday season by adding a silver frame around their flat-screen television. - Unplggd
The SlingPlayer Mobile for the BlackBerry will be available for beta use by the end of this year! - Engadget
Check out some of the top holiday eCards sites that offer something for everyone. - Switched
TV makers HANNspree has just come out with some new digital picture frames which are actually quite chic and functional. - Gizmodo UK
T-Mobile has dropped its $18 handset upgrade fee for good. - Gadgetell
We're not only giving away one Palm Centro this holiday season - but seven - thanks to our friends over at Palm! Be sure to log in for your chances to win! - geeksugar

The Downside of Switching to a Digital TV Signal

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:54 -0800

The digital age is upon us, and whether you're on board or not, the old-timey analog TV signal will be switched off on Feb. 17, 2009. This is where I'd tell you to rush out and treat yourself to a new TV (but I think you might get a better price if you wait another week), 'cause that old box with rabbit ears won't do the job come February.

Although the benefits of switching to a digital TV signal far outweigh the drawbacks (including better picture, clearer sound, and more channel options because of more available bandwidth), there is one downside worth mentioning: you may not receive all the analog channels you used to with the new digital signal.

Why? I'll tell you when you read more.

Because digital signals don't reach as far as analog ones, the weaker channels you may have received before probably won't be coming in at all once the switch has been made. This is especially true with channels that use a higher frequency (higher numbered stations), as the signal has a harder time making its way around buildings and through walls than lower numbered stations. So if you were in a habit of watching a certain (fuzzy) station with a high channel number, just be prepared if the screen suddenly goes black on Feb. 17. You've been forewarned.

Source

Expected Holiday HDTV Price Drop Explained

GeekSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:00:52 -0700

If you're in the market for a new HDTV and are ready to plunk down your money for that new set - hold off! The prices of HDTVs are expected to plummet in the coming months, which can mean huge savings for you.

There are a number of factors that may lead to LCD and Plasma TV prices hitting the deck this shopping season, one of which is the economy. We're afraid to spend our money! So retailers have to make it irresistible for hesitant shoppers to hand over that credit card, while they clear out their inventory to make room for the newer models to come.

Another reason for the deep discounts? The digital signal switch. If you haven't gotten on board with digital, and are still using an analog signal TV (with the 'ole bunny ear antenna), you have until February 17, 2009 to get your hands on a converter box, or to upgrade your television. What a better way to usher in this new era of digital viewing than with a LCD TV, deeply discounted to sell?

Want to know when the best time to buy might be? Hint: it may not be when you think! Find out when you read more.

If you're planning on buying a high-end set, you may not find the best prices at the crack of dawn on Black Friday. Last year, we saw the best deals on name brand TVs in the three weeks before Christmas, when retailers were still trying to push out those remaining models while battling it out over prices. Good things come to those who wait? Most likely!

Source

Rebate Too Good to Be True? Always Read the Fine Print!

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:00:40 -0700

I was helping a friend investigate buying a new HDTV as her gadget guru, and we thought we'd found the perfect one: A 40-inch 1080p LCD flat screen by Samsung, which had just gone down in price to about $1,080 - and to sweeten the deal, there was a new $200 rebate (not surprising considering Samsung is rumored to be slashing prices to clear out old stock), bringing the total down to about $880.

My friend added the TV to her cart, had her credit card ready to go when I said "Wait!" and insisted she figure out what exactly the details of the rebate were, just in case. Turned out it was the right move: After downloading the $200 rebate to fill out and return, the rebate form revealed that it's not actually a $200 savings - it's a $200 gift certificate to "NFL Mounted Memories".

I called Amazon customer service to verify what I was thinking - that the total would still be $1,080 and this $200 rebate check would actually be a certificate for something I wasn't interested in. To hear what happened, just read more.

The rep confirmed that the rebate was not a check for cash, and reported it was Samsung's rebate and that Amazon automatically updates the "price" if the manufacturer adds one - hence, the $880 price tag we were excited about.

In the end, my friend decided to wait a little longer for a TV, defeated by what we both agree is a pretty misleading listing. Lesson learned: Always read the fine print on big electronics purchases!

Update: the adjusted, $200-off price display (pictured in my screenshot above) disappeared last night, though the rebate is still listed at the bottom. I'd like to think my call had something to do with it!

Do You Care If You Watch the Super Bowl on a HDTV?

GeekSugar — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 07:05:52 -0800

This past week, I was totally shocked when Digital Home announced that millions of people are putting the "Super" back in "Super Bowl" Sunday by purchasing brand new HDTVs. As some of you revealed, this could be in part due to the fact that during Super Bowl season, TV prices tend to drop, or because people purchase fancy TVs for watching the game and return them later-Say what?! Nonetheless, I can't deny how crisp and clear the picture is on a high-quality screen-whether you're watching football, ballet or American Idol. And if you happen to be thinking about purchasing a HDTV, be sure to check out Yahoo! Tech's ten tips for a Super Bowl-Worthy HDTV! On that note, do you care if you watch the Super Bowl on a HDTV?
Source

HDTV Sales Are Revving Up, Thanks to the Super Bowl

GeekSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:00:24 -0800

When I prepare for Super Bowl festivities, I usually whip-up some nachos and pull a six-pack out of the fridge. According to Digital Home, over 2.4 million people tend to add something else to their Super Bowl checklist. . . A brand new HDTV. Millions of people are said to expense out for new wide screen televisions like this Sony Bravia, just for watching the big game. And not only that, but sports fans also tend to have a laptop or cell phone nearby to review stats, IM friends, or check betting lines. Talk about a total tech Super Bowl Sunday!

How to Look HDTV-Ready, Even if You're Off-Camera

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:00:27 -0700

High-definition television won't be standard until 2009, but actors are already nervous about what it may reveal. Because HDTV provides a clearer picture, you'll see more detail-including the pimples, wrinkles and scars that normally don't show up on television. Unsurprisingly, stars aren't looking forward to having their every pore blown up for the world to see.

This story has some makeup artists' tips for looking good on HDTV, and surprisingly, they're based on the needs of regular people. The goal is to look naturally flawless, not "makeuppy."

The main way to do this is to use foundation that looks invisible. Look for mineral-based foundations, or those that have light-reflecting qualities. MAC stepped up with its Mineralize Satinfinish, which uses microscopic pigments that blend seamlessly on skin. I know a lot of you love mineral makeup, too, which provides a softer finish than a lot of liquid foundations do.

For more camera-ready tips, read more

I used to behind the scenes of a talk show, and from talking with the makeup artists and lighting crew, I learned a few other guidelines for looking great on camera. If you're ever on TV, follow this advice and you'll be ready for your close-up:

Wear blush, lest ye look like Morticia Addams. Seriously, no matter what your skin tone is, blush will make you look bright and healthy. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking, well, dead.
If you're just going to be in the studio audience, don't worry about applying false lashes. But if you have the opportunity to be featured on TV, take a cue from Oprah, who's said to wear Shu Uemura false lashes to make her eyes stand out.
A soft lip gloss will make lips shine under the camera lights; matte lipstick can look flat.
If you're going to be on camera, don't be shocked if a makeup artist uses an orange-tinted foundation. You'll look like an Oompa Loompa in person, but it translates well on screen. Honest.
Whether you're a guest or an audience member, stay away from wearing clothing that's white or beige. Those colors are too reflective of studio lights.

Source