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This Just In: Spy Satellite Aimed at an Area Man's TV

GeekSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:03:08 -0800

Having trouble getting through your Friday? Put on your headphones and listen to this goofy gem from the only news source that doesn't stress me out, The Onion. Find out why North Korean spy satellites have been trained on an Idaho man's wide-screen TV from The Onion's radio news reporter, the reliable and old school Doyle Redland. If hearing about Kim Jong-il's cable TV predilections doesn't make you laugh, then I can't help you. Need to take the edge off a little more? Just peruse the front page of The Onion's online issue!

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Digital TV Signal Guide: What You Have to Do to Switch

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:30:52 -0700

You may know that full-power television stations in the US are required to stop using the old method of transmitting TV signals and start broadcasting exclusively in a digital format on February 17, 2009, but do you know what you have to do to switch?

If you use an antenna to watch free, over-the-air television on an analog TV set (and don't subscribe to a pay TV service) then you will be affected by the transition. If you pay for TV services, such as cable or satellite, then you will not need to upgrade. For a better look at the rules and a guide to figuring out if you need to switch, read more.

Type of TV You Have	What You Have to Do to Switch
Antenna on Analog TV	If you watch free broadcast television using an antenna on a TV set that has an analog tuner – and don't subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service – you will be affected by the transition. You can upgrade to DTV by taking one of three steps: Purchase a DTV converter box. Purchase a digital TV set Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service
Antenna on Digital TV	If your TV set has a built-in digital tuner, then you will continue to receive free programming after the transition.
Cable Television	If all of your TV sets are connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service, you should not be affected by the transition. But any sets not connected to a pay TV service will need to be upgraded before the transition.
Satellite Service	If all of your TV sets are connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service should not be affected by the transition. But any sets not connected to a pay TV service will need to be upgraded. However, satellite companies in some areas may not provide or may charge extra for local television channels. If you receive local stations using an antenna, your TV set may need to be upgraded with a converter box if it does not have a built-in digital tuner.

For further details, visit DTV Answers.

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Will the Nation's Switch to Digital TV Be Postponed?

LibertySugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:35:29 -0800

The Consumers Union wants Congress to delay the nation's transition to digital television because it believes the program to help American's transition has been underfunded and poorly implemented. It was announced earlier this week that the $1.3 billion dollar program to offset the cost of buying converter boxes is all tapped out.

All full-power television stations in the US are required to stop using the old method of transmitting TV signals, known as analog, and start broadcasting exclusively in a digital format on Feb. 17. Americans who use an antenna to watch free, over-the-air television on an analog TV set (and don't subscribe to a pay TV service) will need to purchase a DTV converter box. (Don't worry, if you pay for TV services, such as cable or satellite, then you will not need to upgrade - geeksugar has all the details.) Up until now the government was giving out discount coupons worth $40 to help lessen the cost to consumers, but those funds all wore out and there is now a long waiting list.

What's interesting about the deadline is that it's the first time the government has ever shut off technology that everyone uses. Estimates suggest there are 70 million TVs in the United States that use antennas. Their owners will all see blank screens on the 17th, unless they have a digital converter box.

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Front Page: Stephen Colbert Takes Orders From Obama in Iraq

TresSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:48 -0700

Broadcasting from Iraq last night, Stephen Colbert became the first non-news TV show to be taped and transmitted to the US from a combat zone. In addition to John McCain, Barack Obama made an appearance via satellite to order a military haircut for Stephen. - Colbert Nation
The US Treasury has decided to let 10 banks return a total of $68 billion in bailout funds. - CNN
The first Guantanamo Bay inmate has been transferred to the US for trial. - LA Times
American Idol runner up Adam Lambert has signed a record deal. - People
The New York state senate has fallen into Republican control, after two Democrats opposed to gay marriage switched sides. - Bloomberg

Obama on the Daily Show - Better Than His 30-Minute Ad?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:07:31 -0700

Here's the second installment of "the night Barack Obama took over the television." Appearing via satellite on the Daily Show before his 11 p.m. rally with Bill Clinton (so late!) Obama described his big infomercial to Jon Stewart, re-running Michelle's line about his kids being afraid he was taking over all the TV. Stewart asked of the commercial, ". . . Will it. . . annoy us?" Fair question, sir!

Poking fun at some of the scare tactics used against Obama, Stewart brought up the specter of the "Bradley Effect" and asked whether Obama might hit the booth on the 4th and his white half might be scared to vote for him. After chatting for a bit, Obama said, "This is the time to want to be president. . . now is the time when you can have some impact." Obama summed up his visit saying that despite being a "pretty conservative nation, " we now have "big challenges and problems that give us a chance to really move in a new direction." It was a better satellite connection than usual - both Obama and Stewart drew audience laughs and cheers - sometimes that satellite delay kills any sort of comedic timing.

What did you think? Was this appearance better than his 30-minute infomercial?

Bhutan Bachelor Crowned Youngest Reigning Monarch

LibertySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:30:10 -0800

At 28-years-old, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuc is the world's youngest ruling monarch. The Oxford-educated, and single, Bhutanese king was crowned last Thursday. This weekend Bhutan wrapped up three days of celebration, which included a cap-snatching contest, pillow-fighting competitions, and archery demonstrations.

Bhutan, which is isolated in the Himalayas right between China and India, just got Internet and television nine years ago, and held its first elections last March. Societal changes never seen before in Bhutan, such as crime, caused some citizens to lament the technology. Perhaps the young king, who helped bring satellite TV to the small country when he was merely a prince, will help ease the constitutional monarch's transition into the modern era.

To see some more celebratory pictures, read more.

View 10 Photos ›

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Debuting Today: Bobby Flay Radio

YumSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:30:57 -0800

Celebrity chefdom sure is far-reaching. Rachael Ray does daytime TV, Paula Deen dips candles, and now Bobby Flay is hosting a radio show.

Bobby Flay Radio debuts today on Sirius Satellite Radio. On the talk show, the chef will offer advice to men on dating and dressing, talk sports, and discuss current affairs. Oh, and talk about food. Explained the show's host:

Food transcends so much now. It's become so much part of lifestyle. How you eat, plate it, how you dress, and how you live all have a lot to do with one another.

Flay's wife, actress Stephanie March, will also make occasional cameos on the show.

Are you looking forward to another extension of Bobby Flay's brand, or do you think the chef, restaurateur, TV host, and food personality has a little too much on his plate?

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Take Stock of Your In-Home Media Memberships

SavvySugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:00:55 -0800

There's no greater time than the beginning of the year to check in with your in-home entertainment memberships and make sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck and relishing the packages you have signed up for. The upkeep will not only help you maintain your resolve to live below your means, but it will allow you take stock of whether or not your services or habits are sustainable. Check in with the following before the end of the month in an effort to get organized.

Video Store vs. Netflix: Ask yourself if you are an infrequent movie renter and would rather spend the $5 Netflix fee (for one rental per month) for the convenience, or have the option of popping into the quaint rental shop on the way home. If you are a real movie nut explore the Netflix three-at-a-time plan (unlimited rentals per month and unlimited movies downloaded to your PC), which is $17. If you research the right plan you can save on gas and time, and kill late fees. Similarly, if you don't watch the movies that show up in the little red envelope opt to put your Netflix account on hold for three months at no cost until you want it again. Remember the cost looks small, but even the $5-per-month plan adds up to $60 a year (the $17 plan is $204 for a year!). You can always rent DVDs for free - or a tiny fee - at your local library.
Cable and Satellite TV: Do you get your money out of your HBO, Showtime, and an expanded sports package? If so, more power to you. If not, ditch them or call your service provider and let them know you are spending too much each month and would like a better plan for your lifestyle. Your provider wants to keep you as a customer so they will work with you, even if it's just cutting a couple of dollars.
DVR Service and TiVo: Is your TV provider charging you extra for a DVR service you aren't using? Are you paying $13 monthly for TiVo when your cable provider offers a less expensive DVR service? Call them up and check. If you only record a couple shows a month cruise websites like Hulu or network websites to see if the shows stream online or if you can purchase the shows from iTunes for less than the DVR price. Single episode downloads from iTunes are generally $1.99 each.

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Did Your Dad Get A HDTV For Father's Day?

GeekSugar — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:00:46 -0700

Happy Father's Day to all the fabulous fathers out there. Ever wonder why gadgets seem to be the no-brainer gift of choice for dads on Father's Day? According to the National Retail Federation, 17.8 percent of the $9.9 billion dollars of money spent on Father's Day presents will go towards consumer electronics - with High Def TVs topping many gift lists this year. With new digital cable services like interactive Optimum, HDTV owners can check out 25 high-def channels that satellite service can't deliver. You also don't have to pay for additional equipment or deal with programming charges. Definitely a great idea for dads who love watching sporting events on TV!

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HD For The Holidays

GeekSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 10:37:55 -0800

Nothing says I’m a chic geek like an awesome HDTV set, and now that prices for hi-def sets are actually falling, you’ll be able to get a great wall mount TV with amazing picture quality without breaking the bank.

Philips 26" Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
This widescreen LCD HDTV Philips is slim, trim and perfect for everyday use. What it lacks in size, it makes up in function: Just add a HD-capable antenna to its built-in HDTV tuner and receive over-the-air high-definition broadcasts. You can also connect your digital camera through the USB port and share your favorite digital images with your guests - sweet! Buy the Philips 26" for $900.

Two more options, so read more

Sony 46" BRAVIA LCD
Sony's campaign for the Bravia claims it's the world's first television for men and women, and I think they're right on the mark. It offers 1080p HD picture, Dolby Digital surround sound and a small but powerful speaker design. It's perfect for all those Superbowl and Sex and the City parties you've always wanted to host and stylish enough that you won't ever look at it and think "do I really need this?" All in all it's worth the investment. Get the Bravia at Sony Style for $3,500.

Pioneer Elite 60" PureVision Plasma Television
This giant HD Plasma gives you something to aspire to. It offers amazing resolution, a 60” Diagonal screen with 16:9 Wide-Screen Aspect Ratio and independent HDMI inputs with the ability to accept a 1080p/24Hz signal. In the HDTV world, it's close to the holy grail. Let's just say that any guy who sees one of these in your house will be drooling. Get the Pioneer Elite for $7,500.

Geek tip: Once you purchase your new TV, make sure you contact your satellite or cable subscriber to get a high-def cable or satellite box.