Which Surround Sound Will Best Suit Your Home Theater Viewing Room

By Matt Thames

Installing a new surround sound system in your home is not an easy task. However, if it is setup properly, a surround sound system will make your at home movie and television watching a more enjoyable experience.

There are several things to consider when looking at a surround sound system for your home, not the least of which is cost. Based on the manufacturer, and type of system, some surround systems can be quite expensive. While it is not necessary to break the back when choosing a system for your home, you should be aware that the more money you spend, it is likely that you will get a better quality sound for your home theater.

The easiest way to go is to buy a pre made system that has already been put together with all the components that match and all the wires included. You have a couple of choices if you are going to go this direction.

The sound bar system is the least complicated home surround system, and the easiest to install. The system comes with two speakers, a sound bar for the front of the room, which simulates the different channels found in a 5.1 channel system, and a sub-woofer. While this system will not produce a sound quality as good as the 5.1 channel system, it is easy to setup, and does provide a limited surround sound experience.

Another option for your surround sound system is a 5.1 channel system. The 5.1 system is made up of 6 speakers. Three separate channel speakers are placed in the front of the room, above and on both sides of the television. The sub-woofer is usually placed in the front of the room as well, on the floor by the television. The remaining two speakers are placed in the back of the room, on opposite sides of the viewing area. This is the most common surround sound system, available with several different options, including wireless rear speakers.

The newest option in home surround sound systems is the 7.1 channel system. The setup for the 7.1 channel system is similar to the 5.1 channel system, with the addition of two speakers that are places in the middle of the room, on opposite sides of the viewing area. The 7.1 channel system is the ideal system for Blu-ray movies, since these movies offer a higher quality of sound then a standard DVD. - 31834

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How To Choose The Best Wireless Credit Card Processing Unit

By Emilia Canale

Wireless credit card processing is ideal for businesses who need to process credit card payments on the go, but what should you consider when choosing a unit? It is important that the device can process payments securely, so you should select a terminal which supports easy downloadable security updates. While we are talking about wireless credit card units, we would like to tell you about the one we really like. It is called USBSwiper Wireless. With this one, there is no need to buy any expensive device, there are no type of contracts and you do not have to type it into a computer, you just swipe it. Now, let's continue...

An important thing to check before you invest in a unit is the wireless coverage in your operating region. Some GPRS units also come with a dial-up backup, and a store and forward feature. This allows you to enter the card details when there is no coverage, and the device then stores the details and processes them when a signal is picked up.

Before investing in a unit, make sure the region you plan to use it in has good wireless cover; some high-end terminals allow you to process payments even when there is no wireless signal.

Many units also allow payment using gift cards, loyalty cards or checks. If more than one person is to use the unit, then you should get one which has multi-merchant capabilities.

You should also consider whether you need an integrated printer or not. If none is needed, then units which can communicate with printers via infra red may be cheaper and more convenient. For users who do require a printer, its quality and speed may be important, especially when high volumes of transactions are expected.

Finally, you should think about the conditions under which you expect to use the device. If you intend to use it in the dark, a wireless credit card processing unit with a lit screen, and a large, illuminated keypad is a good idea to reduce mistakes, both on your part, and the customer's, and will help make the transaction as quick and efficient as possible. - 31834

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Selecting the Correct Cordless Phone

By Rachel Snowdon

In the office and home as technology makes them more reliable and cheaper cordless phones are becoming more common. Since the 1960s the technology for cordless phones has been around, however domestic models were first introduced in the 1980s.

Cordless phones at first between the handset and base used an analogue signal so quality and range was not great. These phones did also tend to have an aerial that extended out of the top so were quite large. The first cordless phones had another downside as they were also very expensive as well.

Cordless modern day phones are now all Digitally Enhanced Cordless Technology which stands for DECT. Basically this means cordless phones have instead of the old analogue signal a digital one. This gives enhanced range in which the phones can be used and clarity to the calls.

At nearly as much as 200 a time at first DECT phone models were very expensive. Nowadays however cordless DECT phones are now purchased from as little as 15 each.

The size that has reduced dramatically is another change that has happened to cordless phones. An extending aerial with huge battery compartments are things handsets no longer require.

Cordless phones with a variety of different features and shapes are now produced by manufacturers such as Panasonic, BT and Siemens. Handsets even having wireless headsets with Bluetooth and weatherproof capabilities are now available.

As technology gets better and prices reduce many consumers purchase extra cordless handsets with phones. The living room or bedroom are just some of the places these phones can be located. People can then communicate freely with calls made between the phones.

In fact if you go into most peoples homes nowadays you will rarely find a corded phone in use. The majority of people have now converted to cordless phones as there preferred choice. However it is always wise to have a corded phone as back up in case of a power cut. - 31834

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Mobile Phones Receive A Clean Bill of Health

By Jon Hunter

A scientific survey shows that we can now be sure that cell phones do not pose a significant brain tumour risk. These findings come from detailed analysis of trends in brain cancer in European countries in the 30 years up to 2003, which did not tie any cancer trends to patterns of cell phone usage.

Researchers analyzed annual incidence rates of the two major types of brain tumours-glioma and meningioma-among adults aged 20 to 79 from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden from 1974 to 2003.

Over the 3 decades from which the study examined, nearly 60,000 patients were diagnosed as suffering from one of these two types of brain tumour.

"In Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, the use of mobile phones increased sharply in the mid-1990s; thus, time trends in brain tumours incidence after 1998 may provide information about possible tumours risks associated with mobile phone use," the researchers wrote.

They did observe a small, steady increase in brain tumours during this time, which started in 1974, long before mobile phones became a factor. There are many other more relevant factors that this increase can be attributed to such as improved life expectancy.

"No change in incidence trends were observed from 1998 to 2003," they stated. That would have been when tumours would start showing up, based on the assumption that it took five to 10 years for one to develop.

It is feasibly possible, Deltour's team wrote, that it takes longer than 10 years for tumours caused by mobile phones to turn up, that the tumours are too rare in this group to show a useful trend, or that there are trends but they are in subgroups too small to be measured in the study, however these weaknesses are common in research and such trends would buck the evidence presented as yet.

It is true that the latency of brain tumours can be up to 30 years. So some may consider it absurd to try and draw conclusions from this short period of time. Also, the researcher did not analyse age-specific incidences of brain tumours, even though you would detect an increase in age-specific incidence of brain tumours before an increase in the wider population.


Further, the data was actually collected and available through 2007, but the researchers cut the analysis off at 2003. This is currently being investigated to find out if the extra four years of data would change the study results. - 31834

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Learn How To Discover The Best Wireless Camera Security System For Your Home Or Workplace

By Robert Nichols

You do not wish to get any product meant to secure your house while not feeling confident that it can perform as it's supposed to. Finding the simplest wireless camera security system that matches your budget and your residence's specific desires, is key to ensuring the safety of your belongings, and more importantly, your family.

The three main factors to contemplate so as to buy a wireless camera security system that most closely fits your wants:

1) Number of cameras. Most wireless camera systems come with a bound amount of cameras included and the amount of cameras can vary tremendously. Some systems return with as few as 2 cameras whereas others return with up to 24. Browse the manufacturer's spec sheet to understand what square footage the system is designed for and guarantee that a specific whole will cowl the quantity of space you desire. Don't purchase additional than you need as a result of you'll overpay, which extra money could be spent on alternative features.

2) Picture Quality. How a lot of detail do you would like the video feed to possess? Do you wish to be in a position to identify the faces of potential intruders or do you simply would like to be warned if someone is on your property that should not be.

There are a number of levels of resolution and the higher quality the image, the additional money you'll spend. You also have to choose between black and white and full color. Surprisingly, black and white systems often provide higher quality, clearer video.

3) Features. Do you want to be in a position to zoom in on one thing? Do you wish the choice of motion detection alarm sounding? Do you wish to be ready to read the video feed on your cell phone? There are superb technological advancements in these systems and therefore the sky is just about the limit with options, if you'll be able to afford them. - 31834

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Searching For Used Computers -tips When Buying One

By Adriana Noton

You might need a computer right now and might be thinking used computers - tips when buying one. There are several reasons you would consider buying a used computer. Money though it probably your main reason. There are many sources where you can find used computers for sale.

Perhaps you are starting a business and your budget is not set for brand new computer equipment. Or you might be going to school and need a computer but do not have the money for a new one.

Let us face it, computers brand new out of the box are expensive. If you can save a thousand bucks on a used one then why not? You are not alone in this thinking. The used computer business is booming now that people are losing their jobs and have less money to spend. You do not want to make a financial mistake however. It would cost you more to have to replace a used computer with another one if you get a defective one when trying to save money.

So you will want to consider your choices carefully. You will want to stick with the top brand model computers when looking at used computers. The top brand model you buy used still might be under warranty to if something breaks on the computer you will still be able to get replacement parts for no charge or at a small cost. Also, realize that there is such a thing as a refurbished computer.

This is a computer that has been refurbished, usually by the manufacturer, with new components. These computers also come with a warranty of some sort although not as long or extensive as it did when it was brand new. Refurbished computers might be more expensive than used computers but are less expensive than a brand new computer.

You will want to ask the store you are buying from if the computer is used or refurbished. If you are looking a used computer you will want to make sure that it boots up correctly. That is a problem most used computers will have. You then want to make the mouse is working correctly, especially on a lap top computer. You will want to make sure the key board is working correctly.

Check the video, sound devices, and graphics to make sure they are in working order. You certainly want to obtain all of the related software documents and licenses when you buy a used computer. You do not want your computer to be used and stolen. With so many offering used computers for sale you can afford to choose one that will give you a few days to try out the computer to see if there is anything wrong with it.

Take the computer home and use it. Examine it for any problems. You can even take it to a friend who knows about computers and let him look at it for you. Remember used computers are good buys only if it does for you what you bought it for. If you have to replace it because it does not function correctly you can be out money and time. - 31834

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The Power Cycle: A Simple Answer to Network Issues

By Gregg Housh

There are many simple tricks that make computer ownership much simpler. Regrettably, some of these tricks are not understood by a surprising number of users. For example: losing connection to a wireless router is a basic problem that has a simple fix many users do not know about that will eliminate a vast majority of the problems that cause this symptom.

When you lose connectivity to your wireless router, power cycling the modem and router will often resolve the problem completely. A number of people don't know how to perform this simple task. Unfortunately, just about every router and modem on the market requires an occasional power cycle. They run constantly and like any electronic device will at times encounter conflicts that can be handled with a simple restart.

If you try to resolve the problem by calling for support, you'll probably experience the following: After spending an hour on hold with your internet service provider, you will be lead through a number of unnecessary tasks to rule out uncommon problems. Since most of these issues can be resolved by power cycling, it makes sense to learn this technique before calling up tech support.

To power cycle your modem and router, simply unplug both devices. If your modem uses a battery, reset it after you've unplugged the router. While each device is different, you should wait an average of two minutes before turning back on both devices. If either unit feels unusually hot, you may want to wait until they cool down a bit.

Once this time has passed, plug in your modem. Permit your modem to completely boot and acquire a connection. After it's back online, plug in your wireless router. Once your router is connected, try to connect your computers to the network.

It can also be useful to reboot your computers before connecting them to the router. This will means that hey will connect using a fresh IP address. IP address conflicts are an all too frequent cause for network connectivity problems.

It's regrettable that modems and routers aren't made with a technical mechanism that can re this issue for novice users. Since it is such a common and necessary practice, it really should be taught to every user as part of proper network maintenance. If internet service providers offered instructions on power cycling with each new account, it would probably save a bundle on labor expenses. Untold hours of technical support service are wasted on a procedure that will be necessary for just about every user. In fact, this is something that most people will have to do quite frequently.

Since this issue affects both the modem and router, it is hard to create the type of standardized process that would be necessary for a purely technical solution. However, it is not a huge undertaking to enable even the inexperienced user to solve this problem with consistency. User education is the only reasonable answer. While it certainly isn't the biggest challenge facing humanity, there is a value in solving this communication issue. Routers and modems need frequent power cycling, and most people do not know how to do it. - 31834

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Should an Individual Go for Computer Rental or Computer Purchase?

By Adriana Noton

In a day and age when computers can be purchased for just a fraction of the price they once brought, many wonder whether renting or buying a computer is the most cost effective option. Sure, businesses benefit substantially from renting computers, saving themselves upkeep and upgrade costs when the time comes, but for the individual purchaser or renter the choice is not quite so clear. Here are some things to consider when making this decision.

Systems

It seems like Microsoft is always launching a new operating system. Also, you may find that you prefer a Mac over a PC. When you purchase a computer, you must simply guess as to the system you like best. You can get advice from those around you, but you will find that for some, one system is ideal, while you have a hard time getting the hang of it. Renting allows you to try out operating systems for a short time. If you find that it is not the right fit for your needs, simply change computers when your lease is up. When you purchase a computer, you are stuck with the one you buy until you can afford to change machines.

Financing

If you can get financing, a new computer purchase may be an option. However, you will be paying for the computer long after it has lost most of its value, and interest charges will make the actual out of pocket cost much more than the sticker price on the computer. Unless you have cash on hand to buy a machine, renting may be more cost effective. It will also be a better option if you are not able to get financing because of a short or negative credit history. Credit checks are not required for most rental companies. You will need to prove stable employment, but if you can afford the rental cost, you can get a computer, regardless of your ability to buy them.

Upgrade

Do you like to have the latest, greatest technology on your machine? With a home computer, you can do some upgrading within the actual machine, but if you purchase your machine you will be limited. With computer rental, you will be able to trade in your computer for a "newer model." Of course, your lease agreement may dictate how often you can do this, but for most people you will find that you can have an up to date machine at all times with renting.

Repairs

With computer ownership, you must buy a warranty to guarantee that you can get affordable repairs. When your warranty runs out, you will be stuck paying for repairs out of your own pocket. If you are good at making these repairs on your own, this is not a difficulty, but the average computer user knows little about how to remove viruses, swap out hard drives, and perform other basic maintenance to the machine. Rented computers are the property of the rental company. As such, they will handle most repairs to the machine.

Computer rental is a viable option, not only for businesses but also for individuals. Before you pay for a brand new machine, consider whether or not it would make more sense to rent one and save yourself the hassle and expense of buying a computer. - 31834

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