Content streaming is now a standard part of household entertainment. Parks Associates, a consumer electronics research firm in Dallas, finds that more than two-thirds of U.S. broadband households connect an entertainment device—a smart TV, gaming console, streaming media player, or smart Blu-ray player—to the Internet, and connection rates have been steadily increasing. Between 2013 and 2014, the percentage of U.S. broadband households with a smart TV connected to the Internet increased by 50%, while the percentage of households with a streaming media device increased by 100%. In general, the smart TV is the most common connected device, with the exception of the connected game console.
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Finding Common Ground
Technology is always full of surprises. Who knew something as common to a household as draperies could make such a huge improvement in your comfort, convenience, and energy bill. Of course, I’m not talking about ordinary window drapes and shades. The types I’m referring to are able to be attached to motorized tracks and rods and then be automated to open and close at certain times of the day, when someone walks into or out of a room, or based on the amount of sunlight available. You’ll see in this issue’s exclusive coverage of motorized window treatments how form and function come together to effortlessly manage every aspect of your home environment.
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40-49 INCHES Hisense 40H4 40” Flat LCD HD Roku TV, DLNA, Miracast 3 HDMI, 1 USB 36.4” x 21.8” x 3.3” 22 lbs. $350 www.hisense-usa.com TCL 40FS4610R 40” Flat LCD HD Roku TV, Miracast 3 HDMI, 1 USB 36.5” x 21.4” x 2” 22 lbs. $350 www.tclusa.com TCL 48FS4610R 48” Flat LCD HD Roku TV, […]
Get the GuideTips for Shopping the Showroom Floor
It’s never a good idea to buy a Smart TV based solely on specs, cosmetics, or some well-written ad copy. A Smart TV’s on-screen user interface (UI) may be simple or complex, beautiful or ugly, heavenly or hellish, but there’s really no way to tell without giving it a thorough test drive. Some important things to take note of are: how long it takes for the Smart TV to turn on; how much time it takes for apps to load; and how quickly the Smart TV is able to switch between apps. If any of these steps seem to take a long time in the middle of a busy showroom, it’s going to feel like you’re living in slow-motion when you’re using the Smart TV in a quiet family room.
Get the GuideMust Have Smart TV Features
Tear down a Smart TV conceptually (don’t worry—no TVs of any kind were harmed for this article), and you’ll find that three key aspects form its foundation. At a bare minimum, your Smart TV should have all of the three listed below to ensure that you get your money’s worth. Even if TV A and TV B both possess these three important elements, it’s rare that they’ll look and perform exactly the same (unless they’re from the same manufacturer and product line). In addition to these common features, you’ll want to understand the key differences between them, too, in order to make a wise purchasing decision.
Get the GuideWhy Buy a Smart TV?
Generally speaking, a Smart TV is a display device with built-in Internet connectivity for access to streaming media and other online services. Smart TVs also include integrated applications (apps) that give the TV extra, often non-traditional functionality. Several years ago, when TVs with limited Internet connectivity were first released, they were called Connected TVsÂ:—but connected doesn’t sound nearly as appropriate as smart when it comes to televisions. [Attempting to provide “clarity for consumers and retailers alike,” the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) released voluntary guidelines for Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TVs that defined the minimum requirements for a TV to be labeled a Connected UHD TV. In addition to specifying video and audio codecs, the voluntary requirements are similar to those outlined in this Buying Guide for what defines a Smart TV. Voluntary means most companies are going to ignore the guidelines and call it a Smart UHD TV or something more compelling than Connected Ultra HDTV. So much for clarity…]. Frankly, considering that the capabilities of the latest Smart TVs go way beyond simple browsing of websites and basic movie streaming, the smart nomenclature isn’t all that far off the mark.
Get the Guide2015 Smart TV Buying Guide
Walk into any store that sells TVs, or shop for a new TV online, and you’ll notice that many of them claim to be something called a “Smart TV.” At this point, you would probably find it helpful to have at least some inkling of what, exactly, a Smart TV is, why you’d want one, and how to shop for one. Unfortunately, there’s no official definition or set of specifications for Smart TVs, as there are for other electronic devices, such as HDTVs. Instead, Smart TV is one of those vaguely official-sounding marketing terms rather than an actual technical-based one. In our 2015 Smart TV Buying Guide, you’ll gather practical information about the Smart TV industry, learn who the major manufacturers of these devices are, acquire useful shopping tips, and determine the type of products that will serve your entertainment needs the best.
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New electronic products & systems
CasaTunes Streaming Servers Does every member in your family share the same taste in music? Probably not. That’s why the CT-3 line of media servers from CasaTunes is so appealing. Each of the CT-3 servers delivers three simultaneous streams of audio, and they provide access to local music on Windows, iTunes, and networked Universal Plug […]
Get the GuideFashion Forward Headphones: Mixing Good Looks with Music
Fashion-Forward Headphones
When looking for headphones, sound quality is the obvious first factor to take into consideration. Everyone wants to have the best possible listening experience, and the quality of the phones, as well as fit and comfort, are important to achieve this. If the headphones don’t fit properly, the sound quality will be compromised. So, let’s say you’ve got those bases covered in your headphone options. There’s just one last thing: You also want to leave the house, or maybe work in your office, and not feel like a total dork.
Get the GuideMotorized Window Treatments: Lending Convenience to a Home’s Lighting Design
Most homeowners will agree that a home needs window treatments for privacy and decorative appeal. But why would anyone need their home’s window treatments to be motorized? Some might perceive it as a frivolous luxury as opposed to necessity. However, motorization can bring real value and practical benefits to the drapes and shades that cover the windows of your home, especially when they’re tied to a home automation system.
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