Smart Home Lifestyle

July 8, 2006

These 3 electronic gadgets are must-haves but still within reach for most people

When it comes to technology, you’ve got your “wants,” your “really wants,” and your plain old “got to haves.” But, not everyone can afford a 7.1 surround sound theater or a whole house music system. So, for those just wanting to get their “electronic feet” wet, here are some gadgets that will give you some hi-tech without leaving you high and dry.

Clear the clutter

Universal remotes solve the “honey, I can’t get the DVD to play” dilemma, especially since it usually takes three steps and various remotes to form just about any home theater function. Universal remotes equal simplified home entertainment for as little as $100, a plus when it comes to children or guests trying to maneuver through your components.

So, which do you pick? First, make sure your remote has an LCD viewing screen- color if possible. LCD screens allow for a customized setup, with some offering a labeling function for programmed buttons.

Second, look for the "learning" feature. Every manufacturer assigns a special code number to their electronics, but codes are often difficult to find or translate. The "learn" feature gives more flexible and unique programming, allowing the universal remote to utilize all of the features of the original remote.

Finally, check out new universal remotes that use both radio frequency and infrared signals. These remotes are especially handy if you’ve got components hidden in closets or wood armoires. Remember, infrared signals rely on “line of sight” to send the signal. Radio frequency works more like a wireless computer network system and can be used in more locations.

Music anywhere, anytime

Satellite radio has changed the way we listen to music- in the car, at the gym and on just about any computer in the world. And XM Radio and Sirius have made it simple to access our favorite tunes, talk shows and news with cost effective portable units and a reasonable monthly subscription charge.

Satellite radio is as good for everyday commutes, thanks to more than 120 channel options that don’t have commercials. And it’s even better for out-of-town trips since the stations are the same everywhere you go, and strong signals mean fewer interruptions on mountain roads. Plus, once you’ve signed up for the service, there’s no extra charge to listen on-line- a perk for home or office listening.

XM Radio and Sirius each offer car radios and home entertainment systems plus kits for portable use. Both have a wide variety of programming options to suit just about any mood, and each run about $13 per month. So which is better? It depends on your taste in music and talent. If you like Martha Stewart or Howard Stern, you’ll love Sirius. And don’t forget to opt for the satellite radio option when you purchase a new car. Built-in units eliminate the need for an extra antenna and excessive wiring while offering the benefits of a regular membership.

Pause, please

Still using VHS tapes to record you favorite shows? It’s time to go digital. Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s) provide reliable recording of movies or TV shows without having to program in times and dates. Don’t want to miss the upcoming episode of “Project Runway?” Simply set a future recording by name, you don’t even need to know the run date. Want to see the whole season? Simply add the show to your “season pass” list and you can be confident they’ll all be there for future viewing. You can even decide if you want to tape repeat episodes or just the “first-runs.” And don’t forget to check out new dual tuner options. Tivo has a box that let’s you record two shows at once.

DVR’s work just like a DVD, giving pause, fast forward and rewind options. Need a snack? Simply pause your DVR to ensure you miss none of the action. Want to see that play again? Hit the “replay” button to automatically rewind the tape about five seconds.

So, how do I get one? There are a few options, you can purchase a box, or rent one through your cable or satellite company. Tivo offers affordable solutions with the box costing only $30 and a monthly fee as low as just under $17/month. Just remember you’ll need a phone line for Tivo to download programming menus each night.

Although Tivo may have the best options, when it comes to simplicity, you might want to just go with your cable/satellite company offerings. Chances are, you’ll have a digital cable or satellite box, and these companies offer built in DVR that don’t depend on a phone line. These options are comparable in price, but often don’t have the dual tuner option or special features like “season pass” or the “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” rating schedule seen with Tivo.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec