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	This is the place for answers to your burning questions about today’s hottest electronics including home theater systems, personal audio/video, televisions and camcorders.

Blu-ray DVDs Are They Taking Over?

We’ve all heard the term “Blu-ray” by now. Some of your favorite movies like Iron Man have come out on Blu-ray DVD, but what exactly does that mean? How is a Blu-ray DVD different than a standard DVD?

First, the name - according to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the name Blu-ray is derived from the underlying technology, which utilizes a blue-violet laser to read and write data. Blu-ray DVDs offer an all-in-one advantage with the ability to record, re-write and play in high definition as well as store large amounts of data; in fact five times more than traditional DVDs. Blu-ray DVDs run at a much higher speed than standard DVDs resulting in greater audio and video quality.

As you may have noticed in many of today’s TV commercials, the Blu-ray format has received extensive support from the major movie studios releasing many of their most recent feature films on Blu-ray Disc.

If you’re serious about creating a “theater experience” at home with a Blu-ray player, Brandsouce is your source for low prices, large seletion and personalized service. Click here to find what's available for financing and promotions.

5/11/2009 12:08:38 AM

Do I need an analog converter box for my TV?

By law, full-power television stations nationwide begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format on June 12, 2009. According to the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) DTV technology is more flexible and efficient than the current analog system. The switch from analog to digital broadcasting will allow television stations to offer crystal-clear pictures and sound, plus more channels and programming – all for free.

First and foremost, if you have an existing analog television, you do not have to throw it out. Purchasing a digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue to use your current television to watch the newly adopted digital broadcasts.

You don’t have to wait until after the format switch is made on June 12 to purchase and connect an analog converter box. Begin viewing over-the-air television as soon as you connect your converter box and receive all or most of your local stations’ digital signals. Analog televisions should also continue to work as before if you are connected to a cable or satellite service provider.

Check out our selection of analog converter boxes - BrandSource is your SOURCE for top name brands in electronics!

5/11/2009 12:08:38 AM

High Definition TV which is best?

There are currently three primary types of HDTV, LCDs, Plasma and DLP known as digital light projector.

LCD televisions are beginning to emerge as the most popular type of HDTV; they are thin, lightweight, flat-panels at reasonable prices. LCD TVs have closed the gap toward matching the overall value and quality of plasma TVs.

Plasma televisions offer excellent contrast ratios, and they display true black colors, some LCDs show a gray/brown tint, instead of true black. The new models of plasma TVs do not suffer from the image burn-in problems that plagued older Plasma sets.

DLP televisions are mirror-based rear-projection sets that offer large screen sizes at great prices. The downsides are bulk (most DLPs are 11 to 15 inches thick) and narrow viewing angle. But if you have the room, and a budget is a concern, then the new DLPs deliver the most bang for the buck.

After browsing through our online selection of electronics, call or visit your local BrandSource store for more details on financing, delivery, installation and extended warranty coverage.

5/11/2009 12:08:36 AM

How do I Clean My Television screen?

Different types of television screens do require different forms of maintenance. Below are the various ways to care for the different types of television screens.

LCD Flat Panels - Be gentle with the LCD Flat Panels! You need to use a slightly damp soft cloth to clean these screens and then immediately dry with a soft cloth. It can cause severe damage if you press too hard while cleaning these screens. Do not use any cleaning solvents, such as glass cleaners or soaps.

Plasma - While cleaning plasma television screens use a soft, damp cloth and if necessary it is acceptable to use a mild soap for heavy cleaning. Be careful, using heavy cleaning agents could strip the special coatings on the screen and paper products can scratch the front of the TV.

CRT Rear-Projection - When cleaning rear projection televisions you must first determine if your TV has a screen shield. A screen shield is a hard plastic cover on the front of the TV screen. If you don’t have a screen shield then it is important that you use a special type of cleaner and rag which are available at your local TV service center. If there is a screen shield then use a dry or damp soft cloth and it is acceptable to use a mild soap if something is extremely dirty. Paper products are not recommended to clean screens because scratching may occur.

Direct View - these older direct views TV’s can have their screens cleaned with ordinary glass cleaner and with paper towels. Some of these newer TV’s may have a special coating for anti-glare and if this is the case then we recommend just using a damp cloth to be safe.

Our professional installation experts will assure that your new products arrive safely, are installed properly and that any questions or needs you have are handled promptly. And, of course if service is required in the future, you can rest assured of the same dedication to prompt professional assistance as well.

5/11/2009 12:08:36 AM

LCD or Plasma…What type of Flat Panel TV is ideal for me?

It really depends on your distinctive lifestyle. Flat Panel TV’s are digital displays, creating a crisp brilliant image using either LCD or plasma screen technology. Since most models measure only 4 inches deep or less the television has become an essential element of home decor.

Plasma television is often described as “cinematic” with a wider screen along and warm, rich, colors and deep blacks. With the right furniture configuration and a Plasma television you can experience “home theater.”

LCD television works best for screen sizes below 40”. These televisions work great in the kitchen or in any room that’s bright since Plasma TV’s tend to reflect light in bright rooms. LCD’s are ideal for video games since they are completely immune to screen burn-in unlike the Plasma TV’s.

Our network of stores include neighborhood appliances stores, appliance and electronics stores, furniture and mattresses store, floor covering stores, custom electronics specialists, and some stores that do it all! Please use our convenient store locator at the top of this page to find the BrandSource store closest to you with the product category or service you need.

5/11/2009 12:08:36 AM

Thinking about purchasing a new Large Screen TV?

First, here is a short recap of some information you should have before you start your search for your perfect new HDTV, along with a few key questions to ask yourself.

High-definition televisions continue to be at the top of shoppers' lists, especially as the U.S. moves toward closing down its analog television delivery service next February.

As you are probably aware the days of the old CRT style tube TV sets are pretty much gone. The two primary types of sets today are Plasma or LCD. Unlike the old CRT square style sets, all sets available today regardless of whether or not they are Plasma or LCD are wide-screen models. These new sets have a 16:9 ratio of screen width to screen height (also referred to as the aspect ratio), which is the standard for High Definition TV, and very close to the ratio used for most movies in theaters. As a result, the new displays are more rectangular than the older more traditional, square sets from years ago.

You should be prepared to answer some key questions that will help insure that you get the best TV to meet your needs. Our knowledgeable in-store experts will help you every step of the way. BrandSource is your source for low prices, large selection and personalized service. BrandSource combines the purchases of all member stores and that means you get the best value every day.

5/11/2009 12:08:36 AM

What is High Definition Television or HDTV?

HDTV is high-resolution digital television combined with Dolby Digital surround sound. In the new set of standards HDTV is the highest DTV resolution. The higher resolution picture is the main selling point of HDTV and with the new 720 or 1080 lines of resolution compared to the 525 lines people can easily recognize this huge difference!

There are 3 formats in HDTV:

720p – 1280 pixels progressive

1080i – 1920 x 1080 pixels interlaced

1080p – 1920 x 1080 pixels progressive

There are two types of scanning systems which are “Interlaced” or “Progressive”. With the interlaced format the screen shows every odd line at one scan of the screen, and then follows that up with the even lines in a second scan. With progressive scanning it shows the entire picture which provides a much smoother picture, but will use slightly more bandwidth.

5/11/2009 12:08:36 AM

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