By: Ben Anton

In recent years, it has become a growing trend to buy and watch classic television shows on DVD for your family entertainment. The availability of some of the all-time favorite classic TV shows on DVD and video has become pervasive throughout the U.S. This allows families to not only catch up on the past seasons of the television shows that they might have missed, but to go back to the classics that we and our parents grew up watching. It is now easier than ever to find seasons of shows that were produced 30 or 40 years ago, right alongside the DVDs of the television shows that are currently on the air. America seems to have become infatuated with remembering the characters and situations produced during the early years of television.  What are the reasons for the increased popularity of classic television shows?

Classic television enthusiasts represent a large market of consumers. There were many classic sitcoms and variety shows that were aired between the 50s, 60s and 70s, that represent not only a large generation of viewers but a very powerful time in American history. They speak for the events of that age and include social and political commentary that goes right along with when they were made. Therefore, they are nostalgic entertainment and fun to relive. For those that watched these shows when they originally aired, classic TV DVDs allow them to relive that time in their life. For those that were too young to watch them when they first ran, DVDs allow them to appreciate the classics as new entertainment.   

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By: John Leo  

Most people I honestly believe are confused and intimidated by the language used to discuss electronic parts of a home theater system like AC3,Aspect Ratio, Bridging and other terms. The majority of terms regarding home electronics are strange to most people and have the intent of serving technical purposes. Thus do not get frustrated and give up. You can review our Dictionary of Home Theater Language for the meaning of terms used to describe the electronics of home theater systems.

The two most important thing in your home theater is to know what viewing quality you want and what sound you desire. By visiting your local Electronics store you can get a good idea from viewing the equipment up close for picture and sound quality and most sales people have the knowledge of there equipment that can convey to you in laymen terms. Once you have decided on a practical system you can buy from the Electronic store, or go online where the best deals are made. The components described below are most important and are what should be focused upon when buying a home theater system.

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By: Alex Olson  

Would you like to have the main differences between cable, satellite and regular or analog TV sorted out? Let’s take the bull by the horns and get down to the nitty-gritty!

The main difference between satellite TV and regular TV is the quality of picture that you view on your TV screen. Satellite TV uses a greater number of pixels and, therefore, the resolution and clarity of the picture is far superior to analog TV.

The one disadvantage of satellite TV is that poor weather conditions have an effect of your TV reception. If there is a bad thunderstorm in the area, then the satellite signal weakens and you may find that you are looking at either a blank or fuzzy screen!

Have any or you become disillusioned and even disenchanted with your cable TV system? Many people seem to be weighted down by the prohibitive cost of restrictive plans, have become entangled in yards and yards of coaxial cables and even get channels that they probably never even think of watching.

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 By: Harry J. Andersohn

Ever since I saved nearly $2000 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of my refurbished Sharp LCD HDTV, I’ve wondered why anybody would pay full price for a set that looks just the same as a brand new one. Is it because they think it’s easier to get in their car and drive all over town comparing inventory and prices in different stores? I found mine, bought it and had it delivered, and never had to leave the house! I don’t know about you, but for me it just doesn’t get any easier than that.

Do they think they’re somehow settling for lesser quality with a refurbished TV? It’s not like buying a used set, where you really don’t know what you’re getting. Refurbished TVs go through even more rigorous testing than the new sets. After the initial test, the set is cleaned and they make sure all the accessories and manuals are there. Then another test is done, called a “burn test.” The TV is left running for several days in a row to determine if there are any performance problems. If the set passes all the tests, it’s packed in a new factory carton; a new seal is attached and only then is it sent off to be distributed to the public.

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