By Don Lindich

Blu-ray players and Blu-ray movies are generating a lot of excitement. Now that the "format war" is over with Blu-ray crowned the victor, consumers are getting ready to embrace high-definition on a disc, namely, Blu-ray Discs! This guide will make sure you understand Blu-ray and get the most out of your experience.

What do you get with Blu-ray?

There are four primary advantages Blu-ray Disc movies have over their DVD equivalents:

• Improved capacity and durability. Blu-ray Discs have up to 50GB of disc capacity for a dual-layer disc, which is over 5x more than a double-layer DVD. Blu-ray discs carry the data close to the surface of the disc, so a hard coat is applied to protect the fragile data. This hard coat is extremely durable and resists scratches and fingerprints.

• Improved video quality. Blu-ray Disc movies have up to 6x the picture detail of a standard DVD. Numbers are not the way to describe the difference, though! Suffice it to say the sharpness, depth, color and detail is far greater than anything you have ever experienced before. No matter what they say about upconverting DVD players providing "near high-def quality," after you experience Blu-ray it is more of a country mile than "near." The bigger the screen size, the bigger the difference.

• Improved audio quality. Most Blu-ray Discs have lossless audio, which, obviously, means no loss of sound quality. In short the sound quality from Blu-ray Discs is capable of matching the master tapes from the studio. If you have a sound system capable of using the lossless audio formats, the difference in sound quality is just as apparent as the difference in video quality. In fact, when doing demonstrations in my own home theater before I even get to explain that the sound as well as the video is high-definition the viewers make comments such as "Wow, the sound!" or "I've never heard sound like that anywhere." You need a relatively recent surround sound setup to experience the lossless sound; more on that later.

• Improved interactivity. Blu-ray Discs and players use BD-Java, a version of Sun Microsystems's Java programming that is ubiquitous on the Internet. Using Java allows the studios to put games and other interactive features on the discs, as well as menus that can be accessed while the movie is playing. (Once you have experienced the latter, it's even harder to go back to DVD!) The downside to the BD-Java is that it requires a lot of processing power and early Blu-ray players may take several minutes to load the discs once they are placed in the player. Compatibility problems may exists as well and the player may need a firmware update to function properly. Blu-ray will soon be introducing Profile 2.0, or "BD-Live" which will bring Web interactivity to Blu-ray and allow you to download bonus materials, play games, and much more.

What do I need to experience Blu-ray's spectacular video quality?

This is an easy answer! You need a high-definition TV, a Blu-ray player, and a connection cable or cables. If you have an HDMI input on your TV, you should use an HDMI cable from your Blu-ray player to the TV. Do not overpay for your HDMI cable. Most big box stores only sell overpriced brands such as Monster Cable and charge from $90 to $150 or more for a single HDMI cable. You can get a perfectly good, well-made HDMI cable for under $5.00 from monoprice.com.

If you have an older HDTV with component video connections, you need a set of component cables and a set of stereo audio RCA cables.

What do I need to experience Blu-ray's lossless sound?

This is a lot trickier! First of all, if you are just running the sound through your TV speakers there isn't going to be much difference. You need a separate sound system to really appreciate Blu-ray's fine sound.

There are several lossless sound formats available and older receivers, and even many current ones do not support these new sound formats. Not all of the players support them, either. I'll start with the different surround formats, and then explain what equipment you need to experience them at home.

PCM, LPCM: These are the same thing. Some studios call it PCM, for Pulse Code Modulation, a lossless method of digital recording. LPCM stands for Linear PCM. Sometimes you will see "20 bit LPCM" or "24-bit LPCM" on the disc cases. The more bits, the higher the resolution and the better the sound. To experience lossless PCM sound you need a receiver with an HDMI input capable of receiving multichannel PCM, or a Blu-ray player with multichannel analog outputs and a receiver with multichannel inputs. If your receiver has an HDMI input the player will send the audio over the HDMI cable and the receiver will amplify the sound and send it to the speakers.

If you are using the analog outputs, the player will convert the PCM sound to analog and send the high-resolution sound from its analog connections to the receiver's analog inputs. In this case the surround settings are set on the player and the receiver is just a volume control and an amplifier.

Dolby TrueHD: This format uses lossless compression so the audio information takes up less space on the disc than a PCM file, but no sound quality is lost in the compression process. There are several ways to experience lossless sound from Dolby TrueHD. The first is with a receiver with an HDMI input capable of receiving multichannel PCM, and a Blu-ray player that can decode Dolby TrueHD and convert it to PCM. The player will decode the Dolby TrueHD, convert it to PCM and send it via HDMI to the receiver for playback. The PlayStation 3 is an example of player that uses internal TrueHD decoding and an LPCM output via HDMI.

The second way is with Blu-ray player with TrueHD decoding through multichannel analog outputs and a receiver with multichannel inputs. If you are using the analog outputs, the player will decode the TrueHD, convert it to analog, then send the high-resolution sound from its analog connections to the receiver's analog inputs. In this case the surround settings are set on the player and receiver is just a volume control and an amplifier.

The third way is via "bitstreaming." Bitstreaming takes the digital data from the disc and transfers it via HDMI to a receiver with a built-in Dolby TrueHD decoder. The receiver decodes the TrueHD and powers the speakers. According to many who have tried all three methods, bitstreaming is the best possible way to reproduce TrueHD.

DTS-HD: DTS-HD consists of two streams: a "core" with a high-resolution (but lossy) DTS track and a DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) track. The MA track is a lossless track capable of duplicating the studio master tape. At the time of publication no players with internal DTS-HD decoding exist so the only way to reproduce the lossless DTS-HD MA track is with a player capable of bitstreaming the information and a receiver with DTS-HD decoding. The major studios currently using DTS-HD are 20th Century Fox and New Line Cinema.

Dolby Digital Plus: Improved Lossy Sound

Many Blu-ray Discs have Dolby Digital Plus, an improved version of Dolby Digital. While it isn't lossless, the sound quality is noticeably better than standard Dolby Digital soundtracks.

Blu-ray Profiles

Blu-ray players conform to one of three profiles, each having different capabilities.

Profile 1.0 players simply play the movie. This is called the "grace period profile."

Profile 1.1 players play the movie and have picture-in-picture capabilities via secondary picture and audio decoders. The picture-in-picture feature is called "Bonus View" and the profile is called "Final Standard Profile." All Blu-ray players announced from the present onwards must conform to at least profile 1.1.

Profile 2.0 players play the movie, support Bonus View and provide an Internet connection for Web interactivity.

Will I need a Blu-ray player and a DVD player if I have DVDs?

All Blu-ray players will play DVDs and upconvert them to high-definition resolutions, if not high-definition quality. Upconverting quality varies widely by Blu-ray player so if you have an upconverting DVD player, use the same DVD in both your Blu-ray player and your DVD player and compare the picture quality. You may want to keep both hooked up, or simply use the Blu-ray player for all your playback needs.

Firmware Updates

Firmware updates are software updates for your player's operating system. Firmware is updated either by web (Samsung BD-P1400 and Sony PlayStation 3) or via CD (all others.) To update via CD you must visit the manufacturer's website, download the firmware file and burn it to a disc. Be sure to follow all instructions when burning firmware discs! As Blu-ray is a new and evolving format, using the most recent firmware is critical for best performance so be sure to register your purchase so you are notified when updates are available and check the manufacturer's website frequently for new releases.

Recommended Blu-ray Players

There has been a lot of info provided thus far. Now it's time to put it together, starting with a player! This list will be edited and updated as new players are introduced and tested.

Sony PlayStation 3 (40GB) $399: I am listing the Playstation 3 (PS3) separately because not only is it the best Blu-ray player currently available, it is truly a breed apart.

What makes the PS3 the best Blu-ray player? It has extremely powerful processors that make loading times fast and BD-Java compatibility a breeze, it is extremely responsive, and firmware is easily updated automatically and wirelessly. It can also surf the web with a built-in web browser and works as a multimedia center and can display digital pictures and play music from its internal hard drive. It supports profile 1.1 now and will support profile 2.0 with an announced firmware update, so it is future-proof.

Oh, yeah, and it plays games too! It is easy to forget that, sometimes!

A Blu-ray Disc remote is available for $24.99, making a complete PS3 Blu-ray outfit a mere $425... a bargain for a future-proof profile 2.0 player that is rock-solid reliable. If you don't like the idea of using a "game machine" (which the PS3 admittedly is) in your home theater, try to think of it as a multimedia entertainment system instead.

The big downside to the PS3 is it doesn't support bitstreaming of Dolby TrueHD or DTS-MA (and never will due to hardware limitations) so you can't currently use it to experience all of the lossless sound formats. Because it will never bitstream in its current form if you have a receiver that supports TrueHD or DTS-MA you can't use it in the superior bitstream mode- only PCM. A firmware update to allow the PS3 to decode DTS-HD MA and output LPCM has been rumored, but not yet announced.

In short- at $399, the PS3 is not only the best Blu-ray player you can buy but one of the least expensive, as well.

Profile 1.0

A profile 1.0 player may get the movie on your screen but if you can get a PS3 for only $100 more, you are much better off getting a PS3. Unless it is being sold at a super-bargain price (under $300) or included for free with purchase of an HDTV, I recommend you avoid profile 1.0 players and look to the PS3 or a profile 1.1 model. The following players could be a good buy if the price is right but unless it is well under $300 you are really better off looking elsewhere. Because of this I have not listed suggested retail prices for these players- if it isn't under $300, stay away.

Samsung BD-P1400: A word of warning: with this player you really need to watch the firmware updates as there have been problems playing certain discs (mostly Fox titles) on Samsung players. The BD-P1400 has an Ethernet port for firmware update via web, which makes it much easier than burning a disc. Audio support is excellent. The BD-P1400 can decode Dolby TrueHD to LPCM, bitstream Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and the analog outputs can provide lossless sound from PCM and Dolby TrueHD. No DTS-HD MA from the analog outputs, though.

Sony BDP-S300: Load times are slow but playback is reliable. Lack of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD support make this player best suited to setups without a sound system... in other words, just a TV and the player.

Sharp BD-HP20U: This player has reliable playback of Blu-ray movies but performance with DVDs is subpar, as is audio format support. Like the BDP-S300, this player is best used in systems comprised of a TV and a player.

Profile 1.1

Panasonic DMP-BD30 ($499): Panasonic's Blu-ray players have proven to be extremely reliable and the BD30 offers loading times second only to the PS3. The BD30 has multichannel audio outputs for lossless sound from Dolby TrueHD and PCM/LPCM.

If Web interactivity isn't important to you but sound quality is, the bitstream-capable BD30 and a receiver capable of decoding Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD is currently your best option and one of the only ways to experience both TrueHD and DTS-HD MA.

Profile 2.0:

Panasonic DMP-BD50: Panasonic's DMP-BD50 is essentially a BD30 with the addition of BD-Live capability. It will be available in the second quarter of 2008. Though it has yet to be tested the fine performance of Panasonic's BD30 makes it a safe recommendation.

Recommended Blu-ray Movie Retailers

Blu-ray movies are much more expensive than their DVD equivalents if you buy them in stores. I strongly recommend you purchase your movies online from Amazon, where they typically cost $10-$15 less per movie. There's a big difference between $21.95 and $34.95, both financially and perceptually! Keep your eyes open for online sales, too.

Recommended Blu-ray Movies

This list is by no means comprehensive- just some great titles to get your started with Blu-ray and show you what it can do.

20th Century Fox: Some of the earlier Fox titles use MPEG2, an older video encoding process. Recent titles use the more modern AVC encoding and top-notch jobs of film transfer, leading to stunning picture quality. Fox uses DTS-HD for lossless audio. Fox promises to release a great many new titles in 2008, including Patton, one of the best war movies ever made.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: Dramatic action sequences both on Earth and in deep space show what a difference Blu-ray can make in your system. This disc features a near-perfect film transfer with tremendous detail and bright yet realistic color. Be sure to check out the great documentary features, including interviews with comic book artists and writers.

The Simpsons Movie: A must-have for Simpsons fans!

Disney: Many believe Disney to be the finest studio in the high-definition disc business, consistently producing top-quality audio and video and some of the neatest menus and interactive features available. Disney movies should be in your hand when you are in the checkout line with your Blu-ray player. Disney uses 24-bit LPCM on almost all of their titles.

Cars: On a good system this movie looks almost 3-dimensional as the cars race around the track- it's like there are models racing around inside your TV and you are watching through a clear window. Features interactive Car Finder game.

Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2, and 3: Reference-quality audio and video and a blend of action, reality and fantasy make the Pirates series some of the best films available on Blu-ray.

New Line Cinema

Hairspray: Hairspray has a great story and quirky, interesting and likeable characters throughout. The film bursts with energy, featuring great choreography and music.

Sony Pictures: As a primary creator of the Blu-ray Disc format, Sony's support has been strong. LPCM is the most commonly used lossless audio format and is featured on almost every Sony Pictures title.

Casino Royale: Spectacular film transfer with deep, rich color and detail that makes you feel like you are there in the middle of the action. Tons of shameless Sony product placement in this one- look for the Sony phone and Sony Blu-ray Disc player!

The Life of Brian: Monty Python's classic looks great in HD. You may find the falling-blocks menu neat or annoying, depending on how you like gimmicks. This title has great-looking menus, too. Features both Dolby TrueHD and LPCM lossless audio.

Warner Bros.: The most prolific studio in high definition, Warner produces more titles on Blu-ray than anyone else. LPCM and Dolby TrueHD are both used.

300: Though liberties are taken with historical accuracy regarding the Spartans and the battle of Thermopylae, this film is a triumphant merging of CGI and live action and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Make sure you have the stomach for lots of gore. Features both TrueHD and LPCM soundtracks.

2001: A Space Odyssey: Kubrick's sci-fi classic is a perfect example of how good classic movies can look in high definition. With a good TV you can read the writing on the instructions for the zero-gravity toilet! 24-bit LPCM sound.

Blade Runner: Beautifully restored print of this sci-fi classic looks almost 3-dimensional with a tremendous sense of depth. Director's cut features an ending different than the happier original. Dolby TrueHD sound.

Harry Potter (all titles): Harry Potter's fantasy world is perfect for HD. What more needs to be said? LPCM sound.

Planet Earth: This BBC documentary series is probably the best nature series ever made and an absolute must-have. Iimagery is powerful, magnificent, featuring vistas that are almost, well, unworldly as you see sights you never knew existed on our planet.

Other Studios

Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures have recently announced Blu-ray support and are expected to release titles by mid-2008.

Appendix: Upgrading your sound system

As a final note, now that you are ready to embrace Blu-ray you may want to upgrade your sound system to make the most of it. Below are some of the best values available in speakers and receivers. All of them feature class-leading performance in their price range and are sure to satisfy anyone looking for great sound for TV, movies and music. Add your Blu-ray player and you're all set for fantastic home theater!

Speakers

Great speakers are the key to a great sounding audio system. Truly good ones will sound great no matter what you play through them... classical or rock music, action movies, sports on TV, vinyl records or CDs. This is by far the most important part of your sound system and worthy of serious investment, if you have the means. Listed here are some easily affordable options sure to make you smile.

Insignia NS-B2111 $87.98/pair

Sold exclusively at Best Buy, these speakers have crisp, clean sound that is also warm and full-sounding. I never thought I would recommend a speaker selling for under $100 per pair as suitable for use in a quality sound system... yet here I am doing exactly that. Two pairs of these and an entry-level Onkyo receiver make for an excellent-sounding four channel surround system that will blow the doors off of most any home-theater in-a-box system. They are not magnetically shielded so you can't put them too close to a tube-type TV. Listing for $87.98, they are often on sale for $75 or less.

Acculine $249/pair and up

What makes Acculine speakers special is their leaf tweeters, typically found only in very expensive, exotic speakers. These tweeters must be heard to be appreciated, as they render sound so transparently and with so much detail that I liken it to a sonic version of the visual difference between HDTV and analog TV-they are really that good! I imagine a lot of new owners will turn their heads in disbelief as they hear sounds in their recordings they never knew existed. They speakers are very well made, with solid cabinets with high quality aluminum woofers.

To show Acculine's extreme value equation, we will build two Acculine 5.1 channel systems. The Acculine A1s are $249 per pair with two pairs required, one for mains and one for surrounds. This comes to $498. The A-2 Center Channel is $179 and the Acculine ASub is $289. This gets you a top performing home theater speaker system using exotic technology for only $966. That's pretty incredible!

The second Acculine system mimics the one above, but uses Acculine A3 towers as main speakers. The A3s are $499 per pair, a $250 difference which brings the total to $1216. This is equally incredible for a high quality system using tower speakers.

You can substitute the $125 Parts Express Dayton subwoofer for the Acculine sub, saving $114 and you still have an amazing speaker system without compromise. I can't overstate how good the Acculines sound- given the price it is quite amazing. You can see the Acculine speakers at www.theaudioinsider.com and the Dayton subwoofer at www.partsexpress.com

Axiom Audio $296/pair and up

I am especially fond of Axiom Audio's M2 and M22 bookshelf speakers and their complete home theater systems, which use some of the best surround speakers I have encountered. Axiom's QS4 and QS8 surround speakers have very wide radiation that combines spaciousness with effective imaging- great stuff! All Axiom speakers have a full and natural sound that is very detailed, some say is a bit bright. I have found the Onkyo receivers to be a great match with them. Axiom's Custom Design Shop allows you to design speakers to match your decor. See Axiom's speakers at www.axiomaudio.com

Receivers

I recommend the Onkyo TX-SR605 and the TX-SR805 as they are the best values going. They feature clean, strong amplifiers and decoding for PCM/LPCM, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD MA. The 90 watts-per-channel TX-SR605 is available for $400 street price and the 130 watts-per-channel TX-SR805 for $750 street price. Opt for the 705 if you have a large room needing more power than the 605 or if you want its automatic setup features.

By Andrew Ghigo

Today's multimedia video projectors represent a versatile, practical, and affordable tool that can serve different purposes both in the business as well as in the home entertainment arena.

The fall in price and the developments in video projection technology we have experienced during these last few years, have made the digital projector even more accessible to a larger group of home users.

Demand has increased to such an extent that manufactures are not only producing what are referred to as 'cross-over' models - i.e. projectors that can handle both PowerPoint presentations in the office as well as DVD movies at home, but they have also started to target the home entertainment domain by producing models specifically designed for home theater use. ...why?

It is true that 'cross-over' projectors can handle both worlds, but this does not mean that a video projector that can deliver a great presentation in the boardroom is also capable of delivering a great cinematic experience in the home theater.

Home theater projectors and business projectors have to fulfill distinct requirements in their use which can only be met if the video projector is specifically designed for the purpose.

What characteristics differentiate Business Video Projectors from Home Theater Projectors?

It is no surprise that video projectors are becoming a popular choice with many home theater enthusiasts. The digital projector can deliver the largest image for your dollar. Simply hook up your DVD and there you have the most cinema-like image in the home theater. Or connect a HDTV source such as a cable set-top box or satellite receiver, and there you have a huge 100" HDTV for the cost of a 50" plasma TV.

And in the boardroom, today's powerful digital multimedia projectors are proving to be more than ideal for business presentations; they are capable of delivering bright huge images under normal ambient room lighting - something only dreamt of in the days of the overhead projector. Simply plug in your laptop, and there you have the most fantastic business presentation in the world!

However, it is important to keep in mind that the boardroom and the home theater are two different arenas that require different beasts. The distinct requirements between the two are important; the discussion that follows explains what video projector attributes should apply in these two cases.

Important Projector Attributes

Brightness:

The brightness level (measured in lumens or ANSI-Lumens) is an indication of the level of light thrown out by the projector. Brightness is a lot more important for business use - this in view that many presentations are given in conference rooms with standard office lighting rather than in reduced ambient light. This means that the image needs to be bright enough to be seen, otherwise the projection would look washed out.

For small boardrooms and presentations with a lot of ambient light, a brightness of around 1000 to 1500 lumens should normally be fine. However, keep in mind that the projector brightness required depends on the projected screen size, the level of ambient light, and the projection screen gain (more on this in our projector screen guide).

For home theater applications, a high brightness level is not important. Some video projectors intended for home theater use come with bulb setting to enable the user to dim the light source for improved viewing and deeper blacks when viewing takes place in a darkened room.

Contrast:

As discussed in our Contrast Ratio article, even a minimal level of ambient light may render a high contrast image of say 5000:1 similar to one with a contrast ratio of 500:1. This means that though a minimum level of contrast is important for the eye to perceive a sufficient bright image, yet contrast is not an important attribute in business applications, nor it is in home use if one will be using the projector in the living room with the lights turned on.

In reality, anything above 400:1 for the contrast ratio would not be perceived by the eye if viewing does not take place in a completely darkened environment. In addition, due to the eye's contrast sensitivity function, a contrast ratio of say 2000:1 would not be perceived as five times better than one with a contrast ratio of 400:1. Therefore, pay more and go for a high contrast ratio only in the case of a home theater projector and as long as viewing takes place under controlled lighting.

Color, Gray-Scale Performance, and Smooth Video Playback:

These are all attributes that are more critical in home theater applications. In fact, color accuracy with natural-looking skin tones and capability to present subtle detail in bright and dark areas of the image matter more to the home user.

Similarly, the projector's ability to present smooth, video playback with no added motion artifacts, when presenting fast action sports and movie scenes, is of prime importance in any home theater application.

LCD or DLP:

It all depends. Strictly speaking, both technologies can do a good job in either of these applications in that advancement in technology has closed the gap between the two. Yet LCD projectors are normally the primary choice with business projectors in view that these still have a brightness edge over DLP.

On the other hand, DLP is still the favored technology when it comes to home theater use due to their improved black level performance and smoother looking projections that resembles more closely those at the movie theater.

Portability:

This is a major issue with the business video projector. Smaller and lighter is better, especially if you travel frequently. Weight is more of an issue for the business user. Business mobile professionals will want to hook up a lightweight projector to a computer or laptop, projecting an image on a large screen or wall for presentations.

Most business-oriented projectors weigh just a few pounds - some very light business models weigh no more than three pounds! These video projectors usually come with carrying cases and wireless remote controls that enable the user to control not only the projector, but also to send commands to the PC through appropriate connectivity. Some remotes include an integrated laser pointer.

Most multimedia projectors under this category come with a small integrated speaker for the sound; more expensive projectors have security features such as locking cables, etc.

Portability issue is of no concern in the home theater. One would normally setup a fixed place for the projector. For home theater projectors, the best installation spot is on the ceiling. This means that some planning has to go into how it is best to run cables into the ceiling to connect your projector with the rest of your home theater gear.

Video Projector Connectivity

It is critical that your video projector comes equipped with the appropriate inputs to enable you to connect with your PC or laptop in the case of a business projector, and home theater gear, DVD, or HDTV set-top-box in the case of a home theater projector.

It is clear that connectivity requirements between these two video projector categories vary.

Most - but not all - models support component, composite, S-video, and RGB connectivity. Home theater projectors normally also include a DVI or an HDMI port; this is very useful when it comes to interconnecting with a compatible DVD player or HDTV set-top boxes.

One standard that is starting to show up more on video projectors, and that is most appropriate in the business arena, is the M1, EVC, or P&D standard; this is most commonly referred to as M1 or M1-DA.

The M1 connector allows for the same connectivity as DVI - digital single or dual link or analog transmissions in the case of DVI-I. But the added advantage of the M1 over DVI is that the M1 also provides connectivity to the USB or FireWire port on your PC. The USB/FireWire connection is used to supply commands from the projector's remote control to the computer - thus allowing you to scroll through PowerPoint presentations, etc.

Our advice: Always check before you buy to be sure that the projector has the inputs you need.

Projector Resolution: SVGA, XGA or Widescreen (WVGA or WXGA)?

This refers to the native or optical resolution and measures the level of picture detail that the projector can handle without compressing (down-scaling) the number of pixels in the original video content. Downscaling degrades picture quality and leads to picture content loss.

This is probably by far the most important video projector attribute that differentiate business from home theater projectors. In reality, it is not the number of pixels but rather how these are arranged on the screen in terms of width vs height i.e. the native aspect ratio of the projector.
SXGA (1280x1024) is currently the highest resolution available for portable projectors; these video projectors are relatively very expensive. Most common video projector resolutions in the 4:3 aspect ratio are XGA (1024x768 pixels) and SVGA (800x600 pixels).

Widescreen versions of SVGA (WVGA: 854x480) and XGA (WXGA: 1280x720) have also started to emerge. These enable better projections of widescreen 16:9 content.

Business Video Projectors: SVGA and XGA projectors are more suited for business presentations, with the higher resolution XGA projectors being more capable of showing fine detail in your slide show.

Many may thing that the higher the resolution the better - but this does not necessary apply in the case of the business projector. A word of caution here arise out of the fact that if the text on a PowerPoint slide makes use of a too small a font to show using an SVGA projector (and therefore it necessitates the need of an XGA projector), it means that probably, the audience at the very back would still not be able to read it. Surely, you do not want that. In these circumstances, the cheaper SVGA projector would - in most circumstances - be able to do more than a good job.

On the other hand, the XGA projector is the best option for presentations that include graphics, software demonstrations, or full Web pages; this resolution also represents a better match for laptop computer displays.

Home Theater Projectors: If you want to use a video projector to project a huge image on a screen in your home theater, then the higher the resolution, the better since you will be less likely to suffer from pixelation issues. It is true that pixelation disappears as one moves further away from the screen but in the home theater, many would prefer to move a little bit closer for a wider angle of view and a more immersing movie experience.

Although most SVGA projectors can display HD images from your HD cable tuner or satellite, they don't have enough resolution to do it justice. The two main HD resolution formats are 1080i (1920 x 1080 pixels) and 720p (1280 x 720 pixels). SVGA projectors, with 800 x 600 pixels of resolution, don't have the ability to display either format without downscaling.

Even with DVD content - which at 852x480, comes with a lower resolution than HDTV - the lower-priced SVGA projectors cannot do a good job with DVD movies. XGA, on the other hand, gets much closer but...

By Nancy Arlington  

Home theater, although not a new concept, is beginning to grow greatly in the homes of many Americans. What once was so expensive only the richest of the rich could afford it, home theater prices have lessened to an amount that many middle class families can afford. Now you and I can enjoy the thrill of the theater right in the comforts of our own homes.

When choosing your display in the home theater, known to most as the television, many people are still opting for the tradition CRT models which are the box shaped televisions that we are all used to seeing on a regular basis. The plasma screen and LCD televisions are becoming more popular, but they are also cost prohibitive to many people. In order to get a more realistic theater experience, a home theater video projector is the best bet. If you are able to spend the money on a better television, the projector will make you much happier in the long run. When compared to size and quality, this option is really a better value than the larger plasma, LCD, or even CRT models. The projector can send the pictures to a screen that is much larger than any traditional television can offer.

When you think about a video projector, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is the big old metal machine with 2 film reels that you used to see in elementary school. Not only was the projector loud, but the sound quality as well as picture quality left something to be desired. This is simply no longer the case with video projectors. The technology has come a long way and the cost has gone down considerably. The quality, brightness, sharpness, and sound from the projector have improved vastly in the last five to ten years.

There are currently three different types of home theater video projectors, the CRT, LCD, and DLP.

CRT - Cathode Ray Tube - Most of the time, these are the projectors that are in real theaters. They are the old machines with red, blue and green lights. They have their advantages, such as long life and proven technology that has stood the test of time. These are the same type of projectors that your parents and maybe your grandparents used to watch movies from 50 Ð 60 years ago. Although their technology is older, they still provide good quality images that are crisp and sharp. Their major downfall is their weight and bulkiness. These machines are huge and tend to take up a projection room in themselves. They also tend to be less bright than the newer digital models.

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display - These projectors are somewhat more difficult to understand. They use LCD wafers (somewhat like a digital watch or clock) that let light pass through at different saturation levels. Since LCD is a common technology and is being increasingly developed and improved, the projectors are generally lightweight and easy to transport. They also are usually affordable models. The downside to the LCD home theater projector is its frequent use of bulbs. The lights in the projectors tend to go out much sooner than other models and have to be replaced often. Depending on the model of projector, a new bulb can cost several hundred dollars.

DLP - Digital Light Processing or Processor - These are the newest type on the market. They work in a similar way as the LCD except instead of lcd wafers, they use silicon chips called DMDs. These units are also very lightweight and brighter than either of the other two models mentioned in this article. Again, like the LCD, the bulb replacement cost is very high on these models, but the bulbs tend to last slightly longer in the DLP models.

This quick overview of the types of home theater video projectors should help you make the decision on the correct model for your home theater system. Make sure to do your homework before rushing out to buy any component of the home theater, any mistake could be a costly one.

By Linda Gold  

PROTECT YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS THROUGH PICTURES

Whether it is a hurricane, tornado, fire, theft or some other disaster that causes you to have to turn to your insurance company for help you need to do your part to assure you are treated fairly and get what you have paid for in premiums.

INVENTORY YOUR CONTENTS BEFORE A DISASTER STRIKES

If a tornado, fire, hurricane or other disaster struck would you be able to sit down and list all the items you have accumulated over the years? And certainly you would not have the values, model numbers and other identifying details memorized. Keeping an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled accurately and quickly.

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals you have. For clothing, count the items you own by category - pants, coats, shoes, for example -making notes about those that are especially valuable. For major appliance and electronic equipment, record their serial numbers usually found on the back or bottom.

It's a big job - but you will be sorry if you don't do it.

As daunting as the task may be if you have had your household set up for some years, an incomplete inventory is better than none at all. If you are just starting out it is easier to get in the habit of updating your inventory with every major purchase or at least annually.

Take care of big ticket items

Items of value such as artwork, antiques, jewelry and collectibles may increase in value over time. Make sure you have itemized coverage on these items (antiques are just old furniture if not itemized). Check with your agent to assure you have up to date coverage.

Digitize Documentation

Use still pictures for important individual items. Make a note either on the back of a printed picture or in your computerized copy of the details of the item such as when and where you got it, the value and any identifying numbers or marks. Also take pictures of whole rooms and closets. Don't forget your kitchen cabinets. You may have thousands of dollars tied up in dishes, cutlery, pots, small appliances, etc.

Videotape

Walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents.

Keep it on the Computer

There are several options for using your computer to keep track of your inventory. There are websites that have inventory programs as well as downloadable software to make your lists. Remember you do not want to have the only copy on your hard drive in the event of disaster. E-mail it to your work computer or to a family member or friend. You could also start a personal website - there are plenty of free ones - and keep all your pictures and inventory list there where they are easily retrievable from wherever you are. Scan in the front page of your policy with the policy number and limits as well as any other important documents and upload it to either you personal website or an e-mail. If all is lost then at least copies of everything are available online where ever you are.

Keeping the list, photos and tapes

Regardless of how you do it (written list, floppy disk, photos, videotape or audio tape), keep your inventory along with receipts in your safe deposit box or at a friend's or relative's home. It is best to keep a couple of copies in different locations in the event the disaster is wide spread. And again, uploading it to somewhere on the internet provides the best access of all. That way you'll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A DISASTER

Protection of life is first and foremost before, during and immediately following a disaster. When re-entry has been cleared by authorities, BE CAREFUL to look for hazards such as downed power lines, broken glass, gas leaks, holes, etc.

IMMEDIATELY TAKE PICTURES

Using digital cameras is best or if using a disposable have the pictures both printed on paper and onto a CD. This will be beneficial later as future adjusters can put this into the programs used to write their reports. Date stamp the pictures if possible. Give a copy of the pictures digitally on a CD or by e-mail to any future adjusters or investigators. Always keep your originals.

Roof Pictures - First take overall pictures of not only your roof but also of your neighbors' roof if it was also affected by wind or hail damage. Documenting widespread damage to multiple properties could be important if you have to go to litigation in the future. Wind will often drive debris under shingles - get close up pictures of this as well as any broken shingles, exposed felt (paper under shingles), exposed flashing (metal around vents and pipes), obvious breaks in the integrity of the roof by trees, branches or other objects and broken or damaged vents, pipes, chimneys, etc.

Attic Pictures - Get up into the attic and take pictures of any damages from the inside, especially if there are visible breaks in the sheathing (the wood that holds the roof up), wet marks on any surface, compacted insulation, damaged ductwork. Also take pictures of any items like air handlers or water heaters that are in the attic.

Inside Pictures - Go systematically through the house either counter clockwise or clockwise starting at the front door. Ideally use a piece paper with the rooms name printed boldly, take a picture of that first and then all the damage in the room. Repeat with each room.

Ceiling, Wall and Flooring Pictures - It is important to note any areas that are damaged or have water stains. Also take pictures of ceiling fans and light and wall fixtures to show the kind and quality. Get the best pictures you can to show the types of material used - paint, wallpaper, paneling, floor carpeting, tile, vinyl, etc.

Kitchens and Bathrooms - Get detailed pictures of damages as well as pictures showing the kind and quality of fixtures, appliances, cabinets, countertops and materials used.

Contents - We have already discussed the need for an inventory prior to any damage occurring. Again detailed pictures of damages are important.

Exterior Pictures - Take a picture of the house from all sides including a wide shot from across the street or at a distance to see most of the property. Take more detailed pictures on each side of any damages to siding, windows, gutters, fascia, antennas, etc. Also if you have a detached garage, carports or sheds get outside and inside pictures as well. Any other outside damages such as to fences should be photographed as well.

WRITE IT DOWN -

Write a brief diary of the events of the disaster, the steps you took to protect the property from further damage and then an inventory of the damage you saw and photographed. As time passes your memory may become fuzzy and this diary could prove valuable to your claim.

By Aaron Gordon  

I was hanging out with a few people at a wedding recently and the conversation turned to
today's real estate market.

One of my friends, John, from a town near San Jose, CA told a fascinating, yet familiar,
story. I thought I would share it with all of you.

John and his wife, Liz, decided to sell their home. They bought the house in 2004, saw it
increase in value, and this summer decided to sell it. They interviewed four different
agents to sell their home and finally decided on the one who agreed to sell their home for
what they wanted to sell it for.

They believed the home was worth $625,000. The first three agents who came in to
interview for the listing told them the house would never sell at that price and that they
should consider listing it below $600,000. They all felt $589,000-$599,000 was the
"magic" number.

John is a commercial real estate broker. He knew that his asking price was high but he
was in no hurry to sell. He also didn't like the fact these three agents weren't offering
any "solutions" they were only discussing the "problems" he would face at the higher
price.

These agents told John and Liz about the current market conditions for their area. If
their home sold, it would likely take up to 120 days. There was a 55% chance that the
home wouldn't sell at all during these four months. Based on what they wanted for their
home, they needed to be prepared for this. The agents told them they needed to consider
lowering the price.

John and Liz talked very seriously about lowering their price. Then they met a fourth
agent named Lynette.

Lynette came in and presented her case. It really wasn't much different than the rest.
She also told them about days on the market and the chances of selling their home. She
also suggested they may be priced a bit high but then she offered an option.

"Let's stage your home using a professional home staging company," Lynette suggested.
"This is going to cost you about $4000. We will list the home at the $625,000 you want
but to offset some of this expense, when I sell your home, I will split this expense with
you."

Whereas real estate professionals, like Lynette, are highly skilled in marketing, selling
and closing your home, home stagers are designers. They are artists who prepare your
home for resale.

Home stagers work with the "flow" of your home. They will remove and re-arrange
furniture. They will eliminate clutter. They may even add pictures, bedspreads, paint,
art, rugs and other items to make it more appealing. They may even assist in enhancing
curb-appeal.

Their goal is to make an incredible first impression on potential homebuyers the moment
they pull in front of your home.

Lynette explained that although the décor of the house was very nice and contemporary,
the home was cluttered because of their three young boys and busy lifestyle. The home
didn't feel as large as it was because it was packed with too many items to display it
properly. The home was "too personal," she told them. They had picture of the boys
all over the house from birth to last year's soccer playoffs.

She told them that they needed to compete with new home builders who are offering
buyers the most incredible purchase incentives. She said that when you walk into the
model homes of the builder you are "blown away."

"THAT is your competition," Lynette said. "You need to blow away the people who
walk into your home too." She also explained that the last few clients who hired her
home staging company sold their home in less than 60 days and didn't discount their
asking price.

John and Liz were not crazy about spending $4000, and certainly not thrilled about taking
down pictures of their beloved family, but they were encouraged by Lynette's creative
idea. At the end of the day, what they really cared about was selling this home, so they
did it.

John said the home staging company came in and made the house seem like a "hotel."
"They took out way more things than they put in, but it did look better, like a nice bed
and breakfast hotel," he said. "It almost made me want to stay there," he joked.
It worked. Their house sold in three weeks....at the $625,000 list price. Lynette did an
amazing job from start to finish!!

Just this month, I sold my very own investment house that was staged in 11 days. There
were three like models listed in the subdivision at the same time. Mine was the highest
priced. My incredibly talented real estate agent did an amazing job too but I truly
believe staging was a real key as well. I did take a small loss on this home. However a
sale in 11 days is no small accomplishment in today's market.

Experts say that if you are hiring a professional staging company, plan on spending
between $2000-$5000 based on the size and condition of the home. If you just want
consultation, plan on $100 or so per hour.

Experts, like StagedHomes.com, say that a staged home sells in half the time as a similar
home that is not staged and that a staged home sells for 7-10% higher.

Coldwell Banker tracked nearly 3,000 properties, ranging in price from $229,000 to $4.8
million, in eight major U.S. cities.

During this time, they determined the average home was on the market for nearly 31
days, the typical staged home sold in less than 14 days.

The average home sold for 1.6% over the seller's asking price. The staged homes, in the
Coldwell Banker study, over the same time, went for a 6.3% more.

This means, if the average home price is $300,000, you can expect the average staged
home to sell for $318,000-$330,000. Obviously, this makes the $2000-$5000 investment
a no-brainer.

Inventory is at an all-time high in many areas. The National Association of Realtors
recently reported the biggest drop in home prices since the trade group began compiling
price data in 1968. Many experts are now saying housing prices will continue to decline
though 2007.

So do you take your home off the market until 2008, and hope it gets better, with the
possibility it gets even worse, or do you separate yourself from the competition and do
what it takes to give your home the very best chance it has to sell today?

We are in a slower real estate market, however the people who are most committed to selling their
home will likely still be successful. When you are selling real estate it's no different
than selling any other product. You have to market to find a capable buyer and then you
have to impress him.

Your real estate professional will market the property to bring the buyers but the product
and how it's displayed will determine if it sells and at what price. This is where the
professional home stager comes in.

OK, so you want to give Home Staging a try? Here's how.

There are many websites out there. Just type "professional home staging" into your
favorite search engine like Google, Yahoo!, or MSN and you can start looking for the one
that best fits you.

If you want to try doing it yourself, take these tips from professional home stagers like
StagedHomes.com and others:

HOW TO "STAGE" YOUR HOME YOURSELF

MAKE AN AWESOME FIRST IMPRESSION
Look at your house like you will look at the homes you want to buy next.
Prospective buyers make up their minds about your house even before they get out
of the car.

This is your chance to WOW them. Clean up the yard; rake the leaves and sweep
driveways and porches.

Get out the rags and cleanser and spend 30 minutes scouring your front door,
porch, railings and steps.

Make sure all of all your trash cans, recycling cans, other bins, discarded wood
scraps, extra building materials, etc., are in the garage.

Check gutters for roof moss and dry rot. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
Look at all plants. Prune your bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking
windows.

Weed and then mulch all planting areas. Keep lawn freshly cut and fertilized.

Remove dead plants or shrubs.

Clear patios or decks of all small items such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal,
barbecues, and toys. Box them away and store them.

Check the paint condition of the house, especially the front door and trim.

UNCLUTTER YOUR HOUSE
Empty your closets to a minimum, clear out the cupboards, and get rid of the small
appliances. Take books off the shelves, get rid of all of the magazines, the CDs,
video games, and DVDs, and lose the kid's toys. Minimize it all.

Rent a storage unit or box what you want to keep and toss the rest.

Now is the time to say goodbye to your house and your stuff and transition. Your
life may be a bit uncomfortable during this time but you are now in the business of
selling your home.

GET RID OF THAT FURNITURE
An easy way to "unclutter" and create a much greater sense of space is to get rid of
some furniture.

Consider moving your sofa, extra chairs, and end tables into storage so you can
make the home feel like it is larger and has much more space.

If your furniture is old, you may want to pack it away and rent a few more
contemporary pieces.

The goal is to sell your home, not display your old furniture.

MAKE YOUR HOME "THEIR" HOME
The goal here is to get the potential buyer to imagine that he is living in your house.
If he feels like an intruder during his tour, your chances of selling the house are less.
That means put away anything connected to your family or personal interests. Like
trophies, family vacation photos, and personal mementos. Box it all away!

Clear refrigerator fronts of all messages, magnets, pictures, reminders, etc.

Stagers say the bathroom is a crucial place to pay close attention too. Shampoo
bottles in the shower and toothbrushes near the sink make it very hard for the
buyer to picture himself there. Box it away during the day and bring it out at night
for your use.

Keep the towels to minimum as well. Think "neat hotel bathroom" on the day you
checked in.

MAKE THAT HOUSE AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE
If your house is clean, the buyer tends to believe everything else is great with the
house as well. This means clean everything! The mirrors, walls, floors, carpets,
drapes, bathrooms, kitchen, and even door handles, light fixtures and pantry
cupboards.

If you hate cleaning, bring in a professional maid service regularly while your home
is listed and get someone in to do the windows, driveway and walkways. Remember,
it costs money to make money.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN
As I mentioned, I recently sold an investment property of mine that was staged in 11
days. I staged it myself by following all of the items listed here.

The day before my agent officially placed my home in MLS and started contacting
all of his previous clients, I called a handyman to come out and fix a few things.
I had a missing face plate for a light switch. I had some mold around one of the
toilets. One of the sinks had a broken drain valve. The door leading out to the
garage was dinged up a bit and needed a coat of paint. This was less than $100
worth of work. Many sellers would simply have ignored these items, offered the
buyer a blanket repair credit, and said "get it fixed yourself when you move in."

Because of my research on this topic, I knew better and made an appointment to get
the handyman out to fix it. He was busy so he committed to come in a week.
However, my home went on the market the next day.

Two days later, five days before the handyman came; the eventual buyer of my
home toured my house. He came back a week later, after the handyman had been
there, and bought it. When I finally met the buyer at the final walk-through, I
asked him whey he didn't make the offer the first time through.

He told me the missing face plate on the light switch and the dinged up garage door
really bugged him. When he came back and it was fixed, he was impressed and
knew I cared about the home.

A $3 item from Home Depot and a simple coat of cheap grade white paint almost
cost me the sale of my home.

Don't wait! Fix those minor problems today!

COLOR UP THAT HOUSE WITH PAINT AND CARE
A fresh coat of paint in key areas of your home really makes a big difference. If
your home feels "special" like you care, that will translate to buyers. Experts say
flowers in the entry or near the front door make your home feel more special, warm
and inviting.

FACE IT, YOUR HOUSE STINKS...MAKE IT SMELL BETTER
Stagers say that people don't realize it but many of their homes simply stink. They
stink from pets or just everyday family use. The easiest way to overcome this is to
keep your windows open for 10 minutes a day.

This strategy works better than deodorizers, says Barb Schwarz, president of
StagedHomes.com, since a lot of people have allergies to artificial room fresheners.
The oldest trick of all? Leave chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. The smell
helps buyers bond with your home.

MAKE YOUR HOME BRIGHTER AND MORE ALIVE
When things are lighter they feel more vibrant and alive. Dark is depressing. You
don't want the buyer feeling depressed walking through your home.

Staging experts say clean windows let in as much as 30% more light than dirty ones.
Get them cleaned.

Clean the shades on your light fixtures and add floor lamps if an area seems dim.
Get rid of those energy-saving 60-watt bulbs and go with higher wattage lights for
maximum illumination.

When it comes time to show your home, make sure all the lights are on.

GET HOMEY AND CREATIVE
Flowers, plants, candles, expressive art are all items that are not overly personal
that give a good vibe to the buyer walking through your home. Show these off or go
buy some to add that touch.

You want your home to feel like a model home you see at a new house tract or,
better yet, a comfortable hotel lobby.

For real estate agents, in my opinion, this is a great tool to separate yourself from your
competition in trying to get a listing and sell the home. I think it's a good idea to take a
few home staging classes or have a professional home stager as part of your team as an
option to present sellers.

StagedHomes.com offers two-day home staging workshops for real estate agents.

For homeowners with a lot of equity, I think hiring a professional stager is a tremendous
idea as well.

If you don't have as much room financially and the costs of hiring a professional stager
seem preventative, you may want to try the "do-it-yourself" ideas listed above first.

If those still don't work, but you notice the feedback is more positive, you may want to
then consider hiring a home staging professional.

From all indications, and I can tell you first-hand, the price of staging your home is small
compared to the benefits you can realize.

By Deb Henderson  

If you have submitted stock and had your images rejected but felt you weren't given a satisfactory explanation or the reasons were unjust then this article is for you.

I work as an Art Director and Photo Editor for a stock library and can give you direct access into the thinking behind why we reject images and what we are looking for in photographer submissions.

Yes there are the usual things we look for which every other article will tell you, composition, nice models, good lighting etc. etc. but these are so general that they don't really deal with the nitty gritty of what makes or breaks a photo.

We see thousands of images, so for us a well crafted photo will stand out and is ultimately what we want to see. We sell images for all price levels from microstock to rights ready at the high end so we obviously have different criteria but apart from the market the image was intended for there are many similarities in what will make us want to take a picture across the board.

Travel Photos - Many amateur photographers upload images which could be construed as a little bit "snappy". By all means take your camera on holiday as we always need good travel photos but be careful not to get carried away. What might look great in your photo album might not be suitable for commercial sales. We can only take images which are model released so be careful not to get passers-by in the shot and focus on getting some strong scenics or landmarks which sum up the location. For example if you're in Paris, get some iconic Parisian shots but do it in a way that doesn't look like what you've seen before. Experiment with different angles and times of day, get up early and catch that gorgeous dawn sunlight shining on the Eiffel Tower. There'll be fewer tourists about and you can enjoy the city to yourself. One other thing, I see beautiful scenic shots of beaches and lakes but there is something in the foreground which takes away from the main picture. Watch out for branches, poles, trees, etc that might look heavy or distracting in the foreground and get in the way of an otherwise great shot. Finally remember to take notes on the location each photo was taken so you can add it as your caption when you upload your image. This information is vital if you want to make your image as saleable as possible as travel companies often need to illustrate a particular location and this is where the info will come in handy when the client is searching.

Studio shots - It seems that many microstock photographers are most comfortable shooting on a white background. I would always encourage photographers to challenge themselves and try something new. Even if it's just a nice grey or beige background, try and mix it up. Stock libraries are saturated with microstock shot on white so try and stand out from the crowd. Shooting outside is always a good option especially in summer with nice light first thing or early in the evening.

If you are shooting still life, I can't stress enough the importance of good, clean props. Firstly start out with a strong concept. If you don't know what your image is trying to say then it won't sell very well. Write down the concepts you want to convey and think about what client might buy the image. If you are unsure about concepts, check out some images in a stock library and see what keywords they have used. This will give you an idea of concepts and topics. Because all the focus is on the prop then it has to be in tip-top condition and the lighting has to work well. Avoid harsh shadows and keep angles simple. Experiment with crops but if the best angle is straight on then stick with that. Try to imagine a client using your image in a magazine or as an advert and how it would work, is it worth leaving copy space for text?

If you are shooting food, I would say this is one of the trickiest subjects to shoot and I would advise you research images on food/recipe websites to get an idea of the standard you should be aiming for. Many food photographers use a food stylist to make the food look appealing but you may not have this luxury. Stick to using raw foods and ingredients which are generally easier to get right. If you are using fruit or veg, make sure they aren't marked and are the best quality. If you shoot fruit that isn't ripe, or worse still over-ripe it will more often than not get rejected. Lastly if you add props such as crockery or table decoration, be sure these don't detract from your food set-up. The styling is the key thing, get it right and you're on to a winner.

Lifestyle - I think that to take a great lifestyle shot for stock is a specialised skill and a major achievement. Many photographers who haven't ventured into stock may scoff, but the reality is that a good saleable stock image demands not only talent but also good pre-production and planning skills. Models need to be chosen carefully. If you are using friends or family as your models then this can be great for certain "natural" looking imagery but if you want to shoot a woman working from home, it may be beneficial to use an experienced model who will look great close up. Look for good skin, nice hair (no bright colours) and smooth hands and nails. Models need to be aspirational, they are the key to making your image commercial and making you money. Remember you are selling a lifestyle with your image, make it one that a viewer would want to buy into.

Business - Again styling is key here. Remember you don't always have to put your models in full suits. Smart casual is also a good seller and more popular at the moment with buyers. The emphasis is on nicely fitted outfits that are well ironed, look up to date with fashion and are appropriate for the environment you are using for your location. Working from home is a great topic to cover but remember if you are using your own home to make sure it's in tip top shape and all unnecessary bits and bobs are tidied away and replaced with carefully chosen props. If you are shooting in a studio be careful that the image doesn't appear too basic, especially if you have chosen a white background. Studio shots are good for conveying concepts but they still need to be propped well and look as natural as possible. Keep in mind your three concepts you want to get across, for example teamwork, bonding, communication and make sure that every shot is relevant and conveys clearly what you are trying to get across.

I've mentioned a couple of times the importance of keywords, concepts and topics. In my next article I will go in to more detail and how you can use these effectively to give your images the best chance of selling.

For now though, happy shooting! Remember all photographers started somewhere and there is plenty of time to grow and develop all the skills you need to become a great shooter.

By Dean Caporella  

The plasma vs. LCD televison debate has raged for some time now among home theater enthusiasts and the "for and against" arguments have been well documented.

LCD televisions have come a long way in a short space of time and this article is intended only as guide to some of the better rated LCDs available, particularly if you are thinking of purchasing one.

Familiar manufacturers names head the list such as Sony, Samsung and Sharp. It's difficult to list one television set above all the others because screen size needs to be taken into account. Let's concentrate on some of the bigger models.

Sony

Sony has two sets well worth considering. Their 46 inch Bravia KDL-46XBR2 and the 40 inch KDL-40S2010. It depends on the size you want and with another football season upon us you may very well decide the larger screen model is for you and will be perfect for your home theater. That's if you're into football of course!

Sony models are hard to beat in performance and picture quality. The 46 inch KDL-46XBR2 has full 1080p HDTV resolution plus excellent video quality and to satisfy your better half, it just plain and simple looks good even when it's not operating. With prices continuing to tumble, several years ago this set may have set you back five figures but by shopping astutely, you can satisfy your LCD needs for close to $3000.

The smaller KDL-40S2010 model is priced closer to $2000 but is packed full of feature. Performance aside, this stylish looking tv intergrated with a stand, has very acceptable wide viewing angles and for those looking for a classy set, this is hard to beat.

Sharp And Samsung

Both Sharp and Samsung have rapidly climbed towards the top of the LCD television rankings.

Sharp has an impressive array of larger screen models up to 52 inches. The LC-42D62U 42 inch is hard to go past. Large screens are great but for something a little in between this model offers powerful features including excellent high definition, super picture quality and the looks to match.

You would be very hard to please if you didn't take a liking to this particular model. It's normal list price varies between $2200-$2500 but astute shoppers will do much better.

Devotees looking for a large screen model television should consider the Samsung LN-S5296D 52 inch. Don't worry about picture quality because this model really delivers in that department with 1080p high definition.

It is packed with many features and can deliver an exceptionally sharp image despite it's size. The main drawback is the price...at about $4000 it may be out of the reach of many although again, astute shoppers could pick one up for as low as $3500.

By Nancy Arlington  

What in the world is a home theater? Is it a large dark room with curtains on 3 walls, bad carpeting, and cupholders built into all the seats? Well, I guess it can be, but when most people refer to a home theater, they are referring to the components that make up the entertainment center of the home. The basic components of a home theater are a television, satellite or cable system, DVD/Video system, sound system with speakers, and hundreds of feet of wiring.

To begin, you will want a high quality television to be an integral part of your home theater. Televisions have come a long way from your grandparents console TV that took 3 minutes to "warm up" before it would show a picture. There is SDTV, HDTV, flat screens, projection models, and flat panels. Let's go over a few of the terms so you don't start your shopping adventure completely ignorant of the modern terminology.

HDTV - High Definition Television SDTV - Standard Definition Television EDTV - Enhanced Definition Television DLP - Digital Light Processor LCD - Liquid Crystal Display 480p - 640x480 pixels progressive 1080i - 1920x1080 pixels interlaced

Regarding the numbers, generally, the higher the number, the better the picture. Progressive provides a smoother and clearer picture without the flicker like an interlaced model. It is normally found in larger sets. Progressive scan also applies to DVD players for the same reason. DLP is a device that uses lots of tiny mirrors, one for each pixel. EDTV is generally 480p or 720p while HDTV is normally at least 1080p.

Plasma screens use a gas similar to neon in tiny chambers. These are flat and very thin to be hung on the wall. These models are usually the most expensive of the television sets. LCDs are based on laptop displays. Like Plasma, they are flat, but generally on a stand. If you have seen a laptop computer, you have seen an LCD display. Rear Projections and projectors use 3 "guns" to project an image on the screen. The projectors are generally small and lightweight and can be hidden in areas usually from the ceiling for unobstructed views of the projection screen.

Plasma screens are the television of the future. Everyone wants one, but few can afford one. Keep in mind, though, that the washing machine was once a luxury only afforded to the wealthy, and now it is a staple in every home. The Plasma generally has a life span of about 10 years. The rear projection televisions are less expensive, but generally very heavy. With these, as well as projectors, the best viewing is from a distance. The closer you get to the screen, the less clear the picture becomes. The size of many of these televisions is a deciding factor for many people. If you are set in your home and know you will be there for a great time, then the larger, heavier models may be a good choice for you. If you rent and move from apartment to apartment regularly, then you may consider a projector or lightweight plasma or LCD model.

Understanding a home theater system is extremely necessary before you begin your search for the perfect home theater. You must know what you are looking for so that you do not spend needless money on an accessory that the salesboy at Electronics World wishes his parents had bought him for his last birthday. Do your homework online as well as in the stores before making any purchase towards your new home theater.

By Lori Cunningham

Digital picture frames are are a great way to view your favorite pictures, family vacation pictures, baby pictures, well, you get the picture. You can display either one picture, or run a slideshow of many pictures. 

This article explains the features you should keep in mind when purchasing a digital picture frame as well as give some interesting uses of how this handy device can be used in your home or business.

What To Look For

Size

Today's digital picture frames range in size from 2 inches to up to 40 inches! Yes, that's right, 40 inches! The most typical size purchased though is from 7 to 10 inches - big enough to display a 4x6 or 5x7 picture. The larger the size, the larger the price. 

Decide where you want to place the digital frame first (and make sure it's near a power source), then you'll have a better idea of how big the screen should be for viewing.

With digital frames, you have the option of buying a standard 4:3 aspect ratio size or widescreen 16:9 ratio. The 16:9 ratio will stretch your photos and/or cut off your pictures. Most cameras produce pictures in the standard 4:3 ratio, so choose a picture frame with this standard.

Appearance

Digital picture frames come in all sizes and looks. You can buy ones with metal, wood, or even plastic looking frames. Many models now come with interchangeable plates (frames) so you can choose the look that best works with your decor. There are two types of picture finish, matte and glass. A matte finish works best as a glass finish can create glare.

Resolution

Resolution refers to how many pixels are on the screen. The more pixels the better the clarity and richness of the picture. Lately, there have been a lot of good deals out there for digital picture frames. Prices have really come down these past few years. However, check the specs on the picture frame carefully. Many of these "great deals" have low resolutions which means poor display quality. Ensure the picture frame you buy is no lower than 640x480 in resolution. Typically, a 7 inch frame should have resolution of 720x480, an 8 inch should have 800x600 resolution, and frames over 10 inches should have at least 1024x768 resolution.(1)

Display

The best way to ensure you'll like the digital frame is to test it out first. How does the picture quality look? Do the pictures look vibrant? Do the pictures load fast during the slideshow? If you back away 7 feet, can you see the picture fine? What if you move to the left and right, does the picture show well or is there glare? Most stores do not let you see the picture frame in action, so you might not be able to test this until you get the picture frame home.

Power

All digital picture frames need to be plugged into a wall outlet. Some models have an internal battery or allow for rechargeable batteries so you can pass your picture frame around the room to others without cables. To save money, look for an auto on/off feature in a digital frame. Frames with this feature can be programmed to come on only at night but turn off at a certain hour. This is a great feature and will allow your frame to be enjoyed more. Otherwise, you either 1.) let the picture frame run day and night or 2.) you unplug it when you're not using it - which is most of the time, thus not enjoying your frame and then you'll forget about it.

Enhanced Features

Digital picture frames can do more than just display pictures. Many frames also play songs (mp3's) and videos. Consult the instructions on the box as to which type of formats the frame takes. Different brands accept different formats. 

By uploading mp3's into your frame, you can now show your picture slide shows along with your favorite music. The speakers in the frame offer decent sound and guests are often surprised by the novelty of seeing your pictures along with the music.

Video is another cool feature you can upload into your digital frame. You can upload any videos (ensure the format is supported by your frame). The possibilities are endless - home movies, music videos, movies, tv shows, you name it. Nonetheless, the smooth playing of a video depends on the quality of the picture frame you purchase.

The main benefit here is having your home movies readily accessible to watch at a moment's notice. If the frame's internal memory you buy is not large, this is not a problem. You can add your home videos to a large memory card and plug it into your digital picture frame. The video will still play very well. 

Most frames come with a remote control so you can change pictures or settings without getting up from the couch. You'll want to keep the remote nearby as some of the digital picture frame's functions can only be accessed by the remote control.

How Pictures are Imported

Surprisingly enough, there are several ways to input your pictures into a digital frame: 

  * Memory card - you can take the memory card from your camera and plug it into your digital picture frame to display the pictures right away. Most picture frames take several types of memory cards. If needed, you can buy an adaptor which plugs into the picture frame and allows for additional memory card types. One nice advantage with memory cards is that you can plug your memory card into friends' or family member's digital frames while visiting them. Furthermore, if you bought your parents or your grandparents a digital picture, you can give them or mail a memory card to them so they can plug in the latest pics.
  * USB - to cut out an extra step, you can connect your digital frame to your computer by a USB or mini USB cord. Using either the software that comes with the digital picture frame or My Computer on Windows PC's, you can copy pictures directly into your frame. There are also some digital picture frames which allow you to use a USB thumb drive to download your pictures.
  * Wireless - some digital picture frames have Wi-Fi (wireless) capability to connect to your wireless network in your house. The digital picture frame can connect to a specific folder on your computer, so anytime you update that folder with new pictures, your digital picture frame will display them automatically. You can also upload pictures from any device that is Wi-Fi enabled such as camera phones, media players, etc. In addition, with WiFi's digital picture frames, you can connect to your online picture sites, such as Flickr or Facebook. Wireless works well but be aware that sometimes setting up the digital picture frame to work with your wireless network can be problematic. Furthermore, digital frames with Wi-Fi tend to cost more.
  * Bluetooth - allows you to send pictures or music from your Bluetooth enabled phone or mobile device to your picture frame. You may also be able to print pictures to your Bluetooth enabled printer.
  * Phone Line - some frames have a phone line connection. This is handy if you have older parents or grandparents are not familiar with technology but love having the latest pics of your kids. From your computer at home and the software provided with the picture frame, you upload pictures directly into your parents or grandparents picture frame, even if they live across the country. Typically, however, there is a fee for this service.
  * Cellphone Link - T-Mobile has a new digital picture frame on the market called the Cameo. It retails for $100 but there is a $10 monthly that comes with it. The Cameo picture frame actually has a cell number and e-mail address attached to it so you (or anyone else) can send it pictures directly. You must be a T-Mobile customer to buy the digital picture frame though.
  * Internal Memory - some digital frames have internal memory so that once you upload your pictures into the device using one of the methods listed above, you can play the pictures directly from your picture frame. Showing pictures directly from the picture frame helps speed up the slideshow of your pictures. Most digital picture frames have internal memories from a few gigabytes up to 80 gigabytes or more. Opt for a larger internal memory - it allows you to enjoy viewing more pictures for longer without uploading frequently.

NOTE: Keep in mind that any pictures you import into your digital frame will be imported exactly as they are. So if your picture is not rotated correctly, it will be imported into your picture frame that way. It is easier to make changes before importing your pictures into your picture frame. However, most digital picture frames do offer simple editing such as picture rotation, cropping, and color correction.

Interesting Uses for Digital Picture Frames

You've seen digital frames before at people's houses. If they are on, they are really appealing and draw your eyes toward them. Some people even have several in one room displaying different "themes" or family activities. Digital Picture Frames are great when you have family gatherings. But do people really have them playing everyday? Probably not. 

So, what are some other uses for digital picture displays?

  * Home - display vacations, events, your kids scanned in artwork, flash cards for kids, family heritage pics so kids know their family members better, motivational messages - who doesn't need a pick-me up once in a while?
  * Doctor's Office - display quotes of the day, pictures of the Dr. and staff, candid moments in the office - these are all ways to help build a relationship with your clients.
  * Dental - before & after pics of teeth and smiles, reasons why patients should get a whitening treatment done, pictures of happy patients.
  * Real Estate - a great way to display houses for sale with their prices. Display reasons why a potential client should sign up with your office versus another agent. Show success stories of how you helped families find and move into their dream home.
  * Retail Stores - display products, promotion announcements, upcoming sales, pictures of staff helping customers, the store's website address and picture of the website.
  * Auto Body Shops - a great way to display before and after pics of cars the shop has worked on. Display your guarantee and reasons why your shop is better than the others.
  * Dealerships - display cars available, explanation of popular car features, on-going dealership deals, biography of the sales people. 
  * Churches - display announcements, upcoming sermon titles, welcome new members, pictures of members at church events, baptisms, youth groups, etc.
  * Restaurants - display current deals, menu items, your logo, any promotions going on.
  * Preschools/Schools - display pics of kids playing, promotions, your logo, accreditations, deadlines for sign-ups.
  * Weddings - show pics of couples' years together leading up to the marriage. Display pictures of the bride and groom during childhood. Make it even more fun by adding pictures to the frame that you took while the wedding is still going on.
  * For Sale By Owner - place digital frames through out house displaying features of house, any before and after examples, benefits of the neighborhood, schools, etc.

NOTE: Logo's, promotional notes, advertisements, quotes, etc. can be made using PowerPoint and saving the slide as a jpeg. Then it can be uploaded into your frame.

 Digital picture frames are a great way to display pictures. They can make your old pictures new again and become much more lively than sitting on your computer's hard drive. However, in reality, you probably aren't going to use the digital picture frame on a daily basis. If you run the pictures off of the internal memory, you'll be displaying the same pictures over and over again and the digital frame will lose it's luster.

Final Words on Digital Picture Frames

Keeping this in mind, if you buy a digital frame, don't feel guilty if you only use it when you have guests or family over. You don't need to use it every day. Having guests over is a great way to show them what you've been up to - as their interest allows. If they're intrigued, they'll watch more, if not, that's ok too.

The key features to look for in a digital frames, besides quality, would be:

  1. Wi-Fi enabled in order to connect to your home computer to play random pictures from your numerous pictures -- an endless variety. Connecting to the Internet would also be valued to display your online pictures or those of your friends.
  2. Having the auto on/off feature would be great - that way you could always have it on and not worrying about remembering to turn it off at night.
  3. A decent size screen - probably at least 10 inches - so you could see the picture well from across the room.

If you're in the market for a digital frame or are seriously thinking about buying one for a gift, consider first the technical ability of the user. If the user is not technical and has no one in the family to support technology, a Wi-Fi picture frame would be overkill. A USB or memory card digital picture frame works great. 

By Don Anthony Gomez  

Regardless of whether you are a real estate professional selling a home for a client or if you are selling your own home as a "For Sale By Owner", one thing you have to be very aware of is that GOOD PICTURES SELL HOMES. If your pictures aren't good when buyers see your home on the Internet or the MLS, they will simply pass it up and move on to the next home. To assist you in getting the home sold, I've assembled a list of some top things that you should do to try to get the best photos possible.

1) Know how your pictures will show up on various websites. I recommend you take the main pictures for the home horizontally vs vertically or in panoramic mode. The Charlotte Region MLS (and some other websites) stretches a vertically taken picture out and distorts the image making it look much wider than it really is. It also squishes the image if it is a wide, panoramic image. You especially don't want your main photo to look stretched out, so it is very important to understand how your picture is being viewed on the websites. I see this error mostly with townhomes, as the Realtor(R) typically wants to get the single unit being sold and avoid the attached neighbors. In my opinion, it's better to get the neighbors in the picture and show an accurate depiction of the home.

2) Bright rooms sell homes. Have all the lights on in the room to make it as bright as possible when taking the picture. Dark rooms are a huge turn-off to buyers. If a light bulb is out, replace it and create a bright room. I find that using the "night" setting on a digital camera often works best to get the room bright, almost to the point of over exposure. 

3) Remove sunlight "shadows". If the sun is shining directly in the window causing bright sunlight on the floor, bed, table, or other area, angle the blinds up to remove the sunlight "shadow" from the picture if at all possible. You can still have a bright room, but it's better to have a consistent brightness rather than having places with sunlight patches.

4) Sell the home, not the furniture. Take pictures of the room features, not the furniture (i.e. bedroom with window, not just picture of the bed). All too often I'll see a picture of the master bed when they could be taking a picture of the room with beautiful tray ceiling and a wall of windows. Remember, it is the house they are buying, not the furniture.

5) Take lots of pictures. Try different camera flash settings and lens opening times to get the best picture of one angle. Sometimes the pictures come out better with a flash on "night" setting, or no flash at all. I typically take about 4 pictures from each position. Flash/no flash on "auto" setting and "night" setting. The great thing about digital pictures is that you can just delete the ones you don't want.

6) Take room pictures at angles rather than straight on. Especially with a wide angle lens, this can be a very effective technique to showcase the room. The angled picture gives the room better depth, and you can usually get a couple of walls in the picture this way.

7) Make it a model home. Try to make it like a model home with things as neat, tidy, and impersonal as possible. Remove all personal photos, as well as child and pet toys (i.e. building blocks, dog bowl, cat litter box, etc.). You want the pictures to show the space, not who lives there.

8) Close closet doors for pictures. Unless you are specifically taking a picture of a large walk-in closet, it's best to have the closet doors closed for pictures.

9) Remove unnecessary things from the room whenever possible. Trash cans, cluttered countertops, refrigerator magnets, kitchen and bathroom towels, toiletries, etc., do not need to be in the pictures. Be sure to look at what will be seen in the picture before taking it. If something doesn't need to be there, move it out of the way for the picture.

10) Use the bathroom mirror to your advantage. Bathroom shots are probably the most difficult to take. Even with very large bathrooms, it's tough to get everything in the picture. To do this most effectively, take the picture of the vanity at an angle, and the mirror can often be used to show the shower and tub.

Using these tips will help you create some of the best photos possible to bring your buyer to your home. Don't let your buyer skip over your home when they are searching online simply because the pictures don't do your home justice.

 Give them the good pictures they need to see so they are drawn to your home so you can get it SOLD!