Evidence to support our prediction… LCD vs. Plasma

In our blog entry from June 6 - http://blog.solidsignal.com/index.php/2007/06/12/hd-predications - we predicted LCD would continue to emerge as a frontrunner in terms of HDTV. 

A recent article from the Financial Times discussed this trend. “Hirotsugu Terada, the head of Sharp’s audio/video group, forecast that sales of large LCD TVs in
Japan would reach 1.1m units in the half year from October to March 2008, compared with 478,000 units for plasma televisions.” 

So it sounds like LCD sales could be more than double that of plasma. Although plasma was originally the frontrunner, LCD technology innovations have positioned it for future growth, a trend Solid Signal has been noticing, especially as more 1080p LCD TVs 50 inches or larger have been introduced. 

Now – we are not saying not to buy plasma. Different factors, from budget to use to personal preference can influence the decision.  At Solid Signal, our goal is to help you find the best product to meet your personal needs.  We’ve gone as far as to contact a customer after they order something to let them know something else might be a better fit.  This is why there is a “Have a product question” button by every product – we are happy to answer anything to help you find the right products to enhance your technology!

Tuesday ~ July 07, 2007 by SolidSignal_MusaPosted in General News| No Comments

 

Do you have an HDTV set… and do you have HD programming?

Although these should go hand in hand, they are very different questions.  A recent study from the Consumer Electronics Association shows that 30 percent of U.S households have HDTV…but less than half (44 percent) of HDTV owners receive HD programming.  

Owners cite a few reasons for not getting HD programming… including cost and disinterest.  In addition, many admit to not knowing if they have HD programming or not. 

If cost is the issue for you – we understand.  HD programming can be expensive.  One cost effective way to get HD programming is an antenna.  For a low, one-time cost, you can receive high quality over-the-air HD content. 

Antennas provide free access to regional channels – some areas have more than 30 stations available over the air, including music and weather channels.  But for those of you who can’t live without HD programming from ESPN and other networks, cable or satellite is the way to go. 

The moral of this study is that many of you aren’t experiencing the true benefits of your HDTV set.  We can help you pick out an affordable antenna or the right satellite provider to enhance your experience – without breaking the bank.

Tuesday ~ July 07, 2007 by SolidSignal_MusaPosted in General News| No Comments

 

Solid Signal is expanding!

Because we’re an online electronics retailer, you probably don’t think twice about our office space.  However – this space is used to fulfill all of our orders.  Unlike many online retailers – who don’t warehouse their own products – we have inventory of all products right here at Solid Signal headquarters.  This is multi-functional, giving us access to our own products to ensure quality, take detailed, in-house photos and have extensive product knowledge based on actual experience. 

And because of our growth since 2002 – thanks to your support and loyalty – we are out of space.  So, next month, we are moving!  As you can imagine, it is busy (as usual) around here, but we are excited to more than triple our space to be able to continue to expand our product line as well as customer base.

Monday ~ July 07, 2007 by SolidSignal_JerryPosted in General News| No Comments

 

Have a “Ghost” in your house? How to get rid of it.

We’ve all had them in our house.  You’re watching TV late at night, in the dark…and all of a sudden… no, not poltergeist.  We’re referring to that image on your TV screen that does not belong – usually appearing as a replica of the desired image that is fainter and offset from the primary image. 

It’s called a ghost. 

What causes this?  Well, many structures can reflect TV signals much like they reflect light. This can lead to the TV receiver “seeing” more than one version of the TV signal. Ghosting results when a TV signal arrives at the receiver via more than one path. Low areas in a neighborhood are especially susceptible to ghosting.

Structures that cause this include church steeples, apartment/condominium buildings, school buildings, office and industrial buildings, large communications/radio/TV towers, athletic field lighting towers, and high tension power lines and towers.  

Trees and foliage aren’t usually a problem, but in some cases foliage can absorb TV signals and reduce their strength. Visit our forum for more info on what does and doesn’t cause ghosting, and discuss your own experience.  

More importantly, how can I fix it?  If ghosting is caused by a single structure that creates one distinct ghost image, a medium or large multi-directional antenna may be useful with careful positioning to eliminate the reflected signal. However, the antenna may require different positioning for each channel.  

Directional antennas are the most ghost-resistant antennas since they “see” in only one direction and have a tendency not to see the reflected ghost signal. The further away from structures the antenna is located the less likely a problem will occur. Many factors, however, such as the structure’s total surface area, the direction it faces, and neighborhood terrain, will influence how much effect the structure will have on TV reception. Visit http://www.antennaweb.org for additional info. 

In 2009, ghosts will permanently disappear when we switch to digital.  See our previous blog posting for more information on this, or call us at 1-866-3-SIGNAL.

Friday ~ June 06, 2007 by SolidSignal_MikePosted in General News| No Comments

 

2009: Digital Switch – what does it mean for antennas?

If you have not heard much about the 2009 switch from analog to digital signal – don’t worry, you will soon. 

Stories have started appearing in the New York Times, Yahoo, Consumer Reports and more about the topic.  There are a lot of helpful articles, sites and seminars emerging to make this easier for consumers and businesses.  Visit the DTV Transition Coalition for more information.   

Since there are a lot of great resources for understanding this switch, we’d like to focus on one particular aspect:  antennas.   As we make the switch to digital, antennas will continue to be a great way to get free, high quality content.  In addition, digital over-the-air TV is opening up opportunities for the regional networks to provide more channels.  In some markets, there are up to 30 channels available free and over the air to antenna users, including weather, music and movie channels.   

Here are a few tips for helping your antenna make the transition:

  • If you use an antenna to supplement cable or satellite, you will be unaffected.    
  • If you only use an antenna, but have an HDTV bought in the last few years, you’ll be unaffected.
  • If you only use an antenna, and have an older TV, listen here.  You will need to attach an external device that contains a digital tuner.  There  are a few ways to do this:
    • You can buy a digital converter box that converts digital feed from the antenna into analog signals your TV can accept.
    • You can also buy a new VCR, DVD recorder, or a DVR that contains a digital tuner.
    • If you do need to purchase digital converter boxes, you will be eligible for two $40 coupons from the government, but they are limited quantity.  See http://www.dtv.gov/ for more information.

Now – this isn’t Y2K.  We know what to expect and can prepare for the switch. Antennas will be a great way to continue receiving high quality content, so make sure you get a digital converter devise if necessary.  Please feel free to call (1-866-3-SIGNAL ) or email Solid Signal and let us know how we can help you.

Friday ~ June 06, 2007 by SolidSignal_MikePosted in General News| No Comments

 

A Multiswitch and a Light Bulb

Sometimes the best ideas can come when you’re not really looking for them.  Back in 2002, I was looking for a Spaun Multiswitch… a product that connects multiple receivers to a single satellite dish.  The product was new on the market and I could not find it anywhere.  After much effort, I decided to just contact the manufacturer. I got the product… and a light bulb went on in my head: if I am having trouble finding this… I bet others are too.  So I made a deal to distribute the Multiswitch.

And now Solid Signal offers thousands of products to help our customers solve technology problems. 

The multiswitch remains a popular product at Solid Signal.  For more information on multiswitches and how to choose the right one for you, CLICK HERE.  And while we’re on the topic of improving your experience with satellite TV, now is a great time to upgrade your DIRECTV equipment.  We have the DIRECTV(R) Plus HD DVR (HR20) for only $285.99.  This allows users to record one HD program while watching another and record two different shows at the same time, while watching a pre-recorded program. You can also pause and rewind live HD TV up to 90 minutes, use instant replay and watch in slow motion.

As DIRECTV expands its HD programming and with prices as low as they have ever been, it is an ideal time to upgrade. 

Solving problems and enhancing your technology - that’s why we’re here.  Let us know how we can help you solve a problem!

Wednesday ~ June 06, 2007 by SolidSignal_JerryPosted in General News| No Comments

 

HD Predictions

Through working with thousands of customers as well as personal research, Solid Signal has insight on the future of HD technology. Here are a few predictions we propose for the next five years, in terms of high definition television.

  • Transition from a “home theater room” to a media room. These days, systems in the home are increasingly connected and many homes have personal home theaters.  We see these trends continuing to come together as average families have media rooms with convergence of computers, HDTVs, HD DVD players, sound, lighting and so on to enhance customers’ technology experiences.
  • 1080p. This will be the main resolution sold in the future – because there is nothing better that will be practical for average buyers.
  • LCD as frontrunner.  Technology innovation has been more prevalent with LCD than with plasma – i.e. there are few 1080p plasmas in 50 inch or larger .
  • Bigger is better (for TVs). Most new HD televisions purchased are 42 inches and up.  This will only increase as technology becomes more affordable.
  • Using an antenna to get HD. Antennas are an affordable way for customers to get the best HD picture quality.  At Solid Signal, we’ve seen sales surge in the past few years and anticipate this continuing to increase as more people own HDTVs and learn about the benefits of antennas.

Working with professional media installers – as well as average families – helps us see these HD trends in action.  Let us help you stay on top of the latest tech trends!  Visit www.solidsignal.com for the latest products or discuss your thoughts on trend predications in our forum.

Tuesday ~ June 06, 2007 by SolidSignal_MusaPosted in General News| No Comments

 

Why not 1080p?

A lot of people are asking…why go 1080p?  Is it worth the money?  What are the benefits?  At Solid Signal, we are asking the question…why not? If you can afford it, we believe 1080p resolution is definitely worth the investment and here are a few reasons why…

  • “P” is the future: 5 years from now, progressive will most likely be the main resolution sold.  Invest now, and you won’t be jealous in a few years when your friend’s TV is cooler than yours.
  • There really is a difference: Although not a lot of high def broadcasts are currently done in 1080p resolution, we immediately notice when a program is broadcast in 1080p.  Seeing is believing… check out this link for a visual depiction of the different technologies http://www.westinghousedigital.com/1080p_tour.html
  • Convergence between computers and TVs:  Hooking up your computer monitor to a TV with 1080p resolution (which, by the way, is pretty simple) will provide picture quality you wouldn’t believe.  Because we’re seeing more and more technology convergence, owning a TV with 1080p resolution will enhance other technology in your home as well. 
  • Something to get excited about:  One Solid Signal employee’s wife viewed a slide show of family photos on a computer monitor hooked up to a TV with 1080p resolution and it was something she really got excited about. So it has benefits for geeks and non-geeks alike!
    And here’s a cheat sheet on what all the numbers and letters really meani: stands for interlaced Displays every other line in one scanSources come across on the screen sequentially: the odd-numbered lines of resolution appear on your screen first, then the even-numbered lines - within 1/30 of a second.  p: stands for progressive.  Displays every line in a single scan


    Faster, resulting in sharper moving images      1080: stands for the number of lines of vertical resolution.  As you might suspect, the higher the number, the better the picture quality.   Feel free to contact us http://www.solidsignal.com/contact_us.asp with any questions or comments about the value of 1080p.

Tuesday ~ May 05, 2007 by SolidSignal_MusaPosted in General News| No Comments

 

Cell phone accessories you didn’t know you wanted

Ever leave your phone at home and have to turn around and drive 20 minutes to get it? We have.  Although there is no product designed to ensure you won’t forget your phone, there are a lot of helpful cell phone accessories on the market…

  • Kyocera Bluetooth Rearview Mirror Car Kit:  For a safe and effective way to talk while in the car, a review mirror car kit can help.  Mounting directly over most standard rear-view mirrors, this safety anti-glare mirror offers full hands-free functionality along with DSP technology for echo and noise cancellation.
  • Cell phone booster:  If you’re part of the 35% of wireless phone users having trouble maintaining cell phone signal strength inside your home or office, a cell phone signal booster is the cell phone accessory you can’t live without.  Covering approximately 2,500 square feet, The Wireless Extender from Wi-Ex boosts the cell phone signal inside your home or office.
  • Marine Antenna:  Still need access to your phone while enjoying a relaxing afternoon boating?  Digital Antenna’s 2.4GHz premium quality 10dB gain omni-directional antennas achieve optimal signal range on 802.11 b/g wireless LANs, Bluetooth and multipoint radio equipment where high gain and wide coverage is desired.  Relax knowing you won’t miss a call.
  • Extended life cell phone batteries: Tired of having to charge your cell phone daily or even several times a day?  An extended cell phone battery is a low cost way to increase the life of your battery – and phone.

A recent study said the U.S. market for consumer-electronics accessories is expected to grow more than 11% in 2007.  The study also found 97% of consumers who purchased items online were satisfied with their experience.  At SolidSignal.com, we offer hundreds of cell phone accessories and look forwarding to helping you choose the right product to enhance your cell phone.

Thursday ~ April 04, 2007 by SolidSignal_MikePosted in General News| No Comments

 

Five Reasons to Use an HDTV Antenna

It seems like we’ve been hearing the debate about Satellite vs. Cable for years.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that you can also use an antenna to get your HD programming.  And antennas provide the best HD picture quality available – without the monthly bills.  Here are five reasons to use an HDTV antenna.

  • Picture Quality:  The best HD picture quality comes from an antenna because antennas don’t compress the digital signal like cable and satellite providers. HDTV antennas pull the signal directly from the broadcast, giving the viewer “true” HDTV picture quality. 
  • Affordability:  The over-the-air HD signal you get with an antenna is free. The cost of the HDTV antenna (ranging from under $10 to $400) and a digital tuner (if your TV doesn’t already have one) will be your only expenses.
  • Improved Channel Availability:  Digital over-the-air TV has opened up opportunities for the regional networks to provide more channels. In some markets, there are as many as 30 channels available free and over the air to HDTV antenna users, including weather, music and movie channels.
  • Streamline Design:  Many of today’s antennas provide high performance AND style.
  • Personalized Options:  With a large number of HDTV antenna choices available, there is most likely one that will fit your specific, individual needs. Solid Signal can provide advice for the best product for you. Visit our “Antenna Help” page. 

And even if you do have satellite or cable, an HDTV antenna can be used as a supplement for a low, one-time cost.  Antennas can integrate right into satellite venues and provide HD in a situation where the program might not be available in HD from your satellite or cable provider.

For more information, check out www.solidsignal.com/antennas/.

Monday ~ April 04, 2007 by SolidSignal_MikePosted in Solid Signal News| No Comments

 

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