The “real” reason phones explode
Count this as another article I’ve been meaning to write for a long time. It’s a little late considering the whole Samsung Galaxy Note explosion thing seems like ten years ago. So yes, we all know…
Read MoreArticles by Stuart Sweet
EDITORIAL: I hate Bluetooth, because it hates me back
That’s right, I’m coming out as a Bluetooth hater. And it’s not just because of its mid-2000s use as an ostentatious piece of ear-jewelry for the jerk-ridden elite. Let me tell you my story. I was…
Here’s your solution for a cell booster on a yacht
You want your phone to work. Everywhere. You’re not about to give up being connected to the outside world just because you get on the water. If you’re a marine enthusiast who stays within about 25…
FUN FRIDAY: Stupid Cats
Look, I’m not the first one to say it. This year hasn’t exactly been easy for a lot of people. And here we are, finally at the end of it, at least in the last month…
Yes, DIRECTV is raising prices again. What will you do?
The yearly price increase tango has been with us over a decade. It’s outlasted DIRECTV’s stewardship by three different companies and it shows no sign of stopping. Surely you’ve already heard that prices on DIRECTV service…
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Millennial Tech
I pick on millennials a lot. But I shouldn’t considering they’ll run the world when I retire. If you’re one of that magic generation born between 1980 and 1995, who grew up with participation medals, tamagotchis,…
Slow playlist? Empty Playlist? DIRECTV customers, you’re not alone.
It’s not just you. Many people have reported that their playlists are very slow to respond, or they get an empty list for up to five seconds on their DIRECTV DVRs. This seems to boil down…
Keep snow off the dish… with a garden hose?
Some folk wisdom tells us that a cheap way to keep snow off your dish is to spray it thoroughly with a garden hose. In fact, this does sometimes work. Water from the hose is warmer…
In case you’re bored… Randall Stephenson speaks Dec. 6
Sometimes I miss the old days. Back when DIRECTV was its own entity and run by firebrands like Chase Carey and Mike White, conference calls were always a thrill. Oh, the prepared comments were boring of…
Free Preview of almost all premium channels on DIRECTV this weekend!
Now there’s something to be thankful for. DIRECTV has opened up pretty much every premium channel for this weekend, so get started bingeing on Westworld and all of the other great premium content out there. Recordings you make during…
Before you buy that cheap 4K TV…
If you’re looking for bargains this year, you’re certainly going to be tempted by some of the 4K TVs you’re seeing in holiday ads. I’ve seen a 50″ 4K TV advertised for under $300, which is…
Will putting up those lights burn down the house?
If you’re like most people you’re thinking of using a bit more electricity this time of year. No matter what your belief system, you may be considering decorating the outside of your home and most likely…
Consumer Electronics Equipment for Holiday Trips
The holidays mean long road trips for many people each year. Make sure you have the consumer electronics equipment you need for your holiday trip. Is a trip to Aunt Bertha’s for a holiday dinner in…
Is this the “Golden Age” of wireless?
Anyone else remember this record? It’s actually one of the first actual CDs I bought, back when buying a CD was an incredibly forward-thinking thing to do. But that’s not the point of this article, not…
REVIEW: DIRECTV 4K (Late 2016)
As we inch closer to 2017, it’s time to take another look at 4K and answer the question, “Is DIRECTV still the place to be for 4K?” After launching with a lot of fanfare this past…