Declaration of DIY TV Installation Part 2

Posted by Frank under Homeowner, Tips

There are a number of websites that have easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for wall mounting your own flat-panel television. Most of them contain the proverbial warnings that point out dangerous consequences if the process isn’t carefully followed. “The television may fall down if…” (Or) “You may electrocute yourself if…” Some of these websites even point out potentially fatal errors that are common for the average Do-It-Yourself consumer. Aside from these extreme examples, there are a few common mistakes people make when wall mounting a flat panel television. Below is one example from this extensive series that we call the ‘Declaration of DIY TV Installation’.

CABLE CATCH-22

Brand new HD Television: $1000.00
Satellite/Cable bill for HD content: $15.00/Month
Wall mount bracket: $200.00

Not being able to watch HD quality programs because you used the old cables - disappointing.
You’ve maxed out your new Visa card for High Definition TV, but for some reason the picture doesn’t look as great as it did when the TV was on the showroom floor. Is it retail trickery? Is it a slippery salesman using the old “bait-and-switch” tactic? Is it a defective TV? None of these questions apply.

When you installed that shiny new piece of technological brilliance you used the same old yellow, red, and white composite cables. These wires can’t carry the amount of information necessary to use your new TV to its potential, thus, no HD for you. Most new televisions have several options for what type of cable you can use. Be sure to look at the back of the TV and each piece of source equipment (cable/satellite box, TiVo, DVD player, receiver, etc) and make the proper wiring selections. It absolutely makes a difference.

Recognizing this list only represents a snippet of the perils involved with wall mounting a flat-panel television, should you choose to take the plunge yourself we have a few overall recommendations.

1. Research several DIY websites and learn as much as you can.
2. Have the proper tools and equipment ready before you begin.
3. Work slowly and follow the manufactures directions.
4. Most importantly, be prepared from the onset to call an expert if you
   run into trouble. With ServiceLive, you’re only a few clicks away from a
   professional.

Credits: Scott Hall at www.westwingsolutions.com

Tags: Cables, DIY, High Definition TV, technology, TV Installation

Declaration of DIY TV Installation

Posted by Frank under Homeowner, Tips

There are a number of websites that have easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for wall mounting your own flat-panel television. Most of them contain the proverbial warnings that point out dangerous consequences if the process isn’t carefully followed. “The television may fall down if…” (Or) “You may electrocute yourself if…” Some of these websites even point out potentially fatal errors that are common for the average Do-It-Yourself consumer. Aside from these extreme examples, there are a few common mistakes people make when wall mounting a flat panel television. Below is one example from this extensive series that we call the ‘Declaration of DIY TV Installation’.

The Cable Quandary

Even when the length of the necessary cables is carefully measured, they will never be long enough. Although you measured that 6’ cable when you opened the package, it shrank the minute you plugged it into the TV and now won’t reach the DVD player. It can be initially painful for the pocketbook, but spare yourself the aggravation by purchasing longer cables than you think you will need.

It is far better to have an extra foot of cable than have one that is two inches too short. Many consumers make the mistake of neglecting to measure the horizontal distances and adding it to the overall length. When you think you have the right measurement, add to it, and make sure you can convert meters to feet. To further add to the cable length quandary, most manufactures make (and advertise) their cable lengths using the metric system. (Hint: 1 meter = 3.2808399 feet).

When you find yourself digging a hole, we all know that rule #1 is to stop digging. Rule #2 is to immediately find your mouse (the one tethered to your computer), go to ServiceLive.com and click on a professional.  Identify what needs to be done, schedule a time that is convenient for you, indicate the amount you are willing to pay, and grab yourself a cold beverage.

Credits: Scott Hall at www.westwingsolutions.com

Tags: Cabling, DIY, Installation, technology, TV

Technology Growing Exceedingly

Posted by Frank under Business News, Tech

There are approximately 850 million computers worldwide, 71% more than in 2000, according to eTForecasts, a market research form. By 2010, eTForecasts predicts 1.4 billion computers will be up and running.

The IT profession will see more job opportunities as this industry continues to grow in massive numbers. It’s expected that by 2010, the worldwide share of wireless computers is expected to grow from 19% to 55%, which means that over 2 billion people could be online by the end of this decade.

What’s causing this growth?

Thanks to falling computer and hardware prices, employment at computer service firms is projected to grow 55% by 2012, making it the second best industry to start and grow a business. The technology sector will see an increase in output as well, growing at a pace of 9.0% per year. Solutions for networking hardware, software, and communications technologies will make major gains in growth output. There’s even more good news for the computer service business. As this industry grows, so does computer security, as “hackers” and viruses are anticipated to increase over the next decade.

From homes to small businesses to multinational corporations, information technology has quickly become the lifeblood of the 21st century. With more software developed each day, the technology sector expects to see output grow by 8.4% per year through 2012.

What Technology job do you perform?

Tags: Business News, computers, services, technology, wireless