Choosing Your HDTV Television

To take full advantage of the great number of HDTV stations you can get with your satellite system, you will want a television with a breathtaking picture and mind blowing sound. When shopping for a television today, you have many more options than just a few years ago. From several hundred dollars, to a price similar to that of a new Corvette, you can choose the television to fit your budget and lifestyle.

If you want to watch satellite programming you will need a tv that is at least HDTV ready. Your satellite service provider will supply you with an HDTV tuner. Even if you will not be watching much HDTV programming, there is still a huge benefit to watching a digital television. All HDTV and HDTV ready tv's contain upconversion circuitry that cleans up the picture with even non HDTV signals.

If you watch a lot of movies or dvd's, you might want to purchase a widescreen television. A widescreen tv has a 16:9 aspect ratio screen, as opposed to the traditional television screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. You can enjoy watching movies on a screen shaped like a movie theater screen, and view non digital programming in a side cropped view, or stretch the picture to varying degrees to fill the screen. All HDTV programming uses the 16:9 aspect ratio.

The least expensive option is the good old fashioned CRT (cathode ray tube) television. It has been around since 1927, and it is the least expensive option. It is built around a single picture tube, and provides excellent contrast and overall picture quality. A higher end picture tube television will actually give a smoother appearance of motion than a flat-panel tv. The primary drawbacks of tube tv's are their immense weight (compared to newer technology), and the considerable depth of the sets themselves, both severely limiting your installation choices. Also, the largest tube television available is 36", so if you need a larger picture, you might want to step up to flat-panel television.

LCD and Plasma screens are the two options available in flat-panel televisions. Both are incredibly thin and lightweight, and can be wall mounted if you choose to do so. An LCD (liquid crystal display) contains thousands of crystals sandwiched between two glass or plastic plates, which are acted upon by electrical current, creating images on the screen. A plasma screen consists of thousands of pixel cells filled with gases that excite phosphors, producing light, and thereby your picture.

The weight of an LCD and a plasma tv are comparable, with the LCD models being slightly lighter in the 40" range. As the screen size approaches 60", the weight of the LCD overtakes that of the plasma screen. The display panel tends to last longer with the LCD than with the plasma models. LCD televisions are not vulnerable to burn-in, also known as image shadowing or ghosting, like plasma screens. burn-in is essentially burned, or worn out pixels in a plasma screen that have been damaged over a period of time and retain color information from static images like network logos, etc... Plasma tv's tend to have more accurate color reproduction than LCD models, and are currently less expensive than a comparable LCD. While the largest LCD tv at this writing is 65", that is likely to change quickly as the technology evolves with the latest innovations in the computer monitor industry. The largest plasma screen television currently produced is the Panasonic TH-103PZ600U103", which boasts a massive 103" screen, and is expected to carry a whopping retail price of about $70,000 when is hits US markets in late 2006.

Remember the old, bulky rear-projection televisions that were almost a yard deep and weighed nearly as much as a VW Bug? Todays digital big screen tv's take up much less space, and a 60" television can weigh under 100 lbs. Digital big screens are capable of brightness that is unmatched by the older CRT televisions, and do not suffer burn-in like the plasma tv's. These digital big-screens also contains a consumer replaceable lamp that restores picture quality to its original brilliance. Prices for these sets are very reasonable, usually one half to two thirds the price of a similar sized plasma or LCD television. One disadvantage of the big screen tv's is still size; even with technological advancements, these models take more room for installation than the flat screen televisions, and are not practical for wall mounting. The ideal viewing angle is only achieved straight on, and in a seated position.

For a true movie theater experience at home, a front projection tv may be a good choice. This is a two piece system consisting of a projector and a screen. They offer picture sizes up to 300", and do not include any type of tv tuner, instead displaying signals from a satellite receiver or cable box. The best viewing experience with a front projection setup requires a fairly dark environment, and is definitely not for everyone. However, for cinema lovers, there is no better way to bring your favorite film to life. Pricing for good projectors starts at just under $1000, and screen prices vary according to size, with most models falling somewhere between $300 and $1500.

Whether you watch mainly sporting events, movies, or dvd's, a modern television can give new life to your favorite programming. As technology advances at an astonishing pace, prices for larger and more sophisticated television sets continue to come down. If you do some shopping online and find that you can't quite afford the tv that you want, save money for five to six months; no matter how much or how little you are able to save, chances are you will be able to afford the set you want as prices come down. just don't blow the money you have saved - you might need to build a new room to house the larger set you will be buying in two years.

Gregg Pennington owns the website http://satellitetv.easy-lookup.com, a site dedicated to satellite tv and television technology.

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Spring Cleaning, Are You Ready?

Recently my wife and I completed our 'Spring Cleaning' at our home. Dust and cob-webs in those hard to reach places that go unnoticeable during the cold gloomy days of winter had to go. A fresh coat of paint here and there, window seals wiped clean, rugs beat, garage swept and organized...you know the drill. At our house the rule is that the golf clubs get put aside until all the 'Spring Cleaning Chores' are complete. This is obviously my wife's rule...not mine

Spring Cleaning at my house would not be complete until I have serviced my air conditioning units. Some of you that know me are laughing right now...yes, I know how to service my own system. Before I was a 'Solutions Provider', I turned wrenches. I am a former licensed and trained service technician. Getting my own hands dirty serves as a great reminder of the importance of 'Preventative Maintenance'. During the months of March and April, our 'Preventative Maintenance Services' are in overdrive. The task is daunting, but without proper preventative maintenance your system will not survive. Those squelching summer temperatures are jut around the corner, and my question to you is, "Are you ready? Is your building ready?"

In this edition I provide a very partial checklist you can use for your systems 'Spring Cleaning'. I don't have the space on this page to include all the tasks that our guys use for preventative maintenance, nor do you have the time to read them. Therefore, I will address a few various types of systems and list the most important items that need attention this spring. But first, lets see what the U.S. Department of Energy says about how proper preventative maintenance is directly related to energy savings:

HVAC Maintenance Procedures | Energy Savings %

1. Adjusting the operating sequence of operations: 25-30%
2. Cleaning Coils: 5-15%
3. Changing Dirty Air Filters: 10-15%
4. Removing Scale from Condenser Coils: 25-30%
5. Adjusting Air/Fuel Ratio of Burners: 15%
6. Cleaning Burner Assembly: 15%
7. Removing Soot from Fire Side of Burner: 9%
8. Eliminating Belt Slippage and Pulley Alignment: 15-20%

*Information provided by U.S. Department of Energy
Below I have broken down some of the most commonly types of air conditioning equipment into separate categories. Under each category I listed the top 5 Air Conditioning 'To-Dos' each spring. Detailed tasking may differ from say a commercial office building to an hospital, and a hospital may differ from the needs of a manufacturing plant. However, this is a condensed list that applies to all AC equipment no matter the business market you are in. If you are currently doing these, then you are ahead of the game. If not, then call me...my number is at the bottom.

ROOF TOP / UNITARY (DX) EQUIPMENT:

1. Filters: Replace filters every spring. This is one of the most basic and important maintenance no matter what the season. I recommend replacing the filters every 3 months at a minimum. The 40% pleated filters work best. Forget about the Wal-Mart, blue, cheapo filter.

2. Coils: Clean the Condenser Coils. The most labor intensive maintenance task every spring. The methodology behind what works the best when coil cleaning can be debated. Stay away from acid based and pressure washers. If using a pressure washer be sure to use a machine where the pressure can be regulated and the water volume can be increased. Check the evaporator coil. If the filters are changed regularly, then the evaporator coils will not require cleaning. If dirt does make it to the evap. coil, use a light soap solution that flushes down the condensate pan naturally. DON'T use condenser coil cleaner on the indoor evap. coil!

3. Belts: Check or Replace Belts. If more than one belt, make sure both are the correct matching size. Adjust pulleys as needed. Never force a belt onto the pulleys. Take the time to loosen the pulley, slide on the belt and tighten to scale. Always use a belt tension tool.

4. Drain Pan: Check or Clean the condensate pan. This little item if overlooked can be misinterpreted for a roof leak. I have seen clogged drain pans and traps ruin an expensive computer system. Algae drain tabs work, but use sparingly.

5. Compressor & Motors: Check operation of all condenser fan motors, evaporator motors and compressors. Record voltage and amperage for each motor and compressor. Then compare your readings with the nameplate. If the weather is warm, go ahead and put your refrigerant gauges on the compressors to check the charge. This should be done by a licensed service technician. The EPA and law requires it.

CHILLERS (Centrifugal) - Top 5 Items to check this Spring:

1. Condenser Tubes: Inspect and Clean the condenser tubes. If this task should be scheduled before warm temperatures arrive. At SML, we schedule this work to be done in February and March. Don't over brush. If water treatment program is handled with care, then minimal cleaning is required.

2. Compressor: Check operation and replace oil filter. Check oil levels and replace or add as necessary. Do not overfill (check O&M manual). Send oil sample to lab for analysis.

3. Log Sheets: Check and record a log of all temperature readings, fluid levels, pressure readings, and flow rates. Most manufacturing operating manuals include log sheets. Graphic control panels, standard equipment on many chillers since 1999, eliminate the need to manually record many of these statistics. These panels provide user-friendly logs on one large, active-matrix screen and enable operators to view multiple related parameters simultaneously on a single screen.

4. Purge Unit: The purge unit dehydrator should also be changed regularly, preferably every three months. Other preventive maintenance procedures that pertain to the purge unit include annual cleaning and inspecting of valves and orifices as well as draining and flushing oil and refrigerant from the purge unit shell.

5. Refrigerant Charge Level: Check for proper refrigerant charge and perform a leak check.

AIR HANDLERS - Top 5 Items to check this Spring:

1. Filters: As with the roof top equipment, the filters are vital to the efficiency and life cycle of the air handler. Replace filters every spring. I stumbled across this interesting article about filters. Click here to read.

2. Evaporator Motor: Check proper voltage and amperage for the evaporator motor and or motors. Lubricate if required.

3. Belts & Pulleys: Check or Replace Belts. If more than one belt, make sure both are the correct matching size. Adjust pulleys as needed. Refer to same belt replacement instructions listed above for rooftop units.

4. Drain Pan: Blow out condensate drain line with compressed air (DO NOT USE FREON!) and inspect piping and slope to floor drain.

5. Bearings: Inspect shaft and bearings for wear and tight fit. Tighten blower and bearing set screws and lock collars. Insure internal bearing lubrication feeder lines are connected and working. Please see O&M manual, because some bearings permanently lubricated.

CIRCULATING PUMPS -- Top 5 Items to check this Spring:

1. Motor: Check overall operation of motor. Check and record the voltage and compare with the nameplate. Check and record the amperage and compare with the nameplate.

2. Alignment: Use gauges to check for proper alignment between pump and motor.

3. Valves: Check all valves and strainers for proper operation. Clean strainers as necessary.

4. Mounting: Check all mounting bolts and brackets. Ensure the pump and motor is secure to the base plate.

5. Gaskets: Check for any leaks around all gaskets.

COOLING TOWERS - Top 5 Items to check this Spring:

1. Basin: Thoroughly flush and clean the cooling tower basin. Remove any debris that could clog the strainers and pumps. Inspect steel basin for corrosion and holes. All sumps should be observed for accumulation of debris, condition of screens and operation drain valves.

2. Motor: Check motor operation. Record voltage and amperage and compare with the nameplate. Some motors require oil. Please see the O&M manual for further information.

3. Belts and Bearings: Check or Replace Belts. If more than one belt, make sure both are the correct matching size. Adjust pulleys as needed. Use power band belts!

4. Water Treatment: Discuss water treatment program with the current service provider.

5. Fill: Inspect tower fill for any breakage, deterioration or any misplaced or missing splash bars. Look for damage to splash bar supports and fill supports.

Many of you who are technically inclined or have experience with HVAC Preventative Maintenance are screaming, "YOU FORGOT....". Yes, there is so much more like checking proper superheat, sub-cooling, vibration analysis, eddy current testing, contactor pitting...the list is long. However, the purpose of this edition of Mechanical Matters was to discuss some of the more important items that your equipment needs addressed every spring.

"I of course didn't show all my cards at once". If you are interested in learning more about your systems and a custom preventative maintenance program designed for your facility, please give me a call. At SML, we specialize in HVAC preventative maintenance every day. We are the professionals.

"So this spring please don't forget your HVAC equipment and as always remember to leave the Mechanical Matters to us!"

Jimmy Veteto, 901.378.7655
http://www.mechanicalmatters.com
http://www.jimmyveteto.com

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New Jersey Spas and Popular Massage Techniques

New Jersey has an excellent selection of spas that offer massage treatment and up-to-date services. This article provides some general information about well known massage techniques and information on where you can find plenty of excellent massage New Jersey spas.

hot Stone Massage
Compared to other massage techniques, the hot stone massage is relatively new. The hot stone massage does not hurt, which might be great for those with a low tolerance of pain, (some massages sometimes require deep and sometimes painful kneading) The stones are heated to an appropriate temperature and placed on specific body parts. body parts such as your legs and arms will have smaller stones on top of them, while your torso will have heavier stones up to 5 pounds placed on it. After the heat from the stone sink into your muscles, the therapist will rub the stones over your body. If you prefer going without the stone rubbing, you should just let the therapist know.

Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage uses kneading and strokes of the hand, which increases body circulation and create a sense of feeling well. The therapist will usually spread lotion, oil, or cream on your body. The therapist will then concentrate on massaging mostly the larger muscles such as the shoulders, neck, back, thighs, calves, etc. If you often find yourself stressed or aching this is a good massage for you

thai Massage
This is one of the oldest massages that have been practiced for thousands of years. Apart of the process is putting pressure on areas of the body, while the client is in yoga -like formations. There is a lot of concentration on the feet and legs. Many therapists also use a passive stretching technique. This means you do not have to participate in stretching but your therapist will do the work for you. The stretching will have different stages with periods of rest and is done slowly to prevent spasms.

Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage benefits the body as an whole and will put to use essential oils. This massage technique date back as far as 4000 years. techniques for aromatherapy massage range from very gentle hand strokes to firmer kneading of your muscles. Aromatherapy is effective ridding stress and making you relax. Providing clear communication to the therapist is very important on whether a technique hurts or is giving you any discomfort.

The following link will show you sites to find massage New Jersey spas and buying spa certificates and spa gift baskets for anyone special to you

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The Power Behind Yoga - See How Practicing Yoga Heals the Human Body

Practicing yoga is one of the best physical and emotional healers available. Anyone can practice yoga and benefit from it and there are some very basic reasons why. Besides the obvious physical benefits of a yoga workout, you also reap many positive emotional rewards. Stress is a leading cause of physical problems, such as cardio-vascular diseases, arthritis, reproductive problems, depression, anxiety and autoimmune diseases. yoga has such a powerful effect on our stress levels that our general physical health improves.

Yogic exercises improve breathing and blood circulation. Your muscles gently stretch and relax. You gain physical strength, which helps your body stay healthy and heal. Strong bodies will help us be resilient and bounce back from stress-related illness.

Yoga helps us relax by using proper breathing techniques and gentle, but strong poses. These poses act on our parasympathetic nervous system, which often needs help processing the damage that constant stress can cause. A sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure, shallow breathing, muscle tensing and excessive sweating are signs that a natural stress reaction is in full-swing! Our bodies, through our nervous system, can handle some of the stress easily and naturally, but many of us (most of us) are on overload -- we can be under so much stress that we have forgotten what "normal" feels like. Thats when our natural coping mechanism begins to become overwhelmed and sickness occurs. Yoga helps with that stress; it helps us return to a healthy balance.

Continuous stress increases levels of cortisol in our body, which in turn suppresses the immune system resulting in serious health problems like those mentioned above and other symptoms like sleep disturbances, loss of sex drive and loss of appetite. Stress can cause wear and tear on organs as well, a symptom that might not be immediately apparent, but takes its toll in the long run.

Practicing yoga regularly lowers your respiration and heart rates, and your blood pressure. It stimulates and aids in digestion and helps regulate blood flow to all of your important organs and systems: digestive, reproductive, glandular, circulatory and immune! yoga boosts our well-being and keeps us healthy.

Yogas asanas (physical poses) enhance blood and fluid circulation. Breathing exercises strengthen the lungs and help us regain peace of mind. often people who regularly practice yoga reduce their dependence on medicines or other therapies.

However, do not simply toss your medication as soon as you begin practicing yoga. You do not become unwell overnight and you will likely not heal overnight, but positive effects will come. By decreasing cortisol and reducing stress levels in the body, yoga will physically make you feel better than you ever have. Its strengthening postures will give you strength and endurance that you may not have before experienced. yoga will also help you put worldly problems into perspective, which will bring you a great sense of peace.

To learn more about the health benefits of yoga please visit Hot-Yoga-Tips.info where you will find life enhancing information on yoga for elders, yoga for men, yoga for women and the many different branches of yoga that are being practiced by thousands of yoga enthusiasts.

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High Definition DVD The Format Wars Second Act

Once again, there is a technology format war looming on the horizon. Many people dont remember the VHS - Betamax battle that broke out when video players were first introduced, making it possible for people to watch movies at home. This was a case of two non-compatible technologies, each of which was a format for taping full length feature films. Ultimately VHS won out, and the movie companies put out their products in that format thus dooming Betamax and the product manufacturers that had adopted their technology, not to mention the thousands of consumers that had invested in Betamax players. We now find ourselves on the verge of creating a new set of sore losers.

Skirmishes over LCD versus plasma screen HD TV technology are ongoing, but that type of technology contest isnt as acute because you can watch TV or a movie on either type of screen. Currently, you can also play every dvd available on any dvd player that is in production and on the market. The next generation of dvd players, however, is coming over the horizon in the form of two distinct and incompatible technologies.

Toshiba versus Sony

Toshiba has developed a proprietary technology dubbed high definition dvd (HDDVD) and to support their format has developed alliances with microsoft and Universal Films, among others. The HDDVD disks will be available in 15GB and two sided, 30GB versions.

By way of comparison, the current DVDs have enough storage for two hours of standard definition (SD) images, while the one-sided 15 gigabyte HDDVD disk can store up to eight hours of high definition (HD) images. The difference between SD and HD is simply twice the number of pixel lines displayed on the screen in the HD format, thus providing a crisper picture. The increased capacity of these disks will also allow for interactive features such as screen-in-screen directors discussion of movie scenes playing behind him that todays standard DVDs cannot support.

In the other corner is the Blu-Ray technology developed by Sony, who has lined up support from Apple, Disney and 20th Century Fox. Both formats use blue laser technology, which has a shorter wavelength than red, allowing it to read the smaller digital data "spots" packed a lot more densely onto a standard-size disc. Blu-Ray disks are designed to carry up to 50GB of digital material, which may mean that Sony wins the compression competition.

The Early Rounds

Sony Pictures released the first six films on Blu-Ray disks in June of this year, and have released a few more since. Samsung has a Blu-Ray dvd player in the stores, while Sonys hardware division has released a Blu-Ray compatible PC. Toshiba has its initial HDDVD player on the market and there are a limited number of titles available in the format, mostly re-releases of previous first-run features.

Sony clearly jumped out to an early lead, with support from Dell, HP, Mitsubishi and a number of other hardware manufacturers. In addition, Sony Pictures also owns Columbia and MGM, giving them an enormous library to work with. Sony will also fold its technology into the PlayStation 3 gaming machine, their proprietary product whose 2nd version rules the roost in the videogame market.

On the Toshiba side of the battlefield, proponents argue that the HDDVD disks will be cheaper to produce and that it will be comparatively easy for disk replicators to retrofit their equipment for production purposes. The HDDVD format also makes production of recordable DVDs much simpler than with the Blu-Ray design.

Further, an alliance with microsoft will be a formidable edge in this battle, should it turn into a protracted conflict. Microsofts operating systems are going to be important cogs in the development of future home viewing systems, as the technology moves closer to merging the functions of computers and televisions. If movie downloads become a commercial success, PC compatibility will be critical for these disks.

The Consumer Issues

One of the reasons that microsoft aligned with Toshibas technology is that HDDVD provides for mandatory managed copy. What that means is that unlike with today's conventional DVDs, managed copy allows consumers to make legitimate copies of their HD movies and enjoy this content around the home or across their personal networks. Making this feature mandatory will ensure a consistent consumer experience across all next-generation dvd content.

Then there is the element of iHD, which is the concept of maximizing high definition video for transport across the internet. This is a specific set of video specs which the iHD.org, a group of tech and media companies, is pushing as a cross-platform standard.

The theory is that next-generation HD movies will provide a level of interactive experience well beyond that of today's conventional DVDs. iHD technology is meant to provide a broad foundation to enable new interactivity with standards-based development tools and technologies.

The pitch for this standard is that it will provide consumers with enhanced content, navigation and functionality for HD films. The business reality is that microsoft plans to implement iHD support in its Windows Vista operating system, which will not only be a significant step towards integrated video and computer systems but will make help drive adoption of the new microsoft platform.

Duel to the Death Unlikely

There is some indication that all of these conflicting issues may ultimately force a compromise some sort of merger or unification of the two technologies. Hardware manufacturers are hedging their bets, with the latest wrinkle being that Blu-Ray-aligned Hewlett Packard has requested that mandatory managed copy and the iHD standard be included in Blu-Rays feature set. Sony has agreed to include the managed copy feature, but said no to iHD.

The Betamax VHS battle was a tussle over hardware with the movie companies playing a predominant role, one Sony lost. This time around, there is much more uncertainty about how the next generation of home video will roll out. How will the Web and the PC fit in? Will the movies be delivered via disk or via download? How will the film industry protect its content rights and how can the hardware companies maximize their role?

PCs have become a commodity. If a scenario arises where every household needs a new computer to match up with new video technology, the Dells and HPs of this world stand to win big. If competing technology keeps people from investing in either, every involved business will suffer. If the film and dvd houses have to produce two sets of content and two disks for every film, their margins will grow considerably thinner as well. The tech bloggers seem to be increasingly inclined to believe that unification of some sort is inevitable. The corporations with the most to lose are too smart not to insist on it.

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.

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