Projector Screen

While some users may opt for a white wall when using their projector, others may want to go with a screen. While white projector screens have been a staple for years, some home theater enthusiasts are opting for gray screens, which are considered “high contrast.”

As far as screen size goes, there are a variety of sizes to consider, and it all depends on the size of the room you’re in. You won’t want to buy the largest one available if the room you’re in is small, though if that room is dedicated only to being a home theater, consider getting a larger, permanent screen.

There are options to buy a 4 x 3 (full screen, squarish) or 16 x 9 (widescreen, film- and HD-friendly) screen; we recommend going with a 16 x 9, as more TV programming is going high definition widescreen, and movies are pretty much all widescreen now on DVD and Blu-ray. This cuts down on the letterboxing you’d see on a 4 x 3 screen.

There’s the option to purchase a permanent screen that will stay in place on the wall, great for a dedicated home theater room. Or you can opt for a screen that can be pulled down (like your teacher did back in school) and hung up on the wall, or from the ceiling – it’s semi-permanent and semi-portable. Then you could always go with a portable screen, which is affordable and might be a great option if the projector you’re buying is going to travel with you for business presentations. Consider your needs before making a decision, especially if you think you’ll be moving in the foreseeable future.

To decide where you should place your projector there are many things to take into account, including room size, the lamp’s lumens rating and more. Probably the best thing is to search online for a “viewing distance calculator,” which will help you place it properly.

Projectors - A Word about Lamps

The average lifespan of a lamp, perhaps the most important part of the projector, is between 2,000 and 4,000 hours. As time goes on, the image will stay nice and bright, but toward the end of its life, it will start to dim. If you run the projector often and at full power, expect it to last around 2,000 hours. If you use energy saving modes, it will last up to 4,000 hours. When a lamp goes out, it can cost around $200 to $400 to replace.
Some tips to help with lamp life: A little maintenance via filter cleanings will help extend that life; keep the exhaust fan open and away from objects that might obstruct it; and take care when turning it off right after the projector has been turned on – wait at least five minutes.

LED/LCD TVs

Man’s second best friend. His TV. The best thing you can do for you LED and LCD TV is to watch it. Which is pretty easy. Here are a few other tips to keep it in the best working order.

• Keep the screen lint and dust free with a soft cloth wipe down once a week.
• Keep the picture crystal clear, and all the colors correct with calibration. You can do this yourself, or have a professional come out and check your color spectrum for you.
• Make sure all cables are attached correctly and evenly.
• Keep the set turned off when it is not in use.
• Do NOT use cleaners, such as Windex, that contain ethyl alcohol, ammonia, acetone, ethyl acid or methyl chloride to clean your screen.

Digital Camera Care

Your digital camera can capture and upload your memories in moments. Depending on what type of camera you have, it can be an important investment. Here’s a way to treat it nice.

• Always keep a digital camera charged.
• Get a snug fitting bag to store it.
• Use the lens cover all the time (except when taking pictures).
• Clean the lens and body with a soft cloth.
• Don’t take pictures with your digital camera while sky diving.
• Keep liquids away from the camera at all times.
• Don’t drop your camera in hot lava. Stay away from volcanoes in general. 

Did You Know?  According to our internal research, the average repair cost for a digital camera or digital SLR camera is around $150.  Lot of money for just one, run of the mill, repair job.  Follow these simple steps and keep your camera in tip top order to reduce the risk of any kind of failure.