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HDTV “ H igh D efinition TV ”. High Def. (left) vs. Standard Def. (right). HDTV (continued 1). HDTV also has a wider screen than Standard TV. Aspect Ratio (ratio of length to height) HDTV: 16:9 Standard TV : 12:9. HDTV (continued 2).
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HDTV“High Definition TV” High Def. (left) vs. Standard Def. (right)
HDTV (continued 1) • HDTV also has a wider screen than Standard TV. • Aspect Ratio (ratio of length to height) • HDTV: 16:9 • Standard TV: 12:9
HDTV (continued 2) • Need both a TV which supports HD and an HD signal feeding the TV. • Where to get an HD signal? Antenna, Cable TV, or Satellite TV service. • Standard Definition signals have been phased out. Older non-HD TVs need a converter box. • When buying a new TV: • Virtually all new TVs are HDTVs. • 2 main varieties: 720p vs. 1080p (number is # of horizontal pixels) • 1080p has the better picture, but is more expensive. • 1080p is marginally better than 1080i.
Blu-Ray • Blu-Ray and DVD disks look virtually identical. • A Blu-Ray disk can store up to 50 GB (giga-bytes) of data, where a DVD tops out at 8GB. • 1 Blu-Ray disk can hold an entire HD movie, whereas the same movie would need to be split onto multiple DVDs. • These disk require a Blu-Ray player to use. Start at $60. • Blu-Ray players use a blue laser to read data from the disk. • A Blu-Ray player can play regular DVDs and music CDs. • Connect a Blu-Ray player to the internet to: • Stream movies from Netflix (subscription required) . • Stream music from Pandora (internet radio). • Watch videos from YouTube. Access Facebook and Twitter. • Read news, weather and sports. • Get software updates for the Blu-Ray player.
Router • A device which allows computers to talk to each other. • Typically used to connect multiple computers to the internet. • Analogous to a telephone switchboard in that it directs information from one computer to another. The router serves as both the “switchboard” and the “operator”. • Router Varieties: Wired (using ethernet/CAT5 cables), Wireless (WiFi), and both.
WiFi“Wireless Fidelity” • Used by “Wireless” routers to allow computers and devices to connect to the internet without wires. • WiFi isn’t as fast as a wired internet connection. • Indoor range: 120’ (802.11b or g) to 240’ (802.11n) • Walls, cordless phones, blenders, microwaves, etc. can interfere with the WiFi signal and reduce the data rate. • WEP password. 10 digit password written on side of router. • Home routers without passwords are a security risk. WEP encryption is ok. WPA or WPA2 are much better. • When using a public (free) WiFi network: DO NOT ENTER PASSWORDS, they can be stolen, especially at airports.
Verizon FiOS“Fiber Optic Service” • Verizon FiOS is a bundled Internet access, telephone, and HD television service which operates over a fiber-optic communications network.
Verizon FiOS (continued) • Need ONT box (Optical Network Terminal) installed in either basement or garage. Requires access to an AC outlet. • Every TV in the house will need it’s own STB (Set Top Box). Verizon charges extra for each STB beyond the first. • Battery back-up of phone only last a few hours. If you lose power longer than that you’ll lose phone service. • Bundled service (Triple or Double Play): TV, internet, and/or phone reduces total cost of bill. Current FiOS deal is $85/month.
