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Electronics

Now that flat-screen HDTVs have had a couple of decades worth of refinement and product development, it's fair to say that it's harder to find a bad TV than it is a good one. A modern HDTV pairs excellent picture quality with built-in smart TV streaming features, all at an incredibly affordable price. The most recent trend with HDTVs has been increasingly larger screen sizes; it's now possible to find 55-inch TVs priced similarly to 40-inch models from even a few years ago. Our top HDTV picks display inky black levels, creating a more immersive experience thanks to the well-defined contrast between light and dark areas. These selections also provide excellent color accuracy, recreating an image to make it look lifelike (along with carrying the necessary adjustments to dial in the perfect images with true-to-life colors). Each of the best HDTVs in 2022 can also easily process moving images and maintain clarity with fast-moving programs or movie scenes free of shuddering or skipping, making them well-suited for home theater use. We also evaluated each TV's respective smart TV capabilities for ease of use and functionality. If you're still unsure of which HDTV you should buy, head straight down to our buyer's guide below for more information.
August 15, 2019
AV receivers (alternately, A/V receivers) act as an electronic gateway or organizer for your home entertainment system, and consolidate the function of multiple devices into a single box. Modern AV receivers offer several HDMI inputs and an ARC-capable output, with higher-end units featuring advanced video processing as well. Better AV receivers offer superior sound quality, which can immerse viewers in the "atmosphere" that movie directors intended. The best AV receivers in 2022 below offer excellent options for expanding your home audio or theater system, and we’ve also provided an AV Receiver buyer's guide below for your review.
September 06, 2019
Sound bars are by far the easiest way to add volume and clarity to any TV or home theater system. Most TVs come with small downward or rear firing speakers that have especially poor bass response, and often unsatisfactory volume. This generally makes for terrible sound quality, and most don’t reach below 300 Hz or above 10,000; human hearing extends between 20-20,000 Hz, meaning that over half the spectrum is missing! The output from built-in speakers is certainly usable, especially in smaller rooms, but let’s face it: everyone wants their TV to sound more like a movie theater. The good news is that it's possible to move closer to this ideal with a minimal investment. Around $100-200 will net you a unit that can drastically improve sound quality over built-in speakers, lowering bass response down past 100hz to put some good thump in your music and movies, and offering a much more spacious, realistic presentation that will leave you wondering how you ever got by with the bare minimum. Check out our list of the best sound bars in 2022.
August 08, 2019
  • A television set is no longer a luxury in today's world, but rather an essential appliance in every home. There were few options in the TV segment until a few decades ago, and decision making was binary – black and white or color television? Today's situation is very different.
    February 02, 2023
  • Try searching for the best plasma TVs today, and you may have found out the hard way that plasma TVs no longer exist. LG and Samsung sold their last PDP sets in 2015 (largely as re-hashed versions of their respective 2014 models), while Panasonic packed up their plasma TV operations in 2014 and left the US TV market entirely only a couple years later. Despite their inherently superior picture quality and surprisingly affordable prices, dwindling consumer interest and falling prices of rival HDTV technologies led to the plasma display panel joining CRTs and DLP/rear projection in the "obsolete" section of the consumer TV market.
    January 25, 2023
  • This year, large gatherings with friends and family to watch the game might not be happening. The coronavirus has really kicked us in the teeth, and it seems to be loving it. Luckily there are other exciting ways to catch the game. And maybe these alternatives might not be the same as a physical viewing; we know some ways that you can get the absolute best out of them. Here are a few tips on how to build the best viewing experience for big games.
    October 12, 2021
  • Whenever you're considering a new TV for your home, you'll inevitably spend an untold number of hours looking through the specifications of all the ones you're interested in. However, one particular aspect which is quite difficult to decide is the size of the TV, especially in regards to how it will fit into the space you have available. For example, 40" to 55" TVs have become standard for most houses. However, there are people who want to buy larger sizes like 65", 75", or even 85" TVs.
    August 09, 2021
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  • The fax machine may be a fading technology, but there's still a steady demand for them in the marketplace. These once prevalent office appliances were capable of sending documents over phone lines, it was faster than the mail and cost a lot less than overnight delivery. But with the rise of email, smartphones, and tablets; the fax machine started to take a backseat to the new methods of communication and the gadgets that came with them. There are still a large array of fax machines available on the market from many of the same manufacturers that put them on the map in the first place and you can find them at all the major retailers. But a majority of the machines that are most sought after by consumers are those "all in one" style units that do a variety of jobs in addition to faxing. In fact, almost all fax machines can make copies but the newest models are capable of scanning and printing, most of them compatible with inter-office networks through Ethernet. These are usually wireless units that will even allow multiple users to fax directly from their PC, a Mac, and even an IPhone or Android powered smartphone. So while faxing documents from one place to the next has grown somewhat obsolete, the machines that can do the job are getting more versatile and sophisticated. Don't worry though, you can still find a basic telephone and fax unit without the fancy bells and whistles or the price that comes with it. You'll find lists for the best fax machines in 2022 on the market below. Give them a look and you'll see that we've found fax machines that can fit every budget and every environment; from large commercial offices to small businesses that may even be run out of the home. If you're thinking about buying a fax machine, chances are one of these will be the one for you.
    November 21, 2014
  • While in-wall and in-ceiling speakers typically can't match the sound quality and performance of floorstanding models, they have the benefit of taking up less space. Neatly installed into the wall or ceiling, these speakers don't take up any floorspace and can free a living room or home theater from clutter and unsightly wires.For building a budget surround system, it's important to choose speakers that work well for both your listening and budget needs. This means good sound quality for the money, and ideally the ability to be used as fronts or rear surrounds. Easy installation is also important, with most of the following best budget in-wall speakers in 2022 including nearly everything needed for the process. Some have moisture-resistance to do a better job of standing up to humidity, while others offer swiveling tweeters to allow for angling sound where it's most needed. Overall, each of these selections offers excellent value for your money.
    November 13, 2014
  • While most of us listen to music on our smartphones with headphones, sometimes you want to break out your tunes for all to hear. This growing trend of using smartphones as a primary music library has resulted in the rapid expansion of the portable speaker market.There are many to choose from, but the top-rated portable speakers are lightweight, powerful, and compatible with many different types of portable devices.We've chosen best portable speakers in 2022 that can be used completely free of wires, with rechargeable batteries and the ability to connect devices using Bluetooth. All of the following picks are also compact and highly portable, sometimes being small and light enough to fit into a jacket pocket. With so many good options to choose from we've left many popular models out, but each of the following speakers offers some of the best sound quality and portability currently available. As a result, most of our picks aren't focused on being especially budget-friendly, but still offer good value for money.
    November 11, 2014
  • These little digital marvels offer loads of storage space for days of recording time. Perfect for everyone from students to journalists to Moms who just need to remember shopping lists and their children's daily schedules, digital voice recorders are convenient and compact so that you can take them on the go. With built-in microphones that are sensitive enough to seek out only the vocal content you want to record and eliminate background noise at the same time, these recorders are often voice activated so that they only work when someone is speaking. You also want a device that has USB connectivity so it’s easy to hook up to any PC or Mac so you can download and manage your recordings. Some devices are outfitted with additional features such as file editing, variable speed play back, external microphone ports, and they can even record and play multiple file formats from MP3 to WAV among others. Whether you're looking for a digital recorder to capture a busy sound environment with numerous voice speaking or you just need a device to record the audio from an important lecture, we have a variety of products at both ends of the price spectrum that we've determined to be the best you can buy. Check out our list of the top personal voice recorders in 2022.
    October 29, 2014
  • The pencil sharpener. What's there to know? You'd be surprised. The most obvious distinction between best pencil sharpener in 2022 is whether you want manual or automatic. You probably remember the manual versions from your childhood days of grade school. Stick one end in, start cranking, and out comes a finely sharpened writing instrument. Not much has changed since, though they have gotten stronger boasting sharper more resilient blades and many of them can accommodate various pencil thickness sizes. Electric sharpeners offer a little more variation in their designs. They're all run by electric motors and operate in much the same manner; just stick your pencil in and the machine does the rest. But here you have more options, like units that prevent from oversharpening, become inoperable when anything else but a pencil is inserted into the device, and come with heavy-duty helical blades that can cut through multiple sizes and diameters of pencil. Some of these units are designed for heavy volume use, incorporating fans and coolers to keep them from overheating while remaining sharp and ready for use time after time. 
    October 29, 2014
  • When it's time to buy new batteries, there are plenty of choices out there. The way to decide which is the best option for you is to first consider what you need the batteries for, then examine what the battery is capable of doing. It all boils down to two choices; disposable or rechargeable. Simply put, disposable batteries are just that. You get a one-time use out of them and when they're drained of their power you throw them away. Rechargeables allow you to keep the cells and re-charge them repeatedly, saving time and money when it comes to the power source in your electronics. However, rechargeables aren't necessarily appropriate for every device or application.Disposable batteries are good for almost all devices, as long as you have the correct size for the application you're looking to power up. These come in two common types: alkaline and lithium. Alkaline is the most widely used as they have a slow self-discharge rate, they can be stored for a long time without any loss of charge (roughly about seven years), and are often used in low-drain devices such as radios, remote controls, and other devices that don't require constant use at high voltage. There are high-drain versions of alkaline batteries available as well that are intended for devices that require more juice more frequently. These "premium" alkaline batteries cost more but provide a charge that is similar to a lithium battery. Lithium batteries last longer, can be stored longer, weigh less than a regular battery, and provide nearly double or triple the power capacity of a standard alkaline battery. They also perform well in extreme temperatures. But they all have one thing in common at their very basic purpose— when they've been drained, you throw them away.Rechargeable batteries are cells that you can recharge when they're out of juice. Slip them into any charger and after a short period of time, they're ready for use all over again. They are usually more expensive than disposables, but you save money in the long run since you only buy them once. You can find them in three different types: nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium-ion (not to be confused with the lithium disposables above). Depending upon which type you choose, some have low self-discharge rates, where the battery maintains its charge for an extended period of time, and others have higher rates, in which the battery does the exact opposite. No matter which type you choose, rechargeable batteries are often recommended for high-drain devices that require constant power and at large volumes. The reason is easy to understand— rechargeables can be recharged and replaced quickly and easily and without additional costs beyond the price of electricity from an outlet. To go out and keep buying disposables for a device that needs such a power load would probably get more expensive than paying a one-time cost for a set of rechargeables and a charger.No matter what you need them for, we have a list of the best batteries in 2022 for any of your electronics. We've also included a buyer's guide below to help you make an informed decision.
    October 28, 2014
  • Numbers never lie. But sometimes you need to double-check what they tell you, which is why we have calculators. There are all kinds of calculators designed for a myriad of applications, from basic models to advanced graphing or financial calculators that support Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) and complex algorithms. Sure you could do that in your head, but you're human...you make mistakes. Calculators don't. We've gathered a selection of the best calculator in 2022 based on format, with extra emphasis placed on how well they perform at their intended task.
    October 28, 2014
  • The proliferation of MP3's as the preferred method for enjoying our favorite music has made the compact disc all but obsolete. Much like the way the audio cassette was phased out by that bright and shiny new CD; MP3's are the latest advancement in technology and, therefore, all the major manufacturers are offering their own versions of the MP3 player. These mobile devices come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have a few core commonalities. They're built to be portable, lightweight and easy to carry with you on the go. They have varied storage capacities to hold hours upon hours (and in some cases, days) worth of songs. Many of these devices can play various file formats beyond just MP3's and some of them can even play movies as well. There are players for every budget, some are available for as low as around $30 while others can get rather pricey; and there are players for every lifestyle, whether you want one to have with you on the way to work in the mornings or you need a player for jogging or swimming laps (that's right, there are waterproof players you can have in the pool). The bottom line is, if you're in the market for a good MP3 player we've found the best mp3 players in 2022 that you can buy at any price. 
    October 28, 2014
  • Rather than dealing with the clutter of half a dozen different remotes, it's infinitely more convenient to program all of their functionality to a universal remote control. These best universal remotes in 2022 devices range from feature-filled, multi-tasking remotes to more basic options that can replace a lost or damaged factory remote control.
    October 28, 2014
  • Digital SLR cameras are an evolution of the 'single lens reflex' camera, swapping the film roll for an image sensor. These cameras offer superior performance compared to point-and-shoot models, and provide users with more control over final output. If you'd like a primer on what to look for when buying a dSLR camera, have a look at our list of the best dslr cameras in 2022.
    October 28, 2014
  • The SLR camera is the essential tool for the serious photographer and one of the reasons it creates high quality images is because it has the ability to use interchangeable lenses. Apart from the image sensor (which affects resolution capabilities), the lens will have the largest influence on the look of the image. They control the framing, the depth of field, the amount of light that can pass through for exposure, and so much more. Having an amazing camera isn’t enough to produce world-class images, you also need to have lenses that can step up to the job. Here are the best canon lenses in 2022.
    October 28, 2014
  • Nikon is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cameras and lenses. They have been in business for almost 100 years, thanks to superior craftsmanship in their products. Some Nikon lenses are also referred to as Nikkors. Nikkor is a special brand within Nikon that has been manufacturing their very best lenses since the 1930s. As the company has grown, so has their reputation for quality, and today the majority of lenses manufactured by Nikon bear the distinct Nikkor name. There are a lot of lenses available for Nikon SLR cameras but here are the very best ones.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best nikon lens that suit your needs, we have listed below the best nikon lenses in 2022.
    October 28, 2014
  • UV filters were popular in film and early digital photography because they removed the bluish haze cast by the sun. Modern digital cameras, however, typically do a good job of eliminating that issue on their own. So why are UV filters still popular?UV filters have been embraced as a way to protect the front of a lens from scratches and dust without changing image quality. UV filters are clear so they don't prevent light from getting through. It's much cheaper to replace a scratched UV filter than to replace a lens, and for that reason, UV filters are still very popular. These best UV Protection filters in 2022 are made from high quality glass and materials and offer a protective element for camera lenses.Please note: These picks come in all sizes so just choose which ones fit your camera len(s) best.
    October 06, 2014
  • The smart pen is a recent advancement in communication technology, used primarily in the business and government sectors. But now, the consumer market has been granted access to this amazing new device which is still evolving even today. These pens are electronic and write in the very same manner as your standard ball-point Bic. The difference however, is that these pens can remember what you wrote and even record audio of those speaking around you, making transcription easier and worry-free.Just upload the digital data to the software provided and in seconds it will translate your writing into a clean MS Word or PDF file that looks as if you typed it on your computer instead of scrawling it free-hand. Then you can email it or save it on your hard drive or do with it whatever you wish. Some of these pens even communicate with PDA devices and other organization programs as well.If you think this is something that would greatly benefit your daily routine, we've found some of the best smart pens available right now. This is a technology that is still in its infancy, so there aren't too many on the market at the moment, with only a few companies blazing the trail with their products. Take a look at what we have on this list, each of best smart pen in 2022 chosen for their ease of use, set up, features, accuracy, memory size, and price.
    September 24, 2014
  • Consumers have embraced the spread of digital music, allowing for technology such as wireless speakers and multi-room systems to begin gaining massive popularity. Although Sonos has been at the forefront of this market, in the past months it seems nearly every other company, heavy hitters and small operations alike, have been trying to jump onboard.Since this market is currently in a period of development and growth, it will be interesting to see how WiFi multi-room digital music systems progress and evolve into the mainstream. We've selected some of the best wireless multi-room digital music devices currently available although many more models will be released in the coming months with offerings from manufacturers such as Naim, Harman Kardon, and LG.The picks on this list are all wireless home audio devices that are part of a larger system. You can start with one, and gradually add more devices to create a true multi-room digital music system. The following selections have been chosen for their overall versatility and value with each offering excellent sound quality for the price. Each one is simple to set up and easy to use, with extensive connectivity and streaming options.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best wi-fi multiroom digital music system in 2022, We have listed below the available wi-fi multiroom digital music systems for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    September 17, 2014
  • The paper shredder. The last line of defense against identity fraud, information theft, and state secrets falling into the wrong hands. There are all types of shredders available to handle any size job with various degrees of sensitivity. When looking to buy a good shredder, the first thing to consider is the cut type. Often times, the question isn't what you're shredding, but how much you're shredding it. The purpose of any good shredder is to grind up your documents or electronic information into a format where it is irreparable and entirely illegible. Lost to the world for good. Cut size is important, and since there are a few types to choose from, you want to take into consideration what it is you'll be destroying. The smaller the cut, the higher the security. Most common shredders used to be strip cut, turning sheets of paper into thin, spaghetti-esque strips; cross cut has become more popular now, turning documents into confetti-sized particles. Micro-cut and high-security cut pulverize your material to even smaller sizes, but unless you work for the NSA or CIA this type of security may be overly excessive (meaning expensive) for your needs. Most shredders can also destroy CDs, credit cards, and other thicker sensitive materials if need be, and many shredders should be able to take more than a few sheets in one pass without getting jammed. Most units have anti-jamming devices and indicators to help prevent you from feeding the entry slot with too much paper and if you do, there are often multi-directional motors to help you reverse your way out of the situation. Safety measures to keep foreign objects like loose clothing, jewelry, and fingers might also be something to look for, depending upon where the shredder will be in use the most. Paper Shredder come in all shapes and sizes; whether for commercial use in high-traffic environments for heavy-duty jobs or home use for the occasional bank statement or expired credit card. Whatever type of shredder you're in the market for, take a look at the lists of the best paper shredders in 2022 below and see if there's something that fits your needs.
    August 26, 2014
  • Right now it’s easier than ever to find high-quality and affordable options for a home theater system bundle. All of the following picks are from well-established and trusted brands known for their higher-end offerings. Although none of the following home theater systems are neither suitable for large spaces nor likely to impress audiophiles, they’re perfectly adequate for casual use in a small home theater setup.Important features we looked for are quality components to ensure good audio and video quality, as well as any features such as video upconversion. Connectivity is generally less important on these budget-friendly systems, with manufacturers striving to make setting the devices up as simple as possible over allowing for too much customization. However, modern home theater systems ideally have WiFi, a USB port, and sometimes also Bluetooth and DLNA capabilities.Overall, each of the following selections is an affordable way to bring powerful surround sound and good video quality to your home without the complicated process of having to build your own system.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best home theater system in 2022, We have listed below the home theater systems available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    June 11, 2014
  • Bringing music outdoors can be difficult as running wires from your indoor stereo involves drilling holes through the walls of the house, and mounting speakers. If ground-based or free-standing outdoor speakers are used, cables must be buried to keep them out of site. These issues make wireless speakers a potentially better choice for outdoor areas such as the patio, poolside, and garden.Although Bluetooth connectivity is becoming increasingly popular for wireless streaming, many wireless speakers still use either a 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz transmitter. While the 2.4 GHz frequency can reduce interference overall, it might not be as well-suited for a household that already has multiple devices operating on this band. Either way, good wireless outdoor speakers must have the ability to connect and maintain a reliable wireless link with decent range.These best wireless outdoor speakers in 2022 on our list are weather-resistant and rugged enough to withstand impacts; our picks range from those suitable for occasional use outdoors to those made for permanent installation outside. Sound quality is evidently important, although the standard to which sound quality is held outdoors is quite different than in a closed, controlled environment. Bass response is typically where outdoor speakers struggle, and since many wireless outdoor speakers can be battery-powered, sometimes they have issues providing enough power for loud volumes. In the interest of representing multiple price points, not all of the following picks are suited for a large open space, but they can all provide decent sound quality for the money.
    June 11, 2014
  • Who wants to lug around a thick, dusty old dictionary? Be it hardcover or paperback, most reference guides weren't designed with portability in mind. With an electronic dictionary, you have a conveniently portable wealth of knowledge.Most e-dictionaries provide the three big essentials including dictionary, thesaurus, and grammar usage. However, many also loaded with additional reference materials and vast word banks to offer an exhaustive overview of the English language. Many of the best electronic dictionaries in 2022 offer extra features including games, spell check, calculators and even personal organization software. This list spotlights five of the best electronic dictionaries you can find on the market right now, each chosen based upon criteria including their generous amount of word and knowledge references, their ease of use and functionality, practical special features, and value for their price.
    May 02, 2014
  • Conference phones are an essential item for any successful business as they can accommodate multiple callers and interlocutors on one call at the same time. But like any particular piece of electronic equipment, there are a wealth of options available on the market with standard and unique features intended to offer a better product than the competition. First and foremost, you want a phone that offers exceptional sound quality, so look for a phone that employs wide bandwidth and noise cancelling technology to reduce background and ambient noise. Many phones are now wireless and even powered through Ethernet connections as they are configured to sophisticated networking solutions. Typical features run from the simple Caller ID and directory options to recording ability to log entire conversations. Also important, consider the room and environment where the phone will be in use. The larger the room, the more challenging it can be to maintain a crystal clear call; with longer microphone range and high-quality speakers some phones will be more advantageous in certain size rooms than others. The following best picks were chosen for their sound quality, functionality, ease of use, additional features, and price.
    April 23, 2014
  • Skype has become one of the fastest growing methods of online communication. This free internet calling service is well-known for its video conferencing capabilities, but it's also a popular way to place a regular phone call. Mainly, because it's basically free. Now telephone manufacturers have started to get in on the action, designing and building phones for use with Skype that are similar to that of a landline or smartphone handset. Until recently, Skype users were tethered to their PC's or laptops in order to use Skype but now; many of the VoIP ready versions you'll find on this list let you take Skype with you anywhere you can tap into an open Wi-Fi connection or broadband network. This list compiles the best Skype Phones available at the moment, each one chosen based upon the following criteria: ease of use, features, functionality, Skype compatibility, and price.
    April 18, 2014
  • Selecting the best wall mount for your home is really a question of where you plan on placing your flat-screen TV. You have three options to choose from, each one offering particular advantages in certain type of mounting situations and television weights and sizes. The most common is the tilting mount; keeping the television close to the wall in much the same way a low-profile mount would, except this mount does exactly what it says it can do: tilt. Usually offering a ten degree tilt up and down, this mount is perfect for positioning your television higher on the wall, above eye level. Low-profile mounts do not move in any way, they are stationary mounts that do one thing only; keep your TV hung up on the wall. These mounts are called "low-profile" because you can hardly see them when in use. There is such a small gap between the back of your unit and the wall that they're hardly, if ever, visible. Unfortunately, while these are often the least expensive mounts to buy they can also be problematic since most cables and cords connecting the television to cable boxes or Blu-ray players are plugged into the back of it. So this mount could pose some clearance issues with your cables. The final mount you can choose is a full motion or articulating mount. These are slightly more complex as they feature an articulating arm that lets you extend and retract the TV from the wall, in addition to tilting and swiveling capabilities. These mounts are often the most expensive because they offer so much movement and require more hardware in their manufacturing, not to mention they can be more challenging to install. But these mounts are well-suited for positioning your TV along corners, though do they require more room to operate as some of these mounts can extend out from the wall up to 20" or more. All of these mounts are viable options for just about any television, but be sure you choose the proper size that fits with your specific TV brand and model. Consult the VESA standard compatibility between your TV and the mount first; this is the industry standard for how apart your mounting holes are on the back of your television. If your mount and television don't conform to one another, you will not be able to attach them. While this isn't a complicated matter to determine, it is crucial for the proper installation of your television and the safety of anyone who might come in close proximity with it. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best tv wall mount in 2022, We have listed below the tv wall mounts available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    April 03, 2014
  • You may think the boombox went out of style with neon tube tops, breakdancing, and big hair. But you'd be mistaken; the boombox never really left...it's just gotten a makeover. Today's boomboxes offer more than just AM/FM radio and big sound. Gone are those cassette tape decks- instead, you have your choice of CD players, mobile device connectivity, even USB ports, and memory card slots that can play your content over high-quality speakers. Some of these boomboxes can even play DVDs, and many of them are built with rugged waterproof housings that are suitable for any type of environment; be it a job site, the mountains, or the local park. If you're looking to relive those days of strutting down the street with your tunes playing on your shoulder, check out our list of boomboxes. Each one is chosen based upon the following criteria; portability, sound source options, functionality, audio quality, additional features, and price.
    February 13, 2014
  • Film used to be the standard photography medium before digital largely replaced it. Today it takes some research to find a film camera and filmstock, but they’re still available on the market. The format is still embraced by purists who see it as the highest level in mastering the craft of photography. There are many different types of film cameras and niche styles. Here are the very best cameras that still use film. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best film camera in 2022, We have listed below the best film camera available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    August 28, 2013
  • Alarm clocks now come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are better suited for some consumers than others, but the premise is still the same: a small device that tells time and sounds an alarm at a pre-determined time and date. But nowadays, you have an entire spectrum of possibilities out there when it's time to choose one for your needs. The vast majority of alarm clocks these days are usually electronic and fully digital. Sure, you can still find the analog types with the round face and bells up top, but even those have some electronic components, such as a lit-up face. Most alarm clocks use bright, lit-up digital displays that are either LCD or LED and come with brightness dimmers. Many of these clocks have dual alarm capability, making them great for setting two alarm schedules for your different weekday or weekend plans. There are also alarm clocks that also feature music or various sounds. Clock radios have been around for decades, but with the advent of satellite radio and technologies such as iPods and MP3 players, your only option isn't just AM/FM radio anymore (though most still have it to some degree). Alarm clock docks allow you to use personal music devices to listen to your songs or even wake up to them in the mornings, instead of loud buzzers or digital alarms. Some of the newest models may even allow you to stream music from your phone via Bluetooth. Heavy sleepers need not worry about sleeping through their alarms anymore either. Many major manufacturers offer clocks that sound off extremely loud alarms that can wake anyone. Or, if loud sounds don't work, sunrise alarm clocks use light to gradually wake you up, just like a sunny morning might. Alarm clocks can range in price and convenience, from the most basic to those with endless exotic features and designs. With so many types of alarm clocks to choose from, you may just find the one you need among the following list of the best alarm clocks in 2022 below.
    August 26, 2013
  • RCA stereo audio cables are used to connect a wide variety of sources to amplifiers or receivers and to connect discrete components together such as preamps, power amps, equalizers, and surround sound processors. Typically, these cables carry line-level signals (-10 DB at roughly .3 volts) which are susceptible to interference from radio signals (RFI) and electromagnetic noise from AC cords, transformers, and motors (EMF interference). Given that these cables often cross one another, or touch power cords, good shielding is very important. And, with the low voltages involved, the signal loss must be kept to a minimum.High-quality RCA cables will use better conductors (copper or sometimes even silver) with gold-plated connectors. You'd hate to spend good money on a low-quality cable, so that's why we're here to help. We have curated this list of the best RCA stereo audio cables of 2022 for all your sound needs.
    August 09, 2013
  • Speaker wire, whether rated for use in-walls, outdoor, or indoor-only, all has the same purpose: carrying audio signals from an amplifier, receiver, or radio to one or more loudspeakers. In theory, any wire designed for carrying electricity will work. The reality is that speaker wire is designed for audio, and is constructed differently. The outer jacket of speaker wire is marked for polarity to help ensure you connect speakers in phase (a pair of out of phase speakers will sound thin due to bass frequencies being canceled out). Speaker wire also uses purer, higher-grade copper which is more consistent in its electrical properties. Some companies make fanciful claims about this and that technology, but in general, thicker is better in terms of wire gauge and insulation thickness. Our reviews cover three types of speaker wire. Indoor speaker wire is for general use in the home, and includes wire that some could consider audiophile. In-wall speaker wire is rated for safe routing inside of walls and has a level of fire resistance. Outdoor speaker wire is suitable for direct burial and is also designed to resist damage from heat, cold, moisture, and UV. There is nothing stopping you from using outdoor wire indoors or vice versa, but it just makes sense to use the right tool for the job at hand. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best speaker wire in 2022, We have listed below the best speaker wires available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    August 05, 2013
  • TOSLINK cables (also called optical digital cables) convey digital signals in the S/PDIF format from computers and audio sources to other pieces of consumer audio equipment. TOSLINK is an older digital standard which uses pulses of light traveling down a fiber optic cable to represent digital ones and zeroes. Due to the information being encoded via light instead of electrons on/in a wire, TOSLINK is immune to RF or EMF interference.In theory, TOSLINK conveys digital data perfectly, and any cable will do the job. However, issues such as cable reflectivity, and fiber optic cable type (glass vs plastic) and diameter may have an effect on the timing of the signals. In other words, do the pulses reach their destination in the exact same spacing and timing as they were sent. Any discrepancies can cause a phenomenon known as jitter which can create a "smearing" of the sound. However, please do note that many of us cannot hear the differences, and doing so requires an audio system with very high resolution. But if you have an audiophile-grade system, buying a better quality TOSLINK cable will not be a huge expenditure to you. We judged our picks for best TOSLINK cable based on construction, durability, price, and overall design.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best optical cable in 2022, We have listed below the optical cables available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    July 31, 2013
  • A digital signal is a different beast than an analog one. A single analog cable can carry only one signal or channel of information. A digital cable is capable of carrying multiple channels of audio or video due to the fact that all that is being conveyed is a complex series of "ones" and "zeros". Analog signals gradually lose voltage over long cable runs, and a little bit of loss can be tolerated. Digital signals are all-or-nothing; at a certain point a loss of voltage will equal a completely lost signal.You could use a standard RCA terminated interconnect as a digital coax cable, but it is not a good idea. Digital signals are subject to a phenomenon known as jitter which affects the timing of the delivery of these 1s and 0s. In cables, jitter is caused by noise and interference, so a good digital coax cable needs full shielding and high-quality connectors. Digital signals quickly suffer losses at an impedance different than the 75 ohm standard, so cables made to tight tolerances are best. These best digital coaxial cables in 2022 were selected based on shielding, connectors, and overall manufacturing quality and value.
    July 22, 2013
  • A subwoofer cable has the job of delivering a line-level audio signal (typically 0.3 to 0.45 volts) from your A/V receiver, amplfier, or preamp to a powered subwoofer. In many cases, the subwoofer is some distance from the rest of the system, so a good cable must keep signal loss to a minimum. Additionally, quality subwoofer cable must be well-shielded to minimize the pickup of 60 Hz hum from power cables, a frequency right in the sweet spot of a subwoofer's frequency response. RFI (radio frequency interference) can also be an issue. RCA connectors with gold plating are always nice since gold resists corrosion. Our selections below are based on cable capacitance, shielding, and connector quality, and are for mono cables only i.e. single connection point at both ends.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best subwoofer cable in 2022, We have listed below the subwoofer cables available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    July 18, 2013