HDTV“High Definition TV”

High Def. (left) vs. Standard Def. (right)

• 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 1)

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.

• When buying a new TV:– Almost all new TVs are HDTVs.– 2 main varieties: 720p vs. 1080p (number is # of

horizontal pixels)• 1080p has the better picture, but cost a little more $$.• 1080p is marginally better than 1080i.

Blu-Ray

• Blu-Ray and DVD disks look virtually identical. • A Blu-Ray disk can hold an entire HD movie, a DVD cannot.• Blu-Ray players

– Use a blue laser to read the data form the disk– Can play regular DVDs and music CDs.– Start at $60.

• 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.

Router

• A device which allows computers to:– Talk to each other – Connect 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”

• A radio technology used by “Wireless” routers to allow computers and devices to connect to the internet without wires.

• 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.

• 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.