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First, let me apologize for my delayed post. I make every attempt to have new entries every other Wednesday. I've been a little busy. Now, that's done.

A couple of weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a few colleagues and I said that my favorite thing in the world to do is laugh. One of them questioned back and said "even more than sex." Before I could even respond to that, the other person said "you can laugh with anybody." I wasn't looking for any extra reinforcement of my position but that response pretty much sealed it for me.

My affinity for laughter ties into the 3 things that I believe are instinctive:

1. To survive
2. To eat
3. To be entertained

Instinctive doesn't mean perfect "execution" and everyone's instincts are expressed differently. During tough times, especially economic, people tend to ignore or resist #3. Entertainment isn't considered essential because lack of it won't kill you like the first two. Conversely, through out every culture's existence, you will find prominent examples of entertainment that are significant parts of that culture. That's not by coincidence. We want to be entertained.

During this holiday shopping season, I encourage you to take advantage of the many promotions and sales on home entertainment devices to cater to your embedded need to enjoy life. This can also present an opportunity to have your family spend more time together and make each other laugh.

Here are three things that I strongly recommend you consider adding to your home, pocket or purse.

1. Any device that allows you to have access to your Netflix "Watch It Now" on your TV. In my post "How To Be A Player", I shared my thoughts on my favorite device. That was several months but I still stand by that. The only thing that has changed is that it seems that this feature is being built in to a new device every week. So, you have more options.
2. A media server. You should have a dedicated and networked device (usually a computer) that allows you to store all your media files (photos, music and videos) in a single location. This will allow access to these files from any computer or media extender/player on your home network. Centralized entertainment has many benefits (see #3).
3. Software (mobile app) that allows you to store music, videos, photos or ebooks on your smartphone. Alternatively, if you have a media server or always-on computer, you should consider a mobile app that lets you access ("stream") media remotely. Think of it as on-demand access to personal entertainment.

There's nothing wrong with having fun. Invest in yourself. It costs nothing to laugh.

If you would like more specific information or personalized services, please leave a comment or visit our "Contact Denity" page.

"Hugging has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural.  There are no batteries to replace, it's inflation-proof and non-fattening with no monthly payments.  It's non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable."  -Author Unknown

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denity... a  premier technology concierge

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My baby's always dancin'
And it wouldn't be a bad thing
But I don't get no loving
And that's no lie

We spent the night in Frisco
At every kind of disco
And from that night I kissed
Our love goodbye

- Michael Jackson (Blame It On The Boogie)

The recession may be slowing your "baby" down just a little bit. Shaking booties may not be a top priority right now (at least in public). For their own reasons, many people are changing their social habits. They aren't "dancin" as much as they used to. They're spending more time with their families and enjoying the little pleasures of home. If you're like MJ, you may want to make sure the party in your crib in a good one. And that's why I'm here.

One thing that the recession is causing people to do is to scratch the plans they had to change Junior's bedroom into a home theater. I understand your position. However, you may not know that you can still get a solid home entertainment experience without having a custom home theater. You can also do it for much less than you probably thought. Now, keep in mind, I'm not talking about something that's going to be cheap, just much less than what you probably thought. If you're trying to keep your baby home, you're going to have to get some quality goods. My colleague, The Gift Quarterback, can help you gentlemen decide the best way to convince your baby that all of these purchases are for her.

Five Booty Shakin' Products for Your Home Theater

1. Mitsubishi WD-60735 60-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV, $1099: The WD-60735 is a flat screen HDTV that isn't as sexy as flat-panel LCDs and plasmas because it can't be mounted on the wall. Who cares. DLP's don't take up much space and they aren't as heavy as the may look. This TV wieghs 80 lbs. A 60" plasma weighs about twice that. I love DLP. More screen for your money So consider this TV if you aren't set on mounting your TV on the wall.
2. Onkyo HT-SP908 7.1 Channel Home Theater System, $650: People often over look the audio part of home entertainment. If you're going to keep your baby home, you have to stimulate their eyes and their ears. I'm a big fan of Onkyo. Excellent quality, excellent pricing.
3. Play Station 3, $399: The Playstation 3 makes the list because it's the best Blu-Ray player on the market. It damn sure ain't the cheapest but you get a top notch Blu-Ray player AND a game console. You can also use it as a media player. Check out the prices on some of the best Blu-Ray players versus what you get and you'll see why the PS3 is here.
4. Roku Digital Video Player, $99: You all should already know how I feel about this puppy (How to Be A Player), so I won't even wax poetic. If you have netflix, this is a must have.
5. Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote, $149 or Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control, $219: If you don't have a Harmony remote control, my heart bleeds for you. Harmony remotes change the way you think about universal remotes. You don't need to know any funky codes or hire a professional to program it for you. Plug it into you computer and  click a few buttons. I can't begin to explain how much more simple watching TV will become. Don't ask questions, just go get one.

Slight disclaimer: A few of these links go to the HTGuys website. I have no affiliation with them other than the fact that I enjoy their podcast. Their products are sold through a storefront for Amazon so don't be scared off. You'll be buying from Amazon. You will just be supporting their podcasts while buying from a reputable vendor.

By the way, if Junior's bedroom is empty because he's now living in your basement, you may have other issues besides the recession. You may want to ignore everything I said, because that light at the end of the tunnel may just be the refrigerator door open. Go crocery shopping instead.

"No matter how hard you hug your money, it never hugs back." -Quoted in P.S. I Love You

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denity... a premier techlife concierge
for when you need to choose & use^sm technology
www.denity.com

serving the washington, dc metro area

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Jackson Five: Blame It On The Boogie

Very often, I'm asked by friends and clients if the "P" is necessary in an HDTV? In other words, is 1080p worth the money?

My shoot-from-the-hip response: If you have to ask, the answer is "No." Basically, what I'm saying is that the people who will unquestionably benefit from 1080p over 720p already know the benefits and wouldn't ask me the question. However, there is no set answer that works for everyone. (Note: I'm deliberately omitting 1080i from the discussion.)

The biggest variables to consider are the size of the TV and how far back you will be sitting from the TV.
Try looking at it like a screen door. A 1080p screen door of the same size has more little holes (pixels) than a 720p screen door. At a relatively close distance (like 2-4 feet), the 1080p screen door will look less like a screen door and more like a solid tinted sheet of transparent material. This is a good thing. You want the TV (screen door) to look as solid as possible. Move back to about 8-10 feet and it will be much tougher to tell the difference between the two. They both will look like solid tinted sheets of transparent material. Once again, this is a good thing. In TV speak, at a standard viewing distance (around 8-10 feet) and a screen size below 50 inches (diagonal), it's difficult to notice a difference between a 1080p and 720p television. Picky viewers with excellent eyesight may disagree with me, though.

Technically speaking, 1080p IS better than
720p. But it may not be worth the extra money to you. That's really what I care about. Consider ALL of the following:

1. If you are looking at a screen size less than 50 inches and the price difference between TV's is substantial to you, go with 720p.  You'll be fine. You will have a great picture to look at it. (ESPN HD broadcasts in 720p. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.)
2. If you are looking to buy an HDTV AND another device (or two) and have a firm budget, consider 720p.  You can use the cost difference between 1080p and 720p HDTV's to buy other toys while staying within your budget. Once again, your viewing experience will be fine.
3. Consider 1080p if your new HDTV must last you 5-7 years. 1080p will future-proof your TV. Also, consider 1080p if you have a high definition Blu-Ray player. This will give you the best viewing experience.

There can be a lot of intimidating acronyms involved in buying an HDTV. They all mean something but most really don't actually mean anything to the average person. The TV may seem intimidating but in reality, it isn't. It just needs a hug.

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for when you need to choose & use^sm technology

www.denity.com

serving the washington, dc metro area