1. HDTV “High Definition TV” High Def. (left) vs. Standard Def. (right)

2. 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)

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

10. Famous XKCD Tech Support Cartoon