Christmas Shopping Guide (Part 2)

Well once again, today we are going to be looking at shopping for those ever-important Christmas gifts and gadgets. This is part two in a series of two posts covering everything from computers to televisions and even the latest in video gaming and high definition. To read last month’s guide, check out http://unleashyourgeek.blogspot.com. So below are the topics I will cover in this second half of the buying guide for Christmas

1. What is High Definition?
High Definition is a term referring to the resolution that a television or monitor puts out on the screen. Resolution simply means the number of colored dots that can fit on the screen. Therefore, the larger the number of colored dots that can fit, the better the image quality is. High Definition is often referred to as HD.
2. So what do you need to know about HD?
What is the Best Resolution? Resolution is typically listed with vertical resolution followed by a letter, for example 1080i or 1080p. The letter represents interlaced or progressive. Interlaced means that only half the picture shows, then the other half is flashed afterwards, while progressive means that everything is on the screen at once. Progressive is better than Interlaced. It also may be followed by a number, such as 60. This is the rate at which new pictures are displayed on the screen. If it is progressive, then that is the correct number. If it is interlaced, divide the number in half and that is the actual rate that a full picture is displayed on the screen. Buy the best. Below is a list from best to worst when buying HD:
a. 1080p (Best)
b. 720p
c. 1080i
d. 720i (Worst)
So what about HDTV? (high definition television). It is Provided by most cable and satellite providers and its broadcasts are in 1080i. Different packages offer different numbers of channels at different pricing. Check with your provider for details.

In order to play high definition video, you must have a playback device. (Much like a DVD player for DVDs). Blu-Ray is now the standard in high definition, as HD-DVD is no longer being produced. These players have dropped in price significantly in recent months. Philips is a good brand of player, although there are a number of other brands out there. The Playstation 3 also has a built in Blu-Ray player.Remeber that HD-DVD is no longer available and it is very difficult to find players for them. Avoid purchasing these units or HD-DVDs (typically in a brown packaging).
3. High Definition Television Tips
i. Look for a set that is 1080p
ii. You get what you pay for, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
iii. Companies with lower prices typically use inferior parts, such as the backlight (which can dramatically change the picture quality)
iv. Brands such as Sony and Phillips are typically sound models as they use quality parts
v. Vizio, while cheaper, has noticeably poorer quality

4. Portable Gaming
a. There are not many new handheld gaming systems out at this time.
i. Sony PSP- Uses small discs in a plastic case for games
1. Very good graphics, can play mp3s
2. More adult-oriented games (much like the Playstation 3)
3. Wireless gaming (players within a certain distance of each other can play without having to attach units via a cord)
ii. Nintendo DS
1. DS stands for dual screen because it has two touch screens that the person can interact with
2. Games are more oriented towards young people
3. Not as good graphics as PSP, but still very good
4. Wireless gaming (players within a certain distance of each other can play without having to attach units via a cord)
5. MP3 Players
a. Apple
i. The most popular MP3 player
ii. Has a number of different variations which fall at different price points
iii. Newest is iPod touch which allows wireless downloading of music and applications
iv. Has itunes store which allows purchasing of music online at 99 cents a song
v. Not only are these the most popular, but due to your ability to use the itunes store, it makes further gifting even easier. They are typically the best bet for mp3 players
b. Others
i. Archos
1. Has a number of different mp3 players. Typically very solid products, but can be more difficult to operate, cannot use with iTunes.
ii. Zune
1. Made by Microsoft, most comparable to iPods as far as features, does not have as good a music selection online
iii. Sandisk
1. Sansa- Comes in a variety of sizes and features. Easy to operate, cannot use with iTunes
I hope this guide was helpful, please email me with further questions or concerns at bhollers@btcatholic.org.