According to ElectronicHouse.com, Panasonic will release more than 20 models, including four 3D-capable TVs that range from 50-65 inches. The 3D sets will include one pair of 3D glasses. Samsung also still makes plasma TVs, although they offer LCD TVs as well. Needless to say, there’s still a market for plasma TVs so they aren’t going anywhere! Many people prefer the colors and dark-scene detail of plasma TVs compared to the relatively washed-out look of LCD. Also, plasma technology has a better picture quality in normal to low room lighting conditions and are best during nighttime viewing. On LCD TVs, LED backlights do generate accurate colors and black levels, but high-end plasma still rules when it comes to picture quality, viewing angle and motion response.

Your hometown ColorTyme rent-to-own franchise carries various brands of plasma TVs at low prices. Or, if LCD is your preference, ask a member of the ColorTyme staff to show you what they have in stock. With the affordability and bright future of plasma and the cutting-edge technology of LCD, you can’t go wrong with either choice!

What is a Blu-ray player?
A Blu-ray player is a high-definition machine that is required to play Blu-ray discs. These special discs look like regular DVD discs, but are designed to store about six times more data than a DVD can. It’s called “Blu-ray” because the disc uses Blue Laser technology to hold film content at HDTV resolution.
Keep in mind that if you want to watch a Blu-ray movie, then you need a Blu-ray player because Blu-ray discs will not work in a regular DVD player. However, Blu-ray players will play any regular DVD as well, so there’s no need for two machines. There are many well-known brands that make Blu-ray players such as Apple, Hitachi, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp and Sony.

What’s so special about Blu-ray?
Just as movies and TV shows on DVD look a lot better when compared to VHS, Blu-ray video takes a step above DVD quality. That’s because Blu-ray is high-definition quality – a full 1080p – where DVD images max out at 480p. When you pair a Blu-ray player with a 1080p display, you can enjoy the most detailed picture possible. Don’t worry though – you’ll still get an impressive HD picture if you have a 720p or 1080i TV set. Stop by your HomeTown ColorTyme store and experience the amazing difference between DVD and Blu-ray movies for yourself!

What are some features of a Blu-ray player?
With high-definition video quality, Blu-ray players use high-definition audio to with it from Dolby and DTS. Each company has developed premium sound formats to support Blu-ray discs using advanced forms of audio compression. Look for next-generation surround sound like Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.
Several models have either built-in Wi-Fi or the ability to accept an optional wireless USB, which is convenient especially if you don’t have an Ethernet jack near your Blu-ray player. This means you can get to the Internet from your player to access an infinite amount of content including streaming movies.
Some models, like the upcoming BD590 from LG, even have a built-in hard drive that acts as storage space where you can hold music, photos and videos up to 250 GB!
Also, several major brands including Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba, have announced their first 3D Blu-ray players. Arriving later this year, these players will be able to play 3D Blu-ray discs.

Why is now a good time to get a Blu-ray player?
Blu-ray player prices have been getting more affordable – even for fully featured top-rated players from major brands. In addition, a retail report published by Blu-ray.com shows that the price gap between Blu-ray discs and DVDs has been getting smaller. For example, online retailer Amazon is now offering a great deal of Blu-ray titles for between $10 and $20, only a few dollars apart from DVD prices.
Choosing rent-to-own is an affordable way to enjoy Blu-ray. In addition to computers, appliances and furniture, your Hometown ColorTyme has popular brand-name Blu-ray players loaded with features. Let your local store know which one you’ve been eying and we’d be happy to deliver and install it into your home entertainment system at no extra charge when you open an account with ColorTyme!

PLANO, Texas – March 5, 2010 – Thirty ColorTyme customers recently cashed in as names were drawn for the $30K Giveaway, and countless others won in-store prizes.
Held in celebration of the company’s 30th birthday, ColorTyme’s $30K Giveaway gave customers a chance to win $1,000 along with instant prizes in local stores. Rent-to-own customers registered for the grand-prize drawings Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 at their hometown ColorTyme store.
Out of 30 winners from 14 states across the U.S., four of them registered in Texas stores owned by TLH Enterprises. Vice President of South Texas Region for TLH Enterprises, Donald Salais, was very happy to see long-time customers win in Beeville, Corpus Christi, Rosenberg and Cuero.
“Many of our customers didn’t think they had a chance at winning, so it was refreshing to see the smiles on their faces when they did,” said Salais. “I think the Giveaway really encouraged our customers and showed how much we value their business.”

As part of the Giveaway event, ColorTyme also provided customers with a winning serial number that matched various prizes. Many customers automatically received big savings off a new rental or walked away with one of the store’s newest appliances, furniture, computers or electronics such as a name-brand TV.

“Our $30K Giveaway was a way for us to give back to our customers and thank them for all of their support over the years,” said ColorTyme Director of Marketing, Amy Woods. “Our customers are like family, so it was important that everyone who visited ColorTyme during the promotion came out a winner.”

Winners
Dorothy McKown – Opp, AL
Teri Pike – Woodland, AL
Lidia Abaloyan – San Diego, CA
Neille Logan-Underwood – San Diego, CA
Judith Ann Archer – Temecula, CA
Frank Welcome – Panama City, FL
Robert Higginbotham – Middleburg, FL
Christopher Cooper – Jacksonville, FL
Sacoya Proctor – Hephzibah, GA
Micky Jimison – Fairfield, ID
Danny Shannon – Hutchinson, KS
Carlos Heredia Liudres – Garden City, KS
Lee Jones – Oxford, KS
James Kelley – Lexington, KY
Lee Lyons – Raceland, LA
Susie Moore – Baltimore, MD
Denise Fletcher – Landover Hills, MD
David Rogers – Waterville, ME
Shaun Bennett – South Paris, ME
Sheila Hobbs – La Grange, NC
Beatrice Bennett – Roanoke Rapids, NC
Paula Ramos – Beeville, TX
Abram Mendoza – Corpus Christi, TX
Jackie Hahn – Cuero, TX
Bobby King Jr. – Richmond, TX
Katrina Trimiew – Richmond, VA
Carlton Davis – Norfolk, VA
Nikkia Clayton – Fredericksburg, VA
James Howard – Richmond, VA
Dennis Francis – Aberdeen, WA

However, Curtis Mathes wasn’t looking to compromise the quality of his product to meet ideal selling prices. When Curtis Mathes began manufacturing televisions he had one major goal in mind; to have the most well-built, reliable and expensive television on the market. He did. And, they were. The televisions were so well built that each set had a four year warranty, which was unheard of at the time – and today for that matter. But, if consumers wanted the best they were going to have to pay for it.

So, by the end of the 1970s Curtis Mathes had perhaps the finest color television set in the world, but because of its price tag most Americans couldn’t afford to purchase it. That’s when Willie Talley stepped in and partnered with Curtis Mathes. Willie had an ingenious concept, “ColorTyme.” Willie believed at the time that it was “tyme” for all households to have “color” television…hence ColorTyme. While he didn’t expect the name to become so quickly dated, it has stuck over the years.

Willie’s idea materialized in Athens, Texas in 1979, where the first ColorTyme rent-to-own store opened. With the store’s opening came the opportunity for every average American family to purchase the finest color television available. Curtis Mathes didn’t have to sacrifice quality, and any American household could now afford to move from the era of black and white into the time of color.

Today, ColorTyme is the nation’s oldest franchisor of independently owned and operated rent-to-own stores and offers not just TVs and electronics, but also appliances, computers and furniture. Thanks to the most expensive television set in America.

Top Five Valentine’s Gifts for Men

Okay ladies; let’s first get into the male psyche. What do males love? They love electronics, gadgets and games, big screen TVs, their automobiles and comfort. Easy!
1. An LED flat screen TV tops the ColorTyme list. Why? It is only the latest and greatest technology in flat screen TVs. Your beau will be blown away by the picture quality of an LED screen, and it is the thinnest screen yet.
2. If you already have the nice flat screen TV, comfort is the next priority. Motion furniture is hot right now so a really nice comfy recliner is just the ticket for the man in your life. Or, if you want to be a bit more romantic, go with the recliner sofa.
3. A state-of-the-art DVD Home Theater System is an excellent gift for the man who would appreciate relaxing in the comfort of his own home with the superior sights and surround-sound provided by Dolby technology. There will be no mistaking his happiness with this gift as you will hear his and his friends’ shouts of victory during every game day.
4. If your guy really loves his automobile, you can light up his eyes and make his mouth drop open on Valentine’s Day with custom wheels from RimTyme. Ladies, you know how we love jewelry? Well, this is the bling that males go for. RimTyme has custom wheels for his automobile that will make it shine above all others in its class.
5. Last but not least, if your guy has been looking to upgrade his video game equipment, ColorTyme is the place to do that. Video games are a great way to relax at home and blow off some steam. Many men find the games a good way to get their minds off work and relax into some quality time at home in the evenings.

Top Five Valentine’s Gifts for Women

This year if you really want to wow the lady in your life, don’t go with the traditional flowers, chocolates or jewelry. Let her know that building a home and a life with her is your priority. Women love a beautiful home and joining her in that quest is a great way to show your love. Thus, here are ColorTymes top five Valentine’s gifts for women this year.

1. The trend in dining today is casual and everyone likes to congregate around a kitchen counter or bar. Furniture manufacturers noticed this and have started a raging trend that works beautifully for today’s lifestyle – the counter-height dining table and chairs. It’s hip and gorgeous and a great way to say happy Valentine’s Day this year.
2. If you and your girl are in desperate need of a new washer and dryer. You’ve been schlepping back and forth to the Laundromat or your old units are about to bite the dust. This is a great time to go for it, as the manufacturers now offer a range of bold colors to choose from. And, you can rent-to-own these items for as little as $20 a week! What would say ‘I love you’ more than a brand new red washer and dryer with a big white bow this Valentine’s Day.
3. Just as motion furniture made our top five list for men, it also joins our top five for women. There is always a piece of furniture that is old and tired in a female’s eyes — one she would really love to see go out the back door. Find out which one it is and surprise her with a trip to ColorTyme to pick out its replacement. The new trend is recliners that swivel, adjust, recline — and sofas have joined into the trend as well. It’s a great gift for cozy time together and the styles and colors range to fit every woman’s taste.
4. Everyone loves laptops; no one likes to be tied to a desk – even when they are surfing for fun. ColorTyme has laptops to fit every need and budget. Some even come with Web cams! Her eyes will pop when she unwraps a beautiful high tech laptop!
5. Our last choice is not for everyone, but is fabulous for women who love to cook. An updated cook-top can inspire a gourmet cook. ColorTyme even delivers and installs for free, so you can time this for maximum surprise and wow factor. Don’t forget a big bow on top!

For larger ticket items like washers, dryers, flat screen TVs and home entertainment equipment, rent-to-own and layaway are both options that don’t require a large cash outlay up front. But, that is where the similarities stop. There are key differences between the two. First, with rent-to-own, you can take the item home the same day without any credit. With layaway, you may or may not need credit, but will definitely not be able to take the item home that day. With the holidays around the corner, this takes some of the fun out of putting money down on a gift.

Also, most layaway programs aren’t as flexible as rent-to-own. For instance, with most layaway programs there is typically a $5 non-refundable service fee on all contracts and a cancellation fee of around $10. Both the service fee and cancellation fee are usually collected up front and are not refunded if the merchandise is returned to stock due to missed payments. With most retailers, layaway merchandise will be returned to stock seven days after a missed payment.

Conversely, rent-to-own is much more flexible. Let’s take your local Hometown ColorTyme for example. If you’re looking for furniture, electronics, computers and/or appliances, ColorTyme will have it in stock and you can take it home the same day in most cases. With ColorTyme no credit is needed, and there are flexible low payment options, early purchase options and, of course, you can make an outright purchase the same day. ColorTyme also offers home delivery (same day option is available) and service repairs, if needed, at no extra cost. A full service loaner program is also included with every agreement to all customers. With layaway plans through retailers, once you finally get your product home, if it breaks you have to deal with the warranty plan, connected either to the brand name or the retailer. Many of these warranty plans must be purchased separately.

With ColorTyme, there are short and longer term rent-to-own plans available and professionals install, demonstrate and deliver everything at no additional cost. There are no penalties for returning merchandise and your investment doesn’t go away after you return the product. When you are ready, ColorTyme will set you up again with your product or a comparable product to the one you returned.

Although a layaway plan might seem like a good idea, it doesn’t compare to the flexibility or speed of delivery that ColorTyme rent-to-own plans offer. If you’re looking to bring home and enjoy a product right away, there is no comparison.

If you are looking for a way to get the things you want without ever having to worry about debt, watching this video is an excellent place to start. The video stars Bruce Emory, a ColorTyme franchisee in Atlanta (not a spokesperson). He generously volunteered to speak on behalf of all ColorTyme store owners.

There is no doubt, it can get confusing. It can also become frustrating for somebody who doesn’t know how to differentiate between LCD, Plasma and DLP HDTVs. Forget about all the bells and whistles; it’s the core technology that’s important. So, here’s what you need to know before you make your rent to own television decision.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

LCD technology incorporates liquid crystals that are squeezed in a space between two glass plates. The images shown on the screen are created by varying the amount of electrical charge applied to the crystals.

In general, consumer interest in LCD HDTVs has increased over the past few years. Moreover, LCD is the most widely produced (and appreciated) TV technology in the world. Consumers find LCD TVs to be more versatile. And, now that prices have dropped, it’s also the most sold TV technology.

The benefits:

Resolution – The number of pixels horizontally and vertically create a display’s resolution (typically measured in pixels or dots per inch, such as 1920×1080). The greater the resolution, the more information or images you’ll be able to view. For instance, text is easier to read on an LCD (compared to other technologies) because the resolution is refined.

Flexibility – Most LCDs can also be used as PC monitors (requiring the correct input and computer connection cable). Additionally, many LCDs can be mounted on the wall (an installation not provided by ColorTyme) or placed on a flat surface so the screen can tilt and swivel. This allows the TV to be low-profile and not as bulky in the room.

The drawbacks:

Viewing angles – One of the main disadvantages of LCD technology is its limited viewing angles. Sometimes the screen will appear washed-out or dim if you look at the display from an extreme angle.

Fragile backlights – Since they’re fairly fragile, and more likely to break, LCD backlights usually come with a limited one-year warranty. The LCD screen is also fragile and sensitive to its environment. In fact, when cleaning the screen, wipe only in one direction (no circles) with water and a soft cloth. Don’t use windex! Over time, using windex can damage the LCD screen.

For more information about owning a LCD HDTV, visit http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com.

Plasma

Plasma screens use a matrix of tiny gas plasma cells charged by precise electrical voltages to create a picture.

Allowing for more flexibility, the plasma display panel is only about 6 centimeters (2.5 inches) thick. However, the total thickness, including electronics, is less than 10 centimeters (4 inches). Similar to LCDs, you can hang a plasma HDTV on the wall or from the ceiling.

The benefits:

Response time – Faster response times make plasmas ideal for fast motion video. They handle quick movements and graphic displays better. Most LCDs have a slower response time and can leave trails on the screen when fast motion video is present.

Viewing angles – Plasma screens have wider viewing angles than most LCD TVs. This means that images do not degrade at high angles. This is ideal for active home theater rooms where many people are watching the same TV.

The drawbacks:

Burn-in – Although not as prevalent today, many plasma screen HDTVs can suffer from screen burn-in or image retention. However, newer model plasmas include technology that prevents this from happening. High altitudes are also problematic for some plasma screens. Higher elevations cause an air-pressure differential and the pressure of the gases inside the plasma display increases as the outside air pressure decreases. Under such conditions, most plasmas emit a slight buzzing noise. Nowadays, many companies are manufacturing plasma HDTVs that can handle higher altitudes.

Glass screen – Because of the glass screen that holds in the gases, plasma TVs are heavier. Furthermore, damage to the glass screen can be permanent and far more difficult to repair than an LCD TV screen. When transporting a plasma TV, be sure that it’s standing up and not lying down. If the TV is lying on its face or on its back, the plasma inside the screen will move and compromise its image quality.

For more information about owning a plasma HDTV, visit http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Texas Instruments created DLP technology in 1987. Only available as a front- or rear-projection TV, DLP uses millions of micro-mirrors that reflect light onto the surface of a screen.

DLP has become the preferred TV technology today. More than 30 TV manufacturers and other consumer electronics companies use DLP within their products.

The benefits:

Resolution – Because the DLP technology is so advanced, the screen resolution on a DLP HDTV is crisp, clear and provides a true high-definition display. The DLP technology also prevents the possibility of a screen burn-in and provides a fast response time (most likely a faster response time than most plasma screen TVs).
Price – DLP rear projection TVs are considerably cheaper than LCD or plasma displays and can still offer 1080p, high-definition resolution. Plus, DLPs don’t suffer from many of the downfalls of plasma and LCD TVs – such as color decay and viewing angle problems.

The drawbacks:

Size, thickness – If the DLP HDTV is rear-projection, it’s generally more bulky and not as low-profile. A front-projection DLP TV – appropriate for large home theater rooms – is more low-profile and boasts a thinner screen. However, many of the DLPs that ColorTyme carries are rear-projection. Front-projection models – on most occasions – can be ordered by customer request.

Lamp (light source) replacement – Many of the lamp bulbs (or general light source) in DLP HDTVs last for about one to three years; this is based on how often it’s powered on/off and the duration of viewing. The replacement costs for a lamp bulb depend on the brand and model.

For more information about owning a DLP HDTV, visit http://www.dlptvreview.com.

720p,1080i, 1080p

So, what do 720p, 1080i and 1080p mean? And how does this affect the kind of HDTV you rent to own?

Essentially, the “i” stands for “interlaced” lines and the “p” stands for “progressively-scanned” lines. The more lines that the TV displays, the more detailed the images will be on the TV. Most TVs in the past could only display 480 lines (commonly known as standard-definition).

HDTVs have a 16:9 aspect ratio (similar to a movie screen display). Therefore, they require a higher resolution display. A TV that displays progressively-scanned lines will have a high quality image because it’s processing images twice as fast (compared to interlaced lines). This means that HDTVs with 1080p provide a superior image display, while 1080i and 720p provide the next best image displays.

Some talking points for your ColorTyme visit:

Most ColorTyme stores offer a myriad of rent to own high-def televisions. However, it can be intimidating – even with the help of a sales associate. Don’t let that deter you from pursuing your rental purchase. Just do some research and arrive with answers; you might impress the pros!

Before visiting your Hometown ColorTyme rent to own franchise store, to rent to own electronics, answer the following questions:

1. How will you use your new HDTV?
• If you’re looking to entertain guests, it’s probably best to own an HDTV with many features and multiple inputs (for a DVD player, video game console, etc.)
• If you have a lot of sports fanatics in your household, you might want to rent a plasma or DLP HDTV (two technologies that provide a faster screen response time)
• Blu-ray movies and video games are extremely popular. An HDTV without a blu-ray DVD player or PS3 video game console is like a bird without feathers.

2. Do you have a TV size in mind?
• Do you have a home theater room? What are the dimensions?
• If you don’t have a home theater room, what room do you plan to use for this TV?
• If you have an entertainment center, what are the dimensions?

3. What HDTV content source do you plan to use?
• Do you plan to purchase high definition TV service via satellite TV (DISH Network, DirecTV, etc.), Fiber-optic TV (Verizon FiOS), or cable TV (Comcast, Time Warner Cable, etc.)?
• If you plan to use over-the-air high-definition service, do you have an HD-capable antenna?

4. Do you have high-speed Internet service?
• Today, many HDTVs use high-speed Internet service to help with software updates and content streaming. This isn’t a requirement, but a nice feature to have – especially for a blu-ray DVD player and/or PS3 game console.

5. How much do want to spend on your weekly rate?
• Provide the sales associate with a price range to assist you with choosing the HDTV that’s right for you.

Important HDTV tips: Check to see if the TV has a built-in HDTV tuner to receive over-the-air broadcast capabilities. Otherwise, an external tuner must be added.

When you plug in your new HDTV, everything won’t magically become high-definition. To watch HDTV you must lease or buy equipment from a cable, satellite, fiber or phone company and sign up for high-definition TV service.

You may be able to receive free, over-the-air HD if you’re close to a station, have an antenna and an HD tuner in your TV or set-top box. It’s important to connect your box to the TV with component-video or HDMI cables. Composite-video and S-video cables don’t carry HD. Of course, not all channels are high-definition ready. Many still exist as standard-definition channels. Dark bars on the sides of a TV screen image usually indicate a standard-definition channel. Your TV service provider can provide you with all the information you’ll need for high-definition service.

Sources: Wikipedia.org, About.com, HowStuffWorks.com