Wireless Keyboards – In 2010 and beyond, we will continue to see more wireless applications. For instance, televisions around the house have been transformed into computer modems, allowing people to surf the Internet from their living room sofa or master bedroom. As televisions become Web capable, wireless keyboards will find their place alongside the TV remote.

LED Televisions – Plasma and LCD television have a new standard to compete with. LED technology is going to make a bigger splash in 2010 as the new viewing technology brings higher caliber picture and less energy consumption than its plasma and LCD predecessors. The new LED televisions will also be thinner and lighter than their more bulky competitors, and the quality is outstanding.

3D Home Theater – Movie enthusiast will no longer have to visit their local IMAX to seem amazing films in 3D. Headed by electronic juggernauts, Sony, Samsung, and Mitsubishi, the 3D experience is now a reality and will be seen more and more in our personal home theaters.

Blue-ray – From VHS to DVD, 2010 is finally Blue-ray’s year to reign supreme. True 1080p picture and Dolby Digital high-definition sound make Blue-ray the optimal choice for today’s home theater systems. The reduced cost of PlayStation 3s, Blue-ray disc players, and the Blue-ray disc themselves will likely finally position this techno-trend as a mainstay.

Colorful Kitchen Appliances – The home kitchen is about to be one of the more colorful rooms in the house. Appliance makers across the board are offering more alternative appliance color selections than ever before. Black, white, stainless, and red are no longer the exclusive colors of home appliances. Even washers and dryers are coming out in colors that are awash with the new home color schemes.

French Door Refrigerators – Side-by-side refrigerators were once the craze, but the thoughtful design of French door refrigerators have caused new kitchen appliance buyers to rethink their style of choice. The French door design is unique and functional, allowing for less kitchen floor space than side-by-side models without losing valuable storage space – meaning these refrigerators are a perfect fit for any kitchen.

Front Loading Washers and Dryers – 2010 isn’t the fist year we’ve seen front loading washers, but the reduction in price – and clear energy efficiency superiority – for models in this design are going to be hard to pass up for those seeking a new washer and dryer. Also, a wider variety of appliance colors will be attractive to those who like to color coordinate.

Counter Height Dining Tables – Family dinning isn’t what it used to be, and counter height dining tables address the need for a more casual family dining experience. This new dining trend is reflective of the family on the go.

Motion Furniture – The concept of sofa and recliner has rightly merged, and this new generation of furniture adapts to those who like the best of both worlds. Whether lying on the couch watching a movie, or reclining watching a ballgame, motion furniture has your comfort position.

Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics – Energy efficiency isn’t for just your automobile. Now there are a range of electronics and appliances that will meet your cost-saving, eco-friendly needs. From high-definition televisions to dishwashers, energy efficient appliances and electronics are here to stay.

If you’re looking to bring your home up to date in 2010, feel free to stop by your Hometown ColorTyme, and experience the benefits of rent-to-own furniture, rent-to-own appliances, and rent-to-own electronics. Maybe wow your friends and neighbors with your new ultra-thin LED TV, or replace that old couch with something that fits your family’s individual comfort needs.

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!

Here are some brief research points that could shed some light on what’s to come:

*Because of the digital TV transition on June 12, many consumers made new TV purchases. According to research firm Retrevo Pulse, more and more households are adding high-def TVs to multiple rooms. In addition, HDTV purchases are soaring because of the availability of HD programming: terrestrial broadcasts, cable, satellite and Internet TV.

*The research company In-Stat says that digital media adaptors, pay TV set-top boxes, Blu-ray players/recorders, HDTVs, and media-center PCs are delivering Web video into households. However, all this will be overshadowed by the popularity of video game consoles. In-Stat says that consoles are currently “the most utilized devices for bringing Web video to the TV and will remain so through 2013. By 2013, over 10.7 million consoles will be used as Web-to-TV mediation devices in the U.S.”

*In-Stat also said that more than 66 million people are “using the Internet while camped out on their sofas watching TV.” Nowadays, TV has become more interactive for exactly this reason: Broadcasters know that households’ PCs aren’t too far away from their TVs. Many TV shows are asking viewers to vote online, register for contests, visit a program’s Web site for more information, and more. These networks know that they can access viewers on TVs and PCs, simultaneously. As time goes on, this becomes more the norm rather than the trend.

*Starting November 1, the new Energy Star TV specification for TVs takes effect. TVs with the compliant Energy Star specifications will be available for the holiday shopping season. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the new specifications account for both active and standby power consumption across all types of TVs.

*According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if all TVs purchased by consumers in 2009 met the new Energy Star standards, the savings in greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to removing 1 million cars from the road. Also according to the EPA, TVs that earn the Energy Star label under the new requirements will be up to 30 percent more efficient than non-qualified models, making it easier for consumers to select an efficient model based upon the government-backed criteria. The EPA projects that approximately one quarter of the TVs currently entering the market will meet the stricter specification for efficiency. A list of models qualified under the new Energy Star TV specification can be found online at www.energystar.gov.

*According to research firm The NPD Group, Blu-ray Disc video technology is moving further into the mainstream. First quarter sales of stand-alone Blu-ray players in the U.S. grew to more than 400,000 units, an increase of 72 percent over the same period last year.

*A recent PC World article said that Panasonic recently unveiled a prototype 50-inch TV and companion glasses that together give the viewer the illusion of three dimensions. Expect more 3D products from Panasonic – and other manufacturers – this year and in 2010.

*Want to know what HD programming (by service provider) is available in your zip code? Visit www.whereisHD.com and enter your zip code to find out.

Beyond conventional retail, flat panel TVs, game consoles and computers have been favorites in the rent to own industry – especially among ColorTyme customers. Multi-tasking and multi-use hasn’t been overlooked either in this market. In some cases, TVs can double as educational devices and represent the central entertainment resource for many families.

Sources: Media Business Corp., Retrevo Pulse, PC World, In-Stat, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The NPD Group, and the Consumer Electronics Association

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