DVD Recorders an Alternative to TiVo

You’ve held onto that VCR as long as possible, but alas it’s dead and it’s time to move on. You want to be able to record your favorite TV shows, but you’re not ready to make the leap to TiVo. Not to fear – a DVD recorder might be perfect solution!

DVD recorders are a cost effective alternative to a DVR or TiVo system and offer a more features than traditional DVD players. Record your favorite movies and TV programs to DVD-R/DVD-RW discs while you view them live or pre-program recordings for a later time or date. Some new models add hard drives and programming guides offering DVR or TiVo-like operating functions.

Take in all the action of Iron Man with video up-conversion to 1080p format (ultra HD) offering ultimate image quality and viewing experience on today’s HDTVs. Many models come equipped with built-in tuners providing your home theater that missing piece of the puzzle.

If you take photos with a digital camera, some DVD recorders come equipped with an SD memory card slot and USB terminal to easily view photos on your television. Showing off your work in slideshow format to family and friends on the big-screen couldn’t be easier! We’re your best option when it comes to choosing a DVD recorder.

With the best selection of trusted name brand appliances and electronics – at the best prices – BrandSource in your source on everything for the home.

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iPod Docking Stations, More Than a Home for Your iPod

You love your iPod. You have filled it with your favorite tunes and videos. Now you’re ready to take your iPod to the next level – it needs a good home. A docking system is the perfect answer! What once was basic display, iPod docking stations have evolved from small boom boxes to full-blown home theater systems.

Display your iPod and let the music loose with one of our docking stations that connect with a compatible home theater system and receiver. When you attach the iPod, you tap into the exceptional sound quality you get from your home theater system or audio receiver while also charging the player. For something smaller, consider one of the compact CD component systems. Many come with features like turbo sound and 3-way speaker with separate subwoofers. There’s even a “stage dock” setting to place your iPod on stage during a party.

Finally for the audio video enthusiast, there is now something called TeleDock. It’s being called a new dimension in home theater. Picture a LCD widescreen that has the iPod dock built-in to the TV. The unit plays back your music, photos and downloaded video while up converting the content to ultra HD or 1080p format.

Before choosing a docking system, let the knowledgeable in-store experts at BrandSource help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance or television, need a new mattress set, floor covering, furniture, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire home full of new brand name products. Our professional delivery and installation experts will assure that your new products arrive safely, are installed properly and that any questions or needs you have are handled promptly. And, of course if service is required in the future, you can rest assured of the same dedication to prompt professional assistance as well.

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LCD TV

Those five letters have changed the television industry over the last few years. If you’re shopping for a television what does LCD TV actually mean? Liquid Crystal Display or LCD; in the electronics world that’s tech-talk for how the screen is built. It’s actually several screens in one, some filter light, some display pixels (your TV signal, for instance) through the liquid crystal layer, some bounce the signal back to your eye.

Today LCD televisions are definitely a good purchase. Not only can they be used as a television, computer monitor, or gaming center but they’re energy efficient. BrandSource spends a considerable amount of effort keeping their appliances “green”, so adding an LCD TV is a good way to reduce your household’s carbon footprint.

LCD televisions are popular and finding the right size is easy, but what happens if it breaks? At BrandSource we can repair LCD, even without of warranty. Click on Locate Stores above to find your nearest BrandSource store.

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MicroSD and MicroSDHC Cards

The trend these days among users of electronic consumers seems to be to store their personal and professional data on portable memory sources. Enter the microSD and microSDHC cards.

The “SD” in microSD stands for “secure digital” while the micro refers to the fact that they are one of the smallest memory cards on the market today. However, these cards deliver high-performance allowing consumers to quickly capture video, photos, and sound in a reliable, easy-to-use format. Then, there is the microSDHC – the “HC” refers to the “high-capacity” of the cards.

Both the microSD and microSDHC cards are great choices for the consumer who wants to store and share their music, video and high-resolution image files. For the camcorder users, these ultra-compact cards are the perfect traveling companion because they are rugged, removable and reliable. Just be sure that your camcorder has the capability to record to the microSD or microSDHC format.

Now, how do you know which card to choose to work best with your camcorder? According to the SD Association, to determine the right card for your device, always consult the device’s user manual. Or you can contact your local BrandSource store. SD memory cards come in a variety of memory capacities designed to fit your needs. You can also determine the best memory capacity based on how you plan to use the card.

The microSD and micro SDHC cards are approximately the size of a fingernail but they pack a punch when it comes to data storage. These little memory miracles can be utilized in compatible camcorders, digital cameras and MP3 players from your local BrandSource store. Our stores offer all the major name brand electronics and appliances and we’re your source for low prices, large selection and personalized service.

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MiniDV Camcorders Small in Size Big on Performance

These days the trend with electronics seems that everything needs to be more compact but still deliver performance. Bring on the MiniDV camcorders! So other than the obvious – size— what’s so special about these minis?

MiniDV Camcorders provide exceptional convenience in a compact package and the DV compression offers better quality video than other formats. MiniDV tapes can fit 60 minutes of video in both DV and HDV, or 90 minutes of DV in the lower quality LP setting. Cassettes make for easy archiving and the capture process for editing DV is more widely available than any other media.

Just because these MiniDV camcorders are small doesn’t mean can’t compete in a big way when trying to zoom in on the action! Your images are magnified optically to eliminate jagged edges and can be further enlarged up to 1200x when combined with the digital zoom.

Going on a trip? Then, a MiniDV camcorder is the perfect traveling partner! Its small size means you can shoot actively without fatigue, and have room left in the suitcase for souvenirs. If you want to shoot a combination of video and pictures, many MiniDV camcorders also take still photos.

Before making your MiniDV purchase, browse through our online selection of MiniDV camcorders. Shop at BrandSource, your one-stop source for quality home entertainment products and more!

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MP3 Players – Music to Your Ears

When it comes to choosing an MP3 player, you have to look at your lifestyle and how you’re going to use the player in order to better determine what model best fits your needs.

In selecting the right MP3 for you, size DOES matter. The capacity of MP3 players varies from as small as 256 MB in the ultra small flash drives to 160 GB in the large hard drive MP3 players. If you plan on backing up your entire music collection, a hard drive MP3 player with capacity to hold 20,000 to 40,000 songs is your best bet. If you just want an MP3 player to get through your grueling workout, then a flash or micro drive will do the trick.

You also want to look at the MP3 player’s level of audio quality and video playback. Depending on the amount of time you plan on spending with your MP3 player will dictate how much value you place on these functions. If your MP3 player is going to be incorporated into your entertainment system, you want to be sure to select a model with an adequate battery life to keep the party going. BrandSource has a variety of MP3 players to fit your needs, lifestyle and budget.

After browing through our online selection of electronics for the home visit your local BrandSource store for details on financing, installation, and extended warranty coverage.

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TV Mounts Equal Viewing Pleasure

You just bought a new television for the “Big Game” but before everyone comes over, you want to protect your investment and make sure it is safely secure. Mounting your LCD or plasma television to the wall, ceiling or under a cabinet has many advantages.

Getting the TV off the floor means a clutter-free entertainment area and ensures a better line of vision for the game. In addition to providing you a better viewing position to watch your favorite shows, some TV mounts offer you versatility and mobility. If you go with a swivel or a tilt wall mount, you can adjust the mount to view the TV from different angles. These wall mounts are a popular choice for above a fireplace or on the opposing wall from your viewing area.

Swing arm mounts swivel and swing and can also be adjusted to achieve the best seat in the house. These mounts work best when utilized in a corner location. Under-cabinet mounts tilt and swivel in all directions for multiple viewing angles and conveniently tuck under a cabinet when not in use. These are recommended in areas where space is limited but a full range of TV motion is desired.

The best thing about deciding to mount your TV is that one can be installed in any room of your home. Place one in your office, one in your bedroom, and even one in your kitchen so you can tune into the food shows while you’re cooking. Any place you can dream up is the right place for a TV wall mount. BrandSource stores offer all the major name brand electronics and appliances and we’re your source for low prices and large selection. Visit your local BrandSource store for expert advice and personalized service.

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Universal Remotes Bring it all Together

If the number of remotes used for your home audio and video system is out of control, a universal remote may be the solution to get organized and gain “control.” Consolidate the way you run your home entertainment system with a universal remote by putting everything into one controller.

Universal remote controls vary in capabilities and price. Typically, the basic units control the television and a few components like the DVD player, VCR and cable box. The higher end universal remotes should be able to handle your entire system including the aforementioned items plus: home theater receiver, cable box or satellite receiver, DVR, DVD or Blu-ray disc player and DVD recorder.

A popular feature showing up on some of the more advanced universal remotes, are what are called “user-programmable macro controls.” For example, let’s say you want to watch Iron Man on Blu-ray – instead of turning on the disc player and switching the television to the proper channel, you just press the button that executes the “play DVD” macro. The commands for the television, DVD, home theater receiver and surround sound all are handled by this little universal remote by the touch of a finger.

When you go to choose a universal remote, you first need to determine the number of components you would like to control – you also need to consider your budget. Whether it’s a universal remote or any other items for your home entertainment system, BrandSource is your source for electronics and appliances for the home. We offer all the top name brands at competitive prices with exceptional customer service. From DVD players and DVRs to LCD and plasma televisions we’ve got your home audio and video needs covered.

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