Installation Products

Making Installing a TV Tuner in Your Car a Simple Project:

In-car TV tuners aren't just for mini-vans and large SUV's anymore. Technology and car audio have joined forces to make those long road trips seem enjoyable for once. With their hard work even the smallest compact car can now benefit from a drop-down screen to watch the latest DVD's or to even watch the local television stations. Thanks to this latest innovation in car audio that whole "are we there yet" is dead and hopefully gone forever. Read more below...
By Tl Kleban

What also makes TV tuners in your car a great thing is that they are absolutely an affordable option for any car owner. It can be as simple or as complex as you want with choices such as a portable all-in-one system that hangs from the roof or to custom component integrations which are stowed away in your dash or headrests. They pretty much can be installed virtually anywhere in your car.

The intricacies in wiring it, mounting it, and deciding which of your current stereo components can stay, which can go, and which get hooked to what can be overwhelming to someone less experienced in car audio installation. That doesn't mean you shouldn't or can't try however. Here are a few quick and simple steps to show you how.

• Before you go uninstalling your car's dashboard or actually anything at all, read up on which TV tuners are compatible with your current video system. There are certain tuners that will only work with the same brand of video equipment for your unit to work correctly.
• Lift up your car's hood and, with a wrench or socket, disconnect the battery cables from the battery. If you are not sure which size socket you should use, your owner's manual can tell you the correct size.
• Now you need to make a decision on where you are going to mount the TV tuner. The spot should be in a location where it won't be hit, bumped, or crushed which is one reason why under the seat or in the trunk are two of the more popular choices. The tuner unit should have come with mounting brackets and screws for you to install it correctly.
• The tuner will be powered by your car's power supply and battery so you'll need to route the TV tuner's power wire to that fuse block. The power wire is then connected to an accessory power output in the fuse block. If you have any questions about the location of the accessory output or the fuse block, refer back to your car's owner's manual again.
• The tuner's infrared receiver or also called its "eye" is attached. The spot should be placed where the eye is accessible to the IR remote control. The tuner's manufacturer's instruction should help you with any installation questions you may have with this step.
• Now, route the audio/video cable from the tuner's video output port to the monitor's video input port and securely connect the cable to receive the best signal.
• Now that the tuner is correctly installed and mounted in your car, you can reattach the battery cables, start the car and give it a test. First, turn on the video system and using the remote turn on the TV tuner. You should be receiving all of the local TV stations if you installed everything correctly.

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Great Deals

Buying A Car DVD Player - 7 Questions To Ask When Purchasing:

Car in dash DVD players and other automotive DVD players are appearing more often in vehicles these days as a larger number of cheap car DVD players appear on the market. But sometimes it is hard for a person to know where to start looking for a car DVD player ad what to look for. Read more below...
By Rose Lee

The first point you will have to consider after you have decided to buy an automotive DVD player or component is whether to purchase it online or from a 'bricks and mortar' car audio store. While you are able to deal with salespeople face to face at the 'bricks and mortar' store you may find you get a much better price online from an electronics wholesaler. You will still need to ask several key questions, regardless of your decision.

Will I get all the components I need?

There is nothing worse than paying good money for a car dvd player, going to install it and finding you still need to buy the speakers, TV tuners, TV antennas, wires, brackets or other components before it can be installed. After all, what is the point of buying an in dash car TV DVD player if you don't get the tuner or aerial to make it work.

This depends on where the car DVD player is being purchased. If purchased from a bricks and mortar store then it should be offered by the vendor as electronic goods cost more at stores than they do online.

Can I connect my USB devices or flash memory cards to the player?

More music and data you want shown in vehicles is stored on computers and USB and an increasing number of car DVDs have a plug-in function. These USB ports can also be a useful point to install Bluetooth cellular car phone kits.

What formats does it support?

Will it support MP3s or MPEGs? What about AVI files? If you are choosing a system that will accept USBs and flash memory cards it is always good to check that the system will accept the format of programs you store most often on flash.

What region DVD's does this player accept?

DVD's are becoming increasingly multi-regional but that doesn't necessarily mean that every car DVD player will play every DVD. It is always a good idea to check which region of DVDs you are actually to make sure your dvd player car audio in dash unit is compatible with your collection.

How big is the screen?

The cost of LCD screens have come down a lot in last 12 months, as seen by Panasonic's 150-inch LCD screen showcased at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, which cost the same as the 109 inch screen the company put on display at the show the previous year. As a result, in dash car TV DVD players with 6.5 and 7 inch screens are considered to be the norm, and should be extremely affordable.

It's got a screen, but is it a touch screen?

We all know what a touch screen is, it is one of the things that has made the iPod such a big hit globally. Touch screens are becoming increasingly common and automotive dvds with touch screens should not be astronomically priced. After all, there is nothing worse than hunting for a tiny knob when trying to change music whilst on the road.

Purchasing a car TV DVD player is a big undertaking. Time spent working out what the DVD will be used for and finding out information about the intended purchase would not be wasted.

About The Author:

Rose Li is the Manager of Customer Support at http://www.chinavasion.com

Visit the website to sign up free as for a wholesale buyer account, and find out more about how to profit from a connection with
China Distributors

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Laptop Batteries

10 Tips to Prolong Laptop Battery Life:

One of the biggest issues with laptop computers is battery life. Ever have your laptop go dead, at the worst possible moment? You are not alone. This is a common occurrence with laptop batteries, and of course, they fail us at the worst times. Also, there is the cost of battery replacement, which can run high. But, all hope is not lost and there are some concrete steps that will prolong the life of laptop batteries and make sure that it's ready to go when you need. Read more below...
By JR Lang

1. Use the A/C adapter via wall plug whenever possible. This many seem very obvious, however many times laptop users become so used to mobile computing, that even when at home they do not take advantage of a close by plug.

2. Battery Charging: It is better to charge your battery 100% and then use up all that juice and recharge it again.

3. Program Overload: Run only the programs you are using at the time of use. Programs that run in the background use more system resources and drain laptop battery life.

4. Laptop Temperature: Make sure to read your laptops temperature ranges and not let it go beyond what is recommended. When your laptop is hot then turn it off and let it cool down. You can also use cooling devices, like laptop cooling trays and pads that will make sure your laptop is cool and not sucking extra battery juice.

5. Disable unnecessary programs from start up: Many programs that we do not even use, start automatically on computer boot, such as Microsoft Office Suites. Even anti virus can be disabled if you are not logging onto the Internet during that work session and do not have an open Internet connection.

6. Plan ahead: If you are going to be mobile and need to use your laptop for email checking, word processing and other work tasks then make sure you have a full battery and do not drain it by hanging out online, or watching a DVD. Those activities will deplete your battery and leave you stranded when you really need your laptop.

7. Work with peripherals when you can use a wall plug: Tasks such as uploading music to iPods or any devices that require the use of a USB for example that use a lot of power. So it is best to perform these tasks, when you can draw power from the AC adapter instead of using laptop battery juice.

8. Adjust screen brightness: Adjust the screen brightness as low as your eyes can take and you will see a big improvement in battery life.

9. De-fragment your hard disk: Your laptop will use less resources when pulling up files and therefore use less power.

10. Power Saving Features: Stand by mode uses power. If your laptop has the hibernate feature, then use it. If not, turn it off whenever possible or feasible.

Taking steps such as those above will secure more battery life and a better mobile computing experience.

Read more valuable laptop guides such as laptop buying guide, best gaming laptop, cleaning LCD/laptop screens and more. Also browse a large selection of all brands and models of cheap laptops and notebooks at: Cheap Laptop Computers.

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Laptop Accessories

How to Choose The Right Laptop Accessories?

The notebook computer is coming of age. For the firsttime in history, notebooks or laptops are out-sellingtheir bigger cousins, desktop computers. Read more below...
By Titus Hoskins

The rise in popularity of the notebook computer can be contributed to many factors: drop in prices, stiff competition, aggressive marketing, but perhaps the
biggest factor -- increased performance.

With each new generation of notebooks, we are seeing some novel breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, PCI Express, Sonoma Chipset, increased storage, increased RAM, faster CPUs, better battery life and better wireless access including a Cellular Modem Connection. All these new innovations are making for a more powerful
computer embodied in a sleeker smaller package that consumers want.

However, as most notebook enthusiasts know, to get full enjoyment from your laptop or notebook computer you must have certain essential accessories. These laptop accessories will greatly enhance your notebook experience and make for a much more satisfying all-around 'complete laptop'.

Here's a wish list of laptop accessories you may want to consider purchasing:

1. Carrying Bag or Backpack This is essential if you will be doing a lot of traveling. You might even want to consider a wheeled bag for those heavier laptops. Try to purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty of compartments for all those notebook peripherals. Always check to see if your laptop or notebook will fit!

2. Extra Battery Since most batteries last less than 5 hours you will need an extra battery or two. You should also check out bringing along an external battery for your laptop.

3. Port Replicator This is one essential you should consider buying for your laptop or notebook computer. It's a real hassle dealing with all those wires and connections on your laptop, that's where your port replicator or docking station solves your problem. Plug all your peripherals into the docking station or port replicator -- connect and disconnect your laptop with ease without having to deal with all those wires and connections. A must have!

4. Auto and Airplane ac adapter Another essential laptop accessory if you do a lot traveling, battery life on most notebooks is not great so having a handy source of ac power from your auto or from an airplane is a 'no-brainer'!

5. USB Hub Some older model notebooks come with only one or two USB ports; if you need more -- try a handy USB hub. It will give you more options.

6. Wireless Card Most laptops and notebooks now come with a wireless card. Many top brands have 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or all three! If your notebook doesn't have a wireless card, you can get a rather inexpensive 802.11b Linksys PC Card adapter for under $50.

You may also want to check out the new Sony VAIO VGN-T350P -- it has the world's first 'Cellular Modem Built In'-- access the Internet thru your cell phone. It has an Integrated EDGE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for the ultimate in wireless networking. EDGE stands for 'Enhanced Data for Global Evolution' thru the Cingular Wireless national network.

7. Optional External Hard Drive Most notebooks or laptops now come with a 40 to 100 gig hard drives, but still if you download and save a lot of movies or songs you will take up that storage space quicker than you ever thought possible. If you need an extra hard drive for storage or back-up, try an external hard drive.

8. Optional External DVD Burner Many laptops now come with a built in DVD drive but in case you need this extra for or DVD burning (movies, songs, videos, etc.) try an external DVD burner for your notebook. For maximum compatibility, try to get one that supports both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.

9. Optional Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Might sound strange suggesting this option since most laptops already come with a keyboard! But depending on your notebook make and model, the keyboards on most notebooks are not the greatest to type with. It all has to do with the wrong angles and the shape of the laptop, so if you want a wireless desktop style keyboard and mouse, it is relatively cheap to buy.

10. Insurance! If you do a lot of traveling, you may want to invest in some laptop insurance. Laptop theft is still a big problem and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Acquiring any of these laptop accessories will greatly improve your notebook computer, making for a hassle-free computingexperience that you will appreciate and enjoy much more. So don't skimp, instead, bring your laptop enjoyment up to its highest level by purchasing some of these much needed laptop accessories.

You will thank yourself later!

For a list of the top rated Notebook and Laptop Accessories Click Here:

Notebook accessories
Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins. Notebook Buyer's Guide

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Great Deals

Finding an Affordable Laptop:

Though times are tough around the world, the current global recession hasn't had a significant effect on the number of people choosing to purchase small, convenient laptops. Read more below...
By Victoria Cochrane

In fact, the number of laptops and small computers - known as netbooks - has increased, as more people are turning to the convenience of being able to bring their computers with them wherever they go. In addition, the price of these laptops has also decreased, meaning there are cheaper computers on the market now that are affordable to anyone looking for a new computer.

These days it seems that everyone is in need of a computer, and it appears that cheaper laptops are making it easier for users to purchase smaller, convenient computers that are very portable.

Netbooks are another cheap laptop choice that are used primarily to access email and other Internet services. Since they don't need to store many programmes, netbooks are perfect for those who just need to be online throughout the day. However, it's not only netbooks that are becoming cheaper in price. Laptops that fully boast the necessary programmes are now cheaper than ever and very easy to use and carry around.

This is why many people have turned away from using desktop computers. Instead, it can now be cheaper to purchase a portable computer that is easily able to perform the same tasks from any location.

The demand for laptop computers has been steadily increasing in popularity over time, and now it seems that most people would prefer to carry a convenient computer around with them as opposed to using a desktop. For this reason, most laptops have been decreasing in price. In addition, they are often an inexpensive choice for computer users that don't have to mean compromising on quality. This is simply because they are considered to be of a high quality, where the risk of needing constant repairs is minimised.

Laptops are available in a number of styles and with a variety of options that come along with the product. It is possible to seek out a personalised laptop computer that doesn't have to break the bank when it comes to price. Furthermore, they continue to offer the most up-to-date software that many computer users rely on.

And, with so many cheap laptops now available, there is no longer a need to let price hinder you from finding the right one for your needs.

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Lenses

Trying to Choose the Best Digital Camera Lens?

There are a lot of digital cameras available in the market nowadays. That is why it isn't surprising to find that accessories for these devices are also abundant. As a person who is inclined (or maybe starting) in photography, you have probably heard about the different digital camera lens. You might have felt the need to try them out but you realized that that would be a waste of time, not to mention, money. So here is an guide that will let you understand which is the best digital camera lens for you. Read more below...
By Chris Campbell

1.Fold optics lenses

Fold optics lenses are the ones that fold sideways to the camera's body. This kind of lens is very sleek and compact. Lenses of this type are very much protected by its built-in cover. Although these lenses are suitable for those who like compact devices, these models don't support lens converters. Based on different reviews, these lenses produces lower optical quality despite its higher costs compared to that of external lens designs.

2.Fixed zoom lenses

Fixed zoom lenses are not retractable even if the camera is turned off. However, this kind of "flaw" has its own use since these lenses can magnify objects at an average of 18 times. Attaching lens converters to perform different kind of shooting would not be a problem with these lenses. Fixed zoom lenses are commended for business users and serious amateurs in photography.

3.Fixed focal length lenses

Snapshooters and budget buyers should take advantage of this kind of lenses. It doesn't have an optical zoom to magnify objects. It is also very affordable. Cameras with fixed focal length lenses always have easy and quick camera operations. Although these lens provide the lowest quality available in the market, they are very good for shooting wide angle views such as landscapes and group shots.

4.Retractable zoom lenses

Although cameras with these lenses do not support lens converters, they are still very suitable for budget buyers and snapshooters. These lenses are always paired with sleek and compact designs to give it a very light look. This type of lenses, however, is not suitable for people who like to manually set controls since its switches are always limited.

5.Interchangeable lenses

Only digital SLRS offer you the chance to change lenses. Interchangeable lenses are recommendable to serious amateurs who want to have flexibility in handling subjects and views. Cameras with interchangeable lenses will enable you to save money since you won't have to buy new cameras for different kinds of photography.

Getting the perfect camera lens, is never an easy thing, especially with the way digital technology is constantly changing. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the camera lens with all the features important to you.

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Camera Accessories

A Guide to Digital Camera Accessories For Novice Photographers:

Digital photography is a burgeoning market. Each day, more people are getting interested in digital photography and taking it as a hobby. This has translated to increasing sales for digital cameras and digital camera accessories. Read more below...
By Kalyan Kumar

For the novice photographer who has no idea about what digital camera accessories that he or she needs are, we offer a brief guide to digital camera accessories that they should consider buying,

Camera bags. Unless you want to see scratch marks on your brand new digital camera, then you have to buy a bag specifically designed for a digital camera. You spent a lot of money buying your digital camera so the next thing you have to do is to buy a camera bag that will protect it from the elements. Choose a bag that has extra storage for digital camera accessories. If you want something larger, go for a camcorder bag.

Rechargeable batteries. Your new digital camera comes with a battery. However, you would not want to be caught without an extra battery when your original battery gets exhausted and emptied out in the middle of a trip or a photo shoot. Rechargeable batteries cost more than disposal batteries when you buy them, but they are cheaper in the long run. Also, rechargeable batteries are the way to go if you are concerned about the environment.

Battery recharger. Buying this makes sense if you are using rechargeable batteries to power your digital camera. Consider buying a battery recharger that you can use on the car.

Extra memory card. Most new models of digital cameras come with a memory card that has a large storage capacity. However, when you're on vacation, you'll be amazed by how fast you can take pictures and use all that storage capacity. Thus, it will be a wise decision on your part purchase another memory card.

Tripods. If you are planning to take landscape or portrait photography, having a tripod will be a necessity because you need your camera to be steady when you take the shots. A tripod can also come in handy when you're sightseeing and there is no one in sight to take a picture of your group.

USB reader. This allows you to transfer images from your digital camera's memory card to your computer in a flash. This is handy when you don't have a cable that you can use to connect your digital camera to your computer.

Cables. If you do not want a USB reader, consider buying a cable that you can use to download your pictures directly from the digital camera to your computer.

Digital camera filters. If you're planning to take digital photography as a serious hobby, then you should get digital camera filters for your lenses. This will help you saturate colors and add contrast to your pictures, which would otherwise take a long time to do using a photo editing software.

Reminder, you do not have to buy every digital camera accessory in this guide. Just choose what is most important to you at the moment.

For information about digital camera batteries, visit 42photo.com, New York's legendary camera store in business for over 40 years.

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Great Deals

How Do You Know Which Digital Camera to Buy?

As the weather becomes more comfortable to venture outdoors, the grass is green, and the flowers are blossoming everywhere, some of us are starting to get the photo bug. If our current camera is not quite up to our expectations or we lag behind in the technology it might be time to think of upgrading. With so many different types of cameras, features, and prices how can one know that they are getting what they want and need?
By Gene Rodman

The first question to ask yourself is what kind of pictures do I like to take?

If you currently use your cell phone and are satisfied with it then stop reading.

If you don't see yourself having the time or desire to learn much about photography and your images consist of snapshots then most point and shoot cameras that were made in the last few years will be fine. Try to get one with a built in flash, which will help in low light situations, and one that will take a short movie, for recording stupid things your teenager does that you can use against them later. These cameras usually take excellent photographs but the file format (jpeg) used to record the images doesn't process well with image software. Also remember that they are made to take average types of images. You probably won't be able to safely zoom up close to that grizzly in the park or focus as close to that flower as you like. These cameras may have limited options for creativity but everything is set up to safeguard against most camera shooting mistakes and for general shooting they produce excellent images. These cameras cost $150-$350 and, for the price, are way better than anything made five years ago.

If the lag time in shooting with point and shoot cameras is starting to bug you and you have started taking your camera off "auto" to gain more control over your images then a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera might be your choice. These cameras have removable lenses so you can use different focal lengths and more choices in file formats, focus, exposure, shooting modes, etc. By experimenting, reading books, and/or taking classes these cameras will serve as learning tools for many years and have more technology than most people will know or use. When looking at these cameras make sure it feels comfortable in your hands and has easy access to important features like the white balance, exposure, focus, shooting modes, ISO, formats, quality and image size without having to go to a menu to change them.

The advantage of the DSLR is the negligible shutter lag time and the ability to buy different lenses for the type of shooting you wish to do.

If you like flowers you can get a nice macro lens, if you like to photograph wildlife without putting your own life in danger you can buy a long telephoto, or if you like portraits you can get a high quality mid-focal length lens with a wide aperture setting for the nice effect of isolating your subject. Even though the camera takes the picture professionals know it is the lens that makes the quality of the image. Always buy the best lens you can afford. I have found that I can try a lens that I think I might like by buying it used on Ebay. If I end up not liking it I can sell it for just about what I bought it for. I did this with two lenses. Usually the lens that comes with the camera is a low grade lens so it is often better to buy the camera body and lens separately. Start with the lens you will think you will use the most first. You might also think about getting a zoom lens that will cover the type of shooting you do most. When buying a camera or lens remember that price usually reflects quality. DSLR bodies start around $600 and go into the thousands. It is unreasonable to expect to get a quality lens for less than $300-$400. Most professional quality lenses start at over $1,000 and long telephotos are easily $8,000. Try and purchase a lens that is the same brand as the camera. There are some companies that make excellent aftermarket lenses that have mounts that fit most popular cameras. They are Tamron, and Sigma. Avoid Vivitar, Phoenix, ProOptic, and Quantaray as well as the less expensive Tamron and Sigma lenses as they are low quality products.

One more feature worth considering is sensor size. When DSLR cameras first came out the sensor coverage was less than that of 35mm film. The focal length of a lens is partially determined by the size of film or sensor in the case of digital cameras. On my camera the factor is 1.5 so my 20mm lens is actually a 35mm. Quite a disappointment when I expect to get a nice wide angle image that is truly 20mm. There is, however, an advantage to this for wildlife photographers. Their 300mm is now a 450mm and their 600mm is now a 900mm. Great for those grizzly bear shots at a safe distance. When buying your camera find out if it has a DX sensor (small) or a FX sensor (full size). Also remember that if you buy a DX lens and later buy a camera with a full size sensor the image circle of the lens may not completely cover the larger sensor.

Anyone into photography knows that the technology changes rapidly and it can sometimes be less expensive to upgrade your car rather than your camera. With every new camera there is upgraded software, memory, and storage to buy. So what camera should you buy? How deep are your pockets?

Gene Rodman

Montana Photographic Arts

http://mtphotoarts.com

For a copy of my FREE REPORT "How to Avoid The 12 Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Art" which will help you avoid making the wrong costly decisions when buying art including photography and how to get the most out of your purchase visit my website at http://mtphotoarts.com/site/#/page/free-reports-newletters/

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360 Accessories

Xbox 360 Accessories - What They Are and Why You Need Them:

Welcome to the world of Xbox 360--the gaming world's most powerful, innovative, and advanced platform ever! Since its unveiling on MTV on May 12, 2005, Xbox 360 has taken the world by storm. Preceded by the much-hyped Xbox, this phenomenal gaming platform is the second video game console produced by Microsoft The console completely sold out when it was released in all regions except for Japan. The Xbox 360 platform was developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, and SIS, and according to Microsoft, has sold over 22 million units worldwide as of September 30, 2008. Read more below...
By Curt Zilbersher

The Xbox 360 is available in three console configurations: the "Arcade", the "Pro or Premium", and the "Elite." Each of these consoles comes complete with its own collection of Xbox 360 accessories, including wired and wireless controllers, faceplates for customization, headsets for chatting, webcams for video chatting, Gamercize and dance mats for exercise, three different sizes of memory cards, as well as three sizes of hard drives--120GB, 60GB, and 20GB--each of which are designed to match the console. There are now so many different peripherals in different configurations, colors, styles and technological capabilities, that hard-core Xbox 360 gamers now pride themselves on building their own custom systems.

Here are a few of the major Xbox 360 accessory categories and descriptions of each:

1. Consoles

At the heart of the Xbox gaming system, the console is the "heart, soul and brains" of the platform. It's sleek, ergonomic desktop design looks great in either horizontal or vertical placement. The Xbox 360 console is the component into which nearly all other accessories are attached. The unit measures 3.3 by 12.2 by 10.2 inches and weighs a mere 7.7 lbs. It's power comes from a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores each running at 3.2 GHz. Furthermore, the console contains a custom ATI graphics processor having 10 MB of embedded DRAM, 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically scheduled shader pipelines and Unified shader architecture. As a point of reference, this is enough power to enable the system to draw 500 million triangles per second....more than needed for great looking games in standard TV definition, which is made even more awesome thanks to built-in support for HDTV 1080i televisions. The console even supports the widescreen 16:9 format. Out of the box, the Xbox 360 console employs a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive, which plays both games and progressive-scan DVD movies. For game-save and media storage, users can select between the detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive, or a 64MB flash Memory Unit (sold separately). In addition to storing files, the hard drive makes the Xbox 360 backward-compatible with part of the existing Xbox game library.

2. Controllers

As the name implies, the Xbox 360 Controller is the hand-held device used for navigating and accessing all on-screen activities. It's boomerang-shape--reminiscent of Batman's iconic symbol--fits comfortably in the palm of both hands. The ergonomic design includes left and right shoulder buttons, two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and an eight-way directional pad. Controllers come in wired and wireless models. The wired model includes a nine-foot break-away controller cable. The glowing Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller provides quick access to digital movies, music, and your game libraries. You can even contact your friends on Xbox live as well as customize your gaming experiences. The controller even includes a port for your Xbox 360 headset. Many users consider the standard Xbox 360 controller to be the best gaming controller ever made.

3. Adapters

Wireless network adapters let you configure your Xbox 360 system to your home wireless network to quickly get online and into the game. These adapters are easily configured, seamlessly synchronizing with the Xbox 360 system. Once connected, you can easily transfer videos and music to your system from your Media Center PC, chat with friends, play games via Xbox Live and more, all without the clutter of wires.

4. Batteries & Charge Kits

Rechargeable battery packs and charge kits are recommended for use with wireless controllers. With these packs, you rarely need to buy batteries. With a normal rechargeable life, the packs last a year or two and can be charged while the unit is being used. While the Xbox 360 off, the unit can simply be charged from your computer's USB port.

5. Hard Drives

With the Xbox 360 Hard Drive, you can expand your Xbox 360 experience with downloadable content. These devices let you save your games, Xbox Live gamer profile, game demos, and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. The device also lets you play an assortment of original Xbox games and even comes preloaded with an Xbox Live Arcade game, music, and videos.

6. Headsets

Many different types of headsets designed specifically to work seamlessly on Xbox 360 system are available for the Xbox 360 platform. From the Xbox 360 wireless headset to the over the ear headset, to headset earbuds, each style lets Xbox 360 gamers choose the perfect fit for them. Regardless of the style you choose, you're guaranteed enhanced clarity and performance, stylish ergonomic design for comfort, and state-of-the-art radio technology for crisp, clear reception and audio delivery.

7. Remotes

Remotes for the Xbox 360 range from the Universal Media Remote to the Light Up Wireless Remote to the Intelligent Report, among an assortment of others. The Universal Media Remote, for example, functions as an integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience, all with the touch of a single button. You can play DVD movies and music, control your TV and Media Center PC, all with this single remote. The Intelligent Remote 360, on the other hand, is a self-programming remote that learns the functions for other remotes.

8. Faceplates & Skins

Faceplates and console skins are sticker graphics that allow the Xbox 360 gamer to customize their hardware components towards their own personality traits and characteristics. The typical faceplate and skin designs range from the psychedelic to iconic representations of favorite Xbox 360 games like Halo and Guitar Hero II.

9. Cables & Wiring

Having the right cables and wiring enhances the Xbox 360 gaming experience. As users upgrade their TVs, they may also need to upgrade their cables in order to retain the sharp, crisp details they've come to expect from the Xbox 360. One user describes how he converted from a CRT television to a 60-inch plasma and lost a tremendous amount of resolution in the process. By upgrading to Xbox 360 VGA HD AV cables, he suddenly notices that game images became intense and crisp. The details seemed sharper and fonts displayed during character's conversations became clear and legible. In short, he was blown away at the quality difference he obtained through something as simple as an upgrade in wiring.

As you can see, the Xbox 360 system is hardly a generic, one-size-fits all platform. Rather, it is a highly sophisticated, multi-component gaming system allowing users to customize their game play based upon style, preferences, and performance needs. These features make the Xbox 360 one of the most advanced, unique, and customizable gaming systems on the market today.

Curt Zilbersher is a freelance journalist for the Web's #1 Xbox 360 resource covering Xbox 360 accessories (game consoles, controllers, hard drives, cables, wires, adapters, headsets, remotes, games, cables and wiring, and faceplates and skins).

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360 Bundles

Xbox 360 Bundles - Is It Worth Buying A Bundle:

Is buying an Xbox bundle such a onerous task that you've been converted into a bundle of nerves? Has the constant stream of information obfuscated matters for you? If the inhibited frenzy for the Xbox 360 bundles has been replaced by a lingering doubt regarding their true worth, then you better read on. It's high time that you're no longer misled by the delusive manifestations of the apparent reality. Read more below...
By Guru Bhakt

True bundle of joy for all

The best part about the Xbox 360 bundles is that there's something for all. Take a look at the several variations and choose the one that fits you perfectly:

* Core bundle: For all those who take pride in their gaming capabilities as well as those that are still learning the ropes, so to speak, this bundle is perfect. It comprises the Xbox 360 console, wired controller, composite A/V cable and Xbox Live Silver membership. The incredible Xbox Live Gold 30-day trial is also part of this bundle. The accessories include an extra wired controller, memory unit and a one year product replacement plan. Games like Dead or Alive 4, Call of Duty 2 among others, can be yours forever with this bundle.

* Silver bundle: $800 is all that you need to shell out in order to ensure that your gaming talent is not nipped in the bud. The silver bundle with the gaming console, wireless controller, HD and standard AV cable, 20GB hard drive, headset, Ethernet cable and universal media remote will ensure than you step in to the next level of gaming in style. The Xbox Live Silver membership, in addition to the Xbox Live Gold 30-day trial, is part of this bundle. The rechargeable battery, play and charge kit, extra wireless controller as well as one year product replacement plan make this bundle all the more hard to resist. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, among others, will ensure that your gaming potential does not fade in to oblivion.

* Gold bundle: They say all that glitters is not gold, but this one certainly does not conform to such stereotypes. It may seem very much akin to the silver bundle in terms of the package and the accessories, but the Xbox Live 12-month card is a virtual goldmine for those who get a high out of online multiplayer games. The $900 that you pay for games like Kameo and Perfect Dark Collectors Edition, among others, is really worth it.

* Ultimate bundle: If you're a hard core gamer that is looking for gaming nirvana, then your search ends with this bundle. On the face of it, it may seem in the same mould as the gold bundle, but the similarity is only with the console, the package and the accessories. There are 11 power-packed games like GUN, Quake, Kameo and Condemned to choose from. You are sure to be condemned if you miss Madden NFL and other games that revel in the unconventional.

Xbox 360 bundles offer a veritable mosaic of exiting games. You better get you head examined if you're still wondering whether it's worth buying a bundle.

XBox 360 Bundles - when's the best time to buy one ?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guru_Bhakt
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