Flat-Panel Mounting GuideDescription: Shop all of our HDTVs by brand: Samsung | Sharp | Panasonic | Mitsubishi | LG | More Brands Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | 2009 Digital Transition | What Size TV Should I Buy? | What is HDMI? Flat panel TVs have a sleek design that works well in any room. In addition, they offer some of the best pictures today. Most flat panels come with stands but wall mounting is a popular option given the sleek shape and light weight, not to mention it is a fabulous space saver. There are many options to consider when choosing the right wall mount. We have created this guide in an effort to help you sort out all of your options and purchase the best possible wall mount for your viewing pleasure. What is the right mount for my TV? Most wall mounts are compatible with many TVs; however, no one mount will hold every TV on the market. For that reason, check the screen size and weight that the bracket can hold and be sure to stay within the appropriate range. It is very important that both measurements be met. We recommend the mount you purchase is capable of holding the weight of the TV times four. For example, if your TV weighs 50 lbs. we recommend a mount that can hold 200 lbs. This may seem like overkill until a child pulls on the TV or someone falls and grabs the TV for support. US Appliance has taken some of the guesswork out of this purchase. We have matched TVs with the appropriate mounts on our website. What do you want your mount to do? Spend some time thinking about what you want your new mount to do. Should it swivel left to right to avoid glare or get a better viewing experience? Do you want to adjust your TV up and down to achieve the perfect height? There are many options out there; be sure you are creating the optimal entertainment experience. Your options are listed below: Fixed - The TV will sit as close to the wall as possible. - Once the TV is mounted, no additional adjustments can be made. - You will see no wires from the side view. Tilt - The TV will sit very close to the wall. - This mount allows for up to a 15 degree tilt. - This feature is a benefit when the TV is mounted higher. You will be able to tilt the TV down to reduce the glare or make the TV easier to see from seating below. - This is most likely the mount for you if you are placing your TV above a fireplace. Swing Arms - The TV will probably be a few inches off the wall. - This mount will allow you to swivel the TV from side to side. - This is the mount you want if you have a very large room with more than one seating area that will participate in watching TV. Articulating/Cantilever - The TV will probably be a few inches off the wall. - This mount allows you to pull out the TV and will rotate up to 180 degrees. - If you want to hide the TV inside a cabinet or armoire when it is not in use and pull it out when you are ready to watch it, this is the mount for you. - Another great option with this mount is that it allows you to view the TV from two different adjoining rooms. Should your TV be professionally installed or can you do it yourself? You have the TV that you wanted and the mount that best suits your needs; now, who will install your new equipment? Most of the wall mounts can be easily installed by two handy adults. It is important to read all safety warnings and follow the manufacturer's instructions closely. If you are at all uncomfortable with installing your TV yourself, we highly recommend that you hire a professional to do the job. Can I hide the cables and wires? Most people like cables and wires to be relatively hidden. Some mounts offer channels in the body where wires can be run out of view. Others offer clips on the outside of the frame to hold the wires in place. Lastly, you can run the wires in the wall. This is a more involved job and will most likely require some dry wall repair. Tips - Don't mount your TV too high. It is very tempting to mount it at picture height but this will have a tendency to cause neck strain. It is most relaxing to watch if the center is 40-45 inches off the floor. - If you absolutely prefer that your TV be higher, simply move your favorite TV watching spot further back for a more relaxed experience or choose a mount that is not fixed. - Cut a piece of cardboard to the dimensions of your new TV and use it on the wall to get a better idea of a good position. - New power outlets are best placed above or below the TV bracket but still behind the TV. - It is a good idea to "future proof" your installations by including an HDMI cable (or at least component cables) through the wall while you have it open even if you aren't using them today. There is a big chance you will want to upgrade later and this just makes it much easier. What next? Now that you have the TV and mount and know how to install it properly, there is nothing left to do but sit back, relax and enjoy! Should any additional questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact one of our sales professionals at (877) 628-9913 Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST. Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | 2009 Digital Transition | What Size TV Should I Buy? | What is HDMI? |
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What is HDMI?Description: Shop all of our HDTVs by brand: Samsung | Sharp | Panasonic | Mitsubishi | LG | More Brands Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | 2009 Digital Transition | Flat Panel Mounting | What Size TV Should I Buy? What is an HDMI cable? The High Definition Multimedia Interface is an audio/video connector used for transmitting digital signals. HDMI connects digital sources such as Blu-ray disc players, computers, video game consoles or AV receivers, to compatible equipment such as a digital television. HDMI is the preferred alternative to component cables for HD connections. The Best Connection HDMI is currently the best way to connect all of your equipment to your high-definition TV. With its ease of use, versatility and capacity, HDMI is quickly replacing other connectors. Currently, HDMI is the only single cable with the ability to send high definition video and multi-channel audio. HDMI provides maximum signal integrity with a secure link between the various devices. You can expect exceptional picture and sound quality. HDMI is superior because the need to complete digital to analog conversion and reconversions is elminated. What the viewer is left with is picture and sound in its most pure form which is better than what other cables can offer. The Basics Typical HDMI cables have 19 pins. These cables typically won't be included in a device's box. You will have to buy an HDMI cable separately. Criticisms Currently most HDMI connectors are surface mounted and are therefore susceptible to damage. Tripping over a cable plugged into an HDMI port can easily cause damage to that port. Additionally, there are no locking mechanisms built into the connector. There are options to buy locking mechanisms but they are expensive and rather rare. With the lack of locking mechanism, there is a higher chance for the cable to become inadvertently disconnected or worse, there is a greater chance for physical or electrical damage. Our Recommendation We recommend purchasing an HDMI cable to hook up your equipment. HDMI is quickly becoming the standard and has capacity to spare which means it can incorporate new technology and it is the best way to "future proof" all of your components. It relays picture and audio in its purest form and will therefore create the best overall experience. Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | 2009 Digital Transition | Flat Panel Mounting | What Size TV Should I Buy? |
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HDTV GlossaryDescription: Shop all of our HDTVs by brand: Samsung | Sharp | Panasonic | Mitsubishi | LG | More Brands Other Guides: 2009 Digital Transition | Flat Panel Mounting | What Size TV Should I Buy? | What is HDMI? 1080p This is the best high-definition resolution and picture quality available on the market today. It means there are 1080 lines of resolution displayed on the screen at once. The "p" stands for progressive scan which means the 1080 lines of resolution are displayed constantly and all at once, so there is no interlacing of the image. While HDTVs offer 1080p resolution, true 1080p resolution is currently only available through HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players along with next-gen video game systems such as Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. 1080i This is the HD resolution quality for many satellite and cable HD broadcasts. 1080i means that the 1080 lines of resolution are interlaced and are shown half at a time each frame (either 1/120 or 1/60 of a second). The quality of 1080i is still very good for any HD application and is preferred above 720p. 120Hz vs 60Hz 120Hz means that 120 frames of image are shown every second. 60Hz was the old standard for most LCD HDTVs but is now moving towards 120Hz. This technology reduces the chance for blurring of the picture in fast-moving images in sports or video games. 720p This HD resolution means there are 720 lines of resolution showing constantly and in every frame. However, you will not be able to get the total 1080 lines of resolution found in true HD. We have found that it is sometimes better to set the resolution at 1080i rather than 720p (on your 720p HDTV) because if you have a good quality HDTV, 1080i will look cleaner and more vivid. 16:9 vs 4:3 Screen Sizes These simply mean that there is a ratio of 16 width to 9 height or 4 width to 3 height respectively. 4:3 is the old standard TV format and 16:9 is the newer high definition format. ATSC Tuner This type of tuner allows the TV to receive digital signals (DTV) and high definition broadcasting. Most of the new HDTVs on the market include this tuner built in so no additional equipment is needed for the TV to process high definition and digital signals. ATSC allows you to pick up HD stations broadcast over-the-air in your area. Component Cables The standard component cables commonly included with most HD devices provide a sufficient connection for high definition. However, this connection is not purely digital and actually converts the signal to analog before reaching the TV. Some loss of picture quality will result. The recommended connection for HD is HDMI. Component cables use three separate cables for the picture connection. Contrast Ratio This is the ratio of luminosity of the whitest whites to the blackest blacks the HDTV can produce. The higher the contrast ratio, the closer the TV is to producing more true-to-life blacks and whites. DLP DLP was technology developed by Texas Instruments that uses hundreds of thousands of mirrors which move to create the image. DLP HDTVs boast very good use of colors including blacker blacks and whiter whites for a great picture and are a form of rear-projection. Many DLPs, however, use lamps that need to be replaced every 1-5 years depending on the model. Some newer DLPs have LED backlighting that eliminates the need for lamps and extends the life of the TV to 60,000 plus hours. DLPs also have limited viewing angles if watching from the sides. DTV (Digital Television) DTV is the digital standard in TV broadcasting. This is the format that is scheduled to replace analog NTSC by Feb. 17th 2009. (see our 2009 Digital Transition article) Digital television includes digital widescreen (HD) broadcasts as well as digital standard TV (SDTV). Flat-Panel HDTVs Flat-panel TVs are plasmas and LCDs that are thin and lightweight so that they can be wall or ceiling mounted. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) This is the preferred connection for high definition devices. It is a true digital connection so no image or sound quality is lost through the connection. HDMI carries both the video and audio signals through one cable, simplifying the installation process and reducing the number of cords. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) LCD TVs utilize a layer crystals and an electrical current to create the image. LCD TVs usually have a matte finish screen so glare and bright lightning will not negatively affect the picture. The new generation of LCDs are really giving plasma and DLP a run for their money as far as outstanding picture quality. However with LCDs, there is more of a picture loss than plasma if viewing the TV from an extreme angle. LCD TVs can be used in any environment and there is no chance for screen burn in resulting from extended video gaming or sports and news tickers at the bottom of the screen. Also, LCDs are flat and thin TVs that are lightweight and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. LCDs also boast a 20 year life if used 8 hours per day. NTSC Tuner The NTSC (or National Television System Committee) tuner allows a TV to process and display analog systems. Analog signals are on the way out and by 2009 will be replaced by digital (or DTV) signals. Pixel Resolution Pixel resolution is directly related to the HD resolution of the HDTV. For instance, a 1080p HDTV will have a 1920(W) x 1080(H) pixel resolution and a 720p HDTV will have a 1366(W) x 768(H) pixel resolution. Plasma Plasma uses tiny gas-filled bulbs that each represent pixels on the screen to produce the image. Plasmas are less expensive in larger screen sizes than LCD and boast some of the best contrast ratios along with less picture loss when viewed at angles. However, plasma TVs do not perform as well in bright rooms and their glass screens can result in glares. Also, screen burn-ins and retention can sometimes be an issue with plasma TVs for those who watch sports or news with tickers that run on the bottom of the screen. Like LCDs, plasmas are thin with a flat screen and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Like LCDs, they boast a 20 year plus life span when used 8 hours per day. Plasmas are currently less expensive than LCDs for screen sizes above 52". QAM Tuner QAM (or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) tuners allow a TV to process digital cable channels without the use of a cable (or set-top) box. These tuners are similar to ATSC and are often included with most TVs that already have an ATSC tuner. Upconversion This is a technology becoming more common in DVD players and home theater receivers. Upconverting means that the device takes the existing quality of an image (such as from a standard DVD) and reformats it to look more like high definition. This feature can make your current DVDs look closer to the vivid clarity you would get from HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. Other Guides: 2009 Digital Transition | Flat Panel Mounting | What Size TV Should I Buy? | What is HDMI? |
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What Size TV Should I Buy?Description: Shop all of our HDTVs by brand: Samsung | Sharp | Panasonic | Mitsubishi | LG | More Brands Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | 2009 Digital Transition | Flat Panel Mounting | What is HDMI? We recommend buyers spend time thinking about three things when deciding what size HDTV to buy: 1. The physical dimensions of the living room. 2. What type of programming you will be watching on your TV. 3. Most importantly, the distance you will be sitting from the television. The Viewing Room Decide where in the room you want to place the television; measure the overall dimensions of your viewing room and the available area around where you will be placing the TV while allowing room for additional components and speakers. This will give you a better idea of how everything will look once you get your new TV home. Make sure you consider the overall physical dimensions of any TV in order to ensure that it's not too big for the room - and don't forget to include the components. The Programming What type of programming will you be viewing on your new TV? Determine how much of your viewing will be spent watching low quality Standard Definition (SD) programming, mid-quality DVD programming and high quality (HD) programming. The important factor here is the bigger the TV, the more likely you'll see imperfections of low-quality programming. Since an HD signal is superior to other signals, you can buy a bigger screen without being distracted by imperfections. Viewing Distance Personal preference is most important; however, here's a simple formula to determine the size of the television that will best fit your space: Measure the distance from where you'll be sitting to the TV screen in inches. Keep in mind the depth of the type of television set that you're considering - a flat panel TV is slimmer and doesn't require the depth that most traditional televisions do. Divide that distance by three. The resulting number is roughly the size of the television that you want. For example, if you'll be sitting less than 60" from the TV screen, you should consider televisions that are under 20" (60 / 3 = 20). If you'll be sitting 96" from the TV screen, you should consider televisions around 32" (96 / 3 = 32). A TV is measured diagonally based on its screen size, so a 32" television means that the screen is 32" when measured from the bottom left corner to the top right corner. Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | 2009 Digital Transition | Flat Panel Mounting | What is HDMI? |
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The 2009 Digital TV TransitionDescription: Shop all of our HDTVs by brand: Samsung | Sharp | Panasonic | Mitsubishi | LG | More Brands Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | Flat Panel Mounting | What Size TV Should I Buy? | What is HDMI? What does "Going Digital" mean? On February 17, 2009, television will undergo the biggest change since 1950 when color was introduced! All television stations will switch to digital signals. Most stations are currently broadcasting in both formats - digital and analog. The viewers with older analog sets are currently enjoying the programming that they have become used to, and viewers with digital are enjoying better picture quality. Analog TVs receiving over-the-air programming will still work after that date, but owners of these TVs will need to buy converter boxes to change digital broadcasts into analog format. The government is providing $40 coupons to those who need to buy a converter box and you can apply at www.dtv2009.gov How do I prepare for the transition? If you have a television that receives free over-the-air programming (with "rabbit ears" on the TV or a rooftop antenna), most likely you will have an analog set. A digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to enjoy the programming you have become accustomed to. Analog TV owners will need an analog-to-digital converter box to watch broadcast television on that set. The government is trying to help subsidize people by giving them coupons worth $40 each for up to two converters. They will be available from January 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009, and will probably work through rebates. Manufacturers estimate this converter box will sell between $50 and $70 each. This will be a one time cost. Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009 cut-off date for full power analog broadcasting. Why are we going digital? The Federal Communications Commission states that digital television broadcast technology "is more flexible and efficient than the current analog system." As an example, the FCC cites the possibilities presented by what it calls "multicasting," a method that will allow digital television to provide both high-definition and standard-definition signals simultaneously. Finally, the conversion to digital is expected to free up parts of the broadcast system to be used for public services like police, fire departments, and emergency rescue services. How do I know if I have a digital television? Digital television equipment should have markings or labels to indicate they contain digital tuners. Perhaps this statement resides in the informational material included with the TV. This information should contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In," "Digital Receiver," "Digital Tuner," "DTV," "ATSC," or "HDTV." You should be able to view over-the-air programming if your equipment contains any of these labels or markings. If your television holds the labels or markings as "analog" or "NTSC" and is NOT labeled as containing a digital tuner, it is analog only. You can certainly test your equipment by contacting your local broadcast stations to learn what channels are currently broadcasting digital signals. You should then ensure that your television is set up to receive over-the-air programming (not connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service), and then tune to the over-the-air digital channels to see if your set can receive the digital broadcast programming. Other Guides: HDTV Glossary | Flat Panel Mounting | What Size TV Should I Buy? | What is HDMI? |
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Refrigerator Buying GuideDescription: Before you buy a refrigerator take a few moments to read our refrigerator buying guide for some important tips and ideas. There are many different types of refrigerators available today. Consider the differences between some of the most common types. Top-Mount freezer refrigerators A top-mount fridge has the freezer at eye level, with the fresh food compartment on the bottom. These fridges tend to have wider shelves in both the fridge and freezer sections. Traditionally this has been the most common type of refrigerator although some of the other styles are becoming very popular. View our Top mount refrigerators Side-by-side refrigerators The refrigerator and freezer compartments are adjacent to one another and allow easy access to both compartments. Look carefully at the capacity and flexibility of the interior. In some models the shelves are narrower than those found in top or bottom-mount models, and may not accommodate larger items like bulky pizza boxes or gallon-sized containers. If possible select a model with adjustable bins and shelves so that you can customize the layout to suit your storage needs. View our Side-by-Side refrigerators Freezer on Bottom The bottom mount freezer is a good option for households that want fresh food selections at eye level. With the freezer at the bottom of the fridge, less energy is used to keep the section cold, and cooling is more consistent and even. The configuration makes a lot of sense ergonomically, as well. Typically, the freezer is used less often than the fridge, and the most frequently used fridge sections are located in the top compartment for easy access. View our Bottom-Mount refrigerators French Door An increasingly popular style of refrigerator that has dual refrigerator doors and a pullout freezer drawer for convenient fresh and frozen food storage. This style combines the best features of the Bottom Mount and Side-by-Side refrigerators. View our French Door refrigerators Selecting a refrigerator that is the right size is important. If you buy one that is too big and don't keep it filled, it wastes energy and costs more to operate. If it is too small, you waste time constantly rearranging food trying to make it all fit. Consider the capacity of your current refrigerator and how well it fits your groceries before you decide to increase or decrease the size of your model. A good rule of thumb - Two people generally need between 16-20 cubic feet of fresh food storage and you should probably add an extra cubic foot for each additional person in your family. Be sure to consider both your frozen and fresh food needs when selecting a particular model. No matter if you just want a refrigerator that matches the rest of your kitchen or you want one that seamlessly blends with the rest of your interior the choices offered are varied. Counter-depth Refrigerators Refrigerators can often extend several inches past the cabinets in your kitchen but counter-depth refrigerators offer a more shallow profile designed to fit flush with your cabinetry and create a beautiful appearance. Refrigerator Doors Door may be contoured, hinges may be hidden to give an elegant contemporary look, or flat doors may offer a modern look. Exterior Colors & Finishes Many refrigerators come standard in colors such as black and white to match many decors. (Biscuit, another common color offered, is slowly losing popularity) Stainless steel has also become very popular in refrigerators. Some manufacturers offer a stainless steel look at a lower cost. Sometimes referred to as 'clean steel' this finish resists fingerprints and is easy to maintain. Refrigerator trim kits convert your free-standing refrigerator to a built-in look. The trim panel is either an aluminum or colored panel provided by the refrigerator manufacturer, or a panel is provided by your decorator, to exactly match the rest of your kitchen cabinetry. Today's refrigerators offer a number of features and extras designed to make food storage accessible and flexible to your particular storage needs. Think about how much shelf and bin space you use and the shapes and sizes of items you normally store. The ability to organize groceries and manage space is very important. Door-mounted ice makers and water dispensers provide filtered water and ice on demand without requiring the door to be opened. Clear shelves and door bins help you see what you have, no matter where it is in the refrigerator, and provide better access to items stored in the back. Some models offer many options regarding where and how you can arrange your storage bins and shelves and store your food. Adjustable glass shelves will provide greater storage flexibility as your needs change. Spill-proof shelves capture spills and prevent them from leaking all over the refrigerator. Fruit and vegetable crispers often feature adjustable humidity controls, and meat compartments may feature adjustable temperature controls. Beverage compartments specifically to hold and dispense cans. Wine racks. Advanced lighting so that you can easily view fridge contents. Dispenser child locks. Ice storage bins. Extra wide shelves. Thawing/Defrosting capabilities. Easy access slide out compartments and bins. Dairy/Cheese/Butter/Meat compartments. Make sure it will fit! Measure the space that you have available for your refrigerator Know the height, width and depth of the area you want the new model to fit into. Be sure to take into account the clearances you will need in your kitchen to open refrigerator doors to remove pans and shelves. If you choose a refrigerator with an icemaker or ice and water dispenser, you will need to make sure you have access to a water line from behind the refrigerator for the water connections. Efficiency In a typical household the refrigerator can account for as much as 10 to 20 percent of total power you will use in one year. New models that are ENERGY STAR® qualified certified are extremely efficient. Refrigerators today typically use 30% less electricity than models built 10 years ago. For this reason, replacing an older refrigerator makes economical sense. Alarm - A visual or audible notification or warning feature to notify an open door or power failure. Bins - Storage areas designed primarily to keep meats, fruits and vegetables at optimum temperature levels. Bottom Mount Freezer - Refrigerator type where the freezer section is located on the bottom of the unit, the refrigerator is on top. Built-In - Appliance designed to be installed flush with the cabinetry Capacity - The measurement of the interior of the appliance, usually in cubic feet. Can Rack - Space-saving rack designed to stack canned beverages for automatic dispensing. Crushed Ice - Feature that allows user to select crushed ice from the dispenser rather than ice cubes Custom panels - Panels that can be fitted to a refrigerator to match your kitchen decor. Dairy Storage - Compartment for storing cheese, butter or dairy products. EnergyGuide Label - Estimated energy consumption on a scale showing a range for similar models. Estimated yearly operating cost based on the national average cost of electricity. Freezer basket - A storage basket in the freezer compartment that can be pulled open on rollers or gliders. Humidity Control - Available to control moisture levels or vegetable and fruit bins Insulation - Material such as foam or fiberglass installed between the interior walls and the exterior of the refrigerator and freezer to keep cold air from escaping and improve the efficiency of the refrigerator. Lock-out Feature - Common Water/Ice Dispenser feature to prevent children from dispensing water or ice without supervision Manufacturer Warranty - Manufacturer’s specified time period after purchase covering product defects. Coverage may be for parts and labor or parts only. Reversible Door - Door can be mounted to allow opening from right or left. Shelves - Refrigerator shelving can be customized for large and small items. Spill-proof shelves - Shelves have edges that prevent spills from dripping onto shelves below. Side-by-Side - Refrigerator type where the refrigerator and freezer compartments are adjacent to one another and allow easy access to both compartments. Top-Mount Freezer - Refrigerator type where the freezer compartment is on the top and the refrigerator on bottom. Water Dispenser - A feature that dispenser water/ice usually through the door. Requires connection to a water source. At US Appliance we offer a selection of some of the finest refrigeration products available at unbeatable prices. Take advantage of our industry-leading $69 white-glove delivery service. (Flat-fee no matter how many appliances your order) If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable sales associates. Call toll-free: 1-877-628-9913 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.) Browse our Refrigerators Return to Buying Guide Main Page |