Crackle in your car speakers

I have recently discovered a crackling in my car stereo speakers while listening to Pandora through my HTC EVO. Today I discovered the reason. I have been using a cheap auxiliary cable (1/8" to 1/8"). So my recomendation don't buy the cheapest cable just to make it work, because when your speakers start crackling it will be more annoying than spending a few extra bucks.

What's a ROKU?

Do you have to hook your computer up to your TV everytime you want to watch NETFLIX or HULU? What if you could have a 1 in. tall 5 in. wide device that streams video and music in HD wirelessly? In a nutshell that's a ROKU. This device is amazing and still people do not know alot about it. Here is some info that may make your nights of watching movies alot easier.

First off with ROKU there are no additional monthly fees to use this device. It simply uses your pre-existing subscriptions from NETFLIX, HULU PLUS, PANDORA etc.

There are three different types of ROKU.
ROKU HD
ROKU XD
ROKU XD/S



What's The Difference?
ROKU HD

• Standard (Red, White, Yellow) or HDMI connection
• 720P
• Built in Wireless or has the option to hard line.

ROKU XD

• All of the above plus:
• 1080p Resolution
• Remote with instant replay
• Extended wireless range (N)

Roku XD/S

• All of the above plus:
• Dual-Band Technology
• Component Video and Optical outputs
• USB for playing pictures, music, and videos of your own

My Suggestion:
 I would honestly go with the ROKU XD if your sole use is for NETFLIX, HULU PLUS, PANDORA, etc. It gives you full 1080P as opposed to the ROKU HD, and it has a larger wireless range. The remote is also a good feature (beats getting off the couch). On the other hand if you do alot of home videos/photography then the ROKU XD/S would not be a bad choice.

P.S. When buying any of the ROKU's don't forget an HDMI cable as they do not come with one. In the packaging they provide you with the Red White & Yellow cables.

Buyer Beware: HDMI to Component

Hello All,

I often hear people asking for a cable that is component (RBGRW) on one end and HDMI on the other. This cable does not exist and here is why.

1. HDMI is digital with pulses and component is analog with waveforms so an HDMI to 5 RCA Component Cable won't work
2. HDMI has 19 pins and component + audio has only 5 so an HDMI to 5 RCA Component Cable won't work
3. HDMI has the HDCP copy protection signal whereas there is no component equivalent so an HDMI to 5 RCA Component Cable won't work
4. A cable is a passive device made up of 2 connectors, solder and wires. It cannot convert one digital signal into another analog signal so an HDMI to 5 RCA Component Cable won't work

SO If you see this cable on the Internet and you are wanting to buy it DON'T. You can However buy a converter which will work for what you are trying to accomplish.

Connect Computer to Flat Screen

It has become very popular to connect your computer/laptop to your TV. It is a very simple process but daily I get the question "I want to hook my computer up to my TV. What do I need?"
Depending on your computer You will need one of the following cables:

1. VGA/SVGA

2.HDMI

3.DVI (Majority of TV's only have HDMI or VGA/SVGA)

Then you will need an Auxiliary cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm). (This cable is for your audio, Plug this in your Headphone Jack on the computer/laptop and then into the TV)


Now your ready to watch Netflix, You Tube, Hulu, and whatever else you set your mind to!

Canning the Cable Company

Thinking about getting rid of Comcast, Dish Network, or even Direct TV? If you live in Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula area it may be harder to do than you think. Due to our geographic location and our beautiful scenery (trees & hills) it makes snagging over the air signals nearly impossible. However you may be able to get away with it with the correct equipment.
Before you run down to your local Electronics Retailer follow these steps to ease your shopping experience.
1.Go to www.antennaweb.org click choose an antenna and follow the instructions. (This site has been a good indicator as to which channels you will pick up at your specific location. I have used it for 2 years and it has been very useful.)
2.Find the right antenna that covers all the spectrums listed on the site. Here is a link to a diagram that shows the different spectrums. http://antennaweb.org/aw/info.aspx?page=more_info#guide
3. Shop around for the antenna that picks up all necessary channels and is a good price. I recommend supporting local business over the Internet, but if you can't find one in town that does all spectrums.(which I know Gig Harbor to my knowledge has no places that sell antennas that do the violet and blue spectrums.) you might have to result to the Internet.

Hello All

Hello Gig Harbor,

This is my first blog post ever! I have created this blog to fill the community in on the latest and greatest Tech news, products, and expert advice and opinion to help you on your never ending quest to understand technology. I hope that you find the information posted useful. I am here for you so if you ever have questions or concerns or need advice please get in touch with me. The Big Electronic companies only care about who your cell phone provider is and whether you have a credit card with them. I'm here to change this.