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Tech and TVs

CES gives us a look at the future of our home gadgets

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Futuristic TVs

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held every year in Las Vegas is great for consumers to check out today’s new home electronics and what to expect tomorrow. So for the next several articles, ShopRTO.com will give you a quick glimpse of those products that you may want to put in your home or just dazzle you for what the future holds.

This year the buzz will be smart home technology, wireless gadgets, wearable health devices, drones and all sorts of HD TVs – the curved ones, 3D ones and Ultra High Def – which is basically in the 4K technology arena. Different companies from Samsung to LG will promoting each of their versions so the choices out there will boggle your mind.

One of the hottest talked about product was LG’s 98″ 8K television. Yes. A 98″ 8K TV. How’s that for a conversation starter?

So how much does it cost, you ask? Just $133,000. Hopefully that includes delivery and set up. It also may need an 18 wheeler to deliver that mammoth.

We consumers are just now being able to afford 4K TVs while broadcasters are just now making 4K production more common. So, we’re still in the middle of the 4K revolution so the 8K revolution is definitely a peek into the future.

So, yes, it’s basically a publicity stunt to attract stories such as this but, remember, the same thing happened decades ago at a CES show when the show featured the unheard of, breakthrough technology of broadcast and production called HD TV.

So, stay tuned for the future of your home as ShopRTO.com will feature the hottest products being unveiled at this year’s CES show.

Just another Shop RTO home decorating and HD TV tidbit.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

 

Amazon’s Echo takes voice recognition for your home one step further

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Amazon Echo helps you at home

Home voice recognition systems are becoming useful and affordable.

Voice recognition for the car, Iwatch, smart phones have always been a cool idea but its usage and effectiveness has been equally frustrating at the least and wanting to rip its cords out and attach it to a bomb at the most.

Amazon’s Echo for the home claims to resolve those issues and at an affordable price. At a $180 even critics are giving it try.

Reviews are coming in saying that its “Alexa” voice is much more pleasing than SIRI. Maybe not like Scarlett Johansson in the movie Her but much more soothing than what has been out there.

Set up is easy and it’s black, tubular design makes it fit most anywhere. Most are putting it their kitchen and have it ready to answer questions about weather forecasts, recipes, schedules, road conditions and adding items to the grocery list as soon as you think of them.

It’s a speaker so you can tell it to play your favorite Pandora station. Although some reviews say there are better sounding speakers out there, the Echo does just fine for a room and, again, has the appeal and ability of becoming your home companion.

There are so many areas where Google, Apple and Amazon compete and some are saying that the Amazon Echo is the one that’s leading the pack regarding home voice automated systems.

Just another Shop RTO home audio and computer tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Motion computer games can help kids fight obesity

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rent to own motion computer games

Get moving with your computer games

Computer games have long been regarded as the bane of today’s children causing weight gain and numbness to the brain. But with the explosion of motion gaming from the likes of PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii and XBox may revolutionize its image. A recent two-year study conducted by the University of Auckland in New Zealand found that sustained use of games that had an active element like dance mats or motion sensors can be good for overweight children.

The study included 300 children showed a positive effect on the body mass index of the active gamers aged between 10 and 14, compared to the control group of children who were not regularly playing the games. According to principal investigator Ralph Maddison, the effects were small but showed gaming could play a role in enabling kids to remain active.

“The study findings show that this technology has the potential to be a useful addition to a raft of health interventions. It could have significant implications for health professionals to combat the obesity epidemic or develop rehabilitation programs,” he said.

“Also because of the appeal of traditional video games, at an individual level, parents may have more success encouraging the substitution of sedentary video games with more active ones rather than trying to stop children and young people from gaming altogether.”

The advancement of the motion sensor technology doesn’t seem to be stopping potentially creating more fun and incentives to be active by playing video games. I guess this isn’t your father’s asteroids game anymore, huh?

If you wanting to rent one of these game systems to try out or for the birthday party, go to your local rent to own store and check out how easy and convenient the rent to own option is.

Just another ShopRTO computer games tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Make your home safe through security cameras

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Feel safe when you leave home.

Feel safe when you leave home.

According to the FBI, Americans lose more than $4 billion each year through burglaries. Most of them are home burglaries when you’re not home especially on vacation. That’s why it’s important to take these very important steps to help keep your home safe and be as burglar-proof as possible.

Use on-line technology to give you a whole new advantage. On-line security systems and services can vary in cost but video surveillance gives you great advantages in preventing, catching and identifying thieves.

Burglars will think twice when they see a camera pointing at the door or in the house especially if you make it prominently known. Several things you will want to know if you want to save money and do it yourself.

Make sure the camera has a quality picture. Even high resolution cameras are coming down in price. The higher the resolution, the more you will be able to identify the perps. Make sure it has night vision and be sure you have enough hard drive space to store the footage.

A 75 GB hard drive can store up to 40-60 days. For a small home system, you’ll probably not going to need that much. And some systems can be motion detectors thus only turning on and recording only when something moves in its crosshairs.

Some say color is not that much of an advantage but, again, prices are dropping on high res, color cameras it may not be a real factor. Consider cameras both inside and outside. That’s where you may have to factor picture quality over more cameras. You can get an 8 black & white camera set for around $200 or a 3 HD camera set for $200.

You’ll want to be able to watch it real time through an app on your smart phone and tablet. This way when you’re on vacation, you can log in and view how things are going back home.

Home security cameras have really come to the individual consumer level. Add to the fact that you can log on real time to view is another great benefit. Now you can find out what your pets do when you’re gone. Sounds like a YouTube video is in the works.

Your home is your castle so you may want to seriously consider these on-line home security cameras to keep your castle intact.

Just some more Shop RTO Home Lifestyle tips.

Shop RTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

 

Will the Apple Watch push smart watches to popularity?

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Smart watch information

Will I Watch capture the attention of consumers

Apple has a history of turning already available products into consumer sensations. They did it with Itunes, I pods, smart phones and tablets so can they do the same magic with smart watches?

Apple will be competing with already available smart watches from Cookoo, LG, Martian, Metawatch and the most popular today, Samsung. The smart watches are basically tied to your smart phone for connectivity purposes. Which is why experts are saying that the Apple Watch will have a competitive advantage as it has it’s own wi fi capability so won’t have to rely on the closeness of your smartphone.

They are also touting that it will have Apple Pay option to make purchases quicker and easier. It will also have home interfaces from unlocking your doors, opening your garage to programming your Apple TV. These type of features, they say, will further distance themselves from the competition. The Apple smart watch will also be more expensive which will distinguish itself from others in a potentially negative way.

Right now smart watches seem the most popular for fitness apps, music and communication alerts from phone calls, texts and social media updates. Oh, and it tells time as well. The Apple Watch claims to push those boundaries to greater heights which will then push the competition as well.

As the smart phones evolve so do the apps being built for them so what we see today’s functionality is just a smidgen of what will be available in a year from now.

So what does the upcoming release of the highly anticipated Apple Watch mean? One, it will bump up the consumer awareness of smart watches available and its rapidly advancing technology. So shoppers will begin to seriously ponder whether its worth getting one. Then the real question is not that consumers need today’s smart watches but will they want them enough to shell out several hundred dollars for them. Only, time will tell.

Just another Shop RTO lifestyle and computer tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Rent that big screen TV for the Superbowl party

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HD TV rentals

Watch the Super Bowl in style.

Are you ready for the Superbowl TV watching party? Do you have a big enough TV to accommodate all of those Seahawks and Patriots fans? Did you inflate your kegs and refrigerators to the proper pressure to avoid violating party policies?

If not, call up your local rent to own store and rent that TV today. You get it for a week anyway so rent it today so you’re guaranteed to have it. Your local rent to own stores will deliver and set it up for you and then pick it up next week.

If you like it then keep renting it or just buy it outright. Use the 90-day same as cash and save a bundle. Since you’ve already tried it then you’ll know if you like it. Great aspect of the rent to own transaction is to try before you buy.

If you don’t have enough room in your refrigerator for all of those bottles, cans and party favorites, have them deliver a new fridge as well. Upgrade all in one fell swoop. Then you’ll need a new couch for the guests and a recliner and, heck, an entire new house full of furniture.

OK. Getting a little out of hand here. This is an article reminding Superbowl party hosts they have the option to rent the big screen for the big game from their local rent to own store. Rent to own are rentals first with the ownership option which many people do not realize. So don’t feel obligated when going rent to own. So upgrade your Sunday party in just one phone call and they’ll do the rest.

Just another Shop RTO Home Lifestyle and HD TV tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

More Americans are streaming TV shows

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HD TV streaming TV Shows

Streaming TV is the future of TV programming

Streaming TV shows are catching on with Americans. It fits better with their schedules and Americans are latching onto the concept. Especially with the Millennial and Selfie generations.

The ability and popularity of streaming movies has been around for nearly a decade. But only in the past five years has streaming TV shows become popular. Families like to watch it at their own time and pace.

Many like to wait for the weekends and binge watch several shows or a whole season in a marathon sitting. How many friends do you know shared with you their weekend was dedicated to a couple of seasons of Modern Family?

What needs to happen now is the streaming channels and TVs need to catch up. It’s now basically standard for any new HD TV to have built in Internet hook ups. Streaming companies such as Netflix and Dish are already able creating 4K content and able to stream 4K.

Roku Senior vice president, Jim Funk, notes how 4K will be the first format that is driven by Internet streaming.

Networks and content providers are scrambling to catch up with the changing viewing habits and pricey packages by going straight to YouTube, Hulu and Amazon. And Sony, HBO, Playstation and others are going to be offering Internet only packages for those newly dubbed “cord cutters” who watch Internet streaming TV only.

So another reason to look for a brand new TV. Like we need another reason, eh? But you have to admit, it’s pretty cool and fun getting that brand new TV and one that has built-in Internet streaming.

Just another Shop RTO HDTV and Computer tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

January is the month for home electronics

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New HD TVs

January is  home electronics month!

Consumers need to know that January is the month for  home electronics. It’s because that’s when the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas rolls out the latest gadgets for families, businesses and individuals.

The CES show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year if not the biggest. It consumes Las Vegas and shows how popular electronics are in our homes and lives. From HD TVs, Ultra HD TVs, 4K TVs, audio systems, computers and robotics.

What does this mean for you? It means all of the latest technology will now be reduced in price to make room for the newer versions. So if you’re looking for a good HD TV, tablet or audio system deal then start in January. On the flip side, if you’re wanting to be on the cutting edge of the newest products on the market, then January is the time to check them out.

If you’re like most of us and are budget conscience then prices are dropping from the low end such as a 32″ HD streaming TV to $180. Or the high end big screen Ultra HD TV that was $4000 two years ago is now under $1000. These price drops are definitely worth looking at.

Rent to own stores eye CES with 4K focus as well. Each year those TVs that were out of reach for consumers to try before they buy or want to use the debt free payment plan will now be in the price range that will fit your budget so if the rent to own transaction is your choice for this year’s electronics, make sure you check out the stores in your area to see what new offers they have.

Just another Shop RTO HDTV and Computer tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Apps for the home

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Apps for the home

Have an Appy home!

Did you know how many home apps are out there? Lots. Haven’t tested them all yet but just downloaded a bunch. Here are just a few.

One of the first ones that are by far the most practical, useful and very effective is the flashlight and level. If your power goes out or need to look through the dark parts of your garage, just turn on the app and watch how your phone emanates like a lighthouse. Too cool.

The level works just great when hanging paintings and leveling other things. As you can tell, I only use it for paintings.

There are great home decorating apps such as Houzz, Houzz for kids and Brightnest. There’s a DIY app called “DIY” that helps with, well, DIY projects in the home. There’s gardening and landscaping apps such as “Home Gardening”.

There’s money management apps for the family budget. There’s one called Money Tracker and another called Level. If you’re looking to buy a home, get the Home Mortgage Calculator App. You’ll want that when shopping for your new home as most of us live by the paycheck so you’ll want to know if that payment fits into your budget.

Zillow Digs is a good app for home design and cost estimates regarding any upgrades or repairs. Household tips and tricks is another for good household tips and tricks. I know. That was obvious.

How about a grocery list? That one is interesting as it lists varying national grocery chains to customize your list to the store. I’m trying that one to see if it’s truly better than making a list on your smart phone notes app.

Go to the Itunes App store and type in a general search for whatever home tips you need and watch all that pop up. Most times, you’ll have too many to choose. So make sure you read the description and reviews before choosing. Especially if you’re buying one. While 99¢ or $2.99 isn’t that much, it is to most people’s budget. And since this is a website for affordable home living, our job is to help you be frugal so I always recommend the free apps.

You’ll suffer through some ads on the free apps but you need to try before you buy. Just like rent to own home furnishings. Use rent to own to try before you buy so you don’t make an expensive mistake.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

 

How to enhance your home TV audio experience

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HDTV Home Audio tips

Enhance your home tv audio experience.

If you have an HDTV that looks great on screen but has an unpredictable or underwhelming sound experience then there’s several ways to help. The most simple, affordable and compact way is through a tv audio sound bar. It’s basically a sleek, horizontal speaker system that can give you a 2.0 sound or 2.1 sound with a sub woofer.

If you don’t know the numerical designation of a speaker system that tv audio geeks always blurt out then here’s a quick lesson. A basic stereo system of 2 speakers projecting sound from the left and sound to the right is a 2.0 stereo audio system. If you add a sub woofer which is the speaker that can handle the low frequency of bass sounds then you add .1. So if you have a stereo system with a subwoofer then it’s a 2.1 system.

A basic 2.1 sound system whether it’s a sound bar or two speakers with a subwoofer will make all the difference in the world especially if all you have done is listen to your TV speakers. Now going on to the next level of a 4.1 or 6.1 then you’re creating a surround sound experience which can be awesome but depends on the room and wallet.

If you go for a 4.1 then it’s basic logic on how to set it up. The first two are on the left and right of the TV and then you want the subwoofer in the middle preferable below the TV as that is where the bass frequency is in the first place. Then the next two speakers are on each side depending on the size of the room will depend where to put them but you want them half way from you and the TV and pointing at you not at each other. Then the next 6.1 system is that the two additional speakers are just behind you and pointing at you. Then you start creating the surround sound experience.

After that, you really start getting into the fancy-schmancy theater experience that we don’t care to get into because our job is provide you affordable home furnishing solutions.

There’s some other considerations you need to factor in. One of the most is cables. With a basic stereo system or a sound bar, the cables can be managed and hidden easily. If you’re going to four or more speakers then you’ll have to plan your wires very carefully to avoid an ugly wiring in your room. OR, go wireless and bluetooth as that technology is becoming much more reliable and affordable but be very thorough in your research on the best ones to buy.

But, remember, if your room or budget is small then go with a simple stereo sound and if you can throw in a subwoofer, do so. The difference is huge. For a test, throw in a DVD of a science fiction thriller-diller that has a lot of crashes, booms and laser beam sounds and you’ll really be able to tell a difference.

Just another ShopRTO Home Audio tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

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