The DTV transition and battery-powered TVs - Monday, Nov. 3, 2008

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Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 Your e-mail address will never be sold to anyone, ever. I promise!		Support this free newsletter—please visit our advertisers PAID ADVERTISEMENT FREE CRUCIAL SYSTEM SCAN: FIND YOUR RAM UPGRADE! • A RAM upgrade is the most   affordable way to get more   from your PC and applications. • Our Crucial System Scanner   tool displays the upgrades   that fit your needs and budget. • Guaranteed compatible. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED! KOMANDO ESTORE FEATURED ITEM A HANDY SIX-BIT MAGNETIC SCREWDRIVER! • A must-have for anyone • Practical & easy to use • Pump action changes bits GET YOURS NOW! The DTV transition and battery-powered TVs Come February, what do we do about our battery-operated emergency televisions? I have a Windows Media Center computer that receives over-the-air signals. What do I have to do to continue using my computer to watch television? —Phil in New York, listening on WCBS 880 AM I'm confused by your question, Phil. Are you talking about two television sets? Or are you using a laptop as a battery-powered emergency television? I will assume that you mean the former. That way, I can cover both bases. Any analog set receiving over-the-air signals will need a DTV converter box. That goes for 23-inch behemoths and teeny portable sets. Battery-powered sets pose an interesting problem. If the power goes out, the television will still operate. However, your DTV converter box plugs into the wall. That means the converter box won't pick up the signals and convert them. Thus, you won't get any kind of picture on the television. There are solutions, though. You could connect the converter box to a generator. That would be a lot of work, though. Or, you could purchase a DTV converter box with a battery backup. I have found only one such converter box. But other manufacturers may follow suit. Winegard makes the RDCT09A ($63) DTV converter box. You can purchase a battery pack for it for $15. The pack requires six D batteries. It will let you watch TV for up to 18 hours. Winegard's DTV converter box is approved for the government's coupon program. The coupon will save you $40 on the price of the converter box. What is needed to upgrade the computer for digital TV? Click here! Every day, Team Komando produces some of the best content you'll find anywhere on the Internet. Here is a sampling of what's new on our site today! • Last Day to Enter: Want the best video and audio performance in a standard definition (480p) DVD player? Then enter my Giveaway of the Day sweepstakes today. You'll have a chance to win Rotel's RDV-1045 DVD Player. Get stunning picture quality with this prize valued at $499. • Video of the Day: Meet Challenger, a bald eagle. He was raised by humans and can't be released. But he can thrill a stadium full of people. • Cool Site of the Day: Too often, we dispose of usable food. Given its cost, that's a real shame. Today's site will help you use those leftovers. • Digital Minute, on your radio: Many people have replaced desktop PCs with laptops. So, what will replace the laptop? I have the answer! • Free Download of the Day: You can find some great products at online stores. Amazon has a new way to explore its content. It's pretty cool. • Tip on the site: iTunes runs on Windows and Mac machines. You can use your iPod on both. But it will take some work and a few tradeoffs. Kim :) Chargepod: Charging System Chargepod is a 6-way charging device that allows you to charge multiple cell phones, PDAs, headsets and most other mobile electronics with a single power cord. Throw away the dozens of power cords that clutter your home and office. This does it all!  BUY NOW Other Items of Interest Jumbo Universal Remote Cool Illuminated Keyboard

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