KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Remembering Steve Jobs - 12 October 2011 (KING-TV)

How will you remember Steve Jobs? Which of these products do you remember?


For more visit http://tech.brianwestbrook.com or follow Brian on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMW/

KING-TV's "New Day Northwest" w/Margaret Larson: TV Tech - 26 October 2010 (KING-TV)

Logitech Harmony programmable remote controls ($50-250)
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/universal-remotes
Dump the multiple remote controls for receivers, televisions, entertainment devices and simplify your life with one easy-to-use Logitech Harmony remote control. Easily programmable on your computer, these marriage-saving gadgets make using the various functions as easy as pressing the cleverly-named “Watch TV” button.



Slingbox ($180-300)
http://www.slingbox.com/
Take your television programming with you anywhere you are! Watch your home TV, live, over the Internet using software on your laptop or smartphone at the office or while on vacation. Imagine letting your kids watch the same television back home in the backseat of the car! Use with the free computer software or pick up a handy Sling Player app for your mobile device.



SlingPlayer Mobile ($30)
http://www.slingbox.com
Used in conjunction with a standalone Slingbox, or with a compatible satellite receiver from DISH Network, the SlingPlayer Mobile takes your TV viewing experience on-the-go! Android, iPhone/iPod Touch, Blackberry and more phones are $30 each, a high-definition iPad version is “Coming Soon”.



Google TV / Logitech Revue ($179+)
http://www.dishnetwork.com/GoogleTV/
This companion box to your DISH Networks receiver adds the web into your TV viewing mix. Look up information while watching TV, browse the latest in web videos, run apps designed to enhance your home entertainment experience, or listen to streaming radio—all using your television. It’s been tried before, but Google TV finally gets it right. Look for further convergence of the TV and Internet in the coming year.


DISH Network VIP 922 Slingloaded DVR
http://www.dishnetwork.com/receivers/vip922/customer.aspx
Everyone needs a DVR! The ability to pause live TV, record shows when you want, and –dare I say—skip commercials… if you’re not watching TV with a digital video recorder, this one has it all. It comes “Slingloaded” so you can watch your TV anywhere using the Slingplayer software on your computer or smartphone, but also has dual-tuner capability and the largest built-in hard drive available!


Apple TV ($99)
http://www.apple.com/appletv/
Forget trips to the video store—Apple TV brings HD movies and TV shows to your television via. the Internet. Watch Netflix, stream video clips from your local network, and “rent” movies and commercial-free TV shows for under a dollar an episode. This super-slick and tiny second-generation Apple TV requires an HDMI port on your television and connect via. WiFi or Ethernet cable to your network.


Westinghouse 32" TV ($350)
http://westinghousedigital.com/products/led/32-40/ld325/
Great content requires a great television! The Westinghouse LED TVs have a brilliant display, energy-efficient LED technology (as opposed to LCD), and won’t bust the bank. When looking for a television, look for features such as number of inputs, consumer reviews, and manufacturer warranty.

Any tips for others on how YOU watch TV? What devices are an essential part of your home entertainment system?

KGW-TV's "The Square" Live @ 7: Bike Tech - 18June2010 (KGW-TV)

(Originally broadcast on KGW-TV's "The Square Live @ 7" on 18 June 2010)

Gyro Bike kids bike wheel:

12”/16” Kids Gyrowheel ($115-155)
TheGyroBike.com

Dump the rickety training wheels and teach your kid to ride with the latest in high-tech biking for kids. With three levels of gyro-stabilization, this replacement front wheel helps kids learn balance in safe and staged approach. Available now in 12 and 16 inch versions and powered by rechargeable batteries. http://www.thegyrobike.com or check out their Youtube channel with lots of fun clips at http://youtube.com/gyrobike ($115 – 12” wheel, $155 – 16” wheel available soon)


Garmin Cycling GPS:

Garmin Edge 500 Cycling Computer ($250)
garmin.com

Perfect for serious cyclists in the Northwest terrain, a mere 2 hour mini-computer clips on to your handle bar to give instand access to current stats. Quick mount is secure, yet easily removable and when you’re done—link it up to Garmin Connect for a peak at your ride and a map of your route. I’ve seen a few of these reports from my cycling buddies on Facebook, and nothing brags about your 50+ mile bike ride like documentation! (GPS-enabled super cycle computer displays power data from ANT +™-enabled third-party power meters, barometric altitude and vertical profile, tracks speed, distance, calories burned, average and max speeds)



Garmin Forerunner 110 ($25)
garmin.com

Another option for those wanting to track their cycling journeys, especially if they’re also a runner—the Garmin Frontrunner 110 gives access to “just the facts”: distance and speed. But the slim watch-like monitor still has access to the super-cool Garmin Connect website to download, evaluate, and boast your ride, run or athletic activity. Plus, it tells the time!



Garmin Forerunner 310XT ($350)
Garmin.com



Combining the best features of the Forerunner 110 and the Edge 500, the Forerunner 310XT does it all—and it’s waterproof. Designed for triathletes, or the Portland weather, the 310XT goes from bike to bracelet in seconds. Giving you access to the essential information via. a wireless ANT+ link to your computer—you’ll have instant access to the hard work you put into your ride in no time. (GPS-enabled personal trainer heart rate-based calorie computation, automatic sync, multisport, high-sensitivity receiver, courses feature, advanced workouts, rechargeable lithium-ion battery)



PrincetonTec Bike Lighting:



EOs Bike ($50)
princetontec.com



The EOs BIKE is light enough to throw into your jersey pocket for a late afternoon ride ensuring you’ll have enough light to get home Its use of high-grade materials ensures durability and strong resistance to water/weather and impact Includes helmet and handle bar attachments and headband. Self-contained and rechargeable. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/110



Swerve Tail light ($30)
princetontec.com



With two high-powered LEDs, the Swerve creates a 180-degree beam. Flip the switch to go from flash pattern to steady light. The high-tech tail light also mounts on a handle bar, seat pos and includes seat and fork mounts. It also clips on to your pack or messenger bag. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/124 ($30)



YUBZ Bluetooth Speakerphone ($150)

yubz.com



A hands-free speakerphone for your bike! 10 hours on 4x AA batteries and an optional bike mount. Listen to tunes while you ride or take a call at a stop sign.



Sanyo eneloop electric-assist bike ($2300)
us.sanyo.com



The SANYO Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle is a next generation bicycle that transports you efficiently with minimal effort. The SANYO Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle features innovative functions such as "loop charging," which charges the battery while riding. "Two-wheel drive" allows for smooth start-up on hills and slopes and ensures a steady, stable ride. For the truly lazy rider, like me! ($2300+)

KING5's New Day Northwest: Going Handfree Guide 3June2010 (KING-TV)

On June 10, Washington State will start enforcing driving while holding a mobile telephone as a PRIMARY offense. Previously you could be cited, but only if pulled over for another offense (speeding, burnt out tail light, etc.). The new law aims to reduce distracted-driving crashing...

Obviously the BEST solution is to talk when you're done driving... But if you need to stay connected while on the road, there are some technology solutions to make it safer.

Pairing your device via. Bluetooth is actually quite easy... most phones offer on-screen menus, and many manufacturers are offering step-by-step guides to make it simple. Of course your phone carrier's store is a good place to go if you need help (or to try on devices).

Devices are either handsfree headsets or in-car / portable wireless speakerphones. Of course sometimes the simplest solution is the wired headset your phone came with.... nothing to charge!

Some ideas....

(Originally broadcast on KING-TV's "New Day Northwest" with Margaret Larson on 3 June 20100)

BLUETOOTH HEADSETS:

Plantronics Discovery 975
$130, plantronics.com

• Minimalist design, one-touch controls
  
• Small charging case for triple talk-time
  
• Sleek elegant design, great call quality

Plantronics Voyager Pro UC
$100-200, plantronics.com

• Dual-purpose mobile phone and computer headset
  
• Perfect for office / home-office and on-the-go
  
• Clear wideband audio for crisp call quality and audio
  
• Sturdy over-the-ear attachment

Jabra Go 6430
$150, buyjabra.com

Long-range wireless (good for around-the-house use)

• Useful with mobile phone and computers (video chat, etc.)
  
• Switch between a computer and mobile phone easily
  
• Comes with travel charger and bluetooth adapter for older computers

Jabra Stone
$130, buyjabra.com

• Wraps around your ear, not on your face
  
• More comfortable to carry
  
• Easy to transport, toss in your bag / purse
  
• Designed for right ear-wearing only

Jawbone Icon w/NoiseAssassin
$75, jawbone.com

• Stylish, small headset available in six colors
  
• Tank & helicopter technology provides noise-cancelling
  
• Talks back to you (recharge me, incoming call, etc.)
  
• Fun names such as "The Ace", "The Thinker", "The Bombshell"

Plantronics Explorer 395
$50, plantronics.com

• Latest technology, easy to use with comfortable fit
  
• Simple design with volume, power, call answer/end buttons
  
• Affordable, solid quality headset for average users

SPEAKERPHONES
Built-in Vehicle Solutions
$200+

• Most new car vendors now offering Bluetooth speakerphone options
  
• Cost varies, can be a few hundred with new cars, thousands to "retrofit"
  
• Often has best call-quality- designed with car in mind
  
• Integrates with car stereo, speakers, in-dash display
  
• Some phones are more / less compatible, check with dealer

BlueAnt S4 Wireless Speakerphone
$100, blueantwireless.com

Voice-activated wireless speakerphone (speak "BlueAnt Speak To Me")

Clips to visor (no installation costs)

• Incoming text messages are read using Vlingo SafeReader
  
• Bing-optimized (movie times, stock quotes, weather, and more)

Scochse: solCHAT Solar Speakerphone
$100, scosche.com

• Announces calls as they come in for hands-free driving
• Features a simple three button design and automatic, user-friendly cell phone pairing
• Comes with a USB charging cable and car adapter charging at night and on SEATTLE days
• Includes a windshield suction cup mount and sun visor clip for easy operation and solar charging

If you have questions, or need more information... hit me up on Twitter: @BMW or send me an email (listed above).

Thanks for watching!

Back to School Tech on KGW-TV's The Square "Live at 7"

click above to watch the broadcast as originally shown on KGW.com

It's time to send the rugrats back to school and young adults everywhere are leaving the nest and moving to campus. I recently took time away from Gnomedex 9 to jump on KGW's The Square "Live @ 7" to share some back to school tech tips.

First up, gadgets!

LiveScribe Digital Pen ($150+) – Amazon. Take notes with a digital pen, record voice annotations, and search the text you wrote and save for later. It's high-tech paper and pen!

Texas Instruments TI-89 Graphing Calculator ($140) – Amazon. The latest in graphing calculators from TI, the TI-89 is a must-have for back-to-school math. Plugs into your USB and even runs apps!

Griffin AirCurve Acoustic Amp for iPhone ($20) It's an amplifier without wires, cables, or batteries. Using acoustic molding and a clever tunnel of sound, the Aircurve jumps your volume up 10db. Perfect for iPhone!

Speck Products Laptop Backpack ($100) Use code "BMW25" for 25% all Speck Products. Get a stylish laptop bag that protects your new notebook!

Back-To-School Tips:

Computer essentials:

• Focus on RAM, screen, keyboard
  
• Battery Life critical
  
• Storage doesn’t matter, but…
  
• Portability does

Mac vs. PC?

• Personal preference
  
• Coursework may determine
  
• windows 7 Coming soon

Tech dorm essentials

• Plenty of spares!
  
• Ink cartridges
  
• Media
  
• Extra power supply, batteries, etc.
  
• Extra cables
  
• Backup plans

Helpful Back-to-School Websites:

http://www.chegg.com – rent textbooks like netflix, save money!

http://evernote.com -- capture notes, comments, clips on your phone or web

http://www.curriki.org -- Curriculum Wiki, perfect for educators and parents to help students

Black Friday: Buying a TV? Comparison Chart

The folks over at 3Deals.com have put together a great comparison grid of all Black Friday TV deals... check it out! (Also a great baseline for spotting good deals with retailers in the weeks to come...)

Gift Guide: Capturing Holiday Memories (KATU-TV)

Looking for the latest gadgets to capture holiday memories? Perhaps a gift idea for the memory master in your life? Check out these great digital photo and video gifts:



Nikon D90 Digital SLR – Digital SLR with live-view and HD video. The latest and greatest in the prosumer digital SLR line – those cameras with detachable lenses perfect for high-quality family photos – the D90 sports a live-action viewfinder so you can watch the action and a high-definition video recording mode. Three reasons you might opt for a DSLR over a simple point-and-shoot? 1) Flexibility / Lens options, 2) Lower-light photos, 3) Higher-quality photos. (Of course there are thousands more differences between Digital SLRs and point-and-shoots, but we’ll keep it simple for now.)
Grab yours on Amazon.com for $1150 including lens (I recommend the 18-200 lens upgrade for a few hundred bucks more).

Flip Mino HD – Flip video cameras revolutionized the video capture world. They made taking, editing, and sharing video clips of family and friends simple. Now the same folks took it to the next level by introducing a high-defintion camera: the Flip Mino HD. Capable of 60 minutes of high definition video before downloading, the Flip’s a perfect on-the-go high-quality pocket camera. More information here and you can order yours from Amazon.com here.


Intouch IT7150 Multimedia touchscreen – Far more than “last year’s” digital photo frame, the IT7150 is a complete multimedia entertainment viewer. It plays photo and video slideshows, music, browses the web, even plays your favorite internet-streaming radio stations (you can listen to me weekly on Newsradio 750 KXL!)… And if that’s not enough – it’s RSS technology let’s you stream content directly to the photo frame via. WiFi. Give this gift to the grandparents and update the photos they see automatically! (No word at press time on if this versatile device also “slices, dices, and makes pizza… “, though it wouldn’t surprise me!) Starting price: $349 at Amazon.com or other retailers.

Olympus 1050 SW – Northwest outdoor adventurers know operating a delicate digital camera in the snow is next to impossible. How about a waterproof digital camera that can be controlled by tapping the side? Tap once to replay photos, again to adjust flash settings, and then twice to confirm. It’s perfect for the slopes while wearing gloves. My favorite feature? (And a great party trick!) the Olympus 1050SW is completely waterproof! Sure, drop it in water… it’ll keep on shooting. Even takes photos in up to 10 feet of water. The ultimate beach camera. Amazon’s got ‘em for $240 (Silver, other colors available)

HP A636 portable photo printer – HP, a pioneer in printing, updates their portable photo printers with a take-it-with-you model capable of 5x7 prints. Bring it to your next holiday party and pass out prints as guests depart or save off photo-store prices. Toss in an optional HP battery and you’re printing photo memories anywhere! ($139, Amazon.com)

Epson Artisan 800 – The ultimate home printer: not only does this deluxe model serve up photo prints quickly, it scans, faxes, and prints on media such as DVDs and CDs. A great household printer and just as useful in the home office, the Artisan 800 serves as a great replacement for the separate devices cluttering the den (and the cables, power adapters, and accessories that go with them!). Buy now!

HP TouchSmart PC – Owners of the iPhone will agree that Touch is ONLY way to interface with electronics. Swipe, pinch, swoosh… the HP Touchsmart line of PCs makes this a bigscreen reality. Models available with BluRay high-definition video, HP’s touch-interface software and full multimedia capabilities. This machine is the perfect family computer for videos, music, photos and all your family memories. Upgrade your family computer here starting at $1200.

"Best Websites to Know" - KOMO's Northwest Afternoon

On KOMO-TV's Northwest Afternoon for 19 March 2008, I highlighted a few websites you may not have heard of. The sites featured, in no particular order, are after the video clip and also available on the NWA site here.



Meebo.com (Instant Messaging) - You know the problem… you’ve got a few friends on one instant messaging client, some on others – Meebo.com brings them all together into a single website. Handy for those that might have trouble with the traditional IM clients downloaded to your computer, perhaps banned by your company or school’s network settings – meebo.com makes it easy. Networks supported: MSN, AOL/ICQ, Yahoo, and GTalk/Jabber. Bonus points for registering: Ability to save chat logs, single sign-in, and customization.

Buzzillions.com (Product Reviews) - Before you buy anything online, it’s good to get the good, bad and the ugly from those who have ventured through the checkout path before. Are the shoes true to size? Does that product really do what it’s designed to do? Did you have any problems? Consumer reviews are a powerful force. A leader in product ratings online is Power Reviews and their consumer site Buzzillions.com brings this data to potential buyers. The same folks that power sites from big players such as REI, Toys-R-Us and Brookstone – present the shopping site buzzillions.com. Features to look for: Narrow search results by various criteria, compare brands, upload customer images. Unique: Buzzillions users have, for the most part, actually bought the product they’re reviewing.

Pandora.com (Online Music) - Pandora creates a radio station tailored to your tastes. By selecting songs and artists you like, the online service selects other music based on hundreds of criteria in the Music Genome Project. The service is free and doesn’t require you to load a player – it works right in your browser. The more songs you review the better it predicts what else you might like. Limitations: It’s not a music-on-demand service, so you can’t play a particular song or request only songs from one artist, given rights issues – only US customers can play, a bummer if you travel. Favorite feature: Thumbs-up, Thumbs-down ratings are super-simple.

Yelp.com (Local Guide) - Looking to check out that new neighborhood restaurant? Want to try a new night club? Want to share your review with friends and get their feedback? Social Networking meets local community reviews with Yelps slick interface, intuitive navigation and the ability to add darn near everything in your ‘hood. Seattle’s a focus city, so you may not find the same level of detail if you’re visiting, say Peoria.

Woot.com (Electronics Bargains) – Shopping for a bargain? Don’t really care what the bargain is? Look to woot! Woot offers exactly one product (most days) and each customer can buy up to three of this item each day. When the item is gone, it’s gone… some products can sell out in hours or even minutes and are generally electronics or related gizmos. Sign up for various woot! notification services to have new products sent to you daily. Caveat: Return policy restrictive, shipping can be somewhat slow.


Etsy.com (Handmade Marketplace) – The “ebay for handmade products” allows anyone to sell homemade products to others online. Unlike Ebay, which sells anything to anyone, Etsy focuses only on handmade products. One real benefit to this site, as opposed to buying from some of the larger mass-merchants, is that you can focus your search on those items made right in your area – perhaps you’re limiting your carbon footprint or just want to support local artists. Another neat feature – search by color. How clever is this? The site offers the ability to pick a color and it will find products that match that color. Wouldn’t you have loved to have this feature the last time you were decorating a room or in search of the “something blue” at a wedding.

"Gadgets for Gals" - Today on KOMO's Northwest Afternoon

Today on Seattle's KOMO-TV, I stopped by the set of Northwest Afternoon to present some Valentine's Day gift ideas ... of the gadget sort. Check out the video and scroll down for more information!



Here's a list of the products discussed on the show and where you can buy them.

Drop me an email if you have questions, or want additional information about anything you see listed here.

Waterproof iPod Case – H20 Audio
Take your iPod swimming with this waterproof iPod case by H20 Audio! At the beach, on a boat, or swimming laps at the gym – protect your iPod with this watertight case. Available for most iPod models, they run from $40 for the 2nd Generation Shuffle to $100 for the iPod Classic. The separately available H3 Waterproof Headphones to complete the underwater listening experience for another $50. Buy now online or at iPod accessory dealers.
Available: Now.
Versions: iPod Shuffle ($39.99), iPod Nano ($79.99), iPod Classic ($99.99), H3 Waterproof headphones ($49.99)
Details: http://www.h2oaudio.com

VholdR Wearable Helmet Camera – Twenty20
I've always wanted a video camera to capture my poor snowboarding skills. This tiny digital camcorder – by a local Seattle firm -- is just 4 ounces and is super-simple to operate. The one-button record can be operated with gloves on and the clever mounting system allows it to slide on to your helmet…. Making this the perfect way to capture your downhill or mountainbike adventures. Connect the camera to your computer and share video quickly and easily… but my favorite feature? A laser guidance system that helps you ensure your shot is lined up – at least until I fall down again.
Price: $349
Available: Now.
Details: http://www.vholdr.com/shoot/camera/overview

Underwater Digital Camera Mask – Liquid Image Co.
Introduced at CES, Liquid Image's innovative Underwater Digital Camera Mask allows swimmers and snorkelers ages 8-Adult to take photos and video up to 15 feet under water. There's camera is built-in to the snorkel mask to eliminate the need for a tethered underwater camera. Press a button on top of the mask to snap a photo or record video. Transfer images to your computer by removing the optional memory card, or connecting the included USB cable. It runs on just two AAA batteries – with no need for a screen you can't see anyway, it's light on power – and starts at only $79.
Available: March 2008
Versions: 3.1 Megapixel ($79) 5.0 Megapixel ($99)
Details: http://www.liquidimageco.com

SPOT Satellite Messenger – SPOT Inc.
It's been out just a few months and already it is credited with saving the life of an Alaska worker. For those who frequent the outdoors, this bright orange messenger is a critical link when miles from traditional wireless services. With a press of the "911" button – emergency services are dispatched to your precise location. Just want people to know you're "okay"? An email will be sent with your location as a Google Maps link. And an optional tracking service (an additional $50/yr.) will update your position on a map every few minutes. Perfect for outdoor adventurers, frequent travelers or remote workers, it's just over $150 for the device and $99/year for the standard messaging service.
Available: Now
Price: $169 (SPOT Messenger) + $99 / year (service plan), $49 / year (optional tracking service)
Details: http://www.findmespot.com

DVDirect MC-5 Multifunction DVD Recorder – Sony Corp.
Eliminate the boxes of old VHS and camcorder tapes in your garage with Sony's standalone DVD recorder. This slick box doesn't require a computer and accepts inputs from virtually any video device, a variety of digital camera memory cards, or –of course – a Sony Handicam video camera. Simply connect the device, insert a disc and press record. Come back a bit later and that talent show video from 1985 is now preserved on DVD. Slide in most memory cards to make a slideshow of your photos! It's available online, through SonyStyle stores such as the one at U Village -- I've even seen them at Costco stores…. The suggested retail price is $230 but last I checked Costco and Amazon were selling them for $40-45 less!
Available: Now.
Price: $229.99 MSRP / $190 online
Details: http://www.sony.com/dvdirect/

Harmony One Remote – Logitech
Clean up the coffee table clutter with the ultimate of remote controls. The Logitech Harmony One sports a new ergonomic design, a color touch-screen and buttons arranged in logical zones. It's activity-based use means when you want to watch TV, you press a button cleverly labeled "Watch TV" – the Harmony One then knows to turn on the flatscreen, switch to the appropriate inputs – eliminating the need for dozens of remote. Set up your Harmony One via simple included software. Gone are the days of cryptic codes Logitech's database knows about 225,000 devices… that's nearly a quarter-million remote controls no longer needed.
Available: Mid-Feb. 2008
Price: $249.99
Details: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/3898&cl=us,en

USB Missile Launcher – Dream Cheeky
How many times have you wanted to lob a missile across the cubicle wall at your co-worker? Now your dreams have become a reality thanks to a $35 USB-powered and computer-controlled Missile Launcher from Dream Cheeky. And for a more HR-friendly approach to office stress-relief: the Stress Button. Bang the oversized red button (to protect from accidental engement) and the screen displays an A-bomb explosion, an image of your "boss", or – my personal favorite – the fake spreadsheet ("no, really – I'm working diligently!").
Available: Now.
Versions: Missile Launcher ($35) / Stress Button ($12)
Details: http://www.dreamcheeky.com/index.php?pagename=product&pid=1

Slingbox SOLO – Sling Media
Ever been stuck in a hotel room far from home and long for updates from Seattle? Slingbox's latest entry into the so-called "place-shifting" game is the Slingbox SOLO. An HD-compatible device, it let's you watch whatever content you'd be able to see in your living room – thousands of miles away over the Internet. With their recent support of the ubiquitous business tool – the Blackberry – taking TV with you just got a whole lot easier.
Available: Now.
Details: http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox-solo
Product Image: http://www.slingmedia.com/docs/CP/1333/slingbox-SOLO-angle.jpg

Ladybug Ipod Speakers – VestaLife
These speakers look like a ladybug and sound great. Launched at the 2008 CES and Macworld, these speakers operate on battery or the included AC adapter and support most iPods with a dock connector. It's rare for portable speakers to include auxiallary jacks, but these speakers have 'em all: AUX in, AV Out, even a USB port to sync with your computer. At $110 for the red and silver models, there's a series of limited-edition designs by Element Skateboard's artists for $125.
Versions: Red / Silver ($110), limited edition designs ($125)
Available: 1St Quarter 2008
Details: http://www.vesta-life.com/products/ladybug.html


If you have ideas for gadgets you'd like to hear about... or a radio, TV, publication or other media outlet you want to see Brian Westbrook on -- drop him a line at techexpert@brianwestbrook.com.

Energy Consumption: LCD vs. Plasma Flat Screen TVs

New gadgets this holiday season come a bump in your power bill. Seemingly minor differences in technology can cause large swings in power consumption. Power bills can range from an average of $33 to $233 a year (source)

First on the list are new high-definition televisions. It seems logical that a larger television consumes more power than a same-technology, yet smaller, set. What you may not know, however, is that the type of display makes a significant difference. Standard tube televisions and newer LCD panels consume only two-thirds the power of a new plasma screen.

Current generation video game consoles vary widely in the amount of electricity required as well. For instance, according to a CNET’s TV power consumption guide, a PlayStation 3 consumes 197 watts while the Xbox 360 is just under at 187 watts. Nintendo’s latest console, the popular Wii, wins the efficiency award, roughly one-tenth of it’s rivals, consume approximately 19 watts.

And for those who think you’re saving power when the unit is “off” and in power saver mode? Think again! Some units tested in CNET’s report consume as much as 10 watts when sitting idle.

There are steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption. Buy an energy-efficient set – look for ratings or ask your retailer. Various brands in the same size can have different power requirements. Consider completely shutting down your set when not watching programming.

Does this mean you shouldn’t upgrade? No.

Being an educated consumer when shopping for a replacement set will reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your power bill.