07/16/2008

A feature-packed digital TV converter box

WFAA-TV

If you're in the market for a digital TV converter box, here's one that really delivers: DTVPal from Dish Network. Yes, the same folks who offer satellite TV service are now selling a box that's strictly for off-air viewing.

07/10/2008

Solving digital TV reception problems

Walt Zwirko / WFAA-TV

You should all know by now that the existing system of analog TV transmission will end next February 17. Starting then — unless you already watch your local channels via cable or satellite subscription — you will need to receive digital TV off the air. Many of our viewers continue to have questions about the big switch to digital television, and we address some of them in this week's Computer Corner.

07/02/2008

Free ringtones; free music; free TV on the Web
It's a multimedia extravaganza in this week's edition of Computer Corner. First, we check out some software that lets you bypass those pricey ringtone services to personalize your phone. Then it's an amazing software program that magically builds a music library from Internet radio stations. Plus: a gizmo that lets you watch YouTube videos and other online clips on a regular TV set.

06/28/2008

Computer Corner: Fly, search and charge

WFAA-TV

Dead batteries in your iPod? PowerPort Mini to the rescue!

This week from Midday's Computer Corner: A clever new way to look at Internet searching, and a gadget that keeps your mobile gear from powering down. Plus: There's something special in the air — especially if you can't bear to leave the Internet behind.

06/23/2008

Digital TV update: Answering your questions

WFAA-TV

This Zenith digital TV converter box and others like it can keep your set from becoming obsolete.

The end of analog TV is coming, and it's something we'll be talking about a lot between now and next February 17. For many of you, it means the TV set you're now using will become instantly obsolete. But there is a simple and inexpensive way to make sure your old analog television will make the transition to the digital age.

06/11/2008

Pocket-sized camcorder focused on simplicity

WFAA-TV

A year ago, we first showed you the Flip Video camcorder, a small device that positioned itself as the "instamatic" camera for a new generation. In the ensuing months, the brand has grown to be a major force in the consumer camera market, claiming 13 percent of video camera sales since its introduction. Now there's a new and smaller model to check out: the Flip Mino.

05/28/2008

A versatile digital picture frame

WFAA-TV

The Image Moments 8 frame has a remote control.

It only makes sense. If you're going to take digital pictures, why not display them in a digital frame? OK, so they're not as portable (most don't run on batteries) or as pocketable as a small photo album, but digital picture frames are a great way to show off your treasured snapshots.

05/21/2008

$99 box offers instant movie downloads

Roku

With gas prices heading toward $4 a gallon, who wants to hop in the car to go rent a movie? Netflix had that figured out from the start by eliminating stores and mailing DVDs to customers. But now, Netflix has a new option: a small box that connects to your TV and downloads movies whenever you want to see them.

05/20/2008

Put the universe on your desktop

Microsoft

Have you ever wanted to boldly go where no man has gone before (but not been too keen to ride a rocket into space)? We have the answer to your space quest this week in Computer Corner. It's a new, free software program that turns your computer screen into the world's most powerful telescope.

05/09/2008

Free software mimics Microsoft Office

IBM

While some people get a computer to play games, most folks use their machine for useful but mundane things like writing letters, preparing presentations and creating budgets. But if your budget doesn't accomodate an all-purpose suite of office software, you now have another option for a very useful (and free) alternative.

05/08/2008

The joys of iMac
Twenty-eight years after it was introduced with great fanfare, I'm finally using a Macintosh computer on a daily basis.

05/01/2008

Cell phone could be your ticket to Hollywood
In this week's Computer Corner, we've got some helpful information for all our viewers who still have questions about the TV transition to digital broadcasting. But first, some news about how you can get into show business by using something you probably already have — a mobile phone.

04/23/2008

New tools to manage money online

Quicken Online lets you know the state of your financial situation.

It's a frustrating time to be an American consumer. Every time you turn around, it seems prices are going up — from gasoline to groceries. With the buying power of your paycheck shrinking daily, you've got to make the most of your financial resources. And there's nothing more powerful than a computer to help.