Best Buy promo code 10% OFF: Photography 5 tips to help you choose a new camera lens

Best Buy promo code 10% OFF: Shop Week Long Black Friday Deals and Enter this Best Buy 10% OFF Coupon Code  during checkout to get 20% 10% Off Clearance Mobile Phone Cases. Check Best Buy 10% OFF Promo Code now!

Your camera lens has much to do with how you capture the world. So when it's time to add a new optic to your kit, how do you decide which one?

You have many things to think about: sharpness, distortion, durability, focusing speed, and cost, just to name a few. All of those factors are important. But before you get to the technical aspects, here are five considerations that might help you narrow down the list of candidates.

Three different lenses, many different perspectives.

Perspective

Stand at the corner of the busiest street in your city, and shoot ten frames with a 9mm, 24mm, 50mm, 200mm, and 500mm lens. Each group of images will tell a different story.

At 9mm, you'll capture asphalt, people, cars, buildings, and sky. Narrow the perspective a bit to 24mm, and you may have to choose between the street or the sky. At 50mm you're beginning to gather more information about a subject – maybe a particular person approaching you, or a passing car. At 200mm the details begin to dominate the story, and the background becomes less important. And when you mount a 500mm lens on your DSLR in a busy city, you probably become the focus of attention as people wonder what you're doing.

The point is, visual perspective is an important part of storytelling. When you look at your existing photographs, what's missing? Do you tend to shoot tight (close up) all the time and forget to capture an establishing midrange or long shot? Maybe your photographs are lacking the intimacy that comes from focusing on details. Look for the visual gaps in your work, and consider a lens that will help you fill them.

An affordable way to add more light-gathering power to your kit is to purchase a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens (left) to augment the standard zoom that came with your camera (right).

Maximum aperture

An all-purpose zoom lens that's typically bundled with a DSLR is good at providing a variety of perspectives from wide angle to mild telephoto. But that range usually comes at the price of a conservative maximum aperture, such as f/3.5-5.6.

What does that mean? At its wide-angle setting, say, 18mm for example, the maximum aperture is f/3.5. That's the most light the lens can pass through to your camera's image sensor. By the time you zoom to 55mm, your lens is far less bright at f/5.6. Each full f-stop (f/4, f/5.6, f/8) equals a full ISO setting (ISO 400, 800, 1600). So if you had an f/4 lens instead of f/5.6, you could lower the ISO from 1600 to 800.

When shooting in dimly lit environments with a kit zoom, you'll either have to compensate for less light coming through the lens by increasing the ISO setting (say, from ISO 400 to 800 to make your camera more sensitive to light), or by adding light using a flash, or slowing down the shutter speed (for example, from 1/60 second to 1/30 second) to let more light pass through to the sensor. If you added a brighter lens to your kit, such as a 50mm f/1.8, you wouldn't have to bump up the ISO or add a flash nearly as often.

The second major impact is how you can manage the background of the composition. A large maximum aperture, such as f/1.8, gives you more options for making the background detailed or soft. Large aperture settings allow you to soften the background more easily, while smaller settings (f/5.6 and smaller) tend to render more background detail.

If your shots tend to have an even amount of detail from front to back, or if they haven't pushed the limits of existing-light photography in moody environments, then you may want to consider a lens with a larger maximum aperture. Reasonable affordable examples are a 50mm f/1.8 and a 30mm f/2.0. One of my favorite affordable "big aperture" lenses is the 85mm f/1.8. With any of these choices, you can shoot without flash indoors and have more control over background detail outdoors.

Large aperture prime lenses, such as the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and the Canon 50mm f/1.8, make it easier to soften the background. Set the lens to its largest aperture, such as f/1.4, and focus carefully on your subject. The background will render softer than your subject.

Size and weight

Maximum aperture also influences size and weight. The larger the aperture opening, the bigger the lens. A great example is to compare professional-quality 70-200mm zooms. A Canon f/2.8 model weighs 3.28 pounds, while the f/4 version is much lighter at 1.67 pounds, about half the weight.

The f/4 version of the Canon 70-200mm zoom weighs about half of the f/2.8 model. How much weight are you willing to carry all day?

This is also the case for wide-angle zooms and fixed-focal-length lenses. A 17-40mm f/4 wide-angle zoom weighs 1.05 pounds, versus 1.4 pounds for the 16-35mm f/2.8 model. And a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is considerably heavier than the Canon 50mm f/1.8.

Of course, maximum aperture isn't the only influence on size and weight. Robust pro-model construction also plays a part. That Canon 50mm f/1.8 I mentioned is a consumer-grade lens with plastic construction, whereas the Sigma f/1.4 is a professional model with a metal housing.

If you travel a lot and usually shoot in decent light, you can save yourself a lot of weight, not to mention dollars, by choosing a lighter zoom lens that that doesn’t have as large of a maximum aperture. The Canon 55-250mm EF-S zoom (for cropped-sensor Canons) weighs less than a pound and costs £199/$299. Its maximum aperture at the telephoto setting is f/5.6. The 70-200mm f/2.8 pro model is two stops brighter, but weighs over three times more and costs £1,500/$2,500.

How much weight are you willing to carry? That beautiful 70-200mm f/2.8 doesn't do you any good sitting on the shelf at home because it doesn't fit in the shoulder bag you want to carry while touring Paris. It's important to hold the lens you're considering and see how it fits in the bag you want to use.

Stabilization

If you shoot with a Canon, Nikon, or Panasonic camera, then you need an image-stabilized lens to take advantage of this important technology and compensate for camera shake. Those brands use optical stabilization that's built into the lens. Olympus and Pentax, on the other hand, build the stabilization feature into the body, giving you that technology regardless of the lens you've mounted on the camera.

Even though it costs more, I recommend buying stabilized lenses for those models that give you the option, especially for telephotos and long zooms. The professional-caliber Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS zoom costs $600 more than the non-IS model. That's a lot of money! But having image stabilization gives you the opportunity to get sharp shots in a greater variety of lighting conditions.

Emotional appeal

This final consideration might sound a little touchy-feely, but hear me out. Spending your money on a lens you crave versus one you think you should buy is an important factor. A lens that you bond with--one that is attractive to you, something that you deem amazing--will inspire you to shoot.

Here's a personal example. I recently invested $499 (around £330) in a Panasonic/Leica 25mm f/1.4 prime lens for my black Olympus OM-D E-M5. I selected that particular glass from a long list of desirable lenses for several reasons.

• Maximum aperture: It has a superfast maximum aperture of f/1.4 for low-light shooting and soft backgrounds.
• Size and weight: Even though it's relatively heavy for a Micro Four-Thirds lens at 200g, it weighs far less than the 505g of my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for my Canon DSLR body.
• Emotional appeal: The handsome black finish combined with a large front glass element with Leica inscription pushed my desire meter to the red zone. I simply wanted this lens more than anything else on my list.

Bringing it all together

A new lens is energizing. Photographers tend to like their camera bodies, but love their lenses. When considering your next optic, use these five criteria to narrow the list of possibilities to a handful of favorites. Think about the types of shots you want to capture, the lighting conditions where you might use the lens, and the bulk you're willing to carry.

Once you have your short list of candidates, then read reviews, study the specs, and consider your budget. After you make a final decision, go shoot and make beautiful images.

Best Buy promo code 10% OFF: A guide to choosing the right camera

Best Buy promo code 10% OFF: Shop Week Long Black Friday Deals and Enter this Best Buy 10% OFF Coupon Code  during checkout to get 20% 50% Off Clearance Mobile Phone Cases. Check Best Buy 10% OFF Promo Code now!

Are you a budding photographer, or just looking for a simple camera to snap some photos? This guide will help you decide which camera best suits your needs.

Is a compact camera right for you?

If you shoot only a few rolls of film a year, consider an inexpensive compact ("point-and-shoot") camera, or even a succession of single-use (disposable) cameras.

• Most compact cameras are fully automatic and have a built-in flash.
• You can choose from models offering medium to long range zoom lenses, which help produce better images of close-up and distant subjects.

What you need to know about single-lens reflex cameras

If you want to pursue photography as a serious hobby, a single-lens reflex (SLR) 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses is the best choice.

• Available options include automatic focusing, built-in or accessory flashes, and the ability to control exposures automatically or manually.
• All of the major manufacturers produce cameras and lenses that will allow you to shoot quality photos, in either print or slide form.
• If you are willing to put up with fewer automatic features, hundreds of different models of affordable used 35mm cameras are available.
• A new film and camera format called Advanced Photo System (APS) was introduced in 1996 as a means of making amateur photography as failsafe as possible. This system uses a 24mm film no-leader cartridge for ease of loading.
• Magnetic coding on the cartridge conveys to processors equipped to handle this film the exact conditions in which the film was exposed and can record on the back of the print the time and date the photograph was taken.

The benefits of a digital camera

• Even newer, digital cameras need no film but do require access to a computer to store images and view them in high resolution. However, images can be instantly viewed in low-resolution form and later modified before being printed on a colour printer.
• A digital single-lens reflex camera (also called a digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera combining the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor, as opposed to photographic film.
• The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras.

Learning photography techniques

The quality of the camera and lens is not as important as the photographer's attention to detail. Good photography does not take years of practice, but it does require some study.

• To learn how to compose a photograph, choose the appropriate film, and use natural and artificial lighting to their best effect; also, read the owner's manual, photography books and photography magazines.

Start taking beautiful pictures today! Remember these tips and find the camera that will fit you perfectly.

5 Tips to Choosing the Right Refrigerator for Your Living Space

Best Buy Coupons 20% OFF Entire Purchase: Shop Week Long Black Friday Deals and Enter this Best Buy 20% OFF Coupon Code  during checkout to get 20% 50% Off Clearance Mobile Phone Cases. Check Best Buy Ccoupon 20% OFF now!

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to buying a refrigerator, and if you have not been in the market for one before, you might not know what you should be looking for to find the one that fits your lifestyle and the space you have available.

Let’s take a closer look at the options available to you, as well as five tips to help ensure that you pick the right fridge for your situation.

Refrigerator Size Options

There are several different refrigerator sizes available for people with all different space considerations. These appliances generally fall into the following categories:

• Compact Cube:
  These “office-style” refrigerators are small and provide only a little bit of space to store food and drinks. They range in size from about 1.5 to 3 cubic feet, and generally have room for a few cans of soda or water, today’s lunch, and maybe some condiments.
• Compact Midsize:
  The next size up is a compact mini fridge, sometimes known as adorm-style mini fridge. These appliances are designed to be very small and inexpensive, but have enough space to store enough groceries for a few days. These refrigerators generally have a very small amount of freezer space, but with between 3 and 5.5 cubic feet of total storage space they are often small enough to fit under a standard height countertop.
• Combo Microwave/Fridge:
  For people who are looking for convenience and ease in small spaces, the combination microwave and fridge can be a great option. Combo fridges come in a variety of sizes, with fridges that range from 2 to 9 cubic feet of space, and microwaves that include everything from the basics or more advanced options.
• Apartment Size:
  If you have a little bit more space, the next step up is the apartment-sized fridge, which offers slim style but is similar in height to more standard refrigerators. They generally range from about 7 to 15 cubic feet (about half the size of traditional refrigerators), but offer similar features to their full-size counterparts, such as drawers, dual-cooling air systems, temperature control, adjustable shelving, and more freezer space than compact models.
• Full Size & Commercial:
  Of course, if you have the space for it, you can also choose from a wide range of full size and/ or commercial refrigerators. If you have a slightly smaller space but want the functionality of a full size fridge, many brands today offer extra narrow models of popular designs (24 to 28 inches instead of the standard 32 to 36 inches). There are a myriad of features, styles, and configurations to choose from, so it’s important to shop around before you decide on which full-size fridge is right for you.

Criteria for Choosing a Refrigerator

Now that you are familiar with the different sizes available, the next step is to figure out which one will work best for you. There are a few different things you should take into consideration when choosing your fridge.

1. Measure Your Available Space

The biggest mistake people make in shopping for a new fridge is not knowing how much space they have available. Before you go online or head to the store, take some time to measure out the exact space you have. It’s important to be precise when measuring, because getting a fridge that is even a half inch too big means it won’t fit. Measure the size of the opening, including the depth, width, and height, and figure out how much space you have for the door to swing open (nothing is more frustrating than buying a fridge that fits in your space only to find you can’t open the door).

2. Identify Your Food Storage Needs

Think about how many people you have in your home, and how much food you keep on hand at any given time. As a general rule, you should plan about 4 to 6 cubic feet of space for each adult in the apartment, although you may want to expand that if you cook a lot of fresh foods at home, or reduce it if you eat out often.

3. Consider Your Freezer Space Needs

If you rarely or never keep frozen foods in your home, you might be better off choosing a model that has a small freezer or no freezer to maximize fridge space, then get a compact chest freezer somewhere else in the kitchen. Take a look at several different models, including freezers that are on the bottom, top, and side-by-side before you buy.

4. What Features are Important

Refrigerators today come with a wide variety of features, including energy savings, temperature control, adjustable drawers, shelves and compartments, ice makers, and more. You may not be able to get every feature (and you may not need them all), so they key is figuring out which ones will be most important to you.

5. Check the Warranty

Finally, when you are shopping for fridges, don’t forget to ask about what kind of warranty it includes. You can also choose from many well-known brands, and read reviews online as well to be sure you find one that is high quality and reliable.

Maximizing your small space is the key to living well, and finding a compact refrigerator that fits your lifestyle can give you some extra space without sacrificing the comforts and amenities you want.

Which Smartwatch Should You Buy?

 Best Buy promo code 2015 :Take Up to 60% OFF Hottest Deals of the Week + FREE Shipping on orders over $25 at Bets Buy!!!Save $10 on Select Misfit Flash Activity Trackers w/ Best Buy promo code 2015

Choosing a smartwatch can be a difficult task, especially as you try to separate the devices that offer useful features with those that are packed with gimmicky functions that aren’t tailored to the specific purpose that you envision for your new wearable.

As JR Raphael reported recently for Computerworld, the introduction of any new type of technology prompts “an awkward phase where everyone tries to figure out what types of usage actually make sense for the form.” By the second or third generation of the technology, manufacturers begin cramming “all sorts of silly concepts” into their devices for the marketing potential, rather than the real-world value, that those features will add to their products.

As device makers work to find ways to make their smartwatches stand out, they’ve already ushered in this awkward phase. Case in point: the idea that the second generation of the Apple Watch could feature a camera for wrist-based video chats — which would be both impractical and uncomfortable to complete.

The smartwatch’s most practical functionality is for quick tasks that require only a few seconds of screen time and minimal interaction in terms of taps, swipes, or voice input. The smartwatch can prevent you from needing to pull out your smartphone for these small tasks, but it shouldn’t take on tasks that would be quicker, and less frustrating, for you to complete on your smartphone.

There are a few smartwatches that have things figured out, at least in an early sense of the phrase. But if you’re in the market for a smartwatch, it’s probably already clear to you that the best device for you will be determined by what your specific interests are and what you’re really hoping to get out of wearing the device each day.

1. For the style-conscious

Motorola’s Moto 360 is a good choice for a user who wants his or her smartwatch to look like a regular wristwatch. It features a round 1.65-inch display, a stainless steel frame, and a leather band. At its launch, it offered a welcome change over the plasticky, blocky Android Wear watches that came before it. Like the newer LG G Watch R, it isn’t obvious that it’s a smartwatch, and it’s one of the best-looking smartwatches we’ve seen so far. However, a common complaint about the Moto 360 is that its processor is inefficient, and it’s a choice to avoid for anyone hoping for a smartwatch with a battery that’ll last longer than a day.  Another good choice for the style-conscious user is the Asus ZenWatch. Its design isn’t quite as refined as the Moto 360’s, but it does offer a rectangular face, which is a good option for users who don’t want a round face.

2. For the battery-conscious

Source: Getpebble.com

An excellent choice if you’re looking for a smartwatch that can deliver days’ worth of texts, emails, and other notifications on a single charge is the Pebble Steel. Instead of a color screen, it features a 1.26-inch e-paper display and a sleek silver or black casing. The lack of a color display does limit the Steel’s ability to compete with other smartwatches, like the growing assortment of impressive Android Wear watches, as does Pebble’s limit on the number of apps you can install (you can’t exceed eight). But the device can last through four days between charges, and is compatible with both Android phones and Apple’s iPhone.

3. For the budget-conscious

Source: Blog.getpebble.com

If getting a useful smartwatch for the least amount of money is your priority, then the original Pebble smartwatch is the best smartwatch for you. For less than $100, you get a device for which developers have built more than 6,000 apps and watch faces. You also get a colorful, water-resistant design, and the ability to get notifications about texts, emails, and calls on your wrist. It’s also compatible with a number of popular fitness apps.

4. For the Apple enthusiast

Source: Apple.com

For the user who loves Apple’s devices and is looking to add another to his or her Apple-made ecosystem, the Apple Watch is an obvious choice. While even the entry-level Apple Watch Sport is pricier than other smartwatch options, the Apple Watch integrates most closely with the iPhone, and, in fact, currently depends on a paired iPhone for most of its functionality. You can set up notifications for many of the apps you have installed on your iPhone, which, for many users, enables them to check their iPhones significantly less frequently throughout the day.

5. For the Android fan

Source: Lg.com

There are a number of good smartwatches built on Android Wear, but the LG Watch Urbane is generally regarded as the best one. With a stylish stainless steel and leather build, it feels like a luxury watch. It runs the latest version of Android Wear, so you can scroll through and respond to a wide variety of notifications with gesture controls. It also supports an ever-growing variety of apps, plus voice control, WiFi connectivity, and a heart rate monitor.

How to Select the Best Room Air Conditioner

 Best Buy promo code 10% OFF  2016 :Take Up to 60% OFF Hottest Deals of the Week + FREE Shipping on orders over $25 at Bets Buy!!!Save $10 on Select Misfit Flash Activity Trackers w/ Best Buy promo code 10 percent OFF 2016

There is no need to suffer through summer heat when inexpensive, energy-efficient air conditioners are widely available. Since June 1, 2014, all room air conditioners have been required to meet a new standard that set maximum power use at 10-15% less than older models following the 2000 guidelines. And, when used to provide cooling only where they're needed, room air conditioners are less expensive to operate than central units. This guide will help you find the model that is right for you.

Energy Efficiency of Room Air Conditioners

A room air conditioner's efficiency is measured by the energy efficiency ratio (EER). The EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity (in British thermal units [Btu] per hour) to the power input (in watts). The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. Each increase of 1.0 on the EER scale represents a 10% increase in energy efficiency.

When buying a new room air conditioner, information about the EER can be found on the EnergyGuide label for the unit. Look for an EER of at least 11 and the ENERGY STAR label. Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

• ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 15% less energy than conventional models.
• ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners often include timers for better temperature control, allowing you to use the minimum amount of energy you need to cool your room.

Properly Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

The required cooling capacity for a room air conditioner depends on the size of the room being cooled. Room air conditioners generally have cooling capacities that range from 5,500 Btu per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour.

Many people buy an air conditioner that is too large, thinking it will provide better cooling. However, an over-sized air conditioner is actually less effective — and wastes energy at the same time. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.To figure out which size unit is best for your cooling needs, see the Air Conditioner Cooling Needs Calculator below.

Other Factors to Consider when Buying

Verify that your home's electrical system can meet the unit's power requirements. Room units operate on 115-volt or 230-volt circuits. The standard household receptacle is a connection for a 115-volt branch circuit. Large room units rated at 115 volts may require a dedicated circuit and room units rated at 230 volts may require a special circuit. If you are mounting your air conditioner near the corner of a room, look for a unit that can direct its airflow in the desired direction for your room layout. If you need to mount the air conditioner at the narrow end of a long room, look for models that have a “turbo” fan mode that can drive air further into the room. Other features to look for:

• A filter that slides out easily for regular cleaning
• Logically arranged controls
• A digital readout for the thermostat setting, and
• A built-in timer.

Our Picks

Small rooms (up to 150 square feet)

The GE AEL06LS ($179.00 on HomeDepot.com), rated at 6,050BTU, gets high marks for its cooling capabilities. The unit, which has an EER of 11.2, has two cooling and two fan speeds, a 24-hour programmable timer and a two-way adjustable vent to direct air flow.

Large rooms (up to 550 square feet)

The highly-rated LG LW8014ER ($239.00 on Amazon) delivers 8,000 BTUs, enough to cool a room up to 340 square feet, with an EER of 11.3. The unit has three cooling and three fan speeds, a 24-hour programmable timer and a 4-way directional vent to stream air where you want it. For rooms up to 550 square feet we like the LG LW1214ER ($349.00 on HomeDepot.com) step-up model, which has all the same features, but delivers 12,000BTUs with an EER of 11.3.
 

Installing and Operating Your Room Air Conditioner

A little planning before installing your air conditioner will save you money and energy. The unit should be level when installed, so that the inside drainage system and other mechanisms operate efficiently. If possible, install the unit in a shaded spot on your home's north or east side. Direct sunshine on the unit's outdoor heat exchanger decreases efficiency by as much as 10%. You can plant trees and shrubs to shade the air conditioner, but do not block the airflow.

Don't place lamps or televisions near your air-conditioner's thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Set your air conditioner's thermostat as high as is comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner; it will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

Set the fan speed on high, except on very humid days. When humidity is high, set the fan speed on low for more comfort. The low speed on humid days will cool your home better and will remove more moisture from the air because of slower air movement through the cooling equipment.

Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing electricity use.

5 Tips in Choosing Commercial LCD Screens

Best Buy Coupons 20% OFF Entire Purchase: Shop Clearance, Open-box and more at Best Buy Outlet to save up  and Enter this Best Buy Coupon Code 10% OFF Online during checkout to get 20% 50% Off Clearance Mobile Phone Cases. 

Over recent years, commercial LCD screens have become a prominent medium for luring consumers into business establishments to drive sales and boost revenues.

The screens usually used are specifically built for the rigors of commercial applications be they indoor or outdoor. Their heavy-duty hardware is engineered to handle wear and tear and 24/7 operation. Thus, these screens have a longer lifespan — far beyond that of residential grade models. With a display that can last between 50,000 and 75,000 hours on average, commercial grade LCDs are great for around-the-clock applications such as menu boards, directories, and digital signage. Although they cost more than consumer grade LCDs up front, commercial LCDs can be less expensive than LED displays and far more cost effective than consumer grade screens over the lifetime of their use.

Commercial LCDs feature cooling fans, heat dissipation plates and other electronics that allow them to stay on for long hours. These screens also have a high refresh rate and improved protection against electro-magnetic interference. Some models also come with scheduling options, video-wall processors, and lockable control panels. And because they can be rotated and hung vertically or horizontally, commercial grade LCDs can fit any space requirement.

What to Consider When Buying a Commercial LCD Screen

There are countless models of commercial LCDs on the market, making choosing the right screen for your business daunting. Beyond looking for a prominent brand and aside from the physical features, you need an LCD that is compatible with your chosen software, and will last for years. To help you select the most ideal commercial LCD screen for your business, here are a few tips to consider.

Tip #1: Go for a screen with a thin bezel.

It goes without saying that the screen aesthetic is a crucial factor in choosing commercial LCD flatscreens. For aesthetic purposes, consider the screen’s bezel size. Consumer LCDs typically have a thicker bottom bezel, while commercial grade models are likely to feature an even and thin bezel, which looks more aesthetically pleasing.

An LCD screen that features an ultra-thin bezel is generally more costly, though. Regardless, a thinner bezel means a look and feel that departs from traditional style. And when used in a video wall, the thinner the screen’s bezel, the better.

What’s a video wall? To get the look of a very large screen, it is more cost effective to use an array of multiple LCDs mounted together. Usually in a 2×2 or 3×3 array the video wall can also be a long line (say 4 screens side by side) or a tall column (screens mounted in a vertical aray). A screen with a thinner bezel is the better choice as it will minimize the space between each screen giving the impression you are looking at one giant screen. Moreover, a thin bezel is much preferred if you need the display in portrait orientation. Just make sure the bezel is even on all sides to prevent it from looking lopsided.

Tip #2: Look for a screen with at least a three-year warranty.

Consumer TV screens usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for 12 months, although there are some manufacturers that offer 2, 3 or even 5 year warranties – but these are consumer warranties. If you wish to double the warranted years of the screen, you can do so by using your credit card, provided that the warranty policies of your credit card company allows it. And of course some TV retailers also offer to extend warranties, but at an added cost.

Ideally, though, in a commercial situation you need a commercial warranty. If you use a consumer screen in a commercial application nearly all manufacturers will not honour the warranty as the screen is being used outside of it’s intended purpose. Consumer screens are expected to be on maybe 4-6 hours a day in an air-conditioned environment and either on a TV stand or mounted to the wall. Consumer grade screen on the other hand are expected to be on 24/7 and hung in any orientation, or mounted into a table top etc… and are warranted for this.

Tip #3: Measure the area, the LCD’s distance from its intended viewers and consider what you intend to do with it.

Do you plan on building a kiosk or mounting a touch screen to the wall? Do you intend to display promotional materials or showcase a menu? How large is the area where you’re placing the screen? Are you going to hang it from the ceiling, the wall or floor mount it? How far away will it be from the customers?

When determining the size of the screen, it is important to consider these factors. If you are caught between two sizes, choose the bigger screen. It can give you room to grow and expand your menu, or enable you to display larger texts and images. Plus, it can offer a greater impact to your costumers. Remember: when it comes to most screens, size does matter.

But also consider if it is a touch screen, in order to actually touch the screen you need to be standing right in front of it so an appropriate sized screen needs to be chosen for interactive applications.

Tip #4: Compare models and specifications, not brands in general.

To most buyers, the LCD’s brand can be a quick indicator of how good of a quality the screen has. However, it’s too generic. A savvy and smart buyer knows that there is more to a quality commercial LCD than its brand, and that learning a bit more about the product’s specifications matters more.

Also, do some research into the brands that actually make commercial grade screens. Sure, there are some household names and they do make commercial offerings, but there may be brands you have never heard of who are actually leaders in the commercial LCD and touch screen fields.

When comparing various brands, it is difficult to say which one is better if you simply look at their hardware. Often, you will see two or several different brands with similar or identical hardware, and their only difference would be the packaging. You may even discover that a certain brand has a panel manufactured by a different brand. So rather than resting your decision on brand name alone, read reviews and compare LCD screens by their individual specifications and models.

Tip #5: Research and evaluate.

Commercial LCDs today provide many attractive features that can be hard to resist. Don’t fall prey to features you do not need! When you’re coursing through the information suppliers have sent you, or simply browsing the web, keep in mind that your main goal is to find a durable, long lasting LCD screen. Take ample time to evaluate the needs of your business and your application, and research about the various types of commercial LCDs available on the market. Before purchasing, you should make sure that the screen meets your business needs accordingly.

If you plan on placing the LCD screens in multiple locations or you are working on a tight budget, it might be tempting to go for low grade monitors. The downside to this, however, is that you may spend much more for repair and maintenance in the long run. Hence, it is still a wiser decision to invest in high quality commercial grade LCD screens that will serve you well for many years. Good quality screens can guarantee long term usage without the frequent maintenance and constant repairs, not to mention the damage to your corporate profile if your screens aren’t functional.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Kitchen Appliances

Best Buy 10% off coupon:  Enter this Best Buy Coupon Code 10% OFF Online during checkout to get Deals of the day Clearance mophie Powerstation XL External Battery Charger. Limited time only! Did it work for you?

Your kitchen appliances in your home make up the one of the largest investments for your pocket, as well as your time, which equates to functionality for your lifestyle in the kitchen. Buying kitchen appliances can be a daunting task when you look at all of the options, from energy saving, to high end designer models, to low cost models, how do you choose? Here are tips to guide your through the buying process and to help you feel informed and confident with your kitchen appliance buying decisions.

• Refrigerators: With any appliance, before you get enamored with all the whistles and bells of how beautiful it looks and all of the gadgets assess your lifestyle. With refrigerators consider how many times you and your family cook and eat from home.  For larger families, larger capacity units will be necessary, as well as the ability for longer preservation of food. Higher end models that offer dual refrigeration, on-door controls, and energy efficiency may be more important for your families needs. While singles or those who don’t cook a lot may prefer a snazzy stainless steel or built-in model that looks fantastic, but doesn’t need all of the accompaniments.  Also consider if your home would need separate wine refrigeration storage, or possibly refrigerated drawers for easy access.

• Ovens/Stoves: When considering an oven and stove, think about how you typically cook and if you’re a novice or an experienced cook. The oven or stove you choose can have a great impact on how you cook and whether the energy you use to heat them is worthwhile. Convection over conventional ovens tends to use more energy but for expert cooks they enjoy the even distribution over heat and can usually cook their food faster and with more control. For those interested in buying a stove or cooktop, there are several options: induction, gas or electric all have their pros and cons. Most beginning cooks appreciate electric for its slow heat up, while experienced cooks prefer induction and ultimately gas stoves for its fast heat up and ability to cook under precise conditions.

• Ventilation system: One area of your kitchen that is forgotten when considering appliances is the ventilation system. Range hoods overhead, or down draft systems that are integral into the countertop or cooktop are great for unobstructed overhead views. Depending on the size of your stove/cooktop and if you have an integral grill, griddle, burners, and other heating elements may increase the need for higher ventilation systems overhead. Research your favored appliance manufacturer too see what type of ventilation system is recommended for your kitchen.

• Dishwasher: Similarly to your refrigerator, your family’s lifestyle will largely dictate what type of dishwasher will be ideal for your home. Lower end models tend to have simplified controls, while more elaborate ones will have energy efficiency qualities, hidden controls, and noise reduction qualities – especially helpful in small homes or open floor plans. Dishwasher drawers are also available for smaller amounts of dishware and can save water usage when you don’t have large loads to clean.

Choosing kitchen appliances for your home should be a rewarding experience but also fulfill your lifestyle and aesthetics of your kitchen. Use this helpful buying guide before you venture out to choose appliances. Also measure out the clear opening width and height of your space for the new appliances. There is nothing worse than investing on new appliances, for them not to fit in your kitchen!

Freshome readers, do you have any suggestions to add on to this buying guide?