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I am not at all a techie or electronics person (I have been an avid AT reader for years and have NEVER clicked over tot he Home Tech site), however, I am in the market for a new TV and am overwhelmed by the choices and have no idea what most of the specs even mean. Here's what I do know: I have a 42" wide space in which to put the TV, I would like high picture quality and a reputable brand, and I don't want to spend more than $4,000. Any advice, or links to sites that may help would be appreciated.

Similarly, I am looking for an affordable quickcam or other video conferencing device for my Mac. I'm not sure where to start looking, as reviews seem to be mixed and I'm unclear what I want, really. Does anyone have recs? I'd prefer something under $100.

Hi robyn, thanks for clicking over. We're written a lot about TVs over here, and know what a daunting task it is to wade through all the specs. A quick search of "TV" in the search box can find loads of old posts.

Here are some good ones:
Kate's 3-part series on what you need to know about HDTV: 1, 2, 3

Best LCD on a budget

Hope that helps!

My husband and I purchased some great new speakers this weekend and I wanted to share. They are very sleak white lacquer boxes and go seamlessly with our modern classic furniture. Check them out here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/89423871@N00/847171975/

can someone name the term for a person who is totally averse to new technology. it's on the tip of my tongue but i can't recall and it's driving me bonkers. thanks in advance!

Luddite.

thank you wende!

@robyn

You will also want to consider the Vizio line of TVs. They have a 32" set that goes for $599 at Costco and a 37" that goes for $799.

I've had the previous 37" model as well as the current one and they are very solid TVs for the budget conscious person. This is coming from a crazy tech/audiophile.

Thanks for sharing, mviamontes, they look really nice!

I've wondered about Vizio. Is it a good quality TV or is this just another off-brand?

i want to buy that fancy remote from Logitech (the 950 something) for my TV and assorted other equipment attached to it - however - before I do that - I wanted to find out if I could control lighting with the remote and if so, could anyone point me to the general direction I would need to go to get a light switch that could be controlled by the remote?

Re: remotes - this is what you mean:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=10930

Yup, has RF capabilities and can control Z-wave devices:
http://www.z-wave.com/modules/Z-Wave-Start/

OR... I got a load of dimmer switches which you train to recognise an unused button on a remote you already own. Cost about £14 each so $28... they look fantastic and work great. I'm sure a US equivalent must exist.

Here is a US z-wave switch:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Intermatic-Z-Wave-HA06C-In-wall-Dimmer-Switch-Wireless_W0QQitemZ180139709892QQihZ008QQcategoryZ50586QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Greg*