I gave up on that rebate, but was filing another for a free telephone and was confused about something. I called the 800 number they provided for questions, and got my answer. Before she hung-up, she asked if she could be of any further help and I laughingly told her about the one I had misplaced and the time had expired. She said it was no problem and after giving her my information, she fixed it and got it back in the process. It was an OfficeMax rebate, which I have since received.
Since then, I called the OfficeMax rebate center about another one I hadn't received after almost a year. I was told the Seattle rebate center it was mailed to was closed, but he would fix it. I received the acknowledgement by e-mail the next day, and the check a week later. Fortunately, I have not lost any rebates so far.
ElectronicHouse also had an article about putting your audio system on IP. Giving your speakers their own IP address properly can make amazing improvements to the sound. I was also looking through an issue of FlatPanel World that had interesting articles. It is a new publication by CE-Pro. One article offers explanations about various types of flat panel displays. I didn't see a Web site except for the parent magazine's [ http://www.ce-pro.com ] Author Robert Archer stresses that dealers need to know the difference between LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) as well as plasma display technologies when giving their sales pitch. He explains them all including DLP (Digital Light Processing) and explains the importance of calibration on a thin screen, which can cost upward of $300. He discusses some technologies of plasma displays. I saw several great articles about FPDs (Flat Panel Displays) and audio techniques.
In Digital Connect Magazine's March issue [ http://www.digitalconnectmag.com ], I read an article concerning the licensing of low voltage integrators (installers). I'll bet many of you didn't know that in some states, integrators who work with low voltage systems, such as remote controlled lighting, audio/video or telephone systems, must be licensed. Their license presently specifies 50 volts or less. One state is considering a bill requiring home installers performing electrical work at more than 50 volts to obtain high voltage licenses. CEDA (Consumer Electronic Design and Installation Assoc.) is lobbying the state to classify high-voltage projects as starting at 100 volts, a level that would not shut out integrators with a low voltage license from working with audio, video and home telephone systems. You might think that anybody could pull in some low voltage cables and hook them up according to the color code, but an experienced integrator for that type of wiring would know the importance of wire routing to eliminate interference and other problems. From my own experience installing auto audio, wire placement is extremely important. Not just anybody is capable of always installing a successful integrated digital system without experience.
With home wiring turning toward IT more and more, appliances and controls are also changing. For example, you are all familiar with your AC/heat thermostat, which originally had only the ability to turn the system on or off. Times are changing --- new controls are capable of talking to the appliances as well as controlling it. Other appliances will become the same way in the future. New technologies pretty much lets your home think for itself. I hope mine doesn't get mad at me for neglecting it!
This is a sort of breadbox type workstation and everything is very handy. Go to [ http://www.atp-p51.com ] where you can get more information and pictures of the product. The guy said he was unable to offer a deal because he depends on distributors. I am printing it just for your information, and for the many teachers belonging to user groups.
That's it for this month. Meet me here again next month if your editor permits. This column is written to make user group members aware of special offers or freebies I have found or arranged, and my comments should not be interpreted to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of any products, no matter how enthused I might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click [ bobclick@mindspring.com ]. Visit my Web site at [ http://www.dealsguy.com ] for interesting articles from user group newsletters. I also posted some interesting NEW Web site pages for your viewing. They contain new product announcements that I received over a period of time. More will be forthcoming.
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