So the kids want a new console game system this year for Christmas. The obvious choice is between the Playstation MOVE and the add-on for the XBox system called the “Kinect”. We currently have neither base system, only the Wii. I know that the quality of the games (graphics etc) will be far superior on either of the other two systems compared to the Wii, but I am leaning toward the Xbox Kinect because of the fact that you don’t need controllers and the PS3 Move just seems like a Wii setup since you do need the controllers.

The price for the bundled systems is roughly the same, and they both are starting to get a solid list of game title available, but the list of Kinect games seems to include some that would appeal to the family a bit more. Less shoot-em-up, more family fun.

If you enjoy watching movies or playing games at home, nothing makes that experience more satisfying than a fully functioning entertainment center. By creating a dedicated entertainment area in your living room or den, you can consolidate all your equipment and add to your viewing experience with features like surround sound, a better viewing position for your TV screen and an area that is large enough to accommodate all your DVD’s and game cartridges. Whether you already have much of the equipment, cabinets and wiring that you will need, or you are starting from scratch in a new place, there are a few components that all great entertainment centers should have.

Though is may sound counter intuitive, it is a good idea to purchase the cabinet that will house your equipment last. This way, you can ensure that you have allowed enough space to fit all the components that you need to. While it will mean holding off on setting everything up, having just the right place for everything you own will make the wait worthwhile. When you do start shopping for a cabinet, make sure that the central compartment is large enough to house your television set and all the accompanying wires. In addition, there should be a built in section for your speakers, your receiver if necessary, and enough shelf space to fit more of your gaming systems or DVD players.

Getting bluetooth speakers will help keep this area free of clutter. These speakers do not need wires to connect to your sound system, so they will not add to the unattractive, tangled mess that is often found near large entertainment areas. Not all bluetooth speakers are created equal, so make sure that you read all the available customer reviews before choosing the set in which you will be investing. Things like sound quality, life span and ease of set up are all important factors to consider when deciding which brand is right for you. Though there are no wires to plug in, installing these speakers can still be complicated. If you think that you may need help, ask your store’s representative for a referral to someone who can take care of this process for you.

A well designed entertainment system makes it easier to enjoy your electronic equipment to the fullest. By investing in high quality equipment and a designated cabinet to house it, your home will look more organized and your experience of watching your television will be enhanced.

A cheaper solution could be to buy some logitech speakers, however these are most used as computer speakers, but they do actually also provide surround speakers.

If you’re looking for a new camcorder you’ve got some options on media type.  By that we mean “how does your video get stored”, or what does it get stored on?  You’ve got four main options these days, DVD, flash memory, tape, and hard drive camcorders.  Each offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, lets take a look at two with removable media, the tape camcorder and the camcorder with flash memory.

The predominant tape camcorder available today is the MiniDV model.  The tapes are basically miniature VCR tapes, and they sell for roughly $2 for a one hour tape, there are also 80 minute tapes that can hold up to 2 hours of video.  The tapes are relatively inexpensive and can produce one of the highest quality video of all consumer camcorders.  In fact they’re used for many independent film makers.  To play back your video you’ll need to play it from your camera hooked into your TV, or download it to your computer.  As with all tape media when uploading your times will be as long as your recording.  That means a 1 hour tape will take 1 hour to upload.
The uploading times is one of the biggest disadvantages of tape media but, the high quality video is one of the big advantages.

Flash memory camcorders use a memory card similar to a thumb drive.  The card can be built in or removable.  Because the storage capacity of these cards aren’t as high as a hard drive the video must be compressed.  That means the quality won’t be as good as with a tape model.  The big advantage is that a flash card can hold 8 hours or more depending on card size.  Don’t think that just because the video is compressed that the quality isn’t good.  The Canon Vixia is one of the full HD flash memory camcorders out there and one of the best.  Another advantage is that upload times are much quicker, in the the order of seconds or minutes because you’re basically transferring a computer file.

If the highest quality video possible is what you’re looking for than a MiniDV camcorder is what you should look for.  If ease of use is important to you then the flash camcorder is what you should look at.  At this time the price for each is close, but the flash camcorders are a little more expensive.