(ARA) - By now nearly everyone has heard something about the digital TV transition set to take place on Feb. 17, 2009. That’s the day when all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will cease broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting solely in digital.
That’s less than a year away — so now is the time to start thinking about how the switch will affect you. Will you choose to get a converter box or will you take advantage of this opportunity and step up to the amazing picture of a high definition TV with a built-in digital tuner?
While the change to all-digital TV might sound a little scary to some people, the fact is that digital broadcasting will benefit everyone, bringing improved picture and sound quality, as well as additional channels and interactive video and data services. The best news is that it’s actually very simple to make the switch from analog to digital TV at home. Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to enjoying a high-definition digital experience in your own home.
Getting Started:
If you’re looking to get the best high-definition picture, you’ll need an HDTV set capable of 720p, 1080i or 1080p picture resolution. You’ll also need a high-definition source such as an HD cable box or satellite receiver and be watching a high definition channel that will show 720p or 1080i resolution. To receive 1080p resolution, which is the clearest, most detailed picture available today, you’ll need a Blu-ray Disc player. If you’re a little confused, don’t fret. The salespeople at almost any store that sells HDTV will be glad to help you out.
Making the Right Connection:
It’s important to remember, however, that when you buy an HDTV, one of the most important components may not be included. To get all that high definition picture and sound from your HD cable box or satellite receiver or Blu-ray disc player, you will want to purchase an HDMI cable to connect your high-definition source to the TV.
Widely regarded as the best high-definition connector available, HDMI cables give you the very best sights and sounds, and because they carry both audio and video digital signals they’re also the easiest way to hook up to your HDTV.
Not All Cables are Created Equal:
There are many different choices when it comes to buying HDMI cables, but like you wouldn’t put economy tires on a sports car, you will want to make sure you go with the highest quality cable available to get all the performance from your high definition gear. This doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive cable, but you will need to find one that can support the large amounts of data coming from sources that have the new HDMI 1.3 format, 1080p, and the new HD audio formats used on Blu-Ray discs. Even if you haven’t converted to Blu-Ray just yet, planning for future technologies is advisable when it comes to purchasing HDMI cables.
Noel Lee of Monster Cable believes it is possible for all Americans to make the perfect digital connection. His company is offering “Monster Advanced for HDMI” speed-rated cables. “We’ve worked to create a speed-rating system for every budget and hookup,” Lee states. “This way, everyone can enjoy maximum high-definition performance, no matter what system they own.”
For more information about HDMI and to learn which speed-rated cable is right for your HDTV, visit Monster’s HDMI learning center at www.monstercable.com/HDMI. For more specific questions, visit www.monstercommunity.com .
The three UNC players who were testing their status in the NBA draft all said they would return to campus for next season, setting the Tar Heels up for a national title run.
Point guard Ty Lawson, forward Wayne Ellington and last year’s sixth man, Danny Green, withdrew their names from the draft Monday, the deadline for doing so. The players had entered the names in the draft, but did not hire agents to leave open the possibility of returning to school.
In statements released by UNC, the players spoke of a desire to capture the national title, something that eluded the Heels this season in a Final Four loss to Kansas.
Said Ellington: ““I am looking forward to working toward our goal of winning a national championship.”
“I look forward,” Lawson said, “to playing next season and trying to win a national championship.”
Coach Roy Williams said he supported the players’ decisions, no matter what they had been. Williams had been involved in talking with NBA teams about where the players might be drafted.
“Everyone should have the right to be evaluated in terms of possibly reaching his dreams,” Williams said in a statement. “I feel strongly that all of these young men will eventually be NBA players. The timing was just not exactly right at this point.”
The three join All-America center Tyler Hansbrough, who earlier announced he would return to UNC for his senior season.
Lawson, a rising junior, has averaged 11.3 points and 5.4 assists in his first two seasons
Read More:News & Observer
Casualties of life no longer have to be a part of the aftermath of natural disasters.
(NewsUSA) - Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes and forest fires. These are some of the most devastating and deadly natural disasters that Americans are confronted with every year. With the unpredictability that mother nature provides, seconds can be the difference between life and death. But most of the time, critical information is not received until after the destruction.
TechRadium, Inc. solves this problem with a service they call the Immediate Response Information System. Otherwise known as IRIS, this mass notification system sends emergency, priority and routine messages to various clients, including organizations and individuals in seconds.
TechRadium first created a mass notification system in 2001 following the events of Sept. 11, and now it is a widely used system that continues to grow.
With a quick phone call or e-mail from a client, IRIS begins sending a uniform message to all of the client’s contacts almost simultaneously with digital speed.
Although it can be used by anyone who needs to contact a large number of people at once, some of the people who use IRIS include building managers, government officials, utility companies and school principals and administrators.
In addition to the clients, the system can send messages to emergency responders, parents, employees and more. These messages can be sent through devices like phones, fax machines, PDAs and e-mail. If someone does not answer their phone, they continue to call until there is an answer.
The American Red Cross and the State of Florida Department of Education are just a couple of examples of organizations that use the IRIS system.
Clients are not required to install any software to use the IRIS service and can use a phone or any computer with an Internet connection to tell an IRIS message advisor to deliver a message. Since IRIS does not require a client to use any specific hardware or software, it uses redundant servers across the United States to store its database. This means that if one server goes down, the information is protected.
For more information about IRIS and its creator, TechRadium, visit www.useiris.com or www.techradium.com. They can also conduct a needs analysis and cost quote for potential clients.
WASHINGTON - The Democratic presidential nomination his, Barack Obama reached out Wednesday to mend fences with his defeated rival as Republican opponent John McCain tried to frame the fall campaign on his own terms. “I think he has exercised very bad judgment on national security issues and others,” McCain said.
Hillary Rodham Clinton was angling to become Obama’s running mate and her aides ramped up the speculation on that matter Wednesday. “I think a lot of her supporters would like to see her on the ticket,” Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe said. But Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs cautioned “there is no deal in the works.”
Clinton has yet to acknowledge Obama’s victory in the bruising Democratic race and her aides - also dodging that conclusion - said on the morning talk shows that she would take a few days to decide what comes next for her. Obama spoke by phone with her Tuesday night and both sides predicted he and Clinton would sit down together before long.
“When the dust settles and it makes sense for her, he’ll meet whenever she wants to,” Gibbs said. “She’s accumulated a lot of votes throughout this country. We want to make sure that we’re appealing to her voters.”
Read More:News & Observer
(NewsUSA) - When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross acts, responding to over 70,000 disasters -; fires, hurricanes, chemical spills, explosions, earthquakes, mud slides, tornadoes, transportation accidents -; each year.
The Red Cross fulfills people’s needs during such emergencies. The agency provides food, shelter and mental and physical health care for disaster victims. It runs blood drives, feeds volunteers, helps victims pay for basic needs and reunites separated families.
In a disaster, timing becomes vital. The Red Cross must coordinate volunteers and services for disaster relief across America quickly and efficiently.
Like many businesses, schools, banks and government agencies, the Red Cross decided to use the Immediate Response Information Service (IRIS) created by TechRadium, Inc.
When the Red Cross calls or e-mails an alert to IRIS, the system sends messages to the Red Cross’s contacts in 30 seconds. Volunteers, organizers and emergency response teams receive the Red Cross’ messages through their phones, pagers, PDAs, computers and fax machines. IRIS will continue dialing phone numbers until people receive their emergency alert.
IRIS users do not need to buy or install special software. The service translates messages into 10 languages -; English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Portuguese, German, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian.
IRIS also proves reliable. The system uses many servers across the U.S. If one server should happen to go down, IRIS will still work.
IRIS aids the American Red Cross, but it can be suitable to any organization of any size. IRIS can quickly distribute nonemergency information, ranging from weather alerts to office closings. It can tell managers about a quickly scheduled meeting or a utility company about a major outage.
Natural and man-made disasters can devastate communities and slow responses to emergencies can cost lives. Americans should feel safe knowing that the Red Cross uses the most advanced alert system to coordinate its relief efforts.
To learn more about IRIS and to view a demonstration, visit www.useiris.com.
The “Salute to Our Troops” military-appreciation event Saturday in downtown Raleigh will be one of the largest of its kind ever in the state.ON PARADE: The focus of Salute to Our Troops will be a parade up Fayetteville and Salisbury streets that features military equipment and vehicles, including a missile system, armored Humvees and personnel carriers. There will also be hundreds of marchers in units from every branch of the armed services and from bases across the state, as well as bands from Triangle schools and elsewhere.
FOR MILITARY FAMILIES: Parts of the event, including rides, games and a free lunch, are for military families only.
FOR EVERYONE: All attendees can view the parade and check out displays of vehicles, including armored personnel carriers and several NASCAR teams.
START TIMES: A flyover of F-15Es from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will start the parade at 10 a.m. The displays will open to the public at 11:30 a.m.
FIND OUT MORE: More information on Military Appreciation Day is available at www.saluteournctroops.org.
SOURCE:News & Observer
RALEIGH, N.C. – BB&T Institutional Services earned three No. 1 rankings in a national survey of 401(k) providers for companies, municipalities and organizations in the $1 million-$10 million range.
Lake Worth, Fla.-based 401k Exchange compiles an annual “Provider Ratings and Market Share Report” on more than 300 401(k) providers. The most recent ratings are based on performance for the eight-year period from September 1999 to December 2007.
BB&T was ranked No. 1 in the investment options, education/communications, and fund performance categories.
“As these positive rankings indicate, BB&T offers plan-sponsors a highly competitive 401(k) solution featuring a diverse selection of high performing mutual funds, excellent communication services and exceptional customer service,” said BB&T Institutional Services Manager Ray McCulloch.
With more than $10.5 billion in assets under management and administration, Raleigh-based BB&T Institutional Services serves companies, organizations and government entities that need institutional investment management, employee benefit consulting, retirement planning, corporate trust services and philanthropic services.
401k Exchange is a business development and market intelligence provider for the 401(k) and retirement industry serving the small- and mid-size corporate market.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
RALEIGH, N.C. - The Wake Tech Board of Trustees approved a proposal to add competitive athletics to the community college’s programs, starting this fall. The Board’s approval allows Wake Tech to join the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) as a Division I member of Region 10.
Wake Tech will immediately begin the search for an Athletics Director. The program will begin with women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, and men’s and women’s golf. Soccer is already a campus-wide passion; volleyball and golf classes are offered in Wake Tech’s physical education program. The college will add basketball next year, and softball and baseball the following year.
“Athletics is new territory for us,” said Dr. Stephen Scott, president of Wake Tech, “and one that we’re excited about exploring. We know an athletics program will offer students new opportunities and a richer college experience. It will also build college spirit and bring new community support for Wake Tech.”
The new athletics program is expected to cost about $176,000 the first year. Student fees will be increased from $10 to $20 per semester to cover the cost, as no state funding can be used to support athletics. Wake Tech’s Student Government Association supports the new program and the fee increase it will require. Late last year the SGA asked the Board of Trustees to approve the plan.
“Students are really excited about this!” says Juan Hoyos, Wake Tech Student Government Association president. “Right now, many students come here to get a degree and move on, but athletics will build school pride and generate interest in other campus activities and initiatives. It will add a whole new dimension to college life at Wake Tech,” Hoyos says.
The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that athletic programs have seen a resurgence among the nation’s community colleges, with more than 40 colleges adopting new sports programs since 2004. Nineteen of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges offer competitive sports. In addition to enhancing student life, leaders believe athletics will heighten interest from area athletes, improve student retention rates, foster college spirit, and attract revenue from private sources.
Initially, Wake Tech will rent facilities for practice and games. The Wake Tech Foundation will look for private donors to help pay for future athletic facilities, including new fields at the college’s Northern Wake Campus. Wake Tech has never had a formal athletics department, although the college did sponsor competitive teams in the late 1960s and 1970s, including baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, golf, and bowling.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
Raleigh/Wilmington, N.C. – Signal, a design, marketing, and technology firm located in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC, announced the launch of the newly designed web site for Kitts Creek, a new home community developed by ExperienceOne Homes in Morrisville, NC. The new web site highlights the community’s diverse selection of home styles and floor plans and also features streaming video, a photo gallery and list of current inventory, which is dynamically updated by the Kitts Creek sales team. To view the web site visit: http://www.kittscreek.com.
About Signal
Signal is a design, marketing and technology firm that uses creative power to produce engaging communications projects in diverse media. From Fortune 500 corporations to pioneering start-ups, Signal helps clients deliver their message in creative and intelligent ways, building stronger relationships with prospects, customers, shareholders, partners and employees.
Read On:CarolinaNewsWire
Phase Two Water Restrictions
At the February 5,
2008 Raleigh City
Council Meeting, the
Council decided to enact
Phase Two water
restrictions on February
15. Previously, the Council voted to go into
Phase Two once Falls Lake fell below 90 days
supply. The Town of Garner is a member of the
Raleigh Water System and must adhere to all
water restrictions from the Raleigh Council.
Phase Two is the first action that directly effects
businesses in the area. Power washing, irrigation,
and car washes are banned without a special
permit from the City of Raleigh. A list of approved
car washes can be found at
www.raleighnc.gov.
The Council did make one exception. Builders
will be able to flush water lines. Flushing the
lines is a requirement for all new construction
before occupancy. Flushed water must be recaptured
in order to comply with this requirement
The Town of Garner is developing plans for reducing
water year round. The Planning Department
is recommending changes to the landscape
ordinance that will require developers to use a
particular plant bed preparation method. Also,
the Planning Department is recommending an
“Official” Plant List with plants that are drought
tolerant and native to the area.
Water-Wise
Garden Tips
Water-wise gardening is a collective way we
can all conserve natural resources for the community
at large. Due to our lack of rain, now is
a good time to plan ahead and to get on board
the water-wise gardening train. Follow these
few tips to start conserving water today:
• Mulch to conserve water in flower beds,
around trees, even in container gardens.
Mulch adds organic matter to the soil,
slows down moisture loss and assists in
weed control.
• Do not fertilize stressed plants until water
restrictions are lifted or the drought
breaks.
• Forgo fertilizing fescue lawns and allow
the grass to go dormant early by withholding
irrigation.
• Skip heavy pruning on shrubs and trees.
Pruning prompts new growth that stressed
root systems are unable to support. But do
prune damaged, diseased, dying or dead
branches and twigs, which can help combat
pests and diseases.
• Devote 25% of your property to native
tree and shrub gardens to save both money
and maintenance time.
Always know you can visit the Wake County
Master Gardener Waterwise Demonstration
Garden at Lake Crabtree County Park for plant
suggestions!
Garner NC Website
Garner NC Business Directory
