Have you seen the latest advancements in High Definition Digital Televisions (HDTV) available today? I recently purchased a 42 inch, high definition, digital television for my living room. It is amazing! I looked for a long time for just the right unit. I am a big Sci-Fi fan, and so I really wanted the whole movie theater experience, including the surround sound in my home. So, in addition to the HDTV, I also had to get the Dolby sound system too. I knew it would be great, but I was blown away by the clarity and the size, and the difference from the standard “tube” screen. I then had an amazing
idea. Imagine mounting a (slightly) smaller flat panel on the wall in my office, but not as a television, as a monitor! I began to research the cabling and connectivity requirements, and it was surprisingly easy.
The best picture is achieved using the DVI to HDMI cables, if your TV has that feature. Don’t use RCA connectors, as the picture quality really suffers. For the sound, you can keep the sound running through your computer speakers, or you can transfer the sound to the TV, using an 1/8" (3.5mm) audio cable to the RCA audio on the TV. Since this was for my office, I didn’t opt for the super high quality sound system – don’t want to be too distracted.
I used to crowd my team or clients around my computer monitor when demonstrating an application, or previewing a document or presentation. Now, I find myself using the presentation feature all the time, finding reasons and opportunities to demonstrate and present to clients using my new “Presentation Screen.”
To take it a bit further, I actually put a nice comfortable chair in my office, and went wireless with my keyboard and trackball mouse. When I need a break from
my desk, I can curl up in my big chair, and still be productive! Technology is a great thing, and by taking advantage of advancements in technology, we grow our business. I just have to remember that it isn’t always about the newest toys, but you have to admit, they can be pretty cool!