How to

Thanks to advances in modern audio and video technology, more and more people are becoming home theater enthusiasts. And while some home theater system owners approach their systems as if money is no object, this is certainly not an option for most would-be home theater owners. Luckily, the recent advances in technology have also made home theater equipment even more affordable, allowing even those on a limited budget to buy a powerful home theater system as long as you know what to look for.

There are several things you should consider once you decide to buy a home theater system, especially on a limited budget (around $1000 or less). Since this is a popular price range, there are several options to choose from for each of the components you'll need to purchase. The goal is to have a system that gives you great performance, several steps up from the typical "home theater in a box" but still taking up minimal space. We'll take a look at the components you'll need and some considerations you should keep in mind. Note that since we're working with a $1000 or less budget, we'll leave out the television for now and assume you're using your current TV in the meantime. Read more

If you don’t already have one, this spring would be a great time to invest in a flat screen TV. Prices have come down dramatically on these high-tech wonders, and if you watch a lot of television, you’re sure to appreciate the crisper picture, better color and sound.

But those aren’t the only options that are appealing about them. With flat screen TVs, you no longer have to sacrifice a lot of square footage to put a big set on display. Read more

By now, most of us have ripped or bought a bunch of cool music for our iPods and other portable media devices. But what about all those great old 45s and LPs you have packed away in storage? I have tons of great “oldies but goodies” and have often wished I could get them on my computer and then on to my Sonos system or iPod, but just never figured out how to do it “right”. I got a turntable, but found my great old records were full of noise and scratches. Of course, they had been that way all along but back in the day I guess I just got used to all the “grunge” along with the music. So when I went to record them, it was back. I had forgotten how bad those old vinyl recordings sounded, so I gave up on this project and put them back in the closet.

A short while ago I was looking on the net, again trying to see what I could do to get decent sound out of my old discs, when I came upon some raves about a new program that critics said did a great job of removing old “surface noise” noise, but not mess with the music. The program getting the raves was Audio Mentor and after much research I decided to give it a try. Read more

If you're in the market for a new or used car, your timing couldn't be better. Inventory closeout deals are expected to be more attractive than ever this year. Make sure you get the best deal by taking a few preemptive steps.

1. Check Your Credit Score
Knowing your credit score helps you understand how dealers and auto lenders evaluate your credit risk and the interest rate for which you likely qualify. Read more

Holiday shopping can be not only stressful but a daunting task. Each year shoppers venture into crowded malls, battle busy parking lots and spend valuable time waiting in line. Many are turning to online shopping this year to save time, money and to cut down on their frustration.

A record 114 million people will make purchases online this holiday season with sales totaling $32 billion, according to Jupiter Research. Like Black Friday for traditional retailers, Cyber Monday – the Monday after Thanksgiving – is the official kick-off of the online holiday shopping season. Read more

April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bob Dylan's much anticipated XM Satellite Radio music show, "Theme Time Radio Hour with Your Host Bob Dylan" will make its world premiere on May 3, it was announced today. Each weekly show will feature an eclectic mix of music based around a theme, and host Bob Dylan will offer stories about the music and topics of interest. Dylan also will read and answer select emails sent in by fans. In addition, "Theme Time Radio Hour" will feature contributions from special guests, including Elvis Costello, Charlie Sheen, Penn Jillette, Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel. Read more

Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Music has always been a powerful medium, and studies have shown that exposing children to music at a young age can have a tremendous effect on their future learning patterns. Xavier's Music Hall is a series of educational videos designed to teach children (ages 6 months and up) the fundamentals of reading and comprehending music. Volume 1: Treble is the first DVD in the series to hit the market, focused on the Read more

A health club can be invaluable in helping you maintain a regular aerobic and strength training program. But a health club membership can also turn into an expensive proposition if you aren't careful about choosing a club that meets your specific needs.
Here are some points to keep in mind, when you're shopping for a place to work out: Read more

Does the expense and confusion of choosing the right athletic shoes sometimes seem baffling? It's a tricky business, especially if you live in a family with a variety of athletic interests. As consumers we're faced with a lot of options. So, keep the following points in mind next time you're out shopping for a new pair of athletic shoes.

Know What You Need
The most important step is deciding what sport you will be using them for. Most sporting goods stores carry a variety of shoes for activities such as running, walking, tennis, basketball, golf and aerobics. Multi-purpose shoes such as cross trainers may be a good alternative for those who want to combine several sports or activities, such as bicycling and weight training, in a single workout. Read more

Changing antifreeze regularly is a vital part of preventative maintenance and keeps vehicles performing at optimal levels. To avoid engine problems, including freeze-ups and overheating, the experts at Prestone Products offer these easy steps to help make the annual antifreeze flush and fill a safe, uncomplicated do-it-yourself project.

1. Park your car in a safe area. Make sure pets are secured safely and no children are in the area. Be sure to check your owner's manual for any special cooling system service instructions. Begin with the engine cold and the ignition off. If you change coolant when the engine is hot, you risk burns from the hot coolant and engine.

2. Drain your radiator to remove loose rust and sediment. Open the radiator drain valve and drain the used antifreeze/coolant into a bucket large enough to catch the flow (typically, a two-gallon bucket is sufficient). Close the drain valve. Read more