Here’s a look at some of the most common types of accessories available at many retail and online electronics outlets.
ANTENNAS
Any person who doesn't subscribe to a cable/satellite provider needs an antenna. Even if you subscribe, owning an antenna is the smart thing in case of a break in the signal for whatever reason. While you might never need it, using an antenna to pick up reception from the local affiliate could be a life-saver on stormy nights. Satellite owners should really buy one because of satellite’s poor reception in heavy storms. Antennas come in analog, digital, and High Definition.
AUDIO/VIDEO CABLES, CONNECTORS, and ADAPTERS
Until you go wireless, your home electronics system is bound to boast many wires and cables. Working with inadequate wires is frustrating, and thankfully you can buy all sorts of cables, adapters, splitters, and switchers. For the portable DVD owner, owning proper adapters is necessary to have a way to tap into the available power.
BATTERIES
With the introduction of wireless technology, more and more people will be at the mercy of batteries. From one-use to rechargeable, you can never have too many batteries. Just be sure to have all varieties in stock as there’s no greater frustration than having every battery type but the one you need at the moment.
DIGITAL, HDTV RECEIVERS
Although cable/satellite companies will lease or rent digital and HDTV receivers, owning saves money in the long run, especially if you plan on subscribing to digital cable/satellite for years to come. You’ll also never need to change equipment if you move, re-program remote controls, and you’ll get an added glow when watching TV knowing you’re bill is lower.
FURNITURE, WALL MOUNTS, BRACKETS
Owning electronics equipment mandates some form of organization, like entertainment centers, TV swivels, or media storage shelves. Some people like to hang a TV from a wall or ceiling, therefore you’ll need wall mounts and brackets. With the right support, you can hang almost anything. Flat Panel TVs are the toast of the mounting world, but you can buy wall mounts for your tube TV as well.
HEADPHONES
How many times have you tried to sleep while your significant other watched TV in bed, or been woken up by your kids because the TV was too loud? The ability to use headphones with your television is wonderful. Whether they're wireless or not, you’ll thank yourself for the purchase after a good night’s sleep.
MAINTENANCE
You need to clean your electronics equipment, especially VCRs and DVD players. You can buy VCR head cleaners, DVD laser lens cleaners, and scratch repairers for DVD video discs. Many stores also sell tape rewinders for VHS tapes, which saves wear and tear on VHS heads.
MEDIA
From videotapes to DVD-Rs, having enough blank media in supply is a must have for anyone who records on a VHS or a DVD recorder. DVD recorders can be tricky with formats used, so be sure to read the manual before buying any kind of DVD-R disc. Even VHS is crossing over into the digital world. You can buy digital VHS tapes for your digital VHS recorder, but you already knew that if you own one.
SCREEN PROTECTORS
Screen protectors are good to own if you have a projection TV. They can reduce glare, and keep the screen free from injury. They need to be installed professionally.
SURGE PROTECTORS
Surge protectors are a must have in any home electronics system whether you use one or all of the available electrical outlets. With TV and Video equipment relying more on computer technology, a sudden electrical surge could do more damage than the minimal price a protector costs. If you don’t have one, stop reading this article, go to the store, and purchase a couple – one to use now and one to have in reserve.
UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROLS
One of the best breakthroughs in the television viewing experience was the remote control. It changed the way we watch TV more than we can ever appreciate. Today, people have so many TV add-ons like DVD players, CD players, Speakers, VCRs, and set-top boxes. A universal remote control minimizes the amount of remote controls lying on the coffee table. Luckily, many cable and satellite subscribers receive Universal Remote Controls with their set-top box, but their product is sometimes limited with the amount of programmable functions.
WIRELESS TRANSMITTERS
A newer product on the market, the wireless transmitter is a worthy accessory to own is you have limited space or outlet space. Even if you don’t, the convenience of being able to move a TV from room to room is, well, convenient. And, they’re not as expensive as you might think.
