There is a difference between what you think a person needs and what the person feels they need. A few years ago I learned this lesson when I bought a relative a universal remote control for Christmas.
In my opinion the remote was a great gift. The relative seemed to love the item upon opening it. Despite the benefits of the remote my relative still uses their device-specific remote controls. The gift is collecting dust.
So, all I can do in moving forward is to try and think of the good in giving. The good really is the thought, which is why I now buy gift cards.
1. RCA Indoor Amplified TV Antenna
An antenna is a good gift. You just may need to tell the person why it’s good. Key points include receiving free HDTV, securing reception during inclement weather and getting back to the roots of television.There was a time before paid TV services when antennas towered high above many homes. Free TV wasn't just a crazy notion, it was the American way. Moving to the present, I paid over $1,500 last year for TV.
That’s why I love a free show in HD when I can get it. I feel like I'm getting a deal.
The indoor antenna I recommend is the RCA Indoor Amplified TV Antenna. I personally own this antenna. It meets meet or exceeds all of my expectations for an antenna except that it's not invisible.
2. Acoustic Research ARRU449 Wi-Fi Universal Remote Control
How can I justify buying a universal remote control after writing about my gift giving experience. It’s obvious that the remote wasn’t a good gift for my relative.It is for someone, though. Nowadays, remote controls almost program themselves automatically. They’re digital, touch screen and connect to Wi-Fi networks. The one I bought was just analog without a digital screen.
The one I recommend is Acoustic Research’s Universal Smart Remote Control, Model ARRU449. This is a product that I reviewed last year. I was impressed with how easy the remote was to setup.
Another product that is more complicated is the Philips Pronto TSU9600 (Compare Prices). This is an older model so newer ones are available.
3. Sling Media Slingbox Tuner
Why is the Slingbox a cool gift? Because it takes your home TV programming and sends it to you remotely. Connect it to the Internet. Watch TV on your notebook computer from the office or on one of many wireless devices that support Slingbox.Slingbox claims that there is no monthly fee for this service.
I really think that this is an awesome device, especially when wanting to watch sports on those days when you can’t be in front of the TV. Watching TV from your cell phone is also a little less intrusive and more personal than from a portable TV.
4. HDMI Switcher
If you know someone that owns a HDTV with only one HDMI input then I whole-heartedly recommend one of these helpers.
HDMI switchers make great gifts because they allow multiple HDMI sources to connect to a single HDMI input. This is a great convenience and one that many people need.
I recommend buying only those HDMI switchers that will allow HDCP signals to pass through. You'll also want to plan ahead for future use and buy one with 1 to 2 more inputs than you currently need.
5. Home Theater Recliners
Most men have a super-comfortable chair somewhere in their dream of all dreams. This is because men are territorial of their favorite chair.What used to be a simple recliner can now come with a built-in cooler, cup holder and storage compartment. They still recline and they feel good on the skin.
I know someone that has a couple of home theater seats. I am jealous of this person's TV comforts. They are so nice that I dream of the day I can take a nap in one of my very own.
The evolving home theater chair was sort of made fun of in the movie Idiocracy (Compare Prices). The reality, though, is that there are a lot of home theater seating arrangements that offer a lot of features not available to most other furniture.
6. Silicon Optix Benchmark DVD
The Benchmark DVD by Silicon Optix is a gift for the TV enthusiast - technologically speaking. It's something that I use for television product reviews.It's difficult to describe exactly what it does but suffice it to say that it helps me determine picture performance with movement, color reproduction and jagged lines.
I wouldn't recommend this for just anyone. The person would either need to have an interest in television technology or be in shopping for a new TV. It's also an uncertain proposition when trying to connect a DVD player to a TV on a sales showroom. Chances are that you'd be asked to stop.
Anyhow, I really do like the disc.
Now through July 10 there is a $10/off coupon on the DVD - coupon code HQV4DAD.
