Most modern TVs have a life span of about 10 years, meaning you’ll have to replace your tube about once every decade. When it’s time for an upgrade, some people keep their old sets and move them to a spare bedroom or another room inside the home, like the basement or garage. But if you no longer have a need for an older TV, figuring out what to do with it can be challenging, especially since it’s dangerous to throw a TV in the trash. They're filled with toxic materials, which can leak and seep into the water supply and harm the environment. If you need to ditch a television set, here are a few safe alternatives. 1. Give it away. Not to say you should pester your friends and family in an effort to get rid of an older TV, but you can put the word out to see if anyone’s interested in taking it off your hands. If you use social media, post a status update stating that you’re giving away a TV and ask interested persons to… Read more

Upgrading your TV is exciting and you probably can’t wait to watch sports, movies or play games on the television. Athough people buy TVs every single day, this isn’t a purchase to rush into. Buying the right TV can have a tremendous impact on your viewing experience for many, many years. So whether you’re getting a new TV for the family room, your bedroom or a theater room, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 1. Measure your TV console. If you don’t plan on mounting your TV, make sure you choose a console that’s big enough to support the television. Putting the TV on a small console could result in the television’s legs being too close to the edge of the console, affecting stability and making the TV more susceptible to tipping or shifting. When buying a console, you’ll see recommendations for TV size. Pay attention to this information to avoid purchasing a console that’s too small for your television. 2. Get the right sized TV for your room. It’s also important to purchase the right sized… Read more

If you’re always busy and looking for ways to save time, chances are you have a home DVR. These devices are convenient for watching TV on your terms. You can skip commercials, get through shows faster and you never have to worry about missing your favorite programs. But if you share the DVR box with family members or roommates, things can get hairy from time to time. One person's recording may cancel out the recording of another, storage space may quickly disappear or your favorite show might suddenly disappear from the queue. How do you keep the peace? Don’t let the TV strain your relationships. Follow these simple tips when sharing a DVR and rest easy knowing you'll all be able to relax in front of the TV without stress or worry. 1. Share storage space. Your DVR might have enough storage space to accommodate everybody’s favorite programs. But if you’re dealing with limited storage space, be considerate and don’t hog the box. Understandably, you have your list of can’t-miss shows and movies—but so do others. The same way you share… Read more

Even if you know you need to watch less TV, breaking a TV habit can be difficult. Some people develop bad TV habits as a child, which can often continue into adulthood. You don’t have to give up TV entirely, but watching less TV can free up time and actually be good for your health. Doing it may involve a little trickery on your part, so here’s a look at six sneaky ways to help you watch less TV. 1. Don’t watch shows you’ve already seen. After primetime shows end for the night, many TV networks begin airing reruns. If you turn on the television after 10 p.m., you might find reruns of favorite shows like Friends, Full House, The King of Queens and more. Even if you’ve seen these episodes dozens of time, you might get sucked into a mini-marathon. To watch less TV, make a pact with yourself: don’t watch any episodes or movies you’ve already seen. This approach decreases the number of viewing options in the evenings, which means you’ll watch less TV and have time for family, friends, a book,… Read more