THE GOODS : One-Touch Channel Surfing
How much time do you spend surfing TV channels? If your answer is “a lot,” check out StarSight, the only on-screen program guide that also has one-button VCR recording. StarSight lets you know in an instant what’s on every channel for the next seven days.
Several models of brand-name televisions were equipped to receive StarSight last year, among them Zenith and Mitsubishi. Sony and Samsung will introduce VCRs with StarSight this summer. Uniden satellite receiver also offers StarSight.
Hitting the stores this week is the Magnavox/StarSight CB1500, the first stand-alone StarSight receiver that works with most TVs and VCRs. Not only can viewers find out what’s on every channel by number, but StarSight lets them select a program by title or theme and also find closed-captioned programming.
And recording a program on your VCR is a snap. Touch one button on a remote control and StarSight allows you to record a current or future TV program or a daily or weekly series of related programs. Viewers can set their own order of channels by preference and delete channels they never watch.
Magnavox/StarSight CB1500 receiver (suggested retail, $149-$169) is easy to hook up, according to StarSight representatives, and when viewers call the toll-free number, a consumer representative will talk them through the activation process step by step. There’s a one-time activation fee of $15. The monthly fees vary. A six-month package costs $25.99, which averages to $4.33 a month; one year, $46.99 or $3.92 a month; two years, $84.99 or $3.54 a month.
StarSight products are available at nationwide electronics dealers, among them Circuit City, the Good Guys, SaveMart and the Wiz. Or call StarSight at (800) 643-STAR.
LifeHood Offers Escape in Fire Emergency
LifeHood is an emergency escape smoke hood in a container the size of a soda can. It is simple to use and can filter out toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, that can be deadly in a house fire.
To activate, twist off the lid of the heavy plastic container. Put on the see-through plastic hood, insert the mouthpiece on the container and apply the nose clip. Then pull the tapes snugly around your neck to keep smoke and fumes out of the hood. You can then breathe through the filters inside the container while escaping a burning building.
Knight International Holdings of Chicago, which distributes LifeHood ($69.95), also offers Evac-U8, marketed for use in commercial and apartment buildings, and AirVacuate, for airplanes. You can buy these hoods through several catalogues: Frontgate, (800) 626-6488; High Street Emporium, (800) 362-5500; Herrington, (800) 622-5221; Sporty’s Pilot Shop, (800) LIFT-OFF.
Desktop Microphone Attaches to Computer
Computer owners who need a desktop microphone will want to consider the new Free-D Model FD-01, a white gooseneck unit that lets users place it anywhere within their work space and adjust its position. Its adhesive stand will attach to the side of a computer or desktop.
Free-D (free direction) is essentially a “plug and play” design for voice-recognition software because it works with older (dynamic) and newer (condenser) microphone inputs. There is nothing to require adjustments or modifications of sound cards. The Free-D also can be hand held and operated as a microphone with home stereo systems.
Free-D Model FD-01 ($29.95) comes with a lifetime warranty and is just now being shipped to computer stores nationwide. If you can’t find it in your area, contact its manufacturer, MIDI Land Inc., 440 S. Lone Hill Ave., San Dimas 91773; (909) 592-1168.