Electronics and Appliances

20

Electronics and Appliances

Chapter Objectives

• Explain convergence and its impact on consumer electronic products and services.

• Define broadband and describe the pros and cons of several broadband delivery technologies.

• Evaluate telecommunications service providers.

• Compare similar electronic products and home appliances.

continued

Chapter Objectives

• Identify reliable sources of information about consumer electronic products and appliances.

• Outline steps consumers can take to ensure online security and safety.

• Compare energy efficiency ratings of different home appliances and electronics.

• Describe some key causes of product obsolescence.

A Flood of New Products and Services

• Average number of consumer electronic devices in American homes– 1.3 in 1975 – 25 in 2008

0

5

10

15

20

25

1975 2008

continued

A Flood of New Products and Services

• Technological change will result in obsolescence of many of today’s products and services

• Basic knowledge and careful planning can help you select those things you need and can afford

• New products often priced high, then drop; you can save money by waiting

continued

A Flood of New Products and Services

• The many uses of a consumer electronic product: – communication– entertainment– education– information

gatheringcontinued

A Flood of New Products and Services

• Home appliances are electricity or gas-powered devices

continued

A Flood of New Products and Services

• Telecommunication companies include Internet and telephone service providers

• Much of the sound, pictures, and data are created by mass communication companies– includes newspapers, books,

television and radio programming

Convergence

• Convergence is combining several products into one

• Example: the smart phone

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Convergence

• The distinction between goods and services is blurring as more products come bundled with services

• Business that once only sold products now also sell services to go along with the products

The 1996 Telecommunications Act

• Government regulation of telecom and mass communications used to restrict– types of services that different

telecommunications industries could provide

– number of mass communication outlets one company could own

• The 1996 law relaxed regulationscontinued

The 1996 Telecommunications Act

• Supporters believed the law would increase competition and lead to lower prices and better service for consumers

• Critics say it led to the creation of a few large companies that dominate the telecom and mass communication industries

Pros and Cons of Converged Products

• Ask yourself:– Is the device user-

friendly?– Do I need all the

functions?– Does the device

require more energy to run?

– Is the device more expensive to service?

Telecommunication Services

• There are many ways of transmitting information

• One company may use several different technologies

• Your choices may be limited depending on where you live

Wired Carriers

• Wired carriers transmit over networks of copper wires and cables

• Wireless carriers transmit– over radio waves– by bouncing signals off orbiting

satellites • Most companies combine wired

and wireless

Dial-Up and DSL

• The first Internet service providers used phone lines to transmit information

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Dial-Up and DSL• Dial-up

– uses a copper-wire phone line and a modem

– is the cheapest and slowest Internet access

– interferes with phone service• Digital subscriber line (DSL)

– uses wires or cable and a modem– provides faster Internet access– does not interrupt phone service

Broadband

• DSL is a type of Internet access called broadband, or high-speed Internet access

• What constitutes high speed varies

• The larger the bandwidth, the greater the amount of information that can be transmitted

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Broadband

• Types of transmissions that require large bandwidths include– streaming video and audio– interactive television– two-way communication services

• The government and businesses are working to increase bandwidth and broadband speed in the U.S.

Cable and Satellite Program Distribution

• Programming that is broadcast through the air and using satellites is routed through cable into customers’ homes

Fiber Optic Cables

• Fiber optic cable carries data along glass strands at the speed of laser light beams

continued

Fiber Optic Cables

• Transmission speed is very fast, but it can be costly for U.S. consumers to get connected

• Much of the U.S. copper wire network is being replaced with fiber optic cable

Direct Broadcast Satellite

• Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) works by bouncing transmissions off orbiting satellites to satellite dishes on homes

• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) also utilize these satellites

• In remote and rural areas, this may be the only option

Wireless Carriers

• Companies providing cell phone, pager, and beeper services

• Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and other technologies provide access to Internet broadband through many mobile devices

Questions for Service Providers

• Are they local, regional, or national?

• What services do they provide?

continued

Questions for Service Providers

• Investigate the company’s reputation and record for– customer service– technical support– reliable performance and

connectivity– user-friendly software and

instructions

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Questions for Service Providers

• How much will service cost—both initially and on a monthly basis? – Compare costs for different packages – Ask about fees and taxes

• Must additional equipment and software be purchased?

• Who pays for repairs?

Buying Consumer Electronics

• Today’s cutting-edge products will soon be obsolete

• Become informed before you buy

Computers

• Before shopping, know– how much you can spend – what you need a computer to do – where you will use it – which peripheral devices you need

• Read computer publications and manufacturer’s Web sites to learn about the latest developments

Desktop or Laptop

• Desktops: cheaper and can be upgraded; you will need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse

• Laptops and notebooks: portable, require little space to set up and store

• Netbooks: portable, limited functions

Basic Features

• The faster a computer can process data, the more it will probably cost

• Speed is determined by the amount of random access memory (RAM) and the power of the computer’s microprocessor

• RAM can usually be added at additional cost

continued

Basic Features

• Most people buy computers with the most processing power they can afford

• Gamers and video editors often buy the fastest machines

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Basic Features

• Software are computer programs that tell the computer functions to perform– Operating systems control a

computer’s basic functions: creating files, storing data, manipulating working memory

– Software applications are programs that perform specific tasks

Choosing Other Features

• Most computers include a modem, webcam, DVD burner, USB ports

• You may need additional features such as– Wi-Fi or other technology to access

the Internet – advanced graphics and sound

Cell Phones

• Involves choosing a phone, service provider, and service plan

• Many are converged products

Cell Phone Features

• Text and multimedia messaging• E-mail and Web browsing• Instant messaging• Music, video, and podcast

downloads• Camera• GPS navigation• Personal digital assistant

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Cell Phone Features

• Thousands of software applications, called apps, are available for download from the Internet

• Apps allow you to customize electronic devices, including cell phones

• Most apps can be downloaded for a fee

Prepaid Phones

• Prepaid phones can be money savers, although cost per minute is usually higher

continued

Prepaid Phones

• Advantages:– Minutes are purchased before they

are used, making costs easier to control

– No contracts to sign– Service can be ended at any time– No credit check required

Phone Billing Problems

• It pays to read your bills carefully because errors are common

• Check bills for fraud such as– cramming or unauthorized charges– slamming or unauthorized switch in

service

Personal Media Players

• First personal media players played audio music files; other functions were added

• When shopping, consider features and– memory– compatibility– style, size, and ease of use– accessories

Personal Digital Assistants

• When buying, ask:– Is the PDA

compatible with your computer?

– Can you use the keyboard comfortably?

Televisions

• Pictures are sharper since– digital broadcasts became standard– high-definition TVs (HDTV) became

popular• Expanded capabilities include:

Internet access, game playing, streaming video

Protecting Against Online Threats

• Online security is a serious problem for government, businesses, and individuals

• Number of cybercrimes committed is growing rapidly

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Protecting Against Online Threats

• Types of online attacks include– viruses– worms– spyware infections– phishing and smishing– spam– Trojan horses– cyberbullying, cyberstalking, predators

What You Can Do

• Set up defenses:– anti-virus

software– spam filter – firewall – adequate

passwords – backup files– up-to-date

software

Safeguard Personal Information

• Don’t disclose personal information including– your name, birth date, address,

phone number, Social Security number

– your parents’ names– photos of you, your family, friends– workplace or school names– account numbers and passwords

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Safeguard Personal Information

• Check that a Web site store is secure and legitimate before you shop

• Don’t open e-mail from unknown senders

• Report suspicious requests for sensitive financial information and cybercrimes to authorities

Wi-Fi Security Issues

• Wireless networks pose additional security risks

continued

Wi-Fi Security Issues

• Make sure your computer security and firewall software are adequate and current

• Check the safety of your browser• Use complex passwords• Disable file sharing on a mobile

computer• Limit activities in Wi-Fi hotspots

Buying Guidelines for Appliances and Consumer

Electronics• When choosing a store, consider

– product selection and quality– after-purchase customer support and

service– price– warranty provisions– return policies– delivery and installation charges

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Buying Guidelines for Appliances and Consumer

Electronics• Appliance considerations:

– Construction features; appliance should be sturdy and evenly balanced

– Hard durable finish should not scratch or dent easily

– Sturdy shelves with shelf supports– Handles and knobs should be firmly

attached

Assessing Your Needs

• What size do you need? • What are your installation

limitations?

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Assessing Your Needs

• What do you need the product to do?

• What safety and other features are important?

• Do you have the space required?• Will the power source be

appropriate and convenient to the product’s location?

Calculating Costs

• Based on your savings and budget, decide how much you can spend– Will you use credit or cash? – If you use credit, what will finance

charges and monthly payments be? – How much will installation, servicing,

and operation cost?

Researching the Market

• Information about products and services is provided by– manufacturers – retailers, government, trade

associations, utility companies, and consumer groups

– consumer publications• Products with the most features

usually cost more and cost more to run

Ease of Installation, Use, and Care

• Choose products with controls that are easy to read, understand, and operate

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Ease of Installation, Use, and Care

• Look for easy care and cleaning features

• Ask to see a demonstration, if the appliance is already installed

• Make sure installation is performed by qualified service people

Energy Efficiency

• Consider energy efficiency and operating costs

• Energy-efficient products may cost more, but you save on utility bills, conserve resources, and generate less pollution

• Even when turned off, many devices draw electricity, so unplug them

EnergyGuide Label

• Compare EnergyGuide labels on appliances to see which are cheaper to operate

ENERGY STAR Label

• ENERGY STAR labels appear on appliances and home electronics that meet strict energy- and water-saving criteria

• The ENERGY STAR label appears on the EnergyGuide label when the product has one, or it may appear directly on the product or its packaging

Warranties and Service Contracts

• Compare warranty coverage between products

• Consider purchasing a service contract if you– move a lot and need installations and

follow-up services with each move– will give an appliance heavy use

Product Safety

• Look for the UL seal of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., which indicates that products were tested for safety

• Look for built-in safety features• Keep products out of reach of

children• Use surge protectors

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Product Safety

• Make sure appliances and power cords are in good condition

• Avoid using extension cords

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Product Safety

• Turn off equipment before connecting or disconnecting

• Avoid overloading circuits• Promptly call the gas company if

you smell gas or suspect a leak

Product Servicing

• If repair cost is greater than the cost of a new model, buy the new product

• Keep paperwork including receipts, warranties, records of servicing; this information may be needed if you call for servicing

• Avoid unnecessary service calls

Finding Reliable Service

• Check product warranty for list of service centers

• Ask appliance dealers and people you know for recommendations

• Use local Better Business Bureau to check centers; if complaints were filed and unresolved, use someone else

Obsolescence

• Obsolescence benefits producers when consumers must buy replacements for broken or obsolete products

• Planned obsolescence is designing products to stop functioning after a certain amount of time or use

• Businesses hurt themselves by making poor-quality goods that consumers avoid

In Your Opinion

• Do you think planned obsolescence hurts companies more than it helps them? Why or why not?

Central Ideas of the Chapter

• Technological advances have created a steady stream of new consumer electronics and appliances.

• These goods and services can improve the ways people communicate, learn, spend their leisure time, and do business. However, consumers need to examine their needs and budgets before they spend their money.

Glossary of Key Terms

• bandwidth. The maximum amount of information that can be carried over an electronic cable or device at one time.

• broadband. High-speed Internet access that transmits data at speeds greater than 200 kilobits per second.

• consumer electronic product. Devices that run on electric current or batteries and are used for communication, entertainment, education, or information gathering.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• convergence. The merging of separate devices, technologies, or industries into one.

• dial-up. Internet access through a telephone line using a modem in the computer.

• digital subscriber line (DSL). Internet access that uses a digital frequency that does not interfere with telephone service.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS). A type of television and Internet service that works by bouncing transmissions off orbiting satellites directly to receivers on customers’ homes.

• EnergyGuide label. A label that lists the estimated annual cost of operating an appliance.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• ENERGY STAR label. A program that is a voluntary partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers. Its purpose is to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient consumer electronics and appliances.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• fiber optics. Glass strands as narrow as a human hair that carry data at the speed of a laser light beam.

• firewall. A protection system to block unwanted e-mail, offensive Web sites, and potential hackers.

• high-definition TV (HDTV). Televisions that receive digital signals and display them as crisp images.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• home appliances. Major or small devices that run on gas or electric current and perform a specific function in the home.

• mass communication. Device-dependent communications that reach large and dispersed audiences, including books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the Internet, movies, musical recordings, and video games.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• obsolescence. The state of no longer being useful.

• prepaid phone. A type of phone service that you pay for before using instead of signing a contract and paying a monthly bill.

• software applications. Instructions written to direct a computer’s operations in performing specific tasks.

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Glossary of Key Terms

• telecommunication. Communication at a distance, including phone and Internet.

• wired carriers. A network of copper wires, cables, and phone company switching centers that transmit signals.

• Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). Wireless Internet broadband access that works by transmitting information using electromagnetic waves from radio towers.

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