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Kitchen Internet Appliance

Brent Thompson from IceBox joins Bob in the kitchen to talk about a new Internet appliance. The IceBox is an information, communication, and entertainment center. Its compact design allows installation underneath a counter and out of the way. The touch screen pivots down when in use. Features include Internet access, a DVD player, and a television. The keyboard and remote control are wireless, and more importantly for the kitchen�waterproof.

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Clip Transcript For:

Kitchen Internet Appliance

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" Brent Thompson is -- this now in the kitchen. He's gonna tell us all about the icebox and it's not just any icebox. You call it the icebox but it's really an entertainment center. I thought. What's what's it stand for icebox stands for information communication and entertainment box. OK so there is a logic here there is a logic and this is that this is all there is to it right all wrapped up them into one piece it's not a computer though not a computer we've incorporated a bunch of different features. It starts off being a television set. So we've also included other things that make sense of the kitchen. Having Internet browser access and get online and check -- now so you can go online and check your email visit -- website look up a recipe find the news for the day a lot of different things that make sense for quick access can -- play a dvd. Certainly it. Dvd. Functionality and there's a touch screen overlay here so. For the Internet you don't use the touch screen but also for dvd menu controls you can use the touch screen as well -- him. And I just love the fact that it fits in like one of these in modern appliances underneath there is also swivel around and disappear. Sure the the screen pivots around and closes so he's not using an attempt out of the way OK now though. But the main thing that I heard about this there's a feature is very interesting is that it's waterproof. Right and this of course is no wires attached to the control -- wireless keyboard and remote that are waterproof it's designed for the kitchen space and I asked for findings are asked for a bowl so we actually -- it into water yeah. And this whole thing. You can wash it off -- off and you don't have to worry if the kids -- have to -- water at the get a little bit of peanut -- OK just runner right underneath the -- the remote -- there won't just of course. They both are. That's very cool thanks very much you best."

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Setting Up Your New HDTV

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. If you finally got that big, flat-screen, high-definition TV you ve been wishing for, don t let the setup tie you in knots! First, you should know that if you want to watch HDTV, the TV itself isn t enough: You need an HD-ready cable box, satellite dish or antenna in order to receive HD programming. Call your provider for a new box. Second, be sure your TV came with the right cables to connect to your box for HD viewing. You need red, blue and green component cables; a DVI cable or an HDMI cable. If you want to watch DVD movies in HD, you need to have an HD- or Blu-ray DVD player, as well. To complete your viewing experience, get a high-quality surge protector and a wall mount that will accommodate your equipment. Hang your flatscreen TV according to the manufacturer s instructions; it should hang at or just above a seated viewer s eye level. Unless you have tiny hands, a mount with the tilt option is a plus for ease of installation and adjustment. For more instant gratification, most retailers will install your new TV for you. Once you re all set up, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Review of the Home's Media Center

Tim Woods meets up with Bob again in the media room to showcase the electronic components that have been installed. Woods points out the Panasonic high definition flat screen plasma TV that is recessed only 1 inch into the wall. The home theater also includes digital surround sound, which is composed of amplifiers, decoders and subwoofer and connected a progressive scan Panasonic DVD player, and a CD player. Woods also shows the new Replay TV box, which allows the homeowner to pause live television and pick up where the show left off.

Decorating the Family Room

Bob visits the home's airy, light-filled basement family room. The house, which is built on a sloping lot, allows the basement level to open directly to the backyard. Leslie Curtis brings in touches of color in all her rooms and the basement is no exception. On the walls a soft, sunny yellow, "Evening Primrose" from Bob Vila's Signature Series paints was chosen. The floor covering, a Dupont Stain Master carpet in a neutral color, features Miracle Fibre technology, a process that puts color into the chemical blend of the carpet's yarn so that it maintains its hue throughout the lifespan of the rug. The denim khaki-clad sofa and chairs are from the Eddie Bauer Home Collection. Bob shows off the family room's entertainment system that features a Panasonic 42-inch flat screen TV with a DVD player/recorder with Replay TV.

Reviewing the Features of the Home Entertainment Center

Bob meets up with Tim Woods from the Internet Home Alliance in the living room to check out the Panasonic home entertainment center. The Panasonic wide screen projection HDTV features digital light processing ensuring high definition picture quality from any angle. The TV is tied into the DVD player and also into the surround sound stereo system. The TV signal comes digitally from the Hughes Network System DirecTV which comes in off the satellite. Next Tim shows Bob the Panasonic E-Cam. The camera can be set up anywhere in the house as used as a nanny cam or to keep an eye out for intruders. Tim has a home page set up for the camera on the Panasonic Toughbook. Utilizing the web page, the camera can be accessed through the web at any time and from any place. The Toughbook is totally wireless thanks to the home's Cisco Aironet System. Next they look at the Panasonic LCD screen with a DVD player in it. The screen is very flat and has the same aspect ratio as the large HDTV in the living room.