Value Tech Supply

We at ValueTechSupply.com are always looking for great sites to feature on our blog and we are happy to introduce you to ParentGiving.com which offers its readers the resources needed to care for aging parents.  We recently connected with Julie Davis who is the featured writer for her blog, Home Health Care Supply Guides for Seniors at Parent Giving, when we introduced our customers our line of medical alert systems for seniors.  We stand behind Julie’s commitment in providing readers insight on choices and products that become essential in the later stages of life.  Touching upon topics such as tips for choosing mobility products from canes to walkers to organizing important personal documents and records, her blog is filled with suggestions and guidance and can be useful to so many families.  We encourage those who are dealing with the care of an aging parent or loved one to stop by Julie’s blog to review her thoughts on improving the life of your loved one.

The holidays have come and gone and it’s time now to stock up on all of those essential accessories to go along with the great gifts you’ve already received. Not sure what we mean? Well, here’s a few suggestions for accessories to compliment some of the hottest gifts this season:

If You Got an XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii, or Playstation 3…

Then you need the right video game component cables to hook things up and get playing. Sure, these game systems come along with most of what you need to get set up, however, if you need more reach or a better quality cable, then you’ve got to head over to ValueTechSupply.com to take advantage of great deals on Video Game Component Cables that really perform. Plug ‘em in and start playing.

If You Got an iPod…

Then it’s time to make sure that you can take great sound on the go with you. Plug in with a 3 in 1 Earphone Kit or bring along a Portable Speaker System the next time you want to rock out to your favorite tunes but need more volume than your earbuds can provide.

If You Got an HDTV…

Then be sure you’ve got everything you need to make the most of your viewing experience by checking out the selection of Home Theater Accessories at ValueTechSupply.com. From HDMI cables and switches to Audio Bars, these accessories make every TV show, game, or movie feel even more real on your HDTV. Stock up today and make sure that your home theater is ready – just in time for Superbowl season!

According to a recent release from the HDMI Consortium, the group is preparing to add new specifications to its requirements for the HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) 1.4 cable, including support for 3D gaming and movie watching. This innovation could potentially change the way that people enjoy entertainment within their own home theater systems.

The release, which went out December 23, 2009, indicated that the HDMI Consortium, which outlines specifications for HDMI technologies and is made up of Hitachi, Panasonic Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony Corporation, Thomson and Toshiba Corporation, will meet in late January 2010 to add the 3D format, currently called “Top/Bottom”, to the HDMI 1.4 specifications. Once the group decides on the format, it would be mandatory for consumer electronics to offer ports and support for 3D viewing.

Devices such as set-top boxes and HDTVs would be affected by the change, which comes as no surprise as several TV makers have forecasted showing off 3D technologies within the coming year at various electronic shows and exhibits. In fact, LG has said that it expects to ship hundreds of thousands of 3D-capable TVs in 2010 and the Blu-ray Disc Association has finalized 3D disc specifications in time for production.

As the governing body for all standards in HDMI technologies, the HDMI Consortium is responsible for all changes in the make and design of HDMI cables as well as HDMI technology advancements and standardization. Basically, they outline how HDMI cables and compatible devices are supposed to be made and used.

Many HDMI supported devices and cables are regulated and made to 1.3 specifications and most home theater owners agree – it’s time for an upgrade. Right now, the handling of legacy systems is still under discussion, however, it looks like some will be able to support the format while others may not. With the advancements in technologies coming up in 2010, it’s almost essential for home theater equipment to follow with the trend.

A new year is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about the changes you’d like to make in your home. Do you want for there to be more time to spend for family? More gatherings and parties? How about a safer, more secure home? This January, look to the new year as an inspiration for finally taking the leap and investing in the right protection equipment and strategies for your home. It’s time that you take control and start protecting the things that matter most to you. It’s time for you to start upping your security and being prepared. It’s time for you to get some help from ValueTechSupply.com.

At ValueTechSupply.com, we’re here to help you get ready for the new year – and your security resolution – by providing you with this must-have checklist for securing your home.

1. Start out by installing a security system in your home. Not only will you feel more protected, but you’ll be giving yourself a first line of defense against an incident should your home be targeted. Consider installing a system that can connect directly to emergency responders.

2. Educate your family members on proper ways to stay safe. Instruct them on how to properly lock or secure your home. Remind them to keep doors and windows locked. Teach them what they need to know should they encounter something dangerous or suspicious.

3. Check your smoke detectors to see if they are working. If not, check the batteries or install a replacement smoke detector. Even this small adjustment to your home can save lives.

4. Think about using hidden security cameras to monitor your nanny or babysitter when you’re not home. It’s best to know what is going one rather than to turn a blind eye when it comes to the safety of your children.

5. Lock away your valuables in a specially designed security safe or lock box.

6. Finally, consider installing an outdoor security camera near your street or on your property to monitor suspicious vehicles or activity.

Your home may feel like your sanctuary, but there’s no positive guarantee that says that your home will never be targeted for burglary or intrusion. Should that time come, – and we hope it never does – you have to be prepared. With the right tools, such as a security lock box and a security system, you can feel better about your valuables and other things that matter most – like your family. Don’t risk the things that are important to you. Let ValueTechSupply.com outfit you with security lock boxes and safes that are designed specifically to deny access to anyone but you.

Made to only allow access by scanning fingerprints, these safeboxes from ValueTechSupply.com are absolutely essential for protecting things like birth certificates, stocks, money, pharmaceuticals, financial paperwork, insurance documents, guns, jewelry, deeds, titles, or checks so that your family’s security will never be compromised. Finally – a better way to protect those things that matter most.

Protect your identity, your security, and your family, by utilizing any of the safety vaults from ValueTechSupply.com.

Your property deserves to be protected, but without the right tools, it can be hard to do. If you have valuables that you want to secure at your business, then you’re going to need more than just a special shelf in your storage closet. You’re going to need a special kind of safe that can secure valuables such as electronics or financial documents in a way that’s only accessible to you. You can’t risk the welfare of your business by choosing anything less. So when you want to outfit your business with the right safe to keep things secure, you need ValueTechSupply.com.

At ValueTechSupply.com, we carry security lock boxes that are designed specifically for protecting your keys, financial documents, or other important valuables so that your business can be safe and secure.

Not to mention, ValueTechSupply.com also has VCR/DVR Security Lock Boxes that are meant for protecting and cooling your electronic components so that you can keep your most expensive pieces of equipment safe from theft – without causing them to overheat or become disorganized. Able to cool and offer cable management, these lock boxes are absolutely essential in any networking environment or business setting that uses electronics.

Outfit your business with the right safes and protection. You can’t risk not doing it.

Having a first apartment is incredibly exciting – but just because you’re moving into a new place doesn’t mean that there’s not a whole lot to do to protect yourself. In fact, new apartment residents should be aware that their new living space may not be as safe as it seems. You need to take steps and precautions to ensure that your new home is never put into a state of danger or compromise by equipping your first apartment with these safety and security must-haves:

1. Smoke Detector

This one may seem like a no brainer, but some new apartment owners forget to check if they have a working smoke detector in their new space. Be sure to check yours regularly to ensure that it’s working properly. You should have a smoke detector installed on every floor, not too close to walls or corners.

1. Burglar Alarm

Security precautions like a burglar alarm can pay off in the long run, so it pays to invest in one early on. Also, if you want complete protection, consider also installing a complete security camera kit.

1. New Door Locks

Moving into a new space is exciting, but you never can be too careful. Be sure that you change the locks as soon as you move in because you never know who may have a key. Discuss this with your landlord prior.

1. Dead Bolt

Also, it may not be a bad idea to change the dead bolt, or if you don’t have one, to install one. This is just one extra layer of security that can protect you in your new home.

1. Window Locks

If you don’t have window locks, it may be a good idea for you to install them on all windows, or at least those which are easily accessible from the ground or from your roof.

1. Surge Protectors

Your apartment will probably only have a few outlets and you’ll most likely have a lot more devices to use. Don’t risk an electrical fire or a blown fuse and instead, use surge protectors from day one. These simple devices will ensure that your plugs don’t cause clutter and that you can stay safe while using electrical devices.

In general, most video recordings are legal in the U.S. with or without consent, however, it does pay to know the other laws that may affect you when you look to install video or audio surveillance equipment in your home or business.

First and foremost, the majority of laws that exist concerning video surveillance deal with one very simple yet concrete concept: the expectation of privacy. Laws do exist regarding “Invasion of Privacy” which deals with when you try to film someone in an area that they expect personal privacy. These include areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing/dressing rooms, bedrooms and other areas where a person should expect a high level of protection from surveillance. Keep this in mind before you look to install a security camera in your home or business so that you won’t be invading certain privacy laws.

Next, take a look at hidden camera laws. Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah expressly prohibit the unauthorized installation or use of cameras in private places, or areas where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from unauthorized surveillance, such as locker rooms and restrooms.

Finally, keep in mind that audio surveillance is much more dangerous. If audio surveillance is taking place, it may be illegal under the following circumstances:

1. The person with authority over the premises has not consented to the surveillance

2. The reason for surveillance is for an illegal purpose

3. The surveillance is taking place via telephone and parties in conversation have not been notified that they are being recorded.

Regardless of the state, it is almost always illegal to record a conversation to which you are not a party, do not have consent to tape, and could not naturally overhear.

If you have any questions about the laws that are unique to your state or community, feel free to contact your local legal or law enforcement offices for more details. Remember, it’s best to confirm with local authorities first before installing security equipment so that you are always in compliance.

You already know why it’s so important to protect your home, but what about your business? Sure, you already may have a security camera and an alarm system set up, but have you thought about what really goes on in your stock room or behind your register? How about in your lobby or waiting room? Do you ever observe your employees?

Like it or not, sometimes your employees could make poor decisions that could impact the overall safety and security of your business. You have to be prepared to deal with the incidents, so why not take the time now to ensure that you’ve always got your eye on what’s going on during your workday by utilizing the help of hidden camera systems?

Hidden cameras can be a great way to observe and report on different employee interactions and performance issues in your workplace in a way that is both discrete and effective. Set up a hidden camera near your register to keep track of whether or not your employee is giving back the correct amount of change. Try installing a hidden camera in your waiting room to see if your staff is being disrespectful to clients and customers. Maybe take a look at what really happens on your loading dock by installing a hidden camera system near the door or on the dock itself.

There are tons of different ways that you can utilize these cameras and once you’ve got the footage, all that’s left to do is just review it on your PC or TV. If you notice a problem, now you’ll have the knowledge to deal with it appropriately – before it negatively impacts your business.

Monitoring your home is important, especially if you trust another to watch your child while you’re away. If you use childcare services like nannies or babysitters, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on what’s really going on in your home because let’s face it, you never know what could happen. If you’re a concerned parent who wants to keep an eye on things, it may be best for you to try to use surveillance equipment to do it. Not sure where to begin? Here’s what you need to know.

First off, hidden cameras can be a parent’s best friend when it comes to keeping an eye on a nanny or babysitter when you’re away from home. These compact, easy to use devices can either be hidden inside existing objects or come already camouflaged in common items like alarm clocks or teddy bears. However, be careful – the hidden cameras in alarm clock or teddy bear form from ValueTechSupply.com come without audio, so you’ll have to utilize separate surveillance equipment if you want to hear what goes on.

Once you are all set up and turned on, these hidden cameras will monitor your child’s play room or bedroom or any other space in your home with crystal clear picture. There’s no noise from the camera and no wires. They’re virtually undetectable so your sitter won’t know that she’s being watched.

Once you’ve got the footage, it’s time to review it on monitor. Pay close attention to what’s going on between your sitter and your child. Are there things that she’s not telling you? Is she mistreating your child? Ignoring him? Either way, the minute you notice any negative behavior, it’s time to fire your nanny and/or alert the appropriate authorities. There’s no excuse for turning a blind eye. You can make sure that your child is safe and protected by using hidden cameras to monitor your home while you’re away to ensure that your child is getting treated as he or she should be.