Customers seek help with holiday gizmos
Story By: David Ortiviz
Source: KOAA
Published Fri Dec 26, 2008, 06:00 PM MST
Updated Fri Dec 26, 2008, 08:30 PM MST
While some people spent the day shopping others are trying to figure out how to work their new gadgets and gizmos.
You got a high tech toy for Christmas. But how does it work? All those cords, buttons, and instructions can be confusing.
"With the consumer coming in they're actually looking for something to walk them through it, they're looking for instructions to get them through it real easy, real simple," said Angelo Alires, a technology consultant at Best Buy in Pueblo.
If you got an I-Pod or MP3 player, it can play music, games, and videos, but in some cases you'll need to go to the manufacturer's website first to make it work. "To actually use the application you have to go to the website and download a lot of the software that runs the applications," said Alires.
The hard-drive camcorder is another popular toy that has created some confusion. "A lot of time people are having a hard time figuring out how to transfer this from their hard drive based camera to an actual dvd that they can play in their home theater system," said Alires. Because they don't record on discs, tapes or memory cards, you have to connect it directly to your computer using a USB cord, then import your movie clips.
"You can make slide shows and full length DVDs using windows movie maker," said Alires. If you want to watch your DVD on your new flat screen TV be picky about the audio and video cables you use on the back of your TV. RCA cables are cheaper but the more expensive HMDI cables may be the better choice. "To get that best picture that you can get you actually want to go with your HDMI which is going to be your high definition picture," said Alires.
If you're still stumped by all this tech lingo. One solution is to ask for help, where the item was bought. Most retailers will rather take a few minutes to help you, than refund your gift.
If all else fails. "The way I've found is best is just trial and error," said Alires.
If you still have questions some companies have toll free hotlines, where they'll offer help, over the phone, to get you started.
