Happy June everyone!

If you live in the United States, you may be aware of a big change coming to your television sets later this month.

On June 12, 2009, all broadcasts from network stations will no longer be transmitted via analog signals! The US government has said “Come on, dinosaurs! Get with it,” and mandated that all broadcasts starting June 13, 2009 be broadcasted over-the-air digitally.

Digital programming, as opposed to analog programming, will offer higher quality video and audio. Your favorite TV shows will look better than ever.

So, what do you have to do to take advantage of the national DTV switch? Well, it depends.

If you’ve got a new television, such as most HDTVs, chances are you already have a digital tuner installed, and you are set. You don’t have to do anything at all! Just check your TV manual and look for phrases such as “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV.”

If you subscribe to cable or satellite programming, it is likely that you’re getting digital broadcasts already. But, to be safe, you should call your provider and double check.

But if you are still using a rabbit-ear OR outdoor antenna to receive your television programming, you will be affected. In order to continue receiving programming, you will need to purchase a set-top converter box.

These boxes convert the digital content into analog, which your television can display. However, if you use one of these boxes, you will not get the full DTV experience, as sound and picture quality are downgraded for your television.

Well, that’s not fair. You gotta buy ANOTHER ugly box to put underneath the TV? Fortunately, the US government is providing coupons for these converter boxes to lessen the damage on your wallet. You should apply for the coupon as soon as possible.

Or could it be time for an upgrade?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment, write us an email, or follow us on Twitter!

Digital cameras have come a long way.

My first digital camera was an Olympus that weighed like a brick in my hand, and recorded onto a 3.5″ floppy disk! I think each disk could store about six photos before becoming full.

Now, photos from mobile phones kick the tar outta that camera’s results. All the while, prices continue to drop for your standard point and shoot, as well as digital SLR, cameras.

As prices fall and cameras improve, more and more people are turned onto photography. Today, it’s so easy to grab your little PowerShot, throw it in your bag, snap a few shots, and preserve your memories forever.

One of the most common questions we’re asked here at Kallow is whether a newcomer to digital photography should start simply with a point and shoot camera, or dive head first into the DSLR world.

Our answer depends on a couple factors.

First, what all do you intend to shoot with the camera?

For someone interested in taking photos of your newborn, or of all the fun nights out with your friends, or of the wonderful places you travel to, a point and shoot will be more than enough.

Every year, we are amazed at the developments in compact cameras. Today, image quality rivals that of professional DSLRs, at a fraction of the cost and in a much smaller, more convenient package (don’t underestimate dragging that DSLR around your neck everywhere!)

But for the budding photographer, who is a bit more serious about the art, we say ‘Go for the DSLR!’

Entry-level DSLRs, such as the Canon XSi, provide an incredible opportunity to learn photography like a pro. The cameras are easy to use, very affordable and tons of fun.

As your hobby grows and develops, you have the option of purchasing new lenses to allow for different types of shots, such as wide-angle, or telephoto (great for capturing breathtaking sports action shots).

We sure hope this helps. If you have a question, you can always Ask Kallow.