Surveillance Equipment : Wireless Mini Nightvision Camera + USB DVR Receiver Set

Looking for an inconspicuous and economical way to watch over your room or small business? Look no further, the Wireless Mini Nightvision Camera + USB DVR receiver set is simple and affordable solution for keeping your eyes on your home and small business.

 Camera Specifications

Image Device: 1/3 CMOS

Color system: PAL

Horizontal Definition: 380TV Line

Angular Field of View: 45deg (f=6mm)

Lens: 3.6 mm

Minimum Illumination: 0 Lux

Synchronization System: Internal

Scanning Freq(H): 15.625KHz PAL

Scanning Freq(V): 50Hz PAL

Backlight Compensation: Auto

Electronic Shutter: 1/50(1/60) ~ 1/100,000sec

White Balance: Auto

S/N Ratio: >48dB

Gamma Correction: >0.45

Locked Frequency: Yes

Motion Detection: Yes

The Wireless Mini Camera requires only a power source and can be installed on walls, floors or ceilings. The 30 IR LED night vision will automatically turn on to make sure the camera is working for you, day and night.

The wireless receiver can be positioned at a distance of up to 15 meters from the camera and works directly from your computer. You can monitor everything from your computer or set up motion detection so the camera will automatically take picture shots when movement is detected. You can also use an AV cable to connect the camera to a monitor or a secondary recoding devices.

Anyone concerned about security will appreciate this easy to install wireless camera. Its compact sized let you install it in places that are difficult for others and less likely to be noticed by offenders. You can install it in your home to see who is climbing into your backyard or your convenient store and catch unsuspected thieves in the act.

Good quality and an unbeatable factory direct price makes this Wireless Mini Nightvision Camera with USB DVR Receiver perfect for resellers. Order one as a sample, then buy in bulk to save more and sell in your store or online shop. Buy one today from the leader in wholesale electronics - http://www.top-shoppingmall.com/.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I have 2 or more of this product setup within 10 meters distance from each other?
  No, you will need to tune the camera to different frequency if you want to do so. Otherwise, this will cause signal interference and the Wireless DVR will usually pickup the closer one.
• Do I have to turn nightvision on manually?
  No, the internal light sensor will automatically turn on the nightvision if light condition is low.
• Is this AV output compatible with TV systems in North America?
  No. This model is compatible with PAL TV systems only. If you are looking for a device for use in North America, please take a look at our {Security Cameras} category.

Related articles:

Wireless Audio Visual Intercom Entry System with 2.4 Inch Color Screen

Surveillance Equipment: Weatherproof Night Vision CCTV Super HAD Sony CCD Camera

Hd Camcorders - 1080P HD Camcorder with Touchscreen and 5x Optical Zoom

The latest in our famous DV1 series Hi-Def camcorders, this new model, DV14, is specifically designed for those people who want a high level digital video camera with spec features (1080P, HDMI, 5X Optical Zoom, Motion Detection, Touch Display), but want to buy it at a direct from the factory budget price.

Having a 3 inch flip out widescreen LCD touchscreen and high-def resolution, this unit will have you easily making movie quality videos in no time, and with its native HDMI output port you can instantly watch the videos directly on your home HDTV. With this HD camcorder your personally made videos will be clearer than you ever imagined, so whether you are a youtube enthusiast, citizen journalist, or the family camera man, your vids will look just as good as anything you normally see on TV or in the movies!

While the DV1 series has been advertised as an "average guy" series of camcorders (also called DV Cameras), the model DV14 really offers enough features to keep both the beginner and more advanced user busy and excited with its set of focused quality setting. With this model video camera you get all of the following;

• Video recording at up to 1080P
• Photos at up to 12MP
• 5x optical zoom + 4x digital zoom
• 3 inch touch panel display
• Motion detection video and picture recording
• Support for SDHC memory cards up to 16GB
• Audio recording only mode
• Webcam function

These are the features you might expect in the latest Sony and Canon cameras, and now you can finally get them in a factory direct OEM camcorder. Going on its third generation, the DV1 series continues to lead the way in features and ease of use. If you are in the market for a new video camera or are looking to buy a gift for your girlfriend/husband/favorite uncle, this one is the top choice.

The DV14 is in stock in our warehouse right now and is being offered for single piece or even better priced stock orders. Click "Add to Cart" now and we will ship it out to you tomorrow!

 Manufacturer Specifications

• Primary Function: Budget Friendly HD Camcorder, our famous "The DV camera for the average guy" DV1 series
• Display: 3 Inch widescreen LCD
• Screen Type: Touch Panel
• Storage media:
  - Internal: 10MB
  - External: SD Card up to 16GB (Supports SDHC Mode 6)
• Lens: Lens: F/3.5, f=7.6mm
• Focus range:
  Normal - 1.2M ~ infinity
  Macro - 20cm ~ 5cm (14-15cm for best results)
• Shutter: 1/2 ~ 1/8000
• Sensor Sensitivity: Auto
• Imaging Sensor: 1/2.5" CMOS 5.0MP

Digital Video Camera

- File Type: MOV (H.264)
- Resolution: FHD(1920X1080)30FPS @ 30FPS, HD (1280x720) @ 30FPS, WVGA (848x480) @ 60FPS, WEB (320x240) @ 30 FPS
- Optical Zoom: 5x
- Metering: Spot, Center, Touch AE
- Backlight: ON / OFF
- Motion Detection: ON / OFF
- Night Mode: ON / OFF
- Video Settings: Color Effects, White Balance, Multi Shot
- EV: 8 steps (+2 to -2)
- Recording size: ~ 17 MB / minute

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this product come with a flash?
  Yes, there is light flash functionality for the digital still photo camera only.
• Can I use this with a tripod?
  Yes, the unit has a built in screw-slot to attach to a standard tripod mount.
• Can I use this as a normal digital camera?
  Yes, this product makes an excellent picture camera for taking digital photos.
• Is this camcorder compatible with my Mac (or Linux) computer?
  Yes, for USB file transfer it is compatible with most computer types. However the included software is only for Windows PC's.

Related articles:

Digital Cameras – Digital Trends Best of 2011 Awards

Buying a mini camcorder: Major things you need to consider

Digital cameras Buing Guide: Choosing a Best Camera for Travel

iPad Accessories: iPad 2 keyboard case shootout

The iPad 2 is a good tablet that can be used for serious work with the addition of a keyboard. There are lots of wireless keyboards that work with the iPad, and a few of those fill the role of a case for the tablet, too. I have been using three of the best keyboard/cases for the iPad 2 and they each have strengths and weaknesses worth considering if you are looking for the one that will best serve your needs.
Two of the keyboards are products of Logitech, makers of accessories for a wide range of products. The third is the brainchild of the folks at ZAGG, maker of phone and tablet accessories. The three keyboards in this roundup are:

Logitech Keyboard Case – The Logitech Keyboard Case is an aluminum tray with a keyboard inside. The iPad 2 snaps into the tray facedown for transport, turning the duo into a single piece in the gear bag. The iPad 2 is removed for use with the keyboard by popping it into a slot above the keys. The iPad 2 can be used in either landscape or portrait orientations as desired.

Logitech Fold-up Keyboard – The Logitech Fold-up Keyboard is a unique case that when opened extends a two piece full-sized keyboard. This is the only one of the three being covered that has a full sized keyboard with keys and key spacing the same as regular keyboards. This keyboard rivals that of any laptop.

ZAGGfolio — The ZAGGfolio keyboard looks much like the Logitech Keyboard Case as both are designed by ZAGG. The ZAGGfolio combines a removable keyboard with an iPad case that turns it all into a one piece design that is easy to carry and use. Both ZAGG keyboards are near full sized and can be comfortably used at full typing speed.

Size/weight: The iPad 2 is very thin and light, and these cases add bulk to the tablet. The lightest of the three is the Logitech Keyboard Case due to its minimal design. Next is the ZAGGfolio, which is only a little thicker with the iPad 2 in the case, and about the same weight due to its polyurethane construction. Last is the Logitech Fold-up Keyboard, which is quite a bit thicker and heavier than the other two cases.

Typing: All three of these keyboards make it possible to do heavy writing on the iPad 2. I have written at least 1,000 words a day with each of them for extended periods. The Logitech Fold-up Keyboard gets the nod for pure typing due to its no-compromise keyboard. The other two keyboards are almost as good, but require a short period of adjustment to the reduced size. If you have used a 10-inch netbook keyboard then you can use either of these with no problems. I have large hands but can type at full speed on all three of these units.

Protection: All three of these devices double as cases for the iPad 2, so it is logical to consider how each protects the tablet. The Logitech Keyboard Case exposes the back of the iPad 2, subjecting it to possible scratching in the gear bag. The Logitech Fold-up Keyboard exposes the screen of the iPad 2, but it can be used with the Apple Smart Cover to protect it. The best protection is provided by the ZAGGfolio, which is a full case completely covering the iPad 2 when closed.

Versatility: The iPad 2 can be used in a variety of ways, and so can these cases. The Logitech Keyboard Case can except the iPad 2 in either landscape or portrait orientation with ease. The Logitech Fold-up Keyboard only works in landscape orientation, which may not be acceptable to some. The most versatile of the three cases is the ZAGGfolio, as both the iPad 2 and the keyboard unit can be easily removed from the case.

The normal method to use the ZAGGfolio is by simply opening the case and popping the iPad 2 into the keyboard support slot. The design of the case makes this a natural process. By sliding the iPad 2 out of the top of the case, it can be popped into the support slot in portrait orientation. Finally, the keyboard and iPad 2 can be totally removed from the case, making it much like the Logitech Keyboard Case when used this way.
While I like typing on the full-sized keyboard best, my favorite of the three is the ZAGGfolio. The single piece design is the easiest to use, and the case protects my iPad 2 better than the other two. It is also as portable as can be, while offering multiple methods of use depending on the situation.

Blogroll:

Holiday Buying Guide:Choose the Best iPad Cases

2011 Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Choosing an iPad stand

2011 Gift Guide: The Best Accessories for the Apple-lover

Holiday Movies history: All Christmas all the time on TV

Holiday movies, specials and very special holiday episodes of your favorite series fill the TV screens between now and Christmas Day. Here are many of the highlights.

“Movie: Santa Claus: The Movie” (1985) 7 a.m., Wednesday, ABC Family. Dudley Moore, David Huddleston. Santa and an elf foil a New York toy manufacturer's scheme to get rich off Christmas.

“Movie: A Christmas Wish” (2011) 8 a.m., Wednesday, Hallmark. Kristy Swanson, Tess Harper. The owner of a diner helps a homeless woman and her children during the holidays.

“Movie: Disney's A Christmas Carol” (2009) 10:35 a.m., Wednesday, Starz. Voices of Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn. Animated. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge must face uncomfortable truths when three Christmas spirits take him on a journey through his past, present and future.

“Movie: Disney's A Christmas Carol” (2009) 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, Starz. Voices of Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn. Animated. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge must face uncomfortable truths when three Christmas spirits take him on a journey through his past, present and future.

“Movie: The Santa Suit” (2010) 6 p.m., Wednesday, Hallmark. Kevin Sorbo, Jodie Dowdall. A corporate bigwig learns valuable lessons when Santa Claus transforms him into his look-alike.

“Movie: White Christmas” (1954) 8 p.m., Wednesday, AMC. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general's hotel in Vermont.

“Movie: A Princess for Christmas” (2011) 8 p.m., Wednesday, Hallmark. Katie McGrath, Roger Moore. A woman escorts her niece and nephew to spend the holidays with their grandfather, an English duke.

“Movie: A Nanny for Christmas” (2010) 8 p.m., Wednesday, Lifetime. Emmanuelle Vaugier, Dean Cain. A career woman cares for the children of a Beverly Hills advertising executive during the holidays.

“Movie: Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997) 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Disney. Voices of Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson. Animated. A pipe organ hatches an evil plan as Belle attempts to fill the Beast's gloomy castle with holiday cheer.

“Movie: Lucky Christmas” (2011) 10 p.m., Wednesday, Hallmark. Elizabeth Berkley, Jason Gray-Stanford. A woman must retrieve her winning lottery ticket from the glove compartment of her stolen car.

“Movie: A Boyfriend for Christmas” (2004) 10 p.m., Wednesday, Lifetime. Kelli Williams, Patrick Muldoon. A strangely familiar man may be the answer to a 33-year-old woman's long-ago holiday wish for true love.

“Movie: White Christmas” (1954) 10:45 p.m., Wednesday, AMC. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general's hotel in Vermont.

“Movie: Chasing Christmas” (2005) 7 a.m., Thursday, ABC Family. Tom Arnold, Leslie Jordan. Holiday spirits visit a single father who has boycotted Christmas since his wife left him.

“Movie: Lucky Christmas” (2011) 8 a.m., Thursday, Hallmark. Elizabeth Berkley, Jason Gray-Stanford. A woman must retrieve her winning lottery ticket from the glove compartment of her stolen car.

“Movie: Christmas Do-Over” (2006) 9 a.m., Thursday, ABC Family. Jay Mohr, Daphne Zuniga. A man has a chance to make positive changes by reliving Christmas Day over and over again.

“Movie: Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997) 9 a.m., Thursday, Disney. Voices of Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson. Animated. A pipe organ hatches an evil plan as Belle attempts to fill the Beast's gloomy castle with holiday cheer.

“Movie: What Would Jesus Buy?” (2007) 2:05 p.m., Thursday, Sundance. The Rev. Billy Tallen and his Stop Shopping Choir embark on a cross-country crusade against the commercialization of Christmas.

“Movie: All I Want for Christmas” (1991) 3:15 p.m., Thursday, AMC. Ethan Randall, Thora Birch. A boy and his little sister cook up a holiday scheme to get their divorced parents back together.

“Movie: White Christmas” (1954) 5:15 p.m., Thursday, AMC. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general's hotel in Vermont.

“Movie: Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) 8 p.m., Thursday, AMC. Maureen O'Hara, John Payne. An adwoman's lawyer boyfriend tries to prove that Macy's Santa Claus is the real thing.

“Movie: Jingle All the Way” (1996) 8 p.m., Thursday, Encore. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad. A crazed postman, a tough policeman and a shady Santa impede a workaholic seeking a coveted toy for his son.

“Movie: The Christmas Pageant” (2011) 8 p.m., Thursday, Hallmark. Melissa Gilbert, Robert Mailhouse. An overbearing theater director gets a new outlook on life when she takes a small-town gig.

“Movie: Santa Buddies” (2009) 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Disney. George Wendt, Christopher Lloyd. Talking puppies must save the day when the world forgets the meaning of Christmas.

“Movie: Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) 10:15 p.m., Thursday, AMC. Maureen O'Hara, John Payne. An adwoman's lawyer boyfriend tries to prove that Macy's Santa Claus is the real thing.


“Movie: Christmas in Boston” (2005) 7 a.m., Friday, ABC Family. Marla Sokoloff, Patrick J. Adams. Lifelong pen pals send their best friends to pose as them when the opportunity arises for a face-to-face meeting.
“Movie: Cancel Christmas” (2010) 8 a.m., Friday, Hallmark. Judd Nelson, Connor Price. Telling Santa that children have become too selfish and greedy, the board of directors gives him a month to teach two boys the meaning of giving, or else the holiday will be canceled.

“Movie: Santa Buddies” (2009) 9 a.m., Friday, Disney. George Wendt, Christopher Lloyd. Talking puppies must save the day when the world forgets the meaning of Christmas.

“Movie: One Christmas” (1994) 1:15 p.m., Friday, TMC. Katharine Hepburn, Henry Winkler. An Alabama boy meets a noblewoman and other characters on a visit to his father in 1930 New Orleans.

“Movie: Friday After Next” * (2002) 2:10 p.m., Friday, Starz. Ice Cube, Mike Epps. Working as security guards, Craig and Day-Day run into the thief who stole their Christmas presents.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2006) 6 p.m., Friday, FX. Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. Neighbors in a New England town go to war after one adorns his house with enough Christmas lights to make it visible from space.

“Movie: Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh” (2008) 6 p.m., Friday, Nickelodeon. Drake Bell, Josh Peck. To avoid trouble with the law, two brothers promise to provide the best Christmas possible for a girl and her family.

“Movie: Christmas in Connecticut” (1945) 7 p.m., Friday, TCM. Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan. The publisher of a women's magazine has his best columnist play holiday host to a Navy hero.

“Movie: Christmas With the Kranks” (2004) 8 p.m., Friday, FX. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. A Chicago couple scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“Movie: Annie Claus Is Coming to Town” (2011) 8 p.m., Friday, Hallmark. Maria Thayer, Vivica A. Fox. As part of his master plan, an elf hires an actor to woo the daughter of Santa Claus.

“Christmas in Washington 2011” 8 p.m., Friday, TNT. Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and The Band Perry perform in the annual holiday concert at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“Movie: Fred Claus” ** (2007) 9 p.m., Friday, TNT. Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti. The yuletide season brings headaches for Santa Claus, who bails his ne'er-do-well brother Fred out of trouble and puts him to work in his factory.

“Movie: Christmas With the Kranks” ** (2004) 10 p.m., Friday, FX. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. A Chicago couple scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“Movie: Battle of the Bulbs” (2010) 10 p.m., Friday, Hallmark. Daniel Stern, Matt Frewer. Feuding neighbors go to extremes to win an annual Christmas decoration contest.

“Movie: Bam Margera Presents: Where the ... Is Santa?” (2008) 10 p.m., Friday, MTV. Bam Margera, Brandon Novak. Margera and his friends cause trouble when they take a rowdy road trip.

“Christmas in Washington 2011” 11:30 p.m., Friday, TNT. Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and The Band Perry perform in the annual holiday concert at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“Movie: Mistletoe Over Manhattan” (2011) 10 a.m., Saturday, Hallmark. Tricia Helfer, Greg Bryk. The wife of Santa Claus tries to help a divorcing couple rediscover their love for each other.

“The Pioneer Woman” Noon, Saturday, Food. (Season finale.) Ree Drummond serves her classics on the ranch.

“Movie: The Good Witch's Gift” (2010) Noon, Saturday, Hallmark. Catherine Bell, Chris Potter. A criminal threatens the Christmas Eve wedding of an enchanting witch and a police chief.

“Movie: Christmas Child” (2003) Noon, Saturday, Lifetime. William R. Moses, Megan Follows. A mysterious photograph leads a journalist to a small Texas town at Christmastime.

“Movie: Annie Claus Is Coming to Town” (2011) 2 p.m., Saturday, Hallmark. Maria Thayer, Vivica A. Fox. As part of his master plan, an elf hires an actor to woo the daughter of Santa Claus.

“Movie: Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage” (2008) 2 p.m., Saturday, Lifetime. Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Harden. Inspired by his mentor, a young artist paints a mural of his hometown.

“Movie: The Christmas Pageant” (2011) 4 p.m., Saturday, Hallmark. Melissa Gilbert, Robert Mailhouse. An overbearing theater director gets a new outlook on life when she takes a small-town gig.

“Movie: A Dog Named Christmas” (2009) 6 p.m., Saturday, Hallmark. Bruce Greenwood, Noel Fisher. A mentally challenged man embarks on a mission to find homes for dogs during the holidays.

“Movie: Home by Christmas” (2006) 6 p.m., Saturday, Lifetime. Linda Hamilton. A housewife must learn to make it on her own after her husband divorces her and she loses everything.

“Movie: Christmas Comes Home to Canaan” (2011) 8 p.m., Saturday, Hallmark. Billy Ray Cyrus, Zak Ludwig. A man bonds with a woman who helps his son recover from surgery.

“Movie: Christmas Angel” (2009) 8 p.m., Saturday, Lifetime. K.C. Clyde, Kari Hawker. A woman assists a man who secretly helps others during the holidays.

“Donna Decorates Dallas” 10 p.m., Saturday, HGTV. Donna Decorates for Christmas: Over-the-top decorating for the holidays.

“Movie: Dear Santa” (2011) 10 p.m., Saturday, Lifetime: Amy Acker, Brooklynn Proulx. Crystal, a rich party girl, finds a little girl's letter to Santa asking for a new mother, and she vows to win over the father and daughter before the holidays.

“Movie: Christmas Comes Home to Canaan” (2011) 10:03 p.m., Saturday, Hallmark. Billy Ray Cyrus, Zak Ludwig. A man bonds with a woman who helps his son recover from surgery.

“Movie: Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws” (2009) 7:30 a.m., Sunday, ABC Family. George Wendt, Christopher Lloyd. Talking puppies must save the day when the world forgets the meaning of Christmas.

“Movie: All I Want for Christmas” (2007) 8 a.m., Sunday, Hallmark. Gail O'Grady, Robert Mailhouse. A boy asks contest organizers to find a new husband for his widowed mother.

“Movie: The Search for Santa Paws” (2010) 9:30 a.m., Sunday, ABC Family. Voices of Kaitlyn Maher, Madison Pettis. A talking dog and an orphan must save Christmas after old Saint Nick loses his memory.

“Movie: Richie Rich's Christmas Wish” (1998) 11:30 a.m., Sunday, ABC Family. David Gallagher, Martin Mull. Richie makes a wish and ends up in an alternate universe where his mean cousin Reggie is in charge and wants to cancel Christmas.

“Movie: Beethoven's Christmas Adventure” (2011) Noon, Sunday, DISNXD. Kyle Massey, Munro Chambers. Lovable dog Beethoven must rescue a Christmas elf and retrieve Santa Claus' magic toy bag from crooks.

“Movie: Christmas Mail” (2010) 1 p.m., Sunday, ION. Ashley Scott, A.J. Buckley. A mail carrier falls for a new employee, who answers children's letters to Santa Claus.

“Movie: Christmas Comes Home to Canaan” (2011) 2 p.m., Sunday, Hallmark. Billy Ray Cyrus, Zak Ludwig. A man bonds with a woman who helps his son recover from surgery.

“Movie: Christmas Town” (2008) 3 p.m., Sunday, ION. Nicole de Boer, Patrick Muldoon. A woman discovers the spirit of Christmas while visiting her estranged father in a town that is decked out for the holidays.

“Movie: A Princess for Christmas” (2011) 4 p.m., Sunday, Hallmark. Katie McGrath, Roger Moore. A woman escorts her niece and nephew to spend the holidays with their grandfather, an English duke.

“Movie: A Different Kind of Christmas” (1996) 4 p.m., Sunday, Lifetime: Shelley Long, Bruce Kirby. A family secret threatens to thwart the mayoral bid of a single mom whose father thinks he's Santa Claus.

“Movie: Four Christmases” (2008) 4:05 p.m., Sunday, TNT. Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon. When their plans for a holiday getaway fall apart, a couple must spend Christmas Day trudging to a quartet of family get-togethers.

“Movie: Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas” (2011) 5 p.m., Sunday, ION. Kelly Lynn Washington, Amanda Waters. During Christmastime, Mandie investigates the truth behind a mystery at a boarding school.

“Movie: Beethoven's Christmas Adventure” (2011) 5 p.m., Sunday, DISNXD. Kyle Massey, Munro Chambers. Lovable dog Beethoven must rescue a Christmas elf and retrieve Santa Claus' magic toy bag from crooks.

“Movie: All I Want for Christmas” (2007) 6 p.m., Sunday, Hallmark. Gail O'Grady, Robert Mailhouse. A boy asks contest organizers to find a new husband for his widowed mother.

“Movie: A Dad for Christmas” (2006) 6 p.m., Sunday, Lifetime. Kristopher Turner, Louise Fletcher. A young man takes his newborn out of the hospital to save him from adoption.

“Movie: A Golden Christmas 2: The Second Tail” (2011) 7 p.m., Sunday, ION. Julie Gonzalo, Bruce Davison. Puppies play matchmaker for a woman and her engaged ex-boyfriend.

“So Random!” 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.
“Movie: Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!” (2011) 8 p.m., Sunday, Disney. Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker. Chaos strikes when a woman and her daughter get separated from their family during the holidays.

“Movie: Christmas Magic” (2011) 8 p.m., Sunday, Hallmark. Lindy Booth. To gain entry to heaven, a woman must help a man and his young daughter.

“Movie: The Christmas Hope” (2009) 8 p.m., Sunday, Lifetime. Madeleine Stowe, James Remar. A grieving woman bonds with an orphaned girl after the death of her son.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 8 p.m., Sunday, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“Movie: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” * (2006) 9 p.m., Sunday, ABC. Tim Allen, Martin Short. Scott Calvin, a.k.a. Santa, contends with visiting in-laws and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost to freeze him out of Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas Mail” (2010) 9 p.m., Sunday, ION. Ashley Scott, A.J. Buckley. A mail carrier falls for a new employee, who answers children's letters to Santa Claus.

“So Random!” 10 p.m., Sunday, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas Magic” (2011) 10 p.m., Sunday, Hallmark. Lindy Booth. To gain entry to heaven, a woman must help a man and his young daughter.

“Movie: Christmas Angel” (2009) 10 p.m., Sunday, Lifetime. K.C. Clyde, Kari Hawker. A woman assists a man who secretly helps others during the holidays.

“Movie: 12 Wishes of Christmas” (2011) 11 p.m., Sunday, ION. Elisa Donovan, Gabrielle Carteris. A woman must set things right when her wishes magically come true for Christmas.

“Movie: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle” (2010) 8 a.m., Monday, Hallmark. Doris Roberts, Eric Johnson. A new employee saves a department store in trouble during the Christmas season.

“Movie: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (2001) 11:30 a.m., Monday, ABC Family. Connie Sellecca, Corbin Bernsen. A boy behaves badly after thinking Santa is trying to ruin his parents' marriage.

“Movie: I'll Be Home for Christmas” (1998) 1:30 p.m., Monday, ABC Family. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jessica Biel. Absurd obstacles hinder a California college student's quest to get home by Christmas Eve to claim a Porsche and see his girlfriend.

“Movie: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas” (2010) 4 p.m., Monday, Hallmark. Jennifer Beals, Rick Roberts. A family must save Christmas when Santa Claus lands on the roof and loses his magic bundle.
“Movie: Scrooge” (1970) 7:15 p.m., Monday, TCM. Albert Finney, Alec Guinness. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1984) 8 p.m., Monday, AMC. George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“So Random!” 8 p.m., Monday, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas With the Kranks” (2004) 8 p.m., Monday, FX. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. A Chicago couple scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“Movie: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle” (2010) 8 p.m., Monday, Hallmark. Doris Roberts, Eric Johnson. A new employee saves a department store in trouble during the Christmas season.

“Cake Boss: Next Great Baker” 9 p.m., Monday, TLC. Bakers on Ice: The bakers break into teams to create their best holiday themed cake for the Valastro Christmas party; one baker makes a trip to the hospital.

“Movie: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas” (2011) 10 p.m., Hallmark. Tom Cavanagh, Faith Ford. Holiday travel leads to cross-country romances when a man and a woman temporarily swap houses.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” ** (1984) 10:30 p.m., Monday, AMC. George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“So Random!” 11 p.m., Monday, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Today” 7 a.m., Dec. 20, NBC. Chef Giada DeLaurentiis; Christmas sales; steals and deals; the Scotto family; actor Stellan Skarsgard; kids table decorations; wine as a gift; Carole King performs.

“Movie: Ernest Saves Christmas” (1988) 7 a.m., Dec. 20, ABC Family. Jim Varney, Douglas Seale. Nitwit Ernest bails out Santa Claus who is in Florida on a deadline to recruit a new Santa.

“Movie: Eve's Christmas” (2004) 8 a.m., Dec. 20, Hallmark. Elisa Donovan, Cheryl Ladd. A lonely career woman gets a second chance to rethink a fateful decision after she makes a wish upon a Christmas Eve star.

“Live! With Kelly” 9 a.m., Dec. 20, ABC. Home for the Holidays: Actress Scarlett Johansson; the Radio City Rockettes perform; young Joaquin Consuelos finds out what children want for Christmas; the Voca People perform; co-host Mark Consuelos.

“Movie: Disney's A Christmas Carol” (2009) 11:25 a.m., Dec. 20, Starz. Voices of Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn. Animated. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge must face uncomfortable truths when three Christmas spirits take him on a journey through his past, present and future.

“Movie: Unaccompanied Minors” (2006) 11:30 a.m., Dec. 20, ABC Family. Dyllan Christopher, Tyler James Williams. After a Christmas Eve blizzard shuts down the airport, stranded youths create holiday pandemonium for an uptight airport official and his assistant.

“Movie: All I Want for Christmas” (1991) 3:45 p.m., Dec. 20, AMC. Ethan Randall, Thora Birch. A boy and his little sister cook up a holiday scheme to get their divorced parents back together.

“Movie: Eve's Christmas” * (2004) 6 p.m., Dec. 20, Hallmark. Elisa Donovan, Cheryl Ladd. A lonely career woman gets a second chance to rethink a fateful decision after she makes a wish upon a Christmas Eve star.

“Lidia Celebrates America” 8 p.m., Dec. 20, KOCE. (Series premiere)Holiday Tables & Traditions: Four different holiday tables and traditions include an Italian Christmas Eve, Mexican American Christmas, Chinese New Year and Jewish American Passover.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1984) 8 p.m., Dec. 20, AMC: George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2006) 8 p.m., Dec. 20, FX. Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. Neighbors in a New England town go to war after one adorns his house with enough Christmas lights to make it visible from space.

“Movie: Annie Claus Is Coming to Town” (2011) 8 p.m., Dec. 20, Hallmark. Maria Thayer, Vivica A. Fox. As part of his master plan, an elf hires an actor to woo the daughter of Santa Claus.

“Movie: Holiday Affair” (1949) 8 p.m., Dec. 20, TCM. Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh. A war widow has a 6-year-old son, and two men who want to marry her for Christmas.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2011) 9 p.m., Dec. 20, TNT. Kathy Najimy, Scottie Thompson. An amateur sleuth helps a private eye investigate the kidnapping of her father.

“Movie: Christmas With the Kranks” (2004) 10 p.m., Dec. 20, FX. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. A Chicago couple scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“Movie: Santa Jr” (2002) 10 p.m., Dec. 20, Hallmark. Lauren Holly, Judd Nelson. A public defender tries to help Saint Nick's son after he is accused of stealing Christmas presents.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 10 p.m., Dec. 20, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1984) 10:30 p.m., Dec. 20, AMC. George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: Disney's A Christmas Carol” (2009) 10:50 p.m., Dec. 20, Starz. Voices of Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn. Animated. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge must face uncomfortable truths when three Christmas spirits take him on a journey through his past, present and future.

“Movie: Jingle All the Way” (1996) 11:40 p.m., Dec. 20, Encore. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad. A crazed postman, a tough policeman and a shady Santa impede a workaholic seeking a coveted toy for his son.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2011) Midnight, Dec. 20, TNT. Kathy Najimy, Scottie Thompson. An amateur sleuth helps a private eye investigate the kidnapping of her father.

“Movie: The Christmas Star” (1986) 8 a.m., Dec. 21, Hallmark. Ed Asner, Rene Auberjonois. A con man escapes from prison in a Santa Claus suit and meets two children who believe in him.

“Movie: Christmas Every Day” (1996) 9 a.m., Dec. 21, ABC Family. Robert Hays, Erik von Detten. A self-absorbed 13-year-old must relive the holiday, day after day, until he appreciates its meaning.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2006) 11 a.m., Dec. 21, FX. Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. Neighbors in a New England town go to war after one adorns his house with enough Christmas lights to make it visible from space.

“Movie: Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws” (2009) 1 p.m., Dec. 21, ABC Family. George Wendt, Christopher Lloyd. Talking puppies must save the day when the world forgets the meaning of Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas With the Kranks” (2004) 1 p.m., Dec. 21, FX. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. A Chicago couple scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“Movie: All I Want for Christmas” (1991) 1:15 p.m., Dec. 21, AMC. Ethan Randall, Thora Birch. A boy and his little sister cook up a holiday scheme to get their divorced parents back together.

“Movie: 12 Wishes of Christmas” (2011) 2 p.m., Dec. 21, ION. Elisa Donovan, Gabrielle Carteris. A woman must set things right when her wishes magically come true for Christmas.

“Movie: The Search for Santa Paws” (2010) 3 p.m., Dec. 21, ABC Family. Voices of Kaitlyn Maher, Madison Pettis. A talking dog and an orphan must save Christmas after old Saint Nick loses his memory.

“Movie: Santa Jr” (2002) 3 p.m., Dec. 21, Hallmark. Lauren Holly, Judd Nelson. A public defender tries to help Saint Nick's son after he is accused of stealing Christmas presents.

“Movie: 'Twas the Night” (2001) 5 p.m., Dec. 21, DISNXD. Bryan Cranston, Josh Zuckerman. A 14-year-old boy and his uncle jeopardize Christmas when they take Santa's sleigh for a joy ride.

“Cake Boss: Next Great Baker” 5 p.m., Dec. 21, TLC. Bakers on Ice: The bakers break into teams to create their best holiday themed cake for the Valastro Christmas party; one baker makes a trip to the hospital.

“Movie: The Christmas Blessing” (2005) 6 p.m., Dec. 21, Lifetime. Neil Patrick Harris, Rebecca Gayheart. A medical resident falls in love with a young teacher and develops a special bond with one of her students.

“Movie: The Santa Clause” (1994) 8 p.m., Dec. 21, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold. An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1984) 8 p.m., Dec. 21, AMC. George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: The Christmas Pageant” (2011) 8 p.m., Dec. 21, Hallmark: Melissa Gilbert, Robert Mailhouse. An overbearing theater director gets a new outlook on life when she takes a small-town gig.

“Movie: Christmas Angel” (2009) 8 p.m., Dec. 21, Lifetime. K.C. Clyde, Kari Hawker. A woman assists a man who secretly helps others during the holidays.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 9 p.m., Dec. 21, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“Movie: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (2006) 10 p.m., Dec. 21, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Martin Short. Scott Calvin, a.k.a. Santa, contends with visiting in-laws and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost to freeze him out of Christmas.

“Movie: A Christmas Wish” (2011) 10 p.m., Dec. 21, Hallmark. Kristy Swanson, Tess Harper. The owner of a diner helps a homeless woman and her children during the holidays.

“Movie: Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage” (2008) 10 p.m., Dec. 21, Lifetime. Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Harden. Inspired by his mentor, a young artist paints a mural of his hometown.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1984) 10:30 p.m., Dec. 21, AMC. George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 11 p.m., Dec. 21, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“Today” 7 a.m., Dec. 22, NBC. Affordable holiday fashion; Christmas dinner; The Fray performs; being healthy in the New Year; actress Kim Wayans; gingerbread houses; dealing with in-laws; gift wrapping; stocking stuffers.
“Movie: The Christmas List” (1997) 7 a.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Mimi Rogers, Bill Switzer. A store clerk learns a valuable lesson about the true meaning of Christmas when she gets everything on her wish list.

“Movie: The Santa Clause 2” (2002) 7:45 a.m., Dec. 22, Encore. Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell. Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.

“Movie: The Christmas Pageant” (2011) 8 a.m., Dec. 22, Hallmark. Melissa Gilbert, Robert Mailhouse. An overbearing theater director gets a new outlook on life when she takes a small-town gig.

“Movie: Christmas Caper” (2007) 9 a.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Shannen Doherty, Ty Olsson. While baby-sitting her niece and nephew, a professional thief hatches a new scheme to steal.

“Movie: Secret Santa” (2003) 11 a.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Jennie Garth, Steve Eckholdt. A young journalist learns the true meaning of Christmas while trying to uncover the identity of a mysterious philanthropist.

“Movie: Once Upon a Christmas” (2000) 1 p.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. John Dye, Kathy Ireland. The daughter of Santa Claus vows to transform a single father and his spoiled children to prove that the spirit of Christmas exists.

“Movie: White Christmas” (1954) 2:45 p.m., Dec. 22, AMC. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general's hotel in Vermont.

“Movie: Twice Upon a Christmas” (2001) 3 p.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Kathy Ireland, John Dye. When a widower proposes to Santa's daughter, his children try to discover the truth about her past.

“Movie: The Santa Clause 2” (2002) 4:40 p.m., Dec. 22, Encore. Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell. Santa must get married by Christmas Eve in order to save the holiday and keep his job.

“Movie: The Santa Clause” (1994) 5 p.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold. An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

“Movie: The Ultimate Christmas Present” (2000) 5 p.m., Dec. 22, DISNXD. Hallee Hirsh, Brenda Song. Two girls' plan to close school by making it snow in Los Angeles jeopardizes Christmas.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1984) 5:30 p.m., Dec. 22, AMC. George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: Lucky Christmas” (2011) 6 p.m., Dec. 22, Hallmark. Elizabeth Berkley, Jason Gray-Stanford. A woman must retrieve her winning lottery ticket from the glove compartment of her stolen car.

“Movie: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (2006) 7 p.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Martin Short. Scott Calvin, a.k.a. Santa, contends with visiting in-laws and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost to freeze him out of Christmas.

“Movie: The Christmas Pageant” (2011) 8 p.m., Dec. 22, Hallmark. Melissa Gilbert, Robert Mailhouse. An overbearing theater director gets a new outlook on life when she takes a small-town gig.

“Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” (1989) 9 p.m., Dec. 22, ABC Family. Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo. The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.

“Movie: The Town Christmas Forgot” (2010) 10 p.m., Dec. 22, Hallmark. Lauren Holly, Rick Roberts. A stranded family helps residents of a small town organize a Christmas pageant.

“Today” 7 a.m., Dec. 23, NBC. Best tech of 2011; performance from “Jersey Boys”; real estate; spoiled kids; ambush makeovers; Kathie Lee and Hoda cook with their mothers; Christmas animals; Michael Feinstein performs.
“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1938) 8 a.m., Dec. 23, TCM. Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: What Would Jesus Buy?” (2007) 10:25 a.m., Dec. 23, Sundance. The Rev. Billy Tallen and his Stop Shopping Choir embark on a cross-country crusade against the commercialization of Christmas.

“Movie: White Christmas” (1954) 11:15 a.m., Dec. 23, AMC. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Former Army buddies put on a show with a sister act to save their general's hotel in Vermont.

“Movie: Santa Baby” (2006) Noon, Dec. 23, ABC Family. Jenny McCarthy, George Wendt. A business executive returns to the North Pole to help her father, Santa Claus, prepare for Christmas.

“All Out American Christmas” 1 p.m., Dec. 23, HGTV. Homeowners across the country create over-the-top holiday displays. (N)

“Movie: Bad Santa” (2003) 1:55 p.m., Dec. 23, Comedy Central. Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox. Two criminals disguise themselves as St. Nick and an elf to rob stores at Christmastime.

“Movie: Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe” (2009) 2 p.m., Dec. 23, ABC Family. Jenny McCarthy, Paul Sorvino. When Santa Claus decides to retire, his daughter must choose between taking over the reindeer reins or continuing with her fast-paced life in the outside world.

“Movie: Scrooge” (1970) 3 p.m., Dec. 23, TCM. Albert Finney, Alec Guinness. Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

“Movie: What Would Jesus Buy?” (2007) 3:15 p.m., Dec. 23, Sundance. The Rev. Billy Tallen and his Stop Shopping Choir embark on a cross-country crusade against the commercialization of Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas Comes Home to Canaan” (2011) 4 p.m., Dec. 23, Hallmark. Billy Ray Cyrus, Zak Ludwig. A man bonds with a woman who helps his son recover from surgery.

“Movie: The Ultimate Christmas Present” (2000) 5 p.m., Dec. 23, DISNXD. Hallee Hirsh, Brenda Song. Two girls' plan to close school by making it snow in Los Angeles jeopardizes Christmas.

“Movie: Jingle All the Way” (1996) 5 p.m., Dec. 23, Encore. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad. A crazed postman, a tough policeman and a shady Santa impede a workaholic seeking a coveted toy for his son.

“Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” (1989) 6 p.m., Dec. 23, ABC Family. Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo. The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.

“Chuck” 8 p.m., Dec. 23, NBC. Chuck Versus the Santa Suit: Chuck and Sarah learn who is trying to destroy Carmichael Industries; Ellie's Christmas plans come undone; a computer virus threatens to ruin Christmas at Buy More.

“Movie: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) 8 p.m., Dec. 23, ABC Family. Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor. A curmudgeon living atop Mt. Crumpit sets out to quash the yuletide preparations of the Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville. Anthony Hopkins narrates.

“Movie: The Search for Santa Paws” (2010) 8 p.m., Dec. 23, Disney. Voices of Kaitlyn Maher, Madison Pettis. A talking dog and an orphan must save Christmas after old Saint Nick loses his memory.

“Movie: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas” (2010) 8 p.m., Dec. 23, Hallmark. Jennifer Beals, Rick Roberts. A family must save Christmas when Santa Claus lands on the roof and loses his magic bundle.

“Movie: A Christmas Carol” (1999) 9 p.m., Dec. 23, TNT. Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant. Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge receives visits from three Christmas spirits who show him his past, present and future.

“Movie: Moonlight and Mistletoe” (2008) 10 p.m., Dec. 23, Hallmark. Candace Cameron Bure, Tom Arnold. Nick and his daughter Holly fight a real estate developer to keep their Christmas theme park open.

“Movie: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) 10:30 p.m., Dec. 23, ABC Family. Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor. A curmudgeon living atop Mt. Crumpit sets out to quash the yuletide preparations of the Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville. Anthony Hopkins narrates.

“Movie: This Christmas” (2007) 9 a.m., Dec. 24, TBS. Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba. A matriarch assembles her brood for their first holiday reunion in four years, but secrets come to light and family ties become strained.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2006) 10 a.m., Dec. 24, FX. Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. Neighbors in a New England town go to war after one adorns his house with enough Christmas lights to make it visible from space.

“Movie: The Christmas Card” (2006) 10 a.m., Dec. 24, Hallmark. Ed Asner, John Newton. Home on leave, a soldier visits a small town and falls for the woman who wrote a well-wishing card to the troops.

“Movie: Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July” (1980) 11:30 a.m., Dec. 24, ABC Family. Voices of Red Buttons, Ethel Merman. Animated. Santa must save the day when Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman encounter an evil wizard.

“Movie: Holiday Affair” (1949) 11:30 a.m., Dec. 24, TCM. Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh. A war widow has a 6-year-old son, and two men who want to marry her for Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas With the Kranks” (2004) Noon, Dec. 24, FX. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. A Chicago couple scramble to put together a holiday celebration after their daughter decides to come home for Christmas.

“Movie: Moonlight and Mistletoe” (2008) Noon, Dec. 24, Hallmark. Candace Cameron Bure, Tom Arnold. Nick and his daughter Holly fight a real estate developer to keep their Christmas theme park open.

“Movie: Deck the Halls” (2011) Noon, Dec. 24, TNT. Kathy Najimy, Scottie Thompson. An amateur sleuth helps a private eye investigate the kidnapping of her father.

“Movie: A Golden Christmas” (2009) 1 p.m., Dec. 24, ION. Andrea Roth, Bruce Davison. A special dog helps a woman reunite with a friend that she met years earlier as a child.

“Movie: The Search for Santa Paws” (2010) 1 p.m., Dec. 24, Disney. Voices of Kaitlyn Maher, Madison Pettis. A talking dog and an orphan must save Christmas after old Saint Nick loses his memory.

“Movie: Eve's Christmas” (2004) 2 p.m., Dec. 24, Hallmark. Elisa Donovan, Cheryl Ladd. A lonely career woman gets a second chance to rethink a fateful decision after she makes a wish upon a Christmas Eve star.

“Movie: The Christmas Hope” (2009) 2 p.m., Dec. 24, Lifetime. Madeleine Stowe, James Remar. A grieving woman bonds with an orphaned girl after the death of her son.

“Movie: A Golden Christmas 2: The Second Tail” (2011) 3 p.m., Dec. 24, ION. Julie Gonzalo, Bruce Davison. Puppies play matchmaker for a woman and her engaged ex-boyfriend.

“Movie: Where God Left His Shoes” (2007) 3:30 p.m., Dec. 24, IFC. John Leguizamo, Leonor Varela. One Christmas Eve, an unemployed boxer and his young stepson walk the streets in search of a job so that their family can have a home on Christmas morning.

“Lidia Celebrates America” 4 p.m., Dec. 24, KOCE. (Series premiere)Holiday Tables & Traditions: Four different holiday tables and traditions include an Italian Christmas Eve, Mexican American Christmas, Chinese New Year and Jewish American Passover.
“Movie: Home by Christmas” (2006) 4 p.m., Dec. 24, Lifetime. Linda Hamilton. A housewife must learn to make it on her own after her husband divorces her and she loses everything.

“Movie: 12 Wishes of Christmas” (2011) 5 p.m., Dec. 24, ION. Elisa Donovan, Gabrielle Carteris. A woman must set things right when her wishes magically come true for Christmas.

“All Out American Christmas” 5 p.m., Dec. 24, HGTV. Homeowners across the country create over-the-top holiday displays.

“Movie: Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) 5 p.m., Dec. 24, TCM. Maureen O'Hara, John Payne. An adwoman's lawyer boyfriend tries to prove that Macy's Santa Claus is the real thing.

“So Random!” 5:55 p.m., Dec. 24, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Movie: Beethoven's Christmas Adventure” (2011) 6:20 p.m., Dec. 24, Disney. Kyle Massey, Munro Chambers. Lovable dog Beethoven must rescue a Christmas elf and retrieve Santa Claus' magic toy bag from crooks.

“Inside Story: Santa Clause” 7 p.m., Dec. 24, Biography. A story that turned the Santa myth on its head becoming the surprise hit of the 1994 holiday season.

“Movie: It's a Wonderful Life” (1946) 8 p.m., Dec. 24, NBC. James Stewart, Donna Reed. Ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve, a suicidal family man sees life anew thanks to his guardian angel.

“Movie: Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!” (2011) 8 p.m., Dec. 24, Disney. Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker. Chaos strikes when a woman and her daughter get separated from their family during the holidays.

“Movie: The Christmas Card” (2006) 8 p.m., Dec. 24, Hallmark. Ed Asner, John Newton. Home on leave, a soldier visits a small town and falls for the woman who wrote a well-wishing card to the troops.

“Movie: Undercover Christmas” (2003) 8 p.m., Dec. 24, Lifetime. Jami Gertz, Shawn Christian. Assigned to protect a waitress, a workaholic FBI agent brings her to his parents' home for the holidays.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) 8 p.m., Dec. 24, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to persuade his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 8 p.m., Dec. 24, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“So Random!” 10 p.m., Dec. 24, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Movie: A Diva's Christmas Carol” (2000) 10 p.m., Dec. 24, Lifetime. Vanessa L. Williams, Kathy Griffin. When an ego-driven superstar loses her holiday spirit, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future visit her.

“Movie: Bam Margera Presents: Where the ... Is Santa?” (2008) 10 p.m., Dec. 24, MTV. Bam Margera, Brandon Novak. Margera and his friends cause trouble when they take a rowdy road trip.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” **** (1983) 10 p.m., Dec. 24, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 11 p.m., Dec. 24, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“Christmas in Chelsea Square” 11:30 p.m., Dec. 24, CBS. Scripture readings, choral works and musical performances from the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in New York.

“Movie: The Santa Clause” (1994) 11:30 p.m., Dec. 24, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold. An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) 8 a.m., Dec. 25, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” 9 a.m., Dec. 25, ABC. Disney characters on parade celebrate the holiday; featuring performances by Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber and Christina Aguilera; hosted by Nick Cannon, Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos.
“Movie: Santa With Muscles” (1996) 9 a.m., Dec. 25, Showtime. Hulk Hogan, Don Stark. Amnesia makes a mean health-food tycoon think he's Santa Claus, especially when it comes to a local orphanage.

“Movie: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle” (2010) 10 a.m., Dec. 25, Hallmark. Doris Roberts, Eric Johnson. A new employee saves a department store in trouble during the Christmas season.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) 10 a.m., Dec. 25, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to persuade his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“Movie: One Christmas” (1994) 11:15 a.m., Dec. 25, TMC. Katharine Hepburn, Henry Winkler. An Alabama boy meets a noblewoman and other characters on a visit to his father in 1930 New Orleans.

“Movie: 'Twas the Night” (2001) Noon, Dec. 25, DISNXD. Bryan Cranston, Josh Zuckerman. A 14-year-old boy and his uncle jeopardize Christmas when they take Santa's sleigh for a joy ride.

“Movie: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas” (2011) Noon, Sunday Dec. 25, Hallmark. Tom Cavanagh, Faith Ford. Holiday travel leads to cross-country romances when a man and a woman temporarily swap houses.

“Movie: A Boyfriend for Christmas” (2004) Noon, Dec. 25, Lifetime. Kelli Williams, Patrick Muldoon. A strangely familiar man may be the answer to a 33-year-old woman's long-ago holiday wish for true love.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) Noon, Dec. 25, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to persuade his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“Movie: Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas” (2011) 1 p.m., Dec. 25, ION. Kelly Lynn Washington, Amanda Waters. During Christmastime, Mandie investigates the truth behind a mystery at a boarding school.

“Christmas at St. Olaf: Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing” 1 p.m., Dec. 25, KOCE. The annual Christmas Festival from St. Olaf College in Minnesota marks its 100th anniversary.
“Movie: The Santa Clause” (1994) 1:30 p.m., Dec. 25, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold. An adman takes over for the bearded, big-bellied fellow after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve.

“Christmas at Belmont 2011” 2 p.m., Dec. 25, KOCE. The annual holiday concert of traditional carols, world music and seasonal favorites features students from Belmont University's music program.
“Movie: Christmas Magic” (2011) 2 p.m., Dec. 25, Hallmark. Lindy Booth. To gain entry to heaven, a woman must help a man and his young daughter.

“Movie: A Christmas Wedding” (2006) 2 p.m., Dec. 25, Lifetime. Sarah Paulson, Eric Mabius. A real estate developer embarks on a wild cross-country odyssey to get home in time for her wedding.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) 2 p.m., Dec. 25, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to persuade his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas” 2 p.m., Dec. 25, TLC. Travelers celebrate Christmas, extravagant weddings and First Communions.

“So Random!” 2:25 p.m., Dec. 25, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Movie: Beethoven's Christmas Adventure” (2011) 2:50 p.m., Dec. 25, Disney. Kyle Massey, Munro Chambers. Lovable dog Beethoven must rescue a Christmas elf and retrieve Santa Claus' magic toy bag from crooks.

“Movie: The Christmas Clause” (2008) 3 p.m., Dec. 25, ION. Lea Thompson, Andrew Airlie. Stressed-out from work and family, a successful lawyer wishes that her vision of a new life would come true.

“Movie: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (2006) 3:30 p.m., Dec. 25, ABC Family. Tim Allen, Martin Short. Scott Calvin, a.k.a. Santa, contends with visiting in-laws and a scheme by mischievous Jack Frost to freeze him out of Christmas.

“Movie: The Christmas Pageant” (2011) 4 p.m., Dec. 25, Hallmark. Melissa Gilbert, Robert Mailhouse. An overbearing theater director gets a new outlook on life when she takes a small-town gig.

“Movie: A Nanny for Christmas” (2010) 4 p.m., Dec. 25, Lifetime. Emmanuelle Vaugier, Dean Cain. A career woman cares for the children of a Beverly Hills advertising executive during the holidays.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) 4 p.m., Dec. 25, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to persuade his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“Movie: Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!” (2011) 4:30 p.m., Dec. 25, Disney. Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker. Chaos strikes when a woman and her daughter get separated from their family during the holidays.

“Movie: A Golden Christmas 2: The Second Tail” (2011) 5 p.m., Dec. 25, ION. Julie Gonzalo, Bruce Davison. Puppies play matchmaker for a woman and her engaged ex-boyfriend.

“Inside Story: Santa Clause” 5 p.m., Dec. 25, Biography. A story that turned the Santa myth on its head becoming the surprise hit of the 1994 holiday season.

“Movie: The Perfect Gift” (2011) 6 p.m., Dec. 25, BET. Ruben Studdard, Golden Brooks. A couple's parents show up for the holidays and show a father what Christmas is all about.

“Movie: A Dog Named Christmas” (2009) 6 p.m., Dec. 25, Hallmark. Bruce Greenwood, Noel Fisher. A mentally challenged man embarks on a mission to find homes for dogs during the holidays.

“Movie: Nothing Like the Holidays” ** (2008) 6 p.m., Dec. 25, Lifetime. John Leguizamo, Freddy Rodriguez. Secret revelations, major life-changes and inevitable bickering mark a Chicago family's Christmas reunion.

“Movie: A Christmas Story” (1983) 6 p.m., Dec. 25, TBS. Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to persuade his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.

“Movie: 12 Wishes of Christmas” (2011) 7 p.m., Dec. 25, ION. Elisa Donovan, Gabrielle Carteris. A woman must set things right when her wishes magically come true for Christmas.

“Movie: Bad Santa” (2003) 7:57 p.m., Dec. 25, Comedy Central. Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox. Two criminals disguise themselves as St. Nick and an elf to rob stores at Christmastime.

“Movie: An All Dogs Christmas Carol” (1998) 8 p.m., Dec. 25, KCAL. Voices of Steven Weber, Dom DeLuise. Animated. Divine intervention is needed when a bulldog with a bad attitude makes plans to ruin the Christmas holiday.

“Movie: The Perfect Holiday” (2007) 8 p.m., Dec. 25, BET. Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut. Romance blooms when a little girl asks a department store Santa to fulfill her divorced mother's fondest wish for Christmas.

“Movie: 12 Men of Christmas” (2009) 8 p.m., Dec. 25, Lifetime. Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Hopkins. A public relations executive uses her media savvy to stir excitement in a small Montana town.

“Movie: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) 8:30 p.m., Dec. 25, ABC. Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor. A curmudgeon living atop Mt. Crumpit sets out to quash the yuletide preparations of the Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville. Anthony Hopkins narrates.

“So Random!” 8:30 p.m., Dec. 25, Disney. Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album; MC Grammar raps about Christmas.

“Movie: Christmas Mail” (2010) 9 p.m., Dec. 25, ION. Ashley Scott, A.J. Buckley. A mail carrier falls for a new employee, who answers children's letters to Santa Claus.

“Inside Story: Santa Clause” 9 p.m., Dec. 25, Biography. A story that turned the Santa myth on its head becoming the surprise hit of the 1994 holiday season.

“Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” (1989) 10 p.m., Dec. 25, ABC Family. Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo. The Griswolds spend the holiday in a garish way, especially when a country cousin pulls up in an RV.

“Movie: Dear Santa” (2011) 10 p.m., Dec. 25, Lifetime. Amy Acker, Brooklynn Proulx. Crystal, a rich party girl, finds a little girl's letter to Santa asking for a new mother, and she vows to win over the father and daughter before the holidays.

“Cake Boss: Next Great Baker” 10 p.m., Dec. 25, TLC. Bakers on Ice: The bakers break into teams to create their best holiday themed cake for the Valastro Christmas party; one baker makes a trip to the hospital.

“Movie: A Christmas Kiss” (2011) 11 p.m., Dec. 25, ION. Elisabeth Röhm, Laura Breckenridge. Trapped in an elevator, a designer shares an impulsive kiss with the boyfriend of her new boss.

Tagcloud: Holiday movies, christmas gifts , christmas security , christmas holiday

Christmas Buying Guide: Safety Tips for Online Shopping

Let's face it, there's every reason in the world to shop online. The bargains are there. The selection is mind-boggling. The shopping is secure. Shipping is fast. Even returns are pretty easy, with the right e-tailers. Shopping has never been easier or more convenient for consumers.

But what about the bad guys who lay in wait? IID's Third Quarter eCrime Report for 2011 indicates that use of phishing attacks (where thieves attempt to swindle you out of your sign-in credentials and even credit card info by pretending to be a real website, or even an online bank) is down, as much as eight percent since the second quarter and 11 percent since the third quarter of last year. That's great news—except the same report says sites with malware (malicious code aimed at compromising your privacy) has increased by 89 percent since the second quarter.

Holiday Gifts Stay calm. While somewhat alarming, these stats should not keep you from shopping online. You simply need some common sense and practical advice. Follow these basic guidelines and you can shop online with confidence. Here are 11 tips for staying safe online, so you can start checking off items on that holiday shopping list.

1. Use Familiar Websites

Start at a trusted site rather than shopping with a search engine. Search results can be rigged to lead you astray, especially when you drift past the first few pages of links. If you know the site, chances are it's less likely to be a rip off. We all know Amazon.com and that it carries everything under the sun; likewise, just about every major retail outlet has an online store, from Target to Best Buy to Home Depot. Beware of misspellings or sites using a different top-level domain (.net instead of .com, for example)—those are the oldest tricks in the book. Yes, the sales on these sites might look enticing, but that's how they trick you into giving up your info.

2. Look for the Lock

Never ever, ever buy anything online using your credit card from a site that doesn't have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed—at the very least. You'll know if the site has SSL because the URL for the site will start with HTTPS:// (instead of just HTTP://). An icon of a locked padlock will appear, typically in the status bar at the bottom of your web browser, or right next to the URL in the address bar. It depends on your browser.

Never, ever give anyone your credit card over email. Ever.

3. Don't Tell All

No online shopping store needs your social security number or your birthday to do business. However, if crooks get them, combined with your credit card number for purchases, they can do a lot of damage. The more they know, the easier it is to steal your identity. When possible, default to giving up the least amount of information.

4. Check Statements

Don't wait for your bill to come at the end of the month. Go online regularly during the holiday season and look at electronic statements for your credit card, debit card, and checking accounts. Make sure you don't see any fraudulent charges, even originating from sites like PayPal. (After all, there's more than one way to get to your money.)

If you do see something wrong, pick up the phone to address the matter quickly. In the case of credit cards, pay the bill only once you know all your charges are accurate. You have 30 days to notify the bank or card issuer of problems, however; after that, you might be liable for the charges anyway.

5. Inoculate Your PC

Swindlers don't just sit around waiting for you to give them data; sometimes they give you a little something extra to help things along. You need to protect against malware with regular updates to your anti-virus program. PCMag recommends Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus (4.5 stars, Editors' Choice, $39.95 direct), which has extras to help fight ID theft, or at the very least the free Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0 (4.5 stars, Editors' Choice).

6. Use Strong Passwords

We like to beat this dead horse about making sure to utilize uncrackable passwords, but it's never more important than when banking and shopping online. Our tips for creating a unique password can come in handy during a time of year when shopping around probably means creating new accounts on all sorts of e-commerce sites.

7. Think Mobile

The National Retail Federation says that 5.7 percent of adults will use their mobile devices to do comparison shopping before making a purchase. (And 32.1 percent will comparison shop online with a computer, as well.) There's no real need to be any more nervous about shopping on a mobile device than online. The trick is to use apps provided directly by the retailers, like Amazon, Target, etc. Use the apps to find what you want and then make the purchase directly, without going to the store or the website. (For more complete information, be sure to also read our tips for shopping safely on a mobile device.)

8. Avoid Public Terminals

Hopefully we don't have to tell you it's a bad idea to use a public computer to make purchases, but we still will. If you do, just remember to log out every time you use a public terminal, even if you were just checking email.

What about using your own laptop to shop while you're out? It's one thing to hand over a credit card to get swiped at the checkout, but when you must enter the number and expiration date on a website while sitting in a public cafe, you're giving an over-the-shoulder snooper plenty of time to see the goods. At the very least, think like a gangster: Sit in the back, facing the door.

9. Count the Cards

Gift cards are the most requested holiday gift every year, and this year will be no exception. Stick to the source when you buy one; scammers like to auction off gift cards on sites like eBay with little or no funds on them.

10. Know What's Too Good to Be True

Once again, McAfee has compiled a Twelve Scams of Christmas list, all things to be aware of while shopping. The "coupon scam" offers of a free product with purchase, in particular an iPad (a very coveted gadget at any holiday) or even holiday job offers. Many of these "offers" will come in via social media. Beware even of your friends, who might innocently forward such a thing. Be very wary even if you get a message from friend claiming he or she has been robbed, especially a friend overseas looking for money to be wire transferred, unless you absolutely can confirm it by talking to him or her personally. Skepticism in most cases can go a long way toward saving you from a stolen card number.

Read more :

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips : How to Purchase Safe Online

Home Security Cameras – Protecting your Home for the Holidays

Holiday Home Security: Simple Ways to Keep your Home Safe

10 Question Tablet Test prove that the battery barely keeps up

Acer’s 7” tablet, the Iconia A100, comes packed with features and claims to rival the market leaders. SEAN BACHER puts it though Gadget Ten Question Tablet Test, and finds that the battery barely keeps up.
For many people, Acer is synonymous with Formula One racing and bright red notebooks and netbooks emblazoned with the Ferrari insignia, thanks to Acer’s sponsorship of the iconic racing car.

However, Acer does compete in other IT segments, including servers, PCs and smartphones. Oh, and tablets too. However, it has been very quiet in terms of this range, slipping them into South Africa under the radar and not really marketing them.

Is there a reason for this? Do its tablets make mighty contestants in the tablet wars , or are they just a range of products it has brought out to keep its finger in the pie?

We put the Acer Iconia A100 through the Gadget Ten Question Tablet Test to find out.

1. The sound of one-hand tapping (Can you comfortably hold it in one hand and operate it in the other?)

Because the Acer Iconia A100 uses the smaller 7” screen, it is much easier to control when on the move. It is well weighted and the rather large 1cm dead zones around the screen make it easy to comfortably hold in one hand – leaving the other free for tapping and typing.

The Iconia is also small enough to fit in any briefcase and in most handbags; you may even get away with fitting it in an oversized suit pocket.

The A100 uses the standard Android keyboard – without the addition of any skins, so the virtual keyboard is well laid-out in both landscape and portrait modes. It is also clear and easy to read.

The Iconia tablet gets extra points in this department because of its overall feel. Although it is a little fat – just over 1cm thick – Acer has done away with the rigid, 90-degree sharp corners found on most other tablets. The Iconia’s edges are smooth and rounded, without any sharp buttons sticking out – making it pleasant to run your hands over and around the exterior.

2. The Angry Birds test (How responsive is the device in interactive tasks?)

A variety of applications were installed on the Iconia, ranging from processor-intensive racing games to simple e-readers. Each ran effortlessly and without the issues usually found on underpowered tablets..

Our benchmark application, Angry Birds, installed without a problem and the birds where whizzing through the air without lag. Lane Splitter, a motorbike racing game that uses the accelerometers in the tablet to steer the bike, also functioned optimally at speed. Quite often, on smaller tablets, I found that the bike jolted along instead of running smoothly. However, the Iconia handled it well. There was no jolting or freezing and the accelerometers reacted perfectly to my movements.

3. The tablet gender test (Can it multi-task? Hint: males can’t.)

The Acer Iconia uses a dual-core 1Ghz Cortex CPU which is coupled with 512MB of RAM. The CPU is pretty much standard, but the RAM is half that found in many of the other tablets I have reviewed. That would suggest a laggard of a machine, but the lack of RAM didn't really show.

Applications were opened one after the other and kept on doing so until there were nothing left on the tablet to open. Each carried on running without fault and without showing any signs of slowing down.

Unfortunately, though, the Iconia doesn't offer special features in the multitasking department. The only way to get to see which apps are open is to tap on the Open Window button, which will launch a list of open applications. You then need to select the app to which you want to switch, or click on the cross to close it.

4.  Testing by the book (Can it replace novels and textbooks?)

The Iconia includes both the LumiRead e-reader and the Kobo e-reader. However, both apps are standard, offering no special features such as the ability to draw on a page or have the book turned into an audio book and have it read back to you. They are both available as free downloads from the Android Market, in the same format, so the Iconia loses points for lack of originality.

That said, it does work well as an e-reader. The smaller screen size makes the tablet easier to handle when lying down. The physical “Rotation Lock” button found just next to the Power button is a bonus – there is nothing more infuriating than having to hold the tablet in a certain position to stop it from rotating the screen when you are lying down.

5. Live long and prosper (How’s the battery life?)

The Iconia fails miserably here. A fully charged battery will last just over five hours when being used to check e-mail, Twitter and to play the odd game. Watching movies brings the battery life down even more, with the Iconia just surviving the length of one movie.

6.  It’s all about You(Tube) (How well does it handle online video sites?)

The A100 has a pre-installed YouTube launcher, so it doesn’t have to be accessed through a browser.

It also supports Flash sites, but only once the Flash app has been installed. Other than that, there are no special features or applications that make it stand out regarding video.

Ripped movies do however look sharp on the 16-million-colour capacitive touch screen, although battery life will be an inhibiting factor.

7. The retro test (Can it replace your radio? TuneIn Radio reveals all.)

The Iconia comes with the MusicA app installed. It is similar to SoundHound, and “listens” to a song before automatically identifying the title and artist by searching the Internet. It worked seamlessly. TuneIn radio also installed and ran perfectly.

The Iconia boasts two speakers, located at the bottom of the tablet and designed to give a stereo experience.

Overall, the sound experience was pretty decent, with the speakers able to handle maximum volume without distortion. As for the stereo sound, I didn't really get that experience. I feel it has a lot to do with the location of the speakers at the bottom of the device, meaning that one or both speakers will often be blocked with a hand.

8. On target (Is the on/off switch easy to find and use in the dark?)

The Power button is recessed into the top right-hand corner of the tablet, making it easy to find in the dark. It is joined by a Volume rocker and the Rotation Lock, each button feeling distinctively different, making them easy to identify by touch.

Then we have a real find at the bottom of the tablet: a physical reset button should the tablet get unstable. It is found between the speakers, alongside mini HDMI, mini USB and Power connectors.

The good placement of the physical buttons combines well with the smooth subtle curves of the tablet.

 9. Keep control (How effective are the control buttons – hardware and software?)

The Iconia A100 is the first 7” tablet to use the Android HoneyComb or 3.5 operating system. However, unlike most other tablet manufacturers, Acer has taken the minimalist route – meaning there is no skin or custom user-interface on top of the operating system.

All five of the home-screens are blank, letting you add widgets or smart applications from the get-go. The lack of any skin also means that the icons are easily identifiable to anyone who has used an Android phone or tablet in the past.

Just below the screen is a physical Home button, which does exactly the same as the Home button located on the left of the screen in the Android operating system, but with one difference - it is always visible and always working, meaning if an applications freezes you can get back to the Home screen and end that application without taking any drastic measures, such as forcing the whole device to shut down.

The Iconia’s uncluttered user interface is rather refreshing. It saves a lot of time when first using the device as it removes the need to delete apps and widgets that wont be used. This, with the separate, dedicated Home button count in favour of the tablet.

It is the little things that count.

10. The iPrice Test (Is it competitively priced? And we all know which device we’re comparing.)

The Acer Iconia retails for R5 000, around R700 more than an entry-level iPad, however quite possibly one of the cheapest Android tablets currently available in South Africa. It is smaller than the iPad, has a shorter battery life, but on the other hand, it supports Flash, can multi-task and features applications like Docs To Go. The price can be justified, but only just.

The bottom line

The great looks of the Iconia tablet, with its easily identifiable buttons, lack of pre-installed widgets and good price are all plusses. But all of these features mean very little with the below average battery life offered by the standard 1530mAh Li-Polymer battery.

Surveillance Equipment: Galvan Park security cameras to deter crime

Hoping to deter crime and improve safety, the city plans to place security cameras in Galvan Park that can be monitored remotely from the police station.

If the city wins a grant to fund the program, the cameras will run 24 hours a day, and can be viewed at day and night, according to Morgan Hill police chief David Swing.

Communications staff at the police station will be able to view the footage live, and will even have the ability to pan and zoom the security spy cameras , Swing said. Footage will be recorded in a database that can be accessed by officers and police communications staff.

Police and city staff hope the added layer of security will allow dispatchers to provide pinpoint direction to patrol officers responding to potentially dangerous incidents in the area of Galvan Park, and to go back to review tapes for evidence collection or other purposes.

Galvan Park is located on Crest Avenue, which is designated as a "lower income Census tract," according to a city staff report. It's also the site of a high volume of police calls for service, including for violent gang-related incidents.

A murder took place on the street, just west of the park, in October 2009, when Juan Arellano was shot to death outside the Crest Avenue apartments.

"We hope to discourage criminal activity, and help people feel more secure because they know that there are cameras there," Swing said.

Police and city staff will continue to evaluate other places where similar cameras could be installed in the future, such as on light poles in the city's Community Park - which is near the site of the Nov. 4 drive-by shooting that took the life of 14-year-old Tara Romero.

The city will not attempt to use such security measures on private property, Swing said.

"We're not trying to see into private areas. The cameras will be monitored by city staff, (in areas) where there is no expectation of privacy," he said.

Staff do not yet know exactly how many cameras will be installed. The city will spend up to $78,000 on the program, funded by a community development block grant from Santa Clara County.

The city can only spend such funds on areas designated as "lower income" such as Crest Avenue, city manager Ed Tewes explained.The cameras will be installed next year, when the city is likely to receive the grant if it gains approval.