If your New Year’s resolution is to bring your technology into the 21st century, revamping your TV is a great place to start. The unfathomable amount of information available for your viewing pleasure on the World Wide Web begs the question: why are you still settling for cable? Check out these suggestions to take your downtime from stale to spectacular.

Pick the Perfect Computer

Everyone has a favorite machine, but we are partial to the Mac mini. Not only is it one of Apple’s most cost-effective computers at $699.00, but this tiny wonder is the world’s most energy-efficient desktop. When idle, it uses less than 10 watts, making it better for the planet and your bottom line. Plus, it has a remote control, so you can easily switch between sites and content.

If you want to convert that old PC you have lying around to your new media station, Windows-compatible remotes such as the Windows PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver are available from Amazon.

Freebies

Many television stations offer their content online, free of charge, with limited commercial interruptions. Don’t want to miss Modern Family? Can’t spend a week without House? ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS — to name just a few — allow viewers to watch their favorite shows from the convenience of their desktop. Plus, most stations offer even more great content related to your favorite shows online such as special “webisodes” and video blogs by cast members.

If you’re looking for the last 5 episodes of current popular shows, more than 800 full seasons from hundreds of shows, personalized recommendations for you, and lots more, hulu is a great choice. Their standard definition via computer is still free, but, for high definition and more options, joining hulu plus for $7.99 a month gets you a full-access pass for television and available movies.

Want to catch up on that British series you love, brush up on your Vietnamese or check out the news in the Netherlands? Beeline TV offers news, TV shows, movies, music, entertainment and sports from around the world free of charge.

A bevy of free content that steps outside of the box a bit is also available on various stations. If you want to catch up on your Masterpiece Theatre or view a documentary on Epigenetics, PBS.org has something for you. And, of course, if you’d prefer to watch your daily tap dancing squirrels, funny kids or old Saturday Night Live skits on a bigger screen, YouTube is always an option.

Filesharing services are also a good source of free content. We like MegaShares because they allow direct downloads and feature easy search capabilities.

Get a Subscription

With Amazon Video on Demand, you can purchase pretty much any video or television show and watch immediately. Amazon even offers TV passes, where you can buy any past or future episode of a show at a discounted price, so you can catch up on past seasons of a show you just discovered — and make sure you never get behind again.

Speaking of utilizing an account you already have, iTunes is a fantastic source for TV shows and movies, most of which carry a fee, and podcasts, many of which are free.

And then there’s a little something called Netflix. Current estimates are that, during peak hours, as much as 20% of bandwidth is utilized by Netflix alone. From Scooby Doo to Spartacus, a good selection of movies and television shows can stream directly to your TV via computer (or XBOX or PS3 or Wii…) for a low, flat monthly fee.

No matter which way you choose to go, the future of viewing is more user-friendly and tailored to individual tastes than ever. With a computer-controlled approach for every budget, basic cable seems so — well — 2010.

Best Digital Projectors Under $500

The best digital projectors may seem to be the type of gadget that would be out of the reach of many consumers, but the fact is that there are a lot of decent models available for the same price as a small flat screen television.There are a lot of big name brands among the best digital projectors under $500, such as Sanyo, Epson, and LG, but budget models also exist from ViewSonic, 3M, and Dell.

Here are some of the best digital projectors under $500:

Epson’s Widescreen Champion: The EX70

Best Digital Projector Under $500:Epson Projector EX70

Epson’s EX70 is a bit large for an inexpensive portable digital projector, but its widescreen resolution makes up for it. Users can also attach their computer with a simple USB connection, one of very few models out on the market to provide this type of Plug ‘n Project functionality. Of course users can still utilize the VGA input if need be.

The EX70 is one of the best digital projectors under $500 that has good brightness with 2,000 lumens with a 165:1 contrast ratio. It also has a very high level of volume for a projector, which can easily fill a room, however the bass is predictably tinny. The EXS70 is also very short throw, needing only about 9 feet for a good picture. Overall it’s one of the best buys in its price class.

The Epson EX70 is available refurbished from the manufacturer for $495, or from Amazon for $599-$699.

LG’s Loaded HS200

Best Digital Projectors Under $500: LG HS200 Projector

The LG HS200 is an inexpensive digital projector that has a plethora of extras, including USB inputs, wireless FM for an audio feed, 30,000 hour lamp life, and embedded DivX capability. It’s an LED-based projector, so it’s environmentally friendly, but it only supports 200 lumens. It has so many connectivity options, like RGB/component, composite, HDMI, and a 1/8 audio output jack, not to mention the very useful USB.

While the speakers on the HS200 digital projector won’t blow you away, they’re better than nothing. However it’s lightweight, whisper quiet, and has good color saturation overall. The LG name usually carries a good amount of quality with video products and this projector doesn’t disappoint for the price, which makes it one of the best projectors under $500.

The LG HS200 is available from Amazon.

The Tiny Giant 3M MPro150 Pocket Projector

Best Digital Projector Under $500: 3M MPro150 Projector

3M’s MPro150 is not the first pocket digital projector to appear on the market for under $500, but it’s one of the most improved. It’s a bit brighter than older models, holding its own at around 15 lumens. The pocket projector is not for all occasions, of course, but for viewing a quick video or TV show, it’s very handy. It only has a battery life of around two hours maximum, so watching movies isn’t going to happen anyways.

3M provides a composite video cable, as well as a USB cable and VGA cable.  The cable length is around 3 feet for each, not terribly long but adequate for most situations that call for a budget pocket digital projector. 3M also offers an iPod, or iPhone cable that allows users to project video directly from their device. That cable will run you around $50, however.

The 3M MPro150 Pocket Projector is available at Amazon for $359.

ViewSonic’s Light as a Feather PJD2121

Best Digital Projector Under $500: Viewsonic PJD2121 Projector

The ViewSonic PJD2121 is much more lightweight than many other top rated digital projectors its size. While it stands a bit bigger than palm top projectors, it only weighs around 2 pounds, and supports about 308 lumens. While you’ll only get an image size around 35 inches diagonally, its much brighter than most projectors its size, definitely out performing any palm top projector.

The one downside to the PJD2121 cheap digital projector is that it lacks connection options. It only accepts component video and VGA, but doesn’t provide a mouse input for control. With no composite video input, it can’t run 480i or 480p. It also lacks any audio speakers, so an external sound system is needed.

The ViewSonic PJD2121 is available at Amazon for $406.

Dell’s Micro Monster: The M109S

Best Digital Projector Under $500: Dell-M109S Projector

The Dell M109S is a micro budget projector under $500 that has an 858×600 SVGA resolution and uses Texas Instrument’s Pico technology, similar to the 3M digital projector above. With standard composite and VGA inputs, there are decent connectivity options. It weighs less than a pound and fits in most hands. Its lamp will last around 10,000 hours, and it has an 800:1 contrast ratio.

The M109S digital projector features 50 lumens, and can display up to 480,000 pixels total. While you may not take this into the boardroom, it’s great for home use for quick videos.

The Dell M109S is available at Amazon for $350.

The Versatile Vivitek D825MS

Best Digital Projector Under $500: Vivitek D825MS Projector

The Vivitek D825MS is a cheap projector quite light and supports 2500 lumens. With a resolution of 800 x 600, it’s not the best projector out there, but one wouldn’t expect that for under $500. It has no speakers, so an external sound system is needed for audio. It has a decent contrast ratio of 2200:1, and it delivers in color accuracy.

This digital projector also doesn’t have air filters that can sometimes get clogged and make the projector overheat. It cools down so fast, in fact, that it doesn’t even need the standard two minutes before unplugging.

The Vivitek D825MS is available at Amazon for $400.

Best Portable iPod and MP3 Speakers

A few months ago, MetaEfficient profiled an energy efficient home speaker system for the iPod. But what if you want to bring your music with you on the go – and share it outside your headphones? You’ll need a set of portable speakers that are just as mobile as your MP3 player. Following are six of the best portable speaker systems on the market, in a range of sizes and offering a variety of features. All of them feature a self-contained power source, and some offer an iPod dock as well as a standard 3.5mm mini-jack connection.

JBL On Stage Micro

JBL On Stage Micro

The JBL On Stage Micro provides solid sound quality with a tiny footprint. It features an iPod dock in the center as well as a 3.5mm plug for connecting other inputs, plus a clever touch button system and a remote control that make track selection and volume adjustments easy. Aluminum transducers driven by neodymium magnets are paired with digital amplifiers to provide rich sound while extending battery life. Four AAA batteries provide 24 hours of play. The On Stage Micro is compatible with rechargeable NiMH and lithium cells, and it features a low battery indicator LED. Plus, the On Stage Micro speaker system comes in a range of color options to match your iPod: white, black, blue, green, and red.

The JBL On Stage Micro is available at Amazon. Prices start at $72.50, depending on color.

iHome iHM77 Portable Multimedia Speakers

iHome iHM77 Portable Multimedia Speakers

These rubberized mini speakers from iHome each measure just 2” x 2” x 2” when collapsed for transport, then pop open when in use with a clever accordion design. Vacuum bass design enhances low frequency tones, and the iHome speakers magnetically attach to one another to form a super-portable capsule. Power comes from internal lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged using the included USB cord, and a carry case and cord wrap are included with the speakers.

The iHome iHM77 Portable Multimedia Speakers are available in black, silver, and red from Amazon, starting at $46.80.

Harmon/Kardon Go + Play

Harmon/Kardon Go + Play

The Go + Play from Harmon/Kardon may not be the smallest or cheapest option for a portable speaker system, but it delivers serious sound quality thanks to its 30-watt tweeters and 30-watt Atlas woofers. Its 9” x 9.5” x 20” dimensions are substantial, but a stainless steel carry handle and battery power keep it portable. It features the universal iPod dock system that is compatible with most dockable iPods (see note below) plus a 3.5mm jack for other connections. The Go + Play comes with an AC power adapter for indoor use, and a full-featured RF remote with a 20-foot range. And although eight D batteries add bulk to the system, they provide approximately 20 hours of power.

(Note: Harmon/Kardon is planning to release an updated version of the Go + Play speaker system in spring ’09, offering enhanced compatibility with newer iPods and the iPhone.)

You can find the Harmon/Kardon Go + Play at Amazon for $216.90.

Pacific Rim Technologies Cube Travel Speakers

Pacific Rim Technologies Cube Travel Speakers

The Pacific Rim Cube speakers have been around for a while, and they’ve won fans with their minimalist design (and sub- $10 price tag). You shouldn’t expect window-rattling bass from these mini speakers, but the Cube delivers mobile sound and folds into a tidy package for transport – just 2.4” x 2.4” x 4”. The Cube features an iPod stand and a 3.5mm jack for connecting your player, plus an independent volume control. Power is provided by four AAA batteries or the included 6V DC charger. The cable management system is handy when it’s time to pack up the Cube, and the speakers are available in either black or white to match your iPod.

The Pacific Rim Technologies Cube Travel Speakers are available from Amazon for $9.99.

Altec Lansing InMotion iM11BLK

Altec Lansing InMotion iM11BLK

Altec Lansing is no stranger to iPod speakers, and the InMotion iM11BLK is a highly portable speaker system that won’t break the bank. Weighing less than a pound and measuring 8.5” x 1.4” x 4.3” when folded for transport, the InMotion system features an iPod dock/ charger, as well as a standard 3.5mm plug to accommodate other music players. MaxxBass speakers provide solid low tones without the need for a subwoofer. Four AA batteries provide over 18 hours of playback, or the speakers can be powered via the included AC plug.

The Altec Lansing InMotion iM11BLK is available from Amazon for $65.82.

Bose SoundDock Portable

Bose SoundDock Portable

Would you be willing to sacrifice compact size to literally bring your home stereo system with you wherever you go? If so, check out the Bose SoundDock Portable. This mobile variation of their popular SoundDock system features a carry handle, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a retractable iPod connection/charging dock (in addition to a 3.5mm plug for other devices). The SoundDock is over 12” wide and weighs over five pounds, so it’s not as compact or portable as some of its competitors, and it doesn’t come cheap – but it offers legendary Bose sound quality and an iPod-specific design. Battery life is roughly three hours at maximum volume (longer at lower levels); an AC adapter is included for battery charging and using the SoundDock at home, and a remote control gives added convenience.

You can find the Bose SoundDock Portable in black or white for $399 at Amazon, as well as a SoundDock travel bag for $40.19.

Satellite radio is a high quality radio service that is static free, mostly commercial free and currently censorship-free. Special satellite receivers, costing around $50 are needed to pick up the signal. The two satellite radio companies, Sirius Radio and XM Satellite Radio offer competing services, both costing $12.95 per month. CNET offers the best comparison review of the two services. If you don’t care much for sports, reviewers say you should consider XM, which currently has the widest, most innovative variety of hardware. A good overview is Consumer Search’s review of satellite radio services and hardware.

What are the best online DVD rental services? Most people know Netflix, Blockbuster and Walmart are the major players in online DVD rentals. Netflix, which started it all, still gets the best reviews in terms of service, speed and movie selection (see this review for example).

However, there are some other interesting DVD rental companies out there. GreenCine, based in San Francisco, specializes in indie, arthouse, anime, foreign, classics, documentaries and other esoteric fare. They basically stock what the other mainstream rental companies do not, including an extensive selection of adult titles. Here’s a FAQ for GreenCine. Their “3 movies out” plan is $19.95 per month.

Nicheflix is another specialty DVD rental service. They stock “Multi-Region” DVDs, which are DVD coded for other countries. People with multi-region DVD players can rent and watch films intended for audiences in Asian and Europe. The cost is $24.99 per month for 3 DVDs out at a time.

E-Hit is a rental company offering a large selection of Asian cinema, including many films in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese, Korean, and Japanese and other Asian languages (with English subtitles) that may be difficult to find elsewhere in the US. The cost is $19.95 per month, for 4 DVDs out at a time. CinFlix is a similar service, also specializing in Asian DVDs.

CafeDVD, founded in 1999, has a good collection of independent, arthouse, foreign, classic and hard-to-find titles on DVD. The cost is $19.95 per month, for 3 DVDs out at a time. They also have an “A La Carte Rental Program” which allows you to rent DVD for $3 each, with no subscription required.

Here’s a discussion of people’s experiences with these rental companies.