The only premiere tonight is NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” at 8 p.m., but five shows are ending tonight, including the 9 p.m. finale of “Big Brother” on CBS. Also ending tonight are Fox’s fat dating show “More to Love,” ABC’s “Shaq Vs.,” A&E’s “The Cleaner,” and we can’t forget “Addicted to Beauty” on Oxygen.

ABC has canceled the sci-fi-esque romantic drama “Defying Gravity,” because no one watched it. The Fox Television-produced show lasted about a month, with its final episode airing last Sunday.

“Dirty Jobs” will return, already in its fifth season, with mega host Mike Rowe. Discovery Channel promises 11 new episodes starting October 6 at 9 p.m.

Finally today, Comedy Central is starting up a new series called “Secret Girlfriend” on October 7. It features quick, 11-minute mini-episodes about a guy in his 20s, his friends, roommates, and the each of the two girlfriends he’s trying to keep secret from each other.

Today, Atdec launched its Telehook TH-1040-VFM full-motion mount. The mount allows the viewing angle to be adjusted up to 40 degrees, useful for those with TVs in high glare areas. The Telehook TH-1040-VFM also allows TVs to be moved to landscape and portrait mode after installation. Pinwheel TV, anyone?

This is made possible through use of a ball joint which offers wide adjustment of up to 40 degrees in any direction, allowing users to find that perfect sweet spot for our TV. There is no need to screw and unscrew numerous bolts with Atdec’s “Simple Tension” Adjustment system, and their Smooth Glide technology allows for effortless adjustment of screens up to 55 pounds. ‚ The TH-1040-VFM’s quick release mechanism guarantees fast and easy TV attachment and removal, though the idea of a quick release on our giant glass TV scares us more than anything else. Also, Atdec also says the mount is theft resistant, though that seems to be the opposite of “quick release.”

“We are really in the TV viewing business and that’s what Atdec’s mounting solutions are all about: providing the best and most elegant way to ensure optimum viewing experience no matter what the environment may be. The new Telehook TH-1040-VFM is a perfect example of this philosophy with its ability to offer infinite fine-tuning of the viewing angle via a variety of easy to adjust pivot points. Innovative design, matched with a stylish look and reliable build, make the new mount an ideal choice for any home or commercial TV installation.” Said Jerome Green Director of Atdec.

The TH-1040-VFM supports panels between 12 inches and 40 inches and a weight up to 55 pounds. It will be available in mid September for $169.

Some of the houseguests on big brother this week went a little bananas. Jesse nominated Michelle and Jordon for eviction. Off-beat Casey was one of the players chosen for the power of veto. During the competition, he took a risk that backfired on him and left him wearing a banana suit for an entire week. Michelle won the competition, taking herself off the nomination block. Some of the houseguests thought the plan was to put up Ronnie and evict him, but Jesse shocked some of the houseguests by nominating Casey instead.

Throughout the week, the bitter banana tried rallying for votes to stay in the game and go after the athletes. In the end Jordon once again avoided eviction and with a vote of 7 to 1 Casey was voted out, but not before speaking his mind first. He warned the other houseguests that Ronnie and Jesse will betray them if they stay in the game, leaving the remaining players with some food for thought.

As they say in the big brother house, expect the unexpected. Two twists were revealed Thursday night that could change the game. Julie Chen told the houseguests that they will no longer be playing the game in cliques, but rather as individuals. She also revealed to the viewers that America will be able to vote for one of the houseguests to receive a special power. The chosen player will be able to overthrow the head of household’s nominations one week. They’ll be able to replace the nominees with anyone except the head of household and the power of veto holder. These changes to the game make this weeks head of household competition more important than ever. But, we’ll have to wait to find out who wins. This weeks competition is based on endurance and could last for hours, possibly days. Watch Sunday to find out who lasts the longest and takes the title of head of household.

It’s been another tense week inside the Big Brother house. The theme of this week appeared to be “revenge of the nerd” as Ronnie became head of household and used his power to nominate athlete Jeff and popular Laura. But it quickly became muscle over brains as the houseguests began to catch on that Ronnie was the “rat”, trying to turn both sides against each other. The self-proclaimed gamer seemed to have overplayed his strategy, making himself a target for the other players.

Throughout the week Russell bullied him into seclusion, torturing him every chance he got. According to host Julie Chen, Ronnie spent more time in the head of household room than any other head of household in Big Brother history. He barricaded himself inside, only leaving when called to the diary room.

To save themselves from eviction, the nominated houseguests had to “count” on the power of veto to save them. The chosen players for this weeks power of veto competition had to count coins to win and come closest to a certain number. Jeff won, beating out Russell in the final round. Jordan was put up as a replacement nominee, putting clique-mates against each other. In the end, bikini model Laura was the second person to be voted off Big Brother 11.

With many broken deals and promises, the houseguests knew this week’s head of household competition was more important than ever. And when it came down to Jesse and Jeff, the big brother veteran took the title of head of household for the second time this season. Watch next week to see if Ronnie is able to manipulate his way out of eviction.

(ARA) – An important change is coming in the way television works and it could affect you. It’s called the "digital television transition" and it will be a seismic shift in the American television broadcasting system, as local TV stations meet a government requirement to transmit their signals in a digital format, starting in February 2009.

What does that mean for the average viewer? Well, it’s more than a behind-the-scenes technical adjustment. Once the new requirement kicks in, most older TV sets that aren’t connected to cable, satellite or a special converter box, will not display programs from local broadcast stations.

More simply put, an old "analog" TV that still relies on rabbit ears for a picture will go black. The good news is that cable customers can relax. Every TV set connected to cable will continue to display local stations, even after TV broadcasters launch the new transmission format.

Why the Change?

Here’s what’s happening: Under a federal mandate, after Feb. 17, 2009, TV stations must cease their analog transmissions and broadcast only in digital. Since their inception more than 60 years ago, stations have sent out signals in analog format, but as the world is becoming digital, so is broadcast TV.

The federal government is requiring the change for two reasons. First, by converting to digital from analog, a valuable communications spectrum will be made available to emergency responders, such as police and fire departments. Second, digital technology renders improvements in over-the-air TV, including clearer pictures, more channels and high-definition TV images.

The catch? Many television sets in use today — particularly those purchased more than five years ago — were built to receive the original analog signals over-the-air, not the new digital signals. Those sets must be connected to a cable or satellite service, or to a special converter that will be sold in electronics stores.

The converters are expected to cost around $50 to $70, and to help households pay for them, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is managing a nationwide coupon program that will provide up to two $40 coupons to each household that requests them.

Good News

Although the digital transition could cause some confusion, there’s good news on two fronts. The first is that most new TV sets, especially digital and HDTV sets manufactured since 2004, feature built-in digital tuners that will accommodate the new digital broadcasts.

Also, the transition will be relatively seamless for consumers who have their TVs hooked up to cable, because cable companies will take care of the technical translation for them. There’s really only one thing cable customers need to know: After Feb.17, 2009, any TV set connected to cable will continue to display local TV signals, and won’t require the purchase of a new converter to continue receiving favorite broadcast TV programs.

For more information, go to www.dtvtransition.org or call (888) DTV-2009.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – So you finally bought that beautiful new flat-panel TV you’ve been eyeing for the past six months. Now what? An increasing number of new TV owners are abandoning bulky entertainment furniture to mount their TVs on the wall.

Wall mounted TVs are the latest trend in home improvement, and for good reason. They free up floor space; provide the option of wiring bulky, unattractive cables inside the wall — making for a clean, wireless appearance; they are affordable; and best of all, they are easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to install, but first you need to come up with a plan.

“When deciding on the type of mount you want, there is some important information to gather,” said Jim Wohlford, general manager for Sanus Systems, a leading mount manufacturer. Here are the guidelines he recommends people follow:

1. Know where you want to put it. If you plan to mount your TV on a wall in the living room, for example, the general rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least twice as much wall space as the width of your TV. This will allow the TV to fill the space nicely without seeming too large, and leaves you extra room to hang art or speakers.
2. Have your TV information handy when you shop. It’s important to match the mount to the size, weight and mounting-hole pattern of your TV, so have your TV brand and model number with you. Generally, TVs that are less than 42 inches in size have a VESA-standard hole pattern for mounting and TVs 42 inches and larger have random hole patterns that require mounts with universal hole patterns. Any competent electronics store salesperson can help you find the right TV/mount combination.
3. Choose one with the most flexibility. Do you want a mount that sits flat against the wall, or would you rather have one that allows you to tilt, swivel and extend the mount in any direction? Titling and full-motion mounts offer far more flexibility than a low-profile or “fixed” mount and make it easy to hook up cables to the back of your TV.
4. Consider all possibilities. Ceiling mounts and under cabinet mounts are great alternatives.
5. Safety first. Make sure you are capable of installing the mount yourself, before choosing the do-it-yourself route. Reputable mount manufacturers make most mounts so they are relatively easy to install as long as you follow the directions and have someone else there to help you lift the TV. There’s always the option of hiring a professional to install your TV. Ask the store salesperson where you purchase your mount if they offer an installation service. If they don’t, they may be able to suggest a local company that specializes in mount installation.

Whether you choose to mount the TV yourself or work with a professional, here are some additional things to be aware of:

• TV mounts are installed by securing them to wall studs or into concrete. Make sure you know where you want the TV placed ahead of time so you can avoid marring the wall by drilling multiple holes.
• Do your research. Make certain the mount you choose is the best option for your needs but when in doubt, pick the mount with the most flexibility. This is where full-motion mounts are ideal because you can tilt, swivel and pan them in virtually every direction and some even extend and retract from the wall. Full-motion mounts with extension allow TVs to be mounted in the corner of a room.
• For optimal viewing, mount your TV at eye level from where you will watch TV. If that means eye level when sitting on a couch, then mount it there. However, it may make the TV look low when standing next to it. A simple solution is to mount it at normal height when standing and tilt it to eye level (providing you have a tilting or full-motion mount) when sitting down.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Johnny Carson, the “King of Late Night TV,” ranked as number one TV icon in TV Land Presents: The 50 Greatest TV Icons, created by Entertainment Weekly and TV Land.

The two-hour TV Land special, premiering November 16 at 8 p.m., will look at individuals who have made their indelible mark in TV history. The complete list will be in the TV Land Original special and in Entertainment Weekly’s annual DVD issue on stands that day. The magazine feature celebrates each icon’s contribution to television along with DVD recommendations from each of their work.

Viewers will also be invited to text their choices for who they believe should be the number one icon during the special’s premiere. The top picks will be featured throughout the show with the final tabulated number one viewers choice revealed at the end of the show.

The winners include 12 Icons from the classic television era of the 1950s to 1960s; 21 Icons from the 1970s to 1980s and 17 Icons from the modern era of 1990s to 2000s. There are 22 comedy icons; 10 drama icons; 8 variety show icons; 5 talk show icons; 2 news icons; 1 soap opera icon; 1 game show icon and 1 sports show icon.

For more show details visit www.tvland.com.

The 50 Greatest TV Icons:
50. Larry Hagman
49. Calista Flockhart
48. Jimmy Smits
47. Simon Cowell
46. Lassie
45. Sarah Michelle Gellar
44. Susan Lucci
43. Flip Wilson
42. James Gandolfini
41. Jon Stewart
40. Sally Field
39. Jennifer Aniston
38. Bea Arthur
37. George Clooney
36. Diahann Carroll
35. Michael J. Fox
34. Bob Barker
33. Ellen DeGeneres
32. Henry Winkler
31. Sarah Jessica Parker
30. Alan Alda
29. John Ritter
28. Howard Cosell
27. Regis Philbin
26. Farrah Fawcett
25. Heather Locklear
24. Michael Landon
23. Barbara Walters
22. Milton Berle
21. Kermit
20. Carroll O’Connor
19. Andy Griffith
18. William Shatner
17. Bob Newhart
16. David Letterman
15. “Not Ready for Primetime Players”
14. Ed Sullivan
13. Jackie Gleason
12. Dick Van Dyke
11. Roseanne
10. Dick Clark
9. Homer Simpson
8. Jerry Seinfeld
7. Mary Tyler Moore
6. Carol Burnett
5. Walter Cronkite
4. Bill Cosby
3. Oprah Winfrey
2. Lucille Ball
1. Johnny Carson