By Roger Fillion, Rocky Mountain News
December 25, 2006

Correction This story about seeking help for new high-tech gifts should have said that Geek Squad does offer remote technical assistance via online chat and telephone for a flat fee.

The gifts are unwrapped. You're itching to try that new computer, TV, iPod, digital camera or whatever. But there's a tiny problem. You set it up - say the TV - and the thing won't work.

You need help. Who ya gonna call?

Here are suggestions. There are national and local outfits. Just remember: They charge for their services.

"Having an expert a phone call away can be a real benefit, as long as you are aware of the costs that can be incurred for this kind of support," advises the Better Business Bureau.

Before dialing for help, you might check with the manufacturer first - or the store where you bought your item. And in this digital day and age, there's always the Internet. It's free. We've also offered some simple tips.

Don't fret. You're not alone. In fact, Virginia-based electronics retailer Crutchfield has dubbed the week following Christmas "Tweak Week" - when everyone who got an electronic gift is trying to get the thing to work.

Good luck!

Personal computer

"Some of them aren't ready to go right out of the box," says Nathan Ziehnert, deputy of counter intelligence for Geek Squad in Denver. "It startles some people." First, he says, determine where you want the PC located. Plug in the various color-coded cables - including those for the mouse and keyboard. Be sure to come up with a user name for the computer login. Register the computer with the manufacturer.

Television

Bridgette King, spokeswoman for Virginia-based electronics retailer Crutchfield, says a common problem with a new TV is a "No Signal" message on the screen. That often happens when the TV is set on the wrong "input" on your remote. To fix the problem, hit the remote's "TV/Video," "Source" or "Input" button to get the appropriate input. King adds: "Check to make sure that the source - the cable or satellite box - is turned on and properly connected to the TV."

Digital camera, iPod, MP3 player, other gadgets

Ziehnert of Geek Squad recommends the "15-minute miracle" for gadgets that don't work correctly once you plug them into the computer. "You unplug everything," he says, including the computer and the peripheral device. "Go do something for 15 minutes, come back, and plug it back in." That gives things a fresh start.

Try this first

Before ripping apart the owner's manual in search of a solution, try these tips. Sometimes, the fix is simple.

Local help

You might consider a homegrown outfit. We found plenty by going to Google and plugging in "Denver" and "computer" and "help." Here are two we spoke with, although we can't vouch for them. Referrals are useful. And remember that trip charges may apply.

• Compu+Medic: Evergreen, 303-679-1500. "We can help people with the digital camera if they don't know how to download the photos. We can help set up new printers," says Compu+Medic's Kristi Schopfer, listing some of the firm's skills.

• PC-911: Centennial, 303-807-2911. Owner Paul Vaccarelli says he typically can fix residential problems within two hours. "I'll do some phone assistance for free," he adds.

High-tech helpers

FIREDOG(http://www.firedog.com)/

• What: Circuit City's high-tech gurus

• Expertise: TVs, computers, iPods, MP3 players, digital cameras, home-entertainment systems, gaming devices

• Contact: 1-800-f-i-r-e d-o-g, or 1-800-347-3364, to learn about the service or to schedule a house call. Alternatively, bring your gadget or appliance to one of 15 Circuit City stores in Colorado with firedog staffers. Flat-rate charges apply, depending on service.

• Online help: Remote technical assistance - via online chat and telephone - is available at www.firedog.com/ online. Fee-based; users need a broadband connection.

GEEK SQUAD (http://www.geeksquad.com)/

• What: Best Buy's high-tech gurus

• Expertise: Personal computers and laptops. Also will help with how iPods, MP3 players, digital cameras and the like mesh with computers.

• Contact: 1-800-G-e-e-k-S-q-u-a-d, or 1-800-433-5778, to learn about the service or to schedule a house call. Alternatively, bring your computer or gadget to one of 14 Colorado Best Buy stores with Geek Squad staffers. Geek Squad also operates a stand-alone store in Denver. Flat-rate charges apply, depending on service.

• Online help: Not available.

CNET.com (http://www.cnet.com)/

• What: Veteran tech Web site specializing in computers, digital gadgets, electronics and related technologies. Product reviews and tips.

• Expertise: Variety of categories, including camcorders, TVs, home-audio systems, Internet telephony

• Online help: Tips & Tricks section offers video footage and articles. Visitors can post questions.

YAHOO! TECH (tech.yahoo.com)

• What: New Yahoo Web site "for those who don't have the time, energy or know-how to keep up with the latest technology." Product reviews and tips.

• Expertise: Variety of categories ranging from camcorders and TVs to printers and Wi-Fi systems.

• Online help: Product Categories department dishes up how-to advice. Columnists also provide how-to tips.

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