Super Bowl 2013: party tech ideas that cost less than a ticket

Fortunately, the RCA TVPRAMP1R was designed to improve upon the performance of outdoor antennas in remote and low signal areas. With a VHF gain of 16 dB and a UHF gain of 22dB, this coaxial pass-through device is an affordable $40 solution to an all-too-common problem.

Bad Call Brick by HuskerMax

Super Bowl 2013 party tech

Another common problem that has a quick fix involves controlling unruly guests who are diehard fans and can't take their team losing any portion of the Super Bowl. Nothing spoils a good party faster than a broken expensive piece of technology due to a sports fanatic with anger management issues.

Set up all Ravens and 49ers fans with a Bad Call Brick by Husker Max. This foam rubber brick is the simplest tech suggestion, but it's one that might save the rest of your entertainment center from unnecessary roughness as the clock winds down.

The Go Plate

Super Bowl 2013 party tech

Lots of football viewers have a losing record when it comes to simultaneously eating, drinking, and cheering on their team in the Super Bowl. The appropriately named Go Plate aims to give these butterfingered folks a winning streak thanks to its innovative design.

Sold online for $17 in packs of ten, Go Plates have a hole in the middle that fits most beverages. Be it a glass bottle, aluminum can, or Solo cup, these plastic plates turn your beverage into a plate handle and are reusable for future Super Bowls parties to come.

Super Bowl companion apps

Super Bowl 2013 party tech

Tuning into just one screen to follow the Super Bowl isn't very likely in the year 2013. To put it another way, there's a better chance Notre Dame football star Manti Te'o had a real girlfriend the entire time than for you to go all four quarters without looking up information on the game.

The best place use of your data plan is the official NFL Mobile app by Verizon, if that's your carrier. This iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 8 app is accessible by every carrier, but video content and the live stream is restricted to Verizon customers this year.

Non-Verizon customers who are looking to find a Super Bowl 2013 live stream should point their computer browsers to the CBS Sports homepage. It's going to stream Super Bowl 47 for free in its entirety, including Beyonce's halftime show.

Meanwhile, Super Bowl ticket holders should download either the NFL '12 or the more streamlined SB XLVII Guide app for information about going to the game and great places surrounding the New Orleans venue.

Finally, everyone at home should keep the Shazam app handy. More advertisers are looking to use the name-that-tune app to offer promotions and extra information during their commercials.

Super Bowl 2013 kickoff time

The official Super Bowl start time is 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, so you may have to dodge, juke, and dive to the store to find these clutch technology items. After that little bit of effort, however, the gadgets will take over; the RC Cooler will deliver you and your guests beer, the ice maker will keep the drinks cold, and the TV or projector will make the game look great no matter who ends up winning the Super Bowl.

Matt Swider