What is a plasma tv ?

A plasma TV is an alternative to the regular cathode ray televisions sold today, it is a high definition or commonly known as HDTV. Plasma TV gives vibrant color and sharp image, especially with high definition broadcast. Unlike the box-like 4:3 ratio of a regular TV, plasma TV is designed with 16:9 ration for wide screen formats. However, plasma TV is a little expensive, starting at 2,000 dollars up to 15,000 dollars or more.

The main selling point of a plasma TV is the flat screen design. This allows the TV to mount directly into the wall and does not require a lot of clearance. Investors can also add surround-sound speakers for luxury. Plasma TV has become a status symbol among wealthy consumers and other technophiles.

The technology behind plasma television is very complicated. Plasma is the scientific term that refers to gas like xenon or neon that glows when exposed to electrical field. Try to imagine a fluorescent light bulb or a neon sign to understand plasma for it applies here.

The main disadvantage of a plasma TV is its vulnerability to damage. If struck with a hard object, numerous gas-filled tubes instantly lose their ability to glow. It might cost a lot to have it replaced if it is still repairable. Consumers should always consider extended warranties and insurance, since the most common repair is replacement of the entire screen. Plasma TV has limited shelf life for the gas become less reactive to electrical field and loses its glow. It could take about several years for the changes to be noticeable.

What is an MP3 Player ?

An MP3 is a compressed digital audio file using a standard defined by the Motion Picture Expert Group or MPEG. Known as MPEG-1, Layer 3, MP3s uses as little as 10% of the regular storage needed by the CD format, and the device use to play these files are called MP3 player.

MP3 player comes in different capacities and sizes. The smallest player uses flash type memory, not like the conventional memory found in desktop computers. Flash memory keeps stored files even when turned off. It is very compressed and needs very little power to function allowing long battery life.
The disadvantage of flash-based players is that they have limited storage. Hard disk-based MP3 were developed for larger storage needs. This can store up to thousands of songs but compromises the compactness of flash memory MP3 players.

Though Apple did not come up with the idea, their iPod popularized the device, and with the rising popularity of MP3 players, manufacturers create non-portable players for home. The major advantage of MP3 players is that not just one device can be used to access your MP3 files and you can store all the music in one place, and different MP3 players at home can treat the connection like a library with unlimited copies.

What are walkie talkies ?

Walkie-talkie is a communication device that consists of low-level radio receivers and transmitters. It was originally developed for military communication during the World War II. Moreover, in the 1970s, the walkie-talkie became popular with the CB radio craze. Children were the biggest customers of walkie-talkie toy model. Many adults prefer 40 channel walkie-talkie or CB radios for two-way communication.

Early walkie-talkie works on the same radio frequency assigned to Citizen’s Band radios. Channel 14 was the most common channel used. This means that the conversation can be heard by anyone under the same channel. Federal Communication Commission does not require license for low-powered walkie-talkie due to their range limitations.

The device previously known as walkie-talkie have now enjoyed a revival popularity, even if most manufacturers call it two-way radio. These communication devices no longer use the old CB frequencies that can easily be intercepted. Modern walkie-talkies use the FRS or Family Radio System bandwidth that has 14 channels issue by the FCC, which give more security for conversations.

Modern two-way radios range as far as two miles. If a walkie-talkie ranges more than five miles, the Federal Communication Commission must license it. Adventurous users may buy two-way radio with additional features such as GPS, compass, hands-free voice command and weather channel tuner.

What is miniDV ?

One of the three common formats used in recording digital sound and picture is miniDV. MiniDV captures high quality audio and video in high-density cassette tapes. It is one of the most popular formats used for it delivers sharp and high quality video and sound.

MiniDV is one of the most commonly used formats in camcorders. Many manufacturers like Panasonic, Sony, JVC, canon and sharp offer MiniDV for it delivers clearer audio and video than analog camcorders. In addition, miniDV offers a more solid color reproduction. MiniDV also have other features like Night recording and MPEG and they are compact and lightweight.

Videos captured from a miniDV can easily be imported on to a PC, and once imported, editing, burning to a DVD or converting for internet use will be easy. With the use of an IEEE-1394 interface, transferring videos to a PC can be performed. This interface is standard to most of the newer computers and if your computer does not have the interface, you can just purchase one and install it in your PC.

Compared to other digital video cassettes, the ones used in miniDV are smaller. These are used commonly for semiprofessional-quality or personal video. Among digital cassette tapes, this are commonly use, these tapes provides easy playback on most type of DV-compatible device. Finally, even those without experience can easily use miniDV.

What is a VoIP phone ?

A voice over internet protocol is a kind of phone that uses digital technology in transmitting phone calls via internet unlike regular phones. This technology allows the user to bypass traditional phone companies, making all calls via internet. The service requires digital subscriber line like DSL internet service to work. Regardless of the technology used in making VoIP phone calls, talking on the phone and dialing is pretty much the same as in landline.

There is no specific phone requirement in using this service. Telephony adapters are usually supplied to consumers, adapter plugs into the modem or cable, translate data from the user’s phone into internet protocol packets, and transmitted over the Net.

VoIP is much cheaper than the regular landline service so most people chose this service. You can get domestic and local long-distance packages with VoIP service, including other features like voicemail and call waiting for less than half of the regular phone service cost.

Some individuals like to use phones made specially made for VoIP, these phone are created with all the necessary software and hardware for making VoIP calls. They look like regular phones but they have Ethernet connectors and made to be connected to a router however, a regular phone with adapters can still be used in making VoIP calls.

What is a WiFi phone ?

A WiFi phone is designed to be used in a designated area, public places or cafes have hotspots where WiFi phone works. The performance of a WiFi phone depends on the number of people who uses the hotspot. WiFi phones range from 300 feet or approximately 90 meters from the hotspot. Whenever you are within the range, you will have connection.

WiFi phone normally has all the features a normal cellular phone has. You can make calls, receive voicemails, text message and with limitations, access the web. Wifi Phones can retrieve greater data and has wide internet access. This technology is also available in laptops and needs no cable or telephone lines to access the internet.

This technology is still new and may take time to become widely used. WiFi have been available in offices and hospitals for years, however, consumer options are limited. It is expected that hotspots will increase in the following years, as the use of Wifi phones become obvious, many people are planning to switch to WiFi phones.

There are still several disadvantages found in using WiFi phone. You are unable to roam between hotspots and receive WiFi phone calls at the same time. You can still make and receive regular phone calls however, many phones shut off WiFi connection when not in use as power-saving mode therefore, incoming calls are missed.

What is a podcasting aggregator ?

Podcasting aggregator is a web application or client software, which “aggregates” syndicated podcasts (online audio, which comes from the word “ipod” and “broadcast” since podcasts were originally made to be transferred to an iPod as MP3 records.

A podcast aggregator reduces the time a user needs to check websites for updated podcasts. With a podcasting aggregator, the user only has to subscribe to any website with podcasts once, and the aggregator checks for new podcasts at user-determined intervals and retrieve the update via e-mail or instant messenger. Such aggregators are usually built into portal sites like Google and Yahoo, e-mail programs and web browsers. These programs stream audio signals specified to a user’s home stereo, desktop computer and MP3 player, such as an iPod,

iPodder, the first-ever podcasting aggregator, was developed by an ex-MTV VJ named Adam Curry. Since then, other developers followed and created their own podcasting aggregators based on Curry’s design. The most successful of these aggregators is the iTunes from Apple. The iTunes is tied to the company’s online music store, but anyone can download podcasts without charge. Other podcasting aggregators include Podcast.net and Podcast Alley.

Podcasting aggregators are built to prove that downloads shouldn’t have to be live in order to be accessed. As such, anyone can download podcast episodes whenever new updates are available and users can be updated through their respective e-mails. Unlike radio broadcasts, podcasts can be listened to whenever desired, thanks to podcasting aggregators.

What is a multifunction peripheral ?

A multifunction peripheral (MFP) is a kind of device designed to perform two tasks, which required two different machines in the past. Multifunction peripherals provide functions of two or more stand-alone equipments, such as a copier machine, printer, scanner or fax machine, which could work even without network connectivity. However, some units are designed for network connectivity, providing users an easier way to print and copy materials sent electronically. With such models, users will no longer have to get a hard copy to be printed out and copied into a copier machine. Due to its effectiveness, multifunction peripherals are used in most offices and homes today to accomplish tasks easier.

Most multifunction peripherals available today have more than two functions. One of the most common MFPs work with a copier, printer, scanner and digital copy machine, usually being sold as a ‘4-in-1 multipurpose printer’. These kinds of devices use the appropriate software and network connection to scan documents, store it in a computer, pull it up into the system and print two or more copies. If the unit includes a fax machine, the user can easily send the digitally-copied document to anyone who has a fax machine.

The major advantage of using multifunction peripherals instead of stand-alone devices is cost effectiveness. Since investing on different equipments would cost more money, it is best to buy MFPs to keep tasks simpler while saving money. In addition, multifunction peripherals are best for offices with limited space. Since everything you need is included in the MFP device, the device would take much less space. Whether setting up an office at home or for a new business, the savings in space, time and money a multifunction peripheral provides is definitely worth considering.

What is a large format scanner ?

Also known as wide format scanner, a large format scanner is a roll-fed or sheet-fed scanner larger than A3. Most forms of large format scanners are light-based, but other units are designed with cooler formats. Generally, large format scanner can cover 34×36 inches. These types of scanners usually have wheels and could stand on their own, making them easily movable. Because of its size and design, a large format scanner is usually expensive; but has become more affordable due to the availability of easier printing formats.

The use of a large format scanner is important in nations that are preserving historical documents and relics by scanning them and converting them to digital copies. Similarly, this device is used by companies in preserving large documents, which cannot be copied by a normal-sized scanner. Individuals and organizations use a large format scanner in preserving photographic images, parchments, old newspapers and other materials, which are prone to damage by fire, earthquakes, insects and other natural or unnatural dangers.

Other specially-designed large format scanners can copy documents of up to 40 inches wide and half an inch thick. As such, these types of scanners can copy even posters. However, since a large format scanner can copy materials at a greater width compared to the average scanner, it usually requires more power. But since it is the most effective device in archiving important historical artifacts and documents, it serves a very useful purpose for any user.

What are computer benchmarks ?

Although most computers are used simply for work, internet surfing or chat, others are used in testing or developing hardware and software. To gauge the performance of software and hardware, special tests known as computer benchmarks are used. Computer benchmarks involve a set of test in measuring the level or speed of performance. Some systems are not able to perform in certain levels, so benchmarks are important to determine if a hardware or software is stable, before using.

Developers who create their own games and performance systems use a series of benchmarks in comparing scores to rank whose systems are better. Benchmarks usually include sound tests, graphic tests and plenty of other options in diagnosing problems.

Other multi-tasking benchmarks are available to determine how well a computer can perform in stressful situations, such as running several programs at a time. Every time a user opens a program, his or her computer slows down. By using benchmarks, a user can determine which programs use up your system the most, helping you decide which programs should be turned off, while using demanding applications. Some benchmarks test the entire system, while others are specially designed in testing a certain part of the system, such as the hard drive, video cards, memory, CPU, sound card or network connection.

Regardless of which type of benchmarks used, these tests help users determine system problems and where these problems are located. As a result, it keeps expenses down in updating or repairing a computer since certain areas would only be replaced or repaired.

How can I remember passwords ?

Any person, whether actively using a computer or not, has to deal with passwords for their day-to-day lives. From ATM machines to point-of-sale cards, from e-mails to accessing your mobile phones, passwords are used in providing additional security to your personal information, money, documents or any other important materials you have. The problem with keeping passwords is that with all the devices you assign passwords to, remembering which belongs to what device can be an overwhelming task. However, there are ways to remember passwords; the two most common methods being mnemonic devices and personal significance.

1) Mnemonic device – For passwords that are given to you, which is usually composed of random letters and numbers, you need to make up an easily remembered phrase to associate it with the password. So if you are given a password “MDN43B”, you could think “My Dog Needs 43 Bones” or anything you deem memorable.

2) Personal references – Another popular method people use in remembering passwords by using personal references. Unlike mnemonic devices where you have no option of choosing passwords, you can use personalized passwords to ensure you would not forget them. For instance, your childhood pet who died, favorite book, childhood nickname combined with your birthday, phone number, stress address, baby’s geographical location, and other letters or numbers with personal significance makes it easier to remember several passwords.

However, some experts argue that using personal reference as passwords can be dangerous because of identity theft. Since hackers or other fraudulent persons typically research their victim’s lives before committing a crime, it may not be a good idea to use the name of your immediate family members like your mom, spouse, baby, etc. as passwords.

What is handwriting recognition ?

Hand recognition is the ability of a computer to receive and translate human writing into text by writing directly into a device, or scanning written text.

The first hand recognition technique ever used is called “optical character recognition” or simply OCR. It allows users to scan in handwritten texts into basic, easily accessible and searchable digital forms. Most scanning suites include some type of OCR.

OCR was followed by the on-line recognition technique in the 1990s. When Apple Computers developed a handheld device known as the Newton, the handwriting recognition interface has become widely available for every Newton user. The device included a small stylus, which people use to write directly into the screen and have the characters recognized and converted into digital text.

Since Apple’s Newton did not recognize handwriting patterns efficiently, Palm developed their own handwriting recognition device known as the Graffiti. With Palm’s device that relied on line-strokes to define stand-ins of letters written, it provided a more effective system in distinguishing letters and identified user’s variations. Hand recognition was also used in Microsoft’s Tablet PCs, which involved a more extensive database of character variations. However, mainstream consumers did not appreciate hand recognition techniques…yet.

Today, with cellular phones and PDAs with stylus inputs becoming mainstream, hand recognition software is becoming popular again and many companies are working on perfecting hand recognition.