Solar energy

Solar energy or solar power refers to the use of solar radiation for practical purpose. Solar energy is also known as green energy as it is environmentally friendly and non-polluting which provides a remedy to global warming and certain forms of pollution. Solar energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat (or thermal energy) and electricity.

Advantages:

Solar energy is a renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) resource. Solar energy is non-polluting and does not contribute to global warming. Solar cells are used to change sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are totally silent. Solar cells require very little maintenance and will last for decades. Although solar panels may be expensive to buy but can save money in the long run as the energy from the sun is practically free. Solar energy does not require any fuel and therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of fuel. Solar powered lights and other solar powered products are also very easy to install. In some countries, financial incentives are available from the governments. In some countries, there are schemes for creating carbon credits for users of solar power which are also applicable to industries. Carbon credits are an element used to aid in regulation of the amount of gases that are being released into the air and they may be traded.

Disadvantages:

Solar cells/panels, etc can be very expensive. Solar panels require quite a large area for installation. Moreover, sunlight depends on location, time of day, time of year, and weather conditions. Solar energy cannot be created at night.

Usages:

Solar geysers are useful for hotels, hostels, hospitals, guest houses, canteens, residences, swimming pools, etc., as they provide a cheap and alternate way for hot water. They are also used for making tea/coffee, cooking, cleaning utensils and for bathing purposes.

Solar energy can be converted to thermal (or heat) energy and used to heat spaces like inside greenhouses, homes, and other buildings.

In rural regions where power supply is irregular and scarce, solar lantern, with simple mechanism, is very useful. Even in the urban areas, solar lantern is a good alternative during power cuts. Solar energy is also used as solar home lighting systems and solar street lighting systems. These solar street lighting systems are useful particularly in the dark rural areas and thus doing away with the high cost and hassles of laying electrical wires. LED installations at places like resorts, educational institute campuses, etc can save power bills with lower illumination levels. 220 V electricity driven LED streetlights are also becoming fast popular because of their much lower power consumption and higher durability as compared to conventional sodium and halogen streetlights.

Solar dryers are used for food processing and fish packaging industry. As opposed to natural sun drying method, the modern sun dryers ensure uniform drying, no direct radiation, avoid food contaminations and discolouration and retain original taste and colour of fruits, vegetables, seafood, prawns, etc. It gives better preservation for long term storage which is useful for exports. Production level is increased as solar dryers increase moisture removal rate, thus speeding up the drying process and thus reduce drying time. Also, it has negligible maintenance costs, uses free and clean energy and gives quick returns within 3 years. For high production gas fired dryers are used in place of solar dryers as solar dryers require a lot of space. They are also cost effective.

Solar energy is used in dairy industry, process industry, solar refrigerator, solar RO plant, solar cooker, solar vehicle, distill water units, solar power plants, etc. In fact, there is a long list of usages. Common examples are power watches, calculators, Traffic Signals, satellites etc.

Some useful websites in India:

www.pegasus-semiconductor.com

www.unisolsolar.com

www.pegasus-semiconductor.com

www.nrgtechnologists.com

www.sunenergysystems.net

http://www.warmstream.co.in/

[Update 1: 03.02.11]

The above advertisement is published by Government of India, Ministry of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

About MNRE

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal Ministry of the Government of India for all matters relating to new and renewable energy. The broad aim of the Ministry is to develop and deploy new and renewable energy for supplementing the energy requirements of the country.

More details on www.mnre.gov.in

Tubeless Tyres

MRF makes tubeless tyres for a wide variety of vehicles. Tubeless tyre is a tyre that does not require a separate rubber inner tube for inflation. Inner liner/layer of the tyre is the tube itself. The inner liner/layer is constructed of halo-butyl/chlorobutyl and other materials. These chemicals are basically resistant to heat and reduce permeation of air.

The rim of the tyre will act as a sealant for the air inside the tyre. The air valve is directly kept on the rim to pump air directly into the tyre. If a tubeless tyre gets punctured, air escapes only through the hole created by the nail, leading to a gentle deflation of the tyre. Thus giving a substantial time between a puncture and a flat tyre. In case of a total loss of air inside the tyre, it is likely that the bead (part of the tyre that is shaped to lock into the edge of the rim upon inflation) will collapse inside the rim-well rather than come off it.

In the Indian market, 3 repairing methods are available. 1. PLUG METHOD. (Mushroom type). This method is strongly recommended by Bridgestone. The repair from tyre inside gives a permanent, strong and airtight repairing. 2. FILLER METHOD. This method is recommended by Bridgestone and is commonly used in the market. This method is cost effective and saves labour time. 3. PATCH METHOD. Bridgestone does not recommend. Applying a patch inside the tyre stops air leakage due to puncture, but steel belts get exposed to water moisture.

http://www.bridgestone.co.in/ Tyres /Tyre Knowledge/Tubeless Tyres

For, tubeless tyre users, puncture kits are also available at all Goodyear tyre shops. Tyre can be repaired in a few easy steps. The use of liquid sealants does not meet standard requirements of puncture repair and is not permanent repair.

Advantages:

The advantages of the tubeless tyres include less accident that occurs due to tyre burst, especially at very high speed. In case of conventional tyres, temperatures generated at high speed (more than 100 Kmph) expand the tube which can burst easily in case of sudden sharp penetration causing grievous accident. Also, incorrect tyre fitment, or friction between the tyre wall and inner tube generating excess heat causing a blowout.

In other advantages of tubeless tyres compared to tube type tyres are better fuel efficiency as light weight due to absence of the tube, better heat dissipation as air in direct contact with rim, less balance weight required as no unbalance due to tube. 

Tubeless tyres can avoid other tube troubles like ballooning, open splice, spurious tubes, pinholes, tube mounting damage and cost of a tube and its maintenance.

Disadvantages:

Tubeless tyres are heavier than the standard tyres. They are costlier compared to normal tyres. They worn out easily and should be replaced regularly. A thread goes off easily and it should be replaced or else it will result in sudden damage to the vehicle and reduces the control of the vehicle. Small roadside puncture repairers cannot fix them. Needs proper tools so that the tread is not damaged in dismount (mount). Cannot be used on very badly rims. 

http://www.autocarindia.com

Advantages of tubeless tyres outweigh the disadvantages when compared to conventional tyres.

Update 1 [24.01.2014]:

JK TYRE: HIGH PERFORMANCE TUBELESS TYRES

 

Blood Glucose Meter

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not make, or does not properly use, insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps your body use the energy from sugar, starches and other foods. The result is that your body doesn't get the energy it needs, and unmetabolized glucose (undigested sugar), builds up in your blood causing damage to the body and its systems.

 

Glucose is a form of sugar produced when the body digests carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Glucose is the body's major fuel for the energy it needs. When insulin is absent or ineffective, the blood glucose (blood sugar) level increases. High blood glucose levels can lead to both short and long-term problems.

 

At present, no cure is available for diabetes. But with regular self-monitoring of blood glucose and a proper combination of diet, exercise and medication, people with diabetes lead active, healthy lives.

 

Self-monitoring of blood sugar levels with the help of medical device: 

 

A glucose meter (or glucometer) is a medical device for determining the approximate concentration of glucose in the blood. It is a key element of home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) by people with diabetes mellitus or with proneness to hypoglycemia. (In hypoglycemia, blood glucose can drop too low, especially if you are using diabetes medications or insulin). A small drop of blood obtained by pricking the skin (Usually from fingertips) with a lancet device and placed on a disposable test strip, which the meter reads and uses to calculate the blood glucose level. The meter then displays the level in mg/dl or mmol/l digitally.

 

Glucometer readings are good enough for self monitoring of blood sugars. A difference of 5-10% is acceptable between glucometer and lab values. This is because home blood glucose meters measure the glucose in whole blood while most lab tests measure the glucose in plasma (one of the components of blood) and Glucose levels in plasma are generally 10-15% higher than glucose measurements in whole blood.

 

Different types of meters are commercially available. They differ in several ways including amount of blood needed for each test, testing speed, overall size, ability to store test results in memory, cost of the meter, cost of the test strips used, etc. Some glucose meters allow testing blood from alternative sites, such as the upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, and thigh. Latest technological advances have allowed cutting down the cost of the devices. They also offer advance features like temperature corrected results. You should get training from a diabetes educator. You should know how to use your glucose meter and interpret its results. Make sure your meter works properly.

 

Many glucometers have data transfer facilities. Data can be transferred to computer through cable or infrared for the readings, graphs, monitoring insulin doses, etc with the help of diabetes management software. You should be technical minded for this.

 

Tests after diet, exercise or medication help to understand its impacts on blood sugar levels and help us to adjust the medication as per needs.

Check it with lab frequently. Keep track of all the readings of lab and taken at home. Do not forget to take it when you visit the doctor. 

Full HDTV - BRAVIA New Series X by SONY INDIA

Sony India has launched New Series X in Full HD LCD TVs. These are KLV-55X450A, KLV-46X450A and KLV-40X450A. The maximum retail prices are Rs. 399,900/- , Rs. 263,900/- and Rs. 153,900/- respectively.

First, let us understand HDTV:

The quality of picture depends on screen resolution, i.e. no. of pixels (dots) across horizontally by no. of pixels vertically in the screen. Higher resolution gives better pictures.

The HDTV technology offers vertical resolution that ranges from 720 lines with progressive scanning (720p) to 1080 lines with interlaced scanning (1080i).

Progressive Scan is an image improvement technology where all the lines of a picture are exposed in one go, rather than in two sweeps as with interlaced images. One of the key High-Definition formats, 720p, uses progressive scan technology.

In Interlaced technology, the image on screen is created by two 'sweeps', where the odd lines are produced in the first sweep and the even lines in the second sweep, with the two sweeps interlaced to create one picture. One of the key High-Definition formats, 1080i, uses interlacing technology.

Full HDTV provides 1080 lines with progressive scanning (sometimes referred to as 1080p). Progressive scanning is considered superior to interlaced scanning for full-motion video displays.

The main features of New Series X are as under.

1. Full HD 1080: Here, Screen resolution is 1080p (1920 by 1080 pixels).This High Definition (HD) recording, delivers the best image quality for live broadcasts, recordings and HD movies. This format is more than twice the number in conventional standard definition (SD) format. The format of HDTV screen is widescreen format. Generally in ratio of 16 units wide by 9 units high. You will see no black bar while seeing films as films are normally shot in widescreen format. The wider 16:9 aspect ratio of HD approximates the shape of the human visual field, making you feel like you are actually in the picture. This HD picture quality is immediately noticeable. Channels that are not broadcast in HD won’t look very pretty.
2. BRAVIA Engine 2 PRO: BRAVIA Engine 2 Pro is a newly developed high definition video processor that integrates several special picture enhancement technologies and Advanced Contrast Enhancer. This fully digital video-processing circuit can reproduce optimal, high-resolution images from SD signals and HD signals.
3. RGB Dynamic LED: The most significant upgrade for the Bravia X450A is LED backlighting technology that boosts dynamic contrast to over 1,000,000:1.Precision-matched RGB filters in the screen make sure the increased colour range has the maximum impact on picture quality.
4. 10-bit Panel: 10-bit LCD panels allow shades of colours to be reproduced more naturally. Whereas conventional 8-bit panels could only reproduce 256 levels of gradation, 10-bit panels are capable of displaying 1024 steps. This means a finer, smoother reproduction of colour shades is now possible.
5. Live Colour Creation: The combination of Sony's Colour Algorithm and WCG-CCFL new back light system enables it to capture the true colours of the source for superior and stunning colour performance. The result is realistic pictures with a wide range of radiant colours and incredibly deep accurate tones, reproduced exactly as nature intended.
6. Motionflow™ PRO: It improves motion performance so that fast actions appear clearer and sharper, and smoother than ever. Motionflow actually creates artificial pictures which it inserts into fast-moving sequences to effectively double the number of pictures, or frames, that make up the sequence. This enhances the excitement of watching sports and movies.
7. MPEG Noise Reduction: MPEG Noise Reduction automatically reduces block noise and improves the edges of characters while at the same time, successfully suppressing noise that usually appears at high contrast edges.
8. Intelligent Picture: Intelligent Picture automatically boosts weak analogue broadcast signals (RF) and reduces the noise of these signals to produce vibrant and noise-free pictures.
9. BRAVIA Sync: With the push of a single button of remote control, each entertainment device (e.g. Bravia Home Theatre) synchronises itself with the others and brings every system online and playing your favourite programmes instantly.
10. S-Force Front Surround: This amazing virtual surround technology utilises a complex process of sound delay to bring a surrounding sound atmosphere to any space whatsoever from just two built-in front speakers. Users can enjoy 360°of full surround sound with only two front speakers.

Before purchase, make sure that HDTV has an HDMI input with HDCP support. HDMI and HDCP are explained as under.

HDCP: High bandwidth Digital Content Protection. This is a copyright system that prevents unauthorized copying and distributing of copyrighted content. Due to the quality of High-Definition content, the likes of Hollywood studios are becoming obsessed with HDCP to combat piracy, and it's likely that all next-gen HD sources will feature HDCP and thus only let you watch HD content at its maximum resolution, for which you will need a DVI or HDMI connector.

HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface. As with DVI, this is a high-bandwidth digital connection that carries video and sound between your HD television and source transmitter. This is the best possible connection available and ensures the best picture and sound quality is achieved.

DVI: Digital Video Interface input. A type of connector used between your HD television and source transmitter (like Sky box or DVD player).

Silk Mark, a symbol of silk purity

Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI), a registered society, sponsored by the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, had launched, SILK Mark, a label certifying that the product is made up of quality silk material. This will protect the interests of the consumers and will play a multi-dimensional role in the overall promotion of Indian silk both in the domestic and export markets.

Silk manufacturers, Wholesalers, Retailers and exporters of repute, who fulfill certain minimum standards in their raw materials, supply chains and sourcing of finished or semi-finished products can become an Authorised User (AU) of Silk Mark. They would be allowed to use the Silk Mark Logo in the products containing 100% natural silk. 

Silk Mark would be a symbol of silk purity. It would be a hallmark for products made from pure and new silk. It will be prominently displayed and affixed to products. Silk Mark covers all silk products - Primary, intermediate and finished silk products viz. 1. Raw silk 2. Silk yarns 3. Silk fabrics 4. Silk sarees 5. Silk made-ups 6. Silk garments 7. Silk carpets.

In case of doubt, consumer can test and confirm products under a Silk Mark label, for purity from the SMOI Centers. In the event of genuine consumer complaint, the AU is bound to make good of the damages as per consumer protection law. SMOI will act as a facilitator in such cases.

Morning Walker exerciser

MORNING WALKER is compact, portable and simple to use. It comes with a fully automatic timer. You can set the usage time by rotating the timer knob and phew, it stops automatically. It is the only one medically tested and endorsed by leading institutions.

 

Lie down and place your ankles on the cushioned footrest. While MORNING WALKER moves the entire body, most importantly, it is moving the largest muscle group in the body i.e. your legs. The swinging motion causes your blood to circulate efficiently in the whole body. In turn every cell absorbs oxygen and the toxins are removed. Relax while having a workout and your entire body is rejuvenated within these few minutes of workout. By using it for 15 minutes, you get the benefit of brisk walking 10000 steps.

 

Morning Walker is useful for people suffering from blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, spondylitis, arthritis, cardiopulmonary disease etc. It is being used by thousand of families who are drawing great health benefits from it. It is virtually maintenance free.

 

Manufacturers claim all the benefits but it will not provide the same benefits as real exercise. Here are some reviews on it in diabetes.

 

• ..In the MORNING WALKER, you will just lie down with your feet placing on it, and it just vibrates, but for diabetic neuropathy, if you walk then your feet will get activated, and that numbness and all will not be there. So, the right option for diabetic neuropathy is walking rather than using the MORNING WALKER.

 

• …But I think morning walker is good for those patients of diabetes who are unable to do any other exercises. Those who can do other exercises need not buy this one. The best and the cheapest exercise for diabetic patients is walking. If you can do this exercise regularly, your blood sugar level will always remain under control

 

• …I am in confirmation that it will be little use (for serious diabetic patients), can be used for general people as an exercise item in the situation like - rainy season/if you have not enough time to walk/very old people who feel very difficult in walk.

 

For more information – http://www.morningwalker.com

 

Treadmill Running

Advantages:

Treadmills are a great piece of exercise equipment, not only do you get to exercise your legs, your arms also get to work out as well. A calorie burned on a treadmill is the same as a calorie burned during any other activity. Cardiovascular fitness is improved at a similar rate whether you run on a treadmill or outside on the road or track. The treadmill provides many added benefits including injury prevention, safety, and convenience.

Treadmill workouts have an unlimited number of possible combinations of speed, distance and incline. Treadmills also absorb shock better than asphalt and are less likely to cause impact injuries. You can workout on treadmill virtually in all the seasons. In medium and high range treadmills there are built in heart rate monitoring systems.

Advantage to owning a treadmill is the fact that you can do mini-workouts during the day. Music, television, or even setting up in a room with windows is a great idea for any one who wants to pass the time in pleasure. You should run or walk on the treadmill before buying it. A treadmill ought to be comfortable first. It should provide adequate surface length and cushioning for the person. Speed and incline controls should be located at the place that is easy to reach while exercising. An emergency stop switch should also be there at an easy access point. Any treadmill should be equipped with a strong motor.

Disadvantages:

Working out outdoors can give you a much more difficult exercise routine that is more beneficial to your body. You may not get fresh air or may not get vitamin D from the sun. When you are on the treadmill, you are not moving, so the scenery never changes. The size of strides and forward lean may actually do not match while running on the treadmill. Running on treadmill is “artificial” running which may create lack of confidence. Running in a Confined Space and "on the spot" can be boring and tedious. It is a costly item.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III camera

Canon’s line of autofocus-capable SLR cameras is sold under the name EOS. EOS stands for “electro-optical system” but is also meant to be a reference to Eos, a Greek goddess of the dawn. Canon EOS-1D Mark III camera is the fastest and the most powerful digital camera in this category.

Digital SLR Camera or digital single-lens reflex camera is a digital camera that uses an automatic mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens through the viewfinder eyepiece. Or we can say that a camera’s viewfinder looks through the same lens that exposes the image sensor (or film).

This is further added by 3.0 inch LCD monitor with a live view technology making this model to be the most feasible model among all Canon digital SLR cameras.

It has 21.1 full frame CMOS sensor. CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) is an image sensor. The image sensor's job is to convert light to electrical energy, which can then be stored in digital form in the camera's memory. An image sensor's photo-capturing power is measured in pixels, and will usually be seen expressed in megapixels. Here, the sensor is 21.1 megapixel CMOS. Cameras which use 35mm film or which use large sensors that are the same size as a frame of 35mm film are commonly called full frame cameras these days. Its Dual DIGIC III image processors randomly work to speed up and refine every image quality.

A key advantage of this camera with interchangeable lenses is the ability to change lenses whenever you want. Lenses built by Canon for use with their EOS series of cameras are technically known as EF-series lenses. Canon EF mount lenses are of the “bayonet” type. This means that the lenses have mounting lugs (three in the case of EOS lenses) which slot into the camera body mount. You then rotate the lens a partial turn to lock it into place with a click.

Details of Canon EOS-1D Mark III camera

Type	Single-lens reflex
Sensor	CMOS
Maximum resolution	3,888 × 2,592 (10 million)
Lens type	Interchangeable (EF)
Shutter	Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled
Shutter speed range	1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments)
Exposure Metering	63-zone TTL full aperture metering
Metering modes	Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points), Partial metering (approx. 13.5% of screen, at center), Spot metering (approx. 3.8% of screen), Centerweighted average metering
Focus areas	19 cross-type AF points (plus 26 Assist AF points)
Focus modes	Autofocus (One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF), Manual Focus (MF)
Continuous Shooting	10fps up to 22/30/110 frames (RAW+JPEG Large Fine/RAW/JPEG Large Fine)
Viewfinder	Optical
Rear LCD monitor	3.0 in, 230,000 pixels (690,000 dots) TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Storage	Compact Flash (Type I or Type II), Secure Digital, External Hard Drive or other USB Storage Devices.

A.O. Smith-Jaquar Water Heater

Jaquar & Company Ltd, India's largest manufacturer and exporter of bath fittings tied up, on 2nd July 2008, with $2.3 billion US company, AO Smith, to launch an exclusive range of water heaters in India.

Features are as under:

1. Blue Diamond Glass Lining: It offers the best protection against tank corrosion. It also prevents scaling formation which takes place due to Hard Water.
2. Dual Glass Coated Heating Elements: These reduce electricity bills, increases life of the heating element and heats water faster. You have option of heating either one or both the elements.
3. Ideal for high rise apartments: It is 23% stronger than stainless steel tanks, ideal for high rise apartments where water pressure is high, can withstand the water pressure up to 8 bar.
4. User Friendly: The control panel has a LCD screen that displays electricity consumed and can be used for temperature settings. Available with corded remote.

Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) in India

FMPs have emerged as favourites by simply combining small investments, assured returns and tax savings. By investing in debt instruments with the intent of holding them to maturity, FMPs are appearing to be a safer haven for all those who are fed up with falling share prices. Anybody, with a one month period could go in for liquid funds but those with 3-9 months time may opt for FMPs.

With more than 27 fund houses having launched FMPs with tenures ranging from 3 months to a few years, FMPs are possible alternatives to fixed deposits in banks.

Advantages:

1. The minimum investment amount is Rs. 5000.
   
2. FMPs offer good fixed income.
   
3. Interest earned on a fixed deposit gets added to the investor’s income. This can mean an outgo of 33% tax for deposit holders in the highest tax bracket. But in FMPs, which have a tenure of more than one year, investors can choose to take all gains as capital appreciation, which result in taxation only at 10 % without cost indexation benefit (adjusting for inflation) or 20% with indexation. In short duration FMP schemes, if the investor receives the gains in the form of dividends, then individual investors will get taxed at 12.5% of the returns.

Risk-averse investors and especially those falling into the higher tax brackets should go for these products. Still, investors would do well to consult their investment advisors/financial planners to determine what avenue will be most suitable to them.

Fixed Maturity Plans are subject to market risks.

LCD TFT Monitors

LCD term is used for Liquid Crystal Display.
TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology provides a much sharper image and higher refresh rate to satisfy gamers in particular. The TFT screen also uses a special assembly process, with layers of glass and various filters. The process greatly increases the viewing angle, both horizontal and vertical.

Advantages:

1. Thin and stylish and takes up very little space.
2. Is energy efficient and consumes very little energy.
3. Relatively lightweight, especially in larger sizes.
4. LCD monitors have extremely fast response times. Varies from 8 ms to 2 ms.
5. TFT monitors have a very crisp image only comparable to very expensive CRT monitors. Pixels are refreshed at a rate of 25 milliseconds. This virtually eliminates eye strain.
6. Have contrast ratio from 5000:1 to 30000:1.
7. More display area (a 15 inch LCD is equivalent to a 17 inch CRT).
8. TFT LCD monitors are not affected by magnetic sources, namely speakers.
9. Widescreen (in the approx. ratio of 16:10) to enhance the viewing of spreadsheets, games and movies.
10. LCDs don't have the geometric, convergence or focus problems of CRTs, and their clarity makes it easier to view higher resolutions than equivalent CRTs.
11. There is much less glare from a TFT monitor.
12. TFT monitors produce less heat and radiation than CRT monitors.
13. The monitor can be mounted on the wall to save even more desk space.
14. Since, LCD monitors are not affected by magnetic sources, namely speakers. As a result, some LCD monitors even offer integrated speakers, and do not require special shielding. Look for in-built speakers to avoid desk clutter.
15. Look for suitable screen resolution as TFT displays are usually designed to run at a specific resolution. Most 15" TFT displays are designed to run at 1024x768 @ 75Hz. Although you can use smaller displays (eg 800x600), the fonts can look out of proportion and blocky. Most 17" TFT displays are designed to run at 1280x1024 @ 75Hz.
16. Look for Extra connectivity such as HDMI and DVI inputs.
17. Look for Additional USB ports for greater connectivity.
18. Look for warranty which may range up to 5 years, even if it costs a litter higher.
    

HDMI - The High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. This offers high definition images for gaming or high end graphics applications.

DVI - The Digital Visual Interface is a video interface standard designed to maximize the visual quality of digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital projectors. Ideal for high end gaming or work that requires a high detail of graphics.

Disadvantages:

1. They are costlier than CRT monitors.
2. TFT monitors have a limited angle of view.
3. You may experience some blurring on lower end models when there is movement on the screen. This is most prominent in full screen games where you get a motion blur effect but is also noticeable when scrolling through documents or websites.
4. LCD monitors have a single optimum resolution. If a user wants to use a lower resolution, then either only part of the LCD panel is used, or the pixels have to be scaled up to fill the screen, resulting in a blockier look.
5. Dead LCD pixel is another problem. Dead pixels mean pixels that simply do not function. These pixels cannot be repaired, and can be quite annoying if they are in the main viewing area of the monitor, and especially where the screen background is generally white. Discuss this issue before buying.

Digital Camera FX36 from Panasonic

Features:

1. Intelligent Auto Technology: Intelligent Auto (iA) mode offers Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye correction for even better shooting results.
2. 25mm wide: It packs in twice the area compared to a 35mm lens. Ideal for taking group shots and landscapes.
3. Leica DC lens, 4 ASPH lenses, 4X optical zoom: The 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens offers f/2.8 brightness and 4x optical zoom. This advanced lens unit comprises 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces.
4. HD Photo: All Lumix cameras can take 1920 x 1080 pixel HD (high-definition) photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. You can create slideshows with a variety of change effects and matching music. This camera will add background music, giving you a choice of natural, slow, swing or urban.
   
   The FX36 can record motion images with sensational 1280 x 720 HD resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). Just connect the camera to an HDTV and you're ready to view your still shots and motion images in high-definition beauty.
   
   This is in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and VGA (640 x 480) video.
5. 10.1 Megapixel : The more pixels that exist in an image the higher the resolution and therefore the greater the quality of the image. 10.1 megapixel is on higher side.
6. 0.005 Shutter release: Fast response time means that the shutter release time lag for the DMC-FX36 is as short as 0.005 second. This quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.
7. MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.): It helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur and Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings.
8. Buy it from authorised dealer.
   
   

Lumix DMC-FX36 details:
Sensor: 1/2.33" Type CCD/ 10.7 million pixels total/10.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes:
4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3648x2736,3072x2304,2560x1920,2048x1536,1600x1200,640x 480 3:2 Aspect Ratio: 3648x2432 pixels, 3072x2048, 2560x1712, 2048x1360 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 3648x2056, 3072x1728, 2560x1440,1920x1080
Movie clips:
4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 30 fps, 10 fps 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps HD（16:9 Aspect Ratio）: 1280x720 30fps, 15fps
File formats: PEG (EXIF 2.21)/QuickTime (Motion JPEG)
Lens: 25 - 100mm (35mm equiv.)/ 4.4 - 17.6mm/ Wide: F2.8 - 5.6/LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT/7 elements in 6 groups (4 Aspherical Lenses / 6 Aspherical surfaces)
Image stabilization: MEGA O.I.S lens-shift stabilization
Conversion lenses: No
Digital zoom: Yes, up to 4x
Optical Zoom: 4x
LCD Monitor: 2.5" Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (230K dots)
Focus: Normal/ Macro/ Quick AF On/Off
AF area modes: Face/ 9-point/3-point high speed/ 1-point high speed /1-point/ Spot
AF assist lamp: Yes
Focus distance: Normal: 50cm – infinity/ Macro / Intelligent AUTO: Wide 5cm / Tele 50cm - infinity
Metering: Intelligent Multiple
ISO sensitivity: Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/High Sensitivity Mode : Auto (1600 - 6400)
Exposure compensation: ± 2EV, 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing: ± 1/3 EV ~ 1EV step, 3 frames
Shutter speed: 8-1/2000 sec/Starry Sky Mode: 15, 30, 60sec
Aperture: Wide: F2.8 - F8 Tele: F5.6 - F8
Modes: Intelligent AUTO/Normal Picture/Motion Picture/Clipboard /Scene
Built-in Memory: 50MB

Terminology:

AF - Auto Focus. A system that automatically focuses the camera lens.

Aperture - The lens opening formed by the iris diaphragm inside the lens.

Digital Zoom - Cropping and magnifying the center part of an image

EV - Exposure Value, a very complex thing but in the digital camera world it usually means the ability to override the auto exposure system to lighten or darken an image.

Exposure Bracketing - the camera automatically takes a series of 3 or 5 pictures and slightly varies the EV for each frame. This insures that at least one of the pictures will be as close to perfectly exposed as possible.

Exposure Compensation - Lighten or darken the image by overriding the exposure system. Also known as EV Compensation.

Image Stabilisation - An optical or digital system for removing or reducing camera movement in telephoto zoom lenses.

ISO - The speed or specific light-sensitivity of a camera is rated by ISO numbers such as 100, 400, etc. The higher the number, the more sensitive it is to light. As with film, the higher speeds usually induce more electronic noise so the image gets grainier. ISO is the abbreviation for International Standards Organisation.

Lag Time - The pause between the time the shutter button is pressed and when the camera actually captures the image(exposes the shot). Lag time varies according to camera model.

Metering - Used to calculate the exposure from the existing light conditions.

Optical Zoom - Means that the camera has a real multi-focal length lens, this is not the same as a "Digital Zoom" which magnifies the centre portion of the picture and degrades the image

Shutter - The physical device that opens and closes to let light from the scene strike the image sensor. Digital cameras use both electronic and mechanical shutters.

Official website: www.panasonic.co.in and for service: http://www.atyourservice-panasoonic.in/

Apple iPhone

Apple Inc’s 3G iPhone debuted in India in Aug 2008.

New Apple iphone uses a speedy cellular technology called 3G. It also has a GPS chip for better location sensing.

The 3G iPhone combines three products in a one revolutionary phone, a wide screen iPod and a breakthrough internet device with rich push e-mail and a desktop-class web browser. Moreover, it has a sleek design, brilliant display and an innovative touch screen interface.

Its screen is of size 3.5 in (89mm) and of 480x320 px. Operating System is iPhone 2.0.2 (Build 5C1). It has a 2 megapixel camera. Input through four hardware buttons and multi-touch touch screen. Its CPU is of 620 MHz ARM 1176, underclocked to 412. Its memory is of 128 MB DRAM. Storage capacity is of Flash Memory 4, 8, and 16 GB. Connectivity through Dock connector, FireWire Headphone jack, Wi-Fi (802. 11b/g), and Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR. Its battery is Lithium-ion polymer. Form factor is Candybar Smartphone. It supports iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, iPod, and H.264. Prices in Indian Rupees are Rs. 31,000 for 8 GB and Rs. 36,000 for 16 GB. It is expected to be more affordable in a few months time.

Its capability to load pages is at least there times faster than any other phone currently in the market. Although, 3G capabilities are yet to come in India and a lot depends on how fast the government clears the allocation of 3G spectrum in the country.

What it doesn’t have:

1. Apple 3G iphone has a 2 mega pixel camera but you cannot record video clips.
2. The 3G iphone does not support instant messaging (msg forwarding).
3. 3G iPhone does not support stereo Music Streaming through Bluetooth headsets. You can only answer iphone calls wirelessly with this Bluetooth headset.
4. IPhone does not have a removable battery and expected life is 300-400 charges after that you have visit apple store to replace the batter every year or two like ipod.
5. You can not customize your ring tones with MP3 songs.
6. You cannot send pictures to other cell phones via MMS picture messaging.
7. You cannot download or access iTunes directly form the iPhone, you always have to do it through your PC or Mac’s iTunes program and then Sync files.
8. You can not load more than 8GB or 16GB worth of music, video, audio, documents, contacts, email, etc because there is no removable storage card support.
9. Does not have a Windows OS but a Mac OS.

Recently, in London, Advertising Standards Authority asked Apple not to broadcast its commercial that claimed that people can access all parts of internet from the smart phone. Actually, iPhone does not support Flash or Java, both integral to many web pages.

There is a security flaw in Apple iPhone which allows unauthorized users to gain access to private contacts and e-mails even when the device is locked. The company says a fix is on the way. In the meantime, it is recommended to users to set the iPhone’s “Home” button to open up the phone’s iPod music collection rather than the phone’s “Favorites” menu.

Recently, Apple released a software update for the iPhone that reportedly helped fix problems connecting to faster third-generation (3G) wireless networks. Users should update the iPhone with new software as and when available from the company.

UPDATE1[15.12.12]

iPhone4

Specifications

BRAVIA HOME THEATRE FROM SONY

New 'DAV-DZ370' Bravia theatre system from Sony India is especially designed for a perfect match with the Bravia LCD TVs. The main features are as under.

1. Bravia Sync: It allows you to control Bravia LCD TV and Home Theatre System with one remote control, and many one-touch functions.

2. Digital cinema auto-calibration: This technology allows the best settings for a room depending on the position of the speakers. Also, its dialogue enhancer system helps you hear clearer dialogue and duck the rest of the soundtrack. Digital cinema auto-calibration also simplifies multi-channel surround sound setup with the use of an included microphone for a balanced home theatre experience.
3. Digital Media Port (DMport): DM Port allows to play music stored on portable music devices such as portable MP3 players, mobile phones, bluetooth devices, PC client device, audio docking station like iPods or a network walkman or wi-fi gadgets.
4. S-AIR technology: The speakers are S-AIR technology ready and can be made wireless by connecting with a 'WHAT kit' which is optional.
5. HDMI capable and USB facility: The DAV-DZ370 also features HDMI capabilities and USB playback or record hosting port for pocket-gadgets. It packs 1,000W RMS total output and supports MP3, WMA and AAC formats and high quality DVD player with High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) output with 1080p up scaling.
6. Dolby Digital Pro logic II: Dolby Pro Logic II processes any high quality stereo signal source into "5.1"—five separate full frequency channels (left, center, right, left surround and right surround) plus one low-frequency-effects (deep bass) channel. It also decodes 5.1 channels from stereo signals encoded in traditional four-channel Dolby Surround.
7. DIVX Video: It’s a DIVX compliant.

May please refer my article on 'Full High Definition TV'.

Dishwashers from IFB

IFB dishwater is available in two models – Neptune and Zephyr Ex. They have built-in water- softening units and work effectively in hard water areas. They are fully automatic.


Their trays are uniquely designed to accommodate bulky Indian dishes like thalis, kadais, pressure cookers and even your old stainless steel vessels. They can handle nearly 95 pieces of dishes and other cutleries at one go.

Before the main wash begins, entire left over food in your dish is flushed out of the system through a high power jet spray. The main wash has 2 pre wash and 2 post wash rinses with fresh water to give a clean wash.

The IFB Dishwasher washing process uses temperatures up to 65 degree C. With a powerful combination of thermal, mechanical and chemical wash, no grime or dirt is match for the IFB Dishwasher. Moreover the dishwasher uses hot air to dry the dishes making it hygienic. And no watermarks are visible on the vessels and hence always look like new.

IFB Dishwasher uses less water and less detergent than human being. Also, good for environment.

Silver Nano Washing Machines from Samsung

SAMSUNG's Silver Nano technology is available in fully automatic and semi automatic washing machines.

Silver Nano is the first technology that combines the disinfectant and antibiotic properties of electrolytic silver Nano-particles in washing machines to remove harmful bacteria. Washing machine releases silver ions which penetrate deeply into fabrics of any kind and create a coat of sterilizing protection for a maximum of 99.99% disinfection and an added antibacterial effect of up to 30 days after washing. It is said that it’s no longer necessary to soak clothes in additives or wash at extremely high temperatures in order to sanitise them.

Health & Environment concerns:

Scientists are still unsure of whether they are safe for humans. This field of research is still at a very rudimentary stage.

More on www.samsung.com/in.

Bath Fittings and Accessories from Jaquar

In the above advertisement, the faucet shown is of model JAQUAR-ARTIZE.

Jaquar & Company is one of the world’s most renowned names in quality Bath Fittings and Accessories. It has tied up with three of the world’s undisputed leaders in bath fittings viz Hansgrohe, Aquis and Swarovski. As a result of these tie-ups, Jaquar now offers their range of bathroom fittings, anywhere in the world. They are backed by the most reliable after–sales service to ensure trouble–free working. Jaquar is the proud winner of Fulham Geissler American Award for Quality.

Presently, there are 22 Jaquar Orientation Centres in India, which have the distinction of housing the largest display of bath fittings in India. Each Orientation Centre is interactive and has facilities for live demonstrations.

More on www.jaquar.com

Email:Support@jaquar.com

Update 1: [15.09.2011] One more Advertisement