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.