Sabtu, 30 April 2011

LCD TV UK

As recently as just a few years ago, consumers needed a different monitor or screen for watching movies, for playing video games, or for watching television and for computing. That’s no longer the case. An LCD TV in the UK with a TV tuner allows you to enjoy virtually all your entertainment and audio-visual devices from one location, saving you space and money. If you live in university housing or a small flat, or if you just want to save space, an LCD TV in the UK with a built-in TV tuner is a simple way to accomplish all those goals.

Here’s an example of how versatile a UK LCD TV with a TV tuner can be: you combine video from a PS2, an Xbox 360, cable TV, a DVD player, and the PC – all into one LCD monitor. You can watch TV with picture-in-picture mode while you work on your computer, then with a touch of a button switch over to playing an Xbox or PS2 game. Finished with the game? Toggle back to the TV feed or to your computer.

Here’s an important consideration: many standard LCD monitors will accept television feeds through appropriate cabling, but you’ll need a cable box or cable converter to decode digital-TV signals. A UK LCD TV with a TV tuner overcomes that hurdle. Space limitations (for instance, determining where you have room to put the cable box) is a good reason to have the tuner built into the television. Also, if the tuner is built into the monitor, you’ll only need one remote control.

Keep in mind that an LCD TV UK with a TV tuner built in will cost approximately 20 percent more than a monitor without a TV tuner.

Here are some examples of some models of LCD TV UK you can purchase that come complete with TV tuners:

1. Sony TV Tuner/Monitor MFM-HT75W – UK version: A flat panel LCD monitor with a 17” widescreen display, this model offers Digital S-video inputs, is HDTV capable, and has a remote control.

2. Sony TV Tuner/Monitor MFM-HT95 – UK version: A flat panel LCD monitor with a 19” widescreen display, it is HDTV capable, has Digital S-video inputs, an SXGA display, and a remote control. Average retail price is approximately $720.

3. Philips 17PF8946 17" Widescreen HD-Ready Flat-Panel LCD TV UK with PC Input: A flat panel LCD with a built-in tuner, it also has a built-in FM tuner and built-in speakers.

4. Magnavox 15MF605T/1 15" HD-Ready UK LCD TV with HD Component Video and PC Inputs: A flat LCD panel with a built-in tuner, the small size of this monitor makes it a great fit for tight spaces. It allows picture-in-picture viewing along with built-in speakers, and even comes with a V-chip for parental viewing controls.

Where can you find an LCD TV in the UK? Major retailers like Curry’s and Richer Sounds carry a large selection LCD TVs in the UK. You can also try online electronics retailers, and frequently can find great deals at online auction sites like ebay.co.uk.

Jumat, 29 April 2011

Home Theater Ideas For Small Rooms

Just because you have a small room does not mean that you can’t enjoy the Lord of the Rings Trilogy or any other feature film that is best viewed on the latest in home theater advancements. You can bring all the qualities of the home theater system into a smaller apartment, or even enjoy the full effect in your bedroom, by choosing some home theater options that will fit better in your smaller space.

Start your search for the perfect home theater system in your small room by looking for the right television. Your television should not overwhelm everything else in the room, especially if you are choosing the components for a bedroom. High Definition and wide screen TVs are available in any size now, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a screen that fits nicely into your room.

You might want to consider incorporating a cubby hole for your home theater in your smaller room. This will allow you to actually lessen the floor space that your system takes up, and will not make the room appear any smaller. Another idea is to buy a piece of furniture such as a compact entertainment cabinet, although keep in mind that this will cut down on the amount of space in a room that may already appear crowded. If you want to go this route, a good option is to utilize a cabinet which has a built-in slide drawer for your television, such as the ones used in hotels.

As far as the rest of the system in small rooms, the best bet for a general purpose home theater system is one of the many home theater systems sold in boxes, with all the components included. Look for a set that includes a DVD/CD player and wireless rear speakers, as you will not want a bunch of wires taking up the valuable space in your room. Avoid small satellite speakers, and look for woofers that are over 3” and a 7” or larger subwoofer.

Advanced home theater users may want to shop for their components separately, and this option will allow for greater flexibility and may help to match up to the décor in your room. Remember to include all the components in your search, and that your main objective is to cut down on the floor space used as much as possible, in both wiring and surface area.

A small room does not mean that you can’t enjoy a wide range of experiences that come with a home theater system. A home theater system can be the perfect addition to a bedroom for watching a movie or listening to some music before you go to bed or when you are feeling under the weather. Shopping small will help save some money without taking away from the enjoyment of the overall experience- in fact, smaller rooms can be ideal for complete home theater systems as the sound is used more effectively. The key is not to overwhelm, but to make your audio/visual experience as realistic as possible.

Kamis, 28 April 2011

Digital Video Cameras - More Fun Than Ever

With your trusty digital video camera by your side you can capture all those special moments, such as your child's first steps, your birthday or wedding, or your vacation with family and friends etc.

With so many manufacturers and models available in the digital video market, you may find it confusing trying to choose the perfect one for you. Your choice will, however, depend on the features that you want and how much you are willing to spend.

The most important thing to consider is the format in which your videos will be stored, as the video format determines the video quality. Digital 8 otherwise called D8, Mini-DV, DVD and HDD are the main types of video format that digital cameras offer. Both D8 and Mini-DV are tape-based formats, with the Mini-DV currently offering the highest quality video format to consumers. The DVD format allows direct video recording onto a digital disk, while the HDD type uses internal hard drives where the video is recorded. As the tape format is slowly being phased out by major manufacturers, it is a good idea to invest in disk or hard drive based digital video cameras.

Digital video cameras also come with charged coupled device or CCD imaging sensor. Digital video cameras come with 1-CCD or 3-CCD features. Cameras with 1-CCD suffer from poor video quality, whereas 3-CCD cameras produce much better quality videos. Most professional camcorders use the 3-CCD technology, thus making them more expensive than the other models.

The optical zoom feature of the camcorder lens generally ranges from 10X to 20X. The choice of zoom depends on how close you want to get to the action. Some digital video cameras also allow still photography at various resolutions, and some camcorders offer both video and still photography features. Some digital video camcorders have in-built flash for low-light photography, while some video cameras come with a 'Night Shot' feature. Other popular options include external flashlights, external microphones and external storage devices that can be attached onto the camcorder.

Camcorders with longer battery strength is also recommended. Digital video cameras have battery life ranging from 4 to 8 hours of continuous shooting. However, using the zoom or any external devices reduce the battery strength.

All cameras nowadays come bundled with a digital video editing software. But if you are not satisfied with the one provided, you can always buy a better and more expensive editing software from Adobe or any other reputable brand.

Video camera prices today vary from $500 to $4000, with Sony, JVC and Canon being the more popular brands.

Rabu, 27 April 2011

A Look At HD Tivo

Have you ever heard someone say they were going to Tivo a program and wondered what they meant? HD Tivo is a term used to describe a high definition digital video recorder, which permits the owner to record television programming and store it to an internal hard disk for later viewing. So, the next time someone says they are going to Tivo something, they are simply saying that they are going to record it so that it can be watched at a later, more convenient time.

HD Tivo units function much like a VCR, which permits users to record programs onto a videotape. The modernized form, however, is HD Tivo. This unit is not only beneficial for recording, however, as it is also capable of pausing and/or rewinding a program already in progress. If, for instance, you have to step out of the room for a moment, you can pause the show and resume play when you reenter the room. The convenience of HD Tivo is unmistakable, which is why many entertainment buffs own this new video recording equipment and wouldn’t think of turning on their TV without it.

Some HD Tivo units allow individuals to specify certain programs to record based on specific criteria, including program title, actor, genre, time, etc. This availability depends upon location and service, but is often beneficial to those who schedule future recordings ahead of time.

HD Tivo products have been manufactured by industry-leading companies, including Philips, Toshiba, Sony and others. In order to use Tivo, individuals are required to subscribe to a monthly service, which generally costs approximately $10.00 to $15.00 per month. Lifetime subscription plans, which were previously offered by Tivo, have since been discontinued in place of a new program allowing customers to receive the unit at no cost in exchange for prepaid service.

When subscribing to any service, including HD Tivo, it is important to carefully read the service contract and understand the service for which you are paying. The monthly costs, service and cancellation policies should be clearly outlined in any contract. Any questions should be asked prior to signing of the contract and/or exchange of any payment. If a prepaid amount is required, it is unlikely that a consumer would be permitted to cancel their service during that time and still receive a refund. However, this possibility should be discussed with a Tivo specialist. Along with the unit itself, consumers will likely receive an owner’s manual and detailed instructions on how to operate their unit. As with any new technology, it may take some time to adapt to the features. By carefully reading the manual and paying close attention to the instructions of the representative, you should be able to Tivo in no time.

Selasa, 26 April 2011

5 Reasons To Choose Digital Camcorders

We all have those special moments in life that we want to remember forever, but the truth is that memories are often better preserved on video so that we may recall the particulars of any given event. This is why camcorders are such an important part of every special occasion and have been for many years. As time has progressed, the construction of camcorders has changed greatly. What was once a large and bulky piece of equipment later went to a compact VHS-compatible system, which has now transformed into the sleek and lightweight design of today’s digital camcorders.

During your next electronics shopping trip, take a moment to explore the features found on modern digital camcorders. Whether your shopping consists of a local electronic store or a virtual shop, take a look at a handful of reasons to consider choosing a digital camcorder:

$Digital camcorders have the ability to record audio and video, but also are capable of capturing still life images just as a digital camera would. Not only can you film all of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, but you can also snap a few still images of knick knacks and list them for sale on eBay.

$Digital camcorders offer a much greater audio and video quality when compared to the older models, which recorded video in analog format and often resulted in a grainy texture.

$One of the most important features of a digital camcorder is the fact that they can be connected to either a television or a computer. Previous camcorders were compatible with VHS only, which was effective, but technology now requires that compatibility be geared toward additional equipment.

$Because they are compatible with computers, digital camcorders are widely used by amateur film gurus and/or anyone who wants to enjoy the convenience of being able to easily edit and enhance their videos through the use of specialty computer software.

$Digital camcorders are compact and lightweight, which makes them ideal for travel. In addition, they are easy to manage during recording.

As is the case with any major purchase, cost is often a leading factor in the decision of which product to choose. When it comes to digital camcorders, the price will be determined by the built-in features and capabilities of the unit. A basic digital camcorder can be purchased for several hundred dollars and the price will rise according to the aforementioned factors.

With the purchase of any new electronic equipment, the manufacturer will offer a warranty. Always be sure to retain the original sales receipt, packaging and warranty information relating to your digital camcorder incase there is a problem that needs repair anytime during the coverage period.

Senin, 25 April 2011

LCD TV Review - Get the Best for Less

An LCD (light crystal display) screen consist of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two plates of glass. When an electric current is sent through these crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up and produce a TV picture.

Because they're so thin and light, LCD screens are now the most popular screens for computers, and as prices come down, are becoming the most popular screens for TVs.

LCD TV screens are 1/4" to 4" thick, and are 2" to 65" wide. LCD TVs can cost anywhere from $50 for a hand held model to $15,000 for a 65" widescreen TV.


LCD TV Features

* LCD TVs utilize digital technology which gives you a much sharper and clearer picture than a standard tube TV.

* LCD TV screens are thin and lightweight so they can be placed almost anywhere in a home or office, even hung on a wall.

* Most LCD TV screens are manufactured in widescreen format and are compatible with widescreen DVD'S and HD programming.

* LCD TVs have a flat screen so there's no picture distortion as there is with curved tube TVs.

* LCD TV screens have a life span of 50,000 to 80,000 hours, depending on the make and model of the LCD TV.

* LCD TVs don't suffer from screen "burn in" like tube TVs.


Getting the Best Price on an LCD TV

If you're in the market for an LCD TV, keep in mind that prices can vary widely between retailers. That's why I recommend checking out LCD TV models at a local electronics store, then checking prices online before you buy one.

Take a trip to our local Best Buy, Circuit City, or Wal-Mart to test various HD TV models. Watch the picture, test the controls, and ask the salesperson any questions you may have.

Then, when you've picked out a model you like, go online to see where you can get it at the best price.

I recently checked prices on a comparison shopping website for a Panasonic LCD TV and the price difference between retailers varied by more than $1,000. It's amazing what bargains you can find online.

The website I used to check prices also included buyer reviews so I also got honest feedback from people who had actually purchased the LCD TV model I was interested in (can click on the link below to visit this website).

Prices for LCD TVs start at $300 for a 19" TV, $900 for a 32" TV, and $2,000 for a 40" TV.


Conclusion

If you spend most of your evening hours watching television like I do, and you want a picture with near lifelike quality, then an HD TV set is what you're after.

Click on this link for more information on LCD TVs and to check out LCD TV models and prices. Click on this link for information and prices on home theater systems. Click on this link for information on free satellite TV systems and service.

Minggu, 24 April 2011

Four Essentials to the Ultimate Home Theater System

The high-definition television revolution is already under way, as most of the major TV networks and cable outlets are quickly adopting this cutting-edge version of digital television as their broadcasting standard and offering consumers more shows in high definition.

In fact, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, 9 million households are likely to purchase HDTV products during the next 18 months. Another 30 million consumers consider themselves likely purchasers within the next three years.

This newer technology can be overwhelming for consumers, especially when they are not properly educated about the tools needed for the best setup of a high-definition home theater system.

Four basic elements are needed: picture, source, sound and assembly. Interestingly enough, the CEA says that approximately 30 percent of U.S. homes already have these basic ingredients.

* Picture: Most digital, high-definition televisions feature large screens in widescreen formats that create a theater-like experience right in your home. HDTV delivers crisp images that make you feel like you're part of the action.

Plasma and liquid crystal display televisions have generated the most excitement so far. These thin, lightweight sets can hang on a wall and only take up four inches of depth. Other examples include the microdisplay rear-projection televisions such as digital light processing sets. These TV sets are thinner, lighter and brighter than traditional projection TV sets.

* Source: Some high-definition televisions have a built-in tuner to receive local high-definition broadcasts. These are referred to as having "HD Built-In." Sets without an integrated tuner are "HD-Ready" and need a set-top box to decode the high-definition signal. Starting next year, many digital televisions will come with a high-definition tuner and the cable box built in, simplifying the connection for consumers.

* Sound: Most people don't realize that the high-definition television format incorporates digital 5.1 surround sound into high-definition broadcasts, giving you that "in the middle of the action" feel. For a truly engaging viewing experience, it is important to get a sound system that is comparable in quality to your television.

* Assembly: To tie it all together, you need to make sure you have the right cables and accessories to connect your system. Many consumers prefer using service personnel to deliver and set up the system at home - making sure everything is in place, connected and calibrated for the optimal home theater experience.

So how much does a home theater system cost? A wide range of prices are available, depending on an individual's needs and desires. For example, high-definition televisions sold at Best Buy start at less than $500 and go all the way up to $10,000, with numerous models in between.

Sabtu, 23 April 2011

Xbox 360: A Revolution in Console Gaming

It wasn't so long ago that kids who got the "new" Nintendo 8-bit gaming console or the Sega system for Christmas were the envy of every less fortunate and burned out Atari owning neighborhood playmate. As time elapsed, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and NES's Turbo Graphix 16 became all the rave. Anyone now in their twenties can recall being impressed by the awesome advancements in playability and graphic display of the Nintendo 64 and Sega's Dreamcast system, and even more recently (only five or so years ago) the advent of Microsoft's Xbox, Nintendo's Game Cube, and the Play Station by Sony. The Video Gaming industry has made great strides in the past twenty years: from slow-moving, barely recognizable forms on screen in original Atari games such as Pac-Man, Calga, and Tron, to the extremely vivid and life-like graphics of Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, and Tekken; available for the Xbox and Play Station. Now, just in time for Christmas 2005, Microsoft has made the next move in the continuing race for Video Gaming Supremacy with the introduction of the Xbox 360. The result is truly phenomenal.

The Xbox 360, as with all video game consoles, is basically just a computer with hardware and software dedicated to the function of running video games. The original Xbox was pretty much just a Microsoft PC with a modified Pentium III processor, some powerful graphics and audio capabilities, and a modified version of the Windows 2000 operating system, all packaged in that distinctive black box.

This year Microsoft has released two versions of the Xbox 360: the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System. The Xbox 360Core System is "plug and play", that is, that in addition to the console, it includes an integrated controller and an AV cable. The Xbox 360 (not the "Core system") comes with a wireless controller, an HD AV cable, an Ethernet connectivity cable, a headset, a media remote, and a removable 20-GB hard drive.

For anyone who thought the original Xbox was a technological marvel, you must try this out! As amazing and realistic as the play on the first Xbox was, the Xbox 360 makes its predecessor look tired and worn-out. Microsoft has rebuilt the Xbox from the ground up. From the name to the look, from hardware to features, the Xbox 360 is a radically different and more powerful machine than the original Xbox. Far more than a video game console, the Xbox 360 is a total media center that allows users to play games, network with other 360 owners; rip, stream and download all types of media, including high-definition movies, music, digital pictures and game content, as well as play DVD movies and audio CD's.

The Xbox 360 will revolutionize the gaming world. Microsoft has definitely set the new standard in video game technology.

Jumat, 22 April 2011

How To Install A Wall Mounted LCD TV

Once you have your LCD TV home, you now have to concern yourself with how to install a wall mounted LCD TV. Wall mounting, because of the space saving factor of it and the way it prevents your television from dominating the room, is a very popular way of displaying it.

One way to get it installed is to use a professional. Obviously, someone from the store or an electronics store is going to be able to install the TV efficiently and correctly. However, that will cost you a great deal of money, and since you just spent all that money on an LCD TV, it may be a good idea to install it yourself. It is not that hard, so you may as take advantage.

First Things First

Once you have an idea of where you would like to mount your LCD TV, you need to get a stud finder. How to install a wall mounted LCD TV doesn’t matter if you don’t put it in the right place. User your stud finder to make sure the wall mount is put into a stud. This is the only way you will be able to make the television safely stable on your wall.

Anchors Away

Once you find the studs and have marked the mounting location, you are ready to put up the wall mount. The wall mount will need to be screwed into the wall at as many points as possible. The more points of anchor, the less weight is on each individual mounting spot. Once you have the wall mount anchored to the studs in the wall, you are almost done with how to install a wall mounted LCD TV.

Hide Cables

Once you have the studs located, the wall mount anchored, and the LCD TV attached to the mount, you need to plug in and hook up your television. You will need to find a way to hide the lines. That can be done either by drilling into your wall and running them through it, or by finding other methods of “hiding” them on the outside of the wall. Certain conduits and sheathes available in your local home improvement store can really help with this process.

Have Help

Finally, no matter how sure you are that you know how to install a wall mounted LCD TV, it is still a good idea to have help around. Whether it is to hold up the TV as it is mounted or to bounce ideas and suggestions off of, having a second person there will make the process safer and more efficient.

Learning how to install a wall mounted LCD TV is the last step in the long process of getting your perfect television. You did the research on the types of technology, found the place to buy, found the model you wanted, and installed it in your wall. Now, all that is left to do is sit back and enjoy your new LCD television on its newly installed wall mount.

Kamis, 21 April 2011

Digital Projector Guide- Some tips for Digital Projectors

Digital projectors are equipments of modern technology. These are used to convert image data directly from the computer onto a screen via lens system. Digital projectors provide visualization of data that is actually stored in a computer for presentation. These projectors enable the viewers to watch moving images from a DVD, digital versatile disc player. Advertisers or sellers also use these projectors to give demonstration of products to a large number of customers. It can easily convert written documents onto an interactive whiteboard.

Digital projectors play an important role in the formation of home theater systems. These projectors use resolution of SVGA standard i.e. 800×600 pixels in expensive devices. Cost of digital projector is determined by its resolution as well as its brightness. If you’re going to use it in large rooms or big conference halls its brightness should be from 1,000 to 4,000 ANSI lumens.

First digital projectors, Eidophor projectors were introduced in 1950. Eidopher projectors used an oily surface in a rotating disk with light shining through it and employed an electron beam to disrupt oil in a specific manner. Eidophor projectors were not able to produce colors. Nowadays there are several high quality models of digital projectors are available in market so Eidopher projectors are less common.

Following four technologies are used in digital projectors:
High intensity CRT

LCD projectors using LCD light gates

Texas Instruments' DLP technology

Eidophor oil-film projectors (obsolete)

At present LCD projectors use Texas Instruments’ DLP technology whereas the high intensity CRT devices are suitable for enduring installations. Entire working of cathode ray tube digital projectors is like CRT television set. These projectors may be configured with one RGB color tube that has three colors red, green and blue with a single lens, one black & white tube with a rotating color wheel or three RGB color tubes with three lenses.

Projectors having cathode ray tubes are usually bulky thats why these are the best projectors for fixed installations.

LCD digital projectors are portable and lighter enough in comparison to CRT and can be easily shifted from one place to another. These are very much popular and available in various shapes and sizes. CRT and LCD digital projectors come under the category of transitive projectors.

Reflective projectors are the superior digital projectors that provide high quality images. These are affordable and offer next level of entertainment. Everyone can enjoy home theater applications with the help of digital projectors.

Rabu, 20 April 2011

Zune Marketplace Store - Comparing Best Sites For Unlimited Zune Downloads

Are you looking for the best websites for downloading games, movies, music, etc to your new Microsoft Zune player ? Do you also want to compare them based on various factors like their popularity, price, quality of service, collection of movies and games, satisfaction guarantee, etc. Then you have come to the right place! This article gives 6 tips which should be considered before subscribing on any website on the internet providing unlimited downloads for your zune player.

1. Availability of Files - After you arrive to any zune downloads website, the first thing that you should look for is - what is the collection of movies, games, music, etc. this site provides. If the collection is not much, you should definitely avoid it. Because most of the zune downloads site on the internet offers life time membership for which you pay only once. You should not compromise with a website having low collection just for saving a few bucks.

2 Money Back Guarantee - This is the second important thing which should be considered before joining the service. The site where you want to subscribe should offer atleast 60 days money back guarantee. Once you are not happy with the service, you can get your money back and try the other one.

3. Price - Now you should look how much price is charged at this zune downloads service provider. You can subscribe to the site offering reasonable fee, considering the above two factors in mind. There are some websites on the internet which offers as cheap as 34.95$ for lifetime membership.

4. Convenience and User Interface - The user interface provided by the website should be simple and easy to use. You should be able to easily manage the downloads of your favorite movies, games, music, etc.

5. Download Speed - The download speed must be fast, otherwise no matter how large the collection is, you can not get them transferred on your Zune in your life. Slow downloading speed is very irritating. There are websites which provides great downloading speed for your Zune. Most of the time, the download is instantaneous. Also you should be able to start watching a movie when its download is in progress.

6. Customer Support - The ideal website would be the one where you will not need to contact their customer support. In case there is any minor problem, they should immediately respond to you. Otherwise you should definitely go for option number 3 as soon as possible.



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Selasa, 19 April 2011

Buyers Guide to Home Theater Projectors

Over the years, I have grown really attached to my home theater system. I must say, of all the rooms in the house, my own little movie theater is the one I could not live without. I am absolutely in love with my home theater system and, if you are anything like me, I am sure you will love yours too. I found, when I was initially building my system, that there was so much information to absorb. Every product out there seemed better than the next, and I found myself unsure about which to buy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new home theater projector.

There are two main types of projectors on the market; DLP and LCD. DLP stands for digital light processing. It was invented by Texas Instruments, and utilizes a microscopic array of over 2 million mirrors. DLP has a higher contrast than LCD, but there are some unfavorable consumer reports that note something called the "rainbow effect". The "rainbow effect" is noticeable when looking from one side of the screen to the other, and is characterized by a sudden burst of color.

LCD stands for liquid crystal display. These projectors have three distinct glass LCD panels inside; one for each component of the video signal (red, green, and blue). While DLP chips reflect light, the LCD panels allow light to pass through them. LCD projectors produce brighter images, and they are known for having excellent color saturation. In the end, you will be hard-pressed to notice a great difference between the two types of projection systems.

When shopping for a new projector, keep your particular needs in the forefront of your thoughts. As I mentioned above, it is really easy to lose yourself in the minutiae of each particular system. Connectivity is a definitely something to be mindful of. Make sure that you are able to connect all of your components, including your gaming system. Nothing beats playing Halo in real-life size! Contract ratio is another important factor; the higher the ratio, the better the picture will be.

The brightness of your projector is another thing to consider. Light output is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lumens. You will want to avoid a projector that produces anything shy of 1000 lumens. As you are likely aware, the projection resolution is extremely important. This refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. Go for something that is no less than 1024x768, as this will allow you to fully appreciate the depth and quality of HDTV. In the end, you should buy the projector that is in line with your needs and your budget. Soprano's is coming on right now! Time to go!

Senin, 18 April 2011

This Is Big. Monster Big. 103 Inch Panasonic Plasma Television

The new Panasonic 103 inch plasma television is out. The TH-103PZ600U with 1080p capability will have an expected SRP of $69,999.95 and is expected to be available for delivery in time for Christmas 2006. It will also offer a three-year in-home limited warranty, unprecedented in the industry.

In flat panel displays, plasma has technical advantages over other technologies, including LCD, when it comes to making larger size panels. Nevertheless, there are numerous technical challenges in making plasma panels that are larger than 100 inches measured diagonally while maintaining stable discharge and high picture quality across the entire surface of the panel.

Panasonic has overcome these technical hurdles by developing a new rib and phosphor for these super large panels. A "rib" divides each gas cell and prevents interference between adjacent cells to produce clear images. The 103-inch 1080p plasma panel, equivalent to four 50-inch panels in size, features consistent and uniform discharge, delivering the same accurate images from the center to every corner of the screen and brightness as the current 50-inch HD model (TH-50PX500). The panel incorporates Panasonic's 1080p HD high-speed pixel drive. The same high-speed pixel drive is used in the TH-65PX500 65-inch 1080p Plasma TV, which has been well received in Japan since its introduction last November, and the 50-inch 1080p Plasma unveiled at CEATEC JAPAN 2005 in October 2005.

The TH-103PZ600U provides stunning widescreen progressive display featuring full HD pixel resolution of 1,920 horizontal x 1,080 vertical, a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, and 4,096 equivalent steps of gradation. Its effective display area is more than 89.3” wide by over 50.2” high. The super-size 103” 1080p panel is equivalent in size to four 50-inch Panasonic plasma displays.

“Until now, the market for 100-plus-inch screens was dominated by front projection TVs. Panasonic now realizes another option in this sector. Our 103-inch 1080p PDP promises high quality images with high brightness, dynamic contrast, high resolution and excellent color reproduction that projection displays cannot match. We believe it will create strong demand as a multipurpose display for business, educational and medical applications as well as home theater use,” said Mr. Nagano, Director, PDP Device Business Unit of Panasonic AVC Networks Company.

Minggu, 17 April 2011

A review on Digital Pianos

A piano is a musical instrument that is classified as a keyboard, percussion, or string instrument, depending on the system of categorization used. Playing the piano is wide-spread in western music for solo performance, chamber music, and accompaniment, and is also trendy as an abet for composing and rehearsal. Materials used for pianos are strings, pin blocks, strings, plates and soundboard. Pianos also have pedals. They are of three types:

• Damper pedal
• Soft pedal
• Sostenuto pedal


A digital piano is a modern electronic musical instrument designed to serve primarily as a substitute to a traditional piano, both in the way it feels to play as well as sound produced. Digital pianos are also premeditated to look like an acoustic piano. While digital pianos may plunge short of the genuine article in feel and sound, they nevertheless have many advantages over normal pianos:

• They are relatively inexpensive and are considerably lighter.
• They do not necessitate tuning.
• They usually manufacture several different piano timbres.
• They integrate MIDI implementation and have extra features to aid in learning and composition.
• They embrace headphone output and have a transposition feature.

When a key is struck on an acoustic instrument, digital pianos fabricate overtones that reverberate around the room creating a sound that no digital instrument can accurately capture. Today's digital pianos are so good that most listeners can not tell the difference between a "live" piano and a digital one. Add to that the fact that they are the most inexpensive of the kinds of pianos you can buy and you've got an instrument that's hard to beat. Digital piano manufacturers are getting better and better at duplicating the tone of real acoustic pianos. But no matter how well the piano sound is sampled, it will always sound digital. The acoustic sound is far superior to that of a digital piano. Due to portability, economical and MIDI capabilities piano and keyboard players choose digital pianos over their acoustic counterparts.


Advantages of digital pianos:

• Built-in rhythm accompaniments
• Ability to record your performance

Sabtu, 16 April 2011

Buying A Plasma TV

Plasma TVs offer a much higher resolution and better picture quality than TVs of old, and can also be used as great computer monitors as well. Gamers especially like using a Plasma TV due to the fact that they can get greater graphic detail and clearer pictures which helps to enhance game play, making it more enjoyable.

Another advantage to owning a Plasma TV is that colors look better than on any other TV or monitor. Having high-end color creates a better picture, and makes TV seem more real, a good feature for movie buffs for sure.

Brighter colors and higher contrasts add to viewing pleasure, as well as the ability to watch TV and movies in wide screen.

Many people are better satisfied with Plasma TVs as they require much less space than the traditional TV sets. You no longer have to plan your furniture layout around where the TV is positioned, as the small size and wider screen makes it easy to see from almost any angle or distance in the room. No matter where you sit in your room, you should be able to clearly see TV, which is an added bonus to the Plasma TV.

Plasma TVs range in size from the standard twenty inch models, all the way up to fifty inches in width. Keep in mind however, the bigger the screen is, the higher the price is likely to be. Plasma TV’s work particularly well if you are planning to set up your own home theatre, couple it with a good surround sound system, and you have all the benefits of the theatre without all the extra people to annoy you.

Resolution also affects the price of your Plasma TV. The higher resolution, the sharper and clearer the picture, but the more of a dent it will put in your wallet. You will probably be better suited by purchasing a well known brand name Plasma TV, as you are likely to get better service from a reputable manufacturer. A good price is important for the obvious reason, but remember, sometimes you get what you pay for. If you buy from a vendor just because he is cheap you can be setting yourself up for problems right off the bat.

There are several resources available online to help with any questions you may have about purchasing a Plasma TV. It is a good idea to look into several different sources before making a final decision and handing over your hard earned cash.

Jumat, 15 April 2011

Canon Underwater Cameras - What You Need To Know

Simply for capturing the terrific memories that you experience, you will get fond of using Canon underwater cameras quickly.

Underwater cameras have most of the same features as the handy cameras that we used outdoors - the only difference is that they have certain functions that are more innovative because they are water resistant and can be used to capture pictures under the sea.

Of course, these underwater cameras are not only exclusively for taking pictures under the sea because some of them are also designed to be used in outdoor activities. In heavy rain these cameras will not be affected because of the protective device to guard against water and pressure damage. They come in a number of forms, with their prices relecting the entire range of normal camera pricing.

The cheapest type of underwater camera for instance is the simple disposable underwater camera. These cameras are able to take about twenty to thirty pictures. These cameras are waterproof enough to be utilized when there is harsh rain and snow storms. These are best use for fun scuba trips and family vacations; it will certainly capture the memorable parts of the family fun.

One of the best known brands of underwater cameras is the Canon. It has been proven efficient in all forms of underwater adventures. Canon underwater cameras have a lot of designs that offer different features. Each of the cameras gives advantages and special features that you will really enjoy. However, as you would expect from a quality brand like Canon, these cameras might appear a bit expensive because of the gadgets used on it; nonetheless they are of best quality and you will have no regrets once you see the resolution of your pictures.

Many conventional digital and film cameras have waterproof housings. Placing your camera inside will allow you to 'transform' your existing camera into an underwater camera. However, if you want excellent photographic quality from under the water, we would always advise purchasing a dedicated underwater camera.

Canon underwater cameras came in various models. The higher the photo resolution that it has, generally the more expensive the price is. Many of the underworld photographers that I know prefer to use Canon underwater cameras because they offers a "one of a kind quality". The Canon Company is one of the pioneering companies that launched underwater cameras in the market and you know you will be getting quality when you buy Canon.

Kamis, 14 April 2011

Why Are Plasma TVs So Slim?

If plasma TVs can be so thin, why have we spent decades with those bulky, oversized television sets taking up an entire corner of the room? The answer is in the technology.

To understand why plasma TVs can be so thin, you should start by understanding why traditional television sets of the past couldn’t be. Those televisions typically used tubes as the means to producing the pictures. There were several problems with tubes, including their size. The size of tubes inside a television set depended on the amount of screen space the picture was expected to fill.

The technology wasn’t put to the “size test” until people became disenchanted with the typical 20-inch screen and started demanding larger screens. Manufacturers were happy to meet the demands, but there was a problem. The dimensions of tubes are predetermined. If you want a bigger screen, you have to be prepared to project a larger picture. Larger picture demands a larger tube. It’s always been a given that the size of the television set was dependent on the amount of “stuff” that had to be fitted inside. Larger tubes meant larger cases.

If you consider the average size of a 20-inch television set that used tube technology, you can imagine how big the case would have to be in order to project a picture for a 32-inch, 40-inch or larger screen.

By contrast, a plasma TV doesn’t need the tubes in order to project the picture. Plasma TV, by its very technology, can be housed in a very thin case. Instead of having tubes that project a picture onto that big screen, the plasma TV works by lighting up the phosphorous coating at various times to create the images prescribed by the signal.

The result is that plasma TV screens require very little space other than the room for the screen and the phosphorous. In fact, the entire packages are actually thin enough that they can be mounted - creating a viewing experience only to be imagined with the tube-type television technology. It also means that the thickness of the screen can remain virtually constant, even while the width and height of the screen increases dramatically.

When you consider where the technology is, and where it’s come from, you’ll see that the huge television sets of a decade ago weren’t merely a fad. Those cases weren’t created that large simply to provide a shelf for mom’s favorite flower arrangement or the wedding photo. It was just a matter of providing a case for the technology.

Rabu, 13 April 2011

The History of the Television to Today’s Plasma TV

For the average person, even a regular television set is something of a technological marvel that becomes almost unbelievable when considering today’s latest and greatest advances, including the plasma TV. Take a brief look at the history of the technology that we now take for granted.

As early as the 1950s, people were beginning to have television sets in their homes, though the practice of a home television set wouldn’t become widespread until the 1960s. Suddenly, the average person could be a bystander for historic events, catch the latest news and spend hours being entertained.

In those early days of television, an analog signal transmitted the audio and video that would become a picture on the home television set. The early home sets used a tube technology – it took ages to warm up sufficiently to produce a picture. The analog signal was prone to fuzzy pictures that could fade out completely with various conditions. A home typically had an antenna, either on top of the television set itself or standing outside the house. Adjusting that antenna could help the reception of the picture.

Many things have changed since those early days of television. Analog signals are still used, though high definition digital signals are becoming more common.

Remarkably, there have always been experiments and advances in the works, many appearing on the drawing boards long before they’re introduced to the public. In the case of plasma TVs, the idea has been around almost as long as the video technology. The first plasma screen was actually constructed by a college professor and his student as early as 1964. The idea was sound, but the high-end television set simply wasn’t practical for the signal technology of the day. After all, there was little need for a screen that could produce a better picture than the television stations could send!

The reason for that early development wasn’t aimed at the television industry, but was to be used for displaying information in an educational setting. When the television industry started looking at newer, better technology for the tube-type television sets commonly being used in the 1960s, plasma was actually considered, though only briefly. In the end, the more practical idea became the liquid display screen television screens and it would be many more years before the plasma TV option was again considered.

Selasa, 12 April 2011

How To IPod Your Car

If you like to ipod your car - pump music on your ipod through your car stereo system - apart from changing to a brand new car that has ipod integration such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo - there are other options available to you.

If your car does not have the ipod connectivity, the solution to ipod your car is to install an ipod adaptor.

An ipod adaptor retailed by companies such as Peripheral and Monster can be installed within the cavern of wires behind your car dashboard, with one prong from adaptor going to the back of your stereo while another prong goes to a ipod holder near the front seats of the car.

The ipod adaptor works like an emulator and tricks the stereo to think it is a CD changer, so that you can use the track buttons on the stereo faceplate to select songs of your choice.

Installing an ipod changer might be difficult for the non-mechanical inclined, and the services of a trained mechanic might be easier.

If your car is too old, the factory installed stereo might not be suitable for ipod integration. For such cars, it is advisable to install a new player from manufacturers such as Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer.

If sound quality is important to you, the use of ipod cassete adaptors is not recommended as the sound quality is not good enough, and more importantly they do not recharge the ipod's battery.

Yet another solution is to use a FM modulator that can produce better sound, and can recharge the batteries, but cannot be directly controlled from the radio.

With these drawbacks, the ipod cassete adaptor and the FM modulator are not the best options, and it is still the ipod adaptor that is recommended.

To facilitate your personal research and to find out what ipod integration is necessary for the model of your car, there are online catalogues from car audio online websites such as that from Crutchfield.com

So your first step is to determine the ipod integration requirements for your car and get the suitable adaptor. Before long, you can be pumping your ipod tracks through your car stereo and enjoying your favorite songs.

Senin, 11 April 2011

Go Digital!

It seems like yesterday when I made my first attempt at finding an affordable digital multi-track recorder for my small home recording studio. Needing to replace my outdated 4 track analog recorder, I searched quite awhile for a reasonably priced recorder. Finally, I was able to find a digital recorder with most of the features I was looking for.

I was amazed at the capabilities of this machine; the clarity of sound it duplicated and the ease of operation were fantastic. My music mixes never sounded better.

Every month or so, some new technological invention, especially in the digital realm, appears on the market. For today’s young people, it is common place to have at their disposal anything they find appealing.

For some of us “older folks” to say the least, we are amazed, at times, even overwhelmed by all the “techno” gizmos on the market. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I research all the new devices out there, but I am a rare bird for my age and sex. I’m one of the very few women who pine over “electronics” instead of the latest fashion craze.

I constantly search the internet for information on all the new products. I want them all, but can only afford a few of these new devices. But, when narrowing down my choices, I usually opt to keep up with all the music related products for enjoyable listening and more efficient and advanced ways to take my music and recording to the next level.

There is no better way to find out all the tricks and tips about a new device than to read about it. Oftentimes the manufacturer’s supplied user’s manual, to say the least, is in another language. Yes, I am one of those people who prefer to learn by doing, but sometimes this is the slow way and does more harm than good. I have lost many good demos because of my hasty button pushing. My eyes often play tricks on me because part of using digital devices is getting used to the tiny menu screens.

E-books are great for reading in your spare time. I like to download them and read at my leisure. When my eyes are not working properly, I use the “zoom in”, sit back and read all about my new device.

Just bought an iPod or still trying to figure out how to use one? Check out my latest e-book about your favorite “device”, The Incredible iPod at http://www.the-incredible-ipod.com

Minggu, 10 April 2011

Plasma TV as Part of the Home Theater

There’s just something about spending a couple of hours at a theater, and many people are trying to recreate that feeling with home theaters. There’s no doubt that both electronic and furnishing industries are meeting the demand, and you’ll find a great array of equipment, furniture and “extras” to make your home theater feel as much like a commercial theater as possible.

The plasma TV is no doubt one big step toward creating the ultimate viewing experience. The sharp picture added with the potential for a large, flat screen are important steps, but the benefits of a plasma TV don’t stop there. Plasma TVs have an important feature – the ability to sit directly in front of the screen or to either side without losing a good view of the movie. Many of the television options have a very limited viewing range before the picture becomes much less sharp and clear.

Another important aspect of the plasma TV is that the screen can be mounted on a wall, meaning there doesn’t need to be an entertainment center or even a shelf where the screen sits. It’s all aimed at offering the viewers an experience similar to that of a movie theater.

Remember that setting up the home theater may start with the electronics, but it certainly doesn’t end there. You’ll find authentic theater furnishing to further your home theater experience. Choose reclining seats, seats with armrests or comfortable recliners.

You’ll also find companies that provide everything else you need to make your home theater more like the commercial experience. Want popcorn? Don’t just pop a bag of the buttery treat – pop a whole batch in your popcorn popper that looks just like the popper at the theater. Drinks can be distributed the same way!

If you’re looking for more practical items, you’ll be relieved to know you can even find inexpensive and easy-to-install sound proofing material for walls, floors and ceilings. When you’ve finished this project, you can cover the floors with carpet and welcome mats just like those in your favorite theater, and hide the sound-proofed walls with authentic theater curtains, made to fit your home theater walls.

Your home theater may very well start with a plasma TV – after all, that’s arguably the latest and greatest technology available for your viewing pleasure. But don’t think that creating the ultimate home theater experience has to stop there.

Sabtu, 09 April 2011

Purchasing Digital Camera Batteries

The advent of digital technology has greatly changed the way consumers use products. Digital cameras are one product that has shifted behavior and production. Digital camera batteries vary by brand and model, and also by the type of battery.

There are literally dozens of digital camera brands. Before finding the right digital camera battery and adapter for your camera, you need to be sure of the brand and model digital camera you are using. Once you select the brand, there are numerous model numbers to choose from and these batteries are typically not compatible across model numbers. Manufacturers design a specific battery technology for each model that provides optimum functionality for that specific digital camera.

Digital camera batteries can vary greatly by price depending on the type of battery you purchase. Traditional alkaline batteries are far less expensive than newer technology batteries, but do not last as long and do not have as much power. In order to keep up with the fast pace of digital cameras, manufacturers have created Lithium batteries. Lithium batteries last up to 10 times longer than alkaline batteries, and therefore can take many more pictures. Though lithium batteries last so much longer, they weigh much less than alkaline batteries. For the convenience however, lithium batteries are much more expensive than alkaline batteries. Another inexpensive alternative to lithium batteries is oxy-nickel batteries. There are specifically designed for digital cameras and last up to four times longer than alkaline batteries.

There are lots of things to take into consideration when purchasing a digital camera, but batteries aren’t usually one of those things, though they should be. Batteries are one of the only supplies for a digital camera that will need to be bought on a regular basis. Unlike conventional cameras, you never need film for a digital camera. But if you want to store these photos without a computer, you will need memory cards that can store large files like the images taken with a digital camera.

Buying the best digital camera battery is the best way to get the most out of a digital camera. By buying quality batteries, you will be able to take more pictures without delays and also save money in the long run.

Jumat, 08 April 2011

All About Plasma Televisions

Plasma televisions have flooded the market, but there are some important facts you should know first. They are a premium price but they offer one of the best combinations of features for a High Definition television today. Plasma screens offer a flat screen of 4” thick that have one of the best pictures available. The newest televisions have resolution capabilities of up to 1080p. This is a huge leap in resolution compared to DVD which only has capabilities of 480i. This means that HD capable plasma televisions can produce more than twice the resolution of a DVD.

The reason that a plasma television can produce such images in a thin layer is the technology that was actually created about 35 years ago. Plasma technology starts with two thin pieces of glass that are filled with xenon and neon gas. The chamber contains all of the pixels which can reach into the millions. This chamber is filled with electric current and it illuminates the pixels that also fill the chamber. This process creates a brilliant picture that is almost unmatched by any other screen. Plasma screens offer very high resolution that is bright and has a wide viewable range. You can view the screen within a 160 degree range with no loss in quality.

To incorporate most of the advantages of a plasma television, you must make sure that it has the features that are most up to date. The most up to date features of plasma televisions is that they have 1080p resolution. You also need multiple HDMI connections because you will be connecting more than just one HD component. DVD players, cable boxes and game consoles all have HDMI capability that makes the best use of your television. Make certain that your plasma television can handle at least two HDMI connections, or it is out of date. Component video is still a great second option, but it will not create as good results. Remember that your plasma television is a center piece for your technology and it should be capable of everything that you own.

Kamis, 07 April 2011

Satellite Communication Security

Communications Intelligence (COMINT) involving the covert interception of foreign communications has been practiced by almost every advanced nation since international telecommunications became available. COMINT is a large-scale industrial activity providing consumers with intelligence on diplomatic, economic and scientific developments.

Various communication intelligence equipments have been and are been designed in order to provide all with a secure communication channel. As satellite communications is growing day by day and is taking the major seat in the global communication network, products are being designed keeping the Security issue in mind.

One of the fast developing technologies in Communication industry provides secure solutions through VSAT Interception, Monitoring and logging systems.

The system is designed for real time collection and traffic analysis of VSAT Satellite Networks. It would provide for total traffic (Voice/ FAX, Data and Multimedia) analysis of TDM/TDMA and SCPC DAMA systems.

Further the system is based on a modular hardware and software architecture, allowing the end customer the flexibility of processing multiple channels simultaneously. The system also provides a GUI for all functions such as equipment control, monitoring, storage etc.

Such a system would be very beneficial and useful especially for the government organizations working for the Defense, as it would have the capability of monitoring the overall target VSAT systems traffic analysis of data, voice and multimedia.

The system is a total integrated and engineered solution for the purpose of monitoring, analysis and processing of multiple target VSAT stations from one remote site.

In case of TDM/TDMA networks, the system provides generic monitoring and processing capability for inbound/outbound traffic.

Such systems provide us with a Secure Gateway for any type of communication, let it be Voice, Data, Fax or multimedia.

Rabu, 06 April 2011

Daddy I Forgive You - Book Review

This true account of domestic sexual abuse does not horrify the reader with graphic details of incest – rather it shares the repercussions of it. C.J.Wilke's personal reactions, her recovery and interactions with family members are well documented here.

In the beginning, the survivor is counseled into finding something healthy to hold on to their sanity. For some, like the author, this crutch becomes religion; many find a passion for task, craft or artistic endeavor – for others, their hate and anger are the only things that keep them alive.

Her experiences show us that it is most important for the survivor to gain the right kind of friends. To a survivor with a desire to resist succumbing to the incredible haunting emotional and physical distresses, a good friend can help them make the first steps to recovery. A friend that shows the survivor as a valuable person worthy of friendship can be a huge healing step. Rather than friends that bring further harm and insult which only increase the victims suffering. The difficulty is having the skills to recognize the friend who really cares, as opposed to the one who ‘cares’ to the extent as what you do (or might do) for them. Recognition is only one part of it, however. One must also have the skills to deal with the situation and take on the terrifying aspect of change.

For C.J., getting married and changing her name was part of her healing process. She married a good, loving man who was also her best friend. By shedding the family name and taking her husbands’, she felt like she was refreshed, no longer the victim. Her difficult task was only beginning as she tried to learn to forgive herself. Once she had done this, she could deal with her family, as long as her strong husband was by her side.

If I was to say one thing about this book it would be that it is a very moving tale, because of its authenticity.

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
ISBN#: 1413712282
Author: CJ Wilkes

Selasa, 05 April 2011

Pariah: Book Review

Pariah, written by muti-talented artist and author Timothy Goodwin, is a science fiction, fantasy novel that incorporates some very clear ideas to what is wrong with today’s world. The characters are colorfully portrayed and the battles were very well written.

Eric, the main character, is a victim of an abusive father and endures extreme poverty as a young adult. He is eventually diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and grows into what could be called a normal life. He meets and marries a wonderful woman and her son embraces Eric as his father. Eric loves his life despite the difficulties in finding a good job and unfulfilled dreams to relocate his family to a place where his wife would not suffer from allergies so badly.

Eric becomes involved in a motor vehicle accident and wakes up in a wildly different place called the Itarri. He is later told that this is a space ship and he is light years - and possibly another dimension - from the life he once knew. Everyone on board expects Eric to become someone else when he regains his senses. Seemingly on the brink of insanity, he experiences "fragmentation" – when memories of other lives collide - but eventually works his way back to sanity only to discover that he is actually a clone.

In a desperate attempt to do whatever it takes to return to a time and a life he cherished so dearly, Eric undergoes intensive training. The reader is taken on fantastic space travel and time travel adventures, battles with foes, scenes with gods, demi-gods and an old flame that is incredibly vindictive are good spices for a great read.

At times I found myself confused, but I know from experience that books I have reread many times are those that challenge the mind and intrigue the reader to return. The ending has an interesting twist, which I think readers may suspect early on, but the work is written so well that it will leave them guessing.

ISBN#:1413713025
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
Author: Timothy Goodwin

Senin, 04 April 2011

The Cranberry Bog - Book Review

Scott Underhill takes readers on a stimulating, emotional ride in his book The Cranberry Bog, an environmental suspense novel. Environment Engineer, Jeff Ridge works for the Environment Protection Agency. He and his co-worker, Tara Clemens, are walking on eggshells around an unusual assignment after being called into investigate tainted water at a Bed and Breakfast owned by Joshua and Debra Klickman. Jeff and Tara are quickly exposed to the ‘small town syndrome’ – everyone knows everyone else’s business.

Meanwhile, Jeff is feeling ousted by his superiors who choose to compromise the Sheziou Report. Heated tempers and flared verbal exchanges are not enough to deter Jeff from his ideals. When the criminals resort to beatings and persecution, Jeff is only fueled by the knowledge that he is on to something big. The mysterious helper who drops off notes and envelopes of evidence leads Jeff to clues that egg him on to seek the truth.

Attraction to Lydia Kittle, the heiress of Kittle Manufacturing, contradicts his nearly fanatic feelings towards big business, which has often turned its back on the environment. Jeff’s tragic tale of loss froze his heart, but the sight of Lydia gives him the strength to thaw and except love again.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, which seemingly has it all. Environmental pollution, corrupt officials, politicians and companies lead to thrilling chase scenes and to cold-blooded murder. It is a moving romance with a glorious ‘David against Goliath’ theme that will have you cheering for the underdog. Of course, the focus on the environment is very appealing to me as I deeply cherish, and work towards, the health of the planet.

I highly recommend Scott Underhill’s novel, The Cranberry Bog – and I look forward to reading his other novel, Give a Little!

ISBN#: 0975357158
Author: Scott Underhill
Publisher: The WordPro Press

Minggu, 03 April 2011

The Chaos Cycle - Book Review

The Chaos Cycle by John Kerchack is destined for the best sellers list! I couldn’t put it down and was quite frustrated when my life kept interrupting my reading sessions during the review process of this book. Honestly, my husband would talk to me and I wouldn’t even know it. He even made and served supper and I was scarcely aware of what had happened. I heard some banging of a pot lid being taken out of a drawer and then all of a sudden there was this steaming plate of food in front of me and the amused face of my husband beaming back at me.

The author uses excellent writer skills that provide a steady flow of suspense. His characters are full, realistic – you really feel like you are right there. Not like watching a movie, but rather, right THERE. This is a rare talent indeed, and as a writer myself I can only envy it. John has incredible insight into the thought process of his characters - from those of the small abused children to the brutal killer.

Here we are taken on a chaotic ride while Harris and his team of talented detectives track down those responsible for a relentless murder spree in the state of Maryland, USA. I would classify The Chaos Cycle as a murder-thriller fiction novel with moments of brutal violence.

The cover is absolutely a work of art. The first thing my husband said when he saw it on my desk was "Wow! Check out this cover!" I’ve reviewed nearly 100 books to date and this is the first time anyone in my family reacted this way to a book cover.
The book itself is of very good quality and is a nice size – at 288 pages.

Time will slip away for the reader who opens THIS book!


ISBN#: 1-4137-8536-0
Author: John Kerchack
Publisher: Publish America

Sabtu, 02 April 2011

The revival of the audio book.

A short history of the audio book

In 1920 the Royal National Institute for the Blind in England was allready doing research on how to create audio books for the blind. At that time there were a lot of ex World War 1 soldiers who had gone blind as a result of the fighting. In 1926 the RNIB started to use LP’s to record audio books which could be played on record players (the kind with the big horn, you had to swing a handel a couple of times befor it would play).

In 1936 the “Talking Book Service” was launched.The first two books were:’The murder of Roger Ackroyd’ by Agatha Christie and Joseph Conrad’s ‘Thyphoon’. The records used at the time could hold 25 minutes of spoken tekst, so they needed about 10 records for an average audio book.

In 1940 the studio used by the RNIB was bombed, and one month later a replacement studio was bombed as wel.The RNIB wanted to start publishing audio books again, but they needed certain materials which had been destroyed.

In America, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), had started producing audio books as wel, and they did send the much needed parts to help their English counterparts. Unfortunatly the shipment got lost during a bombing raid of the London harbour! A second shipment however did make it, and the RNIB was able to start again with the production of audio books.

In the sixties the audio books started to appear on casettes, and later, after the infention of the compact disk player, on CD’s.

Nowadays the audio books have become more are popular then ever befor, in spite of their age. One of the main reasons for their ever growing popularity is the fact that audio books can be downloaded straight from the Internet. There are a good few audio book publishers who provide this service, and it looks like their on to a winner.

Audio books, more then 70 years old and still gowing strong.

Jumat, 01 April 2011

Men of Extreme Action - Book Review

Action, thriller and humor – this book has it all! Men of Extreme Action by Joseph Kochanoff is one of the better books I have reviewed this year, despite its obvious need of editing. Based in the action movie making industry, Joseph incorporates murder, excellent fight scenes and sabotage.

The two main characters are action movie stars that have difficult personal issues keeping them from doing their best. Wolfe Neilson is an aging man who is losing the battle both in his career and with alcohol. Steele Taylor is an older egomaniac who has become ruthlessly rude and demanding. These two actors are forced to make one last stab at reviving their dying careers (and personalities) by making an action movie together. Neither is used to sharing the ‘lime light’ and the antagonism between these two ancient enemies is quite entertaining. Steele and Wolfe are constantly trading insulting wisecracks that had me guffawing aloud – yet in the end they will depend on each other to live through another day.

Colorful characters such as Mr. Pang, the torture-trainer who forces Wolfe and Steele to cooperate, and Tina, the agent who mediates many antagonistic situations, brighten the story line. The rival -the most popular action movie star of the day - Blaze Vansome, is easy to hate.

Steele and Wolfe are soon living as if inside one of their movies. Who can they trust? Where do they go for help? How does one fight a well-connected crime organization on their own?

In their desperate efforts to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage their movie, Wolfe and Steele stumble into one hilarious situation into another. Their banter keeps the mood light and the action is so fast paced you will not want to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book."


ISBN#: 1413735398
Author: Joseph Kochanoff
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.