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Archive for May, 2008

Video Server:Converter of Analog to Digital

Posted by Shikha on May 30, 2008

A video server also called video encoder digitalizes analog signals .It distributes digital images directly over an IP-based network, changing analog cameras into digital network cameras. It has analog video channels, image digitizer, image compressor and web server with network interface. This is ideal for converting existing analog video system into a digital network video solution. All the functional benefits of digital technology like,remote access , cost-effectiveness , flexibility , scalability can be achieved with the help of converting a CCTV analog system to a network video system.Video servers provide a way by which you can move on to IP and add network cameras ,if you have an existing analog system .

Features and Benefits of Video Servers:

  • Conversion of analog CCTV video  into high quality digital video.
  • Digital quality images reduce the Motion blur caused by analog interlaced images.
  • Simultaneous JPEG and MPEG-4.
  • Direct connection to IP networks.
  • Independent system with embedded web server remove the neccessity of extra H/W or S/W to capture and transfer images.
  • Remote access to live images through the existing network.
  • Digital video storage of images which is helpful for searching.
  • Easy addition of IP based  network cameras  into the existing system.

If you want to make this system work , the installers would have to be familiar with IP Networking and for analog CCTV installers  would be to enroll into an IP Networking course, like: Cisco CCNA course.

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How to Choose Best Microscope for Your Laboratory?

Posted by Shikha on May 26, 2008

The right lab equipment can prove to be invaluable for a great laboratory. One of the most important things of laboratory is magnifying instrument. The right microscope for a multitude of jobs can prove to be worth its weight in gold.

But maximum people don’t know how to choose microscope and which type of microscope that they need for their work. One type of microscope that is perfect for general lab is the light microscope. There are two ways of microscope; they are low and high power. You have to know what your requirement is. The low microscopes are perfect for looking at images that are larger than most invisible items.

These are often referred to as stereo microscopes because they offer a three dimensional look at a specimen. A high power microscope is more popular for hobbyists alike. With high power microscope you can see invisible items such as blood and bacteria.

The light goes under the specimen and allows one to see the object. These are relatively inexpensive, but no matter what one does, plastic microscopes for children are not recommended because of the inability to see items well.

Other equipment that will be used in the lab with microscopes and it’s also essential for viewing objects are its slides. You can purchase from anywhere and relatively inexpensive. One can find prepared slides with items already on them, or an individual can find slides onto which their own items can be placed.

If you purchase blank microscope slides, then make sure that the solution will be needed or not in order to view the objects correctly. Many retailers also sell the slide mounting fluid that is needed to see so many of the basic images that are looked at under a microscope.

Choosing lab equipment for a small lab can be hard to understand. If one is a parent or a hobbyist who is looking to begin one’s creative genius when it comes to science, then the best place to begin is by finding the right microscopes for the job. Understanding this crucial element can help an individual create the best environment for seeing the invisible and learning about the world around them.

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Follow these Steps and Extend the Life of Your Laptop

Posted by Shikha on May 23, 2008

Today, laptops are more popular then PC. But you have to good care of your laptop. There are several things that you should really do to take care of your laptop. Here are discussing some simple maintenance to that which requires a few minutes of your time it can significantly increase the life of your laptop and in return save you a bundle of money.
You have to follow these steps, if you really want to care your laptop.

1) Locking your notebook – You have to lock your laptop because anyone around you from looking at what are you doing and ensure that anything private stays that way. When your work finished just lock your laptop just pressing Windows Key + L at the same time. And when you unlock you system, you have to press three key Ctrl + Alt + Del and then enter your password and you will back in your window.

2) Vent maintenance – This means you need to check all of the vents on your laptop at least once a week to ensure that they are clear and not blocked. Be sure you do not push anything into the air vents; the safest way to clean these vents typically is using a simple can of air that can be purchased at most computer supply stores.

3) Check the fan – This is very important point. If you fan is not working properly and you are facing problem like laptop overheating, which can cause problems with your monitor, memory or even the hard drive. Remove this problem immediately. If you are unsure whether the fan is working properly or not, check the website for the laptop manufacture or take some advice from your hardware engineer.

4) Avoiding soft spots – This is a very common problem for many people, for example if you are sitting on bed and your laptop up on a pillow on your lap. This may seem like a great idea but it can cause a big problem, because you restrict the airflow to fan and vents causing your laptop to heat up significantly.

5) Safely storing your laptop –Laptop bags are sold wonderful for transporting your laptop, it is very important that you turn your laptop off before you actually put it into the bag. If you don’t do that, you could melt your laptop or potentially catch it on fire.

6) Drinks beware – If you are thinking about getting a drink it is important to make sure that your drink is as far away from your laptop as possible. Please don’t mix drink and laptop under any circumstances what you are drinking.

7) Avoiding shocks – If you are looking to move your laptop around a bit you should always ensure that it is on a sturdy surface that will protect it from unexpectedly jostling around. If the laptop is well protected you can safely move it around, however if the laptop is not stable you should turn it off before moving it around.

8) Humidity is not your friend – Humidity is the main cause of failure of laptops. You have to protect your laptop form humidity. If you don’t do that, this can cause damage of motherboard as well as damage to screen also.

9) Dust is the enemies of your computer – One more important point, make sure that your laptop is far away from dust; dust can clog fans and even vents which will cause your laptop to heat up significantly.

10) Surge protectors are critical – This can allow you to adequately protect your computer in the event that a power surge occurs, which could damage your computer.

11) Protect the screen- If you are in the habit of storing papers between the screen of your laptop and the keyboard it is possible to scratch the screen from the paper. This can create an extremely large repair bill that you would be left with. Avoid this as much as possible to ensure that your screen is protected.

If you follow all these steps, then you are really care for you laptop. It’s not very tuff. It’s really and quick. So, do it on regularly basis. As long as you are willing to take some basic precautions for your laptop, you are going to enjoy a lot of usage.

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Secure Your Computer System with these steps

Posted by Shikha on May 21, 2008

Today, more and more people are using computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. People are using computer on regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. In this article, we are discussing some easy, cost-effective steps to make your computer more secure.

  1. When you are doing some important work, always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.
  2. You have to update latest patches on your computer system, web browser and software frequently. Update your computer system regularly.
  3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet.
  4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.
  5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.
  6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It might be virus.
  7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.
  8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows.
  9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.
  10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.

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Features Of Window Vista : Operating System

Posted by Shikha on May 17, 2008

Windows Vista is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Tablet PCs, and media center. Windows Vista was known by its codename “Longhorn”. The release of Windows Vista comes more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, Windows XP, the longest time span between successive releases of Microsoft Windows

Windows Vista Features: Vista has many new features that aren’t included in XP. Among other features and benefits, it offers:

1) Help your kids stay safer
Worried about your kids’ computer use—or what they may encounter online? Now you can set boundaries on what your kids can do on the PC to give them a safer experience, using the centralized Parental Controls in Windows Vista. You can even restrict games and websites based on your family’s values.

2) See everything you have open at a glance
Lost track of what files and programs you’ve opened? Flip through all your open files and windows with a simple click of your mouse using Windows Flip 3DA—you’re just one click away from everything you’re working on.

3) Create a custom movie without a fine arts degree
In Window vista, creating a movie is very easy. You have to just use Windows Movie Maker to blend videos and photos into a rich movie, complete with your own soundtrack, titles, and credits. When your masterpiece is ready to share with family and friends, you can easily create a professional-looking DVD in Windows DVD Maker.

4) Bring your TV and PC together—and take home entertainment to a new level
Tired of huddling around the PC for entertainment? Connect your PC to one or more televisions in your home using a Windows Media CenterM Extender like Xbox 360, and enjoy all your digital entertainment on the big screen—from photo slideshows, home videos, and digital music to live and recorded TV shows and movies.

5) Record and watch TV on your time
You can watch TV on your own schedule—not the TV networks’ schedule. If your PC has a TV tuner, you can record, watch, and pause live television on your desktop or mobile PC using Windows Media CenterM. With TV tuners, you can record one channel while watching another.

6) Keep track of your music—and play it anywhere
The larger your collection of digital music grows, the harder it can maintain and keep track of it. But now you can easily scroll, flip, browse through, and play your entire music library in Windows Media Player 11. You can even create new playlists of your favorite tracks with a single click.

7) Surf multiple waves of the web at once
Like to jump from website to website? Satisfy your appetite for multitasking without having to open several browser windows. You can open multiple webpages in one window and easily click between them with the tabbed browsing feature in Internet Explorer 7—plus, you can see thumbnail images of all your open webpages at a glance with Quick Tabs.

8) Keep photos organized—and ready to share
Digital photo collection getting out of hand? You don’t have to search through folders to track down the ones you want. Now you can tag your photos with a date, keyword, rating, or any label you choose so you can find them quickly and easily in Windows Photo Gallery. Even you can also use Photo Gallery to fix and edit photos, after that you can share with your family and friends through e-mails, prints and etc.

9) Keep the things you need most at your fingertips
No need to open a web browser to check traffic and weather, open a calculator to add up a few numbers, or open an application to see your calendar. Now you can put mini-applications called gadgets right on your desktop, where you can see and use them whenever the mood strikes. Just use the Windows Sidebar pane to store and organize your favorite gadgets.

10) Find that file in a few quick clicks
You don’t need to remember folder names to be organized anymore. Save time by instantly tracking down any document, photo, e-mail message, song, video, file, or program on your PC using Instant Search. You have to just open the start menu and start typing in the Instant Search box. —Windows Vista searches file names, application names, the full text of all files, and metadata, and then display the results right away.

Plus, you can better protect your PC and your personal information, as well as your family, with built-in security tools like Windows Defender and anti-spam and phishing filters.

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What is HDMI?

Posted by Shikha on May 16, 2008

HDMI, or high definition multimedia interface, is a type of audio and video interface that is used for the transmission of uncompressed digital streams. Essentially, HDMI can be considered an alternative method to transmitting data streams, rather than making use of conventional methods such as coaxial cabling, VGA, or component video equipment.

What Type of Sources May Be Employed Using HDMI?
There are few number of devices and sources on the market today will work with the use of HDMI. Most personal computers that are sold today are ready for use with HDMI, as are the majority of video game consoles in the stores currently. A set-top box also is usually compatible with HDMI, as are such entertainment options as digital television. Essentially, any type of computer interface today will function with the use of HDMI.

How Does HDMI Work?
HDMI will work with a single cable connection to such devices as televisions or personal computers. HDMI is working fine with any television or PC that is standard, or high definition in the video component. HDMI does not work independently of many of the DTV standards, although use of HDMI will not impact the quality of the digital transmission. These standards apply to some configurations of MPEG movie clips and files. Since, these are compressed, HDMI will simply decompress the data and then it makes possible to view the clip.

Are All HDMI Versions The Same For All Devices?
No. There is a range of specifications that are employed by HDMI, and a given device will be manufactured to comply with one of those specifications. The most simplistic specification is identified as 1.0. With each succeeding version, the capabilities of the previous version remain intact, but are joined by other capabilities that will allow the version to function with a given device. Because technology is always advancing, HDMI continues to advance as well. However, older versions remain active, as they are often used with devices that require less functionality, and they also continue to be helpful in situations where older systems are still running and are in operation.

Where Did HDMI Come From?
HDMI was created and has been enhanced by the efforts of several prominent names in the computer and electronics industry. Consumers will recognize the names of Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Silicon Image as just part of the roster of corporations involved in the ongoing enhancement of HDMI.

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Wireless Home Security Camera

Posted by Shikha on May 14, 2008

Today, number of households and every business person use some kind of security cameras. Small or large cameras can be wired to viewing monitor or tape recording instrument to keep track of the security.

This is really the benefits of the wireless home security camera system. It is controlled by computer. The wireless signals are received by a control box and the integral computer determines what action to take in regards to the signal. All these choices are predefined by the individual who programs the computer. The more modern user friendly computers are not required to have somebody write a computer program each occurrences of a change that is made, such as control pads.

Each wireless home security camera is integrated into a wireless security system. You have to just determine what you require from your camera to do. For example, your porch wireless home security camera calls for it to be remotely operated so it can be triggered whenever the doorbells rings. It can be incorporated into the porch light so that it does not require an infrared system.

You can move your camera through remote control to find out if anybody is hiding close to the door. An infrared camera close and can be controlled by a motion detector, so that you can find whether anybody is creeping into the garage. A wireless home security camera can be installed to store its pictures on a VCR or TiVo, broadcast its image to whichever TV set you choose at that point or transmit its images over the WWW. And you have the ability to alter that set up from day to day or hour to hour.

Motion sensors are a popular accessory for wireless home security cameras. These sensors alert a camera when it detects activity. This alert either powers on the camera or changes the picture from low-resolution to high-resolution. Infrared LED lights are popular, especially on outdoor wireless home security cameras. Bullet security cameras are the best type of outdoor wireless home security cameras because they don’t need an external camera housing that will reflect the infrared light. Software for wireless home security cameras enable time-stamping and give the wireless home security camera to zoom in on a particular object.

You just need to do set up your wireless system or have it completed for you. Then determine where you set your camera or set your position where you want to fix your camera. You could set up your camera for those just in case occurrences so that you can activate it remotely when required. A wireless home security camera can be as little as lipstick case

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What is High Definition TV and How Does it Work

Posted by Shikha on May 13, 2008

Ever since the invention of the television set, new technological innovations have changed the way we use it, starting with the advent of color TV. In the beginning a new black and white TV cost about what an average household earned in a month, so comparatively speaking it would be the same as if a small black and white TV cost about three or four thousand dollars today. As these technological innovations have made their appearance, so too has the overall cost of using a TV come down.

Then a few decades back video tape made its debut and it wasn’t long before people were running out to buy video tape players to play tapes that could be rented from rental outlets that were springing up in every city and town across the U.S and Canada. The tape machines and the tapes themselves were finicky at best and could be frustrating to watch, because of malfunctions that seemed to happen in the middle of the best part of a movie.

Cable service and DVDs came along and put all of the video tape rental stores out of business and then satellite service came along to make life hard for the cable service people. Now to top it all off, high definition TV has arrived on the scene with its promoters claiming that it is yet another broad technological step that is going to change the way people enjoy their TV programming, just like all the other technological advancements have done.

So now people are asking just what is high definition TV and whats so different about it? High definition TV programming is a new format that not only involves the picture but also the sound quality of the TV programming that is being watched. You can only get the effects of high definition TV programming by watching it through a high definition TV set. This is because the high definition TV set has twice the number of virticle lines of resolution and pixels in its screen and those are what the picture on the screen is produced with. Twice the number doesn’t equate to twice the precision of the picture though, because it in fact makes for a picture that is six times as precise and the difference is truly astounding.

It means that now a large screened TV can now be watched in a small room with out having to put up with a fuzzy picture, so now apartment and condo dwellers can have the big screened TV that they have always dreamed of. The sound quality is different with high definition TV programming also, because it is digitized surround sound with Dolby noise reduction for a sharper and more distinct CD quality sound that was unavailable from a TV until the advent of high definition TV programming.There is one place where you can see the difference that high definition TV programing makes with your own eyes and ears and that is at your local electronics retailer where thay will have the latest models of high definition TVs playing on their show room floor.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com

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Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) Technology

Posted by Shikha on May 13, 2008

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) provides an entire multimedia experience of photos, text, pictures, animations, audio and speech. By using the MMS facility, user can send their multimedia message, but the phone that supports MMS and also you have enabled the MMS service. With MMS technology, the mobile users can send or receive MMS from other mobile users. Even MMS supports audio formats like WAV, MIDI and MP3. MMS is also used for sending Video clips.

MMS is just like a SMS. But the difference is, SMS contains text messages with minimum character limits. But in MMS, you can send messages with more text capacity. SMS has limitation like only pictures and text can be send. MMS is user friendly, like you can send any picture, video files, and animation pictures. Older mobiles phones do not have the MMS facility or they don’t support MMS technology. But now, many mobile companies introduced MMS support phone. The price of these mobiles phones are little bit more than other phones. All the service providers have also started to offer MMS facility to their customers.

Every mobiles company provides complete multimedia knowledge and this facility increase the mobile communication usage. Many in the communication industry, for networks of 2.5 G and 3G, consider MMS as one of the biggest potential moneymakers.
When we send MMS, it’s usages the same method like SMS. MMS is considered as best and proven messaging technology. Now MMS has captured maximum market and greater business opportunity in the whole telecommunication market. MMS is designed to operate with GPRS, 1x/EVDO mobile packet data services.

MMS is delivered in two modes and they are immediate and deferred. You can take a snapshot using your camera and then you can send that picture through MMS to anyone. You can also send your video files to your friend. MMS faces lot of challenges like bulk messaging, distribution lists, WAP Push, handset configuration and content adaptation. MMS is different from EMS that is Enhanced Messaging service that is SMS with additional capabilities. MMS is going to be used as community-based communication method in the future years.

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Digital Camera: How to Find the Best Digicam

Posted by Shikha on May 10, 2008

When you go for buying a digital cameras you are totally confuse, which one is the best. Am I right? It seems that every month, if not every week, different manufacturers are coming up with the latest digital cameras to entice potential clients.

After spending some time, we figure out which is the best digital camera for us, good  mega pixel, 10x digital zoom or more, potable, candy colored, up to 1GB or more expandable memory of super hi-speed SD memory card and not to mention very portable, (that will be the envy of almost everyone we know). And we sigh because the producer of this amazing gadget claims that this is the best digital camera yet out in the market. And so as we always want to have the best, armed with our life savings and a few credit cards, we buy the “best digital camera.” But then again, that doesn’t last too long, after two months or so, there’s another “best digital camera.”

And so it confuses us. What makes a digital camera, the best digital camera?
Here we discuss some certain factors when we go for the “best digital camera” for us.

MEGAPIXELS: One of the most important features of digital camera is mega pixels. This makes it into the best digital camera category is its mega pixel property. The higher the mega pixels the better the actual photograph will come out. A mega pixel is equivalent to one million pixels. Resolution of your camera is totally based upon the mega pixels of your camera. This means that as you enlarge the picture, you would get more detail and less blurry colors.

LCD SIZE: The best digital camera will always have a large LCD to help you frame your subject without having to squint to the viewfinder. This is also helpful when reviewing your images, some cameras enable touch up and editing features with its LCD. A 1.5-inch display is average, a 2-inch LCD display is good, but the best LCD size would be 2.5 inches or higher.

ZOOM: This is another one of the most important feature in digital camera.  Most digital cameras have both digital and optical zoom. A higher optical zoom is always better than a higher digital zoom. Digital cameras are usually furnished with optical of between 3x to 10x. The better the optical zoom, the higher it climbs up to the best digital camera category.

MEMORY CARD:  Always make sure that your memory card is the right one for your digital camera. There are different types of memory card like the xD, SD, Flash card and the likes. The memory storage is also up there in choosing the best digital cameras. Choose the best size of memory card, if you are a photo junkie. You can buy 1GB or more than that.

The key point to find the best digital camera is to find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle. Don’t just buy the latest or the one that claims they are the best digital cameras out in the market. Just check everything before you buy. You wouldn’t want to buy a DSLR and use it with your home activities or family outing and have to lug it around?! Or you don’t want to buy the latest point and shoot camera when you’re serious about being a professional photographer.

Actually, the best digital camera is the one that you will enjoy and use. Not the type that you’ll just leave rotting in its box or after a few weeks of usage or so, up there in the attic.

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