Learn about LED TVs

There are many benefits from owning an HD TV today. Many consumers have made the digital switch to HD TVs over the last decade since the digital platform was first introduced. There are many types of HD TVs available today that include LCD TVs, LED TVs, rear projection HDTV televisions and plasma HD TVs as well as rear projector HD display projector TV. In terms of environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, LED HD TVs are the more environmentally friendly than other HDTV types.

Although introduced commercially in 2009 by Samsung, LED TVs have a history date back to 2007. There are many things that make LED TV more energy efficient including its backlighting technology. LED TVs use the same display as LCD TVs but utilizing a different backlight technology. There are two types of LED backlights, full-lighting and edge-lit. Each LED lighting configuration may offer local dimming or automatic LED dimming that dims individual LED light panels as needed.

Local dimming as it is referred to controls individual LED panels of the HD TV by its sensors that detect which portion of the image being displayed is darker or brighter. The technology then brightens or dims the specific portion to create a consistent picture image.

The local dimming technology allows for more balanced images that make blacks darker and more realistic while brighten the lighter colors being displayed on the LED HD TV. Also because black color levels are essential to the overall HD TV contrast ratio, the more detailed the blacks are, the clearer and more detailed the image and color display on LED TVs.

There is one major disadvantage to local dimming, which is an image display effect called blooming. Blooming causes brighter colors to “bleed” or spread to darker colors and adjust black levels. Though it is not often visible to most consumers, blooming can cause images to look washed out and gray. There have been some improvements made with selected HD TV manufacturers and the blooming effect is not noticed on most current LED TVs.

LED HD TVs thus create a brighter, sometimes more detailed image display than that of LCD based HD TVs. LED TVs are available in different screen sizes ranging from 32 inch to 72 inch models. For the consumer who wants the best image quality while purchasing an HD TV that is future proof and environmentally friendly, the LED TV may be a worthwhile option.

Sony Showcases 17-inch and 25-inch OLED Monitors

Source from：http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/peripherals-news/sony-showcases-17-25-oled-monitors/

Last week Sony proudly showed off its new line of Trimaster EL OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays, unveiling two products of the professional BVM-E series, bound to set their buyers back a few dollars.

Thee 25-inch BVM-E250 and 17-inch BVM-E170 feature stunning colors, rich blacks, unparalleled clarity and power-efficiency as result of OLED technology, along with full HD resolution of 1920×1080, 10-bit RGB color and 3G/HD/SD-SDI, HDMI and a DisplayPort connections.

The monitors are aimed at professional studios and broadcast who have deeper pockets than your average consumer, given that the displays cost approximately $15,000 for the 17″ and $26,000 USD for the 25″.

“These new monitors are the next step-up in professional displays providing end users with the highest picture quality ever seen, well above any other existing display device.” said Daniel Dubreuil Senior Product Specialist at Sony Professional Solutions Europe.

“This is breakthrough technology for applications where visual performance and accuracy are paramount, offering an unbeatable combination of image reproduction, colour accuracy, reliability and stability.”

The BVM-E250 is expected in April 2011, with the BVM-E170 in late June, and while it may be out of reach for most for now, OLED offers interesting prospects for the future.

Understanding how to choose the right HD TV

Because of the nature and maturity of the industry, it is clear that the HDTV industry is still in its early stages of development. That means like any other technology industry, there will be some major developments that will occur in the coming years. One of the big changes that may go mainstream, should prices allow, is 3D TV. Given that most HD TVs today already support full HD 1080p, this will most likely be the next big thing in HD TV. When selecting an HD TV, you might want to consider where the HDTV will be placed, the amount of daily viewing time that you will spend on it, the main features you will need. Then you should also consider and weigh the advantages and disadvantages together.

Screen size is often a big deciding point but it might be better to instead focus on overall viewing experience, when it comes to certain HD display technologies like LED and LCD, the viewing angles can appear distorted or less detailed when viewed from outside of the recommended viewing range which is usually closer to the TV. Other HD TV types like Plasma and projection HD TVs will provide better viewing angles. In defense, LCD and LED TVs can consume less power than plasma and projection HD TVs, while plasma and projection HD TVs will perform better in darker lighting settings. These are just some examples of how each display technology may differ from another display technology.

To future-proof your purchase you may want to invest in an HDTV with enough digital connections to fit your content sources. The standard number of HDMI connections for a standard size HDTV (32-42inch) HD TV is about 3, if you are lucky enough, you can find 4 connections although that number is usually found on HD TVs above 42 inches. Also consider where the HDTV will be placed, if you plan on wall mounting it, you might want to get a lighter HDTV like an LCD or LED HD TV. If you plan on setting it in a home theatre room, be sure that you are picking an HD TV that has good viewing angles in a darker room setting.

Oil, Bonds Gain on Libya Turmoil; Asia Stocks, Kiwi Dollar Drop

Source from： http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-22/oil-gold-gain-as-libya-turmoil-worsens-asia-stocks-u-s-futures-decline.html

Oil climbed to the highest level in more than two years and bonds rose, while Asian shares and U.S. stock futures declined as violence intensified in Libya. The New Zealand dollar weakened following an earthquake.

Crude for April delivery surged 7.7 percent from the Feb. 18 close in New York to $96.60 a barrel at 11:28 a.m. in Tokyo. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index lost 1.7 percent. Standard & Poor’s 500 Index futures sank 1.1 percent from last week. New Zealand’s dollar fell against all 16 major peers. Ten-year Treasury yields dropped to the lowest level in two weeks. The cost of insuring Japanese debt against default increased after Moody’s Investors Service changed the nation’s debt-rating outlook to negative.

Libya, holder of Africa’s largest oil reserves, erupted into violence last night, with al-Jazeera reporting that at least 250 people died in Tripoli alone. Turmoil in the Middle East may intensify inflation concerns and spur policy makers to “tighten incrementally more than they otherwise would have,” according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategist Timothy Moe.

“The Middle East issue is affecting sentiment today as investors grapple with uncertainty whether the political instability will spill over across the region,” said Im Jeong Jae, a fund manager at Shinhan BNP Paribas Asset Management Co. in Seoul, which oversees $28 billion of assets.

West Texas Intermediate oil for April delivery earlier rose as much as 9.8 percent. The less actively traded March contract, which expires today, gained 7.3 percent to $92.50 a barrel. Brent crude for April delivery rose 1.1 percent to $106.87 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange, extending yesterday’s 3.1 percent jump.

Middle East Violence
Gold for immediate delivery was little changed at $1,406.05 an ounce after rising for six days. Silver was little changed at $33.91 an ounce after gaining to a 31-year high of $34.3187 an ounce. Corn for May delivery advanced as much as 3.3 percent to $7.4425 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, the highest level for the most active contract since July 2008.

Middle East stocks dropped yesterday, with benchmark indexes for Dubai, Tunisia and Morocco losing more than 1 percent each, as Libya become the focal point of protests that have spread to Yemen, Djibouti, Iran and Bahrain.

Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi said in comments broadcast on state TV that he hadn’t fled the country as diplomats resigned and soldiers deserted in protest over a crackdown that has left hundreds dead. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a stop to the “unacceptable bloodshed.”

Builders, Airlines
More than six stocks fell for each that gained on MSCI’s Asian index, which was on course for its largest slump since Jan. 20. Benchmark indexes retreated in all markets open for trading.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., a South Korean builder that gets about 38 percent of its sales from the Middle East, tumbled 9.1 percent. Korean Air Lines Co. tumbled 10 percent while China Airlines Ltd. lost 6.3 percent, leading airlines lower on concern rising fuel costs will erode profits.

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s biggest mining company, advanced 2.3 percent after agreeing to buy Chesapeake Energy Corp.’s Fayetteville assets in central Arkansas for $4.75 billion in cash, entering the U.S. shale gas business.

U.S. index futures indicate that shares may decline when markets resume trading today after the President’s Day break yesterday. The S&P 500 gained 1 percent last week, its third consecutive weekly rally.

Moody’s Downgrade
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 2 percent. The Markit iTraxx Japan index advanced three basis points to 84.5 basis points, according to Citigroup Inc. prices after Moody’s changed the nation’s credit-rating outlook to negative from stable, citing the risk that the government won’t do enough to its tackle debt burden. The rating stands at Aa2.

The cost of protecting New Zealand sovereign bonds from default jumped the most in almost three months after a 6.3 magnitude temblor hit the city of Christchurch. Credit-default swaps gained 5 basis points to 66 basis points, according to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. prices. The kiwi slumped 1.3 percent to 75.37 U.S. cents.

Australia’s dollar fell 0.3 percent to $1.0065 and the South Korean won lost 0.5 percent to 1,123.40 per dollar as tensions in the Middle East sapped demand for higher-yielding assets. The dollar and yen were stronger against most peers.

“Given the tensions that are still prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa, we probably should still see some risk- aversion trades,” said Matthew Brady, executive director for foreign exchange at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Sydney.

Yields on 10-year Treasuries fell six basis points to 3.53 percent, after earlier dropping to 3.52 percent, the lowest level since Feb. 3. Japan’s 10-year yields dropped three basis points to 1.275 percent, and Australia’s slid four basis points to 5.60 percent.

Eternity Rings – Modern Design Ideas

Eternity rings are different from normal finger circlets in that their designs are relatively fixed. Usually many of them have round-shaped brackets made of a consistent type of metal, e.g. gold, platinum, silver, etc., into which are carved a number of identical precious gemstones. Diamond is the most commonly used substance in making the gemstones, for it can stand the test of time and therefore symbolizes an ever-lasting love. It is usually given by a husband to his wife on a very important wedding anniversary to demonstrate his ever-lasting love for her.

However, as the times have changed, nowadays the design of an eternity ring has changed in accordance with the change of female social role. In the past, the normal role for a woman is to stay at home and raise the children. If the woman is the mistress of an upper or middle class family, she usually does not need to do the house chores. Therefore, she can wear the ring all day without worrying about breaking it by doing heavy work. By contrast, in the modern society it is very common for a woman to have a steady job outside home and this sometimes may make the wearing of such a finger jewelry piece inconvenient. For example, if a woman works as a doctor or a nurse, she may have to wash her hands frequently, which may damage the quality of the ring. Therefore, it is vey reasonable for designers to think of new design methods to cater to the needs of modern women.

Today, there are “half-eternity” jewelry pieces available on the market. Instead of circumscribing the entire outer line of the finger circlet, the gemstones cover merely haft of the circlet. This not only makes the piece of jewelry cheaper but also makes it more convenient for women to wear it while working in offices, e.g. typing on the computer, writing on the documents, etc.

Also, in addition to diamond, other types of gemstone such as cubic zirconia are used to cater to the different artistic tastes of different women. The idea that a husband buys only one such jewelry piece for his wife in his entire life time should be abandoned now. While a traditional one may be more suitable for a retired woman at home, others with different design ideas and different prices can be offered as a gift to the wife in her different life periods on different anniversaries.

How Pocket Electronics Store Media

For most people, the ability to record and share video and photos is becoming an integral part of everyday life that has been driven by the rise and popularity of social media such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube among other websites. The need for compact, smaller life size fitting devices is spreading and it is no surprise given that the phenomena of pocket electronics has been around for only the last 5 years. Everything from the Sony Bloggie series camcorders to iPhones have been influenced by the new compact-ness of pocket electronics.

There are some essential facts about pocket electronics to consider and that matter today more than ever. These include battery life, memory storage format and feature capabilities. While the product features and battery life are often given more attention, the products storage format, in particular pocket camcorders memory format affects the overall performance of the pocket camcorder.

Media Formats
The type of media format your pocket camcorder will record on is also important as the media format affects everything from size, battery life, weight, performance and the individual user experience. Most pocket camcorders come with flash memory although some can have built-in memory. Some pocket camcorders come with expansion card slots for additional storage. If you plan on taking lots of video, the expansion slots can be an attractive option for you. The average pocket camcorder can have up to 8GB or more internal flash memory and through expansion cards can take up to 32GB additional storage. Do keep in mind that the average HD video requires about 4GB of space per hour of HD footage. This can also toy on the battery life, so additional power maybe needed to record extra video hours. Finding a pocket camcorder with a rechargeable battery is given these days but there are also some pocket camcorders that come removable rechargeable batteries, making it easier to buy additional battery packs for extra recording hours.

All in all, when you consider how important the memory format as much as how much video or the number of photos you want to take, picking your next camcorder will be easier. Knowing how much is enough for you could help determine which pocket camcorder is right for your particular needs and application.

How the Personal Digital Assistant works

The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is also known as palmtop computer. It is a hand held device with the combination of fax, telephone, computing, networking features and internet. One can use the PDA Phones like a simple mobile phone, web browser, personal organizer and fax sender. Most PDAs are run by pen based accessories in place of keyboard in the case of a portable computer. This pen-like device called as stylus, which can be used instead of your thumb to scroll, write, type, play games, and otherwise. The stylus is sleek, sexy, and offers natural but sophisticated feel to PDA use.

So, this type of mobile has the ability of handwriting recognition. Handwriting Recognition is a technique by which the computer system recognizes the natural handwriting generated by the stylus’s pressure applied to the touch screen. It can recognize the symbols and characters written by the stylus. The system recognizes the writing wrote by using the stylus and turns it into actually digital text. A modern miracle of electrical engineering, really!

Different PDAs are available in the market with voice input facilities, also. These types of smart phones use the technologies of voice recognition to enhance ease of use. In such types of PDAs, the system recognizes the word spoken with advanced artificial intelligence centers in the operating system. The system takes the dictation to match it up to a computerized bank of dictations in order to produce text to match the speech. So does it process natural language in one-of-a-kind text-to-speech integration.

Apple was the first company to introduce the PDA. In 1993, Apple computer introduced the PDA named Newton Message Pad. Shortly thereafter, many manufacturers made similar products. Today most popular PDA brand is manufactured by Palm, Inc.

Nowadays PDAs are a very attractive product among mobile device customers. Unlike a simple computer, it is with you all the time (as it is the hand held device) and designed to fit in your pocket, but is just like a powerful computer with a strong processor and a large memory capacity of up to 128 MB. The PDA has all the functionalities which a simple phone has but apart from that, such types of smartphones also have some more advanced features. For example, it is capable of connecting with and communicating to other electronic devices like digital cameras or personal computers. So, by using PDAs we can manage a large amount of data by connecting it with the other devices, as opposed to the integration-limited simple cellular phone.

Understanding about HDTV resolutions

There are many benefits that HDTV offers to consumers. By many standards, HD TVs are the replacements to standard TVs that were large and did not have an adequate resolution to be able to display HD content. The HD (high-definition) resolution is one reason why HD TVs look so much superior to Standard TVs. HD TVs are able to display up to 2 million pixels of colours that create images that are both more detailed and appear more real than other TVs. Although the resolution is one major thing that sets HD TVs apart, there some things that go into making an HDTV resolution what it is.

So what makes HD TV resolution what it is? Well there among the things that make the resolution what it is, are the contrast ratio, the aspect ratio and color saturation as well as color accuracy.

Contrast Ratio – The contrast ratio is a measurement of how the HD TV displays the blacks, whites and RGB (red, green and blue) colors and how they adjust to the content that is being displayed on the HD TV. For most HD TVs, the contrast ratio is usually measured by the system refresh rate.
Aspect Ratio – Although a similar term to that of contrast ratio, the aspect ratio has to do with the viewing range and angle of the HD TV. Standard TVs used an aspect ratio of 4:3 which required picture resolution to be reduced and often distorted the real picture quality. With HDTVs, the aspect ratio was increased to 16:9 which was the same as that of the human eye, making HD TV viewers feel more “into” the content that is played on an HD TV.

Colour Saturation – Color Saturation is used to create a more rich color mixture on an HD TV. Color Saturation is similar to color accuracy, although color accuracy deals more with displaying the correct the blacks, whites and RGBs.

These factors together combine to influence the overall difference of the resolution. Because HD TVs only have several HD resolutions, 720p, 1080i and 1080p, the HD resolution is not any different on different HD TV screen sizes. The real advanced different is in the four factors as the display is what really makes the difference.

When deciding which HDTV to pick, consider that resolution is not everything, although it is important to make sure your HD TV can support various HD resolutions, also place into consideration the other factors, contrast ratio, aspect ratio, color saturation and color accuracy.

Benefits Sony Bloggie HD Camcorders

It is very common to notice that most people actually purchase a particular product because they know how beneficial it is to them. As a matter of fact, no one will purchase something which is noted to be of low beneficiary. It is therefore imperative to mention here that, Sony Bloggie HD camcorders has a lot of benefits and as such that explains why most people will always prefer to purchase it especially Sony products in general. This company has therefore made it very big in terms of performance and its related issues.

Any one who is so concerned about the price of high definition camcorders should consider this particular camcorder. It is so glaring that Sony products in general are very affordable and as such all those who truly purchase products under Sony have always testified to that effect. It is therefore imperative to mention here that camcorders are very affordable and as such it is meant for even the average person to also have the opportunity to purchase one and this of course has been so satisfactory to most customers. In the first place, nothing can beat HD imagery. When one compares HD side by side with standard definition, you can immediately see why that HD imagery is far superior to any other. Any one who truly wants to get the most out of video and really get the best results should of course high definition camcorders as this will never disappoint.

It was believed that, editing HD footage was hard. Well this used to be true a few years ago but not anymore. As a matter of fact, computer processors have evolved to catch up with HD, even a standard new personal computer will have no problem when editing movies. Moreover there used to be issues concerning huge volumes of space needed to store high definition footage would damage a hard drive within no time. Well this is no longer an issue because standard personal computers are evolving with 500 GB hard drives today.

Sony as a Company makes most of the best HD camcorders on the market. It is noted that, they consistently rank in the top 10 for the best camcorders.

Understanding LED Technology in HDTVs

HD has been adopted as the digital standard of the future and around the world, many consumers are cashing in on the HDTV market. There are a number of different types of HDTV sets including the recently introduced LED TV. LED TVs may be marketed as a new type of HDTV but LED TVs have been around since 2007. As the decision over which HDTV to get becomes more complex, there are some things about LED technology that anyone should know before picking their next HDTV.

LED is a backlighting technology that was designed to replace the LCD TV CCFL lighting that was not environmentally friendly and consumed a lot of power. LED stands for light-emitting diodes.

LCD technology is very different from plasma and OLED display technology, which are emissive display technologies. For OLED/Plasma Displays each pixel is its own discrete light source whereas LCD and LED use lighting technology where each pixel has to be illuminated or lit from behind, hence the term backlit. LCD technology is commonly used for IT and computer products although it has also been used successfully with HDTVs and LCD based HDTVs are the most common type of HDTVs available. So what does one need to know about LED TVs?

LED HDTVs are based on LCD technology. LED TVs use a trans missive technology where each pixel has to be illuminated from behind, or backlit.
LED TVs have two types of backlighting. LED TVs have two main types of backlighting that are used by different HDTV manufacturers. These two types of LED lighting include “full-lighting” and “edge-lit”. Full-lighting refers to LED lighting that goes across the back panel of the HD TV set, just like the CCFL backlight. For thinner LED TVs as those available, the edge-lit is used. Edge-lit is set into four main side of the HDTV and light is sent and displayed towards the middle of the HDTV using light guiding.

LED HDTVs are today taking emergence alongside other types of HD TVs. Edge-lit LED TVs are the most common type of HD TV available today.

Digital camera chassis makers to see shipment growth more so than profit growth

Digital camera chassis makers will see their shipment volume increase in 2011 benefiting by Japan-based digital camera vendors releasing production to their Taiwan-based OEMs; however, the fierce price competition in the retail channel will cause chassis makers to see their profitability grow a lot weaker than their shipments because OEMs will try to cut their quotes to save cost, according to sources from chassis makers.

The sources expect their shipments in 2011 will have chance to grow 15-20% on year, but their profitability is unlikely to see similar growth.

In 2011, since Korea-based brand vendors only released a limited amount of orders to Taiwan chassis makers, the sources believe Japan-based brands will be the largest contributor to their revenues, a lot higher than the US- or Korea-based brands.

As Japan brand vendors expanding their outsourcing, Taiwan-based chassis maker AVY Precision recently revealed that its two plants in China are already fully loaded for the first half of 2011 with monthly capacity reached five million units.

In addition, with AVY's invested joint venture, which is expected to continue receiving iPad 2 chassis orders, the market watchers believe AVY should be able to achieve a new revenue high in 2011, the market watchers noted.

The fellow chassis maker Donpon Precision, benefiting by its digital camera OEM partners is expected to see its chassis shipments have better on-year growth than the global digital camera shipments in 2011, the market watcher added.


Source from：http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110214PD230.html

How computer technology influenced the evolution of HDTV

HDTV have roots tracing back to the beginning of television in the 1930s but todays’ HD television sets borrow they’re technology from more recent technology developments. The term resolution is borrowed from PC monitors.

The first version of color based computing, Windows 95 relied on a screen resolution, then dubbed VGA or 640 x 480 (the standard DVD resolution), over the years as computing evolved, so did the resolutions available. Today what we consider HD has been common place for some years. The highest available resolution today is ultra high-definition which is 4320p, most HD resolutions are way below that with the 3 most common being 720p, 1080i (used for broadcasting) and Full HD 1080p. Up until late 2006, it was thought that 1080p was the highest resolution, that is until 2009 when at the largest consumer electronics show in the world, graphics manufacturer Nvidia and computer maker Dell demoed 30 inch displays with resolutions of 1440p or Extreme high definition at 2560 x 1440.

Since then several computer companies have developed and released 1440p native resolution PC monitor displays, most recently the Apple 27 inch iMac. Although there is no visible benefit of 1440p over Full HD, it has contributed and influenced the development of HD television by two main factors:

Display perception: Because HDTVs work on the perception of the human eye or the retina, a more detailed picture quality allows the eyes to feel immersed into the picture being displayed. 1440p and Full 1080 use the same aspect ratio 16:9.

Monitor Display Technologies: When Apple introduced its 27inch iMac, LED display technology came centre stage. The debate around LED and LCD has mainly been one of environmentally friendliness with LED being a clear winner. But there are some other points that make LED better than LCD, LED uses less electricity than LCD and is capable of producing a brighter more detailed picture on than the same display resolution of an LCD HDTV, which adds to the overall human retina display perception.

Today although two separate categories, HD televisions and computers still share technology and the influence of PCs on HDTVs is evident in the release of LED based HDTVs that offer a realism that is close to that of a 1440p Monitor although not entirely.

Do You Really Need a New HDTV? The Benefits of Buying a Used HDTV

HDTV Televisions have been around for some time. Not only do they produce sharper, more detailed pictures and video but HDTV allows for more channels and features to be added to normal television. Around the world, it is being adopted and broadcasters are broadcasting in 720p, 1080i and 1080p HD resolutions. Each HD resolution is different but since most HDTVs are able to display one or all three native resolutions, having an HDTV today is still a smart option.

Although most consumers will go for new HDTVs, there are other options including buying used HD Televisions. Depending on one’s particular budget, selecting a used HDTV can be a better option than buying brand new for a number of reasons:

Used is the new kind of new: As prices of technology continue to fall and in some instances, grow. It can be difficult to determine what the best price point is for an HDTV especially if you are buying a new HDTV. With used HDTVs, it is possible to find a more feature packed, used or refurbished HDTV for far much less. For the consumer who is price conscious
HD Technology: Aside from newer backlight LED screens, wider screens and the emergence of 3D technology, there isn’t much that has changed in the last several years in the HDTV market. In fact some older generation HDTVs display a more clearer picture resolution than newer HD Televisions available today. This is an important point to consider when considering whether to go used or new.

Accessories still Adapt: If you have a lot of older generation or legacy electronics like older sound systems, A/V receivers, DVD players, cable set-up boxes and video game systems and other accessories, buying a refurbished or used HD television can be the smart option as the HD television may have the right connection ports for your television.

If you do decide to buy used and refurbished, consider HD Televisions that are not older than 4 years, because the average technology development cycle is about that period of time. It is a safe bet to choose a HDTV from the last 4 years because it will be compatible with most current systems (aside from 3D) and also some legacy systems.

Digital TV channel 'a game changer'

A new digital TV channel for Scotland could be a "game changer" for the country's creative economy, according to a former Scottish Broadcasting Commission chairman.


Blair Jenkins told MSPs that the channel was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to make an impact in Scotland's media landscape.

Mr Jenkins, also a former head of BBC Scotland news and current affairs, chaired the Scottish Digital Network Panel, which last month published a report looking at how a Scottish digital network - which would include a TV channel for public service broadcasting - could be set up and funded.

The study comes after the Scottish Broadcasting Commission called in 2008 for the establishment of such a network, which would cost ￡75 million a year.

It concluded the licence fee would be the "most appropriate" source of funding.

Mr Jenkins appeared before Holyrood's Education and Culture Committee to give evidence on the proposed network as part of MSPs' ongoing consideration of broadcasting issues in Scotland.

He said the network, set up in the manner outlined in the panel's report, would provide new opportunities for those working in broadcasting in Scotland, particularly working in partnership with other organisations.

He said: "I would very much see the digital network as working in partnership with the likes of Channel 4, with BBC Alba as well, with broadcasters such as RTE, and other European broadcasters."

Mr Jenkins also said the network would have the potential to provide increased Scottish political programming, of which he said there is not currently enough coverage.

He said: "A lot of people in broadcasting and around are really disappointed with how broadcasting has responded to devolution. Any changes made in the last 10 years have been really pretty marginal. There are some very good programmes made but, there's no denying it, there isn't enough."


Source from:http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/digital_tv_channel_a_game_changer_1_2395829

All the Facts about HD TV technologies

HD TV was first introduced almost a decade ago and has changed the way we view and enjoy our media content. One of the key factors that make HDTVs so successful is their image scanning technology (method of displaying content). There are two main scanning methods, interlaced scanning and progressive scanning. Interlaced scanning has deeper roots than progressive scanning which was first introduced in LCD Monitors and DVD players.

Because progressive scanning produces more impressive images than interlaced in some instances, it is used for recorded content as well as some broadcasting standards. Interlaced scanning was first used for analogue and has a history with the first generations of High-Definition TVs (now standard definition TVs), although there has been some debate about which is more suitable for broadcasting, interlaced scanning has been adopted by most broadcasters. There are a few broadcasters that still use progressive scanning although only in the 720p format not full HD 1080p (which is superior by most standards to 1080i, the broadcasting format used by broadcasters.) Also progressive scanning is the standard used for digital media content, DVD/Blu-ray discs (where it has been very successful) and streaming platforms.

Here is a comparison of progressive and interlaced scanning:

Progressive scanning produces much better results for scaling to higher resolutions than equivalent interlaced scanning does for video, such as up scaling or up converting 480p to display on a 1080p HDTV. Also progressive scaling works better with full video frames which are common on streamed, digital and optical media whereas interlaced video must be unlocked as it were or “deinterlaced” before it is scaled, which can result in a poor picture resolution.

Interlaced scanning is better for broadcasting than media content. Progressive scanning relies on data bits or small pieces of content that are built and displayed progressively whereas interlaced scanning builds the images/content in odd and even lines which can create flickering. For broadcasting purposes, interlaced scanning is better as it requires less bandwidth than progressive scanned at the same frame size and vertical refresh which would explain why most broadcasters use 720p or 1080i instead of full HD 1080p.


As an image scanning technology, progressive scanning is ideal for certain applications of HD but not all. Is it the future of HDTV? This remains to be seen but it is a very serious contender to be employed full scale. For the average consumer, progressive scanning benefits will be seen mostly in digital content while interlaced scanning will be common in HD broadcasting. It is best to get an HDTV that supports both scanning technologies to future-proof any HD experience.

How to pick the right Accessories for your HDTV

Whether you are planning to take full advantage of your HD experience or on the market to replace some accessories for your HDTV, picking the right accessories can be complex. Although there haven’t been that many changes in the HD accessories market, finding the right companions for your HD television is can be decided by several factors. This article will discuss these factors and act as a mini-‘guide’ for picking the right accessories.

Get a List: Get a list of what you need specifically. Do you already have a sound system? Does it support surround sound? Is there an HD ready set up box? Are you going to access other kinds of content from a computer? These are all questions you need to ask before heading to the store. This will help you find out what accessories you need specifically for your HDTV.

Pick a set up box. Depending on where you get your HD content from, you should select a set up box that can handle all your media in one unit. For example if you have content on a computer, a mobile device and optical discs (e.g. DVDs/Blu-ray) you should consider getting an all in one multimedia system to handle all your media. If your HDTV has more than 1 or 2 HDMI ports and you have no free ports, getting an all in one system that can act as a hub for your content, it can save you a lot of cables, connections and space.

Pick the right sound system. After you have picked a set up box, unless it comes with a sound system (such as a home entertainment system), the next thing on your list to pick would be a sound system. Given that 5.1 Surround sound is the most affordable, you can go for this option or if you are in a tight space, you can select a sound bar which can produce the 5.1 equivalent using virtual sound that bounces off the walls and creates the surround effect.

Next you will need to pick the right connections. This may not be necessary if you already have another sound system in place but if it is your first purchase, choose to go the HDMI route. HDMI was designed specifically for HD video and surround sound and can help cut the cable clutter.

Picking the right accessories and electronics to enhance your HD experience can be made simple if you get a list of your specific needs, pick the right set up box, check the sound system and put the right connections in place to plug into your HDTV.

All the facts about the evolution of HDTV

The term high definition was first discovered and used to describe television picture quality standards in the 20th century and HDTV televisions have a long history in the evolution of TV and broadcasting. Originally designed to replace then existing systems that were only able to produce 12 lines of picture resolution, different HD television systems were developed and implemented in different countries.

The US used NTSC using 525 lines of resolution while European countries used a PAL system that was capable of producing 625 interlaced lines instead. This led to having separate broadcasting platforms and format until the late 1990s when DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) was formally introduced and mandated by regulators around the world. It required wide screen transmission creating the need for bigger televisions and the term HDTV was adopted. Formats used previously before the introduction of DVB are now considered Standard Definition although some countries still recognize those formats as high-definition.

Today most HDTVs are able to produce as average of 720 lines of progressive resolutions and full high-definition (Full HD) is recognized as 1080p or 1080 lines of progressive resolution.

Some computer manufacturers have introduced other versions of high definition including Extreme High definition (1440 lines of progressive resolution) and ultra high-definition Television (4320 lines of progressive resolution) although only extreme high definition is available to most consumers and is optimized for computer based LCD monitors, most notably the Apple iMac 27inch which has 1440p as its native resolution.
For most consumers 720 lines of resolution or 720p HD is satisfactory as it still has the benefits of HD and digital compression as full HD.

Lower prices HDTVs support 720p or HD-ready signals while others come with full HD 1080p support built in. While getting a 1080p HDTV or Full HD TV is the ideal option, most broadcasters are broadcasting using 720p HD so most consumers can still buy an HD-ready HDTV without losing out on the HD experience. For those with a big pocket, there are 3D ready Full HD Televisions available that can support 3D as well as 720p and 1080p resolutions. HDTV has evolved from its early days where 13 lines was considered high definition, to where today almost 100 times that is considered extreme high definition.

Sony Bloggie 3D Pocket Camcorder

Sony as a company has proved severally to be a company that will continue to top the electronic market until the end times. This company is really unique in several ways with type of products it produces and as such this is one of the reasons why it is often necessary to see to it that most electronic gadgets obtained are Sony products. Sony Bloggie 3D pocket camcorder which was recently developed has shown in several ways how unique it is and as such majority have always testified to this effect. The most amazing aspect is that, when considering its cost, it will be realised that, it is rated to the advantage of all and sundry. Sony as a Company has therefore done well with this unique product and as such majority still expect more development from them.

Sony’s new 3D camcorder which actually allows users to shoot video clips in full 3D is noted to have been developed in 2011. The 3D uses 2 lenses and 2 image microphones therefore allowing you to make your own 3D small movie clips and also has the ability of uploading it to the web using the built in USB connection. It has a 2.4 inch LCD screen which allows one to play back his or her movie in 3D without having to wear 3D glasses which is really fantastic. It also possesses a built in stereo microphone and a LED light when actually shooting video which reduces shadows when shooting. It is noted to shoot in 1920/1080 MP4 video and also offers 5 megapixel still shot camera. Moreover it comes with 8 GB of storage and in built software which has the capabilities of compressing the clips so that it is already prepared for uploading to the internet.

Hitherto, the 3D also has a built in Usb connection which often makes it easy for one to connect the camcorder to a computer when trying to upload certain things or when trying to charge the battery which of course makes it very convenient and one does not need an extra cord for charging which sometimes may be frustrating.

Understanding HDTV & HD Broadcasting

High-Definition Television, also known as HDTV, is a television capable of receiving a higher resolution and quality than that of a Standard Television (Standard Definition TV). This article will look into how HD Televisions benefit from HD broadcasting standards used as well as being a short ‘guide’ how HDTV and HD broadcasting work. A lot of consumers are making ill-informed decisions about buying HDTVs and sometimes end up not exploiting their HDTV’s full potential.

HDTV benefits directly from digital television and the digital broadcasting platform that is being adopted around the world. Digital HD broadcasts can allow a user to view multiple channels on the same feed without losing quality because the signal is compressed and reproduced on each HDTV receiver. Some HDTVs do come with built in tuners and cable Card slots.

HD Television broadcasting has other advantages to both consumers and broadcasters allowing broadcasters to transmit up to 16 individual channels on an analogue broadcast transmitter equivalent’s bandwidth without losing HD quality as well as seven separate channel feeds. Users are able to also interact using subtitles, multiple languages and electronic program guides (EPGs) all on the same transmission feed.

High-definition televisions (HDTVs) can also produce a much better video image quality by using more lines of resolution than that of analogue and standard definition TVs, which at most use about 576 lines, whereas Full HD Televisions can use 1080 lines of resolutions. The lines help reduce the image pixels visible to the human eye making the picture displayed seem more real and detailed than ever before.

HDTV digital receivers allow for better reception of content as well as color enhancement and visual clarity that is anywhere between 2 – 5 times that of analogue TV broadcasts. The sound quality is also on par with CD quality because of the individual audio channels employed, a lot of HD television systems can produce and output Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. With HD broadcasting and content and an HDTV system, it is possible can enjoy broadcast programming, movies, sport events and in the same resolution as they were recorded on film (35mm) without the need for additional up scaling or resources, all in the comfort of a home environment.

Connecting Your Pocket Camcorder to A HDTV

Televisions have been around for the same time that camcorders have been. Although most camcorders that were around in the early days of TV were reserved for professional recording, the industry has come quite far to the place where normal people can now be a part of the creative video process, creating and sharing their videos. Pocket camcorders such as the bloggie series, and Flip Mino camcorders have video output capabilities to display and share content on the big screen. For the web user who loves to share video with friends and family in person, this option can be a deal breaker. Although most pocket camcorders come with built in software that allows users to edit and save video on the camera as well as for viewing on HDTVs.

There are some essentials to enjoying this video output and these two options are often overlooked extras. The video output port and HD video support. Although most do support HD videos, the actual picture resolution varies because there are several picture resolutions, 720p and 1080i, there are some pocket camcorders like the Sony’s are able to record video in 1080p which is Full HD.

To enjoy high-definition video, you have to record in HD keep the content in HD without compressing it and also being able to output via either an HDMI port of another connection port. Some pocket camcorders come with easy to use software packages, the Flip Mino series comes with in-built software that works on multiple OS systems. Some pocket camcorders can even load and reformat video for web uploading.

If you will use your pocket camcorder for sharing videos this feature can be the deal breaker. Also unless you plan to share your video on the internet, you will not want to compress the video or resize it using any built in software.

Making sure that your pocket camcorder is able to achieve what you want it to is very important and although most may consider pocket camcorders to be low risk items, there is no way to replace recorded videos once it has been recorded and memories are all you have left. Making memories and sharing them is the main reason most people have pocket camcorders to begin with.