Our upcoming article will be entirely devoted to Nokia 5610 XpressMusic, summing facts up that one is very close to 6500 classic, while Nokia 5610 XpressMusic is designed after Noki 6500 slide. Such an expansion of the company's portfolio is extremely profitable, the developers only need to introduce a few changes to an existing 
Nokia was the first company to pioneer the usage of dedicated player controls back in times when they were lagging behind SonyEricsson with their Walkman
http://www.mobile88.com/mobilegallery/phonereview.asp?review=nokia_5610_xpressmusic&prodid=20680&cat=1&path=40,1&pg=review
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Nokia 5610 XpressMusic
Nokia 5310 XpressMusic
Right now Nokia 5310 XpressMusic is the Thus sporting characteristics like that (and combined with a price quite affordable to the target audience) Nokia 5310 makes one of the best solutions available in this segment. A perfect balance between the price and the functionality is achieved, the handset is very slim, compact-sized and brightly coloured, the controls are very usable and the audio quality is unbelievably Design and ergonomics. The design of Nokia 5310 is more on the neutral side than flashy. The bright small pieces of red or blue color are still harmonical with the rest of the elements; these insertions are made from painted aluminium, the paint is strong enough to have endured a few weeks of testing without even the slightest scratch or worn spot appearing over the course of tests. The build quality is rather high, there's no play between the parts and the body doesn't screech even if squeezed hard. The quality of the plastic is quite sufficient, the most part of the phone's surface sports a matte texture resistant to fingerprints. The back panel is made of durable dark grey plastic with a dotted texture and a subtle relief which help to conceal the scratches and worn spots, and also gives the device some intriguing and original looks. The back panel hosts the camera lens (2 Mp), there are neither a flash nor a lens guard. The camera module is quite cheap, the same is used in Nokia 6300, 6500 Classic, 7500 Prism and a number of other Nokia handsets not focused on the imaging aspect. The back surface is also the home to the polyphonic speaker. The company claims some stereo capability for these model, though in reality it's hardly perceptible and in a way muffled, soundling much like mono. The side edges of the handset, the top edge to be more precise, are more abundant in details. The 3.5 mm standard headset jack is located there, you can use almost any headset with this phone. This standartization is only to the benefit of any music phone since the customer isn't limited to using only the headset that came in the box. The location of the jack is also quite well-thought, due to it you experience no discomfort when carriyng the phone in the pocket with the headset plugged in. A certain question arises, what on earth makes other companies move the headset jack to one of the side edges where it can pose certain discomfort? As compared to SonyEricsson W880i and the rest of the recent SE phones, Nokia 5310 seems to be far more useable and ergonomically trouble-free. Of course, ergonomics is quite a subjective factor, but placing the headset jack on the side is something that is reported to be a really bad idea by a large number of buyers, leading to certain inconveniences while the handset is carried in the pocket. In addition to the headset jack, the top edge hosts the microUSB port protected with a plastic flap, it's fully analogous to the same element of 6500 Classic. The profile switch button is found right nearby. The bottom edge is completely deprived of any control elements or slots, the right edge hosts the volume rocker (with a wristband holder nearby), the left edge is the base to the slim charger slot. The memory card slot is hidden beneath the battery cover, hot swapping is possible. The device supports card capacities up to 4 Gb, and the common sales package includes a 2 Gb memory card. The keyboard is quite traditional, made from smooth black plastic. The buttons are big and easy to press, the keystroke is firm and the feedback is accurate, the backlighting is of a white color. The navigation button uses the same material, it's also easy to operate and poses no problems at all. In addition to the traditional set of buttons, to the left of the screen the three dedicated player control buttons reside, those are made of plastic unlike what we observed with the 5300 models, they're quite comfortable to operate too. The dedicated controls retain their functionality regardless of the currently launched application, i.e. even if you're typing an SMS message or browsing through menus these buttons still work as they're supposed to in the player mode, it's possible to switch the tracks anytime. In the standby mode, the player is launched by pressing the central Play/Pause button. 
The model makes use of the candy bar form factor, the thickness is mere 9.9 mm. The dimensions are very 
Screen
The screen is of a standart type common for the latest generation of Nokia phones, effectively being a two-inch QVGA matrix powered by the TFT technology, with a pallete of up to 16M colors. The matrix quality is very high, being one of the best found in its class. Comparing the screen to that of SonyEricsson W880i, it becomes evident that both feature almost the same high level of quality, but the advantage (because of a larger diagonal) still belongs to 5310. The brightness levels are automatically adjusted by the integrated luminance sensor (located near the speaker), this element is increasingly becoming a common feature of all the Nokia casual phones (earlier found mainly with smartphones, but things seem to have changed). The mirror backing of the screen matrix eliminates the inconveniences potentially posed by the direct sunlight, the latest Nokia phones are the evident leaders in this aspect. Even while exposed to direct sunlight, the screen remains perfectly legible no matter how hard the light is.
http://www.mobile88.com/mobilegallery/phonereview.asp?review=nokia_5310_xpressmusic&prodid=20679&cat=1&path=40,1&pg=review
Motorola W395
In Style, In Follow Your Dreams Don’t Worry, Be Free Summary of Key Features
Introduction / Preview : Motorola W395
Want maximum features at an affordable price? The Motorola W395 offers you just that – a cool, slender
The W395 is sleek, stylish and intelligent – a seamless addition to your own style and personality. At only 18 millimeters thick, featuring tandem internal and external displays, this clamshell
With the W395, you can use one
Stay on-the-go, worry and wire free with the W395. With up to approximately 500 minutes of talk time and 200 hours of standby time², battery power is just a second thought. Plus, with Class 2 Bluetooth wireless technology you can talk freely while not being held up by wires.¹ Up to 2GB of optional microSD card space means you can save a ton of pictures and videos. The W395’s USB connectivity lets you enjoy the benefits of mass storage by dragging and dropping to your optional microSD card. For those that are forgetful can use the integrated datebook, calendar and alarm clock to stay on top of things. The Motorola W395 marks the convergence of modern essential tools into one easy-to-carry device.
• Slim clamshell form factor
• Messaging via SMS, MMS, and EMS 5.0³
• iTAP® 6.3 predictive text entry for messaging
• Analogue clock screensaver, alarm clock, stop watch
• Currency converter, ringtone composer, calculator
• 700 entry internal phone book
• Office quality speakerphone
• Preloaded Java games
• Dual Stack with Jataayu phase 2 web browser
• Version 5.0 Mobile Phone Tools support
• Stereo support via 2.5 millimeter headset jack
• MP3/AAC ring tones, AAC/MP3 player
• At least 5MB onboard memory4 and up to 2GB of optional external memory via microSD
• EMU charging, flash, and PC connectivity
• Class 2 Bluetooth wireless technology Profiles: DUN, FTP, HFP, headset, obex
Motorola W490
Introduction /
The hip Motorola W490 for T-Mobile an easy-to-use flip
http://www.mobile88.com/mobilegallery/preview.asp?spec=motorola_w490&prodid=20741&cat=3&path=40,3
Motorola W760r
Introduction / Preview :
The W760r is a rugged clamshell with external
http://www.mobile88.com/mobilegallery/preview.asp?spec=motorola_w760r&prodid=20889&cat=3&path=40,3
Motorola Z10
In addition to creating MOTO Z10 also takes great pictures. One press of the dedicated camera key launches the 3.2 megapixel camera in only 1.5 seconds. The Superfast burst mode captures up to three images a second, so consumers will never miss a frame of the action. The smart MOTO Z10 looks as sleek and stylish on the outside as it is feature-packed inside. The ergonomic design is built with premium quality materials, including spun stainless steel, polished metallic finish and soft-feel textures. With 3.5G HSDPA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and Symbian/UIQ software, MOTO Z10 represents the next generation of mobile device technology for on-the-go content consumers and creators. MOTO Z10 is expected to be available in Q1 2008.
Introduction / Preview : Motorola Z10
The MOTO Z10 is a complete, pocket-sized, mobile film studio. This stylish kick slider makes it easy to capture high-quality video, edit clips, create transitions between scenes and add title slides and a soundtrack. Then, budding filmmakers can upload their creation to share with friends and family through any number of Web sites such as YouTube, Google, Yahoo! and ShoZu.
Motorola Z6W
Connectivity that Knows No Boundaries Your Mobile Media Home Accessorize Your Wireless Wardrobe
Introduction / Preview : Motorola Z6W
Your wireless world just got bigger and better. The MOTO Z6w delivers quick, high-speed wireless services seamlessly across multiple networks in a slim, slider form factor. With the latest in mobile media features and technology, the MOTO Z6w fulfills all of your wireless connectivity and entertainment dreams.
With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), the MOTO Z6w extends your wireless world beyond the normal coverage zones by enabling you to connect in more service areas around the world.¹ From the living room, to the local coffee shop, to the office, the Z6w lets you continue your phone conversations and Web browsing² without interruptions by automatically transferring service from one local network to the next. The end result is a single device that functions both as a home and mobile phone, with fast and more fluid Web browsing and multimedia playing.
The MOTO Z6w is the one device you need for storing, loading and playing your favorite media content, whether it’s side-loaded or purchased online.³ And WindowsTM Media PlayerTM 11 with Digital Rights Management (DRM) compatibility lets you transfer or download² your favorite music with a high-speed USB 2.0 connection from a PC or the Web, so your favorite music is always available. The Z6w also carries media must-haves like instant messaging², a 2.0 megapixel camera, 14 frame-per-second video capturing, MPEG-4 video playing and up to 4GB of memory with an optional microSD card4.
The MOTO Z6w connects you between wireless networks as well as today’s most popular technology accessories to create the ultimate mobile experience. Using Motorola’s EasyPair™ technology and stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology, the Z6w can be paired with a rich range of compatible devices5. Whether it’s being used solo or with a companion device, the MOTO Z6w always makes a sublime style statement with an iconic slider design that sports a molten gray color-coating.
Motorola Zante Q900
Introduction / Preview : Motorola Zante Q900
The features of the Motorola Zante includes 2.4 QVGA 65K TFT
http://www.mobile88.com/mobilegallery/preview.asp?prodid=20797&cat=3&path=40,3
Thursday, February 21, 2008
ARA Asset Management Limited
Spine-tailed Swift or Flying Fish
ARA CDL Hosp Changtian China Oilfield CH Offshore ChinaAOil Cosco CourageMa First Res Golden Agri Indo Agri Noble Group SGX SPC Swiber Ultro Wilmar Yangzj
Pole shift 2012
pole shift theory is a hypothesis that the axis of rotation of a planet has not always been at its present-day locations or that the axis will not persist there; in other words, that its physical poles had been or will be shifted. Pole shift theory is almost always discussed in the context of Earth, but other solar system bodies may have experienced axial reorientation during their existences.
Pole shift theories are not to be confused with plate tectonics, the well-accepted geological theory that the Earth's surface consists of solid plates which shift over a fluid asthenosphere; nor with continental drift, the corollary to plate tectonics which maintains that locations of the continents have moved slowly over the face of the earth,[1] resulting in the gradual emerging and breakup of continents and oceans over hundreds of millions of years.[2]
Pole shift theories are also not to be confused with Geomagnetic reversal, the periodic reversal of the earth's magnetic field (effectively switching the north and south poles). Geomagnetic reversal has more acceptance in the scientific community than pole shift theories.
http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Pole_shift
Galactic Alignment 2012
The Galactic Alignment is the alignment of the December solstice sun with the Galactic equator. This alignment occurs as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. Precession is caused by the earth wobbling very slowly on its axis and shifts the position of the equinoxes and solstices one degree every 71.5 years. Because the sun is one-half of a degree wide, it will take the December solstice sun 36 years to precess through the Galactic equator.
The precise alignment of the solstice point (the precise center-point of the body of the sun as viewed from earth) with the Galactic equator was calculated to occur in 1998 (Jean Meeus, Mathematical Astronomy Morsels, 1997).
Thus, the Galactic Alignment "zone" is 1998 +/- 18 years = 1980 - 2016. This is "era-2012."
This Galactic Alignment occurs only once every 26,000 years, and was what the ancient Maya were pointing to with the 2012 end-date of their Long Count calendar.
Theories
The Milky Way Galaxy is the inspiration for the symbol of the Ouroboros. Myth refers to a serpent of light residing in the heavens. The Milky Way is this serpent, and viewed at galactic central point near Sagittarius, this serpent eats its own tail. The Milky Way Galaxy keeps a great time cycle that ends in catastrophic change. The sign of the Suntelia Aion is the sun rising out of the mouth of the ouroboros, which allegedly will occur on the solstice, December 21, 2012. The Greeks called the End of the Age the Suntelia Aion. Ancient historians and especially Plato referred to a cycle of catastrophe at the End of the Age. The AION was symbolized by the Ouroboros.
Retrieved from "http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Galactic_Alignment"
Philips feminizes the LCD TV
With its 'Design Collection' of LCD TV's the Dutch electronics giant is cottoning on to the fact that style sells. It is actually focusing some of its design efforts around market research that suggests that for 98% of female consumers style is an important factor in the buying process.
Andrea Ragnetti, Philips' consumer lifestyle guru is at the forefront of a growing trend within large consumer focused organisations who have recognized the increasing importance of female buying power.
Three new LCD TV series' the 7000, 5000 and 3000 certainly lean towards a more 'femmine' style without being overtly directed towards the fairer sex. The new panels however have substance to back up the style with
The top of the range 1080p 7000 series comes equipped with 120Hz processing, an extremely rapid 2 millisecond response time along with an impressive 4 HDMI (v1.3) inputs.
The new panels will feature Philips' proprietary HD Digital Natural Motion technology (HD DNM) which has been designed to reduce on-screen juddering, while Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC) acts to further smooth motion by inserting compensating frames within faster scenes.
With a growing reputation for producing some of the most technologically advanced LCD TV's around, Philips' like other manufacturers have begun to realize the importance of psychological aspects and how they affect their bottom line.
Read a full review of the Philips 32PFL9632D here
Read a full review of the Philips 47PFL9632D here
http://hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2008013002.htm
Philips 47PFL9632D Review
Design
Along with many other flat panel manufacturers, Philips have realised that style sells. The Philips 47PFL9632D introduces us to a subtle departure in style for the Dutch electronics manufacturer whose latest range of LCD TV's have evolved into high gloss units with slightly rounded corners.
Just as visually dramatic as previous LCD TV's, the slim outer grey 'grille-like' bezel on the 47PFL9632D along with wider inner glossy black screen frame will undoubtedly gain an instant following.
Features
The Philips 47PFL9632D is identical in terms of specification to its 52in and 37in siblings, and almost identical to the 32in model. What all of the larger screens share is a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The screens Full HD resolution is able to map, pixel for pixel, the highest quality input onto the screen without the need for downscaling. Screens with a 1366 x 768 resolution would have to downscale a high quality input (e.g Sky's 1080i format) to fit.
http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/lcd/philips_47pfl9632d.htm
Enterprise resource planning
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems attempt to integrate all data and processes of an organization into a unified system. A typical ERP system will use multiple components of computer software and hardware to achieve the integration. A key ingredient of most ERP systems is the use of a unified database to store data for the various system modules.
Origin of the term
MRP vs. ERP — Manufacturing management systems have evolved in stages over the past 30 years from a simple means of calculating materials requirements to the automation of an entire enterprise. Around 1980, over-frequent changes in sales forecasts, entailing continual readjustments in production, as well as the unsuitability of the parameters fixed by the system, led MRP (Material Requirement Planning) to evolve into a new concept : Manufacturing Resource Planning (or MRP2) and finally the generic concept Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)[1]
The initials ERP originated as an extension of MRP (material requirements planning then manufacturing resource planning).[2] ERP systems now attempt to cover all basic functions of an enterprise, regardless of the organization's business or charter. Non-manufacturing businesses, non-profit organizations and governments now all utilize ERP systems.
To be considered an ERP system, a software package must provide the function of at least two systems. For example, a software package that provides both payroll and accounting functions could technically be considered an ERP software package.
However, the term is typically reserved for larger, more broadly based applications. The introduction of an ERP system to replace two or more independent applications eliminates the need for external interfaces previously required between systems, and provides additional benefits that range from standardization and lower maintenance (one system instead of two or more) to easier and/or greater reporting capabilities (as all data is typically kept in one database).
Examples of modules in an ERP which formerly would have been stand-alone applications include: Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Financials, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Human Resources, Warehouse Management and Decision Support System.
Overview
Some organizations — typically those with sufficient in-house IT skills to integrate multiple software products — choose to implement only portions of an ERP system and develop an external interface to other ERP or stand-alone systems for their other application needs. For example, one may choose to use the HRMS from one vendor, and the financials systems from another, and perform the integration between the systems themselves.
This is very common in the retail sector[citation needed], where even a mid-sized retailer will have a discrete Point-of-Sale (POS) product and financials application, then a series of specialized applications to handle business requirements such as warehouse management, staff rostering, merchandising and logistics.
Ideally, ERP delivers a single database that contains all data for the software modules, which would include:
Manufacturing
Engineering, Bills of Material, Scheduling, Capacity, Workflow Management, Quality Control, Cost Management, Manufacturing Process, Manufacturing Projects, Manufacturing Flow
Supply Chain Management
Inventory, Order Entry, Purchasing, Product Configurator, Supply Chain Planning, Supplier Scheduling, Inspection of goods, Claim Processing, Commission Calculation
Financials
General Ledger, Cash Management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets
Projects
Costing, Billing, Time and Expense, Activity Management
Human Resources
Human Resources, Payroll, Training, Time & Attendance, Rostering, Benefits
Customer Relationship Management
Sales and Marketing, Commissions, Service, Customer Contact and Call Center support
http://images.google.pl/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f4/MRP2.jpg/500px-MRP2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://tech1207.blogspot.com/2008_02_03_archive.html&h=668&w=500&sz=81&hl=pl&start=5&um=1&tbnid=m393w1aOzYl2uM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=103&p
60in Average Screen Size by 2015
The electronics giant Sharp has predicted that many of us will be settling down in front of 60in screens across Europe by 2015. Although the 50in category is the fastest growing segment of the market, Sharp are confident that the trend towards bigger screens will see the average flat panel size supersede this level in the not too distant future.
Mike Gabriel, Sharp Electronics UK head of marketing and communications said: "Big screens are no longer for just shop windows or shiny office receptions so we're seeing the size of TVs in the home increasing dramatically. People no longer have to compromise on space or quality. This is why our range of TVs at 42 inches and above is growing."
In just one year, the the most popular size LCD panels that Sharp sells are their 46in models compared to 42in just a year ago. Sharp's 46in TV's have witnessed a sales surge of 150% in the past 12 months. Significantly, slimmer designs mean that 42in sets are now made to occupy the same living room space as their 37in predecessors used to.
Of course, the main driving force towards bigger screens are falling prices. Economies of scale, technological advances and new entrants are all helping to drive down prices.
Not so long ago, 32in screens were seen by many consumers as the upper limit in the size of TV they felt comfortable with. Now 40in + and even 50in screens are commonplace, and with the likes of LG producing affordable 60in units, the upward trend looks set to continue.
Read a review of the LG 60PF95 here
Read a review of the Sharp LC52XD1E here
http://hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2007122601.htm
The Air Car Preps for Market
Some still question the vehicle's chances of success, despite a boost from India.
A French-designed car that's propelled by compressed air and claims speeds of more than 60 miles per hour is expected to go into commercial production as early as this summer, although skeptics of the technology aren't holding their breath.
Using compressed air, they argue, may mean zero tailpipe emissions, but it's unlikely to provide enough range or speed to appeal to the masses, particularly in North America. "Compressed air does not contain much energy--that's the killer," says Larry Rinek, senior research analyst for automotive technologies at consultancy Frost & Sullivan. "This is more a nice garage project for a Popular Science subscriber."
But the dream lives on. Motor Development International (MDI), based near Nice, France, has developed several prototypes of its Compressed Air Technology (CAT) car since its first engine was created 14 years ago. Now company founder Guy Negre, an aeronautics engineer who developed a high-performance racing engine for Formula 1 in the late 1980s, is counting on India's largest carmaker, Tata Motors, to bring his highly anticipated Air Car to market later this year.
The Air Car was supposed to hit the streets years ago, but its release always seems just around the corner. MDI announced in 2002 that the cars would be used to replace taxis in Mexico City, but nothing resulted.
Tata's involvement this time around, combined with the fact that oil recently hit $100 a barrel, could change the game. India's largest automaker announced last February that it had struck a deal with MDI to further develop and refine Negre's compressed-air engine technology, with the intention of producing and selling the emission-free cars in India. It has since been reported that Tata invested nearly $30 million in MDI as part of the agreement.
"The recent manufacturing push is in response to the contract that MDI signed with Tata," confirmed Kevin Haydon, a spokesman for Zero Pollution Motors, based in New Paltz, NY. He says that the company plans to manufacture CAT vehicles in parts of the United States around 2010, through a license with MDI.
Zero Pollution has even entered the car in the multicity Automotive X Prize competition, where in 2009 more than 30 teams--including electric carmakers Tesla Motors, Phoenix Motorcars, and Malcolm Bricklin's Visionary Vehicles--will compete on the fuel efficiency of their vehicle designs.
The Air Car may do better than fuel-cell cars, but experts say that using grid power to charge a battery-powered electric vehicle is much more efficient than using electricity to compress and store the same amount of energy in a tank. "The main problem is that air gets hot when you compress it, so much of the energy input goes into raising the temperature of the air as you try to raise the pressure," explains Doug Nelson, a professor of mechanical engineering and an expert on advanced vehicle systems at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/20071/
LG 50PC55 Review
Design
LG have realised that style sells and have employed an Italian design studio to improve on the rather clunky look of LG's of the past.
With its piano black minimalist look complemented by a stand in the same style, the 50PC55 looks like it could actually claw back sales that were lost as a result of previous models rather 'clunky' style. The finishing slim silver strip which separates the screen frame from the full length horizontal speaker at the units base completes a rather chic piece of kit that won't look out of place even in the most fashion conscious of households.
Features
Connectivity on the LG 42PC55 is adequate rather than outstanding, with 2 HDMI inputs along with 2 Scarts and the usual Composite video input, Component video input, S-video and PC input.
Screen:
50in 16:9
Tuner:
Digital
Sound System:
Nicam
Resolution:
1366 x 768
Contrast Ratio:
15,000:1
Brightness:
1500cd/m2
Other Features: XD Image Processing Engine, MPEG Noise Reduction, Digital Comb Filter .
Sockets: 2 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input.
Picture processing technology on the 50PC55 comes in the shape of LG's proprietary XD engine. The XD Engine brings together a range of picture processing enhancements under the XD umbrella, and amongst other things focuses on improving the input signal quality.
The XD engine is complimented by MPEG Noise Reduction processing which has been designed to eliminate video noise once it hits the screen.
The 50PC55 is equipped with Clear Filter Pro, an advanced thin film filter designed to improve brightness, contrast, and more importantly to reduce screen reflections.
Also featuring a Digital Comb Filter, LG's 50PC55 separates TV signals into Brightness and Colour components, aiming to provide softer and cleaner images.
Performance
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the LG 50PC55's performance considering its budget status is its black level ability. It can't match the benchmark 'Kuro' screens from Pioneer, but nevertheless puts in a wholly convincing performance that is the equal of most LCD TV's. Darker scenes look genuinely black, and only reveal a certain amount of greyness on closer inspection.
Disappointingly however some of the detailing on darker scenes lacked the subtlety possessed by more accomplished performers. Instead of a smooth colour transition, we were often faced with a 'graduated' transition.
Like its smaller brother the 42PC55, it is the High Definition (HD) performance of the 50PC55 that makes it such a serious contender for best budget home cinema screen. Pictures posses all the detail and sharpness you will ever need, and the depth of colour on such a reasonably priced piece of kit is a revelation.
Unfortunately, the 50PC55 is not quite as accomplished as we would have liked with fast motion sequences. Although the effect does not intrude to any great degree on the viewing experience, there is a noticeable amount of 'blocking' with faster action.
Inevitably, there is a fair amount of grain and video noise with Standard Definition (SD) sources. To a degree this is a reflection of the 50PC55's size, but it is also a reflection of the budget status of the kit.
The acoustic ability of the LG 50PC55 is nothing more and nothing less than adequate. Lack of bass is the main problem, and as the majority of buyers will probably be upgrading the sound capability on this unit, it won't be a problem.
Conclusion
There are better LCD's and Plasma's out there, but the LG 50PC55 offers a level of performance that is hard to beat for the price. An excellent choice for a budget home cinema system.
http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/plasma/lg_50pc55.htm
Sony LCD TV model range explained
With a number of different lines offering a vast array of LCD TV's with different specifications, it is easy to become bogged down in the detail of Sony's current crop of flat panels.
To make things a little easier for those of you who are considering buying a Sony LCD we have summarized the main differences between their current UK line up.
Essentially, differences between Sony's LCD TV's boil down to; Picture processing technology (Incarnation of their 'Bravia Engine' and any accompanying wizardry such as 100Hz processing); Screen resolution (Full HD or not); Connections (How many HDMI inputs etc).
Sony's flagship X3000/3500 series is equipped with the latest incarnation of their picture processing engine 'Bravia Engine Pro' along with 100Hz processing, Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 10-bit panel, Live Colour Creation, 24Hz Tru Cinema and 3 HDMI inputs.
The one step down W3000 series retains the X3000/3500 features apart from 100Hz with picture processing being handled by the 'Bravia Engine EX'
The V3000 retains all of the features of the W3000 apart form losing an HDMI input and the 10-bit panel.
The D3000/3500 series is a bit of an anomaly in that the D3000 is equipped with 100Hz processing, 3 HDMI inputs and a 1366 x 768 resolution while the D3500 gains Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution but loses 100Hz processing and sports 2 HDMI inputs. Both models feature the standard 'Bravia Engine' picture processing technology and retain 24Hz Tru cinema.
The T3500 panels feature the standard 'Bravia Engine', are all equipped with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution panels but lose 24hz Tru Cinema and come with 2 HDMI inputs.
The S3000 series has the same spec as the T3500 but gains an HDMI input (3) but loses Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution.
The P3020 retains most of the T3500's features but loses a single HDMI input (2).
The U3000 series retains all of the P3020's features apart from the built in digital TV tuner (present on all other models).
http://hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2008012101.htm#
Knee Power
A new human-powered generator tries to capture walking energy.
Engineers who design wearable devices that harvest human energy for power face a daunting dilemma: how do you collect a significant amount of power without making the user expend a lot of extra effort? Gadgets like hand-crank generators and windup radios require manual work from a user, and existing shoe-mounted generators produce less than one watt of power.
A team of engineers has developed a modified knee brace that captures energy that would otherwise have been lost while the wearer walks. The generator produces about five watts--enough to power 10 cell phones simultaneously.
"If you want power, go where the muscles are," says Max Donelan, a professor at Simon Fraser University, in British Columbia, who led the research. "We thought, maybe there's a smart, selective way to do energy harvesting when muscles are normally decelerating in the body." Donelan's research appears in the February 8 issue of the journal Science.
Donelan looked to the legs, which have the largest muscles in the body, and capitalized on a careful understanding of how humans use energy to walk. During an average stride, a person uses her muscles to bend at the knee and swing her leg forward, like a pendulum bob. This is positive work. At the end of the swing, she executes negative work to decelerate her moving leg. She places her foot on the ground, and by then her other leg has begun its swing.
Donelan and his team concentrated on harvesting energy from the end of the stride using their bionic knee brace. When the brace's generator is engaged, it collects power while slowing down the motion of the leg. As a result, the brace reduces the human effort required at the end of the swing phase.
If the mechanism were continuously engaged, however, it would also impede acceleration at the beginning of the swing and require more energy from the wearer. To solve this problem, Donelan installed a sensor in the device to monitor the knee angle and switch the generator on and off. According to his research, this "generative braking" approach requires only one-eighth the metabolic power of a continuously operating mechanism.
"What's extremely clever about this device is that it only tries to capture mechanical energy when the muscles would be primed to slow the body down," says Lawrence Rome, a biology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Rome, who did not work on the knee brace, recently designed a backpack that converts walking energy into electricity. "[Donelan's knee brace is] a smart device, and it only works when you're trying to brake yourself," says Rome. "It lets the reverse torque of the generator do the work of the muscle."
http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/20177/
Sony KDL-32S3000 Review
Design
Finished largely in matte black, the KDL-32S300 doesn't quite have the impact of some of the higher end Bravia models, but nevertheless maintains Sony's tradition for producing quietly classy, supremely well built flat panel LCD TV's.
The looks may be too conservative for some, but Sony have yet to produce an LCD TV that doesn't add a discreet touch of style to your living room.
Features
As an entry level offering from Sony, the KDL-32S3000 loses the Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), 100Hz processing, or the ability to accept a 1080p input of higher end panels, but it does retain the impressive Sony Bravia picture processing engine of the 'V' and 'W' series.
Screen:
32in 16:9
Tuner:
Digital
Sound System:
Nicam
Resolution:
1366 x 768
Contrast Ratio:
1600:1 (8,000 dynamic)
Brightness:
450cd/m2
Other Features: BRAVIA Image Processing Engine, Live Colour Creation, BRAVIA Theatre Sync.
Sockets: 3 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input.
What's more, connectivity is impressive with 3 HDMI inputs, 2 Scarts and the usual composite, component and s-video inputs.
There is no 'x.v.Colour' on the KDL-32S3000 (x.v.Colour is based on xvYCC, a new international standard for video signals that defines a colour space nearly two times wider than the existing sRGB standard) but it does come equipped with LIVE COLOUR CREATION which is Sony's integrated solution for wider colour reproduction.
WCG-CCFL (backlight) technology allows the KDL-32S3000 to achieve approximately 95% of the NTSC (National Television System Committee) video signal colour gamut – representing a 140% improvement on LCD TVs that feature traditional fluorescent backlights. WCG-CCFL incorporates a different type of luminescent material to produce more accurate and deeper reds and greens
By combining the BRAVIA ENGINE and WCG-CCFL backlight technology, Sony claim to provide far truer and more accurate colour tones for enhanced picture depth and clarity.
Theatre Sync, which is Sony's name for CEC (Consumer Electronic Control), is a control standard that functions over HDMI 1.3. The technology facilitates one-touch control over compatible devices and in practice means that if you fire up your compatible DVD player, the all connected devices such as your LCD TV will also spring into life.
Performance
Like its bigger brother the 40S3000, the most impressive aspect of the KDL-32S3000 is its black level performance. The abilities of the KDL-32S3000 are not going to trouble the best Plasma's or even LCD's in this respect, but what this screen achieves is a black level which belies its status as an entry level LCD TV. Crucially, there are no obvious signs of greyness across darker scenes.
The KDL-32S3000 proved to be a more than competent performer when handling Standard Definition (SD) sources. Simply as a result of more pixels being squeezed into a smaller area, the 32S3000's picture is perceived as a little sharper and more detailed than the 40S3000. This screen actually tells us a lot more about the features it does not posses, namely 100Hz processing and Full HD resolution. The higher end features certainly work, but we were impressed with how little impact there absence had on the 32S3000.
Unfortunately, the colour reproducing abilities of the 32S3000 cannot live up to and take full advantage of the excellent black levels. The WCG-CCFL backlight is partly to blame with a slight lack of uniformity across the whole of the screen producing less than wholly consistent colours. This is certainly a minor flaw of the KDL-32S3000, but colours nevertheless maintain a vibrancy that few other LCD's can match.
As we expected, the KDL-32S3000 achieves an excellent level of detail and sharpness with High Definition (HD) material. Colours are absolutely stunning, with a vibrancy and sharpness that we have come to expect.
Although fast action material is prone to a little blurring, on the whole the SD performance of the KDL-32S3000 was excellent. Inevitably, poorer quality Freeview sources show some signs of degradation, but on the whole, this screen will satisfy all but the most demanding of consumers for SD performance. SD performance is not quite there yet when compared to your CRT, but the gap is narrowing.
Conclusion
Apart from a few minor flaws, the KDL-32S3000 is a very competent all round performer. It makes you think twice about how much benefit is derived from high end features such as Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 100Hz picture processing. The 32S3000 cannot match the cheapest budget offerings on price, but its worth a little extra.
http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/lcd/sony_kdl-32s3000.htm
Motorola RAZR2 V8
Tired of mediocre call quality on T-Mobile? You could have had a V8. No, not the tomato juice–based beverage—I'm talking about the Motorola RAZR2 V8, T-Mobile's highest-end feature phone with the carrier's best call quality by far. Sure, the huge gap in price between it and other T-Mobile feature phones is hard to justify. Also, the handset's features, such as support for third-party software and Internet connection, could stand some improvement. But there's no denying that this phone takes voice calls on T-Mobile to a whole new level. That's why I'm awarding it our Editors' Choice.
SLIDESHOW (7)
Slideshow | All Shots
The V8 is shaped and styled just like other RAZR2s on other carriers, the V9 and V9m. It's a massive slab of metal and glass. Though thinnish, at 0.5 inches, the device takes up some serious pocket real estate, measuring 4.1 inches long by 2.1 inches wide. It weighs in at 4.2 ounces, average for a feature phone. The front is dominated by the best external screen ever to grace a flip model, a 2-inch display that's 320 by 240 and has 262 thousand colors. A tiny, 2-megapixel camera sits above that screen. Side buttons toggle through the handset's "profiles" rather than directly controlling volume, activating voice dialing, or launching the music player. Also, there's no dedicated camera button, nor is there removable memory —but I'll get to that later. Below the side buttons is a MicroUSB port for charging, PC connectivity, and headsets.
Like the V9, the V8 has CrystalTalk, Motorola's technology designed to dampen ambient din), which produces the best sound quality I've ever heard on a GSM phone. It also sounds just as good as the V9 for AT&T, which operates on UTMS, not GSM. Rather than being loud, the V8 is just clear. The volume and sound characteristics of calls automatically adjust to background noise, so you can hear your calls over, say, a nearby idling truck engine or the buzz of a busy street. CrystalTalk even seems to work some wonders with the speakerphone—which is, once more, far more intelligible than its volume level alone initially might suggest. Alas, the speakerphone doesn't work with the flip closed.
The phone's microphone doesn't entirely block out all environmental noise, but voices come out clearly on top of any background sounds. Voice dialing, which requires no training, worked well in my testing. Battery life was excellent for voice calls, and vibrating alerts felt strong. I found reception to be impeccable. This handset is quad-band, so it will operate on GSM and EDGE networks all over the world. (Frequent travelers should be aware that there's an unlocked version of this phone available as well, direct from Motorola.) Frankly, this is the best T-Mobile voice phone ever.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2159329,00.asp
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sony KDL-46D3500 Review
Design
The KDL-46D3500 is the embodiment of Sony's design philosophy with a chic matte black understated presence that simply oozes class. Build quality is back to its very best with the Sony looking like it could have been sculpted from a solid block of metal.
Features
Unlike the KDL-40D3500, there is no corresponding 3000 model alongside the KDL-46D3500 in the UK. If you are familiar with the D3000 series from Sony it is worth noting that the 46D3500's spec sheet reads a little different than you would imagine.
Sony currently offer a huge range of LCD TV's and the number of different models can seem quite bewildering to those of you who are looking to buy a new LCD TV. The D3500 sits between the slightly higher spec V3000 series and directly above the slightly lower spec T3500 line.
Essentially, the D3500 gains 'True Cinema' over the T3500 but comes equipped with a slightly less sophisticated version of Sony's 'Bravia' picture processing engine than the V3000.
http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/lcd/sony_kdl-46d3500.htm
Sharp LC42XL2E Review
With a slim (7.5cm) frame finished in black, with a glass bezel around the outside of the screen the LC42XL2E is an indication that Sharp is taking style much more seriously.
With 100Hz processing and 10-bit panels, Sharp's top of the range LC-42XL2E offers some additional features over the entry level LC-42X20E. 100Hz processing doubles the number of frames displayed on-screen for smoother pictures while 10-bit panels increase the number of available colours.
Pioneer PDP 4280XD
Pioneer PDP 4280XD Plasma TVs:42" KURO plasma TV - widescreen - 720p - HD ready Height: 67.9 cmDepth: 11.5 cm / TV Tuner: 1x analogue, 1x digital / Type of Product: 42" plasma TV / Dimensions: Without stand / PC Interface: VGA (HD-15) / Series: KURO / Conditional Access: Common Interface (CI) slot / Width: 104 cm / Digital Television Certification: HD ready / Weight: 29.6 kg / Technology: Plasma (PDP) / Colour Temperature Control: Yes / Resolution: 1024 x 768 / Comb Filter: 3D digital / Diagonal Size: 42" - widescreen / Progressive Scan: Progressive scanning (line doubling) / Features: Video noise reduction, Digital MPEG Noise Reduction Circuit, HD Digital Film Direct 24 / Image Contrast Ratio: 16000:1 / Display Menu Language: Danish, Czech , Ukrainian, English, German, French, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Polish, Finnish, Swedish, Russian, Spanish, Dutch, Greek, Turkish / Display Format: 720p / Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9 / Multi-channel Preview: Split screen, picture-and-picture (PAP), picture-in-picture (PIP) / Digital TV Modulations: COFDM / Digital TV Tuner: DVB-T / Analogue Video Input Signals: PAL, SECAM, NTSC 3.58, NTSC4.43, PAL60 / Supported Computer Resolutions: 1024 x 768 (XGA), 640 x 480 (VGA), 800 x 600 (SVGA), 1280 x 768 (WXGA), 1280 x 1024 (SXGA) / Electronic Programme Guide: Digital EPG / Teletext: Yes / HD Ready: Yes / Teletext Memory: 2100 pages / Features: Multi-brand compatibility / Supported Devices:
http://www.cengoo.co.uk/plasma-tvs/pioneer-pdp-4280xd.html
LG 50PC55 Review
Design
LG have realised that style sells and have employed an Italian design studio to improve on the rather clunky look of LG's of the past.
With its piano black minimalist look complemented by a stand in the same style, the 50PC55 looks like it could actually claw back sales that were lost as a result of previous models rather 'clunky' style. The finishing slim silver strip which separates the screen frame from the full length horizontal speaker at the units base completes a rather chic piece of kit that won't look out of place even in the most fashion conscious of households.
Features
Connectivity on the LG 42PC55 is adequate rather than outstanding, with 2 HDMI inputs along with 2 Scarts and the usual Composite video input, Component video input, S-video and PC input.
Picture processing technology on the 50PC55 comes in the shape of LG's proprietary XD engine. The XD Engine brings together a range of picture processing enhancements under the XD umbrella, and amongst other things focuses on improving the input signal quality.
http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/plasma/lg_50pc55.htm
HD ready
HD ready concerns the abilities of television receivers to display high-definition pictures. The term has had official use in Europe since January 2005 when, EICTA (European Information, Communications and Consumer Electronics Technology Industry Associations) announced the requirements for the label.
EICTA introduced the label as a quality sign for the differentiation of display equipment, capable of processing and displaying high-definition signals. It is awarded on the basis of minimum functionality requirements that are detailed in the "EICTA conditions for HD Labeling of Display Devices".
In the USA, "HD Ready" refers to any display that is capable of accepting and displaying a high-definition signal at either 720p, 1080i or 1080p using a component video or digital input, and does not have a built-in HD-capable tuner.
Alternatives to HD ready TVs
Many PCs and laptops are actually more HD ready, in the true sense of the phrase, than the HD ready label requires. They will not, however, qualify for the HD ready label, unless they also meet the connector requirements.
Any sufficiently fast computer with a 1280x720 or higher resolution display is capable of displaying HD video, even though computers are generally not advertised as such. This video may come from the Internet, data files, or a DTV tuner card. The Internet already offers some HD content, like movie and videogame trailers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_Ready
Best LCD and Plasma TV's for Standard Definition
Sony KDL-40D3500 Review
The KDL-40D3500 is the embodiment of Sony's design philosophy with a chic matte black understated presence that simply oozes class. Build quality is back to its very best with the Sony looking like it could have been sculpted from a solid block of metal
A change in model number from 3000 to 3500 would suggest that the KDL-40D3500 represented a relatively minor upgrade from its predecessor the KDL-40D3000. However, the changes in specification are more wide ranging than you would imagine.
Genetic linkage
Genetic linkage occurs when particular genetic loci or alleles for genes are inherited jointly. Genetic loci on the same chromosome are physically connected and tend to segregate together during meiosis, and are thus genetically linked. Alleles for genes on different chromosomes are usually not linked, due to independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis.
Because there is some crossing over of DNA when the chromosomes segregate, alleles on the same chromosome can be separated and go to different daughter cells. There is a greater probability of this happening if the alleles are far apart on the chromosome, as it is more likely that a cross-over will occur between them.
The relative distance between two genes can be calculated using the offspring of an organism showing two linked genetic traits, and finding the percentage of the offspring where the two traits do not run together. The higher the percentage of descendants that does not show both traits, the further apart on the chromosome they are.
Among individuals of an experimental population or species, some phenotypes or traits occur randomly with respect to one another in a manner known as independent assortment. Today scientists understand that independent assortment occurs when the genes affecting the phenotypes are found on different chromosomes or separated by a great enough distance on the same chromosome that recombination occurs at least half of the time.
An exception to independent assortment develops when genes appear near one another on the same chromosome. When genes occur on the same chromosome, they are usually inherited as a single unit. Genes inherited in this way are said to be linked, and are referred to as "linkage groups." For example, in fruit flies the genes affecting eye color and wing length are inherited together because they appear on the same chromosome.
But in many cases, even genes on the same chromosome that are inherited together produce offspring with unexpected allele combinations. This results from a process called crossing over. At the beginning of normal meiosis, a chromosome pair (made up of a chromosome from the mother and a chromosome from the father) intertwine and exchange sections or fragments of chromosome. The pair then breaks apart to form two chromosomes with a new combination of genes that differs from the combination supplied by the parents. Through this process of recombining genes, organisms can produce offspring with new combinations of maternal and paternal traits that may contribute to or enhance survival.
Genetic linkage was first discovered by the British geneticists William Bateson and Reginald Punnett shortly after Mendel's laws were rediscovered.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_mapping
Smart Badges Track Human Behavior
In the corporate and academic worlds, conferences and networking events are necessary. But while some people trade business cards with aplomb, others clump with coworkers, rarely venturing beyond the safety of their pre-existing social circle. New research from MIT's Media Lab has shown that a sensor-laden conference badge might be able to help people venture out, form new connections, and gain insight into how they interact with others at such events.
Ben Waber, an MIT researcher who worked on the project (and blogged about it here), gave souped-up badges to 70 participants at a Media Lab event. These badges use an infrared sensor to gather data about face-to-face interactions, a wireless radio to collect data regarding proximity to other badges and send it to a central computer, an accelerometer to track motion of the participant, and a microphone to monitor speech patterns. At the event, the data from the infrared sensors was wirelessly transmitted to a computer that crunched the numbers,
producing a real-time visualization of the event's social graph.
This project illustrates the increasing popularity of sociometrics, a discipline in which sensors collect fine-grained data during social interactions and software makes sense of it.
Waber works with MIT professor Sandy Pentland, who is credited with much of the early work in sociometrics and coining the term "reality mining." (See "What Your Cell Phone Knows About You" and "The iPhone's Untapped Potential.") But Waber and Pentland aren't alone. Researchers at Intel are using sensors to help monitor the health and behavior of the elderly. And others are using position data gleaned from cell phones to help develop more-comprehensive models of how disease spreads.
In addition, an MIT spin-off company, nTag, provides smart badges similar to Waber's that automatically send out and receive "e-cards." While nTag's badges don't collect motion and voice data, they are capable displaying data as real-time visualizations of the social network at a conference, says Rick Borovoy, cofounder and chief technology office of the company.
Borovoy says that revealing a social network, in particular, can change the dynamics at a conference. "It creates a sense of community and identity, and it's a way to subtly intervene and disrupt conventional networking patterns," he says. Borovoy says that nTag has found that showing people their networking patterns on a social graph is enough to change them. "You think people know their patterns, but often they don't," he says.
http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/20129/?a=f
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Dow Jones Industrial Index Symmetrical Triangle
Converging trendlines of support and resistance gives the symmetrical triangle pattern its distinctive shape. This occurs because the trading action gets tighter and tighter until the market breaks out with great force. Buyers and sellers find themselves in a period where they are not sure where the market is headed. Their uncertainty is marked by their actions of buying and selling sooner, making the pattern look like an increasingly tight coil moving across the chart.
A breakdown below the lower symmetrical support will trigger a test of the previous sub-trough at 12069.5. Support failure here increases downward pressure to break the next support at 11644.8 and retest the green parallel support line. The hammer candlestick formation needs a strong confirmation from the next candlestick bar to gain momentum to clear the previous sub-peak and trigger a challenge to breakout above the upper symmetrical resistance line. This will propel price towards the red parallel resistance line. Breakout here will result in a more positive outlook for the Dow Jones Industrial Index.
Is high Definition just for TV's?
In parallel to the introduction of HDTV services, two new High Definition DVD formats are competing for consumer affections. Sony's Blu-ray system and Toshiba's HD-DVD are available to consumers now.
Hook up a Blu-ray or HD DVD player, insert a Blu-ray or HD DVD disc and prepare to be impressed. The picture sharpness and level of detail is simply astounding.
To find out more, read our High Definition DVD guide here.
Another area of interest within the high definition revolution is gaming. Microsoft’s xbox 360 is already HD compatible with an optional HD DVD drive. Sony's PlayStation 3 comes equipped with a Blu-ray drive as standard.
Manufacturers such as Canon and Sony have recently launched a range of High Definition camcorders which has further expanded the possibilities of working with this exiting new format.
To find out more about High Definition Camcorder technology, read our guide here.
http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/guide/hdtv/introduction.htm
Monday, February 18, 2008
Anwell Volume Distribution Chart 18 February 2008 1201 pm
Big Boys buying a lot from retailers.
Big Boys accumulating.
Something interesting brewing.
Friday, February 15, 2008
SGX range bound in gap zone
