Sharp AQUOS DX series: world's first LCD HDTV with built-in Blu-ray

Sharp AQUOS DX series: world's first LCD HDTV with built-in Blu-ray

Tough luck, Mitsubishi and Funai. Big talk is all fine and dandy, but in our world, it's the results that count. Say hello to Sharp's AQUOS DX family, the world's first range of LCD HDTVs to boast internal Blu-ray players. Slated to hit in 26- (LC-26DX1), 32- (LC-32DX1), 37- (LC-37DX1), 42- (LC-42DX1), 46- (LC-46DX1) and 52-inch (LC-52DX1) sizes, the whole lot will come equipped with an integrated HDTV tuner, bottom-mounted speaker and the ability to handle BD flicks sans an external deck. Of note, only the 37-inch through 52-inch sets offer Full HD 1080p resolutions (1,920 x 1,080), as the other two get stuck with "just" 1,366 x 768. Best of all, those in Japan will barely have to wait a month to see these in shops, as the entire crew is destined to ship in late November (in black and white motifs) for around ¥200,000 ($1,963) to ¥500,000 ($4,909) depending on size. As for the rest of the globe? Put on your patience caps.

IP Camera & CCTV Technology

What is an IP Network Camera or CCTV ?

A Network IP Camera is a stand-alone device which allows a user to view live, full motion video from anywhere on a computer network, even over the Internet, using a standard web-browser.
Until very recently, video security and surveillance was accomplished using Closed Circuit Television or CCTV. This technology included analog cameras, coaxial cable and video tape recorders. Video security and surveillance started entering the digital age with the advent of CCD sensors which digitized image capture in the camera. However, transmission was still analog via coax to analog VCR's. The next step was the introduction of Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) connected directly to analog cameras, which made storing, searching and retrieving video much more efficient. PC's were then introduced for display of the images through a modem or network connection to the DVR.
The entire system has now been digitized with the introduction of Network Cameras incorporating onboard processors and web server software. These Network Cameras can be connected directly to existing IP networks, eliminating the need for separate and expensive coaxial cable networks. Images can be viewed and cameras managed from anywhere via a web browser, plus any hard disk on the network can be set up to record the video output.
Another significant technology called Video Servers, allow existing CCTV installations to gain the benefit of Network Video, while protecting investments in analog cameras. Video Servers connect to IP Networks and convert the signal from analog cameras to digital format. Like Network Cameras, Video Servers contain onboard processors and web server software that makes each camera IP addressable. Essentially, Video Servers turn CCTV cameras into IP Network Cameras.

Port Forwarding

Port Forwarding - Generally forwarding is done so the outside world can connect to some type of server that is located behind your router/firewall.

Web servers, ftp servers, mail servers, computers running telnet, ssh, remote desktop, sql, and mysql are all examples where forwarding would be needed.

If you are trying to forward the same application to two different ip addresses, you may have problems. There may be a way around it, refer to the software manufactures homepage for more information.

Click here for more information on Forwarding.

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What Is VoIP ?

VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the family of technologies that allow IP networks to be used for voice applications, such as telephony, voice instant messaging, and teleconferencing. VoIP entails solutions at almost every layer of an IP network--from specialized voice applications (like Skype, YM & Google Talk) all the way down to low-level quality measures that keep those applications running smoothly.

Unless you've been sleeping under a very big rock for the last year, you've certainly heard the phrase "Voice over IP" uttered. Perhaps you've seen those hilarious Vonage commercials that feature painful and embarrassing accidents caught on tape, promising to let you dump your local phone company in order save big on your phone bill. You may also have seen the Cisco telephones that are curiously inserted in prime-time shows like 24.

What is all the hubbub about, anyway? Why, VoIP, of course! VoIP, the fabulous secret ingredient in Vonage, Skype, Cisco CallManager, and a host of other revolutionary technology products you may have already encountered on TV, in the news, or in person. But what makes these products so revolutionary? What is it about VoIP that is such a big deal?

The VoIP Technology
Voice over Internet Protocol is a family of technologies that enable voice communications using IP networks like the internet. Inventive developers and entrepreneurs have created an industry around VoIP technology in its many forms: desktop applications, telephone services, and corporate phone systems. VoIP is a core technology that drives everything from voice-chat software loaded on a desktop PC to Mac full-blown IP-based telecommunications networks in large corporations. To the Wall Street speculator, VoIP is a single technology investment with many revenue streams. To the enterprise network engineer, it's a way to simplify the corporate network and improve the telephony experience for users of the network. To the home user, it's a really cool way to save money on the old phone bill.
Phoning without the phone
Most computers come equipped with speakers, and the cost of microphones or headsets start at just RM15 or so, so it’s easy to turn your broadband-connected computer into a phone by downloading VOIP software. You will also need a credit card; billing is either pay-as-you-go or by monthly subscription.

The most well known of the Internet-based VOIPs are Skype, Gizmo5, Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Messenger, but the list of providers is long. There are some variations in sound quality, the operating system on which they will run (Windows, Mac or Linux), and the security of the line. If you are concerned about security, look for an encryption feature, which will block eavesdroppers from tapping into your calls.

For a dizzyingly long list of providers and their features, go to Wikipedia.com and search for “Comparison of VoIP Software.”

The most popular of them are simple to use and VoIP-to-VoIP calls are usually free, but “soft phones” have a few limitations. The sound quality is usually good, but not always. A few countries limit the use of VoIP or require the rates to be the same as those of traditional long-distance providers (Japan), but most do not. VoIP connections do not transmit faxes very well. They may not work at all when they are routed through certain satellite or digital-video recording TV systems, and if you are on a university campus, you may be restricted from using Skype. But it is worth a try to find out, because VoIP can bring the cost of long distance calls down to nothing or close to it.

If using VoIP from your home, you may be tempted to cancel your land line, and many have. But first, a caution: Internet telephony does not usually allow Enhanced 911, which links your phone number to your address. So in an emergency call, emergency services may not be able to tell where you are -- you will have to tell them.

What is HSDPA?

High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is also known as High-Speed Downlink Protocol Access. HSDPA is a protocol for mobile telephones. It is a third-generation (3G) High-Speed Packet Access technology designed to speed up network capacity and data transmission rate of cellular phones.

HSDPA is associated with various Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks. These include the Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications.

Currently, HSDPA can support speeds ranging from 1.8 Mbps to 14.4 Mbps. While this is not very fast compared to various wired networks, it is a major milestone considering the speed available to cellular technology.

Although HSDPA is mostly identified with its downlink speeds, it also has the ability to greatly expand transfer capacity. HSDPA networks can transfer up to 30 GB of data monthly and as much as 300 minutes of cellular television viewing and 1000 minutes of talk time