Archive for December, 2009

Audio Video Splitter: Synchronize A/V Signals from one Source to Multiple Devices

The audio video splitter can simultaneously transmit audio as well as video signals from a host computer to eight or more screens and speakers. There are a few models available to choose from when trying split audio and video. The basic AV splitter which uses standard VGA and 3.5mm audio cables, and the Cat5 audio video splitter extender which utilizes UTP/STP cabling to transmit the audio and video signals over long distances. The VGA Video and Audio Matrix is another variation which allows multiple video and audio sources to be switched and split at many locations.

Setup is accomplished easily with plug and play functionality, as these splitters are simple hardware devices that do not have software requirements for installation. These Audio Splitter devices are compatible with all sound cards as well as PCs, SUNs and MACs with VGA Video and 3.5mm stereo audio. Available in multiple sizes and models, including 2, 4, 8, and 16 ports, this product has the necessary regulatory approvals from CE, FCC and RoHS. Matrix versions can range from 2×2 up to 32×16 form factors. These splitters can also be daisy chained or cascaded together to broadcast signals to many more displays in real time. AV splitter devices can be used with DOS, Windows, LINUX, Mac OS 8.6/9/10 and SUN Solaris 8/9 operating systems.

Also compatible with WUXGA, UXGA, SXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA, Multisync signals, the quality of images remains as clear as the original image since there is no loss of video or audio quality. Each Video Splitter unit amplifies the signal, and projects the image as if the display device is directly connected to the video source. High resolutions of 1920 x 1440 @ 60 Hz are supported by these devices. Supporting DDC, DDC2, and DDC2B protocols along with ultra high bandwidth of 400 MHz, these units are equipped with standard 15 pin HD VGA connectors. Control of these devices is via push buttons on the front panel. Some models have optional infrared remote control.

Car Rental & the Environment

With the environment such a hot topic around the world and especially in the transport industry, there are companies that are embracing new environmentally friendly technology. Hybrid Cars and ever increasingly fuel efficient diesel cars are becoming more available to mainstream motorists. I used to work for a corporate travel company and many of the major corporations were requesting the inclusion of Hybrid cars in their contracts. This was more to do with increasing business opportunities by being seen to be green as opposed to wanting to be green!

The question arises when people travel and want to maintain their commitment to the green cause. Car Rental companies will be the ones providing these vehicles… or will they?

I have chosen (for the Australia traveller) major car companies that you can book ‘green cars’ with. Working for DriveAway Holidays here in Australia, the most common request is for diesel cars. This is driven out of cost concerns and also the occasional environmental concern. (Shouldn’t it be the other way around??)

First off the rank is Avis Rental Cars.

In Australia, the group L car will give you a Toyota Hybrid. This car is the favorite for the car rental companies due to it being built by Toyota.

In the UK, there doesn’t appear to be any green cars, although there may be diesel cars on fleet, Avis don’t make them easy to find.

In the USA, like Australia, the Toyota Hybrid under group XG is available.

Second off the cab rank is Hertz Rental Cars.

In Australia, like Avis, the Toyota Hybrid is the car of choice. Book a group G and you will get this car.

Cell Phone And Its Utility In Today`s Scenario

Cell phone has brought the world much closer. It does not matter on which part of world you live, you can get in touch with your loved ones through this amazing device. It is small in size, smart and slick in look, portable.
Though it was originally designed to eliminate the limitations of telephone, but gradually cell phone manufacturers come up with models containing many advanced features like MP3 player, camera, video recording facility, and 3D-games. Even you can access the Internet from your cell phone. In fact, the services provided by SMS, MMS and WAP have been popularized by cell phone. It is no wonder then why the use of cell phones has increased many folds in the last couple of years. According to one survey, every eight out of ten people own a cell phone in the USA.
Have you ever wondered how this cell phone works? You can say cell phone is more or less like a sophisticated radio. Cell phone is a full-duplex device which means one frequency is used for talking and another for listening so that both people can talk simultaneously. Earlier first generation mobile technology (1G) was used for Analog model of cell phone and had only 56 channels.
With the advent of second generation mobile technology (2G) the number of channels gradually increased. Now-a-days, a cell phone can communicate on 1,664 channels or more. The range of cell phone depends on its battery or cell power. You can talk hundred miles of your journey if your cell supports that range. The range also depends upon the tower locations. Cell phone tower is a steel pole containing equipments to send and receive the frequency.
Wondering what your cell phone can do for you? Here is the list:
You can store and retrieve information from your cell phone;
You can set of your important appointments and reminders through cell phone;
You can send and receive text, multimedia messages from your cell phone;
You can access internet, send Email through your cell phone;
You can watch movie, play 2D or 3D games through your cell phone;
You can enjoy listening music through the MP3 player of your cell phone;
You can integrate your cell phone with GPRS service facility to download music from internet;
You can share your favourite music among your friends through the Bluetooth technology of your cell phone;
Some models of cell phone also act as a compass guide so show you the exact geographic location (altitude, longitude wise). They come across quite handy especially for people who are on expeditions.
Like any other electronic devices, cell phone also has got its own share of problems. Doctors have warned against use of cell phones over a long time as it can lead to cancer and liver related problem due to the strong radiation emitted from this electronic device. Now research has shown that prolong use of cell phones can result in infertility problem in women.
Scientists have also examined a significant reduction in sperm count among men who use cell phone for longer period. Talking or listening to music for long time can lead to loss of hearing as well. Children should not be allowed to use cell phones much as its radiation can lead to different kind of health hazards.
Certain precautions should be taken while using cell phone. For instance, you should never use your cell phone when there is strong lightening or thundering. Never let your cell phone gets wet and do not use it with wet hands as there is chance of corrosion to the non-repairable internal parts. In case it does get wet, make sure it to be completely dry before switching it on. If you take care of these couple of things your call phone`s longevity will be increased.