Top 5 Most Common Laptop Problems & Fixes

Other than outsourced tech support representatives, computer gurus, and the geek squad staff, most users are baffled when they experience a technical problem on a PC or notebook.

This is due to the average user's either limited or not present knowledge of dealing with a technical problem outside the small notion that if it doesn't get fixed right way and on its own, it will grow exceedingly irritating. Here we have compiled a list of the most common technical problems laptop users run into. Hopefully this could prevent a few readers from waiting hours on hold for live support from an agent or paying over $100 to leave your notebook overnight somewhere the next time your laptop is on the fritz.

1. Why won't my laptop turn on?

Are you holding down that power button and the notebook simply won't turn on? It is quite likely the problem is your notebook's battery, although it is possible other hardware malfunctioning is responsible.

First check if the battery light is illuminated -- this should always be on when your notebook is plugged in. Did you allow for a full charge? If this light is not on, the first thing you must verify is that your power adapter is plugged in at both ends with no interruption.

If the light is red, that means it is low on battery and is not ready to perform a startup. The battery does need time to charge and should be left plugged in for a few hours to allow it to charge fully. Double check to make sure the battery is inserted properly into the laptop.

If it appears there is still no charge, try replacing the AC adapter with a new one as sometimes a short in your adapter can prevent your battery from being charged. If you are plugged in and this light is not illuminated it may be time to replace that battery. Sometimes batteries are damaged permanently after being dropped, exposed to extreme temperatures, corroded by water damage, or just overused without being shut down and given time to rest.

If your battery's light is on but your notebook is not powering up then your problem is not be with your battery and you may need to update the hardware within your notebook. Check to see if the notebook power light is illuminated. It should shine a green light when the laptop is turned on and the battery has juice.

If your notebook refuses to turn on, you may have damaged the motherboard and the best thing to do is to take it to a professional technician. You don't want to jumble and mess with hardware you aren't fully familiar with as you don't want to compound your problems.

2. How come my laptop doesn't run as fast as it used to?

It's true after months or even years of adding software, photos, music, videos, documents, downloads, and other innumerable application you may notice your notebook does not have the responsiveness it once had. One way of returning your notebook to its former performance speeds is by defragging your system.

This is a simple process that once initiated seeks out loose data and chunks of widespread information into more densely organized and tight-knit groups. This allows for faster and easier processing for your hard drive, and will enable other applications to run more smoothly. Defragmenting is important in the upkeep and health of your notebooks.

If you are using windows, click on your start tab, initiate Programs, mouse above Accessories, System Tools, and there you will find the 'Disk Defragmenter'. Another course of action to achieve greater laptop running speeds is by running anti-spyware and anti-virus software and eliminating any malware that may be slowing down your notebook's performance.

Some spyware and viruses destroy your laptop's ability to run smoothly. To have your laptop running faster at startup it is a good idea to check the several programs that are set to auto-run at startup. You can check these programs by clicking the start button, then run, and type "msconfig" into the textbox.

Here you can uncheck any programs that you don't find necessary to have auto-launched at startup. This will allow for a more rapid booting process, similar to when you first purchased your notebook.

3. Why can't I get online?

No matter what your internet connection is, first make sure that all of your equipment is installed properly. Here are some things to check before calling Tech Support.

If you are using wireless - Make sure that you are using the latest up-to-date software for your device. You must be using a proper username. A common solution is to Double check that your wireless settings have not been changed (ie. SSID numbers, wireless channels, WEP or WPAs.

Check that your wireless devices have all the same settings. Even if everything is up-to-date and connected properly, it may still be impossible to connect to the internet if your signal strength is too low. Check that you are within range of your routers wireless internet or that there is WiFi nearby. Also check your WiFi access point which may be locked requiring a password.

If you are using dial-up - Make sure that you have plugged your phone cord into both the modem and the wall. Also, test to make sure your phone cord is operating with no shorts. Make sure you have typed in the proper username and password and that the caps lock is not on.

Check to see that you are dialing the proper number for your system to connect to the internet. Another problem causing situation that can prevent dial-up connection is if your call waiting function is not disabled.

4. How do I stop pop-ups?

Most servers have built-in pop-up blockers in line to prevent being overrun with tedious ads and pop-ups but it remains a common nuisance for many. If your problem is totally out of control it may be essential that you wipe your system clean and allow your notebook to go back to square one.

Quite often the problem these days is that despite pop-up blockers that Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari all have in place to allow for an undisturbed online experience, there are always newer malware being created to get around these blockades in order to bombard you with unwanted ads and viruses.

The best thing to do if this becomes a problem is to have antivirus and antispyware sweeps to seek out and destroy the source of the problem.

5. Why doesn't my laptop's battery hold a charge as long as it used to?

Many of our readers are frustrated by their laptop battery's insubstantial durability and want to know why their battery can no longer hold a charge the way it used to and why is it they have to spend more time plugged into the wall. What many people don't know about their notebook batteries is that they must exercise or "be trained" to work at their optimum functioning.

With standard functioning, laptop batteries should last at least 3--5 hours. Certain applications will decrease the batteries lifespan and there are several things you can do to conserve your batteries length of performance, such as operating in power save move or turning off the backlight.

One way to flex your batteries abilities is allowing its power to drain fully and then be recharged to its entire capacity. This takes several hours but is highly beneficial to your battery's overall life. After much use, batteries do tend to lose juice and drain quicker than they once did. If this becomes problematic, it may be necessary to purchase a new battery for your notebook.

Today's Television

Television signals were originally transmitted exclusively via land-based transmitters. Television genres include a broad range of programming types that entertain, inform, and educate viewers. Television genres that aim to educate and inform viewers include educational shows, DIY programs on cooking, gardening, or home renovation, history shows, performing arts programs, and documentaries.

Video

The word is derived from mixed Latin and Greek roots, meaning "far sight": Greek tele , far, and Latin vision, sight (from video, vis- to see). Since the 1970s, video recordings on VCR tapes and later, digital playback systems such as DVDs, have enabled the television to be used to view recorded movies and other programs. A television may be built to receive different broadcast or video formats, such as high-definition television (HDTV). This is the electrical signal representing the visual image, and may be from a camera in the case of live images, a video tape recorder for playback of recorded images, or a film chain-telecine-flying spot scanner for transmission of motion pictures (films). This is an electrical signal from a microphone or from the audio output of a video tape recorder or motion picture film scanner.

Practical television systems include equipment for selecting different image sources, mixing images from several sources at once, insertion of pre-recorded video signals, synchronizing signals from many sources, and direct image generation by computer for such purposes as station identification. A variation is a video projector, using similar technology, which projects onto a screen. LED technology has become one of the choices for outdoor video and stadium uses, since the advent of bright LEDs and driver circuits. LEDs enable scalable ultra-large flat panel video displays that other technologies may never be able to match in performance. TV systems in most countries relay the video as an AM (amplitude-modulation) signal and the sound as a FM (frequency-modulation) signal. Today there are many television add-ons including video game consoles, VCRs, Set-top boxes for Cable, Satellite and DVB-T compliant Digital Television reception, DVD players, or Digital Video Recorders (including personal video recorders, PVRs).

Digital

Digital systems may be inserted anywhere in the chain to provide better image transmission quality, reduction in transmission bandwidth, special effects, or security of transmission from reception by non-subscribers. The affordability and convenience of digital satellite reception has led to the proliferation of small dish antennas outside many houses and apartments. A home today might have the choice of receiving analog or HDTV over the air, analog or digital cable with HDTV from a cable television company over coaxial cable, or even from the phone company over fiber optic lines.

Television genres that aim to educate and inform viewers include educational shows, DIY programs on cooking, gardening, or home renovation, history shows, performing arts programs, and documentaries. Television service providers also offer video on demand, a set of programs which could be watched at any time. Television and Young People (TVYP) is the UK's leading forum for young people aspiring to work in television.

How to Choose the Best HDTV For Your Ps3, Xbox 360 or Wii Gaming Consoles

Uninformed consumers expect that every digital TV will provide a clearer and sharper picture compared to their analogue counterparts. This expectation has also extended to their favourite gaming console. While some high definition television brands and models will meet this expectation, others can disappoint gamers who are looking for that fantastic gaming experience.

Manufacturers of High Definition Television (HDTV) sets provide elaborate specifications about their models as part of the advertising and promotion campaigns. However, most consumers don't fully understand what these specifications really mean and why they are important in making their decision on which HDTV to buy for gaming purposes.

The main thing to understand is that high definition TV was designed for broadcast television viewing and not for gaming consoles. Gaming console makers are constantly adapting or redesigning their gaming consoles to match the standards set down for high definition digital broadcasting and displays. Some of the higher priced HDTV brands offer direct gaming console modes that are matched for popular gaming consoles.

This article provides a brief education on the 5 key factors to consider when looking for a HDTV for playing video games. This will assist you to make an informed decision without the confusion that surrounds gaming with the Sony Play Station 3 (PS3), Microsoft XBox 360, or the Nintendo Wii.

1. Bigger HDTV Screen Sizes Are Better For Gaming

The bigger the screen, the easier it will be to see the details in the graphics used in the games. Games appear to be more realistic with larger screens. If your HDTV screen is not large enough, then you may see a black strip at the top and bottom or sides of the picture to make the game fit within the screen. Consider HDTV screens that are greater than 24inches (60cm) in size.

2. LCD Screens Are Better Than Plasma For Gaming

Plasma HDTV screens can suffer from "image burn-in" from constantly playing the same video games. Image burn-in occurs when static images are left displayed on a plasma screen for very long periods. This is the case with some video games that don't have a changing backgrounds. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) HDTV screens like those used for computer monitors, do not suffer from burn-in problems.

3. Higher Scanning Resolutions Are Better For Gaming

Makers of HD TV use two different scanning mechanisms to produce a picture on a HDTV screen. One mechanism is an "interlaced raster scan" and the other is a "progressive scan". A progressive scan will display all the horizontal lines that make up each picture frame in sequence. In comparison to an interlaced scan, all the odd horizontal lines are shown first and then alternately the even horizontal lines of the picture changing back to the odd lines in rapid succession.

A standard definition TV (SDTV) uses 525 (US NTSC) or 625 (Europe PAL) horizontal lines and is also known as "480i resolution" for US NTSC and "576i resolution" for PAL where the "i" stands for interlaced raster scanning. Interlaced video produces an annoying flicker that blurs the detail of video pictures. The flicker can be reduced with special filtering called anti-aliasing but this tends to reduce the clarity of the picture. High definition TV is shown using 720i or even 1080i resolutions.

Progressive scanning produces crisper and sharper pictures with no flickering compared to interlaced scanning for the same picture frame rate. High definition pictures are shown using either 720p, 1080p, 1440p or 2160p resolutions where the "p" stands for progressive scanning. HDTV with progressive scanning is usually more expensive than the lower resolution HDTV models. A typical LCD computer monitor resolution will start at 720p and may support higher resolutions.

4. Higher Refresh Rates Are Better For Gaming

Picture frame refresh rate is a measure (in Hertz or Hz) of how many times per second each picture frame is refreshed on a video display. Generally, the higher the refresh rate, the faster the display can respond to changing pixel colours thus reducing, and in some cases eliminating, picture blurring and judder when watching fast moving action scenes such as live football.

LCD screens that have a high response time (in milliseconds or ms) are often unsuitable for playing fast paced computer games. A response time of less than 15ms is considered to be sufficient for most video gaming given the human eye can not perceive changes faster than about 10ms. Brand name LCD HDTV manufacturers are producing models with 120Hz refresh rates and 4ms pixel response rates which is adequate for gaming consoles.

5. HDTV With Game Mode Is Better For Gaming

More recently, some HDTV makers have recognised that consumers also want to use their high definition televisions to play fast-action online and console games. This has lead to the development of a "games mode" to give you an instant reaction with the game controller. The principle behind the game mode is to optimize the reaction time and the picture quality of the TV to be closely matched with the higher resolution 1080p capable video game consoles such as the PS3 to give the gamer more realism.

What You Need To Know About The Popular Gaming Consoles

The Nintendo Wii only provides support for up to 480p resolution so you don't need a HDTV for using this gaming console. The XBox 360 gaming console supports 720p and 1080i resolutions so it can be used with a HD TV. The PS3 supports 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions making it a versatile gaming console that can be used with a broader range of high definition TV display resolutions.

Recommendations

When shopping for a HDTV for gaming consoles, look for at least a 24inch (60cm) LCD screen that supports 720p and 1080p, offer at least a 100Hz refresh rate and has a game mode. As with all technology, you basically get what you pay for. But given that high definition digital sets are continuing to come down in price, it is worth looking at HDTV models that can also support gaming consoles such as the PS3 and the XBox 360. Make sure you change the settings on both your HDTV set and your gaming console to support HD resolutions to experience the best these technologies have to offer.

Backlight Inverter Replacement

Has your lcd tv's picture stopped working? Are you getting sound but no picture? If that's the case, then you need to replace your backlight inverter. Backlight inverter replacement is rather easy, you don't need any technical skill and you don't necessarily need a technician to take on the job unless you are too nervous about opening up the TV and getting near its innards.

Here is how you succeed in backlight inverter replacement:

1. Place your TV face down on a soft surface, particularly a table with towels to protect the screen.

2. You'll need a Phillips screwdriver and a flat screwdriver.

3. Remove the back cover by taking out the screws and using the flat head screwdriver to push down the plastic clip that keeps the TV's shell closed. You may also need to use the flat head screwdriver to pry the casing apart. The casing is technically a clamshell casing.

4. When the TV casing is open, you will notice there are two boards. The backlight inverter is the smaller board. The two backlight connectors are on each end of the small board or both will be on one side (top or bottom). You will disconnect the connectors and then simply lift the board out of its place. You will then install the new board the same way you took the old board out.

5. Some boards may have a CNI Connector in addition to the two backlight connectors. This must also be carefully disconnected in order to remove the board.

6. Reassemble the monitor casing the same way you took it apart.

As you can see, backlight inverter replacement is simple, but there is always a professional who can help you out. Replacing the backlight inverter yourself is also more affordable. Enlisting the services of a professional may not prove to be as affordable in that they charge you for the parts and their time. They can charge hundreds of dollars to do something that you can do for under $50. However, there is the convenience and the peace of mind that they offer through their skill.

It is up to you what you decide to do based upon whether or not the price of your television makes it worth you giving backlight inverter replacement a try or allowing a professional to do the job.

One question, however, is if you need to use the same inverter that the manufacturer initially installed into the TV. The answer to this is that you do not. Other companies will manufacture inverters for TV brands and sometimes their parts perform better than what was initially installed into the television. The prices do vary, but you can expect to pay less than $100 for a quality backlight inverter.

So if you decide to do backlight inverter replacement on your own, you can do so for under $100 and within 30 minutes to an hour of your time. Although television models are different, the overall concept of replacing a backlight inverter is the same. Make sure you remove all connectors and put the new board in the same way you took the old board out. It is as simple as that.

2010 Walmart Cyber Monday TV Sales Ad Released in Early November - Vizio, Samsung and Philips HDTVs

Over the last several years it has been the case that more and more Americas are looking to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and deals. By doing research many customers are finding that they can get a HDTV at a very low price by simply being patient and waiting for these very popular TVs to go on sale. WalMart is the largest retailer in the world and they often offer great discounts when it comes to TVs on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Before making any assumptions on what TVs will be in the ad paper it would be a good idea to look at past sales and see which companies were included.

WalMart has relationships with many television companies but the deals and sales that are offered on Cyber Monday tend to be quite consistent. When WalMart is buys these TVs in bulk it is usually done months beforehand and the lower prices are set even before the summer. With this being the case many customers will be able to gauge what types of TV sets will be on sale by simple seeing which parts of the shelves at WalMart of the most full.

Many WalMart locations make sure to keep the overstock TVs in the back but you will likely see many stacks of merchandise start to come out at most major retailers. By simply looking towards the ceiling of WalMart, Best Buy or Target over the next few weeks you will find many of the Christmas items that are sure to be on sale during the big sale events of the year which often take place on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday makes things a little bit easier as customers will not have to deal with the crowds like they will on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

As Christmas gift ideas are very popular during the next few months it will be the case that many people start to think about buying a TV for the man in their life. Saving some extra money on this TV purchase could help quite a bit when it comes to paying the bills during the holiday season. With WalMart often offering great discounts it might be the cheapest place to find a HDTV from Vizio, Samsung or Philips during the 2010 holiday shopping season. It would also be a smart decision to check out the sales and deals from Target, Best Buy and HH Gregg.

Good and Bad Effects of Technology to Our Lives - Is There a Way to Change It?

Many of us are always thankful for our daily usage of today's modern technology. Every day, we get to perform our daily tasks easier because we have the helpful materials and gadgets that keep us at ease. Life will never be as easy as we look at it now without the advancement of technology. Think of how ancient people back then struggle just to create fire. Now, we can make one with just a click. Recall how transportation was done back then and see how much it has improved now. We are all living a better and more comfortable life because of our technology.

Even though we go on with our daily lives with such comfort and ease, there are things that we sacrifice for it. Because of the on-going technological demands, we have continuously taken for granted the effects it will cost us, and now we slowly notice them coming. Just for instance, the machines that we are using are not all there is. We use them very effectively, but are slowly destroying our planet because of them. Machines uses up a lot of heat energy. We use fuel to accommodate this need. It will then dispose wastes that are turned into smoke. It pollutes our air giving us unhealthy environment to breathe in. Mountainous areas have been turned into industrialized sites. Now even rain forests are being endangered. Trees are being logged to be made into furniture, and for constructions. We now have bare mountains.

There are submarines, ships of the largest, best ones. They all add up polluting our ocean. The cars and land vehicles we are using as well. They help us go from place to place easier and faster, but the polluted air it creates is devastating.

We have developed the use of plastics because it will cost easier production so that one can create more in just a fraction of time. They are disposables so that we can buy them cheaper. But when we throw these, they add up to the mountains of wastes being dumped onto a waste disposal area each day. Just imagine how much garbage s single person can collect in just one day, and multiply that to billions of people. Waste disposal has been one of the biggest problems of our society today. We have built so many things that we end up throwing after just one usage.

Maybe there are reasons for us to be grateful having all these modern equipments, and they are sure to help us in many ways. But the fact that we are all destroying our environment. It can have really good effects on us, but it also creates a devastating effect to our environment that destroys our health and living.

What Are Internet Ready TV's and What Brands Carry Them

The market of these television sets with web facility is estimated to grow by 14% in the U.S in the year 2012. One requires no additional investment on wiring or hardware after purchasing an internet ready TV.

What is an internet ready TV? The answer is pretty simple. Many manufacturing companies join hands with the famous web outlets and provide rich internet content for their customers. This content is limited to few websites only; one cannot browse any website he/she wants to. There is no need to connect your PC to the television set. Usually all the widely day-to-day used websites have partnered with the well known television manufacturing brands.

Some of the TV brands which are into this internet ready TV business are Sony Bravia, Samsung, LG, Sharp, Panasonic and many more. Samsung internet ready TV's are providing Yahoo and Flicker while you have Sony Bravia offering you to browse You Tube website along with Amazon- video on Demand. Companies keep on trying to join a partnership with various websites to increase the internet content and thus get more customers.We also have Netflix and Blockbuster who are offering movies over the internet, and many TV Manufacturers are integrating there software in the new model TV's. Along with the usual TV watching experience one can enjoy net surfing without any hassle. You are just a click away from viewing the list of contents of internet browsing on your television screen. This new trend has succeeded and is going to bring a new era to the world of television viewing and internet browsing.

How IP-based Video Surveillance Works -- Way Beyond Analog

When you're shopping around for an IP-based video surveillance system, you will need to be particularly cautious about what exactly you're looking at and what the individual terms mean. How IP-based video surveillance works is open to interpretation as far as some video surveillance and security salespeople are concerned -- not because they are trying to confuse the issues, but because there is no genuine consensus on what the term "IP-based" or related ones such as "networked" or "web-based" means.

Originally video surveillance was done based on analog technology -- closed
circuit television (CCTV) and recording on video tapes. This was fine for
recording what was going on, but it didn't broadcast actual live information, so
it wasn't practical for monitoring stores, for instance, from a remote location.
It simply provided what happened after the fact. The picture quality wasn't
great and it relied on human reliability as well -- someone had to remember to
change the tapes regularly, etc.

Digital revolutionizes video surveillance

With the Internet revolution and the ever-increasing presence of Local Area
Networks, technology took great strides in video surveillance in the 1990's.
Analog camera tubes were replaced with CCD (Charged Coupled Devices) and digital
cameras became affordable for most people.

This combination meant that video surveillance could do two things: go live
over the Internet or a closed network for surveillance and provide clearer,
crisper images that could be tracked and manipulated easily. For law
enforcement, digital surveillance meant it was much easier to zoom in on images,
track particular scenes and enhance features.

The basics of IP-based surveillance

A digital camera "views" the scene in front of it, broadcasts the video
images as a digitized signal over a LAN line (Local Area Network) where it's
then transmitted to a computer or server. The server in turn manages all of this
information. Depending upon the software used to manage the digital images, it
can record, display or retransmit the images to anywhere in the world.

The software package can easily be upgraded to allow for analyzing data,
selecting specific "flagged" items to watch for and a host of other functions,
making it a truly customizable security tool.

True IP-based digital surveillance uses CCD cameras that use signal
processing that send packetized video streams over the LAN through a Cat 5 cable
rather than a coax cable network, utilizing greater bandwidth and standard
TCP/IP communication.

It also provides more intelligent data mining and information retrieval. If
security is an issue, full digital surveillance also offers the added advantage
of data encryption opportunities to protect against image tampering -- something
not possible with analog recording.

Recently, a few companies such as D-Link and Linksys have also developed fully
digital cameras that actually have completely integrated, built-in web servers
so that no external computers are needed for operating them. The signal is
transmitted directly to the terminal location for storage or play-back.

Halfway there...

The "middle of the road" of video surveillance is upgrading video
surveillance by utilizing a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A DVR system is not
really fully IP-based, but is step toward the more advanced IP technology. In
actuality, a DVR system uses the same camera and structures for cabling as the
older CCTV analog systems, but the old VCRs have been replaced with DVR for
storage of the data. The data is converted to digital so that it can be stored
on hard disks, but the quality of the images captured remains analog since this
is how it originated.

When shopping for a system, be sure to ask if the system is digital based on
the recording (DVR) or on the camera, since many manufacturers consider a system
digital by virtue of the DVR storage system even if the camera recording the
images is still analog.

Going all the way

Some people will move to the hybrid models of a CCTV/DVR system when they
first move beyond an analog system because it seems like the next practical
evolutionary step in video surveillance. However, shifting to this method
largely ignores how IP-based video surveillance works.

With CCTV/DVR surveillance you have actually simply delayed the inevitable by
adding on a relatively new technology (hard disk, digital storage) to an old
technology (analog video over coaxial transmission lines). Rather than moving
forward into something new, you have prolonged the demise of the old.

Advantages of IP-based video surveillance

The leap into completely IP-based technology is the best bang for your buck
both monetarily and in terms of security by far. Digital surveillance can be
done over a LAN network, of course, but TCP/IP transmittal of surveillance makes
sense for remote monitoring of multiple locations and for remote recording of
data onto back-up servers and hard disks for long-term storage.

With IP-based video surveillance, you can connect your surveillance camera or
cameras to any network or wireless adapter, and you are extremely flexible in
your placement of the camera itself. A typical PC-attached video camera, while
providing digital picture image quality, still has to be within approximately
ten feet of the computer itself.

Set-up of an IP-based video system is easy -- once you've set up an IP
address, you're up and running and it's extremely stable and reliable. Because
this is the technology of the future, it is also upgradeable. You won't be
outgrowing an IP-based video surveillance system any time soon because new
developments are based on improving this market. Therefore, you will be able to
add on and improve this system for years to come while older, CCTV+DVR hybrids
will dead-end and become obsolete.

Comparing analog and IP-based video surveillance

A better way to understand the differences between analog and IP-based video
surveillance may be to compare the two and how they work:

Analog or CCTV+DVR video surveillance

o Easy to use -- operates like a VCR

o Changing cassettes and rewinding regularly means human error frequently interferes with effectiveness

o Image quality is poor

o Storage tapes wear out over time

o Broadcasting images live isn't practical

o Storage is bulky

o Uses analog recording, recording in low-grade picture quality and inability to search and track easily

o Adding DVR systems must be done in 'blocks' of 16 channels

IP-based video surveillance

o IP-based recording means instant transmittal of images anywhere in the world

o Can monitor multiple cameras from one remote location

o No decrease in recording quality over time or with repeated replays

o Digital picture quality far superior to analog

o IP-base recording is highly compressed for easier storage and can be transported over a variety of media

o Digital images can be encrypted for security purposes

o Updates and add-ons are relatively inexpensive through software packages and Internet computer networking

o Adjustable frame rates

o Remote or shared viewing may be done over the Internet or a wireless connection

o Standard IP video compression techniques are used

o IP surveillance cameras may be added individually or in groups according to your needs

If you are contemplating increased or upgrading video surveillance for your
company or home, understanding how IP-based video surveillance works will make
your decision easier. It is the future of video surveillance and, although in
the short term may be a bit more expensive, is obviously an investment in
superior quality and flexibility.

This article on "How IP-based Video Surveillance Works" reprinted with
permission.

Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

Testing a Transformer - How To Accurately Test A Transformer

There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different. Sometimes it is just referred as ac transformer. Linear transformer mostly used in radio, project kits, VCD and etc while switch mode transformer can be found in Monitor, Tv, Fax and so on.

A transformer consists of two or more coils wound on the same core. For power transformers, the core material is usually iron. For a radio-frequency transformer, the core material is usually ferrite or air. The basic property of a transformer is to change AC voltage. A transformer cannot change direct current voltage. A step down transformer has a lower AC output voltage at its secondary winding than the AC input voltage to its primary winding. Conversely, a step up transformer has a higher secondary than primary voltage. The transformer laminations or coating of shellac, enamel or varnish is to insulate adjacent turns from shorts between winding. I will not go too details about how transformer work and transformer calculation as you can read more details from most electrical and electronic transformers books.

How to test transformers: Transformer failures are relatively rare in most electronic equipment, compared with other components. If too much current goes through a coil or winding, the winding heats up and can either open up completely, or the insulation between turns of wire can break down, causing the coil to be partly or completely shorted.

Just like a coil, you can check continuity of any primary or secondary transformer winding. The actual value of DC resistance you read is rather meaningless, but at least you will know whether a winding is open. Checking linear transformer is quite straight forward. Apply the ac voltage to the primary winding and expect output voltage at the secondary side. No or low output voltage means the transformer winding has open or shorted winding. Look for any evidence of overheating, such as darkened or blackened areas or a burnt smell.

About how to test a power transformer-it is a little bit complicated. You cannot apply ac voltage to the equipment and expect the desire output at the secondary side without connect to load otherwise over voltage will happen (because you have removed all the secondary load) and will blow the power section which consist of power fet, pwm ic and etc. Switch mode power supply are designed to run with load while linear transformer can be test without load.

The best way to test a switch mode power transformer is first remove it from the board. Check only the primary winding as secondary winding failures are exceedingly rare. How do we know which one is the primary winding? Trace from the big filter cap the positive pin to see where the circuit goes. It will go to one of the pin of the transformer. Then look for the power fet middle pin which is the Drain and it will lead to another pin of the transformer. This two pins is the primary winding of the transformer. Checking the resistance of the primary winding only can reveal whether it is open but it cannot check if it has developed a shorted winding. Only by using a ringer test you will know if it shorted or not. A shorted turn in the primary winding can cause the power section to blow.

The cheapest ringer tester that i came across is Dick Smith LOPT METER or flyback tester. Just connect the probes to the primary winding and the result are instantly seen from the Led bar graph. 4-8 bar represent a good winding, 1-2 bar represent partial short and if the led goes off means there is a heavy short in the winding. Besides checking the transformer it can be use to check B+ COIL, horizontal yoke coil and flyback primary winding and ballast (choke).

The expensive ringer tester is from sencore equipment. Sencore LC102 and LC103C besides checking capacitor it also have the capability to check all kind of winding. Whether it is a low voltage transformer, high voltage transformer, current transformer, pulse transformer, electric transformer, custom transformer this equipment will be able to check and test it.

If you do not wish to invest on this tester you may use a light bulb to check it. Remove one of the primary winding pin and connect a 60 watt light bulb. One end to the circuit while the other to the transformer pin. If the bulb light and didn't goes off suspect a shorted winding and if the light goes off, the winding is ok.

Transformer repair is not easy and it require a good skill to do it. Most of the transformer repairer preferred to rewind bigger winding such as fan, car alternator and starter. Switch mode power transformer is a little bit difficult to rewind because of the small size and low price.

How to choose the best Flat screen TV

Choosing the right technology

Plasma and lcd tvs look the same, but they are not. Some features or options don't differ a lot, but these are the major differences:

Size

If you arfe looking for an extra large TV, go for a plasma. Plasma TVs are the current size champions, particularly when comparing TVs that consumers can easily purchase. LCDs are catching up in size with their developing technology, however, and may surpass Plasmas in the near future. This may be due to difficulties in producing glass large enough for larger plasmas.

Burn-ins

With the latest plasma technology, this is less of an issue than ever before. The Pixel Orbitor, for example, is a method of reducing burn-in used by plasma manufacturers. It requires no additional programing from the end user as some older burn-in prevention techniques did.
Note: If you plan to use a plasma for gaming, some games with permanent 'dashboards' may still cause some burn-in. If you will be using the television for display use only, go for an LCD. Plasmas are more likely to get burned-in pixels.

Miscellaneous

- lcd tvs are far less fragile than plasmas. This is also an advantage when the tv set has to be shipped or moved to a different location.

- LCD TVs are also much easier to install than plasma TVs.

- LCD TVs have a better performance at high altitudes.

- LCD TVs are often cheaper than plasma TVs. The difference in pricing is getting smaller, however.

Ofcourse, all this information is available all over the web. For a detailed comparison sheet, I recommend using Wikipedia's comparison sheet.

Flat Screen TV comparison, don't get it wrong

If you have made a choice between plasma and LCD (I'll name it Flat screen TV from now on), you can pick a TV of your choice. Flat screen TV comparison will able you to find out exactly what you want and what'll fit the budget.

Brands

The following brands are being considered as the best manufacturers of Flat screen TVs:

- Hitachi

- Panasonic

- Philips

- Pioneer

- Samsung

If you are looking for a product with outstanding quality, we recommend choosing one of these brands.

Features

Different Flat screen TVs have different features. Most of these features look the same, but there are a couple of unique features as well:

- Ambilight

- HD ready or not?

- Picture in Picture

There are lots of comparison website available, but you will have to know how to use them. Filter the models by brand, price and features and the choice will be a lot easier.