Copyright 2006 Peter Nisbet
The word 'codec' is short for Coder/DECoder or Compressor/DECompressor. It is a technology used basically to render data suitable for transmission using a set of protocols which must also be used for its reception. MP3 is an example of a common codec. They can be applied in hardware, software or in a combination of both. This article is specifically about audio codecs. Video signals will be discussed in another article.
Audio data can be compressed, resulting in a file smaller than the original. How much smaller depends on the type of codec , and data can be lost, resulting in a reduction in audio quality. The type of codec where data is lost is called Lossy, while the other type where data is not lost is called Lossless.
Lossless codecs work rather like Zip files. In zip files, the data is compressed to take up less space. In fact a zipper is a lossless file codec: you use the zipping software to compress the data, then you subsequently required the zipping software to decompress it to a readable form. NO data is lost, and this is how a Lossless codec works. It compresses the data for transmission then decompresses it to replay it. The file is in exactly the same form when played as it was prior to transmission.
Examples of Lossless codecs are Monkeys Audio, WavePack and FLAK. This gives the best playback sound quality. Typical players are Media Center and Winamp. This type of file naturally requires a Lossless codec for play-back, so will not play on an MP3 player. The main problem with this type of audio format is that it compresses at best only to 4:1.
Where greater compression is required, Lossy codecs must be used. With this type of system, part of the file data is lost or discarded to allow the enhanced compression. Lossy codecs can compress audio files down to 10:1 which is a massive saving in storage requirements. The way it does this is to discards parts of the file it considers is not required by the human ear. For example, the maximum frequency the human ear can detect is around 16 KHz so frequencies above this are cut out. Some codecs go down ever further to 12 KHz.
Also certain sound combinations are discarded, such as soft sounds occurring immediately after harsh loud ones. The human brain tends not to distinguish these soft sounds, so they would not be missed if removed from the file. Once the audio file is decoded, it is not restored to the original size. Hence Lossy codec is more of a coder-decoder than compressor-decompressor.
Examples of Lossy audio formats are MP3, Musepack, OGG Vorbis, WMA (Windows Media Audio) and MP4. There are various codec encoders and decoder also available, though the average person generally has no choice since they are ready installed in the hardware being used. A description of the software which actually carries out the work is beyond this article, but there are three main types: constant, variable and average bit-rate encoders. Higher bit-rates give better sound quality, but larger file sizes. The development of Lossy technology has revolutionized the way we buy music from hardware to downloadable software, but this is another subject.
You may have to download a specific codec to be able to open certain audio and video files you have either purchased or downloaded. If you have purchased the file, the codec will generally come with it, but with a free download, you may also have to download the relevant codec. You will probably be informed what codec is required to decode or decompress it. You should then search for the codec using a search engine and you will probably find it on free download.
The next article will discuss how codecs work with audio-video files and how their developed has tremendously reduced the download time for movies to such an extent that downloading from the internet is now commonplace and proving a problem for the movie studios.
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 28 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Using your High Speed Broadband to the Full
As the price of broadband has come down in recent years, its availability is far spread, with more and more people choosing to make the switch to a sophisticated technology, that can cope with the demands of modern living. In order for you to get full value for money and usage, here are some advantages on getting connected to broadband over dial-up.
1. You can download software, and transfer files quickly, such as, email photos from the digital camera, or send home movies from your camcorder to friends and family etc.
2. With a high speed connection, you can play games online, against other people in real time, via gaming websites. This can be done on the PC or games consoles such as PSP, PS2, Xbox etc.
3. One of the best aspects of broadband is that you can now easily watch thousands of web cams set up all around the world, so you can see what's going on anywhere you want. If your friends or family have a web cam at home, this could provide an excellent and FREE way of communicating with loved ones around the world.
4. Watch live web casts, internet tv and short films online.
5. You can now watch music videos at a much better quality than before, with high speed downloads, you can watch the latest videos from your favourite bands and artists.
6. Music downloads are now a doddle, and you can now order singles and albums, which are cheaper than buying it at your local store. Total convenience.
7. One of the latest innovations is VOIP. This, in a nutshell, allows you to use the internet connection to make and receive phone calls. With technology currently developing, this will gain in popularity and eventually bring prices down for current call charges.
8. Listen to a selection of streaming radio stations for free, whilst you surf the web, and not have any interference.
There are so many other uses for ADSL broadband in the home and at work, that being without it can have you missing out on some of the greatest innovations of this era.
1. You can download software, and transfer files quickly, such as, email photos from the digital camera, or send home movies from your camcorder to friends and family etc.
2. With a high speed connection, you can play games online, against other people in real time, via gaming websites. This can be done on the PC or games consoles such as PSP, PS2, Xbox etc.
3. One of the best aspects of broadband is that you can now easily watch thousands of web cams set up all around the world, so you can see what's going on anywhere you want. If your friends or family have a web cam at home, this could provide an excellent and FREE way of communicating with loved ones around the world.
4. Watch live web casts, internet tv and short films online.
5. You can now watch music videos at a much better quality than before, with high speed downloads, you can watch the latest videos from your favourite bands and artists.
6. Music downloads are now a doddle, and you can now order singles and albums, which are cheaper than buying it at your local store. Total convenience.
7. One of the latest innovations is VOIP. This, in a nutshell, allows you to use the internet connection to make and receive phone calls. With technology currently developing, this will gain in popularity and eventually bring prices down for current call charges.
8. Listen to a selection of streaming radio stations for free, whilst you surf the web, and not have any interference.
There are so many other uses for ADSL broadband in the home and at work, that being without it can have you missing out on some of the greatest innovations of this era.
Cellular Phone Markets
Cellular markets around the world have steadily grown stronger over the past twenty years and show no signs of slowing down. Many people speculate that the growth will plateau reasonably soon and begin a steady decline due to market saturation. The US cellular markets are especially scrutinized as they are doing impressively well. Many believe that the cellular market in the United States might never reach a point of decline.
When the US cellular markets first began to grow in the 1980's, only a few thousand cell phones were sold in the United States. Today, US cellular markets report that over 100 million cell phones have been sold in and cell phone subscription statuses are at an all time high. The average 'life' of a cell phone for a single person in the United States estimated to be between one to two years before a consumer is in the market for a new cell phone. While that estimate doesn't have concrete backing, the estimates are from regular rotating numbers of cell phones sold on a regular basis and show no signs of slowing.
As technology advances, US cellular markets are on the brink of many developments for improvements and features offered on cell phones. Most businesses have discovered that US cellular markets offer them an advantage in the amount of wireless freedom cell phones can offer anyone who needs to multitask or be in more than one location at regular intervals. With Internet browsing, text messaging, voice mail, contact lists and a number of other 'hands-free' features, US cellular markets are quite savvy when it comes to understanding the needs and desires of the consumer and deliver on a regular basis.
US cellular markets are one of the few that have the opportunity to continue advancing in technology and accessories for cell phones. With cell phones and upgrades, US cellular markets continue to grow every year and show no signs of slowing down.
About The Author: Kevin Lynch is the owner of Going Cellular website, which have tons of resources with a variety of information, news, blogs and more.
When the US cellular markets first began to grow in the 1980's, only a few thousand cell phones were sold in the United States. Today, US cellular markets report that over 100 million cell phones have been sold in and cell phone subscription statuses are at an all time high. The average 'life' of a cell phone for a single person in the United States estimated to be between one to two years before a consumer is in the market for a new cell phone. While that estimate doesn't have concrete backing, the estimates are from regular rotating numbers of cell phones sold on a regular basis and show no signs of slowing.
As technology advances, US cellular markets are on the brink of many developments for improvements and features offered on cell phones. Most businesses have discovered that US cellular markets offer them an advantage in the amount of wireless freedom cell phones can offer anyone who needs to multitask or be in more than one location at regular intervals. With Internet browsing, text messaging, voice mail, contact lists and a number of other 'hands-free' features, US cellular markets are quite savvy when it comes to understanding the needs and desires of the consumer and deliver on a regular basis.
US cellular markets are one of the few that have the opportunity to continue advancing in technology and accessories for cell phones. With cell phones and upgrades, US cellular markets continue to grow every year and show no signs of slowing down.
About The Author: Kevin Lynch is the owner of Going Cellular website, which have tons of resources with a variety of information, news, blogs and more.
Poll shows that UK Civil Engineers are worried about Climate Change
More than 80% civil engineers are now not only convinced that Climate Change is taking place: They also claim to be worried about it, according to a poll of 519 Chartered UK Civil Engineers.
The poll was carried out by the New Civil Engineer, the official weekly magazine of the profession, which is sent out to all members of the Institution of Civil Engineers. It was published in the 19 January 2006 edition.
What is more striking is that 56% said that they were prepared to change their lifestyles to help cut Britain's energy consumption, and 51% of those that expressed an opinion say that they would be prepared to alter their lifestyles to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, but would only do so - probably quite pragmatically and reasonably - if pushed to so do by taxation or legislation to take these steps. Also, in the response to these questions a surprisingly large percentage actually said they would be prepared to change their lifestyle "a lot".
Subsequent editions have not raised any comment from the members in the letter page or the editorial. So we can assume that acceptance of anthropomorphic Climate Change in the profession is mainstream and uncontested.
The poll was actually carried out to gauge the opinions of the profession on the nuclear debate currently underway; a debate which has been given additional momentum by Dr Lovelock's view that global warming effects are so severe, and so inevitable now, that unless the rate of carbon emissions are reduced in less time than is available for normal political and economic action, there will be no means by which the inevitable drift toward catastrophe of Climate Change can be halted.
Furthermore, Porfessor Lovelock (originator of the Gaia Theory of natural systems) says that the UK has no choice but to go-nuclear again in a big way, especially since most of the 21% of our power which is at present generated by nuclear power stations is soon to be lost when they are closed, due to ageing.
In fact, unless these stations are refurbished soon to extend their lives, only 7% of our power will be generated from nuclear by 2013, and we will have to build new nuclear plants just to avoid a significant demand for alternative forms of generation, which can only be fully satisfied from non-renewable (fossil fuel) sources, and thereby raising our national carbon dioxide emissions.
Nuclear power is relatively carbon neutral, but all new nuclear installations have been halted for the past 15 years or so in the UK, due to:
public hostility to the acceptance of the risk of nuclear incidents,
the inability of the UK government to solve the problem of nuclear waste disposal,
and concerns about nuclear proliferation should the UK be shown to be encouraging the use of nuclear at home when maintaining a policy that the developing nations should not themselves "Go nuclear".
Therefore, Dr Lovelock has proposed that dangerous or not, the UK should build more nuclear power plants, and this has encouraged government and professionals alike to reopen the nuclear debate. This debate has now started, and early indications are that the civil engineers involved in much of the energy strategy work and opinion-forming within government will be so concerned about carbon dioxide emissions that all other concerns about nuclear power will be pushed aside. Such risks may be seen as "risks to be managed" and risk taking of this magnitude, as being a reasonable strategy, when faced by the alternative threat of global catastrophe.
However, whatever one's view may be on the nuclear power debate, the groundswell of opinion is changing at least among this group of professionals. Although one poll can never be considered conclusive it shows that these professionals at least, comprise a constituency of opinion which, if in time this was repeated across the community, would begin to sway the government toward measures which might bring real change in the future.
Steve Last is an environmental engineer who is also a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and lives in the county of Shropshire, UK. CEnv is a new and growing academic discipline created in the last two years. All Chartered Environmentalists pledge to further the principles of sustainability.
Please visit "Climate Change for Better or Worse", an independent web site about Climate Change www.climate-change.me.uk to find out more, and for the references given.
The poll was carried out by the New Civil Engineer, the official weekly magazine of the profession, which is sent out to all members of the Institution of Civil Engineers. It was published in the 19 January 2006 edition.
What is more striking is that 56% said that they were prepared to change their lifestyles to help cut Britain's energy consumption, and 51% of those that expressed an opinion say that they would be prepared to alter their lifestyles to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, but would only do so - probably quite pragmatically and reasonably - if pushed to so do by taxation or legislation to take these steps. Also, in the response to these questions a surprisingly large percentage actually said they would be prepared to change their lifestyle "a lot".
Subsequent editions have not raised any comment from the members in the letter page or the editorial. So we can assume that acceptance of anthropomorphic Climate Change in the profession is mainstream and uncontested.
The poll was actually carried out to gauge the opinions of the profession on the nuclear debate currently underway; a debate which has been given additional momentum by Dr Lovelock's view that global warming effects are so severe, and so inevitable now, that unless the rate of carbon emissions are reduced in less time than is available for normal political and economic action, there will be no means by which the inevitable drift toward catastrophe of Climate Change can be halted.
Furthermore, Porfessor Lovelock (originator of the Gaia Theory of natural systems) says that the UK has no choice but to go-nuclear again in a big way, especially since most of the 21% of our power which is at present generated by nuclear power stations is soon to be lost when they are closed, due to ageing.
In fact, unless these stations are refurbished soon to extend their lives, only 7% of our power will be generated from nuclear by 2013, and we will have to build new nuclear plants just to avoid a significant demand for alternative forms of generation, which can only be fully satisfied from non-renewable (fossil fuel) sources, and thereby raising our national carbon dioxide emissions.
Nuclear power is relatively carbon neutral, but all new nuclear installations have been halted for the past 15 years or so in the UK, due to:
public hostility to the acceptance of the risk of nuclear incidents,
the inability of the UK government to solve the problem of nuclear waste disposal,
and concerns about nuclear proliferation should the UK be shown to be encouraging the use of nuclear at home when maintaining a policy that the developing nations should not themselves "Go nuclear".
Therefore, Dr Lovelock has proposed that dangerous or not, the UK should build more nuclear power plants, and this has encouraged government and professionals alike to reopen the nuclear debate. This debate has now started, and early indications are that the civil engineers involved in much of the energy strategy work and opinion-forming within government will be so concerned about carbon dioxide emissions that all other concerns about nuclear power will be pushed aside. Such risks may be seen as "risks to be managed" and risk taking of this magnitude, as being a reasonable strategy, when faced by the alternative threat of global catastrophe.
However, whatever one's view may be on the nuclear power debate, the groundswell of opinion is changing at least among this group of professionals. Although one poll can never be considered conclusive it shows that these professionals at least, comprise a constituency of opinion which, if in time this was repeated across the community, would begin to sway the government toward measures which might bring real change in the future.
Steve Last is an environmental engineer who is also a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and lives in the county of Shropshire, UK. CEnv is a new and growing academic discipline created in the last two years. All Chartered Environmentalists pledge to further the principles of sustainability.
Please visit "Climate Change for Better or Worse", an independent web site about Climate Change www.climate-change.me.uk to find out more, and for the references given.
Can Acupuncture Help you Stop, and Eventually Quit Smoking?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing approach that is almost 3500 years old. It is based on the belief that chi, a vital energy force flows around 12 key channels around the body. Within these channels there are 365 acupuncture points, which can sometimes become 'blocked' preventing the smooth flow of the vital energy, resulting in degrading health.
Acupuncture is a highly effective method for treating all manner of addictions including nicotine. The application of acupuncture to help you stop and eventually quit altogether, involves the insertion of very fine needles into special points on the skin. The needles are generally left in the skin for up to 20mins. There is virtually no pain apart from the slight pricking sensation when the needle first goes in. The technique itself results in the release of special chemicals called endorphins which will provide a 'natural high' at the end of the treatment.
Following the first treatment, the patient is likely to cough up phlegm during the week after treatment as the body starts to adjust to life without smoking, and the tar and phlegm in the lungs starts to loosen. It is common to schedule a follow up session about 1 week after the first to assess progress, and decide whether further therapy is required. Many heavy smokers have reported success after only 1 or 2 acupuncture sessions.
Acupuncture as a method for quitting smoking is best for those individuals that are heavily addicted to the nicotine, but have clearly made the commitment to quit. This type of therapy will dramatically reduce the side effects of nicotine withdrawal, such as the cravings, depression and anxiety. The body will also start to repair itself, particularly in improving blood circulation and de-congesting the lungs, and the patient will generally feel very positive and optimistic as a result of the release of natural anti-depressants by the brain.
Combining acupuncture with more traditional approaches to quitting smoking can be an effective strategy, especially if you have tried and failed at simply using willpower to quit in the past. If you decide acupuncture to stop smoking is for you, make sure you see a qualified and reputable practitioners.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Stop-Smoking-Products.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of stop smoking programs, which you can readily research on his website.
Acupuncture is a highly effective method for treating all manner of addictions including nicotine. The application of acupuncture to help you stop and eventually quit altogether, involves the insertion of very fine needles into special points on the skin. The needles are generally left in the skin for up to 20mins. There is virtually no pain apart from the slight pricking sensation when the needle first goes in. The technique itself results in the release of special chemicals called endorphins which will provide a 'natural high' at the end of the treatment.
Following the first treatment, the patient is likely to cough up phlegm during the week after treatment as the body starts to adjust to life without smoking, and the tar and phlegm in the lungs starts to loosen. It is common to schedule a follow up session about 1 week after the first to assess progress, and decide whether further therapy is required. Many heavy smokers have reported success after only 1 or 2 acupuncture sessions.
Acupuncture as a method for quitting smoking is best for those individuals that are heavily addicted to the nicotine, but have clearly made the commitment to quit. This type of therapy will dramatically reduce the side effects of nicotine withdrawal, such as the cravings, depression and anxiety. The body will also start to repair itself, particularly in improving blood circulation and de-congesting the lungs, and the patient will generally feel very positive and optimistic as a result of the release of natural anti-depressants by the brain.
Combining acupuncture with more traditional approaches to quitting smoking can be an effective strategy, especially if you have tried and failed at simply using willpower to quit in the past. If you decide acupuncture to stop smoking is for you, make sure you see a qualified and reputable practitioners.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Stop-Smoking-Products.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of stop smoking programs, which you can readily research on his website.
Dish Network's High Definition Programming
Dish Network digital satellite television services, in their ongoing program of customer satisfaction, offers the most diverse High Definition programming to supplement their superb High Definition equipment. Now it is easier than ever to view see the best of high definition in all your viewing selections. This article is written in an effort to provide a broad overview of currently available high definition programming. HDTV has a very high resolution that produced crystal-clear imaging and excellent Dolby surround sound.
For those who prefer HD services, Dish Network offers the HD Pak, which includes ESPN, Discovery Theater, TNT, Net, and Net Movies - all presented in High Definition format. Promotional offers are often made to attract new customers to their subscriber base of over 12 million viewers, and many times, this particular package is offered free for six months and at a minimal charge afterwards when combined with an additional package.
Dish Network also has the new VOOM Originals Pak, which includes ten VOOM HD Originals for small additional charge when subscribing to the HD Pak - making a total of 15 great channels of programming. VOOM channels may require the purchase of a second dish antenna depending on geographical area. VOOM is a company, no longer in business, which initially offered the largest variety of HD programming. Dish Network, in their efforts to expand delivery modes, purchased VOOM's satellite giving subscribers the added enjoyment of watching additional HD channels. This newly acquired service makes Dish Network's HD capabilities the best in the nation. Subscribers can now see so many more programs in HD format. Viewers can now see channels like RUSH, Gallery, Rave, Ultra, Equator, Monsters, Animania, Majestic, News, Weather, and Guy TV - all in HD. Also included are programs on fashion, fiction, travel, music, concerts, and more.
View the latest in advanced technology with movies, news, pay-per-view, and sports events - all shown in High Definition by subscribing to one of Dish Network's DishHD packages. Programming packages designed to please are appropriately named Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Dish HD packages. Each one contains a diverse lineup of channels with shows sure to please as well as additional programming delivered digitally in standard television format. With the use of Dish Network's ViP211 and ViP622 receivers, HD programming may be shown on one TV with SD being shown on another. Subscribers are given the best of both worlds - standard and high definition - both digitally delivered. Each package includes 23 to 25 channels of unique HD programming plus varying channels of standard definition shows and music - each one varying in number and cost. Packages begin with 23 channels of HD shows and 60 channels (Bronze DishHD) of SD and increase to 25 channels of HD with 180 channels of SD, including all 4-premium movie channels (Platinum DishHD) - packages varying in price. Each one includes a wide-range of interests, including news, sports, movies, and interactive gaming, with something sure to please everyone.
The addition of HD to Dish Network's services is just another way of enhancing their overall excellent services to subscribers. Click on Dish Network HD Programming now for complete details on programming selections, pricing information, ordering, and installation. Take advantage of their offer to improve your home entertainment system - free equipment and installation. Entertainment at it's finest - courtesy of Dish Network digital satellite television services.
Dish Network digital satellite television services, in their ongoing program of customer satisfaction, offers the most diverse High Definition programming to supplement their superb High Definition equipment. Now it is easier than ever to view see the best of high definition in all your viewing selections. This article is written in an effort to provide a broad overview of currently available high definition programming. HDTV has a very high resolution that produced crystal-clear imaging and excellent Dolby surround sound.
For those who prefer HD services, Dish Network offers the HD Pak that includes ESPN, Discovery Theater, TNT, Net, and Net Movies - all presented in High Definition format. Promotional offers are often made to attract new customers to their subscriber base of over 12 million viewers, and many times, this particular package is offered free for six months and at a minimal charge afterwards when combined with an additional package.
Dish Network also has the new VOOM Originals Pak, which includes ten VOOM HD Originals for small additional charge when subscribing to the HD Pak - making a total of 15 great channels of programming. VOOM channels may require the purchase of a second dish antenna depending on geographical area. VOOM is a company, no longer in business that initially offered the largest variety of HD programming. Dish Network, in their efforts to expand delivery modes, purchased VOOM's satellite giving subscribers the added enjoyment of watching additional HD channels. This newly acquired service makes Dish Network's HD capabilities the best in the nation. Subscribers can now see so many more programs in HD format. Viewers can now see channels like RUSH, Gallery, Rave, Ultra, Equator, Monsters, Animania, Majestic, News, Weather, and Guy TV - all in HD. Also included are programs on fashion, fiction, travel, music, concerts, and more.
View the latest in advanced technology with movies, news, pay-per-view, and sports events - all shown in High Definition by subscribing to one of Dish Network's DishHD packages. Programming packages designed to please are appropriately named Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Dish HD packages. Each one contains a diverse lineup of channels with shows sure to please as well as additional programming delivered digitally in standard television format. With the use of Dish Network's ViP211 and ViP622 receivers, HD programming may be shown on one TV with SD being shown on another. Subscribers are given the best of both worlds - standard and high definition - both digitally delivered. Each package includes 23 to 25 channels of unique HD programming plus varying channels of standard definition shows and music - each one varying in number and cost. Packages begin with 23 channels of HD shows and 60 channels (Bronze DishHD) of SD and increase to 25 channels of HD with 180 channels of SD, including all 4-premium movie channels (Platinum DishHD) - packages varying in price. Each one includes a wide-range of interests, including news, sports, movies, and interactive gaming, with something sure to please everyone.
The addition of HD to Dish Network's services is just another way of enhancing their overall excellent services to subscribers. Click on Dish Network HD Programming now for complete details on programming selections, pricing information, ordering, and installation. Take advantage of their offer to improve your home entertainment system - free equipment and installation. Entertainment at it's finest - courtesy of Dish Network digital satellite television services.
About The Author:
John Richardson is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers - Dish Network, visit his website: Big Mouth TV
For those who prefer HD services, Dish Network offers the HD Pak, which includes ESPN, Discovery Theater, TNT, Net, and Net Movies - all presented in High Definition format. Promotional offers are often made to attract new customers to their subscriber base of over 12 million viewers, and many times, this particular package is offered free for six months and at a minimal charge afterwards when combined with an additional package.
Dish Network also has the new VOOM Originals Pak, which includes ten VOOM HD Originals for small additional charge when subscribing to the HD Pak - making a total of 15 great channels of programming. VOOM channels may require the purchase of a second dish antenna depending on geographical area. VOOM is a company, no longer in business, which initially offered the largest variety of HD programming. Dish Network, in their efforts to expand delivery modes, purchased VOOM's satellite giving subscribers the added enjoyment of watching additional HD channels. This newly acquired service makes Dish Network's HD capabilities the best in the nation. Subscribers can now see so many more programs in HD format. Viewers can now see channels like RUSH, Gallery, Rave, Ultra, Equator, Monsters, Animania, Majestic, News, Weather, and Guy TV - all in HD. Also included are programs on fashion, fiction, travel, music, concerts, and more.
View the latest in advanced technology with movies, news, pay-per-view, and sports events - all shown in High Definition by subscribing to one of Dish Network's DishHD packages. Programming packages designed to please are appropriately named Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Dish HD packages. Each one contains a diverse lineup of channels with shows sure to please as well as additional programming delivered digitally in standard television format. With the use of Dish Network's ViP211 and ViP622 receivers, HD programming may be shown on one TV with SD being shown on another. Subscribers are given the best of both worlds - standard and high definition - both digitally delivered. Each package includes 23 to 25 channels of unique HD programming plus varying channels of standard definition shows and music - each one varying in number and cost. Packages begin with 23 channels of HD shows and 60 channels (Bronze DishHD) of SD and increase to 25 channels of HD with 180 channels of SD, including all 4-premium movie channels (Platinum DishHD) - packages varying in price. Each one includes a wide-range of interests, including news, sports, movies, and interactive gaming, with something sure to please everyone.
The addition of HD to Dish Network's services is just another way of enhancing their overall excellent services to subscribers. Click on Dish Network HD Programming now for complete details on programming selections, pricing information, ordering, and installation. Take advantage of their offer to improve your home entertainment system - free equipment and installation. Entertainment at it's finest - courtesy of Dish Network digital satellite television services.
Dish Network digital satellite television services, in their ongoing program of customer satisfaction, offers the most diverse High Definition programming to supplement their superb High Definition equipment. Now it is easier than ever to view see the best of high definition in all your viewing selections. This article is written in an effort to provide a broad overview of currently available high definition programming. HDTV has a very high resolution that produced crystal-clear imaging and excellent Dolby surround sound.
For those who prefer HD services, Dish Network offers the HD Pak that includes ESPN, Discovery Theater, TNT, Net, and Net Movies - all presented in High Definition format. Promotional offers are often made to attract new customers to their subscriber base of over 12 million viewers, and many times, this particular package is offered free for six months and at a minimal charge afterwards when combined with an additional package.
Dish Network also has the new VOOM Originals Pak, which includes ten VOOM HD Originals for small additional charge when subscribing to the HD Pak - making a total of 15 great channels of programming. VOOM channels may require the purchase of a second dish antenna depending on geographical area. VOOM is a company, no longer in business that initially offered the largest variety of HD programming. Dish Network, in their efforts to expand delivery modes, purchased VOOM's satellite giving subscribers the added enjoyment of watching additional HD channels. This newly acquired service makes Dish Network's HD capabilities the best in the nation. Subscribers can now see so many more programs in HD format. Viewers can now see channels like RUSH, Gallery, Rave, Ultra, Equator, Monsters, Animania, Majestic, News, Weather, and Guy TV - all in HD. Also included are programs on fashion, fiction, travel, music, concerts, and more.
View the latest in advanced technology with movies, news, pay-per-view, and sports events - all shown in High Definition by subscribing to one of Dish Network's DishHD packages. Programming packages designed to please are appropriately named Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Dish HD packages. Each one contains a diverse lineup of channels with shows sure to please as well as additional programming delivered digitally in standard television format. With the use of Dish Network's ViP211 and ViP622 receivers, HD programming may be shown on one TV with SD being shown on another. Subscribers are given the best of both worlds - standard and high definition - both digitally delivered. Each package includes 23 to 25 channels of unique HD programming plus varying channels of standard definition shows and music - each one varying in number and cost. Packages begin with 23 channels of HD shows and 60 channels (Bronze DishHD) of SD and increase to 25 channels of HD with 180 channels of SD, including all 4-premium movie channels (Platinum DishHD) - packages varying in price. Each one includes a wide-range of interests, including news, sports, movies, and interactive gaming, with something sure to please everyone.
The addition of HD to Dish Network's services is just another way of enhancing their overall excellent services to subscribers. Click on Dish Network HD Programming now for complete details on programming selections, pricing information, ordering, and installation. Take advantage of their offer to improve your home entertainment system - free equipment and installation. Entertainment at it's finest - courtesy of Dish Network digital satellite television services.
About The Author:
John Richardson is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers - Dish Network, visit his website: Big Mouth TV
Tips for buying a new computer
Copyright 2006 Michael Cottier
A computer is perhaps the most important part of our daily lives. We see it everywhere from our homes to the places we work. Since it is used so much in our lives, we want to make sure that a PC we purchase is a good computer that will be able to do everything we want it to, and last a long time.
But purchasing a new computer is not as easy as you might think it is. Sure you could shell out lots of money and buy a brand PC, but sometimes you are spending money on speed and features you don't even need. They also come with offers and built in software that they dangle in front of you to stay ahead in the business. You can also custom build your own computer, but is it really going to be cheaper then if you bought a brand PC with the same features? Since I have been using, and buying computers, for the past 12 years I know exactly what you need to look for when buying a fully assembled desktop computer. Use my tips below and you will save time and money.
- You need to know what hardware you will need. If you don't know, talk to someone who has knowledge of computers, and tell them what you will be using the PC for. They should know what you will need. Once you know what you should get, then look for a computer that meets those needs.
- Make sure the store you buy your new computer from has great service and are willing to stick by their computer.
- If you will be using the computer for video games or other graphic related applications, you need to have a good graphics card. Most motherboards come with a built in graphics card, but usually that is not suitable for high end graphic demands. Purchasing a nice ATI or NVIDIA graphics card would be a good idea if you plan on using the PC for graphic related applications. There is a slot available to slide your new graphics card in if you choose to buy a separate one.
- The computer and hardware parts should have a warranty. Most hardware comes with long and good warranties, but just to make sure you might want to purchase a warranty from the store that you are buying the PC from. This way if something goes wrong a few years down the road, they still have to fix it or replace it!
- The next thing you need to consider is the computers case. A good computer case should have USB slots available on the front of it, for easy access, and in the back. It should also have a powerful power supply (for additional parts) and at least 1 fan in front of the motherboard to keep the computer cool. Flash drives can also be found sometimes built into the front of the PC, for instant access to your flash media. These are very handy and should be considered especially if you have a digital camera.
- Another very important aspect of your PC is CD/DVD drives and burners. A DVD burner is what I recommend for everyone, since the price is basically the same as a CD burner, but it will also play DVD's and regular CD's, plus be able to burn DVD's and regular CD's! Two types of burners for the price of one!
- Your computer's mouse is how you interact with your PC. The latest mouse technology available is the optical mouse, which uses a laser light instead of a mouse "ball". Old fashioned mouse balls got stuck and were hard to use sometimes, with an optical mouse that problem is no more.
- Perhaps the most important aspect of a computer is the monitor. No longer are we in the realm of old fashioned CRT monitors. The LCD monitor is now readily available when you purchase your new computer, and in my opinion should be required. LCD monitors are so vivid and crystal clear that you will never want to go back to an old CRT monitor. LCD monitor's also consume less power and take up less space, plus they come on much faster.
- Almost as important as the monitor, is the sound system and speakers. Good sound on your computer can really make a difference, especially if you play a lot of games and listen to a lot of music and watch movies. Desktop speakers have gone down significantly in price and in combination with a good sound card your experience will be complete. I recommend a sound card from "Creative" called Sound blaster Audigy.
- Your operating system is a very important factor of how well you will love or hate your new PC. I have always used Windows, so I recommend Windows XP, or in the future, Windows Long Horn. There are of course other choices like Linux, and you could go for a Mac too. Just make sure you have experience with the operating system that you choose.
- Last but not least is your printer. If you are a photo hound, and use a digital camera a lot, then you definitely want a high quality printer that can print out all of your photos. Another good idea to consider is an all in one printer that can scan, copy, and print with just one machine.
That is all of my advice for you when buying a new desktop computer. Follow those steps and maintain your computer properly, and it will last longer and function better.
A computer is perhaps the most important part of our daily lives. We see it everywhere from our homes to the places we work. Since it is used so much in our lives, we want to make sure that a PC we purchase is a good computer that will be able to do everything we want it to, and last a long time.
But purchasing a new computer is not as easy as you might think it is. Sure you could shell out lots of money and buy a brand PC, but sometimes you are spending money on speed and features you don't even need. They also come with offers and built in software that they dangle in front of you to stay ahead in the business. You can also custom build your own computer, but is it really going to be cheaper then if you bought a brand PC with the same features? Since I have been using, and buying computers, for the past 12 years I know exactly what you need to look for when buying a fully assembled desktop computer. Use my tips below and you will save time and money.
- You need to know what hardware you will need. If you don't know, talk to someone who has knowledge of computers, and tell them what you will be using the PC for. They should know what you will need. Once you know what you should get, then look for a computer that meets those needs.
- Make sure the store you buy your new computer from has great service and are willing to stick by their computer.
- If you will be using the computer for video games or other graphic related applications, you need to have a good graphics card. Most motherboards come with a built in graphics card, but usually that is not suitable for high end graphic demands. Purchasing a nice ATI or NVIDIA graphics card would be a good idea if you plan on using the PC for graphic related applications. There is a slot available to slide your new graphics card in if you choose to buy a separate one.
- The computer and hardware parts should have a warranty. Most hardware comes with long and good warranties, but just to make sure you might want to purchase a warranty from the store that you are buying the PC from. This way if something goes wrong a few years down the road, they still have to fix it or replace it!
- The next thing you need to consider is the computers case. A good computer case should have USB slots available on the front of it, for easy access, and in the back. It should also have a powerful power supply (for additional parts) and at least 1 fan in front of the motherboard to keep the computer cool. Flash drives can also be found sometimes built into the front of the PC, for instant access to your flash media. These are very handy and should be considered especially if you have a digital camera.
- Another very important aspect of your PC is CD/DVD drives and burners. A DVD burner is what I recommend for everyone, since the price is basically the same as a CD burner, but it will also play DVD's and regular CD's, plus be able to burn DVD's and regular CD's! Two types of burners for the price of one!
- Your computer's mouse is how you interact with your PC. The latest mouse technology available is the optical mouse, which uses a laser light instead of a mouse "ball". Old fashioned mouse balls got stuck and were hard to use sometimes, with an optical mouse that problem is no more.
- Perhaps the most important aspect of a computer is the monitor. No longer are we in the realm of old fashioned CRT monitors. The LCD monitor is now readily available when you purchase your new computer, and in my opinion should be required. LCD monitors are so vivid and crystal clear that you will never want to go back to an old CRT monitor. LCD monitor's also consume less power and take up less space, plus they come on much faster.
- Almost as important as the monitor, is the sound system and speakers. Good sound on your computer can really make a difference, especially if you play a lot of games and listen to a lot of music and watch movies. Desktop speakers have gone down significantly in price and in combination with a good sound card your experience will be complete. I recommend a sound card from "Creative" called Sound blaster Audigy.
- Your operating system is a very important factor of how well you will love or hate your new PC. I have always used Windows, so I recommend Windows XP, or in the future, Windows Long Horn. There are of course other choices like Linux, and you could go for a Mac too. Just make sure you have experience with the operating system that you choose.
- Last but not least is your printer. If you are a photo hound, and use a digital camera a lot, then you definitely want a high quality printer that can print out all of your photos. Another good idea to consider is an all in one printer that can scan, copy, and print with just one machine.
That is all of my advice for you when buying a new desktop computer. Follow those steps and maintain your computer properly, and it will last longer and function better.
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