Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by vikashshah

Streamyx disconnects when phone rings

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

TV specs to ignore

vikashshah — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:32:42 +0800

A good article to share with fellow Forumers...

TV specs to ignore
By David Katzmaier, CNET.com
Dec 21, 2010
Today's HDTV spec sheets are littered with confusing information, and much of it is worthless. Here we present the major offenders and recommend you simply ignore these specs when making your purchase decision. Manufacturers include most of this information in an attempt to convey improved picture quality by citing ever-higher numbers; however, in reality those numbers provide little indication of how good the image looks in the real world.

Refresh rate (50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 600Hz)
These numbers, which are supposed to refer to the number of times the still image is refreshed on the screen (50Hz = 50 times per second), have proliferated in the last few years. That's because LCD TVs have a reputation for being blurrier in fast-motion scenes compared with plasma TVs. However, in reality, most people can't perceive that fuzziness in most material; in terms of motion blur, it's nearly impossible to see the difference between a 50Hz and a 600Hz TV. Many LCD TV manufacturers incorporate dejudder or smoothing processing in conjunction with refresh rate, but smoothing and antiblur are two separate, albeit related, visual effects. 240Hz: What you need to know has the full explanation.

Resolution (720p, 1080p)
Nearly every TV today is a 1080p model, but in the smaller LCD screen sizes and entry-level plasma series you can still find 720p models. There's nothing wrong with 720p resolution. In fact, the difference between 720p and 1080p resolutions is nearly impossible to discern, even when watching content on very large screen sizes. Check out HDTV resolution explained for more details.

Contrast ratio (up to 10 million:1, "Infinite")
Contrast ratio refers to the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black a TV can display, which is an important indicator of overall picture quality. Unfortunately, there's no standardized way to measure it, so most TV makers essentially make it up. Sometimes differences in contrast ratio among a single manufacturer's own product line can be a true indicator of black-level performance--the crucial capability of a TV to produce a shade of "black" as close as possible to the absence of light--but just as often they can be concocted to justify higher price points. That's why we call contrast ratio the Dr. Evil of HDTV specs.

Viewing angle
Ideally you want the TV's image to stay as bright and as colorful when seen from the side, or from above and below, as from straight on. With LCD that almost never happens, despite viewing-angle claims that approach 180 degrees. The rule of thumb here is that LCD and LED viewing angles are always worse than the angles on plasma TVs, and though different LCDs can have different characteristics, this spec isn't a trustworthy indicator. That said, LCDs typically have adequate viewing angles for most viewers, especially in bright rooms.

Wide color gamut
Color standards for content production are strict, and matching those standards, to most accurately reproduce the source material, is the main color-related responsibility of the TV. Wide color gamuts and other color-related extras can produce "redder" reds or punchier yellows, for example, but those colors won't be accurate. On the other hand, many TVs can also deliver relatively accurate color in certain picture settings, regardless of their color specifications or claims.

Energy Star
There's rarely a number associated with Energy Star specifications, but we're including it here to prove a point: Nearly every TV available for sale today qualifies for Energy Star, making the certification useless for comparative purposes.

Source:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/tvs/0...62205280,00.htm

Streamyx disconnects when phone rings

vikashshah — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:49:47 +0800

I have just moved my streamyx to a new line. And whenever the phone rings, my Streamyx will disconnect for a while...a few minutes, then gets back up again.
Anyone suffering the same issues? Any solution? I called TM, and apparently they have lodged a report, but its taking time. I hope there is a quick fix to the problem.
I have 4 extensions for the same line in my entire house.

Setup Belkin F5D7234 + Billion Modem

Frustrating:(

Do all Router+Modem models work for Streamyx?

vikashshah — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:56:30 +0800

Dear friends,

I live in Tanjong Tokong / Tanjung Bungah , Penang.

I want to upgrade my current wireless G system to wireless N

My Setup:
Belkin Wireless G Router F5D7234-4 v1000
Billion ADSL Modem TMNET

Previously i use to use an Aztech modem. And then suddenly the modem's ADSL light keep blinking.
Only to find out from the technician that TM has upgraded their machines and now the Aztech modem can't work.
I had to get a Billion Modem and then it works fine. I still can't digest this.

The question is, as far as i know, everyone seems to just simply buy any modem and router from outside and it seems to work.
Why am i having this issues.

Now i am planning to get a Wireless N Router/Modem 2 in 1 device, but am scared that it might not work with Streamyx. I will end up losing money.
What do i do? and which Wireless N Router/Modem would u guys recommend. I know there are no guarantees, but what would be a safe bet.

Thanking u in advance.
Rgds.

Which USB Wifi Adapter to buy for Viera Cast?

vikashshah — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:22:38 +0800

Mates,

I recently purchased a Viera TH-L42D25K

and then bought a D-Link DWA 140 Rev 1.3 Wireless adapter to be hooked to the TV in order to use Viera Cast.

Unfortunately, the TV couldn't power on this adapter. It works well on my PC. Panasonic has no documentation on this matter whatsoever on the net.

Anyone using Viera Cast can help share your brand of Wireless Adapter that you use including the Revision number?
I will be very greatful.

Please advise...

Thanking you in advance.

[WTA] US Stockplay from Malaysia?

vikashshah — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:22:02 +0800

Hi guys, was wondering where and how do i open an account to play the Dow / Nasdaq online from Malaysia ?
Which are the best providers of your choice?
How much does it cost to set up an account initially and the yearly fee(if any)?
Would appreciate your kind feedback.
Tks.

[WTA] Help on Home Audio System Selection

vikashshah — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:36:45 +0800

Mates,

I am planning to set up a home A/V system. What ( which brand / setup / 5.1/7.1 / wireless / or anything ) would you suggest for super excellent sound quality?
I have some suggestions of Bose, but it comes with a price tag...am a noob on this topic...need something with value of money
Also projector etc, which would be the best ?

Would appreciate your kind help on this.

Rgds.

Does CM V8 CPU COOLER fit in the CM Mystique 632S?

vikashshah — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:09:44 +0800

Hi Guys,

Final stages to gather hardware. My only concern now is whether the CM V8 cooler
http://www.coolermaster.com/products/produ...bcate=1&id=5279

fits into a CM Mystique 632S
http://www.coolermaster.com/products/produ...tbcate=17&id=46

I have checked dimensions etc, noticed a 4cm gap (theory)...but then mobo and spaces inside may reduce this gap...hence the worry here.
The 4cm gap may not be practical. If the cooler does not fit, it will be disastrous.

Your help will be extremely appreciated. Tks.
I like the design of the case, hence the trouble.

Rgds,
V

Mid Tower Or Full Tower

vikashshah — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:03:51 +0800

Mates,

I am setting up a QX9650.

Need help here:

1) Apparently, a tech told me that one needs a Full Tower for this. Is this true ? I was intending a mid-tower casing.

2) I am planning to buy a reasonably good cpu cooler too. Which one would you guys recommend...preferably under RM 210?

Tks guys.

Rgds,
V

Mobos for QX9650 45nm

vikashshah — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:56:20 +0800

Friendz,

I am looking for a motherboard for YorkField QX9650 3.00 GHz Core 2 Extreme 2x6MB L2 Cache, 1333 MHz FSB, 130W.
I am very confused as many say that not every Core 2 Extreme compatible mobo supports the above...especially the 45nm architecture.

Do not wish to spend too much on mobo... request for help on selecting a decent mobo which is available in Malaysia, decent performance, decent price.
Please help.

Which mobos can i look at?

TQ

Rgds,
V