Well it is possible with the right equipment to extend your HDMI up for up to 60 meters. Although for the realms of this explanation we will stick with normal home sizes! For the average user CAT5 / CAT6 is probably the cheapest, easiest and most secure method of extending HDMI. This is the same technology that is used to connect computers together and as such is very affordable.

To extend your HDMI through Ethernet technology you will need a HDMI transmitter, a HDMI receiver, and up to 2 CAT5 / CAT6 cables depending on the quality and speed required. Alternatively you can buy a HDMI extender kit. These transmitters & receivers allow for the manipulation and transmission of HDMI over CAT5 / CAT6 Ethernet cables. You will also need 2 HDMI Leads to connect your source and display.

The basic process to extend HDMI cables through a CAT5 / CAT6 connection goes something like this:

–        The HD source connects to a HDMI transceiver using a standard HDMI lead the transmitter and the receiver are connected by 1 or 2 CAT5 or CAT 6 cables, dependant on the quality and speed required. The signal will then be broadcast between the transmitter and receiver. The HDMI transmitter & receiver acts as a ‘repeater’ for the signal from the source to the display. The receiver is then connected to the display device, again with a standard HDMI cable.

Well there you have it, the basics on how to extend HDMI over CAT 5. As you can see from the outside it may look like a complicated topic, but in reality it’s not as tricky as you may have thought. And should you get stuck you could always give us a call one of our technicians could talk you through it.

Product Range Updated!

We now have HDMI over SINGLE CAT5 / Cat 6 Extenders available. These make installations even easier as you only have to install 1 single CAT5 or CAT 6 Network Cable to acheive a HD connection between the sender and receiver. A single CAT6 Network cable, will then allow up to 1080p resolutions over a 50 metre distance.

No. You know you want to hang it on the wall! It is a flatscreen TV afterall. What other point is there to having a great new flatscreen TV, if it isn’t hanging on the wall, for all to see in it’s glory.

Now comes the dilema… do you hang it on the wall and have the cables hanging down? Or do you do the job properly and have the cables hidden, plastered in or hidden behind some crafty MDF and a slinky plinth?

Which ever way you decide, getting the right cables now, could make all the difference (and frustration if you forget one!) in setting up your audio video equipment, players, recorders, games consoles, SKY box and the list goes on… here is our top tips on what you may need!

Why not print this guide off and tick the boxes [    ] for the cables you will need?

1 – A Basic Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box

2 – A Standard Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f –  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?

3 – A High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f –  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable or Cables depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i –  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.

4 – A 3D High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f –  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i –  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

5 – A 3D / Internet Ready High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f –  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i –  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

6 – A Media Centre (PC / Laptop) Ready High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f –  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i –  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

Depending on what your laptop, computer or media centre PC has. you will need the following:

a – [    ] – VGA Cable – Quality 15 pin Analogue Video. Or VGA to DVI cable perhaps?
b – [    ] – DVI Cable – Quality Digital Video. Or DVI to HDMI cable?
c – [    ] – HDMI Cable – High Quality Audio and Video
d – [    ] – 3.5mm to 2 RCA Audio Cable. Provides an audio connection from your computers sound card to the audio inputs on your TV. If your TV supports a single 3.5mm audio input, then don’t panic as a simple 3.5mm to 2 RCA adapter will help keep your audio connected.

Other Cables to consider depending on your equipment…

a – [    ] – Component RGB Video Cable (Red, Green, Blue). Provides an excellent analogue video  connection between devices that support RGB component video.
b – [    ] – DisplayPort cable. Not so popular, but if your TV or computer supports it, then don’t forget it!
c – [    ] – Specific Games Console Cables. Perhaps your Wii or Playsation uses the games console to Component or Composite cables? Pop them in the wall now before it’s too late.
d – [    ] – Have 5.1 or 7.1 Home Cinema System? Don’t forget to install the centre speaker cable for under the TV or front left and right cables.

Want a Professional finish?

If you want a better finish for your HD ready, HDMI cables, we have just taken oboard a range of HDMI Wall Plates, Single and Double Wall plates available in silver or white finish too. They have female sockets on the rear so installations should be a breeze too. A very posh finish…

Final Thoughts

When Drilling your speaker brackets into position, especially the front centre speaker on a surround sound system, don’t forget where your in-the-wall audio and video cables are. This one can really catch you out, just when you think you have nearly finished your AV install! The same goes for your actual LCD or Plasma TV bracket too. It’s all too easy to get excited over your install, pop the drill in the wall and slam it through your nice and neatly fitted AV cables. Ouch.

Then just sit back and enjoy your Flatscreen TV where is should be. On the wall (with cables hidden of course!).

iPhone 4 Cables Leads Accessories

With the launch of the NEW Apple iPhone 4 today across the UK today, latest news and reports on Twitter and the web are that most stores, o2 and Carphone Warehouse are already running out of stocks!

The popularity of the Apple iPhone, even to it’s next version 4.0, shows no signs of slowing down. With most o2 stores across the UK reporting que’s early from early in the morning and stocks depleating by 9am too.

If, however you are the proud owner of your new Apple iPhone 4 and are in need of a spare charger for mains or car, a longer USB dock extension lead or just an audio lead for your car or hifi, then our new iPhone 4 cable and leads department, will hopefully keep you connected, docked and synced!

The main problem, we hear from customers is that with the Apple iPhone, and all iPods, is the length of the USB Dock connector cable. It’s just too short! It just isn’t long enough to reach from the back of your computer, or perhaps charging from the side of your bed, is a real chore.

Simply add an iPhone USB Extension cable, available in various lengths. You can then sync with iTunes or charge with ease.

View our iPhone 4 Cable Range now

View our iPhone 3G 3GS Cable Range now

Once you have got the right cables and connected your computers 2nd display or TV, you need to let your Windows operating system know what you have done. If you haven’t got the cables yet and need help, either get in touch or view our Computer to TV cable help guide now.

So here we go:

For Windows XP Users
1 – Right click your Windows Desktop anywhere but on an icon and select ‘Properties’.
2 – Then the Properties box should appear, then select tab ‘Settings’
(If you have connected a 2nd or more displays you should see a window 1 and window 2.)
3 – Select the display from the dropdown or the number for your 2nd display or TV.
(If you are unsure which is which, select the tab that says ‘Identify’, this should help!)
4 – Now enable and select the box ‘Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.’
5 – Make sure you set the screen resolution to a setting that your 2nd display can handle. If unsure check the manual that came with your monitor or TV for help.
6 – You should now select ‘Apply’ and now be able to drag and drop a Windows program or ‘Window’ on and off 1 display and onto another!
7 – That’s it! You have now setup your 2nd display or TV for multi-screen viewing.

For Windows Vista Users
1 – Right click your Windows Desktop anywhere but on an icon and select ‘Personalize’.
2 -In the next window, towards the bottom, then select the text ‘Display Settings’
(If you have connected a 2nd or more displays you should see a window 1 and window 2.)
3 – Select the display from the dropdown or the number for your 2nd display or TV.
(If you are unsure which is which, select the tab that says ‘Identify’, this should help!)
4 – Now enable and select the box ‘Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.’
5 – Make sure you set the screen resolution to a setting that your 2nd display can handle. If unsure check the manual that came with your monitor or TV for help.
6 – You should now select ‘Apply’ and now be able to drag and drop a Windows program or ‘Window’ on and off 1 display and onto another!
7 – That’s it! You have now setup your 2nd display or TV for multi-screen viewing.

Multi Display Error Messages and Problems to be aware of!

If you are faced with a blank screen or the ‘Out of Range’ error on your 2nd display or TV, please check the following:

1 – Are you sure you have set a resolution in the instructions above that your 2nd display or TV can handle? On some screens or TV sets you may also need to set a matching ‘Frequency’ too. To make this change, while in the Display settings window mentioned above, select the tab ‘Advanced’… then the tab ‘Monitor’.
2 – You should now see a Monitor Settings dropdown selection. Ensure you change your frequency to that, that is recommended by your monitors guide or TV instructions. Some TV sets require the frequency to be as low as 60Hz, but do check 1st.
3 – Ensure the correct display cables are connected. See our Computer to TV cable help guide now if you are unsure or need to double check your cable connections!

If you are still stuck, then feel free to add your comments below or contact us for further help!

We offer a full range of converters and cables for all computers, monitors and TV’s old and new. So feel free to get in touch or view our guide above for further details.

Cables & Leads

Continuing on in our series of FAQ’s to help you, our customer, gain a better understanding of the technicalities of your equipment we have our USB faq.

USB was developed to be a simple and easy to use way for people to connect devices to your computer. Prior to USB it was necessary to power down your computer to connect or disconnect devices. Not only that but a lot of them came with complicated set up procedures all of this was one of the things that was seen to holding back people from fulling utilising their home computers. At the time of writing USB is now at version 3 and is probably the most popular way to make these connections and has met all of it’s original goals of being a simple and easy to use way to connect and use devices on your computer.

What does USB stand for?
USB is an acronym for Universal Serial Bus.

What is the biggest USB flash drive?
This is impossible to answer as it seems like every month something newer smaller and bigger comes along and the information I put here would be out of date. But at the time of writing the biggest USB flash drive is 256gb.

How does a USB flash drive work?
USB flash drives are used by most people in the same way that we used to use floppy disks. They have the ability to store thousands of times more information than floppy disks and are much easier to store and and format. Simple plug them into a available USB Port and transfer the files you like to it or manage existing files that are stored on it through your operating system.

Can I connect my laptop to my desktop with USB?
Yes it is possible to connect two computers together using USB as long as you are within the length constraints of a USB connection. Even though it is possible to connect your laptop to your PC in this way there are other options available.

What is a USB dongle?
A small device such as a flash drive that plugs straight in to a USB port.

How to use a USB flash drive?
Once it has been connected to the computer via a USB slot you can work with it much like you do your hard drive on your computer move, delete, open them etc..

What is a USB connection?
A simple and easy to use interface that allows you to easily add or remove devices without having to power down your computer.

Cables & Leads

This is another of the cables & leads series of FAQ’s which have been developed to help you our customers get a better understanding and options available to you for your home entertainment equipment  connection needs.

Syndicat des Constructeurs d’Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs or SCART as it’s most commonly known was originally developed and mainly used in Europe for connecting audio and video equipment together. Developed in 1977 it soon became popular and in France it was a required fitment on all new TV’s. Although now it’s usage is on the decrease due to newer, faster better connection technologies like HDMI cables have had to be developed to meet the ever increasing demands put on their equipment by users.

Will a scart switcher damage my tv?
If the SCART switcher is of good quality and care is taken when using it and the cables then there should be no damage from using is. Always remember to follow manufacturers instructions carefully and if in any doubt contact them for help.

What is SCART?
SCART is a connection type which was developed to connect audio and video devices together. SCART is most commonly found in Europe although attempts were made to re-brand SCART and introduce it in to America and Asia with little success.

What is a SCART socket?
SCART sockets are rectangular in shape and carry 21 pins inside them. Developed and very popular in Europe.

Do phono leads give a better picture than scart lead?
If by phono leads you mean RGB cables then SCART in theory should be better but this will most likely be a very minor improvement and hardly noticeable to the majority of people.

How to convert SCART cables to video and audio cables?
There are many SCART adapters and SCART converters available to suit your equipment and needs. Giving you the ability to use your older equipment with newer devices.

How to connect RGB SCART to DVD?
Connecting SCART RGB to your DVD will depend heavily on the type of equipment that you have and the connections available. There are SCART kits available to connect RGB outputs to SCART sockets and many other things besides.

Can I share SCART sockets?
You can if you use a splitter device to give you more SCART socket connections. Although if you have round RCA connections available it may be possible to use this instead.

Cables & Leads

Here is the latest in our series of FAQ’s which we have been developing to help you our customers understand a bit more about the technologies which are now all around us.

VGA originally developed by IBM in 1987 and remained the most popular way to connect a computer display for many years. As time has gone by expectations of computer users has grown with the wealth of digital media which is commonplace now in our lives now we are in the digital age has seen a need for new faster and better technologies to be developed. Things like HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort have been developed to fill this need.

What does VGA stand for?
In its original guise it means video graphics array which was developed by IBM originally. It is also used as a term to mean the 15 pin connector used for the connection.

What is better DVI or VGA?
DVI due to it’s higher bandwidth and the quality of the transferred data to the display / screen. Also DVI is able to support higher resolutions.

What is the difference between DVI and VGA?
The two are very different in the way they work and the way that they interact with your display. DVI works on a pixel by pixel basis and interacts with them individually. Where as VGA sends the whole image to the display and it has to work out where to display them. DVI offers far greater image quality and better performance than VGA.

How convert VGA to component?
To be able to convert VGA to a component connection you will need a adapter cable available at cables and leads.

What is VGA resolution?
Technically the original VGA resolution was 640 x 480 although some of the later updates to the VGA display standard claim to be VGA and will support higher resolutions.

What is VGA?
VGA is a display standard that was first released and developed by IBM. Although in recent years many people call the 15 pin connector VGA now.

Are VGA monitor cables and power cords universal?
Yes they are. Although some monitors came with the VGA cable hard wired in to them.

What is a VGA camera?
A digital camera which can take photo’s at the standard VGA resolution 640 x 480. Good enough for email and internet use not so good if you want to print them out.

Which is better VGA or DVI for lcd?
To get the most from a lcd display it is far better to use a DVI connection due it’s increased speed and image quality.

How to connect VGA to HDMI?
You can buy a converter which will allow you to connect the two together. Although the image will not be in HD as VGA is only a analogue signal and not a digital one like HDMI is. Also the VGA interface is not fast enough to transfer the amounts of information needed by a HDMI cable.

What is a VGA monitor?
VGA monitors are the now old and outdated computer displays that were commonly connected to computers in the 90’s and very rarely used nowadays for various reasons.

What is the difference between VGA and megapixel?
VGA’s resolution of 640 x 480 holds 0.3 megapixels of information about the photo. So the more megapixels the camera is rated at the better the outputted image quality and detail. A old school 35 mm camera image will have around 20 million pixels worth of information.

What is a VGA port?
It is a graphics port which passes a analogue signal to a display a rounded rectangle in shape with a 15 pin connection.

How to use VGA laptop to TV?
First you need to make sure that you have the correct cable, connectors and any adapters to suit your equipment. Once you have then it is simply a process of plugging each end in to the respective ports and selecting the correct input channel on your TV. Before turning on your laptop you will also need to alter it’s resolution, it may be necessary to check your help documentation if you are unsure on how to do this.

Do you use both DVI and VGA cables?
No, only use one preferably a DVI connection if you can as they give far superior image quality to the older VGA standard.

What is better VGA or component?
For quality output a good quality component cable will give far better results than a VGA connection.

What is a VGA cable?
VGA cables are used to connect a computer to it’s display although this is now outdated and nowadays you are more likely to see DVI or DisplayPort technologies used for the same purpose. VGA cables have 15 pin connectors on both ends and will vary in length.

How long can a VGA cable be?
There are a number of things that can affect the length of VGA cable that you can use things such as cable quality, resolution, refresh rate of the output and display. As a general rule though with standard retail cabling you will possibly start seeing interference at around 10 feet in length. Over this you would most likely need higher quality cables or take it over a cat5e/6 network cable.

How to convert VGA to s-video?
It is a very simple process to convert VGA to s-video all you need is a adapter cable then plug them in.

Why use a DVI to VGA adapter?
There are number of reasons for this, you may want to use two monitors but have only one DVI output and one VGA output. You may want to use a older display on your DVI only computer and the list goes on..

How to connect VGA to your TV?
This will depend on the TV and what sockets you have spare then you will need a adapter or converter to connect the two together. This can be achieved by using a USB to VGA adapter from a computer.

VGA connector on TV is that good quality?
VGA is a legacy connection type now being outdated by newer and faster technologies which will give far better results.

Can dual monitors work if VGA and DVI are on motherboard?
Yes they can work seamlessly together although you should only connect one to a monitor at a time.

Laptop only has VGA out how do i connect to a TV?
You will need a laptop to TV kit which will include all the cables and connectors you will need to connect them together.

How to use RCA cable with VGA monitor?
To use RCA on your VGA monitor you will need a converter cable or converter plug.

What is a VGA adapter?
VGA adapters are used when you don’t have a VGA input on one of the devices that you want to connect together popular VGA adapters are available for many things like DVI, HDMI, RCA etc..

How do I connect my laptop to my TV using a VGA cable?

There are kits available to suit most laptops that allow you to do this take a look on our site for TV to laptop kits.

Cant get sound from TV when in the VGA mode?
This is because VGA does not transmit sound only images. You will need to connect the sound from your laptop / computer using a phono / RCA lead.

Can VGA be converted to component?
You can convert the connection using a adapter but the signal will be only as good as VGA.

How to fix no VGA detected?
Check the connections are both ok and that they have both been tightened up correctly also check the condition of the cable itself to see if it is in good order.

Is there a real difference between DVI and VGA?
Most people who have looked at a computer display using both connection types that they can see a big difference in image quality and crispness when using DVI.

Can VGA to HDMI converters increase picture quality?
Some people say that they can see a difference but there shouldn’t be any, as you are restricted by the VGA connections limitations.

Can VGA cable carry an HDMI signal to a TV?
Simply put, no. As they are both completely different technologies one HDMI is digital and one is analogue.

Can you covert direct TV signal to VGA monitor?
Yes you can do this conversion but you will need to use a dedicated signal converter.

Can I connect my VGA cable to an RCA input?
Connecting VGA to RCA is possible with the correct converter kit.

Related Articles:
HDMI Frequently Asked Questions

Cables & Leads

A ridiculous amount of coverage has already been devoted to the iPad, and you know what? This is just the beginning.

As incredible as it may seem, we’re just on the cusp of iPad mania. That’s because Apple’s introduction of the iPad last week signalled the start of a nebulous period of roughly 60 days before the iPad is actually available in late March. Though you might reasonably assume there would be a lull in iPad coverage, just the opposite is the case. The mania seems to reach new heights each day, stoked by Apple’s secrecy, the fervour of Apple fanboys (and detractors), the questions and uncertainties raised by Apple’s announcement and the anticipation over actually being able to purchase an iPad.

Every nuance of Apple’s announcement, every decision about the iPad’s features or omissions (no camera, no Flash technology), every element of the iPad’s design and technology is being dissected in a seemingly endless stream of news articles and blog posts, with headlines like “Four of the iPad’s Biggest Whiffs,” “Apple iPad: 25 Unanswered Questions” and “The iPad’s Five Flaws, and Why They Don’t Matter.”

And, from all indications, iPad mania is not limited to rabid Apple enthusiasts. Everyone, it seems, wants to know what it’s really like. Stephen Colbert appeared at the Grammy Awards with an iPad, generating a fury of Twitter posts. The iPad isn’t even in stores, and yet it’s already a cultural icon. No wonder several friends of mine, when asking me about it, were surprised to learn you couldn’t order one yet.

It will be a relief when the iPad finally arrives.

Steve Jobs Showing the New iPad

Until then, here’s a primer on some of the key issues and questions to emerge about iPad, as well as spots to help you keep tabs on the latest iPad news, speculation and commentary.

• The publishing industry: In one extraordinary development, the iPad — and its iBookstore for e-books—apparently led to a weekend of brinksmanship between Amazon and Macmillan, a major book publisher, over pricing of books for Amazon’s Kindle device. (Macmillan wanted to raise prices.) Amazon relented, issuing a statement saying the company would “capitulate and accept Macmillan’s terms because Macmillan has a monopoly over their own books.”

As technologist John Gruber wrote at his blog, Daring Fireball: “Just me, or does it seem like an Apple device that won’t ship for another 53 days already upended Amazon’s Kindle business? What kind of sense does it make to accuse a publisher of having a ‘monopoly’ over its own titles?”

• The disappearing file system: Yes, that sounds technical, but bear with me; this issue has implications for everyone using computers. For years, computer users have gotten used to navigating through folders and files to find documents. Files, folders, documents — that’s the vocabulary of what it means to use a computer. If you want to work on a file, whether it’s a spreadsheet or an image, you find it, then open it, and start working.

But the iPad, like the iPhone and (as well as popular Apple applications, like iTunes), largely does away with the traditional file system, or so it seems. You want to work on a presentation? You open an app. To add cool effects to a photo? You choose the right app. It is quite possible this is a shift we will increasingly see in the software used on personal computers.

• Magazines: I was hoping for a whiz-bang demo of a tablet-friendly magazine at the iPad launch. No luck. The Unofficial Apple Weblog asked, “Where’s the iMag store?” But maybe Apple is counting on magazine publishers to develop new ways of distributing magazine via apps, as is already happening with the iPhone, or via websites optimized for the iPad’s touch-screen capabilities.

• Too much control of apps?: Pretty much anyone can develop and sell software for Macintosh and Windows computers, but if you want to sell an application for the iPad or iPhone, the app needs to get Apple’s OK. That’s controversial with the iPhone, but even more so with a device likely to have many more uses, including many professional ones. Such a system raises a lot of legitimate concerns about whether one company should have this level of control, and the possibilities for its abuse to harm competitors.

Plenty of other questions are being discussed and dissected in minute detail. What was Apple thinking by not including a camera? (That one’s mystifying to me.) Will the use of Flash, a technology used at many websites, decline in use because it’s not part of the iPhone and iPad? Will future versions of the iPad allow for multitasking — the ability to use several apps at once?

by Allan Hoffman
Article Source: http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2010/02/apple_ipad_mania_will_only_gro.html

Cables & Leads

As with most things these days’ things get smaller and faster but they seem to come with more features or more potential for expansion. Even the humble network or Ethernet cable hasn’t managed to escape from this trend. There is a drastic need for this though and that is with the take up of digital devices within our homes and the need to transmit vast amounts of data between these digital devices.

Whether you are using your computer connected to your TV for watching High Definition Movies or listening to MP3’s stored on your computer on your home entertainment system you will be able to do all of this and potentially a lot more as time goes by.

So what are the differences between Cat5 Cable and Cat6 Cable?

Cat5 cable has been around now for many years, although they have managed to keep pace with what was needed from them being able to transmit at either 10 or 100 mbps. Unfortunately this is now just too slow, with all the changes in the equipment that has gone on. There is also a enhanced version of the cat5 cable called cat5e which is capable of transferring at up to gigabit speeds (1000mbps) also offering better shielding and less corruption of data although they can not be certified to run at these speeds.

Click Here to Buy a CAT5 cable

Cat6 cable on the other hand has been developed to allow for far greater transfer speeds while offering even better protection against data loss. This has been achieved by changing the way that the cables are made offering a separator which runs the full length of the cable. Cat6 Cable is certified to at least gigabit speeds and most Cat6 cables are more than capable of running at 10gigabit.

To achieve the faster speeds stated previously from a Cat5e cable or Cat6 cable it is not just a case of plugging the cable into existing equipment as many people believe it to be. A network connection is only every as fast as the slowest component, so if your existing equipment is not able to run at the faster speeds then it will not be any faster than it is at present. With all of that said you would be able to expand in the future without having to get new cables if you chose Cat6 cable now.

Related Articles:
What is SCART
What is DisplayPort

Cables & Leads

If you are trying to convert SCART to USB you will be happy to know that there are SCART to USB kits available that allow you to do this very easily. Whether you are trying to record TV programs to your laptop or recording your old videos and writing them to DVD’s. Some kits even supply you with not only the connectors and adapters to allow you to connect your video recorder or other output device such as a Sky HD box to your laptop. But they also supply you with the software that you need to record your videos or TV on to your computer in a simple and easy way.

Even when you have a kit with everything you need there are as always a few things that you will need to take care of and keep an eye on to make sure that your recordings are as good as you would want them to be.

Click Here to buy a SCART to USB Kit

Ensure you have enough space on your hard drive to store the recorded files uncompressed video files are large in size and take up huge mounts of space. If you are short of space then backup as much data as you can to a DVD or another computer / hard drive to increase free space before recording. Similarly between each recording also back them up as you have made them, this will help with the performance and quality of the recordings.

Make sure that the cables are connected not only the correct way around but also are connected tightly and not much chance of them falling out. Also make sure that they are not trailing across the floor where people can trip of them and pull them out mid-recording.

Familiarise yourself with the software before hand and possibly do a test recording before hand.

Following the above process and advice will help make the entire project go without too many hiccups giving you the ability to watch and relive all of those happy memories again.

Related Articles:
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How to Connect a Laptop to a TV