TechLore - Latest Articles

No Ethernet? No Problem! Powerline, MoCA, and Wireless-N Kits Compared

Matt Whitlock — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:04:35 GMT

Despite the ever increasing proliferation of devices and services that require a broadband connection to the Internet, the average home has one major flaw: no Ethernet. Even modern day new-construction often lacks the magic eight conductor cable strung to every room, meaning getting that connection to things like Slingbox, Xbox Live, and other web based devices can be a real challenge. Ethernet is the backbone of the network, and easily the fastest, most reliable way to network your devices. However, because most homes lack structural Ethernet wiring (and oftentimes adding it after the walls are buttoned up can be too difficult and/or expensive) a significant amount of effort has been put into creating devices that help you get network connections in other rooms using other means. Some rely on wireless technologies, while others rely on structured cabling common to homes. If you want to use a web-connected device in a room without Ethernet and you need to use an Ethernet bridge of some sort, you'll have to choose between one of three major technologies to get the job done: powerline, wireless, and coax. Here are three different plug-and-play Ethernet adapter kits (based on these different technologies I personally use) and...

Sony DPF-D70 Digital Photo Frame Review

Peter Redmer — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:58:33 GMT

Looking for a nice, medium priced, high quality digital photo frame?

Magic Jack, Not So Magical - TechLore Member Review

Larry Dillon — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:27:10 GMT

There is a new device being advertised all over the US right now called "the Magic Jack," a private voice over IP (VoIP) solution allowing you to use a high-speed Internet connection to make and receive calls instead of traditional land-line service. It said in their TV ads there was a nominal fee of $39.95 to purchase the Magic Jack, which included a $9.95 fee for the first year of service. After the first year it would cost me an additional $9.95 per year, and there's a five year special available for $59.95. After paying AT&T a little over 65 bucks per month for my local and long distance service, that sounded GREAT! I just had to check this out! So I ordered one, and 5 days later it showed up in my mailbox. Setting up the Magic Jack was pretty straightforward. Simply plug it into an open USB Port, then plug a telephone into the port on the Magic Jack. I gave it a few minutes to load the setup, and during the process was given the option to designate my home state. A list of available area codes appeared, and after selecting one, as given a telephone number....

NETGEAR Digital Entertainer Elite (EVA 9150) Review and Unboxing

Peter Redmer — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:54:35 GMT

Do you stream? Have you discovered the pleasures of being able to access all the media on your network directly on your television? NETGEAR's been bringing this technology into homes for years now with the original Digital Entertainer (EVA 700) and Digital Entertainer HD (EVA 8000.) Personally, I've grown quite attached to the Digital Entertainer HD, as I can watch any television shows I've recorded as well as listen to my music collection right in my main setup. You can only imagine, then, how esctatic I was to get my grabby geeky mitts on the new flagship product in NETGEAR's entertainment line - the aptly named Digital Entertainer Elite, also known as the EVA 9150. Unboxing the Digital Entertainer Elite The Digital Entertainer Elite comes attractively packaged, and anyone who is familiar with NETGEAR will recognize the box layout immediately. The unit is very nicely secured with foam and protective wrap, and is packaged with a remote control, cables, instruction sheet, and software installation disk. Continue forward to see my first impressions of the Elite... First Impressions of the Digital Entertainer Elite It's immediately apparent that this is a beautifully revamped device, and the first change you'll notice is...

Review Of OtterBox Defender Case For iPhone 3G: Bulletproof Protection

Peter Redmer — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:58:14 GMT

For the ultimate in iPhone protection, look no further than the OtterBox Defender.

Review of Fallout 3 - A Post-Apocalyptic Wonderland

Peter Redmer — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:22:13 GMT

Fallout 3 is simply the most exquisitely crafted, immersive world I've had the pleasure to be irradiated by... even better than Bethesda's previous masterpiece, Oblivion.

Review of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 - Netbook Heaven

Peter Redmer — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:37:47 GMT

What is the deal with tiny computers? Here's why the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is so popular... and fun to use, too.

Mitsubishi "Blinking Green Light" Repair Procedure

Speed — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:17:42 GMT

This Article is written to provide assistance and step-by-step guidance in resolving the Mitsubishi "Blinking Green Light" issue. This failure is often referred to as the "Blinking Green Light of Death" or BLOG. A large amount of information is included in this Article, all of which will help you to both understand and repair the 'Blinking Green Light' problem. Written specifically for the Mitsubishi 65" WS-65813 , this article ALSO applies to other Mitsubishi models with the same 'blinking green light' issue. The Mitsubishi 'Blinking Green Light' failure is common with many Mitsubishi models including the WS-65813, WS-48513, WS-48613, WS-55513, WS-55613, WS-55813, WS-65513, WS-65613, WS-65713, WS-73513, WS-73713 and others. This detailed repair procedure will assist, even the NOVICE, in the required repair process. Links are provided for downloading Mitsubishi Service Manuals and for recommended parts ordering. Circuitboard photos are also shown which provide a visual reference during the repair process. I hope that this Article helps you to resolve your Mitsubishi "Blinking Green Light" issue. Background When I encountered the 'blinking green light' issue with my Mitsubishi 65" WS-65813, I called Mitsubishi's Customer Service Department. Following repeated promises to correct the issue, it soon became evident that they were both...