What is Blu-ray?

Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. 
 
Why the name Blu-ray?

The name Blu-ray is derived from the underlying technology, which utilizes a blue-violet laser to read and write data. The name is a combination of "Blue" (blue-violet laser) and "Ray" (optical ray). According to the Blu-ray Disc Association the spelling of "Blu-ray" is not a mistake, the character "e" was intentionally left out so the term could be registered as a trademark.

What Blu-ray formats are planned?

As with conventional CDs and DVDs, Blu-ray plans to provide a wide range of formats including ROM/R/RW. The following formats are part of the Blu-ray Disc specification:

BD-ROM - read-only format for distribution of HD movies, games, software, etc.
BD-R - recordable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
BD-RE - rewritable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.

There's also plans for a BD/DVD hybrid format, which combines Blu-ray and DVD on the same disc so that it can be played in both Blu-ray players and DVD players.

 How much data can you fit on a Blu-ray disc?

A single-layer disc can hold 25GB.
A dual-layer disc can hold 50GB.

To ensure that the Blu-ray Disc format is easily extendable (future-proof) it also includes support for multi-layer discs, which should allow the storage capacity to be increased to 100GB-200GB (25GB per layer) in the future simply by adding more layers to the discs.

How much video can you fit on a Blu-ray disc?

Over 9 hours of high-definition (HD) video on a 50GB disc.
About 23 hours of standard-definition (SD) video on a 50GB disc.

How fast can you read/write data on a Blu-ray disc?

According to the Blu-ray Disc specification, 1x speed is defined as 36Mbps. However, as BD-ROM movies will require a 54Mbps data transfer rate the minimum speed we're expecting to see is 2x (72Mbps). Blu-ray also has the potential for much higher speeds, as a result of the larger numerical aperture (NA) adopted by Blu-ray Disc. The large NA value effectively means that Blu-ray will require less recording power and lower disc rotation speed than DVD and HD-DVD to achieve the same data transfer rate. While the media itself limited the recording speed in the past, the only limiting factor for Blu-ray is the capacity of the hardware. If we assume a maximum disc rotation speed of 10,000 RPM, then 12x at the outer diameter should be possible (about 400Mbps). This is why the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) already has plans to raise the speed to 8x (288Mbps) or more in the future.

What video codecs will Blu-ray support?

MPEG-2 - enhanced for HD, also used for playback of DVDs and HDTV recordings.
MPEG-4 AVC - part of the MPEG-4 standard also known as H.264 (High Profile and Main Profile).
SMPTE VC-1 - standard based on Microsoft's Windows Media Video (WMV) technology.

 Will Blu-ray discs require a cartridge?

No, the development of new low cost hard-coating technologies has made the cartridge obsolete. Blu-ray will instead rely on hard-coating for protection, which when applied will make the discs even more resistant to scratches and fingerprints than today's DVDs, while still preserving the same look and feel. Blu-ray also adopts a new error correction system which is more robust and efficient than the one used for DVDs.

Will Blu-ray require an Internet connection?

No, you will not need an Internet connection for basic playback of Blu-ray movies. The Internet connection will only be needed for value-added features such as downloading new extras, watching recent movie trailers, web browsing, etc. It will also be required to authorize managed copies of Blu-ray movies that can be transferred over a home network.

Will Blu-ray down-convert analog outputs?

No, Blu-ray players will not down-convert the analog output signal unless the video contains something called an Image Constraint Token (ICT). This feature is not part of the Blu-ray Disc spec, but of the AACS copy-protection system also adopted by HD-DVD. In the end it will be up to each movie studio to decide if they want to use this "feature" on their releases or not. The good news is that Sony, Disney, Fox, Paramount, MGM and Universal have already stated that they have no intention of using this feature. The other studios, which have yet to announce their plans, will most likely follow suit to avoid getting bad publicity. If any of the studios still decide to use ICT they will have to state this on the cover of their movies, so you should have no problem avoiding these titles.

What will Blu-ray products cost?

As with any new technology the first generation of products will likely be quite expensive due to low production volumes. However, this shouldn't be a problem for long as there is a wide range of Blu-ray related products (players, recorders, drives, writers, media, etc) planned, which should help drive up production volumes and lower overall production costs. Once mass production of components for Blu-ray products begins the prices are expected to fall quickly.

According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the overall cost of manufacturing Blu-ray Disc media will in the end be no more expensive than producing a DVD. The reduced injection molding costs (one molding machine instead of two, no birefringence problems) offset the additional cost of applying the cover layer and low cost hard-coat, while the techniques used for applying the recording layer remain the same. As production volumes increase the production costs should fall and eventually be comparable to DVDs.

Will Blu-ray replace DVDs?

Yes, that's the expectation. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. In fact, seven of the eight major movie studios (Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM) have released titles in the Blu-ray format. Many studios have also announced that they will begin releasing new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD, as well as a continuous slate of catalog titles every month. For more information about Blu-ray movies, check out our Blu-ray movies section which offers information about new and upcoming Blu-ray releases, as well as what movies are currently available in the Blu-ray format.

However, the two formats (Blu-ray and DVD) will most likely co-exist for quite some time until HDTVs become more widespread.

Will Blu-ray be backwards compatible with DVD?

Yes, several leading consumer electronics companies (including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp and LG) have already demonstrated products that can read/write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs using a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head, so you don't have to worry about your existing DVD collection becoming obsolete. In fact, most of the Blu-ray players coming out will support upscaling of DVDs to 1080p/1080i, so your existing DVD collection will look even better than before. While it's up to each manufacturer to decide if they want to make their products backwards compatible with DVD, the format is far too popular to not be supported. The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) expects every Blu-ray Disc device to be backward compatible with DVDs.

Why should I upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray?

The simple answer is HDTV. If you've ever seen high-definition (HD) video on an HDTV, then you know just how incredibly sharp the picture is and how vivid the colors are. In fact, HD offers five times the amount of detail compared to standard-definition (SD). The problem with today's DVDs is that they only support SD and don't have the necessary storage capacity to satisfy the needs of HD. That's where Blu-ray comes in, it offers up to 50GB of storage capacity and enables playback, recording and rewriting of HD in all of the HD resolutions including 1080p. The format also supports high-definition audio formats and lossless audio.

In addition to the greater video and audio quality, the extra storage capacity also means there will be plenty of room for additional content and special features. This combined with the new BD-J interactivity layer adopted by Blu-ray will bring the menus, graphics and special features to a whole new level. For example, you will be able to bring up the menu system as an overlay without stopping the movie, and you could have the director of the movie on the screen explaining the shooting of a scene while the scene is playing in the background. The advanced interactivity combined with the networking features of Blu-ray will also allow content producers to support new innovative features such as downloading extras, updating content via the web, and watching live broadcasts of special events.

Thanks to the greatly enhanced HD video and audio quality as well as the advanced interactivity and networking features, Blu-ray represents a huge leap forward in the DVD viewing experience and will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience.

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Pixies are known to be small and cute, so it is no surprise that Nespresso’s stylish compact machine known as the Pixie, is the smallest machine ever developed by Nespresso. ... Read More

Samsung Electronics Australia and Google, have released the Galaxy Nexus, the world’s first smartphone running Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest release of the Android operating system. Mixing innovation and speed, the new Galaxy Nexus features the all new and exclusive Face Unlock and Android Beam as well as a speedy 1.2GHz dual core processor.  ... Read More

The DMC-FX77 packages a f/2.5 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens with 24mm ultra wide-angle and 5x optical zoom(35mm camera equivalent: 24-120mm). The f/2.5 lens lets the camera shoot at higher shutter speed and capture clear, blur-free images in lower lighting situation. ... Read More

These customizable ear hooks come in 3 sizes of ultra-soft silicon caps providing bass thumping stereo sound with a 1.2m Long cable, Cable clip and offering sound isolation while being completely sweat proof.  ... Read More

Finding the right hard drive that is Mac compatible can be hard, but thanks to Western Digital it just got a little easier with the introduction of the new My Passport portable hard drives specifically designed for use with Mac computers and Apple Time Machine.  ... Read More

There are hundreds of iPhone cases available on the market; some are just a fashion statement while others actually serve the purpose of protecting the fragile phone from damage.  ... Read More

Polaroid instant cameras invoke up images of the 1970s. You can get in on the retro wave with the new Polaroid Z340 Instant Digital Camera.  ... Read More

There are many hands free kit options available on the market today, but not many have the ability to connect two phones simultaneously in the car as well as store contacts off the phone.  ... Read More

Brinno TimeLapse Camera (TLC100) is a HD video camera that is very easy to use. It has a one button operating system that lets you see a whole day's change in just one minute. ... Read More

Three months on from the first reveal at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Sony has launched its tablet into the Australian market today challenging Apple’s dominance aiming to be the number two tablet manufacturer in the Australian market by 2012.  ... Read More

Portable electronics have become an huge and important part of people’s lives. Carrying around a charger for each device is cumbersome.  ... Read More

I personally hate it when I have to untangle my earphones every time I want to use them even though I left them untangled the last time I used them. I came across this ingenious yet trendy idea called Zipbuds.  ... Read More

Induction cooktops were introduced a few years back but were quite pricey, more recently, most good appliance makers have embraced this revolutionary technology as it makes cooking a breeze not to mention add a sleek look to the kitchen.  ... Read More

Plugging a computer into the big TV in the lounge room is an increasingly common, but how do you drive it? Logitech’s new wireless keyboard adds to the available choices.  ... Read More

Typing, chatting, and gaming just became easier than ever before with the new Mini Bluetooth Keyboard.  ... Read More

Most compact digital cameras today are packed with additional image enhancing features that let you change the tone, detect faces, and even upload and share to your preferred social network sites. But none can offer what Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FP7A camera can.  ... Read More

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an avid doodler, the latest gadget from Wacom, is likely to become your new favorite toy.  ... Read More

USB drives are the easiest ways to store documents for when you’re on the go. But numerous times, we can’t seem to find the tiny gadget which may be buried deep in the bottom of our hand bag or it may get stolen leaving us in a state of dismay as to whose hands those cheeky photos or all important documents are in. ... Read More

Most computers now have a built in video camera making it easy to make video calls but sometimes not having your own computer handy can leave you stranded.  ... Read More

We all tend to be working late nowadays, whether in the office or at home. Finding an easy solution to avoid keeping the lights on without disturbing those around you or keeping the electricity from rising can be difficult.  ... Read More

Want to watch a movie on your full HD iPad display with but don’t want to be stuck holding it?  ... Read More

iPhones have already managed to revolutionise the world of mobile phones as they are capable of doing much more than send text messages and make phone calls. A new iPhone accessory is now capable of transforming your iPhone into a universal remote, putting home entertainment in the palm of your hand. ... Read More

The Powermat Wireless Charger was established in response to the explosion of electronic devices flooding today’s market and the growing need to provide a simple, smart, efficient and clutter-free approach for simultaneously powering multiple devices. Powermat allows users to enable their electronic devices once with a Powermat receiver and then set down up to three devices on the charging mat for safe and effective wireless charging. ... Read More

The Livescribe Pen is no ordinary pen; it is a pen that is equipped with a removable ball-point ink cartridge, a microphone to record audio, a speaker for playback, a small OLED display, and internal flash memory that captures handwritten notes, audio and drawings, making this the “smartpen” of all pens. ... Read More

In a few short years, Skype has taken web-based communications primarily for personal use to a whole new level offering users free, unlimited, superior quality voice calls through its award-winning innovative peer-to-peer software for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Pocket PC platforms ... Read More

Its taken photography and filming to a whole new level; its light, fits in your pocket and lets you place your camera at any angle from the most rugged to the most uneven surfaces. It’s the tripod that’s taken the world by storm; the Joby GorillaPod.  ... Read More

Don’t let winter stop you from having a barbecue. There are many small two burner barbecues or even electric barbecues on the market today that will let you cook up a pretty good meal in your kitchen or even balcony.  ... Read More

We’ve all done it many times; balance our laptop on one hand while trying to type with the other. Well, it’s time to stop the embarrassing juggling act and get on the tablet computer bandwagon because its compact, convertible design allows you to comfortably use your computer in small spaces-even while standing up. ... Read More

Digital radio is gaining serious momentum in this country, as more stations are added to the list and the signal quality gets continual upgrades and extensions. But what exactly is digital radio? And why should you invest in one? ... Read More

With an increasing number of children suffering from allergies these days, more and more women are looking to steam vacuum cleaners due to their ability to kill dust mites, mold, viruses, bacteria and fungus without the use of chemicals. ... Read More

Confused about 3D camera technology? It may not be as complicated as you think. With a 3D capable camera, digital imaging possibilities reach a new level. Users are able to capture panoramic photos in 3D that can then be viewed on any compatible 3D TV, when connected via an HDMI cable. ... Read More

Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc.  ... Read More

The world of technology moves forward at such a pace it’s little surprise that people are no longer content with just handheld digital music and video players and are looking for something more. Enter, the e-reader.  ... Read More

Never heard of one? For busy women out there looking for an appliance that does it all, a Lightwave Oven is the ideal choice. Offering multifunctional cooking options, users can grill, microwave and convection cook meals. They also have the convenient option of speed grilling and speed cooking.  ... Read More

Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone else do the hard work of vacuuming for you while you enjoy the more fun things in life? That’s exactly the reason that Robotic Vacuum cleaners were invented – but do they do as good a job as the traditional vacuum does? Let’s have a look …  ... Read More

The HP special edition notebook, nicknamed the “digital clutch” was created in collaboration with world-renowned fashion designer Vivienne Tam, and offers women a sophisticated, mobile and miniature notebook that they can take anywhere.  ... Read More

If you’re into photography, there’s no better time than the present to upgrade your current digital camera system to a Digital SLR. There is now a raft of well-priced and easy to use DSLR’s on the market that allow you to capture your precious memories at a far higher quality. ... Read More

It’s pretty difficult at the moment to ignore all the hype surrounding the launch of the Apple iPad in Australia, so www.connectedwomen.net.au has had a good, hard look at the technology in the hope that our readers might find it easier to decide if the device is for them. ... Read More

With our lives becoming increasingly time poor these days and with more of us making a bigger investment in our wardrobes, it’s worth considering buying a washing machine with a steam cycle option.  ... Read More

Many women say that ironing is the bane of their lives; an endless mountain that they’re constantly battling to stay on top of. Which is why we’re recommending you get your hands on a Steam Shot Iron, which will not only ensure your clothes are kept in top condition, but will also make the ironing process easier.  ... Read More

You’re probably wondering why we would advocate getting a new home phone when most people these days rely on their mobiles for work, home and to organise their social lives. Well, Telstra has today unveiled its T-Hub touch-screen phone that they hope will change people’s attitudes about the trusty old home phone. ... Read More

What is it? These cameras have both video and digital still capability in the one unit, which means that your precious memories will never again go uncaptured.  ... Read More

Wii Fit is a fitness-based game released by Nintendo for the company’s popular Wii gaming console. “Game” may not the best word for it, though. ... Read More

What does “Full HD” mean? The picture served up on a television’s screen is described by manufacturers as either “standard”, “high” or “full high” definition. The last of these, generally referred to as “Full HD”, is the best currently available to consumers. ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a set of volume-lock headphones?  ... Read More

What is it? An e-reader is a specific device used to read e-books. What is an e-book? An e-book is an electronic version of a printed book, so instead of having a hard copy it’s all digital. There has been a raft of these devices released at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week, so they could be a big hit in 2010. ... Read More

What is it? A photo gift is a unique gift that you can personalise to suit the recipient. No longer are you limited to prints, Fujifilm has over 600 photo gift options which make perfect Christmas gifts. Fujifilm expects the personalized children’s DVD to be the most popular this Christmas. ... Read More

Why would I want one? Well, besides the luxury of having a big new TV to meet all your home entertainment needs (and to watch Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman and Robert Patterson in Full HD), now is a good a time as every to buy because the TV makers are throwing free stuff at you to entice you to buy. ... Read More

What is it? no!no! is an at-home alternative to laser hair removal that uses heat based technology to both remove hair and reduce regrowth. It claims to be painless and clinical studies have shown that hair regrowth is visibly reduced by up to 64% over 6 to 12 weeks of using the device twice a week. ... Read More

What is it?: PlayTV is a device soon to be released by Sony Computer Entertainment Australia that turns your PlayStation3 (PS3) into a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and High Definition digital TV tuner.  ... Read More

My best friend is writing her thesis at the moment, to be handed in on Friday, but a few weeks ago a dreaded thing happened…her computer crashed. It sounds like that episode of Sex & the City and she said she was devastated when the technical support assistant asked her over the phone: “So you’ve backed up…right?” ... Read More

HP has released a new line of touch-enabled HP Photosmart All-in-One printers featuring a breakthrough TouchSmart user interface – also known as the ‘HP Magic Frame’.  ... Read More

What is it? Now I’m sure we all know what an epilator is- I remember using my mum’s when I was a teenager and it was one of the most painful experiences of my short life! However, between then and now, personal care companies have been working toward making epilation a faster, easier and less painful process for women. So it might be time to ditch the razor and give epilation another chance. ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Voice controlled GPS? ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a portable speaker system? ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Smartphone that isn't an iPhone?  ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a digital radio?  ... Read More

What is it? A heated throw (like Sunbeam’s Safe & Sound heated throw pictured here) is just like a portable electric blanket, but it has flexible heating wires so you can throw it over you instead of it being fixed under you. So it gives you the ability to move it from the couch, to your favourite chair to the bed. ... Read More

What is it? A digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera is a type of digital camera. It is different in several ways to the compact style of digital cameras that many Australians now own. ... Read More

Last week's installment on 'Boosting Your business with Twitter Explored': Why would you or someone else follow tweet along with some of the opportunities Twitter can initiate and the need for a clear strategy when implementing Twitter. This week we will look at few ways to implement Twitter in your business strategy and a few do's and don'ts of Twitter. ... Read More

What is it? It’s the biggest news in mobile phones at the moment, with Apple announcing the release of the next generation iPhone 3Gs- which Apple is describing as the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet.  ... Read More

What is it? The HP Vivienne Tam Special Edition Notebook PC is a miniature notebook that sports a uber-chic red design with a gorgeous peony flower detailing, designed exclusively for HP by Vivienne Tam. ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Food steamer?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Digital photo frame?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Ruggedised digital camera?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Surge protector?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a In-car GPS navigator?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Refrigerator?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Micro Four Thirds System camera?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Home theatre projector?  ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a LED television?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a set of noise-cancelling headphones?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a MusicStation?
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So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a TiVo?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a A multi-function MP3 player? ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Blu-ray Disc player?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a LensPen?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a set of volume-lock headphones?  ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a USB modem?  ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a portable hard drive?  ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a camera with face detection?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help! In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Cent-a-Meter?
 ... Read More

So, you keep hearing about this new product or technology, but you don't know what it's all about, or if it's for you. ConnectedWomen is here to help. In this edition, we ask: Is it time to get a Wii Fit?
 ... Read More

What is it? This is a kit that allows you to take command of a power point with a remote control, rather than having to physically switch it on and off. ... Read More

What is it? A digital set-top box (STB) is a device that allows you to receive and watch digital television on a TV that does not have an integrated digital tuner. As the name suggests, it usually sits on top of your TV – but that’s not mandatory. You can actually place it anywhere that accommodates the required cabling. ... Read More

What is it? As the name suggests, an ultra-mobile personal computer – or UMPC for short – is an itty-bitty notebook computer. The term UMPC originally referred to a specific Microsoft project back in 2006, but has now become the generic name for a particular category of pint-sized mobile computer. ... Read More

What does “Full HD” mean? The picture served up on a television’s screen is described by manufacturers as either “standard”, “high” or “full high” definition. ... Read More

What is it? DSL, or a "digital subscriber line", is a common method by which consumers can receive a broadband (or fast) Internet service. ... Read More

What is it? A digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera is a type of digital camera. It is different in several ways to the compact style of digital cameras that many Australians now own. ... Read More

Why would I buy a front-loading washing machine? For consumers, a front-loader's main point of appeal is that is considered to be far more environmentally friendly than conventional top-loading washing machines. Clean clothes, clean world. ... Read More

What is a wireless router? It's a device that allows you to run all the computers in your home off one broadband Internet connection. It achieves this by establishing a wireless connection between your modem and the computers, provided they have a wireless card to "talk" with the router.  ... Read More

What is a "VoIP" service? A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service allows you to make and receive telephone calls using a broadband (fast) Internet connection instead of your regular telephone line.  ... Read More