Travel Adapters

Travel Plans in the near future?  Finding the correct Travel Adapter for your travel destination can make for a difficult shopping trip.  Sales staff at electronics stores often have difficulty advising beyond the packaging description, and until you’re half way across the world plugging it in, there’s no guarantee the Travel Adapter will work.

Some of the confusion surrounding Travel Adapters comes from the terminology. Quite simply a Travel Adapter isn’t always the correct term.  Other descriptive names include AC Adapters, Voltage Converters and Universal Power adapters.  Don’t let the product names confuse you, instead shop for a travel adapter by product functionality.  There are two main things to consider when using an electrical product in a different country: 

1.     What voltage and frequency range does the product accept?

2.     What types of plugs and sockets are in use at my destination?

Range of Voltage and Frequency

Most countries throughout the world operate on a system somewhere between 220V to 240V with an intended standard of 230V.  Only a small selection of countries, including the United States and Canada, have a 120 standard voltage.  Before buying a voltage “transformer” or “converter,” check the voltage accepted by your electrical product.   Many electronics such as laptops and cell phones include their own power bar or AC adapter. These laptops and cell phones are sold worldwide and the manufacturers produce an AC adapter that accepts voltage worldwide, anywhere from 110V to 240V and a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz.  Some products, like Hair-dryers, come with a dual voltage switch that will accept both 120V and 230V.

If an electronic device has its own 100-240V, 50/60 Hz adapter, your only other requirement is the physical plug adapter.  Plug adapters are often referred to as a Universal Adapters, but don’t always offer worldwide adaptation.  Commonly these adapters are designed to convert one particular plug, either the UK or North American plug into any other world standard.  Better Universal Adapters can accept any style of plug and convert into any other world standard.  Recognize that some countries have no standard and even when a plug appears to match the socket the electricity still will not flow (speaking from experience with a long layover in an airport in Asia).

If the voltage for your device is not the same and doesn’t include an adapter, then you will need to buy that voltage transformer.  Some physical plug adapters will also provide an in-house voltage converter, but these will be more expensive, or they will limit the conversion to two styles of plug.  Frequency is less of a concern and worldwide is always either at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.  The difference in frequency doesn’t affect the operations of an electronic unless it has a time sensitive operation such as an analogue music player.   

5 Things to Consider when buying your new Flat Screen

So you’re thinking of upgrading the old TV.  Perhaps you’ve seen the new Sharp 80 inch Flat Screen LED TV and you can’t stand another day without it?  Well hold up just one second.  If you intend to buy the TV, one must consider the toys that go with and most importantly choose the right TV.  So maybe you can go without a new X-box 360 but a PlayStation 3 could be considered a ‘necessity’ for a brilliant new Flat Screen setup.  So without further ado…

While it may appear like Flat Panels have been out for years and not much has changed that is not in fact the case.  Just like any other hot technology item, manufacturers are racing to come up with the best and biggest (or thinnest) flat panel displays.  Previously the popular choice was between an LCD (liquid crystal diode) and Plasma.  A third choice, LED (light emitting diode) has recently become the most sought after.  What’s the difference between LED and LCD?  Well both technologies in fact use the liquid crystal diode (LCD)technology, however the LCD’s use fluorescents for lighting as opposed to the light emitting diodes of the LED.  LED’S advantages include lower energy consumption, longer life, thinner, faster switching and darker darks.  Of course all these advantages lead to quite a price increase for an LED over its comparable LCD.  Other options to consider are the clarity (1080p is currently the best), 3D, and the sound quality (assuming your not purchasing a sound system).

The ubiquitous cable box has once again made its way back into our homes.  However these new cable boxes are no longer required to convert cable channels into a single channel (remember channel 3 or 4).  Instead the new cable boxes often referred to as a PVR (Personal Video Recorder), are used for various functions including an On-screen menu, High Definition Channels, Pay-per-view channels, and for recording, managing and storing our favorite shows.  These relatively simple functions have shot the PVR into mainstream popularity.

Remember VCR’s?  They were those big cassette tape looking things (everyone 20 years old and younger is now wondering what a cassette tape is).  Well those VCR’s are largely extinct (in the landfill) as DVD’s and now Blu-Ray’s have quickly taken over.  There are many Blue-Ray players out there now available for under a $100, but be careful, the quality of some are quite low.  An easy way to avoid these quality issues is to buy your son that PlayStation 3 he might have been asking for as a Christmas or Birthday present.  That PlayStation 3 made by Sony is actually a high quality Blu-ray player.  One rule required, the PlayStation stays with the big screen TV. Your happy, your son’s happy, win-win.

At the home electronics store, your 2 minutes away from purchasing your flat screen and the salesman suggests you have a quick look at the wall-mounts and “oh by the way, we carry some great HDMI cables too.”  What should you do?  Runaway, run-Away!  Don’t even think about spending $50 on a 3ft HDMI cable and $200 on some fancy wall mount.  Instead before you go buy your new flat screen have a quick look on-line at a specialty cable retailer such as www.bestpricecables.com.  Online retailers carry great quality HDMI cables for as little as $3.00, and wall-mounts for $40.  Top end HDMI cables will carry features such as high speed, Ethernet, 3D and 2k resolution.  Any HDMI cable will support current best standards such as 1080p resolution, digital audio and digital video.  You’ll need an HDMI cable for each connection, one for the Blue-ray and one for the PVR.

Ok so you’ve got your go to list.  Flat screen, preferably LED and 1080p, but in the end buy what you can afford.  A PVR for watching and recording HD shows.  Blu-ray player for HD blue-ray discs or perhaps a PlayStation 3.  HDMI cables and a wall-mount purchased online to save some additional cash.

DVR to Router Set-up Guide

How to Connect a DVR to a Router

When purchasing a new device such as a router or a DVR, it can be so exciting that you just want to have it all quickly connected and ready to use. While setup isn’t all that difficult, you want to make sure it’s done properly and in a way to allow you the best picture quality possible. This is a tutorial on how to connect a DVR to a router.

For our example, we will be using the Linksys BEFSR41 router and the DVR-8004G. However, just about any DVR and router will work with these instructions. First you want to connect the power adapter to the router. Next, run an RJ45 cable between the uplink port on the router and your internet source, whether it’s a cable modem, DSL modem, or other router. Our Linksys router has an uplink port labeled ‘internet.’ Others label the uplink port differently. It’s also common to use the highest numbered port. For the final two connections, run an RJ45 between the router port and the computer and another RJ45 from the router port to the DVR.

After all the connections are made, it’s time for the PC side of things. On your computer, select the ‘Start’ menu and then ‘Run,’ typing in “ipconfig’ and then clicking ‘ok’. There should be three addresses listed, one for IP, subnet, and gateway; note down all three.

Next you’ll power on the DVR, find the menu page, and select network settings. Here you can set the IP address to be the same as the PC, with the exception of the last three digits. These you want to make unique. Write down the IP address including the last three unique numbers. The subnet and gateway addresses should be set to the same IP address as your PC. Some models give you the option for a port number; make a note of this if it is the case.

From here, you can now get to the DVR from your computer. To do so, you’ll need to enter your IP address into a browser. You’re also ready to access your DVR remotely from a computer outside your home network. To do this, take a few minutes to set up port forwarding. In an open browser, enter the default IP address for your router. In the pop-up login box, type in the default name and password. This might be “admin” and “admin”, check your manual to be sure.

From here, you’ll need to find the router menu for port forwarding. Our Linksys example uses the selections Applications-> Port Range Forwarding. Here, set the port to “80” unless the DVR lists something different. The IP address should be set to the DVR’s. Finally, make sure that your changes are enabled and saved. Your router will restart and then be ready for use. Simply open up a browser and enter http:// followed by your home IP address.

It may seem like there are many complicated steps but the process is really quite simple. Plus, you only have to go through these steps once and then everything will stay set up for you. If you need any connecting cables, please visit BestPriceCables.com for great prices and free shipping on all orders over $75.

HDMI simplified

HDMI simplified

Need to learn about HDMI without reading a ten-page report? Then read on!  This is a quick HDMI introduction, followed by a review of the basic features from the new HDMI 1.4 specs, ending with an overview of the different HDMI labels.

HDMI has become the default choice for the digital transfer of high definition and sound.  Development of the first HDMI connector started in 2002 by a group of high end electronic equipment companies.  At the time the DVI connector was used for HDTV. HDMI 1.0 was designed to improve upon the DVI connector “by using a smaller connector and adding support for audio, and enhanced support” for color. 

HDMI 1.4 has many new features, however, HDMI cable manufactures are not required to install all features.  It is therefore important to check what features are included in any HDMI cable you purchase.

The following additional features were introduced in HDMI 1.4:

•        An Ethernet channel to support high speed bi-directional communication between equipment.
•       An audio return channel which again allows for bi-directional communication.
•       Defined common 3D formats and resolutions
•       4K Resolution Support, four times higher than the current 1080p HD standard.
•      Expanded support for color spaces

The HDMI organization has also introduced a new buying guide for HDMI enabled products.   Instead of organizing product features by the HDMI 1.3 or HDMI 1.4 specifications, they have created performance capability labels.

Standard HDMI
Standard HDMI products provide coverage for resolutions up to 1080i (the i refers to interlaced) plus digitial surround audio.  Most HD Channels are transmitted at 1080i but this is still a step below 1080p.

Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet
Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet has the same specifications as a Standard HDMI cable, but offers an Ethernet Channel for device networking.  Data transfer speeds can support up to 100 Mb/sec.

High Speed HDMI
High Speed HDMI products can deliver up to 4k x 2k resolution which is four times that of 1080p content.  These cables will also support 3D technology

High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet has the same specifications as a High Speed HDMI cable, but offers an Ethernet Channel for device networking.  Data transfer speeds can support up to 100 Mb/sec.

Fiber Optic Cables

In a world constantly seeking new ways to do things faster and more efficient, data transfer is no exception. Traditional copper wiring is rapidly making way for fiber optic cables. This innovative data transfer medium offers a faster, more efficient way to send and receive information as well as provide a great deal of communication networks for commercial offices and industrial buildings. Here is a guide to how they work.

Speed: Light versus Electricity. Traditional copper cables send the information down the copper line to the other end. Fiber optics transfer data using light pulses as opposed to electric signals, like those transmitted with copper cables. Light sends a much clearer and faster signal. This might seem unlikely, considering cables are enclosed in rubber tubing. But fiber optic cables are made from long, thin strands of glass or plastic. These pieces work to reflect light down the strip. To give yourself a visual, picture a hollow tube. Now mentally line the casing with tiny mirrors. Any light shined in would reflect off the mirrors one by one until it exited through the opposite end. Since light travels faster than electricity, the result of this set-up is a rapid, clear signal with less disturbances than traditional materials experience.

Fiber optics come in either single or multi mode. Single mode uses one lone strand of glass or plastic fiber for the entire cable. These can have a diameter of up to nine microns.  Since they only use one piece, they are thinner and more susceptible to damage. However, the individual strand allows an increased rate of transmission and a larger range. Basically, single mode lets it go faster and further. On the other side, there are multi-mode cables. As the name suggests, there are a number of glass fibers inside these, measuring either 50 or 62.5 microns.  The larger diameter, as you might imagine, allows multiple waves to transmit simultaneously. Plus, it offers greater durability, which means that is more widely used for generic applications.

Another variation is simplex versus duplex.  Communication networks use either one-directional or bi-directional communication between the two points and fiber optics is no exception. Simplex is similar to single mode in that is uses a single fiber strand for one way communication. This style is somewhat specific to applications looking directly for one-directional data streams, such as, video and audio inputs and outputs. In the same way, duplex is also similar to multi-node, only instead of a slew of cables, duplex uses bi-directional communication, requiring only two wires. This allows for simultaneous, bi-directional data transmission. You can think of these two as a one way and a two way street. Both have their purposes and both are useful.

So when you go to pick out a fiber optic cable, there are a few things you’ll want to know. First, make sure that the type of connector you purchase matches your input connection. Second, check to see if your device prefers single or multi-mode transfer. Figure out if you need simplex or duplex. And finally, choose which length you need. You can discern this by setting up your system and running a string from the speaker or TV to the equipment. Always buy the next larger length rather than one that is on the small side. You won’t regret it! If you’re interested in purchasing any of these products, be sure to check out BestPriceCables.com. Good luck and happy connecting!

Three Things to Know When Choosing Antenna

Three Things to Know When Choosing Antenna

As the most visible part of wireless equipment, it’s important to know a little bit about antennae when choosing a system. Just to get everyone on the same page, an antenna is designed to transmit and receive clear signals between multiple points. This can be from your wireless router to your laptop, from a laptop to a printer, or any other of a wide variety of applications. For any wireless network to work quickly and efficiently, an antenna is a requirement. And just as there are different types of wireless setups, there are different antennas for different purposes. As such, when choosing your model, it’s important to understand the three key specifications: frequency, beam width, and gain. 

Frequency is described as the data transmission between two points via electronic waves that carry kinetic energy. The associated energy of the wave is directly proportional to the wave’s frequency. Frequency is represented by the equation E=hv where v=frequency and h=Planck’s constant, which is 6.626 x 10^-34 J s. Therefore, the higher the frequency, the more kinetic energy the wave carries, and the more powerful the wave.

Gain refers to the measure of the ability to amplify incoming signals. The value of the gain directly correlates to the antenna’s receiving strength. It is measured in dB, a function of the capture area and reception/transmission frequency. A larger antenna with a greater capture area has higher gain values, as do ones at higher frequencies. Wide area networks, such as those where data is sent over longer distances, need antennae with higher gain ratings (10+). In a smaller area or smaller room, lower gain works just fine.

The beam width is the area in which the signal is received and is usually measured to ½ power points. This refers to the number of degrees between the points where gain is 3dB less than the gain for the antenna’s strongest direction. The higher the gain, the lower the beam width. Increased gain with a decreased beam width receives signal over a smaller area but offers a strong signal. By contrast, less gain increases the beam width, which receives the signal over a larger area but at a weaker strength.  Beam width is measured in two planes, vertical and horizontal.

While these are three key factors to understand, a search for an antenna may also introduce you to “OMNI”. OMNI is especially powerful, versatile, and useful for 360 degree beam width in one plane or another. As a result, the antenna is capable of signal reception and transmission in all directions on that particular plane.

Beam width is an important factor in antenna placement. If the unit will be mounted on or against a wall, you don’t need the beam width to cover the wall part of the horizontal plane. The same is true when the device is mounted on the ceiling or the ground. When antennas are used to transfer signal from roof to roof, you must mount it so the beam widths of the two receivers intersect. And finally, if you plan on using it in the center of a wireless network, OMNI is the way to go.

With antenna, there are many types available along with myriad placement configurations. This gives you huge flexibility and creativity in building your own wireless network. Whether for home or professional use, choosing the correct antenna for your needs based on these three factors will help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

All About Couplers and How to Choose Them

Whether you are setting up a new stereo or computer system, it can be frustrating to discover that the cords don’t connect correctly. Attempting to fix this problem will probably have you looking for a coupler. However, that can be even more confusing. And for good reason, too. With the vast amount of cable styles available, there needs to be at least as many couplers in order to connect them all. Couplers exist solely to connect a single pair of cables. Here are a few of the common questions surrounding couplers and a little bit of information on how to find the right one for your needs.

First, you’ll need to know the difference between straight and crossover connections. Straight connections are made directly from pin to pin. When you use a network hub and switch, these are the types of connectors you’ll need. Straight cables connect electronic devices right to the hub or switch you’re using. By contrast, crossover cables are used to connect devices to each other. If you try to connect them directly, without a hub or switch, the signals will be mismatched since both will transmit and receive simultaneously. Each device will attempt to send output to the other’s output, which will completely mix up the signals. A crossover cable connects the right pins together, even when they are organized differently. If you take a close look at the two cables, you’ll see that the colored wires are in a different order on each. The crossover connector untangles the signals so that the information is sent and received properly. Therefore, crossover couplers can connect two straight cables.

Next, you might be interested to know what a reverse coupler does. Reverse couplers work similarly to a crossover coupler. However, instead of crisscrossed wires, the two connections will have the same color wires only in a reverse order, not all mixed up. This type is used for telephone connections.

Another confusing detail is shielded and non-shielded couplers. Shielded ones decrease the interference from other outside devices. The more peripheral devices there are, the higher the chance that interference will be a problem. 

Finally, one last option you’ll see is both printed and non-printed circuit board couplers. This is another technique used to reduce interference; only this style looks at internal, not external, noise.  Both CAT-5 and CAT-6 couplers utilize printed circuit boards. Printed circuit boards use a crisscrossed technique of wiring the board to decrease the amount of internal interference.

So how does this affect you? First, it’s important to determine which type of cables you need to connect. There is a good chance you can find this information in the user’s manual of the devices you’re trying to connect. Short of that, you can physically look at the wires within the cables themselves. With Ethernet, the clear connector on the end allows you to clearly see the wire coloring. You’ll need a coupler that has an end matching each device. And don’t allow the vast selection to scare you off. With so many choices out there, you can guarantee that there’s a coupler that will work for you.