Home Screen JULY 2011
The winner is...
OMAN’S ONLY TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
It is very hard to welcome July with a warm heart, especially when our entire body feels like it’s going up in flames. But rest assured it is only the temperature and humidity that is on the rise. Prices of electronics are dropping every day. Are you wondering why? Well, the holy month of Ramadan is not far off now. And families are out during the day shopping for clothes, and not to forget, electronics.
EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief
Hatim al Taie Content Head
Sujata Sengupta
With stores starting up wonderful offers on electronic gadgets, you might just end up buying stuff to ‘furnish’ an entire house – from home theatre systems to air conditioners. Well, our job at TECH is to make your shopping easy and fun. So we have featured a six-page special on some of the Blu-ray players that the market has on offer. And with a comparison on the different television technologies, you can now match your choice of Blu-ray player to the TV and make a perfect buy for the house.
Dy. Content Head
Poornima Ramani Senior Designer
Shyniben Koyakkil Designer
Muneeb Khan
Targeted at our women readers, we have got a special mobile on the cover – Micromax’s Bling 2. With every bit of bling in its looks (set with Swarovski crystals), the mobile offers good value for its price. You can also check out our TECH Favourites section for the other mobiles that are on offer this month.
CORPORATE Managing Director
Abdullah al Taie General Manager
To all our readers out there, we have received quite a lot of requests for information regarding camera lenses. Well, we have featured an in-depth article on camera lenses in our March issue.
Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager
Terry Mathukutty Sales
And now to announce the winner of our anniversary offer... the Samsung 32-inch LCD TV goes to Sidharth Sawant. Congratulations!
Mary Gonzales Sami Dalwai
- Ed
Produced by
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2011 © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible if factual errors in product and pricing occur. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this issue. Please check any quoted hardware specifications and pricing with your supplier before purchase.
Printed at Oman Printers & Stationers, Sultanate of Oman
pies 7,000 co print run: July 2011
Deenar Press and Publishing LLC PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: + 968 24 696868, Fax: +968 24 693569 E-mail: info@deenarmedia.com
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Our first prototype cover
VOL 2
ISSUE 3
JULY 2011
CONTENTS Features Page
Photography
16
- Sony’s HX7V and TX10 offer creative possibilities - Leica V-Lux 30 has style and performance - Enjoy DSLR photography with Canon EOS 1100D - Take a compositional chance for the perfect shot
Audio Zone
22
Mobile Zone
24
- Philips HTS3580 brings power of the cinema - Vita Audio R4i is small in design and big on sound
- Check out the new Micromax Bling 2 - Galaxy Ace combines elegance and technology
27 16
Video Zone - Comparison of LCD and Plasma technology - BRAVIA line-up delivers Internet functionality - Home entertainment has risen above juke boxes
36
Interview George Alexander, Omasco, is proud of his team
38
Computing - Panasonic CF-31 boasts Intel Core i5 vPro processor - Samsung 900X3A has an aerodynamic design - Dell’s XPS 15z is an ideal companion
44
Op-Ed
38
Are cars overloaded with technology?
How Stuff Works
46
Home Zone
47
Upgrade your RAM in a few simple steps
Use Makita ELM3310 for beautiful lawns
Time Zone
48
50
Girard-Perregaux adds colour to its 1966 collection
50
Dashboard Colorado Rally Concept gives a glimpse of next generation midsize trucks
Gamer’s Delight Alice: Madness Returns features creepy visuals and stunning combat
Movie Zone
The Autobots are back in action in Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Regulars
Tech News NouvoTech Quiz 54 Tech Favourites Tech Directory
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10 14 55 56 63
Letters to the Editor If you have any queries, mail us on tech@deenarmedia.com, and we will try to answer them in our next issue
Dear TECH team, I follow your ‘Letters to the Editor’ column and have learnt a lot from your replies. Here is my question: I want to know what .vob files are. I tried editing these files but the software I use does not recognise this format. I tried editing in Vegas and Adobe Premiere. Could you tell me which software I could use to edit these files? Thanks. Diana Dear Diana, A VOB file is a contain format for DVD Videos. It can contain video, audio, subtitle, menu and navigation contents, multiplexed together into a stream form. This format is not commonly supported by video editing software. An easier way is to convert it to a more common format and then editing it. You can try using iWisoft Video Converter. It is easy to use and is quite a capable converter. Best of all, it is free. - Ed
Hi TECH team, How do I secure the videos I upload on YouTube? I want only those whom I send the link to, to be able to view my videos.
: @techmagz Dear Editor, I have heard about hard drive partitioning. The laptop I bought recently has just two drives, C and D (which has the HP files). Should I partition my C drive or just copy stuff into it? I can’t copy or save anything into the D drive. Please help. Thanks. Minisha Dear Minisha, The reason you can’t copy anything onto the D drive is because that is your recovery partition, which is what you will need to recover your laptop in case something goes horribly wrong. Your laptop has only one hard drive with one useable partition, which subsequently also contains your operating system. Because of this, partitioning your C drive will be impossible without having to reinstall windows. If you really need another partition and do not want to pick up a secondary hard drive, I suggest you seek some professional help to reformat and reinstall windows. - Ed
Ahmed al Balushi Dear Ahmed, If you want to send someone a private video, YouTube or any other video sharing website is the wrong way to go about it. A better way would be to use WinRAR to encrypt the file with a password and then use the many number of private file transfer services available online. Just make sure you use a reputed one. The password can always be sent separately via SMS. While this may not be 100 per cent foolproof, it is definitely far safer than YouTube. - Ed Hi, I am a bit confused. When I had gone to buy a laptop I came across the specification 4GB DDR3-1066. Can you please explain what these numbers mean? I am only aware of the memory, denoted by GB. Thanks. Rosie D’Silva Dear Rosie, As you mentioned, the ‘GB’ refers to the total memory capacity of the module, in this case 4GB. The ‘DDR3’refers to the type of RAM module – a double data rate type three, a successor to the DDR2 format. Keep in mind that the different types of DDR modules are not interchangeable. The ‘1066’ represents the speed of the module. It means that the module has a data transfer speed of 1066MT/s (megatransfers per second) with an I/O bus clock speed of 533MHz. Be aware that some companies use the former number and replace the MT/s with MHz to mislead customers into thinking their RAM is faster than it actually is. - Ed
TECH NEWS
Molecules launches Micromax
Molecules launched Micromax mobiles at Emax in Muscat City Centre, Seeb, recently. It is the sole distributor of Micromax in Oman. Micromax is the largest Indian domestic mobile handset company. Their strategy focuses on innovation, designing and using the latest technologies to develop products at an affordable price. The Micromax commercial launch at Emax was held in the presence of high profile dignitaries from various business segments, along with the team and top management of Emax and Molecules. The ceremony was graced by Naresh Sharma, the DGM Operations (Landmark Group, Oman) and Tariq Mohammed al Balushi, managing director of Molecules. In an exclusive interview with Munawar
Muneer, director of Molecules, he said that very soon they were coming up with newer models of Micromax mobiles like the anaroid, 3G, touchscreen, etc. He also mentioned that Micromax has been highly appreciated and accepted by the people of Oman in all segments which has further encouraged them to get their product listed all over Oman. He added that Micromax was currently the only Indian mobile handset manufacturing company approved by TRA to offer international warranty in Oman. Molecules is one of the prominent industry leaders in bringing a wide range of products and services to the Sultanate of Oman – from shipping and logistics,
technology and pharmaceutical, retail and media, to facility management and world class services. The wide range of products and services from Molecules brings endless possibilities for its customers and facilitates the achievement of a better living standard and business excellence. Molecules has diversified interests and is organised into various subsidiaries, each an achiever, each an example to the highest ethical and professional standards. Molecules is committed to providing customers with superior products and services that fulfill their current and future needs, and optimise their resources.
Protection 2012 is here Kaspersky Lab recently announced the release of the 2012 versions of its home user products. The new versions of Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Internet Security are designed to provide Internet users with maximum protection and convenience. They incorporate the most advanced and effective protection technologies: a sandbox for launching suspicious applications, a program activity monitoring module, a script emulator, a cloud-based reputation database, a virtual keyboard, and many other features. In the 2012 versions, cloud-based technologies have been improved. The interfaces have also been improved and now feature 3D and animated graphics. 12 / TECH
Xperia PLAY, Sony Ericsson’s latest phone in its Xperia range of Android-based smartphones and the first PlayStation-certified device, is a true game-changer. With functionalities that even the most serious power users would be delighted to toy with, Xperia PLAY offers an immersive gaming experience that is unparalleled by any other device in its category in the Middle East. In portrait mode, the Android smartphone offers all the benefits that users in the Middle East have come to expect from Sony Ericsson’s existing range of Xperia smartphones. The five-megapixel autofocus camera with its brilliant four-inch 480x854 FWVGA multi-touch screen suitable for recording video offers the most convenient social networking features for the best-in-class entertainment experience. Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY is now available at HELLO (Gulf Telecommunications Co.) in Oman with six preloaded games: FIFA 10, The Sims and Tetris from EA, Star Battalion from Gameloft and Bruce Lee from Digital Legends.
Signature audio ‘harman house’, the leading retail chain in home, professional and car infotainment in the Middle East, has announced that the Quincy Jones signature line of headphones by AKG – a part of HARMAN, is now available across all of their Middle East outlets. The Quincy Jones Signature Line includes three models: the Q701 reference-class premium over-ears, the Q460 high-performance portable on-ear mini headphones and the Q350 in-ear headphones that will boast distinctive AKG-built quality and unrivalled audio engineering in an elegant, portable design. The premium headphone collection represents a milestone partnership between AKG and Quincy Jones, one of the most accomplished musicians of the 20th century.
Let there be light
Sharp’s latest in Oman
Sharp has launched its new range of air-conditioners in Muscat. Keeping itself ahead of the crowd with the addition of two of its unique technologies – the ‘all-aluminium heat-exchangers’ and ‘Plasmacluster ions’ – in its line-up of ACs, Sharp plans to enhance its product offering to the region with the addition of these new units. Available in a multitude of configurations, Sharp offers window units, split ACs, ceiling-mounted and floor-standing types. Sharp plans to introduce these ACs to the Omani market through its distributor and partner, Oman Modern Electronics, this summer. Oman Modern Electronics is part of the Al Hashar Group. The company sells all Sharp range products through its extensive network of showrooms, dealers and at all the leading hypermarkets and electronic stores.
Royal Philips Electronics reaffirms its commitment to being a leading partner in architectural lighting by staging ‘Transitions’ on 16 June at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s Hall 1, inviting engineers, architects and designers to experience at first hand the amazing effects of light. The event featured exhibits from six leading architects and lighting designers, who had been invited to design the interior of a full sized 60-feet container using Philips’ latest lighting solutions, expressing their imaginative visions for the future of light while using the containers as their exposition space. Exhibiting their lighting designs and themes were Winy Maas with the Hammock design; Fabio Novembre, ‘Post digital’; Lichtkunstlicht, ‘4 spheres’; Henning Larsen Architects, ‘I see what eye see’; BDP, ‘Life Cycle’, and Treush architects, ‘Human Battery Charger’.
Elegant functionality Canon Middle East recently launched a compact A3+ printer in its PIXMA range. With increased speed and advanced software, the affordable PIXMA iX6540 is approximately 30 per cent smaller than its predecessor, and features a stylish design requiring minimum desk space. Replacing the PIXMA iX4000, the iX6540 is ideal for advanced home and office users, offering complete functionality for everyday business tasks. The iX6540 includes five Single Inks which are individually replaceable to optimise ink usage. It features a pigment black ink for crisp, sharp text. It uses dye inks to produce exceptional quality photos. The PIXMA iX6540 has impressive ISO ESAT speeds of approximately 11.3ipm in mono, and 8.8ipm in colour. Featuring a range of superior software, the PIXMA iX6540 is a versatile and creative option for users looking for advanced functionality.
JULY 2011 / 13
Wii controller for ‘U’
Future of entertainment At E3, there was an announcement about a new way for people to find movies, games, music and other entertainment: voice search with Bing on Xbox. This opens up your living room entertainment. By combining content with the power of Bing’s deep search expertise,
At E3 this year, Nintendo introduced Wii U (to be launched in 2012), a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen. This new controller creates a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience. In singleplayer games, it can display information on its screen that does not appear on the TV. Wii U can also be used as a screen to play games when the TV is busy. The information and viewpoint can also change based on the orientation of its gyroscope. In multiplayer games, the player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV. Wii U combines motionsensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics. Nintendo kicked off its E3 Expo presentation by announcing a number of initiatives to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. Wii owners will see the arrival of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword in the 2011 holiday season.
Microsoft Tellme’s voice technology and the magic of Kinect, it provides instant access to the expansive catalogue of entertainment options on Xbox Live. When watching the movie X-Men for example, just saying ‘Xbox Bing X-Men’ will give you all the available options for the movie, music, game and other matches around those titles. Because you may have several viewing options Xbox will prioritise your choices based on what you own or the services to which you are a subscriber. Bing on Xbox will initially be available in English in the US, Canada and the UK, and with voice search in as many languages and dialects to follow in the future.
Best in gaming
Razer, the world’s leading high-end precision gaming brand, once again sets the bar for the absolute best in gaming technology with the introduction of their all-new 4G Dual Sensor System. This sensor system was built to deliver the next level competitive edge in Razer’s line-up of highly popular professional gaming mice, starting with the newest incarnations of the Razer Mamba and Razer Imperator. The 4G Dual Sensor System combines the best of both worlds – an optical and a laser sensor, to deliver twice the level of tracking precision. By allowing calibration of mouse to the surface you’re using, it is primed to optimally track your swipes more rapidly and accurately for the best in-game performance you can actually feel. It also lets you determine the cut-off height for tracking to stop when the mouse is lifted from the surface. With a slew of new features like two sensors in one system, surface calibration, lift-off distance customisation, and ten times faster surface detection than any sensor from the previous generation, the 4G Dual Sensor System in the new Razer Mamba and Razer Imperator reaffirm these gaming mice as unrivalled benchmarks for weapons of superior competitive-grade performance.
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Steel yourself for the fun SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of professional gaming peripherals announced a co-branding partnership with Blizzard Entertainment on the SteelSeries Diablo III family of products. The Diablo III mouse, headset, and two QcK mouse pads – Witch Doctor and Barbarian Editions, were codesigned with technology, hardware, and illumination features that support the look and feel of the third installment of Blizzard Entertainment’s highly anticipated Diablo series. The SteelSeries Diablo III mouse features a laser sensor with up to 5,000CPI, seven ergonomically positioned buttons that can survive relentless punishment with a guaranteed lifespan of ten million clicks. The SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse’s MSRP will be USD69.99 (approximately RO27). The headset has an over-the-head suspension design that provides players with closed-type, leather earcups keeping the outside world out and the game sound in. The Headset MSRP will be USB119.99 (approximately RO46). To accompany the SteelSeries Diablo III mouse, players can choose between two high-quality, cloth mouse pad designs. The Barbarian Edition and the Witch Doctor Edition will have a USD14.99 MSRP (approximately RO6).
Official Vita Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) as the official platform name for the next generation portable entertainment system. The Wi-Fi model will be available for USD249 (approximately RO95), and 3G/Wi-Fi model for USD299 (approximately RO115), with a launch in the global market starting the end of 2011.
PS Vita incorporates a beautiful five-inch multitouch organic light emitting diode (OLED) as the front display and a unique multi-touch pad on the rear. It offers new gameplay experiences, allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimension-like motion, through ‘touch, grab, trace, push and pull’ finger motions. SCE will vigorously promote PS Vita towards the launch as the next generation portable entertainment platform and work towards expanding the portable gaming market.
Expanding the world of 3D Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that it will release a 24-inch 3D Display available this fall in Japan, North America, Europe or PAL territories, and Asian regions. For North America, the 3D Display comes bundled with 3D glasses, an HDMI cable and the highly anticipated Resistance 3 title from Insomniac Games for PlayStation 3 (PS3) at an attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of USD499.99 (approximately RO192). The 3D glasses included in the 3D Display bundle will also be sold separately at RRP of USD69.99 (approximately RO27) in the USA. Through the introduction of this new product, PS3 users will have easy access to all of their 3D entertainment by simply connecting PS3 to the 3D Display. It supports several 3D formats and offers a broad range of other attractive features, including full highdefinition display, a special feature for two-player mode, high quality sound, and lastly, a sleek design. With the introduction of new peripherals, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation.
JULY 2011 / 15
Flying chandelier
Flying chandelier Dream player Audiophiles have always been a finicky bunch when it comes to portable media players, but Colorfly hopes to change their minds with the Pocket Hi-Fi C4 Pro. Fashioned out of black walnut, the gold-plated internals of this player are smarter than your average iPod, resulting in richer details that should satisfy even the most pedantic of listeners. Naturally you’ll need to load this up-market music box with lossless formats for any noticeable effect, and we’re pretty certain your typical white ear buds won’t cut the mustard either. If you’ve got a high standard for all things musical as well as a spare GBP430 (approximately RO268) then prepare yourself for a portable listening experience like no other.
Safe watch Only in Japan can you get the Polimaster PM1208M Geiger counter wristwatch, and it is obvious why this is going to be a best-seller in that part of the world, what with the nuclear plant being torn apart due to the tsunami and earthquake that happened in March. As you can tell by its name, this timepiece comes with a built-in Geiger counter that lets you know just how much radioactivity is present where you are.
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A Dutch designer, Jeroen Verhoeven, recently came up with a beautifully designed chandelier made up of 500 butterflies. Each of them was cut from sapphire blue photovoltaic cells. Called the Virtue of Blue, the chandelier is a self-sustaining device. Four different breeds of butterflies flutter around a hand-blown glass bulb, collecting the sun’s energy by day to power the lamp at night. It’s a stunning combination of art and renewable energy all in one amazing chandelier. On display now at London Gallery, the Virtue of Blue measures 144x144x162mm in size and is composed of caesium solar cells, a hand-blown glass bulb, and steel and aluminium structural elements. A wonder of electrical engineering, art and fabrication, Virtue of Blue is more than a piece of eco art or even a practical light fixture – it is work that gives testament to the power of nature and sustainability.
Struck mute Mutewatch AB’s eponymous sort of anti-watch, a personal vibrating time management wristband, equipped with a hidden touch-activated LED display, became available for pre-order back in August 2010. The wait is now over as retail availability is slotted for July. Although our mobile phones can do pretty much the same thing as this USD259 (approximately RO100) timepiece, you are bound to get addicted to its looks.
‘Green’ washing
Meet the Kingfisher portable washing machine designed by Robert Forrester. It’s a pretty good concept and design. Ideally you could bring it with you the next time you go camping and never worry about not having clean clothes to wear. It’s portable and is manually operated. But that’s probably not what Robert Forrester had in mind when he designed the machine. It was designed with urban Bangladesh in mind because apparently local residents will have to go to a canal or river to source their water which can sometimes prove to be dirty or filled with harmful chemicals. Thanks to the built-in powerful ceramic water filter, all sediments and bacteria present in water are eradicated.
Flexible computing The Flexbook was created by Taiwan-based designer Hao-Chun Huang for entry into Fujitsu’s 2011 Design Award contest. It’s basically a foldable netbook that can also be used as a tablet. The design is supposed to be waterproof. The Flexbook would have a 21:9 11-inch folding screen and is designed to be portable. The keyboard could also fold up and can be deployed whenever needed. It would convert from netbook into a tablet and e-book reader when the keyboard is stowed. The design also calls for swappable rubber skins, which will allow for further customisation.
To fill the machine, the user will have to place the hose into the water and use the pump to get the water into the barrel. The handle is used to rotate the drum that causes necessary agitation to remove dirt from garments. After washing the clothes the water is shifted to the base through a grill and is further filtered and collected through an outlet, and surprisingly the water is supposed to be clean enough to be used for cooking and bathing. Talk about going green.
Air for the rich The S-Exclusiv is an air purifier that is adorned with over 20,000 Swarovski crystals, taking a team of three people ten days to make. The S-Exclusiv is a collaboration between Airfree and Galeries Lafayette, Dubai. Like any other purifier they kill mould spores, bacteria and viruses. But unlike any other they also destroy your bank account and showcase the trademark element of bling that is quintessentially Dubai. The pricing starts at USD1,225 (approximately RO470) for the low end and USD8,700 (approximately RO3,350) for the high end (the one adorned with the most crystals).
JULY 2011 / 17
photography
Making memories Sony’s HX7V and TX10 offer creative possibilities Innovations in camera technology should help fire up the imagination of the photographer. Today point-and-shoot cameras seem to offer a lot more creative
possibilities, including features that can only be expected in DSLRs. Sony’s latest Cyber-shot digital cameras, the HX7V and TX10, sport 16.2MP Exmor R CMOS
image sensor, delivering fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity. The two cameras also sport three-inch XtraFine LCD technology.
Sony DSC-HX7V The HX7V features 3D still image and 3D Sweep Panorama capabilities. With Superior Auto mode the camera can intelligently detect 33 scenes for still images and 44 scenes for movies, making it easy to get the best shot. The HX7V has the ability to blur the background, emphasising on the subject.
Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help prevent blur
Other important features include an integrated GPS receiver and compass
The Sony 10x optical zoom G lens is great for outdoor, sport and travel shots
Sony DSC-TX10 The TX10 Cyber-shot digital camera is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof. You can capture expansive landscapes with the one-touch iSweep Panorama. Similar to the HX7V, the TX10 has Superior Auto mode which intelligently detects scenes for still images and movies
Sony DSC-HX7V
Effective Pixels Display Optical Zoom Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
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16.2MP Three-inch XtraFine LCD 10x 101.6x57.6x28.6mm 208g
Sony DSC-TX10
16.2MP Three-inch XtraFine LCD 4x 95.6x56.1x17.9mm 118g
The built-in backlight correction analyses the image and automatically adjusts to give you a perfectly lit shot
Chic companion The V-Lux 30 is characterised by its style and three-inch LCD touchscreen Leica Camera recently announced a new digital compact camera – the V-Lux 30. Featuring a 15.1MP sensor, it has a Leica DC VarioElmar lens with an extended range of focal lengths. A new LCD touchscreen display that guarantees fast and simple handling adorns the camera. It has automatic features and manual setting options. The integrated GPS function and video recording in 1,080i makes the V-Lux 30 the ideal companion for all life’s moments.
The Leica DC Vario-Elmar 16x zoom lens has an extended range of focal lengths, supporting the V-Lux 30 in covering a wide range of photographic opportunities – from wideangle and macro shots to long-distance shots
Leica V-Lux 30
Effective Pixels Display Optical Zoom Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight
14.1MP Three-inch TFT LCD, Touchscreen 4x 104.9x57.6x33.4mm 219g
With the integrated GPS function, the camera records the geographical coordinates of the location and the local time for every shot and saves them in the Exif data of the image files
The newly developed 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor allows one to capture image sequences with the camera’s fast, continuous shooting mode, enabling consecutive burst shooting
Many camera features can be controlled by simply touching the screen, thanks to the V-Lux 30’s three-inch LCD touchscreen
JULY 2011 / 19
Step into the world of DSLR photography with the EOS 1100D With Canon’s Basic+ technology employed in the EOS 1100D, the look and feel of the basic auto modes can be tuned according to the ambience and lighting. For example, theme-based scene modes automatically pick the most suitable exposure, focus and drive-mode settings for the subject being photographed, while Creative Auto mode portrays adjustable functions. Low-light shooting without flash is also possible thanks to the EOS 1100D’s ISO 100-6,400 sensitivity range. With nine AF points the camera focuses accurately on static and moving subjects. Advanced iFCL exposure metering dissects a scene into 63 zones before analysing it to find the perfect combination of shutter speed, aperture and ISO.
One of the major features of the 1100D is that it is supported by the complete range of EOS lenses and accessories, including flashguns, remote releases and a system of more than 60 lenses
The camera’s 14-bit DIGIC 4 image processor provides up to 3.2fps continuous shooting; it also helps control noise and maintains image quality
Canon EOS 1100D
Effective Pixels Image Processor Display Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
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12.2MP DIGIC 4 2.7-inch TFT LCD 129.9x99.7x77.9mm 495g
The camera has an intuitive on-screen Feature Guide that provides descriptions of many of the camera’s functions, as well as advice on how to use them in your photography
The 1100D sports a 2.7-inch 230,000dot LCD screen that provides access to the camera’s menu system and Quick Control Screen
All about angles Take a compositional chance; you just might get the perfect shot The point-and-shoot generation is sometimes at a disadvantage when trying to take a great photo, because just finding the nearest viewpoint and pushing
the shutter button will hardly result in a great image. Viewpoint is the key to a great composition when shooting. You should always be aware of your position
in relation to the subject or object of interest. Here are a few basic tips on having the perfect location, a great viewpoint and a unique angle.
Use your feet by trying variations and moving around the location with your camera to your eye and see if there are any other viewpoints that will improve the image, like lying down on your back or climbing a tree or nearby staircase – shooting from low down or high up gives a completely different perspective compared to a front and centre shot
When planning a shoot, do a little research, especially if you are going to a new location – know what to expect and where the elements will fit in the final image
You can try tilting the camera – this works well with good angle changes
Even with the perfect location, a great viewpoint and a unique angle, if the subject is too far away the image can look a little average; get in closer and fill the frame with more of your subject
Take compositional chances such as shooting without looking through your viewfinder – swing your camera around by the strap with the timer on; hold it high above your head or down at your ankles
Magical nights
Basic tips that will have you creating exciting photos at night
Use a tripod as this is the best way to ensure that the low-light photos are sharp Use the camera’s Aperture Mode setting. By controlling the
aperture, you allow the camera to select any shutter speed it requires for the proper exposure: point-and-shoot digital cameras with smaller sensors should produce sharp images with an F:4 aperture setting
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Use Remote Shutter Control as this eliminates any chance of vibration caused by manually clicking the shutter with your hand
Set White Balance to Daylight as this setting will preserve the vivid sunset colours without attempting to adjust them
Shoot in the best light when there is still a bit of colour in the sky; the half hour before, during and just after sunset can be great times to shoot
audio zone
Realistically superior Philips HTS3580 brings the power of the cinema into the house A compact design that fits anywhere, Philips HTS3580 comes with a sleek high gloss finishing and unique touch controls. Designed to enhance the living space, HDMI 1,080p upscaling is one of the features of the HTS3580. This helps deliver images that are crystal clear and so, movies in standard definition can now be enjoyed in true high definition resolution. To top it off, HDMI makes a direct digital connection that can carry uncompressed digital HD video as well as digital multi-channel audio without conversions to analogue, resulting in good picture and sound quality, free from noise.
HTS3580’s Active 3D technology uses the latest generation of fast switching displays, letting you enjoy depth and realism in full 1,920x1,080 HD resolution
The HTS3580 plays any media format – 3D Blu-ray discs, DVDs, VCDs, CDs or USB devices
Blu-ray delivers uncompressed surround sound; in combination with the powerful speakers with bass pipes you can enjoy immersive audio experience
Power Consumption Total Power (RMS) Set Dimensions (WxHxD) Available at
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Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential complete the high definition entertainment experience
Philips HTS3580
100W 1,000W 360x58x351mm Mustafa Sultan Electronics, 24636015
The R4i is small in design and big on sound Vita Audio R4i is a traditional music centre, though one designed and engineered for the 21st century. Most compact systems use amplifier chipsets for simplicity and cost, but the R4i was developed with its own Class A-B amplifiers using discrete component technology. With no wires to worry about other than a power lead, simply plug the R4i in and within minutes you’ll have sound that will satisfy even the most discerning listener.
The elegant slot-loading CD player plays music CDs encoded with MP3 or WMA music files
The rear panel has two pairs of high-quality gold-plated phono sockets – the first provides output for recording or hook-up to a secondary system and the second provides an additional input for the permanent connection of a MP3 player, TV or DVD
On the front panel a headphone socket is provided along with an AUX line input allowing easy connection of a MP3 player or any other audio device
The R4i is easy to operate – select the mode you require on the RotoDial interface to control all functions; you can detach the RotoDial and use it as a hand-held remote-control
Silvery sound Meet the EarSet 3i, the latest headphone design from luxury Danish hi-fi brand Bang & Olufsen. It’s a dual-ear bud version of the EarSet 1 Mobile, the company’s ergonomic over-the-ear headset made from silver aluminium and a light rubber earpiece. The remote on the EarSet 3i incorporates three separate buttons for volume adjustment and they can also be used to navigate through song titles on your iPhone, iPod or iPad. As with all B&O products, the USD250 (approximately RO96) price for these headphones reflects an attention to quality, comfort and top design. JULY 2011 / 25
mobile zone
Malcolm X. Crasta gives you an in-depth review of the new Micromax Bling 2 Micromax was launched in Oman just over two months back and is already doing pretty well. The Bling 2 (or the A55) is the latest Android phone from Micromax and is aimed squarely at the female crowd. It should have hit the market by the time you read this article.
Look and Feel Obviously Micromax has gone for the whole ‘Glossy Girl’ look for the Bling 2, and to an extent it works well. The pearl white colour used is classy and its shape is very reminiscent of the smaller Samsung Corby and Galaxy Mini, which is to say quite attractive. We feel that the Swarovski crystals are a bit flashy and we are not too fond of the recessed earpiece but that is a matter of personal taste. The build quality feels sturdy, which is clearly visible when you take out the robust back cover. It even has a nice weight to it without feeling too heavy. Overall, it looks and feels more expensive than it truly is.
Hardware, functionality and ease of use The Bling 2 is powered by a 600MHz processor and runs Android 2.2 (Froyo). While this is the previous generation of Android, it is an OS that has proven to be user-friendly and stable. Also the processor is more than adequate to run the OS without any hitches. Seeing the similarity between the hardware, we decided to run a test and see how well it stands up to the Galaxy Mini (also running Froyo). As you can see from the table, the results were almost identical. The OS itself is standard Android stuff, without any sort of window dressing on it. To be honest, Android on its own is a very intuitive interface and has no real
need for a custom interface. Installing Apps is a breeze and we had no problems getting the phone online to do so. On the same note, the phone is quite capable of Web browsing. Only the absence of flash support was a letdown. The phone does not have a front facing camera but comes with a 3MP snapper in the back which is quite capable in daylight. But low light photography is not advisable, especially since the phone lacks a dedicated flash. Also, quite surprisingly, the phone does not allow you to take snaps without the use of a MicroSD card.
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This will force you to pick one up since the package doesn’t include one either. That said, you might want to get a card anyway because the phone only has 150MB of space built in, which will without a doubt, get filled quite fast. Besides, MicroSD cards aren’t really that expensive anyway and are readily available. Browsing through media isn’t a problem since the phone has decent levels of format support for music and videos. And there are a lot of apps available for free on the Android Marketplace for those that are not supported.
Benchmark results Test Linpack Nenamark2 Real Pi Quadrant
Micromax Bling 2 7.118 8.4 6.66 535
Samsung Galaxy Mini 7.358 8.8 6.67 552
Disclaimer: The Samsung Galaxy Mini is used strictly for performance benchmarking purposes only, due to the similarities in hardware and OS, and the results should not be considered as our review of the phone.
The display The Bling 2 has a 2.8-inch capacitive multi-touch LCD with a resolution of 240x360. This is in tune with what you might expect of a phone in this segment. We didn’t face any real problems with the response or its functionality. It worked smoothly regardless of apps or Internet browsing. Only full-qwerty vertical typing can be hard due to the smaller sized screen. It is also useable in bright sunlight. Only its brightness leaves something to be desired.
Conclusion The Bling 2 is a capable android device. It offers decent performance, features and functionality at an extremely competitive price. It even comes with a very comprehensive package, which includes pink coloured headphones and a high-quality clutch, and looks that will surely appeal to ladies. Not to mention it is very well built too.
Micromax Bling 2
OS Processor Speed Display Camera
Android 2.2 Froyo 600MHz 2.8-inch 262K QVGA (240x320) multi-touch capacitive LCD 3MP
Memory
Internal: 150MB MicroSD card support up to 32GB 107x59x14mm RO65-75 Molecules, 24482357
Dimensions Price Range Available at
JULY 2011 / 27
The new-born Galaxy Ace combines elegance with technology Samsung’s series of Android-based Galaxy handsets span the smartphone spectrum, from entry-level ones like the Mini to the dual-core Galaxy S2. The Ace is a newcomer that brings sophistication to the market with its slim, rounded edges. It provides access to about 100,000 applications available in the Android Market. It offers a fully integrated single-page layout of the phone book, IM, email and SNS. It lets you manage and view your contacts in four separate formats – Info, History, Activities and Media. You can also customise the layout the way you want. The smartphone is equipped with a powerful 800MHz processor and Wi-Fi, letting you surf the Web, download applications quickly and share content with friends
The Ace features Quicktype by SWYPE – an intelligent interface that connects the dots your fingers make, trying to figure out what you are writing
Other features 1. Voice Search allows you to
speak your search queries instead of typing
2. ThinkFree lets you view, edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents
Black beauty The Optimus Black smartphone from LG boasts a crisp, clear screen that gives maximum brightness and better outdoor visibility even under direct sunlight. The phone is powered by Android 2.2 Froyo and can be upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It sports a 5MP back camera and a 2MP front-facing camera.
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Samsung Ace GT-S5830
Display Camera Connectivity Dimensions
3.5-inch HVGA TFT Screen 5MP, 2x Digital Zoom Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi 801.11 b / g / n 112.4x59.9x11.5mm
Weight
113g
video zone
Making the right choice With improvements in television technology over the years, buying one can sometimes be overwhelming
With the month of Ramadan looming in the near future, there are a lot of offers in the electronics stores in the city. But when you reach the stores in search of a good television, you are sometimes quite stymied with the choices on offer – the choice of different technologies and size, for example. Well, we have tried to give you a heads up on the different technologies available in the market today – LCD, Plasma and LED. The Plasma and LCD technology has improved greatly over the past few years. Viewing angle, contrast ratio and colour reproduction are some of the most important features to consider. To help make your buying decision easy, we have tried to tabulate the basic differences between the three technologies. Conclusion: If cost is your biggest concern, then LCDs offer the cheapest possible pricing of the three types of screens. However, if you are looking at gaming or high-speed motion performance, and the best performance-to-price ratio, Plasmas are your best bet. For those interested in power-saving and looks, go in for LEDs.
SPECIFICATION VIEWING ANGLE CONTRAST RATIO
LCD TV Suffers from colour shift and loss of brightness Inferior contrast to both Plasma and LED-Backlit TV
Worst colour reproduction because of backlight restrictions POWER CONSUMPTION Average power consumption THICKNESS / WEIGHT Lighter and thinner than similarly sized plasmas MOTION Can refresh on an average at a 100Hz, so motion blur is possible in high-speed shots
COLOUR REPRODUCTION
AVERAGE SCREEN SIZE PRICE VS SCREEN SIZE
19 to 70 inches LCD technology is currently taking a backseat, so standard LCD panels are quite cheap
PLASMA TV Best viewing angles overall
LED-BACKLIT TV Better viewing angles than LCD
Best because they can shut down individual clusters completely
Full-backlit LEDs come close to matching Plasmas for contrast; Edge-lit LEDs cannot match fullbacklit LEDs RGB LED backlight offers a larger colour gamut than traditional LCD screens Consumes the least power Thinnest and lightest
Produce the best colours overall, but the difference is marginal Consumes the most power Heavier overall Have an inherent advantage in displaying fast motion free of blur and jitter 42 to 65 inches Plasmas are cheaper than similarly sized LCDs and LEDs, making them the best price-toperformance bargain; drawback is that the pixel resolution forces you to go for larger screen sizes if you want full HD
Motion video capabilities are based on LCD panel used, but recent technological advances have greatly improved motion video 19 to 70 inches Command higher prices than similarly sized LCDs
JULY 2011 / 29
3D sophistication The new BRAVIA line-up from Sony delivers Internet functionality, enhanced 2D and 3D viewing, and smart connectivity features Sony Gulf has redefined home entertainment to meet the needs of people in today’s world. The global consumer electronics giant’s new strategy for its television range meets
The line-up, featuring Sony’s industryleading full HD 3D picture quality, is a perfect way to experience high quality 3D; Sony’s Active Shutter 3D glasses are rechargeable and lightweight, offering comfort and minimising flicker, enabling viewers to enjoy an immersive, full HD 3D experience for hours
the contemporary connected lifestyle. The 2011 BRAVIA LCD and LED TV series offers smarter, sophisticated social entertainment. The TV line-up includes 11 full HD 3D
The new X-Reality PRO Picture Engine and X-Reality Picture Engine is designed to optimise and process incoming content
models and 19 Internet connected models. In all, the range features 24 TVs that are available across Jumbo Showrooms and other leading electronics stores in Oman.
Sony’s Motionflow XR also helps reduce blur caused by quick movements and enhances image sharpness
Connecting the Android-enabled Sony Ericsson Arc to the TV via HDMI cable allows users to view all content saved on the phone, make PowerPoint presentations and browse the Internet using the phone keyboard; select VAIO notebooks can also be connected for easy remote typing
Connectivity Wi-Fi connectivity is extended throughout the 19 models featured in the latest BRAVIA range. Users can connect to an optional USB Wi-Fi adapter that enables access to cablefree connections and online entertainment. Most TVs also feature DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct for quick and easy sharing of photos, music and movies from anywhere in the home. The range can wirelessly share media content on compatible devices such as PCs, the iPhone, and Android phones like the Sony Ericsson Arc and PlayStation 3 consoles. 30 / TECH
The sophisticated BRAVIA HX and NX Series sports a monolithic design; an optional display stand with an Active Speaker System is also available with select BRAVIA HX series models
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Revolutionary entertainer Home entertainment has risen above juke boxes and CDs
W
hen electronics started invading our lives the whole concept of home entertainment changed. Via different media, people now have immediate access to every kind of electronic entertainment within the comforts of their homes. From the latest DVD players, radios to the wireless Internet connection that offers the convenience of mobility, advancement in technology has gifted us with loads of home entertainment options.
While radios, LPs and television made a permanent place in everyone’s home, the quality of sound in those times required tremendous development. Good sound systems and speakers stared to develop only in the mid 1970s. Various technologies were discovered to enhance the quality of sound. And with the music genres like rock, pop and discos coming into being, there was an urgent requirement for good quality sound systems. And so, the electronic giants did not stop producing recorders and put more emphasis on amplifying and equalising the sound to give it a new dimension. Good quality sound systems were specially designed and created for homes. Woofers and subwoofers along with various amplifiers, equalisers and multi channel audio were being used to produce crisp stereophonic sounds. However, this concept took a back seat when CD and DVD players came into existence.
Introduction to Blu-ray Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a new optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world’s leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson).
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With the invention of DVDs and a major development in the visual media such as Plasma and Liquid Crystal Display or LCD in the late 90s, home entertainment got its technical dimension. With it, the meaning of home entertainment changed significantly with more and more people installing the home theatre systems with newest gadgets and technologies. But the innovations did not end there. From the days of the VHS tapes DVDs brought us significantly better picture and sound, as well as scene by scene access and extras like director’s commentary. And it all came in a durable, easy to store format. However, it still lacked true High Definition playback and recording capability. The solution to this problem was Blu-ray. It was the only viable high definition disc-based format for commercial content releases. Blu-ray uses blue laser and video compression technology to achieve high definition video playback on the same size disc as a standard DVD. And so, with the popularity of High Definition Televisions (HDTVs), Blu-ray players and discs, there is another wave of innovation in the home entertainment industry now.
The BD can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc; this extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs offers consumers an unprecedented HD experience
The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data, offering more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs
LG BD570 The BD570 is attractive and high tech with its glossy front panel. It is capable of internally decoding lossless codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and you have the option of sending it via HDMI as lossless bitstream or PCM. LG Blu-ray
Key features Wi-Fi DLNA Multi Playback 1,080p full HD upscaling USB Plus AVCHD BD Live Profile 2.0
players support wireless-LAN (802.11b/g/n) as well as wired-LAN (10/100Mbps). Gracenote’s MusicID-Stream allows you to hear a song playing in a movie or TV show by pressing a button on the remote control. Gracenote then returns information on the
song, such as artist and genre, along with album cover art. Photos or personal videos scattered throughout the home on PCs or digital cameras can be imported via the USB or Ethernet port to create an organised library of personal memories.
DLNA allows movies, photos and music files stored on your PC to be displayed on your TV screen wirelessly
LG BD570 supports a variety of media formats including MKV and DivX HD and so you can enjoy all your favourite contents in brilliant quality
With BD Live Profile 2.0, the player can be connected directly to the Internet to download additional content
Streaming features LG’s major strength is in networking features and streaming media services. With its own NetCast Entertainment Access you can get instant streaming from websites like Netflix and YouTube. To take full advantage of the Blu-ray format, the BD570 also provides convenient access to BD Live, which offers a wide variety of content, such as movie scene extras, new previews and the ability to read synopses and rate movies. Also included are Bonus View features that provide picture-in-picture access to Blu-ray Disc special features, allowing you to toggle between your favourite movie scenes and bonus features on the disc.
Blu-ray discs versus DVDs Even though they are the same size and shape as DVDs, everything about Blu-ray discs has been redesigned: 1. New laser technology for greater capacity: Blu-ray uses blue lasers, which have a narrower beam than the red lasers in DVDs, giving them up to five times the capacity of DVDs in the same sized disc. 2. Different materials: Blu-ray discs are made of a harder, much more scratch-resistant plastic for better reliability. 3. Advanced video compression: The information stored on Blu-ray discs uses the latest video compression, packing more information into the same space without noise or video artefacts in the picture.
JULY 2011 / 33
Panasonic DMP-BDT300 Expect something different with the DMPBDT300. With a sleek dark grey finish and a hint of colour on the bottom part, the layout of this Blu-ray player is minimalistic, with the display on the right. Panasonic DMP-BDT300 is a full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc
player with the processing performance improved to support the frame sequential method used in full HD 3D. It reproduces the original image quality of 3D movies. PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology
Reproduces the original image quality of 3D movies with the new UniPhier image processor
Beyond the disc 1. The latest Blu-ray players are designed to take advantage of the Internet, with special Internet-connected features on certain discs, and support of video streaming and other apps 2. Types of supported apps include news and weather apps from sources such as the BBC; support for the applications, however, depends on the make and model of the player. 3. There is a big benefit in picture quality if you are watching Blu-ray on any HDTV 4. When buying a Blu-ray player for a slightly older HDTV ensure that your player and TV have matching connections
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developed by Panasonic to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces colour data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems to keep colours sharp.
With Adaptive High Precision 4:4:4, the DMP-BDT300 has a more vibrant, smooth colour reproduction With the HDMI Jitter Purifier, the player lets you experience music with sound faithful to the original
Audio boost The DMP-BDT300 enhances some of the HDMI features to improve on the audio quality. The Twin HDMI feature can be used to add audio systems that are not compatible with 3D content so they can enjoy a nice boost to the audio signal. Playing music on the DMP-BDT-300 is also ideal, thanks to the HDMI Jitter Purifier which dramatically reduces the jitter errors during HDMI transfers so Blu-ray discs have maximum sound potential. Ordinary DVDs can be ‘upconverted’ to HD as well using the new P4HD Enhanced Full HD Upsampling.
Philips BDP3200 This sleek player lets you enjoy the Bluray cinematic experience at home. Bluray discs have the capacity to carry high definition data, along with pictures, in the 1,920x1,080 resolution. Images are
crystal clear and the Blu-ray also delivers uncompressed surround sound. The high storage capacity of Blu-ray discs allows a host of interactive possibilities to be built in. Seamless navigation during playback
The USB 2.0 provides better performance with a data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps from the original; simply plug in your USB portable devices or hard disk drives, select the movie, music or photo and play
DivX Plus HD offers the latest in DivX technology to let you enjoy HD videos and movies from the Internet direct to your HDTV or PC; it supports the playback of DivX Plus content (H.264 HD video with high-quality AAC audio in an MKV file container) while also supporting previous versions of DivX video up to 1,080p
Master audio DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD deliver 7.1 channels of the finest sound from your Blu-ray discs. Audio reproduced is virtually indistinguishable from the studio master, so you can now hear what the creators intended for you to hear.
Live content BD-Live opens up your world of high definition further. You can receive up-to-date content just by connecting your Blu-ray Disc player to the Internet. This will get you access to exciting new things like exclusive downloadable content, live events, live chats, gaming and on-line shopping.
and other exciting features such as pop-up menus bring a whole new dimension to home entertainment. With 24 frames-persecond video, you can now enjoy sensational cinema-like high definition images.
You can now enjoy a huge collection of online videos on a large screen – ensure that your Blu-ray player is connected to the Internet, either wirelessly or by cables, then sit back and enjoy the best of YouTube
Better in Blu-ray Better Picture: Blu-ray discs produce the best possible picture quality for an HDTV, with seven times the resolution of a DVD. Everything looks sharper – details such as skin and hair, patterns on clothing and even faces of people in the background can appear sharp. Blu-ray discs provide far more accurate colour which creates richer, more lifelike pictures. Better Sound: Blu-ray has taken the home surround sound capabilities to another level. Its high capacity format allows for more depth of sound and better support for additional speakers. Some of the new surround sound formats supported on Blu-ray, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, are basically identical to the original sound sent to theatres.
JULY 2011 / 35
Samsung bd-d5500 The BD-D5500 lets you wirelessly stream content to your TV and other devices. The slim, simple design, high gloss finish and integrated blue
disc lighting effect makes it a stylish addition to any home. Whether you are viewing a premium-quality 2D picture or seeing incredible 3D depth, images are
breathtakingly real in Samsung Full HD. Combined with a 3D TV and 3D active shutter glasses, you can now enjoy your favourite 3D titles.
Smart player Samsung Smart Blu-ray players allow you to easily search for movies, TV shows, explore Samsung apps and find many other types of new interactive content. With a growing collection of premium apps specifically
built for your TV, Samsung Apps connects you to your favourite digital content such as videos from YouTube and social updates from Facebook or Twitter. A Search All feature enables you to find videos or files
on both apps and other connected devices via AllShare DLNA Technology. The Your Video recommendation engine suggests movies you might like from your video-ondemand services.
Key features
Sharing technology The AllShare feature lets you sync up many of your DLNA-enabled digital devices so you can access music, movies and photos right on your TV screen through a Samsung Blu-ray player. Files on your PC, camera
and mobile devices can wirelessly and effortlessly be made available right on your TV. The Samsung BD-D5500 requires a Link Stick to wirelessly connect to the Internet or DLNA devices.
HDMI CEC Samsung Apps BD Wise Dolby Digital Decoder Dolby Digital Plus Decoder Dolby TrueHD Decoder DTS 2D and 3D in Full HD 1,080p Ultra-fast Play Wi-Fi Ready
The right choice High definition audio: High-resolution audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are lossless and deliver studio-type sound. Most Blu-ray players can pass high-resolution audio via bitstream over HDMI to audio-video receivers, but only the latest receivers have the needed decoders and HDMI inputs. Standard-definition performance: Blu-ray players can play standard-definition discs, but not all of them play these DVDs equally well. Consider this if you own a large collection of standard-definition DVDs.
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Firmware updates: Most Blu-ray players can accept firmware updates, and manufacturers use that capability to fix performance issues or to add new features to players after they reach consumers. Players with Ethernet or wireless connections are the easiest to update as they can fetch updates directly from the Internet. Another way will be to download the updates to your PC and burn them on a DVD, which you can then insert into the player. HDTV: For the best viewing you’ll need an HDTV with 1,080p resolution. Many HDTVs
only have 720p resolution, so HD images will be scaled down to fit the television’s available pixels. The image, however, is still HD with amazing picture quality. Network connection: BD-Live-compliant players need a connection to the Internet to fetch additional disc content and features. One solution is a wireless link to your Internet router, which many fullfeatured Blu-ray Disc players now include. Budget Blu-ray players, however, require a hardwire connection, though some do offer an external Wi-Fi radio as an extra-cost accessory.
Sony BDP-S480 With the BDP-S480 you can now watch Full HD 1,080p Blu-ray Disc movies even in 3D. Just connect to your home network and instantly stream movies, TV shows, videos and music from YouTube and many more. You
can also download the free Media Remote app and turn your iPhone, iPad or compatible Android phone into a versatile remote control. This free app lets you search for additional information about the movie you’re
A perfect complement to any home theatre, the BDP-S480 is ready for the future of home entertainment; watch Blu-ray 3D movies or standard Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1,080p
Gracenote Metadata Service with Cross Search gives you access to detailed information about the movies you are watching and lets you search across Internet apps to find additional related entertainment
Now Streaming Using your home broadband Internet connection, you can instantly stream a wide variety of movies, TV shows, live sports, videos and music. Outfitted with PartyStreaming technology, you can add Sony HomeShare network speakers and pop in your favourite CD or stream music to any room of your home. You can also enjoy media files on your TV, as this Blu-ray player lets you access videos, photos and music stored on your DLNA-Certified devices using your home network.
watching on YouTube, Wikipedia, Twitter and many BRAVIA Internet Video services. Add compatible HomeShare network speakers and enjoy multi-room wireless audio streaming throughout your home.
Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD (Master Audio and High Resolution Audio) codecs reproduce high definition sound with 7.1 channels so you can enjoy uncompromised audio
With Quick Start/Quick Load, you can begin enjoying your entertainment faster than ever
DVDs can still live Blu-ray Player manufacturers have included the ability for their units to playback standard DVDs and this is expected to continue. This means your current DVD library is playable on a Blu-ray Disc player. Also, when playing a standard DVD in a Blu-ray Disc player, you can view it at standard resolution or have the player upscale the DVD playback signal to match 720p or 1,080i, or in some cases, 1,080p mode, which will be a better match on compatible HDTVs. JULY 2011 / 37
interview
Green steps
Eleven trophies and counting… George Alexander is proud of his team at Omasco
A
n engineer with an MBA, George Alexander has been an integral part of the consumer industry for almost 20 years now. He started his career in India in 1991, and is now the general manager, retail, engineering and distribution, at Oman Marketing and Services Co. (Omasco). It’s been almost seven years since he landed in Oman in 2004, and George has been with the company since then. A man who loves to read a lot, George makes sure he sets time aside for his books, magazines and newspapers. “I 38 / TECH
also like to keep in touch with the latest in technology,” he adds. He loves spending time with his wife and two children. Although he loves to travel during the holidays, he loves this country. Talking about Omasco, George explains that the automobile and the electronics division form the two pillars of the company. “Both the divisions complement each other and have helped us through the difficult years of recession,” he admits. Panasonic, which holds the number one position in almost 11 product categories
in the Oman market, is already part of the company’s portfolio. But Omasco will soon be starting the marketing of the Yamaha brand in the country. “This will be a new experience for consumers here. We will open an exclusive Yamaha showroom as well.” George talks about Panasonic’s USP in the Oman market. “Panasonic offers good quality products to the consumer at various price bands. This makes their products affordable to every segment of consumers. Coupled with this is the wide distribution network of Omasco, and a reputable and dependable after-sales service.”
With companies taking a lot of initiatives in ‘going green’, Omasco hasn’t been far behind. Panasonic recently won the prestigious ‘Public Choice’ award for the company that has taken the maximum number of Green Initiatives in Oman. “Panasonic has declared its strategy worldwide – it wants to be the number one environment-friendly electronics company. There have been various steps taken towards achieving this goal, including the bringing in of products manufactured with non-hazardous material. It saves energy. “Omasco has also initiated lots of ‘green’ activities. The major one was to educate children about the need for environment conservation. We had the ‘Eco Diary’ competition, where the winner was sent to Japan and Dubai. We will be repeating this competition in 2011,” he adds. Another initiative in all the Omasco-owned showrooms is the replacement of the plastic shopping bags with biodegradeable ones. “We are supporting the environment clubs in various schools as well, and this would go a long way in educating our next generation,” George says proudly. And with Omasco’s largest haul of trophies at the Panasonic CIMA Awards, George is quite excited. “I am proud to be associated with a winning team like this. We have been consistently winning awards over the last few years. But this year we won 11 different awards in various categories. This was the highest number of awards won by any country in a single year,” he says. The awards were in different categories of retail showrooms, after-sales service, eco activities and overall performance.
“Omasco won 11 trophies in various categories at the Panasonic CIMA Awards. This was the highest number of awards won by any country in a single year”
models slotted for release. “And with the worldwide takeover of Sanyo being formalised in the first half of 2012 for the Middle East region, there will be new products in the home appliances and air conditioners division,” George concludes. With so many new products to be expected from Omasco in the consumer electronics section, the Ramadan shopping this year is bound to be quite exciting.
Talking about the Omani consumer’s thirst for technology, George admits that they are aware of the latest technological advancement in various products. “This is due to the penetration of the Internet. As in other parts of the world, there is a group of people who are comfortable with stable products and technology, and who like to buy products that are tried and tested. Similarly, in the audio-visual sector, there are people who are early adopters, while others prefer to wait and watch before jumping in. This mass acceptance of new technology happens normally within a year of the launch.” With this thirst for new technology, it is no wonder that there are quite a few new launches to look forward to. Panasonic has always been known for bringing in latest products in various categories every year. This year is no different. George adds, “There will be flat panel televisions in Plasma, LED and LCD range, called the Intelligent TVs. There will also be launches in the Digital SLR range, with three new JULY 2011 / 39
computing
Tough security
The rugged Panasonic CF-31 TOUGHBOOK boasts the new Intel Core i5 vPro and i3 processors
Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK series of mobile computers have been designed to handle almost any situation – from bangs, bumps and spillage, to computers that can survive extreme conditions, such as swings in temperatures, drops up to a few feet, rain, oil, pressure and dust. The CF-31, the latest in the TOUGHBOOK series, is a reliable laptop offering the highest performance in its class. It sports a rugged design and comes with drop shock protection, and a MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certification. This fully rugged notebook looks the same as its predecessor, the CF-30, on the outside. However, on the inside the Intel Core i5 machine boasts almost double the performance and increased protection 40 / TECH
without sacrificing battery life. The new Intel Core i5 vPro and i3 processors, along with available discrete graphics, pack quite a punch. They combine to deliver desktopclass performance and improved video and 3D graphics. The TOUGHBOOK 31 offers a 13.1-inch brilliant 1,200nit touchscreen available with Panasonic CircuLumin technology, integrated webcam and up to 20 hours of battery life with the optional media bay second battery. This is a computer that will go the distance with you anytime, anywhere. The CF-31 sports the silver-metal and black rubber design. The lid, bezel and handle are
made of a magnesium alloy bordered by a hard black plastic. The lid is supported by a pair of heavy-duty hinges and, when closed, is firmly secured to the base using a springloaded latch. Measuring 29.2x30.2x7.4cm, this isn’t a notebook designed to be slipped inside a satchel. Still, the handle will probably make lugging the CF-31 around fairly easy. The top of the handle has a small slot to stow the included stylus. Security options for the CF-31 include a Smart Card reader, fingerprint reader, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v1.2. Additionally, a concealed mode turns off or dims the screen, all LED lights and sound at the press of a button.
The CF-31 runs the venerable Windows XP operating system and the i5 model runs the latest Intel Core i5-2,540M vPro Processor
The TOUGHBOOK 31 offers a 13.1-inch brilliant 1,200nit touchscreen available with Panasonic CircuLumin technology; the 1,024x768 resolution is ideal for touchscreen applications
The TOUGHBOOK has a Trusted Platform Module security chip built-in for data protection
On the right side of the CF-31 are power, two USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports, with a SIM Card slot beneath; in the front of these ports is a larger door to access the hard drive Panasonic TOUGHBOOK CF-31
Display CPU
Memory Storage Dimensions (LxWxH) Weight Available at
13.1-inch XGA touchscreen LED 1,024x768 Intel Core i5-2,540M vPro Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i5-2,520M vPro Processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core i3-2,310M Processor: 2.1GHz i5 model: 4GB SDRAM, expandable to 8GB i3 model: 2GB SDRAM, expandable to 8GB i5 model: 320GB 7,200rpm i3 model: 320GB 5,400rpm 29.2x30.2x7.4cm 3.7kg OMASCO, 24564310
JULY 2011 / 41
Slick and slim With its flowing curves and aesthetic design, the latest notebook from Samsung has an equally stunning performance The 900X3A is crafted to weigh an incredible 1.31kg. Constructed with a sleek 16.3mm Duralumin shell, the material used to build aircrafts, the latest notebook from Samsung is stunning with its flowing curves. Adding to its good mobile performance is the Intel Core i7 or i5 processor and solid state drive. The SuperBright Plus LED screen delivers 16 million colours and the 400nit brightness is more than that of a normal 13-inch notebook. And, with a backlit keyboard you can now enjoy HD movies and games, day or night.
Light and bright The NP900X3A notebook utilises the lightweight yet strong Duralumin to create a slim design. This material offers twice the strength of aluminium despite being light in weight. A design with premium finishes and an arching curve, the notebook includes other stylish features such as a backlit keyboard and an edge-to-edge LCD design for visual impact. With 16 million colours and the SuperBright Plus clarity, you can continue to enjoy HD movies, games and other favourite multimedia even when viewing in direct sunlight.
Power that lasts The Intel CPU stands out with intelligent processing while on the go. The slim and stylish design packs in loads of power. The Intel Silicon battery also provides 500mW of power savings for longer life.
42 / TECH
Samsung NP900X3A
Processor Display Graphics Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight Available at
Intel Core i5 Processor 13.3-inch SuperBright Plus Widescreen Display Intel HD Graphics 3000 32.8x22.6x.1.6cm 1.31kg SARCO, 24593025
Sensitive touch
The new, large multi-touch click pad is stylish and convenient, featuring a glass coating and image sensor. Users can now enjoy enhanced multitouch awareness and better palm rejection. The multi-touch gesture pad also features 21 types of gesture support with advanced 3D image sensing for sophisticated and intuitive navigation.
With Samsung’s Fast Start technology, the 900X3A sports a 15-second boot-up and an impressive three-second start from sleep mode
OTHER FEATURES
With an upgraded Bluetooth 3.0 delivering higher data transmission speeds (24Mbps), and enhanced power control for extended battery life, you can now enjoy wireless transfer of media and other data between your electronic devices
A 128 or 256GB solid state drive (SSD) provides adequate storage, and also reduces energy consumption by 86 per cent, significantly lowering operating and maintenance costs
The advanced LithiumPolymer battery with an extensive battery life of up to seven hours together with Samsung’s power-efficient performance help deliver mobility and freedom
PhoneShare lets you merge your PC
and smartphone functions. You can access the Internet on your PC using your smartphone’s 3G network; when Wi-Fi is unavailable your PC can act as an Access Point.
Auto Display Brightness Control
smoothly adjusts the screen brightness for optimised viewing that matches the environment lighting.
Always On feature automatically detects, lists and connects to the available Wi-Fi signals. Going online is now easier and faster. Enhanced Acoustic Chamber
can be enjoyed with SRS Premium Sound. This lets you enjoy music, movies and games the way it’s meant to be. It enhances bass, delivers clear dialogue and better definition control for maximum clarity at high frequency. JULY 2011 / 43
Masterpiece of form Dell’s XPS 15z is an ideal companion for any profession The 15.6-inch XPS 15z from Dell sports a gorgeous backlit keyboard and smooth aluminium chassis. Rounded contours and precision-crafted lines give the laptop an illusion of floating just above the surface. It features a smooth-textured, comfortdesigned palm rest and touchpad. Starting at 2.51kg, it is impressively light. It measures just 24.68mm at its thickest point. It’s optimised for long battery life with Nvidia Optimus graphics technology, so you can take it everywhere you go. The XPS 15z comes with two screen options – HD 1,366x768 pixels or a 1,900x1,080-pixel full HD panel.
The Dell Stage software on XPS 15z delivers the things that matter to you right to your desktop; it lets you seamlessly toggle between your favourite music, movies, photos and more, all from a sleek, movie-reel-style interface
There’s an optical drive on the right of the laptop along with two 3.5mm sockets for headphones and a mic; on the left there’s an HDMI port, Mini Display Port, an eSATA/USB port and two more USB slots, both of which are USB 3.0
The 15z comes with second generation Intel Core processors that feature improved adaptive performance; it comes with a choice of Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors
Dell XPS 15z
Processor Display Hard Drive Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
44 / TECH
Intel Core i5-2,410M Processor Intel Core i7-2,620M Processor 15.6-inch (1,920x1,080) 15.6-inch (1,366x768) 750GB SATA 384.85x24.68x260.37mm 2.51kg
The XPS 15z comes with an Nvidia GeForce GT525M graphics card with either 1GB or 2GB of memory
op-ed
We take a look at the overwhelming use of technology in cars from what it used to be
H
aving come a long way since the invention of the automobiles, cars have come to mean much more to us than just a mode of transportation. As people started travelling more, cars have had a new dimension added to them. From simple structures and mechanisms they have now become hi-tech and swanky. But these technological additions are not just for show. More attention is being paid to passenger comfort, safety and convenience. The end result – we now have cars with technology that was unheard of two decades back. From display screens informing about fuel consumption to heated seats, car technology has changed tremendously. 46 / TECH
Not to forget voice-activated GPS navigation system that’s soon becoming a part of our daily lives. This is, however, not the end of the list – it is just the beginning. Like any other technological invention, car technology is updated constantly. But is there something as too much technology? As Clive Dias, sales and marketing manager at Wattayah Motors, says, technology has found its way into every aspect of our lives. He adds, “The automotive sector is one of the sectors that have made leaps and bounds in technology and consumers have benefitted from it tremendously. Naturally, some of that technology trickled down from motorsports which is a hotbed for new technological applications.”
Clive Dias “... technology is infused with design and gives a modern look as well as serving a purpose ...”
ensures that the key features of the motor vehicle are explained or demonstrated to the customers, helping them make better use of the technology.
Ismaeel Hassen “... people feel overwhelmed due to the lack of understanding of the benefits of technology...” Ismaeel Hassen, national sales and brand manager at Dhofar Automotive, explains that technology is making use of tools, techniques, systems or methods in order to solve a problem or serve a purpose. He cites a few examples such as the forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and rear path cross detection, a system that alerts the driver of oncoming vehicles when pulling out of a parking spot. Another tool, Bluetooth for mobiles, allows the driver to stay focused on the road with both hands on the steering wheel while talking on the phone through the vehicle infotainment system. The addition of the Bluetooth technology in cars goes a long way in saving lives every day. Ismaeel adds, “The underlying factor why people feel overwhelmed that vehicle technology is over the top is due to the lack of understanding of its features and benefits.” He also said that his company
Mohammad al Farei, group general manager, Zeenah Group, adds, “Technology became an essential part of our day-today life and is present in different forms. Today cars are more equipped with technology and become the winning edge for any automotive manufacturer. In my personal view, technology incorporated in cars does serve a purpose. They help the driver overcome a critical situation. Superior safety, reducing fuel consumption and many more features have become an essential part of today’s car.”
their seats watching the latest educational series. And seats that are cooled via a ventilating system ensure that in the summer you always feel comfortable.” He adds that if the technology found in the modern automotives is indeed solving a problem or serving a purpose, irrespective of the amount of technology, this should continue evolving to ensure the safety of both the driver and the passenger. Well, adding new technology to cars will never end as manufacturers continue to put in efforts in their R & D to create amazing features that makes driving cars convenient, safe to use and, to top it all, look absolutely cool.
Car technology, though serving a purpose most of the time, also increases the level of comfort and luxury of the driver and passengers. Clive cited certain examples, such as adaptive cruise control, lane and park assist technology. And he adds, “Nowadays, technology is infused with design and gives a modern look as well as serving a purpose.” Ismaeel is very positive about the benefits of new technology in cars. “I believe that if technology can be utilised in order to enhance the driver and passenger experience in a motor vehicle by upping the ante with respects to luxury, then why not. The likes of DVD players keep the kids in
Mohammad al Farei “... technology incorporated in cars does serve a purpose...” JULY 2011 / 47
HOW STUFF WORKS
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Upgrade your RAM in a few simple steps Ever wondered why your laptop, which is probably just a few months old, takes more time than usual to open pages or applications? Well, with the number of simultaneously running programs, known and unknown, building up daily this is bound to happen. But don’t panic. Besides the usual defragmentation and maintenance, there is a simple fix to the problem – upgrading the RAM (random access memory) modules. Before you do anything however, you need to check a few things. First and foremost you need to find out if your PC can accommodate any more RAM at all. This can be done by checking if you have any slots free (see the table below if you want to know how to do so). Secondly, you need to find out what sort of RAM it is, the speed it is running at and the maximum speed your
laptop can handle. This can be found in the user’s manual. The most common type today is DDR3, which is the standard in pretty much every laptop. If you have any of the older modules then you most probably need to upgrade your laptop itself. Lastly, you need to note your requirement. This varies with the kind of use you put the laptop to. For simple tasks like Internet browsing and enjoying music, go in for 2GB of RAM. If running media or minor editing is what you are into, go for between 3 and 4GB of RAM. However, intensive multi-tasking, graphics and gaming will need a laptop with at least 4GB as standard. This can scale up to 8GB or even 16GB should you require it. But doing so will need the appropriate hardware and software to go with it or else it will be a complete waste.
Steps to adding RAM
Ensure your laptop is switched off and unplugged from the power source Find the memory compartment door (it is usually on the underside) and open it with a screw driver
48 / TECH
Check for empty slots. Take note of the type of RAM used by your laptop. If the slots are full, remove one of the modules by pressing on the ejector clips that hold them in place, slide in the new module and give a push to lock the module in
Replace the compartment door, switch on your laptop and happy computing
home zone
Gorgeous grass Makita ELM3310 features a powerful motor for well-trimmed lawns Summer brings to mind friends and families getting together for barbecues. And with lush green lawns the experience is more enjoyable. The most important thing in lawn care is water. However, without regular mowing lawns will look like an overgrown forest and will lose its charm. But in a really hot, dry country like Oman, reduce the amount of mowing and allow your grass to grow longer. Choose an electric lawn mower like Makita ELM3310 which is perfect for small lawns of up to 400sqm. The Makita ELM3310 is a push-type mower that features a quiet and powerful 1,100W electric motor. It includes fitted power lead and is a solid electric lawnmower with UV-resistant polypropylene housing and integrated carrying handle. It has nylon housing with a cutting width of 33cm and benefits from three preset heights of 20, 40 and 55cm. The grass collection box has a capacity of 27L and the handle folds for easy storage.
Makita ELM3310
Input Power Recommended Mowing Area Cutting Width Cutting Height Collection Box Net Weight Available at
1,100W 400sqm 33cm 20-55cm 27L 12.6kg Gulf Services & Industrial Supplies, 93221856
time zone
Girard-Perregaux adds colour to its 1966 collection This year, to celebrate its 220th anniversary, Girard-Perregaux Manufacture has added an elegant touch of colour to the white gold chronograph in its 1966 collection. This classic watch characterises the technical and stylistic expertise of the brand. In 1966, Girard-Perregaux received the Centenary Prize from the Neuch창tel Observatory in recognition of its research in the field of precision. The 1966 collection pays tribute to this spirit of innovation, and has become an icon of the brand.
The case and its lugs are designed for comfort and finished to reveal the lustre of the white gold; the sunray-brushed intense blue dial illuminates the numerals with the engraved counters offering readability
The transparent case-back lets you admire the complexity of the movement
The watch sports a column wheel chronograph with a 30-minute counter and a central second hand
Case Diameter Crystal Water Resistance Jewels Strap Buckle
50 / TECH
Girard-Perregaux 1966
White gold 40mm Antireflective Sapphire 30m 38 Black Alligator White Gold Ardillon
dashboard
Race ready Chevrolet’s new Colorado Rally Concept gives us a glimpse of the next generation midsize trucks, writes Malcolm X. Crasta
A
t the recently held Buenos Aires International Auto Show, Chevrolet showcased one of the most interesting truck concepts we have seen in a while. Inspired by rally racing and actually designed to be race ready, the Colorado Rally Concept definitely looks the part. It is a crew cab model covered in a triple coat pearl white paint with golden particles. The other external components are in textured charcoal. The skid plate and side mouldings are metal and the bead lock off-road wheels are milled from a single piece of aluminium. These wheels have two distinct surface finishing (machined and polished). They are 18 inches in diameter and are Mud-Terrain T/A 305/60R18 tyres. 52 / TECH
Even the bumper design is optimised for offroad travel with high attack angles. Under the exterior skin, this 4WD pulls all the stops. It is powered by an efficient, high-torque, 2.8L, turbo-diesel engine. It is fitted with high performance Fox Racing Shox shock system with 140mm of travel and an adjustable suspension height system up to 50mm. It also has two bumper integrated winch systems by Smittybilt, each with a 5.5hp motor, four metric tonne pulling capacity and 23,000mm of aeronautic cable. For night-time adventurers, the Colorado Rally has high-performance frontal lights,
with searchlights integrated to the side mirrors. LEDs adorn almost every light cluster in the car including the headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, search lights and the roof-mounted high reach lights. In order to truly emulate a rally vehicle’s look and feel, the GM South America Design Studio added a wide variety of rally-inspired off-road features. These include acrylic rally windows for higher safety against side impacts and with air inlets for better air circulation. It also has two milled aluminium tow hooks integrated to each bumper and wide fibreglass fenders. There is also a spare tyre support inside the bed along with integrated toolboxes. To improve airflow,
reduce weight and to aid visibility, the concept features an open tailgate. Further additions include an integrated bed roll bar, a quick-operation exposed aluminium fuel cap, a rear bumper integrated directly into the body, a full roof rack and a fibreglass hood. The designers spared no expense with the interior either, focusing on ergonomics, safety and functionality to create the perfect cabin to suit the vehicle’s intentions. They started by designing a new highperformance steering wheel with aggressive handling in mind. It features a tighter curvature in the upper and lower arcs than the standard production model Colorado. The interior trim, like the plastic components and leather-covered upper instrument panel, are coloured in a dark ash-grey hue. To complement this, and to add some diversity, the centre stack has some inserts with a metallic satin finish. Almost all controls are finished with soft touch materials. The metal mats are coloured in dark ash grey but have orange rubber inserts. The roll cage and other metal details are painted in silver and reflective orange details adorn the doors. Safety and functionality were also a prime aspect that governed the design. The Rally has an internal roll cage with a custom railing profile, developed to provide an
attaching system for additional equipment such as cameras or auxiliary lighting. For the utmost safety, the five-point seat belt is directly connected to the cage. The vehicle is also equipped with an integrated fire extinguisher that releases flamesuppressing foam into the cabin and engine compartment when necessary. The master switch, integrated to the centre stack, has two key functions – starting the engine and disconnecting every system
in the vehicle in case of an emergency. For off-road chases and to aid visibility before overtaking other vehicles off-road, there’s the ‘Air boost’ function. It is a highly compressed air system developed to quickly clean the cabin after entering a dust cloud. To ensure the occupants are able to face high temperatures inside the cabin, the vehicle has a hydration pack positioned behind each seat and a small tube system is used to deliver the food solution. To keep the driver on track the concept vehicle has a satellite navigation system positioned directly in front of the navigator. Maps, sign plates and road books are stored in the glove box or can be attached via bungee cords on the outside of the glove box access door. Communication devices, gauges for temperature and pressure, controls for suspension adjustment, tyre pressure regulator, fire extinguisher activation and two separate controls for the fuel pumps and trip meter display are also part of the high-featured equipment. Now, if only they would give this amazing vehicle the production go-ahead. JULY 2011 / 53
gamer’s delight
Malcolm X. Crasta returns to Alice’s wonderland for another round of creepy visuals and stunning combat
A
merican McGee’s Alice, released over a decade ago, is a certified classic. Following the death of her family in a horrible fire, Alice Liddell tries to rescue her self-created twisted wonderland, and subsequently her sanity, from utter destruction. The first game was a surreal and creepy version of Lewis Carroll’s famous book. Right from the beginning, it is clear that Alice has yet to overcome her demons. Going against her doctor’s advice to forget her past and move on, she returns to her wonderland to reclaim her lost memories. This return trip is even more surreal than the last, and is a testament to just how dark and warped Alice’s mind can be. It showcases how creative the artists behind the game are, with a well scripted story, good voice acting and an
54 / TECH
impressive score, perfectly complementing the art style and Victorian setting. In fact, the story and artistic design are almost good enough to carry the game on their own, compelling gamers to push further just to see what wonders the next level will draw up. It also helps that the controls are peerless. Alice can be navigated effortlessly through the world – triple jumping, gliding and dashing with ease. And other than the slightly stiff direction changes, Alice moves with absolute grace. It’s the little details that make the movement so special, like the way in which the wind consistently affects her clothes and hair in outdoor levels; the way she disappears in a cloud of butterflies when she dashes; or the way in which a trail of leaves is left behind as she floats or jumps from one platform to
the next. These are effects that complement the sharp controls. This combination also offsets one of the game’s biggest drawbacks – repetitive platforming. While each subsequent level and chapter is fresh and intriguing, the way you traverse them isn’t. The game is very slow in introducing new platforming elements, making the navigation repetitive. Furthermore, what is present is also very generic. You will consistently be jumping from one platform to the next to flip switches. This in turn reveals platforms to flip more switches. There are quite a few mini-games to break the mould, but the best borders on ‘interesting’. Most are just bland, generic or outright boring. Thankfully, most of the latter can be skipped at will.
JULY 2011
UFC Personal Trainer Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
Publisher: EA Games Developer: Spicy Horse Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: Mature PEGI Rating: 18
SCORE
7.8
The Good Gripping story, surreal visuals and art design, incredible combat system, first game included in the package The Bad
JULY 01
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D Platform: 3DS
Generic and repetitive platforming, few glitches, doesn’t use the source material as effectively as the first game
JULY 01
There are some technical glitches such as invisible walls, blurry textures and a few others to contend with, but none that we faced were game breaking. However, were it not for the haunting visual presentation, the controls and the combat, the game would get tedious really quickly. While on the subject of the combat, we have to mention that this is where the game truly comes into its own. Alice’s trusty Vorpal Blade is back, along with a new pepper grinder that works like a machine gun, a hobby horse to pound on your enemies, a clockwork bomb that does exactly what its name implies, a teapot cannon that works like a grenade launcher and an eerily strong umbrella to defend against and deflect projectiles. Even the enemy variety is good with some weapons being more effective
Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
against specific enemies, forcing you to mix and match. Couple this with the tight controls and the effective dashing and jumping, and the combat in Madness Returns will have you hooked. Our only complaint with the combat is the irregular lock-on mechanism that at times makes it hard to lock on to your intended target. This can occasionally lead to unsuitable camera angles. Alice: Madness Returns would have been an outstanding game were it not for the generic platforming and the technical glitches. Regardless, it is still worth a play if only for the compelling story, haunting visuals and amazing combat. Furthermore, if you pick up the game new you also get an HD remastered version of the first game available as a free download. This alone makes it well worth the purchase.
JULY 08
Splinter Cell Classic Trilogy HD Platform: PS3
JULY 22 JULY 2011 / 55
movie zone
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Release Date: 30 June Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi Director: Michael Bay Cast: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson
The Autobots Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide and Sideswipe led by Optimus Prime, are back in action. They take on the evil Decepticons who are determined to avenge their defeat in 2009’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. In this new movie, the Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a perilous space
race between the US and Russia, and once again human Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) has to come to the aid of his robot friends. There are new characters too, including a new villain in the form of Shockwave, a long-time ‘Transformers’ character who rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: PART 2 Release Date: 15 July Genre: Action | Adventure | Fantasy Director: David Yates Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
The end of this amazing series begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort’s final horcruxes. But when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
Cars 2 Release Date: 22 June Genre: Animation | Adventure | Comedy Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis Cast: Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Owen Wilson Racing star Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) teams up with his best friend Mater for an international adventure as they go up against the world’s fastest cars.
DVD Releases JULY 1 July
Unknown
Drama | Mystery | Thriller 56 / TECH
8 July
8 July
18 July
Rango
The Lincoln Lawyer
Sammy’s Adventures
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
Crime | Drama | Thriller
Animation | Adventure
Fax to 24693569 Choose the correct answer and send in your entries for a chance to win 1. Standard telephone lines and conventional modems provide what is called
2. The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or
(a) Bluetooth Service (b) Dial-up Service (c) Wireless Service (d) Wi-Fi Service
(a) Network (b) Platform (c) Desktop (d) Connectivity
3. What is the nickname for a large, obsolete mobile phone? (a) Radiophone (b) Brick (c) Vodaphone (d) Videophone
4. Which of these is the first Web-based email service? (a) Gmail (b) Hotmail (c) Yahoo Mail (d) Rediff Mail
Please send us your entries by 22 July for a chance to win a Sony DVD player. Gift courtesy of Emax
Previous quiz answers: 1 – (a) 2 – (c) 3 – (d) 4 – (b)
Name ___________________________________ Age ______ Mobile ________________________ Last month’s winner:
BIBIYANA CHANDY
Email ____________________________________ Occupation _______________________________ Company _________________________________
Employees and family members of Deenar Press and Publishing and Emax cannot participate in the quiz. Judge’s decision is final. Please email the answers to tech@deenarmedia.com or fax this page to 24693569 by the deadline. Correspondence after the deadline will not be entertained. PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY. Incomplete or illegible entries will be disqualified. Winner must provide valid ID to claim the prize. Allow up to two weeks to process.
Welcome to our ‘TECH Favourites’ section. With these lists we aim to keep you updated with our favourite products in a concise format. Please give us your feedback on the basis of which we can further improve it.
Flat-Panel Displays LG 42PJ350R RO219.900
This is a 42-inch Plasma television with 1MP screen. It has a contrast ratio of 3,000,000: 1 and a 600Hz sub-field. It also sports three HDMI inputs.
3D TVs LG 72LZ9700 RO3,999.900
3D LED 72-inch screen, 400Hz motion flow, four HDMI/PC input, two USB port, two megapixels
Sony KDL55EX720 RO899.900
Philips 52PFL5605H RO899.900
This is a 2MP, full-HD 52-inch TV with three HDMI inputs, USB port and PIP. It features Pixel Plus HD and HD natural motion.
LG 55LE5500 RO1,099.900
This is a 55-inch, full HD, 2MP, LED TV with 100Hz motion flow. It sports four HDMI/PC input, and has Netcast access.
Sony KLV40CX520 RO269.900
This is a 40-inch, full HD, 2MP TV. It sports four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, PIP system and Internet TV. It also features an X-Reality engine.
Sony KLV40EX710 RO329.900
This is a 40-inch, full HD, 2MP, edge-lit LED display with 100Hz motion flow. It sports four HDMI inputs, a USB port, PIP and Internet TV.
Sharp LC46LE820M RO539.900
This is a full-HD 1,080p 46-inch TV with 2MP RGB LED screen. It has four HDMI/PC inputs and supports USB DIVX HD.
Panasonic THP-50X30M RO349.900
This is an HD Ready, 50-inch Plasma TV with 600Hz sub-field drive. It has three HDMI inputs.
Samsung UA55C6900 RO1,349.000
This is a 55-inch LED TV with an ultra slim design. It sports four HDMI/ PC input, AllShare and PIP System. With 100Hz motion flow and two megapixels, this LED TV also supports Internet TV.
3D LED 55-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, Internet Video, Wireless LAN Ready
Panasonic TH-P42GT20M RO499.900
3D Plasma 42-inch screen, full HD, Resolution Enhancer, VIERA Cast
Samsung UA55C9000 RO2,099.000
3D 55-inch screen, full HD, four HDMI/PC input, USB port, Internet TV, 200Hz motion, PIP system
Players Sony DAV-DZ940K RO174.900
DVD, VCD, CD, MP3, DIVX playback, USB play and record, 1,000W RMS, HDMI up-scaling
LG HB994PK RO999.900
1,00W RMS, full HD 1,080p, Wireless Rear Speaker, iPod dock, Blu-ray playback, supports DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 and DIVX, iPod dock
Philips HTS7140 RO309.900
Surround sound, full HD 1,080p, Dolby Tru-HD, Blu-Ray playback, supports DVD, VCD, CD, MP3, DIVX Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
57 Laptops Acer Aspire 5820TG-484G50 RO312.900
Intel Core i5 480M processor, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera, card reader
HP ENVY 14-1111ee RO690.000
Intel Core i7 720QM processor, 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM, 1,024MB VRAM, 500GB HDD, 14.5-inch HD LCD, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 digital media reader, 1.3MP web camera
Asus G51J RO759.900
Intel Core i7 720QM, 1.6GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD Glare LED, DVD multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Dell Inspiron 15R-0199 RO409.900
Intel Core i7 2,630QM processor, 2GHz CPU speed, 6GB RAM, 640GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD WLED screen, DVD super multi drive, 1GB dedicated graphics, Wireless, Bluetooth, card reader, web camera
HP Pavilion dV6-6050 RO334.900
Intel Core i5 2,410M second generation processor, 2.3GHz CPU speed, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD LED, DVD super multi drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, HD web camera
Toshiba Satellite L755-16C RO329.000
Intel Core i5 2,410M processor, 2.53GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 1GB VRAM, 500GB SATA HDD, 15.6-inch TruBrite HD LED screen, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Packard Bell TM86-JO-103AC RO314.900
Intel Core i5 430M processor, 2.26GHz CPU speed, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 500GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED LCD, DVD super multi DL drive, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 card reader, 1.3MP web camera
Sony Vaio VPCCA15 RO419.900
Intel Core i5 2,410M processor, 2.3GHz CPU speed with Turbo Boost, 1GB VRAM, Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System, 500GB HDD, 14-inch display
Lenovo Y560A-3 RO424.600
Intel Core i7 740QM processor, 1.7GHz CPU speed, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15.6-inch HD LED screen, DVD super multi drive, 1GB VRAM, Wireless, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 card reader
Lenovo Z560A-2 RO324.600
Intel Core i5 460M, 2.53GHz Turbo Boost, 4GB RAM, 750GB HDD, 1GB VRAM, 15.6-inch HD LED, DVD super multi drive, Wireless
Netbooks & Ultra Portables Dell 1090-INS-0179 RO245.000
Intel Atom Dual Core N550, 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD, 10.1-inch HD WLED touchscreen, Wireless, Bluetooth, 1.3MP web camera
Asus Eee Pad Transformer RO249.900
Nvidia TEGRA 2 dual core processor, 1GHz speed, 32GB internal memory, 10.1-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Apple iPad 2 RO384.900
32GB, 9.7-inch LED backlit screen, 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor, Wi-Fi and 3G, two cameras
BlackBerry PlayBook RO309.900
32GB, 1GHz dual-core processor, seven-inch capacitive display, 1GB RAM, dual cameras – 5MP rear and 3MP front
ViewSonic ViewPad 7 RO199.900
Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz ARM 11 processor, 3.5G Android 2.2 OS, 512MB internal memory, seven-inch capacitive multi-touch LCD screen
Computer Accessories Microsoft Arc Keyboard RO27.500
2.4GHz wireless keyboard, stowable nano transceiver, battery life indicator, lightweight
Seagate GoFlex 1TB RO45.000
Features USB 3.0 plug-and-play connectivity, illuminated capacity gauge, 1TB portable drive
WD ShareSpace 8TB RO410.000
High-speed Gigabit Ethernet storage system, three USB 2.0 ports, offers multiple RAID configurations for data protection and speed
SteelSeries Siberia v2 RO62.200
Full-size headset with retractable microphone, a 50mm driver unit with clear sound
58 Cameras Canon A3300is RO71.400
This is a 16-megapixel camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom. It offers the flexibility of a high-resolution image sensor. Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processing provides excellent quality shots.
Sony DSC-H70 RO109.900
The H70 sports a 10x optical zoom lens and a 16.1-megapixel sensor. It supports Sweep Panorama mode and HD movie capture capability. It comes with a three-inch LCD and optical image stabilisation.
Sony DSC-T110 RO95.900
This is a 16.1-megapixel camera with a three-inch touch LCD screen. It comes with 4x optical zoom and HD movie capture capability. It also has Sweep Panorama Mode.
Fujifilm F500 EXR RO179.000
This is a 16-megapixel camera with a three-inch LCD. It has 15x optical zoom. It also supports full HD movie recording capability and Panorama mode.
Canon IXUS 310 HS RO143.200
This is a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor digital camera with a 3.2-inch touch LCD screen. It also has 4.4x optical zoom, an optical image stabiliser and supports full HD with optical zoom.
Camcorders Sony DCR-SX45 RO129.900
Three-inch touchscreen LCD, 60x optical zoom, Intelligent Auto mode, SteadyShot image stabilisation
Panasonic HDC-SD40 RO164.900
16.8x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen, Intelligent Auto with Face Recognition, Power OIS
Sony HDR-PJ30E RO399.900
7.1 megapixel resolution, 12x optical zoom, three-inch LCD touchscreen, built-in projector
Canon LEGRIA HFM36 RO339.000
8GB dual flash memory, relay recording, easy HD shooting, 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD, Dynamic OIS and Powered IS
Panasonic SDR-H101GC RO150.000
Advanced OIS with Active Mode, 33mm wide-angle lens, iA (Intelligent Auto) with AF/AE tracking
Samsung ST80 RO69.500
The ST80 is equipped with a 7.83mm high-resolution CCD sensor, in addition to an all-new image processor. It delivers 720p HD quality video at 30fps. It is a 14.2MP camera with a three-inch WQVGA TFT LCD display.
DSLRS & Micro Four-Thirds Nikon D5100 RO389.900
Olympus TG-810 RO189.000
The TOUGH TG810 from Olympus features a 14-megapixel sensor with 5x optical zoom. It sports a 2.7-inch LCD screen.
Panasonic TZ20 RO169.900
This is a 14.1-megapixel camera with a 2.7-inch LCD screen. It comes with 16x optical zoom and full HD capability. It also has an advanced GPS system.
Sony W580 RO89.900
This is a 16.1-megapixel, 5x optical zoom camera. It comes with a three-inch LCD screen and a 25mm wide-angle lens. It supports Sweep Panorama Mode for the perfect landscape images.
Fujifilm Z90 RO94.900
This is a 14-megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom. It sports a three-inch LCD touchscreen. It has a Panorama mode for good landscape shots. It also supports HD movie recording.
Offers
Service
16.2 megapixel, 11-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, HD movie, 4fps
Canon EOS 1D Mark 4 RO2,329.900 16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10fps shooting, three-inch Clear View LCD, HD video recording
Canon EOS-450D RO249.900
12.2-megapixel, nine-point autofocus, three-inch LCD screen, Live View mode, 3.5fps
Sony SLT α 55 RO399.900
16.7 megapixel, three-inch LCD screen, full HD movie, 10fps, 3D Sweep Panorama mode Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Emax
59 Phones HTC Desire RO219.000
This phone sports a 3.7-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen and a 5MP camera. It comes with internal memory of 576MB RAM and 512MB ROM. It also supports Bluetooth, WLAN, A-GPS and Geotagging.
Samsung Galaxy Pro B7510 RO99.900
The Samsung Galaxy Pro has an 800MHz processor powering it. Operating on Froyo 2.2, it features a 3.5MP camera, 2GB memory, and Wi-Fi and A-GPS support.
Samsung I9003 Galaxy S RO179.900
Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphone is Android-powered and boasts a super clear capacitive touchscreen. It includes a 5MP camera with autofocus, HSDPA Internet connectivity, and 4GB storage.
Apple iPhone 4 RO325.000
The iPhone 4 sports a 3.5-inch LED-backlit TFT capacitive touchscreen. With an internal memory of 16GB and a 512MB RAM, the iPhone 4 supports Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP. It has a 1GHz Apple A4 processor.
iPod Docks SonicGear 1000i RO94.200
iPod dock and recharge, FM radio, 30W RMS
Philips Fidelio RO29.900
Auto clock synchronisation, soft glow night light, charge second mobile device via a USB connector
Altec Lansing M602 RO84.900
Dock and Play, recharge for iPod, video output for iPod video, wall-mountable
Logitech S715i RO57.900
Plays and charges iPhone and iPod, two threeinch laser-tuned neodymium drivers
Bose Sound Dock-10 RO279.000
iPod and iPhone dock, recharge and play, remote control, audio input
Motorola Milestone XT720 RO219.900
This smartphone is Android powered with an 8MP camera and Xenon flash. It features a TFT capacitive touchscreen, Gorilla Glass display with touch-sensitive navigation controls.
Nokia NK E7 RO226.900
The Nokia E7 comes with AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Its features include an 8MP camera, 680MHz ARM 11 processor, A-GPS support and Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP.
Micromax Q55 Bling RO55.000
This phone sports a 2MP camera and a 2.4-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 320x240 pixels. In addition, it has a QWERTY keypad and Bluetooth.
Samsung S8530 Wave II RO162.900
It sports a 3.7-inch super clear capacitive touchscreen, 5MP camera, ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor and Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP.
BlackBerry Torch 9800 RO219.900
This smartphone sports a 5MP camera and a 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 360x480 pixels. In addition, it has Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play RO279.900
The Xperia Play offers immersive gaming experience. It sports a 5MP camera, and comes with Wi-Fi and A-GPS support. This phone runs on Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread).
MP3 Players Apple iPod Nano 6G RO86.500
16GB, VoiceOver gesture-based screen reader, 1.54-inch (diagonal) colour TFT display, Live Pause feature
Apple iPod Touch 4G RO99.900
8GB, 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen, multi-touch display, 720p HD video capture, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Philips SA3RGA04R RO19.900
4GB, FM radio and FM recording, one-inch screen, FullSound technology, 22 hours battery support
Sony Walkman NWZ-B162 RO20.900
Built-in equaliser, Bass boost, voice recording, power illuminator, style-up clip, quick charge
Sony Zappin NWZ-W252 RO36.900
2GB, high speed connectivity, built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, water-resistant
60 Air Conditioners Sharp AHAP18HME RO191.000
This 1.5-tonne split air conditioner is a low noise design with Plasmacluster technology. By releasing the cluster ions, it enables the creation of an environment that is very close to that found in nature.
Samsung AS18DW RO199.500
Samsung’s 1.5-tonne capacity split air conditioner is best known for its high efficiency heat exchanger and silver nano filter. It has an anti-rust cabinet.
Samsung AWT18WHBM RO118.500
Samsung’s 1.5-tonne window air conditioner with a rotary compressor has a digital temperature control, anti-corrosion body, fuzzy logic feature and a silver nano health system.
Panasonic CS-C18MKF RO199.000
The CS-C18MKF incorporates the ECONAVI technology. Advance+ Plus e-ion is designed to monitor changes in the degree of air cleanliness. AUTOCOMFORT is another important feature.
Hitachi RAN-209CP RO132.900
This 1.5-tonne window air conditioner has a high energy-efficient compressor with a super quite air flow. There is a symmetric twin flow air discharge, washable filters and a rotary compressor.
Refrigerators LG GRP227ZCB RO721.900
721L capacity, automatic ice maker, adjustable tempered glass shelves, deodoriser and humidity control
Toshiba GRRG-70UT RO239.900
700L capacity, frost free, glassy finish, twist ice tray, temperature control, insulated wired shelves
Samsung RL-52VEBTB RO219.500
350L capacity, LCD touchscreen, bottommounted freezer, blue LED display, silver plus anti-bacterial coating
Hitachi RW-660FUK RO364.900
660L capacity, ice maker with water dispenser, nano titanium cooling system, four-door top mounted no-frost freezer
Sharp SJK42SSL RO138.900
382L capacity, double-door refrigerator, frost-free, deodoriser, twist ice tray, wired shelves
Hitachi RAS-18CPX RO189.900
This split-type air conditioner has a Green Fin condenser that is durable, thanks to the green rust-resistant coating. It also employs Nano Titanium technology in its stainless steel filters.
Toshiba RAS-18G RO135.900
With a compact design and precise operation, this 1.5-tonne window air conditioner has an eight-in-one air filter system. It is a flat type window air conditioner.
Toshiba RAS-18SKP RO204.900
This is a 1.5-tonne capacity split-type wall-mounted air conditioner. It has a seven-layer air filter and a self-cleaning function that eliminates mould. It also has a new compact chassis.
Sanyo SA186M5 RO117.900
Sanyo’s 1.5-tonne window air conditioner is a low noise design with a rotary compressor and comes with an anti-bacteria filter. It is easy to clean and allows smooth air flow.
Washing Machines Ariston AQ7F091 RO179.900
7kg capacity, 16 programmes, 1,000rpm, extra rinse, Woolmark Platinum Care certified
Toshiba AW8570SB RO89.900
7kg capacity, six wash programmes, digital display, water level selection, top load washer
LG F1422TD RO199.900
Front load washer, 8kg capacity, 13 programmes, 1,400rpm, Bio care, child lock, direct drive motor
Samsung WD-7704 RO249.500
8kg washer and 3.5kg dryer, 1,400rpm, silver wash, delay end, 14 wash programmes, air wash, diamond drum, silver nano, child lock
LG T186RC RO303.900
This is a 1.5-tonne capacity split air conditioner with virus and allergy-safe filter. It has a four-way swing and jet cool feature. It also employs a multistage tropical compressor.
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
61 Microwaves & Ovens Samsung CQV513S RO169.500
A 36L oven with 800W microwave output power and 1,540W grill power, Samsung’s family-size combi steam oven has six power levels for cooking. It also has auto steam cook and auto power defrost.
Elekta EBRO-752 RO31.900
This is a 60L capacity electric oven with five stages of heating selector. It comes with a 60-minute timer. It has a temperature selector between zero and 250 degrees Celsius.
Sanyo EM-C7586V RO54.000
This is a 32L convection microwave with grill function. With an output power of 1,000W, this oven has an electronic timer. It includes auto defrost and auto delay start feature. It has five power levels and ten auto menus.
Sharp EO18LW RO15.500
This is an 18L electric oven with knobs for adjusting the temperature. It has a 60-minute timer with chime and automatic off feature. Selector knobs for lower, upper and both heaters is a part of the appliance.
Samsung GE109MST RO69.500
This is a 28L grill microwave oven. Designed for performance, it has a wide tempered glass door. This microwave features the Triple Distribution System and Steam Clean function.
Samsung GE614ST RO54.500
This is a 40L grill combi oven with six power levels. It has auto cook menus and auto defrost function. It has a microwave output power of 900W. It features ceramic enamel interior movable heater.
GE GMOH30UCPSS RO56.900
Vacuum Cleaners Hoover HFC-2000 RO29.900
2,000W power vacuum cleaner, indicator for full bag, bagged canister
Rowenta RWRO442711 RO74.900 2,100W vacuum cleaner, anti-bacteria HEPA filtration, Delta Silence Force technology
Karcher VC 5200 RO77.000
Dry vacuum cleaner, 3.3L dust bag capacity, 1,800W input power, indicator for full bag, HEPA 12 filter
Samsung VCC8780 RO59.500
HEPA H13 filter, 1,800W power, Infrared Remote handle, Multi Chamber Plus + for longlasting suction power
Domestic Appliances Krups EA8255K1 RO284.600
Espresso, Cappuccino and Coffee maker, compact Thermoblock system, metal drip tray, steam function, automatic cleaning
Philips Airfryer HD9220 RO99.900
2.2L capacity, oil-free frying using Rapid Air technology, food separators, integrated timer, 1,425W power
Philips Blender HR2027 RO14.200
A 30L convection microwave/grill with electronic touch control, GE’s latest in this series has time and weight defrost feature and express cook. It has a 1,000W grill power and 900W microwave power.
400W power, 1.75L capacity, two speeds and pulse, dishwasher safe, serrated blades
LG MC-8088FRR RO89.900
Braun Food Processor K-600 RO50.100
This is a 30L convection microwave with grill function. It includes quick defrost and auto defrost functions. Additional features include the speed cook and sweet menu buttons.
LG MH7046 RO49.900
This is a 30L microwave oven with grill function. It features an anti-bacterial interior, five power levels and a smart LED display with touch panel. It has six auto cook menus. It also sports a mirror design.
Black & Decker TRO2000 RO26.700
This is a 1,380W toaster oven that features a 19L capacity. It comes with an adjustable timer, a wire rack and a food tray handle. It also has a removable crumb tray for easy crumb disposal.
600W power, 2L bowl capacity, 14 levels with turbo boost, safety lock, useful for chopping, slicing, grating and shredding
Samsung SA-600CBXSG RO59.500
Virus Doctor, neutralises harmful active oxygen radical, bacteria eradication, eliminates airborne viruses
Tefal Actifry TFFZ 700070 RO87.900
1,400W power, easy basket handling, digital display, one spoon of oil for 1kg of crispy chips
62 Gaming Consoles & Accessories PSP 3000+4 Games RO76.000
This current version of the PlayStation Portable has a built-in microphone and a better screen that is able to resist glare and so works better outdoors.
PS3 320GB + Move Bundle RO160.000
The Move is broken into three parts: the ‘Motion Controller’, the ‘Navigation Controller’ and the ‘PlayStation Eye Camera’. The Motion Controller contains built-in motion sensors.
Nintendo 3DS RO138.000
A built-in 3D Depth Slider allows you to adjust the intensity of the 3D settings on the new Nintendo 3DS system. Other features include the built-in motion and gyro sensor.
Logitech G13 RO42.800
The GamePanel LCD in this gaming keyboard keeps you informed of the game stats and other vital information to help you claim victory. It includes programmable G-keys that let you create macros on the fly.
Logitech G27 RO160.000
Logitech racing wheels and flight controllers simulate remarkable realism. Force feedback lets you feel every slip of the tyre, every shudder of the wing and the controls feel like the real thing.
XBOX 360 Kinect 250GB RO177.000
With a stylish design, the integrated internal memory of 250GB allows you to save games and content. It has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) and 5.1 channel surround sound.
Logitech Z906 RO160.000
Successor to the highly acclaimed Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System, the new THX-Certified Z906 delivers 500W of pure power.
SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB RO53.600
This is a premium quality, wired headset designed for Xbox 360. With the custom-built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer (SCS) units, you can pinpoint the direction of noises and movement throughout the game.
Thrustmaster T500RS RO241.000
The T500RS employs new H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) on the wheel’s steering and so offers precision, force feedback and a realistic angle of rotation. The controls feel like the real thing.
Our Current Top 5 Recommended Games Alice: Madness Returns RO28.900
Publisher: EA Games Developer: Spicy Horse Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3, PC Genre: Action ESRB Rating: Mature
Dead or Alive Dimensions RO26.700
Publisher: Nintendo of America Developer: Tecmo Koei Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Fighting ESRB Rating: R/P
inFamous 2 RO28.900
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Developer: Sucker Punch Platform(s): PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: Teen
L. A. Noire RO28.900
Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Team Bondi Platform(s): Xbox 360, PS3 Genre: Adventure ESRB Rating: R/P
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time RO26.700 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Platform(s): 3DS Genre: Action ESRB Rating: R/P
Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Pack RO89.900
This is Super Mario Bro.’s 25th Anniversary Edition and comes with two games. The Wii now sells its Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus accessory bundled into a console package.
SEVEN DAYS EXERCISE T U O H T I W EAK W E N SO MAKE
Disclaimer: Prices quoted in the magazine maybe subject to change. Please check with your local dealer for current costs. Lists are not in any particular order.
Excellent range of fitness equipment at fantastic prices!
Abu Hani
La Germania, Starway, Westar, Starline, Tatung
24495141
24491327
Al Khalili Technology
Fijitsu, Siemon, Coral Telecom, Honeywell, Epson, Camtron, Pyronix, SD3, Tripp-lite, Cummins, Schnider Electric, Sanyo, Sakar, Sterline, Sonicwall
24616900
24816303
Bahwan Electronics
Asset, Carrier, Ignis, Napro, Toshiba, Seiko, Casio, Titan, Sony Ericsson, Tempstar, Cooline, Corning, Print electronics, Dolphin, Benq, Ausonia, Daewoo, VIP, Dometic, Corby
Ruwi 24796629/32
24501965 / 66
24798222
Belltel
Nokia
Ruwi 24798222
Emax
Multibrand
MCC 24558062, Fax 24558063
Genetco
Sanyo, Videocon, Fujitsu, Thomson, York, Yamaha, Canon, HAAS, AEG, Sure, Caravell, Gulf Star, Safari, Admiral, Francia, Mitsubishi, Marc Climatic, Vortice, Guntner, Zanussi , Ziegra Imesa, Bitzer , Manitowoc, Bremer, Dito- Electrolux, Metro, Taylor, Costan
Al Qurum 24568806 Al Qurum 24561948 Muttrah 24713138 Ruwi 24830919 Seeb 24422797 Shatti al Qurum 24693292
24503653
HiTec Centre
Boston Accoustics, Denon, Leica, Polk Audio
Azaiba 24497384
24497384
Jashanmal
Mytag, Hoover
24702312
Jawahir Oman
Bang & Olufsen
Qurm 24563213
24563213
Jumbo Electronics
Sony, VAIO, Sony professional Products, Blackberry, Supra, Midea Air-conditioners, Casio, Brother Sewing Machines, Acer, HP, Dyson, Gorenje
MBD 24818358, Al Araimi 24565845 QCC 24470529, Salalah 23291984
Wadi Kabir 24814815, 24814751, Fax 24815267
Khimji Luxury
Krups, Moulinex
Ruwi 24796161
99881627
K R Household
O General, Siemens
Wadi Kabir 24813333
24814793
Loay International
Macintosh, Benq, Epson, Sokkia, Acer
24708795
24708845
MHD
Fagor, Pioneer
Ruwi 24732440
24732440
Meta Galaxy
Hitachi
Ruwi 24503653
24503653
Moayyed Integrated Ente
Daewoo Electronics
24488795
24488795
Muscat Electronics
Daikin, Wansa, Ricoh, Chigo, Media, G-Hanz, Sony Professional products
Ruwi 24702985, 24799246 Sohar:26845647, Salalah:23291617
24813408,24560874
Mustafa Sultan Electronics (MSE)
Samsung, Haier, Philips, Nevica, Whirlpool
Al Khuwair 24636015
Wadi Kabir 24818018
Oman Intl. Electronics & Trading Co.
Bose, Nec, JVC
Qurm 24565490
24830606
Oman Modern Electronics Co.
Sharp, JBL, Mastergas, Harman/Kardon, Onida, Nikai
24702555
24702555
OMASCO
Raymond Weil, Kolber, Westar, Alba, Maxima, HMT, Panasonic, Xper, Aftron, Black&Decker, GE
Qurm, 24564310 Ruwi 24833630
24560232
OMASCO - System Solutions
Panasonic
24565696
24565696
Oman Trading Est.
Bosch, LG, Palson, TCL, Prolux, Promate, Pearl, Souq Technia, GHanz, White Westinghouse, Hostess, Kenstar,
Ruwi 24834162 Al Araimi 2456148, 24810522
24810522, 24810156, 80075545
P&G
Brawn, Oral-B
24815474
Photocentre
Amano, Archivtechnik Kunze, Unomat Intl., Broncolor, Delkin Devices, Fuji Film, Epson, Green Clean, Hama, Hasselbald, Marumi, Mitsubishu Electric, Peli, Sigma, Sinar
Qurm 24565305 Al Khuwair 24479296
Sarco
Samsung, Technoflame
Ruwi
Ghala 24593025
Sayed Bin Nasser Al Hashar
Ariston, Rinnai, Voltas, JBL, Kirloskar, Kardex, Lexmark
Ruwi 24700571 Ruwi 24706004, 24796007 Ruwi High Street 24834460 Salalah 23291405, Sohar 26840763 Sur 25544613
24704494
Salman Store
Seb, Janome, Coolex
24799332
Shah Nagardas Manji Co.
Kodak, Olympus, Yashica, Cokin, Case Logic, Lexar, Noritsu, Durst, Bushnell, Eiki, Iriver, Steiner, Tasco, White Westinghouse, Igloo, Venus, Russel Hobbs, Addis, Noritake, Ocean, Wenger
Ruwi , Qurm 24562656 Lulu Baushe 24593806, Nizwa 25410184
Technical Trading Co
Westinghouse
Ruwi 24703515, Fax 24700010
If you would like to be listed, e-mail: tech@deenarmedia.com
24700883
JULY 2011 / 65
66 / TECH
Systems for Dentists