Ethernet

Ethernet is the single most widely used form of the local area network currently in existence. The original design for Ethernet was created by Xerox, and was based on an earlier design that was known as Alohanet. After the initial creation and success of Ethernet, the product went through further enhancement under the auspices of Xerox, Intel, and DEC. Ethernet usually makes use of twisted pair wires or coaxial cable in the basic design of a wired local area network. However, the same general principle applies to wireless Ethernet as well. Various devices are connected to the cable or wires and achieve connectivity to Ethernet through Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection. In general, Ethernet systems are referred to as 10BASE-T and are capable of producing speeds of up to 10 Mbps.

Along with the standard 10BASE-T, there is also today what is known as Fast Ethernet. Properly designated as 100BASE-T, this form of Ethernet is capable of producing transmission speeds that are up to one hundred megabits per second. Generally, Fast Ethernet is used as a backbone for the LAN system, with the 10BASE-T cards used for the workstations that are supported by the LAN. Gigabit Ethernet takes the process one step further. This form of Ethernet will provide up to one thousand megabits per second and is an excellent option for large networks that require a great deal of support to manage local and remote work stations.10-Gigabit Ethernet provides the greatest power currently available. This type of Ethernet offers up to ten billion bits per second, making it the fastest version currently available.

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

HDMI, or high definition multimedia interface, is a type of audio and video interface that is used for the transmission of uncompressed digital streams. Essentially, HDMI can be considered an alternative method to transmitting data streams, rather than making use of conventional methods such as coaxial cabling, VGA, or component video equipment. Quite a number of devices and sources on the market today will work with the use of HDMI. The Blu-Ray disc player, a relatively new innovation, was created with the use of HDMI specifically in mind. Most personal computers that are sold today are ready for use with HDMI, as are the majority of video game consoles in the stores currently. A set-top box also is usually compatible with HDMI, as are such entertainment options as digital television. Essentially, any type of computer interface today will function with the use of HDMI.

HDMI will work with a single cable connection to such devices as televisions or personal computers. In general, HDMI will function fine with any television or PC that is standard, enhanced, or high definition in the video component. However, it is important to note that HDMI does work independently of many of the DTV standards, although use of HDMI will not impact the quality of the digital transmission. Generally, these standards apply to some configurations of MPEG movie clips and files. Since these are compressed, HDMI will simply decompress the data and make it possible to view the clip.

No. There is a range of specifications that are employed by HDMI, and a given device will be manufactured to comply with one of those specifications. The most simplistic specification is identified as 1.0. With each succeeding version, the capabilities of the previous version remain intact, but are joined by other capabilities that will allow the version to function with a given device. Because technology is always advancing, HDMI continues to advance as well. However, older versions remain active, as they are often used with devices that require less functionality, and they also continue to be helpful in situations where older systems are still running and are in operation. HDMI was created and has been enhanced by the efforts of several prominent names in the computer and electronics industry. Consumers will recognize the names of Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Silicon Image as just part of the roster of corporations involved in the ongoing enhancement of HDMI.

Broadband Television

What do you like watching on television? Whether you prefer talent shows, reality TV, movies or sports, you can find a channel for everything nowadays. Although the age-old concept of watching the TV as a family may have changed over the years, many of us remain glued to our sets as we catch up on soap operas and award-winning documentaries. And now more of us are making use of our broadband connections in order to watch television. With the rise of video-sharing websites such as YouTube and the introduction of applications that will allow you to watch programs from a certain channel, we now have a greater degree of choice in both what we watch and when we watch it.

Internet television has seen huge advances and growing popularity since it was launched, and now more television stations around the world are making use of the trend, combined with the growing popularity of cheap broadband in order to capture viewers. And with more of us making use of the internet in our everyday lives, we have been given the chance to escape the sofa and watch programmes we’ve missed without the use of expensive set-top boxes. With a wide range of subjects available for viewing, from sporting events to political debates, it has never been easier to access up-to-date information and programmes at times that suit us, all from the comfort of our laptops.

And as technology becomes more advanced, both online and offline, internet television continues to develop, with some services offering features such as user interaction whilst viewing programs – without covering up the screen with annoying pop-ups and disrupting the viewing experience. So now, as well as viewing high-quality videos on a full screen, viewers can now not only search for biographies on actors, information on places seen on screen, but also jump to certain parts of scenes by using keywords. In order to make the most of such services, it is advisable to make sure your connection is up-to-speed through use of a broadband speed test. As technology develops, more of us are making use of affordable computers and laptops, cheaper broadband and a wide range of online services. And as more of us turn to watching television online, could this perhaps be a turning point for ‘couch potatoes’?

Mobile Satellite Internet

When we travel, whether for work or pleasure, no matter how much we think we want to unplug and disconnect - we can't. Whether it’s the GPS navigation system in our rental cars, the burning desire to see the score of a sports game, itch to tune into to the news, check the latest snapshot of the stock market or simply check email, we are a connected force in an almost connected world. Mobile satellite internet services are ideal in locations where terrestrial Internet access is not available either because of limited infrastructure or as a result of a natural or man made disaster. It used to be that mobile satellite internet access was used primarily by vessels at sea and mobile land vehicles used for emergency responders and disaster relief, but as with most technology, what begins as a necessity for some becomes a desired luxury for all. Many commercial satellite providers are banking on this and developing even greater solutions to keeping people connected regardless of locale or environment.

It was only a few short years ago when motorists thought GPS navigation systems were too expensive and unnecessary expenses…now most new cars offer these as standard features. Families and business travelers can receive local news, live traffic updates, weather, sports, and other programs. The next move will be to standardizing mobile satellite internet into vehicles as well. Many SUV's already can be easily equipped with a satellite antenna which brings the internet on the road without the need for local wi-fi hot spots or receivers. More importantly than benefiting from the luxury of having everything at our fingertips, mobile satellite internet is imperative for businesses and organizations with remote and field offices. With a quickly growing mobile workforce, business satellite internet reduces the downtime or lag time caused by limited or delayed on-the-road communications. As cell phones and pdas become more equipped with more advanced mobile technologies, we are well on the way for mobile satellite internet becoming an everyday standard.