Where next for TV Tuners?

TV tuners have evolved to become something extraordinary over the past 20 years. From being used in the very first sets of televisions to becoming a laptop TV tuner that you can take with you wherever you want, they can now be obtained almost anywhere in the world. As the world of computers and theatre entertainment merge, TV tuners become more and more important – especially external TV tuners for laptops.

How TV Tuners Have Evolved

It has evolved from being a core function of a standard television set to something as small and compact as a USB device that can be plugged in and used with any desktop and laptop. If you have never quite understood the concept of using a TV tuner to capture TV broadcasts on a computer, then this article will provide you with the basic rundown.

An Introduction to TV Tuners

TV tuners are components that can enable computers to receive television signals, and often allowing them to record these programs to the hard drive. They are rather inexpensive compared to other solutions. You can get a TV tuner card for under £25.

There are a few different types of TV tuners available:

Analogue Tuners – these are suitable for watching TV in real-time. Because analogue TV

AVerMedia wins prestigious iF Design Award

AVerMedia are delighted to announce that its CP300 visualiser has won a 2009 iF Product Design award. The CP300 document camera, used extensively in the primary and secondary education sector, has been recognised for its compact, flexible, yet simple design.

Watch TV on your Mac with the AVerTV Volar M

Have you ever wished that your TV screen was as good as your Mac Monitor?  Have you ever wished that you could watch TV while you are sitting at your Mac working while every one else is watching the television?

 

Well you don’t have to wish anymore.  Media Atlantic UK an online IT, audio, video and gaming retailer are introducing into their range the AverTV Volar M with accompanying AverTV for Mac to enable television viewing on your Mac.

 

How does it work?  Well the best way to describe it is that it’s a white USB stick which acts as a TV Digital Freeview receiver. It will work on any Mac with an Intel Core processor and has an extending cable for ease of use.

 

Everyone loves the ipod, well here a piece of technology that is just as clever and I am betting will be just as popular. The Aver TV for Mac will let you record, rewind, pause, and fast-forward live TV. If you live or work in an area broadcasting HDTV then you can benefit from it displaying 720p/1080i HDTV (MPEG-2 format).

The on screen menu will allow you to switch channels, record programs, take screenshots, or check what’s on later. You can even use it with your Apple Remote and it has a nifty little function which allows you to preserve all your favourite scenes with its screenshot function.  This gadget is an absolute must have, especially when you find out how much it costs.  Coming in at just under £40.00 it’s an amazing bargain.  Imagine how great you favourite TV programmes will look, especially if you have just bought the 30” LED cinema display.

 

Check it out at http://mediaatlantic.com/volarmac and place your advance order, it will be in the country in the next couple of weeks.

M-Audio Torq Xponent software upgrade

M-Audio announce free Torq 1.5 software upgrade with all new purchases.

Torq Xponent is a fully equipped DJ software workstation that provides innovative tools and production power to set you apart from everyone else. In addition to essential cueing, beat-matching and mixing, Torq goes beyond all other DJ applications by offering a host of real-time creative options unavailable anywhere else. Unique features like built-in effects processing, ReWire support and a 16-cell sampler let you bring powerful studio processing to your live sets, as well as infuse your studio productions with live energy. Torq software is designed to work seamlessly with select M-Audio DJ hardware, forming a completely integrated system for rock-solid performance hour after hour. Torq 1.5 brings dynamic new additions like Tempo Anchors, Tempo Master, zPlane Elastique time stretching; send/receive MIDI clock, a new toolbar and more.

Get in Sync
Torq 1.5 takes your performance beyond simple beat-matching and crossfading between tracks. Tempo Anchors allow you to set the phase grid exactly on the beats of a song—even if the song changes tempo. Tempo Anchors make it possible for Torq to remove tempo variations from songs so you can easily blend old styles and new. For example, if you have an old ‘70s funk song that was recorded without a click, Tempo Anchors enable you to perfectly match that song with the steady beat of today’s computer-driven productions. You can also assign a track you’re spinning to serve as the Tempo Master for everything in Torq, so looped samples and other tempo-based features will automatically match the natural tempo changes in the song. These new features are enhanced by the addition of the zplane élastique time stretching algorithm, a time compression/expansion tool that performs extreme audio warping with exceptional precision and sonic quality—allowing you to keep your entire mix perfectly in key.

Audio Production CenterpieceOn stage and in the studio, Torq 1.5 provides the ideal centerpiece for your audio production setup. Want to hook up your outboard gear? Torq can send and receive MIDI beat clock, allowing total synchronization with drum machines, effects boxes and other computers. Multiple DJs can now connect with each other and share the same tempo across systems—improving collaboration between artists.

Enhanced User Interface
Torq 1.5 software incorporates several highly anticipated new features that improve the user interface and provide new creative options. The Hide Mixer option conserves screen space by removing the mixer from the user interface and expanding the file browser window. The Browser Preview function lets you preview songs in your headphones before loading them into a deck. New file list categories such as “Year” and “Label” help with song organization—you can even hide and rearrange categories for improved searching through your database. Torq 1.5 also displays a warning message if you are exiting the program or loading a song onto a deck that’s already playing—preventing accidental set interruption during a live performance.

In addition, many of Torq’s preferences have been duplicated as small buttons in the redesigned toolbar. Commonly used features like External Control and AMPutate mode can now be enabled without opening the Preferences dialog. Sync mode, Schaffel mode and the new Skip Protection feature can also be changed on the fly. You can trigger all of these buttons with a compatible MIDI controller like M-Audio’s Oxygen 8 v2 or Trigger Finger.

Never Miss a Beat
Torq 1.5 also includes new features designed to enhance the mixing process and give you complete control over your set. Skip Protection for external vinyl control keeps the music playing—even if the needle briefly jumps or skips off the record. True Key Lock keeps the pitch constant when you change speed using external turntable controls or the scratch wheels on Torq Xponent. The new Auto Gain feature compensates for volume differences in songs—smoothing out transitions between tracks with different levels. And the MIDI Soft Takeover feature prevents parameter jumps when using external controllers.
Torq 1.5 also includes a new beat-detection algorithm that analyzes tracks according to Musical Style Preferences. You can select from a long list of styles before analyzing songs—improving the reliability of results. If a song is analyzed improperly, simply change the musical style and re-analyze the track.

Advanced Effects Processing
Torq revolutionized digital DJ performance and production by combining DJ software essentials with a broad assortment of cutting-edge effects. Torq 1.5 takes you even further with new features that improve effects processing and inspire creativity. The built-in effects can now be formed into Effects Chains, allowing more creative options than ever before. For example, you can take the output of a Delay and feed it into a Dual Filter and Reverb before mixing it back into the main outputs (great for dub-style swooshy delays).
Torq 1.5 also supports VST Tempo so external effects can be synchronized to the playing track. The innovative Snapshot feature now includes a powerful Swap function—allowing you to mirror your settings between decks. These advanced features help you create your own style, blurring the line between live DJ performance and advanced music production.

Stay in the Loop
Torq 1.5 stands apart from other digital DJ solutions by delivering advanced looping tools for remixing and mashing up tracks on the fly. The new Pre-Loop feature allows you to loop a section of audio you just passed—using the QuickLoop buttons to capture loops ending at the current position. Smart Mode ensures that you capture loops of musical size. When the Quantize feature is activated, new Loops and Cue points will be added at the nearest 16th note.
Torq’s QuickLoop buttons also have a new selectable behavior called Direct Mode, which mimics the behavior of DJ CD player loop buttons. Once a loop is created, the QuickLoop buttons become divisors of the loop length—pressing 2 will halve the current loop, while pressing 1 will return it to its original length.

Easier than Ever
A host of other innovative tools streamline the creative process and improve the user interface. For example, you can clear all effects by holding the shift key and clicking Bypass. It’s also easy to unload tracks from a deck—just hold shift and press either F1 or F2. When beat-juggling between decks, Cue Points added to one track are immediately reflected in the other. And when using the browser in max view, you can drag and drop tracks onto the tiny decks located at the top of the screen—without returning to regular view first. With all of these enhancements, Torq 1.5 is more powerful and easier to use than ever before.

About MediaAtlantic

MediaAtlantic was formed in 2002 and has been trading online ever since. As a 100% on-line UK retailer of over 25,000 IT, Audio, Video and gaming products, gadgets and accessories, MediaAtlantic hope to provide a one-stop shop for all. MediaAtlantic aim to display and supply safely and securely to the UK, the latest in IT and AV Technology, available from your desktop, to your door, at very competitive prices. Technology you can use for home, work and play.For More information please contact Media Atlantic.

Tel: 0845 465 5550

Fax: 0845 465 5551

For UK sales and to order online please visit www.mediaatlantic.com/maudio

Keywords, Torq Xponent, M-Audio, Torq 1.5, digital dj, MediaAtlantic

AverMedia’s TV Tuner For Mac

If you adore the video and audio enjoyments Mac gives you, then here is another complement you must have to “exploit” your Mac! AVerTV Volar M can not only turn your Mac into a TV and a video recorder but also deliver high definition TV. Its slim and lightweight white body makes it a perfect match for your stylish Mac.

The accompanying TV application AVerTV for Mac works just like other preinstalled Mac software. You can switch channels with the Apple Remote. TheAVerTV Volar M TimeShift function allows you to preserve those precious moments. You can create a temporary recording while you have to leave your Mac. When you come back, just click on the Play button and catch up the story.

 The EPG provides you with a ‘What’s on’ guide and brief information about each program. With the AVerTV Volar M watching TV on your Mac has never been easier. Integration with your Apple remote means you don’t even have to move to change channels. The smart AVerTV for Mac automatically detects if AVerTV Volar M is connected via the USB port and runs the AverTV software. To meet the needs of dual booting system users the AVerTV Volar for Mac is bundled with  AVerTV 6, the TV software for PC.

For More information please contact MediaAtlantic    

 

Tel: 0845 465 5550

Fax: 0845 465 5551

For UK sales and to order online please visit www.mediaatlantic.com/volarmac

For the full press release on this product please visit the MediaAtlantic Blog

To receive offers on Mac products visit www.mediaatlantic.com/subscribe

 

© 2009 by AVERMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, Inc. All right reserved. AVerMedia is registered trademarks of AVerMedia Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies.

 

Keywords, AVerTV Volar M , AVerTV for Mac, AVerTV 6, MediaAtlantic , AVerMedia

Watch HDTV on your Laptop

PRESS RELEASE
MFG Code: HC81
EMBARGO: none
AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim, Slim on Size, Big on Features.

Having TV in the pocket of your shirt is no longer a dream. The AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim (size in 54mm, weight in 26g) is as light as a business card. Its thoughtful design also provides a seamless connection with a users’ notebook, so users can feel safe when they move notebooks around. Unlike regular ExpressCard, the AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim (certified with Windows Vista), once inserted, does not protrude from the side of your notebook anymore. It’s almost invisible, when used with your notebook. Although it is tiny and highly portable, it continues to support all the features you would expect and is just as powerful as a High Definition TV.

With the complete package, users’ notebooks can directly become high definition televisions. The AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim is not only able to receive worldwide analog TV, DVB-T and FM radio signals with stereo sound support, but is also capable of supporting high definition quality up to 1080i/720p. In addition, it also has real-time H.264 recording support. Users can record their favorite programs and watch them on their iPod. Moreover, the S-Video/Composite 2-in-1 cable included makes it a very versatile unit, allowing a diverse range of other connections from a DVD/VHS player, camcorder, to games console or CCTV camera.

Companied with the AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim, the powerful and user-friendly AVerTV 6 software provides a wealth of functions that users can enjoy. In addition to auto power-off, sleep timer, and wake-up from stand-by and Hibernate modes, the AVerTV 6 also provides highly flexible functions for users. Users can enjoy TV programs in the three models of PIP, POP or full screen. They can also preview 16 channels to select their favorite TV programs from and then record their favorite TV programs in different formats, MPEG-1/2/4.
AVerMedia is the technology leader in Digital Multimedia Video Convergence Technologies. Aside from its full line of TV Tuners/ Personal Video Recorder products, AVerMedia provides Document Cameras, Digital Video Maker, TV Photo Viewer and PC-to-TV Converters for consumer and corporate/ educational markets. AVerMedia also partners with PC ODM’s for the development of AVerMedia’s technologies for integration applications.mpd-mkt@avermedia.compr@mediaatlantic.com
For UK sales, prices and availability please visit
www.mediaatlantic.com/avermediahttp://www.mediaatlantic.com/

“Digital Entertainment Everywhere,” the AVerMedia’s slogan is not just a claim but also a fact. The AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim, as one of AVerMedia’s latest products for 2007. Equipped with high quality video enhancements and audio effect adjustments, the AVerTV Hybrid Express Slim promises the best and the most convenient multimedia entertainment to users. Users can not only easily take it around just like a business card, but also enjoy HDTV on their advanced notebooks with Slim ExpressCard on hand!
*Microsoft including Windows Vista, Microsoft Media Center, and all other trademarks belong to their respective companies.

About AVerMedia Technologies, Inc.

More information
AverMedia Technologies
No. 135, Jian-Yi RoadChung-Ho City, Taipei HsienTaiwan

Tel: 886-2-2226-3630Fax: 886-2-2221-1250
http://www.avermedia.com
Members of the press

Kellie Wang (Taiwan)
Tel: 886-2-22263630 ext. 6680
Fax: 886-2-32344842
E-mail:

Paul Johnson (UK)
Tel: 0845 465 5550
Fax: 0845 465 5551
E-mail:

About MediaAtlantic
MediaAtlantic was formed in 2002 and has been trading online ever since. As a 100% on-line UK retailer of over 25,000 IT, Audio, Video and gaming products, gadgets and accessories, MediaAtlantic hope to provide a one stop shop for all.
MediaAtlantic aim to display and supply safely and securely to the UK, the latest in IT and AV Technology, available from your desktop, to your door, at very competitive prices.Technology you can use for home, work and play.

How to setup dual/multiscreen displays on my computer

Why would I want a 2nd, 3rd or even more Screens on my Computer?

Well, apart from having a desk that resembles mission control, a dual screen or multiple screen desktop will allow you to have more program windows open, at the same time, spread over the number of displays you have. You can then drag and drop your objects, programs between displays too. You can answer multiple queries easily, scan through spreadsheets with ease, be more productive with your design (web/art/cad/design) work, train staff more easily or have an absolute blast on a simulation or game that immerses you into the action!

Common Applications include:

• Web/Graphics/CAD Designers
• Accountancy
• Training, Support or Sales Order Processing
• Video Editing and Digital Artists
• Simulations and Gaming
• Financial Trading Desks
• Or just showing off!

There are a couple of ways you add a further LCD monitor to your computer system, depending on your experience with computers, there is an ‘easy way’ or ‘OK I have to open up my computer case, do I really know what I am doing way’.

The easy way…

A simple device has arrived in the last few years that allows you to add a further monitor connection to your desktop PC or even to your laptop. A USB to Monitor adapter. This device is USB powered, is pretty much plug n play and allows even a novice to benefit from a 2nd (or more) LCD display, on one PC system.

There are a few variants available, and you should make yourself aware of these before proceeding. Computer monitors either come with a 15 pin VGA input or the newer DVI (Digital Video Interface) input. Some displays do come with both, so do check with your monitors before purchasing. If you haven’t decided on your monitors just yet, then the DVI would be the better interface to go for, for now and future use.

Also, you need to decide on what size of monitors you intend to use. The more basic USB video adapters will only allow for resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 (Around 17 to 19″ Monitors), with more advanced adapters allowing for greater resolutions. Also be aware of widescreen displays, as a 19 inch widescreen displays resolution is greater than that of a standard 19 inch display.

The harder way… (unless you are OK with upgrading your PC)If you are wanting a multiscreen desktop and intend to use it for high quality desktop work or high end gaming, then you should consider upgrading your computers graphics card. You can consider either, dual VGA (15 pin) outputs, 1 x VGA and 1 x DVI (Digital Video Interface) outputs, Dual DVI outputs or even a DVI and HDMI output from one single card.

When upgrading your graphics card, you will need to check what graphics card options your motherboard supports. Do you have an AGP slot (Advanced Graphics Port) available, are you just using standard PCI slots or does your motherboard cater for the newer PCI-E (PCI Express)?

A vast range of cards on the market with a multitude of options can seem a little overwhelming at first. But check with your computer manual or manufacturer first and see what options you have. Also be careful if you have a thin PC Case, as you system may only accept ‘low profile’cards. A selection are available, but the choice is slightly more limited. The good news is equipment prices really are lower than ever, LCD monitors and graphics cards are very affordable. The bad news could be, you may not have the knowledge to install and setup such a solution as these will need you to open up your computer case and install components to enable you to achieve this.

If in doubt, leave it to an expert and do check your original warranty before opening your computer case, as mistakes could prove expensive!

In both casesOnce you have used a dual or triple view desktop, you will find it very difficult to go back to a single screen. You really can get more work done with a multi screen desktop!

Related Product Links of Interest:

www.mediaatlantic.com/lcd – LCD Monitor and Complete Multi Screen Kits

http://www.mediaatlantic.com/ – USB to Monitor Adapters

www.mediaatlantic.com/graphics – Range of Graphics Cards available

www.mediaatlantic.com/cables – LCD Monitor Cables and many more
www.mediaatlantic.com/brackets – LCD Monitor Mounts and Brackets

 

A vast range of cards on the market with a multitude of options can seem a little overwhelming at first. But check with your computer manual or manufacturer first and see what options you have. Also be careful if you have a thin PC Case, as you system may only accept ‘low profile’cards. A selection are available, but the choice is slightly more limited. The good news is equipment prices really are lower than ever, LCD monitors and graphics cards are very affordable. The bad news could be, you may not have the knowledge to install and setup such a solution as these will need you to open up your computer case and install components to enable you to achieve this.

If in doubt, leave it to an expert and do check your original warranty before opening your computer case, as mistakes could prove expensive!

In both casesOnce you have used a dual or triple view desktop, you will find it very difficult to go back to a single screen. You really can get more work done with a multi screen desktop!

Related Product Links of Interest:

www.mediaatlantic.com/lcd – LCD Monitor and Complete Multi Screen Kits

http://www.mediaatlantic.com/ – USB to Monitor Adapters

www.mediaatlantic.com/graphics – Range of Graphics Cards available

www.mediaatlantic.com/cables – LCD Monitor Cables and many more
www.mediaatlantic.com/brackets – LCD Monitor Mounts and Brackets

 

If you want a multi screen setup that is both useful and asthetically easy on the eye, then it would always be beneficial to have the same size displays in use together. Even better, if you are able to use all of the same make, model and colour of monitor. You can then align them together on your desk, wall mount them together or invest in a quality multiscreen desk stand, if your budget allows it. Your eyes will then be able to adjust more easily, as all screens would be of the same, type, size, resolution and frequency.