Golden Days of The Video Cassette Recorder (VCR

Remember those days of the 80s and early 90s when our favorite stop in the local market would be the "Video Library" that succeeded in delighting us each time we went there. The era that was ruled and dominated by a gadget loved by one and all, old or young - the Video Cassette Recorder or more commonly the VCR.

The 80s was a time when cable tv had far from reached India in any form. It was a time where just one tech was to shine - the Video Cassette Recorder. As it so happened, the people had no choice whatsoever in watching programmes on the Television as the only channel available was the Doordarshan (more popularly DD) and later the DD Metro which in fact seemed a big bonus! It seemed just a perfect setting for something like a Video Cassette Recorder to make its presence felt and counted.

The Video Cassette Recorder opened up to the Indian people a whole new world of entertainment that was unknown prior to this. From watching just the news or documentaries sprinkled sparsely with a pinch of weekly serials, the common man now had the luxury of enjoying movies at the comfort of his bedroom - right from the old classics to the latest flicks of Bollywood.

Video Cassette Recorders used removable video cassettes (video tapes) which used magnetic tapes to record videos on them. What this meant was, not only could one watch prerecorded cassettes for films but they could also record shows and broadcast from the television that could be played on later! This was pure magic!!! Of course, there was on offer a cheaper variant of the VCR which we called the VCP - Video Cassette Player - which could only playback the cassette but not record.

The advent of VCRs in India gave a perfect opportunity for the business in the form of "Video Libraries" to flourish! Every local market had at a minimum 2 to 3 libraries to boast of, all of whom could comfortably survive despite t competition as the demand much overdid the supply by a huge margin. I still remember our very own "Micky Video Library" and the "Lords" library which were such hot spots in those times, the first one ironically being located in a small narrow lane was just a tiny little room with a collection of some hundred videos. The latter was a much more dignified a place with a far bigger collection of both Hindi and English movies and an air conditioned shop to flaunt! But to be honest it hardly mattered, as what was important was to get that latest release on the first chance - damn if it was pirated or if you had to shell out a few extra bucks!

The early VCRs were top loading models where you inserted the cassette in a slot that popped out from the top of the VCR on pressing the "Eject" button. It was later followed by the more sleek and improved versions of VCRs that were front loading, had a more appealing and modern feel to them, not to forget the constantly improved features being added One such feature I remember was the availability of a "Timer" where you could actually set the time at which the VCR would start recording!

It was not just Video Libraries that flourished. Video Cassette Recorders provided a remarkable opportunity for small time technicians and engineers with so many of these "Video Repair" shops that sprung up. The VCR functioned with a revolving "Head"with a small little pin which read the magnetic tape on the cassette. As was expected, with the dust and physical contact, invariably you would be faced with a situation where your "Head" went dirty and you needed either a "head cleaner" sprayed on it to get it cleaned, or in extreme cases, you had to take it to one of those repair shops.

The VCRs also ushered in an age of many different and new forms of entertainment revolving around the Television. Besides just movies, they also opened up doors to the Pakistani Plays which are remembered even till date. It brought to our homes some lovable characters from plays such as Dhoop Kinare and Tanhaiyan that became a part of our lives and live with us even today. And then there were those "Film Magazines". I am not talking about the Fimfares or Star Dusts. The VCRs brought in the concept of video magazines such as "Leheren" which became a household name. They were basically around one hour shows that gave you the news from the Hindi Film Industry - something that today's channels are full of and has now become such a taken for granted thing! At those times, such video magazines were your only re source to actually get live snippets into the lives of film stars or to watch the shooting of a film! Such an exciting thing it used to be!

A thing most reminiscent of those times was the quality of video that you got to watch - what was in the common language referred to as the "print" of the cassette. So often did you have to return a video as "the print" was so bad! So unlike the CDs and DVDs of today where there are no issues with the quality that you get to watch. But somehow, remembering it today, one somewhere in his heart wishes for those little nick-nags that today's over-perfect world has totally eliminated:(

And how can one forget that "Counter" you had in those days on the VCRs. It was a small three digit counter with revolving dials that showed numbers 0-9 on each dial to represent the length of the video that had been played:) Starting from 000 it went on to 999 and was such a simple and a remarkable display of how a basic little concept could be put to such pertinent use! It was later replaced by a digital counter with the introduction of more enhanced and improved VCRs which offered a digital display. Again it is one of those things that make you wonder - do we really need all this advancement! Why have we forgotten to keep things simple:(

How can one ever forget that sound of a video cassette "Rewinding" and that distinct "thud" with which it stopped or when you pressed that "Stop" button! My heart goes out to those times:oops: Its truly is such a high reliving those moments from the past. I remember how the summer break meant so many films on the VCR, daily visits to the video library - which had even started home delivery and the phone services - some even going as far as providing a printed list of movies they had in their store! I even recall that as kids we used to get an extra VCR on hire for a few days as you could interconnect them with your VCR with a cable and actually make copies of the cassettes. To think of it now, how did I ever take that much of trouble to record a cassette! But then, that was the magic of those times.

One just is forced to think - why does technology have such a crab mentality where it needs to pull someone down to be able to climb up:( Why does each new technology have to kill its predecessor. Why can't the old and the new coexist? Why cant we have the old with the new. I am only thankful and feel privileged to have experienced and used these winners of the past.

Thanks for joining in, see you next week, same day, same time with another pick from the past in The Lost Technology...

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Cool Tech Gifts for Under $100

Tech gifts are getting more and more affordable as more internet tablet and other tech products are being marketed and sold en masse. The competition among tech companies is always stiff indeed, but the winners become apparent pretty quickly. This article lists the most promising and thought provoking tech gadgets available for under $100. Here's the list:

• Without a doubt, the Archos 28 internet tablet - a mini Android tablet made by Archos, is a must for this list. This touch screen MP3 player is revolutionary in the sense that it packs a lot of punch for its size. With a 2.8" touch screen and a thin casing under 10mm, this pocket sized internet device and multimedia player blows most others out of the water in terms of compact size and internet browsing speed. For under $100, the Archos 28 is a steal! No other mini tablet fits the bill quite like the Archos 28. This pocket tablet is truly a necessity for every tech gadget enthusiast this holiday season.
• Another Archos product makes the list, too. The Archos 3cam Vision is an unbelievable "all in one" touch screen mp3 player. For under $100, you get it all: an mp3 player, video camera, video player, photo viewer, fm radio and transmitter, and fm and audio recorder. The Archos 3cam Vision is one spectacular touch screen MP3 player package at a spectacular price.
• Third on the list is Apple TV. At just under $100, Apple TV allows you to wirelessly stream HD videos, movies, music, TV shows, photos and more - straight to your TV from your computer from its very compact transmitter unit that fits in the palm of your hand. Watch all your favorite movies with this trendy yet functional device. Pretty cool.
• The Novatel MiFi also makes the list. MiFi is a compact wireless router that acts as a mobile hotspot for your internet device. This cool compact hotspot finder is a great buy at under $100 (if you sign up for a 2-year contract with Verizon Wireless.)

From a touch screen mp3 player to a mini Android tablet, this holiday season is guaranteed to be jam packed with tech gadgets all under $100 each. It can't get any more affordable than this. And just think; you get to stay up to date on all the latest tech items without putting a dent in your wallet. You might even have enough left over to buy your favorite internet tablet devices for everyone on your holiday list, too

Projectors: Your Technical Questions Answered: Automatic Features

Nearly all rental projectors are equipped with certain automatic features, which may include auto focus, auto setup, auto input signal search, automatic keystone correction, and more. But should you always use the automatic features, or does it ever make sense to correct and adjust your image manually?

Automatic Focus

In nearly any situation where you're using a projector, you will tend to use the automatic focus feature. In older devices, you may need to focus the first image manually, then the automatic focus can take over from there.

In newer devices, the auto focus feature appears to work like magic, honing in on the clearest, crispest image with the touch of a button. Additionally, some projectors also feature remote focus, which allows you to use the remote control to auto focus your presentation.

Once you've activated the auto focus feature, you will likely not need to use it again during your presentation, unless the projector is moved or repositioned.

Auto Setup

An auto setup feature allows for easy, one-button adjustment of input and picture display, which is ideal for non-techie or occasional projector users. The auto setup feature also allows a projector to be used efficiently in multiple locations, and easily moved or repositioned.

This is truly a "plug and play" feature that is appreciated by many. There is no need to perform this function manually if your rental projector is equipped with an auto setup feature.

Auto Input Signal Search

Put simply, this is an automatic feature that allows your rental projector to determine what form of input (laptop, DVD, etc.) you are using for your presentation.

This feature makes setup quick and simple. If your rental projector does not have this feature, you may need to select the input manually.

Automatic Keystone Correction

This is an excellent feature, although not essential. The automatic keystone correction will ensure that your image is squared to the projection screen or surface. If your rental projector does not include this feature, then you would simply reposition the projector, the table or flat surface on which it rests, or the screen itself to remove any keystoning (a distortion of the image that appears as a trapezoid or parallelogram instead of a rectangle of square).

How can you tell which features your rental projector includes? Ask to see the specs before you rent, or look at the materials included with the rental equipment itself. Most rental projectors include a setup guide that lists the features of that specific unit.

Simple Tactics to Trace Your Lost Laptop

There are thousands of laptops that get stolen each year. While most of them are never recovered, only a mere three per cent get traced back to the rightful owner. Vigilance is a must when you are roaming around in a public place with your laptop. However, a single moment of lapsed attention is enough to lose it. Therefore, it is extremely important that you make all the arrangements for tracing your laptop the minute it gets stolen.

One sure shot way of retrieving your lost device is by installing an anti theft software. Apart from that, it is advisable to label your laptop openly. You can include your name, email address and phone number in the label. You may also add something like "return for reward". Do not include your street address in your contact information, in case your device falls in the hands of a criminal. But you may insert the information in your screen saver. If you are lucky, you may get your laptop back without any hassle.

Make a separate record of all the information on the laptop that confirms your ownership. This may include the unique serial number of your device, the brand and model number and other information of the like. You may even consider recording the content of all the important files that have been created by you and cannot be easily found, in case a thief is trying to erase and destroy all traces of previous ownership.

Report the loss to the police and provide them with all the identifying information of your laptop. If they recover your laptop, they will be able to identify it as yours with the help of the serial number and other information. The information obtained from the anti theft software embedded in your device will also help them recover it. Also report the loss to the manufacturer of the laptop. Give them the serial number of your device. If, someone calls the technical support and supplies the same serial number as yours, the representative should make a note of the caller's telephone number and all the other information that will help trace the location of your laptop.

The most effective solution is to embed a certain tracking software. Most of these software solutions come equipped with a program that can make the device go into lock down status the minute it is reported as lost. Since this state of the machine will make the thief incapable of accessing it, your data will remain safe and untouched. They are also programmed to update their location, status and other recovery data on the server. All this information can help in tracking down your lost laptop. There are many such software options available. Snuko is one such software that can help trace your laptop with its many detective-like features.

If you have not preinstalled any software, you may check sites like eBay and Craigslist for your lost laptop. You may even check the local pawn shops and the used laptop dealers in your area. Usually, stolen laptops are quickly sold. Chances are you may find yours, too.

Snuko UK Limited, a subsidiary of Snuko PLC, is a UK registered IT and Security Company specializing in securing people's computers and smart phones. For further information, please visit: http://snukoantitheft.wordpress.com/2010/11/25/simple-tactics-to-trace-your-lost-laptop/

Psyko 5.1 Gaming PC Headset

By this time you might be reading lots of reviews and sites that give you update about latest electronics product of the market. Here is one such product you will love to avail either for you or for you close ones. Read more information about Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset. This electronic gadget is not designed as a headphone rather it is designed as a gaming headset. With this head set you can have 3D effect that you can get in any of your room system. It includes 5 speakers in the bridge with a sub-woofer located at each ear. This headset system is ideal for any teen-ager gift as with the most up-coming PC games this will go hand to hand. This can be a best combination for any of your PC game. This can be also defined as Psyko's audio gaming PC headset.
This head set is created with a user friendly technology that enables any gamer to hear the exact sound coming from which direction while in game. Well, before any more discussion about this electronics gadget, it should be mentioned here that though this head set is not designed as usual audio headphone, it does not means that it cannot be used as a regular one, rather it will work the same or more better way then the regular head phone.
The head from Psyko has highly unique aesthetic quality. This entire headset is made up with transparent plastic and can be adjustable according to your need. The ears of the head set can be adjusted easily and it supports you in removing microphone as the microphone is also removable. Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming headset need to get connected with earphone that gets hooking up with the amp that you plug into the wall or multi-plug unit. You can adjust the volume as the amp supports adjustable volume and bass. All you need is to have a set-up of 5.1 surround sound.
Since this an up-coming gadget it may cost you little more expensive. But one thing you should remember while buying that this can be a last pair of head phone you are availing because this ultimate head set is going to serve you for a long time. If this is for your friend, you are going to get heartiest thanks as this upcoming gadget is going to give your friend the ultimate gaming effect for the first time. If you are planning for a game in your Christmas or New Year's gift and are ready to pay cash for that, then this can be an ideal gift for the person.