Well Designed Products: Challenges from the Apple Verdict

The recent Apple vs. Samsung tussle and the subsequent court decision has already commanded tons of virtual and real ink in media. Various experts are analyzing the likely impact of verdict in various contexts, but they all agree on one point – the impact of the verdict will be substantial, and will be felt across many disciplines.

The most obvious impact of the decision will be on the domain of product design, since the main question was copying of the design. With fast developing technology and advanced features available for buyers, the design of products has become a deciding factor in buyer decision.

Apple vs Samsung Battle

Then, there is the utilitarian aspect of product design – is design for design’s sake enough, or does it have to have a practical value too. I look at my LG 3D TV, and I find that its Cinema Screen Design not only makes for good looks, it also serves a much practical purpose. The extremely thin bezels make for really immersive viewing – and a theater like enhanced experience for the viewer.

But I also find that the thin bezel design of the LG Cinema Screen 3D TV is becoming more of a norm. For example, Samsung’s new range of Smart TVs also offers a very thin bezel. So, has Samsung copied LG’s design, or vice versa? Sometimes, in introducing a new feature or benefit, different products may come out with similar designs – and the thin TV bezels are definitely an example of this.

LG Cinema Screen 3D TV - An Iconic Design

However, companies will definitely learn to introduce differentiators so that an Apple vs. Samsung type of situation is avoided. In the process, they will be able to introduce innovators that really set their products apart. Again, coming to LG 3D TV, I will like out to point it out as an example. When every other TV maker was favoring active 3D, LG turned to passive 3D. They utilized the FPR screen and spent their energy on developing more comfortable, flicker free 3D glasses, instead of just going with the conventional shutter glasses.

This approach has an obvious advantage – it creates an important product differentiation. As a result of focusing on passive 3D, LG 3D TVs have occupied the leadership position in passive 3D TV space. The comfortable, lightweight and cheap glasses have become an important USP for LG 3D TVs.Using the FPR screen also enabled LG to introduce another important innovation – the Dual Play feature. This feature is especially useful for gaming, when multi-player or co-op modes can be enjoyed without the split screens. This is again an example of a company leveraging its different design to introduce more product differentiators. The last word in the Apple vs. Samsung battle is still not written – this battle and the subsequent decision will have long lasting repercussions. Let us see how the product designers cope up with the challenge. But one thing is sure, innovative concepts like Cinema Screen design of LG 3D TV and Dual play feature will provide an important opportunity for manufacturers to stand out from the clutter. 

Is Your 3D TV a Health Risk?

There is a lot of discussion around the health risks of active 3D TVs vs. passive 3D TVs. Incidentally; LG 3D TV  and Toshiba are the only leading brands in India that uses passive 3D technology (Onida also uses passive 3D tech, but it is a very marginal player in the 3D TV market). The other major player – Samsung, Panasonic, Sony etc – all use the active 3D technology.

Most of the prospective 3D TV buyers do not appreciate the fact that even an innocuous activity as watching a TV can probably pose a health risk. But what is the association of 3D TV technology to health – you may ask? Let me explain.

Active 3D Glasses - Heavy and Uncomfortable

The inherent issues arise from the way the two technologies work. While the passive 3D glasses are like simple sunglasses, except that the glasses are polarized to get 3D stereoscopic vision. On the other hand, the active 3d glasses are a bit more complicated in build and operation. They are actually small LCD screens, which open and close (alternatively) at high speeds, in sync with left and right aligned images shown by the active 3D TV screen at very high speeds.

The most common problems associated with the way active glasses operate are two – flicker and crosstalk. While flicker results from the very rapid opening and closing of LCD shutters, crosstalk results when this opening and closing goes out of sync with main TV – so that the left eye receives the right image, and vice versa. Both are very uncomfortable situations for the viewer. While individual responses to flicker may vary – some people feel it more, some less – crosstalk is uniformly irritating to everyone that experiences it.

Can Your Active 3D TV Pose a Health Risk?

While the flicker is irritating and uncomfortable in itself, even a few minutes of watching 3D over it may produce significant eye strain among those who are sensitive to it. Many people, who otherwise would like to buy a 3D TV, simply balk at the prospect of getting persistent headaches after watching 3D using active shutter glasses.

Latest research findings on the effect of flicker reveal that long exposures to flicker may even lead to epileptic seizures. Perhaps more focused research is needed into this aspect, yet the fact remains that optical epilepsy is indeed caused by photosensitivity, which may be exacerbated by flicker effect of active 3D TVs.

Another possible health hazard associated with active 3D TV is that of electromagnetic radiations (EMR). This again is the result of the way active glasses work. First, they need batteries to power the shutters. Second, they connect with TV using infrared or radio waves. Any viewer using active 3D glasses will be definitely exposed to EMR that emanates from the batteries, and the TV itself.

LG Cinema Screen 3D TV

Thank God for Passive 3D Flicker Free glasses!

In view of the above, the prospective 3D TV buyers would do well to explore passive 3D TV and passive flicker free 3D glasses. I, for one, certainly took this into account while buying my first 3D TV. No wonder then, that my current TV is the LG 47LM6400. Another reason that I like my LG 3D TV is its iconic Cinema Screen design, which really makes for an immersive TV viewing experience.

Watching Sholay on my Cinema 3D TV

The recent death of veteran actor, A.K. Hangal reminded me of a newspaper article that I had read earlier this year. This article was about Sholay – one of the films that stamped the presence of A.K.Hangal in our memories. Coming back to the said article – it was about the imminent release, or shall we say, re-release of Sholay in a 3D avatar. 

Sholay in 3D

Now, Sholay is arguably one of the most successful masala films of Bollywood. Since the day it was released, it has blazed a trail in the cinematic history of India. A great box-office hit, it soon went on to become a cult into itself. Most Hindi movie lovers will have seen the movie a gazillion times, and most of us remember a few dialogues by heart. Indeed, some of the dialogues have become a part of popular lingo.

But I digress again! The article that I had mentioned earlier – regarding 3Dfication of Sholay – said that the 3D version would be released around August – Independence Day to be precise. Now, 15^th of August has come and gone, yet no news of Sholay in 3D! Nothing turned up in a Google search, except that perhaps the work is still on – with no word of a release date. So, fans will have to still wait some more time for a 3D version of Sholay.

2D to 3D Conversion

I, on the other hand, have been quite fortunate in that regard. As I had mentioned in an earlier blog post, I own an LG 3D TV – it is the model LG 47LM6400 – a really smart TV! One of its features is 2D to 3D conversion – where it can convert normal 2D pictures to 3D on the fly. Once you put this feature on (at the flick of a button on the Magic Motion Remote), plain 2D becomes an exciting 3D! And so it turns out that I have already watched Sholay in 3D – at least a couple of times.

The 2D to 3D conversion features works not only for recorded videos, but also for normal TV broadcast – even live telecast. So, you can watch all sorts of programs in 3D whenever the mood strikes you – even your favorite soaps. So, if you are bored with the daily squabbles of saas-bahu, add some spice to it with 3D!

There have been some recent Bollywood releases in 3D – and I feel the Indian film industry is really only waking up to the true potential of 3D. We are likely to see a greater adoption of 3D, and more and more films will be shot in the 3D format from the very start. Apart from Sholay in 3D, another classic film that I would like to view again in 3D is Mughal-e-Azam. The epic battle scene between Akbar and Saleem is a prime candidate for 3D viewing – in my opinion. One of these days, I will try to get hold of a DVD and watch this classic on my LG 3D TV.

Buying Expensive Gadgets – Is the Price Right?

LG 3D Smart TV

People always surprise me with their inconsistent expectations and behavior. The other day, I was visited by an old friend of mine, when the talk turned to my 3D TV, which is LG 47LM6400. My friend (who shall remain unnamed) was surprised how someone could spend on a 3D TV. He says the technology is still undeveloped, and with 3D films few and far between, it doesn’t make sense. It is another matter that all this assessment was wrong – 3D in fact is a quite progressive technology – as any connoisseur of 3D will understand. However, his biggest grouse was the price – he thought it was too expensive.

Not that the friend is a technical novice or dud – far from it. He uses the latest smart phone (cost him around Rs 30K), and is fairly savvy in other respects. However, he chose to see wrong in my choice of my LG3D TV!

I often find people wondering at the high priced gadgets, and they are surprised that these gadgets sell at all!  However, I think differently in this matter. Utility for a gadget lies in the eyes of the beholder – if something is useful for you, then it is worth paying the price for it.

To that friend, I cited what I call the “car test”. I know a number of people who are extremely comfortable with paying 5 lakhs or so for a mid-segment car. Even at that price, they are OK with the fact that the car will be good for 5 to 7 years – 10 years at the most. Yet, when it comes to spending on 3D Smart TV, they balk at even 20% of the sum that they are ready to pay for a car. My question is – is your TV any less important than your car? After all, you and your family might end up spending more time in the front of the TV than inside the car! Is the entertainment and recreational value of a 3D TV any less than the utility of the car that takes you from A to B?

LG Side by Side Refrigerator

Another often commented upon gadget that I own is our current refrigerator – a brand new LG Side by Side refrigerator model (LG GC – P227LGCW). However, the comments on this refrigerator are not surprised ones; rather they are inspired by admiration.  It is a huge fridge – almost 600 liters – but that is what we needed given our current family size. Its wonder door feature is its highlight – almost a mini-fridge inside the main fridge. Another draw of this fridge is its water and ice dispenser. Together with the wonder door and the dispenser, the main body of the fridge needs to be opened much less frequently – saving cooling loss and saving power. Of course, the attractive color of the fridge makes it a centerpiece of our kitchen too.

What I would like to stress upon again is that any gadget is well priced if it has a utility value for you – the nominal price of the gadget should not be the benchmark of “expensive”. And whenever you are in doubt, refer to my “car test” – it will certainly guide you! Signing off for today with a promise to come back with more gadgets info in my next post!

I Miss Dark Knight Rises in 3D

Batman in 3D - I Really Wanted It!

This Sunday morning, I was lazing on the living room sofa in the morning, watching news on my LG Smart TV. I came across a news item about how the biggest Hollywood blockbuster in recent times – Dark Knight Rises – has created plenty of waves in the movies circles. Many reasons for that – primarily because both Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale will not revisit the franchise when it is rebooted. The underlying darkness of the theme has been further stressed and highlighted this time – with a foreboding sense of the good vs. evil that the tale invariably carries.

Another reason for excitement around DKR this time was extensive shooting in the IMAX format – the film has about 1 hour of footage in IMAX - shot with actual IMAX cameras. The format promises greater detail and clarity, and actually delivers on it.

Spiderman in 3D

During a recent trip to Hyderabad, I grabbed the opportunity to catch Dark Knight Rises in Prasad’s – the IMAX Theater in the city. Believe me, the effect of watching the DKR in an actual IMAX theater can be described in just one word – superlative! The actions scenes deserve a special mention – you almost feel like that you are actually present in the midst of all the action – it is very involving. No wonder, a powerful filmmaker of Nolan’s status whole heartedly supports the IMAX format. Some films HAVE to be made in IMAX format for true enjoyment – especially in the action genre. Full credit to Nolan for his vision and commitment to give the best for his viewers.

As I lay watching an old animation movie on my LG 3D TV, I wondered how would have liked to see the Dark Knight in 3D. Frankly, I have been intrigued and frankly disappointed by Nolan’s reluctance to release the Batman movie in 3D. I can understand that shooting in IMAX as well as 3D would have been a tough proposition, not to mention an expensive one. But when it comes to Nolan, one always expects that he will strive for the toughest, and deliver it to audience.

Then there is the recent example of another Hollywood blockbuster, another superhero movie – the Amazing Spiderman. The film was released in a 3D IMAX format – satisfying the fans of all formats. Like I said earlier, some films demand that they be shot in IMAX and/or 3D. Spiderman is such a film, and in my humble opinion, Batman was another superhero that we should have seen in 3D.

So, 3D lovers like me have been left high and dry. Owning the LG 3D TV has really whetted my appetite for 3D movies, and I was secretly hoping that Nolan will relent this time and release in 3D as well. Well, this is not to say that the film is any bit less effective for that reason – far from it. Yet, there is a large section of 3D enthusiasts that would have simply loved to see their favorite superhero in the 3D format as well.

However, all is not lost! I will wait a few months till the inevitable BluRay release of the movie. Once I am able to lay my hands on the Dark Knight Rises BD, I will simply plug it into my player, and watch it on my Cinema LM6400 47” 3D TV. Yes, my LG 3D TV has 2D to 3D conversion feature, and works great on all sorts of videos – even live telecast. So, I will yet have my cake and eat it too! I WILL watch the Dark Knight Rises in 3d!

The Festivities of Onam in 3D!

I for one am all in for immersing myself in India’s culture. And what better way to do it than getting to know the festivals celebrated in the different states in India. With Onam just a few days away, I feel like packing my bags and taking the earliest flight to Kerala to experience the festival first hand.

Not that I am too acquainted with the significance of Onam, but the sights and sounds of this gala makes you want to learn its religious influences. It’s an occasion that underlines prosperity and revelry in the South Indian state. It holds unparalleled importance in the eyes of the localites due to their profound belief in the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the homecoming of Mahabali.

But coming back to reality, we know that our work commitments would not allow us enough time to take part in this ceremonious occasion. But with the wide media coverage, you can rest assured that the press will do everything in their power to bring the best coverage of the event to our homes. This is one of the major reasons I have a Tata Sky HD Set top box with my LG Cinema LM6400 47” 3D TV to get true life experience of events. I end up recording the day’s media on the service provider Hard Disk and access it to enjoy the beautiful aesthetics with my family in the evening. Many a times my son says that watching something on TV can never be better than watching it LIVE! And even though I agree with him on this, the 2D to 3D conversion in my TV with exceptional Depth Control gets us closest to how an occasion would feel in person. And when I find the TV coverage is not ample enough, I browse through the Smart TV menu to find video hosting sites and VOD’s for the event.

Coming back to the festival, The Pookalam - the traditional dances and Boat races is bound to keep you glued for the 10 day duration of this festival. And the colorful aesthetics on the whole specially enthrall me. I also appreciate the enthusiasm people show while participating in all these events. The popularity of Onam is an embodiment of human spirit and righteousness of the folklores. If not for this new generation of Smart 3D TV’s, corporate slaves like me might keep missing out on the finer things in life!

Football – More than just a Sport

Having supported Liverpool FC for over a decade now, it had always been on my “Bucket List” to watch my team in flesh and blood and I was hoping I will be able to tick that off my list when I went to England. It was an official trip to Leicester and since I was going to be there for the weekend, I decided to try my luck and took a Saturday morning train to Merseyside. I was astounded to see Anfield from the outside but my luck ran out when it came to the tickets.

Fortunately for me, an elderly supporter offered to take me to a special screening of the live match at a nearby pub. A bit hesitant at first, I decided to accompany him as there was nothing to lose. A warm welcome awaited us at the pub with club supporters, old and young, hugging us as if we were their family.  A grubby looking old man walks up to us and hands us both a pair of glasses and retorts “I am bloody excited for the lads, gonna batter United at Anfield today. You guys want a pint or what?!” I had this surprised look on my face when Mr. Rhys (the old man I was accompanying) asks me- “What happened young lad. Never seen football in 3D?” 

The next thing I know, we are in this small lounge with  a massive LG 3D screen. The bartender switches to Sky Sports which provides football in 3D in UK. And what happened next was magnificent. The ball getting kicked in front of us, gifted players showing their skills, the goals and the celebrations afterward were so real and life-like as if it was all happening in front of my very own eyes. The good thing was that we won and what made it better was viewing it on a 3D TV.

I have followed football closely enough to know that 3D-transmission of football matches is a common day feature locally but the best we get here in India is ESPN HD. I am highly critical of the fact that 3D is not yet available in India. Many press releases and announcements have been made in regard to this but nothing fruitful till date. The experience I had while watching that match in 3D was immersive and enthralling. The lightweight glasses were obviously a plus. But the passive 3D on which LG has designed its TV was the real show-stealer. This really is a step in the positive direction for 3D viewing.

For die-hard fans like me, Football is not just a game but a way of Life. And I strongly believe that the combination of these next generation 3D TV’s coupled with 3D transmission by channel service providers will slowly but surely pave the way for India’s large fan base of football to enjoy match day action closest to that of watching it live in the stadium itself. 

India's Love Affair with 3d Movies

The Indian movie goers defy global trends. We are addicted to sickly sweet tales of romance, love stories, patriotism and feel good movies – unlike the more serious cinema watchers anywhere else in the world. While the rest of the world has firmly gravitated to realism in cinema, we in India have preferred to remain in our own make believe world. Once in a while we may like gritty tales like “Gangs of Wasseypur”, but our staple cinematic diet still remains “Dabangg” and “Ek Tha Tiger”- all fantastic movies with little in way of realistic bearings.

So, it is little wonder that we seem to have defied convention in another area – 3D movies. Yes sir, the enjoyable movies that you watch with strange, two colored glasses in theaters and laugh when the speeding car seems to be coming directly to you! The worldwide progress in 3d movies has been somewhat inconsistent – to the expected dismay of 3D advocates. Recently, Christopher Nolan, maker of the Dark Knight trilogy, flatly refused to make his latest offering – The Dark Knight Rises – in 3D. With such a powerful vote against it, the 3D lovers club had a very bad day at office. A lot of fans – including me – were also left disappointed – getting to watch something like the Batman in 3D would have been a real treat indeed.

But then, the positive votes have come from still other successful franchises – The Amazing Spiderman, the Avengers, and of course – Avatar (3D). On the other hand, the Indian scene has, as usual, bucked the global trend. The Indian viewer has displayed an uninhibited liking to the 3D movies – and it is across all segments of population. Even the dubbed versions of older Hollywood movies have done very well. For example, when Titanic was re-released in 3D this April – it garnered very good attention. To the surprise of many, the 3D release did an overall total business of close to Rs 20 crores!

On the heels of the unprecedented success of Avatar and Titanic (3D), the Indian producers have also felt encouraged enough to delve in the 3D medium. So, we have a slew of movies in 3D that are already in the public domain, or will be released soon to the delight of viewers. Indeed, the release of Avatar 3D BluRay has been quite a well-awaited event, and finally the word is out – we will be able to get our hands on it this October! I have cajoled my cousin in the US to send me the disc as a Diwali gift. I would really love to re-explore Avatar in 3D on my LG LM 426700 3D TV!

While the previous attempts such as “Chhota Chetan” were the first halting steps, a stampede seems to be in the works. A couple of movies originally shot in 3D have been released – “Dangerous Ishq” being the latest. Then, it has almost become a trend for big movies to have a 3D version also. So, we have had Ra One and Don 2 – both Shahrukh Khan starrers – in 3D versions also. The latest Mahesh Bhatt offering – Raaz 3 – has also been released in 3D. Of the most notable upcoming movies – Krrish 3 is also going to have a 3D version. Overall, things are really looking good for 3D movies in India.

And it is not that the trend is limited to Bollywood only. Down South also, 3D is being adopted in a big way. Earlier this year, Kannada movie “Katari Veera Sura Sundaraangi” was released in 3D – and became quite successful at the box office. But no vote of confidence can be as big as when it comes from the Boss himself. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the phenomenon called Rajnikant has also blessed 3D – good days are here indeed! His blockbuster, Sivaji the Boss, will be soon released in 3D (around September 2012). Apparently, the producers did the 3D conversion on the sly, and showed it to Rajini after completing a song sequence. Rajini liked it so well that he saw his own song three times, and that was it!  Now, his upcoming movie “Kochadaiyaan” will also be shot and released in 3D.

In the end, I would like to say that the greater adoption of 3D looks good to me – it is a very enjoyable and fun-filled medium. It takes movie watching to a whole new, immersive level. And with the increasing adoption of 3D TVs, and companies such as LG coming up with a whole new generation of 3D Smart TVs, the interest in 3D is only going to increase. More power to 3D!

The Great Cricket Festival

I confess at the very beginning that unlike other girls I am a cricket freak. My Grandfather played in the Ranji Trophy and my father was an accomplished cricketer at club level. I also played gully cricket with the boys and smashed quite a few window glasses in my time. And now I am getting geared up for the big 129 days Cricket bonanza that is coming our way. Starting August 23 India take on New Zealand and play 2 Tests and 2 T20 matches; followed by T20 World Cup 2012 n the middle of September and Champions League Twenty20 2012 in early October. I do not understand why my boss or fellow female colleagues find a girl pestering for a TV to watch the matches at the office surprising? Sure I have my LG 3D TV to watch the match to my heart’s content at home in the evening and during weekends but why miss the action during week days? Taking of LG I saw on their Facebook page that are running a contest with ICC awards where they offer 5 free tickets daily to Srilanka.

Cricket is not just a sport in our country, it is religion. And the best part; it is a faith that ask no abstinence but indulgence. Be it pizza joints, take away meals establishments, liquor shops, restaurants, bars – everyone has a rocking time thanks to cricket. And the win of Team India ensures an all night party. I still recall how I we rode to Marine drive in Mumbai and then sea link in an open jeep waiving the tri color after Indian won the world cup. What a night it was? The entire city seemed to have come out to celebrate the emphatic win that India had been long denied. People were hugging strangers and distributing sweets in scenes never seen earlier or ever since. More than language, religion or culture, it is Cricket that unites the people of this country. With my other passion, movies - be it in theater or on 3D TV in the comfort of home – coming a distant second.

So plan your cricket watching schedule in advance, plan leaves from office and get a new set top box or DTH service in time. Go through the menus of all good restaurants that give free home delivery and buy beers by the crates. I for one enjoy house and pajama party in the weekends with my closest friends. With unlimited supply of booze and snacks from my multi compartment wonder door refrigerator and live cricket in 3D that gives us goose bumps to see the ball whiz past us. The cheering and shouting from the stands in the stadia is transferred to my living room and several floor down in the apartment; but for once no one is complaining. And the session post cricket is reserved for Horror movies on 3D LED TV; with dim lights. One hour into the movie and I hedge bets on who can go out of the room alone; and even the boys chicken out!

To be sure, gadgets like smart phones, Cinema 3D TVs and wonder door refrigerator do make our lives easier but ultimately it is these moments of friendship, togetherness and shared moments of joy that make life worth living. What do you think? For now your friend Kitty kitten Nisha babi signing off until next time.

Hi technology in the London Olympics 2012

India’s dismal performance continued in the London Olympics with a win of just six medals - two of which were silver and rest bronze. While the Indian government’s apathy and the general public indifference towards sports other than Cricket are undeniable; we need to understand that the Olympics are about individualistic performance based as much on skill and strength as much on overcoming all odds. It is that killer instinct that was sorely found lacking in our sportsmen at the Olympics that is even more worrisome. The focus, single mindedness, discipline and proper training and facilities given to other sportsmen against whom we try unsuccessfully to compete should serve as an eye opener to all of us.

For me the highlight of this Olympic was the broadcast in the HD and 3D by BBC, NBC and other major broadcasters that made this one of the best covered games in history with more than 2,500 hours of coverage. In fact, at any given time BBC had no less than 24 live HD streams of the various events. Compare that with the poor coverage by Indian broadcasters and the difference is all the more striking. It is not just the question of cameras that can cover the major sporting events in 3D or HD or the skills of highly trained cameraman with state of the art broadcasting equipment. But it also the question of the will and boldness; to be in the forefront of technological revolution that nations like Korea and Taiwan have displayed.

With a range of next generation of 3D and HD smart TVs available in the Indian market with major players like Sony, LG, Toshiba or Samsung, the Indian consumer is spoilt for choice. But the question of quality HD and 3D content being available is always a nagging concern. Unless the broadcasters and Government invest in the new technology, Indian will be left far behind from the rest of the world in this respect.

I happened to be in London during the Olympics and though I attended a few games in which India was playing; I spent most of the time in the Hotel room watching the HD and 3D content that was streamed live by BBC. And despite all the bravado of having arrived and the new economic powerhouse that India is supposed to be, the kind of facilities and advancement of technology that is taken for granted by Londoners make you realize why it is called the “First World”. The thin bezel LED 3D TV in my room made watching the Olympics a pleasurable experience and gave the uncanny feeling of “being there”.

Makes you wonder when the Indian Elephant will raise from its slumber and take its rightful place – be it in the world of sports or of technology? Or will we remain the laughing stock of the world with side shows like Salahis gate-crashing in our Prime Minister’s party in Washington D.C or a girl in red shirt and blue jeans marching in unison with our Olympic squad dominating the debate and public discourse.

Independence Day Time To Cherish With Your Family

India’s Independence Day is celebrated with nationalistic fervor on the August 15 each year by millions of Indians throughout the world. It is a day of solemn remembrance of the martyrs, who laid down their lives to free the country from the British imperialism. And a day of celebrating the joy of freedom and happiness it holds for all of us, with visit to Red Fort, India Gate or Connaught place - if you live in Delhi - or the city center wherever you live and kite flying with friends, neighbors and family. Make the 65th Independence Day 2012 all the more special by availing wonderful discount on the purchase of various products during this period.

The concept of discounts on special occasions like the Independence Day, which is quite common to West has caught up in India in a big way over the last couple of years. All big grocery, electronic and clothes stores offer heavy discounts to maximize footfalls and sales during this time. Buying during this time has the twin advantage of enjoying shopping with the advantage of bringing a new product to your home. This is the right time to bring home a new 3D television, which is otherwise quite expensive in the market.  The enjoyment of special screening of movies on various channels, sporting events and select Independence Day special programmes that are aired during this time on a new 3D T.V. is a great way to spend the week with your family. Check out the great deals, exciting combo offers and mind blowing discounts on this special occasion at places like http://saleraja.com/bangalore/lg-scarlet-lcd-tvs-2 . Some companies are also running a contest at their websites; for example L.G. is running ICC Awards 2012 contest, in which 5 lucky winners daily would get a chance to visit Srilanka  http://www.lg.com/in/20-20-offer-2012.jsp

Now is the right time for investing in a technology that will remain with you for the next few decades; unlike the plain LCD/LED TVs that are on their way out. With almost all big movies coming with their 3D version, there is no shortage on availability of 3D content in India and the trend of broadcasting all major sporting events in 3D is also catching up in a big way after the London Olympics. The ICC T20 matches are expected to further fuel the pan-India sales of 3D TV. Same is true with the festival and marriage season that will see a surge in the demand of 3D TVs, as people wish to upgrade and stay abreast with the latest technology products. The major players in the 3D TV market today are Samsung, Sony, LG and Toshiba. While the Sony is losing market space rapidly due to its average product; Toshiba still hasn’t captured the Indian psyche that is slow to accept new things and new products. That leaves the two Korean giants to tussle it out in the highly competitive Indian market. High on advertising but low on product features are some of the ills that are plaguing Samsung; which is unable to match the affordable pricing and innumerous features of LG.

Take for example the LG 42LM6700; with its enticing Cinema Screen Design and a unique ‘ribbon’ stand, this full HD 3D TV is emerging as the TV of choice for discerning viewers. This Smart TV is paired with a Magic Motion remote and 4 pairs of free 3D glasses; the 2D to 3D conversion feature and 3D sound zooming make for a completely immersive TV viewing experience.  The TV is DLNA compliant, with a built in Wi-Fi, 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB2.0 ports plus a host of other ports and a unique feature called Smart Share completing an impressive array of connectivity options. For avid gamers, the Dual Play function means an opportunity to bond with friends and family – since two can play a game together without the need for split-screen.

The jury is still out to decided on the best 3D TV of India; however there is no doubting that 3D as the new technology that is shaping the way we watch TV and movies is here to stay. Whichever 3D TV you decide to buy make sure it offers the best value for money with picture quality, durability and comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty and an extensive dealer and service center network in India. Wishing everyone a happy Independence Day and signing off until next time when I return with more news of latest gadgets in the market.

A Celebration Gift, New Wonder door fridge for Ramadan and Eid

Ramadan is traditionally a month of fasting & feasting that is observed with great reverence by the faithful all over the world. It is believed that the pious feel a mysterious energy within them during this period, which carries them through the long day without even a drop of water. The early morning Sehri; when the mother cooks a hearty meal for her family and the breaking of fast in the evening  with Iftar has its own charm that is remembered all through the year. One of the commons problems that people face during Ramadan is the stale or sour food. The door in door or wonder door fridge that is currently being offered by companies like LG, Samsung and Whirlpool is the easiest solution to this problem.

The whirlpool has a two door fridge with a small freezer at bottom that makes it an ugly box that the company touts as a multi door fridge. The Samsung on the other hand has a French door fridge with compartments that look like drawers of a closet and is most expensive of the lot. If we compare the refrigerator prices in India, then LG comes up as the winner with its wonder door refrigerator that can be called worlds’ first truly door in door refrigerator. Always as the cutting edge of technology, LG has emerged as the undisputed leader in the home appliances segment in India with top of the line models that carter to every need to the consumers. The wonder door refrigerator is also part of the World Record products of LG that are being introduced by the WR man on the LG India Facebook page. You can visit them and find more info at http://www.facebook.com/lgindiapage

If we review the top products like GC-J237AGXN, GR-J287PGHV and GC-M237AGNN that are currently being offered by LG, these are among the top ten refrigerator models currently available in the Indian market. Spacious and loaded with features like LED display, open door alarm, temperature control for each section – to name only a few. It also uses Health Guard technology, which is a 4-Step Air Purifying System to preserve the freshness and nutritional value of the stored food items. It sterilizes the interior and eliminates the bacteria; which means that stale & sour food is a thing of the past during Ramadan. And with cold water & ice flowing from the dispenser built within the front door of the multi door fridge on the press of a button, you can give virtually unlimited supply of sharbat and aerated drinks during the Iftar.

For the wonderful festival of Eid, you can store virtually unlimited food & beverages or plate full of semi-cooked and half fried delicacies in your multi door fridge. With its green ion door cooling technology, the best fridge of India – by popular choice – ensures that the original crispness and mouth watering taste, even hours after you take them out to prepare the feast past the namaz on Eid ul fitr. Wishing everyone a happy Eid and signing off until next time when I return with more news of latest gadgets in the market.

The wonderful Janmashtami with your new 3D LED TV

The birth of Lord Krishna – the reverend deity of billions of faithful- is a festival that is celebrated around the world. The worshippers stand in queue outside the temples of hours to pay their reverence to the boy god, whose eternal image with a impish smile and white butter smattered all over his mouth is forever itched in the mind of his followers. The holy city of Mathura and Krishna’s playground in Vrindavan are enveloped in a rich tapestry of colorful celebration days before the festival. The universal popularity of the festival means that the millions, who are unable to go to a temple, are glued to their television screens till midnight, to watch the live telecast of Krishna Janmashtami from the temples of ISKON and Janambhoomi. To enrich the experience of the festival further, you can consider buying a new 3D LED TV and see the celebration in vivid colors of reality that give you the feel of “being there”.

The message of Krishna was not denial but reaching the summit of spiritual growth through splurge and excess. And what better way to pamper yourself, then buying the best 3D LED TV available in the market that you and your family had wanted for a long time? Of the various brands of 3D TV that are available in the Indian market, a few stand out, like Panasonic, Sony, LG and Samsung. Their products have their own pros & cons and it really depends on brand loyalty, price and availability that influence the & cost of 3D glasses that come with the TV and the range of features or smart apps that are being provided, screen size that suits your room, bezel – that is the thickness of the frame and after sales service.

It’s better to go with newer companies that have that yearn to succeed and provide latest technology at competitive prices, rather than stick with brands that rely on their earlier reputation to push average products at expensive prices. Samsung provides face recognition feature in its smart TV, although I personally found it useless; as the last thing I wish is to have my mother, small children, much less our house maid go through face recognition and then rely on it for as simple thing as changing the channels! If one ignores the heavy glasses that flicker or require constant recharging as also the extra bucks that they demand, as per their brand value, then Samsung TV is quite good. At least good enough on the specialized TV content that their salesman plays for you during demo. Much closer home to target is LG with is Cinema 3D Smart TV, with passive technology, lighter glasses and a magic motion remote control, which uses true motion technology to change channels by flick and gesture of the remote. Also it has dual play feature for enjoying two player games in full screen. Incidentally Samsung is the official sponsor of the Indian Olympic Team – which unfortunately seems to the shared the fortune of its sponsors – while LG has launched a World Record Campaign with WR man characters on their LG India Facebook page that highlight the world record in different categories that their products hold.

From a buyers’ point to view, ultimately, it is the quality of picture and 3D content that influences the decision to buy a TV. I will just advice you to be cautious and not blindly follow the sweet talk of the salesman in an electronic shop but make an informed decision as 3D LED TV is a long term investment for most Indian households. I will end by wishing you a very happy Janmashtami with your new 3D TV that will transport you the Krishanmaya atmosphere of alleys where the lord played and unleashed his Maya!

Celebration of Rakhi with 3D LED TV

The special occasion that binds a brother and sister in a lifelong bond of affection & trust is here. The gifts of sweets, sari, shirts and ornaments are passé and this Rakhi you can buy something for you loved one that can be enjoyed by her entire family and which will be a continuous reminder of your brotherly love.  One such option is gifting her with a good 3D LED TV and see the joy on the faces of her entire family.

There are various companies offering state of the art televisions like Sony, Samsung, Toshiba and LG. All of them have their own line up and products that appeal to Indian consumers as per their preference of screen size and budget. The new technological innovation and the trend that is currently dominating the market is the 3D LED TV with Smart Apps. It lets you watch movies and other content in 3D; while the smart features let you connect to the internet via Wi-Fi and play games on the TV.

These days every big movie is released with a 3D version, as the demand and quality of 3D content increases across the board. In fact, such is the success of 3D that many broadcasters, including BBC, are transmitting a substantial part of the events in the London Olympics in 3D for the benefit of the viewers. Watching movies and sports in 3D is fast becoming the acceptable norm amongst the modern TV viewers.

As far as 3D Technology comparison goes, there are two basic divisions – namely active and passive. Active technology means heavy glasses that need to be charged constantly, flickering and cross talk. The glasses uses shuttering technology that send different images to both right and left eye and the glasses open and shut alternatively to register these images in the mind of the viewer. The advantage of this technology is the depth of 3D images that can be enjoyed by the viewer, while the biggest disadvantage is that the heavy glasses with flickering images are known to give users headache after a while. On the other hand the glasses that use passive technology are much lighter, do not require to be recharged, do not cause headache and are relatively inexpensive. Among the big brands Samsung and Sony use active technology, while LG 3D TV and Toshiba TV use passive technology.

It is obvious that you will want nothing but the best to gift your loved one this holiday season. And you can do your search on the various forum sites on the net or visit your local electronics dealer to pick up the best 3D TV and make this Rakhi memorable for you dearest sister.  We sign off until next time, when we will return with more tips and information from the world of gadgets, technology and home entertainment.