An Introduction to Smart TVs

Commonly known as a ‘connected’ or ‘hybrid’ TV, a smart television has become a need of the internet-savvy generation. This television set is integrated with the Internet and interactive Web 2.0 features. In this sense, the Smart TV works as a combination of ‘computers’ and ‘flat screens.’ That is where it gets the name ‘the hybrid television’ from. It also combines television sets and set-top boxes, thus making it a complete package of entertainment.

Apart from the traditional functions of tv sets and set top boxes that are provided through broadcasting media in the traditional sense, these smart TV devices can also be enabled to provide internet surfing, online entertainment, and interactive programs.

It is important to understand that Smart TV cannot be confused with Web TV, Internet TV or even with IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).

Internet TV: Gets TV content over the Internet

IPTV: Used by television broadcasters

Web tv: Programs created for showcasing on the Internet

So, what exactly is the difference here? In the case of a Smart TV, the operating system (OS) is available via a set-top box. The software applications that are to be used with the Smart TV can be preloaded into this set-top box. These can also be further updated or installed on-demand. Any relevant app marketplace can be used to acquire the required updates. It works just the way apps work in the environment of our smartphones.

The technology that helps smart TVs to work is also aligned with other external devices such as set-top boxes, gaming consoles, home theatres, Blu-ray players and more. In this sense, the Smart TV can provide complete entertainment to the end user.

Smart TVs can also be connected to intra television systems, digital media players, smartphones, and other connected devices.

An obvious question as a result of these features is the concern over the security and restriction services of Smart TVs. The good news is that internet websites can block the content on smart TV. They are also able to tailor the content received by every platform and make sure that it suits the environment of the Smart TV.

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  • Healthy snack ideas for diabetics

    Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings.

    Guacamole
    All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread.

    Apple and peanut butter
    This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip. Both the ingredients have only natural sugars, which can be digested easily by the body.

    Edamame
    This is one of the easiest snack recipes. All you need are a handful or two of edamame. Boil, steam or stir fry them in just a bit of olive oil; a tablespoon or two would do. You can add some garlic or season it with salt and pepper. These can be munched on as a side snack while you’re working. The bioactive compounds in edamame are known to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

    Greek yogurt
    A healthy probiotic food, Greek yogurt can either be had as is or can also be added with some of your favorite fruits. You may make a parfait using some oats, berries, and Greek yogurt and keep it in the fridge for easy consumption whenever you have any sweet cravings. The yogurt is great for your gut health. It has protein that can make you feel full till your next meal. 

  • Car sales – Direct dealing with owner

    Planning to buy a car? Are you confused whether to visit a dealer or to buy directly from a private party? Generally, buying a car from a dealer takes a lot of pressure off, as the dealer handles all the paperwork and the whole transaction feels safe. Whereas, buying directly from a private seller means you and the seller must take care of the entire transaction.

    Here are the few advantages of buying cars directly from the owner (private party):

    Less expensive
    Buying a used car from a private owner is often less expensive than buying it through a dealer. Private owners sell their cars at very low prices than commercial sellers. As there are no middlemen the buy and sell spread is effectively zero.You can save heaps of money buying from a private seller.

    Easier negotiation
    Usually, the private individuals will be in the motivation of getting rid of the vehicles. Therefore, their prime motive will not be maximization of profit. Moreover, they are not professional negotiators compared to dealers. They expect you to buy somewhere between the price they fixed and they let you make your offer a price as per your satisfaction. When buying from a private party negotiation is comparatively easy, rather it takes time for the buyer and seller to settle on an acceptable price.

    Maintenance
    Another benefit is that the buyers maintain complete records of the vehicle. The seller who maintains the vehicle records are likely to believe that they would have maintained the vehicle properly when they owned it. This is a great advantage, as it is a sign that a used vehicle has been well cared for.

    Hassle-free buying
    There is a lot of comfort when you are buying from a private seller. Dealers may be impatient as they are just doing their job for monetary benefits – which becomes a stress for us. Instead of dealing with impatient salespeople (dealers) it is better to deal with a like-minded private seller. The transaction procedures are also more relaxed, with lesser pressure in case of private owners than with a dealer sales representatives.

    Clear knowledge about the vehicle
    By dealing directly with the current owner, you will be able to gather a lot more information about the car and how it has been driven and cared for.

    Quicker transaction
    Generally, the private sellers are in a hurry to sell their vehicle. The eagerness makes easier to negotiate and get the transaction completed easier and quicker.

  • 4 must haves for every muscle car

    A muscle car is broadly known for its beasty engine and a massive amount of horsepower that makes it stand apart from the others. The concept of a muscle car finds its origins to the 1960s in America when the car manufacturers came out with huge, high-performance engines. The muscle cars made in the 60s had rampant engines that gave these monsters demonic speed. The cars, however, have evolved over time, and the modern time has brought in many changes to the layout, feel, and power of the car. But no matter how new or old, here are four things all the best muscle cars have in common.

    A V8 Engine
    A muscle car is not a called so if it does not have a high-capacity V8 engine that gives the car the power it deserves. The Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger, all came out with the new V8 engines in their resurgent models. These cars not only came out with the V8 engine but also had exquisite top speeds, horsepower that was greater than 400, and at least 5000 cc of displacement.

    Blazing through the quarter mile
    Another essential factor when it comes to muscle cars is their performance in drag races or their time of completing a quarter mile. The car might sound like the best on paper, but if it does not prove its mettle on the road, it does not qualify as a great muscle car. The new Mustang has the capability to complete a quarter mile in under 14 seconds, which is a big jump compared to the muscle cars of the 60s.

    Rear-wheel drive
    A true muscle car will always have rear-wheel drive. Newer sports cars are swiftly adopting the all-wheel drive, but a muscle car runs best when it is functioning on a rear-wheel drive. The rear tires are also a lot wider and heavier than the front tires. All-wheel-drive systems might be better when it comes to performance, but the rear-wheel-drive systems bring in the style with the smoke flaring out of the tires and the wheelie popping up at the throttle. A front-wheel-drive system also makes it supremely difficult for you to make the drifts on the tight turns, an activity that goes hand-in-hand with rear-wheel drive.

    Everyman vehicle
    The muscle car was introduced as an everyman vehicle, which added to the appeal of a muscle car. The car, firstly, needs to have enough space in the rear seats for the owner to be able to actually use it. It was introduced as a family car, which meant that the rear seats needed with at least enough space to seat a child comfortably. Along with that, it had to come at a price that every man could afford. A Porsche or the Ferrari could have all the features but would not qualify as a muscle car as it is, quite obviously, not affordable for everyone.