Smart TV Converter | Convert TV to Smart TV

Smart TV Converter | Convert TV to Smart TV

by | Sep 26, 2021 | consumer durable

Smart TV Converter | Convert TV to Smart TV

Smart-TV

People who own a normal television set with none of the features offered by smart TV often wish that they had a smart TV, but in most cases, they can’t afford the added expense. If you are among such people and you are hoping to convert TV into Smart TV, then you should know that there are many simple ways to do just that. They are mentioned right here.

  • PONDER STREAMING BOXES

The first option you have when looking for a smart TV converter is to invest in streaming boxes. They are basically plug-in devices that allow you to turn TV into Smart TV by not spending a lot of money. As there are many branded TV streaming devices available these days that include names like Apple TV, Amazon FireTV Stick, Roku, and Google Chromecast among others, you can pick any of them to make your ordinary TV a smart TV within a few minutes. As all these options allow you to get video-on-demand, access catch-up TV and avail different internet apps when you are connected to the television and a Wi-Fi network, you will be smart to consider this option.

  • INVEST IN A SET-TOP BOX

The second option you can use to make TV smart is to invest in a set top box which has the pre-installed hardware, apps, and channels. Some examples of such set-top boxes include Android TV boxes, Apple TV, Roku Boxes and a few Blu-Ray players. If you go for Blu-ray players manufactured Sony and Samsung, you will get access to smart TV capabilities like Netflix and Wi-Fi connectivity.

  • BUY AN HDMI DONGLE

Those of you who are seeking the cheapest method to convert TV into Smart TV must know about an HDMI dongle. It is a simple memory stick that allows a normal TV to function just like a smart TV. For this device to work on your TV, your TV must have a USB port and an HDMI port. The dongle, once connected will let you connect to the internet and download different media types. Some examples of dongles you can consider are EZCast and Chromecast.

  • CONSIDER YOUR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE

If you have a gaming console at home like PS4 or Xbox One, you can use them to get access to smart TV capabilities. All you need to do is to install apps like YouTube, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, etc. Consoles like Xbox 360, Wii-U and Playstation 3 also provide you with multimedia functionality.

  • USE YOUR TABLET OR LAPTOP

If your laptop or tablet has an HDMI port, then also you can turn TV into smart TV. Also, remember that you might need an additional VGA cable to ensure that your laptop or tablet is connected to a TV. Once, the laptop and TV are connected, you can play high-quality games or stream content in different formats.

  • TRY A HOME THEATER PC

People who are not afraid to invest lavishly while hoping to convert TV to Smart TV can consider buying a home theatre PC that will have a software specially made for connecting to a TV. It will also include infrared ports that allow the use of remote control and have the ability to read different formats of media files. If you are wondering about aesthetics, then you should know that a home theater PC will be available in a small case which you can discreetly fit under the TV.

You can also refer to the TV Buying Guide to know what other features of Smart TV are important to consider before buying one.

Consumer VOICE compared 20 models of 8 brands of 32 inch Smart TV to help you find the one that suits your requirement.

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Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying your TV

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying your TV

by | Sep 26, 2021 | consumer durable

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying your TV

smart tv

There are several things that you need to keep in mind while buying your TV. These days one is spoilt with choice whether it is brand, size or technology. However, there are still two important factors that one needs to keep in mind before thinking of buying a TV.

ASSEMBLED TVS

These days you can find dealers in the retail market stocking assembled TVs without any brand name but are replicate copies of branded TVs in terms of packaging, labels, features, physical look and smart features. Most assembled TVs are made to look like popular brands. Be careful about being persuaded by the cost, which may be as much as 50 per cent cheaper as compared to popular branded TVs, as these come with no/limited warranty and have limited life too. Moreover, authorized dealers of the brand will refuse to repair these counterfeit items. You will be dependent on local service mechanics.

TV LIFE

With introduction of LED/LCD TVs, it has been found from consumers that TVs go unserviceable, especially the display panel, in a much shorter period as compared to the earlier CRT-based TVs. The replacement of a new and genuine display panel costs between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 rupees depending upon panel size. If possible, avoid going for expensive TV models as these may not last as long as CRT TVs. On the other hand, take an extended warranty or go for AMC if you are going ahead with an expensive TV.

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How to Choose Your TV Channels Wisely

How to Choose Your TV Channels Wisely

by | Sep 26, 2021 | consumer durable

How to Choose Your TV Channels Wisely

smart tv channel

Selecting channels for cable TV based on a consumer’s preference was limited in the last few years. A consumer was bound to buy channels in packs and pay for even the channels that he or she didn’t want. Now, the tables have turned in favor of the consumer as TRAI has created a new framework and implemented it. The consumers are given the power to select which channels they want and are not bound to pay for channels that they don’t need.

If you want to make the most of this new power of selecting channels for cable TV and need some assistance, then do read on to know some tips on how to choose your TV channels wisely.

ASK EVERYONE’S OPINION

The first thing you need to do when selecting channels for cable TV is to ask everyone in your house, be it your family members or your roommates about which channels they need. This will help you to choose the channels wisely, and you will not need to change your choice of channels later on just because you didn’t include a family member or a roommate in the process.

DON’T PAY FOR PROBABILITIES

While selecting channels for cable TV, make sure that you pay for channels that you need and not select the channels that you might watch some day. For instance, if you plan to learn cooking some day and planning to include cookery-based channels in the pack, don’t do that until you have the time to learn cooking. Remember, if you don’t watch a channel but include it in the pack, you will have to pay for it. A smart idea would be to skip the cookery channels for now and add them in when you have the time to spare.

REMEMBER THE COSTS

You need to pay a new Network Capacity Fee of INR 130 (plus GST) for 100 channels. So, make sure that you keep the number of channels you select to a minimum as the NCF will increase when the numbers increase. For instance, you need to pay NCF of INR 20 for a slab of 25 channels if you choose 125 channels instead of 100.

YOU CAN’T AVOID FREE CHANNELS

You get 25 free channels in your pack, and you can’t avoid them. These channels are pre-chosen, so you just have to bear with them or simply ignore them. They are the DD channels.

HD VS. SD

If you choose one HD channel, it will be counted as two SD channels. So, make sure you keep the number of HD channels to a minimum if you want to save on TV DTH costs.

CHANNEL BOUQUETS ARE EXPENSIVE

Channel bouquets created by the broadcasters like Star Network are expensive so you better not be tempted by them unless of course, you want to see every channel available in the bouquet (which is rare).

If you need more help in selecting channels for cable TV, make sure you visit the website or app of the cable operator, log in there and create your pack. It’s easier than you think!

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Streaming Devices to make your TV smart

Streaming Devices to make your TV smart

by | Sep 26, 2021 | consumer durable

Streaming Devices to make your TV smart

Smart-TV

If you don’t want to splurge on a smart TV, there are more affordable ways to get internet services on your current television. These include streaming boxes, which are a wide range of plug-in devices that allow you to transform your standard TV into a smart TV at a fraction of the cost. Well-known streaming devices include the Amazon FireTV stick, Google Chromecast, Apple TV and Roku, and all can access video on-demand, catch-up TV and other internet apps when connected to your television and home wi-fi network. The most important thing to check is which streaming services come with your box. If your favourites are not there, maybe think twice.

Some manufacturers have developed their own smart-TV platforms, while others may use a licensed system, such as Android TV from Google. A TV with built-in smarts can make accessing content easy—there’s only a single remote control—but a separate streaming media player may have more content options, or use an interface that makes finding and accessing content easier.

HOW MANY GB OF DATA IS NEEDED TO WATCH A MOVIE?

Watching movies or TV shows on Netflix uses about 1 GB of data per hour for each stream of standard-definition video, and up to 3 GB per hour for each stream of HD video. Thus, watching a movie will consume about 7 to 8 GB of data.

STREAMING SERVICES AND COSTS

Netflix is the major streaming option for home television audiences. It is the world’s top video-streaming service that allows users to watch content on screens ranging from smartphones to smart televisions. Netflix subscription plans in India start at Rs 500, Rs 600 and Rs 800 per month. The first-month subscription is free. Hotstar’s premium offering costs Rs 199 per month, while Amazon Prime offers unlimited content for just Rs 129 per month or Rs 999 per year.

ADVANTAGE OF USING STREAMING DEVICES

We buy expensive tickets for premium theatres (on an average anywhere between Rs 200 and Rs 500, or even higher) and that’s all right, but we can have our home theatre too which we can avail at our ease. Here are some awesome reasons that should convince everyone why it is better to watch movies at home than in a theatre:

  • You save money on tickets, food and travelling.
  • The remote control is in your hands.
  • Nobody can ruin your movie experience.
  • The ambience is as per your choice and taste.
  • Not every movie is easy to understand and at home you can pace it accordingly.

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Tips to keeping the nutritive essence intact in your food

Tips to keeping the nutritive essence intact in your food

by | Sep 19, 2021 | Food

Tips to keeping the nutritive essence intact in your food

Food

The nutritional content of a meal is determined not only by the ingredients but also by the method how it is prepared.  For example, while preparing rice when we discard the starch, we also drain out Vitamin B present in rice, a water-soluble vitamin which we need to consume daily. Likewise, adding lemon to food preparations while cooking them might enhance the flavor of the recipe but it destroys Vitamin C in lemon juice, which is heat sensitive. Vitamin C too is a water-soluble vitamin we need to take daily and has a lot of beneficial effects including enhancement of iron absorption. So, it is a better idea to add lemon juice to the recipes after cooking them and when they have cooled down. In this article, we bring to you some similar cooking and handling tips that can help to retain the nutritive essence of the food items you prepare, which can ultimately have beneficial effects on your health.

Cooking food makes it more palatable and kills harmful pathogens that could be present in raw food. Cooking does not only change the appearance and texture of the food but also the nutrients present in it.  Simple processes like washing and peeling fruits and vegetables remove dirt and microbes from them but also reduce the fiber content of the food, which has many beneficial effects. Cooking   methods   such   as   boiling, steaming, pressure   cooking, frying, roasting and baking increase the acceptability and palatability of the food but heat sensitive vitamins are destroyed during these cooking processes. It is almost impossible to retain all the nutrients in food items. Nutrients are lost during the harvest, transport, storage, and cooking. But there are ways to minimize the nutrient loss from food after we purchase them. Let us understand how-

A.  Tips to retain the nutrients before cooking them –

  1. Use those food items that were procured first. Arrange the refrigerator shelf in this manner- previously procured fruits and veggies ahead or on top of newly procured fruits and veggies. This way you will pick the older ones when using them. 
  2. Prefer peeling the vegetables after cooking them whenever it is possible. For Example- like potato and brinjal. This prevents the nutrient loss.
  3. Store food containing fats such as ghee, edible oils, butter, nuts, etc. in cool and dark place. Poly Unsaturated Fats are susceptible to oxidation and can become rancid. Once opened, they must be consumed in few days and must be kept in air-tight containers.
  4.  Keep fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, juices, and milkshakes away from light as they have nutrients liable to spoilage from light. Use opaque containers and paper packaging or bee wax food wraps to do so. 
  5. Do not store cut fruits and vegetables for long. This causes nutrition loss. If you prefer storing cut vegetables and fruits, use NutriLock Bags for storing them.

NutriLock Bags

These days Nutrilock bags are available in the market. It follows the principle of vacuum packaging. In vacuumed condition, in absence of oxygen, fruits and vegetables can be stored for longer time as there is no enzymatic or minimum enzymatic reaction that can occur (the one you see in apples). It helps to retain natural color of fruits and vegetables and off odor development is minimal. Also, the respiration rate is low which provides longer shelf life to foods.

What are bee wax food wraps?

Beeswax food wraps are reusable and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic wraps. They are considered environment-friendly compared to plastic wraps and aluminum foils. Bee wax wraps are breathable and help to store food by keeping it fresh and thus reducing food wastage. They can also be used to cover a container. Recently, research work published in the Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Sciences suggests that beeswax food wraps are also helpful in prevention of microbial contamination in foods and prevent food spoilage. Compared to single-use plastics, they require maintenance, and are required to be cleaned properly after each use. Beeswax wraps are not seal-tight, very but are wonderful to stock leftover cut fruits and vegetables like- cabbage, melons, etc.

B.  Tips to retain the nutrients while cooking the food –

  1. Waterless cooking, steaming, pressure cooking stir-frying and microwaving are some cooking methods that have found to be most efficient cooking methods in terms of nutrient retention. 
  2. Prefer steaming over boiling fruits and vegetables.
  3.  Use as little water as possible when boiling the food. Cook vegetables in smaller amounts of water to reduce the loss of vitamin C and B vitamins. This way you minimize the loss of water -soluble nutrients. Liquids left in the pan after cooking vegetables should not be discarded. Rather it should be added to the recipe. This way you are adding the nutrients back in the recipe.
  4. Do not use baking soda while cooking vegetables. It is used in some households to maintain color of the vegetables but can cause Vitamin C & some B Complex Vitamins loss.
  5. Whenever possible, food must be cooked in covered utensils to prevent loss of nutrients. This way you also save cooking fuel.
  6. Cooking   methods   such   as   germination   enhances   the   bioavailability   of Vitamin C   and   B-complex Vitamins. Consumption of pulses in   this form is easier   to   digest   as   it   reduces   the   protein   inhibitors   and   other factors that inhibits digestion of pulses and causes flatulence. Germination also increases dietary fiber content and enhances the bioavailability of vitamins.
  7. Shallow frying requires lesser oil hence it must be preferred over deep frying as the calories of a food product can be directly reduced by practicing this method.  
  8. Frying   involves   cooking   food   in   oils   at   very   high temperatures which leads to creation of trans fats and polar compounds in them. Repeated heating of oils leads to formation of toxic compounds in the oil which have an adverse effect on health. Hence the oil must not be reheated more than 2-3 times.
  9. Microwaves are used to reheat the food items, but it is important to mix the food properly during reheating so that all the microbes, if any, present in the food can be destroyed. 
  10. For individuals who seek convenience, cut fruits/cut vegetables packed in NutriLock packaging which are in trend these days. Frozen vegetables too can be thawed and steamed and be consumed with minimal nutrient loss.  
  11. Use spices to replace salt in your recipes. To make your recipes a little healthier, use this simple trick. This can help to cut our salt consumption as recommended by WHO for Indians. You can use low-sodium salts as well but make sure not to add more quantities of it compared to the regular salt that you use for cooking. 

 

Preparing meals with some herbs and spices can add color, aroma and taste to our recipes without adding much salt and oil. 

 

Dried mixture of herbs like oregano and parsley, dried mustard leaves, dried fenugreek leaves, and dried fruits and vegetables like dried tomatoes, dried raw mango, dried chilies, etc. can help you add taste to the recipes.

How to remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables if you do not wish to peel your fruits and vegetables for nutrient retention?

Majority of the pesticide residues (about 75-80%) could be removed by washing the fruits and vegetables in cold water properly. You can further wash them in 2% salt water to remove the pesticide residue. 

How to prepare 2% salt water?
  1. Take a 1 litre water bottle. Fill it up with water.
  2. Add 4 levelled teaspoon of salt in this 1 litre of water. 
  3.  2% salt water is now ready. 
  4. Wash your fruits and vegetable in this water.

C.  Storage tips to maximise nutrition retention in cooked foods-

  • Refrigerate prepared food leftovers as quickly as it is possible, preferably within 2 hours and consume them within 2-3 days.
  • Try to eat cooked vegetables and recipes containing fruits and vegetables within a day or two, as their vitamin content may continue to decline when the cooked food is exposed to air.
  1. Be mindful to keep raw foods and cooked foods separately in the refrigerator. Bacteria from raw food can contaminate cold cooked food and can cause food spoilage and food diseases.

To sum up, as we have seen, choosing a cooking method is as important as other food choices we make to be healthy.  Cooking practices can both enhance and decrease the nutritive value of the food items. It’s up to us to make the most of the food we prepare and eat and retain its nutritive essence. 

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