THE HOT PET CARRIER THAT’S ALSO PRETTY COOL…

THE HOT PET CARRIER THAT’S ALSO PRETTY COOL…

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Transporting pets safely has always been a worry for pet owners, especially when flying. Komfort Pets, a Massachusetts based company, offers a climate controlled solution, the Komfort Pets Carrier II.

The Komfort Pets Carrier is a pet crate that comes with a fold-down handle, in three sizes; small for pets under 10 pounds, medium for pets under 30 pounds and large for pets under 60 pounds. It’s made of durable plastic, stackable with the use of an optional adapter and available in a selection of four colors.

What makes the Komfort Pets Carrier unique is the ability to climate control your pet’s environment while being transported in the carrier. The base of the carrier contains a sealed climate control module which when powered up from an optional 3 hr battery pack, or the provided external 12 volt power source, automatically produces warmth when the outside temperature reaches below 55°f (13°c), and cooling when the temperature exceeds 72°f (22°c). The temperature changes take place on a plate mounted on about 2/3rds of the center of the carrier’s floor. Since nature has provided pets with a fur coat, the unprotected belly of the pet makes contact with this area and provides cooling, or warmth throughout the body resulting in climate comfort for your pet. It’s somewhat the same as when your pet lies on a cool concrete floor in the summer, or your carpet in the winter. You could call it a dual conduction/convection system. Since direct contact with this area is required, the use of cushions, or a lining, is not suggested. An optional perimeter pad that does not make contact with this area is available for added comfort. The carrier’s design includes a groove and an insertable sponge that absorbs as much as 16 ounces of liquid and is very easy to clean. Side mounted seatbelt holders are provided to secure the carrier in your car.

I tested the original Komfort Pets Carrier. This model, while supplies last, has most of the stated features with a slightly different control panel. The model II, available late summer of 2010, incorporates LED indicators combined with an on/off switch and fan only mode. I found the automatic temperature control to perform well. The construction of the carrier is excellent and the addition of the cooling module seemed to add very little extra weight. Since a cigarette lighter DC cord is supplied with a 110 volt power supply (voltage converters for 220/240 volt use work well for European applications) the need for the optional battery pack would probably be limited to air travel where a 12 volt source may not be available. The pet carrier is FAA compliant and so far two airlines, JAL and Continental, have agreed to provide 12-volt connections in the future, a trend that will hopefully catch on.

I think the Komfort Pets Carrier is a unique product that fills a void in transporting pets. It works well, is affordably priced, well built and provides superior comfort for the traveling pet. I give it three thumbs up. The Komfort Pets Carrier II will be available at warehouse clubs, pet shops and on line directly from the manufacturer. For more details go to Komfortpets.com.

MSRP: $149.00 - $199.00 - $249.00 depending on size

Note: Always use careful judgment when leaving your pet unattended in any environment that could potentially become too hot or cold. Do not leave any pet unattended in a vehicle.

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com , or twitter.com/bskidmore.

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SLINGBOX - ACCESS YOUR PERSONAL TV PROGRAMS WORLD-WIDE

SLINGBOX - ACCESS YOUR PERSONAL TV PROGRAMS WORLD-WIDE

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Ever had the desire to view a program back home while on the road? Well, most of us have, as did two brothers, Blake and Jason Krikorian. While traveling during the 2002 Major League Baseball season, they were forced to miss the best games that year and decided to find a solution. The Slingbox was born, and is now a part of the Echostar/Dish Network family of products.

So, what is the Slingbox you say? Slingbox is a simple box, which connects to virtually any video device such as a DVR (TIVO), DVD player, cable tuner or live camera, and your broadband Internet router. Most models even include a self-contained tuner that may be selected. When operational, Slingbox allows you to access these devices remotely from your laptop, or even from many Smartphones when Sling’s proprietary software is installed.

I tested the “PRO-HD” version. This model easily allows connection between your HD equipment and the Slingbox. While the signal sent via the internet to your laptop may not be full HD, I did notice a distinct increase in overall picture quality using this model. Having also tested a standard model I must admit its picture quality is almost as good. The design of the Slingbox uses a compression method, which constantly optimizes the video signal making it the best streaming I’ve ever seen. Receiving this signal from your home system simply requires a modern day PC, MAC or Smartphone meeting certain specifications as shown on the Sling web site. Since most computers have a “video out” port, it is possible to view your program on a large format display with video inputs. I have an iBook hooked up to a 26” flat screen TV at my condo in Port Argéles, France. Imagine watching live or previously recorded American television in France where normally no English programming is available. The quality is OUTSTANDING!!! Naturally, Sling offers PAL versions permitting Europeans to view their programs while in America. I’ve also tested the PAL version with a British friend who allows me to use his ID code and password to view the BBC and ITV and, yes, pass it thru to my American (NTSC) television set with no additional standards conversion device. In fact, if you have the ID and password to any Slingbox you can watch it no matter where it’s located. The catch is only one viewer can access it at a time. This is not a limitation of the technology, but rather to cover copyright infringement issues. It’s that simple. Once you have the ID code and password for a particular Slingbox, and have the free software downloaded on your computer, you are good to go. The same applies to Smartphones with the exception that the software is not free. My tests with a PALM 700 Smartphone proved equally as good. Perhaps the only difficulty was the screen size when selecting programs from the TIVO menu. An Apple iPhone with its larger display would probably be a better choice.

The Slingbox offers full control of the device you have plugged into it. I use an HD TIVO. The TIVO provides both an HD tuner capable of receiving the full range of cable HD channels when your cable provider supplies a cable card. The TIVO remote appears on the screen when selected and offers all the functions of playback and record found on your home unit. If you can do it at home, you can do it wherever you are.

Slingbox is a neat consumer product lending itself to certain professional applications requiring high quality, long length video streaming. It’s available at leading retailers and on-line at prices starting at an MSRP of $179.95. More details available at: http://www.slingbox.com/ I give it a strong three thumbs up, my highest rating. Slingbox is perhaps the most practical gadget of this past decade.

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com , or twitter.com/bskidmore.

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THE MAGIC WAND THAT HELPS ELIMINATE GERMS

© 2009 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

CleanWave, THE MAGIC WAND THAT HELPS ELIMINATE AND CONTROL ALLERGENS, BACTERIA AND VIRUSES

Lately we’ve been hearing a lot about germs, viruses and the need to keep things clean so we can prevent illness. Washing hands is certainly a good first step, but what about devices that can help eliminate and control bacteria, viruses, germs and allergens in our everyday lives? Do such things exist? Perhaps Verilux, The Healthy Lighting Company, in Waitsfield, Vermont has an answer with their CleanWave UV-C Sanitizing Wand.

I tested the model VH01WW4 standard-size portable wand. The concept is the wand’s Ultraviolet UV-C lamp emits a blue colored light over any given one-foot area using side-to-side motion, 1/2” or less above the surface. The area then becomes decontaminated. The built-in timer lets you see how long you are over any given area making sure you allow enough time to decontaminate it. This wand is not to be used for body or food purposes, but works well with bedding, mattresses, kitchenware, dentures, contacts, brushes, pet areas, handrails, showers, remote controls, computer keyboards, toilet seats, cell phones, doorknobs, light switches and anything else that comes in contact with germs. (Nurse’s shoes after a shift at the hospital) It effectively eliminates *H1N1, MSRA, dust mites, E. Coli, Rotavirus, bacteria, mold and many more viruses including type A, B and C influenza. Generally speaking, viruses, which are much smaller than bacteria, are killed in seconds. Bacteria will take a few more seconds while molds and yeasts may take a bit longer. The point here is that the UV-C technology used in the CleanWave wand has the potential of killing most of them.

As part of my testing procedure I enlisted the help of an MD, nurse and a dentist for more in-depth evaluation and feedback. While in the doctor’s waiting room, with the aid of a magnifier/black light, we observed germs breeding on an armrest. Once the CleanWave was utilized, the germs disappeared.

To substantiate my findings, I reviewed lab tests conducted by an independent lab for the manufacturer. Figure “A” shows a culture of Salmonella typhi before and then after an application with the wand. One can clearly see the elimination of most of the Salmonella typhi.

The CleanWave Sanitizing Wand utilizes a long-standing proven technology, UV-C. The medical profession in labs, hospitals and public places has long recognized its use. Verilux’s introduction to the home market now makes it available for every day use by the general public. Its simplicity and small size makes it a practical solution for the consumer who wishes to maintain a near germ free environment. It’s primarily designed to operate in a horizontal position since a built-in safety feature turns it off when placed vertically. I did find this new model would operate, however, at a slight angle allowing wall areas to be treated. The two highly detailed user guides offer tips and many recommended uses along with a recommended use schedule. Also included is a multi-voltage charger for worldwide use. My only complaint is the timer should be programmed in five-second increments that better relate to specific application timings outlined in the instructions. The CleanWave Sanitizing Wand is available in a standard size (VH01WW4) and a travel model, either of which could be used in many commercial applications, and is sold directly by the manufacturer on-line:

http://www.verilux.com/uvc-allergy-relief/uvc-sanitizing-wand

I give the CleanWave Sanitizing Wand three thumbs up, my highest rating.

Standard size MSRP $89.95

Travel size MSRP $59.95

*Note, the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, is spread in the air and not by physical contact, so the mere cleaning of objects and surfaces may not eliminate the threat of this illness.

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com or twitter.com/bskidmore.

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TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF MAKING PERFECT EGGS

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF MAKING PERFECT EGGS

© 2009 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Ever wish there were a better way to cook eggs? Well, the EGG GENIE may finally be the answer. Usually the infomercial gadgets leave much to be desired. The magic they show on television commercials is anything but magic at home. Not so with the EGG GENIE.

The EGG GENIE electric egg cooker cooks hard-boiled, soft boiled and poached eggs to perfection. It consists of a base, a seven-egg tray, a four-egg poach tray, a see-thru plastic cover and a measuring cup. To cook eggs simply remove the clear plastic lid and fill the bottom of the aluminum plate with cold water. Distilled water is suggested to prevent discoloration of the eggs and the plate, however tap water works just fine. Fill the measuring cup with water to the level that equals the number of eggs you wish to cook. Up to seven soft or hard-boiled, or four poached eggs can be cooked at a time. A steel pin is provided on the base for piercing of hard and soft eggs. Place the egg tray into position. Place the desired number of eggs into the tray, pierced side up. If cooking poached eggs, break open up to four eggs and put the contents into the poach egg container. The container is now placed on top of the tray. Place the cover over the eggs and plug into the electric wall socket. Note, no switch or power indicator is provided, so when the buzzer sounds, disconnect from the electric outlet. This is not a design error, but rather an inexpensive way to power on/off the cooker and prevent over cooking, or burnout of the plate. Be careful to stay clear of the vent on the cover while cooking, as hot steam will be ejected during and after the cooking process. Let cool and then enjoy your perfectly cooked eggs.

TIP: Place cooked eggs in a container filled with cold water and let set for five minutes. This makes for even better tasting eggs.

Cleanup is a snap too. If you used tap water you’ll need to wipe off the brown residue on the metal plate, otherwise a quick wipe down and your finished. What could be simpler?

I was very impressed with the simplicity and the no-mess operation, however, when making poached eggs I suggest using a cooking spray such as Pam to make egg removal and cleanup a bit easier. Certainly beats standing over a hot stove waiting for water to boil. My only objection is the measuring cup needs to have colored lettering making it easier to read the various water level markings. The EGG GENIE does what it advertises, cook eggs to perfection!

The EGG GENIE is available at retail outlets that stock “As Seen On TV” products and on line. Currently there appears to be no European model available. Since most on-line sites will ship world-wide, purchasing a voltage step-down device will make this gadget work world-wide. Voltage adapter details available at: http://www.conair.com/-c-55_90_98.html. Prices may vary, but typically EGG GENIE may be purchased for $19.95.

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com or twitter.com/bskidmore.

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Postscript: Since publishing this article I have had readers advise me that the on-line site I listed for purchasing the EGG GENIE has used some tricky methods to confuse the buyer, resulting in additional unwanted merchandise being ordered. I have therefor removed the link. This product may easily be purchased on-line by the use of Google, or any other search engine. Caution should always prevail when ordering on line. Check your order and total costs before completing the transaction. Buyer, always be ware.

PLUG INTO THE SUN...

PLUG INTO THE SUN…

© 2009 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

When disaster strikes how would you charge your handheld electronic devices? Better Energy Systems may have the answer with their line of Solio pocket size solar chargers. Three models are available, the Classic, the H1000 and the Magnesium Edition, with the main differences being in charging capacity.

How do they work? Each model has it’s own built-in battery. This user replaceable battery is charged by direct sunlight, an eight to 10 hour process, or by a supplied universal AC power adapter. Once the battery is full you are ready to charge your device at any time. Shelf life is up to one-year. A basic set of tips and USB adapter is supplied, quantity and type determined by model selected. Additional optional tips are available to interconnect numerous other devices and brands of mobile phones, MP3 players, GPS units and a SOLIO LED light. A suction cup holder is included allowing mounting on a window so it can be aimed directly at the sun. An LED indicator/switch, when depressed, sets the charging cycle in operation. It also indicates the amount of charge stored in the unit. Five rapid flashes and you’re 100% charged. A fully charged Classic will charge a typical cell phone more than twice, or give over 20 hours of iPod music. In many cases just 1 hour of sunshine equals twenty-minutes talk time, or fifty-minutes of MP3 music. Once again, performance varies depending on the type of device, device’s battery capacity and intensity of sunlight.

I tested the Classic, a three-blade set of small panels that neatly folds up into a compact stack and easily fits into your pocket. This model was supplied with numerous tips, and a USB adapter accommodates a single tip. Note only one device may be charged at a time. As my luck would have it, a Palm Treo PDA adapter was not one of those included, so I ordered one from Solio’s web site at a cost of $9.95. Since the Treo’s power consumption is rather high, a 50% charge was only possible over about a four-hour period.

In general the Solio Classic worked as promised. The plastic suction cup mount, however, leaves a bit to be desired. I would like to see a better mounting system even if it becomes an optional extra. Since direct sunlight is required, window mounting becomes essential, unless you are outdoors for the period of time required to fully charge the unit. Naturally, if you use the AC power adapter, a mount is not required. This method is quick and easy and desirable for pre-power-outage storage. It’s interesting to note these solar charging devices have become standard issue by disaster relief agencies in many natural disasters worldwide and have even found their way in the extremes of the Arctic. Unfortunately, Solio chargers are not designed to charge or operate laptops. I give it two thumbs up.

Solio products are available worldwide at airports and other retail stores, and on line. For more details contact: www.solio.com

MSRP: Classic $99.95; H1000 $49.95; Magnesium Edition $169.95

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com or twitter.com/bskidmore.

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IT'S EASY TO FLIP OVER FLIP VIDEO

IT’S EASY TO FLIP OVER FLIP VIDEO

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Not since the introduction of VHS have I seen a video product generate so much fun, excitement and practicality. FLIP VIDEO™ is a tiny video camcorder smaller than a pack of cigarettes, housed in a rugged designer case that incorporates up to 8gb of built-in memory. Since its launch in 2007, more than 2 million units have been sold. In mid ’09 a new generation was introduced with many improvements and features resulting in four models: ULTRA SD (standard definition), ULTRA HD (high definition), the Mino HD and the Mino. More recently, the SLIDE HD was introduced featuring a 3” widescreen. All models are tripod mountable. The biggest difference between these models is physical size, display size and recording time.

The 6 oz ULTRA series features a 2”diagonal color LCD screen, very high light sensitivity with automatic low light detection, fixed focus f2.4 optics with electronic 2x digital zoom and a choice of a rechargeable, or double “A” battery source for up to 4.5 hours of use per charge and an optional under water housing for under $50. Recording time is two hours.

The 3.3 oz Mino models are available in two record time options, 60 or 120 minutes, feature a 1.5” diagonal color LCD, internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (2 Hr. HD/4 Hr. SD). Optics and light characteristics are very similar to the Ultra series.

Reduced size is the big factor here over the ULTRA.

The new SlideHD records up to 4 hours in HD and features a 3” pop-up color display.

(TIP: A caution, the smaller the size of any camera, the more difficult it becomes to operate and keep steady)

The ULTRA and the Mino record in the MPG4 format making them ideal for use with your MAC, or PC. This also means worldwide television standards are not a factor. The FLIP is so well designed you can easily perform many postproduction tasks with the supplied Flipshare software. A click of an icon allows you to email up to ten minutes, 100mb of video, to Flip’s proprietary web site. The recipient receives a link to your video for easy, fast viewing and the clip remains available for up to 500 views, or ninety days, whichever comes first. These clips may even be edited into a movie with dissolves and music. Other icons include a selection of direct links for uploading to Facebook, YouTube, or your own web site. Stills are a snap. The JPEG photos you can capture using the program’s Snap feature have a resolution of 424 x 318 pixels, with full 24-bit color depth. If that’s not enough you can incorporate FLIP footage into non-FLIP projects. (squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html) Casablanca editors can now feed the flip directly into the project with automatic HD>SD conversion when desired. More information is available at: casablancaexpert.com. Other icons allow you to make video greeting cards, directly make a DVD of your video, or create a flip channel to easily and privately share flip content with any group of people you choose and have Flip email them when you add new content. Naturally, you can also save your clips to your hard drive. Mac/PC editing is possible with the use of conversion software easily available on the web.

Connecting your FLIP to your computer is as easy as pushing a button causing a USB 2 connector to flip out, thus the name FLIP VIDEO™. The supplied NTSC cable for SD models and an optional HDMI™ cable for the HD version accomplish connecting to your TV.

My tests revealed the video quality to be exceptional. In all situations the FLIP outperformed my wildest expectations. I have spoken with a producer of documentaries that used FLIP HD footage as “B” roll and intermixed it with broadcast level HD recordings. Results were outstanding. Network newscasts incorporate FLIP footage as do many commercially available DVD’s. The applications are endless. Available at major retailers and on line. More details at theflip.com.

UPDATE: New models, which are available at retail 9/20/10 include two Flip UltraHD models and two Flip MinoHD models, each of which brings new cosmetics and several new features, including a hardware-based always-on image stabilization system for the first time.

MSRP: FLIP ULTRAHD™ $199.99 – FLIP ULTRA™ $149.99 – FLIP MinoHD™ (2 Hr) $229.99 – FLIP Mino™(1 Hr) $199.99 (1 Hr) $199.00 – SlideHD $279.99

FLIP VIDEO™ is a trademark of Cisco

GADGETEER’S RATING:

H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

Revised 9/10/2010

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VHS to DVD VIDEO, MADE SIMPLE

VHS to DVD VIDEO, MADE SIMPLE

© 2009 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT

It’s a good bet that you’re probably like many other people with a VHS or Betamax tape collection looking for an easy way to preserve tapes to DVD. How to do it, and at what price? ROXIO, the makers of Toast and many other useful software programs, recently introduced EASY VHS to DVD in a MAC and PC edition. Both systems work basically the same way. Since I’m a MAC person, I tested the MAC version.

The kit consists of a USB capture device with composite, S video and stereo RCA audio connections, USB extension cord, plus capture software and a basic version of Toast. Toast is a ROXIO program that makes burning a DVD, on your DVD burner-equipped computer, a snap. Toast is not supplied with the PC version.

Once the operating software is installed, simply plug the capture device into a USB 2.0 port on your computer. The software automatically detects NTSC and PAL sources, so no selection is required to determine the TV standard. When a deck, camcorder or other analog video device is plugged in and the software is selected from the application’s folder you will be directed to a step-by-step setup checklist that allows you to see and hear the source you have plugged in. After everything is verified to be working, you will be asked how long a segment you wish to record and if you would like to automatically stop at that preset time limit. This is a great feature and worth using since video downloads utilize very large amounts of hard drive space, and should you be distracted during the recording process, you won’t fill up the drive. You are also given the choice of quality, standard (1.8 GB per hour), or high quality, (2.7 GB per hour), that are MPEG-2 recordings. The next step is to start the playback of your source material and to start the recording process. Once the recording is completed you have three choices: send to Toast for immediate burning of a DVD; edit with iMovie software which came installed in your MAC, or Creator for PC, and not included in the ROXIO kit; send to QuickTime Player for creation and immediate playback in the QT format, handy for adding to iTunes and then syncing to your iPod or iPhone. If you opt to quit the program in a MAC your movie file will be found under users/name of hard drive/movies/Easy VHS to DVD capture. On a PC look for the file MY VIDEOS.

The use of this kit is so easy and quick, especially since you can make DVD’s without the use of complicated editing software, that copying your analog library becomes a breeze, even for the novice. Prior to purchasing either package be sure to check the system requirements at the ROXIO web site to insure your computer is up to the task.
I give the EASY VHS to DVD system three thumbs up. ROXIO products are available at retail locations and on-line. For more details go to roxio.com.

MSRP: $79.95 (MAC version) and $59.95 (PC version)


Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com or twitter.com/bskidmore.

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