A platter of full of DISHES
[Monday, October 20, 2008 | 0 comments ]

India has seen two big DTH launches in past few weeks. Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG) took lead and launched their DTH network – Reliance BIG TV with big hoopla. Then came Bharti-Airtel’s Digital TV DTH network followed by Pepsi-Coke ishtyle ad war. R-ADAG and Bharti-Airtel initiated war of words over a teaser campaign. Amidst all this, Indian television consumer got two more options to choose from apart from the existing Dish TV and Tata Sky.

Dish TV, the pioneer in this field, claims 50 % market share. Current DTH user base stands at around 6.5 million out of 124 million households having a television set. Looking at this huge gap, everyone has a fair chance to achieve a substantial share in the market. Despite late entry, Airtel and Big TV has equal chance to stand top in the charts by virtue of innovative marketing strategies and world-class customer service.

So, if you are not happy with your local cabelwallah, here are some options for you. Download the excel file which compares four major DTH operators viz. Dish Tv, Tata Sky, Big TV and Airtel. Take your own decision and go for it.

Download DTH comparison

PS: It is heard that Big TV is planning to slash the DTH package price by almost 43 % on order to attract customers this Diwali.


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New cars and bikes: Which one’s for you?
[Friday, October 17, 2008 | 2 comments ]

India witnessed a record new car launches this year. With Tata Nano announced at the beginning of this year in Auto Expo, a whole lot of Indian and International brands crowded Indian market with their new vehicles. IndiaMart has compiled a list of newly launched four and two wheelers. I am putting the same list here for your convenience. With 10 months gone, you have plenty of choices to buy from. Which car are you planning to buy this Diwali?






Please open this post in Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome or any other browser for better view. Firefox may not give you better results.

(Click on the company name or brand name for more information. Courtsey:IndiaMart)

Cars that would rock 2008, See in Pics, a compilation by The Economic Times.


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Video + Social Networking = VidEngage
[Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 0 comments ]

VidEngage, the world's first web destination combining two of the hottest trends online, social networking and video sharing is live for public. First, it is a video social network company providing cutting-edge, video-enabled communications products which allows friends to communicate in an entirely new way. Secondly, it offers premium services that incorporate video as a key component, allowing applications such as résumé, dating, conferencing and much more under one single roof.

VidEngage is a web base platform that does not require any software download when creating videos. In fact, you can instantly record directly on their server, click "save" and then click "send", that's it! There is no large file to upload and clog up email attachments to your friends and contacts.

A video social network can be used for a variety of applications such as introducing yourself to make new friends, interacting with colleagues with personal videos, making a video resume for the dream job you are seeking or connecting with your business partners using video conferencing. The system allows up to 10 people to be simultaneously connected in live stream at the same time.



One of the coming features that will be offered is video e-mail delivery supported through a standard external system such as Outlook or Gmail. This is one of the next killer applications that will change the landscape of the Internet in the near future. It's going to be helpful for the traveler who wants to share his excitement in discovering a new culture. It's going to be revolutionary for a single person who is looking for the love of his life, without any static image or "photoshopped" picture.

VidEngage offers different levels of subscriptions. First, you can become a free member, have access to the back office, setup a basic profile and be able to get a sneak peak at all features and tools available. Becoming a full subscriber allows the use of the full potential of the features and applications. For online business builders, you can become an Independent Marketing Representative (IMR) and earn a residual income with an amazing compensation governed by a forced matrix.

It can be shared with friends, contacts, business partners, etc. exactly the way as you would send an invitation through Facebook or MySpace. It's that simple. There are a lot of marketing tools and state-of-the-art video training for IMR's who want to build and grow their home business. It has been officially launched on October 1st of 2008 and is promising viral growth in the coming weeks and months.

The Internet as we know is changing! A new online evolution has begun with VidEngage, the world's first video social network that will enhance life with personal videos and add a human touch on the Internet for everyone around the world.


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New generation MacBook: More beautiful internally than externally!
[Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 1 comments ]


Apple today unveiled an all new MacBook family that redefines notebook design, and at the same time dramatically lowers the entry price for advanced notebook features including all-metal enclosures and pro-performance notebook graphics by $700 to make them far more affordable.

The new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro both have a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, resulting in thinner, more durable and incredibly beautiful designs. In addition, every member of the new MacBook family includes state of the art NVIDIA graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays and new large glass Multi-Touch trackpads that offer almost 40 percent more tracking area and support more Multi-Touch gestures.

The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass.

"Apple has invented a whole new way of building notebooks from a single block of aluminum. And, just as important, they are the industry's greenest notebooks," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.

Every member of the new MacBook family features an LED-backlit display for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor and eliminates the mercury found in industry standard fluorescent tube backlights. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies, and the edge-to-edge cover glass creates a smooth, seamless surface. Every display in the new MacBook line uses completely arsenic-free glass.

The new 13-inch full-featured aluminum MacBook is an incredibly compact and durable notebook starting at just $1,299. The new MacBook is available in two models: the 2.0 GHz MacBook with a 160GB 5400 rpm hard drive, and the 2.4 GHz MacBook with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a backlit keyboard.


Click Here to compare all three.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro offers ultimate performance and extensive expansion features in a remarkably portable design starting at $1,999. The new MacBook Pro is available in two models: a 2.4 GHz model with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a 2.53 GHz model with a 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive.

Today Apple also updated MacBook Air and the 17-inch MacBook Pro. Starting at $1,799, MacBook Air is available with a 120GB 4200 rpm hard drive, a 50 percent increase from the previous generation, or a new 128GB solid state drive. The updated 17-inch MacBook Pro keeps its original aluminum design, and now comes standard with a high resolution 1920 x 1200 LED-backlit display and a larger 320GB hard drive or an optional 128GB solid state drive.


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LG turns the volume up with JAZZ!
[Tuesday, October 14, 2008 | 0 comments ]

After Scarlet LG introduced Jazz in India to acquire 30% market share in Flat Panel Display (FPD) segment. Available in 32-inch and 42-inch models, the Jazz features auto-sliding speakers, 500W sound, in-built 3.1 channel virtual surround sound and built-in woofers. No other LCD TV in India comes with this much of sound.

Speaking about this new offering, Amitabh Tiwari, business group head (Consumer Electronics & Kitchen Appliances), LGEIL, said, "Jazz will redefine expectations for television sound. This TV is an excellent fit for people who want a full entertainment experience from their TVs, and who want to entertain others as well."

This range of television is also called by LG 80 series just like Scarlet is called as LG 60 series. A total of four speakers make up the system. Extending from either side of the TV are the right and left channel speakers, which help create a sense of space. In the middle is a center channel speaker dedicated to sound in the human vocal range. This makes it easier understand conversations and dialogue. A woofer, located on the back of the TV, enhances bass making music sound fuller.

Renowned audio expert Mark Levinson tuned the entire sound system to perfection. Jazz is also equipped with LG's Clear Voice technology, which eliminates problems with hearing human voices over the background noise in movies mixed for 5.1 channel surround sound. The technology alters the sound balance to emphasize human voices, reducing the background noise.

As per the company, Jazz brings viewers the highest resolution available, with 1080p full HD providing extremely sharp image quality. A 50000:1 contrast ratio delivers brighter whites, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors overall.
With a USB 2.0 connection, it is easy to access to MP3 files and connect a memory card reader to the TV and create an onscreen slideshow from JPEG files or watch digital video files. Two HDMI 1.3 ports facilitate video and audio connections for devices like DVD players, cable boxes and game consoles.

LG Jazz is priced as below:

Jazz 32'' LG80 Variant 1: Rs. 44,000
Jazz 32'' LG80 Variant 2: Rs. 49,000
Jazz 42'' LG80 : Rs. 82,000


Who is the hot LG Scarlet girl?



Know more about her here.
See her pictures here.


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India gets her first auto transmission SUV: Scorpio Automatic
[Monday, October 13, 2008 | 2 comments ]

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), the leader in the UV segment in India started its campaign for Automatic Transmission Scorpio just ahead of Diwali. It announced launch of the Scorpio Automatic which incorporates a fully automatic 6-speed gear box and the powerful 2.2 litre mHawk engine two weeks ago in Bengaluru. Scorpio is the first Indian brand and the first SUV in its class to offer a 6-speed fully Automatic Transmission.


TEST RUN: Scorpio Automatic spotted by www.team-bhp.com member during test run

This new edition of one of India’s most loved SUVs is equipped with in-built intelligent driving modes for an effortless drive and a wide array of smart features, giving the Scorpio an even greater competitive edge in its segment. The new Scorpio Automatic is available in VLS and VLX variants and is priced from Rs. 10.34 lakhs onwards, ex-showroom price Bengaluru.

“The new Scorpio Automatic has been designed to make driving an effortless experience, allowing one to focus on the drive rather than gear selection. The car’s intelligent driving modes provide greater vehicle control in a variety of conditions, be it stop-and-go traffic, slippery roads or steep inclines. Moreover, the Automatic is powered by the technologically superior mHawk engine which ensures a smoother drive and better fuel efficiency,” said Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

The Scorpio Automatic has a fully electronically controlled automatic gearbox which results in shorter shift times and hence, improved drivability. This is a major technological improvement over earlier Automatics which were hydraulic controlled.

The Scorpio Automatic is also remarkably low maintenance due to several advantages. The transmission is permanently sealed and does not require an oil change throughout its life. The Automatic also incorporates an adaptive strategy to maintain optimum shift quality through the entire life of the transmission. An inbuilt overheat self-protection strategy and a high self-diagnostic capability are additional benefits.

In addition to eliminating the need for constant gear changes, the Scorpio Automatic allows easy manoeuvrability in heavy traffic, anti roll-back when in ‘Drive’ mode and also ensures that the engine does not stall.

Click here to read the test drive report by Vicky Blog

The Scorpio Automatic’s intelligent driving modes allow the driver to tackle various driving conditions with ease. These include User Engaged Modes and Auto Engaged Modes.

User Engaged Modes

Normal Mode ‘N’ – A mode for ordinary driving conditions with optimised fuel management

Winter Mode ‘W’ – Meant for use on ice and slippery or unstable road conditions. This mode regulates torque at the wheels, maintaining high stability in adverse conditions

Manual / Engine Brake Mode ‘M’ – This mode selects the lowest possible gear for a defined vehicle speed, utilising engine braking for better control on steep downhill descents

Auto Engaged Modes
Up and Downhill Modes – In this mode the control unit detects the gradient automatically and then implements the respective shift schedule. The detection is instant, thus improving drivability.

Fast-Off Mode – In case of quick release of the pedal, the transmission will hold the current gear for a preset time period, thus avoiding unnecessary rapid gear shifts.

The new Scorpio Automatic also features the mHawk engine which is a hallmark of M&M’s innovative cutting edge technology. A technologically superior, more refined and more fuel efficient engine, it puts serious power at the driver’s command.


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Afterall, Paisa really matters!
[Monday, October 13, 2008 | 0 comments ]

Planning to buy home in near future? Please do not rely of what your relatives, friends, colleagues. Go on your own. Search for a good property and chose a proper bank to finance your home. Do your bank research online, use Paisamatters.com.
PaisaMatters.com, a Pune based start-up, offers seamless information through a single interface to facilitate online home loan product research process. It is a unique loan comparison website which empowers customers to make informed decisions and select the best suited loan product.



In addition to a simple and easy to use comparison engine, customers using PaisaMatters.com can benefit from the in-depth quantitative as well as qualitative comparison of product features. This website elaborates product comparison parameters that are critically important for decision making but are often ignored by customers either because of lack of information availability or lack of awareness. PaisaMatters.com offers a 360 degree comparative view of both fixed rate and floating rate home loan products.

Loan seekers access multiple websites or call multiple loan agents to avail of loan product information but don't always get all the required details. With the launch of PaisaMatters.com, loan seekers will be able to access and analyze all the relevant information across various loan providers which will enhance customers' experience significantly. Home loans offered by various financial institutions can now be assessed based on more than 20 parameters which include interest rate, origination fees, EMI, amortization frequency, prepayment charges, loan conversion charges etc.

PaisaMatters.com Key Features

- Summary comparison view of loan products matching customer's loan requirements

- Ability to shortlist loan providers for an in-depth comparison

- Detail comparison view of product features offered by shortlisted loan providers

- Ability to analyze various permutations of loan amount, loan tenure and loan options

- Ability to filter results based on financial institution types like public banks, private banks, foreign banks and HFCs

- Description of commonly used financial terms along with comparison data


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