Archive for the ‘Audio Video’ Category

PostHeaderIcon File Extension DLL Overview



DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library and is a file format created by Microsoft to get the concept of a shared library into full force in Microsoft Windows or the OS2 operating system. These files can also have the extensions OCX and DRV depending on the kind of files that they store. OCX is for files that contain ActiveX controls and DRV for system drivers. The DLL file format is composed in the exactly same way as the EXE file formats of Windows. The three major components of the DLL file format are code, data and resources which can be preset in any form and in any combination. What the DLL file format allows you to do is that it lets two programs using the same code run at the same time without the code being included in both the programs. This is what used to happen in earlier versions of Microsoft Windows. Here, the common or the shared code can be saved in a single file and can be accessed easily at the time of need when both the files using it get linked.

The great thing about a DLL file is that the code that is used by a number of files can be stored singly in a single unit of memory and does not need to be stored separately for each file that uses the DLL code. However, the exactly opposite thing happens in data sections. Each data section has its own private space. This is what makes the DLL file format extremely useful and handy. For linking files in the DLL format you have to import libraries. This can be done using C++ or Visual Basic or even Delphi and C. after the linking is done then you can use it to save space and perform more efficiently.

PostHeaderIcon Alternatives to SkypeIN™ and SIP DID service



What is a virtual number? A virtual phone number – “virtual tel #” is a number without a directly associated telephone line. Such numbers are typically redirected to either a voice over IP (VoIP) device or service, or to another phone line, landline or cellular.

 

Virtual numbers are sometimes used together with mail drop service to create a “virtual office” in a separate location. A business may, for example, purchase a virtual phone number with NYC code 212, along with a mail drop (forwarding) service in Manhattan, to make an impression that the business is located in New York, when in fact it may be located in Utah or Nevada, or overseas – in a different country.

 

For instance, Toll-free phone numbers, or 800 numbers in North America, are virtual telephone numbers. For businesses or individuals located out of the area, or serving another city, a virtual local number in the other area will allow callers from that area to call without incurring long distance charges.

 

Virtual numbers are especially appealing to hi-tech companies (for international user support), exporters (to give the impression that the business is located onshore) and customer service outsourcing companies, such as call centers.

 

Can I get actual telephone numbers on my Skype™?

 

Yes. This service is offered by Skype™ and is called SkypeIN™.

It allows users to receive calls on their PC software when a regular phone subscriber dials their international virtual phone number.

 

Skype™ offers DID numbers in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

 Calls to the international virtual numbers are charged as calls to landlines in that country. Some jurisdictions, however, like France and Germany, restrict the registration of their telephone numbers to users with a physical presence or residency in the country.

 

I want a DID number (virtual number) in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, China, Iran or another country that Skype does not have. What do I do?

 

There is a way! Some virtual operators (ISTPs) will provide with a number in Moscow, St.Petersburg, Tehran, Sofia, Riga or Vilnius (to name the few) and they will actually send the call to your Skype™ software.

 

-       www.DIDlogic.com is an online DID exchange for those looking to buy DID numbers (virtual numbers) or sell their DIDs.

 

-       www.HotTelecom.biz also provides numbers around the world and can forward them to any number you specify, including Skype™

 

How do I buy virtual numbers for Skype?

 

In fact, you do not have to use Skype exclusively for the virtual number service. There are several alternatives to Skype™, and various SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) operators are sometimes a cheaper choice than Skype™. Let’s use www.didlogic.com as an example:

 

Your business is looking for a presence in China, however, you can’t get a Chinese number on Skype™. Log on to www.didlogic.com, purchase a number in China, and set your destination to you Skype™ username. The number will arrive to your Skype™.

 

You really want a virtual number in Moscow, Russia to talk to some girl you met at the Russian embassy reception, but have no idea where to get it. Log on to www.didlogic.com, purchase a number in Russia, and send it to username@sip01.sipphone.com Use free Gizmo software. You don’t even need Skype™. Forwarding is free.

 

You are an international security contractor with some really good prospects in Riga, Latvia. You must get calls on your US number, and you need it setup fast. And Skype™… well.. does not offer this. Not a problem! Log on to www.didlogic.com, purchase a number in Riga, Latvia, and send it to your Google Talk™ software by entering someuser@gmail.com (yes, you may also use Google Apps and send it to your hosted Gmail service). Answer calls on Gtalk – forwarding is free.

 

Finally (for the really technical types) you can use didlogic.com to send calls to any SIP capable device, including Asterisk. If your service provider allows you to receive SIP calls from outside the network, you can receive calls on just about anything – any betamax clone like voipcheap.com (user@sip.voipcheap.com), or FWD, anybody in Sipbroker.com peering list – you name it.

 

 

Skype, SkypeIN, Google Talk and Gtalk are trademarks of their respected owners. For complete description of their services, please visit www.skype.com or talk.google.com. Wikipedia.org articles on DID numbers and virtual phone number were used.

PostHeaderIcon The Advantages of Professional Audio/video Equipment



The term “professional” means something different to just about everybody and everything. A “professional athlete” is classified as someone who plays a sport and is paid for it as opposed to those who play for recreation. A “sales professional” is someone employed in the business of selling and is seemingly at the top of their game. A doctor is considered to be a “professional”, and so is a lawyer. Professional audio/video equipment is considered to be of a higher quality than traditional consumer grades, even though the term “higher quality” is never mentioned. The biggest myth regarding professional audio/video equipment is that it’s not affordable to the average shopper. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you’re into recording audio, professional audio equipment will alleviate the annoying “hiss” that’s sure to come through and make any tape or disc next to useless for any public play. When watching a personally recorded video, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in both picture quality and clarity. And the price difference between the consumer and professional grades is not even close to what you’re thinking. In fact, you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised.

The majority of professional audio/video equipment can be easily transported, whereas consumer grade mobility might be a bit more difficult. Speakers and other large, heavy items will either have handles on the sides or will have lock-box cases with heavy-duty handles to make the carrying process a whole lot easier. Professional grade speakers aren’t just easier to move around, but they’re more durable and have a great reputation for lasting for quite a while (otherwise, the manufacturer wouldn’t have their brand name plastered across the front for everyone to see.) Manufacturer warranties usually cover more aspects of the equipment and/or for a longer period of time. Extended warranties are also available, typically for longer periods of time with professional audio/video equipment.

Don’t forget about the details that make the professionals of the audio/video trade stand out amongst the amateurs, like mirror balls and bubble machines. Strobe lights are also regaining the “spotlight” for traveling disc jockeys and other members of the business, as well as many other effects reminiscent of the “days of disco”. Even if you aren’t a pro, you can create the feeling that you are by crafting an area of your home to display your gear.

When you’re purchasing your pro audio/video equipmentt, be sure to not skimp on the small stuff, like the cables and power cords, as they do make a huge difference.