SF Cable Blog - Get Expert Tips & Advice on Cables & AccessoriesIn our blog, we educate customers on the various types of cables, components and accesscories for computer, laptops and mobiles. Find More Blog
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SF Cable Blog - Get Expert Tips & Advice on Cables & AccessoriesIn our blog, we educate customers on the various types of cables, components and accesscories for computer, laptops and mobiles. Find More Blog
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Most of us like sharing our things. It is our way of showing love and care. The same goes for music. People desire to share music with their loved ones and family friends, and sometimes, they want to share it from the same mobile phone and headphones.
This desire and demand from customers led to the birth of audio splitters. The advancements in technology gave birth to audio cable splitters, and so, today we can share our favorite movies, music and lot of things with our friends and loved ones from the same mobile, tablets, etc. Let's get into the basics of Audio splitter:It is a small device that outputs the music into different headphones or earphones simultaneously. It aims to direct the music in two different headphones without affecting the sound quality. They are also known as dual headphone adapters, they make it easy to connect two or more headphones, speakers, earphones, etc. into a single audio jack. Are you wondering how can you connect more than one headphone with 3.5mm cable? It's the audio cable! Well, that's not all. In fact, you can even connect the 2.5mm audio jack to 3.5mm audio jack with the help of 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable. This 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable can be a savior when you are facing a different port and cable situation That's a lot of cables, especially when dealing with a cable with a confusing name of 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable. but the experience of sharing makes all of it worth it. Anyhow, let's get back to audio cable splitters. Audio cable splitter contains a singular plug with multiple audio jacks. Using it, you can connect multiple headphones or microphones. But, when it comes to choosing audio splitters you need to choose the right one so that you don't miss on the audio quality. Going further, let's understand the difference between Microphone Splitter and Headphone Splitter: Splitters are confusing for beginners. The basic function of these splitters is to split the sound. But, when talking about input/output, the headphone splitter splits the output sound. It will help you direct the sound into phones, laptops, PCs, and iPods. Whereas, microphone splitter has the feature of an amplifier. It splits the output as well as input sounds. There is a resistance, which affects the input and the output of the microphone. The headphone splitter does not need an amplifier, but the microphone splitter needs the amplifier to work. Headphone splitters are known as passive splitters because they do not need a power source. Whereas, microphone splitters are known as active splitters because they require a power source. Let's look at some of the basic things you need to consider before purchasing:Headphones are gaining popularity for a long time now. Even after the invention of wireless and Bluetooth headphones, headphones are the preferred choice for music fanatics because of the quality. This makes audio splitter a must-have item in your music arsenal. So, before purchasing splitters consider the following steps:
Let us show you the five types of splitters you can consider:
I know working with cables especially with weird names like 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable and understanding them is difficult. But, nowadays it is important to have at least the basic understanding of them. Hence, depending on your usage you can finalize the type of an audio splitter you want that can help you share your music with your friends and loved ones. Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/how-share-your-music-audio-splitter-1766326.html
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USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. In 1994, Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, and Nortel collaborated to develop USB Cables.
USB data cable are the standard connection between computers and devices like keyboards, printers, cameras, storage devices, etc. The purpose of developing these data cables was to simplify software configurations, address usability issues and have great data transfer rates for external devices. In 1995, these companies formed a USB implementers forum. It is a non-profit organization created to support the advancement of USB technology and high-quality compatible devices. If we want to transfer the data from one device to another or charge our devices, we use this data cable. They are available in multiple types and that can make it difficult to understand each of them. It even becomes difficult for you to purchase them and you might end up having the wrong cables. There are new developments going on and every two to three years, there is a new cable in the market. That makes it more difficult to understand the differences between them. But, don't worry here in this article we will be discussing types of USB data cable: Initially, data cables had a low transfer speed of 1.5 megabits per second. Whereas, some had a high transfer rate of 12 Mbps. Over the years of constant change, today multiple types are available with the different transfer rates. In fact, nowadays, we even have a USB cable for monitor. Yes, you heard it right. Now even computers have USB ports. This makes it easy for us to transfer data between computers and our end devices like mobile phones, hard drives, etc. or even charge them. Types of USB Data Cables:
Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/your-guide-types-universal-serial-bus-1766070.html Wi-Fi is a basic need. And no one right now will say that they need the internet. No. They will use the word Wi-Fi. We really like that our devices are an extension of us and that we have the world at our fingertips. This is because the internet has evolved. Along with it, we have a range of ethernet cable types that give a varying range and quality of the internet to our Wi-Fi routers. Yes, the Wireless still needs some wires.
Our use of the internet has also evolved. From something that was limited to clunky, important office related work, we use it now for work, entertainment, security education, and convenience. The Ethernet cable you use depends on what you need it for. Currently, the basic one is the cat 5e cable and the most advanced one is the cat8 cable. If your needs are intensive but your activities don't completely rely on fast, stable internet, like in an average household, then you can go with the cat 5e cable. However, if you require a speedy and consistent connection, like in an office environment, then you can choose the cat8 cable. The cat 5e cable is sufficient for smart home routines and software updates of phones and computers. It is also enough for streaming videos and video games. To make this connection better, you can also use Wi-Fi nodes around your house to reduce or terminate dead zones. This way, you can get a more consistent connection no matter where you are in the house. Let's dig deeper into the internet needs of a house as compared to the more intensive ones of an office: Home: Take a usual 3-bedroom house. If it has a ground and a level, only one floor is going to get optimum connectivity. And if it all on one level, it is too far spread out for proper connectivity as well. But if you set up a Wi-Fi node with the Cat 5e cable in strategic parts of your home, you can get proper coverage all over it. This means there will be no drops in video calls, and your online gaming never has to stop! Such a mesh network connection can go far in improving your connectivity issues so you don't have to change the in-wall Ethernet cables of your house just yet. Office: In an office, the internet requirement is a lot more intensive. Additionally, you also need it to be more reliable as your work depends on it. For an office, the ideal set up is a wired one. Connect all computers with a Cat8 cable for blazing fast speed. You will also require this cable to use and maintain your in-house servers. Here also, Cat8 does the job efficiently. This cable is advanced and you can almost call it future proof. Wired connections don't face the challenges that Wi-Fi does. Nothing comes in its way because it plugs right into the devices. In some cases where you think you can only use Wi-Fi, like a TV, you can actually opt for a wired connection if your TV has an Ethernet port. This can come in handy in living rooms just as much as it can in conference rooms. The use of the internet is the decision-maker in terms of which type of connection to use and therefore which type of cable. Whether you go wireless or wired, you will need Ethernet cables, and you can opt for whatever works best for your needs, select the length of the wire and then buy it. They are all easily available offline or online. Just search for Ethernet cables and you will get a huge number of results. Then narrow it down by your requirements, and go ahead with the purchase. Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/why-homes-offices-differently-wired-1766067.html Going into 2020, the wireless dream is alive and thriving. Qi wireless chargers have been around for a while now and we have successfully ditched the cord. Almost. But even the wireless chargers require a wire to get power to itself.
Moreover, not all gadgets charge wirelessly. Your Bluetooth speaker, your noise canceling headphones, your tablet, E-reader, power banks, etc., don’t charge wirelessly. Some of these gadgets don’t even come with power bricks. So you either have to use other power bricks you have or plug them into your computer, anything with the compatible USB port. But what if you didn’t? What if there was another way to power up these devices? It is the USB keystone jack! Yes, these are USB ports that go directly in the wall of your house. So the next time you want to charge something but can’t find your brick, just plug your device into one of these! Of course, you have to install one. There are two ways you can go about this, hire an electrician, or go about it in your own way. Let’s see how to do it if you choose to install the USB keystone jack on your own:
A Basic Charging Station:When you go out of the house, and if you prefer to carry your phone charger with you, then a charging station at home can really help. You can leave your brick in your bag or even at work, and just plug in your phone with a spare data cable at home. This data cable makes for your permanent charging station at home, so when you are in a hurry, you don’t have to bother making sure if you got your charger. You can just take your phone and leave. A More Permanent Setup: Bluetooth speakers sometimes end up being things that you only use on the weekends or for parties. A lot of this is because you don’t have it charged and ready. But if it were charged and ready, you’d be able to listen to music while eating breakfast, or even use it as a way to listen to a podcast while cooking your meals. A permanent setup encourages regular use. If the gadget is in your sight, and charged, it makes it that much easier to notice and therefore use. Everyday Essentials: Are you whiling away on social media during your daily commute? Probably yes, we have all been guilty of it. If your commute is a half hour or an hour long, you can get a lot of reading done! A lot of you have bought eBook readers on a whim or got it as a present but seldom use it. Bring that out and plug it in your new USB keystone jack near your entryway to charge. Buy a few books and make it a habit to take them with you every day on your way out to work. You can come back at the end of the day and plug it back in to top up the charge. You can follow the same system with your earphones or headphones, depending on which you use. Smart Home Solutions: Some smart home gadgets use USB connectors. So your new installations make up for a great way to keep them plugged in without worrying about needing a brick in case you lose one. The smart home after all only works best, when all the components of it are actually available for you to interact with them. Or for them to interact with each other. With this setup in place, you will never have to worry about a lost power brick, and it will positively influence your lifestyle. SF Cable keeps this particular keystone jack among others, as well all the USB cables you can possibly need. Browse our store for all your cabling needs and get in touch with us if you need an expert opinion. Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/usb-keystone-jack-power-bricks-less-important-now/ Wires and cables are a part of our life. There are a variety of cables and cords available in the market. They help keep our devices connected and connect us with the internet as well. There are standards set for all the devices that use or produce electricity or contain electronics. Like IEC international standards and NEMA. Based on these standards, there are different power cords like IEC C13 power cord, IEC C7 power cord, NEMA power cord, all made and used for different purposes. Not only that, in fact, different countries have different power standards. So, today we will be showcasing different types of standards of plugs that connect cords to your devices and power them up. Type A:The Type A electrical plug is an ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins. You can spot them mostly in America and Japan. The American and Japanese plugs look similar but the neutral pin on the American plug is wider than the live pin whereas in the Japanese plug both pins are of the same size. It means that you can use Japanese plugs in the US but not the other way around. Other countries that use this type of plug are Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Its voltage range is 100V to 127V. The pins of Type A plug have the hole near the tip that fits into the wipers of some sockets. This helps the pins to have a good grip of the socket preventing the plug from coming out of the socket. Type B:The Type B electrical plug has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin for earthing. The earthing pin is longer than the other two so the device stays grounded while it connects with the power. Similar to Type A plugs, the American and Japanese versions vary a bit. They are mainly useful in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Japan. Its voltage range is mostly from 100V to 127V and they are rated at 15 amps. Type C:The Type C electrical plug is also known as Europlug. It is a two-wire plug and has two round pins. It fits into any socket that has 4.0 to 4.8 mm round contact and 19 mm in the center. Mainly used by people in Asia, South America, Europe (excluding the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta). Its voltage ranges between 220V to 240V and requires 2.5amps or less. Type D:The Type D electrical plug has large three round pins in a triangular manner. In some scenarios, Type M plugs are used besides Type D plugs in large appliances. And as a result, there are some sockets that work with both Type D and Type M plugs. It is majorly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc. Voltage range: 220V to 240V and rated at 5 amps. Type E:The Type E electrical plug has two 4.8 mm round pins spaced 19 mm apart and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. The Type E plug has a round shape and Type E socket has a round recess. The plugs are rated at 16 amps and are used in France, Belgium, Slovakia, Tunisia, etc. Type F:There are two 4.8 mm round pins in Type F electrical plugs which are positioned 19 mm apart. They are similar to Type E but have two earth clips instead of female earth contact. The CEE 7/7 plug works with sockets E and F and has grounding clips on both sides. Countries where they are used: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, etc. Type F plugs are rated 16amps. Type G:Type G electrical plug has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an integrated fuse. The earthing pin is 8mm and 22.7 mm long. Whereas, line and neutral pins are 4 by 6.35mm and 17.7mm long. Countries where they are used: UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta. Malaysia, etc. Voltage range: 220V to 240V Type H:This type of plug is unique in Israel and has two flat pins in a V-shape and even has a grounding pin. Currently, it is replaced with a round pinned version. The holes in Type H sockets are wide in the middle so they can adjust the Type C plugs as well. Type H’s rating is 16 amps and has a voltage range of 220V to 240V. Type I:The Type I has two flat pins in V-shape and even has an earthing pin. The other version of this plug has two flat pins that still exist. The Australian plug can be useful with sockets in China. Australia’s standard plug/socket rates 10amps. A standard 10 amp plug fits into a 15-amp socket. But, you cannot use 15 amp in 10 amp. It is used in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, China, etc. and has a voltage range of 220V to 240V. Type J:This Type J plug has two round pins and one grounding pin. Though the Type J plug looks similar to the Brazilian Type N plug, it is not compatible with Type N socket as the earthing pin is away from the center line compared to Type N. Additionally, Type C plugs are compatible with Type J sockets. It rates 10 amps and can be used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Rwanda. Type K:It has two round pins and a grounding pin. It is similar to Type F. The only difference is that Type F has grounding clips instead of grounding pins. Countries they are used in are Denmark and Greenland Type L:It comes in two variations: 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amps version has two round pins that are 4 mm thick and spaced at 5.5 mm and has a grounding pin in the middle. Whereas, the 16-amp version has two round pins that are 5 mm thick, 8mm apart and even have a grounding pin. It can be used in Italy and its voltage range in 220V to 240V Type M:It has three round pins in a triangular pattern and looks similar to Type D. But, its pins are larger. They are useful for big equipment in countries that use Type D plugs and can be used in countries like Israel, South Africa and have a voltage range of 220V to 240V. Type N:There are two types in Type N plug: one is rated at 10 amps and the other one is 20 amps. The 10-amp version has two round pins that are 4 mm thick and it has a grounding pin. Whereas, the 20-amp version is useful for heavier appliances and has two round pins of 4.8 mm diameter and a grounding pin. They are useful in Brazil and have a voltage of 100V to 240V. Type O:This type is widely useful in Thailand and has a voltage range of 220V to 240V. It is compatible with socket type C and O. Final Words:Having so many different types and understanding these in detail can be confusing. And when clubbed with different types of power cords like IEC C13 power cord or IEC C7 power cord and their usage, one can go crazy. But, this information will definitely come to your rescue when you are planning your next international trip. SF Cable has all sorts of power cords, USB cables, adapters, connectors, and more. So, next time you are planning to travel from one continent to another, you know where to look for the right electronics and accessories. Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/around-world-iec-plugs With the streaming wars heating up, the fight is for the biggest screen in your home. All the streaming companies are looking for a way to make you stream TV shows, and movies that they make, and some of them come with devices. On the other hand, some streaming services run over the air and don’t require a special hardware device. Buying the hardware is not expensive. It is often a one-time purchase and can last you about a decade, after which standards may change and you might end up wanting to upgrade. But the subscription cost of each service tends to mount up quite significantly. So you have to be really picky about which service you like, and even which networks, film studios you like so you can plan for the future. However, just because the streaming services and boxes want to be in your TV, doesn’t mean your TV is ready for this upgrade. Fortunately for you, for a long time now, TVs have come with HDMI ports, at least one if not more. And apart from the HDMI port, there are usually other audio video ports. Now, of course, you will say that all streaming boxes come with the HDMI connector so how can you use other ports on the TV. I have two words for you: HDMI adapters! And on top of those, you can also buy HDMI splitter. So how do you go about this? If You Have One HDMI Port On Your TV:It is likely that you may just have one of these ports on your TV, so you can buy HDMI splitter. Plug in this splitter in the port, and you instantly have two HDMI ports! Now you can use one for a streaming stick and maybe another one for a soundbar, if you don’t want another streaming option. If You Have Older Ports:On top of one HDMI port, if you have older audio video ports like the DisplayPort, then you can get one of the HDMI adapters available in the market. This way, you can plug in your streaming stick in the DisplayPort with the adapter and then plug in a soundbar in the HDMI port. In either and all cases, it is quite likely that the TV’s inbuilt speakers are not up to the performance that your favourite TV show and movie need. So a soundbar can really help enhance this situation. Now that the hardware issues are clear, let’s come down to how to actually decide what streaming service you want to use. There are a few things to keep in mind: What Ecosystem Are You In:The simple answer to this question is what ecosystem are most of your devices? Do you use an Android phone or an iOS one? Do you have smart home gadgets? If so, then are they madebygoogle devices? Or are they a variety of products that Amazon makes? Or do they work with the Apple ecosystem? Unfortunately, walled gardens are on the rise, and at least for the next 4-5 years, we have to play in one. So if you are in Google’s garden, it makes sense to get a Chromecast because it will work with your Google Assistant, from both the smart speaker and your Android phone. Google’s original content and streaming services come from Play Movies and YouTube originals. If you have amazon’s Echo devices around the house, they might work best with Amazon’s Fire TV stick. (Until a while ago, you couldn’t play Prime Video on Chromecast. Big tech competes in the same market and sometimes the customer suffers due to it.) But now it’s all fine. That, most certainly should be a decision making factor, even if there is little under your control. If you are an Apple house, then you can go with their Apple TV, which offers its streaming service with the original shows exclusively on Apple devices. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, etc., are fortunately just over the air ones and don’t add to this confusing list of devices you have to buy. The trick, and it is no shortcut, is to figure out which service has everything you watch, and if it will always continue to have the things that you generally like to watch. Next thing to tackle is what streaming device you can get it on and if that device integrates well into your ecosystem. Once you figure that out, SF Cable has all the HDMI adapters you need, and we will be more than happy to help you figure out variants based on your TV. Browse our collection here and get in touch with us for any further questions you may have. Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/guide-choosing-right-streaming-service/ |
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