Triple Reference Awards Set the Bar for Television Technology

The pursuit of pristine picture perfect clarity is the cornerstone of television technology, and brands that manufacture these products aspire to produce the best quality possible. This race for excellence is competitive and exciting as brands battle it out to reach new technical heights. In a highly saturated and competitive market, being crowned as an industry standard is a sure-fire way to stand out from the crowd.
 
The industry gold standard in the measurement of TV technological excellence is the referencestandard. This is one of the highest scores that a TV can get and means that the TV in question has been evaluated, by independent platforms, as delivering the very best picture quality possible. Thereafter, the TV is used as a reference for picture quality for reviews for all subsequent TV manufacturers.

Panasonic's Japan premium TV quality is world-renowned, but it is a little-known fact that it is the one and only TV manufacturer to receive reference awards from leading European evaluators for three completely separate categories: OLED, LCD and Plasma. This means that Panasonic is the only TV benchmark brand to which other TVs are compared to.  

This triple accolade can be attributed to the company's long-standing championing of plasma technology. Over the decades Panasonic has earned numerous reference awards for delivering exceptional picture quality, culminating with the ZT and VT plasma series.

Thereafter, the engineers focused their attention on incorporating plasma 4K UHD resolution picture quality to OLED screen technology. In 2015, Panasonic revealed their first OLED TV, the 4K Pro CZ950 series, which immediately garnered international acclaim and multiple reference status awards.
 
When the flagship DX series LCD LED TV was brought to market, the company officially achieved Triple Reference Status. This was awarded primarily because of its groundbreaking honeycomb-structure local dimming technology. This design proved that an LCD screen can create both bright highs and deep blacks to create an incredible HDR experience.

Panasonic attributes its Triple Reference status to their strong collaboration with the film community, which allows it to constantly deliver picture quality true to the original intentions of the filmmakers. The Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory was thus established in collaboration with Hollywood to continuously create unrivalled visual image processing technologies. Panasonic continues to break new grounds with image processing and visual technology, and will, without a doubt, continue to be the benchmark to which all competitors are measured. As will be the case when the new EX Series launches later this year!

KG Rabada shines with ball as #Proteas overwhelm Bangladesh

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada led a ruthless bowling performance as South Africa completed an innings and 254 run win on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh at Mangaung Oval on Sunday.

It was the biggest win in South Africa's Test history, surpassing the innings and 229 run victory over Sri Lanka in Cape Town in 2000/01.

Rabada took five for 30 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 172, a slight improvement on their first innings of 147 in reply to South Africa's 573 for four declared.

Rabada, 22, who had match figures of 10 for 63, became the youngest of 16 South Africans to take 100 Test wickets. He was playing in his 22nd Test. Only Vernon Philander (19) and Dale Steyn (20) of his compatriots have achieved the feat in fewer matches.

It was Rabada's third 10-wicket haul in Tests. He took his tally of Test wickets in 2017 to 54, the most by any bowler this year.

It was another poor performance by Bangladesh on a pitch which had bounce but was not especially bowler-friendly.

Justice League is the new adventure movie

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans consisting of Barry Allen, Arthur Curry, and Victor Stone to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and the Parademons who are on the hunt for three Mother Boxes on Earth.

Justice League is the new adventure movie by Zack Snyder, starring Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Amy Adams.

Andy Murray lines up Dybala, Ronaldo and Messi in his World 11 #FifaBest

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray fancies himself as the next Jose Mourinho, due to his love of fantasy football.

Murray has recently spoken of his interest in a change of sport following his retirement from tennis, although he has no specific plans.

However, his enjoyment of fantasy football - Murray chose Paulo Dybala, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in his 2016-17 World11 - means the 30-year-old has a particular role in mind.

"I have no idea [what to do in football] - I just find the sport really interesting," he told FIFA.com, ahead of The Best awards.

"I'm a huge fantasy football fan, so I'd probably quite fancy myself as a manager - but it's completely different doing it in real life, definitely not as easy as everyone thinks."

SA's Got Talent goes full throttle this Sunday

Every year, thousands of hopefuls enter SA's Got Talent with the dream of winning half a million rand and becoming South Africa's next big star. This week's episode features some hair-raising acts that defy gravity and have the audience and judges in awe – but are they good enough to claim the big prize?

The SA's Got Talent judges cast their eyes high into the sky this Sunday as tight-rope walkers, aerial acrobats, pole dancers and a host of other variety acts take over the show. Having seen two acts  - AnecNote and Fazlyn Naidoo – nab coveted Golden Buzzer spots over the past few weeks, these gravity-taming newcomers will have high hopes of joining them.

A number of contestants from previous seasons have returned to try their luck in front of the SA's Got Talent judges, bringing new and revitalised performances to the stage, in the hope of succeeding where they failed before.

Some of them have taken on board the judges' comments from their previous appearances – and some are just back to try their luck. See who flies and who flops this Sunday, on SA's Got Talent. 

SA's Got Talent is exclusive to e.tv and eHD on OpenView HD (Channel 104) and DStv (Channel 194) every Sunday evening at 6:05PM.

Tips to avoid bank card fraud

As banks continue working tirelessly to implement measures to combat card fraud, customers are urged to always be extra vigilant and take advantage of the security measures available to them when transacting. 

Ryan Prozesky, CEO of Value Banking Solutions at FNB says fraudsters go to extreme measures to trick customers out of their hard earned cash.

"As the old adage says 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' don't wait until you become a victim of fraud to familiarise yourself with important measures to keep your bank cards safe," he adds:

- Review your account statements on a regular basis and query disputed transactions with your bank immediately.
- Do not send e-mails that quote your card number and expiry date.
-Ensure that you get your own card back after every purchase.
-Never write down your PIN or disclose it to anyone.
-Report lost and stolen cards immediately.
-Never let your card out of your sight when making payments.
-Your card is not transferable. Only the person whose name appears on the front of the card is authorised to use it.
-If you have debit, cheque and credit cards, don't choose the same PIN for them all.
-Always ensure that the amount reflecting on the Point of Sale device is the correct purchase amount before entering your PIN
-Keep your transaction slips and check them against your statement to spot any suspicious transactions and query them immediately.
-Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM
-Use one hand to shield the other hand while keying in the PIN
-Should your card be retained by an ATM, contact your bank and block your card before you leave the ATM.
-You can  temporarily block and unblock your cards using the FNB Banking App if you suspect you may have lost your card
Store your bank's Call Centre number on your cellphone so that you have it handy should you need to stop your card.
-Subscribe to your bank's SMS notification services; this will inform you of any transactional activity on your account.

Trevor Noah's book continues making headlines #DailyShow

The host of 'The Daily Show' has got a new book out! Trevor Noah's memoir 'Born a Crime' has won the Thurber Prize for American Humour. Prize officials made the announcement on Monday night.

Judges chose Noah's reflections on growing up in South Africa over a pair of novels: Ken Pisani's Amp'd and Aaron Thier'sMr. Eternity. Noah will be given $5 000 and a crystal plaque.

The award is named for the late James Thurber, the celebrated writer and illustrator. Previous winners include David Sedaris, Julie Schumacher and Noah's predecessor at Comedy Central, Jon Stewart.

Essential #Google apps for every #Android user

When you buy an Android smartphone, you are buying into a rich set of applications, services and products from Google, the developer of the Android ecosystem. There is far more to Google than its search engine and operating system—it has you covered for most of your needs from navigation to cloud storage and email.

Google's apps run better on Android. This is because Google and the Android operating system are so tightly intertwined. They're also easily accessible on your PC, irrespective of whether you are a MAC or Windows user. Here is Alcatel's list of the must-have Google apps for every Android user:

Google

Find quick answers, explore your interests and get a feed of updates on what matters to you. You can use the search engine for almost any question – Google even responds in voice.

Get it here: Google

Google Play Music

Google Play Music features millions of songs for every taste and mood. Instantly start radio stations based on songs, artists, or albums, or browse by genre, mood, activity, decade, and more.

Get it here: Google Play Music  

Google Docs

Google Docs allows you to create, edit and collaborate with others on documents from your Android phone or tablet. Never worry about losing your work – everything is saved automatically as you type.

Get it here: Google Docs  

Maps - Navigation & Transport
Going somewhere? Go with Maps, the official Map app, that gives you real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and details about millions of businesses, including reviews and popular times.

Get it here: Maps – Navigation & Transport

Google Drive
Store your files in Google Drive and access them from any smartphone, tablet or computer. Files in Drive – such as your videos, photos and documents – are backed up safely. You can invite people to view, edit or leave comments on your files or folders.

Get it here: Google Drive

Find My Device
Can't find your Android device? Find My Device will be able to assist. While looking for your device the app keeps your information safe. With Find My Device you can secure your device remotely and help someone get in touch. Find My Device helps you find your device when you are near by playing a sound.

Get it here: Find My Device

Waze - GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Sat Nav
Waze tells you about traffic, construction, police, accidents and more in real-time. If traffic is bad on your route, Waze will change your route to save you time. Waze gives you real time updates based on other users' input.

Get it here: Waze – GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Sat Nav

 

Gmail

Gmail is an easy-to-use email app that saves you time and keeps your messages safe. Instantly receive your messages via push notifications, read and respond online or offline and find any message quickly.

Get it here: Gmail

 

Clock

Clock combines the functionality you need into one simple, beautiful package.

•        Set alarms, add timers and run a stopwatch

•        Keep track of time around the world using the World Clock

•        Pair with Android Wear devices to bring your alarms and timers to your wrist.

Get it here: Clock

 

Google Keep - notes and lists

Google Keep makes it easy to capture a thought or list for yourself, and also allows you to share it with friends and family. Record a voice memo on the go and have it automatically transcribed. Snap a photo of a poster, receipt or document and easily organise or find it later in search.

Get it here: Google Keep

Gboard – the Google Keyboard

Gboard has everything you love about Google Keyboard – speed and reliability, Glide Typing, voice typing and more – plus Google Search built in. Search Google while you have your keyboard open – which means no need to switch between apps.

Get it here: GBoard

#PrisonBreak makes long awaited return on #Mnet101

Television's favourite jail-breaking brothers return to M-Net channel 101 inPrison Break tonight, Monday 2 October at 19:00. The series revival has been hotly anticipated and focuses on the story of Michael Scofield who was presumed dead but is actually discovered to be alive and imprisoned once more.

Filmed in Morocco, the premiere opens to clues that suggest a previously thought-to-be-dead Michael is being held captive in an overseas prison. Lincoln and Sara, Michael's wife, reunite to engineer the biggest escape ever as three of Fox River State Penitentiary's most notorious escapees, Sucre, T-Bag and C-Note are pulled back into the action.

The brand new nine-episode limited series brings back Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell as they continue the action-packed adventures of brothers Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows.

The original series stars are reunited with cast members  Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), Amaury Nolasco (Telenovela), Robert Knepper (Heroes), Rockmond Dunbar (The Mentalist) and Paul Adelstein (The Fixer) for an all-new adventure spanning the globe and featuring the signature thrills and cliffhangers that were hallmarks of the original series.

In April fans were shown the first five minutes of Prison Break's return on Facebook, and so the action began. In the campaign, Michael Scofield ominously explains in a voiceover of the promo that not all deaths are the same.

Doctor Khumalo appointed as #Ford brand ambassador

Doc Khumalo, one of the best-known names on the South African soccer scene, has been appointed a brand ambassador for Ford, and will be proudly be driving a Ford Mustang for the next 12 months.

"Doc Khumalo is a legendary South African football player, and we are delighted to have him sign up as a brand ambassador for Ford and driving our legendary Mustang," said Neale Hill, director marketing, sales & service, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region.

Not only is Khumalo one of SA's premier football personalities, but he is extensively involved in CSI initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa through soccer development projects to lift the profile of the sport and create opportunities for young players.

"We look forward to linking Doc up with some of the projects our Ford dealers are doing locally, and in selected SSA markets too," Hill added. "This further expands our involvement in soccer following our recently announced tie-up with Orlando Pirates Football Club as its official vehicle partner."

As a former South African Footballer of the Year, star midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs and key member of the national soccer team Bafana Bafana during the 1990s, Khumalo was recently appointed the technical director of the Baroka Football Club that competes in SA's Premier Soccer League. This follows a 31-year stint with Kaizer Chiefs as a player and, more recently, assistant coach.

In his role as Ford brand ambassador, Khumalo will be turning heads behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang GT Cabriolet, powered by the mighty 306kW 5.0-litre V8 engine - thus further raising the profile of one of the world's most iconic automotive nameplates, and South Africa's top-selling sports car range.

"I am more than delighted to be part of the Ford family," said Doc Khumalo. "Driving in the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 will not only be inspirational to me but also to those around me. I extend my gratitude and thanks to my manager Jazzman Mahlakgane who has worked tirelessly to make my dream come true and to the Ford South Africa family for entrusting me with their brand. I have no doubt that we will go further together."