Assignment #5

"DVD Recording"

HD DVD recording is done either on Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD or Hard Drive (as in a regular PC), although some of the latest models combine both technologies. The Blue-Ray disc and an HD-DVD player deliver the real high definition experience on the size of a normal DVD disc. The basic principle of operation using a Blue-Ray disc is the following - during data writing, an optical laser stores code on the disc while it spins, modifying its surface, from the centre of the disc outwards. The hollow areas are considered as '0', while the flats are '1'. Everything is binary in the world of computers so this is how this idea is implemented in the case of DVDs and Blu-ray. The laser is basically what burns those depressions on the surface of the disc, so the higher the frequency of that laser, the more 0s and 1s can be stored on the surface, hence - greater disc capacity. The name 'Blue-Ray' comes from the fact that the frequency of the that laser is so high that it reaches the blue end of the spectrum. That was the brief technological breakdown, now let's review the top blu ray recorders.
There is a big battle taking place between HD-DVD and Blue-Ray as to which technology will prevail and become dominant on the market. Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD is the battle between standards and respective companies behind those standards. Now as a consumer, you must make a choice between HD-DVD and Blue-Ray. Which format will you choose? The choice will reflect on your next purchases for the future as to what type of HD camcorder you will buy, what type of discs you will buy and so on. Sony is the company behind Blue-Ray as this technology used in all their recorders and players, as well as the new Playstation 3. As you can probably guess, PS3's biggest competitor - xBox 360 by Microsoft uses HD-DVD discs. HD-DVD is the technology that came first, so those who have already taken the plunge can rejoice from the fact that prices on HD-DVD discs, recorders and players are drastically falling.
HD DVDs come in three different versions: single- or dual-layer HD DVD-only discs; twin-format discs (with a standard dual-layer 8.5GB DVD on one side and a 30GB dual-layer HD DVD on the other); and hybrid discs (a single-sided disc with a standard 4.7GB layer that plays on any DVD player as well as a 15GB HD layer).
Blu-ray discs can hold more data or video than HD DVD counterparts and for the very same reason, are more expensive. The thing is that some Hollywood studios have decided to work with HD-DVd (Paramount, Universal and Warner), while others have decided on Blu-Ray (Sony Pictures, MGM/Columbia TriStar, Fox, Warner, and Lions Gate). quality of both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs varies with the film itself, but titles available on both formats generally have identical video quality.

Assignment #4

"Motherboard Package Type"

FC-PGA Package Type

FC-PGA Package TypeThe FC-PGA package is short for flip chip pin grid array, which have pins that are inserted into a socket. These chips are turned upside down so that the die or the part of the processor that makes up the computer chip is exposed on the top of the processor. By having the die exposed allows the thermal solution can be applied directly to the die, which allows for more efficient cooling of the chip. To enhance the performance of the package by decoupling the power and ground signals, FC-PGA processors have discrete capacitors and resistors on the bottom of the processor, in the capacitor placement area (center of processor). The pins on the bottom of the chip are staggered. In addition, the pins are arranged in a way that the processor can only be inserted one way into the socket. The FC-PGA package is used in Pentium® III and Intel® Celeron® processors, which use 370 pins.

PPGA Package Type

PPGA Package TypePPGA is short for Plastic Pin Grid Array, and these processors have pins that are inserted into a socket. To improve thermal conductivity, the PPGA uses a nickel plated copper heat slug on top of the processor. The pins on the bottom of the chip are staggered. In addition, the pins are arranged in a way that the processor can only be inserted one way into the socket. The PPGA package is used by early Intel Celeron processors, which have 370 pins.

SECC2 Package Type

S.E.C.C.2 Package TypeThe S.E.C.C.2 package is similar to the S.E.C.C. package except the S.E.C.C.2 uses less casing and does not include the thermal plate. The S.E.C.C.2 package was used in some later versions of the Pentium II processor and Pentium III processor (242 contacts).

FC-PGA2 Package Type

FC-PGA2 Package TypeFC-PGA2 packages are similar to the FC-PGA package type, except these processors also have an Integrated Heat Sink (IHS). The integrated heat sink is attached directly to the die of the processor during manufacturing. Since the IHS makes a good thermal contact with the die and it offers a larger surface area for better heat dissipation, it can significantly increase thermal conductivity. The FC-PGA2 package is used in Pentium III and Intel Celeron processor (370 pins) and the Pentium 4 processor (478 pins).

OOI Package Type

OOI Package TypeOOI is short for OLGA. OLGA stands for Organic Land Grid Array. The OLGA chips also use a flip chip design, where the processor is attached to the substrate facedown for better signal integrity, more efficient heat removal and lower inductance. The OOI then has an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) that helps heatsink dissipation to a properly attached fan heatsink. The OOI is used by the Pentium 4 processor, which has 423 pins.

Assignment #3

"Motherboard form Factors"

AT - Advance Technology

AT & Baby ATPrior to 1997, IBM computers used large motherboards. After that, however, the size of the motherboard was reduced and boards using the AT (Advanced Technology) form factor was released. The AT form factor is found in older computers (386 class or earlier). Some of the problems with this form factor mainly arose from the physical size of the board, which is 12" wide, often causing the board to overlap with space required for the drive bays.
Following the AT form factor, the Baby AT form factor was introduced. With the Baby AT form factor the width of the motherboard was decreased from 12" to 8.5", limiting problems associated with overlapping on the drive bays' turf. Baby AT became popular and was designed for peripheral devices — such as the keyboard, mouse, and video — to be contained on circuit boards that were connected by way of expansion slots on the motherboard.
Baby AT was not without problems however. Computer memory itself advanced, and the Baby AT form factor had memory sockets at the front of the motherboard. As processors became larger, the Baby AT form factor did not allow for space to use a combination of processor, heatsink, and fan. The ATX form factor was then designed to overcome these issues

ATX - Advance Technology Extended

With the need for a more integrated form factor which defined standard locations for the keyboard, mouse, I/O, and video connectors, in the mid 1990's the ATX form factor was introduced. The ATX form factor brought about many chances in the computer. Since the expansion slots were put onto separate riser cards that plugged into the motherboard, the overall size of the computer and its case was reduced. The ATX form factor specified changes to the motherboard, along with the case and power supply. Some of the design specification improvements of the ATX form factor included a single 20-pin connector for the power supply, a power supply to blow air into the case instead of out for better air flow, less overlap between the motherboard and drive bays, and integrated I/O Port connectors soldered directly onto the motherboard. The ATX form factor was an overall better design for upgrading.

LPX

White ATX is the most well-known and used form factor, there is also a non-standard proprietary form factor which falls under the name of LPX, and Mini-LPX. The LPX form factor is found in low-profile cases (desktop model as opposed to a tower or mini-tower) with a riser card arrangement for expansion cards where expansion boards run parallel to the motherboard. While this allows for smaller cases it also limits the number of expansion slots available. Most LPX motherboards have sound and video integrated onto the motherboard. While this can make for a low-cost and space saving product they are generally difficult to repair due to a lack of space and overall non-standardization. The LPX form factor is not suited to upgrading and offer poor cooling

NLX

Boards based on the NLX form factor hit the market in the late 1990's. This "updated LPX" form factor offered support for larger memory modules, tower cases, AGP video support and reduced cable length. In addition, motherboards are easier to remove. The NLX form factor, unlike LPX is an actual standard which means there is more component options for upgrading and repair.
Many systems that were formerly designed to fit the LPX form factor are moving over to NLX. The NLX form factor is well-suited to mass-market retail PCs.