Onida wishing you all a very Happy Dhanteras

The most awaited festival of the year is here! Today is Dhanteras, an auspicious day to buy gold & also embarks the beginning of Diwali.

Dhanteras (Hindi: धनतेरस ,Marathi : Dhantrayodashi) is the first day of the five-day Diwali Festival as celebrated in parts of north India. The festival, also known as "Dhantrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Triodasi", falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik (October/November).

The Dhan in Dhanteras means wealth. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Dhanteras holds special significance for the business community due to the customary purchases of precious metals on this day (see Traditions below).

Legends

An interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that, once, the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die of a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. So, on the fourth day of his marriage, his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid out gold ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by the dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yama(Yamaraj), the god of Death.

According to another popular legend, when the Gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrita or nectar, Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

Preparations

To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the night.

Traditions

On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans", devotional songs in praise of Goddess Laxmi, are also sung.

Celebrations

Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. "Lakshmi Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans, devotional songs in praise of Goddess Laxmi, are sung and "Naivedya" of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages, cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south India, cows are offered, particularly, a special veneration because they are thought of as incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi.

Tips on Microwave Safety

1. Don't overheat or overcook items.  It increases the chances of burning yourself, ruining the food or setting the microwave on fire.  When in doubt, cook in short bursts, checking items frequently.
2. Wait for a moment before removing hot food from the oven.  This avoids boil-over and explosive situations; Don't add anything such as sugar or a tea bag to freshly microwaved liquids while holding the cup in your hand or having it near your face.
3. Prick egg yolks or items with tight skins such as potatoes, eggplants, sausages.   It helps avoid an explosion.  Don't try to microwave a whole egg in its shell!
4. Cover items likely to splatter or jump out of the dish, such as beans.  Don't use plastic wrap unless it's designed for microwave, and even then, don't let it touch the food because of the possibility chemicals could be transferred into your food.    Better yet, cover with another microwave-proof dish or a microwave plate cover designed for that purpose
5. All paper products are manufactured with chemicals.  Never use grocery bags, paper plates, newspapers, butcher's wrap or other paper items to heat food.  The microwave can cause chemicals in these products to transfer into your food.  Use white paper towels only if the label states they are microwave safe.  Wax paper, parchment paper and oven cooking bags are safe to use.  Don't overheat!
6. Plastics melt, and most contain very toxic chemicals.  These toxins are sealed into the plastic, but microwaving may release them.  Guess where they go?   Into your food!  Never let plastic wrap touch your food.  Use only microwave plastic wrap to cover dishes, or use a microwave plate cover or another inverted dish.   Never reheat in Styrofoam, margarine tubs, whipped topping bowls or other plastic containers.  If you use reheatable disposable microwave containers, discard them afterwards; don't reuse.   When using microwavable plastic containers, never use with fatty, greasy or very sugary foods.   Reheat briefly only, and don't overheat.
   
   If your dishes (serving bowls, plates, mugs, cups, etc.) contain any lead at all, leaching of lead into your food is accelerated in a microwave.  Utilize glass such as Pyrex or Corningware to cook food (and even to heat food, especially greasy, sugary or acid foods) whenever possible for greater safety and peace of mind.
7. Never place metal items such as aluminum foil, steel or aluminum containers, utensils or wire ties in the microwave.  It can damage the oven.
8. I don't recommend cooking meats, egg or cheese dishes, custards or breads in the microwave as a general rule. (If you're happy with the results, however, that's what matters.)  The microwave process shortens and tightens the protein, or the gluten in wheat, drying and toughening the product. There's  exceptions, but usually a tender, more flavorful dish can be done using conventional heat.   Reheat breads very briefly, wrapped in a damp paper towel.   Meats are best reheated briefly, covered, on lower power if possible.
9. If something in your microwave catches on fire, don't open it or throw water on it.   Hit the stop button, unplug it quickly, stand by with a kitchen fire extinguisher just in case (you do have one, don't you?) and let it burn itself out.  It may damage your oven but it shouldn't burn you or ruin your kitchen that way.   Never use a microwave with a damaged or misaligned door or seal.
10.  Make sure children understand the rules about using a microwave.  In many ways, using one is safer for them than using a stove, but it has its own very real dangers.

Buying Guide- High Definition Tv’s

If you are finally ready to say goodbye to your old family CRT TV, your next step should be to buy a good flat screen HDTV. The market is saturated with brands, and there is no better time than now to make this purchase. From cost-effective 25-inch LED TVs to gargantuan, wall sized monsters that cost the earth, the sky is the limit! So let's find out which one would be perfect for you.

Size
Although it may seem so, bigger is not always better when it comes to screen sizes. But then there are other things you have to take into consideration, such as space constraints. If you have a small home, there is no point in thinking of a 55-inch mega screen for your wall. So let’s be realistic and think about where you are going to place the TV; whether you will be wall-mounting it, placing it on a table, etc. Thus the size of your room largely determines what size of TV you really need.

Viewing distance
You have to be very particular about how close or far you are sitting while watching TV on your flat screen. Sit too close, and the images will get pixilated; too far, and you might not be able to see clearly. This happens especially with larger Full HD TVs. When you are buying a new TV, all you have to do is remember this simple formula: the viewing distance should be approximately ¼ of the screen size, except for the fact that viewing distance is in feet, and screen size is inches. So if you are buying a 32 inch LCD, you should sit about eight feet away. Also, be aware that LCD and LED TVs have a narrower viewing angles, so make sure you place the TV in such a way that people don’t have to crane their necks to watch it with you.

Price
Here’s the deal breaker – how much money do you really want to spend on a TV? Although prices have dropped considerably and cheaper brands are flocking the market, an HDTV is still a luxury for most people. It’s also a good idea to double-check what features are available on the TV, as some of them are unnecessary. If the technology is brand new, the manufacturer might add a huge chunk to the price. For instance, some brands  has recently launched Smart LED TVs  but the downside is that they cost as much as a small car. On the other hand, Onida has launched their own range of India’s first android powered Onida iTube  smart LED TV which are pretty cost effective.

Split Air Conditioner buying guide

Split ACs are becoming a popular choice in most homes these days. Their sleek exterior, flexibility in mounting locations, as well as quiet performance has found many a fan. Previously split AC was an appliance for office or a Rich man's gadget but today, it has found its way into the smaller middle class homes as well. Depending on the size of your room and the number of people occupying it you can decide on the tonnage capacity of the split.

 

Here are some Key factors to be considered before buying investing in a split AC.

Budget

You may already have a budget in mind as to how much you would like to spend. Split Air Conditioners range between Rs 12,000 to Rs 2,75,000. The size and features affect the price.

Type of Split Ac’s

Wall Mounted

These are also known as high wall mounted. This is mainly used in rooms where the ducts cannot be concealed, and is generally preferred for small rooms where it is easy to cool the air uniformly.

Floor Mounted

Floor Mounted also known as tower or vertical split ACs are generally used when you do not have space or do not want to mount an AC in your wall.

Ceiling Mounted

Ceiling mounted ACs also known as Cassette type split air conditioners cool the room uniformly from their vantage point at the ceiling. These are useful if you don't have space for a wall mounted or a floor mounted air conditioner.

Multi Split ACs

Multi-splits are multiple split ACs connected to one unit. With a multi-split option, tow indoor units can be installed with one outdoor unit.

The indoor units can be used individually or at the same time as needed. If both the units are used then the capacity of the units will be divied. The condenser and fan of the outdoor unit is controlled based on the control signals from indoor units.

Advantages of multi-split ACs

• Saves installation space
• Can be used individually or simultaneously
• Independent control
• Compact Design
• Good EER
• Saves on running costs
• Convenient and economical

Disadvantages of multi-split ACs

·         Expensive compared to a single unit split AC

·         Limited range of capacities and models

Cooling Capacity

The cooling capacity defines the price of a split air conditioner. Most air conditioners are rated in BTU per hour (British Thermal Unit) or by tonnage. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTU per hour. The cooling capacity that you need would depend on factors such as:

Average ambient temperature: Higher the average temperature of the outside air in the area where your house is located, the more will be the cooling capacity required.

Size of the room: The cooling capacity required is proportional to the area of the room you wish to cool.

Number of people present: The cooling capacity of an air conditioner also depends on the number of people present in the room. The more the people present, the higher will be the capacity required.

Exposure: Direct exposure of any of the walls of your room to sunlight would lead to higher requirement in cooling capacity.

Proximity of your room to kitchen: If the room is nearer to the kitchen the cooling capacity required would be higher.

The tonnage of the AC can be selected based on the chart below.

Rooms Size (Sq ft)	Tonnage Capacity
Up to 90 sq ft	0.8 Ton
Up to 120 sq ft	1.0 Ton
Up to 180 sq ft	1.5 Ton
Up to 220 sq ft	2.0 Ton

Noise

Indoor units that do not produce much noise are better as else these can be a big disturbance.

Split Ac price and budget

You should take care to narrow down on the appropriate split ac by looking at the product design, quality and its performance. Also, consider the installation cost, running costs like power and maintenance while buying your AC.

Energy efficiency rating

The ratio of air conditioner's cooling capacity to its power consumption is the unit's (EER). A system with higher EER is good. Though these models are expensive while buying, they save money in the long run by consuming less energy.

Type of compressor

The compressor is the air conditioner's most important component and is often called the heart of the refrigeration system. It helps in the cooling process, by circulating the refrigerant through all the refrigeration parts. There are three types of compressors - reciprocating, rotary and scroll either of which can be used in split ACs.

Reciprocating compressor

It compresses the air by sliding the piston over the cylinder. Air conditioners fitted with a reciprocating compressor are generally less expensive and not as efficient or silent as the ones fitted with a rotary compressor. These are good for high duty cycles e.g. with higher capacity cooling ACs which need to be run for longer times.

Rotary compressor

This is a superior type of a compressor over the conventional reciprocating type. It compresses air by centrifugal action of high-speed impeller in a confined space. This method reduces the loss in pressure of the refrigerator gas. Rotary compressors are more compact, operate quietly, built for continuous operation and typically see less maintenance. The down side is the initial costs are higher.

For less than 3 ton these are good options as they don't need high duty cycle and have better energy ratings. Rotary technology, though dominant in the Asian market for close to three decades due to its low cost, is new to India.

Scroll compressor

Scroll compressors have a wide operating voltage, economical running and low sound and vibration as compared to reciprocating and rotary compressors.

Scroll compressors are generally available in ACs with cooling capacity above 2.5 tonnes.

Rotary and Scroll compressors are not repairable once the failure occurs out of warranty period. Reciprocating compressors are reparable - mostly by respective compressor manufacturers in India.

Other Features

Anti corrosion body

The body of the air conditioner is coated with a chemical to minimize corrosion. This extends the life of the body of the split air conditioner.

Auto restart

In case of a power failure, the user has to reset and programme all the cooling functions and features that he originally had. An air conditioner with the auto restart facility starts automatically and restores the original settings when the power is restored. If you live in an area that has constant power cuts, you would prefer having this feature.

Deodorizing filter

It absorbs the smell and odour generating particles like tobacco smoke, etc from the room. It helps to keep the room odour-free thus keeping the air fresh.

Electrostatic filter

It generates an electrostatic field and thus attracts and cleans the air by removing dust particles. It will extend the life of your air conditioner because the important parts, like the blower assembly, the cooling coil, and other inner parts, will stay cleaner, operate more efficiently and last longer. Your family and you will enjoy breathing much healthier indoor air.

Anti-bacterial Filter

You shoudl check for anti-bacteria filters which keep bacteria and allergens out. Also, the AC should have indicators which indicates time to change the filter.

Remote control

Saves you the bother of getting up and adjusting controls. Also useful if your AC is at a height. Sensors which can monitior room temperature can be located in the remote control unit.

Timers

To set the exact time when the air conditioner should switch off or on. This is useful in maintaining the room temperature, particularly at night

Difference between 3D LED TV and 3D LED Smart TV

3D LED TV and 3D LED Smart TV are new jargon we hear when we go to buy TV. For generations, TV remained an idiot box just capable of beaming programs in 2D and offered no control other than the ability to surf various channels. But times are changing, and changing fast. First was the revolution of LCD and LED TV’s. Then it was the turn of 3D to enter our homes through 3D TV’s. Today, TV has also become smart by way of allowing the user to surf the web and a host of other features. These smart TV’s have brains unlike the older generation 2D TV’s that ruled the roost for generations.

If one were to compare 3D LED TV with a 3D LED Smart TV, it becomes clear that apart from LED technology and the ability to view the content in 3D, what one gets extra are features that are described through TLA’s (three letter acronyms) such as PVR, DVD, EPG, ATVEF decoder, and of course the internet. These features are what make a simple 3D LED TV smart and intelligent.

EPG stands for electronic program guide that displays TV listings on demand. This means your TV is smart enough to tell you what programs are there on your favorite channel tonight. PVR technology will stun you as you can instantly see the replay of a spectacular scene by the click of a button, or if you missed while you blinked. If you could not hear a dialogue, just press PVR and listen to what you missed and then again to resume where you left. PVR performs yet another function and that is to record your favorite show. After watching the show, you can easily discard and set to record next program. What is great is that PVR is integrated with EPV and with its search engines; your smart TV can bring all the programs that had your favorite actor if you just type his name in the search engine.

It is needless to talk about DVD feature as all smart TV’s have this feature that allows you to play your DVD’s directly through the TV without any DVD player. But it is the ability to surf the net from your TV that holds all the excitement for smart TV buyers. This is one feature that really makes your TV smart. You are no longer dependent upon your local news channels as you can instantly get to hundreds of news channels across the world in an instant. What is great is that there is a picture in picture mode that allows entire family to surf the net at the same time. It is no more fighting to get control as is the case with a PC and its mouse.

The other feature that makes your smart TV truly interactive with the help of an ATVEF decoder. It stands for Advanced Television Enhancement Forum, and makes it possible for a viewer to take part in all the polls and interactive TV shows and products.

Smart TVs also come with Built-in Social Hub consisting Facebook, YouTube, Picasa Photo Share, Skype and lot more vendor application sets. It has DLNA digital home connectivity features as well. Basically these TVs will replace the entertainment features of PC, Laptops and Tablets. Mostly these high end TVs comes with HDMI, AV, USB, LAN ports as well as Wi-Fi built-in adaptor to connect to home network as well as Internet. On top of these the application store will contain Apps to connect to Netflix like content providers.

Since these are LED TVs, they consume very less power compare to LCD and Plasma. Normally most of the TVs in this category come with power rating 5 star which means very low power consumption.

Difference Between 3D LED TV and Smart 3D LED TV (1) Both are almost same except for some advanced features related to content sharing and internet applications. (2) 3D LED TV can connect to internet via LAN port at the back or Built-in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi ready access device but Smart TV has more Internet related applications. (3) Both LED 3D and Smart LED 3D support for DLNA digital home to share photos and videos in home network. (4) Smart TVs comes with lots of applications like Facebook, Picasa, YouTube, Web Browsing, Skype and more applications.

 

So if you are investing your money on 3D LED TV, why not pay a little more and buy a smart TV along with LED and 3D. it will revolutionize the way you have ever watched TV.

Washing Machine buying guide

There are two types of washing machines - front-loading washing machines and top-loading washing machines. Generally speaking, front-loading machines can handle larger loads and use less water and detergent, but they are also a bit more difficult to maintain than top-loading machines.

When buying a washing machine there are several things to consider. The most common variables from one machine to another are:

• Load Size
• Water Consumption
• Energy Consumption
• Spin Speeds
• Noise Levels
• Washing Time
• Number of Presets

Load Size

This is the starting point for buying a washing machine. You need a machine that is large enough to handle your laundry needs, but not too big for your laundry room.

Large families of course will need a larger capacity washing machine, but couples without children and single people can easily get by with a compact washing machine. Smaller washing machines are usually less expensive to operate, quieter, and cheaper to buy than larger machines. They may also be come in stackable sets for further space savings.

On the other hand, a large capacity washing machine is a necessity for most families. They are also useful for anyone who “saves up” their laundry for a once-a-week laundry day. Capacity is measured in cubic feet and also in load weight.

Water Consumption

Front-loading washing machines use significantly less water than top-loading washing machines. This may be important if your water supply is limited, but less water consumption also means smaller water utility bills.

An added bonus with lower water consumption is correspondingly less detergent use. This can result in significant savings, especially if your washing machine require special detergent.

Energy Consumption

This is a biggy that adds up to significant dollar differences over the lifespan of the washing machine. Look for a washing machine that is rated “Energy Star.” This means that it consumes at least 50% less energy than a conventional washing machine. This amounts to a savings of about Rs 1500 a year on utility bills.

Machines which are Energy Star rated still cover range of power consumption so if you are particularly energy conscious look for a machine with the lowest yearly energy consumption rating.

Spin Speeds

The range of spin speeds goes from about 800 rpm up to about 1600 rpm on some machines. This is important because a faster spin speed can remove more moisture from the clothes which means they will require less drying time. Less drying time results in further energy savings while running the clothes dryer. Some types of clothes – woolens for example – need a slower spin speed, so it’s useful to have an adjustable spin cycle.

Noise Levels

Some machines come with a noise level rating which is measured in decibels, but be aware that these are ideal figures. Actual noise levels depend a lot on proper installation. In particular, front-loading washing machines are notoriously difficult to install. They need a perfectly level surface in order to eliminate vibration as much as possible, and since the spin cycle can be the noisiest part of the wash cycle, an unleveled machine can be very noisy indeed.

Washing Times

Wash times can range from 30 to 90 minutes for a standard wash. There is really a huge range in wash times from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some claim that their regular cycle is just 30 minutes but usually that is time required for the quick cycle. Extended wash times will use more energy, but are sometimes necessary for heavily soiled clothes.

A suitable wash time depends a lot on how dirty the clothes are, so a washing machine with a selection of presets can help in getting good results no matter how much washing the clothes need.

Number of Presets

Which brings us to the presets. The number of presets can range from about 5 to 20. If you are doing many different types of laundry a large number of presets may be handy but most people will probably never use more than about 7 presets.

Some of the most useful presets are regular, permanent press, cottons, presoak, extended washing, and hand-wash.  This last one is useful for woolens or other delicate items that would otherwise have to be hand-washed.
Some washing machines have special cycles for heavily soiled laundry. These cycles may use steam or very hot water to remove difficult stains, and may also include extra washing and presoaking.

Other preset options include:

• Fuzzy Logic - This refers to a self-adjusting cycle that can set the wash cycle times and the water and detergent levels automatically. These machines can also self-correct if the load becomes unbalanced during the spin cycle.
• Delayed Start Timer - If your power utility offers variable rates this option is useful for taking advantage of cheaper electricity.
• Crease Guard Option - This is a gentler washing action and a shorter spin cycle which decreases the amount of creasing in the finished wash. Some machines will even continue to tumble the clothes until you remove them to prevent them from creasing while sitting in the machine.

Other Options

Depending on your particular situation or laundry needs you may find some of these options to be useful:

• Economy Wash - saves money by using reduced water temperatures.
• Half Load Cycle - good for small loads.
• Childproof Lock - can prevent small children and even pets from opening the machine.
• Anti-Leak Detector - will shut off the washing machine automatically if it is leaking. This can be useful if you often leave the house while the washing machine is running.

Do LED TVs save real money?

And why watching TV is one of the greenest activities...

The shortest answer is yes, they do save money over plasma, and less so over traditional CFL backlit LCD TVs. But real money? No, let's not get carried away by that Energy Star rating.

First let's look at how much a flat screen TV actually costs you in energy cost per month (ecpm). Of course the larger the TV the more it costs you per month to run. For reference we'll use 50" to 58" since costs are more significant the larger the TV. LED TVs are touted as huge energy savers if you look at manufacturer specifications or listen to the conventional wisdom of the media. Would you be surprised to know that at 5 hours per day and assuming a .10 per kWh (kilowatt hour) power rate your cost per month of running an average 55" LED TV is around Rs 100. That's right Rs 100 per month. Not a huge contributor to my Rs 5000+ monthly bill. Whew! I can feel good and green while viewing away my weekends. Because if I'm only spending Rs 100 a month to watch TV, then think of all that petrol I'm saving – not driving around.

For the following let's continue to assume our .10 per kWh rate and 5 hours per day of viewing

Are LED TVs more energy efficient than LCD TVs? Yes, slightly. You might save on average Rs 2  a day – or a whopping Rs 60 a month by using the more energy efficient LED TV, not even enough for a cup of coffee at a good coffee joint.

How about Plasma TVs? How much more per month are you spending by running a plasma TV? Well, since plasma TVs have been the worst in energy consumption in the past, they also had room for the biggest improvement. An average 50" plasma TV would have run you around 2.75 last year, while the newer improved 50" plasma TVs for this year would run you Rs 125. For comparison with LED TVs though let's look at larger sizes as well. A couple years ago a 58" plasma TV might have drawn 325watts costing around Rs 300 per month. OK that's getting more significant. Recent editions though are more efficient pulling 180watts for a cost of Rs 160. Adjusted for size then at 55" size TV a plasma should cost you Rs 50 more per month, Rs 600 a year or the cost of one family going to the movies and purchasing a small popcorn – if your lucky, maybe a matinee

There is one little known fact about LED TVs and other TV technologies alike that will lower your power bill (very slightly), but more importantly will extend the life of your TV. Take care with the contrast setting and backlight strength of the TV (LED backlighting can be adjusted, there is no backlight in plasma TVs). Out of the box, many TVs are preset to Dynamic picture setting mode which has contrast and backlight tweaked all the way to 100%. Changing this picture mode setting to Standard mode will immediately bring down contrast and backlight, while using the Warm setting will bring even lower contrast and often more realism to the picture. As well, the Dynamic mode brings into play many nasty picture artifacts and false edges on images that you dont want. Changing these picture settings or calibrating properly has as much or more to do with your TV power usage than which TV technology you decide to purchase

ONIDA iTUBE- India's First Android SMART LED TV

ONIDA iTube SMART LED TV with 3D and Internet

Onida has launched its latest innovation in LED television. The new innovative LED- Onida iTube- is India’s first Smart LED TV which is powered by Android. Onida iTube delivers a superior 3D experience of viewing and is internet enabled by Android which allows user access to large number of apps available in the Android market. Onida iTube LED TV has a stylish slim Diamond Edge bezel (frame) resulting in seamless and awesome viewing experience. 

ONIDA iTube – India’s first Android powered 3D, Internet LED TV 

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