Speed up Firefox and its Video Performance

20 October 2018

Firefox is one of the very popular browsers.   Unfortunately,  it has set its browser performance for common notebook and PCs that usually have lower end CPU and  limited RAM capacity.   Nowadays,  many users have upgraded their notebook and PCs.  Faster notebook and PCs with bigger RAM capacity  is now a norm rather than an exception.  There is a need to release the power of Firefox for better performance.  This article will cover 2 improvements that will make Firefox run faster with better video performance. 

What are these 2 Improvements ?

1.  Making use of excessive RAMs to improve the speed and response;

2.  Making Firefox spending lesser time saving and storing its WebPages;  thus, improving the  response and video performance.

How?

Step by Step	Action	Click picture to enlarge
I)  Improve Firefox's Speed and response
1.  Opening up Firefox configuration panel	Type [about:config]  in the url box.  In the next screen click [I accept the risk]
2.  Search for keywords	Type [browser.cache.disk]  in the Search box and change the value of the item from [True]  to [False]
3. Search for keywords	Type  [browser.cache.memory] in Search box Check that   [memory.enable] is set to [True]
4.  Add new Preference Name	Right click mouse and select [New], Enter in the box [Integer]. In the [Preference Name box]  enter [browser.cache.memory.capacity] as shown.  After that change [0] to [<-1><-1>-1] which will allow PC to manage the memory capacity
II)  Improve Video Performance
1.  Search for keywords	Type [(browser.sessionstore.interval] in the search box and change Value from [<15000>15000] <15000> to [60000] to allow more time to save and store Webpages.   If needed be,  use [100000] if one does not have more webpages opened at the same time.<60000><60000>

Results

 1.  There is no test program or apps available to test the speed and response of the browser but one can notice that Firefox will open up the Google panel much faster

2.  As for the video performance,  the following is the test.  

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Casting and Mirroring Handphone Screen to Smart TV such as Xiaomi TV

  11 Apr 2018

  # casting handphone,  mirroring,  MITV

Netflex Stop Supporting Air Play

Neflix has stopped supporting Air Play about 1 week ago for reasons that Air Play has allowed 3rd party device to be played

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/04/05/netflix-app-no-longer-supports-airplay/

14 October 2018

How to Cast Handphone screen to Smart TV

There are several ways one can cast or project handphone/PC/Notebook’s screen to Xiaomi and other smart TVs.   There are also many many such projecting and casting hardware and Apps around though not all are compatible for use in MiTV or other Android TV

How Screen Casting works?

This video explain clearly how screen casting will work under 5 ways for handphones

This article intends to give a guide on where to download and how to use the free Apps for the handphone and TV. 

What's Behind Screen Casting Apps?

Behind every screen casting apps,  there are 2 possible "engines".  

1.  Wifi Direct
2.  DLNA

Apps using Wifi Direct allows devices to be connected directly to the TV or other device without going through the router.   In this connection,  the devices and the TV is connected directly either through its own wifi network or through a set of cables;

DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance,  which is a non-profit organisation that first came out with a media sharing technology that will allow users to share their media (photos,  video or audios)  over a network.  Apps using DLNA usually make use of the router's network service and allows devices to share media over the same network.   

Almost all the screen casting apps use the DLNA technology.  However,  Miracast uses Wifi Direct to cast screen onto the TV and uses  DLNA to project videos to the TV.

Where can one download the various Apps

Most of apps or apks for Android TV can usually be downloaded from Apitoide TV except for the Chinese apps.    Many apps downloaded elsewhere will not work well for Android TVs especially for Xiaomi TVs.  If one does not have already Apitoide TV apps installed,  one can download from this link. 

The loading links of various apps or apks are as listed in the following table:

'&&&&&&&&&&&&& '&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& '&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

	Supported Devices	Work in MiTV?	Reading Materials/Dowload Links	Remarks
1.  MiraCast	Android Phone	Yes	Download Link (TV):  from Aptoide TV or from here Download Link (HP) from google store or from here	Built in MiTV for some versions;  other will have to separately downloaded Enable Miracast sharing in TV;  for MiTV see here ；for MiTV from China see pic Pros: Easy to use Cons:  for iPhone users,  need to use airplay apps;  just screen mirroring only; only video screening is full screen
2. Air Screen	iPhone	Yes	Details :-  Click here Video:   Click here  Download Link (TV) :  from Aptoide TV or from here Download Link (iPhone)  Tap on mirror screening on iphone inside the Control Centre  etc  Download Link (Android Phone) Download Google Home from PlayStore	Enable Miracast sharing in TV;  for MiTV see here；for MiTV from China see pic Pros:  Can work with multiple devices, good audio quality Cons: cannot work with Android phone,  no stereo pairing Note:   The Control Centre in iphones is activated by wiping any screen from bottom to top and for ipad or iphone X,  it is activated by wiping from top right hand corner towards bottom left hand corne.
3. Happy Cast	iPhone	Yes	Details :- Video:   Download Link (TV) :  from here or here Download Link (iPhone)  Tap on mirror screening on iphone inside the Control Centre  etc  Download Link (Android Phone) If the phone built-in casting function does not work,  install this APK (ignore play protection warning and choose download anyway)	Enable Miracast sharing in TV;  for MiTV see here；for MiTV from China see pic Pros:  Can work with multiple devices, good audio quality Cons: cannot work with Android phone,  no stereo pairing Note:   The Control Centre in iphones is activated by wiping any screen from bottom to top and for ipad or iphone X,  it is activated by wiping from top right hand corner towards bottom left hand corne.
4. Apower Mirror	Android & iPhone	Yes	Details :- Click here and Click here Download Link (TV) :- From Aptoide TV or from here   Download Links (HP) ;  from google or Apple stores	Pros:  Easy to use,  no delay,  high resolution Cons:  Use a lot battery power,  installed a 3rd party apps called Bonjuor
5. AirScreen	Android & iPhone	Yes	Details :-  Click here Video :   Click here Download Link (TV) :  From Aptoide TV or from here  Download Links (HP) ;  from google or Apple stores	Pros:  Multi platform screening, less resources used,  fast response Cons:  some Android TV not suitable;  might have glitches
6. DLNA		?	Download link (TV) from Aptoide TV or from here
7.  Wukong Remote	Android & iPhone	Yes	Details and download links	Double use as remote control Pros:  Can work in iPhone and Android phones Cons :  Only Chinese version;  some complain about sound output, requiring proper setups
8.  LeBo 乐播投屏	Android & iPhone	Yes	Details :  click here Download link for TV : click here Dowload link (HP) from here	Pros:  Can work in iphone and Android phones Cons :  Only Chinese version
9.  Sacred Screen Controller (投屏神器)	Android & iPhone	Yes	Details and download links	Double use as remote control Pros:  Can work in iphone and Android phones Cons :  Only Chinese version,  some complain about sound output, requiring proper setups

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How to Set the Default Input for HDMI Ports?

14 October 2018

# MiTV4, Xiaomi TV,  Set default Windows,  HDMI ports
 http://tinyurl.com/yy87na5r

MiTV4 has 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports for TV's input connection.  One of the HDMI port has Audio Return Channel (ARC) for direct connection to sound bars that has HDMI ARC.  Some  users have problem finding the control to set the input port so that the port will be selected and turned automatically with the TV.

If you have difficulty finding the controls,  just follow these steps:

Description	Action	Remark (Doubleclick to enlarge picture)
1.  Navigate to [My Apps]	After entering into [My App],  select the [Setting] icon
2.  In the setting manual	Select [General Setting]
3.  In the  General Setting menu	Select [Preview Window] and click the selection box to select the correct input
4.  Back to the main menu	Check that the correct input is select and show in the [Preview Windows]

Smart TV Bluetooth Headphone Connections

12 October 2018

Smart TV uses BLE Bluetooth Technology that will allow the TV to be connected to the  Bluetooth remote,  mouse,  keyboard,  headphones,  soundbar and other various bluetooth devices.    However,  many TV users have difficulties connecting up their Bluetooth handphones.  This article intends to explain why.

What is BLE?

BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy.  Many operating systems including iOS, Android, Windows Phone as well as macOS, Linux, Windows 8 and Windows 10 support BLE.  However,  BLE technology is not backward compatible; hence,  older Bluetooth devices might not work in BLE system.

How Many Devices Can Be Connected at the same time?

As many as 2 billion devices can be connected and operate at the same time;  however,  most design and operating system  will allow only up to 7 devices.

Connecting Headphone to Xiaomi TVs

Step by Step	Click on picture to enlarge
1.  Enter Setup,  one would be greeted with this screen.  Then select Device & Bluetooth
2.  In the next screen,  select Discover Bluetooth Devices.  Check if the Bluetooth headphone is in the list
3.  If it is not in the list,  try to turn on the Bluetooth headphone by pressing and hold  the on/off button for about few second until the light starts to blink.  Connection will be establish as soon as the light turns green
4.  Now one should find the Bluetooth headphone appear on the TV screen.  In this case, “SPORT-S9”

Why my Bluetooth Cannot Connect?

There are many reasons

1)  The TV does not have Bluetooth operating system.   

The cheaper TV often use infra-red remote device instead of Bluetooth operating system.

2)   The Bluetooth Headphone is not BLE type

3)   Faulty Bluetooth devices

What is the Other Alternative? 

There are always other alternatives.  One of the cost effective way is to buy a Bluetooth receiver and use that receiver to pair with the TV so that one can use any ordinary headphone to listen to the TV's audio sound.  The most common one that work well with Xiaomi TV is its own Xiaomi Wireless Audio Receiver.

Other receiver should also work.   Although Bluetooth standards are always backward compatible,  it is preferable to get receivers that are using the same Bluetooth standard as the TVs;  in the case of MiTV,  it is Bluetooth 4.2.

What if my TV does not have Bluetooth?

One can buy separately a Bluetooth converter that will convert sound signal from 3.5 mm RCA jack to transmit Bluetooth signal.   There are several types in the market.   Many are receiver type that would not work.   Buy only those that has a transmitter.  Some came with transmitter and receiver in one unit.  Note that most Xiaomi TV do not have RCA jack for audio output;  in this case,  one would have to select a transmitter that has a co-axial SPDIF input or buy separately a co-axial SPDIF to RCA jack converter.

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A 24/7 Home Water Irrigation System for Flower Pots

11 October 2018

A home water irrigation system that will supply enough water for the plants to keep them healthy and happy round the clock.    This system needs no water timers.   

How?

To use wicking action to supply water to the plants.  With this system ,  one can easily check if  there is enough water delivered to the pots and plants. 

What is Wicking Action?

It is an absorption  of liquid through capillary action by a material such as candle wick, paper or fabric cloth or strip.  In this irrigation system,  fabric strips are used instead of wicks as they are economical and easy to use;  furthermore,  one could control the rate of water flow easily 

What’s needed? 

1.  A length of 13 mm PVC to deliver water to the flower pots or plant	Click to enlarge picture if necessary
2.  A plastic water cup with lid for each plant.
3.  4 mm  silicone tube often used in aquarium,  preferably black in color to avoid algae growth.
4. Dremel drill or similar with abrasive grinding Stone of 3.5 mm tip
5.  A few sheets of woven type fabric filter cloth
6   Few glue sticks
7.  Mini float valve so that 4 mm or larger silicon tube could supply water through the float valve.
8  Plastic storage box about 150 x 150 x 120 mm

Step by Step

1.  Making plastic box stand
a)  Cut a strip of PVC measuring about 15 x 100 mm to make 2 stands for the cups as shown
b)  Heat the larger end of the PVC strip with a lighter and make it flat to form a  base to fix onto the bottom of the plastic cup using hot glue stick.
c)  Once the stand is ready,  drill 2 holes,  one on the top and the other at near bottom of the cup.  Making sure the near bottom hole is about 3.5 mm for the 4 mm silicon tube to be inserted tightly with no water leak. Make a horizontal cut at the top hole using a scissor. d)  Cut a long fabric strip of  about 5 mm width with one of its ends "threaded" through  the cup, making sure the strip will pass through the horizontal cut at the top hole as shown e)  Extend the 5 mm fabric strip if necessary so that the strip can be wrapped round the PVC stand.  A wedge made at the end of stand can be used to terminate the fabric strip. f)  With the cup cover fix,  the cup is ready to be used
2.  Constructing the Water tank
a)  At  about 100 mm from the bottom,  drill  a  hole of size to fit the mini float;
b)   At the opposite bottom end,  drill another hole of size to fit a PVC socket or otherwise to fix a 6 mm flexible PVC hose.   The hose will allow tank to be moved to adjust water level..    Alternatively in areas where water cannot be  piped through, one can use invested mineral water bottles as shown in the second picture.
3.  Constructing Water Distribution pipe
a)  For each cup,  make a 3.5 mm hole on top of the distribution pipe for the 4 mm silicon tube to be inserted.   There should not be any water leakage if the tube in inserted  properly;  if necessary,  apply UHU Glue to seal the leak. b)  Connect the other end of the silicon tube to the plastic water cup as shown.
4.  Installation
a)  Tank Installation Select a suitable place so that the water distribution pipe will be 15-20 mm below the surface of the earth in the pot.  If the pot is too large and too high,  drill appropriate holes in the pot for the tube and make sure the earth level of the pot is not higher than 20 mm from the distribution pipe. If necessary,  use bubble leveler to ensure that the distribution pipe is truly horizontal.  This will ensure water will find its level to supply water to the cups.  Thereafter,  fix the pipe in position by using pegs or pipe hangers. b)  Flower pot placement Adjust the height of the pot using padding so that all the surfaces of the earth in the pots are at about the same level;  if necessary, construct small stools for the smaller flower pots.
5.  Testing and commissioning
a)  Adjust the water dripping  rate to about 2 drops of water per 5 minutes or about 30-50 mils per day.  This dripping rate can checked by hanging the cup's stand to the pipe as shown using rubber bands b)  The dripping rate can be adjusted  by:  1.  Increasing the depth of the water level in the cup; 2.  Trimming the width of the fibre strip to reduce the water wicking action
6.  Water Filtration System
Water filters will be needed to get rid of algae which will easily clog up the small pipes or tubes.  One should place water filtering media in the following places: a)  in the water tank b)  along and in-line with the water distribution pipe as shown
7.  Maintenance No system can work properly without  maintenance.   Once a while,  one should do the following; a)  Monitor the water level in the cup,  making sure that water level is about the same; b)  Place paper testing strip  under each flower pot to test the wicking action.  Paper should not be  too wet or too dry.  One can also try to use finger to test the wetness of the soil. c)  Clean up the filters and clear the clog in the silicon tube as and when necessary.  Bicycle pump is a good tool to apply pressure to clear any water clog. If one found no water in the cup,   one can do the following: a)   Fill the water tank as high as possible to force water to flow into the cup; b)  Pump water into the cup by massaging or pressing the silicon tube repeatedly.

Note :   The system will work best in low water pressure as silicon tube are not for high pressure application.   High level water cistern should be used as water source instead of the high pressure water mains.   

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