Mitchell & Brown’s Parent Group Celebrates 25 Years in Business

March 28, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

The team behind Mitchell & Brown – the UK’s favourite TV brand, hosted a special celebration this month to mark 25 years of the TVD Group – the TV brand’s parent company.

Employees from the TVD Group and several suppliers attended the 25-year celebration for the company, which was hosted by Worsley Golf Club, close to the group’s HQ in Bolton, Lancashire.

The TVD Group has seen huge success over the past 25 years, including a whopping £242 million turnover, over 200,000 completed installations, and over one million total products sold. A significant part of the group’s recent success has been the launch in 2016 of the Mitchell & Brown TV brand.

Developed to give retailers a trusted, local brand of high-quality TVs to sell, all backed by an unrivalled 7-year guarantee, Mitchell & Brown has rapidly become a firm High Street favourite and the UK’s best loved domestic TV supplier.

The TVD celebration event was an opportunity to unite everyone involved in TVD Group’s success and thank them for being part of the journey. On the night there was live music, a buffet, and a speech by Director Matthew Brown.

Matthew thanked the team and suppliers for their efforts over the years and acknowledged all the people who couldn’t be there, including his late father Jim Brown who he founded the company with alongside brother Dan.

Born in 1996, the TVD Group started with a shop in Leigh, and has now become a leading UK provider in audio-visual solutions on both commercial and domestic fronts.

From humble beginnings running electronics store ‘TV and Video Direct’, Dan and Matthew Brown have considerably grown the business over the past 25 years. They now operate six divisions within the TVD Group – TVD Technology Solutions, TVD B2B, TVC Outdoor, Mitchell & Brown, MySign Digital Screen Solutions and Retail & Online.

Dan Brown, Director of Operations, said: “We’ve come a long way since 1996 and my brother and I couldn’t be prouder of the success we have achieved with the help of our expert team and fantastic suppliers.

“It was important for us to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and we hope the event lived up to expectations – everyone certainly seemed to have a good time!

“We are looking forward to building this family business into the next quarter of a century.”

Gadget Man, Press Release, Technology

New tech solution will address the ‘cocktail party problem’

March 25, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Leading listening tech provider, Nuance Hearing, has launched a state-of-the-art directional microphone to help address the ‘cocktail party problem’.
The ‘cocktail party problem’ – an inability to understand speech in a noisy environment – can affect up to 41 per cent of adults, according to research.
The Voice Selector Converse uses built-in microphones and an advanced algorithm to track the source of sounds, allowing the user to easily focus on a conversation and tune out background noise.
In tests, users were able to understand speech on average three times better than without the product.

Nuance Hearing - New tech solution will address the 'cocktail party problem' — Nuance Hearing – New tech solution will address the ‘cocktail party problem’

Nuance Hearing, a leading global provider of focused listening technology, has launched a new device that provides powerful relief from auditory distraction and background noise.

The Voice Selector Converse helps overcome challenging hearing situations for those who struggle with the ‘cocktail party problem’, offering a tech solution to understand conversations in a crowded room, without the need for hearing aids.

Using cutting-edge beamforming technology, eight built-in microphones track the source of sounds, reducing the level of background noise and enabling the user to focus on the dominant voice. The result is a world-leading directivity index (the relative reduction of overall noise in relation to the target sound) of 15dB in real-time performance, which compares to an industry-standard of 4-5dB. This improvement helps the listener to focus, effortlessly tuning out the sounds that do not matter and tuning into the ones that do.

In audiology testing, users were able to understand speech on average three times better than without the product.

Ori Goren, CEO of Nuance Hearing, said: “Since 2015, we have been delivering powerful and advanced hearing solutions that deliver optimum performance. We know that many people in the UK are suffering in silence, unable to feel comfortable or enjoy conversing in busy environments, and are proud to have launched an innovative tech solution to help combat this. Through innovative technological solutions, we are passionate about improving the quality of life for a diverse group of people, making every environment more accessible and helping ensure personal success and empowerment.”

New research* suggests that 41 percent of all UK adults admit to having the ‘cocktail party problem’ where they struggle to understand speech in a noisy environment. Over a third (36 percent) said noisy environments caused them stress and anxiety and 60 percent of those with hearing problems said they would be open to trying out tech to help them hear in a busy environment.

The Voice Selector Converse has unique auto-steering technology which picks up the dominant speaker, even when they are moving about. Alternatively, the user can manually switch between speakers when conversing a group.

It also captures, processes, and plays audio at a record speed of six milliseconds (0.006 seconds). It’s a multifunctional device and can be used as a table microphone or remote microphone – ideal for most scenarios where background noise can be an issue.

Hearing loss currently affects 12 million people in the UK. The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 in 5 people worldwide live with hearing loss, expected to rise to 1 in 4 by 2050. Unaddressed hearing loss can have a devastating impact on people’s ability to communicate, study and earn a living. It can also impact on people’s mental health and their ability to sustain relationships¹and has recently been associated with a faster degree of cognitive decline. On average, people wait ten years before getting help for hearing loss. The ‘cocktail party problem’ where people have difficulty understanding speech in noisy situations can often be the first sign of a hearing loss.

Franki Oliver, audiology specialist, RNID, said:“While it might not seem obvious at first, having difficulty understanding speech in background noise is usually one of the early signs of hearing loss. The ‘cocktail party problem’ is the name used to describe the brain’s inability to filter out background noise and tune into what someone is saying in a busy environment. Most people with hearing loss experience difficulty in these situations.

“It’s important to check your hearing if you start to notice difficulty in background noise, feel that people mumble, or you ask people to repeat themselves. It’s second nature for people to have their eyes checked regularly but we don’t have the same attitude towards getting our hearing checked yet. The sooner hearing loss is identified, the earlier someone can start benefiting from life-changing hearing devices. Hearing loss can also be linked to conditions such as dementia so early intervention is vital.”

Glowforge

Glowforge Pro – Making a new Website header graphic using the Glowforge Pro

Video March 16, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

So I’ve been testing a Glowforge Pro for the last few weeks.

It’s absolutely outstanding technology and I’m really loving it.

I’ve made so many different items using this device, such as boxes, wallets, key fobs, phone stands, acrylic signs, all kinds of stuff It really is amazing.

It does require a bit of imagination and the ability to design stuff, but you can also use the Glowforge library of images as well if you want to.

So what I wanted to do was create a new graphic heading for The Gadget Man website, but by making this heading using a laser cutter, scan it and then I’ll import it into the website as the new heading.

Watch the video below to find out how I went about it, you can see the resulting graphic at the top of the page!

Full review coming soon!

A selection of leather items I’ve made.

Broadband, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Useful Articles

4 Benefits You Gain From Having Fast Broadband

February 24, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

If you’ve been on your broadband deal for a long time, you might be wondering what it is exactly that you’re missing out on by not having a new and fast broadband package. There’s plenty to be gained from fast broadband, and it’s becoming the new standard for households that rely on technology often. If you’re not using your TV or the internet in your home, then you’ve little to gain from upgrading your broadband, but for those who are often online – a fast broadband package has every benefit for you to gain.

4 Benefits You Gain From Having Fast Broadband
**Easier working from home**

In the past few years, we’ve seen more and more people working from home, and it’s becoming quite common practice for many previously office jobs. Of course, there are still those that would prefer to attend the workplace, but working from home has proven more than comfortable for many people. Without fast broadband, working from home can take even more time than it needs to. Being hindered by slow internet speeds is not something you want, and if you spend a lot of time browsing, downloading, and uploading while you’re working – you’re going to feel the effects of a slow internet speed.

Great for the family

Households with more than one person can be quite straining on your internet allowance, and without a fast internet package, you’re not going to be getting the full potential of your broadband. Having too many people on a slow internet speed and bandwidth is going to cause everyone else’s in the house to be slow too. Homes with a lot of phones, computers, consoles, or TVs can be very intensive, and even apps like Netflix can disrupt the internet causing everything to lag and slow down. If you often experience buffering or pauses mid-way through what you’re watching on TV, this is why.

More technology

Homes with slow broadband packages can’t support many pieces of tech that are connected to the internet. Because of this, you might be put off buying newer pieces of technology. The slowness and waiting around that you get from older packages can be tedious, and no one would want more of that for even more money. If you want to see some of the best deals available, you should check out this full fibre 500 broadband package – a broadband deal that won’t ever let you down.

Never miss out

When you’re trying to catch things live, it can be difficult to get a steady stream as a result of slow broadband. For those of you who enjoy watching live sports games, then this is something that you should be concerned about. Having your TV slow down for even a few moments can cause you to miss something crucial, which isn’t necessary to deal with.

Even if your package is old, most providers often update their packages with the prices. That means that you’re not always going to have to pay more for an updated deal. Old deals tend to remain at their price until you change it to a newer one.

Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Money

The Factors that Impact your Credit Score

January 31, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

There was good news in the UK last year from a financial perspective, as the average credit score on these shores increased by five points despite an uncertain and challenging economic climate.

A credit score provides a numerical expression based on a level analysis of an individual’s credit files, based on past payment history and a variety of alternative factors.

This ultimately determines the creditworthiness of an individual in the eyes of lenders. But what are the top five factors that impact your credit score? Here’s a brief breakdown!

Payment History: Over time, you’ll build a credit history through recurring repayments in the form of rent, mortgage, car repayments, debt or other types of finance. Such payments can have a positive or negative impact on your score over time, with missed or late payments (or defaulted accounts) causing significant issues that may prevent further credit applications.
The Amounts Owed: Next up is the total amount of money owed in unsecured debt, which also reveals your total credit usage across outstanding cards, loans and balances. This is calculated simply by dividing the total revolving credit you’re currently using by the total of all limits, and using more than 30% of your available credit is negative in the eyes of lenders.
Credit History Length: This is a lesser-known factor, and one that refers to how long you’ve held credit accounts. This comprises 15% of your final FICO score, including the age of your oldest account, the age of the newest addition and the average age across the board. In general terms, the longer your credit history, the higher your average credit score.
Your Unique Credit Mix: Those individuals with the very best credit scores tend to boast a diverse range of credit accounts, including a car loan, credit card mortgage and a student loan. Other products can be included, of course, while a meld of secured and unsecured loans may also help to create a viable mix. Lenders definitely consider the various types of accounts held when creating their scoring models, and your overall credit mix accounts for 10% of your FICO score.
Your Access and Use of New Credit: Bad credit can become something of a trap, as while creating a recent history of positive transactions enables you to improve your score over time, it can be hard to open new accounts with a bad score. The good news is that you can use so-called “bad credit” products to help build and enhance your credit score, including specialist cards and loans. Of course, having too many accounts or applications can damage your score, so you’ll need to be selective when choosing viable products.

Buyers Guide, Gift Guides, Technology

Top Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers During Any Occasion

January 26, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Gift-giving can often be a pain for many people. Trying to figure out what the recipient wants and will like can be difficult.

In many cases, you could be tempted to ask them what they want. That’ll ruin the surprise, however.

Knowing what they’re passionate about and focusing on that is better recommended. If you’re loved one is a tech lover, then finding a gift for them can be relatively easy.

You’ll have a wealth of options to choose from. Some can be better recommended than others, although you’ll be sure to find something they like.

Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers That They Should Love

Bluetooth Speakers

Who wouldn’t want a high-quality entertainment system in their home? While the television will naturally be the centre of this, there could be multiple other devices associated with this.

Speakers will be some of the more notable. If the gift recipient has a basic entertainment centre, then it could be worth helping them upgrade this.

Bluetooth speakers can be recommended, especially if the recipient already has multiple smart devices. With this, you’ll take their entertainment centre to the next level.

A Smartwatch

Smartwatches have been popular since they were first released. In the years since then, more and more options have been released.

That’s led to them becoming more high-quality while the cost has also come down significantly. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t relatively expensive options, however.

The features and benefits that many of these can offer could be more than worth it. If you’re on a tight budget, though, then you could consider a second hand Apple watch.

These options are normally of a much higher quality than you’d expect. Many sellers also offer a warranty, so you should be able to rest easy knowing that it’ll work for quite a while.

Wireless Gaming Earbuds

Gaming has often been noted for the technology used in it. That isn’t solely related to developing video games, however.

Multiple peripheral accessories have been designed and perfected in the past few years. Gaming earbuds have been one of the more notable.

Many of these are now wireless, making them much easier to use. There’s also an abundance of brands to choose from.

Razer and Apple are some of the more notable options to consider. If you’re taking this approach, however, make sure to keep the recipient’s console in mind.

Some wireless gaming earbuds mightn’t be compatible with specific consoles. Thankfully, many options will say on the box which consoles they’ll work with.

Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers: Wrapping Up

Quite a lot of thought can go into a gift, especially if the recipient is celebrating a significant occasion. That could lead to many people overthinking it.

You shouldn’t have to put too much stress on yourself. Finding something that the gift recipient will enjoy can be easier than you’d think.

For tech lovers, there’s a wealth of options on offer. While each of the above can be more than recommended, you’ll have multiple other options to choose from.

They can also be more affordable than you’d think.

Electric Car, Electric Vehicles

Recharged and electrifying: the classic Mini launches into the future

January 25, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

If Alec Issigonis could design the classic Mini again today, the iconic small car would have an electric motor. The original was launched in 1959, created during an oil crisis, and based on the idea of saving fuel and transporting four occupants and their luggage in the smallest possible footprint. Today, MINI remains connected to the design principles of Issigonis with its creative use of space and driving fun. The MINI Recharged project is an opportunity to continue telling the story of the classic Mini in the 21st century, in a sustainable way.

Recharged and electrifying: the classic Mini launches into the future — MINI Recharged Team Oxford.

The electric conversion of classic Minis combines traditional values with future-oriented technology. The idea was born even before the brand had the MINI Electric on offer (electricity consumption combined:17.6 – 15.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km.). A one-off, classic Mini Electric was built in 2018 and presented at the New York Auto Show. The reactions were so positive that a dedicated team from MINI Plant Oxford set to work and developed the plan to make a corresponding offer available to customers who own a classic Mini.

To experience traditional go-kart handling with an emission-free drivetrain, the original petrol engine of the classic Mini is replaced by a modern electric drive. During the conversion, MINI Recharged makes reversible changes to the substance of the vehicle. Careful handling of the car’s historical heritage is an important part of the concept. This makes it possible to restore the classic Mini to its original condition at a later date. During the conversion, the original engine of each vehicle is marked and stored so it can be reused in the event of a future retrofit of the classic Mini.

Bernd Körber, Head of the MINI Brand said, “What the project team are developing preserves the character of the classic Mini and enables its fans to enjoy its all-electric performance. With MINI Recharged, we are connecting the past with the future of the brand.”

The MINI Recharged project means a vehicle’s life can be extended in a sustainable way. A classic Mini can now be given a new lease of life, accompanying its owner into the future, whilst maintaining its much-loved heritage. The drive is a modern electric motor that generates a continuous output of up to 90 kW and accelerates the electrified classic Mini from zero to 100 km/h in approximately nine seconds. The energy is supplied by a high-voltage battery, which can be charged with an output of up to 6.6 kW and enables a predicted range of around 160 kilometers. In addition, every electrified classic Mini from MINI Recharged receives the characteristic central instrument cluster, which now displays the drive temperature, the selected gear, range, and speed.

MINI Recharged fans gain a whole new driving experience; a silent drivetrain with instant acceleration and the ability to enter the electric or low-emission driving zones of many large cities, otherwise inaccessible with a combustion engine. For example, the electric classic Mini can drive in Oxford Street or Piccadilly Circus in London, without the driver having to pay congestion-charge. In addition, the classic conversion does not need a new registration.

MINI Recharged fits seamlessly into the brand’s future strategy, which also includes the aspect of circular economy. For this project, no new vehicles are being produced, instead, they are being created from much-loved, existing cars. It allows a classic Mini to begin a second, more sustainable life. Today, one in five new MINI models has an electrified drive. Now, the MINI Recharged project will allow the brand’s classic vehicles to become an experience of the future, whilst still bringing joy from the past.

The bespoke upcycling of the classic Mini is carried out exclusively in the United Kingdom. Each converted vehicle is given an individual number, making it unique.

Sebastian Beuchel, Head of MINI Global Brand Management said, “Individuality also plays an important role with MINI Recharged. Unique classic Mini models have always been created, including true works of art on wheels. That’s why future collaborations are also planned as part of the MINI Recharged programme, allowing well-known artists to express their creativity with specially designed classic Mini models.”

Air Compressors, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Useful Articles

A guide to buying an air compressor

January 10, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

An air compressor is a vital piece of equipment in several industries and for everyday use. Broadly speaking, they are used for inflating tires, spray painting, pressure washers, controlling water fountains, cooling, paintball, engines, health, agriculture, manufacturing, tools, and in construction. So, if you’re looking to purchase an air compressor, it’s likely that you will need it for a different reason than the next person. Therefore, it is important to do your research, so you buy the correct air compressor for you. Here is our handy guide to help you out.

How do they work?

Although the use of these appliances range from industrial work to at-home DIY, the most commonly used type of air compressor is a single-stage, piston-type model. The air is compressed into a tank via an electric motor or gasoline engine which drives a piston, confining the air inside the enclosed space. As more air enters the tank, the pressure of the air inside begins to rise and will reach a standstill once a specific level is met with the help of a pressure switch. So, when you release the compressed air for its designated use, the mechanism will once again start working to build the pressure back up. Alternatively, a two-stage, piston-type model will feature two pistons which help compress the air further, which makes them more suitable for large-scale industrial use where high quantities of compressed air is needed.

You now probably understand the gist of how air compressors work, and whether a single or dual system will be suitable for you depending on the scale you will use the compressor. However, there are still a multitude of different models for different industries and specific uses.

What are the different types?

If you are purchasing an air compressor for permanent usage, you are likely to invest in a stationary air compressor, which is large and used to yielding high levels of power so is suitable for regular and prolonged use. However, if you are looking for a versatile model which you can move from workstation to workstation, a portable air compressor may be the right option for you. These come in a variety of designs. This includes a “Wheelbarrow compressor” which consists of two tanks on wheels for easy transportation, a “Twin-stack compressor” which sees two tanks stacked vertically on top of one another to maximise floor space, the “Hot dog” style which consists of a single tank, and finally a “Pancake compressor”, made up of flat storage tanks as opposed to a cylindrical one.

When making a final decision on what air compressor to buy, ensure you do sufficient research, so you don’t regret your purchase. Consider the size needed, the industry it is needed for, and whether the level of air pressure within your compressor is compatible with the tools you want to power if doing so. You may also consider the motor power and whether it is powered by diesel or petrol. Hopefully, this guide has shed some light on how to get the ball rolling with your search for the perfect air compressor – good luck with your search!

Buyers Guide, Samsung, Useful Articles

Best TVs for those on a Budget

January 7, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

TV’s have become a staple item for every household and with the average British adult consuming over 2 hours of TV a day last November alone, it is evident that televisions aren’t going to be losing their popularity any time soon.

Gone are the days where TVs cost a fortune to purchase. With advances in technology, TVs are evolving all the time which has caused the new models to become more desirable and the older ones to depreciate which makes for a wonderful price for your new TV.

With this in mind, you’ll need to know what TVs are available on a budget for you and which one you should ultimately go for. Here are our top TVs for any budget.

Toshiba 50UK3163DB

This 50 inch LCD TV is a great choice for any household. Offering you a 4K HDR picture, watching anything from the likes of blockbuster movies to the news will be crisp and clear making your TV watching experience all the more rewarding.

As well as this, this television includes three HDMI inputs which makes hooking multiple gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch easy; why choose between which ones you have plugged in when you can plug them all in making for easy switching between consoles.

If 50 inch isn’t the size for you then the Toshiba 50UK3163DB can also be purchased at 43in, 58in and 65in.

Samsung UE43AU7100

Samsung is notorious for making beautiful technological creations but this might be one of their best. This LCD television comes in eight sizes from 43in to 85in so depending on your budget, there’s plenty of room to choose from.

Displaying a 4K picture with a Tizen operating system, this Samsung television is one of the best budget TV’s that money can buy. Coming in comfortably under £500 for the 43-inch model, this TV will bring any room to life with crisp imagery on anything you watch.

TCL 55RP620K

If you’re wanting a TV that is smarter than most then look no further than this TCL television. Fitted with an incredible smart platform, this TV is easy to navigate making it suitable for families of a range of ages sharing the TV.

The TCL 55RP620K tackles complex colours on screen expertly well displaying them to the viewer to watch on in awe of what they are witnessing. Bring your favourite films and TV shows to life on a budget with this magnificent TV.

Getting TV’s on a budget is a fantastic way to save money but there is more than you can do to bring the cost down further. Use things like employee benefits to get an added discount on your budget TV. For example, people who work for the NHS have access to the Currys NHS discount as a perk for working there. Many companies will have a benefits scheme of their own so check with yours today and start saving.

Hardware, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Technology

Why You Should Upgrade Your Business Systems

January 7, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

No matter what size your business is, there are always reasons that you should go ahead and assess and upgrade your systems. You might already be aware of the benefits of technology and be utilizing those in your business, but that doesn’t mean that you should wait to upgrade. Technology allows you to compete with the big boys in your industry. It means that you can do more with your time and your money than you might ever have been able to in the past, and yet technology can have a downside.

There is a need for near-constant upgrades when it comes to your business systems. From the computers to the current business phone system you use, you need to stay on top of the upgrades and the technology you’re using. If you don’t know how the upgrades will work for you, then getting the best advice possible is the best step that you can take. You need to know what technology is going to work for your business, where to get the help and how you can make sure that your business is thriving. So, why should you go ahead and upgrade your business systems?

Why You Should Upgrade Your Business Systems

You’ll increase business productivity. We have bigger and better CPUs and faster hard drives, more processors and more of a need to communicate than ever before. The older systems are just not as fast as we need them to be. If you want to be able to keep up, you need to ensure that you have the newest hard drives in place to make it work!
You’ll learn to communicate better. Upgrading your telephone system is an absolute must when it comes to your business systems. You have to be aware of the ways that you communicate with your clients, customers and even your own staff. Your lack of attention to this detail could make the difference between you having the right flexibility or not.
You will be more efficient. We’re in the very fortunate position that we can use the technology that we have right now to do things that we couldn’t do before. Remote access via mobile devices and tablets is still relatively new, and yet they’re making us more efficient. If you rely on dinosaur systems, you’re going to find it much more difficult to remain efficient and keep up with the times.
You’ll improve your security. We’re living in a time where keeping up with the hackers is vital for us to be successful. Our older systems are not as secure as they used to be, with security checks necessary across a range of different soft and hardware options. It’s vital that you have the right information in place and you keep it as protected as possible. Newer technology has the security that you need in the right place, and better security is what your business needs.
The features – oh, the features! In new operating systems, the features are often the reason that people get involved and upgrade. They’re better with security. They’re fancier to work with. They simply do a better job than the older features of older technology.
You need better support. Sometimes, the upgrade in your IT systems comes with a better understanding and level of support from an IT team. IT professionals simply cannot support technology that has become too old and you have to make a point of upgrading to get the support that you need.
Your staff will be happier. You need people who work well, but they can only do as well as the tools that they are given. Employees will be more and more frustrated when you provide outdated software and systems, and it’s never going to be good for your company if you don’t look into how you can make their lives easier.
Your customers will be more engaged. If you ensure that you have upgraded your business systems properly, you’ll find that your customers are finding your business to be easier to access and information easier to digest. You want to make life easier for customers because they can then have a better, more targeted experience of your business. It’ll be what sets you apart from the rest of the world.

When it comes down to it, upgrading your technology is just good sense. You want to be able to improve on what you already know and do better for everyone else. This is how you thrive in business and how you keep doing well for the future.

Matt Porter, The Gadget Man – AI, Technology News and Reviews

Mitchell & Brown’s Parent Group Celebrates 25 Years in Business

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Top Gift Ideas For Tech Lovers During Any Occasion