EU decides on Nokia backed DVB-H Mobile TV, 4 reasons to not complain

When it comes to new technology standards, having a single protocol on which everybody can base their hardware and service decisions can only be described as a blessing. The European Commission has made a significant move by adopting DVB-H as the single European standard for mobile TV.

Critics argue that it is backed by Nokia and that there is also other standards that might be technologically superior. However, the EU is firm that 16 countries -the majority- in the EU are on course with DVB-H, while the decision will also turn other undecided countries outside the EU towards the same standard. The GSM association is impartial as long as there is a single standard, while some criticism has come from Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

Northrop Grumman success in building laser chain for solid state laser gun

Source: Northrop Grumman

Usable laser guns are one of the technological aims of the American military. Northrop Grumman is one of a handful of companies that have the experience and financial background to push R&D to levels that could potentially spawn weapons that be used in the battlefield. It has recently succeeded in producing a laser chain of 15.3 KW. As 100 KW is considered as the absolute minimum usable power, many chains could be combined to form powerful units.

The Joint High-Powered Solid State Laser (JHPSSL) Phase 3 program exceeded all expectations and progress is brisk. The 100 KW system will be ready for demo before the end of 2008.