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The article discusses high-definition image signal processor (ISP) sample and implementation of digital video compression that addresses the requirements of the digital surveillance market. It states that the surveillance system converts light that enters into a camera to digital signals using Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and charged-coupled device (CCD). It adds that the surveillance system should handle three-dimentional video capture for improvement of image quality and recognition.

The article evaluates the AsyncEnumerator computer software from Jeffrey Richter.

The article looks into the AsyncEnumerator class, which was developed by the author. The Asyncnumerator class functions as an intelligent driver that drives an iterator that results in the execution of code at different times by different thread pools. In addition, the author claims that the iterator only advances after the completion of asynchronous input-output operations. The article also explains the architecture of the AsyncEnumerator class and its dynamics. Other topics discussed include manipulating the wait and inbox counters and thread-safe morphing.

The article discusses the features of the simplified asynchronous programming model (APM) with C# programming language. It examines the characteristics of APM, a computer software program that emphasizes input/output-bound asynchronous operations in the production of scalable and responsive applications and components. It allows the use of very small number of threads to perform large amount of task without blocking any of the threads. The article also mentions that several programmers find the program difficult to use in building typical applications or components.

The article focuses on asynchronous device operations. Windows provides Win32 functions that include WriteFile, ReadFile, FlushFileBuffers and GetFileSize, while for infrequently used operations, Win32 offers DeviceIoControl allowing an application communicate with the device driver responsible for file manipulation. Moreover, DeviceIoControl can be used by any application to communicate with any hardware device driver for executing various operations like changing LCD's brightness. query and eject USB devices and others. Information on Microsoft .NET Framework in performing asynchronous file and network I/O operations is also included.

The article discusses the reasons why it is preferable for a developer to use the common language runtime (CLR) Asynchronous Programming Model (APM) in performing asynchronous input-output (I/O) operations. Performing asynchronous I/O operations when communicating with hardware allows the application to remain responsive, scalable, and reliable. APM can also be best implemented when building an abstraction layer over an already defined class that communicates directly with hardware, and when the class offers a method that could take a long time to execute.

The article discusses several innovative technologies including SideShow and its associated APIs; the development, installation and configuration of gadgets; device cache management; and gadget events and notifications. These Microsoft gadgets are committed to alleviating several problems in the computer industry. A gadget is an application that can present users with the data they want, when and where they want it. Microsoft offers three kinds of gadgets, including gadgets for Windows Sidebar and gadgets for Windows Live.

The article discusses thread synchronization lock called ReaderWriterGate. It can be used to different applications and its calling threads almost never block but it requires that all threads should be of the same thread priority. If the threads block, it happens in a very short period of time. Method of using and implementing the ReaderWriterGate object model is discussed. The author believes that his ReaderWriterGate solves a real-world need for producing scalable applications and services using minimum resources.

The article focuses on performance-conscious thread synchronization. Thread synchronization is required when two or more threads might access a shared resource at the same time. A resource can be as simple as a block of memory or a single object. Thread synchronization code makes your application run slower. In case where there is only one thread attempting to access a resource, this additional code is pure overhead. Is its possible to create a very simple and fast thread synchronization lock class using Interlocked's Exchange method.

Focuses on the birth of the common language runtime's thread pool. Performance advantages; Capabilities of thread pool; Use of period parameter.

Focuses on the vendors supporting the CompactPCI specification in integrated circuit connectors. Purpose of using the CompactPCI specification; Benefits of CompactPCI; CompactPCI connector developed by Molex Inc.

Challenges socket manufacturers to devise ways to cope with the needs of devices used in extended high-temperature testing. Description of the sockets that Texas Instruments and Yamaichi Electronics USA Inc. will launch; How Ironwood is meeting the challenges of achieving reliable BGA connections; Methods of mounting the EZ BGA sockets.

Reviews the `Computer Basics,' an information site on the Prodigy system.

Presents a glossary of terms used in Internet surfing. Terms include chat groups; File transfer protocol (FTP); Gopher; Telnet; Mailing lists; Netiquette; Smiley/emoticon; Usenet newsgroups; Zipped files.

Reviews the game Ragnarok by TelNet available on the Internet.

Features applications of distributed databases in network environments. Management of data contained in multiple physical locations; Solution of heterogenous implementation issues; Dynamics of transaction manager (TM) models; Complexity of data transfer synchronization. INSET: Defining the client/server distributed model..

Examines IBM's next-generation PS/2 graphics hardware, the XGA (Extended Graphics Array). Replacement of VGA with the XGA; XGA development; Three types of modes; Two sets of registers; Initialization; Display controller; Task switching; Defining drawing space; Bus-mastering capabilities and problems; Drawing with the XGA; Benefits of the XGA.

Reports on the increase in the sales of some plastic-leaded chip-carrier (PLCC) devices. Aries Electronics' PLCC adapters; Ironwood Electronics Inc.'s adapter; Emulation Technology's PLCC adapter.

Reports that high-bandwidth and high-speed demands are pushing the limits of data transmission in cable assemblies. Statement issued by Russell Shaller, general manager for specialty electronic products at W.L. Gore & Associates; Information on the testing cable offered by Molex Inc.; Functionality of the analyzer tools from Mentor Graphics.

Reports on the integration of light-emitting diode into the surface-mount technology. Description of surface-mount components; Functionality of the Flexible Light Pipe by BivarOpto; Diffused lens diodes introduced by Toshiba; Trend set by the separate surface-mount offerings from LEDtronics Inc. and American Bright Optoelectronics Corp.

Reports on the efforts of component manufacturers to improve the performance of their electromechanical relay products. Release of RF111 by Teledyne Relays company; Features of the relay product unveiled by Aromat Corp.; Solid-state relays from Omron Electronics Inc. INSET: Nexft upo for relays: micromachining.

Presents information on wireless communication systems modeled after European frequencies. How intermodulation distortion (IMD) occurs; Information on the 7/16 DIN line from Amphenol Corp.; Applications of Type N connectors.

Evaluates several text and graphics-based chat products geared to home and small businesses. Opportunities offered by holding a chat session at a business Web site; Advantage of running an owned server; How to access chat rooms; Features of VolanoChat and VolanoChatPro; Capabilities of E-Pub Chat product. INSETS: Tip-off, by Jennifer Zaino;Shopper's guide.

Presents information on a study which described a method for ensuring reliable communication between hosts in embedded networked systems. Modifications of the Ethernet device driver; Procedure to swap physical networks; Conclusions.

Focuses on the increasing popularity of solid-state relays for electronic circuits as of October 2000. Factors that influence the increasing application of solid-state relays; Predicted growth in the use of relays; Solid-state relays released in the market.

Features the Medical Touchproof electric connectors manufactured by Multi-Contact USA. Key features; Cost; Configurations of electric connectors.

Reports on the move of several switch makers in considering putting more focus on electronic noncontact switches. Move of Electroswitch Electronic Products in shopping to acquire an electronic-switch supplier; Series of optical encoders released by Grayhill Inc.; What the optical encoders represent; Move of C&K Components Inc. in developing noncontact switches; Switch options.

Reviews the online site Radio BB, found on Prodigy: Jump.

Reviews the online music site Rec.music.country.old-time, found on Usenet.

Reviews the online sports site On the Green, found on American Online: Keyword.

Reviews the online science site Views of the Solar System, found on the World-Wide Web.

Reviews the online relationship site Alt.seduction.fast, found on Usenet.

Reviews the online service REESweb, found on the World-Wide Web.

Reviews the alternative online site Lesbian/Gay Issues Forum, found on CompuServe: Go. INSET: A library of one's own.

Reviews the online health and fitness site National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, found on America Online: Keyword.

Reviews the online leisure site Bill's Lighthouse Getaway, found on the World-Wide Web.

Reviews the online reading selection Helping Your Child Learn to Read, found on the World-Wide Web.

Reviews the online children's service Kidsnet, found on America Online.

Reviews the online service Alt.architecture, found on Usenet.

Reviews the computer service Working From Home Forum, found on CompuServe: Go.

Reviews the computer game Flipit, found on Delphi: Go.

Discusses how some businesses are marketing themselves on the Internet, attempting to create a corporate presence on the World-Wide Web. High cost of being on the Web; Hiring a professional to launch a company's site on the Web; Importance of knowing the medium and the potential audience; Things to avoid when starting up a Web connection; Questions to ask before starting. INSET: Click here for more info, by B.R..

Reviews a site on the World Wide Web named Small is Beautiful--Welcome to Luxembourg.

Reviews a site on the World Wide Web named American-European Services' (AESU) Home Page.

Reviews a site on the World Wide Web named Foreign Language for Travelers.

Reviews the Biotechnology Discussion List, a mailing list available through the electronic mail.

Reviews a site on the Internet named French Embassy Gopher.

Reviews a site on the Usenet named alt.fan.newt-gingrich.

Reviews a site on the World Wide Web named The Dave Matthews Band World-Wide Web Page.

Reviews a site on the World Wide Web named CD-ROMANCE Online.