Tag: fire

TCL launches range of Fire TV SF560K models with QLED, HDR10 and Freely

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Ultra-large, Mini LED and Google TV brand, has just introduced its new SF560K Series. 

TCL offers the leading Mini-LED technology on the market, but the SF560K is a new series of Full HD QLED TVs available in screen sizes from 32 inches to 43 inches. TCL’s latest additions feature Fire TV and enhance its portfolio of award-winning televisions, providing smart software options that inspire consumers to enjoy content in another unique way.

Housed in a slim, completely flat screen with lightweight construction and contemporary look, the SF560 QLED TV utilises Quantum Dot Pro technology, Colourful Quantum Crystals which integrate nanoscale quantum dot materials with organic materials in multiple layers. Coupled with direct LED backlighting technology, this pairing offers enhanced image quality, energy efficiency, and provides a superior viewing experience.

Smart content & Freely 

The TCL SF560K Fire TV comes Freely-enabled, offering a seamless way to enjoy live and on-demand TV, all in one place and completely free. With Freely built-in, users can access their favourite shows at the click of a button, eliminating the need to switch between platforms. Consumers can control the SF560 Fire TV easily with the included Voice Remote with Alexa. Change channels, adjust volume, open apps and you can also operate other compatible smart home devices in your household with your voice. 

Fire TV and HDR10 Support 

Featuring the latest Fire TV OS, consumers can choose from over 400,000 movies and shows from across streaming services, making it easier to navigate and experience the full range of Fire TV content available. The SF560 series also supports decoding all HDR10 content across the Fire TV platform, intelligently analysing images in various scenes, and dynamically adjusting the image signal for enhanced contrast. This ensures that even when viewing non-HDR sources, users can enjoy visual quality akin to HDR content providing a superior experience with striking brightness, exceptional shadow detail and vivid color.

Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual-X

The SF560 range introduces high-quality sonic performance thanks to the inclusion of Dolby Audio, DTS-HD and DTS Virtual:X making an enveloping sound that appears to emerge above, besides, and behind you, providing an immersive experience in any space.

Model Range and RRP

The TCL SF560K Series is available immediately with the following models and recommended retail prices (RRP)*:

 

  • 32SF560-UK – £219
  • 40SF560-UK – £249
  • 43SF560-UK – £299

 

*Final pricing is at the retailer’s discretion.

Availability
The TCL SF560 Series will be available at a range of major UK retailers nationwide and online stores. 

For more information, visit https://www.tcl.com/uk/

EHS International Announces Exclusive Partnership to Deliver FLAIM VR Fire Training

EHS International, a leading Irish provider of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) solutions, has announced an exclusive partnership with Australian-based technology company FLAIM Systems. Through the partnership, EHS International will deliver FLAIM’s world-leading virtual reality (VR) fire training simulators exclusively across the island of Ireland, as well as to its global client base.

The partnership will introduce a suite of VR training programmes — including fire extinguisher simulators, work instruction simulators and advanced industrial fire crew and defence industry simulators. Using 4D technology, FLAIM provides interactive, multisensory, highly realistic scenarios, with well over 60 lifelike training situations enhanced by heat and resistance software.

In addition to the core simulators, EHS International will offer the FLAIM product called Trainer. This is a leading-edge VR platform for advanced firefighter training. It enables realistic simulations of fire emergencies using over 70 immersive emergency fire situations. Trainer replicates key elements of live-fire response, including heat, hose pressure, and full interaction with real firefighting equipment such as hose reels, nozzles, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and PPE. Unlike traditional drills, it offers lifelike training without the risks, environmental impact, or resource use. Each session is estimated to save hundreds of litres of water, 20–50 litres of hazardous foam, and over 20 kg of CO₂ — roughly equal to discharging four large CO₂ fire extinguishers.

Chris Mee, Founder and CEO of EHS International, stated: “Our partnership with FLAIM Systems is a game-changer for fire safety training in Ireland. From basic extinguisher use to advanced emergency response, trainees can now experience real-life fire scenarios — safely, sustainably, and without the risks of live-fire drills.

“With immersive simulations, in-the-moment feedback, and real firefighting gear, FLAIM delivers unmatched realism. You wouldn’t let an airline pilot fly a plane without simulator training — the same should apply to fire and other safety training. Simulators are here to stay”

This new technology allows organisations to measure and track individual trainee competence, supporting compliance with Irish and EU safety legislation. All simulator training is led by EHS International’s expert trainers, ensuring correct and effective use across multiple sectors, including chemical, pharmaceutical and food.

FLAIM Systems’ Managing Director, Simon Miller, added: “FLAIM’s purpose is to deliver training technologies that prepare people to respond to hazards and emergencies, safely and confidently, for real-world challenges, and this partnership with EHS International reflects that mission perfectly.  As emergency services face growing complexity, we’re committed to evolving our technology to meet their needs, delivering safe, immersive, and high-impact training experiences.  Just as important is how we work: we listen and collaborate with our partners and customers to innovate purposeful training solutions that deliver a safer ready-to-respond workforce”

Headquartered in Cork, with offices in Dublin, Belfast, and London, EHS International was founded by Chris Mee in 2023 to deliver technology-enabled EHS services across consultancy, training, fire safety, and occupational health. The FLAIM collaboration expands its growing portfolio of innovation-led partnerships in the EHS sector.

The VR training programme is projected to deliver over €1 million worth of fire safety training over the next two years, supporting firefighters, emergency responders, and safety teams — from everyday workplaces to high-risk industrial environments.

For more information or to schedule a training session, visit ehsinternational.com.

EHS International Launches €3 Million Safety Training and R&D Facility

EHS International has officially opened a €3 million Safety Training and Research & Development facility in Little Island, Cork, establishing a new benchmark for fire safety training nationwide.

The state-of-the-art 11,000 sq ft centre, spearheaded by founder and CEO Chris Mee, will provide the most advanced fire and safety courses — such as cutting-edge firefighter robot training — to tackle complex fire and life safety challenges. This includes fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in many technologies including but not limited to e-bikes and e-scooters, with EHS International the first environmental, health and safety (EHS) training centre in Ireland offering their comprehensive suite of solutions, along with R&D, in this area.

Speaking on the opening of the new centre in Cork, CEO and founder of EHS International Chris Mee said: “As e-scooters and e-bikes become more popular, the fire hazards from compromised lithium-ion batteries are rapidly increasing. The occurrence of these fires is growing rapidly worldwide with a 46% increase in recorded fires in the UK from 2022 to 2023. These fires have resulted in multiple deaths, countless injuries along with unknown long-term health effects from the inhalation of toxic vapours.

“Our vision for this facility is bold: to be the first company in the EU to research, test and develop new viable, cutting-edge solutions for the market to allow for the safe removal, storage, and transportation of lithium-ion battery cells across industries. To achieve this, we’re going to be investing heavily in R&D. Our team is already planning breakthrough solutions using technology, AI, and robotics. We want to push boundaries — in lithium-ion battery safety and all aspects of fire safety — and are committed to extending our reach across Europe and beyond, providing world-class EHS services to industries globally.”

The new facility, part of EHS International’s mission to create safer workplaces and communities, is the sole EHS training facility in the country offering training with the Avenger Fire systems. This state-of-the-art robot for first responders and firefighters will have multiple facets and will be engineered for precise fire-fighting solutions that protect firefighters at all times. The facility is designed to incorporate sustainable technologies, including a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System).

The Little Island facility also features immersive training tools like a synthetic smoke system and a configurable search and training space, complete with a confined space and working at height sections. There is also a range of simulations including stoichiometry, dust explosion, flange fire, flashover unit, and rescue drills for high-risk scenarios.

EHS International, which is a single-source provider of environmental, health and safety services, was launched in October 2023. It now has offices in Cork, Dublin, Belfast, and London. The company has grown rapidly over the last 12 months, with a selection of open career opportunities for R&D and EHS operational staff.  For more information, visit ehsinternational.com.

4 Surefire Methods To Follow If A Household-Critical Appliance Fails

Most of us feel annoyance if certain tech issues happen with our smartphones, our laptops, our televisions, or our games consoles. It’s another thing entirely when an appliance that we rely on goes down. For example, if our oven breaks, our washing machine is throwing up error codes, or our smart boiler stops working, this can have a tangible impact on how you live from day to day, and that can be a problem. Sure, you could likely do a few days without hot water, but ultimately a fix needs to be found.

Now, it’s important to find professional help where you most need it. No one would suggest you repair a boiler from the inside out yourself unless you have qualifications in electrical work or plumbing, because the safety risk is too high. But if the issues are surface level or there may be common fixes, it’s worth considering a few steps you can take. If they work, great! If not, call in the professionals.

With that in mind, let’s consider four surefire methods to follow if a household-critical appliance goes down:

Assess The Issue’s Severity

It’s easy to go gung-ho into fix-everything mode, because fixing the appliances in your house is fun, and your consumer right. But before attempting any fixes, it’s wise to inspect the severity of the issue. If the appliance is giving off strange noises, producing smoke, or posing an immediate safety hazard (smells are a bad sign too), it’s best to avoid the urge to tamper with it. 

In these cases, you should absolutely unplug the appliance (turn off the fusebox if you’re worried), and seek professional assistance. However, if the problem seems minor, such as a display error or a temporary malfunction, you may be able to resolve it yourself.

Refer To The Manual

Most appliances will come with a user manual that offers helpful troubleshooting information. Not all information is there for every issue, but in general you can consult the manual for guidance on common issues and potential solutions. If you don’t have the physical manual, you may be able to find it online by searching for the appliance model and “user manual,” sometimes downloadable as a PDF. 

In this case, you may see a basic fix, or even identify an error on your part. Perhaps you accidentally placed an appliance under a too-heavy load (like cramming many super-hard vegetables in a blender and wearing out the motor), or maybe the fuse was overloaded and simply blew. Either way, the manual can help with basic issues, and also give you safety advice, like never removing a certain panel unless you’re a qualified electrician.

Check Certain Error Codes Online

If your appliance is displaying an error code and you can’t find particular help for it in the manual you can try searching for it online. Most manufacturers have online resources or forums where users share their experiences and solutions for specific error codes. Some common issues may even be carefully outlined by third parties, such as dealing with the common Samsung SUD error code for washing machines. 

Through this insight, you might find helpful tips or workarounds that could resolve the issue without the need for that annoying professional callout charge. That being said, stay cautious when following advice from unofficial sources, as improper fixes could potentially cause further damage. Check the site for their credentials, and if a vague forum post seems to assert something over the manual, it’s probably best not to try it.

Work On A Substitute For Now

While you’re fixing the issue or waiting for a professional repair, it’s wise to consider temporary substitutes to keep your life on track. For example, if your washing machine is out of order, you could head to the local laundromat, wear that pair of jeans once or twice more than you wanted to, or just hand wash the items (don’t worry, you’re hardly going to be the first). 

If your oven is malfunctioning, you can easily purchase a simple slow cooker, hot plate, microwave, or outdoor grill depending on your tastes or how long you expect the issue to last. This means that the annoyance of dealing with the issue is halved, because it’s not materially impacting your life. Then, the focus of the repair is mostly about getting the value out of the appliance you’ve purchased, or referring it back to a warranty and repair program for a full refund. That in itself can be a comfortable place to start.

WIth this advice, you’ll be certain to follow household-critical appliance maintenance care, while still living your life well despite this frustration. It will also refine your skills as a general homeowner, and there’s something positive to be said for that.

Tech Review – X-Sense Wireless heat alarm XH02-W

Want an easy piece of kit to protect your home garage or shed well this is it and cost effective too with no expertise to set-up required at all and a ten year battery life the X-Sense heat alarm is where it is at. This can be placed literally anywhere in the home garage or shed and you will have peace of mind and if you have part of their ecosystem even better.

You just need to drill two small holes and use the fittings provided or you can use adhesive pads which is better in my view which is what we did to save drilling any holes and again can be moved elsewhere is required, then you attach the base then screw on the main unit clockwise and the job is done it literally cant be any easier.

There is no access to the app here which is my only issue unless you have more of their product range so if the alarm does go off you would need to be nearby or perhaps a neighbour could let you know as it is a loud siren at 85db. After that it is just leave it sit there and do its job and we have tested several times to ensure it does work and it does every time and it is seen in the video review below. As we had only one unit to test we had to base our review on that alone but if you have several if one goes off they all will sound of their alarms which is a good thing.

Features 

  • Class A1 Heat Alarm for Fast Fire Detection: This heat alarm is equipped with an ultra-sensitive NTC thermistor that accurately detects a sudden rise in temperature or static temperatures between 129°F (54°C) and 149°F (65°C); it is not triggered by smoke, dust or cooking fumes, saving you from the nuisance of constantly having to turn off alarms
  • Wide Coverage & Comprehensive Home Protection: By interconnecting it to up to other 24 X-Sense Link+ series alarms, you can create a wireless home safety network throughout your entire house; when one alarm is triggered, all devices will sound an alarm, giving an early alert to everyone in the home
  • Compliant with Scottish Regulations: CE-marked and powered by a sealed battery with a 10-year lifespan, this heat alarm is designed to be wirelessly interlinked with our X-Sense Link+ series which includes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combination alarms, making it suitable for any home in Scotland
  • 10-Year Lithium Battery: In addition to being tamper-proof, this alarm’s built-in 10-year sealed lithium battery has a low power consumption, saving you the trouble of having to regularly change the battery; your home will be protected 24/7 with the X-Sense heat alarm, even in case of a power outage
  • Loud 85 dB Sound: During a fire, this heat alarm will deliver an 85 dB alarm tone within a distance of 10 feet (3 m), loud enough to be heard by anyone in your family, giving you more time to either put out the fire or escape to safety
  • Large Test/Silence Button: This alarm’s Test/Silence button allows you to silence any non-threatening alarms or low battery warnings and test the unit’s functionality; it can also be operated by the X-Sense remote control (sold separately) without the need for a ladder to actually press the button on the unit
  • Easy Installation and Setup: This interconnected heat alarm requires no wiring and can be installed on any wall or ceiling in a few minutes, simply by using adhesive pads (not included) or the accessories provided; ideal for areas where standard smoke alarms cannot be installed, such as attics, garages, kitchens, basements and more

BUY

Video