"My heat pump has increased my expenses fourfold - and then it malfunctioned."

2025-04-01 06:13:32 By Michael Miller

A father has expressed his concerns about the rising trend of air-source heat pump systems, criticizing his own experience as a 'financial pitfall' that has led to a fourfold increase in his expenses. 

Vahid Aminzadeh, 45 years old, settled into his newly constructed residence in 2020, complete with a state-of-the-art air-source heat pump.

Even with the advanced technology in place, the father of one and his family have had to resort to wearing thermal clothing and onesies to cope with the frigid temperatures caused by the malfunctioning pump.

Struggling to warm his family's home beyond a mere 15 degrees, Mr. Aminzadeh has turned to alternative heating methods, including portable fan heaters and an electric hot-water system, costing him £15 daily.

Due to its 'A' energy rating, the property is unable to connect to the gas network, resulting in Mr. Aminzadeh facing electrical bills that have reached as high as £300 a month in previous instances.

Before acquiring the property in East Molesey, Surrey, Mr. Aminzadeh was spending approximately £80 each month on electricity and gas.

To even have an engineer check the system costs the family £180 an hour before VAT, compared to roughly £50 for a routine gas boiler check.

Mr. Aminzadeh has received a new estimate of £500 for replacement parts that may not resolve the pump's problems, or he could opt to invest £7,000 in a completely new air-source heat pump.

Vahid Aminzadeh, aged 45, relocated to his newly constructed residence in 2020, which was equipped with a state-of-the-art air-source heat pump.

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Vahid Aminzadeh, aged 45, relocated to his newly constructed residence in 2020, which was equipped with a state-of-the-art air-source heat pump.
Mr. Aminzadeh and his family are now relying on thermal clothing and onesies as they try to cope with the frigid temperatures.

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Mr. Aminzadeh and his family are now relying on thermal clothing and onesies as they try to cope with the frigid temperatures.
The manufacturer of the air-source heat pump has stated that Mr. Aminzadeh must invest in a completely new system, priced at more than £7,000, in order for them to proceed with the installation of a new pump.

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The manufacturer of the air-source heat pump has stated that Mr. Aminzadeh must invest in a completely new system, priced at more than £7,000, in order for them to proceed with the installation of a new pump.

Air-source heat pumps are designed to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to a water tank, subsequently distributing the warmed water throughout the heating system.

The heated water is circulated to another tank to supply hot water for taps.

When the pump is unable to heat the water for washing, an electric heating system activates; however, the tank depletes so quickly that the Aminzadeh family frequently ends up taking cold showers.

Consequently, they have opted for compact electric fan heaters that cannot be left running when they are away or during the night while sleeping.

These heaters provide warmth to just a quarter of the home, yet the family is spending more than £200 each month on their operation.

The family's electricity expenses would soar even more without the solar panels installed on their roof.

Although Mr. Aminzadeh may be able to link the property to the gas network, he has been informed that the procedure might require up to three months to complete. 

"I just want a cozy home, but instead we're shivering and dealing with cold showers every single day," the software developer expressed.

"One's home serves as a sanctuary. When the temperature drops and your loved ones are shivering, and no one is available to resolve the issue, it significantly affects your mental well-being," he remarked.

In 2020, Mr. Aminzadeh and his family relocated to the newly constructed residence.

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In 2020, Mr. Aminzadeh and his family relocated to the newly constructed residence.
The property boasts an 'A' energy rating and is not linked to the primary gas supply network.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

The property boasts an 'A' energy rating and is not linked to the primary gas supply network.
According to Mr. Aminzadeh, the family has experienced a fourfold increase in their electricity bills.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

According to Mr. Aminzadeh, the family has experienced a fourfold increase in their electricity bills.

Mr. Aminzadeh criticized the government for promoting technology that he believes is not yet fully developed.

Currently, grants of up to £7,500 are offered to home owners looking to switch their central heating system to the more eco-friendly air-source heat pumps.

Nonetheless, there is no system in place for reimbursement or compensation for individuals who accept the offer, which means that people like Mr. Aminzadeh must navigate interactions with contractors and engineers independently. 

"Businesses seem primarily focused on securing the grant, and I doubt that many individuals who install them truly understand their functionality or how to troubleshoot issues."

Mr. Aminzadeh stated, "The limited number of individuals who possess the knowledge to assist effectively dominate the market, leading them to impose exorbitant fees."

Currently, the software developer is considering his next steps, as his malfunctioning air-source heat pump has been out of order since November.

After spending more than £500 to clean the pump and remove excess air, Mr. Aminzadeh finds himself unable to buy a new pump priced at £3,000, since the manufacturer insists on installing a completely new system that costs £7,000.

"This is an intricate system; it's akin to asking everyone to transition to driving a car powered by a jet engine. The government is fixated on achieving a target, oblivious to the suffering it's inflicting on people," Mr. Aminzadeh expressed in frustration.

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Technology

What is Lemon8? Here’s what you need to know as the Supreme Court considers a ban on TikTok.

2025-04-01 06:13:32

Amid a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, content creators have been pushing the platform's sister app, but what is it and what role could it soon play? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Have you been noticing all the buzz around Lemon8 recently? You're certainly not alone in that! Amid a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, content creators have been pushing the platform's sister app, but what is it and what role could it soon play? Here are the key points to consider: Lemon8 is a social media platform that focuses on sharing visual content, similar to other platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Users can create and share photos, videos, and lifestyle content, often emphasizing aesthetics and creativity. It caters to a community interested in discovering new trends, products, and experiences, providing a space for users to express themselves and connect with others who share similar interests. Lemon8 resembles an amalgamation of the types of short-form videos found on TikTok and the picture-perfect aesthetic of Instagram and Pinterest. Like its popular relation, Lemon8 is owned by China-based ByteDance, whose collection of internationally available apps also includes the video editing app CapCut and the photo and art editing app Hypic. In addition, the company operates Douyin, the Chinese sibling of TikTok that follows Beijing’s strict censorship rules. Lemon8 launched in the U.S. in 2023, a few years after it first popped up in Asian markets. Though it garnered some media and user interest in its early days, the app hasn’t taken off as much as TikTok, which has more than 170 million U.S. users. But more people have downloaded the app in the past month, making it one of the top-ranking free apps on Apple’s app store. Lemon8's popularity could potentially soar further depending on the outcome of a U.S. Supreme Court hearing Friday over a law requiring TikTok to break ties with ByteDance or face a U.S. ban. What are creators discussing regarding Lemon8? Influencers have collaborated with Lemon8 to raise awareness of the relatively obscure app on TikTok. In the past few weeks, numerous influencers have touted Lemon8 as the go-to alternative in the event that TikTok faces a federal ban. Additionally, some have been promoting it through paid advertisements labeled #lemon8partner, indicating a recent corporate effort to boost user acquisition. However, there's a catch. The legislation, which mandates the shutdown of TikTok's U.S. operations unless it is sold to a sanctioned buyer, specifies that the divest-or-ban clause broadly pertains to applications owned or managed by ByteDance, TikTok, or any of their affiliates. This indicates that, although Lemon8 and CapCut are not directly mentioned in the law, their prospects in the U.S. market are also at risk. Jasmine Enberg, an analyst with the market research firm Emarketer, pointed out that the creators endorsing Lemon8 might not fully understand the potential consequences for other ByteDance applications, as the legislation does not specifically mention them. The latest Lemon8 advertisements on TikTok could indicate that ByteDance is "anticipating or wagering" that Lemon8 will go unnoticed while lawmakers and regulators concentrate their efforts on TikTok, according to Enberg. The companies' representatives have not yet responded to a request for comment. Lemon8 app downloads In a bid to increase the user base of Lemon8, TikTok revealed in November that creators can now link their existing TikTok accounts to Lemon8. This new feature aims to facilitate easier cross-posting of content, according to the company. TikTok emphasized that this integration is intended to enhance creators' "reach and engagement potential." Similar to TikTok, Lemon8 includes a primary feed that consists of a "following" section, allowing users to view content from the creators they are subscribed to, as well as a "For You" section that suggests additional posts. This newer platform also categorizes posts into various themes, such as relationships, wellness, and skincare. ByteDance has not revealed the total number of users for Lemon8, both globally and in the U.S., which is thought to be quite small in comparison to its more popular sister app. Research from SimilarWeb suggests that Lemon8 has slightly more than 1 million daily active users in the United States. Meanwhile, market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported that as of December 24, the app boasted 12.5 million monthly active users worldwide. According to Sensor Tower, the app experienced a remarkable surge in global downloads in December, with a staggering 150% increase compared to a typical 2% decline month-over-month observed last year. Notably, the United States contributed to 70% of the downloads for that month. The largest number of U.S. downloads were performed on Dec. 19, according to Sensor Tower. That was the day after the Supreme Court said it would hear this week's oral arguments over the constitutionality of the federal law that could ban TikTok. The law passed with bipartisan support last year after lawmakers and Biden administration officials expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data or sway public opinion towards Beijing’s interests by manipulating the algorithm that populates users’ feeds. President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Dec. 27 to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until he is inaugurated and his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. What’s going on with TikTok? The Supreme Court seemed likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning Jan. 19 unless the popular social media program is sold by its China-based parent company. As the justices deliberated on the significant conflict between free speech and national security issues, they appeared to be swayed by the perspective that the potential national security risks associated with the company's ties to China take precedence over the implications for restricting the speech of TikTok or its 170 million American users. Typically, the Supreme Court requires several months to render its decisions; however, this particular case is anticipated to be resolved more swiftly. Given that the law is set to be implemented in less than two weeks, the justices may act in the next few days. During a press conference on Friday, TikTok's attorney mentioned that the Supreme Court justices thoroughly examined the arguments presented by both parties and expressed optimism regarding the outcome of the ruling. "They really tested our limits," Noel Francisco remarked during a press conference following the discussions. He mentioned that the app boasts a huge user base in the U.S., encompassing approximately 50% of the American population. Francisco highlighted that the United States has not provided proof that China has refrained from trying to manipulate content on TikTok's platform in the U.S. or from collecting user data from American TikTok users. He stated, "This nation has never moved to close a speech platform, particularly one as significant as this. You don't close down a speech platform simply out of fear of potentially harmful speech."

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Technology

Incorrect: The Whole State of Texas is Unlikely to Experience Negative Temperatures Anytime Soon.

2025-04-01 06:13:32

Ok, so far the Texas Snowpocalypse of 2025 has turned out to be a bit of a bust. Some of us got enough snow to make a mini snowman that lasted 12 hours before melting completely, but that's about it. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. TikTok/Canva Nonetheless, the locals can't seem to stop discussing the weather, and currently, a viral video is circulating that suggests Texas is set to experience a drop into subzero temperatures in the near future. Before I explain why this assertion is entirely inaccurate, take a moment to check out the video below. @anttsinc “️ We thought this storm was going to be rough, but keep an eye on the 19th-23rd! ❄️ A cold front from Canada is heading our way, and it’s looking like DFW and all of Texas are in for a much chillier experience in about 10 days. Bundle up, y’all! #TexasWeather #ColdFront #DFW #WinterIsComing #StayWarm #WeatherUpdate ♬ original sound - P- Paw & Mima - Antts Inc Understanding the Context is Essential At first glance, it's simple to observe a map filled with negative numbers and assume they represent temperatures. However, those figures could signify a variety of other things, and in reality, they do not indicate temperatures at all. Variation in Mean Temperature What that map is showing, dear friends, is the difference in average temperature for that area. What does that mean? If it shows a -10 on the map, that means the temperature will be about ten degrees less than it normally is at that location at this time of the year. So if it's normally 50 degrees, it will be 40. That's it. It's one of those maps that meteorologists throw up on the screen to waste time, and this guy trolled us with it. Nicely done, my friend! Texas Department of Public Safety Winter Weather Safety Guidelines for Homeowners The Texas Department of Public Safety has shared some helpful advice to ensure safety during winter weather conditions affecting your area. Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins 10 'Hidden Areas' Burglars Target First When Breaking into Texas Homes Many individuals have secret spots in their Texas homes where they store valuable items to protect them from potential burglars. But are they truly secure? Gallery Acknowledgment: Tara Holley 32 Long-Term Fugitives from Texas As 2025 began, the Texas Department of Public Safety identified 32 long-term fugitives, with some individuals evading capture for more than two decades. Gallery Acknowledgment: Danny Merrell

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Technology

Are we on the brink of energy shortages as we accelerate towards net zero emissions?

2025-04-01 06:13:32

A former energy secretary cautioned last night that Ed Miliband's intense focus on wind and solar energy could put Britain in jeopardy of experiencing blackouts, especially as the country's gas reserves have dwindled to 'worryingly low' levels. As temperatures dip below freezing again this weekend, the chief executive of Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, announced that the nation has less than a week's supply of gas available. The alarming alert follows just days after the UK nearly experienced power outages on what was described as the most strained day for the GB electricity market since 2011. On Wednesday, the National Energy System Operator in the UK alerted electricity suppliers to increase their production levels.  It cautioned that the country lacked an adequate buffer to maintain its power supply, and experts subsequently indicated that the power market was 'within 580MW of needing demand control or facing a blackout'. The national grid struggled with a lack of wind power, no solar power during the night and interconnector outages.  In order to address the deficit, grid operators were compelled to pay as much as 50 times the usual electricity prices to maintain the operation of gas power plants. Energy Secretary Mr. Miliband is advancing 'bold' initiatives aimed at achieving 95 percent clean energy in the UK by the year 2030. Last night, Claire Coutinho, the former energy secretary in the previous administration and now a key opponent of Mr. Miliband, voiced her criticism of Labour's initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.  View pictures in App save up to 80% data. A former energy secretary cautioned last night that Ed Miliband's intense focus on wind and solar energy could put Britain in jeopardy of experiencing blackouts. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Concerns are rising that the gas supply in Britain may deplete within just a few days due to the recent cold snap (as shown in the image, someone is shoveling snow in Bowes, Durham, on Friday). View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The image showcases the liquid natural gas storage tanks located at the National Grid facility on the Isle of Grain in Kent. She remarked, "Ed Miliband's fixation on wind and solar energy, instead of ensuring energy security, will result in financial losses for us, make us reliant on foreign imports, and expose us to the threat of power outages."  "As I mentioned last year, we should focus on constructing additional gas and nuclear power plants to ensure we have affordable and dependable energy." On Thursday, the levels of gas stored at UK facilities were 26 percent lower compared to the same timeframe last year, resulting in storage being approximately 50 percent full.  Gas inventory levels are facing strain due to the recent cold weather and the cessation of Russian gas pipeline supplies via Ukraine at the end of last month. According to data from National Grid, natural gas made up slightly more than 55 percent of the UK's power generation yesterday, while renewable energy sources fulfilled approximately 10 percent of the nation's energy requirements. The United Kingdom has one of the lowest levels of gas storage compared to other major European nations, with the ability to store gas sufficient for 12 typical days or 7.5 days during peak winter demand. Germany has sufficient supplies for 89 days, while France can sustain itself for 103 days, and the Netherlands has enough resources for 123 days. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. In recent days, much of the UK has been blanketed by heavy snowfall. The image shows High Street in Saddleworth. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The Labour Party aims to eliminate carbon emissions from the power grid by 2030. However, Sir Keir Starmer, who had a meeting with Emmanuel Macron last night, has recently softened this commitment to achieving at least 95 percent 'clean' energy. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Hardy wild swimmers in Avon Lagoon in West Lothian, take the plunge in freezing waters on Friday morning - after smashing their way through the ice, first Last year, energy production from significant fossil fuel power plants accounted for just over 25% of the overall total, whereas renewable sources, particularly solar energy, saw an increase, along with a rise in electricity imports. A spokesperson for No10 stated yesterday: 'We are assured that our gas supply and electricity capacity will adequately meet demand this winter, thanks to our varied and robust energy system.'  They stated that reports suggesting the UK was on the brink of an energy blackout are 'false'.

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Technology

One of the Top Premium Soundbars of 2024 Is Currently Available at 50% Discount

2025-04-01 06:13:32

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. We could receive a commission from the links found on this page. Pricing and availability of deals may vary after the time of publication. Image credit: Product photo provided by Amazon. Most people buying TVs focus on the visuals, looking for words like 4K and OLED, meaning the audio aspect often takes a back seat. If you want to understand dialogue and not rely on subtitles, getting a soundbar is a must and will take your TV-watching experience to the next level. The best deal of the year so far on a quality soundbar is upon us: The Samsung Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar is on sale for $997.99 (originally $1,997.99) on Woot, a 50% discount. This is the lowest price this soundbar has been, according to price tracking tools. The Samsung HW-Q990D Q-series 11.1.4 channel soundbar remains a top contender in the premium soundbar market, even a year post-launch. It features a wall-mountable design complete with a mounting kit, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers (left and right). Additionally, it comes with a remote control and an HDMI 2.1 cable for your convenience. HDMI 2.1 is perfect for gaming enthusiasts as it supports 4K video at 120Hz passthrough. It features an eARC input in addition to two HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect two gaming consoles simultaneously while easily switching to movie viewing on your TV. Moreover, it offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience. To swiftly link your sound system, you can easily pair your iPhone using AirPlay 2 or connect your Android device through Chromecast or Alexa. An impressive feature is Adaptive Sound, which automatically modifies audio levels to enhance your viewing experience based on the content (for instance, an action film will have a different sound profile compared to a drama). Additionally, SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the audio based on your room's configuration to further improve sound quality. For gamers, there's a Game Mode Pro option that boosts directional sound, fully utilizing the surround sound capabilities. With a 50% discount, this soundbar system offers unparalleled value for anyone seeking a top-notch audio experience.

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Technology

The Switch will see the release of The House of the Dead 2 Remake this spring.

2025-04-01 06:13:32

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. SEGA and Forever Entertainment have revealed that the much-anticipated remake of the iconic arcade title The House of the Dead 2 will be launching in spring for the Nintendo Switch family of consoles. In honor of this exciting news, Forever Entertainment has released a thrilling announcement trailer filled with intense zombie action and plenty of gore, which you can view below.

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Technology

Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth are said to be heading to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

2025-04-01 06:13:32

Nintendo fans might soon be able to enjoy Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth.  View pictures in App save up to 80% data. It’s no secret that Final Fantasy 7 looms large in the gaming world, a true juggernaut even within the massive Final Fantasy franchise. The remastered series has only brought new fans to the love of the game, introducing new players to Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, and the gang. But despite the popularity of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, they have been PS5 console exclusives since launch. That means many gamers haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the return to Midgar… but that might be about to change. Content produced by ComicBook.com Gamers without a PlayStation console will soon be able to play Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PC when it releases via Steam and Epic Games on January 23rd, 2025. It’s been a long wait, but the PC release will at least allow a new set of gamers to enjoy the next installment in the remastered storyline. However, those gorgeous graphics come at a pretty high cost in terms of required specs, and not all gamers have a PC that can run the game. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The main cast of final fantasy 7 remake & rebirth Thus for those with a different console at home, hope remains that Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth will eventually be available on Xbox and Nintendo consoles. A new rumor suggests that, when the Nintendo Switch 2 finally launches into the world, it will do so with FF7 games close behind. Square Enix’s Multiplatform Approach May Include Final Fantasy 7 Remasters on Nintendo Switch 2 A rumor, shared via Nintendo Everything, suggests that both of the Final Fantasy 7 remasters will be available on the Nintendo Switch successor. The information comes from NateDrake, host of the Nate the Hate podcast, where he claimed to be able to confirm both games would be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. According to him, Remake would be available some time in 2025, while Rebirth would follow in 2026. While this, like the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, has yet to be formally announced, it would make sense given prior statements from developer Square Enix. The PlayStation exclusive status of the games no doubt hindered sales, and it makes sense if Square Enix is considering moving forward with a multiplatform approach. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Unexpected combinations have proven successful in Final Fantasy 7 in the past. In other words, it’s possible that future entries in the Final Fantasy 7 remake series will be available across other consoles sooner, and that the two prior games will eventually make their way to other platforms in the meantime. If this change from original plans does take place, it would be a move away from the prior two games, which enjoyed a period of PlayStation console exclusivity before eventually making their way to PC but leaving the other consoles high and dry. As of now, nothing is definite about the potential Nintendo Switch 2 release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth, but undoubtedly longtime Nintendo fans would love to see the games available on the new and improved console. If the games do arrive on other consoles in the next couple of years, fans will likely have plenty of time to catch up on the story, as the third installment isn’t expected for quite some time yet.

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Technology

Community members come together to dig out their neighbors during an unprecedented snowstorm.

2025-04-01 06:13:32

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Brock made more than $300 and gained an invaluable lesson while assisting his neighbors in clearing the record-setting snowfall. Clearing snow can be quite a challenge, but fortunately, the St. Joseph community came together with some extra support this past week. The first blizzard of 2025 blanketed the streets with more than 14 inches of snow, engulfing vehicles and entirely obscuring sidewalks. However, instead of taking the day off to revel in the winter wonderland, some community-minded individuals rose to the occasion to assist their neighbors.

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Technology

Report indicates that Disney Plus will soon offer HDR10+ support.

2025-04-01 06:13:32

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Picture Source: KnowTechie Display Plus is set to become the latest addition to the growing roster of streaming platforms that offer enhanced video quality support. The popular streaming service Disney Plus is all set to get HDR10+ support in the near future, according to a report by MediaPlayNews. We live in an age of stream platforms, with more than one from which to choose. However, popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, Paramount Plus, and even Apple TV Plus already support HDR10+ video standards.  While Disney Plus is a highly popular streaming platform boasting a worldwide subscriber count exceeding 150 million, it has been missing HDR10+ support. However, this is set to change in the near future.  Great news! Disney+ is set to introduce support for the HDR10+ video standard soon.  The declaration was made at CES 2025 by the organization overseeing the certification and management of HDR10+ technology, represented by Marc Finer from Communication Research.  View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Picture Source: KnowTechie Finer stated that Disney Plus will soon support HDR10+, and the owners with compatible devices will benefit from the higher dynamic range while watching their favorite shows. HDR10+ is a high-dynamic range video format that competes with Dolby Vision.  Both technologies leverage HDR metadata for every video frame, allowing for real-time adjustments to video settings that enhance the viewing experience. The report details,  HDR10+ dynamic metadata offers several advantages, such as enhanced brightness and contrast, strong standardization, simplicity in implementation, worldwide certification, and the absence of licensing costs. Just a quick note: when HDR10+ video support becomes available on Disney Plus, you'll need a device that is compatible with HDR10+ to enjoy the content. Unfortunately, we can't give a precise timeline since the announcement didn't include that information. However, stay alert for updates!

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Technology

WEM GBB Tatum Richards.jpg

2025-04-01 06:13:32

Your current browser is outdated and may expose you to security threats. We suggest upgrading to one of the following browsers: Everything is ready to go! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Tatum Richards takes a shot in the game against NRHEG. (Photo by Lucas Dittmer - Faribault.com) Thank you . Your account has been successfully created, and you are now signed in. Please check your inbox for more information.

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Technology

HHS Draft Regulation Aims to Strengthen Cybersecurity Standards for Electronic Health Information

2025-04-01 06:13:32

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a proposed rule to better protect electronic health data from cybersecurity threats. The proposed rule would apply to health plans, healthcare providers, healthcare clearinghouses, and their business associates, such as billing companies, third-party administrators, and pharmacy benefit managers. Rapid Insights HHS has proposed a rule to shore up cybersecurity protections for electronic health records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The new rules would apply to HIPAA-regulated entities, such as healthcare providers, hospitals, and others that handle electronic medical data. The public can submit comments on the proposed rule until March 7, 2025. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule has remained largely unchanged since its last significant revision in 2013. In light of increasing cybersecurity risks within the healthcare sector, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule on January 6, 2025, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures for personal health information gathered by healthcare entities, including providers, hospitals, insurers, and related organizations. The public has until March 7, 2025, to provide feedback on this proposal. Should these changes be finalized, they would affect all entities covered by HIPAA as well as their business associates, enforcing tougher regulations regarding risk assessments, data encryption, multifactor authentication, and additional areas. Notably, the suggested rule would remove the differentiation between "required" and "addressable" implementation specifications, rendering all specifications mandatory. This alteration would strip away a significant amount of the flexibility currently enjoyed by HIPAA-regulated entities in deciding whether to adopt "addressable" measures, instead establishing more detailed and prescriptive requirements to guarantee adherence to all security standards. The suggested regulation would additionally mandate: written documentation of policies, procedures, plans, and analyses related to complying with the HIPAA Security Rule; covered entities to develop and update a technology asset inventory and a network map that illustrates the movement of electronic health information throughout the electronic information system; covered entities to conduct a more robust risk analysis than under the current rule, including incorporation of the entity’s technology asset inventory and network map; identification of all reasonably anticipated threats to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic health information; and an assessment of the risk level for each identified threat and vulnerability, based on the likelihood that each threat will exploit vulnerabilities; encryption of electronic health information at rest and in transit; the use of multifactor authentication; covered entities to use anti-malware protections and remove extraneous software from electronic information systems; an audit at least once per year to confirm compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule; covered entities at least once per year to obtain written certification from business associates that they have deployed the technical safeguards required by the HIPAA Security Rule; covered entities to review and test the effectiveness of certain security measures at least once every twelve months; vulnerability scanning at least every six months and penetration testing at least once every twelve months; network segmentation and separate technical controls for backup and recovery of electronic health information and electronic information systems; covered entities to establish written procedures to restore the loss of certain electronic information systems and data within seventy-two hours, and document how employees should report security incidents and how the regulated entity will respond to security incidents. Business associates would have to notify covered entities upon activating their security contingency plans no later than twenty-four hours after activation; covered entities to cut off a former employee’s access to personal health information no later than one hour after the employment has been terminated; and group health plans to include in their plan documents requirements for their plan sponsors to comply with the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards of the HIPAA Security Rule. Future Actions Employers and the public have until March 7, 2025, to submit comments about the proposed rule. The final rule would take effect sixty days after being published in the Federal Register. The existing HIPAA Security Rule remains in effect while the rulemaking is underway. Entities covered by HIPAA, along with the employers who support them, should consider reassessing their cybersecurity strategies and policies concerning electronic health information. They ought to identify any discrepancies between their current practices and the proposed regulations. Although some of these proposed modifications align with security measures already adopted by numerous HIPAA-covered entities, if the new rules are enacted, employers should be prepared for additional expenses to ensure their practices comply with the outlined requirements. This is particularly relevant for larger employers providing self-insured health plans, as they hold the primary responsibility for HIPAA compliance regarding the plans they sponsor.

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