Those with bad credit or no credit who attempt to get a traditional cell phone plan will often find they are required to place hundreds of dollars on deposit. But there are options for people who want to get a good cell phone and service without a credit check, either prepaid telephones or monthly payment plans.
Prepaid Minutes
Prepaid cell phones are common for those who use few minutes and do not want a credit check or monthly payments. A set amount of minutes is paid for and expire within a set period of time.
Monthly Without Credit Check
Some companies allow those who use a lot of minutes but don't want a credit check to pay an advance month, then select a calling plan. If the monthly bill is not paid, the service is disconnected.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile allows customers to buy a set number of minutes upfront through a prepaid plan or select one of its monthly cell phone plans but pay a month in advance. No credit checks are required and the fees after phone purchase started at about $40 as of August 2009.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile offers an unlimited calling and unlimited texting plan without requiring a credit check. Phones usually cost up to $60 and monthly fees were around $50 as of August 2009.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile allows customers to buy prepaid minutes (the amount can be as low as $10) or select one of several monthly pay-in-advance calling plans. As of August 2009, monthly rates ranged from $30 to $50.
Taking apart the Electro-Voice RE20 microphone is sometimes necessary to access internal wiring and components for maintenance and repair. Used in many professional broadcast and recording studios for its rugged build quality, mistreatment and exposure to environmental extremes can cause wiring and internal parts to fail. The EV RE20 is tightly engineered, so good quality tools are a must for successful dismantling.
Instructions
Taking Apart the RE20 Bottom Section
1. Locate the set screw on the side of the microphone connector housing and insert a small screwdriver.
2. Turn the screw counterclockwise to set the screw fully into the connector. The screw is reverse threaded and cannot be removed externally.
3. Grasp one of the connector pins gently and pull the connector housing from the microphone until the soldered connector wires are visible.
4. Locate the hex screw in the center interior of the connector housing and insert the proper hex wrench size onto the hex screw.
5. Remove the hex screw by turning counterclockwise until it is fully extracted from the mic housing. The bottom section may now be pulled off, exposing the transformer wiring assembly and transformer. The transformer can be pulled from the microphone body if necessary.
Taking Apart the RE20 Top Section
6. Locate the two set screws along the seam of the top grille assembly.
7. Insert a screwdriver and remove the two screws by turning counter clockwise until they are fully extracted from the grille housing.
8. Grasp the grille and turn it counterclockwise until fully removed.
9. Remove the cylindrical windscreen and side wind shield by lifting them off to expose the mic head for inspection or replacement.
Connecting your JBL subwoofer to an amplifier, or "hooking it up," is an essential step in using it to get the solid bass sound want in your car audio system. The hook-up isn't complicated. After a few quick connections, you'll be done with the job.
Instructions
1. Strip the ends of your speaker wire so a 1/2 inch of bare wire shows on each end.
2. Connect one end of the first piece of speaker wire to the inside of the terminal cup in your subwoofer box. The terminal cup will have two metal tabs with set screws marked "+" and "-." Loosen the screws, place the bare wire underneath, and tighten them back down. Connect the other end of the wire to the terminals of the subwoofer. Push down on the subwoofer's terminals and insert the bare end of the wire into the holes that appear. Be sure that the speaker wires connect the positive "+" terminals of the terminal cup to the positive terminal of the subwoofer and the negative to the negative.
3. Place the JBL subwoofer into the cutout of the subwoofer box and secure it in place with wood screws. The wood screws will go through the predrilled holes in the outer rim of the JBL subwoofer and be secured into the wood of the box.
4. Take one end of the second piece of speaker wire and connect it to the cup terminals on the outside of the sub box. Then connect the other ends to the amplifier. As in Step 2, be sure to connect positive to positive and negative to negative. Fire up your system and enjoy some bass courtesy of your JBL subwoofer.
Tags: bare wire, speaker wire, your subwoofer, connect positive, negative negative, piece speaker, piece speaker wire
Alpine is a respected name in car stereo equipment because of its reputation for manufacturing powerful receivers capable of handling varied car audio systems. While Alpine decks are equipped to handle complicated configurations, their functionality remains relatively user-friendly. There are a few basic controls on the Alpine receiver faceplate that will allow you to control all functions of your car stereo.
Getting Started
To turn on the Alpine unit, press the "Source" button located at the upper left corner of the faceplate. Setting the clock requires that you press and hold the function setup button labeled "F/Setup." When the clock on the display begins flashing, release the "F/Setup" button and rotate the rotary encoder (the rotating circle on the faceplate) to the correct hour. For setting minutes, press the enter button, labeled "Ent" located to the immediate right of the encoder, then rotate the rotary encoder until the correct minute is displayed. Press and hold the "F/Setup" button to return to the normal mode and end the time setting.
Listening to the Radio
Select the tuner mode by pressing the "Source" button. The word "Tuner" will appear on the display to show that you are ready to listen to the radio. Press the "Band" button to choose the band from which you wish to listen. Press the "Seek" controls to tune to a specific frequency. The "Seek" controls are marked with two arrows facing in the same direction. The arrows pointing left will change the frequency to a lower station; those pointing right will seek higher stations. To preset a station, press and hold one of the six preset buttons while on the desired station. The station will be set to that number for future option.
Use the rotary encoder to adjust the volume level.
Playing CDs.
Press the "Open" button on the faceplate to insert a CD. The faceplate will open from the top. Insert a CD into the revealed slot with the label facing up. The CD will begin to play automatically at track number 1. To choose another track, press the "Track Forward" button labeled with two arrows pointing to the right. The button labeled with two arrows pointing to the left will select a previous track.
To pause a playing CD, press the "Playback" button. Pressing the "Playback" button again will resume playing the track.
To switch to another mode from CD playback, press the "Source" button until the desired mode is listed on the display.
Setting the Audio Levels
To adjust the audio levels, press the rotary encoder. In this mode, you can adjust the levels of the audio to your specific preferences. Press the rotary encoder to switch from subwoofer level to bass, treble, balance, fader and volume. At each category, rotate the rotary encoder until the level you prefer is selected. When you are finished adjusting the levels, press and hold the "Esc" button to return to the normal mode.
To activate the "Loudness" function, press and hold the rotary encoder for more than two seconds from the normal mode. Press and hold again to turn the "Loudness" enhancement off.
Other Functions
The Alpine receiver has the ability to control other devices included in your audio system. To select another device such as an MP3 player or satellite radio, press the "Source" button until the device is displayed on the screen of the faceplate. Once the device is selected, you can control its function using the buttons used to control the CD player and radio. For iPod users, the iPod link allows you to control the playback of files using the iPod itself.
Removing and Attaching the Faceplate
For security purposes, you will have the ability to remove the Alpine faceplate when you leave your vehicle. To remove the faceplate, press "Open." The faceplate will swing open from the top and be connected at the hinge of the bottom. Grab the now-horizontal faceplate firmly. Slide the faceplate to the left and then pull forward.
To replace the faceplate, insert the right side of the faceplate into the dock and press the left side into place. The faceplate will lock into place until removed.
Mount a Garmin GPS Unit on the Windshield of a Car
Before you install your Garmin GPS in your vehicle, check your state's laws and ordinances regarding suction mounts on windshields. Some states prohibit the use of suction mounts, and others have restrictions as to the positions where you are allowed to place such objects and allow suction mounts to be located only in specific locations on the windshield. Armed with this knowledge, follow the instructions provided in your Garmin manual on mount your Garmin GPS on your vehicle's windshield.
Instructions
1. Snap the cradle into the suction cup arm. Typically the suction cup arm has a ball that fits into the circular opening of the cradle provided with a Garmin GPS.
2. Clean your windshield with glass cleaner and dry it with a lint-free cloth. Remove the plastic covering the suction cup and clean the suction cup with the lint-free cloth.
3. Position the suction cup on the windshield where you decided it's safe to place your Garmin GPS and press firmly. Flip the suction cup lever back toward the windshield. The suction cup and the cradle should now stay mounted on the windshield.
4. Plug the vehicle power cable into the back or side of your Garmin GPS depending on the model.
5. Fit the bottom of the GPS into the bottom holder of the cradle and tilt the GPS back until it snaps into place in the cradle.
6. Plug the other end of the vehicle power cable into your car's power outlet. Your Garmin GPS is now mounted and turns on automatically when you start your vehicle.
Tags: your Garmin, suction mounts, your vehicle, cable into, Garmin Unit
JVC's professional line HD-200U shoots in both regular and high-definition digital video.
The Japan-based company JVC (Victor Company of Japan) previously manufactured the GY-HD200U line of professional camcorders. These camcorders recorded to mini-DV tapes and could shoot in both regular quality digital video and in multiple pixel quality modes of high-definition (HD), such as 720/30p and 1080i. Both manual focus and auto-focus modes enabled users to zoom in or out on their subjects. When equipped with the included battery, the GY-HD200 weighed 10 lbs., 7 oz.
Instructions
Getting Started
1. Attach the battery. The included battery connects to the camcorder via three pins that protrude from the back of the battery. Each of these pins fits inside of a corresponding hole on the camcorder's back panel. Attach the battery to the camcorder by lining these pins up with the corresponding holes on the camcorder's back panel and inserting these pins into the holes. Lock the battery into place by sliding it left until you hear a click.
2. Charge the battery. Attach the AC adapter to the camera in the slot on the rear of the left side of the camcorder. Plug the other end of the adapter cable into a wall outlet. Let it charge for four hours.
3. Turn the camcorder on by switching the "Power" button to the "On" position. This button sits at on the lower panel on the left side of the camera lens.
4. Open the mini-DV cassette carriage by pushing the "Eject" switch to the right. This switch sits on the top of the camcorder.
5. Place a mini-DV cassette into the carriage and then gently push the carriage back toward the camcorder until it closes and clicks into place.
Shooting Video
6. Remove the lens cover from the lens by slowly twisting it off and pulling it away from the camcorder.
7. Record video by pressing the "REC/VTR" button located on the lower panel to the left of the camera lens. This button is just behind the "Power" button.
8. Zoom in or out on your subject by pressing the auto-focus "W" button (to zoom out) or the "T" button (to zoom in). This button sits at the front of the camera to the right of the lens.
Watching Playback
9. Turn the camera on, insert a mini-DV cassette and flip out the LCD panel. This panel sits on the left side of the camcorder.
10. Set the camcorder to playback mode by pressing the "CAM/VTR" button on the rear side of the LCD flip-out panel. Press the "Stop" button.
11. Watch video playback by pressing the "Play/Still" button on the top panel of the camcorder, just to the left of the "Eject" switch.
12. Manipulate video during playback by pressing the "REW" button to rewind playback, pressing the "FF" button to fast-forward through frames and then pressing the "Stop" button to end playback or using the "Play/Still" button to freeze playback.
Tags: pressing button, left side, mini-DV cassette, playback pressing, these pins
If you want to switch cell phone carriers to get more coverage or better rates, you may be locked in by more than a contract. Your Cingular 8125 itself may be locked from changing carriers. This software issue means your phone won't let you make calls when you swap your current carrier's chip out of the battery compartment and put a different carrier's in. You can resolve this by acquiring an unlock code.
Instructions
1. Open the Cingular page at Unlocking or Mobile Unlocked. See Resources for the specific links. Both are pay sites.
2. Click the select button to put the code in your cart.
3. Remove your Cingular's battery. Find the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You'll be prompted for it at some point because the unlock code is generated from the IMEI. This also allows the sites providing the code to check whether the phone is stolen.
4. Wait to recieve the unlock code by email. You should get it before the day's end. Type the code into the Cingular's keypad while in phone mode. For example, "A5012J Send" means to type in 250125. Press the "Talk/Call" button to send the code into your phone.
5. Open the battery compartment and swap out the old carrier's SIM chip with the new carrier's chip. If you still can't make a call, repeat Step 4 before contacting the service that mailed you the code to remedy your problem.
The Microsoft Zune is a personal MP3 player originally released in 2006. The Zune is capable of storing a large amount of data, and can also connect to wireless Internet connections to play music from other Zune libraries. With specially made karaoke tracks, you can connect your Zune to external speakers and sing along.
Instructions
1. Locate any karaoke files you wish to move to the Zune. Remember that the Zune does not have any special features to support Karaoke, so you'll need to have files with the vocal tracks already removed.
2. Open the Zune software on your computer.
3. Add all the desired song files to your Zune library. You can do this by clicking on "Settings," then selecting "Collection." You will be asked to select any folders you wish Zune to monitor for new song files. Select the folder the Karaoke files are located in, and add the folder to your collection.
4. Connect your Zune to your computer's USB port. Then select "Sync" to add any new files from your collection to your Zune. When the sync process is finished, your new files should appear on your Zune. Connect your Zune to external speakers using an auxiliary-out audio cable to sing along.
Tags: your Zune, Connect your Zune, external speakers, sing along, song files, your collection, your computer
The microSD card is physically the smallest flash memory device on the market as of May 2009. Because of its physical size, microSD has become the standard memory card for small devices that require additional external storage. The format is available in storage sizes of up to 16GB. However, there are some backward-compatibility issues with larger sizes.
History
MicroSD cards were originally developed by SanDisk. Before they were known as "microSD," they were developed under the names "T-Flash" and "Transflash." The first microSD cards were unveiled in March 2005.
Formats
MicroSD cards come in two formats. The original microSD was released in 2005 and has capacities of up to 2GB. The new microSDHC has theoretical capacities of up to 32GB.
Size
MicroSD cards come in sizes from 64MB to 16GB. Cards larger than 2GB are available only in the SDHD format.
Common Uses
Because of their small size, microSD cards are commonly used as removable storage for cell phones. They can also be found in GPS devices, MP3 players, expandable USB flash memory drives and digital cameras. They are also used on the Nintendo DS.
Issues
Because of a format change, microSD and microSDHC cards look almost identical but are not backward compatible. Thus, microSDHC cards cannot be used in a slot that can read only microSD cards. However, a software upgrade is available that allows users to read microSDHC but not write to the drive.
Adaptors
MicroSD cards can be used on all other compatible SD slots with an appropriate adaptor.
Tags: cards come, cards were, flash memory, MicroSD cards come, microSDHC cards, They also, they were
Alltel has merged with Verizon Wireless, giving you greater coverage, dependable service and three prepaid plans to chose from. All it takes is one call to Verizon Wireless from your Alltell phone; the customer service representative will ask a few simple questions and in about 3 minutes your phone is activated and ready for use.
Instructions
1. Remove the back cover from the phone and locate the battery.
2. Write down the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) from the back of the battery. Replace the battery cover.
3. Charge your phone completely as you will need it to call Verizon Wireless.
4. Dial *22898 from your phone. This begins the activation process by connecting you to an automated service that will prompt you for the phone number and zip code.
5. Provide the customer service representative, who receives your call after the automated system, with the last four digits of your Social Security number. You might also be asked to choose a verbal password.
6. Choose one of the three Verizon Wireless prepaid plans. You can choose to pay by the minute, the day or the month.
7. Finish your conversation with customer service and the phone will reset itself. The whole process should take between 3 to 7 minutes.
Tags: Verizon Wireless, customer service, your phone, call Verizon, call Verizon Wireless, customer service representative
Records playing on a turntable use analog technology to create the sounds people hear. Converting an analog recording to an MP3 audio format requires the record to be turned into a digital file. The most efficient way to do this is to get a turntable with a USB output that can connect to a computer. This allows for audio-recording software on the computer to be used to make an MP3 recording from the record as it plays.
Instructions
1. Download and install the free Audacity software (see Resources), then restart the computer.
2. Attach a USB cable from the USB turntable to the computer, put on a record and begin playing it.
3. Run the Audacity program. Press the "Record" button to start recording the record that is playing
4. Pause the Audacity program when the first side of the record ends. Flip the record and resume the process.
5. Press the "Stop" button on the Audacity program when the second side of the record ends. Save the recorded file in the MP3 audio format to the computer's hard drive.
Tags: Audacity program, Audacity program when, audio format, program when, record ends, side record, side record ends
The stereo has become an integral part of the boating experience, offering a soundtrack that often helps to define the trip and features that take some of the monotony out of otherwise quiet fishing trips. The Sony CDX-M10 Marine CD player and sound system includes several features and specifications designed to make both the boating and the listening experience more enjoyable.
Dimensions
Although several features of the Sony CDX-M10 are designed to be greater than an in-dash car stereo system, the physical dimensions of the stereo are not much different. The dimensions of the Sony CDX-M10 Marine CD player are approximately 7 1/8 in. wide by 2 in. high by 7 1/8 in. deep and the machine itself weighs approximately 2 lbs. 11 oz. This is designed to fit into a mounting hole that is 7 ¼ in. wide by 2 1/8 in. high by 6 ½ in. deep.
Connections
The Sony CDX-M10 system must connect to a 12 V DC boat battery for power, but also includes a connection for an aerial antenna, an optional Marine Remote Commander remote control terminal, a telephone ATT control terminal and audio outputs. Additionally, the CDX-M10 system includes a front-mounted AUX auxiliary input jack that is compatible with 3.5 mm input cables. This size is also the standard headphone jack size and the auxiliary input is also featured in many car stereo systems.
Compatibility
While all CD players play CDs, not all CD players play all types of CDs. The Sony CDX-M10 is capable not only of playing standard audio CDs, but also computer recorded CDs (CDRs) and advanced media CDs such as MP3 CDs and Windows Media Audio CDs. Using CDs of this type makes it possible for the CDX-M10 to play up to 1,000 songs continuously from a single disc. The stereo system is also equipped with an AM/FM receiver that can tune from 87.5 to 108.0 FM.
Features
This marine stereo system is also equipped with several convenience and customization features. The front panel display supports ID3 tag information such as the song title, artist and album. The clock function can display time in either 12-hour or 24-hour time. A computerized and customizable equalizer is accessible from the front panel menu and includes seven preset equalizer settings to provide optimal sound for several music types and, for security purposes, the front panel of the Sony CDX-M10 detaches from the unit.
Tags: Sony CDX-M10, front panel, stereo system, also equipped, also equipped with, auxiliary input
If you sell items online or just want to improve your photography, a photo light box is a powerful tool. A light box makes photos crisper and cleaner. It helps diffuse the light on your subject to avoid harsh shadows or a washed-out appearance. There are commercially available light boxes and tents, but they can be expensive and you may need multiple sizes if you photograph a range of objects. A simple answer is to make your own.
Instructions
1. Choose a box large enough to set your item in with plenty of room around it. On three sides, use your ruler to draw a square, leaving a 1 inch allowance between the edge and your lines. Draw a square on the top of the box in the same way. Use your box cutter to cut the four squares out.
2. Cut a strip of poster board to fit inside the box. It will need to drape from the back top edge to the front bottom edge in a gentle slope. Do not crease it. This will be the background for your photographs. Tape it to the top edge.
3. Take two sheets of tissue paper and cover all the holes you cut out, except the front one. Tape the tissue paper in place and use your scissors to trim off any excess.
4. To use your light box, center an object inside. Use whatever lighting options you have available. This could include clip lights, flash lights, lamps or fluorescent tube lights. Arrange your lighting to diffuse through the tissue paper onto your item. Set your camera up right outside the front hole to take your picture.
Tags: tissue paper, Build Photo, Build Photo Light, your item
When utilizing an XM Satellite Dock & Play Radio in your home you may wish to connect the dock to two home stereos simultaneously. This can be accomplished by using a mix of audio adapters and cables. The only limitation you may encounter is the ability to reach an audio cable to the desired stereo(s) based on the placement of your XM Satellite Radio and docking station.
Instructions
1. Install a 3.5-millimeter stereo mini-plug Y adapter. This adapter will turn the single audio out port on the docking station into two ports. On the back of the Dock & Play Home Kit you will find a small audio-out port that looks similar to a headphone jack, this is where the Y adapter plugs in. Once installed, you will have two audio-out ports available on the back of the docking station.
2. Connect the first stereo to the Y adapter using a mini plug stereo cord, or mini plug to 2 RCA cord, depending on the connection required for the stereo. Connect the end of the audio cable into one of the available audio jacks on the Y adapter you installed in Step 1. Connect the other end of the audio cable into the audio-in ports on your stereo. Refer to the owners manual of the stereo for specifics.
3. Connect the second stereo to the remaining port on the Y adapter using a mini plug stereo cord, or mini plug to 2 RCA cord, depending on the connection required for the stereo. Connect the end of the audio cable into the remaining audio jack on the Y adapter you installed in Step 1. Connect the other end of the audio cable into the audio-in ports on your stereo. Refer to the owners manual of the stereo for specifics.
Tags: audio cable, audio cable into, cable into, mini plug, docking station
This is a good example of a modern twist on a traditional photo.
Wedding photography can be daunting to a beginner. Such a busy day has tons of photos waiting to be shot. Rather than focusing on any one specific posed photo, it's best to focus on categories of photos. These different types of images will offer more variety in a photo album and give the viewer a much richer experience.
The "Important" Moments
All weddings have a collection of photos that appear in every album: the "I do's," the procession, the first dance, etc. An album must have at least a few of these moments to feel complete. To get the best possible photo, however, requires planning. Each moment is normally scheduled to happen at a specific time. When you arrive, see if you can obtain a timetable from the bride, groom or wedding planner. Set up your camera in the appropriate situation beforehand and test a few shots out to see which works best. When the actual event happens, you can focus on the timing instead of the camera's settings.
Details
A basic photographer will only take photos of people. A good photographer also takes pictures of small details that tell the day's story in one shot. For example, a photo of held hands, figures on top of the cake, or wedding rings will create a fuller album. Potential fo photos like this exist at every wedding, but keep an eye out for details that apply only to that particular bride and groom. Also, any pets that may be present at the wedding will immediately identify this specific event.
Candid
In between times of the scheduled photos, you'll be free to wander around the event, shooting guests as they're having fun. Most of the candid pictures you'll take will not turn out very well. However, one of every 10 photos you'll take will actually be good. Look for traditional photo elements, such as framing, unique lighting, and prominent colors. A lot of the work will dependend on the specific situation. Take as many photos as you can to give yourself the options later.
Posed
Finally, the most obvious category is posed shots. Typically, the formal guests will pose at some point all together. Most of these photos are for record-keeping sake, yet you can add some flair if time allows. For example, placing the bridesmaids along a spiral staircase or having the groomsmen hoist the groom above their shoulders, can be special twist to a traditional photo.
Tags: traditional photo, bride groom, details that, take will, twist traditional, twist traditional photo
There are so many different camera terms that it can be difficult for a layman to know what he needs. Terms like "megapixels," "optical zoom" and "digital zoom" are included in descriptions and specs, but you simply want the best pictures that you can get. Here's a look at what optical zoom is and how it can help your photography.
Identification
Optical zoom is the ability of a camera lens to move in and out to magnify the subject of your photo. The camera uses a built-in motor to zoom in and out.
Significance
Optical zoom lenses allow you to focus in on what you're taking a picture of without ever having to move. If the subject of your photo is too small, or not quite detailed enough, simply hit the zoom button and focus in to create a larger photo of it.
Use
Cameras usually have a button in the upper right corner labeled with a "W" and "T" on either side. The W stands for wide angle, which will zoom out, and the T stands for telephoto, which will zoom in and magnify your subject.
Number
Optical zoom is depicted as a number such as 3x or 4x. This number is a calculation of the largest focal length of the lens to the smallest focal length (3 to 1 or 4 to 1).
Optical vs Digital
Digital zoom expands the photo digitally and adds pixels that don't exist to increase the photo size. Essentially, the camera takes an educated guess as to how the picture would look if zoomed in closer. Optical zoom is superior to digital zoom because it provides accurate pictures without filling in pixels. Digital zoomed photos often appear blurry or pixelated.
Tags: Optical zoom, digital zoom, focal length, optical zoom, subject your, subject your photo, which will
Create an X-ray effect with a photo editing program.
Most photo editing programs offer a wide variety of options for image creation. If you wish to make your photo look like an x-ray, you can use inversion and layers to create the appropriate effect. Even the simplest photo editing program can create this effect, as long as it offers layers. For the most part, photo editing programs are not used in conjunction with actual X-rays as editing X-rays can lead to misdiagnosis or other medical errors.
Instructions
1. Double-click on the icon of your photo editing software. If you do not have a photo editing software, download one from the Internet (see Resources).
2. Click on the "File" menu and select "Open." Browse through your photographs until you find the image you want to turn into an X-ray. Click on this file and press "OK."
3. Create a duplicate layer. Right-click on the layer, in the layers box, and scroll to "create duplicate." Alternatively, copy and paste the layer into a new layer. Press "control" and "A" on the keyboard then "control" and "C" to copy the layer. Press the "New Layer" button and click on the new layer. Press "control" and "C" to paste the layer.
4. Invert the new layer. Press the "Effects" menu and scroll to "Invert."
5. Add a layer mask to the inverted layer. Click on the Layers box then click "Add Layer Mask" then "OK." Enter "RGB" for the "Channel" and check the "Invert" box. Click "OK."
6. Add a Hue and Saturation layer. Click on the "Add Layer" button and click "Layer Style" then select "Hue/Saturation." Set the saturation to the minimum.
Guitar Hero Explorer, or GHEX, is the song editor and recorder for the Guitar Hero video game. GHEX allows you to upload custom songs into the Guitar Hero game. However, GHEX requires specific song file format called a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). While MP3s can't usually be converted to MIDIs, there is a way around this issue. While it may sound difficult, converting MP3 files to be compatible with GHEX is easier than it sounds once you know what to do.
Instructions
1. Select the MP3 song file that you want to upload into GHEX.
2. Open your audio recorder software. If you don't have one, multiple freeware and paid software are available for download online. Examples include Ambrosia's WIretap software (for Macs) and the open source Audacity from Sourceforge (for Macs and PCs).
3. Play the MP3 file while simultaneously recording it using your audio recorder software.
4. Save the recorded audio as a .MIDI file. A MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a type of computer music file that includes both computer data and audio data. An MP3 file, on the other hand, is simply audio data.
5. Open GHEX. Click "File" and "Open File" in the GHEX menu bar. Import the .MIDI song file into GHEX and save. The song file can now be edited in GHEX and saved to the Guitar Hero video game.
Tags: Guitar Hero, song file, your audio recorder, audio data, audio recorder, audio recorder software, Digital Interface
A macro lens can allow you to take pictures of items close to the lens in focus.
The macro mode on a digital camera allows the camera to focus on objects such as coins, bugs or flowers that are exceptionally close to the camera lens. Most consumer point-and-shoot cameras have a macro mode built in. Professional cameras, however, also have the option of a special macro lens.
Instructions
1. Remove the current lens on your camera and replace it with your macro lens.
2. Activate the macro mode on your camera. On most cameras, the macro mode is activated by pressing a button on the back of the camera with a picture of a flower beside it.
3. Turn the switch on the side of the lens to "AF" to take a picture using the macro mode and your camera's auto focus. Frame your shot and press the shutter button on your camera down halfway to focus on your subject. Press the shutter down the remainder of the way to take a picture.
4. Turn the switch on the side of the camera lens to "MF" to manually focus on your subject. Turn the outer ring on the macro lens to focus on your subject and then press the shutter button down to take a picture.
Tags: macro mode, macro lens, your camera, focus your, focus your subject, take picture
Many film and digital cameras have a setting known as fill flash. Fill flash is used to fill in shadows and provide a better exposure in photography. If the camera doesn't have this setting, the same results can be achieved if the camera allows manual selection of the flash functions. This feature is found on both film and digital cameras.
Benefits
The main reason photographers use the fill flash setting or technique in photography is to fill in shadows. Using fill flash can brighten faces shielded by baseball caps and deep set eyes or hidden by a protruding brow. Using fill flash helps evenly expose faces in mixed lighting, such as subjects standing under a tree, with a mixture of shade and daylight on their faces.
Effects
Using fill flash makes photos more evenly exposed, brighter and more pleasing overall. The extra light eliminates underexposed, or dark, photos. Fill flash also reduces the chances of silhouetted figures in front of a bright background, such a people under a picnic shelter on a sunny day or a subject standing with his back to a window indoors.
Warning
There is a risk of overexposing the highlight, or bright, areas of the photo when adding extra light to the photo. Areas where sunlight falls on the subject, or in the background may become too bright and lose detail. Also, subjects are more likely to blink when using a flash. Taking a few pictures to ensure you get a good one is essential.
Identification
Fill flash can be a function and a technique. If the camera has fill flash as a function, it will be in the flash menu. Often flash functions are noted with a lightning bolt symbol. Scroll through the flash menu to see what options are available. One may be labeled fill flash. If the camera doesn't offer fill flash as a feature, you can manually make your camera flash. Instead of leaving your camera on auto flash, change the setting to the lighting bolt, and watch it flash for each picture.
Misconceptions
Fill flash can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Flash functions are not only for dark indoor areas. Fill flash is very useful outside under pavilions, under trees or in the shade. Outdoor pictures will be brighter and more evenly exposed when flash is used.
Tags: fill flash, Fill flash, flash used, Using fill, Using fill flash, brighter more
TrimTrac is a mobile GPS unit designed to track vehicles and other mobile objects. The small device, installed in an inconspicuous spot on a vehicle, transmits its current location coordinates with GMS networks worldwide. You can buy it from application service providers (ASP). The ASP will also provide you with the software required to help the unit function. To get this data from the network, you must have an account with an ASP or a wireless service. The provider determines how the data is configured and how you can view it.
Instructions
1. Purchase a plan with an ASP or wireless company. The TrimTrac GPS unit will not work without a wireless plan.
2. Obtain an activated SIM card. The wireless carrier will provide an activated SIM card. This SIM card is similar to the cards used with mobile phones. Open the TrimTrac and insert the activated SIM card.
3. Insert four AA batteries into the TrimTrac.
4. Insert the TrimTrac setup disc provided by the application service provider or wireless carrier into the optical drive on the computer. Follow the prompts to activate the TrimTrac using the software. Once activated, the ASP or wireless carrier will be able to provide coordinates for the TrimTrac, viewable in your web browser or by SMS text message, depending upon your service.
Viewing negatives without a light box can be difficult and cause eye strain. By making a good-sized light box, you can compare multiple negatives strips and get a good sense of negative densities. Your light box can be easily made from readily available components. In addition to viewing negatives, your light box will also work well for viewing slides or any other film-based image.
Instructions
1. Paint the inside of the box white. This will help reflect light upward.
2. Drill a hole in the side or back of the box. This is for the power cord for the light box's light fixture.
3. Thread an electrical power cord through the hole in the box and attach it to a 20 watt strip fixture. Many 20 watt fixtures are around 2 feet long and will fit easily in a 3-foot-wide wood box.
4. Screw the fixture to the center of the wood box.
5. Put a small screw on the inside of the box corners about halfway up the box. This will support a light diffuser to help create a more even light.
6. Slip a piece of frosted or translucent Plexiglas down onto the screw supports to act as a diffuser. Measure the interior dimensions of the box and cut the Plexiglas to fit.
7. Place four more screws near the top of the box for the top viewing surface and slip a second piece of translucent or frosted Plexiglas on top.
8. Take the viewing surface and the diffuser out and install the fluorescent tube and igniter. Plug in the box to make sure the light works and reassemble the light box.
Using an antenna is one way millions of Americans receive television broadcasts, local news and other important information. Interference can come in many forms and can hamper your enjoyment of your television. There are a few simple and quick steps you can follow to remove outside interference with your TV antenna.
Instructions
Snow, snow go away
1. Check for trees. Trees continually grow (except in winter) and their branches can either touch your antenna or interfere with your signal in other ways. Trim these back with pruning shears, hedge clippers or other appropriate cutting tools.
2. Check for telephone wires. Telephone, cable or electric wires all generate an electromagnetic field that can interfere with your TV antenna. Consider moving your antenna to a place where it will be away from these wires to improve reception.
3. Look for birds. Birds nesting or even perching on antennas can interfere with TV signals. Though they can be "shooed" away for temporary relief, if it is a persistent problem, you may consider moving your antenna or purchasing a device to drive birds away (there are several types available at hardware stores and garden nurseries).
4. Know what the weather is like. If you live in a particularly windy area, or a place that gets lots of rain or snow, you may want to be sure your antenna is securely fastened to a very solid object (such as a brick chimney) to prevent the antenna from being shaken or moved about by the weather.
Tags: your antenna, interfere with, with your, interfere with your, moving your, moving your antenna, with your antenna
Make your digital camera ready to snap pictures at a moment's notice by recharging batteries frequently. The Canon SD790 IS PowerShot camera uses one rechargeable NB-5L lithium-ion battery. Whether you use a Canon charger or an off-label brand, make sure the unit can handle the power rating of an NB-5L battery.
Compatible Chargers
When purchased new from an authorized Canon retailer, the Canon SD790 IS camera comes with a Canon CB-2LX battery charger. If you've lost the battery charger or one wasn't supplied at the time of purchase, buy a battery charger compatible with the NB-5L battery. Using a charger designed for other battery packs can supply the wrong amount of power to the rechargeable battery, causing the battery or charger to malfunction.
Power Specifications
The NB-5L battery has a power storage capacity of 1120 milliampere hours. Using a battery charger designed for a lower capacity battery won't provide a sufficient charge for the NB-5L battery. Using a battery charger with a higher rating can cause the battery to become unstable and burst.
Charging Batteries
To charge the NB-5L battery, remove it from the Canon camera and slide the battery into the recessed area on the front of the cordless charger. The metal contact points on the battery and charger should touch. Plug the cordless unit into an electrical outlet and wait for the charge indicator lamp just above the battery to turn green. A fully exhausted battery can recharge to full capacity in approximately 125 minutes.
Travel Accessory
An adaptor plug designed to fit the Canon CB-2LX battery charger makes traveling to European countries with the Canon SD790 IS camera a possibility. The Impact Adapter Plug USA to Europe converts the charger into the two-prong European-style plug. Use this travel accessory combined with a voltage convertor to use the Canon CB-2LX battery charger in outlets supplying up to 250 volts.
If you just got a new DVD recorder and are looking to hook it up to your satellite TV system, chances are you are looking to record satellite TV shows directly to DVD. To accomplish this, you need to connect the device so it receives the satellite TV signal and then passes it along to the TV set. If the recorder has a tuner, you also need to make sure it's carrying the right channel. Without this, you will have little more than a fancy, more expensive DVD player.
Instructions
1. Observe the connections in back of the satellite receiver box and the DVD recorder. You need to find an output port on the satellite receiver and an input port on the recorder that will match up. They may possibly have RF coaxial cables, but RCA or composite cables are most likely.
2. Check for matching ports with the recorder and the TV set. Here, you need to link up the TV with the DVD recorder's output. The RCA connection is even more likely here.
3. Connect the satellite box's output to the DVD recorder's input and the DVD's output to the TV using the appropriate cables. RF coaxial cables are the thick, black cables with the twist-screw ends. RCA cables have the three-pronged plugs colored yellow, white and red. Composite cables have three prongs colored green, blue and red.
4. Plug in the DVD recorder's power cord. If you aren't already using one, you may need a multi-socket surge protector to accommodate all the electrical plugs you are using.
5. Tune the DVD recorder to the TV channel the satellite signal is on, if the recorder has a tuner. This will likely be either Channel 3 or an auxiliary video channel the TV set has.
6. Turn on the TV and satellite receiver and make sure your satellite broadcast comes through. Check it again with the DVD recorder's power on. Insert a DVD into the recorder and play it to make sure the DVD comes on properly.
Tags: make sure, satellite receiver, with recorder, cables have, coaxial cables
Understanding the Nokia mobile phone GPRS connection is a simple process that anyone can follow. GPRS is the network signal that US mobile phone providers use for network operation. Nokia is a worldwide manufacturer of phones, PDAs and handhelds. A GPRS connection allows you to sends texts to friends, call your family, and dial in to your cell phone company's network.
Instructions
Nokia Reset to Turn On GPRS
1. Remove the back cover of your Nokia phone, and then pull the battery out of your phone while it is turned on.
Note: If you experience network glitches, coverage issues, or crackling during a call, it is necessary to reset your phone to reconnect with the cell towers in your local area (which connect to GPRS).
2. Wait a good amount of time for a refresh (approximately 30 seconds), and then put the battery and back cover back on the device.
3. Hold down the red end or power button on the phone to turn it back on.
4. Very that a GPRS icon or text appears in the top indicator bar to make sure you have reconnected to the network and activated GPRS.
Change Network Bands to Activate GPRS setup).
7. Click on "band" or "phone frequency" to open the menu with the band option.
8. Select the GPRS frequency option, for example, 850/1900, 900/1800 or "automatic" to have the phone choose the strongest band signal for you.
9. Press and hold down the power button to turn off the phone, and then turn it back on to re-establish the connection to the new band if you have connection issues.
Choose a Manual Network Connection to Turn On GPRS
10. Access the main menu on the phone to get to the settings menu.
11. Click the selection for "phone," and then usually there is a follow-up option to select "Operator selection" (based on your model of phone).
12. Select "Manual" to pick a new network to connect to (for international or roaming connections).
Note: Select "Automatic" if you are having connection problems; this will automatically connect to the GPRS connection of your cell phone provider.
13. Verify that your Nokia phone establishes a connection with a network and that the phone works as expected.
Tags: GPRS connection, phone then, back cover, cell phone, connect GPRS, down power, down power button
When using a Nikon digital camera, you store all images onto an inserted flash memory card. Occasionally, an error appears on the LCD display screen, stating the camera "Can't Read Memory Card." When this occurs, it means the card is either write-protected or formatted incorrectly. Both issues can be corrected, although you need an SD card reader installed on a computer to fix the format issue.
Instructions
1. Eject the memory card from the Nikon digital camera.
2. Examine the card. There is a small write-protection switch on the side of the flash memory card, directly opposite the angled corner. If the switch is in the down position, the write-protection is activated. Push the switch up to remove the write-protection.
3. Connect an SD card reader to your computer, if one isn't installed. External card readers connect to a computer through the USB cable running out of the rear of the reader.
4. Insert the SD card into the SD card reader, then close any auto-play windows that appear on the screen.
5. Click "Start," then "Computer," then right-click the removable device icon. Choose "Format" from the pull-down menu to load the format application wizard. Click "OK." Once the formatting is complete, eject the flash card from the card reader and reinsert it in the Nikon.
Making a cardboard box train from shoe boxes is a simple craft that kids can do with a parent on a rainy day. Shoes boxes are just the right size for transporting stuffed animals and dolls on this homemade train. The rest of the building materials are easily found around the house.
Instructions
1. Punch two holes, side-by-side, in four of the box's narrow sides in the center.
2. Twist the paperclips so that they are 'S' shaped.
3. Hook one side of the paperclip into the two holes on one box and the other end into the holes of another box. Repeat this step until three of the boxes are linked with paperclips. These will be the cars of the train.
4. Cut the box without holes in half.
5. Put the box, cut side down, into the forth box with holes. The two open ends should be facing each other. Glue the boxes together. This will be the engine of the train.
6. Cut the paper plate in half and glue it to the front of the engine for a cow catcher. The flat edge of the plate should be parallel with the bottom of the bottom box.
7. Cut 1/2-inch lines around the bottom of the paper tube. Splay the cut parts of the tube out so that they lay flat. Glue the tube to the top of the engine by putting glue on the splayed parts of the tube and pressing it to the top of the engine.
8. Link the engine with the cars with the last paperclip and decorate the train.
When it comes to home theater, there are several types of cable that can be used to connect your components with your receiver. Two of the traditional options are optical cable and digital coax, while a more recent standard is HDMI. Optical jacks are included on many types of equipment and are a good method of connection.
Identification
Optical digital cable is a fiber cable that uses light pulses to transmit a digital audio signal. Unlike other audio cables including RCA and digital coax, which use the more traditional method of electrical signals sent via conductive wire, optical cable uses on/off pulses of light. Many times optical cable will be denoted as TOSLINK, which stands for Toshiba Link, indicating its introduction by Toshiba. The more generic label for the standard optical interface is EIAJ.
Significance
Digital cable is necessary to carry digital audio signals that are used for surround sound formats. Optical is one of the options and is generally considered slightly superior to the other main option of digital coax.
Connection
When connecting two components via optical cable, ascertain that each component has an optical jack. To connect simply, pull out the plastic tab from each jack and plug the cable into the jack. You will notice a beam of red light emitting when the tab is pulled out. This red LED light will transmit the audio signal.
Construction
Fiber optic cables are composed of a core and an outer layer called a cladding. The refractive index of the core is higher than the index of the cladding and, when light is introduced, the light will be reflected at an angle off the top and bottom of the core and will travel down the wire, carrying the information that is contained within the signal.
Other Uses
In addition to home theater and audio, digital optical cables are used for other applications including car audio and navigation, and factory and office automation.
Pros and Cons
Optical cable is not subject to electrical and radio interference the way copper wire is. However, optical cable can be hampered by significant bends in the cable, around corners for instance, given its reliance upon light.
Tags: optical cable, digital coax, audio signal, cable that, digital audio
iPods can easily be wiped back to factory settings.
iPods can be restored, or "wiped," for several reasons. Maybe you want to get rid of all your music, games or photo files to put the device back to factory settings, or perhaps you wish to hook it up to another computer to download all the music files on that iTunes. Whatever the reason, wiping an iPod will erase everything on its memory, restoring it to empty. The process is simple and quick, and only requires iTunes software, the iPod cord and an Internet connection.
Instructions
1. Open iTunes on your computer. Plug in the USB port to the computer, then into your iPod.
2. Click on your iPod when it appears on the iTunes icon page. At the bottom of the iPod information, click on the button that says "Restore." Then click the version of iPod software you want to overwrite on the iPod.
3. Log in as an administrator if necessary (only on Mac computers). After you log in, you can see the ongoing process of the iPod "wiping" on iTunes. Keep the iPod plugged in until a set-up assistant notice pops up that tells you your iPod has been erased.
4. Click OK for the notice, then proceed with the process of renaming the iPod (if desired) and answering any other prompts.
5. Start loading other songs, photo files or other information to reload your iPod, or else provide the device to another user if that was the purpose of wiping the iPod.
Tags: your iPod, back factory, back factory settings, factory settings, photo files, wiping iPod
Wireless technology and radio frequencies have evolved since they were initially made mainstream in the late 1980's. The latest incarnation of wireless systems -- as of publication in September 2011 -- is 4G, which uses different modulation frequencies to manage the transmission data between wireless devices and the networks on which they operate. One of the key benefits of 4G wireless systems is its ability to transmit data at broadband speeds over-the-air, enabling devices on 4G networks to support features such as video calling, internet browsing, streaming radio, and other broadband services.
Technical Parameters
The 4G modulation frequencies are a range of wireless frequencies used in parallel to transfer data and facilitate voice calls. 4G's modulation frequency band ranges from 2 to 8 GHz and is capable of transferring data at a maximum rate of 20Mbps. It uses information packets to manage calls and data transfer requests, unlike 3G which uses a combination of packets and circuit-based switches.
Key Benefits
Relative to old generations of wireless technology, 4G offers a few key improvements. Its primary purpose is to enable mobile devices to smoothly handle streaming video, audio, and internet data at speeds comparable to land-based internet connections. It aims to provide higher speeds at a lower cost and is capable of working worldwide. It also allows wireless carriers to setup ad-hoc wireless networks to help ease strain on the wireless infrastructure in areas that seem temporary increases in wireless data consumption.
Disadvantages
As is the case with most technologies, 4G is not ideal, but is still a vast improvement over previous wireless platforms. Due to the high frequency of reuse, small data cells are being used in 4G, which can lead to interference and noise during device use. It also has no improvements in security over the 3G platform, so 4G's modulation frequencies remain just as vulnerable to the same points of weakness. Like 3G, it also has issues transferring calls to new cellular towers as the device user travels, causing calls to drop.
Modulation Across Multiple Carriers
Arguably the largest benefit of 4G is its ability to handle multicarrier modulation, which uses equal bandwidth across each sub-channel, or frequency, available in 4G. Each GHz channel between 2 and 8 in the 4G frequency spectrum is capable of hosting sub channels. This helps avoid interference from devices that use just one of the frequencies, and also allows bandwidth to be evenly spread across the channels provided by the wireless network.
Tags: which uses, also allows, devices networks, modulation frequencies, wireless systems
There are many different types of light bulbs available, so many that it can be confusing to choose the right light bulb for the job. However, the kind of bulb that is used can make a noticeable difference both in the quality of light produced and the monthly electric bill.
Types: Incandescent
Incandescent bulbs are by far the most common type of light bulb, and are found in almost every home. Incandescent bulbs use a tungsten filament to produce a steady warm light that is suitable for many household applications.
Types: Halogen Bulbs
The halogen bulb is an evolution of the original incandescent bulb technology, and like an incandescent, uses a tungsten filament. However, halogen bulbs contain a gas (halogen) that causes them to burn much brighter than an incandescent. Halogen bulbs are frequently used in automobiles due to their compact size and high light output.
Function: General Purpose Lighting
In an area that needs general purpose lighting, such as basement or storage locker, fluorescent lights are often used. Fluorescent light bulbs use little power (80 percent less than incandescents), have a 20,000 hour lifespan, and provide a cool white light. Their low power consumption and long life make fluorescent bulbs popular for industrial use.
Misconceptions
When it comes to light bulbs, the compact fluorescent (CFs) is easy to ignore because it's higher price leads many homeowners to purchase incandescent bulbs. However, CFs lasts approximately 12,000 hours (roughly 8 years) and use 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb.
Considerations
Purchasing light bulbs without examining all of the options such as compact fluorescents instead of incandescents can lead to a considerable amount of wasted money due to higher electric bills.
Warning
When installing halogen bulbs in the home or automobile, be careful not to touch them. Halogen bulbs get very hot and are extremely sensitive to skin oils, even a little oil on the glass can make them burst or burn out prematurely. Always wear gloves when handling halogen bulbs.
A cathode ray tube (CRT) TV is a set that uses a vacuum tube and photon emissions to send its picture image. All older model analog TV sets are CRT TVs, as this is the TV technology used for several years to make television sets.
Function
The CRT has an electron gun at its rear that shoots a constant stream of electrons. The stream illuminates phosphors on the glass screen from the back, creating the picture.
Competition
CRT TVs are being rapidly surpassed by flat-panel models like LCD (liquid crystal display) sets, which shine the picture image through a chip instead of a tube.
Current Use
Some rear projection TVs use a CRT model. Unlike the older TVs, these sets employ three CRTs instead of one, using one tube for each primary color: red, green and blue.
Benefits
CRT TVs, especially their HD versions, often produce a clearer picture than their LCD counterparts, especially in producing contrast and black level.
Disadvantages
One disadvantage of CRT TVs is their size, as the tube is bulky. These sets also carry the risk of screen "burn-in" if one image is shown on one spot on the screen for too long.
The iTunes music player available on your computer is a great option to use to listen to songs. It's easy to navigate, keeps your songs well-organized and provides easy access to purchasing songs and importing CDs to your hard drive. This guide shows you use iTunes to listen to MP3.
Instructions
1. Go to Apple's Web site (see below) and download iTunes. There is a link for a free download of iTunes on the "iPod and iTunes" page of the Web site. Select the appropriate Operating System (Windows or Mac).
2. Select the folder you wish to keep your music in or create a new one. This will make locating your music easier.
3. Download songs from the Internet (iTunes songs can be purchased through the Apple iStore) or rip them from CDs you currently own and save them in the folder you chose in step 2.
4. Drag those songs into the iTunes utility you downloaded in step 1. iTunes is like a jukebox on your computer. When you have downloaded the songs into iTunes, you will see them listed in alphabetical order by song title. You can change the sorting method by clicking on the criteria (name, time, artist, etc.).
5. Click on the MP3 file (the song), and drag it into the "Library" folder in iTunes. This folder will serve as the general place to store all the MP3s on your computer. From there, you can create new playlists to select specific songs, click on the "Shuffle" option to have iTunes randomly select songs to be played through your computer, or play every song in order from the library.
6. Select the "Play" button on iTunes to listen. You can adjust the volume on iTunes or on your computer.
Tags: your computer, download iTunes, into iTunes, songs into, songs into iTunes, your music
LCD stands for "liquid crystal display," which is how LCD TVs deliver their sharp, clear image. They differ from plasma screen TVs, which provide equally sharp images but use completely different methods to do so. The pros and cons of the two television types continue to be debated, but LCD TV offers a number of notable advantages over both plasma TVs and older tube-based TVs.
Thinness
The liquid crystal in LCD TV screens makes them very thin. That allows LCDs to be placed in locations where older TVs could never fit... or even hung on the wall like a picture.
HDTV
Like plasma screen TVs, LCD TVs are capable of very sharp and clear reception. That means that high definition programming can be viewed as it was intended on LCD TVs.
Energy Consumption
LCD TVs are lit by a single lamp, unlike plasma TVs which light every pixel on their screen. As a result, LCD TVs use much less energy than plasma screens.
Weight
Because LCDs don't have as many components in their screens, they weight much less than plasma screen TVs.
Altitude
Plasma screen TVs run into problems in higher altitudes, which affect the gases used in their construction. LCD TVs have no such concerns, and thus work much better in higher elevations.
Tags: liquid crystal, much less, plasma screen, sharp clear, than plasma
VHS tapes have gone the way of the dodo, but that doesn't mean you need to give up your old tapes. It's possible to transfer the content onto a recordable DVD, letting you watch VHS movies and shows in a new and more durable format. This is especially advantageous for home movies recorded on a VHS camera, since they're not available for purchase as a straight DVD.
Combo Players and Burners
The easiest and most efficient way to record a VHS to DVD is to use a combo player, which carries equipment for both formats in a single unit. To do so, the combo player needs a record feature on its DVD option, allowing you to burn or record DVD-R discs. If it does, follow the instructions in the manual for transferring tapes to DVDs. With most units, that entails placing the VHS tape in the unit (and setting the TV to view the VHS option), then hitting the "record" button on the DVD side just before playing the tape. Let the tape run from start to finish without stopping; if you pause or fast forward, it will show up on the DVD. When the tape is done, hit "stop" and check the DVD to make sure the transfer took place successfully.
In addition, some companies sell VHS-to-DVD burners, which are designed solely to conduct the transfer. They can be connected very simply to your VCR and can convert tapes much more quickly than a combo unit. This is an ideal option if you have a large number of video tapes and don't wish to tie up your TV with long hours of transfers.
Analog-to-digital Converters
The biggest difficulty in switching over VHS tapes to DVDs is that they were recorded differently. VHS players use analog format, which creates a signal analogous to the source. DVDs, on the other hand, carry their information digitally as a series of ones and zeroes. To transfer them successfully, you need an analog-to-digital converter to act as a go-between. Some converters are simple units placed in between the cables connecting the VCR to the DVD player. In other cases, you can use a digital video camera to facilitate the transfer: hook the VCR up to the camera with a set of RCA cables and transfer the recording into the camera, then connect the camera to your computer or DVD burner to download the information onto a DVD. (Specifics vary by model, so check your camera's instruction booklet.)
When you pull out your JVC camcorder, oftentimes it is to record a major life event that you want to keep forever. Keeping the original tapes, however, takes up a lot of storage space. Videotapes also degrade over time and wear out after multiple viewings. If you have footage on a JVC camcorder that you want to keep in a more secure format, you can transfer the video to a computer and save it as a digital video file.
Instructions
1. Load the video into the JVC camcorder. Plug the camcorder into the computer using an i-link cord, also called a firewire. This cord does not come standard with a JVC camcorder, but can be purchased at electronics stores. Once connected, turn the camera on in "VCR" mode.
2. Launch any standard video-editing program that you have installed on your computer. Video-editing programs, such as iMovie and Windows Movie Maker, have the ability to capture video from a JVC camcorder.
3. Open the capture feature in the video-editing program. In iMovie, the capture feature is displayed by flipping the blue switch at the bottom left of the screen to the left toward the "DV" icon. In Movie Maker, go to the "File" menu and click "Import From Digital Video Camera."
4. Begin a new project in iMovie by going to the "File" menu and choosing "New Project." Enter a project name when prompted. In Windows Movie Maker, enter a name for the captured video when prompted in the "Import" window.
5. Click "Import" in iMovie or "Start Capture" in Movie Maker to begin capturing and press play on the JVC camcorder to begin playing the video. Stop the capture by clicking the "Import" button again in iMovie or the "Stop Capture" button in Movie Maker. Press "Finish" in Movie Maker to complete the import process. The captured JVC camcorder video is saved to the computer's hard drive with the video or project name that you selected.
Tags: Movie Maker, capture feature, File menu, project name, that want, that want keep
Geocoding is translating a street address to a latitude and longitude pair.
In order to translate a street address to a latitude and longitude pair -- geocoding -- you need a good map.
In recent years, both public and private organizations have digitized maps, including the U.S. Census Bureau and Google. More than just a picture on your computer screen, there is an enormous amount of data behind these maps.
You can take advantage of the data compiled by these organizations to geocode your customer address book. With those latitude and longitude pairs, you can create territories for your sales force or analyze trends by geographic region, regardless of political boundaries.
Instructions
1. Read the documentation provided by Google for its Google Map Javascript API V3. It includes sample code and important information.
2. Write your application to begin by accessing the first address you want to geocode. Depending on whether you are collecting "live" addresses or translating an existing database of them, Google's applications allow you to dynamically access a user's address, or you can develop your own method for feeding this data to the geocoding engine.
3. Translate the address to a latitude and longitude pair. This is where you need that rich source of data describing streets, towns, cities and countries compiled and updated by Google.
4. Store the latitude and longitude pair, and repeat the first two steps until you have all the pairs you need.
5. Use the data. What you will use it for is up to you. For example, you can compare the number of automobile accidents per square mile in the Midwest to the Northeast of any country and set insurance rates from that data, using it accurately charge customers based on their exact home address.
Tags: latitude longitude, latitude longitude pair, longitude pair, address latitude, address latitude longitude, street address
Take advantage of the use of a light box when shooting jewelry.
Taking photos of jewelry items can be challenging because of their small size and often reflective property, which affects the overall quality of the photos. Being significantly smaller than people and landscapes, shooting jewelry requires better lighting sources to fit their small size and make them properly exposed on camera. Lighting them also becomes another challenge because most of them reflect the camera and lights on their shiny surfaces. Using a light box when shooting is one of the most accessible solutions to avoid these concerns.
Instructions
1. Cut five equal squares from the white cardboard and tape them together into a cube with one open side. Or, if working with a premade box, remove any lid or cut away any top flaps. Tip the cube or box on one side, leaving the open side facing you similar to a diorama or dollhouse; through the open side is where you will place your jewelry and take the photos.
2. Cut a large hole measuring 5 by 5 inches on the top surface of your box. The hole may be larger if you prefer to make or use a box more than 2 by 2 feet in size.
3. Cover the top hole with at least two layers of tissue paper. Stretch out the pieces to make them flat and layered on top of each other. These serve as diffusers of the light that passes through the top of the box. Softer lights help minimize deep shadows on the jewelry being shot.
Although you can secure the layers of tissue paper on top of the hole, you can make them temporary attachments for your box. This way, you can actually replace them with red or blue gels that can serve as colored filters for your other photos. In some cases, you may also want to leave the hole uncovered or have it covered it with thicker layers of tissue paper or other possible covers that can completely stop the light from passing through it.
4. Place your lighting equipment in specific areas where they make your jewelry look good. These can include professional lighting equipment or practical options like ordinary light bulbs, LED lights, or even study lamps.
There may be varying possibilities when it comes to lighting a particular photography subject, but as a basic guide, use one main source of light called the key light and a supporting light called the fill light. This requires placing the key light in front of the box, but either on its left or right side. You can place it on the upper or lower part of the box or just focused on the middle. The fill light is usually a softer or more diffused light typically placed opposite the direction of the key light. You can also position your fill light or add another fill light on top of the box to help further illuminate your jewelry subject.
5. Place the jewelry you want to shoot inside the light box. Adjust it and/or the lighting set up to favor your preferred look for your subject, then begin the photo shoot.
Tags: fill light, layers tissue, layers tissue paper, make them, open side, tissue paper, your jewelry
Boost Mobile is a prepay, no-contract wireless phone service that provides similar features to the Nextel network and is owned by the Sprint Nextel corporation. Under the Boost Mobile pay-as-you-go plan, wireless phone calls are charged at 99 cents per minute, while the walkie-talkie feature will charge your account $1 per day and provides unlimited usage (as of January 2011). If you're a frequent user of the walkie-talkie feature and would like to keep track of how much your account has been charged from using the service, you can do so by following a few steps.
Instructions
1. Turn on your phone and enter the call screen.
2. Dial #BAL (#225) then press the "call" button. Wait a few moments for a text message to arrive.
3. Compare the balance shown in the text message to your previous balance. If you've used the walkie-talkie feature, you will have been charged $1 for each day you used it. This should be reflected in the balance shown.
Tags: walkie-talkie feature, balance shown, been charged, Boost Mobile, feature will
The K40 Plus CB antenna is designed for installation on virtually any flat surface on a motor vehicle. The K40 has a capacitor for receiver CB signals across all 40 channels. There is an internal isolation chamber within its design to reduce static damping and a tip with a radius to dissipate static. Installing the K40 Plus CB antenna is a fairly straightforward process.
Instructions
1. Locate a flat surface on the automobile where you desire to place the K40 Plus antenna. This location can be basically any outside surface on the vehicle that is flat.
2. Place the K40 Plus magnetic antenna base on the chosen surface and press to make sure it is secure on the spot.
3. Place the K40 Plus main body assembly on the base, aligning the bottom of the main body with the four metal fasteners on the top of the base.
4. Twist the main body clockwise for a quarter turn to lock the main body into place on the base. You will feel a slight sap when the main body has locked into place properly onto the base.
Tags: main body, flat surface, into place, Place Plus, Plus antenna
Digital images consist of pixels that are the smallest piece of data. A higher number of pixels typically indicate better image resolution and a higher image quality. In the metric system, the prefix "mega" indicates the quantity of one million. Since an image may contain millions of pixels, this prefix allows you to express a large number using the term "megapixels." The number of megapixels often refers to the resolution of digital cameras.
Instructions
1. Right-click on any image saved on your computer, and then click "Properties." Click the tab "Details" in the properties window.
2. Read the image dimensions in pixels. For example, the height is 1,800 pixels and the width is 1,000 pixels.
3. Multiply the height by the width to calculate the total number of pixels that make up the image. For example, 1,000 times 1,800 equals 1,800,000 pixels.
4. Divide the pixels by 1,000,000 to calculate the megapixels. In this example, 1,800,000 divided by 1,000,000 equals 1.8 megapixels.
The Black Diamond Super 8 is a figure-8 belay device made of anodized steel. It looks like an 8 with holes in the big and small ends. The device can be used for rappelling and belaying, although it is best used in different configurations for the two. The popularity of the Super 8 has decreased since the introduction of the ATC belay device because rappelling on a Super 8 increases kinks in the rope. Belaying with a figure-8 device can be difficult, as there is not enough friction to hold a severe fall.
Instructions
Getting Started
1. Hold the Super 8 device with the smaller portion of the 8 facing toward you.
2. Take a loop of rope and slide it through the big end of the 8, rapping the loop around the small end of the 8. The loop should be close to the climber for belaying or close to the anchor for rappelling.
3. Clip the small end of the 8 to the belay loop of the harness with a carabiner and lock the carabiner so it cannot come off the harness.
4. Brake by pulling the rope with your brake hand close to your body from either end of the 8.
5. Carefully feed rope through the device when belay a climber so no twists develop in the rope. Properly stacking the rope to one side is helpful in ensuring this.
Even do-it-yourself filmmakers can get out and shoot impressive stunts.
Slams, punches and falls make action movies more exciting by staging realistic pretend violence. Big-budget movies pay out large sums of money for slam-bang stunts to wow audiences. But there are two ways to solve problems in the world of movies. The popular answer in Hollywood is money, but oftentimes a dazzling effect can be achieved by creative problem-solving. Even a low-budget movie can feature convincing stunts with appropriate planning, adequate safety precautions and wise editing choices.
Instructions
1. Storyboard your stunt in detail. Draw the action scene how you envision it appearing on screen with a separate frame for each key moment. Note the logistics of executing the stunt with the ideal balance of safety and realism. Diagram the safety precautions you will need to take.
2. Set up safety precautions on your set. Lay down mats where you plan to include a fall. Block off public access to sets where outside wanderers could potentially pose a danger. Keep a first aid kit with antiseptic, bandages and gauze close at hand any time you're shooting---even if it's not a stunt scene.
3. Talk to your cast and crew before shooting to clearly communicate the logistics of the stunt and your expectations for the scene. Explain each person's individual role clearly, leaving nothing open to interpretation. Rehearse the stunt step by step several times, if possible.
4. Shoot the stunt omitting the moment of impact. Place the ground---and mat---out of frame on falls. Direct your actors to pull punches or vertical body momentum just short of the intended point of impact.
5. Shoot the moment of impact intended in the last shot. Frame your shot close to the surface the actor will hit. Have the actor begin just out of frame and propel close-range to the target.
6. Edit the two shots together in your nonlinear editor. Trim off the end and the beginning of the respective shots until the momentum matches, creating the illusion of continuity. Lay an appropriate sound effect as an audio track at the moment of impact.