Make Indoor Television Antennas

Make Indoor Television Antennas

Indoor TV antennas are useful for occasions when directed television service is unavailable. In order to provide an alternative for cable or satellite service, an indoor antenna must be strong enough to detect local television signals, many of which are digital in nature. The old-fashioned solution of attaching a coat hanger to the TV can be modified to create a wide-band UHF indoor antenna with a receiving range of up to 60 miles, and the capability to detect even HDTV signals. The single hanger will have to be replaced with five, and modified with a few tools, but the results are a stable directional antenna that can be connected with your television using commonly found coaxial cables.

Instructions

1. Prepare the wire hangers for assembly. Cut the joined section of the hangers and then straighten the hangers into long sections. Cut four of the hangers into eight 14-inch sections. Remove two inches of coating from the center, using sandpaper.

2. Mark points on the wood for attaching wires and screws to. Mark points 2 inches from the top of the wood, placing the points 2 inches apart horizontally, centered on the 4-inch width of the board. Mark another two points 5 3/4 inches from the top, and repeat the marking twice more at 5 3/4-inch intervals for a total of four sets.

3. Take one of the two remaining long lengths of hanger wire and place a tip of the wire at the upper right corner of the board, angled to cross the second mark placed on the left half of the board. At the angle, bend the wire with the pliers so that it continues across the board to the fourth mark on the right side. Cut the wire as it crosses the edge of the board. Use the bent wire as a form for bending the second long wire to the same shape. Clean away the wire coating at the bent portions of the wire, and from a 1-inch area located in the exact center of the wire.

4. Bend the eight 14-inch wires at the center to form the shape of a "V" so that the wire ends are 3 inches apart.

5. Place a washer onto a screw and attach one of the "V" sections of wire to the board at the upper right-hand mark beneath the washer, sticking out to the side at a 90-degree angle. Place the end of a long wire section under the "V" section, in the same place as bent, so that the stripped areas of the wire touch. Screw them securely to the board.

6. Connect the remaining "V" sections of wire to the board, each pointing 90 to the side with all connected sections secured with stripped wires; repeating the connections with the second long wire. The longer wires will cross in the center of the board creating two "X" shapes. Wrap electrical tape at the two "X" points for insulation of the two wires from each other.

7. Attach the Balun to the stripped area of wires at the center of the board, one end of the Balun attached to each wire. The Balun is a UHF/VHF transformer and will convert the signals received by the antenna into one which can be used by coaxial cables plugged into a television.

Tags: long wire, points inches, center board, coaxial cables, eight 14-inch

Repair Scratches On A Flatscreen Tv

There may be nothing more annoying then sitting down to watch your favorite sitcom in front of your expensive LCD flat screen and noticing a scratch right in the middle of the screen. Add on top of that, your warranty has expired and you are left with a great LCD TV that has a distracting crack in the screen. Before tossing the TV out and shelling out big bucks to replace it, try to fill in the scratch with Vaseline.

Instructions

1. Dilute isopropyl alcohol with luke warm water using a 50/50 ratio. Isopropyl alcohol can be found at most department or drug stores.

2. Clean your flat screen. With the TV turned off, clean the surface of the LCD using a micro fiber cloth and the diluted isopropyl alcohol. Wet the micro fiber cloth with the diluted isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the LCD screen.

3. Fill the scratches with Vaseline. Using a q-tip, gently push the Vaseline into the scratches filling them completely.

4. Wipe off excess Vaseline. Using a dry micro fiber cloth, gently wipe off the Vaseline that is outside the scratch.

Tags: fiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol, micro fiber, micro fiber cloth, diluted isopropyl

Make A Homemade Music Video

Make a Homemade Music Video

Creating your own music video gives your band an important promotional material that is easy to distribute. Homemade music videos can be effective, cost-efficient alternatives to spending a lot of money on professional direction, sets, effects and extras found in big budget mainstream videos. A video camera, your original song in digital form and a little creativity are all you need to get started.

Instructions

1. Decide on a concept for your music video. Determine where you will shoot and what the video will look like. Be mindful of your production limitations as you map out the logistics of your music video content.

2. Play the song for which you are filming the music video. Play the song aloud on a stereo system so that the band can use it as a timing reference as you record the video.

3. Film your band as they re-enact or perform alongside the musical backing track as outlined in Step 2.

4. Export the recorded video from your camera onto the computer upon which you will align and mix the music video.

5. Create a new session in your video editing software. Insert your recorded video footage into a new channel or track. Insert the song for which you are making the music video into a separate channel or track.

6. Mute or delete any of the recorded video footage's audio. You will not need this, as the original song will be your music video's soundtrack.

7. Align the video and audio tracks. Slide the audio and video forward and backward in their channels until they are synchronized upon playback. Your bands mouthed words and actions should line up perfectly with the music as if you were performing the song.

8. Export or mix the session into a new video file. Choose the "Export" or "Mixdown" options in the "File" or "Import/Export" tab in your video editing software's menu bar.

Tags: music video, your music, your music video, music video, recorded video, your video editing, channel track

Amateur Photo Projects

Quality of light projects are a good way to teach how light works naturally.

Amateur photo projects are useful for practice and creating a portfolio. The best projects not only teach beginning photographers how light and subjects work, but they also provide a solid collection of images to build a professional portfolio from. A typical photo project will result in an album of 8 to 12 photos.

Freezing Action

Shoot a series of photos that freeze action. This can be a variety of subjects, such as people jumping, birds flying or people playing sports. The goal is to shoot a photo with no motion blur, which typically requires a shutter speed of 1/250 of a second or faster. Additionally, the frozen action should be interesting. A photo of a car on a highway just looks like a parked car.

Portraits

Portrait photography is an important skill, and a novice photographer can produce some portrait train wrecks without practice. A good portrait shows off a person's personality without distractions. Find a solid, clean background to shoot the subject in front of, and use a lens between 55 mm and 100 mm. Try to find a good variety of people to photograph and pose them to match their natural personalities. For example, a generally bright person should be smiling instead of brooding.

Quality of Light

Take a series of photos that demonstrate the different states of natural light. This includes the "golden hour" when light becomes more red in color before sunset. It includes silhouettes, which are caused by a subject being placed in front of a large, brighter light source. Finally, it includes "rim light," which is caused by your subject blocking a light source, resulting in a bright outline around them.

Theme

Finally, one excellent amateur project is to have the photographer create his own theme and make an album out of it. A theme can be anything: colors, women, motion blur, Republicans, etc. The challenge is to find several different ways to express the same theme. The artificial restriction of a theme is also a good way to motivate photographers who have a broad range of experience too.

Tags: light source, motion blur, photos that, series photos, series photos that

Replace An Alternator On An Isuzu Rodeo

The alternator in your car provides power to the accessories in the vehicle such as the radio, headlights and ignition coils. It does this by creating current from the turning engine belt. Without an alternator, your car's battery would be relied upon too heavily and would die fairly quickly. To replace the alternator in your Isuzu Rodeo, follow the steps below.

Instructions

Alternator Replacement for Isuzu Rodeo

1. Remove the small skid plate with a 14 mm socket. Remove the ground wire from your battery so the alternator does not have power.

2. Loosen the six 19 mm lug nuts on the passenger side tire. Do not remove them yet. Apply the parking brake and use the floor jack to lift the front passenger side of the vehicle. Insert a jack stand and support the vehicle on the frame railing behind the passenger side tire. Once the vehicle is supported by the jack stand, remove the tire.

3. Loosen the 14 mm bolt on top of the alternator and then the 12 mm bolt that goes through the adjuster arm. There might also be a 10 mm adjuster bolt that needs to be loosened as well. Slide the belt off the alternator by lifting up. Do not remove any of these bolts yet.

4. Remove the plastic wheel well apron that covers up the engine bay from the underside of the vehicle. Pop out the eight fasteners with a flathead screwdriver. This will create the space to remove the alternator.

5. Remove the 14 mm bolt that was loosened in Step 3. Then remove the 12 mm bolt. The alternator can now be positioned through the engine bay so that it can be pulled out of the wheel well.

6. Disconnect the electrical connections on the alternator and remember or mark where they were installed. One of the connections will be secured with a 10 mm nut. Use an open-ended wrench to undo the nut and pull out the old alternator. Hold the new alternator in the same spot so that the electrical connectors can be reinstalled. Tighten the 10 mm nut and then reconnect all the electrical connectors.

7. Slide the alternator up through the wheel well and into position in the engine compartment. Reattach the 14 mm bolt onto the top of the new alternator and the 12 mm bolt through the alternator and into the adjuster arm. Adjust the tension as necessary.

Tags: alternator your, bolt that, Isuzu Rodeo, passenger side, wheel well, bolt alternator, electrical connectors

Take Naturallightlooking Pictures With Your Digital Camera

With practice, anyone can master natural light photography with a digital camera.

Taking photographs under existing light conditions will produce natural-looking effects. Using the sun as your primary light source in outdoor photography can be tricky, however. Successful use of light is one of the most important elements of a good photograph, along with proper composition and a smart choice of subject matter. The proper handling of lighting can make or break your photographs. The sun's lighting can be harsh, and you may need to take extra measures to soften the effects of brightly sunlit scenes. Mastery of natural light photography will enhance the quality of your pictures.

Instructions

1. Shoot most of your photos with the sun at your back. Use full frontal lighting on your subject, with the sunlight coming over your shoulder. Take uniformly illuminated photos that show lots of detail. Change the settings of your camera to get a proper exposure. Start with an exposure of 1/100th of a second and an ISO setting of 100. Use aperture priority or shutter priority mode for most situations. Adjust the settings accordingly after studying some test shots. Compare the results of different settings to produce the most natural looking pictures. Observe your subject at different angles to see what looks best before shooting.

2. Try using back lighting for more dramatic, visually interesting effects. Shoot into the sun for silhouetted, backlit pictures. Move your camera around to control the unwanted effects of lens flare. Adjust your aperture and shutter speed to get a proper exposure and control the effects of backlit contrast. Experiment with different f-stops to vary the aperture size and modulate the amount of light entering your lens. Try to capture the halo lighting around your subject while retaining a natural look in the photos.

3. Take photographs with side lighting for more dramatic effects, such as an exaggerated sense of chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and dark) and three-dimensionality. Observe the effects of sunlight as it rakes across the landscape. Take advantage of the slanting rays of sunlight during the early morning and evening hours. Use it to emphasize textures and forms. Shoot photos an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, as many photographers believe these times provide the best light of the day.

4. Experiment with different kinds of natural lighting. Observe the quality and color of light at different times of the day and over the seasons. Compose your pictures around the type of light available to you. Make photographs under all kinds of light conditions, including on foggy, misty or overcast days. Try taking night photographs using moonlight. Set your camera on a tripod, and use a long exposure.

5. Practice taking pictures under every kind of natural lighting possible. Take lots of pictures. Study them to see which are the most natural looking with the best lighting effects. Delete the ones that didn't turn out, as you don't want a bunch of crummy pictures cluttering up your hard drive. Tweak the pictures you keep in a paint or photography program to perfect them. Punch up the pictures by adding a little contrast and saturation.

Tags: your camera, your subject, Experiment with, Experiment with different, light conditions, light photography, lighting more

Haier Model Kxt7020 Specs

The Haier Model KXT7020 is a small portable television set released by Haier in 2007. It was sold on the Home Shopping Network and as of January, 2011, has been discontinued, but may be available secondhand. If you're considering buying one, consider the specifications and your intended uses for the TV.

Physical Characteristics

The Haier KxT7020 weighs 1.9 pounds and has a screen size of seven inches. The screen format is NTSC, the North American standard. The height is 5.5 inches, the width is 7.63 inches, and the depth is 1.25 inches. The display is in color, and the resolution is 1,440 by 234 pixels with a refresh rate of 16 milliseconds and a viewing angle of 150 degrees.

Other Features

Power consumption is 11 watts. There is an AC adapter and car adapter included, but it will also run off of 10 AA batteries. There is one audio/video input, a headphone jack, and an external antenna port. This portable TV has 80 channel preset on a regular antenna, and a 130 channel preset on cable.

Accessories

The KXT-7020 includes a remote control with battery, an external stand that holds the AA batteries, an AC adapter, an A/V cable, a car adapter, an external antenna, ear buds, and a manual. The warranty is 90 days parts and labor, one year on labor.

Recommended Accessories

The KXT-7020 can connect to cable or satellite TV using a mini-to-F connector that connects to the included antenna jack. This part is sold separately.

Tags: Accessories KXT-7020, channel preset, external antenna, Haier Model

Cameras & Photography For Beginners

A digital camera.

There is an enormous supply of camera models available on the market today. Digital photography is now the most common photography type; however, film and film cameras are still available. There are three types of digital cameras: compact digital, referred to as point-and-shoot cameras; advanced compact digital; and digital single lens reflex. Each has its advantages and disadvantages for the beginning photographer.

Compact Digital Cameras

These cameras are small and compact and fit in a pocket or purse. The system in these cameras is similar to film cameras in that it uses a lens to channel light onto an electronic sensor rather than film. Compact digital cameras are designed for easy use on an automatic setting. They also have limited video with sound capability. They have mode settings geared to choose appropriate exposure for the type of photo being taken. These modes are usually portrait, landscape, and sports. Some have a mode called "kids and pets" that works similarly to a sports setting.

The drawbacks to these cameras are that few of them allow the photographer to make choices for aperture openings, shutter speeds, light sensitivity, known as ISO settings, or color/temperature balance, known as white balance settings.

Advanced Digital Camera

Cameras of this type are similar to their smaller cousins but are more closely aligned with digital single lens reflex cameras, since they allow the photographer to make exposure adjustments. While all have an LCD screen for composing images, many of them also have a separate viewfinder. This is handy when taking photographs in full sun that make it difficult to see the subject on the LCD screen.

Advanced compact digital cameras have an automatic setting and all the mode settings that the smaller compact cameras have, but also have settings for creative shooting. They also are able to take video like the smaller compact cameras and they come with lens accessories.

Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

These are cameras similar to single lens reflex film cameras in size and basic controls. The difference is that instead of film, the cameras have image capturing electronic sensors. Digital SLRs have a through-the-lens viewing system which is obtained with the use of an in-camera mirror that flips up at the time of exposure. Many new digital SLRs now have live view available on the LCD screen.

These cameras make use of interchangeable lenses, enabling the photographer to go from wide angle to telephoto, and to use specialty lenses. Digital SLRs have larger sensors than their compact cousins, and there are models that employ full-frame sensors, rendering photos that are truly 35mm in size.

Making Camera Choices

The beginning photographer could choose any of the digital cameras depending on what they want to achieve. Choosing a small compact digital camera would enable a beginner to concentrate on developing good compositional skills without having to be concerned about exposure decisions. It might be a good choice for children with an interest in photography as the cameras are easy to use and are reasonable in cost.

Choosing a Film Camera

There are still many excellent single lens reflex film cameras on the market and due to the popularity and transition to digital, they can cost considerably less than a comparable digital model. All varieties of film, both negative for prints and transparency for slides are also available. Good laboratories that process film can be found online. While a choice of one of these cameras takes away the ability to review photographs at the time they are taken, using film can be an excellent learning process for a beginner.

Tags: film cameras, digital cameras, lens reflex, also have, cameras have

Facts Nimh Batteries

Facts About Nimh Batteries

Nickel-metal hydride cells, known as NiMH batteries, are popular rechargeable batteries that can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices. Switching from alkaline to NiMH batteries may help a consumer save money and soften their environmental impact.

History

Development of the NiMH battery began in 1967 at the Battelle Geneva Research Center in Switzerland. The research accomplished at the research center, sponsored over a period of two decades by Daimler-Benz, Volkswagen and others, led to the development of the Ti-Ni alloy structure, which was later improved by the Ovonic Battery Co. The first consumer-grade NiMH batteries cells appeared on the market in 1989, but these early NiMH batteries were only capable of powering small devices. Today's improved NiMH batteries are capable of powering much larger devices for extended periods.

Uses

NiMH batteries are used to power anything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. General Motors, Honda and Ford all used NiMH batteries to power vehicles like the General Motors EV1, Honda EV Plus and Ford Ranger EV during their short flirtation with all-electric vehicles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many of today's popular hybrid vehicles, including the Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, are powered, in part, by a NiMH battery. NiMH batteries are a popular choice for fast-drain digital devices like cameras and camcorders. NiMH batteries are also increasingly being used by gamers to power wireless controllers and other gaming accessories.

Charging

Being able to charge an NiMH battery is one of the battery's best features. Charging and reusing batteries, rather than replacing, can save a consumer quite a bit of money over time. Most NiMH battery chargers on the market are capable of fully charging batteries in just a couple of hours and some can charge up to 10 batteries at a time. Battery chargers for NiMH AA and AAA batteries are inexpensive and readily available, though chargers for NiMH D and C batteries are often expensive and hard to find.

Environmental Impact

NiMH batteries are considered to have less of an environmental impact than other types of batteries because they use a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the negative electrode instead of the toxic element cadmium. Also, because NiMH batteries are charged and reused, they reduce landfill waste compared to other types of batteries.

Battery Comparison

Compared to other types of batteries, NiMH batteries are not expensive, especially when you consider the benefit of recharging, and they are often said to outperform alkaline batteries in high-drain devices because of their low internal resistance. NiMH batteries perform well even when compared to the higher energy density lithium ion batteries because they have a much longer shelf life.

Tags: NiMH batteries, NiMH battery, other types, other types batteries, types batteries, batteries because

Hook Up A Computer

Today's laptops and desktop computers are more user-friendly. As more people start use computers, operating systems, software and hardware accessories are coming with better instruction manuals and streamlined interfaces. Here are a few basic steps to hook up your computer no matter which brand you bought.

Instructions

1. Connect the power cable to the back of the computer tower. The male end of this plug is often on the computer, but it is recessed into the casing. Once this power plug is connected, you don't want to plug it into an outlet until the entire computer is set up.

2. Attach the monitor cables to the back of the monitor and then to the back of the computer tower. This cable will probably be the VGA type, which has a wide set of prongs in the middle and two screws on the outside. Be sure to twist the screws in to ensure the cable has a solid connection.

3. Secure the monitor's power cable to the back of the monitor and then plug it into an outlet or power strip. Attach the mouse to the USB port on the back of your keyboard. The keyboard then plugs into another USB port on the back of the computer tower.

4. Turn on the computer and the monitor. If the computer powers up but the monitor doesn't display anything, make sure the VGA monitor cable is secured. If the status light on your monitor doesn't turn on, check the power cable connection.

5. Check that the mouse and keyboard work once the computer turns on. Now you can hook up other devices, such as a printer or a web cam. A printer often can connect to a USB port and also may have its own power cable; a web cam usually just plugs into a USB or firewire port.

Tags: power cable, back computer, back computer tower, computer tower, back monitor, back monitor then, cable back

Become A Professional Photographer

Professional photographer

Becoming a professional photographer can be difficult. It takes a lot of practice, time and consideration to make a decent living as a photographer. No matter if you want to be a portrait photographer, photojournalist or stock photography specialist, here are the basic steps to becoming a professional.

Instructions

1. Study take good photographs. Read books from the library, take classes and search online forums for tips. Photography Tips and Tricks and Digital Photography School are good blogs and forums to study. As for a recommended book, "Master Guide for Professional Photographers" is good for those wanting expert advice.

2. Practice taking photos of your family and friends. Shoot everything you can. Use the best photos to make a portfolio to show clients and galleries. Your portfolio should have examples that show a wide range of your talents. For example, you should include outdoor photos, photos of people with props, photos of people in a studio setting and more.

3. Have business cards printed with your best photo as an illustration. Display your best photographs on your personal website. Make sure the site includes your contact information and a way for visitors to join your mailing list.

4. Use your portfolio, website and business cards to show others your work. Network as much as possible, both in person and on the Internet. Opportunities will only come your way if you put your work out for the world to see.

5. Keep in mind that networking will eventually pay off and you will start to get paying clients.

Tags: business cards, photos people, your best, your work

Restore Photos On A Memory Card

Cards can be easily corrupted.

Losing photos from a memory card is an infuriating ordeal, especially if the shots had emotional or financial value. Unfortunately, any who shoots enough eventually will know the frustration. Anything from static electricity to forgetting to properly eject the card before removing it can make photos seemingly vanish into the mist. Thankfully, advances in software and hardware recovery technology has make recovering some or most of the lost material.

Instructions

1. Keep your memory card or camera connected to the computer. For many, the first reaction is to immediately disconnect the camera or memory card without properly "ejecting" it. If the card is removed without ejecting it first, further damage and corruption can occur to the files.

2. Check to make sure the card or camera is secure in the reader and the reader's connection to the computer is secure. If it is necessary to remove the card or camera to recheck connection, always "eject" the drive by finding the icon in bottom right (Windows) or dragging the drive to the Trash Bin (Mac).

3. Check for lost or deleted files by opening the Recycle Bin (PC) or Trash Can (Mac). Files can be deleted by accident. When this happens, they will move to one of the above locations unless they are too large. If the files are found, either right-click or option-click and select "restore" or "undelete."

4. Purchase or download software to assist in data recovery. The internet is full of companies offering do-it-yourself data recovery software, and many offer free software trials. The free versions often lack the full functionality, but can be used to get a feel for a program before investing in it. Most data recovery software is designed to work for those who want point and click while still giving advanced users more control. A few examples of photo recovery programs can be found under Resources.

5. Pack your memory card to a data recovery specialist. The most thorough and expensive method to save photos you absolutely cannot bear to part with is to pay a professional data recovery service. Using specialized hardware and propriety software these groups often can recover some, and occasionally most of the data from even damaged cards. When shipping electronics, pack them a static discharge container and ensure they are securely enough to survive the shipping. A few examples can be found under Resources.

Tags: data recovery, card camera, memory card, your memory card, data recovery software, found under, found under Resources

Change Lenses On A Nikon D50

Changing out the lens on your camera can be a great way to mix things up and get the most out of your camera. A Nikon D50 is a fantastic SLR digital camera that won't break the bank, and changing the lenses on it can give you more range and create more diverse pictures. You can change the lens in just a few seconds as long as you have the right kind of Nikon lens.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the right kind of lens. See Resources below for a compatibility chart of Nikon lenses to cameras.

2. Hold your camera body firmly in one hand, and point it toward you.

3. Look for an unmarked black button on the right side of the camera lens.

4. Push the button, and while holding it down, twist off the lens clockwise and pull it off.

5. Take your new lens and look for a colored dot on the back edge of the lens.

6. Place the lens onto the camera body, lining up the colored dot with the white dot on the edge of the lens mount.

7. Turn the lens to the left until you hear it click into place, and use your camera as usual.

Tags: your camera, camera body, edge lens, have right, have right kind

Cell Phone Insurance

Cell phone insurance covers mundane problems as well as more serious ones. A slip of the hand that drops a phone into the toilet and instances where a phone are stolen is all covered by this plan. It costs a little extra to insure the phone, but in most cases it's well worth the additional cost.

Types

Cell phone insurance is provided not by the cell phone provider, but by a third-party company. This company typically has a deal in place with providers to cover the phones they sell. However, there is another option for some users. They can get renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance that covers their cell phone when it's in their home or apartment. If their home is broken into and the cell phone stolen, it's covered under their homeowner's or renter's insurance.

Time Frame

Cell phone insurance is available when an individual first purchases a new phone. At the time, the provider asks if the individual would like to add insurance to her policy. She actually has a set period of time to make this decision and doesn't need to decide when she buys the phone. The amount of time varies from provider to provider, but most give shoppers at least two weeks to make the decision. Other companies allow the user to wait up to a month before adding insurance to her plan.

Function

Cell phone insurance protects the owner against theft, damage and loss. The owner pays a small amount each month on top of his monthly bill from the provider. When the phone is lost or stolen, he can call the insurance company and file a claim. The same applies to situations where the phone is damaged. The individual makes a payment known as a deductible when he files a claim. The company then sends a replacement phone.

Considerations

When customers read the fine print on the insurance agreement, they'll notice that it says the individual will be issued a new phone similar to their own model if theirs isn't available. That means that even if a new phone arrives, it may not be the same model as the one lost or damaged. In addition, the insurance provider can give the individual a refurbished or used model as opposed to a brand new phone. This is all listed in the terms of service.

Warning

While cell phone insurance does protect the cell phone, it's not a completely free service even after the monthly payments. Individuals are expected to pay a fairly high deductible, and sometimes this deductible is more than the cost of a replacement phone. Customers have also complained that it took too long to get a replacement phone issued once they lodged their complaint with the insurance provider. It's at the discretion of the provider as to when the new phone is issued.

Tags: phone insurance, Cell phone insurance, replacement phone, Cell phone, Cell phone, cell phone, cell phone

Connect Vcr To Dvr

With a DVR, which stands for Digital Video Recorder, you can record television programs digitally. You do not need tapes or other media. In fact, many DVRs make it possible for you to watch one show while you record another and even pause or rewind the show you are currently watching. If you recently acquired a DVR but do not want to let go of your video cassette recorder, or VCR, you can connect them both to your TV.

Instructions

1. Turn off the television and make sure the DVR and VCR are not plugged into an electrical outlet. Connect a coaxial cable to the antenna or cable jack in the wall near the television. A coaxial cable is typically a black cord with identical metal female electrical fittings at each end. If you currently have cable connected, a coaxial cable is the cord running from the cable jack to your cable box or television. Press the connector on either end of the coaxial cable gently into the wall jack and turn it clockwise by hand until the connection is secure.

2. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable into the "Cable In" or "Antenna In" port on the back of the DVR. This port will be cylinder-shaped, threaded metal that juts out of the DVR box. Many DVRs are also cable boxes, so this will provide reception to the television via the DVR.

3. Attach one end of the second coaxial cable into the "Antenna Out," "Cable Out" or "Coax Out" jack on the back of the DVR. Connect the other end of this cable to the "Antenna In," "Cable In" or "Coax In" port on the VCR. These connectors on the DVR and VCR all look the same, so be sure to read them so you can distinguish the "In" ports from the "Out" ports.

4. Attach one end of the third coaxial cable into the "Antenna Out," "Cable Out" or "Coax Out" jack on the back of the VCR. Connect the other end of this cable to the "Antenna In," "Cable In" or "Coax In" port on the television.

5. Plug in the power cords of the DVR and the VCR. Turn the television on and then power on the DVR and the VCR.

Tags: coaxial cable, Antenna Cable Coax, Cable Coax, Antenna Cable, cable into, coaxial cable into

Make A Trail Camera Faster

Whether keeping an eye on a stock tank or deer feeder, or just seeing what pops up along the wildlife trail, many sportsmen and farmers use a trail camera as their eyes when they can't be present. But occasionally, a trail camera will produce an image that just missed the action. One or two photos of the back leg of a deer is understandable, but when a whole roll of film or a digital card contains nothing but just-missed images, there is a problem. The answer is not necessarily a new camera, though. There are ways to make the camera you have work faster.

Instructions

1. Switch to manual operating mode. If your camera has an automatic operating mode, the shutter might lag due to the camera focusing or adjusting for conditions. Switching to a manual operating mode and presetting the focus will speed up your shutter response time.

2. Change the ISO function. The ISO function is the measurement of light sensitivity in your camera. In film cameras, this is determined by the film you purchase, as well as the camera setting. In digital cameras, the ISO is determined by the camera setting. A higher ISO setting will make your photos more grainy or pixelated, but also will increase your shutter response time.

3. Test all your batteries, and replace or charge any battery that tests below 1.5 volts. Weak or drained batteries also will greatly reduce shutter response time as the battery takes longer to cycle through its power.

4. Reassess your flash. While a standard incandescent flash will generally give you clearer, more colorful photos, they also draw more power from your batteries and spook the animals that you might be trying to photograph. An infrared flash uses less battery power, so there is a faster recycling time and less chance of spooking game.

5. Clean your cameras. Nothing slows down camera performance like a dirty sensor. In the wild, it is common for a curious animal to sniff the camera and leave behind slimy nose prints. Cleaning your camera with a damp cloth or window cleaning wipe will help improve sensor performance.

Tags: operating mode, response time, shutter response, shutter response time, your camera, your shutter response, also will

Canon Powershot G9 Tips

Use a few easy tricks to get the most out of you photography.

The PowerShot G9 is a popular compact point-and-shoot camera produced by Canon. Although the PowerShot is user-friendly, there are some things you can do to get more from your photography experience. Canon offers a range of accessories for the PowerShot G9 that can improve your storage capacity, protect your camera and enhance your photos.

Memory

Although the Canon PowerShot G9 comes with built-in memory, it's always a good idea to have more space. Purchase a 4 gigabyte (GB) memory card and you'll have plenty of room for all your photos. You can also purchase 2 GB memory cards if you wish to swap out memory options. Having a memory card also gives you the option to buy a card reader and put the photos directly onto your computer.

Batteries and Backups

The Canon PowerShot G9 requires a lot of power, and the last thing you want is to run out of batteries right at a pivotal moment. Carry some extra batteries with you wherever you go if you plan on using the PowerShot. You can fill a plastic bag with extra batteries, a microfiber cloth to wipe the lens and a spare memory card as your "back-up bag". You can also place your camera in the bag if you change environments suddenly to keep the lens from fogging up.

Protection

One of the features of the PowerShot G9 is the big, glossy LCD screen. You can protect this delicate part of your camera with a transparent film, such as the ones made for PDAs. You can also purchase a Canon Semi-Hard Leather Case to protect your PowerShot when traveling or on-location. Canon also offers a special waterproof bag, the Waterproof Case WP-DC21, for underwater shoots.

Lighting and Reflections

You can get a quality soft lighting effect when placing a small white cloth over the flash on your PowerShot. If you're dealing with reflections, consider purchasing a polarizing filter to reduce glare. Canon also offers lighting accessories, such as the EX Series Speedlight, to further control the lighting in your environment.

Tags: memory card, your camera, also offers, also purchase, Canon also

Import Pictures To Windows Photo Gallery

Windows Photo Gallery is a program included on Windows computers that allows you to store, organize, view, edit and print your digital pictures and videos. Before being able to view your pictures in Windows Photo gallery, you will first need to import the pictures into the gallery. With just a few simple steps, importing pictures in Windows Photo Gallery is quick and simple.

Instructions

1. Connect the memory card with the computer. There are two different ways you can do this. To connect the camera directly to the computer, you will need to insert the USB cable into your camera and turn the camera on. Then, plug the other end of the USB cable into the USB port on the computer. Or, you can use a memory card reader, which can be purchased separately. Remove the memory card from the camera and slide it into the card reader. Then, plug the memory card reader into the USB port on the computer. Some computers may have memory card readers built directly into the computer; in this case, you would simply slide the memory card directly into this port.

2. Wait for Windows to automatically recognize the connection and open the AutoPlay dialog box. Choose the "Import pictures using Windows" option from the list. Wait for Windows to locate the pictures.

3. Type in a tag for the pictures you are importing, when prompted by Windows. Windows will open a "Tag These Pictures" box and you will insert your tag into the box. The tag is either a word or short phrase that describes the group of pictures. For example, you could use "Golf Outing," "Sally's 5th b-day," "16 July 2009" or "birds," if appropriate. Tags are optional; if you do not want to tag your pictures, simply leave the box blank. When you are finished, click the "Import" button.

4. Decide whether you want to erase the pictures from your camera's memory card once they have been imported to your computer. Although this is entirely a personal preference, keep in mind that the pictures are taking up space on your memory card and you will have less available space for new pictures. As Windows is importing pictures, a status box will be opened on your screen. If you would like to erase the pictures from your memory card, check the box next to the option "Erase after importing." Once all of your pictures have been imported, Windows will automatically open Windows Photo Gallery, where you will be able to view, edit and print your pictures.

Tags: memory card, Windows Photo, Windows Photo Gallery, your pictures, card reader, Photo Gallery

Burn A Dvd Video That'S Too Big For My Dvd

1. 2

3. Next

SINGLE PAGE

DVDs replaced VHS tapes for holding family memories.

DVDs are convenient for holding videos of family events and memories since just about everyone has a DVD player. A digital video file that is larger than the DVD's 4.7 gigabyte capacity cannot be put on a single DVD unless it has been compressed to fit. The compression can be done by accessing the DVD-burning program's editing features before burning a DVD from the digital video. A number of DVD-burning programs can compress digital video, with availability ranging from freeware to paid-for versions for Mac and PCs. The compression found in the DVD-burning programs work in a similar manner to enable the digital video to be put onto a single DVD.

Instructions

1. Download a DVD-burning program, which has a compression feature built into it to the desktop of the computer, for example Toast Titanium for the Mac or the trial version of Magic DVD Ripper for a PC. Double-click on the icon on the DVD-burning program once it has been fully downloaded. Follow the menu commands to install the DVD-burning program onto the computer's hard drive. Restart the PC after the installation has been completed.

2. Run the DVD-burning program. Select "DVD-Video" from the drop-down menu to the right or beneath the "Video" tab. Select "DVD-R" from the drop-down menu to the right or beneath the "Devices" tab.

3. Drag the digital video from the computer's hard drive into the icon of the DVD-burning program--the icon is on the desktop or in the Dock at the left side of the screen or at the bottom of the screen.

4. Wait as the digital video loads into the DVD-burning program and displays its name inside of a column at the center of the DVD-burning program's main screen.

5. Highlight the digital video file in the center column of the DVD-burning program's main screen. Press the "Edit" button to go to the "Editing" window.

6. Click on the "Tab" button. Move the top tab below the video window to the right until the beginning of the digital video appears. Move the bottom tab below the video window to the right until the digital video ends. Click the "Done" button to return to the DVD-burning program's main screen.

7. Highlight the digital video file in the center column of the DVD-burning program's main screen. Click on the Encoding" button on the DVD-burning program's main screen to go to the "Encoding" window.

8. Select the "Encoding" tab at the top of the window. Click on the "Automatic" button below the "Encoding" tab. Move the "Video Quality" slider from all the way to the right to the middle point between the two ends.

9. Click on "OK" to close the window and return to the DVD-burning program's main screen.

10. Click on the "Fit to DVD" button on the DVD-burning program's main screen.

11. Eject the disc tray of the DVD drive. Put the blank recordable DVD onto the disc tray. Close the disc tray.

12. Click on the "Burn" button on the DVD-burning program's main screen. Wait as the digital video file is compressed so that it can fit on the DVD. Wait as the compressed digital video file is burned onto the DVD. Quit the DVD-burning program when the DVD has been burned. Eject the DVD.

Tags: DVD-burning program, digital video, DVD-burning program main, main screen, program main, program main screen, digital video file

Repair Audio Cables

You have tested everything trying to determine why your home theater suddenly has no sound. One of the first things to check is your audio cables, which wear and break over time. Rather than shelling out for new cables, you can repair the old connection and brag about your new custom interconnects.

Instructions

1. Use wire cutters to snip the cables a few inches from the plug. Remove any casing to expose the soldering of the jack and write down where the wires connect to the posts.

2. Strip an inch of casing from the end of the wire to expose the strands. Twist them tight and look for discoloration on the wire that signal oxidation. If signs of oxidation are present, continue stripping the wire until you find good metal. Slide on your shrink tube now if desired.

3. Remove the old connections from the jack and clean them with steel wool to remove as much of the old solder as possible. Run a bead of resin core solder onto each post where you'll make the new connection.

4. Untwist the wire ends and fan them out slightly being careful not to break any. Strip additional wire or trim as necessary to fit the post properly.

5. Place the trimmed wire against the solder bead and reheat the solder as you work the wire in carefully. Place another drop of resin core solder on top of the wire if needed. Repeat until all wires are connected.

6. Cover the connection with shrink tubing and use a match to constrict the tube. Place the cable back into your system and ensure it is now passing the signal properly.

Tags: core solder, resin core, resin core solder

Ringtones To My Lg Incite

Due to the massive success of the Blackberry and iPhone, LG has developed their own smartphone: the LG Incite. With a touch screen and enough applications to rival the competition--such as Internet access and an MP3 player--one of the many fun features is the ability to add and download ringtones directly onto your phone. So if you aren't content with the stock ringtones that came in your Incite's hard drive, then follow these simple steps to adding personalized ringtones.

Instructions

Adding Ringtones to the LG Incite

1. Access the main menu on your LG Incite and go to the "Applications Folder."

2. Highlight the "Media Mall" icon in the folder and select it.

3. Click "Shop Tones" and your phone will connect to AT&T's ringtone download website.

4. Browse the selection of ringtones, ringback tones and MP3's and purchase the ringtones in which you are interested. Most of the ringtones on the AT&T website cost money. If you want to download and add free ringtones, you can go to a website like Mobile 9.com and browse their selection of thousands of free ringtones. Select the ringtones you want, then download them directly onto your LG Incite cell phone--at no cost.

Tags: your Incite, directly onto, directly onto your, free ringtones, onto your, Ringtones Incite

Rent Or Buy A Satellite Phone

Purchasing a satellite phone is very much like shopping for the best cell phone plan, just much more expensive--sky high, you might say. First choose a satellite phone, then a provider, then a plan. Or the smarter move may be just to rent one for your off-the-grid odyssey.

Instructions

1. Choose between buying a new or used satellite phone or just renting one. For example, a high-end Motorola 9505 handheld unit is about $1,500 new, $1,000 used, and $20 a day to rent. Less fancy units sell for as little as $300 used or $45 a week to rent. If you're heading to an ultraremote location, be sure to bring along a solar-powered battery charger (about $40).

2. Choose a provider. Satellite telecommunications companies such as Globalstar USA and Iridium Satellite offer competitive plans and varied coverage zones.

3. Make sure the provider you choose offers service to wherever you're headed.

4. Choose a plan that best suits your needs. Like cell phone plans, satellite phone companies offer package deals, prepaid calling cards and free e-mail and text messaging.

5. Shop online for the best price. There are dozens of satellite phone retailers offering very competitive package deals.

Tags: satellite phone, cell phone, package deals

What Does Image Stabilization Mean For A Camera

Many SLR and DSLR lenses feature image stabilization.

One impressive innovation in post-film photography is image stabilization. This technology is sometimes abbreviated "IS," "VR" for vibration reduction or "AS" for anti-shake. Through different methods, image-stabilized cameras can reduce the amount of shaky or blurry photos you take, reducing your reliance on things like camera flash or tripod mounts.

What Image Stabilization Is

Image stabilization is exactly what it sounds like. It's a camera function -- either in the camera's lens or the image sensor -- that counteracts the shaky or jittery movements of an operator's hands to create a sharp, focused image. While it's possible for image stabilization systems to counteract small movements, large, sweeping movements of the camera cannot be compensated for and will result in blurred pictures or video. Many Digital SLR lenses and even a few point-and-shoot cameras feature this new technology. Image stabilized lenses and cameras can take effective shots in darker situations or with longer exposure times without resorting to flashes or mounts.

Lens Stabilization

The most common type of image stabilization occurs in the camera lens, whereby a series of sensors, motors and magnets move in the opposite direction of the pitch and yaw of the user's hands. This allows the lens to stay focused on the subject for a slightly extended amount of time -- just long enough to take the photo. If you're using a DSLR, you need to buy a lens with built-in image stabilization to take advantage of the feature. This usually results in a much more expensive lens.

Sensor Stabilization

Sensor stabilization moves the image sensor instead of the lens to compensate for the camera's motion. A few point-and-shoot cameras, as well as some Olympus and Sony DSLR models, use this technique. Many cheaper cameras use digital image stabilization, moving the digital pixels on the sensor outside the viewfinder's range to simulate a physical anti-vibration mechanism. This method is popular in digital video cameras where complicated physical parts are not used.

Applications

Image stabilization is most dramatic when used in low-light situations, such as interior or exterior night shots. The compensation reduces blurring and, in some situations, allows users to rely solely on available light. In action shooting, particularly in fast-moving sports, image stabilization allows for clearer shots of moving targets. This is particularly useful when using large telephoto lenses, as extreme zoom values can amplify the vibrations caused by the user's hands. If an image-stabilized camera or lens is available -- and economically viable -- it is always a good choice for those wishing to take better shots more often.

Tags: camera lens, image sensor, image stabilization, image stabilization, image stabilization, like camera

Connect To An External Tuner

Receivers are the hubs for home electronic systems. They let you connect televisions, DVD players, CD players, turntables, MP3 players, video gaming consoles and other components. Though many receivers have built-in radio tuners, you can connect an additional tuner for satellite radio or high definition (or HD) radio and run that through your current receiver. Doing so is no different than connecting anything else. It only involves a couple of wires.

Instructions

1. Locate an available set of audio input ports on the back of your receiver. The ports will be a pair of round holes, one red and one white, and labeled with a specific name such as "CD" or "Video 2." Connect one end of your RCA audio wires to these ports. Be sure to match the colors correctly.

2. Locate the audio output ports on the back of your external tuner. These will be identical to the ports you found on your receiver. Connect the other ends of the wires to these ports, again matching the correct colors.

3. Tune your receiver to receive an audio signal. The mode will be the same one you selected in Step 1 (CD, Video 2, etc.). The modes can usually be shifted via buttons on your remote, or a single button or dial on your tuner labeled something like "input" or "source."

Tags: your receiver, back your, ports back, ports back your, these ports, wires these, wires these ports

Black & White Film

Some of the most memorable images in photographic history have been made on black and white film. Think of the landscape photos taken by Ansel Adams; they are iconic. Black and white is still used by many photographers to create arresting images; many digital cameras let the user switch to a black and white scheme in their menus. Photography students often start with black and white film to learn the art.

Photography

Though there is some controversy over who really introduced film as a medium for photography, with conflicting claims going to Hannibal Goodwin and John Corbutt, George Eastman certainly deserves credit for his introduction of film in 1884. Prior to that, the photographic process involved glass plates. Photography grew quickly after the introduction of film. Eastman later introduced the box camera, which worked with roll film and could take up to 100 pictures.

How it works

Film is a sheet coated with silver halide salts. Black and white film has only a single layer of salts, while color film has three. The salts react to light to form an image. Film can be either print film or slide (transparency) film. Print film creates negatives that can be printed as images, while slide film produces a positive image that can be mounted in plastic and projected as an image.

Film speed

All film, whether black and white or color, is available in different speeds that are suitable for higher or lower light conditions. The lower the number, the less sensitive the film is to light. High-sensitivity films (1600 and 3200) are excellent for low light photography but are also grainier. A good photographer can use this type of grain to create arresting images.

Developing

Many specialty camera shops have stopped developing black and white film altogether. In film's heyday, people often built darkrooms in their basements to develop film, and photography students still learn develop film as part of their instruction. Developing black and white is not too complicated. It must, however, be done in total darkness. A variety of chemicals are used to process the film; these include developer, stop bath, fixer with hardener and a hypo eliminator bath. Popular developers include Kodak D-76 and Kodak T-MAX.

Kodak

Kodak has been making film for cameras since the 1880s. It is still one of the leaders in producing black and white film for cameras. Tri-X film has been in production since the 1950s. Other popular Kodak black and white films include T-MAX and BW400CN.

Other companies

The other major producer of black and white film is Ilford. Ilford offers several different models of print, including Delta, HP5, FP4, and XP-2. Ilford also produces excellent papers for black and white prints. Some other companies who still make black and white film are Fujifilm, Agfa and Efke.

Tags: black white film, black white, black white, white film, white film

Transfer 8mm To Dvd

This is the projector my Dad had for home movies

I took on a project a few years ago to transfer my parents' old reels of 8mm movies to DVD video. There are a few ways to transfer 8mm to DVD. I'll explain the best way, and the process I went through to transfer my 8mm to DVD.

Instructions

1. DO IT YOURSELF? -- If you want to do this process yourself, you will need an 8mm film projector and a video camera. There are 'converter boxes' available, like I have pictured, which makes this process easier and a little better quality than just projecting onto a screen and videotaping it with a camcorder. However, if you want top quality (these are your memories, remember?), I suggest using a professional service. They have much better and very expensive equipment, and can also do some minor restoration of your film for an additional fee.

2. CHOOSE PIXEL-BY-PIXEL TRANSFER -- What I wanted was frame-by-frame (or pixel-by-pixel nowadays) conversion, not simply projecting the running movie film into a camera lens. This process is much more accurate and there is no film flicker in the resulting video. If a company does not offer at least frame-by-frame transfer, find another one. If you are going to send out your film, you want it done right the first time.

3. CHOOSE A MEDIUM -- Your film will be digitized, but you will need to select a medium (DVD, MiniDV, hard drive, Digital8, etc) for your digital master. I wanted to produce my own DVDs so that I could add a background sound track, titles, do color-correction, and choose my own DVD menu and chapters, so I chose Digital8 because I have a Digital8 camcorder I can use to copy the video to my PC. However, if that's not important to you, you can have the company create a DVD for you, ready to play with simple chapters.

4. RESEARCH COMPANIES -- The tough part of this process is finding a friendly, quality company. What I did was wrote emails to several companies that offered frame-by-frame transfer. I immediately rejected any that either did not respond within a couple days or sent me a form letter; I want personalized service. Next, I personally called the narrowed-down 2 or 3 services. I want to talk to the person who will be doing my transfer - What equipment will you use (Rank Cintel is about as good as it gets)? Will you clean my film? What if I don't like the results, will you redo it? Can I choose what medium the resulting video will be on?

5. CHOOSE SUPERVISED OR NOT -- All film will fade over time. You can have your film color-corrected and have brightness and contrast adjusted by the person doing the transfer. You will of course pay extra for that service. Personally, since color correction is up to the subjective eye of the person doing it, I wanted control over that process myself, so I opted for just a 'raw', unsupervised transfer from film to video.

6. SEND YOUR FILM -- Choose a reliable and insured carrier, where you can track the progress of your film, like UPS or FedEx. Number the reels in the order they should be processed. The company will likely splice all of the reels together onto a larger storage reel for you.

7. INSPECT TRANSFERRED VIDEO -- You should receive your transferred video back in a few weeks. Check it to be sure you're happy with the result. If not, call the company and find out if there's anything they can do to improve it. When I did mine, I had the company keep the film itself while I inspected the resulting video they sent. That way you don't risk losing both the original film and video if it's shipped together, and if you want them to redo it, they still have the film.

8. UPLOAD VIDEO TO COMPUTER -- Depending on the medium you chose, upload the video to your computer. Some companies offer an external hard drive as a medium, which you would just need to connect via USB port. In my case, I played the Digital8 tape through my camcorder into the computer.

9. CREATE DVD -- If you have a DVD burner and its burning software, you should be able to now burn the video file to one or more DVDs. In my case, I have ULead MediaStudio, which allowed me to edit the video, add titles and a background track. What I did, which turned out pretty cool, was I played the video on my computer with my Dad and sisters watching it, and recorded their comments on my computer as it played. Then, I put that recording into the DVD soundtrack -- instant family memories! :-)

Tags: resulting video, this process, your film, doing transfer, film video, film will

Use An Slr Camera Flash

Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Cameras have the option to add an auxiliary flash to the hot shoe on the top of the camera. This camera accessory allows for further and more complete illumination of the subject, than a built in flash unit. With ranges from 20 feet to over 60 feet of coverage, a flash attached to an SLR camera allows for sharper and brighter evening sports images, indoor stage performance photography and large room illumination.

Instructions

1. Prepare the SLR flash unit. Put four AA batteries in the side chamber. Some smaller units will only require two AA batteries. Turn on the flash unit before attaching it to the SLR camera. Listen for a buzzing sound, and look for the test light to illuminate. This signals that the unit is working properly, and the batteries have a strong charge.

2. Attach the flash unit to the top of the SLR camera. A hot shoe mount can be found on the top center portion of the camera. A base on the flash unit will slide into the hot shoe mount. Turn the dial, or move the lever on the back of the flash unit, to secure the flash on top of the camera. Give the flash a small jiggle to make sure it is secure, and not able to slide out of the hot shoe mount.

3. Turn on the SLR camera, and adjust the exposure settings for the photography work you will be doing. Select a shutter speed equal to or less than the flash sync speed of your flash unit. Common SLR flash sync speeds range from 1/60 to 1/500, depending on brand and model of flash unit. Set the white balance on a digital SLR camera to the flash option or the auto white balance option, for accurate color.

4. Turn on the flash unit. The E-TTL, AUTO or A-TTL modes will automatically adjust the power output of the flash unit when attached to the SLR camera. Manually adjust the power levels if the flash unit offers manual hertz selection. Some flash units allow a portion of a full charge to be fired. The 1/16 power setting is a good option for fill flash during daytime outdoor portraits, to add sparkle to the subject's eyes.

Tags: flash unit, shoe mount, adjust power, attached camera, flash sync, mount Turn, shoe mount Turn

Make A Dvd Film

Make a DVD Film

Making your own film is a very enjoyable experience and an opportunity for you to expand your creative mind. As long as you have a camera and access to digital video editing software, your film will be a breeze to make especially if you understand film theory and linguistics.

Instructions

1. Obtain a camera (by either renting or buying) and decide on what you are going to shoot. Are you going to just drive around and shoot random shots of the wilderness, or are you going to write a script and have actors perform it? Movies can range from anything in between these two extremes.

2. Write a script. After the script is done hire actors (or get your friends to do it for free), gather any other equipment necessary (such as audio and lighting) and scout locations. Get friends or hire a crew to help you set up scenes. Set a date to shoot and wish for the best.

3. During shooting, whether for a day or two weeks, you will need to provide for your small cast (if applicable) and crew. Bring meals and snacks and it will go a long way in showing your appreciation, especially if the cast isn't getting paid. Notify everyone you are the director and what you say will go. Stay open to suggestions, but always stick with what you want.

Continue shooting until you gather all the footage you want or can afford.

4. Edit your DVD film. You'll need to buy some digital video editing software. If you have a computer with a large hard drive and a video editing software program, you are now ready to edit. Upload all the footage from the camera onto the software.

If you don't know use the digital video editing software, you can either take a course in digital editing or follow the step-by-step directions that came with the software.

5. Burn your film onto a DVD after you have reached a final cut. Install a DVD burning program and DVD burn drive onto your computer if you don't already have one. Use software like iDVD to burn your DVD film. Insert a blank DVD into the DVD burning tray and follow the step-by-step instructions.

Tags: your film, editing software, video editing, video editing software, digital video

Remove Red Eye In Pictures For Free

The red-eye effect -- the appearance of red pupils in the eyes of photographic subjects -- is one of the most common reasons to edit a picture. Red-eye occurs when a camera uses a flash near the lens in low lighting. There is no need to go to a store to have your pictures edited, nor do you need expensive software like Adobe Photoshop. Try any of several free applications and online tools that have a red-eye removal tool.

Instructions

Windows Live Photo Gallery

1. Click the "Start" menu. Open Windows Live Photo Gallery from the "Windows Live."

2. Find the picture from which you want to remove red-eye. If the picture is not in the thumbnails list when you launch Photo Gallery, click through the folders in the folder pane on the left to find it.

3. Click the picture to select it for editing.

4. Click "Fix" in the menu bar. Photo Gallery will open the editing window.

5. Click "Fix" in the editing panel on the right. Make a rectangular selection on each eye.

Online Red Eye Removal

6. Go to the Fix Red Eyes website, using your browser.

7. Click "Browse files" and select a picture to edit. You can upload a picture up to two megabytes in size.

8. Drag the red-eye selector over an eye. Repeat for each area that has a red eye.

9. Click the green "Fix it!" button.

10. Click "Download" and save the picture to your computer.

Picasa

11. Launch Google Picasa.

12. Locate the picture that has the red-eye you want to remove. Double-click the picture to open it.

13. Click "Red eye" in the "Basic Fixes" tab.

14. Drag the red eye selector around the reddish area. Picasa will immediately remove the tint.

Tags: Photo Gallery, Windows Live, Live Photo, Live Photo Gallery, want remove, Windows Live Photo

Get An Aerial Satellite View

Google Earth is one of the easiest ways to access satellite and aerial imagery.

Satellites orbit the Earth collecting images of the surface for mapping, scientific research, and weather prediction. The imaging satellites are launched and operated by governments and private corporations around the globe. Many of these images are freely available, while others cost ten to thousands of dollars per scene. Google Earth offers one of the easiest ways to access freely available images of nearly any spot on Earth for casual use. Google Earth offers satellite and aerial imagery you can print and save.

Instructions

1. Download and install Google Earth. Refer to the References section for a link to the download page.

2. Launch Google Earth. It opens with a window displaying a "Tip." Click "Close." You are presented with a view of the Earth. Open View | Show Navigation and select "Always" to keep the on-screen map navigation tools visible.

3. Type the name of the location you want to view in the "Fly to" box in the Search panel in the upper left corner of the screen. For example, try "London" or "Washington, D.C."

4. Click the "Begin Search" (magnifying glass) button next to the "Fly to" box. The view will zoom in to your location on the globe. If Google Earth finds several matches for your location, it will display a list in the Search panel. Click the correct location on the list to zoom to that location.

5. Navigate around the scene to get the exact view you want. Double-click on the view to zoom in on that point. Click-and-drag the map to pan around. Use the zoom bar slider in the upper right to zoom in and out. See the "Navigating on the Earth" page in the References section. Many areas have high-resolution aerial photography, so you will be able to see trees, cars, houses, and other details clearly as you zoom in.

6. Turn layers off or on in the Layers palette by clicking the checkboxes next to the layer names. For example, uncheck the "Roads" layer to hide roads in your view.

7. Save your view as an image. Open the File menu and select Save | Save Image. A standard "Save As" window opens. Choose a folder to save your image in, type a file name in the "File name" box, and click "Save."

8. Print your view by selecting Print from the File menu. The Google Earth Print Options window opens. Click the "Graphic 3D View" button, and select "Screen," "Low," or "Medium" for the print quality. Click "Print" to continue to the standard Print menu, where you can choose your printer and printer settings.

Tags: Google Earth, your view, aerial imagery, Earth offers, easiest ways

How Digital Camcorders Work

Focusing the Light

Begin with the camcorder lens. Most camcorders have adjustable zoom lenses to focus in on the image. Many also have adjustable apertures to control the exposure of the image, variable shutter speeds which control brightness and regulate motion blur, special low light settings to capture images in near-darkness and other settings that can be tweaked. On many systems, the camcorder automatically adjusts these settings, but on some, the user can opt to adjust them himself.

Creating an Image

A lens in the digital camcorder focuses incoming light on a grid of tiny light detectors called the imager. Each detector has a tiny filter over it, only allowing red, green or blue light through. When light of the correct color strikes a detector, it creates a charge, and the detector sends a signal to the computer. It then resets itself and records the next image. Generally, an imager can record up to 30 frames per second.

Processing and Storing the Image

The computer pieces all of the tiny red, green and blue dots from the image detector together into a picture. The dots are so small that, when they are all pieced together, they look like a seamless image. It then stores the image on a storage device. Many Digital camcorders use Mini-DVDs, which etch the video onto small disks using a laser. Others have internal hard drives which store the image magnetically on a spinning disk. Most modern digital camcorders also have a transfer cable which can be used to transfer the video onto a computer for storage or editing.

Tags: also have, green blue, have adjustable, video onto

Convert Celsius To Kelvin

Convert from Celsius to Kelvin

In business, science and engineering, different conversion scales are used throughout the world. The standard scale in one country may not be ideal for use in another location. Being sure that conversions and calculations are correct is increasingly important as international trade grows. Simple errors in conversion can cause major problems and may be avoided by using proper math to reduce many errors.

Instructions

1. Recognize that Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales are similar, with one major difference. While Celsius is based on the freezing point of water, Kelvin is based on "absolute zero," the lowest temperature possible.

2. Convert to Kelvin using the formula: K=C+273.15.

"K" and "C" stand for degrees Kelvin and degrees Celsius. The number 273.15, comes from the fact that absolute zero, the base for Kelvin, is 273.15 degrees below freezing on the Celsius scale.

3. Enter the degrees you want to convert into the formula. For example, to convert from 30 degrees C, the math formula would become K=30+273.15.

4. Perform the math to find the answer. In the above example, adding 30+273.15 creates the answer K=303.15. This is the solution in Kelvin degrees.

5. This conversion can also be performed the other way around, from Kelvin to Celsius. Simply switch the formula around: C=K-273.15.

Tags: Celsius Kelvin, Kelvin degrees, absolute zero

Learn A Samsung Remote

Universal remotes control several entertainment devices at once.

Samsung remote controls offer a wide range of convenient options. The universal remotes can operate more than just your television. You can use your Samsung remote to operate set-top-boxes, VCRs, DVD players and cable boxes, according to Samsung. As a result, learning synchronize or code the remote to recognize other devices takes time. When you learn to code the remote, you must then learn use it to begin enjoying a new level of control. Luckily, Samsung offers a number of resources to get you started.

Instructions

1. Review the owner's manual for your specific remote. Taking the time to review the features and controls gets you off to a good start. If you do not have a manual, download yours from the Samsung website. While you review the manual, take the steps provided to accomplish each task. For example, read program channels, and then execute each step two or three times.

2. Go to the Samsung website and review the available guides and how-tos. These resources provide information about synchronizing, coding and controlling other entertainment devices. Take the steps provided in the tutorials and repeat the steps until you remember each one.

3. Learn a new feature at intervals with which you are comfortable. For example, create a list of features you will use frequently. Study and execute the steps for one or two features once or twice per day. Move on to a new feature when you have mastered the previous one.

4. Explore the remote regularly. Some features may not be included in the owner's manual or online how-to guides. As a result, you should touch new buttons and experiment with combinations each day. Remember to complete each task repetitively, which helps you remember each step.

Tags: code remote, each step, each task, entertainment devices, owner manual, remember each

Remove A Stingray From A Hook

In the water, stingrays are generally harmless unless provoked.

When fishing in the ocean, you might hook a stingray. Stingrays pose a problem to anglers not only because of their large, awkward shape but because of their dangerous--and lethal--barbs. Naturalist Steve Irwin, in a famous example, received a stingray injury that led to death. Stingray barbs hit quickly and do tremendous damage. To remove a stingray from your line, you must take necessary safety precautions.

Instructions

1. Reel in the ray until it is alongside your boat. Do not pull it out of the water or you risk being injured by its barb.

2. Put on heavy gloves before moving your hands anywhere near the stingray. Pull the ray tightly against the boat.

3. Loop the fish hook disgorger onto your line. Slide the disgorger down the line until it reaches the bend in the hook.

4. Push hard into the bend of the hook until the hook is released from the stingray. Let the stingray swim free from your boat.

Tags: because their, bend hook, from your, your boat, your line

How Motion Sensors Work

Alternative Motion Sensing

Motion sensors can also work by sending a straight beam of light across a distance, such as a door frame or gateway. The receiver and transmitter communicate constantly that certain parameters are OK. When the beam is broken by movement, the transmitter reports a break and the receiver confirms. The motion sensor system then reports a signal to lights, a door, an audio chime or a security system.

Some motion sensors can function using sound and echolocation, the system of bouncing sound out and measuring how its echo reflects back. This is the same style of motion sensing that is used in nature by bats and dolphins to detect movements.

Motion Sensor Masking

Low technology motion sensors can be fooled by either slow disturbances or bending the reflection. Motion sensors are triggered by fast changes or "rapid changes" in the radio wave or light beam patterns. If motion is slow enough, it has been known to fool a motion sensor into overlooking movement. In terms of bending the reflection, if a properly curved lens can be put in place of the beam transmitter, it is possible to warp the expectation of the reflection. This could fool the receiver into seeing a different area of echo.

Tags: bending reflection

What Is An Xga Projector

XGA projectors work with a standard resolution of 1,207 by 768 pixels, just as many computer monitors do. These units can shine a data display onto a large surface for presentation to an audience.

Resolution

The resolution of a projector describes the number of horizontal and vertical pixels it uses in creating an image. According to Projector Point, an XGA resolution makes up a grid of 1,027 horizontal pixels by 768 vertical pixels. Most XGA projectors can rescale images of higher or lower resolution to fit their pixel grids, though the quality may differ from a natively XGA image.

Technologies

XGA projectors typically use LCD, DLP or LCoS technologies to create an image, according to Wedgwood AV. LCD projectors activate liquid crystals that turn pixels on or off, forming a full-color image, while DLP projectors use thousands of tiny mirrors working in conjunction with a spinning color wheel. LCoS projectors combine both techniques.

Function

An XGA projector receives a data signal from a computer, video player or other attached device, then processes the data as an XGA image. A lamp shining through the image projects it onto a screen or wall.

Tags: vertical pixels

Remove Sawdust From Your Eye

Sawdust can be irritating to your eyes.

Sawdust or other small, foreign particles can be irritating to the eyes. Even if the sawdust is very small and not visible, it can cause a lot of eye discomfort. The body's own tears sometimes wash sawdust or other small particles out of the eye, but if tears alone don't work, simply lifting the eyelid and removing the particle gently with a clean finger will often do the trick.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Look in the mirror and try to locate the sawdust particle in your eye. Blink several times in an attempt to remove the sawdust with little effort. Allow your eyes to tear up, as the tears may wash the sawdust out. Do not rub your eyes; instead, gently dab the tears with a tissue.

2. Gently pull your lower eyelid away from the irritated eye while looking in the mirror. Look closely to search for the sawdust. It's possible for the irritant to move farther into corner of your eye. Repeat the process with your upper eyelid if you still haven't found the sawdust.

3. Allow your eye to rest for a moment and blink some more. Allow your eyes to tear up, then repeat Step 2.

4. Fill an eye cup or shot glass with lukewarm water or eye wash. Lean over a sink and place the cup over the irritated eye, making sure the cup fits snugly against the eye socket. Quickly tilt your head back and open the irritated eye so it's looking into the liquid. Look all around so the liquid reaches as many areas of the eye as possible.

5. Lean forward over the sink again and remove the cup. Carefully pat your face and eye dry with a towel. Repeat Steps 2 through 4, if necessary, until the irritant has been washed away.

Tags: your eyes, Allow your, Allow your eyes, eyes tear, other small, over sink, wash sawdust

Buy A Digital Camera With Enough Mega Pixels To Meet Your Needs

When buying a digital camera you may feel like you are drowning in specifications and confusing numbers. Understanding megapixels is essential for choosing a digital camera that will meet your needs. Follow these steps to learn more about megapixels and other terms.

Instructions

1. Understand ppi. Pixels per inch (ppi) is a measurement of the image resolution. This will define the size an image will print with good quality. The more ppi the better, but it is possible to overkill. 300ppi is the highest value that is reasonable for ink jet printers.

2. Understand dpi. Dots per inch (dpi) measures printer resolution in terms of dots of ink placed on the page when an image is printed. Photo-quality ink jet printers range from 1200 to 4800 dpi. Quality relates to the ppi: 140-200 ppi yield acceptable photo quality and 200-300 ppi yields high quality prints.

3. Understand Megapixels. One megapixel (mp) equals one million pixels. On your camera, the megapixels measures how many pixels your camera will capture-no amount of editing can change this once the picture is taken. The more megapixels, the better the quality.

4. Determine your photo needs. Mainly, how will you be using your pictures? If you are going to be printing them, what size? Are you going to be editing them with digital software?

5. Understand typical quality output. Most cameras range from 2MP to 5MP. A 3MP yields excellent quality 4 inch by 6 inch prints and good quality five inch by seven inch prints. A 4MP or 5MP camera is best for prints larger than 8 inches by 10 inches, although a lower megapixeled camera is capable of producing acceptable quality prints.

6. Determine if you need a higher end camera (over 5MP). These are for professional photographers with very high-end equipment. You may want to consider a higher end camera (4MP and up) if you are going to be doing a lot of cropping in digital editing programs.

Tags: digital camera, good quality, higher camera, inch prints, pixels your, pixels your camera