Eclipse ESN CD players are car audio stereo systems equipped with the Eclipse Security Network. This network guarantees theft protection for the CD player and interface, as it requires a key CD be used anytime system power is reset. After purchasing and installing your Eclipse CD player, you select a key CD to be used to unlock and reset the system. If you need to reset the system, it can easily be done at home.
Instructions
1. Start your car.
2. Press the "Power" button on the CD changer to switch it on.
3. Press the "Preset 1" and "AM-FM" buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the CD player display flashes "Disc."
4. Insert the key CD that you programmed when you installed the ESN CD player. Wait for the display to read "Cncl." This deactivates the system.
5. With the vehicle still running, hit the "Power" button twice to turn the CD player off and on.
6. Repeat Step 3.
7. Insert the new key CD of your choice. The display flashes the word "Sec," alerting you that the system has been reset and activated with your new key CD.
Accidental Locking
8. If you have lost your key CD and locked the system, the CD player must be sent to the manufacturer to be reset. As the ESN is in place to prevent theft, you must provide proof of purchase to the manufacturer.
9. With your vehicle and CD player turned on, press and hold the "FM-AM" and "Preset 4" buttons until the serial number flashes on the screen. Write down the serial number.
10. Call Eclipse customer service at 310-327-2151. Explain that your system has locked and that you need it reset. The operator will provide details about how and where to send your system to be reset.
Tags: display flashes, need reset, Power button, Reset Eclipse, Reset Eclipse Player
A 3.5 mm stereo jack is a multifunctional jack used to connect stereo headsets to items such as iPods, MP3 players and cell phones. It may also be used to connect speaker systems to computers and laptops.
The pin of a 3.5 mm stereo jack has three separate insulated sections: ground, left audio and right audio. Its small size makes wiring a 3.5 mm stereo jack more intricate than larger jacks; however, providing you have the correct tools and a steady hand, the task can be completed fairly quickly.
Instructions
1. Buy a 3.5 mm stereo jack. Choose a jack with an outer cover you can unscrew and has small screws inside to attach the wires. The size of the jack makes soldering difficult as it's easy to get solder in the wrong places.
2. Strip about half an inch of protective plastic from your stereo cable. Use a small sharp knife and gently cut around the protective plastic, making sure you don't cut into the internal wires. If you do, cut the cable cleanly and start over.
3. Check the four wires to ensure you have not cut into them. Two are exposed, and the other two are covered in colored plastic. The colors are usually red and black.
4. Twist the two exposed wires together leaving you with three. Carefully strip about a quarter-inch of plastic from the two colored wires.
5. Unscrew the cover from your 3.5 mm stereo jack. Thread the wires through the 3.5 mm stereo jack, ensuring the threaded end faces toward the end of the wire. The main part of the jack has three very small screws. The top screw is the "ground"; the other two are for the left and right audio connections.
6. Small electrical Phillips head screwdriver
Unscrew each screw slightly using a small electrical Phillips head screwdriver. Loosen just enough to be able to insert the wires between the screw and the fixing. Don't unscrew too far because if the screw falls out, you will have difficulty finding it.
7. Attach the completely exposed wires that you previously twisted together under the top screw head, then tighten the screw. Check to ensure a tight fit.
8. Repeat the process for the two remaining colored wires. It does not matter which color you attach to each screw, though sometimes there may be a small "+" or "-" on the screw. If this is the case, attach the red wire to the screw marked "+" and the other to the screw marked "-".
9. Screw the cover onto the body of the jack and plug your 3.5 mm stereo jack into your music player.
Tags: stereo jack, your stereo, your stereo jack, colored wires, each screw, electrical Phillips
The Delphi XM Roady is an XM satellite radio receiver that is part of XM's three dedicated in-vehicle radios. The XM Roady has an integrated micro-antenna and cassette adapter; it also offers a host of features for those looking to add satellite radio capabilities to their vehicle.
Dimensions
According to XM, the micro-antenna in the XM Roady is the smallest satellite radio antenna available. The XM Roady is 4.65 inches wide, 2.91 inches tall and 1.26 inches deep. It weighs 6.7 oz.
Power
The XM Roady is powered by a 6-volt DC P13 connector. If your vehicle does not have a 6-volt connector, the XM Roady package also includes a 12-volt power adapter. Since this particular radio is designed to be used in a vehicle, you can't use it anywhere outside of a car.
Features
The XM Roady features software to change the screen's color, contrast, audio level and playback options.The XM Roady features TuneSelect, a function that allows you to program your device to alert you whenever your specified favorite song is being played on another channel. For any XM radio features to work, you will need a monthly subscription to the XM radio service.
Tags: satellite radio, 6-volt connector, Roady features
Macros sprint to finish a task before you can blink.
Macros can help you streamline your productivity. Just think of those repetitive steps that you wish you had a button to push to get it done. Well, it is possible to some degree. Macros can speed up those common functions like copying and pasting information somewhere else within the workbook, and retyping the same information over and over again. You can even create a macro to take you to another place within the workbook after you finish a certain task. Becoming macro happy is easier than you think.
Instructions
1. Open Excel and then click "Macro Security" in the code group under the developer tab. If the developer tab is not shown, click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click "Excel Options." Select the "Popular" category under "Top Options for Working with Excel," check "Show Developer tab in the Ribbon" and then click "OK."
2. Click "Enable all macros (not recommended, potentially dangerous code can run)" and then click "OK."
3. Click "Record Macro" from the code group.
4. Type in a short, descriptive name in the "Macro name" box, and then assign a shortcut key, if desired. Using spaces or names of cell references are invalid. The macro name must start with a letter.
5. Select where to store the macro from the "Store macro in" drop-down list box. Options include "Personal Macro Workbook," "New Workbook," and "This Workbook."
6. Type in a longer description for the macro in the "Description" box and then click "OK."
7. Walk through the steps you would like the macro to perform and then click "Stop Recording" when you are finished.
8. Right-click the object to assign the macro to it, and then click "Assign Macro," followed by clicking "OK."
9. Click the name of the macro found in the "Macro name" box.
Tags: then click, click Click, code group, Macro name, then click Click, within workbook
A bass speaker, or subwoofer, will help your car audio system sound better. You'll enjoy increased volume and better lows when you add one to your system. Building a bass speaker requires making an enclosure that you can mount a component subwoofer into. With a component subwoofer, some basic materials and a knowledge of basic carpentry, you can make a bass speaker that'll have your car sounding great when you hit the road.
Instructions
1. Purchase a subwoofer speaker (also known as a component subwoofer). The component subwoofer is the actual speaker you'll be mounting into the enclosure you build. Crutchfield.com is an excellent resource for reviewing and purchasing component subwoofers (see Additional Resources below).
2. Design your enclosure. The design will include the dimensions of the box you'll build for the component subwoofer. To decide on the dimensions, check the specs for your subwoofer. It will list the appropriate size (volume) for the subwoofer. Use an online box designer (see Additional Resources below) to make the design, or sketch something yourself. If you sketch it yourself, use this method to determine the volume of your design: multiply together the width, height and depth in inches, and divide by 1728. The number you arrive at will be the volume of the box in cubic feet.
3. Cut out the front, rear, top, and bottom panels of your box from 3/4 inch MDF. Use a circular saw for this step. Then cut an opening in the front panel that the subwoofer will fit into. Use a drill and jig saw for this step. Put the panels together with wood screws and wood glue.
4. Cut two end panels for the box out of MDF with your circular saw. In one panel, cut an opening for your terminal cup (see Additional Resources below), using your drill and jig saw.
5. Attach the end panels with wood screws and glue, then mount the terminal cup with wood screws. Attach a length of speaker wire between the inside terminals of the terminal cup and the subwoofer's terminals. Mount the subwoofer into the opening in the front panel with wood screws.
Tags: component subwoofer, with wood, with wood screws, wood screws, Additional Resources, Additional Resources below, bass speaker
Listening in on another person's phone conversation may be easier than you think, but it may also be illegal in certain circumstances. If you're willing to risk angering friends or family members, there are easy ways to monitor their phone conversations.
Instructions
1. Pick up the extension. The simplest way to eavesdrop on a phone conversation is to use a handset that is on the same phone line. Quickly press the "Mute" button to block noises on your end of the line from alerting the people who are speaking.
2. Hang up at the same time as those who are talking. If you hang up earlier, you may alert them to your presence if they hear the click of your handset disconnecting.
3. Record a conversation when you are a participant only if you live in a one-party consent state. In some states, you may legally record a phone conversation between yourself and another party because, under the one-party consent rule, you are the one party that is consenting. Make sure you know the laws in your state before you try this method (see Resources below).
4. Purchase a tiny FM (frequency modulation) transmitter and install it in one of your phone handsets to eavesdrop on a phone conversation between two other parties. You can pick up the conversation on a radio in a nearby room. Check with an attorney before doing this and restrict the usage to your home phone. If you need to monitor a child's conversation, this might work.
5. Attach a pen register to the phone line to record calls only if you have a court order to do so. Law enforcement officers may use a "trap and trace" device to log all incoming and outgoing phone numbers.
6. Think twice before recording a phone conversation without the permission of the participants. Chances are that you can't use it in court and it may get you in trouble if it is illegal in your state.
A remote control is a device that allows you to operate electronic equipment without touching it. A remote control is also called a clicker and changer and a magic hand. Common electronic equipment that use remote controls include televisions, stereos, air conditioners, scanners and DVD players. There are universal remotes that can handle a variety of electronics on one controller. Many remotes are battery operated and use an infrared signal.
Instructions
1. Read the instructions on a universal remote.
2. Purchase a remote control that can be programmed to your radio scanner.
3. Insert batteries into your radio scanner remote control.
4. Kneel in front of the scanner to make the infrared signals detect the radio scanner faster and easier.
5. Program the remote to perform the desired operations of the radio scanner. Press the buttons in sequence as instructed.
6. Push the buttons on the remote and let it interpret the pulse stream from anywhere in the room.
7. Test the remote. Move around the room and try to change the channels on your radio scanner.
Tags: radio scanner, remote control, your radio scanner, your radio, electronic equipment
Projector screen sizes can be confusing until the meanings of the numbers are clarified. Usually screens are advertised as a single number, such as 50 inches of 60 inches, which can be quite surprising that a rectangle can be measured in just one dimension. This is especially true when a buyer needs to make sure the screen will fit in a defined area. Because the 16:9 aspect ratio is used in widescreen projections, most projectors use this ratio, so a few simple calculations can determine screen size and dimensions.
Instructions
Calculating the Size of a Projector Screen
1. The size of a projector screen is measured along the diagonal from the lower right hand corner to the upper left hand corner. This is the size that will be advertised.
2. Assuming the projector screen uses the standard 16:9 ratio, to determine the height, multiply the diagonal by 0.495. For example, if the screen size was 50 inches, multiply 50 * 0.495 and the height would be 24.75 inches.
3. Assuming the projector screen uses the standard 16:9 ratio, to determine the width, multiply the diagonal by 0.87. For example, if the screen size was 50 inches, multiply 50 * 0.87 and the height would be 43.5 inches.
Tags: Assuming projector, Assuming projector screen, diagonal example, diagonal example screen, example screen
Make your own portable light box for your photo shoots.
A portable light box is necessary for a product photo shoot. It eliminates the need for a flash that will wash out the product. With proper lightly, you can take quality product photos. You can make your own light box to cut down on your photography expenses. This homemade light box can be easily assembled and will be sturdy enough for you to use on multiple photo shoots. You can cover the light box with your logo for a more professional look.
Instructions
1. Draw diagonal lines from corner to corner on the inside of the box lid.
2. Center the glass using the lines your drew. Trace around the glass.
3. Measure a rectangle inside of the outline of the glass. Make each side 1/2 inch. Cut the rectangle out with the X-Acto knife.
4. Cut the paper the same size as the glass. Tape the paper to the glass.
5. Center the lid inside of the box lid again, paper side up. Tape the glass down.
6. Flip the lid over. Use clear tape around the edges of the rectangle cutout.
7. Place the styrofoam inside the bottom of the shirt box and tape down with duct tape. This will keep the box firm and the glass from moving.
8. Tape the box together.
9. Place the top lid over the bottom. Cut a hole in the side of the box; make sure you go through both pieces of cardboard. The fluorescent light must fit through the hole.
Using a diffusion filter, such as the Soft FX filter series, is an excellent way to make your portrait photography stand out from the crowd. Soft diffusion smoothes facial wrinkles, gives light areas a soft glow, and creates gentle light flare around jewelry and glass. Knowing when to use which diffusion filter will help you create sharp portraits that are softened to perfection.
Instructions
1. Determine the amount of light that is available while you are shooting the portrait. Flaws stand out more in brighter light, so if you want to hide flaws, use a higher level filter. Lower light levels, on the other hand, decrease the amount of flaws that are visible, making a lower level filter acceptable.
2. Look closely at your subject to determine if there are visible flaws such as facial wrinkles, age spots and flyaway hair. The more flaws there are, the higher level filter you will want to use.
3. Select a Soft FX 3 for most occasions. In bright light situations or when photographing persons with multiple flaws, select a Soft FX 4 or 5 filter to increase the softness of the image and reduce the clarity of the flaws. In low-light situations or when photographing persons with minimal flaws, select a Soft FX 1 or 2 filter to reduce the softness of the image.
With cell phones being such an accessory of everyday life it can be a real panic if you reach for it and cant find it. Below are some easy steps to track down that phone.
Instructions
1. Try calling the phone. This may work if you left it in the house somewhere. This is assuming you have a house phone. If you don't then go**** and call it from your computer of send it a text message.
2. If you are in the habit of always misplacing your phone then you can take preventative action but subscribing to a tracking service. These services help with software that tracks the location of the phone via GPS.
3. If you suspect the phone is still within the house or close location and it may be on vibrate or have a dead battery then do the old fashioned search. Check the car and under furniture.
4. Revisit or call the places you have been since you last made a call. Most bars and shops are used to dealing with left items and will have a lost and found box.
5. If still no luck then call the phone company. They maybe to use the GPS tracker to tell you the location of your phone. They may charge for this service.
When the trackball on your Blackberry Pearl, Curve, 8700, 8100 or other models stops rolling in one direction or stops responding you may need to clean it. This guide will help you learn effectively clean your own trackball.
Instructions
1. Remove the plastic silver ring around the trackball. Be careful not to apply too much force or you may break the plastic. Insert your screwdriver under the side of the ring and carefully work it off.
2. Once you have removed the outer ring, you may find an inner ring. It varies based on Blackberry model. If your Blackberry has an inner ring it can be removed similarly to the outer ring.
3. Once the inner ring is removed, you can remove the trackball component. Notice the white guides on the sides of the trackball component. The trackball will need to be reinserted with the guides facing the sides in order to fit back in properly.
4. Now you can disassemble the trackball component. Be careful to remember how it comes apart, as you'll need to replace it the same way you took it apart. Use your screwdriver to carefully bend the metal tabs to get the white plastic cap off. Then you can remove the rollers.
5. Use your fingers to remove any obvious gunk or dust accumulated on the rollers. Once the roller is mostly clean, you can wipe it down with the rubbing alcohol and the lint free cloth. Don't use a q-tip or cotton that could contribute more gunk onto the rollers. Also, don't use a tool that could damage the grip on the roller.
6. Use the rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or oil from the trackball itself.
7. Reassemble the trackball component. Place the black portion of the roller facing left when you place it back in. Then click the white plastic lock back in place. Place the trackball component back in place, and then snap the rings back in place.
Tags: trackball component, back place, inner ring, inner ring removed, outer ring, ring removed, rubbing alcohol
The fuse in an electronic device is one of your main lines of protection, safeguarding your gear from damage that may be caused by excessive current input or short circuits. While most home audio receivers do not have user-serviceable fuses, there a limited number of models that do. If your fuse needs replaced you can take care of it quickly and easily.
Instructions
1. Examine the back of your receiver for a fuse socket. The most common sign that a fuse may be blown is the inability of the receiver to power up. Check the outlet your receiver is plugged into first, to make sure that it's live. If it is, and the receiver won't turn on you can look for the fuse.
2. Examine the back of the receiver for a small round knob with the word "fuse" printed on it or below it. Sometimes the amperage of the fuse will be given as well.
3. Unplug the receiver and turn the knob to the left (counterclockwise). When the knob comes off, one end of the fuse will be revealed. Typically, the fuse will be a simple glass-type fuse.
4. Pull the fuse out carefully (watch out for broken glass), and examine the fuse. If the metal strip on the inside is broken or burned through, you need a new fuse.
5. Insert your replacement fuse. Put the cap back on by twisting to the right.
6. Plug in your receiver. Turn it on and see if you get power to the receiver.
Tags: fuse will, your receiver, Examine back, receiver turn
Adding surveillance cameras to your home can increase security and peace of mind. Outdoor cameras are an investment that need protecting, however, so choosing the right enclosure is just as important.
Assessing Your Needs
Choosing the right security-camera enclosure means assessing your needs before you buy. Some concerns you might have to take into account are:
• Extreme temperatures
• Dust
• High humidity
• Water
• Vandalism
Environmental Factors
Outdoor security-camera enclosures are built with environmental factors in mind. However, when you select an enclosure, you'll need to consider your area's particular climate.
Look for an IP (or International Protection) rating. An IP65 rating, for example, will protect against dust and low-pressure water jets, so rain or the spray of a garden hose will not affect your enclosure. If you live in an area that is hurricane-prone, however, you may need a higher rating.
Some enclosures have built-in heaters and blowers that allow them to function in extreme high or low temperatures. Such an enclosure, for example, may say it will function in temperatures from -20ºF to 120ºF.
Other features to look for are wipers, defrosters/defoggers and sun shrouds.
Vandalism Protection
If there is a high likelihood that your outdoor cameras could be the target of vandalism or tampering, then invest in a more secure enclosure. Some enclosures feature heavy-gauge aluminum or steel casing; others boast bulletproof glass.
These types of enclosures can be expensive, so assess your needs carefully. You can usually avoid camera tampering by mounting them in out-of-reach areas.
Wireless Access
Many security systems use wireless cameras. Outdoor use for these cameras can result in an unreliable signal, but some enclosures and cameras are better for outdoor wireless use than others. The best option is an external wireless radio and antenna.
Print heads put ink from cartridges onto printing paper from tubes, which are heated by an internal heating element that results in bubbles of ink that create the printed words or images. A clogged Canon print head can result in smeared ink, ruined prints due to ink appearing on non-printed areas and too-light or forgone text.
On the Computer
Try pulling up the selected printer and locating the "Properties" menu. Click on the "Maintenance" selection, then choose the "Cleaning" icon. The program will prompt the user to select the Ink Group (color or black and white) to be cleaned and will then provide further instruction. It should be noted that attempting this more than once will lead to the most improvement and may be required to achieve any measurable impact. If the "Cleaning" selection did not quite do the trick, there is another option named Deep Cleaning. The steps are similar: choosing an Ink Group and following the prompts to enact the Deep Cleaning system. Be warned that this procedure uses up a lot of costly ink. After this, print a nozzle check pattern, which will print a page testing every nozzle in the system.
Manual Procedure (Part One)
You might have to manually clean the print head if you have not seen any improvement. Check the owner's manual online to get any further instructions on your specific model of camera. Raise the printer cover and be sure that the cartridge is securely and accurately centered. There should be some instructions on the printer itself to follow, but be sure to find the tab on the individual cartridges (color and black and white) and lift the tab to take out the cartridges. Raise the lock in order to free and release the print head and lift it out of the cradle area. After removing the print head, rinse it under some warm water and carefully take care of paper residue and ink buildup at the head's body and in the slits and holes (this may be clogging the print head). Then rinse the print head until the water is clear. If water doesn't seem to be helping try alcohol (isopropyl) or a Windex-type product.
Part Two
There are two screws on the bottom print head`s ceramic plate. Remove the screws, then carefully guide the ceramic plate away from the print head`s body and run hot water behind the plate. There maybe some of the same gunk on the other side of the plate, so remove that and again rinse. Put the printer head back together and follow the same steps you took in removing the printer head to get it back into the cradle. Lower the locking level; it will click into its proper place and then you can follow the same steps to return the ink cartridges to the tabs. After you do this and close the printer cover check to see if any of your model-specific instructions are advising you to make adjustments in alignment.
Tags: print head, After this, black white, ceramic plate, color black, color black white
The height of this camera provides better viewing angles than if it were at head height.
To capture quality video footage from a security camera, height is essential. Mounting a security camera on a pole, either attached to a wall or to a freestanding pole, will allow the camera to capture greater range with fewer obstructions. Having a security camera mounted high up will also deter potential vandals from interfering with the camera. Even when people are not around, a pole-mounted security camera will help to monitor the security of your property.
Instructions
1. Trace the camera mounting bracket holes onto the surface you wish to attach the camera and mount to.
2. Drill pilot holes before attaching the camera mount.
Drill pilot holes, slightly smaller than the diameter of the mounting bolts into the surface. Attach the mounting bracket to the pole with the screws provided with the bracket.
3. This model would come with a specific kit for the camera.
Attach the camera to the mounting bracket using either the threaded lug on the base of the camera, which should match the threaded bolt on the top of the mount or, if using a kit, attach the camera to the mount using the mounting hardware provided.
Tags: security camera, camera mount, mounting bracket, attach camera, attach camera mount, camera mount Drill, camera mounting
Digital cameras have made it a lot easier to take and view photos, and because of the advancements, the quantity of pictures taken has multiplied as well. With all of the pictures getting stored on cards and computers, it may get hectic trying to keep it all organized. One of the easiest ways to do this is by keeping the pictures in order from date and time. Setting the date and time on a Canon Rebel XT is very easy. By doing this, you will keep better track of the pictures you take.
Instructions
1. Charge the battery to your camera. The date and time settings will remain on the camera no matter how much you remove or lose battery power, but you do not want to get interrupted while you are changing it.
2. Turn your camera on by flipping the switch on the top of it. If your camera is already on, make sure it is active by pressing the silver button down slightly.
3. Press the "Menu" button. This button is located in the top left-hand corner of the camera, to the left of the LCD screen.
4. Use the right navigation arrow to scroll over to the third sub-menu. This menu is labeled with a wrench, hammer and the number one.
5. Press the down arrow four times to highlight the date/time options. On that option, you can view the current date and time that the camera is set to. Press the set button to enter the Date/Time menu.
6. Look at the current date and time. The month, in numerical form, will be highlighted. Adjust the month with the up and down arrows. Once you have the month you want, press the set button.
7. Scroll up and down to select the day for your camera’s settings. Press the set button and repeat this for the year.
8. Repeat the same process for the time, and be aware that the camera is automatically set for military time, so 1:00 will always be a.m., and 13:00 represents 1:00 p.m.
9. Change the format that you want to view the date in. The typical format is month/day/year, but this can be adjusted to multiple orders.
10. Press the set button to complete the changes, or the Menu button to cancel your changes.
Tags: date time, your camera, Canon Rebel, current date, current date time, Date Time
Printing digital pictures at home not only saves you money, but time also. With the invention of high-quality HP (Hewlett Packard ) photo and inkjet printers, you don't have to travel to the photo lab or drugstore to get your pictures developed and printed. When printing photos at home, there are a variety of different types of paper you can use to print your photos on, including white bond paper, matte-finish paper and glossy picture paper. It is important that you load the picture paper correctly in your HP printer.
Instructions
1. Open the package of picture paper and handle the paper by its edges. Do not touch the paper's surface with your fingers.
2. Insert the picture paper glossy or matte side facing up if you have a HP printer that accepts paper from a top-paper slot. These printers are known as "Top Load" printers. Insert 10 sheets of paper into the paper slot.
3. Adjust the paper guides on the top-paper slot so the guides are tight against the paper.
4. Pull out the paper tray and lift the paper catch, if one is present, and insert the picture paper glossy or matte side facing down if you have a HP printer that accepts paper from a front-load paper slot. These printers are known as "Front Load" printers. Insert 10 sheets of paper into the paper slot.
5. Adjust the paper guides on the front-load paper slot so the guides are tight against the paper.
Tags: paper slot, picture paper, paper glossy, accepts paper, accepts paper from
The Zune is a portable multimedia player. It comes in a range of colors (black, red, and blue) and storage sizes (ranging from 4 to 120GB). For audio, the Zune supports MP3, AAC, and WMA. For video, the Zune supports MPEG4, H.264, and WMV. Photos in JPEG format are also supported. Transferring content to the Zune is simple using the supplied USB cable. If you don't want to use the included Zune software, there are other (free) methods of transferring content to your Zune.
Instructions
Transferring music and video
1. Connect the Zune to your computer using the proprietary USB cable. Wait until your device is detected by ActiveSync.
2. Open Windows Media Player.
3. Click the Sync button on the far right. Windows Media Player will sync with your Zune.
4. Drag and drop the audio and video files you want on your device into the large drag and drop area.
5. Click "Begin Sync" to begin transferring your audio and video files. The Zune supports a wide range of audio and video formats. Should the files you're trying to transfer need converting, Windows Media Player will convert them automatically.
Transferring files
6. Connect the Zune to your computer using the proprietary USB cable. Wait until your device is detected by ActiveSync.
7. Click "My Computer." Select your Zune device. If you haven't changed the name of your Zune, it would be "Zune (F:)." This will bring you to the root directory of Zune.
8. Drag and drop any files you want on the device into this area. Audio and video transferred using this method should still play. However, video may not play if it is not the right format. Unlike using a media player (such as Windows Media Player), using this method does not automatically convert files.
Tags: Media Player, Windows Media, Windows Media Player, your Zune, audio video
A light leak is also known as screen bleeding. All products with LCD (liquid crystal display) screens are susceptible to light leaks, including iPhones. If you think your iPhone has a light leak, you might want to get it replaced. However, you must first know what a light leak looks like before you can decide what you're going to do about the issue.
Identifying Light Leaks
A light leak looks like white light shining around the edge of the iPhone screen. Light leaks appear more obvious when running a dark app, viewing a dark website or during the locking and unlocking process. This is because the dark LCD screen contrasts more intensely with the white light coming from the LCD's backlight. All light leaks appear around the edges of devices. If you're seeing problems with light in the middle of your screen, this may be a dead pixel, or an issue with the digitizer (touch screen).
Cause
iPhones consist of several layers, including the plastic bezel on the outside, the touch screen, and a backlight. The backlight is constantly running when your iPhone is on, and the LCD screen sits on top of it. The LCD screen blocks out all unnecessary light from the backlight, except the light that's needed to illuminate the app or process you're running. When an improper seal is formed between the LCD screen and its backlight, light can leak through around the edges, causing screen bleeding.
Models Affected
Technically, all products with LCD screens can be affected. This includes TVs, computers, iPhones and watches. So in reality, every model of iPhone that has been created can be affected by a light leak. However, according to websites like TheStreet.com and Geek.com, the iPhone 4 has been commonly affected by light leaks. This may be because it was the first iPhone model to come out in a white case, and the transparency of the white exterior may have allowed for more light to shine through onto the LCD screen.
Fixing the Issue
Unfortunately, fixing a light leak in an iPhone isn't a simple fix. Because the problem is caused by an improper seal between the LCD screen and its backlight, you'll have to replace the digitizer. You can do this yourself if you're an expert in repairing technology. However, you should be aware that opening an iPhone voids its warranty. If you're uncomfortable performing this task by yourself, then schedule an appointment with the Genius Bar at a nearby Apple Store. If your iPhone is under warranty, you may be able to get it fixed, or get it replaced for free.
Tags: light leak, screen backlight, your iPhone, affected light, around edges, backlight light, between screen
High definition (HD) is the term for digital broadcasting and viewing that offers higher resolution, higher frame rate and an improved aspect ratio compared to standard definition (SD) television. This provides a clearer picture and theater-quality surround sound audio.
History
The first public broadcast in HD was in 1996, but the technology was held back for years by disputes between manufacturers. The FCC-mandated NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) and later the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) created the standard, and with improved technology including digital compression, HDTVs eventually took hold in the marketplace.
Screen Resolution
While SDTVs offer 720 (horizontal) x 480 (vertical) lines of resolution on the screens, HDTVs have up to 1920 x 1080 lines, which makes for a sharper, more detailed picture.
Aspect Ratio
HDTVs have a wider, more rectangular 16:9 aspect ratio, similar to that of movie theater screens, as opposed to the more square-shaped 4:3 aspect ratio of older SDTVs.
Audio
With HD signals being digitally transmitted, HDTVs also offer Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound audio along with the sharper picture--a big upgrade over the two-channel stereo audio of SDTVs.
Potential
With the United States switching to digital-only broadcasting by June 2009, and with the increasing popularity and affordability of HDTV, it's only a matter of time before the only TVs sold in stores will be HDTVs.
Tags: aspect ratio, HDTVs have, sound audio, surround sound, surround sound audio, Systems Committee, Television Systems
Refrigerators are major appliances that keep food cool and dry or frozen. These appliances use freon to cool their internal temperatures to between 35 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When a refrigerator makes a "running" noise, what you are hearing is the compress and fan motor working to cool the appliance to its preset temperature. If the machine runs but does not cool, however, the refrigerator is experiencing an issue. Luckily, your machine may be fixed by a few simple troubleshooting tips.
Instructions
1. Check the fridge's temperature or thermostat control to confirm that it was not accidentally turned up.
2. Inspect the appliance's door seals to ensure that they are not cracked or have come loose. Door seals run the entire length of the door and play a key role in keeping the appliance's temperature regulated. If the seals are damaged, the refrigerator will run in an attempt to cool to the preset temperature but cannot reach said temperature because it is not properly sealed, resulting in the leakage of cool air from the appliance.
3. Examine the door's alignment. Open the door and close it slowly to see if it is striking the designated area and closing completely and evenly. If needed, adjust the door via the hinge screws to make the door align properly and close tightly.
4. Clean the fridge's condenser coils. Condenser coils displace hot air from the refrigerator by drawing heat away from the appliance with a fan. Vacuum the condenser coils to remove any dust and dirt accumulated on them, then use warm, soapy water and a clean cloth to clean the condenser coils of any remaining debris.
5. Examine the drain line, located under the refrigerator, for blockages. The drain line removes water from the refrigerator and dumps it into the drain pan.
Tags: condenser coils, drain line, from appliance, from refrigerator, preset temperature
Recording directly to a memory card can be a tricky task. Some camcorders just aren't designed to record to anything other than video tapes. However, with improvements in digital compatibility, memory cards are now functional in a great number of various electronic devices. If you hit a dead end trying to record directly onto a memory card, there is often an indirect way of transferring a previously recorded digital video onto a memory card, CD or any other form of external storage.
Instructions
1. Make sure that the camcorder or camera is turned off.
2. Locate the memory card slot on the camcorder. Usually this slot is on the bottom of the camera. Sometimes this memory card slot is near the compartment that holds the video tape.
3. By observing the arrows on the memory card itself, determine which direction it should be inserted into the memory card slot.
4. Insert the memory card into the memory card slot. Push it in as far as it will go without damaging the memory card. Often these cards will click into place once inside the camcorder or device. Still other memory cards are designed to stick partially out of the memory card slot.
5. Access the menu on your camcorder's LCD screen, and set up your recording options to record directly onto the Memory Card. To be able to perform this step, you will need a newer camcorder model and a memory card with enough storage space for the amount of recording time you need.
6. If you are unable to record directly onto the memory card, then you will need to connect your digital camcorder up to your computer. You will need to use the software that came with your digital camcorder, along with the USB cord that connects the two devices. Using this cord will connect the camera to the computer. The computer should immediately recognize the camcorder's presence.
7. Using the Video Managing Software that came with your camcorder, playback your recordings and save them onto your computer's hard drive.
8. Once the video recordings are on your hard drive, you can write them to any device that both supports its particular format and that has enough space to hold it. Right click the video file and send it to a Memory Card slot or CD-R.
Improving the audio quality of camcorders by adding external microphones is the aim of serious hobbyists and professionals on a budget. In the case of Canon's Optura 10 and other comparable camcorders with standard 3.5mm microphone jacks, XLR adapters are necessary to accommodate most pro-level microphones. The type of adapter depends heavily on the type of microphone employed, and most allow "line level" inputs for connection of other audio sources such as sound mixers and music players in addition to microphones to your Optura 10.
Non-powered XLR Camcorder Adapters
Non-powered XLR adapters are the most inexpensive adapter type for the Optura 10, and will permit any standard dynamic-type microphone to be used. Dynamic microphones, unlike condenser mics, do not require external power or batteries, and the adapter simply acts as an impedance matching transformer (to increase the incoming volume level to camcorder usability) and 3.5mm to XLR jack adapter.
Powered XLR Camcorder Adapters
Powered XLR Camcorder adapters use batteries to supply what is known as "48 volt phantom power" for condenser microphones. Although some condenser mics are battery powered -- in which case a powered adapter is not needed -- many condensers will function only with an external power source. Generally more expensive than non-powered units, these XLR adapters include power on and off switches, allowing use of both dynamic and condenser microphones for the Optura 10 and comparable camcorders.
XLR Camcorder Adapters with Preamps
Both powered and non-powered XLR adapters for the Optura 10 are available with or without preamps. Since every microphone is different in its audio output level, preamps boost the microphone signal to usable volume levels when necessary for optimal results. These adapters use switches or rotary controls to facilitate signal boosting of weaker mics, reduce the signal of louder mics or bypass the preamp feature altogether if no boost or signal reduction is necessary. XLR adapters with preamps -- particularly those with phantom power -- are the most expensive adapters and may require an extra battery or two to provide preamp power in addition to phantom power.
Which XLR Adapter to Choose
The best approach to choosing an adapter for your Canon Optura is to decide which microphone is best for the particular application and choose your adapter to suit the mic. For maximum flexibility and if budget allows, go for a powered XLR adapter with built-in preamp. You'll be able to use or interchange any type of XLR mic to suit any circumstance and have control over all variables in power needs and output levels.
Transferring your pictures from your computer to portable hard drive is quick and easy.
Whether you are sharing your digital pictures or backing them up in the event your computer crashes, you will need some way to store them. A popular choice is a portable hard drive, which allows you to both back them up while being able to carry them with you to share with family and friends. Transferring your pictures from your computer to portable hard drive is simple.
Instructions
1. Connect the USB end of your portable hard drive or flash drive into an available USB port on your computer.
2. Navigate to the folder containing the digital pictures that you want to transfer.
3. Copy the pictures you wish to transfer by selecting them by clicking and dragging around the files. Next, right-click on the selection and select "Copy" from the resulting menu.
4. Navigate to "My Computer" to access the USB flash drive or portable hard drive directly. Click on the icon associated with the drive. Some computers may autoplay the USB drive once it has been plugged in. You can access the drive this way by selecting the "Open folder to view files" option.
5. Right click in the folder that appears and click "Paste" to begin the transfer process. Once the transfer has completed, be sure to eject the USB flash drive before removing it from your computer. You can do so by right-clicking on the drive icon and selecting "Eject" from the resulting menu.
Tags: hard drive, portable hard, portable hard drive, your computer, flash drive
Manufacturers and users identify coaxial cables with the letters "RG" and then a number. Most coaxial cables conform with military specification MIL-C-17, which defines certain parameters the cable must meet. RG8 and RG213 both conform with Mil-spec M17/74 and have the same basic electrical characteristics. They can be interchanged for signals, but not for certain environmental conditions. Most manufacturers strive to meet military specifications for all the cables they produce.
Contamination
MIL-C-17 also carries sub-categories for environmental considerations for coaxial cables. RG8, an older design of cable, classifies as Type 1 and is labeled "contaminating" because the PVC jacket material breaks down faster with exposure to ultra-violet rays from the sun over time. The PVC jacket material of RG213, however, classifies as Type IIA and labeled "non-contaminating." The PVC jacket on RG213 can last up to two times longer than that of RG8. But other than the material of the outer jacket, the differences between RG8 and RG213 are minimal.
Other Differences
The design of RG8 only allows a maximum of 4,000 volts difference between the center conductor and the shield. RG213 allows 5,000. RG8 can withstand temperatures between -40 and +80 degrees centigrade, while RG213 can only withstand between -40 and +75 degrees. Both use seven strands of wire for the center conductor, but RG213 uses slightly larger strands for an overall diameter of 0.089 inches whereas RG8 is 0.0855 inches. RG213 is slightly heavier at 10.6 lbs. for a 100-foot section whereas RG8 only weighs 10.5 lbs.
Uses
RG8 and RG213 commonly carry VHF and UHF radio signals from transmitters to antennas and from antennas to receivers. They also carry high-performance electronic signals for data transmission and computer applications for commercial broadcast, telecommunications, industry and military systems. They are most commonly used in situations that require low signal loss and high operating voltage, particularly to antennas on towers for two-way radio systems. They can also be buried for underground applications.
M17/74 Requirements
The military specification requirements for RG8 and RG213 set maximum attenuation or signal loss standards that the cables must meet at certain frequencies. At 100 MHz, RG8 and 213 must not have more than 2.3 dB of loss for a cable length of 100 feet. At 400 MHz, the loss cannot exceed 4.8 dB and at 1,000 MHz it can't exceed 9.0 dB. Both cables must be able to carry a signal with a power of 320 watts. Neither cable must carry signals over 1,000 MHz.
Tags: coaxial cables, between degrees, cable must, cables must, center conductor, classifies Type
Correct exposure is essential for good photographs.
Whether you use a digital or film camera, getting the correct exposure is essential for good photographs. Simply put, exposure refers to how much light is reaching the film or the image sensor on digital cameras. To determine the correct exposure, you need to have the right combination of shutter speed and F-stop. Shutter speed is how long the shutter is open, allowing light into the camera. F-stop tells you the size of the aperture, which is the hole light passes through in the camera.
Instructions
1. Measure the light of the scene you want to shoot. Use a light meter, which will return a combination of shutter speed and F-stop, or set your camera to "auto," depress the shutter halfway and note the speed and F-stop the camera chooses. For example, you might see a reading of F/8 at 1/125th of a second.
2. Choose the F-stop you desire. The larger F-stop numbers actually indicate smaller aperture size. Different aperture sizes, in turn, create different looks in a photograph. For example, a larger aperture will cause more of the background to be out of focus. The standard series of F-stops on most cameras is F/1.4, F/ 2.0, F/2.8, F/4, F/5.6, F/8, F/11, F/16, F/22, F/32, F/45 and F/64. Each step along the series (or "stop" as photographers say) allows in half the light as the setting before it. Perhaps you choose to go one "stop" down in aperture size and change the F-stop from F/8 to F/11, allowing in only half the amount of light.
3. Adjust the shutter speed to compensate for the change in F-stop. As with F-stop, each step in the series of shutter speeds allows in half as much light as the previous step. Measured in seconds, the series progresses to fractions of seconds (with a bit of rounding as the times get shorter): 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 etc. In this example, the aperture went from F/8 to F/11 allowing in only half as much light. Therefore, you must adjust the shutter speed from 1/125th to 1/60th of a second, allowing twice as much time for light to enter. Similarly, changing the F-stop two stops down to F/16 would require a shutter speed of 1/30th of a second, two stops up from 1/125.
Tags: shutter speed, much light, speed F-stop, allowing only, allowing only half, allows half
When portable DVD players first came out, they were pretty expensive. And clunky. They barely had enough battery power to play through a whole movie. Nowadays, you can get a decent one for less than a fifth of what they used to cost, plus they can also play media files from an external drive. But there are still some caveats to be aware of.
Buyer beware
There's a certain danger to going for the cheapest available portable DVD player. Sometimes it has a poor viewing angle. Other times, its battery power isn't much better than the first models that came to market. Sometimes you'll encounter a model that can't suffer much vibration at all, which is exactly what you don't want from a mobile device. If it starts skipping, or restarting the DVD, that's no fun at all. So the first thing you want to do is research.
Features
Thankfully, you won't have to do a lot of homework on this one. Websites like Amazon and Newegg have user reviews and a large selection. (Since we're looking to keep costs down, you're going to want to steer clear of retail stores which will usually charge more.) CNET also regularly reviews portable DVD players. Almost all of the popular models are in a widescreen "16:9" format and are measured diagonally. They come in ranges of 7 to 9 inches. Most of them come in a "clamshell" design, like a laptop. A few of them look more like tablet PCs and are carried in a sleeve to protect the screen. Some offer multiple headphone jacks as well. Pretty much all of them come with car and AC adapters.
Screen formats
Another thing that you'll probably only get from user reviews is how one of these portable players handles video that's not in a 16:9 format. Most television is in a 4:3 format, which means everything gets stretched horizontally. Some portable players adjust automatically, but others need to be tweaked manually.
Additional considerations
Another consideration is what formats the DVD player supports. Some of them only read commercial DVDs, while others can have a portable hard drive or iPod plugged into them, and you can play movies or other media stored on the attachment, including image files. This method is ideal, because DVDs can skip and get scratched. This means carrying another device around, but you'd be carrying around your DVDs anyway if you weren't carrying around the extra device. Also, most portable DVD players offer connections allowing you to plug it into a television, which is handy if you're staying at a hotel, where you won't typically have access to a DVD player and will instead have to purchase movies from their in-house service or just watch regular television.
Tags: portable players, battery power, carrying around, them come, user reviews
Many gamers who made the switch to the PlayStation 3 were dismayed to learn that they wouldn't be able to bring with them their saved games from all their old PlayStation and PS2 titles. Sony, realizing that this could be a problem, released the PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adapter at the same time as the console. This peripheral can be found in several places where the PlayStation 3 is sold.
GameStop
GameStop is a video-game retail chain that sells thousands of games and hundreds of peripherals for each major gaming console. Among those peripherals is the PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adapter. GameStop sells it for $15 new, and less for a used unit, although your local store may not have any used adapters in stock.
Amazon
Amazon is the Internet's resident department store. Whether you are looking for a new CD, book or even a table-top grill, odds are that Amazon has it in stock. Amazon carries many of the PlayStation 3's more useful peripherals, including the Memory Card Adapter. Because Amazon is an online-only store, you will pay a little more for the unit because of shipping costs.
Best Buy
Electronics retailer Best Buy carries the PlayStation 3 and many of its peripherals. If you can't find the Memory Card Adapter at a Best Buy store, you can always turn to the retailer's Web site to see if the item is available there. You can even use the site to see whether other nearby stores have the adapter.
Tags: Card Adapter, Memory Card, Memory Card Adapter, PlayStation Memory, PlayStation Memory Card, stock Amazon
Glow-in-the-dark tape is useful at home and in business.
Glow-in-the-dark tape is manufactured with pigments that are photoluminescent. When the tape is exposed to everyday lighting, it absorbs energy from the light and stores it. The tape glows brightest as soon as the light goes out, but it is still visible in the dark hours later. Glow-in-the-dark tape is purchased in rolls that can be cut or in rolls of particular signs.
Green
Green glow-in-the-dark tape is used to indicate the locations of light switches, sockets and other items on walls. It is also used on bicycle handlebars, stripes on traffic-control clothing. Doorways, door handles and stairs are marked with strips of glow-in-the-dark tape as either a caution or a location indicator. Tractors, farm equipment and trailers have reflectors, but glow-in-the-dark tape is sometimes used to indicate corners or sides of the equipment.
Red and Black Stripes
White glow-in-the-dark tape with a red or black stripe indicates danger. This tape is put on posts and guardrails to warn people of the possible dangers. Poles or fence posts are marked if there is a hole or other dangerous spot on the ground. It might also be used around the edges of signs in parking lots or roadwork areas. Rolls of red or black stripe glow-in-the-dark tape can be cut to whatever length is needed.
Anti-Slip Floor Tape
Glow-in-the-dark tape is also available with a nonskid finish. This can be used on floors in areas such as a food bar in a restaurant where spills could cause accidents. It's convenient to use in bathtubs and on bathroom floors. Restaurant kitchens use glow-in-the-dark anti-slip tape around areas that could become wet. This tape is green or greenish-white.
Directional and Exit Tape
Many businesses use directional glow-in-the-dark tape to indicate exits or other locations. Theaters use it to show the way to emergency exits. Glow-in-the-dark directional tape has imprinted arrows pointing to the direction people should go. Most directional tapes are green or greenish-white in light. Hospitals have also made use of directional tape to lead the way to certain clinics or other areas.
Tags: glow-in-the-dark tape, Glow-in-the-dark tape, also used, black stripe, directional tape, green greenish-white, This tape
There are few things that can ruin a day faster than a clogged drain, especially in a bathroom. Whether it's caused by a build up of hair, grease or an errant toy, drains sometimes require more than a simple plunger to unclog.
Most plumbing experts advise against using chemicals to unclog drains--and if the clog is big or solid enough, it wouldn't work anyway. A plumbing snake is easy to rent. Even a novice can use the tool.
Which Type of Snake?
Before you call a tool rental place, figure out which type of drain snake you'll need. A cable auger, or plumber's snake, with a hand crank is great for most typical drain clogs. Homeowners might want to purchase one of these; at $25 or under, they're inexpensive and handy to have around.
For toilets, rent a closet auger. It's angled to fit through toilet traps and also comes with a hand crank. Expect to pay $40 or under to purchase one, or less to rent.
Major clogs, like tree roots or clogs far away from the access point, call for an electric power auger. These tools require more skill. Before you leave the rental place, learn get the snake back to the machine. Electric power augers cost about $30 to rent.
Home Improvement Centers
These days, just about everybody has a big home improvement center near them, such as Home Depot. Most of Home Depot's stores include a tool rental center.
Use the Home Depot website to input your zip code and find the nearest tool rental center. They don't list prices on line, so call to ask how much a snake rental costs and reserve the item. Home Depot has rates for half days or full days or more.
Some regions have home improvement retail chains, such as Ace Hardware, Dixieline and others that also have tool rental centers in their stores. These are worth a look if there's one close by.
Local Tool Centers
If there's no home improvement center nearby, look for a local tool rental place. The easiest way to find one is to use an Internet search engine. Type "rent plumbing snake" and then your city or zip code. A list of possibilities will appear.
Look through several listings to find the best price and deal. Some places will rent by the half days, while others only do full day but charge more. Local tool rental centers often post their prices online.
While a few tool places have online reservation options, most require a phone call and a credit card number to reserve the item.
Prices vary by region. For example, rental prices in Honolulu are about double what you would pay in Maryland.
Tags: tool rental, Home Depot, rental place, half days, hand crank
Yu Gi Oh is one of Japan's most successful manga franchises and has spawned numerous multimedia toys, films, television shows, cards and video games. Yu Gi Oh is largely card-based with head-to-head action, making the Nintendo Gameboy Advance a great match for video gaming. The Internet provides emulators and game ROMs so all you need is a computer and online connection to get your Yu Gi Oh fix.
Instructions
1. Locate a Gameboy Advance website that offers downloadable Yu Gi Oh game ROMs (see Resources). Some digging is required to locate the harder to find ROMs.
2. Download a Yu Gi Oh ROM by clicking on the title of the game you desire. A prompt will appear asking if you would like to open or save the file. Click "Save."
3. Search through the program files on your computer and find the Gameboy Advance emulator. Look for the subfolder titled "ROMs" and open it.
4. Copy the Yu Gi Oh ROM from your download folder over to the "ROMs" folder in the Game Boy Advance emulator.
5. Test the ROM by starting the Gameboy Advance emulator. Click "File", select "Load ROM" and click on the Yu Gi Oh file to start the game.
Tags: Gameboy Advance, Advance emulator, game ROMs, Gameboy Advance emulator
Wireless headphones allow a person to listen to music or television while roaming. Offered in a variety of styles and a range of prices, wireless headphones are manufactured by most major electronics brands. Learn to buy wireless headphones that fit your needs and budget.
Instructions
1. Set an appropriate budget for wireless headphones. The major electronics brands offer wireless headphones that fit most budgets although the more expensive sets offer farther range and better reception.
2. Decide which kind of wireless headphones you'd like to buy depending on how you plan to use them. There are 2 basic types of wireless headphones: infrared and radio frequency. Infrared headphones require the user to be in the line-of-sight of the transmitter, limiting roaming capability and range. Although roaming is limited, the reception of infrared wireless headphones is superior. If you plan to use wireless headphones in the same room as your electronics, infrared headphones are a great option. Radio frequency wireless headphones offer great range and the capability for use on different floors in a building, however, the reception is substandard at times.
3. Try on wireless headphones that appeal to you. Ensure that the fit is comfortable, that the headphones are adjustable and that they are lightweight.
4. Test the wireless headphones before you purchase. Many electronics stores offer product testing. If purchasing on the Internet, attempt to find the same headphones in a store near you so you can test the sound quality.
5. Ask about refund and return policies before you purchase to insure your investment. Try the purchased wireless headphones at home to ensure proper working order.
Digital camera sensors are smaller than film in all cases, except for full frame digital single lens reflex (digital SLR or DSLR) cameras, which are equivalent to 35mm. When taking the same photograph on 35mm film and a common digital camera, the digital camera will have closer framing with a lower quality image when compared with the 35mm film image. This is due to a feature called the aspect ratio.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is defined as the longest dimension to the shortest dimension in a frame. For example, 35mm film measures 36 by 24mm and so has an aspect ratio of 36:24, or more commonly stated, a 3:2 aspect ratio. Single Lens Reflex cameras use 35mm film and are a readily available, popular format. Some Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras (DSLRs) mimic 35mm and provide the same 3:2 aspect ratio. These are called full frame DSLRs.
Compact digital cameras and some DSLRs, on the other hand, provide a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is also the common ratio for computer monitors and televisions.
The Crop Factor Effect
Since digital sensors are smaller than film frames, the same lens will have a different effect on the same image in a film camera versus a digital camera. For example, a 28mm lens on a film camera is considered wide angle, but used on a camera with 4:3 framing, it would be like using a 55mm.
Aspect ratios are often referred to differently when discussed in terms of crop factor. A 1.6x crop factor is another way of expressing that a camera has a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is simply the length divided by the width of the aspect ratio. Therefore, a 50mm lens on a camera with a 1.6x crop factor (4:3) is equivalent to an 80mm lens on a camera with a 1.5x crop factor (3:2).
Types of Film
35mm (3:2) is the most popular film type. It is versatile, does not require a large, cumbersome camera and provides good image quality.
APS (advanced photo system) did not gain popularity due to innovations in digital photography that made its intended flexibility seem antiquated before it reached the consumer markets on a large scale. It was intended to be more versatile than 35mm by providing options for aspect ratio selection, such as panoramic.
Medium format film is intended for Twin Lens Reflex cameras (TLR cameras), which are larger, bulkier, and more expensive than SLRs. The increased size accommodates larger negatives, however, which provides better quality in addition to multiple aspect ratios in its common film types. Some examples of medium format film are 6x4.5cm negative, 6x17cm panoramic film and 6x7cm negative, which is the most popular medium format option.
Sheet film (large format) comes in 5-by-4-inch and 10-x-8-inch negatives. This film is expensive, intended for large cameras and is costly to process. Much like with medium format however, it is high end film that provides impeccable quality and clarity. Large format cameras can be hard to come by and are most often seen in fine art and professional photography.
Ratios for Print
When printing a 4-by-6-inch print from a digital photograph, cropping will often occur at the edges of the image because a 4-by-6-inch print requires an image with a 3:2 aspect ratio and most commercial digital cameras use a 4:3 ratio. While this may not affect the specific image, it can often crop out important parts of an image.
In short, if aspect ratios do not match the desired print size, arbitrary cropping at the edges will occur depending on the crop factor.
Tags: aspect ratio, 35mm film, camera with, crop factor, digital camera, Lens Reflex, Lens Reflex cameras
There are various types of light meters suitable for shooting indoor portraits.
There are several options for metering light when shooting indoor portraits with the Pentax K100D. There is a built-in meter, a handheld reflective meter, handheld incident meter and a handheld spot meter as well as viewing the image on the LCD screen and adjusting camera settings to reach the correct exposure. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Built-in Meter
The Pentax K100D has a built-in light meter that measures the light reaching the sensor in the camera through the lens. The K100D meter is mutli-segmented, meaning it measures light from various parts of the scene to calculate the proper exposure. This type of metering is very accurate in most circumstances.
The K100D meter can also be switched to center-weighted meter, which measures the light of the whole scene but puts more emphasis on the correct exposure in the center of the scene.
The meter can also be switched to a spot meter, which measures just the center, allowing a photographer to take very precise exposure measurements of different parts of a scene.
Handheld Incident Meter
While the built-in meter of the Pentax K100D is suitable for taking indoor portraits, some photographers prefer to use a handheld incident light meter such as those offered by Sekonic. This meter measures the amount of light striking a scene as opposed to the camera's meter, which measures the light reflected off the objects in a scene. The advantage of an incident light meter is that the measurements are not fooled by overly bright or dark objects such as certain skin tones, which could fool the K100D's meter into overexposing or underexposing the image.
Handheld Reflective Meter
A handheld reflective light meter, like those made by Gossen, works in the same way as the built-in meter of the Pentax 100D. It measures the amount of light reflected back from the scene. The advantage of a handheld meter is the ability to leave the camera on a tripod while moving the handheld meter around the scene being photographed to measure various parts of the scene.
Trial and Error
Unlike film cameras, a digital camera like the Pentax K100D allows for instant review of images via the LCD screen. A photographer has the ability to shoot and adjust camera settings until the desired exposure is reached through a process of trial and error. While more time-consuming than accurately measuring with other light meters, the trial-and-error method reaches the same result: proper exposure.
Flash Meter
Many handheld meters, both incident and reflective, also have the ability to act as a flash meter. This metering method is used to measure the necessary settings when using various flashes. This is especially useful when using third-party flashes or strobes, including most studio strobes, that do not take advantage of the automatic TTL flash capabilities of the Pentax K100D.
Tags: measures light, Pentax K100D, indoor portraits, K100D meter, meter which
Are your favorite movie moments having a hard time keeping up with the times since they're recorded on 8mm film? Don't worry -- with a few easy conversions, you can transfer your old film to digital in a snap. If keeping the visual quality of the film is really important to you, it might be wise to take your movies to a professional to transfer, though it is costly. But, if your main concern is keeping the memorable content instead of top notch visuals, then try this do-it-yourself project out for cheap.
Instructions
Transferring 8mm to Digital
1. Place 8mm projector close to your projection screen. Make sure the picture is sharp to ensure you get the best quality possible.
2. Put the DV camcorder on the tripod and set it near the projector. Be careful not to place the DV camcorder on the projector table so that you avoid picking up the projector vibrations on your DV recording.
3. Adjust the zoom of your DV camcorder so that the entire picture on the projector fits in your DV frame. Run a test recording to make sure that your DV camcorder is picking up what you see through the DV frame.
4. Change the exposure of your DV camcorder to manual. If you keep the exposure on auto, the lighting of the digital film will flicker since the DV camcorder will try to auto-adjust with the lighting changes.
5. Turn off the sound on your DV recorder since the noise from the projector will overpower an audio on your 8mm film. You can always add audio other than what was on the 8mm film to your new digital version when you edit your video on the computer.
6. Load your 8mm film into the projector and darken the room completely. Press record on your DV camcorder, and start playing your 8mm film. Having a table lamp near the projector is helpful if you need to change reels in the dark during the recording. When the film's done, stop recording, and take the reels off the projector.
7. Change your DV camcorder to VCR (aka play) mode, and connect your DV camcorder to your computer with your firewall cable. You want the cable in the out input of your DV camcorder, and into the firewall slot of your computer.
8. Open a video edition application on your computer, such as iMovie. If prompted, select create new project, or go into a blank editing space.
9. Import your movie to your computer. In iMovie, this is done by pressing the import button. Once your movie is transferred, edit you movie any way you'd like.
Tags: your camcorder, your computer, your film, near projector, your movie
The K10D was Pentax's flagship 10MP Digital SLR until it was replaced in 2008 by the K20D. At the same time, the K200D was released, a mid-level 10MP camera with similar features as the K10D, but it was intended for a less professional market. Although the K10D can be purchased inexpensively on closeout or used, most people will prefer the K200D.
Similarities
Both cameras have weather sealing, which protects the camera from dust and light rain, especially when used in conjunction with certain lenses. If dust does get onto your sensor, both cameras also have dust removal systems.
They each offer in-camera shake correction, which means that every lens you mount on the camera will have this feature. This is particularly convenient on a Pentax DSLR, because they are compatible with all K-Mount lenses made from 1975 onward in manual focus mode, and even on older M42 lenses with the right adapter. These older lenses are of high-quality and a great value.
Also, both models have an extra readout on top of the camera.
Advantages of K10D
The K10D is a higher-end camera with some features important to professional photographers. The camera is a little bigger and has more buttons instead of relying on dial menus. The K10D has a nicer "pentaprism" viewfinder, and a larger buffer for faster and longer continuous shooting. The larger buffer allows for unlimited continuous photos in jpg mode, whereas the K200D can only take four continuous photos.
Advantages of K200D
Although the K200D has a poorer viewfinder, it has a slightly larger LCD screen, 2.7" inches as opposed to 2.5 inches on the K10D. The K200D is powered by AA batteries, which is an advantage if your batteries run low and you need to pick up some extras at the drugstore. Surprisingly, the AA batteries provide longer battery life than the proprietary battery on the K10D. Both cameras offer an optional battery grip if you need more battery life, but the K200D's battery grip is cheaper.
Different Uses
The K10D seems best for professional photographers who shoot one-time events like sports and weddings, and would therefore require good continuous shooting, easy access to features and a nice viewfinder. The K200D seems best for tourists and backpackers who want a lighter unit that has the convenience of AA batteries.
New vs. Used
As the K10D has been replaced by the K20D, it is likely that you will need to purchase a K10D used. This introduces its own problems as you must trust that the seller kept the camera in good condition, because there will be no warranty. As you can still easily purchase a K200D new at a similar price to the K10D, this makes the K200D a better investment.
Bridging a power amplifier lets the user combine the output of two channels into a single channel. This is useful in powering a single, large speaker with the combined output of the amplifier's two channels, which usually would be directed to two speakers. Crown XLS power amplifiers are renowned for their high performance specs, and feature the capability to operate in bridged mode.
Instructions
1. Turn the amplifier off if the power is on, and set the output switch of the amplifier to "mono".
2. Plug the input from your mixing board or other audio source into the amplifier's Channel 1 input, located on the back of the amp.
3. Remove 1/2 inch of wiring from each lead of the speaker wire you'll be connecting to the amplifier, using wire strippers.
4. Loosen the speaker terminals for the bridged output, by twisting them to the left until a hole appears in the post of the speaker terminals. (The speaker terminals used in bridging the amplifier are the two positive (+) terminals. They'll be colored red, and the panel they're mounted onto will have markings for "Bridged output", "+" and "-".)
5. Slide the speaker wire lead that connects to the speaker's positive terminal to the terminal marked "+", then tighten the terminal onto the speaker wire by turning it to the right.
6. Slide the speaker wire lead that connects to the speaker's negative terminal to the terminal marked "-", then tighten the terminal onto the speaker wire by turning it to the right.
7. Switch on the power to the amplifier.
Tags: speaker wire, speaker terminals, connects speaker, lead that, lead that connects
View-masters are neat little toys created for children and adults to view pictures on a slide. You can create your own slide reels for a view-master, adding a more personal touch, a different way to view family photos of vacations, birthdays and fond memories. Finding the parts may be challenging, but once you've purchased all the parts, creating the slides takes only a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Take pictures using your view-master camera. There are two different versions of view-master cameras: Personal and Mark II. These are the only two cameras that can take view-master photographs.
2. Take your camera film to a photography developer and develop your photos. Tell the developer that you do not want your film mounted. When the film is returned to you developed, it will be in one long, uncut film strip, instead of mounted into slides.
3. Cut your film. You will need a special film cutting device that is specific for view-master reels. The film cutters come in two varieties, just as the cameras do, and are called Personal and Mark II. What camera you have determines what cutting device you will need. Your camera and your film cutter should be the same as each other.
4. Insert your cut film pieces or chips into an empty view-master reel. Use gloves when placing the film pieces into the tiny pockets on the empty reel. You may need to use tweezers or a film inserting tool to keep the pocket open while placing the pictures into the reel.
5. Place the completed view-master reel into a view-master viewer. These can be purchased at any toy store.
Tags: your film, view-master reel, cutting device, film pieces, into view-master, Personal Mark, will need
The Zoom H2 and Zoom H4 are portable audio-recording devices developed by Samson. The company markets both devices to users looking to record audio remotely from live music shows and conferences, and on location for use in podcasts and radio. Both devices feature integrated stereo microphones, LCD screens, memory card slots and on-board audio editing tools. They differ primarily in terms of size, integrated microphone arrangement and on-board features.
Size and Battery
Standing on its end, the Zoom H2 measures 4.3 inches tall, 2.5 inches wide and 1.3 inches thick at its thickest point. It weighs 3.9 oz. without its batteries and before optional upgrades and accessories. Standing on its end, the Zoom H4 is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 6.01 inches tall, 2.76 inches wide and 1.38 inches thick at its thickest point. It weighs 6.7 oz. without its batteries and before optional upgrades and accessories. Both devices derive power from either a pair of AA alkaline batteries or from an AC adapter. When running on batteries, both the Zoom H2 and the Zoom H4 get an average of four hours of recording time.
Audio Recording
Both devices record to either 24-bit, 96-kilohertz linear PCM WAV files or MP3 files at rates up to 320 kilobits per second. The Zoom H4 has two integrated condenser microphones arranged in an X/Y pattern for stereo recording. It also has a pair of combination XLR and 1/4-inch input jacks and one 1/8-inch headphone output. The Zoom H2 has two sets of X/Y-configured microphones -- one set that faces forward and one that faces backward on the device, allowing users to record 5.1 surround sound.
Features
The Zoom H2 and Zoom H4 both have built-in backlit LCD displays with resolutions of 128 by 64 pixels. The H4's features include a four-track recording mode for overdubbing, an on-board microphone modeling tool, built-in limiter and effect compression. The Zoom H2's features include on-board file splitting, normalization, automatic voice-activated recording, built-in tuner and metronome. The H2 can also be attached to a computer and used as a USB microphone.
Additional Information
Both devices are compatible with SD memory cards up to 32 gigabytes in size. Samson sells the Zoom H2 bundled with an AC adapter, 512-megabyte SD memory card, microphone clip adapter, desktop stand, windscreen, ear bud headphones, USB cable and stereo Y adapter cable. The company sells the Zoom H4 bundled with an AC adapter, USB cable, 512MB SD memory card, windscreen and tripod adapter.
Tags: Both devices, memory card, Zoom Zoom, adapter cable, batteries before, batteries before optional, before optional