Download And Purchase Pictures On The Walmart Digital Photo Center Online

The Walmart Digital Photo Center was created so Walmart customers can use the Internet to create and develop digital photos. If you have a digital camera or pictures already stored on your computer the Walmart Digital Photo Center will help you to customize and order prints easily. Downloading pictures from your camera is fast and easy and you can also store them for later access. You can have your pictures professionally developed and shipped without having to leave the comfort of your home.

Instructions

1. Access the Walmart Photo Center. The Photo Center is accessible through the Walmart website (see Resources). To open the Photo Center website click on the “Photo” link on Walmart.com’s homepage. There you will find a instructional page for downloading and ordering pictures. On Walmart’s Photo center you can upload or email images, share photos or albums, edit and organize images, and order quality prints and gifts. They also offer unlimited storage with any purchase.

2. To start, click on the “Create Account” button on the Photo Center Webpage. From there enter your name, email address, create a password and enter the year you were born. Then read the “Terms of Use” and put a check in the box. Once that is completed click on the “Register” button. Your account will be created and you will be sent to a page where you can download pictures from your camera to their site.

3. Add pictures to the photo albums. Once you are registered you can begin uploading pictures to their website. Click on the “Add Photos” link in the box located on the left side of the screen. You will then be directed to the upload screen where you will need to add a title for the album you are creating and click “Upload to This Album.” Next click on “Select Photos” and a window will pop up where you can choose which photos you would like to upload. To download directly from your digital camera access its drive and select from there. Once you finish making your photo selections click on “Upload Selected Photos” and the new album will be created.

4. Edit the photos. The Walmart Photo Center gives you the ability to edit photos that you upload onto their site. To access editing features click on the photo and click “Edit & Organize” on the right side of the page. An editing list will open where you can choose to add a border, rotate and flip, add a caption, fix and enhance, move, copy or delete the photo. Choose from the editing list and follow the prompts for completing each enhancement.

5. Order your prints. Once your photo enhancements are complete you will just need to order your prints. Click on the “Get Prints” option under the “Do More” list on the right side of the screen. There you can choose to order standard, poster, or bordered prints. Click on the kind you would like to create. You will then be directed to a screen where you can preview the prices and select the photos you would like to order. When your pictures are selected, click on the “Choose These Photos” button. Next you need to choose your options for the prints and click on “Proceed to Checkout.” From there pick a delivery method, enter a phone number, input your payment information and complete your order.

Tags: Photo Center, Digital Photo, Digital Photo Center, from your, Walmart Digital

Design Surround Sound Systems

There's a lot of confusing terminology out there regarding surround sound: 5.1, 7.1, sub-woofer, analog, digital, pcm, HDMI and component video. How do you design a system that meets your needs in a cost-effective way? Read on.

Instructions

1. A receiver is the brains and heart of any good home theater system. You will want the following: 7.1 sound, meaning it runs seven speakers; at least 100 watts per channel; and at least two HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, ports.

2. Pick out your speakers. You will need seven: left and right in the front, left and right on the side, left and right in the back and a center speaker that sits above or below your television. Do not buy a seven-speaker set; visit a high-end audio store and pick them out individually. Invest more money in the three front speakers (left and right, plus center), since the majority of the sound will come from there.

3. Pick out your sub-woofer. These are generally large and heavy and sit somewhere in the front of the room near your receiver. The sub-woofer is the .1 in 7.1, as it only runs a portion of the sound, the bass. The bass, however, is very important for delivering good effect in surround sound systems, and you get that all-important rumble feeling in your room when the aliens attack in Independence Day. It need not match your speakers in terms of brand, but should cost as much as each of your front speakers.

4. Pick out your speaker cable. Many people pay $1,000 for a Yamaha receiver, $2,000 for Bose speakers and a sub-woofer--and connect it all with $2 speaker wire. No matter how good your equipment is, bad wire will make it sound terrible. So choose Monster; it's very expensive for wire, but the fiber optics makes it worthwhile. Same goes for your sub-woofer cable.

5. Connect your equipment. This isn't as hard as people make it out to be. Place your receiver and speakers. Run a speaker wire from each speaker to the appropriate speaker port. If your TV, cable box and DVD player are all relatively new, they should have HDMI ports on the back, which are long, flat connections that cover all of your video and audio needs. Connect these to your receiver, then run an HDMI wire from your receiver to the back of the TV. Some receivers need to be "told" what component is plugged into the HDMI ports. Consult your manual as each receiver varies in the specifics.

Tags: left right, your receiver, Pick your, front speakers, HDMI ports

Use A Karaoke Machine

Karaoke, the hobby involving singing along to instrumental recordings of popular songs, first flourished in Japan but is now a worldwide pastime. While karaoke is usually played in bars and nightclubs, many people now sing or practice it at home with the aid of karaoke machines. Different models have slightly different functions, but they all utilize the same concept.

Instructions

1. Choose an appropriate model. There are tabletop karaoke machines and towering models with dual controls and large graphic screens. If you prefer to use your computer, there are karaoke CDs and downloadable software that turn your hard drive into a karaoke machine.

2. Adjust the controls. Karaoke machines consist of a TV screen that shows the lyrics of each song as it is played, a CD player and a microphone. There are controls for the microphone and karaoke CD volume and for the brightness and contrast of the karaoke screen.

3. Load the CD. Choose an instrumental version of your favorite song or a track with guide vocals. Most karaoke CDs offer both choices.

4. Work the microphone. Choose a loud microphone level if you are a beginner. As you voice gets stronger, tone the volume down a bit.

5. Project your voice and persona. The karaoke machine frees you to practice your moves, mastery of the microphone and vocal phrasing. Since you don't have to play an instrument to accompany yourself or deal with a pianist, you can fully concentrate on your vocal technique.

Tags: karaoke machine

Photograph Glasses

Photographing glasses can be tricky but when correctly done yields beautiful images.

Creating a photography portfolio is required if you wish to expand your photography business. Within a portfolio, you should have a wide variety of pictures that showcase your ability to capture different scenes. Photographing glasses can be challenging, because you must have the proper lighting and camera angles to make clear and artistic images.

Instructions

1. Place the glasses you wish to photograph on a solid surface. This could be a table, desk or floor. Carefully choose where you photograph the glasses, because you need to capture the glasses at different angles. Ensure you have ample moving space.

2. Hang a backdrop behind the glasses. A backdrop is vital, because it allows the glasses to be the main focal point of the image. A busy background can take away from the image and even reduce the details of the glasses. Backdrops can be made out of bed sheets, poster boards or fabric. Darker backdrops are ideal for shooting glasses, because they will ensure the objects are clearly captured by the camera lens.

3. Set up a lamp or other form of lighting equipment to effectively light the glasses. Do not simply point the light directly at the glasses, because this will cause glaring. Instead, diffuse the light through a bed sheet or a lighting umbrella. Use a warm orange light, not fluorescent or white light. The goal when lighting glasses is to accent the details within them without drowning them out with harsh lighting.

4. Look through your camera's viewfinder to discover the proper shooting angle. After you have found the angle at which you wish to shoot, place the camera on a tripod to avoid any image blur by accidentally moving the camera while shooting.

5. Capture at least 10 to 15 frames before altering the camera angle or lighting. Review the pictures to ensure you have the shot you want.

Tags: glasses because, Photographing glasses

Diy Light Box

Photographers have used light boxes for years because they are an effective way to review slides, negatives or contact sheets. They are used primarily in the darkroom, but they can be used just about anywhere. Here are some tips on build your own light box.

Basics

You need a 1 1/2' x 1' piece of translucent or frosted glass or plastic. You can make the light box out of plastic or wood, with wood being the easier of the two. You will need one piece of wood, preferably plywood, that is the same dimensions as the frosted glass. You also will need two 6" x 12" boards for the sides and two 6" x 18" boards for the front and back. You also will need a light source. Usually, florescent lights work best because they don't get too hot and they produce even light. The light fixture to hold two or four bulbs must be no more than 15 inches to fit inside the box.

Construction

You can use nails or screws for the wood portions of your light box. You also will need to drill a hole in the back or on one of the sides for the power cord. It's best to use some sort of frame on hinges for the frosted glass top so you can open the lid to change the bulbs when they burn out. The hinges can be affixed to the rear board at the top and to the frame that holds the frosted plastic. The plastic piece can be glued into the frame or affixed with screws. Attach the light fixture to the bottom board and put the power cord out through the hole. You can make the light box work just by plugging it in and unplugging it, or you can use a toggle switch connected to the light fixture. You will need another hole in the side or front for this. You can mount it directly to the wood or via a plastic or metal plate.

Considerations

If you work with different sizes of film, or if you intend to view contact sheets with your light box, leave the entire surface of the frosted plastic clear. If, however, you always intend to view slides or strips of film, you can attach guide rails to the top. This will make it easier to view your negatives or slides because they will be held in place.

Don't leave the light box powered on for too long with film on the surface, or if you are using frosted plastic, because even florescent lights can build up heat. To get rid of some of the heat, you can put vents in either side of the box for ventilation or you can even install a small fan and wire it to the same switch as the light.

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Run A Sling Box From A Jump Drive

A Slingbox is a device that enables television viewers to watch programs on their desktops, cell phones or laptops. This device can work with multiple operating systems including Mac, Windows XP and Windows 7. The Slingbox has a USB cable and you can run through it by connecting it to your computer's jump drive or USB drive.

Instructions

1. Download the software that you need for your particular computer. If you are not sure where to find it, go to the Slingbox download site.

2. Place the jump drive into the port on your computer for USB devices. Turn on your computer and wait for the jump drive to appear on your desktop. Once it does, click to open it.

3. Copy and paste all the Slingbox items in your hard drive or applications folder and paste them into the jump drive.

4. Find the "Remote" application on your computer and install the Sling Player into that program. Enter the information asked for such as user name, password and Finder ID into the appropriate boxes and click "OK."

5. Set up the Slingbox on another person's computer by placing the jump drive into the USB port and repeating Step 4. You will be able to watch live or recorded TV anywhere you have your jump drive.

Tags: jump drive, your computer, drive into, drive into port, into port, jump drive into

Delete Music Off Mix Max V2 1

Mix Max V2.1 enables you to enjoy your favorite music on the go without the hassles of a complicated setup process or a bulky frame. This compact MP3 player from Disney comes with a 4GB input memory, which according to Disney can support well over 500 songs. While that sounds sweet, chances are you have a large library of songs and running out of memory space. With the Mix Max V2.1 MP3 player, delete the songs that you no longer listen to and free memory space to upload others.

Instructions

1. Connect your Mix Max V2.1 MP3 player to the computer using the USB cable that came with your media player. To do so, connect one end of the USB cable into the USB slot located next to the headphone slot on your MP3 player, and then connect the other end to an open USB port on your computer. Mix Max V2.1 is only compatible with Windows XP systems and above, so make sure that you are using a compatible computer.

2. Double-click "My Computer" (Windows XP) or "Computer" (Windows Vista and 7) to launch Windows Explorer. You should see your Mix Max V2.1 MP3 player listed as a portable hard drive. Windows Explorer enables you to view the songs on your MP3 player and delete the ones that you no longer want.

3. Double-click your Mix Max V2.1 MP3 player's hard disk. You should see a list of the songs uploaded to your device. Scroll through the list and select the songs that you want to remove. To select multiple songs, press and hold "Ctrl," and click each song. When you finish selecting your songs, right-click the selection and click "Delete."

4. Close your MP3 players' hard disk window when you finish, and then click the "Safely remove hardware" icon next to the clock on the system tray. A new hardware window launches. Select your MP3 player from the hardware window and click "Stop." When prompted, disconnect your MP3 player from the computer.

Tags: your player, player from, Computer Windows, hard disk, hardware window, memory space

Delete Duplicate Phone Numbers In My Treo

The Palm Treo is a popular smartphone that runs either the Palm or Windows Mobile operating system. One useful feature of the Treo is that it can synchronize with the Palm Desktop or Microsoft Outlook. The synchronization process allows contact information from the desktop software to be used and edited from the Treo. Modifying information on the Treo and the desktop software often leads to duplicate contacts. While paid third party solutions are available for deleting duplicate contacts, Palm provides instructions for doing so from the desktop software for free.

Instructions

1. Synchronize data on the Treo with the desktop software by plugging the device into the computer. This synchronization process will allow all duplicates to show on the desktop software.

2. Launch the Palm Desktop or Microsoft Outlook software for managing contact information.

3. Delete all duplicate contacts on the desktop software. Duplicate records will usually be listed one after another in the desktop address book.

4. Synchronize the Treo with the desktop software again once all duplicates have been deleted. The changes made on the desktop software will reflect on the Treo.

Tags: desktop software, duplicate contacts, contact information, Desktop Microsoft, Desktop Microsoft Outlook, from desktop, from desktop software

Color Print Film Developing Process

Unloading Film

The first step in developing film is preparing the film for processing. Film usually comes in a canister from a standard or a disposable film camera. A disposable camera must be taken apart using a flat-head screwdriver. The screwdriver is inserted into a small flap on the bottom of the camera, or two plastic flaps on the side. The film slides out and can then be developed. A piece of black film tape is inserted about an inch into the film roll. When the tape is pulled back out, the edge of the film comes with it.

Preparing Loader

The edge of the film is pulled out two to three inches, just enough so that the first picture remains unexposed. It is laid down and taped to plastic loading cards. These cards are used to pull the film through the processing machine. Each loading card accepts two rolls of film at one time. Green film tape is used to hold the film on, because any other tape could melt or react to the chemicals in the machine.

Film in Loader

The back of the film processor is opened up and the loader is placed on the rubber tracks. The case is closed shut to prevent any light from coming in and exposing the film. The loader feeds through the machine and film is dragged out of the canisters. Once all of the film goes through, the film canisters drop down into a plastic disposal bin. After around seven minutes, the film comes out the other side and hangs off the machine until a photo operator takes and hangs it until it is ready to be developed.

Scanner

The processed film is taken by a gloved photo attendant and fed through a photo scanner. The scanner performs an initial scan of the photos and displays a preview of each. The attendant then specifies the order, including doubles, picture size, and extras like an index print or a CD.

Color Correction

Each photo goes through a manual color correction process. Attendants can adjust blue, red or yellow tints within a photo. For example, indoor photos typically feature extra yellow in them, and an attendant would take away a little of the yellow to even out the color. Brightness can also be adjusted on a photo to make it sharper.

Printing

After all the photos are processed and corrected, they are sent through the photo printer. The attendant may need to switch paper depending on the project, but typically photos are printed on 4-by-6 inch glossy photo paper. The prints typically take five to seven minutes to go through the machine and print. Photos come out onto a plastic rack separated by order or by piles of 50 photos.

Tags: edge film, film comes, film tape, goes through, seven minutes, through machine, through photo

What Is Camera Film Made From

To make photographic film, a thin strip of plastic is covered with a viscous material containing silver halide crystals. Because silver halide turns dark when exposed to light, photographic film is able to capture a "negative" image of that light---the more exposed sections of the film are darker than other sections.

Photographic Film

Photographic film is made of a plastic strip covered by thin layers of gelatin containing silver halide crystals, which chemically react to light, creating a photographic image.

Black & White Film

Black & White film uses only silver halide crystals, which capture a "negative" image by darkening where light hits them.

Color Film

In addition to using silver halide, basic color film also incorporates three compounds that change color when exposed to non-white light. These three compounds individually capture red, green, and blue---and together are able to make scores of different colors.

Invention of Photography

Photography was invented in the early 18th century by Joseph Niepce and then improved by Louis Daguerre, whose first photographs were captured on metal plates. In 1841, Englishman Henry Talbot invented paper photographs and the ability to make copies from "negative" images. In 1888, George Eastman invented the Kodak camera, which used photographic film that was rolled up in a box---similar to modern film.

Interesting Quote About Photographic Film

Charles-Francois Tiphaigne de la Roche foretold the invention of photographic film in his 1760 novel Giphantie.

Tags: silver halide, halide crystals, silver halide crystals, Black White, capture negative, capture negative image, containing silver

Use A Trail Camera Indoors

Many hunters, outdoorsmen and nature photographers enjoy the convenience and flexibility of trail cameras, appreciating the ability of the devices to capture an image without human intervention. With special consideration, these cameras can also be used for indoor purposes ranging from personal photography to home security.

Choose the Proper Camera

Hunters and outdoorsmen who already have trail camera equipment may find themselves limited to a specific make and model, but some types of trail cameras seem more suited to indoor use than others. Trail cameras fall into one of three general categories: digital cameras with infrared, invisible flash; standard digital cameras with regular flash and film cameras with flash. Since most indoor conditions typically require a camera's flash to fill in shaded areas and shadows, the visible flash on either a film or digital camera may suit the needs of indoor photographers. For home security applications, though, the invisible infrared cameras may offer a more subtle, discreet vehicle for capturing images. Using these descriptions of the camera types available, select the trail camera that best fits your particular indoor photography needs.

Set Up Lighting

Despite the numerous flash options, manufacturers design trail cameras specifically for use in outdoor, natural lighting conditions. Since natural sunlight creates much brighter, well lit conditions, a user may need to supplement lighting conditions when using a trail camera indoors. A number of photographer's lamps are commercially available and easily accessible through discount chains and online retailers, but professional lighting costs can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To avoid these costs, consider using bright fluorescent or incandescent lights already available in the home to create ideal lighting conditions for trail cameras. Use the camera's flash system to help fill in the shaded areas and gaps. If possible, position the camera in front of the light source to prevent silhouetting.

Trigger the Camera's Shutter

The most striking difference between traditional cameras and trail cameras involves activation of the camera shutter. Because trail cameras are designed for placement along a trail and automated photo taking, their shutters are typically activated by either a timer or a built-in motion sensor. For indoor, non-security use, a user must configure the camera to allow manual image capture. This configuration is available through a simple setting on some models; though other, more basic models may require the user to trip the shutter by exposing some movement in front of the camera. Alternatively, users who own cameras with time-lapse functionality may set the time-lapse interval to the shortest possible setting, then time the upcoming shutter exposure. By choosing the proper camera, adjusting lighting to optimal levels and manually triggering the shutter (or working with the time lapse delay), a user may conveniently use a trail camera much like a traditional, manually operated indoor camera.

Tags: trail cameras, cameras with, lighting conditions, trail camera, camera flash, digital cameras, digital cameras with

What Is Tivo And How Does It Work

TiVo

TiVo is a type of digital video recorder (DVR), using computer technology to save and record shows like a VCR. It has a number of other features that render it superior to a standard VCR, however, which is part of what makes it so revolutionary. TiVos are produced by TiVo, Inc. and designed to work in conjunction with your satellite or cable TV service.

How It Works

TiVo works by storing shows as digital information: a series of 1s and 0s retained the same way a computer stores its information. The show is saved on a hard drive until it is ready to be viewed, and can be played back anytime the user likes. Because the hard drive is much more efficient than an older cassette tape, the TiVo can store many more shows--hundreds of hours in most cases. It can also save shows in high definition (provided your cable or satellite service provides it), which VCRs cannot do.

Connection

TiVo is set up to connect to the TV and cable box just like a VCR. A coaxial cable connects to the cable or satellite feed, then another one connects to the TV. Many TiVos can also be connected using RCA A/V cables and HDMI cables for HD broadcasts. In addition, a TiVo needs access to your phone line to receive instructions and upgrades, though it doesn't interfere with the normal function of your phone.

Playback

Playback on a TiVo works similar to the way a VCR works. When you access the show, it starts playing from the beginning, and you can rewind, fast forward or pause it as you wish. You can also exit the slook at something else, then return to the same spot at a later time. One of the added benefits of TiVo is that you can perform this function with live TV too: pausing to take a break, rewinding to check an earlier spot and fast forwarding to get back to the live feed. Most TiVos will store at least an hour or so of live broadcasts without saving them, giving you an ample cushion to pause and rewind as you wish.

Additional Features

Another benefit of TiVo over regular VCRs is the ability to watch one recorded show while taping another, or record two shows at once if you wish. It also has a "favorites" feature, which analyzes the shows you watch and selects other shows you might enjoy. Its pay-per-view services include contracts with Netflix, Amazon and YouTube, allowing you to access content from those services through your TiVo, and it contains USB ports and Internet connection capacity that let you transfer shows to your computer, iPod or similar device. You can also schedule shows through your phone or online, making sure the TiVo gets what you need if you aren't there.

Tags: your phone, cable satellite, hard drive, record shows, through your

Polycom Soundstation 2 Troubleshooting

Keep papers away from your SoundStation 2 to help prevent excessive noise.

Polycom created the SoundStation2 as a true conference phone for group communications, with Polycom Acoustic Clarity technology for ideal voice clarity. The microphone can pick up sounds from a 10-foot range. Using a SoundStation 2 for your small or medium conference rooms can be as effortless as connecting and using any standard telephone; you do not need technical experience or knowledge. You can also troubleshoot the problems you may have while using your SoundStation 2, usually in a brief period of time.

Instructions

1. Press your keyboard buttons slowly if you notice what you input did not register. If you press the buttons too quickly, your SoundStation 2 may not recognize what you entered.

2. Disconnect your Polycom SoundStation 2 right away if you can see the internal parts of your unit as a result of physical damage. Wait until you have your SoundStation 2 repaired before reconnecting it to the telephone network.

3. Keep your SoundStation2 in one place while you use it, without touching the console to avoid speech breaking up or echoes. Place your call again if the connection continues to be a bad one.

4. Allow your Polycom SoundStation 2 to adapt to its surroundings when you notice silences on the line or clipped speech. Let a person at each location speak briefly in turn at the start of each call.

5. Keep noisy equipment away from your console and to prevent excessive noise, do not shuffle papers around your SoundStation 2.

6. Speak closer to the microphone if your voice sounds muffled, for more accurate reception.

7. Check and make certain you have the telephone cable connected to an analog jack, a standard telephone jack, if you cannot get a dial tone. Press the key again with the phone icon to get a dial tone.

Tags: your SoundStation, away from, away from your, dial tone, excessive noise, from your, Polycom SoundStation

Homemade Music Studio

Recording music has never been easier to do: the tools and equipment needed are all available commercially and are rather affordable. This doesn't mean, however, that it is a simple process; in fact, it is quite complicated. Regardless, setting up a basic home music studio is a great way to get started in the field.

Choose a Computer

While there are many digital recorders available, the ease and flexibility of a computer is unmatched. Your computer will act as your central producing hub, allowing you to record, mix, and distribute your music from a single machine. Not only that, computers are becoming more and more affordable, making setting up your own music studio even easier.

The basics of this decision come down to what operating system you wish to work with: Windows or Mac OS X. Models range greatly, but the crux of the decision lies in the software you will ultimately be using. Once you have decided, make sure to purchase a computer with plenty of power. For a bare minimum scale, the computer should have a dual core processor above 2.0 Ghz, at least 2 gigabytes of RAM, and at least a 500-gigabyte hard drive. A large display is always a plus as well.

Software

Depending on what operating system you go with, you have different options. There are many different audio recording applications, but a few stand out from the crowd.

Apple's Logic Studio is considered to be one of the best audio production programs in the industry. The program is chock full of features that allow you to do anything from record a song or track to change tempo mid-edit or even export your files as playable mp3s. The program even has the ability to mimic relief distortion pedals for instruments like the guitar or piano. Logic Studio will cost you $500 from Apple and will only run on OS X.

Another popular program is Record by Propellerhead, which will run on both OS X and Windows. Just as with Logic Studio, Record is a full virtual recording studio, with recording, arranging and mixing tools. Record also fully intergrates with the incredibly popular synth rack program, Reason. Record will cost you $300 from your local retailer.

Equipment

Now that you have a computer and software, you will need two more essential items: speakers and microphones. Speakers should be rated for studio playback, though standard speakers will work, albeit with less accuracy. Microphones are vital, but which kind you purchase depends on what you will be recording, though it is safe to start out with an all-purpose USB mic. Companies such as Samson, Shure and Audio-Techinca all offer a wide range of mics, typically costing around $150.

Tags: Logic Studio, cost from, music studio, operating system, software will, what operating

Transfer Information From An Express Card 34 Slot To Cf 50 Slots

When you have a compact flash (CF) 50 memory card that you use for images but don't have a CF memory slot on your computer, use the express card 34 slot and to make a CF 50 card slot. You will need to purchase an express card with memory card converting capabilities. These cards have a special insert that allow for the insertion of CF 50 memory cards and others.

Instructions

Laptop

1. Pull out the plastic cover from the express card slot on the laptop with your fingertips. This will be a slot on the side of the laptop. A small plastic tab may cover the slot; pull the tab out by pushing in the lever button that sits next to it.

2. Insert the express memory card converter in the slot opening on the laptop.

3. Insert the CD that came with the express card in the CD drive. Wait for the installation wizard on the CD to start automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the express card drivers. Wait for the driver installation to complete.

4. Insert the CF 50 memory card into the small card slot on the express memory card converter. Wait for the memory card to be detected, then open the CF 50 folder.

5. Select the data you want to copy by simultaneously pressing "Ctrl" and "Alt" while clicking the files you want to copy. Right click on any of the selected files, then select "Copy" from the drop down menu. Navigate to the folder you want to save the data in, then right click in a blank area of the screen and click "Paste."

Desktop

6. Disconnect all the cables from the desktop and turn it so the back is facing you. Unfasten the screws from the right side panel and slide the pane back toward you and off the computer. Since desktops do not come with express card readers, you will need to install one.

7. Lay the computer down on its left side so the motherboard lays flat on a work surface. You don't need to move the motherboard but do need access to the drive bays that sit in front of it and opposite you. Remove the plastic cover from one of the small bays on the upper front of the computer. This can be under or above the CD device location.

8. Insert the express card reader slot adapter into one of the bays from the interior of the desktop computer. This creates an express card slot (it is not the express memory card converter). Empty bays are just under the CD device, next to the floppy, or above the hard drive (all located in the same general area.) Insert the express card reader slot adapter in one of these bays. Choose a slot where the express card reader slot adapter inserts to face the front of the computer, just as the CD tray in the CD device faces the front of the computer.

9. Screw the express card reader in place with the fasteners that came packaged with it. Replace the computer cover, and turn back to its original position. Reconnect the computer cables. Turn on the computer, and allow the express card reader slot adaptor to be detected automatically.

10. Insert the express card converter in the new express card reader slot you installed.

11. Insert the driver CD that came with the express card converter, and wait for the installation wizard to start. Click through the needed prompts to allow for its installation.

12. Insert the CF 50 memory card into the express card converter. Once the computer detects it, transfer the files you want to the computer by selecting them, right clicking and choosing "Copy." Open the folder you wish to save them to, right click in a blank space, then select "Paste" from the list of drop-down options.

Tags: express card, memory card, express card, card converter, card reader, express card reader

Create & Print A Passport Sized Photo

Passport-size photos must fit government guidelines in order to be valid for use in passports, visas and permanent residency cards.

It is recommended, though not required, that your official passport photos be taken by a professional photographer or professional passport photo-printing service as they are aware of all of the rules and regulations. However, if you adhere to the specifications and rules you can take your own passport photos. Each rule must be followed precisely as there are no exceptions; if your photo is thought to not fit the guidelines it will be rejected.

Instructions

1. Set up a white background. Passport photos must be taken against a white to off-white background. The background must be plain without any pattern or texture. Use a clean white wall, a flat hanging white sheet or a piece of white foam core.

2. Position a tripod or ask a friend to take your photograph. If you are taking the photograph of yourself, position the camera on a tripod and zoom the lens to capture you from the chest up. You must set the timer on the camera when taking it yourself. If having a friend take the photo for you, instruct them to zoom in to take your body from just under the shoulders and up.

3. Dress in the appropriate attire. You must wear appropriate items in your passport photo. Uniforms such as police, fire or military outfits are not allowed. Dress casually. Do not dress in any head gear; hats, scarves, head bands, large hair clips and sunglasses are not permitted. Only prescription eyeglasses are permitted as well as headgear for religious purposes as long as no part of the face is covered. Nothing can cover the face, there are no exceptions.

4. Compose the photograph according to the U.S. Department of State guidelines. You must look directly at the camera with both eyes and head forward. Your eyes must be open and you can smile or keep a straight face. There is no rule against smiling in your photo, however, the U.S. State Department does recommend the subject to keep "a natural expression." There can be no shadows in the background, so the photographer must review the test shots and position extra lights to counter the shadows if necessary. Once the scene is composed, shoot the photos.

5. Measure and crop the photograph in a photo-editing program. The actual printed photo must fit exact measurement guidelines. Scale the photo so that the head, from the crown to the bottom of the chin, measures between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. After scaling the head, center the head and use a square selection tool to make a perfect 2-inch-by-2-inch square around the head with the eyes positioned between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inch from the bottom of the photograph and crop.

6. Copy and past the measured square photograph onto a document containing a colored background that is 3 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Paste the square photograph on top of the color and move to the side. Paste an identical copy of the square photograph and position it to the side of the first leaving a small amount of colored space in between. Each square should be surrounded on all sides by the color background to make printing and cutting easier.

7. Print the photographs on quality photo paper using color and high resolution printing. Since the photographs are already measured to the appropriate size, all you have to do is print them in their actual size. Set the printer settings to glossy printer paper with color ink and high photo resolution. Print and allow the ink to fully dry. Cut the printed photos carefully along the colored lines making sure to cut off all of the colored part. The result is two identical passport photos.

Tags: square photograph, take your, color high, friend take, passport photos, photos must, there exceptions

The Effects Of A Magnet On A Magnetic Tape Recording

For many decades, magnetic tape has been an important medium for recording and retrieving audio, video and computer data. With technological advances in recording and storage, new types of storage media are replacing magnetic tape-based products, such as flash drives and hard discs for saving computer data, optical CDs to replace cassette and reel-to-reel tape for audio, and DVDs to replace VHS and Betamax video tapes. Magnetic tapes can be archived for many years if they are kept clean from debris, placed in an environment with proper temperature and humidity, and most importantly, kept away from magnets and magnetic fields.

The Process Of Magnetic Tape Recording

Particles on a magnetic tape are magnetized and oriented as they pass by a fluctuating magnetic field produced by a recording head. This magnetic field changes in response to the audio or video information, creating a representation of the material on tape. To retrieve the information stored on tape, the tape is pulled past a playback head, where the magnetized particles create a magnetic field read by the head.

Sources of Magnets and Magnetic Fields

All magnetic tape, whether it's in the form of a music cassette, reel-to-reel, DAT, VHS or other form, must be kept away from magnets and magnetic fields. Sources of magnets include speakers and refrigerator magnets, including business cards and other advertising materials that have flexible magnetic backings (for posting on refrigerator doors). Sources for electromagnetic fields include motors, transformers (including florescent light ballasts), television sets and electrical machinery. The information on magnetic tape has even been destroyed by airport detectors that scan luggage.

A Magnetic Field's Detrimental Effects On Tape

Exposure to magnetic fields must be avoided to prevent a deterioration of the quality, or even the total loss, of the information on a magnetic tape. In the case of computer data stored on tape, any reduction in the strength of the recorded material can render the data unreadable. A strong magnetic field will totally erase everything on a tape. Audio tapes will be silent when played, with only a residual, inherent audible "white noise" hiss, sound, and video tapes will only show "snow" on the screen. If tape is exposed to a weak magnetic field, an audio tape may suffer a slight loss in volume or a reduction of the high frequency component of music.

Magnetized Tape Heads

Magnetic tape comes in direct, close contact with audio and video recording and playback heads, and over time these heads can become magnetized. This results in a loss of high frequencies, making the sound muffled and not bright. Handheld head demagnetizers are available to demagnetize both audio and video tape heads, which should be done periodically.

Print Through

Since the particles on a magnetic tape are actually magnetized, they produce a tiny magnetic field. As the layers of tape are wound over top of each other and stored on a reel, particles on one layer can eventually magnetize the underlaying particles on the adjacent layer if enough time passes. This effect is called "print through" and can be more pronounced with tape that has a thin backing or binder. Print through is most noticeable in quiet passages of music where the music from another layer has been imprinted on the tape.

Tags: magnetic field, audio video, computer data, magnetic fields, magnetic tape

Create Sports Tickets With Photos

This is a fun craft that can be used in many ways. Give a promise of season's tickets to come by reproducing an existing ticket to use as a template. Make party favors for your boy's party by making up a sporting event ticket with each attendee's picture. If the ticket turns out to be a huge hit, blow it up poster size and use it as decor in a boy's room.

Instructions

1. Use your digital camera to take several photos of the kids playing sports. This creates the base for everything from a fully active photo of each child, or just the face. Import the photos into your computer and make sure that they are cleaned up in your page-making program. Read and follow the how-to instructions for your particular page-making program.

2. Import free sport graphics from the Internet. Buy them if you intend to use them often, but the free ones are cute and work just as well. Enhance the sports ticket with these graphics, especially if you are going to superimpose a child's face onto the graphic to personalize it.

3. Make a sports ticket template in your page-making program. Use a paper ticket that you already have as a sample. Make sure to leave plenty of room for your sports graphic.

4. Once you have all of the words in place on your ticket template, import the graphic you want. Move some of the words around to make it fit.

5. Go back to your pictures. Use the clipping feature to isolate just the face and save it under a different name so you can find it again. Import the face into your ticket template and position it over the correct spot in the graphic. Now you have a customized graphic with an actual kid's face on it.

6. Your ticket is ready for printing on your home printer, but if you are using these tickets for invitations, remember that they can also be party decorations if you blow them up and have them printed so you can tack them on a wall, Each child can take his home when he leaves as a remembrance of this great sports-themed party.

Tags: ticket template, page-making program, your ticket template, into your, just face

Diffraction Grating And Spectrometer Experiments

Different light bulbs create their light in different ways, ways you can examine with a diffraction grating.

If it weren't for the diffraction grating, it's likely no one would know that matter is made of atoms. The wavelength of light corresponds to the energy of the source of the light. A diffraction grating separates light into its separate wavelengths, so putting light through a diffraction grating provides a direct measurement of the energy in the source that created the light. This effect gave scientists a tool to examine the energy structure of matter. A spectrometer is an instrument that uses a prism or, more commonly, a diffraction grating, to direct light of certain wavelengths to specific locations in a detector.

How Diffraction Works

When two light beams from the same source are split from each other and then brought back together, they interfere with each other. This means that the electric field adds or subtracts to create an illumination structure that has a bright and dark pattern, instead of the uniform blob of light you'd see if the source wasn't split. A diffraction grating splits a light beam into hundreds or thousands of separate sources. Those sources interfere. Since the interference depends on wavelength, where yellow light, for example, adds to make a bright spot, the other colors will subtract to make a dark spot --- so only yellow is seen there. Each color forms a bright spot where the other colors are not seen.

Building a Spectrometer

A compact disc is a diffraction grating. Each of the narrow grooves reflects a different part of the beam, splitting one beam into many beams, then recombining them. You can make your own spectrometer with just a pie-shaped wedge cut from a compact disc. You can see the principle if you hold the wedge so you see the main reflection of a light bulb in the shiny surface, then slowly tilt the wedge toward you. You'll see a stretched-out reflection of the bulb, stretched out in different colors. You can build your own spectrometer with a CD and a cardboard box. Several plans are available on the Internet. The spectrometer will make it easier to keep the image stable if you decide to take pictures of your spectra.

Examining Different Sources

Different illumination sources produce light in different ways. With a CD diffraction grating or your homemade spectrometer, you can see the effects of their different mechanisms. Look at the spectrum of an incandescent bulb and you'll see a continuous band of light, from red to indigo. Try looking at the spectrum of a fluorescent bulb. You'll notice several bright colors, separated by darkness. You can also look at different streetlights and see what different colors combine to make their light. If you want to look at the spectrum of the sun, do not look directly at your diffraction grating. Instead, look at the light projected on a piece of white paper.

Looking at Absorption

The spectra you saw in the experiments of the last section are the result of atoms converting energy in their electrons into light. When the process goes the other way, with atoms absorbing light and adding the energy to their electrons, instead of showing up as lines of light, the process is seen as bands of darkness. You can send a bright light source in your spectrometer, then place a clear container --- called a "cuvette" --- in the path of the light. Look for dark bands in the spectrum, showing where your sample absorbs light.

Commercial Spectrometers

Hand-sized commercial spectrometers are now available. These devices include a diffraction grating and a detector in a convenient housing, along with electronics and a connector that will let you send the data directly to your computer. These devices make it possible to make quantitative measurements of spectra. For example, you could measure the difference in the spectra of a 100-watt incandescent bulb and a 15-watt refrigerator bulb -- or the difference between the exhaust from your car and your motorcycle.

Tags: diffraction grating, your spectrometer, beam into, bright spot, compact disc

Fiber Optic Vs Cable

Technology is constantly advancing and along with improvements in automobile and cell phone technology are advancements in the way our houses are linked to the world. Cable technology seems to be fading into the background as fiber optic technology is steadily making its name known, offering a number of benefits you could never have with traditional copper wire and cable.

Resistance to Interference

While copper cables are subject to interference from other wires, radio signals and other forms of electromagnetic interruption, you'll find none of that with fiber optics. This is because fiber optic cables work using light pulses, meaning the cables aren't metal but are instead made of glass. Therefore it is not subject to the same issues as traditional copper cables.

Bandwidth

Fiber optic cables are said to have "limitless bandwidth." While this isn't literally true, it's close, featuring more bandwidth than most people would ever hope to use. This results in a super-fast connection that runs circles around the bandwidth allotted by cable connections.

Maintenance

Because fiber optics are made of glass strands rather than expensive metal materials, it costs much less to maintain and service. Traditional cables, however, don't have this benefit.

Picture Quality

While it's possible to get high definition picture using cable, it doesn't compare to the high-quality of a fiber optic set up. This is because of the power of the technology on top of the lack of external interference found with fiber optic cables.

Other Benefits

Considering that people are slowly making the transition to fiber optic cable technology, the advantage of converting as soon as you can is that you'll be ready for the change if it ever becomes mandatory. Along with this, you'll be on the cutting edge, having the highest quality available for your home phone, television and internet.

Tags: fiber optic, optic cables, copper cables, fiber optic cables, fiber optics

Change An Iphone 3g Theme

The iPhone 3G is a second generation cell phone from Apple. The 3G allows users to change themes and background images using an application called "Summerboard." This is a free application downloaded on the iPhone's "Application" screen. Once downloaded, the user is able to mix and match themes until they find a favorite.

Instructions

1. Click the "Installer" icon on the iPhone and select "All Packages." Scroll down to the application labeled "Summerboard."

2. Click "Summerboard" and the iPhone will verify you want to install the application. Click "Yes" and wait a few minutes while it downloads to your phone. Once the application is installed, turn the phone off and then on again. This reboots the phone.

3. Click the icon "Installer" icon again on the iPhone. On the bottom of the screen, click the "Packages" button and select "Themes Summerboard." This displays a list of themes available for the iPhone.

4. Select a theme and it is automatically installed on the iPhone. Go back to the iPhone springboard (the home page of the iPhone device) and view the theme. If you don't like the theme chosen, you can follow these steps and replace it with another.

Tags: Installer icon, Summerboard This

Inexpensively Transfer 8mm Films To Dvd

To reduce flicker in the video, adjust the projector's frame speed.

Taking your old 8mm film to have it professionally digitized on DVD can be an expensive proposition. If you have a projector and a digital video camera, you can digitize the films yourself. The most important thing is to use a tripod for the camera and to place the projector on a sturdy surface such as a heavy desk or table. Projectors vibrate a lot, which can degrade the quality of the video. If your house has wooden floors, recording the film in a basement or garage with a concrete floor will give you better results.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Clean the projector if you haven't used it in a while. Clean the lens with a lint-free cloth moistened with a lens cleaner.

2. Gather the films and ensure they are in chronological order.

3. Put the projector in a darkened room. Cover the windows to let in as little light as possible. Place a white poster board on the wall. Poster board has a smoother surface than a plain white wall, which has irregularities that can be noticeable when recording the film.

Adjusting the Equipment

4. Turn on the projector without any film. Adjust its position so that the image on the poster board is no larger than two feet wide.

5. Put the digital video camera beside the projector lens facing the poster board. Adjust the projector and camera until the image on the poster board fits squarely on the camera's LCD display.

6. Set the white balance on the camera manually while it is focused on the plain white image projected from the projector. If you can't adjust the white balance manually, set the white balance to the "Indoors" setting.

7. Set the camera's shutter speed to "1/60" second. Set the exposure setting to "Automatic."

8. Set the camera focus to "Manual." Tear a page from a magazine or newspaper and temporarily tape it to the poster board. Adjust the focus until the page is crisp. This prevents the camera from trying to refocus on blurry images on the film.

9. Set the projector's frame speed to 20 frames per second if possible. If the projector has a graduated shutter speed control, showing slow to fast without specified speeds, you will need to adjust it manually during a test run.

10. Thread the first roll of film into the projector. Play the film, and adjust the projector focus until it is as sharp as possible. Manually adjust the projector shutter speed if needed so that there is as little flicker on the camera image as possible.

Recording the Film

11. Double-check for dust on the projector lens as well as the position of the image on the camera's LCD lens every time you adjust the projector. Vibrations from playing the film and adjusting the projector controls can move the projector so that the image is no longer squarely on the LCD screen. Always adjust the projector as needed. If you move the video camera, you will have to manually reset its focus again.

12. Set up the first film again. This time, press the "Record" button as soon as the film begins. Press the "Pause" button as soon as the film is finished. Press the "Stop" button only if you want to create a new video file for each film.

13. Set up the second film. Check the image on the LCD screen, and check the lens for dust. Record the film and repeat the process until all of your films are captured on the camera.

Transferring to DVD

14. Connect the digital video camera to your computer, and import the video using the software that came with your video camera. To edit and save the video as a DVD playable on any TV, you will need to install a third-party software like Windows Movie Maker, Pinnacle Studio or Sony DVD Architect Studio (links can be found in the "Resources" section).

15. Launch Windows Media Player to burn the video as a data DVD. Some DVD players can play video from a data DVD, but not all. Insert a blank DVD into your computer's disc drive.

16. Click the "Clear List" button in the Windows Media Player to remove any files used to burn a disc in a previous session. Locate the video files you recorded from the 8mm film in the "Player Library." Drag the files from the "Details" pane into the "List" pane. The DVD can store up to 4.7 GB of data.

17.Click "Start Burn." The video files are transferred to the DVD. The times can vary widely, but a full DVD generally takes less than an hour to burn, provided you are not using other programs on the computer. A slow computer may take up to two hours to burn a full DVD.

Tags: video camera, adjust projector, digital video, digital video camera, poster board, shutter speed

Create Free Ringtones For Lg Phones

Many people enjoy having several ringtones to choose from on their LG phones. The standard tones that come on cell phones can be a bit plain and can get old quickly. For this reason, you may want to create free ringtones for your phone. This can be done in less than 10 minutes, once you learn how.

Instructions

1. Visit the free ringtone maker listed in Resources.

2. Click on the "Upload" button. Select the song from your computer that you would like to use as a ringtone.

3. Adjust the start and end lines on the audio waves to select a section of the song. Thirty seconds of audio is sufficient for most cell phones. Preview your selection by clicking "Selection."

4. Edit the section you selected by changing the options under the "Mode" tabs. If you are not familiar with the functions, stick with the "Easy Mode" tab.

5. Click "Make a Ringtone" when you are satisfied with your clip. Save the new file in a location on your computer that is easy to get to. The desktop usually works best.

6. Email the ringtone file to your LG cell phone if it can accept multimedia messages. Attach the file to an email, and send it to your phone's email address. This email address will include your phone number before the "@" sign and whatever domain your cell phone provider has selected for cell phones. For example, Verizon's phones receive emails at yourphonenumber@vzwpix.com.

7. Open the message. Select "Options," then "Set As" and then "Ringtone." Your new ringtone will now be the default for your phone.

8. Connect your cell phone to your computer if you cannot receive pix/multimedia messages. Hook the USB cord to your computer and your cell phone. A pop-up window will appear. Select "Open a folder." A second window will open, and you can drag and drop your ringtone file from your desktop into the window to get it on your phone.

9. Activate the ringtone once you have the file on your phone by selecting the new file in your "My Ringtones" section.

Tags: your phone, cell phone, your cell, your cell phone, your computer, cell phones, file your

Lenses Compatible With The Nikon D40

A Nikon SLR camera allows for easy lens changes.

Some cameras offer compatibility with interchangeable lenses, giving the photographer more opportunities for different types of shots. Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras such as the Nikon D40 offer those benefits. With the Nikon D40, you have a single camera that allows for detailed close-up images, far-away shots and wide-angle images.

Macro Lenses

Use a macro lens for close-up photography.

Macro lenses come in handy when photographing objects in close-up because their focus brings out even the tiniest details. A macro lens helps you capture the intricate details of flowers and small objects. The following macro lenses fit the Nikon D40:

AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED

AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX IF HSM

Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM

Telephoto Lenses

When you want to photograph a subject with a wide span, such as a landscape or sunset or sporting event, a telephoto lens comes in handy. It brings the desired image closer to you, much like a telescope, without losing details. Many telephoto lenses, with varied focal lengths, offer compatibility with the Nikon D40:

AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED

AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED I

AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR

AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED I

AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR

AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II

AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4G ED VR

AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED

AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED

AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED

AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM

Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG HSM

Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG HSM

Wide-Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses capture an image by making it appear closer and wider than it really is. With this lens, you can photograph the inside of a room or an entire skyscraper from a short distance. The following wide-angle lenses match the Nikon D40:

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED

AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Diagonal Fisheye

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM

Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye

Tags: AF-S Nikkor, IF-ED AF-S, IF-ED AF-S Nikkor, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor, Nikon AF-S, 300mm IF-ED

Error Codes For Sony Camcorders

Recent Sony camcorder models display an error code in the viewfinder.

If your Sony camcorder won't behave, there's no need to guess what's wrong with it. Most recent Sony models display an error code either in the viewfinder itself or in an LCD display on the side of the camera. However, the user's manual for these camcorders doesn't explain what the error code means. If you know some of the more common error codes, however, you can tell what is wrong with the camcorder and whether to take it in for repairs.

C:32:10

This code indicates the camera is unable to complete the tape loading process. The problem is often caused by a bent guide or lever or a stripped gear in the tape loading mechanism. The camera will usually require mechanical repair.

C:31:20

The code Indicates that the take-up reel is slacking as it is unloading a tape. This is usually caused by a faulty reel sensor or malfunctioning reel tables. The camera may require major repair.

C:32:30

The camera is experiencing a problem with the capstan, which is the device that moves the tape through the heads. It usually requires replacement of the capstan motor.

C:31:40

This indicates that the drum, which is a spinning head that collects data off the video tape, is faulty. In most instances, you'll need to replace the drum, although on some models the problem is fixed through some modifications of the drum.

C:04:00

Your camcorder has caught you using a nonstandard battery pack. Replacing the battery pack with a standard Sony InfoLITHIUM battery pack should solve the problem.

C:22:00

This code means your video head is dirty. Clean it with a cleaning cassette.

C:31:22 or C:31:24

The camera has a take-up reel fault. Unloading and reloading the tape cassette may fix the problem.

Tags: battery pack, error code, code means, display error, display error code

Canon Powershot Sd750 Camera 7 1 Megapixel Tutorial

Use the "Foliage" shooting preset to capture plants.

Capture images in different scene modes and video footage with the Canon PowerShot SD750 7.1-megapixel digital ELPH camera. The SD750 supports a universal serial bus (USB) connection for file transfers, features a 3-inch liquid crystal display and contains six white balance presets. After an SD, SDHC or MultiMediaCard memory card is inserted into the charged camera, you can test the SD750 with the basics before shooting special events.

Instructions

1. Press the "Power" button on the top of the camera to turn it on. Move the "Mode" switch to "Auto" mode to allow the camera to make all adjustments for a properly exposed image. Aim the camera lens toward the subject and frame her within the LCD screen.

2. Press the "Shutter" key on the top-right side of the SD750 halfway down to automatically adjust the settings. After the settings are locked, two beeps sound and the indicator on the back of the camera illuminates green. Fully depress the "Shutter" button to take the picture.

3. Slide the "Mode" switch to the "SCN" (scene) setting to choose from several preset shooting modes. Press the "Func/Set" button inside the "Navigator" button to pull up the shooting modes on the LCD screen and press the "Navigator" button to the right or left to cycle through the presets. Choose from "Portrait," "Night Snapshot," "Kids & Pets," "Indoor," "Foliage," "Snow," "Beach," "Fireworks," "Aquarium" or "Underwater." Once the preset is highlighted, press "Func/Set" to select it. Shoot.

4. Switch the "Mode" to "Movie" mode to capture moving footage. Aim the camera at the subject and frame her in the LCD screen. Press the "Shutter" button to start filming. Press the "Shutter" button again to stop filming.

5. Pull of push the "Zoom" lever to the right or left to access the SD750 zoom functions. Pull the lever to the right to zoom in on the subject or push the lever to the left to zoom away from the subject.

6. Press the "Navigator" button to the right to access the "Flash" function. The flash options appear on the screen. Select "Auto Focus" to let the camera decide when the flash should fire based on light readings. Select "Fill" to command the flash to fire with every full depression of the "Shutter" button. Select the "Off" setting to disable the flash.

7. Press the "Play" button on the back of the SD750 to view captured images and footage. Press the "Navigator" key to the left or right to scroll backward or forward through the library respectively. To delete an image, highlight it and press the "Navigator" button down toward the "Trash" icon. The erase confirmation dialog box appears at the bottom of the screen. Select "Erase" and push the "Func/Set" button to confirm the deletion.

Tags: Navigator button, Shutter button, Press Shutter, button right, Func button, lever right

Differences And Information On The Nikon Zoom Lens

Nikon offers owners of SLR (single lens reflex) cameras several zoom lenses. Users can turn the zoom ring on these lenses to magnify an image. At the time of publication, zoom lenses range in price from $100 to several thousand dollars depending on the technology they incorporate and their focal length. Options available also depend on the specific camera used.

FX and DX Modes

Nikon currently offers two size censors on the camera body. The FX line uses a 24 mm-by-36 mm censor called a full-frame censor. The DX line has a smaller censor of 15.6 mm-by-23.6 mm. The smaller censor induces a multiplicator factor of 1.5; meaning that a 50 mm lens on a DX body will produce the same image as a 80 mm lens on an FX body. Special lenses were created for the DX system as it allows for smaller and cheaper lenses to be built. However, the DX specific lenses aren't compatible with FX bodies.

AF-S versus AF-D

Nikon started building auto-focus zooms using the AF-D system. That system uses a small motor inside the body to turn a screw in the lens to focus. That system was slow compared to the lens motor used in Canon equipment. Nikon released a newer AF-S system using a motor inside the lens while still retaining the motor in most camera bodies. Nikon started building its new camera body without the motor necessary for the AF-D lenses to function.

VR

Lenses equipped with the Vibration Reduction (VR) ability have a built-in system that reduces the amount of vibration when holding the lens in your hand. As a rule of thumb, a 200 mm lens should only be hand-held at a shutter speed not less than 1/200 of a second to have a sharp image. VR will allow for the same 200 mm lens to be hand-held at 1/50 to 1/25 of a second, depending on what generation VR is used in the lens.

Professional Line

Nikon reserves certain technology for its professional line. The professional line offers users a fixed aperture, meaning that the aperture is constant throughout the zoom range. Most lenses have variable apertures, meaning that a 18-200 lens will have an aperture of F3.5 at 18 mm, and F5.6 at 200 mm. The higher the aperture, the lower the amount of light reaches the censor. The professional line zoom is splash proof, has higher quality optics and doesn't change its length when zooming in to take a photo. However, the lenses are larger and several times more expensive than the regular Nikon line of zooms.

Tags: meaning that, camera body, lens body, motor inside, Nikon started, Nikon started building

Create A Professional Answering Machine Greeting

Create a Professional Answering Machine Greeting

You place a call and receive an answering machine message that you can't understand. It's annoying and you don't even leave a message. Don't let that happen to you; instead, design a professional greeting for your customers.

Instructions

1. Think about what you want your answering machine greeting to say. No matter what you actually say, you want the message to sound professional.

2. Design an answering machine greeting for your business. Be sure to include the name of the business and the hours of operation. For your home, identify the family name and phone number that the caller has reached. In either case, state instructions for the caller to leave their number and any specific requests they have. Also, assure them you are going to call them back.

3. Determine how long your answering machine allows for a message. Edit your message to fit within those time constraints.

4. Read your answering machine greeting aloud until you are comfortable that you are speaking in a natural tone. If you still sound "stiff" as you read it, try saying the message without a script. You can do it either way. Just choose the method that sounds more professional.

5. Speak into the answering machine. As you record your message, make sure there are no background noises.

6. Play back the message. If it doesn't sound professional enough, edit the script and record the message again. You may get it right the first time, but you may need to make several attempts before you get it just the way you want it.

Tags: answering machine, answering machine greeting, your answering, your answering machine, answering machine

Buy A Separate Component Home Theater

A home theater system has many components that can be pieced together to make a custom system for your home. You can choose your favorite DVD player and television, and then you can match it with adequate speakers and a high-end receiver. Here's buy all the separate components of a home theater system.

Instructions

1. Think about your home theater space and determine how complex a system you want. Small theaters require less powerful equipment, while larger ones should have bigger speakers and amplifiers.

2. Make a list of the components you need. These include: receiver, amplifier (possibly), television or monitor, VCR/DVD player, RCA cables, speaker wire (if necessary), speakers and subwoofer.

3. Read online reviews and consumer magazines to learn more about the different products you can buy. Look for quality, dependability and good customer service from the manufacturer.

4. Visit an electronics store and browse their selection. Most stores now have a home theater room where you can test the components.

5. Choose a TV that has the best picture quality for the price you're willing to pay. You're looking for faithful color reproduction, sharp images and good sound.

6. Buy good stereo speakers and speaker wire. For most systems, you'll need two front speakers, a center speaker, surround sound speakers and a subwoofer.

7. Get a receiver. This device combines a radio, preamp, and multi-channel amplifier into one package. Purchase a high-quality receiver, as it will greatly affect the sound quality of your home theater.

8. Purchase a quality DVD player. Look for a progressive scan feature. It is a good idea to buy a dual VCR/DVD player so you have one component that can play both formats.

9. Combine all the best components into a premium home theater system. Take it home and enjoy.

Tags: home theater, home theater system, theater system, your home, your home theater, speaker wire, speakers subwoofer

Run Cable For Direct Tv

DirectTV is a popular satellite television provider based in San Diego. The company provides television services for customers in the United States, Caribbean and some parts of Central America. The service has been available since mid-1994. The company carries local and broadcast television networks, as well as other subscription channels and radio services. In recent years, it has become more popular for home owners to install their own Direct TV installation and run cable for the satellite antenna support to and from the antenna.

Instructions

1. Choose a shielded RG6 coaxial cable for installing between the DirectTV dish and your primary television tuner.

2. Connect a ground block outside of the home to a part of the house that is grounded in between the TV dish and the inside of the home.

3. Twist a #10 copper wire around the grounding terminal screw of the grounding block and connect it to the house ground point. The wire should be clamped at both connections.Then, run the coaxial cable from the dish output terminals to the external antenna. Then, run coaxial cable from the cable box to the approximate location of the computer.

4. Reset your DirectTV box and view any DirectTV channel to op-test your cable installation.

Tags: coaxial cable, cable from, coaxial cable from, Then coaxial, Then coaxial cable

Use Photo Studio

With some practice you can become comfortable using a photo studio.

To the uninitiated, a photo studio may be an intimidating place. But if you have worked in one, you know

it is a place where the photographer has complete control over every aspect of the picture he is trying to create. Whether you are making product photography, portrait's or a still life art, after you learn use a photo studio you will see the potential that is available from working inside one.

Instructions

1. Determine the modeling position for your subject. This is where you will place your model, subject, or item you are shooting. This is your starting point.

2. Determine your camera position. Depending on the size of your subject and the type of camera, lens and effect you want to create select the camera position that best addresses these points.

3. Select a backdrop. With your camera position set, you need to hang or arrange a back drop. You may choose a simple black or white fabric as your backdrop or you may want something else. The backdrop should add to the picture, but not be the primary focus of the picture.

4. Position your lights. Start with the main light and position this so it will illuminate the focal point of your subject. Position your fill lights on the opposite side of the main light and above the subject. Your main light should be at full power with your secondary lights at half power. Move and adjust the lights whenever you change your shooting position or change the subject you are photographing.

5. Attach your camera to a tripod, attach the sync cord for the studio lights to your camera and you are ready to start shooting inside the photo studio.

Tags: photo studio, your camera, camera position, main light, your subject, your camera position

Use A Wireless Nikon Flash

A Nikon wireless flash can be handy when taking pictures in a large room or when you want the light coming from a specific direction, such as in portrait photography.

Wireless Nikon flashes are designed to be used with the Nikon Creative Lighting System. This will allow a Nikon camera, such as the D70, D80 or D90, to remotely control the flash. This process is most effective when the camera and flash are not more than 10 feet apart.

Using Nikon equipment will allow the flash to work in iTTL mode. TTL stands for "Through the Lens" metering, meaning the flash is reading the amount of light coming through the camera's lens and setting itself appropriately.

Instructions

1. Set the wireless flash in the desired position for the photo. Make sure the back side of the flash is facing the camera.

2. Turn on the flash and then push the "Mode" button and change the mode to "iTTL."

3. Set the flash as "Remote" by pressing the "Sel" button for a few seconds until the custom menu appears. Also set the channel number.

4. Turn off the flash.

5. Turn on your camera. Press the "Menu" button and scroll to the "CSM" menu and choose "Flash Mode."

6. Set the "Flash Mode" to "Commander Mode." Set the camera to the same channel as the flash. Adjust the exposure compensation value to between +3.0 and -3.0, if needed.

7. Turn on the wireless flash. Pop up the built-in flash on the camera.

8. Take the picture. The flash will beep to signal that it fired.

Tags: wireless flash, Flash Mode, light coming, Turn flash, will allow, Wireless Nikon

Buy A Gn Online Indicator Headset

Telephone headsets bring multi-tasking to an entirely new level. But, the problem is, no one can tell when you're on the phone. You know how it is--you're talking to a customer when a co-worker walks up and starts chatting. Suddenly, you're trying to keep track of two conversations. The GN Online Indicator Headset uses a flashing LED light to let others know when you're on the phone.

Instructions

1. Educate yourself by reading product reviews.

2. Ask others for recommendations. Anyone who works in an office environment will be knowledgeable about headsets. They may have tried an online indicator headset and have some advice.

3. Make sure your equipment is compatible. GN Netcom's online indicator headset will only work if you have an 8000 or 8050-TCA amplifier.

4. Shop around online and in stores. Online indicator headsets usually run between $20 and $30. Look around for the best deal before making a purchase.

5. Ask for a bulk discount, if applicable. If you're ordering GN Online Indicator Headsets for the entire office, see if you can get a better deal. The company may be able to knock a few dollars off the price for you.

6. Power up--the batteries are included. The GN Online Indicator Headset comes with the two AA batteries it needs, so once it arrives, you're all set. The headset amps have a power-save feature, so you shouldn't have to change the batteries for a year.

Tags: Online Indicator Headset, Indicator Headset, indicator headset, Online Indicator, online indicator

Make A Camera Lens

Generally, the creation of a camera lens is a complicated, time-consuming procedure that's done only by skilled individuals using high-tech equipment. This complex manufacturing process is impossible to reproduce on your own. But you can make a simpler camera lens like a tilt-shift camera lens. These special lenses can cost more than $1,000, but you can make your own for much less.

Instructions

1. Find an oversized spare lens that's for a larger film format than the camera you'll be putting the lens on.

2. Hollow out the center of the camera body cap with the hobby knife. File down the inside to smooth the surface so there are no burrs or jagged areas.

3. Cut a hole at the top of the plunger where the stick is. The hole should only be large enough to stretch across the base of your lens. This area will be used to create the flexible camera bellows. Place the cut plunger over the lens and adjust the size as needed.

4. Create a backing by cutting a ring out of the cardboard or plastic. Make sure you've painted the cardboard black to cut down on light refraction in the bellows. Be sure to make the inner circle the same circumference as the body cap.

5. Hot glue the body rap to the ring. Glue the ring to the bellows with the black side in.

6. Attach your new camera lens to your camera.

Tags: camera lens, your camera

Use Verizon Blackberry For Prepaid Accounts

Put your BlackBerry to use by activating it on the prepaid account of your choice. There are several prepaid providers that offer BlackBerry services. To ensure your BlackBerry continues to function the way a BlackBerry was designed to function and that all of the features work as they were meant to, it is preferable to activate a Verizon BlackBerry on a Verizon Prepaid BlackBerry account. However, if preferred, there are other options that will also work depending on the services you desire.

Instructions

1. Activate the phone on a Verizon prepaid BlackBerry account. You will pay for the flat monthly calling plan plus additional charges for the use of data features such as web and picture messages.

2. Flash the phone over to another network such as Cricket or MetroPCS. This is done by taking the phone to a dealer for the other cell phone provider and requesting the flash. There will be a fee and, once completed, the dealer can also set up the new prepaid phone account for you.

3. Contact a service such as Unlock to Talk or Flash My Phone to have the phone flashed. You can purchase a kit, visit one of their stores or have the phone remotely flashed through these services. Then the phone will be ready for use on the prepaid network of your choice.

Tags: BlackBerry account, have phone, your BlackBerry, your choice

Update The Clock For The Tivo Series2

The TiVo Series2 is a digital video recorder that records programs that you request as well as programs that the TiVo service predicts you will like based on programs you have previously requested or watched. If the clock is wrong on the unit, your programs will not record correctly.

Instructions

1. Click the "TiVo" button on your remote and choose "TiVo Central."

2. Choose "Messages & Settings." Select "Settings." Pick "Network & Phone." Select "Connect to the TiVo Service Now." When your TiVo connects, it should automatically update your clock. If it does not, your zip code may be incorrect.

3. Check that your zip code is correct by clicking the "TiVo" button and choosing "TiVo Central." Select "Messages & Settings." Pick "Account & System Information." Choose "System Information" to review your zip code entry. If your zip code is incorrect, repeat the Guided Setup process to change it.

4. Repeat Guided Setup by accessing "TiVo Central" and choosing "Messages & Settings." Select "Restart or Reset System." Click "Repeat Guided Setup." Once Guided Setup begins, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Tags: Guided Setup, your code, Messages Settings, TiVo Central, code incorrect, Messages Settings Select