The word "laser" is an acronym that stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." Laser technology is based on the principle that excited electrons in an atom release photons when returning to their normal state. Inside a laser, there is a gain medium and an energy source. The gain medium is some substance made of atoms that are easily excitable and the energy source is usually some kind of light that excites the atoms in the gain medium.
Once the energy source is applied to the gain medium, the atoms release photons that bounce back and forth between two mirrors. One of the mirrors is half-silvered, allowing some photons to pass through. The photons that pass through are all on the same wavelength, creating a focused laser beam.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a precise method for implementing a design on a given material. The process begins with someone creating a design on a computer using a CAD program or something similar. The design is then read by a computer that uses the information to automatically guide a laser. The laser makes all the necessary cuts, producing an exact physical replica of the design.
Specific Techniques
Most lasers can emit a continuous beam or a quick pulse. The continuous beam is used to make cuts while the pulse is used to make small piercings. Laser cutting vaporizes certain materials but melts others. When a laser is used to cut a melting material, gas is blown across the material to clear the melted portion away. With materials like glass, a laser can be used to create a small crack and then guide it in a controlled fashion to make a cut.
Tags: gain medium, energy source, continuous beam, Cutting Work, Does Laser, Does Laser Cutting, Laser cutting
Camera film is typically manufactured and shipped as an encased roll of celluloid, a thin plastic sheet. Both sides of this celluloid are treated with special chemical blends; one side is coated with chemicals that aid in the development of film negatives, while the other is coated with multiple layers of chemicals that help to form the images that eventually become photographs.
The Photochemical Mix
The chemical coatings that allow the creation of images in film are predominantly made up of silver halide crystals. Silver halide is sensitive to both visible light photons and invisible infrared light photons, and each light photon frequency has a different chemical effect on the crystals. This effect changes them forever, and because they are so stable, the images can remain suspended in the film for years before they are developed.
Silver nitrate and halide crystals are mixed and chemically altered to make them sufficiently small and more sensitive to light photons than they would otherwise be. When they're at the proper stage, they're layered onto the celluloid with additional chemical layers that help to filter and control light photon exposure. All of these layers are attached with thin layers of gelatin.
The Photo Capturing Process
For a photo to be taken, the film must be placed inside of the camera and wound into place. Winding mechanisms vary from one camera type to the next, but in any case, the film is pulled from its encased roll and stretched across the interior of the camera directly behind the shutter, which is directly behind the lens.
When the shutter button on the camera is pressed, the shutter opens and closes in a fraction of a second. During this brief moment, light photons are reflected off of the objects in front of the lens, and these photons are absorbed by the silver halide particles on the surface of the film. The brighter and more well-lit objects create areas of greater exposure, while the darker and poorly lit objects result in less chemical change.
From Exposure to Development
To process exposed film, it is first immersed in a liquid developing agent in a darkroom environment. If left in the bath for too long, this agent will turn the exposed areas of the film into pure silver. At the appropriate time, the film must be transferred to a "stop bath," which will neutralize the developing agent and freeze the development process. The film then goes into a "fixing bath," which rinses away any unused silver halide particles that remain. When it is removed, it is rinsed with water, allowed to dry and finally cut into film negatives. Film negatives have long shelf lives and can be used multiple times to create original photo prints.
Tags: light photons, silver halide, bath which, Camera Film, Camera Film Work, chemicals that
Cable TV starts at the antenna farm. The networks beam their programs via satellite to the local cable company, whereby the different feeds are received from different satellites. Then the feeds are modulated in 200 different channels with 600 MHz. The 200 channels are are then transmitted to a coaxial cable.
The TV signals then work their way down the cable to your house. The cable service provider uses an amplifier along the way in order to boost the signals.
How Channels are Broadcasted
Multiple television programs from all around the world are being broadcasted after they are produced. These programs are then transmitted to the satellites that orbit the earth. These signals are then transmitted back to earth and then transmitted by way of radio frequencies to televisions through coaxial cable or fixed optical fibers.
A cable TV doesn't need the traditional antenna to broadcast programs which, traditionally, were done via radio waves or over-the- air method.
The international programs along with the local signals from local television programs are then processed at the head-end or cable television service companies that provide the service. These signals are then transmitted into the homes of consumers through a network of cables.
Get Cable Service
One can subscribe from a cable television service provider to get a cable service to work.
The cable service providers will then ensure that the signals are transmitted through a coaxial cable to the cable outlet in your home. The cable company connects the coaxial cable or an RF cable from the wall directly to your television sets. Your cable ready television set can then be programmed to receive the cable channel broadcasts.
You would need to install a converter box if you own an older style or a non-cable ready TV set. This converter box will allow you to receive cable television broadcasts.
Advantages of Cable Television
Cable TV brings in more channels.You are not limited to local channels but can watch different channels from all over the world. The reception quality is better than traditional television service in that it uses cables to transmit signals. Cable television service is not disturbed or inhibited by obstructions from the surface such as trees, tall buildings and other structures.
Tags: then transmitted, coaxial cable, television service, signals then, cable cable
Picture files on your BlackBerry Storm 9550 are stored on the unit's memory card. If you want to transfer files from the BlackBerry to your computer you can do so from this memory card. The BlackBerry Storm is designed to be connected to your computer so you can connect the two devices directly via the included data cable.
Instructions
1. Use the included software disc to install the BlackBerry sync software on your home computer if you haven't done so already.
2. Plug the small end of the included data cable into the port on the side of your BlackBerry.
3. Plug the remaining end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.
4. Open the BlackBerry desktop manager program from your computer's desktop.
5. Locate the memory card icon in the desktop manager program and click on it. The contents of the memory card will now be displayed in a window.
6. Drag and drop any picture files from the memory card window onto your computer's desktop screen to copy the pictures to the computer.
Tags: memory card, your computer, BlackBerry Storm, cable into, computer desktop, data cable, desktop manager
Without having to download any software, you can edit your photos online.
Digital cameras have many advantages. You can delete photos that you do not like, plus you can edit photos and add special effects. Photo editing software can require a lot of memory on your hard drive. Luckily, there are websites that you can use to edit photos without having to download any software.
Online Photo Editor
Using the Online Photo Editor, you can edit your photos online using your preferred browser for free. Once you have uploaded your photo you can resize it, rotate it and sharpen the image. There are many effects and filters that will change the appearance your photos such as changing the color to black and white or sepia, sharpening tools and removing red eye. You also can add glitter to your photo as well as text. Once you have the photo to your liking, you can save it online, download it or print it. There are no downloads required using the Online Photo Editor.
Snipshot
Snipshot has many features to edit your raw files online. You can use the face detection, which will help you make portraits even faster, then you can apply special effects. Snipshot even allows you to use its free API so you can use it on your own website. You can also use the one click import feature that allows you to import pictures from any website you like using its "bookmarklet." There are basic editing tools such as rotate, crop and resize. There are image adjustments that you can use including brightness, saturation, contrast, hue and sharpness. There is an unlimited redo and undo feature that you can access just by pressing "Ctrl+Z" and "Ctrl+Y." You can edit large files up to 25 megapixels or 10MB, which is equivalent to 5,000 x 5,000 pixels. You can save your images once you edit them as PNG, GIF, PDF or JPG files. To use Snipshot, there is absolutely no download necessary; it is completely browser-based.
Picture2Life
This is a powerful and free photo editing software that is completely browser-based, meaning there is no software to download. The basic editing tools include cropping, resizing, color adjustments, red eye, rotate and undo and redo. You can add special effects including edge style, emboss, black and white and many more. Picture2Life lets you create animated GIFs, and you even can create collages of all your favorite photos. With this system, you easily can edit photos that you already have online, photos you have on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter or photo sharing websites such as Photobucket, Flickr and Imageshack.
Tags: edit your, Online Photo, Online Photo Editor, Photo Editor, special effects, your photos
Light is one of the most important aspects of photography. Most SLR cameras come with an internal, built-in flash. Internal flashes are adequate for most situations; however, an external flash will give you much more natural lighting and allow you to capture pictures in low light. Nikon offers a variety of external flashes called SpeedLights. Nikon's SB-400 and SB-600 are both very capable flashes; however, they have quite a few differences and will appeal to different types of photographers.
Specifications
Nikon's SB-400 is the smallest flash available for Nikon's current line of DSLR cameras. Due to its small size, the SB-400 uses two AA batteries for power, compared to the SB-600, which uses four. The SB-600 is a standard size external flash. Both the SB-400 and SB-600 connect to the hot shoe of a Nikon camera. Since the SB-600 is a larger flash, it has a higher GN rating than the SB-400. The SB-600 has a GN, or Guide Number, rating of 98 compared to the GN 69 of the SB-400.
Pivoting Flash Head
The SB-400 is a very capable flash for everyday photography. The SB-400 allows the flash head to pivot vertically from 0 to 90 degrees. This allows for indoor bounce flashes to give a soft glow to the room. One of the limitations of the SB-400 is the lack of a sideways pivot. Because the flash head can only be adjusted vertically, a bounce flash is not possible while photographing in portrait orientation. The SB-600 does not have the bounce flash problem, because the flash head can rotate sideways and allow a bounce flash during portrait orientation.
Wireless Off-Camera Flash
One of the biggest feature differences between the SB-400 and the SB-600 is the ability of the SB-600 to work off-camera. The SB-600 can be used as a wireless slave flash to either a Nikon Wireless Flash Remote or higher-level Nikon SpeedLights, such as the SB-800 or SB-900. The off-camera feature will allow you to place the SB-600 in the vicinity of the camera and it will fire when needed. The SB-400 must be attached to the camera's hot shoe to work.
Flash Zoom
The SB-600 has a zoom feature to match your lens zoom. The flash will adjust the power and fill range, depending on the length of zoom on your lens. The SB-600 will adjust the zoom to correspond with the lens from 24mm to 85mm. The SB-400 is a static lens and will not gauge the power based on the zoom length.
Compatibility
The SB-600 should be used when replacing a flash for an older film-based camera or one of the original Nikon DSLR cameras. The SB-600 is compatible with all of Nikon's DSLRs and most of the Nikon film SLR cameras of the last few decades. Nikon's original DSLR cameras used D-TTL as a flash-control system, instead of the newer i-TTL. TTL is an abbreviation for To The Lens. TTL limits the exposure of the picture, depending on the amount of light detected by the lens. The SB-400 only works with i-TTL, which is available on all the current models of Nikon's DSLR cameras.
Choose the Nikon D1x for extra versatility in wedding shoots.
Shooting weddings using the Nikon D1x can be tricky because this camera shoots 5.4-megapixel images, a size significantly smaller than many current digital cameras. However, Nikon designed this camera for professional use, so the durable case, easy-to-locate functions and reliability lead photographers to seek out the D1x. Using this camera for a wedding shoot requires practice and becoming well acquainted with the process of quickly switching controls.
Instructions
1. Set your camera to the appropriate image size, file type and quality. This determines how large your files are, how much data is kept or lost, and whether or not in-camera processing is applied to the images. The D1x offers standard, compressed .jpeg, uncompressed .tiff and both compressed and uncompressed .nef, or RAW, file types.
2. Charge and test your camera battery and backup battery. Having more than one battery with a complete charge will help avoid problems with drained batteries, which can happen quickly when working with the D1x.
3. Insert a compact flash card into the D1x's memory card slot.
4. Select your lenses. The Nikon D1x uses Nikon F-mount lenses. Test each lens to ensure that it's clean and to check the functions available when using the D1x. Older lenses may have reduced functions, such as a lack of auto-focus or metering functions. You will need several lenses to shoot a wedding with a D1x, including zoom lenses, wide-angle lenses and lenses with a variety of aperture settings.
5. Attach your chosen lens by aligning the white dot on the lens with the white dot on the camera body near the lens mount. Insert the lens into the mount and twist until secure.
6. Familiarize yourself with D1x modes and select one appropriate for the speed of shooting and the amount of artistic control desired. The D1x has a fully manual mode as well as a number of semi-automatic modes that allow the freedom of automatic programming with the artistic control of manual settings.
Programmed auto mode allows you to choose between preset apertures and shutter speeds based on the meter reading. Aperture priority allows you to select the aperture with the camera selecting the shutter speed, and shutter priority allows you to select the shutter speed with the camera choosing the appropriate aperture. Choose your mode, using manual mode if you feel comfortable, or a semi-automatic mode that's appropriate for your lighting and scene.
7. Select your ISO. This is the sensitivity of the sensor in the back of the D1x, which ranges from 125 to 3200. Low light situations will use a higher ISO, whereas bright situations use a lower ISO. The D1x has quite a bit of digital noise at the upper end of the ISO scale, so use lower ISOs when possible.
8. Meter your image if you are using manual mode. Press the D1x shutter button halfway and look through the lens to view the meter. Adjust your aperture or shutter speed accordingly.
9. Take your picture and review on the LCD screen.
The Nikon SB-600 is a powerful external flash that can be used for all but the most demanding flash applications. As an added bonus, the SB-600 can be setup as a wireless slave flash in the custom settings, and triggered from the on camera flash on certain digital SLRs, giving you many creative lighting possibilities.
Getting Started
The Nikon SB-600 takes four AA batteries. When loading batteries, use four of the same type. To get the best results, use either lithium AAs or rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. After loading the batteries, slide the flash onto the hot shoe for your camera and lock the flash by flipping the lock lever to the right. Turn on the flash by pressing the "On/Off button" on the bottom right, and press the "Flash" button above it to fire a test flash to confirm it is working properly. Press the "Mode" button on the flash to turn it to "Through the Lens Balanced Exposure" (TTL BL) mode, and turn the mode dial of your camera to "Program" and select an ISO setting as desired. Focus as normal and depress the shutter button; the flash should fire. If the ready light on the flash blinks for three seconds after shooting, the picture may be underexposed. Change the ISO settings accordingly, recompose and shoot.
Continuous Shooting
The Nikon SB-600 can fire up to 15 times at six frames per second in TTL mode at full output or 1/2 output when the camera is set to a continuous burst mode. In "Manual" flash mode, with the flash set to 1/4 to 1/64 output, it can fire 40 times. After the flash has fired the maximum number of times, you should let it cool down for 10 minutes before using it again.
Modeling Illuminator
When setting up portraits, use the SB-600's "Modeling Illuminator" before shooting to see if you have harsh shadows created by the light. Press the "Modeling Illuminator" button on the flash head on the left to fire the flash for one second at a reduced output. If you have shadows, try adjusting the position of the flash head to bounce the light off the ceiling to soften it, or use a diffusion dome (sold separately) over the flash.
Tags: button flash, Modeling Illuminator, Nikon SB-600, fire times, flash head
For owners of a Pioneer car stereo and an Apple Ipod, the CD-IB100 can be an excellent way to integrate the two into one seamless music experience while in your car. By connecting an iPod to the CD-IB100 adapter and the adapter to a compatible Pioneer car stereo, you can control your iPod's interface using the buttons on the stereo "headunit" (the faceplate of the car stereo). The connection process is simple and with a brief time investment, you can be controlling your iPod from your stereo faceplate.
Instructions
1. Connect the iPod dock cable from the adapter's "To Ipod" connection to the dock connection on the iPod. Push the small tabs on either side of the dock connection, insert the metal portion of the dock connector into the iPod, then release the tabs to lock the dock cable in place.
2. Check the headunit to see if it recognizes the connection; it should display a checkmark or the Pioneer logo and the iPod should indicate that it is charging (if the car is turned on).
3. Test the connection by attempting to manipulate the iPod using the headunit controls. If you are able to scroll through your songs and play them without error, you have successfully connected the CD-IB100 to your Pioneer car stereo. If there is no response, you may need to reset the iPod before the Pioneer stereo recognizes the connection. Different models or "generations" of iPod have very different reset procedures. (See Resources for precise instruction by generation.)
Tags: Pioneer stereo, dock cable, dock connection, recognizes connection, your iPod
Many of the conveniences in the world around us wouldn't exist if it weren't for the discovery of refrigeration. Air-conditioning units make cool homes, vehicles and workplaces possible. Perishable food can survive long periods in shipping because of refrigerated trucks and boats.
The basic mechanism behind refrigeration involves heat energy being collected, and then moved from one area to another. A refrigeration device uses four basic components: an insulated area, a compressor, tubing and a gas.
Put it All Together
The compressor pressurizes gas inside part of the tubing located outside the insulation. The pressurized gas condenses, which makes the gas molecules release heat energy as the energy state lowers from gas to liquid. This heat energy is released outside of the insulation. The condensed liquid gets forced through a narrow neck of the tubing into a low-pressure environment inside the insulation. This increases its energy state to a gas, making it more prone to absorb heat energy from the insulated area.
In a refrigerator, heat energy from a recently added object, such as a new bottle of ketchup, transfers into the cooler air around it, making the ketchup cooler and the air warmer. The air then collides with the tubing, or something touching the tubing, transferring its heat energy to the gas inside the tubing. The gas is then forced back through the compressor into the high-pressure tubing, where it condenses and releases its heat energy, repeating the process.
Another Way to Look At It
When molecules have more heat energy, they vibrate faster. Pressurizing the gas makes it difficult for the molecules to hold heat energy because they have less room to vibrate, so heat energy is released. The tubing outside the insulation becomes hot as it releases all the heat energy. A fan may be added, as in a home air-conditioning unit, to blow cooler air across the heated tubing. Next the pressurized gas is forced inside the insulated area. In this low-pressure environment, the molecules have plenty of room to vibrate. So the gas takes in heat energy from the air and objects in the insulated area, before it's forced back into the compressor to restart the cycle.
Tubing
The tubing starts from one end of the compressor, then narrows, expands to normal size again, and ends in the other end of the compressor (see diagram). The narrow neck maintains high pressure on the output side of the compressor, and low pressure on the intake side.
Gas
Refrigeration unites use certain gasses because of their ease in energy transfer and in changing between energy states. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used to be the main refrigerants, but as they're hazardous to the environment, newer gasses, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have been developed for the job, such as R-23 and R-422A.
Compressor
The compressor pumps the gas though the tubing. It forces gas from one end of the tubing into the other, not allowing it to recede backwards into the former tube. Gas pressure builds up in one side as gas seeps through the narrow neck in the tubing into the low-pressure side. The compressor eventually sucks up that gas and cycles it back into the high-pressure side.
Fan
A refrigeration unit may have additional fans to blow air on the high-pressure side, the low-pressure side, or both. Air blowing across the tubing makes the transfer of heat quicker. A refrigerator may have a fan to blow air molecules across the objects inside it. As the air molecules collide with objects that have a higher level of heat energy, such as a bottle of soda that was just placed in the refrigerator, that heat energy transfers from the warmer object to the cooler air. The transfer is possible without a fan, but is faster with one. A refrigerator usually won't have a fan on the outside, but instead has a large heat sink. Naturally moving air collides with the heat sink to move the energy.
Insulation
Insulation keeps the low-pressure area cool once heat energy has been removed from it. Insulating this area prevents heat energy from outside transferring in to reheat the area. Insulating a refrigerator keeps the heat energy-deprived air molecules inside, and the heat energy-rich air molecules out. A house's insulated walls act as the insulation for an air-conditioning unit, keeping cool in and heat out.
Tags: heat energy, energy from, heat energy from, insulated area, narrow neck, outside insulation
If you are thinking of taking pictures of wildlife, there is no better wild animal to practice on than deer. They are basically timid creatures, and their first instinct in encountering humans is to freeze. They almost look as if they're posing for the camera. Deer also look different at different stages of their life and their coats change as the seasons progress. They will be a deep brown during spring and summer and turn to light brown and gray during fall and winter. They do this to blend in more easily with their surroundings and avoid being prey. In this article we will provide a few tips on take pictures of these wild, gentle creatures.
Instructions
1. Go where the deer are. I know if you live in New Jersey and other populated areas you may see deer from time to time. You see news articles where they will break into a store or wind up in a swimming pool. However, when you go to get your camera, try and find one. The best thing to do is to head to deer country. I can walk for an hour in the game lands and never see a deer. However, when I leave my house for a walk, I see them everyday. We live adjacent to a State Forest in a gated community that does not permit hunting. If you can gain access to one of these communities you will see deer. They seem to know where the safe havens are. This little fawn wandered into our backyard one day. So find a friend that lives in a rural, no-hunting community and take your camera.
2. Deer look different in different seasons. This is a Four Point Buck taken early in summer. Their horns are covered with a velvet cover early in the year. In the fall during the rut, you will see them banging their horns on a tree to get rid of the velvet to reveal the sharp horns underneath. Bucks will fight each other for the right to mate, and after mating they will lose their horns and grow new ones in the spring. They also change coat color during the year and in the winter will be light brown in color and very bushy like a dog with their winter coats.
3. OK, so here is a little quiz: What time of year was this picture taken? This guy is an immature buck, which you can tell by the little spike horn on his head. Since there is no velvet on his horn and he is still brown, you can tell the picture was taken in early fall.
4. Always try to make your picture tell a story. Look at the deer's ears and position of the head. What did she just hear, a bear, my crazy border collie? Deer are very sensitive to noise and smells. They are also smart. If I am walking my dog on a leash, they will not run. They have learned that he is contained and kind of trust me in controlling him. Here the deer heard my dog and one second later bolted from the hill because my dog was unleashed and the deer didn't know that he was behind a fence. They are not that smart.
5. If you are patient and take your time, you will get the perfect shot. Notice how I used an open f-stop to create a shallow depth of field, making the buck stand out against the background. I like this composition and the framing of the buck by the trees. This is one great-looking Eight Point Buck and is lucky to be inside our community where he might actually get to grow older. This was taken with a zoom telephoto lens.
Tags: they will, camera Deer, deer They, different different, However when
Underwater disposable cameras are one-time-use film cameras that you take to a film lab for processing and developing. They have a durable, rugged exterior and come pre-loaded with film. Underwater disposable cameras are great for many varieties of wet conditions, such as at the beach, in a pool, in the rain, while skiing, on a boat or even while snorkeling. Some cameras are waterproof in water up to 50-feet deep, making them a good choice for certain scuba-diving expeditions, as well.
Instructions
Take Photos with Your Underwater Disposable Camera
1. Snap underwater pictures when the weather is sunny. Most underwater disposable cameras don't come with a flash, so unless the sun is directly overhead, you won't get good photos in deep water. Also, most of these cameras are not intended for use in water deeper than 50 feet.
2. Get better photos in shallow, clear, still water than in moving, deep, silty or murky water. More light will shine through clear, shallow water. The deeper you go down, the less light you will have to work with.
3. Attach the camera to your person. You may wish to tie it around your wrist or clip it to your bathing suit. This way, you will not risk dropping the camera and losing it at the bottom of the ocean.
4. Prepare to use the camera by first winding the film. Next, get up close to your subject and look through the viewfinder. Finally, depress the button on the top of the camera to snap a picture. You must advance the film after each shot to take the next picture.
5. Keep to the depth recommendations for your disposable underwater camera. At greater depths, the water pressure could cause the film to get stuck or the camera to break, and you could lose all the terrific photos you had already taken.
Installing a car audio amplifier to your car's audio system can greatly increase the overall sound quality of your system. One of the key aspects of installing the amp is connecting the amp's red power wire to your car's battery and running it back to your amp. It sounds easy, but it must be done correctly in order for your amp to power up properly.
Instructions
1. Disconnect your car's negative battery cable from the terminal using a socket set. This should be done anytime you plan on working with your car's electrical system in order to prevent the risk of electrical shock.
2. Do the same to the positive terminal. You will be connecting your amp's power wire to the positive terminal of your car's battery, but don't do so yet. When installing the amp power wire, the end with the in-line fuse will go in your engine compartment near the battery.
3. Find an opening in your car's firewall leading from the engine compartment to the cabin of the car by searching for rubber grommets that can be pulled out to expose a hole wide enough for the power wire to fit. Every model car will have these rubber grommets located in different areas, but most commonly you'll find them near the feet of the driver and passenger sides of the car underneath the carpet.
4. Run the power wire from the car battery, through the hole you found in step 3, to the location of your amp (usually in the trunk area). Make sure the amp power wire's insulation does not get stripped on metal when being pulled the hole in your car's firewall. Leave enough slack to mount the amp power wire safely in the engine compartment and to the battery.
5. Strip away about 1/4 inch of insulation from the end of the amp power cable near your amp, and connect the cable to the "Power" input on amp and tighten down with a Phillips head screwdriver.
6. Tuck the amp power cable underneath your car's carpeting or trim panels using a screwdriver or trim panel tool for a cleaner look.
7. Connect your amp power cable to your battery's positive terminal using the included metal loop connector for a tight fit. Reconnect the positive battery cable to the battery terminal, and then do the same for the negative terminal. Test to see that the amp turns on.
Tags: power wire, engine compartment, positive terminal, your battery, your power, battery cable
AVI video files are usually restricted to computers, but there are AVI players that store the videos on a hard drive with an interface that can connect to a TV. Of course, you can transform your own computer to double as a homemade AVI player, especially if you have an old computer you're not using much. You just need to connect the computer's video and audio output to your TV set. Even if you don't have a newer set with a computer VGA connection, there are adapter cables that can link the computer to any video input you have.
Instructions
1. Download or transfer all your AVI video files onto one computer's hard drive. A laptop or lunchbox computer will work best because of its easy portability and storage space.
2. Check the input ports in the back of your TV set. If you have an LCD HD TV, chances are it has a VGA port, just like a computer monitor uses. Connect the computer to this port with a VGA cable.
3. Connect the two devices with a VGA adapter cable if the TV has no VGA port. Use a VGA to component cable (with red, green and blue plugs) if the TV has those ports. If nothing else, get a VGA to S-Video / RCA adaptor, which has an S-video plug and yellow RCA port. Use this to connect to the TV with an S-video or composite (use the yellow plug) cable.
4. Attach the computer's audio output to the TV. If using the straight VGA connection, connect the computer's sound card to the TV's "PC audio in" port with a mini stereo cable. If using an adapter cable, use a mini to RCA cable and connect it to the white and red audio ports next to the video connection you're using.
5. Turn on the TV and push the "video" button, or bring up its "input" menu and select the video connection you used - VGA, component (YPbPr), S-video or composite (AV). The computer screen will appear on the TV screen; use the computer mouse to navigate your AVI files and play your videos.
Tags: adapter cable, audio output, computer video, connect computer, hard drive, port with
Some cameras for kids look more like a toy than a camera.
Choosing a good digital camera for kids is a lot like choosing one for yourself. Digital cameras should have some basic features to make picture taking easy and pleasurable. There are many types of digital cameras for kids; some look more like a toy than a camera, yet take surprisingly good pictures, while others look like one you may want to own yourself.
For Ages 4-6
Your amateur photographer may just need his own gear, even at an early age. The Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera should fit the bill and is plenty rugged for the learning curve ahead. It has durable shock-proof coating for the unexpected but likely drops and surprisingly good image quality. Expandable memory means your budding photographer can take hundreds of pictures. And with LCD screens, she can get instant feedback of her shots.
It is a 1.3-megapixel model and has a 1.6-inch LCD optical viewfinder, built-in flash, 8MB of internal memory and can accept up to a 1GB SD card for additional images. Uses four AA batteries and is compatible with Windows 2000/ME/XP/Vista and Mac.
For Ages 6-11
Your school-age child might not be keen on using the Fisher Price kids camera, but the Vtech might just be the right fit. This camera, while made with similar colorful, rugged, made-to-take-a-beating materials, is much less toylike and takes very nice pictures. It even has movie mode, which is a feature found on many pricier digital cameras. One nice feature is the included USB and AV cables, so he can view his pictures on a TV or a computer, just like Mom and Dad.
The Vtech Kidizoom Camera is 2-megapixel model with a 1.8-inch LCD viewfinder. It has movie mode with sound, 16 MB of internal memory and a SD card expandable up to 2 GB. Uses four AA batteries. This model is compatible with Pentium 1GHz/Windows 2000/XP.
For Ages 12 and Up
At this age, your child likely views photography as a hobby or just wants a more grown-up device to capture life's moments. Good digital cameras for children double as great cameras for adults at this level. Today's entry-level digital cameras can be found on sale for $100 to $200, and some models offer top-notch features for a little bit more.
The Kodak EasyShare Z915 is a durable and fast 10-megapixel model offering a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, video capture, image stabilization and fast performance. This model operates on two AA batteries and can be operated in manual or automatic with 17 scene modes to get that perfect shot. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
Tags: digital cameras, cameras kids, compatible with, Fisher Price, four batteries, internal memory, like than
There are dozens of lens attachments available for your SLR camera.
Film and digital SLR cameras possess the capability of switching out the main lens for another. This is useful, as you may occasionally need a wide-angle, telephoto or zoom lens. An 18-105mm is a zoom lens that helps you move closer to a subject matter, without actually walking up to it. The 18-105mm lens functions much like your standard lens, so you shouldn't have too much trouble learning the basics of the equipment.
Instructions
1. Remove the current lens from your SLR camera if you haven't already. Press and hold down on the button located right next to the lens on the camera. This unlocks the lens. Twist the lens counterclockwise to remove the lens.
2. Align the small dot on the end of the 18-105mm lens with the dot on the top of the opening of your SLR camera. With the two dots matching, slide the lens into the camera and turn it to the right. This locks the lens into position.
3. Twist the lens to zoom in (clockwise while you are looking through the viewfinder). As you zoom in, the subject matter in the viewfinder becomes larger. To zoom out, twist the lens in the opposite direction.
4. Adjust the switch on the side of the lens to either "Auto Focus" or "Manual Focus." With the auto focus feature turned on, the camera adjusts the focus for you. To manually focus on a subject, zoom the lens completely into the object. With the camera zoomed in, turn the focus ring on the lens until the object is clear and in focus. Once focus is set, zoom out of the subject until you have the desired framing and capture your image.
When dealing with single-voice coil subs, you are limited in your wiring options. With that in mind, it makes the process much easier because you don't have the dilemma of deciding which setup will work best for your system. To hook up three subwoofers to one mono amplifier, using single-voice coil subs, you are left with one option. Within minutes you will be able to connect your 8-ohm subwoofers to your amplifier.
Instructions
1. Remove fuses from the amp or disconnect ground wire. This will prevent accidental power from reaching the speakers while you are connecting them.
2. Cut six lengths of speaker wire. Four lengths will be used to connect the subwoofers to one another. The other two lengths will connect the amplifier to the subwoofers. For this reason, make sure that you cut the wires long enough to reach between components. Strip the casing from all of the ends so that the wire is exposed for connection.
3. Connect one end of one of the speaker wires to the positive terminal on the amplifier. Connect an end of the other amplifier length wire to the negative terminal on the amplifier. Tighten the terminal connections with a screwdriver.
4. Connect the positive wire from the amplifier to the positive terminal on one of the subwoofers. Connect one end of the remaining wires to the same terminal. You can twist the two ends together before inserting them into the terminal to produce a better connection. Tighten the terminal connection unless it is a push button connection.
5. Connect the other end of the positive wire from the first subwoofer to the positive terminal on the second subwoofer. Insert one end of the remaining wires into the same terminal. Twist the wires together before inserting to improve the connection. Tighten the connection.
6. Connect the end of the positive wire coming from the second subwoofer to the positive terminal on the third subwoofer.
7. Connect the negative wire from the amplifier to the negative terminal on the same subwoofer that the positive wire from the amplifier is connected to. Connect an end from one of the remaining wires to same terminal. Twist the wires together before connecting for an improved connection.
8. Connect the end of the negative wire from the first subwoofer to the second subwoofer. Connect one end of the last wire to the same terminal. Twist the wires together to improve the connection. Connect the final end to the negative terminal on the third subwoofer.
9. Reconnect the fuses or ground wire to the amplifier.
Tags: connection Connect, wire from, positive terminal, positive wire, same terminal, from amplifier
Getting a good family portrait that everyone is pleased with isn't easy. Children may make this especially difficult by either playing around or getting bored and giving the final photo a bad look. There are some things you can do, however, to get really interesting family portraits you will be proud to hang on the wall. Here are some tips.
Basics
Have everything ready ahead of time. Set up the camera on a tripod. Check to make certain the self-timer is working properly if you intend to be in the picture. Take a few test shots of the empty chairs to make certain the lighting is correct. Do what you can to frame the photo against a good backdrop. Make sure the flash unit is working and try to get it off the top of the camera. If you can, use a flash bracket to put the flash above the film plane and pointed down slightly. Use a diffuser for the flash. If you can't get it off the camera, bounce it off the ceiling.
Settings
If you want the standard family sitting and standing together photo, that's fine, but there are other things you can do. Don't just have everyone stare at the lens. Getting them talking and put them at easy. Make them comfortable. If you can use a remote shutter release, do so because then the family members won't know ahead of time when the photo will be taken. Take lots of photos. You don't have to get the "perfect" photo in one shot. The more photos you take, the more likely it is you will end up with at least a few really good ones. Try different settings, too. If you can get the whole group to stand together under a couple of trees, use it. Try a picnic table, too. Put some of them on their knees on the table with the rest sitting on the bench. Go to a park with a gazebo. Formal dress in such a setting will conjure up images of the late 19th century.
Make a Star
Make everyone the star of the show. Instead of just the family portrait poses, start by focusing on each member of the family, either by themselves or with others, but concentrating on one person. Especially with children, if you take shots that highlight each child, and show them the results (in the case of a digital camera) you will get them to pose better when you take the whole family together. Get groups of people together first, too, so you can get them comfortable with the camera and each other. Formal poses are nice, but having a friendly looking family photographed together will make them happier in years to come when they look at it.
Tags: ahead time, family portrait, make certain, them comfortable
Lubricate the rollers on your Polaroid camera to keep them functioning correctly.
Polaroid cameras are designed to hold the film pack inside the camera and feed the individual photos through a set of rollers. These rollers compress the small pockets of developer into the exposed picture, converting the negative into a viewable picture. Over time, the rollers can become dirty and may require a small amount of lubrication in order for them to work correctly.
Instructions
1. Hold the camera in one hand, and slide the "Open" button located on the right side of the camera near the front. The front door will drop open revealing the front roller and the film pack inside.
2. Carefully remove the film pack from inside the Polaroid camera. Set the film pack aside so no oil is dropped inside the film pack.
3. Hold the camera in your right hand in a way that one of your fingers can move the roller.
4. Hold mineral oil in your other hand, and apply a small drop or two of oil on the same side as the sprocket. As you apply the oil, rotate the roller with your other hand so the mineral oil is applied to the entire circumference of the roller. One or two small drops should be enough to lubricate the rollers, allowing them to work as they should.
Tags: film pack, film pack inside, Hold camera, other hand, pack inside, Polaroid camera, them work
Using iTunes is like using a digital jukebox. The version of MP3 player you use isn't important. The player and the store that come with the free download from Apple's Web site is compatible with any MP3 player, not just Apple's iPod. Here are some steps to follow if you want to use iTunes with an MP3 player.
Instructions
1. Download the iTunes player from Apple's Web site (see below). There is a large display ad offering a free download of iTunes on the "iPod and iTunes" page of the Web site. Click on this and choose the appropriate CPU (Windows or Mac).
2. Save the iTunes icon to an appropriate folder on your computer. Make a desktop shortcut so your iTunes will be easy to find.
3. Create a folder on your desktop for your music. This can serve as a destination for every song you rip or download onto your hard drive. From there, you can easily add them to your MP3 player by dragging or dropping the files into the iTunes icon.
4. Link your MP3 player to your computer while the iTunes software is loaded on the computer. By itself, iTunes serves as an audio player for your computer. You can transfer audio files to your MP3 player using a USB cable which comes with most MP3 players. Your computer will prompt you to name your MP3 player, and an icon identifying it will appear down the left margin of iTunes.
5. Click on the MP3 file (the song), and drag it into the "Library" folder in iTunes. This folder will serve as the general place to store all the MP3s on your computer. From there, you can create new playlists to select specific songs, click on the "shuffle" option to have iTunes randomly select songs to be played through your computer, or play every song in order from the library.
6. Select the appropriate song or playlist, and click the "Play" button on iTunes to listen. Or drag the songs from iTunes into your MP3 player's icon in iTunes to copy the song into your MP3 player.
Tags: your player, your computer, Apple site, every song, folder your, free download, from Apple
Sound comes out of the stereo system through audio cables and into an infrared transmitter. The transmitter turns the sound into a series of pulses. The pulses work like bits in a computer, digitally capturing the sound information. These pulses are then sent to an infrared LED (a light emitting diode.)
IR Light
The LED is a device which produces light at a particular wavelength. The infrared LED produces long wavelength infrared light. It can not be seen with the naked eye, but works much like visible light. It can reflect off of mirrors, for example, and can be blocked by any objects in the way. Because of this, infrared headphones can only be used when they are within a line of sight of the transmitter.
Th Receiver
The headphones pick up the light with a receiver and turn it back into sound. The Receiver has an infrared CDS cell, which produces a pulse of electricity every time infrared light lands on it. The cell is designed to pick up the particular frequency of light produced by the transmitter, so it is not disturbed or thrown off by other light. A small computer inside of the receiver takes these pulses of electricity and turns them into an audio signal. This audio signal is then amplified and sent to the headphones themselves, which play the sound.
Tags: infrared light, audio signal, wavelength infrared, which produces
The lens is the most crucial--and probably the most fragile--component of any camera. Proper care and maintenance will ensure the highest picture quality, and a long life for the lens. Improper care of your camera lens can end up costing you a pretty penny. Learn the best ways to clean your camera lens so that your camera will remain in picture-perfect condition.
Lens-Cleaning Tools
Camera lens cleaning solution is the primary tool for cleaning a lens. A soft cloth, preferably made from microfiber, works well because it will not scratch the lens. A lens blower with a brush attachment is used to blow away dust particles and brush any excess particles off the lens. Cotton swabs are used to clean around the edges of the camera lens, and sop up any excess solution that may have reached into the crevices.
Cleaning Techniques
Use a lens-cleaning blower (found in many lens-cleaning kits) to blow away any debris on the lens. Next, gently brush away any remaining dust and debris with a lens brush (also found in most lens-cleaning kits). Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the lens, using short strokes. If you still notice smudges, apply a small amount of lens-cleaning solution to the cloth and gently wipe the lens on the smudged areas. Finally, gently swipe a cotton swab around the edges of the lens to get rid of any excess solution that remains.
Prevention
It is inevitable that a camera lens will get dirty; however, it can be protected with a UV filter. Place the filter in front of the lens to catch most, if not all, of the dust and smudges. The less you have to handle your camera lens, the better.
Tags: your camera, camera lens, your camera lens, around edges, blow away, cloth gently, cloth gently wipe
When having problems with security cameras and monitors, the first thing that you should do is to make sure that each camera or monitor that you are having problems with has its power indicator light on. If the light is not on, make sure that the unit is plugged in to a power supply and that it is turned on. If the unit is battery operated, try replacing the batteries and seeing if the power indicator light turns on. If the unit is plugged in but still is not showing power, attempt to plug it into a different outlet or power supply to see if it will power up there. Checking to see if the unit has power is not only one of the quickest ways to solve some problems, but it will also let you know quickly whether your problem lies with a faulty connection or if it is an electrical problem, which will either require you to repair or replace the unit.
Check Connections
If your security cameras and monitors are connected via coaxial cable or some other form of video cable, check to make sure that all of the cables are correctly connected to the various units in your security system. While looking for loose connections, also keep an eye out for signs of corrosion such as white or green scaly buildup on the connectors. Disconnect the unit from a power source, scrape off any corrosion and tighten any loose connections. Have someone keep an eye on the monitors while adjusting the connections on cameras that are not working, as they will be able to tell you whether the cameras begin to work again or not.
If your cameras connect as part of a wireless computer network, log in to the router that runs the network and see whether the cameras are appearing in the router logs. You should have an IP address or a MAC address for each device and computer on the network; if one or more cameras don't appear, use a signal detector to make sure that there is a wireless signal that the cameras can use. If a signal is present, reinstall the drivers for the cameras to make sure that the computer running the system can recognize all of the cameras on the network.
Replace Wiring and Components
If after checking the connections and ensuring that the units are getting power you are still having problems with portions of your security system, begin swapping out possibly faulty cables and components with units that are known to work. Plug in a working camera where a non-working camera is, checking to see if this solves the problem. Replace lengths of coaxial cable with cable that has been proven to work before to make sure that the problem doesn't lie with damaged or otherwise faulty cable. If a monitor doesn't work, try attaching a new monitor and seeing whether it gives better results. These solutions are much more work-intensive than the previous ones, and therefore should only be started when the simpler solutions have been tested and found to be insufficient.
Tags: make sure, make sure that, sure that, having problems, having problems with, problems with
XD memory cards are manufactured by Olympus and Fujifilm.
Digital cameras use memory cards to store images and video taken by your digital camera. And while you can review the images on the LCD (liquid crystal display) on the back of the digital camera, the pictures are best viewed on a larger screen. When you get home after a day of shooting you can plug your camera into your computer using a USB cable, but it is preferred to use a XD card reader to view and download your images from your XD card. Generally card readers will download quicker than when you try to download from your camera.
Instructions
1. Remove your Olympus or Fujifilm XD from your camera and insert it into your computer card reader, or use an external card reader.
2. Click the start button on the bottom left of your desktop, and click on "Computer" or "My Computer" if you using an older operating system.
3. Click the icon that identifies the XD card which is now installed. In the new window there will be a folder identifying the camera the pictures were taken with. Click this folder to view your pictures.
Tags: card reader, from your, your camera, camera pictures, digital camera, from your camera
With capacities growing exponentially and prices dropping, flash drives provide a method of storing computer files and transferring them among machines. Flash drives can literally hold gigabytes of data in a device about the size of your thumb, and can easily be read by different operating systems. One danger of using these portable media is that their size makes them easy to misplace. A quick solution is to attach your drive to either a lanyard or to your car keys.
Instructions
1. Open the protective cap, if needed, to expose the USB connector on your flash drive. Some flash drives reveal the connector when you slide the switch.
2. Insert the connector into a free USB port on your computer. The operating system automatically recognizes the new addition as an external drive.
3. Open Windows Explorer on your computer. The flash drive appears under the devices and drives listed for your computer.
4. Click "Computer" to view the status of your drives, including the flash drive you've added, to ensure that enough space remains on the flash drive for your files.
5. Navigate to the files you want to download. Select one or more by either clicking on a name, using the "Shift" key and clicking to choose sequential files, or pressing the "Control" key and clicking to highlight non-consecutive files.
6. Drag your selections to the flash drive to copy the selected files over to the flash drive. Open the flash drive to confirm the downloaded items are present, and double-click on a file to confirm that it transferred correctly.
7. Remove the flash drive and cover the USB connector, if needed.
Tags: flash drive, your computer, drive Open, flash drives
Hand-held video cameras bounce or shake with the movement of your body. Simple tricks like bracing your body or bending your knees can help reduce the camera shake and make your video look smoother and more professional without the use of a tripod. Most newer cameras include built-in image stabilizers to help you when you are shooting handheld, but keeping your arms and hands as still as possible is still key to stable video.
Instructions
1. Brace your elbows or forearms on a fence, counter or table. This significantly reduces camera shake. If a horizontal object isn't available, brace your back against a tree or other vertical object to help hold your body still.
2. Bend your knees slightly for balance. This helps keep your upper body from swaying slightly, which is common when people are no longer using their arms for balance, such as when they are holding up camcorders.
3. Open your external screen. Avoid using the viewfinder, which requires you to hold the camcorder against your head. If you hold the camcorder between your chest and waist with your elbows bent and with the screen facing up, you can use your elbows as natural shock absorbers as you move. Shoot from a lower angle, such as below your chest, for full-body or distance shooting; shooting from eye-level will provide waist-up shots of people nearby.
4. Rotate your entire torso when possible, and move slowly and gracefully. To pan side to side or up and down, try to move more than just your arms. Turn your body and allow your arms to follow the movement. You are more likely to jerk to a stop or move too quickly if it's just your arms moving.
5. Press "Record" several seconds before you need to start the video. This gives you time to get situated comfortably before the action starts.
Tags: your arms, your body, your elbows, camera shake, hold camcorder
Teleflip is one of those amazingly rare technology conveniences that is free. It allows cell phone users to get your email without paying for email services through your cell phone provider. You still have to pay for text message service, but the email is brought over as a text message. Think of it as a Blackberry without all bulk or high cell phone bills.
Instructions
1. Subscribe to your cell phone provider for a text message plan. The text message unlimited plans are much cheaper than getting a phone that is specifically set up for email. Get the unlimited options the first few months until you can gauge how often you will be using Teleflip.
2. Sign up at the Teleflip Website by entering your email, email password and cell phone information. Read the disclaimer to be sure you agree with the rules and regulations of the service.
3. Turn off your email when you leave the house. Once your email is received on your home or work machine, it can no longer be downloaded to your phone.
4. Set your phone to vibrate or ring when a new text message comes through. When the message comes through it looks like a text message but when and if you send a reply, your recipient gets it looking like an email.
5. Limit your replies to 120 characters. This takes practice for people who can be verbose, but if you learn the IM language you can save hundreds of characters.
6. Stop those people who are text message and email junkies by capping the limit of messages you can receive in a day.
7. Add your contact list to the Teleflip service. Webmail users can import their contacts and it will be instantly uploaded. Those who use other email programs need to create a ,csv file and store it on your hard drive. Click "Browse" on the Teleflip site and then "Import." You can also enter each persons email address on your phone separately by typing it in.
8. For each person on your address list, which Teleflip calls your Fliplist, select "On" or "Off" to specify if you want to allow email from this person be sent to your phone.
Tags: text message, cell phone, your email, your phone, cell phone provider
Choosing a vocal microphone for your recording studio can be confusing. With all the brands, price ranges and different configurations, settling on that perfect mic will take awhile. Here's a guide on what to look for in mics to complete your home recording studio.
Instructions
1. Buy a microphone with a dynamic pickup. Dynamic microphones utilize a moving coil attached to a diaphragm to process sound waves. Dynamic small diaphragm mics, used for general recording studio purposes, tend to be sturdier than large diaphragm mics, which complement singers and speakers with naturally loud voices.
2. Select a microphone with a condenser pickup for your recording studio. This mic contains a diaphragm with a plate behind to conduct energy. The Neumann company produces some fine, high-end condenser mics geared for vocal recording.
3. Choose a microphone with an omnidirectional pattern. An omnidirectional microphone gathers sound from all points in the studio, so it's perfect for recording a vocalist without the bass sound of a directional mic.
4. Experiment with a cardioid pattern microphone. This type of mic pattern emphasizes the bass undertones of a singer's voice and gives the vocals a warmer, richer sound in the studio. Place this microphone no more than 2 feet from the vocalist. Musicians call this procedure "close miking."
5. Determine what mic works best with your vocals. Experiment with friends' mics at other recording studio sessions, or ask a salesman at your music store. Try microphones with different directional patterns and pickup as well as different mic brands.
6. Consider your budget. Some excellent microphones like the Shure SM-57 are reasonably priced and receive excellent reviews from amateur and professional studio users alike. Another inexpensive choice, the Studio Project C1 cardioid microphone, works well when close miking a singer.
Tags: recording studio, microphone with, close miking, diaphragm mics, Experiment with
Most people can't get started in the morning without a good swift kick to the pants. Well, that or a nice strong cup of coffee! But how does your coffee maker take regular cold tap water and turn it into a cup of steaming, rich, black deliciousness?
The inner workings of a coffee maker are really not that mind blowing at all. The typical coffee maker features an on/off switch, a heating element, a warming plate, a chamber for holding the cold water and a rubber tube for delivering the hot water to be dripped through the grounds and a glass carafe.
How a Coffee Maker Works
When you make a pot of coffee, the first thing you do is fill the holding chamber with cold water. Inside the chamber, you will see a piece of rubber tubing stretching from the bottom of the chamber to the top. At the bottom of the holding chamber, you will see a hole.
When you turn the coffee maker on, water is drawn into the hole at the bottom of the chamber. At the same time, electric is delivered to the heating element and the warming plate begins to heat. The water travels through a one-way valve into an aluminum tube which wraps around the base of the warming pad. Inside the tube, the water is boiled using the same heat that is making the warming pad hot. Once heated, the water travels back up through the black rubber tube and drips onto and through the grounds of coffee.
The coffee maker has a number of temperature sensors designed to cut the power to the coil if it starts getting too hot.
Potential Coffee Maker Problems
While the coffee maker is a relatively simple and trouble-free appliance, there are still a few things that can go wrong with it. One of the most common problems is that the aluminum tube can get clogged with calcium. This is remedied by running white vinegar through the machine. Just be sure to run two more cycles of clean water through it before making another pot of coffee.
Another problem is that the one-way valve can get stuck in the open position. Usually, something got into the coffee pot's holding chamber and obstructed it. It can usually be cleared out by using a toothpick.
On the electrical end, your coffee maker's on/off switch or power cord can ultimately go bad. While these are relatively easy to fix, with the price of coffee machines so low, it may be better just to purchase a new one.
Tags: coffee maker, cold water, holding chamber, your coffee maker, aluminum tube, bottom chamber, chamber will
8mm video cameras come in two different styles: digital 8mm and Hi8. Both camera systems are the same size, as are the tapes, but digital 8mm is not going to lose as much quality when you convert it over to other formats. Because there are no tape adapters for 8mm tapes, the only way you can convert the content on the tape is by using a computer editing software.
Instructions
1. Insert the 8mm tape into the camera and set the camera to VCR mode.
2. Connect the camera to the computer via either USB cable or Firewire cable. With older model cameras such as these, the Firewire cable is going to provide better resolution streaming.
3. Launch the video editing software. Most computers come pre-installed with some sort of editing system, such as Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
4. Select the "Capture" option. This launches several available connections from which you can capture content. Select the video camera connected to the computer and click "OK." The video content of the tape is now displayed onto a small area of your computer screen.
5. Click "Record" and the content will begin to record onto the computer from the 8mm video.
6. Select "File" and "Export" if you want to convert the 8mm video tape into a different file format. An option selection menu will appear and display several different video formats you can use, such as WMV, AVI, Quicktime and MPEG. Select the file format you want to convert and export your video to, and click "Export." Depending on the length of your video this process can take several minutes to a few hours.
Tags: content tape, editing software, file format, Firewire cable, tape into, want convert, your video
The earphones that come with your snazzy new iPhone allow you to make the most of its integrated multimedia capabilities. Since the design of the iPhone does not allow the use of most other headphones without a pricey adaptor, make the most of your genuine iPhone earphones and learn to use them properly.
Instructions
1. Plug the mini jack of your iPhone earphones into the port on the bottom of your iPhone. Be sure to insert the jack completely. If you experience a lack of stereo sound (sound is only coming out of one earbud) or a buzzing or hissing sound, this is the first thing to troubleshoot.
2. Place the buds in your ears. It does matter which earbud goes in which ear. The buds are labeled with a subtle grey "R" and "L" to indicate which ear they should be placed in. Nestle the R earbud into your right ear and the one marked L into your left ear. Adjust the earbuds to your comfort. Some people prefer them to sit further in the ear canal, while others need them to be barely seated in the ear to be comfortable. This all depends on your particular anatomy, so trial and error is necessary to determine your personal fit.
3. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level. To avoid damage to your ears and possible hearing loss, play your sound at a very moderate level. If others can hear your tunes or videos while your earphones are in your ears, it is probably too loud.
Tags: your ears, into your, iPhone earphones, make most, your iPhone
The AC power cord provides power to home appliances.
An AC power cord is used to bring alternating current to an appliance. This cord is one of the most commonly tested items because when an appliance fails the owner must determine if the appliance is in need of maintenance or if it is the power cord that has failed. Replacing a power cord is a less expensive option than replacing an entire appliance. There are many varieties of AC cords as the type of cord is dictated by the amount of electricity the appliance needs as well as the design of the plug's end.
Instructions
Test the AC Power Cord
1. Unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet and from the appliance it is powering. You may need to unscrew or unclip any cord connectors on the appliance in order to remove the plug. This will depend on the type of appliance.
2. Set the multimeter to use the resistance times 1 scale. Clip one of the multimeter jumper wires to the male plug and insert the multimeter test probe into the female plug. The male plug has prongs that stick out and the female plug will be at the opposite end of the cord.
3. Bend the AC cord and pull on it along the entire length of the cord. If the multimeter reads zero ohms, the plug is functioning properly. If the millimeter reads high ohms or the ohms fluctuate when pulling on the cord, the AC cord is faulty and should be replaced. A fluctuating reading means that there is an open circuit somewhere within the cord.
4. Move the probe at the female plug to the other prong on the male plug if the cord read zero ohms in step 3. If the cord still reads zero ohms, the cord is in good operating condition. If the multimeter has a high ohm reading or a fluctuating reading, the cord has a short circuit and must be replaced.
Tags: power cord, female plug, male plug, zero ohms, fluctuating reading, reads zero, reads zero ohms
When it comes to shooting great video, the quality of the image is only one part of the equation. Whether you're shooting home movies of the family or your directorial debut, high-quality sound can be just as important. Unfortunately, most camcorders come with an internal microphone that is sorely lacking in sound quality. To overcome this issue, many videographers invest in an external microphone. These accessories provide the additional flexibility and quality necessary to deliver high-fidelity sound for home, Website or movie applications.
Features
The first thing to take into consideration when shopping for an external microphone is the type of microphone connection that is included on the camcorder. High-end camcorders traditionally come with an XLR audio jack. Consumer models tend to have a stereo audio jack. As such, you should be sure to note the type of audio input that is included on the external mic you are interested in. Camcorders with an XLR jack require a microphone with an XLR input and camcorders with audio jacks require a mic with a stereo input. These two connections are not compatible. Determining which input connection your camera has will help narrow down your microphone options. It should also be noted that some less expensive consumer camcorders don't have an external microphone input at all.
Types
External microphones come in three major types. They are as follows: shotgun microphones, lavalier microphones and handheld microphones.
A shotgun microphone is traditionally connected to the top of the camcorder, though it can also be attached to a boom pole. This type is a good option when filming more than one speaker.
A lavalier microphones, also known as a lapel microphone, is an external microphone. It attaches to the speaker's clothing. This type of microphone is beneficial when filming voice interviews or in other situations where ambient sound should be kept to a minimum.
The Handheld microphone is held by an interviewer or on-camera subject. It is the type of microphones often used by newscasters. It is extremely durable and an excellent choice for impromptu interview-style video shooting.
Considerations
Each type of microphone is designed to be either omnidirectional or unidirectional. Omnidirectional microphones picks up sound from all directions within their immediate proximity. Unidirectional microphones only pick up sounds in the direction which they are pointed. Unidirectional microphones are better served for situations that require isolated audio captures.
Benefits
Another important distinction between external microphones is whether they are wired or wireless. Wired microphones are physically corded to the camera. This fact means that the audio being recorded must be relatively close to the videographer. Because of this, shotgun microphones and handheld microphones tend to be wired. When choosing between the two, a handheld microphone is typically preferred when the camera will be focused on a stationary scene and the visibility of the microphone in the shot is not a concern. Shotgun microphones are typically preferred when shooting sequences in which the subject of the video is moving around a lot, such as in sports.
Wireless microphones provide for a greater distance between the video subjects and the camcorder. Lavalier microphones are typically wireless and feature a frequency range that allows the microphone to transmit audio to the camera from within a specified range. The ability to easily hide wireless lavalier microphones on actors or video subjects make them a great choice for shooting high-production movies or subjects from afar.
Expert Insight
The price of external camcorder microphones varies dramatically. Wired microphones tend to be less expensive than wireless options. As expected, less expensive options for both types will generally provide a lower level of audio quality and construction. If you intend to use your external microphone for Web or movie production, be prepared to shell out a bit more to achieve adequate audio quality. When shopping for a new microphone, it is always a good idea to read reviews and speak with knowledgeable salespeople to better understand the level of quality that each microphone can be expected to deliver.
Tags: external microphone, lavalier microphones, less expensive, type microphone, audio jack
Recording directly from a digital camcorder with a DV output onto a DVD recorder is, in most cases, relatively painless. The main thing to remember is that unless you take the step of finalizing the DVD, you may not be able to play it on other DVD players, including your computer.
Instructions
1. Turn on the DVD recorder and insert a recordable DVD disc. Make sure that the recordable disc is compatible with your particular DVD recorder. If your DVD recorder only accepts DVD- discs, then you won't be able to record on a DVD+ disc.
2. Insert the FireWire cord into the DV output on your digital camcorder. The location of the DV output may be hidden beneath a slot cover. You will know you've found it when you see a small input slot with the letters DV over it.
3. Plug the other end of the FireWire into the DV input port on the DVD recorder. This slot may also be hidden behind a fold-down slot or it may be located on the rear of the machine.
4. Turn on the camcorder and switch it to camera. Rewind or fast forward to the position where you want the recording to begin. You may need to press a video or input button on your television to bring the output of the DVD recorder on to the screen. This way, you can actually see on the television what parts of the tape are recording.
5. Press record on the DVD player. Most DVD recorders will take a few seconds before it begins recording. Once you have made sure the DVD is recording, press play on the camcorder.
6. Set up the timer on the DVD recorder before playing the tape on the camcorder if you know exactly how long or how much of the tape you want to record. Setting up the timer on a DVD recorder allows you to leave the recording process to itself while you go about your business.
7. Press stop on the DVD recorder if you are not using the timer when the recording process comes to the point at which you want to end. At this point, you will be able to watch the DVD on that DVD recorder/player, but possibly not on other players. The DVD recorder will automatically prompt you to finalize the disc. Finalizing is a process that usually only takes a couple of minutes and allows the disc to be played on a broader range of players.
Tags: digital camcorder, other players, recordable disc, recording process, timer recorder