Blue Ray Dvd Players Vs Hd Dvd Players

Until recently, it was difficult to decide which side of the Format Wars to favor. Both HD-DVD and Blu-ray had their advantages and disadvantages. Now, with Blu-ray having won, the question probably seems less important. However, it's still important to know these things: like the Beta vs. VHS debacle, this sort of thing will likely come to your attention again.

High-Definition

High-definition video (HD) offers a much better picture than standard-definition video (SD). In order to effectively use Blu-ray players (or even the now-defunct HD-DVD players), a high-definition television will be necessary, as Blu-ray and HD-DVD offer little advantage besides higher definition. High-definition, in simple terms, means higher image resolution. Image resolution describes how much detail is available on screen. Higher-definition televisions will show more detail.

Format Wars

Both HD-DVD and Blu-ray debuted in 2006. Each company had its own share of supporters. Among others, Sony was notable for pushing the Blu-ray (going so far as to include one in the PlayStation 3). Toshiba was one of the largest supporters of the HD-DVD format. Different studios also favored different iterations of the high-definition disc: Paramount and Warner Bros. (the latter being the largest producers of DVDs) supported HD-DVD, and Disney and 20th Century Fox supported Blu-ray. The format war was decided when Warner Bros. decided to switch to Blu-ray, as it was more popular. Not long after, Toshiba announced in 2008 that it would no longer be making HD-DVD players. With the loss of its biggest supporters, HD-DVD sales dwindled and eventually died.

Blu-ray

Blu-ray's key advantage over HD-DVD was that it offered more storage (25 GB per layer, compared to HD-DVD's 15 GB). While more than half of the Blu-ray DVDs on the market were double-layer (with 50 GB), HD-DVD's smaller amount of space required almost all of those DVDs to be double-layer. With Sony including a Blu-ray player in the PlayStation 3 system, households that purchased one already had a Blu-ray player available. As Sony sold more than 10 million PS3s, the format war went in Blu-ray's favor.

HD-DVD

The key advantage of the HD-DVD player was that it was less expensive than the Blu-ray player. For a while, the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market was the PlayStation 3. Also, it was easier for DVD manufacturers to use the new technology, since it was rather similar to the old DVD technology. As mentioned above, Microsoft favored the HD-DVD format, creating an adapter for the Xbox 360 console. Paramount, Universal and Dreamworks favored HD-DVD (mostly for the lower production costs) early in its lifetime, but eventually, sales of Blu-ray players outstripped sales of HD-DVD players.

HD-DVD Now

Some stores, such as Best Buy, reimbursed those who bought HD-DVD players a portion of their money. HD-DVD players are no longer being manufactured, although they are still being sold at prices much lower than Blu-ray players. HD-DVDs are also still being sold, but since both of these products are extremely finite, this will not be the case indefinitely. Only movies published between the introduction of HD-DVD and its decline are available, but for those who have both Blu-ray and HD-DVD, the small price is worth the hassle of switching to watch a relatively smaller library.

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Photograph Indoors

Indoor photography is much different from outdoor photography. Outside, the sun can hinder a photo, but inside, the major worry is a lack of lighting. There are methods for making sure the lighting is right when you take photos inside.

Instructions

take photos indoors

1. Check the lighting in the room. Remember that cameras cannot capture the pure quality of the light in the room, so often the resolution will be lower on the photo. A flash also can hurt image quality because of the shadows it will produce. Sometimes a flash can over-light the subject of your photo.

2. Find the appropriate background. Walls can create headaches. Light can bounce off walls, or they can create shadows. Set the subject of your photo against a wall beforehand to judge how the photo will turn out. Keep in mind that soft backgrounds that are white or tan are usually more appropriate. A very bright or dark background can hurt the quality of the image.

3. Set the camera in "manual" to exercise control. Some cameras have better auto settings than others. Usually the more expensive the camera, the better the auto settings will work. However, even expensive cameras' auto settings are not always accurate. Most professional photographers will ignore the auto settings and stick with manual. Here are some basic settings for indoor photos: Set the aperture as big as it will go; set your shutter speed to around 1/60; use the external flash and try to bounce the flash. Take a few test shots to see how it looks. If the photos are not bright enough, try bumping the ISO up to 200. Still not bright enough? Try 400.

Tags: auto settings, better auto, better auto settings, bright enough, subject your, subject your photo, take photos

Troubleshoot A Minidv Tape

Many digital video cameras use MiniDV tapes.

Digital video cameras record in a variety of different formats, including MiniDV. These tapes record up to 60 minutes of digital content and are smaller than an audio cassette tape. If you are experiencing problems with a particular MiniDV tape, there are a few troubleshooting tips available to help correct any issue you are having with the digital tape and its recording process.

Instructions

1. Check the write protection switch on the bottom of the MiniDV tape. If this switch is down, the write protection is on and the tape is not going to record any further material. Slide the switch up to remove the write protection.

2. Rewind the tape before inserting it back into the video camera and attempting to play it. If the tape isn't rewound, no audio or video is going to play.

3. Play back the video on the digital video camera. You may find the time code skips during playback and starts over from time to time. This occurs when you stop a video recording and watch it on the camera before recording another file. To keep a continual time code, avoid ever rewinding the tape to watch content until you are done with the tape.

4. Hold down the small button on the top corner of the tape, then flip open the plastic protector covering the top. If the tape is twisted around, it is not going to play. Gently twist the tape until it is straight to fix the problem.

Tags: write protection, digital video, going play, MiniDV tape, time code, video camera

Troubleshoot A Big Screen Tv

A big screen TV can give a movie theater feel to your living room. Most big screen TVs range in size from 42 inches to 61 inches. However, if you experience the unfortunate problems, follow the steps below to troubleshoot your big screen TV before calling a service technician.

Instructions

1. Check the power cord if your TV does not turn on. Plug it in, then press the power button on your TV or on your remote control. Replace the batteries of the remote control if the TV still does not turn on.

2. Reset your sleep timer options if your big screen TV turns off unexpectedly. Or, deactivate the wake up timer if it turns on unexpectedly.

3. Adjust the picture quality of your TV if you have picture problems, or if you can't get any picture. Select an input source by pressing the input feature on your TV or remote so that a picture appears on the screen. Find the "Picture" menu to adjust brightness, tint or color.

4. Choose mono sound if your TV's sound reception is poor, or choose stereo mode if there is no sound. Check your antenna and cable connections, and try a different channel in case there is a problem with the current channel. Make sure that the TV is not set to mute.

5. Verify that your TV is aligned with your cable or antenna source if you're having trouble getting more than 13 channels. Set the "TV/Cable" or a similar function on your TV so that you can properly access your cable service.

6. Turn off the closed caption feature if you have a black box on your TV screen that you don't want. Depending on your big screen TV model, it may be set to "text" mode. Use your remote or the controls on the TV to turn off closed captioning.

Tags: your screen, your remote, does turn, remote control, turns unexpectedly

Making Speaker Boxes

Introduction

Speaker boxes are a great project for people who are used to do it yourself work. Not only are speaker boxes easy to make, but they are very useful once your car has more than the factory-installed speakers in it.

Speaker Box Materials

When making your speaker box, you need to remember to take into consideration the thickness of the material that you will be using. While wood is commonly used for speaker boxes, it can be quite heavy. Particle board is much more useful, less heavy and is approximately three quarters of an inch thick. Before purchasing particle board, make sure to measure the speaker and add the width of the particle board to have an accurate idea of how much particle board to purchase. Once you have purchased your particle board, you will need to get a saw, glue or a stapler and carpet to complete the project.

Basic Speaker Box Construction

To begin, trace the dimensions of the speaker on the particle board, making sure that you leave adequate room for the particle board. Next, start cutting out the particle board. You will need three sides to be cut out in total. When you have finished cutting out all three sides for the speaker box, make holes for speaker wires on two of the three pieces. This will allow for any necessary cords and plugs to fit in without a problem. After you have glued or stapled together the three pieces, place your speaker inside the box in order to make sure it fits. If it does, congratulations, you have completed the hard part of your speaker box construction.

Enhancing the Speaker Box

There are a few more things that you can do to your speaker box in order to get the best use out of it. Cover your speaker box with carpet. Covering your speaker box will muffle the sound somewhat, which may be necessary, since some people have very powerful speakers.

Installing the Speaker Box

After you have properly padded your speaker box, place it in your car. Then you can hook up your speaker and pump out some great tunes in no time at all. You can combine multiple speaker boxes to make entire speaker racks in your car. The basic procedure remains the same for all speaker boxes. However, if you try to build multiple speaker boxes, try to thread all wires through the rear of the speaker box. Side to side wiring can become messy and difficult to deal with if you try to remove the speaker box from your vehicle.

Conclusion

Everyone enjoys a great quality sound system that will pump out your tunes with the best bass and sound quality around. However, you need to construct a speaker box that will hold those really nice speakers. If your speakers are a little too powerful, you may want to add some padding to them so they do not irritate your neighbors or the local police. Rock on, and good luck on constructing and installing your own speaker box.

Tags: your speaker, particle board, speaker boxes, that will, After have, board will, board will need

Use A Canon Zr500

Knowing use your Canon ZR500 camcorder properly is important.

The controls on digital camcorders are not universal, so you'll need to familiarize yourself before you begin using a new model. When it comes to the Canon ZR500 digital camcorder, keeping your memories alive or creating a story can be easy once you understand the controls and how the camera works.

Instructions

1. Charge the battery by placing the battery on the charger and plugging the charger into the wall outlet. You can also charge the battery while it is in the camera by using an extra, optional "DC IN 8.4V" cord, with one end being plugged into your camera and the other end into an electrical wall outlet.

2. Open the camcorder to put a mini DV tape in by turning the camera upside down and flipping the switch that says "Open/Eject" to the right and pull upwards.

3. Place the tape in the slot once the cassette compartment opens up.

4. Turn the ZR500 back over and turn it on by pressing your finger on the button on the toggle found on the right side of the camera and turning it all the way to the bottom where it says "camera."

5. Pull out the viewfinder on the left side of the camera.

6. Check that the lens cover is off by pulling down on the switch on the left side of the camera in the upper left.

7. Start recording by pressing the larger oval button next to the power on/off toggle on the right side of the camera.

8. Attach any optional audio equipment by pulling out the plastic tab on the right side and plugging the microphone into the red hole.

9. Zoom in and out by moving the toggle on the upper right side of the ZR500 that has "W-T" printed next to it.

10. Stop recording by pressing the same button again.

11. Rewind your footage by moving the toggle on the right side up to "Play" and moving the toggle that is on the viewfinder to the left. Fast forward footage switching the toggle to the right.

12. Open your editing software program on your computer and attach the USB cable to your camera in the spot to the right of the microphone jack and your computer.

13. Upload your footage by rewinding your footage all the way, keeping the toggle placed at "Play" and press the large oval button next to the power on/off toggle to start the footage when your software is ready to log and capture.

14. Turn the camera off by moving the toggle to the center where it says "Off".

Tags: right side, moving toggle, side camera, toggle right, your footage, button next

Battery Replacement Procedures

Typical AA battery

Many consumer electronics nowadays use rechargeable batteries, so you don't need to spend money and resources replacing the batteries every few weeks. However, some electronic devices still operate with single-use batteries. Many different types of single-use batteries are out there; here's identify and learn to replace them.

Safe Battery Removal

Find and open the battery compartment. There should be a small latch you can pry open, and there should also be a marking on the exterior of the battery compartment to let you know where to lift to remove the cover.

Inspect the battery/batteries for potential damage. If a battery cover has broken or begun to leak, you will see what appears to be hard greenish-white foam around the battery or on the compartment around it. If this has happened, do not touch the battery or the white substance. This is acidic, and may injure your skin. Use a paper towel or rubber glove to protect your skin as you remove the battery.

Determine which is the positive end of the battery. Typically a small, round piece of metal will protrude from the positive end of the battery, whereas the negative end of the battery will be flat and pressed against a coiled spring in the compartment. There will be a little plus sign beside the positive end, and a minus sign next to the negative end.

Press on the positive end so that the aforementioned spring is pushed back. This will allow the battery to pop out of the compartment.

Battery Replacement

If the battery you just removed leaked onto the battery compartment of your electronic device, you should scrape away any excess white substance before you replace the battery with a new one.

Somewhere on the side of the battery, it should indicate what type of battery it is. The most common replaceable battery types include AA, AAA, C-cell and D-cell. Get a replacement battery of the same size.

Look for the coiled spring in the battery compartment of your device. Press the negative end of the battery to the coiled spring, and push against the spring until the battery fits into the compartment. Make sure the compartment lid can close safely over the battery.

If your electronic device does not work after you have replaced the battery, it may have been damaged by the old battery leak.

Safe Battery Disposal

California mandates recycling for nearly all battery types, and many other states have new regulations in place about battery disposal. View the Environment, Health and Safety website in the resource links below to find a site near you that will recycle your batteries safely.

Tags: battery compartment, coiled spring, battery compartment your, Battery Replacement, battery types, compartment There, compartment your

Use Google Maps On The Iphone

One of the most exciting and useful applications available on the iPhone is Google Maps, giving you the ability to find locations by street address, map out directions and even view satellite pictures of specific places around the world. The advantage of using Google Maps on the iPhone as opposed to other similar phones is that it was designed to integrate directly with the service by developers at Apple and Google. Learning to use Google Maps on the iPhone is simple if you remember a few tips.

Instructions

1. Tap on the "Maps" icon on the home screen of the iPhone to open the Google Maps application. You will see a small search field at the top of the screen. Tap on the search field to make the keypad appear on the iPhone's screen.

2. Type an address into the search field using the keypad. You can use almost anything on the map as search terms, including the names of towns, cities, street intersections, landmarks or zip codes, but it is always best to be as specific as possible. Tap "Search" when you have finished typing and a small pin will appear on the screen marking the approximate location on the map.

3. Find out more information about the location you have searched for by tapping on the pin. The name of the location and a short description will appear if it is available from the Google Maps database. If a phone number or website address is available, relevant buttons will appear that will automatically connect you via phone or Internet if you tap them.

4. View a satellite image of the location you have searched by tapping on the icon labeled "Satellite" to switch to satellite view from the map. You can zoom in and zoom out using the same finger motions used to do so on the map. Scroll around the satellite image by tapping on a different area of the map to make it automatically become the new center of the image.

5. Use Google Maps on the iPhone to get directions to a specific location by tapping "Directions" on the map and entering the beginning and ending locations in the "Start" and "End" fields. Tap "Route" to view the directions, tapping on the small black arrow icon to view the directions one step at a time or the small eye icon to see a list of all the steps involved.

Tags: Google Maps, Google Maps iPhone, Maps iPhone, search field, will appear

Use Leica Lenses

Leica is probably best known for its compact rangefinder designed camera bodies and accompanying lenses. Early Leica lenses attached to cameras using a thread-mount design, in which the lens was screwed onto the camera body. Since the mid-1950s, Leica has built its cameras with a bayonet, or "M mount," system. Older thread-mount lenses can still be mounted onto cameras with the "M" mount by using an adapter.

Instructions

1. Attach your Leica lens to the rangefinder camera body by lining up the guide dots located on the lens and on the camera.

2. Carefully place the lens onto the mounting ring. Rangefinder cameras do not have a mirror, like 35 mm single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. When mounted, the rear element of the rangefinder lens enters the camera. When attaching lenses, care must taken not to damage the rear element of the lens. Rotate the lens until it locks into place.

3. Focus the lens by looking through the viewfinder and rotating the focusing ring on the lens until the two rangefinder patches line up. Unlike SLRs, rangefinders do not focus through the lens. The photographer looks through the viewfinder, where there is a small dark patch in the center. This patch has two layers. When the image is in focus, the layers appear to be one; when the image is out of focus, the layers are separated. Only the center patch changes; the rest of the viewfinder does not change its focus.

4. Rotate the aperture ring on the lens to select the f-stop you want for your picture. The exposure is determined through a light meter inside the viewfinder.

5. Press the shutter release, and your picture is taken.

Tags: camera body, cameras with, focus layers, image focus, image focus layers, lens until

Set Up A Directv System

Making the switch from cable to satellite may be daunting to those who are less acclimated with the process, but DirecTV installation is a fairly straightforward process once the dish is correctly positioned and pointed in the correct portion of the sky. With a friend to provide support, setting up your DirecTV system may prove only a moderately challenging process.

Instructions

1. Scout out the area where you plan to place your satellite dish. If there are obvious obstructions, such as trees, choose another area. Also, test out the surface of your dish mounting area. If it does not present a reasonably flat and secure mounting surface, move on to another prospective dish location.

2. Mount the dish once a suitable location has been chosen. Ensure that the base is flat against the mounting surface, and does not wobble. Additionally, check that the dish mast lies perpendicular to exactly level. Check for this along multiple points of the mast. Check your toolbox for or borrow a handheld level tool.

3. Hook the DirecTV receiver up to your television, and then switch the receiver and television on. Bring up the signal meter screen on the television by navigating the receiver menu. Station a friend by the signal meter screen as you prepare to point the dish outside to the correct area of the sky.

4. Run the line from the receiver to the dish, per the manual instructions. Do not put a splitter on the wire, as this will diminish the signal. Thus, make sure the line can be directly run to and from the dish.

5. Use the azimuth and elevation settings to point the DirecTV dish in the right area of the sky. Peruse the manual to find the basic settings for azimuth (left, right movement of the dish) and elevation (up, down movement), and reflect these settings by using the tick mark on the dish that corresponds to your elevation number. Further, you will have to fine tune the elevation of the dish after this adjustment. To do this, loosen the nuts securing the elevation bolts and then gradually change the elevation of the dish every five to 10 seconds. Have your friend report back from the signal meter screen as you are getting closer to hitting the "sweet spot" in the sky.

6. Establish the azimuth setting by repeating the elevation process from above, and by loosening the nuts on the LNB arm of the dish. Keep having a friend check the signal meter screen and make left to right movements every five to 10 seconds. Once the meter reading is at least above 50 (and ideally between 70 and 80), the positioning of your dish is complete.

Tags: meter screen, signal meter, signal meter screen, elevation dish, every five, every five seconds, five seconds

Improve Am Reception

AM radio reception can be noisy as a result of distance from the station's antenna, interference from other stations, the quality of your radio, or conditions in your home. A few low- or no-cost experiments can result in radically improved reception.

Instructions

1. Gradually rotate the radio 360 degrees. Leave it in the position where it sounds best.

2. Reverse the AC plug if it isn't polarized. (If you can flip the plug over, then it's non-polarized.)

3. Plug the radio into a different AC outlet.

4. Move the radio closer to a window.

5. Experiment to learn if appliances and powered products in your home are causing interference: computer monitor, television, electric blanket, light dimmer, fluorescent light, hair dryer, air conditioner, smoke detector. If possible, turn off the offending item. Otherwise, move the radio to another room.

6. Upgrade to an external antenna if your receiver, tuner or radio has a place to connect one.

7. Buy a passive AM antenna that doesn't need to be connected to a radio or receiver.

Tags: your home

Download Programs On A Blackberry

The Blackberry is one of the most useful devices you can own. The fact that this cell phone is also a fully-functional PDA capable of running a variety of add-on programs makes it an especially useful tool. New users can often be confused about exactly download programs on a Blackberry.

Instructions

1. Find a program you want to install on your Blackberry. An excellent place to start is the Applications page on the Blackberry website. Alternatively, your cell phone service provider may offer programs for you to download on your Blackberry.

2. Browse to the program's homepage using your Blackberry's "Browser" application. This application may be labeled "Browser," "Media Net" or "Internet" depending upon your cell phone service provider.

3. Verify that the program you are going to download is compatible with your Blackberry model.

4. Download the program according to the publisher's instructions. In most cases, when you download the program you also install it. If the program is not installed, consult the program's documentation to learn install it.

Tags: your Blackberry, cell phone, your cell phone, cell phone service, phone service

Information On Infrared Cameras

Normal, consumer cameras are designed to capture what is called the "visible spectrum of light"---the light that human eyes can see. Like our eyes, these cameras capture the light that bounces off of objects and records it on either film or a digital sensor. Infrared cameras operate in this same way, but are designed to capture the infrared spectrum of light, which the human eye cannot see.

Images taken with infrared cameras show light in a unique way.

History

Infrared photography did not appear until the 20th century, primarily due to the technological limitations of the manufactured film, and its inability to capture infrared radiation. After the invention of a film that could "see" infrared light, the technology rapidly improved, including its use during World War I for nighttime aerial shots. Infrared film became a novelty for photographers, and allowed for a variety of effects that could not be reproduced with standard film.

Significance

Infrared cameras allowed photographers to capture images when other conventional tools failed. Because these cameras require only infrared light, they can be used in what the human eye would perceive as complete darkness. The addition of special infrared lights and flashes have expanded this realm, allowing for brightly exposed shots with absolutely no visual detection. This has proven a valuable asset for military forces conducting reconnaissance at night.

Function

An infrared camera can be used to create thermographic images---photographs that capture the heat that radiates from the subjects---if it is specially configured to see only the range of wavelengths that correspond to thermographic radiation. These types of cameras create the "heat vision" images many people are familiar with in which humans and other warm-blooded animals appear as bright pink blobs. An infrared camera can also be designed to see a wavelength between this spectrum and the visible light spectrum, and can capture "night vision" images instead of heat.

Types

Infrared cameras can come in film---both black and white and color--- and digital varieties. Film cameras need only special infrared film, but otherwise typically need no modifications to the camera itself. Many photographers will make use of a filter that blocks the visible spectrum of light but allows infrared through in order to prevent the light from interfering. Digital cameras are often equipped with an infrared filter built into the camera's body, as digital sensors are sensitive to both visible and infrared light. This filter must be removed to take infrared pictures, but no other special equipment is necessary.

Features

The odd shifting of colors common in color infrared photography is caused by the choice of dyes necessary to capture infrared light. These films will display infrared light as the color red, red light as green, and green light as blue. Several manufacturers include "night vision" modes with their digital cameras that involve simply moving the infrared filter out of the way before an exposure is made. These manufacturers also include limitations with this mode---such as a long shutter speed---to prevent the camera being used for nefarious purposes (some clothing is actually invisible in the infrared light spectrum).

Tags: infrared light, capture infrared, spectrum light, designed capture, infrared camera, Infrared cameras, infrared filter

Reset The Master Setting On My Rca Big Screen Tv

You can reset any setting on your RCA television.

With most television systems, including large-screen RCA models, you have the ability to change settings on the set. The settings are not just for the image but the audio quality and connection options. If, however, you no longer want the saved settings and can't remember the originals, it is possible to reset everything back to the master settings, through a few button presses on the RCA television's remote control

Instructions

1. Power on the RCA television and press the "Menu" button on its remote control.

2. Select "Settings" and scroll down to the bottom of the options screen.

3. Choose "Additional Options" and the screen blinks, displaying a few additional features on the television.

4. Push the directional arrow button down until you highlight "Reset Settings." Press "Enter." You are asked whether you are sure you want to reset the settings. Choose "OK."

Tags: remote control

Bushnell Elite 4200 Vs Nikon Monarch

Nikon and Bushnell's riflescopes are designed to be mounted on rifles.

Nikon is an optics manufacturer best known for its cameras, but it also makes several lines of products geared for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Among these products is its Monarch lines of riflescopes and binoculars. These products put Nikon in direct competition with another company, Bushnell, that focuses on products geared for outdoor enthusiasts. The Bushnell Elite 4200, one of the company's lines of riflescopes, is comparable to the Nikon Monarch.

Size Comparison

Both the Nikon Monarch and Bushnell Elite 4200 lines offer dozens of product options; to get the best idea of how the two manufacturers stack up, compare two comparable models like the Bushnell Elite 4200 3-12x44 and the Nikon Monarch 3-12x42. The Bushnell model and the Nikon both have a magnification range of three to 12 times. The size of the objective diameter, which is the front lens of the scope, is slightly larger in the Elite -- 44 mm versus 42 mm for the Monarch. Both are similarly sized: the Monarch is 13.1 inches long while the Elite is slightly shorter at 13.0 inches. However, the Elite is considerably heavier at 24.4 oz. compared to just 18.7 oz. for the Monarch.

Seeing Images in the Field

The field of view of the Bushnell riflescope ranges from a width of 26 feet when used at the 3x magnification setting to just nine feet for the 12x magnification setting. In comparison, the Nikon riflescope has a wider field of view on its 3x magnification setting -- 33.6 feet. However, it has a more limited field of view at the higher end of its magnification range -- just 8.4 feet. The term "exit pupil" refers to the width of the scope's light column; the higher this number, the brighter the image. The exit pupil for the Bushnell Elite ranges from 3.6 to 7.6 mm, while the Nikon Monarch has a wider range -- 3.5 to 14.0mm -- and hence a brighter image at its higher end.

Using the Riflescope

A riflescope's eye relief describes the distance the scope can be held away from your eyes while still being able to accurately see the image upon which it is focusing. Both of these riflescopes have the same eye relief of 4.0 inches. The reticle -- which is the crosshair or other pattern used to help you focus on your target -- is an illuminated mildot for the Bushnell scope; this is a series of small dots placed in a cross pattern. The Nikon uses the NikoPlex reticle, which looks like a cross pattern with thicker lines on the edges and thinner lines where the lines cross.

Availability

As of the date of publication, Nikon still makes and markets its Monarch lines -- including the Monarch, Monarch X, Monarch Gold and Monarch African lines; however, Bushnell no longer actively markets its Elite 4200 line. Although still listed on Bushnell's website, the Elite 4200 riflescopes are no longer in production, nor are they actively sold by Bushnell. Instead, Bushnell offers an upgraded line of riflescopes in its Elite 6500 line, which has replaced the 4200 line.

Tags: Elite 4200, Bushnell Elite, Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Elite 4200, field view

Download Pda Games

Downloaded free games can be a great way to spend a few spare minutes at work, or pass the time while you're waiting for a friend. From Sonic to Bejeweled, you'll find free addictive and amusing ways to spend your spare time on your new PDA.

Instructions

1. Find your source for free games. There are many websites that exclusively offer free games for PDAs. If you don't find what you're looking for at these, try fee-based download sites, which may allow you to download free trial versions of games.

2. Browse the free game selection and follow their instructions to download the game files you've selected. You may be required to register to download your free games.

3. Decompress the files if necessary. Depending on your source for free games, your files may come in a compressed format. In this case, you'll need an archive program to decompress them.

4. Add the files to your PDA. In some types, the file transfer requires a "hot sync." For others, you simply connect your device to the computer and drag and drop the files onto your device.

5. Run the game on your PDA to see if it works. If it doesn't, check to see that all needed files were transferred correctly, and that the files are not corrupted.

Tags: free games, source free, source free games, your device, your source

Operating Instructions Of The Brunton Rangefinder

Rangefinders assist the hunter in finding prey.

Hunters will find Brunton Rangefinders quite easy to operate, with both the Lytespeed 400 and the Laser 70 units offering a great advantage in accurately centering on prey and calculating its distance. Both rangefinders emit an invisible, eye-safe laser energy pulse that reflects off the hunter's target back to the unit's receiving optics. The rangefinders can instantly calculate distances between hunter and prey by measuring the time it takes for each pulse to travel from the unit to the target and back.

Instructions

1. Check the battery of the rangefinder and the temperature of the outdoors first. Both units need a single 9-volt alkaline battery. It will operate the Laser 70 for about 10 hours or 500 shots at an optimum temperature range between 32 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The Lytespeed 400 battery life is around 300 hours. The difference is that the latter unit is programmed to shut itself off after 30 seconds if no buttons are touched.

2. Raise the monocular eyepiece to your eye. The Lytespeed has a hard rubber border that can be rolled down to accommodate hunters wearing glasses. Sight through the eyepiece, centering the target in the crosshairs located in the middle of the viewfinder.

3. Press the large round button found on the top right side of the unit to fire the laser, once the target is in the center of the small square in the crosshairs. Read the distance to the target in the bottom of the viewfinder in large numbers.

Tags: target back

Choose The Right Music Production Equipment

Every music producer has his or her own sound which is partly due to the studio instruments they employ. Korg sounds different from Nord leads. Your decision as to which to use will define the texture of your music production. It is essential that you get music production equipment that fits your style and budget, so here's get the right music production equipment.

Instructions

1. I do not usually advocate credit of any kind, but if you are responsible, you can expand your budget by taking advantage of the credit programs available through places like Guitar Center. I bought a Les Paul from them using 12 months same as cash. Be warned, though: Miss one payment and your interest rate skyrockets to somewhere in the 20s. It also backdates to the beginning of the loan. So only take out credit if it's "same as cash" and make sure you make the payments.

2. Use Macs. PCs have great audio editing software in Sonar, but they are just too unstable. Plus, the music industry standard is Pro Tools and Mac. Yes, Sonar can convert to Pro Tools format, but why do you want to go through that? Start off with the right music production equipment, ie, something from Apple, and you can build your studio up without having to worry about random crashes, defragging hard drives every week, and re-configuring the entire operating system.

3. The base of your music production equipment system will be your sound card. Basically, you get what you pay for. You want to spend at least $500 to get decent quality. Make sure it is compatible with sample and bit rates above what you think you'll use.

4. Once you have your Mac and sound card ready, you need a sound board. Digital or analog? Analog is more expensive, and purists love it, but the average consumer can't tell. Also, digital is easier to upgrade and less expensive. You can get more bang for the buck, and when you make your millions, then go get the big purist analog studio. Digitally based music production equipment also upgrades your sound quality to a standard -- 1s and 0s are 1s and 0s forever. There's no noise or muffling.

5. Mac, sound card, and mixing board with enough audio outs and MIDI hookups for your keyboards and guitars -- now the final step in getting the right music production equipment is the audio editing software. Anything by Pro Tools is great, no matter how inexpensive. Actually, it's good to learn on the basic (LE) version, so you'll know really get in there and edit things. But don't discount Wavelab and Soundforge as excellent audio editing and mastering tools. Also, look for Reason for sound creation, Absynth for the best synths you've ever heard, and TRacks for mastering. Good luck getting all your music production equipment together, and I look forward to hearing the hits!

Tags: music production, music production equipment, production equipment, audio editing, music production

Use A Digital Sampling Mixer For Turntables

Sampling was been made popular by the invention of hip-hop music. DJs and producers have been using the technique since the early 80s; however, earlier forms of sampling existed prior to that time. An older method utilized the mellotron, a tape recorder wired into the electronics of a keyboard. The keys could change the pitch of the sample, however it took some time for the tape to rewind and be ready to play the desired sample again. With the digital age, sampling has become faster with even more possibilities for sound creation and manipulation.

Instructions

1. Ground the turntables by screwing the ground wire's forked end (you can find it near the RCA cables) onto a ground connection at the back of the mixer. Power up the sampling mixer, then turn on the amplifier.

2. Plug the RCA cables for each turntable into the desired phono inputs at the back of the mixer.

3. Plug the main outs of the digital sampling mixer directly into the amplifier, if there is no other mixer in use for sub mixes or other instruments. If this is a home stereo amplifier, plug into the auxiliary inputs as the mixer already has phono pre amps.

4. Consult the sampler instruction manual for directions on how your particular model initiates the sampling process. Each digital mixer model functions differently in this regard. Some will also have different settings regarding the length of the sample you want to record. You may want to record a sample for four bars, eight bars, or sixteen.

5. Check out the effects processor. Some digital mixers with sampling capabilities also have built-in effects processors.

6. Record the samples using your mixer and turntable as you normally would. You may want to physically manipulate the record while you are sampling if the sample sounds better that way.

7. Export your samples. Once recorded, the stored samples should be easily exportable to a computer with any type of Digital Audio Workstation such as Pro Tools, Cubase, or Reason, with the appropriate cable runs. Samples stored on the mixer device can be transferred to a digital format when connected using RCA, quarter inch, eighth inch, USB or firewire cables.

Tags: also have, back mixer, sampling mixer, want record

Wire An Outlet Video

Outlets that are used in a house, apartment or another type of building can be wired for many different things including video. Typically, coax cable is used because it is cheap to use and can easily be run through walls into an outlet an any room. A video outlet can either be made out of metal or plastic and has a cover that has a coax coupler connected. Wiring an outlet for video can be done, depending where the outlet needs to be installed.

Instructions

1. Decide where in a room the outlet is going to be. An outlet can be close to the floor or higher up on a wall, depending on where the video components are going to be located. The outlet does, however, need to be in a place where coax cable can easily fit.

2. If an outlet is going to be recessed in a wall, there needs to be empty space behind the wall so the outlet can fit. Use a stud finder to make sure there is nothing behind the wall that can cause a problem.

Make a opening in the drywall and attach the outlet to the stud in the wall with a screw or nail. The outlet needs to be attached securely so that it is not sitting loose in the wall.

3. Run coax cable to the outlet from a source such as an antenna, cable line or satellite television. Run the cable from from the source to the room where the outlet needs to be wired.

Send the cable to the outlet directly or use a splitter to create more than one connection that can be used. When a line is run into a house for an antenna or cable, a splitter is normally used to split the signal so it can be wired into other areas.

4. Create an opening the floor or wall to send the cable through. Use a drill with at least a ½-inch bit to create a big enough hole so that the cable will fit.

5. Decide on the bast way to run the cable into the outlet. This can be done in two ways. The first way is to run the cable into the outlet from inside the wall or under the floor. The second way is to run the cable directly from the box through the wall or floor.

6. Fit the coax cable into the outlet. There needs to be enough excess cable in the outlet so that it can connect easily to the coupler on the face plate.

7. Attach coax cable to the face plate and then attach the face plate to the outlet. Use a flathead or Phillips head screwdriver to secure the plate to the outlet. The outlet is now ready to use.

Tags: coax cable, into outlet, cable into, cable into outlet, cable outlet, face plate, outlet needs

Open Picture Files From A Cd

Open Picture Files From a CD

When pictures are stored on a CD, the disc is categorized as a data disc. Therefore, the disc is displayed as a removable storage component when inserted in a computer drive. As a result, you will need to access your removable storage file location to access the picture files. After enabling pictures to be accessed from the direct file location, the pictures can be edited or moved at your discretion.

Instructions

1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.

2. Click the "Start" or Windows taskbar icon to open the Start menu.

3. Select "Computer" or "My Computer" from the menu to view your removable storage file locations.

4. Right-click over the (D:) folder tab link that will appear directly below the "Devices with Removable Storage" section.

5. Click "Explore" at the top of the right-click drop-down menu. Another dialog window will open and all of the picture files on the CD will be visible and accessible for large view.

6. Double-click the picture file you want to view and it will open in the photo gallery application.

Tags: your removable storage, file location, Files From, Open Picture, Open Picture Files

Connect An Epic 4g To A Tv

The Samsung Epic 4G smartphone features an application called AllShare, which allows you to stream audio, videoand still pictures from the phone to televisions, computers and other devices certified by DLNA, the Digital Living Network Alliance. Connecting your Epic 4G to a TV with AllShare allows you to stream content to a larger screen without the hassle of tethering the two devices with a wire.

Instructions

1. Tap the "Applications" button on your Epic 4G's home screen, and then tap the "AllShare" icon to launch the streaming application. If you are not already connected to your Wi-Fi network, tap "OK," check the "Wi-Fi" box and tap the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.

2. Tap "Play file from my phone on another player," and then tap the type of file you want to stream to your TV. You can choose to stream videos, sounds or images.

3. Tap the files you want to stream to your TV, and then tap "Add to playlist." Your Epic 4G will return a list of nearby devices that can receive your files.

4. Tap your TV in the list of devices. Your TV will stream the selected files from your Epic 4G.

Tags: allows stream, from phone, stream your, want stream, want stream your

Air Card Vs Tethering

Air cards and tethering services enable cellular customers to connect their laptops to the Internet while away from home. An air card is a separate wireless account for Internet access. Smartphone users can extend the functionality and optimize their data plan by adding the tethering service for a nominal fee.

Significance

Mobile computing using a laptop and wireless service uses one of two options: a dedicated air card (or PC card) or tethered connection to a smartphone. Cellular providers offer compatible devices and services through their respective data plans. A laptop is connected to a device to access a high-speed connection for accessing e-mail and Web services virtually anywhere.

Types

An air card is a dedicated wireless modem that attaches to a laptop's USB port or inserted into a special slot in the computer. The air card has a unique mobile number and separate wireless account with the mobile provider. Laptops can be connected to a smartphone using the data cable, and the smartphone itself serves as a wireless modem for the computer. Tethering requires a data plan for the smartphone and an add-on service activation. Since the smartphone is the tethered modem, no additional account is needed. Both types of high-speed data access require software to access the carrier's wireless network.

Benefits

The primary benefit of mobile high-speed access is the flexibility to work while away from home or the office without the need to find a Wifi hotspot or to buy a day pass for Internet use. Many smartphone users already subscribe to a data plan and elect to pay a nominal monthly fee to add a tethering option. Others who often work or have a need for high-speed Internet access on the road use an air card so that they can also use their cell phone while surfing the Web.

Considerations

The primary determinants are usage and budget. The air card is a separate mobile device with its own data subscription and usage limits (some data plans are available from $30 per month as of 2009 ). Air cards that connect to a computer's USB port can be used on different computers (as long as the access software is installed). Tethering is an add-on option to an existing smartphone data plan, usually offered at a reduced rate of $10 to $15 per month as of 2009. When a laptop is tethered, the data usage is applied towards the smartphone's data plan. Depending on the smartphone model, tethering disables calling features because the phone is already tied up as a modem.

Recommendations

Check whether your smartphone is capable of tethering to your computer. Check with your wireless carrier whether your smartphone account can have a tethering option enabled using your current data plan. Evaluate your mobile data needs by activating the tethering option to measure the how often you use your computer on the road. Explore special promotions offered by your wireless carrier for compatible air cards for your laptop and contract details.

Tags: data plan, tethering option, your wireless carrier, away from, away from home, card separate, data plans

Adjust The Asa Speed On A Canon Ae1 Program Camera

Selecting the proper film speed setting is important in order to properly expose your film.

Different steps are required to use a film camera rather than a digital camera. One of the most important steps is to set the camera's settings to match the speed of the film you are using. Doing so will allow your camera to make the correct light meter readings. If the camera isn't set to the proper setting, the film will either be overexposed or underexposed. By properly adjusting the film speed setting on your Canon AE1 Program camera, you can ensure that you are taking properly exposed pictures.

Instructions

1. Select your film. When the AE1 Program was manufactured, film was measured in ASA values. After film speed measurements were standardized internationally, the name was changed from ASA to ISO. ASA and ISO values are equivalent. This is important to know because film sold today will be measured in ISO, but the AE1 Program shows ASA.

2. Load the film. You can open the film compartment by pulling upward on the film rewind knob. The film rewind knob is located on the left side on the top of the camera. Remember to note the film speed.

3. Set the film speed. The film speed dial is located beneath the film rewind knob. To change the film speed, hold down the silver button next to the film speed dial and rotate it until the speed of the film you are using is aligned with the green mark.

Tags: film speed, speed film, film rewind, film rewind knob, rewind knob

Collect Call Work

About collect calls

A collect call is a call made by someone who charges the bill for the duration of the call to the one being called. It is an effective way to reduce costs if the party being called is more able to bear the costs of the call, and it is important in third world countries to be able to talk to loved ones overseas without shouldering the expensive costs. Although collect calls are used more in international calls, collect calls can also pertain to domestic calls. They are important when you have to talk to someone urgently and you don't have change to pay for the call. Collect calls are also sometimes used in case of emergencies, for example, when the caller is stranded, they may wish to call from a payphone.

Making collect calls

You can start making collect calls by dialing for an operator. The operator will place the call so that you may be able to talk to the person you wish to call without being charged a long distance call. Dial 1-800-CALL-ATT and select the collect calling from the menu you are prompted. Follow the instructions relayed by the automated recording-- this will include the number of the person you wish to call and your name. When the person you wish to call picks up on the other end, they will be made aware of several options that they can choose from, including accepting the call, denying the call, hearing the charges. ATT also lets you leave a collect message if the person you are trying to reach are not available to take your call at the time of your call.

Collect call etiquette

You should be aware of how much a collect call will cost the person you wish to call. Usually, collect calls are more expensive than a regular call. Since you are not paying for the call, keep this in mind so that you can mention this to the person you are calling and apologize for the inconvenience. Also address why you are calling on a collect call, and if the person you are calling would wish to call you instead on a local call to cut costs on their part. Proper etiquette also dictates not to linger on the call for an extended period of time, unless the person you are calling is okay with this. To learn more about ATT call charges, you can call ATT call line at 1-800-222-0300.

Tags: wish call, collect calls, person wish, person wish call, person calling, able talk

Get Sound From The Tv To A Sony Hcdgx45

The Sony HCD-GX45 is a stereo shelf system with AM/FM stereo, cassette player, a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary input called "GAME" mode. The game input is designed to connect a video game system to hear the audio through the HCD-GX45. The good thing is the game input is a line-level input to which you can connect your television. This way you can get the sound from your TV set to the HCD-GX45.

Instructions

1. Locate the audio output on your television and plug one end of the RCA cable into it. Place the red plug on the cable into the right output and the white plug into the left output.

2. Plug the other end of the RCA cable into the "Game" input on the front of the HCD-GX45. Place the red plug into the right input on the Sony system and the white plug into the left input.

3. Select the "GAME" mode option on the shelf system by either pressing the "GAME" button on the system or select "GAME" mode by using the remote control.

Tags: cable into, GAME mode, plug into, game input, into left, into right

Rebel Xs Vs Rebel Xti

The Canon Rebel XS and XTi cameras are attractive buys for beginning photographers. Both cameras contain a 10.1-megapixel sensor, a 2.5-inch LCD screen and a DIGIC II Image Processor. These cameras, however, differ in many ways.

Features

Unlike Canon's Digital Rebel XTi , the Digital Rebel XS features live view and automatic ISO adjustment. On the other hand, the XTi contains a 9-point autofocus system while the XS features a 7-point autofocus system.

Size

The XTi weighs slightly more than the XS. The XTi body weighs 18 ounces and the XS body weighs 15.9 ounces.

Battery Life

The battery life for the XS is better than the XTi. At 73 degrees F and with no flash, the XS can shoot around 600 pictures. The XTi shoots around 500 pictures under the same conditions.

Price

The Rebel XS kit that includes the 18-55 IS lens retails for $549.99 as of November 2010. You can order this camera directly from Canon or through retailers like Amazon.com, Best Buy and Walmart. The Rebel XTi is no longer in production, but you can find the camera used on sites like Amazon.com and Adorama.

Tags: around pictures, autofocus system, body weighs, body weighs ounces, Digital Rebel, like Amazon, weighs ounces

Sony 75300 Mm Telephoto Lens Compatibility

Sony's line of digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras included a few dozen different models, from the entry-level a290 to the professional a900. Sony's lenses are designed with all models in mind, and the Alpha 75-300 mm telephoto zoom lens is no exception. The 75-300 mm lens features a maximum aperture of f/4.5 to 5.6. It's designed for sports photography at a distance but is also a good portrait lens. It retails for $275, as of January 2011.

Specifications

The Sony Alpha 75-300 mm lens weighs in around 1 lb., 2 oz. It features an aperture range from f/4.5 to f/32. The filter diameter (the end of the lens) is 55 millimeters, allowing you to transfer filters from your standard 18-55 mm lens. The minimum focus for this lens is just short of 5 feet.

New Products

Sony's newest digital SLR cameras -- the a33 and a55, prosumer (professional-consumer) range cameras in the neighborhood of the Canon Digital Rebel and Nikon D80 -- are fully compatible with the Alpha telephoto zoom lens.

DSLRs

Other Sony DLSR cameras that are currently on the market are compatible with the Alpha 75-300 mm lens too. The entry-level a290 and a390 and the a580L (which is usually sold with an 18-55 mm wide-angle lens included) work with the 75-300 mm lens. In a slightly higher price range, the a580 is another Sony DSLR that handles the Alpha lens.

Professional DSLRs

Sony has two high-end, professional models that are currently on the market and compatible with the Alpha 75-300 mm lens: the a850 and the a900. Selling for $2000 and $2699 respectively (as of January 2011), these cameras accept all Sony digital camera lenses.

Translucent Cameras

Sony is the first camera company to release cameras with translucent mirrors, which allow for fast (and simultaneous) focusing and shooting using a phase-detection auto focus system. The a55 and a33 DSLR cameras both use translucent mirror technology to shoot up to 10 frames per second; both are compatible with the Alpha 75-300 mm telephoto lens.

Discontinued Cameras

Though Sony doesn't still sell or support the following models, all are compatible with the Alpha 75-300 mm lens. These models can be found used from camera stores or online: the a300x, a700, a230, a550, a500, a350, a380, a200 and the various special releases of these cameras (which were technically identical, but featured color plating).

Video

Sony's NEX Handycam uses interchangeable lenses much like a DSLR camera. The Alpha zoom lens is compatible with the NEX Handycam, which retails for $2000, as of January 2011.

Tags: 75-300 lens, Alpha 75-300, compatible with, compatible with Alpha, with Alpha, Alpha 75-300 lens, with Alpha 75-300

Convert Audio Tape To Mp3

Digital media is a reliable and efficient way to store audio, so transferring old audio tapes to MP3 format is a great solution to keeping your audio without the worry and hassle of storing and keeping up with audio tapes. You can transfer cassette tapes, answering machine tapes and other kinds of tapes as long as you have a tape player for that format with a headphone jack or other audio output. It can seem like a daunting task, but with a little time and practice, you will be able to efficiently transfer audio from tapes to your computer and save them as MP3 files.

Instructions

1. Download audio recording software if you do not have any. Audacity is a free audio recording program, and it allows you to export audio in MP3 format with another free download.

2. Connect your tape player to your computer. Plug the stereo audio cable into the headphone jack on the tape player and the other end into the microphone input on the computer. The microphone input may be on the front of your computer, or more likely on the back.

3. Insert the tape you want to transfer into the tape player and hit "Play." Check to see if you are getting a signal to the computer. If not, open the audio settings for your computer (found in the Control Panel on Windows or System Preferences on Macs) and make sure that the microphone line is activated and turned up.

4. Open the audio recording software on your computer and check the level of your tape playing. In Audacity, this can be done by clicking the input level meter in the upper-right corner. Be sure that the signal is not too soft because your recording will be very quiet, and you will have to turn your speakers up a lot for it to be audible. Also make sure it is not too loud, or it will distort.

5. Record your audio. Stop the tape if it is playing, press "Record" on the audio recording software and then start playing the tape. You will have to do this in real time, but most audio recording will let you edit unused parts of a file, so you do not necessarily have to stop it exactly on time.

Tags: audio recording, your computer, tape player, audio recording software, recording software, audio tapes, format with

Advantages Of 35mm

For many years 35 mm film was the standard for professional and amateur photography, as well as most major motion pictures. The 35 mm format has always had to contend with competing formats, the most recent of which is digital photography. However, 35 mm film still has certain advantages that photographers and cinematographers should be aware of.

Image Quality

Despite the latest advances in digital technology, an image produced using 35 mm film still has qualities that a digital version can't reproduce. Although digital is generally superior in terms of resolution, 35 mm may give greater depth of color and may be able to reproduce certain lighting effects that digital cameras are simply not able to. This advantage is especially evident when a 35 mm film camera is in the hands of an experienced user who can use the format to its fullest potential.

Flexibility

The 35 mm film also offers greater flexibility in terms of certain forms of manipulation. Although many software makers produce programs for editing and manipulating digital images, the chemical process of making prints from 35 mm film is a craft that requires great skill and gives the printer a huge range of options, such as changing an image's contrast, color balance, darkness and other factors. Although many of these tools are reproduced in digital photo editing software, they may not allow for the same range of control over the finished image.

Cost

Cost is sometimes cited as an advantage of digital photography, because there is no need to buy film and pay for prints. However, in other cases 35 mm is the true value option. For professionals, advanced digital equipment may cost much more than a very good 35 mm camera and lens kit. One of the reasons that the film industry has been so slow to adopt digital cinematography is the cost of digital motion picture cameras and specialized lenses.

Availability

Although related to cost, the availability of 35 mm film can also make it an appealing option. For travelers, an inexpensive 35 mm one-time use camera can be found in most souvenir shops and produce good quality photos. On the other hand, a digital camera or memory card may be more difficult to find and more costly. The large number of 35 mm film cameras available for rent in Hollywood far outweigh the relatively small number of high-quality digital cameras.

Tags: Although many, digital cameras, digital photography, film also, film still, that digital

Disable Message Bubble In Windows Mobile

Whenever you send a text message using a Windows Mobile 6 smart phone, a delivery message pops up on your screen. It's a message bubble that alerts you to the status of your sent message. If you don't want to receive this message, you can easily disable it, regardless of whether your smart phone has a touch-screen or not.

Instructions

Touch-screen Smart Phones

1. Tap the Windows "Start" button on your phone and tap "Messaging." Select "Text Messages."

2. Tap "Menu" and tap "Tools." Select "Options." Tap the "Accounts" tab.

3. Tap "Text Messages" in the "Tap an account to change settings" field. Clear the "Request delivery notifications" check-box. tap "OK" to save the changes.

Non-touch-screen Smart Phones

4. Tap the "Start" button on the home screen and tap "Messaging." Select "Text Message."

5. Click "Menu" and select "Tools." Tap "Options" and select "Account Settings."

6. Clear the "Request delivery notifications" check-box. Click "Done."

Tags: Clear Request, Clear Request delivery, delivery notifications, delivery notifications check-box, Messaging Select, Messaging Select Text

Digital Cameras For Teens

Digital cameras allow teenagers to bond and express creativity.

Digital photography is no longer the exclusive preserve of professional photographers or those with a lot of money. Digital cameras are available for a fraction of what they cost just 10 years ago. They have advanced features and make photography fun and accessible. Whether they want to snap photos of their friends or take artistic shots, there's never been a better time for teens to get into digital photography.

Types

There are two distinct types of digital camera available on the market today. Compact digital cameras typically have a small form factor and a built in lens. Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are larger and can be fitted with a variety of different lenses depending on what type of image is required. Compact cameras are generally cheaper and more portable. DSLR cameras often allow for greater creative possibilities. A teen primarily concerned with taking photos of friends and events to share on the Internet would be better served by a compact camera. If they have shown an aptitude for photography and want more creative options, a basic DSLR is a good choice.

Features

Consider where and how the camera will be used. Many compact cameras, and some DSLRs, feature protection from water, dust, bumps and scratches. This is useful if the camera will be taken everywhere and used at outdoor, sports and other social events. A good optical zoom is useful for enabling candid and close-up shots. Image stabilization is now found on most digital cameras and reduces the risk of camera shake causing blurred shots. Facial recognition software is found on many compact cameras and makes it easy to track faces, tag friends or ensure that everyone is smiling. A camera which can capture images in low light conditions is more versatile. Many cameras can also capture video in standard or high definition, even uploading it to YouTube when an Internet connection is available.

Considerations

Many cellphones feature a high-quality camera but usually with a reduced feature set. If your teen already has a decent camera on her phone but wants a stand-alone digital camera, it's definitely worth purchasing one that has a good set of features. Accessories include cases, memory cards and additional batteries, and may add to the initial cost of the camera.

Warnings

It is very easy to take digital photos and share them online. You should educate your teen about the potential risks associated with sharing personal images on the Internet.

Tags: camera will, compact cameras, digital camera, Digital cameras, your teen

Wireless Telephonejack Systems

More and more devices need a telephone connection, such as fax machines, cable boxes or alarm systems, and calling the phone company to come to your home to install a jack every time you buy one of these devices is costly and time consuming. That's where wireless phone jack systems come in. Like everything else, these systems come with advantages and disadvantages.

Basic Idea

You need a phone jack where there is currently none. Enter the wireless phone jack system. In a basic setup, there are two units: the transmitter and the receiver. You run a phone line from your phone or other device into the transmitter, which plugs into any ordinary electrical outlet. The signal is then sent wirelessly to a similar-looking device that is the receiver, which also plugs into any ordinary electrical outlet. The final connection is a second phone wire from the receiver to another phone jack in the house.

Extensions

Many homes, especially older ones, may only have a jack or two. However, you may have a couple of phones, a fax, a couple of satellite boxes and a DSL line that all need access. With one phone jack system, you could theoretically get an infinite number of extensions (some systems limit the number of extensions; others don't). This means you could have two, three or even four devices plugged into transmitters all sending information to the same receiver and, by extension, the same phone jack. This saves you a significant amount of money, as you'll only need to buy one receiver rather than four.

Advantages

The advantages of this system include the fact that you can hook up any item anywhere in your house to a phone jack simply by plugging something into an ordinary wall outlet. These systems are significantly cheaper than having the phone company come out and wire outlets anywhere you need one. No set up is required, other than plugging everything in.

Disadvantages

These wireless systems tend to use the same frequency that most other wireless devices we have in our homes use, which is 2.4 gHz, the standard in wireless technology. The problem is that these 2.4-gHz devices can also include wireless Internet, cordless phones and even some microwaves. If you use any of these things (or all of them) in close proximity (meaning in the same room), you might run into some interference. This is particularly problematic with fax machines and old-school computer modems that need consistent signals to send and receive all the necessary information.

Where and What to Buy

You can get wireless telephone jack systems anywhere electronics are sold. Try Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart; this technology is fairly prevalent these days. Spend a bit of extra money when you buy them. If you can find one higher than 2.4 gHz (5.8, for example), go with that. Less devices are at 5.8, and you will receive less interference.

Tags: phone jack, into ordinary, company come, electrical outlet, into ordinary electrical, jack system, jack systems

The Nikon Coolpix 80

The S80 averages 150 shots per battery charge while the P80 averages 250.

Nikon has produced a pair of digital cameras in its compact COOLPIX line that bear the number "80" in the camera name -- the S80 and the P80. Though the two cameras are similar in name, their design, features and overall specifications are quite different. As of mid-2011, the Nikon still manufactures the COOLPIX S80, while the COOLPIX P80 has been discontinued.

S80 Body and Lens

Nikon released the COOLPIX S80 in 2010. It is a mid-range, ultra-slim touch-controlled digital camera. It measures 3.9 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall and 0.7 inches thick. It weighs approximately 4.7 oz. before upgrades and accessories. The S80 has a 3.5-inch OLED touch screen display. The camera is built around a 1/2.3-inch, 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor and features a NIKKOR ED glass lens with 5x optical and 4x digital zoom. The lens has a focal length that ranges from 6.3 to 31.5 millimeters, which is approximately equivalent to using a 35 to 175-millimeter lens in standard 35-mm format. The camera has a minimum shutter speed of 1/1500 seconds and a maximum shutter speed of four seconds. In continuous shooting mode the S80 can take up to six photos at 0.9 frames per second.

S80 Features

The COOLPIX S80 features nine-point autofocus with subject tracking capability. It has an ISO sensitivity range of 80 to 6400, spot and 256-segment matrix metering and programmed auto exposure with motion detection capability. The camera also records high-definition video to MPEG-4, AVC and H.264 video formats at 30 frames per second. High definition videos have a resolution of 1,280 by 720 pixels. The S80 has 79 MB of internal storage space. A Secure Digital memory card slot provides room for additional storage. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power.

P80 Body and Lens

Nikon released the COOLPIX P80 in 2008. It was a mid-range "mega-zoom" digital camera aimed at amateur photographers looking for a bit more manual control than was offered in most standard point-and-shoot cameras at the time. The P80 measured 4.3 inches wide, 3.1 inches tall and 3.1 inches deep. It weighed in at a fairly hefty 12.9 oz. The COOLPIX P80 had a 1/2.33-inch, 10.1-megapixel CCD sensor. Its built-in auto-focus lens had an 18x zoom that allowed photographers to take both wide-angle and telephoto photographs. The P80 had an ISO range between 64 and 6400. The camera featured both an eye cup and a 2.7-inch built-in TFT LCD screen. The COOLPIX P80 had 50 MB of internal storage space. A Secure Digital memory card slot provided room for additional storage.

P80 Features

The P80's built-in flash had a range of 28 feet. The camera featured 16 scene modes, including standards like Close Up, Landscape, Sunset and Portrait. Exposure modes included aperture-priority automatic, automatic, manual, programmed automatic, scene and shutter-priority automatic. The P80 stored images in the JPEG format and videos in the AVI format. Additional features included exposure lock, white balance, vibration reduction and nine auto-focus points. A removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery provided power.

Tags: 1-megapixel sensor, additional storage, Body Lens, Body Lens Nikon, camera featured, card slot

Refinance Your Home During A Divorce

Most states will not allow you to refinance your home during a divorce unless your spouse is on the new note, mortgage and deed. Also, you might have to refinance only to lower the monthly payment. If your spouse agrees to refinance to cash out equity, the equity should be used to pay down marital debt. You can also refinance the home if a settlement agreement has been reached regarding ownership of the home and the settlement agreement has been ratified in court.

Instructions

1. Decide who is going to retain title to the marital home. If your spouse is going to retain sole and exclusive use of the home, you will not want the mortgage in your name. If your spouse defaults on the loan, you will still be responsible for the debt even though you do not live in the house. Your spouse should refinance the marital home to take your name off the note and the mortgage.

2. Create a settlement agreement stating that you have sole and exclusive use of the marital home. Both parties must sign and notarize the settlement agreement. If you have an attorney, he will do this for you. Present the settlement agreement to the court with an order ratifying it. If the court signs the order ratifying the agreement, you can proceed with refinancing.

3. Create a quit claim deed and file it in the public records. Contact a mortgage broker or bank to begin the refinancing process. In some states, an additional clause is added to the mortgage stating that the house is being transferred to you by agreement or court order. Your spouse will need to sign the mortgage documents but will not be held responsible for the mortgage. You should always have an attorney draft these documents and explain to your spouse why she needs to sign the mortgage documents.

4. Refinance in the normal manner if the court orders both of you to stay on the mortgage (sometimes a court will order one spouse to pay the mortgage as part of alimony payments or other settlement reasons). You must still get permission from your spouse to refinance. Sometimes a spouse that is receiving alimony will balk at refinancing because she thinks she is getting less money for alimony. That is not the case---even though you are paying less in alimony, your spouse still has sole and exclusive use of the home and the percentage of equity in the home that the court awarded her.

Tags: settlement agreement, your spouse, marital home, sole exclusive, your spouse

Detect Hidden Cameras & Listening Devices

As technology improves, cameras and listening devices have gotten smaller, quieter and more readily disguised. While this is great for anyone wishing to conduct surveillance, it does inhibit your ability to feel safe from prying eyes, even when no one is around. While in some cases you may be protected from hidden cameras by your jurisdiction's laws---police, for instance, cannot plant these devices without a warrant, and private citizens can often not record video or sound in a private place without the knowledge and consent of the person being recorded---knowing discover hidden devices can be worth more than the laws designed to protect you from them.

Instructions

1. Conduct a physical search of the area, looking for any conspicuously placed objects such as stuffed animals, smoke detectors, lamps, picture frames or books. Cameras can be discovered by looking for objects that seem to be "pointed" at areas of the room in an unnatural way. Listening devices can be stashed under tables or chairs, or inside pots and vases.

2. Watch for any flashing or illuminated lights. Most cameras and listening devices include an "on" or "ready" light, and its glow will help you to find it. While these lights can often be disabled, a novice may forget, or may rely on you never searching for the planted device. Turning off the lights can help.

3. Listen for electronic noises, static, or hiss as you search the room. Though many recording devices can operate in a "stealth" mode, the clicks made by electronic devices can often not be silenced. There are probably many electronic noises that you tune out, so listen intently for anything that sounds different. An assisted hearing device, such as a hearing aid, will likely not help unless you normally wear one, as it is hard to distinguish a foreign object's sound from the noise the hearing aid itself makes.

4. Shine a flashlight at various parts of the room, especially onto reflective surfaces. Surveillance devices can be hidden behind mirrors or other types of glass that effectively mask whatever is behind it under normal lighting conditions, but reveal anything if light is shone directly on it. You may also be able to catch a reflection from a hidden camera's lens. A flashlight will also assist with your physical search by narrowing the amount of space your eye is searching, and will allow you to focus on anything out of place.

5. Use a Radio Frequency (RF) signal detector to help with your search. These handheld units can identify the radio frequencies that recording devices use, and assist in locating them. While a signal detector will not tell you precisely where a hidden camera is, it will warn you as you get progressively closer to its source, helping you to find it much faster.

Tags: cameras listening, cameras listening devices, electronic noises, from hidden, hidden camera, listening devices, physical search

Make A Homemade Slide Copier

You can build a slide copier with materials found in your home.

Most photographers have at sometime experimented in shooting slide film. While more costly than traditional film, slide film was known for its accurate color reproduction. Commercial slide and film scanners are available for purchase, however if you own a digital camera you can easily build a slide copier with materials in your home.

Instructions

1. Use a shoebox for your homemade slide copier.

Cut two holes in the shoebox. The first hole will be in the center of the lid of the shoebox and should be slightly smaller than the actual slide. The slide needs to rest over the hole without falling through. The second hole will be in the center of the bottom of the box. This hole should be slightly larger than the top of the lamp shade that it will rest on.

2. Attach the translucent glass, plastic or material diffuser to the inside of the shoebox lid over the rectangle hole you just made. Use duct tape along the sides to hold the diffuser in place.

3. Use a common lamp with a compact fluorescent bulb as your light source.

Place the shoebox on top of the lamp shade. The hole you cut in the bottom of the shoebox should allow it to rest on top of the shade. Use a compact fluorescent bulb in the lamp. These bulbs do not get as hot as traditional bulbs. Place the lid on the shoe box and position the first slide you want to photograph.

4. Use a tripod to position the camera over top of the shoebox.

Attach your camera to the tripod. Set the camera white balance to fluorescent, and if your camera has the capability to shoot in "raw" mode, switch the camera to that setting. Shooting in "raw" mode will give you more options for editing and color correction if needed. If your camera has a built-in flash, make sure it is turned off.

5. Position the camera over the shoebox and fill the viewfinder with as much of the slide as possible. It may take some adjustments to get the right position.

6. Turn on the light and start shooting.

Tags: slide film, your camera, build slide, build slide copier, camera over

Use A Cell Phone In The Dominican Republic

Many people travel to the Dominican Republic each year to relax on the 870 miles of sandy beaches. If you have the chance to visit this Carribean getaway, you'll want to be prepared. While you're hiking up Pico Duarte and dancing the merengue, know use your cell phone in the case of an emergency. Using a cell phone in the Dominican Republic is easy if you follow the correct procedures.

Instructions

1. Purchase the correct plug adaptor before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic uses plug type "A" which are available from any electronics store.

2. Use a power transformer that can handle 110 volts, the voltage used in the Dominican Republic, when charging your cell phone. You could short out your cell phone if you use the wrong transformer or none at all.

3. Contact your cell service provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in the Dominican Republic. Ask about upgrading to international roaming.

4. Look into renting a cell phone to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in the Dominican Republic.

5. Know dial locally within the Dominican Republic. If you are dialing a place in the Dominican Republic with the same area code as which you are calling, just dial the number. If the number has a different area code, dial "1," plus the area code, plus the phone number.

6. Know call the United States from the Dominican Republic. First dial "011" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of the Dominican Republic). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that by the area code and phone number.

Tags: Dominican Republic, your cell, area code, cell phone, your cell phone, cell phone