Transfer Mini Dv Tapes To Dvd

Transfer your miniDV tapes to DVD.

The miniDV format ushered in a revolution in both home and professional movie making when it was introduced in the early 1990s. The format allowed users to make exact duplicates of their DV tapes, without suffering from the dropouts and other problems that were so common with VHS and other formats. It's possible to transfer miniDV tapes to a DVD by importing (also called capturing) the movies to your computer with a miniDV camera or deck and a connecting cable.

Instructions

1. Place the miniDV deck or camera next to your computer. Plug the device into an electrical outlet or ensure that the battery is fully charged so that it doesn't run out in the middle of a transfer. Turn on the device.

2. Connect one end of a IEEE 1394 cable to the device. Connect the other end to a IEEE 1394 port on your computer.

3. Start your capture software. Most operating systems now come with some sort of DV capture program installed. On Macs, this is iMovie, while PCs running the Windows operating system come with Windows Live Movie Maker. If you do not have a capture program, there are a number of open source and shareware programs available for download.

4. Check that the input source in your capture program is set to the DV camera or deck. This could either be under the "Preferences" or "Settings" menu, depending on your program.

5. Cue the mini DV tape up to scene that you want to capture. Many capture programs let you control the DV camera or deck from the program itself. Press "Start" or "Capture" to bring up the deck control menu. The controls are similar to those on a VCR, with "Play," "Rewind," "Fast Forward" and "Record" buttons.

6. Press "Record" in your capture program when you have the tape cued up. The computer will show you the footage as it is captured in the preview window. Press "Stop" or "End Capture" when finished.

7. Drag the captured footage from the clips bin onto the timeline in the program. The clips bin is the portion of the program screen where all your captured clips are stored. The timeline is usually located at the bottom of the screen in the capture programs. Once you have placed footage on the timeline, you can edit it, add transitions, effects and even music.

8. Open the DVD recorder. Insert a blank DVD.

9. Select "Export" from your capture program's main menu. Select the "Export to DVD" option. The computer will render out the video (called "transcoding") into a DVD readable format and burn the movie to disk.

Tags: capture program, your capture, camera deck, your capture program, your computer, capture programs, come with

Install Froyo On Your Evo 4g

Updating your EVO allows you to access to new features as well as numerous bug fixes.

The HTC EVO 4G is a smart phone running the Android OS that is available on Sprint's network in the United States. One of the benefits to using the EVO is that when new features are implemented with the operating system -- such as a Froyo update -- you can easily update your software to gain access to these features. Updating your device is quite easy and takes little effort on your part.

Instructions

1. Fully charge your EVO. The device will not allow you to update your software without sufficient remaining battery, so ensure that you either allow it to charge, or have it plugged in during the software update.

2. Tap the "Menu" button from your home screen. A menu will pop up at the bottom with a series of choices. Tap "Settings" to bring up the device settings list.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the settings list, where you will find an option labeled "Software Updates." Tap this option to bring up the next list of choices.

4. From the list of options displayed, tap "Firmware Update." Selecting this option will automatically check for the Froyo update. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update. The EVO may restart itself during the process in order to complete the update.

Tags: complete update, Froyo update, settings list, this option, update your

Splice A Coax Cable

Coax cables are electrical cables most often used to protect and direct satellite or cable signals from their source to television sets. They come in a variety of sizes and designs. Each type performs differently based on its intended use. The most common size is rg6. If you need to divert your signal to two different places at one time, you will need to splice the cable. You can do this safely and effectively.

Instructions

1. Identify the appropriate location on the cable for the split. Be sure the cable will be long enough to reach each device after the split is completed.

2. Screw the coax cable from the transmission (whether satellite or cable) into the slot labeled "In" on the connector you purchased.

3. Attach the two cables for the devices you are splicing the cable for (such as television and DVD player) into the "Out" slot on the splitter.

4. Connect the spliced lines to the devices.

5. Power on the devices, and check to ensure the splice was completed correctly with no static or interference present in the signal. If there is disturbance in the signal, make sure the cables are screwed in tightly.

Tags: into slot, satellite cable

Set Up The Date & Time Stamp On A Camera

Many digital cameras will print the date on each photo taken.

Digital cameras are good at remembering dates that people don't. Digital cameras have the ability to mark the date and time on each picture created. Cameras can do this in one of two ways: they can actually stamp the date and time in the lower corner of each picture created or they can hide the date and time in the metadata attached to each image file. Changing the date and time and setting the date-stamp function is done the same way on most brands of cameras.

Instructions

1. Press the camera's "Menu" button to reach the various options available.

2. Use the camera's navigation arrows to scroll until you see a "Set Up" menu. This is where most digital cameras store the date and time option.

3. Choose "Date and Time."

4. Use the navigation arrows to change the date and time, if needed. Then press the "OK" button.

5. Return to the "Set Up" menu. Scroll to the "Date Imprint" or "Date Stamp" option and use the navigation arrows to turn on the feature.

Tags: date time, navigation arrows, date time, Digital cameras, each picture

Upload A Picture To Facebook From An Android Phone

Facebook is a social networking giant that allows people from all over the world to connect and share information with each other over the Internet. One of the most popular things to do is to share pictures. Facebook is available just about everywhere, including on mobile phones that come with a Facebook Mobile app. Android smart phones have their own Facebook application, and Android phone users can use the app to share photos they take with their phone's camera.

Instructions

1. Turn your phone on and when it boots up, slide your finger across the screen in the necessary direction to unlock it.

2. Launch the Facebook app.

3. Tap on the "News Feed" icon if your phone doesn't take you there first, and wait for your feed to load.

4. Tap the camera icon in the upper left corner of the Facebook screen.

5. Select to upload a photo you've already taken, or to take a new photo with the camera. If you upload a photo you've already taken, you just have to navigate to that picture and tap on it once. Then, add a caption for the photo and hit the "Upload" button. If you choose to take a new picture with the camera, take the picture, and tap the "Done" button. Then, add a caption to the photo and hit the "Upload" button.

6. Wait for your phone to upload the picture to Facebook. After it uploads, it will be viewable in all your friend's news feeds.

Tags: your phone, already taken, caption photo, caption photo Upload, photo already, photo already taken

Install A Car Audio Equalizer

The equalizer is installed with a car audio stereo system to help control the various frequency bands. You don't have to try to adjust the sound for every different band's  music you put into your CD player. This device takes care of that. With a few items and some time, you can install this device yourself. 

Instructions

1. Decide where you want to place your equalizer. If you choose the dashboard to set it on, you may have to make a custom holder for it.

 

2. Finish installing your car stereo system. When finished, take a 16-gauge wire and hook it up to the power "in" place on your panel of fuses. You may have to create a hole if you can't unfasten the screw that's near the equalizer. Once you place the wire in there, put the screw back in its place.

3. Take out the stereo's main unit and take off the covering of the end of the wire that's turning on the stereo's main unit. Use an even longer wire that will connect the stereo and the equalizer. Take off the covering at the end of this wire. Use the black tape to fasten them together; this helps prevent an outage.

4. Relay the wire that turns on the system. This will go from the unit to the equalizer. Tie this down with what you deem suitable. Now, hook up the RCA cables to the dash unit to the preamp outlets. Use the black tape to secure the cables to ensure they won't try to spread apart. Relay the cables inside the dashboard to the equalizer's inlets. 

5. Put together the equalizer and the amplifier. Use the RCA cables for this. Run the cables from the outlets in the amp to the equalizer's inlets. 

6. Finish securing all wires and cables; make sure the equalizer is working right. If it is, place the dash unit back into its spot. 

 

Tags: wire that, black tape, dash unit, equalizer inlets, main unit, place your, stereo main

Panasonic Ic Recorder Troubleshooting Tips

Panasonic IC recorders are battery powered hand held digital recorders. The recorders are easy to use and will work without fail under most conditions. There are times, however, when your Panasonic IC recorder may not function properly. Many problems are common and can be fixed by troubleshooting the recorder.

Recorder Does Not Work

You may find that your Panasonic IC recorder does not work from time to time. When this occurs, check that the batteries are in the device and the battery cover is closed and secure. If the cover is not secure the batteries may dislodge from the unit.

Next, check the "HOLD" switch on the right side of the device. If the switch is pushed up, the device is locked to prevent accidental operation. To use the recorder again, press the "HOLD" switch down.

No Sound from the Speaker

Sound files are played back on a Panasonic IC recorder through the built in speaker. If you attempt to playback a file but no sound comes out of the speaker, check if headphones are connected to the device. When headphones are connected to the recorder, no sound will play through the speaker. Turn up the volume if the headphones are not connected. The volume dial is located on the top of the device and should be turned to the right to raise the volume.

No or Low Sound in the Headphones

If there is no sound in the headphones when you are playing back a file or if the sound is low or muffled, make sure the headphones are fully inserted into the device. Unplug the headphones and clean off the plug and the insert port if the sound is still muffled. Dirt and grime can have an adverse affect on the sound quality in your headphones if present on the headphone jack or plug.

Fast or Slow Playback Speed

You may find that the playback speed of your recorded files is faster or slower than normal. In most cases this is occurs because the playback speed of the recorder has been adjusted. To change the playback speed, press the "Mode" button until the playback speed display is on the LCD. Use the "Play/Stop/Sel" dial on the top corner of the device to adjust the playback speed. Press the dial to set the playback speed. To return the playback speed to "NORMAL," press and hold the "Stop" button.

Tags: playback speed, headphones connected, file sound, find that, HOLD switch, Panasonic recorder

Camera Tips On Shooting Sports

Sports photos can give even the most experienced photographer a headache.

The best shots are usually action shots, which means dealing with a number of challenging variables. The subject of the photo, typically an athlete or group of athletes, are moving rapidly. The lighting can be poor, especially in hockey games.

Finding the right angle to get the right shot varies by the sport. If one variable is overlooked, the shot won't work.

The correct equipment

A digital single-lens reflex camera is a must-have, as handheld cameras do not have the versatility or capability needed for sports photography. Lenses for sports photography must be fast, with a f-stop of 4 or less and feature long-distance zooms as photographers are not allowed on the playing field. A mount for the camera to reduce blurriness is helpful as well as a relief from having to carry the camera.

Shutter speed and f-stop

Avoid using the "Auto" settings on your camera, as the result will never come close to what you're looking for. Use "Manual" settings with the f-stop reduced to as low as the camera allows and the shutter speed somewhere between 1/30 and 1/1000 depending on the lighting, your distance from the action and whether the players are in motion or not. To show motion in the photo, the shutter speed can be slowed.

Focus

Depending how quickly the subject of the photo is moving, automatic focus may not work as well as manual focus, because it sometimes focuses on the background instead. Be ready to switch back and forth, using manual for high-motion shots and auto for others.

Timing

A crucial element of sports photography is taking your shot at the right moment. Try to anticipate where the ball or puck will go and put your camera there instead of sticking to where it currently is. Being able to do this depends a large part on your knowledge of the sport and team playing style. For example, if you're covering a football game, if the running backs are blocking defensive players and the quarterback is dropped back, it's likely a pass play which means having the camera on a potential receiver could result in an excellent catch shot. If your camera is still pointed at the quarterback when he throws, you may miss the action after it's thrown.

The Right Location

Finding the right location to get the best shots is usually a matter of knowing the sport and anticipate good shots. For example, covering football involves a lot of movement as the teams move up and down the 100-yard field, while for a long jump competition, staying adjacent to the sand pit will capture the decisive moment.

Composition

Capturing decisive moments during a match works well for illustrating news articles. When possible, get emotion on the faces of players to add drama to the photo.

Tags: sports photography, your camera, best shots, best shots usually, covering football

Fuji Finepix Tutorial

Fuji Finepix J10

The Fuji Finepix line of cameras is a very popular group of digital cameras designed primarily for the consumer market. While each one of the Fuji Finepix cameras possesses its own unique attributes, there are a few controls and operations that remain constant on all the cameras in the line.

Scene Modes

Use the scene modes. Fuji Finepix cameras come with a variety of built-in scene modes to help assist you in taking pictures under different conditions. The scene modes, which are accessed either through a small wheel on top of the camera or through the camera's menu, will automatically change the camera's settings to be optimal for the particular situation you're shooting in. Available modes vary from model to model but typically include sports, fireworks, portrait, night, and sand and snow.

Autofocus

Use the autofocus on Fuji Finepix cameras to take great pictures. All the Finepix cameras have an autofocus built in. To use the autofocus, hold the shutter button down halfway. Once your subject is in focus, press the shutter button down the remainder of the way to take a picture.

Turn Off the Digital Zoom

Unlike traditional cameras, digital pictures are made up of thousands of tiny dots called pixels. While the optical zoom on your Finepix camera uses the lens to get closer to your subject, the digital zoom merely enlarges those individual pixels, often making your pictures look blurry or out of focus as the individual pixels become more noticeable. Go into the settings menu and turn the digital zoom off to get the best quality from your pictures.

Tags: Fuji Finepix, Finepix cameras, Fuji Finepix cameras, button down, digital zoom

Save Texted Pictures To Your Droid

Save texted pictures to your Droid so you can enjoy them any time you want.

Smartphones have evolved, turning cellphones into something more like a computer than a phone. One convenient aspect of smartphones, such as the Droid, is the ability to save pictures received through text messages onto your phone. Doing so allows you to share a photo online, send it to others through text message or email, or send it to a local retailer to be printed.

Instructions

1. Open your text message inbox and select the conversation where the desired picture is located.

2. Scroll through the conversation until you come across the photo you want to save to your Droid.

3. Place your finger on the photo and keep it there for about one second. A menu will pop-up on the screen, giving you options for what you'd like to do with the photo and the message.

4. Select "Save Picture" if you would like to save the photo to your Droid, or "Share Picture" if you'd like to email it or send it to a social networking site.

5. Close the text conversation and open up your phone's main menu.

6. Tap the "Gallery" icon and press the "Back" button until you are at a thumbnail menu that lists "Camera Roll," "Folders," "All Photos" and "All Videos."

7. Tap "All Photos." Your saved photo will appear at the bottom of the thumbnail list.

Tags: email send, text message, through text, your Droid, your phone

Use A Spotting Scope As A Telephoto Lens

Spotting scopes can be used with digital cameras for extreme magnification.

Spotting scopes, with their extreme magnification, allow wildlife aficionados close-up viewing of distant birds and other creatures in their natural habitats. By combining the use of a spotting scope with a digital camera, a photographer can attain a telephoto effect unachievable with most camera lens. Outdoor Photographer notes that "when a 3x or 4x zoom camera is placed onto the eyepiece of a spotting scope with a 60x zoom, the magnification increases to as much as 180x, or a 9,000 mm lens." The practice of integrating a spotting scope with a camera has been coined digiscoping.

Instructions

1. Determine where you want to shoot your wildlife photographs.

Determine where your subject can be best photographed and access the location. Digiscoping is most commonly used when shooting bird images.

2. A tripod is necessary when using a spotting scope.

Attach your spotting scope to a tripod. A tripod is a piece of equipment essential for keeping the scope motionless.

3. Fine-tune the focus on the spotting scope.

Line up the bird in the spotting scope and use one of several knobs on the scope to fine-tune the focus.

4. You can simply hold the camera up to the spotting scope.

Choose the low-tech or high-tech method of digiscoping. (Of course, high-tech will guarantee better photographs.) The low-tech method involves very gently putting your camera lens up to the scope's eyepiece, metering for an exposure, focusing the camera on the subject and shooting the picture. To avoid losing the subject or disturbing the focus, do not bump the spotting scope.

5. Use an adapter to connect your camera to the spotting scope.

Attach an adapter (sometimes two are needed) to connect your camera to the spotting scope for a high-tech digiscoping experience. Some cameras attach via the tripod mount, whereas others thread by way of the lens. Purchase the appropriate adapter for your camera model.

Tags: spotting scope, spotting scope, your camera, camera spotting, camera spotting scope

Camera Techniques & Functions

Most cameras have shutter releases on the top of the body.

Knowing the basic functions of a camera and handle it is necessary whether you're working with a film or digital camera. This knowledge helps enthusiasts and professionals alike to produce clear, balanced photos and to simply get more enjoyment out of their photo-shooting sessions. Techniques range from hold the camera properly to manipulating shooting modes on the camera.

Holding Technique

One of the first things to consider is properly hold a camera. This will affect the quality and composition of your shot. To hold a camera horizontally, cradle the lens with one hand underneath it, and keep the camera close to your chest. This position stabilizes it as much as possible. Use your other hand, usually the right, to grip the side of the camera. You can also lean onto a stable object for extra support. How you hold a camera vertically depends on which of your eyes is dominant and if you'd like the shutter button on top or bottom. Generally, shifting the position you use to hold a camera horizontally in a counter-clockwise motion serves to hold a camera vertically. For right-handed people, your right hand and the shutter button will likely be on top. Continue to hold the bottom of the lens with your left hand and keep the camera close to your body.

Shutter Release Technique

Shutters on digital cameras are fast-moving, and pressing too hard or too long on the shutter release button can take more pictures than you intend to. To minimize the chance of taking too many pics, softly press down on the button with the flat pad of your finger, rather than the tip. This gives you the most control over the shutter release and also reduces camera shake. Shutter release varies from camera to camera, so practice will teach you the best way to handle your particular camera's shutter release.

Aperture and Shutter Priority Mode in Digital Cameras

These two modes are popular options on digital cameras. Aperture priority mode gives you control over the size of the aperture, or the camera's opening to light. In this mode, you choose aperture size, and the camera selects appropriate shutter speed. For example, for a shallow depth of field, you choose a larger aperture size, and the camera selects an appropriate shutter speed (typically faster). In shutter priority mode, you choose the shutter speed, and the camera sets the aperture size. This mode is good for shooting fast-moving subjects.

White Balance Modes in Digital Cameras

White balance modes allow the camera to compensate for types of lighting that create possibly unwanted hues. For example, fluorescent light casts a bluish hue, and tungsten emits an orange glow. To adjust for this, most digital cameras have pre-set white balance modes like daylight, sunny, shady or cloudy. Choose the most appropriate setting for your picture, and your camera compensates accordingly. Many high-end digital cameras also offer manual white balance settings. To test the white balance on your camera, hold up a white card or sheet of paper (some are sold specifically for this purpose) to tell your camera what shade is white. Take pictures using those settings.

Digital ISO

In film photography, ISO measures how sensitive film is to light, in increments of 100. The lower the number, the less sensitive the film is, resulting in a clearer photograph. In digital cameras, ISO measures the sensors' sensitivity to light. Many cameras allow you to manually set ISO. A higher ISO is appropriate in low-light settings where you cannot use - or don't want- a flash. Low-light settings often include art museums, concerts or blowing out birthday candles. The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed and aperture size when you set the ISO.

Tags: hold camera, aperture size, shutter speed, digital cameras, shutter release

Unlock A Cingular Razr Phone

Unlock your Cingular Razr phone to enable you to use the device on another wireless network.

Unlocking your Cingular Razr phone will enable you to use the device on another wireless provider's network. Additionally, unlocked phones are sold for substantially more money than locked ones. Therefore, if you decide to sell your Cingular Razr, it is wise to unlock the device first. Unlocking your Cingular phone is legal and relatively simple to accomplish with the use of a subsidy code.

Instructions

1. Contact AT&T at 800-331-0500 and follow the prompts to speak with a representative. Ask the representative for the subsidy or unlock code for your Cingular Razr. If she is unable to provide you with the code, you will have to purchase the code from a cell phone unlocking company.

2. Remove the battery and insert a non-Cingular SIM card into the SIM card slot located inside the battery compartment on your Razr phone. The card does not have to be active.

3. Reinsert the battery and wait for the phone to power on. Enter the subsidy code when prompted. If the subsidy code is accepted, the phone will restart, with a message stating that the network is unlocked.

Tags: Cingular Razr, your Cingular, your Cingular Razr, subsidy code, another wireless

What Is Firewire To Usb

Both Firewire and USB connections transfer data at very high speeds.

Firewire and USB are two types of connections through which a computer user can rapidly transfer data from one device to another. They were both developed in the mid-1990s, but Firewire has become less common than USB, which has become increasingly standardized. However, enough devices still use Firewire, causing Firewire-to-USB cables or "hubs" to be very useful, particularly for someone who works frequently with digital video.

Firewire

Firewire -- also called, less elegantly, IEEE 1395 -- was developed by Apple in 1995 as a hardware connection and protocol for transferring a lot of data very fast. These data transfer speeds were becoming necessary with the advent of digital video. The primary impetus of Firewire was to allow a user to quickly transfer high-quality video onto a computer hard drive or into memory. A Firewire connection can transfer about 50 megabytes of data per second.

USB

Universal Serial Bus, also developed in 1995, is a similar technology allowing for rapid data transfer. Unlike Firewire, it was not developed primarily for video transfer, and many manufacturers of many different kinds of hardware gradually adopted it for use as a connector. Today, USB is an industry-wide standard, and keyboards, mice, external hard drives, and wireless receivers usually connect to a computer via USB. The USB 2.0 standard, released in 2000, achieves data transfer speeds of around 40 megabytes per second, and newer versions of the USB standard are still faster while retaining compatibility with older USB devices.

Firewire to USB

A Firewire to USB connector is simply a cable with a Firewire plug on one end and a USB plug on the other, allowing you to connect a Firewire device to a computer's USB port, or vice versa. Such cables are expensive, and as Firewire-only devices disappear to be replaced by the USB standard, they are becoming increasingly rare. Nevertheless, if you have an older digital camera or camcorder without a USB output, a Firewire to USB cable could be extremely useful.

Firewire/USB Hubs

More common, although more expensive, are Firewire/USB "hubs" -- devices with both Firewire and USB inputs and a single output through which they are connected to a computer. With a hub, you can plug multiple devices, using multiple connection formats, into a single computer port.

Tags: data transfer, computer port, data transfer speeds, data very, digital video

Build A Spy Camera Housing

Build a Spy Camera Housing

Spy cameras may all share the need to be hidden from sight, but they are not all used in the same kind of locations. A spy camera that is used outside will have to bear the brunt of the elements, especially rain which has the potential of damaging components and shortening the camera's life. Building an inexpensive and simple water-proof spy camera housing that is barely bigger than the camera removes the chance that nature will damage the camera. This will let you continue to use the spy camera outdoors without concern for the weather.

Instructions

1. Put the newspaper down on a table to protect your table surface. Cut off a 1-inch piece of the toilet paper tube using the utility knife. Put the cut piece of the toilet paper tube over the spy camera's lens. Tape the cut piece of the toilet paper tube to the spy camera at both sides using cellophane tape.

2. Tape a small desiccant humidity absorbing bag to the spy camera with cellophane tape.

3. Slip one condom onto the spy camera and over the desiccant humidity absorbing bag and the cut piece of the toilet paper roll. Tie a knot in the end of the condom and seal the knot with the bonding glue. Let the bonding glue dry for a half hour.

4. Slip the second condom over the spy camera in the identical fashion as the first condom. Tie a knot in the end of the condom and seal the knot with the bonding glue. Let the bonding glue dry for 24 hours.

5. Hide the spy camera in an outdoor location and use it without fear of the elements since the spy camera now has a waterproof camera housing.

Tags: bonding glue, piece toilet, piece toilet paper, toilet paper, paper tube, toilet paper tube, bonding glue bonding

Print From A Memory Card On A Canon Pixma Mp970 Series Printer

Canon Pixma MP970 Series Printer

The Canon Pixma MP970 is designed to print, copy and scan at the highest levels. It can print a 4 by 6 inch photo at 9600 by 2400 color dpi resolution in about 35 seconds. The printer utilizes a seven-color ink system to produce photos that are richer and more life-like than standard four-color systems. The Pixma MP970 can also scan photos at 4800 by 9600 color dpi and print copies that are faithful to the originals. The printer’s 3.5 inch TFT display allows for image previews in high resolution. This versatile printer can also print from many popular memory cards without the use of a computer.

Instructions

1. Ensure the MP970 is connected to a working electrical outlet. Turn the printer on by pressing and releasing the power button located on the upper left hand side of the control panel.

2. Select the memory card you wish to use. Insert the memory card into an appropriate adapter if it requires one. Open the Card Slot Cover, located on the right hand side of the printer, by pulling the door out and toward the center of the printer.

3. Insert the memory card into the appropriate card slot with the label side facing up. Confirm the Access Lamp is lighted. Close the card slot cover.

4. Check the "Select and Print" option on the display screen. Select the "Okay" option.

5. Load your preferred print media into the printer. Confirm Paper Source, Paper Size and Media type. Select the "Okay" option. Select the "Next" option. Select the "Okay" option to access the images on your memory card.

6. Press the Left or Right Arrow buttons to select the image you wish to print. Press the + or – button to determine the number of copies of this image you wish to print. Select the "Okay" option.

7. Confirm your print instructions. Select the Print option to being printing your photos.

Tags: memory card, Okay option, Select Okay, Select Okay option, Canon Pixma

Make The Image Sharp On A Polaroid Tv

More well-known for its instant film photography, Polaroid also manufactures and sells televisions.

If you need to make the image on your Polaroid TV screen sharper, access your television's image settings using your remote control. Once you access the on-screen menus, you can adjust many of the settings, including the image sharpness. Although navigating to and through your TVs image settings varies depending upon your specific model number, the process is similar for most Polaroid TVs.

Instructions

1. Turn on your Polaroid TV.

2. Point your remote control at the television and press the "Menu" button. The Menu screen appears on your TV.

3. Use the directional arrow buttons on your remote to navigate to the "Image" menu. If there is no "Image" menu, look for "Picture" or "Video."

4. Press the directional arrow button to navigate to "Sharpness."

5. Adjust the "Sharpness" using the right and left directional arrow buttons on your remote control.

6. Press the "Menu" button to exit the on-screen menus. Check the image on your television screen. Repeat the steps until the image is at your desired level of sharpness.

Tags: your remote, directional arrow, image your, remote control, your remote control

Use A Vhs Camcorder

The VHS camcorder is an older analog, videotape format first released in 1984. There are three VHS camcorder formats including S-VHS, standard VHS and VHS-C that can record from 30 minutes to six hours of footage. Camcorder size varies from the larger, professional S-VHS model to the compact VHS-C. All formats play back in a VHS player, which is often bundled with a DVD player/recorder for easy tape transfer.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Turn on the camcorder. The power button is on the top or in the back of the camcorder. A red light indicates the camcorder is on, and if you don't see it, check the battery or plug the camcorder into a power source.

2. Press the eject button and load the VHS videotape. Always load the video cassette with the white hubs facing the camcorder tape housing. The top of the cassette has identification labels and should face away from the camcorder.

3. Locate the record button. Some VHS camcorders have a record button on the back and another near the zoom button and handle grip.

4. Check the focus. More expensive VHS camcorders have auto and manual focus adjustments. Locate the auto focus switch and the focus ring on the lens.

5. Plug in the headphones. Maintain good sound by wearing headphones connected to either the back or side audio monitoring jack.

6. Push the zoom button forward and back. Zooming in and out can give you greater picture range but can also make your shots harder to hold steady. Balance the camcorder on your shoulder or between your hands and grip the handle as you use the zoom button.

7. Record and play back some videotape. Record footage by pressing the red button and press it again to stop recording. Video playback controls are usually on the top of the camcorder and contain rewind, stop/pause, play and fast forward buttons. You will see the video playback in your viewfinder or side screen.

Tags: zoom button, button back, camcorders have, play back, record button

Configure Msn On The Nokia N95

Windows Live Messenger, formerly known as MSN Messenger, is one of several different instant messaging platforms available for users. Although Windows Live Messenger is installed on every Windows platform, It's not available as default on Symbian OS-based phones, such as the Nokia N95. However, a program does exist that allows you to configure access to Windows Live/MSN on your phone.

Instructions

1. Download Windows Live Messenger for Symbian. See the link below in "Resources."

2. Unzip the file using a file unzipping program such as WinZip.

3. Connect your Nokia N95 to your PC with the USB cable. When prompted, choose the option to use "Mass Storage mode" on your phone.

4. Double-click My Computer, then double-click the icon for your N95.

5. Transfer the files you unzipped in Step 2 by dragging them into the window that appears.

6. Tap on the File Manager on your N95 and open the dep.sisx and WindowsLive.sisx files, in that order to install MSN Messenger.

Tags: Windows Live, Live Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, your phone

Preset The Radio Stations On The Sony Cfdf10 Boombox

The Sony CFD-F10 Boombox has many great features that allow you to listen to the music you want, how you want. One such great feature is radio station preset. Read on to learn preset the radio stations on the Sony CFD-F10 Boombox.

Instructions

Preset Stations Manually

1. Press "Radio Bank/Auto Preset" to choose either FM radio or AM radio.

2. Hold down "Tune +" or "Tune -" to choose a station. When you hold down these buttons, the Sony CFD-F10 Boombox will automatically scan to find stations with strong signals. You can manually find any station, even one with a weak signal, pressing "Tune +" or "Tune -" repeatedly instead of holding it down.

3. Press and hold "Dsp/Ent/Mem" until the display screen shows the flashing preset number.

4. Press "+" or "-" to choose a preset number for the station.

5. Press "Dsp/Ent/Mem."

Preset Stations Automatically

6. Press "Radio Band/Auto Preset" to choose FM or AM.

7. Hold down "Tune +" or "Tune -" to choose a station. When you hold down these buttons, the Sony CFD-F10 Boombox will automatically scan to find stations with strong signals. If you want to preset a station with a weak signal, it must be done manually.

8. Press and hold "Radio Band/Auto" preset for two seconds until the display screen flashes the word "Auto."

Preset the Station Using the Remote

9. Press "Band" to choose FM radio or AM radio.

10. Tune to the radio station you want to preset.

11. Pick the preset number you'd like for station you have chosen. Select that number by pressing it on the remote control and holding for two seconds.

Tags: CFD-F10 Boombox, Sony CFD-F10, Sony CFD-F10 Boombox, Auto Preset, preset number, Tune Tune

Power Off Tivo

TiVo is the brand name of a digital video recorder used to capture TV programming on a hard drive for viewing at a later time. The TiVo unit is designed to run continuously and is equipped with a fan motor ventilated out the back of the cabinet to keep the unit from overheating. The only way to shut down the TiVo completely is to disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet. Since this makes it impossible for the TiVo to record programs, switching the unit to reduced-power standby mode is a another option.

Instructions

1. Unplug the TiVo power cord from the wall outlet to shut off the component completely.

2. Plug in the power cord. The TiVo indicator lights illuminate on the front panel, and the sound of the rear vent fan can be heard.

3. Press the TiVo button at the top of the remote control to put the unit in reduced-power standby mode.

4. Press the down arrow button on the navigation wheel below the TiVo button to select "Messages and Settings."

5. Highlight "Standby" and press the "Select" button below the navigation wheel.

6. Press the TiVo button again to exit standby mode and return to normal operation.

Tags: power cord, standby mode, TiVo button, cord from, navigation wheel, power cord from

Make Calls To A Tty Machine

A person with hearing loss can purchase a TTY device that enables telephone use. You can keep in touch by learning use a TTY service. There is no additional cost, and you can make calls to a TTY device from any standard telephone.

Instructions

1. Dial 711 on your telephone. Speak to the TTY operator. He will ask for the name of your long distance carrier, and the phone number you wish to dial. Provide the requested information.

2. Wait while the operator calls the hearing-impaired person's TTY device. The process takes a few moments, and you will hear clicks as you are connected. When you hear the call recipient say "Hello," the operator will give you the go-ahead to speak.

3. Identify yourself, speaking directly to the hard of hearing person to whom you placed the call. The operator listens in, and types your words verbatim into the TTY system. The call recipient reads a transcript of your words. You can talk with a normal cadence, but speak distinctly and enunciate well. Otherwise, "I bought a black car" can turn into "I brought a cat to the bar" and cause confusion on the other end.

4. As you finish your comments say, "Go ahead." This tells the operator you are temporarily finished speaking. The operator indicates such, and the other party can then respond. You will hear him speak a few seconds later. (There's a slight delay as the party reads the transcript of your words.)

5. Listen to the other person speak. He or she will say "Go ahead" when it's your turn to resume the conversation. Continue taking turns in this fashion until the conversation is over. To indicate you're finished with the call, simply tell the person "Goodbye" and as a courtesy, thank the operator for his time.

Tags: your words, call recipient, operator will, reads transcript, reads transcript your, transcript your, transcript your words

Position Vanity Lights On A Bathroom Wall

Position Vanity Lights on a Bathroom Wall

Vanity light placement isn't just about what looks best. Properly placed lights above the vanity give you the best lighting as you groom yourself each morning. Lights positioned too high or too far apart often result in shadows on your face, making it difficult to get a true image in the mirror. Positioning vanity lights isn't an exact science. While certain guidelines give you a general idea for positioning the lights, your specific bathroom setup and style of lighting fixtures will influence the final decision.

Instructions

1. Assess the current vanity lighting in the bathroom. Note where the electrical wiring and fixture is located. Determine how well the positioning works with the lighting.

2. Choose your vanity lighting fixtures. The style of vanity lights can influence where you position them on the wall.

3. Decide if you want the vanity light fixtures mounted above the mirror or on the sides. Sconce style vanity lights are meant to go beside the mirror while bar lights and those that curve down generally look better above the mirror.

4. Determine the hanging height for the vanity lights. The general rule for a vanity light over the mirror is 75 to 80 inches above the floor. Lights on the sides of the mirrors typically go at eye level or about 65 to 70 inches above the floor. Hang them with about 30 to 40 inches between the two side lights.

5. Mark the hanging height with a tape measure and pencil. Position a light above the mirror so it is centered above the sink to give the maximum amount of light when you're standing at the sink getting ready.

6. Position side-mounted vanity lights with the same distance between the mirror and the light fixture, keeping in mind the 30- to 40-inch total gap between the two lights.

7. Hold the vanity light at the marked spot to see how it looks. If you're comfortable with the placement, install the light fixtures. Play with the placement if it doesn't look quite right.

8. Use a level to ensure you install the vanity lights straight.

Tags: vanity lights, above mirror, vanity light, about inches, above floor, Bathroom Wall, hanging height

Specifications For The Canon Rebel Ds6041

Canon DSLR's are extremely popular with both amateur and professional photographers.

The Canon Rebel DS6041 is more commonly known as the Canon EOS 300D. Released in 2003, the 300D was introduced to replace the highly popular EOS 10D. With a larger sensor and image processor to its predecessor, this new Canon model was extremely popular with amateur enthusiasts as it provided professional qualities at an affordable price.

General Features

The Canon Rebel DS6041 has dimensions of 5.6 inches by 3.9 inches by 2.8 inches. It weighs 22.8 oz. The LCD screen is 1.8 inches. A Canon 1100mAH Li-Ion rechargeable battery powers the camera.

Resolution and Sensor Specifications

As a 6.3 megapixel camera, the DS6041 has a maximum resolution of 3072-by-2048. Lower resolutions can be set to 2048-by-1360 and 1536-by-1024. The image ratio is 3:2. The sensor type is CMOS, with a sensor size of 22.7-by-15.1 mm. ISO speeds can be set to 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600.

Shooting Capabilities

Auto focus is available with preset options of Multi-Basis TTL and Seven Focus Points. A manual focus option is also available. Six white balance presets can be used to auto-correct lighting, while a manual feature can be set to customized levels. The minimum shutter speed is 30 seconds, while the maximum shutter speed is 1/400 seconds. Aperture priority and shutter priority shooting modes are available. Remote controls can be used through either an E3 connector or via infrared. A self-timer can be set to a 10-second delay. Digital zoom is not available. Image stabilization is also not available. Videos cannot be recorded.

Flash

There is a built-in flash which uses a pop-up system. The flash range is up to 12 meters. An external flash can be attached via either a hot-shoe or E-TTL mount. Flash modes can be set automatic, on, red-eye reduction and off.

Storage

Images can be stored on Compact Flash (Type I or II) memory cards. Photos can be stored at either fine or normal quality levels. Uncompressed RAW files can also be saved.

Tags: Canon Rebel, also available, extremely popular, extremely popular with, inches inches, Rebel DS6041, shutter speed

Download Vhs Tapes Onto Computers Or Discs

Download VHS Tapes Onto Computers or Discs

The VHS has become obsolete in the digital world; we now rely on DVDs and digital media to store our memories. So what should you do with that stack of ancient VHS home movies? There are services that will convert your VHS tapes into DVDs for you, but this is often expensive. With the right equipment, though, you can easily do it yourself, using the Windows Import Video feature on Windows Vista.

Instructions

Video Transfer

1. Turn on the DV camera, put it into playback mode, and enable the DV pass-through mode by pressing the button on the DV camera that displays the playback settings menu. This setting is often labeled as "A/V to DV out" or "AV to DV." Exit the playback settings and turn off the camera.

2. Connect the analog video camera or VCR to your DV camera by plugging in one end of the S-Video cable into the S-Video jack on the DV camera, and the other end into the S-Video jack on the analog video camera or VCR.

3. Plug the single Mini A/V connector on the one end of the A/V cable into the Mini A/V jack on the DV camera.

4. Plug the red-and-white RCA connectors on the other end of the A/V cable into the corresponding jacks on the analog video camera or VCR. Do not plug in the yellow RCA connector into the analog video camera or VCR.

5. Connect the DV camera to the computer by plugging in the IEEE 1394 connector to the corresponding ports on the DV camera and the computer.

6. Insert the VHS tape into your analog video camera or VCR, turn the machine on and put it in playback mode. The DV camera should also be in playback mode, and when the Autoplay dialog box appears, click Import Video using Windows Import Video. Follow the steps on the screen, and your video will soon be imported to your computer!

7. If you want to transfer the video to a disc, access Windows DVD Maker (available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate) and add the video file you want into the work space. Make sure to save the project file, in case you want to burn another copy later, and click the button to burn your DVD.

Tags: analog video, analog video camera, video camera, cable into, Import Video, playback mode

Import 35mm Film To A Computer

Importing 35mm images preserves them digitally.

Importing your 35mm film negatives to a computer opens up a world of options for your photographs. Once your negatives are transformed into digital files they can be shared, printed and edited just like regular digital photographs. This saves storage space and preserves memories from the deterioration of film. Importing your 35mm negatives at home is possible with most flatbed scanners--your scanner may already be designed to help you with this job.

Instructions

1. Check your scanner for film scanning capability. Many scanner models have this feature. Your scanner may require you to lay the negatives directly on the flatbed or it may come with a special negative carrier for inserting the film.

2. Wipe the scanner with a clean, dust-free cloth to remove any debris. This will save editing time later.

3. Wipe the negatives with a clean, dust-free cloth. Lay the negatives in flat, straight rows across the scanner glass. If your scanner came with a negative carrier, measure your negatives and carefully trim them to the carrier's size. Align the sprocket holes in the film with the spokes on the carrier and snap the carrier closed.

4. Insert the negative carrier or close the flatbed scanner gently over the rows of negatives.

5. Select the option for film scanning. This can be found on your scanner control panel or in your scanner's software. This converts data from each negative into a positive image, much like a digital print.

6. Save your scanned images individually to your image library. Repeat steps 2 to 5 until all of your negatives have been scanned.

Tags: negative carrier, your negatives, your scanner, clean dust-free, clean dust-free cloth, dust-free cloth

Buy A Microscope For Gemology

The science of gemology is fascinating not only for the professional but for the gemology hobbyist. Both the professional and the novice have one thing in common, the need for a high quality microscope. A good microscope is essential in seeing inclusions. These are flaws in the stone that allow the gemologist to know whether or not the stone is nature made or man made. Synthetic stones will have no inclusions.

Instructions

Buy a Microscope for Gemology

1. Evaluate only stereo microscopes. A stereo microscope is really two compound microscopes which view a point from slightly different angles providing a three dimensional, upright, and laterally correct view of the stone being viewed. This is absolutely essential in gemology. The two dimensional view that is provided by a standard compound microscope will not allow for inclusions to be seen, which is necessary to identifying the legitimacy and the species of the stone.

2. Consider only microscopes that are a minimum of forty power or greater. The higher power the microscope the more inclusions will be revealed in greater detail, making identification more likely. The eye piece of the microscope is interchangeable, and can be upgraded. Therefore, it possible to purchase a less expensive microscope with a better quality eye piece. This also makes it possible to upgrade just the eye piece of a microscope that the gemologist may have outgrown.

3. Consider a Hanneman stereoscope which has been recommended by noted gemologist, Ken Hamilton of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The Hanneman can be purchased for around $150. Also search the adds in the back of lapidary journals for used microscopes. When considering a used microscope, inspect the overall cleanliness as well as the condition of the lenses. Also check for play in the focusing adjustment, it should not move by itself under its own weight.

Tags: Microscope Gemology, piece microscope

Use A Belkin Bluetooth

Belkin is well known for its computer and iPod accessories, but there's much more to the company than just that. The company makes a line of bluetooth headsets for wireless phones, which allow users the ability to use their cell phone hands-free, without having to worry about any wires getting in the way. Here we'll demonstrate use a Belkin F8T064 bluetooth headset with the Nokia 6555 cell phone.

Instructions

Use a Belkin Bluetooth

1. The first step is to pair your headset with your cell phone. Pairing is required only for the first use. Once your headset is paired to a particular device, you do not need to do it again. Start the process by turning your Bluetooth off and your phone on.

2. Locate the "Talk" button on your headset and hold it until the LED light on the headset alternates between red and blue. The talk button is located on the very top of the headset.

3. Enable bluetooth connectivity on the phone by pressing the center select key, in the center of the silver navigation keypad. This will take you to the phone's main menu.

4. Use the navigation key to scroll to "Settings" and press the center select key.

5. Now scroll to "Connectivity" and press the center select key again.

6. You will now see the option "Bluetooth." Press the center select key to select this option.

7. Press the center select key again to select "Bluetooth" again.

8. Scroll to "Yes" and press the center select key to activate bluetooth on your phone.

9. After activating bluetooth, you will be taken back to the main bluetooth menu. Scroll to "Search audio enhancements" and press the center select key. This will make your phone search for any available bluetooth devices.

10. When your phone recognizes your bluetooth headset, "Belkin" will appear as an available device. Scroll to it and press the center select key to select your headset. If you are prompted to enter a passkey to connect, enter 0000 to finish pairing your phone and headset.

11. For incoming calls, you can either answer it by pressing the "Talk" button on your phone or by pressing the "Talk" button on your bluetooth.

12. To end a call, press either the "End" button on your phone or the "Talk" button on your headset.

13. To make a call, dial the number and press send on your phone just as you would without the bluetooth connected to it, and the call will automatically forward to your headset if it is connected to your phone.

Tags: your phone, center select, your headset, button your, press center, press center select

Play A Flip Video On A Tv

The Flip camcorder lets you shoot high-quality videos anywhere you go. Some models even allow you to record videos in HD format that rivals the quality of DVD movies. After you shoot your video, you can import into your computer, edit it and share with friends or relatives via email or your favorite social networking site. Another really cool feature of the Flip, though, is the ability to display videos directly from the camcorder on your TV screen. Setup is relatively easy and requires no complicated or expensive equipment.

Instructions

1. Power off both the Flip camcorder and the television.

2. Connect the mini-plug end of the A/V cable to the Flip camera. Connect the red, white and yellow RCA connectors of the A/V cable to the input jacks on the TV. Note -- On most TVs, these inputs are usually on the side or the rear of the unit.

3. Power on the TV first, then the Flip camera. Use the remote control for the TV to select the "Input" or "Source" associated with the input ports to which you connected the A/V cable from the Flip camera.

4. Turn on the Flip camcorder. Press the "Play" button on the Flip camera. Video from the Flip camera appears on the TV screen.

Tags: Flip camera, Flip camcorder, from Flip, from Flip camera

Canon Rebel Xti Vs Canon Rebel Xs

To show you just how quickly digital cameras can improve, let's take a look at the Canon Rebel Xti -- a mid-range camera released in 2006 -- and the Canon Rebel XS -- an entry-level camera released in 2008. In those two short years, Canon made a lot of the features that were formerly available in more expensive cameras available in its most basic digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras.

Megapixels

Often the first thing you look at when comparing cameras, megapixels are the key factor in printing high-quality prints -- the more megapixels your camera has, the bigger high-quality print you can make. Both the Xti and the XS have 10.1 megapixels, more than enough to print a high-quality 16-by-20-inch print, according to digicamhelp.com, a website dedicated to answering frequently asked questions.

LCD

A camera's LCD screen allows you to see how you're lining your photo up without having to use the camera's viewfinder and also lets you review your photos right after you take them. The Xti and the Xs have similar LCDs, both measuring in at 2.5 inches, measured diagonally, and both have 230,000 pixels. The primary difference between the two screens is that the Xti's has 160 degrees of vertical and horizontal viewing, whereas the XS has a 170-degree viewing range.

Rechargeable Battery

Both the Xti and the XS come supplied with their own rechargeable Lithium-ion battery packs. The Xti's battery pack -- the NB-2LN -- will allow you to shoot about 500 photos between charges. Using no flash and in mild temperatures, the XS' battery pack -- the LP-E5 -- will allow you to take up to 600 pictures between charges.

Continuous Shooting

One of the main things that separate a D-SLR from a point-and-shoot digital camera is its ability to take a lot of photos quickly and in a row. The more frames a camera can shoot per second, the better it will perform in fast-pace settings. Both the Xti and the XS can shoot up to 3 frames per second, but the XS can take up to 514 consecutive JPEGs, compared to the 27 consecutive shots that can be taken by the Xti.

Memory

To save photos you take on the Xti, you use a Compact Flash (CF) card and on the XS you use either Secure Digital (SD) or Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards. Lexar produces 4GB CF and SDHC cards that will store up to 1,300 photos from either the Xti or the XS.

Size

Not only has the XS been able to mimic many of the features of the Xti, but it's been able to do it in a slightly smaller package. The XS measures in at 4.96 inches wide, 3.8 inches high and 2.4 inches deep, while weighing in at 15.9 ounces. The Xti comes in at 4.98 inches wide, 3.71 inches high and 2.56 inches deep, while weighing in at 18 ounces.

Tags: Canon Rebel, battery pack, been able, between charges, camera released, deep while, deep while weighing

Troubleshoot An Olympus Stylus 760

The Olympus Stylus 760 digital camera provides users with high quality images in most shooting conditions. On some occasions, users operating the Stylus 760 will encounter problems with the camera, including power issues, the shutter button not functioning and blurry images. These problems are common and do not require the assistance of a service technician. Users can fix most problems by troubleshooting the camera.

Instructions

Power Problems

1. Ensure the battery is properly inserted in the camera. Turn the camera over so the bottom is facing up and open the battery compartment door. The battery should sit in the battery compartment with the label facing the front of the camera.

2. Recharge the battery using the supplied charger. To use the battery charger, take the battery out of the camera and slide it onto the charger with the label of the battery facing up. Plug the battery charger's power cord into an electrical outlet. The red indicator light will turn on while the battery is charging and turn off when the battery is fully charged.

3. Remove the battery from the camera and place it in your pocket if you are in cold conditions. Cold batteries may not have enough power to operate the camera. Place the warmed battery back in the camera and test it again.

Shutter Does Not Work," the star symbol or "Guide." You cannot take pictures in these modes.

5. Exit out of "Sleep" mode by pressing the "Zoom" buttons. The camera enters "Sleep" mode after a period of inactivity to save battery life. Pressing the shutter button will not wake the camera from "Sleep" mode.

6. Check that the flash has finished charging before trying to take another picture. The flash indicator is a lightening bolt symbol to the right of the LCD screen. When the indicator light stops blinking, the camera is ready to take the next picture.

Blurry Photographs

7. Keep your hands still and press the shutter button with a slow, even movement. Camera shake is one of the most common causes of picture blur. If you are unable to keep the camera still, place the camera on a flat surface or tripod before taking the picture.

8. Use the flash or move the subject to a better lit environment. Low light conditions can cause blur because the shutter speed is slower. The longer the shutter is open, the better chance it will catch movement from the subject or the photographer.

9. Press the "Image Stabilization" button on the back of the camera and then the "OK" button to confirm the selection. The "Image Stabilization" button is the button with the symbol of the waving hand. When used, the camera automatically makes adjustments to reduce the amount of blur in the photograph.

Tags: shutter button, Sleep mode, back camera, battery charger, battery compartment

History Of Hallicrafters

History of Hallicrafters

The Hallicrafters Company produced some of the most desirable amateur communication radios of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Hallicrafters produced the classic SX-28, SX-42 and SX-101 communication receivers, and the HT-1 and HT-32 transmitter line. This equipment is still in use today and very popular with antique radio collectors.

History

William J. Halligan (1899-1992) was the founder and CEO of Hallicrafters. He began experimenting with wireless radio equipment at a very early age. He received a first-class amateur radio license in his early teens and at the age of 16 worked as a wireless radio operator. In World War I he served aboard the battleship Illinois and acquired the nickname "Wireless Willie". In 1933 he formed a radio manufacturing company known as Hallicrafters.

The Early Years

Bill Halligan adopted the slogan "Handcraft Makes Perfect" and began the manufacture of shortwave radios. Halligan named his company Hallicrafters by using a combination of his last name and handcrafters. Between 1936 and 1938 the Hallicrafters Company produced 23 different models of radio receivers. In 1938, Hallicrafters produced more communication receivers than any other company in the U.S. and sold shortwave radios to 89 countries. Bob Samuelson became the chief engineer for Hallicrafters and designed the company's first transmitter.

World War II

World War II caught the U.S. completely by surprise and unprepared. The military desperately needed shortwave communications equipment, causing the U.S. government to ask private citizens to donate their equipment to the war effort. Many amateur radio products produced by Hallicrafters were drafted into service by the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Hallicrafters Company acquired wartime contracts and produced several innovative receivers and transmitters. All commercial production of amateur radio communications gear was suspended until the end of the war.

Post-War Production

After World War II, there was great demand for amateur radio equipment. Hallicrafters built a new manufacturing plant, and hired Raymond Loewy as an industrial designer. Loewy was well-known as a designer for Coca-Cola, Nabisco and Studebaker. Loewy updated older Hallicrafters designs and created an all-new look for the SX-42 receiver. This sleek new shortwave radio introduced the FM band to customers and was a featured display at the Museum of Modern Art.

1950s

The 1950 production of consumer products included clock radios, AM/FM receivers and televisions. By 1952, Hallicrafters had more than 2,500 employees. One division of the company focused on civil defense and released the receiver classics "Civic Patrol" and "Defender". In 1966, the Northrop Corp. purchased Hallicrafters from the Halligan family. In 1975, the Hallicrafters Company was again sold to the Braker Corporation. The Braker Corporation ceased operations in 1980, bringing an end to a long line of Hallicrafters products. Hallicrafters produced many desirable models that are still sought by antique radio communications collectors.

Tags: amateur radio, Hallicrafters Company, Hallicrafters produced, 1938 Hallicrafters, antique radio, Braker Corporation

Make A Simple Antenna For Fm Radio

Most store-bought radios have an internal antenna or an antenna made of a metal rod that telescopes into the radio. Neither of these give you good reception on the AM or FM band. If you listen to FM radio regularly, you can make a fixed antenna that will improve your reception. One of the simplest types of antenna you can build is a dipole antenna, which consists of two pieces of wire in line with one another and connected to a central feed.

Instructions

1. Calculate the length of the antenna. The formula for calculating antenna length in feet is 468/f, where f is the center frequency. The FM band runs from 88 to 108 MHz, and dipole antennas amplify a center frequency with the amplification factor decreasing on either side of the center frequency. Therefore, you need to use 98 as the center frequency to maximize your antenna function. The total length of the antenna is 4.77 feet, with each piece 2.39 feet.

2. Cut the stiff wire into two straight pieces each 2.39 feet long. Strip an inch of insulation from one end of each piece. Place a plastic dog bone insulator over the end and loop the wire through the holes.

3. Insert the screws into the wood block spaced an inch apart. Leave half an inch of the screw protruding from the wood.

4. Bend the noninsulated ends tightly around the screws and align the wires straight.

5. Place the terminals of the transformer around the screws and tighten the screws.

6. Connect the other end of the transformer to the coaxial cable.

Tags: center frequency, around screws, each piece, length antenna

Troubleshoot A Finepix S5100 Digital Camera

The FinePix S5100 takes two rechargeable batteries.

The Fujifilm FinePix S5100 is a 4.0-megapixel digital camera released in 2004. It benefits from full automatic and manual exposure modes, digital zoom up to 3.6x and shutter speeds ranging from 1/2,000 to 15 seconds. It also has a video and voice capture function. Fuji no longer manufactures the FinePix S5100, but it is still possible to pick up refurbished and secondhand models. If you are experiencing any problems with your camera, you can take a number of steps to troubleshoot the problem.

Instructions

1. Remove the batteries and clean the elements in the battery compartment with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a cloth. Dirt and debris can interfere with the connection between the batteries and the elements.

2. Reinsert the batteries ensuring that they are inserted correctly.

3. Plug the AC adapter into the camera and then plug it into a wall outlet to charge.

4. Replace the current batteries with new ones if the camera fails to charge properly. Old batteries can lose their ability to retain energy over time.

5. Make sure an xD picture card with adequate space has been inserted into the camera before taking a picture. If the card is full, you will not be able to capture any images.

6. Remove the card and wipe the contact area with a dry cloth if the camera will not take a picture. If the camera still doesn't work, try another card.

7. Make sure that the flash is popped up and fully charged before attempting to use.

8. Clean the lens with the cloth and rubbing alcohol to ensure that no dirt or debris can affect picture quality.

9. Ensure that you have framed your shot correctly before taking a picture. If you are too near your subject or have not taken the lighting conditions into account, your image could appear too dark or blurry.

Tags: before taking, before taking picture, FinePix S5100, into camera, Make sure, picture card, rubbing alcohol

Replace A Memory Card On A Pc

Replacing the memory card in your computer yourself saves you money.

The memory in your computer is one of the components that dictates what your computer can handle and how it operates. If the memory card fails, your computer will be unable to operate and you will need to replace that memory card or buy a new computer. Replacing the memory card is the cheaper option, especially if you are able to install it yourself. You can install your own memory card in just a few steps.

Instructions

1. Turn off and unplug the computer. You do not want any power to be coming into your computer to eliminate the risk of shock and burning out components. Place the computer on a hard, flat surface. Avoid working on carpet.

2. Remove the cover from your computer tower. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws and pull the cover off to reveal the components inside the computer.

3. Discharge any static before touching the inside of the computer. Wear an anti-static wristband grounded to your computer or touch a metal part of the casing.

4. Use compressed air to clear out the inside of the computer. Over time, dust collects inside a computer. Dust inside can affect the computer's performance and it is a good idea to clean it out periodically. Since your computer is already open, it is a good time to do it.

5. Find the memory card slots. These slots are generally found near the wires that enter the motherboard.

6. Remove the old memory card. Grasp the card and gently pull outward to remove. You may need to wiggle it a little to loosen it enough to remove.

7. Install the new memory card. In most computers, push the new memory card gently into place until it snaps. For some computers, place the card in at a 45-degree angle and then press down to snap it into place.

8. Replace the computer cover. Plug the computer back in and start it up. Enter the BIOS screen on start-up. A message during booting will instruct you reach the BIOS screen.

9. Reset BIOS to accept the new memory card. Read the instructions on the screen. Press either DEL or F1 as specified in the instructions. This will automatically read the new memory. Check that the amount of memory listed on the screen matches the card you installed. If it is correct, click save and exit. The computer will then reboot and restart normally, ready to operate with the new memory.

Tags: memory card, your computer, inside computer, BIOS screen, card gently, computer will

Make A Panorama Photo

Capture the vastness of a landscape with panoramic photography techniques.

Panoramic photography used to belong only to the professional photographer as the only individual with the need or desire to purchase the often expensive specialized equipment needed for these kinds of photos. That is not the case any longer. Today, anyone can take a panoramic photo. There are several ways of accomplishing this, but one of the most common means involves taking several overlapping shots from the same location and then "stitching" them together using photographic software.

Instructions

1. Setting up your shot is more of a mental exercise than a physical one.

Set up your shot. Begin by identifying the scene you want to shoot and the spot from which you want to capture it. Make sure this is a place you can get to easily as you will need to haul your tripod and camera equipment here. Determine when is the best time of day for the scene (hint - for full 360 degree panoramics you'll want the sun high in the sky but for more dramatic partial panoramics afternoon light may give better results) and have an idea of how long it will take you to get your equipment set.

2. Although panoramics can be taken from a hand-held position, stitching images together in the studio will be easier and less time-consuming if you use a tripod.

Prepare your equipment. At the appropriate time, set up your tripod at your location making sure it sits level and stable. Brad Templeton, a professional panoramic photographer, recommends using a special panoramic tripod which will help with this process although any tripod will work. The primary goal is to keep your camera focused on the same vertical or horizontal as you take multiple images around your central axis point. Attach your camera to your tripod and you're ready to start taking pictures.

3. Whether vertical or horizontal, you'll want to overlap the images taken by about 50% for better stitching later.

Capture your images. Start taking pictures by shooting the scene, rotating the camera to capture about 50% of your first scene plus new area until you've captured the entire area you want in your panoramic. The tricky part here is ensuring that the exposure time is set for the finished panoramic rather than the individual shots. If you are using a digital camera, you will notice that it automatically adjusts for the light in each individual frame. James Rigg, also a professional panoramic photographer who has dedicated himself to sharing the art with others, offers some good tips on overcome this problem.

4. Transfer images to your computer using whatever means appropriate to your system.

Transfer your images to the computer. If you used a digital camera, this will be pretty straightforward. Print cameras make the process much more difficult as you must first get the film developed for high resolution, then printed at high resolution and finally scanned into the computer at high resolution. High resolution is important when attempting to capture the sense of wonder and space that are part of the panoramic experience.

5. Use photo software to "stitch" the various images together in a long or tall panoramic on your screen.

"Stitch" the images together using photography software. There are a number of software products on the market that will help you stitch your images together seamlessly as long as you were careful about evening out exposure times. Some examples include Photoshop, PhotoVista, Panorama Factory and AutoPanoPro. These programs work in different ways to blend overlapped images together without a visible seam.

6. The vivid quality you will get by sending your project out to a professional printer is worth the expense.

Send your panoramic off to the printers. You can print your panoramic image from your home printed but chances are high that your printer can only handle single sheets of standard-sized paper; is limited in resolution printing; and/or does not use vivid inks. If you choose this option, you can use the same kind of "stitching" technique with clear tape to accomplish a panoramic feel. After all this effort, though, it is worth it to send your project out to professional printers to be printed on a roll using high quality inks in high resolution on quality paper.

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Top 10 Video Capture Cards

Easily transfer video from a camcorder to your PC with a video capture card.

Video capture cards are essential for anybody who wants to make a high-quality, digital record of their video footage. Budding auteurs, aspiring professionals, business types and those simply with miles of family vacation footage to save can benefit from using a specialized video input on their computer. It is the easiest way to create DVDs and to be able to edit your film so that it can be shared with all who desire it.

Sabrent SBT-TVFM

This capture card by Sabrent allows both TV to be viewed on your PC as well as the capturing of video. It includes a remote control for comfortable use. Its S-video and composite inputs can connect to a DVD/VHS player or camcorder. It installs to your PC's motherboard and is available for $24.95.

Hauppage WinTV-HVR-1150

This internal PCI card from Hauppage allows TV to be recorded onto your computer. It also allows your computer to act like a DVR, enabling the ability to pause and record television broadcasts. It supports up to 1080i high definition video and costs about $50.

ADS DVD Xpress DX2

For $89.99, this device from ADS Tech connects to your PC via USB 2.0 or Firewire and allows input from video players and recorders. It then converts this video to any one of many popular formats which can be turned into a DVD or a CD or put on an iPod for future playback. The ease of this device's use and no complex interior installation makes it a worthy recommendation.

ADS Video Express

This is an even faster, yet simpler, method to get video on your computer from ADS Tech. This exterior capture device allows composite and S-video inputs to quickly transfer video to your PC. The Video Express can even automatically edit this video into an A/V presentation by allowing you to pick from assorted templates and music. It is $49.99.

ADS Pyro A/V Link

This is a more powerful piece of hardware from ADS Tech. It integrates software and hardware to allow for a rich range of professional-level editing options. It accomplishes this by incorporating Adobe Premiere Elements video editing software into its package. It has component inputs and outputs for high definition video and can convert digital to analog and vice-versa. This video capture solution costs $179.99.

Pinnacle Video Transfer

This device from Pinnacle is a handheld video capture card. It is simple to use. Just plug in your camcorder through the composite video inputs and with one touch, the video transfer will store your footage in its internal memory. There you can transfer it to your PC and burn it to DVD, edit it or copy to an iPod or other type of portable video device. This item costs $99.99.

Dazzle Video Creator Plus

The Dazzle also comes from Pinnacle but features a wider range of features. Simply plug your camcorder into this device and then plug the device into your PC via USB 2.0. It will easily transfer your video to your PC so you can add effects to your footage with Pinnacle's included video editing software. It also allows the burning of DVDs so you can share your footage with the whole family. The Video Creator Plus is $89.99.

Matrox CompressHD

This card comes from industry leader Matrox and is on a professional level. It features Matrox's proprietary MAX technology to speed up the transfer of video to the H.264 format, a high-end HD file format that can handle the highest quality digital video. With this card, you can capture a wide range of resolutions from iPod on up. This tool is ideal for those who already have editing software and need a great deal of HD work done.

Matrox Axio LE

This is the complete package for the serious professional. This Matrox card incorporates advanced Adobe Premiere software into its video capturing abilities to allow the real-time editing and viewing of footage. There are also numerous editing features thanks to the Premiere presence. These include 3D effects, advanced shadowing and advanced video correction techniques. This can output to any available video format and at roughly $4,000, it is a solution for the very serious video technician.

Grass Valley HD Spark

Grass Valley has long been a leader in professional studio-quality A/V equipment and this card carries on its fine tradition. Prices start at around $500 but go up with the optional inclusion of Grass Valley's EDIUS 5 editing software. This card supports all major video formats and uses HDMI inputs for lightning-fast delivery of audio and video via a single cable. It also features standard composite ports for older hardware to be able to import video. This is a good solution for standard- and high-definition captures.

Tags: editing software, capture card, from Tech, Grass Valley, transfer video

Pick A Subwoofer For A Home Audio System

The subwoofer is one of the most important components of a home audio system. The subwoofer refers to either a loudspeaker or a driver that brings out the bass sounds. It is essential for the high-quality CDs and DVDs that are now being produced, because the subwoofer helps enrich sounds by bringing out low tones and enhancing many movie sound effects.

Instructions

1. Decide how much power you want in the subwoofer. The lower the sound, the larger the driver you will need.

2. Think about where the subwoofer will be placed in the room. Subwoofers can produce sounds in multiple directions, so placement of the subwoofer should be considered. To increase the amount of bass produced by the subwoofer, consider placing it near a wall to enhance the acoustics.

3. Decide whether a video-shielded subwoofer is needed. This is necessary when the subwoofer will be placed near a television.

4. Pick either a passive or a powered subwoofer. The passive subwoofer gets its power from an external amplifier, whereas a powered subwoofer contains an internal amp in order to lessen the strain on the one in the home audio system.

5. Use a favorite DVD or CD to test sound quality when comparing several subwoofers.

6. Make sure your subwoofer does not have too much "boom" to it. Although the unit should emit the essential bass tones, the sound should still be clear and balanced, especially if the subwoofer will be used for music.

7. Learn about the return policy of the dealer or store supplying your subwoofer. The one you pick may not work well in your home.

Tags: subwoofer will, audio system, home audio system, powered subwoofer, subwoofer will placed, will placed, your subwoofer