Photo Booth Tips

The fun of real photo booths comes with a Mac in the Photo Booth program.

The Photo Booth program for Mac mimics the photo capturing capabilities of a camera and allows Mac computer users to have fun with the built-in iSight camera on their device. Photo Booth can be used to edit and capture images and video. Photo Booth works in tandem with other Mac software such as iPhoto, and according to the Mac website, iPhoto can be used to edit and organize the photos taken using Photo Booth.

Disable Flash

If you're interested in disabling the white flash when you're taking a picture, MacTricksandTips.com says all you have to do is press the "Shift" button on your keyboard when you click the red snapshot button to take a picture in Photo Booth.

Disable Countdown

Photo Booth has a default countdown feature that allows you to get into position before you take the photo. If you'd like to disable the countdown feature, according to MacTricksandTips.com you'll need to hold down the "Options" button when you press the snapshot button to take the picture.

Navigating the Photo Viewer

If you've taken a lot of pictures, going through all of them in search for one photo can be tedious. If you want to fast track to the beginning or the end of your collections in the Photo Booth photo viewer, MacYourself.com suggests that you press the "Command" button while pressing the arrow key associated with whichever direction you'd like to end up.

Cancel the Snapshot

If you've already initiated the countdown but have decided not to take the photograph, you may cancel the countdown and the snapshot by pressing the "Escape" button on your keyboard, according to MacYourself.com.

Flip Your Photograph "Auto Flip New Photos" if you'd like to change this function to left is left and right is right. You can also edit previously taken photographs by selecting them in the photo viewer and going to "Edit" > "Flip Photo," according to MacYourself.com.

4-Up Snapshots

If you'd like to take multiple snapshots one right after the other, Photo Booth has a feature which Apple calls "4-up mode" that allows you to take four snapshots sequentially. To activate the 4-up mode you will need to press the button on the left underneath the live video with the image that looks like four boxes.

Adding Effects

Photo Booth has a host of different image effects preloaded in the program, and some are available for download online. You can add a green screen like effect that inputs a different photo or video as your background image, or use the twirl effect to distort the picture, along with many other effects. To find additional Photo Booth effects you can use a search engine to locate different effect packs that have been developed; some may require purchase, while others are free. To add image effects to an image you will need to select the "Effects" button located on the right side under the live video before you take the photo.

Export a Snapshot "Export" and saving the file in the desired format and location.

Tags: Photo Booth, 4-up mode, according MacYourself, before take, before take photo

Troubleshoot An Apple Tv

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The Apple TV allows you to watch TV shows, movies and podcasts right on your home television. The downloaded programs stream from your iTunes library. The Apple TV receiver connects to your computer and television using Ethernet and video component cables.

Instructions

1. Check your power connections if your TV screen has no video. Ensure that the LED light turns on. If it's not on, plug the power cord into another outlet. Verify that all of your cables are plugged in correctly to the Apple TV device and to your television, and check to see if your input settings match on the Apple TV and your TV.

2. Go to the Apple TV main menu by pressing and holding the Apple remote if your Apple TV does not respond, or if it's frozen. Unplug the Apple TV device or turn off the power button to reset everything. Wait for five seconds before trying again. You may have to restore your factory settings if the Apple TV still doesn't work.

3. Change audio cables or test the other audio outputs on Apple TV if you have no sound. Make sure your TV is set to digital settings if you use the HDMI audio port on the Apple TV device. If you are using a receiver with your Apple TV, make sure that is turned on.

4. Set your Apple TV to work with the Apple Remote if the remote status light does not flash. The light will indicate whether the remote works. From the Apple TV main menu, pick "Settings," then select "Pair Remote Control." Point the remote directly at the receiver to play, stop or rewind your downloads right on your television.

5. Change your preferences if you don't want other Apple TVs to appear on your wireless network. Go to "Preferences" in iTunes and choose "Apple TV." Deselect "Look for Apple TVs" so that other Apple TVs don't appear in your network.

6. Restore your Apple TV's factory settings if you've tried steps One through Five above with no positive results. Press the "Menu" and "Menu down/Scroll down" buttons on the remote. Wait for six seconds or until an amber-colored light blinks on the remote. Select a language, then choose "Factory Restore."

7. Verify your Apple TV's IP address if it doesn't respond to your computer's wireless network. Make sure your router is properly configured to work with your Apple TV. If necessary, disable your wireless network security temporarily, then reconnect your router to your Apple TV.

Tags: your Apple, Apple device, wireless network, your wireless network, appear your

How Does Light Work In A Camera

The lens focuses light as it passes through to the film plane or digital sensor.

Light passes through multiple camera controls to create an image on film or a digital sensor. These controls vary depending on the type of camera you are using; however, every camera has a lens, a shutter and an aperture, regardless of whether you have manual control over them. Once the camera focuses and controls the amount of light for a given situation, film turns dark according to the amount of light present, or a digital sensor converts the light into data.

Lens

A camera lens usually consists of six or eight separate lenses called elements. Each element has at least one curved side, if not two, to compensate for focusing defects in the others. These convex lenses refract the light so rays of light that bounce off an object are focused at a single point on the film plane or sensor. A lens with a short focal length, such as 28 mm, bends rays of light more than one of a longer focal length because of the shorter distance between the lens elements and film plane. The result is an image with a wider angle of view when you use a short focal length lens and an image of greater magnification with a long lens.

Aperture Ring

The aperture is a diaphragm present in the lens of a camera that controls the width of the opening, allowing light to pass onto the film plane or sensor. The wider this opening, the more of a difference you'll see in the focus between the background and foreground. This is referred to as a photograph's "depth of field." When the aperture opening is wide, light passes through different thicknesses of the convex lens, creating variations in sharpness of the image, depending on depth. When the aperture opening is small, light passes through a more uniform area of thickness on the lens, resulting in a wider depth of field with more sharpness throughout the image.

SLR Pentaprism

If you have a single-lens reflex or SLR camera, it contains a series of mirrors called a pentaprism. The pentaprism is what allows you to see in the viewfinder exactly what your lens sees. Light reaches a mirror bent at a 45-degree angle in the camera body, which bounces the light up into the pentaprism. It then turns at a series of angles allowing you to see an image in the viewfinder. When you press the shutter release button, this first mirror drops down so that light can hit the film or sensor and you momentarily cannot see the image in the viewfinder because the light is striking the film or sensor.

Shutter

SLR cameras use a focal plane shutter that is built into the camera body. This type of shutter has two overlapping curtains that create slits allowing light to pass through to the film or sensor. Large-format cameras, some medium-format cameras and point-and-shoot cameras use a leaf shutter. A leaf shutter has multiple overlapping blades that retract, creating a circular opening from the center to let light pass through.

Capture

After these controls, light finally reaches the film plane or digital sensor. Wherever light strikes the film, the light-sensitive silver compound on the film surface turns dark. When reversed in an enlarger, these dark areas correspond to highlights in an image. The longer light passes through, the darker the film becomes. A digital camera's sensor is made of millions of photosites, resembling a checkerboard. The photosites collect electrons as light strikes them and store this information as numerical data. Computers interpret these numbers and create a photographic image with the information.

Tags: film plane, passes through, digital sensor, light passes through, film sensor

Create A Cd From Vinyl Records

Vinyl records can be easily transferred to CDs for safe archiving, and digital listening convenience. It's a fact that vinyl records wear over time, and many owners shy away from playing them for fear that their favorite music will someday be forever lost. With a home computer and inexpensive software, analog to digital transfer makes files for CD burning can be accomplished with minimum skills. The transfer process must be done in real-time, resulting in long sessions, but vinyl record aficionados will appreciate the effort required when the first CD is completed.

Instructions

1. Connect the turntable's left and right RCA male phone plugs to the two RCA female jacks on the adapter cable.

2. Plug the adapter cable's 1/8" plug into the computer's audio or microphone input.

3. Start the analog to digital recording software on the computer and follow help guide instructions for recommended input levels, and choosing MP3 or WAV digital file format. WAV files are large files, but capture more sound than MP3 files. CDs may be made with either WAV or MP3 files, and WAVs may be easily converted to MP3s at a later time.

4. Make a test recording to check input levels for distortion and adequate volume. Digital recordings are especially sensitive to distortion, and the software's "auto-level" or "compression" setting should be used. These functions limit the input volume, and when combined with proper input levels, help prevent distortion.

5. Record songs one at a time to limit digital file size. Songs should be saved and named as they are recorded, which will help save time, and avoid confusing work, later in the process.

6. Save files in a music management software program, which are equipped on most newer computers or easily downloaded, to organize files, burn CDs, and transfer files to portable digital devices.

Tags: input levels, adapter cable, analog digital, digital file

Photodiode Types

Photodiodes capture light.

Based upon a photodetector, which senses light upon exposure, photodiodes convert light into electric current. The more light that strikes the photodiode, the more current it generates. This is the opposite of the functioning of a light bulb, which receives electric current and then produces light. All photodiodes exhibit the same basic principles, but there are different types for different uses.

Solar Cell

Turning sunlight into energy.

A solar or photovoltaic cell is a basic device, which can be found on rooftops and other locations, is a type of photodiode that serves as an alternative source of energy. Solar cells take sunlight and convert it into electricity. The more sunlight that strikes the solar cells, the more electricity generated. Large-scale production requires many cells in several panels called arrays. This type photodiode requires silicon, the substance that generates the electricity. When placed in the presence of light, silicon's electrons become excited and that action generates the electric current.

Avalanche

Named for the so-called avalanche process, the avalanche type of photodiode uses a photodetector to sense light that generates electric current. The difference occurs when the current is subjected to high voltage of even tens or hundreds of volts. The original electrons, based upon the voltage, create additional carriers, or photomultipliers. The entire process occurs in a short time, cascading like an avalanche. The entire photocurrent becomes amplified and thus very sensitive, making this photodiode useful as a sensitive detector in optical fiber communication, high-speed laser scanning and imaging.

P-I-N

Named for three regions in a photodiode designated by the letters "p, i and n", the P-I-N type of photodiode utilizes a procedure of doping, or filling, two of the regions with silicon while the middle region, or "i," remains undoped. The electrons are attracted to the "i" region, where they develop a high efficiency and a higher-detection bandwdith. These qualities make this type of photodiode attractive for uses requiring a large bandwidth, like optical fiber communications.

Tags: type photodiode, electric current, generates electric, generates electric current, light that, optical fiber

Get Good Seats At A Wwe Event

Try to select seats that have no obstructions.

The WWE, formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), promotes and holds wrestling extravaganzas all over the world. While the view from the television is always reliable, nothing can simulate the experience of actually being at the wrestling match. If you decide to go watch a wrestling event in person, you will want to get seats that are close to the action and drama.

Instructions

1. Participate in the WWE Tickets Exchange program. This program allows you to to buy and sell tickets with other fans who have tickets. Cutting bargains with buyers and sellers may allow you to get good seats to special events like WrestleMania. You could offer someone tickets to two events in exchange for a good set of seats at a single event.

2. Purchase the tickets for the WWE wrestling match as early as possible. There is no replacement for proper, prior planning. Purchasing tickets as soon as possible from the time that the schedule is released will help ensure that you get a broad range of seating choices.

3. Peruse a map of the inside of the arena or stadium at which you will be attending a WWE event. This will help you determine which side of the stadium you would like to sit on and how far up into the stands you would be willing to sit. Also, it will help you determine the difference between prices in tickets as well as the locations of the seats of the tickets.

4. Write a letter to the WWE's headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The letter should clearly and convincingly show WWE executives, managers or wrestlers how big of a fan you are. The more that you can show them how much of a fan you are, the more likely they may be willing to offer you really good seats to an event. Expect to still pay for the tickets, though. The address is: 1241 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902.

Tags: good seats, will help, help determine, seats that, will help determine

Learn The Canon 5d

The best way to learn the Canon 5D Mk II is to use all the camera' settings.

Today's modern digital single-lens-reflex cameras, such as the Canon 5D Mk II, can for the most part take the pictures all by themselves. Of course they still need a photographer to compose and take the picture, but after that, cameras like the Canon 5D Mk II with their metering and program modes can make all the necessary decisions regarding aperture, white balance and shutter speed. If you spend the entire time shooting with the camera in its program modes, you will never learn all the features of the camera.

Instructions

1. Install a battery and empty memory card into the camera. Turn the camera on.

2. Turn the exposure mode dial on the top left of the camera to the manual mode, designated by the letter "M." In this mode, the rear "Quick Command Dial" will select the aperture for the lens you have attached to the camera, and the dial just in front of the shutter release will control the shutter speed.

3. Look through the viewfinder of the Canon 5D Mk II ,and across the bottom of the viewfinder you will see a line graph with a middle point, then -1, -2 on one side and +1,+2 on the other with gradient marks between each number. This is your light meter. The camera reads the light coming through the lens when it reaches the sensor. Adjust the shutter and aperture to change the exposure in the camera.

4. Press the "AF" button located on the top front of the Canon 5D Mk II. This will change the camera's auto focus settings. The camera has auto focus settings, ranging from the "One Shot" used for single shots, such as portraits, and at the other end of the spectrum, the "Servo" feature where the camera and lens work to track a moving subject and keep it in focus the entire time.

5. Press the "Menu" button and scroll through the icons across the top to select the camera setup and activate Live View, only used when the camera is going to be shooting video. Press the shutter release button and the camera will start to record video. Press the shutter release button and the camera will stop.

Tags: shutter release, auto focus, auto focus settings, button camera, button camera will, camera auto

Connect A Firewire Digital Camera

Firewire is a high-speed data transfer connection. Firewire allows quick downloading of pictures from your digital camera and the ability to plug and unplug the device without restarting your computer. Firewire is a a common connection for high-end digital cameras. If you already have a Firewire camera or are looking into high-end digital cameras, you will need to know connect a Firewire device to your computer.

Instructions

1. Locate the Firewire port on your computer. The Firewire port is a rectangular opening in the back of your computer which looks similar to a USB port. The difference, however, is a Firewire port is wider.

2. Determine if you need an adapter. There are three types of Firewire connections, Firewire 400, Firewire 800 and Firewire S800T. All have slightly different shapes, but adapters can be purchased allowing you to connect your camera. Take note of the shape of your camera cable and the shape of the Firewire port on your computer and go to a computer hardware store to purchase an adapter.

3. Plug one end of the Firewire cable which came with your digital camera into the Firewire port. Plug the other end into your camera. The Firewire port on your camera will likely be behind a door.

4. Insert the compact disc which came with your digital camera. When you connect your digital camera for the first time, your computer will recognize a new device has been connected and prompt you for drivers to install it. With the compact disc inserted, follow the directions to install the drivers and software.

5. Use the software you installed to access the pictures on your digital camera. Alternatively, if you are using Windows, you can access your digital camera from My Computer. With your digital camera plugged into the Firewire port, open My Computer and then click on the camera icon. From here you can copy pictures off of your camera and paste them onto your computer.

Tags: your digital camera, Firewire port, your computer, your digital, your camera

Download Songs To An Ilo Mp3 Player

Ilo MP3 players are portable media players that can be purchased either at Wal-Mart locations or on the official Wal-Mart website. While Wal-Mart allows customers to purchase and download audio files from the Wal-Mart MP3 website, you can use any peer-to-peer program to add music files to your Ilo MP3 player. As with similar MP3 players, you cannot download songs straight from the program to the Ilo MP3 player.

Instructions

1. Download and install a free peer-to-peer downloading client, such as LimeWire (see Resources below).

2. Open LimeWire. Type the name of a song that you want to download to the Ilo MP3 player. Click the green "Search" button, and you will find files that can be downloaded to your computer. Double-click on that file to download it. Do this for each song that you want to download to an Ilo MP3 player. When you have finished, you can close LimeWire.

3. Open Windows Media Player and click "File." Choose "Add to Library." Click the "Add" button. Then, search for the folder where your downloaded and other music files are saved on your computer and click "OK." Those files will then be added to your Windows Media Player library.

4. Plug the Ilo MP3 player into your computer. To do this, you will need the USB cord that came with the Ilo MP3 player.

5. Click the "Sync" tab at the top of Windows Media Player. You should see the Ilo MP3 player listed on the right side of Windows Media Player. If you don't see it, right-click on the Sync tab and choose "Refresh Devices."

6. Click "Library" on the left side of Windows Media Player. Then double-click "Songs." A list of all of the songs that you downloaded will appear in the middle of Windows Media Player. Highlight every song that you want to download, and then right-click over one of the songs. Choose "Add to Sync List."

7. Click the "Start Sync" button found in the bottom right corner of Windows Media Player. The songs will then be added to your Ilo MP3 player.

Tags: Media Player, Windows Media, Windows Media Player, song that, song that want, that want

Softbox Lighting Techniques For Professionals

A soft box is a powerful lighting modifier. It allows a large amount of light to be cast with very few shadows. The size of the coverage area will depend on the size of the soft box. For small product or head shots, smaller soft boxes will suffice. For larger products or full-body portraits, larger soft boxes are needed. A soft box requires a more powerful light source than direct or umbrella lighting.

Single Light Soft Box Techniques

A single soft box will provide beautiful, even light. Placing the soft box to one side of the subject will result in interesting shadows on the opposite side with smooth, even light falling on the lit side. Reflectors can take the place of a fill light. A reflector can be anything from a commercial photographic reflector to a piece of white cloth or even a large piece of white plastic foam.

Two Light Soft Box Techniques

Putting two lights, one on either side of the subject at approximately a 45-degree angle, will give very smooth, even lighting. Altering the distance and angle of the two lights, as well as the intensity, can help bring out details in shading and shadow.

For head shots, another technique that works well is the "clamshell" arrangement. In a clamshell setup, one light is placed in front of and above the face of the subject. A second light is placed in front of and below the subject. The resulting light can be adjusted to help remove shadows around the lips and under the eyes and is sometimes called "beauty lighting."

Multiple Soft Boxes

In some cases, a two light soft box setup can be augmented with one or more additional soft boxes. Adding a small softbox above and behind the subject works well as a hair light. In some cases, one or two soft boxes can be added to separate the subject visually from the background. As you work with more soft boxes, be sure to regularly test the setup and estimate ratios of light between the different sources.

Tags: soft boxes, even light, head shots, light placed, light placed front, Light Soft, Light Soft Techniques

Copy Photographic Slides Onto A Computer

If you have family pictures sitting around in those old carousel slide containers, chances are that you rarely, if ever, look at them. However, you still keep them for sentimental reasons. Make those old slides more accessible by loading them unto your computer and burning them on discs. It's not difficult if you have the right equipment.

Instructions

1. Select your slides. To get ready to transfer your slides onto a computer disc, select the slides you want to keep. Many family collections contain multiples of the same or similar images as well as over-exposed photos and those with the subjects' faces cut off. You'll likely only want to preserve the best of the bunch.

2. Buy or rent a medium to high-quality scanner. You'll need a scanner of at least medium quality in order to transfer your slide images unto your computer's hard drive. Choose one that is designed to handle slides. Canon's 4400F is a good, reasonably-priced choice.

3. Install the scanner software. Your scanner will come with software to allow your computer to communicate with the equipment. Just insert the disc in your computer and follow the instructions.

4. Scan the images. To scan your slides, insert them into the slide holder of the scanner. Adjust the settings, such as size, resolution and whether you want color or black-and-white images. Hit "Scan" and wait for the process to be completed.

5. Crop or adjust images. Now that the slide images are on your computer's hard drive, you can crop the photos and tweak the lighting and other aspects, if desired, using Adobe Photoshop or a similar program.

6. Burn onto a disc, if desired. Once you have your slide images saved on your computer's hard drive, you'll likely want to burn them unto a CD to protect them in case of a computer problem and so that you can take them to your next family get together.

Tags: your computer, computer hard, computer hard drive, hard drive, slide images, your computer hard, your slides

The Specifications Of The Al1 Canon Camera

The Canon AL-1 is a 35 mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Launched in 1982, this film camera includes an FD mount that works with Canon's interchangeable FD lenses. The AL-1 features Quick Focus with an in-focus indicator light visible in the viewfinder. An action grip allows a comfortable fit for the right hand. Some of its key specifications facilitate quick mastery of the camera.

Film Loading

The AL-1 has a slotted take-up spool for film loading. With each photograph taken, the frame counter counts up. A large rewind crank at the top of the camera extends to allow smooth rewinding on the spool as you depress the film rewind button on the camera bottom. After fully rewinding the film, you raise the rewind knob to unlock the camera back and remove the film roll.

Canon FD Mount

The Canon breech-lock mount or FD mount allows changing lenses with reduced abrasion on the contact surfaces. Introduced in 1971, the FD mount has an inner diameter of 48 mm and flange back of 42 mm. The FD lenses range from 7.5 mm, f/5.6 fish eye to 1200 mm super telephoto.

Quick Focus

The viewfinder's fixed eye-level pentaprism features 0.87X magnification. The AL-1 has a laser matte focusing screen. To help determine accurate focus through the viewfinder, the Quick Focus feature has a green circle light up with the subject most clearly in focus. This in-focus indicator light lies between two arrows that indicate the direction to rotate the focusing ring.

The Quick Focus feature can guide a person with poor eyesight or during dim conditions. Quick Focus may be an advantage to achieve accurate focus for subjects that are difficult to focus. Quick Focus differs from the later invention of auto focus, which features electronic communication between the lens and camera body.

Camera Body Specifications

The AL-1 requires two standard AAA size batteries. This camera has a through-the-lens (TTL) system with three charge-coupled device (CCD) line sensors. Camera dimensions are 5.6 inches x 3.4 inches x 1.9 inches. This lightweight camera body weighs 17 ounces.

The shutter button includes a finger rest. Depressing the shutter part of the way activates the meter reading and range finding. Pressing the shutter button all the way down then opens the shutter to take the photograph. The horizontal-travel focal plane shutter includes cloth curtains.

Shutter speeds range from bulb to 2 to 1/1,000 second. A 10-second self-timer allows the photographer to be in the picture or reduce the chance of camera shake during a long exposure. A rotating dial adjusts the film speed in a range from IS0 25 to 1600.

The aperture-priority priority feature allows the photographer to select the lens opening or aperture with center-weighted averaging metering. The camera's TTL silicon photocell electronically controls the shutter speed. A manual override allows the photographer more control of the shutter speed and aperture for a correctly exposed image.

Tags: Quick Focus, allows photographer, range from, accurate focus, camera body

What Nikon Flash Should You Use For Hockey

What Nikon Flash Should You Use for Hockey?

Whether you're shooting a photo of your kids running through the sand or of your son kicking a soccer goal, the term to remember is action. Action photography requires the right camera and the proper flash and flash settings to make the most of the shot.

Sports Photography

When it comes to action and sports photography, high-quality shots are often hard to come by. Lighting conditions, your proximity to the action and your equipment will all contribute to the overall quality of the photos.

One thing that will definitely help you get a decent shot is a fast shutter speed combined with a decent flash. The flash will provide the exposure necessary for the fast shutter speed to do its work.

Built-In Flash vs. External Flash

Many newer Nikon cameras, particularly the DLSRs (Digital Lens Single Reflex), come with a flash. There are limited customization options and modes for the built-in flash, but it gets the job done.

If you would like to experiment with lighting, change the angle of the flash and how often it fires, then you'll want to consider an external flash. Nikon's line of external flashes starts with the beginner's SB-400 and goes all the way up to the advanced and feature-packed SB-900.

Which Flash Should You Use?

Use an external flash for sports photography. The SB-600 is a nice choice because it provides angle and tilt options without being too complicated or bulky to use on-the-fly. Harness the power of an external flash to create the perfect lighting for the sports setting you want to capture.

Of course, you'll want to work with the lighting conditions that the location of the hockey game provides. Many indoor hockey rinks use a variety of brightly lit bulbs and overhead lights, so you'll want to adjust the settings of your external flash properly.

For an outdoor roller hockey event, you may find that sunlight provides more than enough lighting for your shots.

Things to Consider

Hockey is usually played in a smaller, more contained area, which means that your location and the type of lens you use shouldn't be too much of a problem. But remember that the spectators are almost always separated from the game area by glass. When using a flash, it's quite possible that you'll wind up with bounce-back glare from the glass. You will want to angle your flash up and forward a bit to avoid a direct glare. And if you're shooting through a chain-link fence (a fence is more common with outdoor roller hockey), you'll want to make sure to aim both the lens and the flash through the chain link in order to compose a great shot.

Where to Buy

If the built-in flash on your camera simply doesn't do your sports photography justice, you'll want to purchase external flashes. External flashes such as the Nikon SB-400 and the Nikon SB-600 and SB-800 are all sold at camera shops, and can be found at a variety of online retailers as well.

Tags: Flash Should, external flash, external flash, external flashes, fast shutter, fast shutter speed, flash flash

Use Viewfinder With Glasses On A Canon Digital Rebel

An eyecup makes photography easier for eyeglass wearers.

If your eyeglasses make it difficult to use your Canon Digital Rebel's viewfinder, make adjustments to the camera's built-in diopter or accessorize your camera with an eye cup. The small viewfinder attachment protrudes out from the camera's optical viewfinder, creating more space for eyeglasses to rest behind the camera without bumping into buttons on the camera body. Since an eye cup acts as a viewfinder extension, it creates more room for your nose, making camera viewfinder usage more comfortable than adjusting the camera's diopter.

Instructions

Using an Eye Cup

1. Squeeze gently on both sides of the piece located on the back of the camera, over the optical viewfinder, to remove the existing eyepiece from the back of the Digital Rebel.

2. Pull up while squeezing to remove the eyepiece.

3. Hold the new eye cup directly over the optical viewfinder on the back of the camera. Line up the grooved edges of the eye cup and push it down into the corresponding grooves on each side of the viewfinder.

4. Push until you hear the eye cup click into place.

5. Bring the back of the camera up to your face and rest the soft outer lining of the eye cup against the surface of your eyeglasses. Peer through the viewfinder to compose your next photograph.

Adjusting the Diopter

6. Flip the power switch on the rear of the camera to "On."

7. Squeeze both sides of the eyepiece attachment and pull up to remove the eyepiece from the optical viewfinder.

8. Place your finger on the camera's diopter adjustment to the right of the optical viewfinder. The diopter dial is labeled with "+/-."

9. Peer through the optical viewfinder while wearing your eyeglasses and lightly touch the shutter button to activate the camera's focusing screen.

10. Rotate the diopter adjustment back and forth with your finger until the text data in the viewfinder appears sharply focused for your level of vision.

11. Slide the eyepiece attachment into the grooves on each side of the optical viewfinder.

Tags: optical viewfinder, back camera, Digital Rebel, your eyeglasses, both sides, camera diopter, Canon Digital

Wire Subs In A Box

When installing subwoofers into a subwoofer box, it's vital that you wire the subs correctly to the subwoofer box's input terminals. Failure to do so will affect the sound quality of your system and could, at worst, damage your subs. Follow a few guidelines, and your subs will sound great in their new box.

Instructions

1. Strip the ends on two pieces of speaker wire so that 1/2 inch of bare wire is exposed on each wire.

2. Connect the positive terminal of the first sub to the positive terminal of the second sub with your first piece of speaker wire. Then connect the negative terminal of the first sub to the negative terminal of the second sub. Terminal types vary, but most terminals are of the "push and insert" variety--you simply push down on the terminal and a hole will open up, and you insert the wire and then release the terminal (see Tips below).

3. Connect the positive terminal of the second sub to the back of the box's terminal cup positive terminal with the second piece of speaker wire. The terminal cup will have metal strips with set screws on the back for connecting to the speaker wire. Loosen the set screws, insert the bare wire underneath, and tighten the screws down until the wire is secure. Connect the negative terminal of the second sub to the back of the box's terminal cup negative terminal with the second piece of speaker wire the same way you did the positive terminals.

4. Mount the subwoofers into the box. Line up the subwoofers with the cutouts in the box, slide each subwoofer in, and then screw them into the box using wood screws. The outer rim of the subwoofers will already have screw holes; use these as your guide for where to put the screws in.

5. Connect your amplifier to the box's terminals and test the sub box. The wires leading from the amp will be inserted into the terminal cup's terminals. Unscrew the terminals, insert the wire and screw down until the wire is tight.

Tags: speaker wire, negative terminal, positive terminal, terminal second, piece speaker, piece speaker wire

Transfer Video To Dvd Without A Capture Card

Transferring those old home movies and VHS tapes to DVD media is a great idea that everyone should try. VHS tapes degrade over time and you may already be noticing that they’re skipping or jumping and showing small signs of wear and tear. Many people think that it’s easier to use a capture card to do this, but it’s just as easy to transfer those tapes to DVD by using a DVD recorder. With this process you can save money by skipping the expensive capture card.

Instructions

1. Connect your DVD recorder to your VCR. You can use an S-video cable available from most electronics stores or use the dubbing cables that came with your DVD recorder. Once you have the equipment connected, insert a blank DVD media disc in the recorder.

2. Follow the manual that came with your DVD recorder to set the machine up to record media from the VCR. You’ll need to change the settings to work with the VCR, but in some cases the recorder may be ready to use right out of the box.

3. Rewind the VHS tape to the beginning, press play and check your recorder to make sure the light is on. This shows that the machine is receiving a message from the VCR and that it’s ready to record. Rewind the tape back to the beginning before you record.

4. Press the record button on your DVD recorder and then press play on your VCR. If you press one before the other you might miss the beginning of your VHS tape. Once again check the light on your recorder to make sure it’s recording.

5. End the VCR first by pressing stop and then stop your DVD recorder. Add in any chapter stops that you might want by following your DVD recorder manual. This is your last chance to make any editing changes you might want.

Tags: your recorder, came with, came with your, make sure, might want

Chroma Keying Ideas

Chroma key uses a green or blue background while filming.

Chroma key is a popular method of fusing computer animation with live video. Backdrops or various items on the set will use a specific shade of blue or green, depending on the version of chroma key software you are using. Computers can then be used to apply a photo, scene or animation to anything on the video of the designated shade of blue or green. This results in the chroma key method often being referred to as either "blue screen" or "green screen." Chroma key can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your video production.

Chroma Key Backdrops

Using chroma key for backdrops is the most widely used technique for green screen technology. A green or blue backdrop is hung in place, with screen actors positioned directly in front. This allows you to have animated backgrounds that bring presentation videos to life, or to create a complete set with computers. Using backdrops in this manner allows you to make it look like your actors are in virtually any location imaginable.

The key to successfully using chroma key backdrops is the lighting. Use box lighting to illuminate your actors, but remember that the backdrop also needs lighting. If the only light source is the one that is intended for actors, it will cast shadows onto the backdrop. These shadows will degrade the quality of your backdrop video. To prevent this from happening, use a second set of lights, positioned behind the actors but still out of sight of the camera, intended to illuminate the backdrop alone. With the backdrop having it's own light source, any shadows will be overpowered and you will have a clean video production.

Chroma Key Props

Sometimes chroma key is used in small amounts. This is a tactical approach that confines the computerized part of the film to a highly targeted area. Sometimes news rooms use this technology to pin a small piece of green or blue material behind the news anchor, allowing them to rotate computerized images from behind the scenes. Small pieces of the green or blue material can also be applied to the front of the news desk, allowing the computer the display advertisements or to scroll stock values. Those who are making traditional films can use this technique to make ordinary props have a totally different appearance, simply by wrapping them in green material and then using a computer to replace the prop with a computer generated image.

Chroma Key Characters

Some films call for exotics characters that can not easily be created with traditional makeup and costumes. Chroma key is the perfect solution to this problem. Actors can wear a chroma key body suit, which covers them in either green or blue material. The computer can then use chroma key software to replace the actor with the character of choice. This use of chroma key is a way of seamlessly integrating computer animations with live action.

Tags: green blue, blue material, green blue material, blue green, chroma software, green screen

The Best Patio Infrared Heaters

Get yourself the best infrared patio heater.

Investing in an infrared heater is an excellent way to prolong the enjoyment of your patio when the weather starts getting a bit chilly. Compared to convection heaters, infrared heaters are not only cheaper to run, but also are much more efficient at keeping you warm, as air circulation will not interfere with the infrared rays reaching both you and all solid surfaces in the vicinity. There are many different models of infrared heaters available, with different shapes, sizes, intensities and mounting options. Here are some of the best infrared heaters on the market.

Portable Infrared Patio Heater by Fire Sense

This tall stand-alone heater has a sleek and stylish appearance with its slim neck and shiny black finish. It runs on electricity rather than the more expensive propane as its source of energy, and has to be plugged in. Luckily, with its barely noticeable built-in wheels, it's a breeze to move the heater from one spot on your patio to the next in accordance with your needs. The heater is priced at $435 and runs on 110V. It will heat your patio quickly and evenly, reaching 100 percent in just seconds and covering a nine-foot radius in front of it.

Infratech WD5024SS

This dual-element infrared heater would be an excellent purchase for someone looking to heat a patio area from a somewhat permanent, elevated position, as the heater is designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling up to 14 feet high and comes with the necessary mounting materials. Listed at about $559, the 39-inch 240V heater is able to warm a 10-foot area both safely and efficiently, without cluttering your patio in the least. Another advantage of this heater is that it can be used with a remote control, so you can smoothly manage your patio's temperature from your seat without interrupting conversation.

Patio Schwank 3000 SPW-JZ Series

This heater is ideal for patios that are prone to feeling the effects of high humidity and wet weather, as it is built to last a long time, and even comes with a 10-year warranty. Some of its various weather-resistant features include the moisture-resistant spark ignition and moisture-proof electric cords. Because it offers the possibility of being connected to a vent, this Swank heater works wonderfully with enclosed patios, and is especially popular in restaurants with patio seating. It comes in either a stainless-steel or a powder-coat finish so that you can choose the best look for your patio.

Tags: your patio, infrared heaters, best infrared, comes with, infrared heater

Lithium Poly Vs Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium Poly Vs. Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries began appearing in the early 1990's. They have the highest energy density of all rechargeable batteries. But due to safety concerns, developers had to incorporate special features into the design to prevent explosion under certain conditions. These concerns, along with market demands to produce thinner batteries, led scientists to investigate lithium polymer technology.

Lithium Ion Technology

Lithium ion batteries, made with "lithiated" metal oxide, were originally built with inherent safety features to prevent them from bursting or exploding under abusive conditions such as overcharging, overheating or shorting. These features included active electronic circuits to keep the voltage within certain levels, and mechanical devices to reduce internal pressures or disconnect the cells when the abuse occurred. But developers remained wary of potential dangers and continued looking for ways to reduce risks and make the batteries safer.

The Lithium Polymer Solution

Early lithium polymer seemed to solve the problem. They had the same electrochemistry as lithium ion, but with a highly porous polymer separator and a laminated aluminum bag system in a sealed metal can, reducing the risk of explosion. However this was very expensive, so scientists could not justify the additional cost just for the safety features alone. But with the shrinking size of electronic devices, the demand to produce lithium polymer batteries increased because of size and shape considerations.

Size and Shape

The original lithium ion technology used thin plates spread with the electrolyte and then rolled up like a jelly roll. They needed to be made in round form to include the safety devices. Lithium polymer technology used die cut plates stacked on top of each other like a deck or cards, with the plates connected in parallel. They could be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, and could be made very thin, which made them attractive to cell phone manufacturers

Modern Lithium Batteries

Further development of both lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries included more enhanced safety devices, and lithium ion batteries also became available in flat form. But the polymer batteries can be made thinner, and are still more expensive. So the choice between the two becomes more of a manufacturing decision than a consumer decision. If a product design demands a battery of less than four to five millimeters in thickness, the additional cost of polymer needs measured. But other than that, they have equal performance.

Safety

Incorporating proper safety features into lithium batteries makes them safe, be they ion or polymer. But some unscrupulous manufacturers have produced them at lower cost with minimized or excluded safety features, increasing the risk of explosion from overcharging, overheating or shorting the outputs. One particular series of counterfeit batteries has been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. But there is no way of telling how well a lithium battery is made by looking at the outside

Tags: safety features, lithium polymer, polymer batteries, additional cost, batteries made

Upload Pictures From My Tmobile Camera Phone

Most T-Mobile phones include a USB cable in the phone's packaging.

Uploading pictures from your T-Mobile camera phone gives you the option of saving your favorite images to your computer. Using a USB cable, you can upload the images without downloading any additional software. When you upload the pictures, a copy is saved to your computer while the original images remains stored on your phone's memory card. After the upload is complete, you can share the pictures directly from your computer if you choose.

Instructions

1. Connect your T-Mobile camera phone to the computer with a USB cable.

2. Touch "USB Drive" when prompted to enable mass storage on your phone. Options for managing your phone will be displayed on the computer.

3. Click "Open Device to View Files Using Windows Explorer."

4. Click the "Pictures" folder and review the pictures saved on your phone's memory.

5. Open the folder on your computer in which you want to store the uploaded pictures.

6. Drag the pictures from the phone's folder to the computer's folder. Drop the pictures in the folder to complete the upload. Disconnect your phone when finished.

Tags: your phone, your computer, your T-Mobile camera, camera phone, from your

Watch Battery & Recycling

Watch batteries contain toxic hazards and should be disposed of properly.

Watch batteries are small, round, silver colored and permanently sealed. Because of their shape and size, they are commonly called button cell or coin cell batteries. They are used in wristwatches, pocket calculators, cameras, hearing aids and other smaller electronic devices. Watch batteries are almost always non-rechargeable and should be recycled because they contain hazardous materials.

Composition

Watch batteries or button cells are manufactured with different compositions. One common watch battery is Silver Oxide, which is often recycled for the extraction of precious silver. However, other button cell batteries are composed of heavy metals including mercury, cadmium, zinc and lithium which are recycled to prevent contamination to the environment.

Recycling

Concern over the dangers posed by mercury prompted the United States government to restrict the sale of mercury oxide batteries in 1996. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that button cells are allowed to contain low levels of added mercury to prevent internal corrosion. Watch batteries also contain several heavy metals and other toxic substances harmful to humans and the environment. For these reasons the EPA advise that watch batteries and other button cells be recycled rather than thrown away. Extracting heavy and precious metals, along with the ease of handling, make recycling watch batteries profitable for some companies.

Battery Removal

To replace a watch battery, the back cover must be removed which often requires a special tool. If you are unable to do so, many retailers will replace a used battery at no extra cost when purchasing a new one. Vendors can dispose of the old battery if they are using a recycling program.

Handling

New and used watch batteries are safe to touch because they are factory sealed, securely containing hazardous materials inside. Never handle a corroded battery. If corrosion is visible, use non-metallic tweezers or rubber gloves to place the battery in a plastic bag or container. When storing for recycling, ensure batteries are stored in a recycle safe container preferably with electrical tape around each battery. Keep watch batteries out of reach of young children as they pose a choking hazard.

Recycle Locations

Interstate Batteries collect every type of button cell at their All Battery Center store locations throughout the U.S., at no charge. Some larger chain stores accept most rechargeable batteries, but may also take single use watch batteries or know where to dispose of them. The website Earth911.com enables visitors to input their zip code or address for any U.S. location, and provides a list of battery-recycling depots nearby. Many cities offer hazardous waste drop off locations during the year. Check local and state listings for environmental services.

Tags: Watch batteries, button cell, button cells, batteries also, because they

Optical Digital Zoom Differences

Zoom features allow you to take pictures of distant objects.

Zoom represents an important feature of cameras, especially if you plan to take photos of subjects you can't get physically closer to, such as birds in a tree, or events that require discreet photography, such as a wedding ceremony. Most digital cameras display the camera's zoom capability on the packaging. However, this "total zoom" is composed of optical and digital zoom, which are not the same. Understanding the difference between optical and digital zoom is essential to choosing a camera and taking good pictures.

Optical Zoom

Optical zoom works by adjusting the length of the focal lens, much like a binocular creates a zoomed image. Optical zoom doesn't decrease the quality of your pictures; it captures the image at full resolution and produces a photograph that looks as clear as non-zoomed images. Choose the highest optical zoom you can afford when purchasing a camera.

Digital Zoom

Digital zoom works by cropping the image and then enlarging it, giving the illusion of a zoomed image. However, digital zoom decreases the resolution and quality of your images, which often results in a pixelated or fuzzy image. You can replicate the effect of digital zoom by cropping an image on your computer and then enlarging it. Turn off digital zoom to ensure high-quality pictures. Ignore digital zoom when purchasing a camera.

Zoom Claims

Camera manufacturers typically combine optical and digital zoom to a total zoom, which they display on the camera or its packaging. Find out how much optical zoom a camera has before you purchase it because digital and total zoom claims may be misleading. Zoom is usually described in terms of how much closer it makes a subject seem. For example, 2X zoom makes the subject seem twice as close, while 4X zoom makes it seem four times as close.

Considerations

Some digital cameras offer "intelligent" digital zoom, also called "smart" or "safe" digital zoom. These types of digital zoom essentially allow you to crop images, creating the illusion of a zoomed image. They don't re-enlarge the cropped image, as other digital zooms do, which causes a loss of image quality. However, they do require you to save the photos as a smaller size because they are cropped. Intelligent digital zooms may be less problematic than traditional digital zoom, but they're still no more effective than cropping an image in digital editing software.

Tags: digital zoom, digital zoom, cropping image, optical digital, total zoom

Ev Electro Voice Microphone Specifications

Electro Voice, otherwise known as EV, manufactures a variety of microphone types designed for both live and studio applications. The RE series is the most well known line of microphones from Electro Voice. This line of microphones is commonly used in studio, broadcast and live environments by the professional audio world. When choosing an Electro Voice microphone, review the specifications of a few of their many products before making a choice.

RE 20

The RE 20 is a large diaphragm dynamic microphone. It has a cardioid pickup pattern, which rejects sound from the sides and rear of the microphone. The microphone features a bass roll off switch, and it also has a built in pop filter and shock-mount system. The impedance of the microphone is 150 ohms. The case material of the RE 20 is made of steel, with a "fawn beige" finish. It has a weight of 26 ounces and a height of 8.54 inches. The RE 20 is most commonly used on vocals in broadcast radio.

RE 200

The RE 200 is a condenser microphone designed for use on instruments. It features a cardioid pickup pattern and a transformerless output. The impedance of the microphone is 200 ohms. The case material of the RE 200 is metal, with a semi-gloss "camera black" finish. It has a weight of 6.53 ounces and a height of 5.39 inches. The microphone is commonly used on strings, brass, acoustic guitar, and choirs in both live and studio applications.

RE 410

The RE 410 is a hand-held condenser microphone. It has a cardioid pickup pattern that helps reject feedback, a built in shock-mount to reduce handling noise, and a multistage pop filter. The impedance of the microphone is 250 ohms. The case material of the RE 410 is metal, with a non-reflective black finish. It has a weight of 9.17 ounces and a height of 7.17 inches. The microphone is primarily designed for use on vocals in a live sound environment.

RE 90B

The RE 90B is a boundary condenser microphone. It has a half-cardioid pickup pattern and a thin profile that makes it ideal for use as a table-top microphone. It also features a built in pop-filter and non-slip rubber base. The impedance of the microphone is 200 ohms. The case material of the RE 90B is die-cast zinc, with a non-reflective black finish. It has a weight of 12.63 ounces with a height of 0.63 inches. The microphone is commonly used in boardrooms, classrooms and in teleconferencing systems.

Tags: case material, commonly used, Electro Voice, finish weight, finish weight ounces, height inches

Scan Film On A Flatbed Scanner

Scanning film is a convenient way to store unprinted photographs.

Scanning film is a convenient way to convert old pictures to digital format. Scanning film protects the images from degradation over time, and allows you to save space when storing images. If you have an online backup system, converting film to digital format can also protect against loss from fire or other disasters. However, if negatives are not scanned properly, all the advantages of digital format can be lost because resulting picture quality may be poor. Therefore, it is important to scan film properly to ensure quality prints in the future.

Instructions

Scanning negative

1. Locate the appropriate film holders. Most flatbed scanners come in a variety of film holders for different sizes of film. Choose the one that fits your film and place the negatives in the film holder.

2. Place the film holder onto the scanner. Close the lid and press "Preview" to scan a preview image.

3. Look at the preview image. Evaluate the exposure level, color balance and clarity. Adjust as necessary, using scanner software options.

4. Once the color and exposure looks right, set the scanner to a high resolution. Some scanners may give you options to indicate the final size; others may ask for a DPI. Since negatives are much smaller than prints, set the options to indicate that you want the final size to be at least three times the original size. Alternatively, if you are only given a DPI option, scan at the highest resolution available to you.

5. Press "Scan" to scan the picture into digital format. When the scanned file opens, use photo editing software to edit the picture, or simply save the file.

Tags: digital format, Scanning film, film convenient, film holder, film holders, final size, options indicate

How Do Bluetooth Car Kits Work

How does Bluetooth work?

Bluetooth is a way of allowing wireless communication. It is able to connect several devices at once without having problems with synchronization. Bluetooth has a receiver that uses 79 different radio channels that are all spaced very close to each other, only 1 Hz apart. The receiver can then use these radio signals to communicate with any device with a Bluetooth adapter. The adapters have a card that can receive signals from the Bluetooth receiver and then communicate these signals to whatever device the adapter is connected to. One unique aspect of Bluetooth is how it avoids interfering with other radio signals. After each communication, the frequency that the Bluetooth receiver uses to communicate with devices changes, thus avoiding interference.

How do Bluetooth car kits work?

When your automobile's ignition is turned on, the Bluetooth car kit automatically looks for a Bluetooth enabled phone. If it finds one within range, it then sets up a Bluetooth connection that synchronizes the car kit with the cell phone. Then, whenever a call is dialed or answered, the car kit picks up the voice signals and then sends it over a radio frequency to the cell phone, which then transmits it just like a regular call.

What features do Bluetooth car kits have?

Most Bluetooth car kits have the ability to detect and communicate with phones over a distance of around 30 feet. They also are usually linked to the car stereo, so that the music is automatically muted whenever there is an incoming call. Some have voice recognition built in, allowing for a call to be dialed simply by saying the name of the person you want to call. Others have easily accessed buttons for answering and ending calls. In general, car kits also have an LCD screen for caller ID, as well as the ability to connect multiple phones at once.

Tags: Bluetooth kits, Bluetooth receiver, communicate with, Bluetooth kits have, call dialed, cell phone, kits have

What Is An Iso Range

ISO refers to a camera's sensitivity to light.

If you have a digital camera, you may wonder what the purpose of the ISO range is. Along with other features of your camera, ISO influences your ability to take quality pictures in certain types of lighting.

Identification

ISO refers to your camera's sensitivity to light. Low ISO numbers reduce the sensitivity of a digital camera's sensors to light. Likewise, high ISO numbers increase that sensitivity, making the camera more useful indoors and at night.

ISO Range

ISO range refers the range of ISO speeds for your camera. This varies depending on the type of sensor and the sensor size. The range typically starts at 100 and moves upward to 800 or higher, depending on the type of camera.

Considerations

The lower end of the ISO range produces images with finer grains, while the higher end of the range produces noticeably fuzzier images. If you take pictures where there is a lot of available light, ISO range may not be a problem. If you take pictures in dim environments, consider purchasing a camera that handles higher ISO settings well.

Tags: your camera, camera sensitivity, camera sensitivity light, depending type, digital camera, range produces

Record Shows Using A Directv Dvr

DirecTV’s DVR has made recording and watching shows an easy process. No longer do you need to worry about running out and buying new video cassettes or DVDs to record on. You can simply select the show on the DirecTV Guide and set it to record using your remote control.

Instructions

1. Preview the guide. The DirecTV guide lists all of the shows available for you to watch. You can preview movie listings up to nearly 2 weeks in advance. The shows are listed in the order of the stations, and you can use the buttons on the systems' remote to move forward on the guide. To move through the guide 30 minutes at a time, press the "Forward" arrow on the remote. To scroll through the guide in 12-hour increments, press the green button to go forward and the red button to go backward.

2. Search for a specific show. If you would like to search for a show and don’t know what channel or time it comes on, use the search menu. Press the “MENU” button near the center of your DirecTV remote control. From the menu, choose “Search for Shows” and press the “Select” button. From there, you can search by Title, Person, Channel or Keyword. You can also use the "Review recent searches" option to locate a show you have already searched. When you are searching by title, simply use your controller to input the letters and choose the show from the list.

3. Record a show. To choose the show you would like to record, highlight it using the cursor arrows on your remote and press the “Select” button. You will then see three options on the menu: "Record once," "Rec. series" and "Episodes." If you would like to record the show only one time, highlight the “Record Once” option and press the “Select” button. From there, you can choose the start and stop time and complete your recording options.

4. Record a series. Select the “Rec. Series” option, then choose from the format list, which includes "Episode type," "Keep at most," "Keep until," "Start" and "Stop." Once everything is set, highlight the “Record Series” button and press “Select” on your remote. If the show you would like to record is already playing, press the “R” button on your controller and it will set it to record. If you press the button twice, the series will be recorded.

5. Watch the recorded show. To access the shows you have recorded using your DirecTV DVR, press the “List” button on your remote control. “My Playlist” will open, and you will see a list of all of the shows you have already recorded. If there is more than one episode of a show, they will be located in a folder that is labeled with the show name. You can open the folder by highlighting it and pressing the “Select” button. From there, you can select the episode you would like to watch, preview its running date and show information, and elect to play or delete it.

Tags: would like, press Select, Select button, your remote, button From

Check The Firing Voltage For Your Flash

Some older flashes can use trigger voltages as high as 600 volts.

Many newer digital cameras can use only flashes with a low trigger voltage, also known as a firing voltage. Camera flashes work by applying a trigger voltage to a tube full of gas, causing the main capacitor to discharge suddenly. This makes the gas light up, and allows you to take a well-lit picture. High voltages, such as those found in older flash units, can damage your camera severely. You can check the voltage on your flash using a multimeter.

Instructions

1. Look for information about your flash unit. If you still have the manual, check the flash specifications. If you no longer have the manual, email or telephone the manufacturer's customer support department to ask about your particular model.

2. Charge the flash. Put fresh batteries in the flash for which you wish to check the voltage. Charge the flash until the ready lamp lights up.

3. Prepare the meter. Set the digital multimeter's range selector to its most sensitive range.

4. Meter the flash. Hold the black, or negative, probe to your flash's edge contact, and the red, or positive, probe to the center pin. The flash voltage should appear on the multimeter's digital display.

Tags: about your, Charge flash, check voltage, have manual, trigger voltage, your flash

Nimh Substitutes For A Liion S85 Battery

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are the factory default battery used in most Sony camcorders, including the DSC S85. While lithium ion batteries are high quality, durable batteries, some consumers prefer other battery types for reasons of availability, cost or simple personal preference. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are another common battery choice with consumers. NiMH batteries that substitute for the Li-Ion battery for the DSC S85 are available to consumers.

Li-Ion batteries

Lithium Ion batteries are rechargeable. They hold a charge for a longer period than NiMH batteries when on a shelf, making them suitable for items such as cameras that see periods of heavy use followed by long periods of storage. They also tend to have a long useful life and are convenient, as they already come with the camera.

NiMH batteries

NiMH batteries are rechargeable, are generally less expensive than their Li-Ion counterparts, charge more quickly, hold a charge longer when in use and are currently easier to find in stores or online shops. As Li-Ion batteries gain more market, the cost and availability advantages will diminish or be lost, but certain consumers will always prefer the more familiar NiMH versions.

Alternate

There is a replacement NiMH version of the Li-Ion battery for the DSC-S85 camera. It is a universal battery replacement, which means it can be used for multiple models of camera, and can be used with the charger for the DSC-S85. It can be obtained through battery specialty shops or large electronics retailers.

Tags: NiMH batteries, Li-Ion batteries, batteries rechargeable, charge longer, hold charge, hold charge longer, Li-Ion battery

Fix A Dented Dome In A Speaker

There is no easy way to remove a speaker dome, which makes removing a dent a bit harder than it should be. There are a number of different techniques that people do to suck, pull out or otherwise remove a speaker dent. Start with the gentlest and move to more extreme methods until you find something that works.

Instructions

1. Place a cardboard tube on top of the dome and suck the dent out with your mouth. This is a good method for very soft cones which could be damaged by the methods below.

2. Stick a piece of masking tape onto the dent and gently pull up on it. Try to pull the dent out with the tape. You can also try using duct tape, but it may leave a sticky residue on the speaker dome.

3. Place a shop vac hose or a hose attached to a normal house vacuum directly over the vent. Turn on the vacuum. As soon as the dent pops out, turn off the vacuum. Do not attempt to pull it off the speaker dome while it is turned on! This is similar to the method in step 1, but more powerful. Try the first method first, since this can rip some thin silk or plastic speaker domes.

4. Bend a small pin at a right angle and poke it through the center of the dent. Turn the pin so that the bent part is perpendicular to the dent and pull it straight up. When the dent pulls out, turn the pin again so that it slides out of the speaker dome.

5. Glue the end of a dowel or a block of wood onto the dent with hot glue. Hold it still until the glue dries and cools (about 20 seconds). Then, pull the dent out by pulling the piece of wood away from it. Once you have pulled the dent out, peel off the glue.

Tags: speaker dome, dent with, onto dent, pull dent, remove speaker

Ideas For Disposable Wedding Cameras

A disposable wedding camera helps couples capture candid moments.

Couples who are planning a wedding typically hire professional photographers to take the pictures at the ceremony and reception. However, many couples are interested in collecting snapshots of a more candid nature. Disposable wedding cameras help brides and grooms capture the moments that they and the photographers might miss during the wedding.

Camera Centerpieces

You can put one disposable wedding camera on each table at your wedding reception. When guests see disposable cameras at the table they know what to do with them. The guests become the photographers of their own table, and can pass around the camera to take snapshots of people being goofy, eating cake and anything else that occurs at the reception table. At the end of the wedding, the cameras are collected by the bride and groom, who have no idea what types of photos await them.

Wedding Favors

Disposable wedding cameras make memorable wedding favors for guests. You can place one disposable wedding camera on each guest's plate setting, so that they know it is for them to take home. During the wedding, guests are free to take pictures with their wedding cameras. When the festivities are over guests take their cameras home and get to enjoy, and keep, the prints.

Backup Photographers

On your wedding day you want to be sure to capture as many memories as possible. Give your maid of honor and best man each a disposable wedding camera that they are in charge of using throughout the day. Your maid of honor can start by taking pictures of you getting ready for the wedding, and since the maid of honor and best man will always be by your side throughout the wedding, they will be sure to get lots of pictures of you and your new spouse.

Post-Wedding Ideas

After your wedding is over, newlyweds can develop the film from the disposable wedding cameras and use the images to make keepsakes, such as scrapbooks or wedding collages that they frame and hang on a wall in their home. Newlyweds can also turn some of the photos taken with disposable wedding cameras into thank-you cards that they send out after the gifts have been opened.

Tags: that they, disposable wedding, disposable wedding camera, wedding camera, wedding cameras, maid honor, your wedding

Connect A Dell Projector To A Television

Dell is most well-known for their personal desktop and laptop computers. However, Dell also manufactures projectors as well. There are several outlets in which you can connect a projector, including your television. To do this, you simply need the correct cables to connect the dell projector to your television.

Instructions

1. Power off both your Dell projector and your television. Before connecting any cables, you will want all devices turned off.

2. Connect your composite cables to your Dell projector. Dell projectors have several ways to output video, one of which is through an RCA connection. Connect the corresponding red, yellow, and white cables to the projector.

3. Connect the other end of the composite cables to your television. All televisions will have RCA inputs. Connect red to red, yellow to yellow, and white to white.

4. Turn on your television and select the input which you have connected. Some televisions have multiple inputs, so you will have to select the correct input.

5. Power the projector on. The projector will automatically recognize that it is connected to an outside source. Your projector should now be successfully connected to your television.

Tags: your television, cables your, composite cables, composite cables your, Dell projector, projector your

Replace A Memory Card Reader In A Psp

The PSP memory stick stores all your game data for your favorite games.

The Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) uses a memory stick to store data and game information. The memory card reader in the PSP reads the stored information from the memory stick. You have to replace the memory card reader when it becomes damaged or stops working and will not read the PSP memory stick.

Instructions

1. Purchase a memory card reader for the PSP from an electronics store or PSP manufacturer. Turn off the PSP and remove all peripheral devices. Take off the PSP faceplate using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five screws.

2. Remove the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Use your finger to pull up the button on the bottom of the screen, to slide the LCD screen out. Unscrew the seven screws on the brace to remove the LCD screen.

3. Disconnect the cable running to the analog stick. Use the Phillips screwdriver to take out the screw on the analog stick and then remove the analog stick. Disconnect the cables to the UMD reader, the power supply and the antenna for the Wi-Fi.

4. Carefully remove the motherboard. Remove the screws to take out the metal casing to reveal the memory card reader. Lift out the memory card reader and replace it with the new memory card reader in the PSP. Reassemble the PSP by following steps 1 to 3 in reverse.

5. Turn on the PSP once you have reassembled it. Place a memory stick in the PSP to test the memory card reader.

Tags: memory card reader, memory card, memory stick, card reader, analog stick

Use A Slr Camera

SLR cameras come in film and digital formats.

The SLR camera stands for "single lens reflex." It contains a pentaprism which directs light so that exactly what you see through the viewfinder is what you will capture on the film or chip. This type of camera has many advantages, such as exchangeable lenses and manual exposure controls. Getting to know use one takes a little practice, but it is worth it for the ability to control your image.

Instructions

1. Set your camera's ISO. This determines how sensitive the film or chip is to light. This can be set to your choice for a digital SLR, but film camera ISOs should match the speed of the film used with the camera. The ISO may be set digitally or as part of the dial within the shutter speed that is lifted and twisted.

2. Decide which shooting mode to work in. In Program -- P -- mode, the camera decides settings based on the available light. Shutter Speed Priority mode is Tv and lets you choose the shutter speed and have the camera decide the aperture. Aperture Priority mode, or Av, lets you set the aperture with the camera deciding shutter speed. Manual mode -- M -- lets you choose both settings based on the light meter's information.

3. Locate your camera's light meter display if you are working in manual mode. This may be a needle on one side of your viewfinder that leans toward plus and minus signs. It could also be a digital display of bars placed under a minus sign, large dot and plus sign. Once the needle lines up between the signs, or only one bar appears below the large dot, the exposure settings are ideal for the given composition.

4. Adjust the aperture and shutter speed settings to achieve this proper exposure. Film SLRs may have an aperture ring around the lens and a shutter speed dial on top of the camera body. Digital SLRs show the shutter speed and aperture numbers in a display panel. Separate dials may be available to change each value, or there may be one dial used in combination with another button to change one value.

5. Focus the image by using the automatic or manual focus mode. In automatic mode, focus is achieved by half-way depressing the shutter release button. In manual mode, turn the focus ring located at the front of the lens. Some cameras have a microprism or split-focusing aid to help. Turn the focus ring until the dots in the microprism disappear or the split-focused images join together.

6. Press the shutter release button to capture the image. With some film cameras, you may have to turn a film-advance lever to move the film to the next exposure, or the camera may do so automatically.

7. Press the rewind release button, located at the bottom of the camera body, when the roll of a film SLR is complete. This allows you to use the winder, located at the top-left side of a camera body, to wind the film back into its cartridge. Pull up the winder to open the camera back and retrieve the film.

Tags: shutter speed, camera body, mode lets, release button, cameras have, film chip, focus ring

Transfer Videos From A Canon Powershot Camera To A Computer

Upload video onto the computer using a USB cable.

When taking videos on a Canon PowerShot, it's a good idea to transfer them to your computer. Not only will you be backing up the videos to protect them, but you can also edit the video or send it to someone else. To transfer the video from the camera to your computer, you'll need several accessories that were included when you purchased the PowerShot.

Instructions

1. Install the Digital Camera Solution disc that came with your Canon PowerShot by inserting it into the CD drive on your computer and following the prompts on the wizard that pops up. Installing the specialized Canon software helps guide you during the video transfer.

2. Remove the CD when installation is complete and restart your computer if you're prompted to do so.

3. Plug one end of the USB cable into the connector on the camera, with the camera off. Place the USB end of the cable into an open USB port on your computer.

4. Turn the camera on and ensure that it is in playback mode.

5. Open the CameraWindow software on your computer. The software may automatically start when the camera is on and connected. But if it doesn't start, you can manually start it from where you previously installed it.

6. Select "Import Images from Camera" and then select the images you wish to move to the computer. If you want to move everything that hasn't been moved, click on "Import Untransferred Images."

7. Allow the transfer to complete and then click "OK" when you're finished before disconnecting the camera.

Tags: your computer, cable into, Canon PowerShot

The Best Headphones For Sports

The Best Headphones for Sports

For many people, music and sports go hand-in-hand. Enjoying your music during a vigorous workout can be difficult with standard headphones though because they don't stay put through intense activity. Many specialty headphones are available specifically for sporting activities. Theses headphones are designed to stay in place as well as offer high sound quality. There are many models of sports headphones so you can find a pair that suits your preferences.

Best Earbuds

Sennheiser Twist-to-Fit Sport Headphones: The twist-to-fit feature of these Sennhieser earbuds helps secure the earbuds in your ears so that they do not fall out easily. The earbuds have rubber stoppers that hold the earbuds tightly on your outer ears. The MX75 model is the more affordable model, while the MX85 offers higher sound quality.

JVC Air Cushion Headphones: The air cushion is a soft rubber cover that surrounds the earpiece and helps the earbud to stay securely in your ear. The JVC earbuds feature changeable air cushions to fit your ears. The air cushions also add isolation from outside sounds.

Best Around-the-Neck Headphones

Sennheiser Sport Neckband Headphones: The Sennheiser Sports Line family is made for sporting activities, and the neckband headphones are designed for high activity use. They are light and flexible. They also have an angled earpiece to enhance the audio quality and securely fit in the ear. The earpieces are also sweat resistant and water resistant.

Sony Mdr-As50G Active Style Headphones: The headphones feature an adjustable cable so that you can keep the cord out of your way during your workout. The cord is only on one side, which makes it ideal for armband music players. The headphones include an extension cable and a cable clip so that you can keep the cable in the most comfortable and convenient location.

Best Wireless Headphones

Motorola S9 Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth headphones remove the cable completely, which allows you more freedom while participating in sporting activities. The S9 headphones are sweat resistant and water resistant. Be aware that they require a Bluetooth adapter for non-Bluetooth enabled music players.

Best Waterproof Headphones

H2O Audio Headphones: H2O audio offers several models of waterproof headphones, which are ideal for swimming, kayaking or other water sport activities. H2O audio headphones come in both earbud and around-the-neck models.

Best Clip-on Headphones

Sennheiser OMX80 Sports Headphones: The OMX80s secure around the ears with a flexibly adjustable clip. This keeps the headphones securely in place even during rigorous activity. The headphones are sweat resistant and water resistant, and they offer high sound quality.

Best Budget Sports Headphones

Sony MDR-J10 h.ear Headphones: At between $10 and $20, the MDR-J10s are an affordable option that offer many features ideal for sporting use. The MDR-J10s are lightweight and clip on around the ears.

Tags: Headphones Sennheiser, resistant water, resistant water resistant, sound quality, sporting activities, sweat resistant, sweat resistant water