Kodak Endura Paper

About Kodak Endura Paper

Kodak Endura Paper is one of Kodak's lines of professional photographic papers designed to reveal intense color and realistic skin tones. The papers are silver-halide, or AgX, which means they are comprised of materials that offer excellent color and consistent quality at a reasonable price. Each type of paper in the Endura line offers something slightly different, such as the high-definition Endura paper, which is perfect for landscapes and macro images, and the metallic Endura paper, which gives prints amazing depth.

Types

There are five papers in the Kodak Endura paper line. They include Supra, Supra VC, Metallic, Ultra and Ultra High Definition. Supra and Supra VC are geared toward portraits and images with people, but Supra VC offers an even greater range of color. Metallic Endura paper has a metallic gloss coating that makes colors pop and gives images depth. Ultra and Ultra High Definition papers offer the brightest colors in the line and show off the darkest blacks. The high-definition option is usually used for large commercial prints to help bring out every detail.

Applications

Kodak Endura papers are used for printing just about any type of professional photograph, but are geared toward certain applications. These include portraits, both posed and candid shots, wedding photography, still life, fine art and commercial displays. Endura paper is commonly used for mega-size prints that appear in windows in retail stores as well as backdrops for convention and trade show displays.

Endurance

According to Kodak, photographs printed on Endura paper can be expected to last 100 years when put on display under typical conditions in an average home. Stored in a dark, dry, cool place, they can be expected to last 200 years. Photographs printed on Endura paper for commercial purposes that are exposed to bright light and heavy use can be expected to last one to five years.

Considerations

When choosing the type of Endura paper to use for printing, it's important to consider not only what you plan to print, but how you want the final print to look. While Endura Ultra papers, for example, are geared toward portraits, you aren't limited to that choice. A high-definition or metallic paper may give a portrait a modern or edgy look, while a landscape might be softened by printing on paper intended for portraits. If you can, view pictures printed on different types of Endura paper to see for yourself the look each one gives. You can also view Kodak's application guide to help you decide which Endura paper to use (see Resources).

Benefits

The benefit of using Kodak Endura paper is being sure of the consistency, intensity and lifespan of the photographs printed on the paper. Other papers can be less expensive, but also tend to lack consistency. Some prints may come out with intense colors, while others are dull or the prints may fade within a few years. Because Endura papers are made for professional photographers, you can be sure the colors will appear as brilliant and even as they should. You also have the advantage of being able to choose a specific type of paper for your photograph.

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What Is The Working Distance Of A Camera Lens

What is the Working Distance of a Camera Lens?

The working distance of a camera lens is the distance between the camera lens and the subject. All else being equal, short working distances are preferred. Short working distances allow photographers to use short focal length lenses, which obtain sharp pictures at slow shutter speeds. Working distances that are too short, however, can intimidate subjects and cause problems with lighting.

Focal Length

For equivalent perspectives, working distance is determined by the 35 mm equivalent focal length of the lens. The longer the focal length of the lens, the longer the working distance.

A 50 mm focal length is considered a normal perspective. A 100 mm focal length gives a 2x magnification of a normal perspective, and a 25 mm focal length gives an 0.5x magnification. This means that to achieve the same perspective as a 50 mm focal length, a photographer would have to be twice as far away from the subject with a 100 mm focal length, or twice as close with a 25 mm focal length.

The photographer adjusts working distance by adjusting the focal length of the lens. For example, if the working distance is too short, the photographer chooses a longer focal length and backs up, maintaining the same perspective.

Crop Factor

Digital photographers have to take into account the crop factor of their particular camera when calculating 35 mm equivalent focal lengths.

A link to sensor sizes and crop factors is listed in Resources. Olympus four thirds DSLRs, for example, have a crop factor of 2x. That means that a 50 mm lens mounted on an Olympus DSLR has a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 100 mm.

Calculating 35 mm focal lengths is especially tricky with the small sensors found in point and shoot digital cameras. Fortunately most such cameras will list the range of equivalent focal lengths on the lens.

Macro Photography

Macro photography is close-up photography. Sufficient working distance is critical in macro photography, both to avoid intimidating subjects and to ensure correct lighting.

Many macro subjects, such as insects, will not allow photographers to get too close. For this reason, a longer focal length lens may be necessary.

Even when subjects allow macro photographers to get close, lighting may be an issue. The camera lens may block ambient light and the on-camera flash. The solution is to use a longer focal length lens that allows greater working distance.

Inexpensive extension tubes convert any long focal length lens, even those not meant for macro photography, into macro lenses. The lenses will not focus to infinity with the extension tubes, but the tubes can be removed when infinity focus is desired.

Portrait Photography

Many photographers consider 50 mm lenses to be too short for portrait photography, as 50 mm lenses necessitate the photographer being so close to the subject that the subject may feel uncomfortable or unnatural.

A more common focal length range for portraits is 70 mm to 135 mm, which allows the photographer more working distance than a 50 mm lens.

Shutter Speed

Most photography is hand held. A rule of thumb for minimal shutter speed in hand held photography is 1/focal length. At slower shutter speeds photos may blur. For example, shutter speed should not drop below 1/50 second for a 50 mm focal length or 1/150 second for a 150 mm focal length, when the camera is hand held.

Shorter focal length lenses give photographers more options for shutter speed, and correspondingly more options for aperture and ISO. Shorter focal length lenses are preferred to longer lenses wherever possible, unless some special effect of a longer lens, such as limited depth of field, is desired.

Tags: focal length, focal length, focal length lens, length lens, equivalent focal, longer focal, longer focal length

Chroma Key Techniques

Chroma-key refers to the practice of photographing a foreground image against a solid background. The solid background is then selected and removed, leaving the image with a transparent background. The foreground image with the transparent background is then overlaid on a new background to create an image with an object that appears to be in a place where the object never really was.

Chroma-Key Screens

The easiest way to create a chroma-key image is to use either a blue screen or a green screen as a background. The size of the background will depend on the size of the object being photographed. For example, if a small model of a motorcycle is being photographed, a small chroma-key background will work. If a full-sized car is being photographed, the size of the background will have to not only accommodate the larger size of the car, but will have to accommodate the angle of the photograph and the visual size of the background from that angle.

Although chroma-key backgrounds are easier to work with, with digital compositing techniques via programs such as Photoshop, any solid-colored background can be used as a background. Chroma-key backgrounds tend to be an unnatural color and, thus, are easier to select in a digital compositing system.

When shooting a chroma-key image, it is important to have even lighting to ensure the background is smooth and consistent.

Removing the Colored Background

To remove the background, select the background colors based on a luminance channel. Once the background has been selected and the selection marquee contains only the object to be placed in the foreground, the background image can be deleted and the background image layer can be set to transparent.

Compositing the Image

To create the composite image, the foreground image with the transparent background is overlaid on a new background. In most cases, the transition edge between the foreground and the new background will be too sharp to appear natural. Softening the transition usually fixes this. Often, the resulting image is impossible to distinguish from an image where the foreground image was photographed at the same location as the background.

Tags: background will, foreground image, image with, being photographed, image with transparent, size background

How Do Touchpad Buttons Work On A Phone

Depending on your phone's design, it may offer you multiple ways to enter data and commands, including a physical or virtual touchpad. Each design has pros and cons, and some phones include games and applications that take advantage of touch-screen technologies. Understanding how your phone's input system works can help you master its capabilities and avoid data-entry frustrations.

Traditional

The simplest phone design uses tactile push buttons for alphanumeric input. In this design, the manufacturer aligns a grid of plastic or rubber keys, often in a single-piece mat, over a circuit board with movable metal tabs. When you push one of the buttons, it presses the metal tab into the board, completing the circuit and registering the keypress. While cheap and usually robust, such designs limit your input to predetermined buttons and commands.

Resistive

The widespread adoption of touch screens in cell phones has allowed developers to replace physical buttons with virtual ones. The most basic type of touch screen consists of separate, electrically charged layers that come into contact when you press on a given spot. The phone measures the change in the electric field to identify the area touched, and compares that to the image on the screen to determine which button you pressed and respond. You can use resistive touch screens with gloved hands or a stylus, but they may require significant pressure to operate and are prone to damage.

Capacitive

A capacitive touch screen relies on the electrical field inherent in the human body for tracking touch locations. The phone's screen contains a series of electrodes for monitoring its electrical field, and when you touch the screen with your finger, your body alters that field. The phone measures the change to identify the button touched. Capacitive touch screens allow you to press buttons with a light touch, as well as enter commands by gestures or swiping your fingers lightly across the screen. Such screens require bare skin contact or a specially designed stylus to work properly.

Feedback

As touch screens lack the tactile response of pressing down a physical button, many manufacturers have created technologies to simulate that physical feedback. Some phones produce an audible click or buzz when you press a virtual button, to let you know your contact registered. More advanced models actually include a tiny actuator in the assembly that moves the screen perceptibly with each "click." This tactile feedback can help you avoid data-entry errors, and makes the touch-screen experience more realistic.

Tags: touch screens, touch screen, avoid data-entry, buttons with, electrical field, measures change, phone design

Digital Camera Photography Tutorial

Understanding the mechanics of digital photography helps in choosing a camera.

Digital cameras offer a plethora of options for capturing images, but understanding where to start amongst all the technology is a challenge. Deciding what type of camera you wish to learn about and what your photographic goals are will help you narrow the choices for cameras. Grasping the basics of exposure, media storage and photo editing will also play a role in your digital camera experience.

Point and Shoot Versus DSLR

Digital photography utilizes two main camera types, user-friendly point and shoot cameras or higher-end DSLR, also known as digital single lens reflexes. A DSLR camera has interchangeable lenses and an internal mirror that reflects the image through the lens onto a digital sensor, which captures the image and stores it onto the memory card. The DSLR sensor is much larger in size than the compact camera and produces a bigger, sharper image that can be enlarged while maintaining quality.

This type of camera allows for unlimited amounts of creative camera control, and it provides a great learning experience for someone looking to truly engage with the craft of digital photography. A point and shoot is a simple, compact camera that captures images with the least amount of hassle or technical obstacles. A wide variety of compact cameras are currently on the market; they range from basic one-touch image capturing to intricate creative controls and video footage options. Understand your current needs and intended growth with digital photography before investing in either type of camera.

Understanding Exposure

Understanding how exposure works in a camera will allow you to capture the best images from your digital photo device. Exposure refers to the combination of ISO, formerly known as film speed, aperture settings and shutter speeds that work together, to allow the proper amount of light to enter the camera and capture a balanced image. A DSLR will give you the most control over exposure when creating an image, and some point and shoots will also offer a manual option.

If understanding the mechanics of picture-taking is a personal goal, be sure to choose a camera that gives you latitude when setting exposures and provides easy access to the manual settings. One benefit to using the DSLR is the quick access to the exposure settings which is vital when shooting. If you can not adjust these settings quickly, you may miss the image you are trying to capture. On a DSLR, the aperture and shutter speed are located in places that allow you to make the adjustment without removing your eye from the viewfinder of the camera. On most compact cameras, the manual settings are buried deep within the menus found on the LCD screen, requiring time to find and adjust the settings.

Digital Media Storage and Image Transfer

A major component in digital photography are the media storage devices used in the camera. Most cameras will use either a Compact Flash Media card or an SD card. This card acts as a hard-drive within the camera which then writes the image to the card when the picture is taken. Utilize an appropriate sized card and be sure it's a high-quality, well maintained card. If the card malfunctions while in the camera or during image transfer, you may lose your photographs.

Transferring the images to the computer can be done using either a card adapter attached to the computer by a USB connection or a direct camera to computer connection. If you plan on shooting high volumes of images, a card adapter is your best bet for a fast and safe transfer. Format the card after transferring the images to clear space on the card for new photos. Be sure to format the card within the camera, using the menu options. Formatting is not recommended in the computer because the card may not communicate properly with the camera if formatted on another device.

Photo Editing and Archiving

Photo editing is a major component to digital photography, and it should be considered when using any type of digital camera. Minor adjustments or creative enhancements may be desired after the picture is taken and the moment has passed. Understanding navigate and apply basic photo edits to an image will enhance your overall photographic experience and help you understand the craft better, no matter what camera you use.

Most compact cameras come bundled with a basic photo editing program. If using a DSLR in the hopes of learning the craft as a professional, invest the time and money into learning Adobe's Photoshop or Corel's Paint Shop Photo Pro. These are both professional level photo editing programs, and Photoshop knowledge will be required in any professional photographic work environment.

Archive your images in several locations using naming conventions that help keep the images and their folders organized by date, subject or topic. The DAM book, or Digital Asset Management, provides great resources for understanding archiving and management of digital images and can be found at TheDamBook.com. Back your images up on a hard-drive and an internet server, in case something happens to your physical location of the images or in the event of a computer malfunction.

Tags: compact cameras, digital photography, type camera, basic photo, camera Most, camera that

How Is A Widescreen Tv Measured

Measuring Widescreen

Widescreen TVs screen sizes are determined by measuring the distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. If you were to draw a line on the screen where the measurement is made, it would create a diagonal that bisects the area of the screen, creating triangles of two equal spaces. This is the same method used to measure the screen size of standard screen TVs.

Aspect Ratio

Widescreen TVs come in a 16:9 aspect ratio, meaning if the width of the screen is 16 inches, the height will be 9 inches. For a standard TV, the aspect ratio is 4:3, meaning a screen with a width of 16 inches will have a height of 12 inches. The advantage of a 16:9 aspect ratio is that it allows for images to appear horizontally rather than vertically, similar to the way humans see. Our eyes are arranged horizontally, and most of the things we look at lie close to the ground, so a TV with more width allows for more meaningful screen space.

Screen Area

The use of a diagonal line from corner to corner is primarily due to tradition and ease of comparison, (the numbers are relativity small), but the actual screen area is perhaps a more important measure. Original TVs had tubes that were almost round, so using a diagonal line was appropriate to measure the size, as the diagonal was essentially the diameter of the tube. For rectangular screens, the further the aspect ratio is from a perfect square (1:1) the smaller its total screen area for a given measurement of its diagonal. For instance, a 27-inch 4:3 screen will have more total screen area than a 27-inch widescreen TV, since 4:3 is closer to a square than 16:9. In fact, for two TVs with the same diagonal measurement, the widescreen will have about 12 percent less area.

Tags: aspect ratio, will have, aspect ratio meaning, diagonal line, from corner

Dispose Of Ups Batteries

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPC) batteries function as backup batteries to the electrical system of a needed device, providing direct current (DC) power if the main power supply fails. These batteries are heavy and leach chemicals as they age. UPS batteries may be made from nickel-cadmium, lithium ion, silver alkaline or other materials. The best way to dispose of these batteries is via recycling, which keeps chemicals out of landfills. Choose the best recycling option for you, keeping in mind that the batteries can be heavy to transport due to their large size.

Instructions

1. Trade in an old UPS battery, whether functioning or not, for a new one at APC. Receive up to 25 percent off a new UP battery and a two-year warranty. Log into APC's return site and enter in a username and password to generate a free return label for your old battery (see Resources).

2. Arrange to mail batteries back to Battery Recycling for safe disposal. Call Battery Recycling directly at 800-852-8127 to arrange to mail the batteries back and pay for de-installation and removal, if necessary. Obtain a fee quote based on the type of services you need. Battery Recycling can remove, store and recycle the battery.

3. Call 800-8-BATTERY or visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Commission's website to look up local battery recyclers, suggests the Environmental Protection Agency. Enter your zip code into the website search box or follow the telephone prompts to locate recyclers near you. Then call local recyclers and determine whether they recycle UPS batteries, where and when you can drop off the batteries and what steps you need to take to dispose of the batteries.

Tags: Battery Recycling, batteries back, batteries heavy, mail batteries, mail batteries back

Connect A Pc To A Stereo

You can now enjoy the sounds of your CD collection while working on your PC. All you need are a few inexpensive cable adapters and about 10 minutes of time.

Instructions

Connect a PC to a Component Stereo System

1. Go to an electronics store. Purchase two sets of shielded Y-connectors with a 3.5 mm mini stereo plug on one end and two standard RCA plugs on the other end.

2. Move your stereo as close as possible to your PC. This will eliminate the need for long cables, which can distort the sound.

3. Plug the Y-connector's mini plug into the stereo sound card's "line out." In a color-coded system, it will be the green one.

4. Connect the RCA plugs to the right and left "line input" at the back of the receiver. It could be labeled CD/AUX, TAPE or CD. Plug the red connector into the right channel input and the black or white connector into the left channel input.

5. Lower the volume on your stereo and switch on both your stereo and PC. If you connected to TAPE, select "Tape" on the front of your computer. You should hear sound coming from the speakers.

6. Connect the RCA plugs on the other set of the Y-connectors to the right and left "line output" on the back of the receiver (again, red to the right and white or black to the left).

7. Connect the mini plugs to the "line in" at the back of the sound card.

8. Turn on your stereo and your PC. On your stereo, select the "line out" you chose to connect to. Slowly increase the volume. You should hear sound coming from the speakers.

Connect a PC to an All-in-One Console System

9. Purchase a cable with a single 3.5 mm stereo mini plug at each end and a 3.5 mm mini plug adapter with a 1/4-inch plug on one end and a 3.5 mm jack on the other.

10. Plug the 3.5 mm mini stereo plug connector into your stereo's headphone jack.

11. Plug one end of the cable with a 3.5 mm stereo mini plug into the adapter headphone jack. Plug the other end into the sound card's "line in." You should be able to record music you play on your stereo to your PC's hard drive.

Tags: your stereo, mini plug, connector into, sound card, back receiver, cable with, card line

Diy Slide Viewer

Build your own slide viewer using a shoe box and a photographers magnifying loupe.

For many years, amateur and professional photographers who wanted or needed a high degree of color accuracy in their images shot with slide film. Slide film, also known as "transparencies," "positives" or "E6," not only provided a high degree of color accuracy but was also available in slower film speeds compared to 35mm color film. This lower film speed allowed for greater color saturation. Typically, you would view slides using a slide projector. Now, you can build your own personal slide viewer with a few easy steps.

Instructions

1. Select a sturdy shoe box that you no longer need. Ideally the box is still in good shape and sturdy enough to support a small amount of weight.

2. Remove the lid of the box. In the center of the lid, cut a rectangular opening that is larger than the slide, but not larger than the slide mount. A 35mm slide measures 36-by-24mm. Trace out a rectangle that is 38-by-26mm and cut this out of the lid.

3. Turn the lid over so you are look at the inside of the lid. Cut a piece of wax paper that is larger than the hole you just cut and tape into place covering the hold from inside. Set the lid aside.

4. Line the inside of the shoe box with tinfoil to help reflect the light.

5. Place a battery-powered dome light in the bottom of the shoe box. Turn the light on.

6. Replace the lid of the shoe box, place a slide on the opening and view the slide through the photographers loupe.

Tags: larger than, color accuracy, degree color, degree color accuracy, high degree, high degree color

Lock An Iphone

One of the fun things about the iPhone is the interactive screen. All you have to do is touch it to call people, check your e-mail or check sports scores. But you may be wondering what happens if your phone brushes against something in your pocket or purse and it'll accidentally call someone. Well, not to worry. You can actually lock your iPhone so you can't accidentally use it.

Instructions

1. Find a button on the top called the sleep/wake button. The button's a tiny black button on the right side of the phone. It's not actually on the screen part of the phone, but on the silver part.

2. Press it and your iPhone will lock.

3. Unlock your iPhone by noting the locked screen. You'll see a small bar at the bottom of the iPhone with instructions to slide the bar to the right to unlock your phone actually on the screen.

4. Slide your finger along this bar to unlock your phone.

5. Remember, you can still get phone calls and text messages even when you've locked your iPhone.

Tags: your iPhone, your phone, actually screen, phone actually, phone actually screen

Remove Laser Diode From Aixiz Housing

The AixiZ laser is very popular for use in science projects because the laser diode in the housing is not soldered onto the laser mechanism. This makes it easy to remove and replace with a different or more powerful type of laser diode. The process for removing the laser diode requires patience and a steady hand to ensure that the laser diode is not damaged when it's taken out of the AixiZ housing.

Instructions

1. Put the clean cloth down on a work surface. Put the glass dish on the clean cloth.

2. Pick up the AixiZ housing and hold it with two hands, one hand at the front of the housing and the other at the back of the housing. Twist the housing between your hands to separate the two halves of the housing. Unscrew the two halves of the housing. Place the half of the housing that has the circuit board inside of it on the clean cloth.

3. Pick up the piece of housing that has the circuit board inside of it. Grab hold of a corner of the circuit board using the needle nosed pliers. Pull the circuit board out of the housing with a quick motion.

4. Hold the circuit board in one hand with the laser diode pointing straight up. Pull the laser diode out of the circuit board with the tweezers.

5. Put the laser diode down on the glass dish.

Tags: circuit board, laser diode, clean cloth, laser diode, AixiZ housing

What Lenses Should A Photographer Just Starting Out Have

The quality of your images depends on your lenses.

When you get your first SLR camera body, you only have half the equipment you need to take photographs. To take advantage of the versatility and power of the SLR, whether digital or film, you need to start building a lens set. The types of lenses you need depend on the subjects you photograph most often.

Telephoto Zoom

The 70 to 210 millimeter zoom lens is one of the first you should buy. It is an extremely versatile lens that works well for portraits, large wildlife, certain landscapes and some action shots. The zoom range is moderate enough and the lens common enough that you can get solid quality for a moderate price. If you plan to shoot moving subjects or low light scenes, look for a "fast" or large aperture -- ideally f/2.8 -- lens. For long exposures, choose a lens with a tripod collar.

Wide-Angle Zoom

Acquire a wide-angle zoom for landscapes and cramped shooting conditions. A 24 to 35 millimeter lens works well for amateur photography. If you intend to specialize in landscapes, consider an ultra-wide angle zoom going down to 18 millimeters.

Normal Zoom

The standard journalistic lens is a 35 to 70 millimeter zoom. Because it is close to what your eye actually sees, this is called a "normal" lens. It is good for street and documentary photography as well as parties, family vacations and other every day uses.

Macro Lens

If you want to photograph small objects such as flowers or insects, you will need a macro lens. Macro lenses can focus much closer than other types of lenses, allowing for 1:1 size images. You only need a macro lens if you plan to do a significant amount of close-up photography.

Long Telephoto

For wildlife or sports action, most photographers use long telephoto lenses of 300 to 500 millimeters. Wait to invest in these until you have become comfortable with your 70 to 210 zoom and are sure you really need the extra length. These lenses are expensive and harder to use than shorter lenses, but it's almost impossible to get a good wildlife or sports shot without a fairly fast long telephoto lens.

Tags: millimeter zoom, need macro, need macro lens, types lenses, wildlife sports, works well

Use A Rangefinder Camera

The advantages of the rangefinder camera have kept it in use over the years, despite the growing popularity of SLR cameras. Rangefinder cameras' shutters are quieter than those of SLRs and hold the capacity to produce clearer photos at slower speeds due to the lack of a moving reflex mirror, which can shake the camera and blur the image. Rangefinders are easy to use and inconspicuous enough to use in candid situations because they are not bulky and cumbersome.

Instructions

1. Focus the rangefinder on the subject you wish to capture. Peer through the two viewing windows. You will notice two superimposed copies of your image that are not perfectly aligned. Most commonly, the secondary image is tinted yellow at its center to facilitate the process of aligning the images.

2. Move the adjustment wheel until the images are perfectly aligned. This action alters the prism and mirror arrangement between the two viewing windows. When the images are coincident, the camera will determine the distance of the subject. The distance value is transferred to the lens, which uses the information to focus on the subject.

3. Once the rangefinder has focused the lens on your subject, look through the main viewing window to compose the photo. Press the shutter button to take a photograph of your subject. If you are using a newer rangefinder model, the rangefinder will be connected directly to your lens. As a result, you will not need to adjust focus and composition separately.

4. Add an additional zoom lens to your rangefinder to increase its versatility. Rangefinders cannot generally accommodate zoom lenses, most being compatible only with their original lens. However, additional lenses can be added to some rangefinders to provide a choice between two or three focal lengths. Examples of zoom lenses compatible with rangefinder cameras include the Contax G2 Carl Zeiss 35-70mm and Vario-Sonnar T lenses with a built-in zoom viewfinder.

5. Use your rangefinder for circumstances where an SLR would be too bulky or conspicuous to carry around, such as for back country hiking, candid street shooting and photojournalistic endeavors.

Tags: lens your, perfectly aligned, viewing windows, your rangefinder, your subject

Jp1 Compatible Remotes

The JP1 interface is compatible with only certain universal remote controls.

The JP1 interface allows you to connect a universal remote control to your Windows-based personal computer. You can also use it to create backups of your remote's configurations, to add coding to a remote, or to program your remote. To use this interface, however, you must have a compatible remote, and there are only a few remotes that work with this service.

One For All Kameleon URC6690 6-Device Hybrid Universal Remote

The Kameleon Screen Hybrid Universal Remote Control is designed for home theaters. It comes with its own liquid crystal display (LCD) touchscreen, which allows you to run commands by pushing buttons on the screen. You can control up to six different devices with this remote. It runs on either two Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) or alkaline AAA batteries. The remote will show only those keys on the touchscreen for the device that you are currently using; the commonly used operations (volume and channel) are controlled by standard buttons. As of November 2010, this product costs approximately $70.99. The manufacturer's product code for the remote is URC-6690.

One For All URC-8820

This device allows you to control up to eight devices from a single remote; it is designed for users with home theater systems. It can control devices like your audio/visual receivers, satellite television systems, and CD and DVD players. This device is a "learning" remote, meaning that it can learn control new devices, and it comes with different universal codes, allowing you to control different functions from your remote. You can also assign macros to certain keys, and it is compatible with digital video recorder (DVR) devices. This remote uses two AAA batteries, and its product number is URC-8820. The device costs $19.56 as of November 2010.

One for All Kameleon 6 URC6960

The One for All Kameleon 6 is a universal remote control that allows you to control your television, DVR, VCR, DVD player, audio/visual receiver and CD player. This is also a learning remote, and it comes with a touchscreen. This remote control uses infrared (IR) technology, which means that you do not need to point your remote directly at the device to control it. This device also has a macro mode, allowing you to assign macros to certain keys, and it has a mode specifically for home theater devices. The product number for this device is URC6960, and it costs approximately $66.74 as of November 2010.

Tags: your remote, comes with, November 2010, remote control, This device

Choose A Stepper Motor

Stepper motors are being used more and more by hobbyist for projects from robotics to home-built CNC machines. Many of these projects revolve around the specialized functionality that stepper motors are designed for. Let's learn about the properties of stepper motors that should be taken in to consideration when selecting the proper motor for a task.

Instructions

1. Determine the resolution needed. Stepper motors have a property called "step angle", this is the number of degrees the shaft turns per input signal from the control circuitry. Common step angles are 0.9 degrees, 1.8 degrees and 3.6 degrees. These step angles translate to 400, 200 and 100 steps per rotation. The greater the number of steps per rotation the greater the precision afforded by the motor. Some project may require a high degree of precision, as in the case of a CNC machine or robot.

2. Choose a winding scheme. Stepper motors can have their stator wound in either a bipolar or unipolar configuration. How the stator is wound determines the type of controller needed. In a unipolar configuration current flow had to be reversed to change direction, while a bipolar configuration does not, it provides two windings per pole, one for each direction. In general bipolar stepper motors allow for simpler control schemes for the hobbyist.

3. Determine the torque required for your application. Once you have determined the torque needed for your application, consult the documentation for a stepper motor and matching controller, and determine if it will provide sufficient holding torque.

4. Factor in the size, weight and power requirements when selecting a stepper motor. The physical design of some stepper motors is significantly lighter than other designs, this may be critical for a mobile application. Voltage and current draw may be dictated by the application and will factor in to motor selection. Remember the motor controller will be running at a higher voltage than the motor's rating.

Tags: stepper motors, Stepper motors, degrees degrees, motors have, rotation greater, stator wound

Remove A Cd From A Jammed Cd Player

CDs get jammed

Slot CD players, like the kinds found in car stereos, have slim profiles and are a stylish alternative to the standard CD tray. However, they do have the tendency to trap some discs inside and, without any protruding parts, are a bit trickier to remove. Thankfully they all have hidden manual releases that should with some light prodding eject the stuck CD. If not, a pair of pliers can often work.

Instructions

Manual Release Button

1. Attempt to eject the CD in the traditional fashion. It is always best to avoid the manual override if possible. Hold down the eject key and listen for the ejection sound. If you hear the sound and it still does not eject, then continue onward.

2. Straighten the outer two bends of the paper clip so that it resembles a long rod with a hook at the end.

3. Locate a small pinhole on the CD player. It should be at the bottom corner just below the CD slot.

4. Fit the paperclip end into the pinhole and push it firmly (but not aggressively). There should be a bit of resistance to the push. As you push forward, the CD should inch out of the slot, continue to push until the disc is far enough out that it can be removed without too much effort.

With no manual release

5. Fit the tips of the pliers into the slot and open slightly.

6. Feel around until the pliers seem to be over the edge of the CD.

7. Press the eject button and gently assist the automatic removal by pulling the CD toward you.

Tags: they have

Calibrate A Digital Projector

Calibrate a Digital Projector

A digital projector may not work in the same way as a tube-based projection unit, but it still must be calibrated if it is to provide its best picture. You can calibrate your digital projector by following a series of procedures that are essentially the same regardless of make or model. You will need the digital projector's remote control and a DVD calibration disc in order to properly calibrate the projector.

Instructions

1. Turn on the projector with the remote control. Let the projector bulb warm up for several minutes. Focus the lens on the projector so that the edges of the light being projected on the screen are sharp.

2. Press the "Sharpness" or "Sharpness/noise" button on the remote control. Adjust the sharpness while viewing the test pattern that appears on the screen by pressing the left and right sides of the center ring on the remote. Stop the adjustment when the edges of the test pattern are just barely distinct and there is no distortion or interference seen between the lines.

3. Press the "Color" or "Color temperature" button on the remote control. Select your preferred color temperature; Daylight, Warm Daylight or Standard.

4. Press the "Pattern" or "Pattern generator" button on the remote control. Adjust the projector so the horizontal and vertical lines of the test pattern are not distorted.

5. Adjust the height of the projector so that the top and bottom of the test pattern are not being cut off on the screen with the vertical shift dial on the projector. Adjust the sides of the test pattern with the lateral shift dial on the projector, so the sides of the pattern are not cut off on the screen.

6. Plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI input on the projector. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI output on a DVD player.

7. Turn on the DVD player. Eject the disc tray. Put a DVD calibration disc on the disc tray and close the tray. Press the "Input" button on the DVD 's remote control until the image from home menu on the DVD is projected from the projector.

8. Select the "Black Level" test pattern from the DVD calibration disc using the DVD's remote control. Press the "Contrast" button on the projector's remote control. Push the left and right side of the center ring on the projector's remote control to decrease/increase the contrast of the projector.

9. Stop pushing on the left and right side of the center ring when the edges of the lines running through the black bars merge and become indistinct.

10. Select the "Menu" button on the screen to return to the DVD calibration disc's home menu suing the DVD remote. Select the "Gray level" chart.

11. Adjust the chart that appears on the screen in the same manner as was done with the "Black level" text, making sure no colors are being seen in the gray areas and the steps between shades of gray look smooth.

12. Select the "Menu" button on the screen to return to the DVD calibration disc's home menu using the DVD remote. Select the "Tint" or "Color/Tint" chart.

13. Hold the blue filter that comes with the DVD calibration disc in front of your eyes. Adjust the chart that appears on the screen in the same manner as was done with the "Black level" text, stopping when the edges of the black squares merge with the blue background and become indistinct.

14. Select the "Menu" button on the screen to return to the DVD calibration disc's home menu suing the DVD remote. Eject the DVD calibration disc. Take the DVD calibration disc off the disc tray. Close the disc tray. Turn off the DVD. Turn off the digital projector which is now calibrated for watching in your home.

Tags: calibration disc, remote control, test pattern, button remote, button remote control

Remove An Sd Card On A Nexus One

The Nexus One is an Android operating system smartphone manufactured by HTC and sold under the Google name. The Nexus One comes packaged with a 4GB microSD card, but accepts cards up to 32GB. Before you can install a new microSD card, you will need to remove the card that's already in the phone. The microSD card slot is located inside the battery compartment. You will need to remove the battery door and battery in order to access it.

Instructions

1. Power off the Nexus One.

2. Turn the phone over so you are looking at the back.

3. Place both thumbs on the back of the phone and push upwards to remove the battery door. Set the battery door aside.

4. Remove the battery by hooking a fingernail under the tab on the bottom right corner of the battery. Set the battery aside.

5. Locate the microSD card on the bottom edge of the battery compartment. It is next to the SIM card.

6. Press the microSD card towards the bottom of the phone and release. The card will pop up and allow you to remove it.

Tags: microSD card, battery door, battery compartment, battery door battery, card will, door battery

Register An Rfid Chip Implantation

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an excellent way to track product from one location to another, but the RFID chips need to be registered to work with your tracking software. The software connects to receivers that search for the radio signal emitted by your RFID device. When using a Microsoft BizTalk Server, you can track your RFID components electronically. Follow these steps to register your RFIDs with your BizTalk server.

Instructions

1. Determine which RFID or RFIDs you need to register. Locate the their identification number(s) on the paperwork which comes with each RFID unit.

2. Access the RFID manager on your BizTalk server. Enter the access password when prompted. If you are not the person regularly responsible for maintaining the business network, verify that you have permission to access the BizTalk server with your network administrator.

3. Place your cursor over the word "Processes." Right click to bring up a drop-down menu. Click on the option labeled "Components."

4. Click on the option to "Register" when the "Public Components" dialog box pops up. Select the component you wish to register from the list of available components that pops up. The component identification number will match the RFID identification number you have already located.

5. Click on the "Register" button once you have selected the RFID to register. Close all the pop-up windows until you only see the RFID manager screen on your BizTalk server. Locate the component identification number on the list of displayed "Registered Components" to verify successful registration.

Tags: identification number, BizTalk server, with your, your BizTalk, your BizTalk server

Structure Of Black & White Film

Photographic film is one invention that has changed the way people see the world. Because we are able to take photographs, we are able to capture memories and see places in the world that we would not normally have the opportunity to see. Photographic film reacts only to light exposure. Differing levels of light exposing black and white film determines black areas, white areas and gray tones to create a negative image on the film. The positive image is not created until the negative image is transferred to the photographic paper, but that is a different story.

The Base

The base of the film, which forms the structure of the film, is a transparent celluloid material that is 4/1000 to 7/1000 of an inch thick. One side of the film is shiny and the other side is opaque. This difference serves handling purpose during both the manufacturing process and the developing process.

Photochemical Side

The photochemical side is where all the magic happens. Up to 20 different layers are added to the photochemical side of the film to create a total thickness of about 1/1000 of an inch. Gelatin, the same ingredient that makes gelatin desserts, acts as the binder to keep each layer in place. Gelatin has been used in this capacity for more than 100 years.

Silver-Halide Crystals

Not all of the 20 photochemical layers help form images. They control chemical reactions and filter light. The layer that actually creates the image is embedded with silver-halide crystals that are light sensitive. Because these crystals are light sensitive, they are the workhorses of photographic film and act to create an image by reacting to different levels of light to create dark and light areas of the image. These crystals are made by combining silver nitrate and halide salts in an extremely complex chemical process. The crystals differ in size, shape and composition. Then they undergo another chemical process to make them even more sensitive to light.

Spectral Sensitizers

Before silver halide crystals go through the second chemical process to make them more sensitive, they react only to blue light. The second chemical process adds spectral sensitizers, which are organic molecules, to the surface of the crystals making them sensitive to red, green and blue light. Other chemicals are added to the silver halide crystal-making process to determine the sensitivity of the crystals. This sensitivity determines the exposure speed of the film, such as ISO 100, 200, 400 or 800.

Exposure Speeds of Film

The exposure speed of film determines the usable conditions for that film. Use 100 speed film outside in bright sunlight. Use film with 200 speed outdoors or inside with bright lights. Use 400 speed film for indoor photography; bright light is not necessary if a flash is used. A film with 1000 or 1600 speed is for indoor photography when you do not want to use a flash.

Lower film speeds also require subjects to hold still while the film is exposed, to avoid blurring. High-speed films are also good for catching action, like at sporting events.

Tags: chemical process, speed film, 1000 inch, blue light, chemical process make

Modify A Kodak Pony 135

It is possible to adjust the look of your images simply by using a different film stock.

The Kodak Pony 135 is a film-based, still-image camera that came on the market in the 1950s. It is not an SLR (single reflex lens) camera. It comes with a lens that is capable of zooming in and out, similar to modern digital cameras with an expendable zoom feature. Although the camera does not have the same modification options available on newer cameras, it is possible to adjust some of the settings and features on the device.

Instructions

1. Purchase different film stocks. There are stocks with different speeds (the number printed on the packaging). The faster the speed, the less light the camera needs to capture the image and the faster the image can be moving (typically used for low light and sporting events). However, the film does appear more grainy, which might be a desirable effect. Experiment with the film until you find a suitable format.

2. Direct a hand-held flash toward dark objects. There is no flash mount on the camera, but hand-held flashes are available at most camera stores. When the flash is fired, you press the "Capture" button on the camera. This takes the picture with the image fully exposed. Using a hand-held flash only works when the desired content is a few feet in front of you (it does not work for landscapes or objects several hundred feet away).

3. Place different colored filters over the open lens. There is an absence of grooves to hold the filter into place, so you need to either hold the filters on or tape the filters down. Filters offer different effects to the image, such as adding slight hues of red and blue or giving star-burst effects (where a light, such as a candle or lamp, has a cross section over the light).

4. Insert a tripod into the circular opening on the bottom of the camera. Tripod heads have a small screw that sticks up. This screw slides into the bottom of the Kodak Pony 135, and tightens into place after rotating the screw (just like a standard house hold screw). Using a tripod helps reduce blurred images as the camera is no longer shaking when taking the pictures.

Tags: Kodak Pony, different film, hand-held flash, into place, possible adjust

Battery Powered Science Fair Ideas

Impress the judges at your science fair by presenting a battery-powered experiment.

Science fairs give students the chance to participate in authentic science by designing experiments in accordance with the rules of the scientific method. However, modern students are no longer limited to experiments with baking soda volcanoes, homemade compasses or moldy bread. In today's high-tech world, students of all ages can design battery-powered experiments that demonstrate the properties of electricity.

Generic vs. Name-Brand Batteries

You've probably seen all sorts of batteries on sale at the local discount store. Are these batteries really a great deal? Design an experiment to test generic discount store batteries against name-brand batteries. Purchase generic and name-brand batteries of the same size and expiration date. Install them in an electronic device, such as a portable CD player or flashlight. Turn the devices on. Make a note of when they begin showing signs of low battery and when they eventually stop working.

The Effect of Temperature on Battery Life

Many people store batteries in the refrigerator. What effect, if any, does a battery's temperature have on its output? For this experiment, you will need a voltmeter or multimeter, which are devices that measure voltage. Purchase at least three name-brand batteries with the same expiration date and place them in locations with extremely different temperatures. For example, put one in a hot car, another in the refrigerator, and a third at room temperature. After the batteries have attained the temperature of their environment, remove them and attach them to the voltmeter to determine which battery generates the highest output.

Fruit Batteries

Batteries contain acid that produces electricity when it makes contact with electrodes. This means that acidic fruit, such as citrus fruit, can be converted into a simple battery. For this experiment, you'll determine which type of fruit produces the most power by using different citrus fruits and a micro ammeter, which is a device that measures electrical current. Roll your fruit around on the table to get the juice flowing. Insert a copper nail and a zinc nail approximately two inches apart from each other in the fruit. Don't let them touch. Use a gator clip to attach one terminal of the micro ammeter to the zinc nail and the other to the copper nail. Record how much current each fruit produces.

Human Battery

Demonstrate why people should avoid mixing water and electricity. Begin by attaching a copper plate and an aluminum plate to separate blocks of wood. Use a gator clip to attach one terminal of a micro ammeter to the copper plate and another to the aluminum plate. Ask a volunteer to hold each plate in one of their hands. (Don't worry, it's completely safe.) Measure the electrical output on the micro ammeter. Next, have the volunteer wet his hands and repeat the experiment. What conclusions can you draw about how water affects the transmission of electrical current?

Tags: micro ammeter, aluminum plate, attach terminal, attach terminal micro, clip attach, clip attach terminal

Redeem Airtime For Tracfone

No matter where you go, someone is always talking on a cell phone. Being able to talk to someone while you are on the go has now allowed business professionals and even parents to stay in touch with those important to them. With every phone call, the minutes decrease. To be able to still talk, customers must add airtime to their cell phone often.

Instructions

1. Purchase a prepaid card with the desired amount of minutes that you would like to add. Turn on your cell phone. Select "Menu" on your Tracfone. Scroll to the "Prepaid" category located under the Main Menu.

2. Select "Add Airtime" or "Redeem Airtime" from the Prepaid menu. The wording will vary with the style of cell phone you have. Enter the airtime code located on the receipt or prepaid minutes card you purchased.

3. Click "OK." Confirm that your minutes have been added by viewing the main screen of your Tracfone. If the main screen reflects an increase to the balance, your minutes have been added successfully.

Tags: cell phone, been added, have been, have been added, main screen

Remove A Microphone Echo Peavey Amplifier

Adding an echo effect to a microphone signal can be an excellent way for a singer to highlight a certain vocal part and create atmosphere while performing. Many PA systems like those manufactured by Peavey feature built-in echo effects for easy implementation. But if an echo is unintentionally enabled, it can be at best frustrating and at worst can ruin a good vocal performance. Luckily, an unwanted echo on a Peavey PA system can typically be resolved in a few basic steps.

Instructions

1. Remove any effects off of the channel that's being used for the signal on which you are hearing the echo. Look at the mixer attached to your Peavey amplifier and turn off any effects labeled as "delay," "echo," or "reverb." Depending on the mixer being used, this is either done with the touch of a button or by turning the "value" of the effect all the way down to zero on a volume-style knob. After any effects have been disabled, check the signal to see if the echo is still there.

2. Unplug the XLR cable that attaches the microphone you are using to the Peavey amplifier from both the microphone side and the amplifier side. Check the three pins on the inside of the XLR connector and make sure none of them are bent or damaged -- if so, replace with a new XLR cable. Plug the cable back in on both sides and again check the signal to see if the unwanted echo is still there.

3. Plug the XLR cable into another channel on the Peavey amplifier. PA system amplifiers can often experience issues with single channels. One way to test this is by plugging the same microphone and the same XLR cable into a different channel on the amplifier. If the echo goes away, the channel you were using before will need to be serviced. If there is still echo, the issue is either with the microphone, the XLR cable or the Peavey amplifier system itself. If successive tests with different cables and microphones do not remove the echo, you will likely need to have the Peavey amp serviced.

Tags: Peavey amplifier, amplifier system, being used, cable into, check signal, echo still, echo still there

Know If A Tv Gets A Digital Signal

For the most part, determining whether or not a TV is an analog set or equipped to receive digital TV signals is not something that can be done by simply looking at a TV. However, it's simple to figure it out.

Identification

The easiest way to figure out if your TV gets a digital signal is to check the specifications listed in your TV's manual. If the specs say your TV is equipped with an "ATSC" tuner or receiver, "digital" tuner or receiver or "DTV" tuner or receiver, then your TV is capable of receiving and decoding digital TV signals.

Alternative

If you don't have access to your TV manual, you could contact your TV manufacturer's customer-support department to ask them if the model you own is digital ready.

Other Considerations

There is a mandate from the Federal Communications Commission in place since March 1, 2007, requiring all TV manufacturers producing TVs for sale in the United States to equip those TVs with internal digital tuners. In addition, retailers were required to prominently post notices to customers informing them about any remaining TV sets in inventory that were not digital ready. Therefore, if your TV's date of purchase was post March 2007, it very likely is equipped to pick up digital signals.

Tags: digital signals, tuner receiver, digital ready, March 2007, your manual

How A Confocal Microscope Works

Scientists use confocal microscopes to obtain 2-D and 3-D images of samples. The microscopes are effective at eliminating background light, allowing them to see clean images with high resolution.

Background

The confocal microscope generates images based on the principle of fluorescence. When high-intensity light, such as a laser, shines on the sample, it emits a different colored light back. A photomultiplier tube detects the emitted light and sends it to a computer for analysis. Fluorescence can cause the entire sample to emit light, creating a background haze in the image.

Design

The clarity of images in a confocal microscope comes from a concept known as conjugate focal points, where its name is derived. The microscope has a set of lens through which light from the sample passes through. Images can be formed from different points, but only those coming from the focal point of the lens can be seen clearly. A screen with a pinhole is placed at the focal point of the objective lens, or conjugate point, effectively blocking out background light. This allows the viewer to focus only on light coming from the focal point.

Creating Images

Confocal microscopes can focus only on one point of the sample at any time. The microscope has to scan a series of points to generate an image. By scanning different points in multiple planes, the computer can reconstruct a 3-D image of the sample.

Tags: focal point, background light, coming from, coming from focal, different points, focus only

Software To A Treo 650

Adding software to a Treo 650 is an easy way to make your smartphone more functional to fit your lifestyle. Everything from word processing to banking to games is available for your Treo 650. To learn add these programs, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Search websites such as Palmgear (see Resources below) to find the types of software available for your Treo 650.

2. Download software that matches your interests. Make sure to download the software onto a computer that is synchronized with your Treo 650. This is how it will get to your phone.

3. Synchronize your Treo 650 with the computer that you have downloaded the software onto, by using the cable that came with your Treo 650. The software should download to your phone automatically.

4. Search the main menu of your phone or your SD card (if you have one) to find your downloaded application. Click on the application to install it.

5. Load and use your new software after it has been installed.

Tags: your Treo, your phone, available your, available your Treo, computer that, software onto, with your

Recover Photos From The Internal Memory On A Kodak Camera

When your external memory card fails, you can recover your photos using photo recovery software.

If your Kodak Camera's memory card will not load or is corrupted, you may be able to recover your photos using the camera's internal memory card---saving your memories. Using photo recovery software, you can access your camera's internal memory, making transferring your photos possible without an external memory card.

Instructions

Using Kodak Photo Recovery All Programs> Kodak> Kodak Photo Recovery" from your computer's desktop.

4. Plug the Kodak camera using the USB cord it originally came with into your computer using an open available USB port. Choose "Data Recovery" once the program loads and select "Start Scan" to locate all of the camera's photos stored on the internal memory card. Save the photos to your computer's hard drive using the program's prompts. Reference the official Kodak Photo Recovery user guide for additional help, which is also available for free online (see Resources).

Tags: memory card, internal memory, Kodak Photo, Kodak Photo Recovery, your computer, your photos, your photos using

Transfer From A Digital Camera To A Usb Flash Drive

When you connect a digital camera to your computer, an icon that represents it appears in the "Computer" folder along with a list of all the other drives connected to your machine. Even though you know you've just connected a digital camera, your computer treats the device as a standard hard drive with removable storage. Because of this, if you want to transfer images from the hard drive of a digital camera to a USB flash drive, you just need to use the Windows Explorer file browsing system. The steps outlined in this article apply to all versions of the Windows operating system from Windows XP onward.

Instructions

1. Plug your digital camera's USB cable into both your digital camera and a USB port on your computer.

2. Connect your USB flash drive to a USB port on your computer.

3. Click "Start." Windows Vista and 7 have replaced the word "Start" on this button with an image of the Windows logo.

4. Click "My Computer." Windows Vista and 7 just call this "Computer."

5. Double-click on the icon for your digital camera to open its contents on screen. Then, return to the "Computer" window and double-click the icon for your USB flash drive to open its contents in a separate window on screen. Position these two windows next to each other on screen so that you can see them both at the same time. You can now close the "Computer" window.

6. Click on a file from your digital camera's Windows Explorer window and drag it into the window for your USB flash drive. The file you selected will be transferred from your digital camera to your USB flash drive. This will copy the files--a copy of the file will remain on the digital camera and will also be present on your USB flash drive. You can now repeat this process for any other file you'd like to transfer from one device to the other.

Tags: digital camera, your digital, your digital camera, your flash, your flash drive, digital camera

Buy A Portable Storage Unit

Portable storage units are perfect for storing items from your house, business or organization without the hassle of using a moving truck. Portable storage units come in a variety of sizes from as large as semi-trailers (53') to units that are only 30 feet (this unit is recommended for home use). There are a number of steps to take before buying a portable storage unit.

Instructions

1. Locate an area in your yard where you would like to place the portable storage unit. Generally the area will be in the front or on the side of the house so you can load the unit at your convenience.

2. Determine what size portable storage unit you will need based on the size of your home or business and what items you will need to store (outdoor items, furniture or home or office supplies).

3. Contact portable storage unit businesses in your area and obtain several price quotes on buying a unit. Make a list of the businesses and prices to compare. Search the Internet if prices in your area are not meeting your needs.

4. Decide on a price and contact the portable-storage-unit business to set up an appointment for dropping off the unit.

5. Pay for the unit with a credit card so if you have any problems, you can contact your credit card company if the storage-unit business cannot solve it. Keep all receipts and paperwork---you will need to know contact the storage-unit company if you want them to come and pick up the unit when you are done packing it.

Tags: portable storage, storage unit, will need, credit card, Portable storage, portable storage unit

Convert Movie Film To Digital

As film technology fades and digital media continues to expand as the preferred viewing format, digitizing remaining film archives has become a priority. Converting film to a digital format can be accomplished by a number of techniques depending on your original film format and budget. Assuming your movie film is a consumer format (16 or 8mm), used telecine systems have become plentiful as video production facilities ditch their aging film systems for newer digital technologies. This guide will show you use a telecine system to convert your films to a digital video format.

Instructions

1. Mount a video camcorder on a stable platform level with your telecine system. The video camera should point into the projection surface of the telecine. Unless an alternative is available, a tripod is the best support system.

2. Clean and lubricate your film. Use a film editor that allows you to spool film between an open supply and take up reel. Use a soft lint-free cloth to dampen with film cleaning solution. Apply the dampened cloth to the film as it winds onto the take up reel. Make sure you cover both sides of the film with the cloth by gently pinching it. Take care not to press too hard. Doing so may cause the film to break or snag while winding it.

3. Thread the film into your telecine projector. Project a portion of the film to adjust your camera by focusing the video camera lens on the projection surface (aerial image) created by the telecine condenser lens. Use the zoom controls to adjust the image size in the video camera viewfinder so the image fills the viewfinder. After adjustments are completed, rewind the film and begin projection.

4. Press record on the camcorder to record the projected telecine film image onto your video camera.

5. When finished, connect your camcorder to your computer. Depending on your recording format, digital formats will connect via the Firewire (IEEE 1394) port of your camera and computer. Analog tape formats will require an encoder card installed on your computer and connect via S-Video or RCA video and audio connectors.

6. Open your video editing software and configure the software to capture your camcorder as the video source. Designate a folder on your computer's hard drive to store the digital files. Begin transferring the video to your digital files by initiating record from the capture module of your video editing software.

Tags: video camera, your computer, your video, digital files, editing software

Modify An Fm Modulator

An FM modulator allows you to install components like a CD changer to a deck that doesn't have the "Line-level" inputs to hook the changer up directly to the deck. Instead, the modulator converts the "line-level" signal to a FM frequency that your FM stereo can pick up. There are times you need to modify the FM modulator to play the signal on a frequency that isn't being used in your area. If your modulator is set up for 99.1 and there is a local station that broadcasts on 99.1, you will need to modify the modulator to playback on an open frequency.

Instructions

1. Find an open frequency on your FM dial. Some FM modulators have preset frequency that you may need to find, others allow you to choose any frequency on the FM dial. Locate that frequency in your area where there isn't any signal being transmitted and write it down.

2. Set the FM modulator to the frequency you will be using. Some modulators have a switch that will allow you to select a preset frequency. Other modulators have a dial or buttons up and down to scroll through the FM frequencies available. Select the frequency you need.

3. Turn on your stereo and tune the FM dial to the frequency you selected. Play the unit connected to the modulator to see if the signal is coming through the channel you selected.

Tags: frequency that, modulators have, frequency your, modify modulator, need modify

Advantages & Disadvantages Of 7 Segment Led Display

Seven-segment displays are cheap and reliable.

Seven-segment displays are very common and have been for quite some time. They can be found everywhere from the price signs at gas stations to the display on your microwave oven to digital wristwatches. LED seven-segment displays have become very popular in consumer electronics, mainly because of their low power usage, ease of production and cost effectiveness. Seven-segment LED displays, like all technology, have advantages and disadvantages.

Cost

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are extremely cheap. Diodes are one of the most simple electrical components, and they are extremely easy to make. A trip to your local electronics store will reveal packages of hundreds of LEDs for only a few dollars.

Simplicity

Seven-segment displays are extremely simple electronic circuits. A simple seven-segment display circuit consists of four input leads; a BCD chip, which contains logic gates to translate the four leads into seven binary signals, or integrated circuit chip; and the seven-segment display itself. Most seven-segment displays are capable of displaying all 16 hexadecimal values (1 through 9 and A through F).

Reliability

Since the seven-segment circuit is so simple, there is a decreased risk of circuit malfunction due to component failure. Seven-segment LED displays are used in a wide range of environments from very hot to well below freezing. As there is no liquid inside the unit to freeze, as there is in LCD displays, an LED display can operate at very low temperatures.

Efficiency

LED displays in general are extremely efficient. Diodes dissipate very little energy. Light-emitting diodes emit slightly more energy than a standard diode in order to produce the photons (light) that you see, but the voltage drop across a typical LED is so small that it is negligible. Because of this high efficiency, many electronics makers favor LED technology over LCD technology because it lowers power supply requirements and reduces the cost of using devices.

Limitations

Most seven-segment displays are limited to displaying the 16 hexadecimal characters. Some can display only the numbers 0 through 9. Although LED technology exists to display more than this, seven-segment displays are limited to possible binary combinations of the four input leads, for a total of 16. Integrated circuit technology can increase this somewhat, but there are still a limited number of combinations for the seven segments on the display.

Production

Because LEDs are so cheap to produce and so easy to make, many manufacturers have sprung up over the past several decades. There is very little regulation in terms of making LEDs, excluding the environmental regulations regarding pollution, and it is therefore easy to find a manufacturer that produces substandard LEDs. The only way to know for sure if a manufacturer produces quality LEDs is by recommendation or buying and testing the product yourself.

Tags: Seven-segment displays, seven-segment displays, displaying hexadecimal, displays limited, easy make, four input, four input leads

Set Up My Flip Ultra Camcorder

The Flip Ultra is a small, portable video camera helpful for on-the-go travel. It fits into almost any pocket and the palm of your hand. Although there is no internal memory, you are able to insert microSD memory cards, most of which hold several gigabytes' worth of data. Because there are few features available on the Flip Ultra, it takes only a moment to completely set up the camera.

Instructions

1. Turn the Flip camera over. On the bottom of the camera you are going to find the battery compartment. Slide this compartment open to expose the battery insert.

2. Slide the three AAA batteries into the open compartment, then place the cover back onto the battery compartment. Depending on the Flip Ultra model you are using, it may come with a lithium battery pack. This battery also inserts into the bottom power slot (the camera comes provided with either the AAA batteries or the lithium battery pack, depending on the model). The pack comes completely charged, so there is no need to charge the battery when first setting up the camera.

3. Turn the Flip camera over onto its side. This is where the microSD card housing is located.

4. Slide the microSD card into the open slot. Once the card is in place, it locks down. To remove the card you must push the card in toward the camera.

5. Push the "Power" button on the Flip Ultra camcorder and you are ready to begin capturing audio and video.

Tags: Flip Ultra, battery compartment, battery pack, camera over, Flip camera

Recover Deleted Damaged Or Corrupted Photos From A Memory Card

Recovered photo from bad memory card

Have you ever had your memory card in your digital camera die on you? Maybe it shows a "Card Error" or "Card Malfunction", etc. on your camera's screen. Or maybe you just deleted your photos and now want them back. Well, here is recover any photos already on the memory card, and it is easy and free.

Instructions

1. ** WARNING **

Once you know your card has been corrupted in your camera, immediately remove it and do not use it for anything else. Do not reformat it or do anything to it other than running it through the recovery process as outlined below. Your precious photos will not have gone anywhere, but if you write anything onto the card, you can overwrite your photos.

2. First of all you need to download the software to do this. Go here: http://www.pcinspector.de/Sites/file_recovery/info.htm?language=1 and download the PC Inspector File Recovery 4.x software. It is free to use. Install the program on your Windows PC computer.

3. Insert the bad memory card into your card reader and start the PC Inspector File Recovery program. The first screen will ask for language, choose English. The second screen just shows some general information, you can close that screen.

4. You will see six tabs on the left hand side of the program. Choose the tab on the top left - "Open Drive". This will scan your available drives and show you a listing of drives you can choose.

5. Choose the drive that says "removable disk" or the drive letter that is assigned to your memory card reader. Now click on the green check button on the right hand side. This will bring up another window that looks like a file listing. Now look on the left hand side on the colorful tabs and you will see a tab that looks like a doctor's symbol (Red Cross over a doctor's bag). Click on that symbol.

6. Now a "Select Cluster Range" box will open up. Start cluster is the minimum (put slider to left). End cluster is the maximum (put slider to the right). Now click on the green check button on the left.

7. This will begin the file recovery process. It will find many files on that memory card, including files from older times. This process will take about 5 to 30 minutes.

8. Now you will see a file listing with filenames such as "cluster xxxx.xx", these are your recovered files. You will need to save them somewhere. What I would do is create a folder on your desktop to hold the recovered files.

9. To save these files, you will need to select all of the files (Ctrl-A)

listed, and then click on the diskette icon on the left hand side. It will look like a gray floppy diskette.

10. It will now ask you where to save the files. You can choose the folder

you created on your desktop to put the files there. Click on the green

check button after you have chosen your folder. Now the actual recovery process will begin. You can expect to recover many hundred photos from a card, since usually there are data from many photos on the card itself. This recovery process will take about 1 to 4 hours depending on how many photos you have on your card and the state or corruption.

11. Once the program is completed, you can open up that folder containing your recovered photos to go and see what came through. You can delete the unwanted photos and transfer the ones you want to your collection.

12. Once you have confirmed that you have recovered all of the photos, you can reformat the memory card and reuse it.

Tags: memory card, hand side, process will, recovery process, check button