If you just received a holiday tech gift and it's not working the way it should, forget about getting product support today. Here is your answer to the most frequently asked questions associated with tech product gifts and troubleshooting tips to get your gift running before you can say "your wait time to speak with a tech support rep will be at least 30 minutes"!
Digital Photography/Videography
Problem/Question #1
I barely get 10 photos on my new digital camera memory card…What can I do?
Add more memory with a digital camera memory card.
Just like 35mm cameras need traditional "roll film", digital cameras need "digital film" memory cards to store pictures. Digital film comes in a number of formats, some more durable than others. The most popular formats are CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD Card), Memory Stick and the xD-Picture Card. The number of images you can store in a memory card is based on the capacity of memory on the card, the resolution of your camera, and the quality selection you choose for the images and how the camera compresses the images.
Rule of thumb: Upgrade to at least a 64MB card but consider a 128 or 256MB as prices are low and you won’t ever have to get “film” again.
A 64 MB card cost about $30 and 256MB card around $60 .
You can store about 53 photos on a 64 MB vs. 213 on a 256MB card.
www.lexar.com
www.sandisk.com
Problem/Question #2
My printer is not doing a good job of printing pictures, is there anything I can do to fix that problem?
Be sure to configure picture-printing settings on your computer before your snapshots start to print. You’ll be amazed at the difference of a picture printed with
the normal print settings and one printed with photo settings!
Problem/Question #3
What is the easiest and fastest way to transfer my pictures from my digital camera and camcorder to my computer?
A Media Card Reader simplifies and speeds up the picture transfer process without burning your digital camera’s battery. Just remove the card from your camera, put it in the reader, and the images will download automatically. After you've copied your pictures onto your hard drive, you can then erase your memory card and start over with a fresh "roll of film!"
Lexar Jump Drive around $20; www.lexar.com
SanDisk around $20; www.sandisk.com
For digital camcorders or other digital devices, an external USB 2.0 like the
Kensington Pocket HUB USB 2.0 connects to your computer and can speed up large file transfers up to 40X faster than traditional USB Ports. When editing the family home movies it’s a great time saver. $30; www.kensington.com.
Problem/Question #4
I need a way to edit all of my video footage from the camcorder and add a music soundtrack, but all of the software to do that is hard to figure out...Is there an easy alternative?
Adobe Premiere Elements is a brand new
software program that even empowers the beginner to upload all of
their video footage, perform easy edits and add music and other
content clips to become your own Steven Spielberg!
$99.99; www.adobe.com
A good photo organizing software called Picasa is available on Google and best of all… it’s free. www.google.com
MP3 Players and other Digital Music Players
Question/Problem #1
I just listened to my new MP3 Player and the music sounds like it’s coming out of tin cans...Is there anything I can do to fix the sound quality?
It’s is not the fault of your music-playing device, but that of the cheapo headphones or ear bud earphones included with your MP3 Player. Here is a super sounding earpiece to enhance your listening experience.
The Etymotic 6i are simply the best headsets in the business.
6i isolator earphones are designed specifically for use with the Apple iPod and other small portable players, offering 8 dB higher overall sensitivity and slightly more bass than the ER-6 isolator earphones. $149; www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.asp
Getting Control of Your Remotes
Question/Problem #1
I just received a new TV and DVD Recorder. With two more remotes in my living room, what’s the latest way to consolidate down to one controller?
Logitech Harmony 676 Advanced Programmable Remote
The Harmony 676 is affordable, easy to set up and simple to use. It can control any electronic component that uses an infrared receiver, and each remote can control as many as 15 devices. Harmony remotes are designed the way people think, with one-touch buttons that reflect single activities – such as Watch TV. $229.95;www.logitech.com/harmony
Wires and Cables and Plugs…OH MY!
Question/Problem #1
I don’t know my S-Video cables from my USB Cables…What’s a technophobe to do?
Here is a selection of the most used connection
cables and a link to get more information on how to connect them to the appropriate devices.
Composite or RCA (Lowest quality)
Most TVs, VCRs, DVD players, and satellite receivers offer RCA composite video connections. Unlike component video and S-Video connections, RCA composite video must carry the entire signal in one channel.
S-Video Cables (better video—need audio connectors)
S-Video is a high performance video connection and is available on most newer TVs, DVD players, satellite receivers, and VCRs. S-Video splits the video signal into separate color and brightness channels for high quality picture.
Component Video Cables (Best for HDTV)
To get High Definition video (720p, 1080i), you need to use component video cables. S-Video or composite video connections should only be used when component video is not available.
DVI (Ultimate HDTV connector for high end HDTV Systems)
This super-high performance DVI-D single-link video cable for HDTV delivers high velocity, maximum signal strength, even over longer lengths. M500DVI lets absolutely zero noise radiate out, so your picture is free from noise induced digital artifacts.
Audio
Ultra Series THX 1000 Audio Interconnects Ideal for hookup of stereo or multi-channel formats including DVD Audio, SACD, and Dolby ProLogic or other high performance analog audio applications. Three way Time Correct windings increase clarity and sonic accuracy.
Fire wire (aka… IEEE 1394)
Works with most camcorders for high speed data transfer
FireLink 300 High Speed IEEE 1394 Digital Audio/Video Connection is Monster's high bandwidth, high performance FireLink 300 connection that offers high speed hookup of audio/video components with 1394 connections such as DVD players, digital camcorders, digital VCRs and digital TVs. FireLink 300 delivers improved overall performance with rich, vibrant color, razor sharp detail, and crystal clear sound.
Great cable resource guide
www.monstercable.com/hookup_learning/csg/plasma_lcd/plasma_lcd_flatscreen.asp
Computer Confusion: Laptops and Desktops
Question/Problem #1
What is the most important thing I should do to my computer before I ever “step foot”
onto the information super highway (the internet)?
Protect your computer from the vicious viruses
and hackers on the Internet with Virus and Firewall Protection Software!
Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2005
provides essential protection from viruses, hackers, and privacy threats. Norton Personal Firewall keeps personal data in and hackers out. And Norton Privacy Control, Norton AntiSpam, and Norton Parental Control safeguard you and your family from other common online risks. $70; www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pe/
For new PC owners, AOL is the best online service. It now offers free spy ware and virus protection, plus its easy to use.
GOT POWER?...Battery Options to Max Out Your Tech Time
We all know that tech devices go through batteries like a monkey eats bananas…
Is there really a difference between those batteries “optimized” for digital devices and the regular alkaline ones?
Duracell Ultra M3
Specially Formulated Ultra is Duracell's best battery for Photo/Electronic devices. It has been specially formulated to meet the increasing power demands of high power devices such as digital and flash cameras, remote control toys and halogen flashlights. www.duracell.com
Energizer Rechargeable Batteries
Save money and the environment. Energizer offers a complete line of high capacity batteries and technologically advanced chargers to fit any lifestyle. You can charge batteries in as quickly as 15 minutes, or even conveniently charge them while driving your car. Today’s rechargeable batteries work with your most advanced, high-drain devices such as digital cameras, PDAs, hand-held games, portable CD players and MP3 players. www.energizer.com
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