Active Electronics Posts
How To: Make HDTV audio and video connections, For Dummies
From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. This is Consumer Electronics for Dummies. Just watch this video tutorial to learn how to make HDTV audio and video connections, For Dummies.
How To: Take a detailed photograph of the Moon with a telephoto lens
Photograph the moon using only a camera with a telephoto zoom or prime lens, following the steps in this informative video tutorial. No tripod needed! The simple steps with simple information with this video shows you how to photograph the moon in all its forms, whether half, full, crescent or lunar eclipse.
How To: Manually adjust the zoom position on the Nikon SB-900
This is an Electronics video tutorial where you will learn how to manually adjust the zoom position on the Nikon SB-900 with the diffuse dome attached. This is called the dome trick. It is not documented in the SB-900 user’s manual. The manual states when the diffuse dome is attached to the flash head, it gives a fixed zoom position of 14mm. However, if you attach the diffuse dome upside down, you can adjust the zoom position manually. The video then demonstrates changing of zoom position aft...
How To: Rip DVDs to build a movie jukebox home theater server
Want to play your video collection on any media extender, console or AppleTV? Step one is to get your movies off of the DVDs and onto your hard drive! If you're like most people you probably have a huge library of DVDs that you've bought and collected over the years. Unfortunately, it's an inconvenient format if you want to playback all that content anywhere around the house. So, learn how to rip and encode that stack of DVDs into a format that you can play on your Windows Media Extender, set...
How To: Build a universal motion alarm to protect your home
This video shows us the method to make a universal motion alarm to protect your home. You will need a reed switch with an alternating contact, a 9V battery with a battery clip, a switch, a buzzer, a small plastic box and a magnet. When a magnet is brought near the reed switch, it switches to the other contact and the switch is open. If the magnet is removed, the switch is closed and the buzzer starts ringing. Make the circuit with correct polarity for battery and the buzzer. Make a hole in th...
How To: Fix your iPod video without having to restore it
If you've ever received that grim error message from your iPod that tells you that you have to restore it, then you know what it feels like to stare down the threat of losing all your hard-acquired music files. This video teaches you how to make your iPod work again without having to restore it, preserving both the functionality of the iPod and your extensive MP3 and video library.
How To: Calibrate your HD TV like a pro
Check out Systm's calibration lesson to make your HDTV a great as it was intended. PCMag's HDTV expert, Robert Heron, teaches us top notch HDTV calibration tricks using tools anybody can afford!
How To: Set a custom white balance on the Canon 5D Mark II
Most DSLR's like the Canon 5D Mark II come with pre-programmed white balance settings: daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent. But what do you do when you're in a mixed lighting situation and you want to balance between exterior daylight and interior tungsten light? If you set it to daylight, your tungsten light will be too orange. If you set it to tungsten, your exterior light will be too blue. The solution: set a custom white balance to balance the disparate lighting situations.
How To: Install a Flash player on your iPhone or iPod Touch to watch videos
Play Flash on an Apple device? It's possible! You'll need a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch, and then go through the Cydia app store to get the Flash player available at d.imobile.cinema.com. This video shows you how to get and load the app so you can start watching videos from anywhere on the web!
How To: Update the firmware on the Canon 5D Mark II
Canon recently released a firmware update to fix a lot of the v.1 bugs. This tutorial explains the process of updated the firmware from downloading on the Canon site to easily installing it on your camera.
How To: Use the Nikon SB-900
Now that you've got your Nikon SB-900 professional-grade speedlight, make sure that you get the most out of it with this free photographer's guide, which will walk you through the flash unit's basic features and functionalities.
How To: Root Your Samsung Galaxy Camera with CF AutoRoot
As if Samsung's Galaxy series isn't already ruling the smartphone and tablet world, they've now moved on to digital point-and-shoots with their new Samsung Galaxy Camera. The smartphone/tablet/camera hybrid comes equipped with a 16-megapixel image sensor and a touchscreen equivalent to that of the Galaxy S3's size. Not only can you instantly upload photos and 1080p video to the social media of your choice, you can also surf the web and download apps from Google Play as you would any other And...
How To: Use the Video Mode on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Most people don't use their cameras to make movies (really bad quality and a sort of user-generated content feel are probably the culprits) but cameras with a record function are great for those impromptu memory-making moments when your dog tries to do a handstand or your grandma unloads the biggest belch ever.
How To: Use magnetic card readers and writers with your PC
Magnetic card readers can make e-transactions far simpler, especially for people who are running their own small business. You can also watch this video to learn about card writers, which can let you create your own magnetic cards (such as a membership card) to track your customers' activity.
News: Japan's Flying, Tumbling Reconnaissance Sphere Soars at 37 MPH
Flying orbs. At first, you might think of the Tall Man and his army of flying sentinel spheres, equipped with zombie brains and a mini-arsenal of saw blades, drill bits and shooting lasers. But these flying orbs weren't conceived from the evil mind of a superhuman mortician—they were designed by Fumiyuki Sato, a researcher at the Japanese Defense Ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute—for something other than deadly deeds.
How To: Set the metering mode on a Nikon D80 D-SLR camera
Your Nikon digital SLR has several ways to get the right exposure. Watch this photography tutorial video to learn how to select the right metering method. Metering the right way on your Nikon D80 camera can make a big difference in your photos.
How To: Fix wifi on iPhone or iPod Touch
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to fix the Wi-Fi problem on an iPod Touch or iPhone. Begin by clicking on Settings and select General. Then scroll down to click on General and select Reset Network Settings. When a confirmation window pops up, click on "Reset Network Settings". The iPod device will then reboot. Now click on Settings and select Wi-Fi. Then select a network to connect to. This video will benefit those viewers who have an iPhone or iPod Touch, and would like to learn ho...
How To: Use a digital camera as a webcam for Skype
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a digital camera as a webcam on Skype. Users will need the AV cable and a USB capture device. Begin by connecting the AV cable to the USB capture device. Plug the cable to your computer and your digital camera. Users will need to download and install the Debut Video Recording software. Open the program and click on Device. Users may have to go to Options and configure the settings. On Skype, right-click the person you want to call and select Sh...
How To: Unfreeze a frozen or non responsive iPad
If your iPad is no longer responding to your touch, it might be frozen. You can fix this sometimes by holding down the wake button on your iPad, then slide it off. Hold down the power button until you see the Apple logo, and then let go. That may reset your iPad and fix the freezing problem.
How To: Build a 3D video camera using 2 Flip Mino HD cameras
With the invention of 3D TVs and a 3D film showing in nearly every theatre, 3D seems to be the biggest craze lately. Did you know you don't have to spend a fortune to create one of these eye-popping movies yourself?
How To: Turn one HDMI port into three using a switcher
Hook up your TiVo, Xbox and other television-based electronics to a single HDMI port. All you need is a switcher, which you can buy easily for around fourteen dollars. Then hook it up, and have multiple input devices attached to your TV!
How To: Watch Hulu on iPod touch
If you're a fan of Hulu and want to take the service with you wherever you go, you now can. You'll need to subscribe to Hulu+, a monthly subscription service which will allow you to stream lots of Hulu's content right on your hand held device, such as an iPhone or iPod touch. Check it out today and get that Hulu goodness! You will be limited a bit with some of your selection, so you may want to find out first if your favorite show will be available.
How To: Make a free phone call from an Apple iPod Touch
In this video tutorial, we learn a trick for making free domestic telephone calls from an Apple iPod Touch MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Email pictures and videos on a Kodak EasyShare camera
This interactive Kodak EasyShare camera tutorial takes you through every step necessary to email pictures and videos. If you have a Kodak EasyShare digital camera, you're going to need to know how to do this important step in maintaining and using your camera. Let Kodak teach you how. It's easy to send those videos and photos to your loved ones from your camera connected to your computer, and is basically the same on all Kodak EasyShare digital cameras. Email pictures and videos on a Kodak Ea...
How To: Fix an iPod with a "sad face" warning
In this video, harrymedan offers a do-it-yourself remedy to fix an iPod that has the "sad face" warning screen on it. As you follow along, he explains all the tools and supplies you will need to get started on this project. He demonstrates how to force the iPod into disk mode, leading you through, step by step. Once you achieve this he tells you how to connect the iPod to your computer and "Restore" the iPod back to factory settings, which usually fixes the problem.
How To: Clean your scratched compact discs with peroxide
This video shows you how to clean a compact disk using peroxide and toothpaste as the cleaning agents.First of all, put the disk in a mixture of water and a bit of peroxide and let it stay there for about 5 minutes. Then, you must take out the disk and apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the whole disk's surface. Let it sit like that for another 3-5 minutes. After that, clean the disk with water. Use it only when it is dry. If this method does not work, then you should either take the disk to...
How To: Begin circuit bending
Looking to get into the weird world of circuit bending? In this four part video tutorial geared towards beginners, learn in thirty minutes how to circuit bend. Tools you will need include a soddering iron with innerchangeable tips (thin pencil preferred), thin sodder, hook-up wire, a wire cutter, a wire stripper, a drill with drill bits, plyers (needle nose included), and screw drivers of various small sizes. Other useful tools include cresent wrenches for toggle switches, jewelers files, & a...
How To: Effectively remove CD & DVD scratches with toothpaste
In this tutorial, we learn how to effectively remove DVD and CD scratches by using toothpaste! First, you will need to grab the CD or DVD that is scratched and then grab a tube of toothpaste. Next, rub some toothpaste onto the middle of your item. Now rub your finger on the toothpaste until the toothpaste covers the entire DVD or CD. Now, let the item sit for just a few minutes, and grab a clean, dry, and very soft wash cloth. After a few minutes, gently rub off the toothpaste with the soft w...
How To: Reset and restore an Ipod nano to remedy freezing
In this tutorial, we learn how to reset and restore an iPod Nano. First, take your Nano and hold down the center button and the menu buttons down simultaneously. Continue to do this for several seconds until the device turns off. After this, hold down the middle button and pause button down simultaneously until you see a check mark on the screen of your device. Now, you can connect the device to the computer and open up iTunes. You can now set up all your songs and add new music to your devic...
How To: Customize operations on the Canon EOS 7D
You have a ton of options and extensive possibilities on the Canon EOS 7D to configure different buttons and controls. You can change just about anything on this digital SLR camera. Watch this video for info on customizing operations.
How To: Navigate and use the user interface on an Apple iPad
Whether you're the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to appreciate this video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to use the mobile device's user interface. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this iPad user's guide.
How To: Take Better Photos Without a Better Camera
Taking great photos doesn’t mean you have to invest in an expensive camera. By learning a little bit about photography and the camera you have, you can use a simple point-and-shoot to capture amazing pictures. Try out these tips to begin!
How To: Make your own air conditioner
Step by step instructions on how to make an air conditioner using parts that cost less than $40.
How To: Use the battery display on the Canon EOS 7D
The new Canon EOS 7D digital SLR camera uses a powerful lithium-ion battery called the Canon LP-E6. You can manage your battery's capabilities with the battery display in your camera. See how in this video.
How To: Remove CD scratches with a banana
Instead of using that banana to make another how to put on a condom video, learn how to remove CD scratches with it.
How To: Set up and use the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player (NSZ-GT1 / Google TV)
If you've already gotten your hands on Sony's Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player, powered by Google TV, then you know how powerful this thing is. But if you're thinking of getting one soon, this video series will help you learn what you'll be getting yourself into.
How To: Fix an iPhone or iPod that is not being detected by your computer
Normally, your computer will automatically detect your Apple device when you plug it in, but if that's not working, here are a couple of solutions. Always make sure your USB drivers are up to date, and then try a reboot. If that doesn't work, make sure that your USB cord is untied and in good repair.
How To: Hack your 3rd gen iPod Nano and access secret screens
In this clip, learn how to access the cool menu screens on your iPod that you never knew existed. This video will walk you through how to get to your 3rd generation iPod's cool colored LCD screen database. This hack is easy, doesn't require codes or tools and won't harm your device, so give it a try!
How To: Sync your iPod to your computer without a USB cord
If you have lost your USB cable or have a broken drive, you may need to sync your iPod without one. In this tutorial, learn how to sync your iPod Touch or iPhone to your computer without any cords at all.
How To: Set up a hidden camera system
This video shows you how to set up a mini wireless spy cam. Where you put it is up to you. Who you spy on is up to you. If you're wanting to keep an extra set of eyes on someone, watch and learn. So whether you're looking to put a camera in your bathroom or garage, go for it.