Hot Electronics How-Tos

How To: Install a wall mount to install a flat-screen tv

One of the biggest perks of having a flat panel television is that you don't have to take up any space in your living room with it! In this tutorial, learn how to buy, install and mount a TV in your living room. By mounting your boob tube, you will save tons of space and also create a very cool piece of 'art' for your bare walls. So, make sure you have the right mounts for your TV and any tools you may need and get started. You will love the new look of your room.

How To: Hang a flat screen television

As you might very well have discovered if you're here looking at this video, mounting a flat screen television is quite possibly the hardest part of the set up process. You need to get your mount securely to the wall and make sure it's in a position you like. Then there's the matter of getting the tv up there. This video will show you how to hang a flat screen.

How To: Wall mount a flat screen TV

That new flat screen tv you bought is all set up and ready to go! All you have to do now is figure out a way to mount it on the wall. You better do it right or you'll risk having it fall down and break. Let the experts show you the way to do it. This video will show you how to wall mount a flat screen.

How To: Easily reset your iPod Nano

Need to reset your Apple iPod Nano but don't know how? Lucky for you the process could not be any simpler. It's so easy, in fact, that this video tutorial presents a complete and thorough overview of the reset process in under a minute's time. Unstick a stuck Nano with this how-to.

How To: Restore your iPhone or iPod to factory settings

If something happens to your iPod or iPhone and you can't remedy it with a reboot, you will need to restore your device to factory settings. This is not difficult to do and requires only your computer and your device. You should only restore your iPod to default if absolutely necessary, because you will lose all of your files and folders. Make sure you backup your music and photos before you do it! Good luck!

How To: Use a multimeter to test common household appliances

If you're doing any sort of electrical work at home, a multimeter is an invaluable tool to have. But as invaluable as it is to have a volt/ohm meter, it is obviously even more invaluable still to know how to use one. And, with this electrician's how-to, you'll learn how to do just that. For more information, and to get started using and reading multimeters yourself, watch this free video guide.

How To: Update your iPod Touch to the 3.0 firmware

1.First download correct firmware for the iPhone or iPod Touch. And change the dot extension of the file before that open the explorer and select Tools menu then go to Folder options, open view tab and deselect "Hide extension for known file types" option and click ok.2.Now right click on the file and click rename and change the extension as ".ipsw". Now open the iTunes and make sure the iPhone is connected with the data cable to the system. Now press down the home and power button of the iPh...

How To: Easily make an electromagnet

Ready to play scientist? This video will show you how to make a cool electro magnet out of a 9 V battery, a 9 V battery connector and parts from a Nokia phone charger. Use a fully charged battery for stronger magnet. Then solder the two parts together and plug in your battery. And just like that you’ve created a powerful yet simple magnet. Try picking up different things and use different batteries to test the difference in strengths . See science can be a whole lot of fun. Put on some funky ...

How To: Restore an iPod Touch or iPhone without updating

This video will show you how to restore you iPod touch or iPhone to the original version. This will erase everything off you device and return it to the factory settings. This is a useful tool if you have made a mistake on jail breaking or for whatever reason you might have. You will have to download firmware and then attach your phone to your computer. This tutorial will take you step by step through the process of downloading and what to select to achieve this goal that you would like. Just...

How To: Clean your game disc, DVD or CD with household items

In this instructional video, the young host demonstrates an excellent method for cleaning your DVD's, CD's, and Game discs using simple, easily found items that you always have laying around your house. The toothpaste he uses acts as a super mild abrasive (almost exactly the same that is used in professional kits, except they don't get the benefit of a minty fresh smell) that removes minute dirt and debris that gets stuck on the disc. When cleaning your discs, be sure to rub the toothpaste in...

How To: Read binary on a block

Ever wonder how to read a binary clock? First, you must learn that in binary code there are only two numbers, one and zero. A binary clock has six columns and tells time in military time. The first two are for the hour. No light means zero. A light that is turned on is one. The first column has two dots the second column has four. if the second dot from the bottom in both columns is lit, it is 22:00 or ten o'clock. In the third column the light closest to the bottom is lit which means one. In...

How To: Copy music from your iPod back to your PC's hard drive

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to copy music from am iPod device to a computer. Users will need to download the program, Copy Trans Suite. The download link for this program is located in the video description. Once downloaded, double-click on the file and follow the instructions to install the program. Once installed, open the program and select Copy Trans. Now connect your iPod device into your computer. Users can manual select the songs or select them all at once and then click ...

How To: Fix a broken, skipping CD with toothpaste at home

Those discs you thought were done for because of scratches and years of use now have a second chance at working and all you need to do so is get some things together from around the house. You'll need toothpaste most importantly, some tissues, water and the actual CD you want to try and fix. Apply the toothpaste on the side of the disc which is to be read and the spread it around using your hands. Once its applied over the whole disc, use water to wash it all off. Then use the tissues to wipe...

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: Simply read a binary clock

Sydus 93 teaches You Tubers how to read a binary clock by demonstrating the following process: A binary clock is made up of four rows and six columns of colored or uncolored dots. The rows, from bottom to top, represent the numbers one, two, four and eight. From left to right, columns one and two represent hours, three and four minutes and five and six are seconds. In order to tell time using the binary clock, begin at the left of your chart and simply determine which dots are filled in and a...

How To: Digitize VHS tapes to burn to a DVD

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to convert VHS tapes to DVD. Users will need a computer with an analog input or an external converter. If the computer has an analog converter, simply connect the RCA cord from the VCR to the computer. If the computer does not have an analog input, connect it to the converter with the USB/fire wire cable. Then connect the RCA cable to the VCR and external converter. Now open a video editing software and capture the video from the VCR by pressing play....

How To: Copy iPod music that's synced to a different Mac

This video tutorial from Muaaz5903 presents how to copy music from an iPod that is synced to another Mac computer. First, visit Senuti, download and install Senuti application.Make sure your iPod is connected to your computer. You can use the application free for 30 days after that period you will have to buy it for 18 $.Once it's installed, run the program. Senuti main window will show all music files on your iPod. Select songs you want to copy and click Transfer on top menu and dialogue box...

How To: Clean your CDs or DVDs with a banana

This video answers the question "does cleaning your CDs or DVDs with a banana work?". First, take a freshly cut piece of banana and rub it in circles on the disk gently. Rub it well for about two minutes. Then, take the peel and rub the inside of the banana peel in circles on the disk for about three minutes. The peel apparently provides some wax for the cleaning process of the disk. Next, take a cotton cloth and wipe it around the disk for as long as it takes to clean up the banana from the ...

How To: Update iPod Touch and iPhone to OS 3.0 firmware

In this how-to video, you will learn how to update your iPod Touch and iPhone to the OS 3.0 firmware. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes and the firmware copy. Also, backup the contents of your device before proceeding. In iTunes, check for update in the device screen. Next, hold shift and click restore. Navigate to where your firmware is and select it. This will give you an update screen. Once finished, you will have to setup your device again. You can select your backup if you ...

How To: Update your iPod Touch and iPhone to 3.1.2 firmware

In this how-to video, you will learn how to update your iPhone or iPod touch to 3.1.2 firmware for free. First, make sure you have iTunes installed on your computer. Download the correct firmware for your specific model on the internet. Once this is download, open iTunes and select your device. Hold the shift key and click restore. Select the firmware file and open it. Hit the restore button in the new window. This will then update the device. This may take a while. Once it is done, the updat...

How To: Update your iPhone and iPod Touch firmware 3.0

In this Electronics video tutorial you will learn how to update your iPhone and iPod Touch firmware 3.0. You will need iTunes 8.2 and the firmware from Deposit Files. Go to the website and download the firmware. This will take some time. Use Firefox browser for the download. Now make sure your device is clean, i.e., it is not jailbroken and connect it to the computer. Then open up iTunes on the device for this hold down ‘power’ and ‘home’ until the device switches off and then powers on. Once...

How To: Skip previews and ads on your DVD players

Remember the last time this happened to you? You got home, put on a DVD to watch, and got stuck watching about 12 trailers and ads before you even got to the movie. Pressing the menu button didn't help, and you felt powerless against the MPAA. Well, check out this tip from CNET. All you have to do the next time you pop in your DVD is the following: 1. Play DVD. 2. When the trailer starts, click Stop twice. 3. Then click Play. Voila! The DVD will now play your movie.

How To: Make a TV remote jammer

Televisions are an amazing innovation that allow for endless hours of entertainment and information dissemination, but sometimes you just want them off! Make a TV remote jammer as a joke, to get a few hours of quite or just for fun.

How To: Make a microphone wind screen for a Zoom H2

For anyone who has ever used a microphone, trying to record something during a windy day can be a bit of a pain. Of course we can eliminate most of the interference with a simple wind screen that can be purchased at the store, but many times they can be a bit pricey. Well, in this tutorial find out how to make your own wind screener for a Zoom H2 mic. Enjoy!

How To: Delete apps off an iPod Touch or iPhone

In this video you will learn how to delete apps off of your iPod Touch or iPhone. All you need to do is press select the app you wish to delete. And instead of tapping it you hold your finger until the X pops up on the top left corner of each of the apps. Then simply press on the X and it will bring up a menu asking whether or not you would like to delete the app. Then all you will need to do is either choose yes or no. Then there you have it you have successfully removed the desired app.

How To: Unfreeze a clickwheel iPod

Learn how to unfreeze a click wheel iPod properly in simple steps. If your iPod freezes suddenly while using it, you can easily unfreeze it. Just hold the 'Menu' button and the 'Center' button on your iPod for a few seconds until the iPod turns off and a apple logo appears. Now release the menu and; the center buttons and wait for your iPod start again. Your iPod will be ready to use when is starts again. If this doesn't work let your iPod as it is for a few hours to let the battery die and t...

How To: Set up the D80 pop-up flash as commander for Nikon CLS

These are the steps required to set your D80's pop-up flash. First, go to the "Custom Shooting Menu." Then you choose #22 on the screen: "Built in Flash." Choose the "Commander Mode" option. The modes that are available for the pop-up flash include TTL, AA (Auto Aperture) M (Manual) and Off (no flash). If you are using an external flash unit, you use either group A or B. The light frequencies and proper settings are related to how much light compensation is needed. +3. 0 is high power, 1. 1 i...

How To: Disassemble a first-generation iPod Touch

This video describes how to take apart a first generation iPod. To open the iPod, the video recommends using a putty knife or similar flat tool to gently ply open the casing. The presenter recommends being especially careful if this is the first time opening the casing. Once you have the first side open slightly wide work your way around the casing, making sure the entire casing is spread evenly around. Once all the sides are loose, the back casing just slides off. There are then two componen...

How To: Turn off your iPod Nano or iPod Classic

You can turn off both the iPod Nano and the iPod Classic the same way. To turn it off you have to push a button on the click wheel of the iPod. You will push and hold the play pause button until the iPod goes off. The play pause button is the one that has the two lines and the triangle side by side. Once you have held them down and the iPod has gone off then there is one more thing you need to do. On top of the iPod there is a lock button just move that button to the lock position and you are...

How To: Use Auto-FP high speed sync for Nikon SB speedlights

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use Auto-FP high speed flash on the Nikon SB camera. Begin by attaching the SB speed light onto the camera and turn on the speed light. This video will be setting up vie the camera menu. In he menu, set it at 1/250s and exit out the menu. The "FP" icon will now appear on the LCD panel. Increase it to 1/8000s or stop up to F/2. 8. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in photography and would like to learn how to use Auto-FP on a ...

How To: Use the SD-8A battery pack for the Nikon SB-800

This video demonstrates how to use a Nikon SD-80 Battery Pack with a Nikon SB-800 Speedlight. The first step is to identify the different power adaptors on the ends of the cable leading to the battery pack. This pack is powered with AA batteries. Remove the outlet plate on the SD-80 and insert the power cable into the SB-800 Speedlight. Then attach the communication cord to the Speedlight. Now place the Speedlight in the hotshoe of the Nikon camera and let the battery pack dangle or attach it...