Hot Electronics How-Tos
How To: Shoot video in total darkness on a digital video camera
In this video tutorial, we learn how to shoot video in pitch-black conditions using a standard digital video camera. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Shuffle between songs on an Apple iPod MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use the Shuffle mode on an Apple iPod MP3 player for randomized playback of your songs. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Switch from an Apple iPod to a Microsoft Zune MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to make the switch from the Apple iPod to the Microsoft Zune portable MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Set up and use an Apple iPod Shuffle portable MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to configure and get started using an Apple iPod Shuffle portable MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Set up and use an Apple iPod Touch portable MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to configure and get started using an Apple iPod Touch portable MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
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: Change the default language on an Apple iPod Shuffle
In this video tutorial, we learn how to change the default language on an Apple iPod Shuffle MP3 player to or from English. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Manage an Apple iPod with Floola instead of iTunes
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use manage the files on an Apple iPod with Floola in the place of iTunes. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Use a portable MP3 player like the Apple iPod at the gym
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use an MP3 player to listen to music or audiobooks when working out at the gym. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Put an audiobook on a portable MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to listen to audiobooks on a portable MP3 player like the Apple iPod. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this consumer electronics how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Make the transition from analog to digital television
In this video tutorial, we learn how to set an old TV up to receive an analog signal. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Speed up a Logitech Harmony remote control
In this video tutorial, we learn a trick for speeding up a standard Logitech Harmony smart remote control. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Organize shows into groups on a standard TiVo DVR
In this video tutorial, we learn how to group recorded programs on a standard TiVo digital video recorder or DVR. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Set up a Roku digital video player for use with your home theatre
In this video tutorial, we learn how to set up and configure a Roku digital video player or DVP. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Change the aspect ratio on a standard HDTV
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the default aspect ratio of a standard high-definition television when setting up a home theatre. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide from CNET.
How To: Play video from the Internet on a TV using a set-top box
In this tutorial, we learn how to play video clips from the Internet on a standard TV screen. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Play videos from an Apple iPod on a standard TV with AV cables
In this tutorial, we learn how to play and watch videos from an Apple iPod on a standard TV. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Calibrate a high-definition television when setting up a home theatre
In this tutorial, we receive some tips on how to calibrate a high-definition television when setting up a home theatre. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Maintain the proper viewing distance when watching television
In this clip, you'll receive some tips on where to place your high-definition television for an optimum viewing distance. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Put Song Lyrics on Your iPod and View Them While Listening to Songs
Your iPod is the centerpiece of your music-listening life. Did you know you can store and display the song lyrics on them? Watch this video to learn the simple steps to add lyrics to any song in your iTunes and thus your iPod, then look at them while listening to a song.
How To: Install a backlight behind a widescreen TV
In this clip, you'll learn how to install a backlight behind a television for an eye-catching diffused light effect. For more information, including a complete demonstration of the proces and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home theatre how-to from CNET.
How To: Build a Small DIY Hydrogen Fuel Cell Science Experiment
The hydrogen fuel cell has great potential to replace carbon-based fuels in our vehicle fleets and stave off global warming. It's a difficult concept intellectually, so why not make this fun little science experiment to try it out for yourself? Yes, by following these simple instructions you can make a small hydrogen fuel cell at home that will even power some devices!
How To: Enable and use parental controls on an Apple iPod Touch
In this clip, you'll learn how to turn on parental controls on an Apple iPod Touch. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-electronics how-to can present a complete overview of the process in about two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Make a DIY video remote for Canon DSLR cameras for under 10 bucks
If you have a Canon digital camera and plan on shooting video with it using a camera rig, then you'll want a good way to control your recordings with a start/stop button. A remote control is the way to go, but don't spend all that money— make your own! The remote in the video is hardwire into the camera and onto the rig for easy handling. You'll need your Canon 5D MK II HD DSLR (but it will work on other Canon models, too), a Canon RC-6 Remote Control (or generic brand), fiber optics cable, w...
How To: Get companies to give you consumer electronics to review and keep afterwards
Do you like to try out the latest electronics before they come out? Do you hate it when you have to send back test products you do get your hands on? Watch this video to learn how you can get companies to send you products to review and let you keep them afterwards.
How To: Use a USB patchstick to install Boxee on an AppleTV
If you want to get more out of your AppleTV, Boxee is the way to go. Dave Mathews from Boxee— no, not "Dave Matthews"— shows you how to get the HTPC program installed on your Apple TV.
How To: Turn an iPod Touch into an iPhone with TextNow
If you want to make phone calls from your Apple iPod Touch, or send text messages, it's totally possible with a little app called TextNow. This apps turns your iPod Touch into an iPhone clone, allowing you to make phone calls and features like voicemail, call forwarding, text messages, picture messages and a whole lot more. See it in action!
How To: Make your own air conditioner with a fan and copper tubing
The heat can be oppressive, and air conditioning can be expensive. But you can build your own air conditioner for just $40, with a fan, styrofoam cooler and a length of quarter-inch copper tubing. Cool your home inexpensively with this mod!
How To: Troubleshoot a crippled digital SLR camera and lens
For some digital photographers, there is a noted compatibility issue when trying to use a lens which lacks a built-in or internal auto focusing motor. This tutorial shows you a few easy fixes you can use to alleviate this probem for your onw DSLR.
How To: Take proper care of your digital camera battery
Extend the life of your camera battery and keep yourself safe from a damaged battery by following these tips. Check the condition directly through your camera, monitor how long it will be until your battery needs replacement, and always charge your battery before it runs completely down.
How To: Set up a Canon digital camera as a webcam for digital chat
If you already own a Canon High-def digital SLR, you can set it up as a virtual webcam. This will allow you to record video podcasts or chat on Skype. You'll also need the CamTwist software and the Canon EOS utility (available from your install CD).
How To: Solve a light leak issue with your digital SLR camera
Some models of Nikon camera may experience an issue where light leaks through a distance panel and onto the images during a long exposure in extremely bright environments. This short tutorial explains how to tell if you might have a camera susceptible to light leak, and how to fix it if you do.
How To: Set up non-CPU lens data for your SLR camera
A non-CPU lens is one which does not have contacts on the rear mount, meaning it communicates with the rest of the camera solely through the aperture. This tutorial shows you how to set up the lens data for your camera, so you can get the most out of your non-CPU lens.
How To: Convert your old VHS tapes to DVD format
Want to make sure your collection of home videos is preserved? Or convert that movie collection you spent the 80s building into something more lasting? There are several ways to get content from a VHS cassette onto a DVD, including getting a VHS/DVD recorder.
How To: Calibrate an LCD monitor for your computer
Maximize the display capabilities of your LCD computer monitor! Set up your contrast just how you want it by using test patterns, adjust the backlight, adjust the color display for over- or under- saturated colors, and then play with your monitor presets.
How To: Boost your AppleTV experience with aTV Flash
The AppleTV is a great home entertainment hub for all your video viewing joy, but it still stands a little limited in all its glory. You can hack your Apple TV to death, but if you don't know what you're doing, you can waste tons of time and possibly even ruin your Apple TV. But with a hack called aTV Flash, hacking gets a little easier. It does cost around 50 bucks, but it adds a ton of functionality, from integrating Firefox, to allowing external storage to incredible codec support.
How To: Clean a camera lens with cellulose tape (Scotch or Sellotape)
A camera's lens can be plagued with dust particles over time, and without a proper cleaning, your photographs will need a digital manicure before they'll please the eye. If you don't want to turn to Photoshop, then a little lens maintenance will do your photos good. Cleaning a camera lens is as easy as using a a few strips of Scotch or Sellotape, which are cellulose-based, translucent tapes.
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: Use an external hard drive for extra storage with your AppleTV
Movies, TV shows and other media content can fill up even the most generous hard drive quickly. You can use MediaUSB on aTV Flash to connect an external USB drive to your AppleTV for extra media storage capability, and this tutorial shows you how. Make the most of your Apple TV!
How To: Display your computer monitor on a TV screen
Watch streaming Internet TV or other media content on your home television set! This tutorial shows you how to set up a connection between your computer monitor and your TV set so you can watch your computer screen on a big screen!