How to Guide - Connecting Your Laptop to HDTV Or TV

!±8± How to Guide - Connecting Your Laptop to HDTV Or TV

I'm writing this guide after being asked a few times on ways to connect a laptop to a TV. People want to achieve this for several reasons. First, it's great for presentations at work, school, or home. It's also convenient for viewing pictures and videos to friends, watching DVDs, and it is now even being used for viewing Blu-ray and other high definition content on the HDTV.

First, we want to make sure you're getting the most out of your laptop when it comes to displaying it on the TV.

If you have an HDTV with HDMI inputs, check if your laptop has an HDMI output. If it does, you're in luck! Your HDTV can display from your laptop in HD resolutions. All you need is an HDMI cable to connect them. If your HDTVs HDMI inputs are used up already. An HDMI switch would be the best solution for you. We supply switches that can connect up to 5 different HDMI sources to 1 HDMI input. If you don't have an HDMI output on the laptop, check if it has a DVI output. Some ASUS, and Dell laptops have them. If you do, you can connect your laptop to an HDTV with an HDMI to DVI cable. They are both digital cables so this will produce the same HD resolutions as a standard HDMI cable. If your laptop doesn't have HDMI or DVI out, it should have a VGA output. Connecting with VGA is capable of high resolutions. However, different TVs support different resolutions with VGA. You must check the maximum resolution your TV model supports with VGA. Pretty much all laptops come with an S-Video output. It's not going to be as great of a picture, but it will certainly do the job with an S-Video cable.

After you have connected your chosen cable, boot up your laptop and see if it has detected your TV. If not, you have to go into your display properties and look for the settings that will enable your TV to display from your laptop. Where to find the setting will vary depending on your graphics card (just look around). If you are having trouble getting your TV to show a picture, make sure you have updated the display drivers on your laptop. Now you're probably going to want sound from something other than your laptop speakers. So you can choose to output it to your TV, or blast it from your home theater audio receiver.

The best way to connect audio to your TV or receiver is through a digital audio cable. Both a digital coaxial cable or Toslink optical audio cable will work great for crisp high quality audio. Just make sure your laptop has either a digital coaxial or an optical audio output. Some laptops use the headphone jack to double as a digital coaxial (S/PDIF) output. If you use this method, your going to need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter with a digital coaxial cable. If your laptop has none of these outputs and you still really want that high quality sound. Don't worry! You can still get an external (USB) sound card that has digital coaxial out or optical out. I recommend the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 SB1090 with Toslink Optical audio out. Another way, which won't require any add-ons, is to use the headphone (3.5mm) jack on your laptop to the RCA (red and white) inputs on your TV or receiver. To do this, all you need is a 3.5mm to 2 RCA adapter with a 2 RCA audio cable.

I know all of these cables can seem confusing to you. If you're having trouble finding out what each cable looks like or find out more about a cable, check out the Cable Guide at CableTrain.com. All of these cables are available for you on our website as well. I hope you can now successfully connect your laptop to the TV in the best way possible!

How to Guide - Connecting Your Laptop to HDTV Or TV

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BluBridge Mini Jack Rx Bluetooth Wireless Music Receiver Review

!±8± BluBridge Mini Jack Rx Bluetooth Wireless Music Receiver Review

This is a review on the BluBridge Mini Jack Rx Bluetooth Music Receiver which connects to your existing home AV or any device with an audio input. Now you can listen to your laptop, PC, Mac, and smartphones without hassle and without wires.

BluBridge Mini Jack Rx Bluetooth Wireless Music Receiver Review

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Photo Montage (or Slideshow) Tips and Ideas

!±8± Photo Montage (or Slideshow) Tips and Ideas

If you're anything like me, you've got old photos in boxes, scattered pictures in various scrapbooks or albums, a computer hard drive with photos saved in places you don't even remember, maybe even some undeveloped film (who knows what could be on there!). If you're looking for something to do with all of it, why not make a photo slideshow on DVD replete with music and specials effects? It is a great way to keep a permanent record of all those photos as DVDs can last up to 100 years. There are plenty of companies that will perform that service for you (including the author's) or you can do it yourself. If you want to do it yourself, here are some ideas to help you out.

Know Your Audience

The most important aspect in creating any photo montage is in knowing your audience. Ultimately, what you are doing with your montage is telling a story. To tell it effectively, you have to know who you are telling it to. The audience will play a large part in how many pictures you want to include, the type of music you want, and the length of the presentation. Here are a few specific ideas:

* If you plan on showing your montage to a larger audience (like a birthday, wedding reception/rehearsal dinner, or anniversary party) make sure you consider how you are going to present it. Is your slideshow going to be a backdrop for the party or is there going to be a time to sit down where everyone will gather to watch? If it is a backdrop, you probably want to use more pictures. That way, people can watch parts as they please, mingle, and then come back to watch different parts as the party moves on. If your montage is going to be displayed with the expectation that most people will stop what they are doing to watch, keep your presentation limited to about 4 songs (about 125 to 175 photos). This is a good length to create some nice emotions yet short enough that it will not interrupt the event.

* If you plan on showing your slideshow to a small and intimate audience, the best bet is to make it short and sweet. One to two personal songs with about 75 photographs makes a great surprise gift.

The Importance Of Order

There are a variety of approaches you can take in ordering your photographs (thematically, chronologically, etc). What usually has the best flow is a chronological order. Chronological order allows you to encapsulate all facets of a person's life in a way that everyone will understand. It also creates a great nostalgia effect early on which will grab your audience's attention right away.

Music

Generically speaking, songs with lyrics are best. Since the majority of your DVD will be pictures, having lyrics really helps to attach the photos to the music. If a particular lyric matches up to what is going on in a particular photo that is even better.

As to musical genre, that is a matter of personal taste. From experience, though, a mix is usually the most powerful. If you are making an upbeat, light-hearted presentation, then matching music is appropriate. If you are looking for something engaging and emotional, then think of your presentation like it is a great movie. You want a lighter side, a dramatic part, and a great ending. Depending on the number of photos you have, probably one or two up-tempo songs, one or two slower songs, and then the homerun song for the end.

When picking specific songs, it is a good idea to think beyond the more common popular songs. What is the person's favorite song? How about a song from their childhood? Maybe one version of a song works better than another (like acoustic versus electric)? There is an amazing amount of music available online; it is a good idea to explore. You will know when you see it in your presentation if it really fits.

Photo Quality

A big issue related to creating a photo montage is photo editing. There is plenty of software that can clean up cracks, fix lighting, adjust color, remove spots, etc.; some works better than others (check out http://www.cnet.com for product reviews). The one problem no software can fix, though, is a grainy photo. Unfortunately, an out-of-focus photograph is going to remain an out-of-focus picture in your slideshow. When you are selecting the photos are going to include, you should choose the clearest ones you have. Keep in mind that your slideshow may have lots of transitions, backgrounds, pan and zooms, etc. so you want photos with a focal point that is as clean as possible. Clean photos help keep the flow of the presentation.

Video

A good way to add some flair to your montage is to add video. If you can find and isolate some good video clips, they add a great touch. If you do decide to add video, don't make the clips too long. Remember, you have a story to tell and need to keep it moving. Keep the clip down to about thirty seconds and consider using video as a break point between "chapters" or songs.

Narrate It

Another great touch is to use personal voice recordings in your slideshow. If your presentation is a gift, hearing your voice makes it that much more personal (and memorable). Voice recording can be done on most home computers. Turn on the microphone and go for it!

Quotes and Poems

If you are really looking to create an emotional montage, use photo captions. They can be personal quotes, famous quotes, short poems, etc. Whatever your preference, a good quote can help to convey the true meaning behind a certain photo or draw out deep emotions.

Personalize It

What makes any gift special? The thought of course -- especially the thought that comes from you. Since that is the case, some piece of personalization, however small, is critical. Think of it as your signature on a painting. Whether it is a song, a caption, or even a certain photo make sure to make it your own.

The End

Sometimes one of the best parts of a movie is the highlight reel at the end (think "Build Me Up, Buttercup" at the end of There's Something About Mary). If you can come up with your own "bloopers reel," it would be an excellent finishing touch to your slideshow.

Back-Up Plan

Once all of your pictures have been scanned, catalogued, and you are ready to start on your montage, don't forget to create a file with just your originals in case you need to go back to them for some reason. It is a good idea to also create a separate folder with your edited photos. That way you have copies of both for a "Doomsday scenario." This also provides you a way to preserve all your print photos which can degrade over time (cracking, turning yellow, etc).

Hopefully, these ideas are helpful to you. Creating a photo slideshow is a lot of work but it always turns out to be worth it in the end.

Photo Montage (or Slideshow) Tips and Ideas

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OmniMount Tria 3 Shelf Wall System, Black

!±8± OmniMount Tria 3 Shelf Wall System, Black

Rate : | Price : $82.70 | Post Date : Dec 10, 2011 09:51:20
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Tria 1 is a 1-shelf do-it-yourself solution that allows you to neatly organize components right under your flat panel without the need to run the connections through your wall. Tria 1 is designed with covers that easily snap on to the spine to route and hide wires. The Tria Series wall shelf systems offer hassle-free shelving and cable management solutions suitable for any environment and can be used with or without a flat panel. User-friendly features like adjustable shelves and paintable, trimmable covers make them customizable for any application.

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Denon Avr-2808Ci / 2808 7.1 Receiver Hdmi 1.3A, 1080P - Avr2808Ci

!±8± Denon Avr-2808Ci / 2808 7.1 Receiver Hdmi 1.3A, 1080P - Avr2808Ci

Welcome to Dakmart.COM. The item you're looking at is the Denon Avr-2808Ci / 2808 7.1 Receiver Hdmi 1.3A, 1080P - Avr2808Ci You have music on your computer, on your iPod, in your car, in your living space, and everywhere in between. Now you can consolidate your tunes without sacrificing anything. The AVR-2808CI provides a terminal for connecting an iPod on the back panel. With the purchase of either a Denon ASD-1R, an ASD-3N, or an ASD-3W, you can connect and play your iPod through your receiver. With the ASD-3W, you can even wirelessly stream music from a compatible iPod. This model also features technology that enhances the sound of compressed audio, so your iPod has never sounded better. In addition to iPod compatibility, the AVR-2808CI allows you to view photos or listen to music from a network. With the purchase of either the ASD-3N or ASD-3W, you are able to enjoy pics and tunes from your computer through your home system, via either ethernet or Wi-Fi. Additionally, this model features an input jack to connect to an XM Satellite Radio tuner antenna, which enables you to listen to many different audio broadcasts from around the globe. All you need is an optional XM tuner antenna, XM service activation, and a subscription (all sold separately), and then you"re ready to go. To make these features even more convenient, beginning with this model, Denon added Network features with Rhapsody. This allows your receiver to identify tracks, access Rhapsody from your computer ...

Denon Avr-2808Ci / 2808 7.1 Receiver Hdmi 1.3A, 1080P - Avr2808Ci

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!±8± Nyrius NY-GS3200 5.8GHz 6 Channel Wireless Audio/Video Sender Transmitter & Receiver System with IR Remote Extender

Brand : Nyrius | Rate : | Price : $99.99
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Nyrius NY-GS3200 5.8GHz 6 Channel Wireless Audio/Video Sender Transmitter & Receiver System with IR Remote Extender

• This device allows you to easily broadcast your DVDs, CDs, MP3s, satellite/cable, PC, gaming console, streaming video and more to any TV
• Now you can easily stream high quality audio and video from one room to another, all without installing wires
• Not only can you watch your audio/video source remotely, you can also control it.
• Change channels, pause your movie - any function available on your remote will work using the remote extender.
• This system has 6 channel frequencies to choose from.
• Simply point the IR extender at the device you want to control and your devices can be controlled from a remote location up to 100ft
• Pressing the channel button on the receiver will automatically ensure that the transmitter is on the same frequency
• The built in IR (infrared) remote extender will send your device's remote control signals over the air

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Nyrius NY-GS3200 5.8GHz 6 Channel Wireless Audio/Video Sender Transmitter & Receiver System with IR Remote Extender

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Analog TV Digital Transmission

!±8± Analog TV Digital Transmission

Remember the old days of analog TV, radio, etc. Most of us do unless you're really young. And still today there are plenty of analog systems in use. Normal radio still uses analog transmission. But the digital age has begun and more and more we will use digital systems rather than analog systems.

Digital transmission systems have many advantages over analog transmission systems, like higher quality of audio and video. How come digital systems can transmit higher quality signals than analog systems? The truth is that they don't. They just use some tricks to eliminate noise.

Analog Transmission Systems

When something like video and audio, is recorded by an analog system, the recording has a certain quality. This recording (when done professionally) has a very high quality. When the recording is transmitted it is modulated directly to a carrier wave, which is then transmitted through the air, cable, via satellite, etc. During this transmission, the carrier and the modulated signal will loose amplitude (power) and due to interference noise is introduced to the carrier and its modulated signal. The result will always be a received signal that has a lower quality than the transmitted signal. Hence, the modulated signal, the recording, will also be of lower quality than the original.

Analog transmission systems are unable to maintain the quality the original has.

Digital Transmission Systems

In the digital world the recording can be transmitted to another place without loosing any quality. An exact copy of the original recording is transmitted. So how come that digital transmission systems don't loose quality when transmitting a signal?

Well..... Actually they do lose quality just like the analog transmission system does.

Surprised? No Problem. Most people don't know that digital signals still need to be transmitted by analog transmission systems. The trick is that a digital system doesn't record analog signals, but encodes analog signals into bits (zeros and ones). A sample is taken many times per second and the size of each sample is written down in bits. For instance a sample with the value of 9 would be 1001 and 11 would be 1011.

The digital transmission system needs to transmit those zeros and ones, and it does this by modulating the carrier wave. Low power for a 0 and high power for a 1 (This is the most simple way of modulating. There are much more sophisticated forms of modulation, but it would take a whole book to describe them all.)

So on the receiving end, it doesn't matter anymore what the quality of the signal is, as long as it still is possible to identify the zeros and ones. Noise in the received signal is no problem. A "1" with noise is still a "1" and a "0" with noise is still a "0". Of course the noise can not be too high, otherwise mistakes would be made and a zero would be received as one or a one would be received as a zero.

So Digital Transmission Systems are better because they eliminate the effect of noise completely. You don't look and listen to a received signal from an original recording, but you look and listen to a reproduced signal of the recording. The reproduction comes from an exact copy of the original recording.

The quality of what you see and hear now depends on your TV and Sound System. A high quality TV and Sounds System will give you high quality Video and Audio. The negative effects of the (still analog) transmission have been eliminated from the process.

Satellite TV makes use of Digital Transmission Systems. What you see at home will always be of Digital no (much less) noise Quality.

Analog TV Digital Transmission

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Azden WLX-PRO Lavaliere VHF wireless lapel microphone System

!±8±Azden WLX-PRO Lavaliere VHF wireless lapel microphone System

Brand : Azden
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Post Date : Nov 25, 2011 06:35:26
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A complete system which includes the WL/T-PRO a belt-pack transmitter (WM-PRO) with electret condenser lavalier microphone (EX-503) and the WR-PRO receiver which comes with both shoe-mount and hook and loop fastener. All receivers and transmitters in the "PRO" Series are on the same 2 frequencies (169.445MHz and 170.245MHz).

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Lorex LIVE SD9 Wireless Digital Security System - LW2902

!±8± Lorex LIVE SD9 Wireless Digital Security System - LW2902

Brand : Lorex | Rate : | Price : $299.22
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Lorex LIVE SD9 Wireless Digital Security System - LW2902

ULTRA-DIGITAL WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY FOR EXCELLENT VIDEO & AUDIO QUALITY; 9" LCD WITH BUILT-IN WIRELESS RECEIVER & SECURE DIGITAL CARD RECORDER; MOTION DETECTION, SCHEDULED & MANUAL START/STOP RECORDING OPTIONS; DATE STAMPED RECORDINGS; VGA OR QVGA RESOLUTIONS; VIEW IN SINGLE CAMERA OR QUAD MODEEXPANDABLE TO UP TO 4 CAMERAS; 2-WAY AUDIO INTERCOM; INCLUDES 2 COLOR VGA WIRELESS CAMERAS WITH WEATHERPROOF HOUSINGS, 3 POWER ADAPTERS, 4 GB SECURE DIGITAL CARD, REMOTE, TABLETOP STAND & UNDER-COUNTER Mount

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AV Receivers and Their Place In a Home Theater

!±8± AV Receivers and Their Place In a Home Theater

With so many common components like the LCD flat panel TV and a surround sound home audio system, it can sometimes be confusing when additional equipment such as an A/V receiver is needed to tie home theater equipment together. A good A/V receiver is essential to having a good home theater system since it is literally the piece of equipment that serves as the command center for the entire system and gets all of the audio and video components working together in sync.

The functionality of an A/V receiver relies on everything being connected together properly. Once you've properly set up your receiver, home theater problems will generally vanish. In order to make sure that you can connect your various home theater components to your A/V receiver properly, here is some basic information on how the receivers work and what sort of components can be connected to one.

Function of an A/V Receiver

An A/V receiver is what could be considered the "command center" of your home theater system. This means that it receives input from some of your home theater devices, organizes that input, and sends it as output to other devices that are attached to your home theater system. This allows you to use your home audio system with surround sound in conjunction with your HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player and your LCD flat panel TV, all while controlling only a single home theater component. An A/V receiver sorts through all of the audio and visual signals that are sent by your devices, organizing them so that the appropriate output devices receive only the signals that they need and eliminating the mass of wires that can be required to try and manually connect all of these components without the use of a central receiver.

Perhaps more important is that A/V receivers generally work as a digital amplifier for your audio system. This means that you'll be able to watch movies, play games, and listen to music in digital surround sound. To further improve your listening pleasure, many modern A/V receivers have built-in wireless service or USB ports so that you can stream music wirelessly from your home computer or plug in an external hard drive so that you can enjoy saved music and movies in their digital format without having to burn them to a CD or DVD.

Home Theater Components that Attach to an A/V Receiver

A variety of home theater components can be attached to an A/V receiver. In addition to your television, DVD player, and advanced disc formats such as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players, you can include a stereo CD player, satellite television receivers, a digital video recorder (DVR) or similar device, and in many cases some older components such as an analog record player. Popular gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii, the Sony PS3, and the X-Box 360 can also be connected to your receiver with ease so that you can enjoy surround sound to enhance your gaming experience. If your computer is nearby to your home audio system then you can attach the sound outputs to the receiver as well so as to take advantage of your existing surround sound system instead of having to rely on smaller computer speakers.

Using Your A/V Receiver

Once you're ready to make use of your A/V receiver, setting it up is relatively easy. Using standard A/V cables, connect the outputs on your DVD player, stereo, satellite decoder, DVR, or similar components to the corresponding inputs on the back of your receiver. From there you simply need to attach your TV and speakers to the receiver's outputs. Once everything has been properly plugged in and set up, you should be able to control many if not all of the functions of your home theater system directly from your A/V receiver.

If you are uncertain about installing your home theater A/V receiver and the corresponding components yourself, consult a professional to make the job simpler. They can get you on your way to enjoying your new home theater system in a hurry.

~ Ben Anton, 2007

AV Receivers and Their Place In a Home Theater

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Onkyo TX NR609 7 2 Channel Network THX Certified AV Receiver

!±8± Onkyo TX NR609 7 2 Channel Network THX Certified AV Receiver

Buy Onkyo TX NR609 7 2 Channel Network THX Certified AV Receiver www.amazon.com Product Description Targeting the sweet spot where affordability meets superb functionality, the TX-NR609 looks set to be another Onkyo classic. This THX Select2 Plus Certified A/V receiver handles content from all your favorite disc-based media, as well as networked and wireless audio content from the internet, iPod/iPhone, and PC. Six HDMI inputs—including one on the front panel—provide support for 3D video and ultra-high resolution 4K video upscaling via Marvell Qdeo. HDMI also carries master-quality audio formats from Dolby and DTS, as well as the expanded surround sound of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and Onkyo's proprietary WRAT ensure a clean and compelling amplifier performance. And when audio signals are output, the 7.2-channel configuration includes twin subwoofer pre-outs for added bass impact. Meanwhile, a user-friendly on-screen display and GUI make it easy to adjust settings and navigate your content. All this and more makes the TX-NR609 an irresistible choice for the value-seeking home theater fan.

Onkyo TX NR609 7 2 Channel Network THX Certified AV Receiver

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4UCam 7" LCD wireless advancement camera with night vision

!±8± 4UCam 7" LCD wireless advancement camera with night vision

•Wireless Back-Up Camera System, no need for complex connect wire layout, easy install. •Comes complete with everything you need to install •Build-in 10 high-powered IR LED night vision helping to see better at night •4-Channel receiver can view up to 4 cameras •Mirror and Up/Down image switch by pushing the button on the monitor •Automatic sun blocking feature viewing while camera facing the sun •7" Color TFT-LCD Monitor with built-in receiver, one RCA A/V input for your DVD or game console. •Waterproof, heavy-duty Round IR camera provides flexible mount location and position •For use with 12V DC electrical systems •Installation is easy with the elimination of wires from camera to monitor •Easy to read English installation manual

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Polk Audio Blackstone TL350 System-Harman BDS 5.1 AV Receiver and Blu-Ray

!±8± Polk Audio Blackstone TL350 System-Harman BDS 5.1 AV Receiver and Blu-Ray

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Polk Audio Blackstone TL350 System-Harman BDS 5.1 AV Receiver and Blu-Ray

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