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Making a CD cleaning fluid with alcohol and toothpaste will help remove dust, dirt and even scratches from your favorite discs. Make a CD cleaning fluid with alcohol and toothpaste with help from an audio engineer in this free video clip.
Cleaning Bose CD changers will help prevent skips and pops as you listen to your favorite tuns. Clean Bose CD changes with help from an audio engineer in this free video clip.
Using a mono plug in a stereo jack can cause anything from missing sound to permanent costly damage to audio equipment. Adapters are widely available where audio equipment is sold. These adapters allow hookups such as using a mono microphone with a stereo "Mic In" jack. The resulting recording would not be stereo, but the sound would be recorded on both audio tracks and play back through both speakers. Adapters can also easily be made using a convenient length of cable and any type of plug and jack.
Soundproofing a sink requires you to take the metal gauge and a few other traits into careful consideration. Soundproof a sink with help from the president and owner of Source Development Inc. in this free video clip.
Configuring Firefox for XM Radio is a great way to stream content directly into your browser window. Configure Firefox for XM Radio with help from a technology professional in this free video clip.
Sirius XM Radio offers features that allow you to access a wide variety of channels on your radio such as sports, entertainment, commercial free music, news, weather and talk. XM is a combination of the high technology of satellites with an older product, the radio. The combination gives you the flexibility to listen to your favorite channels from any location.
Many people enjoy working on their home electronics themselves; however, electricity can pose a safety hazard. In all electrical devices, including speakers, the “hot” wire carries power from the electrical outlet before reaching the speaker, while the “neutral” wire carries power back to the outlet afterwards. The “ground” wire serves as a failsafe by carrying power from the conductive parts of the speaker back to the outlet in the event of a short circuit. In a short circuit, the power doesn’t pass through the speaker and returns directly to the outlet, so that touching a shorted speaker will likely shock…
When you're trying to get that distant radio station to come in just a little bit clearer, it can seem like antennas are more about black magic than science. However, it does come down to science, and with a bit of knowledge and some basic math, you can ensure that you have the perfect length antenna for your situation.
Antennas affect the quality of the sound you get from a radio in indirect ways. An antenna's job is to turn radio signals into electric currents, and an efficient antenna yields clear-sounding broadcasts with low noise, even with stations that transmit weak signals. The type of antenna -- whether it's used for AM, FM or satellite signals -- also strongly influences radio sound quality.
A home loft is generally designed to be an open space with little to no thought given to soundproofing. The issue of soundproofing can arise if the space is transformed into a home office, bedroom, study area or home music studio. Controlling the transmission of sound both in and out of a loft space may require some creative techniques.
Alligator clips are useful for bridging connections between electrical equipment and components, including audio cables. These spring-loaded clips are serrated, making it easy to establish secure connections while maintaining the ability to disconnect wires easily. While you can purchase audio cables that already come equipped with these clips on the end, connecting an audio cable to an alligator clip yourself is a fairly straightforward process.
Satellite radio has a lot to offer -- a practically unlimited selection of music, talk radio, and live sports, all commercial-free. It also offers that ugly little antenna that you have to put up on your roof. Have no fear, however. While the owner's manual will tell you the roof is the best option, there are some little hiding places around your car that still offer good reception.
In the early 1990s, a consortium of companies made an expensive bet on technology that backfired. Under ordinary circumstances, the organization might have chosen to declare bankruptcy and cut its losses, but a new and untested field of communications offered one last possibility for success. The company, soon to be known as XM Radio, parlayed its mistake into a dominant position in the early days of satellite radio.
The iPhone can be a useful audio recording tool. You can use the built-in microphone for voice notes and field recordings with reasonably high-quality results. However, to take advantage of the iPhone's digital audio recording potential -- or simply to "patch in" external audio equipment -- you'll need an adapter cable. Using an RCA adapter, you can record audio with any app that you'd use with the built-in microphone, but you'll have much more flexibility about the source and sound quality.
Satellite radio introduced a new way to broadcast and receive commercial radio. Traditional radio towers still broadcast local stations, but digital radio beams data from satellites in an entirely new way of transmitting information. One of the first major digital radio providers, XM Radio, was named to highlight that difference. When XM Radio merged with another digital provider, Sirius, the company became SiriusXM, still highlighting the difference between digital and standard broadcasting.
While digital audio and video is certainly more common these days, many audiophiles and music purists still prefer the natural sound of older, analog amplifiers and receivers. However, using older stereo amps or receivers usually means using cumbersome wires to connect speakers as well. Modern wireless speaker systems let rid yourself of the wires using an adapter that connects to the headphone jack on the receiver.
You've no doubt noticed that radios works better in some places than others. This has to do with the way radio waves work and the degree to which the waves are absorbed by surrounding objects. Glass is a substance that absorbs very little of radio waves, enabling a radio to work best when it’s near a window versus the center of your house.
Subwoofers are specialized speakers designed to do one thing: produce low bass tones. While they are frequently associated with home theater systems, subwoofers are useful for all types of media. Maximizing your subwoofer's performance requires you to adjust its three key settings -- phase, crossover and level -- as well as to pay careful attention to the most important factor -- its placement.
XM Radio is a service that broadcasts music and talk shows over a satellite signal. Unlike traditional radio, an XM station can be continuously heard anywhere in the United States. An XM radio may sometimes need to be refreshed. This is necessary when a radio is associated with a new subscription, or if the device is not functioning properly. Either a computer or a phone can be used to reset the radio.
It wasn’t too long ago that attaching speakers to an audio device was as simple as plugging two sets of RCA connectors into the unit’s color-coded inputs. Now that home entertainment systems have become commonplace, it’s not unusual to find numerous devices hooked up to a five- or seven-speaker surround sound system. Sorting through a maze of cables can be challenging enough, but setting up a custom configuration – such as connecting three RCA cables to a single set of inputs – may be downright daunting. Fortunately, the task is not as difficult as it sounds, and you don’t need…
You can splice a broken or damaged speaker wire at home with some simple tools and techniques that will permanently repair the wire, making it last many years. This allows you to put your speakers back in use for just pennies, using methods that create a functional and aesthetically pleasing final result. In-line wire splicing for low-voltage circuits is one of the most common repairs.
Consumer electronics equipment, such as amplifiers and radios, use mainly two types of audio connectors: RCA and 3.5mm mini phone plug. Amplifiers have a set of RCA connectors on the back; a typical radio has a mini plug output. They are distinctly different and mutually incompatible, so you cannot insert a mini plug into an RCA jack or vice versa. You can, however, obtain an adapter cable from nearly any consumer electronics outlet. Using such a cable, hooking an amp to a radio is a cinch.
When you set up a new GPS or satellite radio, you need a clear view of the sky. While this may seem incredibly inconvenient in many situations, it is a necessity for proper setup. This is primarily due to how satellite transmissions work. There are other conditions, however, that can make satellite reception more difficult to attain.
The Motorola Q is a simple smartphone for Verizon, Sprint and Amp'd Mobile. The phone outputs sound through a set of stereo speakers at the rear of the unit. Like most phones, the Motorola Q plays no sounds in silent mode, so you can enter silent mode at any time to fully silence the phone. You can also individually disable system sounds while leaving your ringer on. These system sounds include tones for reminders, messages and the keypad.
One type of content that iTunes natively supports is online radio stations. Add radio stations to iTunes with help from an audio engineer, musician, video editor and Mac savvy tech in this free video clip.
Customizing the Tumblr audio player requires you to have only basic knowledge of the inner workings of HTML. Customize the Tumblr audio player with help from a Web guru with extensive experience in Internet technologies and design in this free video clip.
If your electrical tape isn't holding speaker wires together, a few key things are in order. Find out what to do if electrical tape isn't holding speaker wires together with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
Connecting an RCA jack to an iPod is a great way to listen to your music on external devices or speakers. Connect an RCA jack to an iPod with help from an expert in the world of Apple retail in this free video clip.
Removing radio stations in Pandora on a Droid is a great way to get only the music you actually want to listen to. Remove the radio stations in Pandora on a Droid with help from an electronics expert in this free video clip.
Hooking up portable speakers to an Apple iPad will require the use of the iPad's built-in headphone jack. Plug portable speakers into your Apple iPad with help from an audio engineer in this free video clip.
Recording audio on an iPhone is going to require the careful use of RCA cables. Find out more about recording audio on an iPhone using RCA cables with help from an audio engineer in this free video clip.
How Netflix works with home theater systems depends on the specific equipment found in your own personal setup. Find out how Netflix works with home theater systems with help from a film graduate and Netflix expert in this free video clip.
Mazda's been on the cutting edge of technology for decades, and the company didn't lag behind when it came to satellite radio. But XM and Sirius were just over the horizon when Mazda's 1997 model years were produced; so you have to forgive them for not including provisions for it. Mazda produced many different vehicles this model year, and many satellite radio installs will go according to the same basic plan. However, you may need to modify your approach, depending on the specific model and trim.
The original-equipment factory stereo for your 1992 Volkswagen Golf GTI shares the same industry standard DIN-sized form factor as many aftermarket stereos, making the vehicle a viable candidate for a head unit upgrade, without the need for extraneous mounting accessories necessary. However, reinstalling the original factory radio, after removing an aftermarket unit or upon completion of dashboard-related repairs, may prove necessary in order to restore the original functionality of the vehicle's audio system. Properly wiring the original unit is a crucial aspect when performing the installation process.
Reinstalling the factory stereo for your 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, after removing an aftermarket substitute or performing certain dashboard-related repairs, will restore the vehicle's audio system to original working order. Although the original factory unit requires several individual electrical connections to work correctly, wiring the unit to your vehicle is a straightforward process that can be performed without extensive automotive repair experience.
Properly wiring the stereo for your 2003 Pontiac Grand Am will ensure that your audio system will perform and operate in a correct manner. Failure to correctly wire the vehicle's original radio after performing dash-related repairs, or when replacing a previously installed aftermarket unit, may provide an unnecessary amount of additional work and frustration.
Installing the original stock stereo for your 1998 Ford Ranger will restore the vehicle's audio system functionality in the event that a previously installed after market unit fails. Properly wiring the original-equipment stereo to the vehicle's existing audio harness is an easy task, due to the proprietary nature of the stereo's corresponding connection design.
The Performance Teknique ICBM-771 is a two-channel amplifier for car-audio applications. It generates 100 watts per channel of power into a standard four-ohm impedance with very low distortion of just 0.05 percent. The amplifier can also drive a two-ohm loan, such as that presented by certain subwoofers, and has crossover circuitry. As such, it can do double duty as a general-purpose amplifier or as a subwoofer amplifier.
Pandora isn't just a great iPhone app for streaming music - it can also let you listen to streaming radio stations. Get radio stations on the Pandora iPhone app with help from an experienced mobile professional in this free video clip.
Satellite radio promises more than 130 mostly commercial-free channels with crystal-clear reception over broad swathes of the planet's surface. The range of satellite radio frees long-distance commuters from having to flip from channel to channel looking for a good signal from a terrestrial radio station. In 2008 the two major satellite radio companies -- Sirius and XM -- merged into a single holding company called SiriusXM. Residents of the United States therefore have access to only one satellite radio provider. SiriusXM provides full access to its broadcast services as a bolt-on subscription for customers who have purchased a subscription for…
RCA cables are typically used when connecting audio and video electronics together. Draw RCA cables in Photoshop with help from a well-versed web, graphic and illustrative designer in this free video clip.
Not all wireless sound systems are created equal. Get tips on how to select the best wireless sound system for your money with help from a technology professional in this free video clip.
Soundproofing materials can keep sound out of a room, or they can keep sound contained in a confined area, such as a home theater or a teen's bedroom. Whether noise in your home originates from within or from exterior sources such as passing cars or a neighbor's yard, acoustical wallpaper can restore the peace. Residential acoustical wallpaper, which can reduce noise by nearly 75 percent, comes in smooth and textured varieties. Some are paintable; others are available in a choice of colors. The installation process is the same as the process for hanging regular wallpaper, but the weight of acoustical…
Bose home theater systems come in a number of different configurations, with varying choices for speakers and other components. While the system can be the solution for your whole home's audio and video needs, it doesn't do much good if you're getting an error message every time you try to use it. If you're seeing an "801" or other type of error message displayed on your system display, you have a few options for trying to fix the problem.
The Sony TA-E1000ESD digital processing control amplifier -- sometimes called just the Sony 1000ESD -- is a preamplifier and processor for a home-theater system. Dating back to the late 1980's, this component represented the state of the art for its time. It combines a full set of analog audio and video inputs with the ability not only to route digital audio signals, but also to digitally modify sound. This allowed it to both support Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound in movies and to simulate various listening environments.
The Coby DVD968 is a home theater system built around a progressive scan DVD player capable of handling DivX video files as well as upconverting video resolution to near HD quality for display. In addition to the video capabilities of the system, the DVD 968 contains a high quality 5.1 speaker system consisting of five satellite speakers supported by the system’s single large subwoofer.
Properly wiring an aftermarket stereo head unit for your 2001 Chevrolet Suburban will ensure maximum functionality and increased audio system reliability. In addition to using a vehicle-specific mounting kit to properly install the aftermarket radio, making the required wiring connections with the aid of harness and antenna adapters will allow you to keep the factory connectors intact, if you decide to reinstall the original factory radio at some point.
AIWA manufactured audio devices such as tape recorders, CD players and portable stereos until Sony merged with the company in 2002. The AIWA HSJ900 slim-line tape recorder offered several features, including a Dolby B NR playback system, the ability to cue and review an audio track during playback and a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery capable of 300 charges before required replacement.
The Sanyo JCX-2900K is a vintage home-audio receiver. Unlike typical modern receivers, which are compact and lightweight, this old-school receiver weighs 52 pounds. It has a very limited number of integrated chips and utilizes discrete components instead. Dating back to an analog era, it lacks any type of digital processing capabilities and has no digital inputs or outputs. On the other hand, it features built-in phono pre-amplification and an analog AM/FM tuner.
Modern digital broadcasting lends itself well to certain types of antennas. Enterprising do-it-yourselfers have created homemade models based on tried-and-true commercial designs. Almost universally made from readily available and inexpensive materials, these antennas require little expertise to produce. Once constructed, the antennas will pull in high-quality digital broadcasts from miles away.
