HowToDoThings.com Recent Home Theater & Audio Articles

How To Buy Subwoofers

ambyak — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:22:45 -0500

How To Convert a Pre-Amp into a Guitar Fuzz Unit

wayneds — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:49:19 -0500

How To Fix Your Guitar Amplifier

wayneds — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:20:44 -0500

Guitar amplifiers usually consist of four sections, hence a systematic diagnosis of the same, will help us fix it.

Check power supply and fuse; the remaining sections assume that the mains are permanently disconnected, except wherein a specific check is required.
Power section: If your guitar amplifier doesn’t work completely, the problem may be the easiest to fix. Check the power supply section. The power supply check requires you to identify the DC (direct current) voltages. Locating the same is very simple. Search for a transformer--Big capacitor--Rectifier combination. This is usually located immediately after the power fuse on your circuit board.

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How To Bi-Wire Home Audio Loudspeakers

VewdoRick — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:22:07 -0500

How To Fix a Scratched CD

gonzo — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:49:26 -0500

Scratches on a CD do not mean that the disc is no longer useable. Some scratches can be repaired in just a few minutes. With a few household items and some time, you can easily fix a scratched CD.

Materials:
Baking soda
Water
Scratched CD

How To Build Exotic High-End Audio Equipment Isolation Platforms

VewdoRick — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:28:05 -0500

How To Arrange a Home Theater Room

ambyak — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:39:26 -0600

Once you've decided which room to put your home theater system in, you'll need to identify the best location for each component of the home theater system. The main components are the DVD/CD/VCD player, display unit (TV, projector), speakers, and AV receiver. You may not find a separate AV receiver in some home theater in a box [HTIB] systems. If you want to understand each component of this system, read How To Buy a Home Theatre System.

How To Buy a Home Theatre System

ambyak — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:58:39 -0600

The main components of a home theatre are a display unit (Television or projector) , an AV receiver/ amplifier, a 2.1, 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 speaker system and a DVD player. It is important to find a convenient room and analyze the room to determine its requirements before you purchase any component.

The size of the room determines the dimension of the units. If the size of the room is large, you can use a large sized TV. The main factors of a room that influence the home theatre experience are:

How To Compare DVD/VCR Combo Players

Harry255 — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 11:53:00 -0600

When the VCR/DVD combo came out I thought it was the greatest invention ever. Even now it is still a good component to have in your audio visual arsenal. You may not use the VCR part of the unit as much as the DVD but it is still good to have for those random VHS tapes you unearth during spring cleaning or movies that aren't yet available on DVD. Whatever you use it for, you want to have the right model for your particular situation, be it hi-fi or just for a spare bedroom TV. Here are a few things to look for in your search.

How To Stream Music To Your Xbox 360 on a Wireless Network

Brad276 — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 11:14:00 -0600

The way we listen to music has changed over the past few years. Many people have gone from CDs to digital tracks that are stored on our computers. One of the biggest challenges has been having music on your computer that you want to listen to in your living room. Thanks to the Microsoft Xbox 360, if you have a wireless network and a Windows-based PC, you can now listen to the music on your computer through your Xbox 360.

To get started, you have to first have a wireless network set up and the Xbox 360 able to receive that signal.

Purchase a wireless high speed internet router. I recommend visiting www.xbox.com and looking at the list of approved routers, as some will conflict with the Xbox. The installation of a router will be well outlined in the instructions that you receive with the router.

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How To Find Vintage Reel to Reel Tape Recorders

Harry255 — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:06:00 -0600

Reel to reel tape recorders were the standard for recording for decades until digital media took over sometime in the 1990's. For some audiophiles, they are still the king. Artists today still prefer analog tape's natural, warm sound to the clean and (what they consider) sterile sound of a digital recording. If you are in this camp and are looking for an old reel to reel tape recorder to record your next LP, or are just in the market for a vintage collectible, here's where to look.

Look on the internet. Of course you have to start with the number one site to get practically anything -- eBay. Search "reel to reel recorder" and you will find pages and pages of recorders to peruse. If you are in the market for a particular recorder, just search for it to see results.

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How To Compare Portable DVD Players

Harry255 — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 13:46:00 -0600

Only a few years ago, a portable DVD player was a luxury item that few could afford. These days, the price of technology has come down so far that most anyone can now own one. The price drop has caused a variety of different portable DVD player brands and models to flood the market. With this flood comes the unenviable task of sorting through them all and finding the portable DVD player that best suits you. Here I hope to give you some key features to look for while comparing portable DVD players.

How To Compare DVD Players

Brad276 — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:19:00 -0600

With the improvement in home theatre technology, the DVD player has become a critical component for a quality viewing experience. When shopping for a DVD player, there are a number of options that you can use to compare different models.

Brand - Some consumers prefer to choose a brand that they are familiar and comfortable with, such as Sony or Toshiba. The reason for brand loyalty is the belief that a name brand product will be a higher quality than the product of an unfamiliar brand. While correct in some situations, it is not always the case as many of the less common brands are just as reliable as the Sony and Toshiba products. What is almost always a certainty, though, is that the more familiar brands will be more expensive than a unknown company.
Cost - DVD players can be found anywhere from $20 to over $1,000 depending on features and options.

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How To Transfer DVR Recordings to DVD

Staff468 — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 16:57:00 -0600

With all the advancements in technology today you'd think it would be simple to create a DVD of a show or program that you recorded on your DVR. Although it can be done, it's not necessarily as straightforward as you might think. It takes a little extra time setting up your home video system and, usually, an additional investment in some extra hardware as well.

Connect your DVD recorder to your TiVo or DVR. If you have a DVD recorder (or burner), you can hook it up directly to your DVR and create DVDs of your recorded shows and movies. You can connect your DVR, DVD recorder and TV together using RCA composite cables (the red, yellow and white cable), S-Video cables or the traditional coaxial cable. Coaxial cables produce the lowest quality picture, so opt for RCA cables or an RCA/S-Video cable combination if possible. Whichever cables you are using, the setup will be similar:

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How To Convert VHS to DVD

Staff468 — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:04:00 -0600

There's more than one reason to convert your old VHS tapes to DVD. VHS tapes and VCRs are fast becoming an obsolete technology-many may argue that they already are. If there's any footage that you want to preserve that's currently in a VHS format, now's the time. VCRs are still available, as are services and machines that will help you convert your VHS tapes to DVD. If you continue to wait, you'll see fewer and fewer opportunities to make this change and save your VHS footage.

Another concern is damage. Even if your VCR doesn't eat your VHS tape, the film in it will slowly degrade over time-whether you play it often or you don't. VHS tapes can start falling apart in as little as 3 years, whereas DVDs can last anywhere form 20 to (some say) even 250 years. Whether it's your favorite blockbuster movie or a sentimental home video, you should make the switch from VHS to DVD sooner rather than later.

How To Access DVR Through Your Computer

Brian197 — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:51:00 -0500

If you are purchasing a DVR system directly from your cable or satellite provider, you'll probably reap the same great rewards as TiVo but at a fraction of the price. However, more recently a cheap alternative has come about for DVRs, which provides all the great options and functionality, but can be done right on your home computer. Here's how to access DVR through your computer.

How To Use a DVR

Victoria116 — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:25:00 -0500

These days, many cable companies offer the option of renting a Digital Video Recorder, or DVR. A DVR is a revolutionary way to enjoy television and it's quite simple to use. Here are some tips on how to use a DVR:

Programming shows. You can pre-program any show you want to record with the simple touch of a button on your DVR remote control. All you have to do is do a search for the show you want to record, by typing the first four letters of the show's title under the Search screen. Once you find the show you want to record, you just select the red Record button. The show will automatically record at the time the show is scheduled to air. You can also choose the Record option from the "TV Guide" screen - just click on any upcoming show and hit the red Record button.

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How To Remove Scratches From a DVD

Harry255 — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 13:22:00 -0500

So you are watching your favorite movie on DVD and all of a sudden it starts to stutter and skip or just plain stop dead. You eject the DVD and see that it has some good-sized scratches on the surface. You are worried this is the end of your favorite DVD, but have no fear -- there are some ways to get this bad boy fixed.

How To Repair a Scratched CD

Harry255 — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 08:11:00 -0500

These days while most of us are putting all our music from our CD collection onto MP3 players, we are finding that our old compact discs are not faring so well with the years. Smudges, scratches and spots can turn a CD into an unlistenable useless round thingy, much like a perfectly intact Michael Bolton CD. Even if it looks like there is a lot of damage to a CD's surface, there maybe an easy fix that'll have you back listening uninterrupted in no time. Let us investigate.

How To Clean Inside Your VCR

John187 — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 10:28:00 -0500

Maintaining the cleanliness of your video cassette recorder can be very important to keeping it running for years to come. As a recording medium, the VHS cassette tape has been on the decline for years... soon new tapes and machines to play them on may not be available at all, or if they are, then it will be through specialty sellers or online vendors. Because of this, it's important that you take the time now to learn how best to care for your VCR so that it will be operational for quite some time to come.

How To Control the Volume on a Stereo

Carlo204 — Mon, 22 May 2006 10:28:00 -0500

There are many stereos available on the market today but regardless of what the stereo looks like or what brand it is, controlling the volume on it is always done in the same way. To control the volume on a stereo, there are two options:

How To Clean a CD

Brian197 — Mon, 15 May 2006 19:37:00 -0500

Dirt, grime and dust on a CD can definitely compromise the quality of the music when you try to play it. The dirty build-up can cause skipping, mess with video play or files, or sometimes just render the CD unreadable. Cleaning a CD can ensure that it remains in a condition that accommodates easy reading and the data accessibility. Follow these steps when you are cleaning your CDs to have the best results without damage.

How To Compare LCD TVs

John187 — Thu, 11 May 2006 10:48:00 -0500

One of the more recent advances in television technology is the increase in use of liquid crystal display technology, better known as LCD. Instead of using the limited scope of older tube displays, LCD monitors and televisions allow a much sharper picture with higher definition because they use a liquid gel to filter the light of the television and create images in true color instead of the three-color combinations used by older televisions.

Choosing an LCD television can be difficult, though, especially if you don't know much about the technology or what makes one LCD set better or worse than the next. If you're wanting to purchase an LCD television in the near future, it's important that you keep a few things in mind.

How To Buy VHS Movies

Brian197 — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:13:00 -0500

VHS tapes are an old form of video storage. Much like tapes were phased out by CDs, DVDs have come and may soon be obsolete as well. A few years back, Hollywood stopped producing all of their blockbuster movies on VHS tapes, so unfortunately, you will no longer to be able to buy new movies on VHS. But, if your classic collection lacks an older tape, fear not, there are still plenty of places to find VHS tapes, and these are some tips that will help you.

How To Buy a Home Theater Video Projector

Brian197 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 11:22:00 -0500

Video projectors are a great solution to owning a big picture, without the big TV. Home projects have come a very long way in recent years, this means they look better than ever, have eliminated many past issues, and are actually affordable for the general masses to buy.

How To Use TiVo

Brian197 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:32:00 -0500

DVR is an abbreviation for Digital Video Recorder. Essentially, this is a hybrid of your old VHS recording system with many new benefits. DVRs can record live television and rewind, play, and pause the action on the screen as you are watching it. You can set up your DVR to record all your favorite shows and never have to worry about it again. If you buy a DVR with a DVD burner, you will have unlimited storage for anything you decide to keep long-term.

Using a DVR is pretty straightforward. For this, we will use the TiVo model, which is currently the biggest supplier of DVRs, and the model other DVRs have emulated. Once you have set up your DVR using the correct instructions for your system, you are set to start using it right away!

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How To Buy a Portable DVD Player

Brian197 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 21:19:00 -0500

Portable DVD players are a great tool for people on the go. Whether the kids need something to do on a long trip, you are stuck on a five hour flight, or you decide to take a camping trip, there are many times when you wish you could just throw on a good movie and relax. Forunately, with the invention of portable DVD players, now you can.

Basically, a portable DVD player is exactly what it sounds like. A DVD player, and a built in screen that can be taken anywhere on the go. They include a battery, or component hook up cables so you can watch a movie where power is not available, or plug it into your car when you travel. And due to their popularity, and having been available for a few years, portable DVD players are now relatively easy to buy and inexpensive.

When buying a portable DVD player, you need to consider the following important features:

How To Buy a DVD Player

Brian197 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 20:55:00 -0500

A DVD is a digital video disc, which stores roughly 4.7 GB of information. If you are like many, and that term completely flies above your head, fear not, for you too can make a smart purchase. DVDs are the new video standard, replacing the VHS. DVDs are currently in their prime, as every single movie is released on DVD, and many older movies have been converted as well. Currently DVDs are the standard, but, they will be replaced in the future.

How To Buy a Tivo-Based DVR

Brian197 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:34:00 -0500

Welcome to the world of TiVo, where you can pause, replay, or even fast forward live TV. TiVo is basically a hardrive which records whatever television show you are watching as it airs (also known as a DVR-Digital Video Recorder). So if you have tuned into a program and miss a scene, you can jump right back to the beginning. A TiVo DVR will continue to record that program until it ends, so you can watch the same program, even though it is not in sync with real time.

There are other amazing benefits of a TiVo-based DVR as well, such as its ability to record any television show. Because a TiVo DVR has a built in, updated TV guide, you simply need to search for a show, and you can tell it to record the entire season, new episodes only, for the rest of the year. That way, whenever you turn on your TV, you can pull up a list of TV programs that you have recorded, and watch from your Tivo DVR them completely at your leisure.

How To Buy a Plasma TV

Brian197 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:00:00 -0500

If you have joined many of the thousands of consumers who are making the switch to plasma screen TVs, there are some important things you need to know to help you in your purchase. There are many new manufacturers that have joined the ever increasing line up, and many different quality, sizes and resolutions to pick from. What you truly need to know is that the more expensive TVs may not look any better than the cheaper versions. It all depends on what you plan on using your plasma TV for.

How To Buy a Big Screen TV

Brian197 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:31:00 -0500

The home theater craze has caught on, but when buying your big screen TV, there are many options and companies open to you that you'll need to carefully consider. Follow these steps and guidelines, and you'll be on the fast track to making a smart purchase that fits your home theater needs!