Guitar Effects Pedal

Lots of guitarists are obsessed with stomp boxes which are another name for guitar effects pedals. You will tend to find that many guitar players have a least five or six pedals in their collection. A pedal board (a board usually made out of wood which houses a certain amount of pedals) is useful to keep your stomp boxes in order. They can be used in the practice room or on stage. A useful gadget that some musicians own is a zip up pedal mount which makes transporting and keeping your guitar effects pedals together much easier.
The focus of this article is analog effects but other kinds of effects are available including digital effects processors which are generally representations of analog effects. Guitar modeling as become much more popular in recent years and the technology itself as become much better in terms of sound quality and picking dynamics and response. Nowadays you might find that some amplifiers are built around amp modeling software and hardware whilst others have effects units built into them. The circuits in analog guitar effects pedals can be integrated into valve amplifiers and can, therefore, act as an extra overdrive channel. It is not uncommon for reverb (short for reverberation) to the built into amplifiers. Spring reverb can sound very natural whilst digital reverb in generally of lower quality. The discerning musician usually has a good ear for music and will be able to tell the difference whilst a newbie guitar player might not mind the lower quality alternative. Some stomp boxes have great reverb which can sound like the real thing. This can be extremely useful if your guitar amplifier did not come with spring reverb built in or as a particularly low quality sounding reverb or the wrong variety of reverb for the sound that you are trying to achieve.

The most popular types of guitar effects pedals are overdrive, distortion and delay. But the types of effects that are available are many including compressors, phasers, flanger, chorus and even an acoustic simulators.
Compressors can be used to even up your sound and add sustain.
Phasers and flangers are similar sounding modulation effects pedals. The flanger has a more pronounced sweep.
A chorus pedal can be used to add a full sound to your mix and is heard in many professional recordings.
An acoustic simulator can make your electric guitar represent similar tonal qualities to an acoustic guitar.

Why Do You Need a Bluetooth Speaker?

We all love to listen to music. However, at times, we might not enjoy music as much as we would love to. Consider owning one of those luxury headphones and using it to listen to music and compare it to listening to music in a different manner. Similarly, if you only have a laptop, you might not enjoy listening to music.
So, how can you listen to music in the best way?
Enjoying your music outside of your house used to be a messy situation involving extended speakers and lots and lots of cables. With the advent of technology, which brought to us the outdoor Bluetooth speakers, life has become so much easier! All our iPods, MP3 players, phones and laptops now come with a Bluetooth enabler, and it is just so much simpler to hook them all up to one good Bluetooth speaker for amazing music that we can pick at all our parties.
Whether it's a party on your patio, a late Sunday brunch you want to enjoy in the lawns, a barbecue shindig with a bunch of your closest friends, or even just a night under the stars with that special someone, you no longer have to worry about providing the perfect music for each occasion. And you don't even need an official DJ! Mix your own music according to your taste, create your playlists on your devices, and just connect them with your conveniently built, smart devices. The best part is, it doesn't even create a space crunch! Most of these devices are built to be smart, portable, small and neatly confined to very little space.

So you can just discreetly place these devices around your outdoor venue and connect them all to one source, and treat yourself and your guests to a varied selection of music that you can all enjoy without the added fuss of wires that someone could easily trip over. With these compact devices, not only can you enjoy outdoor events, but you can also relax to your playlist when on a camping trip, or even by the pool.
Worried that a battery powered device like a Bluetooth speaker might be damaged by its exposure to the elements? New Bluetooth speakers with waterproof ad weatherproof qualities are now available to cater to your every need; they are the most rugged speakers, and the most compact in size- you could just throw them in your rucksack when you decide to go off on a camping trip with your friends!

How Does HID Lighting Work?

HID, or high definition, lamps are typically required when high levels of light are needed to cover large areas. They are the lights you see at ballgames and theme parks, at stadiums and in gyms.
There is a high demand for HID lamps because of their efficiency on a wide scale and their ability to clearly cover huge areas. They come in several versions: mercury vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and standard high-pressure sodium lights.
Mercury vapor lamps were the first commercially available high definition lamps (HID). They are swiftly becoming outdated by newer more efficient counterparts like high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps.
High-pressure sodium lamps generally emit a more yellowish light, but are available with whiter light. They are usually the most efficient, and thus most commonly used, type of HID light. Metal halide lamps produce a beautifully white, natural light, but are also less efficient.
How do HID lamps produce light?
High intensity discharge lamps produce light when the gases inside the fused alumina tube are heated to the point of evaporation. Tungsten electrodes are kept in the alumina tube, and when the metal elements begin to heat up, they strike the tungsten electrodes, creating an arc of light.
Similar to fluorescent lights, HID lamps need a ballast (a device used to start gas discharge in a lamp and limit the flow of electrical current) to even start producing heat. If they don't have the ballast, the reaction won't begin, and there won't be any light.

What are tungsten electrodes?
Tungsten is a chemical element that is known for its high melting point and robust physical characteristics. It is used widely in electrical applications like lighting because of these properties. It is a hard, non-alloy metal that ranges in color from steel gray to tin white. It is shaped, or "drawn" into the very thin metal wires you see inside a light bulb.
What applications are there for HID lamps?
There are numerous applications for HID. They are in high demand in areas that require lots of lights, like stadiums, football fields, warehouses, parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and more.
However, they have come into habitual use in smaller areas as well, such as department stores, houses, indoor gardening, and a number of other applications. Because of their bright, natural light, HID lamps can also cause those extra bright headlights blinding you across the road.
They are such a powerful light source, in fact, that high definition lights have come into use on the airbus 380- super jumbo airplane.

An Introduction to Handbag Manufacturing

Where Do Handbags Come From?
Have you ever wondered where your designer handbag came from and what went in to making it? And how does a handbag go from an idea to a finished product and why do they cost so much?   Bringing a handbag or purse design to life is an involved process-and the higher the quality of the bag, the more thought goes into its creation. The process usually begins with a sketch; however before any drawings can move into production, the designer needs to consider the latest handbag trends to ensure that the finished product will fit into current styles, meet consumer demands and offer enough differentiation to make the bag unique from others on the market.
A skilled pattern maker will use the drawings to create a paper model or prototype of the bag and an official pattern that will be used to create the entire luxury handbag collection. But before the bags can be made, the materials and colors must be selected. For example, one handbag could come in several colors or types of leather, from soft, calfskin leather to ostrich. The silhouette plays an important role in selecting the type of leather; a structured shoulder bag should use a more durable and stiff leather while a hobo or slouchy handbag would use softer, more pliable leather.  After the materials are selected, a leather cutter will cut the leather for each handbag and prepare it for stitching. This is a delicate process that requires a skilled leather worker, which contributes to the cost of an authentic handbag. Each piece must be cut perfectly to correspond to the handbag pattern-only an experienced leather cutter will know how to best work with specific types of leather to ensure that the end result is perfect.

The next step in making a handbag is stitching. A banconista or assembler will recreate the paper handbag model from the leather cutouts. The leather is either hand-stitched or stitched with a sewing machine. This job requires the utmost craftsmanship to be able to stitch fine, straight seems on leather, in particular more rigid leathers-one wrong stitch would leave a permanent mark in the leather, ruining the entire piece.  The more details the handbag has-like hardware, and inner pockets-the more complicated the fabrication process. The final quality of a handbag is determined during this stage of the process. Any mistakes will affect how the bag looks and will hold up over time.  The next stage is the finishing. The bag will still look different than the prototype, as it is missing hardware, zippers or closures.  During this process, each handbag is inspected for defects and all hardware is added. The leather handbags are now ready for shipping. Each handbag is individually wrapped in a cloth bag ad shipped to the customer or boutique. 
Handbag Costs
As you can see, manufacturing an authentic handbag is a lengthy and involved process. The cost of a handbag is determined by:  

• The prestige of the brand
• Quality of materials used to make each handbag
• The experience of the leather artisans
• Production and facility costs

So the next time you're shopping for a new luxury handbag, you'll have a better understanding of what goes in to creating the finished product.

No Or Low Sound? How to Troubleshoot Your Guitar Rig in 7 Steps

Ever have one of those "DUH" moments? A time when the solution to a problem was staring you in the face, but you just couldn't see it?
After 30+ years as a gigging guitarist you would think that I could pretty much figure out the solution to nearly any equipment problem that arises on stage. In my years as a touring musician I had just about seen it all, and should know how to handle any issues or adversities almost as second nature - right?......Wrong!
My "DUH" moment started a few weeks ago on a gig. As we were playing a set I noticed that my guitar amp seemed to be losing power. The output had diminished to the point where I had to crank up the volume to almost double the normal level I play at just to be heard.
In my infinite wisdom as an experienced pro guitarist, I naturally assumed that the pre-amp tubes in my amp were going out and needed to be replaced, so the next day I ran out, bought some new ones and put them in. Problem solved...or so I thought.
Next gig comes along and I fire up my rig with confidence knowing I've got new pre-amp tubes and things are going to be great....Not!
Same problem, my signal was maybe half of the norm, and I was pushing the volume knob almost to 10 just to be heard!
Again, my highly enlightened powers of deduction told me that, since I had just replaced the pre-amp tubes in my amp, the problem must be with the power amp tubes, so I whip out the credit card and order a new set of matching bias 6L6's, just knowing that I will be back in business.
I slap in the new tubes, go to the next gig and hook everything up, only to find that the problem still exists. Almost no signal coming out of the amp.
With the gig scheduled to start in a few minutes I started to panic. But then, like an early morning ray of sun, a moment of clarity took over, and I resolved to go back to basics and troubleshoot the problem like I learned to do many years ago.
As I began the process of troubleshooting by reaching for cables to unplug, the problem jumped out and slapped me in the face. Looking down at my trusty Boss ME-50 multi-effects processor, I noticed that the "level" knob on the compressor section had been inadvertently turned down to almost zero!
I turned the knob back up to my normal playing level and...presto...problem solved!
In the blink of an eye, several weeks of frustration (and expense) were wiped clean and all was right in the world again.
And the sad part was, it could have all been avoided had I just initially done what I've always known I should have done. Take a deep breath, and a step back, and troubleshoot..."DUH"

If you're experiencing problems with your guitar rig - no sound, low sound, scratchy signal, unwanted distortion, etc. - here are some steps to tracking down the problem.
1. First of all, realize that there are many things that can cause a problem. Especially with a guitar rig that uses a number of effects pedals and processors. Never assume to instantly know where the problem is coming from to the exclusion of all the other possibilities.
2. Break the rig down to its lowest common denominator. Unplug all the pedals, cables and processors and just plug one cable from the guitar to the amp. If there is still a problem, or no sound at all, try another cable that you know works properly.
3. If the problem persists, you then know that the problem lies either with the amp, or the guitar. Try plugging the guitar into another amp, or a channel on the PA system to ensure that it is working properly. Conversely, try plugging another guitar into your amp to see if the amp is working properly.
4. If you get a good signal when plugging the guitar directly into the amp then you know that the problem lies somewhere in the signal chain of the pedals, cables and effects processors that are between the guitar and the amp.
5. Isolate each pedal or processor with cables that you know work, and try to determine which pedal might be causing the problem. It may be as simple as a bad battery in a pedal.
6. Check each cable in the chain to see if there is a loose solder connection or bad ground in one of them. Bad cables are one of the most common problems that arise in a guitar rig.
7. Put the rig back together one piece at a time and check the signal after each step. This will ensure that you will catch anything you may have missed initially.
At this point you should have narrowed down the problem and at least be able to isolate it before the gig starts. You may have to go forward without your favorite pedal, but at least the show can go on!
As a fairly experienced guitar player, I'm almost embarrassed to share my "DUH" moment with you. I've already taken a good amount of ribbing from my bandmates over it, so why invite any more abuse?
In the hopes that you'll never have to suffer the shame that I have!

What Does Bluetooth Mean

Bluetooth is a technology that is still early in its development. It was made to allow wireless communications by only using low powered microchips and headsets. At first, it was difficult for this wireless protocol to be able to connect to other device types. However, after a few revisions and remodels, advances have made it possible for Bluetooth to provide great connectivity between local devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, personal computers, laptops, and so on.
When different devices have to rely on being wired up to exchange information, it can make the process time consuming and difficult. By being able to free up those wired connections to let the devices exchange what they needed to be able to work together made the whole process much simpler. Now the technology is used for many different types of wireless information communication.
The first really popular application for the Bluetooth is still one of the most popular. Hands free talking with a mobile phone is used around the world. Not only does the mobile phone make the call more easily, but using the technology increases a person's safety. This particular example can be seen by the fact that a person does not have to constantly hold a phone to converse with another person while driving, and they are able to keep their eyes on the road ahead of them.
Major developments with wireless communication devices have also led to being able to use it in other ways. These include PC-to-PC communication, and even communication with other players via a video game console. This last application has allowed the actual games that are offered to be on a whole new level while being able to use Bluetooth.
The actual workings of this advanced technology is in reality fairly simple to understand. The data, or information, that the Bluetooth microphone takes in is diced up in handfuls of pieces. Each handful is thrown, or transmitted, to over seventy various radio frequencies. Not only is this quicker than the simple bit by bit, or piece by piece that computers are used to, but the quality of transmission is increased as well. Information is everything these days. Internet businesses are on the rise, as well as other types of businesses that are becoming dependent on being able to connect.

Utilizing the existing technology will allow people who need to stay constantly connected with a professional type of quality communication unheard of just ten years ago.
When the technology is included in a phone or small laptop, then it is capable of sending just about any type of information signal that is needed. This can ensure a person who is in business that whatever communication needs there are, that they will be able to be met.
Another way to help understand the basics of how it all works is by considering it to be a smaller version of what is called WiFi. It works in almost the same manner, being able to send and receive information without the use of wires. This short range protocol is meant to be used on a smaller scale with a lower power usage then the typical WiFi. When a person is only trying to connect a couple of computers together using wireless technology, they are better off using Bluetooth to do so. WiFi connections are made to work with larger networks of computers and utilize much more power in the process.
Of course, business is not the only reason to make sure that you have the use of Bluetooth in your devices. Other ways to make use of it is to get devices that will allow you to listen to music, surf the Internet, and to stay in contact with friends.
Companies have made available mobile phones that are able to do all three of those things and more, along with using this technology to do it. Even video games applications are being impacted by the availability of the Bluetooth in the mobile phone.
One of the most interesting aspects about this subject is to see where it is headed. By considering just how young the technology is, many new ways to use it should be just around the corner. Another factor is that many devices are integrating different types of technology within themselves as well.
The key component for the future of Bluetooth is compatibility. There are so many directions that it can go in with mobile phones and integrating with other devices that it is only a matter of time before just about everything that is done is going to be hands free.

Visit Star Phones for the best deals on bluetooth capable cell phone

Must Own Tools for Teaching Guitar

If you're teaching guitar there are a number of tools you must own to be profitable and stay sane. The more things you can find to make your life easier the better. You'll have more fun teaching guitar and have more time to focus on becoming a better guitar player and instructor when you use the right tools.
Here are a couple of things that over the years I have become totally dependent on.
Writing supplies
I know this one is general sense, however I'm mentioning it since I used to work with a guitar instructor who never had a pencil or manuscript paper and always interrupted my guitar sessions to ask me for some. Imagine how amateurish this must have appeared for his students.
A few things I suggest always having on hand at all times are a pen or pencil, a notebook for taking simple quick comments, an assorted variety of chord chart paper for writing chord shapes, scales, and arpeggios on, and some type of combination TAB/Manuscript paper for writing out song and guitar solos.
Cell Phone
This has become a lot more valuable with the current advancement of technology and smart phones. Your phone is your best friend. You can use it to keep track of all your student's phone numbers, to schedule lesson times and if you have internet access you can even look up tabs and music videos or video guitar lessons.
I recently upgraded to a smartphone with the capability to install applications and found a 4 track music studio app, and app for reading Guitar Pro Tabs and an app for writing songs. Talk about a sweet little tool to have when you need it..
Business cards
Your business cards should have the easiest way for students and parents to get a hold of you, your email address, your web url and the physical location of your music studio on it.
Receipt Book
If you are planning on charging for guitar lessons you need a receipt booklet for obvious reasons. One thing I'll bring up is the capability to take credit card payments from your smartphone. I know, I'm all geek advocate today, but it's a pretty cool idea
An app I use for this is called "Square" and it's FREE! They even send you a little device that plugs directly into your phone gives you the ability to swipe people's credit card. The funds are then directly deposited into your bank account of choice and both you and your customers are emailed a receipt. Seriously, how sweet is that?

If you're not into technology you'll be taking mostly cash and checks for your lessons. There are tons of paper receipt options out there but I recommend creating your own template with your logo and contact information if possible. It just looks more professional.
A Schedule
You'll need an itinerary for tracking your students as well as some promotional tasks associated with running a profitable teaching business. As with most things we've discussed to this point there are several options available for scheduling.
Any standard schedule booklet will be sufficient but I favor the ones that break the days down by the half hour so I can keep track my lessons better.
If digital is your game go with Google calendar. It's cost nothing, has more scheduling options than you'll need, plus you can sync it across multiple devices.
Guitar Gear
Obviously you'll need a guitar and amp unless you are planning on only giving acoustic guitar lessons. From my experience, guitar effects pedals are a really enjoyable reward for kids who have been practicing.
For students who maintain regular practice, I like to set aside 5 to 10 minutes of jam time at the end of a session to rock out with different effects.
A small multitrack recorder can also be a cool way to spice up your instruction. Record a student and let them hear what they sound like. I even started doing monthly recordings and giving the students a CD as a way to track their improvement.
A drum machine, or CD player with Jam Tracks is also terrific for students who are eager to start playing with accompaniment. I also use a Boss loop station for this since I can record a chord progression and demonstrate licks to lay over it.
This is a small list of things that have become common place in my studio. There are plenty more tools you can add to this list, and feel free to do that.

5 HID Lighting Facts Every Car Enthusiast Should Know

More and more car enthusiasts have been installing HID lighting systems in their cars these days, because they increase nighttime visibility, last longer than factory installed halogen bulbs, and also look pretty cool. If you've thought about getting an HID system yourself, but are confused by the terminology and the use of the Kelvin Temperature system (6000k, 8000k, etc) this article will give you the facts.
So, what are the main things you need to know about HIDs? Read on to find out...
# 1 ) HID stands for high-intensity discharge
The high-intensity of the light in HIDs comes from metallic salts which are vaporized in the light's arc chamber. The light that results is much brighter than normal tungsten bulbs.
# 2 ) HID lights last longer than halogen bulbs because there is no filament in them to burn out
No matter what the Kelvin rating, ALL HID lighting systems produce a higher road visibility than common halogen bulbs for safer night driving. They also produce more light from less power and last longer. The average life of an HID lamp is 2000 hours, compared to the 450-1000 hours that a halogen lamp lasts. This is a definite advantage over halogen lights.
# 3 ) Kelvin Temperature determines brightness
Contrary to what most people think, the higher the Kelvin temperature number is, (i.e. 3000K, 6000K, 1000K) the lower the brightness level of the light is. On the other side of the token... the lower the number, the brighter it is.

# 4 ) HID lights use less energy than halogen lights
HIDs uses 35 watts, whereas most cars are typically made with a 55 watt system. Because of this, sometimes installing HIDs can cause a bulb out warning in your vehicle or a flickering effect. A set of Anti Flicker Capacitors can solve this problem.
# 5 ) Kelvin Temperature determines color
Also, the Kelvin temperature determines the color of the light. 4300K is yellow, 6000K is a bright white, 8000K is a bright blue, 10000K is a bright violet, and 12000k is a bright purple. Here is the low-down on some of the most popular colors:
- 6000K is a very popular color choice. Unlike factory HID headlights (which emit a 4300K, slightly yellowish light) a 6000K bulb emits a pure white light and an increased perception of clarity.
- 8000K produces a slightly blue tint. Ironically, even though the number is higher these lights are slightly less bright than the 6000K lights above! That being said, they do produce a more intense blue color that makes them more noticeable.
- 3000K produces a rich yellow light that many car enthusiasts use for a dramatic effect in their fog lights. This yellow light gives your car a cool two tone appearance that some people just love.
So Now You Know!
Now that you're armed with basic knowledge about the world of HIDs, navigating the process of putting them in your car should be a snap! So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get some HIDs!

35W VS 55W HID Conversion Kits: Which One Is Better?

HID conversion kits have been available for quite some time now so there are many different types and styles available to choose from and it may seem very confusing. A common question that gets asked is the difference between a 35W and 55W HID conversion kit. Besides the wattage, there are other differences such as brightness, heat, reliability, and color. Choosing the correct one for your needs is very important and there will be several factors that will play a role in your decision. This article will summarize the differences and provide a clear understanding of these two conversion kits.
The first difference is in the wattage and name itself. 35W HID lights is the standard output for most kits on the market as well as factory installed HID lights from manufacturers. 55w kits produce a significant increase in power output which results in a much brighter light. 35w HID kits are approximately three times brighter than the standard incandescent halogen bulb; 55w HID kits are even brighter and provide up to four to five times more output. These would be ideal for those looking for the best and brightest light available, but with the increased brightness does come with some downsides. The overly bright 55w HID bulbs may also cause excessive glare on many reflector based headlights, but to be fair, a 35w kit also causes some glare as these types of housings were not intended for HID usage. Having a projector housing will help with distributing the light to where you want it to.
One issue that a 55w HID conversion kit may face is overheating. Typically, HID lights run cooler than most incandescent halogen bulbs they replace, but a 55w kit creates excessive heat that can melt the housing or even the wiring that connects to the light. There are headlights that are made of metal which can withstand the heat better, but there are many headlights that are made from plastic that are susceptible to this kind of damage. The wiring can be upgrade to ceramic plugs instead of plastic to better handle the heat, but there will still be risks involved.

Next up is the reliability, 35w kits are designed with brightness and longevity in concern whereas 55w kits are not. 55w kits are intended for superior and maximum light output. The higher wattage allows the 55w kit to be brighter, but it does cause more evaporation of the electrodes and gasses that make up the HID bulb over time. 35w kits may outlive your vehicle when used properly, but a 55w kit may only last as long as a regular incandescent halogen bulb or shorter as the material evaporates every time the light turns on.
The last difference is the color for the HID bulbs. 6000K will look different on the two HID kits despite coming from the same manufacturer and this is due to the output. The colors in 55w HID conversion kits tend to be more "washed out" and stepped down so a 6000K will look similar to a 4500-5000K color. This difference in color is acceptable for most as white is the best color for the human eye to see in and would function very well in limited visibility conditions. While there are higher Kelvin temperature 55w HID kits available, it makes little sense to get it as the higher you go in HID Kelvin temperature, the output reduces; this would cause a 12000K 55w HID conversion kit to produce similar output compared to a 8000K 35W HID kit.
In concluding this article, there are obvious benefits of using a 55w HID conversion kit for your vehicle, but there are also downsides to it as well. In the end, the variables will have to be analyzed and studied as some may not apply to the application and some may. With this being all stated, there is a specific reason why factory HID systems are only rated at 35w. 55w kits are available for those who want the brightest light out there and like what basic economics state; when there is demand, there is always usually a supply.

Best Bluetooth Speakers - Top 5 Bluetooth Speakers for Every Need

Bluetooth speakers are the latest addition in wireless complete technology. While this technology is still in its beginning stages, it has already apparent a lot of promise. If you own a bluetooth enabled phone, you've already apparent this technology in activity as it allows wireless alteration of abstracts amid two phones remotely. The aforementioned attempt plan with bluetooth speakers. In this article, I will allocution about some of the best bluetooth speakers accessible and their arresting features.
Bluetooth speakers are about acclimated as 'replacement' speakers. Currently, they do not accept the ability to alter a set of 5.1 beleaguer complete system, or abundant bass to activate up a big abode party. Nevertheless, what they abridgement in power, they added than accomplish up for in portability. Because they are wireless and about baby in size, you can backpack them about anywhere. In fact, a lot of manufacturers accomplish speakers advised accurately for use with laptops that you can just bung into your laptop bag.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers are fabricated by above electronics manufacturers, namely Sony, Samsung, Philips, etc. Bose, Altec Lansing and JBL - three important apostle manufacturers accept an all-encompassing calendar as well. Prices can ambit from beneath than $50 for a set of cheap, failing set to $400+ for a top superior Bose apostle system.
The aboriginal footfall to acrimonious the best bluetooth speakers is compassionate your own needs. If you just wish a set of cheap, failing speakers you can use with your laptop, again an access akin Samsung or Logitech set would serve you well. But if you wish something that you can lug about in your car, on picnics, and which can aswell serve as a desktop apostle replacement, you will accept to carapace out a few hundred dollars.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers accessible in the bazaar today are:
1. Tenqa SP-109
This is an access akin alms from Tenqa that delivers 5 watts of stereo sound. It is small, lightweight, and is abundant for use with iPods and adaptable phones. Just don't apprehend it to accompany down the abode with its volume. Prices alpha as low as $44.90
2. Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade Bluetooth A2DP Speaker
This alms from Altec Lansing delivers clear, top superior audio after compromising on portability. It connects automatically to your adaptable buzz or bluetooth enabled device. Baby and lightweight, this mid-range bluetooth apostle delivers a abundant performance. Prices alpha at $149.
3. Sony SRS-BTM30
An access akin alms from Sony, the SRS-BTM30 runs on 3 AA batteries and doesn't accommodation on quality. The two speakers plan on bluetooth, and counterbalance in at just 1.6lbs. Prices alpha as low as $69.
4. Creative D100
This Creative alms weighs in at just 2.2lbs and works on 4 AA batteries that can play ceaseless for 25 hours straight. It is accordant with all bluetooth enabled devices. The complete superior is analogously high. Prices alpha at $76.
5. Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System
This Bose arrangement is apparently the best set of bluetooth speakers that you can buy. It is accordant with not just your bluetooth enabled devices, but aswell earlier iPod models. Like the assorted added offerings from Bose, this apostle arrangement too offers about life-like sound. If you accept the added banknote and wish a top superior apostle set that will accomplish guests blooming with envy, the SoundDock 10 is the arrangement for you. The price, however, is a ample $599, admitting it is account anniversary and every cent.

Bluetooth Headphones - A Quick Guide to Setting Up Your Headphones in Windows XP

Setting up your Bluetooth headphones to work with Windows XP is a breeze. But, why do it in the first place? One very good reason is that of wireless control. With Bluetooth headsets, you can discard your wired speakers and wired microphones. This wireless mobility is very handy when you use your headphone for many applications--both online and offline--that make use of audio and video. For example, making VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, audio-video chat sessions, video games that allow you to interact with other players using audio and video, speech recognition, audio recording, listening to music and other audio, and a whole lot more.
If you want to set up your Bluetooth headset to work with Windows XP, just the very easy steps described below.
Open Control Panel. The Control Panel is the place where you can set many options related to your computer and the programs installed. On the Control Panel Window, look for the item named Bluetooth Devices. It is usually represented with an icon that looks like a letter "B" on top of a blue oval. Double-click on Bluetooth Devices.
Next, you are going to make sure that your computer automatically detects Bluetooth devices that come within its range. To be able to do that, you need to turn on the automatic discovery option. Here's how to accomplish that: When you double-click on Bluetooth Devices in Control Panel, a dialog window will open. Open the Options tab on that window, and make sure that the box beside the item "Turn discovery on" is checked. By default and as a security measure, this option is unchecked.

After that, you will give permission to any Bluetooth device within range to connect to your computer. To do that, make sure that there's a check mark on the box beside the label "Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer." If you also want to make sure that your computer notifies you of any attempt from a device to connect via Bluetooth, make sure that the item labeled "Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect" is also checked. Then, save your settings by pressing on the Apply button, then the OK button.
Your computer is now ready to accept Bluetooth connections. Now, it's time to connect your headset to your computer. Turn on your headset. Your computer will automatically detect it, but you will need to add the device. On the lower right corner of your screen, right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select "Add device." An interactive dialog (called the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard) will pop up. Tell the wizard that your device is set up and ready to be found. Follow the onscreen instructions, including the portion where you enter the pass code or pass key. At the end of the wizard, your headset will have been successfully added to the list of Bluetooth devices.
Lastly, connect your device to your computer. This last step is very easy. Go to My Bluetooth Places, right-click on your Bluetooth headset's name, and choose "Connect Headset" from the pop-up menu. That's it. This last step is crucial for Bluetooth headphones to be completely functional with Windows XP. So, make sure you don't skip it.

Bluetooth Speakers - Advantages and Disadvantages

Bluetooth speakers are the latest advancements in the wireless world. Working on the same Bluetooth technology that allows you to share music and files on your mobile phone wirelessly with friends, these speakers provide a high quality listening experience without using any wires. As far as wireless technologies go, Bluetooth is still in its nascent stages, but nevertheless, offers a compelling performance.
If you own a cell phone, you've probably used Bluetooth already. Nowadays, you can buy everything from earphones and headphones to headsets that run on this technology. Many modern laptops and netbooks also utilize Bluetooth to connect devices wirelessly, including speakers, headphones and small printers.
The two common technologies most prevalent in wireless speakers are RF (radio frequency) and Infra-Red. While both have their own merits, their functionality is somewhat limited. Radio Frequency, for instance, can sometimes suffer from interference and reception issues, while Infra-Red requires the device and the receiver to be in-line with each other, thereby limiting portability.
Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, can work without any spatial restrictions as long as the speakers and the receiver are within 30 feet of each other. You need not fiddle around with any settings; the connection can be established wirelessly between the receiver and the Bluetooth speakers.
Advantages of Bluetooth Speakers
- Bluetooth speakers generally consume very low power. More often than not, you don't need a hefty external power adapter to keep them running. In fact, many popular models run on AA batteries.
- One major advantage of Bluetooth speakers is portability. Many people use them like headphones or earphones, carrying a small pair of speakers in their laptop bags to be used outdoors. Their low power consumption makes them an ideal choice for such use.

- Since these speakers work without wires, you will never have to fiddle with cumbersome cables and adapters.
- No installation. The connection between the speakers and the device (cell phone, laptop, etc.) can be established automatically. You need not hunt for drivers or installation CDs.
- Perfect for personal outdoor use. If you are out on a camping trip, or spending some time with friends on a picnic, you'll find Bluetooth speakers very handy. Since there is no installation required, you can set up and start listening to music within minutes.
- Work with cell phones, iPhones, etc. The great thing about Bluetooth speakers is that they work seamlessly with cell phones. While other wireless speakers employ RF or infra-red - features that few cell phones have - Bluetooth is ubiquitous in mobile phones. And since most modern day phones already have music playing capabilities, you can listen to your favorite music instantly.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth Speakers
- Range. The device (i.e. music player, cell phone, laptop, etc.) and the speakers need to be within 30 feet of each other to function. This means that you will find it hard to play music while sitting in another room.
- Power. Bluetooth speakers cannot compete with regular speakers when it comes to delivering raw power (i.e. wattage). Their sound will be weaker, lacking the richness and depth of regular speakers.
- Compatibility. While most cell phones are Bluetooth capable, many music players are not.
Conclusion
Bluetooth speakers are perfect if you want to listen to music while outdoors. If you want to catch up on your favorite songs while on a picnic, in a park, or on a camping trip, these are ideal investments. However, for home use, you may want to look at other wireless speakers that can deliver more power and better sound quality.

Advantages of an Android TV Box

Android TV boxes have suddenly become very popular. Even though companies like Apple and Roku have sold many set-top boxes, another option has hit the market - the Android TV box. Also known as a 'Google TV' or XBMC Steaming player, these devices are simple. They are available for as little as $60 and as much as $100.
This android device is a small box shaped product that is about 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
This product has access to apps and functions that you can find on other android devices. However, it is able to run a variety of Android apps, games and even a web browser.
Advantages of buying Android TV Box
The question is should you buy an Android TV box? With the variety of functions it can perform, including downloading apps from Google Play store, you won't be able to stay away from it for very long. They are reliable and their hardware is just as good as the Roku or Apple TV. The supplied remote is great and they are able to play a 1080p video pretty smoothly.
These devices are a great investment for people who love to tweak their definition of fun. People who only want to watch videos can buy other simpler devices. It's like the difference between having a mobile with push buttons and one with a touch screen. Which technology would you prefer?

Because of popular demand, the market for Android TV boxes is growing. But the problem is where to find quality products, as most of the ones available on the market are fairly lackluster. You can, however, buy them from online shops. There are many Chinese products that have come onto the market. They are cheap, not a deal breaker and easily run for a long time.
This device has an advantage over an HDMI stick. The box has extra connectivity options, while for the stick you need at least a USB hub for it to be useful.
The main reason why the Android TV box is more popular is because other devices come with a lot of restrictions. These devices cater to specific platforms only.
Understand your requirement

Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC

Bluetooth
For those of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to a wireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for short range electronic applications (usually less than 30 feet in distance). Although the technology has been around for several years, Bluetooth support for PC users has been limited due to hardware manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802.11 wireless network protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi achieve different purposes and each has its pros and cons.
Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets
The cellular telephone community has long embraced Bluetooth technology, developing and refining numerous wireless devices. One of the more popular Bluetooth applications for cellular telephones has been cordless headsets which enable users to leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while still being able to make and receive calls. Bluetooth headsets are generally very lightweight, worn over one ear and achieve talk times from 1-4 hours before needing a recharge.
Bluetooth PC Headset?
So if cellular telephone users have warmly embraced Bluetooth headsets, why not the PC community? At the time of writing, this author knows of no PC hardware manufacturer who has designed a Bluetooth Headset primarily for use with a PC. However, there is nothing to prevent a PC user from using a cellular phone Bluetooth Headset with their PC. Keep in mind though, these headsets were originally envisioned for cellular phone use and may need a bit of 'tweaking' before they'll perform as well as 'corded' headsets on your computer.
USB Bluetooth Adapter
Unless you own a relatively expensive notebook PC, odds are that your computer doesn't natively support the Bluetooth protocol. If this is the case, you'll need an 'Adapter' or 'Dongle' in order to make your computer 'Bluetooth enabled'. Bluetooth adapters are generally very small (a few inches long) and insert into a vacant USB port on your computer. When purchasing an adapter it's critical that you buy one that supports the 'headset protocol'. The headset protocol is merely a set of rules which enables your Bluetooth adapter to communicate with and make use of Bluetooth headsets in its vicinity. If your adapter does not support the headset protocol, no amount of 'tweaking' will get your headset working with your PC. Adapters generally run between $20 - $80 USD and can be purchased at most PC retailers.

Buying a Bluetooth Headset
Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are generally very expensive when compared with conventional 'corded' PC headsets. Depending on where you buy your headset, you could spend anywhere from $20 to $200+ USD. If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive headset that'll simply enable you to make wireless VoIP calls using your PC, I recommend looking on Ebay. Although prices vary considerably on eBay between merchants for similar products, overall they are considerably less expensive than purchasing the same headset from a telephone store. A word of caution about eBay though; ensure that you read the fine print associated with shipping costs. Some eBay merchants advertise Bluetooth Headsets for $5 USD however the real cost quickly rises to $35+ when you account for their often exorbitant shipping charges.
'Pairing' the Headset with your PC
Once your computer is 'Bluetooth enabled' and you've obtained a Bluetooth headset, you'll need to 'pair' the headset with your computer in order to use it for VoIP applications. This is usually just a matter of setting your headset in 'discovery mode' and allowing your PC to 'search' or 'discover' Bluetooth devices. The steps needed to enable discovery mode on your headset and adapter will vary between devices and should be clearly explained in the documentation accompanying your devices.
Adjusting your Audio Settings
Depending on your hardware and operating system, you may need to make adjustments to your audio settings after the headset is 'paired' with your PC. In the Windows operating system, this will involve accessing 'Audio Properties' through the 'Control Panel' and setting the audio and voice devices to your newly paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings should be covered in the documentation accompanying both your headset and Bluetooth adapter.
Once you're up and running, you'll wonder why you didn't adopt this wireless headset solution sooner. The freedom to wander away from your computer whilst maintaining voice over Internet conversations is something you'll come to appreciate and love.

Nathan Smith

HID Light Bulbs - How Do They Work?

HID light bulbs are High Intensity Discharge bulbs that are used by those people who need brighter light when they are driving. As you must be aware, the headlights of most of the vehicles are halogen lights and these lights are not as bright as the HID lights. You will also see these lights in gyms, theme parks, ball games and stadiums.
Many people are now buying the HID or High Intensity Discharge light bulbs because these bulbs are very effective in producing extremely bright lights. What's more, these bulbs can also cover very large areas. You may not be aware but these lights are available in various versions such as the regular high-pressure sodium lights, metal halide lamps and mercury vapor lamps.
The first HID or high definition lamps that were sold commercially were the mercury vapor lamps. After sometime, newer and better lamps started to be available in the market such as metal halide lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps.
How do the HID light bulbs create or produce light?
The HID or High Intensity Discharge light bulbs can produce light when the gas present inside the tube starts to heat up. When the gas becomes heated to the point of evaporation, light is produced. The tube contains tungsten electrodes and as the metal elements begin to heat up, they will strike these electrodes and as a result, light will be created.
HID lights are more or less like the fluorescent lights as they require ballast for the production of heat. Ballast is actually an instrument that is utilized to generate light. If the HID bulbs do not have ballasts then it will not be possible for them to produce lights because the reaction for the production of light will not start if there is an absence of ballast.

Tungsten electrodes: what are they?
Tungsten is actually an element (chemical) that is commonly known for its vigorous physical characteristics and high melting point. You will find this element in many electrical appliances and it is also found in HID lights. The color of tungsten ranges from steel gray to tin white.
What are HID lamps used for?
You may or may not know this but the HID lamps have many applications. These lamps are need in those locations or places that need very bright lights. Some of the examples of the places where the HID lamps are used are roadways, warehouses, sidewalks, parking lots, football fields, stadiums, etc. These lamps are also used in indoor gardening, houses, department stores, etc.
If you ask any vehicle owners about HID lights, they will probably tell you what these lights are because many drivers are aware of the High Intensity Discharge lights. These lights are more or less like the natural day light and this is the main reason why many vehicle owners install these bulbs or lights in their cars. With the HID lights, it will be possible for the drivers to see the road clearly even when the area is dark.

The Benefits of LED Headlights

LED headlights produce a much brighter light than the normal head lamp bulbs produce. The amount of light you receive from LED headlights is as much as twice the amount of light you would receive from an ordinary comparable head lamp bulb. The increased lighting allows you to see more on the roadway and thus be safer.

Oncoming traffic will attest to the fact that the LED headlights on the newer cars are much bright than their original counterparts. The oncoming traffic will notice your vehicle because the light being emitted from the LED headlights is much brighter and more noticeable. The good thing is that the increased brightness of the light does not blind the other drivers. These types of signal indicators, brake lights and headlamps create a safer car.

Another good benefit of the LED headlights is they require less energy to be operated. The head lamps on your vehicle are powered by your battery. Many other things are also powered by the car battery. If the items require less power from the battery to work then your battery will not be under a strain and will ultimately last longer. You also get the benefit of when your battery is low on power it will still be able to cause things that use less energy to work. You will not be left in the dark when you have these headlamps on your vehicle.

A lot of the newer models come standard with this type of headlamp. The headlamps are more expensive than the ones that were installed on older model cars, but they last twice, if not three times, longer than the older style headlamps. The increased safety is one of the major reasons that car manufacturers are installing these items, but the fact that the head lamps use less energy and burn at a lower temperature is also a major advantage.
If you have an older model car then you will need to install a kit that allows the light emitting diodes style head lamps to work on it. These kits are available at most automotive parts stores, and you can take the vehicle to the dealership and have their mechanics install the item for you. Even if you do not get the head lamps replaced with light emitting diodes consider replacing the tail lights and turn signals to increase the safety of your vehicle. LED headlights are a huge improvement over the original style of head lamps.

LED Headlamp Usage by Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters A Message to Outdoorsmen

Firefighters and policemen are heroes who risk their own lives every day in their efforts to protect others. It is common for a firefighter to dash into a burning building engulfed in flames to rescue an occupant. Day after day policemen run after criminals who duck into blackened alleyways.
These professionals exhibit an extraordinary dedication to mankind because the strongest natural instinct for human beings is the will to live. Firefighters and policemen regularly have to overcome this instinct to uphold their responsibilities.
Firefighters normally go to the location of emergencies such as road accidents, flooded areas, where a bomb threat or incident has occurred. They are found at dangerous substance spills and railway and airline crashes. They routinely rescue trapped persons and animals and can be found providing emergency medical services prior to an ambulance crew arriving on the scene.
Policemen find themselves keeping the peace and order, prohibiting and preventing criminal activity, arresting persons who break the law, running surveillance operations, working in counter-terrorism activities, and investigating crimes.
Given these activities, it becomes clear that for them to do their jobs safely they need to have high quality equipment. This equipment not only protects them, it also protects citizens because they can stay in the line of fire, so to speak - longer.
Given the types of situations and the time of day, firefighters and policemen need headlamps to enable them to function in the dark. Dark does not only mean time of day. There are situations such as forest fires where the smoke is so dense it is darker than a night without a moon.

New technology makes working in the dark less problematic. LED headlamps are lighting the way for the heroes of our cities. Firefighters and policemen favor LED headlamps because: 1) beams can be pointed in the direction of need, 2) can be adjusted by elastic headbands, 3) are water resistant, 4) allow for hands-free movement and searching, and 6) can be mounted on hard hats.
LED headlamps come in levels of illumination and most often offer the wearer at least three levels of light. These headlamps are powered by batteries ranging from 3 to 6 AAA batteries as a well as AA batteries. LED headlamps range from 18 to 60 Lumens and are capable of working in atmospheres that are filled with dangerous toxins, gasses and vapors. LED lamps vary in the number of hours they run. However, in comparison to standard headlamps, they can run up to hundreds of hours longer because of the efficiency of LED light bulbs. They also vary on the brightness of the light they emit as well as whether the light emitted has a spot or flood focus.
When considering the times a firefighter or policeman is put into danger it is no wonder they favor LED headlamps. LED lamps allow firefighters and policemen to do what they do best - help citizens who are in danger from fires, criminal activity, being lost and in need of rescue etc. LED headlamps help the men and women who use them save lives and protect property.

HID Light Bulbs - How Do They Work

HID light bulbs are High Intensity Discharge bulbs that are used by those people who need brighter light when they are driving. As you must be aware, the headlights of most of the vehicles are halogen lights and these lights are not as bright as the HID lights. You will also see these lights in gyms, theme parks, ball games and stadiums.
Many people are now buying the HID or High Intensity Discharge light bulbs because these bulbs are very effective in producing extremely bright lights. What's more, these bulbs can also cover very large areas. You may not be aware but these lights are available in various versions such as the regular high-pressure sodium lights, metal halide lamps and mercury vapor lamps.
The first HID or high definition lamps that were sold commercially were the mercury vapor lamps. After sometime, newer and better lamps started to be available in the market such as metal halide lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps.
How do the HID light bulbs create or produce light?
The HID or High Intensity Discharge light bulbs can produce light when the gas present inside the tube starts to heat up. When the gas becomes heated to the point of evaporation, light is produced. The tube contains tungsten electrodes and as the metal elements begin to heat up, they will strike these electrodes and as a result, light will be created.
HID lights are more or less like the fluorescent lights as they require ballast for the production of heat. Ballast is actually an instrument that is utilized to generate light. If the HID bulbs do not have ballasts then it will not be possible for them to produce lights because the reaction for the production of light will not start if there is an absence of ballast.

Tungsten electrodes: what are they?
Tungsten is actually an element (chemical) that is commonly known for its vigorous physical characteristics and high melting point. You will find this element in many electrical appliances and it is also found in HID lights. The color of tungsten ranges from steel gray to tin white.
What are HID lamps used for?
You may or may not know this but the HID lamps have many applications. These lamps are need in those locations or places that need very bright lights. Some of the examples of the places where the HID lamps are used are roadways, warehouses, sidewalks, parking lots, football fields, stadiums, etc. These lamps are also used in indoor gardening, houses, department stores, etc.
If you ask any vehicle owners about HID lights, they will probably tell you what these lights are because many drivers are aware of the High Intensity Discharge lights. These lights are more or less like the natural day light and this is the main reason why many vehicle owners install these bulbs or lights in their cars. With the HID lights, it will be possible for the drivers to see the road clearly even when the area is dark.

HID Lights - Applications and Other Uses

High Intensity Discharge lights or HID lights are well-known for its use among automobiles. Despite the huge cost of purchasing, installing and repairing, more and more motorists choose to replace their former headlamps. But besides providing better illumination during night time rides with your car, HID lights also have other beneficial uses. Not surprisingly, all related to exorcising the darkness from every corner its beams reach.
HID lamps are used mostly when huge amounts of light are needed to brighten up a wide and large area. Thus, football stadiums and other public sports arenas typically line themselves with HID lights, allowing possible sports matches even in the evenings. If you have warehouse or stockroom that needs brilliant lighting, HID lights are a good choice. Since the power consumption of these lamps are considerably less than other types of lighting, you get better lighting that eats less electricity. Actually, airports usually use HID lights to aid the landing and taxiing of aircraft, carefully showing the boundaries of the plane tracks. Without such powerful lighting, no crazy resident would dare reside near any airport terminal in fear of the pilot steering the airplane over his backyard.
Indoor gardens with plants that need intense amount of sunlight also make sure of this kind of lighting. Indeed, having lush fauna in the comfort of your home has been made possible with HID lights. This type of light is especially beneficial to plants that require lots of quality time with the tropical sun. In fact, compared with lamps that are fluorescent or even incandescent, HID lamps are more effective overall. With a given amount of electricity input, the amount of light produced is much greater.

Automobiles are the most common recipients of the benefits of using HID lights. But not only to cars and trucks, since HID lamps produce a great degree of light in proportion to electricity, it is now possible to for these lights to give off a decent intensity of light even with a small power source. Thus, strong headlamps for bicycles are now possible, sitting prettily either on the front handle bars or perched on the biker's mounted helmet. Portable lights such as flashlights also are examples of taking advantage of the small power supply needed to shine HID lights.
The efficacy of having better lighting with less the energy requirement makes HID lights viable replacements to other lamps. The high cost of these lights is negated by the long lifespan and durability of high intensity discharge lights.

A Computer Engineering student and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats.

Wireless Vs Bluetooth Telephone Headsets - Which Is Better

Wireless DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) headsets and Bluetooth headsets have many similarities. Both allow you to move around your office without being tethered to your desk and both talk to base cradles. Most confusing is both wireless and Bluetooth headsets are often referred to as "cordless" or "wireless"!
Wireless and Bluetooth headsets also have some significant differences. These differences do not make one better than the other but may make one type of headset better for your particular situation or office environment. This article discusses the differences between wireless and Bluetooth headsets to help you decide which one is best for you.
The Differences
The first difference to consider is RANGE. A Wireless headset has a range of 100 metres. A Bluetooth headset only has an official range of 10 metres and can be as low as 5 metres in an office environment. So if you expect to be a reasonable distance from your desk whilst talking on your headset then wireless will be the clear winner for you.
These distances are influenced by your office environment. Your walls (and what they are made out of) may reduce the actual range that you can achieve. If your office is open plan and you have a good line of sight to your desk from a distance then your headset may work from further away than the official figures indicate.
The next major difference is CONNECTIVITY. In general a wireless headset can only connect to a single telephone base cradle - although with some models you can have several headsets simultaneously connected to the same base. A Bluetooth headset can connect with up to 7 different devices (including its telephony base cradle).
Handset Lifters
You can purchase mechanical handset lifters for all Bluetooth and wireless headsets. Many headset manufacturers even have Electronic Hook Switch (EHS) cables for some phones. Both of these technologies allow you to answer telephone calls while you are away from your desk. Handset lifters are fitted on your telephone underneath the handset and the EHS cables are plugged in to your telephone.
When your phone rings your headset beeps at you. Simply pressing a button on your headset causes the handset lifter to rise which in turn causes the handset to rise and allows you to talk with the caller. You press the button again at the end of the call and the handset lifter lowers the handset back onto the telephone hanging up the call.

A lifter for a wireless headset will work with the same brand of Bluetooth headset. This means it can be re-used if you happen to change cordless headset types.
Troubleshooting
In the "bad old days" there were some problems with both Bluetooth and wireless headsets but these issues have long since been resolved. These days if you choose a quality brand such as Plantronics, Sennheiser or Jabra you will find that any of their wireless or Bluetooth headsets will be very reliable.
The most common problem that occurs now with both Bluetooth and wireless headset models is "loss of pairing". This is where the headset top stops communicating with the base unit. In my experience this issue normally only occurs if the base unit loses power while the headset is not in its cradle which is quite rare. When this does happen you cannot use your headset until the problem is fixed which can be very annoying! The problem can be easily resolved so there's no need to stress. You simply need to make sure that the headset is charged then re-establish the pairing (connectivity).
The pairing procedure is different for each headset model. If you can't find the pairing instructions that came with your headset at the time of purchase you should be able to obtain a copy of the document from your headset supplier or from the manufacturer's web site. Normally the pairing process involves a few simple steps such as rebooting the base unit then holding down a button or series of buttons for several seconds until the status lights shows the 2 parts are paired ("talking") again. Normally the entire procedure should be completed within one minute and you will be back in action!
Conclusion
Don't think of wireless and Bluetooth as competing technologies. Just look at your own situation and environment and choose the technology that works best for you. If you will be a long distance from your workstation whilst talking on your headset then you need a DECT wireless headset. If you will always be within 10 metres of your workstation and you have more than one Bluetooth device that you want to connect your headset to (e.g. laptop or mobile) then choose a Bluetooth headset. I hope this article makes it easier for you to select a suitable headset.

Car HID Lights

Car HID lights are normally fixed in front of the car which help in increasing visibility in time of low light illumination. The high intensity discharge lights helps in enhancing visibility especially on the roads where street lighting is not available. Most of the cars of this brand are fixed with the full HID kit therefore; you do not need to fix them later. Sometimes you may not be comfortable with the way the HID light bulbs have been fitted in your car due to their sizes and shapes, therefore you can alter them to fit your standards since they are readily available in the market.

Unlike the old HID head lamps, which used to use oil, the modern head lamps use electric power where the light is produced after an electric arc is struck across the electrodes. The electric lamps were introduced later after the introduction of the oil lamps. Currently most vehicles in the market use the HID lights that provide better light intensity, which use low power consumption as compared to a normal halogen lamp. Many people have opted for the use of the car HID lights for their car since they have helped in reducing accidents due to lack of street lighting, commonly available in city streets.

To enhance road visibility and clear driving in dark roads where street lighting is not available you can rely on your car HID lights for clear visibility on the roads. You can decide to use the halogen head lamps or use the high intensity discharge lamps, which are brighter and have low energy consumption rate. They are commonly used since they offer superior lighting that is within the needed spectrum of visible light which is so helpful to your eyes while driving since you can see the road clearly avoiding accidents due to lack of clear visibility on the road.

Car HID lights are commonly installed once the car has been produced
before it is released in the market. Once an HID kit is fixed in your car, it enhances its looks attracting customers due to the good lighting bulbs, which are found in different sizes, shape and color too. Automakers are free to design head lamps, which will match with your car unlike the ones you, buy in the market, which you find sometimes not matching with your car. One of the most common shapes of headlamps used in the market is the rectangular shape, which does not match with most small cars that is why they are produced in different shapes.

How Does HID Lighting Work

HID, or high definition, lamps are typically required when high levels of light are needed to cover large areas. They are the lights you see at ballgames and theme parks, at stadiums and in gyms.
There is a high demand for HID lamps because of their efficiency on a wide scale and their ability to clearly cover huge areas. They come in several versions: mercury vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and standard high-pressure sodium lights.
Mercury vapor lamps were the first commercially available high definition lamps (HID). They are swiftly becoming outdated by newer more efficient counterparts like high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps.
High-pressure sodium lamps generally emit a more yellowish light, but are available with whiter light. They are usually the most efficient, and thus most commonly used, type of HID light. Metal halide lamps produce a beautifully white, natural light, but are also less efficient.
How do HID lamps produce light?
High intensity discharge lamps produce light when the gases inside the fused alumina tube are heated to the point of evaporation. Tungsten electrodes are kept in the alumina tube, and when the metal elements begin to heat up, they strike the tungsten electrodes, creating an arc of light.
Similar to fluorescent lights, HID lamps need a ballast (a device used to start gas discharge in a lamp and limit the flow of electrical current) to even start producing heat. If they don't have the ballast, the reaction won't begin, and there won't be any light.

What are tungsten electrodes?
Tungsten is a chemical element that is known for its high melting point and robust physical characteristics. It is used widely in electrical applications like lighting because of these properties. It is a hard, non-alloy metal that ranges in color from steel gray to tin white. It is shaped, or "drawn" into the very thin metal wires you see inside a light bulb.
What applications are there for HID lamps?
There are numerous applications for HID. They are in high demand in areas that require lots of lights, like stadiums, football fields, warehouses, parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and more.
However, they have come into habitual use in smaller areas as well, such as department stores, houses, indoor gardening, and a number of other applications. Because of their bright, natural light, HID lamps can also cause those extra bright headlights blinding you across the road.
They are such a powerful light source, in fact, that high definition lights have come into use on the airbus 380- super jumbo airplane.

Enhance The Performance Of Our Car's Lighting With Projector HID Kits

The first and foremost motto of all car owners is to get desired performance from their vehicles. This desired driving performance is obtained from all parts and accessories of a car; lighting segment is one of them as it ensures drivers drive smoothly on dark roads. When it comes to having desired results with least efforts, car owners need to get rid of their existing lights that are dull, non-performing and damaged and replace them with projector HID lights. The power of these lights focus into an area on the road. The efficient use of projector HID lights is good as these lights are brighter and have a different color temp than a regular bulb.
Enhancement of the performance of your car's lighting with projector HID kits is a good solution for car owners who want to give a new meaning to their night time driving. High intensity discharge (HID) headlights offer more visible light than fluorescent and incandescent lights. The use of these lights makes drivers feel safe and comfortable when they take out your vehicle on the road. That is why projector HID kits render the best lighting solutions in a friendly manner.
Striking features of the kit:

• The kit is a complete lighting package available with bulb, ballast, wires and accessories for instant replacement and improvement,
• The kit owns 3 types of colors (6000K Aqua Blue, 8000K Deep Blue and 10000K Violet Purple) and 8 types of headlamps,
• The bulbs inside the kits have UV-blocking quartz glass,
• These bulbs are directly interchangeable,
• The kit renders unique head lighting solutions, and
• The kit definitely enhances the visibility and drivers' comfort.

Benefits of using the kit for enhancing outer appearance and upgrading the performance of vehicles of all sizes and types are:

• Bulbs available in the kit offer 300% brighter than standard bulbs or halogen lights,
• They have 10 times longer life than halogen lights,
• They are known for less energy consumption; 50% lower,
• These bulbs have a life span of up to 2,500 hours almost equal to car's life,
• These bulbs offer ultimate light output with good penetration,
• The use of these bulbs ensure a perfect combination of light output and brightness, and
• Projector head lights are very comfortable for night time driving.

People interested in giving their cars a new and improved look with the exceptional lighting output can make a real difference to their vehicles when they go for an accomplished kit having 2 HID bulbs, 2 HID ballasts, mounting hardware, wire harness and step-by-step online installation guide.

HID Lighting Basics - Why HID Is Better Than Incandescent Lighting

When man invents new things that make his life better, we know he is only headed for a brighter future. The invention of high intensity discharge or HID lighting is an example that shows just how far he has come from the time incandescent or fluorescent bulbs were created. For home or business use, HID lights have proven to be far more efficient than any other type of lighting invented in history. This is why more and more people are making the shift as they hear from users about the advantages of this invention. From homes to night clubs to industrial plants to automobiles, HID lights are now most preferred and used by an increasing number of people.
So what makes HID technology deserve all of these raves from consumers? There are a number of things, but its most important advantage is cost and energy efficiency. To see just how energy-efficient HID bulbs are, you need to understand how they and incandescent bulbs function. To get an incandescent bulb to work, electric energy has to be supplied to a tungsten filament inside the bulb so that it is heated enough to glow and provide illumination. In other words, an incandescent light bulb runs basically on the electrical energy that is supplied to the tungsten filament. With continuous use, however, the filament burns out and that's the end of the incandescent bulb's lifespan.

On the other hand, HID technology does not need a filament for the bulb to glow and provide light because the bulbs' gases emit photons which are responsible for the light that is given off. HID lights are energy efficient because they do not actually run on electricity but rather on the photons emitted by these gases. Electricity will only serve to excite the gas inside the bulb to produce the light. But to keep the light shining, the gases' molecules are in-charge. HID bulbs don't have filaments that burn out, like incandescent bulbs do. This means, HID lasts way longer and burns much brighter. Combining all of these, one can expect a significant reduction in electrical consumption, and significant savings on electricity bills.
Among HID bulbs, there are three choices for the consumer - mercury vapor, metal halide and high-pressure sodium. The most efficient of these three is high-pressure sodium, which gives more of a yellowish light, followed by metal halide, whose emission closely resembles natural light and then mercury vapor which is the least efficient among the three.

The 3 Different Faces of Commercial Photo Printers

There are various types of printers in the market today, and these printers are used for a wide variety of purposes. For profitable printing activities such as the production of advertisements, studio printing of personal photos from customers, and printers for industrial materials and products, commercial photo printers are best used. There are three different faces of commercial photo printers and they are used for different industries and profitable printing activities.
Dye Sublimation Studio Printers
For studio printing, dye sublimation printers are best to use. These printers make use of dye panels which imprint photos on media using heat transfer. The sublimation process makes heat transfer from solid to gas quick and accurate. The printouts produced by these devices are of excellent quality that is why they are used for photo printing exclusively.
These printers can print various sizes of media from as small as wallet sizes to as large as 8'' x 12''. Apart from their media size flexibility, most of these printers are also very speedy. The fastest that they can print is up to 5 seconds for a borderless 4'' x 6'' photo. This makes them very ideal for use in photo printing businesses.
Large Format Photo Printers
Print advertisements in the form of banners, tarpaulins, posters, billboards, and other similar big photos and images which are posted for the public to notice are commercial tools for advertising and marketing. Have you ever wondered what printers are used for printing these ads? Large format photo printers are responsible for all of these high quality print advertisements.

Large format photo printers are inkjet printers which are engineered to be able to produce wider format printouts. The most common widths of these printers range from 11'', 13'', 24'', 44'', to 64''. These printers are made to print photos and illustrations with very high quality, so they are typically very expensive.
Flatbed Inkjet Printers
Flatbed inkjet printers are more complex than the first two printer types. This is because they are not made to print on paper alone - they can be used to print even on shaped solids like boxes, furniture, and other commercial products. Flatbed inkjet printers are what industries use to print on their products. These are very important because companies need to leave their marks on the products that they sell, and what better way to do this than by imprinting their logo on each and every product that they manufacture?
Since they are industrial printers, they are quite big and they have many moving parts. These make them flexible and versatile enough to cover for all of the product printing needs of companies, industries, and businesses. The use of flatbed inkjet printers has made it much easier for many industries to create high quality prints on their different manufactured products including irregularly shaped and three-dimensional items.
Conclusion
These different commercial photo printers will help you identify which device your industry or business really needs. These are very big investments, though, and you need to be definite in making a purchase to put your capital to good use.

Innovative Implementations of Rackmount LCD Monitors

Technology has to go into some unusual places. It's fun to find out how people have taken a technical solution such as a rackmount LCD and found a way to implement it in a unique situation. This article describes a couple of ways to use these devices in a manner you may not have previously considered.
Ask any IT person where they use a rackmount LCD monitor and they will probably tell you that they are used to support and monitor servers located in a datacenter. The monitor is normally mounted inside a server cabinet or rack. When combined with a keyboard/monitor/trackball device and KVM system they offer reduced power and space requirements over assigning a monitor and keyboard to each computer system. Instead, one rackmount LCD is used to manage several computers.
Now that you understand that these devices save space, energy and money, your mind may start thinking about where you could use this type of solution. Here are some ways others have put the rackmount LCD to use.
People who love gadgets enjoy figuring out ways to put technology to use. Sometimes an idea to solve a connectivity problem at home turns into a great technical innovation for use by the military, commercial industry or in health care. Below are some odd locations people positioned a rackmount LCD monitor.

High Tech Fishing -If you are a fisherman you probably are aware of a number of different gadgets available on the market. Some devices are sonar based depth finders or combination fish/depth finders or mapping applications working in conjunction with GPS are a couple of high tech gadgets available to the sport fisherman.
Commercial fishermen make use of the same types of solutions, but on a larger scale. Some commercial fishing companies even have full blown servers onboard. These servers and supporting rackmount LCD devices may be housed in a cabinet or mounted directly to shelves or cabinets within the vessel.
At the Target Range-Each branch of the military makes use of computers and advanced technology. One of the first places computers were put to work was within the training of soldiers, sailors and marines. This really came in handy on the target range. A server running a scoring application and a rackmount LCD is installed in a secured cabinet to the rear of the line of fire. This application tracks the hits as the soldier fire at targets downrange. The range officer can view the scores simply and safely behind

The Top 3 Effects Pedals (Almost) Every Guitarist Needs

When setting up your guitar pedal board, you are more than likely to spend hours and hours in the shop trying to decide which pedals you need in order to pull an awesome sound with your guitar/amp combination.
As tempting as it is to buy every pedal in the shop, you will most likely only be able to afford a few pedals when starting out.
So to help, here is a list of the top 3 pedals every guitarist needs.

1. Tuner: A tuner is the most important pedal in my opinion. If you aren't playing in tune, than it's going to sound bad full stop. One of my favourite tuners is a bright Korg LED style tuner. A really simple tuner that is really easy to see when you look down at your board. There is nothing worse than no being able to read the tuner when it's dark on stage.
2. Overdrive Pedal: I once heard a guitarist say, "A good overdrive pedal is like a favorite pair of old jeans." This is true in so many ways. A good overdrive pedal should be a staple part of the guitarists tone. Classic examples of this pedal include the Ibanez Tube Screamer and the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff. A few more modern effects pedals incorporate valves, but usually these still run at voltages that are too low for the valve, resulting in a "starved plate" configuration that generates harsh and buzzy distortion. Distortion pedals usually also provide signal gain, which can be used to drive the input stage of the pre-amplifier harder, resulting in further distortion and, in some cases, higher volume.
3. Delay Pedal: A delay takes a sound and repeats it back without altering its tone or pitch, like an echo. You can alter the time between each repetition, measured in thousandths of a second, or milliseconds. Available in Analogue or Digital. The most obvious example is The Edge of U2, whose classic guitar parts couldn't have been written without a delay pedal.

In summary, there is no right or wrong when choosing guitar pedals. One of my favourite aspects of the music industry, is that someone is always trying something new and breaking the 'traditional' rules. That being said, with these 3 pedals you should be able to pull most good sounds with the right amp/guitar combination.

The Daily Guitar aims to provide news, updates and inspiration for guitarists of all levels. Whether you are just starting out, or your a seasoned pro, this website exists for you.

Toner Cartridge and Printer Review for HP Laser Jet M1130

The HP Laser Jet M1130 is not quite an all in one printer. It is intended for personal office use and is not very bulky measuring 9.8"x10.1"x16.3". It will do your printing and copying without issue, but does not have the capability to send or receive faxes. This printer has a full legal sized scanning screen, which should accommodate any of the scanning needs you may have. This printer is unfortunately only capable of one task at a time. Another unfortunate aspect of this printer is that it consumes high amounts of energy, both when actively printing and when on standby.
The HP Laser Jet M1130 uses a toner cartridge for laser printing. The toner for HP Laser Jet M1130 prints strictly in black and can print up to 1600 pages before needing to be changed. If you are looking for a toner for HP you can buy generic brands or a toner cartridge manufactured by HP. The generic brands of toner cartridge will save you about half the cost, and will still print approximately 1600 pages.
You can find a toner cartridge for your printer at any computer or office supply store which carries toner for HP or HP products in general. The toner cartridge for this printer is model CE285a. You could ask for it at a super store or at an office supply store. If you are not one who likes to go out to shopping, you can look it up on your favorite search engine or online shopping site. The retail cost for a cartridge of toner for HP Laser Jet M1130 ranges from $15 to $75 depending on the capacity of the cartridge and the manufacturer of the cartridge. Depending on what you are using the printer for, you will not need to by the toner for HP Laser Jet M1130 very often. If you are using the printer at home, for just your everyday needs, you will take a quite a long time to print 1600 pages from your printer. With home use, it is unlikely that you would need to change the toner cartridge more than once a year, and likely not even that frequently.

If you are in search of an appropriate printer for your needs, this HP Laser Jet may be a good option for you. If this happens to be the printer which you choose, make sure that you purchase the correct toner for HP Laser Jet M1130. Many of the toner cartridges appear the same, but have slight differences which would cause them not to fit or work appropriately with your printer. The toner is your ink, and without the correct toner, your printer will be useless. While it uses high amounts of energy, and can only perform only one function at a time, it is a good quality printer, and perfect for your home office. The only flaw in this printer for small business office use is that it is not able to be connected to a network.

Accord Headlights - HID Projector Retrofit

Have you ever faced such problem that when you drive your car home at night, you could not see the road surface ahead because the poor visibility. The headlamps of your car didn't provide strong enough light to illuminate the road in front, so it was hard for you to operate your car's speed and driving direction. Such a situation may have happened to you many times. Actually you should have your car's headlamps checked and go to the auto part aftermarket to get brand new pair to install on your car.
As a matter of fact, the headlamps of a car perform a vital role in protecting the car and people from being damaged and hurt in possible car crash or collision, by their illuminating function. To enhance the driving safety, nearly every headlamp is made with HID, projector, led as well as halo rims (angel eyes). These items can also make the appearance of the headlamps more beautiful.

Once your current headlamps need replacing, you can get a brand new pair with these items to upgrade your headlamp's performance. All types of the top-of-the-art headlamps can be found at the aftermarket. You can select whatever you like and think can match your car perfectly. One thing you should remember is that the new pair you are going to buy will rightly be fit for your specific car model. In general, a pair of headlamps is specially made for only one particular car model. That is to say, you can not match the BMW E39 headlamps fitments on a Mercedes Benz W202 car, and vice versa.
Online spare parts superstores also provide car users with such products. Besides, products for sale online are much cheaper than the corresponding OEM ones.

Safe and Stylish HID Bulbs for Your Car

In the United States of America and Canada, conventional halogen headlights are gradually being replaced by HID bulbs as more car owners are looking to enhance the look of their vehicle as well as giving it a performance boost.

Composition of HID headlights

HID stands for High Intensity Discharge and refers to the manner in which light is produced by the bulb. HID bulbs have no metal filament but instead, around 20,000 volts is used to ignite the xenon gas and metal halide held within a sealed glass tube between two electrodes above the base of the bulb. A car's normal voltage is twelve volts so a ballast is used to generate the extra initial power to illuminate the bulb. The light produced is three times brighter than a halogen bulb.

Advantages of using HID headlights - safety and efficiency

Not only do HID kits improve the look of your car, they are also a safety feature. HID lights are three times brighter than ordinary halogen headlights. This gives a significantly clearer view of the road which is especially useful for travelling at night and in the rain. According to statistics, sixty percent of accidents which occur at night are caused by poor lighting. Studies conducted on drivers' reaction speed to roadway obstacles using halogen lamps and HID bulbs found that drivers were faster and more accurate in responding to obstacles when their vehicles were fitted with HID headlight bulbs.
The bulbs are also very durable, being designed to last up to ten times longer than conventional halogen headlights. HID lights have an average life span of three thousand hours compared to a halogen bulb which lasts around three hundred hours. They are also shock-resistant as there is no filament in the bulb since the light emits from plasma material. The ballasts also prevent dust and water from entering the HID bulb. HID kits are also energy efficient since less power is needed compared to normal halogen bulbs. Reduced power consumption means less fuel is being used and so vehicles with HID light bulbs are more environmentally friendly as they emit less carbon dioxide.

Size, brightness, color and cost considerations when buying HID headlights

Before buying a HID kit, you need to find out the H number of the halogen bulb used in your vehicle. Bulb fitment plugs come in sizes from H1 to H12. They refer to the sizes of the bulb holders in cars and differ to ensure the HID bulb you buy fits.

The letter W represents watt which is the unit of power. The higher the wattage, the more power the bulb will use. Since HID bulbs are already very bright, a 35W bulb is sufficient and gives greater illumination than a conventional halogen bulb of 55W.

There are several color options which are determined by the temperature at which the xenon gas inside the HID bulb burns. The temperature is denoted by a K on the bulb which stands for Kelvin as the unit of measurement. Therefore, a 6,000K HID bulb means that the gas inside the bulb burns at 6,000 degrees Kelvin. Hid kits range in color/temperature from 3,000K - 10,000K. The higher the Kelvin (K), the dimmer or bluer the light will be. 3,000K produces golden yellow, white with 4,300K - 5,000K, diamond white with 6,000 K; higher than this gives ice burg blue at 8,000K, brilliant blue at 10,000K and an exotic violet at 12,000K. The most popular range for HID bulbs is from 6,000K - 8,000K as they most closely resemble sunlight.

HID bulbs cost significantly more than halogen bulbs but then this has to be balanced against their increased durability and the advantages they offer drivers as well as their stylish appearance.