Tech Tips

Audio and Video

What is a Video Codec?

by Barbara J. Feldman July 23, 2007

Codec (short for compressor/decompressor) is a compression format used in video, such as MPEG-4 or DivX.. Your computer media player (for example, Windows Media Player, QuickTime or iTunes) should recognize the codec required for a particular video, and play the video automatically. If it does not, you will need to find and download the correct [...]

1 comment Read the rest of the tip →

How to Choose Headphones

by Barbara J. Feldman March 18, 2007

Although your portable music player may have come with earbuds, there’s a whole world of headphone choices that provide better acoustics than the usual freebies. Before you buy, learn headphone lingo and the difference between technologies such as noise-reducing and noise-canceling at these buyer guides: CNET Headphone Buying Guide and HeadRoom Selection Guide.

0 comments Read the rest of the tip →

Online File Conversion

by Barbara J. Feldman February 22, 2007

Have you ever wanted to convert a file into a different format, but didn’t own the proper software? Zamzar is an online service that will convert files for free. It handles dozens of file conversions including documents, images, audio and video. Simply upload your file, choose your desired format, and enter your email address. When [...]

1 comment Read the rest of the tip →

Consumer Electronics Showcase

by Barbara J. Feldman January 16, 2007

Techies and gadget lovers who didn’t make to the 2007 Consumer Electronics Showcase (CES) in Las Vegas, can catch up online with excellent video coverage from CES CNET and CES Engadget. CES is the world’s largest annual consumer technology tradeshow, and thousands of new products are announced there every year.

0 comments Read the rest of the tip →

Embed Video

by Barbara J. Feldman October 16, 2006

Both Google Video and it’s newly acquired subsidiary YouTube allow you to post their hosted videos on your own website. The YouTube code is listed directly on each YouTube page, but the Google code is somewhat hidden. To get at it, first click “Email – Blog – Post to MySpace ” then “Embed HTML.”

0 comments Read the rest of the tip →

Audio Formats

by Barbara J. Feldman August 29, 2006

Although your computer can play both MP3 CDs and audio CDs, most car and home CD players can not play compressed MP3 audio. If you want maximum compatibility, you need to specify “Audio CD” format when you burn your own discs. For more about compression and audio formats, read Ask Leo.

0 comments Read the rest of the tip →

PREVIOUS

NEXT