Tag: Portable

by Leland Richardson on November 19, 2021 0

Guide to Camcorder Software

These days, you’re just as likely to view your camcorder videos on a computer as on a TV (if not more so.) That’s why every camcorder is packaged with some basic video software that will let you perform some routine tasks with your camcorder video. Here’s what you can expect:

Basic editing: While you shouldn’t expect to edit your Hollywood blockbuster on the included software, the basic editing features are usually there – some color corrections, trimming, along with the ability to add titles and transition effects.

Sharing: Whether you want to post your videos to Facebook or YouTube or send them to friends and family via email, the software included in your camcorder usually contains tools for Web sharing.

Transcoding: If you want to watch your home movies on DVD, smartphone, portable media players or even a PlayStation Portable, you may need to transcode your video – i.e. turn it into a file format that can be recognized by these devices. Most bundled software will have an option to output your video file for viewing on various platforms.

Organize: The more videos and photos you record with your camcorder, the harder it is to keep track of all your digital files. Included software will offer a basic organizer that will let you keep track of your ever-growing digital library.

DVD Burning: One of the most routine tasks you’ll need to perform with your camcorder’s software is burning an archival disk of your footage. If it does nothing else, your software should allow you to burn DVDs of your home movies.

Perform Specialized Tasks: Some high-end camcorder features can only be accessed through specialized software applications not found on off-the-shelf software.

Sony’s GPS camcorders are a case in point: you can only access map views and “geo-tagging” if you use the company’s included software to organize your files.

Built-in Software

There’s a growing trend among camcorders to ditch the CD-Rom and load their software directly into the camcorder itself. The software will typically install itself on your computer the first time you connect the camcorder to the computer. The virtue with the built-in approach is that you can upgrade computer (of suffer a hard drive wipe out) without worrying about losing your software.

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by Leland Richardson on November 12, 2021 0

Garmin RV 760LMT Review

If you are interested in the Garmin RV 760LMT Portable GPS Navigator, then you have definitely come to the right place. Read the rest of this article for an in-depth review. The Garmin RV 760LMT Portable GPS Navigator is a GPS Navigator that has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels as well as a display that is touchscreen. The display itself is large at 7 inches and the display is WVGA TFT color with a white backlight. Also included in this GPS model from Garmin are “map3” as well as “traffic4” updates which are not only free but for life also. These “map3” and “traffic4” features are things that provide information about services which are specific to RVs, such as normal hours as well as after hours tow services. Examples of other services covered by these “map3” and “traffic4” features are RV specific repair shops.

Key Features:
7 inch display size, 4 hour average battery life, first RV specific Garmin navigator, voice activated navigation, custom routed based on size and weight of your RV1, “Active Lane Guidance”, 800 x 480 pixels; WVGA TFT color display.

Another great feature of this Garmin RV 760LMT is the ability to get customized guidance based on the dimensions as well as weight of the RV that you are driving. There is definitely no ‘one size fits all’ approach to things with this Garmin and it could definitely help to make your journey go more smoothly. If you enjoy talking to your electronic devices then you are in luck, because the Garmin RV 760LMT is voice activated. To be more specific, it actually responds in an intelligent way to the voice commands that you give it. I think you will agree when we say this is much more convenient and it will help you to keep your mind on the road if you are not having to look at something else.

The Garmin RV 760LMT has a weight of 12.5 ounces as well as dimensions of 4.5 x 0.9 x 7.4 inches. The item model number is 010-01168-00 and it comes with 1 Lithium Ion Battery. At the time of writing, the Garmin RV 760LMT is rated 3.7 out of 5 stars over 6 reviews and it can currently only be shipped within the US.

Since this GPS Navigator was designed specifically with RVs in mind it is a ‘niche’ product, but the features that it has such as customized guidance based on the dimensions as well as weight of the RV that you drive help it to fit this niche very well. If you are a RV driver and you are in the market for such a GPS Navigation device then look no further, the Garmin RV 760LMT is definitely the one you want to go for.

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by Leland Richardson on November 10, 2021 0

Top Camcorder Trends

Camcorders may not spring to mind when you think of cutting edge technology, but just because they’ve been around a while doesn’t mean technology isn’t constantly shaping, and reshaping, the camcorder market. In fact, thanks to new technologies, recording formats and designs, today’s camcorders are a far cry from models just a few years old. Here’s a look at some of the major trends:

Pocket Parade

Pocket camcorders – those portable, easy-to-use video cameras popularized by the Flip – have become all the rage of the camcorder market. And what’s not to like: they’re easy, cheap, offer decent quality and make sharing videos online simple. By some estimates they’ll make up about 2/3 of all camcorders sold.

This year, thanks to the success of the Flip, there are literally over a dozen competitors. That means these models were begin to diversify, with features such as water-proofing, infrared and optical zooms emerging to help distinguish these video cameras from a very crowded field.

It’s a High Def World

HD camcorders have been on the market for several years now, but this year they’re expected to cross over into 50 percent of the market. They’re still pricier than standard definition models (at least when talking about traditional – not pocket – camcorders) but those prices continue to fall sharply. You’ll find several feature-rich HD models, capable of 1920 x 1080 recording, for under $500.

Flash in the Pan

Flash memory cards, the type found in digital cameras, are rapidly becoming the recording format of choice for digital camcorders. Camcorders that use flash memory are lighter, use less battery power and can store more video than any other format except for hard drives.

The popularity of flash camcorders has all but crowded out DVD and tape formats, leaving only hard disk drives as an alternative.

Ultra-Portable

Thanks in no small part to the use of flash memory, camcorders are getting tinier and more portable. That means you don’t have any excuse not to carry one around with you wherever you go.

Web Friendly

What good is your video if you can’t share it, or turn it into 15 seconds worth of Internet fame? While the higher-end HD camcorders are less computer-friendly, a number are using the H.264 video format for easier editing and viewing on a computer. Together with built-in upload buttons that send video off to YouTube whenever the camcorder is connected to a computer, today’s camcorders are more Web-friendly than ever before.

Back-lit CMOS

While it’s not front and center in many of the specs, the type of image sensor used in a camcorder is critically important. In 2010, a new version of the CMOS image sensor will be more popular with higher-end models. The so-called “back illuminated” CMOS technology offers improved video quality performance where it counts the most: low light environments.

Wireless

Connecting your camcorder to a computer or TV isn’t the hardest thing in the world, but it could still stand to be easier. At least two camcorder makers thus far have introduce products with a form of wireless networking. Samsung has added Wi-Fi to a trio of high-end HD camcorders while JVC has announced a camcorder with built-in Bluetooth. Given that camcorder video files are very large, it remains to be seen whether wireless offers a viable alternative to the tangle of cables, but this is the year we’ll find out.

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by Leland Richardson on November 29, 2019 0

What To Expect From The Software That’s Packaged In Your Camcorder

If you just bought a camcorder, the manufacturer has put the default software in it to use video editing. Even though it is simple, it is enough to help you edit the video that you take.

Basic Editing

While you shouldn’t expect to edit your Hollywood blockbuster on the included software, the basic editing features are usually there – some color corrections, trimming, along with the ability to add titles and transition effects.

Sharing

Whether you want to post your videos to Facebook or YouTube or send them to friends and family via email, the software included in your camcorder usually contains tools for Web sharing.

Transcoding

If you want to watch your home movies on DVD, smartphone, portable media players or even a PlayStation Portable, you may need to transcode your video – i.e. turn it into a file format that can be recognized by these devices. Most bundled software will have an option to output your video file for viewing on various platforms.

Organize

The more videos and photos you record with your camcorder, the harder it is to keep track of all your digital files. Included software will offer a basic organizer that will let you keep track of your ever-growing digital library.

DVD Burning: One of the most routine tasks you’ll need to perform with your camcorder’s software is burning an archival disk of your footage (read about how to archive your camcorder videos here). If it does nothing else, your software should allow you to burn DVDs of your home movies.

Perform Specialized Tasks: Some high-end camcorder features can only be accessed through specialized software applications not found on off-the-shelf software.

Sony’s GPS camcorders are a case in point: you can only access map views and “geo-tagging” if you use the company’s included software to organize your files.

Built-in Software

There’s a growing trend among camcorders (particularly pocket camcorders) to ditch the CD-Rom and load their software directly into the camcorder itself. The software will typically install itself on your computer the first time you connect the camcorder to the computer. The virtue with the built-in approach is that you can upgrade computer (of suffer a hard drive wipe out) without worrying about losing your software.

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by David Burgess on May 26, 2018 0

Ravenna Table Easel with Drawer

Table Top Easel

If you are a part time artist or even a full time artist with limited painting space, I can’t think of a better idea than buying one of these compact, portable table top easels.

This compact artists easel is a great choice for any artist that is looking for a convenient and easy to way to store their art supplies!

If you are like many artists, your work space is also part of your living area. This easel is an easy way to help keep your artistic hobby from over running your living area.

If you have a family and like to work at home, keeping your artwork stored away safe, especially if you have children around, may be the best way to protect your work in progress.

I also like the idea that it’s portable and this makes it so easy to take your art materials wherever you fancy. A portable easel makes it easy to take on trips and work on your artwork outdoors. This portable unit is also humbly priced making it easy to afford even for struggling artists.

When I was in high school, my plan was to go to art school after graduation. My sister’s girlfriend had some family issues and she came to live with us for a few months. She also was forced to drop out of her art classes. She was trying to raise some money and she sold her portable wooden drawing board to my parents for me.

I loved that drawing board. It folded up like these portable easels. I had a place to keep my pictures, erasers and pencils. I’d set it up in the living room or bedroom and it was so handy. Gotta leave the house – fold it up and you’re done. Like most teens, I was lazy so that was important.

If you are forced to store away your artist’s materials when not in use, a portable table top easel such as the Ravenna is an excellent choice!

Tabletop Easel

Storage for Paining Supplies This artist’s easel has a roomy drawer for storing paint brushes, paints, and other drawing materials. The one drawer has multiple dividers to keep everything separated.

This easel is not lacking in craftsmanship. The Ravenna table easel is sturdy and strong and built with quality wood but yet is light and easy to carry.

Another feature that customers liked was the ability to choose an angle for the board. Use it in a flat position or with a steep incline.

This particular portable model is also a great way to introduce an artistically talented child to new supplies and art forms. It’s not a large investment but a young artist will be thrilled with an adult like tool to experiment with.

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by David Burgess on May 25, 2018 0

Painting Easels For Teens and Adults

Art Easels Can Make Oil and Acrylic Painting Much Easier for Teenage Artists

When shopping for the Painting Easels For Teens you will want to explore the size, materials, features, and portability of each easel you are considering. The smaller size, perhaps a table top (box type), or a folding compact style each have their own benefits.

Consider the lifestyle of the artist. Are they landscape artists needing to take their supplies on the go? If they prefer to be in the studio and stationary the set up can be less portable, but, consider the size of the teen. Find a size that fits the artist. Is the material suitable for outdoor use? As you browse these painting easels for teens you will find the best of each style is represented so you can quickly choose the best for your needs.

What to look for when buying an easel for outdoor use

Obviously, if you intend to use your easel out of doors it needs to be portable. That means buying one that a) fold flat to carry and b) is in a weight you can easily pick up and carry. One other thing you might consider though is how stable it is. Many outdoor easels these days are made of aluminium and fold down much like a photographer’s tripod into a carrying case. These are lightweight and can usually be carried on a shoulder strap. They will easily hold a small canvas and they have the added bonus of being weather proof. Many of them also come with attachments for you equipment like a holder for a water container or brushes.

As an alternative to these are the outdoor easels that are contained within a carrybox that also holds your paints and so on. The box usually has fold down legs and boards that you can easily assemble when you get there. They are generally wood and much heavier than the aluminium ones but you can generally get a harness or straps to carry them as backpacks. Some of these even come with a seat attached but remember anything like this is going to be heavy to carry.

A few other thinks you might consider: how easy it is to assemble or take down, how easy it is to adjust the angle of your drawing board, can you adjust the legs, after all you may not always be on level ground.

What to look for when buying an indoor easel

There are two types of indoor use easels a teenager might need, a free-standing studio easel or a table easel depending on a number of things like the type of art, space and of course budget. You can of course spend thousands on easels but for teens an A frame easel is probably all that he needs to start with. The A frames have the advantage of being able to fold flat quickly for storing away and they have all the stability he needs to be able to hold his work securely. The advantage of studio easels is that he can stand away from his work easily and see it from different angles.

If he is working with watercolors or just prefers to sit and bend over his work a table easel might be the best choice. If you are buying for a teen make sure you know what he is working with before you buy, for example, if his preference is for watercolor painting or amine drawing he will probably want an easel that has a solid board that paper can be attached to rather than one where you have to clamp a canvas to. Make sure it is sturdy enough to stay still while he is working on it, even then there might be small movements so you might want one with protective feet to protect your furniture. To ensure perfect stability of course you can always invest in one that clamps to the table or desk. The best easels can be adjusted to many levels from flat to vertical.

Best Painting Easels Videos

Demonstrations and Tutorials How to use Painting Easels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxSdep1QLLQ

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by David Burgess on May 7, 2018 0

Fun at the Drive-In Theater

The Classic Drive-In Movie Theater

Enjoy the nostalgia of a drive-in movie theater. Do you remember those days?

Maybe you have heard your parents or grandparents talking about how they would go to an outdoor theater. Here the latest featured movies would be on a giant outdoor screen that stood larger then life in front of many carloads of families. Double features were the norm. Although at times one could see a triple movie feature.

Back in time as late as the 1970’s, it was common to see two and sometimes three movies in even the walk-in movie theaters.

Present time, there is one movie for the walk-in theaters for one large price, though up to a few dollars cheaper if you go to the matinee show. However, if you happen to live close enough to go to an outdoor drive-in theater (yes, they still exist), then you can see two movies for the price of one matinee ticket.

Theatre or Theater

The first drive-in opened in New Jersey on June 6, 1933. The American name is theater. Though many drive-ins located in America have theatre within the name.

Drive-in Theaters: A History from Their Inception in 1933 [Paperback]

Learn the history
Drive-in Theaters: A History from Their Inception in 1933 Available in paperback, hardcover and Kindle Edition.

Look inside before you buy. Many books on Amazon have this option. It gives the customer the chance to see what is in store in a particular book before they decide to purchase it.
Along with history of the drive-in theater are historical photos that you will enjoy to look at as much as read the book!

Do you know the history of the drive-in theater?

This book will enlighten you with how Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. came up with the idea of an outdoor movie. How he started this with test in his home driveway with a 1928 Kodak projector.

This is not a picture book with light information. This is for the research enthusiasts. It goes deep into the history of the outdoor theater. The book takes you through the golden years and the decline to near extinction of this entertainment pastime of a great movie watching experience.

Drive-In Theater Poster

Our Hometown Theater History

In our hometown we had two outdoor movie theaters until the early 1980’s. One being on the west side and the other one on the east side of town. But then the times had changed and the theaters closed down to make room for apartment buildings.

This is the common scenario across America. The outdoor drive-in theaters were disappearing. It looked as though this would soon be a thing of the past. This is something that you would tell your grand kids about, “When I was your age, we would load up the car with snacks and blankets. See not one, but two movies outdoors. It was a lot of fun.” And if the grand kids are teenagers, you may not want to mention in detail all of the fun that you had at the drive-in.

There is a smaller percentage of drive-in theaters presently then back in the good o’ days. Though many places are revitalizing this historical treasure and bringing back the outdoor theaters.

As for where I live, we have three outdoors, with the furthest being in Door County at 1 1/2 hours away. To the closest, at a little more then a half hour drive.

Two of the three allow you to bring in your own food and beverages. However they encourage you to order from their snack bar. We do bring our own snacks but we usually end up ordering nachos and sometimes a pizza.

Drive-In Movie Theater Wall Art Snack Metal Signs

Best part of the movie

Often the best part of the movie is the old time commercials for the snack counter. It would be so disappointing if these weren’t shown before the movie.

At the same time it is a bit eerie thinking that the food and beverages are alive with hands, feet and faces.

Things to Bring to the Drive-in Theater

Besides yourself and children

What I love about going to the drive-in is that all the family is included. Even our dog Buddy. For the price of an afternoon matinee, you can watch two movies at the outdoor. We find it fun sitting outdoors getting fresh air and wrapped up in blankets, while watching a great movie.

Note: Links are included to take you to the items you will need.

Bring the dog along. Be sure to bring the leash, water and a dog blanket.
Outdoor folding chairs
If planning on laying on the ground. Be sure to have an outdoor blanket that is water resistant.
Sitting in your folding chair, you will want a nice warm fleece blanket to wrap up with. The temperatures do drop and the night can get cold.
Bring a cooler for those beverages and snacks that need to stay cold.
Make sure to have mosquito repellent. You may be there to enjoy the movies. But the mosquitoes are there to enjoy you.
A rechargeable portable radio is good to have if there is no movie speakers. Some theaters have them and some do not. Plus if you plan on sitting outside, a portable radio is ideal to have.

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