GeekwithEnvy

Electronics

The Industry is Pushing 4K Television Forward

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We are just a week into 2013 and the tone of this year’s technology is already being set. New televisions are popping up left and right from manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, LG and Visio and this time they’re bringing with them some new tech. What new tech? Well, 4K to be more precise and sure it’s going to look fantastic but I can’t help but feel like it’s a bit of overkill.

First off what exactly is 4K television? Well, I have addressed this in an earlier post that goes into a little more detail, but to gloss over everything it’s basically twice the resolution of current 1080p television. This new high resolution has been named UHD or Ultra-High Definition. UHD also includes an even higher resolution known as 8K UHD (7680 × 4320).

UHDTV_resolution_chart

Now, all of this looks great and I can’t say I’m against moving technology forward, but my main issue with UHDTV is that it just seems like overkill. There is only so much that we can see with our eyes and unless you’re sitting right in front of your display, like less than 4 ft, I don’t think most people will be able to see the difference. Perhaps I am wrong, I didn’t think that I would be able to tell the difference with Apple’s Retina display, boy was I wrong. Plus these new resolutions will allow for some ridiculously awesome television sizes. I have seen some TV’s pushing the 80″+ range and they still look amazing.

A big issue with UHD is cost. These TV’s are selling for around $25,000 which isn’t exactly appealing to a very large audience. However, this year’s CES press conference from Sony has shown that 4K is becoming more affordable. Content is king, this is true for many things in life and it’s also true for UHDTV. There just isn’t much 4K content out there to enjoy on your new UHDTV set. This is the same problem we ran into when we first got into HDTV, there was little to no content and cable/satellite providers took years to get a decent amount of programming together, not to mention all of the issues they will have trying to get enough bandwidth together to broadcast 4K or even 8K.

Here is the new 65″ 4K TV that Sony unveiled at their CES Press Release.

SonyUHDTV
65″ 4K Ultra HD TV
Model number: XBR-65X900A (Source:Sony)

The industry will catch up and the move to UHDTV is most likely inevitable, so these problems will eventually be overcome. For the average consumer we will just have to wait and watch until something more affordable comes down the line.

CES only a Few Days Away

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Yes, it’s the world’s largest annual innovation event and one of my favorite things about starting the new year! The International Consumer Electronics Show will feature thousands of new gadgets to check out and of course we will do our part to bring you updates.

The International CES will be held in Las Vegas on January 8th – 11th. It truly is a major geek out and I can’t wait to see what comes out of this years event. You can get all the event info on the official CES website.

Here’s a look back at CES 2012.

The Online Shopping Revolution

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The way we shop has changed drastically since the dawn of the internet and the retail landscape is changing with it.E-commerce concept

It’s no big surprise that millions of Americans shop online, but what’s interesting is how this impacts brick and mortar stores like Best Buy. We have already seen the decline of many retail companies over the years and with more people shopping online than ever before, it makes you wonder how these businesses will fair.

Convenience plays a huge role in the success of online shopping but other factors like pricing,selection,auction sites,and the ability to easily flip to another page to check on competitor pricing  are also major contributing factors that pull in the masses. User reviews, although sometimes manipulated, are also another major advantage to shopping online.

It’s not just the convenience of online shopping that has been pulling customers away from their local stores, it’s also the general experience itself that has also been on the decline. Many in-store associates seem uninterested in assisting you and when they do help, their answers to your questions are often improvised and loaded with inaccurate and misleading information. Unfortunately, this lackadaisical style of customer service has become commonplace in our modern day retail environment.

The transition of physical media to digital media has also had a significant impact on storefronts around the country. Many americans prefer to get their music, books, magazines and movies online. Going back to the days before the iPod you could find a record store in almost any city, now you’re luck if you find one within 25 miles of your location. iTunes by itself has almost completely replaced several major sections in retail stores.

Long gone are the days when that expert sales associate explained every detail of every model, to aid you in making an educated and informed decision when purchasing a new product. Today, we rely more on YouTube reviews and our favorite websites to help us make these decisions. We watch unboxing videos to find out exactly what it will be like to bring home a new product and open it up for ourselves. What’s so great about all of these aforementioned means of researching a product? Well, many of the people who create this content really care about what they’re talking about and usually offer accurate information about the product they are reviewing, unlike the in-store associate.

Even with all the benefits of shopping online, there are still many good reasons to shop at a brick-and-mortar retail stores. One major advantage retail stores have over online competition is immediate satisfaction. When you make a purchase online you typically need to wait a few days or even weeks before you receive your new product and if you want to get it any faster you will have to shell out more money. With your local store you can open your new purchase within minutes of buying it and that instant gratification is nice. What about returns? Online returns are not always so straightforward and you can’t necessarily know ahead of time whether or not you will need to return the product before you receive it, this means that you have to take in consideration that you will not only be waiting to receive your item but, if you need to return it, you will also be waiting for the manufacturer to receive the defective or unwanted item and then send you a replacement or refund and this could take up a significant amount of time.

So who is really loosing here? Many would argue that these once dominant retail companies could just adapt with the market and embrace the online world, which many have done so in a significant way, but how does that affect our jobs? Earlier I mentioned that the employees were usually less than enthused to be assisting you, but is this necessarily their fault? Declining retail stores are most likely not re-investing in their company from the bottom up and that usually means theres also a big disconnect between the corporate office and the customer facing employees, which will ultimately result in a lack of interest in the company and it’s health. It really is a vicious cycle that ultimately results in store closures.

I feel that ultimately, both online and brick and mortar stores can and will co-exist, but with some physical stores having a reduced presence in our neighborhoods. I say some stores because another thing to consider here is that not everything fits well into an online shopping experience. In the meantime I see this as an overall win for consumers and as for most major retail companies, as long as they adapt and create new and innovative ways to interact with their customers, they should be just fine.

 

The Inspirational Fun of DIY Electronics

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From making your own radio to creating your new robot best friend, do it yourself electronics are just plain fun. Sensors, capacitors, diodes, motors,L.E.Ds, and many other components can all be tied together using either a breadboard or a piece of wood and some screws, all to create something awesome with your own two hands. DIY electronics not only can be rewarding and fun but can also get your mind thinking in a “engineering mode”.  When you gain a deeper understanding of how electronics are put together, you can begin to imagine putting something together that maybe someone else hasn’t.DIY electronics on breadboard

There are a few different ways that you can begin building electronics but if you are just starting out you may want to pick up a hobby or project kit. You can purchase labs with snap circuits or you can jump right into it and grab a breadboard and look up some schematics. Electronic kits are available from many different vendors online and a simple google search will most likely get you where you need to be. Radio Shack of course still offers many kits online as well as in store.

Robot kits are one of my favorite ways to build.  From solar powered grasshoppers to robotic mini-tanks, your options seem endless. Many robot kits will even allow you to use programming language to set up how your robot functions.

DIY electronics are also a great way to challenge the minds of your children. I remember my father bringing home one of these kits when I was just a kid and I spent many summers working on all of the projects in the book. When I finally reached the last page of the particular project I was working on and flipped the switch, it was awesome to see it all come together. It was such a great feeling to know that I put it together myself and it works!

If you get really good you may even be able to repair some of your stuff. Remote stop working? Television on the fritz? Maybe even repair that old iPod you have laying around. Heck, knowing what you’re doing can save you money in repairs. Just remember that opening up and attempting to repair home electronics usually voids the warranty, so only do this if you are really sure of what you are doing or if you don’t care about what you’re trying to fix. As always be sure to practice safety when working with electronics and use common sense. Always make sure that the power source is disconnected before beginning any work.

Tools play an important role in working with electronics and you should look into buying an electronics tool kit that usually includes things like the following.

  • 5 pc file set
  • PLCC extractor
  • 3 pc soldering aid set
  • 6″ tweezer
  • Brush
  • 6 pc precision screwdrivers
  • Screwdriver handle w/drivers bits
  • IC extractor
  • Mini-flashlight
  • Utility knife
  • Anti-static strap
  • Soldering iron
  • 7-in-1 tool
  • Mini-hammer set
  • 3 pc soft screwdrivers
  • 7 pc folding hex key set
  • 3 prong holder tool
  • 5″ cutters
  • 6″ adjustable wrench
  • 5″ long-nosed pliers
  • 8″lineman’s pliers
  • 4.5″ flat-nosed pliers
  • 4.5″ bent-nosed pliers
  • De soldering pump
  • Solder core
  • Heat sink

If you are interested in picking up this hobby or if you already enjoy this hobby but you are looking for resources, you can find some great tutorials,projects,vidoes, and an online store for electronics here.

 

How To Clean Your Computer

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When was the last time you looked inside your computer? Heck, when was the last time you even looked behind your computer? If it’s been awhile you might want to consider cleaning your computer.Cleaning a Computer

Even if you have a squeaky clean house, chances are dust and other debris have accumulated in and around your computer. This may not seem like a big deal at first glance but it can be detrimental to performance and even cause permanent damage.

**Please, we are not responsible if you damage your computer while trying to clean it. We try to offer advice how how to prevent damaging your computer while cleaning and performing maintenance, but please use common sense when working with electronics and if you are unsure about what you are doing at any point, please have a professional do the work for you.**

**Also, please remember to be careful whenever your working around power sources. To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your electronics before performing maintenance of any type!**

Remember, that before beginning any project that involves performing service on your computer or any electronic devices,  you should always avoid “ESD” or electrostatic discharge. As you walk around your home you can build up an electrostatic charge. When you come in contact with another object that has a lesser charge, the electrons move to that other object, which in this case could be the sensitive components of your computer. If this discharge occurs you will likely damage your computer. In order to avoid ESD, use a “Grounding Strap”. A grounding strap is a wrist strap that has a cord attached to it. This cord will have a clip at the end of it that you can then clip on to the chassis of the computer. This strap will help prevent static build up.

OK, with all that aside let’s jump right into it.

-Keyboard and Mouse

To clean your keyboard, you can use a slightly damp cloth, or a duster. I would not recommend using a harsh cleanser with ammonia that could cause fading. There are many products available that are made specifically for cleaning electronics, opt to use these instead. If you find that there is debris inside your keyboard, you can use compressed air to remove it. Whether your just cleaning the surface or deep cleaning debris from under the keys, I recommend keeping the keyboard upside down to prevent more debris from getting inside.

To clean an optical mouse, you can again use a cloth and light cleanser for the buttons and the pads on the bottom of the mouse. You can use a cotton swab to carefully clean the optic lens on the bottom of your mouse. Take caution when wiping the optic lens with cotton, if your lens is recessed into the mouse a little, you don’t want to get cotton jammed in there.

-Cleaning your Monitor

An often overlooked part of cleaning the monitor is making sure that the ventilation on the monitor is clear of dust and other debris. Ventilation is important as it keeps our electronic devices cool. To clean the screen always apply the cleanser to the cloth first and never directly apply to the monitor itself. Use a cleanser that is safe for use on monitors and screens.

-Cleaning Your Computer

You can use the same light, electronic safe cleanser on the exterior of your computer, again remember to apply cleansers to the cloth first and not directly on your electronics. Make sure to clear anything blocking your computers ventillation system.

-Laptop Tips

Many of the same cleaning techniques that are used for the desktop can be applied to laptop computers.

Use a lint-free cloth, I wouldn’t recommend paper towels as thy can leave paper fibers all over your laptop and paper towels can be a bit too abrasive.

You can use a store bought electronics cleanser or a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar to clean LCD screens and and the exterior of your hardware.

Compressed air works really well for keyboards and touch pads, you can use cotton swabs for the difficult stuff. You can use a light cleanser, as mentioned earlier to clean keyboards that  are really messy.

Make sure your laptop can breath! Check the fan exhaust on your laptop and ensure that there isn’t anything blocking it. You can use compressed air to remove debris from cooling vents but be careful not to blow any cleaning solution into the laptop, make sure the area is dry before using compressed air. Follow the directions on the compressed air bottle and never turn it up side down, this will cause the propellant to come out of the nozzle which could damage your computer.

Check usb ports, power connectors, and any other port on you laptop and make sure it’s free of debris.

Experts who feel extremely comfortable with what their doing can actually open their laptop up and clean the cooling system internally. This method is not recommended for casual users.

*As always, spray the cleaning solution onto the cloth not your electronics.

You can take some preventative measures for minimizing the amount of dust you encounter in the first place by not using your laptop on the floor or in dusty areas of your home. Make sure clean the area around your laptop, if you do all the hard work of cleaning your laptop and then set it down on a pile of dust, it’s going to be clogged up again within a few days. Never block your laptops fans and cooling system, make sure you have an clear perimeter around your laptop so it can properly cool to avoid overheating.

 

 

*This is where the risk of damaging your computer is the highest, if you don’t feel confident in what your doing, please skip these steps and have a professional clean your computer for you.

Before beginning to clean your computer, I would recommend that you move to an area where you don’t mind having dust get blown around.

Once you find a good cleaning location, open up your computer. If you are unsure how to do this check your computers user manual. Once inside, you can use compressed air to clear debris from your systems fans and other components inside your computer. You can also use a vacuum to remove dust as well, just be careful. I prefer to use a combination of compressed air and vacuum. I start by sweeping the compressed air across the components I am trying to clean while holding the vacuum a short distance away to suck up the blown debris. This method is similar to sanding devices that collect dust with a vacuum as you sand.  There are vacuums made specifically to clean computers that you can buy at many electronics stores. Remember to never place the vacuum hose directly on or above your computers components.

Make sure you get in between hard drives and the small spaces inside where dust accumulates. Check your I/O ports, like your USB ports and headphone jacks and make sure they are clear of dust. Check the fan on your power supply and make sure its clean, and don’t forget about the other side where the air intake is. Sometimes you just cant get where you need to in order to get to the gunk, if this is the case you can also remove components to make cleaning  them easier, like your graphics card for example. You should not use liquid cleaners on the inside of your machine as you could damage the components inside.

The name of the game here is to remove dust, and most likely dust is going to be the major debris type that you will encounter during this process. Remember, you should never place cloth or any other objects directly on of in front of your computers ventilation, these can be just as detrimental to your computer. Make sure the are around your computer is clear and try to keep your computer off the floor if you can. Even if you can elevate it slightly, it may prevent all the dust  and or pet hair from the floor from getting into your machine.

Under normal circumstances you should perform cleaning maintenance on your computer once a year, in some places like auto detailing shops, you may want to clean more often to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Just like us, our computers and other electronics like TV’s, stereos, set top boxes,Blu Ray players, DVD players, gaming consoles, modems and more, need to breath. All of the aforementioned devices have the potential to short out or overheat if covered with objects or loaded with dust.