What Is HDMI and Where to Get an HDMI Cable?

What does HDMI mean?
HDMI represents "High Definition Multimedia Interface", a standard designed by a few electronics brands. It is an audio/video protocol that is used to transfer digital data. Information is transmitted in the form of 1 and 0. The benefits of transmitting data in digital format is that the data losses due to interference could be minimized. When compared with analog interfaces including S-Video, electronic interfaces have way less signal loss.
Devices Supporting This Standard
Many modern-day multimedia electronic products support this standard. For example, most video gaming units e.g. Xbox 360 (the most recently released ones) and PS-3 have an output port that conveys signal in electronic form. Almost all new video players have this port too, including Blu-ray disc readers and set-top boxes. Some computers also have this interface so that the computer screen could be outputted in digital form to televisions.
How to Purchase
To link up two devices both having HDMI interfaces, a matching cable is needed. There are several types of connectors, the most typical one is the standard type but there are some types with different sizes and forms. For example, mini-HDMI is a lot smaller than HDMI. You ought to examine your appliances before buying a cable.
These cables may be readily found in many shops selling electronic equipment. If you want to shop on the internet and getting the item delivered to your house, you could purchase it from Amazon. These cables have different lengths. Find out the separation between your machines before hitting the buy button. I often allow for a bit longer length to prepare for unexpected problems. For instance, if the distance between two devices is 6 feet, you have to purchase a cable of 9 ft long. After all these cables are not very costly, it do not cost you too much to purchase something a bit longer.
Another matter to note is the plating on the connector. A typical plating material is 24K gold. Many people believe that this coating was applied to attract purchasers. No, they aren't. The truth is that ordinary connectors have lower level of resistance to rusting, by applying an additional covering we could increase the durability of the cable. Buying a gold-plated cable does not cost too much more, but may lengthen the life of the cable. Hence you are suggested to buy gold-plated cables.
If you buy the cable from internet stores, make sure you read the appraisals left by other consumers. These appraisals are really helpful since these people bought the cable and actually tested them. Their reviews may provide some concepts to you about the product. Particularly for very good or bad items, people really like leaving comments about them.

Three of the Top Photography Business Video Courses

As a small business owner. continued education is crucial for my growing photography business. There are times when attending a big conference or convention just isn't an option for me. But there are other ways to obtain a similar educational experience from home. While books and lectures can be helpful, I have found that online courses or videos are an extremely beneficial form of eduction. I'm sure there are many options for online courses, but here are a few of my favorite resources.
CreativeLIVE
CreativeLIVE is a great resource for online courses for business owners. One of the wonderful things about CreativeLIVE is that you can actually watch their video courses for free if you tune in while they are live. They're online course programs are very reasonable priced though if you're like me and like to refer to them often. They have everything from photography specific courses on lighting and creativity to more general courses on running your business or balancing work and life.
PhotoVision
One of the great things about PhotoVision is that it's a subscription based video education program. You pay an annual or monthly fee and have access to hundreds of hours of education. You can stream the videos online or you can receive videos in the mail or you can get both online and video access. This video education program is specific to photographers and covers everything from newborn photography sessions to weddings. It has live shoots, how to run your business, how to do in person sales, figuring out your pricing structure and much much more. They cover a huge range of incredibly beneficial information for anyone running a photography studio.
Zach & Jody Gray
This is another photographer specific video option. Zach & Jody Gray are a well known and well respected husband and wife wedding photographer team. They have several videos available to photographers teaching how to get great images in camera, how to shoot with natural light and off camera lighting, and how to speed up your post production time. I have learned something from every single one of their videos and would recommend them to any photographer who's seeking a more technical grasp of their craft.
These are just a few video courses that I myself use regularly for my education and I'm sure there are a myriad more! No matter what your preference is, further increasing your business knowledge is extremely vital to continuing to grow and evolve as a thriving business owner!

Stephanie lives in Central IL, is married to her best friend, Ryan, and enjoys the company of her crazy pups, Kit & Lucy. She is the owner of Green Tree Media Photography and is passionate about photography.
Stephanie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography and design from Millikin University. She worked for Jones & Thomas, an advertising agency in Decatur, IL for 3 years doing both design and photography before starting up her own business as a natural light and lifestyle photographer.

HDMI To DVI Cable - Bridging The Gap

Television has come a long way over the last several decades, and the types of cables used to connect it to the video source have changed as well. From coaxial cable to the AVI cable, things continued to change until this latest generation of high definition televisions. While there's a chance that a new type of cable will come out in the next decade to replace them, at the moment there are two main types of video cables - DVI and HDMI. And in some cases, you may find that you need a combination of the two in a HDMI to DVI cable.
Before we discuss what a HDMI to DVI cable is, it's worth looking at the two types independently. In the case of the DVI cable, you've been using these for a long time. It's the same type of cable that connects your computer monitor to the computer tower, and is capable of handling up to 1920x1200 HD video. This 24 pin cable is very common and very affordable.
The other side of this equation is the HDMI cable. This is the type of connector used by Blu-Ray players, HD television boxes, and modern gaming consoles. It's used to connect these high-definition devices to an HD television set and provide you with the kind of high quality image you deserve. While these were initially very expensive, they've dropped in price significantly over the last few years and are now very affordable. They can stream audio and video at the same time and are simpler to use than DVI.
However, in some cases you may need to utilize an HDMI to DVI cable to solve connectivity issues. There are two prime examples of this. The first is when you have a high-definition computer monitor that you want to use to watch HD video on from a video source that uses HDMI. The computer monitor likely uses DVI, so using a HDMI to DVI cable is the easiest solution to the problem. The other situation is the exact opposite. When you want to stream video from your computer or another device with a DVI jack to a modern HD television, these cables are again the best solution to the problem.
An HDMI to DVI cable will come in various lengths but will always feature the HDMI jack on one end and the DVI jack on the other. They're easy to use and will help you make this unique type of video connection a breeze to complete.

Elements of a Successful Video Marketing Plan

A Forbes survey on Corporate executives and video usage revealed that 75% of all executives claimed watching work-related videos on business websites at least once a week, and more than 50% claimed that YouTube was the most popular video search engine used to watch those videos. As the dependence on video content increases for corporate executives, it has become imperative for B2B marketers to apportion a sizeable budget to video marketing initiatives. We understand that jumping into the video marketing bandwagon can be a daunting task, and we are here to ease in the transition by providing some actionable tips on elements that make up a successful video marketing plan. If you have in fact already started your video marketing campaigns, this check-list will help you determine if any aspects are missing from your plan.
Here are the most important aspects of a video marketing plan:
Start with a goal
Before embarking on any kind of a planning exercise, it is important to chart out the goal for the exercise. The goal could vary from increasing the number of blog/email subscribers to receiving sales leads through product demo registrations.
Narrow it down to specific tactics
After a clear goal has been established, you need to decide whether you want it to be achieved through earned (embedding the links on your website) or paid media (YouTube advertising); how many channels you want to create, how often you will be updating it with diverse content and the type of content to be used for catering to different types of marketing needs.
Create diverse content to cater to different stages of the buyer's purchase journey
Brands need to create diverse content to cater to different audience tastes and also to facilitate their journey at different touch-points of the purchase journey. A study by Pixability revealed that consumers who were closer to the top of the marketing funnel could be pushed further along using short form content (short product demos, video clips), while those who are those farther along in the buying journey could be converted using longer form content (how-to tutorials, video guides etc).
Optimize
You need to optimize your videos so that they are search-engine friendly and can be easily found online. For this purpose, it is important to carefully research keywords related to your industry, niche or value offerings and use them in the title of the video, video description and keyword tags. Include a transcript for all your videos on YouTube as well as on your website.
Promote, promote and promote some more
Promote your videos everywhere from your website, blog to social bookmarking and networking sites, Make sure that your videos can be easily shared on social networking sites. The same study by Pixability as mentioned earlier also demonstrated how the top 25% of the 100 brands studies had higher Facebook (330 times greater) and Twitter (89 times greater) video sharing than the bottom 25%.
Include a call-to-action
It is important to leave your viewers with a desire to learn more and to undertake some action subsequent to the completion of the video. Leave a call to action at the end of a video urging the users to subscribe to your emailing list/newsletter, your channel, share on social networking sites, like the video, register for a trial or to simply get in touch with you.
Be consistent
Consistently update your channels with frequent videos. It is more important to add content to your channels as opposed to adding more channels. The top 100 brands performing exceptionally well on YouTube regularly updated their content.

How To Select The Best Touch Screen LCD Monitor

Touch screen monitors seem to be everywhere. The great thing about them is that they are extremely easy to use. They function like an invisible keyboard, but display only as much data and button choices as users need to complete a task. That explains their popularity in devices from ATM's to mall kiosks and hospital operating rooms to complex industrial machinery.
The most important decision in selecting the best monitor for your application will be the type of touch screen technology to use. There are several types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We will cover the three most common types:
Resistive Technology:
A resistive monitor is composed of a glass panel covered with thin conductive and resistive metallic layers, separated by a thin space. When a user touches the screen, the 2 layers touch at that point. The computer detects the change in the electrical field and calculates the touch point.
Resistive screens are generally the most affordable, but they only offer approximately 75-80% image clarity. The touch can be activated with nearly any type of object (stylus, gloved finger, etc.), but the outer surface can be damaged with sharp objects. Resistive screen panels are not affected by dust or water on the surface; they are the most common type used today.
Capacitive Technology:
In a capacitive monitor, a layer that stores a continuous electrical current is placed on top of the monitor's glass panel. When an exposed finger touches the monitor screen, some of the electrical charge transfers to the user. This decrease in capacitance is detected and located by circuits located at each corner. The computer then determines the touch point.
Capacitive screens are a durable technology that is often used in kiosks, point-of-sale systems and industrial machinery. Capacitive screens have a higher clarity than resistive-type (88-92%), and have greater endurance (up to 225 million touches) than a Resistive-type. However, capacitive screens can only be activated with an exposed finger (no gloves, pointers, etc.)
SAW Technology:
SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) monitors utilize a series of transducers and reflectors along the sides of the monitor's glass plate to create an invisible grid of ultrasonic waves on the surface. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. The receiving transducer locates the touch point, and sends this data to the controller.
SAW screens have no layers on the screen, thus enabling over 90% image clarity, and can display high-detail graphics. They can be activated by a finger, gloved hand or soft-tip stylus. However, SAW panels are the most expensive of the three, and contaminants on the surface (moving liquids or condensation) can cause false-triggers; solid contaminants on the screen can create non-touch areas, until they are removed.
Other Considerations:
Other factors to consider in your selection process include:
Interface: Touch screen panels must communicate with the computer. The most common interface types are RS-232 and USB. New HID-compliant touch screen monitors eliminate the need for drivers.
Mounting: Options include panel mount, rack mount and free-standing. If free-standing, be sure that it uses a heavy-duty stand designed for it; standard table top bases will topple over.
Environment: Available in standard, stainless steel and waterproof enclosures for a variety of environments.
Screen Size: Available from 3.5" to 52". The most common sizes are 15"-19", and 32"-42" for large control rooms. The aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) should also be considered.
The type of monitor you select will be contingent upon many factors, including type of data to be displayed (video, graphics, text), the intended users, the operating environment and where/how it will be mounted. Chosen correctly, touch screen monitors will be an excellent addition to your system.

Super Speed S3 HDMI Cables

If you are on the market for an HDMI cable, you could easily get lost into the wide variety of types and get even more confused by the recommendations of the sales clerks. There are quite a few types of HDMI leads, which are suitable for different applications, but all you need is a HDMI cable that works. There is a bit of a difference between the more expensive and the cheapest ones as the former are often thicker and could withstand more misuse and abuse, however, you are unlikely to need a super-tough HDMI lead on a first place. As long as you pick the correct model and length that works for you, you will not need to worry about its model, characteristics, or standards that the cable uses.
One of the excellent HDMI cables, which comes highly recommended is the Super Speed S3 HDMI lead - it is one, which could be used with XBOX 360, Digital Receivers, LCD TV's, BluRay Players, PS3, TV screens, computers, and laptops. It is a cable, which is as universal as they come, supports all features, including the 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 HDMI standard-using applications. Typically, the Super Speed S3 HDMI leads come with 24-karat gold plated connectors and a lifetime guarantee, which is likely to give any consumer the peace of mind that they deserve. You can find these types of HDMI cables in most of the large electronic stores or you can purchase them online from one of the specialized sites. Shopping on the Internet comes with many advantages as it allows you to place your order in a matter of minutes, have the cable delivered right at your doorstep, and you are likely to get a good price as well.
Amongst the main characteristics, which make the Super Speed S3 HDMI cables so popular are their support for all HDMI 1.3a,b,c features, HDMI 1.4 3D features, high speed Ethernet, 15.3 GBPS Bandwidth, up to 2160p resolution, audio return channel, triple Mylar shielding, 3D Over HDMI, Full Deep color, and Dual Stream 1080P. The cables are also suitable for in-wall use, which definitely adds to their flexibility. If you are on the market for a new HDMI cable, regardless of its intentional use, then make sure to ask the sales clerk about the Super Speed S3 HDMI cables and their advantages, or simply get online, and order one from the comfort of your home.

HDMI Matrix - An Easy Solution For Connecting Multiple Devices

What do you do when your high-definition television set has only one HDMI connection, but you have several HD components that you want to connect? In today's digital age people are hungry to have different components to capture or view videos or pictures, watch the latest 3D movie release, play an xBox game or revisit of the baby's first birthday. The problem is that many older high-definition televisions are designed with a single HDMI port. In order to resolve a problem where there are more connections than HDMI ports, you use a HDMI matrix.
The problem with having so many high-definition gadgets is that many HDTVs have a single port. Well, there is another problem: You've run out of space to store all this stuff in your entertainment center. The good news is that using an HDMI matrix switcher, solves both problems. Buying an HDMI switch won't send you to the poorhouse either.
An HDMI matrix acts as a hub for multiple source devices and then relays the audio and video signals to a receiver, typically an HD television. Some HDMI switch devices allow you to switch between the components using a remote control or manually pushing a button on the unit. More advanced HDMI switch devices actually automatically change over to a component when it is powered on or when another is shut down.
The basic implementation allows several HD inputs and outputs which can be conveniently selected in any combination. If you have to extend the distance between the switch box, HD components and the television then choose a more advanced HDMI matrix unit with the ability to transmit high-definition signals over a CAT5/6 cable. This cable is very lightweight and flexible making it an ideal solution for stringing through ceilings or walls. Some HDMI matrix switchers allow you to flip between different components and even select another combination of devices while the first selection is active.
There are a number of different HDMI matrix models the most popular supporting 3 inputs and 1 output. That means you can connect 3 HD devices and switch between each to view on a single output, your television. There are several other input/output configurations available including 4x2 (4 inputs/ 2 outputs), 4x4, 8x8 and even 16X16.
You don't have to be a high-end technology business to benefit from these solutions. Small businesses and the home gadget experts benefit from using HDMI matrix units offering simple and reliable HDMI distribution.