The Advanced Auto Encoding (AAC)  was originally used for audio encoding in DVDs, but has become better known as the default format for music tracks stored in the Apple iTunes library. In order play music stored in the iTunes default format on other MP3 players, the end-user must convert AAC to MP3 format. Convert AAC to MP3 Step 1 – Open the iTunes player on the computer by selecting the program icon from the “Programs” sub-menu or choosing the desktop application icon. Step 2 – Click the “Edit,” “Preferences,” and Read More

The Windows Media Video or WMV format is defined by and created by the Microsoft Corporation for playing back video content. The WMV format is part of the Windows Media Framework which has been replaced by the Windows Media Foundation with a greater focus on HD content, streaming technologies, and higher audio and video quality. The WMV format is closely related to the AVI format also created by Microsoft, but is smaller in size and considered more suitable for viewing over an Internet connection. A common task that arises for Read More

The DMX 512 is a protocol based on RS-485 that is used to control both theatrical stage lighting and effects. The DMX 512 was developed in 1986 and revised in 1990. It is a standard developed by the Engineering Commission of USITT. Today the standard is also known as E1.11 or DMX 512-A. The DMX 512 is a common method for linking controllers and dimmers. It can also control more advanced items such as fixtures, fog machines and moving lights. It should be noted that DMX 512 should not be Read More

If you have been enjoying photography for more than a few years, you probably have plenty of slides taken with analog cameras. Before digital photography, slides were a great way to view photos en masse. They were very small, making them light and portable and perfect for slide shows in homes, classrooms, and auditoriums. However, with the advent of digital photography and digital projectors, slides have lost their popularity and are slowing becoming obsolete. There are three main methods of digitizing a library of slides: Hire a professional to transfer Read More

An M4A file (MPEG-4 Part 14) is an audio file developed for QuickTime and other MP4 players. Essentially, an M4A file is the same as an MP4 or MOV file, but specifically defines MPEG features and stores audio rather than video. M4A files contain file compression algorithms that allow them to be much smaller than other audio formats, such as MP3 and WAV, while maintaining high quality. They are specifically designed to be used with QuickTime and other Apple products, but a wide variety of media players can also use Read More

YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing websites on the Internet. The company was founded in 2005 and acquired by Google in 2007. YouTube is focused on hosting user-generated content such as video blogs, video and movie clips and original content. YouTube also hosts material from major media companies such as BBC, CBS, and VEVO. File Formats Supported by YouTube YouTube states they can accept most video file formats. However, some formats are preferred. The following are a few of their most popular file types: WebM Files .MPEG4, 3GPP, Read More

The Video Home System (VHS) format was first developed by the JVC Company in the 1970s as a successor format to Beta Max. At the time, the format featured a longer playback time, faster video forwarding and rewind, and a simpler tape storage mechanism. The format would eventually become the predominant video format in the marketplace prior to the widespread adoption of DVDs. A common task that arises for owners of legacy content stored in this format is to convert VHS to DVD. Steps to Convert VHS to DVD Step Read More

Apple TV is a streaming digital media receiver that Apple Inc. markets. The first mention of the design was in 2006 at a press conference held as the iTV project in San Francisco. It was debuted as Apple TV in March of 2007 and was shipped to users who had pre-ordered the device. In September of 2010, the 2ng generation of the Apple TV device was announced. Both Apple TV generations were designed to work with the Apple iTunes store and for the user to share content from his/her computer Read More

Sonic Update Manager is a secondary application that is included in the Sonic RecordNow software, a program that allows users to create CDs and DVDs. While Sonic RecordNow does not usually cause problems, Sonic Update Manager is often considered a nuisance because it continuously displays a message asking the user to insert the Sonic installation disc in order to update the software. In most cases, users do not have this disc and, therefore, cannot prevent this message from appearing.   How Sonic Update Manager Works The Sonic Update Manager uses Read More

In many homes in the developed world, the number of computers and portable media players capable of playback of MP4 content outnumbers the people who actually live in the home. As a result, many consumers have the need arise to convert videos to MP4 to playback on their iPad, iPod, or personal computer. Unfortunately, the process to convert videos is not yet streamlined or made “consumer-proof” to make this an easy process. There are a variety of options available to the end-user to perform this task based on the source Read More