Did you know that you can stream movies from your PC to the iPad, use it as a secondary monitor, connect USB speakers and keyboards, and browse Websites with actual tabs? Here's how to get the most from Apple's iPad.
The iPad is loaded with all kinds of features you've probably heard about, but look a little deeper, and its extra abilities might surprise you. Some of these secrets are enabled through apps, while some are built into the device already. Turn Your iPad into a Secondary Desktop Display
With its big, high-resolution display, it's a shame to just park an iPad when switching to a computer. Instead, Air Display makes your iPad a second screen for your Mac, extending the desktop. The tool has just been submitted to the App Store and should be released soon; I checked out a beta. You install a utility on the computer and connect with the Air Display System Preference. (It's Mac-only at launch, but a Windows version is coming.) The iPad then behaves just like an extra screen. You reposition it in the Displays System Preference like a real monitor, in a portrait or landscape view. Although it lags a little when showing video, it refreshes quickly enough for most work. You can even tap on the iPad to click. If you can't wait for Air Display's release, you can check out iDisplay now. But this buggy competitor needs an update to match Air Display's ease.
Stream Movies From Your PC
Air Video can stream 720p video from your PC, and convert transcode video formats in real time. Even if you bought the largest-capacity iPad, if it can't fit all of your videos, it's too small. Instead of trying to cram everything into the device, you can stream videos from a local or online PC. The process has one main caveat; if you bought movies or TV shows from the iTunes store, DRM restrictions block those files. (Podcasts and music videos should work.). But you can watch your own videos or DRM-free downloads without taking up iPad storage.
Of the many options available, I like Air Video the best. (A free version includes the same functions but limits the number of files you can browse in each folder). Similar to competitors, you run a server utility on your PC or Mac in order to route data to the iPad. In my tests, Air Video played most resolutions smoothly, including 720p video files over an 802.11n Wi-Fi network. That resolution stutters on an 802.11g network, but if you reach a file that's too big—or just not in an iPad-friendly QuickTime format, including AVI, WMV, ASF, MKV, DIVX, and FLV—you can run video to iPad converter software to convert the clip. Just hit a button from the iPad interface and stream it when ready, or have a speedy PC process it and stream it live. It even supports subtitles and TV output. The iPad can send video to a TV at 1024 by 768 resolution via its Dock Connector to VGA adapter; 576p and 480p with the Apple Component A/V Cable, and 576i or 480i with an Apple Composite Cable. Connect More Than a Camera Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit does so much more than its stated purpose. Instead of just transferring photos and videos from your camera or SD card, the adapter's USB port attaches a range of devices. Many USB keyboards work. The iPad presents a warning that the device isn't supported (shown left), but if it doesn't draw much power, you can ignore the message. Volume and media keys usually work, and you can even use desktop commands such as Command-Z. (Don't forget that the iPad also officially supports Bluetooth keyboards and Apple's iPad Keyboard Dock). USB audio devices can work, too--including speakers, headsets, and microphones. If a device draws too much power and balks (as when I connected a Zoom H2 mic and Logitech V20 PC speakers), no problem: just attach the device to a powered USB hub, and connect the hub to the Camera Connection Kit adapter. You can even attach different devices—such as a keyboard and speaker set—at the same time. Jailbreak for More Features
Apple maintains obsessive control over the iPad, making it less like a computer and more like a media player. But you have an alternative: Jailbreak the iPad, and you can run third-party apps that weren't approved by Apple.
If you're willing to jailbreak your iPad (which means voiding your iPad warranty and taking full responsibility for anything that may go wrong), then you can also use the Camera Connection Kit to read USB sticks and SD card directories. (Without jailbreaking, you can already import SD-card videos and photos or attach a Compact Flash reader). With a bit more fiddling, you can read files from an external USB hard drive. Those are a lot of unnecessary hoops to jump through for such basic connectivity, but it is at least possible. Again, jailbreaking is best left for the tech-oriented or the adventurous.
You would connect the iPad to a computer, run Sprit and then be able to install apps through the Cydia interface. Cydia and iTunes apps coexist, so you can install apps like Backgrounder and Multiflow to enable multitasking (letting you listen to Pandora while working in other iTunes-purchased apps, say). Of course, multitasking is coming officially in OS 4.0. Notes: ProSwitcher (arguably the best jailbreak multitasking app for the iPhone) didn't appear to be optimized for the iPad (yet) at the time of writing. For jailbreak apps, sticking to those that have been reworked for the iPad will help avoid--though not guarantee against--unnecessary hassle.
Other jailbreak apps include iPad-ready versions of Wi-Fi Sync (wireless iTunes syncing), Winterboard (customized themes), and Dashboard (OS X-style widgets). You can also use your iPad with a mouse, run game console emulators and hand controllers, and otherwise do things Apple doesn't allow. Benefits will grow as the iPad jailbreaking community expands. Access Your PC Remotely VNC Viewer can control a remote PC as if you're sitting in front of it. You just left for the weekend but forgot to copy an important business file (or hilarious LOLcat) to your laptop. Use an iPad to retrieve the content. Several remote desktop-style tools present a live view of the distant computer, letting you control the PC as if you were sitting right there.
Whether you're reaching across the Internet, or just into the next room, the process isn't fast enough to play smooth video. So keep searching for that Hulu fix. But most other applications and slow-moving Flash games —such as Farmville—work if you can handle about 10 to 20 frames per second.
Among many choices, I like LogMeIn Ignition (if you want to configure as little as possible) and iTeleport, plus VNC Viewer if you want to manually set it up. You'll first configure the PC with a server utility (or an option built into the OS) first, then you can connect anywhere.
All three tools offer similar functionality. You'll zoom in and out with pinch gesture, and mouse around by touching the iPad. Two-fingered taps activate right-click, and other gestures help with the input. iTeleport includes more keyboard options, such as presets to control media applications, but I thought the implementation got in the way.
If you just want to sit back and control a computer hooked up to a TV, Mobile Mouse can turn your iPad into a wireless keyboard, multitouch mouse trackpad, and media remote.
About the Author
Chary Telford, the writer of digital multimedia software from ipad transfer, makes it easy to find what software, including ipod transfer,dvd to ipod touch, etc, are the best for you. Any suggestions to my writing please leave your precious words.
Shure Wireless Microphone What is the best series of Shure wireless handheld and lav microphones for use for a church sound system?
Will need 4 receivers, 4 handheld microphones and 2 lavalier microphones that can be used in different combinations.
You will need a receiver for every mic so you will need 6 receivers. My church uses Shure PGX wireless mics - they run about $400-450 each system so 6 systems will cost about $2400. They work great and do not have any interference problems.
People often ask for the BEST here at Yahoo Answers - if you really want the BEST Shure wireless system, they run around $3000 or more each - this is the mic you would see them use at the Grammys:
The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Wireless vs. the Wired Microphone
Here are some tips to help you make a decision about which kind of performance microphone to use. There are many pros and cons to both types, wired and wireless. The wired kind have been around since the early nineteen hundreds. The wireless ones were first used in about 1949.
Simply because the wired version has been around longer, those will be explored first. Some people prefer using a hand held microphone that's directly connected into the sound system. They feel that it's more reliable and provides a stronger more solid signal than wireless ones. Wired mics don't need batteries (condensers do need phantom power, but that's another issue) so they are not dependent on battery life.
One of the main disadvantages of wired mics is that they restrict the performer's freedom of movement unless you have an exceptionally long-distance cable. And along with that lengthy cable comes the likelihood of it being mangled, as well as the motion of the artist continually putting stress on the wires and potentially causing other sonic problems. Also with a very lengthy cord there is a compromised signal, primarily in the higher frequencies. Some performers also think that wired microphones are prone to more feedback noise than the wireless ones. Of course that's directly related to the quality of the wireless system.
Wireless mics have been the preference of a large number of speakers, singers and other performers since arriving on the scene. They are considered superior by many for a wide variety of reasons. Specifically, you can move around as much as you desire, so for those who are on the more energetic side, they are greatly advantageous on that basis alone.
Of course, there's no pesky cable to worry about getting tangled or tripping over. With so many motivational speakers and trainers using a variety of projected visual software to enhance their presentation, this freedom of movement is highly preferable. When it comes to wild rockers/singers, they can obviously move and dance all over the stage with greater ease.
However, bandwidth often has a limited range, so the user needs to be conscious of those parameters or risk losing power. There is a chance of crossed signals from radio sources or other mics; this problem has been reduced by the creation of several switch-selectable channels that are synthesized to certain frequencies. Because of the liability of interference as well as the number of frequency channels available, the number of microphones used in a club or venue may be somewhat limited.
The higher priced wireless microphones will have increased range, so the risk of poor signal during a performance or speech is lessened. The body pack (power source) for the wireless transmitter can be clipped onto the belt of the performer, or in many instances to the instrument being amplified. For instance, it might be affixed to a guitar strap or in several cases, to the instrument itself, such as a sax or trumpet. Some vocal models have the transmitter as part of the body of the microphone for those singing or speaking.
Essentially, once all these factors are taken into consideration, it does amount to the user's preference and convenience. There are some folks who are still tried and true loyal users of the wired microphone, but for the past couple of decades the vast majority of performers are under the wireless tent. So the use of stage microphones wired or wireless boils down to the user's choice and available budget. As a rule superior wireless mics are rather expensive, however mics like the time tested Shure SM58 are available for about $100.00.
About the Author
Bruce Hathaway is a renowned recordist, film composer and producer. Through his experience in the studio and on the stage, he is an experienced microphone
user for recording, stage performance and Podcasting. Click on the link above where you'll find useful information and great deals on microphones.
