A Trio of Useful Gizmos Los Angeles CA

Get better radio reception, transfer VHS content to DVD, and share your USB devices with ease.


1 . Local Companies

AIR AL Inc
1-800-924-7254
5539 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Los Angeles, CA
generalshoppingstore.com General Shopping Store
818-968-7290
14241 ventura blvd
sherman oaks, CA
All Computer Systems
(213) 746-0008
Los Angeles, CA
Johson and Associates Inc
(213) 487-2100
2500 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1030
Los Angeles, CA
Soft Waves
(213) 625-0619
739 Garland Ave
Los Angeles, CA
Compuworld
(213) 632-3550
3538 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA
ABC Computer
(213) 380-4060
3925 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA
Building & Comnputer Electric
(323) 221-3030
5351 Alhambra Ave
Los Angeles, CA
Able P C Inc
(213) 632-2332
3923 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA
Teksystems
(213) 271-2020
600 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1650
Los Angeles, CA

2 . Introduction

Do you have trouble getting reception from your radio (and I mean an old-fashioned kind)? Interested in transferring your old VHS tapes to DVD? How about a cool, new USB hub that will connect to two PCs simultaneously? Those are the three products for this week's newsletter, as well as three neat time killers for Dig This.

3 . Get Perfect Antenna Reception

The radio transmitters are less than four miles from my house and I see them every day when I walk the dogs. But without line of sight, trying to get a signal from them is hopeless.

I found a solution that works perfectly.

A few months ago, I tried Terk's AM/FM Amplified Stereo Antenna. It's an indoor, amplified antenna and I was skeptical that it'd work. But it exceeded my expectations. There are radio stations I'd never been able to pick up in stereo; others just didn't come in at all. The AF-1 pulled them all in giving me crystal-clear sound.

It took just minutes to install. All I did was connect the antenna to the radio's 75-Ohm antenna output, and turn the narrow band tuning and gain controls until I got good reception. And even as a function over form-type guy, I have to admit -- the 6-inch-tall antenna looks sharp. You can get one for a little over $40.

Dig This: The Real Group is very entertaining. They remind me a little of Manhattan Transfer. Listen to them sing the Five-Song Medley and don't miss it when the lead singer imitates an instrument. It's at about 3:17 minutes. And here's a video of the group working impromptu. Watch the beginning for the setup and skip past "Yesterday" until they start doing pseudo-opera at 2:40 minutes. [Thanks, Gus.]

4 . Even Easier VHS to DVD Transfers

Last fall I told you about a gizmo I use to transfer videos from my old VHS tapes onto DVDs. The product I used was Honest Technology's VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe, which connects to your PC's USB port and makes simple work of grabbing video from your camcorder, TV, VCR, or DVD player. The model I tried a year ago was missing one thing: the ability to convert cassette tapes and long-playing records to DVD.

Honest Technology recently released VHS to DVD Deluxe version 3.0 ($80). The new model has a slew of valuable features. The software now supports Microsoft Windows Vista and handles WMV, PSP/iPod, and MP3 formats. There's an audio recorder feature that lets you convert analog audio from tape cassettes and LP records into MP3 files or directly onto CDs. You can also burn onto dual-layer DVDs or audio CDs.

Unfortunately, it's still missing something I think is critical: The software doesn't have filters for removing the hissing, pops and crackles inherent to LPs and cassette tapes.

Before you considering buying VHS to DVD Deluxe, I recommend you read the user manual and grab a trial of the program from Download3000.com.

BTW, if you're interested in transferring your LPs, take a look at an ancient article I wrote called "LP to CD--Music Soothes Savage Bass." The column's old (and so am I), but aside from a couple of products that have new versions, it's still a valuable read. Ditto for "Going Digital."

Dig This: Do you have any idea what's holding up your cursor? I think you'll be quite surprised. Go to 1-click to find out. Make sure to move your cursor quickly and double-click every so often.

5 . Featured Local Company

AIR AL Inc

Air Conditioning & Heating Installation Service, LA

1-800-924-7254
5539 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.airalac.com

AIR AL Inc specializes in zoning systems, floor temperature systems controls, puron clean technology and purification system. We also offer commercial & residential air conditioning & heating.

Air Conditioning & Heating Installation Service, LA

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