outputs

Top tablets with HDMI connections

Editors' note: This post was originally published August 8, 2011, but was updated April 19, 2012, with new products.

The iPad may be the most popular tablet out there, but there are still a few features it's missing. And competitors haven't been shy about pointing them out.

One feature still lacking from Apple's tablet is an integrated HDMI output. Sure, they'll sell you a $40 adapter cable or a $99 Apple TV that can connect to your iPad wirelessly, but there's no direct way to connect your iPad to a TV right out of the box.

Fortunately, there are plenty of non-Apple tablets that deliver an HDMI connection. Having a built-in HDMI output on your tablet makes it easy to share slideshows on a family TV, play videos at a friend's house, or display documents or presentations at company meetings.

With so many tablets on the market striving for an edge over the iPad, HDMI connectivity is a fairly common feature for high-end Android tablets. Still, some tablets pull off this feature better than others. To help you sort out which tablets do the best job of getting your tablet media onto your TV, check out this roundup of tablets with HDMI.… Read more

How to fix Apple TV audio on some devices

According to a recent Apple knowledge base article, some televisions and AV receivers may not handle audio playback from the latest-generation Apple TV properly. Although the Apple TV automatically detects and sets the proper audio playback settings for your setup, not all TVs work with these settings.

If you are experiencing a lack of sound after setting up your Apple TV, Apple suggests a few steps to confirm that your connections and settings are correct.

Of course you will want to be sure that your cables are all plugged in properly and your television's volume is turned on. If … Read more

Macs at times showing static after display sleep

A small but ongoing issue that some Mac users have experienced (1,2) is a problem where upon waking displays from sleep, the system will display a fuzzy snow output to the monitor. This seems to happen predominantly on Mac Pro systems, but has also happened on others such as Mac Mini and iMac systems, though on the iMacs it only happens if a secondary monitor is being used. This problem appears to be an issue with the use of display adapters, and specifically those for converting DisplayPort to DVI connections.

The issue is not related to any particular hardware, … Read more

Altec debuts Octiv 650 iPod/iPhone speaker

It's funny sometimes when a photo and marketing description don't quite match up.

Take the Altec Lansing's new Octiv 650. From the photo above you'd think, eh, just another iPhone/iPod speaker. But oh, no. Altec's billing it as the "epitome of stylish audio performance" and goes on to describe it like this:

The Octiv 650 speaker system for iPhone and iPod is the fusion of elegant simplicity and the artistry of acoustic engineering. Its discreet lines and unique wedge shape blend in with your decor while it fills your space with full, … Read more

PowerPoint reports

LJZsoft's PTReportGen turns Microsoft's PowerPoint into a powerful tool for preparing and generating reports. If you can write a simple SQL statement, you can use PTReportGen to create just about any kind of customized report. By using PowerPoint for reports, you can save money by eliminating the need for extra software, as well as increase productivity by making use of a familiar tool. Using PowerPoint also helps ensure your reports will be readable when they're delivered.

LJZsoft specializes in tools that add features or functionality to Microsoft Office applications. However, unlike most add-ins, PTReportGen has its own … Read more

Getting started selecting a car-audio system

In case you didn't know, my articles this week are all about car audio. Today, we start at square one with picking out your most basic components for your car stereo: the head unit and speakers.

Rich Richards of Utah-based Innovative Home and Car Audio explains some basic things to look for and consider when designing your car audio system. Rich discusses the importance of getting a deck with high-voltage output through the preamp for better sound, the benefit of component speakers (midrange and tweeter) being as close together as possible, coaxial rear speakers, amplifiers, wiring, fuses, and everything … Read more

Sound Issues: "No output devices found"

Several users are experiencing an issue with their audio output not showing up, leaving them with no sound and an error message in System Preferences stating, "No output devices found." This issue first arose in Mac mini systems, though users with Apple notebooks also report similar symptoms.… Read more

Intuitive calendar maker

XLCalendar is a simple program that allows users to create custom calendars in Excel. Combining intuitive operation with professional results, this program is a great way to make calendars quickly and easily.

The program's interface is basic, just a gray box with a few buttons and drop-down menus. Users select the calendar template that they want to use and then modify it as needed. Users can select whether they want to abbreviate the names of the months and days, for example, or change the cell in which a particular characteristic is displayed. There are multiple templates, allowing users to … Read more

Doppler radar detects speeding hearts

The Army has turned to a Honolulu company for Doppler radar and advanced algorithm technology to be able to detect and monitor multiple subjects based on their heart rate, even through walls.

This means that soldiers will be able to detect someone hiding in a room before the door is kicked in, the company claims, and medics will be able to remotely perform triage and diagnoses or monitor casualties right through their flack jackets. It may also have homeland security and interrogation applications by allowing personnel to screen and identify individuals who may merit the third degree based on a … Read more