Tech Readers

How to Convert VCD to MP3

Bilal Akram — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:18:32 +0000

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 or as it is more popularly considered, MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format which employs a form of lossy data compression. The lossy compression that is used in the MP3 algorithm is designed to profoundly lessen the amount of data needed to represent the audio recording while still sounding like a pretty good copy of the original uncompressed audio for the majority of listeners who use this format. An MP3 file that is developed using the setting of 128 kbit/s will produce a file that is about 1/11th the size of the CD file created from the original audio source. An MP3 file can also be generated at higher or lower bit rates, with higher or lower resulting quality

Video CD which is almost always abbreviated as VCD, is a standard digital format utilized for storing video on a Compact Disc. VCDs are able to be played in conventional VCD players, most modern DVD-Video players, personal computers, and within some video game consoles.

The VCD standard was established in 1993 by Sony, Philips, Matsushita, and JVC and is considered the White Book standard. Video ODs are authored using the Mode 2/XA format, allowing an estimated 800 megabytes of VCD data to be stored on one 80 minute CD in comparison to 700 megabytes when using Mode 1.

This, in combination with the net bit rate of VCD video and audio, means that an estimated 80 minutes of VCD content can be stored on a conventional 80 minute CD, 74 minutes of VCD content on a regular 74 minute CD, basically it may use the exact amount of time specified by the CD.

The VCD standard also gives the user the option of creating DVD-quality still images/slide shows with audio, at resolutions of 704×480 (NTSC) or 704×576 (PAL/SECAM). Version 2.0 incorporates the playback control (PBC), which features a simple menu akin to DVD-video.
Sometimes it may be best to convert a VCD to MP3 for increased compatibility with a wider range of products and also as a better storage solution. To accomplish this you can use any software that is capable of converting from VCD to MP3.

Things you will need

Conversion software for this example Audio/Video to MP3 Maker is used.
VCD file for conversion.

Instructions

Make sure that you have an MPEG decoder installed. For dat files that are encoded with the 1.1. or 2.0 format install a DVD player like WinDVD or PowerDVD which will have the appropriate VCD encoder.

Install the conversion software in this case Audio/Video to MP3 Maker.
Once it has been installed open the program and click on the [Open Media File] button.
Once you have inserted the VCD into the CD/DVD drive, you will find the directory named MPEGAV in the VCD. In this directory, there will be some VCD files named AVSEQ01.DAT, AVSEQ02.DAT or MUSIC01.DAT, MUSIC02.DAT etc.
Open the VCD file to be converted in the program.
If you want to convert the entire audio from the VCD file, then set the Output File if required, and then click on the [Convert] button.
If you would like to convert a portion of the audio from the vcd file then drag the slide bar directly, or alternatively click on the [Play] button to preview the media file and then set the Start Time and the End Time. To complete the process, click the [Convert] button to start converting vcd to mp3.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do not turn off your computer while the files are still being converted.

How to Convert VHS to DVD

Bilal Akram — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:15:10 +0000

Video Home System also known as VHS is a video tape recording standard developed by JVC in the 1970s. It features longer playing time, faster rewinding and fast-forwarding, and a less complex tape transport mechanism. The open standard used for VHS technology allowed mass production without licensing costs. VHS would eventually emerge as the winning video tape format, exceeding other home tape formats.

Despite its popularity so many years ago VHS is fast becoming obsolete and as such persons who want to preserve their videos will need to preserve them in a more modern format. VHS tapes are also prone to damage and the actual film will begin to degrade over time. The average lifespan of VHS is three years whilst DVDs can last for at least 20 years.

Converting from VHS to DVD can be done by applying any of the following methods: use of a DVD/VHS machine, video camera, computer program, external DVD burner, video capture cards, and VHS to DVD conversion services.

Things You Will Need

Video capture tools such as a video capture card (or a similar device) that can capture or convert the analog video signal from the VHS tape to a digital format, or;
Video editing hardware such as DVD burner – Computer Memory, Speed, and Disc Space, or;
Video editing software that can capture analog video, edit the video and publish the video to a final format, such as a DVD.

Instructions

If using a combination DVD/VHS machine, ensure the DVD component of the DVD/VHS machine has a recording option. If it does, insert a blank DVD R (or DVD-RW) into the DVD tray of the machine then insert the VHS tape that is to be transferred into the VCR portion of the machine and apply the steps in the machine’s manual.
Use a digital video camcorder as a go between to convert VHS tapes to a DVD format. Connect the VCR to the video camera using composite video cables (the red, white and yellow cables obtainable from most electronic stores). join the cables to the VCR’s video out port and to the video in port on the camcorder. peruse the camcorders manual for further instructions.
Move the data to a DVD by connecting the camcorder to the computer or DVD burner. An analog-to-digital converter may be needed to use between the VCR and camcorder if he camcorder does not have this feature built in.

Dos and Don’ts

Clean the tape heads on the analog VCR or camcorder to avoid picture obscurities.
Do not convert VHS to DVD using a combination machine if you intend to change videos.

How to Convert Videos to MP4

Bilal Akram — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:13:57 +0000

As technology gets better, new ways of getting things are introduced to us. These new and improved technologies are usually made to make our lives easier, however, if we are not taught as to how to utilize the new technologies they may prove to be quite frustrating. The MP4 is a modern portable, multi-media format used to store digital audio and video streams. The change from one software to another, for example, is usually inevitable with the constant changes which take place in the world of computer technology. The following steps will assist / help persons who wish to convert from videos to MP4.

What You Will Need:

Quick Time Conversion Program.

Instructions:

Step 1. Open the video editing program and the file to be converted. After locating the file, click on ‘File’ at the top of the bar. Scroll down and click on ‘Export’ in the list of choices available; in export click on the one labeled / marked “Using Quick-time Conversion”.

Step 2. A Quick-time menu will with the name of the movie selected in the ’Save As’ bar. Near the bottom of the menu, the ‘Format and ‘Use” tabs can be seen, select the ‘Format’ tab. This tab should the ‘Quick-time’ and a button to choose options.

Step 3. In order to gain access to / find the ‘Movie Settings’ menu, you must click the ‘Options” button. This is the menu responsible for/ in charge of making any adjustments regarding its size, audio settings, or video format of the movie you wish to to DVD, or upload to the internet. To change the file format of a movie, click the video, ”Settings” button at the top of the menu.

Step 4. the ‘Standard video Compression Settings’ appear / come up. This is the sub-menu that controls the formatting of the movie. At this point you can adjust /change the frame rate; increase or lower the compression quality; and alter rate at which videos are. To totally change the format, you may click on the tab which is labeled ‘Compression Type’ This is at the top of the menu.

Step 5. After the tab opens you may scroll down until you see MPEG-4. You may click on it at this point the MPEG-4 will appear as the listed setting in the ‘Compression Type’ tab, however, some of the video sub menu presets might change. There are many ways to compress video files. WMA files are also converted to MP4 usually for better portability.

How to Convert WAV into MP3

Bilal Akram — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:11:47 +0000

MP3 is a smaller storage format for music files than WAV. It allows the user the capacity to store a greater portion of music when converted to this kind of audio format. In addition, like WAV, MP3 is compatible with numerous audio players. Converting from MP3 to WAV is not a difficult process and may be carried out using an array of software. Some of these can be found online for free others may be bought. Whichever converter you decide to get learning to use it will be an essential part of the conversion process. Very few converters are complex and most will have the added benefit of better programming that makes the process more straightforward.

For this example iTunes will be used to convert from WAV to MP3. It is free software for MAC OS users and can be obtained from Apple’s website. It is not merely a converter but a media player that will give you the ability to store, organize and convert digital music and video files. Additionally it allows users to sync files, buy music online and burn CDs.

The steps are simple, as mentioned before you will have to get iTunes from Apple’s website. Load the downloaded file on your computer and install it. You are now ready to start the conversion process from WAV to MP3.

Load iTunes

Then go to the [Preferences] section. To do this on a MAC select the [iTunes] menu and choose [Preferences]. For Windows go to [Edit] and choose[Preferences].

Go to the [Advanced] tab found at the top menu and select it. You will then click on the Importing option that is found just below the [Advanced] tab. If you are using the more current version of iTunes, then go to the [GENERAL] tab and then select [IMPORT] from there.

You should see a drop down list beside [Import Using] from this list click on [MP3 Encoder]. At this part of the process you can choose the specific preferences you will employ to decode your MP3 file. Go to [Setting] and then select the preferences you prefer. These are:

- Good Quality (128 kbps)
- High Quality (160 kbps)
- Higher Quality (192 kbps)

If you are going to be using your audio on the Web then you should use the most compressed file format. To alter the present compression. Go to [Settings] and then choose [Custom]. You may opt to use anywhere between the range of 24 kpbs to 96 kbps dependent on the quality you would like. For music files choose Stereo mode.

Click on [OK] and then come out of the [Preferences] window.

Now you can select your WAV files. Just go to the library and select the file you would like to use.

Once you have chosen these files then you can go to the [Advanced] menu and choose [Convert Selection to MP3 ].

The time taken to convert will vary and will depend on the number of files, the settings chosen and your computers overall speed.

Once the process is done. You will hear a beep. This will indicate that all files are converted. Each new file will be placed underneath the original file in the library.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Jobs

Bilal Akram — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:09:33 +0000

The acronym ITIL means Information Technology Infrastructure Library and is in reference to the most widely accepted standard in Information Technology (IT) service management around the planet. ITIL is a collection of ideas and practices taken from IT companies in both the public and private sectors everywhere, that supplies information regarding essential practices and actions regarding IT related companies.

ITIL began with the UK government’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) in the 1980s; they gathered the different procedures as a standard guideline that could be used when building agreements.

When it was first made available in 1989 ITIL was a compilation of books that listed specific practices concerning IT Service Management. The first collection was added to within a very short period of time until the complete set was comprised of 30 volumes.

In the year 2000 the set was fused into a collection of 8 volumes known as ITIL V2; the set was consolidated based on the area of IT management that each covered. In more recent times a 9th volume has been added with principles for smaller IT businesses.

The ITIL V2 volumes are merged as follows:

Service Support
Service Delivery
ICT Infrastructure Management
Security Management
The Business Perspective
Application Management
Software Asset Management
Planning to Implement Service Management
ITIL Small-Scale Implementation

In 2007 a fresh collection consisting of 5 volumes was published and called ITIL V3; the fresh collection is made to substitute the V2 collection and is made up of:

ITIL Service Strategy
ITIL Service Design
ITIL Service Transition
ITIL Service Operation
ITIL Continual Service Improvement

There are quite a few certifications accessible to you which are based upon the ITIL practices; these certifications focus on various sides of ITIL in varying degrees. Since the V2 set is being swapped, the certifications related to it and no more accessible; in the V3 series there are 4 levels of certification:

ITIL V3 Foundation in IT Service Management
ITIL Intermediate Level
ITIL V3 Expert Certificate
ITIL V3 Master Qualification

ITIL has become the most well-known approach utilized in IT Service management across the planet; thus, a lot of companies will require one to have at least one of the existing ITIL certifications before they think about hiring anyone.

There are numerous ITIL jobs to choose from depending on which sections are a person’s top bits (the sections that you prefers) and a person’s qualifications; ITIL certifications qualify you to be employed in a lot of IT related managerial positions.

There are a lot of websites on the worldwide web that specialize in the promoting of ITIL employment and locating qualified individuals to fill available opportunities; if you are ITIL trained and are interested in getting one of these openings then visit a few websites and browse the inventories that each gives.

If a person is not so far ITIL certified, then maybe that individual should think about getting yourself trained to raise your chances of securing employment in the IT management field.

Samsung Opens MENA Product Training Centre

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:54:54 +0000

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced that its award-winning Samsung Gulf Customer Satisfaction unit has opened a state-of-the-art Product Training Centre in Dubai. The Samsung management and employees of Samsung Pakistan will be able to reap great benefits from the inauguration of this elaborate new training facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The Product Training Centre, which is located at the Jebel Ali Free Zone, features modern, purpose-built training facilities that cover all products of Samsung Electronics including TV, audio video, mobile phones, home appliances, computers, digital cameras and peripherals.

Samsung Electronics Pakistan General Manager Mr. Steve Han said, “The Product Training Centre will go a long way in ensuring that we continue to excel at customer service in every region where we operate. The facility is being used to train not only Samsung employees and service centre staff but will also enhance the product knowledge and skills of Sales staff and others, thus creating a highly trained workforce that can deliver immaculate services.”

While a fully equipped Theoretical Room will be used for interactive product theory sessions and soft skills training, the facility’s Practical Rooms contain advanced technical equipment and a range of Samsung products allowing participants to get hands-on experience. The Product Training Centre also features Field-Test Rooms designed to test new products and an E-Studio equipped with Samsung’s Electronic Instructional Audio and Video training materials.

Samsung Gulf Customer Satisfaction is aimed enhancing customer service levels in the region. It has launched a number of industry-leading initiatives such as the Samsung Service programme, which was launched in 2009 and enabled customers to repair their “In and Out-of-Warranty” Samsung products for free. Samsung Gulf Customer Satisfaction also established the “Customer Interaction Centre,” a call centre where consumers in the UAE can call the toll free 800-SAMSUNG number to obtain product information and seek after-sales support. Furthermore, the service center tracks every service status from the repair registration up to service completion in real-time to avoid any delay and exceed customer satisfaction. The unit received the 2010 Customer Care Competitiveness Award from the Middle East Excellence Award Institute (MEEAI), earlier this year.

Qubee in Rawalpindi/Islamabad & Lahore – Special Ramadan Offer

Bilal Akram — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:46:14 +0000

Qubee started its services in Karachi 3 months ago. They have stepped up and introduced WiMax broadband services in Islambad/Rawalpindi, and Lahore.

According to the maps available on Qubee website, Islamabad and Lahore are mostly covered but most of the area of Rawalpindi is still to be covered.

Qubee’s Coverage: Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Qubee’s Coverage: Lahore

USB Shuttle, a Powerful, Portable Device

Qubee is launching USB Shuttle for Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi. So that’s why they are calling it USB Shuttle.

USB Shuttle is more powerful and potential device than regular USB. Because they do not have powerful signal strength as compared to their normal devices. But in case of USB shutter the scenario is different. Report shows that USB Shuttle is more powerful in signal strength than QUBEE other devices.

Tariff:

With USB Shuttle, Qubee will offer unlimited bandwidth for Rs. 1,500 per month. And unlimited package won’t be for other Qubee devices. Tariff details are as follow:

Ramadan Special Offer

Note: In Ramadan all above mentioned bandwidths will be doubled as special promotion.

Location:

Qubee main office is in Islamabad. Main office is also providing sales and support services as well. Address is: 75, East Blue Area, Fazal-e-Haque Road, Islamabad.

Branch office is being opened at Chandani Chowk, Murrue Road Rawalpindi.

And outlet in Lahore is located at: 11, M. M. Alam Road, C/1, Gulberg III, Lahore

How to Convert Windows Media to MP3

Bilal Akram — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:26:04 +0000

Windows media player is a popular player used on Microsoft based PCs. This player is compatible with multiple formats and includes its own format made precisely for the player: Windows Media Audio, which operates with the (.wma) extension. While the quality of the sound is impressive; the format is not necessarily compatible in most kinds of music players. Therefore converting WMA to the more widely used MP3 format is much easier especially when the audio is needed for an external portable audio player.

MP3 is one of the most compatible formats still being used at present and offers a comparatively space efficient method of music storage. You will not need an extra converter if you are currently utilizing Windows Media Player.

It offers a conversion tool to make the process relatively simple. However, if you are using a different operating system then you may have to search online for an appropriate converter. Despite this conversion should not be difficult with most of the programs that are created for this purpose.

Generally they are not hard to use and will perform the process just as effectively. For the purpose of this demonstration Windows Media Player will be utilized to carry out the conversion.

To start conversion from WMA to MP3, launch Windows Media Player.

o to the [Library] tab and choose [Playlists] from this menu found on the left.

Choose the [Create Playlist] option and then put in the name for your playlist and press the enter button on your computer.

You can now start to browse the computer for WMA files. Once you have located the files you would like to use, use the [Shift] button located at either side of the letters on your keyboard to choose each file to be used.

When you have selected all the files release the [Shift] button and drag the files that you have chosen to the panel to your right, which will be clearly labeled [Drag items here to add them to your new playlists].

Place you blank CD in the empty CD ROM.

Select the [Burn] tab and ensure that the [Audio CD] option is selected. Then you will need to click [Burn “your playlist name”] to drive. You won’t need to worry that you may not realize when the process is done, the CD should instantly be ejected from the drive when completed.

When the CD is bunt it will eject as said previously put it back into the drive and prevent it from playing.

Now you will enter the [Rip] tab, go to the [More Options] and choose MP3 as the new output file. You may change the destination location or try to remember the default folder where it will be stored.

When you have selected all the files you may re-enter the [Rip] tab and choose [Rip “CD Name”].

When it is completed go to the folder where it is stored and then playback to make sure it was completed satisfactorily.

How to Convert WMA to MP3

Bilal Akram — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:25:08 +0000

Windows Media Audio (WMA) is a Microsoft created digital audio file and is used when referring to its audio file format or its audio codecs. Codecs are a computer program that compresses/decompresses digital audio data in conformity with a given audio file format or streaming audio format. WMA codecs are; WMA which is competed with MP3 and Real Audio codecs, WMA Pro – a support for multichannel and high resolution audio; WMA Lossless – an audio data compressor, and WMA Voice, which targets voice content.

WMA’s main competitor is MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, otherwise known as MP3; MP3 is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression. With lossy data compression, data is compressed and then decompressed to retrieve data that is similar to the original but not exactly. It is commonly used to compress multimedia data (audio, video, still images). MP3 is commonly used for consumer audio storage.

Things You Will Need

Converting WMA file to MP3 is simple with the use of conversion software. a number of types are available and include 4U WMA MP3 Converter, Media Monkey Software and Protective Music Converter. To have a conversion the following requirements must be satisfied:

Personal computer
Internet access
Conversion software
WMA music files

Instructions

Launch an internet connection and search for a WMA to MP3 conversion software; an easy to use software is 4U WMA MP3 Converter which is available for free download.
Select the download button and follow the directions in the Wizard to complete the installation.
Once software is installed it may automatically take you through the process of an immediate conversion.
If you want to use the program at later time open windows explorer and locate the WMA files you wish to convert.
Select the files and right click.
Scroll through options and select option to convert WMA to MP3.

Do’s and Don’ts

Check to see if your audio files are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM is a copy protection technology that restricts the illegal distribution of copyrighted music.
Restrictions include using the file with specific music players, the number of times a legally purchased music file can be burnt to CD, or the number of computers it can be transferred to.
If files are protected research software that allows the removal of copyright protection legally.

How to Convert WMA to MP4

Bilal Akram — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:21:10 +0000

Windows Media Audio or as it is also refered to WMA is an audio data compression technology created by Microsoft. The name may also be used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs. It is a proprietary technology that comprises part of the Windows Media framework. WMA is comprised of four distinct codecs. The original WMA codec, which is known simply as WMA, was formulated as a competitor to the popular MP3 and RealAudio codecs.

WMA Pro, which is a newer and more advanced codec, supports multichannel and high resolution audio. A loss less codec, WMA Loss less, compresses audio data without loss of audio quality. And WMA Voice, which is specific to voice content, utilizes compression using a range of low bit rates.

MPEG-4 or MP4 file format, or as it is formally known ISO/IEC 14496-14:2003, is a multimedia container format standard specified as a part of MPEG-4. It is generally used to store digital video and digital audio streams, specifically for those defined by MPEG. It can also be used to store other data such as subtitles and still images. Like most modern container formats, MPEG-4 allows video streaming via the Internet.

Because MP4 is compatible with many forms of players, conversion from WMA to MP4 may have to be carried out. To do this you will need to get the corresponding conversion software. You can identify an appropriate program by using the internet to research those that are compatible with your operating system. The process is very straightforward and should not present any major difficulties.

Things you will need

A WMA file format.
A conversion software for this example Format Factory is used.

Instructions:

First download a program that is able to perform this kind of conversion in this case Format Factory, as previously mentioned, visit many websites to find one that is best suited for your operating system if you wish to use another program.
Once you have downloaded the conversion program open the downloaded file to commence installation by double clicking on the file icon. The downloading process should be fairly quick and free of problems, refer to any instructions or read me documents that came with the software if you encounter any issues.
Once the program has been completely installed it may open automatically if however it does not Click on the [Video] tab in the main program screen. It is perhaps wise to note that though you will doing a simple audio conversion an MP4 can also be used for video formats. However it will still play the audio WMA file once converted despite the lack of a corresponding video format.
Click on [All to MP4] option. A new window will be displayed. Choose [Add File] and then search for the WMA file you wish to use in the browse window.
Double-click on the file once you’ve located it, and click on the [OK] button in the Add File window. You will be once again taken back to the main screen, where the conversion will be highlighted.
Click on the [Start] button at the top of the screen to start the conversion process. The blue status bar will display the progress of conversion and will indicate “Completed” when the task has been fully executed.

WMA files can also be converted to WAV format to achieve a similar effect.

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