Archive for January, 2010
Start loading up your rack or cabinet with the gear positioned such that you can install it easily. This is where you’ll be glad you bought two-meter cables, because the slack you have now can be used to make your system slide together easily.
Start attaching all of your speaker cables first, especially if you are working with a receiver. If you have a pin or banana plug connector on the receiver end of the speaker cable, then you are in good shape. Most receivers do not leave enough room for connection of speaker cables and it is the single most frustrating part of the installation project. I recommend, especially if you are using bare wire, that you take your time during this part. Make sure you have the wire stripped far enough down the cable. Twist the cable very well and then twist it again around your binding post of your receiver. Also, install other inputs first make installing the speaker connectors on the back of the receivers even harder to successfully complete.
Once the speakers are connected solidly, start connecting inputs. For example, you might connect your TV with a component cable. You might start with sources after that. Arrange the cables you need for each source one at a time. In the case of a DVD-Audio/SACD player connect the 6 RCA cables first - being careful to connect the correct corresponding interconnect from the player to the receiver. They are not always labeled the same. Sometimes Left Surround is labeled “left rear” or “LR.” Connect the digital audio cable and the component video cable. Once done with plugging in cables, program the input(s) on your receiver for the source.
Move on to other inputs, systematically installing each and adding up your successes with each source component.
Install a direct connection from your traditional satellite receiver or cable box right to your TV. You will want to have that so you can just turn your TV on and watch without getting involved with your entire home theater systems. If your system doesn’t work when you power it up, you may need to seek out some more advanced TV repair troubleshooting.
Microwave ovens need to be maintained regularly, or there could be some serious consequences. Microwaves generally seem like simple and reliable appliances, but like anything that ages, things can go wrong with it. Any microwave oven that is getting older than say 15 years, should probably be checked. If you find that food is taking much longer to cook then usual, then perhaps it’s time to have a professional examine it. They can test for radiation leakage or any other problems that the microwave is experiencing. They can also make a determination as to whether the microwave oven should be replaced. Chances are, that any microwave of that age should just be replaced. They are pretty inexpensive items, and the newer ones are likely to have more features and conveniences to make your cooking experience more enjoyable. Just in case you like to do-it-yourself, here’s a warning.
Do Not attempt to repair a microwave oven. Microwave repair is a job strictly for professionals. Microwave circuits carry 3000 to 5000 and sometimes higher volts of electricity. One of the most common repairs that occur in a microwave is a worn out fuse, that gets zapped by a power surage. Another common part that fails are the switches that the door latch activates when you open and close the oven door. Easily replaced by a pro, and saves the need of buying a new microwave.
Simple Cleaning
Microwave ovens don’t need a whole lot of maintenance, but they do require some. Simply keeping the interior clean is important. Covering most foods with a loose top, or paper towel will keep the food in the dish or on the plate you are microwaving with. Food particles left inside a microwave will eventually turn to carbon after being microwaved multiple times. Carbon particles can arc and present a fire hazard within the microwave. Another little tip to keeping your microwave clean, is to make sure anything you put in is somewhat ventilated. This usually just means poking a few holes in the food or the plastic containers your cooking the food in. This prevents the build up of steam pressure in whatever your cooking. Nothing like an exploding potato to create a big mess for the cook to clean up.
CLEANING YOUR LCD & PLASMA SCREENS
Keeping LCD and Plasma TV screens clean not only provides a better picture, but extends the life of the TV. Learning the proper methods of cleaning your screen can save yourself a lot of grief and possible damage to your investment, and keeps you from costly television repairs.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1
Obviously, your LCD or Plasma Tv screen isn’t glass. So, DO NOT! use Windex or any other household cleaners. They Can Harm Your Screen! Ammonia is bad !
Step 2
Ensure that your TV has been off long enough that it doesn’t feel warm to the touch. Wipe your screen with a soft, lint-free cloth. If there are no visible smudges after dusting, stop here. The Less you have to clean your screen, the longer it will last!
Step 3
To remove smudges from the screen, you will need a mild cleaning solution. There are many LCD/PLasma screen cleaners on the market, but they are overpriced and contain little more than water and isopropyl alcohol. Why not make your own solution and save money?
Step 4
Using a measuring cup, make a solution of equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Do not add more than 50% alcohol, as this will produce a mixture too harsh to use.
Step 5
Take a soft, lint-free micro-fiber cloth and dip it in the cleaning solution. Squeeze out any excess solution. DO NOT spray the solution directly on the screen. This could damage nearby electrical components or wick into the screen layers. Wipe the solution-damp cloth lightly! over the screen, concentrating on visible smudges.
Step 6
If there is visible dirt in the corners of the screen, use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to clean them. Once you are finished cleaning the screen, give it a quick wipe with another dry cloth.
Now set back and enjoy your clean screen.
Despite being less clunky than a VCR, DVD players still require a significant amount of care, particularly if they’re being used frequently. While DVD player repair should be let to the experts, here is an easy guide on how to clean and maintain your DVD player:
First you will want to start by, unplugging your DVD player from the wall and tv, and move it to a more suitable working environment, like a table or desk.
Examine the outside of the DVD player, around the vents for the cooling fans, and look for any excessive dust build up, if the vent area seems to have a small quilt of dust on it, it has been way to long since you cleaned! You don’t want to blow this dust with the air duster, as it will spread back into the DVD player, however, if your dust build up is light, you can begin by blowing through the machine. If you open the drawer, on some models this will allow you to blow all the way through the DVD player.
Next, you can put your cleaning disc in and relax as it plays through. Now you can watch your movies with a peace of mind.