Ask The Techies (iPod -Smaller Version)

Overlaying Images Over Google Maps & Satellite Images Using Google Earth: Ep. 150

2011-07-27T10:49:00.000-04:00

D.Lee shows how to overlay an image onto Google Maps using Google Earth. For an example, he shows how to overlay a neighborhood plat map overtop of a Google satellite view to determine exactly where the property boundaries are. Overlaying images can be used to represent state information by county, historical information/maps, and to embark on further discoveries and illumination of information in a spatial context. Google Earth is a free download.
(6min 42sec)

Click Here to Play Episode 150

Measuring Distances with Google Earth: Ep. 149

2011-07-13T10:45:00.002-04:00

How far is it? D.Lee Beard shows how Google Earth can measure the distance between two objects and a distance with multiple turning points such as a walking or jogging route. Just how far do you walk? Watch and fine out.

Click Here to Play Episode 149

Viewing Cities in 3-D Using Google Earth: Ep. 148

2011-07-06T08:24:00.001-04:00

Want to know how to view maps in 3-D? In this episode, D.Lee explains how to view buildings and even trees overlaid on maps with Google Earth. He also shows how to change from "street view" to "ground level view" for smoother navigating through city streets.

Want to learn how to create your own 3-D buildings using Google Sketchup? Then ask D.Lee to make a video on how to do so Questions@AskTheTechies.com

Click Here to Play Episode 148

Google Earth Intro & Viewing Historical Maps & Aerial Photos Ep. 147

2011-06-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard presents a basic introductory tutorial in how to use the Google Earth application which is available for Mac OS X and Windows. He explains how to download it for free, navigate within it, view different layers, and how to change viewing angles to see terrain.

He also explains how to use Google Earth to view historical maps and aerial photographs of various locations plus a complete globe overlay for an historical map view. (11min 32sec)

Click Here to Download Episode 147

Checking Road Traffic Conditions: Ep. 146

2011-06-23T09:00:00.003-04:00

D.Lee Beard explains how you can check road traffic using Google Maps in a web browser and on the Apple iPad. Use this tip to avoid unnecessary delays on the highways this summer.

Click Here to Play Episode 146

Free Music Sites to Use as Soundtracks: Ep. 145

2011-05-17T11:02:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard reviews several websites that offer free music that can be used in other creative projects such as soundtracks for videos you produce. (10min 56sec)

Click here to play Episode 145

Creating Time Lapse Videos and Converting for PowerPoint Ep.144

2011-05-03T10:36:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers a viewer question about converting videos for PowerPoint using iSkysoft's Video Converter. He also shows a free way to take time lapse videos with a webcam using Gawker. 4min. 13sec.

Click Here to Play Episode 144

Free Phone Calls This Holiday Season w/Google Voice: Ep. 143

2010-12-17T08:56:00.001-05:00

Click her to download and play Episode 143
Watch and learn how to make free phone calls within the USA and Canada via your Google account and a computer and/or iPhone. Recorded December 12, 2010. (3min 10sec)

Exploring Interactive Books on iPad with PopOut! Peter Rabbit: Ep. 142

2010-12-13T16:54:00.001-05:00

Click Here to Download and Play
D.Lee Beard explores the interactive features and educational potential of the PopOut! Peter Rabbit book and the what these types of books can bring to the future of book publishing.

D.Lee also explains how to "reboot" your iPad as a fix to various anomalies. (5min 2sec)

Cases for iPads, iPhones & even Kindles: Episode 141

2010-12-09T14:29:00.001-05:00

Click Here to Play Episode 141
D.Lee Beard review the ZeroChroma cases for the iPad and iPhone (cases also available for Kindle). ZeroChroma cases are a made of a protective hardshell case and allow for propping the device at detailed angles). He also explores other case options that include a keyboard. (7min 33sec)

iOS 4.2 Find an iPad if Lost: Episode 140

2010-12-03T16:51:00.002-05:00

Click Here to Play Episode 140

D.Lee Beard demonstrates how to use the new "Find my iPad" feature in iOS 4.2 including setting up a free MobileMe account. A valuable tool if you should ever lose your iPad, and now this feature is free. (4min)

iOS 4.2 AirPrint and AirPlay on the iPad: Episode 139

2010-12-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

Click Here to Play Episode 139
D.Lee Beard briefly discusses the new AirPlay and AirPrint features of the iOS 4.2 operating system for Apple's mobile devices. (2min 7sec)

iOS 4.2 Managing Folders on the iPad: Episode 138

2010-12-02T09:39:00.003-05:00

Click Here to Play Episode 138

In this episode, D.Lee Beard uses iOS 4.2 to demonstrate how to create folders to group apps, how to name those folders, and how to add/remove apps from these folders on the iPad. (2min 42sec)

iOS 4.2 Multitasking on the iPad: Episode 137

2010-11-30T11:47:00.001-05:00

Click Here to Play

In this episode, D.Lee Beard demonstrates the multitasking capabilities of the new iOS 4.2 for the iPad.

iOS 4.2 and Screen Locking: Episode 136

2010-11-29T14:57:00.001-05:00

Click Here to Play
D.Lee launches a series of videos on the new iOS 4.2 for Apple devices like the iPad. In this episode he discusses how Apple turned the "screen lock" switch on the side of the iPad into a mute button and a work around for still locking your screen when you want that extra control.

Wolfram Alpha Review: Episode 135

2010-11-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

Click Here to Play Episode 135

D.Lee Beard review the Wolfram Alpha iPad app. Wolfram Alpha is an application for the iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch that collects information from the internet to answer user questions. For example, it lets you easily compare statistics on different cities or view charts on global warming. (5 min. 56 sec)

Alternative iPad/iPhone Web Browser - Atomic Web Browser (Ep. 134)

2010-11-10T08:53:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard presents an alternative to the default Safari web browser with a review of the Atomic Web Browser which includes tabs, private mode, increase/decrease font size, ad block and more. (7min 37sec)

Click Here to Play Episode 134

How to Download & Convert Videos: Ep. 133

2010-10-06T08:33:00.001-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard demonstrates how to convert various video files into more standard formats that can be played on portable devices and the AppleTV (including .flv, .ogg, .wmv, and .mp4).

He also shows how to download streaming flash videos off of the web.

Software reviewd includes Miro Video Converter, RealPlayer Downloader/Converter, and Handbrake. (10min 47sec).

Click Here to Play Episode 133

Speech Recognition on Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone: Ep. 132

2010-06-24T10:12:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard reviews and demonstrates the software options for speech recognition where you can stop typing and let the computer type what you say. Nuance speech recognition software MacSpeech for computers and Dragon Dictate for mobile devices like the iPad are review and demonstrated. (13 min. 6 seconds)

Click Here to Play Episode 132

Review of iPad Apps: Photos and Maps - Episode 131

2010-06-10T13:14:00.000-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard reviews the Photos and Maps applications on the iPad and how they can work together. He also demonstrates how to take a screen capture of image of what you see on your iPad. (12min 57sec).
Click Here to Play Episode 131

Video Options on the iPad - Ep. 130

2010-05-27T09:34:00.000-04:00

In this episode, D.Lee Beard explains the options for playing video on the iPad, including, podcasts, synching from your computer, YouTube, ABC.com, Netflix, news sites, and streaming video, even Flash video, from your own personal computer to your iPad 8min 20sec.

Click here to play Episode 130

How to Run Windows7 and Mac OS X on an iPad - Ep. 129

2010-05-05T09:47:00.001-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard shows how to run Windows 7 and Mac OS X on an iPad via remote desktop with the LogMeIn iPad app.

In this LogMeIn for iPad review, D.Lee demonstrates how it works, the limitations of LogMeIn, it's ability to connect behind wireless routers, and offers a live demonstration of connecting to both a Windows 7 computer and a Mac OS X Snow Leopard computer. LogMeIn also has an iPhone/iPod touch version as well. 12min 29sec.

Click Here to Play Episode 129

Books on the iPad: Ep. 128

2010-04-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

D.Lee demos the various options for reading books on the iPad including iBooks, Kindle books, many free Gutenberg Project books, and book apps such as Disney's Toy Story book app.

Click Here to Play Episode 128

iPad In-Depth Review - Ep. 127

2010-04-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard reviews the new Apple iPad including physical features, the Apple iPad black case, and compares it to the Amazon Kindle, and iPod Touch. (21min 4sec)

Click Here to Play Episode 127

iPad: To Buy or Not to Buy? Ep. 126

2010-04-12T14:28:00.001-04:00

After a week of playing with the new WiFi iPad, D.Lee Beard looks at the pros and cons of the new iPad -- what it can do and not do -- and helps you decide whether you should buy one or not.

Upcoming videos will go into more details on it's features and limitations. (3min 25sec)

Click Here to Play Episode 126

Formatting for Mac and Windows for Video Editing Ep. 125

2010-04-07T08:51:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers a viewer question about formatting a hard drive so that it can be read by both Mac and Windows for video editing. (4min 11sec)

Click Here to Play Episode 125

Deleting Apps off of iPhone/iPod Touch and iTunes - Ep. 124

2010-04-01T09:56:00.001-04:00

In this episode, D.Lee Beard answers a viewer question on how to delete apps off of a computer in iTunes as well as off of an iPod Touch or iPhone. (3min 13sec)

Click here to play Episode 124

Cropping Podcasts to Keep Only Portion - Ep. 123

2010-03-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers a viewer question on how to trim a podcast and save only a portion of it to free up drive space. (2min 34sec)

Click Here to Play Episode 123

Mac vs. Windows - Changing Icon Sizes: Ep. 122

2010-03-24T09:06:00.001-04:00

In this episode D.Lee explains how to change the size of icons and the text under icons in Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Windows 7. (4min 15 sec).

Which is better? You get to decide by voting at http://AsktheTechies.com/episode122.html

Click Here to Play Episode 122

Mac vs. PC: Moving Files Ep.121

2010-03-17T11:23:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard compares the ease of relocating files within Mac OS X and within Windows 7.

Which is more intuitive or useful at moving files? You get to decide by voting at http://AsktheTechies.com/episode121.html (2min. 02sec).

Click Here to Play Episode 121

Mac vs. PC: Navigating Multiple Windows Ep.120

2010-03-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

D.Lee Beard compares finding specific document windows when you have way too many open using the dock feature on Mac OS X and the task bar feature in Windows 7.

Which is more intuitive or useful at navigating multiple open windows? You get to decide by voting at http://AsktheTechies.com/episode120.html (2min. 36sec).

Click Here to Play Episode 120

Mac vs. Windows 7: Zooming in on the Computer Screen - Episode 118

2010-03-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

D.Lee Beard continues a new series comparing Mac OS X.6 Snow Leopard to Windows 7. In this episode, he shows how to zoom in on a portion of the computer screen in both Windows 7 and Mac OS X. Zooming in on the computer screen is a great tool for teachers.

Which is better??? You get to decide by voting at
http://AsktheTechies.com/episode119.html. 4min. 19sec.

Click Here to Play Episode 119

Mac vs. Windows7 Changing Icons: Episode 118

2010-03-05T10:22:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard starts a new series comparing Mac OS X.6 Snow Leopard to Windows 7. In this episode, he shows how to change file icons and the compares the ease of changing file icons in each operating system.

Which is better??? You get to decide by voting at the Ask the Techies website, episode 118, http://AsktheTechies.com/episode118.html

Click Here to Play Episode 118

iPad Buying Guide (Ep. 117)

2010-02-24T08:31:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard presents a buying guide on the iPad including whether to buy the wifi or wifi+3G version of the iPad. He also reviews selecting an iPad 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB models and the iPad accessories that Apple also sells. D.Lee shows how to find free wifi hotspots in your city and how to test your internet connection download and upload speed (links can be found at http://AsktheTechies.com/episode117.html). 7min. 06sec.
Click Here to Play Episode 117

Convert and Add Mac System Sounds (Ep. 116)

2010-02-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to add sounds to your Mac OS X system for use as a system beep and e-mail or iChat alert. He also explains how to convert .wav files found on the web into the aif format (the Mac OS System Sound format). 6:15
Click Here to Play

Ep.115: iPad - Revolution or Just a Supersized iPod Touch?

2010-02-07T12:51:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard discusses why the iPad is a game changer. The iPad marks the death of the computer mouse, creates a comfortable user interface for reading e-books, and creates a potential for revolutionizing education with speedy multimedia books and internet access all wrapped into one device that sells for less than $500. Duration: 10 minutes

Click Here to Play Episode 115: iPad

Ep. 114: Changing Startup Splash Screen

2010-02-01T16:49:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to change the startup splash screen on your Mac …you know, the ugly purple space picture that appears behind the login window. 9min 1sec.
Click Here to Play Episode 114

Ep. 113: Customize Mac Part 2 of 3

2010-01-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

In this part 2 of 3 on customizing your Mac, D.Lee Beard explains how to change icons sizes, the text size under icons, how to move the text to the side of the icons, how to adjust the space between icons, how to change Finder window backgrounds to different colors and images, how to have the Finder show document info under the icon name such as pixel size of images, duration of videos, and how many items in a folder. 5 min. 22 sec.
Click here to play Episode 113

Ep. 112: Customize Your Mac OS

2010-01-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

D.Lee explains how to customize a Mac with the Finder preferences including how to turn on or turn off what drives or servers show up automatically on the desktop, how to change the home location for a new Finder window, how to adjust the spring loaded folders feature, how to add color labels to files and folders, how to add text titles to those labels , how to customize the sidebar and toolbar on the Finder windows, how to turn off the "empty trash" warning, and more. This is Part 1 of 3 on customizing a Mac. Next week's episode will cover the Finder's view options. 9minutes, 31 seconds.
Click Here to Play

Ep. 111: Find Free Public Domain Video and Images

2010-01-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard explains where to find free public domain images and video just like the ones he used in his iMovie `09 tutorial series. Public domain content is available for anyone to use freely for any purpose so there are no copyright problems to worry about! D.Lee also discusses the "Creative Commons" license.
Click Here to Play Episode 111

Ep. 110: iMovie 09 Exporting Videos to DVD, Youtube, and other Devices

2009-12-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to export iMovie videos for YouTube, DVD, iPod, and more. He shows how to make DVDs look professional by using iDVD's animated features, drop zones, customizable features, and more.
Click Here to Play Episode 110: iMovie Exporting

Ep. 109: iMovie 09 Chapter Markers and More.

2009-12-17T09:44:00.000-05:00

D.Lee explains how to add chapter markers to your videos, how to change the icon sizes, and how to print out a proof sheet of your videos from a specific event.
Click here to play

#108: iMovie 09 - Adding Titles, Transitions, and Maps

2009-12-09T08:52:00.000-05:00

D.Lee Beard shows how to add titles, lower thirds, credits, and other text elements over a black background, images, video, and animated graphics.

D.Lee demonstrates how to add transitions between video clips in an iMovie 09 project including the new "theme" transitions such as "Photo Album."

He also explains how to add and customize animated maps to a video project. Mixing features and effects in the 09 version of iMovie really makes iMovie stand out.

Recorded in November 2009, 12min 25sec
Click Here to Play Episode 108: iMovie Titles, Transitions and Maps

Episode 107: Pt. 4 of 7 iMovie 09 - Working With Audio

2009-12-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard explains how to add music and iMovie sound effects to your video project, how to duck the audio of specific tracks, how to fade audio in and out including adjusting how quickly it fades in or out, how to separate the audio from a video clip and move elsewhere or delete altogether, and how to add your own narrations to your video projects using iMovie 09. Recorded in November 2009, 8:25 duration.
Click Here to Play Episode 107

Episode 106: iMovie Series Part 3 of 7 - Adding Effects

2009-11-26T07:53:00.003-05:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to apply special effects to videos and photos including how to make color adjustments, applying a sepia and grayscale tone, how to blur the edges of a video clip, how to apply a slow motion and fast motion effect to video clips, and how to reverse a clip to play it backwards. He also explains how to apply iMovie 09's image stabilization effect to those jerky handheld video clips.

D.Lee shows how to raise and lower the volume level of video clips in iMovie 09 including the "ducking" effect and the fade in and out effect.

Hidden advanced tools are also featured including showing how to create a video picture in a picture effect with one video playing in a box over another video.

Click Here to Play Episode 106 iMovie Effects

Episode 105: iMovie Series Part 2 of 7

2009-11-19T09:15:00.003-05:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to add photos to an iMovie video project including applying the Ken Burns effect to your photos, cropping an image in iMovie, rotating an image in iMovie, adjusting how long the photo displays in the video, and how to adjust automatic settings when photos are imported (such as turning off the automatic Ken Burns effect or making all photos default to 6 seconds instead of just 4 seconds). D.Lee also shows how to grab a still image from a video.
Click Here to Play Episode 105

Episode 104: iMovie 09 Series 1 of 7 - Interface Basics

2009-11-12T19:03:00.001-05:00

In this part 1 of 7 series on iMovie 09, D.Lee Beard starts off by explaining the basic interface elements of iMovie 09.

Click Here to Play Episode 104 iMovie 09 Part 1

Episode 103: Removing Flash Cookies

2009-10-29T11:11:00.003-04:00

D.Lee Beard shows how to locate and remove those rarely found other cookies "Flash cookies" also called Locally Shared Objects (LSO's). Improve your privacy by selectively removing these items from your hard drive.

Show links are available at the AsktheTechies.com (episode 103, Computer Security Category).

Click Here to Play Episode 103

Review of Kodak Zi8 HD Video Camera

2009-10-22T12:14:00.001-04:00

As a follow up to the Flip cam Mino review, D.Lee Beard reviews the Kodak Zi8 competitor. Features reviewed: 1080 HD, 5MP Camera, audio quality and external port, image stabilization, screen size, HDMI output, and more.

Click Here to Play Episode 102: Kodak Zi8 Review

Episode 101: Viewer Questions on iPod, Compressor, and Installing Leopard Disks

2009-10-15T09:31:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers viewer questions on an iPod not working, using Compressor to export HD video, and problems installing Leopard with certain deisks. This video is 9min 24 sec - recorded October 2009.

Click her to Play Episode 101 Video

Episode 100: Skype 2.8 Review - Skype Screen & Video Phoning

2009-10-07T15:13:00.001-04:00

Brandon Jackson returns for the 100th episode of Ask the Techies to join D.Lee Beard in explaining how to share your computer screen with a fellow computer user remotely using the free Skype application and service. This works on both Windows and Macs and between Windows and Mac OS X and can be a great way of offering and receiving technical support. They also show how to use Skype to video and audio phone people for free (who also sign up for Skype), in addition to the paid phoning landline phones service that Skype offers. This Skype review is 13min 08 sec - recorded 10-2009.

Click Here to Play Episode 100: Skype 2.8 Review

Episode 99: Apple Tablet - E-Book: Truth and Speculation

2009-10-01T09:02:00.001-04:00

D.Lee answers viewer questions on what is that computer that D.Lee Beard uses that appears to be an Apple Tablet PC. D.Lee also speaks on the rumors of a soon to be released Apple tablet ebook reader and shows you how you can get your own tablet Mac today! (11min 16 sec)

Now With Chapter Markers!

There is lots of information in this video but you can easily navigate to the topics you want by using the chapters feature in the Quicktime Player.

Click Here to Play Episode 99: Apple Tablet - E-Book: Truth and Speculation

Episode 98: Quicktime X Review & Demo

2009-09-24T09:10:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard reviews and demos Mac OS X Snow Leopard's Quicktime X. He explains how to trim the video in Quicktime X, how to view chapter markers in Quicktime X, how to view flash video .flv video in Quicktime X, where to find free public domain video content online, how to convert .ogg video files into MP4 video format, and more.

Episode 98: Quicktime X Review & Demo HD Version

Episode 97: Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard Review

2009-09-16T19:17:00.003-04:00

Should you upgrade to Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard? Host D.Lee Beard helps give you the information you need to know to decide.

In this episode, D.Lee explains how to change icon sizes, how to add the date to the time portion of the menu bar, how to easily substitute text for abbreviations or substitute abbreviations for full text (and save on typing), how to use the new features of the Mac OS X Snow Leopard dock, how to view thumbnails of all open windows or only one applictions windows using the new Expose features in Snow Leopard, how to scan and annotate pdf documents with arrows and text using the updated Preview application, how to use Apple's Services menu to make your life easier, and explains the new faster iChat.

Now With Chapter Markers!

There is lots of information in this video but you can easily navigate to the topics you want by using the chapters feature in the Quicktime Player version.
Play Episode 97: Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard Review

Flipcam Mino HD Review

2009-09-02T08:28:00.002-04:00

Is the Flipcam portable video recorder going to meet your needs? D.Lee Beard presents a review of the Flipcam Mino HD digital video recorder. Included in the review are ease of use, storage capacity, audio quality, video quality, user interface, and whether it is a good choice for lecture, interview, and/or field video recording.
Flipcam Mino HD Review

Episode 95: Firefox Add-ons, Deleting Your Past

2009-08-19T12:06:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to delete your browser history & other info., engage in "private browsing", and how to create new user accounts (and delete unneeded ones) in Mac OS X. The second half of the show explains how to use Firefox add-ons (plug-ins) to personalize your browsing experience, help you learn a new language, completely block animated ads on web pages, and speed up your web and video web searches in a very cool 3-D way.
Episode 95: Firefox Add-ons, Deleting Your Past

Episode 94: Hard Drive Partitions

2009-08-11T12:34:00.003-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers a viewer question on changed hard drive partitions on Mac. (3min 59 sec)

Episode 94: Hard Drive Partitions

Episode 93: Moving iPhoto and iTunes Libraries

2009-08-04T13:41:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers viewer questions on how to rip your DVDs, and how to move your iPhoto and iTunes libraries to an external hard drive.
Episode 93: Moving iPhoto and iTunes Libraries

Episode 92: Final Cut Pro - Intermediate Tutorial

2009-05-19T08:26:00.002-04:00

This Final Cut Pro tutorial, part 4 of 4, covers intermediate editing with Final Cut Pro 6. In this video, D.Lee Beard explains how to move only a selected group of clips, adding graphics, resizing graphics and video, capturing a freeze frame image from a video clip, creating and adding a background image to fill behind a graphic, applying transitions, correcting color, adding lower thirds to video, rendering video, and exporting video into different formats using Compressor. (42min 39 sec)
Episode 92: Final Cut Pro - Intermediate Tutorial

Episode 91: Final Cut Pro Basic Editing Tutorial

2009-05-08T15:06:00.002-04:00

D.Lee Beard provides a tutorial in the basic of editing video with Final Cut Pro including working with layers, adding video to the timeline, zooming the view, turning off layers, unlinking audio from a video clip, trimming clips, slicing clips using the Blade tool, turning snapping on and off, when to use the Right Delete key and when to use the Backspace Delete key, using the pen tool to lower video and audio volume/levels, and turning on waveforms to synch two videos shot at the same time. (29min. 53sec)

Episode 91: Final Cut Pro Basic Editing Tutorial

Episode 90: Final Cut Pro Basic Interface and Settings

2009-04-30T09:56:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard provides a tutorial in the basic Final Cut Pro interface, system settings user settings. This is in preparation for Episode 91 where he will explain the basics of how to edit with Final Cut Pro. (12min. 35sec)

Episode 90: Final Cut Pro Basic Interface and Settings

Episode 89: Importing video with Final Cut Pro and iMovie

2009-04-24T17:20:00.003-04:00

D.Lee Beard explains how to import video into Final Cut Pro and iMovie including HDV video, SD digital video, SD analog video, and video directly from a miniDV HD camcorder. This video uses a Sony HVR video deck, an analog to digital video converter, and a Canon Vixia HV30. Thanks to James Madison University for their assistance in creating this video.
Episode 89: Importing video with Final Cut Pro and iMovie

Episode 88: Can Macs and PCs Get Along?

2009-04-21T07:57:00.001-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard answers viewer questions on upgrading Mac OS X vs. upgrading Windows, is Vista more secure than Mac OS X, how to get music and videos off an iPod and onto another computer, and can you use an Apple Mac keyboard on a PC? (9min. 20sec)

Episode 88: Can Macs and PCs Get Along?

Episode 87: Viewer Questions: Font Blurriness on Macs & Mac Remote Desktop

2009-04-09T15:27:00.003-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard answers viewer questions on Mac font blurriness and remote desktop control on a Mac. (5min. 28sec)

Episode 87: Viewer Questions: Font Blurriness on Macs & Mac Remote Desktop

Episode 86: ScreenFlow, Star Trek, Gaming: Mac or PC?

2009-03-19T10:41:00.003-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard explains how the techies videos get that smooth zooming in on the computer screen, where to find you own Star Trek communicator plus other replicas. He also addresses a viewer question on which is better for computer gaming, Mac or PC? (7min. 7sec)
Episode 86: ScreenFlow, Star Trek, Gaming: Mac or PC?

Are Macs Worth the Money?

2009-01-29T10:16:00.004-05:00

D.Lee Beard shows off his new Star Trek cellphone, addresses an IT department security e-mail, and answers viewer questions on whether Mac laptops are worth the money, why is Final Cut Pro so much faster on the Techies' computer, and how to change your Mac system keyboard and menus to other languages.
Are Macs Worth the Money?

Martin Luther King Day Episode

2009-01-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

D.Lee honors the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and more viewer questions answered including thoughts on Apple's iWork, formatting a Mac, and backing up your hard drive. Also, in response to a viewer comment, D.Lee presents a call to action to viewers for new Ask the Techies opening/closing music. (17min. 23sec)

Martin Luther King Day Episode

VNC, iMovie, AC Adapter, & Everything (Ep.83)

2009-01-14T09:32:00.003-05:00

In this episode, D.Lee Beard answers viewer questions on how to control a networked Mac via a PC (a follow up tip), when should you use the AC Adapter on your laptop, how to clear out those unwanted video clips in iMovie from your hard drive, and where to learn everything about computers in video format. (26min. 26sec)

VNC, iMovie, AC Adapter, & Everything (Ep.83)

We're Back and in HD!

2009-01-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

HD version available at AsktheTechies.com . After a 6 month hiatus, viewer questions are answered on formatting Mac hard drives, iMovie stuttering, and can you connect to a Mac from a PC?
We're Back and in HD

Windows Remote Desktop: Secure through SSH

2008-06-23T14:24:00.005-04:00

Nathan Galieti is back again to expand on his previous Ask the Techies videos on SSH and Windows Remote Desktop. In this video he shows you how to use SSH to securely connect to your Windows computer via Windows Remote Desktop from both a Windows and Mac OS X computer. View more and comment on this episode at: http://AsktheTechies.com

Windows Remote Desktop: Secure through SSH

Viewer E-mail & Verve

2008-06-13T12:50:00.001-04:00

D.Lee Beard addresses viewer e-mails on Firefox 3's back button fix, Ad blocker for Safari, and Verveearth. (7min. 11sec). Remember to vote on our web site whether you like the several shorter segments or long 1/2 hours combined episodes: http://AsktheTechies.com

Viewer E-mail & Verve

Securing your internet connection while away from home with SSH

2008-06-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

Nathan Galieti explains SSH and how it can make your web browsing more secure by tunneling through your home computer. Both Mac OS X (*nix) and Windows directions are explained. (please excuse the poor audio quality on this episode as we ran into some technical difficulty and did not have time to reshoot the topic. It is our opinion that the hosts are still understandable and that this is still informative).
(16min, 17sec)
Securing your internet connection while away from home with SSH

Viewer Questions on Mac virus and building a Mac PC

2008-06-06T08:55:00.004-04:00

D.Lee Beard answers two viewer questions. First, a strange e-mail attachment from a friend: is it a virus? Second, how to build your own Macintosh computer PC.
Viewer Questions on Mac virus and building a Mac PC

More Audiobooks for Free

2008-06-04T10:58:00.002-04:00

D.Lee Beard addresses a viewer e-mail on our previous episode on free audiobooks online. (2min 5sec)
More Audiobooks for Free

How to Save a Document into Various Formats

2008-06-03T13:53:00.003-04:00

Tim Welsh explains how to save a Word document into more universally acceptable formats such as .doc, .rtf, and .pdf using MS Office and NeoOffice.
How to Save a Document into Various Formats

Episode 76: OpenOffice2 Review

2008-05-29T17:07:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard explores the free open source OpenOffice and NeoOffice as alternatives to the expensive Microsoft Office suites.
OpenOffice2 Review

Ep. 75: Firefox 3, Word Grammar, Mac OS X desktop/screensaver, RAID, synch Mac and PC

2008-05-19T16:24:00.003-04:00

D.Lee Beard presents a demo and review of Firefox 3 beta. Tim Welsh explains how to take control of MS Word's grammar features by customizing what it checks or doesn't check for. Viewer questions are answered on how to change the Mac OS X desktop pictures, how to change the Mac OS X screensaver images, to RAID or not to RAID, and how to automatically synch files between a Mac and Windows PC. (36 min. 33 sec.)
Firefox 3, Word Grammar, Mac OS X desktop/screensaver, RAID, synch Mac and PC

Ep. 74: AppleTV, Photoshop Warping, & Viewer Questions

2008-05-01T11:47:00.004-04:00

In this episode, D.Lee presents a review of the Apple TV and show you how you can use it to watch your favorite Podcasts even without a computer.

Brandon explains how to warp an image around a 3-D object using Photoshop.

Viewer questions are answered on where is the missing Sorensen codec in iMovie, GIMP, upgrading a hard drive on MacBook Pro, how to securely dispose of that old computer hard drive that won't even boot, and are external Firewire hard drives reliable?
Send us your questions at:
Questions@AsktheTechies.com

Ep. 74: AppleTV, Photoshop Warping, & Viewer Questions

Episode 73: Jawbone and Google Astronomy

2008-04-11T14:59:00.007-04:00

Tim Welsh joins D.Lee Beard to present a review of the Jawbone Bluetooth wireless cellphone earpiece/microphone. Can the Jawbone's noise cancellation feature block your obnoxious friend yelling right next to you? How comfortable is the Jawbone?

The Techies also explore the universe with Google's new online Google Sky feature as well as Google Mars and Moon. And as usual, viewer questions are answered as well. Send the Techies your viewer questions at questions@AsktheTechies.com

Episode 73: Jawbone and Google Astronomy

Win the Techies' Slingbox A/V

2008-04-04T17:34:00.001-04:00

Watch this video to learn how you can win a Slingbox A/V from Ask the Techies!

How to Win a Slingbox Video

Episode 72: Slingbox Review, Free Audiobooks online, Viewer Questions

2008-04-03T13:06:00.008-04:00

In this episode, Brandon Jackson joins D.Lee Beard to present an in-depth review of the Slingbox A/V, explore where to find free downloadable audiobooks online, and to answer viewer questions on using an iMac as a display and how to share files over a local network between a Mac and a Windows PC .
Links to audiobook sites are available at our home page, AsktheTechies.com
Be sure to check out our next video to learn how you can win the Techies' Slingbox and begin watching your home TV from all over the world via the internet.
If you subscribe to this video feed but don't use an iPod to view Ask the Techies, you should move to our H.264 web version for improved quality and smaller file sizes.

Episode 72: Slingbox Review, Free Audiobooks online, Viewer Questions

Episode 71: Epson R280 & Free Books Online

2008-03-20T16:06:00.002-04:00

In this video, D.Lee Beard reviews two products: the Epson R280 6-color inkjet printer which can print on CDs and DVDs as well as 8.5 x 11 paper, and a review of the Kingston 19-in-1 Media Card Reader. He also explains how to find free books online, and viewer questions are answered on video instant messaging, and mac compatible mp3 players.
Be sure to check out our http://AsktheTechies.com web site, Episode 71, for links to items discussed in this video.

Episode 71: Epson R280 & Free Books Online

Episode 70b: (updated version) Portable DVD/iPod Player Review, Mac OS 10.5.2, Digital TV Broadcasts, & more!

2008-03-13T14:28:00.004-04:00

D.Lee Beard presents a review of the Phillips portable DVD player with iPod docking ability, review of Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.2, discusses the fear mongering going on about the switch to Digital TV in February 2009, presents viewer feedback on free programs to build animated gifs, and he answers more of your viewer questions.

Links for the show are available at our AsktheTechies.com web site.
Episode 70b: (updated version) Portable DVD/iPod Player Review, Mac OS 10.5.2, Digital TV Broadcasts, & more!

Viewer Questions on Converting Songs & Video Into iPod Format & more!

2008-02-08T15:40:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard answers viewer questions on how to convert songs and video into iPod compatible formats using iTunes, how to rip a DVD into a format that iMovie can read, and more.
Viewer Questions on Converting Songs & Video Into iPod Format & more!

Episode 68: How to Create an Animated Gif

2008-01-31T10:51:00.003-05:00

Photoshop wizard, Brandon Jackson, explains how to create an animated gif from your images and from video. More specifically, he explains how to limit the number of times/cycles your gif animates, how to specify the duration of each specific frame in your animation, and how to automatically add in between images - tweening.
Animated gifs are a great way to express information in place of just a single image and even works on older computers and web browsers (unlike Flash).

Episode 68: How to Create an Animated Gif

Episode 67: Macworld 2008

2008-01-19T17:23:00.001-05:00

D.Lee Beard clarifies out Second Life system requirements. D.Lee also offers a review of Apple's Macworld 208 announcemnts including the MacBook Air, Time Capsule, Apple TV and HD movie rentals. Should you get the new MacBook Air? He fills you in on what Apple didn't tell you to help you make an informed decision.

Episode 67: Macworld 2008

Episode 66: "Second LIfe" Orientation & Introduction 1-Hour Special

2008-01-09T18:50:00.000-05:00

Chris Keesey of Ohio University joins host D.Lee Beard in explaining the popular online 3-D world known as Second Life.

They explain what Second Life is, some of the basic terminology, how to get onto Second Life, what is in Second Life that makes it special (including a visit to Babylon 5), how to move around and navigate within this 3-D world, how to communicate with others, and more as they walk you through a personalized demo of Second Life.

There was so much to cover that the techies made this a bonus 1 Hour long special!

Join D.Lee Beard and Chris Keesey in Second Life for a special Second Life LIVE EVENT Friday, January 25th at 1pm Eastern Time (USA) on the Ohio University Second Life Campus Auditorium D.Lee and Chris will be answering LIVE viewer questions about Second Life and technology in general.

Go to http://AsktheTechies.com for a quick link to this Ohio University Second Life event location.

Episode 66: "Second LIfe" Orientation & Introduction 1-Hour Special

Episode 65: Support the Techies & Viewer Question Marathon

2008-01-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

In this episode, D.Lee Beard announces the independence of Ask the Techies as a private company.

D.Lee also goes on a viewer question marathon answering questions on: creating a web site including domain registration and hosting; how to format a hard drive for Mac System 8; suggestions for video telephoning; is Windows Vista bad; is Mac OS X more secure; viewing magazines online; and he shares viewer comments on previous episodes including leopard and a solution for a wireless USB hub for Mac. This is a long episode, but there were just too many good questions this week. (50min 36sec)

Episode 65: Support the Techies & Viewer Question Marathon

Episode 64: Feliz Navidad & Viewer Questions

2007-12-22T15:31:00.000-05:00

In this episode, Viewer Questions are answered on how to defrag a Mac hard drive, problems erasing an NTFS hard drive on Mac OS 10.4, how to uninstall programs and their related files on a Mac, problems with Parallels, and how to create a wireless USB hub.
Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Episode 64: Feliz Navidad & Viewer Questions

Episode 63: Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 Final Review

2007-12-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

Is Leopard the new Vista? Should you upgrade now or wait? In this episode, Brandon and D.Lee present the last part (3) of their Mac OS X Leopard review.
Among the topics discussed are Parental Controls, Safari 3 features, the ever changing dock icons, PhotoBooth video, improvements to Preview, spaces, guest account, and more. 40min 50sec. http://AsktheTechies.com
Episode 63: Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 Final Review

Episode 62: YouTube Us Your Questions, Mac OS X Leopard Review Part 2

2007-12-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

D.Lee and Brandon invite you to send us your question via video. They show you how and for free! Also, where else to find video internet shows including iTunes, Joost, Miro, Veoh, and Blip.TV Their review of the new Mac OS X Leopard continues with information on how to instantly view files without having to open a related application, the new cover flow feature for viewing a folder of files, Dock feature new and missing, record your video chats using iChat, how to create your own widgets, and cool new hidden features of the new DVD player built into the Mac OS X Leopard.
Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: Cody Moore

Visit us at: http://AskTheTechies.com

Episode 62: YouTube Us Your Questions, Mac OS X Leopard Review Part 2

Episode 61: Photoshop background blur and Mac OS X First Looks Review

2007-11-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

In this video: How to blur the background of an image in Photoshop CS3. Also, the Techies offer their first look at the new Mac OS X Leopard operating system. This is NOT your "fanboi" review. They point out some of the best features AND tell you what Apple was afraid to tell you.

Episode 61: Photoshop background blur and Mac OS X First Looks Review

Episode 60: Parallels 3 Review: Windows Apps on a Mac - Now Easier!

2007-11-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

D.Lee Beard and Brandon Jackson demonstrate some of the more powerful features of Parallels version 3 such as "Coherence" which allows you to run Microsoft Windows applications along side your Mac applications without having to view a Windows desktop. (24min 44sec)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: Cody Moore, D.Lee Beard

Become a "Techie" yourself:
Share your comments, knowledge and experiences as well on the Ask the Techies Blog!
(requires a free Google account)

"Ask the Techies" hosts will be posting to the Comments section as well.

NEXT WEEK: Photoshop background blurring tip, Mac OS X.5 Leopard: a first looks review, how to erase and format CDs and hard drives on a Mac, plus how to resize a partition using Apple's Disk Utility.

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 60: Parallels 3 Review: Windows Apps on a Mac - Now Easier!

Episode 59: iMac Glossy Review, Hard Drive Recommendations, French Videos (ooh la la), How to Zoom in a Screen, & Viewer Criticisms

2007-11-02T15:47:00.000-04:00

D.Lee Beard presents a review of the glossy screen 2007 iMac: this is not your typical "fanboy" review.

This video is also chock-full of viewer e-mail including questions on hard drive brand recommendations, watching French fromatted videos, how to zoom in the computer screen on Macs and Windows, and criticicsms on the Techies video sizes & Mac vs. PC review. (38min 56sec)

NEXT WEEK: Run Windows on the iMac with Paralles: in-depth

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 59: iMac Glossy Review, Hard Drive Recommendations, French Videos (ooh la la), How to Zoom in a Screen, & Viewer Criticisms

Episode 58: Questions from the Podcast and New Media Expo

2007-10-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

Brandon Jackson joins D.Lee Beard to discuss his trip to the 2007 Podcast and New Media Expo in Ontario, California. While there, D.Lee videotaped some viewer questions on removing pops and clicks in audio, video editing Linux, and are cookies safe for your computer to eat? D.Lee and Brandon answer these questions and also share some of their experiences in american airports. (24min 53sec)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: Cody Moore, D.Lee Beard

Become a "Techie" yourself:
Share your comments, knowledge and experiences as well on the Ask the Techies Blog!
(requires a free Google account)

"Ask the Techies" hosts will be posting to the Comments section as well.

NEXT WEEK: Glossy iMac 2007 review and gobs of your viewer questions.
Send us your questions: AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 58: Questions from the Podcast and New Media Expo

Episode 57: iMovie HD '06, Part II

2007-10-16T14:07:00.001-04:00

In part 2, D.Lee Beard continues to explain how to use iMovie 06 (iMovie HD).

D.Lee explores the "Editing" tab to demonstrate how to add titles, themes, video effects, audio effects, transitions between video clips or photos, and apply "Themes" as another type of title effect to your video. He also explains how to add "Chapter" markers for longer videos burned to DVD, or exported for iPod, so that one can skip a section of the video the same way one skips sections on a professional DVD. Speaking of DVDs and iPods, D.Lee explains how to burn your video to a DVD disk that can play in a TV DVD player using iDVD, how to export your video as a QuickTime movie that can be played on an iPod (or not), and how to even export it to videotape.

Stick around to the end and you'll see a short (and very silly) video that was edited entirely in iMovie 06. Hopefully this will inspire you to see what you can do with even simple editing techniques. It is a tribute to the Monty Python "dead parrot" skit although we use a "dead computer" being brought into the local "Geniuis Counter" at the local computer store. Smiles everyone! (29min 35sec)

Host: D.Lee Beard

NEXT WEEK: Questions from attendees at the Podcast and New Media Expo in California!

Like this show? Go to your e-mail program and send us an e-mail. We want to hear from all of you. AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

AskTheTechies.com

Episode 57: iMovie HD '06, Part II

Episode 56: iMovie, Part I

2007-10-05T16:29:00.001-04:00

In this two part video, D.Lee Beard explains how to use iMovie 06 (iMovie HD).

He explains how to import video, how to arrage, and reaarange clips. D.Lee also shows you how delete unwanted portions of video you imported.

Did you know you could make an entire movie out of just photos? D.Lee shows you how including using such features as the Ken Burns effect.

Since no movie is complete without audio (even silent movies had music being played live in the theater), D.Lee shows you how to import multiple audio files and sound effects into iMovie as well as how to edit their volume levels. (27min 23sec)

NEXT WEEK: Part II on iMovie, with advanced features.

Host: D.Lee Beard

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 56: iMovie, Part I

Episode 55: Frequently Missed Internet Skills

2007-09-21T15:27:00.001-04:00

In this video, D.Lee offers suggestions on how to do credible research on the internet from Wikipedia and Citizendium to university library resources.

E-mail etiquette is sorely lacking these days, and D.Lee gives you some tips on how to avoid being rude.

Computer security is always a concern, and D.Lee offers some tips regarding you anonymity (or lack thereof) , some tips for working with USB flash drives, and more.

Viewer questions are also answered on using Rosetta for the Shockwave player for Mac, and microphone hookups for older Macs.

(20min 11sec)

This instructional video podcast is available in the MP4 iPod Video compatible format & in a higher quality H.264 format for viewing on a computer (requires QuickTime 7 Player installed).

Hosts: D.Lee Beard

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.

Episode 55: Frequently Missed Internet Skills

Episode 54: Mac vs. Windows PC

2007-09-17T13:27:00.000-04:00

Should you buy a Macintosh or a Windows computer. In this video, D.Lee Beard explains why we have two different major operating systems by taking a brief look at computer history. He then explains some of the differences between the Macintosh operating system and Windows. Hardware choices for Macs and Windows are explored as well as the ability to run Windows on an Apple computer with Parallels. (21min 44sec)

This instructional video podcast is available in the MP4 iPod Video compatible format & in a higher quality H.264 format for viewing on a computer (requires QuickTime 7 Player installed).

Hosts: D.Lee Beard

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.

Episode 54: Mac vs. Windows PC

Episode 53: TV Pilot

2007-07-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

In this video:
•How to compare different aerial photo maps, like Google's and Yahoo's, with just one click.

•How to tranfer huge amounts of data from one computer to another quickly, Mac or Windows!

•Viewer Questions are answered on recharging an iPod and choosing a RAID storage format.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard , Brandon Jackson, Tim Welsh (27min 10sec)

This instructional video podcast is available in the MP4 iPod Video compatible format & in a higher quality H.264 format for viewing on a computer (requires QuickTime 7 Player installed).

Like this show? Go to your e-mail program and send us an e-mail. We want to hear from all of you. Our e-mail address is really simple, AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

Episode 53: TV Pilot