| Selecting A Sound Card | | Print | |
If you remember the days of Atari and “Pong,” you probably also remember the
personal computer’s first sound: beep. Yes, you are correct, in the early stages of
computing, computers were only able to utter a beep. This sound was used as a
warning to the user that something might be amiss. Later on, technicians were able
to toy with the length and frequency of the beep, thus creating a bit more variety to
the listener. Fast forwarding to today, special sound cards now enable computers to
play 3-D audio, which is extensively used for games, as well as surround sound
playback for actual DVDs. Some sound cards even enable computer users to record
the sounds around them and create almost professional audio recordings!
Sounds cards’ most basic function is the translation of analog sound waves into
digital
computer data that may be manipulated in any number of ways.
While this sounds fairly straight forward, it is imperative to remember that not all
sound cards are created equal, and depending on the extensiveness of your need for
this little device, there are some things to consider. Let us take a quick look at the
top three things to consider when considering which sound card to use:
1. Consider the sound card’s bit-rate. No matter what use you will have for your
sound card; the bit-rate will affect your enjoyment of the sound. Usually, these
cards rate anywhere from eight to 16 bit; however, the most advanced technology
now supports 24-bit sound quality. While the numbers appear close, this is the
time to remember that the bit-rate is directly related to the clarity and “detail” you
will be able to discern when listening to the sounds. Akin to the way resolution of a
picture is measured in pixels (and the more pixels the higher the resolution, the
crisper the picture), clarity of sound may be expressed via the bit-rate.
2. Consider the sound card’s connections. At the basic level, sound cards will permit
for the connection of a microphone and of speakers. Yet those users, who need
additional connectivity for recreational or even professional use, have caused the
development of a whole host of additional input and output connections. For
example, depending on the card, some now offer connections for multiple speakers
to support 3-D and also surround sound. Other connections allow for the
connection of synthesizers and other electronic instruments to the computers’
sound cards. The specific form of connector is referred to as musical instrument
digital interface (MIDI). USB connections also allow for the hook up of digital audio
and video recorders to the sound cards.
3. Last but not least, consider compatibility with the software you use. The sound
card is designed to give the audio portion of your data its due, but if your sound
card will not support your software, you will be frustrated at best. For example, if
you are a serious computer gamer, you are familiar with DirectX software. This
software is a standard for Windows based games, and as such it is updated
frequently by Microsoft. Purchase of an older model sound card may not support
the latest software update, and thus be useless. For those who are strict music
lovers and notice the lack of tuning the second violin in the orchestra has received,
there are some other ratings that will be of interest to you. First there is the signal
to noise ratio (S2N) which may be measured in DB’s. The lower the signal to noise
ratio, the lower the sound quality will be. At the lowest end of the spectrum you
may hear humming or whistling in addition to the sound. Secondly, you may wish
to evaluate the total harmonic distortion (THD) offered.
The higher the THD, the worse the sound quality is expected to be. Obviously,
computers have come a long ways from the original “beep” many of you will
remember. With this loss of simplicity, we now find ourselves at a point where it is
up to the users to define just how much of this technology they will need, which
aspects are the most crucial in compatibility, and how the technology needs to be
configured to best benefit the individual user.
Selecting A Printer
Do you remember the good old days of the dot matrix printer? Do you remember the
holed computer paper it required and how hard it was to feed this continuous paper
into the printer without getting it in a bit crooked? Do you remember just how loud
the old dot matrix machines were?
If you remember all this, then you also remember the joy you experienced when you
laid eyes on your first laser printer! Of course, printers have come a long way, and a
laser printer is no longer the holy grail of printers. If you are in the market for a new
printer, here are five essential qualities you may wish to look for in your printer:
1. Resolution is a number one quality. Dot matrix printers did not deliver very good
images, but inkjet printers (which essentially deliver tiny droplets of ink onto the
paper when preparing the image) offer such a high resolution that they are often
used to create photo-quality images. The resolution itself is measured as dots per
inch (dpi), and high end models deliver resolutions of up to 1440x720 dpi.
2. Operating economy is a definite number two. As nice as the high resolution
images an ink jet printer creates are, the ink is expensive and the process is
comparatively slow. For this reason, a laser printer makes for a wonderful
alternative. This kind of printer moves very quickly and thus creates pages truly at
the greatest speed imaginable. 80 to 100 page documents may be printed in a
fraction of the time an ink jet printer will require. Additionally, a laser printer is
less expensive to operate, since a toner cartridge for such a device lasts for a very
long time, and thus in the long run makes it cheaper to operate than an ink jet
printer which needs to have its toner cartridges replaced quite frequently.
3. Photo-lab quality is a number three essential, since it only affects a certain
demographic of computer users. For most users, an ink jet will offer enough
resolution to create photo-quality images but those who will rely on the computer
for most of their photographic imagery manipulation needs, as well as those who
are in the business of photography, dye-sublimation printers will permit them to
have their own photo lab inside their office and home. Because of the processes
involved in this method of printing, individual dots are softened by a gradation
process, which will allow these images to appear crystal clear.
4. For those who regularly print large volumes of documents, black print speed
(which is the amount of time it takes for a printer to print out a black and white
page) is a serious concern, yet since this is again a smaller demographic, it is rated
as a number four quality. Although much more expensive than their slower working
cousins, these printers offer a 400 x 400 dpi resolution and a speed 70 pages per
minute which is an amazing feat!
5. Final considerations for those with special printing needs are the maximum media
printers. This form of printing refers to the maximum size and format of paper
(which is the medium) which the printer is able to print on. Most every printer uses
the standardized 8.5x11 size sheets of paper. Yet some printers will allow for
specialized receipt rolls or payroll checks which are essentially akin to the old dot
matrix continuous feed paper. Other specialized printers may print out envelopes,
folders, ledger pages and even tabloid sized papers.
It is easy to see that there is a specialized printer out there for every need. Prior to
running out and purchasing one, however, a user must be very clear on the
importance certain features will or will not have for the intended use. It would not
make much sense to spend a lot of money on a high resolution photographic image
printer, when the actual use the printer is intended for are long printouts of
manuscripts devoid of any images.
Similarly, a laser printer is a great piece of office machinery, but a home photo lab
will not do well in using it to create high resolution images. No matter what the need
is, we have come a long way since the first dot matrix printers made their whirring
sounds in the computer landscape.
Selecting A Scanner
So it is time for you to buy a scanner. Well, no matter whether you are relatively
inexperienced and working with a tight budget or a professional in need of high
quality scanning in order to sell your award winning photographs, these are some
tips you will want to take.
First of all, concerning your scanner purchase, know your budget. How much do you
want to spend on your scanner, and how much are you willing to spend. Those may
be two very different numbers, so make sure you know exactly what you want and
what you are willing to spend on this piece of equipment. Largely, this will be based
on what you plan to use it on, but there is such a large range in price of scanners
(about $50 up to $50,000) that you really need a starting point. Though it is easy to
say you want the best, you have to stay within your means with any computer
hardware purchase.
Second, go into the process knowing not only what you want to spend, but also what
you are going to use it for exactly. Scanners can be used, depending on type, for
anything from scanning prints and other flat works of art to scanning film negatives
and transparencies. They can even be used to scan text which can then be converted
into editable files. With such a wide range of uses and potential uses, you want to
make sure you know what you are going to use your scanner for. Also, with the huge
price range in scanners you need to be aware of what your needs will cost. As a rule,
the top end and very expensive models are used in publishing or by businesses that
offer scanning services. For the most part, these are directed at photographers.
Lucky for you, though, the best affordable scanners offer fantastic quality.
Third, decide what kind of resolution you are going to need. There are two figures in
optical resolution which express the dots or pixels per inch. A typical flatbed scanner
might have a resolution of say 1200x600. The entire resolution idea can be confusing
and frustrating.
However, it is actually rarely too important if you are simply scanning
prints of some sort. If that is the case, you will rarely want to use more than 600dpi
and most scanners do allow for that resolution.
Fourth, consider what size scanner you need. Most flatbed scanners will have a
platen that can scan an A4 page. There are actually some smaller scanners as well,
but they are limited to photographs of up to 6”x4” only. There are larger ones too,
though. There are also some consumer level scanners that can scan A3 at reasonable
prices. If, however, you need a high quality large flatbed scanner for reproduction
quality scans, be prepared to spend a lot of money. They reach very high prices.
Fifth, when buying a scanner, consider the type of software you will want or need
with it. The software supplied by the scanner’s manufacturer is usually in the form of
a twain or similar driver that interfaces with your computer’s imaging program. In
general, the manufacturers do not supply high quality software with the scanner.
Some scanners, however, come with third party software, and it is usually of higher
quality. You may also choose to buy the software yourself. This is usually necessary
if you are intending to scan film instead of just prints.
Buying a scanner is not as simple as just running to the store, glancing over the
shelf and walking one up to the counter. There are numerous types, brands, and
styles of scanners out there for consumers or professionals to buy and use. Though
these five tips will help, the most important thing for you to do overall is to educate
yourself. Know exactly what you want in a scanner, how much you want to spend,
what you like and dislike in various models, and what you intend to use if for. Once
you know what you want, educate yourself on the product, and know where to go,
you will be able to buy with confidence and without regret. A scanner is a valuable
tool. Now it is just a matter of making sure you have the right one for you.| Users' Comments (0) |
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