High-Def Advisor

Tutorials

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Use Lifextender to remove commercials from recorded TV shows 04/11/2008 11:54:00
Get rid of ads from TV shows you've recorded on your media centre PC

My TiVo of choice is actually a media-center PC, one running Windows Vista and its aptly named Media Center software (a staple in the Home Premium and Ultimate versions). Part of what I love about it is the extensive library of third-party tools and add-ons. My favorite: Lifextender, which automatically removes the commercials from recorded TV shows.
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Have movies on your PC? Watch them on TV 20/10/2008 00:41:00
Wireless streaming to your HDTV.

You have movies on your PC? Me, too, and I'm using MediaGate's nifty multi-media hi-def player to wirelessly--and effortlessly--beam them to my TV.
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Why do I still get black bars on my HDTV? 03/09/2008 17:09:00
Why, even with a Blu-Ray player and discs, won't movies fill your HDTV's screen

Letterboxing (black or grey bars on the top and bottom of the TV screen) and pillarboxing (similar bars on the sides) serve an important function: They present the content in its correct aspect ratio -- the way its creators intended it to be seen.
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The Specs that matter (and the specs that don't) 01/09/2008 17:00:00
Technology stores and shopping sites bombard you with details about a device's speeds, resolutions, formats, and more. But much of that data is less important than it may seem. These are the specs to pay attention to when you’re in the market for a PC, laptop, HDTV, camera, or router.

It usually goes like this: An ad in the paper (or online) catches your eye. It lists a few product specs and claims some special features, but that's about it. Still, the price seems okay. May as well pull out the wallet now, right? Wrong!
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How to calibrate your HDTV 23/07/2008 16:09:19
If you haven't calibrated your HDTV, you're probably not seeing the picture you paid for. Here's how to get a near-perfect image on your high-def screen without breaking the bank.

You spent a lot of money on your fancy new HDTV, but its picture probably isn't as good as it could be. If you want to see exciting sports events and movies that look the way the broadcasters and filmmakers intended, you need to calibrate your HDTV.
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Stream media from your PC to your HDTV 02/06/2008 14:50:00
Our easy guide shows you how

So you just bought a shiny new high definition TV set and you're loving the quality you get from digital cable and DVDs. If you also have HD video on your PC, whether downloaded from the Internet, recorded with a TV tuner, or imported from your HD camcorder, you're in luck: You can send it from your computer to the TV for the ultimate digital entertainment experience.
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How to transfer movies from VHS to DVD 30/05/2008 16:14:07
Safeguard memories with our step-by-step guide

Here's how to copy your home movies from videotapes to DVD. It doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming.
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How to edit HD video with Windows Movie Maker 30/05/2008 14:50:23
Make the most out of Windows' built-in image-editing app

We show you how to create the perfect home move, complete with titles, music and transitions, then output it to DVD or as an email attachment.
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How to import HD video into Windows Vista 30/05/2008 15:26:11
Transfer high-definition footage to your Vista PC

With Windows Movie Maker, importing and editing high-definition footage is as easy as leaping out of a plane. So, first things first, let's get that footage from camera to PC.