Search results matching tag 'technology'

Open House - Gizmos & Gadgets

wag.mado@evpl — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:09:00 GMT

Please join us on Monday, July 18th when the Savvy Seniors Series and Best Buy present, "Gizmos & Gadgets". This event is an Open House for all ages and will be held in the Browning Events Room from 3:00-8:30 PM. No reservations are required and you may stop by anytime and peruse the booths - where the newest technological devices will be displayed. We will have a little of everything from digital cameras, smart phones, laptops to e-readers. The Geek Squad from Best Buy will be there to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Stop by and start letting technology work for you!

3DTV, or how your brand new HDTV is already obsolete

professor.knowsitall@evpl — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:34:00 GMT

In case you were unaware, 3D is once again all the rage. With the record-breaking success of Avatar, movie studios, TV networks, and electronics manufacturers are looking to capitalize on this recent surge in popularity.

There has never been a good way to reproduce the "3D movie theater" experience at home (those red/blue glasses don't count!). That will supposedly change with 3DTVs (3D-capable HDTVs). All the major TV manufacturers had 3DTVs on display earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show, with the first models expected to go on sale this summer. Movies will be available in 3D on Blu-ray Disc, and TV networks may broadcast in 3D (ESPN & The Discovery Channel are launching 3D channels). Sony has also demoed PlayStation 3 videogames in 3D.

In non-techie terms, 3D video works by having footage from two perspectives...one for the left eye and one for the right. By using 3D glasses, video intended for the left eye is hidden from the right eye and vice versa.

You've probably seen DVDs that come with the old-school red & blue glasses. While the 3D effect is okay, these glasses decrease brightness, give everything a green hue, and can even cause headaches/eye strain.

Most movie theaters nowadays use polarized 3D (i.e. glasses with grey lenses). This provides for incredible 3D without affecting color or brightness. But this isn't possible at home, as it requires a projector with a special lens and a special screen to project onto.

3DTVs will utilize wirelessly-synchronized shutter glasses, while quickly alternating between the left & right perspectives. The lenses are actually thin LCDs that darken & lighten. So the TV will display a single frame intended for your left eye, the right lens on the shutter glasses will darken completely, and only your left eye will see the frame. The next frame is only for your right eye, so when the TV displays it the left lens will darken & the right lens will lighten, making the frame viewable only to your right eye. As this will be running at 120 frames per second, it should appear silky smooth to the human eye.

Being the nerd that I am, in-home 3D definitely sounds cool. But with prices dropping on HDTVs, will consumers be willing to pay a premium for 3DTVs? Will folks that already own a HDTV go through the hassle of upgrading? Will current-gen Blu-ray players be 3D-compatible, or will they have to be upgraded with newer players? And will movie/TV-watchers and gamers scoff at having to constantly wear dorky 3D glasses?

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!

More Info

CES 2010 TV Trends @ AnandTech: An article about upcoming TVs shown at the Consumer Electronics Show.
The Illustrated 3D Movie List: A list of past, and upcoming, 3D movies.
Next "Harry Potter" Movies Coming in 3D: Warner Brothers just announced that the upcoming Harry Potter movies will be in 3D.

Additional Computer Basics Class Added for October First

Bufkinite@evpl — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Due to the fact that all three computer basics classes filled up very quickly, EVPL has added an additional class to the fall schedule, for October 1st, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

This class will teach you all you need to know to get started using a computer without fear, and includes learning to use the mouse and keyboard, how to open different programs, and how to use the Microsoft Windows operating system.

You'll also learn the difference between hardware and software, and a little of the history of how computers developed from the first machines, which took up entire buildings but had less computing power than an iPod, to the laptop and handheld computers of today.

Registration information for this class can be found here.

Information about other computer classes can be found here.

Evernote

librarianinheels@evpl — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:23:00 GMT

I spend a lot of time trying to find things on the Internet. Not just for other people - for me, too. And a lot of times, I will find a web address, write it down, and promptly forget about it - or find it days, weeks, even months later - with absolutely no idea of why I jotted it down in the first place. I've recently discovered a handy way to keep track of all of those sites I've been meaning to check out, but never had the chance to, for whatever reason.

I subscribe to a lot of tech blogs, because I like gadgety things, and one entry a few months ago praised this little emerging site called Evernote. With Evernote, you can 'clip' items from the web and save them to personal folders...similar to Google Notebook, or Yahoo Notebook. Evernote is different, however, in that it can be synched with iPod Touch or iPhone, so you can access your notes at any time from your mobile device. A free account allows you to clip and save a lot of material - but for a nominal fee (something like $5 per month), you can have access to all the bells and whistles Evernote offers. For more information about what it is and how it works (I'm still learning myself!) click here.

Iconic Great Depression photos viewable at Flickr

librarianinheels@evpl — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:19:00 GMT

If you're not aware of Flickr, or what it is/does/can do, it's an online community for photo sharing...check it out at http://flickr.com. The White House has a photostream, as does the Library of Congress, which is making available to the public via flickr digitized versions of many of the most recognizable images from the Depression-era photdocumentary project conducted by the U.S. Resettlement Organization and the Farm Security Administration, and later the Office of War Information. The project was most active between 1935-1943, and the entire collection was transferred to the Library of Congress in 1944. Perhaps the most iconic and recognizable of all the images is "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange, a landmark photo that put real faces on the plight of regular Americans during the Depression and the Dust Bowl. A set within the LOC's photostream, entitled FSA/OWI Favorites, contains staff picks and other favorite and famous photos from that collection.

It is amazing what's available to the general public via Flickr. It's worth it just to go to the site and see all of the glorious photos taken by people all over the world - but the LOC and White House Pages are a marvel. Some photos are available for download and use for things like research and school projects - however, please keep in mind that copyright restrictions do apply to content posted on Flickr, if you want to use a photo for something more than your own personal edification. At any rate, check it out!

Now You Can Download eBooks to Your Sony® Reader!

Bufkinite@evpl — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:10:00 GMT

EVPL customers have been asking about when they'll be able to load eBooks onto their Sony® Readers or Amazon Kindles. Beginning May 15th, they can start downloading eBooks to the Sony® Readers, thanks to the availability of eBooks from OverDrive in the new Adobe® EPUB format.

On the OverDrive pages, there is an entire page devoted to frequently asked questions about the EPUB format, as well a page listing all of the titles available for download in the new format.

More about the Sony® Reader can be found at Sony's web site.

Due to Digital Rights Management (DRM) issues, and the fact that it was primarily invented to push proprietary content, the Amazon Kindle is not supported by any format currently provided by OverDrive. Also, early reviews about difficulty migrating Kindle 1 content to the Kindle 2 device should give avid readers pause when it comes to investing in a Kindle.

Google Public Data Search

librarianinheels@evpl — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:48:00 GMT

One of the great things about Google that not many are aware of is its versatility when it comes to finding information. For example, if you want to know how to convert $500 into Euros, go to www.google.com, type in 500 dollars in euros, and hit enter. You'll get the value of US Dollars to Euros at the current level of exchange.

Now it's possible to search for public data records using Google that may be otherwise difficult, or at least cumbersome, to find. For example, if you want to know the Unemployment Rate in Vanderburgh County, go to www.google.com, type in "unemployment rate Vanderburgh County Indiana" (without the quotes), and hit enter. You'll get a direct link, with a graphic, at the top of the search page. When you click on the graphic, or the accompanying link, you're directed to statistics from the US Department of Labor housed on Google.

For more information, visit the Official Google blog on how to perform these public records searches and what more will be added.

Upcoming Computer Classes in May

HoodooVoodoo@evpl — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

During these tough economic times, everyone is trying to gain that competitive edge by sharpening their technical skills by going back to school to take classes or taking computer training skills courses, but in most cases these options cost money. Did you know that you can take computer classes and computer skills training at and through the library for free?

Registration is now open for the following classes being offered in the Tech Center at Central Library:

Google Explored (Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 10:00-11:00 AM) - Did you know that Google was more than just a great search engine? In this class we will learn basic searching techniques along with other cool features like Google Maps, Google Translator, and Google Documents.

Requires some basic computer/Internet knowledge and experience.

Using the Library Databases (Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from 6:00-7:00 PM) - In this class we will learn about the different databases available through the library’s website. We’ll take a look at some of the databases we offer and how to use them to find information. The library databases are accessible anywhere through our website with a valid library card number.

Requires some basic computer/Internet knowledge and experience.

Welcome to the Internet (Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 10:00-11:00 AM) - This class is an introduction to some of the basic functions of the Internet. We'll learn web basics, including accessing and navigating websites. Discover how the Internet works and why everyone’s using it.

Seating is limited to 15 individuals, so register today to reserve your spot in class. You may register in person, by phone (428-8200 ext 1515), or by email using the contact name link on the class description pages (click on class links above).

For a full listing of all free EVPL computer classes Click Here.

Also, if you don't have time to take advantage of our free classes, you can still take online computer skills courses for free through our database Learning Express Library. Once on Learning Express Library, choose Computer Skills on the left hand side of the page and then appropriate course you desire. Everything from Microsoft Word (97-07) to Windows Vista training is offered, with skill levels ranging from beginner to expert.

Check it out today!

Services available to laptop users at EVPL libraries

professor.knowsitall@evpl — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:31:00 GMT

Do you have a laptop? Bring it in on your next visit to the EVPL to take advantage of the following services!

Wireless Internet Access

Wireless internet access (aka Wi-Fi) is available for free at all locations. If your laptop has a wireless network card (odds are that it does), you'll simply need to enable it and connect to the "evpl-public" network.

Wireless internet access is compatible with Windows & Mac laptops, and most portable devices containing a Wi-Fi radio (such as cellphones, PDAs, etc). Check out our Wireless Internet Access page for step-by-step instructions on connecting with your specific operating system.

Wired Internet Access

If your laptop doesn't have wireless capabilities, wired internet access is also available at all locations. Bring an ethernet cable with you and ask a staff member for assistance. Wired internet access is compatible with Windows & Mac laptops.

Laptop Printing

A service we just recently added, laptop users can now print to library printers while at any EVPL location! By running a small print client from our website, library printers at the user's current location will appear on their laptop just like locally-connected printers would. Upon printing from the laptop, the print job can be paid for & retrieved from any Print Release Station at the user's current location.

Laptop printing is compatible with Windows laptops; Mac compatibility is not available. Check out our Laptop Printing page for step-by-step instructions on using the Mobile Print Client on your laptop. As the Mobile Print Client is only available on personal laptops used within the library, the "Launch Mobile Print Client" button is purposely disabled on all other computers.

With the increasing popularity of laptops, netbooks, and other connected portable devices, we're pleased to offer these connectivity options to our users. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please post them in the comments section below!

Saving Lots of Files to a Flash Drive? You need to know--

kiya@evpl — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:53:00 GMT

While browsing on a new found blog, the Swiss Army Librarian (aka Brian Herzog), I learned something I didn't know about saving files to a Flash Drive. Most folks will never have this problem, but people who save lots of small files to their flash drive might. It turns out that there is a limit to the number of files a root directory can hold. The limit is pretty high - about 700 or so - but once you hit it, you can't save any more files to that drive (or disk) no matter how much space you have left. So if you save lots of small files, be sure to set up some folders and save your files into those, instead of in the main directory. Otherwise, you might be seeing a file permission error that suggests your drive is "full, write-protected, or damaged."

Blog post by the Swiss Army Librarian

CNET forums post on same topic