Philips SHS8000

I list these first because this is the set that I own and love. The SHS8000 offers excellent sound and no distortion. The best feature of these phones is the rubber, low profile ear hooks attached. I don’t know about you, but I have small ears and ear canals that are simply not made for holding things in place. With the ear hook, I don’t have to worry about the phones popping out and swinging around by the wire. If and when they work themselves out, they are still right there at my ear. This set sells for $29.99 and can be bought at your local Target or online from www.amazon.com.

Shure E2c

In the past couple of years, Shure has made a tremendous impact in the headphone industry by offering ultra-premium quality and ultra-premium prices. But not every Shure product has that high price tag. The E2c Sound Isolating Earphones are a great example of quality design at reasonable prices. They run for $59.99 and comes with a variety of sleeves that fit into the ear for any size or softness.

Etymotic Research ER6i

These earphones were scientifically devised to cancel the white noise of traffic and air travel; they deliver a higher level of noise cancellation than electronic noise cancellation. These canal phones provide rich and full sound and also come with small 3-flange disposable canal sleeves and disposable ear tips. They can be found at www.amazon.com for $74.30.

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Earphones

Ultimate Ears is a mid-to-high range earphone that delivers what you pay for. At $189.99, they are not cheap, but they are well worth the price. The Super.fi 5 Pro provides the closest quality sound you can get to the professional models worn on stage and television. They provide precise audio at the highest levels of quality.

Shure E5

For the very best quality and for those who have the money to spare, we go back to Shure with their E5 series. These are the best of the best, and they better be at prices upwards of $350.00. The dual-driver design and precision audio, along with extra comfort features, make these the best canal phones that money can buy.

If you are in the market for a new set of earphones, try the canal phones. One of these we have looked at is sure to suit both your needs and your budget.

Before I decided to create my home theater system I knew little to nothing about speakers. Due to my eagerness to create the ultimate media and entertainment room, I had to roll up my sleeves and do some bit of research.

It helped a lot to not only read data I could find online but to also spend some time speaking with various store employees who provided info that was truly helpful. Anyone looking to create their own theater should understand how to connect a powered subwoofer to a receiver without subwoofer output properly.
What is a subwoofer?

A subwoofer or sub is a loudspeaker that was designed to produce audio frequencies that are low pitched aka sub bass and bass frequencies. For consumer products, the standard sub frequency ranges between 20-200 hertz while live professional sound is below 100Hz.

Although the term subwoofer refers to the speaker driver in common PARLANCE it generally refers to the sub driver that is mounted in a speaker cabinet and it comes with a built in amp.

Subwoofers are generally plug and play with ports that are labeled aptly for easy installation

. In the event however that you find yourself wanting to know how to connect a powered subwoofer to the receiver without subwoofer output, here are some methods I have used that worked well for me.

Method#1: Setting the Speakers to the Left or to the Right

Proper management of AV receiver bass is an important tool to have in your back pocket. To do this, begin by setting all speakers in a large or small group using their output powers as a basis.

Every manufacturer will have varying guidelines on bass setup management, however the general recommended practice is to arrange them from smallest to the largest. Thus to get the best output, set your speakers as such and use the crossover setting at 80 hertz.

Most theater set ups have effectively positioned the main left and front speakers to small which results in quality subwoofer output.

Method #2: Utilize the Preamp Output

In the event that the receiver was not sub output, it is still possible to hook a subwoofer to it. Do a quick inspection of the receiver’s rear panel to see if a preamp output option is available or not.

This port is generally labeled as “pre-out.” Once located, use several interconnects from the receiver to the sub. Single RCA input subs will require a Y adapter. You should then have to female RCAs and one male RCA on each closure.
Method #3 Connect Subwoofer to the Receiver with Speaker Wires

Subwoofers can be used as speakers should there be no preamp output. To do this, I would simply run the wires of the speaker to join the receiver and my sub. Then I hook it up to the front right and front left receiver terminals.

After which I connect the speakers, both front right and front left to the subwoofer’s speaker terminal. The majority of speakers being sold in the market today provide speaker level provisions. Err on the safe side and check before making a purchase.

Method #4 Setup the LFE and Main on the Subs

This trick is most effective when you choose to set the right and left main speakers to be large instead of small. With your user manual, search for the subwoofer setting of the receiving device.

Every AC receiver has a bass feature that lets users know how and when a subwoofer should be operated. That said, the next step is to set the mains and LFE to allow the sub to function when the front speakers are set to large.

Additionally, there are certain receivers with a bass management function that works on two channels.

They provide users with crossover settings that are independent. Aside from this, you can determine when you want to activate the two-channel audio sources for the subwoofers.

Plugging into my headphones to listen to music or watch videos on my computer is something I do fairly often along with taking on Skype and video calls for meetings and quick catch-ups with family. Needless to say, my earphones get a lot of use on a near day to day basis. For me to run into pesky headphone related issues is not unheard of.

Assuming that the accessory is no longer functioning correctly often leads to replacing it with new ones since my computer seems unable to detect its presence. What other explanation, after all, is there for its malfunction, right?

Interestingly enough, I am not the only computer user who thought that faulty headphones must be due to regular wear and tear.

Reports have shown that complaints regarding this issue is fairly common with users running Windows 8 or Windows 10. Thankfully, I have found several quick fixes on how to fix headphone jack on the computer.

Solution #1 Run the troubleshooter

Windows systems come with a built-in troubleshooter that especially tackles any issues encountered when the computer fails to detect or recognize headphones. These are the essential steps for Playing Audio troubleshooting:

1. On your keyboard, press on the Windows logo key. Next, type in “troubleshoot” then select Troubleshoot when it appears on your monitor.
2. Select Playing Audio, followed by the option to Run the troubleshooter. Select Next.
3. Choose headphones then right after click Next.
4. Make sure to click No Do not open Audio Enhancements before selecting Playtest sounds.
5. Follow the prompt. If no sound was heard, sleuth I didn’t hear anything option. This will cause Windows to reinstall the driver for audio. Simply follow the additional on-screen instructions to finish the diagnostics.

Solution #2 Repair hardware issues

• Try using a different jack to hook your headphones onto. It is possible that the USB port being used is already dead. By plugging into another port, you can determine whether it is the headphones or the jack itself that is at fault.
• Using headphones with a different device is one quick way to test its functionality. Connect to a mobile phone or to another computer to fully test out if it is in working order.

These simple steps can help users figure out and spot repair hardware problems.

Solution #3 Change default sound settings

I would never have stopped to consider that the sound format default I had, was incorrect and that it could lead to issues with my headphones. To correct this problem, I simply changed the settings. Here is how you go about it on your desktop:

1. Hover on the Start button and right-click on it. Select Control Panel.
2. Locate Hardware and Sound, select Sound.
3. On the Playback button, click twice on the playback device you want to use as a default. A green mark should appear next to it.
4. Next, go to the tab marked Advanced. From the drop-down menu change the default sound scheme.

Solution #4 Set Headphones as the default device for playback

In some cases, the headphones aren’t set up as the default option for playbacks. This will then lead to the accessory not working correctly with a computer that is running on Windows 8 or 10. To set it up, here’s a 5 step method.

1. With your cursor on the Start button, right-click. The popup should include an option for Control Panel. Select this.
2. Then choose Hardware and Sound. Select Sound.
3. Locate the tab for Playback. Under this, right-click the window then choose Show Disabled Devices.
4. You should be able to see the list of headphones. Right-click on the one that corresponds to your make and model. Elect Enable.
5. Last but not least, choose Set as Default and select Apply to finish the process.

Bluetooth function is in ever device nowadays. Open your mobile phone and you can instantly sync it with the help of Bluetooth. Smart devices and assistants also run on Bluetooth and of course so do fancy earphones and earbuds we use to get our tunes flowing through. I don’t think I have ever put much stock into knowing what more about the built in Bluetooth until I’ve had to pair an accessory.

Like many people, I assumed that having the function was a one-size-fits-all type of deal. Clearly, it was not.

After struggling to pair my device with the Bluetooth accessory in question, it turns out that the two weren’t a match. To avoid this from happening again, I did some research and learned how to check bluetooth version on my android phone. It is really easy, here is how I did it.

Step 1

On your android device, locate the Bluetooth settings. Make sure you have it switched on. Switching it on enables it to allow syncing and pairing with devices that are Bluetooth compatible.

Step 2

Next, tap on your android phone’s settings.

Step 3

Click on the applications tab and then select the “ALL” option.

Step 4

Scroll down and look for the Bluetooth icon. Tap on this too. This should be labeled as Bluetooth Share.

Step 5

A screen should pop up and you should be able to find the version of your Bluetooth under the app info. Simply take note of the version and cross-check with the device or component you are looking to pair with.

In general, Bluetooth is backward compatible. Meaning, it is possible to use an older version of a Bluetooth accessory with a newer phone model. While it will still function, any improvements in the newer version won’t likely be visible when paired with the old models. That said, if you are looking to experience all the perks of the latest Bluetooth generation, then make sure your devices all match up.

Unlike firmware or software, users cannot upgrade their Bluetooth to a newer version without fully replacing the device in question. The reason behind this is because the SOC is part of the wireless radio. If the hardware can only support a specific Bluetooth version, there is nothing anyone can do to change it internally.

Bluetooth Safety

The wireless connectivity that Bluetooth function affords users has made it incredibly efficient to share information and files with peers. The best part is that it works over distances albeit slower than improved tech such as a WiFi connection.

Sometimes even with strangers. Which leads me to the importance of using your Bluetooth option in a safe manner. It may not seem like a threat but Bluetooth hacks and attacks are very real.

Enable Only When Needed

It is so easy to switch on the Bluetooth and leave it be. The biggest mistake you can make is not only leaving it on all the time but also allowing anyone to pair with your device. Switching off your Bluetooth when not in use keeps hackers from discovering your device which in turn makes it difficult for them to harvest your information.

Be Mindful of the Info you Input or Share

This is just like when we were little and our folks told us not to talk to strangers and not to accept candy from strangers. This warning still applies so don’t just click on any link or file sent to you by an unknown number.

Update Firmware on the Device Regularly

As I have previously discussed, upgrading Bluetooth is not an option. However, updating the firmware of your gadget is. Updates provide users with improvements and fixes for any issues discovered by programmers. Updating regularly will keep your device protected.

When it comes to creating my home theater, I prefer installing my speakers on brackets that sit nicely on my walls. Not only does it appear neater, it also gives the space the cinema vibe I’m after. From observation, wall-mounted speakers produce better audio output without taking up any valuable floor space. Of course, it also helps that the type of speakers is not as expensive as the ones that sit flush when mounted.

Installing or mounting speakers off the floor is not a difficult task. It does not even require any special skill. Armed with a keyhole saw, some screws and a screwdriver, I have managed to mount mine the DIY way. Here are the steps you need to follow if you are interested in learning how to mount speakers on wall by yourself.

Step 1: Figure out the Locations

Select the spots you intend to mount the speakers on. Generally, it is ideal to place the front right and left speakers roughly at 4 to 6 feet on either side of the television set and a measurement of 6 to 8 feet from the ground.

Center speakers are to be situated either directly below or above the TV. While the rear speakers are to be situated behind seating and is 2 to 4 feet on either side of it. This type of speaker positioning creates that surround sound cinema quality effect.

Step 2: Get Ready to Run the Wiring

Create notches on the drywall where the speakers are to be mounted by using a keyhole saw. As much as possible, keep the holes as small as you can in order to make them easier to hide once the speakers have been installed. Use the same power tool to drill a hole, the size of voltage box that goes into the wall and directly behind the receiver that connects to the speakers.

When drilling the hole where the speakers are to be mounted on, it is important that you locate the studs to ensure a secure mount. I just used a smartphone app to help me locate the studs. For future projects, I’m using an actual stud finder just to be err on the safe side.

Step 3: Run the Wire

From the wall behind the receiver, run the wires leading to the wall mounted speakers. These wires come with your speaker system. Mine was more than enough for the space so I didn’t have to add to it, if you find yours lacking in length, kits can be found in electronic stores.

To make it easier for you to get the wires through the small holes, tape a short strip of chain that can be magnetized to a fishing rod. Now tape your wire to the rod which you will then run up the wall. Make sure it is level with the notched out holes. Grab a good strong magnet and run it on the wall until the chain inside grabs onto it. Proceed by pulling out the chain using pressure that is consistent to get it and the rod to run through the wire. If you have long wires, pull out only enough to attach to your speakers. This keeps your walls looking neat.

Step 4: Bracket Mounting

Locate the wall stud and drill the screws to it. Attach your bracket. In the even that you are unable to find the studs, use drywall anchors so that the bracket’s weight can be supported by it.

Step 5: Connect Wiring to the Speakers

Connect the wires you have run and fished out from the wall onto the receiver. Your speakers will have ports and jacks aptly labeled so you can easily connect the wiring. More often than not, this step involves plugging the wires into the receiver and locking it down with clamps or screws.

And there you have it! With 5 simple steps you now have learned how to mount speakers on wall like I did.

These days a good percentage of homeowners own at least one television set. Now a standard appliance along with the stove top and fridge, TVs come in various shapes, sizes and features.

Tech innovations have brought us the Smart TV and with manufacturers continuously producing new models each season, I find it a bit challenging what to buy and not to mention figuring things out like how big is a 24 inch TV, really?

Considering several factors such as room size, budget, and personal viewing needs, here are a few other tips to have in your back pocket if you are thinking of upgrading to a new set like I have.

#1 Space and Size Consideration

Bigger is not always better. Sure, no one has ever really complained about having such a large screen to enjoy shows on, but how big do you really want to go? When I was looking at TV sets I was sorely tempted to just get the biggest one in the store but I had to stop and think about the space the TV was going into. The model I was looking at was meant to go into the spare guest bedroom and since it wasn’t the largest space with the bed and the wardrobe taking up a lot of the room already, I found that opting for a set that was proportionate to the room was a better choice. Measure your space and the TV you are eyeing to see if you are making the right decision.

#2 Ultra HD Matters

Streaming platforms are now offering the best quality shows and films. To enjoy them, not only is it important to get a good sized TV essential, it also pays to pick one that offers the best picture quality. Right now the hottest one in the market is a 4K Ultra HD that gives the clearest and crispest images. It’s almost like you’re standing right next to Chris Hemsworth! Compare

#3 Think About the TV Depth

Just about every manufacturer is churning out slim models. There are still many that have sets with a “bump” on the back. Hands down the biggest benefit of a streamlined LED or OLED TV is how it allows for a tighter fit and a flush to the wall appearance making your TV set part of the wall art. If you are mounting on the bracket that swivels, expect it to make the television a bit chunkier. If you are pressed for space and will be mounting near foot traffic, you may want to find the slimmest options in the market to reduce the odds of people accidentally bumping into it.

#4 Viewing Angles

I used to find portraits that follow you wherever you stand a bit creepy. It was only after looking at so many TV models in the store that I learned to appreciate it. Why? There are some sets that sadly have viewing angle problems. Unlike the Mona Lisa, you have to sit directly in front to get the best view. It is important when buying a set to check it from all angles to see if there are any distortion or angle issues.

#5 Go for a Smart TV

Granted that Smart TVs and devices are a little bit pricier than their basic counterparts but there are so many ingenious uses to a Smart system nowadays. By switching to a Smart TV I’ve been able to stream my favorite shows, display some photos which I can then use as a virtual photo album. I’ve also managed to check on my mail, video call, and update social media just by switching on my television.

These factors are considerably simple but have been very useful when I found myself unable to decide what to get. At the end of the day you will be the one who has to live with the TV choice you made so don’t let the salesperson make the selection for you.

If you’ve got a mobile phone or a music device, chances are you also own a pair of earphones. Other than the freebies that come with your gadget, there are of course a large selection of brands that cater to audiophiles. You have over the ear headphones, in-ear models, wired, and of course wireless Bluetooth pairs that’s all the rage right now. Anyone who has ever had to buy headphones knows that they do not come cheap so it is only right to take proper care of them and with it, your ear health.

Interestingly enough, not a lot of earphone owners make an effort to clean this accessory regularly. Which I think is pretty gross! If you don’t agree with me, why not take out your earphones and examine them closely.

I’ve noticed that mine often get an accumulation of grease, dust, and possibly earwax trapped on the wire mesh and on the other tiny crevices of this accessory. And I happen to think of myself as a clean person.

I shower and change out of my clothes after a workout because I’d be sweaty and dirty. But I’ve realized that I have not done the same with my headphones after a rigorous run, or a long commute from work. I’ve lost track of the number of times I simply chuck them into my bag or push them into my pockets where they are likely mixing around with dirt and grime.

That said, cleaning earphones isn’t difficult, although there are kits being sold out there, a few everyday items that can be found around the house will do the trick just fine.

What You’ll Need:

• clean piece of cloth
• q-tip or cotton swab
• hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol
• soft-bristled toothbrush
• water
• dish soap

Step 1

Start by gently dry brushing any visible dirt and grime from your earphones especially in areas that are in direct contact with your ear, particularly the part that gets inserted into it. Using a soft toothbrush, gently loosen up any dust or buildup, by opting for a brush with softer bristles you reduce the possibility of scratching or damaging any components. Make sure that you are holding the earbuds with the mesh part facing down to allow debris to fall off rather than breaking down into smaller pieces and getting the gunk stuck even more.

Step 2

Next take a q-tip or cotton swab that is dipped in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Do not soak too much, just enough to dampen the cotton. Wipe down the areas you have brushed previously. This swabbing step ensures you get out any other wax or dirt left behind. It also further sanitizes your earbuds thus reducing the risk of ear infections. Once there are no more traces of dirt, get a clean and dry q-tip to wipe off any excess alcohol.

Step 3

Dip a small portion of a piece of cloth in soapy water or some alcohol. Proceed by cleaning the other components of your earphones. The outer shell and the wires get dirty too. When sanitizing non wireless earphones, do not neglect to clean the jack. Any build up in this area can result in poor connection and sound transfer quality.

Use a clean soft cloth to give your earbuds final wipe down. Wireless earbuds often come with its own case — I like to wipe that down to since it gets a fair amount of dirt transfer. Plus, I like to keep it looking good as new.

Step 4

Leave your earphones to dry properly before using them. Do this thorough cleaning method at least twice a month.

As a final piece of advice, it is also a good practice to keep the earphones clean by sanitizing it with alcohol based wipes after every use. This simple trick has kept my earbuds from accumulating too much dirt.

Gaming is one of my favorite hobbies. I wouldn’t call myself a pro gamer, I do not own fancy gaming chairs that offer the best back support nor do I have a custom made computer set up with the bells and whistles. On the other hand, there is no denying that a 144Hz monitor is THE best one to have if you are into gaming. Having been given the opportunity to play on one recently, I cannot get over how amazing its refresh rate is among other things.

If like me, you are not as well versed with these high-tech systems and you find yourself wondering how to set up a 144hz monitor, then you my friend, have come to the right place. Here’s the low down.

We newbies and occasional gamers wouldn’t know whether our monitor is 144Hz in the first place. I know it’s blasphemous to say this, but it is the truth. Loads of us tend to buy the newest sparkliest kit without fully understanding and reaping the benefits of its souped up specs. So, first things first, is your monitor 144Hz?

How to check if your monitor is 144Hz capable

By default the windows system should automatically select 144Hz. If it doesn’t then there is always the off chance that you are using the incorrect display port. This was something I realized after I tinkered with my new purchase. Apparently, using the correct port is the only way to get 144Hz, other ports on your unit will not permit this function even if the monitor you own is in fact 144Hz to begin with. Check your display port, if you have it hooked up correctly but still find yourself with the same problem then here is what you need to do to enable it:

Steps to enabling 144Hz on your monitor

On Windows 7 and Windows 8

1. Right click on the desktop and from the popup select Screen Resolution.
2. Elect Advanced Settings
3. In the Monitor section, look for the Screen Refresh Rate.
4. Once located, choose 144 hertz and then click on OK

On Windows 10

1. On your Windows 10 PC, go to Settings and then select System
2. Locate the Display tab, click on this, and then click on Advanced Display Settings next.
3. Once there, you should be able to see Display Adapter Properties
4. Beneath this section, look for the Monitor option.
5. It should then showcase Screen Refresh Rate along with several choices to pick from. Select 144Hz.
6. Click OK, and you’ve done it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYoghrQH4MI

The setup is pretty simple and I managed to get my monitor at 144Hz speed just by following those steps. The most common mistake people make is neglecting to use the proper ports. Always be reminded to utilize the DVI-D port or the display port otherwise you won’t be able to access this function.

To get the best results, always use the cables that come with your monitor to ensure it will work correctly. In the event that you are looking to use HDMI, make sure to have a high-speed cable on hand. If for any reason the above method did not work and you find yourself still unable to run 144 hertz then here are a few other things to look into.

• Update your graphics drivers
• Some games have its own settings for graphics, this often requires users to update it manually.
• Older graphics won’t support 144Hz. Check your PC’s GPU to see if it is actually capable of this function.