Archives July 2024

Technology advances rapidly. From phones and televisions to game consoles and recording devices, there is always a new model coming out. Many people often upgrade to stay current with the latest tech; however, some of the older models are fun to keep around. Those interested in restoring their vintage technology can use special equipment to keep their old technology alive and well. Reviving old equipment with an AV converter is a great way to enjoy your older technology.

Reviving Old Equipment With an AV Converter

You can revive your old equipment with an AV converter. An AV (audio-visual) converter is a special device that allows you to connect older technology to modern displays. For example, you can watch old VHS tapes or older video games. Below, you will find helpful steps on how to connect your old equipment using an AV converter.

Determine Device Output

Using an AV converter is fairly straightforward. You do not need to be particularly tech-savvy to hook everything up. The first step involves determining the output of your old device. Common output types include RCA, VGA, and S-Video. The type of output indicates the type of AV converter you need. Consult with an expert from a trusted audio-visual technology shop for support. Once you have selected the correct AV converter, be sure it is compatible with your current display. It is often HDMI, but double-check to avoid any potential issues.

Connect Your Devices

Once you have the correct AV converter, it is time to connect your devices. Connect the cables from your older device to the AV converter. Next, connect the AV converter to your modern display. Turn on both displays to get started. If you run into any issues at this point, check your AV converter. Some require an external power source, so be sure to have power cords on hand.

Grab Your Remote

Grab your remote so you can begin watching modern content on your old device. Use your display remote to select the HDMI input. Once you choose the correct HDMI input, you should see the content from your old device. From there, enjoy using your old devices with ease! 

Reasons To Get An AV Converter

An AV converter is a great way to relive old memories. However, it also offers several other benefits. Consider the following if you have old technology you want to revive.

Cost-Effective Investment

AV converters are a cost-effective investment. Keeping up with new technology is expensive and produces a lot of waste. AV converters allow you to preserve your technology.

Reduced Environmental Footprint

The downside of rapid technological advancements is that they can produce substantial nonperishable e-waste. It is advised to recycle old, unused technology rather than throw it away. To avoid needing to trash older technology, use an AV converter to preserve its longevity. This reduces your environmental footprint and takes a load off of your wallet.

Memories and Nostalgia

Nostalgia has become popular as younger generations are enamored by old technology. From older cameras, VHS tapes, and retro games, older technology has become popular over the last few years. Preserving old memories and enjoying nostalgic games is a great way to bond with your friends and family. An AV converter can easily help you achieve this.

Audio-Visual Technology Shop

If you have old technology you want to revive, consider an AV converter from the team at Kanex Pro. They offer a wide variety of audio and visual products to help you get started. Check out their selection today!

Robotics is a field of study that is constantly evolving. Its technicians include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and computer scientists, who continue to make major scientific leaps in the field. The industry is characterized by the design, construction, and operation of robots. Construction, in this case, includes the computer systems for the robot that provide control and feedback. With such a complex focus, it is important to know what the best materials to use in your robotics are. Consider the following information about robotics materials to use for your next project.

What Are the Best Materials To Use in Your Robotics?

Robots are becoming increasingly popular in a wide variety of industries. They make many tasks more accessible and efficient, which can save individuals and companies time and money. Robotics engineers use several types of materials because of the variety of industries that use robotics. Consider the following materials and their respective benefits when used in the field of robotics.

Plastic Materials

Several different types of plastics are used in robotics, including polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”). Robotics engineers use plastics because they are flexible and lightweight, which is especially beneficial for robotics in the healthcare field. Wires and cables often need to be easily moved, and plastic is ideal for this function because it can be molded into various shapes when creating robotic parts.

Composite Materials

Composite materials are made up of two or more substances that are combined to create a new material with unique properties. Common composites used in robotics include carbon fiber, kevlar, and fiberglass. These materials are lightweight but also highly durable and strong. Industries that use composite materials for robotics include aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

Metal Materials

Metals are the most common materials used in robotics. They offer several benefits in the field, including strength, durability, and longevity. The common types include aluminum, steel, and titanium. Automotive robotics and aerospace engineers often use these metals. The benefits associated with metal are unparalleled. They do not require replacement as often as other materials and can withstand diverse environments.

Elastomer Materials

Robotics engineers often use rubber and elastomer materials. They offer several benefits that are unlike alternative materials. Rubber and elastomers are flexible and can return to their original shape, which is highly beneficial in the automotive industry. Common materials include silicone rubber, polyurethane, and neoprene, which are highly durable and can withstand significant wear and tear.

Soft Materials

The field of robotics is rapidly changing and evolving. In fact, there is a new area of robotics referred to as “soft robotics.” This area focuses on flexible robots that can easily bend, stretch, and twist. Those in healthcare, agriculture, and marine biology most commonly utilize this category of robotics. Common materials used in this industry include hydrogels, silicone elastomers, and shape memory alloys.  

Industry Standard-Setting Cable Company

Cables are critical components in the robotics industry. The team at Calmont Wire and Cable has provided top-tier custom cables to clients in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, military, and more. No matter what your unique project needs are, they are the industry standard-setting cable company. Contact their team today for more information!

If you work in tech, audio-visual, live sound, or any number of other industries, you should familiarize yourself with the types of converters that are found on many common types of equipment, including SDI, AV, and VGA.

Knowing the difference between these converters will inevitably save you time and consternation as you fluidly pack up and set up these types of equipment. Whether you are a professional who needs to know the difference between common converters or just someone curious about these differences, this guide can help you differentiate between them.

What Is The Difference Between SDI, AV, and VGA Converters?

SDI Converters

SDI Converters are used for the transmission of uncompressed and unencrypted digital video signals. Consequently, these types of converters are used widely and can be used to connect many different types of equipment. Some of the pieces of equipment that can be connected using an SDI Converters include the following:

• Monitors
• PCs
• Recorders
• Vision Mixers

SDI converters are often paired with HDMI interfaces and can be used to connect professional video equipment to monitors and the like. These types of converters are often used in the following situations as well:

• Post-production
• TV studios
• Digital cinema
• Surveillance systems

AV Converters

There are many different types of AV converters and just as many situations where they can be employed. Some of the commonly used AV converters include the following types:

• H.264 Converter: These converters are often used to connect digital signage in bars, restaurants, and churches. They are also frequently used in corporate AV signage situations.
• SDvoE Converters: These converters are very versatile and can be employed in many different situations. For example, some common situations include multi-monitor broadcasts, distributed video matrix systems, and distributed video wall systems.

VGA Converters

VGA Converters are an older type of adapter that used to be the sole method of connecting many different disparate AV equipment. However, this type of converter is still used quite commonly in many different scenarios. Some of the common scenarios where VGA converters are still utilized include:

• Gaming
• Connecting older displays
• Using older projectors
• Video editing

VGA stands for video graphics array and was initially created to help connect devices that used graphics cards. One disadvantage of this type of converter is that it is not “hot-pluggable,” which means that it cannot be plugged and unplugged in live situations.

One of the main advantages of a VGA adapter is its ability to connect disparate devices of various types. Although this type of converter is somewhat dated, you can likely still use it in many different situations.

What Type Should I Be Using?

Whichever type of converter you use will be highly dependent on the exact type of project that you are using, as well as the exact types of equipment that you are attempting to connect. Getting to know your specific situation with regard to these tech specs will help expedite your process of acquiring suitable converters.

VGA converters are quite common and can be found in many household situations and devices. Especially if you are a gamer, familiarizing yourself with these converters will be worthwhile in the long run.

SDI converters are most commonly found in professional settings due to their ability to support the connection between complex devices. Video and television professionals seek out these types of converters to keep their equipment functioning.

Depending on the type of equipment in use, various types of AV connectors are employed under different circumstances for different reasons. You should talk to a professional with the exact specifications of your equipment, project, and purpose to determine which type of AV adapter might be best suited for your purpose.

Occasionally, you may find that you will have uses for all of the above in terms of employing converters. Again, describing your situation to a tech specialist will give you the information you need to move forward confidently.

Your Best Tech Resource in Las Vegas

Kanex Pro has a wide range of professional-grade audio-visual equipment that is perfect for both personal and professional projects. If you are interested in coming in and discussing what kind of equipment might be best for you, feel free to contact us to discuss your options.

Costa Mesa is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the California coast and is situated in one of the most vibrant urban areas of the country, the greater Los Angeles area. Following this, there’s plenty to love both for those who are seeking surf and sun, as well as cultural activities to try in Costa Mesa.

It can be challenging to determine exactly where to start in places like these. That is why we created this guide: to help you get your bearings in one of the nicest places in America and provide you with ten activities to try in Costa Mesa.

1.  Go to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a cultural institution that seeks to serve Orange County by providing a venue for the arts. The centerpiece of the compound is the Segerstrom Theater, which provides 1,800 seats for viewers interested in seeing the programming.

The building itself also constitutes a sight to see. Designed by Cesar Pelli, one of the world’s most celebrated modern architects, the compound boasts inventive design and sleek features that make it an attraction in its own right.

2.  Find the Noguchi Gardens

Isamu Noguchi was a Japanese-American designer and architect who set up installations all over the country, including in Costa Mesa. You can visit one of his famous Gardens in Costa Mesa and explore the interactive work of this beloved artist.

3.  Hit the Beach

Located in Southern California, Costa Mesa is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Beaches like Newport Beach boast some of the beautiful views and interesting people-watching that California beaches are famed for.

4.  Visit the Orange County Museum of Art

The Orange County Museum of Art is located inside the previously mentioned Segerstrom Center for the Arts. As the newest addition to the Center, the museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in Southern California and boasts one of the most impressive collections of art in the region.

5.  Go Golfing

Southern California is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States, and Costa Mesa has some of the finer courses available in this region. Try your hand at 18 holes at the famous Costa Mesa Country Club, or try going to the Los Lagos Golf Course for additional fun.

6.  Listen to the Pacific Symphony

The Pacific Symphony is a full orchestra that operates out of Costa Mesa and is one of the larger symphonies performing on the West Coast today. Music lovers can enjoy some of the classics while they bask in the beautiful scenery of coastal California.

7.  Visit the Anti-Mall

The Anti-Mall is not your typical mall. The collection of quirky and off-the-beaten-path types of vendors might charm those who do not normally enjoy shopping. The Anti-mall was conceived as a place where locals could share and consume local goods and meet other members of their community.

8.  Eat to your Heart’s Content

Costa Mesa boasts a reputable dining scene with emissaries of many different types of cuisine from which to sample. It has one of the healthiest and most vibrant dining scenes in California. Some of the venues of note include Water Grill, Habana, and Tableau Kitchen and Bar.

9.  Follow the Costa Mesa Beer Trail

In addition to having stellar restaurants, Costa Mesa is also known for the plethora of breweries that have opened their doors in the past several years. If you like to have a couple of laughs with friends over pints, then you would likely find some kindred spirits on the Costa Mesa Beer Trail.

10.  Take a Hike

Costa Mesa is adjacent to some extensive hiking trails that constitute the Orange County Trail System. This trail system offers hours and hours of outdoor fun. It has fabulous views and camaraderie from connecting with your fellow hikers. The hiking system covers much of the interconnecting cities of Orange County.

For All of Your Travel Ideas

Travel Costa Mesa exists to help people access all of the great things about Costa Mesa. If you are interested in exploring the hidden gems in the city, contact us today so we can help you create travel plans and choose which activities to try in Costa Mesa, Orange County.