Nov 09 newsletter

In a past conversation with you I have likely mentioned that I was working on a brand new website and with it a monthly newsletter of useful bits for you. I am now very pleased to say that the totally revised Aureola Productions website is now (finally) up and running, please do go and have a browse through it's many parts. It has been a long and sometimes painful process which finally drove me to learn how to do much of the work myself.

Likewise I am very pleased to present this newsletter. You have been placed on my mailing list because of your interest in hearing more news and information. If you would like to change your details please refer to the links at the end.

In talking to many of you it has become clear that you find the race of new technology hard to catch up to. Here you will find pocket sized explanations, how to dos and interesting snippets from new, gone or almost gone technology. You will also be the first to hear of any changes and improvements to Aureola services to better help you preserve your memories.

There is much more in the pipeline though, so please enjoy this newsletter and keep watch here and on my web site.

Paul Perry

Broadband for Seniors

If you are classed as a senior and wondering about computers and the Internet here are 2 links that might be of use to you.

First, if you are connected to a seniors club or group here is a way for you to get access to broadband as part of the new very fast broadband rollout announced by the Aust. Federal Government,
http://www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/secure/subscriptions/august/augenews_broadband.asp

and second, resources to help you with your internet access and learning about how it all works,
http://www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/secure/subscriptions/september/sepenews_computersinternet.asp

Cleaning and Handling CDs and DVDs

The recording on a CD and DVD disc is protected to some extent being within the layer structure, but it is not immune to damage. Under the printed label is a reflective surface needed by the laser pickup to read the disc and so this side should not be written on or damaged in any way. Only certain types of discs may be written on and only with a special pen.

A players error correction circuitry can handle some scratches and marks on the reading side but the surface should still be protected in the same way we did a vinyl record. Keep away from dust and don't leave discs lying around unprotected by its case. If you need to clean a disc first lightly brush off any dust, mist the surface with your hot breath and use a soft tissue to wipe from the inner to outer edge, never around the disc.

Early Photographs

The earliest known "photograph" was created in about 1826 when a Frenchman Nicephore Niepce made a heliograph, or sun drawing, of the roofs near his home. In 1839 Niepce joined with Louis Daguerre in the development of the daguerreotype. This resulted in photographs, particularly portraits, for the masses. The French government honoured Daguerre, purchased his invention and gave it freely to the world. Except that is, in England where Miles Berry held exclusive rights to the process.

It was not long though before wet plate and then paper backed film became more popular. The introduction of the first Box Brownie in 1900 was the start of many such models and an era of easily accessible photography.

Basic Video Camera Hints

Here are some basic hints that are guaranteed to improve any video production whether big budget or home movie.

1. Good focus, recent video cameras have better focus control than 8 mm film cameras ever did, but poor light and objects moving into the foreground can still conspire to ruin focus which is distracting and irritating to the viewer, if in doubt opt for manual focus control.

2. Never pan or zoom unless there is a very good reason, such as to reveal something new or unexpected. Don't be fooled by the idea that because you are shooting a movie the camera has to move. Most often movies are made up with lots of static shots and straight cuts between. Watch how it is done on TV shows.

3. Keep it interesting, look for something for the viewers eyes to settle upon and learn something about basic picture composition. An unsettled viewer equals a critic with nausea.

4. Don't forget sound, your aim is to make any sound clear and speech understandable. Be aware of other sounds that may distract or over power the sound you want. Indoors learn to listen for echo and other noises or voices in the room, your ears are selective, the camera is not. The best sound for video can only really be captured with microphones close to the sound source.