Archive for June 16th, 2009

Hidden Spy Cameras: All-seeing Eyes

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Nahshon Roberts


With the advent of reality shows, more and more people are becoming aware of the possibility of using hidden cameras to spy on other people for different reasons. Seeing people in their most unguarded moments can be fascinating. Camera manufacturers have taken advantage of the fact that people want to have hidden spy cameras similar to that of James Bond or the popular prank shows of television. This has since contributed to the steady rise of the hidden spy cameras industry.

While most hidden spy cameras are used to capture harmless pranks on video, there are other uses that are not as wholesome. Voyeurs spying on their neighbors and secretly filming other people having sexual intercourse shamelessly utilize hidden spy cameras. Hidden spy cameras, however, are not just for people with nefarious plans. Hidden spy cameras are also great tools to keep watch over your home and loved ones, thereby ensuring peace of mind. They can be used to make sure that your children are treated well by their nannies and babysitters. Similarly, they can also be used to catch criminals or philandering spouses. Hidden spy cameras are so effective and handy, in fact, that they are even used by law enforcement agencies, such as the police and the FBI.

Strings or No Strings Attached

Hidden spy cameras can either be wireless or wired. Wireless hidden spy cameras have concealed transmitters that send captured images to a remote recording equipment. Wired hidden spy cameras, on the other hand, are connected to recording equipment, like VCRs and PCs, through a physical cable. Wireless cameras rely on battery power, while the wired sort has the advantage of a ready power supply.

Its Hidden for a Reason

As the name suggests, hidden spy cameras are always concealed. They are usually hidden in everyday, nondescript objects, such as clocks, calculators, radios, teddy bears, and even plants.

Recent breakthroughs in wireless technology now allow hidden spy cameras to transmit videos real-time. So, not only can you see the action as it unfolds, you can take the necessary action as well. All you would need is a PC or laptop with an Internet access to view your hidden spy cameras. You can even do online surveillance, if you wish. You can also set up your hidden spy cameras in such a way that they trigger alarms or send emails to you when suspicious activities are captured.

If you don’t have this technology, however, don’t fret. Most hidden spy cameras can be set up to work unattended. They can record hours of video and can be plugged into your VCR or PC directly for review. This way, you don’t miss anything and can gather solid proof of misbehavior.

Hidden Or Not, You Still Want the Best

There are a few things to consider when investing on hidden spy cameras. You have to take into consideration the range of the video you wish to capture. Wide-angle viewing is also a nifty feature to consider. It allows you to view the captured video from several vantage points.

For image quality, you need to consider your hidden spy cameras’ resolution. Invest on hidden spy cameras that can automatically adjust to varying lighting conditions so you can get the clearest images possible. This way, you don’t miss what happens in your home or office when you’re out.



Plug in an Audiobook, Listen to your Favorite Book

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Bill Urell


Audiobooks are the audio version of popular literature. Books continue to be a great source of knowledge and entertainment for millions of readers the world over. The continuing strength of bookstores bear witness to continued popularity of books. However, not everyone may have the time to spare to sit down and concentrate on a paperback. It is difficult to read while you drive! To be able to cater to customers who still want to experience literature but can’t seem to find the time, audiobooks is the answer.

Almost any best selling paperback or hardback book is released simultaneously with an audio version. This allows individuals to listen to a book instead of investing time and effort into reading one. Because the eyes are freed from having to read, one can enjoy audiobooks while engaging in other activities. For instance, while on the treadmill or driving a car, you can enjoy the benefits of listening to an audio book at the same time.

With this solution, there can be no more excuse of not having the time to read. You can enjoy literature by integrating the spoken words into daily activities that allow you to multi task and make the most out of your time.

In the past, audiobooks used cassette tapes as its primary medium. With the onset of new audio technology however, audiobooks are now available in CDs, downloads and digital format such as MP3s. This allows for more flexibility and mobility as you can take your audiobooks with you on your portable CD or MP3 player.

Audiobooks are purchased in bookstores along with their paper counterparts. You can also purchase audiobooks online where you can download the digital audio files into your computer, which you can later transfer into your portable listening device. Whatever the medium, audiobooks undoubtedly make enjoying a book less complicated and difficult to do.

While true bibliophiles may frown upon the concept of audiobooks, there can be no denying that the audiobook experience can be even better than the traditional method of enjoying a book. Sometimes, when it is called for, audiobooks give the listener a full production complete with a dramatic rendition with music and sound effects. This makes for an exciting and colorful listening experience that brings the pages of books to life.

Audibook versions are not exclusive to fiction. Audiobook versions are made for all types of books including those of the self-help genre, from personal management to meditation. Some selfhelp audiobook versions are even narrated by their authors so that the listener can have the benefit of hearing the author’s advice instead of just reading it. This is especially helpful for individuals who are more receptive to auditory messages more than to those that are written.

Not all audiobooks are created equal. You may want to check whether you are purchasing an unabridged or abridged version. Abridged versions are truncated versions while unabridged versions are verbatim translations of written words into audio. For certain classics, you might want to make sure you get an unabridged version to ensure the integrity of your audiobook copy compared to its original written version.

Audiobooks are not intended to replace its paperback and hard book counterparts, but it is definitely a good solution for the times when you simply can’t afford to take time off to finish reading a book. With the solution that audiobooks bring, you can add literature into regular daily activities without extra investment in time. Just for fun, try an audiobook.