One of the famous Creative players, the Zen Touch, set out to rival the iPod at the time. Whether you’re a Creative fan or you’re looking for an alternative to the iPod, the Creative Zen Touch is a good option. Read on to find out if this player is worth its weight, or if it’s just another poser.

Body

The body of the Creative Zen Touch will turn off many, but it shouldn’t. The player is thick and full, but not brick-sized. This is due in part because of the battery. See ‘Batter Life’ below for more info.

The buttons are laid out along the outer edges of the player, and the familiar iRiver scroll pad is seen here, with a vertical swipe for the thumb. The LCD screen takes up about 30% percent of the body and is large enough to see the menus and music list comfortably.

Features

The Zen Touch has only the bare-bones features – no video, no pictures, just music. The player lacks a line-in port and supports WMA and MP3 music audio codecs.

Battery Life

The width of this player is due to a larger battery. The battery life of the Zen Touch is rated at more than 25 hours, which is quality, possibly the longest you will find for such a high-capacity hard drive device.

Audio Quality

The audio quality on this device is impressive, thanks to Creative’s attention to the needs of audiophiles. The player can be pumped out just under 100db, which is a fantastic number to be sure. This player can drive powerful headphones with the impedance is sub-40, and with the longer than usual battery-life, you won’t take a hit in listening time. Unfortunately, the player doesn’t support any sort of lossless music codecs, however, or lossy WMA, which kind of defeats the purpose of having high-quality audio lines.

Issues

The issues aren’t harmful, but you may not find them ideal for your needs. The biggest one, for myself, at least, was the need for a driver for the computer to recognize it. This is a hassle because it means you won’t be able to plug the player into just any device and start swapping music.

Another issue is the bulk – it is not huge, but the size of the player makes it very noticeable in the pocket, which can bug some people. You certainly don’t want to go jogging with this player.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a powerhouse music player, something that doesn’t waste hard drive space with pictures or movies and that simply plays music the way it was meant to sound, then the Creative Zen Touch is most definitely the player for you. With an 80GB hard drive, there is certainly enough storage space for all your albums, and thanks to Creative’s attention to audio quality, the player is sure to please any audiophile with high demands.

Have you ever wondered how television sets are measured? The most common misconception is that it is measured from left to right or right to left of its length.

Before you think it requires some complicated math formula, let me tell you that it doesn’t. In fact, measuring a TV screen is a fairly simple activity that will only take up a few minutes of your time. If you are interested in learning how a TV size is measured, here’s how to go about it.

Measuring Screen Size

1) Begin by getting a measuring tape and pick one corner of the screen as a starting point.
2) Make sure your tape is positioned exactly where your screen begins and not on the plastic frame or bezel.
3) Next, hold it in place as you take the tape measure and stretch it out diagonally to the corner opposite it.
4) Read the measurement and take note of this. Therefore when a manufacturer advertises a 48-inch screen it can be expected that it was measured from the top left corner to the bottom right or from the top right to the bottom left.

It is standard practice for a lot of manufacturers to provide measurements based on screen size and rare to find one that will detail the full product dimensions. You may not initially realize it but there are some benefits to knowing how a TV size is measured, they are as follows:

• optimal viewing experience
• overall aesthetic appeal
• the correct aspect ratio of shows and films played on the TV

Measuring the Bezel and Stand

Obviously, measuring the TV screen diagonally only determines the size of the viewing area, it, however, does not provide you with information whether the set will fit in a given space. You need to take into account the height and width of the entire TV frame, stand, and bezel. Frames can easily add 1/2 to 3 inches in height or width of the set’s frame while the stand will add several more.

1) Place the measuring tape on the lower left-hand corner of the TV edge. Include the plastic frame in the measurement.
2) Stretch your tape towards the right-hand corner of the TV. Your tape should lie flat on the base of the television.
3) Note down the length from one corner to the other.
4) Now measure the height by starting at the bottom corner and extending the tape vertically to the other corner. You should now have the dimensions for the length and the height of your set.

The main reason why measuring the overall dimensions of your television set is important because you want to ensure that the model and size you purchase will fit the space it is intended for. Not only should it physically fit its designated space, but it should also as well look in proportion with the entire room and its other contents.

Knowing the size of the television set will give you ample information with regard to the amount of space it needs for placement. Sets that go on walls or open spaces will require enough room for the stand.

While a TV that is meant to in an entertainment module will require at least 2-3 inches of space on either side. This means making room on the left, right, top, and bottom area of the TV unit. You want ample room to be able to safely move it in and out of the space if needed.

On a final note, I find that it is important to hook up the TV to its designated wirings or to speaker systems. This will also give you a clear idea of how much additional room may be needed to accommodate these other accessories.

Have you ever cranked up your speaker volume to get the highest bass only to be met with subpar results? We’ve always appreciated nice, clear loud bass, especially when listening to music. Unfortunately, not all speakers are designed to produce high bass.

Bass quality is not just about getting really loud output from your speakers and subwoofer setup. It is about feeling the beat of the music or experiencing the tremors as if you were in the movie you are watching.

At first glance, speakers may appear to have limitations when it comes to producing the best audio, however, it does pay to know how to get more bass out of your subwoofer.

Amazing bass output can be achieved but it can heavily depend on other factors such as the room’s size, shape, and content. Worry no more coz we’ve got you covered with these simple to do tricks that can help you make the most out of your subwoofers.

Volume Setup

How many times have we encountered that one person who always has their audio all the way up to the highest setting? Rather than getting the quality output, we are however met with blaring, loud garbling sounds.

This is a prime example where less is more. How so? Turning the volume to optimal level results in defining sounds that are not audible. By tweaking some settings in your subs, you can get distinct bass audio without sacrificing its quality. Here are two things you can look into.

1) Subwoofers have a frequency by which it plays bass notes, this is called the crossover. With your speaker manual, find out the lowest frequency it can go, most speakers start to roll off at around 80Hz, this is where you then set your crossover.

If for any reason you find it difficult to locate your speaker specs another easy way to set your crossover is to slowly turn it up until the noise of the subwoofer and speaker are the same.

2) Adjusting the volume or gain is the next important part. It is actually quite easy to set it up yet so many people do it incorrectly.

To get the volume right, start by playing a song, turn down the subwoofer until you cannot hear it at all. Now turn up the gain until it begins to fill in where you took out the bass. And just like that, you’ve set up your volume correctly!

Location

As a rule of thumb, subwoofers placed close to the wall or in corners will result to higher bass but not necessarily one with the finest caliber. Take, for example, subwoofers that come with home theater kits.

Often diminutive in size, if these are the speakers you have, it would be highly beneficial to position them at wall corners. Referred to by audiophiles as “boundary reinforcement” this specific placement produces decent bass thanks to the sound bouncing off of those wall junctions.

Compared to the smaller subwoofers, the models with large drivers come to compete with equally powerful amps. It is for this reason that unlike the smaller ones, these types do not need walls for support.

As a matter of fact, an eight to twelve-inch distance from walls makes a world of difference. Placing your subwoofer in the center of your loudspeaker system helps decrease phase cancellation and timing delays.

Many enthusiasts who have spent hours setting up their entertainment room prefer to follow the rule of thirds. To do this, simply measure a third of the way from a wall where your system is situated. Mathematically, this method increases the odds of your sitting area as the most desirable bass spot.

Try out these easy tricks and experience for yourself how quick and simple it is to get the best audio output from your speakers. No additional equipment needed and not special training. All it takes is a bit of patience.

Multitester or multimeters are electronic devices that are used to measure numerous key components of an electrical circuit. A standard item in a professional electrician’s tool kit as well as a hobbyist’s arsenal, the multimeter can easily be purchased from electronic stores.

According to my research, a multimeter can measure currents, voltage, and resistance. It is also very useful in determining whether there is a problem with your amplifier. Here is a list of the common problems to look out for

• Amplifier output is distorted
• Amplifier does not switch on
• Amplifier switches on but has zero output
• Amplifier switches on and off on its own
• Amplifier goes on safety or protection mode

Personally, I have found it initially the idea of using a multimeter to test my amplifier output as a complicated task. Curiosity however got the best of me, eventually I did some reading up and have found that armed with the proper tools and some patience, learning how to test amplifier output with multimeter is in fact a simple enough activity.

Things you need

• Multimeter
• Amplifier
• Some patience

The speaker setup I have is fairly straightforward, if you happen to be one of those people who have at least eight speakers then it is best to be armed with a lot of patience. The whole task although doable is time-consuming since it likely needed for you to test each unit to find any faults. Keep in mind that if the main component lights up and works, the issue may very well be correlated with the external amps. Now let’s start!

Step 1: Configuring the Multimeter

Start by configuring the multimeter. As a noob I was a little worried, I would have trouble with this. I was pretty relieved by how easy it was to do. The COM as it is labeled is the common socket, this is where the black probe must go into. The socket labeled A or amperage is where the red probe hooks into.

Sometimes there are two varying sockets for amperage, one is for his amperage while the other one is a bit more sensitive. As a rule of thumb, users can try out the highest rating socket first. With the central dial on the device, turn to amperage setting that corresponds with the socket. If for example the circuit is estimated at 5 amps, instead of selecting 1 amp, go for the 10 amp setting. A setting that is too low can actually overload a multimeter.

Step 2: Amplifier Test

Because each manufacturer will design their amp a little differently from the others, checking the manual is a must. There should be a diagram for wiring that tells users which wires are used for testing along with the characteristics you should expect from a functioning amp.

There are amplifiers with several plugs, if for some reason the diagram does not specifically state which is the main one,  for the most part it is standard to have the main amp is labeled 12V+.

Step 3: Multimeter Reading

Using a series configuration, place the multimeter leads into the circuit. The idea is to have an electricity flow that is redirected in order to obtain an accurate multimeter reading. The currents should move towards the red lead and then exit through the black one.

Note the amperage amount that is displayed on our multimeter. It is always best to put the selected current range into consideration when looking at the reading number. This means, that the number “10,00” may show only 0.01 amps on one setting while indicating a 10 amps reading on another if the multimeter is set to a higher milliamps radius.

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with earbuds since my ear canals are apparently not big enough to accommodate them.

So in an effort to spare by the inner ear, I often switch between using buds and headphones thinking this would solve my discomfort. But, alas! I’m sure anyone who has used headphones will agree that these seemingly innocent and comfortable looking pair of auditory accessories can actually turn into brain squeezing torture devices. Especially when they used for an extended period of time.

Figuring out what causes the discomfort can be done by taking a closer look at each of the problems experienced while using it.

Uncomfortable headphones need not be the norm when there are reliable resolutions on how to make headphones not hurt your ear. I’ve got a rundown of some of the most irksome issues I’ve dealt with since using over the ear headphones.

Problem #1 Too Tight Bands

Over the ear headphones are sometimes similar to brand new sneakers that need to be broken in. Instead of having to endure wearing them until they stretch to accommodate the size of my head, I found that stretching them overnight has made them more comfortable.

Solution: To do this, the trick is to simply use the box, book, jar, or any item that is roughly the same size as your head or maybe a teeny bit wider. Position the headphones on it to give it a nice stretch. Try to be as gentle as possible when attempting this trick. Repeat several times if the first attempt still feels too snug.

Problem #2 Headphones that Dig into the Skin

Usually, it fits more comfortably after several uses with the band magically taking in the shape of your head. For the most part, I have found that this is often the scenario whenever I opt for high-end headphones. It sounds cliche but you definitely get what you pay for.

Solution: After settling with cheap pairs for so many years, I saved up and got myself a good quality brand that boasts of luxurious comfort. And it did not disappoint! Compared to inexpensive models, the premium model had a band that was lined with memory foam.

The lack of padding not just feels tight on my head but it actually felt like the hard plastic was slowly digging into my skin. Of course, it is not necessary to simply select the priciest model out there. It does pay to try on a few designs until you are able to find one that offers ample cushioning.

Problem #3 Warm Sweaty Ears

There are numerous headphones that are made of pads with plastic materials. In some instances, they are even covered with faux leather making them even more uncomfortable to use.

Solution: To avoid irritation, picking headphones that are covered with breathable, soft fabric is always a better solution. There are lots of headphone models that allow users to replace the built-in pads with other options. Check to see if our model supports replaceable or removable pads. Bear in mind that breathable fabrics will introduce more air into the device which can reduce the noise cancellation functionality of your headpiece.

Problem #4 Drivers that Press Against Ears

Sometimes it is not the clamping pressure that causes ear discomfort but the shallow cups. With ear shapes and sizes varying, some ears tend to stick out more and tend to get cramped when shallow cups press against it.

Solution: Aside from the obvious of locating models that nestle your ears better, the next best option to create cups that are deeper. Be mindful that this quick fix could affect the quality of the audio output. Increase the thickness by adding foam or similar types of padding material around the cups and under the pads. This hack should provide more space inside the cup to comfortably accommodate the ears.

Headsets have always been the perfect accessory whenever I want to fully immerse myself in what I am listening to. Since they provide full ear coverage, I find myself being able to hear audio very clearly.

Like many users, I am ashamed to admit that I have neglected to properly care for my headphones. It was only until I started experiencing some discomfort while using them and when I realized I was no longer getting the best output that I began to take more notice on how to clean headset pads.

One quick glance and I knew that my headset was not only dirty but it was also starting to smell. The long hours of usage and close contact of the fabric covering the pads have managed to absorb dirt, grime, and sweat! It was already quite disgusting hence a quick clean up was in order. After some research, this is what I found to be the most effective and efficient means to clean up my set.

Step 1

Begin by wiping down the external pieces. Use a dry clean piece of cloth to go over surfaces. This practice should be one right after every use. For best results, it’s advisable to select microfibre cloth to avoid causing any abrasions on surfaces. Dry wiping picks up any dust as well as any moisture from sweat absorbed by the cushions and pads.

Step 2

I opted for a piece of damp cloth that I had dipped in warm soapy water. It is important to note that the cloth must not be soaking wet. Proceed by wiping the pads gently, do not rub or press hard on the cushions. Leave them to dry. Some headset models allow users to pop off the pads, you should check with your manufacturer website if this is an option.

If you find yourself reluctant to sanitize with soapy water, another option is to simply use hydrogen peroxide a common disinfectant used by those in the medical profession. If it’s good for them, then it must be good for us as well, right? Of course, it doesn’t have to be said that it is always best to heed the manufacturer’s suggestions and warnings. Better safe than sorry after all.

Step 3

Use a clean q-tip to clean up nooks and crannies. Be careful when reaching into holes and jacks. I have found it easier to use swabs for makeup removal since they are designed to have a slimmer and pointier head than the typical bud.

As much as possible, avoid introducing moisture into any ports on your headset. Aside from a q-tip, I have found that a clean soft-bristled toothbrush is also a good way to remove stubborn build-up.

Step 4

Since I use a headset with leather coating, it will take time to occasionally condition it. To do this, apply a nice even layer of your choice leather conditioner. These are easily found being sold along with leather goods.

Conditioning needs only to be done twice annually, or depending on the weather condition in your area. Always use a small amount when working the conditioner in. Remember that it is easier to add if needed rather than to take away when you’ve placed too much. This is a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Massage the solution all over the leather components, allow it to be absorbed, leave to dry before you store.

As a final note, headset users would benefit from regularly replacing pads. Even with proper care and storage, regular wear and tear will still occur. Cleaning them not only ensures quality audio output, it also results to better hygiene.

Whenever I’m driving or puttering around the house doing chores, I always like to have some music playing in the background. Whether it is on my mobile phone, laptop or speaker system, having some tunes to keep me company always makes my tasks easier to do. However, device storage isn’t created equally. Memory capacity can range from a few gigabytes to terabytes.

It is not uncommon for portable devices to house large storage spaces that can support various forms of data including music. The amount of space in every gadget will dictate how much it can fully hold.

Granted that large-capacity devices will immediately resolve any limitation worries, it is still very helpful to have a good idea of the number of songs that can be stored in the allotted space of any gadget. If like me, you have wondered how much music 8GB can hold then here are the things you need to know.

• File Type
• Bit Rate
• Song Length
• Device Format

File Type

File formats used can notably increase or decrease the amount of music that can be saved in 8GB worth of storage. Music files that are compressed permit a larger amount of data to be uploaded into the drive. The standard device and music player will be able to play MP3 files, there are others that can however play various file types with ease. Users should still consider alternative options that compress into smaller formats. Many audiophiles consider AAC a better option due to its higher audio quality an efficient compression. This particular format can produce a larger library of songs as opposed to the MP3 type.

Bit Rate

Your typical MP3 file has a Bit Rate ratio compression that is most suited for consumer use. The majority of 8GB devices in the market are able to play a maximum 320kbit/s. There are a few handful devices of 8GB capacity that can play more than 640kbit/s since the vast majority of commercially available music in an MP3 format is only at 128 kbit/s.

Song Length

Lastly, it is essential to understand how the length of each song will determine how much of the storage space it will take up. Simply put a song that is 10 minutes long will obviously use up more space than one that is only 2 minutes in length. This needs to be noted since music is sometimes released as a single file containing an entire album worth of data — this could easily be over an hour long.

Device Format

Interestingly enough, lots of devices available commercially claim to have 8GB of storage. What they fail to mention is how a portion of this is set aside and used for the firmware or software of the said device. Thus, once formatted the physical space remaining will be less than what is advertised. More or less the usable space of an 8GB gadget can range anywhere between 7GB to 7.5GB.

The storage of songs is usually calculated by the space occupied per minute of music. Generally, MP3 formats at 128 kbit/s will take up 1mb per minute, with that in mind, it is safe to say that an 8GB phone or memory card can hold about 1,500 to 2,000 songs based on the aforementioned details.

Bear in mind that the song length and quality of the music loaded onto an 8GB device can still be a determining factor of how many tunes you can store. Unless you are in the music industry, 8GB worth of music, in my opinion, would produce a decent-sized library.