Category: Video

Improve your video audio by turning off AC/DC power

In my Audio & Video learning over the years, I discovered this little nugget to improve audio quality when recording video.  I’ve only recently remembered to create a video on it.

Here is my setup:  Sony HDR-SR11 HD video camera with a 1/8 microphone input, an unbalanced lapel microphone with a 1/8 mono connector, & the AC/DC power cable for the camera.  This is a general problem with unbalanced microphones and when transformers are in close proximity.  Take a listen to the video to see the improvement in action.

Enjoy!

– Dom

* For better video & audio quality watch the 720p HD version.

San Juan River Fly Box

I really love fishing the San Juan River in New Mexico, it’s one of my favorite places to fish because one can get into 20+ inch trout in the quality waters just below Navajo Dam.  The consistent flows and consistent water temperature create a rich food source for all the trout that live there.  It’s this rich food source that causes the trout to feed on very small bugs, and when fish feed on very small bugs you need very small flies.  In this video I detail my San Juan River Fly Box, what it is, how I made it, and how I use it.  Enjoy!

– Dom

* For better video & audio quality watch the 720p HD version.

700 MHz Wireless Microphones

The FCC recently reminded people (on 5/28) in the United States that there has been a change in spectrum allocation to avoid interference.  On June 12, 2010, wireless microphones and monitors will no longer be able to be used in the 700 MHz band (specifically698 to 806 MHz).  Here is the PDF on the FCC website.

What this means, is those individuals/groups who use wireless microphones for audio capture for video, screencapture, or podcasting, in the above bandwidth will start to receive noise and non-ideal audio as new 4G consumer devices are deployed in proximity to the wireless microphone.

The solution for the vodcasters/screencasters/podcasters is to either replace the wireless microphone or work with the equipment manufacturer to get the wireless radio inside the transmitter & receiver changed out to operate on a frequency outside the 700 MHz band.  Some manufacturers have a trade-in or rebate programs to help people with this change.

Here is another helpful link on the FCC website which lists known wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band.

Now, if by chance you live on a Indian reservation away from any mobile or cellular phone service, your wireless microphone should work just fine after June 12, 2010.  🙂

– Dom

Laguna Storytelling

The Laguna Public Library (in Laguna, NM) periodically holds events for the public that help promote & preserve the local culture.  This last Monday (5/10) the library had “Laguna Storytelling” with Chris Luther.  This hour long event was great re-introduction to the Keres language for me personally.  I was very appreciative that the library and Chris allowed the event to be recorded.  This video is just a small sample of what occured, the full video will be put on the computers in the library for others to also enjoy the event.

– Dom

* For better video & audio quality watch the 720p HD version.

Audio & Video gear I use

Since I’ve had several questions recently about what Audio & Video gear I use, I’ve decided to create a separate page here on this blog to detail what I own & what I have used.  Feel free to contact me about any of the items listed, maybe I can save you some time/energy in your various content capturing/creation efforts.

In addition, I would like to point you to an awesome resource I found during 2009 PodCampAZ for learning more about the technical aspects of video.  His name is Israel Hymen, he runs Izzy Video, and I’m a member.

Enjoy!

– Dom