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Prior to the digital switch I could watch local channels and higher channels including Fox News. I can only receive local channels now. Does my computer have capability to receive these other channels?

This is a twist on the analog versus digital questions we’ve been getting lately and something I hadn’t thought much about. There are many ways to watch TV on your computer, but some of these use your signal or cable in order to work. Let’s take a look at your options.

Now that the digital transition from analog has happened, many people are scrambling for new ways to watch TV. Analog signals have delivered TV into homes for over 60 years, but the new digital signals will deliver clearer picture and high-definition to your television.

Older television sets with antennae will work as long as they use the new converter boxes that cost around $50 - government subsidies were given for many early adopters, but I believe the vouchers have run out. If you don’t want to get a converter or switch to cable, you can watch TV on your computer - sort of.

PC TV Tuners

Many of the most popular solutions involve a PC TV tuner that you can use with any operating system on any kind of computer. These connect to your computer and then to either your antennae or cable connection, so these won’t be an option for you. In addition to have systems that are internal or attach via a USB port, you can get tuners that are external and really only need a monitor - not a computer - to work.

Online TV

There are several ways to go if you just want to watch TV on the Internet. Many networks (and there are more every day) put full episodes and other content on their websites, so you can simply log on and watch whenever you want.  For example, FOX offers clips from their programming, but at this point does not offer a full show - many people prefer this, as they can pick and choose the segments that they want to watch. Other websites have emerged that specialize in running full episodes of a variety of programming - some of the most popular are Sling.com, Joost.com or Hulu.com. The image quality and selection will vary from site to site, so if you have specific shows you like to watch, you may have to look around.

Networked Game Consoles

Another interesting option involves a networked game console such as an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 (and shortly Nintendo Wii). For about $40, you can get software called Playon.com (there is a free trial version on their website that lets you see if it works in your home) that you download onto your PC and can watch Internet programs on your TV via the game console. Although you are viewing Internet content, it allows for a more “TV like” experience.

There are so many options available every day as technology changes, that shortly there will be even more choices for viewing the TV programs over your Internet connection.

How to Update DirectX and how to fix DirectX related computer problems?

What is DirectX?

Microsoft computers use a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) for multimedia tasks such as videos and games. Individually, the components of DirectX include:

DirectDraw, Direct3D, DXGI, DirectInput, DirectPlay, DirectSound, DirectSound3D, DirectMusic, and DirectX Media.

These APIs handle tasks related to sound and graphics and are collectively known as “DirectX.”

Scan and Repair DIRECTX problems - Download is free

How to Update DirectX

As Microsoft improves its DirectX technologies, hardware manufacturers and software developers follow suit and develop products to take advantage of graphical and sound improvements. For example, you may buy a new video game that uses the latest version of DirectX. Unless you have the latest version on your computer, the game won’t run as designed and a DirectX update will be required.

Before you download a DirectX update, you must make sure that the update will work on your computer. If your computer runs Windows Vista, it shipped with DirectX 10 which is exclusive to Vista computers. Windows XP can support up to DirectX 9.0c while the new Windows Vista 7 is scheduled to support DirectX 11 which hasn’t yet been released. Older operating systems including Windows 98 and ME are only supported up to DirectX 8.1.

Let’s assume that you have a Windows XP computer. In this case, you can update your DirectX to 9.0c. In this case, updates are released bi-monthly directly from Microsoft. Simply download the latest version, (currently the March 2009 version) and follow the prompts to install it.

How to Fix DirectX Errors

Note that the DirectX update cannot be uninstalled. This could cause problems for you if you downloaded the wrong version for your operating system. Before downloading a DirectX update, it’s highly recommended that you create a System Restore point. That way, should a DirectX error occur, you can rollback your system to its previous state.

DirectX Errors

Common DirectX errors include: DLL errors, black screen errors, DirectX access violation errors, illegal operation errors, missing d3d9.dll errors, and required file not found errors. In most cases, these DirectX errors are solved by updating to the most current version of DirectX, especially if the game or video you are working with is designed for the newest version.

Scan and Repair DIRECTX problems - Download is free to try!

Backwards Yes, but not Forwards

While DirectX is backward compatible, that is you can play games designed for earlier versions of DirectX, it is not forward compatible. If you have DirectX 9.0a and want to play a game designed for DirectX 9.0c, guess what? You’ll get a DirectX error! Fortunately, updating to DirectX 9.0c should solve the problem.

Run a Free Registry Scan, and Update your DirectX version

If updating DirectX doesn’t solve your computer’s DirectX-related error, your computer may benefit by cleaning out its registry using a product such as RegCure. Registry cleaners are programmed to solve all types of computer problems that originate in the Windows registry including DirectX-related errors, DLL errors, and illegal operation errors.

I have a Panasonic model# sa-dk2 home theater system that will no longer turn on. I think it’s the transformer, however this unit contains two - would you know which one it would be?

I have to admit up front that home theater is not really my area of expertise. That said, I did a little digging and did come up with some possibilities about what is causing the power failure on your system.

My guess is that your Panasonic SA-DK2 home theater system is more than about five years old and is no longer under warranty. That said, there really are no user serviceable parts inside, so anything I tell you is not really a green light to get in there and go digging around - some things are best left to professionals both for the sake of your system and your safety. You can find some information on the SA-DK2 on the Panasonic website  where you can download a user manual and find a Panasonic servicer near you.

Check the Source

Before we go straight for the transformer as your likely suspect, have you ruled out all of the obvious culprits first? You’d be surprised at how many people think that their equipment is faulty when it is the power source that has tripped. Plug in a lamp at that outlet and make sure that it is working properly first. Do the same with any surge protectors you are using (you are using surge protectors on all of your electronic equipment, right?) and make sure that the outlet that it is plugged into is good.

Check the Fuse

I couldn’t get too much information on your particular model, but most often it is a fuse rather than a transformer that is the culprit in home theater power failure. Most transformers have an internal fuse that prevents the equipment from drawing too much power. It is rare to have a transformer go bad without blowing the fuse first, and a blown transformer will likely generate a lot of smoke - it would probably be hard to miss.

You should be able to test the transformer using an inexpensive ohm meter. With the meter on the lowest scale, you can test each winding of the transformer to see if you can spot a problem.

Again, I don’t recommend delving into the innards of your home theater unless you have a real expertise in that area, but this will hopefully give you some ideas about what the problem might be.

My sister wanted Skype, so she bought it along with a camera and headphones. Now the headphones work for Skype, but whenever I try to play music on, say, Youtube, they don’t work, and when I disconnect the headphones, the speakers don’t! I made sure I’m not on “Mute-all”, and the computer WILL play that “Dun-uh” sound when you keep clicking something that won’t connect or something. It plays all those different ones.

I have to say, I love Skype. Not two minutes ago, I was using Skype to talk to (and see) a friend of mine in London from here in California. Gotta love the technology. I can see how this headphone problem is frustrating, so let’s see what we can do to help you.

Skype Setup

In order to determine if the system is set up properly, I’m going to walk you through the set up steps - this may be redundant, but bear with me.

1. Go to Control Panel and find Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices. Find the Sound and Audio Device section.
2. Find the Audio tab. Under Sound Playback, choose the Skype device from the drop down menu.
3. To adjust the volume, click on Volume and then Options and Properties.
4. Under ‘Show the following volume controls’, make sure that everything has a check by it.
5. In Volume Control, make sure that the Microphone has a check by Mute. None of the other controls should have mute checked.

To change the recording options:

1. Click on Sound Recording in Sound and Audio Devices.
2. Choose the Skype device from the list and click Volume.
3. In Recording control panel, choose Properties and Options. Check all boxes under ‘Show volume controls’.
4. In the Recording control panel, under Microphone make sure that Select has a check mark.
5. Go to Options and Advanced Controls. Under Other Controls make sure there is no check beside Microphone Boost. Exit.

To check your configuration:

1. Start Skype. Go to Tools and Options. Find the Audio Settings tab.
2. In the Microphone and Speakers menu, select the devices you chose in Control Panel. Save.

Troubleshooting

If the problem persists, go back into Control Panel and choose Sound and Audio. On the Audio tab, set the default playback device to your main soundcard. Make sure that your audio device is present - if it isn’t, then you may need to reinstall it.

If you’re having to unplug your speakers every time, then make sure that they are connected properly when you’re not using the headset. If you’re still having issues, I’d suggest contacting Skype help directly - they may have some information that we don’t.

I have a Logitech webcam installed on my computer. I can use it to view, but I cannot communicate with it on my MSN messenger.

If you are using a Windows based operating system, then your webcam should be compatible with MSN Messenger. The fact that you can use your Logitech webcam to view images hints at the possibility that the problem might not be with the webcam but with the software that it is using. You might need to install Adobe Flash Player or Java in order for your webcam to function properly. Read on to get more specific details.

Logitech Webcam and QuickCam Software

One of the first steps to take is to see if your Logitech webcam works with the QuickCam Software that came with it. If it does, then the problem is not related to the webcam, its drivers, or its software. If it doesn’t work properly, then follow the next listed strategy and move on down the list.

Webcam Connection and Drivers

When using a webcam on the computer, it is a good idea to update not only the drivers for the webcam occasionally but also to update the operating system as well as your Direct X drivers.

Webcam Connection with MSN Messenger

In order to use your Logitech webcam with MSN Messenger, you need to have Adobe Flash installed. If you do have it installed, then you want to make sure that you have the latest version of this application. If not, then it can lead to problems such as the one that you are having.

Moreover, it is possible that your installation of Adobe Flash is flawed. If it is or even if this is a possibility, you’ll need to uninstall Adobe Flash Player using the uninstaller provided on Adobe’s website. Adobe wants everyone to use their uninstaller in order to make sure that all files related to Adobe Flash Player are uninstalled in order to allow a better installation of this application the next time around. It is a simple download that you can obtain by following this link: Uninstall Adobe Flash Player.

Then, you will need to reinstall the latest version of it. First, reboot your computer and visit Adobe’s website again to uninstall the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

Webcam Connection and Java

In some cases, the installation of Java will go a long way to having your webcam function properly no matter which chat rooms you decide to visit.

Uninstall the Java application that is currently on your computer before installing the latest version of it. Since you want to be entirely sure that all of the files related to Java have been uninstalled, you can use the Windows Installer Cleanup tool which will get rid of any remnants of the Java application for you. Now visit Java’s website at Java Download to download and install the latest version on it.

When I try to transfer my pictures from my camera to the computer, it turns my computer off. Can anyone help me?

Camera Software vs. Windows Explorer

Are you using the software that came with your camera to transfer the images from your camera to your computer? If so, I’m wondering if the problem might be related to incompatibility with the software or perhaps memory issues. Let’s start with the software and see if you can transfer the photos directly.

First, while your camera may have come with software for your computer, it’s not necessary to use the included software. You might try using an alternate program or Windows Explorer. For example, connect your camera or insert the memory card into a compatible memory card reader (if you have one) and the right click the Start button and click on Explore. This opens Windows Explorer. From there, look for your camera or memory card in the list. It will most likely show up as a drive letter such as E or F. Click the drive letter and you should see a series of folders.

Depending on your camera, you may need to navigate through several different subfolders before you find the actual photos. Once you find the folder containing the images, click Control + A to select them all and then drag and drop to your Pictures folder on your computer. This will copy all of the images from your camera to your Pictures folder.

If you want to try different software, such as Windows Photo Gallery, look for an “import from camera” feature. In Windows Live Photo Gallery, simply go to File > Import from Camera.

Memory Issues

Photo editing is a memory intensive process. I also wonder if memory issues might be crashing your computer when you launch the digital camera’s software and attempt to transfer the photos. Try closing all running programs beforehand and see if the process can proceed now that more memory is available. If so, consider adding additional memory and limiting the number of programs running at once when you need to work with your images.

Camera Connection Type

Another thought is how the camera connects to your computer in the first place. Most come with USB connections. Have you tried using an alternate USB slot? Does your camera have a removable memory card? Depending on how the camera is connected, your computer may have to load device drivers for it, which could also be interfering with operations and crashing your computer. Updated device drivers from your camera manufacturer may solve this problem, so it’s worth checking with the manufacturer’s Web site for both software and device driver updates.