Technical Know How
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Are You Too Busy At Work And Not Seeing The Returns You Should?
Jan 27th
Often you work long hours and push it to get things done. You’re caught up in urgent activities just to satisfy clients and other staff members. This gives you virtually no time to step back and think if there is a better way. Why should you question the system? Your workflow and procedures have been done this way for many years. And besides, other business work the same or similar way.
I ask you to have an open mind and let me show you, how you can streamline your business and optimise your workflow and activities. I would like to introduce to you an interactive job management system, which includes an integrated accounting engine. It will free up your time and let you do the activities, which are most important to your business: customer care, management and focus on ways to grow your business.
You see, technology has not only changed and enhanced the products we use and the cars we drive,
it has enabled us to improve the way we do things around the business world. Somewhere along the line, faxes were replaced by email, written job-cards became virtual ones on computer screens and now we have ‘Cloud’ computing, which allows us to work and control our business from anywhere! We not even have to worry about computer backups or if the business premises burns down (at least not your customer and job records).
Now let me introduce to you NextGen Enterprise, a customisable job-control and accounting solution, which allows your business run on steroids. With your unique NextGen Enterprise setup you will have business control, job tracking and accounting at its finest.
Nextgen Enterprise
It allows you to do what you do best, your job. You are not caught up in too much administrative work, chasing information and customers. Everybody in the business is using NextGen Enterprise as their primary work screen for information exchange. This way all Job and customer related information is available to everyone immediately. Your customers can not only follow the status of their job from book-in to invoice passively on your website, NextGen Enterprise uses communication fields on the virtual job-card, where you and your customer can comment and ask questions related to the job.
Invoices are automatically updated in ‘accounts receivable’ of the General ledger in the integrated accounting package. If you use this free accounting system and update your expenses and perhaps other sources of income manually, there is no need for your current accounting software. NextGen Enterprise’s free accounting add-on calculates customer statements, provides reports for income statements, trial balance, balance sheet and more.
To summarise things up, you not only have an instant snap shot of all your business activities, you are also in control of your finances (at least you see where you are going).
Shift your business management forward and contact Thomas on 08-9402 8554 or email: Thomas@allcam.com.au and ask for your Free brochure TODAY.
Error Messages with Tape Camcorders – How to Avoid it
Jan 13th
Error messages, not accepting -, or ejecting-, chewing tapes, line bars and pixelation during playback – Sounds familiar? Do you want to know why these issues occur and how to avoid them? During my work as a camera technician I have repaired thousands of camcorders and other video equipment, from VHS and Betacam in the early days to Digital8 and mini-DV.
The latter format, mini-DV, delivers by far the best picture, but there is a downside…
In my experience it is the most sensitive tape format to different tape surfaces and damaged tape cassettes.
Let me explain: due to the high data volume on a physical small tape, the tape path and transport in the tape mechanism of the camcorder has to be very precise. Tolerances in tape path alignment and tape tension in the beginning and end of the cassette need to be very accurate. Sensors inside the recorder mechanism control tape tension, transport speed, and video head drum speed at all times. Even if the tape loading and unloading is slightly delayed, for whatever reason, the computer of the control logic shuts down the whole camera and displays an error message to prevent any damage to the tape or camcorder. A fingerprint on the tape can cause enough friction to slow down the video head drum, that the servo circuit cannot compensate and the system control shuts down the camera.
In theory as well as in real live it is very likely that a damaged tape inserted in a newly repaired camcorder can cause malfunction or any of the other symptoms described above. Usually the damage is not as bad as in the first place when the tape got damaged by the faulty camera, but it is recommended, to get the camcorder checked out first, before you try a different or new tape. For more details of what you can do in this case, click Camera trouble shooting.
It goes even so far, that some camcorder models are sensitive to mixing different tape brands, as the residue of some tape material doesn’t mix well with others, or the tape tension and friction upsets the tape mechanism in the camcorder. This particularly applies to mini DV tapes with playing times of 120min or more.
Repairs of a damaged Mini DV tape – As you can imagine now, this can be a tricky subject.
- If there is any damage to the cassette housing, it is recommended to find an old mini DV tape, which has a cassette compartment hold together by screws and replace the whole housing without touching the tape with your fingers.
- Splicing the tape itself, is a very delicate work and should be done by a professional, as the joint itself, if not done properly, can damage the video heads. The loss of the damaged tape, which has been cut out is usually insignificant, as a few centimetres of tape represent only a few seconds of video footage.
- Once a spliced tape is successfully repaired, I still recommend to use it only once or twice to avoid any damage to the video head.
Summary, conclusion and recommendations
- Try to use the same brand of tapes only
- Avoid to use tapes longer than 90min
- Discard damaged tapes
- Be careful with head cleaning tapes – see video / article…
For more technical details about camcorders including tape- DVD- HDD and flash memory I recommend
What is Cloud Computing?
Dec 6th
What is the Cloud?
Cloud computing is a concept, where software and services are delivered over the web and through a browser. It is available at anytime, anywhere, from any device connecting to the Internet. Businesses call it SaaS (Software as a Service) or cloud computing.
These services are hosted by a third party, which means, all headaches associated with maintaining on-premise systems are removed. The outside vendor runs the software and server, making it possible for you to pay attention to what is most important, running your business. Your provider takes care of it all.
Cloud computing is designed to make life easy. Many of us are now happy to access our banking information, shopping and book travel online.
Having adapted to these practices, it is natural for people to begin to wonder why the same highly efficient methods are not so widespread within other businesses.
Securing the cloud
If your hard drive crashes or if your computer vanishes, you don’t need to worry, that your data has gone missing with it.
Cloud computing providers invest more time and money in protecting their customers’ data than any small organisation could possibly afford. In fact, it is one of the most important factors.
What are the benefits?
With the right tools, you can control your whole business in the cloud with your desktop, laptop, or smart-phone. A cloud service can provide an end-to-end solution, allowing the business to make considerable savings in terms of investment and operational costs.
Overall, adopting cloud computing leads to improved cost efficiency, improved leverage of resources, automation, flexibility and greater mobility. It can save time and money, whilst improving productivity. To remain competitive, small businesses need to be available to respond quickly and work together whether in the field, in the office or on the way to work.
New technologies enable businesses of all sizes to seamlessly stay connected, work remotely and collaborate across different geographies and time zones. Australian small businesses can adopt these technologies and improve their ‘on-the-go’ productivity in a cost-effective and secure way.
Imagine how effective the same team could be, if the document was based on the internet and the team could all access and update customer files and accounting in real time. In this business model, an office and desk are purely optional.
As a small business manager, these new online tools can make life easier for you and your employees, and enable your workforce to be mobile, seamlessly connected and flexible.
Why is MyCloud Enterprise different?
Unlike a lot document, video, audio and office based data storage, MyCloud enterprise is a complete business management system, which provides a solid and proven skeleton structure. It can be adopted and padded to suit most business operations. Due to its purpose built foundation, it provides a fast and reliable business tool, which fine-tunes your work procedures for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Because of combining different programs into one core application, …
Summary and Final Thoughts
Despite the growing popularity of cloud computing and the increased number of companies utilizing these services, not all business owners nor customers are completely convinced, this is the way to go. There is little doubt, that this area of computing will continue to develop and likely become main stream within a few years.
The benefits of embracing cloud computing speak for themselves: improved cost efficiency and leverage of resources along with greater mobility and flexibility. Companies of all sizes stand to gain an impressive return on investment as a result of implementing this technology.
Making the step towards cloud computing might initially put some businesses out of their comfort zone, however embracing it will undoubtedly lead to improved efficiency and cost savings.
Cloud computing is the next evolution in the management and delivery of IT services, and for companies, that have not yet virtualised in what is an increasingly competitive environment, the ROI or ‘Risk Of Ignoring’ is substantial. The longer companies ignore this technology, the greater the opportunity is lost.
Get started Today http://www.nextsoft.com.au/
Why Allcam promotes a Business Software Application
Dec 6th
You may wonder why a camera service company sells a high tech cloud software solution.
Well, there is a reason, which makes a lot of sense, just hear me out on this one…
My Story
As an engineer, entrepreneur and problem solver I am constantly thinking on how to improve things. One of my favourite saying is: ‘Simplify your live and streamline your business’. It is not that I am lazy, but it is most likely in my German blood to get things perfect. So I want to apply this philosophy to my business operation to make it lean, effective and efficient.
After shopping around for the right tools, which is software, to run my business, I quickly realised, all of them are more or less a compromise. Being a little computer literate, but knowing exactly what I wanted and had done some programming in the past, I knew pretty much, how the perfect business software solution could look like.
How I did it
Once I figured out the details for all different screens within my new software and the workflow, I documented everything in writing with screenshots and flowcharts. I fine-tuned and optimised workflow scenarios until the future ‘application’ fitted my perfect service business model. It was a business tool, which could save time and manpower, I have not seen in any of the thousands of dollars ‘of the shelf’ software packages. Leave alone the mainstream accounting package, which was not even included and one of the main requirement to make it work, ‘to run in the cloud’, was almost unheard of.
Why a ‘cloud’ application is a must!
A lot of people not only enjoy the convenience of internet shopping, banking and making their travel arrangements online, they expect more and more other business services to go online. Even as a small business owner I am always thinking BIG and want to provide a service like the banks, e-bays and amazons. Based on the positive customer feedback on our job-tracking system, which is for more than a couple of years in use, I can see, that I am certainly on the right track. The time and overhead savings are nothing less than spectacular.
Where do we go from here?
With more than a couple of years of implementation without a glitch, my developer and I realised, that this amazing application or business structure you may call it, can be adapted to most other service and manufacturer businesses. So we (more he) has been working on a more flexible and highly adaptable application, which can be a rock solid foundation to most service/manufacturer businesses. With some more added features and tools, even your business can reap the benefits and provide the same customer service as Allcam Cameras & More.
To find out more details about cloud business in general, read more articles in my Business Blog,or if you want to take your business into the cloud, visit NextSoft.com.au.
What Every Media Student at High School or College Need to Know!
Nov 10th
During the last 25years as a camera technician I have repaired hundreds of cameras with faults, which could have been prevented, if the user would follow a few simple steps during camera handling.
- You don’t have to accept camera repairs as a common expense.
- What is the point of having the right intention to take care of your camera equipment if you don’t know how?
- Sometimes it is a little more than just common sense.
- What about just the one piece of advice, which can make all the difference between no repair, repair or write off!
During my more than 25 years of experience as a camera technician I have seen hundreds of faulty cameras and camcorders which were damaged by self induced faults. Recently I produced a video and booklet, which outlines exactly the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of video camera handling and maintenance.
You can learn how to take care of your own camcorder and camera, and avoid up to 70% of repairs with the help of ALL-CAM’s DIY Camera Care & Protection video.
Learn how to prevent damage and how to spot a quality second-hand purchase. By keeping your camera in top condition, you will experience much less down time and have a better filming experience.
An investment, which potentially can save you hundreds of dollars on repair bills!
Go to www.estudy.net.au download your camera live saver today.
What makes a U-Tube Video Successful?
Nov 10th
Sure, it is the content in the first place. But to have maximum impact and go viral with your video, there is one more point to the equation.
Content + Presentation = Impact (Viral)
Often you can’t change much the content, you have to work with what you have. However, the variable in the equation above is the presentation. This really can be improved and fine-tuned for maximum impact. There are two parts to improve your presentation, during production and post production.
Let’s have a look at 3 scenarios of video content and how to improve the video for maximum impact.
1. A presentation or a certain message you want to deliver in a video.
In this case you can work on content as well as on presentation during production and post production. You can tune it until it is right.
2. An excellent rare event you caught on camera.
Here you have to work with what you have. However, you could implement a few special tricks and effects which emphasise your content big time.
3. You know about events and situations where you can catch unique footage on camera.
This is almost perfect. By almost I mean, you can land a real success, if you are know what you are doing with your camera, as well as emphasise the important bits in post production.
One way or the other, you have to gain the right experience and improve your skills to move forward with your video production. Here are your options:
• You can keep on doing what you have always done and you might improve and get it right one day. Do you want to, or can you afford to miss all the opportunities to capture the unique events on video?
• The better and most effective way is, learn from other people experience, from professionals, who know what works best. Learn and apply the tricks and tips straight away and get the results you want fast.
Do it all by yourself in your own pace, with your camera, at home! Go to www.estudy.net.au and download a complete audio visual course NOW!
Video like a PRO
CamGuru – Essential Camera and Video Production Advice
Nov 1st
In this post I would like you to make aware of a couple very important aspects, when it comes to purchasing and operating a new camcorder. You should put these points into consideration now as they can save you a lot of headache later.
- When it comes to choosing a new camera or camcorder, people are often overwhelmed by the choice of models and features. The prices for a brand new ‘Point and Shoot’ camera start as low as $100 and can exceed the $500 at the other end of the scale.
The video capabilities of photo cameras have improved that much over the last couple of years, that you may ask yourself if you need a separate camcorder. On the other hand some camcorders have an integrated flash light and deliver excellent still shots.
The choice of recording medium of camcorders is straight forward, Hard Disc Drive, Flash Card or both!
Tape-. and disc camcorder have been discontinued at most retailers. Going into a retail shop or surfing the internet for any camera advice is like asking a barber if you need a haircut. Information is often biased toward the special of the week. - At last, you have purchased a new camcorder, the first step towards your goal to produce a video of your upcoming holiday, new family member or any other special event. Even it may not be your first camera, the chances are high, that it records onto a different recording medium as the old one. It might be a change from tape to HDD, Disc to Memory card or any other combination. This fact alone can bring its own challenges, it can be the as simple as archiving and distribution of your videos or software/editing issues. The disc, which is included in the package of your new camera is often just an evaluation version or is limited to very basic functionality and features. In one way or the other you need to buy a full software version of it. If it is the right software for you, or if you can get away with a different free editing program for your purpose, is a whole different story.
- Finally, everything has been setup. The camera connection to the computer, the software and editing works perfectly. You try something new or differently, there it happens, and your setup doesn’t work properly or not at all! In some case it is not even obvious if it is a camera -, software- or computer problem. The camera retailer sends you to the manufacturer, the camera manufacturer to the editing software distributor and from here the blame goes to the computer hardware. Customers have approached me with this kind of faults, were nobody could give an answer to their problems.
- Here is another challenge you may face during a video production. - Camera, or any other hardware failure. Let us say, you are a technician or have knowledge on the subject and started to pull your camera apart in order to rectify the fault. Sometimes it looks so easy on these U-tube repair videos, but suddenly you realise you have a different camera model, or the cause of the symptom is a different one. Anyway, somewhere along the way you got stuck for whatever reason and need a little help to complete your repair. What do you do?
The right and a quick solution to any of the situations above can save you a lot of headache, money and time. In order to complete our services and cater for the issues mentioned above Allcam has launched the CamGuru division as a dedicated give online advice and assistance service.
To find out how CamGuru can help you with:
- Buying advice and assistance
- Setup and troubleshoot assistance
- General camera/camcorder topics
- DIY Repair assistance
Visit us on http://www.camguru.net
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