Cable Guy Guides

Computer cables tend to get all over the place and there never seems to be enough room to hide them all. What can you do about them, though? If you make use of a few products and take the extra time to keep them out of the way computer cable management doesn’t have to be that much of a hassle.

Taking Care of Your Cables

The first thing you need to make sure to do is take proper care of them in the first place. Make sure animals stay far away from them because I have lost several cables to my kitten’s teeth. Special sprays are available that will help to deter them from wanting to use them as chew toys. You also should make sure to not tightly wrap them around any corners that will fray and snap them. Once you take proper care of them you can move on to actual computer cable management.

Computer Cable Management

As for how to manage the cables themselves this is a bit more complicated. You should first get plenty of floor strips to cover any exposed cables stretching across the room. These pose a threat to your safety as well as to the aesthetic appearance of your rooms. Keep them against the floorboards if at all possible to help the process.

If the problem is heavily sided towards having too many cables then you should think about hubs and splitters. HDMI cables are used for the majority of video transfer nowadays so they stack up pretty quick. Chances are that you only have a few input slots so invest in an HDMI hub. This will give you multiple inputs with just a single output to help with computer cable management. A USB splitter will also serve the same purpose. USB ports are never not in demand so by using a splitter you can multiply the ports that you have just like you did for your HDMI cables.

Now we need to keep them out of the way behind the desk. Cable holders for a variety of purposes are available. I love to use USB cable holders to keep my iPhone, external HD, and whatever else within arms reach without having to reach behind and plug things in and look for cables all the time. They are also great for securing cables properly behind the desk and out of view. This will stop a lof the tangle.

This is very basic, I know, but computer cable management will only become more important as time passes. Take these tips and mess around with your own situation until the problem is solved. Believe me, your workspace is a lot more inviting when there isn’t a mass of cables threatening your every move!

Posted in: Cable Holder, computer cable management by / Tags: cable holder, computer cable, computer cable management, USB splitter

No Comments

The fast spread of technology is, for a large part, most noticeable in the music sector. While some people do indeed wish to remain in the realm of “classic” acoustic instruments, there are a growing number of electric guitar aficionados that are looking for more modern ways to enhance and fine tune their sound. For members of this demographic a USB guitar cable could be an excellent investment.

Unless I am preaching exclusively to the converted some explanation is probably in order. Much of the recording that is going on in the world is, for the most part, a predominantly digital process. Whether through Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton or any other software, you will be using digital signals to record your music after capturing the sound with a standard microphone. This can be simplified by simply using a guitar USB cable that will send the signal straight from your guitar to the software and allow you to manipulate the sound any way you wish.

USB Guitar Cable

Now depending on what you already have in your possession you will have several options for accomplishing the same end result. There are various different kinds of options available to you. There are some units that are sort of an all-in-one device that will be a guitar with a USB port in addition to the normal 1/4” cable output normally featured on guitars. If you are already a guitar owner and want to simply transfer that tone to your digital recordings you can make use of various small interfaces to accomplish this or use a USB guitar cable that will directly convert your guitar signal to a digital USB signal. These devices will usually feature a power source that will help to make up for the lack of signal strength that many people encounter in these situations. Depending on the device you chose you will need to think about the sound problems that you may run into.

What Else Do You Need?

In addition to your USB guitar link cable your personal computer setup will play a large role in deciding how your finished tone sounds. You’ll need to look into proper software first of all. Applications like Guitar Rig are ideal and offer a wide variety of amps, cabinets, and effects that are meticulously modeled after their real life counterparts. Amplitube, GarageBand, and Gearbox are all great examples as well. You may also need some extra hardware to add to your computer/recording rig. A sound card upgrade may be in order if you find that your recordings have an excessive level of noise in them. Check all of your connections, make sure your software is up to date, and upgrade physical hardware when possible to ensure that your sound is of the highest quality.

The technology available to guitarists today is something that is hard to ignore. Digital recordings have overtaken the market and now it is easier than ever to achieve a professional quality sound. By taking time to make sure that you find the right cables, software and hardware you will quickly be on your way to reaching this goal.

 

Posted in: Guitar Cables, USB Guitar Cable by / Tags: electric guitar USB cable, guitar USB cable, recording, USB, USB guitar cable, USB guitar link cable

No Comments

As far as video games so the Microsoft X-Box 360 is the hottest on the market. Problems are prevalent, however, as the threat of a red ring of death becomes a reality for a lot of people. More common that that, though, is the problem of using an HDMI cable with the system to achieve the highest level of quality in their picture. Like many electronics, the manufacturer will offer you several options, but at pretty high prices, luckily, other options are available.

X-Box 360s provide a level of hi definition gaming that was previously unimaginable. The hi definition comes at a price to many people, however, when they try to make use of both quality picture and true surround sound audio. The benefit of the approved Microsoft Xbox 360 HDMI cables is that they are of a size that will allow you to plug both in without incidents, but this forces you to buy their cables at outrageous prices.

Dealing With Xbox 360 HDMI Cables

People are now turning to more drastic measures to solve this issue. With cables available so cheap from other sources they have begun to strip parts of the audio cable in order to make room for the HDMI cables for Xbox 360. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, since recently the ability to fit both has been made possible.

Other cables that are currently available can fit into the Xbox without much issue. Monoprice.com features some of the best xbox 360 HDMI cables that are also by far the most ideal for those in need of cheap HDMI cables for Xbox 360. The key is to avoid stores and shop online since you can get the best deal while also making sure to choose the slimmest available. The true benefit of HDMI technology is that the signal is fairly resilient and most cables will be about the same as far as quality is concerned. Xbox 360 HDMI cables are no exception to this. You will find not much difference between a high priced Microsoft or Monster cable and a cheaply purchased cable from the Internet.

The Xbox is another example of the way electronics companies have begun to do business. Understandably, companies want to make it so that you are required to use their products to supplement your existing ones. Despite this, there are ways to achieve the highest quality video on your Xbox without being forced to empty your wallet on overpriced cables.

Posted in: Xbox 360 HDMI Cables by / Tags: best HDMI cables for Xbox 360, cheap HDMI cables for Xbox 360, HDMI, HDMI cables for Xbox 360, Monster, Xbox 360 HDMI cables

No Comments

USB has become one of the most commonly used methods of delivering information between electronic gadgets. The only problem with this is that many people are finding themselves with too many cables and not near enough ports. A USB hub or a USB splitter can be extremely handy in these situations by providing several inputs with a single output, thereby solving the problem entirely.

What Is USB?

USB, which stands for Universal Serial Bus, is by far the most used transfer system. The technology was originally implemented in 1996, but has since evolved into a third generation of USB known, simply enough, as USB 3.0. This current incarnation is being used by phones, mp3 players, storage devices, guitars and anything else you could imagine. Now that you have plenty of gadgets using USB, however, it is time to deal with the mass of cables.

Using A USB Splitter

A USB splitter hub is great for desktop applications. Management of many cables will be simplified into plugging them all into a single unit that will then run a single cable to your computer. The ease of use makes these a great investment for people worried about cable management. Something to consider, however, is the power usage. While some are bus powered and gain power through the computer itself, many will still require an external plug to power them.

The more mobile solution to the problem, though, is a USB cable splitter. These won’t have as many ports as a hub would, but are useful when on the go. Additionally, these are usually always bus powered which can be further beneficial to your mobile usage. Look into units that have two or three inputs at the most for this purpose.

Still others will need another type of device. A true USB splitter will allow you to connect a single device to multiple computers. A USB port splitter such as these are not very common, however, since only a single machine can usually read the device at a time. If you think this might be something you need, however, you should look into units with a manual switch to control the output, although these are usually fairly expensive in comparison to their usefulness.

With the multiple purposes and speed that USB technology possesses it’s no surprise that so many devices are using the system. Solving the problem of too many cables can be easy and affordable with a few basic devices, but make sure you are aware of what you are buying.

Posted in: USB Splitter by / Tags: mobile, USB, USB cable splitter, USB port splitter, USB splitter, USB splitter hub

No Comments

HDMI, while being one of the newer developments, has quickly become one of the most common output/input methods available today. For that reason a lot of people seem to find themselves with more cables than ports and the resulting problem can be a hassle depending on the cleanliness of your entertainment center. Switching just isn’t always an option for most people, luckily, an HDMI hub can solve this problem fairly easily. With just a little bit of research you can find a hub that suits your specific needs.

What are HDMI cables?

First, we should understand HDMI cables on their own. Video games, blu ray players, cable boxes, computers and practically every other gadget are now taking advantage of the latest in audio/video delivery. Similar, and compatible, with DVI an HDMI cable will deliver a digital signal that results in almost limitless levels of hi definition pictures. With so much use for this level of quality you will inevitably have to deal with an excess of chords.

Using An HDMI Hub

Care will still need to be taken even  if you plan to buy the best Belkin HDMI hub, or any brand, to use with all of your cables. Make sure to not wrap them too tightly and use cable clips when necessary. Most importantly, for some, is to KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY! Nothing will destroy your cables more quickly than a cat or dog, but sprays are readily available that will deter this household problem. Keep in mind that if you don’t take care of your chords then an HDMI hub will become useless after you run out of cables to run to it!

Now the important part, HDMI hubs. These will use several ports with a single output. Similarly, an HDMI hub splitter will allow you to take a single signal and transmit it to multiple places. Make sure to choose one that has enough ports for your needs, includes a remote, and also check out Cnet.com for an HDMI hub review that will come in very handy. Fortunately for us, an HDMI signal is fairly resilient and means that most will be equally efficient.

The new development of HDMI is an important one for anyone that is familiar with electronic advancements. With proper care and research anyone can be enjoying its benefits, but it can take care to continue to enjoy them uninterrupted. Make sure to take precautions to protect your cables and find a hub that will suit your particular needs and you needn’t worry about your gadgets any longer.

Posted in: HDMI Hub by / Tags: Belkin HDMI hub, computers, HDMI, HDMI hub, HDMI hub review, HDMI hub splitter

No Comments

Cables are something that no one seems to enjoy having to deal with even though they’re of vital importance to anyone with electronics. The pain of realizing your cables have frayed, snapped, or been cut can be avoided with a little care and patience. Luckily there are cable holder gadgets to help the process along as well as a few thinks to look out for and you can easily keep your cables healthy indefinitely.

You could be spending a wide variety of amounts on cables and so it’s extremely important to take proper care of them. Especially important, for some people, is to keep pets away from areas with lots of chords in them in order to avoid them chewing through your brand new $200 Monster cable. There are sprays available that will deter them from doing this. Also, never wrap your chords too tight when you store them and keep from stringing them around corners too tightly.

Using A Cable Holder

The easiest way to keep them safe is by using a cable holder. There are a wide variety and can suit any need like my favorite usb cable holder, for instance. A cable tie is the classic method for a bulk of chords, but is not ideal when needing to extend cables when needed. A great computer cable holder is made by Blue Lounge and is called a CableDrop and will hold any cables at the back of your desk until needed. Look for wrap systems for very long chords or a clip for shorter chords.

What may be great for a guitar cable holder, for instance, may not be ideal when it comes to actual storage. With so many wrapping units available they can become enticing, but you could also save money by simply using a wrap technique sans gadget. When done right, wrapping with your hands can extend the life of your cables without having to spend any extra money. The “devil horn” technique is a great method for this need and is fairly easy to learn and implement.

No matter what kind of electronics you have, it will be increasingly important to take proper care of the chords associated with your gadgets. The actual precautions can help greatly, but proper wrap and storage will truly create an ideal environment for cables. Check out the products and techniques listed here and you will, hopefully, avoid any of your mistakes of the past.

Posted in: Cable Holder by / Tags: cable holder, chords, computer cable holder, electronics, guitar cable holder, guitar chord holder, techniques, usb cable holder

No Comments