A large screen Apple 27″ LED Cinema Display can cost about $800. For about $400 more, the iMac all-in-one computer and display seems like a bargain. However, because it is an all-in-one computer, the display has no video input. There is only an output jack for an additional external digital video display.
Follow these steps to use the iMac as an external display for an alternate computer such as an Apple notebook or Apple Mini:
Start your alternate computer in target drive mode by turning on the computer while holding down the letter “T” on the keyboard.
Then, using a Firewire cable, connect the alternate computer to the iMac. You may need to find just the right cable. If your computers are new, it’s likely you’ll need a Firewire cable with Firewire 800 plugs on both ends.
Start the iMac holding down the Option key, and choose your externally connected computer.
Now you’ll be able to take advantage of the larger iMac screen and powerful processor, while at the same time retaining the benefit of using a single drive for your programs and data. While mobile or computing elsewhere, you can just use a regular display (for an Apple Mini) or the built-in Apple notebook display.
Summary. Apple recently announced that they are now selling rechargeable AA batteries with a special charger that senses when the batteries are changed to significantly reduce its standby power usage.
“The Apple Battery Charger has one of the lowest standby power usage values of similar chargers on the market. That’s the energy most chargers continue to draw after their batteries are fully charged. But the Apple Battery Charger senses when its batteries are done charging and automatically reduces the amount of power it needs. In addition, the reusable batteries that come with each Apple Battery Charger are designed to maintain a high charge capacity for hundreds of charges, so you no longer have to buy new batteries or toss them every few months.”
Summary. When using Skype on an AppleMacBook Pro, the battery is drained quickly and depleted of power. It is predicted that Apple will use the high-quality low-power video camera technology from the iPhone 4 in future notebooks to reduce the power drain.
Problem Cause. Skype places a high demand on the computer’s processor and resources which causes the battery to drain quickly. Also, when the Apple MacBook Pro is playing any video, such as YouTube, the battery is drained more rapidly. The built-in web cam is also a cause for additional power drain.
Problem Details. Follow the steps below to reproduce this problem.
Begin with your battery fully charged and be sure to use a battery that is in good health. You can test this using the free iStat Pro Widget for Apple. The screen shot here is from the battery monitor portion of iStat Pro.
Observer your estimated battery life under normal conditions. Your estimate will take into account the current screen brightness and other factors. In the example here shown in the screen capture below, the estimated battery life is 2 hours and 24 minutes.
As soon as Skype starts, the computer recalculates the estimated battery life and it drops by an hour (about 44%). This is a huge power drain caused by Skype.
In about 50 minutes, the remaining battery life has dropped by 61 minutes with only 12 minutes remaining.
A few minutes later, the computer switches to reserve battery power.
Assessment. The problem of rapid battery depletion is partly due to programs like Skype being overzealous in their use of the computer’s CPU and other resources. Skype also interferes with other activities on the computer, slowing down all other processes.
Summary. When writing articles about software programs for the Apple OSX computer operating system, it’s nice to use the program icon image associated with the software. This document explains how to obtain a nice crisp and clear large image of the program icon, such as the iCal icon shown at right.
Instructions. Follow these instructions to obtain a high quality program application software icon image of larger dimensions.
Using the Finder, go to the Applications folder on your Apple computer and choose to view items in the icon view by clicking on the icon view button as shown here.
There is a zoom slider adjuster in the lower right corner of the finder window that lets you change the size of the displayed program icons. The slider looks like this.
As you move it to the right, the icons will increase in size. Most will appear to be very crisp and clear. Those not designed properly will get fuzzy at larger sizes.
You can create a very nice copy of any icon by using the Screen Shot keyboard shortcut of shift+command+4 which will display a crosshair. When you see the crosshair, use it to click and drag a box around the permitter of the icon you’d like to copy. Whatever you draw a box around will get copied and placed as a Screen Shot file on your desktop in PNG format. You can open this using Preview and save it as JPG if you like.
The resulting image can be used in print or on the web, assuming the copyright owner of the image is okay with it. If you’re using the image in a journalistic capacity or to promote their product, you probably won’t have trouble with anyone. All of the images in this document were created using this method, including the smaller clippings of controls.
Summary. When writing articles about music, books, or apps in the Apple iTunes store, it’s nice to use the cover art or image associated with the product. It’s possible to have the Selected Item or Now Playing artwork in the artwork viewer window. This is all explained below.
Cover Art and Image Copying. Follow these instructions to get the original artwork in a high quality format:
While in iTunes, at the lower left corner of the window, you’ll see some buttons that look like this.
Click on the right button to display the artwork viewer window if it isn’t opened already.
The artwork viewer window shows either the Selected Item or the Now Playing item. To toggle between these, just click on the words Selected Item or Now Playing above the artwork viewing window.
It’s possible to click and drag artwork from the artwork viewing window to the desktop area of your computer. The image will be saved as a normal image file such as JPG or PNG format. These can be used to write about and promote the item in question such as a book, music, program, etc.
Copyright. Some people are very protective of their image files and will insist that their music album cover art or book cover is copy protected. This attitude is short sighted since the use of the image to promote their work is in their benefit. Also, images of most music albums and books have already propagated throughout the internet by way of online stores. Irregardless of this, try to respect any requests from content copyright holders.
Summary. The Apple iBooks reader (available on iTunes) was recently upgraded to work with eBooks in Adobe Acrobat PDF format as well as with books sold through the Apple iTunes store.
Reading PDF eBooks With iBooks. Follow these instructions to read PDF eBooks or other PDF documents using the iBooks program.
Purchase your book(s) and download them. The downloaded file may be a compressed file. If so, double click on it to end up with the desired PDF file. Or, if you already have the PDF documents or books on your computer, continue to step 2.
Start the iTunes program. In the left navigation column under the Library heading, click on Books to display your current collection of books if you have any.
Click and drag any additional PDF documents or books that you’d like to add into the area where your books are showing.
You can modify the title and author if desired. By default, the title will be based on the file name. The author will be blank. To modify these, right click (or control+click for Apple), then select Get Info. Click the Info tab to enter or correct title and author (artist) information.
Defining the Cover Image. By default, the document or book will have as it’s displayed cover whatever the first page of the document is. Some PDF files are write protected so they can’t be modified. So, the first page will always be what you see displayed in iTunes and on your device as the cover art.
However, if the PDF is not write protected, you can go to the Artwork tab (while still in the Get Info window mentioned in step #4 above). The Artwork tab will allow you to add cover art to this document.
Alternatively, you can use a PDF editor to make the page 1 cover of the book or document a more colorful cover.
Having the proper cover art makes your book collection more attractive and easier to browse.
Older books that are no longer restricted by copyright are available for free online and through the Apple iTunes iBooks store. These books typically don’t come with attractive cover art. So, it’s possible to search Google or Amazon for an original book cover to go with these texts.
Problem Summary. After upgrading the iPhone 3G or 3GS to the Apple iOS 4 software for the iPhone you may notice rapid depletion of the battery. This can even happen without upgrading. Sometimes poorly written applications will continue running, seemingly even when the phone is in sleep mode.
Problem Solution. Follow these steps to resolve the problem.
Synchronize your data using iTunes. Remember that iPhone synchronization with iTunes will put your appointments into iCal, contacts into Address Book, and notes into the Apple Mail program. However, to save any camera roll photos or video it’s necessary to manually import them with iPhoto. To save SMS messages and other internal data not synchronized in any other way, you may want to use PhoneView by ECamm.
Reset (format) the iPhone by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Settings.
Using iTunes, synchronize the phone again as a new phone without recovering from previous backups. This will give you a fresh, stable, fast phone.
Battery Depletion Sample – Prior to Reset. Below are times listed using 24 hour time format (0538 = 5:38 AM, 1540 = 3:40 PM) and battery power level percentages during a typical day when there was a battery depletion problem.
0538 100%
0635 98%
0639 97%
0654 96%
0705 95%
0725 93%
0748 92%
0751 91%
0756 90%
0802 89%
0809 87%
0833 81%
0847 76%
0904 70%
0918 65% turn off wifi
0929 60%
0937 55%
1043 31%
1107 24% turned off notes sync
1112 21% turn off find my phone, turn off hourly fetch
1131 13% realized that tweaking wasn’t fixing the problem
1238 66% after some charging
1242 65% disable all notes sync
1255 60%
1540 65% reset the phone and erase all settings
1705 57% over an hour later, the battery is holding up well
Battery Depletion Sample – After Reset. Below are times listed using 24 hour time format (0538 = 5:38 AM, 1540 = 3:40 PM) and battery power level percentages during a typical day after resetting the phone and erasing all data to resolve the rapid battery depletion problem.
0414 100% after full charge
0436 98% after downloading 500 emails
0507 93% after reorganizing icons
0518 92%
0606 91% begin charging
0642 100% after charging
0810 99%
0817 97% after phone call
0838 92% after more phone calls
0943 89%
1036 84%
1646 65%
Summary. This document provides information about the cause of and cure for brittleness and cracking along the middle of the back plastic hinge clutch cover of the AppleMacBook Pro notebook (laptop) computer.
Cause. The black plastic protective cover found on the back side of Apple MacBook Pro notebook computers may have a tendency to become brittle due to extended exposure to heat exhausted from the central area of the notebook where the airflow exhaust fans vent hot air from the computer’s processor.
Operating Temperatures. The operating temperatures of the MacBook Pro can fluctuate substantially depending on how the computer is used. Processor intensive tasks, such as Skype video chat, or watching HD YouTube videos, will cause the computer to heat up more than when it is being used for simple tasks like checking email. A sample showing the possible range of temperatures is shown below using information gathered by the iStat Pro Dashboard Widget.
Causes of High Heat. When peak system load is sustained over a long period of time, high heat conditions can be produced, as seen in the above chart. The Heavy Use example shown above on the right is produced by opening a few YouTube videos simultaneously and having the webcam running in Skype. Similar results could be produced by using iMovie and importing or exporting a video. The 230 degree Fahrenheit temperature of the CPU and 169 degree Fahrenheit temperature of the CPU Heatsink are an indication of the high temperature air being exhausted from the rear of the notebook. The metal surface of the air intake remains about 6 degrees cooler than the metal near the air exhaust as seen below using a surface temperature measurement tool after letting the computer cool off considerably. Surface temperatures while operating can be over 100 degrees.
Heat Induced Cracking. The surface temperature of 97 is much lower than the actual high heat air exhausted from the computer onto the plastic hinge clutch cover. As indicated above, the CPU temperature can get as high as 230 degrees Fahrenheit, with the heat sink temperature being at about 167 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat level is like the hot air of a convection oven persistently heating the plastic hinge clutch cover to excessive temperatures. The comparison photo below shows the ventilation area along the rear of the notebook.
The cold air intake is on the left when looking at the back of the computer. When the computer is on, by holding this area of the computer to the face it is possible to feel the cool air rushing into the computer. The plastic does not have heat damaged in this area.
The hot air exhaust is in the middle and on the right when looking at the back of the computer. When the computer is on, by holding this area of the computer to the face, it is possible to feel the extreme heat being exhausted from the 230 degree CPU.
Expected Use. Although some people use notebook computers as their primary computer, many people use notebook computers as a travel computer or secondary computer. So, notebook computers are generally not designed or intended for daily long-term intense office use. Years ago, some Dell computers actually shipped with a disclaimer stating that their Inspiron notebook computers were not designed or intended for daily long-term use.
Unexpected Use. Although Apple computers are ruggedly designed for professional applications and short-term intensive peak load use, extended peak loads may result in extended excessive heat exhausted from the ventilation system. If a notebook computer is placed on material with insulating characteristics, such as clothing or bedding, this can result in even higher heat levels. This is because the Apple MacBook Pro utilizes its exterior aluminum chassis as a heat sink and heat dissipation mechanism.
“If you’ve ever opened the case of a traditional PC, you probably saw dust accumulation, particularly around the aluminum heat dissipating fins of the CPU heat sink. Desktop and notebook computers are continually cycling air through. The dust gets caught inside due to the electrostatic nature of components. It’s the same principle that causes dust to attract to televisions and other electronic equipment. However, with a computer, the process of dust retention is enhanced by assisted airflow. Although most desktop computers are designed to be user serviceable and cleaned inside, notebooks are notoriously difficult to clean and open. Dust accumulation in a MacBook Pro is likely a contributing factor to the processor overheating that can damage the computer.” ~ Gregory Johnson
Problem Prevention – User Recommendations. Intensive computing processes that are conducted for extended periods of time may better be suited for desktop computers. Notebook (laptop) computers used for extended periods for intensive tasks may require additional care with regard to making sure the system ventilation is clear of any obstructions. Rubber or felt pads placed under the computer, or a cooling pad, can help increase airflow and heat dispersion for the aluminum chassis.
“The MacBook Pro display may block airflow when tilted all the way back. Tilting the display forward slightly from the farthest back position will help improve airflow. Elevating the computer by an inch or two can increase airflow and heat dissipation. People using the external 24″ Apple LED Cinema display may be inclined to place their Apple notebook, with lid closed, under the display in the area provided for it. Pushing the notebook back as far as it will go, causes it to come in full contact with the flat aluminum surface of the display base. This almost entirely covers the entire hot air exhaust area of the computer which restricts airflow and heat dissipation. Were Apple to provide a cutaway area or perforation for airflow, this would help alleviate this problem.” ~ Makur Jain
Problem Prevention – Manufacturing Recommendations. Plastic is generally not a durable material to have near heat exhaust of any kind. Plastic seems incongruous with the otherwise entirely aluminum and glass computer design. Instead of plastic, black anodized aluminum (or aluminum of natural color) would be a better choice. It would be stronger, more durable, and provide better heat dissipation.
Summary. Apple recently made world news because the antenna array on their iPhone 4 was reportedly providing irregular signal reception when touched. Supposedly, consumers and journalists worldwide were astonished to learn that touching an antenna would reduce signal strength.
Update: On Friday, 16 July 2010, about two weeks after we first published this story, Steve Jobs held a press conference about the iPhone 4 antenna reception that reiterated what we said here. Apple has now published a web page (more eloquent and concise than ours) that documents mobile phone reception problems as industry-wide and includes videos to demonstrate it.
Hoax Exposed. Part of the iPhone 4 signal reception story is simply a well coordinated misinformation campaign and hoax launched by Apple competitors and those unfamiliar with antenna technology. The other part of the story is simply based on general truths about how mobile technology works. In summary, the iPhone 4 signal issue is an unfounded hoax, and so are the recent frivolous threats of class action lawsuits against Apple regarding the iPhone 4. This is all explained below.
Antenna History. Since the invention of the first radio devices in the late 1800s, it’s been common knowledge that the antenna of a radio receiver or transmitter should not be touched because this can interfere with reception and transmission. This knowledge was broadly disseminated worldwide during the forty years from 1970 to 2010 for anyone using CB radios, cordless phones, walkie talkies, handheld radios, televisions, and cellular phones. Anyone using an AM or FM radio knows the importance of antenna adjustment. Even walking near a radio can result in a faded signal. Television antennas known as “rabbit ears” and external array antennas were common for many decades in the late 20th century and continued to be in use early in the 21st century. For this reason, consumers became very aware of the importance of antenna positioning, direction, and placement. Antennas are designed to be a fraction (usually) of the wave they are receiving. Outside roof-top television antennas offer a visual image of varying antenna lengths corresponding with the wavelength of the frequencies they are designed to receive. Since the 1970s, consumers would purchase equipment from Radio Shack used to “Tune” CB antennas. Tuning a CB antenna is the process of lengthening or shortening it so that it’s length is optimally suited for channel 18 (a midway frequency in CB Radio broadcast and reception).
Signal Measurement. Because mobile phones and devices are transceivers (they receive and transmit), there are four considerations with signal measurement: incoming signal strength, incoming signal quality, outgoing signal strength, and outgoing signal quality. It is difficult to convey something as complex as the changing aggregate signal connection of a mobile device with only a 1 to 5 rating represented by some small bars. When any of these four properties are hindered (usually by obstructions), most devices attempt to boost transmission levels to compensate (which typically uses more battery). As the phone increases signal output, usually the connection (aggregate signal strength/quality) gets better. Signal strength is like volume is to music, whereas signal quality is how clear and accurate a signal is. Just as music can be loud but distorted, a radio signal can be strong, but have interference. Since mobile phone antenna towers are typically high in the air, interference is usually causes by obstructions in the proximity of the phone. Similarly, having sufficient signal strength from a mobile phone antenna tower is usually not a problem.
Exposed Metal Antenna Array Offers Breakthrough Design. Other than inexpensive walkie talkies with telescoping antennas, most portable transmitters and receivers have internal antennas or external extruding antennas with rubber or plastic insulation. The reason for this is to prevent direct conductive contact with the antenna. Here’s the trade-off: Internal antennas make sleek design possible yet have reduced performance, and external antennas get in the way yet can offer better reception and transmission by having a less obstructed antenna. According to technology specialist, Gregory Johnson, ”The exposed metal antenna array on the Apple iPhone 4 is a breakthrough in advanced antenna design that can either be protected by a simple case, or enhanced by third party antenna boosters.”
Building a Safer Mobile Phone. With concerns about RF radiation back in the news (Time Magazine, 10 March 2010), people are looking for ways to reduce their RF exposure. Because of its external metal antenna array, the iPhone 4 potentially offers the potential for lower RF exposure. You might think that a bare antenna could have greater possible RF emissions. However, the opposite is true (when used properly). A bare antenna has greater reception and transmission potential which lowers the phone’s need to transmit at higher output levels. Because proximity interference is a known potential issue for all mobile phones, many people choose to use a bluetooth headset and keep their phone at a distance. This also reduces any possible adverse impact of exposure to RF radiation in two ways: (1) reduced proximity obstructions increases signal quality and strength which decreases the required intensity of transmission output, (2) strength of RF radiation intensity is reduced substantially at even a small increase in distance.
Analysis and Commentary. Below is an analysis and commentary by Gregory Johnson.
“Having been granted a technician-class broadcasting license (N0YOD) from the Federal Communications Commission, I’m quite familiar with antenna technology. I grew up using AM, FM, CB, shortwave, and long-wave radio receivers and transmitters. So, I was immediately curious about Apple’s decision to place a metal, non-insulated multi-array antenna on the outside of their new iPhone 4.
After further research, I realized that the exposed metal antenna array on the Apple iPhone 4 is a breakthrough in advanced antenna design that can either be protected by a simple case, or effectively enhanced by third party antenna boosters — reducing battery drain. The problem with most antennas is that they are internal, or external but covered in plastic. The iPhone 4 antennas are conductively accessible, making it possible to connect a longer antenna of proper length for better reception or transmission. It probably won’t be long until companies offer cases with conductive contacts for antenna accessories that enhance the reception of the iPhone 4 beyond anything we’ve seen before. To be small enough for mobile devices, antennas are usually hindered and limited by smaller size. This isn’t the case with the iPhone 4 exposed antenna array.
Obviously, the conductivity of of the human hand on a bare antenna will vary depending on the person’s skin moisture and other factors, but it’s likely to influence reception and transmission. Any metal objects shorting between antennas could present a problem.
Radio transmitters are designed to have a specific antenna length. For example, owners of Citizen’s Band (CB) radios are advised not to use the radio until a properly tuned antenna is attached or else the radio may overheat and burn out. Most people know that an automatically extending radio antenna on a car will not receive FM radio properly until it has extended to the optimal length. As the antenna extends, reception gradually improves. The antenna length is set to be a fraction of the average wavelength for FM radio. These are things most people know intuitively through experience.
For these reasons, the colorful bumpers offered by Apple seemed to be more of a necessity than an optional accessory. Yet, such is the case with most electronic devices today for anyone wanting to protect them. This is probably why Apple doesn’t include them for free with the phone. Consumers will undoubtedly want to pick their own case, and Apple doesn’t want to cut into the sales of third party manufacturers who offer a wide variety of protective case options.
I was sure that other consumers and those in the press would have at least a basic knowledge of antenna technology, but apparently that wasn’t the case. Those predisposed to malign Apple’s reputation (competitors and haters) used this as an opportunity to launch a hoax on unsuspecting consumers and a smear campaign against Apple. The hoax aspect of this story is to suggest that reception problems are new, since reception issues have been present with every radio transmitter, receiver, and transceiver since the 1800s and this includes AM, FM, CB, Shortwave, Long-wave, television, and mobile phones.
The supposed reception issue with the iPhone 4 is nothing new. The 3GS and other mobile phones have similar variations in reception quality and signal strength depending on how they are held, as illustrated below.” ~ Gregory Johnson
Video Commentary. Below is a video commentary updated to include the latest news of the 16 July 2010 Apple press conference regarding the iPhone 4 antenna reception.
Pictured here is the iPhone 3GS with a full 5-bars of signal strength prior to being held in the hand.
Pictured here is the same iPhone 3GS in the same location being held in the hand which produces a drop in signal strength to 2-bars or sometimes 3-bars depending on the position of the iPhone in the hand.
Statement from Apple Regarding iPhone 4 Reception. Below is the official statement from Apple, issued 2 July 2010, regarding the iPhone 4 reception issue. [source]
Letter from Apple Regarding iPhone 4
Dear iPhone 4 Users,
The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. It has been judged by reviewers around the world to be the best smartphone ever, and users have told us that they love it. So we were surprised when we read reports of reception problems, and we immediately began investigating them. Here is what we have learned.
To start with, gripping almost any mobile phone in certain ways will reduce its reception by 1 or more bars. This is true of iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, as well as many Droid, Nokia and RIM phones. But some users have reported that iPhone 4 can drop 4 or 5 bars when tightly held in a way which covers the black strip in the lower left corner of the metal band. This is a far bigger drop than normal, and as a result some have accused the iPhone 4 of having a faulty antenna design.
At the same time, we continue to read articles and receive hundreds of emails from users saying that iPhone 4 reception is better than the iPhone 3GS. They are delighted. This matches our own experience and testing. What can explain all of this?
We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising.
Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars. Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don’t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place.
To fix this, we are adopting AT&T’s recently recommended formula for calculating how many bars to display for a given signal strength. The real signal strength remains the same, but the iPhone’s bars will report it far more accurately, providing users a much better indication of the reception they will get in a given area. We are also making bars 1, 2 and 3 a bit taller so they will be easier to see.
We will issue a free software update within a few weeks that incorporates the corrected formula. Since this mistake has been present since the original iPhone, this software update will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
We have gone back to our labs and retested everything, and the results are the same— the iPhone 4’s wireless performance is the best we have ever shipped. For the vast majority of users who have not been troubled by this issue, this software update will only make your bars more accurate. For those who have had concerns, we apologize for any anxiety we may have caused.
As a reminder, if you are not fully satisfied, you can return your undamaged iPhone to any Apple Retail Store or the online Apple Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
We hope you love the iPhone 4 as much as we do.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Apple
Press Contacts:
Natalie Harrison
Apple
harri@apple.com
(408) 862-0565
Steve Dowling
Apple
dowling@apple.com
(408) 974-1896
* * *
Document History. This document was originally published on 2 July 2010. It was revised and republished on 20100708fr2140. This document was updated on 20100716fr to include news of the 16 July 2010 Apple press conference.
Highest Quality Video. A 1280 x 720 resolution video of 9 minutes in length will be about 700MB in it’s native file size when stored in the phone or transferred to a computer. When played directly on a computer, this video looks great. Were this video to be burned to a DVD, it would still look quite good.
Recording Tips. For best video quality, there should be an abundance of diffused light during recording and limited background noise. The video camera and subject should be moving as little as necessary. The touch screen can help with focus and light metering on the subject.
YouTube Upload From iPhone. When uploading to YouTube directly from the iPhone, the HD quality will be lost. This is because a reduced quality video is produced before uploading to save on Internet network bandwidth usage. The 700MB video mentioned above will be reduced to about 37MB, and the loss of about 660MB (about 95% of your original image information) is obviously noticeable. The reduction in file size is achieved by reducing the video size from 1280 x 720 to 480 x 270. In addition to the reduced number of pixels, video compression (like image compression) is used. Normally when reducing a photo or video, you can choose to reduce the dimensions but retain the image quality for a smaller picture that is very crisp and clear. Unfortunately, the video compression used in the upload process with YouTube is not very good. So, the resulting video image is small and fuzzy.
YouTube Upload from Computer. For better quality video, it’s recommended that you transfer the video from your iPhone to your computer and then upload it to YouTube using the video uploader application on your computer or directly from your YouTube account page. This will result in the following compressed videos being available for viewing on YouTube: 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels high (130MB file), 853 x 480 (81MB file), 640 x 360 (54MB file), and 427 x 240 (28MB file). Regardless of what video you choose to view, the quality is obviously not as good as the original 700MB file since much of the video information has been removed to save file size and bandwidth. However, the HD setting on YouTube should offer the best quality.
Understanding Video Compression. There are two ways to reduce the file size of a photo or video. One method is to retain the clarity and sharpness, but simply reduce the dimensions. The other way to reduce photo or video file size is to reduce the clarity. When saving JPG images, it’s common to see a slider control that allows you to determine the clarity of the resulting image. The same is true for video, unless it is an automated system (as with YouTube uploads).
YouTube Video Quality Comparison. Using the two video samples below, it’s possible to compare by playing them both at the same time (use pause and then play to synchronize).
YouTube Video Sample – 480 x 270. Below is a high definition video sample that was uploaded from the iPhone 4 to YouTube. Notice that the original HD dimensions are reduced during the upload process.
YouTube Video Sample – 1280 x 720 HD. Below is a video sample recorded on the iPhone 4 that was uploaded to YouTube as a 700MB file with full 1280 x 720 HD video. YouTube converted it to be the same dimensions, but a file size of 130MB making it reduced quality from the original.
YouTube iPhone 3GS Video Sample – 640 x 480. Below is a 6 minute video sample that was recorded on the Apple iPhone 3GS. The video was transferred to the computer and then uploaded to YouTube. The original size was 640 x 480 and 160MB. The compressed size retained the dimensions of 640 x 480 (480p), but lost about 75% of the video information and resulted in a file size of 39.7 MB. Surprisingly the quality is still okay.
Video Samples. Below are six samples of the same video that was recorded and edited on the iPhone 4. The first three have been transferred to a computer from the iPhone 4, and then uploaded to YouTube. The next three were uploaded directly from the iPhone 4. They were created using iMovie on the iPhone 4 and exported/saved to three different sizes into the iPhone 4 camera roll. Be sure to select the maximum playback quality for the most accurate comparison.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 1280x720p format with a resulting file size of 327MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 960x540p format with a resulting file size of 164MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 640x360p format with a resulting file size of 110MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson using the iPhone 4 to directly upload to YouTube a video of 1280x720p that is 327MB.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson using the iPhone 4 and uploading from the phone to YouTube in 960x540p format.
This is a test by Gregory Johnson uploading a 640x360p video from the iPhone 4 directly to YouTube.
We've attempted to write the articles and documents on this site using plain, clear, simple, language. This facilitates proper human or machine translation. If something is unclear or seems incorrectly translated, please let us know. Thanks!
A large screen Apple 27″ LED Cinema Display can cost about $800. For about $400 more, the iMac all-in-one computer and display seems like a bargain. However, because it is an all-in-one computer, the display has no video input. There is only an output jack for an additional external digital video display.
Summary. When writing articles about software programs for the 
Defining the Cover Image. By default, the document or book will have as it’s displayed cover whatever the first page of the document is. Some PDF files are write protected so they can’t be modified. So, the first page will always be what you see displayed in iTunes and on your device as the cover art.
Summary. This document provides information about the cause of and cure for brittleness and cracking along the middle of the back plastic 
