Elvets.co.uk

What are HDMI Video Leads?

2011-04-21T18:29:00.000+01:00

As Scart leads become more and more obselite, the standard video lead across Europe is fast becoming the HDMI lead...so what IS an HDMI lead?...

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) leads are the current video leads used to transmit high-definition (HD) digital video and audio between your TV, DVD or Blu-Ray player or games console.

HDMI leads were developed to transmit both the sound and video from one lead yet improve the analogue signal being used with Scart leads, so reduce the need to connect many different cables to TVs.

There are 19 pins within a standard HDMI lead, which will transmit both the sound and video between the source and your TV.

HDMI leads feature "plug n play" connectivity, although this is dependant on the source (for example, a PlayStation 3 may need to be synced to use the HDMI output rather than the analogue output)

You can also use HDMI leads to connect a laptop or PC (with the HDMI output) to a TV, to watch films or TV via your computer.

We have a great selection of HDMI leads available online in our webstore, click to take a look.

Numark M2 DJ Mixer Review - A great mixer with a host of features

2011-04-19T14:57:00.000+01:00

This Numark M2 DJ mixer is a great value unit for both bedroom DJs or the professional mixer. Its got loads of great features, which even a new DJ will get to grips with quickly.

The three band EQ on each main channel gives a great level of control over the sound and the ability to use upto four sources (two on each channel) gives you great flexibility

The crossover fader has some nice little options on it, including XF reverse and slope control, and the seperate headphone cue level control is a nice little feature (you can choose only to listen to Ch1 or Ch2 if you wish).

The unit is strongly built and feels like it will last a lifetime, and as it's from Numark the quality is, unsuprisingly, superb. It comes with an AC adapter and quick start guide too, so you can have it up-and-running in no time!

The Numark M2 DJ Mixer is available from Elvets.co.uk with quick delivery.

The M2 DJ Mixer is a glow cost mixer from Numark with a host of great features.

Item of the week - iPhone 4 Flip Case in Black Leather - Only £8.99!

2011-03-13T20:27:00.000Z

Take a look at this fantastic executive leather effect flip case, which is designed to perfectly fit the Apple iPhone 4.

The black flip case comes with full protection for the iPhone 4 and features a slimline design with a magnetic clip fastening to protect the front screen.

All functions still work when the iPhone 4 leather flip case is fitted.

At only £8.99 this is great value for money and designed especially for the iPhone 4 from Apple!

XLR Leads

2011-03-13T18:54:00.001Z

XLR leads are one of the most common sound leads available in the UK. XLRs are mainly used with professional sound systems, usually to connect microphones and other sound equipment between sound desks, DJ mixers and amplifiers.

Most standard XLR connectors are either "male" (an XLR plug) or "female" (XLR socket), and the industry standard is a 3 pin XLR but other pin types are available.

A standard XLR lead has a XLR plug at one end and an XLR socket at the other, with a length of balanced cable between. It can also be called a microphone lead, male-to-female XLR or XLR extension lead.

See here for how to wire or repair a XLR plug or socket.

You should use standard XLR microphone leads (also known as signal leads) when connecting microphones, CD players and other sound equipment to a sound desk or amplifier.

Be aware that you should use XLR Speaker leads between the amplifier and speakers, which are better for speakr cable than standard leads.

All of the XLR leads available from Elvets.co.uk are balanced and are available in a selection of lengths, as well as a range of XLR adapters and XLR adapter leads.

For more information on XLR leads please see our XLR Leads page.

Item of the week - MP3 Player Sound Cable Adapter Kit - Only £8.99

2010-08-17T20:31:00.004+01:00

Our MP3 Player Sound Cable Adapter Kit is a great value and great looking jack connection kit, featuring gold-plated plugs and sockets. Consisting of 2.5mm stereo 90° plug - 3.5mm stereo socket lead 0.5 metre, extension lead 3.5mm stereo socket - 3.5mm stereo plug 1.5 metre, 3.5mm stereo plug - 2 x RCA (phono) plugs adaptor 0.5 metre, 3.5mm stereo plug - 6.35mm stereo socket adaptor. Ideal for iPods, MP3 players and more!

Item of the week - Practika SlimPix 5250 5MP Digital Camera

2010-08-12T14:04:00.002+01:00

This weeks Item of the week is the Practika SlimPix 5250 5MP Digital Camera! With a sleek 5.0 million pixel camera and a sliding front that offers lens protection. The SlimPix 5250 Digital Camera also features a large 2.4" colour screen for image framing and review. This high resolution camera is easy to use and stylish to look at!

The PRAKTICA SlimPix 5250 includes 32MB of internal memory and will accept a SD card for added memory. It also features video capture and USB connection to a PC for image downloading.

For full details on the Practika SlimPix 5250 5MP Digital Camera visit www.elvets.co.uk!

How to wire a Banana Plug

2010-07-13T18:55:00.003+01:00

Its easy to wire a Banana Plug, all you need is a wire cutter/crimping tool.

1. Cut your speaker wire to the correct length to make the connection between your amplifier and your speaker.

2. Strip 3/8 inch of insulation from the end of the speaker wire so that the bare wire is exposed.

3. Slide the jacket of your banana plug over the leads of the speaker wire.

4. Insert the bare ends of your speaker wire into the banana plug. Place the plug into the crimper and close tightly.

5. Tug lightly on the wire to ensure it's connected. Slide the jacket over the connection and twist it on.

Your connection is complete, and the banana plug is installed.

MP3 Accessories now available!

2010-06-15T13:04:00.003+01:00

Weve got a great deal on MP3 Accessories, including Headphone Extension Leads, Adapters and RCA Phono leads, which let you plug your MP3 Player into a Hi-Fi or Surround Sound system. Prices start from only £1.99!

Our new website is now online!

2010-06-06T20:05:00.003+01:00

Our new website is just about finished! It's now easier to find items, with an improved Customer Service section and improved information about all our items coming in the next few weeks!

We are still adding loads of content to the site, but the main changes have now been made and offers you a fresh, inviting web store to browse.

We welcome your comments on our new site!

How To Wire An XLR Sound Connector!

2010-01-25T19:26:00.002Z

Some people like to create or repair XLR sound cables, and its a relatively easy thing to do!

Pin 1 is the Ground, or Screen, which is the "sheath" of the cable that screens the signal from interference. Always try to get the best quality cable you can afford; it really does make a difference! Check out www.elvets.co.uk and see what we have!

Pin 2 is the "hot" pin, otherwise known as the "positive" or "send" spin.

Pin 3 is the "cold" pin, otherwise known as the "negative" or "return" pin.

Make sure you can identify each one before starting, then grab a soldering iron and get started!

Strip approximately 5mm of plastic sheath from each wire, then place it in the appropriate connector and use a small amount of solder to connect the wire to it. Try to heat the solder by heating the metal rather than the wire itself, as you can easily damage the wire (it can't take the heat like the connector can!)

Make sure each wire, when soldered, isn't touching any other, then grab a signal tester to check your handywork!

It can be just as easy to buy new XLR sound cables as it is to make them! Check out our full range of XLR Sound Cables & Leads here!

Remember, the guys here at www.elvets.co.uk love to help if you're not sure what to buy, so why not take a look at our store and ask us if you need help!

How to wire a 3.5mm 1/4" Jack Plug Connector

2010-01-05T14:56:00.002Z

Heres a quick note on how to wire a 1/4" Jack Plug! Remember you can buy a massive range of sound cables at Elvets.co.uk

The tip of the jack is 'hot' and carries the positive going signal, whilst the sleeve is 'cold' and carries the ground.

To wire to an unbalanced twin core cable, connect the blue or 'cold' wire to the sleeve as well.

Need help? Contact us at sales@elvets.co.uk!

For a massive selection of sound adapters visit Elvets.co.uk!