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About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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Entries from May 1, 2021 - May 31, 2021

Saturday
May292021

Show #1833 Thursday May 27, 2021 Independent Show 312 

*Wow! We're in year 16 of The Giz Wiz Show! (The first Giz Wiz Show – called The Daily Giz Wiz back then – was February 20th 2006!) If it wasn't for our loyal supporters, the Giz Wiz Show would be gone. If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/ 

Pop2Play from WowWee. Indoor Baby Car – Sturdy and Eco-Friendly Cardboard Toddler Toy Car by Pop2Play – Includes 10 Accessories (Blue) (Pink Also Available.)

This is new from WowWee and here's how the company talks about it: POP UP THE FUN! Instantly turn any room into a play area! Lightweight and portable, take this baby car with you wherever you go and keep your young ones entertained for hours. Who said playing indoors is boring?! Let your kids’ imagination run wild in their own stationary car. Comes with an easy-to-swap roof attachment and 10 accessories to change the vehicle from a pizza delivery or mechanic’s car to a hot rod. Patented StrongFold cardboard supports up to 50 lbs and is super durable and safe. It’s also 100% recyclable when you’re done with it. Product size: 32”H x 23”W x 19”D. Ages 2-5.

Yes, I think kids will love this and parents will love that they can store it rather quickly in very little space. Watch this week's show to see a really big kid play with one!

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/sOwUKCmCp3A  

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3usVwnX  (Car) $24.95

 

Kitchen/Nursery: https://amzn.to/2RWixSL  $39.95

 

Slide: https://wowwee.com/pop2play  -- Amazon links are affiliate links. Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1833  

Saturday
May292021

Is The $6 Karaoke Microphone From Five Below The Same As the $25 One I Bought On Amazon (minus the silver bling?)

The Giz Wiz Lab Compares Them Both! I was quite amazed when I saw this on a Five Below email: Bluetooth karaoke studio wireless mic w/ speaker. Built-in speaker that also lights up the party. Just connect your smartphone via bluetooth, queue up ur fave song & go! (There is no software included, but that's easy to find online.) Mic & volume controls, plus dancing LED lights! Why was this amazing. Because this is EXACTLY like the $24.99 Karaoke Microphone I bought on Amazon a few weeks. Mine has a lot of 'bling' on it, but operation wise it looks the same. But, no matter what for $5.95s this can provide a lot of fun family entertainment!) There's $5.95 shipping if you buy it online, so look for it the Five Below store if you have one nearby.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/s2jOoths_RI

https://www.fivebelow.com/products/bluetooth-karaoke-studio-wireless-mic-w-speaker

Bling Microphone at Amazon: https://amzn.to/34rME7x - Affiliate link, you pay no more, but Giz Wiz Biz can earn from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Saturday
May292021

How I Can Use My Camcorder As A Webcam.

I did it using an HDMI Video Capture Card from Amazon. I bought the- get ready for the the l-o-n-g Amazon title: GRACETOP Audio Video Capture Card for Switch FHD 1080P HDMI to USB - Record via DSLR Camcorder Action Cam, Computer Game, PS5 PS4. Do you have an old (or even new) camcorder or DSLR camera? If it has HDMI out, like my Canon Vixia HF R800, you can easily use it as a webcam with this HMDI video capture device. The company says it supports 1080P@30fps (Max) /720P@30fps/VGA resolution. USB Capture suitable for broadcast, live stream, Skype, etc. No Driver needed, works on Windows, Linux, Mac OSX, min to no lag/latency. Product does not include video editing software, you can use the usual video capture software. Device is compatible with most 3rd party software such as OBS Studio and AMCap. See software compatibility list on the Amazon page description. Compatible with Windows 7/8.1/10 and Mac OS 10.12 or later. This device is plug-n-play and easy to use, no need to download drivers. At first my camcorder image kept going on and off, but after replugging both ends of the cable in again, it worked perfectly. You'll see the results on this week's show.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/HV2Se3yIVv4  

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SAcymQ  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1833

Saturday
May292021

Chad has his final gadget for his May Theme as picked by our loyal Patreon members!

The winning theme is cheap Anti-Theft & Security Gadgetsand Chad's final gadget is the Wsdcam 113dB Bike Alarm Wireless Vibration Motion Sensor Waterproof Motorcycle Alarm with Remote.

Here's what Amazon says about it: This anti-theft alarm triggered by vibration, with up to 113 dB loud alarm sound can help to deter thieves effectively, provide additional security and give you peace of mind when your vehicles park at home or outdoors. There are 7 levels adjustable sensitivity from gently touch to push or beat. Arming and disarming by remote.

7 Adjustable touch sensitivity, 3 Adjustable volume. 3 Different ringtones for vehicle search function. SOS function. Low battery indicator.

 

And from Chad: This a good alarm for the money to alert you that someone has moved your bike. BUT as you'll see in the video, anyone with a knife or even scissors can remove it. But the whole idea is that loud 113 db alarm will most likely scare them away. You'll see Chad's complete install and review on this week's show. $16.99

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fzA10x Affiliate link. You pay no more, but Giz Wiz Biz earns on a qualifying Amazon purchase.

 

There seems to be a newer version of this device: https://amzn.to/3hYZUbD 

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.biz/episode/1833

Saturday
May292021

Dick Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video & Win An Autographed MAD Magazine.

Our viewer video this week is from Buddy Yates who makes quite unusual 'walking/talking' videos. They impart a lot of info and are always visually interesting. Here's Buddy's latest email:

Hi DickDe & Chad:

 

Buddy Yates from Palm Springs with another One Walk Gadget video. Run time 2 minutes 46 seconds.

 

I made a terrible mistake. I sometimes have a problem hearing the dialog over the sound effects when watching a movie. My mistake was thinking I needed a better center speaker in my 5.1 sound system. I started researching speakers before understanding the problem. Here is the story:

 

https://youtu.be/cN1oMB74s5w  

 

The problem is that in a 5.1 sound system, 4.1 speakers are dedicated to blasting out the music and noise. Only the center speaker gets used for dialog. Here is a good explanation of the problem and some solutions:

 

ZVOX video on YouTube:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8EV3dpahfQ  

 

Article about the 5.1 audio problems:

 

https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/movies-too-quiet-too-loud/  

 

ZVOX website: https://zvox.com/ 

 

Your Pal, Buddy Yates

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1833  

 

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We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show! Here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:
I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up
hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.
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I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.
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My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.
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My Favorite Gadget (favorite old, or favorite new): Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.
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Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll earn a tiny amount of fame (hopefully). And if you live in the US, you'll also get an autographed 38+ year old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live outside of US, I can autograph an Alfred E. Neuman photo to you, scan it & email you a high res copy if we show your video. Just print it out, frame it, or just hang it up and no one will know it's a copy. We've tested it out and fans say they look terrific! If you submitting warehouse videos for a second, third time, etc., you'll get the current issue of MAD as a thank you.

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv  

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