Those that know me, know that I run a tight organized ship, so writing about something like this is not too out of the ordinary, as a matter of fact I beat this advice into the ground with everyone I consult with on a technical and (production) level.

A week ago- I plugged up a virgin 3 month old Kodak Play Sport (waterproof) camera via USB only to find that after 20 sec the charging light went off and the screen froze. WTF.

After several times of plugging it up and unplugging - I noticed it was not only NOT charging but the computer was not detecting the device. I could not get the files, unless I used the SD card directly.  I tried every configuration I could think of plugging it into every USB port available- juggled around other devices to different ports to open up new ones to try( to no avail). I downloaded (*.pdf) and consulted the words that followed. I did all the steps taking note of each one meticulously from beginning to end several times. Then through several Google searches later i started reading forums and reviews- lots of angry forums, and lots of negative reviews stating " I had the camera only 3 months I was pissed when I was no longer able to use my Kodak Play Sport".  Upon seeing this I was feeling - let's say- less than optimistic. The next step was contacting Kodak customer support - which I did. Same form letter. Same song and dance asking if I tried all the things that I have listed in this article so far.  I took some time out and charged up my wireless Logitech headphones to watch a movie and make a few consulting calls. That is when I realized that I had been using the same USB connector for the headphones as I had the Kodak PlaySport.

    This seems like a relatively simple mistake to make on the surface, but as a media designer one might have an entire toolbox full of adapters because that is the nature of working with MANY different formats - phone cameras, cameras, headphones, various peripherals. At this point it is suffice to say two things- (1) using the wrong cord with the wrong device could have seriously damaged the equipment (no-budget filmmakers can barely afford a device one much less twice)  and (2) when you get new equipment the very first things you should do with the chords is label them. You can go fancy but I find cutting a small slip of paper and indicating device with a sharpie and seals the deal with none other than simple cellophane tape will help in any capacity. This is a very small ordeal. It could have cost me mad money. I tend to wonder how many people that wrote the bad reviews and responded to the forums have had the same problems as their chords from their phones and other devices they had laying around the house were used with this model camera.

Wow writing this article I just realized I haven't labeled cordless headphones still after all this: I'm on it. LABEL your Chords!!!

I'm out...Thanks,

TJPARSONS

Tom Parsons

The founder of Uddershiet Films and film enthusiast, maintains a fun collection of movies that he regularly references for technical examples, discussions with colleagues, friends, students, and production staff. Although there are particular films, shorts, and videos that he prefers over others, seldom is there a movie that he doesn't like.