Want to photograph an image on a television screen but the result always comes out black or with stripes through the image? This is because analog television screens only refresh their full image every 1/30th of a second.

To accurately capture a television screen image you must match the television's refresh rate with your digital camera by using a shutter speed of at least 1/30th of a second. You might want to also try longer shutter speeds of 1/15th or 1/8th of a second, though these could cause motion blur with fast-moving TV action.

To prevent camera shake, use a standard or mini-tripod, or place your digital camera on a safe, flat surface such as a dry coffee table.

Since you'll most likely be taking these images indoors, make sure there is plenty of light, else your camera may require a longer shutter speed that will blur the television image. And forget flash - it will reflect off the screen.

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