YouTube-mp3.org is the easiest online service for converting videos to mp3. You do not need an account, the only thing you need is a YouTube URL. We will start to convert the audiotrack of your videofile to mp3 as soon as you have submitted it and you will be able to download it. Different from other services the whole conversion process will be perfomed by our infrastructure and you only have to download the audio file from our servers. Because of this our software is platform-independent: You can use it with your Mac, a Linux PC or even an iPhone. All our conversions will be perfomed in high quality mode with a bitrate of at least 128 kBit/s. Do not worry, our service is completely free. We need approximately 3 to 4 minutes per video.
and many more
Monday, March 02, 2015
Knight System Protector
was a stubborn malware that resisted being removed by malwarebytes, and superantispyware
finally got rid of it by deleting registry entries via regedit using this guide
http://blog.mitechmate.com/uninstall-knight-system-protector-rogue-program-removal-guide/
[see ina laptop 14/09]
finally got rid of it by deleting registry entries via regedit using this guide
http://blog.mitechmate.com/uninstall-knight-system-protector-rogue-program-removal-guide/
[see ina laptop 14/09]
Monday, February 16, 2015
Jet.com
Marc Lore, founder of Jet.com, says he's figured out a technological way to undercut Amazon.com and now he has his sights set on disrupting the market leader's business model.
Lore sold his previous company Quidsi, which operates Diapers.com and Soap.com, to Amazon in 2010 for $545 million.
Jet.com, which formally launches in April, has a current valuation of $600 million and has already acquired some $140 million in financing, led by Bain Capital.
On Jet.com "you can basically buy anything online at the lowest prices, 10 to 15 percent below [what] you find anywhere else," because you'll see prices drop in in real time, potentially saving hundreds of thousands a year, Lore said in an interview Friday.
When a shopper adds a particular product to their cart, the site will lower the prices of other products that are close in proximity to the selected product's warehouse. Membership will cost $50 a year and orders over $35 will automatically ship for free.
Lore sold his previous company Quidsi, which operates Diapers.com and Soap.com, to Amazon in 2010 for $545 million.
Jet.com, which formally launches in April, has a current valuation of $600 million and has already acquired some $140 million in financing, led by Bain Capital.
On Jet.com "you can basically buy anything online at the lowest prices, 10 to 15 percent below [what] you find anywhere else," because you'll see prices drop in in real time, potentially saving hundreds of thousands a year, Lore said in an interview Friday.
When a shopper adds a particular product to their cart, the site will lower the prices of other products that are close in proximity to the selected product's warehouse. Membership will cost $50 a year and orders over $35 will automatically ship for free.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
some of my fonts look funny
after I did a Vista update.
Here's the info
Here's the info
I did the following updates and now my fonts look different and bad.
(edit, turns out it was this specific update:)
KB3013455
I made no other changes to the computer, only these updates.
Some fonts seem the same as before, such as the fonts in the task bar. Others are weird, like the text I am typing right now is variably too fat or too skinny, with jags and dots, like it was printed with a messed up old typewriter or something... Most of the fonts on this web page look messed up. The main fonts on wikipedia look clear, but larger (and maybe a different font) than they used to, but the menus and side bars look horrible and jaggy like this text here. It also effects my text editor program (it's not only a web browser thing).
***
I also have a Vista SP2 machine with fonts nearly unreadable after applying today's Ms patches.
I uninstalled "Security Update for Windows Vista (KB3013455)" which impacted TrueType fonts (MS15-010) and my issue is resolved.
Fonts are readable, once again.
iWork
Apple has stepped up its efforts to hit its two biggest rivals — Microsoft and Google — where it hurts.
Apple has opened up a public beta that allows anyone, PC or Mac, to use the cloud version of its office productivity suite, iWork, free via a browser.
You'll need an Apple ID, and Apple is now allowing anyone to create one — no Apple device needed. Just point your browser to beta.icloud.com.
IWork includes the standard set of office apps: word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. The cloud version lets multiple people work on a document at the same time, as they can with Google Apps or with Microsoft's cloud apps OneDrive (the freebie version) or Office365 (the paid version).
Apple describes its cloud version of iWorks like this:
The ability to use iWork from a PC on the web is the latest step in
Apple's push to make its Office apps a real alternative to MS Office or
Google Apps.
IWork was launched in 2005 as a reaction to Microsoft Office for the Mac. Microsoft often treated the Mac version as a second-class citizen, with users having to wait months or longer for updates that were first released in the Windows version.
Apple sold iWork for $79. Later, Apple sold the individual apps on its Apple store for $20 apiece for the Mac versions and $10 each for the iOS version.
In 2013, after all-but-ignoring iWork for years, Apple suddenly updated it and announced it was giving it away free to anyone who bought a new Apple device or updated to a new operating system. Apple launched a cloud version then, too, but you could create an Apple ID login only on an Apple device, like a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
Apple isn't giving away just the apps, either. The cloud apps let you open and edit Microsoft Office documents, too.
We recently reported on Google's plans to nab 80% of Microsoft Office customers away from Microsoft.
It looks as if Apple is following a similar game plan.
Apple has opened up a public beta that allows anyone, PC or Mac, to use the cloud version of its office productivity suite, iWork, free via a browser.
You'll need an Apple ID, and Apple is now allowing anyone to create one — no Apple device needed. Just point your browser to beta.icloud.com.
IWork includes the standard set of office apps: word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. The cloud version lets multiple people work on a document at the same time, as they can with Google Apps or with Microsoft's cloud apps OneDrive (the freebie version) or Office365 (the paid version).
Apple describes its cloud version of iWorks like this:
Just log in from your browser on your Mac
or PC and launch the app you want to use. All the documents you create
will be saved in iCloud, and any changes you make will automatically
appear in the iWork apps on your iOS devices and your Mac. Your work
will always be available at iCloud.com, so you can access your documents anywhere.
IWork was launched in 2005 as a reaction to Microsoft Office for the Mac. Microsoft often treated the Mac version as a second-class citizen, with users having to wait months or longer for updates that were first released in the Windows version.
Apple sold iWork for $79. Later, Apple sold the individual apps on its Apple store for $20 apiece for the Mac versions and $10 each for the iOS version.
In 2013, after all-but-ignoring iWork for years, Apple suddenly updated it and announced it was giving it away free to anyone who bought a new Apple device or updated to a new operating system. Apple launched a cloud version then, too, but you could create an Apple ID login only on an Apple device, like a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
Apple isn't giving away just the apps, either. The cloud apps let you open and edit Microsoft Office documents, too.
We recently reported on Google's plans to nab 80% of Microsoft Office customers away from Microsoft.
It looks as if Apple is following a similar game plan.
Friday, February 13, 2015
iCar?
The Apple Watch comes out in
April. But, could the company’s next potentially revolutionary product
be called the Apple Car? Or, the iMobile?
Apple
is reportedly looking to add an electric car to its list of
revolutionary products. The tech giant has apparently put “several
hundred” of its employees to work on a secret project to develop its own
branded electric automobile, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cites anonymous sources.
The
WSJ sources claim the project is code-named “Titan” and that early
designs show a vehicle that looks similar to a minivan. Apple is in the
early stages of development and, assuming the project isn’t scrapped at
some point, it could still be many years before the tech giant unveils
the vehicle at one of its much-hyped product events.
Apple (AAPL) did not comment on the WSJ article, nor did it comment on a Financial Times report
earlier in the day that said the company had hired a team of auto
technology and design experts. FT noted the possibility that Apple could
simply have brought on the team to work on its in-car entertainment
platform, CarPlay.
Electric
cars represent a very small, but rapidly growing, segment of the U.S.
auto industry. Almost 120,000 of the plug-in vehicles were sold in the U.S. last year
-- a 23% bump from 2013 and 128% more than the previous year. Elon
Musk’s Tesla Motors TSLA is one of the best known purveyors of electric
cars, but leading automakers such as General Motors GM, Nissan NSANY and
Toyota TM all produce popular electric models.
Apple’s
tech rival, Google GOOG, has also taken steps to enter the auto
industry, though the online search company is working to develop a
driverless car. Google is also currently rumored to be working on
developing a ride-hailing service that could rival Uber.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
RadioShack declares bankruptcy
[2/5/15] RadioShack Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday after reaching a deal to sell as many as 2,400 of its stores to hedge fund Standard General.
Under the deal, Standard General, which led a rescue loan for RadioShack last year, would acquire between 1,500 and 2,400 RadioShack stores and partner with wireless operator Sprint Corp. to operate as many as 1,750 of them, RadioShack said Thursday.
The bankruptcy filing caps a long decline for a 94-year-old brand that was once considered the go-to place for new technology. By the 21st century, a company that made billions of dollars each year selling niche products like CB radios and portable music players proved ill-equipped to make money in the smartphone era.
[2/3/15] Amazon is reportedly in discussion with RadioShack to buy some of the company's brick-and-mortar stores after the troubled electronics chain files for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bloomberg says that the Seattle-based e-commerce giant is considering using the stores as showrooms for its hardware, and as pick-up and drop-off centers for items purchased online. Both Amazon and Radio Shack declined to comment on the situation, but two people apparently familiar with the matter said that Amazon may use the locations to give people a chance to try its growing range of hardware, including its range of Kindle tablets, its Fire smartphone, and its new Echo speaker.
[2/2/15] Inside RadioShack’s Slow-Motion Collapse
How did the electronics retailer go broke? Gradually, then all at once
[2/2/15] (Reuters) - Troubled electronics retailer RadioShack Corp is preparing to shut down the chain in a bankruptcy deal that would see half the stores taken over by Sprint Corp, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of the discussions.
The rest of the stores would close down, Bloomberg said. (bloom.bg/16aNrZw)
Sprint and RadioShack have also had talks about co-branding the stores, Bloomberg reported, citing two anonymous sources.
Another bidder could yet emerge to buy RadioShack and continue operating the 94-year-old chain, Bloomberg said.
Under the deal, Standard General, which led a rescue loan for RadioShack last year, would acquire between 1,500 and 2,400 RadioShack stores and partner with wireless operator Sprint Corp. to operate as many as 1,750 of them, RadioShack said Thursday.
The bankruptcy filing caps a long decline for a 94-year-old brand that was once considered the go-to place for new technology. By the 21st century, a company that made billions of dollars each year selling niche products like CB radios and portable music players proved ill-equipped to make money in the smartphone era.
[2/3/15] Amazon is reportedly in discussion with RadioShack to buy some of the company's brick-and-mortar stores after the troubled electronics chain files for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bloomberg says that the Seattle-based e-commerce giant is considering using the stores as showrooms for its hardware, and as pick-up and drop-off centers for items purchased online. Both Amazon and Radio Shack declined to comment on the situation, but two people apparently familiar with the matter said that Amazon may use the locations to give people a chance to try its growing range of hardware, including its range of Kindle tablets, its Fire smartphone, and its new Echo speaker.
[2/2/15] Inside RadioShack’s Slow-Motion Collapse
How did the electronics retailer go broke? Gradually, then all at once
[2/2/15] (Reuters) - Troubled electronics retailer RadioShack Corp is preparing to shut down the chain in a bankruptcy deal that would see half the stores taken over by Sprint Corp, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of the discussions.
The rest of the stores would close down, Bloomberg said. (bloom.bg/16aNrZw)
Sprint and RadioShack have also had talks about co-branding the stores, Bloomberg reported, citing two anonymous sources.
Another bidder could yet emerge to buy RadioShack and continue operating the 94-year-old chain, Bloomberg said.
Sunday, February 01, 2015
iOS 7 / iOS 8
[9/13/14] With iOS 8 coming out soon, I suppose it's time to upgrade from iOS 6 to iOS 8 on my iPad mini.
The problem is that I don't have enough space on iPad to upgrade.
The upgrade requires at least 3.9 GB in storage and currently I have 2.7 GB available (and 11.0 GB used). Over half of the 11.0 GB used is photos and videos from the camera (5.8 GB).
OK, let's start deleting apps.
Zynga Poker HD is 93.7 MB. Delete. That brings it 2.8 GB.
Family Feud & Friends. 87.3 MB. Delete. 2.9 GB available.
Words! 141 MB. Delete. 3.0 GB available.
Distro (which is a magazine). 158 MB (141 MB of which is data). Delete. 3.2 GB available.
Podcasts 59.4 MB. Let's delete the Mad Money episodes. OK, I kept 3. WTH, it's up to 81.8 MB. Ah, delete the whole thing. Still 3.2 GB available.
Star Advertiser. 272 MB. I have 3 issues downloaded. Let's delete one of them. Now there's 273 MB used. What's going on? Ah. Delete the whole thing. 3.5 GB. Progress.
Yahoo Fantasy. 84.5 GB. Delete. Still 3.5 GB.
Dailymotion 13.3 MB. Not much. But delete anyway. 3.6 GB.
Dumb Ways To Die. Only 37.6 MB. I hate to do it, but delete. Still 3.6.
Angry Birds 280 MB. Haven't played it in a while. Delete. 3.9 GB!
OK, now there's room!
Let's try for a little more.
iBooks has 297 MB. 244 MB of which is documents and data. I wonder if I can just delete some of the books downloaded? Well, that didn't work for Podcasts and Star Advertiser. Let's try anyway.
500 Must Have Apps 2012 Edition. Hey now down to 212 MB. I see it's still on my purchased books and I can download it again if I want. There's a Credit Suisse report that got in there somehow. Delete. Now up to 224 MB. WTH. Hmm. Somehow it got downloaded again? Delete it again.
Delete iPad at Work. Now down to 114 MB! With 4.0 GB available.
NBA Game Time. Well, it's not NBA season yet. 71.5 MB. Delete. 4.1 GB available.
That's enough for now. I didn't even to delete any photos or videos. But maybe I will anyway.
[9/17/14] The day is getting closer. I deleted one photo. Still 4.1 GB available.
Hawaii Weather Now. 25.1 MB. Still 4.1 GB.
Let's manually back up the photos (even though they're supposed to be backed up in OneDrive already). I see my last transfer transferred through 8/14/13. That's over one year ago!
let's go through some photos
0546 - my poop 1720 K
0543 - Charlie under the fence 1780 K
0529 - Donna cutting ma's toenails 1696 K
0517 - Sanford's house 1731 K
0488 - ma eating pasta at Donna's house
Crap! Now it says IOS 8.0 is available. And cannot be installed because it says it requires at least 6.1 GB in free space. I should have updated to IOS 7.0 yesterday. Now I have to clear out 2.0 GB more.
Well, I'll wait. The servers are likely to be overloaded today.
We'll see when I actually install IOS 8 now. Maybe when 8.1 comes out..
[9/18/14] According to this, you can do it without deleting. (Though the instructions are for the iPhone.)
[11/3/14] I think it's time (again) to try to upgrade to IOS 8, because 8.1 is out and too many of my apps (like CBS and NBA) don't work on IOS 6. The problem is now I'm down to 3.7 GB.
Let's try deleting some photos/videos. First check to see if they're backed up. Funny, the OneDrive back saves the videos as MP4 files while the videos I transferred directly via the cable to the computer are saved as MOV files. The MP4 play very poorly on VLC. The MOV files play a little better on QuickTime, but still choppy. Don't know why. They play more smoothly on the ipad.
Delete
IMG_0034 (5/7/13) (Kimo munching on his Bonz). 48MB Still 3.7.
0047 (5/12/13) - Ma snoozing on couch 945K.
0056 (5/19/13) - Alvin cutting chicken 68 MB (still haven't found that knife) Still 3.7
0060 (5/25/13) - Christie and Alvin play volleyball with Beach Ball at Emily's party. 52 MB. 3.8 MB.
OK good enough. The update supposedly requires 1.5 GB. Supposedly you can do it using iTunes without having to clear out as much space.
OK, fire up itunes. I have version 11.0.2.26. It was supposed prompt to update to the latest version, but didn't. It did the first time. Maybe because it's partially still in memory? Don't see it in task manager.
OK, it should ask when I plug in the ipad, then launch itunes. Plug in ipad.
OK, took a little while to get connected. Since I'm connected, I'll backup the files I didn't back up previously (as to have a double backup since it's supposed to be backed up to OneDrive anyway). Wasn't much more.
OK, start up itunes.
I see the little ipad button toward the top right. So that means the ipad was detected. And am prompted to install the iCloud control panel. I dunno. Remind me later.
OK. nothing is happening.
Click on the ipad button in itunes.
There you go. It says I have iOS 6.1.3. A newer version of the iPad software is available (version 8.1). To update your iPad with the latest software, click Update.
Here goes. Click Update.
A new iPad software version (8.1) is available, but requires iTunes 12.0.1. Would you like to download iTunes 12.0.1. now? [yes] click the Download iTunes button. An Apple Software Update dialog appears (in my task bar or whatever it is you call that thing at the bottom). Click on that. It gives me the option to also update Safari and QuickTime. I'll just go for iTunes now. iTunes 12.0.1 is 108.87 MB. Click the button "Install 1 item" at the bottom right.
Downloading xx.xx MB / 32.90 MB. Why only 32.90? Maybe they'll be further downloads after this? Yep. Now doing a 10.0 MB download. Now 65.9 MB..
To finish installing the software, you need to restart your computer. Click Yes to restart now or No if you plan to manually restart later. No.
Let's close down this browser and manually restart.
Back to iTunes. Now the icon for the iPad is on the upper left area. And a dialog box appears. A new iPad software version (8.1) is available for the iPad "Mike's Pad". Would you like to download and update your iPad now? Cancel / Download and Update / Download only.
I think I'll cancel for now, since I gotta leave soon and don't know how long this will take.
I'll do it when I come back.
***
OK, let's do it. Download and update.
There are purchased items on the iPad "Mike's Pad" that have not been transferred to your iTunes library. You should transfer these items to your iTunes library before updating this iPad. Are you sure you want to continue?
Continue or Cancel. OK. Cancel.
What to do?
Look here.
Solution:
1) Before you can transfer the purchases you need to Authorise the computer (do this from the Store menu)
2) Once the computer is authorised, then you can transfer the purchases (File->Devices->Transfer...)
OK, let's go File, Devices, Transfer purchases from Mike's Pad. Whatever that does.
The problem is that I don't have enough space on iPad to upgrade.
The upgrade requires at least 3.9 GB in storage and currently I have 2.7 GB available (and 11.0 GB used). Over half of the 11.0 GB used is photos and videos from the camera (5.8 GB).
OK, let's start deleting apps.
Zynga Poker HD is 93.7 MB. Delete. That brings it 2.8 GB.
Family Feud & Friends. 87.3 MB. Delete. 2.9 GB available.
Words! 141 MB. Delete. 3.0 GB available.
Distro (which is a magazine). 158 MB (141 MB of which is data). Delete. 3.2 GB available.
Podcasts 59.4 MB. Let's delete the Mad Money episodes. OK, I kept 3. WTH, it's up to 81.8 MB. Ah, delete the whole thing. Still 3.2 GB available.
Star Advertiser. 272 MB. I have 3 issues downloaded. Let's delete one of them. Now there's 273 MB used. What's going on? Ah. Delete the whole thing. 3.5 GB. Progress.
Yahoo Fantasy. 84.5 GB. Delete. Still 3.5 GB.
Dailymotion 13.3 MB. Not much. But delete anyway. 3.6 GB.
Dumb Ways To Die. Only 37.6 MB. I hate to do it, but delete. Still 3.6.
Angry Birds 280 MB. Haven't played it in a while. Delete. 3.9 GB!
OK, now there's room!
Let's try for a little more.
iBooks has 297 MB. 244 MB of which is documents and data. I wonder if I can just delete some of the books downloaded? Well, that didn't work for Podcasts and Star Advertiser. Let's try anyway.
500 Must Have Apps 2012 Edition. Hey now down to 212 MB. I see it's still on my purchased books and I can download it again if I want. There's a Credit Suisse report that got in there somehow. Delete. Now up to 224 MB. WTH. Hmm. Somehow it got downloaded again? Delete it again.
Delete iPad at Work. Now down to 114 MB! With 4.0 GB available.
NBA Game Time. Well, it's not NBA season yet. 71.5 MB. Delete. 4.1 GB available.
That's enough for now. I didn't even to delete any photos or videos. But maybe I will anyway.
[9/17/14] The day is getting closer. I deleted one photo. Still 4.1 GB available.
Hawaii Weather Now. 25.1 MB. Still 4.1 GB.
Let's manually back up the photos (even though they're supposed to be backed up in OneDrive already). I see my last transfer transferred through 8/14/13. That's over one year ago!
let's go through some photos
0546 - my poop 1720 K
0543 - Charlie under the fence 1780 K
0529 - Donna cutting ma's toenails 1696 K
0517 - Sanford's house 1731 K
0488 - ma eating pasta at Donna's house
Crap! Now it says IOS 8.0 is available. And cannot be installed because it says it requires at least 6.1 GB in free space. I should have updated to IOS 7.0 yesterday. Now I have to clear out 2.0 GB more.
Well, I'll wait. The servers are likely to be overloaded today.
We'll see when I actually install IOS 8 now. Maybe when 8.1 comes out..
[9/18/14] According to this, you can do it without deleting. (Though the instructions are for the iPhone.)
[11/3/14] I think it's time (again) to try to upgrade to IOS 8, because 8.1 is out and too many of my apps (like CBS and NBA) don't work on IOS 6. The problem is now I'm down to 3.7 GB.
Let's try deleting some photos/videos. First check to see if they're backed up. Funny, the OneDrive back saves the videos as MP4 files while the videos I transferred directly via the cable to the computer are saved as MOV files. The MP4 play very poorly on VLC. The MOV files play a little better on QuickTime, but still choppy. Don't know why. They play more smoothly on the ipad.
Delete
IMG_0034 (5/7/13) (Kimo munching on his Bonz). 48MB Still 3.7.
0047 (5/12/13) - Ma snoozing on couch 945K.
0056 (5/19/13) - Alvin cutting chicken 68 MB (still haven't found that knife) Still 3.7
0060 (5/25/13) - Christie and Alvin play volleyball with Beach Ball at Emily's party. 52 MB. 3.8 MB.
OK good enough. The update supposedly requires 1.5 GB. Supposedly you can do it using iTunes without having to clear out as much space.
OK, fire up itunes. I have version 11.0.2.26. It was supposed prompt to update to the latest version, but didn't. It did the first time. Maybe because it's partially still in memory? Don't see it in task manager.
OK, it should ask when I plug in the ipad, then launch itunes. Plug in ipad.
OK, took a little while to get connected. Since I'm connected, I'll backup the files I didn't back up previously (as to have a double backup since it's supposed to be backed up to OneDrive anyway). Wasn't much more.
OK, start up itunes.
I see the little ipad button toward the top right. So that means the ipad was detected. And am prompted to install the iCloud control panel. I dunno. Remind me later.
OK. nothing is happening.
Click on the ipad button in itunes.
There you go. It says I have iOS 6.1.3. A newer version of the iPad software is available (version 8.1). To update your iPad with the latest software, click Update.
Here goes. Click Update.
A new iPad software version (8.1) is available, but requires iTunes 12.0.1. Would you like to download iTunes 12.0.1. now? [yes] click the Download iTunes button. An Apple Software Update dialog appears (in my task bar or whatever it is you call that thing at the bottom). Click on that. It gives me the option to also update Safari and QuickTime. I'll just go for iTunes now. iTunes 12.0.1 is 108.87 MB. Click the button "Install 1 item" at the bottom right.
Downloading xx.xx MB / 32.90 MB. Why only 32.90? Maybe they'll be further downloads after this? Yep. Now doing a 10.0 MB download. Now 65.9 MB..
To finish installing the software, you need to restart your computer. Click Yes to restart now or No if you plan to manually restart later. No.
Let's close down this browser and manually restart.
Back to iTunes. Now the icon for the iPad is on the upper left area. And a dialog box appears. A new iPad software version (8.1) is available for the iPad "Mike's Pad". Would you like to download and update your iPad now? Cancel / Download and Update / Download only.
I think I'll cancel for now, since I gotta leave soon and don't know how long this will take.
I'll do it when I come back.
***
OK, let's do it. Download and update.
There are purchased items on the iPad "Mike's Pad" that have not been transferred to your iTunes library. You should transfer these items to your iTunes library before updating this iPad. Are you sure you want to continue?
Continue or Cancel. OK. Cancel.
What to do?
Look here.
Solution:
1) Before you can transfer the purchases you need to Authorise the computer (do this from the Store menu)
2) Once the computer is authorised, then you can transfer the purchases (File->Devices->Transfer...)
OK, let's go File, Devices, Transfer purchases from Mike's Pad. Whatever that does.
Waiting for sync to start.
Now it's copying Candy Crush, CBS, and I guess all my apps, 47 of them (or around there).
OK, that's done. Took several minutes.
OK, click on the iPad icon again.
Update. Still get the same message. Let's exit iTunes.
Restart iTunes. Click the iPad icon. Get the message A new iPad software version (8.1) is available....
Download and Update. Same message again about purchased items. Cancel this time.
No, actually I want to continue. Back to the iPad icon. Click on Update. Click on Continue.
iTunes will update your iPad iOS 8.1 and will verify the update with Apple. Click the Update button.
Some stuff to read: this release includes new features... Next Next. Agree.
iTunes is downloading a software update for this iPad and will install it when the download is complete.
Downloading 1 item. iPad Software Update (60 minutes remaining)
wait...
iTunes is preparing to update the software on this iPad.
Backing up "Mike's Pad" ...
verifying updated iPad software...
iTunes is updating the software on this iPad (in the iPad mini window)
updating iPad software... (in the window at the top)
verifying updated iPad software...
Your iPad has been updated.
goes back to iTunes main screen
Do you want to allow this computer to access information on "Mike's Pad"?
If you don't allow access, you will not be able to manage or sync your iPad with this computer.
Continue
To allow access, please respond on your iPad...
Look at iPad. It's black with a white Apple and a line below it.
Press the button. It says Hola or something, then blanked out again.
Try again. Said Hello and slide to continue
Update Completed
Your iPad was updated successfully. There are just a few more steps to follow, and then you're done!
Continue
Dialog box:
Trust This Computer?
Your settings and data will be accessible from this computer when connected
Trust or Don't Trust tap Trust
OK, dialog box on iTunes went away
Tap Continue on iPad
Location Services
Enable Location Services
Disable Location Services
Enable
to finish setting up iCloud, enter the Apple
ID password for kulasoft@gmail.com
Terms and Conditions
Agree
Another dialog box with Terms and Conditions
Agree
Updating iCloud settings
iCloud Drive
store your files in Cloud and access them anytime on all your devices
Note: you will not be able to access documents currently stored in iCloud on your other devices until they are also upgraded to iOS 8 or OS X Yosemite
Upgrade to iCloude Drive
Not Now
Not Now
Are you sure you don't want to upgrade to iCloud Drive?
Continue
Find My iPad
Fnd My iPad now includes Activation Lock, a feature designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPad if you ever lose it.
Your password will be required before anyone can turn off Find My iPad, sign out of iCloud and reactivae your iPad.
Continue
Create a Passcode
A passcode protects your data and is used to unlock iPad
Don't add passcode
Are you sure you don't want to use a Passcode?
A passcode secures your iPad and is needed to use ApplePay and iCloud Keychain.
Continue or Add Passcode
Continue
Welcome to iPad
Get Started
get to the main screen. Hey it sort of has the same background as before, but the icons look more cartoony now.
Spotlight Has Moved
Searching iPad is easier than ever with iOS8. Swipe down from any home screen to access Spotlight.
Dismiss
OK, ready to play with iOS 8
check usage available. 2.4 GB
Try the CBS app.
Sorry, this app is no longer supported.
delete the app
Delete CBS
Deleting CBS will also delete all of its data
Delete
2.5 GB available
Wow 1,861 message in mail
let's take a look
Facebook goes in, tries to load, but then exits, delete the app / I'll try to reinstall it later.
freecell animation seems a little jerky
photos are now automatically organized by date and location. Before you didn't even know that date.
Netflix captions look worse. Smaller. It turns out it's using general system captions which can be changed from the iPad settings. But changing the font larger makes it too big. This is a big step back in my book.
[11/5/14] Let's look through my apps to see what I can delete. I currently have 2.8 GB available.
Let's delete Jack Pad. I can always reinstall it if I ever wind up playing You Don't Know Jack on the Fire TV again. Still 2.8 GB.
Last Screen
Educreations. I'll keep this for now.
Fit Brains. I'll keep this for now too.
Candy Crush. Maybe I'll start from scratch. Delete. 2.9 GB.
FreeCell (Brainium version). Since I've won 253 in a row, I'll keep this as I don't want to start from 0.
GameCenter is built in.
Third Screen
Roku. Let's see if this works on my HD. Can't access it because I changed my router and it's not connected to my network. And I can't connect it right now because my regular Roku controller isn't working on it. So I will have to switch back to my previous router.
iBooks. Built in.
Newstand. Built in.
Go Comics. Delete for now. I can always reinstall. 2.9 GB.
Dilbert. Keep.
Fox Sports Go. Delete. I'll reinstall. 2.9 GB.
Watch ESPN. Delete. I'll reinstall. 2.9 GB.
ESPN 1420. Delete. I'll reinstall. 2.9 GB.
TD Trader. I don't really need this since CNBC now works with Time Warner Cable. Delete. 2.9 GB.
Bloomberg TV. Delete. I can reinstall. 2.9 GB.
CBS News. Delete. 2.9 GB.
Wait. I was looking at Storage, Manage Storage. And it showed that messages are taking up 352 MB. Photos and Camera is taking up 5.7 GB. And I see there's a way delete individual photos and videos from Messages. Anyway, when I cam back I see that I now have 3.1 GB available.
Continue on.
Hawaii News Now. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Second Screen
Tips. Built in.
Podcasts. Built in.
YouTube. Keep.
Viki. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Yidio. Delete. I can reinstall later.
HBO Go. Delete. I can reinstall later.
History. Delete. I can reinstall later.
HGTV. Delete. I can reinstall later.
3.4 GB
CNBC. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Today. Delete. I can reinstall later.
TWC TV. Delete. I can reinstall later.
PBS. Delete. I can reinstall later.
NBC. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Watch ABC. Delete. I can reinstall later.
But I really don't need ABC and NBC since their shows are on Hulu+
3.7 GB
VUDU player. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Amazon Instant Video. Delete. I can reinstall later.
WTH. Let's delete Youtube. I will reinstall later.
Crackle. Delete. I will reinstall later.
go to Manage Storage, then back to storage to update space available. 3.9 GB.
WTH. Let's wipe out more.
OneDrive. I can reinstall later.
Match Dots (by Icemochi). I can always start from scratch.
Educreations. I can reinstall.
Fit Brains. I can reinstall and start from scratch.
Roku. I can reinstall.
Dilbert. I can reinstall.
4.2 GB.
Hulu Plus. I will reinstall.
Netflix. I will reinstall.
4.3 GB.
Drive (Google Drive). I can reinstall.
Google Maps. Delete.
4.4 GB
What's left? Chrome. I can reinstall.
4.8 GB
OK, that's every app except for freecell.
WTH. let's delete freecell. 4.9 GB
OK, everything's deleted that's deleteable.
What's left?
Mail Messages Camera Photos Photo Booth
Contacts Maps iTunes Store App Store (which still has a 24 beside it) Videos
Music Notes Reminders Calendar Clock
Settings FaceTime
Podcasts Tips
Newstand iBooks
Game Center
What's taking up space?
Photos & Camera 5.7 GB
Messages 352 MB
Mail 148 MB
ibooks 42.1 MB
Safari 15.3 MB
Contacts 3.7 MB
Calendars & Reminders 1.8 MB
Podcasts 1.1 MB
Used 7.8 GB
Available 4.9 GB
So even if I had deleted all my apps, I still wouldn't have had room to update iOS via wifi.
Went to look at Podcasts, browsed a little, saw nothing saved, exited. Now it's taking up 5.8 MB.
Remove web site data from Safari. Now down to 561 KB.
Now to start adding back..
Hulu Plus
CNBC. Oddly when you put the video into fullscreen mode, it rotates to portrait instead of landscape mode. So you have to turn your iPad upright to view the video which is smaller than it should be.
Still at 4.9 GB
Added Netflix back in the evening. The captions are smaller than with the previous version. You can change the size by in the system-wide options, but then it's too big. So I went to a custom font and changed to a larger font. It's a little bigger, but still a little small. You have to turn off the override. Oddly the color doesn't change on Netflix. It's still white. It looks better on Hulu. Bigger size, golden color. But all caps.
[Later I see the caption size changes on Netflix depending on the show. On Justice League it's fairly large and in all-caps. On Continuum, it's fairly small and in upper and lower case. On Arrow, it's in-between and in all-caps. I guess I'll guess used to it, but I still like the captions better in the older version which were uniform and in yellow (IIRC).]
Roku (9.0 MB). For some reason, the official app from Roku doesn't show up in the App Store search, but you can find it by searching for Roku app in Safari. It comes up as Roku on the App Store on iTunes.
4.8 GB
Install Fox Sports GO (29.8 MB) and Watch ESPN (18.3 MB). Now down to 4.7 GB. Noticed Watch ESPN is not supported by DirecTV.
Notice that Fox Sports didn't carry the NFL game on Sunday, even though in previous weeks I was able to view it (before the upgrade to iOS 8). There was some quick message saying the NFL games wouldn't be available for iPhone. But it's supposed to be available on desktop and tablets.
Added CBS (38.7 MB) and FX Now (88.1 MB). 4.5 GB (it was 4.6 GB at first so I guess something else took up more space.)
[11/15/14] Install Tunein Radio so I could listen to the UH football game. Now down to 4.3 GB. Tune in is 54.2 MB (checking 11/19/14 it's down to 41.5 MB?), so something else took up the .2 GB. Messages are 383 MB. Mail is 281 MB.
[11/29/14] updated to iOS 8.1.1. Added TWC TV (27.6 GB), so I could show Cheryl Anne. Somehow up to 4.4 GB. Photos & Camera 5.7 GB. Messages down to 353 MB. Mail up to 304 MB.
Let me add HBO Go (to watch Batman Begins for example). 35.9 MB. Still at 4.4 GB available.
[12/17/14] added CBS Sports (44.7 MB) to see what I could see (they had college basketball but not the NFL). Added back freecell (21.0 MB) to occupy my time at jury duty. Only 3.7 GB available. Photos and Camera still at 5.7 GB. IOS 8.1.2 is 457 MB. Messages down to 352 MB. Mail up to 331 MB. FX Now up to 108 MB. Hulu Plus is 86.8 MB. HBO Go is up to 49.8 MB. CBS up to 44.7 MB. Didn't realize the size of the apps would vary.
Anyway now going to install iOS 8.1.2 which has already been downloaded.
After the update, 4.2 GB available.
[12/1/15] upgraded iOS 8.1.3. And a couple more apps. NBC Live Extra since they're going to show the Super Bowl. And TWC SportsNet since they show the Lakers game. The Lakers feed was unsatisfactory with a lot of buffering and pauses.
wait...
iTunes is preparing to update the software on this iPad.
Backing up "Mike's Pad" ...
verifying updated iPad software...
iTunes is updating the software on this iPad (in the iPad mini window)
updating iPad software... (in the window at the top)
verifying updated iPad software...
Your iPad has been updated.
goes back to iTunes main screen
Do you want to allow this computer to access information on "Mike's Pad"?
If you don't allow access, you will not be able to manage or sync your iPad with this computer.
Continue
To allow access, please respond on your iPad...
Look at iPad. It's black with a white Apple and a line below it.
Press the button. It says Hola or something, then blanked out again.
Try again. Said Hello and slide to continue
Update Completed
Your iPad was updated successfully. There are just a few more steps to follow, and then you're done!
Continue
Dialog box:
Trust This Computer?
Your settings and data will be accessible from this computer when connected
Trust or Don't Trust tap Trust
OK, dialog box on iTunes went away
Tap Continue on iPad
Location Services
Enable Location Services
Disable Location Services
Enable
to finish setting up iCloud, enter the Apple
ID password for kulasoft@gmail.com
Terms and Conditions
Agree
Another dialog box with Terms and Conditions
Agree
Updating iCloud settings
iCloud Drive
store your files in Cloud and access them anytime on all your devices
Note: you will not be able to access documents currently stored in iCloud on your other devices until they are also upgraded to iOS 8 or OS X Yosemite
Upgrade to iCloude Drive
Not Now
Not Now
Are you sure you don't want to upgrade to iCloud Drive?
Continue
Find My iPad
Fnd My iPad now includes Activation Lock, a feature designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPad if you ever lose it.
Your password will be required before anyone can turn off Find My iPad, sign out of iCloud and reactivae your iPad.
Continue
Create a Passcode
A passcode protects your data and is used to unlock iPad
Don't add passcode
Are you sure you don't want to use a Passcode?
A passcode secures your iPad and is needed to use ApplePay and iCloud Keychain.
Continue or Add Passcode
Continue
Welcome to iPad
Get Started
get to the main screen. Hey it sort of has the same background as before, but the icons look more cartoony now.
Spotlight Has Moved
Searching iPad is easier than ever with iOS8. Swipe down from any home screen to access Spotlight.
Dismiss
OK, ready to play with iOS 8
check usage available. 2.4 GB
Try the CBS app.
Sorry, this app is no longer supported.
delete the app
Delete CBS
Deleting CBS will also delete all of its data
Delete
2.5 GB available
Wow 1,861 message in mail
let's take a look
Facebook goes in, tries to load, but then exits, delete the app / I'll try to reinstall it later.
freecell animation seems a little jerky
photos are now automatically organized by date and location. Before you didn't even know that date.
Netflix captions look worse. Smaller. It turns out it's using general system captions which can be changed from the iPad settings. But changing the font larger makes it too big. This is a big step back in my book.
[11/5/14] Let's look through my apps to see what I can delete. I currently have 2.8 GB available.
Let's delete Jack Pad. I can always reinstall it if I ever wind up playing You Don't Know Jack on the Fire TV again. Still 2.8 GB.
Last Screen
Educreations. I'll keep this for now.
Fit Brains. I'll keep this for now too.
Candy Crush. Maybe I'll start from scratch. Delete. 2.9 GB.
FreeCell (Brainium version). Since I've won 253 in a row, I'll keep this as I don't want to start from 0.
GameCenter is built in.
Third Screen
Roku. Let's see if this works on my HD. Can't access it because I changed my router and it's not connected to my network. And I can't connect it right now because my regular Roku controller isn't working on it. So I will have to switch back to my previous router.
iBooks. Built in.
Newstand. Built in.
Go Comics. Delete for now. I can always reinstall. 2.9 GB.
Dilbert. Keep.
Fox Sports Go. Delete. I'll reinstall. 2.9 GB.
Watch ESPN. Delete. I'll reinstall. 2.9 GB.
ESPN 1420. Delete. I'll reinstall. 2.9 GB.
TD Trader. I don't really need this since CNBC now works with Time Warner Cable. Delete. 2.9 GB.
Bloomberg TV. Delete. I can reinstall. 2.9 GB.
CBS News. Delete. 2.9 GB.
Wait. I was looking at Storage, Manage Storage. And it showed that messages are taking up 352 MB. Photos and Camera is taking up 5.7 GB. And I see there's a way delete individual photos and videos from Messages. Anyway, when I cam back I see that I now have 3.1 GB available.
Continue on.
Hawaii News Now. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Second Screen
Tips. Built in.
Podcasts. Built in.
YouTube. Keep.
Viki. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Yidio. Delete. I can reinstall later.
HBO Go. Delete. I can reinstall later.
History. Delete. I can reinstall later.
HGTV. Delete. I can reinstall later.
3.4 GB
CNBC. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Today. Delete. I can reinstall later.
TWC TV. Delete. I can reinstall later.
PBS. Delete. I can reinstall later.
NBC. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Watch ABC. Delete. I can reinstall later.
But I really don't need ABC and NBC since their shows are on Hulu+
3.7 GB
VUDU player. Delete. I can reinstall later.
Amazon Instant Video. Delete. I can reinstall later.
WTH. Let's delete Youtube. I will reinstall later.
Crackle. Delete. I will reinstall later.
go to Manage Storage, then back to storage to update space available. 3.9 GB.
WTH. Let's wipe out more.
OneDrive. I can reinstall later.
Match Dots (by Icemochi). I can always start from scratch.
Educreations. I can reinstall.
Fit Brains. I can reinstall and start from scratch.
Roku. I can reinstall.
Dilbert. I can reinstall.
4.2 GB.
Hulu Plus. I will reinstall.
Netflix. I will reinstall.
4.3 GB.
Drive (Google Drive). I can reinstall.
Google Maps. Delete.
4.4 GB
What's left? Chrome. I can reinstall.
4.8 GB
OK, that's every app except for freecell.
WTH. let's delete freecell. 4.9 GB
OK, everything's deleted that's deleteable.
What's left?
Mail Messages Camera Photos Photo Booth
Contacts Maps iTunes Store App Store (which still has a 24 beside it) Videos
Music Notes Reminders Calendar Clock
Settings FaceTime
Podcasts Tips
Newstand iBooks
Game Center
What's taking up space?
Photos & Camera 5.7 GB
Messages 352 MB
Mail 148 MB
ibooks 42.1 MB
Safari 15.3 MB
Contacts 3.7 MB
Calendars & Reminders 1.8 MB
Podcasts 1.1 MB
Used 7.8 GB
Available 4.9 GB
So even if I had deleted all my apps, I still wouldn't have had room to update iOS via wifi.
Went to look at Podcasts, browsed a little, saw nothing saved, exited. Now it's taking up 5.8 MB.
Remove web site data from Safari. Now down to 561 KB.
Now to start adding back..
Hulu Plus
CNBC. Oddly when you put the video into fullscreen mode, it rotates to portrait instead of landscape mode. So you have to turn your iPad upright to view the video which is smaller than it should be.
Still at 4.9 GB
Added Netflix back in the evening. The captions are smaller than with the previous version. You can change the size by in the system-wide options, but then it's too big. So I went to a custom font and changed to a larger font. It's a little bigger, but still a little small. You have to turn off the override. Oddly the color doesn't change on Netflix. It's still white. It looks better on Hulu. Bigger size, golden color. But all caps.
[Later I see the caption size changes on Netflix depending on the show. On Justice League it's fairly large and in all-caps. On Continuum, it's fairly small and in upper and lower case. On Arrow, it's in-between and in all-caps. I guess I'll guess used to it, but I still like the captions better in the older version which were uniform and in yellow (IIRC).]
Roku (9.0 MB). For some reason, the official app from Roku doesn't show up in the App Store search, but you can find it by searching for Roku app in Safari. It comes up as Roku on the App Store on iTunes.
4.8 GB
Install Fox Sports GO (29.8 MB) and Watch ESPN (18.3 MB). Now down to 4.7 GB. Noticed Watch ESPN is not supported by DirecTV.
Notice that Fox Sports didn't carry the NFL game on Sunday, even though in previous weeks I was able to view it (before the upgrade to iOS 8). There was some quick message saying the NFL games wouldn't be available for iPhone. But it's supposed to be available on desktop and tablets.
Added CBS (38.7 MB) and FX Now (88.1 MB). 4.5 GB (it was 4.6 GB at first so I guess something else took up more space.)
[11/15/14] Install Tunein Radio so I could listen to the UH football game. Now down to 4.3 GB. Tune in is 54.2 MB (checking 11/19/14 it's down to 41.5 MB?), so something else took up the .2 GB. Messages are 383 MB. Mail is 281 MB.
[11/29/14] updated to iOS 8.1.1. Added TWC TV (27.6 GB), so I could show Cheryl Anne. Somehow up to 4.4 GB. Photos & Camera 5.7 GB. Messages down to 353 MB. Mail up to 304 MB.
Let me add HBO Go (to watch Batman Begins for example). 35.9 MB. Still at 4.4 GB available.
[12/17/14] added CBS Sports (44.7 MB) to see what I could see (they had college basketball but not the NFL). Added back freecell (21.0 MB) to occupy my time at jury duty. Only 3.7 GB available. Photos and Camera still at 5.7 GB. IOS 8.1.2 is 457 MB. Messages down to 352 MB. Mail up to 331 MB. FX Now up to 108 MB. Hulu Plus is 86.8 MB. HBO Go is up to 49.8 MB. CBS up to 44.7 MB. Didn't realize the size of the apps would vary.
Anyway now going to install iOS 8.1.2 which has already been downloaded.
After the update, 4.2 GB available.
[12/1/15] upgraded iOS 8.1.3. And a couple more apps. NBC Live Extra since they're going to show the Super Bowl. And TWC SportsNet since they show the Lakers game. The Lakers feed was unsatisfactory with a lot of buffering and pauses.
Friday, January 30, 2015
opinion gap: public vs. scientists
A newly published survey
shows a significant opinion gap between professional scientists and the
wider American public on issues in science ranging from climate change
to genetically modified foods.
"There is a disconnect between the way in which the public perceives the state of science and science's position on a variety of issues, and the way in which the scientific community ... looks at the state of science," Alan Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, told reporters in advance of the survey's release on Thursday. "That's a cause of concern."
"There is a disconnect between the way in which the public perceives the state of science and science's position on a variety of issues, and the way in which the scientific community ... looks at the state of science," Alan Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, told reporters in advance of the survey's release on Thursday. "That's a cause of concern."
The biggest disconnect had to do
with genetically modified foods, where there was a gap of 51 percentage
points. Eighty-eight percent of the scientists said it's safe to eat
such foods, compared with 37 percent of the wider-ranging sample.
Other opinion gaps focused on these hot-button issues:
- Should animals be used in research? 89 percent of the scientists said yes, as opposed to 47 percent of the public.
- Is it safe to eat foods grown with pesticides? 68 percent of the scientists agreed, compared with 28 percent of the public.
- Is climate change caused mostly by human activity? 87 percent yes from the scientists, 50 percent yes from the public.
- Have humans evolved over time? 98 percent yes from the scientists, 65 percent yes from the public.
- Should more offshore oil drilling be allowed? 32 percent yes from the scientists, 52 percent yes from the public.
- Should more nuclear power plants be built? 65 percent yes from the scientists, 45 percent yes from the public.
- Should parents be allowed to decide not to have their children vaccinated? 13 percent yes from the scientists, 30 percent yes from the public.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
4K TV?
[1/28/15] Testing 4K TV. I’d wager that at least half of America has never heard of 4K. And those who have don’t have any idea how it works, what there is to watch, and where we are on the great global road to 4K.
So I decided to spend a week immersing myself in 4K. I decided to round up 4K sets from different manufacturers at different prices. I’d have them all professionally calibrated in the same room at the same time. I’d fit them with a signal splitter so they’d display the same video simultaneously.
I’d try every conceivable video source on every screen. I’d do side-by-side-by-side comparisons (I’d even include a 2014 HDTV set to compare them to). I’d try different distances from the screens. I’d invite a parade of people to give me their impressions.
By the end of the experiment, I’d know exactly where we are in the 4K transition — and I’d be able to suggest whether or not it’s safe yet to buy one. After all, the Super Bowl is coming up, which can only mean one thing: Thousands of Americans will have an excuse to buy a new TV, and thousands of stores will offer Super Bowl TV sales.
Here’s what I learned.
[12/29/14] It takes Katie Couric to explain.
There are currently four main resolutions:
SD (standard definition): 480 x 720 (that's an odd aspect ratio of 2:3, but turns out it's the DVD video stream.)
HD (high definition): 720 x 1280 (that's an aspect ratio of 9:16).
Full HD (full high def): 1080 x 1920 (also 9:16).
4K (ultra high def): 2160 x 3840 (double the Full HD, so four times as many pixels).
[9/1/12] BERLIN - 3D TV? That's so 2011. 4K technology was the talk of IFA, with LG, Sony, and Toshiba all showing off 84-inch 4K TVs. We stopped by Sony's booth this afternoon to take a look, and also checked out the 20-inch 4K TVs Panasonic had on display.
4K sets are four times the resolution of a standard HDTV. Current HDTVs display content at 1080p (1,920 by 1,080 pixels), or slightly lower 1080i or 720p resolution. 4K video is the next step in high definition, with a resolution of approximately 4,000-by-2,000 to 4,000-by-3,000, quadrupling or sextupling the number of pixels in the picture.
At this point, 4K-based TVs are limited to business users, thanks in part to their hefty price tags. LG's 4K TV, for example, will set you back $22,000. But as PCMag's Will Greenwald pointed out recently, 4K is "the high definition we'll be using in five or 10 years."
Sony had its 84-inch 4K TV set up in the middle of its massive IFA booth. The flashing, overhead lights made it a bit more difficult to evaluate the screen, but despite the distractions, the picture was clearly stunning. If you have an extremely large living room and equally large bank account, the Sony set would definitely punch up an episode of Breaking Bad or the latest action movie.
Over at Panasonic, the company opted for a museum-like tour of its emerging technology, starting with four, 20-inch 4K TV sets running images of blooming flowers. In contrast to Sony's setup, the sets were located in a dark, quiet corner of the Panasonic booth, where I was able to get a closer look at the screens. Indeed, the blooming roses looked like you could reach out and touch them, and as close as I got to the screen, I couldn't detect any pixels.
*** [7/29/13]
The current resolution for Full HD, 1080p HDTVs is 1920 x 1080 pixels. UHD doubles each dimension to 3840 x 2160 which although is technically not 4K (4096), it is close enough to be called “4K.”. Although there is lots of 4K content being produced including movies which are shot with 4K cameras like the Arri Alexa and Red Epic and then shown in movie theaters across America, 40% of which have 4K projection systems. Distribution to homes will be one of the challenges of 4K TV requiring new compression techniques, new optical discs and even a new over-the-air broadcast standard; all of which are in development. It’s a common believe that 4K only make sense for the home on very large TV screens like 70 – 80-inches and for viewers sitting very close to the screen.
In addition to providing 4K content to outlets that can currently display it, most studios and content creators are migrating to 4K and putting a “4K master in the archive.” We understand that many TV shows are now shot in 4K including many sporting events and have read about a possible 4K transmission of the 2014 World Cup match. In a recent article in Trusted Reviews listing some good reasons why 4K TV is on the move, John Archer mentions that employees at Sony’s Colorworks facility say, “it’s only once you get up to the 4K pixel level that you can scan 35mm film into digital form without losing significant amounts of the texture, detail, graduation subtlety and color refinement contained in the ‘analogue’ celluloid image.” According to TVNewsCheck, ESPN “is building a brand new, massive sports production center that Chief Technology Officer Chuck Pagano says will be future proof — able to handle upcoming 4K and 8K production.”
Getting 4K content into the home will be a major challenge for cable and satellite providers as well as disc makers. For $699 you can buy a Sony Ultra HD Media Player that comes pre-loaded with 10, 4K movies and some other 4K “bonus” material but a more affordable solution will require a new Blu-ray standard or other medium like a flash memory-based media card. Currently Blu-ray is limited to 50GB however, a compressed 4K movie may require twice that (100GB) and for an uncompressed movie it could run in the 200GB range.
Word is that the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is expected to announce support for a new Codec (compressor/decompressor) called H.265, more commonly referred to as High Efficiency Video Coding or HEVC which will be the successor to the current H.264 or MPEG4. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is also working on a new broadcast standard called ATSC 3.0 which will include UHDTV broadcast signals for over-the-air reception.
So I decided to spend a week immersing myself in 4K. I decided to round up 4K sets from different manufacturers at different prices. I’d have them all professionally calibrated in the same room at the same time. I’d fit them with a signal splitter so they’d display the same video simultaneously.
I’d try every conceivable video source on every screen. I’d do side-by-side-by-side comparisons (I’d even include a 2014 HDTV set to compare them to). I’d try different distances from the screens. I’d invite a parade of people to give me their impressions.
By the end of the experiment, I’d know exactly where we are in the 4K transition — and I’d be able to suggest whether or not it’s safe yet to buy one. After all, the Super Bowl is coming up, which can only mean one thing: Thousands of Americans will have an excuse to buy a new TV, and thousands of stores will offer Super Bowl TV sales.
Here’s what I learned.
[12/29/14] It takes Katie Couric to explain.
There are currently four main resolutions:
SD (standard definition): 480 x 720 (that's an odd aspect ratio of 2:3, but turns out it's the DVD video stream.)
HD (high definition): 720 x 1280 (that's an aspect ratio of 9:16).
Full HD (full high def): 1080 x 1920 (also 9:16).
4K (ultra high def): 2160 x 3840 (double the Full HD, so four times as many pixels).
[9/1/12] BERLIN - 3D TV? That's so 2011. 4K technology was the talk of IFA, with LG, Sony, and Toshiba all showing off 84-inch 4K TVs. We stopped by Sony's booth this afternoon to take a look, and also checked out the 20-inch 4K TVs Panasonic had on display.
4K sets are four times the resolution of a standard HDTV. Current HDTVs display content at 1080p (1,920 by 1,080 pixels), or slightly lower 1080i or 720p resolution. 4K video is the next step in high definition, with a resolution of approximately 4,000-by-2,000 to 4,000-by-3,000, quadrupling or sextupling the number of pixels in the picture.
At this point, 4K-based TVs are limited to business users, thanks in part to their hefty price tags. LG's 4K TV, for example, will set you back $22,000. But as PCMag's Will Greenwald pointed out recently, 4K is "the high definition we'll be using in five or 10 years."
Sony had its 84-inch 4K TV set up in the middle of its massive IFA booth. The flashing, overhead lights made it a bit more difficult to evaluate the screen, but despite the distractions, the picture was clearly stunning. If you have an extremely large living room and equally large bank account, the Sony set would definitely punch up an episode of Breaking Bad or the latest action movie.
Over at Panasonic, the company opted for a museum-like tour of its emerging technology, starting with four, 20-inch 4K TV sets running images of blooming flowers. In contrast to Sony's setup, the sets were located in a dark, quiet corner of the Panasonic booth, where I was able to get a closer look at the screens. Indeed, the blooming roses looked like you could reach out and touch them, and as close as I got to the screen, I couldn't detect any pixels.
*** [7/29/13]
The current resolution for Full HD, 1080p HDTVs is 1920 x 1080 pixels. UHD doubles each dimension to 3840 x 2160 which although is technically not 4K (4096), it is close enough to be called “4K.”. Although there is lots of 4K content being produced including movies which are shot with 4K cameras like the Arri Alexa and Red Epic and then shown in movie theaters across America, 40% of which have 4K projection systems. Distribution to homes will be one of the challenges of 4K TV requiring new compression techniques, new optical discs and even a new over-the-air broadcast standard; all of which are in development. It’s a common believe that 4K only make sense for the home on very large TV screens like 70 – 80-inches and for viewers sitting very close to the screen.
In addition to providing 4K content to outlets that can currently display it, most studios and content creators are migrating to 4K and putting a “4K master in the archive.” We understand that many TV shows are now shot in 4K including many sporting events and have read about a possible 4K transmission of the 2014 World Cup match. In a recent article in Trusted Reviews listing some good reasons why 4K TV is on the move, John Archer mentions that employees at Sony’s Colorworks facility say, “it’s only once you get up to the 4K pixel level that you can scan 35mm film into digital form without losing significant amounts of the texture, detail, graduation subtlety and color refinement contained in the ‘analogue’ celluloid image.” According to TVNewsCheck, ESPN “is building a brand new, massive sports production center that Chief Technology Officer Chuck Pagano says will be future proof — able to handle upcoming 4K and 8K production.”
Getting 4K content into the home will be a major challenge for cable and satellite providers as well as disc makers. For $699 you can buy a Sony Ultra HD Media Player that comes pre-loaded with 10, 4K movies and some other 4K “bonus” material but a more affordable solution will require a new Blu-ray standard or other medium like a flash memory-based media card. Currently Blu-ray is limited to 50GB however, a compressed 4K movie may require twice that (100GB) and for an uncompressed movie it could run in the 200GB range.
Word is that the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is expected to announce support for a new Codec (compressor/decompressor) called H.265, more commonly referred to as High Efficiency Video Coding or HEVC which will be the successor to the current H.264 or MPEG4. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is also working on a new broadcast standard called ATSC 3.0 which will include UHDTV broadcast signals for over-the-air reception.
free on itunes
Apple today added a new "Free on iTunes" section
in the iTunes Store, featuring free downloads of songs and full length
TV episodes. The section replaces Apple's "iTunes Single of the Week",
which previously offered free songs from popular and indie music
artists.
Currently, Apple is offering full-length TV episodes from shows including Fox's Backstrom, Syfy's 12 Monkey's, Disney Channel's KC Undercover, and MTV's Eye Candy. On the music side, Apple is offering downloads from artists such as Purity Ring, Jauz, Asking Alexandria, and Guster.
Apple's "Free on iTunes" section is live now, and it is likely that the company will offer new content every week as it has done with the iTunes Single of the Week and its App of the Week section.
[via roy on facebook]
Nothing particularly caught my interest. There's more free stuff at amazon.com.
I see We The Economy is free (courtesy of Paul Allen and Morgan Spurlock). But it's also free on their website and on youtube and got a poor review.
Currently, Apple is offering full-length TV episodes from shows including Fox's Backstrom, Syfy's 12 Monkey's, Disney Channel's KC Undercover, and MTV's Eye Candy. On the music side, Apple is offering downloads from artists such as Purity Ring, Jauz, Asking Alexandria, and Guster.
Apple's "Free on iTunes" section is live now, and it is likely that the company will offer new content every week as it has done with the iTunes Single of the Week and its App of the Week section.
[via roy on facebook]
Nothing particularly caught my interest. There's more free stuff at amazon.com.
I see We The Economy is free (courtesy of Paul Allen and Morgan Spurlock). But it's also free on their website and on youtube and got a poor review.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
40 million U.S. subscribers to Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime was always designed to lure members into spending more.
New research suggests just how much more members are spending.
Those who sign up for the retailer's free-shipping loyalty program spend an average of $1,500 per year buying stuff on Amazon, according to a new report from Chicago-based market research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.
Amazon customers who aren't Prime members spend an average of $625 per year, CIRP found.
We're not talking about a small cult of shoppers who pay Prime's annual fee of $99, either. The researchers estimated that 40 million people in the U.S. have Prime memberships, up from a CIRP estimate of 29 million in September. Netflix, by comparison, said last week that it has 39 million subscribers in the U.S.
Those who sign up for the retailer's free-shipping loyalty program spend an average of $1,500 per year buying stuff on Amazon, according to a new report from Chicago-based market research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.
Amazon customers who aren't Prime members spend an average of $625 per year, CIRP found.
We're not talking about a small cult of shoppers who pay Prime's annual fee of $99, either. The researchers estimated that 40 million people in the U.S. have Prime memberships, up from a CIRP estimate of 29 million in September. Netflix, by comparison, said last week that it has 39 million subscribers in the U.S.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Amazon movies
In recent years, Amazon and Netflix have created original content to
get more subscribers, grow revenues and set themselves apart from not
only from each other, but major cable channels like HBO. Prime examples
include House of Cards, Orange Is The New Black and Transparent. The
online retailer has always suggested it may look to expand beyond TV
and into movies, but only now has it revealed its plan to do exactly
that. In a release today, Amazon Studios said it will 'begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window
distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video."
What does this mean? Well, like Netflix, which is currently working with Yuen Wo-ping on a sequel to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Amazon will finance its own or acquire rights to movies that will appeal to stay-at-home film lovers and moviegoers alike. However, unlike its rival, Amazon's Original Movies will hit theaters first and then reach Prime Instant Video (in the US to begin with) between four and eight weeks later. Think what Sony did with The Interview, but completely planned and not the result of a crushing hack.
"We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to twelve movies a year with production starting later this year," says Roy Price, Vice President of Amazon Studios. "We hope this program will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience." That might mean that you'll also form a part in the decision process over which movies make the cut -- after all, Amazon already solicits opinion on its TV pilots.
What does this mean? Well, like Netflix, which is currently working with Yuen Wo-ping on a sequel to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Amazon will finance its own or acquire rights to movies that will appeal to stay-at-home film lovers and moviegoers alike. However, unlike its rival, Amazon's Original Movies will hit theaters first and then reach Prime Instant Video (in the US to begin with) between four and eight weeks later. Think what Sony did with The Interview, but completely planned and not the result of a crushing hack.
"We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to twelve movies a year with production starting later this year," says Roy Price, Vice President of Amazon Studios. "We hope this program will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience." That might mean that you'll also form a part in the decision process over which movies make the cut -- after all, Amazon already solicits opinion on its TV pilots.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Hackers declare war on terrorists
In a video posted on YouTube, the group of hackers said they would track down websites and social media networks linked to terrorists, and take them down.
"We, Anonymous around the world, have decided to declare war on you the terrorists," it said.
The video is described as a message for "al Qaeda, the Islamic State and other terrorists," and promises to avenge the killing of 12 people in Wednesday's attack.
"We intend to take revenge in their name, we are going to survey your activities on the net, we are going to shut down your accounts on all social networks," Anonymous said.
"We, Anonymous around the world, have decided to declare war on you the terrorists," it said.
The video is described as a message for "al Qaeda, the Islamic State and other terrorists," and promises to avenge the killing of 12 people in Wednesday's attack.
"We intend to take revenge in their name, we are going to survey your activities on the net, we are going to shut down your accounts on all social networks," Anonymous said.
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Classic Games
Almost 2,400 MS-DOS games are now available to play for FREE (!) in just about any browser thanks to the Internet Archive.
Meaning: All those games you used to play as a kid on a computer monitor larger than probably all the electronics you currently own combined? They're back and totally accessible and totally free.
(lots more software here)
Meaning: All those games you used to play as a kid on a computer monitor larger than probably all the electronics you currently own combined? They're back and totally accessible and totally free.
(lots more software here)
Friday, January 02, 2015
goodbye Internet Explorer
Say goodbye, Microsoft Internet Explorer fans. Because after nearly 20 years of helping Netizens navigate the Web, your favorite browser is about to be replaced. And no, I'm not talking about Google Chrome, even though it did overtake Internet Explorer earlier this year for the first time as the United States' most popular Web browser.
Instead, according to a report from ZDNet, Microsoft Corporation is readying its own replacement for its flagship browser starting with Windows 10. Codenamed "Spartan," ZDNet's sources say the new browser definitely isn't just the next build of IE. Rather, Spartan is being built as a revamped, lightweight, extension-enabled browser that happens to sport a more similar look and feel to both Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
13 things you didn't know your iPhone 6 could do
I guess most or all of these will also work on your iPad.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Apple TV (vs. Roku)
[3/11/14] Hey got my Apple TV! Bought it from Amazon. I assume it's the current model, so this is the third generation product.
Pretty easy to set up. The remote is small and really thin and took only a little while to get used to with only three buttons on it. It's about the size of a small comb.
First impressions.
Tried Crackle on it first. Noticed a couple things right off. Couldn't figure out to turn on the subtitles. (And I know they work because they work on the Roku.) And I don't even see Seinfeld on the menu. And I see it's there on my computer. Odd.
Subtitles work on Netflix. You have to hold down the center button to access the option to turn it off and on. Not very obvious.
How about AirPlay? I don't see the AirPlay icon when I double tap and scroll right. So far I only see it only when going to Photos.
OK, powered off the iPad and powered it back on. Now I see it!
I like the Netflix subtitles [much] better on the Apple TV than on the Roku. They have a dark background making it easier to see. Whereas on the Roku (I have the HD version), the text is just laid out on the screen without a background. So if the picture background is light, it's hard to read. The subtitles are kind of small though. There's an option to make it larger, but then it looks too large to me. Hey, there's a customization option in Settings/Accessibility. And I just customized it to make it larger than default, but not the largest. So now it looks pretty good. [Actually I turned off the background and the subtitles are still much easier to see than on the Roku HD. That tells me that it's not Netflix providing the subtitle appearance. Apparently they're just supplying the text to be output and it's up to the application to render the text. Thus the Windows 8 subtitles look different on the app vs. using a browser.]
So now I have what I wanted the Apple TV for. Better subtitles on Netflix. And Airplay mirroring.
How about some youtube? Subtitles apparently not supported. Disappointing. I wonder if it works on the Roku 3?
***
There are 35 apps included (besides the implied iTunes). But the majority I won't use.
Here they are:
1. Netflix: yep, this is what I will probably use like 90% of the time.
2. Hulu Plus. Haven't subscribed yet. But I may, if I ever give up cable TV. But really, Netflix has more than enough content to keep me occupied.
3. iTunes Festival. Evidently it broadcasts live concerts (and replays recent ones).
4. HBO Go. I don't subscribe to this.
5. PBS. This doesn't play well on my Roku. Requires more speed than my current 5 mbps. Requires activation for Apple TV.
6. Watch ESPN. They support Time Warner Cable which is what I have. The live action seems a little smoother than on my Roku. Maybe due to the faster processor.
7. Watch ABC. Time Warner Cable not supported. Which is strange since Disney owns both ESPN and ABC.
8. NBA. This is where you would watch if you subscribed to League Pass. But you can still look at the highlights.
9. NHL. Format similar to NBA. No interest.
10. Crackle. See above.
11. Bloomberg. This app stopped working on the Roku, so I access it there on Nowhere TV. Captions work (on the Live feed anyway, but don't see it on the VOD)
12. Smithsonian. Captions work here.
13. WWE. No free content.
14. Red Bull TV. This is one that I don't have on my Roku. [I see it's a private channel on Roku.] Extreme sports. I don't really have an interest in it, but might be cool to play at parties.
15. Trailers. Trailers of upcoming and current movies. Takes quite a while to buffer before playing.
16. The Weather Channel. Pretty cool. Not only does it have the weather, but it also has a bunch of shows. Captions work too. Not available for Roku that I can see.
17. Yahoo! Screen. Sort of Yahoo's answer to youtube. Kind of a cross between youtube and AOL On. Pauses for buffering.
18. Disney Channel. Time Warner Cable not supported.
19. Disney XD. Ditto. No DirecTV or Dish either. It does support Comcast Xfinity however, so if they ever merge..
20. Disney Junior. Ditto.
21. Sky News. Based in Britain, but it does have a channel for U.S. News.
22. KORTV. Korean television.
23. iCloud Photos. I assume you can look at your photos backed up on iCloud. But I erased mine because I ran out of room.
24. iMovie Theater. Apparently you can watch your vidoes back up on iCloud. I don't have any.
25. Podcasts. Free podcasts from iTunes (I think). Includes TedTalks, so that alone makes it worthwhile.
26. Youtube.
27. Flickr. I assume you can view you Flick photos, though I don't see a sign in. It does have an option to add a Flickr contact, whatever that means. Flickr is a Yahoo company, so I guess it uses your yahoo name. Yep. But for some reason, it's only showing one photo.
28. Vevo. Music videos.
29. Vimeo. Videos.
30. MLB.TV. Like NBA and NHL.
31. Qello. Music concerts and documentaries. $4.99 per month.
32. Crunchyroll. Asian anime and drama. Requires subscription to view more than the samples.
33. MLS. Looks sort of like NBA, NHL, MLB.
34. Radio. Radio stations throughout the country. Don't see any from Hawaii (yet).
35. WSJ Live. They have a live feed which I don't see on the Roku version.
Out of the 35, I decided to keep the following on my screen (for now).
1. Netflix
2. Crackle
3. You Tube
4. Yahoo! Screen
5. Vimeo
6. Sky News
7. The Weather Channel
8. Bloomberg
9. WSJ Live
10. Podcasts
11. PBS
12. Smithsonian
13. Watch ESPN
14. NBA
15. MLB
16. Red Bull TV
17. KORTV
18. Crunchyroll
19. iCloud Photos
20. Radio
I wonder what happens when Apple adds new channels? I assume it'll just show up on the screen. [yep]
*** 3/12/14
How about the Remote app? I see it requires IOS 7. OK, maybe later.
*** 3/13/14
already something changed on the main menu. I had previously gotten rid of the Music and iTunes Radio from the top row with Settings moving to the empty space. But now Music and iTunes Radio are back and I don't see the option to remove them. Now in the settings is Main Menu which allows you to toggle off/on the icons on the Main Menu, but not any in the top row any more.
I believe it used to be in the Restrictions section (and before that in Parental Controls), but Main Menu got added in version 6.1.
*** 3/13/14
So after a couple of days, I think I'd recommend the Roku 3 over the Apple TV. But then I've never used the Roku 3. There are two advantages I like the Apple TV over my Roku HD. One is that the subtitles are better on Netflix as they use the general caption settings on the Apple TV, while for some reason they don't on the Roku HD. However I think they use the general caption settings on the Roku 3. The other advantage is that you can mirror your iPad on the Apple TV. But how many times would you want to do that. The Roku does have the capability of playing your pictures and videos if you install the Roku app on your iPad.
I also like the nice screen saver that the Apple TV has. I currently have it on National Geographics, but they also have Animals, Flowers, and iCloud photostream (I have to try that, it's currently empty since I turned it off because I have too much to back up on my iPad).
The Roku HD remote control is infrared so it requires line of sight. I have to raise it up over my pile of magazines on the coffee table for it to work sometimes. The Apple TV remote control is also infrared, but I hid it in back of the TV and is apparently strong enough not to require line of sight. The Roku 3 remote is bluetooth and has a headphone jack. Actually the Roku 2 remote is bluetooth, the Roku 3 is wifi direct.
[Apparently there are currently four Roku controllers. The original IR one supposedly works with all Roku players. There's an older Roku 2 controller which uses Bluetooth and is motion capable and works only with the Roku 2 XS model 3100. There's a newer Roku 2 controller which has a headphone jack, but is not motion capable, which uses Wifi and works with the Roku 2 model 2720. And there's the Roku 3 controller which has a headphone jack and is motion capable which works with the Roku 3 (model 4200).]
The Crackle app is better on my Roku as it support captions and does have Seinfeld episodes (which is inexplicably missing from the Apple TV app). The YouTube app doesn't support captions either, so I don't see much improvement over VideoBuzz which I use on my Roku. Don't know if captions are supported in the Roku 3 app.
The Weather Channel app looks pretty good and is not available on Roku. The Crunchyroll app only allows you to view the first episode of selected shows, whereas the app on Roku allows you to view the entire series. Last I looked anyway. Maybe they changed it.
What's not on Apple TV that's on Roku? Here's a few. CNBC. NBC News. CBS News. AOL On. CNet. Twit. Vudu and Flixster (for Ultraviolet movies). Plex. And lots more (that I don't user or look at too often, including Amazon Instant Video and Redbox Instant Video).
*** [3/17/14] Watched Bewitched today on Crackle and the subtitles appeared. Don't know if the Crackle app got updated or if they just have subtitles on Bewitched? Still no Seinfeld though.
And noticed a new app appeared today on the menu. ACC Sports.
*** [3/17/14] I was wondering why Seinfeld doesn't appear on the Apple TV Crackle app (at least it doesn't appear on mine). I thought maybe because they want you to buy it on iTunes instead. But I see it isn't on iTunes (though they do have it at Amazon.com). So maybe Apple figures if they won't let them sell it on iTunes they're not going to allow it on Crackle. (Since people are going to see it on Crackle, then go to iTunes for more episodes.) What is allowed on Crackle. Let's see. Bewitched. I Dream of Jeannie. Sanford and Son. All In the Family. Well I see Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie on there. But not Sanford and Son and All In the Family. So much for that theory.
*** [3/18/14]
Hah, figured out how to get Seinfeld on the Apple TV. What I did was created a crackle account on the computer. Then add a Seinfeld episode to my watchlist. Then log in to the Crackle app on Apple TV. And there it is in the My Watchlist section! Cool.
*** [3/26/14]
Seinfeld has shown up on Crackle on Apple TV.
*** [4/26/14]
According to this article, Roku leads Apple with 37% of the households with a streaming box, compared to 24% for Apple. So that's only 61% of the market. Where's the other 39%? Google Chromecast is one I suppose. Do they count XBox and Playstation as streaming boxes?
Here's an interesting quote, "“More Roku owners use Netflix, but more Apple TV owners use Amazon Prime Instant Video (40% vs. 28%),” said Brett Sappington, director, research, Parks Associates. “At the Disruptive Media Conference at NAB Show, I will discuss these types of trends and how they are changing the landscape for connected devices and services.”
The reason it's interesting is because Apple TV doesn't support Amazon Instant Video on the Apple TV (unless you're casting via AirPlay from your iphone or ipad).
I see the report was from last year a year old.
*** [4/26/14]
System subtitles have come to Netflix for my Roku HD (so Roku HD has caught up there), but not for Hulu Plus. So Roku has caught up there. Youtube has come to my Roku HD also (see blog post elsewhere). It plays very sluggishly on the HD, but does support captions which aren't supported on the Apple TV app.
Here's a review of the Roku 3 from an Apple TV user. Says the video quality is better on the Apple TV, but I didn't notice much or any difference (didn't do a side-by-side comparison). Here's another post stating that the Apple TV video quality is superior. But I'm OK with the quality of my Roku HD (on composite no less), so I would imagine the Roku 3 on HDMI should be at least as good. Actually I kind of like the composite picture better as it seems less harsh on my eyes.
*** [4/26/14]
And since the last time I checked, I see they've added some channels to the Apple TV lineup. History Channel (great!), Lifetime, A&E.
[6/30/14] ABC News arrives for Apple TV. Not on Roku (they have NBC News and CBS News though). Sort of not.
[7/29/14] CNBC and Fox Now added to Apple TV. The CNBC app is better than the Roku app in that it provides a live stream. Well, haven't tested it yet. Wait 'til tomorrow. Wait, I see that Time Warner is not supported for CNBC. Well, I'll check it tomorrow anyway.
[9/16/14] Roku sells its 10 millionth box. Apple TV has sold 20 million since its launch in 2007. Roku first came out in 2008. Despite fewer units, Roku is used more than Apple TV.
[9/28/14] FX Now channel added. Not currently on Roku. Movies like Kung Fu Panda, Live Free or Die Hard, X-Men First Class, Green Hornet. Time Warner Cable supported. I see more movies on website than on the app (like Super 8, Star Trek, Knight and Day, Rise of the Planet of the Apes). [Actually, the movies are there on the Apple TV, you just gotta know where to look.]
[10/28/14] Apple TV is looking better and better. The feature where you can teach it to accept commands from a generic remote is pretty cool (see my post on remote control codes). And today I see a couple of new channels. Feeln has a bunch of "feel-good" movies. And these are mainstream movies, not the movies you've never heard of. And the FYI, Channel has been added too. I spoke oo soon. Feeln is from Hallmark and is a subscription service ($4.99 a month or $47.99 for one year one year). And FYI requires authentication. FYI used to be the Biography Channel. OK, FYI accepts Time Warner Cable.
[11/7/14] CBS News added to Apple TV
[12/10/14] New apps. The Scene, Fusion, Dailymotion, UFC TV. And they updated their youtube app. Now I can watch Dog Whisperer from NatGeoWild with subtitles. And they came out fine on the one I viewed. Unfortunately, most of the "official" Dog Whisperer full length episodes from NatGeoWild have been taken off.
[12/24/14] Two apps for the Roku. Nat Geo TV. Includes shows from both NatGeo and NatGeo Wild. Just the current shows though. No Dog Whisperer or Cesar 911. Requires authentication. Supports Time Warner Cable, Hawaiiantelcom, DirectTV. Also FXNow finally arrives three months after the AppleTV. Also requires authentication. DirecTV and Time Warner Cable supported. But I don't see Hawaiiantelcom.
[3/2/15] Cesar 911 comes to the Nat Geo TV app. Perhaps due to the debut of season 2. It's last season's episodes but perhaps season 2 will come later.
Pretty easy to set up. The remote is small and really thin and took only a little while to get used to with only three buttons on it. It's about the size of a small comb.
First impressions.
Tried Crackle on it first. Noticed a couple things right off. Couldn't figure out to turn on the subtitles. (And I know they work because they work on the Roku.) And I don't even see Seinfeld on the menu. And I see it's there on my computer. Odd.
Subtitles work on Netflix. You have to hold down the center button to access the option to turn it off and on. Not very obvious.
How about AirPlay? I don't see the AirPlay icon when I double tap and scroll right. So far I only see it only when going to Photos.
OK, powered off the iPad and powered it back on. Now I see it!
I like the Netflix subtitles [much] better on the Apple TV than on the Roku. They have a dark background making it easier to see. Whereas on the Roku (I have the HD version), the text is just laid out on the screen without a background. So if the picture background is light, it's hard to read. The subtitles are kind of small though. There's an option to make it larger, but then it looks too large to me. Hey, there's a customization option in Settings/Accessibility. And I just customized it to make it larger than default, but not the largest. So now it looks pretty good. [Actually I turned off the background and the subtitles are still much easier to see than on the Roku HD. That tells me that it's not Netflix providing the subtitle appearance. Apparently they're just supplying the text to be output and it's up to the application to render the text. Thus the Windows 8 subtitles look different on the app vs. using a browser.]
So now I have what I wanted the Apple TV for. Better subtitles on Netflix. And Airplay mirroring.
How about some youtube? Subtitles apparently not supported. Disappointing. I wonder if it works on the Roku 3?
***
There are 35 apps included (besides the implied iTunes). But the majority I won't use.
Here they are:
1. Netflix: yep, this is what I will probably use like 90% of the time.
2. Hulu Plus. Haven't subscribed yet. But I may, if I ever give up cable TV. But really, Netflix has more than enough content to keep me occupied.
3. iTunes Festival. Evidently it broadcasts live concerts (and replays recent ones).
4. HBO Go. I don't subscribe to this.
5. PBS. This doesn't play well on my Roku. Requires more speed than my current 5 mbps. Requires activation for Apple TV.
6. Watch ESPN. They support Time Warner Cable which is what I have. The live action seems a little smoother than on my Roku. Maybe due to the faster processor.
7. Watch ABC. Time Warner Cable not supported. Which is strange since Disney owns both ESPN and ABC.
8. NBA. This is where you would watch if you subscribed to League Pass. But you can still look at the highlights.
9. NHL. Format similar to NBA. No interest.
10. Crackle. See above.
11. Bloomberg. This app stopped working on the Roku, so I access it there on Nowhere TV. Captions work (on the Live feed anyway, but don't see it on the VOD)
12. Smithsonian. Captions work here.
13. WWE. No free content.
14. Red Bull TV. This is one that I don't have on my Roku. [I see it's a private channel on Roku.] Extreme sports. I don't really have an interest in it, but might be cool to play at parties.
15. Trailers. Trailers of upcoming and current movies. Takes quite a while to buffer before playing.
16. The Weather Channel. Pretty cool. Not only does it have the weather, but it also has a bunch of shows. Captions work too. Not available for Roku that I can see.
17. Yahoo! Screen. Sort of Yahoo's answer to youtube. Kind of a cross between youtube and AOL On. Pauses for buffering.
18. Disney Channel. Time Warner Cable not supported.
19. Disney XD. Ditto. No DirecTV or Dish either. It does support Comcast Xfinity however, so if they ever merge..
20. Disney Junior. Ditto.
21. Sky News. Based in Britain, but it does have a channel for U.S. News.
22. KORTV. Korean television.
23. iCloud Photos. I assume you can look at your photos backed up on iCloud. But I erased mine because I ran out of room.
24. iMovie Theater. Apparently you can watch your vidoes back up on iCloud. I don't have any.
25. Podcasts. Free podcasts from iTunes (I think). Includes TedTalks, so that alone makes it worthwhile.
26. Youtube.
27. Flickr. I assume you can view you Flick photos, though I don't see a sign in. It does have an option to add a Flickr contact, whatever that means. Flickr is a Yahoo company, so I guess it uses your yahoo name. Yep. But for some reason, it's only showing one photo.
28. Vevo. Music videos.
29. Vimeo. Videos.
30. MLB.TV. Like NBA and NHL.
31. Qello. Music concerts and documentaries. $4.99 per month.
32. Crunchyroll. Asian anime and drama. Requires subscription to view more than the samples.
33. MLS. Looks sort of like NBA, NHL, MLB.
34. Radio. Radio stations throughout the country. Don't see any from Hawaii (yet).
35. WSJ Live. They have a live feed which I don't see on the Roku version.
Out of the 35, I decided to keep the following on my screen (for now).
1. Netflix
2. Crackle
3. You Tube
4. Yahoo! Screen
5. Vimeo
6. Sky News
7. The Weather Channel
8. Bloomberg
9. WSJ Live
10. Podcasts
11. PBS
12. Smithsonian
13. Watch ESPN
14. NBA
15. MLB
16. Red Bull TV
17. KORTV
18. Crunchyroll
19. iCloud Photos
20. Radio
I wonder what happens when Apple adds new channels? I assume it'll just show up on the screen. [yep]
*** 3/12/14
How about the Remote app? I see it requires IOS 7. OK, maybe later.
*** 3/13/14
already something changed on the main menu. I had previously gotten rid of the Music and iTunes Radio from the top row with Settings moving to the empty space. But now Music and iTunes Radio are back and I don't see the option to remove them. Now in the settings is Main Menu which allows you to toggle off/on the icons on the Main Menu, but not any in the top row any more.
I believe it used to be in the Restrictions section (and before that in Parental Controls), but Main Menu got added in version 6.1.
*** 3/13/14
So after a couple of days, I think I'd recommend the Roku 3 over the Apple TV. But then I've never used the Roku 3. There are two advantages I like the Apple TV over my Roku HD. One is that the subtitles are better on Netflix as they use the general caption settings on the Apple TV, while for some reason they don't on the Roku HD. However I think they use the general caption settings on the Roku 3. The other advantage is that you can mirror your iPad on the Apple TV. But how many times would you want to do that. The Roku does have the capability of playing your pictures and videos if you install the Roku app on your iPad.
I also like the nice screen saver that the Apple TV has. I currently have it on National Geographics, but they also have Animals, Flowers, and iCloud photostream (I have to try that, it's currently empty since I turned it off because I have too much to back up on my iPad).
The Roku HD remote control is infrared so it requires line of sight. I have to raise it up over my pile of magazines on the coffee table for it to work sometimes. The Apple TV remote control is also infrared, but I hid it in back of the TV and is apparently strong enough not to require line of sight. The Roku 3 remote is bluetooth and has a headphone jack. Actually the Roku 2 remote is bluetooth, the Roku 3 is wifi direct.
[Apparently there are currently four Roku controllers. The original IR one supposedly works with all Roku players. There's an older Roku 2 controller which uses Bluetooth and is motion capable and works only with the Roku 2 XS model 3100. There's a newer Roku 2 controller which has a headphone jack, but is not motion capable, which uses Wifi and works with the Roku 2 model 2720. And there's the Roku 3 controller which has a headphone jack and is motion capable which works with the Roku 3 (model 4200).]
The Crackle app is better on my Roku as it support captions and does have Seinfeld episodes (which is inexplicably missing from the Apple TV app). The YouTube app doesn't support captions either, so I don't see much improvement over VideoBuzz which I use on my Roku. Don't know if captions are supported in the Roku 3 app.
The Weather Channel app looks pretty good and is not available on Roku. The Crunchyroll app only allows you to view the first episode of selected shows, whereas the app on Roku allows you to view the entire series. Last I looked anyway. Maybe they changed it.
What's not on Apple TV that's on Roku? Here's a few. CNBC. NBC News. CBS News. AOL On. CNet. Twit. Vudu and Flixster (for Ultraviolet movies). Plex. And lots more (that I don't user or look at too often, including Amazon Instant Video and Redbox Instant Video).
*** [3/17/14] Watched Bewitched today on Crackle and the subtitles appeared. Don't know if the Crackle app got updated or if they just have subtitles on Bewitched? Still no Seinfeld though.
And noticed a new app appeared today on the menu. ACC Sports.
*** [3/17/14] I was wondering why Seinfeld doesn't appear on the Apple TV Crackle app (at least it doesn't appear on mine). I thought maybe because they want you to buy it on iTunes instead. But I see it isn't on iTunes (though they do have it at Amazon.com). So maybe Apple figures if they won't let them sell it on iTunes they're not going to allow it on Crackle. (Since people are going to see it on Crackle, then go to iTunes for more episodes.) What is allowed on Crackle. Let's see. Bewitched. I Dream of Jeannie. Sanford and Son. All In the Family. Well I see Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie on there. But not Sanford and Son and All In the Family. So much for that theory.
*** [3/18/14]
Hah, figured out how to get Seinfeld on the Apple TV. What I did was created a crackle account on the computer. Then add a Seinfeld episode to my watchlist. Then log in to the Crackle app on Apple TV. And there it is in the My Watchlist section! Cool.
*** [3/26/14]
Seinfeld has shown up on Crackle on Apple TV.
*** [4/26/14]
According to this article, Roku leads Apple with 37% of the households with a streaming box, compared to 24% for Apple. So that's only 61% of the market. Where's the other 39%? Google Chromecast is one I suppose. Do they count XBox and Playstation as streaming boxes?
Here's an interesting quote, "“More Roku owners use Netflix, but more Apple TV owners use Amazon Prime Instant Video (40% vs. 28%),” said Brett Sappington, director, research, Parks Associates. “At the Disruptive Media Conference at NAB Show, I will discuss these types of trends and how they are changing the landscape for connected devices and services.”
The reason it's interesting is because Apple TV doesn't support Amazon Instant Video on the Apple TV (unless you're casting via AirPlay from your iphone or ipad).
I see the report was from last year a year old.
*** [4/26/14]
System subtitles have come to Netflix for my Roku HD (so Roku HD has caught up there), but not for Hulu Plus. So Roku has caught up there. Youtube has come to my Roku HD also (see blog post elsewhere). It plays very sluggishly on the HD, but does support captions which aren't supported on the Apple TV app.
Here's a review of the Roku 3 from an Apple TV user. Says the video quality is better on the Apple TV, but I didn't notice much or any difference (didn't do a side-by-side comparison). Here's another post stating that the Apple TV video quality is superior. But I'm OK with the quality of my Roku HD (on composite no less), so I would imagine the Roku 3 on HDMI should be at least as good. Actually I kind of like the composite picture better as it seems less harsh on my eyes.
*** [4/26/14]
And since the last time I checked, I see they've added some channels to the Apple TV lineup. History Channel (great!), Lifetime, A&E.
[6/30/14] ABC News arrives for Apple TV. Not on Roku (they have NBC News and CBS News though). Sort of not.
[7/29/14] CNBC and Fox Now added to Apple TV. The CNBC app is better than the Roku app in that it provides a live stream. Well, haven't tested it yet. Wait 'til tomorrow. Wait, I see that Time Warner is not supported for CNBC. Well, I'll check it tomorrow anyway.
[9/16/14] Roku sells its 10 millionth box. Apple TV has sold 20 million since its launch in 2007. Roku first came out in 2008. Despite fewer units, Roku is used more than Apple TV.
[9/28/14] FX Now channel added. Not currently on Roku. Movies like Kung Fu Panda, Live Free or Die Hard, X-Men First Class, Green Hornet. Time Warner Cable supported. I see more movies on website than on the app (like Super 8, Star Trek, Knight and Day, Rise of the Planet of the Apes). [Actually, the movies are there on the Apple TV, you just gotta know where to look.]
[10/28/14] Apple TV is looking better and better. The feature where you can teach it to accept commands from a generic remote is pretty cool (see my post on remote control codes). And today I see a couple of new channels. Feeln has a bunch of "feel-good" movies. And these are mainstream movies, not the movies you've never heard of. And the FYI, Channel has been added too. I spoke oo soon. Feeln is from Hallmark and is a subscription service ($4.99 a month or $47.99 for one year one year). And FYI requires authentication. FYI used to be the Biography Channel. OK, FYI accepts Time Warner Cable.
[11/7/14] CBS News added to Apple TV
[12/10/14] New apps. The Scene, Fusion, Dailymotion, UFC TV. And they updated their youtube app. Now I can watch Dog Whisperer from NatGeoWild with subtitles. And they came out fine on the one I viewed. Unfortunately, most of the "official" Dog Whisperer full length episodes from NatGeoWild have been taken off.
[12/24/14] Two apps for the Roku. Nat Geo TV. Includes shows from both NatGeo and NatGeo Wild. Just the current shows though. No Dog Whisperer or Cesar 911. Requires authentication. Supports Time Warner Cable, Hawaiiantelcom, DirectTV. Also FXNow finally arrives three months after the AppleTV. Also requires authentication. DirecTV and Time Warner Cable supported. But I don't see Hawaiiantelcom.
[3/2/15] Cesar 911 comes to the Nat Geo TV app. Perhaps due to the debut of season 2. It's last season's episodes but perhaps season 2 will come later.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Monday, December 08, 2014
Steve Jobs' garage
We’ve all heard the story about how the two Steves, Wozniak and Jobs,
started a computer giant in the mid 1970. The two upstarts had a lot of
moxie, but not a lot of money. The story goes that Jobs and “The Woz,”
as he has been affectionately nicknamed, toiled away on designing and
building the Apple I in the former’s garage.
It turns out that none of it was true. At least, the part about building computers in the garage wasn’t. Wozniak told Bloomberg that the iconic garage was nothing more than a fable.
“The garage is a bit of a myth, it’s overblown,” said Wozniak. “The garage represents us better than anything else, but we did no designs there.”
When you think of the early days of Apple, you think of a couple of guys drinking beer in a garage while laying out chipboards and soldering wires. When you think of a tech startup today, those same images come to mind because we’ve believed for so long in the garage myth.
Wozniak noted that the early team would drive the computers to the garage to get them working, and then took them directly to retailers to sell. There was no work being done on prototypes or product planning. They didn’t do any manufacturing there. He said the garage was something for the team to feel like home in.
“It wasn’t like there was a whole company and you’d walk in to see a bunch of people at desks,” he said. “There were hardly ever more than two people in the garage and mostly they were just sitting around doing nothing productive.”
As The Woz puts it, the garage is more of an idea that represents Apple’s beginnings. Even if much of the work took place elsewhere, we will always imagine a couple of guys drinking beers and building computers while listening to Fleetwood Mac.
*** [9/2/15]
Woz interview: Steve Jobs played no role in the design of the Apple I and Apple II computers
It turns out that none of it was true. At least, the part about building computers in the garage wasn’t. Wozniak told Bloomberg that the iconic garage was nothing more than a fable.
“The garage is a bit of a myth, it’s overblown,” said Wozniak. “The garage represents us better than anything else, but we did no designs there.”
When you think of the early days of Apple, you think of a couple of guys drinking beer in a garage while laying out chipboards and soldering wires. When you think of a tech startup today, those same images come to mind because we’ve believed for so long in the garage myth.
Wozniak noted that the early team would drive the computers to the garage to get them working, and then took them directly to retailers to sell. There was no work being done on prototypes or product planning. They didn’t do any manufacturing there. He said the garage was something for the team to feel like home in.
“It wasn’t like there was a whole company and you’d walk in to see a bunch of people at desks,” he said. “There were hardly ever more than two people in the garage and mostly they were just sitting around doing nothing productive.”
As The Woz puts it, the garage is more of an idea that represents Apple’s beginnings. Even if much of the work took place elsewhere, we will always imagine a couple of guys drinking beers and building computers while listening to Fleetwood Mac.
*** [9/2/15]
Woz interview: Steve Jobs played no role in the design of the Apple I and Apple II computers
Chromecast surpasses AppleTV
[1/27/15] For the record: Tim Cook told Wall Street that Apple has sold 25 million Apple TVs over the product’s lifetime. That’s up from 20 million
in April of last year, the last time Cook provided an update.
One thing that has changed in the last couple years is that Apple no longer has the TV streaming gadget market to itself. Roku, which is preparing for an IPO, says it has sold 10 million of its boxes and sticks in the U.S., and now Google and Amazon have their own hardware, too. All of them do essentially the same thing.
[12/8/14] A report released by Parks Associates shows that Google’s Chromecast –not even a blip on the sales charts in 2013– has now surpassed the Apple TV in sales. Amazon’s Fire TV has sold well enough since its April debut that it’s already threatening to catch the Apple TV.
The report also suggests streaming online video is beginning to take off with consumers. About 10% of U.S. homes with broadband bought a streaming device so far in 2014, with projections that will reach 25% in 2015. Video streamers are also expected to be a hot seller this holiday season.
The numbers from the Parks Associates report were 29% for Roku (the long-time streaming video champ also took a big hit from previous years), 20% for Google Chromecast, 17% for Apple TV (down from over 25% in 2013) and 10% for the Fire TV.
What should make these stats even more disconcerting for AAPL is the fact that they cover only the first three quarters of 2014. Since then, Google has launched the Nexus Player set-top streamer while Amazon released the $39 Fire TV Stick and has been discounting the Fire TV in hopes of driving holiday sales.
One thing that has changed in the last couple years is that Apple no longer has the TV streaming gadget market to itself. Roku, which is preparing for an IPO, says it has sold 10 million of its boxes and sticks in the U.S., and now Google and Amazon have their own hardware, too. All of them do essentially the same thing.
[12/8/14] A report released by Parks Associates shows that Google’s Chromecast –not even a blip on the sales charts in 2013– has now surpassed the Apple TV in sales. Amazon’s Fire TV has sold well enough since its April debut that it’s already threatening to catch the Apple TV.
The report also suggests streaming online video is beginning to take off with consumers. About 10% of U.S. homes with broadband bought a streaming device so far in 2014, with projections that will reach 25% in 2015. Video streamers are also expected to be a hot seller this holiday season.
The numbers from the Parks Associates report were 29% for Roku (the long-time streaming video champ also took a big hit from previous years), 20% for Google Chromecast, 17% for Apple TV (down from over 25% in 2013) and 10% for the Fire TV.
What should make these stats even more disconcerting for AAPL is the fact that they cover only the first three quarters of 2014. Since then, Google has launched the Nexus Player set-top streamer while Amazon released the $39 Fire TV Stick and has been discounting the Fire TV in hopes of driving holiday sales.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Vista laptop not connecting to wireless router
My modem/wireless router died and I got a replacement which turned out to be a Pace model 4111N.
Everything seemed OK, however when I tried to connect an old Vista laptop (actually two of them), it wouldn't connect to the internet. I would get a local only connection. My Windows 8 laptop, iPad, Apple TV, Roku all connect OK to the Pace.
However, while waiting for the replacement modem/router, I hooked up an replacement DSL modem along with my old Belkin router. And that worked. [And in fact, hooking up my Belkin router into the Pace modem worked too.]
So apparently it's a problem with certain routers with certain computers.
Similarly, I took the Vista laptop to my mom's place which has two networks set up. I was able to connect to the internet on one of the networks. But on the other one, I get a local only connection.
Anyway, apparently this is a common problem. However finding the solution is not common.
First I tried this solution from youtube. The suggested fix was to go to Manage Network Connections. Go to the Wireless Network Connection Properties. Then to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) properties and make sure that that it wasn't using a fixed IP address and to Obtain an IP address automatically. It wasn't using using a fixed IP address.
Next another suggested solution from youtube was to turn of TCP/IPv6. Tried it. Didn't work.
Next was to reset winsock.
reboot
nope
this video suggest using Google's DNS server 8.8.8.8
nope. still connects to the Tsunami network, but not CCOH
not going to be as easy as I thought it might be.
try the automated fix from Microsoft suggested here (I saw this before but couldn't find it again until now).
nope. I had high hopes for that one.
did an ipconfig and looked up the ipaddrees and default gateway address and entered it in the ipv4 properties. didn't work. connect back to tsunami and set to autodetect. working again. the ip4 address for tsunami is 192.168.0.193. the ip4 address for ccoh is 178.168.10.142 with the default gateway 178.168.10.1 (which is kind of odd).
back to the Microsoft fix and try fix it manually. The ServiceName for the wireless network adapter starts with 3535... OK next step is change the value of broadcast flag, DhcpConnForceBroadcastFlag.
Shucks, I thought that one would work.
[11/27/14] Took the laptop home and disappointingly it didn't connect to my home network either. So the problem continues..
google some more
This guy got it working by changing the channel on the router. But I don't want to touch the settings on the router even if I could. I think the Hawaiiantelcom password protected it. I remember when I tried going into the modem configuration with the password written on the modem, I couldn't get in.
Hey maybe I'll try Hawaiiantel support. Maybe I might luck out. Some of them seem to know what they're doing.
This post had the problem as DHCP not enabled.
Unfortunately when I looked, DHCP was enabled. I did note it had somewhat an odd IPv4 address of 169.254.201.157. I think when it connected the IP address was a more normal 192.196.xxx.xxx.
I can ping the 169.254.201.157 which I think is the router, but I can't seem to ping anything else.
Change back to Obtain DNS Server address automatically. And now when I ipconfig /all, the default gateway address is blank.
Connected the ethernet cable. The IPv4 address is 192.168.200.73. The default gateway is 192.168.200.1. And DHCP server is the same address.
Checking my desktop which is also hardwired, the IPv4 address is 192.168.200.64. The default gateway and DHCP server is the same address as above.
***
Here's another potential solution. It looks like this guy had the same problem. The solution was to update the driver for the wireless network card. It's the same card as in the Compaq laptop. Atheros AR5007. Unfortunately the link for the driver is broken. Maybe this link will work?
*** [8/15/15]
My Pace DSL modem/router died and I started using a Comtrend (that I got from Allie) in conjunction with my old Belkin router. In the meantime, I got another Pace from Evelyn (not sure why she had it, but she was using a different model). I wasn't really using it, but decided to hook it up for testing or something. And I tried to connect the Vista laptop to it. And it worked. Beats me. Don't know why it's working when it didn't work with the other Pace. But I'm not complaining. So now I'm using this Pace for now.
reboot
nope
this video suggest using Google's DNS server 8.8.8.8
nope. still connects to the Tsunami network, but not CCOH
not going to be as easy as I thought it might be.
try the automated fix from Microsoft suggested here (I saw this before but couldn't find it again until now).
nope. I had high hopes for that one.
did an ipconfig and looked up the ipaddrees and default gateway address and entered it in the ipv4 properties. didn't work. connect back to tsunami and set to autodetect. working again. the ip4 address for tsunami is 192.168.0.193. the ip4 address for ccoh is 178.168.10.142 with the default gateway 178.168.10.1 (which is kind of odd).
back to the Microsoft fix and try fix it manually. The ServiceName for the wireless network adapter starts with 3535... OK next step is change the value of broadcast flag, DhcpConnForceBroadcastFlag.
Shucks, I thought that one would work.
[11/27/14] Took the laptop home and disappointingly it didn't connect to my home network either. So the problem continues..
google some more
This guy got it working by changing the channel on the router. But I don't want to touch the settings on the router even if I could. I think the Hawaiiantelcom password protected it. I remember when I tried going into the modem configuration with the password written on the modem, I couldn't get in.
Hey maybe I'll try Hawaiiantel support. Maybe I might luck out. Some of them seem to know what they're doing.
This post had the problem as DHCP not enabled.
Unfortunately when I looked, DHCP was enabled. I did note it had somewhat an odd IPv4 address of 169.254.201.157. I think when it connected the IP address was a more normal 192.196.xxx.xxx.
I can ping the 169.254.201.157 which I think is the router, but I can't seem to ping anything else.
Change back to Obtain DNS Server address automatically. And now when I ipconfig /all, the default gateway address is blank.
Connected the ethernet cable. The IPv4 address is 192.168.200.73. The default gateway is 192.168.200.1. And DHCP server is the same address.
Checking my desktop which is also hardwired, the IPv4 address is 192.168.200.64. The default gateway and DHCP server is the same address as above.
***
Here's another potential solution. It looks like this guy had the same problem. The solution was to update the driver for the wireless network card. It's the same card as in the Compaq laptop. Atheros AR5007. Unfortunately the link for the driver is broken. Maybe this link will work?
*** [8/15/15]
My Pace DSL modem/router died and I started using a Comtrend (that I got from Allie) in conjunction with my old Belkin router. In the meantime, I got another Pace from Evelyn (not sure why she had it, but she was using a different model). I wasn't really using it, but decided to hook it up for testing or something. And I tried to connect the Vista laptop to it. And it worked. Beats me. Don't know why it's working when it didn't work with the other Pace. But I'm not complaining. So now I'm using this Pace for now.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Sony Playstation TV
from Cordkillers 45
Sony is getting ready to launch its internet-based TV service with a private beta test in New York this month, and is aiming for a commercial launch within the first quarter of 2015.
The service, which is being called PlayStation Vue, will offer live and on demand programming from most but not all major broadcasters as well as a number of cable channels, and aims to win over PlayStation users with traditional cable TV subscriptions through features like a cloud DVR and a modern UI. “PlayStation Vue reinvents the traditional viewing experience so your programming effortlessly finds you, enabling you to watch much more of what you want and search a lot less,” said Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO Andrew House.
Vue will offer users programming from CBS, NBC and Fox, as well as cable networks affiliated with these broadcasters, including FX, Fox Sports, USA Network, Syfy and more. As reported earlier, Sony was also able to sign up Viacom to include channels like Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon. Other partners announced Thursday include Scripps (Food Network, HGTV and more) and Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC and more).
Notably absent from that list is ABC and any other Disney-owned network, including the sports heavyweight ESPN. Also amiss is HBO, which plans to target cord cutters and other broadband users with its own internet-based service next year.
PlayStation Vue subscribers will initially be able to watch the programming with PS3 and PS4 game consoles, but Sony wants to also launch an iPad app as well as apps for other devices soon. Presumably, some of that will also include Sony smart TVs already out in the market. Subscribers will be able to access any show on demand for three days after it aired without scheduling a recording first. Shows tagged for recording will be available for 28 days.
The service will initially just be available in New York to invited beta testers. The company wants to expand that beta test to Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Sony intends to launch commercially in Q1 of 2015, and we can expect the company to keep mum on final pricing until then. But with the bundle it has already amassed, one shouldn’t expect Vue to be cheap.
Sony is getting ready to launch its internet-based TV service with a private beta test in New York this month, and is aiming for a commercial launch within the first quarter of 2015.
The service, which is being called PlayStation Vue, will offer live and on demand programming from most but not all major broadcasters as well as a number of cable channels, and aims to win over PlayStation users with traditional cable TV subscriptions through features like a cloud DVR and a modern UI. “PlayStation Vue reinvents the traditional viewing experience so your programming effortlessly finds you, enabling you to watch much more of what you want and search a lot less,” said Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO Andrew House.
Vue will offer users programming from CBS, NBC and Fox, as well as cable networks affiliated with these broadcasters, including FX, Fox Sports, USA Network, Syfy and more. As reported earlier, Sony was also able to sign up Viacom to include channels like Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon. Other partners announced Thursday include Scripps (Food Network, HGTV and more) and Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC and more).
Notably absent from that list is ABC and any other Disney-owned network, including the sports heavyweight ESPN. Also amiss is HBO, which plans to target cord cutters and other broadband users with its own internet-based service next year.
PlayStation Vue subscribers will initially be able to watch the programming with PS3 and PS4 game consoles, but Sony wants to also launch an iPad app as well as apps for other devices soon. Presumably, some of that will also include Sony smart TVs already out in the market. Subscribers will be able to access any show on demand for three days after it aired without scheduling a recording first. Shows tagged for recording will be available for 28 days.
The service will initially just be available in New York to invited beta testers. The company wants to expand that beta test to Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Sony intends to launch commercially in Q1 of 2015, and we can expect the company to keep mum on final pricing until then. But with the bundle it has already amassed, one shouldn’t expect Vue to be cheap.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
portable electric bike
Foldable bikes have always promised flexibility for bikers.
But most end up being far too inconvenient to ever use in a city. They are often too expensive, difficult to ride, and too big or heavy to realistically carry around with you.
It seemed as if finding a bike that is small enough to be portable, and lightweight enough to be carried around was unachievable.
But that’s where the aptly named the ‘impossible’ bike comes in.
This lightweight bike can be easily folded to fit inside any normal backpack, weighs less than 11 pounds and is a mere 17 inches tall when folded, according to CNET — plus, it's electric.
But most end up being far too inconvenient to ever use in a city. They are often too expensive, difficult to ride, and too big or heavy to realistically carry around with you.
It seemed as if finding a bike that is small enough to be portable, and lightweight enough to be carried around was unachievable.
But that’s where the aptly named the ‘impossible’ bike comes in.
This lightweight bike can be easily folded to fit inside any normal backpack, weighs less than 11 pounds and is a mere 17 inches tall when folded, according to CNET — plus, it's electric.
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