recording streaming flash video

I wanted to record the UC Irvine graduation ceremony and I was looking for a program to do it.

I came across this site which describes a variety of programs. (Or something like it.)

The first one I tried was WinPCap.  Didn't work.

Then I tried freecorder.  It installs as a toolbar in your browser. Didn't work for the UC Irvine video.  And what's more, it hijacked my new tab page to their applian search page.  It did however record youtube videos.

The third one was WM Recorder.  This one worked, but the freeware version only allows 5 minutes of capture.  OK, keep this one for now.

Uninstall freecorder using the uninstall item from the start menu.  It didn't uninstall cleanly as the items were still in the start menu.  And was also still showing in firefox.  Had to manually delete the items in the start menu.  And uninstall separately in firefox.

The programs and features in the control panel seems to be locking up.  Not sure if it's related to the programs I just installed.  Wouldn't be surprised.

Uninstall WinPCap.

Might as well try the first one on the list: Replay Media Catcher.

Crap.  It's another applian application.  Seems to work though, but it allows you to save only 50% of what you recorded (is how I interpret their limitation).  Uninstall.

I guess I'll stick with WM Recorder.  For now.

[later that evening] Now WM Recording is giving an error when clicking the button to go to demo mode.  Uninstall.  Maybe because I uninstalled WinPCap (which apparently WM Recorder uses).

maxmyspeed.com

Just saw (actually heard since I wasn't watching) a commercial for maxmyspeed.com on CNBC.

People are calling it a scam.

As a Networking and IT professional this is complete BS. There is NO one click fix to cure an infected computer. It seems that this company just changes names and commercials whenever they please. Be warned they will have you installing a nasty program that will be only make your PC perform worse.

This person recommends easycleaner instead (free).

[6/16/12] mycleanpc.com too.

adjusting to a wide-screen monitor

Switching to a wide-screen (16x9) monitor from an older monitor (4x3) will make your picture distorted unless you changed the resolution.

Most computer on older monitors are set to 1024x768 or 800x600.  Both are 4:3 aspect ratios.

It is suggested to change to resolutions such as 1280 x 720, 1366 x 768, 1440 x 900, 1680 x 1050, 1920 x 1200 and of course, 1920 x 1080.  Those are closer to 16:9.

The same goes for connected a computer to a wide-screen TV.

If you don't see those resolutions when you go to change it, I suppose it's possible a newer driver might work.  But mostly likely your video adapter is too old and you're out of luck.

[6/11/12] Here's more.

The Story of Math

(aka The Story of Maths) I noticed this being auctioned on eBay and decided, WTH, to place a bid.

It gets good reviews on Amazon where they're selling it for $40.93.  Hmm.  I was thinking of maybe like $7 or $8, so I ain't gonna get it.  (Right now the bid is up to $4.25 + $2.95 shipping with 3 days left.)

But then now I see that the video is available online though with Spanish (actually it's Portuguese) subtitles.  It's also on youtube (well technically the first one is on youtube too).

The following uploads seem pretty good (we'll see how long they stay up):

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

History of Maths (playlist)
Maths (playlist)

I see the DVDs has SDH subtitles, so that's one advantage.  Plus The Music of The Primes, a bonus documentary. Hmm.  I might up my bid to $10.  And it's on the wishlist of five members at paperbackswap.

***
More documentaries

Cosmos
Episode 1 (with subtitles)
Episode 2: A Personal Voyage
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 13
etc.

[Actually I see now it's on hulu.]

Connections (with James Burke)
Episode 1: The Trigger Effect
etc.