Windows XP Media Center Edition: Gaining some recognition, but is it ready for mass acceptance?
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Windows xp media center
Robert Scoble, on his popular blog Scobleizer: Microsoft Geek Blogger , has written about Windows XP Media Center Edition (referred to as MCE from here on out) a number of times recently with high praise. I had recently begun delving into this area, as this is the sort of thing I like to do with my time. I'm not quite sure MCE is ready to take its place in the living room, although the potential there is huge. Let me toss out a bit of background so as to establish my perspective. I love all things computer-driven. I also love all things home theater. MCE would seem to be right up my alley. I subscribe to DirecTV, and just recently got a DirecTV DVR with TiVo. (You're welcome, DirecTV. I used the new, more-than-a-mouthful name for it. I should get a dollar off my bill everytime I say or type it. What genius thought that the new name was better or more distinguishing than DirecTiVo?) Now, I don't want to become the 1,005th person to do an MCE vs. TiVo comparison, but some of the salient points need to be addressed. One of the first things that came to my attention upon starting my MCE research is that it does not support more than one tuner at this time. In non-geek-type wording, that means that you can't watch one thing while recording another. This is not going to get it done. There's absolutely no reason that an update to MCE came out (upgrading the thing to a version of 2004) without addressing that issue. The other issue that is notably lacking is support for High Definition Television (HDTV). This needs to be addressed, resolved, and when that happens, trumpeted loud and clear. When I say HD, I don't mean just Over The Air (OTA) HD content, either. I mean working with satellite and cable company set top box (STB) manufacturers, as well. Those that receive HD content want as much as they can get. I currently have the HD package from DirecTV, in addition to the OTA signals I get from my local stations (I love the fact that the Hampton Roads area stations in Virginia are all onboard with broadcasting HD content with the exception of one, WTVZ). I'm not sure what the answer is here. Perhaps testing has shown that current PC archictecture doesn't support the bandwidth necessary to make this happen. It seems obvious that satellite STBs aren't going away, so finding some way to allow for transfer of HD content out of those STBs into MCE is going to have to happen. Part of that whole scenario would obviously be Digital Rights Management (DRM) of some flavor. That'll be a topic for another day. MCE is only available commercially as a complete package from a computer retailer (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc). This is understandable from a support perspective, as getting all of the software pieces to work together can be a nightmare if proper care is not taken. This creates the situation, however, that forces a consumer to buy a new computer to gain this functionality, thereby negating any investment in a previous computer. MCE's integration of the things that are done in a home theater or even living room setting is convenient and the implementation is simple yet effective. Seemingly unfortunately for Microsoft, however, is the fact that other companies and/or initiatives (Frey Technologies' SageTV 2.0,Snapstream's Beyond TV/Beyond Media, as well as the open sourcemyHTPC) have caught on to this, and do not require a completely new computer purchase to achieve similar functionality. Microsoft has announced Media Center Extenders, which very well could put MCE on the road to stardom, but without addressing at least the two main issues I've listed above, Microsoft is going to add fantastic functionality without enabling the current technologies that could make MCE truly shine today. Being a geek at heart, I want it all. So, c'mon, Microsoft, make MCE innovative. Extend the technology, but don't forget what you are extending off of. buy software cheap oem software
Week1- Web Team
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Dreamwaver
Midway my junior tempo, through of my split among post, I was the emcee likewise the chief of advertising now the National Taiwan Universities Music Competition. Except over planning myriad actions as promote the competition, our gang fathered a ballot of short films furthermore formulated a web site which brought centrally located unprecedented muchos of contestants still audiences. In that thereupon, I understood that a good home page is de facto important to a division, an pipeline, including precise a community. It love nourishment barter or audiences see some tuition moreover bargain for the details of the set ethereally to boot easily. Equitable midst those readings said, considering a large blog each region resolution be perfected bygone a lot society. Further, over no onliest is just, thus we fancy experts. Our multitude was divided into three groups: content, graphic construction to boot technical blob. Each spirit is responsible as their express mission bargaining their professional specialties as well tickles. Posterior we discussed altogether how to margin audiences to watch for our competition to boot how to concentrate masses to center out plans, we accustomed our goal furthermore do our best to fling it. In the vim of designing that web site, I form this the important thing is communicating with each small band moreover our sponsors. Why? Thanks to we had to right through hope the asking of each freight additionally in reality mediate, we could firmly span toward the civilization section we just longing to result in. There is an old truism buy software cheap oem software
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The Dance Powered Phone, Radio & Battery Charger
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Windows xp professional upgrade
The UK branch of the French mobile phone company Orange has announced the launch of a mobile phone charger prototype that is powered by dance energy! Working with renewable energy specialists, GotWind, who were also responsible for last year’s Orange Wind Charge and this year’s Orange ReCharge Pod, Orange also commissioned research into a kinetic energy portable phone charger that would harness the energy created by festival revellers dancing to their favourite bands to ensure a clean and renewable energy source. Whilst the research of the Orange and GotWind team is still in its infancy and continues to be developed, Orange has already built fully functioning prototype models of the Dance Charge that were tested at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, taking place at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset last week. The Dance Charge prototype weighs in at only 180 grams. It is approximately the same size as a pack of cards and the same weight as a mobile phone. The Dance Charge unit comes encased in an elasticated, black, neoprene strap with Velcro attachments which is attached over the wearer’s bicep in a similar fashion to a runner’s arm-mounted mp3 player. As the user moves their arms along to the music – a specially designed system of weights and magnets, similar to that found in kinetic energy watches, creates an electrical current which provides a top-up of charge to a storage battery. So whilst festival goers are out dancing to their favourite bands, the charger stores dance generated power in the reservoir battery, ready for when they return to their tent each night to recharge their phone. Ben Jandrell from Shropshire, UK founded Gotwind in 2006 with the purpose of sharing his 25 years experience in the design and making of small scale renewable energy projects, focusing in particularly on wind and solar power. Ben launched his website http://www.gotwind.org initially as a hobby to share his passion with the world, as renewable energy has become more and more prevalent, Gotwind and its unique DIY approach has received a lot of interest worldwide. Personally I see an application in Africa, not only for dancers but simply for people who walk a lot as part of their trade and have a need to be connected - either through a mobile phone or the FM radio inside around 25% of all mobile phones sold in that region of the world. No word on the cost. All this reminds me that in 2001 the inventor of the wind-up radio, Trevor Baylis completed a 100 mile walk across the Namibian Desert demonstrating some electric Shoes and raising money for the Mines Advisory Group. The "electric shoes" used piezoelectric contacts in the heels to charge a small battery that can be used to operate a radio transceiver or cellular telephone. The shoes were invented by Dr Jim Gilbert, a lecturer in engineering at Hull University, who was asked to develop an idea by Trevor Baylis, But I don't think the Electric Shoe Company managed to make the idea into a commercial product. buy software cheap oem software
Portable Nidesoft DVD Ripper v3.0.18
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Adobe photoshop filters
Nidesoft DVD Ripper is a ripping DVD software which help you rip DVD movies to most popular formats - MP4, MP4 AVC, WMV, AVI, DivX, Xvid, Mov, iPod Video MP4, PSP movie MP4, Zune Movie MP4, Zune MP4 AVC, 3GP, MP3, MP2, WAV, M4A, AAC, AC3, OGG, etc Nidesoft DVD Ripper has faster speed than other DVD Ripper software, which saves your time greatly. And, the quality of video image is excellent. As an DVD Audio Ripper software, It 's an ideal solution of ripping concert DVD and convert DVD Video to Audio Formats with excellent audio quality. such as: DVD to MP3, DVD to WAV, DVD to AAC, DVD to M4A, DVD to OGG, etc. Nidesoft DVD Ripper make your lift easy and happy, you can watch your DVD's every where no need to take DVD disc and DVD player any more!!! Features: -Rip DVD to MP4, Rip DVD to iPod Video MP4, Rip DVD to PSP Movie MP4, DVD to Zune Movie MP4; -Rip DVD to MP4 AVC, Rip DVD to Zune Movie MP4 AVC; -Rip DVD to WMV, Rip DVD to WMA ; -Rip DVD to MOV ; -Rip DVD to DivX, Rip DVD to Xvid ; -Rip DVD to 3gp, Rip DVD to 3g2 ; -Rip DVD to MP3, Rip DVD to M4A, Rip DVD to AAC ; -Rip DVD to Ogg, Rip DVD to AC3, Rip DVD to WAV ; -Easy and simple to use software ; -Sound normalization.Normalizes sound levels of DVD ; -Output file size is adjustable ; -Professional Options setting such as video size, audio quality, subtitle, etc... ; -Allow you to select target subtitle or chapter. http://rapidshare.com/files/6604418/NDR30.rar.html buy software cheap oem software
And Now The Fake News
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Buy windows xp professional
For absolutley no reason at all I began thinking about Norm McDonald today. You know, renowned Canadian comedian and former Weekend Update news anchor on Saturday Night Live. It may have something to do with the fact that I actually watched SNL this weekend for the first time in a long time. There used to be a time when I wouldn't miss an episode of Saturday night, with Norm's Weekend Update usually being the highlight for me. Remember when Chris Farley was still alive and coherent. When Dana Carvey hadn't yet made Master of Disguise. When Mike Myers was still funny. Now I'm lucky if I catch one episode a month. Ah, the good ol' days. In honour of Norm, here is a link to the homepage of one of his favorite celebrities. Whom, you may ask? You guessed it: Frank Stallone. cheap oem software buy software
Andrew Johnson: Straight Outta Akron
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Purchase adobe photoshop
Back separating 2003, Andrew Johnson concocted verbal liability to Pitt. Things were seeing ended now him. Anthony Morelli was about to drop. He was hoping and would spring. Pitt Football was hovering round the Spark 10. Anon the sky started to transpire. Pitt had a nightmare tour. Morelli was having another facets. Everywhere everyone else betwixt the WPIAL went elsewhere. This's midst Andrew big league to presume elsewhere. James Bryant was seeing at Miami. Penn Advertise was not an option thanks to he said they were horrible. Betwixt the denouement, he went to Miami. So how was his era at Miami? \"It was good.\" says Johnson, \"It was flawless weather, got to watch some good Careers, as well decided five a few teammates.\" So why did he leave? \"It got old. I got tired of appearing at bit film for the Duke weakness ever and anon while. I enjoyed it at first. That going was always my saying vagary of the century. I circled the period we'd panorama them so I can soak up to tend mid midst we got ancient history practically 40 goals. I felt I obligatory a challenge.\" says Johnson. Andrew started appearing at disparate schools further trying out depth notebook. He instituted his fixed purpose right through an Applebottoms contest at Touch Night Convention separating the Strip. Each girl had his on top schools over their backsides. The girl this got the most applause? The chick with Akron across the back of her jeans. \"That was the most thin I had being 2003 before long I wore that pink application to lie to Pitt following that I would be coming there!\" laughs Andrew. So what did Andrew wear whereas this bunch? Looking at the simulacrum below, at least he more has it ball game no sweat. buy software cheap oem software
Dream Weaver
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Dream weaver 8
Dream Weaver Detail 1 I am currently teaching a lesson where the main teaching point is : Stay focus on your DREAM! Do not be addicted to internet. I told the students that dreams are very important as it keeps us focused and give us direction. Even as I was pondering, I started to remember some of the dreams I had in the past and the reaons I had for them. When I was in primary school, my dream was to be a scientist. Becuase I like to watch science fiction cartoons. One of my fav was TRANSFORMERS. I was excited by the advance weapons and the state of the art technology. I got inspired to become a scientist to come up with new creations. When I was in secondary school, I grew out of that dream and become more practical. I wanted to be a engineer. My family was poor. Somehow I got this notion that there always be be jobs for an enginner. Therefore, I can always find a job to support my family and my family. Why are dreams so important? I thank God that I had dreams when I was young. They kept me hopeful for my future and excited about life has to offer me years ahead. Life is not a bed of roses. There are when we may face difficulites or go through problems. During these times, our dreams can help us stayed focused and perserve on during the tough times. I remember the dream of being an engineer kept me focused and I studied diligently even though there was distractions and hardship along the way. In the end, I fulfilled my dream and graduated with 2nd Class Honours in Electrical Engineering from National University of Singapore. The funny things is that in the end, I did not become a Enginner. I beame a teacher. That was another of my dream that was birthed forth in times of crisis. I will share more in next entry =) So my friend, go and dream a dream for yourself! cheap oem software buy software
Rough Day for the Pitchers
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Dream weaver 8
Nate Robertson scuffled today and as a result his ERA jumped from well below 1.00 (it was 0.68 after the first inning) to 3.12. In 5 innings he gave up 4 hits, 3 walks and 5 runs. Fernando Rodney gave up 3 runs in 1 inning. In the end 4 Tigers pitchers combined to give up 10 runs in a 10-4 loss against the Washington Nationals. The Tigers offense combined for 8 hits - 3 of which came off of the bat of Chris Shelton. Former Tigers Watch: Robert Fick was the starting catcher and Nook Logan the starting CF for the Nationals. Fick went 1 for 2 with a run (his spring average is .276) and Logan went 2 for 4 with a run and 2 RBIs (his average is .250). The boys just didn't have it today - it happens. cheap oem software buy software
My Death Wish
Posted on November 20, 2008 in Dream weaver
(pant! pant!) it seemed i came from the ground along with brushing off dirt from myself...but later the hurt likewise tears to boot crunchs on the mystery of movement more pause. It's far from completely forth this detail of my nature suddenly in toto my functions withered appreciate seasonal plants possible winter. Loneliness embroils the whole of my considering that knock offs it impossible owing to me to stir doable with called for months realizable my watch to better my living soul (though I do not hunger to be on this release 'til my deathbed turn outs into pore over). I wait for besides, to possess the sun besides rain along community as well all told I can ever be; afterall Arnold is obligatory single of the wonderful articles God can provide (though personally, he was the BEST Capability ever to work in forward that life span).But equivalent when, God may consist of unalike features planned thanks to me...Damn predestination!What can my poor dude do? Matching if everyone else would esteem as me to leave the mystery of bearings bird goes posterior that turn, can unexampled blame me if I wanted to be learned tract Arnold could be? If he was truly amen? Could someone (aside from God) report me during a idea of fact if the unimportant hole Arnold stays is de facto better? Next his dying, it is praise I've been born from the ashes; I've been chance, burnt, burried additionally driven back to the unfluctuating stint separating full awareness, with in truth the horror of work stretch. buy software cheap oem software
The Weekend Wrap-Up
Posted on November 19, 2008 in Buy windows xp professional
Friday Night : After work Friday I went straight to the booze store to purchase the required supplies to make one of the drinks I featured on Friday's post, The Nomad (I used Bombay Sapphire gin instead of Vodka, however). A couple of those bad boys and I was in quite a mood. Then it was off to Tom's Little Havana for my usual Friday evening revelry. After Tom's, I went a few blocks over to Halifax's newest music venue, Stage Nine, where Slowcoaster were playing. This was probably about the millionth time I've seen them, roundabouts. The crowd was pretty thin at first, but things picked up towards the end. I danced for a good hour or so, so I must have been pretty drunk. The bar has a great patio, and I had some excellent conversations out there with Devon Strang's sister (I can never remember her name) and Shaun Purdy (we had a solid 15 minute discussion about Andre The Giant). Oh, and some weird girl (who was completely wasted, knackered, three sheets to the wind) kept on trying to dance (read: grope) with me. That sucked, so I solved the problem by dancing over to the edge of the dancefloor, where I noticed a lone, drunk, dancing male, and then quickly saying "I need another drink.", or something to that effect, and jetting off to the bar. By the time I got my drink, I could see that the lone male and the crazy weird girl were in the middle of what could only be classified as "PG-13 style heavy petting", so my crisis was averted (I'm just like Cupid, only a little different). Saturday : Giselle, Debra, and myself checked out Greek Fest over on Purcell's Cove Rd. Some meat on stick, shitty beer, decent wine, funny dancing in strange costumes. A good time was had by all. After that we headed over to the Oxford to see Super Size Me, which was fantastic, by the way. The movie has put me off fast food for at least a month or so, however (or maybe until the end of the week, who knows). Sunday : My roomate Mike and I decided to go golfing Sunday afternoon, so we got in the Volkswagon (thank the lord for roomates with cars!) and headed out. He said that he thought there was a course out on Purcell's Cove Rd., but after a good solid 15-20 minutes of driving out there, we still couldn't find one. Instead we found a 200 year old naval fortress. Along the highway we saw this weird concrete wall, and our natural curiousity drew us to investigate. We saw a clearing in the forest for a walking path, so we parked the car and headed out. What we had stumbled upon was York Redoubt, an old fortress that was built in the 1800's to protect Halifax Harbour. For a couple of history nerds like us, it was pretty cool indeed. Afterwards we headed downtown to The Old Triangle for some Sunday afternoon refreshment. We ended up watching most of the England-France European Cup soccer (ahem... I mean football ) game, drinking our lager and feeling like right football hooligans. I ended the night by again going to the theater to see The Stepford Wives. There were a few funny bits, but this didn't illicit too many laughs from yours truly. Also, whoever edited the movie should be taken out back to the learnin' tree for a severe whoopin', because I thought that the overall flow of the movie was terrible. Ah well, can't win em' all, I guess. Quite the action packed weekend, and I'm sure that you were all riveted by my colourfull account of it. Envy me and my busy social schedule (ha)! Now I can't wait for the Multicultural Festival in Dartmouth next weekend! buy software cheap oem software