Thursday, July 31, 2008

LG making HD box for Netflix that plays Blu-ray and downloads too

LG Electronics will soon offer a black box that plays hi-def Blu-ray discs plus video streamed over the Internet from Netflix, in the latest move by Netflix to deliver movie rentals online rather than through the mail.

The new product, the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player, will go on sale in the US.in September for "well under $500" according LG. In addition to playing movies in the Blu-ray format, it will have a jack on the back for connecting to a home network. Movies can be accessed from Netflix and other forms of programming from other sources.

The unit is part of a wave of electronics devices from Apple, Microsoft and others enabling video delivered over the Internet to make the leap to televisions from computers. The growing online availability of TV shows, movies and other mainstream programming could eventually pose a challenge to more traditional delivery of television through cable and satellite.

Best known for using red envelopes to mail DVD rentals to homes, Netflixhas cut a series of deals recently to stream movies over the Internet to TVs, a method that begins playing movies almost immediately and doesn't make permanent copies of videos for users to keep. The company recently announced plans to stream movies to Microsoft's Xbox 360 videogame console later this year, and since May has been doing the same through a $100 set-top box made by Roku.

Netflix's Internet-streaming service from these and the LG product will be available at no additional charge to subscribers to Netflix's DVD-rental service, as long as customers are on rental plans that cost at least $8.99 a month. The picture quality of streamed movies is comparable with a DVD, though will fall short of the superior images that users of the LG product will get from Blu-ray disc movies. Netflix believes users will accept the lower quality in exchange for instant gratification over the Internet.

The other big drawback of the Netflix streaming service is that only 12,000 titles out of a total library of more than 100,000 on DVD are available over the Internet, due to restrictions by movie studios. (info from The Wall Street Journal)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Ripoff alert: FactoryOutletStore.com

An online consumer electronics dealer called FactoryOutletStore.com apparently would like shoppers to think it's operated by electronics factories such as AT&T, Magellan, Motorola, RCA or Braun -- but it's really just an independent reseller of both new and refurbished products. A small line of blurry type reveals the truth on some of the web pages.

They proclaim FREE SHIPPING on all orders (to 48 of the 50 states, anyway) but they grossly overcharge on some products to make up for the "free" shipping. At other dealers who charge for shipping, you'd pay less for the product and the shipping -- often MUCH less.

Here are some examples of phone accessories, a field where I have some expertise:

They charge $18.95 for a 25-foot handset cord. A normal price is about $9.

They charge $18.95 for a 7-foot line cord. A normal price is about $4.

They charge $28.95 for a retractable handset cord. A normal price is about $17.

They charge $26.95 for a shoulder rest. A normal price is about $9.

They charge $17.95 for a phone jack. A normal price is about $4.

Some of their prices are OK, but be very careful. The bargains you see on one item DON'T apply to all items.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Stanley MaxLife 369 Tripod flashlight.
Six LEDs and 13-1/2 volts.
Made on Mars?

I readily admit to being a flashlight junkie. My cars and drawers contain enough battery-powered illumination to rival the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. I have a tiny one-LED light on my key ring, Maglites of all sizes, and a gazillion-candle-power searchlight that can spot enemy bombers approaching the coastline.

My newest light is a wierdo -- a unique light from Stanley that can be held like a conventional flashlight, and also transforms into a tripod-mounted trouble light. It seems to have been inspired by giant three-legged Martian mayhem makers in "the War of the Worlds."

It's the only light I've ever seen that works on 13-1/2 volts -- from nine 1-1/2 volt AA batteries (included) stowed in its aluminum tripod legs. Stanley says the batteries will provide over 200 hours of light, and a low-power indicator light flashes when your power is waning.

The head holds a cluster of six blue-white LEDs (that should last forever), but they don't all have to be on at the same time. A 4-position switch lets you choose Low, Medium, High or Off, and directs power from 3, 6, or 9 batteries, depending on your need.
  • When the tripod legs are spread apart (a button press releases a magnetic grip), the MaxLife 369 stands up by itself, and you can pivot the head into any of four positions to direct the light beam to change a tire or replace a hard drive. One preset position is slightly downward -- a nice idea -- for reading during a power failure or searching for a loosened plug in a dark corner.
  • In a black-out at home or a camping tent, you can aim the beam up to reflect off the ceiling and provide general illumination.
  • When the legs are "at rest," the MaxLife can be held like a conventional flashlight, to direct traffic or search for an earring or contact lens. The legs cluster around a cylinder of rubbery fins which position the legs and provide a good grip. When you press the "open" button, the spring-loaded legs pop out to stand up.
It sells for about $28 at Amazon, $22 at Wal-Mart, and $18 at Costco. A cool tool. Highly recommended!

Monday, July 28, 2008

FCC finally approves XM-Sirius merger

The Federal Communications Commission approved in a 3-2 vote Sirius's buyout of XM Friday night, after days of wrangling over last-minute conditions.

Republican Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate voted to approve the deal and removed the final hurdle to the merger's completion. To secure her vote, the companies voluntarily agreed to pay a combined $19.7 million in fines to settle FCC rule violations; including locating towers in un-approved locations and selling radios which exceeded power limits.

Tate said she was pleased that the FCC had "first finalized our enforcement proceeding against two companies that have flagrantly violated FCC rules and regulations."

Her tie-breaking vote marks the end of a long saga for investors, customers and the companies, which first announced their proposed merger in February 2007. Justice Department officials agreed to the deal in March but it took the FCC months longer to craft conditions that satisfied a majority of its five members.

Tate's vote capped off a tumultuous few days, which had the companies' shareholders anxiously waiting for news that the deal had finally been completed even as FCC commissioners continued to pore over paperwork. Tate held off on voting in favor of the merger until she was satisfied that the enforcement part of the deal was completed and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin had signed off on it. That resulted in something of a stalemate on Friday, although they eventually reached an accord.

In an interview, Martin said that the deal would "be positive for consumers and the general public" and that subscribers would have more choices in pricing and channels now than they had in the past.

As part of the deal, the companies have agreed to a three-year price cap as well as promising to bring interoperable radios to the market within a year. They've also agreed to a la carte pricing so that subscribers will have more choices over which stations they receive. The companies also agreed to set aside 8% of their total channels for educational and minority-owned channels.

The companies agreed to most of those conditions a month ago, when Martin first proposed that the agency approve the deal. Tate did not require any other major conditions, although the FCC will now launch an inquiry into whether satellite radio companies should include technology in their radio receivers that would allow subscribers to also hear new digital channels from local radio stations.

I'm a subscriber to both services, and look forward to saving a few bucks, getting one bill instead of two, not paying for channels I never listen to, and hearing Howard on XM. (info from The Wall Street Journal)

Saturday, July 26, 2008

FCC finally approves XM-Sirius merger

The Federal Communications Commission approved in a 3-2 vote Sirius's buyout of XM Friday night, after days of wrangling over last-minute conditions.

Republican Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate voted to approve the deal and removed the final hurdle to the merger's completion. To secure her vote, the companies voluntarily agreed to pay a combined $19.7 million in fines to settle FCC rule violations; including locating towers in un-approved locations and selling radios which exceeded power limits.

In a statement, Ms. Tate said she was pleased that the FCC had "first finalized our enforcement proceeding against two companies that have flagrantly violated FCC rules and regulations."

Her tie-breaking vote marks the end of a long saga for investors, customers and the companies, which first announced their proposed merger in February 2007. Justice Department officials agreed to the deal in March but it took the FCC months longer to craft conditions that satisfied a majority of its five members.

Tate's vote capped off a tumultuous few days, which had the companies' shareholders anxiously waiting for news that the deal had finally been completed even as FCC commissioners continued to pore over paperwork. Tate held off on voting in favor of the merger until she was satisfied that the enforcement part of the deal was completed and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin had signed off on it. That resulted in something of a stalemate on Friday, although they eventually reached an accord.

In an interview, Martin said that the deal would "be positive for consumers and the general public" and that subscribers would have more choices in pricing and channels now than they had in the past.

As part of the deal, the companies have agreed to a three-year price cap as well as promising to bring interoperable radios to the market within a year. They've also agreed to a la carte pricing so that subscribers will have more choices over which stations they receive. The companies also agreed to set aside 8% of their total channels for educational and minority-owned channels.

The companies agreed to most of those conditions a month ago, when Martin first proposed that the agency approve the deal. Tate did not require any other major conditions, although the FCC will now launch an inquiry into whether satellite radio companies should include technology in their radio receivers that would allow subscribers to also hear new digital channels from local radio stations. (info from The Wall Street Journal)

Friday, July 25, 2008

Shakespeare statuette has hidden switch to access Batcave or turn on lights or music

This is a vital historical artifact for hardcore Batfans.

In the Batman TV show, when Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson were in the library in stately Wayne Manor and needed to go into the Batcave, Bruce would tilt back the head of a bust of William Shakespeare.

Hidden under the head was a remote control switch that would cause book shelves to move aside, revealing the Batpoles that Bruce and Dick would use to slide down into the Batcave. Once in the cave, they'd change into their Batman and Robin gear, climb into the Batmobile and speed away to save Gotham City.

Now every Batfan can have a full-size working replica of the Shakespeare statuette that Bruce used on the show.

One of these was used as a prop in the TV movie "Return to the Batcave." It was also featured in WIRED Magazine's "Top 100 Gifts."

The hidden switch can be used to control a door, lights, music -- anything that works on electricity. An industrial-style pilot light shows when power is being fed to the remote power outlet. 16 Gauge wire, 1625 watts maximum, indoor use only. Components are UL approved.

The antique bronze-color "Bard of Avon" is about 20 inches tall and about 12 inches wide at the shoulders. Available at GetaBatPhone.com. Of course, they have BatPhones, too; and even BatPhone Domes to protect your BatPhone. Just like on Commissioner Gordon's desk in Gotham City Police Headquarters.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Sony opens eBook Reader to other booksellers

With the market for electronic books still small, Sony will try to expand the business by cutting the cord that ties its latest eBook Reader to its own online bookstore.

Starting today Sony will provide a software update to the Reader so the device can display books encoded in a format being adopted by several large publishers. That means eBook owners will be able to download books from stores other than Sony's.

With the move, Sony is partly letting go of its e-book business model, under which it sold the $300 device and the books that could be read on it. It's also a challenge to Amazon.com, which last year put out its own e-book reader, the Kindle, and tied it to its own online store. Amazon, however, makes it relatively easy for publishers and individuals to submit books to sell through the store, with Amazon taking 65 percent of the sale price.

Opening up the Sony Reader could also help Sony catch up to the $359 Kindle in terms of book selection. Sony's store, which it will keep running, has about 45,000 books available, while Amazon's Kindle store has more than 140,000.

Sony's move could also help energize the e-book industry, which has yet to take off, despite the investment of big-name companies like Sony and Amazon. Neither has released sales figures for their reading devices.

International Digital Publishing Forum, the main e-book publishing trade group, said e-book sales by a dozen major US publishers was $31.8 million last year, on the wholesale level.

The publishing forum backs the format, called Epub, that the latest Sony eBook Reader model will be able to handle after the upgrade. Publishers supporting Epub include Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group, HarperMedia, Hachette Book Group, HarperMedia and Harlequin.

Users of the Sony Reader have already been able to load books as text files or in the Portable Document Format, or PDF. But Epub is the first outside format for which the supplier can copy-protect a book, to prevent piracy. (info from The Associated Press)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Tivo & Amazon unite to offer shopping from TV

TiVo is teaming up with Amazon to enable viewers to purchase products through their TV sets, using the TiVo remote control.

TiVo will launch the new service by merchandising products related to several shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Colbert Report,” and “Burn Notice.” The feature will work with all broadband-connected Series2, Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs.

Tivo announced yesterday they have teamed up with Amazon to provide consumers with the ability to purchase physical products from Amazon.com on their TV sets, using their TiVo remote control. With this new Product Purchase feature, television advertisers will have the ability to market products sold through Amazon.com on any broadcast or cable network, any TV show, or via any of TiVo’s interactive advertising features.

Consumers will also be able to use TiVo’s Universal Swivel Search to easily explore and buy products associated with their favorite shows, movies, actors, and directors, directly from the television set using their TiVo remote. Upon selecting a product users will have the option to complete the purchase immediately or add it to their Amazon.com shopping cart for later checkout. Shipping and tax, if applicable, will be automatically calculated and presented to the user before final confirmation, and purchases will be secured with a PIN associated with the user’s Amazon.com account. In addition, television advertisers will be able to merchandise specific products through TiVo advertising features such as Interactive Tags, Gold Star Sponsorships, and Program Placement.

TiVo’s interactive advertising solutions allow advertisers to reach consumers in a time-shifted world and offer the option of taking a closer look at the products that interest them. TiVo’s Program Placement feature enables advertisers to target viewers with related products via specific shows and genres. Interactive Tags enhance traditional commercials and make them actionable, allowing consumers to get additional information or take advantage of unique offers while automatically pausing their program.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Why does Sam's Club hate their customers?
Why can't they learn from Costco?

According to an article published in the New York Times in 2005, "Costco stores averaged $121 million in sales annually, far more than the $70 million for Sam's Clubs." The numbers have certainly risen since then, but I'm sure the positions have not reversed.

A few days ago I had the latest in an agonizing never-ending demonstration of why Sam's Club sales-per-store are so much lower than Costco's.

They act like they hate their customers and they assume customers are trying to steal or cheat.

After waiting in line at a cash register, I tried to make a business purchase for resale, and presented a properly-filled-out Connecticut state Resale Certificate to the cashier.

She told me I had to take it to the member service counter, where I waited in line again.

When it was my turn, the person on duty told me that the paper that I presented, that clearly stated that it was a "Resale Certificate," was not a really a "Resale Certificate."

It wasn't a pineapple. It wasn't a picture of Elvis. It wasn't a dog turd.

The State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that had designed and published the form, really wanted people to believe it was a "Resale Certificate." But their intent did not impress the woman at Sam's.

I asked for a clarification, and she paged a supervisor who explained that under Sam's rules I had to provide a copy of the certificate sent to me by the state, not the certificate I had downloaded from the State of Connecticut's official website.

My company does business with scores of wholesale distributors and manufacturers (and with Sam's competitors Costco and BJ's). Every single one of them has accepted the same type of downloaded and printed resale certificate that Sam's refused to accept.

I resent the implied accusation that I am a cheater or a liar or a thief.

I should not have to go to my office, remove a certificate from the wall, put it in a copier, and make a copy and return to Sam's because they do not trust their customers!

It is time to stop making war against customers.

Sam's should learn a lesson from Costco, which is probably the best place to buy in the entire world. Both employees and customers love Costco, and Costco sales, stock price and low employee turnover prove it. The unspoken but very obvious guiding principle at Costco is, "how can we help you and make you want to come back and spend more money?" (According to the Times, in 2005 Costco's average pay was $17 an hour, 42 percent higher than at Sam's.)

Sam's, on the other hand, is burdened by absurd rules that turn purchases and returns into time-wasting torture. The unspoken but very obvious guiding principle is, "how can we make your life miserable and make you want to get out of here as fast as possible and never come back?"

I am a member of Costco, BJ's and Sam's, and the only time my business or family makes a purchase at Sam's is if the competitors don't have what we need. Or if I'm running out of gas and Sam's pumps are closest.

Sam's will never beat Costco, but if their polices were more sensible, maybe they could make it into my personal second place. However, I think they'd rather go out of business than be sensible, or be nice.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Tiny $249 desktop PC


The CherryPal™ C100 desktop is about the size of a paperback book, but according to the manufacturer it has the performance you would expect from a full-size desktop computer. Freescale's fast triple-core mobileGT processor delivers exceptional multimedia performance and feature-rich user interfaces, while only consuming as much power as a clock radio. CherryPal uses 80 percent fewer components than a traditional PC, and because it has no moving parts, it operates without making a sound and the manufacturer says it will last 10 years or more.

CherryPal comes pre-installed with the OpenOffice.org office productivity suite, iTunes, a CherryPal media player that supports all common file formats, and a CherryPal instant messenger that supports all common IM programs. More programs will be added on an on-going basis.

The CherryPal desktop does not provide a CD or DVD drive, but you can play streaming media over the Internet, or connect an external drive. CherryPal also supports external hard drives and other devices such as USB drives. Any mouse or keyboard that has a USB connector will work with the CherryPal. If you want to use a PS/2 mouse or keyboard, you will need a PS/2-to-USB adapter. Any VGA monitor will work.

CherryPal was founded by German-born tech entrepreneur Max Seybold in 2007. Seybold envisioned a new computer that would be affordable and would not suffer from the viruses and constant hardware maintenance that plague traditional PCs. His idea was to develop a low-cost, energy-efficient, easy-to-use computer that takes advantage of existing web 2.0 technology. CherryPal formed a partnership with chip manufacturer Freescale Semiconductors and rethought what was needed to create a high-performance computing environment. By starting from the ground up, they were able to strip out the inefficiencies associated with traditional PCs to produce Seybold’s dream of a small, fast, affordable and energy-efficient computer.

Specifications

Freescale’s MPC5121e mobileGT processor, 800 MIPS (400 MHz) of processing
256 MB of DDR2 DRAM
4GB NAND Flash-based solid state drive
WiFi 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
Two USB 2.0 ports
One 10/100 Ethernet with RJ-45 jack
One VGA DB-15 display out jack
Headphone level stereo audio out 3.5mm jack
9vDC 2.5mm 10 watt AC-DC adapter power supply
Weighs 10 ounces
1.3” high, 5.8” x 4.2” wide

This is a preview, not a review.


CLICK for more info and ordering

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Heavenly Phone can give anyone
a direct line to God.

Some clergy men and women have claimed to have a "direct line to God," and other people merely act that way. Now anyone can have a high quality communications device that implies a direct link to a Higher Power.

Imagine the reaction of visitors when the phone rings, and you answer, "This is your humble servant, how may I assist you?"

It's a great gift for any lay person or clergy person with a sense of humor, or buy one for yourself.

AbleComm's GodPhone is non-denominational, and suitable for rabbis, priests, pastors, chaplains, padres, preachers, ministers, cardinals, imams, monks, nuns, gurus, or any spiritual leader.

The phone is "office quality," not a toy, made in the USA, and has a seven-year warranty. The phone does not have buttons for dialing out. It will generally be used for answering calls or just as a passive prop.

It can be connected to a phone system with automatic dialing and programmed to call a specific number when the handset is lifted. You can also get an upgraded version with internal memory for automatic dialing, but as with prayers, there is no guarantee that God will answer you.

Price of the standard GodPhone is $100. The Auto-dial GodPhone costs $240. Both models get free shipping anywhere in the USA. CLICK for more info and ordering. AbleComm also manufactures the BatPhone and Presidential HotLine phone.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Sony offers video downloads for PlayStations

Yesterday Sony launched a video delivery service for PLAYSTATION3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) systems in the United States.

People can download full-length movies, television shows, and original programming through the PLAYSTATION Store on PLAYSTATION Network. Sony is offering nearly 300 full length movies and more than 1,200 TV episodes, many available in both standard-definition and hi-def.

Sony Computer Entertainment will initially have movies for rental and sale from studios including 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. as well as titles for rent from Disney and variety of television show producers.

The video delivery service will have full integration in the PLAYSTATION Network, utilizing the same login, wallet management, and user interface of the newly revamped PLAYSTATION Store.

PS3’s progressive downloading means users can view content shortly after the downloading process begins. Background downloading allows users to access other features such as gaming and other XMB (XrossMediaBar) content while a video is downloading.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks”, “Rocky”, “Cloverfield”, “3:10 to Yuma”, "Spider-Man” and “10,000 B.C.” are a few of the titles available for sale at launch. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” will also be available for rent. Additionally, Sony will be introducing original exclusive content such as "Xam’d: Lost Memories," an anime series developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, delivered in SD and HD.

People who rent a movie from the service have 14 days to watch. Once playback is started, they have 24 hours to watch. Pricing for rental movies ranges from $2.99 to $5.99, and pricing for purchased movies ranges from $9.99 to $14.99.

Sony has adopted Marlin Digital Rights Management technology, an industry standard for protecting and managing digital content, to provide consumers with flexible access to their content while ensuring digital rights are protected. Usage rules of the video download service will allow content for purchase to be shared on multiple activated devices including PS3 and PSP systems, depending on the type of content purchased by the user.

For the initial electronic sell-through or rental price, consumers can transfer content onto multiple devices. The connectivity between PS3 and PSP platforms provides a seamless solution for those looking for entertainment experiences on their own terms –- on the go or in their living room -– without having to worry about TV schedules, movie listings or viewing on a PC.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Limited-viewing movie DVDs at Staples, truckstops & airports

Staples has begun selling self-destructing DVD movies.

The discs, manufactured with Flexplay’s time-limited technology, can be viewed for only 48 hours after removal from a special sealed pouch. After two days the DVDs become unplayable and can then be discarded or recycled.

Flexplay discs can be viewed on any standard DVD player and remain viable within the package for about one year.

Staples sells the DVDs for $4.99. Initial titles include “Semi-Pro,” “The Kite Runner,” “There Will Be Blood” and “The Golden Compass,” among others.

Flexplay uses a proprietary adhesive on disc halves that form a DVD. Removing the DVD from its package exposes it to oxygen, triggering a chemical reaction that causes the adhesive to interfere with the ability of the DVD player’s laser to play the disc.

Staples isn’t the only store Flexplay movies are sold.

Flexplay is selling discs in truck stop Travel Centers of America and Luv’s Country Stores. Flexplay also has a deal with airport retailer Paradies, which is selling the discs at newsstands it operates at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and other locations.

Flexplay tried to market its discs before, doing a trial in 2003 with Walt Disney Studios. Disney sold movies on the disposable discs, dubbed EZ-D, in 7-Eleven stores and Papa John’s pizza for a year before giving up.

A lot has changed since Flexplay first tried to sell disposable discs. In 2004, Flexplay Technologies (parent of Flexplay Entertainment) was bought by the Convex Group, which took the lessons from the failed 2003 trials and incorporated them into a new strategy.

The company has dropped the price on its discs and revamped its business model to go after non-renters rather than take on traditional DVD retailers.

Warner Home Video, New Line Home Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment and DreamWorks have signed licensing deals allowing Flexplay to sell disposable disc versions of select movies. In most cases, the studios aren’t releasing movies on Flexplay until a month or more after they’ve been released on standard DVDs, and the studios aren’t putting all their movies on Flexplay discs.

The product reminds me of a big expensive flop promoted around the turn of the last century by Circuit City -- the DIVX limited-view DVD. (info from TWICE and Video Business)

Monday, July 14, 2008

Warner Bros. lowering Blu-ray & standard def DVDs prices in the fall

Warner Home Video will make major price cuts for some Blu-ray Discs for the fourth quarter of the year.

Starting in early September and continuing through the first quarter of 2009, Warner will offer a Blu-ray rebate program that will let you end up paying around $11 for certain "catalog" titles.

Titles will include The Fugitive, Enter the Dragon, Clockwork Orange, The Shining, The Aviator, Road Warrior and Swordfish, currently selling at $20 to $25.

Additionally, Warner will offer rebates, although less extensive, for newer Blu-ray releases, including 300, The Departed, I Am Legend, Ocean’s 13 and We Are Marshall.

The consumer price for these titles is likely to fall somewhere between $17 and $20. They now cost from $24 to $30.

Warner’s Blu-ray rebate program comes on top of a straight repricing plan for many standard-def DVD titles that also goes into effect in September. Warner will drop the price on varying titles to either a $19.96, $14.96 or $12.97 Suggested Retail Price. Some relatively new Warner DVDs are slated to fall to $19.96, including Fool’s Gold and 10,000 B.C. The discs were originally priced at a $28.98 SRP.

The $14.96 repricing will include such titles as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Blood Diamond, and the $12.97 price point will cover titles including Wedding Crashers and Ant Bully. (info from Video Business)

Friday, July 11, 2008

Super deal on HDMI hi-def audio-video cables

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It's a standard cable design that lets one cable replace many, and carries both high definition video and multiple channels of audio.

These cables are perfect for plasma or LCD flat-screen HDTVs and home theater or whole-house audio/video systems. They provide both more convenience and a better picture than ordinary RCA, S-video or coaxial cables.

PhoneGeeks.com has a special limited-time deal that can save you more than half on high quality HDMI cables in popular one-, two- and three-meter lengths, and they have a flat-rate shipping program that can get up to six of them in any lengths to any address in the US for just nine bucks in two or three days. The cables are guaranteed for three years, and the connector shells are gold plated to resist corrosion. CLICK

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Stanley MaxLife 369 Tripod flashlight.
Six LEDs and 13-1/2 volts.
Made on Mars?

I readily admit to being a flashlight junkie. My cars and drawers contain enough battery-powered illumination to rival the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. I have a tiny one-LED light on my key ring, Maglites of all sizes, and a gazillion-candle-power searchlight that can spot enemy bombers approaching the coastline.

My newest light is a wierdo -- a unique light from Stanley that can be held like a conventional flashlight, and also transforms into a tripod-mounted trouble light. It seems to have been inspired by giant three-legged Martian mayhem makers in "the War of the Worlds."

It's the only light I've ever seen that works on 13-1/2 volts -- from nine 1-1/2 volt AA batteries (included) stowed in its aluminum tripod legs. Stanley says the batteries will provide over 200 hours of light, and a low-power indicator light flashes when your power is waning.

The head holds a cluster of six blue-white LEDs (that should last forever), but they don't all have to be on at the same time. A 4-position switch lets you choose Low, Medium, High or Off, and directs power from 3, 6, or 9 batteries, depending on your need.
  • When the tripod legs are spread apart (a button press releases a magnetic grip), the MaxLife 369 stands up by itself, and you can pivot the head into any of four positions to direct the light beam to change a tire or replace a hard drive. One preset position is slightly downward -- a nice idea -- for reading during a power failure or searching for a loosened plug in a dark corner.
  • In a black-out at home or a camping tent, you can aim the beam up to reflect off the ceiling and provide general illumination.
  • When the legs are "at rest," the MaxLife can be held like a conventional flashlight, to direct traffic or search for an earring or contact lens. The legs cluster around a cylinder of rubbery fins which position the legs and provide a good grip. When you press the "open" button, the spring-loaded legs pop out to stand up.
It sells for about $28 at Amazon, $22 at Wal-Mart, and $18 at Costco. A cool tool. Highly recommended!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

NoseBudd: the product I was born to test

Since I was was a kid, I've had frequent nosebleeds. A strong sneeze or even a powerful laugh could trigger a red river that made me look like I got hit by a shark or a shotgun. Once when I was feeding my baby brother, he stuck his pinky in my nostril, and in a few seconds he and his highchair were bright red.

When I was young I had lots of allergies and "sensitivities." Even bright sunlight made me sneeze and bleed. Tissues irritated my nose and made me sneeze and bleed, so I went through a huge number of handkerchiefs. Now, my wife throws out the worst ones rather than wash them.

As a dating teenager, I'd carry two handkerchiefs. As an adult, if I have to go to an important business meeting or fly on a plane, I take three handkerchiefs.

When I was in college, I had a summer job driving a delivery truck for a chain of clothing stores. The truck had a five-speed transmission, and second and third seldom worked -- necessitating some fancy shifting. One time while I was driving the truck and eating an ice cream cone, I sneezed and the red river started flowing.

I couldn't just stop the truck in the middle of the highway. My multitasking left hand, which had been used for steering and holding the ice cream, now had another duty, so I threw the ice cream out the window.

I squeezed my nose between thumb and index finger, and somehow managed to turn the steering wheel with my left elbow and used my right hand to shift the gears. I must have looked like a slightly bloody human pretzel, but I was able to get the truck onto the side of the road and stayed there until the bleeding stopped. I hereby offer this scene to any screenwriter who wants to use it, and I nominate myself for the Nosebleed Hall of Fame.

Nosebleeds were annoying, inconvenient and embarrassing; but they had a powerful benefit, too.

When I was in junior high and high school, if a teacher announced a pop quiz and I was unprepared, I'd quickly flick my beak, and have an instant hemorrhage. I'd get to spend the next half hour lying horizontal in the nurse's office with an ice bag on my face, and could take a make-up test at my convenience. I didn't pull the scam too often. and fortunately, the teachers never caught on. They're all dead now, so they won't read this confession.

Doctors could never find the source of the bleeding or turn off the flow, because every time they shoved a scope up my schnozz, I'd bleed on the lens.

As I've gotten older, I have fewer nosebleeds. Maybe I have less blood now.

And now, technology has provided a much better alternative to nose squeezes and ice bags.

The NoseBudd is a compact reusable freezable gel that's held against the nose during a nosebleed. It's normally stored in a freezer at home, but also makes sense for a nurse's office in schools, offices and factories. If someone with nosebleed problems needs to travel, it can be frozen, and then packed on ice in an insulated bag or food chest. Sports teams can pack some in the same cooler where they keep cold beverages or larger ice packs.

Unlike a bag of ice, or a bag of frozen peas or french fries that some people use in an emergency, NoseBudd applies cold in the specific areas of the nose where bleeding occurs and avoids chilling and numbing the whole face. NoseBudd works by combining the directed cold with a little bit of finger pressure, and it works quickly.

In my test -- and your mileage may vary -- bleeding stopped in less than ten seconds, and there was no discomfort. Unlike a rock-hard icecube, the gooey gel inside the NoseBudd chambers is designed to stay flexible when fully frozen. Actually, the chilling effect was kind of cool (sorry!) and my sinuses felt pleasantly clear. After I used the NoseBudd, I rinsed it off, and put it back in the freezer, so it was ready for my next hemorrhage. I keep one in my office and one at home.

NoseBudd was invented by Steve Riedle. Steve has a much worse bleeding problem than I do. He has hemophilia, a blood clotting disorder, and sadly three of his brothers died from it.

While shoveling snow, Steve developed a nosebleed. Not wanting to stop shoveling and go inside, he formed a snowball around his nose and noticed how quickly the bleeding stopped.

Steve began designing a reusable gel-filled device that hemophiliacs could take from their freezer and apply to their noses during nosebleeds, and started marketing the NoseBudd in 2005.

Price for one is $7.95 but there is a special deal for three at just $14.95, and other quantity discounts, too. CLICK for more info and ordering

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

EnGenius long-range cordless phone

Most cordless phones can work a few hundred feet from their base. That's fine for most homes and offices, but not nearly enough for a ranch, farm, car lot, campus, warehouse or a big office building or store.

EnGenius Technologies has been marketing long-range cordless phones in the US for about a decade. EnGenius is part of Senao, a Taiwanese manufacturer of phones and wireless data equipment. Some Senao phones can go dozens of miles, but they're not legal in the US. The EnGenius phones are legal here, and can usually reach a mile or more. They have more "horsepower" than other cordlesses, and can even punch through metal walls.

The first generation EnGenius was independently tested to have a five-mile range. Unless you live in death valley, you probably won't reach that far, but coverage of 12 floors in building, 250,000 sq. ft. in a warehouse, and 3,000 acres on a farm, ranch, car lot or campus is not unusual. That's more than 130 million square feet!

EnGenius was one of the first companies to offer a cordless phone with a separate base that can be positioned for maximum range, while the handset needs just a charging cradle, but no phone jack. They were also one of the first companies to offer multi-handset cordless phone systems with handset-to-handset intercom.

EnGenius "DuraFons" are extremely rugged. They are industrial strength phones, built to be dropped and splashed. In addition to providing phone service, they also act as walkie-talkies, and provide paging from one handset to multiple handsets.

Several DuraFon systems are available, for 1, 4 or 32 lines; and up to 9, 32, or 90 handsets. A DuraFon can be connected directly to phone company dialtone, or used with another phone system. Many accessories are available, including an external range-boosting antenna. More info is at www.engenius.info.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Checkpoint-Friendly laptop PC bags

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working on a program for "checkpoint friendly" cases that would allow travelers to pass through airport security without unpacking laptop computers.

After issuing a request for information from case manufacturers, TSA received 52 design proposals. The agency is evaluating the designs and will add to the list of criteria it provided. Companies will then have 90 days to submit prototype designs for testing.

The TSA will not formally certify any of the cases, but will offer feedback to the companies that submit prototypes.

The agency said, "The TSA requirement to remove the laptop from the computer bag is a common complaint heard by TSA. If TSA was able to eliminate this requirement, it could lower passenger stress levels, increase checkpoint throughput and reduce the number of claims TSA receives for laptops that have been damaged during screening."

The basic criteria for the bag designs are:

  • The bag and laptop can be viewed in a single x-ray image and the image shall not be degraded by the materials used in the bag design.
  • No straps, pockets, zippers, handles or closures can interfere with the image of the laptop.
  • The bag has distinguishing and self-evident features that allow the TSA to identify that the laptop does not need to be removed. These features would include the physical design characteristics of the bag itself and not symbols or labeling.


  • Approved bags could be available as early as the fourth quarter. (info from TWICE, photo from BusinessWeek)

    Thursday, July 3, 2008

    Microsoft offers Office subscription through Circuit City

    Microsoft yesterday announced Equipt, a security and productivity software subscription service for consumers. The service delivers anti-malware protection technology and features to simplify PC management and help improve performance, the productivity tools people use to organize their lives, and online services that help make it easy to keep in touch with friends and family.

    Equipt offers consumers Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, giving them the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for their personal and school projects; Windows Live OneCare, the all-in-one security and PC management service; Windows Live tools, such as Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Photo Gallery so they can connect and share with people they care about most; and Office Live Workspace, a new service from Microsoft that makes it easy to save documents to a dedicated online Workspace and share them with others.

    Anytime a new version of Office or Windows Live OneCare is released, Microsoft Equipt customers will get the version upgrades as part of their subscriptions.

    Microsoft Equipt is $69.99 estimated retail price for a one-year renewable subscription. Each subscription will be good for three home PCs, making Microsoft Equipt ideal for families and individuals with one or several computers.

    Microsoft Equipt will be sold in nearly 700 Circuit City stores in the US starting mid-July.

    Wednesday, July 2, 2008

    New ES receivers coming from Sony

    Sony has announced three new audio/video receivers in its “Elevated Standard” (ES) product line.

    Aimed at high-end home theaters, the new STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES receivers support 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema® technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI™ to a compatible high-definition television.

    The ES receivers are designed around a unique construction platform, digital board and a wide band power amplifier to maintain the purity of the audio and video signals by minimizing external vibrations and internal jitter.

    The new models utilize a xross media bar™-inspired graphical user interface for easy content navigation, Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for simple surround sound setup, and BRAVIA® Sync™ for Theatre for easy synchronization of compatible home theater components.

    Sony’s "Digital Media Port" adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod (TDM-iP10), a Network Walkman™ cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each is sold separately). The models are also Sirius® and XM Connect-and-Play™ Ready.

    The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), six HDMI inputs and DSD decoding through HDMI. It offers high-definition video distribution to a second zone, audio distribution to three zones and picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source. The model will be available in August for about $1,500.

    The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), four HDMI inputs, a 12-volt trigger, IR repeater and high-definition video distribution to a second zone (composite). It will be available in August for around $1,000.

    The STR-DA2400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), a basic icon-driven graphic user interface and four HDMI inputs. It will be available this month for about $800.

    All ES receivers are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty and will be available online through www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style stores nationwide and at authorized Sony dealers across the country.
    I have the STR-DA4300ES from the previous generation. It's fantastic, and I assume the new models will be even better.

    Accidental free electronic repairs

    Yesterday I could not start Photoshop, so I rebooted my HP desktop. I could get into either Windows safe mode, or a black screen with a white cursor, or the Task Manager or the colorful green screen that allows me to change users, but I could not achieve anything useful.

    Cynical Cousin Dave, who blames all PC malfunctions on Vista, advised me to just wait a while, and to try various combinations of shut-down and restart. After about ten attempts, I gave up and was willing to pay tech support whatever it would cost me to get back in business. Usually I call Microsoft for help, but since Mr. Gates quit last week, I decided to call HP, instead.

    Cynical Cousin Dave used his reliable XP PC to get the phone number for me and I made the call and was given the choice of paying $50 for one support incident, or $100 for a whole year of help, which seemed like a good deal, so I agreed.

    Unfortunately, HP was having trouble with their credit card authorization software, and every few minutes, the guy asked me to wait a few more minutes.

    While I was waiting, my own PC came back to normal, and I saved the hundred bucks. Cynical Cousin Dave was right. Time heals.

    About ten years ago I had a wacky car problem.

    All of the lights on my dashboard were out. I couldn't read any of the instruments and even the idiot lights stayed dim.

    My dealer's alleged top mechanic recommended replacing all of the relays. I knew that was bullshit, because relays should last somewhere between a million and a billion years. I asked the service manager to make an appointment for my car to be looked at by one the car maker's roving experts when he was in the area, and I was called about a week later.

    On my special day, as I entered the dealer's parking lot, I drove over a speed-control hump, and all of my lights turned back on. Apparently one of the relays was just a little loose in its socket. No Detroit expertise was necessary -- just a bump from the hump. Total cost: zero.

    Tuesday, July 1, 2008

    Phone cord first aid kit

    Even the best phone cords don't last forever. Anything a human being can touch, can break or wear out.

    If a tab has snapped off a phone plug, or if a cord has been severed or weakened, you can fix it in a few seconds, with no special training.

    CordsForPhones.com has an inexpensive "phone cord first aid kit" that's fine for a part-time phone person who occasionally has to replace a modular plug or fix a damaged cord.

    The tool can cut, strip and crimp; and works with both handset cords and line cords (2- or 4-conductor).

    It comes with six 4-positon/4-pin plugs for handset cords, and six 6-position/4-pin plugs for line cords, and illustrated instructions. Price is just $12, including shipping anywhere in the US.

    The company also has a huge selection of phone cords, and phone accessories, plus additional plugs, as well as more professional-type phone tools.