HOUR 3:
Tech News & Commentary
Steven in Nashville, Tennessee listening on WTN 99.7 FM asked:
“I’m looking at getting some sort of equipment to stream movies to my TV. I’m wondering what should I get to stream movies? What’s the best platform? The best service to get your movies from? I don’t want a subscription, I just want to download them one at a time.”
The world of downloadable movie content is in a constant state of change. Before we recommend specific products, let’s take a look at how things generally work.
I realize you said you do not want a subscription service, but we should cover that for others who might be listening. A monthly subscription service, like Netflix, lets you watch as many movies as you want, streaming over the Internet. The downside to this service is its selection (most of the hit movies are available only for DVD rental, with the streaming service being used for stuff that’s been out for a while or isn’t a “hot” rental in disc format), and you also have to be online to watch a movie.
Quite a few of the current DVD retail packages are including a digital copy of the movie, now. We applaud this decision and believe giving consumers their choice of when, where, and how they want to view the movies they’ve paid for is a good thing.
Then there are video on demand services. Amazon.com operates a fairly large one, as does Apple through iTunes. These services are often keyed to certain compatible hardware or software, which can be a major drawback, but it’s rare that you can buy a downloadable copy of a movie that is in a completely unprotected format. The Amazon.com services works with devices like Google TV or the Roku boxes, as well as quite a large number of others. You can also play the movies through a computer, if your computer is connected with your TV, or by using a game console like an Xbox 360 as the media extender.
Which service is best really depends a lot on what capabilities you want to have. Love your iPad and want to download movies to watch on the go with it? Then, you’ll want to use Apple’s iTunes. Looking for the largest selection of video on demand movies? That would be Amazon.com. But, you should also check out the third major option, CinemaNow, which is owned by Best Buy.
Because none of these require subscriptions, you could technically get movies from all three of them. CinemaNow only works through your computer with an optional Xbox 360 connection to your TV, so you don’t have to make an investment in hardware there. But Amazon.com and Apple both assume you’ll be using certain specific hardware, so be sure and check to see whether they support what you want to use.
Good luck and tell us what you decided to do, and how it turns out!
Tune in to Hour 3 of our podcast for more details.
“Into Gaming Update” Weekly Feature with Mark
Lautenschlager
Madden 2012 has a new feature that’s provoking some debate. Is it helpful or hype? Mark breaks it down for you.
Group Discussion: Motorola Xoom vs. iPad 2
| Tablet | Features |
Motorola Xoom Tablet  |
• 3G Network: CDMA tablet available on Verizon + WiFi• Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)• 1Ghz dual core processor
• Memory: Up to 32GB • 10.1-inch screen • Dual cameras: 5MP with dual-LED flash (rear) & 2MP (front webcam) • Video Capture/Playback = 720p • Pricing: 1) WiFi —> $599 2) WiFi + 3G —> $799 … or … $599 with 2-year contract with Verizon |
Apple iPad 2 |
• 3G Network (AT&T or Verizon) + WiFi• iOS4• 1Ghz dual core processor
• Memory: 16GB, 32Gb or 64GB • 9.7-inch screen • Dual cameras: Less than 1MP (rear) & VGA Front-Face • Video Capture = 720p • Two Colors: Black or White • Pricing: 1) WiFi —> 16GB $499 | 32GB $599 | 64GB $699 2) WiFi + 3G —> 16GB $529 | 32GB $729 | 64GB $829 |
Rob’s opinion: “My experience hasn’t been that favorable with the Xoom. While it has the current latest version of Android Tablet OS, it’s not that appealing to me. I have upgraded to an iPad 2 since launch date and love it! It’s uncomfortable to switch from a thin, lightweight tablet to a bulky Xoom. The weight on the Xoom compares to the first iPad version. Your hands eventually get tired of holding both the Xoom and iPad 1. iPad 2 is a lot more comfortable to handle and more intuitive. The Xoom still seems a little buggy. I haven’t experienced any issues with the iPad 2 yet, other than it missing USB Ports and an SD Card port built-in. I also love Apple’s iPad pricing over the Xoom. I’m glad Apple kept the same pricing as iPad 1. And now, you can buy an iPad 1 for a lot less money … totally worth it! iPad 1 is still a good get. Only difference would be a little more speed and dual cameras on iPad 2. I’m iPad all the way!”
Tune in to Hour 3 of our podcast for more details.
Guest in this hour:
Gregory D. Evans, Cyber Security Expert – Ligatt Security International
A hi-tech computer security and cyber-crime investigation company … Gregory tells us how to find your lost or stolen gadgets.
Uday Reddy, Chairman & CEO – Global Takeoff (YuppTV)
Some people are saying 2011 is being called “The Year of the Cable Cut”. YuppTV is helping make that possible.
“IFA History Feature” brought to you by Messe-Berlin
The history of electronic exhibitions began on December 4th, 1924 with the German Radio Show in Berlin, Germany, where the art of engineering was most advanced. The event attracted more than 242 exhibitors to display the new technical wonder machines on an area measuring 75,000 sq. feet. The public was excited; more than 180,000 people came to this event. They were fascinated by the detectors and the first valve radio receivers on show and to the fantastic new world of listening to something transmitted from distant locations to their home. The show still exists as IFA and is one of the biggest CE shows in the world.
For more info, visit: IFA-Berlin.com.
Joe from Raleigh, North Carolina listening on WPTF 680 AM:
“Is there a way to recover a USB memory stick drive when the contact that is inserted into the PC USB port is broken?”
Well… yes, it can be done, but it’s not that simple, you can damage delicate components while trying to fix the drive. So… before doing anything you have to ask yourself, how important is this data? how much is it worth to you?
Paying a recovery company to rescue the data off your drive can cost you somewhere around a couple of hundred dollars, if that’s too much you can try to fix the drive yourself, but you should keep a few things in mind:
a) You’re not fixing it, you’re rigging it to try to get the data off, but it can fail permanently at any second.
b) There is a pretty good chance you’ll finishing breaking it and this time it will be for good.
c) You have just realized that backups are great!
If you still want to attempt to fix it will link you to a few online guides from our show page, but try to think of it less as “fixing it” and more as a fun project that may or may not work out…
Tune in to Hour 3 of our podcast for more details.
If you have any questions about any of this week’s show info,
please email us here.
Into Tomorrow Product Spotlight with Rob Almanza
iRig Mic from IK Multimedia
If you’re a musician, podcaster, reporter on the go, or a karaoke lover, you might want to consider getting the iRig mic. It’s the first professional microphone designed specifically for iDevices (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch). Rob Almanza reviews it for us.
iRig Mic:
| iRig Mic from IK Multimedia
|
• iRig Mic is the first handheld, quality condenser microphone for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (all iDevices are covered)• Dual mini-jack connector, which allows for real-time monitoring
• Works with recording apps & karaoke apps • IK Multimedia has its own recording app called VocaLive. There are TWO Versions: Free and/or Paid. The paid version is available for $20 and has more features like Pitch Fix and Morph effects. • Both version of VocaLive app offer a la carte in-app purchases for other features. WARNING: The in-app purchases will not transfer between devices. For example, if you paid for a feature on your iPhone, you won’t have that on your iPad without paying again. • One of our most favorite features on VocaLive: Importing Songs. You can do that via WiFi, File Sharing or import directly from your iPod Library. • Good for musicians, podcasters and journalists on the go for interview recordings • Under $60 Extra Accessory (Sold Separately): • iKlip – A universal microphone stand adapter for iPad — Works with iPad 1.
• Available under $40 |
– By Rob Almanza, “Into Tomorrow” & ITTV Correspondent
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Improv Electronics: Several Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablets in a variety of
colors and accessories including sleeves with stylus holders &
magnet kits.
iolo: Several copies of System Mechanic – Fix & speed-up your PC, Automatically
SmartShopper Electronics: Several SmartShoppers — Electronic Grocery List Organizer
ZAGG: A variety of goodies, including: ZAGGsparq battery packs, ZAGGMate iPad cases, dual USB 2.0 in-car chargers & XL gadget wipes.