<< Last Week's Show (10-23-2009) | Next Week's Show (11-06-2009) >>
Weekend of October 30th, 2009
Dave and the gang are in-studio answering your tech questions on-the-air. We also have a special interview with the Co-Founder, President and CEO of NVIDIA, Jen-Hsung Huang!
Listeners & Guests on the show this week:
For ALL the details ... be sure to listen to the show by downloading the MP3 or clicking the RED & WHITE "Play" button on the media player, both on the right-hand side of this page.
HOUR 1:
Tech News & Commentary
In-Studio Pictures from Rob's iPhone
 |
 |
 |
Chris Graveline |
Dave Graveline |
Mark Lautenschlager |
Dan in Hadley, Pennsylvania listening on Sirius Ch. 108 asked: "Is it advisable to buy Windows 7 now, or should we wait in case there's any bugs?"
With the launch of any new products there are generally bugs or kinks that need to be worked out. According to PCworld.com's review of Windows 7 one of the major problems is that when upgrading to Windows 7 from Vista, the install fails about 2/3's of the way through and then tries to reinstall Vista but actually starts installing Windows 7 again, creating an endless cycle.
Other problems include compatability issues with external drivers, such as printers and scanners. Windows 7 is selling well, and Microsoft has put a lot of stock in this Operating System so we would expect these issues to be resolved quickly with an update to the system.
Whether or not you buy it now or wait is really up to you. There are some problems but as previously mentioned they should be fixed soon with an update.
"Technology On-The-Go" Feature With Andy Frankel from Eviant
Jason in Decatur, Illinois listening on WZUS 100.9 FM asked: "My wife and I are looking to get a new computer and hearing your conversation, I was wondering if a Mac was worth it or not. We're a "video and photo based" family. No real word processing anymore. Getting your opinion because they're pretty pricey. "
If you're wanting to do some editing on video or pictures, you can get a laptop at about $800 that will handle editing and lots more with almost the same specifications as a $1,200 MacBook Pro. Windows 7 just came out last week and comes with improved software for picture and video editing.
However, Apple now offers their Macbook for $1000 and it recently got several upgrades. For instance, an LED-backlit display, longer-lasting battery (up to 7 hours), faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor (plenty of horsepower for those processor-intensive activities such as retouching a picture in iPhoto, editing an iMovie project, and composing a new song using GarageBand, so you can make the most of the included iLife suite of applications), better graphics and multi-touch track pad.
If you're considering a Mac, we suggest you look for the nearest Apple store and test them out. Let us know what you end up buying.
Chris from Fargo, North Dakota listening to Podcasts on his BlackBerry sent us the following email and asked: "I have a Playstation 3 and continually get a DLNA error 7531, which pertains to the media server on my PS3. I just purchased "Call of Duty 4" and I believe this error is not allowing me to play online with this game. I've contacted PlayStation [SONY] and they blame it on Activision. I contact Activision and the fingers go the other way. Can someone please at least tell me if I have a defective disc, game system or am I just crazy?"
After looking into this problem, we've found this to be very common. For our listeners, who don't know, DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. DLNA is now equipped on over 2000 different home electronics and that allows you to link your TV, laptop, PDA, or other digital device to your home network.
In terms of the error message with your Playstation 3, we can suggest you go into the media settings on your PS3, menu disable, and then re-enable your wireless connection. This should fix the problem as long as it is with your PS3. If not you need to make sure that your network is DLNA compatible.
Due to the amount of people that are having this problem, it seems very unlikely that it is a problem with the game itself.
Guests in this hour:
- Filip Tack, CEO – Nomadesk
Do you want to access important files anywhere you go? Nomadesk provides secure way to share, synchronize and backup business critical files wherever you are, on and offline.
- Joel Skretvedt Founder & CEO – BidZone.com
What’s next for online auctions? ViewPrice is a new online auction website designed to change the way traditional bidding is done.
Travis in Texarkana, Texas listening on KKTK 1400 AM asked: Hi guys, my son just bought me a new LCD TV. I looked at the back of this thing and it's awfully confusing. What is the difference between all the inputs it has? I see Composite, Component, VGA, and HDMI. I'm used to my old TV that had a cable hookup from the wall and a VCR. That's it. Can you help an old guy out?"
Your composite input, or the yellow connector is an analog, standard definition connection. This is the same one that has been used for years with VCRs, game consoles, and that sort of stuff. It's not going to get you a high definition picture.
Two of the other inputs, the component and HDMI, will give you high definition, if you have a high definition source connected to them. That would be something like an HD Satellite, Cable or off-air tuner, or a Blu-ray player. The component connection, while high definition, is still analog. It'll give you a pretty good-looking picture, but it isn't the best high-definition quality you can get. For that you'd need to go with the HDMI.
What's great about HDMI, other than the fact that it's digital, which means the best quality, is it will transmit both video and audio on one cable. Less cables equals less clutter. It's also the only way to enjoy the "full HD" or 1080p signals from Blu-ray players.
You mentioned one other connection - VGA. That allows you to connect a computer to the TV so you can use the large screen TV a s a monitor. That's helpful if you do a lot of streaming movies from the Internet, photo slideshows, or anything else on your computer that you'd want to see on a much larger screen.
HOUR 2:
Tech News & Commentary
Jerry in Hyannis, Massachusetts listening on Satellite Radio asked: "I'm interested in obtaining a high-end computer that I can use for gaming. It doesn't have to be a laptop, it can be a desktop. Looking for the specs that I need so I can have someone build this for me."
Laptops are now being introduced in the Core i7 world, but are still on the expensive side. HP has come out with the HP Pavilion DV6 and 7 Quad edition series with Great specs starting from $999.
A 2.8 gigahertz Core i7 Desktop machine will set you back about $750 with a terabyte hard drive and 12 gigs of RAM. We found all these on Newegg.com, which will have the links of the high-end laptop and desktop.
TigerDirect has "Barebone Kits" which usually comes with very good combinations and discounted prices. Just head to TigerDirect.com and on the left pane click barebone kits.
"This Week in Tech History" Feature with Chris Graveline - Brought to you by C.Crane. Call C. Crane at 800-522-8863 or visit them online here.
Lester in Plainfield, Vermont listening on WWCR Shortwave asked: "Interested in knowing the status of a voice recognition computer. I know they had some problems a few years ago. I read about them in the New York Times and would like to know what the current status is."
We think you are referring to voice recognition software, rather then a voice recognition computer. Windows based computers started having this ability with Windows XP, and have continued offering it on both Windows Vista and Windows 7. Macspeak is current speech recognition software available for Apple computers. Both of these programs are very basic and require a lot of 'training' ie. (speaking prepared phrases so the software learns how you speak, which can take up to 45 minutes!).
The best software currently available for speech recognition is called Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Their latest release, Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 has 2 different versions (standard and preferred). The preferred version of the software has an accuracy rate between 97-99%. This program's primary use is still geared towards speech to text, but will let you do very basic computer functions.
And, according to David Pogue of the New York Times: "People who use Dragon Naturally never make typos, only wordos.
John in San Jose, California listening on KLIV 1590 AM sent us the following email and asked: "Hi Dave, I'm having an issue with my Wii. (Maybe I should see a doctor, but I digress.) My Wii is on one side of the house and my Wi-Fi router is on the other side of the house. The problem I have is the Wi-Fi signal is not real strong where I have the Wii hooked up. As a result, There are many times when it won't connect to the Internet. Is there something I can connect to the Wii to boost the signal? "
The Wii uses the same Wi-Fi technology that's found in laptops, so you won't need anything specifically for the Wii. That's the easy part. What's difficult is finding the right signal booster. There are so many out there. The best option is to find one that is specific to your router. Many of the routers out there have optional accessories to help boost the signal. For example, some routers from D-Link and a few other manufacturers have external antennas on long cables that you can connect to the back of the router and position the antenna in a spot that gives you a stronger signal. Just check with the manufacturer of whatever router you are using and see what they have available.
But, you may not have to spend any money. Try repositioning the router. Sometimes just moving it around will improve the signal. Are there any exterior or concrete walls between the router and your Wii? Wi-Fi signals don't get along very well with concrete walls.
Brian in San Antonio, Texas listening on Sirius Ch. 108 called in with a comment: "Calling to say thanks for the Honestech Audio Recorder." He tells us how he's been using it.
Guest in this hour:
Jen-Hsun Huang, Co-Founder, President & CEO – NVIDIA
Jen-Hsun was a keynote Speaker at the CEA Industry Forum. He's one of the key players in the computer graphics world.
CEA Update Weekly Feature with Meghan Pollock - How would you like to attend the upcoming 2010 International CES for free? Megan, with the Consumer Electronics Association, lets you know how.
“Into Tomorrow” Product Spotlight with Rob Almanza: Samsung Reclaim (Scroll down for more info).
HOUR 3:
Tech News & Commentary
John in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada listening on Sirius Ch. 108 asked: "I have the 8GB iPhone. I installed the application for Skype. It told me that it will only work with Wi-Fi, not 3G. Is there a hack I can do to make my phone use Skype on 3G?"
The Skype app is supposed to work soon on 3G. They are changing their mind, announcing that VOIP apps will run on 3G. The decision comes from the FCC that scrutinized how Apple & AT&T handle apps for the iPhone, specifically the Apple continued rejection of the Google Voice app.
And the FCC pushed for net neutrality, which prevents carriers from blocking Internet communications, even on wireless network. There are a few VOIP apps available on the App Store like Skype, Vonage or Truphone, but they only work on Wi-Fi. Developers will need to enable the apps to work on AT&T wireless network and than re-submit them to Apple's App Store.
“Into Gaming Minute” with Mark Lautenschlager
Johnny Dark sent us the following email and said: "Johnny Dark here with some info on the DTV PAL and TR-40 TV converter boxes for your listeners. I've been using the boxes for about a year now, so I have lots of experience with them.
You probably already know that the DTV PAL and TR-40 are the only converter boxes I know of that has a built in timer that switches the program automatically at a predetermined time so that TV sets with built in VCRs are still usable. You just have the VCR record channel 3 every time and the converter box does the switching.
I've had all kinds of issues with this converter box. I have both the DTVPal and the TR-40, and when you call the people who made the box Echostar/Dish Network, all you get are morons who read off their computer screens stupid stuff like: "Unplug the box. Then, plug it back in." (like I never thought of that one).
Well, my latest problem had to do with the day the stations switched over to digital. As you may know, here in South Florida, channels 5, 7, and 10 changed frequencies on that day at different times. I figured I could just re-scan the box and get the new frequencies, but noooo. I did re-scan and got 73-01 for 10, 72-01 for 5, and 71-01 for 7. The signal came in fine, but there was no program guide information. I called the Dish Network people and they had no clue as usual, so I did some experimenting on my own and discovered the way to get those stations back on their correct frequency and downloading all the program guide info again was to delete the original 5, 7 and 10 and the duplicates on 73, 72, and 71. Then re-scan the converter box. Now, I have all the channels where they should be and the program info is downloading just fine.
You might want to pass this information on to your listeners so they won't have to waste hours of time on their telephone or on line with Dish Network. Keep up the great work."
Mike in Nashville, Tennessee listening on WTN 99.7 has advice for anyone upgrading to Windows 7.
Kenny in Ohio listening on XM Ch. 139 sent us the following email and asked: "Dear Into Tommorrow and Dave,
I've heard of C. Crane Company's products and I am going to buy the CCradio SW next month. What more can you tell me about this radio? "
We've played with many of the products from C.Crane, but have not yet had the opportunity to try out this particular radio. From what we've seen & used in terms of their other products, their stuff does tend to work very well. (And not just because they are a long-time sponsor!). We've been using their Wi-Fi radios for a while in our offices. We've also used some of the portable recorders they have available and have had a good amount of success with their products.
Guests in this hour:
- Anne Quaranta, Spokesperson – Microsoft Streets & Trips
Are you lost on the road? Microsoft Streets & Trips with GPS Locator pairs the trip-planning features of Streets & Trips software with a compact, cable-free GPS receiver.
- Ted Green, President – Greenview Data
Are your emails backed up and archived in case of an emergency? Greenview Data offers an email archiving service called RestorEmail.
Bill in Fort Lauderdale, Florida sent us the following email and asked: "I had a question about a camera and thought who better to ask than you. I wanted to get a camera that's pretty rugged and that I can use for scuba diving. So one that's waterproof or that I can get a housing for. Any suggestions? How about the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 Digital Camera? Heard anything about it?"
The Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 ($299) is “proof-everything”. Shock, water & crush-proof. We featured the Stylus Tough-6000 ($220) back in June. Some of the main differences between the 6000 and the 8000 are the amount of megapixels (6000 has 10 MP and the 8000 has 12 MP) and waterproof depth (6000 is waterproof until 10 ft, while the 8000 can go up to 33 ft).
One of our favorite features in the Tough series is the “Beauty Mode”. It softens shadows and smoothes wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face, all within the camera. So, you don’t have to spend hours on your computer fixing your pictures. We were surprised to see that it worked pretty well.
A great feature for divers is the “Tap Control” featured on the Olympus Tough-6000 & 8000. You can operate picture playback, shadow adjustment, flash mode and more just by tapping the top, back and sides of the camera.
Our only complaint would be that Olympus uses xD memory cards vs. the more standard SD, so you'll have to use an adapter or use the cable provided to transfer pics.
Another waterproof camera to consider, would be the Canon PowerShot D10 ($289). We think Canon offers better quality (picture-wise) than others. Fujifilm offers the cheapest waterproof camera, but it’s not so great, so that I don’t recommend.
For a comparison between other waterproof cameras, we'll link you to a website that compares 5 of the best. By the way, that article is from the Spring (2009), when these cameras were released, so the prices have gone down.
If you have any questions about any of this week's show info, please email us here.
Into Tomorrow Product Spotlight with Rob Almanza
More companies are providing green-friendly technology and gadgets. We're checking out the Samsung Reclaim on this week's Product Spotlight.
The Samsung Reclaim is an eco-friendly phone available to Sprint customers. The first thing we heard about this phone is that it was made from corn. It turns out 40% of the case is made from bio-plastic materials extracted from corn. The packaging is made from recycled materials. The Reclaim is available in a nice shade of green or blue.
The Samsung Reclaim is a cute little phone with many of the features you’d expect to have on phones these days. The controls are pretty accessible and not hard to operate. There’s a shortcut menu you can customize called the “Carousel” along the bottom of the screen, where you can have easy access to applications like Facebook or MySpace, Messaging and the Web. It has a 2 MP camera and can record video, too, which you can then send as picture mail.
Being a 3G phone, the Reclaim supports Sprint Radio (where you can also hear our “Into Tomorrow” shows!), Sprint TV & Movies, and can access the Sprint Music Store. The TV interface is similar to that on other Sprint TV phones. This is a slider phone, so the keyboard is hidden. The keys are pretty soft to the touch when pressed. I didn’t find it hard to operate.
Overall, the main focus of the phone is being eco-friendly, but it doesn't leave cool features. For the latest pricing details, be sure to visit Sprint’s website.
Submitted by Rob Almanza
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Absolute Software: LoJack for Laptops Premium Edition for Mac & Windows
Intelius: Date Check Report Check Cards -- Find out who you're letting into your life by obtaining important information collected from over 250 million public records.
Philips: goLITE BLU Energy Light - A portable light therapy device designed to boost your mood and energy.
Microsoft: Streets & Trips with GPS Locator
ITTV Video
Are you digging the eco-friendly electronics? We have the Samsung Reclaim this week on our Product Spotlight with Rob Almanza. Also featuring: This Week in Tech History with Chris Graveline.
Download Our Show
Audio Archives
Download the audio archive for this show.
The commercial-free version of this show has been edited & archived for your listening pleasure! Simply click on the MP3 link below. If you’d like to save it on your computer, right-click on the link.
Hour 1 MP3
Hour 2 MP3
Hour 3 MP3
Listen To Our Show
Full 3-hour Show
To listen to our show click on the RED "Play" button below.
Hour 1:
Hour 2:
Hour 3:
