I finally convinced Mel it was time we joined the world of PVRs. I had tried to set up a PC version like MythTV or XP-MCE but they just couldn’t match the Foxtel IQ. We get 3 out of the 5 free to air channels, plus all of our Foxtel ones litsed on an internal guide. We are not only able to schedule a recording with one click of the button, but we can tell it to tape the whole series, making it automatically catch any following episodes.
It preparation for our new setup, I decided it was (finally!) time to rewire the cabinet. It also gave me the opportunity to run everything in component and S-Video where possible. I have even managed to get the Xbox setup with component using a JoyTech AV cable that I came across. My Panasonic amp, although awesome, has no support for S-Video or component so I’ve had to wire around it where possible.
The final step was programming our remote to control everything. Luckily our new Foxtel remote uses the same commands. I just had to add the Record, Pause, Rewind etc.. Plus change a few input settings and we were away!
Ahhh gadgets …. 
I finally decided to get in and update all the software on my Powerbook to the most recent releases. All of my ‘05 software is now running their respective ‘06 versions. I can’t see much difference so far, but I am looking forward to finding out what they’ve improved.
We have new iMacs at work that include the new new media presentation software “Frontrow“. It’s an impressive looking addition to OSX that is an obvious competitor to Microsoft’s XP-MCE. Long story short, thanks to some clever people out there, I have now “enabled” a version on my Powerbook.
That wasn’t the last step for me though. The iMacs now come with fancy new remotes. These enable you to control Frontrow from anywhere in the room. I remembered a program I was impressed with called Salling Clicker. It was an application that let your Mobile phone act as a remote for your Apple Computer. I went to their website and found out that they had full support for my Pocket PC phone and scripts available to control Frontrow. This combined with my previously mentioned TV Adaptor make my Mac a great portable media player.
Salling Clicker is a fantastic addon for my Powerbook. It does everything from checking my iMail, to controlling iTunes whilst displaying the Album art and progress of the current song playing – all via Bluetooth or WiFi. Soon my goal of never needing to leave my couch will be a realisation!
No I’m not talking about the intel chips (don’t get me started on how much I want one of those MacBook Pros!). I made my first purchase from Apple.com.au on midday Wednesday. All went through with my education discount and I got all the confirmation emails to say there would be an expected delivery date of 1 week later. I was quite impressed to have it turn up yesterday (24 hours later!!).
I now have a TV Adaptor for my Powerbook – very handy!
Published on
February 23, 2006 in
My Life.
I somehow managed to bust the fuel release latch in my car a few days back. Not too big a deal except, without the use of said latch, I can’t put petrol in the car. Ahh well… I put petrol in the thing too often at the moment anyway – good time to cut back.
Andrew and I managed to pull the thing off and check out what had happened. A little bit of plastic supporting the “bmx-brake type” wire had busted off. A brand new latch panel will cost me around $150 according to Toyota. Lets hope there’s one a a wreckers somewhere, otherwise petrol extra expensive for me this month.
Published on
February 21, 2006 in
My Life.
There is another chapter in the “Brokeback” sendups I mentioned in a previous post.
Check out: EMPIRE BROKEBACK
Well GigmanX has come a long way since I first put my idea of a database application to manage lyrics chords and backing tracks for small music group performers.
We have (James has) added many features and we have (James has) streamlined the interface to be more intuitive and user-friendly. We are (James is) still working on a more efficient way to display the data on screen. In future we are (James is) looking at making it networkable as well, so that many people can have different parts of the informamtion displayed simultaneously.
I put the software to it’s first live gig test last Friday at my gig. My main intention was to just use it as a media player for all of my new backing tracks but it worked out as a lot more. I was able to glance over whilst it was playing and get all the information I need without turning a page. Very handy!
You can find GigManX here
There has been a hilarious video put together that was shown to me at work. I thought it was definately worth a mention. It sheds a whole new light on one of my favourite movies.
View: BROKEBACK … to the FUTURE!
Published on
February 10, 2006 in
My Life.
I am what they call a “DC” man. This means I drink “Diet Coke” – or “unleaded” as I choose to call it. I haven’t caught on to the “Coke Zero” phase and can’t stand the sugar overload with the normal stuff.
I was having my normal post breakfast can when I noticed something wierd on the printing. No doubt you can tell the difference from the picture above (both cans from the same slab). Anyways, I’ve taken my friends advice and kept it unopened in case it’s worth millions to some collector freak somewhere. If not, I’ll leave it on the shelf so that I can look at it and wonder, “will this one taste like normal coke like the label implies …?“
The promotions for my new cover band concept are beginning. STREUTH! Is “A TRIBUTE TO AUSSIE ROCK” coverband that plays nothing but those popular anthems from Down Under.
I have put up the website at www.streuthband.com.
The latest member to enter our ever growing Xbox community is my Mum. She has had a need for a device that can play avi and mpeg files off dvds onto the family room TV for some time. After much time (and disc) wasting converting to DVD Video format, we decided an Xbox was the way to go.
After a quick “upgrade” we soon had her brand new system set up and she was watching her TV shows in wide screen with ease. One unforseen side effect is that she has started hiring Xbox games to play on her unit as well. The funny thing is, I had to remind myself. “Oh yeah! they play games too!”.
Enjoy Mum! Now all that’s left is my Dad, my Brother and James and my job is complete!
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