Month: January 2007

Sticking it to the RIAA

So, the group Barenaked Ladies (BnL), whose music is very decent, are joining what seems to be a trend these days…self publishing albums.  They’ve released their latest studio release album, “Barenaked Ladies Are Me”, for download on their website.  Not very unique, right?  Well, here is the kicker…there are two types of downloads…mp3 at 192kbs, or for a couple dollars more, lossless FLAC.  Also, there is no DRM at all.  Rumor has it that they are selling a lot of these while going around the RIAA, Apple, and the other Juggernauts in the DRM space.  Here is the link to the shopping page to buy this album, and if you look around, you can even get a whole bunch of live performances, not just the studio releases, since they are recording their shows and making the tracks available.  Great job, BnL!  Don’t get me wrong…I’m all for protecting intellectual property, it’s just nice to see some of the content owners trust their fans a little bit, and give them a good consumer experience in the process.

And, for good measure, here is a fan-produced video for “Wind it Up”.



Help for new Xbox 360 owners

 

I’ve got a couple of friends who are new 360 owners after the holidays, and I’ve realized that there may be some confusion on the best way to set this up, compatibility, etc.  For that reason, I’m gathering some info here.  There are probably quite a few new owners that I know now that we are past the holiday season.

First and foremost, while the 360 is generally compatible with original Xbox games, there are some that won’t work on the 360.  Xbox.com has a comprehensive list here.  Moreover, to get any of them to work, you must download some updates from Xbox Live.  Also, because many 360 games get updates, and because there is a lot of downloadable content (free and for fee) from Xbox Live, it is very important to hook the box up to the Internet. Note: the compatibility layer for older Xbox games is updated on an ongoing basis as new old games (get that) are made compatible.  As you can see, it is best to make sure the Xbox is always connected to the Internet, even if you only have a Silver Xbox 360 Live Account.

To alleviate confusion or concerns, there are two types of Xbox Live subscriptions; silver and gold.  The silver subscription is free, and entitles the subscriber to download free and for fee content, game updates, Xbox game compatibility updates, etc.  If nothing else, get this one.  The Gold Subscription, generally $50 per year, allows online gaming in addition to all of the other features.  Either way, be prepared to have a Microsoft Live ID for your email address (www.passport.net) or to sign up for one during Xbox Live registration right from the Xbox 360.  Also, you will be choosing a unique gamertag when you register for either level of subscription; this is how you will be known in the Xbox Live world.

But, before I get to far ahead of myself, let’s talk about networking the Xbox 360.  I’ll start by saying this; if you can, hard wire your Xbox 360 using and Ethernet connection.  If not, wireless it is.  Alleviate possible headaches by using an approved wireless home router that is listed on this page.  You’ll then want to get the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter.  This should work fine.

The 360 is turning into quite a media hub for gaming, movies, TV, Media Center, DVD’s, HD-DVDs, etc.  IPTV on the 360 was also just announced by Bill Gates at CES this week.  You might as well kick off Xbox ownership with a bang, and make sure it is well connected, updated, and groovin’ in High Definition.

That leads me to my one last tip; make sure, if you are using an HDTV to monitor your 360 that you do two very important things.  First, use the correct connection to get HD (either component or VGA HD connections, both analog).  Second, make sure, if using the more common component HD connection, that you have set the physical switch on the connector to the HD setting (it comes from the factory set to SD, I believe).

This should be a good start.  Happy gaming/viewing/communicating.

 

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Jawbone Results so Far

I’ve had the chance to use the Jawbone headset for a couple of days now…and here are my results so far.  The sound shield technology absolutely works…it seems to basically cut all background noise.  I haven’t put it through a few tests that I want to do, like a person talking next to me while I’m talking on the phone…but that will come.  The downside is that your voice, when talking on the Jawbone, always sounds electronic…or heavily processed (because it is, I suppose).  It’s not a natural sounding voice on the other end…but it is clear and audible, and it seems that the person on the other end is able to recognize your voice.  Also, sound shield does NOT work in direct wind.  I have a convertible, and if heavy wind is blowing right now the headset, it doesn’t work (it is loud).  If I lean forward out of the wind…it works in blocking all of the road and wind noise…but only if it is sheltered.  I’m going to contact the company who makes it, Aliph, and give them feedback on this (they probably already know…but I’ll chime in anyway).

 

Anyway, so far I’ll keep it, we’ll see how well it goes over the next week or so.

Jawbone connected to the Ear Bone

I just picked up a new bluetooth headset (I haven’t been a big fan of bluetooth headsets for a while now…but I’ll leave that to another post).  Tim turned me on to it today, and after watching the demo on their website here, I just had to try one.  I drive a convertable, and when the top is down at speeds anywhere over 50, talking on the phone is futile.  I’m very interested to try this headset and put it to the test.

I’ll report back as soon as I’ve run it through it’s paces.