Technology Bytes Radio » Uncategorized

Flip Mino HD

jaylee — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:45:21 +0000

As listeners and readers might recall, I had the opportunity to check out the Flip Mino last June and wrote a review. Now the folks at Flip have upped the ante with the Flip Mino HD.

The device is exactly the same size and configuration as the previous version but the on-board storage was raised to 4GB to enable it to store 60 minutes of H.264 video footage in HD (720p 9Mbps VBR).

Flip is now offering to customize the device and is offering a special line-up of Valentine’s Day themes as well as others and also allows you to upload your own image to be added to the device via their design center.

The Flip Mino was fun, the Flip Mino HD is the same kind of fun with added video quality in the form of 720p High Definition video which looks VERY good.

Here is a test video I shot of Peter Hughes during the Infoshot segment of the show last night.

Flim Mino Test – Technology Bytes Infoshot from baldheretic on Vimeo.

Lightweight and easy to use, with the Flip Mino HD you have a powerful and handy tool for capturing the moment while on the go. Once you have the video you want, you just connect the device to your PC and run the software contained on the Flip to edit and share your videos.

Full specs:

Flip MinoHD Features:
Weight: 3.3 oz.
Resolution: HD 720p
4 GB of internal memory to record up to 60 minutes of HD video
1.5 inch anti-glare LCD display
Internal, lithium ion battery recharges when USB arm is connected to computer
One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom
Touch-sensitive buttons for recording, playback, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete
FlipShare software:
On-board application installs directly when connected to any PC or Mac
Drag-and-drop interface for easy browsing, playback, organizing and video archiving
Integrated online video publishing to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video
Free, unlimited private emailing of videos and video greeting cards
Custom movie editing, with the option to use your own music and add titles/credits
Capture still photos from any standard or high definition video
Order DVDs online and have them shipped anywhere in the world
TV connection for instant viewing (cable included)
Tripod Mount
Available in black at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, WalMart.com, TheFlip.com and leading retailers
“Designable” at TheFlip.com

Podcast for Jan 14th, 2009

jaylee — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:10:38 +0000

Aluratek USB Internet Radio Jukebox

jaylee — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:25:49 +0000

If you’re a fan of Internet radio broadcast, the Aluratek USB Internet Radio Jukebox is just the thing for you. Just plug it into your USB port and it does the rest by installing it’s own driver and applications software. What you end up with is access to thousands of Internet streamed radio stations.

The software breaks it down into easy to sort categories so you can quickly choose the music you want to listen to.

Features:

USB plug-n-play (no software to install)

Search for music by Genre or geographically (over 300 countries) and 13,000 channels

Save all your favorites right to the USB drive and take it with you when you travel.

No monthly costs!

Keep a list and vote for your favorite radio stations to tabulate TOP 10 genre and region lists among all users.

Very strightforward and easy to use.
Makes a GREAT stocking stuffer!

StarTech USB VGA Dock

jaylee — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:25:58 +0000

One of the downsides to mobile computing is the limitation of device connectivity with your laptop. Too few USB ports, inability to connect an external or even second monitor easily and so forth.

Typically this is handled by a clunky and space consuming, not to mention EXPENSIVE docking station that will only connect a specific make and model laptop.

Enter the StarTech USB VGA Dock. Weighing in at just at 7 1/2 ounces and measuring 8″x2.8″x0.8″ this small footprint, lightweight connection enhancer features four USB 2.0 ports, One 10/100 Ethernet jack along with stereo out and microphone jacks, all connected to your computer via USB 2.0.

Not only that, but the StarTech USB VGA Dock also features a VGA port to connect an external or secondary monitor via the USB port of your laptop. Supporting resolutions of 1600×1200 @ 32 bits and 1920×1200 @ 16 bits it’s more than useful when you need that extra desktop real estate.

I was able to set this up in no time flat. And using the included software was able to easily connect and configure a second monitor as an extended or even mirrored display. The addtional USB ports are very handy for connecting addtional devices and the audio jacks performed well for connecting my external speakers easily.

Additional product and pricing information can be found at the Startech site.

The VerteX™ In Action

jaylee — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:36:59 +0000

Last May I told you about The PRESSlite VerteX™, a unique light modifier that has the ability to give you a greater level of control over the light flow from your swivel-head flash.

Well, today I have an actual sample of the device in hand.

It’s pretty slick. It basically fits on the end of a swivel flash and by adjusting two versatile little panels you can easily and quickly diffuse or redirect light in a variety of ways.

These are some sample shots that my co-worker Luis was kind enough to let me take.

This is full flash

As expected, the subject is brightly illuminated, perhaps even harshly so. But check out what happens when I move the VereX into place and use the white panels to diffuse and bounce the light onto the subject

Far less harsh but maybe no bright enough. One quick flip and I diffuse 50% of the flash and project the other 50 using the mirror side

You start to see the possibilities. The VerteX lets you use your flash in a number of ways that can really let you fine tune how you light your subject. By taking the above and just fine tuning the angles a bit more this was the final result

I don’t claim to be a skilled user of flash in my photography, but I like the results.

Check out the Presslite Web site for 3D demos of all of the devices capabilities. They offer some really interesting demos and some real life applications for the VerteX.

August Geek Gathering

jaylee — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:13:14 +0000

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On Friday August 1st we invite you to join the crew of Tech Bytes and many of their fans who will be hanging out at Tropioca in Midtown at 2808 Milam at Drew for our monthly “geek gathering.”

Tropioca specializes in bubble tea, coffee and smoothies. They also serve up desserts, pizza and free wifi. Things get started a little after 7:00 and generally lasts for a couple of hours.

You don’t have to be a geek to come out. All listeners of the show are welcome!

We hope to see you there!

Podcast For July 30th, 2008

jaylee — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:42:06 +0000

Jay Lee was absent this show to receive his 2008 Houston Press Music Award

13th Anniversary Party!

jaylee — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:01:03 +0000

Can you believe it? Technology Bytes has been on the air for an amazing 13 years! Come celebrate with us at Dean’s Credit Clothing on Saturday July 19th from 7:30 till ?

Dean’s is a very cool space located at 316 Main St in Houston, TX and features a full bar and a great atmosphere. DJ Amanda Robinson will be laying down the tracks as our DJ for the evening. We’re inviting all listeners of Technology Bytes to join us and we hope to see you there.

Please spread the word!