Living a Digital Lifestyle Newsletter - May 1, 2009

LIVING A DIGITAL LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Issue 57 May 1, 2009

Today's issue will be tips and articles all courtesy of Kim Komando. You can go to her website here. There will be several links that you can click on for yourself, to take you to different articles. I may include those articles in this newsletter, but then again, I may not. If I don't then you can follow the links yourself. If you happen upon a link that is closed to you, then that means you have to be a Kim's Club member to get access to that information. You can become a member very easily and the information is on the site. (By Kim Komando)

Building a Blu-ray media center

Q. We are planning a renovation of our home. We would like to include a whole house music solution and a flat panel TV over the fireplace. Can I incorporate a computer with the flat panel TV? It would include a Blu-ray Disc player, DVR, and digital music storage. What type of computer would we need?

A. You can do everything you want. It will just take a little planning.

Media servers generally don't need to be very powerful. Adding Blu-ray into the mix changes that, though.

You may be able to use an existing computer. I have a program that will determine if it can handle a Blu-ray player. Hey-it's worth a try!

Most likely, you'll need a new computer. So, let's take a look at the ideal system for you.

I found a few off-the-shelf computers with Blu-ray drives. Most were very expensive. And they are probably more powerful than you need.

I recommend having a system custom-built. This will give you greater control over what's inside the computer.

Dual-core processor

Go with a dual-core processor. Use either Intel's Core 2 Duo or AMD's Athlon X2. These are powerful chips. They'll give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Next, think about audio. You'll be watching high-def movies. So, you'll want the full surround sound experience. The computer should support 7.1 surround sound.

Some motherboards have integrated audio. Or, you can opt for an audio card. You'll get better sound from an audio card.

The video card is one of the most critical components. It should have plenty of memory. I would aim for 256MB or 512MB of video memory.

The card should also be HDCP-compliant. Otherwise, you could run into viewing problems on protected content.

Graphics processors

Video cards have their own processing chips. These are called GPUs (graphics processing units). The GPU on the card should be able to process HD video. This will lighten the load on the main processor.

Additionally, you need to look at the video card's outputs. HDMI will give you the best picture on your HDTV. So make sure the card has an HDMI connection.

Or, you could select a card with DVI out. You can buy a DVI-to-HDMI cable.

Now, finding a card that meets these requirements can be difficult. But the company building your machine will be able to help.

Blu-ray players require an SATA connection. So, you'll need SATA ports on the motherboard. This shouldn't be a problem.

Memory, operating system

You'll notice that I've left out two important items. I haven't mentioned RAM or the operating system. That's because these things are related.

You will want either Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate. Both of these include Windows Media Center. My buying guide will help you decide which edition is right for you.

Now, you have a choice between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Vista. The time for 64-bit Windows is finally here. You shouldn't have trouble running it on a professionally assembled machine.

Drivers are there for most new gadgets. If you have a lot of old gadgets to connect, 32-bit may be better. Check Microsoft's site before deciding. It will tell you if your gadgets work with 64-bit Vista.

A Blu-ray player requires 512MB of RAM. Vista requires 1GB of RAM. I wouldn't settle for less than 2GB of RAM.

Don't waste money

But add much more and you're wasting money. This only applies to 32-bit versions of Windows. The 64-bit versions can address much more memory.

Are you confused. If so, read my tip on memory addressing in Windows. It will clear up your questions.

You'll also want a roomy hard drive. Don't settle for less than 500GB. This will give you plenty of room for your media. You'll also need a backup system.

Don't forget to get a high-definition TV tuner card. You can buy an internal one. Or, you can buy one that connects via USB. Just make sure that it has the right connections for your antenna or cable/satellite box.

You may want to record two channels simultaneously. In that case, you'll need two tuner cards. Or, some cards contain two tuner chips. Windows Media Center will handle recording and viewing TV.

Networking, media hubs

Networking is also important. You can do wired or wireless. Wired will perform best. But, wireless is much more convenient.

Now, for streaming content around the house, you'll want media hubs. If you're locked in to content from iTunes, choices are limited.

Your choices are AirPort Express Base Stations and AppleTVs. These are the only hubs that play protected content from iTunes.

Otherwise, your options are wide open. Check my buying guide for advice on media hubs.

Play your games in high definition

Have you seen the latest generation of video game consoles? They truly are impressive. From snowboarding to World War II firefights, the action approaches the look of camera footage. Even cartoonish games like Disney's Cars benefit from improved picture quality.

Unfortunately, most children may never see the best that their games have to offer. That's because you could be using sub-par cables. Nowadays, the console-TV connection is an image quality bottleneck. But you can upgrade your cables to get much better picture quality.

You and your children probably have your console connected to an HDTV. So you can get the best picture offered by the console. But you will need to make a small investment.

Game consoles are not typically packaged with high-definition cables. Instead, they include cables likely to work with any TV. That means composite video, which delivers the lowest picture quality.

HDMI is preferred

The Xbox 360 Arcade, PlayStation 3 and Wii come with composite video cables. An HDTV is wasted on the signal these cables deliver.

Both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 are capable of high definition video. So is the original Xbox. Unfortunately, the Wii is not.

To get a high definition signal, you need HDMI or component cables. Go for HDMI, if possible. Thanks to HDCP, you won't get high definition over component cables. To learn why, read my tip on HDCP.

Microsoft sells its own cables on the company's site. You'll find compatible cables elsewhere. The same goes for PlayStation 3 cables. Shop around for the best price.

Don't pay for premium cables. You won't notice a difference over lower-priced ones. But make sure the quality of the cable looks good. If it seems flimsy, move on. If it's on sale for 19 cents, forget it.

Better quality without an HDTV

Even if you don't have an HDTV, you can probably boost picture quality. On standard-definition sets, S-Video and component video cables give a sharper picture than composite cables. Most TV sets have S-Video connections.

Component video is much better than S-Video. However, it is less common. Check your TV to see which options you have.

As I said, Nintendo's Wii does not support high definition. However, it handles both S-Video and component video. Either connection will be an improvement over composite cables.

Older consoles, including the Gamecube and PlayStation 2, will also benefit from S-Video or component video connections. You'll find cables for these consoles online.

Free anti-virus program

In today's world, anti-virus software is a must-have. But that doesn't mean you need to pay subscription prices for to receive the virus definition updates.

There are very good anti-virus software products available for the taking.

One of the ones I frequently recommend is AVG AntiVirus software from Grisoft. Just remember that this is for home use, so don't take advantage of the Grisoft's kindness.

Also, you don't get any technical support. If this is something you need, buy the software and pay the annual fee for the updates. You'll be glad you did!

Cost: Free

Link: free.grisoft.com

Working with DVD video

Q. I recently purchased a Sony camcorder. I love it, except it only makes VOB files. The software bundled with the camcorder doesn't offer video editing. Windows Movie Maker won't support the video files, either. Do I really need to spend $300 to get VOB-editing software? I don't need anything fancy. MovieMaker has all the options I need.

A. It should be easy to edit your home movies. A new camcorder should include editing software. But often they don't.

On the bright side, you're not going to need to spend $300. However, you may want to invest in some software that is a little less expensive.

Before we explore your options, let's do some explaining. Video files can trip up even the best of us.

A VOB file is a container for DVD video. It is based on the MPEG-2 format. In addition to video and audio, it can contain subtitles and menu items.

Let's look at your first option. There is a quick trick that might help. You may simply be able to change the file extension of your VOB file.

You'll probably lose some things, like subtitles. Of course, this is a home move. So, you won't have added things like subtitles yet.

In some cases, this makes it easier to work with the file. That includes editing the video in Windows Movie Maker.

To change the file extension, right-click the file and select Rename. Select the extension (everything after the ".") and enter "mpg" (minus quotes).

If you don't see file extensions, you'll need to show them. In Vista, open the folder containing your video. Click Organize>>Folder and Search Options. Open the View tab. Deselect "Hide extensions for known file types." Click OK.

In XP, open the folder containing your video. Click Tools>>Folder Options. On the View tab, deselect "Hide extensions for known file types." Click OK.

Now, there is a chance that this won't work for you. That's because different codecs are used to create videos. Codec is short for compressor/decompressor.

The codec used to create the file may not be compatible with Windows Movie Maker. In that case, you have a couple of other options.

First, you can use software to convert the file. This will make it editable in Movie Maker. I have several free video converters on my site. Here are a few that will work with VOB files:

• Windows Media Encoder

• FlasK MPEG
• AutoGK
• DVDx

• MediaCoder

You'll find plenty of other programs online that will do the conversion for you. Some are free. Others will cost you. And, the video quality may differ.

To be totally honest, I'm not a huge fan of video converters. They can be tricky for the average user. You could end up with sub-par videos.

I particularly don't like the idea of adding another step to the process. That's especially true since conversion can take a long time.

Instead, I would take a different approach. I would use a program that can import VOB files natively. That will save you a lot of time. It can also eliminate trial and error in getting conversion settings right.

The program will also help you burn your finished video to DVD. Windows Movie Maker won't do this. That is, unless you buy an add-in.

Now, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a program. For example, there's Adobe Premiere Elements. List price is $100. But you'll find it online for about $80.

Premiere Elements is much like Windows Movie Maker. You shouldn't have trouble using it.

There's also Ulead DVD MovieFactory ($50) and Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite ($100). I haven't used these programs. So, I can't comment on their ease of use.

Sell your things locally

You probably have things around your house you don't use anymore. Why not sell them? That will give your things a new lease on life. And everyone could use a little extra money these days.

You could have the traditional yard sale. But that requires a lot of work. You have to make signs, set out your goods and haggle. Plus, you'll only attract a limited number of buyers.

Why not reach your entire community with a classifieds ad. Your newspaper probably charges for ads. Online classifieds are a better way. You can post them for free. And there are no limits on length and content. You can even include a photo to attract buyers.

The best-known online classifieds site is Craigslist. It's always free to use. And it attracts tons of people from your area. You're sure to find someone who wants your goods. Craigslist has a separate site for most cities in the United States.

Another great online classifieds site is Kijiji, a subsidiary of eBay. You can post classified ads for free to your community. The site has pages for many U.S. cities. It's not as extensive as Craigslist, though. You should be able to find yours. Or at least you can pick one close by.

Posting an ad to these sites is fast and simple. You can sell everything from clothes to RVs. It's up to you to work out how the sale happens. Most often buyers and sellers work out a delivery or pickup arrangement. The moneymaking potential here easily outpaces a yard sale.

You'll also find ads for housing, services and employment opportunities. And just like a newspaper, you'll even find a personals section.

Copyright 2009 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for her free e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com

That's all for today's edition, folks.

Until next time -

Digitally yours,

Andrea