Get My DVDs In iTunes!

Importing, also known as ripping, DVDs to a computer or file management system such as iTunes isn't new. Up until now I have known about ripping but never really found a solid method of doing it for many DVDs. Even though this is not new I figured I would share some of the information I have learned with you as well as my preferred method of saving DVDs as a digital movie file. Recently I was talking about this with my coworker Mark.  He said,

"Why is it so hard to get my DVDs into iTunes?"

"I payed for them already I should be able to import them some how, right?"

(That's the clean version adapted for all audiences)

iTunes would prefer that you buy your favorite DVDs again conveniently from the iTunes store. Paying for a movie twice is crazy, although it might be one of the easier methods, I have a better recommendation that will save you money.  I can't blame them, but the film industry has gone to great lengths to ensure content protection.  Without getting too technical, content protection makes sure no one can copy a VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray or any type of streaming media.  As a result people with good intentions that may want to import their movies into iTunes for convenient viewing around their home get stuck. Maybe you'd like to save Frozen to a tablet so your kid can have something to watch on a long road trip. I have personally run into this problem over the past few months.  Go figure my two-year-old daughter loves Frozen.  Today I was able to import Frozen into iTunes.  I was also able to save it to my hard drive, smart phone, and tablet.

"Yoou Whoo!  Hi Family!"

The topic of DLNA servers, DLNA compliant devices, and UPnP apps is closely related to this but not always necessary. I'll save that for another post.  Just be aware that DLNA will allow you to store all your media in one location and allow you to stream that media simultaneously to multiple device on your home network.  It's pretty slick.  But I digress.  Back to the topic at hand which is ripping DVDs.

Are There Any Super Simple & Free Software Packages That Can Do This For Me?

Nope. There are free software downloads available like Handbrake or Mac The Ripper.  But they are not super simple and I can't recommend them to non-tech-savvy people.  I have come across a super simple software package to solve this problem but it costs money.  The price is equivalent to buying roughly three new Blu-Rays. Having software that is simple and easy to navigate is important here.  If you have a degree in computer science you can ignore this recommendation. For everyone else I think paying for this software is worth your while. I have been using it since late 2013 and I think you'll like it. In fact I have been in contact with employees of MacX DVD Ripper Pro to ask questions. And guess what? They have actually written back with answers. None of the free software download methods come with tech support.  You're on your own with those guys. I'll post my email exchange below with Alice where I learned a good tip for ripping Frozen. In short, there is a feature called "safe mode" that proves to be a great feature. I even made a YouTube video series about the DVD ripping process and how to use this specific piece of software. Look for that video series in the embedded player below.

Wait! What About Services Like...

Vudu, Digital Copy & UltraViolet?

Some DVDs and Blu-Rays do come with something advertised as a "Free Digital Copy".  That's great if you have constant access to the internet everywhere you go (see road trip example above).  The truth is Vudu, Digital Copy and Ultra Violet don't actually give you a digital copy.  They give you permission to stream. I've used Vudu and Digital Copy and as far as I can tell they don't actually give you a copy of the movie file to store on your hard drive. The problem is if you want to go for a long road trip or live anywhere with limited internet access those services won't help you. If you need a simple way to convert your DVDs into movie files that can be viewed on multiple devices and stored locally on a hard drive of your choosing I have a recommendation to make. I've done my homework and now I'd like to share my solution with you to make your life a little easier. If you scroll down to the bottom of this post you'll see two download links.  One that works for Mac and the other works for PC.

Wait! Are You Some Kind of Software Salesman?

Not really, but I guess I kind of am now... If you read my about page you will see I started creating how-to videos on YouTube back in 2011.  My main purpose for creating content on the internet is to help people.  I started making how-to videos that I thought people would find informative and helpful. I have never sold software before. In fact I work full time in Pro AV as a system designer.  I'm not really the sales type.  But I will say that if you click on this link and buy this software for your Mac or PC I will get a small commission. I gotta be honest with you. I don't "sell software" for a living but as a blogger and Certified Technology Specialist I do recommend this specific piece of software to folks who don't know where to begin and are looking for an easy solution.

They Actually Have Tech Support

As mentioned earlier the free software available for ripping don't offer tech support. They tend to be good for very tech savvy people who have no problem downloading proper codecs, calculating bit rates, and determining file sizes and resolutions. For everyone else trying to import their DVDs into iTunes or any other type of media management software I would recommend avoiding the configuration hassles and buying MacX DVD Ripper or WinX DVD Ripper.  You'll be able to easily choose a predetermined output profile based on your intended use and desired file size.  Here is a brief but helpful email exchange I had with Alice of Digiarty.

What Product Download Works Best For You?

I hope you found this information helpful. So far I have ripped 34 DVDs and I'm currently working on 35 (Zero Dark Thirty) as I'm writing this post. You can read more information about these DVD ripping products for Mac and PC by clicking on the respective links below. The product pages will go into more detail about the supported file formats and specifications. Thanks for reading my blog :-) Now I'd like to hear from you. How would you personally use one of these products? In the comments section below tell me what product you would pick and what devices you would use to view your movies. How would software like this make your life easier? For me it's all about convenience. I'm always just a couple clicks away from watching any of my movies. No disc required.

Book Review: Build Your Career As A Sound Engineer

Fantastic Live Sound Resource

"It’s like sitting down and having coffee with 20 AV professionals at the same time"

Nathan Lively's ebook "Build Your Career As A Sound Engineer" highlights some of the most interesting interviews he has recorded over the years.  I started listening to Nathan's podcast, "Sound Design Live" in early 2013.  It's one of the few podcasts that I really enjoy keeping up with.  The conversational mix of audio tech talk and input from industry veterans offers a unique perspective into the sound design and live sound segment of the AV industry.

The conversations that I found most interesting had to do with S.A.C. (Software Audio Console), live streaming, microphone technique, AVB (Audio Video Bridging) and working within a tight budget.  In addition to being able to think on your feet and troubleshoot in a stressful situation, sound designers are expected to do more with less.  Hearing other industry professionals discuss new technologies and alternatives to traditional sound reinforcement solutions challenged me to think outside the box.

From time to time people on social media ask me about being an "AV tech" or getting into audio engineering as a full time gig.  It's very difficult to respond thoroughly to those questions about the different career possibilities in 140 characters or less.  I will gladly point any curious folks to this book because I know it will give them a glimpse into a number of audio related career paths and probably introduce them to some new trends in technology.

The only negative I would point out is the conversational style that flows so seamlessly in a medium like an audio podcast can be difficult to fully grasp in it's written form.  Full disclosure: I suffered through a program called Hooked On Phonics as a kid cuz I didn't read good.  So take that with a grain of salt.

In summary, I haven't seen anything quite like this assortment of pro audio interviews.  It's full of great people with really cool jobs talking about the newest technology.  A fantastic live sound resource for anyone trying to gain some perspective on the industry.

Amazon Prime: 5 Things You Need To Know

Amazon.com is offering free trials of its Prime membership.  Here's the quick rundown.
Free Two-Day Shipping  |  Amazon Instant Video  |  Borrow Kindle Books

Full disclosure: I will get a small commission if you use the link below to sign up.  If this info helps you decide I'd really appreciate the support.  In the end I thought Prime was worth it for me so I’ve paid my $79/year to become an Amazon Prime member.  That said, Amazon Prime might not be for everyone.  Here are 5 things you need to know before signing up for your Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.

1. You Get Billed After 30 Days
If you don't cancel your membership before the 30-day trial is up you will automatically be charged $79 for a one-year  membership.  This is the most important point to take note of. True story: My wife signed up for Amazon Mom and received a free 30-day trial of Prime that was extended past the 30 days if she spent a certain amount of money each month. Yep… we had free Prime for a year.  With a baby on the way you tend to buy a lot of stuff.

2. Instant Videos - Navigating The Amazon

Amazon Instant Videos can be elusive river monsters.  The videos that do qualify for free unlimited streaming will often appear next to paid videos in the search results.  If you're looking for a Netflix replacement keep looking.  The user interface needs some work if you're going to consider canceling Netflix for Prime.  Yes you can browse "Prime Instant Video" but it’s very easy to find yourself about to purchase an instant video that is not free.  Don't let little kids navigate the tropical forest of Amazon Prime Instant Video or you will have a huge one-click bill in no time.  Maybe there is a Prime Instant Video app that I'm not aware of?

3. Limited Videos For Unlimited Streaming 

Not all Amazon Instant Videos qualify for free unlimited streaming.  This can be a let down if you think your gaining access to the entire Amazon video library.  Currently you'll get access to about 41,000 older movies and TV episodes. Good news for all you fans of “My Dog Skip” but if you’re into the current stuff, you might want to browse the library first.  If you happen to be a Netflix subscriber you will realize that many of the Amazon Instant Videos you have access to are also available on Netflix.  Not all titles are available in both libraries but it's good to be aware that there are some redundancies if you’re considering paying for both services.  Prime Instant Video does have Duck Dynasty Season 1 which Netflix does not.  So if you're into watching rednecks tool around in a swamp (which I am) that may be a plus.

4. Free Two-Day Shipping?

Not all Amazon products qualify for the free 2-day shipping.  When an item does qualify for Prime rest assured it will be there in two days.  It's just good to know that not all items qualify. Sometimes a Prime item I want is more expensive than the same exact item being fulfilled by a third party Amazon vendor.  Now you have to figure out the math- does the shipping cost for the non-prime item still make it cheaper than the prime item that has free shipping?  I'm not horrible at it but math is not my favorite thing.  Nor do I like the idea of spending $80 in membership fees to be required to do this type of math.  If you decide to skip membership just order things in $25 increments and Amazon will give you free standard shipping.

5. Limited Books For Borrowing
All my friends seem to be big fans of permanent borrowing, but that's my problem.  Not all Amazon Kindle books qualify for borrowing.  Currently there are about 350,000 books available for you to borrow.  I'm sure some of them are good.  To my friends reading this - Nate & Stephanie's personal library will now only provide limited titles.  Sure, borrow our second copy of "How to Win Friends & Influence People" but that's it!

*UPDATE* Feb 2, 2014

6. Amazon Hit with Class Action Lawsuit
Looks like Amazon Prime may have been quietly increasing the sticker price of "Prime" products to make up the cost of free 2-day shipping.

Speakerphone Tips You Never Knew

Back in 2012 I was given the task of specifying a speakerphone for a conference room.  The needs analysis determined that the end user needed a low budget analog telephony solution for enhanced audio.  Pretty much anything would have been an improvement over the practice of having remote participants call into a meeting with an iPhone, Droid or Blackberry set to speaker mode.  For a conversation between 2 or 3 people smart phones set to speaker will get you by.  However, for a 15-20 person conference room the results are not practical.  The microphone pick-up range and maximum volume on any given smart phone won't deliver the type of audio you need to communicate effectively in a conference room environment.

I briefly considered a VOIP solution but that was quickly ruled out due to lack of network bandwidth and infrastructure.  After discovering that an analog phone line already existed down the hall from the conference room I set out to find a good old cordless telephone.  I landed on the Polycom SoundStation 2W because the technology met all the requirements I was looking for in terms of battery life, microphone pick range, audio quality and wireless transmission.  RF interference from local wifi and cell phones can be very distracting so I wanted a solution that was designed to reject or at least resist RF interference.

Printer Friendly PDF Diagram (Free Download):
Low resolution PDF: Polycom SoundStation 2W Diagram (356 kb)
High resolution PNG: Polycom SoundStation 2W Diagram  (5.2 mb)

Audio Expansion & Adapters:
If you think you may need to add extended audio coverage in the future the SoundStation 2W EX is a good option to consider.  It's more expensive but it will allow you to connect expansion microphones if they are required in the future.

Two different adapter cables ship with this product as shown in the video.  The Y-cable adapter for a computer and the  2.5mm to 2.5mm cable for cell phones.  This selection of adapter cables was great circa 2007.  Today the majority of smart phones double as MP3 players so they have 3.5mm ports instead of 2.5mm for stereo audio.  As a result you probably won't find the 2.5mm to 2.5mm adapter cable useful anymore.  You'll need a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter cable or a connector adapter designed to fit over the 2.5mm plug and convert it to a 3.5mm plug.

Most likely the Y-adapter will still be useful when connecting the speakerphone to a computer as long as your computer has independent mic in and line out ports.  However, my new Dell laptop has both of these ports mic in / line out combined into a single multi-conductor 3.5mm port.  So there is a good chance you'll need to buy a third party adapter cable if you plan to connect the SoundStation to a smart phone or computer.

Common Additional Adapters:
3.5mm to 3.5mm, 4 Postion, TRRS Cable: Stereo Audio + Mic
3.5mm to 2.5mm, 4 Postion TRRS Adapter: Stereo Audio + Mic

US PeaceKeeper Drag Mat Review

Nokia Lumia 822 Windows Phone 8

I have completed 1 full week using a Windows Phone 8.  I made the switch from Android just to check it out and because I was eligible for a free upgrade.  I ended up getting the Nokia Lumia 822 which replaced my almost 4 year old LG Ally.

I can't really write a good comparison article between WIndows Phone 8 and Android since my previous Android phone was so old and it was not anywhere near the latest version of the Android operating system.  The standard processing power and memory alone have improved dramatically across the board since my last phone upgrade.  So this phone is a huge improvement for me and that's great for all of us who love technology.

Despite being a self proclaimed geek, I have never been the type of person to run out and get the latest and greatest new gadget, especially when it comes to phones.  It's just not worth it to break a contract, or pay a ridiculous early upgrade fee.  Plus you never really want to rely on the very first release of any new technology.  Well seasoned techs know that the first version of anything will undoubtedly have some bugs.  I always wait until the market has had some time to adjust to the new technology and then I typically get the less expensive or in some cases free upgrade when it comes to smart phones.  I do the same thing when it comes to buying HDTV's and other electronics.

There are so many bells and whistles available when it comes to smart phones.  The truth is I only care about a few key features.  Namely the ability to call someone and access to maps so I can find my way around. Texting, email, calendars, YouTube and all the other apps are great and I use them all the time but they are not essential to me when I pick out a phone.  What I look for in a smart phone is the calling functionality and navigation system.  The 16GB hard drive and all the apps are just icing on the cake.  I am very much into technology and use pretty much every Google service out there but I made the switch from Android to the Windows Phone 8 and I have been quite happy so far with the Nokia Lumia 822.

Money Saving Tip:

I live in the state of Massachusetts where they collect sales tax.  I am also a Verizon customer.  I went to BJ's Wholesale club to shop for phones since they have a Verizon store inside.  After 2 years of having a Verizon phone you are eligible for a "free" upgrade.  Up until last year "free" used to actually mean free.  Before I get to my money saving tip you need to be aware that there is now a $30 free upgrade fee per phone.  I have been a Verizon customer since 2003 and it never used to be like this but that's the way it is now.  My tip for you when upgrading phones is to ask about sales tax on free upgrades.

At the Verizon store inside the BJ's they were going to charge me sales tax on a free phone.  In Massachusetts the sales tax is 6.25% and the free phone has a value of $600 so after the upgrade fee of $30 and the sales tax of $37.50 the total cost of the free upgrade would have been $67.50.  However the same Nokia Lumia 822 was also available at Target and Target does not charge sales tax when giving out free upgrades.  My advice to you is to shop around and ask about whether or not you will be paying sales tax on a free upgrade.  It probably won't be advertised so your best bet is to make some phone calls and save yourself some money.

Wardrobe Malfunction

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You're Missing Out: Personal Cloud Storage

This is a network drive so it is designed to connect to a router or directly to your computer with an ethernet cable.  The big advantage of a network drive or NAS (Network Attached Storage), is that once it is on the home network, files on the drive are accessible from any computer or device on the home network.  That means your files can be accessible from smart phones, smart TV's and other networked devices like the Logitech Revue.

You can even set it up so that you can access your files remotely with a username and password.  If you don't like Drop Box or Google Drive you can setup your own personal cloud storage with this product from Western Digital.  And you don't have to be a geek to do it.  The setup wizard walks you through the process.

DLNA compliant devices on your network will recognize the Western Digital My Book Live as a media server so that you can view pictures, movies and listen to music.  It's probably a good idea to make sure your home network is fast.  I would recommend connecting this drive to a gigabit router like this Buffalo Air Station.  This will ensure that your read/write speeds are optimized and streaming to multiple computers or DLNA displays around your home simultaneously will look crystal clear.

Review Of The Logitech Revue

You can get the Logitech Revue for pretty cheep on Amazon.  When it the product was first released in 2010 the cost was $300.  Mark Hachman has written a few interesting articles about the Revue for PC magazine including Logitech CEO calls Google TV Box A 'Mistake of Implementation'.  In my opinion the concept is definitely a winning idea.  The problem seems to be delayed consumer adoption of this concept.

In response to the PC Magazine article above, I think people have a very strong association between TV in their home and cable/satellite service.  Now here comes the invention of Smart TV's, Smart Blu-Ray's, Smart Phones and Smart Streaming Boxes like the Roku, AppleTV and Logitech Revue.  It's almost as if there are too many choices and too many options so people just stick with cable or satellite for the most part.

Whenever I attempt to explain the differences between streaming boxes to a non-tech-minded person their eye's glaze over.  Let's be honest, it's confusing.  That's the problem right there.  If people don't understand what they are getting when they buy a streaming box they are likely to return it when they take it home, plug it in, and discover it doesn't carry cable channels.

Couple the functionality confusion with an awful user interface and it's going to be a slow process of getting the average non-tech-geek to adopt.  Some of these so-called "smart" devices are painful to navigate with.  I do want to give the Revue credit for having a full size keyboard and great navigation.  Many similar devices do not have user friendly navigation and data entry.  One bad experience trying to login to facebook with a crappy "smart" TV might be enough to keep people satisfied with a cable box.