I just got hold of one of these hardware h.264 to take the load off my iMac, and it's not bad but needs a bit of work.
1) The only widescreen option is for the Apple TV. This is a bit useless considering it also claims to do PSP encoding.
2) Sound seems to drop out on a VOB -> Apple TV encode... making 1) even more pointless.
3) It needs the ability to queue up jobs. This could be done either in the program, or via Automator (best choice?) or AppleScript. I'm not that fussy.
Hopefully they will update the software.
16 November, 2007
29 June, 2007
Merkdot Investigates: Pay as you go internet access
I'm a light mobile user. Incredibly light. Also, mobile contracts are a total ripoff. But I'm still part of the modern blogosphere, so let's have a look at PAY AS YOU GO INTERNETS!
O2
O2 don't allow Internet access on Pay As You Go. At any price. Let's call their price INFINITY POUNDS (plus VAT).
Virgin
Virgin aren't a real mobile phone operator, but I'll put them here anyway because the price is hilarious. Virgin charge 0.5p per KB, uncapped. To me, that seems like five quid per megabyte.
Vodafone
Vodafone have a flat maximum of 2 quid per day.
Orange
Orange have a "web exclusive offer" that gives you free evening data calls. Max 2 quid per day.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offer 0.73p per KB, which is even worse than virgin! However, this is capped at a quid a day... so pretty much the cheapest for any reasonable amount of use then.
O2
O2 don't allow Internet access on Pay As You Go. At any price. Let's call their price INFINITY POUNDS (plus VAT).
Virgin
Virgin aren't a real mobile phone operator, but I'll put them here anyway because the price is hilarious. Virgin charge 0.5p per KB, uncapped. To me, that seems like five quid per megabyte.
Vodafone
Vodafone have a flat maximum of 2 quid per day.
Orange
Orange have a "web exclusive offer" that gives you free evening data calls. Max 2 quid per day.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offer 0.73p per KB, which is even worse than virgin! However, this is capped at a quid a day... so pretty much the cheapest for any reasonable amount of use then.
19 June, 2007
Pearl Jam
OK, last night we drove 100 million miles to see Pearl Jam at Wembley Arena, and they pretty much rocked out. I was quite stunned as to the amount of pure rock on display.
It's also quite scary to see some of the more dedicated fans. Behind us were some Cubans, to our left... Canadians. I spotted Frenchmuns and Spaniards too. Woah!
Their rock songs in particular sound much better live.
They finished with this one:
I will light the match this mornin, so I wont be alone
Watch as she lies silent, for soon night will be gone
Oh, I will stand arms outstretched, pretend Im free to roam
Oh, I will make my way, through, one more day in hell...
How much difference does it make
How much difference does it make, yeah...
I will hold the candle till it burns up my arm
Oh, Ill keep takin punches until their will grows tired
Oh, I will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind hey,
I wont change direction, and I wont change my mind
How much difference does it make
Mmm, how much difference does it make...how much difference...
Ill swallow poison, until I grow immune
I will scream my lungs out till it fills this room
How much difference does it make
14 June, 2007
War
You know there's this supposed console war on right?
I reckon microsoft have a load of war games on their console because they want to attract people who like war, so they can go and get their war on for xbox in the forums.
I reckon microsoft have a load of war games on their console because they want to attract people who like war, so they can go and get their war on for xbox in the forums.
Merkdot relaunches
Today, Merkdot relaunched itself as a highly reactionary new media outlet, designed to interpret news and events exactly as the author sees fit!
11 June, 2007
Classic 5 for £30 title review 2: "Citizen Kane"
I think Orson Welles is involved in this one.
Directed by Orson Welles
Produced by Orson Welles
Written by Orson Welles
Starring Orson Welles
This crazy 1941 film tells the story of a guy who utters a bizarre word on his deathbed which is then investigated by some film reporters, partly due to the guys incredible fame and importance.
It's a bit mental at times, and the usual Miles Cholmondly-Warner style acting is present here too. There's a lot of deep meaning and stuff hidden between the lines, and a lot of reference that at the time was probably very important, back when it was contemporary.
It is better than a lot of the standard crap you get now, I'm glad I watched it but I can't see myself watching it again, and I wouldn't say it's quite as relevant now as it was. I can see where folks are coming from when they say it's the best/most important film ever, I just don't really agree.
The wikipedia entry on this guy is definitely worth a read if you've seen/intend to see the film.
Directed by Orson Welles
Produced by Orson Welles
Written by Orson Welles
Starring Orson Welles
This crazy 1941 film tells the story of a guy who utters a bizarre word on his deathbed which is then investigated by some film reporters, partly due to the guys incredible fame and importance.
It's a bit mental at times, and the usual Miles Cholmondly-Warner style acting is present here too. There's a lot of deep meaning and stuff hidden between the lines, and a lot of reference that at the time was probably very important, back when it was contemporary.
It is better than a lot of the standard crap you get now, I'm glad I watched it but I can't see myself watching it again, and I wouldn't say it's quite as relevant now as it was. I can see where folks are coming from when they say it's the best/most important film ever, I just don't really agree.
The wikipedia entry on this guy is definitely worth a read if you've seen/intend to see the film.
31 January, 2007
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