DVD burning process placed on hold

A few months ago (in March, to be exact), I wrote a post explaining how easy it was to convert one's personal VHS collection to DVD using a fully functional TV tuner, as well as a laptop with a DVD burner. Well, a few months ago, without any warning, my laptop's DVD burner decided to quit finalizing discs. 

This unfortunate event has put the entire process on hold, which hasn't bothered my brother or Emily (they're the ones I was doing it for). However, the fact that I am left stranded with just extra blank discs and nothing to burn them with (I offered to complete the project if I could borrow one of theirs -- they were okay with holding out) has felt, to say the least, frustrating. 

To remedy the situation, I looked in to different options, from external burners, to new laptops, to an internal model or two that seems as though one of them would fit my current Dell desktop computer, and the price(s) were affordable, so I seriously took the options into consideration, especially considering that it would be much less expensive to add an additional piece to a desktop than to purchase an entirely new computer and it would also be less time consuming because it would be less time consuming for me to install compatible hardware inside an existing machine than to learn an entirely new operating system.

Needless to say, I am sitting at square one right now weighing my options for the DVD burning process. 

Give Them Ten? We'll See.

So, yesterday the internet saw the unveiling of the much anticipated new version of Windows -- Windows 10. After the fiasco that was Windows 8/8.1, it will be really interesting to see where this new version of Windows will end up in a few years. 

The most obvious change is the "return" of the Start menu. However, those that were smart enough to install Classic Shell for Windows 8.1 will probably see it as Microsoft taking the Windows 7 start menu and half-butchering it with Windows 8-style apps, albeit, I hear that the apps run in an actual window now as opposed to full-screen, like a DOS application. 

The other feature that had me curious was the fact that Microsoft fixed the feature that allows a user to purchase a Windows Store app once and then use it on their phone, tablet, or desktop/laptop. However, since I decided to go for the iPhone as my first smartphone device, this feature doesn't seem as relevant anymore.

I've had very little experience with Windows 8(.1) and therefore I can't vouch for it, and really, the same goes for Windows 10, except I don't have any experience with it, since I did not sign up for the Windows Insider program. However, from what I have seen with Windows 8.1, the fact that Microsoft plans to chop the Windows 7 Start Menu in half and replace the other half with touchscreen apps for me, raises an eyebrow.

The other hilarious (albeit useful) feature that is "new" to Windows 10 is a multiple desktop option. This is primarily funny because it feels as though Microsoft is playing catch-up to other operating system competitors such as Linux, whose users have been able to enjoy this feature for more than a decade at least.

For more on the title reference, watch this commercial that has aired on television in the last couple of years: https://vimeo.com/95508597

An Example of the Windows 10 Desktop

I have my I on U -- From iPhone Antagonist to Apologist

Over the years, I have had much debate on whether or not to jump in to the heated debacle that is the "Smartphone Wars." At one point, I had almost decided on either Windows or Ubuntu because I was familiar with both, and each provided me with a variety of smartphone hardware (as does Android), but with the consistent interface that iOS provides across its generations of devices.

Originally, I had planned to go with Android, along with the Ubuntu One app, which allows a user to boot Ubuntu from their Android device, while still keeping their Android installation intact. However, as years went on after I made this decision, Ubuntu and Android parted ways, and Ubuntu Mobile became its own separate distribution that installs itself in place of Ubuntu instead of alongside it as an app that boots using the Android kernel.

Upon learning this, I took some more time to think about my smartphone options. I had finally made my decision a couple of months ago to settle on Windows Phone. This was because of the consistent interface across different devices, and the fact that there was a very good piece of hardware that used and supported it -- The HTC One M8. My reasoning for going with Windows Phone was that I would be able to use Microsoft Office to edit and submit assignments on the go without having to pull out a heavy laptop, plus Windows 8 allows its users to download an app and use it on their desktop and mobile device, and I had heard that Windows 10 had improved this feature. 

My decision in this matter came to a crashing halt when Emily pointed out how uncomfortable it would be to create and edit documents on a five-inch screen, even though this was one of my arguments for getting a Windows Phone in the first place. I then decided to go with Android again, and I had settled on the decision to choose either the Motorola Moto X or Google Nexus 6 (the latter of which is also made by Motorola). My brother had decided to get an iPhone at this point because he was fed up with how glitchy Android was, and wanted a fresh start. Well, over time, we both switched sides when Emily's iPhone that her employer provided her with started having call (and other issues).

Emily's next step (after a failed attempt at having an Apple Store employee fix it) was to get her phone replaced. This meant that Emily would have an extra iPhone to use, so she offered it to me with no strings attached. She then offered it to me because it would mean that she would have a spare, and after some careful research and consideration, I accepted the offer. I also showed Matt the Motorola Moto X (and possibly Nexus 6) because he was diving into App development, and Android caters better to this anyway. 

Ironically, Emily was able to get her existing phone in working order (for now), so that put me back to the drawing board regarding how to get an iPhone in the first place.

Anyway, after my decision was made, I took the time to research what kinds of apps I would prefer to install on the phone itself. Also, because the iPhone has a reputation for being easily damaged, I looked for a cover to protect the device. For that, I picked one that looked like an early Macintosh and as a plus, was a joke to a cartoon that Matt and I used to enjoy. That can be found here.

Compy iPhone 5 sleeve

I showed the phone cover to Emily, and she thought it was clever, as well as reasonable. As for the types of apps I would want to start out with I looked through the Apple App Store via my web browser and came up with five candidates to start out with: 

5) WinZip - I initially decided on this app because I have used it before on Windows desktops, and it comes in handy sometimes. I also was not sure if iOS could natively handle ZIP files, and in that context, it seemed like a good idea to download it just in case.

4) Khan Academy App - This is a website that I use every day, and I was curious how the mobile app would be. I thought that it would also be a positive to not have to pull my laptop out or boot up my desktop in order to do a couple of math equations every day.

3) Fruit Ninja - There wasn't much logic to this choice. I mostly needed it to fill out the top five list, and it's just a fun game overall. I have tried it before on an Android tablet, and also at either Dave & Buster's or Scene 75. It's quite a fun game, and I would not mind playing it again. 

2) LDS Gospel Library - Practically every church member that I have met has this app (as well as others) and this will be a nice addition to my iPhone, as well as a relief on my shoulders so that I don't have to lug a large pair of scriptures and 5 manuals everywhere.

1) Roku Mobile App - I saved the best for last. When I moved out to Colorado, one of the things I forgot to take with me was batteries. I have three devices that require AA batteries, and one that requires AAA. Three of the four devices I have learned to work around. My desktop's TV tuner can be controlled by keyboard and mouse, so I do not need AAA batteries for my remote control right now. I brought a spare wired keyboard and mouse with me so that takes care of almost all of my AA battery problems. The only issue is that I do not have anything to control the Roku with, which is also where the AA batteries come in. With the Roku app for iOS, I will finally be able to set up and use the Roku without worrying if I am going to need to replace remote batteries (the iPhone has RC capability and a rechargeable battery).

A depiction of the iPhone 5 from the front, back, and side.

Wait. It's Only Been Seven Days?!

Last week, I wrote a Top 5 post about a crop of Nintendo eShop games that I was interested in purchasing. This post was published on a Thursday, and as luck would have it, here I am, almost exactly one week to the day, and I am already writing a second post with more games to take into consideration. These are just as awesome as the first batch of games, and the best part is that they are all currently available, with no pending release date to wait for.

5) Puzzle Box Setup - (Nintendo 3DS) 

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fn1p9tW65CCjtNx275yfPvjGhPbqJqRg 

I watched the trailer for this, and at first glance, I was quite intrigued. The weirdest part of the demonstration video was probably the fact that the player turned the system upside down in order to play the game, but honestly, there have been Wario Ware mini-games that have required the same console orientation, so with that in mind, the weirdness wore off. My other impression was a touch of curiosity because the concept reminded me of pixel art.

4) Tetris Ultimate - (Nintendo 3DS) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/V5fIE81U3xMFEQjje2V33i1D-iwFAn-0

There isn't a Nintendo handheld in the world today (except probably the original Game & Watch) that would be complete without some variation of Tetris. This version, published by Ubisoft, shows lots of promise, and hopefully will be a lot better than its original Nintendo DS predecessor. At a cost of only $15-20, depending on sale prices, it's an investment that doesn't require too much risk on the consumer's part.

3) Smash Controller - (Nintendo 3DS) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/VmpYE_AjAlpxZvRYOerOrHkgincIINOl

Whilst initially looking at this option, one might think "Why would you include this option on a list such as this?" Well, given that the full Nintendo 3DS game costs almost as much as the Wii U version (which I'll add to this list next), ninety-nine cents does not seem like that much of an investment, especially considering most players would be more likely to play the Wii U version. Sure, there's no local multiplayer between Nintendo 3DS handhelds, but at a price of ninety-nine cents, I wasn't expecting too much of UI overhaul, anyway.

2) Super Smash Bros. - (Wii U) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/HPp-wrUaZHOKvK_GzCJ9eDkIom6x_TEA

For most people, this would probably take the coveted top spot for a list such as this, however, considering that this game requires a lot of extra controllers that a user doesn't necessarily have laying around, it takes the number two spot on my list. Besides, when you see number one, and my reasoning for it, you'll understand.

1) Punch-Out! (Wii) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/ZHP5TzdBJW6cYMf-0JGdbYCAIBvgTWLl

While it may seem odd for me to add a Wii game to a list of games to purchase for the Wii U, there is some logical thinking to this. A few months ago, Nintendo started adding Wii games to the Nintendo eShop lineup as downloads for the Wii U. This was one of them, as well as was the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy (which almost made this list). Initially, when Club Nintendo introduced a bunch of games to their reward lineup (before the program's discontinuation, which I mentioned in my Facebook note regarding the rewards program), they re-introduced a smaller version where you fight against your trainer, Doc Louis. I redeemed this version with some of my Club Nintendo points, and at first, it was awesome. However, I realized that there were no other opponents and decided that the full Wii version would be worth investing in, especially after reading reviews that said the downloadable version on the eShop was equal to its disc-based counterpart.

Five More Games to Buy From the Nintendo eShop

Nintendo has really built up its game library in the past few years. Initially, when the Nintendo 3DS was released, I was quite skeptical. However, as I have spent some time with both it and the Wii U, I have been able to gain an appreciation for the software library for each. Enclosed I have made a list of five additional games that I am interested in purchasing at a later time from their online store: 

5) 3D Classics -- Urban Champion (Nintendo 3DS) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fVmbnNN5DWsagC5FypPYqLFQCbLHJK3

This is primarily at the bottom of my list because I already own the normal version that is available in the Wii U version of the Nintendo e Shop. However, it still makes the cut because the visual effects of the Nintendo 3DS make it look more appealing.

4) 3D Classics -- Xevious (Nintendo 3DS) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/sfSp0inPH0oilzztvI8WWqCNsbtlmkHv

I have actually played a 3D version of Xevious in the past for the original PlayStation, and to be quite honest, there were some parts of it that I was not impressed with. The saving grace of that title was that there were four other versions of the same game that I could play that had far superior controls. I am curious to see how Nintendo's three-dimensional adaptation pans out in comparison.

3) 3D Sonic the Hedgehog (Nintendo 3DS) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/vZKEr0P1-o6VfSUoPNb2P6p7KJxichpO

While yes, this is yet another remake of the first game in a franchise, it also includes the Spin Dash move that the GameBoy Advance version implemented, which is not in the original Genesis version. I also have a feeling that the game will benefit from the Nintendo 3DS' Circle Pad, which is its take on a handheld joystick.

2) Bit.Trip Presents: Runner 2 (Wii U) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/xOozJm59VnYDi6n_5k1xV7UM02QxJvUj

I've watched the trailer for this a few times, and I have also watched my brother play it once as well, because he has that computer version of it (which he bought via Steam). All in all, my first impressions of it are that it looks like a complete improvement over its predecessor, and I am really excited to try it for myself on the Wii U. Hopefully by the time I have enough eShop credit saved up, it will be on sale.

1) Mario Maker (Wii U) http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/i7YeZxnWhEFX6ST-sLdUBGmLoZivzNP5

This is probably the game that I am most excited about. Initially it was not slated to launch until New Year's Eve, however, after the latest E3 trailer, the release date was pushed up to September 11th, which means it will be available for the upcoming holiday shopping season. This was a brilliant decision on Nintendo's part, as it will probably be a "must-have" on every Nintendo fan's wish list (including mine, depending on its launch price). 

I want my U-S-B

USB is everywhere. Xbox, PlayStation, Wii/Wii U, and of course, Mac and PC. So when I saw an article announcing the USB 3.1 standard, it didn't really blip on my radar. I mean, sure, there's always some excitement about faster data transfer speeds, but quite frankly, those sometimes don't mean much unless your computer has components of equal quality to match. 

That's when I saw an image similar to the one shown below. Note the style of plug being used in the picture:

An example of the USB type C cable connector

Yes, along with the new standard that should include backward compatibility with older devices, the folks at the USB Implementer's Forum decided that not only should there be a new standard that makes all of your current devices slower, but that there should also be a new standard that makes backward compatibility a pain in the butt by making your current devices slower, but this time, they also found a way to make them obsolete as well.

Now, that's not to say that it's not a bad idea to introduce this type of plug. No, the concept of the plug is brilliant because it is the same on both ends, as well as the top and bottom, so that aspect of the cable is foolproof. At any rate, we'll just have to let time determine if it will catch on or not. Then again, both Apple and Google have adopted it in their newest laptops -- Google with the Chromebook and Apple with the MacBook Air -- see 'Today I Lost Faith in Humanity,' Monday, March 9, 2015.

P.S. Did anyone notice the Money For Nothing parody in the title?

When Compact Discs (as well as DVDs, etc.) are reduced to Frisbees:

It occurs to me that in the past decade, the standard "medium" has become digital download. From rental services that stream movies (such as Netflix and Crackle) to online stores such as the Nintendo eShop, Steam and well, Google Play could fit into both of these categories. 

A day or two ago, I was looking for a couple of discs that contained two separate DOS games that I loved and remembered from my childhood. after what felt like an hour or two of "tearing my room apart" (metaphorically speaking, that is) I was finally able to determine that I had forgotten to pack them away with all of my hardware re-installation discs. 

So that leaves me thinking for a minute. I ask myself a couple of questions: Do I ask Emily to look for them when she goes back to Ohio next month? Do I try to describe them to Mom to see if she can find them and mail them? Or do I look for the games on Google and bookmark the resulting websites to download them to my new computer later on?

Well, naturally, I ended up choosing "Door Number Three." After careful searching (one doesn't want to find a website full of malware) I was able to find the two pieces of software I had been searching for. I was able to find the first one, "Epic Pinball" on a website I had used previously called "MyAbandonware," which happens to be the same place where I found another game from my 6th Grade year of school called "Super Solvers' Spellbound." I had also found Jazz Jackrabbit here as well, but it was only the demo, and quite frankly, I can extract that from DOSGames.com.

Finding the full version of Jazz Jackrabbit was a different story. After the secondary Google Search mentioned above, I managed to stumble upon a website called "FreeGameEmpire.com" and not only was the version they had not a demo, they also had the CD version that contained all of the "Episodes" (yes that type of game existed WELL before half-life!) for download from their website. 

The third game that I hadn't thought of at the time, but has occurred to me now is Rayman. I am not as worried about finding it on the internet because it has been remade at least twice for portable systems, so if I want it bad enough, I will most likely download it from the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS. 

To Xfinity....AND BEYOND!!!!

In case anyone didn't catch it, I did make a play on a Toy Story reference. Now that I have that out of my system, I can get to the task at hand. Since moving to Colorado and settling in, I have only found two pockets of the state that have Time Warner as their cable provider. It also just so happens that I do not live in either of them, so our cable provider is Comcast.

Emily initially subscribed to them because of the affordability and the fact that we only really needed internet at the time. When our modem came in the mail, both of them put me up to the task of setting it up, which I was perfectly okay with. 

The initial setup seemed simple: look at the instructions that came with the box, and follow them to a tee. I was able to do just that, however, at first, the box wouldn't cooperate. Matt and I figured that it meant that the modem we were sent was faulty, so we went to Best Buy to buy a new one. They only had one brand, and it was way overpriced, so next we tried either Staples or Office Depot since it was right next door.  At any rate, the one we tried didn't have any modems at all, and we were about to try the other one when I instantaneously piped up and insisted that we try Walmart instead. Well, we headed there next after I convinced Matt, and when we got there, I headed straight for the Home Entertainment department.  

Once we get to the right department, I start hovering in and eventually find the wireless routers. Fortunately for me, the Cable and DSL modems are also in the same area, and we settle on a Motorola Surfboard model (which is apparently co-owned by Arris now -- I had to come to this conclusion). We also grab a Belkin N150 wireless router to go with it -- they're cheap and only last a year, but why not, and since we are at Walmart anyway, we grab some essentials and head for the self-checkout.

Once we get our items scanned and paid for, we head back to the apartment, and I start back at square one. I then start to follow the instructions for the Motorola modem, since we are going to set that up first, and of course, no progress is made whatsoever. Emily then proceeds to call customer support and, being the persistent type that she is, "bear-claws" her way through Comcast's customer service phone tree.  After a few hangups and some "choice words" we eventually get a service visit for the next day and all is right with the world.

Flash forward 24 hours: so on the day of the visit, the technician comes out and looks around to see what we've tried so far and also what he is dealing with. The guy is super nice and considerate and after looking around, discovers that not all of our outlets are wired for Cable. Well this wouldn't have occurred to the average person--or even me, and we have a nice little chat about internet standards. The irony is that before the visit, we were not able to use the internet directly, however, we were able to use a special service known as "Xfinity Wi-Fi" which is like a "hotspot" that a customer's modem puts out for when a mobile device is outside of the home. After some time passes, he is eventually able to get our internet up and running to where we can use the internet through our regular SSID (or network name).

In short, would I subscribe if I were on my own? I would give it a solid "maybe."

Front of Xfinity box. The only difference between ours and 

this one is the manufacturer.

Rear of Xfinity Box.

Homebrew no more

I have recently discovered that it is no longer possible to initiate the Homebrew Channel on the Wii U. Despite my best attempt and precise instruction following for the Indiana Pwns exploit, which I had read was possible due to the SD card bypass, it was not meant to be. I copied the file to the system memory from Wii mode on the Wii U and otherwise followed the directions precisely. I also tried a different exploit that was supposed to be compatible with Wii U and Wii Mini, however, there was still no such luck. I will keep an eye on the Wii Brew and Wii U Brew Wiki pages from time to time to see if this changes, but for now, I am not holding my breath. If anyone has any ideas, leave me a message in the comments.

My attempt at the Indiana Pwns exploit. When the character is selected, a homebrew installer is supposed to launch.

Childhood Restored -- Part Three: The Super Nintendo controller

A few months back, I found and purchased a second USB video game controller to replace the broken generic Xbox one that I bought from Walmart a few years prior. I had already purchased a Microsoft-branded controller for that console (but for the intention of computer usage). I had seen pictures of it and I was intrigued towards purchasing one, however, being the indecisive consumer that I am, I held off for a few months after I initially found it. 

Well, one day, Mom decided she had to order some stuff from Amazon anyway, and asked me if I wanted anything while she was ordering, as she always does. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask about the controller, so I went ahead and pulled up the webpage that I had bookmarked and she went ahead and added the item to her checkout list. I also managed to pay her for it when the opportunity arose, and after a couple of days, it arrived in the mail (I love how fast items ship to Ohio!). 

The iBuffalo USB SNES controller

So Mom and I open the box it shipped in, and she pulls her items out, and I pull out the box the controller comes in. I then proceed to grab scissors (because all shipping boxes are taped shut) and I open the controller's box, and the moment of truth arrives: I plug the controller into either my desktop or laptop (I eventually did both) and it works PERFECTLY! I then fire up the Super Nintendo emulator and configure the controller to the emulator itself, and all is right with the world. I have since taken the controller (as well as the Microsoft-branded Xbox 360 controller with me to Colorado, and both of them work without any hiccups (although the SNES controller feels more comfortable).

A side-by-side comparison of the same controller and Xbox 360 controller.

In other news, Emily bought an electrically-propelled tornado....

Okay, in actuality what happened is she bought a bag-less vacuum, but my explanation grabs one's attention. Now, normally this should not seem like something that is a big deal (or at least big enough to be worth writing about), however, I grew up in a home where the closest thing we had to this concept was a 16-gallon "Shop-Vac" that didn't even have a see-through container, and technically, it had a cover for the filter that could almost be considered a vacuum bag.

At any rate, this thing is impressive. Not only can it work on any surface, but it is definitely less noisy than the average vacuum, and it also doesn't have that funky odor that a traditional bag vacuum can leave behind. The brand is known as "Shark" and when Emily brought it home, I recognized the brand name right away because they used to be advertised all the time on television as being a "Sears Exclusive TV Offer" product, which is why when Emily explained that she found the vacuum at Costco, I was quite surprised.

Now, noise is a different story. It seems like it puts out the same volume level of noise as a traditional vacuum, however, the noise clarity is unusually clearer. I realize that it seems odd to notice something like that, however, this fact remains.

Now, yes, that means due to the size of the holding bin, it does need to be emptied after a few uses, but the best trade-off would be the lack of a musty smell that traditional vacuums give one's house after someone uses it. 

Now, you might ask why I would call it an "electrically propelled tornado" and this is because the first time I saw it being used, I paid close attention to the collection bin, and I could see all of the collected dirt and debris spinning around in the canister at a very high speed, but it was all contained within the collection bin itself. If there's any readers that can come up with a better descriptive term than that, let me know in the comments. 

In short, I've become converted to this type of vacuum and would completely surprise myself if I ever went back to using a traditional bag-based vacuum. The Shark is pretty awesome.

The Shark vacuum while propped up along with its "hose" extension.