Cutting your cable can work, if you're a TV snob
Cable cutting has garnered a lot of hype lately, but it can become a lot less appealing once you dive into the details. CNET Senior Editor David Katzmaier didn't even last a full month during his cord-cutting experiment last November, and CNET contributor Geoff Morrison was similarly unenthusiastic when he broke down the details of what it would take for him to be cable-free.Those cautionary tales are excellent resources for anyone thinking about taking the leap, but not every cable-cutting story ends in failure. I canceled my cable more than four and half years ago and haven't looked back. That's not because I have any secrets or tricks that Katzmaier and Morrison don't know. It's because my TV-viewing habits are substantially different from theirs. Below are the main reasons why being cable-free has worked for me, which could wind up being a good test to see if you're a good candidate to become a cable-cutter.I don't watch a lot of TVI don't like calling myself a snob, but that may be the best way to put it. The reality is that I can only think of a few current TV series I watched last year: "Mad Men," "Parks and Recreation," "Louie," and "Delocated." The first three I purchased on Amazon Instant (which is a convenient app on my HDTV), and "Delocated" I bought via iTunes.According to a report (PDF) by The Convergence Consulting Group, "the average TV subscriber home pays its access provider $74/month and watches 240 hours of TV, equating to $.31/hour." That's much, much more TV than I watch. I probably average more like 40 hours of TV a month and a lot of that is Netflix streaming and DVD rentals, not cable TV. It's not that I don't like TV, but I lean way more toward quality than quantity, not to mention having lots of other hobbies and interests filling up my spare time.Related links• TV without cable: How to cut the cord• Recap: Diary of a cable TV cord cutter• Which streaming media device is right for you?I don't like to channel surfEven when I had cable TV, I wasn't a big channel surfer. I tend to find out about new shows from friends or reviews from places like the Onion A.V. Club, rather than flipping around until something looks interesting. So I'm not missing anything by not having always-on cable TV with tons of shows being beamed to my TV at any given moment. Similarly, a lot of people like to leave the TV on while they're doing other activities, but I never got into that habit. First-time cable cutters are often surprised by how much they miss just having the TV on.I don't watch any reality TVHere's where the snob aspect comes in again. Again, even when I had cable, I wasn't a big reality TV viewer. While it's relatively easy to keep watching scripted TV shows without cable, it's much harder (if not impossible) to do the same with reality shows. The lack of reality programming was a big reason why the cable-cutting trial in Katzmaier's household failed.I'm OK only watching sports on network TVMy biggest compromise is missing out on watching the Yankees. I'm not the kind of die-hard fan who would watch all 162 games every year, but there are generally a few games a month that I'd want to watch. I'd gladly pay a $100-a-year subscription for MLB.TV, but because of blackout restrictions, I still wouldn't be able to see the Yankees. I also typically watch every Giants game during NFL season, but they're all broadcast on major networks, which I get via free over-the-air HDTV. Which leads me to...I get excellent over-the-air TV receptionThe final piece of the puzzle as to why cable cutting works for me is I get crystal-clear over-the-air HDTV reception. If I couldn't watch the Giants every Sunday via an over-the-air broadcast, I'd be back to cable. I'm in a lucky location where all I need is a small indoor antenna to pull in all the major networks and PBS. (And don't worry, my current antenna setup is a lot less of an eyesore than the one in the picture above.)Should you cancel your cable?When people ask me if I think they should cancel their cable, my standard reply is no. When I look over this list, it seems obvious that unless you have a lot of things going in your favor, cutting the cord will be a struggle for most people.That's why I think the picture at the top of this post encapsulates cable cutting--it's kind of a kludge at the moment. Cable TV is incredibly convenient and when you go without you have to mix and match a lot of different content sources to make it work. And even then, you'll probably have to make compromises.Still, when I recently moved to a new apartment and considered going back to cable TV, I ended up deciding against it. If you're like me and you don't watch that much TV to begin with, it feels crazy to spend $100 a month on a lot of programming you don't watch and that's chock-full of commercials. Maybe that makes you a TV snob, too, but it's much easier to embrace the label when you're saving hundreds of dollars a year.
Rooms lets you IRC from your iPhone
Rooms lets you IRC from your iPhone
Rooms is, so far anyway, the first and only IRC client for the iPhone. It's pretty stripped down as far as IRC clients go, but for simple chatting, it works really well. That said, it has quite a number of bugs, probably because it's only version 0.5.For the uninitiated, IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, and involves real-time Internet communication on chat rooms called channels. There are hundreds of IRC servers located around the world, and is probably one of the oldest forms of Internet chat rooms.When you first start Rooms up, you'll be prompted to add a new server, a port number, as well as a desired nickname, which is typical with most IRC clients. Then you can decide if you want to always connect to the server, plus you can set up default rooms (or channels) to join upon connecting. Rooms also has a nice console view that lets you see the connection status. Other settings include the ability to save chat logs, the choice to disable the iPhone's autolock feature (meaning it'll prevent the phone from going to sleep), plus the choice to stay constantly connected. The latter means that even when you get disconnected, the client will automatically try to reconnect you. You can join multiple rooms on multiple serversNicole Lee/CNETFrom there, you can join any channel you wish, and you can even switch between different channels by swiping your finger horizontally across the screen. However, when we tried to connect to two different IRC servers simultaneously, we sometimes found that channels would freeze and not show up. This is probably a bug with the first version of the software, but just keep that in mind. The channel layout is pretty self-explanatory. The nicknames are along the top, while the chat goes on beneath it. Typing out chat messages is as easy as tapping the empty field on the bottom and then typing away on the iPhone keyboard. You can also toggle auto-correct off by hitting the "ABC" button. To send a private message to someone, you can tap the person's name or select the name from the pop-up menu on the bottom right. There are a few limitations, though. You can't do the typical IRC slash commands, like /op or /me, so you'll be pretty useless as a channel moderator. Of course,chat and data transfers in the form of DCC (Direct Client-to-Client) aren't supported either. Also, as we mentioned, there are several bugs that can occur with this first version of the app. For example, one of the bugs I encountered was that the Disable Autolock feature sometimes crashed the app altogether.If you can live with the occasional bug, though, I think this is a well-executed app, especially for those of us who simply must continue to chat online even when out and about. Rooms costs $0.99 cents on the iTunes App Store.
Rooms is, so far anyway, the first and only IRC client for the iPhone. It's pretty stripped down as far as IRC clients go, but for simple chatting, it works really well. That said, it has quite a number of bugs, probably because it's only version 0.5.For the uninitiated, IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, and involves real-time Internet communication on chat rooms called channels. There are hundreds of IRC servers located around the world, and is probably one of the oldest forms of Internet chat rooms.When you first start Rooms up, you'll be prompted to add a new server, a port number, as well as a desired nickname, which is typical with most IRC clients. Then you can decide if you want to always connect to the server, plus you can set up default rooms (or channels) to join upon connecting. Rooms also has a nice console view that lets you see the connection status. Other settings include the ability to save chat logs, the choice to disable the iPhone's autolock feature (meaning it'll prevent the phone from going to sleep), plus the choice to stay constantly connected. The latter means that even when you get disconnected, the client will automatically try to reconnect you. You can join multiple rooms on multiple serversNicole Lee/CNETFrom there, you can join any channel you wish, and you can even switch between different channels by swiping your finger horizontally across the screen. However, when we tried to connect to two different IRC servers simultaneously, we sometimes found that channels would freeze and not show up. This is probably a bug with the first version of the software, but just keep that in mind. The channel layout is pretty self-explanatory. The nicknames are along the top, while the chat goes on beneath it. Typing out chat messages is as easy as tapping the empty field on the bottom and then typing away on the iPhone keyboard. You can also toggle auto-correct off by hitting the "ABC" button. To send a private message to someone, you can tap the person's name or select the name from the pop-up menu on the bottom right. There are a few limitations, though. You can't do the typical IRC slash commands, like /op or /me, so you'll be pretty useless as a channel moderator. Of course,chat and data transfers in the form of DCC (Direct Client-to-Client) aren't supported either. Also, as we mentioned, there are several bugs that can occur with this first version of the app. For example, one of the bugs I encountered was that the Disable Autolock feature sometimes crashed the app altogether.If you can live with the occasional bug, though, I think this is a well-executed app, especially for those of us who simply must continue to chat online even when out and about. Rooms costs $0.99 cents on the iTunes App Store.
The 404 906- Where Qwikster delivers the booty (podcast)
The 404 906: Where Qwikster delivers the booty (podcast)
Before we get into the important Netflix news of of the day, Jeff tells us about his weekend experience at "Sleep No More," an interactive theater experience in New York that's loosely based on the Macbeth story--with a creepy twist. The plot plays out in various acts throughout a three-story abandoned warehouse in Chelsea, so tune in to hear more spoiler-free details and reserve your tickets here!Next we'll get into the Netflix mea culpa delivered by e-mail and blog post this morning that's giving current Netflix subscribers even more reasons to moan about the recent price hike.CEO Reed Hastings announced that the company will soon split in two, with the name of the DVD mail rental service changing to Qwikster (not to be confused with Quixtar, QuickStar, Kwikster, Quickster, or Quik-Star), while the video-streaming arm will retain the Netflix name and Web address.We'll also talk today about a satellite plunging from space, a group of scientists that are poaching PS3 gamers to help find a cure for AIDS, and the last single-space parking meter disappearing in Manhattan today.The 404 Digest for Episode 906DragCloseThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.The emoticon was invented 29 years ago today.Netflix CEO: "I slid into arrogance."PS3 users are helping to find a cure for AIDS.A satellite loosely based on "Donnie Darko" is coming to Earth.World's largest sperm bank refusing donations from redheads.Iguana Fart.Episode 906Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Before we get into the important Netflix news of of the day, Jeff tells us about his weekend experience at "Sleep No More," an interactive theater experience in New York that's loosely based on the Macbeth story--with a creepy twist. The plot plays out in various acts throughout a three-story abandoned warehouse in Chelsea, so tune in to hear more spoiler-free details and reserve your tickets here!Next we'll get into the Netflix mea culpa delivered by e-mail and blog post this morning that's giving current Netflix subscribers even more reasons to moan about the recent price hike.CEO Reed Hastings announced that the company will soon split in two, with the name of the DVD mail rental service changing to Qwikster (not to be confused with Quixtar, QuickStar, Kwikster, Quickster, or Quik-Star), while the video-streaming arm will retain the Netflix name and Web address.We'll also talk today about a satellite plunging from space, a group of scientists that are poaching PS3 gamers to help find a cure for AIDS, and the last single-space parking meter disappearing in Manhattan today.The 404 Digest for Episode 906DragCloseThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.The emoticon was invented 29 years ago today.Netflix CEO: "I slid into arrogance."PS3 users are helping to find a cure for AIDS.A satellite loosely based on "Donnie Darko" is coming to Earth.World's largest sperm bank refusing donations from redheads.Iguana Fart.Episode 906Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Playlist.com files for Chapter 11
Playlist.com files for Chapter 11
"The company expects to conduct business as usual and emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible," Playlist said in a statement. In July, CNET reported that the company had run into money trouble and was looking for funding.Playlist.com enables users to create and share digital music playlists with friends. A couple of years ago, the service had built a reputation as a potential challenger to some of the other ad-supported music services, such as MySpace Music and Imeem. An embarrassing management shake-up followed, when then-CEO Owen Van Natta, the well-known former Facebook executive, resigned after only five months on the job to become MySpace CEO. (Van Natta then left MySpace after less than a year.)Two of the four major recording companies also filed copyright suits against the service. Those suits were eventually settled out of court. Playlist never really got going for those reasons, and it's hard to have much hope for the company's future when most of digital music seems mired in a stagnate period. Few, if any, digital-music companies are attracting big audiences or stirring much excitement. In the past 18 months, Imeem and iLike were acquired by MySpace, and SpiralFrog and Ruckus shut down. MySpace Music hasn't lived up to billing. Spotify can't quite make the jump to the United States. The best we can hope for is that the music service Google is working on is special. Sources in the music industry have told CNET that Google is working on a service that enables users to store and obtain music from the company's servers. Google could also link downloads to the company's powerful search engine.Apple's iTunes, the reigning and mostly unchallenged digital-music leader, is also working on a cloud music service, but music industry insiders say Apple's cloud plans are focused on video more than music, at this point.
"The company expects to conduct business as usual and emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible," Playlist said in a statement. In July, CNET reported that the company had run into money trouble and was looking for funding.Playlist.com enables users to create and share digital music playlists with friends. A couple of years ago, the service had built a reputation as a potential challenger to some of the other ad-supported music services, such as MySpace Music and Imeem. An embarrassing management shake-up followed, when then-CEO Owen Van Natta, the well-known former Facebook executive, resigned after only five months on the job to become MySpace CEO. (Van Natta then left MySpace after less than a year.)Two of the four major recording companies also filed copyright suits against the service. Those suits were eventually settled out of court. Playlist never really got going for those reasons, and it's hard to have much hope for the company's future when most of digital music seems mired in a stagnate period. Few, if any, digital-music companies are attracting big audiences or stirring much excitement. In the past 18 months, Imeem and iLike were acquired by MySpace, and SpiralFrog and Ruckus shut down. MySpace Music hasn't lived up to billing. Spotify can't quite make the jump to the United States. The best we can hope for is that the music service Google is working on is special. Sources in the music industry have told CNET that Google is working on a service that enables users to store and obtain music from the company's servers. Google could also link downloads to the company's powerful search engine.Apple's iTunes, the reigning and mostly unchallenged digital-music leader, is also working on a cloud music service, but music industry insiders say Apple's cloud plans are focused on video more than music, at this point.
OS X 10.9 to add more 'power user' features -- report
OS X 10.9 to add more 'power user' features -- report
Apple's next desktop operating system launch, which is slated for later this year, will come with few visual enhancements, but a host of improvements for so-called power users, according to a new report.The folks over at 9to5Mac on Monday said that they have sources with knowledge of Apple's plans who claim that the core design and functions of the new operating system, OS X 10.9 and code-named Cabernet, will remain the same. One of the biggest improvements, however, will be how the Finder application works. That application, which allows users to access files across the operating system, will support tags and tabbed browsing in OS X 10.9, making it easier for users to transfer files.A new Safari Web browser also will be making its way to the operating system, according to 9to5Mac. The browser will have a more responsive back end that improves page loading times.One other possibility for OS X 10.9: a multitasking feature similar to that which is available in iOS.OS X 10.9 is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference event in June. As always, CNET will be on hand to cover every last second of that event.
Apple's next desktop operating system launch, which is slated for later this year, will come with few visual enhancements, but a host of improvements for so-called power users, according to a new report.The folks over at 9to5Mac on Monday said that they have sources with knowledge of Apple's plans who claim that the core design and functions of the new operating system, OS X 10.9 and code-named Cabernet, will remain the same. One of the biggest improvements, however, will be how the Finder application works. That application, which allows users to access files across the operating system, will support tags and tabbed browsing in OS X 10.9, making it easier for users to transfer files.A new Safari Web browser also will be making its way to the operating system, according to 9to5Mac. The browser will have a more responsive back end that improves page loading times.One other possibility for OS X 10.9: a multitasking feature similar to that which is available in iOS.OS X 10.9 is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference event in June. As always, CNET will be on hand to cover every last second of that event.
Original iPhone reportedly to be obsolete on June 11
Original iPhone reportedly to be obsolete on June 11
The original iPhone will soon leave its current "vintage" status and become an obsolete product in Apple's eyes, according to an internal document seen by blog site 9to5 Mac.This change is slated to happen on June 11, 2013, which means that on this date people with the original iPhone will no longer be able to get it repaired or otherwise serviced.The change will take place for consumers in the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America regions, and in Apple's retail stores, according to the document, but the original iPhone will remain in vintage status for other authorized repair centers in the United States.Therefore, those in the U.S. who need to service their phones can still do so, but will need to visit an authorized service center other than an Apple Store.Apple maintains a list of its vintage and obsolete products on its Web site.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
The original iPhone will soon leave its current "vintage" status and become an obsolete product in Apple's eyes, according to an internal document seen by blog site 9to5 Mac.This change is slated to happen on June 11, 2013, which means that on this date people with the original iPhone will no longer be able to get it repaired or otherwise serviced.The change will take place for consumers in the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America regions, and in Apple's retail stores, according to the document, but the original iPhone will remain in vintage status for other authorized repair centers in the United States.Therefore, those in the U.S. who need to service their phones can still do so, but will need to visit an authorized service center other than an Apple Store.Apple maintains a list of its vintage and obsolete products on its Web site.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
The Longest Journey arrives remastered for iOS
The Longest Journey arrives remastered for iOS
As Red Thread Games releases the next installment in the Longest Journey series -- Kickstarter-funded Dreamfall Chapters -- the studio is also gearing up for a global relaunch of the original 1999 game, remastered for iOS.Related articlesBioShock releases on iOSAssassin's Creed Identity offers first RPG experience for iOSXCOM: Enemy Unknown"The Longest Journey is truly more than a game -- it's more like a book, a movie and a game all rolled into one. Explore an interactive and beautifully created universe from the perspective of April Ryan, a young art student who soon discovers that there is more to her world than meets the eye," the description reads."With the power to pass between worlds like others pass from waking to sleep, April must embark on the longest journey of her life; a journey not only across twin worlds but also into her very own heart and soul. Embark on a voyage across phenomenal worlds, encounter a fantastic cast of unforgettable characters, and unravel one of the most epic stories ever told."Three years in the making, the game is a faithful port of the original title, with graphics remastered for the high-resolution screens of iOS devices, both iPhone and iPad. The graphics can be a little rough around the edges in parts, but the point-and-click format works perfectly with the touchscreen platform.At this point, The Longest Journey has only been soft-launched in Australia and New Zealand as a test market. It's expected to arrive globally soon, at which point it will come in at $6.99 (AU$8.99 | £4.99) in the iTunes app store.
As Red Thread Games releases the next installment in the Longest Journey series -- Kickstarter-funded Dreamfall Chapters -- the studio is also gearing up for a global relaunch of the original 1999 game, remastered for iOS.Related articlesBioShock releases on iOSAssassin's Creed Identity offers first RPG experience for iOSXCOM: Enemy Unknown"The Longest Journey is truly more than a game -- it's more like a book, a movie and a game all rolled into one. Explore an interactive and beautifully created universe from the perspective of April Ryan, a young art student who soon discovers that there is more to her world than meets the eye," the description reads."With the power to pass between worlds like others pass from waking to sleep, April must embark on the longest journey of her life; a journey not only across twin worlds but also into her very own heart and soul. Embark on a voyage across phenomenal worlds, encounter a fantastic cast of unforgettable characters, and unravel one of the most epic stories ever told."Three years in the making, the game is a faithful port of the original title, with graphics remastered for the high-resolution screens of iOS devices, both iPhone and iPad. The graphics can be a little rough around the edges in parts, but the point-and-click format works perfectly with the touchscreen platform.At this point, The Longest Journey has only been soft-launched in Australia and New Zealand as a test market. It's expected to arrive globally soon, at which point it will come in at $6.99 (AU$8.99 | £4.99) in the iTunes app store.
The iPhone app that detects monsters
The iPhone app that detects monsters
You might think that this app is a very shallow way to fool your child (or yourself) into believing there's nothing untoward toward the window sill. However, Monster Meter promises four monster detection technologies, each seeming to offer a different emphasis on the axis between levity and gravity.There is, for example, a Green Meter, which the makers describe as "playful, yet serious." Like Renee Zellweger, I suppose. But then there's the Metal Meter, something that is described as a "more serious looking meter for serious monster finding".The makers emphasize that Monster Meter is designed to help your kids feel safer by seeing on an iPhone screen that there are no otherworldly gorillas in their midst. But there are surely adults, too, who might keep their Monster Meter close at hand. Politicians, for example, could use one before stepping into a room that might contain hidden adversaries, like the troubled ghosts of Richard Nixon, FDR, or Machiavelli. Actors, too, might wave their Monster Meters around before stepping into their trailers. There is surely something very comforting about knowing that the spirit of monster actors such as Orson Welles or Mel Gibson isn't lurking, ready to interfere with the final polish you give your lines.
You might think that this app is a very shallow way to fool your child (or yourself) into believing there's nothing untoward toward the window sill. However, Monster Meter promises four monster detection technologies, each seeming to offer a different emphasis on the axis between levity and gravity.There is, for example, a Green Meter, which the makers describe as "playful, yet serious." Like Renee Zellweger, I suppose. But then there's the Metal Meter, something that is described as a "more serious looking meter for serious monster finding".The makers emphasize that Monster Meter is designed to help your kids feel safer by seeing on an iPhone screen that there are no otherworldly gorillas in their midst. But there are surely adults, too, who might keep their Monster Meter close at hand. Politicians, for example, could use one before stepping into a room that might contain hidden adversaries, like the troubled ghosts of Richard Nixon, FDR, or Machiavelli. Actors, too, might wave their Monster Meters around before stepping into their trailers. There is surely something very comforting about knowing that the spirit of monster actors such as Orson Welles or Mel Gibson isn't lurking, ready to interfere with the final polish you give your lines.
The Good, The Bad, and The DRM-Free_0
The Good, The Bad, and The DRM-Free
On Monday, the face of digital music was potentially changed forever when record label EMI Group announced that it would be offering premium versions of its albums available for download, with better audio quality and no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions attached. Even more surprisingly, EMI's first partner in the endeavor is Apple's iTunes Store, which many would argue is the poster child for DRM's shortcomings.EMI's DRM-free offerings won't be available on the iTunes Store until next month, but the label has announced that the first premium album, the self-titled LP from The Good, The Bad, and the Queen is available for purchase on the band's Web site. It's in MP3 form--the iTunes Store's version will be in Apple's preferred AAC audio format.The Good, The Bad, and the Queen, as you may recall, gave a live performance prior to EMI and Apple's joint announcement on Monday. It's the latest project from British rocker Damon Albarn, of Blur and Gorillaz fame.P.S.: Just to clarify, EMI has offered several DRM-free downloads in the past. This, however, is the first "premium" one to come with the enhanced audio quality, as part of EMI's new DRM-free initiative.
On Monday, the face of digital music was potentially changed forever when record label EMI Group announced that it would be offering premium versions of its albums available for download, with better audio quality and no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions attached. Even more surprisingly, EMI's first partner in the endeavor is Apple's iTunes Store, which many would argue is the poster child for DRM's shortcomings.EMI's DRM-free offerings won't be available on the iTunes Store until next month, but the label has announced that the first premium album, the self-titled LP from The Good, The Bad, and the Queen is available for purchase on the band's Web site. It's in MP3 form--the iTunes Store's version will be in Apple's preferred AAC audio format.The Good, The Bad, and the Queen, as you may recall, gave a live performance prior to EMI and Apple's joint announcement on Monday. It's the latest project from British rocker Damon Albarn, of Blur and Gorillaz fame.P.S.: Just to clarify, EMI has offered several DRM-free downloads in the past. This, however, is the first "premium" one to come with the enhanced audio quality, as part of EMI's new DRM-free initiative.
The Gizmo Report- Sennheiser's HD-280 headphones
The Gizmo Report: Sennheiser's HD-280 headphones
After studying the problem, I realized that if I could just straighten out the curvature of the top of the headband, I could get the fit I wanted. I measured the size of the stiffener I needed: 23mm wide, 80mm long, preferably not more than 1.5mm thick. Initially I figured I'd use a scrap piece of titanium for this purpose, but then I remembered some carbon-fiber scraps I had left over from panels I'd made for an earlier project, and one had a nice section remaining of just the right size. CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) is much easier to work than titanium. I cut the piece I needed with a hacksaw, then smoothed and rounded the edges with a belt sander.The stiffener installed on the headband of the HD 280 Pro headphonesPeter N. GlaskowskyThe next day at the office, I removed the padded cover from the headband, attached the stiffener to the headband with several loops of strapping tape, and put the cover back on-- that was difficult because it was already a fairly snug fit. But it was made of vinyl, so it stretched enough. The last thing was to add little rubber bumpers to the top outer surface of each earpiece to adjust the earpiece angle and balance the forces applied above and below my ears. (I'm not providing a picture of these bumpers because they're pretty ugly right now. :-)And now... they fit perfectly, look almost unchanged, and sound great.So if the shape of your head is within their adjustment range, or if you have some carbon fiber sitting around to make this kind of adjustment (I'm pretty sure titanium will also work), I can heartily recomment Sennheiser's HD 280 Pro headphones.
After studying the problem, I realized that if I could just straighten out the curvature of the top of the headband, I could get the fit I wanted. I measured the size of the stiffener I needed: 23mm wide, 80mm long, preferably not more than 1.5mm thick. Initially I figured I'd use a scrap piece of titanium for this purpose, but then I remembered some carbon-fiber scraps I had left over from panels I'd made for an earlier project, and one had a nice section remaining of just the right size. CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) is much easier to work than titanium. I cut the piece I needed with a hacksaw, then smoothed and rounded the edges with a belt sander.The stiffener installed on the headband of the HD 280 Pro headphonesPeter N. GlaskowskyThe next day at the office, I removed the padded cover from the headband, attached the stiffener to the headband with several loops of strapping tape, and put the cover back on-- that was difficult because it was already a fairly snug fit. But it was made of vinyl, so it stretched enough. The last thing was to add little rubber bumpers to the top outer surface of each earpiece to adjust the earpiece angle and balance the forces applied above and below my ears. (I'm not providing a picture of these bumpers because they're pretty ugly right now. :-)And now... they fit perfectly, look almost unchanged, and sound great.So if the shape of your head is within their adjustment range, or if you have some carbon fiber sitting around to make this kind of adjustment (I'm pretty sure titanium will also work), I can heartily recomment Sennheiser's HD 280 Pro headphones.
The Ensign- Prequel to A Dark Room arrives on iOS
The Ensign: Prequel to A Dark Room arrives on iOS
A Dark Room doesn't look like much. A few words show up on your screen. You make an action. Then more words. More actions. Soon, you get to make choices. You meet a woman. She wants you to stay. You have itchy feet, and a burning ambition you never suspected -- and soon you're exploring an ASCII forest searching for something -- anything -- to figure out who and what you are.For something so minimal, it's deeply and strangely compelling. The game itself was created by developer Michael Townsend as a Chrome Experiment, and ported to iOS by developer Amirali Rajan. It is Rajan who has built the prequel, The Ensign, which Townsend has called "a brutally difficult take on the Dusty Path segment of A Dark Room" -- the section of the game where you explore the ASCII world.Like A Dark Room, the story is a vital part of the game, and Rajan has said very little about it so as to avoid spoilers. You start in a dusky swamp with a mysterious admiral after a battle, and the the only thing you can do is strike out to explore, once again, an ASCII world, fighting for survival as you slowly unravel your story."I really loved traversing the Dusty Path (more so than balancing an economy and upgrading gear). This prequel is a brutally difficult rendition of the Dusty Path that covers the events directly before A Dark Room," Rajan wrote in the app description."I wanted to make a strategy game that had high replay value, as opposed to a game about discovery. Best of luck to whoever attempts this game. I imagine few will succeed in completing all of it."You can download The Ensign for $0.99 from the iTunes app store.
A Dark Room doesn't look like much. A few words show up on your screen. You make an action. Then more words. More actions. Soon, you get to make choices. You meet a woman. She wants you to stay. You have itchy feet, and a burning ambition you never suspected -- and soon you're exploring an ASCII forest searching for something -- anything -- to figure out who and what you are.For something so minimal, it's deeply and strangely compelling. The game itself was created by developer Michael Townsend as a Chrome Experiment, and ported to iOS by developer Amirali Rajan. It is Rajan who has built the prequel, The Ensign, which Townsend has called "a brutally difficult take on the Dusty Path segment of A Dark Room" -- the section of the game where you explore the ASCII world.Like A Dark Room, the story is a vital part of the game, and Rajan has said very little about it so as to avoid spoilers. You start in a dusky swamp with a mysterious admiral after a battle, and the the only thing you can do is strike out to explore, once again, an ASCII world, fighting for survival as you slowly unravel your story."I really loved traversing the Dusty Path (more so than balancing an economy and upgrading gear). This prequel is a brutally difficult rendition of the Dusty Path that covers the events directly before A Dark Room," Rajan wrote in the app description."I wanted to make a strategy game that had high replay value, as opposed to a game about discovery. Best of luck to whoever attempts this game. I imagine few will succeed in completing all of it."You can download The Ensign for $0.99 from the iTunes app store.
Box Office Report: The ‘Ride Along’ Continues While 'Labor Day' Is Awkwardly Buried
Here areyour three-day box office returns (new releases bolded): 1. Ride Along - $12.3 million 2. Frozen - $9.3 million 3. That Awkward Moment - $9.0 million 4. The Nut Job - $7.6 million 5. Lone Survivor - $7.1 million 6. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - $5.4 million 7. Labor Day - $5.3 million 8. American Hustle - $4.3 million 9. The Wolf of Wall Street - $3.55 million 10. I, Frankenstein - $3.52 million The Big Stories The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Fast & Furious 6, Gravity, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and Ride Along. Those are your last five films to rule the box office for three straight weekends. Interesting list, right? That’s what happens when word of mouth takes over. Or there’s nothing out worth seeing. A film hasn’t taken three straight weekends in January since Avatar. Ride Along and Avatar... there’s a trivia question for you. How else is anyone going to remember a movie named Ride Along existed? Other than those at Universal and those whose memories are sparked when Ride Along 2 comes out in a year or two. Riding Along into January History Tim Story’s film owns the highest grossing opening weekend ever in January. Soon he’s going to own the second highest grossing film to ever open in January. Forget the films that open limited the previous year and find their stride when they finally open the next month. Like Lone Survivor and the $100 million it made last month. Paul Blart: Mall Cop ($146.3 million), Taken ($145.0), The Green Hornet ($98.7), The Book of Eli ($94.8), Ride Along ($92.9), Save the Last Dance ($91.0), Along Came Polly ($88.09), The Hand That Rocks the Cradle ($88.03), Are We There Yet? ($82.6), Snow Dogs ($81.1), Two Ice Cube movies and a Cuba Gooding Jr. movie in the snow. That’s what we get in January, America. And you go see it. You have to stop that. Otherwise you get movies like… That Awkward Moment That should be the title of the next meeting that Jason Reitman has at Paramount when he asks them why the studioburied his latest movie. After back-to-back Best Picture nominees, Juno and Up in the Air, grossing $143 million and $83 million, respectively, Paramount barely released Young Adult in theaters and may have cost Charlize Theron an Oscar nomination for it. $16.3 million on no more than 987 theaters in 2011 looks pretty good compared to the paltry $5.3 million that Labor Day opened to on nearly 2,600 screens. The film may actually be lucky to match Young Adult’s limited-release revenue. While Paramount can certainly sayit made Labor Day available throughout the country (on more screens than Juno or Up in the Air ever did), itcertainly did nothing to gain favor with critics or award voters. Even with decent, if mixed, critical responses from Telluride and Toronto (the film hovered around 65% at Rotten Tomatoes), no screeners were sent of the film during awards time. No screenings were set in major markets to ensure the film a chance. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association may have nominated Kate Winslet for a Golden Globe butit just wanted her to show up at the TV show and probably got a truckload of peach pies forits effort. Labor Day does currently rank as the worst-reviewed film of Jason’s career (34% at RT) but those that like it, really like it, and those that don’t, well, maybe next time Paramount will want to put up more confidence instead of treating it like a red-headed stepchild under the sink. Oh Yeah, That Other Movie There actually was a film called That Awkward Moment that opened this weekend. It seems some prognosticators still believed in Zac Efron opening a movie. His two big post-High School Musical 3 features, 17 Again ($23.7 million) and The Lucky One ($22.5 million), opened very well and each grossed over $60 million. The year 2012 was the last Efron starring vehicle to open wide and That Awkward Moment is going to open to less than half that and then some. Perhaps audiences have forgotten about Efron already or maybe they just weren’t too keen on another movie promising to spill the truth about what guys talk about behind closed doors. Never fall for that ploy. For one, there have already been countless other movies made about how guys talk and interact with each other and with women not made from a coproducer of Movie 43. Secondly, all the secrets are already out there. It’s no secret that January was a pretty good start to the year box office-wise, but horrible if you were looking for a good movie that hadn’t already opened in December. Erik Childress can be seen each Thursday morning on WCIU-TV;s First Business breaking down the box office on the Movies & Money segment.
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