We are trying less TV with Apple. We have almost kicked Dish Network to the Curb, maybe soon. We have their super secret low package, it has 20 channels + locals for $20 bucks a month. I purchased a slightly used 160GB Apple TV on ebay for a little less than a C note and half. I’ve got it running the ATV Patch from the folks at Boxee, and includes the XBMC, both are PC / Linux / MacOS Home Theater Programs, that are free to download. XBMC and Boxee, is able to play most video/audio formats known to man. Boxee however shines a little further with customized apps. Apps such as G4, CNET, BBC, Netflix, Pandora, Last.fm, etc, that play radio and TV programs right from the internet. It also has the ability to play Hulu via an integrated Mozilla browser, as well as browse the internet. The other thing it does really well is stream files from your network, no matter if they are SMB (Windows) shares or other types of network data.
I don’t own a DVD player so everything is ripped and stored via network storage or streamed from the internet. It has been fun, trying to figure out a different way about things. Also the main computer is setup to push video via HDMI to our main TV, so the kids and wife can put in rented DVDs and watch them.
So pop some popcorn, and lets watch a movie, or some internet TV!
It has been a long time since I have updated This ‘ol Blog. I’ve been too busy to document the fun and cool stuff going on. Here are some pictures and quick explanations.
1. Garden: Purchased a garden. Too bad it didn’t come with fruit and veggies ready to eat, or self leveling…
2. Abe: Growing fast, and learning how to eat.
3. Batteries: For my Ham, radios that is. Built in a Heavy Duty Plastic ToolBox.
4. APRS: Automatic Packet Reporting System, transfers messages, GPS coordinates, etc… over the air. You can find my station on www.aprs.fi, just type in my callsign.
5. DROID: Having lots of fun with all the new apps and goodies coming out, as well as playing with new customized ROMs.
6. Power Wheels: Amazing what can be found for cheap at the DI. The kids have been busy driving these, and I’ve been busy charging batteries.
I won’t explain all that it does, you can see for yourself at voice.google.com. I have 2 invites left. If you’d like one, leave me a comment. I’ll leave a note in the comment when they are gone.
I have forked over the dough required for the 5 year license so you may benefit! WQKX645 Anybody who is an immediate family member including spouse, children, parents, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and in -laws, you can use my license on a GMRS radio.
Why use GMRS:
Range: 1 mile in the city and up to 5 in the country, even further with repeaters that are being setup.
Free: License that is, you still have to provide the radio, (I won’t ask where you got it.)
Here is the quick getting started guide:
Here is what you need to know when getting started in GMRS:
Before getting on the air:
1: A license!!! (Done if you’re related) A license is required for GMRS!
2: Read and understand the regulations posted here.
3: Look at what you will be using GMRS for, and then purchase equipment accordingly.
Once you are licensed and ready to talk:
Basic Rules:
1: You must identify with your GMRS call sign every 15 minutes and at the end of the conversation.
2: You may use any channel authorized for GMRS. There are no “assigned” frequencies or “private” channels. Every frequency is available for everyone to share. Take this into consideration when using a channel if others are there. All GMRS licensees have the same rights to the frequency as you do.
3: Use plain english. Do not use “codes” like “roger”, “over” and “10-4″. These are unnecessary and make you sound foolish.
4: Avoid the use of “call tones” and other electronic sounds. Simply call your other party by name or call sign.
We are trying less TV with Apple. We have almost kicked Dish Network to the Curb, maybe soon. We have their super secret low package, it has 20 channels + locals for $20 bucks a month. I purchased a slightly used 160GB Apple TV on ebay for a little less than a C note and half. I’ve got it running the ATV Patch from the folks at Boxee, and includes the XBMC, both are PC / Linux / MacOS Home Theater Programs, that are free to download. XBMC and Boxee, is able to play most video/audio formats known to man. Boxee however shines a little further with customized apps. Apps such as G4, CNET, BBC, Netflix, Pandora, Last.fm, etc, that play radio and TV programs right from the internet. It also has the ability to play Hulu via an integrated Mozilla browser, as well as browse the internet. The other thing it does really well is stream files from your network, no matter if they are SMB (Windows) shares or other types of network data.
I have 6 more invites to give away. As always first come first serve. Just leave a comment and I’ll get an invite to you.
I won’t explain all that it does, you can see for yourself at voice.google.com. I have 2 invites left. If you’d like one, leave me a comment. I’ll leave a note in the comment when they are gone.
I have forked over the dough required for the 5 year license so you may benefit! WQKX645 Anybody who is an immediate family member including spouse, children, parents, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and in -laws, you can use my license on a GMRS radio.