Pandora, Music Lover's Dream Come True

Few aspects of modern life have been more affected by the digital revolution than the music industry. The way music is performed, recorded, edited and distributed, paid for and listened to all have been revolutionized. Personal collections of recorded music, once filling shelves in the family room, are now carried around in your pocket. Browsing through a “record store” looking for some hard to find treasure is now done on line and rather than waiting for the “record” or “CD” to be delivered, it is available instantly as a down load.

I recently was introduced to an online service that will be of special interest to those who like to explore various genres of music as well as those who have very specific musical tastes. The service is called Pandora.com, and just like its namesake this Pandora’s Box is brimming with surprises. Unlike the mythic box, the surprises are delightful.

When you sign on to Pandora using your computer or smart phone, you are asked to “create a new station.” This can be based on a genre of music like classical, country, rock, etc. or more specifically based on a single performer like Michael Jackson, James Taylor or Frank Sinatra. You can also specify a single composer like John Williams, John Denver or Johann Sebastian Bach.

Once you enter the information, Pandora will create a “station” just for you and begin playing music based on your preferences. The search technology is similar to the one used by Amazon.com; “If you liked this book you might be interested in this other book.”

The really neat thing about Pandora is that the selections made by Pandora can result in music you would have never sampled but when you hear it you really like it. If you hear a song that you don’t like, you click on it, and Pandora stops playing it and uses that information to learn more about your tastes and make more informed selections in the future. You can set up several “stations” so you can listen based on your mood. While reading a book perhaps some classical sections are best. Cutting the lawn or jogging, U-2 fits the bill.

Pandora comes in different flavors. You can use it free for 40 hours a month with a few commercials per hour. For a subscription of $39.00 a year you can get an upgraded version with no commercials and better audio fidelity and no limit on the number of hours you use it. All versions give you lots of information about the music, the performer and composer. You can even order the music online as a MP-3 download or follow a link to purchase a CD.

Pandora can be used on your desktop or laptop computer as well on most mobile devices. If you use it on a mobile device make sure you have an unlimited data plan or you will have a surprise the when you get your next bill from your carrier.

If you like music, I recommend trying Pandora. I have it playing in the background often when I am writing. In fact right now I am listening to Loggins & Messina.

Pandora, Music Lover's Dream Come True

Few aspects of modern life have been more affected by the digital revolution than the music industry. The way music is performed, recorded, edited and distributed, paid for and listened to all have been revolutionized. Personal collections of recorded music, once filling shelves in the family room, are now carried around in your pocket. Browsing through a “record store” looking for some hard to find treasure is now done on line and rather than waiting for the “record” or “CD” to be delivered, it is available instantly as a down load.

I recently was introduced to an online service that will be of special interest to those who like to explore various genres of music as well as those who have very specific musical tastes. The service is called Pandora.com, and just like its namesake this Pandora’s Box is brimming with surprises. Unlike the mythic box, the surprises are delightful.

When you sign on to Pandora using your computer or smart phone, you are asked to “create a new station.” This can be based on a genre of music like classical, country, rock, etc. or more specifically based on a single performer like Michael Jackson, James Taylor or Frank Sinatra. You can also specify a single composer like John Williams, John Denver or Johann Sebastian Bach.

Once you enter the information, Pandora will create a “station” just for you and begin playing music based on your preferences. The search technology is similar to the one used by Amazon.com; “If you liked this book you might be interested in this other book.”

The really neat thing about Pandora is that the selections made by Pandora can result in music you would have never sampled but when you hear it you really like it. If you hear a song that you don’t like, you click on it, and Pandora stops playing it and uses that information to learn more about your tastes and make more informed selections in the future. You can set up several “stations” so you can listen based on your mood. While reading a book perhaps some classical sections are best. Cutting the lawn or jogging, U-2 fits the bill.

Pandora comes in different flavors. You can use it free for 40 hours a month with a few commercials per hour. For a subscription of $39.00 a year you can get an upgraded version with no commercials and better audio fidelity and no limit on the number of hours you use it. All versions give you lots of information about the music, the performer and composer. You can even order the music online as a MP-3 download or follow a link to purchase a CD.

Pandora can be used on your desktop or laptop computer as well on most mobile devices. If you use it on a mobile device make sure you have an unlimited data plan or you will have a surprise the when you get your next bill from your carrier.

If you like music, I recommend trying Pandora. I have it playing in the background often when I am writing. In fact right now I am listening to Loggins & Messina.

Battery Powered DTVs Now Available

A couple years ago when we were getting ready for the digital broadcasting conversion, I got several questions about battery operated digital TV’s. Many people were using battery powered analog TVs while on vacation or at their weekend retreats. These were places that did not have access to electric power. Others wanted the security of using a portable TV during power outages and severe weather. Since at that time the choice of battery powered digital TVs was very limited and those that were available were very expensive, I recommended waiting before buying. Things have changed, inexpensive digital TVs are readily available and the prices have fallen. But I am still recommending that you consider all the pros and cons before buying. There are significant differences between the old analog battery operated portable and the new DTV models.

For the last few weeks the Sunday newspaper advertising supplements have featured models with prices under $100. For example, hhgregg had one on sale for $99 that has a built in DVD player. This one, like most others, uses an LCD screen that measures about 9 inches diagonal. It can use the internal rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter for use when electric power is available. I use one in my kitchen. It allows me to prepare dinner or wash dishes and still keep up with the local news.

While these TVs do provide an acceptable picture there are two weaknesses that you should know before going out and buying one. The first deals with the antenna. All the pictures in the ads will show these small TVs with a single built in telescoping antenna. The problem is that in my tests, none of these antennas worked well. I tried various locations. Some test sites were as close as 2 miles from the TV transmitter. In order to get all the stations, I needed to disconnect the built in antenna and connect a standard UHF/VHF rabbit ears indoor antenna in order to get good reception. For example, I live on a hill near Harrison and can literally see the red lights on the tops of the various TV transmitting towers located in Cincinnati. In order for me to get all the Cincinnati stations, I need to use a UHF/VHF antenna mounted on top of the cabinets in my kitchen. Using the antenna built into the TV gets me almost nothing.

Unlike that analog portable that you may have carried with you to the park or camping that pulled in, albeit fuzzy, the major channels with the built in antenna, don’t expect that from the DTV. And for sure forget about using it in your car with the DC adapter. The chance of getting any reception of DTV signals in a moving car is next to zero.

The second issue is battery life. Most internal batteries will give you less than 2 hours of use without recharging. The circuitry in DTV tuners and the LCD screen take lots of power. It is unfortunate that most come only with internal non replaceable rechargeable batteries. Once they are drained, you are out of luck. Remember the wind storm a couple years ago? I sure would like the option of using standard batteries as well. That way you can have a supply on hand for extended power outages. So far I have found no set that offers standard battery operation.

These new sets can be handy but they will not give you ease of use and when in battery powered mode, you will not get the same extended playing time that you may have had with the old analog set. Still, they make a nice addition to the kitchen or workshop.

Battery Powered DTVs Now Available

A couple years ago when we were getting ready for the digital broadcasting conversion, I got several questions about battery operated digital TV’s. Many people were using battery powered analog TVs while on vacation or at their weekend retreats. These were places that did not have access to electric power. Others wanted the security of using a portable TV during power outages and severe weather. Since at that time the choice of battery powered digital TVs was very limited and those that were available were very expensive, I recommended waiting before buying. Things have changed, inexpensive digital TVs are readily available and the prices have fallen. But I am still recommending that you consider all the pros and cons before buying. There are significant differences between the old analog battery operated portable and the new DTV models.

For the last few weeks the Sunday newspaper advertising supplements have featured models with prices under $100. For example, hhgregg had one on sale for $99 that has a built in DVD player. This one, like most others, uses an LCD screen that measures about 9 inches diagonal. It can use the internal rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter for use when electric power is available. I use one in my kitchen. It allows me to prepare dinner or wash dishes and still keep up with the local news.

While these TVs do provide an acceptable picture there are two weaknesses that you should know before going out and buying one. The first deals with the antenna. All the pictures in the ads will show these small TVs with a single built in telescoping antenna. The problem is that in my tests, none of these antennas worked well. I tried various locations. Some test sites were as close as 2 miles from the TV transmitter. In order to get all the stations, I needed to disconnect the built in antenna and connect a standard UHF/VHF rabbit ears indoor antenna in order to get good reception. For example, I live on a hill near Harrison and can literally see the red lights on the tops of the various TV transmitting towers located in Cincinnati. In order for me to get all the Cincinnati stations, I need to use a UHF/VHF antenna mounted on top of the cabinets in my kitchen. Using the antenna built into the TV gets me almost nothing.

Unlike that analog portable that you may have carried with you to the park or camping that pulled in, albeit fuzzy, the major channels with the built in antenna, don’t expect that from the DTV. And for sure forget about using it in your car with the DC adapter. The chance of getting any reception of DTV signals in a moving car is next to zero.

The second issue is battery life. Most internal batteries will give you less than 2 hours of use without recharging. The circuitry in DTV tuners and the LCD screen take lots of power. It is unfortunate that most come only with internal non replaceable rechargeable batteries. Once they are drained, you are out of luck. Remember the wind storm a couple years ago? I sure would like the option of using standard batteries as well. That way you can have a supply on hand for extended power outages. So far I have found no set that offers standard battery operation.

These new sets can be handy but they will not give you ease of use and when in battery powered mode, you will not get the same extended playing time that you may have had with the old analog set. Still, they make a nice addition to the kitchen or workshop.

More Not Always Better ...Nor Less Cheaper

One of my favorite vintage TV programs is “Home Improvement.” Tim Allen’s escapades seemed to always center on making things, that were working just fine, even better. His mantra, “MORE POWER” got him into more trouble. Tim, like many of us, falls victim to the conviction that “more” is always “better.” I know I have made the mistake of putting “one more turn” on that faucet connection only to cause a leak or just a bit more fertilizer on the lawn to make it greener only to see it turn brown.

Just as in plumbing and gardening, there are examples in home electronics that more is not always better. A friend of mine related his frustration recently with his HDTV set. He lives out in the country away from all cable and chooses not to use a satellite service. So he gets his TV using an antenna. (Yes kids, TV does not need a wire.) Living on a high hill he was able to get almost all the local stations and even some from as far away as Lexington and Dayton. But he could not get Channel 9.

One day, after spending hours trying in vane to point the antenna just right, he happened to see his neighbor in the yard. He asked the neighbor if he was getting Channel 9. His neighbor said that he had a great picture from that channel and proceeded to show my friend the antenna he was using. Instead of a large amplified outdoor antenna, the neighbor had an inexpensive antenna set up on the floor behind the couch. The TV that it was connected to had a perfect picture from Channel 9 and the other local DTV stations.

Returning home, my friend was understandably confused and frustrated. His antenna was more powerful but did not work. Going back home he disconnected the antenna amplifier and, mirabile visu, a perfect picture from Channel 9 appeared.

For readers of this column, you may remember that I have discussed that over-amplification of digital signals can be as bad as a weak signal. (My friend needs to get a subscription to the Harrison Press.) But to my friend and many others this fix seems counterintuitive. More should always be better.

There are lots of examples where the obvious solution is not always the right solution.

For example, many of us want to reduce our electricity bills and have installed compact fluorescent replacement bulbs throughout our homes. While these energy saving lamps are great, there are applications that they will actually cost you more money. Since the upfront cost of these bulbs is much higher than regular incandescent lamps, some of the savings come from the longer life of the bulbs. The life of the bulbs is significantly decreased by repeated on and off cycles. It is not a good idea to use these in bathrooms, storage closets or other areas that have many on and off cycles per day. The bulbs will fail sooner and need to be replaced and the old ones safely discarded.

So more is not always better and less is not always cheaper and new technology hardly ever simple.

More Not Always Better ...Nor Less Cheaper

One of my favorite vintage TV programs is “Home Improvement.” Tim Allen’s escapades seemed to always center on making things, that were working just fine, even better. His mantra, “MORE POWER” got him into more trouble. Tim, like many of us, falls victim to the conviction that “more” is always “better.” I know I have made the mistake of putting “one more turn” on that faucet connection only to cause a leak or just a bit more fertilizer on the lawn to make it greener only to see it turn brown.

Just as in plumbing and gardening, there are examples in home electronics that more is not always better. A friend of mine related his frustration recently with his HDTV set. He lives out in the country away from all cable and chooses not to use a satellite service. So he gets his TV using an antenna. (Yes kids, TV does not need a wire.) Living on a high hill he was able to get almost all the local stations and even some from as far away as Lexington and Dayton. But he could not get Channel 9.

One day, after spending hours trying in vane to point the antenna just right, he happened to see his neighbor in the yard. He asked the neighbor if he was getting Channel 9. His neighbor said that he had a great picture from that channel and proceeded to show my friend the antenna he was using. Instead of a large amplified outdoor antenna, the neighbor had an inexpensive antenna set up on the floor behind the couch. The TV that it was connected to had a perfect picture from Channel 9 and the other local DTV stations.

Returning home, my friend was understandably confused and frustrated. His antenna was more powerful but did not work. Going back home he disconnected the antenna amplifier and, mirabile visu, a perfect picture from Channel 9 appeared.

For readers of this column, you may remember that I have discussed that over-amplification of digital signals can be as bad as a weak signal. (My friend needs to get a subscription to the Harrison Press.) But to my friend and many others this fix seems counterintuitive. More should always be better.

There are lots of examples where the obvious solution is not always the right solution.

For example, many of us want to reduce our electricity bills and have installed compact fluorescent replacement bulbs throughout our homes. While these energy saving lamps are great, there are applications that they will actually cost you more money. Since the upfront cost of these bulbs is much higher than regular incandescent lamps, some of the savings come from the longer life of the bulbs. The life of the bulbs is significantly decreased by repeated on and off cycles. It is not a good idea to use these in bathrooms, storage closets or other areas that have many on and off cycles per day. The bulbs will fail sooner and need to be replaced and the old ones safely discarded.

So more is not always better and less is not always cheaper and new technology hardly ever simple.

3D TV...A Whole New Ball Game

The dust has settled. The conversion to digital TV is behind us. Most of us have made the switch. We plunked down our hard earned cash and purchased that flat screen HDTV. All is well with the world. We are “state of the art.” Right? Not so fast quimo sabe! Sony, Panasonic and Samsung and the other manufactures and purveyors of all things electronic have different plans.

At the the recent Consumer Electronics Show, the Las Vegas annual bazaar of things we don’t really need but really want, one of the hits of the show was 3-D TV. Building on the HDTV platform, 3-D is touted to “bring the viewer into the action like never before.”

For sure, the extraordinary popularity of the movie “Avatar” has renewed interest in 3-D but the producers of 3-D material have much bigger plans then having blue people flying through the air mounted on animals that recently escaped from Jurassic Park.

Broadcasters like ESPN have promised a dedicated channel of 3-D programming. I have to admit the thought of watching football or basketball in 3-D sounds cool. Other offerings promise to include movies from some of the pay services like HBO or Showtime. The game guys are salivating at the possibilities of expanding the already popular interactive gaming platforms like the Wii to a 3-D experience.

Well, now that I have you all excited, I will give you the bad news. Most all of the new stuff you now have will need to be replaced for you to enjoy any of this 3-D material. That new HD flat screen will not display 3-D. Also, just like at the movie theater, each viewer will need special glasses. Right now they are priced at about $75 each. The cable or satellite service you use or the over the air broadcaster also must make expensive modifications to their technology. In many ways we are back to square one.

It will be interesting to see how long this technology takes to get out of the early adopter phase. It may be faster than we think. We are becoming more and more accepting of the things we buy becoming obsolete before they are paid for. I recently retired a 35 year old Sony TV that still had a great picture. Having a TV serviceable for 35 months may be a challenge in the future.

3D TV...A Whole New Ball Game

The dust has settled. The conversion to digital TV is behind us. Most of us have made the switch. We plunked down our hard earned cash and purchased that flat screen HDTV. All is well with the world. We are “state of the art.” Right? Not so fast quimo sabe! Sony, Panasonic and Samsung and the other manufactures and purveyors of all things electronic have different plans.

At the the recent Consumer Electronics Show, the Las Vegas annual bazaar of things we don’t really need but really want, one of the hits of the show was 3-D TV. Building on the HDTV platform, 3-D is touted to “bring the viewer into the action like never before.”

For sure, the extraordinary popularity of the movie “Avatar” has renewed interest in 3-D but the producers of 3-D material have much bigger plans then having blue people flying through the air mounted on animals that recently escaped from Jurassic Park.

Broadcasters like ESPN have promised a dedicated channel of 3-D programming. I have to admit the thought of watching football or basketball in 3-D sounds cool. Other offerings promise to include movies from some of the pay services like HBO or Showtime. The game guys are salivating at the possibilities of expanding the already popular interactive gaming platforms like the Wii to a 3-D experience.

Well, now that I have you all excited, I will give you the bad news. Most all of the new stuff you now have will need to be replaced for you to enjoy any of this 3-D material. That new HD flat screen will not display 3-D. Also, just like at the movie theater, each viewer will need special glasses. Right now they are priced at about $75 each. The cable or satellite service you use or the over the air broadcaster also must make expensive modifications to their technology. In many ways we are back to square one.

It will be interesting to see how long this technology takes to get out of the early adopter phase. It may be faster than we think. We are becoming more and more accepting of the things we buy becoming obsolete before they are paid for. I recently retired a 35 year old Sony TV that still had a great picture. Having a TV serviceable for 35 months may be a challenge in the future.