Have a library of old audio tapes, LP’s and even 78’s?

Turn The Table Tuesday, February 15^th, 2011, Netcast 1287

SoundSaver Screen ShotFor this Turn The Table Tuesday Leo picks a piece of software called SoundSaver from Bias. It’s a way to create a new digital ‘enhanced’ file from old audio media. It’s available via download or via a boxed copy. Even though they’re the same price, $49.95, there’s a slight bonus for the buying the actual product. It comes with a free 6-foot long stereo Y-cable with the familiar left and right RCA connectors on one end and a mini-stereo 3MM jack on the other. Use it to connect your old equipment like a cassette deck or turntable that has pre-amp or is connected to an amplifier. Plug it into the headphone jack of a MAC or PC and start creating new files of old music. An on screen control panel lets you adjust your input level or you can let SoundSaver do the work with Auto-level. A really interesting feature Leo found was the 78 RPM Speed Correction option. You may have some old 78’s, but probably no way to play them. The work around? Play it on your 33/45 RPM turntable and let SoundSaver adjust the speed and pitch so it sounds normal. (You DO have a 33/45 RPM turntable, right?) Of course as you re-record old your old audio files you’ll use SoundSaver’sclean-up controls to remove clicks, hum and other noise. The software also enhances the audio as it records the new digital version. You can export your tracks as MP3 files, AAC, or a WAV files. (Check the company website for other formats.) Price at the company website is $49.95 for either the downloadable version (instant) or the boxed copy with the free cable. There’s a 15 day free trial download at the company website. If you do a web search, you can find this product for about $10 less.

http://www.bias-inc.com/products/soundSaver/

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1287

What says Valentine’s Day better than a Mystery Bag of Crap?

Monday, February 14^th, 2011, Netcast 1286 - Happy Valentine’s Day!

Crap is big business these days. I guess Woot (www.woot.com) is the most famous for getting people whipped into frenzy to buy something unknown for a pretty low price. Sometimes the Woot crap turns out to be a major bargain, like a flat screen TV for ten bucks or something like that. Trouble is the Woot Box of Crap has become so popular you now have to solve a puzzle to get to the point where you can even TRY to purchase it! I say try, because it’s a very limited buying time frame and untold numbers of people are all competing for a bargain. Woot offers their box of crap a few times a year, so you have to sign up to get notifications. When I saw the chance to purchase a Mystery bag of Crap just by plunking down $6.99 at www.13deals.com I figured “hey this could be fun, and there’s no puzzle to solve”, no fight to buy one. So I ordered my own Mystery Bag of Crap. Was it worth it? You can judge for yourself. Here’s what I got: 1. A Coors Light Belt Buckle that has a built in bottle opener. The packaging is a bit beat-up, like someone might have returned it, but in okay shape.  2. A keychain flashlight with batteries. 3. A DVD with 60 classic cartoons. At least it wasn’t a VHS Video Tape. 4. A 12 Head Laser Pointer, again with batteries. It lets you project a laser light in any one of twelve patterns. 5. A pack of 12 IT towels, designed to be used to clean personal electronics like cell phones. The package says: “no dirty talk”.  Cute, eh?  --- I don’t have a need for any of these things, but I don’t feel ripped off at all. It was fun to open, and it will be fun to give the stuff away. You have to sign up for the13 Steals newsletter to know when they’ll offer a Mystery Bag of Crap again. In the meantime, every day they offer a bunch of stuff cheap. I’ve bought a few other things there and haven’t been disappointed.

www.13steals.com  They also operate as www.ihavetohavethat.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1286

Future Dick's Gadget Warehouse Friday Gadget?

Friday, February 11^th, 2011, Netcast 1285

Every year at CES there are a couple of gadgets that I feel are not going to make it in the marketplace. The WheeMe is one of them. I’m not hoping this isn’t a hit, it just seems like people won’t say: “Wow, what a great idea. I need to get one of these!” I’ll tell you about it, and then if you have a minute let me know in the comments section if you’re indeed excited about buying one. The WheeMe is a palm-size robot designed to give you a self-administered massage. You put it on your back and it moves slowly across your body. As it moves, the company says: “patented nylon fingerettes gently stroke and caress providing a delightful sense of bodily pleasure.” I must say the built in tilt sensor technology is quite amazing. The WheeMe automatically steers itself over your body without falling off or losing its grip. Just when you think it’s going to fall off, it changes direction. The object is to lie down, place the WheeMe on top of your body and let it run. I asked for a demo and they were more than happy to provide one. It sort of feels like a small RC car is moving over your back, but I felt no real massage action. I did have a shirt on and the company recommends no clothing. The WheeMe doesn't offer any adjustments, so I don’t know if the pressure will be enough for folks to feel they’re getting much of a massage. On their website the company says not to expect a deep muscle massage because the WheeMe weighs less than ¾ of a pound. 3 AA batteries provide power. The cost is $69.00 and you can preorder one now. So sound like a good idea? Are you tempted to order one? 

www.dreambots.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1285

You constantly back up all your photos, music and info on your iPhone and/or iPod Touch, right?

Thursday, February 10^th, 2011, Netcast 1284

Okay, I’ll admit it. I often charge my iPod Touch away from my computer, so it stays charged, but not backed up. That’s because I don’t have a computer in my living room where I charge the iPod Touch. Well now there’s a new solution that doesn’t involve needing a computer when you charge your Apple device. It’s the Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone and iPod Touch. It lets you secure your contacts and photos plus recharge your phone sans computer. This compact device sits on your counter, night stand or desk and plugs into an AC outlet. Insert your phone or Touch and it automatically backups your contacts and camera roll photos and recharges the battery at the same time. A  progress bar lets you know when your backup is complete. (I checked with Iomega and it does NOT back up your videos because of the time and memory that would be needed. And it doesn't back up your music since that's available in your iTunes account.)  It’s made for Apple iPhone 4, 3GS, 3G, and iPod touch (4th generation). If your iPhone or Touch is lost or stolen, you can easily restore your contacts and photos from the SD card (4GB capacity included) in the Iomega SuperHero and put them on your new device. You can use a higher capacity SD card if you need more memory. You can also set reminders to back up & recharge on a regular basis. Compact enough to take with you when you travel. (The SuperHero Backup App is free via download at iTunes.)  MSRP is $69.95, but I’ve already seen it on the web for $59.95. That price may drop further once units are more widely available.

http://tinyurl.com/6a33ml7   

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1284

Here's a cool gadget for your oven or grill - and it's Bluetooth enabled!

Wednesday, February 9^th, 2011, Netcast 1283

Yep, iGrill is indeed Bluetooth enabled. Why? Let's say you're cooking meat for company. It's a drag trying to entertain when you have to keep excusing yourself to check on the grilling is going. With the iGrill you can check how things are cooking on your iPhone or iPad Touch via Bluetooth!  The company says their device is the first Bluetooth and App enabled grilling device on the market today. It consists of the iGrill Thermometer with Projection Display and Probe, and the iGrill App for iPod, iPhone, & iPad. It tells you the status of food via long range Bluetooth up to 200 feet away! The unit ships with one probe, but you can add a second one if you want to monitor two different kinds of meat as they cook. Currently available in white, the iGrill device will also be available in black mid-February.  In addition, skins will be available in a variety of colors and styles to express your individual mood and a new “smoking” option will also be available for BBQ aficionados. Available through Apple Stores & iGrill Site for $99.99. An additional probe is $19.99. 

www.igrillinc.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1283