Ty in IT

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 have 3 more invites, first come first serve, you want one, post a reply to this post, and I’ll send one to you.  I’ll post when all are gone again…

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.

Here is a little video of some little monsters dancing.  I hope you enjoy as much as I did.