Stan's List

TIVO HD

The US is moving to HDTV, slower than I thought, yet with the continued drop in the price of the LCD HDTVs the conversion is picking up speed. Those that have HD quality TV probably wonder how they got along without it. Almost all channels have an HD version of that channel, including the PBS channels. PBS KQED, in the bay area, has at least 4 HD channels that I know of. It makes sense for TIVO to be HD capable. Being able to control when and what you watch began with the VHS recorder, but by all reports has been surpassed by technology. Actually, TIVO has been around quite a while, and digital has it all over tape. In this version TIVO does HD, but at a resolution limit of 1080i, and further does not work with Direct TV. Below I have referred you to an article about HDTV resolutions. Read more about TIVO, including the FAQ linked on their TIVO HD web page.

See this about.com article explaining the display differences between 1980i and 1080p. It all comes down to a matter of personal tastes.

Toast 8

While this version is not new (Macworld best of show 2007), Toast has had the ability to convert video files to a DVD, with a menus, since Toast 5, much like iDVD in iLife. If the TIVO is connected to your network, Toast 8 has the ability to import TIVO data and make a DVD.

McAfee

They insisted today that I could access Virex from their main page. Thinking they have a Mac link, I wait till I get home. Nothing has changed, just finding any reference to Mac is frustrating. They also mentioned that the minimum purchase is for 3 users. If you search for Macintosh, you will find this purchase page confirming a minimum of 3 licenses are required.

Intego

I am now the owner of a single license of just released VirusBarrier X5. There is a show special of $49.95. Actually, all their products on on the disc.

Flockstar

Flock, based on Firefox open source code, is an example of what directions browsers can take. The browser optimizes sharing video and photos, chat, access to your favorite websites. Where the browser seems to be for the web socialite, the browser is intended to emphasis the individual preferences and maximize access. See a demo of the browser at booth 4301 in the West Wing or visit their web page.

More Air:

Two cables available you should iconsider when purchasing are the MagSafe Airline Adapter and the Ethernet Adapter. As the MBA is well designed for traveling by air (was that intentional by Apple?) The first cable is self explanatory, whereas the second is a USB 2.0 to ethernet connector providing 10/100 BASE-T.

Conversations with Apple personnel confirmed Tuesday comments, with this slight amendment. The MBA using Airport can see into other Macs so enabled (sharing) and transfer files and even install Office from the install disc on the other Mac. DiskWarrior would still require an external DVD drive, not because DiskWarrior requires a DVD drive, only that you will need a DVD drive at some point. MBA will boot from external DVD drive.