TV or not TV could be the name of this column as I am looking at and trying out a really interesting way to record video from your TV, camcorder, TiVo, Game console, etc. without a PC…yup, no PC. So, how does that work. It’s a very easy way to watch TV shows on your iPod or Play Station…it will even make a digital copy of home movie tapes or backup your vacation videos wherever you may be. Press a button and Pinnacle Video Transfer (PVT) will record video in MPEG-4 format on any USB 2.0 storage device, e.g. iPod, PSP, External Hard Drive, DVD Player or Flash stick. How about making digital copies of all your favorite VHS tapes? Yes, it will do that as well. This slick little item will do wonders and remember, it doesn’t need a pc! I also have a helpful article from HP to keep you a healthy and happy computer person!
Pinnacle's Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Tanguy Leborgne said, "With Pinnacle Video Transfer, video capture and direct transfer has never been easier. Being able to transfer videos to an iPod, PSP or USB device without having to copy the files to your PC is an added bonus because it saves both valuable time and hard drive space. PC-less recording and the device's small, compact size also makes it a convenient solution for people who are on the go."
The palm-sized device sports a clean look and, other than the control wheel at the center, lacks obvious exterior controls. This underscores the simplicity of the device since the only thing you need do is set the movie quality and record. On one side there’s a USB port and a power inlet,
while the other side sports composite-video, S-video and stereo audio inputs. The power adapter is similar to most mobile phone chargers.
Using any USB storage device, the PVT grabs video feeds and converts them to H.264 formats in real time. On a PC, you may need to download Quicktime to play H.264 files, though most mobile phones can play them back.
The Pinnacle Video Transfer is compatible with almost any USB storage device.
The top of the PVT has a colorful circular logo, next to which are the unit's only two buttons; REC and MODE. Just below the MODE button are three small blue LEDs which light up depending on the selected recording quality - one LED for ‘Good', two for ‘Better' and all three for ‘Best'. Videos are recorded using the H.264 (MPEG-4) video compression format, but the exact properties of each recording setting depends on the connected device.
Here are some examples
According to the manufacturer, a 250GB hard drive can store up to 640 hours of video on the lowest setting, while a 30GB iPod and 2GB PlayStation Portable can hold a maximum of 85 hours and 7.5 hours, respectively. With the hard drive plugged in, you can literally hold almost a month's worth of television programs. Yes, I know, who would want to save a month’s worth of TV??? But if u do…it can! This is a really easy unit to use even if you aren’t that familiar with electronic gadgets. The captured video looks very smooth and the audio is good quality. I highly recommend a look at the video that Pinnacle has on their webpage which does an outstanding job of explaining how it works.
http://tinyurl.com/3afctu Best price I found online when I wrote this was $119.99
I received the following in a regular HP newsletter and was impressed with it and it made me pay attention to my computer habits, so I want to share it with you, courtesy of HP:
Did you know that one in three workers spends ten hours a day sitting? Recent research has revealed what you have probably suspected for some time: you spend more time sitting than doing any other activity. Surveys show that 50 percent of office workers don’t leave their desk all day, even to take lunch, while over 66 percent sit down as soon as they get home. Experts say this sedentary lifestyle can contribute to lower back pain. Especially when your notebook and desktop PC are indispensable workplace tools, you need to take special care to develop desk habits that are good for your long-term health, and help you optimize your energy levels and productivity.
Follow these tips to improve your office ergonomics and ultimately, your professional performance.
Should I sit up straight?
Conventional wisdom has dictated that sitting up straight is better for your back than leaning forward at your desk. But studies by Scottish and Canadian researchers using a new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have revealed that sitting up straight could be as bad as stooping forwards. The new research suggests that reclining back at an angle of between 120 and135 degrees will reduce the strain on your lower back. Additionally, try to avoid sitting at your PC in a manner that means you must twist your torso or neck to see the screen.
An alternative to sitting all day could be to work at a standing desk. Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, they are making a comeback as people realize that standing to work is healthier than sitting.
Improved line of sight
To reduce the strain on your eyes, always work in a well-lit environment. Raise your monitor to eye level, either on a platform, or with a pile of books. This will make looking at your screen easier and will reduce the amount you need to tilt your neck. Alternatively, adjust the height of your chair, your desk or your table. Large monitors offering better visibility (or dual monitor setups) will also help you handle heavy workloads, speed up your ability to read information, and let you keep working longer when you really need to.
Don’t break your back, take a break
One of the easiest ways to improve your working day is to take short breaks from your daily work routine. Consider installing work-break reminder software on your computer to prompt you to take frequent refresher pauses.
To rest your eyes, look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance. National Optometric organizations recommend resting your eyes for 15 minutes after two hours at your PC. Use this time to get yourself a drink; the walk will stretch your legs and give your back a break from the sitting position.
In particular, remember to adjust your position in the afternoon, when you are likely to have been sitting for a long time and your body is beginning to tire.
Stretch your productivity
Try and start your day with a brief stretching routine or an activity like yoga.
Maybe you could walk or cycle to work. Activities like these give your body the exercise it requires, boost your fitness level, and improve your ability to perform during a busy schedule.
For more information on how you can improve your office ergonomics to increase your productivity, check out the HP Safety and comfort guide. With just a few minor adjustments to your work habits, you can improve your posture and productivity, and leave yourself with the energy to enjoy life away from the office.
© 2008 Hewlett-Packard Company. All rights reserved.
That’s it for now, I hope you are enjoying the beginning of summer wherever you are , but remember to be careful out there whether you are on the road, or on the net.
Aloha, Lou
