Categories
internet tv Netflix Online Games

Quality Audio in FLAC File Downloads

FLACThe most common digital audio format is MP3 and it is widely used in the digital audio industry today. Basically the MP3 format is a patented digital audio encoding that has been standardized to be compatible in most audio and media players for sale today, whether portable or not. MP3 files are compressed audio files, also referred to as lossy comprehension. One of its defining characteristics is that it doesn’t take up too much space (the average size for an MP3 file is 3 mb) but the quality of the sound is still a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed audio. So if the MP3 files seem to be a standard music format for listening to music, then what’s the deal with FLAC files that are now considered to be the fastest-growing audio codec today?

One of the greatest weapons that FLAC files can showcase to all music enthusiasts and audiophiles is that when it comes to audio quality, this audio format ranks the top one. FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec – with an emphasis on the word “lossless” (as opposed to the “lossy” quality of MP3), meaning, “without loss in quality.” If the MP3 format is a patented digital audio, FLAC is considered to be non-proprietary and in most cases, independent and clear from patents. With those qualities associated with FLAC files, you cannot blame most audiophiles and music enthusiasts to switch from MP3 to FLAC.

But FLAC remains to be in the background compared to MP3, albeit the fact that it can offer high quality audio sound. Why? There are also downsides when it comes to FLAC. For one thing, FLAC files cannot be played in iTunes so if you are a die-hard Apple fan, then you will find this extremely discouraging. FLAC files play in Windows Media Player and Winamp though.

Another reason why many people shrugged off FLAC files is that they take up too much space, with a FLAC audio file taking up to 43 MB compared to MP3’s average 3 MB size. Some people prefer to skimp on storage space and sacrifice music quality. One must consider, however, that compared to downloading movies from sites like Netflix, the amount of bandwidth and storage space required for music is trivial.  Even the highest quality audio contains less data than a decent video stream.  This makes opting for MP3’s a false economy in todays bandwidth rich world.

Still, if you find quality audio important to you then you’ll discover that you’re not really interested in compressed music files. After all, you can always buy extra hard drives – they are cheap these days. So make the switch to FLAC file formats, grab a cold beer from the fridge, and settle in for some quality music appreciation today!

Categories
Netflix

Today’s Easiest Way To Learn How To Be A DJ

If you’ve ever thought of being a professional DJ/Mixmaster read on: These days everyone wants to be a DJ. Because of the low barriers of entry, there is no better time to learn how to mix than now. But how do you cut through the noise floor to become a Top DJ?

Hi, I’m Dan Morrell, DJ / remixer / producer / guitarist and now author. The decision to become a DJ has led me around the world to experience places that most people will never see or can afford to visit. I’ve toured in Japan with 14 cheerleaders for the troops, played Canada, Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico and more clubs around the US that I can even remember, all because I know how to make a record go wikki wikki. Ok, there’s a little more to it and we will cover all of it, but before we do let’s talk more about me… I’ll make it as quick as possible, I promise.

When I left for Normal, Illinois in the Summer of 1995, besides getting wasted there with great friends a few times in the past, I had no idea why I was going to ISU. Due to a piss poor GPA, my high school guidance counselor told me don’t waste my time even applying there. Luckily for me, they had a Hispanic box on the application. Unluckily for me, they sent my acceptance letter in Spanish, so I didn’t know I made it in until my Grandpa translated it for me.

I’ve never been one for following a traditional path or being influenced by the cautious advice of friends and family. Following my heart has led me to become who I am today, and now for the first time ever, I want to share how I did it with you.

The “Be A Top DJ in 10 Easy Steps” DJ course will help you achieve your dreams to be a Top DJ for a portion of what it would cost for group or personal DJ lessons. I wish that your journey takes you even farther than mine already has, and it will, if you follow the simple path I’ve laid out for you.

About the author:

With over 12 years of experience as a radio DJ, and even longer playing clubs along with high end bookings throughout the world, DJ Dan Morrell (formerly known DJ Smurf) is a well-qualified source to share insight on this competitive industry. The mixmaster shares tips and industry secrets that no other DJ would dare share, complete with proven road map on how to “Be A Top DJ in 10 Easy Steps.” Time saving shortcuts based on knowledge compiled directly from the best DJs in the world make this book a must-have for the entry level AND seasoned jock. The book was released by Mixmastered Publishing and is available in print, audio, and E-book versions through www.BeATopDJ.com, Apple’s iBookstore, and Amazon.com.

Categories
Home Rental Trials Netflix wii XBOX 360

Harry Potter v Twilight: a Debate

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Image via Wikipedia

 

Growing up I was always an avid reader; whilst the other teenagers were out smoking their first cigarettes or kissing, I spent school break-times in the library. One day I was looking for something new to read, and a slightly weird boy from my class pointed out a book about a young wizard named Harry Potter and said it would be the next big thing. I was skeptical. Then I started to read it and really didn’t rate it at all. I found the writing clumsy and a bit childish. Despite not making it past chapter one, I tagged along to the cinema to watch the first film then went to see the second as a bit of a joke. Before long I was up to date with the movies, and despite not reading any of the books, I was very interested to discover how it was all going to end and borrowed a copy of The Deathly Hallows book from my Potter mad boyfriend at the time. I found, to my joy, that the writing style had changed; it was darker, more grown up, and I powered through the massive novel in a few days.

My initial distrust and now love of Potter has made me wonder if I will ever feel the same way about Twilight; I’ll admit I haven’t read any of the books (although I flicked through the first one at a house party and found the dialogue slightly dull and repetitive; in having the Crucio curse inflicted upon me would be less painful) and I’ve only seen the first film. It failed to hold my attention, and as a result I’ve had no desire to watch the rest. In some ways I am curious; I want to know exactly what it is about a sparkly vampire who steals the engine out of his girlfriend’s car so she can’t go and visit another boy that women of all ages seem to find so sexually appealing. All I’m saying is that if my pasty boyfriend wasn’t up for pre-marital relations, It wouldn’t matter if my car was broken because I’d walk round to the tanned boy with the six pack’s house.

Now I’m not the world’s most romantic person, so perhaps that’s the problem. But what is Harry Potter if not a love story? A beautiful, slow burning love story between Ron and Hermione, with tiny hints dropped here and there in the text; from Hermione’s reaction to Ron’s dalliance with Lavender Brown, to Ron’s jealousy of Harry and Hermione’s friendship (which is represented quite graphically in the film version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – I was taken aback!).

Another issue I have with Twilight is the plot, or lack thereof. Again, I’ve not read any of the books or seen the films so please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but from what I can gather it’s simply a story of a boy falling in love with a girl and the story of their relationship from the day they meet until they have a child. The entire story revolves around their love affair. In Harry Potter the characters are embroiled in a battle between good and evil. There are intricate plot details and patterns which JK Rowling introduces in book one and ties up in book six. The books and films grow up with the readership. And of course, there’s the fun of trying to decide which house you would be in based on your personality (I’ve always identified myself as a Slytherin) which is slightly deeper than Team Edward or Team Jacob (ooh which boy is hotter?!).

In the battle of Harry Potter vs. Twilight, Harry Potter is a definite winner as far as I’m concerned. As well as creating a truly engaging story with interesting characters, Jo Rowling also invented a whole new language- any of you muggles up for a spot of quidditch?- and created enough enchanting scenes in her book to inspire a Harry Potter theme park (I’m not sure if I’d be interested in going to a theme park based on small town Washington).

This is of course, only my opinion. Many of my friends really enjoy the Twilight books so I’m sure they have something to offer; only they seem to have nothing to offer me. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts in the comments.

 

Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at getyourblogsout.com who work with a growing number of entertainment brands. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in entertainment news, check out my posts at getyourblogsout.com or visit my Twitter account, @BlogsOut

Categories
Home Rental Trials Netflix Uncategorized

When Should You Pay for a Cell Phone Lookup?

Finding the information associated with the owner or user of a particular cell phone has become a very lucrative business, and it has done so in a very short amount of time.  It was not too long ago that services like the White Pages online came to be, and in a few short decades these outlets have grown in size and application tremendously.  Today’s services are employed for a variety of reasons, some of which still include the original novelty and entertainment of the first uses as well as modern applications in locating individuals for profit.

The task of locating the owner or operator information for a given cell phone is called a reverse cell phone lookup, or in many cases, just a cell phone lookup.  The companies that provide this information are numerous, and depending on what type of information is needed, they can charge for their services.  There are many options for free cell phone lookup information, but these usually only return the minimum information available, and some only return initials and the city of registration for a reverse cell phone lookup free of charge.

Some of the more popular services like www.AnyWho.com, and, of course, the original, www.WhitePages.com, do offer these free search options, but the best and most accurate information is within the paid options.  These options allow access to search databases and return much more detailed and reliable information than can found through most free services. Just as laptops used to cost over $2,000 and now you can find new laptops under 300 dollars, advancing technology will force the price down for other technology, including cell phones and cell phone services.  While basic services are free now, even detailed cell phone lookup information should be inexpensive or free in the future.

One way to test the accuracy of the information provided through various outlets is to take some well-known information and see what returns are found for it.  Using one’s own number is often the best way to do this, and by simply comparing the free results from other providers or even from a search engine like Google, one can quickly estimate the reliability of different information providers.

Categories
internet tv Netflix

Customize your iPhone!

Sales for iPhone is obviously boosted by built in features, and the thousands of applications available for download via the Apple Store. There are also many Apple iPhone review sites to point users and developers in the right direction (Click here for more information on Apple reviews).  The demand for the iPhone applications is increasing, and with Verizon wireless launching their version of the iPhone 4, the demand is expected to increase higher. With the focus turning to developing the next great application, mobile app developers are coming up with news ways to market their applications to users.

Market positioning is essential for the success of their prototype. Some developers choose to release a free “light” version of their application to hook users into purchasing the entire version; This strategy is seen most by new developers trying to create a name for themselves within the market, but the strategy has been an option for the experienced developers as well.A test pilot application is another strategy seen the the application market that gives the applications to the users for a limited time, and then charges the users if the decide to keep the application after a series of time.

To make sure applications sell, developers are focusing on app functionality.  Obviously if there are millions of applications for sale, doing the same thing, developers are going to be reluctant to develop the same thing. However, if these applications are not fulfilling the needs of the users, that will create the opportunity needed to steal market share.

Applications are not the only things developers are trying to get a market niche on.  iPhone protection cases are huge potential sales opportunities. We recommend users and developers to check reviews on cases before the purchase or development begins. This is true especially when new iPhones are out like the Verizon iPhone 4. There are many Verizon iPhone 4 Case Review options available for review.

Categories
Netflix Roku DVR XBOX 360

Never Lick a Stamp Again with Netflix

Never Lick a Stamp Again with Netflix

When the Netflix online movie service began, you would use your home Internet connection to browse the catalogue and then wait a few days for the postal service to deliver your rental with a return envelope.

English: A Netflix envelope picture taken by B...
English: A Netflix envelope picture taken by BlueMint. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, things are much easier. You can download movies direct from Netflix by using any one of many home entertainment devices, like the Roku Digital Video Recorder (DVR), or a game console like the Xbox 360.

Other popular Netflix-enabled devices in homes today are any of the TiVo DVRs, as well as the Samsung and LG Blue-ray players. Several Samsung and LG home entertainment systems are also Netflix enabled in the same way, where you use your TV screen and Internet connection to order your selection from Netflix and then watch instantly.

Yet Netflix has even gone one step further, allowing you to watch a streaming movie online using only your Internet browser and Microsoft or Apple computer.