Wine, Cheese, and Copyright

A little bit of this, a little bit of that... commentary on the new happenings going on in the world of entertainment, technology and copyright. Also with a touch of random happenings and akward moments.

22 November 2006

Matt's Holiday Gift Guide

So here it is. I know you've been waiting for it. Matt's 2006 Holiday Gift Guide. You can't go wrong if you get any of your loved ones, friends or famliy anything I suggest. Yeah, it's that good. The hardest part might be finding them, though...

PlayStation 3

Let me just preface this by saying that you'll have to shell out around $2k for this one. You can't get it in stores, just the price gouging website Ebay.

Still, this is THE gift of the year. The technology is amazing. Blu-Ray, 1080p display, the wicked processors, Wi-Fi, internet and the list goes on. Sure it might not be totally perfect at launch, but it will be awesome. If you haven't heard about this system, you're out of the loop. You must not be reading the news. If anyone wants to make this guy happy, get me one of these. Just be careful you don't get mugged bringing it home. It happens here.

Other ideas related to the PS3 - Nintendo Wii or the X Box 360

iPod Shuffle

These are probably a little eaiser to get than the PS3, but not by much. They're selling for an easy $79 and are a great stocking stuffer. Cheap, gets people in on the iPod fad and are wonderfully tiny to bring along anywhere. Apparently Apple will sell between 6 and 8 million of these things this year. They can't keep them on the shelves. Don't believe me? Read here.

Other ideas that you should totally avoid - Microsft Zune (What a piece of junk)

The Sopranos DVDs

I just started watching this show and it's been incredible. I know the Sopranos fad has kind of worn off, but if you haven't seen the first episode, you need to. And when I travel by bus and train to and from Boston, I'm gonna watch more. Incredible. TV is getting so damn good all the time. There are too many other shows to see.

Other great ideas - Prison Break, LOST or South Park on DVD or iPod Video

Those are my top 3 ideas, but there's always pleanty of gadgets that I could fall in love with - cameras, TVs, cell phones - just too many to name. Here's the general rule to live by for Christmas shopping: when in doubt, go hi-tech.

15 November 2006

It's coming...

The iPhone will be here before you know it. And I'll be one of the first in line for it. Tech specs aren't available, but this article from Forbes.com gives a little detail on the contract between Apple and Tiwan-based Hon Hai. Jobs and Co. have placed an order for 12 million handsets that also work as an mp3 player. The iPhone (or so it has been dubbed) will be released in the first half of next year.

Personally, I want this thing to have video too. I've just recently been turned on to the TiVo and video iPod world and now I want one device to do it all. I want the Archos 604 WiFi features to download content direct from my TV. I want to surf the net and check my email on the go. I want to call my friends and tell them what an amazing device I have. I want to listen to my favorite PodCasts. I want to download the new single from my favorite band right onto my device, not through a computer. I want to be able to put all of my content on any hardware that I own.

And I want competition between businesses that are trying to give it to me. That way, prices are cheaper and products are better.

Coming soon... analyzing the Microsoft/Zune deal, NBC sticking with Studio 60 and my picks for holiday gifts for 2006! (wink wink anyone who might be thinking of getting me something for Christmas or my birthday in February!)

08 November 2006

CMJ, the Recording Academy, and the Archos 604

Sorry for the delay in posts. It's getting closer to crunch time for this semester. Added to that, the CMJ Marathon was last week. Totally a blast, minus the fact that you have to get to the big shows 3 or more hours early to get in. I couldn't get into the Shins because they gave preferential treatment to ticket holders over the CMJ badges. Wait, aren't these the badges that most people paid $500 for? Why are they even selling tickets? Of course they'd pack the house still.

Oh well... I only paid $35 anyway. On to better things.

The Recording Academy was at CMJ as well. While there, they released a report entitled "What's the Download Survival Guide". The report, which can be found here discusses digital download "etiquette" as well as downloading trends and a history of downloading. The report, as DigitalMusicNews.com states, "continues a kindler, gentler tone... less aligned with the RIAA approach... [which] has succeeded in fostering a negative perception of the music industry." The Academy summarized its views with this statement:

In order to compete with copyright infringing P2P sites, record labels, artists, and publishers need to make every sound and video recording available and easily accessible for purchase. In return, technology companies must resolve the issues surrounding compatibility and interoperability among portable devices and downloading services.

What a novel idea. Working WITH consumers to improve the marketplace? Wow. Never would've thought of that. Meanwhile, the RIAA continues it's lawsuit crusade, this time going against the children of Patricia Santangelo.

When will they learn...

Finally, a new digital music player has entered the market. Archos has released a Wi-Fi enabled video player ahead of Microsoft's Zune. The device, dubbed the "604" has 30 GBs of storage space, touch screen controls to access the internet and email, and device to device compatibility. The big kicker for me is its ability to connect to set-top cable boxes and DVD players to record video. Portable DVR maybe? I'm not sure exactly how well the Wi-Fi and its device compatibility will be, but it looks like it could be a real buy.

Either way, it's still going up against Apple and Microsoft. Maybe good technology will find a way...

Cheers!

Thanks to DigitalMusicNews.com

02 November 2006

James Lipton does Kevin

Thank you, K-Fed. I love you.