The DigitalRV Blog

Few days since the last blog post here.  Apologies.  Too many things to do, and never enough time.

Today I rechecked the Kyocera site to see what the status on the KR1 is.  Well, on this visit I did not find a “Coming Soon.”  I found purchase options.  Very exciting.

A few weeks ago I dashed off a line to Kyocera to see when the device would be available, and how a person could go about “testing a model.”  No results.  Sometimes companies are interested in demo opportunities, sometimes they’re not.  Always worth a shot though.

Given the fact that I do have an EVDO wireless card, and I was planning on getting a device like the KR1, I went ahead and ordered one.  Yup, it set me back a few bucks, but I’m trying to get the last items together before a much longer road trip.  And I intend to document the trip, and be a Digital RV’er to the extreme.

As soon as the KR1 arrives I’ll give a run down on it.  Also, there will be photos, and details regarding the ease of use (or lack of ease).

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m always concerned about network security both on and off the road. So I thought I’d post a list of what I use to feel safe when going on the Internet.

On my Windows System:

• Norton’s Internet Security: Comes with Norton Anti-Virus, Spam Blocker, A Firewall and some parental controls
• Password Protected machine: I require a login on my Windows system. Keeps nosey folks from seeing what I’m up to.
• Chek in with DSLReports at each new location: I always check my open ports using DSLReports’ security testing tool.
• I use Mozilla’s Firefox Web Browser: Very secure web browser with a ton of great features.

On my Mac

• Apple’s Built in Firewall: OSX comes with a great built in firewall. It’s located under System Preferences, Sharing. Always on!
• Norton’s Anti-Virus: Just Norton Anti-Virus for Macintosh.
• Password Protected machine: I require a login on my Windows system. Keeps nosey folks from seeing what I’m up to.
• Chek in with DSLReports at each new location: I always check my open ports using DSLReports’ security testing tool.
• I use Mozilla’s Firefox Web Browser: Very secure web browser with a ton of great features.

Want to get the firefox browser? Look in the column to the right under sponsors, and click the Firfox Icon. It’s free!

That’s right, the blog & forum have now been up officially for 1 month.  So far we’ve reached 30 members on the forum, and literally had thousands of unique sites looking through the Digital RV.

So, what’s next?  Well, hopefully the site will continue to grow, and the forums will continue to develop a base of members that can help each other learn about mobile technology for the road.

Check out the forum today.  And sign up too!  It’s easy & free. If you’re a tech expert, sign up and help out other members.  And if you’re looking to learn, sign up and other members will do their best to anwer your questions.

If you’re looking for other interesting reads, check out Gadget’s Airstream Blog.  More will be posted there in the coming weeks as I prepare for a longer road trip.  And don’t forget to stop by The Tour of America!

Thanks for helping to make the site a success!

Woah! This posting should stir up a pot that I should probably let sit. But of course, I’m not going to.

Off the bat, this is not an overall “Windows vs. Mac” post, ok? I’m focusing specifically on media center software, and where the two systems stand. In the end, I always go with systems that I find stable and functional overall. Not just based on one of many features that a computer is used for. Keep that in mind as you read (you’ll need to).

In Mac World’s most recent publication, February of 2006, the writers addressed this same topic. Page 65 of the publication summed up an interesting thought when it comes to a prepackaged media center. The title of the sidebar in Mac World was, “What Apple Could Learn from Microsoft.” Ouch.

That’s not to say Macintosh won’t make a good media center. It will make a great media center. The gap between Windows and Mac is simple. Currently there are many ways to pool all of your media into one easy to manage spot with Windows, and Mac is working it’s way up to that stage. Windows has been playing with their “Media Center Edition” for a few years, Mac is just getting into it at the moment.

In particular, Mac World points out that Windows Media Center Edition has the ability to pool all of your media resources in one spot. Macintosh can handle all of your media as well, but there is no 1 single over arching program that can tie it all together. Recently Mac launched Front Row, which is a stab at developing a single media center software, but it’s not close to how Win Media Center works.

For both Mac & Windows, users can get componenets that allow you to watch and record TV, view DVD’s, play and record music, and load photography. Both systems can do that. Where Windows has an edge is the fact that with Media Center, and other 3rd party vendors like SageTV, you can pool all of your media under one umbrella program.

If you’re currently a media junkie who’s looking for a system that can manage all of your media in one spot, then right now Windows might be the system for you. If you don’t mind managing your files a bit more, Windows or Mac will work well.

Personally, I have both Windows & Mac machines. I prefer using my Macs more. I find them more secure on the Internet, and more stable. But, if you’ve read my book you’ll know, using SageTV on Windows really made me like Windows again, and it’s been a while. Sage’s software on a Windows XP system really does a lot. And I find XP more stable than Windows Media Center. So, if you are looking for Windows to be your Media Center, skip the Win Media Center Edition. Grab a machine with XP professional and get yourself SageTV instead.

For the Mac users out there, don’t worry. You can still manage all your media today. And with the improvements to EyeTV 2, you’ll find TV viewing and recording to be easier than ever. I have a sneaking suspicion that Elgato will lead the way to a true Media Center Software for Macintosh. They’re almost there now. Keep watching for Elgato’s updates this year.

Once again, in the end both platforms can handle all of your media needs. The big difference is you can setup a “One Stop Shopping” scenario on Windows, and on Mac you’ll be using several applications. Splitting hairs really, until you try out each system and see how slick a total media interface is. Still, this year we’ll see many updates for both Windows & Macintosh Media. The race is on now! Everyon is getting into audio & video. The upcoming innovations will pay off big for all Digital RV’ers, so keep watching!

As you’ve gathered, I’ve been a fan of Elgato’s EyeTV for a while now. And recently I did a quick piece on their new EyeTV 2. It’s a great PVR for Mac owners, no doubt (I’m looking forward to when it gets even closer to something like SageTV).

Recently I had the opportunity to get a look at Elgato’s EyeTV EZ, and of course I had to have a look. Personally I’ve been using their old EyeTV USB, so seeing one of the newer devices is exciting.

Click to see a larger version of the package contents

Out of the box I was very impressed. They EyeTV EZ is about the same size as my IPod. Same length, width, and about 2 times thicker. So, a very small package! Items included with the device were a set of batteries, remote control, an S-Video & Composite Video Input connector, and the USB 2.0 cable. The device itself is actually Terratec’s Cinergy model.

Connecting it to my Macintosh, the EyeTV was recognized immediately, and ready to go. A new experience for me was having my first PVR with a remote! Normally I have to control it from the computer keyboard, but not this time. The remote is a fantastic inclusion, and now that I’ve used a PVR with a remote control I don’t ever want to use one without it again. I know, getting off the couch in my trailer is important, but if I’m really comfortable….

Let’s talk a little more about the remote.  This thing has it all.  You can change channels from across your RV, just like any other remote.  You can also pull up the EPG (electronic programming guide) to see what’s coming on next.  If you want program information ont the screen, you can select that too.  Recording, scheduling, volume control, all from the remote!  Finally, you can toggle the screen size from the remote as well.  So similar to my Tivo at home!

The TV receiver device also has an input port for external video devices.  That means you can connect up another computer, DVD player, VCR, etc., and record on your Mac.  Want to convert those old home movies to digital?  You can with the EyeTV EZ!

There is one major drawback to the EZ.  Unlike other PVR devices, the EZ does not do the video encoding for you.  What does that mean?  That means your computer will have to work harder to display and record TV.  You need a fast processor to run this model.  What you gain in space savings (the device is so small), you loose some viewing & recording options.  Most other PVR models offer multiple encoding formats to compress video (storing more video in less space).  The EZ’s output is “raw video”.  So recordings are larger, and your computer has to work harder.

If you’ve got a G3 forget about using the EZ.  You need a G4 or G5 to handle it.  On my G4 laptop I cannot display on the highest resolution, period, end of story.  The software actually tells me I’d need a dual processor or G5.  So while the EZ is extremely portable, you are limited on lower end systems.

Other Elgato products do come with remotes, and video encoders built into the device.  Those systems are fine for lower end computers (consider the EyeTV 200).  However, if I were just looking to watch TV while on the road, and I wasn’t worried about recording and video storage, I’d pick the EZ just for the space savings it offers.  If instead I was more concerned about building a video library while on the road, and I wanted many options for recording I would look at Elgato’s other products, or other 3rd party hardware manufacturers that have partnered with Elgato.

Overall I’d give this system 3 out of 5 stars.  It works well, is super portable, and has a ton of features.  But because it doesn’t do it’s own video encoding, and limits users with lower end computers it isn’t perfect.  It sure is nice though!

Currently I’m in NH. The cold has returned, and with it the snow. Now several folks I know are on the road right now, updating their blogs with sunny warm stories and photos. And a few keep writing me telling me how toasty warm and happy they are. Well guys, here’s my photo of the day for you. I’m breaking out the lawn chair and planning on heading out to tan in just a few.

Seriously, I need to get somewhere warm!

No technical posts today, and very little web work. There are times when you just need to kick back.

Even though I’ve got no updates I thought I’d put an entry up today and use my little soap box. Breaking out the soap box, this can’t be good. Don’t worry, it’s not bad. Just a small rant on “entertainment” today.

At this very moment I’m kicking back, typing, and half watching TV. What am I watching? Surface, on NBC. Now don’t mistake my watching the show as an endorsement of the show. It’s not. I watch the show for the same reason people slow down when driving by an accident scene.

NBC’s Surface is my “road side car wreck” show of the year. I initially started watching with the hope that a new sci-fi series made it to a standard station. With each episode I became more aware of the fact that Hollywood really has lost touch, originality, and it’s pool of creative writers.

The characters in the show have to be some of the most unbelievable I’ve seen in a long time. By that I mean you cannot believe anything about the characters. The most obvious things blow past these folks. Bad guys are after you. So what do you do? Well, how about using a cell phone to contact your family? No way anyone will trace your call, or tap your family’s phone. Yup, real people are that dumb.

So why do I keep watching Surface? I want to know how dumb the current batch of writers think we are. If Surface is to pass as a legit sci-fi series they must think we’re dumber than stumps.

Turning my attention to an “acclaimed sci-fi series.” Most sci-fi series are really not what I like any longer. One of the series that has gotten rave reviews is the new Battlestar Galactica. The first big “to do” was that this new series replaced characters who were male with females. Big deal, that didn’t bother me. However, there’s plenty of other stuff on the show that is bothersome.

Battlestar Galactica can be described very simply. Soft Porn. Really, I mean it. A great deal of the show focuses around sexual tension, and sexual relationships with the main characters.

Here’s the deal if you haven’t watched the show. The “Cylons” are robots created by humanity. Many years ago they cylons rebelled and there was a war. A truce was called, the cylons moved away. After evolving, and making themselves look human they came back and wiped out the bulk of humanity. Less than 50,000 humans survive and run away in their little fleet searching for Earth. Ok.

Several of the cylons are female. Several of the remaining humans have been seduced by the cylon females. Even when these humans are made aware that their “girl friend” is really a cylon, they still love them and don’t turn them in. Let’s see, billions dead. My girlfriend is a cylon, part of the group that wiped out nearly my entire race. Yup, I’m going to protect her and not tell anyone she’s one of the robots.

Apparently, advanced civilizations capable of travelling the galaxy all function like teenagers with raging hormones. How anyone ever got around to figuring out space travel is beyond me. They’re too busy thinking about their most base instincts. Concentrating on doing anything else would seem almost impossible.

Apparently one of the cylons is now pregnant.  Ok, they’re really close to being human.  And the father of the child still loves the cylon, and his child.  Uh, wiped out humanity….hmmmm.
Fortunately for the Sci-Fi channel my take on the show is in the minority. It’s still getting rave reviews. As they say, sex sells.

Now you might know why I spend more of my “entertainment time” listening to XM Radio instead of watching TV.

Tomorrow more tech stuff.  The soap box has been returned to the laundry room. 

Yes, video games for the road.  No, don’t wall yourself off when on your next RV adventure, but consider a game or two for those rainy days!

Recently a friend of mine got in touch from a trip he’s on.  Unfortunately he’d come down with the flu, and it got him bad.  Several days of bed rest.  It’s bad enough getting sick & cooped up in a big house.  But how about when you’re travelling and in a smaller space?  The same question could be asked in bad weather as well.

On each trip I always make sure to have a game or two handy.  In out of the way spots I normally won’t find many TV stations.  And while the XM radio is great, spending a day in my trailer due to weather or health can drag on, even with great radio.  That’s where the games come in.

Almost every computer out there comes with solitaire, chess, and a handful of other little game application.  In addition to those little games I like to bring a few more to spice things up.

There’s so much to choose from in games today.  You can wage inter-galactic wars, go back in time and defend a castle, build an enitre civilization, or even simulate life in the suburbs (if you’re missing a more rooted lifestyle).

My personal favorites:

• Home World:  3D Starship Fleet Combat.  One of the most stunning games.  While it’s been out for years, it’s still a favorite.
• Age of Empires II:  Go back to the days of acient civilizations, command vast armies, and defend your realm.
• Lords of the Realm:  Another castle fantasy game.
• Tropico:  Have you ever imagined being the dictator of a small island in the middle of the ocean?  Will you be kind hearted, or your standard run of the mill dictator?

Don’t stay in your RV all day.  But if you’re stuck in for a day or two, consider bringing something fun to occupy your time.

Oh, ever wonder why nobody’s created a virtual RV game?  Wouldn’t you love to design your own park, plan a wild trip, etc?  Programmers, get on it.  “RV’ing for the Sims?” 

I’m a big fan of the FireFox Web Browser.  You might ask, “How Big?”  Well, take a look at the new format of the blog!  It’s a fantastic Firefox theme.

Let me know what you think.  I can put it back to the old theme.  But I’m thinking I like this.  In the end though, readers are welcome to tell me what works for The DigitalRV.

Thought I’d post a little about the book. I’ve now had several resellers pick it up, and I still haven’t really started pushing out many inquiries to stores. When I do I think I will get even busier.

So far you can purchase “The Digital RV” from the publisher, Lulu.com, Amazon.com, RVBookstore.com, Workamper.com, and Airstream Life! With luck you might see it available through Camping World in the near future too.

I thought I’d include the writeup on the book from RVBookstore. No, I didn’t write it. It was put together by staff at the RVBookstore. As with all books I sent an inquiry & copy of the book. And I’m happy to say they were my first big reseller. Here’s the write up:

Just as an RV is a home in miniature and the product of state of the art technology, so are today’s onboard accessories — cell phones, computers, DVD players, GPS systems, iPods and digital cameras. And that’s where this terrific book comes in. For an RVer who really does want to “have it all,” author Rich Charpentier tells how he or she can — and in the confined space of an RV. Charpentier shows and tells how a laptop computer can basically replace a TV, DVD and stereo system, desktop computer, photo albums and other devices that weren’t feasibile to cart along on an RV trip in the good ol’ days. He clearly explains how an RVer can connect to the Internet on the road using different technologies — cell phone, WiFi and satellite. He explains how to manage digital photos, the basics of satellite radio, and how to use an MP3 player (or iPod) to bring along the equivalent of a full music system and library in the space the size of a pack of cigarettes. He explains how to use GPS navigaton to locate campgrounds — and even gas stations big enough to accommodate a big rig. And besides showing how to do all this, he explains the costs including how to do it on a shoestring if necessary. This is truly a book for today’s RVer.