Macworld Keynote thoughts

Being a fan of Apple I must post about the recent Macworld Keynote address from Steve Jobs. Apple computer’s are a technical arts director’s best friend (in my opinion). If you are in ministry looking to buy a new computer do not rule out a mac because they are unfamiliar to you. Apple computers come preloaded with the ability to edit and manage photos, video, and even design websites, or make your own songs or podcasts. Before I get to far off track back to the keynote. I was most interested in movie rentals and the Apple TV software refresh after the keynote. I feel as though this is a look into a new idea. Now with the ability to rent HD movies via the iTunes store and directly to an Apple TV this brings a new player into the format wars of HD-DVD and Blu-ray. Even though it appears as though Blu-ray has won the format battle for now, I can see how the concept of the Apple TV can be a major player in the format lineup. The Apple TV is competitively priced at $229 and is a multimedia center that can easily be added to your family room. Not only can it play rented movies from iTunes it can connect to iTunes account on computers within your local network to play back video, and music. The Apple TV can now also navigate flickr and youtube. Watch out for Apple TV, it will soon find it’s place in the active format war. 

Digital TV Switchover

It seems as though many are confused about the Digital TV switchover. A lot more hype has been put on it now that we are in the new year. I can imagine that even more attention will be focused on it throughout the year. To clear things up I thought this post would be helpful. The basics are this at midnight on February 17th 2009, all full-power television stations in the US will no longer broadcast in analog and switch to digital broadcasting. This means that if the TV you are using was not purchased within the past 5 years it is most likely going to need a converter, or you will need to purchase a new TV. This only effects those who currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service. IF you own a TV with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition. If you are watching TV over bunny ears or via a roof top antenna and need a converter box the government has started a coupon program that will send you a coupon in order to greatly reduce the cost of purchasing a converter box. You can apply for two coupons per household by clicking here.