Sunday, March 15, 2009
Fix
Convert MKV Files For Playback On PlayStation3
9:00AM Jason Fitzpatrick | If you have some videos in the .MKV format you’re itching to play on your PlayStation3, check out this simple tutorial for converting them using mkv2vob. We’ve talked about how to rip DVDs for your PlayStation3 before. BitBurners.com takes on the digital-to-digital route, explaining how to covert both .MKV and .TS (ripped DVD video files) into a PlayStation3-compatible format. Along with the basic software how-to, you’ll learn how to transfer them to your PlayStation3. Convert .MKV files for PlayStation 3 using mkv2vob [BitBurner] More »
Communicate
Kideo Player Makes YouTube Safe For The Kids
8:00AM Jason Fitzpatrick | Kideo is a simple front-end for letting your kids off the leash on YouTube, with an extensive white list of kid-friendly videos that can be refreshed via the space bar. Kideo doesn’t strive to have advanced features. Instead, it makes it really easy for kids to watch YouTube videos safe for young eyes. There’s no access to any additional features in YouTube; the interface is spartan, and the videos are refreshed by pressing the space bar. If your little one doesn’t smack the space bar to skip onto the next video, it runs through an approved queue. Unlike many sites that white list web pages and content for children, Kideo isn’t community or committee-driven. The entire white list is maintained by a father of two who wanted his kids to be able to watch YouTube vidoes. Most of the vidoes that I saw using the service were watchable, with an emphasis on PBS and educational videos. With the dead simple, spacebar-only interface, it’s also navigable for all but the smallest children. Kideo Player [via Download Squad] More »
Communicate
Iconix Truemark Email Identification Verifies Senders, Defeats Phishers
7:00AM Jason Fitzpatrick | Windows only: Truemark Email Identification is a simple tool in the defence against fraudulent emails. Whether you’re in desktop or web-based email, you’re given instant visual verification that an email is legitimate. While there’s no substitute for a healthy dose of paranoia with a chaser of concern for privacy and security, Iconix Truemark complements any email setup. Truemark adds a small icon next to any corporate or web service’s name, but only if it’s been checked against a list of domain keys and sender IDs maintained by Iconix. Mouse over the icon and you get more detail; don’t see an icon, you know Amazon might not actually need a password reset. Truemark currently works with a variety of webmail applictions via Firefox and Internet Explorer plugins, including Gmail, AOL Mail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail and with client-based email like Outlook 2003/2007 and Outlook Express. Iconix Truemark is freeware, with plugins available for Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Outlook, on Windows only. Iconix Truemark [via gHacks] More »
Fix
Replace The New iPod Shuffle’s Headphones
6:00AM Jason Fitzpatrick | The new iPod shuffle has controls wired right into the cable of the headphones. What if you don’t dig Apple’s standard earbuds? This video tutorial offers a simple way to swap in your preferred pair.As he advises in the video, make sure to note which wires go where and go slowly if it’s your first time soldering. That said the technique shouldn’t be a challenge, even for a novice warranty-voider. Have your own earbud hacks to share? Sound off in the comments below and give us another reason to bust out a soldering iron. iPod Earbud Replacement [via Hack a Day] More »
Money
Simple Tips To Reduce Your Household Expenses
5:00AM Jason Fitzpatrick | Looking to squeeze a little extra cash out of unexpected places without having to resort to a second (or third!) job to come up with the dosh? Use these tips to save around the house. Over at the blog of This Old House, the venerable old DIYer magazine, they’ve assembled a list of 50 money saving tips. The tips cover a broad spectrum of tips, ranging from things you can see immediate benefit from like installing your own water filter to long term planning like planting trees to shade your home. Some of the tips definitely fall into the “Oh! I hadn’t thought of that!” category, like this one regarding firewood: More »
Money
Top Tips For Talking Your Way Into A Better Deal
2:00AM Kevin Purdy | Some people were born to haggle, negotiate, cajole, whatever you call it. The rest of us need some guidance. Here are 10 great negotiating tactics to use next time you want to get more for less. Photo by maveric2003. More »
Fix
