Tech Talk

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by grande351

First of all, thanks to everyone for helping me through my computer issues of late. That drive is still messed up, but I've downloaded Pandora and I'll give it a try.

I just installed a DVD burner last night and I've been playing with it a bit. It came with Nero 8 (trial version, of course ) Using this, I was able to import some videos, In this case the two Zeba videos, which were 3000 kb/sec wmv files. I burned these to a dvd and much to my surprise, it actually played in my dvd player, which I'm really happy about. The only problem is, I'm getting letterboxing at the top and bottom of the screen, which makes the picture seem "smushed". How do I get the videos to fill up the entire screen? My TV is a 26" flat screen and I'm using an ordinary standard def dvd player. When I recorded the dvd the target video settings were: 720x480 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The only other setting I could use is a 4:3 aspect ratio. I could probably play with the TV settings, but I'd have to do it each time, because "normal" dvd's don't have this problem.
I am a complete moron when it comes to video and everything I read has me more confused!!!

Well, if all else fails, you should find an "aspect" button on your TV controller. Repeatedly pressing it might fill up your screen with the video clips. Good Luck!

[grande351]

Originally Posted by Geezer

Well, if all else fails, you should find an "aspect" button on your TV controller. Repeatedly pressing it might fill up your screen with the video clips. Good Luck!

Thanks Geezer, you're correct. I checked my remote and there's an "aspect" button. If I set it to "Zoom" I get the whole screen, which looks a lot better. I still think there has to be a way around this though. Just have to keep foolin with it. The quality of the video surprised the hell out of me. Even using the 3000 kb/sec wmv's! I'm going to try another today where I saved the 8000 kb/sec and see if it's any better. I wanted to put some videos from Danielle's site on a dvd, but all of the ones I downloaded are now trapped on a failed hard drive and the recovery program costs nearly $200, which I don't have. (By the way, I tried Pandora last night and it did not recognize the drive, for some reason. EasyRecovery did recognize it.) Now I have to download them all over again.

[CK1]

that is the $200 difference. i thought that the drive was at least recognized.

[CK1]

I just wanted to let everyone know that i started i MySpace page for tech advice and questions. its a work in progress and i am still adding blogs discusing different common issues (viruses, back ups, how to pick a computer, etc.) and will post blogs answering questions that people send in. its just an advice site. it doesn't represent any brand of computer, store, repair shop, etc. it is just a personal site where i can give advice without having to censor what i say because you don't want to upset a client. since i have no clients, i can speak freely. i am still trying to figure out how to format to get things to look just the way i want it so you might see changes in the next 30 days. so if you are interested, feel free to take a look. right not i only have a couple of articles posted but will have more posted this month.

www.myspace.com/everydaytech

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by CK1

I just wanted to let everyone know that i started i MySpace page for tech advice and questions. its a work in progress and i am still adding blogs discusing different common issues (viruses, back ups, how to pick a computer, etc.) and will post blogs answering questions that people send in. its just an advice site. it doesn't represent any brand of computer, store, repair shop, etc. it is just a personal site where i can give advice without having to censor what i say because you don't want to upset a client. since i have no clients, i can speak freely. i am still trying to figure out how to format to get things to look just the way i want it so you might see changes in the next 30 days. so if you are interested, feel free to take a look. right not i only have a couple of articles posted but will have more posted this month.

I have my own Myspace Profile but... I'm not sure how I would find yours if I wanted? Can I just search for "CK1?"

[CK1]

sorry forgot to add the link. www.myspace.com/everydaytech. i don't want it to be another one of those ubber tech sites where i discuss the refresh rates of monitors or other things like that. i just want to give the average user good advice that is coming from a neutral person. not someone who is trying to sell either a new computer or a bunch of repair work.

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by CK1

sorry forgot to add the link. www.myspace.com/everydaytech. i don't want it to be another one of those ubber tech sites where i discuss the refresh rates of monitors or other things like that. i just want to give the average user good advice that is coming from a neutral person. not someone who is trying to sell either a new computer or a bunch of repair work.

Just so everyone knows, what, exactly, are your "qualifications" for giving advice?

here is my own personal test: many web sites ask if you want them to "remember" you and, often, your password. Even this forum has a box to check. So, WHY aren't MY user names and/or passwords being saved?

Every site I use frequently has a box for "remember me" but each time I visit I have to reenter my information. I suppose it's possible my virus checker is blocking the cookies necessary to save the info but I can't find how to turn off that feature. I use PCTOOLS' spyware doctor.

Interestingly enough, for D's pay site and FTV's pay area, my user name and passwords ARE Saved. Go figure!?!?!?!