Rough Groove

Copy Blu-ray movies with amazing HD quality

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 123 Media Max. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m a movie junkie and I like to watch these in the highest quality possible. That’s why, if it is available in Blu-ray for real HD quality, I prefer to see that. However, these are quite expensive and with a friend who has quite a collection, copying it is the next best thing.

Fortunately, there is 123 Media Max a software package that guarantees you have the best backup possible. It let’s me copy blu-ray movies to DVD with the highest HD quality possible! What’ more, I can also backup DVD movies either to DVDs or to my PC. Search and convert youtube video, videos from cameras, Google Video, Metacafe, MyVideo, blip.tv, Putfile, Break and Myspace to DVD. Not only that, I can use these in my gadgets and devices. Its portable media on the go as you can also use the software to store in smart phone, Apple TV, iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch, PSP, PS3, XBOX 360, Zune, Gigabeat, Creative Zen, Blackberry and more.

You can also create DVDs from MPEG4, AVI, Windows Media Video (WMV), DVR and TIVO files; multiple video files editing the audio and video pieces independently and create widescreen (16:9) format. Other than that, you can convert audio and music tracks to MP3s for your PSP, iPod, PS3, XBOX 360, Zune, Gigabeat, Zen, etc. Its a wonderful software that has plenty of features!

With this, I can make unlimited backups of blu-ray movies that are playable in blu-ray players, DVDs and the Sony PS3.

jv16 Powertools 2009 is one useful system tool for Windows

How to optimize Windows? How to improve Windows performance? These are the questions that have been bugging me six months after I have made a fresh install of my Windows Vista on my HP notebook computer. For the past two months, there has been a noticeable slowing down on how applications run or as simple as opening files is just longer than usual. This tempted me to do another fresh install. However, such a desicion is time consuming and the task of backing up huge amounts of files, passwords, bookmarks as well as reconfiguring systems and applications is daunting. Add to the fact that I have installed and uninstalled several applications in the course of trying out software that I need from time to time. This might be one of the culprits as the Windows registry gets bloated from files and entries that are no longer needed. Looking at my file system, it doesn’t help that files accumulated over the course of the year is already a clutter. After checking the internet, reading online reviews and checking out user experiences in forums and blogs, I tried two applications of which, jv16 PowerTools 2009 came out a winner. What made me prefer this one than the other? Two things:

• it does what it says
• user interface is simple and intuitive, and
• it has enough bells and whistles to add to its usefulness

The application has four main components:

• registry tools – optimizes the Windows registry from deleting unused entries to compacting it for more efficient use of space. Its a nifty tool that you can use to find and replace, manipulate and monitor
• file tools – the search function is better than the built in Windows find utility wherein you can set several conditions, recover deleted files, organize, find duplicates or similar files and directories. With the “More Functions…” button, you are offered several options on what to do like copy, paste, rename, encrypt, change attributes, split and several other useful tasks without leaving the application.
• system tools – I would consider this as one of the most important components in the software. While it has some functions that is found in Windows Vista, having it in one location makes it all the more useful. And better still, the System Optimizer is the best. It consists of three tweaks: Performance, of which several options helps make the system run faster; User interface, enables or disables several interface functions and, Other tweaks, which is limited to bypassing the Recycle Bin or disabling automatic restart after Windows is updated.
• privacy tools – what I do like about this software is its thrust on security as well as cognescent of the user’s privacy. History cleaner, system cleaner and disk wiper gives you peace of mind especially if your computer is always online or is being used by other people from time to time.

Interfacewise, it is simple and intuitive with its components in a familiar control panel. It also offers excellent back up functions of system, registry and files. It can also be used by power users and novices alike with special care for the latter wherein function description is understandable and explains and, if needed, cautions, what it does. It’s available as a Shareware with a 30 day trial. During this period, jv16 Powertools 2009 functions fully, unlimited and no nagging windows. After using it, I did find a marked increase in system performance and would say that it really is one important tool.

Taking advantage of security products for the home

Motion sensors, 24 hour camera monitoring, including night vision capability and automation systems are stuff that we often find in big companies used in securing premises from intrusion. Or, as what we see in movies, the burglar-hero tiptoes around the room of a mansion, trying to circumvent high tech security systems. Well, these are expensive setups that the ordinary homeowner might not be able to afford.

Until now.

Technological breakthroughs over the years has led to the development of smaller, lighter, and most of all, cheaper electronic products that are being exploited by many companies. One of which are the development of systems for home security. What was costly to install a few years ago is now more affordable. Add to the popularity of the internet and you’ve got one system that is as high tech as we can imagine.

Small inconspicuous devices can be covertly installed inside the home, both wired or wireless. Images can be seen even in dark rooms. Movement is expertly monitored and any motion is enough to trigger the alarm system. Away on travel or vacation? Just log on to the internet and check on your home.

These systems are simple to setup. Beyond that, it can also be a stepping board to full home automation.

Smart’s unreliable 3G internet

I don’t have any landline internet connection at home and for short online usage, I use my Sony Ericsson W850i mobile phone with its 3G capability via Smart’s mobile network. Just lately this January here in Makati, the connection seems to be unreliable. After a few minutes usage, connection goes off. Five minutes. Ten minutes. 4 minutes. That’s how intermittent it is. I wanted to report it with customer service but my past experience with them isn’t good. Either no one answers it or after you report it, nothing happens.

Unless you report it to one of the managers.

My domain’s email via Gmail

I was tinkering with my estancabigas.com domain’s primary email address at dreamhost.com and look at what i found: I can use this personal email via Gmail! Now, that is convenience.