Re:calling clueful car manufacturers
on
Pods Unite
·
· Score: 1
I'm a little confused. Why would you need to buy an expensive piece of equipment and then pay more for dealer installation?
All you really need is a 1/8" stereo-->(2) RCA converter cable, right? You should also be able to get a panel mount 1/8" stereo jack from Rat Shack. Then all you would have to do is drill a hole at a good location on the dash and tighten a nut to hold the jack in place.
Am I missing something?
Re:calling clueful car manufacturers
on
Pods Unite
·
· Score: 1
As another poster asked it "would it hurt to put a aux jack 1/8" in the front?". It makes sense and would allow people to plug in new shit much easier than via casettes [which can jam] and FM transmitters [which suck ass anyways].
I went with the girlfriend and looked at the new Mitsubishi Endeavor Friday. We test drove it, I did the guy thing and looked under the hood for no apparent reason, etc...
When we got back to the dealership, I happened to notice that the radio is not a regular form factor. It looked like buttons were placed semi-randomly across the center of the dash, which made it look like changing it out would be impossible.
Sure enough, I asked the sales guy, and you cannot just remove the factory radio and install an aftermarket! It appears you'd have to make your own custom enclosure to make it work.
He also mentioned that some manufacturers are making systems where the speakers only work with the factory radio. How is that possible?
Hiroshima caused 9/11? I don't remember Osama mentioning anything about the bombing of the Japanese. In fact, al-Qaida probably sees the Japanese way of life just as much a threat as the American.
Why would it matter if we could own "firearms, rockets, grenades, bombs, missles," etc., if we don't have access to ammunition? Or was that your point all along?
By the way, your reference to giving the cop "a moment to pause and think" is asinine. You may not agree with certain laws, but that's why we have them: they apply to everyone.
If a cop has to hesitate before arresting you on a drug charge because he's worried about getting blown away...you're one sorry ass MF. It's one thing to defend yourself or your family from personal injury - it's totally another to think you're above the law.
Don't like the drug laws? Write your congressman, march outside the state house, have benefit concerts, promote "awareness." But the second you threaten the life of a cop so you can smoke a joint is the second when I could care less if you occupy the planet.
Cops don't write the laws. They get paid shit wages to do their job and for the most part they do it well.
I'm currently job hunting, and yes, some of the requirements listed are inflated. I especially like how employers will super-marginalize the job so that only those that have worked for the company would have any experience as listed.
As for your college experience...I find it regrettable that an EE senior had to ask you for help with their project. Obviously the student had no grasp of the concept of logic and how it applied to ICs.
But to down an EE student for not having TTL chip numbers/functions memorized is ridiculous. I don't know how CS is, but in EE memorizing part numbers is not a priority - understanding concepts to know how to make silicon perform a particular function is.
If we spent class time being quizzed on part numbers our education would soon become obsolete. Reference books like the TI TTL book are published for a reason.
Also, I commend you for your "can-do" attitude and your tinkering with digital electronics as a kid, but why didn't you graduate? There's something to say for getting taught theoretical concepts that a Rat Shack hobby kit can't provide.
Editorialists won't be happy with the amount of access the administration gives until they can setup cameras in the Oval Office and make the Presidency a reality TV show.
If I have extra money at the end of the month, I don't go making extra-large payments on my car loan when my daughter and her family can't find jobs and need the money in order to make ends meet.
So, go soak your knee (it probably hurts from the big jerking motion you just made)...
True, it's just a proposed law. But it still needs to be opposed NOW so that lawmakers know we don't want it. Why is that a kneejerk reaction?
And while we're on the subject of kneejerk reactions...
Then, after it breezes past our sitting 'I'll sign anything for business' president.
Every single sponsor (6 total) of this bill is a Democrat. Verify it here if you want. I'm really tired of people making the blanket accusation that Republicans are the only ones that support big business. I would venture to say that almost every member of Congress has their token industry from back home that lobbies the shit out of them - and the industry usually gets what it wants, Democrat or Republican.
So can we all now acknowlege that it isn't only the Republicans that back big business?
Here are 6 Democrats supporting a bill solely on behalf of the entertainment industry: Conyers, Berman, Schiff, Meehan, Wexler, and Weiner. If you want to verify they're all dems, look here.
Here are some gems from the proposed bill:
1822. Notice and consent relating to certain software
(a) Whoever knowingly offers enabling software for download over the Internet and does not
(1) clearly and conspicuously warn any person downloading that software, before it is downloaded, that it is enabling software and could create a security and privacy risk for the user's computer; and
(2) obtain that person's prior consent to the download after that warning; shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
(b) As used in this section, the term 'enabling software means software that, when installed on the user's computer, enables 3rd parties to store data on that computer, or use that computer to search other computers' contents over the Internet.''.
That one could have some positive implications for spyware, but I don't think that's the intent. I think the RIAA is trying to get a jump on theories made by some that new P2Ps will use granny's computer to serve files without her knowledge.
Here's another...
Whoever knowingly and with intent to defraud provides material and misleading false contact information to a domain name registrar, domain name registry, or other domain name registration authority in registering a domain name shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
5 years! For false info when registering a domain! And some say drug laws are bad!
I think you mean people have to hear your music before they will know to buy it. This is totally different than passing it around.
If you're offering to sell it in the same medium that someone can get for free from P2P, why would they buy it?
Besides, offering a free version on P2P doesn't solve your marketing problem. How would I know to go do a search for your Band X on P2P if I've never heard of you?
The proposed system we're all talking about probably won't work like today's system, where radio/MTV is pushed by the labels to play their stuff. New "independent" artists will have to make a name for themselves by performing. This will then push fans to their website where the music can be purchased.
...they would have a exchange policy for old cartridges...
The last laser toner cartridge I bought (HP) came with a nice shipping package and a prepaid UPS return label. All you had to do was throw the old cartridge in, slap on the label, and throw it in a UPS drop box. Pretty slick, if you're really concerned about being green.
For a while, people advocated returning copy-protected CDs to the retailer. The same should be done with inkjet printers.
Get one at Wal-Mart and when the ink runs out - return it and get a new one, complete with a new ink cartridge. Wal-mart employees could care less. Just give some lame-ass excuse.
If manufacturers want to play this game, let's play! HP & Lexmark will have a new definition for "loss leader."
What is going to cost more, the server space to store everthing in OGG and MP3 (with different bitrates), or the 20% more bandwidth that would be required to offer MP3? I would venture to say that very few people will even consider the OGG version if the MP3 version is available, anyway.
You mention that Winamp has built in OGG support. Ok, your PC is covered. But what about all of your mobile (MP3) players, car stereos, DVD/CD players, etc.?
While OGG may exist as an option for some, it's never going to be as prevalent as MP3. People need a reason to change from something they know to something they don't. Having a music file that's 20% smaller won't do it.
This potential online service would do themselves some financial good by offering different bitrate MP3s to start. If that's successful, they can then branch out into new territory.
I admittadly don't know anything about OGG, other than it's comparable to MP3 and is supposedly "less lossy." But I do know that I have gigs of MP3s, as most people do, and have absolutely no reason to totally change music formats.
In my book, changing to OGG would be like demanding all of my movies come on mini-disc as opposed to DVD - there's just no reason to change unless I'm given a very good reason. MP3 has become the default standard, with support now existing on DVD players, many car stereos, and mobile players.
I know I'm gonna be barraged with replies saying OGG is better, blah, blah, blah...but the fact is an overwhelming majority of people that have music on their PC have it in an MP3 format, and I would venture to say that most OGG loyalists have significant MP3 libraries.
With that in mind, concentrate on the majority - MP3. Don't try and cater to every file format known to man...at least initially. One of the biggest costs you'll probably have to contend with is marketing and exposure. Start by sticking with what's known by the masses.
It's kind of a catch-22. A popular band could abandon their label/RIAA (cold day in hell) and setup their own website, where they would probably have no problem getting subscribers.
An up-and-coming act, however, first and foremost has to market themselves in order to get volume to the site. How do you do that? That's where major labels and the RIAA come in.
I'm not saying it can't be done, or shouldn't be done, but there are huge hurdles to overcome before you jump from "Eminem selling millions" to Eminem selling millions on his own, through his own website, with a subscription service, with no major labels involved.
People will buy mp3s...if they can find them. I think the biggest problem you'll have initially is exposure. If I found your site, could sample the songs at high quality, and had good purchase options, I would buy.
If you actually get into selling CDs, include plenty of extras. You might even want to put them on a 2nd CD. Once CD for the CD audio, another for low & high (320kbps) quality MP3s (the user won't have to rip), extra songs, maybe even some songs from other new artists in your system to keep people coming back.
In Japan, Softbank has build a gigabit ethernet network that costs peanuts to maintain and run, to replace DSL over ATM.
Listen, grammar nazi, unless you're prepared to perfectly correct the writing, don't even try (especially if you don't understand the correct verb tense to use).
Slashdot Mirror
All you really need is a 1/8" stereo-->(2) RCA converter cable, right? You should also be able to get a panel mount 1/8" stereo jack from Rat Shack. Then all you would have to do is drill a hole at a good location on the dash and tighten a nut to hold the jack in place.
Am I missing something?
I went with the girlfriend and looked at the new Mitsubishi Endeavor Friday. We test drove it, I did the guy thing and looked under the hood for no apparent reason, etc...
When we got back to the dealership, I happened to notice that the radio is not a regular form factor. It looked like buttons were placed semi-randomly across the center of the dash, which made it look like changing it out would be impossible.
Sure enough, I asked the sales guy, and you cannot just remove the factory radio and install an aftermarket! It appears you'd have to make your own custom enclosure to make it work.
He also mentioned that some manufacturers are making systems where the speakers only work with the factory radio. How is that possible?
Hiroshima caused 9/11? I don't remember Osama mentioning anything about the bombing of the Japanese. In fact, al-Qaida probably sees the Japanese way of life just as much a threat as the American.
Did you read this Slashdot post? The proposed bill is supported by six democrats.
Funny thing...Mr. Bellesiles was found to have made fraudulent claims in that book, and was summarily forced to resign from his post at Emory.
More info here, here, and here.
Want more? Google search for "fraud," "Emory," and "guns."
Why would it matter if we could own "firearms, rockets, grenades, bombs, missles," etc., if we don't have access to ammunition? Or was that your point all along?
By the way, your reference to giving the cop "a moment to pause and think" is asinine. You may not agree with certain laws, but that's why we have them: they apply to everyone.
If a cop has to hesitate before arresting you on a drug charge because he's worried about getting blown away...you're one sorry ass MF. It's one thing to defend yourself or your family from personal injury - it's totally another to think you're above the law.
Don't like the drug laws? Write your congressman, march outside the state house, have benefit concerts, promote "awareness." But the second you threaten the life of a cop so you can smoke a joint is the second when I could care less if you occupy the planet.
Cops don't write the laws. They get paid shit wages to do their job and for the most part they do it well.
So fuck off.
As for your college experience...I find it regrettable that an EE senior had to ask you for help with their project. Obviously the student had no grasp of the concept of logic and how it applied to ICs.
But to down an EE student for not having TTL chip numbers/functions memorized is ridiculous. I don't know how CS is, but in EE memorizing part numbers is not a priority - understanding concepts to know how to make silicon perform a particular function is.
If we spent class time being quizzed on part numbers our education would soon become obsolete. Reference books like the TI TTL book are published for a reason.
Also, I commend you for your "can-do" attitude and your tinkering with digital electronics as a kid, but why didn't you graduate? There's something to say for getting taught theoretical concepts that a Rat Shack hobby kit can't provide.
Editorialists won't be happy with the amount of access the administration gives until they can setup cameras in the Oval Office and make the Presidency a reality TV show.
If I have extra money at the end of the month, I don't go making extra-large payments on my car loan when my daughter and her family can't find jobs and need the money in order to make ends meet.
True, it's just a proposed law. But it still needs to be opposed NOW so that lawmakers know we don't want it. Why is that a kneejerk reaction?
And while we're on the subject of kneejerk reactions...
Then, after it breezes past our sitting 'I'll sign anything for business' president.
Every single sponsor (6 total) of this bill is a Democrat. Verify it here if you want. I'm really tired of people making the blanket accusation that Republicans are the only ones that support big business. I would venture to say that almost every member of Congress has their token industry from back home that lobbies the shit out of them - and the industry usually gets what it wants, Democrat or Republican.
Here are 6 Democrats supporting a bill solely on behalf of the entertainment industry: Conyers, Berman, Schiff, Meehan, Wexler, and Weiner. If you want to verify they're all dems, look here.
Here are some gems from the proposed bill:
1822. Notice and consent relating to certain software
(a) Whoever knowingly offers enabling software for download over the Internet and does not
(1) clearly and conspicuously warn any person downloading that software, before it is downloaded, that it is enabling software and could create a security and privacy risk for the user's computer; and
(2) obtain that person's prior consent to the download after that warning; shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
(b) As used in this section, the term 'enabling software means software that, when installed on the user's computer, enables 3rd parties to store data on that computer, or use that computer to search other computers' contents over the Internet.''.
That one could have some positive implications for spyware, but I don't think that's the intent. I think the RIAA is trying to get a jump on theories made by some that new P2Ps will use granny's computer to serve files without her knowledge.
Here's another...
Whoever knowingly and with intent to defraud provides material and misleading false contact information to a domain name registrar, domain name registry, or other domain name registration authority in registering a domain name shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
5 years! For false info when registering a domain! And some say drug laws are bad!
It's time to start the letter writing...
If you're offering to sell it in the same medium that someone can get for free from P2P, why would they buy it?
Besides, offering a free version on P2P doesn't solve your marketing problem. How would I know to go do a search for your Band X on P2P if I've never heard of you?
The proposed system we're all talking about probably won't work like today's system, where radio/MTV is pushed by the labels to play their stuff. New "independent" artists will have to make a name for themselves by performing. This will then push fans to their website where the music can be purchased.
Notice I specifically was talking about selling music, not passing it around for free.
Regardless, I think this would be an excellent way to send a message.
I didn't say it was a "moral" thing to do, it's just tit-for-tat with HP/Lexmark.
What they're doing isn't illegal; what I propose doing isn't illegal, either.
As I have nothing of *that* much importance on my box, I'll take the chance and NOT update. I've heard these update stories too many times before.
The last laser toner cartridge I bought (HP) came with a nice shipping package and a prepaid UPS return label. All you had to do was throw the old cartridge in, slap on the label, and throw it in a UPS drop box. Pretty slick, if you're really concerned about being green.
Get one at Wal-Mart and when the ink runs out - return it and get a new one, complete with a new ink cartridge. Wal-mart employees could care less. Just give some lame-ass excuse.
If manufacturers want to play this game, let's play! HP & Lexmark will have a new definition for "loss leader."
FYI - the link itself is dead...visit the domain. It's not as it sounds.
What is going to cost more, the server space to store everthing in OGG and MP3 (with different bitrates), or the 20% more bandwidth that would be required to offer MP3? I would venture to say that very few people will even consider the OGG version if the MP3 version is available, anyway.
You mention that Winamp has built in OGG support. Ok, your PC is covered. But what about all of your mobile (MP3) players, car stereos, DVD/CD players, etc.?
While OGG may exist as an option for some, it's never going to be as prevalent as MP3. People need a reason to change from something they know to something they don't. Having a music file that's 20% smaller won't do it.
This potential online service would do themselves some financial good by offering different bitrate MP3s to start. If that's successful, they can then branch out into new territory.
I admittadly don't know anything about OGG, other than it's comparable to MP3 and is supposedly "less lossy." But I do know that I have gigs of MP3s, as most people do, and have absolutely no reason to totally change music formats.
In my book, changing to OGG would be like demanding all of my movies come on mini-disc as opposed to DVD - there's just no reason to change unless I'm given a very good reason. MP3 has become the default standard, with support now existing on DVD players, many car stereos, and mobile players.
I know I'm gonna be barraged with replies saying OGG is better, blah, blah, blah...but the fact is an overwhelming majority of people that have music on their PC have it in an MP3 format, and I would venture to say that most OGG loyalists have significant MP3 libraries.
With that in mind, concentrate on the majority - MP3. Don't try and cater to every file format known to man...at least initially. One of the biggest costs you'll probably have to contend with is marketing and exposure. Start by sticking with what's known by the masses.
160/192 is not a high encoding rate. I want 320 (at least as an option).
Call me picky, but I can tell the difference.
One word: contracts.
It's kind of a catch-22. A popular band could abandon their label/RIAA (cold day in hell) and setup their own website, where they would probably have no problem getting subscribers.
An up-and-coming act, however, first and foremost has to market themselves in order to get volume to the site. How do you do that? That's where major labels and the RIAA come in.
I'm not saying it can't be done, or shouldn't be done, but there are huge hurdles to overcome before you jump from "Eminem selling millions" to Eminem selling millions on his own, through his own website, with a subscription service, with no major labels involved.
If you actually get into selling CDs, include plenty of extras. You might even want to put them on a 2nd CD. Once CD for the CD audio, another for low & high (320kbps) quality MP3s (the user won't have to rip), extra songs, maybe even some songs from other new artists in your system to keep people coming back.
In Japan, Softbank has build a gigabit ethernet network that costs peanuts to maintain and run, to replace DSL over ATM.
Listen, grammar nazi, unless you're prepared to perfectly correct the writing, don't even try (especially if you don't understand the correct verb tense to use).