Posts

Showing posts from May, 2020

Home copy /backup and the Sony Betamax ruling

Some time ago, when VCRs were still the recording device of choice, there was a court case ruling (1984)  that decided consumers had the right to record broadcasts/streams to which they had legal access. The idea was to allow consumers to record now and watch later. My own interpretation is that I have the right to make back-up coies of evrything digital I own, including images, documents, software, and movies. In that vein, I've decided to examine the possibility of recording streams from online services to which I subscribe. There are methods which work in limited cases but require manual decryption of the stream. I'm examining a hardware method which may not require any extra processing of the stream. This involves the use of a LAN switch with port mirroring. More on that later. Currently, there are several apps that download from popular streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. The apps usually require an annual fee for premium service (read full resolution)...

Problems...and more problems

Recently, I've tried using my USB storage strategy for watching/streaming movies to my Smart-TV. I discovered several things. A Western Digital My Passport 4Tb external hard drive does is at risk when connected directly to the TV using a USB port. The drive is best used at the router. The router has a couple of USB ports for external storage units. Most recently, the drive lost two subdirectories containg many videos. Fortunately, the directories returned after sitting, disconnected from anything for a couple of days. I'm off grid and turn off all devices every night. The TV is intended to remain connected to power 24/7. I did a disconnect using the TV screen software removal option. However, I left the drive in place without actually disconnecting. When I turned everything off and powered on the following day, error messages popped up and two subdirectories were listed as files instead of directories. Previously, I had the 4Tb drive connected to the router but had probl...

Belated compression drivers install

Last night and this morning, I installed the compression drivers for my Altec Lansing Valencia loudspeakers. Several months ago, I bought a pair to replace the drivers I damaged years ago. I have delayed installation until a convenient time. What with the pandemic, the time is most convenient and not likely to get anymore so. I removed cheap Chinese replacements I installed last year. I look forward to richer midtones.