Codewrangler

Sony Finally Gives Up On MiniDisc

mini-discSadly, it looks as though Sony has finally given up on the MiniDisc format. Having already stopped making the portable player/recorders MD Walkman’s in 2011, they are now getting ready to ship their last MiniDisc stereo system in March, according to this article on the BBC News website.

Sony to make last MiniDisc stereo system in March

For me, it’s kinda of sad. The MiniDisc format was and is superior to the CDR experience, for a removable media solution. Obviously, some of the solid state alternatives are much more flexible and hold a lot of audio before needing to be offloaded or in the case of the MD, a new disk.

For alternatives to MD, here are some alternative technologies that might interest you. If you are interested in recording AM or FM radio programs automatically, without having to leave your computer on all day and night long, you might want to check out this item from the C.Crane company:

CC Witness Plus

Sony themselves also makes a nice recorder/playback device (sans AM/FM radio), which you can checkout here:

Digital Voice Recorder ICD-TX50

Sony also makes other field recorders of varying features and price. You can check out the full collection here:

Sony Voice Recorders

According to the article, Onkyo will still be making MiniDisc equipment for the die hard fans of the format and Sony will continue to make the blank discs.

 

A Legend Leaves Us…

leerodgers

If you are from the San Francisco Bay Area, you know Lee Rodgers. A legend in the talk radio broadcast business.

According to his wife Susan, via Lee’s website, “At 12:32 a.m. on January 31, Lee died.”.

Lee will be missed by all his listeners over the years. His insight and wit was a pleasure to listen to on my morning commute, during the 1990’s and his time on KSFO 560 (SF).

Peace be with you Lee….

 

Quo Computer – A Mobo for all seasons

quoIf you remember a few years back when a couple of companies started making OSX compatible computers, there is still one that’s around. They are Quo Computer in Alhambra, CA.

Today, they launched their new website (still a little under construction) and started touting their custom Motherboard, designed to run all the major Operating Systems. That would include Windows,  OSX and Desktop Linux. You can buy these as part of a full system or just buy the Motherboard and build your own. Volume discounts are available for system builders.

As part of their website redesign and introduction of their custom Motherboard, they also have something they call “The Revolution : projectQ“, where you can sign up to get updates and a chance  to win a LIMITED EDITION lifeQ [red model]. So, head on over and check them out.

Computer Quo

 

New Art Bell Radio Show?

art_bell_070607

It’s not a done deal yet and according to Art, “it has to be the right deal”. However, for Art Bell fans, the post below, could signal the beginning of the return of overnight radio’s biggest star.

ab_newshow

 

 

 

 

So, get your sleep in now. If this goes through, a lot of fans are going to be loosing a lot of sleep soon…and loving it.

Time to dust off my ReelTalk recorder….:-)

reeltalkpic

Apophis : Watch Now Or Wait Till 2036

Asteroid Apophis

Just a reminder to any skywatchers out there, the asteroid Apophis is passing by the planet (Earth) tonight, not to return until 2036. You should be able to watch via the web feed below. It’s too small to be seen with the average backyard telescope.

 

 

 

http://www.space.com/19195-night-sky-planets-asteroids-webcasts.html

 

 

 

Have Fun! 🙂