Tech Time: How To Be a DJ

At every FAME Road Party, I see the FAME DJ’s on the 1’s and 2’s blazin’ it up … and think to myself, I can do that!

Being a professional DJ takes a significant investment and talent. Wired Magazine posted a great article by US based DJ Ron Swift that spells it out perfectly. On the investment side, turntablists spend a lot on equipment. Speakers, headphones, needles, records, software, a mixer and yes turntables are all necessary to make partygoers dance. Professional DJ’s then master the arts of mixing, scratching and juggling. And this takes talent.

For us laymen, such an investment in gear and time may be too much, but we can still pretend to be DJ’s at home with great software and a PC.

Available software differs greatly in price and features. Popular software options include: Sertao Scratch Live, Tracktor Scratch, Virtual DJ and MixMeister. The first thing to consider when purchasing DJ software is price. Non-professional options can cost as much as US$300, but cheaper options are available.

Next up, let’s look at features such as input/output, performance and support. Great DJ software can read a variety of file formats, not just MP3; it can also output in a number of ways, like making a mix CD for your favourite girl or church party. Advanced software can also import a variety of music files, process and improve the quality of the tracks. The only scratch on a track should be intentional.

Speaking of scratches, dropouts, freezing, kinks and any kind of pause can upset your flow and ruin your set. So use a programme that has superior performance and is well suited for your PC processing power to ensure seamless transitions for tracks.

Many software programmes offer online support, or even real life technical support, but I have found the best support is other users. Using a popular option means that you can probably find a friend to turn to for guidance, verses using an obscure programme. Start by downloading some free to try software and test your talent.

Home DJ’s can forgo the expensive turntables, mixers and other equipment that the professionals use, by mixing and scratching on screen. You can step it up with semi-professional equipment as your skills improve. When you are ready, perhaps pit your skills against others in competitions like the Heineken Green Synergy. Rise to the top and maybe one day, you too can play at a FAME Road Party event.

Interface with us:

Online: www.FAME95FM.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Solar Energy

We begin a four part series on technology in the home; we will be exploring cleaning systems, living room comforts, kitchen appliances and bedroom tech. But we begin, with solar energy.

Tourists flock to Jamaica for our sun, while we import oil for our lights. We can save money (oh yeah, and the environment too) if we harness our greatest renewable energy source, the sun. Thanks to technological progress, photovoltaic panels have become both cost effective and the best legal way to reduce your JPS bill.

Don’t think this is a far-fetched concept for only first world applications. Locally, it’s been done. Retired chef Hans Schenk runs 95% of his Spring Farm, St. James home off the national eclectic grid after installing solar panels on the roof of his home … and, he’s not the only one.

Solar energy can be used to provide indoor and outdoor lighting, power batteries and chargers, heat and pump water and provide power to most of your home. Solar power is such a great option to JPS that the government provides loans and other incentives to switch to renewable energy, in the form of a water heater loan offered through the National Housing Trust (NHT). Qualified NHT individual and business contributors can access up to JMD $250,000.00.

Solar water heaters are the most common application of solar energy locally. They can store and heat 40 to 240 gallons of water up to 140 degrees depending on model. The price tag starting at roughly $180,000.00 does NOT attract GCT.

I need an electrician to set up my solar panels, my regulator to charge my cycle battery, my connectors and inverter to bring solar power into my apartment. I need an electrician cause I know nothing of amps and volts and watts, all of which are important concepts. Visit How Stuff Works for a detailed explanation of the technical aspects of solar power.

Yes, there are three important factors to consider with solar energy – cost, location and weather. But none of these is a major deterrent. If a full-scale solar energy powered home is not practical, then consider integrating some solar devices. By all means, get a solar water heater loan from the NHT and start saving. Then get some small portable chargers to power devises like your phone. Step in gradually, and in time you can turn the tables, by selling power to the national grid.

Interface with us:

Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Superbowl Tech

The Super Bowl is the largest, single day sporting event in the world, tens of thousands in attendance and over 100 million watching from around the globe. Staging an event this large requires insight, coordination, commitment and technology. Let’s take a look at Super Bowl Tech.

Cameras
More than 50 cameras including handheld, robotic and a cable camera (suspended above the gridiron) are employed to capture every moment in HD and super HD. Yes, super HD. Six high speed, high definition camera shoot at a mind boggling 300-400 frames per second (fps) to facilitate replays of fumbles and receptions from multiple angles. (The usual fps rate is 60). Speaking of playback, over two dozen video replay systems and eight digital postproduction suites develop high end, carefully calibrated, exceedingly accurate graphics while processing images from the cameras, nearly 100 microphones and miles of cable for your viewing pleasure.

Security
Game officials have to deal with everything from threats on US national security to pickpockets and other petty thieves. But hey are prepared for it all. Advanced metal detectors and scanner cameras screen all persons and packages entering the stadium, even the celebrities. Bomb removal robots are on hand in case any suspicious items are found.

Vehicle tracking on steroids is the best way to describe the sophisticated vehicle tracking systems used for the sporting event. Used on ambulances and other vehicles, the organizers have real time tracking with updates every three seconds.

Communications
Game participants utilize a wide range of communication technologies from headsets for the coaches and coaching staff to advanced computers to calculate real time stats before, during and after game play.

For thousands of spectators in the stands, previous frustrations of poor mobile service were addressed with installation of an additional three cell towers by AT&T, I Phone users were free to make calls, send text and pictures from the game without encumbrance.

Speaking of iPhone and other smart phones, American football lovers need to install ScoreMobile, a free app. Score Mobile has up to the minute stats, scores, betting odds, previews, recaps, top stories and league standings right in the palm of your hand.

Die-hard football fans can get a wealth of knowledge from the website (very traditional) or by following the NFL twitter feed/becoming a fan on Facebook (very modern).

Commercials
For football fans and non-football fans alike, the commercials are a major attraction. They tend to be as elaborate and expensive, as they are funny and memorable. This year, several technology companies used the captive audience to pedal their wares including: Google, Go Daddy, Motorola, Monster, Vizio and my personal favourite E*Trade. If you missed them last Sunday, watch them all on YouTube.





Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Wireless Printers

We are living in a wireless world, so much so, we take wireless for granted. I am old enough to remember when TV remotes were wired. Even so, I think printers were slow to join the wireless revolution. The wait is over.

Previous wireless printing protocols were very limiting. Printers employed infrared and bluetooth technology to allow wireless access. Both methods limited the user to a range of three to fifteen feet at best. Helpful, but not good enough.

New wifi enabled printers are functional, practical and above all, cheap. ALl the major manufacturersnow offer wifi enabled wireless dedicated and multi-function printers at a variety of price points for home and office. And, new wireless printers both work with PC and Mac.

These printers offer significant advantages over their wired predecessors. For one, they are cable and cutter free. With each new peripheral, we add a cable that contributes to the mess in our home or office.

Wireless printers offer a neater alternative.Further, fewer cables means less cost to acquire, maintain and replace.

Being able to remotely operate your printer from across the room, your house or even your neighbourhood truly liberates your laptop; after all, your laptop was meant to roam and not be tethered down.

Another notable advantage is that of multiple users. traditionally,a printer was attached to one machine, even on a network the host machine needed to be on. wireless printers are available from Hp, Brother, Lexmark,Canon and other major manufacturers for as little as US$99.00. Depending on the functions needed, look to spend US$!1150-US$250.00

Interface with us:

Online:trivialonfame.blogspot.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME(18768783263)

Tech Time: Jazz Tech

JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival is considered by some to be the premiere music festival in the Caribbean. The multi-day, large scale event employs cutting edge technology form start to finish to ensure a flawless presentation for artistes, sponsors and patrons.

Communication

The Jazz Fest team is geographically disbursed across the western hemisphere, so to keep in touch, the team uses VoIP and video conferencing tools such as Vonage and Skype.

Calls are reinforced in black and white; almost all senior team members boast smart phones (like the iPhone) for on the email and document management. For quick messages, most team members relay on Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and SMS.

Externally, the website was an invaluable tool used to communicate with patrons. Jazz fans logged on to find out everything about ticket prices and outlets, performers, venues, ground transport, accommodation recommendations and more. They also logged into Facebook and similar social networking sites hosted by the Festival organizers for information. Especially for visitors, they turned to website to buy their tickets online and avoid having to stop at the gate.

Venue

Greenfield Stadium, the new home of the Jazz Festival, maintains the ambience of the previous venue while utilizing several innovations designed earlier in the history of the Festival. Each Jazz ticket or arm band boasts a unique bar code which is scanned upon entry at the venue; duplicate tickets are automatically detected and fraudulent ticket holders ejected. The TurnKey developed bar code system can provide the Festival producers with rich data for trend analysis in addition to superior security controls.

Engineers and other experts were consulted to determine the best layout of the venue on the stadium field. Using appealing 3D rendering, doubters can take a virtual tour of the Festival facilities from the website. Switch from birds eye view to a walk through to get a sense of where the stage, skyboxes, bar and bathrooms will be located on the grounds.

In addition to watching the stage directly, you can see the stage from just about anywhere, including inside booths. Stage images are streamed to multiple screens all over the venue.

Finally, if you are an information junkie, pull out your Wifi enabled phone or your portable FM radio to surf the internet or listen to live outside broadcasts from FAME FM while on site.

Talent

Technology had a profound impact on how the international performers were chosen for the talent stage. Many of the acts that aspire to be on the main stage first thrill patrons on the talent stage located near the food court. Technology made the audition process smoother because acts submitted their material over the internet from all over North America. The panel narrowed their selections before hosting live auditions in New York and Miami. Less travel, less expense for all.

Production

The use of technology in staging the Festival is most obvious in the production of the concert itself. Phenomenally crisp audio and eye catching stage set and lighting designs are hallmarks of Turnkey Productions. Without going into the technical details, TurnKey helped pioneer the use of digital consoles across the region. Further, TurnKey uses cutting edge wireless systems (for microphones, ear pieces and more) provided by Shure and eye catching intelligent lighting to compliment the stage performers.



Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Streaming Media

In its basic form, streaming media is technology which enables real-time or on-demand access to audio, video and multimedia content via the internet (or an intranet). But in practical terms, streaming media will represent a lifestyle shift in entertainment consumption.

Streaming media is not new, we’ve been able to watch video and listen to music from files stored remotely on our computers for years. The success of streaming was limited by bandwidth concerns and universal standards, both of which have been largely resolved. And the phenomenal success of streaming media sites such as YouTube and Hulu have pushed the demand for both user generated and broadcast quality content.

To enjoy streaming media, you’ll need software or hardware (or both). Popular players include VLC, Quicktime and Windows Media Player; most streaming media software is free. But to migrate content from your computer to your TV using hardware devices such as Apple TV and Xbox or similar devises from Lynksys, Logitech and Netgear. Generally, these gadgets cost between US$150 and US$300.

Or, you may have both the best of both with Boxee. Watch broadcast TV, sports, movies, music videos, user content and a variety of user content thanks to free open source software on your PC or Mac. Listen to radio, podcasts or music. Bounce the content from your computer to your TV with the appropriate cables. Comment and share content with friends over the internet. Take the best of online from your desk and combine it with the best of your home theatre in the comfort of your living room.

You can eliminate the personal computer altogether with the evolution of the Boxee Box, which will compete directly with productions like Apple TV and other media streamers. But if you are inclined to wait, Boxee (and Boxee type media streamers) will come built into new TV’s, converging multiple content sources into the most popular of entertainment devices.

Tech Service ...

(Doing good with technology)

Techies have made history with their massive donations towards Haiti relief through text donations. Locally and internationally, charities have been able to raise millions of dollars in aid through mobile phone technology. Beware of bogus charities.

For Digicel customers, call or text ‘help’ to 162 and $25 is contributed to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.

For LIME customers, text ‘haiti’ to 444-HELP or 444-4357

In Tech News ...

(What’s hot, next, big)

Apple has invited media to an announcement event on January 27 and techies are betting that the fabled Mac tablet computer will finally be revealed.

Interface with us:

Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Working Windows

There is no doubt that release of Windows 7 in the fall of 2009 was a big news story. The previous version of Windows, Vista, was widely panned. Countless problems, compatibility issues and system messages drove Windows users crazy, while security gaps left them vulnerable. Users were ready, not for something new, but something that worked. 7 is stable, smooth and sleek and has become Windows' saviour.

Looks aren’t everything, but they help. So let’s start there. The new task bar does away with the Quick Launch feature and obliterates clutter by pinning programmes using icons that are easy to see and multifunctional. The Show Desktop feature is innovatively integrated into the Task Bar while hover and click features to make windows invisible or minimized as necessary. The programme specific Jump Lists provide control without ever leaving the window you are focused on and the best new feature is the truncated system tray with controlled notifications.

Functionality has been improved in a lot of ways as well. Improved indexing makes for super speedy searches right from the upgraded Windows icon which replaced the traditional Start button. 7 centralizes access to devices and printers into one graphically rich, easy to navigate window. Vista forced users to scramble for updated drivers, 7 forces users to enjoy working peripherals with no headaches or fuss. That ‘it just works’ mantra that Mac users are already familiar with extends to 7’s ability to stream content from the upgraded Windows Media Player using the Play To option to components listed in HomeGroup (such as another PC, remote speaker or specific game consoles).

Speaking of integrated applications like Windows Media Player (which now can play unprotected iTunes files), 7 users may, or may not, miss Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker and Windows Photo Gallery. If you do miss these applications, download them free at Windows Live.

The coolest new feature is native touch screen support, but such software is nothing without complimentary hardware.

Improvements have extended to security features as well. The dreaded User Account Control (UAC) can now be tweaked with notifications limited to a docked location on the Task Bar rather than with multiple annoying bubbles. Removal of the Auto Play for external drives reduces the likelihood of malware and improved backup and restore features allow for backing up across network drives in some incarnations of 7.

There are six versions of Windows 7 including the most popular Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Starter is reserved for netbooks. To run 7 on a 32 bit system, minimum requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB Ram, 16 GB of hard drive space and DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card. This means that most PCs currently running Vista can run 7 and all for less than US$200.00.

Other points to note, that are just outside of the scope of this review, are:

· XP Mode option if specialized hardware is available

· Absence of built in Bluetooth

· Improved power management for laptops

To say 7 is less buggy than Vista doesn’t say a lot. 7 is what Vista should have been and a viable alternative to OS X or Linux. The early adopters have had their fun, now it’s time for you to get lucky with Windows 7.

Interface with us:

Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)