KING-TV's "New Day Northwest" w/Margaret Larson: TV Tech - 26 October 2010 (KING-TV)

Logitech Harmony programmable remote controls ($50-250)
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/universal-remotes
Dump the multiple remote controls for receivers, televisions, entertainment devices and simplify your life with one easy-to-use Logitech Harmony remote control. Easily programmable on your computer, these marriage-saving gadgets make using the various functions as easy as pressing the cleverly-named “Watch TV” button.



Slingbox ($180-300)
http://www.slingbox.com/
Take your television programming with you anywhere you are! Watch your home TV, live, over the Internet using software on your laptop or smartphone at the office or while on vacation. Imagine letting your kids watch the same television back home in the backseat of the car! Use with the free computer software or pick up a handy Sling Player app for your mobile device.



SlingPlayer Mobile ($30)
http://www.slingbox.com
Used in conjunction with a standalone Slingbox, or with a compatible satellite receiver from DISH Network, the SlingPlayer Mobile takes your TV viewing experience on-the-go! Android, iPhone/iPod Touch, Blackberry and more phones are $30 each, a high-definition iPad version is “Coming Soon”.



Google TV / Logitech Revue ($179+)
http://www.dishnetwork.com/GoogleTV/
This companion box to your DISH Networks receiver adds the web into your TV viewing mix. Look up information while watching TV, browse the latest in web videos, run apps designed to enhance your home entertainment experience, or listen to streaming radio—all using your television. It’s been tried before, but Google TV finally gets it right. Look for further convergence of the TV and Internet in the coming year.


DISH Network VIP 922 Slingloaded DVR
http://www.dishnetwork.com/receivers/vip922/customer.aspx
Everyone needs a DVR! The ability to pause live TV, record shows when you want, and –dare I say—skip commercials… if you’re not watching TV with a digital video recorder, this one has it all. It comes “Slingloaded” so you can watch your TV anywhere using the Slingplayer software on your computer or smartphone, but also has dual-tuner capability and the largest built-in hard drive available!


Apple TV ($99)
http://www.apple.com/appletv/
Forget trips to the video store—Apple TV brings HD movies and TV shows to your television via. the Internet. Watch Netflix, stream video clips from your local network, and “rent” movies and commercial-free TV shows for under a dollar an episode. This super-slick and tiny second-generation Apple TV requires an HDMI port on your television and connect via. WiFi or Ethernet cable to your network.


Westinghouse 32" TV ($350)
http://westinghousedigital.com/products/led/32-40/ld325/
Great content requires a great television! The Westinghouse LED TVs have a brilliant display, energy-efficient LED technology (as opposed to LCD), and won’t bust the bank. When looking for a television, look for features such as number of inputs, consumer reviews, and manufacturer warranty.

Any tips for others on how YOU watch TV? What devices are an essential part of your home entertainment system?

KGW-TV's "The Square" Live @ 7: Bike Tech - 18June2010 (KGW-TV)

(Originally broadcast on KGW-TV's "The Square Live @ 7" on 18 June 2010)

Gyro Bike kids bike wheel:

12”/16” Kids Gyrowheel ($115-155)
TheGyroBike.com

Dump the rickety training wheels and teach your kid to ride with the latest in high-tech biking for kids. With three levels of gyro-stabilization, this replacement front wheel helps kids learn balance in safe and staged approach. Available now in 12 and 16 inch versions and powered by rechargeable batteries. http://www.thegyrobike.com or check out their Youtube channel with lots of fun clips at http://youtube.com/gyrobike ($115 – 12” wheel, $155 – 16” wheel available soon)


Garmin Cycling GPS:

Garmin Edge 500 Cycling Computer ($250)
garmin.com

Perfect for serious cyclists in the Northwest terrain, a mere 2 hour mini-computer clips on to your handle bar to give instand access to current stats. Quick mount is secure, yet easily removable and when you’re done—link it up to Garmin Connect for a peak at your ride and a map of your route. I’ve seen a few of these reports from my cycling buddies on Facebook, and nothing brags about your 50+ mile bike ride like documentation! (GPS-enabled super cycle computer displays power data from ANT +™-enabled third-party power meters, barometric altitude and vertical profile, tracks speed, distance, calories burned, average and max speeds)



Garmin Forerunner 110 ($25)
garmin.com

Another option for those wanting to track their cycling journeys, especially if they’re also a runner—the Garmin Frontrunner 110 gives access to “just the facts”: distance and speed. But the slim watch-like monitor still has access to the super-cool Garmin Connect website to download, evaluate, and boast your ride, run or athletic activity. Plus, it tells the time!



Garmin Forerunner 310XT ($350)
Garmin.com



Combining the best features of the Forerunner 110 and the Edge 500, the Forerunner 310XT does it all—and it’s waterproof. Designed for triathletes, or the Portland weather, the 310XT goes from bike to bracelet in seconds. Giving you access to the essential information via. a wireless ANT+ link to your computer—you’ll have instant access to the hard work you put into your ride in no time. (GPS-enabled personal trainer heart rate-based calorie computation, automatic sync, multisport, high-sensitivity receiver, courses feature, advanced workouts, rechargeable lithium-ion battery)



PrincetonTec Bike Lighting:



EOs Bike ($50)
princetontec.com



The EOs BIKE is light enough to throw into your jersey pocket for a late afternoon ride ensuring you’ll have enough light to get home Its use of high-grade materials ensures durability and strong resistance to water/weather and impact Includes helmet and handle bar attachments and headband. Self-contained and rechargeable. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/110



Swerve Tail light ($30)
princetontec.com



With two high-powered LEDs, the Swerve creates a 180-degree beam. Flip the switch to go from flash pattern to steady light. The high-tech tail light also mounts on a handle bar, seat pos and includes seat and fork mounts. It also clips on to your pack or messenger bag. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/124 ($30)



YUBZ Bluetooth Speakerphone ($150)

yubz.com



A hands-free speakerphone for your bike! 10 hours on 4x AA batteries and an optional bike mount. Listen to tunes while you ride or take a call at a stop sign.



Sanyo eneloop electric-assist bike ($2300)
us.sanyo.com



The SANYO Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle is a next generation bicycle that transports you efficiently with minimal effort. The SANYO Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle features innovative functions such as "loop charging," which charges the battery while riding. "Two-wheel drive" allows for smooth start-up on hills and slopes and ensures a steady, stable ride. For the truly lazy rider, like me! ($2300+)

KING5's New Day Northwest: Going Handfree Guide 3June2010 (KING-TV)

On June 10, Washington State will start enforcing driving while holding a mobile telephone as a PRIMARY offense. Previously you could be cited, but only if pulled over for another offense (speeding, burnt out tail light, etc.). The new law aims to reduce distracted-driving crashing...

Obviously the BEST solution is to talk when you're done driving... But if you need to stay connected while on the road, there are some technology solutions to make it safer.

Pairing your device via. Bluetooth is actually quite easy... most phones offer on-screen menus, and many manufacturers are offering step-by-step guides to make it simple. Of course your phone carrier's store is a good place to go if you need help (or to try on devices).

Devices are either handsfree headsets or in-car / portable wireless speakerphones. Of course sometimes the simplest solution is the wired headset your phone came with.... nothing to charge!

Some ideas....

(Originally broadcast on KING-TV's "New Day Northwest" with Margaret Larson on 3 June 20100)

BLUETOOTH HEADSETS:

Plantronics Discovery 975
$130, plantronics.com

• Minimalist design, one-touch controls
  
• Small charging case for triple talk-time
  
• Sleek elegant design, great call quality

Plantronics Voyager Pro UC
$100-200, plantronics.com

• Dual-purpose mobile phone and computer headset
  
• Perfect for office / home-office and on-the-go
  
• Clear wideband audio for crisp call quality and audio
  
• Sturdy over-the-ear attachment

Jabra Go 6430
$150, buyjabra.com

Long-range wireless (good for around-the-house use)

• Useful with mobile phone and computers (video chat, etc.)
  
• Switch between a computer and mobile phone easily
  
• Comes with travel charger and bluetooth adapter for older computers

Jabra Stone
$130, buyjabra.com

• Wraps around your ear, not on your face
  
• More comfortable to carry
  
• Easy to transport, toss in your bag / purse
  
• Designed for right ear-wearing only

Jawbone Icon w/NoiseAssassin
$75, jawbone.com

• Stylish, small headset available in six colors
  
• Tank & helicopter technology provides noise-cancelling
  
• Talks back to you (recharge me, incoming call, etc.)
  
• Fun names such as "The Ace", "The Thinker", "The Bombshell"

Plantronics Explorer 395
$50, plantronics.com

• Latest technology, easy to use with comfortable fit
  
• Simple design with volume, power, call answer/end buttons
  
• Affordable, solid quality headset for average users

SPEAKERPHONES
Built-in Vehicle Solutions
$200+

• Most new car vendors now offering Bluetooth speakerphone options
  
• Cost varies, can be a few hundred with new cars, thousands to "retrofit"
  
• Often has best call-quality- designed with car in mind
  
• Integrates with car stereo, speakers, in-dash display
  
• Some phones are more / less compatible, check with dealer

BlueAnt S4 Wireless Speakerphone
$100, blueantwireless.com

Voice-activated wireless speakerphone (speak "BlueAnt Speak To Me")

Clips to visor (no installation costs)

• Incoming text messages are read using Vlingo SafeReader
  
• Bing-optimized (movie times, stock quotes, weather, and more)

Scochse: solCHAT Solar Speakerphone
$100, scosche.com

• Announces calls as they come in for hands-free driving
• Features a simple three button design and automatic, user-friendly cell phone pairing
• Comes with a USB charging cable and car adapter charging at night and on SEATTLE days
• Includes a windshield suction cup mount and sun visor clip for easy operation and solar charging

If you have questions, or need more information... hit me up on Twitter: @BMW or send me an email (listed above).

Thanks for watching!

Cyber Monday: Online Holiday Shopping Strategy Guide

While Friday marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, known by many as "Black Friday", many online retailers have their sights (and sites) set on a rush of web shoppers today-- "Cyber Monday".

The term "Cyber Monday" is only a few years old, dating back to the 2005 shopping season. The National Retail Foundation's website Shop.org coined the term in 2005 to describe a bump in sales among online retailers as shoppers return to their high-speed Internet connections at work.

However, while nearly 100 million shopppers plan to shop on Cyber Monday, according to the Shop.org survey conducted by BIGresearch, only 13.5% of those shoppers will do so at work. The decline from previous years can be attributed to more widespread availability of broadband at home and on mobile devices.

If you're looking for deals, start with the NRF's own website: CyberMonday.com -- participating retailers are linked and offers featured.

Other great sites to bookmark this CyberMonday: Amazon.com -- the king of online e-tailing makes cyber shopping easy with a Universal Wishlist feature. Link to anything on the web, even if it's not sold on Amazon.com, and those buying gifts for you can find and buy it.

Iterasi.com -- This Portland-based site makes it easy to save shopping receipts and confirmation pages.

Keeping yourself secure online is especially important. While the volume of shoppers increasing, you can bet those seeking to steal your personal information will be working as well. Here, then, some tips:

1. Use unique, complicated passwords for each account -- don't be lazy!!
   
2. Be careful when clicking links, visiting random websites
   
3. Keep your security software updated
   
4. Save your receipts-- use iterasi.com to save complete webpages
   
5. Look for the https -- secure padlock for encrypted sites
   
6. Consider your own card-reader: SmartSwipe is dubbed as the "World’s first truly secure personal credit card reader" and transfers your card details directly to online sites

Happy Cyber Monday!

Hear this report, as originally broadcast on Newsradio 750 KXL (MP3).

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Turkey Day and there are likely two things on your mind: shopping and shoveling your face with more food than one person should be capable of consuming.

First, the deals.

Start with dealnews.net, there are others-- but I've found dealnews.net to be a good place to start. Look online at retailer's websites for special deals that don't require getting up at ridiculous hours. Many of the deals, if they're not already, will be posted at midnight Eastern time (9pm here on the West Coast).

And if you're not up for cooking?

Check out a Portland-based project where you can enjoy Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own web browser. Turkey Tracker is a great peek at Turky prep, without getting your hands dirty...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Portland Blogger Seeks Olympics Gig: Help Her Win!

It's no secret Portland loves blogging.

Blogging about food carts, beer, heck-- there's even a weekly event called Beer & Blog. For one Portland, the love of blogging may send her to Vancouver, B.C. as an official blogger for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

And you can help her get there.

Meet Laurie Matthews, a "historical landscape architect, photographer, writer, recovering graphic designer and journalist, pop culture enthusiast, and unabashed sports fan," according to --duh-- her blog. This ambitious woman is one of five semifinalists who’s in the running to win a trip to B.C. and credentials to blog right "alongside members of the credentialed press corps," as stated in a Microsoft release. (Microsoft is sponsoring the contest to send one student and one female blogger to the Olympics games to use Microsoft technology to file daily reports.)

Check out Laurie Miller's blog here: vote for her at the Microsoft Winter Games Blogging Contest site.

You can vote daily until voting ends on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Make us proud Laurie!!

Back to School Tech on KGW-TV's The Square "Live at 7"

click above to watch the broadcast as originally shown on KGW.com

It's time to send the rugrats back to school and young adults everywhere are leaving the nest and moving to campus. I recently took time away from Gnomedex 9 to jump on KGW's The Square "Live @ 7" to share some back to school tech tips.

First up, gadgets!

LiveScribe Digital Pen ($150+) – Amazon. Take notes with a digital pen, record voice annotations, and search the text you wrote and save for later. It's high-tech paper and pen!

Texas Instruments TI-89 Graphing Calculator ($140) – Amazon. The latest in graphing calculators from TI, the TI-89 is a must-have for back-to-school math. Plugs into your USB and even runs apps!

Griffin AirCurve Acoustic Amp for iPhone ($20) It's an amplifier without wires, cables, or batteries. Using acoustic molding and a clever tunnel of sound, the Aircurve jumps your volume up 10db. Perfect for iPhone!

Speck Products Laptop Backpack ($100) Use code "BMW25" for 25% all Speck Products. Get a stylish laptop bag that protects your new notebook!

Back-To-School Tips:

Computer essentials:

• Focus on RAM, screen, keyboard
  
• Battery Life critical
  
• Storage doesn’t matter, but…
  
• Portability does

Mac vs. PC?

• Personal preference
  
• Coursework may determine
  
• windows 7 Coming soon

Tech dorm essentials

• Plenty of spares!
  
• Ink cartridges
  
• Media
  
• Extra power supply, batteries, etc.
  
• Extra cables
  
• Backup plans

Helpful Back-to-School Websites:

http://www.chegg.com – rent textbooks like netflix, save money!

http://evernote.com -- capture notes, comments, clips on your phone or web

http://www.curriki.org -- Curriculum Wiki, perfect for educators and parents to help students

Cut the Cord: Sprint 4G Launches In P-Town

Back in a time of arctic freeze and #Snowpocalypse I reported on Sprint's new U300 dual-mode 3G/4G device. Well, folks, get out your contract-signing pen... 'cause it's here in Portland and ready for use!

(uhh, unless you use a Mac, more on that in a moment...)


Sprint yesterday opened the wireless floodgates for customers to jump on the WiMax-powered 4G network. They join network partners Clear and Comcast in offering broadband-like speeds on a wireless device.

We're not alone.

While the versatile U300 is capable of 4G speeds in markets such as Portland, Baltimore, Atlanta and Vegas -- with others (such as Seattle & Salem, Ore. coming this year) -- the killer app is having access to the current 3G network in those spots where WiMax hasn't been rolled out yet.

Sprint tells us in a press release:

Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. In addition to Portland, Sprint also launched 4G service in Atlanta and Las Vegas today Sprint also plans to deploy Sprint 4G service in these additional markets in 2009: Chicago, IL; Dallas, Ft. Worth, Philadelphia, PA; Austin, Texas; Abilene, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Bellingham, Wash.; Charlotte, N.C.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Greensboro, N.C.; Honolulu, HI; Killeen-Temple, Texas; Lubbock, Texas; Maui, Hawaii; Midland-Odessa, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; Salem, Ore.; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, WA: Waco, Texas; and Wichita Falls, Texas.

One thing the U300 can't do, quite yet, is accommodate Mac OS X or Linux users. While initially promised for "Summer" my contacts at Sprint now tell me "Fall 2009".

But wait, there's a workaround!

For an extra $100, you can plug your U300 into Sprint's Cradlepoint PHS300s [Note: I believe the photo on Sprint.com is actually of the business version] mobile router and turn any WiFi-equipped device (such as your laptop, iPod Touch, personal gaming device... heck, even an iPhone!) into a 4G-uber-fast mobile broadband surfin' machine. Okay, so it's another device to lug around, and a battery to charge, but I'm a huge fan of the ubiquitous nature of WiFi (and sharing your connection among up to 5 devices).

So now the choice is yours: Sprint, Comcast, or Clear -- but if you're a mobile professional, a connectivity addict, or just want the latest toys -- upgrade to WiMax.

For more on this story, listen to my report (MP3), as heard on Newsradio 750 KXL during Portland's Morning News 18 Aug 2009.

DTV Switch times for Portland, OR & Seattle, WA

After years of planning and months of procrastinating, DTV "switch day" has arrived.

Starting today, you will no longer be able to watch your local broadcast station programming over-the-air using analog signals. Those without a newer television will need a converter box and compatible antenna, or a subscription to a paid-service such as cable or satellite.

Each station has slightly different plans for today's transition. Here's a list of compiled transition times for Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Remember, after the transition you'll want to "rescan" your converter box to pick up any station frequency changes or moves.

Portland, Oregon:
KATU (ABC / ch. 2): 11:35pm
KOIN (CBS / ch. 6): 7:25am
KGW (NBC / ch. 8): 3:05am
KOPB (PBS / ch. 10): 1:05am
KPTV (FOX / ch. 12): 9:30am
KRCW 9:00
KPDX 9:30:00
KPXG Transitioned already
KNMT Transitioned already
(some info from KGW.com)

Seattle, Washington:
KOMO (ABC / ch. 4): 9:00am
KING (NBC / ch. 5): 9:00am
KIRO (CBS / ch. 7): 9:00am
KCPQ (FOX / ch. 13): 9:00am
KONG (Ind / ch. 16): 9:00am

If you have questions (or know of a station I missed above), hit me up in the comments on by email and I'll do my best to answer!

Welcome to the world, DTV!

Update: Fisher Stations Return to DISH Networks

Sometime in the veil of darkness, the months-long dispute between broadcaster Fisher Communications (owners of Portland-based KATU-TV and Seattle's KOMO-TV & KOMO Radio) and satellite provider DISH Network appears to worked itself out.

Flipping to the appropriate channel on your DISH Networks receiver, you'll find a return of ABC programming in respective markets. (I can't personally verify, but I'd guess Fisher smaller-market stations have also rejoined the satellite lineup.)

Is it a coincidence this move comes mere hours before the analog television signal shut-off that could leave Fisher customers with the clumsy step of needing a converter box for that one lone network not broadcast on DISH? The timing is quite suspicious. (Tonight is also the continuation of the NBA finals on ABC.)

If I had to guess, for what it's worth, Fisher couldn't risk losing more viewers.

Welcome back Fisher stations to DISH Networks! We missed you.

Disclosure: I have previously provided technology content for KATU's "AM Northwest" and KOMO's now-defunct "Northwest Afternoon" and KOMO 4 News as well as Fisher Interactive websites. I have no relationship with Fisher Communications at this time.

Earth Day: Green(er) Gadgets on The Square Live @ 7 w/Stephanie Stricklen (KGW-TV)

Mentioned during the segment:

• Recycle old computer parts with Portland's "Free Geek"


• Powergenix Earth-friendly batteries


• Scosche solCHAT is a solar-powered Bluetooth speakerphone


• Novothink Solar Surge iPhone battery pack



• Leviton Decora occupancy sensor switch


• Ochelly Water-Powered clocks

Watch the video on KGW.com.

I'm Hosting An Award Show!

Joining the ranks of Ellen DeGeneres, Billy Crystal and Jon Stewart, I'm hosting an awards show! The 6th Annual IT Executives of the Year Awards will take place during InnoTechPDX on April 23rd in Portland.

My objectives for this awards show are are follows:

1. Entertain: Make one person laugh.
2. Present the awards.
3. Keep it moving (nobody likes 4.5 hour shows).
4. To Not Suck. Much?

The presentation and reception is open to all InnoTech participants. Unfortunately, I can't tell you where, specifically, inside the Oregon Convention Center it's at since I don't even know yet... (I suppose if youfind me, you'll find the awards?)

Who knows, maybe you'll even WIN! :-P

Tech Events for April 22-24, 2009 -- Join Me!

There's a lot going on this week in Portland-- join me if any of the following events strike your fancy, or propose a new one? (Follow me on Twitter for last-minute updates!)

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22, 2009:
14:00 -- InnoTechPDX (Portland Ballroom 256): To blog or not to blog: Making blogging with Silicon Florist's Rick Turoczy, Marshall Kirkpatrick of ReadWriteWeb and Josh Bancroft (Legion of Tech, others).

15:30 -- InnoTechPDX (Portland Ballroom 256): Just the Tips Please - Implementing a Successful Online Strategy

19:00 -- KGW's The Square: Live at 7 with Stephanie Stricklen -- Newschannel 8 NBC/Portland or watch (w/open mic breaks!) online, 7-7:30pm. (Come down to KGW's Pioneer Courthouse Square studio to watch the show live, check out the gadgets, or just say hi!)

19:00 -- OMSI After Dark: OMSI After Dark! (thanks @addictedtotext for the reminder!)

THURSDAY APRIL 22, 2009:
06:40 -- Live on Newsradio 750 KXL: Weekly look at the week's hot tech topics, this week: Live from InnoTech PDX! (Tune in to Portland's Morning News on 750 AM / Portland or listen live online at KXL.com.)


08:00 -- InnoTechPDX (E145-146): Delivering Business Impact: A Strategic View of the Optimized Desktop and Windows 7

08:40 -- Live on Newsradio 750 KXL: Weekly look at the week's hot tech topics, this week: Live from InnoTech PDX! (Tune in to Portland's Morning News on 750 AM / Portland or listen live online at KXL.com.)

09:00 -- InnoTechPDX (Portland Ballroom 256): How Best-in-Class Companies Make Word of Mouth Marketing Work Successfully

09:00 -- InnoTechPDX (Portland Ballroom 256): How Best-in-Class Companies Make Word of Mouth Marketing Work Successfully

09:30 -- InnoTechPDX(E147): The State of the Mobile Industry with Jason Grigsby

10:00 -- InnoTechPDX(Portland Ballroom 256): Companies and Communities: Participating Without Being Sleazy

10:30 -- InnoTechPDX (E147): Mobile Platform Panel with Raven Zachary (iPhone), Jon Maroney (Handmark), Don Park (Android), Jason Harris (Nokia/Symbian), Jason Mauer (Microsoft)

11:30 -- InnoTechPDX(Portland Ballroom 255): Yes We Did: Strategic Insights and Social Media from the Campaign that Changed History with Rahaf Harfoush, New Media Strategist, Member of Obama's Social Media Team, & Associate Director of the Global Cooperation Initiative at the World Economic Forum

11:30 -- Lunch (tentative) (Widmer Gasthaus, ): Innotech Lunch Meetup/Tweetup at Widmer Gasthaus (details at Upcoming)

13:00 -- InnoTechPDX(Portland Ballroom 256): What is your Social Media Conversion Rate?

13:00 -- InnoTechPDX (E147): Mobility Lighting Talks

14:00 -- InnoTechPDX (Portland Ballroom 256): Social Media Marketing

14:30 -- InnoTechPDX (Inside Exhibit Hall E): InnoTech Happy 45 Minutes

15:30 -- InnoTechPDX (E147): The iPhone Market

15:30 -- InnoTechPDX (Portland Ballroom 256): Hot Seat Panel: Hot Seat Panel-Real World Advice From the Experts

16:30 -- InnoTechPDX (TBD):
6th Annual IT Executives of the Year Awards & Reception

18:00-20:00 -- ($15, Candy Bistro Burger Bar, 904 NW Couch Ave): 2009
SoMe Awards

FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2009:

16:00-18:00 -- (Green Dragon): Beer & Blog Portland

22:00-23:30 -- (StrangeLoveLive.com): Strange Love Live

BMW's Media Twitter List: "The Ocho" Invades Twitter -- New Usernames to follow

The Portland-area Twitterati know @KGWNewsChannel8, @TheSquare and @StephStricklen from local NBC-affiliate KGW Newschannel 8. Well get ready Twitter users, a flood of folks from "The Ocho" joined Twitter last night. Here's a rundown of the names I've (my Twitter name is @BMW, add me!) collected from KGW (and other Pacific Norhwest media), of course -- let me know who I've missed and I'll update this post:

• @KGWNewschannel8 - general Twitter account for KGW (headlines, station news)
  
• @TheSquare - producer account for Live at 7 show (show prep, notes, feedback)
  
• @StephStricklen - anchor of KGW's Live at 7 (personal goings-ons, behind-the-scenes)
  
• @Aweiss - mostly personal account of "Producer Aaron", freq. voice behind @TheSquare
  
• @pdxpeacock - KGW anchor Joe Donlon
  
• @lauralKGW - KGW anchor Laural Porter
  
• @zaffino - KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino (get it "..at Zaffino"?)
  
• @burton_scott - KGW "Night Team" reporter Scott Burton

If you use TweetDeck (or similar?) you can toss the following query into a search box to follow the KGW-related conversation in one handy column:
KGW OR TheSquare OR StephStricklen OR AWeiss OR pdxpeacock OR OR lporter2009 OR zaffino or "burton_scott"

Other Northwest Media Twitter accounts you might find interesting to follow:

• @KXL - Newsradio 750 KXL (home of my weekly radio segments!)
  
• @FOX12Oregon - KPTV FOX (general station account)
  
• @ORMediaInsiders - Lynne from OregonMediaInsiders.com
  
• @siliconflorist - Rick Turoczy's blog about local startup and tech communities
  
• @NWCN - Northwest Cable News
  
• @NWCNtech - Northwest Cable News: "Talkin' Tech"

Fans (or professionals) of broadcast journalism may also want to follow:

• @newmediajim -- NBC News photojournalist. Lots of insight into Nightly, other broadcasts.
  
• @davidgregory -- David Gregory, Meet the Press
  
• @todayshow -- Official Today Show twitter, mostly promotional, but some behind-scenes stuff too.
  
• @nbcnightlynews -- Mostly videos of show clips, but sometimes interesting.
  
• @msnbc
  
• @tvnewser -- very "inside baseball"
  
• @NBCNewsCrew -- "Network Photojournalist with NBC News covering stories for NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, MSNBC and CNBC."
• @Verso suggests: @APNewsAlert, @BreakingNewsOn, @ThePolitico, @NewsHour (yes with Jim Lehrer!), @NPRpolitics, @NPRNews
• @maddow, @willatwork (maddow's producer), and @shuster1600 (MSNBC's David Shuster). Oh, and there's always @ricksanchezcnn suggests: @maddow, @willatwork (maddow's producer), @shuster1600 (MSNBC's David Shuster), @ricksanchezcnn
  

...of course there are HUNDREDS more. What media-related or local outlets are considered "must-follow"? Drop your own list in the comments (or Twitter me, I'm @BMW) and I'll update the list with your suggestions.

Upgrading for DTV? Recycle your old TV!

On February 17th 2009, as my regular listeners know, television stations across the country will convert their analog broadcast signals to a new higher-capacity digital spectrum. What this means to television viewers varies depending on how you receive programming, but for many, the conversion could leave you with a live view of what resembles a 24/7 snowstorm.

For many who watch over-the-air television, this means a new television. (Most, like one KXL staffer I spoke with yesterday, see it as a good excuse to upgrade even while a converter box might suffice.)

What do you do with your old set?

Most people don’t need to get rid of their existing television due to the switch to digital-only broadcasting, says Kathy Kiwala, manager of DEQ’s “Oregon E-Cycles” electronics waste program. For persons who choose to purchase a new digital TV and have an existing TV in working condition, there are several options:

• Keep the old TV as a second TV for games, videos or DVDs
• Give the old TV to a friend or donate it to a second-hand store.

According to the Department of Enviornmental Quality's press release, consumers who do choose to buy a new television set should visit the DEQ E-waste Web page at http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/ewaste/resources.htm

For more ways to recycle electronics -- including unwanted computers -- check out my Earth Day Gadget Special that aired on KATU's AM Northwest:

PRSA **Technology** Award Submissions: Audio Tapes... ehh?

Every once in awhile I receive an email that thoroughly perplexes me... Today's cranium-scratcher is from an organization I probably should have heard of: The Public Relations Society of America. According to their website, they are "Advancing the Profession and the Professional."

The invitation (and humor) begins:

If you or one of your editorial colleagues wrote and published something in the past year that seems worthy of reward and recognition, you should read this letter and consider entering your work. The Technology Professional Interest Section of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has extended its Call for Entries for its 2007 Excellence in Technology Journalism Awards competition, and the final deadline for submission is now June 27, 2008.

Reading further, I stumbled across the following quiz: Why, in a call for submissions for the "2007 Excellence in Journalism Awards" would they require radio and TV submissions to be made using audio cassette and VHS tape (we'll assume respectively). Rule #8 states:

8. Radio and TV segments must be submitted in audio cassette tape or VHS version (five (5) copies) tape form, along with hard copies of a written script or transcript.

I'm looking forward to learning how this organization is advancing a profession by using two-generation-old technology for their technology awards submissions. [For the sake of discussion: I'm defining "generations" as: cassette/VHS -> CD/DVD -> MP3/Digital video (i.e. online).]

I don't even own a casette player or VHS deck anymore. Sad. I guess I'm not qualified? (Not that my work would stand up to the great tech reporting that won prior years anyway.)

Perhaps, folks, this might explain why it was necessary to extend the deadline??

Your responses welcome -- in any format! ;-)