DirecTV Software Update Causes HD DVR Outage

Earlier this morning the KXL newsroom received a tip from an, understandably, frustrated listener who couldn't get through to DirecTV support... seems the caller's DirecTV HD DVR had locked up and they were unable to change the channel.

Some surfing of the Internet this morning helped me discover the problem was, apparently, a software update overnight blast to the receivers that didn't quite work as planned for some customers.

DirecTV has since responded using their own Twitter account with this simple advice:

HDDVR customers: If your HDDVR will NOT power on, unplug the unit from the wall, wait 15sec, then replug, & repeat 1x to restore service.

(If you have a DirecTV DVR and can verify this worked for you, please comment below.)

Using the above software glitch as a case-study, there are some things you might try before any service call:

• First off, don't panic. Often you can make matters MUCH worse... we've all torn apart the home entertainment system or ripped apart our computer to discover it was a cable that fell out of the wall, or another simple fix. Take a deep breath, relax, analyze the problem systematically and don't add to your problems.
  
• Power cycle everything. Sure, your monitor might appear to be working just fine and your lamp doesn't *appear* to be having troubles, but sometimes it's best to take a few extra seconds to disconnect power (unplug it from the wall socket or power strip completely) from the electronic gizmo causing grief, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
  
• Check for loose cables.
  
• Are others having the same issue? (Ask around your office, check online (do a Twitter search), call a buddy)
  
• Gather the necessary information before calling tech support (account numbers, serial numbers, exact description of the problem, what you've tried previously)
  
• Be patient. They may walk you through the exact same things you've already tried-- but remember they're trying to help. It will take a few extra minutes, but best to try again and be confident.
  
• Disclaimer: The above tips are general suggestions only and not meant to replace your hard-working IT staff and the manufacturer's own recommendations. Actual mileage may vary

And now, just in time for World Cup Soccer, your DVR is back up and running! Right?

For more on this and other tech stories, tune to Newsradio 750 KXL (750 AM in Portland, OR and online at KXL.com) each Friday morning at 6:20am & 8:20am.

Does Sprint's New 4G EVO Work in NA's Tallest Building?

I recently received a pre-release demo of Sprint's new EVO 4G mobile smartphone. I'd heard the device would be the world's first 4G smartphone, operating on faster data networks available in select markets-- but previously only available to mobile broadband cards and routers.

With a freshly-charged EVO in my pocket (I immediately fell in love with the mobile hotspot application piggy-backing my iPad WiFi to use the EVO's faster data connection), I thought I'd bust out of the Northwest and try another Sprint 4G city: Chicago.

Aside from being the ultimate travel companion (often the built-in 4G was faster than the hotel's own WiFi) with it's giant movie-friendly screen, the coverage was much better than I had expected.

Would it work on top of The Sears Willis Tower, 103 stories up and anchoring the Chicao skyline?

In a word: Yup.



(In a side note: Ever tried to take a photo of a handset screen, while managing a Digital SLR, in front of a bright window, in North America's tallest building, with a fear of heights? Apologies it's hard to read the screen... but there is, in fact, 4G coverage on the Skydeck... enjoy!)

In other news... I did stand out on THE LEDGE. Those photos will follow at some point.

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!

Rogue Satellite Could Interrupt TV, Microsoft gives away the Office and WebVisions 2010

Back in April a satellite known by operators as Galaxy 15 experienced what experts are calling a "solar storm". This knocked out communications to the bird floating some 22,000 miles --roughly from Portland to NYC...the long way-- above the ocean near Hawaii. Once ground controllers lost contact with the satellite, it went rogue and is headed for ultimate shutdown.

Unlike many satellites that shut down immediately upon failure, Galaxy 15 seems to be humming along, continuing its duties of transmitting cable television programming to cable television operators in the United States. (Although all services have now been shuffled off to other satellites.)

That, unfortunately, is where the story gets interesting.

While not, experts say, in imminent danger of actually colliding with another quarter-million dollar technical marvel floating around in the sky, the signals from the rogue Galaxy 15 could cause interference with those from another satellite: AMC 11.

As one might imagine, every effort is being made to steer the still-functional AMC 11 as far from it's rogue neighbour as possible-- there's still some cause for concern.

Best-case scenario? The two satellites wave as they pass by roughly between May 23rd and June 7th. Worst-case scenario? Services on AMC 11 are interrupted for the same window causing a loss of programming to viewers on the ground.

Comcast technicians are said to be monitoring the situation, while DirecTV was quick to point out their customers would not be affected.

[Update 14MAY2010 7:13AM-- Comcast spokesperson Theressa Davis tells me quite matter-of-factly, "There is no impact to us at this time and we continue to monitor this industry-wide situation." (A smart reader, such as yourself, will certainly pickup on ominous keywords: "at this time". To be fair, however, Comcast is certainly not alone in this potentially precarious situation.]

We'll see. (Or, perhaps... Not.)

Next week's "Get out of the office free" card is courtesy of Web Visions 2010. The "nationally recognized conference that explores the future of Web design, technology, user experience and business strategy" runs May 19-21 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Registration may end today, but their site will tell you much more: http://www.webvisionsevent.com

Don't forget to tune in to my reports on Newsradio 750 KXL each week for the latest in tech news and information. And if you can't wait, I'm always on Twitter: @BMW

Portland's InnoTech Tech Conference May 6 -- Free Pass!

InnoTech – The Business & Technology Innovation Conference & Expo returns to the Oregon Convention Center May 6th (with the eMarketing Summit starting the day before). The annual event brings together the area's business, IT, and social media leaders for a series of compelling sessions and thought-provoking discussions. I've personally attended most of the last dozen or so years.

For details visit their website: http://www.innotechoregon.com.

To make it even more compelling-- I convinced conference organizers to pass along some free passes to give away:

• A limited number of complimentary passes are available.
  
• Register at http://www.innotechoregon.com
  
• Use BMWKXL in the Discount Code field for complimentary admission.
  
  (This pass does NOT include the NW CIO Summit, NW ISSA Security Conference or eMarketing Summit, extra registration fee is required.)

There are a lot of great speakers... including some local rockstars such as Rick Turoczy, Jason Harris, and a host of others... Will you be attending or speaking at this year's InnoTech? Speak up!

From the conference schedule, a few of the InnoTech conference tracks & special events:

• Microsoft Technology Symposium including SharePoint 2010 and Office 2010 demos
• 
  Wireless/Mobile Applications Track including Native vs. web, mobile application panel
• Talks on Cloud Computing, iPad Demos, Social Computing, Augmented Reality, and much more
• Green IT/Clean Technology Track
• InnoTech Happy 45-Minutes (the perfect place to mingle over complimentary beverages, appetizers, live music and exhibits)
• And more!

See you at InnoTech!!

iPad Launch Day at University Village 3 April 2010 (KXL-AM)

My live report with KXL-AM's Chris Brown on Portland's Weekend Morning News on iPad Launch Saturday.

List of Riskiest Cities: Seattle #1, Portland #10

The 50 riskiest cities, according to a Norton from Symantec survey:

1. Seattle	18. Oakland, Calif.	35. Chicago
2. Boston	19. Nashville-Davidson, Tenn.	36. Baltimore
3. Washington, D.C.	20. San Jose, Calif.	37. Oklahoma City
4. San Francisco	21. Columbus, Ohio	38. Philadelphia
5. Raleigh, N.C.	22. Dallas	39. Jacksonville, FL\la.
6. Atlanta	23. Kansas City, Mo.	40. Tulsa, Okla.
7. Minneapolis	24. New York	41. San Antonio
8. Denver	25. Indianapolis	42. Milwaukee
9. Austin, Texas	26. Albuquerque, N.M.	43. Cleveland
10. Portland, Ore.	27. Miami	44. Tucson, Ariz.
11. Honolulu	28. Omaha, Neb.	45. Long Beach, Calif.
12. Charlotte, N.C.	29. Virginia Beach, Va.	46. Fort Worth, Texas
13. Las Vegas	30. Los Angeles	47. Fresno, Calif.
14. San Diego	31. Cincinnati, Ohio	48. Memphis, Tenn.
15. Colorado Springs, Colo.	32. Houston	49. El Paso, Texas
16. Sacramento, Calif.	33. St. Louis, Mo.	50. Detroit
17. Pittsburgh	34. Phoenix