2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead
I kept reading great reviews about the BMW S1000XR. Moreover, the S1000XR is significantly more advanced than the K1300S: it has electronic instrument panel, clutch-less downshifting, ride modes, and cruise control. After my buddy Jerry bought one, he raved about its performance. So, without even riding it first, I purchased a mint condition 2016 model Continue reading 2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead
How To: Configuring MPV for Best Video Quality Including 4K Upscaling Updated
As of Fall 2023, the the best graphics subsystem for the MPV media player is a combination of vo_gpu_next, libplacebo and Vulkan. This includes recent Windows-based PCs, Linux-based devices, and Android-based devices. Although Apple devices running macOS, iOS, and tvOS prefer Metal 3, currently, there is not a Metal backend for MPV. Previously, that meant that MPV had to use Apple’s deprecated OpenGL subsystem. Now, it is possible to use MoltenVK for significant performance gains over OpenGL. Continue reading How To: Configuring MPV for Best Video Quality Including 4K Upscaling Updated
Review of Allegro Coffee Beans (Another Trip to Whole Foods) Updated
I never was a barista. And I certainly am not a professional cupper. But I cannot imagine a morning without at least one, if not two, lattes. We make our lattes at home. We recently upgraded our espresso machine from the Breville BES860XL to the BES920XL. So, now it is time to consider upgrading our coffee beans. Continue reading Review of Allegro Coffee Beans (Another Trip to Whole Foods) Updated
How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 2) Updated
A weakness was found in the WPA2 security protocol used by almost every modern phone, computer and router. This is called a KRACK attack. You should update your firmware and also disable EAPOL Key Retries to protect your network against KRACK attack against unpatched clients. Continue reading How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 2) Updated
How To: Play HD Radio Throughout Your Home Using Google Cast or Airplay
Not every radio station is available in a high fidelity (high bitrate) format online. So, for some local radio stations, you are better off tuning them over the air. Fortunately, many broadcasters in the US also broadcast a digital signal, “HD Radio”. The challenge is how to create a local server to stream the HD Radio station to either Google Cast or Airplay-enabled devices. Continue reading How To: Play HD Radio Throughout Your Home Using Google Cast or Airplay
Synology DS1817+ Network Attached Storage (NAS) Review & Configuration Updated
It is amazing how much data our family generates. We record our home videos in 4K resolution. We have scanned over 100 years of our family photo albums and slides in TIFF format for permanent archival. I shoot high-resolution images on my Nikon D500 and Fuji X100F cameras in RAW format. I ripped hundreds of CDs that I bought over the decades in lossless audio format. We have constructed a multi-room DVR solution for our home, time-shifting cable and local OTA content. I run my application development environments in virtual machines. And, we back up all of our Macs using our NAS’ Time Capsule service. Continue reading Synology DS1817+ Network Attached Storage (NAS) Review & Configuration Updated
Cooking: the Best Cookbook Collection
I started collecting cookbooks twenty years ago. I am definitely an early adopter of technology. But there’s no replacing a hardbound book of substance, with beautiful photography. If you are starting your own collection, I recommend focusing first on cooking techniques. The first book that I would buy is Modernist Cuisine at Home by Nathan Myhrvold. This is a condensed version of his highly regarded five volume Modernist Cuisine series, adapted for home chefs. Continue reading Cooking: the Best Cookbook Collection
How To: Using a Line 6 FBV 3 Pedalboard with an Amplifi Guitar Amplifier
The Line 6 FBV 3 Pedalboard is an advanced foot controller that is designed for hands-free control of Line 6’s Firehawk, Amplifi, and Spider lines of guitar amplifiers as well as POD. It is also possible to use the FBV 3 to control Mac or PC MIDI apps via USB, using the Line 6 FBV Control application. I just upgraded my first generation FBV Express to an FBV 3, for use with my Amplifi 150. Continue reading How To: Using a Line 6 FBV 3 Pedalboard with an Amplifi Guitar Amplifier
Photon Media Center for Nvidia Shield Android TV Updated
Tempo (TM) is a professional-grade media center application based on the award winning Kodi & SMPC media center software. The default theme showcases the jacket art of your videos. It is optimized for 2160p (4K) resolution, the same as UHD TVs. Its primary intended audience is Nvidia Shield Android TV users, who need a simplified user experience and smaller set of default services. Continue reading Photon Media Center for Nvidia Shield Android TV Updated
Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker with WiFi Review
Before buying new electronics and appliances, I always research online reviews. The Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker, won high marks from The Sweet Home, CNET, Gizmodo, and Sous Vide Guy. Anova brings significant expertise: prior to making immersion circulators, Anova focussed on lab equipment. This updated cooker has a 900-watt element, an improved circulator, WiFi, and Bluetooth. It has a large dial that displays the current and target water temperature, as well as the cook time remaining. The bottom skirt can be removed for cleaning. Continue reading Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker with WiFi Review
Introduction to Sous Vide Cooking
I recently started cooking using sous vide. Sous vide means “under vacuum” in French. With this technique, you vacuum seal your food in a bag and then cook it in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature. When the food (typically meat or chicken) reaches your desired temperature, you remove it from the water bath, sear/grill/broil it, and serve it. Gourmet restaurants have used this technique for years but it only recently became affordable for the home chef. Continue reading Introduction to Sous Vide Cooking
Nikon D7500 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D500, D7200 & D7100
The D7500 has the same 20.9-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor and EXPEED 5 processing engine as the D500. Therefore, the image quality should be identical between the two models. However, both the D7500 and D500 have less resolution than the D7200 and D7100 models’ 24 megapixels.Nikon has prioritized speed and low-light image capture over resolution. Continue reading Nikon D7500 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D500, D7200 & D7100
Epiphone ES-339 P-90 PRO Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Review
The Epiphone ES-339 P-90 PRO is a limited edition, reduced size archtop. The body is constructed from maple with a solid center block. The neck is from mahagony. The fingerboard is rosewood with mother-of-pearl dot inlays. I bought a cherry color guitar, which not coincidentally is my wife’s favorite color. Continue reading Epiphone ES-339 P-90 PRO Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Review
Google Home: Configuring and Using It with a Logitech Harmony Hub Updated
In early December, Google announced ‘Conversation Actions’ and ‘Direct Actions’ for Google Home. Today, Google announced interoperability between Google Home and Logitech Harmony, similar to Harmony’s integration with the Amazon Echo. Google Home also added support for the Anova sous vide cooker, August locks, Electrolux Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect, First Alert thermostat, Geeni LED lights, Insignia Wi-Fi smart plug, Lifx Plus Wi-Fi smart bulb, Rachio smart sprinkler controller, TP-Link Wi-Fi LED, Vivint security platform, and Wink Hub. Continue reading Google Home: Configuring and Using It with a Logitech Harmony Hub Updated
How To: Playing a USB-connected Guitar in GarageBand for Your Mobile Studio
I am going to focus on how I jam when I’m not in my home studio. Because the Ultra-III has a USB jack built into the guitar, no separate interface box is required. I couldn’t find a non-proprietary male USB Type-B to Lightning adapter cable. The Epiphone comes with a heavy-duty male USB Type-A to male USB Type-B cable. If you prefer a similar but shorter cable, you can order one from Amazon here. You then need a female USB Type-A to male Lightning adapter cable. Continue reading How To: Playing a USB-connected Guitar in GarageBand for Your Mobile Studio
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