Digital RV Podcast

In the second installment of our series on ITunes and your IPod, today’s episode should be of interest to many. From the IPod Nano to the ITouch, most IPods are now video ready. So, how do you get video on your IPod?

This installment covers the latests edition of Handbrake (a program used to copy your DVDs), the ITunes store (where you can buy video), and getting ripped video into ITunes. For the Windows users out there, check out AoA DVD Ripper (it’ll rip your DVDs for you).

Also covered in this podcast is how to rename your video files, and get them into the right category (TV series for instance).

 

 Episode 14b - Getting Video onto ITunes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (469)

Yes, the Digital RV Podcast is finally back. For those who thought the DRVP was heading to an early grave, think again. My apologies, but the past few months I’ve been very tied up!

This latest episode is geared toward folk who are trying to figure out their IPods. I’ve come to learn that many people don’t understand all they can do with their iPods, and they’re unclear on how to leverage everything on ITunes.

So, today’s episode covers connecting your IPod to your computer, syncing the IPod, changing what gets imported, and creating playlists.

Check back soon. The next episode I’ll be covering importing Audio books onto your IPod, and how to organize the files so they play in the correct order.

 

 Episode 14 - Working with your IPod and ITunes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Today’s video tutorial covers importing photos from your digital camera to your computer.  Specifically this episode covers importing photography to a Macintosh computer and using IPhoto.  Also a simple introduction to working in IPhoto is covered.

Within the next few days a posting on importing digital photos to your Microsoft Windows system will also be posted.

Taking photos while on the road couldn’t be easier!

 

 Episode 13 - Tutorial on Importing Digital Photos to a Mac [14:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (561)

Ok, you want to start podcasting?  Bet it will require a ton of new equipment, big cash outlays, the works, right?  Wrong.  If you’re watching this podcast you’ve got just about everything you need.  Maybe a few new toys will be in order, and maybe a new software package or two (for those in the Windows world).  But building your own podcasts certainly won’t break the bank.  Best of all, podcasting is a boat load of fun!

Enjoy the episode, and please feel free to post your comments and questions.  Need to ask something really specific?  We’ve now got a new call in line.  You leave a voice mail with your questions and comments, and we’ll wrap them up into upcoming podcasts.  What’s the number?

(928) 792-4230

 

 Episode 12 - What do I really need to create a podcast? [17:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (548)

This week I received a suggestion on doing a quick video regarding the IPod as a backup hard drive. Great idea. Especially since the Digital RV Podcast has been way too quiet. Sorry about that folks.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be adding a few more tech podcasts. As always, requests, comments, and questions are always welcome!

 

 Episode 11 - Using an IPod as a backup hard drive [6:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (452)

With the latest updates to ITunes any Digital RV’er can carry all their media in ITunes alone. The following quick podcast shows the site host’s music library, small movie library, and TV series library as well. With a portable hard drive, like a LaCie for instance, you can pack days and days of entertainment in a small amount of space. Take a look and see how much media is on my personal ITunes setup.

 

 Episode 10 - ITunes Can Be a Full Media Center [4:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (447)

In the vein of, “How’d they do that”, this episode shows in some detail how podcasts are assembled here.  Also you’ll see how the tutorials that have been appearing at the Digital RV Podcast are created.

Why demonstrate this?  Simple….it show’s other travelers that creating video while at home or traveling is not out of your reach.  Anybody can put together their own video documentaries.  Talk about bringing your trip slide shows to a whole new level.

That’s been the point behind creating the Digital RV.  I wanted to let folks know how accessible the latest technology is.  It doesn’t have to be a black box that only tech geeks understand.  It’s something available to everybody.

I sure hope this episode gives you some new ideas, and gets the creative thoughts rolling.  Enjoy!

 

 Episode 9 - Creating video on the road: Behind the scenes at the Digital RV [16:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (514)

Back to Episode 5 again. Episode 5 will be a continuing series on how to use Wordpress. Given the quantity of questions I’ve had in my travels regarding my blogs, how they work, and how well they can be used to keep loved ones informed while traveling, I thought it’s important enough to help viewers really understand how Wordpress works.

Todays segment gets into the distinction between posts & pages, how to “protect” posts from being read by people you don’t want to read them, and finally how to create a static home page instead of the standard blog setup.

As always, comments and questions are welcome at The Digital RV Podcast.

 

 Episode 5, Part III: Posts, Pages, & Privacy with Wordpress [16:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (310)

Often video podcasts, audio podcasts, and lots of still photography shows up on my sites.  I’ve been asked regularly, “What do you use to put it all together?”  Well, in this podcast I’ll show you the equipment that’s used in order to bring you The Digital RV Podcast, and Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles Podcasts and photos.  You might be surprised.

Keep in mind, the latest video podcasts are now shot with a Sony Hard Drive Camcorder.  That was not featured in this episode.  It was being used to shoot the episode instead.  ;)  I’ll get a picture up shortly so you can see the last component. 

 

 Episode 8 - Still Photography, Audio, and Video...What do you really need to make it happen? [6:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (353)

By request (we do that here) I’ve put together a quick piece on setting a WEP key on the Kyocera KR1. Additionally, a visit to one of my favorite sites, DSLReports.com, is also included in this video podcast.

As always, questions, comments, and requests are welcome here.

 

 Video Podcast Extra - Viewer request on Episode 7 [6:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (342)

One of the most common questions presented to me in my travels is with respect to Internet connectivity while traveling.  There are plenty of ways to stay in touch over the Internet for the intrepid traveler.  Local libraries often offer internet access.  RV parks are deploying WiFi systems, and even state run rest areas provide free WiFi now (thanks Texas).

But still, RV’ers are often left without reliable connection options.  You can’t be on the net all of the time.

This podcast covers my personal solution.  A Verizon Wireless network card and the Kyocera KR1 WiFi Router.  For 6 months the setup has worked well.  Check out the video, and see what you think.

 

 Episode 7 - Communications on the Road: The Site Host's Mobile Internet Solution [14:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (433)

Yesterday I got ahold of the latest copy of ITunes.  Talk about a great number of new features.  So I thought it was important to do a video demo of the newest version of ITunes as soon as possible.  The big enhancements in my mind are:

• Movie downloads are now available at the ITunes store.  This is huge for travelers on the road who want entertaiment, but don’t want to carry around a giant DVD collection.
• More new TV series are being added almost daily.
• The browser window in ITunes has been massively improved.
• Adding your own recorded and ripped video content to ITunes has become even easier.
• Album artwork additions are simpler than ever before.

Those are just a few of the highlights.  Check out the podcast and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

 

 Episode 6 - Entertainment on the road: ITunes 7 Video Highlights [10:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (298)

In the second installment of working with wordpress you’re walked through setting up the Options in the software.  There are many options to set too. 

If you’re wondering about creating “private” blogs, this is the tutorial for you.  Yes, you can indeed create a private blog.

 

 Episode 5, Part II: Setting up options in Wordpress [16:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (269)

Keeping in touch from the road has never been easier.  We’ve got cell phones, wireless internet, e-mail, PDA’s, and more.  But my favorite method of keeping in touch has become through Blogging.

Blogs (or weblogs) are a great way to keep in touch with many people.  Basically you can use a blog as a daily journal, photo gallery, or spot to pop up random thoughts.  What you use your blog for is only limited by your own imagination.

The favorite blogging software here at the Digital RV is Wordpress.  It’s free, easy to use, and has so many “extra” features.  So, today’s podcast episode walks you through setting up your own blog at Wordpress.com 

 

 Episode 5 - Communications from the road: Blogging with Wordpress [20:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (304)

Today’s podcast is a little different.  It’s an audio podcast first off, which is very different for the Digital RV.

Secondly, we’ll review Chapter 1 of the Digital RV.  It struck me that some readers and viewers might not be completely familiar with the Digital RV book.  So, this episode should address exactly what the Digital RV’ing concept is about.

I’d recomend downloading this podcast and using ITunes to play it.  There are some photos with links to manufacturer sites for your information. Hope you find this “extra” episode informative and useful.

 

 Extra - An in depth introduction to the Digital RV concept [20:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (362)

The second part of episode 4 is now available.  For months I’ve searched high and low for a reasonable cost DVD ripping program for Windows.  I’d come across AOA DVD Ripper back in May, and had only tried the demo version.  Finally I decided to spring for the AOA package and give it a whirl.

The program is pretty straightforward.  I would suggest getting all of the AOA components (video converter, MP4 / IPod converter, etc), as you’ll need them if you really want to create smaller files.

After recording this episode I played with the AOA program some more, and found you could create smaller files by reducing the screen size of the video in question.

Overall though, even with it’s straightforward interface, the AOA DVD Ripper doesn’t compare to the free Handbrake program for Macintosh.

I’ve shopped DVD Rippers for a while now, both over the counter and online.  AOA is definitely a good product for the price.  If readers & viewers have other suggestions for better Windows ripping software, let me know and I’ll try to get a review of the product up for all to see.

 

 Episode 4 Part 2- "Ripping" DVDs to your hard drive on Windows [10:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (300)

One fantastic way to save space is to cut down on bulky items that can be stored in another fashion.  For my clothing I use Eagle Creek travel packs that compress my outfits.  And for my entertainment I copy DVDs to my hard drive, and put the DVDs into storage.

As you’ll see in this episode, copying DVDs is a simple task.  It can become time consuming, but you can always find other things to do while waiting on the copy to complete.

This podcast is a follow up to the information contained at the Digital RV Blog.  Take a look through that article as well as this video if you’re interested in ripping DVDs for viewing when on the road.

 

 Episode 4 - "Ripping" DVDs to your hard drive [11:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (398)

Today’s episode covers an item that’s of interest to many readers of the Digital RV.  Playing and recording TV on your PC or Mac.  This episode covers Elgato’s EyeTV, which is designed for Macintosh.  Don’t despair PC users, there are many products available to turn your laptop or desktop into a TV receiver and recorder too.

Looking for the Windows demo?  Leave a comment at podcast.digitalrv.net and I’ll be sure to address what you’re looking for.

 

 Episode 3 - TV on your Macintosh: EyeTV Demonstrated [10:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (336)

Often I recomend the Firefox Web Browser. Many folks have wondered why. Beyond being a secure browser, Firefox is loaded with other features. This episode takes you through some of the major features in Firefox.

This podcast covers the Windows version, the Mac version functions the same way with a few minor items. If you’d like to see a Mac tutorial, let me know.

 

 Episode 2 - The Firefox Web Browser [9:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (270)

For the first video tutorial we’re starting with something simple. Getting around the new Digital RV Podcast site (http://podcast.digitalrv.net). This one was ready to go for the launch of the site, and now it’s getting posted!

This first tutorial also gives viewers the idea of how the tutorials at this site can work. If you’ve got any ideas for improvements, topics, etc., please let me know via the comment mechanism located with each entry. All requests will be considered, and anything that I can’t address I’ll let you know about.

Hope you enjoy the first tutorial.

 

 Episode 1 - Navigating the Digital RV Podcast Site [7:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (289)