Digital RV Podcast

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)

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)

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)

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)