Apple actually has a useful video demonstrating setting up a Wireless Audio network with AirTunes through the Apple AirPort Express. This video explains many of the concepts that are difficult to do in an e-mail or a blog post.





Created 143 weeks, 4 days ago

Since I have been sick and Ash has been taking care of yours truly , we spent some time this weekend converting some of our DVD collection into (HD) H.264 Mpeg-4s for use on our Apple TV.  We have mostly been using Handbrake to do the heavy lifting because it is Multi-platform. If you do this, be aware that the Apple TV profile with HB 0.9.2 doesn't work well on Windows, try adjusting the Normal profile and upping the quality to upscale your non-HD DVDs.

Twelve movies converted so far. A DVD conversion takes around 2 hours on average from each MacBook pro. The Windows XP machines are running about the same conversion time, but are able to squeeze in an additional quality first-scan. Go figure.

I think we have nearly 200 DVD movies, that equates to what... 400 hours of processing time. I wonder if I can pass along the carbon cost it takes us to convert all of these discs back to RIAA? Anyone in the government want to ride on that?

If you want me to send you some additional tips on how to setup an at home, fully digital movie library, send me $400 through PayPal and I will send you a very detailed PDF walkthrough which outlines what hardware and software you will need and what the optimum settings for each are.


technorati: Apple TV, Handbrake, DVD, H.264

Created 197 weeks, 6 days ago

Woah, how did I miss this. This is the component I was waiting for to complete the ultimate home automation system.

Airfoil, by Rogue Amoeba, now has Windows support for sending audio from any source to Apple Airport Express devices.

Finally! Now I can ditch iTunes for managing my distributed audio library when there are so many other Jukebox softwares out there that work more efficiently and have better APIs.

Created 289 weeks, 1 day ago