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News Archive for Wednesday July 1, 2009 Goto Current News Page
Macs | CPU Upgrades | Video | Storage | Audio | Apps/OS/Networking | FAQ | Write Me
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| Latest complaints on AppleTV Wireless Network problems (deja vu), 2.4 Update Feedback |
Apple's Apple TV discussion forums has a long (many pages) thread on AppleTV dropping wireless router connections as well as posts on problems some have seen with the recent AppleTV v2.4 update.
I've seen the wireless network (lost connection) problem before (at least as far as having to re-setup the wireless connection after not using it for a week or so). And today I woke the AppleTV up for the first time since applying the 2.4 update last week - and had to setup the wireless connection again (to an Apple AE N base).
However I've not seen any issues playing back content (both itunes store and my own videos) so far in v2.4. (But I've not used the rental feature or every function.) Doing some playback tests of videos today reminded me that I wish Apple would allow you to re-download original (very low-res) paid content (which for years now is in higher res now - and I'm not talking HD versions). I have several SNL sketches, Triump the Insult Comic (which still has me in tears laughing, especially the 'star wars' episode) that were in the original iTunes store low resolution. They look pretty bad on a big screen TV. (I had one reader a couple years ago say he was allowed to do this - but I don't think that's normal policy.)
And I really wish they'd never changed the 'standby' remote function - originally holding down a button would put it in standby regardless of the menu position, as at times the AppleTV has "woke" on its own and it was nice to be able to just hold the remote button down to put it back in standby. (With 2.x software, I have to switch the TV to the AppleTV input port, then navigate to the menu item for standby. Maybe I'm missing some trick/tip but I've been so frustrated over this at times I've just switched it off via an AC outlet strip - no power switch on the AppleTV of course.)
FYI: A reader reply to the above with tips on 'blind' navigation with the remote:
"
In the v2.4 firmware (and possibly earlier) you can put the Apple TV into standby mode from any place within the menu system by pressing and holding down on the Menu button for at least 3 seconds followed by a press and hold on the Play/Pause for a similar 3 seconds. The press and hold on the Menu button takes you to the topmost screen from which you can always enter standby by pressing and holding on the Play/Pause button. Requires two steps, but at least you don't have to view what is happening on the TV screen (i.e. you don't need to turn the TV on).
- james"
I still don't regret buying the AppleTV - it's been great for allowing the wife to see the grandkid's pictures (send via email) without her having to use a computer, as well as for movies and videos of family and friends, many that have passed away. (It motivated me to get many old recordings off VHS tapes from years ago- those are priceless now.) |
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| Cocktail 4.4 (Leopard Edition) adds several new features |
"Changes in Cocktail 4.4 (Leopard Edition):
- Added ability to reset home directory permissions and ACLs. (Disks - Permissions)
- Added "Enable unsupported network volumes" setting. (System - Time Machine)
- Added "Disable backup of system files" setting. (System - Time Machine)
- Added "Do not backup when disks are mounted" setting. (System - Time Machine)
- Added "Do not ask to use newly connected disks" setting. (System - Time Machine)
- Added "Animate background" setting. (System - Time Machine)
- Added ability to set Time Machine's backup interval. (System - Time Machine)
- Added support for more network interfaces. (Network - Optimization)
- Added support for Safari 4.
- Added "Disable webpage previews" setting. (Interface - Safari)
- Other minor bug fixes and improvements.
- Updated Automator actions.
- Updated help files.
The update is highly recommended for all users of Cocktail (Leopard Edition).
Cocktail 4.4 (Leopard Edition) is available for download from: www.maintain.se/cocktail/download.php" |
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| Mac CPU Upgrade/OC Reports Database Updated |
| The Rate Your CPU Upgrade/OC database had another update this morning. Total to date: 10,378. Here's a summary of the addition (Search by upgrade brand, mac model, etc. for a complete list/comments of all user reports on matching criteria - latest first).
- Newer Tech G4 1.8GHz (7448) in (Sawtooth) G4/AGP (rated 9)
(includes benchmarks vs G4/1GHz 7455 w/2MB L3)
(Full reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades compared to stock CPUs, including real world apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked at the G4 upgrade reviews and G3 upgrade reviews pages. Intel-CPU chip swaps (i.e socketed Mac Mini) and OC/CPU module articles are on the Systems page.)
If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, send a review with your experience (performance/stability/installation, etc.), Mac Model/Upgrade brand info and overall rating (1= worst to 10=best). If you can, please run some tests with the original CPU vs the upgrade (for example time some tests with your favorite app, game, etc. - see full reviews here for example tests with common apps/games/benchmarks.) |
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