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News Archive for Thursday Oct. 23rd, 2003Return to Accelerate Your Mac!

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News stories of Oct. 23rd, 2003: (later posted items first)
QuickTime for Java update 6.4
Thanks to a heads-up from Matthew Culmore, checking Software Updates in 10.2.8 tonight shows a Quicktime for Java 6.4 Update. Here's the info from the SU panel:

"The QuickTime for Java update includes support for using QuickTime 6.4 with either Java 1.4.1 or Java 1.3.1. This update is recommended for everyone using QuickTime 6.4 in order to maintain application compatibility."
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Jedi Knight II Singleplayer/Multiplayer Update
Versiontracker lists the Jedi Knight II update No info on the changes there when I posted this (but they've now added them as of Friday 10/24). Here's a copy of the readme file in the download. (both the Singleplayer and Multiplayer apps were updated)

" Installation
To install this patch, simply copy the files "Jedi Knight II" and "Jedi Knight II MP" to the folder where you originally installed Jedi Knight II, replacing the files that are currently in there. (just in case I save the previous versions)

1.03.1 (Singleplayer) / 1.04.1 (MP)

  • Fixed KP_EQUALS in the key binding.
  • Fixed "invalid enumerant" error when running on an older version of the Mac OS with older ATI drivers.
  • Holding down the shift key when launching the game will now prompt for a command-line.
  • Users with one-button mice now have the option to map ctrl-clicks as the second mouse button. This is useful mainly for the force-powers configuration screen in the multiplayer app, where right-clicking subtracts force points. To change this setting, hold down the option or command keys when launching the multiplayer app.
  • Mac JK2 didn't tolerate buggy 3rd party mods very well. Loosened this up a bit, and as a result the Dark Forces mod should now work properly if placed in the regular mod location of ~/Library/Application Support/Jedi Knight II
  • Fixed crashing issue when automatically downloading custom maps in the MP app.
  • Fixed sporadic crashing when loading a level.

1.03 / 1.04 - Initial release "

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Canon EOS 300D/Digital Rebel Firmware 1.1.1 Update
Spotted the firmware update listed at Macupdate. For full details/installation information, see the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel Firmware 1.1.1 page. Here's the changes listed

" Firmware 1.1.1 resolves the following issues:
  • It increases the reliability of RemoteCapture application when the camera is used.
  • It increases the reliability of operations when used on Windows XP and Mac OS X with [PTP] selected in [Communication].

This firmware Version 1.1.1 can only be installed on cameras with Version 1.0.2 firmware. If the camera already has the firmware Version 1.1.1 installed, you do not need to update it."

Personally I choose the option to update the firmware by copying the Firmware (.fir) file onto a CompactFlash card root level (via cardreader or PCMCIA slot adapter) and powering on the Camera, rather than using a computer connection and the (Classic) updater application. Make sure your battery has a good charge since this firmware file is appx 1.7MB and it will take several minutes to update (you don't want to lose power during the update).

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Q&A with Mike Bombich, author of Carbon Copy Cloner
I've posted an Interview with Mike Bombich, author of Carbon Copy Cloner with Q&A on CCC's present and future features, OS X 10.3/Panther and more.
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Sonnet G4/800 CPU Upgrade for $245.99
Sponsor OWC sent a note they've added the Sonnet Encore/ST G4/800 CPU Upgrade w/2MB DDR L3 Cache ($245.99) to the site specials page. The Encore/ST is compatible with G4/AGP Towers from the Sawtooth to Quicksilver models as well as the G4 Cube. (Cube use requires Cube Installation Kit.)
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Carbon Copy Cloner v2.3 Update
Version 2.3 of Carbon Copy Cloner is available which includes full support for 10.3/Panther. (The website was not responding early this morning but hopefully will be by the time you read this.)
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MacPlay announces Activision Anthology: Remix Edition
MacPlay sent a press release announcing Activision Anthology: Remix Edition for Macs with "over 75 Atari(r) 2600 favorites". List price is $29.99 and the PR notes it should be in stores "in time for the holidays" or can be preordered at http://www.mumbojumbo.com/store.
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Lismore Blue Label (PC Emulator) Trial/Demo offer (not OS X or Classic compatible)
It's a strange world - just the other day I had to search and remove all the past news/feedback page links on Blue Label as the original URL of the company website had apparently expired recently and been taken by over an "adult" site. Today I get an email press release from Lismore (with new URL) that mentions a free trial/demo offer of Blue Label v1.8. (The Blue Label 1.8 update was originally noted on Oct. 7th, 2003.) Here's a clip from the press release (I have not tried this software personally- the last reader feedback on it I had was from 1999.)

" First "try-and-buy" PC emulator for Mac
Blue Label 1.8 demo released
...Today Lismore Software Systems Ltd. (http://www.lismoresystems.com) released a demo version of its product Blue Label.... a commercial PC emulator for Mac allows (you) to get your personal impression of an application before you pay for it.... The demo version has a sufficient set of functions to install and run Windows 95/98/NT, Linux and DOS applications. Bundled with DOS, Blue Label is ready for Windows 95/98/NT, Linux and any other OS you would like to have.
You can download the demo at: http://www.lismoresystems.com/.
The commercial version of Blue Label 1.8 is $35. "

See their website for system/OS compatibility info. (Note - their page lists in small text at the bottom that v1.8 is not OS X or classic compatible, therefore it can't run on later Mac systems that can't boot to OS 9 - i.e. FW800 G4 Macs, new Powerbooks, G5s etc.)
Granted no X86 emulator (even Virtual PC) on the Mac has been a speed demon, but so far none of the other X86 emulators for the Mac have approached the polish (or performance) of Virtual PC. But current Virtual PC versions are not G5 compatible.

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Apple Kbase doc on FCP 4/QT 6.4 Rendering Problems with Non-DV Codec clip
(*UPDATE*) As mentioned in the Friday's news page - Apple now has a Final Cut Pro Quicktime Render Plug-In version 4.02 update available via Software Update. The description on it reads:

    "The QuickTime Render Plug-in addresses a compatibility issue between Final Cut Pro 4 and QuickTime 6.4 that occurs when rendering non-DV clips in DV sequences. It is strongly recommended for all Final Cut Pro 4 users."

A G5 owner that had problems with FCP4 previously said the update seems to have helped.
(original news item follows)

Apple has a kbase doc titled Final Cut Pro 4: Stops Responding When Rendering Non-DV Clip With QuickTime 6.4.

Symptom
Final Cut Pro stops responding when you render a clip that doesn't use the DV codec. The cursor turns into a progress indicator (looks like a colored pinwheel).
This may occur most frequently when you render clips from LiveType because LiveType uses the Animation codec instead of the DV codec.
Products affected
Final Cut Pro 4.0.1 and 4.0.2
QuickTime 6.4

Solution
Use the QuickTime 6.3 reinstaller to reinstall QuickTime 6.3."

Reinstalling QT 6.3 was a tip noted in yesterday's news item on FCP 4/QT 6.4 problems, but a 10.3 user said you can't revert to QT 6.3 if running Panther.

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Comments on G5 Final Cut Pro 4 Render Crashes
A reader replied to the two items in yesterday's news regarding Quicktime 6.4 problems with FCP 4.0.x with a link to a forum thread with G5 owner comments on crashes when rendering. (The comments in the linked thread there were from before the QT 6.4 update was released, so they're discussing general FCP 4/G5 compatibility.) If any readers own a G5 running 10.2.8 (or 10.3) with Final Cut Pro 4 let me know if you have seen problems rendering. (Note if you're using QT 6.3 or 6.4 also.) Apple now has a kbase doc on FCP 4 Stops Responding When Rendering Non-DV Clip With QuickTime 6.4 suggesting reinstalling QT 6.3.

"Mike, There are lots of threads relating to the information your reader posted today. (items yesterday's news on QT 6.4/FCP 4 issues with both 10.3 and Jaguar, including specifics on the problem and the fact 10.3 reportedly can't revert to QT 6.3. -Mike) I don't have the time to specify, as each user will have different problems.
But starting with this link, see: Philip Hodgetts, FCP/QT Creative Cow forum guru's comments in this thread about FCP4 certifcation, lack thereof for G5; and lots of more recent threads. Point your readers to the CC FCP threads for more (FCP)/G5 problems.
udaman"

If you missed yesterday's news page, the two related items are here (10.3 comments) and 10.2.x comments which included links/notes on reverting to QT 6.3 for Jaguar users.

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Acard lists their G5 compatible PCI IDE/SCSI/Serial ATA cards
Acard has a page with a G5 Compatibility table of their various PCI IDE, SCSI and SerialATA controllers.
Since the best tests of this are from end users, I welcome G5 owner comments on using any brand/model of PCI card in their G5.
(The G5 Tech Info/Updates/Compatibility page has a PCI compatibility section with reports/info on various card types/brands tested in G5s.)
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DesktopEarthPro v2.0 Update
SubRosaSoft sent a press release they've updated their DesktopEarthPro (tool to visualize our planet) to v2.0. Price is US$14.95, but the PR says "Users who have registered version 1 of DesktopEarth can upgrade for US$7.95 Users who were kind enough to give donations for version 1 of DesktopEarth will be receiving a free registration for DesktopEarthPro version 2." For more information, see the DesktopEarthPro product page.
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Rate Your CPU Upgrade Reports Database Updated
The Rate Your CPU Upgrade database has been updated with 7 new reports this morning (reader entries from yesterday; entries today are added the next newsday morning). Total to date: 8,824. Here's a summary of the update added today (search by brand/mac model for full reports - latest reports always shown first):

  • Apple (OEM from B&W G3) G3/450 ZIF in Beige G3 (rated 9)
  • Giga Designs G4 1.2GHz (at 1.4GHz) in (gigabit) G4/AGP (rated 10)
  • Giga Designs G4 1.4GHz in (sawtooth) G4/AGP (rated 8)
  • PowerLogix G3/900 (at 867MHz) in Beige G3 (rated 8)
  • PowerLogix G4 Dual 933MHz in (QS2002) G4/AGP (rated 10)
  • Sonnet Harmoni G3/600 in iMac (rated 5)
  • Sonnet G3/500 in Beige G3 (rated 9)
    (My reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here. OC/CPU module articles are on the Systems page.)

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

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CDRW/CD/DVD/Hard Drive/Cardreader Compatibility Database Update Listing
The Drive Compatibility Database had 2 new reports added (reader entries from yesterday; entries today are added the next newsday morning). The database includes reports on Combo DVD-CDRW, CDROMs, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, CDRW, Hard Drives and Removables (tape drive, ORB, ZIP, MO drives, CF/Smartmedia readers, etc.) in all interface types (IDE, IDE RAID cards, Firewire, SCSI, adapters). Current total 11,563 reports. (searching by drive type/brand, mac model etc. listed below will show the full reports, most recent first)

    DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
  • IDE LG GSA-4040B in Dual G4 (OS X 10.3)
    (no iapps burn support - FAQ has 10.2.6 burn support file and patchburn links but no 10.3 compat. version yet)
    (Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, B&W G3 and 8600/9600 Macs)

    Hard Drives:
  • IDE Maxtor 40GB in Beige G3 (OS X)
    (Beige G3 MT illustrated HD upgrade guide here)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). For guides to installing CD/CDRW/DVD drives or Hard drives in many mac models, see the IDE Articles page. The Firewire articles page also has guides on case kits, installing drives, etc.
If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. (If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.)
(Incomplete entries are deleted. Do not post questions in the database, it's for drive reports not questions on what drive to buy - for that try searching the database for reports from owners of your mac model on the drive type/brand/interface, etc. you're interested in.)

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Recent Reviews and Articles:
Listing/links to recent articles and reviews you may have missed.
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News pages from 1, 2 and 3 years ago
(These older pages in some cases have off-site links that may no longer work. Remember comments were accurate only on the date posted regarding producs/availability/pricing, etc.)

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