Thursday, June 28, 2007
BT Openzone Price Plans
I'm glad I signed up for BT Openzone when I did - they no longer appear to have the "BT Openzone for BT Subscribers" deal. The cheapest subscription plan is effectively 4 times more expensive than the plan I'm on (half the minutes for twice the price).
Sky Coming To Tiscali
According to Broadband TV News, the basic Sky channels are coming to Tiscali!!!!! Sky 1,2,3, Arts, Travel, News and Sports News.
About time.
About time.
Monday, June 25, 2007
PictureBox on Tiscali
I saw this a few days back on Broadband TV News, Universal PictureBox, a new on demand movie channel. Apparently it went live on June 7, but it didn't pop up on the EPG for me until tonight (as I had to reboot the Tiscali box tonight).
It's £5 a month for a library of films (similar to Movies Now Club). At the moment, there are 27 films, nothing particularly new or exciting or seemingly worth a fiver a month (just like MN Club, but with fewer films).
It's £5 a month for a library of films (similar to Movies Now Club). At the moment, there are 27 films, nothing particularly new or exciting or seemingly worth a fiver a month (just like MN Club, but with fewer films).
The BBC Archive
The other day I got my access to the semi-public (you had to fill in a questionnaire and fit the correct "profile") BBC Archive Trial. The sooner this archive becomes available to every telly-tax payer the better.
It uses a fairly straight forward programme catalogue, where you can browse by decade or by programme category. Programmes are streamed in a choice of Windows Media or Real Media - which means that the archive does work for Linux users (at least on x86, while I think Real can be used on different architectures, I haven't tried).
So far, I've watched/listened to some old (late 1950s, late 1970s and mid 1980s) TV and radio programmes on computers and technology. It's amazing to listen to people's fears of new technology, mostly focused on how no one would have jobs because of automation. One thing that was both chilling and darkly humourous (with the programmes from the 1970s) was their focus on factory workers - people who are now out of work (or at least, those manufacturing jobs) except that it wasn't automation that pushed them out. Another stark contrast with today is the importance of labour unions - one programme (Horizon, When the chips are down) had a round table discussion and one of the panel members was a labour union leader who was smoking a cigar - two things you would not see on a similar panel today. And the parade of Big British Companies that either no longer exist or have been merged in the intervening years (such GEC, Feranti, Plessy, Logica and ICL) is fascinating.
There was a particular question in "Analysis: Into the Eighties: What Sort of Society?" that was along the lines of "what happens in winter, when the power/telephone lines are down and I do all my shopping online?" (I forget the exact quote) - my immediate thought was "simple, use your mobile phone". Oddly, mobile phones were missed by every future technology programme I've watched/listened to so far. One other note about that into the 80s programme was the amount of society changing technology that while possible in the 80s (email, online shopping), didn't take off until the late 90s.
Robots seem to take a pre-eminent place in most of the programmes, with a belief that they would radically change society. While I know the robots are out there (I have a friend who works in the robotics industry), they didn't become the society changing devices that the programmes made them out to be (I only have one friend who works in the robotics industry). My guess is that's because manufacturing shifted to regions with cheap labour instead of shifting to full blown automation. I would guess that what manufacturing that's left in this country is fairly well automated (my friend has told me about robots in places where I wouldn't have expected them), but as manufacturing just isn't as prominent in today's society, any such automation largely goes unnoticed.
One thing that would be fun, especially once the Archive goes public, would be to make "director's commentary" podcasts for the programmes, looking at what the programmes got wrong and what they got right (similar to the Dr. Who commentaries the BBC has on their website).
It uses a fairly straight forward programme catalogue, where you can browse by decade or by programme category. Programmes are streamed in a choice of Windows Media or Real Media - which means that the archive does work for Linux users (at least on x86, while I think Real can be used on different architectures, I haven't tried).
So far, I've watched/listened to some old (late 1950s, late 1970s and mid 1980s) TV and radio programmes on computers and technology. It's amazing to listen to people's fears of new technology, mostly focused on how no one would have jobs because of automation. One thing that was both chilling and darkly humourous (with the programmes from the 1970s) was their focus on factory workers - people who are now out of work (or at least, those manufacturing jobs) except that it wasn't automation that pushed them out. Another stark contrast with today is the importance of labour unions - one programme (Horizon, When the chips are down) had a round table discussion and one of the panel members was a labour union leader who was smoking a cigar - two things you would not see on a similar panel today. And the parade of Big British Companies that either no longer exist or have been merged in the intervening years (such GEC, Feranti, Plessy, Logica and ICL) is fascinating.
There was a particular question in "Analysis: Into the Eighties: What Sort of Society?" that was along the lines of "what happens in winter, when the power/telephone lines are down and I do all my shopping online?" (I forget the exact quote) - my immediate thought was "simple, use your mobile phone". Oddly, mobile phones were missed by every future technology programme I've watched/listened to so far. One other note about that into the 80s programme was the amount of society changing technology that while possible in the 80s (email, online shopping), didn't take off until the late 90s.
Robots seem to take a pre-eminent place in most of the programmes, with a belief that they would radically change society. While I know the robots are out there (I have a friend who works in the robotics industry), they didn't become the society changing devices that the programmes made them out to be (I only have one friend who works in the robotics industry). My guess is that's because manufacturing shifted to regions with cheap labour instead of shifting to full blown automation. I would guess that what manufacturing that's left in this country is fairly well automated (my friend has told me about robots in places where I wouldn't have expected them), but as manufacturing just isn't as prominent in today's society, any such automation largely goes unnoticed.
One thing that would be fun, especially once the Archive goes public, would be to make "director's commentary" podcasts for the programmes, looking at what the programmes got wrong and what they got right (similar to the Dr. Who commentaries the BBC has on their website).
Monday, June 11, 2007
Disney Coming To Tiscali
Broadband TV news reports that the Disney Channel, Disney Playhouse and Disney Cinemagic are coming to Tiscali. However, this line from the report doesn't make sense
Disney Channel and the pre-school Playhouse Disney will appear in basic as part of the Tiscali TV Kids Pack while Disney Cinemagic will be a standalone premium channel.
The Kids pack isn't part of the basic package, it's an add on. Also, I think it might have already started - I think I saw it the other day, but for some reason I didn't realize that it hadn't always been there.
In other Tiscali news, I've noticed that HBO has started it's on demand channel. It seems to come with whatever package I have (it used to be called the Big Pack, it might still be). It's totally free and not a PPV channel or mixed free/PPV (like 4oD). It's just a shame that there isn't any content on it that I want to watch. I've also noticed that Homechoice's own VOD channels seem to have gone down hill a bit recently, filling up the gaps by reusing content from 4oD. I had a look at Film 4 On Demand, I couldn't get over the prices they were charging for some rather old films.
Disney Channel and the pre-school Playhouse Disney will appear in basic as part of the Tiscali TV Kids Pack while Disney Cinemagic will be a standalone premium channel.
The Kids pack isn't part of the basic package, it's an add on. Also, I think it might have already started - I think I saw it the other day, but for some reason I didn't realize that it hadn't always been there.
In other Tiscali news, I've noticed that HBO has started it's on demand channel. It seems to come with whatever package I have (it used to be called the Big Pack, it might still be). It's totally free and not a PPV channel or mixed free/PPV (like 4oD). It's just a shame that there isn't any content on it that I want to watch. I've also noticed that Homechoice's own VOD channels seem to have gone down hill a bit recently, filling up the gaps by reusing content from 4oD. I had a look at Film 4 On Demand, I couldn't get over the prices they were charging for some rather old films.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Tesco Internet Phone Adapter
I've just bought a Tesco Internet Phone Adapter IPA-1000 (it was on sale, and I had some Tesco Clubcard Vouchers to use up). Some notes:
When it's first plugged in, it stays flashing red for awhile, this is it downloading firmware.
It appears to really be a Virbiage 3010. Freshtel have the manual - which importantly includes the username and password for the web interface to the device (something distinctly lacking in the Tesco manual).
I've got it running with asterisk - fairly simple with the web interface. Just go to the provider tab, enter the server name/ip address, username and password and it connects.
When it's first plugged in, it stays flashing red for awhile, this is it downloading firmware.
It appears to really be a Virbiage 3010. Freshtel have the manual - which importantly includes the username and password for the web interface to the device (something distinctly lacking in the Tesco manual).
I've got it running with asterisk - fairly simple with the web interface. Just go to the provider tab, enter the server name/ip address, username and password and it connects.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
GrandCentral Expands
GrandCentral have increased their coverage area, so New London, CT numbers are available. They also appear to have dropped geolocating ip addresses when you try and join (so no need to go through a US proxy to join).
I've been able to get a New London number, and it's forwarding to my Gizmo number!
I've been able to get a New London number, and it's forwarding to my Gizmo number!
Friday, May 11, 2007
BT Opens Vision To All
Broadband TV News is reporting that BT have launched BT Vision to the general public. The V Box will cost £199, plus a £60 installation charge and a £30 connection fee (so, really it's almost £300). They will be launching a self install package at some point in the future. The BT Vision web site doesn't mention any of this yet. According to the article, the V Box will first be available from John Lewis stores, and then eventually at Comet.
I think £300 is a bit steep for a PVR. It might not have been too bad if the V Box had some Media Centre features (ie, I could use it to view content on the PC, and the ability to transfer files between a PC and the V Box). But from what I can tell, it doesn't - though for all I know it might, as the BT Vision website is a little thin on technical detail.
I think £300 is a bit steep for a PVR. It might not have been too bad if the V Box had some Media Centre features (ie, I could use it to view content on the PC, and the ability to transfer files between a PC and the V Box). But from what I can tell, it doesn't - though for all I know it might, as the BT Vision website is a little thin on technical detail.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Back From Greece
I'm back from my trip to Greece. Mobilewise, I have a few items to report.
First off, I brought the Jornada 690 with me. As I had to stop over at Schipol Airport (Amsterdam), I decided to try out Schipol Airport's WiFi service (after checking out the Art Museum - an Art Museum and a Casino - Schipol is now my favourite airport). IIRC, it was €10 for an all day pass. The Jornada was slow, but I was able to ssh back into the flat. I stayed in Athens for two nights and I tried out Novotel's service - it worked, though the WiFi was more expensive (I think it was €5 or 6 for an hour). Sadly, the hotel out near Corinth didn't have WiFi (or any other form of internet access), so I spent most of my trip without access to the internet.
I decided to buy a local phone while I was out there. I bought a cheap Alcatel on the Cosmote network, which cost €40 including €10 credit. I topped it up with a €30 top up voucher (which included €3 extra credit). I think I have less than €1 left on it, as I needed to make several long phone calls and lots of text messages to both the UK and the USA. I've brought the phone back with me, and it seems to have roamed onto T-Mobile (I dread to think how expensive it would be to use, assuming I could find a way to top it up). The oddest thing about the phone is that you need to enter the PIN number every time you switch it on, and there doesn't seem to be a way to turn PIN checking off. It also has the worst ringtone selection I've ever come across. Still, it was a lot cheaper than roaming charges.
There were two things I needed to do to get the phone working entirely in English. The first was to call 1313 and ask for the menu to be changed to English. This meant that 1314, the number for adding credit and checking your balance, was now in English. The second thing I had do was play around with the phone looking for the language selection menu. It took a couple of minutes to find the right menu item, but once I found it I had a phone fully working in the English language.
First off, I brought the Jornada 690 with me. As I had to stop over at Schipol Airport (Amsterdam), I decided to try out Schipol Airport's WiFi service (after checking out the Art Museum - an Art Museum and a Casino - Schipol is now my favourite airport). IIRC, it was €10 for an all day pass. The Jornada was slow, but I was able to ssh back into the flat. I stayed in Athens for two nights and I tried out Novotel's service - it worked, though the WiFi was more expensive (I think it was €5 or 6 for an hour). Sadly, the hotel out near Corinth didn't have WiFi (or any other form of internet access), so I spent most of my trip without access to the internet.
I decided to buy a local phone while I was out there. I bought a cheap Alcatel on the Cosmote network, which cost €40 including €10 credit. I topped it up with a €30 top up voucher (which included €3 extra credit). I think I have less than €1 left on it, as I needed to make several long phone calls and lots of text messages to both the UK and the USA. I've brought the phone back with me, and it seems to have roamed onto T-Mobile (I dread to think how expensive it would be to use, assuming I could find a way to top it up). The oddest thing about the phone is that you need to enter the PIN number every time you switch it on, and there doesn't seem to be a way to turn PIN checking off. It also has the worst ringtone selection I've ever come across. Still, it was a lot cheaper than roaming charges.
There were two things I needed to do to get the phone working entirely in English. The first was to call 1313 and ask for the menu to be changed to English. This meant that 1314, the number for adding credit and checking your balance, was now in English. The second thing I had do was play around with the phone looking for the language selection menu. It took a couple of minutes to find the right menu item, but once I found it I had a phone fully working in the English language.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Jornada 690
Last Thursday, I went and picked up my Jornada 690 that I won off of eBay (at a bargain price). Not only was the price a bargain, but it was in as new condition (not bad for something 8 years old) as it had been sitting in a box in a warehouse for most of it's life.
One of my main reasons for getting it was for logging back in to the flat from Starbucks, McDonald's and Motorway Services. For my first test, I've installed the JLime Linux distro onto a small (128Mb) Compact Flash card. This is the default version of JLime for the 690, based on Opie with an embedded version of Konqueror. Today, I headed off down to Starbucks for a Cinnamon Dolce Latte and a Chocolate Chip Cookie and to have an initial test at connecting back. While it was painfully slow, I was able to connect back to the flat.
My next test will be with the IceWM version of JLime, using Dillo as the browser. I don't think Dillo supports Javascript, which might make it a bit more of a challenge logging in (though hopefully it won't).
One of my main reasons for getting it was for logging back in to the flat from Starbucks, McDonald's and Motorway Services. For my first test, I've installed the JLime Linux distro onto a small (128Mb) Compact Flash card. This is the default version of JLime for the 690, based on Opie with an embedded version of Konqueror. Today, I headed off down to Starbucks for a Cinnamon Dolce Latte and a Chocolate Chip Cookie and to have an initial test at connecting back. While it was painfully slow, I was able to connect back to the flat.
My next test will be with the IceWM version of JLime, using Dillo as the browser. I don't think Dillo supports Javascript, which might make it a bit more of a challenge logging in (though hopefully it won't).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Linutop
Linutop are selling a small, completely silent linux box. It's based on an AMD Geode and comes with 256 Mb of RAM. The only storage is provided via the front usb panels, which is a bit of a shame (it wouldn't be so bad if there were some rear USB port to keep the USB flash disk out of sight, or even better a Compact Flash port) and comes with a USB flash disk that has Xubuntu on it.
It's the sort of device I want to get to try getting Asterisk running on, as part of my long and slowly running plan to reduce the noise level and power consumption in my flat - at the moment it's like sleeping in a server room.
It's the sort of device I want to get to try getting Asterisk running on, as part of my long and slowly running plan to reduce the noise level and power consumption in my flat - at the moment it's like sleeping in a server room.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Google's Mobile Maps On The L6
I've installed Google's mobile maps on my Moto L6. Seeing as it's map related, I've posted more about it on my new Geo Log.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
A Week With Tiscali
It's been a week since Homechoice rebranded as Tiscali, so far there has been little change.
Visually, they mirror flipped the main menu (so the video is on the left, the menu on the right, instead of the way it was on Homechoice where there was video in the upper right hand corner with the menu on the left). I preferred the old way, but then I prefer my menus to be on the left.
C1 has been watered down (again), with some of the programmes now on a second VOD channel called Free OD (which I'm guessing replaces Taste C1). 4oD is now there, which includes some free Channel 4 content- so we're pretty much back to where we were when there was the replay service on C4. I haven't found 4oD's premium content compelling, if I was going to pay 1 pound per episode for a series I think I'd just buy the DVD.
In a move that has taken a surprisingly long time, Adult content has finally arrived. Playboy, Adult Channel, Spice Extreme and Trade TV have launched VOD channels. Each one is available at 4.99 a night or 9.99 a month, plus the 3 straight channels, Playboy, Adult and Spice Extreme (though calling Spice Extreme "straight" is pushing it) are available at 7.99 a night or 15.99 a month. Adult content is probably the biggest change to the service so far, the other changes being cosmetic, or having no additional content or being little more than a return to a previous level of service. The odd thing is that the VOD channels are only available after 10pm - seeing as the TV service is PIN protected (more so than before - there is no longer guest access), I don't see why there should be any time restrictions on these channels. One other interesting thing to note is that, currently, the existence of the channels isn't mentioned on the list of channels on the Homechoice website - you have to go to the existing customers upgrade packs page to find any public hint of their existence.
I have noticed that the TiVo is having a harder time changing to the correct channels - so I'm losing more programmes than I used to(some programmes on Paramount aren't being recorded - Channel 5 gets recorded instead, which is something that had never happened before). Hopefully, the Tiscali PVR will be available soon.
Visually, they mirror flipped the main menu (so the video is on the left, the menu on the right, instead of the way it was on Homechoice where there was video in the upper right hand corner with the menu on the left). I preferred the old way, but then I prefer my menus to be on the left.
C1 has been watered down (again), with some of the programmes now on a second VOD channel called Free OD (which I'm guessing replaces Taste C1). 4oD is now there, which includes some free Channel 4 content- so we're pretty much back to where we were when there was the replay service on C4. I haven't found 4oD's premium content compelling, if I was going to pay 1 pound per episode for a series I think I'd just buy the DVD.
In a move that has taken a surprisingly long time, Adult content has finally arrived. Playboy, Adult Channel, Spice Extreme and Trade TV have launched VOD channels. Each one is available at 4.99 a night or 9.99 a month, plus the 3 straight channels, Playboy, Adult and Spice Extreme (though calling Spice Extreme "straight" is pushing it) are available at 7.99 a night or 15.99 a month. Adult content is probably the biggest change to the service so far, the other changes being cosmetic, or having no additional content or being little more than a return to a previous level of service. The odd thing is that the VOD channels are only available after 10pm - seeing as the TV service is PIN protected (more so than before - there is no longer guest access), I don't see why there should be any time restrictions on these channels. One other interesting thing to note is that, currently, the existence of the channels isn't mentioned on the list of channels on the Homechoice website - you have to go to the existing customers upgrade packs page to find any public hint of their existence.
I have noticed that the TiVo is having a harder time changing to the correct channels - so I'm losing more programmes than I used to(some programmes on Paramount aren't being recorded - Channel 5 gets recorded instead, which is something that had never happened before). Hopefully, the Tiscali PVR will be available soon.
Monday, February 26, 2007
BT's Beta Site
I came across BT's Beta site - among the more interesting features is a Web2SMS service, that uses your mobile phone number (so that when you send an SMS via the web site, it looks like it's from your phone). There's also 1571 Online, which lets you download your voicemail from 1571. BT Contact is there, but it's in private Beta (for BT Employees only). Also of note, is a Google Maps mashup, that (when you zoom in, shows you the localtion of BT Openzone hotspots and payphones.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Playing With Web21C SDK
I've had some joy with BT's Web21C SDK for Java. Using the Groovy Scripting language and Google's Data API, I was able to access a Google Calendar and send a text message for each event. Not the best use of either SDK, but at least it was a "proof of concept".
A few things, the Certification Wizard only worked for me via the command line - the GUI caused the VM to blow up. And I needed to compile the groovy script before running, trying to use the groovy command doesn't work (there seems to be a class loading issue).
A few things, the Certification Wizard only worked for me via the command line - the GUI caused the VM to blow up. And I needed to compile the groovy script before running, trying to use the groovy command doesn't work (there seems to be a class loading issue).
BT 21CN SDK Now Available For Java, Python and PHP
BT have released Java, Python and PHP versions of the 21CN SDK, so those of us who prefer not to use the .Net platform can get in on the party.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Motorola L6 & Linux
I've been playing with the L6. I've gotten bluetooth transfers working (at least L6 -> Linux, I haven't tried the other way) and with a a USB cable and moto4lin. I had to get the latest version of moto4lin out of CVS in order to use the "C drive" of the L6 - the version in Ubuntu's repository is old and only sees the "A drive".
However I managed to somehow change all the names of the audio files to form ~AudioAlertXYZ.abc. I found the list of what they are here, but just in case that disappears off the net, I'll reproduce them below. I've changed a couple of them back, but seeing as I'm sorely tempted to debrand it at some point in the near future (which involves flashing/flexing the device back to Motorola's defaults), I'm not going to bother renaming all of them.
However I managed to somehow change all the names of the audio files to form ~AudioAlertXYZ.abc. I found the list of what they are here, but just in case that disappears off the net, I'll reproduce them below. I've changed a couple of them back, but seeing as I'm sorely tempted to debrand it at some point in the near future (which involves flashing/flexing the device back to Motorola's defaults), I'm not going to bother renaming all of them.
~AlertFile001.mid Alert
~AlertFile006.mid Bells
~AlertFile007.mid Bits & Bites
~AlertFile013.imy Chimes high
~AlertFile014.imy Chimes low
~AlertFile016.imy Chord high
~AlertFile017.imy Chord low
~AlertFile019.imy Claps
~AlertFile020.mid Cosmic
~AlertFile026.imy Ding
~AlertFile027.mid Door Bell
~AlertFile028.imy Drum
~AlertFile032.imy Fanfare
~AlertFile039.mid Harmonics
~AlertFile041.mid Interlude
~AlertFile042.mid Latin Loops
~AlertFile050.imy Notify
~AlertFile056.mid Provincial
~AlertFile057.mid Random
~AlertFile061.mid Snaggle
~AlertFile064.mid Standard
~AlertFile066.imy TaDa
~AlertFile071.mid Triads
~AlertFile073.mid Up and Down
~AlertFile075.mid Wind Chime
~AlertFile094.mid Moonlight Haze
~AlertFile108.mid Ambient Mood
~AlertFile118.mp3 Sharp Edge
~AlertFile128.mid Helix
~AlertFile137.mp3 Moto
~AlertFile150.mid Nocturne
~AlertFile167.mid Power Surge
~AlertFile171.mid Hyperactive
~AlertFile183.mid Digital Signal
~AlertFile199.mid Fluid
~AlertFile202.mid Exotic
~AlertFile203.mid Illumination
~AlertFile204.mid Club
~AlertFile208.mid Motion
~AlertFile209.mid Radiance
~AlertFile210.mid Sensation
~AlertFile214.mid Pulse
~AlertFile216.mid Organic
~AlertFile218.mid Urban Style
~AlertFile219.mid Sky Blue
~AlertFile224.mid Fashion
~AlertFile237.mid Waves
~AlertFile242.mid Clouds
After you delete some of these AlertFiles, you must delete TempDB.db and MyToneDB.db found in the /a/mobile/audio/ directory and then restart the phone.
Friday, February 16, 2007
HBO Coming To Tiscali TV
According to an article on TimesOnline, entitled "Threat to Channel 4 as HBO goes for an on-demand service", mention is made of the new HBO service coming to Tiscali TV (ie, Homechoice).
"Initially, the channel will be available on three platforms; Virgin Media, the newly created cable-to-broadband company; BT Vision and Tiscali TV, with the programming line-up updated weekly."
"Initially, the channel will be available on three platforms; Virgin Media, the newly created cable-to-broadband company; BT Vision and Tiscali TV, with the programming line-up updated weekly."
Thursday, February 15, 2007
BT Tradespace
I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere yet - BT have launched BT Tradespace, which looks suspiciously like a "MySpace for Small Businesses". It gives small businesses blogging, photo and podcast space and a Click To Call feature - which looks like it pops up a dialog box where the visitor types in their phone number and BT completes the call. This feature is called "Call Free", so it's free for the consumer to call the business .I haven't found out if the business pays for the call, or if BT picks up the tab like Google appear to do with their Click To Call service in the US. It's (like most things online) in beta.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
HBO Coming To BT Vision
BT has a press release on how HBO is coming to BT Vision. In my rant on convergence, I said that it was only going to be a matter of time before the American media companies bypass British media companies entirely (and with channels like ABC 1 and FX, they've already started). I also linked to a report at Broadband TV news about HBO coming to Virgin Media. Now it looks like a pretty much identical service is coming to BT Vision. I wonder if Homechoice/Tiscali will be next?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)