TechtalkRadio

TechtalkRadio

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TechtalkRadio episodes

  • Episode 431 - What Tech Gift Would You Get for Yourself?
    This Week on TechtalkRadiom Justin, Shawn, and Andy discuss tech gifts, personal projects, and listener questions. Justin shares his preference for buying tech gifts for himself, while Shawn talks about his ongoing family photo archiving project using the Epson FF680 Photo Scanner. The team also covers converting VHS tapes to digital, with Shawn recommending a VHS-to-hard-drive converter and a time-based corrector and Andy also recommending The Diamond Multimedia Converter 

    Justin updates the crew on Project Zomboid, mentioning his recent voiceover work for a game mod. Andy expresses interest in the game, available on Steam, and Justin highlights its low system requirements and engaging gameplay.

    The team breaks down Sony’s recent 24-hour outage and revisits the 2011 Sony hack, which compromised 77 million PlayStation accounts. This leads to a discussion on data security, warning against free credit monitoring services that can waive legal rights. They also share tips on using multiple email addresses to track potential data breaches.

    A listener asks if a home-based business needs a website or if social media is enough. Justin shares his experience with Wix for an affordable, all-in-one solution. The team agrees that a website adds professionalism and stability, especially when paired with strong social media strategies.

    Another listener wants to convert Windows Media files to other formats. Shawn recommends Handbrake, VLC Player, and FFMPEG for free, reliable conversions, explaining the benefits of each. The team also touches on Adobe Media Encoder and Roxio Creator, with MP4 suggested as the best format for compatibility.

    Justin and Andy compare health tracking devices. Justin prefers the Oura Ring over the Pixel Watch, noting its FSA eligibility for savings. Andy highlights the new Apple Powerbeats Pro 2, which monitor heart rate during workouts. The team also discusses sleep apnea detection and arrhythmia monitoring in both the Oura Ring and Apple Watch.

    Finally, they share their browser and extension preferences. Justin dislikes Chrome’s heavy resource usage and recommends Firefox, Edge, and Opera instead. Shawn agrees but acknowledges Chrome’s work compatibility. Andy shares his experience with Internet Connection Monitor, while Shawn mentions using AdBlock Plus.

    Tune in for all this and more on TechtalkRadio!

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    Available on Audacy, iHeart, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, Google, Spotify and Spreaker!
    56 min
  • Episode #430 - Do You Remember Your First Computer?
    In this week’s TechtalkRadio show, Andy and Shawn revisit the USB hub Andy purchased from a discount store—and this time, they crack it open! They discuss their experiences with USB hubs and the potential dangers of using unverified or suspicious USB devices. They emphasize the importance of purchasing from reputable vendors and being cautious when using public USB ports.

    Thinking about getting a new laptop? Shawn shares his recent purchase of a Lenovo ThinkPad T17 for his in-laws, explaining how it met their budget and needs. He walks through some of the challenges they faced while setting up the new computer, particularly issues with transferring settings and favorites—most of which revolved around Microsoft’s OneDrive. After some configuring, the laptop was set up to their liking, and Shawn details a few of the key steps he took.

    Andy is joined by Micki and Steve, showrunners and producers of the upcoming Vintage Computer Festival SoCal, taking place in Orange, California, on February 15th and 16th, 2025. The event, expected to draw over a thousand attendees, stems from the organizers’ passion for vintage computing and their goal of fostering a community for enthusiasts. Inspired by similar events nationwide, they have been working on this festival for about four years. Attendees can expect to see a variety of vintage computers and related memorabilia while sharing their experiences and memories of their first computers. The organizers also run a YouTube channel, VintNerd, where they share their interests and conduct fascinating interviews. Check them out at www.youtube.com/@TheVintNerd and on their website at https://thevintnerd.com/index.html.

    Andy and Shawn return to discuss their love for electronics and tinkering. Andy shares his experience with Elenco Snap Circuits, including the Top Secret Spy Kit and the Snap Circuits Jr. Explorer Kit. These STEM-focused kits allow users ages 7 to 107 to experiment with circuits—no soldering required! Andy demonstrates one of the projects he built with the Spy Kit: a motion detector, which turned out to be a fun and rewarding project.

    Shawn also shares some exciting news—he will be attending the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas for the first time! He looks forward to networking and learning about the latest in broadcasting technology.

    Finally, Andy and Shawn discuss a book called Computer Engineering for Babies and its educational value in teaching young children the basics of computer functions in an engaging and accessible way.

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    56 min
  • Episode #429 - Would You Like One Monitor or Two...or Four?
    In this week’s episode, Andy, Justin, and Matt eagerly tune in as Shawn finally reveals the conclusion to last week’s DJI cliffhanger! The new DJI Flip—a compact take on the DJI Spark—boasts similar flight times and camera resolutions, with pricing at $439 for the drone and controller, or $639 for the full bundle with a screen. Shawn also stresses the importance of responsible drone usage, reminding listeners to respect privacy and airspace laws.

    The conversation takes off with the latest GPU madness, as the newly launched RTX 5090 and 5080 have gamers camping outside stores in a frenzy. Are buyers snagging them for personal use, or is this just another scalping fiasco? The team draws parallels to console shortages and even Pokémon card restrictions, debating how retailers are handling high-demand products.

    Shifting gears to AI, the crew dives into DeepSeek and the growing role of AI in content creation. Matt highlights a wild case of a writer using ChatGPT to generate five movie scripts with only three edits needed. But is Hollywood doomed? Justin argues that most audiences don’t care who’s behind the script—as long as the story and actors deliver. The debate even touches on actors' likeness rights, with throwbacks to Crispin Glover’s legal battle over Back to the Future 2 and Robin Williams' famous Disney dispute after Aladdin.

    A listener emails in with a classic dilemma: One big monitor or two smaller ones? Matt breaks it down—if color accuracy matters, go with a high-quality monitor. If not, a large-screen TV might do the trick. The team discusses setups, from Andy’s 39-inch curved LG to Shawn and Justin’s multi-monitor rigs, even bringing up Samsung’s Odyssey Ark 55-inch ultra-wide as a crazy alternative which can even display as 4 monitor screens!

    Finally, Andy goes bargain hunting, scoring a $5 USB hub from a discount store. The catch? It’s from an unknown brand, made in Thailand, and has potential security risks. Shawn, Matt, and Justin voice concerns, recalling an FBI case where hacked cables were found stealing data. Will Andy’s find be a deal or a disaster? He promises to crack it open and report back next week!

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    56 min
  • Episode 428 - So You Want to Start a Podcast?
    For this Week's TechtalkRadio Show, Justin and Andy listen in to Shawn as he discusses his role in providing technical support for Notre Dame sports broadcasts, particularly hockey which is his favorite sport to cover. The guys discussed the challenges and opportunities of podcasting as many people are looking at ways to podcast. Shawn shared his experience with the Athletics Department at the University, which started a podcast called "Wake Up the Echoes" that took off quickly. With some wanted to develop shows, The group discussed the importance of content and the shift towards live video and short-form content. 

    With TikTok in the News recently, The team discussed the topic of social media, with Justin emphasizing the importance of curating one's social media feed to avoid unwanted content. Shawn also shared his limited use of social media platformswith the exception of Reddit and Snapchat. Justin highlighted the potential for social media to become an echo chamber if not managed properly.  Shawn shares that he stopped using Facebook in early 2020 and noticed changes in his habits and mindset. While initially driven by muscle memory to open social media apps, he found himself completing more meaningful projects at home. Andy discusses the prevalence of ads and sponsored content on platforms, suggesting blocking unwanted connections. 

    Justin expresses uncertainty about TikTok's future amidst data privacy concerns and speculations about tech company motives, but admits to rarely using TikTok himself.With a walk down memory lane,  Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the evolution of social media platforms and their impact on society. They reminisced about the rise and fall of various platforms such as Myspace, Vine, and Google+. Shawn shared his experience with BBSs and LiveJournal, while Justin talked about the shift from AOL chat rooms to Skype. The conversation also touched on the addiction-like withdrawal symptoms some people experienced when TikTok was temporarily banned. Justin shared his efforts to reduce his family's reliance on social media, while Shawn and Andy discussed the cultural significance of social media platforms in college life. 

    A Listener Question from Palm Desert has a listener that uses her PC laptop extensively, and has run out of USB slots due to the addition of a camera and a backup drive. Andy and Justin suggest using a powered USB hub to add more ports. They recommend brands like Belkin, Logitech, and Anker. Andy had a hard drive failure and was able to use EaseUS Data Recovery Software to recover data.  Justin shares his positive experience with Easeus, a data recovery software. Andy advises being redundant with backups and not relying solely on one backup device. 

    Gaming is a topic justin loves to shares and discussed his return to the game Project Zomboid, which involves surviving a zombie apocalypse. He mentioned that the game is available on Steam and has undergone significant changes in the past five years. Andy and Shawn discussed the value of Steam compared to Xbox Game Pass..

    Shawn discussed his recent purchase of a Lenovo ThinkPad T16 for his father-in-law, who was concerned about the end of Windows 10 support. Shawn sought advice from Matt and Justin, who recommended the ThinkPad due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. The ThinkPad features a 13th Gen Intel I7 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Wi-Fi 6, and a 16-inch display. Shawn also discussed the need for data transfer from the old system to the new one, with Andy suggesting the use of PC Mover for program migration. Shawn agreed to keep the new system minimal to avoid bloatware.

    Andy discusses his friend who wants to keep her old computer because it has a DVD drive, even though most modern laptops no longer come with built-in DVD drives. Shawn explains why manufacturers removed the optical media option due to DVD drives taking up significant space in laptops, so they have been replaced by external USB drives. The group discusses how technologies like hardline phones and DVD drives are becoming obsolete due to changing user habits.

    To wrap up this Weeks Show,  Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed various topics including retro technology, camera technology, and photography. Justin shared his experience of indoor skydiving on his birthday, which he found to be a thrilling experience. The conversation then shifted to the resurgence of small cameras and the benefits of detaching photography from smartphones. Shawn emphasized the importance of being physically engaged with taking photos and the nostalgic value of physical cameras.

    The Recent Wildlife Photography Winner was announced and can be found at https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com  Shawn promised that next week he will tell us more about a New drone from DJI!

    56 min
  • Episode 427 - Choosing Your Adventure CES2025
    In this weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy and Justin look at the bog week with the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Social Media has helped to get the content and features out for CES which last year included, which Andy recently discovered, the innovative Hyundai Mobion vehicle. This Awesome Concept vehicle can turn all four wheels to allow sideways movement. Justin agreed that cars are evolving into mobile computers. During the segment Andy welcomes Paul Sanchez to the show, a former Co-Worker to both Andy and Justin from the KLPX/KFMA Days at Lotus Broadcasting. Paul since leaving radio has become an Emmy award-winning videographer and recently started up ThockHaus is at CES and tells us more about being at the show and what Thockhaus is all about with focus on mechanical keyboards and their potential for widespread use due to health benefits.

    Paul discussed one such device for those with limited arm movement, creating a full 16 key layout keyboard and track pad. Andy asked about the potential for health-focused features in these keyboards, particularly for those with Parkinson's. Paul suggested that a standard switch would be more suitable for such users, and showed a custom 8 keyboard with ceramic keycaps. Justin praised the resurgence of mechanical keyboards and Paul's role in expanding their use cases. Paul also mentioned a new magnetic switch unveiled by Epo Maker, which he believes is better than the standard Hall effect switch.

    Shawn joins Andy and Justin with Justin sharing his experience with his son's new smartwatch, which allows him to text and call approved contacts, but also noted the potential for addiction and misuse. The group agreed on the need for education on technology etiquette and boundaries, with Shawn suggesting that this could be a valuable program for youth. They also discussed the challenges of balancing online learning with traditional teaching methods, and the importance of teaching children about responsible use of technology.

    Andy got a chance to speak with Patrick Pannett, Senior Director, Industry and Policy Communications at the Consumer Technology Association, discussed the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. Patrick shared that the Consumer Technology Association, which has been around for over a century, organizes CES to set the agenda for the year ahead in technology. The association, based in DC, works with its membership of over a thousand companies, including many small to medium-sized businesses, to advocate for their interests and help them navigate the competitive and regulated tech environment. Patrick also highlighted the Eureka Park at the Venetian, a popular area for startups to showcase their products and potentially secure partnerships. They discussed the future of technology, focusing on the convergence of AI, health, and smart homes. Patrick highlighted the development of plant buddies that use AI to monitor and improve plant care, and the emergence of smart home technologies They also discussed the integration of health technologies, such as Abbott's lingo for monitoring blood sugar, and the potential for future technologies like full detection sensors. The conversation also touched on the evolution of home entertainment systems, the role of smartphones in translation and augmented reality, and the excitement around CES's massive show floor.

    Justin, Andy, and Shawn take on a listener question about gaming options for a PC. Justin recommends starting with Steam for accessing a vast library of games. Other platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Blizzard, and GOG are also mentioned, providing rental and purchase models. Shawn and Justin reminisces about getting game demos in cereal boxes as a kid, While Andy goes way back to 45rpm Records on Cereal Boxes which has Justin want to know what a 45RPM is!

    Tune in, Stream or Download the latest in our discussion of Tech and other fun discussions!
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    56 min
  • Episode 426 - "Lights, Sound, Action! Home Theater Add-ons that Pack a Punch!"
    In this, the first episode of TechtalkRadio for 2025, Andy, Matt, and Justin discussed their holiday experiences and Justin shared his positive experience with Tesla's full self-driving mode, which he tested on a trip to Cripple Creek Colorado. Justin got a new device that Andy could have used after having a tire lose pressure recently. The Mobile Device is a portable Air Compressor from a company called AirMoto which can quickly deliver up to 120PSI and even can inflate to a set amount. 

    Another change both Matt and Justin made to thier homes focused on the Entertainment Systems. Matt discussed his recent purchase of a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar and a Sonos Sub 4.1. Matt explained how the soundbar and subwoofer work together to create a full surround sound experience, and how the Sonos system allows for easy setup and control through the app. A good question when setting up a great sound system. What is the Best Movie to Watch? Matt and Justin recommended Top Gun as well as Dune Part 1 and 2 while Andy liked the original Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Not only is sound a part of these theater setups but both Justin and Matt focused on the use of Govee LED lights. Justin explained how his setup, which includes LED lights behind and beside his TV, changes color based on the content being displayed, enhancing the overall theater experience. Matt shared his similar setup, which he set up for his parents, and highlighted the benefits of using a camera for syncing the lights with the TV's content. Both agreed that the camera-based system was super effective for an immersive experience. They also discussed the benefits of their respective TVs, with the Sony Bravia OLED TV being praised for its color accuracy and its color tuning presets for streaming services by Matt.

    Matt explained the difference between passkeys and passwords, emphasizing that passkeys are a more secure authentication method using private and public key pairs. He highlighted that passkeys are tied to specific devices, making them resistant to brute force attacks, keylogging, and phishing. Matt also discussed the use of Yubikeys as a hardware key for authentication. A Listener question wondered about a portable printer for work projects. Matt suggested the Canon Pixma TR 150 and the Brother PocketJet PJ-883 as potential options however Andy wondered if using a tablet with a PDF Creator Program would be better at generating PDF Documents to send to a client. 

    Justin shared his experience with the Oura ring, a health monitoring device that tracks heart rate, stress levels, and sleep habits. He found the device useful but after using the Pixel Watch he noted some drawbacks, such as the app being cluttered. The Oura Ring is eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for medical expenses in most cases. Justin als shares about the recharging of the Ring Itself. 

    56 min
  • Episode 425 - The Wu-Tang LAN
    In this week's TechtalkRadio show, hosts Andy, Shawn, and Justin delve into several engaging topics:

    Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs): The team discusses recent drone sightings over the East Coast. Shawn clarifies that some reported sightings might actually be helicopters, while Justin expresses concerns about these unidentified flying objects near the U.S. Capitol, suggesting they could be explanations we may not be ready to agree on. Andy raises the possibility of these drones being used for surveillance or even warfare. They also touch on misinformation surrounding these sightings and speculate on potential government cover-ups.

    Automotive Update: Justin shares his recent purchase of a 2025 Toyota Camry XLE hybrid, highlighting features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a panoramic moonroof. Andy inquires whether Justin prefers the Camry or a Tesla for long trips, noting Justin's appreciation for self-driving features of the Tesla on extended drives however needed more time due to charging

    Wi-Fi Network Names and Security: A listener's question about sharing Wi-Fi with a neighbor leads to a discussion on potential risks, including bandwidth misuse and legal issues. The hosts share their own Wi-Fi network names—Justin's "The Wu-Tang LAN" and Shawn's "Lan Before Time"—and encourage listeners to share creative SSID names they've encountered.

    OpenOffice vs. Microsoft Office: Addressing a listener's inquiry, the team discusses the benefits of open-source software like OpenOffice, emphasizing community-driven development and the importance of downloading software from verified sources. Shawn recommends the website AlternativeTo as a resource for finding open-source software alternatives. 

    Streaming Services and Rising Costs: With YouTube TV increasing its monthly subscription price, the hosts discuss the escalating costs of streaming services. Andy contemplates switching to YouTube TV but hesitates due to the price hike and waiting for new Provider Ting to come to Marana. Shawn mentions sharing streaming service costs among family members, and they ponder the idea of the resurgence of physical media sales amid internet outages.

    Tech Recommendations: Andy, Shawn, and Justin explore OpenAI's new search feature for ChatGPT, which enables users to search for images and information. Justin highlights two websites: EveryHex, offering a comprehensive list of color hexadecimal codes, and OpenMHz, allowing users to listen to unencrypted police, fire, and EMS radio channels. They also discuss using Software-Defined Radio (SDR) devices to capture local radio frequencies for sharing on OpenMHz.

    Holiday Wishes: The hosts share their Christmas wish lists—Shawn hopes for the high-speed photo scanner from Epson Andy featured on KMSB, while Justin wishes for the Denver Broncos to reach the Super Bowl.

    For past shows and features tune in to the TechtalkRadio's website.

    For a visual glimpse into TechtalkRadio's content, you can explore their YouTube channel:
    55 min
  • Episode 424 - We Think We Heard Shawn's Shoulder Snap! (That's Hard to Say)
    For this Weeks TechtalkRadio, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed their experiences with cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. Justin shared how he was able to make his recent purchase of the New Sony Mirrorless camera for broadcasting using Bitcoin, and the group reminisced about the early days of Bitcoin's value. They also discussed the potential for other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, and Shiba Inu to grow in value. Justin advised listeners to do their own research before deciding maybe they want to give it a try and for the ease of use, open a Coinbase account to start investing in cryptocurrency, even with small amounts. Justin tells us about his decision to sell his One-Wheel and the experience of selling online. The sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are discussed with each presenting its own circumstances. Justin took to E-Bay for his and shares the challenges he faced with shipping and fees. He advised others to use eBay's communication features to protect themselves from scams rather then direct communication. Shawn suggested that eBay is still a good platform for buying collectibles.

    Shawn showcased the Dji Power 1000, a portable solar generator he recently purchased. He highlighted its features, including a continuous output of 2,200 watts and as Andy wondered capable of powering a freezer for several hours. Shawn also mentioned that the device could be charged using solar panels as well as plugging in to a power source. A listener question regarding the possibility of networking six computers in two offices and a lobby area. Justin suggested that a layer 2 or 3 switch would be sufficient for this setup, as the Internet provider's modem already acts as a layer 3 gateway/router. Andy questioned whether a managed switch was necessary, and Justin explained that it would be useful for isolating devices on the network, such as security cameras and voip systems.  Shawn reminds us that In terms of setting up a network for a business, DIY can be fun and a learning experience however hiring a professional to design and install the network would be advisable.

    Andy discussed the recent Windows 11 update, which has removed Wordpad and caused issues with file sharing. He also mentioned that Microsoft now has an upgrade path for Windows 10 users to Windows 11 that previously did not fit in the upgrade requirements, this despite warnings of potential system crashes and security issues. Shawn shared his experience with his in-laws' laptop, which is not compatible with Windows 11 due to its processor. He plans to help them choose a new laptop. Another great listener question is called in about recommended brands for desktop speakers. Justin recommended the Logitech 2.1 system, while Shawn suggested a JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth speaker. Andy added that one might need to invest in a Bluetooth key if their desktop doesn't have Bluetooth support. 


    Justin discussed his car issues, specifically with his 2017 Ford Explorer's head unit failing. He mentioned that the head unit controls various functions including GPS, backup camera, climate, radio, and door locks. Justin was considering selling the car before the head unit fails completely. He also mentioned that his wife, Misa, is considering buying a 2025 Toyota Corolla, a plug-in hybrid with intelligent all-wheel drive.  As a close to the show Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the issue of unauthorized charges and loot box purchases in the game Fortnite. Andy informed the group that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering refunds to those who were charged for in-game currency or items they didn't intend to buy between 2017 and 2022. A link for that FTC website was mentioned with the reminder of claims needing to be filed by January 10th 2025.
    56 min
  • Episode 423 - We think he likes this Keyboard!
    In this Week's TechtalkRadio Show, Andy and Shawn want to find out about Matt's new studio setup which looks  like it came out great! Matt shared his recent transition to a rack-mounted case, which he found to be more efficient and better for airflow. He also discussed his use of a Sony ZV-10 mirrorless camera as a webcam, which he found to be effective for blogging and vlogging. Last weeks show had a listener ask about Mechanical Keyboards which Matt explained and discussed his mechanical keyboard, the Keychron v1 Max, which he found at Micro Center. He highlighted its features, including a 75% keyboard layout, mechanical switches, USB-C and USB-A ports, a rechargeable internal battery, Bluetooth compatibility, and a switch for Mac or Windows. Matt also mentioned the keyboard's customizable firmware and the ability to change keycaps for different layouts. He noted that the keyboard lights up and has a tactile feel, making it the quietest mechanical keyboard he has ever used. 

    Shawn found a great deal and decided to buy in for a Dji Power 1000, a solar generator that can charge devices and potentially run small appliances like an air conditioner. He bought it at a 48% discount from Amazon, using a code from Dji's Black Friday email. Shawn plans to use it for camping and when out grabbing photos for astrophotography. The group also discussed other portable power brands like Jackery and Anker, and the possibility of using solar panels to charge the generator. Andy suggested that listeners might benefit from joining Dji's mailing list for potential deals.

    After a listener question from Allan,  Matt and Shawn discussed the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 11. Matt and Shawn expressed their dissatisfaction with the bloat and ads in Windows 11, while the listener sought advice on whether to upgrade now or wait until October when Windows 10 support ends. Matt advised Allan to pull the band-aid and upgrade, as Windows 11 will receive security patches and updates, but warned about the potential annoyance of ads and recommendations. Matt also advised Allan to back up his files before upgrading his operating system and to use a disk cleanup tool to remove previous Windows installations after a certain amount of time.

    Andy also shared a question from Dave about recovering data from an old IDE hard drive, and Shawn suggested using a USB to IDE adapter to connect the drive to a computer stating they aren't to bad in price and easy to use. Another listener question handled the subject of Black Friday/Cyber Monday TV Deals and how to tell differences between some of the screens. All this and more featured in this weeks TechtalkRadio Show
    56 min
  • Episode 422 - Zips Ties, Velcro and a Whole lot of Cables!
    For this Week's TechtalkRadio Broadcast, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed various topics related to technology and personal experiences. They talked about Matt's computer issues, with Justin mentioning that Matt had moved his gaming computer into a rack mount chassis and was experiencing problems. They also discussed the importance of cable management, with Shawn emphasizing the need for flush-cutting zip ties to avoid injuries. The conversation then shifted to the topic of retro computer cases, with Andy sharing an article about Silverstone's retro beige PC case. The team also reminisced about the past, discussing the effects of smoking on electronics and the challenges of cleaning them. The conversation ended with Justin showing off his new camera, The Sony A7 Mark IV camera. Justin explained the camera's features, including its ability to shoot raw images, 4K video at 60 frames per second, and its built-in eye tracking feature. Justin also discussed his experience with Adobe Lightroom, a software he used to edit the photos he took with the camera. Andy and Shawn praised the camera's quality and the benefits of using Lightroom for photo editing.

    Another Project that Justin recently completed was installing permanent outdoor holiday lights. Justin shared his research on the company Jellyfish deciding to go with EnBrighten, in Justin study a more affordable option. EnBrighten lights come in 100-foot strings and can be individually controlled, allowing for various color effects and preset modes for different holidays. Justin also mentioned hiring a professional to install the lights, which cost him around $380. 

    A listener question came in regarding a request from the writer’s son for a Mechanical Keyboard. Justin explained the differences between budget keyboards and what can be found with a mechanical.  Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed their experiences with the Tyson-Paul boxing match and the issues they faced while trying to watch it. They shared their attempts to stream the fight, with Shawn mentioning that they eventually found an illegal stream to watch it on Discord. Justin revealed that he watched the fight somewhat legally through a live stream on X, which had 9 million viewers at its peak. The conversation then shifted to social media platforms, with Andy and Justin discussing their experiences with Twitter and the new platform Blue Sky. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the political nature of these platforms and their desire for a more curated feed. Justin mentioned that he has successfully curated his X feed to avoid political content. The team also discussed their presence on Facebook and Blue Sky, encouraging listeners to connect with them on these platforms.

    Another listener question is handled, and it involved digitizing old VHS tapes and putting them of DVD. Shawn recommended not burning them to DVD. Shawn recommended using Legacy Box for digitizing old VHS tapes into a digital format, as DVDs are just taking up space. Justin suggested that the digitized content could be played on a TV via a USB slot. Shawn also suggested checking out the service's website for a sale currently running at $8 per tape. In a segment from a couple of weeks ago, Andy mentioned his experience with the Epson FF680-W photo scanner and has found that Visioneer has a similar scanner and will work to check it out and compare its performance. 

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    56 min

About TechtalkRadio

From the publisher's feed

TechtalkRadio is your go-to radio show and podcast for everything computers, technology, and the internet! Hosted by Andy Taylor, Justin Lemme, and Shawn DeWeerd, with contributions from Matt Jones,…