Episode 4 - Converting vinyls to MP3s, inspiration for inventors, the Wayback Machine

[travislopes]

http://bitcast-a.bitgravity.com/revision3/thumbs/tekzilla--0004--ladies--thumb.jpg
The ladies are in the house at Tekzilla this week as Sarah Lane tells us how to convert vinyl records into audio files, we get some inspiration for aspiring inventors, and Jessica Corbin shows us how to go back in time.

Running Time: 26:41
Direct Download: Quicktime High Definition (328 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi) - Quicktime Large (212 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi) - Quicktime Small (82 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi) - WMV Large (176 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi) - WMV Small (91 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi) - Xvid Large (258 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi) - Xvid Small (161 mb) (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.avi/videos.revision3.com/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi)
BitTorrent: Quicktime High Definition (328 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--hd.h264.mov.torrent) - Quicktime Large (212 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--large.h264.m4v.torrent) - Quicktime Small (82 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.m4v.torrent) - WMV Large (176 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--large.wmv.torrent) - WMV Small (91 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.wmv.torrent) - Xvid Large (258 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--large.xvid.avi.torrent) - Xvid Small (161 mb) (http://downloads.revision3.com/torrents/tekzilla/0004/tekzilla--0004--ladies--small.xvid.avi.torrent)

[vincent12234]

Looks to be a good show this week, downloading now. :)

[mrpopular]

Great Episode again. Tekzilla is an awesome show. Keep up the good work!!

If the set is in the middle of the office as shown in Rev3 Gaz, thats gotta b no fun trying to get a show done while others are trying to work.

[donmofkingjuan]

Does any one else think that Sarah Lane is god awfully annoying?

Just a thought.

Otherwise, good episode and congrats to Mr.Norton.

[maynza]

The fake sponsor at the beginning of the show, ISN'T FUNNY.

It is only funny when Diggnation does it, and that isn't always a given.

[eastofthequad]

Audacity can remove pops and clicks, I can't really see why most people would need to pay for one of the other programs unless they were really serious about audio. Also for turntables, if you are really going for broke, you should probably buy one with a heavy plate (the larger momentum helps it spin more consistantly).

[davesecx]

This episode was really fun and interesting. It seemed more in depth than the other episodes. The more Sarah Lane, the better.

[narco]

Two chicks talking about vinyl? Yes please!

I have hundreds of records and most of them aren't available on CD (lots of old punk, minimal, psych) and I did it all with a free program called FINAL VINYL. It worked really well, but not sure if it's still around. Garageband works well, too. Also, I do believe the LP they used on the show is a NY Citizen's LP. Haven't heard that since high school.

It's good to have backups of your music collection, but nothing beats the vinyl listening experience. People generally listen to music in the background, but they don't take the time to actually sit and experience it. That's why I don't buy songs on iTunes.

[xplorer]

Does any one else think that Sarah Lane is god awfully annoying?

Just a thought.

Otherwise, good episode and congrats to Mr.Norton.


Ugh, I had to turn this episode off....

"Babble - Babble - Tee hee - Tee hee"

I don't know if its a problem with being genuine, but the whole segment with the x-wing come across as "tee hee, we are so uber geek *starwars*, tee hee"

I have faith that Jessica could do the show by herself. Its a great show, but this combo just doesn't work...

Sarah, just doesn't fit, the gazette yes! Tekzilla.... NO

[mebe]

weird but cool shoutout to comics.

[ryudo]

Sweet my email made the show.

Great show,just wish they were longer..I know I know it probably will be once the studios are complete.

[perc]

I have one of those new apple keyboards and it works fine with my belkin USB hub, no adapter needed.

edit: I took another look and it does have an extra recessed ... thing ... on the USB plug, but it still fits regular USB jacks just fine. I tried it on a couple of computers and hubs I have, no problem.

The apple USB keyboards have very short cables to avoid cable clutter when used with, say, an iMac. They include an extension cord in the package as well, and here's the thing - that extension cord only works with devices that has the extra recessed thing on the plug.

In other words - Apple reinvented the USB plug for seemingly no other reason than to keep people from using the keyboard extension cord for other things.

[wizmaster]

Audacity can remove pops and clicks, I can't really see why most people would need to pay for one of the other programs unless they were really serious about audio. Also for turntables, if you are really going for broke, you should probably buy one with a heavy plate (the larger momentum helps it spin more consistantly).

Yea but many people probably wouldn't be able to figure it out (even though click removal is easy to find). All you need is Audacity but it's not a beginner/noob friendly UI.

This show was pretty good. Pat 2.0 will probably take over Systm so I bet Pat will be back next week. The joke ads have to go. Other then that, it was a pretty good show.

Oh, and you mods out there, if someone starts a thread complaining about Sarah saying *****, just ban them. Please.

[ryudo]

I have one of those new apple keyboards and it works fine with my belkin USB hub, no adapter needed.

edit: I took another look and it does have an extra recessed ... thing ... on the USB plug, but it still fits regular USB jacks just fine. I tried it on a couple of computers and hubs I have, no problem.

The apple USB keyboards have very short cables to avoid cable clutter when used with, say, an iMac. They include an extension cord in the package as well, and here's the thing - that extension cord only works with devices that has the extra recessed thing on the plug.

In other words - Apple reinvented the USB plug for seemingly no other reason than to keep people from using the keyboard extension cord for other things.
:D


Thanks!

short cord won't bother me much if it can't reach to the back of my PC I have my LED lit mousepad which has 4 USB ports so thanks again for the info..I see a new keyboard in the future.

[bananaboat]

This is one of those times when you really need Patrick. You do not just take an ISO, throw it into Nero etc, and hit burn. You go into nero, select "Burn as an image" or "Burn as a bootable disc" (depending on what type of ISO). If the guy that asked that question is here, you'll want "Burn as Image" if it's a game, program, etc, and "Burn as a bootable disc" if it's a Linux ISO etc.

I know this should probably go in the show suggestions thread, but sometimes it pays to spend a little more time on one subject, rather than trying to fly through as many as possible.


Oh, and Sarah isn't that annoying =P give her a break.

Congratulations Patrick

[wizmaster]

This is one of those times when you really need Patrick. You do not just take an ISO, throw it into Nero etc, and hit burn. You go into nero, select "Burn as an image" or "Burn as a bootable disc" (depending on what type of ISO). If the guy that asked that question is here, you'll want "Burn as Image" if it's a game, program, etc, and "Burn as a bootable disc" if it's a Linux ISO etc.

I know this should probably go in the show suggestions thread, but sometimes it pays to spend a little more time on one subject, rather than trying to fly through as many as possible.


Oh, and Sarah isn't that annoying =P give her a break.

Congratulations Patrick

I kinda agree with you, but these programs are getting idiot proof. Once one of these programs is installed you can double click on the iso and it'll open up Nero or whatever (IIRC) so it doesn't matter so much. The email was pretty vague IMO.

[bananaboat]

Couldn't tell you how many times I've gone to burn a Linux ISO, only to forget to change the burn type in Nero from "Data" to "Bootable Image", and ended up with a useless frisbee. Maybe the very latest version can recognize an ISO and assume you want it to burn as an image, but the old ones sure couldn't.

The email was vague, but knowing to select "Burn as Image" will probably solve his problem. If not, there's always Daemon Tools =p

[wizmaster]

Couldn't tell you how many times I've gone to burn a Linux ISO, only to forget to change the burn type in Nero from "Data" to "Bootable Image", and ended up with a useless frisbee. Maybe the very latest version can recognize an ISO and assume you want it to burn as an image, but the old ones sure couldn't.

The email was vague, but knowing to select "Burn as Image" will probably solve his problem. If not, there's always Daemon Tools =p

I'm assuming it was Windows. Also, that's why I use rewritables.

[therage800]

I'm pretty sure Bananaboat means the iso is a Linux install... Furthermore, I agree. During that segment I remembered the first time I tried burning an ISO (Granted it was years ago but I'm sure there are some viewers that have not burned one yet, such as the email author!) and "just hit burn" and it burned a useless data disk. More depth would be nice to some of these segments.

[amccann]

Great show again this week! All the ladies running around can get a guy flustered... (did I really say 'flustered'?)

P.S.

Neha is gorgeous! :X

[donmofkingjuan]

sorry for maybe being a little harsh on sarah but i just don't think her quirkiness is something that works with a tech review and help show. I loveeed the first 4 eps of the gazette i thought they were great. There her personality fit it perfectly, and the 5th one, martin is just funny. The 6th one however was just awful. I could only watch 2 minutes of it. I know this isn't the complaint area or the gazette forum but i just thought since people thought i was a little harsh to explain my opinion. Again, Patrick congrats but he is definitely one that is needed on the show with Jessica. But Sarah will always have a special place in my heart as a TechTV girl.

yes i know she was on TSS too.

[mcsurvey]

Vinyl FTW, I've been collecting for around two years and have 250-300 albums and probably 20-30 singles now (Although I hate 7" singles...)

Why you would want to remove the entire point of analogue sound by digitizing it is beyond me. Just download the Mp3's or buy the CD (You own the music anyway on vinyl, I dont see this as stealing), a recording engineer with much more skill and access to the analogue master tape has worked on them with far better results than you'll ever get.

Also, you guys didn't mention that direct-drive turntables / DJ turntables like the one in the segment produce a large ammount of rumble that is directly transfered into the stylus because the motor is attached to the platter the record sits on.

Use a belt driven turntable with a good cartridge and very importantly a good preamp for best results. You can get a very nice sound for a reasnoble ammount of money.

Dont use chemicals to clean records. Making them more abraisive by using alcohol or any other chemicals is just going to wear out your stylus super fast. I use luke warm water and a microfibre glasses cleaning cloth with great results.

My vinyl setup:
Thorens TD-180 Belt-driven turntable circa 1992 (Got for free!)
NAD PP-2 Preamp (AUD $199), probably cheaper in the US
Rega Exact cartridge RRP $600AUD, uses a non-removable very stiff stylus, I hear so much more detail on my records going to this from a 10 year old Stanton $50 cartridge it's scary.

Excuse these awful phone camera pics, my main camera's out of batteries and I dont feel like going to the corner store at 9pm.

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1034/turntablehr7.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=turntablehr7.jpg)
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1118/recordszs8.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=recordszs8.jpg)

[synne]

I missed Patrick in this episode seemed like a whole different show. Wouldn't mind more Neha though.

[detroit-jay]

What a f*cking joke, Sarah playing Patrick! I'd rather have had Tekzilla skip a week until Patrick was back. This show is already "so-so" with Jessica in it, seeing Patrick has to "dumb" shit down so she can understand it. The ISO section confirms my point, "Just put a cd in the tray and hit burn".

[bman]

agreeded, its not funny

who cares if they do it or not, mehhhh

[vahnx]

About the ISO segment, they could of briefly mentioned Daemon Tools.

[derekivey]

I was disappointed with their answer to the ISO question. There answer was too basic, they should have atleast showed how to do it in a certain program, and recommend a few different programs he could use (there are many free ones such as Active ISO Burner (http://www.ntfs.com/iso_burner_free.htm) and burnatonce (http://www.burnatonce.net/downloads/)).

I did not like this episode that much, and did anyone else find it annoying how they had that one girl telling us what was coming up?

Also, I agree with everyone else... the "Diggnation style" ad at the beginning of the show does not fit at all, I think they should get rid of it!

Derek

[mcsurvey]

Seriously, this show must have had at least 15mins of advertising content in the last episode, and the original content was so simplified and dumbed down it was nearly useless.

[bananaboat]

I'll agree, they haven't gone very in-depth with any of the segments yet. It doesn't seem like it's going to be that type of show to me. Systm is more suited towards them going super in-depth and getting their hands dirty.

I'm not sure if there were more ads than usual, or if some of the segments just seemed like ads. For instance, Jessica did a voice over set to a video of a website in the background (which site, I have no idea) and I'm not sure if the site was a sponsor or just some site that they happened to talk about.

Others have said it, and I believe this was the first episode with it, but going to a completely different person to tell us what's coming up after the break is completely unnecessary. It used to be fun when Dan did it on TSS (because of the nervous stuttering :D) but when the break is 20 seconds long, it's pointless.

[eric-the-grey]

About the ISO segment, they could of briefly mentioned Daemon Tools.

My first thought was ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/)

It was made by the same person who originally created DVD Decrypter, and it's fast and easy to use.


:cool: Eric the Grey

[rowlodge]

well i wanted more and got it!

lots of shows keeping me busy all the time now, rev 3 is on a roll.

no wonder i loved the old tv shows back on tech tv, they had that right combination of people.

[randywalker]

Regarding the vinyl conversion... ok, I've got the gear... NOW WHAT?!

Why didn't they show how to do it? I mean, sure, it might take a while, but they could have something already mostly done, or even come back to it later in the show.

Or, tell us what to do, then show them working with the software briefly, then play the digital file at the end.

I find that Tekzilla doesn't do enough in each of their segments. They do the "what" but not the "how" which is definately the more important part, imho.

[wizmaster]

Regarding the vinyl conversion... ok, I've got the gear... NOW WHAT?!

Why didn't they show how to do it? I mean, sure, it might take a while, but they could have something already mostly done, or even come back to it later in the show.

Or, tell us what to do, then show them working with the software briefly, then play the digital file at the end.

I find that Tekzilla doesn't do enough in each of their segments. They do the "what" but not the "how" which is definately the more important part, imho.

They explained what to do. They can't really show the how in every case because of the differing amounts of hardware. This is where reading the ****ing manual comes in because people will try to follow them with completely different, yet similar, hardware. As much as I would like them showing us how to do stuff, it's pretty pointless.

Just as an example, there are different types of turntables. Some are even made specifically for this and you just connect it by USB instead of using a preamp. The different types of preamps, with varying technologies, is a long list. The software is also different. Should they show Audacity or Garageband or etc. If you want them to show how to use more then one, then the entire show will be long and redundant.

This is not a "this is how it's done" DIY show. They show, and report, cool things but asking for a step by step tutorial from a general tech show is asking way too much. That's a bad way to make the show longer.

[jc-magnus]

The episode was o.k.

The ISO segment annoyed me. Why even bother putting it there if they didn't bother to explain anything? I know how to burn a ISO just fine, but if a person sent an e-mail about it, that means they don't and wish to know... the whole 3 step process was clearly missing out many steps.

I want to really like Tekzilla... but the show just doesn't seem to have "it". I will watch a couple of more episodes, but I find myself looking forward to the next episode less and less.

And yes, PLEASE stop with the fake ads, they are so out of place in this show its just horrible.

[corwin155]

i use cdex 1.70beta2 to record on my pc besides that its free and no drm crap lol
great show again :)
its nice to see sara again too :)

[mcsurvey]

If anyone actually wants detailed help on doing the vinyl to CD project send me a PM I'm more than happy to help out via skype/MSN.

[damnedeyez]

One thing I found odd on that ISO segment was that they mentioned they weren't sure what he was looking to do, but assumed he was trying to make a disc from an .iso.

Um, so you email back and clarify things before you turn them into a segment?

[wizmaster]

One thing I found odd on that ISO segment was that they mentioned they weren't sure what he was looking to do, but assumed he was trying to make a disc from an .iso.

Um, so you email back and clarify things before you turn them into a segment?

Not always possible. Although I would just us a different email. It'll be better if people sent clearer emails.

[tnvwboy]

You do not just take an ISO, throw it into Nero etc, and hit burn.

I have to admit that I felt this segment was rushed and under explained also. If OSX has it built in, show us a quick, 1-2-3 step through. Same with Nero and the free one (I don't recall the name). Each would take probably 20 seconds, if only showing the clicks. For most I think that'd be enough to figure it out the rest of the way.

It's like talking about a dessert but not showing us a picture (this is video, not just audio after all). Sure we all know we can't taste the dessert, but the picture would help so much more than just a description.

[masherscf]

I have to admit that I felt this segment was rushed and under explained also.

They used to do a lot of the 30 second tips back on TSS. The exectution was a little clumsy.

[xplorer]

They used to do a lot of the 30 second tips back on TSS. The exectution was a little clumsy.

Yes, but it was prepared at least on TSS.... They just did the raw info and trimmed all the fat.... Like a fine cut of steak....

This episode is like ordering a steak, just to get a gristle lump on your plate.....

More steak please!

[darknessgp]

...
The ISO segment annoyed me. Why even bother putting it there if they didn't bother to explain anything? I know how to burn a ISO just fine, but if a person sent an e-mail about it, that means they don't and wish to know... the whole 3 step process was clearly missing out many steps...

It made me cry a little. Especially when they claimed that you could just put a cd or dvd in the drive. No, it has to be a writable disc, and if not rewritable one that hasn't been written on. That's one of many issues I had with the episode.

Also, it definitely felt like a girl tech show, and not a tech show from a girl's perspective (That might be really good), but to me it felt like girl's tech show. Meaning I felt things where not explained very well, and felt like they didn't completely understand what they were talking about. Reminded me of my mom trying to explain something, not very accurate, and very simple so she can remember it. I'm not saying all girls are like that, it's just Sarah and Jessica seem to be like that. I had the same feeling on indigital about Jessica's segments. Not saying it was bad, but I didn't know I was downloading a girl's tech show.

Also, the fake ads and the real but obviously just plugging your fav site are very annoying. Can they not come up with any more real content for tekzilla? I'm just trying to figure out why they feel the need for all of this extra crap.

[tnvwboy]

just plugging your fav site are very annoying.

I must politely disagree on this point. There are many many sites on the web that are completely missed by some people. The Internet Archives project is a cool site. I already knew about that one but I look forward to cool sites like that. The only criteria should be that they cannot be sites that sponsor the show, or if they are it needs to be clearly stated. If the segment just becomes a marketing tool for those sites I think it could have problems.

[darknessgp]

I must politely disagree on this point. There are many many sites on the web that are completely missed by some people. The Internet Archives project is a cool site. I already knew about that one but I look forward to cool sites like that. The only criteria should be that they cannot be sites that sponsor the show, or if they are it needs to be clearly stated. If the segment just becomes a marketing tool for those sites I think it could have problems.

I understand what you are saying, but my point was also that they are doing that on top of doing the normal sponsor stuff and the fake ones. It's overkill on "sponsors/ads"

[nokomis_fl]

Use a belt driven turntable with a good cartridge and very importantly a good preamp for best results. You can get a very nice sound for a reasnoble ammount of money.

OK, I'm ready to rip some of my records, and some stuff for my parents, and I'm almost ready to go - just waiting on some new belts for my turntable. My new cartridge is a moving coil and while my receiver can handle that, I'm considering the purchase of a phono pre-amp like the NAD PP2 or a TC-760LC. The question I have is that with both of these units the line-in mic jack on the computer is used. Is this as good as using a separate audio card? Also, what about using a pre-amp w/ USB (i.e. NAD PP-3)? Is this better, worse or the same?