Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with computer and video

Best 27" iMac Arm?

fairmettle — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:21:50 -0800

What are the best options for a desk mounted VESA compatible articulating arm for the new 27" iMac? Up until recently, I had an old G5 iMac and although the included stand was an elegant design, I was never very satisfied with the limited range of motion it provided. So now that it has finally come time to purchase a new iMac, I would like to get a well built, stable articulated arm that provides a wide range of viewing positions.

I'm interested in hearing any ideas, experiences, and/or suggestions for a mounting arm that would provide convenient and safe positioning for the weight (20.5 lbs.) and width (27" diagonal) of my new machine.

Some examples that I have been looking at are the Ergotron MX and the iLift, and the Innovative 7500.

With the new iMac's large screen size and my particular room set-up, I would like an arm that is long enough to be viewable at my desk for work and from my bed which is right beside it for watching DVD's.

Out of the models I listed above, the 7500 has the greatest range of movement (27" horizontal and 18" vertical - here is a YouTube video showing it). In my research so far, it seems that if you want to find a longer arm you need to go up to the medical/dental type suppliers such as the ICW Elite (with a 42" reach or longer).

Please don't send me into my next iMac purchase unarmed - - any and all thoughts and suggestions would be most appreciated!

edit detection

yegga — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:41:10 -0800

I'm interested in detecting edits in a given video stream. Is there any literature out there on edit detection? The idea is to take in an arbitrary video stream as input, and detect 'edits', 'scenes' or 'cuts' in the stream. Further, to try and cluster similar kinds of edits/scenes/cuts.

How would you go about researching this?

Some examples:

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=1579591

Find me a sandbox to dig in

rikschell — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:51:36 -0800

I love Sid Meier's Pirates! I loved the original back in the '80s, and I love the remake even more. What other games might I love? I like sandbox games in general, but this one has a lot of action and adventure, and the historical setting is very atmospheric. The violence is minimized/stylized (I'm not interested in GTA-type gangbanging), but there are plenty of choices on how to play and what to do.

I find myself wishing there was a game where I could be an explorer (a remake of Seven Cities of Gold!) or a knight or something. No RTS or God games.

I haven't been up on gaming in about 20 years, though I've played various Dooms and Quakes and stuff. I spent a long time having only Macs, which didn't help. Now I have a netbook, which means I can run older PC games pretty well. New, not so much. I don't care about vintage. Story is not what I'm looking for (I started Deus Ex once, but didn't feel like I could give it its due). Free play, like the classic games I've already mentioned, plus maybe Elite (but faster paced) and Wasteland (though that gets a little too RPG-y). I've tried just playing the old games emulated, but they don't always work too well, and after seeing how great the Pirates! remake came out, I want more like this...

DIY Streetview?

yellowbkpk — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:04:21 -0800

I'd like to make a DIY Google StreetView clone. I have a computer in my car. What kind of camera(s) should I get and what's a creative way to take pictures once every 1-2 seconds, downloading them to the in-car computer afterwards? I can deal with the software to geo-reference the images, but I can't find a image capture source that works:

>2MP webcams will let me take still shots of their video quick enough, but I haven't really come up with any quality images. I can control point and shoot digicams with gPhoto2, but it takes 5-20 seconds to take the picture and download for every frame.

Can the hive mind think of any creative ideas to solve this DIY conundrum?

Anyone know of a simple program to flip video 180 and render?

debu — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:39:48 -0800

I filmed some scenes with a video camera hanging upside down, does anyone know of a simple video program that will let me render it right side up? Freeware that's malware free preferred (win) Or something paid w/ trial works too as long as it's fairly straightforward. thanks

ATI Mobility Radeon 4530 driver for XP?

MattScully — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:33:18 -0800

Down (up) grading a new HP DV7T-2000 to XP. The video card is an ATI Mobility Radeon 4530. I have had no luck in finding an XP driver. Does anyone have any experience with this card and have any ideas about a possible driver or workaround?

Computer shuts down when streaming video?

mediocre — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:12:08 -0800

Why is my laptop shutting down when streaming videos? Whenever I watch videos online, particularly from Megavideo but even from Youtube occasionally, the whole system will simply shut down. Can anyone offer any help, anyone ever experienced a similar issue? Would a clean system install help matters? Overheating?

It's an eMachines M5312 (yes yes, I know.. my first error was buying eMachines..)

How do I plug an Xbox 360 into a computer setup?

wastelands — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:41:56 -0800

Is integrating an Xbox 360 into an existing computer monitor/speakers setup worth it? Or should I simply get a TV? I want to get an Xbox 360. The easiest thing to do would be to get an LCD TV, because it'll have all the connections I need. But it'd cost extra and take up space in my very small apartment. It'd be cool if I could use my existing 22" LCD computer monitor + my existing computer speakers.

Near as I can tell, though, it'd be a pain:

* Get a VGA cable for the Xbox
* Get an RCA converter/connector for the component audio on that Xbox cable to make it compatible with computer speakers
* Some kind of KVM or VGA switcher, so I don't have to manually plug and unplug cables constantly to switch video signals
* And how would I switch between computer and Xbox audio? No idea on this one other than manual plug/unplug

It seems like such a messy procedure that I'm considering just biting the bullet, spending about $230 on an LCD TV and dealing with the extra clutter in my apartment.

Secondary option: Maybe spend a bit more and get a nice LCD TV (or a computer monitor with extra ports) that would have the ability to switch video signals with a button (my existing one can't)? And then use that as my main display and sell off my existing monitor. Even then, I'm still now sure how audio signal switching would occur without manual plug/unplug.

Sorry for the long question. It's just hard to figure this out without the cables/ports right in front of me, and there's conflicting advice online.

Thanks!

iTunes, let me watch this TV show please!

fantine — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:02:08 -0800

How can I make iTunes play a large video file? I am trying to watch an HD video on iTunes. The file is 1.62 GB (aka huge) and my iBook G4 does not like it.

Basically, the audio runs ok but the screen glitches and freezes and does not "keep up" with the audio. The whole thing runs slowly.

I would download a poor-quality video just to watch but it was only available on iTunes in HD (bah). I have shut down all other programs running to make it run faster, to no avail. My RAM is limited but I can't help that.

What are good short-term solutions? Some way to degrade the file quality to shrink it? Some hidden process on my mac that I can shut down to speed things up?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

SLI VS CROSSFIRE VS MY BRAIN

Bageena — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:00:25 -0800

Question: where can I find a valid coupon/discount code for a Dell XPS 730x. I've heard there's some out there for 20-25% off, but I can't seem to find anything online that's working. Failing that, how much of a difference is it really if I just build a really sweet XPS 630? The system I want, the 730X, has an Intel® Core™ i7-920 (2.66GHz, 8MB cache), 3GB3 Tri-Channel DDR3 at 1066MHZ (3x1GB DIMM), and a pair of nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB3 setup SLI along. If I can't find a coupon to get the price lower, I'm looking at building (XPS 630) would have a Intel® Core™2 Q9550 (12MB,2.83GHz, 1333FSB), 8GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz (4 DIMM), SLi Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB... the difference without a coupon is nearly $1000. It's been a lonnnnnnnnnnng, long time since I've built a PC or even scoped out the specs on the newest processors, video cards, shit, rigs at all. Like, for instance, instead of getting the SLi, Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB on the XPS 630, should I spend the extra $100 and get CrossFireX, Dual ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB instead?
For the record, I don't do a whole lot of gaming YET on the PC, but I could. I do use it for a lot of multimedia (like 3 to 4 TB of movies and music and stuff) and graphic design. I spent a lot of time on the computer and it'll be awhile before I get to buy a new PC again. Help?

Should have stuck to eating paste.

Ambrosia Voyeur — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:30:09 -0800

Help name the first computer game I ever played. In preschool. Circa 1985. A few sketchy memories inside. I think it was in color.

I think it was played on a computer whose form factor featured the disk drive situated beneath the monitor.

I know it featured canals, as in those of Venice. Waterways surrounding buildings.

I think the objective was to either situate your crocodile in the canal below a window from which a hippopotamus would jump, or maybe to avoid this happening. Maybe it was a gondola and I thought gondolas were crocodiles.

It's entirely possible that there were other stages and I just never got to them. I don't recall being too adept at the gameplay.

That's it.

What was this late 80s/early 90s computer game?

mingodingo — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:04:19 -0800

What was this late 80s/early 90s computer game? It involved traveling with sled dogs... This has bugged me for a while. Back in elementary school, during the late 80s or very early 90s, the computer lab had this game sort of like the Oregon Trail but not. In this game, you led a pack of sled dogs to travel along some trail. You chose a guide, chose your dogs, and occasionally had to stop along the way to let an injured dog heal or buy supplies.

I'd love to know what this game was, and if it's available anywhere as abandonware/freeware. All the Google searches I've tried have turned up something like Amazon Trail or Yukon Trail, which isn't it (no sled dogs). Anyway, not a huge deal, but I'd greatly appreciate some input if you have any idea what I'm talking about. Thanks!

Music for Home Movies

passtehbrainz — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:25:04 -0800

I'm looking for a website to get ideas for music that would match the theme of home movies that I put together on my Mac. In other words, if im putting together our trip to the beach home movies, 'Surfing in the USA' might match the theme, etc. I understand there might be legal issues, but that should be up to the end user.

Video From an Old Computer to a T.V.

mahoganyslide — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:28:18 -0800

How do I go about channeling video from a computer with just a VGA output to a T.V. that only takes component and composite inputs? I have a ton of downloaded video content that I'd like to be able to watch on my T.V. However, the videos are on a relatively old computer that only has a VGA output. I recently had the bright idea to go out and buy a VGA to component cable and only later did I discover (thanks to askmetafilter) that the computer must have T.V.-out capability (which, of course, it does not).

After a little more combing through previous askmetafilter posts, I've now arrived at two options: a converter or a new video card. But, which would be a better option?

I've come across two converters, this and this. However, these are just slightly above my budget and an older but capable video card appears to be a more economic choice.

My only other problem? I do not know how to install hardware on a desktop. After a search for cheap cards on newegg (here), I am at a loss as to which configuration will work with my specific computer. Would it be all too difficult to install the video card if I find some handy instructions online?

So, the gist of my question is: what is the better choice? Will the more expensive converter provide reliable/better video, or will the cheaper video card be the better alternative? Or have I got my options all wrong, and if so, are there any other options I'm not thinking of? I basically would like to strike an ideal balance between cost, video quality, and ease of use.

Hivemind, please come to my rescue!

I am an Audio/Video/Graphics designer looking for the proper machine for multi-media production. Please help me find the right components I need. ANYTHING BUT DELL!

bostonhill — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:39:45 -0800

I am an Audio/Video/Graphics designer looking for the proper machine for multi-media production. Please help me find the right components I need. ANYTHING BUT DELL please! My second Dell machine recently crapped out on me (XPS 600) so needless to say I'd like to battle Michael Dell till death but I'll spare you with my hatred for anything Dell related.

These are my primary tools I use on daily basis for various productions:

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Audition
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Lightroom
Propellerheads Reason 4.0

As you can see, I spend a lot of time rendering various footage material from my clients along with Premiere and After Effects along with audio creation which requires a high-quality audio card intended for musicians.

I don't know much about customizing machines and which brand to trust but I do know that I need at least 4 gigs of memory, a fast processor and a high quality audio card for music production. (I also know that I have to get Vista whether I want to or not, and since most programs I use only support 32-bit, I can't really go for a 64 bit Vista)

Given the programs I listed and my desire for fast rendering and high quality audio production, which audio cards/processors would you recommend?

I am leaning toward HP m9200t series

Much thanks in advance to all!

How do I price tag on my booty?

lou — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:45:08 -0800

Who sets how much old and collectible video games are worth? How do they know? (examples with Monkey Island inside) I wonder if the answer is somewhere along the lines of "they charge whatever people are willing to pay for it" but sellers don't act in a vacuum. There's got to be some feedback for whether a game is worth $50, or $100, or they wouldn't know what to put on the price tag.

I'm wondering, because I noticed that my Monkey Island games are worth a whole lot more than what I paid for them-- on Amazon, anyway. f you look at the listings for Monkey Island Madness even the *CD itself* is "worth" just over $50. But is this just a case of sellers trying to gouge unsuspecting buyers, or a case of three clueless sellers following the lead of one unscrupulous one, or are people actually paying that much?? If I look on eBay, there's only one completed listing for this game and it didn't sell (granted they tried to sell it for $60)-- but the lack of postings don't look like there's really a huge market for them.

Similarly: why is the original Curse of Monkey Island just under $30 while the re-release is nearly $100? I thought originals were worth more than re-release copies? (I have the original one.) Again, are people actually paying $100 for this?

...and Monkey Island 2 for $85? I also have this! And the price, like all the rest, looks too good to be true!

Which all brings me to the generic question, for future reference: Is there a kind of "blue book" or price guide somewhere for old computer games/video games? Realistically, what is the best way to put a price tag on what my old games are really worth?

How can I edit a .DVR file from a CCTV surveillance camera?

mikeand1 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:41:10 -0800

How can I edit a .DVR file from a CCTV surveillance camera? I've been given a set of .DVR files that were created from a surveillance camera that is part of a closed circuit TV system.

I have an ActiveX application (Witeye) that can view them, but I'd like to edit them. Or, convert them to a format that can be edited.

I've spent quite a bit of time looking on the Web for a program, but I haven't found anything yet. Any help?

If I were to sneak a third question in the title, it'd be about where to hide a fourth one...

history is a weapon — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:05:35 -0800

[computerpurchasefilter] Okay, I'm going to buy not one, but two computers in early February and I need some advice. I know this question has been asked before, but the market has changed a bit recently and I need to know for now. I want a cheap laptop that can run text edit and surf the internet and a macpro for under a 3k. The Laptop) I'm tempted to get an Asus; I want to be able to do whatever I want on go the internet, surf wirelessly, ftp to a website, and use text edit. I'd love to spend 300, but I want to know if I should just get the cheapest dell, hunt for a used ibook, or go asus.

The Macpro) I render video and 3d stuff for my work and projects (c4d, final cut, After Effects), and I want to get a mac pro. Ideally, I'd like to spend less than 3k. What's the correct juggle between processor speed, the total number of processors (4 versus 8), and RAM? For the kind of work I do, does it make sense to get more slower processors and buy a bunch of install-myself ram or should I get minimal Ram, and the fastest processors, or what?

If you can relate to your own experience (as opposed to manufacturer's specs and ad copy), I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks yall.

TV Tuner Card

Aanidaani — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:27:14 -0800

I'm interested in buying a TV Tuner Card for my PC, but I don't know where to find good reviews. Does anyone have any recommendations for a cheap, decent-quality card that preferably comes with a remote? I'd like to buy a card that I can use to watch and record shows on my PC, with an S-Video input if possible. HD support would be a nice plus, but it's not necessary. A PCIExp-format card would also be desirable. Thanks!

Where can I get Leisure Suit Larry scripts?

mdbell79 — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:38:54 -0800

Is there anywhere online (or in book form, if necessary) that I could get the scripts for the Leisure Suit Larry games, specifically the first one?

Surveillance System Help

Raichle — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:34:30 -0800

I am looking for either high-resolution wireless IP cameras or Video Capture card recommendations and I have a few additional questions. Currently I have a 1 Ghz AMD Athlon comp with 512 MB of RAM running XP pro. This computer currently has a video capture card with 4 BNC cameras attached to it. I am looking to add 4 more cameras and not sure which way to go so I would like some recommendations for either way or products.

Question 1: Can I have 2 video capture cards in one computer without killing it.

Question 2: Can anyone recommend high res wireless cameras?

Question 3: Can anyone recommend an affordable capture card and some high res analog cameras?

Thanks!

I want to watch videos that are shared on my home network on my TV

disaster77 — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:21:42 -0800

I want to watch videos that are shared on my home network on my TV So, I was about to buy an Apple TV, thinking it was perfect for what I want to do, but I don't have a widescreen TV (I have a 29" sd tube TV). So I'm looking for a similar device so I can watch videos shared on my home network on my TV. Support for various file types would be best, but .avi and .mpg are necessary. Must be wireless too. Does such a thing exist?

My dad wants to turn his home movies into DVDs. Might win an Oscar, you can never tell.

IvyMike — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 22:49:56 -0800

What's the best Windows software package to edit video and create DVDs? My Dad's got a bunch of tapes from his JVC GR-D72U digital video camera. He has proven to me that can transfer the data into the computer, but the bundled software he has has never been very easy to use nor has it been reliable at being able to create DVDs.

What's the favored Windows solution at the moment? He doesn't need to do anything particularly fancy, but being able to cut scenes together, add music, put little "Happy Birthday" text on the screen, and create DVD menus from templates are probably all things he would want to do.

Also, keep in mind that the fewer times my dad calls me from two time zones away with crazy questions, the better. (I would normally provide support via VNC, but I suspect that won't work well during video editing.)

And yes, I know that one answer is "Get a Mac and iMovie", but that's out of the question for now. Maybe next time.

Sudden problem encoding video

ascullion — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:05:16 -0800

I regularly use ffmpeg to encode videos (from mpeg2 to mpeg4) for my ipod. I've been doing this for nearly a year with no problems. Now, every time I start an encode, my system is suddenly under a lot of pressure - I can't use any other application. If I go into the windows task manager and set the priority to 'below normal', all is fine again. Anyone have any idea why this change might have occured, or any idea how I can get around it (preferably without using task manager)? For info - i think this is a windows problem, rather than an ffmpeg problem. I suspect windows isn't allocating resourced properly anymore, for some reason. The same symptoms happen with other software sometimes - ffmpeg is just the one i use most.

How can I tag video files of my home movies?

Pastabagel — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 11:13:48 -0800

Help with tagging home movie video files, not DVDs. I have a number of home movies in avi files (captured with DV camera) and mpg files of friends families, trips, etc. I am looking for a way to tag these file with information about the video (people, places, descriptions etc), in much the same way that photo management software let's you tag photos.

I have searched for something to do this extensively, but have not found anything. Everything seems to be related to cataloging movies (i.e. Hollywood movies).

Ideally, it should be
1. free for Windows XP
2. save the tags and descriptions in the video file itself
3. have a decent user interface (like photoshop album or something similar)
4. small and fast memory footprint,

but given my inability to find anything, I'll take any workable solution.

If no such program is available, is there any software for writing to and searching the "keyword" or "description" meta data fields that Windows XP provides for all files that isn't necessarily specific to video?

I can save these tags in these fields now, of course, but I haven't found a way to search a group of files on these fields.