31 May 2004

Last Post?   No, this weblog is just being transferred to http://criticaldistance.blogspot.com  effectively immediately. I can't update this weblog while I am on the move. Shame, but time to move on to a place where it is possible. Jonathan Marks 10:02:55 PM    comment []

Japanese viewers upset over DTV taping restrictions In harbinger of what’s to come in the United States, Japanese TV viewers are expressing outrage over measures implemented by NHK and private TV broadcasters to control the taping of digital television programs. On April 5, NHK and the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan began airing their programs with a special broadcast flag that allows only a single copy of the program to be made. Because programs that have been copied once cannot be duplicated or edited digitally, editing the programs via a PC has become impossible. In addition, the broadcasters’ move has made it necessary for viewers to insert a special user identification card, known as a B-CAS card, into their digital TV sets to watch programs. These duplication controls are being applied to digital TV programs aired by both digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasters. In the week after the measure was implemented, the Japan Times reported that NHK and private broadcasters have received more than 15,000 inquiries and complaints about the scheme. Many viewers say they have been deprived of their editing freedoms. With the Olympic Games in Athens coming up, mass retailers of home electronic appliances are stepping up their sales pitches for large-screen digital TVs. Hot-selling flat-screen TVs are priced at 300,000 yen or higher; the main buyers of these models are older people. The anti-copying controls have been adopted to protect broadcast copyrights, an NHK official said, adding, “easy violation of copyright would make movie and music copyright holders reluctant to provide their works and prompt actors and singers to refuse to appear on TV.” The posts and telecommunications ministry plans to terminate analog terrestrial and satellite broadcasting and have companies switch to digital broadcasting completely by 2011. 8:31:57 PM    comment []

To Quiet a Whirring Computer, Fight Noise With Noise. The constant drone of a computer cooling fan can be annoying. But tiny microphones and loudspeakers point the way toward quieter computers. By Anne Eisenberg. [New York Times: Technology] 8:25:34 PM    comment []

E-mail controls loom in Zimbabwe. When will Mugabe's reign of terror end? Internet service providers query a move by the Mugabe government to gain access to private e-mails. [BBC News | Technology | UK Edition] 8:24:39 PM    comment []

CIO: The Virtues of Chitchat. Michael Schrage. Different organizations have the opportunity--I would now say the obligation--to explore how best to marry this medium of expression with the insatiable need for better managing communication, coordination and collaboration with IT and its clients. [Tomalak's Realm] 8:23:39 PM    comment []

Wanted Broadcast Engineer Fit the description? JOB DESCRIPTION - BROADCAST ENGINEER Persons holding the position of BROADCAST ENGINEER are expected to possess the following skills and perform the duties listed herein: Data processing systems management. Purchasing and operation of telephone and office systems. A complete understanding of thermostats, their use, and the ability to create good analogies so non-techs can understand them. You must also be able to move heavy objects - especially fire proof file cabinets, safes, cases of promotional prizes, and boxes of computer paper. Must have knowledge of computer programming, drafting, building codes, landscape maintenance, pneumatics, hydraulics, accounting, and general office procedures, meteorology, and graphics design. Novell 3.X and 4.X, Windows server, Windows 2000, Windows XP knowledge. SECONDARY SKILLS AND TASKS INCLUDE: Woodworking and carpentry. Metal working and fabrication. Audio/visual equipment setup and repair, including overhead projectors, screens, and LCD computer panels. Machine tool setup and operation. Printed circuit board layout, fabrication and repair. Firefighting. Microwave theory and practice. Acoustics design and construction. Ability to develop and execute promotional events on short notice. Spot and promotion production techniques. Television and telephone repair. Lawn care. Experience in 2-way communications theory and practice. Diesel generator set knowledge. Board operator and air talent. Multi-track live mixdown. Complete knowledge of building construction, electrical codes, OSHA regulations and fire codes. Automotive electrical systems repair. Analog, digital, and microprocessor design and repair. Gas station attendant. Shoe repair. Cellular telephone theory and repair. Backup news director. Headphone re-re-re-repair. Office machine maintenance, repair, and unjamming. Dish washer detergent acquisition. Photocopy analysis. Clock and watch repair. First aid, including minor surgical experience. Office furniture purchasing, repair and moving. Image scanning and touchup. Coat hook installation and repair. Eyeglass maintenance and repair. Locksmithing skills. Automotive repair. Internet page design, mail routing, mail server, FAX server, and HTML programming. Database maintenance, knowledge of Ami-Pro, Approach, Freelance Graphics, Microsoft Office, Word, Access, Excel, Front Page, Lotus 123, Marketron, First Rate, Fox Pro, Arbitron Maximi$er, and Strata, CBSI, ENCO, Autiovault, Exchange, Netscape, Internet Explorer, PKZIP, Alphie Jr, Adobe Photoshop, Digital Camera operation. Satellite downlink installation, operation and repair. Photography and videography, and video editing, including camera repair. May be called upon for news and traffic reporting, production, and other cross training. Pest control. Voice over talent. Plumbing and flood control. Counseling, scouting, budgeting, and financial experience required. Installation, operation and maintenance of kitchen appliances. Invisible fence repair and installation. Garage door opener maintenance, repair, and installation. Air conditioning technician. Personal computer repair. Sink strainer repair, city map repair, fountain pen repair, piano repair, coffee pot technician, appliance purchase decision maker, staff policing. Experience required as a food service technician, electronic keychain repair engineer, repairing revolving emergency lights, palm pilot repair, bird removal, removing gum from keys, and banking/monetary exchange, chauffeur, map maker. Furniture construction, trash collection and removal, building and grounds maintenance. Concrete technician. You must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, and expect to wear a pager and/or cell phone EVERYWHERE, all the time, 24/7. You must be able to work 24 hours per day. THE ABILITY TO INSTALL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN BROADCAST EQUIPMENT WOULD BE HELPFUL. 8:20:05 PM    comment []

UK reviews effectiveness of Public Service Broadcasting UK Parliament has asked Ofcom, the communications regulator, to review the effectiveness of public service television broadcasting and to report on how it can be maintained and strengthened. This is the first phase of the review. It sets out initial conclusions about the effectiveness of broadcasting on the main terrestrial TV channels, and some initial views on how to maintain and strengthen the quality of public service broadcasting in a changing market. Interesting work http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/current/psb/summary/?a=87101 8:46:33 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2004 Jonathan Marks. Last update: 31/05/2004; 22:05:26.