Plex playback error

Recently I started experiencing Plex playback issues on my XBox One. As it turned out, I inadvertently (ignorantly) changed the Plex App’s Video => Maximum H.264 Level setting to 5.1.

FYI, the Plex app on XBox One only supports H.264 Level 4.0 and below, as documented here:

https://support.plex.tv/articles/203810286-what-media-formats-are-supported/

After I changed the setting to 4.0, all my videos encoded at >4.0 started playing again, my Plex server transcoding them in real time!

Random thought of the day

It occurred to me today, that being (financially) rich means having assets that generate income to sustain your livelihood. Being poor is having to perform other activities in lieu of having those assets. So, one’s financial goal in life shouldn’t be simply making more money every year, but rather acquiring income generating assets over time to become self-sustaining. In other words, don’t buy things unless they are going to generate income!

How to Cut and Paste files in OS X Finder

1. Command-C to place files/folders in Clipboard for copying
2. Command-Option-V to move those files/folders in Clipboard

Getting plot to work in Octave OS X installation

I am new to Octave, and when I attempted to plot something using the plot() function, I was getting this error:

gnuplot> set terminal aqua enhanced title "Figure 1"  font "*,6" dashlength 1

                      ^

         line 0: unknown or ambiguous terminal type; type just 'set terminal' for a list

After some Google search and experimentation, here's the solution I found to work. You need to edit "octaverc" file in the following path:

sudo vi /usr/local/octave/3.8.0/share/octave/site/m/startup/octaverc 

(FYI, I have the version 3.8.0 above, so yours may be installed in a different folder.)

In that file, add this line at the end:

setenv("GNUTERM","qt")

Save the file, and that GNUTERM environment variable will be set every time you run octave. This works for OS X Maverick.

Others have also reported the following to work (instead):

setenv("GNUTERM","X11")

I suspect that works for folks who installed XQuartz, which is an X11 implementation for OS X that is no longer included in more recent versions of OS X.

Roy

My review of Pioneer AVH-4000NEX, Concept CFD-135 and TT-CC17

I upgraded my family minivan's entertainment system last month, and I decided to write up reviews of all components used.  If you are interested in upgrading your car, check it out and let me know if you have any questions.

• Review of Pioneer AVH-4000NEX 2-DIN DVD Receiver
• Review of Concept CFD-135 Ceiling-mounted LED backlit 13.3" LCD monitor with HDMI and DVD player
• Review of TT-CC17 Waterproof Color CMOS Car License Plate Frame Mount Rear View Backup Camera with 8 IR LED Night Vision

Roy

How to fix iPad no sound issue

I ran into a weird issue, where I wasn't getting any sound in some apps like Hooked on Phonics and Sky Fish.  I tried reinstalling those apps, quitting all other apps, etc. as some suggested, but they didn't work for me.

Then it occurred to me, that some software may not have been written correctly to work with the Lock Rotation / Mute switch; what if the developer assumes the switch is only used for Mute?  I decided to test out that hypothesis, so proceeded to my Settings screen, changed my current selection back to Mute (which is the iOS default), and Voila, it worked!!!

What's more interesting, is that once the "problem was fixed", I was able to go back to the Lock Rotation setting, and vice versa, and those apps were no longer having issues.  So, I am thinking that there could be some bug in the iOS - possibly with its Restore feature, as this iPad was recently restored from its iCloud backup - that is not properly setting some of the internal bits regarding the sound device availability (whatever that's linked to the Lock Rotation / Mute physical switch);  it's possible that that switch was on the Mute position when it was restored (but then why didn't other apps have issues?).

Anyway, I hope this is helpful to those having a similar issue.

Roy

iMicro USB Digital Speakers

iMicro USB 2.0 Digital Speakers - packaging is rather cheap looking and purely functional

Motivation for USB digital speakers

For replacing my desktop computer with my new MacBook Pro, I wanted to be able to switch in-and-out quickly between "mobile mode" and "desktop mode" (monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, headphones, CF card reader, USB HDD, etc).  And while MacBook Pro has a great set of speakers - it really does - they can't really work that well while it's closed.  I also did not want to plug in a 3.5mm audio jack when I went from my desktop mode to mobile mode, and vice versa.  So, I began searching for a set of USB speakers.

I always liked the idea of digital speakers as it eliminates another source of noise (A/D conversion).  I suppose cheap digital speakers may do a poor job of converting the digital signal into solenoid motion, ultimately resulting in poor sound reproduction.  It is probably also true that speaker manufactures have been doing what's humanly possible to produce best sound out of analog signals for the last 100 years or so, and yes it's probably true you aren't likely to find "high-end digital speakers".  With that said, I'm not one of those audiophiles insisting on being able to hear the tiniest artifacts and distortions, so my experience with iMicro USB 2.0 Digital Speakers may or may not be what you expect.

USB Speaker Choices

While researching my options, I was really surprised how few choices you have when it comes to USB speakers.  I remember buying a USB Plantronics headset back in 2007, and that's when USB audio was a couple of years old.  Fast forward 6 years, when it comes to USB digital audio devices, what I find most is "USB powered" speakers, mostly intended for notebook computers; they still require a 3.5mm connection.

So, you basically have two choices: iMicro USB 2.0 Digital Speakers (~$10) or Logitech S150 (~$15).  Honestly, I think the iMicro speaker look pretty ugly.  Fortunately it's at least black so it blends in against my dark desktop.  While I did think the Logitech S150 looked 1000% nicer, I saw lots of Amazon reviewers stating how terrible its sound is, not to mention its tiny sound.  On the other hand, everyone seems to love the iMicro USB 2.0 Digital Speakers for its rich and loud sound, so I decided to give it a shot instead.

Out of its box, they still don't look that great... ok looks pretty "cheap" altogether

So how well does it work?

As you can see in the photo above, the build quality of speakers is pretty low.  They are constructed with a fairly low-grade plastic, and it's really not a high quality craftsmanship or anywhere near it.

Fortunately, that's where its downsides end.  Of course, installation is dead simple, with the USB being the only interface requirement (i.e. no AC adapter or 3.5mm jack!).  By the way, this is plugged into a USB 3.0, which is backward compatible with USB 1.0 and 2.0 devices.  While this model is labeled "USB 2.0", I imagine it would also work without issues on USB 1.0 ports.

When plugged in, both Windows 7 and OS X (Mavericks) recognized it instantly, without a need for driver installation.  And in terms of sound quality, I am very satisfied with its music and movie playback.  There is a surprising amount of bass tone, and high frequency sounds seem very clear too.  By any standard, and for $10, this speaker is well worth it!

iMicro USB 2.0 Digital Speakers, while may not appeal to those with high sense of aesthetics, it is a good choice for those looking for USB digital speakers.  Functionally, it's been so far flawless, and it overall delivers good quality sound.  For those who are looking want an external, alternative speaker solution over notebook's built-in speakers, this is one product I can recommend at $10 price range... and frankly there aren't that many choices.  I would love to see more higher-end USB digital speakers in the market, and I'll grab one and review when one becomes available.  In the meanwhile, let me know if you have any questions on this model.

Roy

Disclosure: While I am not paid by anyone to write this review, I may be compensated if you purchase products through links on my blog.