Bring New Life to Your IPod

There are many methods that are used to hack and mod iPods and in this article we will examine three popular methods: iPod Linux, Rockbox and iPod wizard. Each one requires some technical understanding to insure proper usage and installation. The reason for this is because during the installation process, serious problems may occur if it is not done with care. The iPod may be ruined, the data can be lost, and it might be difficult to recover the iPod.

Mods and hacks for iPods expand the usability of the device and give added customization. The MP3 playlist is not that complete, or if one is not satisfied with the way artists or the titles of the songs are organized. Sometimes the volume is too low or you wish to install a different icon or font. These are just a few of the potential complaints a person can list toward their iPod.

iPod Linux and Rockbox are operating systems which can work as another firmware for the iPod and are more powerful compared to other hacks which simply represent a modified version of the basic ones. This will mean that users will be given the ability to give their iPod a totally different look, thanks to a wider range of customization options, or by adding a new theme to the device. But this also allows for additional changes since possibilities arise for new text document creation, new games, new playlist organization, video playback, and so on.

Also these additional operating systems are constantly updated allowing for the latest version to be installed. However, using a new operating system to hack the iPod like iPod Linux for example means you must first be aware of the challenge it offers not so much in terms of its usage, but mainly for its installation since it replaces your iPod's original firmware.

Using Rockbox as an operating system is not that dissimilar from the Linux one. Aiming at providing even more high quality updates and experiences, Rockbox may be considered one of the best operating systems which focus on improving audio performance by expanding audio format compatibility.

The increased audio format compatibility includes: FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, AC3, WMA, MP3/2/1, WavPack, Speex, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, ACC, Musepack, and more. Other unique feature includes speaking menus support which allows one to navigate the iPod blindly, plug-in support and advance audio tuning. Rockbox does not remove the original firmware on your iPod instead it is loaded via a boot loader. This makes the risk of installation much lower compared to iPod Linux.

The iPod Wizard is more like a modification utility than a totally different firmware. Itss basically used to work on the quality of the images, changing text, adding icons and its installation is not that challenging. Since this support is only about images and text, others mods exist which only deal with audio, and their focus for example is shifted to increasing the maximum volume perceived in the headphones.

There are many other hacks and mods which can give you added features you never thought possible on an iPod. From transforming your iPod into a remote control to playing the classic 3D first person shooter DOOM, to even just modifying the way your iPod looks on the exterior. If you're interested, explore the internet and discover the new abilities your iPod.

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Internet Video - Why You Have To Use It For Your Business

These days there is so much going on with video on the internet. I can remember back in my early days on the net when we had to limit a video clip to ten seconds or so and a tiny little frame (160x120) because anything more would take forever to download on a dial up connection. I used to go to the Real Networks convention every year to find out what the latest codec was for making video better for streaming. (I don't even know if they even do that anymore, seems they are more in the music biz these days)

It all seems sort of funny now, spending all those hours editing and encoding tiny little ten second clips of some video for the web. Now days anyone can load any amount of video up to the web for viewing by everyone and it does not even have to cost you anything. Internet video has come of age and then some.

One of my early web sites ended up costing us more money than planned just because we filled up the company server with so much video that they had to buy more servers which were expensive in those days. NOW you don't even have to host the video yourself or pay anything for it. With all of the video sharing sites in the market you can serve your video up in many different places (think links, think social).

It really is quite amazing when you think about it.

Now to the point. You must use video in your business. It is essential these days. It works.

AND it is easy to do and cheap to produce. Trust me here. No longer do you need to be from Hollywood to do video for the web. Now to avoid it being pure garbage you should spend at least a little time in the planning and execution of the video but never the less you can get video that promotes your business on the web very easily.

The easiest thing to do is to take your product and do what we call a screen capture recording with a voice over. Basically you walk the customer through a tour of your product while capturing the screen on video. There are a variety of tolls to do this with ranging from the free to ones that cost $250. Camtasia at $250 is at the high end but man does it rock in terms of options, ease of use and quality output. On the other end is CamStudio (camstudiodotorg) which is free and can do the basic recording.

Now for video recordings other than screen capture you can use your cell phone if it can record video, a camcorder with USB or Firewire connections to make simple live recordings of you talking about your product. Customers like to see and hear you. It helps in their buying process. Trust me on this one.

Kevin Rockwell runs a successful internet based video and photo business and is one of the White Hat Guys Consulting Group which helps entrepreneurs learn how to quickly and easily launch their own profit pulling online business ASAP, on a shoe string budget.

Learn more about their free training program at White Hat Guys and you can learn more about digital video here.