July's meeting was jumpin'

This month's theme was audio-visual.

Mainly, Rik shared how to how to RIP DVD's to your computer...and to the Apple TV Box (which costs about $230. for 40 Gig size, or a larger size for more). The Apple TV can house many movies for safe-keeping and viewing later. He showed us how to use Popcorn, FastMac, and the Handbrake program and how long it can take to do this depending on the variables. These can extract and burn (copy) the file onto a DVD, onto your computer, or onto the Apple TV. Also explained the free 'MacTheRipper' program which is quite fast. It can extract commercial DVD movies to your hard drive, minus all the copy protections and region controls put in place by DVD publishers. One should be sure to 'choose' a region when doing this. It's possible to use the various tools (FastBrake or Popcorn or FastMac) then to burn the movie back to DVD-R for use in DVD players, or convert the movie to different formats for playback with a variety of devices. Apple TV also allows one to rent movies through it (after 30 days they go away). Also shows TV Networks, EBooks ?, buy iTunes songs, stream videos from iTunes. Found that many movies/songs can be free in iTunes and they change each Tuesday! Rik also demonstrated Photo Booth which is an application created by Apple using a built-in iSight camera (or one you buy) to also show yourself talking through ICHAT....maybe through Email?. It's possible to take a picture with a certain special effect, such as Bulge or Colored Pencil (see effects list below). These effects are chosen before you take the picture, and the preview shows the effect already applied. Along with your WebCamera, its most helpful to have a flexible FireWire stand for it (about $20.). Would be a FUN tool for the grandkids and me. - Carol

Thanks for the thorough summary, Carol! Those of us who couldn't attend appreciate your good note-taking!