So, Sonos released their new touchscreen controller (CR200), can someone explain to my why this is better than buying an iPod touch and using the free Sonos created application which is cheaper, has more functions, smaller and I suggest better looking. I submit that dedicated buttons and “instant on” are a boon but are those features really worth it?

Sonos controler CR200

I have been looking for a way to show pictures of the items for sale whilst browsing craigslist. There are a few products one can purchase but this post from www.ChadsAnswers.com; offered me the solution:

Download and install Firefox

Install Greasemonkey

Install this script

Restart Firefox and browse Craigslist!

regularly type the same emails and phrases, I found the “Texter” application on Lifehacker.com. It allows me to create a phrase such as:

..sig

When i type ..sig [Tab] it automatically enters my signature and contact information for my emails. Texter works anywhere though, I also use it for internet pages and MS Word documents.

I wanted a weather plugin for Windows 7 Media center but could only find old MCE 2005 style plugins, until I uncovered the very slick Heatwave. There are both x86 and x64 versions available. It was created by MCExtended on The Green Button forums but the links I found on there don’t seem to work so please use the Heatwave link via Hack7MC.

I added MKV container support to my Media Center by follow this guide from the fantastic guys at Hack7mc.

I also found a very simple tool to remove some of the panels from the media center start menu. Thank you Mikinhosoft.

After browsing through Lifehacker’s Pack 2009 (some of which I use, some of which I would never use and others I didn’t know about), I stumbled upon a very neat little program called ‘Everything’ search. I like it. It searches as quickly as I can type, far better than Microsoft’s effort. I haven’t figured out if or how it can index any of my network drives though.

Apparently Sky has done a deal with Microsoft to allow its Sky Sports content (DVD Quality) to be available to XBox 360 users in the UK. As an Englishman in California, being able to watch Premiership football (soccer) and rugby would be fantastic. Unfortunately, reports suggest that it will only be available to UK subscribers, though via “live party” one might be able to share with another over seas!

Here are some photos of the Sky Player in action on the Xbox 360.

Here’s a question: I originally created my live/hotmail account in the UK and have been denied the use of Netflix in the US due to my UK account, will I be able to watch Sky Sports in the US with my UK account?

Here is the BBC article

For quite a while I have been attempting to build my idea of the ultimate Media Center. I should point out that I do not require music integration. I have, for many years, been using products from Sonos and am delighted with them. Thus far via many installs, re-imagings and many hours have experimented with various operating systems and software:

First Post! – God! I hate that!

Anyways…

I spend a lot of time tinkering with technology, making it work better for me (and breaking it). Many people ask me questions so I am going to post the ideas, technology and modifications I am working on to make my life and sometimes others better or at least more connected.