Archive for October, 2007
Torn between two codecs
Oct 27th
Well, I’m trying to decide if I should convert all my wmv (windows media) files over to flv (flash movie) files. I know this is just a techie decision, but it’s bugging me.
There are pros and cons to converting:
Pros:
1. More compatability. I can play flv’s right on the Wii, and by simply downloading Adobe flash player on a Linux box. (No Microsoft codecs required.)
2. I can “force” 16×9 by modifying my config file, but that’s also a con–all my videos go to 16×9, including the ones that are really 4×3. (So everyone looks fat.)
3. I like the flv player.
Cons:
1. The quality seems to be a little worse than wmv. Things are a little blockier…
2. The file sizes are bigger too. For a resolution that is close (320×240) the file size jumps about 15%.
3. I can click anywhere in the timeline in the wmv and it will just start “buffering” at that point. The flv will only play what’s been downloaded.
So, I’m stuck… Do I sacrifice a little quality and convenience to get the benefit of compatability? Stick around to find out.
- Posted by MobiBlogr from mobile phone.
A Long Wiikend
Oct 8th
Ryan celebrated his sixth birthday last week and we had his party on Friday night.
He made out pretty well for his birthday. His best present was a Nintendo Wii. That’s been a big hit. We got Wii Sports, Wii Play, Carnival Games, and MySims.
So far, the most fun game is the one bundled with the console, Wii Sports. The tennis and bowling have been especially fun, and so far we’ve been pretty faithful about doing our Wii Fitness every day. (I just got a 23 today, thank you very much!) The boxing is still a little difficult, but I’m getting the hang of the golf. I’ve done reasonably well with the baseball, but not perfect.
I played just about every game in Carnival Games the other night, and it was fairly fun. There’s not a ton of replay value in playing the actual carnival games over and over again but they are pretty fun the first time through. Wii Play is a little difficult for younger kids since you have to be pretty exact with the controller. MySims resembles the popular Sims games but plays at a level appropriate for kids. I played it a little earli
er today and enjoyed how simple it is to build things. I like the Sims games in general and wanted to give this one a chance. I’ll report more later.
Ryan had a “Superman” themed birthday party complete with SuperCake. He had plenty of friends and family attend his party.
The Mountaineers finally got back on the winning track on Saturday by beating Syracuse 55-14. Sometimes it just depends on which team shows up, I guess.
