Evolution of TV and Entertainment

Posted on December 4, 2011 by

Posted in Media Center, Movies, Tech, Television, Uncategorized, Windows 7, Windows Media, Windows Media Player, Windows Vista, Work, Xbox, Xbox LIVE, XP Media Center, Zune | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HowTo: Put Virtual Santa in your Window for Christmas

Posted on November 24, 2011 by

(Ed. Note: When I first posted this in 2009, I had no idea how popular it would become.  For 2011, I’ve updated the content to reflect updates and new options in the market.) (Ed. Note 2: Thanks to Techradar for naming our Yule Log Visualization for Windows Media Player one of the Top 60 free apps for Windows at #4) (Ed. Note 3: In 2011, I replaced the FM Transmitter with the CZH-05B from Amazon.com. This is highly recommended over the C.Crane and is worth every penny.

Virtual Santa Kit via Amazon.com

Seeing as we don’t have a large yard to run a Mannheim Steamroller over our neighbors, I went with something a bit more subtle and easier to set up.  The unexpected side effect is that kids throughout our neighborhood now think that Santa lives at our house!  Here is the result: With a few tweaks, your community can be treated to music and a message from Santa via a low-power FM transmitter.  All the details are below. Project ListTo create the effect yourself, here is what you need:

  • A window.  Just about any window will do.
  • The Complete Virtual Santa Kit or an old Projector and PC.  HD isn’t needed.
  • An old DVD player with ability to set playback to repeat.
  • A good FM Transmitter. I used a C. Crane Digital FM Transmitter but updated in 2011 to this one worth every penny for power)
  • A white sheet to cover the window.  Avoid patterns.
  • Black Scrim used for theaters or a sheet of the black garden weed blocker fabric from local hardware store

Step 1: Set up the Virtual Santa Kit (or Projector) The Virtual Santa Kit includes everything you need for projection.  If you’re going the homegrown route, I’m using an Optoma DS317 SVGA DLP Projector.  It has a great throw ratio and at 2500 lumens should be bright enough for neighborhood outdoor movies during the summer.  Don’t worry about fancy features- a standard-def projector will work with VGA input.  The trick is to get one with 2000 lumens or better.  Also look for ability to adjust keystone and reverse the image. Step 1: Set up the Projector I placed the setup on a small coffee table and made good use of the Windows 7 box to adjust the angle and do a quick alignment with the window: Step 1: Set up the Projector Step 2:  Prep the PC (or DVD Player) As you can see above, I decided to use a PC instead of a DVD player.  In this case, Windows 7 and Windows Media Player make an excellent choice if you’re going to change up your order, add custom music etc.  I set up the projector via the included VGA cable and have extended Windows Media Player to run on the projector as a second display.  You can set this by pressing [Windows Key] + P and choosing, “Extend” as seen below: Step 2: Prep the PC and FM Tuner Make sure Windows Media Player is set to run in full screen and move the mouse cursor back over to the main Windows display.  This will set the player controls to hide automatically and has the added benefit of making sure any alerts/notifications will not appear on the projector.  The last thing you want to do is ruin the illusion. Step 3: Prep the FM Tuner There are a number of FM tuning options available, however I strongly recommend against using a solution designed for in-car.  They’re just not powerful enough.  Be sure to read the comments on Amazon for the C. Crane Digital FM Transmitter and you should get tips on how to boostfor cars driving up to be able to hear your music.  If you’re eagle eyed, you’ll notice below that I’ve soldered a dipole FM antenna wire to the transmitter to improve the distance. Step 3: Prep the FM Tuner To figure out which station works best in your area, I recommend Belkin’s “My Best FM Stations” service. Just tap in your City/Zip/State and it will give you a number of options.  Be sure to try these out yourself. Step 4: Create a Custom Movie with your custom Virtual Santa Santa’s Symphonies is available as a digital download (MPEG-4) which plays fine with Windows 7 and Windows Media Player.  For Santa in the Window, there’s no music provided, but it’s easy to add your own – just use Handbrake to rip the DVD, add your favorite holiday music tracks with Windows Live Movie Maker or iMovie and save. Step 4: Create a WMP Playlist for your Virtual Santa  You”ll also notice that I have shuffle and repeat turned on on WMP.  Be sure to set repeat so the video can play indefinitely.  With Windows 7, the system is so stable I’ve let it run for an entire week without issue.  If you’re going the DVD route, burn a DVD with “loop” turned on via DVD Burner or iDVD. Step 5: Set up the Window “Screen” For the projection screen, I used a two-ply of a white sheet and the black scrim material as seen below.  The scrim adds a great deal of realism to the effect because it blocks out the high intensity “halo” effect many projectors create and increases the black levels in the video.  I just pinned up the scrim and the sheet behind it.  Take this picture to your local fabric store and they’ll be able to set you up (thank to my wife for contributing to the effort <g>). Scrim Material   Step 6: Fire up the projector, Create a Sign for the Yard and and delight the Kids Be sure to level and center the display.  You’ll also want to adjust the distance from the window so the scale of Santa is correct.  I use the WMP toolbar in full screen (seen below) to help center the video, then it automatically hides:IMG_7369 Remember to move the mouse cursor back to the main screen Be sure to put a sign on the yard with the FM Frequency you’re transmitting on and house and you’re ready to go! Looking for more project ideas?  Click the “Project” link at the top of the page. Happy Holidays everyone!

Posted in Funny, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Vista | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Sabbatical

Posted on July 25, 2011 by

I’m now about four weeks into an eight week sabbatical.  I’ve been pretty quiet about the time outside a few close friends because it seems self-serving to blurt out, “Hey look at me and how cool I get to go on Summer vacation”.  But a friend noted I was over thinking and should share what I’m up to with friends and family here.

The Decision
Nearly three years ago, my boss and VP shared a reward that is highly unusual beyond academia – the Microsoft Sabbatical. Officially known as the “Microsoft Service Achievement Award”, the goal is to give senior staff some time off to decompress, reflect, or pursue interests and bring insights beyond work.  I’ve held onto the award waiting for the right time to use it, postponing a decision.  Truth is, I’ve lost vacation time at the end of every year for the past five as I find it difficult to take the time off.

Sometimes work and personal life collide in a way you can’t imagine.  During AdWeek NY last Fall, I was speaking on a NextGen TV panel when my phone was going off like a hornet vibrating in my pocket.  I stepped off the stage, and into a nightmare.  Over the next two months my mother (at a young age) would suffer two strokes, a medically induced coma, intubation, and extended stay in ICU with multiple system failure and a jaunt through our medical system across three hospitals, and three rehabilitation centers, a loss of her motor skills and independence requiring relocation closer to family.  Thankfully through the combined help of family, friends, and amazing medical professionals she’s doing much better.

So in January my wife and I decided it was time to stop planning and “Just Do It”. My first challenge in planning is I don’t do well with, “Downtime”.  I need projects and goals I can set out that are largely measurable.  This is what I came up with:

  1. Reconnect with Family near and Far - Whether it’s building Star Wars Lego kits with my 8yo, celebrating my boys’ birthdays or teaching my sons the right way to do a cannonball off the diving board.
  2. Road Trip the Midwest to visit Family and old Friends – Go back to my University, tell my sons silly stories, catch up with old Professors/friends.  Visit my in-laws, nephew, and do a BBQ tour of Kansas City.
  3. Learn to Cook (Better) - I love BBQing, the laid back nature and the intensity of competition cooks that can earn six-figures touring the nation.  I’m hosting a class with friends organized with Konrad Haskins, KCBS Grand Champion, KING5 and HGTV featured chef, and owner of BBQ Institute.  People fly from Europe just to take his class, and I’m lucky have him in my back yard before he moves permanently to Texas.
  4. Host my Mom and Make Memories – After years of scheduling and medical challenges, she’s finally going to see where we’ve lived for nearly three years.
  5. Read more - I have a stack of Cormac McCarthy and some classic SciFi waiting for me,  too often back-burnered for the latest business books.
  6. Learn to Paraglide – A likely one-time activity negotiated with my wife in exchange for not becoming a single engine pilot.
  7. Get into my best shape yet - After picking up running a few years ago, I dropped 20lbs and have maintained but want to improve muscle tone a bit.
  8. Do an extended trip to Hawaii - The first week is family reunion, the second week with great friends right on the beach.
  9. Get PADI Certified for Scuba Diving - Finish my online courses and do my dives in Hawaii.

Observations so Far: My Top 5 Tips for a Good Sabbatical
 I found very little advice outside of Jeff Sandquist’s reflections when doing my research so here are my Top 5 observations for having a good sabbatical from the midpoint:

#1: Don’t Deny, rather Explore and Expand your Passions
Most friends I’ve spoken with equate a sabbatical with disconnecting  from tech.  In response I’ve joked that I bought this book, for my Kindle ;) .  But for me digital media is a passion point, one I’m enjoying trying new and old things I haven’t found time to play with otherwise, even competing products such as OSX Lion and games on platforms other than Xbox.   You’ll also find me on Twitter a bit more, and more accessible for coffee with old friends and co-workers but this is a small fraction as I’m planning, organizing and prepping many activities that have nothing to do with tech.

#2: Budget Time and Money Ahead
Work with your family to schedule time – family time, downtime, and be supportive of your spouse.  This is as much a reward for my wife who can go do Tae Kwon Do or get a mani/pedi without stressing over who will watch the kids.  For the big ticket items – airfare, hotels, course costs you have to be realistic and budget.  I have a spreadsheet I use for this purpose.

#3: Be Realistic
You’re not going into a chrysalis and going to come out a changed person.  But you should allow time to explore new ideas, perspectives and actively engage in introspection.  A sabbatical should not be a midlife crisis – rather a personal checkin and opportunity for a personal and professional tune up.

#4: Spend some time Giving Back
It’s been important to me that I look back on this as a productive time for others as well. I’m involved with some non-profits including the Capt. Jason Dahl Fund volunteering with fundraising activities to benefit deserving students pursuing a career in aviation.  I’m also finding time to give blood – as a universal donor I try to do this as often as I can.

#5: Get out of town for some, but not all of the time.
The feeling of walking through your front door and being home brings a level of appreciation for everything you have.  We’re doing it twice – the first time was with our trip to the midwest and again with Hawaii.  Even the kids have been more appreciative (and polite!) since returning home to their friends and their own beds.  Conversely you have to get out and explore a bit outside your home zone for an extended period to really start exploring new perspectives.

I’ve been good and only checking in once with my assistant at work against my boss’ orders to stay disconnected.  I’m deeply appreciative of this time off and what it’s already meant for my family and for the amazing team I have that enables peace of mind during the time off.  I can’t wait for the next chapter!

(Ed. Note: Fixed some dates and typos from a previous draft)

Posted in BBQ, Blogging, Diversions, Family, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Future of Interactive Brand Engagement is Here (on Xbox LIVE)

Posted on May 1, 2011 by

imageThis morning I came across a great Op-Ed by Mark Suster of GRP Partners entitled, “The Future of Advertising will be Integrated” (via TechCrunch).  The piece compelled me to break with tradition here on the site and respond. He notes, “[The] future of helping make the ad industry more measurable (and more online) I believe will be one of helping make ads both authentic & integrated. Trying to relegate ads to the least intrusive real estate of our computers is missing the point. Advertisers pay for efficacy.”  This is an interesting discussion that spans multiple screens.  I’ll offer up a case example of where the industry is getting the balance right on the TV – Xbox LIVE.

As background, my team is responsible for the Platform and Products that deliver brand engagement on Xbox LIVE and online properties including MSN Games and Games for Windows LIVE Messenger.  We connect brands with an audience of over 30M Xbox LIVE members via engagement on the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, as well as curated in-game experiences.

Over the past five years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our brand business, with big names engaging the community including Porsche, HP, Kia, Sprint, Red Bull, Hershey’s, P&G, T-Mobile, Unilever, and a broad swath of entertainment publishers.  If you’re unfamiliar with the experience, when you turn on an Xbox 360, you’re brought into the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, in effect a homepage on your TV split into Channels vertically and programmed “Tiles” horizontally, presenting easy discovery and navigation:

Ford_ExampleEach Tile is selectable, presenting content such as game downloads or experiences like NetFlix, Avatar Kinect, and Facebook.  Some of these tiles however present brand-associated content and when selected, enter a microsite purpose-built for the Xbox LIVE community and brand.  This, “In-Dash” promotion represents an intersection between traditional TV “Brand” advertising, and more engaged Digital advertising on the Web.

In a groundbreaking study done in partnership with IPG’s Mediabrands and neuroscience research company Emsense comparing traditional video to Xbox LIVE’s interactive approach, we’ve found that consumers react positively both in terms of cognitive engagement, unaided recall and emotional response.  For example, when compared to a generous 60 second video spot, the average duration of opt-in brand engagement among participants was over 298 seconds on Xbox LIVE:

Brand Engagement

And using Emsense’s unique bio-sensory measurement techniques, emotional response upon engagement with the brand jumps from 42nd percentile to 94th percentile:

Emotional Response

This is part of the reason we see standard click-thru rates (CTR) 100x higher than comparable display campaigns on the Web.  This isn’t by accident.  The reason it works is because of the principled approach we take to engaging with consumers in the stream on the Dash guided by three core principles:

1.  Invite, don’t Interrupt
At the top level in the dashboard on Xbox LIVE, engagement starts with an invitation, not an interruption in the content stream.  In the example below, programmed content and offers- subscription, transaction, and brand-funded all appear together.  More recent updates include the addition of the phrase, “Advertisement” under the branded tile as a means of clearly communicating to the consumer what they are seeing.   

2.  Reward the Consumer for their Engagement
A community member’s time is precious, as well as family and friends who are in the room.  So we want to create a clear sense of value exchange for the consumer – normally in the form of streamed or downloadable content – HD video, themes, gamerpics, “snackable” entertainment experiences such as polling or even gear for your Avatar as can be seen in the below example pairing Lowe’s with the NCAA Final Four, inviting consumers to download Avatar Gear, Free Content, and participate in polling: 

Lowes

Sweepstakes and prizing opportunities are also popular, as are LIVE “Game with Fame” events.  When brands bring celebrities into the mix, it’s a win for everyone as we recently saw when we worked with EA and Porsche, inviting users to race custom cars in Need for Speed against each other for a chance to win prizes and race head-to-head against legendary driver Hurley Haywood on Xbox LIVE.

3. Deliver Real Impact by Knowing your Audience
Brand metrics vary from medium to medium, with Xbox sitting in-between traditional TV Brand engagement and Digital display.  This is why we spend so much time on Ad Effectiveness Research with our partners.  For example, in the Porsche campaign for the launch of the Panamera, 75% of Xbox LIVE members who saw the promotion took a post-ad action.  19% said they visited a dealership, driving hundreds of thousands of consumers into the showroom through a mix of Xbox-driven social and multiscreen engagement:

Panamera ExamplePorsche and MS Tag

It’s not just automakers – The History Channel’s recent promotion of the special “WWII in HD” found 60% who saw the campaign tuned in- that’s over 1.6M viewers driven from Xbox LIVE. 

From a product design perspective, we take a principled approach that recognizes we are stewards of the Xbox community first and foremost.  For example, the work we’ve done with brand integration with Kinect for Xbox 360 focuses on the authenticity and magic of the experience through gameplay and select brand promotion in the Kinect Hub.  But that’s a topic for another post.

These are just a few examples of the performance we’re seeing multi-nationally with agencies adding Xbox LIVE as a part of their media plans.  The Xbox LIVE in-stream approach isn’t right for every medium. But as the industry debates the future of advertising and consumer engagement on the TV, I look to what the team is doing on Xbox LIVE and think, “The future is already here”.

(Ed. Note: This post is a departure from my normal musings in Digital Media and reflects my past five years of work with Media & Entertainment platforms and products. Feedback and suggested topic areas are welcomed).

Update 1: Fixed headline and my reaction to Mark’s OpEd in first paragraph.
Update 2: Fixed missing quote.  Welcome to Techmeme readers

Posted in Blogging, Rich Media, Tech, Television, Work, Xbox, Xbox LIVE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Top 10 Tips for building your own Windows Media Center PC

Posted on April 16, 2011 by

(Disclaimer:  I used to work on Windows Media Center however all of the following statements are my own opinion.)

Back in ‘09 when Windows 7 was being tested, I built a custom Windows Media Center box for our home theater.  The box needed to be quiet, compact, and rock-solid stable.  I also wanted a solution that had multiple tuners and could support CableCard.

In the ensuing two years, the little box (seen lower-left below the TV) has seen many updates, upgrades, and changes.  I just looked at the reliability monitor and it was peaked out at “10” reliability for months.  This wasn’t an accident so here are my tips & tricks for building a rock-solid  Windows Media Center Home Theater PC.

  1. Visit TheGreenButton.com and learn. Learn from the community, read up on the latest news, software, hardware configurations.
  2. Use an Intel Processor.  It doesn’t have to be the fastest.  Mine is a dual-core E5200 that was going for $60 if you can find them online.  For the best performance, I would go with a Core i5 so you have the headroom.
  3. Use an Intel Motherboard with integrated Video. There’s plenty of debate on this one however I’ve consistently found that a paired Intel Proc and Motherboard deliver a rock-solid solution.  Get one with built-in video capabilities (a G45 chipset or greater), HDMI and S/PDIF Optical digital outputs. This will give you sufficient horsepower to do 1080p video with the latest drivers.  For a while, the drivers weren’t mature enough and there were problems.  I had a discrete half-height board in for a while but that also had some driver issues.  Intel does a really good job of keeping on top of video quality-related driver fixes IMO.
  4. Use an Intel Solid State Drive (SSD) for your main drive. With no moving parts, completely silent performance that tears through data, this was the most expensive upgrade and most completely worth it.  It truly turns Windows into a CE-class device on a performance basis.  Use a BIG, high performance hard drive for your content storage and you’re set.
  5. Get a Ceton InfiniTV Tuner. This board is fantastic. I’ve used Silicon Dust and ATI tuners as well, but the Ceton board gives you 4 tuners and a fantastic set of tools for diagnostics. Really well engineered and supply chain issues are fixed with a slight revision to the board. It’s now available on Amazon.com.
  6. Get the latest INF and Drivers. Windows Update will do a great job getting you drivers, but start with the Intel INF and Chipset drivers,  and set Microsoft Update to autopilot. 
  7. Go direct with HDMI. The biggest issues I had were related to my Denon AVR which had some handshaking issues.  It has problems with other components too so  I plugged the HDMI cable into the TV, and the S/DIF cable (Toslink) into the receiver and it’s rock-solid.
  8. Don’t install beta. This is going to be hard.  You will read on TheGreenButton about great software and you should download and install this, just not on your HTPC.  Install it to your Windows 7 desktop and play with it there.  I have a SiliconDust dual-QAM tuner in my network closet just for this reason.
  9. Don’t install 3rd Party Software. This is an intervention.  Yes, this is going to be tough. Sure, there’s this amazing new codec that enables you to do Q, that new transcoding plug-in that does Z to remotely play to your yDevice. Very few of these apps are well built in my experience.  The ones that have been around a while (e.g. MyMovies) should be fine, but the only add-on I have is Blu-Ray software (Cyberlink) which frankly still does a really poor job on user experience but reduces the number of components needed.
  10. Get a UPS. This was the only reason the little box has gone down.  I had a bad battery in my Uninterruptable Power Supply which knocked my reliability down in pesky power outages.

My system specifications:

Hope that helps.  Feel free to share your configuration, tips or tricks too!

Posted in Uncategorized