Video converter util supports iPod, PSP

Forty-TwoDVD-VXPlus 3.0 is an update the software application that allows users to convert DVD Folders and video files to various formats (avi, mp4 ) including iPod and Sony PSP video. Version 3.0 is a complete rewrite that takes advantage of PPC and Intel architectures. It is also localized for English, French and Japanese. Version 3.0 adds conversion to iPod- and PSP devices, an all-new 'iApp-like' interface, several ready-to-go conversion settings, new input options, and better documentation. Users can transcode from DVD Folders, VOB, Mpeg1/2, (S)VCD images and some types of Windows Media Player and Video for Windows files. (Windows Media 9/10 WMA3/WMV3 codecs supported when Flip4Mac WMV is installed). Advanced settings allow users to set resolution, audio and video, high-quality settings and more. The full version is $20, while upgrades are $10.

New utilities allow more iPod functions

To answer some problems addressed by iPod owners, several companies have released utility programs to aid iPod users in downloading, uploading, and storing files with iPod. Many iPod users find that they cannot store music in multiple music libraries with iTunes, and cannot copy their music collection between their computers. Walter S. Mossberg reports that with available utilities and a few extra steps, these problems can be avoided until Apple fixes them from within iTunes. To use an iPod to copy music to multiple computers, Podworks ($8, Mac only), PodUtil ($18, Windows or Mac), and CopyPod ($20, Windows only) will work. Libra (free for Mac and Windows users, $10 registration fee) will allow the user to create multiple libraries and switch between them.

Users, not iPod, create hearing damage...

Some hearing experts are challenging the notion that iPods ar associated with hearing loss. Although hearing loss is on the rise in the US, hearing loss is a gradual process that takes years to take effect, which means that as a relatively new product, the iPod cannot yet be responsible for hearing loss. Hearing damage is another matter, though, with most iPod users wearing earbuds instead of noise-cancelling headphones. Many people who use portable music devices use the volue control to combat ambient noise-- traffic, lawnmowers, subways, crowds, etc.

iPod replacing university professors...

Many universities are now allowing lectures to be webcast and podcast, in turn causing concern over student attendance. Many professors had already been in the habit of posting lecture notes online, but many students now decline to attend lectures they can access in detail online. Indiana's Purdue University now podcasts 150 courses for students to peruse at home or carry on their iPods. For some students, the online video and audio files help to relieve them from time constraints due to jobs, personal issues, and other schoolwork.

iPod survival lessons offered in UK

Selfridges--an upscale London department store--is set to offer iPod usage lessons to its customers who are apparently "baffled" by Apple's digital media player. The tutorial is roughly 40 minutes in length, and will cost attendees £65 for the session. A short distance away, customers are already attending workshops and sessions focusing on how to use an iPod, offered by Apple's Regent Street Store. The one-on-one sessions entitled "iPod Survival" will begin later this month, and will be available either in-store or via home-visits, according to a report from Techtree News. The lessons will cover topics such as basic iTunes and iPod usage, downloading podcasts, and transferring songs or videos.