More Information Added
I’ve decided to add a Security/Online Storage listing because I think it’s quite important for people to secure their computers and backup their most important files.
Many malicious programs are handled by Microsoft and Apple but there are a multitude of software packages that help protect computers from malware, spyware and viruses. And if your computer fails because of these programs or a hardware issue, it’s always great to have backups of your content.
I’ve backed up documents, photographs and videos online on Google Drive and Microsoft SkyDrive, both of which offer free storage. And I’m currently considering getting more space for my future needs from a paid service.
By the way, you may already have access to the aforementioned free services if you have email accounts on either gmail, hotmail or yahoo. And Google currently offers 15 gigs storage for free whilst Microsoft offers 7 gigs and Yahoo offers 2 gigs storage for free.
DVD To Digital
I’ve just noticed a neat feature at Cinemanow Canada. A Disc to Digital conversion service that allows people to add their DVDs to their Ultraviolet accounts, either in standard definition or high definition.
The Disc to Digital menu option can now be found on their new player software, which is compatible with the latest Windows and Mac operating systems.
To add a title to their online collection all a person needs to do is to insert a DVD into their computer’s CD-Rom or Blu-ray player and click on a button to receive an option to purchase a standard definition version for $2 or high definition version for $5.
Individuals who have unlimited internet and stream HD movies now have a relatively cheap way to up-convert their DVDs. But it should be noted that this program is relatively new so the titles are limited and I’ve encountered a glitch that I’ve just emailed Cinemanow Canada about.
I don’t know if this happens to any other DVD or if it’s a glitch limited to my Windows 7 machine. But my Spider-Man DVD registers as being “burned” when it is actually an authentic DVD. I purchased it new from a major retailer.
Blu-ray discs are not yet supported. But I’m assuming they’re working on this. And many titles already have free Ultraviolet codes on them, though I recommend you redeem them as soon as possible because some of them have expiry dates.
Empire Theaters Conversion Delayed
Cineplex had planned to convert some of the Empire Theaters they purchased across Canada by labor day this year. But I have been informed by a customer service representative that it has been delayed because of a regulatory issue.
I will post updates to this blog on this a.s.a.p.
Where is Puretracks ?
Puretracks and several Puretracks powered sites appear to have gone down over the weekend.
My brother made me aware of this problem last Friday and I had assumed they were updating or were subject to a glitch. But I am still unable to access the sites as of 1 AM Eastern Time on September 3rd, 2013.
Complaints about the inaccessibility of the site also appear on the service’s Facebook page. But I have not been able to find much of anything else online.
They haven’t posted anything on their Facebook or Twitter account about an issue, though the latter has entries from the 30th of August that imply Puretracks is gone, allegedly from people in the company.
A new version of Puretracks had gone online on June 14th, 2013. But apparently customers weren’t satisfied with the new site according to several Facebook entries and I’m guessing that some of their customers were lured elsewhere with lower prices.
More and more cell providers are also offering unlimited streaming of music so I suspect Puretracks may be gone, though I have no confirmation of this other than a few rare scattered pieces of information on the internet.
I’ve contacted Pizza Pizza in regards to this issue because they seem to be having problems as well with chooseyoursongs.com, a Puretrack powered site where their customers can redeem Peel ‘N Win music downloads.
I will of course update this entry if I find something else.
UPDATE: Pizza Pizza has moved their Peal ‘N Win music download code redemption to Universal Music Group’s Getmusic.ca.
New Fee May Hurt Small Clubs
The Calgary Herold reported yesterday that new fees for international performers have been introduced on July 31st, 2013.
Non-Canadian musicians, technicians, sound engineers, crew members and tour managers may now be subject to a $275 fee, per person, per venue. This amount is added to the $150 work permit fee that most of these people are required to pay to work in Canada.
Prior to the introduction of this fee most bands were subject to a maximum of $450 to play Canada’s smaller venues. But now the fees have quadrupled for some international acts resulting in extra expenditures that will be passed along to consumers.
This new fee will also hurt new and upcoming international performers who have not yet gained enough of an audience in Canada to play the larger venues, some of which are tax exempt.
A petition against the implementation of this fee is available at change.org. Please consider signing this petition.
Thank You.
$10 off $50 Gift Card Offer
Select Rexall pharmacies are offering a $10 discount on $50 iTunes gift cards until August 22nd, 2013.
Please consult your local Rexall flyer for details.