A Trio of Useful Gizmos

Do you have trouble getting reception from your radio (and I mean an old-fashioned kind)? Interested in transferring your old VHS tapes to DVD? How about a cool, new USB hub that will connect to two PCs simultaneously? Those are the three products for this week's newsletter, as well as three neat time killers for Dig This.

The radio transmitters are less than four miles from my house and I see them every day when I walk the dogs. But without line of sight, trying to get a signal from them is hopeless.

I found a solution that works perfectly.

A few months ago, I tried Terk's AM/FM Amplified Stereo Antenna. It's an indoor, amplified antenna and I was skeptical that it'd work. But it exceeded my expectations. There are radio stations I'd never been able to pick up in stereo; others just didn't come in at all. The AF-1 pulled them all in giving me crystal-clear sound.

It took just minutes to install. All I did was connect the antenna to the radio's 75-Ohm antenna output, and turn the narrow band tuning and gain controls until I got good reception. And even as a function over form-type guy, I have to admit -- the 6-inch-tall antenna looks sharp. You can get one for a little over $40.

Dig This: The Real Group is very entertaining. They remind me a little of Manhattan Transfer. Listen to them sing the Five-Song Medley and don't miss it when the lead singer imitates an instrument. It's at about 3:17 minutes. And here's a video of the group working impromptu. Watch the beginning for the setup and skip past "Yesterday" until they start doing pseudo-opera at 2:40 minutes. [Thanks, Gus.]

Last fall I told you about a gizmo I use to transfer videos from my old VHS tapes onto DVDs. The product I used was Honest Technology's VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe, which connects to your PC's USB port and makes simple work of grabbing video from your camcorder, TV, VCR, or DVD player. The model I tried a year ago was missing one thing: the ability to convert cassette tapes and long-playing records to DVD.

Honest Technology recently released VHS to DVD Deluxe version 3.0 ($80). The new model has a slew of valuable features. The software now supports Microsoft Windows Vista and handles WMV, PSP/iPod, and MP3 formats. There's an audio recorder feature that lets you convert analog audio from tape cassettes and LP records into MP3 files or directly onto CDs. You can also burn onto dual-layer DVDs or audio CDs.

Unfortunately, it's still missing something I think is critical: The software doesn't have filters for removing the hissing, pops and crackles inherent to LPs and cassette tapes.

Before you considering buying VHS to DVD Deluxe, I recommend you read the user manual and grab a trial of the program from Download3000.com.

BTW, if you're interested in transferring your LPs, take a look at an ancient article I wrote called "LP to CD--Music Soothes Savage Bass." The column's old (and so am I), but aside from a couple of products that have new versions, it's still a valuable read. Ditto for "Going Digital."

Dig This: Do you have any idea what's holding up your cursor? I think you'll be quite surprised. Go to 1-click to find out. Make sure to move your cursor quickly and double-click every so often.

Picture this: seven devices connected to one USB hub. So far, no big deal. Now picture two computers, say, a desktop and notebook, both attached to the same hub. And here's the cool part: The hub has a switch over each port that lets you toggle individual USB devices between the two PCs.

I think it's a neat idea because I'm able to use any USB device--a flash drive, external USB backup, printer, mouse, whatever--without the hassle of unplugging the USB devices. The 7 Port Buddy Hub costs about $30. (BTW, despite what it says on the site, the hub is USB 2.0 compliant.)

Dig This: Have you ever heard a mockingbird outside your window? It's the bird that sings mostly at night and mimics other birds. The superb lyrebird goes one better by imitating, with eerie accuracy, everyday sounds, such chain saws, car alarms, and well, just listen and be amazed.