TCF 2008 Activities and Events | Post TCF Talks and Forums information - New 4/28/08 | Press Release | Articles | Keynote Speaker | Banquet | Robotic and Electronic Contests | Professional Conference | Talks and Forums on 4/26 & 4/27 | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates, Hours, Directions, Transportation, Restaurants and Hotels | Downloads |

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About TCF | History of The Festival | Past Keynote Speakers | Videos | Hobbyist of the Year | Founders | Steering Committee | Sponsors

Prior Years Events

(TCF 2007) | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Poster Sessions | Banquet Speaker | Talks and Forums on Saturday | Talks and Forums on Sunday | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates and Location | Downloads

(TCF 2006) | Press Release | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Featured Speakers | Poster Sessions | Talks and Forums

Technology - Saturday April 26, 2008, Room SSB-128

10:15 am to 11:10 am
All About HDTV
Cass Lewart, Freelance writer

Abstract :

HDTV is another consumer electronic product where the public has little understanding about its optimal use and features. Cass Lewart will address: 1) The advantages and drawbacks of the three principal HDTV displays: LCD, Plasma and Projection. 2) How do they work? 3) Frequency allocation and modulation schemes. 4) What do numbers like 720p or 1080i mean? 5) How to hook up the HDTV to other A/V components. 6) Over the air, cable and satellite reception. 7) Are the networks cheating you? 8) HD recording to DVD and tape. 9) Using HDTV as a large monitor for your computer, and using your computer as an HDTV receiver and video recorder.

Bio :

Cass Lewart is an electrical engineer and a long time computer hobbyist. He is the author of 10 books and numerous articles relating to personal computers, database programming and data communication. His most recent book "The Ultimate Modem Handbook" was published by Simon and Schuster. He is also a recipient of the ACGNJ Computer Hobbyist of the Year award.

11:20 am to 12:15 pm
VoIP (Voice Over IP) Update
Joe Budelis, Persimmon Telecommunications

Abstract :

Is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the future of phone service? This presentation will address what VoIP offers and what it can do for you. VoIP history, especially what has been happening over the last year or so, plus the pros and cons of some current implementations will be discussed. Functionality, mobility, equipment needs and drawbacks will be addressed. At the very least, from this presentation, you will learn what to look for before you sign up for a VoIP service.

Bio :

Joe Budelis performed IT or Business consulting with such diverse assignments as Senior Financial Analyst, SAS Data Analyst, Business InfraStructure Manager and Data Base Administrator.? Currently, Joe assists businesses to find cost-effective Telecommunications solutions; primarily consulting on, and selling, such services as T1 and DS3 voice and data, high speed internet access and VoIP phone service.? For more information see his blog at http://persimmontelecom.blogspot.com/. Joe has a PhD from Harvard in Decision and Control.

12:25 pm to 1:20 pm
LP to MP3
David Ciotti, The College of New Jersey

Abstract :

David Ciotti review the various technologies for converting analog audio to digital audio with particular emphasis on the post popular system in use today, MP3.

Bio :

David Ciotti manages the electronics laboratory and provides electronics support for the School of Engineering at The College of New Jersey. He has been the Macintosh Technical support for Mercer County Community College and has taught Troubleshooting and Maintaining your Macintosh for CompuMaster.

1:30 pm to 2:25 pm
Using Technology to Lose Weight
John LeMasney, Consulting

Abstract :

Computers and the sedentary working style associated with them, are very often looked at as a major contributor to becoming overweight in this country. The more time we spend sitting in front of computers, for instance, the less time we typically spend being physically active. After losing over 100 pounds, John LeMasney will tell you that he personally could not have possibly done it without the help of technology by using some key web sites, applications, and devices. Come and let him share with you how technology helps to lose the weight, and how it helps to keep it off everyday.

Bio :

John LeMasney is a husband, father, artist, technologist, designer, poet, consultant and open source advocate living and working in New Jersey.

3:40 pm to 4:35 pm
Using Windows Vista Media Center to Capture and Enjoy Your Digital Content
Brian Johnson, Microsoft

Abstract :

Windows Media Center is now a standard feature in Windows Vista Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. This talk will introduce users to the Media Center technology and show how it can be incorporated into an individual's digital lifestyle. Topics to be cover include: 1) Using a Media Center from your Desktop, 2) Accessing web-based video and audio content from Windows Media Center, 3) Getting Media Center to your TV through your Xbox 360, and 4) Extending your Media Center with add-ins.

Bio :

Brian Johnson has been at Microsoft for 8 years, during which he has been a Programming Editor for Microsoft Press, a Content Strategist for MSDN, a Product Manager for Office for Mac, and is now an Enthusiast Evangelist for Developer and Platform Evangelism. Before coming to Microsoft Brian was Technical Editor of Microsoft Office and VBA Developer Magazine and was a columnist for Visual J++ Informant Magazine. The author of a number of books including Zune for Dummies, Xbox 360 for Dummies, Inside Visual Studio, and Microsoft Image Composer for Dummies, Brian blogs at http://brianjo.spaces.live.com.