Ads on a Companies Website?



The other day I reinstalled a machine: A VIA chipset motherboard. I had to get the Video, audio and other drivers. I went to VIATechnologies, which then shuttled me to VIA Arena – where the drivers were held.

What I was surprised to see was the site was littered with Ads. We’re not talking about a Google Ad on the side. Ad after ad after ad.

I selected a link I thought was a VIA driver detection program. It turned out to be a 3rd party program that wanted me to PAY to download. I went back and finally noticed the ‘(SPONSOR)’ note.

I went back to the page and tried to find my drivers. It wasn’t that easy: Actually took me a few different tries. I eventually found the drivers which I installed.

I understand if a company decides to put an invasive ad on the the site. Maybe a Google ad on the bottom or a sponsored link exchange. However 22 ads encompasing the company’s website?

What’s worse is that I fell for a sponsor program. What would a non-IT person do? Most likely they would buy the software because they think VIA requires them to have it. Then VIA gets a portion of that sale which means you are giving VIA more money.

VIA needs to re-think their site. Like I said, I don’t mind ads. However, turning the whole page into one big ad is annoying and, in a way, deceptive. I know for sure I won’t be looking toward VIA motherboards if I have to build a new system for someone.


NBC Universal – CES 2009



Nbcuniversal_logo_origWe have to take our hats off to the folks from NBC Universal. They opened a portion of their multi-million dollar booth to new media folks and had a fabulous new media lounge that allowed invited bloggers and podcasters time to come in and have access to a huge amount of bandwidth and time to make blog postings to their sites. NBC Universal is the home of Hulu.com and iVillage.com Check out the access NBC Universal gave bloggers during CES 2009


Kodak ZX1 Pocket Video Camera – CES 2009



Kodak_logoThe ZX1 is a weather-resistance 720p HD video camera that fits in your pocket. It can record up to 10 hours Kodak_zx1of HD video on a SD/SDHC card. It runs up to two hours on two AA rechargeable batteries. It connects to your computer using the USB interface and has both mini-HDMI and AV outputs.

The ZX1 is compatible with both the PC and Mac. On the PC it has ArcSoft video editing software that can be installed on your PC directly from the camera. On the Mac the ZX1 looks like an external drive and the video files are in the Mac compatible MOV (H.264) format so it can be easily edited in iMovie. The ZX1 sells for $149 and will be available in April 2009.


QwicKey – CES 2009



Quickey_logo1aQwicKey is a personal online security device that operates as an easy-to-use password manager aQuickey_usbnd automatic form filler. It keeps your identity safe and your communications secure via its compact USB magnetic stripe card reader. Don’t try to remember all those passwords and user names, QwicKey can securely access them all.

QwicKey is available now for Internet Explorer and will be soon available for FireFox and Safari. The QwicKey Reader and one year subscription is $49.95 and $29.95 for additional years.


GNC-2009-03-03 #456 Live from Okinawa Japan



Started the show pretty late here. Short show tonight hope that you enjoy. I am doing much better after hurting my back just a week ago which is a relief as there was some pretty painful days here.

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Show Notes:
Apple Performance Fraud?
Re-Wire the Brain
RIAA gets Boot in Court case
Google Twitter Search
Cellphone Usage Worldwide at 60%
Tweet a Watt
Apple Rumors
Nokia Phone in Bag of Chips
Pirate Bay Closing Arguments
Apple Secret Box
Amazon Kindle 2 Review
Foreign Language Translation
TV on Net Only if you Pay
Vue Personal Video
Arrington is Back
Chinese crash Lunar Orbter
Woman Sues over 5k data Bill
Pirate Radio in your Area?
Joomla versus WordPress
Paypal 81.4 Billion on Debit Card


HP MediaSmart Server – CES 2009



Hp_logoI am a big fan of Windows Home Server and in my opinion the folks at HP have the best unit on the market. Introducing an updated MediaSmart Server with more RAM and horsepower under the hood. HP is offering a full line of standard back-up services that integrate HP applications to help you manage your music, photos, videos, and other media.Hpmediasmartserver

The HP EX485 and EX487 MediaSmart Servers easily and automatically backup and protect the content on your home PCs and Macs. You can access your media from anywhere you use the internet — across your home or across the world. You can even give your family and friends access. Watch this video for more.


Bluemic Interview – CES 2009



Bluemic_logoThe folks at Bluemic have really been working hard to bring audio recording microphones to the consumer market. They have introduced a full line of high quality microphones that can be used in a wide variety of consumer applications. They are the most famous for their pro-microphoneEyeballs used by musicians around the world. Find out how Bluemic is bringing that technology to consumers.

Bluemic has a range or both pro and consumer products. New to CES is the Icicle (XLR to USB converter); Eyeball (portable webcam with HD audio); and Mikey (portable iPod recorder). Most of their consumer products are priced below $100.