Technabob » cd

Disc Mount: Organize and Decorate With a Button

Lambert Varias — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:30:23 +0000

There are a lot of cheap and easy ways to organize CDs and DVDs. You can put them in disc racks, binders, cylinders or just place them on a shelf. All of those are great for storing a large number of discs, but if you want to have easy access to your favorite game, music or video, you might want to get some Disc Mounts.

Disc Mounts work just like the buttons that hold discs inside a typical case, except they’re magnetized. This way you can both display the artwork on the disc and have easy access to the disc itself.

It’s easy to see the downsides of this tool though. For one, you need to have a magnetic surface. Also, if you clean your room as often as I do – which is approximately zero times per lifetime – the discs are bound to gather dust because they’re exposed on the backside.

If you keep your place metal object-filled and dust-free, you can order Disc Mounts from Laboratory 424. $7.95(USD) gets you a dozen buttons.

[via HolyCool]

CD Dumbbell Concept: Build Some Muscle with Your Old Compact Discs

Conner Flynn — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:00:28 +0000

Remember all of those AOL CDs that you used to get in the mail? What about all of those music CDs that are now obsolete? You probably have them sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust. Well, it’s time to dust them off and turn those old CDs into muscles.

This concept is designed by Seung-il Kim and is all about recycling (and fitness.) This dumbbell concept turns discs into weights within a dumbbell. Your old CDs and DVDs are here to pump you up, girly man. Discs are perfect because they are thin and light, but together a bunch of them can really weigh a lot.

The average CD weighs about .15 grams, so the weight adds up nicely and you can make the dumbbell weigh whatever weight you want. Sadly, it’s just a concept right now, but hopefully these become a reality. It would be nice to use those CDs for something besides drink coasters.

[via Yanko Design via Geeky-Gadgets]

French Artists Sew Together 65,000 CDs

Range — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:30:08 +0000

When’s the last time you used a CD? I did burn a dual layer DVD recently, but CDs? Can’t remember. However, I do still have a lot of music on CDs. That being said, check out what French artists Clémence Eliard and Elise Morin created with the help of 65,000 CDs.

They laid them out on inflatable mounds to create a sort of sea of discs. They call it Waste Landscape and it’s located in Paris through September 11, 2011.

Their purpose was to “reveal the precious aspect of a small daily object” and to transform daily mundane objects into scultpures. For now, they look like a metallic sea dune, but once Wastelandscape travels through different exhibitions, it will be changed and adapted into new shapes. Ultimately, the discs will be recycled.

It’s also a sort of commentary on removable media, and what becomes of it when it hits the dumpster. Remember all those AOL CDs you kept getting in the mail?

[via Dezeen]

Isostick USB Drive Emulates Optical Drives: 2 Drives 1 Stick

Lambert Varias — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:26:50 +0000

Ring another death knell for the optical drive. While still popular, the optical drive’s days began to be numbered when netbooks came out. Apple is slowly but surely leaving them out of their new computers. Now an upcoming product aims to make them even more obsolete. It’s called the Isostick, a USB drive that is recognized by computers as both a flash drive and an optical drive.

There are already programs that can create virtual drives for loading ISO files and other disk images, but the Isostick is a huge step up from these programs. First of all, you can boot from the Isostick. It even has its own bootloader so you can change the CD or DVD image before booting. It’s very user-friendly too. Just move or copy ISO files into the Isostick like you would a normal file. Since it’s also a flash drive you can add other files to it too, you don’t even have to configure or separate the ISO files from non-ISO files. Watch the video for more information:

The Isostick will be a very useful tool not just for computer technicians but for gamers and even ordinary computer users as well. Imagine being able to carry multiple discs’ worth of game installers, software installers and even operating systems – all those discs and an optical drive in just one small flash drive.

As of this writing, the Isostick only supports ISO files, but Elegant Invention is also working on supporting other formats like BIN, CUE and DMG. One other feature that would make a lot of people happy is support for other file systems. You can partition the Isostick like any other drive, but currently the Isostick’s virtual optical drive can only read from a partition that’s in FAT32. Mac users – imagine if they can make it mount DMG files and read from HFS+. Effortless booting and installing an OS from USB? Yes please! I wonder if it’s possible to install Windows on a Mac using the Isostick.

The Isostick will be available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB formats. As of this writing Elegant Invention still has 21 days to raise more funds at Kickstarter, but they’ve already met their target amount so there’s a good chance that it will see the light of day. No word yet on how much the final products will cost, but if you pledge at least $125 (USD), you’ll be one of the first to get an Isostick. Visit Kickstarter to pledge or to find out more about this handy invention. You can also check out Elegant Invention’s blog for more info.

[via TechCrunch]

How to Erase a CD, Permanently

Technabob — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:17:59 +0000

There are plenty of ways to get rid of data on a CD. If you have a rewritable disc, for instance, you can just delete the files off of it and empty the trash can on your computer. Or if it’s permanently burned, you can just get a disc shredder. But if your a tech geek, you need to do something much, much cooler.

Yep, you really need to kill your old CDs by hitting them with crazy amounts of high-voltage electricity, like Youtuber Photonicinduction did in this action- (and power-) packed video clip:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

And if you’re really feeling adventurous, why not erase two discs at a time?

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Now that’s how to erase your CDs with style. I only wish that AOL still sent out those dial-up discs in the mail. I’d finally have something to do with them.

[via Laughing Squid]

LEGO Disc Thrower: Put Those Old Aol Discs to Good Use

Lambert Varias — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:15:52 +0000

Here’s further proof that you can build anything out of LEGO. LUGNET member Philo made this awesome disc thrower a couple of years ago, and I think it’s still a fun project for LEGO enthusiasts since optical media is just getting more and more obsolete. Philo calls his creation the Hammerhead, and I think it’s easy to see why:

The Hammerhead propels discs at about 13 mph through an average distance of 20 inches. Those may not be mind-blowing numbers, but seeing the Hammerhead in action it’s obvious that this thing could be used as a weapon:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Check out Philo’s website for more info on the Hammerhead. I think Philo should make a portable, gun-shaped version of the Hammerhead, with an adjustable receptacle so it can shoot out other kinds of obsolete media as well – floppy disks, cassette tapes, VHS tapes…

[via Tech World]

CD Holders Look Like Candy

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:20:54 +0000

I like to play PC games as often as I can find time and when I switch the discs out I don’t usually put them back in their box. I tend to leave them sitting around my desk on the label side. I figure that what the label side is for honestly.

If you don’t like putting your CD or DVDs up either, but want something a bit more colorful than simply laying the discs on your desk, the Kisses Compact Disk Rest is for you. The things look like the little Hersey’s chocolates of the same name.

You take you CD or DVD and sit the hole onto the point of the Kisses holder and it holds your CD. The things aren’t cheap at $17.50 (USD). I think you could probably buy about 500 real chocolate kisses for that much, use them to hold your CDs, and eat them in a pinch.

Muji Wall-Mounted CD Player: Pull String, Hear Music

Lambert Varias — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:45:44 +0000

Now this is something I really really want: a stylish, easy-to-use CD player. Pull the string to turn the player on, pull it again to make the player stop. The volume and search buttons are on top of the player. That’s all there is to it; beauty in simplicity. You can see the Muji in action at the beginning and ending of the trailer for Objectified, Gary Hustwit’s documentary about design.

The Muji CD player is US-only, and at $178 USD it’s quite pricey too. Order yours at Muji’s online store.

[via Uncrate]

Bust Out Some Legit Block Rockin’ Beats With the LEGO Boombox

Lambert Varias — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:40:16 +0000

Unlike the other Lego-inspired audio gear we’ve featured here, this LEGO boombox actually bears the Danish toy company’s stamp. It’s quite cheap too, at $40. Who says authentic stuff has to be expensive?

The LEGO boombox has an analog radio and CD player, but you can connect other audio players via its 3.5-mm input jack. You can plug it in or take it to the streets with 6 C batteries. Check out its product page at Digital Blue for more specs.

[via InventorSpot]

Bacharufurontosaraundo: Kenwood 2 Channel CD Player With Surround Sound

Lambert Varias — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:00:46 +0000

Japanese electronics company Kenwood recently unveiled a currently unnamed and unpriced CD player that incorporates DTS Surround Sensation. Surround Sensation is a technology that allows listeners to hear surround sound even from conventional two-speaker systems (e.g. stereo headphones & speakers). Kenwood claims that their CD player is the first of its kind.

DTS is neat, sure, but… on a CD player? In an iPod-equipped world? This player had better be real cheap, or at least have a USB/mini-USB port so people can link their DAPs into it. Wonder why they didn’t incorporate DTS into a portable player instead.

[via CrunchGear]

My Floppy Disk Ate My CD: Retro CD Packaging

Lambert Varias — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:53:11 +0000

Web and graphic designer Adam Faja (“I pronounce it fay-juh”) and his other graphic designer friends swap compilations annually. Adam created this sweet retro packaging for his 2008 compilation CD:

I can’t even remember the last time I saw a 5¼ floppy. To make it even more retro, Adam printed the track list using a typewriter-like font:

Nice. I guess we know who “won” that year for best compilation. All we need’s some Ice-T and we are breakin’.

Pair this sleeve with the floppy CD-R and you’ll open a warp hole to the 80′s. Let’s not do that.

[via Likecool]

Giant LED Clock Big Enough to Hold Your CD Collection

Technabob — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:28:26 +0000

Now, most of us have moved on from compact discs to digital media players these days, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t still have to find a place to store our old CD collection, right?

This ingenious storage system doubles as a giant LED clock, so you’ll actually be getting some utility out of an otherwise single-purpose bookshelf. The oversize clock conceals red 7-segment LED displays for each digit in the edges of the storage cubes.

Measuring in at a 28″ (w) x 14″ (h) x 5″ (d), you certainly won’t miss the time on this clock. And of course, if you no longer listen to CDs, you should be able to stack small books, DVDs, video games or Blu-Ray discs in the cubbyholes.

I haven’t found a U.S. retailer who carries these, but if you’re up for importing a bunch, you can put in a wholesale inquiry to it’s Hong Kong manufacturer, Anka.

Tiny Piano Conceals CD Player

Technabob — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:28:05 +0000

I’ve pretty much weened myself off of compact discs since my very first iPod, but for those of you who still enjoy your music in a flat, round format, here’s a unique CD player to listen to your oldies on.

The Cathay PK-24 desktop stereo looks like a miniature grand piano, but when you pop its lid, there’s a CD player hiding in there. Playback controls have been cleverly disguised as piano keys, and the speakers are hidden in the sides of the piano case. It’s also got an FM radio built in for those days when you’re tired of your Beethoven and Bach and want to listen to some commercials instead.

And if the basic black baby grand doesn’t excite you, it’s also available in white and hot pink versions. The piano CD player is currently only available in Asia, where it costs a whopping ¥19,000 (about $173 USD, yeesh).

Recycled Cds Turned Into Furniture

Technabob — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:18:10 +0000

Got a few thousand spare compact discs lying around? Designer Belen Hermosa apparently had a few spare CDs and created this funky modern chair out of them.

For some reason, I’m guessing it’s not the world’s most comfortable chair, but it sure beats sitting on a bunch of 8-track tapes.

I’m really not sure why he named his creation the “Panda Chair”, since all I see are CDs and a metal frame — no pandas anywhere in sight. Maybe it’s the same reason that Chinese mall food joint is called Panda Express. Every time I try to order the Kung Pao Panda, they look at me like I have three heads.

[via designboom]

Polk Audio I-Sonic Es2 Itunes Integrated HD Radio

Technabob — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:10:48 +0000

The I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 is the latest iPod docking stereo from Polk Audio. The system offers room-filling sound and an HD Radio receiver with a special iTunes track purchase feature.

Using a technology called “iTunes Tagging”, you can flag songs that you’ve heard on HD Radio broadcasts and queue them up for purchase via the iTunes store. The integration automatically sends the list of tracks to the docked iPod, then iTunes will automatically mark them for purchase when you sync up with your computer. (Hopefully they’ll update this to work with the new iTunes Wi-Fi store on the iPhone and iPod Touch once that’s live too.)

The $499 I-Sonic ES2 will be available from retailers, including the Apple Store and PolkAudio.com starting this October.

Vestax S-1 Turntable Lets Djs Roam the Stage

Technabob — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:26:40 +0000

Until now, Live DJs have been relegated to standing behind their turntables when they want to spin some tracks. This funky-looking controller from Vestax changes all that.

Looking more like an uber-modern electric guitar than a turntable, the Vestax S-1 Premium lets DJs move around the stage just like other members of the band. By incorporating a 12-inch platter controller which operates a skip-proof CD/MP3 player, musicians can spin tunes complete with all the effects that they’re used to having on traditional turntable. There’s also a built-in sampler, but it’s limited to just 8 seconds of recording for some odd reason.

Vestax custom makes each S-1 Premium controller to order, and they sell for around $3000 each.

[photo via ScratchWorx]

Philips Stereo to Offer Bluetooth, Mp3 Ripping

Technabob — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:29:19 +0000

According to papers recently filed with the FCC, Philips is getting set to release a bookshelf stereo that can be wirelessly paired with Bluetooth sound sources.

In addition to the requisite AM/FM/CD/MP3 capabilities, the Philips BTM288 stereo system will be able to connect to mobile phones and media devices via Bluetooth. According to a snippet from the draft User Manual, the stereo will allow both speakerphone calling and wireless audio playback from connected devices.

The stereo can also rip CD, MP3 and WMA tracks from either a disc or a Bluetooth device to a USB storage device or to an SD/MMC memory card.

Philips hasn’t yet announced a price or release date for the system.

Metaphys Lunacalante CD Player Exposes Its Disc

Technabob — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:03:33 +0000

This CD stereo out of Japan features a unique design that has part of the spinning CD stick out of its case. From what I can tell, you insert the disc into a slot on the top of the case, then a motor pulls it in and about 1/4 of the disc sticks out of the bottom of the player as it spins.

The player was designed by Japan’s Hers Design, some of the same minds who brought us the Xbox 360 case design. The company offers a variety of sleek, modern electronics and appliances under the Metaphys brand name.

It’s unclear if and when this design will go into production, since they’re still listing it as a design prototype. I’d be concerned that somebody might slice off a finger or two with it.

Sonoro Cubo: Compact, Colorful Sound

Technabob — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:29:51 +0000

I really like the simple colorful design of these compact music systems from Germany’s Sonoro Audio.

The Sonoro Cubo is a compact, all-in-one sound system, complete with FM radio, CD player and auxiliary input for your portable media player. Each one is encased in a wooden enclosure with either a colored lacquer or natural wood finish. They come in a variety of colors, and make a dramatic statement on any bookshelf.

The one thing that I don’t care for is the fact that there’s only a single speaker in the Cubo. While it’s got a bass-reflex design to enhance the low-end, don’t expect there to be any sort of meaningful sound field coming out of it.

Cubo sound systems retail for about €255 (around $349 USD.) They currently only come with a European power supply, so you’ll need a converter if you want to use on in the US or Japan.

[via Domokyo]

Compact Discs Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Technabob — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:57:02 +0000

While digital players have put a major dent in the CD business, there’s something about having your tunes stored on something a little more tangible.

To shake the old CD up a bit, the designers of Poland’s Baba Akcja have taken the boring round disc and turned it into something far more visually interesting.

The discs were designed to symbolize various computer viruses, but I’m just drawn to the bright colors and shapes. My personal favorite: the tribute to the old 5-1/4″ floppy disk.

Given their odd shapes, I’m not sure you’d ever get these discs to survive spinning around in your CD player at thousands of revolutions per minute, but I still think they look cool.

[via DesignSpotter via GeekAlerts]