I’ve had issues with Time Machine in the past, nothing I couldn’t work with though. Lately I saw someone on twitter having issues, not being able to backup.

I’ve had similar issues before and here’s a technique I’ve used to fix TM so that it can backup again.

If you know anything about me you’ll know I am a big fan of Don and his work with ScreenCastsOnline and he was a big inspiration in this podcast. I am definitely not trying to take business away from him and have no intention of trying. For one his production qualities are awesome and secondly I just don’t have the time. Not to mention I actually like my job at the moment. But his production methods are something I definitely want to emulate.

That all said I’d thought I’d post my workflow on how I recorded the latest episode of the podcast. Not only is it to share with you all, but I really need to record this for my own sanity. I spent the better part of the day yesterday messing with this all until I finally got it the way I wanted it. My inspiration came from a post on Don’s blog.

1. Set resolution of screen - (1152 x 720)

2. Use Screenflow to record the segments. I do about 5-10 minutes per segment. If I make a mistake I just redo the action while still recording. If I botch up pretty bad I just start all over and scrap the segment.

3. I edit the segments in Screenflow, adding any callouts using the built in tools in the app, edit out any bad bits

4. export from Screenflow using these settings:

5. I then convert these segments using MPEG Streamclip to AIC (Apple Intermediate Codec) to prep for import into Final Cut Express (FCE) using these settings:

6. Open Final Cut Express and set the sequence properties to AIC 720p25:

7. import all the segments, audio files and graphics into FCE. Place segments in timeline, do text overlays, editing, tweaking, etc…

8. when podcast is complete in FCE, I then export as Quicktime movie: File -> Export -> Quicktime movie:

9. The exported movie is quite large if you did this right - 2-4GB in size and should be at the resolution of 1280×720 with no distortion of the video. I had issues at one time where the video was a tiny box in a big border of black .. ick!

10. I then Open MPEG Streamclip again and use this to export to the desktop and iPod versions of the podcast.

11. for the desktop version I use the following settings:

Note: I set the quality to 100% and the frame rate at 12. Also ensure the resolution stays at 1280×720.

If you did this right, the file should be near 100-130gb in size and 1280×720 resolution and look very good in quality.

12. for the iPod version I use the following settings:

Note: the resolution is 640 x 360 and the framerate is 12. If you click the iTunes Button it will give you a list of preset formats, this is how I chose the iPod format (this is the Hi-Res setting).

13. So if it all worked to this point, you have 2 versions of the same podcast (screencast) one for desktop and one for iPod

14. I then upload the files to Libsyn using cyberduck FTP client

15. after the files are updated I create the “blog” post and attach the files - I do one post for the desktop version and one for the iPod version.

16. I then update the website using RapidWeaver and upload.

17. I then create a thread in the forums.

18. lastly I go into iTunes and verify my feed looks correct.

19. I pimp the podcast via twitter, chat, voice whatever means needed.

I hope this helps anyone who had questions. If you still need anything, as always just ask.

-M

My son and I explain Tweetdeck to a friend:

I figured out a way to get a transcript for your chats - it’s easy, but not the most elegant.

Use your IRC client of choice - obviously you want it to be able to save transcripts.

Open the client and create a new connection:

server: chat1.ustream.tv
port: 6667
username & password: I think you need both, not sure

then when you connect, type /j “room name”

for example /j nosillacast-mac-podcast

now you are in the chat room - let the irc client run in the background and then save the transcript after the show
post to a web page for archiving

The two screenshots below are for Linkinus

This week I’ve teamed up with The Geek Media Network, this will offer my podcast more exposure to a larger audience. I’ve also rewritten the podcast description. While my focus remains using your mac as a replacement for that crummy pc that your work gives you, I’ll also focus on anything IT or productivity related. One week it might be using your mac as a firewire drive and the next week it could be an overview of David Allen’s GTD system. As always I am still open to suggestions, thoughts and comments. I hope to crank out shows at a more constant rate in the coming months, also I am going to be doing more video podcasts.

Lastly, keep an eye on on my youtube channel - coming soon with all my screencasts!

Today I took delivery of the new MacBookPro. I’ve been pining for one since their announcement. I have the first Gen MBP that can only max at 2gb of ram and lately I’ve been hitting that limit a lot, causing the laptop to crawl.

Unboxing photos can be found here.

First Impressions -

It’s smaller than my 17″, while expected it might take a little to get used to. It’s solid - this thing just feels solid, like it’s one piece, very rugged. Runs Cooler - since it’s just out of the box and running with the less powerful GPU that might have something to do with it, but really the bar onto of the keyboard isn’t even warm yet. (owners of previous MBP will understand this.) It’s bright, yes the OLED backlight makes a huge difference, the shiny glass screen tho, well I will have to get over it, the colors pop but now and then I can see the logo from my sweatshirt staring at me. Trackpad - I thought this was going to bug me, really it’s no different in the feel - button or not, I still use thumb to press button and finger to move about. I like the new finger gestures.

Setup was a snap, it tied me to my Mobile Me account quickly, and with the new 802.11n wifi (was on g) the updates took not too long to install. As for migration, I’ve decided to do it manually. I have a lot of apps and pref panes on my original MBP that I rarely use, so I will install apps on my new MBP on a as needed basis.

Well I spent almost 6 hours editing episode 008 of my podcast using Final Cut. I have to say that is a very complex piece of software. I am thinking I need to take a class on it, learn how I should do my workflow. There are a number of online tutorial resources (thankfully!) And they were much help.

Also any ideas or suggestions on the production of the podcast please email me - thestealthmac@gmail.com

Codeweaver is honoring a statement made a few months back - and now you can benefit. Just for today they are offering Crossover and Crossover Games absolutely free.

click here for the site

With the latest version of the aTV flash they enable XBMC and Boxee. I loaded the latest aTV patch today and loaded up Boxee and XBMC. Boxee is rather impressive - it allows you to play streaming media services such as Hulu. I’m rather impressed with the functions of Boxee. With the features of the aTV patch stick, Boxee and XBMC the appleTV has really become a true media center PC, with the steaming services they really make up for the lack of a TV tuner card.

On a side note, after you load the latest aTV flash stick, you choose XBMC and Boxee from the menu, choose load application. There is also a launcher you have to load.

Also you need a Boxee account in order to use it. If you are interested email me and I can send you an invite. Boxee & XBMC can be used on a mac as well, no AppleTV needed.

Now that I’ve put out 7 episodes of the podcast I’m looking more more feedback from my listeners. I realize it’s not the most popular podcast, but I do know I have listeners, and from several countries around the world. I’m thinking of doing more detailed podcasts on a specific product or theme each week. Right now I’m doing a theme for each episode but it’s not too focused on how to use one particular tool or software package. I’m also thinking of doing more screencasts, I’ve recently purchased Final Cut Express so that my editing looks more polished. I’m hoping that my listeners will provide more feedback about what they like about the show and what they would like to see changed or improved. You can always reach me at thestealthmac@gmail.com