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Episode 421 – Close Encounters with a Great Looking Camera!

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy, Shawn, Justin, Matt and Slick gather together to talk the latest in Tech but also after not bieng able to connect with a guest, they noted her expertise in UFO and UAP Studies. This was in advance of a show in Tucson at the Rialto by her colleague Luis Elizondo, who is a former head of the Pentagon program investigating UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) and has written a book called “Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs.” While the guest was unable to attend the radio show, the team decided to continue the discussion about UFOs. Shawn mentioned seeing unusual lights while trying to chase the Northern lights and the space station, but couldn’t attribute them to extraterrestrial sources. S!ick shared stories of lights moving in unusual ways in the Tucson area, but didn’t claim to have seen a UFO. Andy recalled seeing a string of lights on a drive between Phoenix and Tucson. The team agreed that while some sightings could be explained, others remained unexplained and intriguing.

Shawn reminded us about the early days of SETI@home, a distributed computing project that utilized home computers to search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Shawn shared his experience of using the software, which involved processing raw data from satellites in the Gigahertz spectrum. The team also discussed the potential of other projects like HARPA, which uses CPU power to scan high-frequency radio signals. The conversation also touched on the concept of the “Great Barrier” theory, which suggests that advanced civilizations must pass a test of self-preservation before they can explore interstellar space. They reminisced about classic movies dealing with UFOs such as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, “Mars Attacks”, and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” while Slick talks about the To Serve Man Episode on Twilight Zone and we find Justin isn’t a fan of the Classic Twilight Zone TV Episodes!

The Crew welcomes to the show Richard Neumann from Sub2R. The company has built a camera which is expected to retail for around $1,500 for the Square One model and $2,500 for the Studio 4 60 model, is described as having amazing quality. The camera is HDMI centric for the Square One model and SDI based for the Studio 4 60 model. Richard explained that the camera uses a Sony IMX 294 image sensor, larger format glass, and micro 4/3rd technology for ease of use and reasonable pricing. The camera is designed to be versatile, with interchangeable lenses and the ability to convert the video output to various formats. Richard emphasized the camera’s open architecture, allowing for innovation and customization.

Richard Neumann in a Square One Demo


Shawn shared with us a recent update in the DJI Air 3S Drone with a potential ban on importing the new DJI Air 3S drone due to concerns about forced labor practices and technology-based issues. Andy also talked about a product he recently shared on KMSB Fox 11 News 13, the Epson FF- 680W scanner. Shawn expressed interest in the scanner for his massive photo and video archive, as it could significantly speed up the scanning process. The team also discussed the importance of adding metadata to scanned photos for better organization and accessibility.

The Epson FF680W

A listener sent the team a question about using a physical keyboard with their iPhone, which led to a discussion about different Bluetooth keyboard options available such as the Logitech K480 and the Clicks System which the guys really liked, It is a actual keyboard that the iphone can snap into. They referred to the company website https://www.clicks.tech

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Episode 419 – The Future is going to be Pricy

In this episode of TechtalkRadio, Justin tells us about his recent visit to Las Vegas for a Conference and shared his observations on how much Vegas has changed since his last visit in 2017, including the demolition of the Tropicana and the construction of a new baseball stadium for the Athletics. Andy, Slick, and Justin also reminisced about their past visits to Vegas for CES. The conversation also touched on the rising costs of living in Vegas, with Justin sharing his experiences of paying $16 for a breakfast sandwich and $9 for a Starbucks coffee. One of the cool visuals in Vegas is the Sphere. They speculated about the materials used in its construction and the potential need for constant panel replacements. Andy shared a memorable experience from CES in 2008, when they attempted to get a car to drive to Vegas, Ford connected and hooked the crew up with the Ford Flex (See the Photos Below). Justin jokingly asked Andy to talk to Elon Musk about getting a Cybertruck. Andy then asked each participant about their dream electric vehicle to drive to CES in Las Vegas. Justin expressed his desire for a Tesla Model S Plaid, while Shawn, who has a fondness for Australian cars, chose a Holden SS. S!ick expressed a desire for a vehicle similar to the Ford flex, equipped with advanced ports and possibly an electric motor home. Justin suggested that electric motor homes might not be feasible due to battery limitations and weight issues.

Slick Striking a Pose next to the Ford Flex

The team discussed listener Bruce’s query about a device to independently control volume on a smart TV using a headset. Andy suggested using the new Roku Ultra with Bluetooth headphones, while Shawn added that Roku TV users can use the official Roku app to control volume in their earbuds or any Bluetooth headphones. The team also shared their experiences with kids and their fascination with keyboards, suggesting that an old mechanical keyboard could be a fun and educational toy for them. The team concluded that Bluetooth was the best solution for independent volume control, despite the potential issue of volume being too loud for others. Andy talked about his testing of the New Roku Ultra and why he likes the upgraded speed and Version 2.0 of the remote.


The conversation then shifted to a listener’s question about tracking mileage for tax purposes, with Andy suggesting a few options. Andy expressed his dissatisfaction with the QuickBooks Small Business program, which had significantly increased in price over the past four years. He mentioned that the program, which was supposed to track mileage, had been malfunctioning for two and a half weeks. Andy also explored alternative options, such as Mile IQ, which offers three pricing options, including a free plan for small businesses. Justin agreed that Mile IQ was a more cost-effective and efficient option compared to QuickBooks.

Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the features and potential impact of the DJI Air 3S drone, including its 1-inch sensor camera, 45-minute flight time, and 20-kilometer video transmission. They also discussed the anti-drone bill and its potential effects on the drone market, with Shawn suggesting that DJI is trying to sell as many drones as possible before the bill is passed. Concerns were raised about the potential misuse of drones, particularly in relation to national security, and the possibility of electronic jamming or countermeasures to neutralize drones. The team also discussed the potential of drones in various fields, such as real estate and event photography, and the increased ease of obtaining a Part 107 license for drone usage. However, no final decisions or action items were mentioned.

Justin expressed interest in getting back into photography, specifically considering Sony as a brand due to a professional photographer’s recommendation. Shawn advised Justin to opt for a mirrorless camera instead of a DSLR, citing advantages such as smaller body size, better battery life, and direct-to-sensor image quality. Shawn also mentioned that Sony is a strong contender in the mirrorless market. Andy suggested that Justin could review a Sony camera for a month or two. The team agreed to look into the possibility of Justin reviewing a Sony camera.

This Month is Cybersecurity Month and the team discussed the importance of cybersecurity awareness, with Justin emphasizing the use of password managers and S!ick suggesting taking a moment to think before responding to a text or email or even a popup.


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News13 – The New Roku Ultra!

In this week’s KMSB Fox 11 – News13 tech segment, we’re diving into the latest from Roku. While the brand is known for making streaming simple, they’ve been branching out—offering everything from home security and lighting to Roku Soundbars for immersive audio. Now, Roku is shaking things up with the release of the new Roku Ultra, their most powerful player yet.

In our test of the The Roku Ultra we have found it to be super responsive—30% faster than previous models—and features both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for smooth streaming. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, so if have invested in the faster Wi-Fi 6 speeds where you watch streaming content and you’re looking for a serious boost in speed, this device has you covered. And yes, it delivers stunning HD and 4K visuals for that crisp, vibrant viewing experience we all crave.

One feature we really like and stands out? The Roku Voice Remote Pro 2nd Edition. This upgraded remote is a game-changer with its backlit buttons and USB-C fast charging. It also has the lost remote feature – We’ve all had that happen. The Roku Voice Remote Pro 2nd Edition also has a couple of nifty extras: a Quick Launch button and a new Guide feature to help you find what you love faster. Plus, voice search is more responsive than ever, making it even easier to control your entertainment with just a word.

The Ultra can transform any TV witrh an HDMI port into a smart TV—or make your existing smart TV even smarter! Not only can you access popular subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and Apple TV, but you’ll also get access to hundreds of free channels like Tubi, PlutoTV, Freevee, and even a dedicated Dateline channel for crime show fans. The Roku channel is also very popular.

As if that wasn’t enough, Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair up your favorite sound devices or headphones for a more private viewing experience—all controlled effortlessly with the Roku remote. Setup is super easy, too. You get everything you need right in the box (except for the TV, of course!). The best part? The Roku Ultra is priced at just $99.

For more info, head over to roku.com.

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Episode #418 – Stick this in your Tree! The Tech Ornament

In this Week’s TechtalkRadio Show, Andy and Shawn discussed their shared interest in tech-themed Christmas decorations, particularly ornaments and sweaters. Shawn does an Open Box on the Radio of his recent purchase of an original Xbox Christmas ornament that plays sounds from the game Halo: Combat Evolved. While we can’t really hear the Ornament – Video has now been posted on our blog. After seeing the Apple Pencil in the News, Andy asks Shawn what it is all about. Shawn explained that his mother uses it for drawing and work, and it offers features such as precision, pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, low latency, and palm rejection and works great with various iPad models, including older ones, and the second generation can be charged by attaching it to the side of the iPad.

While on the subject of Apple, Andy discussed the immersive video experience created by Edward Berger, now available on the Apple TV app, and a short film called Submerged. Andy also introduced a website, AI.meta.com, where users can create short videos using AI-generated photos. Shawn shared his recent experience with Chat GPT, initially skeptical but now finding it useful for various tasks, including rebuilding his Plex server using Linux Mint, where Chat GPT provided detailed step-by-step instructions for mounting a drive and to learn Linux commands and emphasized the importance of effective prompting for better results.


Andy and Shawn reminisced about their experiences with technology in their teenage years, with Shawn sharing his knowledge of bypassing internet restrictions imposed by his parents. Wikipedia, AI and Google Search did not exist, instead educational resources like Encarta and the Dewey decimal system at the library were the solution.

Andy and Shawn wrapped the show with the discussion of the implications of AI-generated voices and the potential for AI to replace human hosts in podcasting. They shared their experience with the “notebooklm.google experimental page” AI, which they found unsettling and not quite human. In Audio which had a lot of people talking, The NotebookLM model was tested with the AI told they were AI. As Shawn and Andy note, A Downer.

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Episode #417 – Look! It’s a Stick! – The Great Outdoors and Technology

TechtalkRadio: Camp Tech, AI Concerns, and Gadgets Galore!

In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, hosts Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Matt Jones, and S!ick dive into the world of camping tech, AI, and cool new gadgets.

Shawn’s Camping Tech Must-Haves
With Justin out this week on a Camping Trip and photos not showing glowing enthusiasm, Shawn shares his gear essentials for tent, camper, and RV trips. His setup includes DSLR cameras, a power inverter, a solar charger, and even a custom mobile Plex server built on a Raspberry Pi. S!ick was curious about Shawn’s love for film photography, sparking a discussion on how AI filters can recreate that classic look. This led to a deeper conversation about whether AI might replace the human touch in art—something that has Shawn concerned and Andy intrigued by the possibilities.

AI and the ‘Dead Internet’ Theory
Matt jumped in to share his own experiences using ChatGPT to craft job cover letters, while Shawn praised the AI for enhancing storytelling in his Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Andy explored Google’s experimental AI tool, Notebook LM, built to summarize notes and create quick synopses. But when the team tested its audio features, Matt couldn’t help but mention the “uncanny valley” effect of AI-generated voices. Matt then introduced the thought-provoking ‘Dead Internet Theory’, which suggests that much of today’s online content is being generated by bots and algorithms instead of real human interactions.

Gadget of the Week: Mon Duo
Matt showcased his latest gadget, the Mon Duo, a unique triple-monitor accessory for 14” and 16” MacBooks. For around $750, users get a foldable, high-quality display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness—perfect for multitaskers on the go. It’s pricey but delivers pro-level performance with easy USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Google Pixel vs. iPhone
Andy shared his hands-on review of the Google Pixel 9 XL Pro, comparing it to his long-time go-to, the iPhone. While praising the AI assistant, Gemini, and the call screener feature, he hit a snag with text messages—easily fixed by toggling off iMessage on his iPhone. Despite some hiccups, Andy’s impressed with the Pixel’s AI prowess.

Listener Questions & Hotspot Frustrations
Kerry reached out, asking about unlimited hotspot connections. Matt explained that even with ‘unlimited’ plans, data speeds often drop after hitting a limit. S!ick added his thoughts on streaming services and finding reliable free Wi-Fi options. The team then debated cutting the cord and switching to cheaper fiber providers like Ting. Andy gets thrown over the coals for watching too much Halmark.

Processor Picks for Music Production
Shawn tackled a listener question from Mikey on Facebook, comparing a 14-core 2.4 GHz processor versus a 4-core 3.4 GHz setup for music production. The takeaway? More cores can handle multiple tasks better, making them ideal for complex audio workflows.

Wrapping Up
The show ended with a fun discussion on rediscovering LOST on Netflix and why it’s worth a re-watch.

Tune in for tech talk with a twist—where geeky meets practical!