ORIGINALLY AIRED: 2/7/2005
Channel 101, Endangered Gizmos, Lou Ferrigno
Episode #5022
| It’s a RAID! Make your own iPod shuffle disc array.
They Live: The creators behind The Simpsons have posted another fake/real website for your entertainment: Dorks Gone Wild. (And don’t forget whatbadgerseat.com.) Superbowl Ad Potpourri: Fight Club collaborators Brad Pitt and director David Fincher want you to drink yuppie beer, Batman has a new Batmobile, and Godaddy.com goes strapless. See them all at ifilm.com. |
| The creators of Channel 101 bill themselves as “the unavoidable future of entertainment,” and they may have a point. Co-creators Rob Schrab and Dan Harmon went through the traditional Hollywood grind to launch their TV series pilot, HeatVision and Jack. The Jack Black/Owen Wilson show was universally hailed as a work of bizarre genius – and never picked up. Frustrated, Schrab and Harmon decided to do something about it: Channel 101.
Channel 101 is an open competition/show/network that accepts 5-minute TV pilots from anyone; they’re shown at a monthly get-together in Hollywood and online at www.Channel101.com. Viewers vote for the ones they like, and winners are picked up for another episode. Thus, Channel 101 has amassed a huge array of truly weird programming by young filmmakers who relish getting exposure instead of just sitting around and waiting for development deals. For an inside look at Channel 101, read our in-depth interview with popular competitor Scott Chernoff. |
| In the ever-changing landscape of digital copyright laws, the gadgets that you’ve come to know and love may one day become illegal. That’s why the Electronic Frontier Foundation has compiled a list of extinct and endangered gizmos. “We work on a lot of issues that are hard to make concrete,” said the digital rights group’s Ren Bucholz, and this list quickly brings home seemingly distant concepts in copyright.
Two extinct products include DVD X-Copy, software for backing up DVDs, and the Replay TV 4000 PVR. In both cases, the companies were swarmed with lawsuits because their products allowed consumers to break copyright laws. On the endangered list is the PC HDTV card, which allows you to grab HDTV broadcasts over the airwaves. In July, these products will be illegal to sell, so if you want one, now’s the time to buy. Check out the EFF’s complete list of Endangered Gizmos. The organization is also requesting suggestions for other gizmos to include on the list. |
| In tech topics…
KaZaa Has Been Watching You: Turns out KaZaa recorded IP addresses for downloads. On Second Thought: After raising its fees, eBay has decided to cut them. Even More Power to Render Really Cool Explosions: Sony, IBM, and Toshiba unveiled the PlayStation 3’s “cell” processor today. You’ve Got Spam: Ex-AOL Employee sells 92 million email addresses to spammers. |
| Kevin R. constantly scours the net for the MOST INSANE DEALS!
Dell Ultrasharp 20” LCD Viking 128MB USB Drive 2005 St. Pauli Girl Poster |
| Randy from International Falls, MN asked Ren if he’ll still be able to use illegal products he bought when they were still legal.
“It depends on the product and who made it,” said Ren. “For instance, the DVD X-Copy company went bankrupt, so it can’t be unlocked for installation. For the HDTV tuner, those are legal to use after July, but not to sell.” Marshall of St. Louis wondered how these laws will affect technological innovation. “People who create new technology usually don’t go to copyright holders beforehand,” said Ren. “The world we’re moving toward is that you have to get permission first, which creates a toxic environment for innovation.” |
| Here are the oddities of the Web that Sarah uncovered this week:
Bread Speakers! |
FEATURES
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Channel 101's Scott Chernoff Sounds Off
Filmmaker/actor Scott Chernoff spills the beans on Channel 101, commercial acting, and sex in the naked city (actually, not really on that last bit). |
