Straight Out Of 1984

[W0DV]

We have a large flat screen LCD TV with the PS3 connected to it. We have the PS3 Camera on top of the TV for the "move" technology for many of the games we have. golf, and bowling mostly. The camera also has a built in microphone so you can visit with others over the PS3 network. I think this is great technology. You can visit with friends or family over the network with live video and audio. The camera is always there, doesn't bother us a bit.

As far as the book "1984" is concerned, I read it many years ago, thought it was an interesting novel. I've met a few people in the past that see the book as some sort of bible, a scripture of prophetic importance. I never could buy into that.

[2E0OZI]

Orwell himself saw 1984 as a warning, and extension of the politics he had seen in the UK during the war and during his service in the Spanish Civil War, and the technology he could imagine was coming. If you are interested in Orwell try an get hold of all 4 volumes of his collected essays and letters; they are a great insight. Also Christopher Hitchens wrote the superb Why Orwell Matters a few years ago and its still in print.

Use blu tac on the mic and electrical tape on the camera. Job done.

[N2EY]

School districts have had rogue IT people watch students in their homes remotely.

I live next to the district that had the lawsuit in the article. One district - do you know of any others?

What happened in that district is that the school gives out laptops to the students, and they sign an agreement which clearly states the terms-of-use. Including the remote monitoring, which is in place to help prevent theft.

The problem was that a student took a laptop home without a signed agreement. Then it was discovered that pictures were being taken automatically. They lawyered up and the result is history. Note who took home most of the money.....

The mistake, of course, was giving out the laptops in the first place.

I do not know of any other school district where this has been done. Do you?

73 de Jim, N2EY

[KC2ZPK]

It always did seem creepy that my kinect on my xbox was always looking at me. The little green light on it is always on when the XBX is on. So now I just unplug it when I am no using it. Ever read the T.O.S. on the apps on your droid phone or any of these cool electronic gadgets? Now that is scary.
Give it time. All this data and info will start being used soon enough. It already is, to a point. From the snapshot thingy that the car insurance company uses to track you driving habits; of course to give you a discount. To requesting what is in the history of your car's computer after an accident. Red light cameras. Smart electric meters. Toll cameras and electronic tolls......

Pretty endless list. But remember kids, it's just for marketing purposes and for your convenience right?

Things that make you go Hmmmmm..........

Careful now, people here will this you are a conspiracy nut.

Well, that is one TV that will not be in my house! I can live with the Android phone apps knowing I can remove the battery, which if you buy into apple, you can't do. No apples in my house either.

[AF6LJ]

Careful now, people here will this you are a conspiracy nut.

Well, that is one TV that will not be in my house! I can live with the Android phone apps knowing I can remove the battery, which if you buy into apple, you can't do. No apples in my house either.

I don't have a smartphone at this time the likelihood of me owning one is slim.
I wouldn't own any phone I cannot remove the battery from or gain access to the inside.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that without privacy you don't have freedom.

[KD0AUO]

I had a call from my father this week about these TV's and this was my reaction.

He didn't realize what being able to control a TV with the wave of the hand meant that there MUST be a camera watching you. Couple that with an internet connection and it just isn't a good idea. I didn't even know it had a microphone. LOL Who would put that in their house?

[K8ERV]

Last summer I was driving around to the yard sales when a friend called me on my 2M radio. He seemed to know what I was saying and where I was. Later found my cell phone had dialed him (called pocket or butt dialing) so he could hear me. This autocalling used to happen often, dunno how it does, but the problem seems to have gone away.

I'm still trying to figure out why anyone would want to monitor me, by a TV or anything else.

I am dull.

I cover my lap camera but mostly to keep direct sunlight out of it.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[WB2WIK]

I know my TV is watching me because sometimes, right in the middle of a show, it will blurt out, "You picking your nose again? Disgusting" and then it goes quiet.

Now I wear a mask when I'm watching, so it doesn't know it's me.

[WN6U]

Last summer I was driving around to the yard sales when a friend called me on my 2M radio. He seemed to know what I was saying and where I was. Later found my cell phone had dialed him (called pocket or butt dialing) so he could hear me. This autocalling used to happen often, dunno how it does, but the problem seems to have gone away.

I'm still trying to figure out why anyone would want to monitor me, by a TV or anything else.

I am dull.

I cover my lap camera but mostly to keep direct sunlight out of it.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

We were hoping to get a look at Vanna.

[K8ERV]

I know my TV is watching me because sometimes, right in the middle of a show, it will blurt out, "You picking your nose again? Disgusting" and then it goes quiet.

Now I wear a mask when I'm watching, so it doesn't know it's me.

I suggest you keep it on 24/7.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo