July iiNews
editor's note
What ever happened to elevator music? I'm straining to recall the last time I stepped into a lift, morning coffee in hand, to the lilting strains of piped music. To be honest, I've missed this easy listening ambience, soundtracking parts of my day. There's something very charming (in a retro quirky kind of way) about how it fills awkward moments with randoms in confined spaces.
On a similar note (pun intended), this month's edition is all about sweet music. We kick off with a story about rocking out for sick kids, there's another Geek Speak instalment to run you through basic music formats, CD reviews and giveaways, rounded off with a cluster of decent sites to keep audiophiles toe–tapping.
Looking ahead, we'll be rolling out new tipping and fantasy EPL football comps into early August. Plus, we'll be spilling the beans on that top secret iiNet project we mentioned earlier. Don't be mad, we're just milking the suspense a little bit longer.
Without any further hoo ha, let's dig into this month's edition. Scout through the great comps we have lined up and check out this YouTube – it's an oldie but a goodie.
Swee Au-Yong
iiNews Editor
iiNet news
Hypernia, 4x4 WA & On Demand Rugby – free from the Freezone
Our iiNet Freezone just keeps getting bigger and better. Check out what's new to your Freezone for this month.
Hyerpernia
If you're serious gamer racking up frag counts on Hypernia's Australian game servers, boy have we got good news for you! Thanks to our sweet partnership with the online gaming giant, iiNet customers can purchase servers for over 70 of the world's top games (including ranked servers) and play on them unmetered and quota–free. Head to 3FL (our online gaming network) and share your excitement. FTW!
4x4 WA
Off–road lovers can now tune into 4x4 WA – a locally produced show which explores all there is to know and love about 4WDs. Learn about driving equipment, safety and the environment while taking in the western terrain.
ABSA Currie Cup & Air New Zealand Cup
With South Africa's ABSA Currie Cup and Air New Zealand Cup now in full swing, you'll be able to catch all the action On Demand, about 8 hours after the final whistle. Thanks to our friends from FOX SPORTS we'll be screening up to 4 matches every round, over the duration of the seasons.
So, get comfy and take advantage of iiNet's speedy ADSL2+ broadband network. All this content and more belongs to the Freezone family, meaning downloads won't count towards your monthly quota – just another reason to smile.
Boardroom Blitz – doin' it for the kids
For the second year running, iiNet will be rocking out for the kids at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Boardroom Blitz presented by iiNet is a rock charity event that brings corporate bands into the spotlight as they battle it out for the title of Best Band. Organised by the good folks from PMH Foundation, the event will raise vital funds to help seriously sick kids lead healthier and happier lives.
If you're keen to show your support and catch this musical showdown, you'll need to head to Perth's Metro City Concert Club, on Sunday 9 August. General admission tickets will set you back $25 but if the red carpet is more your thing, pick up a VIP pass.
To pre–book your tickets, call Bec Stott at the PMH Foundation on 08 9489 1100. Otherwise, try your luck at the door!
Snapfish photo gifts for Father's Day
Make a note in your diary – the first Sunday in September's just around the corner! To help you avoid a socks and ties scenario this Father's Day, the friendly Snapfish crew are offering 25% off selected gifts for Dad to iiNet customers, through the iiNet Photo Centre.
Get crafty and create something unique using your favourite happy snaps. You could go a mug, a mouse mat or try a stubbie cooler. Take a look at what's in store at iiNet's Photo Centre.
To make sure your gift arrives in time for Sunday 6 September, you'll need to place your order before Thursday 27 August 2009. To take up the 25% discount from Snapfish, you'll also need to plug in the following code iiNETDADAU9 at the checkout – easy.
* Offer ends on 31 August 2009 and is valid in Australia only. Post and packing or handling fee applies. Coupon code cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, but can be used multiple times.
FREE DVD rentals with Quickflix
With winter weather taking grip, it's nice to know that iiNet customers can enjoy a month of free DVD rentals from Quickflix – without even leaving the house!
Thanks to Quickflix, you'll have over 37,000 titles to choose from. Pick from the latest blockbusters, top TV shows, classic films, kids shows and docos – you'll find something to keep the whole family happy.
Renting with Quickflix is easy. Step 1 – choose your DVDs online. Step 2 – they get delivered to your door. Step 3 – breakout the popcorn. Step 4 – return the DVD in the reply paid envelope. And, the best part? No due dates and no late fees! Learn more on how Quickflix works.
So what are you waiting for? Give the Quickflix free month trial a go and enjoy up to 8 FREE DVD rentals.
business news
For this month's Business News we've decided to take a different tack. Instead of us telling you about clever business solutions, we've cleared the floor for one of you to 'show and tell'. Our first cab off the rank this month is online retailer LatestBuy. Here's what they have to say.
A few words from LatestBuy...
My name is Shaun Campbell, one of the owners of LatestBuy. We've been retailing unique and new–to–market gadgets, novelties and home wares since 2003.
Our head office and main warehouse is located in Perth, WA and services customers across the globe. We also have a second operational centre in New York, USA that specifically services the needs of our North American customers. Customers are able to browse, shop and even have their order gift wrapped via www.latestbuy.com.au or www.latestbuy.com. Our trade division, Trendtastic (www.trendtastic.com.au) was established in 2007 to focus on importing and wholesaling selected LatestBuy products to other resellers.
As an online only retailer, our internet connection is the lifeline of our business. It not only allows us to market our website and process orders, but also provides us with the ability to communicate with our customers by phone (VoIP), email, live chat and, more recently, social networks like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
With our high quality internet connection we're able to utilise VoIP services for the vast majority of our voice traffic. And accordingly, our internet connection pays for itself quite easily with the savings we achieve in call costs. Being able to setup and chair remote meetings and shared desktop sessions with our counterparts in the USA has also saved us a considerable amount in travel expenses.
Establishing VPN connections over the internet allows me to also resolve the vast majority of our IT issues remotely, whether this is from home or while travelling. It also allows staff and contractors the flexibility of working from home and on the road.
On top of all this, our ADSL connection facilitates the ongoing dialogue we maintain with our copy writers, marketing specialists, graphic designers and web developers – many of whom are not locally based. Put simply, if our internet connection goes down, so does the vast majority of our business.
Prior to launching LatestBuy, I had been a long time user of iiNet's services – initially as a dial–up customer before an eventual migration to ADSL when it first became available. iiNet is the only ISP I have used personally which is why it was an obvious choice for LatestBuy. I have always found iiNet's services to represent good value for money, as well as being ahead of the curve with their release of new products and features.
More recently, I have noticed iiNet partnering with some interesting third party content providers, creating even more value in their product offering. We like to think of ourselves as being forward thinking so it makes sense for us to partner with a like–minded business. Most importantly, iiNet has never given us a reason to look elsewhere.
Quite simply, as we spend so much of our working day 'online', the speed of our internet connection is directly proportional to how productive and responsive we're capable of being.
Thanks for sharing your story LatestBuy! If you think you'd be interested in sharing how iiNet's products and services are helping your business grow, we'd love to hear from you. Just email iinetbusiness@iinet.net.au, with 'Business Case' in the subject line, and we'll be in touch to share more info.
bloo business seminar
It's good to be a Maverick, blazing your own trail and venturing into uncharted terrain. To get on this path though, you might need a little help!
Next month on 1 September 2009, the folks from bloo are pulling small and medium businesses together for a seminar to do just that. By springing $50 a head to attend the bloo Business Seminar, you'll have a rare opportunity to hear from two of WA's most respected business pioneers – John Hughes and very our own iiNet founder, Michael Malone. Golf clap please.
If you're planning to be in Perth around this time, register with bloo to lock in a place.
support & services
Geek Speak
Don't know your VOIPs from your DSLs? Feel embarrassed at dinner parties when the conversation turns to Fibre To The Node? Like to know what all those techie terms mean? Well look no further...
Geek Speak is here to help turn technical internet jargon into plain and simple English. We understand not everyone is a net nerd, so each month iiNews will publish a Geek Speak topic to give you a hand. If you have any feedback or would like to suggest a new topic just email us at geekspeak@iinet.net.au.
mp3, aac, wma. What's the difference between audio files?
Audio files allow you to store music digitally. There's a number of file types around so the tricky part is figuring out what's different about all of them.
MP3 is the most popular audio file format for listening to music on your computer. These files let you listen to your favourite songs in high quality. They're common and compress the music without sacrificing too much quality.
AAC files are relatively new on the scene and they generally provide audio at a higher quality than MP3. If you have an iPod or use iTunes, you may have noticed that your songs are saved as AAC files. This is because AAC files are Apple's preferred file format.
If you're a Windows user, you may have heard of WMA files as this standard was developed by Microsoft for use in Windows Media Player. The sound quality isn't as good as MP3 or AAC, but it's still a popular way to listen to music from your computer.
So what's the best audio file to use? You can assess the above three types by having a think about the quality that you're after, desired file size or what programs you use to listen to your music.
If you're big on downloading music and media from iTunes, it's likely that you'll chew through a load of data. iiNet broadband customers have unmetered access to the iiNet Freezone, meaning you're free to enjoy more. Make the most of your unmetered monthly downloads by heading to the iiNet iTunes Store – there's songs aplenty to keep you bopping, all without making a dent to your quota.
Digital Radio with Sam Luck
Australians are already enjoying the joys of digital TV, with the Ashes in HD and the comprehensive coverage of the recent Tour de France. When it comes to digital radio however, we're a little bit 'in the dark'.
Because we're big on all things technical and gadgety, we thought it'd be nice to bring you up to speed in time for radio's biggest ever event – Radio United.
What is Radio United?
It's an initiative to get everyone excited about the digital revolution, plus it's a world first! Between 5:30am and 9:30am on Thursday 6 August 2009, more than 40 different commercial radio and public service broadcasters will come together and hold simultaneous outdoor broadcasts in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. At each broadcast location there'll be a 'listener post' where the public will be able to test drive a variety of digital radios.
Why go digital?
With digital, you'll get better sound, better reception, additional stations (just like digital TV) and pause/rewind capability. Depending on the individual radio station, you might also enjoy downloadable music, picture slideshows and niche music stations. You won't need to pay subscription fees to listen but you'll have to sort out a new digital receiver to tune.
The possibilities
If you're an unsigned Aussie band jump for joy 'cause radio just got better! The move to digital means more stations and more opportunities to be heard. It also brings a stack of possibilities to radio advertisers with the opportunity to display images alongside sound. Down the track, 'listening to the wireless' will become a much more interactive experience.
What next?
To find out if you live in an area that receives digital radio head to www.digitalradioplus.com.au and plug in your postcode at the top of the screen. This site will also tell you where you can pick up a digital radio set of your own. Those who prefer to 'keep it old school' can always hit up our trusty Freezone, where you can listen to over 60 radio stations at the click of a mouse, without making a dent to your monthly quota!
competitions
Music giveaway
This month, the friendly folks from The In Sound From Way Out have helped us out with another bag of music to giveaway. Up for grabs this month, you'll find 10 prize packs featuring David Bowie, the 101 90s Hits 5CD pack and Katy Perry.
David Bowie
VH1 Storytellers
David Bowie's eighth live album was recorded during a 1999 performance on the VH1 TV music series Storytellers. The tracklist covers everything from 60s releases like Can't Help Thinking About Me to music from his latest album 'Hours...'. If you're a Bowie fan add this to your shopping list.
101 90s Hits
Compilation
Don't throw out your Hypercolors and Doc Martens just yet! 90s parties have become the new 80s parties, meaning this five disc compilation is the soundtrack to your night! Songs like the Snap! anthem Rhythm is a Dancer and Tribe Called Quest's Can I Kick It? will take a whole generation back to their youth.
Katy Perry
One of the Boys (Tour Edition)
It's 'oh–so–cool' to be a tomboy right now and Katy Perry's having a laugh with the title of her first mainstream album. Her cover art however, suggests she's not convinced! Perry's been working on this album since she was 19 and in that time she's been dropped by two labels. Right now she's top of the pops and touring the world.
To put yourself in the running to win one of these prize packs, email competitions with 'July The In Sound Comp' in the subject line. Don't forget to include your username, full name and address, with the answer to this question: Apple's preferred audio file format is? Entries need to make it in before by 5pm (WST) Friday 14 August, 2009. Good Luck!
WASO sweet symphony giveaways
If you've been streaming through our Freezone for sweet symphony from WASO (West Australian Symphony Orchestra), you'll be excited to hear they've offered up a handful of passes to enjoy some very special live performances.
Up for grabs, we've got 2 VIP double passes to Ben Lee with WASO for the Saturday 29 August concert at 7.30pm; and one VIP Family package (with 6 passes) to see How the Gimquat Found Her Song on Sunday 23 August at 3pm.
Both performances will be taking place at the Perth Concert Hall next month. If you happen to be in the land of the Sandgroper (Perth) late August and fancy catching Ben Lee with WASO, email competitions with 'July WASO Ben Lee Competition' in the subject line. If you're keen to find out How Gimquat Found Her Song with the family, email competitions with 'July WASO Gimquat Competition' in the subject line.
Don't forget to include your username, full name and address, along with the answer to this question: Which online gaming giant have we teamed up with this month for Freezone goodness? by 5pm (WST) Friday 14 August, 2009.
For everyone outside of Perth, there's no need to feel out in the cold. There are Live and On Demand concerts to catch throughout the rest of the year in our Freezone.
games reviews
Our buddies from Games Warehouse have teamed up with us to deliver your monthly games review and another $100 voucher to splurge on gaming goodness.
If you see yourself winning and spending this voucher, email competitions with 'July Games Warehouse Competition' in the subject line. Don't forget to include your username, full name and address, along with the answer to this question: Which charity rock-fest is iiNet sponsoring in August to help sick kids? by 5pm (WST) Friday 14 August, 2009.
Gamer's 2-minute review
It took me about five minutes of playing this month's review to realise I was in way, way over my head.
I consider myself a bit of an RPG stalwart and occasional dabbler in Japanese hilarity. So I'm disappointed in myself for not getting anything out of Tales of Vesperia, a stunning exponent of JRPG grind–play and a fine outing for the Tales franchise for this generation of consoles. On the one hand, Vesperia delivers a near–perfect rendition of the tried and tested old-school RPG formula... on my other, more cynical hand, I just don't understand how that formula is still popular. At all.
Vesperia takes place on the planet Lumireis and tells the tale of dropout knight Yuri, hot on the trail of an elusive thief who drags our protagonist into a plot of far greater intrigue than he or anyone expected (except me, and probably you). Without giving too much away, things go planet–sized and it's up to Yuri and his rag–tag mob of anime stereotypes to stop Armageddon. The only thing in between you and victory is 40 hours of laboured dialogue and a buttload of random combat encounters.
On the plus side, Vesperia is an amazing game to behold. To give you an idea of how seamless the cel–shaded 3D characters and environments set in, I found myself wondering why nothing was happening in the cut-scenes... only to discover it was live action. For the sheer volume of generous, colourful visuals and voice–acting, this one gets top marks. I was utterly impressed. The only pimple I found on Vesperia's buttocks was the age–old showcase of how bad the Japanese are at coming up with Western sounding names: Estellise Heurassein, Yeager, Repede, Mordio...why is there never a Steve, or a Terry? And why is gold always called 'gald', 'geld' or 'glod'?
Slice into the meat of the game though and it turns into a bit of a hodge–podge. The active fight mechanics (going against the traditional turn–based combat system of other JRPGs) make for a murky, often frustrating affair. It's a lovely idea, but as the game is still driven by RPG rules the combat feels stunted, laggy and unrewarding. Alongside this the character development system is alive and well but again following a fine tradition of levelling only when the game wants you to level. In short, you can customise your fighters over time, but the actual diversity of the end–product is minimal. Tweak him however you want, Yuri will still be much the same fighter regardless of your play style.
Story drivers aside, the fights and the levelling are everything this game has to offer. I'm probably being a bit harsh here, but the appeal of this sort of RPG repetition wears off real quick. For its presentation, I really wanted to get wrapped up in the cheesy, predictable storyline; I wanted the hook to grind out one more chapter. In the end though, Vesperia clings to the relative safety of tried and tested JRPG hallmarks, where 'fun' is more readily substituted with 'menial'. The reliance on hours upon hours of unnecessarily drawn–out dialogue and formulaic courier quests is all the reason I needed to shelf this one for good.
If you like your RPG to be a grindy, simple–tasks affair, this is a sure bet. It's a detailed, polished realisation of everything you've come to expect from the Japanese sub–genre. Be warned though, it's not for everyone.
site scan
Everyone needs music with Sandy Lim
Check out these hot music sites for your fix of tunes and news. We've got an Aussie–based CD shopping guide, live 24/7 club music radio and a music magazine custom–made for you.
Australian Music Website
AMWS is a shopping guide for Australian music, movies and TV shows. Beyond music, you can also search for kids viewing, sports DVDs, plus sheet music for local and international acts.
Awdio
Get streaming dance and lounge music from clubs, bars, concerts and music shops around the world. Everything's broadcast non–stop, in real time and best of all, it's free!
idiomag
Search for your favourite artist, or enter your username from an associated music network (eg. last.fm, Pandora) to get a music magazine personalized to your taste.
Freezone Radio
Visit our Freezone for even more music – there's over 60 radio stations, quota–free for iiNet customers.
