Samsung Defends the Third Dimension

Samsung’s John Revie says 3D televisions aren’t a fad, and he believes there’s early evidence to prove it.

Revie, a senior vice president for the Korean electronics giant and one of its top bosses in the U.S., smiles when asked what he says to skeptics who say 3D-capable HDTVs will never catch on with the masses. Since they went on sale at the end of March, Revie says sales of Samsung’s 3D televisions are already outpacing those of Samsung’s successful LED televisions at the same stage following their introduction last year.

“Consumer acceptance and adoption of 3D has been terrific,” he says.

Doubters of 3D televisions have a long list of grievances against them. They’re expensive, with a $200 or more premium per set over otherwise comparable 2D televisions. Then there’s the money home theater buffs have to shell out to get the glasses necessary to see the three-dimensional images on screen and a 3D capable Blu-ray player.

Read the rest of this post on the original site

Apple to Debut iTunes.com, Mac Pro and MacBook Air Refreshes at WWDC?

The big news coming out of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2010 in early June will almost certainly be a next-generation iPhone, a device with specs much like those leaked earlier this spring. But there may be a few other announcements as well. The next version of the Mac OS X, perhaps. And beyond that, some news about the Mac and iTunes.

In an inspired bit of entrail reading this morning, Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu says Apple (AAPL) may have a libretto of big WWDC announcements. “Other announcements we are picking up that could potentially be made are iTunes.com, a web-based version of its iTunes client, and new Mac refreshes with faster processors and graphics, namely the Mac Pro and MacBook Air, which were last refreshed in March and June 2009, respectively,” he wrote in a note to clients this morning.

An interesting bit of speculation. Certainly, it’s conceivable that the Mac Pro and MacBook Air get updated. As Wu notes, it has been quite a while since the last one. But iTunes.com, the online music service Apple is believed to be building on its Lala.com acquisition? That might be a bit of a stretch, as my colleague Peter Kafka reported in late April.

“Sources tell me that in the past few weeks, Apple has started signaling to the labels that it’s interested in a Web-based version of iTunes, its dominant music retail platform,” Kafka wrote on April 30. “But those conversations are preliminary at best. So if you’re expecting to hear about an ‘iTunes.com’ offering in the near future–like during Apple’s June 7 developer conference–you’re likely to be disappointed.”

Google’s AdMob Acquisition a Done Deal

Federal regulators on Friday approved Google’s $750 million purchase of mobile advertising company AdMob. Now, less than a week later, the search sovereign has closed the deal.

“We believe that mobile advertising can play a significant role in every single marketing campaign. We’re passionate about the unlimited possibilities in this space,” Susan Wojcicki, Google vice president of product management, said in a celebratory blog post. “Today, with AdMob, our work to make them a reality begins.”

And what a circuitous route it was to get there. Google (GOOG) announced plans to buy AdMob last fall, but the acquisition was quickly hamstrung by a grueling regulatory review.

How to convert video to PSP Video formats

This document will show you how to trim, crop, convert video to PSP video formats at length, you can refer to it step by step and take the conversion an easy trip.

It includes two parts:
1. How to convert video to PSP?
2. How to trim, crop, join and edit video for PSP?

The video formats Aiseesoft PSP Movie Converter support are as follows:
AVI, XviD, WMV (Window Media Video), MPEG, MPG, MP4, FLV (YouTube video), 3GP, 3GPP (cell phone video), Mod, Tod, RM, RMVB (Real Player video), M4V, ASF

The audio formats supported by Aiseesoft PSP Movie Converter are:
MP3, WMA, WAV, AC3, M4A, AAC

Part 1: How to convert video to PSP?
Step1. Please download Aiseesoft PSP Video Converter; you can free download it from here.
http://www.aiseesoft.com/psp-movie-converter.html

Step2: Install and run Aiseesoft PSP Movie Converter, click the “Add File” button to import your videos. If you experience any problems adding videos by directly clicking the “Add” button, you can click “File -> Add file” to add the video files you want to convert from your computer.



Step3. Then Click the “Profile” drop-down list to select the format you prefer for each added file. If you don’t know what formats your device support, you can just select the format according to the device



After you finish all the above steps, please click “Start” to begin the conversion.

Free Trial: Free download Aiseesoft PSP Movie Converter

Next Part: How to crop, edit, join and trim movie movie for PSP?

How to Convert MPEG2 to MPEG4

Step by step guide on ripping MPEG2 to MPEG4:

1 Free download MPEG2 to MPEG4 converter, install and run it. Double click to open the interface as below:

2 Add the MPEG2 video files you prepare to convert

If necessary, importing several files meantime is allowed for you to merge them later.

3 Select output format

Click "Profile", select MPEG4 format, then click "Browse" to select a destination folder in the window that opens.

4 Start to rip MPEG2 to MPEG4 by clicking "start"

As you see, just a few clicks, the conversion is ok.

How to Convert M2TS to MPEG

When you finished the download process, run the .exe file to install it.

1 Click "Add file" button to import videos - MTS

2 Extend the "Profile" category to select an output format you need

3 Click "Browse" button to choose an output folder and click "Open Folder" to open it

4 Try Effect, Trim, Crop, Merge, Settings and more functions according to your needs

5 Click "Start" to convert

Visit How to convert MTS files for full version description!

iPad Sold Out at Many Apple Stores

Did Apple underestimate the iPad’s early popularity? It certainly seems that way. Amid reports that the device is now outselling the Mac, comes news that iPad supplies are increasingly constrained as Apple (AAPL) prepares for its international launch.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster checked in with 50 U.S. Apple retail stores and found the iPad sold out or in limited supply at many of them.

“74 percent of the stores we checked were completely sold out of all iPad models. 26 percent had some WiFi models in stock, and no stores had any 3G models available,” the analyst reports.

“We note that the stores have implemented a reservation system, by which customers can request to be placed on a waitlist for future iPad shipments, notified upon arrival, and given 24 hours to pick up the iPad,” Munster adds. “One Apple store representative indicated that the in-store reservation system typically takes 4-7 days.”

Given that, the fact that iPad orders made at Apple’s online store are now listed as shipping in “7-10 business days,” up from a previous range of “5-7 business days,” and the international iPad launch next week, Munster figures supply constraints will easily last through the June quarter, reaching equilibrium in late fall.

“[The iPad launch] far exceeded our expectations. We were shocked by U.S. demand,” Apple COO Tim Cook said during Apple’s last earnings call.

Evidently that continues to be the case.

Apple Selling More iPads Than Macs

Here’s a stunner of a data point: Apple is selling more than 200,000 iPads per week. Which means, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky, that sales of the company’s new device have outpaced those of the Mac in the United States and are closing in on those of the iPhone 3GS.

“Checks indicate that US iPad sales remain strong post-launch, driven by rising consumer visibility to iPad’s user experience, sustained PR/word-of-mouth marketing, 3G iPad launch, and broadening iPad apps/content,” Abramsky wrote in a note to clients this morning. “We believe Apple is now selling >200k iPads/week, greater than US Macs (est. 110k Macs/week) and just below US iPhone 3GS first quart (246k/week).”

Evidently, there’s quite a bit of pent-up demand for the device. Retail checks in mid-May showing widespread iPad stockouts at Apple (AAPL) stores and Best Buy (BBY). The 3G iPad is sold out at many Apple stores, and about 25 percent of them now have only Wi-Fi iPads available. Waiting lists are not uncommon.

With that in mind–not to mention the device’s forthcoming international launch–Abramsky raised his global iPad outlook for 2010 from five million to eight million.

Abramsky’s is one of the most bullish iPad sales estimates to date, though it certainly has company. Earlier this year, Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi predicted sales will hit five million units in the first year, while Morgan Stanley (MS) analyst Katy Huberty said they’d likely exceed six million. (Click on table and chart below to enlarge.)

One last point: Before we go jumping to conclusions about cannibalization of Mac sales, recall Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster’s remarks after reviewing NPD’s April sales data for Apple:

The iPad launched in US Apple retail stores on 4/3, impacting nearly the entire month of Apple’s sales in April. As a result, April NPD data gives us the first sign of the degree to which the iPad cannibalizes iPod or Mac sales. From the early NPD data, it appears that the iPad has a minimal cannibalization impact on Mac sales, and could be slightly cannibalizing iPod sales.

Google’s App Store for the Web

It’s easy to sell premium applications on smartphones; Apple’s iTunes App Store has proven that. Is it equally easy to sell them on the Web? We’re about to find out. At its annual I/O conference Wednesday, Google previewed a Web applications storefront it plans to build into its Chrome browser and forthcoming Chrome OS.

Like Apple’s (AAPL) iTunes App Store and Google’s (GOOG) own Android Market, the Chrome Web Store will showcase free and paid videogames, magazines, productivity apps and the like. As Web applications, they’ll run on most modern browsers. But if you happen to be running Chrome, you can “install” the apps directly in the browser so that they can be accessed via a sort of “super-bookmark.”

“Once installed, a Web app gets a big icon in Google Chrome’s app launcher area, as well as some integration with the host OS,” Google explains in its documentation for the store. “When running, an installed Web app has a special frame and other UI enhancements to make the Web app easier to distinguish from other Web content.”

That sounds like a nice enhancement, but will it be enough to convince people to pay for Web apps they’re used to getting for free?

How to Convert WMV to iPhone on Mac

Step by step guide:

Step 1 Run and add the WMV video files you prepare to convert

Click Add file to browse your computer and import WMV videos. If necessary, importing several files meantime is allowed.

Step 2 Select output format

Click "Profile", select MP4 format for your iPhone, then click "Browse" to select a destination folder in the window that opens.

Step 3 Start to convert WMV to iPhone Mac by clicking "Start".

As you see, just a few clicks, the conversion is ok.

The Mac WMV to iPhone software is just what you are looking for. Don't hesitate to download and purchase it.

Go to WMV to iPhone Mac for other info!

How to Convert SWF to MP4

The following tips will tell you how to convert SWF to MP4 step by step with Aiseesoft MP4 Video Converter.

1. Free download the powerful and simple-to-use Aiseesoft MP4 Video Converter, install and launch.

2. Add any SWF video file from the "File" menu.

3. Choose the proper MP4 video format in Profile list and click Browse… to set output folder.

4. Click Start button. After a few minutes waiting, SWF to MP4 conversion will be completed with excellent video quality.

How to Rip DVD in Windows Vista

As we known, there are lots of software incompatible with Windows Vista, then Vista users are confused to where to get they need software. To meet your need, Aiseesoft DVD Ripper is full compatible with Windows Vista. Here is the guide how to rip DVD in Windows Vista OS.

Aiseesoft DVD Ripper works well on Windows Vista, it can rip DVD to almost all popular audio and video formats, including MPEG, WMV, DivX, AVI, XviD, VOB, MOV, ASF, VCD, DAT, RM, 3GP, MP4, 3G2, iPod, Archos, Creative Zen, PSP, Pocket PC, PS3, Dell Axim, iRiver PMP, HP iPAQ; MP3, AAC, WMA, M4A, OGG, AC3, MP2, WAV, AU, etc.

1.Load DVDs

Download Aiseesoft DVD Ripper and install to your computer. install it and run, load your DVD movie from targeted drive. Now learn more about the interface of Aiseesoft DVD Ripper Platinum:

2.Edit DVDs

Aiseesoft DVD Ripper owns the solution to edit DVDs, Click "Effect" to pop up the Edit window, then adjust the effect, also can trim DVDs length according to your preferences. Even crop the DVD video play region to suit for your players

3.Start to rip DVD in Windows Vista

After you finish all the settings, click "Start" on the right bottom position to start to rip DVD for your players.e

For more info: Aiseesoft DVD Ripper

AOL to Wall Street: Our Turnaround Is Going To Be Really Slow

AOL (AOL) disappointed investors with a Q1 earnings report that missed low expectations. Tim Armstrong doesn’t want that to happen again, so he’s bellowing as loud as he can: Don’t expect much from us anytime soon.

Yesterday he sent CFO Artie Minson out to Barclays Capital to repeat the message. It got through. Here’s analyst Douglas Anmuth, noting that ad sales will be underwhelming for a while, even though the Web ad business is bouncing back:

Management was quick to point out that AOL’s overall display pipeline for the back half remains soft. Management indicated that it has booked roughly 60% as much inventory for the back half as it had booked at the same time last year—and that was in a softer overall macro environment.

On the plus side, pricing for the ads AOL does sell are improving, which it can attribute both to the overall recovery, and AOL’s focus on selling high-end inventory, while dumping its low cost stuff. Still, Anmuth says: “we do not expect the uptick in CPMs to offset the removal of low quality ads and the sales force dislocation in the near term.”

So lower those expectations, OK?

But not too much!

AOL also suggests that its new search pact, which will replace the Google (GOOG) that expires in December, will be a big deal: “Management is approaching the renewal as a broad strategic partnership for the company that has many potential outcomes. AOL mentioned mapping and local could be part of the deal and we wouldn’t be surprised if a display ad partnership was also included.”

Barclays thinks Armstrong’s recent hire of Microsoft (MSFT) ad tech executive Alex Gounares means the deal could end up tipping to Redmond. Stay tuned.

SAP to Acquire Sybase for $5.8 Billion

Looks like SAP AG was a bit closer to buying Sybase than reports published earlier today suggested. Moments ago, the two companies announced the acquisition. Price: $5.8 billion–a bit shy of the $6 billion figure batted around earlier. SAP will pay $65 in cash for each Sybase (SY) share, a 44 percent premium over the stock’s average price during the last quarter.

This is a large acquisition for SAP (SAP) and one that will give it quite a bit more fire power in its battles with nemesis Oracle (ORCL). As Forrester Research’s (FORR) Paul Hamerman told Bloomberg earlier today, “The deal makes sense because SAP is betting heavily on in-memory computing and mobile applications as the future of computing and Sybase brings to the table a capability for high-speed in-memory databases and a mobile application platform.”

Here’s the announcement:

SAP to Acquire Sybase

Strategic Move to Accelerate the Reach of SAP® Solutions across Mobile Platforms,

Help Companies Manage and Analyze Business Information and Processes on Any Device

WALLDORF, Germany and Dublin, California, USA — May 12, 2010 — SAP (NYSE: SAP) and Sybase, Inc., Dublin, California (USA) (NYSE: SY) today announced that SAP’s subsidiary, SAP America, Inc., has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Sybase, Inc., in a transaction that will bring the two information technology (IT) leaders together to enable companies to become better-run “unwired enterprises.” As a result of this transaction, customers will be able to better harness today’s explosion of data and deliver information and insight in real time to business consumers wherever they work so they can make faster, more informed decisions. Companies will benefit from greater productivity, speed and agility to help their businesses grow. Under the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, SAP America, Inc., will make an all cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Sybase common stock at $65.00 per share, representing an enterprise value of approximately $5.8 billion.

The per share purchase price represents a 44% premium over the three-month average stock price of Sybase. The transaction will be funded from SAP’s cash on hand and a €2.75 billion loan facility arranged and underwritten by Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank.

The Sybase board of directors has unanimously approved the transaction. The closing of the tender offer is conditioned on the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Sybase’s common stock on a fully diluted basis and clearance by the relevant antitrust authorities.

SAP and Sybase to Benefit from Synergies

Both SAP and Sybase will benefit from synergies across product lines and markets. SAP will accelerate the reach of its solutions across mobile platforms and drive forward the realization of its in-memory computing vision. This will drive higher user adoption of SAP software and unlock significant business value out of existing customer investments. In addition, Sybase’s innovative mobile platform can connect all applications and data (SAP and non-SAP) and enable them on mobile devices. SAP, Sybase and their customers will be able to tap into Sybase’s messaging network to reach 4 billion mobile subscribers through 850+ operator relationships worldwide and engage their consumers via alerts, transactions and promotions on their mobile devices.

For Sybase, SAP in-memory technology will provide the opportunity for dramatic performance improvements to its analytic processing capabilities. Sybase will also be able to bring its complex event processing and analytics expertise, which was built in the financial sector, to customers in other industries, markets and product areas in which SAP has a complementary, strong presence. Finally, Sybase’s core database business will be enhanced by SAP in-memory technology to deliver integrated transactional and analytical capabilities. At the same time, SAP reinforced its dedication to customer choice by stating that it will continue its commitment to supporting leading database vendors.

The synergies between the two companies will also expand opportunities for the SAP and Sybase ecosystems. Software and implementation partners can capture new opportunities by innovating on Sybase’s market-leading mobile platform, which will make it easier to create, deliver and securely manage mobile enterprise applications across major device types.

SAP and Sybase Stronger Together

“With this transaction, SAP will dramatically expand its addressable market by making available its market-leading solutions to hundreds of millions of mobile users, combining the world’s best business software with the world’s most powerful mobile infrastructure platform,” said Bill McDermott, co-CEO of SAP and member of the SAP Executive Board. “This is a game-changing transaction for SAP and Sybase customers, who will be better able to connect their employees with key functionality and information from anywhere and make it easier for companies to make faster, more informed business decisions in real time. With SAP’s customer-centric approach, we are resolute in our commitment to support Sybase customers to be best-run businesses.”

SAP said it will continue to support each organization’s product road map while enhancing products to help customers derive additional value from existing investments. It also stated that both companies’ development organizations would remain intact, with the opportunity to cross-collaborate to increase innovation for customers.

Headquartered in Dublin, California, Sybase delivers a range of solutions to ensure that customer information is securely managed and mobilized to the point of action, including enterprise and mobile databases, middleware, synchronization, encryption and device management software, and mobile messaging services.

“Mobile devices are becoming the preferred interaction point with business applications, whether the user is a factory supervisor, a retail manager or an entrepreneur in a developing nation,” said Jim Hagemann Snabe, co-CEO of SAP and member of the SAP Executive Board. “The combination of SAP and Sybase will give users the option of running their operations from leading mobile devices and will unleash the full power of mobility, including messaging interoperability, content delivery and mobile commerce services, across all companies and roles and in any location. In addition, innovation around Sybase’s established database business will pave the way for ‘real’ real-time analytics and finally remove the decade-old barrier between business applications and business intelligence.”

Sybase to Operate Stand-Alone

The two companies announced that Sybase will operate as a standalone unit under the name “Sybase, an SAP Company.” Sybase’s management team will continue to run the business. The SAP Executive Board plans to propose to the Supervisory Board to appoint the Chairman and CEO of Sybase to SAP’s Executive Board.

“This transaction better positions SAP and Sybase to bring remarkable benefits of mobility and real-time information to our customers’ existing technology investments,” said Vishal Sikka, Chief Technology Officer and member of the SAP executive board in charge of Technology and Innovation. “SAP’s in-memory computing technology is already revolutionizing business analytics and will bring a paradigm shift to enterprise data management for all applications. The in-memory team within SAP will continue its current mission to innovate in-memory technology and these innovations will enable both SAP and Sybase to bring unprecedented value to their customers.”

“This combination is a transformative event in the software industry,” said John Chen, CEO of Sybase, Inc. “SAP’s in-memory technology in combination with Sybase’s database technology will revolutionize how transactional and analytic applications are built, benefiting all businesses. Further, by combining the market leader in enterprise applications with the market leader in enterprise mobility, companies around the world will be able to run their business from many devices. This will drive a new wave of enterprise productivity. The combined SAP/Sybase will be able to provide a software offering that enables companies to transform their businesses in an increasingly data-, consumer- and mobile-centric world.”

Transaction Expected to Be Accretive to SAP’s Earnings per Share on a non-IFRS Basis in 2010 and Beyond

The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2010 and will be immediately accretive to SAP’s earnings per share on a non-IFRS adjusted basis. SAP expects the combination to deliver synergies through both revenue enhancement and the realization of cost efficiencies. Additional details regarding specific product, go-to-market and other integration details will be provided after the transaction is complete.

Tender Offer Details and Disclosure Information

SAP America’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sheffield Acquisition Corp.will promptly commence a tender offer under US securities law for all outstanding shares of Sybase common stock.

The completion of the tender offer and acceptance of Sybase’s shares is conditioned on the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Sybase’s common stock on a fully diluted basis and the satisfaction of regulatory and other customary conditions. Approval of the transaction by SAP’s stockholders is not required and the transaction is not subject to a financing condition.

Financial Analyst and Media Conference Call

SAP and Sybase senior management will host two conference calls for financial analysts and media to discuss the transaction:

On Wednesday, May 12th, at 11:30 pm CET / 5:30 pm Eastern (Dial in numbers: +49 6958 999 0797 (Germany), +44 20 8515 2302 (UK), +1 480 629-9692 (US), Conference ID: 4301600; Replay numbers: +44 20 7154 2833 (UK), +1 303 590-3030 (US), Access code: 4301600)

On Thursday, May 13th at 8:00 am CET / 2:00 am Eastern (Dial in numbers: +49 69 58 999 0797 (Germany), +44 20 8515 2302 (UK), +1 480 629-9692 (US), Conference ID: 4301586; Replay numbers: +44 20 7154 2833 (UK), +1 303 590-3030 (US), Access code: 4301586)

The calls will be webcast at www.sap.com/investor.

Post-Legal Soap Opera: Skype CEO Josh Silverman Speaks!

Late last week, BoomTown sat down with Josh SIlverman, CEO of Skype, to get an update on the popular Internet telephony company.

When we last checked in with Skype, it had turned into the “Peyton Place”–look it up, kids!–of the online telecommunications arena, with lawsuits flying, venture capitalists getting slimed and a general tone of very purple drama.

But in November, settlement of the troubles came, as I wrote:

Silicon Valley legend and now VC Marc Andreessen was making the interview rounds after the settlement between the litigation-addled co-founders of Skype and all the various people they were suing was announced this morning.

He has been tight-lipped until now, due to the morass of lawsuits.

But, as Andreessen told BoomTown in a phone interview about the aggressive legal tactics of Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis that resulted in them finally seizing a stake in the Internet telephony giant by suing him and many other Silicon Valley players:

“We did not take it personally. It’s a clean sheet of paper.”

Well, it is actually a torn, stained and very worn out piece of paper, due to all the various machinations, but bygones!

Andreessen–who knows a thing or two about legal tussles, if you recall Netscape-Microsoft (MSFT)–said the real point is that it is time to focus on the business of Skype rather than fighting over who controls Skype.

“It’s really good to have everyone lined up and rowing in the same direction. We have to capitalize on the opportunity, because Skype is poised for a new wave of growth,” said Andreessen. “They have an amazing head of steam, because the logical way for voice and video communications to be conducted will be over the Web.”

That’s, of course, what Silverman–who has been running Skype since it was owned by eBay (EBAY) outright–wants to focus in on now.

While the e-commerce giant still owns a 30 percent chunk, Silverman is now trying to navigate Skype back to its disruptive and innovative roots, even as big telcos and Internet giants such as Google (GOOG) continue to aggressively compete head-on with it.

He’s doing that using a range of tactics to goose the service’s growth–from cheaper rates to more features to improving ease of use. Given that video is the big focus for Skype going forward, Silverman noted that the company is looking at all kinds of new ways to share presence.

How to Convert OGG to MP3

Step 0: Download, install and run OGG to MP3.

Step 1: Add File

Click the "Add File" button to import your OGG files, or click the "File" menu to open the drop-down menu, then select "Add File" to import files.

Step 2: Output format and destination

Select the output format MP3 from the "Profile" drop-down list. And choose your destination folder by clicking "Browse".
It is optional to set your output MP3 parameters.

Step 3: Start Conversion from OGG to MP3

You can click "Start" to begin OGG to MP3 conversion and it will be finished in a short while.

Tip: Trim Audio Clip

Want to convert a clip from your music? Just click "Trim" button to open the dialog selecting duration of the file.

Need more helps, explore: How to convert OGG to MP3

How to Convert AVI to FLV

Next is about converting AVI to FLV steps:

1 Click "Add File" or "Load DVD" to browse your computer and import input files you want to convert. Here you can add AVI files.

2 AVI to FLV converter allows you to adjust video effect, trim files, crop files or click "Merge" to input the name of the merged file. Then you can get a perfect FLV video in customized editing effect.

3 When all the editing settings are finished, click "Next" and follow the wizard to make FLV video.

Finally, when the conversion begins, it is optional to check "Open Folder After Conversion" or "Shut Down Computer After Conversion" for convenience.

Go to AVI to FLV for more info in detail!

How to Convert M4V to AVI on Mac

Next is the detailed steps describing how to convert M4V to AVI on Mac with Aiseesoft Video Converter for Mac.

Step 1. Free download Aiseesoft Video Converter for Mac Intel Version or Power PC Version, install it to your computer and launch. Windows users can download the Windows version.

Step 2: Click "Add File" button to load your M4V files.

Step 3: Set output format and output destination folder.

Select M4V files you want to convert, then click "Profile" list to choose output file format. You can freely choose "AVI - Audio-Video Interleaved (*.avi)", "DivX (*.avi)" or "XviD (*.avi)".

Click "Browse" button to choose destination folder for saving your converted AVI video files.

Step 4: Strat conversion

After setting the profile, you only need to click "Start" button on the right side to start the M4V to AVI conversion. Several minutes later, you can conveniently enjoy your AVI file on various players.

In addition, Aiseesoft Video Converter for Mac also offers extra video editing functions: adjusting video effect, trim video/audio, crop video, merge video files into one output file, set output parameters, preview video effect before conversion etc. Want to know more information, please visit: Convert M4V to AVI on Mac.

Let’s Go to the Videotape: SB Nation’s Jim Bankoff Speaks!

While in Washington, D.C., recently, I paid a visit to Jim Bankoff, who is now helming a fascinating start-up called SB Nation, a fast-growing sports blog and news platform.

With over 200 individual communities, it’s a mix of professional and user-generated content aimed at engaging passionate fans.

A former AOL (AOL) exec, Bankoff (pictured here) has worked on such products as TMZ.com, Moviefone, MapQuest and Netscape, as well as its AIM and ICQ messaging offerings.

After that, he became a senior adviser to Providence Equity Partners.

SB Nation has raised about $13 million in total venture funding from Accel Partners, Allen & Company, Comcast Interactive Capital, as well as angel investors such as Ted Leonsis and others in Silicon Valley.

People familiar with the situation said SB Nation’s post-investment valuation, after its most recent round last summer, is about $30 million.

SB Nation has used its funding to grow like gangbusters, especially since Bankoff arrived in late 2008 as chairman and CEO.

While it has been around since 2003, founded by DailyKos’s Markos Moulitsas and others, the start-up has been aiming more at the sweet spot of local sports pages, especially as newspapers have become weaker.

FCC Mulling New Do-Nothing Broadband Policy

Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski is considering leaving broadband services unregulated. That’s what a trio of sources inside the agency tell The Washington Post, anyway.

Seems a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that found the FCC had overstepped its bounds when it censured Comcast for interfering with peer-to-peer traffic on its network has given the chairman cause to reconsider his plan to reclassify high-speed Internet access as a transport service subject to FCC regulation. “… Sources said Genachowski thinks “reclassifying” broadband to allow for more regulation would be overly burdensome on carriers and would deter investment,” the Post reports. “But they said he also thinks the current regulatory framework would lead to constant legal challenges to the FCC’s authority every time it attempted to pursue a broadband policy.”

Genachowski hasn’t yet made a final decision on the matter, but the fact that he’s even considering leaving broadband services unregulated has incensed critics who say to do so is to abandon ‘Net Neutrality.

“We simply cannot believe that Julius Genachowski would consider going down this path. Failing to reclassify broadband means the FCC is abandoning the signature communications and technology issues of the Obama administration. Such a decision would destroy Net Neutrality,” Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, said statement. “It would deeply undermine the FCC’s ability to ensure universal Internet access for rural, low-income and disabled Americans. It will undermine the FCC’s ability to protect consumers from price-gouging and invasions of privacy. … If Chairman Genachowski fails to re-establish the FCC authority to protect Internet users, he will be allowing companies like Comcast, AT&T and Verizon to slow down, block or censor content at will. “

Adobe: We’re Done With You Too, Apple

Adobe’s (ADBE) gotten the final word in the company’s battle of rhetoric with Apple (AAPL) over Flash — though it’s not much of one, really. In brief response to Steve Jobs’ 1,700 word condemnation of Flash, Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch shrugged off Jobs’ criticisms, saying the company has already given up on Apple in favor of its mobile rivals

“We feel confident that were Apple and Adobe to work together as we are with a number of other partners, we could provide a terrific experience with Flash on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch,” Lynch wrote in a blog post entitled Moving Forward. “However, as we posted last week, given the legal terms Apple has imposed on developers, we have already decided to shift our focus away from Apple devices for both Flash Player and AIR. We are working to bring Flash Player and AIR to all the other major participants in the mobile ecosystem, including Google, RIM, Palm (soon to be HP), Microsoft, Nokia and others.”

Lynch here is reiterating a message first delivered last week by Mike Chambers, Adobe’s principal product manager for the Flash platform, though without the vitriol. He doesn’t accuse Apple of hamstringing developers and limiting content publishers; He says only that Adobe is moving on. Which is for the best, really, because this battle of rhetoric was growing tiresome and Adobe has far more important business at hand now that its lot has been cast. As Steve Jobs suggested in his Thursday missive, “Adobe should focus more on creating great HTML5 tools for the future and less on criticizing Apple for leaving the past behind.”