Playing your movies on TV using Chromecast

While VLC had announced their intent to support Chromecast in Feb 2015, from what we could gather, it is not officially supported still. Here is the official response from VLC on this topic. "We're currently working on it but can't give a release date." :-)

We analyzed the information available in forums, blogs and press releases (E.g. Reddit, Allaboutchromecast, Android Central) and a few websites and here is the summary.

The best option seem to be to play the video in the Chrome tab and screencasting that Chrome tab.

• You can do it through Google Chrome (browser)
• Upgrade to the latest version of Google Cast Extension
• Run video in Chrome and cast your tab
• Follow the instructions (from Step 2) :  http://allaboutchromecast.com/chromecast-how-to-guide/how-to-stream-local-video-to-chromecast/  

That seems to do the trick.   If not, you can try the following (more involved reading)

• If that has any issues you can follow the instructions from
• http://vlc-media-player.en.softonic.com/video/vlc-media-player-how-to-stream-from-vlc-to-chromecast-20445

• If you come across MKV viles, here is the way to take care of that
• http://forums.androidcentral.com/google-chromecast/307019-how-cast-mkv-files-your-chromecast.html

If that does not work and if you have the time and energy, here is a (slightly old) Redit thread on this topic.


Did that help? Can you try and let us know?

IIT Coaching centers in North Bangalore

IIT-JEE coaching centers in North Bangalore

• FIT-JEE @ Seshadripuram
• +91-80-41135682, +91-80-41148491
• Opposite Hoysala Hostel on SC Road, Seshadripuram
  
  
• BASE @ Malleshwaram

• Phone: +91-80-41400008 
•  Location Details 

• Allen @ Hebbal
• +91-97419 91133
  Location Details (Near Baptist Hospital) 
  
  
  

What to look for while looking to decide on a coaching center?

Here are a few aspects to think through before deciding the coaching center. 

1. What is the track record of the coaching centre?
2. Who are the *actual* lecturers/ professors constituting the faculty? Quite often, what is advertised and what is done is different.
3. An obvious one: What is the travel time to reach the coaching centre? You can be productive if you are just tired from commuting. Especially in Bangalore.
4. Timing : What are the options available for classes and are they are changeable?
5. How well does the institute update their curriculum to changing IIT-JEE formats?
6. Does the coaching house have a system of classifying students and provide additional support for those who need it?
7. Does the coaching centre provide quality study material and has a library of important books?
8. How does the coaching institute test students’ performances? 
9. What is the fee structure and refund system?   

 

 Adapted from the source : Embibe

 

Books

Books on design

• Design of everyday things by Donald Norman
• Java look and feel guidelines
• Designing Web Usability, by Jakob Nielsen

Books on Project Management

• The Mythical Man-month, Frederick Brook
• Debugging the development process, Steve Maguire

Items

• Table Lamp (Battery)

Offline options for buying the refill

Here are the businesses who sell the refills offline

• CCDS (Cunningham Road)
  
  • Location
  • More details : https://www.ccdsshop.com/
  • Phone : +91-80-33566770  
• IBCA (near Mission Road, Double Road)
• Location
• More details : http://www.ibcablr.net/
• Phone : +91-080-22106619
• Item currently not in stock. Expected next week.

Both businesses highly recommend that you go to their shop with the torch so that they can verify if the connectors and the canisters are compatible before refilling.

If they are not compatible (and if you need a torch urgently), they sell other culinary torches in their stores. We recommend that you call ahead to ensure availability before visiting them in person.

If you like we can arrange for  these taken care of you for an additional fee. Please do let us know.

Laptops for rent

 

We were able to find http://bangalorecomputers.com/ and discussed the requirements with them. They are agreeable to a rate of Rs. 1700-1800 / laptop / month, depending on the rental period.  The configuration of the machine for this rate is - 4GB RAM, 150GB Hard Drive, Core 2 Duo processor.

 

We have updated the vendor of the details. You can reach them at 080-25703761 or at info@bangalorecomputers.com 

We also found that the typical quote from most vendors is about Rs. 2200/-.  We recommend that you explore renting a couple of machines with Bangalore computer to test the quality of hardware and service.

 

Online & Offline options for buying the refills

 
We sniffed out some information that may be useful for you to get back to wielding that torch :).

For your information

• What you need is a Butane refill
• You get a single canister or as packs (of 3)
• These have "Universal tips" and is compatible with different torches

 Here are a couple of options that you can consider

• If you want to buy it online
• Refills by Zippo (Online @ Amazon)
• Single unit (165gm) for Rs. 1779)
• Pack of 3x165g for Rs. 3199
• Refills by Ronson (Online @ Amazon)
• Single unit (165gm) for Rs. 1615
• If you want to buy it offline
  
  • IBCA (near Mission Road, Double Road)
  • Location
  • More details : http://www.ibcablr.net/
  • Phone : +91-080-22106619
  • CCDS (Cunningham Road)
  • Location
  • More details : https://www.ccdsshop.com/
  • Phone : +91-80-33566770 
   
• There are cheaper options available. However, based on our conversation with domain experts, it is recommended to get a good quality fuel since they burn well when compared with the cheaper options.

In summary

• Zippo seems to be the most preferred brand (based on various online reviews and discussions with professionals).
• If you are looking to use the torch occasionally, go for a single unit.
• However, if you are looking to use the torch regularly the "3 pack" is a good deal.

• And if this is the first time you are refilling the torch, you will find watching this useful:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRgINcuvZWQ 

Spiralizers : Summary

Basic types of Spiralizer we looked into:  Handheld, Horizontal Hold, Vertical Hold

We looked into the vertical hold in greater detail. Here is a summary of our research that should help you with your decision.

This link provides a good overview of the different types of spiralizers

We really liked this post from TwirlyBites that provides an excellent, detailed analysis of the difference between the 3 blade and 4 blade spiralizer. A must read if you are debating between these models.

The summary : The 3 blade is pretty good and you will be happy with hit. Buy the 4 blade version if you want to create "noodles" that are as thin as vermicelli or "Angel hair pasta".

Here are the few products that you can look at from Amazon.

• Paderno 3 blade : http://goo.gl/xDnJsD     (Around 3K)
• Paderno 3 blade : http://goo.gl/VYFOQX (Around 5K)
• Paderno 4 blade : http://goo.gl/r8aOHf      (Around 10K)

Which OTG to buy?

Assuming it's for standard house hold (and occasionally baking larger quantities for get togethers etc.) - a capacity in the range of 30L should be sufficient.

If you are thinking about potentially going commercial, we would recommend that you look for something in the 40L range - give you a bit more oomph. You can always upgrade to higher capacities later, if your baking business takes off.

For selecting a specific product, do double check the service in your neighborhood before deciding.

Morphy Richards and Bajaj are the two fairly popular brands in this category. Here are the products for a quick reference.

• Morphy Richards 28L
• Morphy Richards 40L
• Bajaj 35 L : 

Do come back and let Bewgle know what you decided. Will be very helpful for the rest of us to know. 

Happy baking.

Teracotta Masks in Bangalore

Terracotta Gardens in Rajaji Nagar

Has the following types of masks. They also take in custom work at a reasonable price.