Long Play Tech

Streamflation: Streaming is now enshittified cable. I tracked 8 services to see how much they've raised prices over time and what that would buy you in physical media instead. longplaytech.com/posts/cost-o...

I picked up Twin Peaks: From Z to A on Blu-ray because it was the most complete version available. It’s also a miserable thing to look at and hold. I fixed that with some custom cases and covers. longplaytech.com/posts/custom...

Buying DVDs and Blu-rays? Here are some tips and tricks and how to avoid bootlegs. longplaytech.com/posts/how-to...

Better Call Saul season 3 has been delisted from AppleTV. Another reason to buy physical media. Hopefully, it’ll come back soon! It is still available in my purchases.

Glad I took my (really expensive) smart TVs offline years ago and gave them each an AppleTV. They are blocked at the router level too. #privacy youtu.be/IvFu343KNek?...

“A million tiny compromises” youtu.be/aLPrNSFLb2U?...

The second hand market is getting harder and harder to find treasure. youtu.be/UKypOcYjjkI?...

Blu-ray turned twenty last month. A week later Sony announced it would stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. It seems inevitable: discs are done, streaming won. Are TV and movies next? #physicalMedia longplaytech.com/posts/best-t...

They delayed the launch of the Philips Hue bulb to the end of 2012 so they could build in the ability to update firmware on the bulbs. This means the first Philips Hue bulb still works with the current app and bridge. That's tech that lasts! youtu.be/zo6CHhvhhbQ?...

Films like The Rock, T2, The Abyss and Reservoir Dogs shot with on Super35 to get the best of both worlds: wide frames for theatrical and pleasant 4:3 home video framing. It's a lot of work (reframing EVERY shot) but full screen VHS versions looked great. Van Ling made this demo for T2:

Sometimes old tech is still the best tech. Even really, really old tech. Give a journal a try. It's surprising how effective it is to use a focus tool that isn't online. longplaytech.com/posts/bullet...

Acting like Goldilocks when it comes to retro gaming handhelds? It’s hard to decide which to play and when. Some are too big, some are too much trouble to set up, some are pricey, but the Miyoo Mini Plus with Onion OS is *just right.* longplaytech.com/posts/miyoo-...

Don’t toss out your old Kindle because Amazon bricked it. Jailbreak it! Here’s how I got my 4th gen with buttons set up with KOReader. longplaytech.com/posts/jailbr...

Have an extra Wii Remote and want to play some PlayStation GunCon light gun games? I got a guide for you! Works in PCSX2 and Duckstation. longplaytech.com/posts/emulat...

Small, portable, Android retro handhelds are about to get big. The Steam Deck Mini is here! longplaytech.com/posts/androi...

What makes listening to vinyl albums great is the ritual, the intentionality, and the health benefits. You can get the same benefits from music CDs for a lot less money. longplaytech.com/posts/why-cd...

Playing CDs in 2026 is surprisingly easy and affordable. You don’t need specialized equipment, and you probably already own something that can do it. longplaytech.com/posts/how-to...

Multi CD changers are great and still being produced. A convenient way to keep the music going without the algorithm driving. longplaytech.com/posts/onkyo-...

You can test new tech ideas using the Seinfeld Test Would the product eliminate the plot of an episode? (Google maps, cell phones, paypal, battery packs) Good tech. Would the product inspire new Seinfeld plots? (NFTs, AI chatbots, crypto currency, blindboxes, metaverse land sales) Bad tech.

I thought 8BitDo fixed this problem, but the unwanted diagonal inputs with the D-pad is back on the 64 Bluetooth controller. Here's how I fixed it. longplaytech.com/posts/8bitdo...

2 weeks left to enable Bluetooth mode on a Stadia controller buff.ly/MGHqBIs unofficial backup in case they don't extend it again and you're late: buff.ly/sRoUywK

Algorithms and twiddling literally costs you money. Instacart and the stores they work with are using machine learning to adjust prices based on what they know about you. Surveillance pricing is here and the apps on your phone are going to nickel and dime you. youtu.be/osxr7xSxsGo?...

Have a Google Stadia controller? You have till the end of the month to enable Bluetooth. It’s my main Steam Deck controller. Has full support. There’s still time to order one. They are going for about $15 on eBay. www.youtube.com/shorts/w-4yY...

Have a Google Stadia controller? You have till the end of the month to enable Bluetooth. It’s my main Steam Deck controller. Has full support. There’s still time to order one. They are going for about $15 on eBay. www.youtube.com/shorts/w-4yY...

Like audiobooks? Don't like DRM? Interested in free audiobooks? There are some options: longplaytech.com/posts/drm-fr...

The surprising story of a vinyl record empire in Kansas youtu.be/OqQ07FWUPvI?...

I SUPER regret buying an Amazon Echo Show 8 for this reason. The damn thing is loaded with ads at all times. "Hey Alexa, how do you turn off the ads?" "You can't." It's gross, definitely avoid.

Another show that’s been messed up with a “remaster.” Will be looking for physical media on this if I ever want a rewatch. www.wired.com/story/hbo-ma...

Having trouble pairing the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controller on #MiSTerFPGA? Are the C Buttons not working? It's a little tricky: - Pair in "S" mode. See the toggle on the back. - Define the controller buttons in the MiSTer menu. - Define the buttons in the N64 Core menu.

Want to wake Bazzite with a controller? It is possible, but kinda hacky and requires some Linux scripting. longplaytech.com/posts/wake-b...

Cronos: The New Dawn is hard, y'all. Here's a few mods to make it easier. Video tutorial on how to get an easy mode on Windows or the Steam Deck. longplaytech.com/posts/cronos...

With the shift from books to ebooks, libraries have lost ownership of their collections. Knowledge is being privatized and monetized by multinational corporations. This results in higher costs for books that libraries can’t keep or control. youtu.be/PygUK16aQgk

Plasma TVs are Awesome! They cost next to nothing and perform as well as modern ones. I recently picked up a Panasonic TC-P42U1 for $30 at Goodwill. It’s in great shape, has low hours, and looks amazing. I think it almost rivals my OLED! longplaytech.com/posts/plasma...

I've updated my post on the Dell Ultrasharp 2007FP with input latency measurements. This is one of the best 4:3 LCD screens you can use with a MiSTer FPGA. Thanks for @zezretro.bsky.social for bringing my attention to this monitor! longplaytech.com/posts/is-ret...

Having a tough time with Hollow Knight: Silksong? These easy mode mods will help. Works on the Steam Deck or Windows.

Technology is full of planned obsolescence, psychological manipulation, platform lock-in, and e-waste. We’re here to help find good tech, collect thoughtfully, and own what you love instead of renting access to everything. Old tech lasts. New tech should too. longplaytech.com