brakes

HandBrakeBatch for Mac works efficiently with the popular DVD ripping program HandBrake to allow batch conversions, which is not a function available by default in the program, itself. The application is easy to use, free, and can speed video conversions considerably.

Even though it's a popular DVD ripping program, available on a number of platforms, HandBrake doesn't allow for batch jobs, a detriment to users who need a number of files and discs converted. The application downloads easily, but the user must have HandBrake installed for it to function. While there are no graphics in the application's … Read more

The Matroska Multimedia Container format (MKV) derives its name from the famous Matryoshka Russian nesting dolls, in which one doll contains many other dolls. Like other container formats, MKV files can contain any kind of multimedia: audio, video, images, and data like subtitle tracks and commentary. Unlike many popular (and common) multimedia container formats, MKV is entirely open source. Zoltan Nemeth's EasyBrake is a free tool that converts just about any digital media format you can name into MKV or MP4 (MPEG-4) files using the HandBrake conversion engine. Among many other updates, the latest EasyBrake version uses less memory. … Read more

HandBrake is a video converter program intended to both rip and convert video files to work on a number of supported devices.

The features of this converter are easy enough to understand. An advanced computer user will most likely be able to use HandBrake for its full purpose, but a user who knows the basics should be able to figure out how to work through the main steps. You simply have to have a file or DVD to work with, and HandBrake will help with some of the less obvious steps by indicating the missing information that needs to be … Read more

HandBrake is a free application for converting all types of videos into MPEG-4 files. You might be overwhelmed by the busy interface and numerous options, but once you get started, you'll find that HandBrake offers features that will help any user get up to speed quickly.

HandBrake's interface holds all the tools you need but the wide variety of options can confuse users -- especially beginners. We quickly found that the program's preset options were the quickest and easiest way to convert files. In fact, the moment you find the Presets tab, you'll find the best … Read more

In my neighborhood in Portland, Ore., the hipsters all like to ride minimalist fixed-gear bikes (aka fixies). Without a freewheel, a fixie generally requires pedaling forward to move forward and pedaling backward to brake. Brakes with wires are just so last year. Shoot, even handlebars are starting to look a tad frilly.

Good thing, then, that a team out of Saarland University in Germany has devised a wireless braking system that does away with those protruding brake levers and messy wires altogether. What's more, the mathematical calculations the team applied to determine safety--the same used in control systems for aircraft or chemical factories--deem the brake 99.999999999997 percent reliable.… Read more

The EPA doubles fuel economy by 2025, BMW shows off an electric car, Nissan complains about an electric car review, and drivers think about stopping.

• New EPA regs are out

• BMW i reveals electric car concepts

• Nissan calls out 'Top Gear' over Leaf review

• Mazda Minagi concept becomes CX-5 at Frankfurt auto show

• Drivers put the brakes on with thought alone

Many cars are equipped with crash avoidance technology, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says the Volvo's City Safety is the most effective at reducing low speed crashes.

By examining property damage liability claims, the IIHS determined drivers of Volvo XC60s outfitted with City Safety file 27 percent fewer at-fault driver claims than owners of comparable midsize SUVs without that technology. That means that XC60 owners are less likely to be involved in low-speed crashes in which they are at fault, namely rear-ending the car in front of them in traffic.

City Safety is standard feature on … Read more

Car Tech Live 221: Is the honeymoon over for hybrids? Ford puts Sync apps in more cars. New Volvos may brake for animals. And we drive the Kia Optima Hybrid. (podcast)

• CNET drives the Kia Optima Hybrid

• Volvo technology will brake for animals

• The worst cities for keeping your car are mostly in California

• In-car TV stumbles again

• CNET's LOLcars gallery!

Audi equipped a test vehicle with forward-looking, 3D-imaging sensors, a processing unit that identifies traffic situations, and affixed internal cameras that keep an eye on the driver in an effort to develop next-generation active pedestrian and cyclists safety and crash-avoidance technology.

As part of the German Adaptive and Cooperative Technologies for Intelligent Traffic (AKTIV) consortium, Audi is participating in a three-pronged program consisting of Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists, Active Emergency Braking, and Driving Safety and Attentiveness, which aims to use advanced automotive technology and communication to reduce traffic accidents.

On the road, 3D sensors on the Audi's test … Read more