Questions...

[PondRacer]

Ok, first of all, my experience at picking is limited to more than 10 years ago at the earliest (once, with just a letter opener on a house lock that was so worn that a GM key could open it - I had locked myself out), and the most recent with a homemade pick made out of brick strap (was lucky in this respect because the head was too soft, and I didnt know I needed to temper it).

My questions:

1) I noticed that all the videos, or nearly all, are in wmv format. Unfortunately, I cannot view this on ShowMeTV (Sun box). I *can* view mpegs though. Can I have links to such formats?

2) Are there any lockpicking competitions in the US?

3) Are there any deaf locksmiths out there?

PondRacer

[UnLock]

I'm not sure if I'm the only one that doesn't know what you're talking about but what exactly is "ShowMeTV (Sun box)"?

Are there any deaf locksmiths out there?

I'm sorry...I can't hear you!

[Pheniox]

1) I noticed that all the videos, or nearly all, are in wmv format. Unfortunately, I cannot view this on ShowMeTV (Sun box). I *can* view mpegs though. Can I have links to such formats?

download windows media player

2) Are there any lockpicking competitions in the US?

I havn't ever heard of any, but I am sure there is.

3) Are there any deaf locksmiths out there?

This one I don't know for sure, but I am amost positive there is. Also, since if you loose one sense, the rest are heightened, I would expect someone who was deaf would be able to feel the pins better. Just a thought

[plot]

My questions:

1) I noticed that all the videos, or nearly all, are in wmv format. Unfortunately, I cannot view this on ShowMeTV (Sun box). I *can* view mpegs though. Can I have links to such formats?

check showmeTV's website for window's media player or something equivelant. i know what you're talking about, webTV basically... but, outside of that, no idea.

2) Are there any lockpicking competitions in the US?

yes and no. meaning, there are lockpicking competitions in the US, but they are private,not public, usually held between locksmiths etc. so chances are, a hobbyist can't get in one. ( i've had no such luck anyways... )

3) Are there any deaf locksmiths out there?

never checked

[FunkyGuy]

as for being deaf I think it could be amajor advantage as some one said because you are very concentrated on what you are doing and not random noises going on.

[plot]

as for being deaf I think it could be amajor advantage as some one said because you are very concentrated on what you are doing and not random noises going on.

hrm.. on the flip side, i listen for clicks when practicing to see how many pins i had picked... can sometimes also hear pins click into place.

[eulachon]

I honestly hate the WMV format, why does it seem to be taking over the web lately? Is it because the windows movie maker came free with windows XP?

As a linux user, WMV is a (but it does work now, I think. Haven't had a reason to try though.) But linux aside, any media format which can be rigged to open webpages in your browser should be dumped immediately!

The first time a WMV movie I got off kazaa popped 10 IE windows with porn sites all over my screen, was the last time I downloaded a WMV file there. Not to mention that it's not previewable during download as only WMP can play it. Trash.

Please, please, people out there on the net. Use the DivX codec or just regular mpegs. Please.

[technik]

plz watch the language eulachon (refer to forum rules) As for your views on WMP, it is easiy downloadable (microsoft.com) and comes free with most Windows formats (majority of formats for computers.) It is prbbly the most safest option to go with if yu are making a movie.

[PondRacer]

Ok. ShowMeTV is a multi-media player that plays Quicktime movies, mpegs, mp3s (I think), but *not* wmv format. As far as I know, it is made by Sun Microsystems, the same company that made this computer that I am running. lAS of right now I do not know where I can find the appropriate codecs for ShowMeTV that plays either wmv or divx.

As for the competitions where the hobbyists are basically locked out by the private locksmith competitions, ought to make one for the hobbyists... lock out the locksmiths from those competitions! Nahh, just kidding... But anyway... I wonder why they lock the hobbyists out?

PondRacer

[plot]

As for the competitions where the hobbyists are basically locked out by the private locksmith competitions, ought to make one for the hobbyists... lock out the locksmiths from those competitions! Nahh, just kidding... But anyway... I wonder why they lock the hobbyists out?

well, other countries have hobbyist competitions, just not a major sport here in the US. Everyone's to spread out, otherwise we could get something going...

It's not that the locksmiths lock hobbyist out to spite them or anything, they just only allow locksmith as those will be the only 'certified' people and what not, more of a liability thing i think. I'm sure if you were friends with alot of locksmiths, you could get in... as from what I understand, it's an invite only type of thing. mainly for locksmiths since those are the people that pick locks... not open to the public so a hobbyist couldn't just walk in or sign up or anything.

[maaltan]

3) Are there any deaf locksmiths out there?

Well, I've been picking forever now .. about 8 days

I find that if I sit and listen to the lock I do worse. to many false clicks and pops. I mostly just use the feel in the pick and tension wrench.

I would think that a sensory deprivation situation that allows you to focus on your hands would be a benifit.