Brothers in Tech

Hosted ByAlan Jackson & Brian Jackson

Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!

Do you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!

Your Hosts

Alan Jackson:
 Alan Jackson (the older brother) lives in works in Hickory, North Carolina as the Strategic Director of Jackson Creative and Jackson Insight.  Alan specializes in creating marketing campaigns and resources for a variety of clients as well as consulting on marketing research and satisfaction surveys.  In his free time, Alan runs a film society and annual film festival in Western North Carolina.  Alan started his technology journey at a young age, learning to program in BASIC on an Apple IIE and being one of the first people in his area to use and master the original Macintosh.  He earned extra lunch money by drawing pictures of superheroes in MacPaint and selling printouts to friends for a quarter each, officially earning him the title of the nerdiest kid at school.  Alan has always enjoyed learning new technologies and helping others incorporate tech into their everyday home and work lives.  Oh, and he is definitely the favorite child… no matter what his siblings suggest.

Brian Jackson:
 Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) currently lives just outside of Portland, Oregon where he works a professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University. Academically, he is a “motor behaviorist” (studying motor skill learning and performance) who has used his passion for technology to research the use and effectiveness of a number of fitness and learning devices. He is a former coach (tennis), craft beer connoisseur (well…at least a consumer and admirer), and competitive dart player (yes…darts). Although admittedly deeply connected/invested in the Apple ecosystem, Brian enjoys finding, researching, and critiquing all types of new and creative technology solutions…and consulting others on educational and home technology practices (including trying to correct any mistakes that Alan has made with family advice). Oh, and he is definitely the favorite child…no matter what his siblings suggest.


All Episodes

Audio and Music Services – Deep Dive #2: Home Audio Listening

Now that you have listened to our first show in the Audio series and are ready to enjoy your new music service…it’s time to look at the options for enjoying your tunes! In the first deep-dive into the world of audio, the Brothers discuss the various methods for personal listening, including an overview of the booming world of headphone technology. From over/in the ear, to noise cancellation/transparency, to Apple’s new spatial technology. And, Tim (Cook), if you are listening…which we know you are…Brian has a suggestion for the audio in your next round of tablets and phones.

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Audio and Music Services – Deep Dive #1: Personal Audio Listening

Now that you have listened to our first show in the Audio series and are ready to enjoy your new music service…it’s time to look at the options for enjoying your tunes! In the first deep-dive into the world of audio, the Brothers discuss the various methods for personal listening, including an overview of the booming world of headphone technology. From over/in the ear, to noise cancellation/transparency, to Apple’s new spatial technology. And, Tim (Cook), if you are listening…which we know you are…Brian has a suggestion for the audio in your next round of tablets and phones.

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Audio and Music Services

Still listening to you 8-track player in the basement? Trying to record all of your favorite songs off of the radio? Wait…are you still listening to the radio? It may be time to step up your music game by using a music service. In the first episode of the Audio series, the Brothers discuss (and discuss…) the current state of digital music, and introduce the main music service options. Oh, and Brian has a rant about how today’s youth will never know the pain (and satisfaction) of creating the perfect mixtape for the love of your life…

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Digital Video – Deep Dive #3: Video Editing

So, you have listened to our first 3 episodes on digital video and have created some high-quality video clips, right? Well, now it is time to work some magic and turn them into the polished product. Check out the final deep-dive of the digital video series where the Brothers discuss software, process, & tips for video editing. Listen close, as Alan has some nuggets of wisdom that could save you a lot of time and heartache in the process! 

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Digital Video – Deep Dive #2: Shooting Video on Dedicated Camcorders

Want to take your video to the next level…or simply don’t want to fill your phone with the footage? A dedicated camcorder, DSLR, or professional video camera may be the right move for you. In the second deep-dive into the world of digital video, the Brothers discuss the benefits of using a dedicated camera as your video camera as your capture device and also share some tips for improving that experience. Oh…and Alan learns how to add sound effects to our podcast. You won’t want to miss that.

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Digital Video – Deep Dive #1: Mobile Video

Can you create quality videos with your camera phone? Yes! Can you improve the quality of those videos with some additional steps and equipment? Absolutely. In the first deep dive into the world of digital video, the Brothers discuss tips for creating better video with your phone. Listen for some great advice from Alan in this episode…and for Brian to try not to screw it up.

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Digital Video

OK…so Brian had his opportunity to show off on the Photography series…now it is Alan’s turn. Whether you are looking to simply capture family memories or create a video work of art, this one is for you! In the first episode of the digital video series, the Brothers (well…Alan) provide an overview of helpful video terminology and formats to get you project started.

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Digital Photography – Deep Dive #3: Photo Management

So, you have taken some great photos on your camera or DSLR….now what? In the final deep-dive into the topic of digital photography, the Brothers discuss management of your photos/photo library

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Digital Photography – Deep Dive #2: DSLR Photography

If you are interested in jumping into photography more seriously, you may want to consider a DSLR (stand-alone digital camera)…and listen to this episode! Learn about the types of DSLRs, pros and cons of using a DSLR compared to a mobile device, and the accessories (e.g., lenses) that can help to take your photography to the next level.

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Digital Photography – Deep Dive #1: Mobile Photography

Want to take great photos, but don’t want to invest a lot in camera equipment? Today’s phones can be used to produce great images if you know how to use them. In the first deep-dive into the world of photography, the Brothers discuss the ins and outs of mobile photography, and why Alan has given up on the standalone camera.

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