Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for 2014

Archives for 2014

NzbDrone Changes Name to sonarr

October 23, 2014 by

NzbDroe has been looking for a new name.  They want to rebrand the site and get away from the word nzb in the name.  In true web fashion they went to the NzbDrone user base in search of ideas.  Not only did they get some response, the community sent in over 800 names.  We look forward to seeing the list and will add a link to this post when the guys at NzbDrone, now sonarr, share the names.  The new site will launch at sonarr.tv.

sonarr

Here’s a copy of the announcement:

First off, we want to thank everyone for their input into our new name, we ended up with over 800 suggestions, which included some really great suggestions as well as some NSFW and some hilarious ones (don’t worry we’ll be sharing all of them with you). Again thank you for your input, it was invaluable.

I’d also like to thank… just kidding, this isn’t an awards show.

It took us a long time to decide on a name and the moral of the story is name things is hard, extremely hard, specially when it is something you care so deeply about.

Decision Criteria

  • Short and sweet – We aimed for 2 syllables, but would have accepted 3 if we found a perfect name
  • Simple to understand (staying away from things like “nzb”) I’m sure many of you tried to explain NzbDrone to friends and family, it was always a chore to get them interested for me because I’d spend half the time explaining what an nzb is and never got to talk about what it actually did.
  • Googleability, we wanted a name that was going to get us in the top 3 results without much trouble
  • Domain name – we wanted something short to type and easy to remember
  • Relevance – This wasn’t high on our list, but we did try to find a name that was relevant to what drone does

The Decision

After reading all 800+ names multiple times and tossing our own names into the ring, we went through several rounds of eliminations. Once we settled on a few possible names we would ask our close friends and family what they thought of each name and used their feedback to tweak names further.

We made the final decision yesterday around noon, and decided sonarr is going to be NzbDrone’s new name. It was the first name that everyone really liked off the bat.

Why sonarr?

It comes from sonar7, it’s a way for us to see into total darkness and discover what’s out there.
We are also changing our old tag line “cut the cord” to “Dive in.” to be more in line with the ocean theme. The extra ‘r’ is there to help with domain, and searchability. also all the cool kids are doing it.

Next Steps

We couldn’t wait to tell the you guys about the name change so naturally we haven’t had time to actually re-brand anything yet. But over time you will see the following changes taking effect

  • All of our web properties *.nzbdrone.com domain and sub domains will start to automatically redirect to sonarr.tv25
  • References to NzbDrone will start being replaced with sonarr (lowercase)
  • As part of this migration all of our web properties will also be moving to HTTPS for improved security and privacy.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: NZB Sites

UseNetServer Secure Your Life Promotion

October 16, 2014 by

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month.  To celebrate UseNetServer is offering a giveaway for UNS users that secure their privacy by using their add-on VPN service.  Members who already use the service can enter for a chance to win a year of free Usenet access.  Those new to UNS can sign up for $10 a month and add unlimited VPN for $4.99 a month.  Better yet you can sign up for $95 a year and receive free VPN access.

UNS Secure Your Life Promo

Once you have a UseNetServer account with VPN service you’ll want to visit the UNS Secure Your Life promo page.  From there you can fill out the entry form for a chance to win one of the three prizes UNS will be giving away.  The promotion is live.  You can enter between October 16th and October 30th for your chance to win.

Here are some more details from the UNS Secure Your Life promo page:

How to enter

Complete the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion entry form below. You can earn even more entries by following us on Twitter, Liking us on Facebook or sharing a link to this promotion on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. Non UsenetServer subscribers may enter their email address to win a free 14 day/Ten Gig UsenetServer trial.

When the promotion will run

We are accepting entries October 16th – October 30th 2014.

How the winners will be chosen

3 Winners will be chosen at random from the entries collected through the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion entry form below. You must have an active UsenetServer account with the VPN add-on enabled to qualify to win free UsenetServer Usenet service.

Winner notification

Winners will be notified via email provided on the entry form within 14 days after the end of the promotion.

Promotion Rules

  1. To be eligible to win, you must complete the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion entry form and have an active UsenetServer Usenet account with the VPN add-on enabled to receive valid entries for a possibility to win.
  2. Non UsenetServer users may enter their email address to win a free 14 day/Ten Gig UsenetServer trial only.
  3. Three random winners will be chosen from all of the submitted eligible entries from the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion entry form.
  4. Multiply entries can be received by liking us on Facebook, following us on twitter, tweeting a link to the promotion or sharing a link on Facebook.
  5. Winners will be contacted through the email address submitted with their completed Secure Your Life and Win Promotion entries – you must use a valid email address so that we can contact you.
  6. Entries on the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion form submitted on October 16th through October 30th at midnight (Eastern US time) will be accepted, any entry before or after this time will not be counted.
  7. When you submit valid completed entries into the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion, you are agreeing to all the Terms and Conditions found by clicking the link at the bottom of the entry form and the rules outlined in this section.
  8. We will notify and award free UsenetServer Usenet Service to the 3 random winners with 14 days after the promotion ends.
  9. By entering the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion, you are giving us the right to use your first name and your country of origin in any of our marketing materials, email campaigns or social messaging on Facebook, Google+ and twitter relating to the Secure Your Life and Win Promotion.
  10. All rules outlined in this section, along with the terms and conditions found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Secure Your Life and Win widget are subject to change, at any time.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Usenet Providers, UseNetServer

Easynews Pro Tip Challenge

October 15, 2014 by

Easynews members have a chance to win some cool prizes including free gigs.  The grand prize is open to everyone.  Enter for a chance to win a free year of Big Gig with unlimited NNTP access.  The Big Gig plan costs $29.94 a month so the winner will receive nearly $360 in free Usenet access.  To enter visit the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge page.  The contest started today.  You can enter to win through October 30th.

Easynews Pro Tip Challenge

Let me just start by saying if that’s what teachers look like now a days I’m definitely going back to school.  All joking aside the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge is a great opportunity to share tips and help other Easynews users.  By doing so you can earn 5 free gigs of usage for each tip.  You can also enter for a chance to win a free year of Big Gig with unlimited NNTP.  You can submit a tip each day from October 15th through October 30th.

Here are the details directly from the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge page:

Show off your Easynews savvy by sharing tips for getting the most out of the Easynews Usenet experience and win gigs. You will earn five free gigs for each professional Easynews use tip that’s accepted and you can enter one new tip each day. To receive free gigs, you must have an active Easynews account. Don’t have an Easynews account? You can still enter to win One Free year of Big Gig account with Unlimited NNTP access.

How to Enter

Complete the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge Promotion entry form below. Earn even more entries by following us on Twitter, Liking us on Facebook or sharing a link to this promotion.

How to Earn Free Gigs (current active members only)

You will earn 5 free gigs for each professional Easynews tip you provide and you may enter one new professional tip each day throughout the promotion. To receive free gigs, you must have an active Easynews account. Free gigs will be awarded within 30 days of the conclusion of the promotion. You must provide your Easynews username on the entry form to receive your free gigs.

Promotion Dates

Entries will be accepted from October 15 – October 30, 2014.

Winner Notification

One winner will be chosen at random from the entries collected through the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge Promotion entry form. He/she will be notified via email within 30 days of the conclusion of the promotion.

Promotion Rules

  1. To be eligible, you must complete the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge entry form to receive valid entries for a possibility to win.

  2. One winner, at random will be chosen from all of the submitted entries from the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge entry form.

  3. Multiply entries can be received by entering a new Pro Tip each day, liking us on Facebook, following us on twitter, tweeting a link to the promotion or sharing a link on Facebook/Google+.

  4. If you are a current Easynews customer with an active account, you will receive 5 gigs for each pro tip submitted and an entry to win one year of Big Gig access (150 Gig web per month) and unlimited NNTP.

  5. If you’re not an active Easynews subscriber, you are only eligible to win one year of Big Gig access and unlimited NNTP.

  6. Winners will be contacted through the email address submitted with your completed Easynews Pro Tip Challenge entries – you must use a valid email address so that we can contact you.

  7. Entries on the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge form submitted from October 15th through October 30th at midnight (Eastern US time) will be accepted, any entry before or after this time will not be counted.

  8. We reserve the right to change the rules of the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge at any time.

  9. When you submit valid completed entries into the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge, you are agreeing to all the Terms and Conditions found by clicking the link at the bottom of the entry form and the rules outlined in this section.

  10. We will notify the winner and award current Easynews entrants their extra gigs on November 3rd.

  11. One year of free Big Gig account access includes 150 Gigs web access per month and unlimited NNTP access. After your 150 Gigs of web access is used, users will have the option to add more gigs or wait until the beginning of the next month’s billing cycle to get another 150 gigs of web access.

  12. By entering the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge, you are giving us the right to use your first name and your country of origin in any of our marketing materials, email campaigns or social messaging on Facebook, Google+ and twitter relating to the Easynews Pro Tip Challenge.

  13. All rules outlined in this section, along with the terms and conditions found by clicking the link at the bottom of the OverPlay Get Your Game On widget are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Easynews, Usenet Providers

NewsgroupDirect October Terabyte Tuesday

October 14, 2014 by

NewsgroupDirect is once again offering their popular Terabyte Tuesday promotion.  Allowing new and existing members to purchase a 1 GB Usenet block for 65% off.  As with all NGD blocks, the 1 GB block is non-expiring.  Meaning you pay $35 rather than $100 for a gig of Usenet downloads.  To be used anytime.  That’s a very good price at just 3.5 cents a gig.  This month’s promotion will run for two days.  Sign up before 12 AM EST on October 15th to take advantage of the Terabyte Tuesday promotion.

NewsgroupDirect Usenet blocks are a great option for infrequent Usenet use and as a backup or fill account.  We’re especially fond of non-expiring block accounts like the ones offered by NGD.  Some other leading Usenet providers have them as well but not for $35 a TB.  That’s an excellent price considering it works our to just 3.5 cents a gig.  NGD block customers enjoy over 2,250 days of binary retention along with 50 connections and free SSL encryption.  Sign up before 12 AM EST on Oct. 15th via the NGD Terabyte Tuesday page and enjoy!

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

—————

Here the description of the Terabyte Tuesday offer directly from the NGD blog post:

The sale runs from 12 AM EST on October 14 until 11:59 PM EST on October 15. No sale prices will be honored after the sale expires. The sale price is available to both new and existing customers. Sale only applies to 1 Terabyte (1000 Gigabyte) accounts. You are free to purchase multiple 1 TB blocks if you choose. Coupons (new or existing) do not apply to special rates on Terabyte Tuesday. All blocks receive a 10% allowance for headers, so a 1 TB purchase will actually give you 1.1 TB, or 1,100 GB.

Filed Under: NewsgroupDirect, Usenet Providers Tagged With:

Power NZB Android App is Free

October 9, 2014 by

October 2014 update: the developer of Power NZB, Emile Belanger, has decided to make Power NZB free.  You can download the Android app directly from the Power NZB site by visiting http://powernzb.co.uk/.  To learn why Emile decided to make the app free and possible future plans for the app you can join in the reddit discussion.

We recently picked up a Nexus 7 tablet and have since been taking a close look at what Usenet apps are available for Android devices.  There are a few to choose from and most tie back into SABnzbd.  While we really enjoy using SABnzbd, we’d also like a client to download newsgroup content directly to our Nexus.  After trying some apps that didn’t hit the mark we started testing Power NZB a few days ago and it’s worked great so far.

We’ll write up a full review of Power NZB in the weeks to come.  After we’ve had some more time to test out the app.  For now though we’d like to share some details as I’m sure there are plenty of other Usenet fans looking for a good Android newsreader.  From our limited testing we feel good recommending Power NZB.  For our SABnzbd fans the app now has an integrated SAB client.  You can get Power NZB from Google Play for $4.49.

The Power NZB site does a better job of presenting the apps features than we ever could.  With several screenshots and a change log that details the changes made in each release.  We’ve enjoyed the Power NZB interface and premium features.  You can search Usenet, download and have Power NZB repair and extract the content directly to your Android device.  Which is exactly the functionality we were hoping to find.

Power NZB will provide you with Usenet client features on your Android phone or tablet but you’ll still need a Usenet provider to download content.  We’re guessing that most of you already have a service.  If not there are plenty to choose from.  We’ve been testing Power NZB with Newshosting and the performance is very good.  We also like that Newshosting provides members with a free Usenet client for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for news and deals.

Filed Under: Newsreaders Tagged With: , ,

NZBVortex 3.0 with Cloud Feature

September 25, 2014 by

NZBVortex is a popular Usenet client for Mac.  There are plenty of good third-party software options for Windows users but the choices for Mac users are pretty thin.  NZBVortex is one of our favorite Mac clients.  They recently released version 3.0 with a new feature called NZBVortex Cloud.  It let’s you share information with other users.  Rather than explain the details I’ll share a message they sent us.  You can learn more by visiting nzbvortex.com.

NZBVortex 3

Here are the details we received from NZBVortex staff on the new 3.0 release:

NZBVortex Cloud 

As we all know usenet gets a little harder now as downloads have weird names, are passworded and downloads are taken offline regularly.

We think we have found a solution: we will make the NZBVortex clients work together and help each other!
Some examples of what NZBVortex Cloud will offer:

You can now rename downloads: will be shared to other users.
Weird download names will automatically be renamed
Weird filenames will be automatically renamed
Junk and spam will be detected more efficient
Allow you to rename download – these names are shared in the cloud
If a download is passworded your client will inform other clients
It will share well known archive password if available
If a download is too damaged on your usenet server(s) other clients will be informed on the same server(s)
Fully and I mean fully anonymous, we are out of NSA reach – servers store NO identifying information – we are serious about this!
No monthly fees; all included in the one-time license purchase
… more feature will be added in future updates

New and Yosemite read UI

A more modern and fresh looking interface which is more cleaner and focusses on the content.
New and fresh Icon including a progress bar in the dock while downloading
It introduces OS X 10.10 Yosemite-like interface even back to OS X 10.7 – we care for you guys and adding more animation in 10.9 and newer.
Added OS X 10.10 Yosemite specific UI design which makes NZBVortex really fit in well in OS X 10.10 Yosemite.

Improved download results 

On top of all the improvements resulting from NZBVortex Cloud the following has been added to improve your download results:
Improved password detection
Improved junk detection
Automatically choose best final filename when obfuscated
Improved filename detection in article subjects

Modern technologies 

Modernised all API’s and removed a lot of old code and replaced with modern code
Replaced custom scrollviews and use new ones offered by Apple
Updated to a custom build unrar 5.1 – around 5% more performance
Optimised threading and thread handling
Completely rewritten the HTTP(S) file downloader
Updated Sparkle update framework to version 1.7.1
Updated CocoaHTTPServer to reference 2.3 implemented
Newest Par2SL version which fixes a small corner case issues
All code has been inspected and rewritten at places, cleaned and modernized.

Generic improvements

You are able to rename downloads.
Improved RSS result parser for search results
Make NZBClub search work again
Improve rar-in-rar junk detection
Fixed a few very rare crashes and hangs
Lower CPU usage on lower specced Macs
Improved Split Join functionality
Support new failure report URL scheme for newznab sites
Quicker quit time of the app

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Filed Under: Newsreaders

Easynews Retention Passes 2,200 Days

September 21, 2014 by

Easynews web retention is at nearly five years now.  Great news for members using the web interface but what if you want to go back even more than 1,800 days?  That’s where Easynews NNTP retention comes into play.  They continue to grow the non-web retention and now support 2,200 days of binaries and counting.  Easynews offers unlimited NNTP for $9.95 a month.  They also give new users a chance to test the web interface for free.

Easynews binary retention

The Easynews web interface is by far the best around.  Browse over 1,800 days of binary retention through your web browser.  With the ability to search for content, view images, preview and stream.  All without any software.  Then if you want to go beyond 1,800 days you can fire up your favorite newsreader and browse over 2,200 days of retention. You can check out our Easynews web interface review to see some of the features in action.

Confused by NNTP vs. web retention?  If so here’s a quick explanation:

  • NNTP retention uses newsgroup software like SABnzbd, Newsbin Pro, NewsLeecher, or Binreader to browse and download from Usenet.  Easynews includes NNTP access with all their plans.  They also have the option of unlimited NNTP Usenet for just $9.95 a month.  With or without a corresponding web plan.
  • The web interface and web retention are unique to Easynews.  A great choice for those new to Usenet who don’t want to mess with installing a client.  Use the web interface to search for content, preview, stream and download.  Easynews also supports iOS and Android.  New members can try it free for 14 days.

Cheers to the Easynews team as they surpass six years of binary retention.  With increased web retention and other enhancements, they continue to expand the service.  You should check them out.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Filed Under: Easynews, Usenet Providers

NewsgroupDirect Power 200 Sale

September 16, 2014 by

Since it’s Tuesday you might be expecting a Terabyte Tuesday announcement.  Not this time around.  Instead NewsgroupDirect is doing something a little different today.  They are offering 200 GB of access a month for a cost of $5 a month.  That’s $10 off their regular price of $15.  You can visit their Power 200 sale page to take advantage of the offer.  The promotion will end on September 18th so you have a couple days to sign up.

NGD Power 200 Sale

Unlike the NGD Terabyte Tuesday promotions this offer isn’t for a block of Usenet access.  This is a monthly subscription.  For $5 a month you can use use the service to download up to 200 GB of Usenet content.  The price makes the offer a great value for those who consistently stay under the 200 GB mark.  If you’re usage is higher we have a list of the latest promotions. Several are offering unlimited Usenet for $10 a month.

NewsgroupDirect is a leading provider of newsgroup access.  They have been around a long time and offer excellent support for the service.  Those who sign up for the Power 200 plan will receive up to 200 GB of access a month.  NewsgroupDirect supports over 2,200 days of binary retention and growing.  You can use up to 50 connections with the account to maximize your speed.  You’ll only need a fraction of that.

Remember to sign up for the Power 200 promotion by September 18th to save $10 a month.  You can visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: NewsgroupDirect, Usenet Providers

Giganews FBI and CIA Hoax

September 15, 2014 by

This time around Giganews is an FBI operation (source: cryptome).  Last year the CEO of Giganews was running the company for the CIA (source: alt.usenet.kooks newsgroup).  Either story would be very disturbing if true.  If I believed for one second that either the FBI or CIA story was truthful I wouldn’t have any issue writing about it.  In 2009 I wrote about a Giganews employee who posted false reviews and comments to popular websites.  In short I’m not a Giganews supporter or affiliated with them in any way.  While you’ll probably find the FBI and CIA stories entertaining they just aren’t true.  Treat them as you would any other hoax.

Giganews FBI Hoax

Usenet is notorious for famous hoax like the April Fool’s Day Kremvax hoax.  On April 1, 1984 Piet Beertema posted that the Soviet Union was going to join Usenet.  The post was to have come from Soviet leader Konstantin Chernenko.  The Kremlin Usenet site was to be named Kremvax.  Year’s later Vadim Antonov had a subdomain placed on the first legitimate Soviet Usenet site – kremvax.demos.su showing that the April Fools’ Day prank had a lasting impact.

The Kremvax hoax was funny.  It didn’t hurt anyone.  It was a harmless April Fool’s hoax.  This isn’t the same.  The Giganews FBI hoax and last year’s CIA hoax are both potentially harmful to their company and Usenet as a whole.  Social media is starting to pick up the story which will likely drive it forward even more.  If you believe the information is true then by all means ignore my post.  Otherwise please share it so that others aren’t drawn in by the sensationalism of the stories.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Giganews, Usenet Providers

NewsDemon Account Cancellations

September 15, 2014 by

NewsDemon experienced a disk failure about a week ago.  According to their post the disk contained customer data for a small portion of members.  This isn’t a data breach.  No information has been stolen.  In this case the data was lost for good.  Apparently the backup was overwritten before they realized the issue.  If you have a NewsDemon account I suggest you log in and check it.  Contact NewsDemon support for further assistance.

It sounds like those affected will need to sign up for service again.  Depending on how much you were paying that could be a problem.  It looks like NewsDemon is currently offering unlimited Usenet for $12 to $13 a month.  That will likely be too high for some people.  Especially if you were on a $5 or $6 a month plan.  We can help lessen the blow a bit with our Demon Deal ($9.99 a month) but it’s still a bum wrap for those with lower priced plans.  Right now unlimited Usenet is running about $10 a month from several leading providers.

NewsDemon disk failure

There are a number of NewsDemon customers disscussing the issue on Reddit (here and here) and we’ve heard from several members who are now without accounts.  Many felt that NewsDemon used the disk failure reasoning to cut off low priced accounts.  Specifically those who were downloading a lot.  Regardless of the reason if I was on a $5 or $6 plan and had my account cancelled I’d be very unhappy.  Disk failure aside I think NewsDemon should have come up with a way to reinstate accounts with proof of previous payments.

Here’s a copy of the related NewsDemon blog post:

An unfortunate issue with one of NewsDemon.com Newsgroups payment processing servers occurred over the weekend. A severe disk failure lead to the loss of unrecoverable customer data for a small portion of our members.

After several attempts to recover the lost data, both NewsDemon.com Newsgroups and their payment processing partner are unable to retrieve the information. Although payment information has been lost, other data such as NewsDemon.com Newsgroups member’s username and passwords are unaffected and they will be able to login to the members area without issue.

Those users who have been affected by this breach will still have their remaining balance of their existing account available. However, affected users will need to create a new account once their balance has been exhausted.

We want to stress strongly that there is no evidence that any customer information was compromised. The situation is solely due to a disk failure and no attempt was made to breach or gain access to any of our user’s payment or personal member information.

We greatly apologize for the inconvenience this presents our affected customers. We’ve spent time and resources in attempting to recover the data. Unfortunately, we have been unable to do so despite our efforts.

If you have any questions or require further information, we urge you to contact our support team at support@newsdemon.com

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. We hope to better serve and provide you the best possible USENET experience.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: NewsDemon, Usenet Providers
« Previous Page
Next Page »