Archive from 01-27-2001
Gar ( 169.207.192.14 ) at 3:57 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Job Question?
Joe:Your not mistaken there are too many of us in my trade. We have 5000 thousand mass market reps alone in the US. This is two divisions meeting for a new drug launch. I wish there would be other companies there.
JBC ( 207.164.221.88 ) at 3:28 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Ron H: I am going to call the supplier and will get back to you -- sh^t.
Ron H ( 63.61.199.180 ) at 2:48 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: I think we both need to forget about the project. No package to me and your package goes back.
T-Man ( 209.114.157.59 ) at 2:43 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Access Card Update
cai: No kidding. I wonder how many real/legit customers like me got zapped. At $39.99 a pop, that’s a real pisser. As an aside, when I was dickering with the Directv supervisor, out of the blue I asked her if she was familiar with electronic countermeasures. After a notable pause, she replied that she was unfamiliar with that term. A few seconds later she agreed to give me a free card.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 2:23 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Access Card Update
T-Man: It was done on purpose. From the Washington Times:
"DirectTV, the satellite pay TV company, used its satellites Sunday to zap "signal pirates who use counterfeit technology to watch unauthorized programming. "We took countermeasures to black out unauthorized users," a DirectTV spokesman said. "I can't tell you exactly how it works, but it does work."
In the process they managed to "zap" several real customers. Not very nice.
Joe ( 205.188.195.51 ) at 2:00 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Job Question?
Gar: My mistake, I thought it was a bunch of different people in your trade.
Job hunting is moving to the top of my list. This morning I got a haircut. The first in a year, won't my wife be surprised.
Joe ( 205.188.195.51 ) at 1:57 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Todays Funny
The Lone Ranger and Tonto are camping in the desert, set up their tent, and
are asleep.
Some hours later, The Lone Ranger wakes his faithful friend.
"Tonto, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."
Tonto replies, "Me see millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?" ask The Lone Ranger.
Tonto ponders for a minute.
"Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies
and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to
be approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, it's evident the Lord is all powerful and we are small and
insignificant.Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day
tomorrow. What it tell you, Kemo Sabi?"
The Lone Ranger is silent for a moment, then speaks.
"Tonto, you Dumb Ass, someone has stolen our tent.
T-Man ( 209.114.157.59 ) at 1:47 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Access Card Update
cai: Why were they zapping cards? Was it accidental or intentional?
JBC ( 207.164.221.91 ) at 1:30 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
WildBill: Yes, it was more information than I really needed, but helpful nonetheless. Hope you heal quickly!!
Wild Bill ( 63.26.72.1 ) at 1:21 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
cai: See the previous post for a description of how my injury occurred. I'm in the camp that DTS is different than Dolby Digital but I don't really think it is better. In the past DTS was mixed differently so a true A/B is not accurate because they weren't mixed to the same levels. JMHO, of course. I haven't checked out the DVD from CES yet. I built a HTPC for JohnO and that and getting jobs for my new business have been keeping my schedule full. Thanks again for the CES DVD. 
Wild Bill ( 63.26.72.1 ) at 1:18 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gasgeek: I hear you about leaving athletics to the younguns. I was coaching basketball when the injury occured. All I did was demonstrate how to get a rebound. I'm 6'2" and the rim was set at 8'. So I wasn't exactly skying for the ball. My injury is a complete rupture also and I have been having some problems with swelling but it is not so bad that I can't get around a bit. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 1:11 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Wild Bill: Did you get a chance to view the DVD and what are your comments? Have you noticed a marked improvement in sound quality when using DTS material versus Dolby Digital? If your Jurassic Park DVDs are not DTS, we could do an A/B comparison using my DTS ones.
Also, how did you wreck your Achilles tendon? What movement were you doing when it happened? Like the rest of you, I too hobble along with my heel spurs. Those things are nasty and persevering.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:09 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Wild Bill: I knew that you were injured, but missed the reason as I guess it happened around the last archive. Sorry to hear of your predicament. I completely ruptured my achilles tendon in a pick up basketball game after work with some co-workers 8 years ago. It happened in the second game after we'd kicked the young whippersnapper's butts. It sucked. After surgery I was basically flat on my back for 2 months because every time I put my leg down it would swell. My doctor wouldn't even consider a walking cast of any kind, but I did get out of the second cast in about 10 weeks. I rehabilitated myself for about a month and then did two months of light duty at work. The good news is it's as good as new, but I do stretch the crap out of it before any kind of workout now. (I have given up on basketball too.) I still work out vigorously, but after two back surgeries, a ruptured achilles tendon and heart bypass surgery, the strenuous contact sports are now left to the younguns.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:03 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Uncles Stereo
Derb: For what it's worth, RGB and I both bought the Toshiba 9000 DVD player from Uncles about a year and a half ago. I was a little skeptical because of some reports, but I have to say, we both received excellent service, got a good price and they arrrived on time and double boxed.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:01 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Kieran: Good Morning Tall Northern California Dude. Good to hear from you. I've been following your adventures with Curtis. By the way, no big deal, but I'm Rick. RGB is Ron.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:59 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
EAD vs. Elite
Good Morning all: Tried to get on last night from home. Got on, typed a message and then it appears Earthlink went down. Anyway. Score now stands at Video 7 - Audio 2. I was leaning heavily toward the PRO-510 and you guys confirmed it. If we can work out any unforseen problems, I will get the TV. This is a very nice problem to solve. If I don't get the TV, I will have to settle for a AAA rated pre/pro that I have lusted after for three years. 
Gar ( 169.207.193.158 ) at 12:18 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Wild Bill/JBC/Big Al: I hope you guys recover fast and feel better soon.
Gar ( 169.207.193.158 ) at 12:17 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: thanks for the info, I owe you one..... Big time.
Gar ( 169.207.193.158 ) at 12:16 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Job Question?
Joe: That won't happen. It is a launch meeting for a new drug. So it will be all the same employees from the same divisions. Plus they won't let you switch jobs in the middle of a launch. I have a recruiters calling here about 4 times a day now so something will happen fast. Looking for a specialty position, more money and less of a headache from big Pharma.
Wild Bill ( 172.148.23.39 ) at 12:15 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: Which one? I had a right ankle reconstruction 4 years ago. Three weeks in a cast, an additional 6 weeks in a walking boot (very uncomfortable) and 2 months of rehab. My calf muscle had complete atrophy.
A year ago in November I had my right knee scoped. I was down for a day and spent 2 or 3 weeks doing stretching and strengthening. When I was in high school I tore up my right knee on a training run. That was a long and ardous process but medicine and rehab in the 70's was not what it is today.
Of course, now I have my trashed left achilles tendon and this will be the longest recovery of all. I got a new cast on Wednesday and the doctor put a heel on my new cast and I'm now on one crutch for the next 4 weeks. I have to put weight on the heel only. If I try to "roll" my left foot I get intense pain. So I walk by moving my left left and crutch about 2 feet forward and then I bring my right leg even with my left. I'm not a very fast walker right now. LOL. In four weeks I'll either get a new cast for another 2 weeks and then a walking boot for 6-8 or I'll go straight into a walking boot for 6-8 weeks. Then, sometime in April or May, I'll begin rehab.
Was that more information than you really wanted to know? When I think of the injuries I've had to my legs I consider myself lucky becasue they all heal. I can't imagine having to live with something like chronic arthritis where the pain is there all day, every day with no end.
One last note. I asked the doctor what the chances are that I will pop my right achilles tendon. He said there's at least a 1 in 4 chance that I will do the same thing on the right leg. Now THAT would suck.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.192.249 ) at 12:02 PM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Pioneer DV333
Cajun Mike: By the way, I found it online for 163 dollars.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.192.249 ) at 11:58 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Pioneer DV333
Trying to get a frind of mine started with the basics in hometheater. It appears that the Pioneer DV333 DVD player is the best value under 250 or 300 bucks. Has anyone had any experience with this unit?
Kieran ( 63.253.227.69 ) at 11:44 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Anamorphic
ScottVeirs: Definition depends on if you're talking about anamorphic DVD or anamorphic film. For film, cai's definition is basically correct. For DVD, it's a lot more complicated. One point is that a film does not have to be filmed anamorphically to be mastered as an anamorphic DVD. It's a totally different process. I could make a VERY long post about anamorphic film and dvd, but I have to get to class now (supposed to be there 40 minutes ago.) Maybe someone else will fill you in. If not, I'll be back tonight around 5pm.
Actually, Re. anamorphic dvd... go to www.thedigitalbits.com They've got a great primer on anamorphic dvd.
JBC ( 207.164.221.153 ) at 11:42 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
WIld Bill: Thanks. To date I have lived a charmed life in that I was (and less so now) a real athlete -- competed on the national freestyle ski team, played junior A hockey, bike a lot, etc. and never ever had an injury requiring surgery. The worst thing that ever happened was a separated shourlder. Now this -- from a treadmill -- ugh!!
As an aside, how long was your recovery period and how painful was the process?
Wild Bill ( 172.148.23.39 ) at 11:37 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: Good luck with your knee. I know EXACTLY what you will be going through. 
JBC ( 207.164.221.153 ) at 11:28 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Ron H: Well, I need toi send a soemwhat cryptic message as my office e-mail is down and the office firewall prevents me from using my home e-mail so here goes.... here we are nearly a week later and no word from out mutual friend. Any thoughts on this?
Wild Bill ( 172.148.23.39 ) at 11:25 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
RickMTB: The biggest thing I hear over and over about Marantz is that the equipment sounds good. I've seen knocks on power ratings, etc. but when it comes to sound everyone seems to agree.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 11:14 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Good Lord...
Kieran: This is absolutely nothing new. These "colleges" have been around for decades. Good professional recruiters and employment managers keep a list of accredited schools, by degree majors, which they are not shy to pull out in front of you and ask why the one on your resume is not on their list. I have somewhat of a problem, New York University does not have an engineering curriculum anymore. So, when people try to check whether I went to a accredited school NYU does not come -up for engineering. Well my experience and accomplishments are my strong points anyway. Maybe that is why I am still selling hotdogs and t-shirts on a corner stand.
Joe ( 205.188.198.161 ) at 11:04 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Job Question?
Gar: Go to the conferance it might lead you to a new job connection.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 11:02 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Anamorphic
ScottVeirs: As far as I know this is just a combination of lenses. An anamorphic lense is used when shooting a movie and an anmorphic lens is used at the projector to uncompress the image that was compressed during shooting. Maybe this answer is too simplistic and someone has a more technical one.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 10:58 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
No LFE in DVD Audio
One way out of this is to have a apeaker line out connected to your subwoofer. Certain subwoofers, REL for one, have dual connections, one the regular sub connection from the receiver/pre/pro and another one from a speaker line out. This way bass is always routed to the sub, whether when playing music, stereo, 5.1, or DVD audio.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 10:51 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Access Card Update
T-Man: Good thing I read your post first thing this morning. It has been all over the news in DC, that DirectTv has zapped about 200,000 cards during the last week. I am glad things worked out for you.
JBC ( 207.164.221.112 ) at 10:44 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gar:Three quick points (assuming that you will get a newe job and want to make a point out of this)...
1. Accept and offer of employment elsewhere first;
2. Immediately after accepting the new offer and before resigning seek the advice of an employment/labour lawyer to consider your options/recourse (i.e. constructive dismissal, fustration of contract, etc.)and what you should or should not sign on termination (i.e. do not sign a waiver of liability); and
3. Go after them!
The order outlined above is key.
reading and responding to your posts so.... you owe me $137.50. The point I am trying to make is that professional can eat up a great deal of the financial gain. Use your head and not your heart in deciding to seek recourse as Novartis can afford to spend their way out of this and you can't. Take from a professional who sees this all the time.
Gar ( 169.207.194.121 ) at 10:24 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Ron H : I got it in writing, that is the bummer of this whole thing.
Mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 10:21 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
6 channel DVD Audio
Big Al: I for one would not want the mixer to pick a crossover and send all bass info to the .1 channel on DVD audio. give me 5 full range channels and no lfe or 6th channel which unlike DVD video is a full range channel. I don't want to make up for some bad hardware with bad software. The DVD audio players with only pass analog for DVD-A should handle the BM, another bad hardware design. Some day soon Meridian will handle DVD audio thru a digital connection and their bass management will handle it. I for one will not jump on DVD Audio until the digital interface between the DVD audio player and pre/pro/reciever is in place.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 9:39 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Anamorphic
Can anyone give me the definition? I thought I knew what it was but I think im wrong.
thanks
Ron H ( 63.61.205.97 ) at 8:51 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: Yikes!!!!
Ron H ( 63.61.205.97 ) at 8:48 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
M-L
Derb: Are you being a temptress?
Ron H ( 63.61.205.97 ) at 8:45 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gar: Most larger companies put in writing your compensation package. I would never work for someone who would not. Any time our bonus program is revised or a salery change happens, even a raise, we recieve the infoi in writing. upon hiring a new employee the job offer and the salary and any other special compensation and benifits are sent in writing. This both protects you and the company.
If you do change jobs do request in writing the job offer, the salary and bonus plan, and any other benifits such as company autos, stock option programs etc.
I am sorry to hear that you have been not fairly trated. It can be quite frustrating.
I do have one question. If you worked for the largest drug company and two others merged and becam one largwer company would your company now be the second largest not the third?
JBC ( 207.164.221.225 ) at 8:45 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Tony C: I hear you buddy!
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:35 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: It's a bitch getting old, isn't it?
I pulled a groin muscle shoveling snow around Christmas. It's just now getting better.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:32 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gar: I would have given the same advice as JBC. Only I don't get paid for that!
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:18 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Access Card Update
T-Man: THat ECM that they just did should pretty much wipe out any illegal cards left out there. Just fried them. The only way they "may" be fixed is by surgury under a microscope to cut away the re-write portion. Unless some people use a A/B switch to protect their cards from ECMs
But DTV is smart enough to send an ECM out during the Suprano's or other hot show. Glad you got your problem taken care of. If you're a subsriber and current, they should hold all the liability. No way you should pay for their hunting out illegal cards.
CuRTis I was in the Admirals Club in San Juan airport and the club had two DTV receivers going. I checked both and I could have walked out with both cards. It was only 6:30AM. No one else there. I check every one I see for sport. Habit I guess. Like looking in a pay phone for change.
T-Man ( 24.48.225.13 ) at 7:06 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Access Card Update
Thanks to those who gave input on my bad/fried access card problem. I just got off the phone with Directv (amazing how fast you can get ahold of them at 7:00am) asked for a supervisor, and after some complaining on my part and blustering about nothing on their part, a new and free access card is on its way! Of course, the "stupervisor" was quick to remind me that next time I would have to pay for it. Yeah, right!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 4:10 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Well guys what a sh&t day....
1. My wife kept me up all night last night becasueshe is on call.
2. Go to the orthopedic surgeon today --- no sports for me for 4 months. I have ripped my knee to crap and it will be 4 months between now and full recovery.
3. Here itis 4:00 AM and I have yet to go to sleep for yesterday morning because I just finished typing a report and guess what -- Word just died.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 3:34 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Welcome to the popcorn and Kieran show...
Make that just the popcorn show. 
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 3:12 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Welcom to the popcorn and Kieran show...
Kieran: Hey, how's the laptop doing?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 3:09 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Good Lord...
Kieran: Yep, I get those every month or so... along with lots of other spam (it increased dramatically about the time I became an admin here and we got on the search engines... go fig) I just trash and ignore it... the electrons are recycleable And YES, it is an oxymoron. And the sender must be a moron. Couldn't one just make up the name of a college and print up a frilly-looking page on a laser printer, and then use some sort of cheapo embosser bought at a office supply store to get the same effect?
Kieran ( 63.253.6.186 ) at 3:05 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
13 Days...
Just watched this movie. Not bad. Why Kevin Costner EVER attempts an accent of ANY sort is beyond me. The only thing that really bugged me about this movie was his lame attempt at a Bostonian/Mass accent. Even the guy who played JFK didn't try as hard as Costner at the accent, and we ALL are familiar with JFK's voice. (or at least Mayor Quimby's version of it!!!)
I didn't live through this portion of our history, and I'm ashamed to say, I'm not very familiar with the particulars of it. But going into the movie having read some articles about the film which pointed out its' historical inaccuracies, I think over all it was a good presentation. I'm sure most won't agree with that, but I was engrossed by it, so it at least was well done to some extent.
Picture quality was okay, 1.85:1, sound was decent, with minimal surround useage, save for the few jet flyovers, etc.
Kieran ( 63.253.6.186 ) at 2:59 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
"prestigious non-accredited universities" Isn't that an oxymoron?
Kieran ( 63.253.6.186 ) at 2:57 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Good Lord...
Just got this spam in my inbox.... Do people really do this sort of thing?
UNIVERSITY DIPLOMAS
Obtain a prosperous future, money earning power,
and the admiration of all.
Diplomas from prestigious non-accredited
universities based on your present knowledge
and life experience.
No required tests, classes, books, or interviews.
Bachelors, masters, MBA, and doctorate (PhD)
diplomas available in the field of your choice.
No one is turned down.
Confidentiality assured.
CALL NOW to receive your diploma
within days!!!
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including
Sundays and holidays.
My God... I mean really. Sorry for posting this crap, but it just had me so dumbfounded... who would be stupid enough to try to make a bussiness out of this, and who would be stupid enough to buy into it? I didn't know whether to laugh out loud, or puke!
Rich ( 205.188.193.163 ) at 2:26 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gasgeek, Elite is so Koool
Rich ( 205.188.193.163 ) at 2:24 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: Get The Elite PRO-510!!!! It's AWESOME!!
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 2:17 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Well actually "Still can't figure out" there levels program.
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 2:16 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC: I kind of figured that out, about the autonomy part. Still can't figure it out, but what goes around comes around. I will leave after I find another job and then they will have to spend another $150 grand on someone else on training. It is ironic, they give me a book at my last meeting called the "Oz princple"(The Bitch less book) but upper level managment should have read it first
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 2:07 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gar: I am on thin ice hear as I know which company your work for and.....(figure this part out)....
In any event, what I can say is that the compensation policy was not designed by my firm (at least I do not think it was) and that your company provides a great deal of autonomy to the various divisions and regions.
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 2:02 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Come to think of it, I wasn't even in the territory till Jan. 2000. I was in training till then. Sept.1999 till December 1999 we were in training, now I am even more pissed! 
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 1:47 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Denon 2800 DVD Player
On a lighter note, did anyone see this unit at the show? Just wondering how good this unit is?
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 1:41 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
JBC, lets just say they where the largest Pharmacuetical company in the World till Glaxo and Smith-Kline just merged. Now we are the 3rd largest, so that being said there full of bullshit, I think this happened on a District level and not a national one. I was told at training 1,2,3 and by my manager that the first level increase is a given with in your first year. But they decided to use sales into the first level increase and they didn't before because it is your first year at the job estabilishing territories etc.. So they decided to use Dec of 1999 and August of 2000. If your sales where higher in August of 2000 you got the raise and levels increase and if they weren't you didn't get it. I am talking about only 2 months out of a year they compared. Now how F"ing" dumb is that.
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 1:34 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Wow, did I hit the jackpot! Thanks for the info JBC. Well lets just say that I called Human Resources and they had no clue, they stated I should have gotten my levels increase. HR called my boss and he got pissed at me for pursuing the issue. His boss just got let go, so who knows what the truth is..
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 1:19 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gar Okay... time to break from typing this business plan. In case you have forgotten, I am a partner in a global human resource consulting firm (which includes the hiring and firing of employees). Speaking from experience, particualrly in this southern heading economy, my counsel (and it is not cheap, although I only get pennies on the dollar) is as follows:
1. Do not quit your job until you have signed on the dotted line at your new place of employment (unless you think you can sue them for constructive dismissal or frustration of contract); and
2. Go to the conference.
One will never get dumped on for protecting their own ass -- remember, the company did the same to you when they changed they compensation structure without advance or other notice.
I will be back at 2:00 AM EST.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 1:19 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Gar} Okay... time to break from typing this business plan. In case you have forgotten, I am a partner in a global human resource consulting firm (which includes the hiring and firing of employees). Speaking from experience, particualrly in this southern heading economy, my counsel (and it is not cheap, although I only get pennies on the dollar) is as follows:
1. Do not quit your job until you have signed on the dotted line at your new place of employment (unless you think you can sue them for constructive dismissal or frustration of contract); and
2. Go to the conference.
One will never get dumped on for protecting their own ass -- remember, the company did the same to you when they changed they compensation structure without advance or other notice.
I will be back at 2:00 AM EST.
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 1:10 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Job Question?
I am working for a major Pharmaceutical company and about 12 reps in the State of WI, including me just got the shaft about a month ago. Well we didn't get fired but we were supposed to get a levels increase and a 8% pay increase based on there levels program. Well they decided to change the levels program a month before they gave out these bonuses and level increases, but ironically they forgot to tell anybody. So, I have been majorly pissed and my boss isn't doing anything. So I have been looking for another job. Here is the question, sorry for being long winded The question is I am thinking about quiting like ASAP. But I don't technically have another job lined up, but I am close and it should only take me a few weeks. I am about 75% sure I will get this new specialty job soon, more money and people that seem to care. The question finally! I am supposed to go to Dallas on Sat. for a new Drug launch, but I don't feel right about going.... All opinions welcome from my HT buds!!!
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 1:02 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
Uncle's Stereo
Derb: Fisher Price hahahahah. Too funky of colors. Get the Sony S-360.
You can get them for around $220.00 new. I have one in my bedroom and it works great. The PS2 has about the same video as the S-360. But the S-360 menu is much better.
Gar ( 169.207.194.230 ) at 12:59 AM EST Friday, January 26, 2001
BIG AL: Used to work in a rehab center in College. Was going to school orginally for PT, but was put on the waiting list. So I graduated in Public Health with a Minor in Biology. The place I worked at was Cybex fitness rehab center, which is now making fitness equipment. Still have the device they gave me for my old hockey injury, put it behind the door attach device to neck, lay down and push with your feet slowly and it stretches the whole neck and spine out. So far it has worked eveytime.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:52 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
An "HTOC" leather bike jacket??!! Koool!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:51 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gasgeek; You've got a nice TV now, there's still limited HD, and they haven't finalized things yet. The TVs a demo, and I'd hesitate at that, even if it's limited. Fingerprints, scratches, and so on can ruin things. To top it off, I'm a sound guy. I'd go for the EAD. YMMV
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:45 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Of course this was offset by meals like chicken stew and polenta, or sompanale of which I could eat enough to feed 2 large families! Hence the BIG AL. 
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:41 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Since both pairs of my grandparents came from the old country, I was raised on ethnic style food. I've eaten WAY too many dishes that I can't pronounce, or even want to know what was in them! Things like keishka (blood sausage), head cheese (even worse than it sounds), rocky mountain oysters (you don't want to know), and things made from chicken necks, pig snouts, cow tongue, and so on. Talk about traumatising a kid. "What's for dinner mom?" "Something new! You'll love it!" "What's in it?" "Never mind, just taste it! You'll love it!" 
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 11:34 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
BIG AL: If I am correct, My Denon AVR-3200, with speakers set as "small" (which I have them), the 6 channel inputs will route the low bass in the 5 mains to the sub anyway. (Not that I have DVD-Audio... just commenting on the technical aspect)
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:32 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gar; It's interesting that many years ago I had a back injury that was cured completely with temporary traction. A machine stretches then releases your back every 10 seconds, slowly increasing the amount of stretch to a prescribed amount. Then it works it's way down again, totalling about 10 minutes. They tried it with this injury, and afterward the pain was so intense, they had to wheel me to my car. I crawled into my house from my car, and took enough pain pills to put me to sleep. I was sure I'd wake up paralyzed.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:25 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
I read an article saying there's a problem with DVD audio being run through the 6 analog inputs on receivers and pre/pros. Since there's no LFE channel info on the DVD audio discs, and there's no bass management in the processors for the 6 inputs, anyone with smaller speakers will have very little bass (no sub action). I would hope the music industry pays attention to this problem, and starts mixing in a LFE channel, or I forsee a quick death for DVD Audio!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:19 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CuRTis; E-Mail headed your way!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.50 ) at 11:16 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Derb; If you don't mind used, or B-stock, Stereo Traders is very reliable, and great deals. www.tsto.com
Derb ( 199.174.1.74 ) at 10:40 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Uncle's Stereo
Kieran:Gar: Thanx for the lead on Oade Brothers, I'll check them out.
Looking for a cheap DVD player until they can figure out a way to give me a digital output for DVD Audio/Univ.Player/SACD. I thought about getting the PS2 but for 300.00 bucks and what little time and enjoyment I would get from the games, I have decided to get a cheap DVD player. I can't wait any longer and I need to put my system through some heavy 5.1 work out. Only problem is the cheap FisherPrice plastic thing-a-ma-jig that I'll end up getting will stand out like a sour thumb. Ohhh well I'll retire it to the master bed room at a latter date.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.117 ) at 9:52 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Wild Bill: Thanks for the first hand report. Having brought my Vandersteens back down I again can easily tell the difference between how they soundthrough the Yamaha 793 (85wtsx5) and the B&K ST140 100x2. It isn't just the ability to play loud... its more the ability to play complex music and still differentiate between voices and music. Plus its the sense of air between things. Add to that the 793 was just before DTS, and the new breed of receivers and pre/pros seem to have other goodies.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:46 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gasgeek: The Joe Cocker CDs are great. Only problem is that I can not wrestle them free from Mrs. JBC!!
Gar ( 169.207.194.135 ) at 9:32 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Uncle's Stereo
Kieran: Ditto on that. Oade Brothers is a very good place. Also Try Onecall, depends on what your looking for.
Kieran ( 63.253.7.241 ) at 9:17 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Such a Deal.
CuRTis: email coming your way...
Kieran ( 63.253.7.241 ) at 9:17 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Uncle's Stereo
Derb: Try Oade Brothers instead.
Derb ( 199.174.5.246 ) at 8:53 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Bad Deal
Gar: Thanx, I'll stay clear of Uncle Bad Deal
Gar ( 169.207.194.47 ) at 8:34 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Derb, I wouldn't I heard there bad to deal with.
Gar ( 169.207.194.47 ) at 8:34 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
M-L
Derb: Whoa, used to own a pair of those(Re-Quests).... Nice speaker. The Prodigy is better but not at $10 grand.
Derb ( 199.174.5.246 ) at 8:34 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Uncle's Stereo
All: Has anyone bought anything from these guys, and did it work out OK?
Gar ( 169.207.194.47 ) at 8:18 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Wild Bill: Well hell if it is free, why does he need our opinion? That easy! Take it! Either one! The Pioneer TV you can always use that in another room, like your bedroom.
Derb ( 199.174.5.246 ) at 8:00 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
M-L
RonH: I see an add in the the Houston Chronicle in the classifieds for Martin-Logan Re-Quests $3150
281-933-5004
Wild Bill ( 63.44.248.92 ) at 7:40 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gar: I'm not sure you understand Gasgeek's position. He is not looking to BUY a pre-pre. He can get a FREE EAD if he wants it or a free Pioneer 510. Big difference.
Wild Bill ( 63.44.248.92 ) at 7:37 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DTC-100
AVB: Nice buy. Would you give me a heads up if you hear of a similar deal? TIA.
Kieran ( 63.253.7.23 ) at 7:36 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: Hiya Ron! Long time... Absolutely get the 510. There are lots of great pre/pros out there, you never know when you'll come across a great deal on one. You really need a 16:9 HDTV, dude! And, like you said, the EAD isn't exactly upgradeable as much as some other pre/pros. This way, you can easily wait for the new EAD and see what it does, and not put your buddy into financial binds. win/win.
Wild Bill ( 63.44.248.92 ) at 7:33 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
RickMTB: I have a Marantz SR-19 and wouldn't trade it for anything in its' price range. A very flexible receiver. I take power specs (and tests) with a grain of salt. The SR-19 will drive my B&W speakers beyond levels that I would listen at and there doesn't appear to be any strain.
trav1 ( 4.34.144.173 ) at 7:22 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gar: Its not so much that their customer service sucks, its just lacking. It seems that you can never get anyone on the phone, which is a major drawback for me. But when you do get to talk to someone it seems that you are actually talking to someone who knows what they are talking about, and not just the average customer service rep. A couple times I even spoke with one of the engineers of the unit itself trying to troubleshoot a problem. Their just small, but their products are first rate, built like a tank, and aestetically (sp?) pleasing. I know they are a small company and we shall see in the next year how they handle existing customers when it comes time to do there "new" upgrades which from what I have read on the net will be within the next 3-4 months. We all know that products become obsolete, but when the upgrade price is 3-4x as much as another pre/pro with the same options or more (7.1, es/ex, analog pass through) one starts to ponder other possibilities. I may well be alone in this, but thats just my two cents.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 7:13 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
I'm outta here. Talk to you all later.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 7:12 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Scott P; Thanks for the input. I believe were up to 5 video and 1 audio unless I interpret Gar's as a video too, and then it's 6 video and 1 audio.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 7:11 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gar: Understood, but I get the EAD for cost or free if I sell enough equipment. No chance I will be able to swing an MC-1. While I know everyone here likes the Sony. I have no interest in it at this time. EAD is a very small company that has just managed to survive, so that is another point to consider.
The choice is a PRO-510 or the Signature. No other options at this time. Remember, both are free.
bagman ( 205.188.196.27 ) at 7:09 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
BAGMAN: Just saw your post BAGMAN. See you're still with the group. Looking forward to Feb.15th. Hope everything goes OK. V-MAN
Gar ( 169.207.194.47 ) at 7:04 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: I would go for the MC-1 Lexicon. Or the Sony TA-E-9000ES if you want to save money. Also Proceeds PAV, and Anthems new Pre/Pro that has balanced inputs and outputs. And EAD from what I have heard(Trav) etc... is that there customer services sucks, that alone would keep me away from them.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 7:01 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CAI. Thanks for the input. However, I believe you misunderstand my intentions. I just mentioned dts as one of the advantages of having a new pre/pro, there is no emphasis on dts at all. I could care less about dts to be honest with you although it would be nice to have. I still have RGB's DVD sitting on my desk that I lost to him over whether or not dts would survive a year. I just haven't sent it to him. Bad Geek, Bad Geek! My true emphasis would be on the two channel improvements of the EAD. Even though it's a processor, it's been rated by some as one of the top stereo preamps in the world. My old Denon was AA rated and still sounds great in DD and stereo direct. Copper sheild and very good quality Burr-Brown DACs. I always want better though. It's a disease.
As far as my buddy not making enough. He screwed up even though I kept telling him that he was screwing up. He grossed $73,000 on the job and has an additional project pending for another $20,000+. There's another $150,000 job on the horizon as a result of this one. I ain't worried about his pocket. 
He is a friend though, and I appreciate what you're saying.
BYork ( 159.37.7.156 ) at 6:43 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
SonicBit - Good idea.
I'll futz with a revised version, and post it somewhere when I get a chance.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 6:41 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: Something else to consider is that your friend did not do as well as he expected. He may appreciate you not putting him in a position of having to dig into his own pocket. Regardless of this goodwill gesture, I would still go with the TV. He may still give you a good break on the EAD when you are ready for it.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 6:35 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Superbowl
cai: You think I am counting on the Giants not showing up. I don't think we will be able to tell the difference.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 6:35 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: I would go for the TV. Your emphasis on DTS may be misplaced in that although seems to be the better format, to some, you can still buy the DVDs and play them when you finally get such a decoder abled receiver. DD 5.1 is almost as good to some others. However, if you have HD in your area, you are going to watch superbowl and better quality satellite and cable signals immediately.
LET ME REPEAT THIS - YOU WILL HAVE HD INSTANTLY. Enough said.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.27 ) at 6:31 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gasgeek: Definitely video.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 6:16 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Thanks AVB. I value your opinion. 3 Video - 1 Audio.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 6:11 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Cytotech: That's why we've always gotten along. You know I'm a two channel nut and I'm craving that extra 5%. My situation is, it will either be one or the other for quite awhile unless I unearth some other nice installs or referrals. I've been put on a limited budget by MrsGeek. While I could probably override it, it's best to keep peace in the family.
Another factor is that MrsGeek would see and appreciate the difference and even though she has great ears I don't think she would hear or at least appreciate the audio difference. She was also heavily involved in securing this deal so that must be factored.
2 video, 1 audio
AVB ( 64.41.32.137 ) at 6:08 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: Go for the video, prepros can always be bought and you'll still only get thet 5% improvement but HDTV is 100% improvement NOW.
Joe ( 205.188.199.48 ) at 6:07 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
I's= It's
Joe ( 205.188.199.48 ) at 6:07 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Moved in
I am back into my computer room I's nice getting my dinning room table back. Now in the morning I just have to hang my crown molding and this room is done.
AVB ( 64.41.32.137 ) at 6:04 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DTC-100
I will be getting a 2 month old DTC100 for $330 on Saturday. Now all I have to do is hope I can get something OTA where I live or I'll be forced to put up that 50' tower in the back yard.
AVB ( 64.41.32.137 ) at 6:01 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Sony HDTV set top box
Darian: The Sony is $699 for just the box on preorder from Orbit. www.orbitsat.com
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:59 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
JBC: I live just south of LA. I live in an apartment at the beach in Redondo Beach. While difficult, I have the ability to have an OTA antennae installed and I should have a pretty good line of sight at Mt. Wilson where the local broadcaster's have their antennaes. I also have been holding off getting a satellite making excuses that I would wait until I got HD. I figure about $750 - $1000 will get me HD'd. Moving the 510 up two flights of stairs is a discussion, but I have already called a local moving outfit and gotten an estimate. Got the Tosh upstairs by myself with a little help from my friends, but I'm too damn old to keep doing that $#)+.
Cytotech ( 207.223.165.194 ) at 5:55 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gasgeek: I'd go for the EAD. But then, I always have liked being a bit of a dissident.
I agree that the impact of video is greater(to me) than the audio, but I also would like having an ultra-top-of-the-line piece like the EAD. There is always time for a RP(or FPTV!) later. Of course, I have no idea what your personal situation is.
My $.02(which probably isn't even worth that much!)
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:50 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
The votes roll in. That's 2 for the 510. Thanks Bagman and JBC. Anyone else? By the way JBC, I haven't talked to you for awhile. Did you ever get the Joe Cocker DVD and how did you like the Night Calls CD?
JBC ( 207.164.221.171 ) at 5:47 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gasgeek: I vote for the RPTV, especially if HDTV is available in your are as the impact from video is greater than the impact from audio.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.35 ) at 5:46 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
Gasgeek: Get the Pro-510,you want it and you'll feel good about the whole situation.
Good evening all.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:41 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions please
As some of you may recall, I bird dogged a job for my buddy the dealer at my wife's work. My fee is supposed to be an EAD TheaterMaster Signature Pre/Pro. He ran into a few problems on the job and didn't make as much as he originally planned, but he will still get me the Signature if I want it.
This will require him to come out of pocket at a time when his cash flow is down. He mentioned the other night that I needed a Pioneer Elite PRO-510 in my house. (He knows that I covet it) He has one on his floor that a customer ordered and then disappeared on so he's paid for it. He has been using it for a demo for about 4 months, although this is a small showroom and the tv isn't on all the time like at The Good Guys or Ken Cranes. It has very low hours on it.
The dilema. As many of you may remember, I have a Denon AVP-8000 Pre/Pro. It still sounds wonderful, but it is getting a little dated. No dts, limited bass management. Do I upgrade to a state of the art AAA rated pre/pro which would be maybe a 5-10% sound improvement (yes, I would have dts), or do I go for a state of the art HD ready, RPTV to replace my 50" Toshiba. The EAD's are scheduled for a remake in March and the current Signature, except for software, is really not all that expandable but sounds incredible, especially in two channel.
I have a pretty good idea of what I'll do, but I value everyone's opinion in here and I'm interested in what you would do.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:24 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Rick MTB: I have installed an SR-18 and have played around a little with the SR-19. The 18 is truly a class piece. Very clean and ballsy. I set it up with some Jamo Concert 8s, Concert center and Jamo dipole surrounds. Used a little Velodyne HGS-10 for the sub. A Pioneer 05 DVD and a Pro-610 TV. That system cooked. Clean and clear no matter how loud. I used the Multi-room function with a three zone Sonance out and it worked flawlessly. I have heard the 19 used with NHT 2.9's, 2.5i's, VT-2's and several Tannoy models. I'm not sure how it actually spec's out in reality, but there was plenty of juice to drive any speakers that I have heard attached to them. I don't think Marantz plays with the numbers anymore than any other manufacturer, but I could be very wrong.
I have never been around any HK products except for some lower end receivers so I don't have any comments about them. I would put the Marantz SR-18 in the same league as the Denon 5700 - 5800's. I installed a 5700 for a friend not too long ago and was very impressed. A different sound than the Marantz, but both are great. IMHO, the Denon's are a little more inclined to have the "Oh My Gawd" newest technical stuff and that is great. They seem to have a new model out everytime Rich turns around. I just set up one set of rear direct speakers with the 5700 and so couldn't comment on the alternate rear speaker configurations. Very nice receiver.
Again, my experience with the Marantz 18 and 19 are that they are just straight ahead, no nonsense, easy to use, good sounding, good quality, solid pieces. I am setting up a system for a life long friend this spring that will be based around one of these depending on what he wants to spend. The speakers will be NHT 2.9's, Audio Center 2, and Sonance Inwall dipole surrounds. He and his wife both loved the VT-3's, but their dedicated theater room isn't quite big enough. He has opted for the Pro-710 over a DLP projector.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 4:52 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Gasgeek: Speaking of Marantz, how is the SR-19? I have heard that it is pretty "creative" in its specsmanship on power. How would you compare it to something from Denon or H&K?
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 4:43 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
HTOC Stuff!!!
BYork: The only thing I would add to the image is the URL.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:54 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
cai: My mother used to serve us a special Danish dish pronounced "Bixematha". Cubed meat, usually a leftover pork or beef roast, onions, potatoes, worstershire sauce and apples all fried together in an iron pan. Later I find out "Bixematha" means leftovers in Danish!
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 3:38 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
prince: Speaking about SA foods and drinks, one of my ex-girlfriends used to make something called "tibule?". It is a baked dish with meat, vegetables, and potatos. I have also recently been taken to dousing pound cake with some Van Der Hum that I got several decades ago. It is still very good.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:30 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Darian: Thanks, I found a few mentions of it now. The list is like $1,200 and seems to be selling for $750.
BYork ( 159.37.7.156 ) at 3:20 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Curtis/Popcorn, et. al -
Sorry for being out-of-pocket, and not answering more quickly. It's that thing work again...UGH.
RE: the cafepress site...we could jsut use the image Fernando created, if everyone thinks that's a good idea. My thought is to do it at cost, since I suspect only HTOC members wuold care to get anything, and we've already paid for the site (well, you did, didn't you...?)
Curtis - what day are you thinking to try and get together? I have a couple of weekends coming up in Feb. that are still free......
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:19 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
SAT-HD 100 Is the unit model number.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:08 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
JohnO: yes there is a DSS HDTV box from Sony. It was supposed to price out to about $800 and be available in the next month. Check Sony's Press release section.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:01 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Anyone hear of a DirecTV receiver from Sony that does HDTV? A friend of mine swears she is getting one, that Audio Buys talked her out of a DTC100 "because it only works with RCA TVs". Gee, where have I heard that before? She says it costs $499, so the price is about right for HDTV. Couldn't find anything on Sony website.
Kieran ( 63.36.207.124 ) at 2:59 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
firmware downloaded
CuRTis: You really should get an HDTV larger than the 19" FD Trinitron
Oh really???? Like maybe a 21"??? Gee... do you know anybody who's got one of those for sale at a good price? Actually, even if you do decide to let my sis buy that one, I think I may be in the market for another one too. I've been thinking a lot during this class I'm taking about having some engineering software at home so I might be able to do some consulting work on the side. (and Unreal would look great on it, too!)
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.27 ) at 2:15 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
POPCORN and BYORK
ScottVeirs: I was talking about desiging the image that would go on the shirt....
Geo. ( 209.180.126.250 ) at 2:11 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
CuRTis: Apparently, 65" is not big enough for him. Does he drive a monster truck by any chance?
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 2:09 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
Joe: So that I can talk him INTO buying my Tosh TW65! Big help you guys are!!
Geo. ( 209.180.126.250 ) at 1:51 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
CuRTis: Also, take a look at www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/usefulinfo.html and click on the Mits logo and www.hometheaterspot.com and go to the forum and acces the Mits section.
Joe ( 152.163.195.192 ) at 1:46 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
C
Oh, I see I responed before reading the entire forum.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:46 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Good Morning gang. Don't get a chance to get on here much anymore with the new job etc. Always nice to catch up and see familiar names however. I thought I'd give an update on my buddy and his new receiver that I mentioned the other day.
I moved him up in price range (kicking and screaming I might add), but he is a happy camper this morning. Smiling from ear to ear. I got him a Marantz SR-7000. This is the second one I have installed and I've got to say it is a very nice piece. It's not fancy, doesn't do EX or ES or component switching. While there are many very nice receivers in this price range, the 7000 does one thing extremely well. It sounds fantastic.
It's easy to use, massive amounts of inputs/outputs, and a quality piece. In this system it is powereing Tannoy Mx2 mains and surrounds, a small Tannoy center and a Yamaha sub. A Sony 53" big screen is the display along with the Sony 3000 DVD player I was asking questions about the other day. A Pioneer CD-R, Sony CD carousel, Panasonic VCR and an Onkyo cassette deck round out his current gear with a DSS system in the near future. Nothing high end, but the overall sound is very pleasing even with the high (supposedly 100Hz) crossover. The other system I used a 7000 in had NHT SuperOnes, SuperZeros, small center and NHT 8" Sub. Again, great sounding, very flexible piece. I know most of us on the forum have people asking our opinions about a good quality receivers etc. When they ask, they should definitely consider this one.
Gar ( 169.207.192.251 ) at 1:45 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
CuRTis: hahahaha, that is funny!! Good thing she didn't wake up. Could have been scary
Joe ( 152.163.195.192 ) at 1:42 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
CuRTis: Why are you trying to talk him out of it?
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 1:39 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
Gar: I wish to invoke my 5th ammendment rights, your honor, in order to not purger myself.
I do still think the Sony D8's are good products, it's just the proprietary thing that bugs me. A pal just bought the top-line Sony with the nightvision option. Just for fun he ran it in the master BR in the dark of his wife asleep. Amazing. Now if his wife were just a little more attractive
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 1:36 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
prince: No HD?! Oh man so sorry to hear that. If you ever get to CA you must stop by and checkout my 2 new displays.
That stew sounds exactly like something my dad used to cook up that my bro's & sis's named "Garbage Stew". He would start with meat bones as a soup base, then throw in everything from ketchup to beans & allow it to simmer for days. He then forced all of us to actually EAT the concoction! I can clearly recall my little brother holding his nose and gagging on it.
I'm sure your stew tatses much better than his - hell, anything would taste better!
Gar ( 169.207.192.251 ) at 1:26 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
BC
Thanks for the information, if I get free time I will give you a call.
Gar ( 169.207.192.251 ) at 1:26 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
CuRTis: Yup, about 8 months ago. You said for the money the Sony Digital 8 were a good buy. I bought one and it is great, I compared it to my friends new DV Sony and using the Digital 8 tapes and we had a very hard time seeing a improvement over the DV unit. But, the new Progressive Scan Canon and Sonys looks much better.
Scott Veirs ( 146.135.120.124 ) at 1:04 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Darian:
Could you email me with AGE and Price and any specs that you could offer?
thanks
sdveirs@sysnetix.com
Wild Bill ( 32.101.77.139 ) at 1:02 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
prince: Potjie, eh? It was pretty good. And yes, my new neighrbor is an Afrikaaner. Boy, I hope I spelled that one right. When I get together with those guys I think they are still fighting the Boer War. haha
Wild Bill ( 32.101.77.139 ) at 1:02 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
prince: Potjie, eh? It was pretty good. And yes, my new neighrbor is an Afrikaaner. Boy, I hope I spelled that one right. When I get together with those guys I think they are still fighting the Boer War. haha
prince ( 155.239.76.207 ) at 12:47 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Kieran - Hi - yes I haven't posted for quite a while but I generally lurk every day. We just don't have the technology that you guys have, so I mostly don't have anything to contribute!! We might get HDTV in 10 or so years time !!!! I've looked on the net but can't find it anywhere.
Wild Bill - I'm glad you know what rugby is - hahahahaha - The dish you ate is spelled "potjie" It is Afrikaans for a pot - a traditional dish from a couple of hundred years ago when the settlers where discovering the country and travelled in wagons. They used to throw anything into the pot, let it cook for a couple of hours and there you go. Bit of history for you guys!!
Geo. ( 209.180.126.250 ) at 12:36 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
CuRTis: BTW, Al Griffin reviewed the 55" Platinum series in Nov. 2000 Sound and Vision and gave it high marks.
Geo. ( 209.180.126.250 ) at 12:34 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
CuRTis: I've been looking at the Platinum series Mits and the one you're looking is in the top of the line Diamond series. I've read reviews of the 46" and 55" Platinum. Apparently, this year's line doubler is a great improvement over previous years as it does 3:2 pulldown. A quote from Mike Wood in Nov. 2000 HT mag: "In my opinion, previous generations of Mitsubishi televisions look terrible if they haven't been professionally calibrated. The WT-46807, however, is the first that actually looks good as set by the factory." I don't know how this would translate to the Diamond series, but Mits has, apparently improved on this year's models out of the box.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 12:19 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
firmware downloaded
Kieran: Your DTC100 took the latest firmware download last night. You really should get an HDTV larger than the 19" FD Trinitron
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 12:13 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
fp
BC: he could also get an iScan Pro in the deal at that price.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 12:12 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
Gar: I did? I thought I had mentioned that I own 2 Canon DV camcorders. Did you say that you wanted the (also proprietary) Sony memory stick to use between a camcorder and something else with a Sony logo on it?
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 12:11 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
fp
curtis- for 7 grand he could get something like an infocus 350 and a screen and have money left over!
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 12:09 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
gar, you have mail.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 12:09 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
Geo.: Thanks. A Good Guys salesdork is trying to talk him into last years 73" model. Any opinions of that vintage? I seem to recall people talking about severe blue push and not enough service menu adjustments to kill the problem. All I could find on the mits site was what I posted. GG will sell for $7K.
I totally agree that a FP is better bang for the buck. The buyer just assumes bigger is always better. He wants to meet me at the dealer in a few hours. I'll bring VE along.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 12:08 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
CuRTis: thanks guys. I was looking at the canon and jvc dv units. I like the price of the sony's but think DV is where it is going. I really like the 1 megapixel units!
Gar ( 169.207.194.241 ) at 12:05 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Actually They have DV Camcoders with Progressive Scan now.. That is what I would buy....
Gar ( 169.207.194.241 ) at 12:04 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
CuRTis: Kind of ironic when you recommended the Digital 8s to me, About 6 months ago. And I doubt they will drop the line for awhile, I see the 8mm being dropped if anything. I however do like the new Canons for the money. The thing that pisses me off is now one is making a tape deck anymore to play back the 8mm/Hi8 or Digital 8 tapes. DV formats have stand alone decks but there really expensive.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 12:02 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
Wild Bill: good question. He says that when he turns it on and displays the mute button, the convergence is off. That makes sense that if the rastor were off, it would make the convergence look off, right?
Geo. ( 209.180.126.250 ) at 12:01 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
CuRTis: I think the MSRP on that is about $10k. Any reason he would go with that size box instead of a FP? Seems that if he had the room for the RP, he'd have the room for a FP and screen. If, for some reason, he needs to go with the box, from the research I've been doing the last few days, the new Mits HD ready RP's are being reviewed very well. If I was spending that kind of cash, though, and didn't have to have a box, a FP would seem to be a no brainer.
Wild Bill ( 63.44.250.125 ) at 12:01 PM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Dallas!
Gar: 2000 thousand? Damn that is a lot of people. Just about 2 million! LOL!!
Wild Bill ( 63.44.250.125 ) at 11:59 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
BC: #2. Is the convergence really messed up or is the raster off center? The raster centering issue is known and there is now (I believe) an adjustment in the DTC100 menu system for raster centering.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 11:58 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
BC: They're both solid formats yet I worry that Sony again went against the standard with Digital8. The media is less expensive because they use the same tape shell as the older Hi8/8 series format. Should Sony decide to change or drop D8, you're dead.
Both will handle recording of a HD A/V bitstream when connected to a FireWire upgraded DTC100. I like the Canon DV camcorders for their lenses, metering and general industrial design.
Gar ( 169.207.194.241 ) at 11:54 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Dallas!
BC: If I can get free for a half of Day I will call you. My E-mail is garcom@execpc.com if you want to leave me your number. The guys I am going down want to hit the strip bars hahahahaha go figure.... If I stop by it would be just me, not even sure where we are staying yet, but some place huge, there will be 2000 thousand of us.. Yikes!!!!
Cajun Mike ( 206.124.220.1 ) at 11:51 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
The Natural
Just pre-ordered it. Buy.com was the least expensive again. It has a list of 24.99, they are selling it for 16.99.
I was only missing one DVD in my order from Friday. Caddyshack 20th anniversary edition. LOL Has anyone seen this disc? I hope it has some cool extra features.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 11:45 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Dallas
Gar, also I will be watching the superbowl at a friends if you want to join us. He has a TN61X81 and the DTC-100 and a pretty sweet room.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 11:44 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Opinions pls?
Mits RPTV that I need to talk a friend out of buying. Specs are:
Model WS-73907
CABINET
Screen Size - 73"
Aspect Ratio - 16:9
Finish - High Gloss Burl
2-Piece Cabinet
GENERAL
Video Systems - NTSC and HD-Upgradeable
Dimensions (rounded to nearest 1/8")
Height - 65 3/4"
Width - 64 1/4"
Depth - 29 7/8"
Weight (approx.) - 441 lbs.
Power consumption - 320W
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 11:44 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Dallas!
Gar: I am in Dallas, Plano actually which is just a few minutes north.
Let me know if you will have any free time, maybe we can meet for dinner or something.
Gar ( 169.207.194.241 ) at 11:37 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Dallas!
Anyone live in Dallas? Going to be down in Dallas from Sat. to Wens. Of this week. Don't know how much Time I will have because they have the week packed full of meetings.
Gar ( 169.207.194.241 ) at 11:36 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
BC: The Sony Digital 8s are great for the money, the tapes are less expensive and the quality is near the same as the DV tapes. Depends on how much you want to spend.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 11:34 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
BC: I'd suggest the mini-DV format. The two I liked the best was the Canon and the Panasonic (the Canon had a slightly better lens and was smaller, the Panasonic was a little cheaper).
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.217 ) at 11:33 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DSS Access Card
Hdlouie: I knew someone around here would confirm my ECM accidental card frying theory. I have heard the same story more than once from DirecTV employees.
Dish has a far smaller installed base so the reprogrammers ignore the format. I'm sure it can be done however.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:19 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
ScottV, Sonic, Wild Bill, JohnO, Cai: Sony KP61HS10 61" 4:3 set for sale. Hd ready and has vertical compression to take care of anamorphic DVDs.
You guys know anyone local who might be interested?
Hdlouie ( 216.244.18.228 ) at 11:11 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DSS
I didn't repost on purpose, I don't know how that happend. Anyway I don't know much about Dish network.
Hdlouie ( 216.244.18.228 ) at 11:08 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DSS Access Card
Directv sent a ECM down this week. They may have entered you Bin# by mistake, which killed your card. I installed a DSS last year and called Directv to activate the box. As I was waiting I for him to do something I asked him it he was busy, and he said yeah that they had to send out a bunch of cards to people that got zapped accidently and everyone's calling to activate the card. I don't think the ECM's are fool proof. Mine are still working so I must be lucky. I would tell D that I know you sent a ECM this week and your card got hit accidently. Worth a try, I wouldn't pay for it.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 10:55 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CAI: People don't steal DiSH the way DSS is stolen. I get 1 or 2 emails a month telling me how to get all the free sat channels fom DSS. Never seen them for DiSH. Hacker interest in DiSH must be lower therefore DiSH doesn't need to do the ECMs.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 10:54 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Digi camcorder
good morning guys! 2 questions this morning:
1. what's a good digital camcorder(format, brand,etc)? DV, sony's digital 8mm...
2. A friend got a DTC-100 for his toshiba 4:3 TN61X81. He says that the convergence is all screwed up. If he turns on the DTC, it's messed up, if he turns it off and switches to his old DSS receiver, it's ok. Any ideas? I don't know if he has messed with anything but I can assure you he hasn't read any instructions before playing with things.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 10:31 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DSS Access Card
Hdlouie: Do you know if Dish does those ECMs? I have not heard of such problems with Dish, which I happen to have.
Hdlouie ( 216.244.18.228 ) at 10:20 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DSS Access Card
Directv sent a ECM down this week. They may have entered you Bin# by mistake, which killed your card. I installed a DSS last year and called Directv to activate the box. As I was waiting I for him to do something I asked him it he was busy, and he said yeah that they had to send out a bunch of cards to people that got zapped accidently and everyone's calling to activate the card. I don't think the ECM's are fool proof. Mine are still working so I must be lucky. I would tell D that I know you sent a ECM this week and your card got hit accidently. Worth a try, I wouldn't pay for it.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:13 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Superbowl
Rich F: I guess you are figuring on the Giants not showing-up.
Wild Bill ( 63.48.107.196 ) at 8:48 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
prince: Hey Prince. I can't help with your problem but I thought I'd give you a "how's it going" anyway. I have new next door neighbors and they are from your neck of the woods. Now I get to party with the local South African rugby players every weekend. My neighbor made a dish called porgy (sp?) last weekend. Quite an interesting stew served with porridge.
JBC ( 207.164.221.172 ) at 8:28 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Good morning gang...
AVB ( 64.41.32.237 ) at 8:16 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Last chance
I'll be putting my VMPS towers up for sale outside our little group here soon so if anybody in the Balt/DC region is interested let me know today!
AVB ( 64.41.32.237 ) at 8:08 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
HiPix HD PC card
CuRTis: I was looking to see what the prices are for the HiPix. It seems that there is only one place to buy it at the moment.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 7:44 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
POPCORN and BYORK
Scott "popcorn": You dont need to design it. They give you the lay out u just link to your page. You just sign up, upload the image yo uwant on the items and thats about it.
Kieran ( 63.253.227.117 ) at 4:07 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
It's late
.... again... man! I don't know what it is about this week, but I just can't seem to get to bed on time. Good night all.
Kieran ( 63.253.227.117 ) at 4:05 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
prince: Hey prince! Long time no see. I tried the sony.com site, and a search there turned up nothing. Have you tried searching various online retailers, like buy.com, etown.com, 800.com, outpost.com, etc.? Many of the ship internationally. And, if you find it on a site that won't ship it to you, let us know here. I'm sure any one of us would be glad to receive it and forward it to you.
Kieran ( 63.253.227.117 ) at 4:00 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Unreal
Okay... I just tried it for the first time ever, and I have to say that Unreal Tournament is a pretty cool game indeed. Although, I couldn't see jack SH*T on this TFT/LCD laptop screen. Just not enough contrast for such a dark game. I'm sure it will look GREAT on a 19" FD Trinitron, though!
prince ( 155.239.94.83 ) at 2:25 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Hi guys - I need some help. I bought a Sony portable dvd player. In the manual it talks about a LASER LINK function. This is IR transmitter that fits onto the player. The problem is that Sony over here (South Africa) will not import them - they say the market is too small. The part number is AV-IR IFV-FX1. Can any of you guys check for me if it is available over there and what price it goes for.
Rich ( 152.163.204.62 ) at 2:07 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
DSS Access Card
CuRTis: Mike Wallace should investigate and do a report about Directv on 60 mins?? Good Idea!! Here's another idea, go to foxnews.com amd click on the O'Reilly Factor!!! Send him an e-mail. Go get em Bill!!
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 1:47 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
if I were 20 years younger
... Martina Hingas would be my target. Smart, strong, but with amazing control and the most positive attitude you'll ever find.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 1:29 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Kieran: Bring your notebook over this weekend & you can download 50% of the Internet in no time flat!
Cajun Mike ( 204.252.236.66 ) at 1:25 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
For Cajun
Cytotech: What in the hell is that? I just got finished watching Hoosiers in 5.1. They take this long to release the movie and they don't remaster it in 5.1? that's crap... I'll still buy it though.
Kieran ( 63.253.226.113 ) at 1:12 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CuRTis: e.g., my sis's b/f is paying through the nose for DSL that provides minimum 1.5 Mb/s, up to 6 Mb/s, downstream. If your numbers are right, you are CRUSHING him. Time to log on to some live streaming video sites, dude!
Kieran ( 63.253.226.113 ) at 1:10 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Dude... I don't know what kind of connection you've got, or what those units are... but I've never seen anything go 35.4 MEGAbit/second. Not even T1. WOW! AFAIK, that's faster than T1 on a good day.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:47 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
... now 35370.3K you get the idea.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:46 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
now 34438.4K. The more you throw at it, the fastesr it goes.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:45 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Kieran: Current reported downstream rate = 33491.9K; frames 27526. Not too shabby eh?
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.75 ) at 12:28 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CuRTis; Ahhhhh....the good ole days! Yes, a lot easier then, but DirecTV wised up.
Kieran ( 63.253.226.113 ) at 12:24 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CuRTis: Aaah, it's at 80%... I think I'll let if finish. T1 speeds, huh? What's your current downstream rate?
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:20 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
later dudes/ lurking dudettes
some of the best women tennis players in the world are in the semi finals at a grand slam event on ESPN2 at the moment. They're at lot more fun than you geeks Later.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:12 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
BIG AL: Well back in the early daze it was a 2 second pull operation - or so I was told!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.75 ) at 12:10 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
CuRTis; Not as easy to steal a dealer card as you think! They are about a half inch shorter than normal, and require a special clip thingy to remove. We got a replacement a couple months ago, so I tried to pull the old one without using the clip. 15 minutes with needle nose, tweezers, paperclips, and anything else I could think of, but no success.
Rich F ( 172.166.134.22 ) at 12:10 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Superbowl
Ron H: Hi Ron, thanks for the invite but I got a good deal on airfare and will be going home for the first time in a month. I will be watching the Ravens win. Remember that I said the winner of the Titans Ravens game would be the Superbowl Champ and I will be home to see it. Hope you guys have a great time.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:08 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
BIG AL: Life forms outside of planet California. Welcome!
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:07 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
volume settings
Kieran: That IS strange, never encountered such a thing.
& welcome all to the Kieran & Curtis show Where is everybody, asleep or something? It's only 9:00
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.75 ) at 12:07 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
T-Man; Call Directv back, if the overnight reset doesn't work. Try another operator, and if they say the same thing, demand a supervisor. I just went through this, and they sent me a free card. However it did take a LOT of complaining on my part. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 12:05 AM EST Thursday, January 25, 2001
Kieran: Save it for when you're here this weekend. My DSL is running @ T1+ speeds.
Kieran ( 63.253.226.113 ) at 11:57 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
I'm trying to d/l the service manual from Dell for the CPxH series, and I'm getting a xfer rate of 2.8 kbs... on a 7.7MB file!
Kieran ( 63.253.226.113 ) at 11:55 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
CuRTis: Online, yes... at a paltry 24.6kbps... My appologies to Jorge for butchering his name!
Hey, do you know why the system volume automatically lowers itself to minimum whenever the laptop is docked? If I undock it and use the speakers, GREAT sound. Dock it and use the speakers, and the volume is litterally lowered to minimum. If you bring up the volume control and try to raise the volume, it will step itself back down to zero.
????
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 11:36 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
... assuming that he can survive the pace - most people can't/won't. There's a huge personal price that all these people pay to get to their riches, no matter how easy it appears to the outside world. Trust me, I know of what I speak on accounta I have walked a mile in their moccasins.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 11:26 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
FedEx sucks
Kieran: Well look who's online!
No, not Jorge (spell it right man) a guy starting up his own new venture who I'm willing to bet will retire in 3 years. Yes, he's about your age.
Kieran ( 63.253.226.113 ) at 11:23 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
FedEx sucks
CuRTis: Was that client with the DLP needing the NIC card Gorge by any chance? That sucks, for both of you. So, what happened? If you don't want to bore the forum, you can email me or tell me Saturday.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 11:09 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
HiPix HD PC card
AVB: Just out of curiosity, you had mentioned that this gin joint popped up when you did a search on goto.com on HiPix.
Are you thinking of picking one up? You may want to check out the group I call "paying beta testers" over on the HTPC section of avscience. Looks like it works but there are some serious drawbacks with version 1.0 (what a shock, huh?), including a weaker than DTC100 tuner, overheating & software issues. Nothing horrible, but IMHO not ready for AVB prime time.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 11:00 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
HOME THEATERS
cai: Agreed. Too many homeowners have conflicting desires that this show attempts to cater to;
1) Great picture & sound
2) When it's turned off, they don't want to see any of it.
Don't these people understand that just like a fine race car or motorcycle, these things are works of art just standing still?!
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 10:51 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
HOME THEATERS
ScottVeirs: That is the same program they had a few days ago. I found it interesting, but it could be made into a series and go into more details. The one setup I did not like was the one with the TV on a turntable with the built to spec cabinet. There does not seem to be any flexibility in this system. The owners of this home were more interested in hiding the TV from view that in watching it.
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 10:38 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Darian: Back at you.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.167 ) at 10:30 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
FedEx sucks
Derb: I couldn't agree with you more. Talk up the people then ask politely yet firmly for a new free replacement. Works nearly every time for me too. 1 bad word from a consumer does more sales damage than 20 happy customers - esp. on the Net.
So get this. FedEx hell today: Part II
A client of mine is frantically finishing a huge PowerPoint presentation that he must have a notebook & DLP projector (from me) before he gets on an 8PM flight to NYC tonight. No problem except that he MUST have a 11MB/sec wireless NIC card installed in it & none of the local stores have them in stock. His client is a wireless ISP, so in order for him to win the biz he has to connect to the Net wirelessly as a crutial part of his presentation.
I tell him to calm down, I know where to get one cheap & (barely) on time. I call my supplier in Phoenix yesterday afternoon. He has no fewer than 700 in stock & can FedEx one out right away - no way I'll have to wait past noon today for it. He'll even pay the shipping charges, because like all my biz friends, he owes me!
Cool. I'll actually have a few hours to install & test this NIC. Only 1 little hitch - FedEx never shows up. I go to their online tracking service and it looks like it has been on a van in my neighborhood circiling for 5 hours! I call a (semi) human being & demand my f*&$ing package. "We promise to look into it sir - worst case you'll have it tomorrow morning for sure, once we find it"
That's right, they lost it. My client is in full cardiac arrest & it's all my fault....
It just dawned on me that this is likely boring you guys stiff. If you want to hear the even MORE unreal ending, you'll have to ask me.
Suffice to say I'm not a huge FedEx fan today!!!!!
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 10:03 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
HOME THEATERS
HGTV has a show on right now 10pm est all about home theaters and shit, its WAY COOL.
Cytotech ( 199.182.129.126 ) at 9:20 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
For Cajun
trav1: Well, in that case...
I wish The Natural was going to be 5.1
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 9:04 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
For Cajun
Cytotech: Well not really, was sort of a joke. It will be anamorphic and carry a new 5.1 mix on it though. I remember seeing it when I was little and loved it. Now it is good for a chuckle. It was a Columbia Tristar release back in 1983.
Cytotech ( 199.182.129.126 ) at 9:01 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
For Cajun
trav1: Never seen it. I take it it is good?
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 8:57 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
For Cajun
Cytotech: Dont forget on the same day as The Natural comes out, you also have KRULL!
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 8:37 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Darian: you have mail.
Cytotech ( 199.182.129.126 ) at 8:33 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
For Cajun
From The Digital Bits yesterday...
"The big piece of news today is that Columbia TriStar has officially announced the DVD release of The Natural for April 3rd. The film will be in anamorphic widescreen, with English Dolby Digital 4.0 (and 2.0 audio in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese). Extra materials will include The Heart of the Natural documentary (featuring interviews with Cal Ripken, Jr.), filmographies, trailers and a book insert which reproduces archival newspapers clippings. The SRP for the disc is $24.95."
Derb ( 199.174.4.153 ) at 7:43 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
FedEx sucks
CuRTis: See I'm now going to remember what happened to Curtis next time I need a next day air service. I guess it will not be FedSuxs
Derb ( 199.174.4.153 ) at 7:38 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
T-Man: That just sucks... Have to pay for a new card, screw that noise. Myself I would be writting letters to both Direct TV & RCA explaining what is going on. Build them up with praise, tell them you want a new card, and thank them for helping you out. This has never failed for me from solid brass door handles to vacuum cleaners, I always get something new as replacement or credit for work done to get it right. Quality products sell themselves and word of mouth is a powerful tool. If a company fails to back itself up; I don't purchase anything more from them and tell as many people I know to do the same.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 7:36 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
FedEx sucks
Murphy's law in action. I paid full boat to have the earliest possible delivery of a cashiers check via FedEx to the guy I'm buying my Shampoo from, 500 miles away. My movers will do the move for very cheap if they can stick it on thier partially full (fully paid for) truck tonight.
FedEx assures deliver no later than 10:30AM PST today. No problem, right? Wrong. The thing went to Phoenix at 7:30 this morning & promptly got lost. Do you know how hard it is to place a stop payment on a cashiers check? The local Sherrif was to gewt involved.
Now the move could cost me a ton and FedEx doesn't think they have any responsibility to me other than to refund my shipping money. Dickheads. Anyone recall their old motto "When it absolutely, positively had to be there overnight"?? They dropped that tag line when they lost a lawsuit.
Wild Bill ( 63.44.253.254 ) at 7:36 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Remotes arrive!
Darian: I think you'll have to talk to Deniz' buddy Phil about the color analyzer. I don't think Deniz has anything to do with color analyzer rentals.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.250 ) at 7:33 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
CuRTis: Any word on that box?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.250 ) at 7:29 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
CuRTis: HEHEHEHE!!! Well, in that case, let me know when I'm rich enough to own one and when a 4X4 version is out (with the ability to create new tracks and new vehicles)
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 7:16 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
T-Man: DirecTV can be very specific about what cards they decide to fry. A particular serial #, a whole range of SN's, any card that doesn't match up to the receiver serial # that is installed in and was registered with initially. Lots of scumbags regularly steal full access H cards from dealer demos (think for a minute how easy this is to do).
In any counter measure where you (as a programmer) don't really know enough about your enemy, one tactic is to wipe out everything, then deal with the poor paying customers you screwed when they call complaining that their cards are suddenly dead. These cards are very cheap to manufacture and a firm like DirecTV who buys in bulk is still making money on you at $39 a pop for replacement cards that they well know may be their own doing.
Someone inside DirecTV needs to call Mike Wallace to do a story on this to air on 60 Minutes!
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 7:05 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
AVB: You're right, I was thinking of someone else tossing lots of cards out - sorry. Years ago before DirecTV started hiring people who knew how to zap an altered card they did one or two rounds of total card replacement. Not so expensive when you have a few hundred thousand subscribers but prohibitave with today's base of 8 million paying customers.
I doubt that we'll see 100% replacements again for this simple economic reality.
Joe ( 152.163.197.73 ) at 6:59 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
T-Man
It happened to my father in law last summer. They sent him a new card for free.
Joe ( 152.163.197.73 ) at 6:58 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Buy.com
CuRTis: I guess I feel guilty I sat though the postman the other night.
T-Man ( 24.48.226.206 ) at 6:49 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Oops.
T-Man ( 24.48.226.206 ) at 6:48 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
AVB: I've tried the 5 minute drill, but let me try the couple of hour idea. Thanks and thanks all for the other comments. Any other thoughts?
T-Man ( 24.48.226.206 ) at 6:45 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
AVB: I've tried the 5 minute drill, but let me try the couple of hour idea. Thanks and thanks all for the other comments. Any other thoughts?
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 6:35 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Speaking of Cable Modems...
Chris L.: I am connected through a NIC card. I have a 3Com 100, if I am not mistaken.
AVB ( 64.41.33.169 ) at 6:25 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
BAGMAN: If the 5 minute unplug didn't work do it for a few hours. That has always worked for me.
AVB ( 64.41.33.169 ) at 6:24 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
CuRTis: Actually, I've never tossed a card except for the one that was replaced when DSS sent me a new card. I didn't ask for it either it just showed up. The old card was working at the time.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.34 ) at 6:19 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
T-Man: Was one of the work-arounds just unplugging the receiver,with the card still in it, then after five minutes or so, plug it back in?
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.34 ) at 6:12 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
CuRTis: Why wouldn't both cards get zapped?
T-Man: We had our service for five years and this never happened to us. I seem to recall that they used to have a channel telling you how to replace an old access card,that they sent you,and that never happened either. On the other hand,I just had to call them and ask why we got a bill when our dish is still on the house in Ohio when we went through all the steps to cancell service back in Nov. Their response...oops. I think I'd be kind of pissed.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 5:59 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Speaking of Cable Modems...
cai: Is yours hooked up to a network card or through the USB port? They couldn't get it running through the USB so they installed a network card and ran it through that. Seems to work fine.....although I wonder if I could make it faster.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 5:52 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
T-Man: The likelyhood is that DirecTV themselves probably fried your card as a mistaken test card durring an ECM (Electronic Counter Measure). Of course they will never fess up to this. Had you simply administered a little sodium penethal, the person you spoke with would have told you that this happens ALL the time. In the old days they would have told you to toss out your old card (exactly what they'll do with yours). The only reason they want it back is so it doesn't slip into the "wrong hands" & get reprogrammed as a test card. You can sell your fried card on eBay right now for around $100. Care to guess what biz the buyers are in?
Ask AVB how many cards he has tossed out
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 5:43 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
BC: Sorry dude, minimum order is 15 simulators!
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 5:36 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
CuRTis: They had one of those at a mall here. Yea, I'll take one with 6 simulators please. Do you think it will fit in my 770 sq. ft. apt?:)
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 4:49 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Action
Anyone ever watch this TV series. It was produced by HBo and was a comic interperatation of how hollywood works. It stared Jay Mohr and I have never laughed harder at a network TV show. It was deamed a little TOO OVER THE TOP by some and it disappeared. I want that show on DVD!
T-Man ( 24.48.226.206 ) at 4:47 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
DSS Access Card
Has anybody had this experience? One of my two dish receivers is giving me a message that says "Please insert a valid access card". I call Directv, do the recommended work-arounds with no results. They suggest that I probably need a new access card and that they will order me one for $89.00 and then credit me $50.00 when I send the old one back to them. I ask if they have to do this very often and she responds no. I ask what if I get my new card and it still doesn't work, am I out the net $39.00? Yes she says. I ask why would my card be not working? She answers because the chip is either damaged or the card is expired. She suggests that I call RCA if I wanted to find out more.
I tried to call RCA service and was on hold forever although their touchtone message seemed to suggest that all access card problems should go through my program provider.
Now I have no real problem with paying the net $39.00 if that fixes the problem (although dishes are getting cheaper everyday and upgrading I guess would be an option. This is a digital dish however so not sure what upgrade I'm talking about.) Any thoughts as to alternatives or should I just have Directv order me a new card and see what happens? Anybody....Bueller....anybody? TIA
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.207.213 ) at 4:46 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Buy.com
CuRTis: I got Hoosiers in and I want to get The Natural. I also want to get the Godfather trilogy, Indiana Jones Trilogy and Star Wars Trilogy plus episode 1 on DVD. The delays for these items is plum ridiculous. There are posts everyday on the net about that jackass George Lucas and how he's thumbing his nose at the public. .... The most arrogant thing he ever said was that he wanted to make sure the format would stick before he put it out. Nevermind that he's released it on Laser Disc which is dead! (sorry you LD lovers)
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 4:38 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Buy.com
Joe & Cajun: Try Redford. The line on Costner is that he's not an actor at all. He really is a pissed-off regular guy who just wants some love and maybe meaningful work out of life. The million$ don't hurt either. Think about just about all of his roles and this begins making sense.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 4:20 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Remotes arrive!
Darian: Looks like I should be in the market for a Pronto then, huh? My Shampoo is paid for and sitting 500 miles away. If I had the time I would go get it myself as I don't trust UPS gorillas with my new baby. My movers will shock-crate it and put it inside a very cushy riding air ride van, same way they move jillion $$ high-end Sun Enterprise servers/ EMC2 storage arrays.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.174 ) at 4:17 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
Scott "popcorn": Thes simulators have almost everything on your wish list. That's right - downshift the simulator and give your body real whiplash! These things have full aircraft-style hydralics for motion simulation and run on very fast UltraSparc II CPU's.
Your basic Bill Gates gameroom kind of toy. I think we should park one in Cajun's driveway to attract those good ole southern girls who always wanted to go out with a real NASCAR driver! (ducking)
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:38 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Remotes arrive!
Just got 2 new remotes from Shampoo Corp Of America. The Elusive service remote and a remote with Discrete Input Access. Not to mwntion OFF AND ON!
No more toggelers for this kid. Pronto CCF will be started on shortly and grey scale calibration is comming soon. Need to get that rental color analyzer from Bill's buddy Deniz.
Bill: My guess on my team mates leg was based on the rehab we used at UMCP while I was attending. I am always supprised at how little of the speed we had at Kenis is used in the normal world. Broken bones were mended a whole lot quicker at school.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:24 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
lesser comapnies
RickMTB:: I had in mind... KLH and the companies even less known tham Apex. The ones that Circuit or Best Buys lists as "DVD PLAYER $99."
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.250 ) at 3:18 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
CuRTis: Now see, if it had full force feedback (steering, clutch, brake, and shift lever), a 5 or 6 speed stick, clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals, and was more of 4X4 off-highway type game, I'd want one
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 2:56 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Dreamcast Goes Bye Bye?
Don't know if this has already been reported...
http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/computing/01/24/japan.sega.reut/index.html
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.110 ) at 2:35 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
What I'm selling next
No flames please. This is simply a humorous line of work. Can I interest anyone in full-sized NASCAR simulators where you and 14 pals can race against each other? Check this out.
http://www.lbet.com/experience/index.html
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.250 ) at 2:25 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
POPCORN and BYORK
Scott Veirs: Thanks for the Heads-up... I'm going to let BYork handle it (and decide if we should even do it)... But I'll help with the design if wanted
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:49 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 2001
CHC; Does that mean I'll be getting a package soon?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:48 PM EST Wednesday, January 24, 200