Archive from 02-12-2001
Gar ( 169.207.192.141 ) at 5:57 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Video camera
JT: Digital 8 by Sony are a great buy, also any of the Digital Canon or Sony units you can't go wrong with depends on how much you want to spend. I have 2 Digital 8s one still brand new got as a gift and I am willing to sell it at a great reduction in price, it has firewire hookups Still Shot mode/Night Vision and a ton of other Bells and Whistles. Let me know. Gar......
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.172 ) at 5:51 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
oops, that's a 1st for me
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.172 ) at 5:51 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: Ok man, what's the closest airport to you. Can you fly out for the weekend? I'm dead serious. My treat, unless you have thousands of frequent flyer miles about to expire AND the airlines don't gouge me. I have a great travel agent who always finds the best deals.
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.172 ) at 5:50 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: Ok man, what's the closest airport to you. Can you fly out for the weekend? I'm dead serious. My treat, unless you have thousands of frequent flyer miles about to expire AND the airlines don't gouge me. I have a great travel agent who always finds the best deals.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:48 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
CuRTis: You don't scare me... send me the ticket and I am there!!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:40 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Sampo, pt 2...
CuRTis: Congrats on the Sampo... I had a feeling that the Sampo was going to be the star of the show, when the two displays arrived. Granted the Ampro isn't up yet, but there's just something about a nice direct view... Just like how at the SB party my sis (and I, too) was most impressed with the image on (what's now my) G500 monitor, even though it was only a 21" letterboxed image.Detail, black levels and perceived focus are much better than the well-tweaked RP that it's no contest. (I'll admit the RP needs re-tweaking but it's not that far off of where it should be).
Not bad for a quick 10 minute convergence job eh? I only wish I could have figured out how to fix that bending at the top and bottom of the image. Did you ever figure out how the 65" got so out of whack that time?
Wish I could be there to help play with... er I mean SET UP the new toys.
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.172 ) at 5:24 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
FP ceiling install
JBC: Oh, didn't the gang here tell you that we drew straws for who was going to fly in to help me do the AmPro & that YOU were the lucky winner? 
Ron H ( 63.31.40.55 ) at 5:21 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
You have mail.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:13 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
CuRTis: Happy that you are so thrilled with the Shampoo. Looking forward to your review of the AmPro.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:10 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
AVB or Others: If you come accross a good deal on a used, but mint condition, PowerPRO 20 please let me know. TIA
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.172 ) at 5:07 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Sampo, pt 2...
... on to the new toys, finally!
JBC: OK, OK I'll blow off the rest of the freakin' month if I can! My billable rate would be extravagant elsewhere on the planet. Here's it's pretty much a living wage. The work is also either far more hours than one human being can possibly do or nothing. There are peaks & valleys like most businesses. At the moment I am booked more than ever - who knows what next month will be like.
Hooked up the Sampo (er I mean Shampoo) to the DCT100 along with the Toshiba TW65H80 RP using a Belkin VGA distribution box (1 VGA in, up to 4 VGA outs) and some fairly crappy VGA cables. Program material was DirecTV HDTV demo channel 199, always start with the best source.
Oh my f*$king gawd - no wonder this display is getting rave reviews. Right out of the box the direct view grabs you by the shorthairs with a simply pristine image. Detail, black levels and perceived focus are much better than the well-tweaked RP that it's no contest. (I'll admit the RP needs re-tweaking but it's not that far off of where it should be).
To check geometry I did what I saw at the intro of the $nell&Wilcox Interpolator running a $60K Vidikron 9" FP personally setup by Joe Kane... I plugged in my notebook with a killer internal video card and just put up an empty Excel spreadsheet. Geometry is dead-on. No video noise, no distortion. The white field held very well with excellent overall stability. It is a .82 dot pitch display so it's no contest as a PC monitor next to a Sony .22 DP pro GDM series display while doing PC generated stuff.
HD colors are very vivid while still natural looking, as one would expect from HD. Grayscale seems quite close to perfect. Next connection is to run the iScan to it with VE/Avia & top quality anamorphic DVD's. LD and (yuck) cable run through the iScan as well, so I may as well check them out while I'm at it. The one knock on this display on the various forums seems to be its internal doubler. We don't need no stinkin' internal doublers!
The marketing sticker is still on the upper left of the tube. The buyer was telling the truth - he had turned it on once to adjust it, then packed it back up for lil' ole charmed-life me
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.172 ) at 4:58 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Sampo 1st impressions...
Ok, Ok I get the message loud & clear guys. Take some time to set the new babies up properly. Unfortunately I was stuck in the world's most borin 70 minute conference call with 2 of the biggest jerk bankruptcy lawyers on earth.
"Listen gentlemen, as much as would love to listen to you posture and run up your respective clients total billable hours, I really do have something better to do", said I. They were shocked! Neither attorney works for me or my client so they really couldn't say anything ... in fact I'm sure I heard a few muffled chuckles from them because they knew I was right about this particular conference call. Just to patch things up I told them a couple of lawyer jokes they hadn't heard before. Let me know if you want to hear them...
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 4:58 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Chris L.: I really enjoyed High Fidelity (as I do with almost all John Cusack movies). I recently watched Hollow Man... check out the cool menu!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.49 ) at 4:30 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Darian; What's retail on those beasties? How much wattage can they take? Once they're installed, drop U-571 in the slot, and go to the depth charge scene! He'll be jumping!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.49 ) at 4:28 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Robert; LOL! Sounds like my chili could be a contender!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.49 ) at 4:27 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Curtis; Today is a holiday you know! If you "hurt" your back lifting today, you would probably need at least a week to fully recover.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 4:21 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Watched "High Fidelity" today and really enjoyed it. I loved how snobby the "vinyl guys" were. "Do we look like a store that carries "I just called to say I love you?" "Go to the mall." LOL! Now I have "Hollow Man" and "Gattaca" on deck for this evening. I've seen "Gattaca" and liked it enough for a second rental. Hope it stands up to another viewing.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 4:09 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
There's DOUBLE joy in Palo Alto!!
CuRTis: How about the rest of the week?? Ya know...there's a flu bug going around. ::Cough cough...hack hack::
JBC ( 207.164.221.82 ) at 4:01 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
There's DOUBLE joy in Palo Alto!!
CuRTis: Like there is a question -- come on guy, use your head. Better yet, don'y blow off the day, blow off the entire week. Aren't you the guy with the extravagant billable rate.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 3:59 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
There's DOUBLE joy in Palo Alto!!
CuRTis: I second JohnO's motion to blowoff work.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:40 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
There's DOUBLE joy in Palo Alto!!
CuRTis: Yes, blow off the day. It's not like you were going to be able to concentrate on work!
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.9 ) at 3:24 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
There's DOUBLE joy in Palo Alto!!
The movers just brought in both the Shampoo direct view & the AmPro FP. Holy sh*t these things are huge. Both are in cosmetic like new condition. Let's hope they work.
So do y'all think I should just blow off work for the rest of the day/ evening?
JBC ( 207.164.221.91 ) at 2:25 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Ron H: Thanks.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.165 ) at 2:24 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: You package t Cinepro is in the mail room. I should receive a tracking number later on today. I will forward it to you.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:48 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Homebrew PC success...
RGB: Not initially, but it might function as a "second" HT, eventually.
JT ( 216.118.26.116 ) at 1:43 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Video camera
I know you are probably tired of helping on this topic, but technology changes and I wan't to be current. Anyway, I'm looking to buy a video camera. What are some good sites to go to for reviews, and what do y'all recommend.(My feeble attempt at Texan talk)
Robert ( 63.11.53.135 ) at 1:42 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Long OFF Topic Joke for all you Texans
Notes From An Inexperienced Chili Taster Named FRANK,
who was visiting Texas:
"Recently I was honored to be selected by an outstanding Famous
celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off, because
no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in
sick at the last moment, and I happened to be standing there at
the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the
call came. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans)
that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me
I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted.
Here are the scorecards from the event:
Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
FRANK: Holy smokes, what #$%@ is this stuff?
You could remove dried paint from your driveway with
it. Took two beers to put the flames out.
Hope that's the worst one. These hicks are crazy.
Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight
Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken
seriously.
FRANK: Shit! Keep this away from the children!
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain.
I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the
Heimlich maneuver.
Shoved my way to the front of the beer line.
Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more
beans.
JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red
peppers.
FRANK: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located
uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting
Draino. Everyone knows the routine by now and got
out of my way so I could make it to the beer wagon.
Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone
is in the front part of my chest.
Chili # 4: Bubba's Black Magic
JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice.
Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans.
Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a
chili.
FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was
unable to taste it. Sally, the bar maid, was standing
behind me with fresh refills to save me the run.
Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover
JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly
ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato.
Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
FRANK: My ears are ringing, and I can't focus my eyes.
I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics.
The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her
chili had given me brain damage.
Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly on it.
Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked
me to stop screaming.
My sphincter has turned into a belly button.
Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety
JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good
balance of spice and peppers.
JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions,
and garlic. Superb.
FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with
gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand
behind me except Sally.
She's either very dedicated or very horny.
Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned
peppers.
JUDGE TWO: Very Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned
chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried
about Judge Number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress.
FRANK: You could put a grenade in my mouth and pull the pin,
and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye, and the
world sounds like it is made of rushing water.
My clothes are covered with chili which slid unnoticed
out of my mouth at some point.
Thank God! At autopsy they'll know what killed me.
Have decided to stop breathing, too painful, not getting
any oxygen anyway.
Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili
JUDGE ONE: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe
for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
JUDGE TWO: This final entry is a good, balanced chili,
neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost
when Judge Number 3 fell and pulled the chili pot on top of
himself.
FRANK: ------- (editor's note: Judge #3 was unable to
report)
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 1:40 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Homebrew PC success...
Kieran: Congrats on getting your new PC up and running. If I'd had an extra couple grand, I would have done the same thing. But I have put PCs together from scratch before, and I know the joy it brings once everything's up and working. Are you going to be using the PC as an HTPC?
AVB ( 64.41.32.161 ) at 1:36 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
DTC fan noise
CuRTis: No, I haven't contacted anybody, just whining here. I'd appreciate the name & number of your contact.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:11 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Homebrew PC success...
Well, this one was much more challenging that the last PC I built. Had a big scare there for a while last night, where I thought I'd burned out my Athlon cpu. The thing booted initially, all was beautiful. I made some BIOS changes (cpu speed, and a couple other things) and then it wouldn't reboot: no beep codes, not even a video signal to wake up the monitor. I cleared the CMOS, still dead. I removed all peripherals, still ead. Unhooked everything from the mobo except for the video card, cpu and memory (just to try to get the BIOS screen up)... still dead. So, I start packing everything up and putting away all the extra trash and papers and twisties, etc. I reassemble the computer, close it up, and am about to put it away. Instead I head for the can and bring the mobo manual for throne reading. There I read that "if you fail to boot after making changes to the cpu, FSB, &/or memory speed settings, try turning the system on 3 or 4 times. If it still fails, hold the insert key down while booting..." HUH. So, when I get back to the table, I decide I'll try turning it on one more time. This time I remove only the excess PCI cards, but leave the drives and video connected. BAM! The monitor wakes up and I get a system beep! The Athlon lives!!! I was afraid to turn it off then, but I knew it was the only way to determine if there were any hardware problems after all. I powered down and rebooted after installing each extra piece. No problems. I went back to the old computer and made a win95 boot disk. The new computer booted off the disk, and loaded and recognized the DVD and CDRW drives. The only problem now was that the Win2k install disk I had won't let you install the OS on any system that doesn't have a Dell BIOS. Oh well. But the damn thing works, thank the LORD! All systems nominal, Cap'n!
Now, RickMTB: doesn't this sound like FUN!!!?
Believe it or not, to me it was fun.
CuRTis: I hear you about time, and I'm busy too... but we all have to have our hobbies. You're making time for the new FP, aren't you? My HT is stagnant for now... I just USE it, and won't be fiddling/upgrading it for some time, still. So, I built up a computer instead! We're all busy, but everyone should have or make time for one of their hobbies once in a while. Just some people don't see this as an enjoyable hobby. I don't see knitting/needle working as an enjoyable hobby... I'd rather just go buy a blanket, it looks great and keeps me warm right out of the box. My grandmother found great joy and took great pride, though, in knitting & needlepointing all sorts of stuff.
JBC ( 207.164.221.182 ) at 1:08 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Ron H: Guess I should check here before calling you. Thanks.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.127 ) at 1:08 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: Email arrived.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.9 ) at 1:01 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
DTC fan noise
AVB: Did you attempt to contact TCE about your excessive fan noise? It really shouldn't be noticable at all. I have a good contact there if you want to chat w/ them about it. Bet ya $1 they fix it for free even if it's out of warranty.
I just can't stand to see a pal suffer needlessly.
JBC ( 207.164.221.182 ) at 12:58 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Robert: You also nee to have the same domain/workgroup names. Go into the Network applet in Control Pabel.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 12:54 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Scott "Popcorn" and other Computer pros
Robert: You need to have file sharing enabled under Control Panel\Network (just in case you don't already). There's a button for File and Print Sharing. Just select the one for giving file access to others.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:48 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Scott "Popcorn" and other Computer pros
Robert: I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that you can't just hook the two computers directly together. You need to have some sort of hub or something. However I've never done it, so I don't know for sure.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:47 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
FP arrives this morning
CuRTis: Do you already have a table set up for it? If you're all ready to go for it inside, have them bring it in. If not, then I'd wait, because either way, you'll have to move it again.
Robert ( 63.11.53.135 ) at 12:44 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Scott "Popcorn" and other Computer pros
It is my understanding that I can link two computers via a crossover cable if both are Ethernet ready. The probelm I'm having is, once they are connected and I click on Ntework neighborhood, I only see the computer I'm working on, what do I need to do to see the ohter computer?
Ron H ( 63.24.14.43 ) at 12:17 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: Try to resend.
Ron H ( 63.24.14.43 ) at 12:17 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: No joy on the email.
Darian ( 66.44.8.58 ) at 12:02 PM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Did a 4 receiver system for my Dad this weekend. It was pretty cool this weekend and my hands are all beat up from dealing with sharp metal things in the cold.
We have some of the new Clark TSTs comming in to play with.. err I mean Demo. The New Clark Platinum 6.9 tactile force per watt. Ohh how I need a sofa or something for my room. Client might want 2 but isn't sure yet. I shal have to come up with a killer demo for these and then ask him if he wants them!
Ron H ( 63.24.183.160 ) at 11:41 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: I have not received it yet.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.49 ) at 10:58 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Good luck!
T-Man: Still on-line. What did we used to say," I'm dripping of sweat". It is already 80 degrees and I just got done carrying what seems like a couple tons of boxes down from the upstairs. Our stuff gets moved in on Wed. and we move in on Thurs. Pool speakers - whatever Mrs. BAGMAN will let me get away with. It has already been discussed and the field appears to be wide open. Anything new on the non buyers remorse?
JBC ( 207.164.221.211 ) at 10:40 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Ron H: Back to you with a few minor changes....
AVB ( 64.41.33.12 ) at 10:38 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Cinepro
JBC: I'll have to rewire later in the spring. I have to run a line out of the house in a 30" deep trench to the wall I want to come in at. On the inside I have to find a stud to mount the box and then punch thru the brick to run the wire in. There is no way to do it inside the house.
T-Man ( 216.151.67.115 ) at 10:28 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Good luck!
Bagman: Are you still on-line or are you in packing mode? Regardless, good luck with your move and I hope everything is still a go. I know you will like having those Def Techs blasting again. BTW, what are you going to do for pool speakers?
Gar ( 169.207.192.163 ) at 10:20 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
There that worked! Hope it helps if anyone is looking at buying this unit.
Gar ( 169.207.192.163 ) at 10:20 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Lets try that again!!!!
http://www.hometheatervillage.com/cinemasource.site/specials/vw10ht%20rebate.pdf
Gar ( 169.207.192.163 ) at 10:16 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Sony 10HT
Check this rebate out....
http://www.hometheatervillage/cinemasource.site/specials/vw10ht%20rebate.pdf
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 10:12 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC:
You have mail.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.26 ) at 10:03 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
FP arrives this morning
I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. SHould I have the movers bring the whole double crated thing into my room or into the garage? My back is already lecturing me about not even attempting to lift this monster alone. Where's an Arnold-type when I need him?
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 9:53 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: Will do.
JBC ( 207.164.221.200 ) at 9:50 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Ron H: No, a cover letter is not necessary as Eric and I have been corresponding via e-mail. What I would ask is that you highlight (and, if possible, print in color) the shippinh instructions particularly as they apply to entry into Canada. Thanks a ton...
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.26 ) at 9:45 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
testing 1,2,3
is this thing on?
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 9:44 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: Do you want to send me a cover letter for me to enclose with the amp and your earlier email to Eric?
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 9:37 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC: everything is going to Eric at Cinepro.
JBC ( 207.164.221.79 ) at 9:13 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Ron H: Thanks! Just so I know who is looking after the documentation to ensure that I do not get nailed with taxes on the way back? Are you assigning this to Cinepro?
AVB: Congrats. I am mucho jealous! Do you have to re-wire for 30 amps? Do you have to instal an L14-30 outlet?
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:13 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran & CuRTis: I built my own computer some time ago because none of the ready built ones had what I wanted. In retrospect, it probably cost me more than buying a ready made one, but I have all the features I want. It did not take me nearly as much effort or time to assemble and make it work as I thought it might before I started. As an engineer, I see it as great fun. It gives me an opportunity to see how different component parts interact with each other and an inkling when troubleshooting problems. Others may view it as a worse than birthing pains - not that many of us guys have gone through that.
So, if it brings you pleasure and you think you are capable of doing it, go for it. If not, buy ready made.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:12 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran & CuRTis:
AVB ( 64.41.32.197 ) at 9:03 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Success!
Whoo! $4800 worth of Cinepro for $2K delivered. I even get the 2 30 amp power cords that are $145 each! Not a Curtis deal but pretty good.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 8:40 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
RickMTB: This is the hotel I stayed at the last time I was in Sanantonio. It was great if not a bit on the Expensive side. It is right on the Riverwalk handy to everthing.
http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/profile/10089602/
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 8:29 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Popping Sounds
AVB: No power conditioner to the Cinepro. Other than the fan it seems silent. I can not hear anything from the speakers when no signal is inputed.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.124 ) at 8:24 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
JBC:Your paper work will be sent out today.
JBC ( 207.164.221.184 ) at 7:16 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Morning gang...
Rich ( 205.188.197.167 ) at 2:56 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Xtra Big Al, u should live closer to me... that would be very Koool
Rich ( 205.188.197.167 ) at 2:55 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
kpd check your e-mail
Rich ( 205.188.197.167 ) at 2:53 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Troublemaking...
RickMTB: Did someone say THX ?
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.71 ) at 1:27 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Curtis; I sure wish I lived closer to you. Now I need a new monitor to go with the new computer. This 15" with about 13.2 viewable is getting hard on the eyes. I can barely see the women...er...type anymore.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.71 ) at 1:24 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
AVB; Why not stick the DTC100 behind the door, and use an IR sender?
CuRTis ( 206.170.7.78 ) at 12:33 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: What you'll learn with age is the diff between a very bright 28 year-old like you and old farts like me is that my time/ energy is simply more valuable. When you have colege tuition to pay you'll clearly understand. As much as I would love to spread sftuff out on the kitchen counter and spend hours putting it together I no longer have the patience. You don't even want to know my hourly billing rate.
If you can do all the debugging & tweaks & driving all over town to get the right parts & you end up with what you want - more power to you. If I can buy something that simply works right out of the box - fully assembled & working/ warrantied that delivers 90%+ of your system ... I'm a very happy camper because I simply don't have the time nor inclination to figure out how to put everything together so that it actually works.
CuRTis ( 206.170.7.78 ) at 12:21 AM EST Monday, February 12, 2001
Curtis PSA
AVB: Tks man I'll check it out. I owe you one.
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 10:32 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PSA -- PSAudio 600
JBC: I saw that today but a 14% discount didn't seem like a GREAT buy.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:25 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Sorry guys... I forgot to get the addy. Anyways, it is in rec.audio.marketplace
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:24 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PSA -- PSAudio 600
PS Audio P600 Power Plant NEW! FREE SHIPPING!
Brand new in the box P600 with multi-wave. I will pay the Shipping. Retail $2195. For info, visit their website at www.psaudio.com
Price: $1,900.00
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 10:12 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PP20
JBC: In a dead quiet room, out of the rack I can hear it faintly with my head 2-3 feet away. Standing up I can't hear it at all.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:04 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
AVB: As you are the only person I know who has a PowerPRO20, can you confirm that it is dead quiet? Thanks.
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 9:57 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hush Box
Derb: It covers the entire bottom and 90% of the sides of the projector and seals against the ceiling. I could mount the DTC100 in the box but again, I wouldn't be able to change the channels.
Derb ( 199.174.5.229 ) at 9:52 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hush Box
AVB: Does the hush box cover the entire projector? and if so could you mount the DTC100 inside along with the projector?
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 9:50 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hmmmmm....
Derb: I have a PP20 that everything except the projector and 3K6 is plugged into. PS Audio doesn't make anything that will handle the power I draw and I can't afford 6 of their PS600 units.
Derb ( 199.174.5.229 ) at 9:41 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hmmmmm....
AVB: I thought you were using a PS Audio
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 9:40 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Curtis PSA
For Sale: Demo Stewart Filmscreen 123" 16:9 motorized retractable screen in
excellent with original box, manuals, and wall switch. Gain: 2.0. Great for
CRT Projection System. List Price: $2965.00. Sale Price: $1895.00 delivered.
Please contact Ed at 770-804-8977.
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 9:36 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Popping Sounds
Ron H: What are you using for a power conditioner (if any) for your 3K6?
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 9:32 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hmmmmm....
Derb: The PP20 is the best tweek I've ever found. The PP30 seems to be up to the unit itself if it hummms loudly or not. I've seen and heard both quiet ones and fairly loud ones. Of course, this is in a silent room which mine is not. If I can get one in the middle of the two extremes it will work out for me.
Kieran ( 172.166.185.213 ) at 9:31 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: A lot of it, IMHO, comes down to the desire to tinker and build your own things. You kept referring to the experience as painful, while I can't relate to that concept. I think it's fun, and take pride when someone asks "where'd you get your computer?" in answering, "I built it myself from off the shelf parts."
Also, the customization and upgrade thing. I read reviews and say, "THAT's the graphics card I want," and "THAT's the hard drive I want." But then, I can only get the HD in a Dell, and the graphics card in a Compaq, but not both together. (just an example.)
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 9:28 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hush Box
Finished the hush box and got it hung today. With the projector on and the cabinet door open the DTC100 makes more noise then the Electrohome 8501LC. If I glass in the front I doubt you would know it was on if you walked into the room. That is not an option thought because I'd have to run intake ducting to it and there is no way to work with it mounted in the ceiling and no place to run the ducts.
Derb ( 199.174.5.229 ) at 8:52 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hmmmmm....
RonH: Cinepro goes pop, thump, whirrr, and the line conditioner makes more noise than it stops. Makes me thinks I don't want anything made by Cinepro JOke guys, just a Joke....
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.89 ) at 8:25 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Ron H: Thanks for the response... seems like the Sheraton is a ways away from the rest of the Riverwalk, but the price is sure appealing ($115/night). Dummy me, I get the cowputer comment now.
Ron H ( 63.44.228.82 ) at 7:55 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: you have mail. Cowputers=Gateway. I get the sweats everytime I have to replace a upgrde chip in some of the equipment we use in fabrication.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 7:51 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Ron H: I get it... "cowputer" from Texas. But aren't Gateways the one with the jersey cow prints all over the box? Speaking of building computers, I can remember wrestling with installing memory chips by hand, probably losing about half of them by bending the darn prongs. Thankfully those days ended in the eighties...
Ron H ( 63.44.128.160 ) at 7:40 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Popping Sounds
cai: It was me that had the thump or pop at turn on. The deal is that it does not matter if the amp is turned on first or the Pre/Pso is. It still thumps. Thanks for the suggestion
Ron H ( 63.44.128.160 ) at 7:37 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: I am with you. I built my computers but no more. My time is too valuable and a off the shelf unit does more than I need it to do. By the way our company is switching all our systems over to Compaq. My Cowputer will be replaced next month.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.160 ) at 7:35 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Good God how many typo's in that last post. Never mind do not count them.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 7:35 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Popping Sounds
Someone was inquiring about popping sounds when his/her amp was coming on. I agree with the suggestion, by someone else, that a delay should be inserted between the time the preamp is turned on and the amp. My old Crown preamp had a connection strip where the other Hi-Fi equipment was to be connected. This strip provided a delay for starting-up the amp and the reel to reel. If used this way the amp and the reel to reel would not make popping sounds. Try to see if a delay can be put into the amp start-up sequence.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.160 ) at 7:34 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
CuRTis: Do not buy a manuasl pull down, you will regent it till you get rid bopf it. You hasve purchase dca quality projector do not chep out on the screen. If you want to live with wrinkles, waves and shadows then go ahead with the purchase. You need to get a tensioned or perm wall mount screen if you are interested in a quality system.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 7:08 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Wild Bill: Tada! Someone finally hit on an application where a standard off-the-shelf PC may not be appropriate or the best solution. I suspect that the more demanding applications such as HTPC might make going through the steps of buildinga PC from the ground up. Thats why I kept pointing to my meager needs (which I suspect are more common to the majority of PC users). I still don't know if I agree with the comment about cost, since I always look at the time I work on *anything* as part of the cost equation.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 7:04 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: Of course, those five guys that still swear by OS2 are holed up in a shed in Armonk NY...
Wild Bill ( 63.26.72.203 ) at 7:02 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: There are many good reasons to build your own PC and Kieran has done an excellent job going over them There were two big reasons for me. The first is stability. Off the shelf PCs just come with too much junk software bundled in as Kieran stated. To use a PC as a HTPC I must have an EXTREMELT stable system to ensure that I get perfect DVD playback. The second reason for me is price. I can build my own PC with high quality components at just over the price of many of the econoboxes that are sold that are completely NOT upgradeable. To buy a PC from Compaq, Dell, etc. that would do what I need would be more expensive and less upgradeable than any PC I can build myself. Remember also that Kieran case problem is fairly rare today. If you buy a good ATX case from any number of manufacturers you can simply plug in the components and have a working PC within a few hours with exactly the software conficuration that you desire.
Wild Bill ( 63.26.72.203 ) at 6:46 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
go with a smaller FP screen?
CuRTis: Don't buy a manual puuldown screen. You won't like the shadows the waves in the screen create. I have NEVER seen a flat manual pulldown screen. I'll say it again, DO NOT go cheap on the screen,. It is a critical component.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 6:39 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Scott "popcorn": Hey, there are still those who swear by OS2, so whatever flips your switch...
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 6:38 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Troublemaking...
RickMTB: NOOOOOooooooo.......!!!
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 6:30 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: I think Rick's just jealous that REAL MEN do all their own work.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:25 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
AVB: No problem. I was only offering to take it provided you were willing to sell it!
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 6:24 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: ex-squeeze me, but BeOS is an ELEGANT OS... So is GoBe Productive. I'm running on a 300MHz K6 and I feel NO need to get a faster processor. Windblows, on the other hand, is still sluggish on a 1GHz.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 6:22 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: Well stated sir
AVB ( 64.41.32.119 ) at 5:53 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Keeping the PP20.
JBC: With all of my stuff I was planning to keep the PP20 and use it for all the non digital things like the sub amp, maybe the rear speaker/TT amp (2K5II), cassette deck, dbx rack, turntable, etc etc. The PP30/PS30 combo would take the 3K6SEIII, the CD, DAC, DSS, DVDO, LD, DVD etc etc.
AVB ( 64.41.32.119 ) at 5:48 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
go with a smaller FP screen?
CuRTis: Since nobody else steped up. 80x45 has a diagonal of 91.78.
AVB ( 64.41.32.119 ) at 5:43 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PowerPros
JBC/Darian: They would go into the rack and I can close the door on that side. It can't be any worse then the DCT100, the projector, and the 2 Cinepro amp fans going all at once. I just finished the hush box for the projector so that is taken care of. The DTC I can't do much about if I want to be able to change channels and the amps are already on the closed cabinet side. I'll just move things around so I'll have the PP30,PP20, 3K6SEIII and 2K5II all on the side I can close the door. If that doesn't work then I do have the option of moving the PP30 and PS30 to a different room with some electrical work I could do myself.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 5:05 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Troublemaking...
Gee, maybe I should start up a thread about THX right about now... hey Kieran, is that new computer case THX Ultra certified?
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 5:03 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: My Presario's case isn't very nice? 
Gee, it looks nice (has a neat little door that hides the USB ports and another door that hides the open slots for all that upgrading I don't do. I couldn't comment on my power supply and motherboard... they simply work. I reckon I may someday replace the whole thing... maybe when its five years old. By that time I reckon I got my money's worth. And avoided all that stress over what mother board or power supply was in it and did I have the right screws and rails to fiddle with them.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 4:57 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: S'ok, for the most part I am just pulling your chain. But I reckon thats why there is so much traffic in the Silicon Valley, too many engineers driving their SUVs to Frys and CompUSA getting the parts for their computers (segue into RonH's traffic observation)...
Kieran ( 172.128.119.8 ) at 4:56 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Off to work now.... more later tonight maybe!
Kieran ( 172.128.119.8 ) at 4:55 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: I learned to repack my bearings on my bike when I was 11. I did it all the time until sealed bearings came along. I also learned to fix the breaks on my car, change the oil, etc. And I enjoy doing it. Sure I make enough to pay somebody, and when I don't ahve time, I do pay for it.
That case that came with your Compaq though wasn't as nice as the case I want! And, I doubt it has the room to ever replace the mobo, or the power supply, if your needs change. I can upgrade one thing at a time now, as time and technology goes on. With a Delpaqrony (sort of like Demoblicans and Republicrats) you are stuck with what you buy. When you want to change it, you have to buy a whole new computer. Not my style.
Kieran ( 172.128.119.8 ) at 4:50 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: It's not so much that there isn't enough space on the drive. It's that Windows sucks, and the best luck I've had with making windows perform really well (it is possible) is by having a CLEAN installation, with only the apps I want. I can't tell you how often my Mom's Compaq crashes or locks up, and I have no idea why. One reason why I like this Dell Laptop that Curtis sold to me is that I was able to wipe the HD and do a fresh install. I guess I'm just finiky, but so is Windows!
You also forget that I'm an engineer... I've been taking apart Calculators and computers and whatever I can since I was about 9 or 10. Just like I used to enjoy building model airplanes, I like to build computers (just as I'll probably build up my own MTB when I get it... except for building up the wheels!). And when you're done, it actually does stuff!
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 4:48 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: Hmm.. the case that came with my Compaq *HAD* all the right parts in it. In fact, it had all the computer in it. I flipped the switch and it worked. Has for two years now (or is it three, its been so long I have forgotten).
I like to fix my own bike too, but only *if I have to* (which happens, along the trail, on the painful occasion), but I'd just as soon hae some $5/hour wrench do the dirty stuff anyway. Repack bearings? Replace a headset. Oy vey, I'd rather ride the bike. Or use the computer...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 4:43 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Kieran: wow... maybe that last trip to CompUSA or too much caf in the coffee? Seriously, I am all in favor of getting the right tool for the right job, and if the 30GB hard drive that comes in most entry PCs off the shelf isn't enough (even with all the excess that MFRs load in there, not to mention Microbloats contribution). Just curious to what led you to such a painful path that I was reading about. Me? Except for the modem on my first computer, I have never found much of a need to upgrade any of my PCs (I have had three of my own, not counting the number of PCs that various employers have made me use). I admit my needs of pretty minimal (internet, WP, phot edits, and the annual tax prep work), so perhaps if I was hosting a web site or doing research work on the next genome I would need more that this crappy 400mhz Compaq with the original motherboard and that annoying "Q"...
Kieran ( 172.128.119.8 ) at 4:43 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
BTW, compusa didn't have the case I thought they would (the one I bought) so I picked up a lesser one to hold me over. I've got to go to work now, but I'll try to get it up and running tonight. We'll see....
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.118 ) at 4:42 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran: All good complaints. This is one area I'll be glad to settle for what's in the box though. Too much work for me. Now wiring the basement, I can handle. Some tunes, a beer, and lethal voltage. That's my idea of a fun afternoon.
Kieran ( 172.128.119.8 ) at 4:40 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: All you need to do is flip the switch and it will work... but what if it doesn't? I like to fix my own bike, and I like to fix my own computer. If I built it, I know better how to fix it. Especially if it's a software problem, because I know EXACTLY what's installed and what isn't, etc.
BTW, the only reason why I'm going to CompUSA, is because the case I got didn't have all the parts in it. Could have happened to anybody. The case was sealed from the factory (big staples, and tape) and the guy took it off a stack of about 50 of them. It was a random problem. I wouldn't call an OS and a case random obscure parts... like buying a new set of shifters, and it didn't come with the cables and/or housing.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.118 ) at 4:35 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
By the way, it's replacing a Compaq 200MHz that's approaching old age. In fact it was the fastest there was at the time. I replaced the 28.8 modem, added some memory, upped the hard drive from 2 to 6.4 GB, and added a CDRW. That was done about 6 years ago. It's still in good enough shape for me to sell to someone with grade school kids.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.56 ) at 4:34 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
CuRTis: Probably needed all that processor power so she could run that BeOs version of Word...
Kieran ( 172.128.119.8 ) at 4:31 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: Wow... lots of talk about me while I was gone. To answer your question, Rick, I'm building it because it's the only way to get the EXACT system you want, the exact parts, the exact software, the exact configuration... That's the first reason. The second reason (and just as important) is upgradeability. I've been burned TOO many times with proprietary brand named systems that look like they'll be upgradeable but aren't. I've had Compaq's, Dell's, Leading Edge, Sony... NONE of them have I been able to fully upgrade when I want to. Also, I HATE all the bundled software CRAP that comes on brand name computers. Sure, it's a 12 GB hard drive... take it home fire it up, there's 4 GB of crap on there already!!!! And no offense, but Compaq's Presario line is one of the WORST offenders. That damn "on Q" junk, with the "Home Base" and psuedo multiple users, and .... 
I want a CLEAN installation of the O/S, and ONLY the applications I want to use. Windows is a shitty O/S, and uninstalling never works, unless you are genius at editing the Registry, and even then it's a pain in the ARSE!
Also, I like to dink around with hardware... I like to try overclocking cpus and graphics cards. This requires specific motherboards with specific BIOSes, and specific graphics cards. (BTW I hate on board graphics and modems. Sure you can disable them, but then why pay for them in the first place?) Abit, ASUS, Epox, FIC, etc. are the best motherboads on the market. But I can't order a Dell or Compaq with the mobo I want.
I could go on and on, but I won't.... I think you get the idea. No specific application. Mostly just a preference to do things MY way (anybody hear Sinatra in their ears?)
One more thing... When Compaq first came out, they prided themselves on the "made in the USA" pride. My family had the original Compaq portable, and it was a GREAT machine... lasted almost 10 years, before we gave it to a school. It still worked fine, but was just not satisfying our needs anymore. Now, their Presarios are just as crappy as anything else on the market. The only Compaq's, IMHO, that live up to the original quality, are their professional line of machines, not available to the general public.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.118 ) at 4:27 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Interesting... I'm half and half on this discussion. There are a lot of things I can do, but chose to pay someone else to do. Laziness, no time, amount of work far exceeds cost, etc... However there are some things I like to do, and whether it makes sense to hire it done, or not, or how much work is involved, I do it. I could build a computer, with a few recomendations on components, however when spending hundreds, I like a warranty. That said, I just bought a new computer that was too good to pass up. Brand new 750MHz Athlon, 128MB, 7200 30GB, CDRW, DVD, 56K modem, 16MB NVidea, Sound Blaster Live, 4 USB, IEEE, ethernet, etc... The Athlon can be upgraded to 1GHz, and the RAM to 512. It's not perfect, but it's more than I need now, and for quite a while in the future. Price $825 delivered. A Rat Shack perc.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.144 ) at 4:20 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: 3 year onsite/next biz day warranty coverage sure comes in handy when something does break for name brand PC's BTO. I'm sick of looking at my computers' innards. A modern PC is so much more powerful than what most people use them for it's not funny. My neighbor just HAD to get a new P4 to do all of her ultra processor intensive ... word processing.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 4:15 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Scott "popcorn": I hate to say this but I really don't understand your reasoning. With most major mfrs of PCs you can "buildt-to-order" specifying whatever you want in the thing. I had my cheap Presario BTO. Again, I had simply needs, ut *if* I needed it to do more I could have spec'd more. And unless there is some really demanding application out there I am not familiar with, I can't see some off-the-shelf or BTO Compaq, Dell, HP, or Micron system not being able to handle anything that you would want to throw at it. Certainly with less fuss than multiple trips to Fry's (always the least fun place to deal with) or CompUSA to get obscure parts to make the whole thing work. Then again, I like the security of knowing all I need to do is flip the switch and the thing works. I also try to match the tool to the application, since I usually have too many demands on my time and budget. BTW, my backup MTB has XT topshifters on it (my other bikes have Gripshift and RF+).
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.144 ) at 4:10 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Toshiba Price drop in Canada
Robert: OK Mr. Tease, I'll bite ... why would Toshiba drop MSRP by $1K on the TheaterWide 65 & 56 models?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 3:46 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: It's not a matter of the cheap parts not being able to handle an app; it's that the cheap parts don't perform as well... Imagine taking a mountain bike, modern, full-suspension, but putting friction thumbshifters on it. Another comment... a car is a very complex, and not entirely interchangeable (in the computer sense) piece of machinery... Not to mention a car is REQUIRED by the government to satisfy certain minimum safety standards... A computer is not. Like I said, I'd rather build my own computer.
Another point: Some years ago, there were chipsets labeled "VX Pro"... they were cheap chipsets, providing a Socket 7 motherboard for a very inexpensive $60... The only problem is, the chipsets were cheap knock-offs and were very unstable...You can equate it to your bottom bracket falling off somewhere between every mile and every 4 miles of riding.
Another good example is Winmodems... But I'm not going to even go there... They are BAD.
Robert ( 38.31.46.200 ) at 3:37 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Toshiba Price drop in Canada
CuRTis: If Toshiba is indeed dropping prices in both Canada and the USA,,,I know why ;). Whats interesting is it appears they don't feel Mitsu is their competition but rather another company....... ....
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 3:26 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Scott "popcorn": "Cheap parts" "perform well". I don't know what parts are in my car... seems to work better than if I tried building it. And I would say welding a frame would create challenges that couldn't be seen by the casual eye. Aligning the frame? Building a wheel? Heck, most people can't tune their drivetrain, let alone install all the compoenents correctly. I can doo all of that, yet I would get a better bike buying one. And yes, bike mfr's will throw the generic or downgraded part to save money... heck, my XTR/XT 'dale had a crappy bottombracket I swapped out to at least the XT equivalent before I took the bike home.
But again, what's the application that would the "cheap parts" wouldn't be able to handle?
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.141 ) at 3:23 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: Good points. Also take into account the huge amount of bundled S/W that something like the VIAO's & Compaqs come with (much of which I actually use & would have to go out to purchase) and the delta is even smaller.
I have srcewed up more hardware than I care to admit. At my last "real" job, the IT manager placed LockTite on my desktop & notebook cases!
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 3:20 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
Scott "popcorn": OK... I have a very cheap "pre-built" and short of some damage my !@#$% brother-in-law did loading AOL on it without my knowledge I haven't had a bit of prob with it. Of course, I use it for simple applications (internet access, word processing, photo edits) and with standard OS and applications. Thats why I asked the question, what application is being targetted?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 3:11 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: There is a tremendous difference between a pre-built bike and a pre-built computer (besides the obvious lack of wheels on one 
) A pre-built computer can use CHEAP parts that don't perform well, and you'll never know it because it's hidden in the box. On a bike, nearly everything is visible... You're not buying a bike for $1500 that the maker threw in Alivo components to save money and make more profit...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 3:08 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
CuRTis: I don't see his problem about an OS... BeOS is free... The Pro edition has dropped in price to $49, and the Office Suite (GoBe Productive, which is LOADS better than MS Office under the hood) has also dropped to $49.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.27 ) at 3:06 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: I'll ALWAYS build my own computer... I simply don't trust a pre-built, and I CERTAINLY don't trust A+ certified techs.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 3:04 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
CuRTis: Hmm... still wondering why? I can build a bike from the ground up. It wouldn't be as nice as one I can buy, but "I can." Expandabity and upgradeability are all good things, but many, if not most (excluding space-targetted systems like my Presario) allow upgrades. I was asking if there is some unique application that this computer was intended for (always the best starting point IMO). In the past, many people built there own simply for the learning experience of doing, but nowadays, there are so many other things eating at our time I was wondering why Kieran was going through the pain...
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.141 ) at 2:53 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
RickMTB: That's easy ... he's building it because he can! I saw a Sony VAIO P4 1.5GHz desktop the other day loaded to the gills for something like $1,800. For clueless/brainless idiots like me this is a nice system. For smart people like Kieran who knows what he's doing and wants lots of future upgrade options - building it is the best way.
All he needs to buy now is an OS. I told him that DOS should scream on that thing - he didn't even chuckle.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 2:48 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
oops, a post on topic (DVD recommendations)
Just watched "Hollow Man"... fun movie for its genre (natch, leave your intelligence at the door). Perhaps one of the coolest menus I have seen in a while though.
Better still, Dinosaur. Too intense for my youngest, but super job on the animation and computer stuff. DTS for those (most I reckon) that have it and those that can hear the difference (Sound & Vision says they can't).
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 2:42 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
RonH... you got mail!
Looking for hotel recommendations in San Antonio...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 2:42 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's computer...
I missed the beginning of your travails. What are you trying to build? Maybe more to the point, why are you trying to build? With all the good deals out there on computers, unless you have a masochistic reason behind piecing it together, is there some special application you are trying to solve by building your own?
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.67 ) at 2:39 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Kieran's MTB...
Kieran, here's another possibility. Curtlo. He builds everything to your spec, and I understand he is a tall goomer to, so I bet he knows how to build it so it will work right for you. Uses TruTemper also (like Bontrager and Kelly), so its bulletproof. I just looked at his website and he puts pricing up there that seems hard to believe for a custom build (less than $700? Heck, most good off the shelf frames cost that much!).
One thing... are you spec'ing out sufficient "crotch clearance" on your bikes. I go for 4" between me and my jewels, which is hard for a short-legged guy like me but it reults in a bike I don't worry to take through technical sections AND a stiffer frame to boot.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 2:36 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
JT: Thanks for the URL. That unit looks near identical to the ones at the Rat Shack. That said, I am going to waiit to hear back from Joe!
Joe: Sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to your family. If you could drop me aline when you get back on on about Wednesday that would be great!
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.206 ) at 1:52 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Boy am I MAD!
Kieran: The A500 case is really nice for working on your computer... the motherboard with attached cards slidees out as one unit, giving plenty of unimpeded access to the drive screws and the motherboard... I have a total of 3 A500's counting mom's computer. The S500 is a newer design, which doesn't have the slide-out motherboard tray, but it does have some other good attributes... The hard drive mounting bracket slides out after you remove 1 screw, making it easy to mount your hard drive. The external drives (at least most of them) are slide-in rail types, which I like... but you do have to remove the face to slide them in/out... which isn't very difficult. I think the best feature of the S500 is that there is a place to mount an 80mm fan directly above the ATX I/O spot, making it the ideal case fo the hotter running chips... specifically it has LOTS of potential for ventilation. Those are about the only differences... The S500 is also a bit narrower than the A500. All in all, if the S500 had the sliding motherboard tray, it would be the ultimate case, but there is plenty of room to work on the mobo in the case, so it's really not that big a deal.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.141 ) at 1:50 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Fry's Employment App
I'm sure I have posted this before, but it's funny as hell & far too close to the truth of Fry's Electronics employees. Be sure to look at all of the pulldown menu choices
http://www.best.com/~braith/frys.htm
Joe ( 152.163.194.209 ) at 1:46 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
JBC
I have a family funeral going on for the next few days. I will get with you on Wednesday if you are still interested.
If anyone has information on Public Transportaion in the Hunington Beach area could you let me know. We have a EMT that is taking her vacation out there in a few weeks. Since she is under 25 no one will rent her a car, thanks.
CuRTis ( 64.170.152.112 ) at 1:37 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Boy am I MAD!
Kieran: Oh there's pleny of anti-charmed stuff in my life, I just don't mention it here. If anyone's interested in the Fry's fiasco, I bought a Reply hard drive recorder. The only way they would come down on price was if I paid cash (K: I had forgotten about this last night). So I hooked it up and decided the Tivo has a better GUI. The fact that Replay is all but out of biz didn't help either.
So Kieran comes over and is nice enough to help my daughter pick up her car accross town. My son hadn't cleaned his room in eons, yesterday he found his Xmas check from his Grandpa & naturally HAD to spend it right away. My duaghter needed a real soundcard in her PC & Kieran took care of her too.
I get in the return line & wait forever while all the employees srate into space. Finally I get the paperwork that I am to take to "any cashier" for a cash refund. Then get in the checkout line. All cashiers will only offer to mail a check - takes at least 2 weeks. I demand cash back & they tell me register #40 is the only one who can do that. The moron @ 40 is waiting for his customer to return and can't do a thing for me till he closes out that sale. Kieran & my kids are drilling holes in the back of my head staring at me for what seemed like an hour. We demand that another cashier help me as #40's customer is still lost in space somewhere. "Sure come on over to #38", says a kid behind the counter.
"You can give me a full cash refund?" I asked.
"No problem", the dude says. "We'll just mail you a check in a few weeks! "
GRRRR! Back to #40. The phantom customer finally returns with his final item to buy. He and the cashier then argue for at least 10 minutes in something other than English over a stupid $20 rebate. I explained to the customer that he was holding me, my kids & my friend up & to please step on it. "I'm sorry but I'm a customer too", says the guy.
Finally he's gone & it's my turn to get my cash. The casheir says to follow him - all the way back to the RETURN line. The manager says that my refund amount is above their policy (a whole $50) and take the check in a few weeks or tough luck. I went postal explaining that I have bought jillions of $ worth of stuff from their store & send many clients to them. If they wouldn't give the full refund on the spot I'll be sure to pull the plug on all future business. Guess what? I finally got my cash back, but my mood was sour the entiire evening due to this morons.
JT ( 24.160.99.140 ) at 1:24 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Wireless video sender
JBC: Take a look at this link. The product is called DVD anywhere, but it will send any signal coming into it from standard RCA type plugs. I used these in my last home to send a DSS signal to a room without wiring. It worked surprisingly well. http://hawk.x10.com/products/vk53a_dd1.htm
Kieran ( 172.169.56.202 ) at 1:24 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Well, I'm glad I didn't go for my bike ride yet today... it's hailing heavily right now! OUCH!
Kieran ( 172.169.56.202 ) at 1:18 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Boy am I MAD!
CuRTis: Hard drive mounting not a problem... it's the 5/25" bays that are the problem... i.e. the CD-RW and DVD-ROM drives. w/o them, no installation of the O/S.
I may be in luck. I just called Compusa, and they carry Antec cases. I checked out Antec's web site, and it looks like the case I bought is actually an Antec case, or an identical clone. So, maybe I can either get parts, or just a whole new case... we'll see.
Time to S, S, and S... then head out to Compusa. (I still need an O/S, too.)
Re. our time at Fry's... I figured I'd leave that story to you... You need to show these guys here that not ALL aspects of you life are charmed! Although you did do a good job of finally getting what you wanted/deserved out of them. I was bummed that B didn't get something he wanted. Did you end up taking him to Rat Shack or not?
If you have any questions about getting J set up with MIDI on her sound card, my friend Dan S (who used to post here a bit) knows that stuff backwards and forwards. He has a big Yamaha keyboard that he's got hooked up to his computer and everything. Let me know if you run into trouble with that.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.155 ) at 1:07 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Boy am I MAD!
Kieran: Just your basic relaxing weekend, huh? Thanks for not mentioning hanging around Fry's in the near futile attempt to get my cash refund while all of us were tired and starved.
Bummer about the hard drive mounting rails. It seems that every single screw must be ordered a la carte from these places.
Kieran ( 172.169.56.202 ) at 1:00 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Boy am I MAD!
So I drove 180 miles round trip yesterday (90 each way) to buy all the parts for my computer. The place I went to had the case I wanted, (InWin S500) but not the power supply I wanted (235W, I wanted 300W.) So, the guy said I could buy this other case for $20 more than the 300W s500 would have cost me. I check out the case, and it's REALLY pretty nice. Very heavy, but well built, and well laid out. It's more than I wanted to spend, but I figured what the heck, the case is the one part that will probably last longer than any other part of the computer, through upgrades and all. So I get it, and I'm not remorseful about that purchase at all. I actually thought it was a better purchase than the smaller s500.
So, I leave there, and drive 20 minutes over to Curtis' place and hang out with him and his kids (great kids BTW) for a couple hours before heading home.
I get home too late and too tired to really mess with anything. So all I do is uppack the stuff and lay it out on the kitchen table for an early morning foray into computer building, and I went to bed. So, this morning I start assembling everything. I got the mobo installed with the cpu and fan, RAM is in, power connected to mobo. I go to put the drives in place...... What's this??? There's no mounting hardware for the 5.25" drives!!!! I mean there's space for them, but it obviously designed for some sort of rail mounting system, and there are no rails anywhere! The cage for the 5.25" drives is about 1/2 inch wider than the drives, and there're no holes for screws or anything. ARRRRGH! Now it's Sunday, and most places are closed (including the store from which I bought the stuff). I really need to get this assembled today, 'cause the folks come back tomorrow, and the only place I have right now to do this kind of work is the kitchen table, and that's unacceptable in Mom's eyes! So, I'm going to go to Compusa and see if they have any cases that will work for the time being. (any suggestions as to which kind to get?)
Scott Popcorn: There is a store nearby that sells the InWin A500. What's the difference between that and the S500 and why do you prefer the S500 (I know you have both). If they are open today (not likely) I might pick up an A500. Otherwise my only hope is Compusa... if they even carry cases!
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.166 ) at 12:36 PM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
go with a smaller FP screen?
I located a smaller Stewart StudioTek 130 screen that may work better in my room. Rather than going for a new 54" x 96" 16:9 motorized version for almost $3K, this dude has a one month old 45" x 80" 16:9 manual pull down for about a grand (50% off list).
Aside from sheer size, am I really losing that much by going to a smaller screen? I would expect a somewhat better picture yet is this actually the case in the real world? Impact is what I want. The bargain screen is only 15" wider than my current RP yet it'll be a great deal larger than the 34" Shampoo.
Plan B is to project onto the opposite wall with the big 110" diagonal 16:9 screen. What is the diagonal measurement of a 45" x 80" 16:9 screen?
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.1 ) at 11:51 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
programming 2 new phones
boring! You would think that a new cellphone that includes a USB cable for downloading tunes into its MP3 player could easily include a conduit for Outlook. That way I could simply copy names/ numbers from my PC into the phone.
But noooo, I have to input everything manually. Then again any incoming calls can be saved with 1 button push, as long as they haven't blocked caller ID. Quick everyone who knows me pls call both my phones this morning
JBC: I'm the same personality type. I'm so helpful with other peoples purchases that I often damage my own cause.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:36 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Curtis: Sometimes I might be too nice for my own good. After all, I am most interested in AVB's PowerPRO but not at the cost ofhis possible unhappiness with the noise from the PowerPRO30.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.1 ) at 11:28 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
JBC: Jeez I hope AVB didn't commit to this thing unless it goes in a sererate room.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:19 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Tony C: Have agreat day. Sounds as though lots of celebrating is in order.
AVB, Darian: Darian, thanks for backing me up on this dude. I figure that the noise is real and therefore not worth te risk. AVB, in speaking to Eric a few times last week he was very direct in that:
a) If you do not have a separate room to put the PowerPRO30 in do not get one. He is even relunctant to ship them to people who ddo nothave a separate room as they come back.
b) If you do not have a separate room and have loads of gear (like you!!) he said to get two PowerPRO20s and you would be much happier. He also said that the sonic gain from the PowerSupply is very small relative to the PowerPRO.
Me, I am taking his advice -- going to get one PowerPRO for all my gear except the subs (i.e. amp, cable box, dvd, pre/pro, remote control, RPTV)and see how I like it. If it is all that it is cracked up to be I will get a second for my subwoofers.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:59 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Happy Sunday everbody.
It's my wife's birthday as well as our middle son's who was obviously born on her birthday. Some celebrating today and then another drive to the Dairyland.
Have a good one.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:57 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Big Al: LOL!
On all threee posts.
I really like the manager of the Rat Shack by me. He's taken good care of me and has been rewarded with a couple of CDs. But I laugh when I walk in and see his cordless head set and other paraphernalia attached to his belt.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.1 ) at 10:52 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Toshiba Price drop in Canada
MikeD: Let me get some coffee flowing to locate this on the Web. It's over on avs and a reply or 2 said that the same reductions are happening in the US for Toshiba HD ready displays. I'll call my dealer later today.
Darian ( 66.44.18.84 ) at 10:39 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PowerPros
AVB: LISTEN TO JBC! He is absolutely correct about the noise issue with the Power30s. The 30 amp stuff from Cinepro was built to be placed in an equipment room. IT IS NOT MENT TO BE IN THE ROOM WITH THE LISTENER. Eric has warned dealers about this before. I didn't think it was told to end users thou. Now that the cat is out. Heed the warning.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:35 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
AVB: Sh^t.... the first bullet should read PowerPRO30.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:35 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
AVB: Please note:
1. The PowerPRo generates a hum which can be heard within a distacne of 8 to 10 feet. This is per a conversation of last week with Eric Abraham.
2. If you do get the PowerPRO30 and the PowerSupply30, both of which would be major coups, I would be happy to provide a caring and loving home for your PowerPRO20. Let me know!
Good luck!
MikeD ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 10:26 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Toshiba Price drop in Canada
I believe Curtis posted on this earlier, can someone provide me a link with this info. The Toshiba Canada website still has the old prices, thanks.
AVB ( 64.41.32.137 ) at 10:05 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Finally!
I found a used PowerPro 30 and PowerSupply 30 for sale. Under negotiation right now but if he takes my offer I'll be stealing them for less then half of list delivered.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:16 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PSA - Velodyne HGS18
6 months old, excellent condition, original owner with box, manaul, remote, and packing, selling for health reasons, local pickup only,
(maryland 21237), cell 443 831 1025 Rick
Price: $1,500.00
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:11 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
PSA - NEC 9PG Extra
450 hours on the tubes. Box, manual, installer's remote and ceiling
mount bracket.
The renowned Runco IDP-980 Ultra, a unit that has won best CRT projector two years in a row at the Golden Notes Awards, is a slightly tweaked version of the 9PG Extra.
Although it contains 7" CRTs, it us often specified as an 8" projector
because of the larger raster (phosphor) area used on its CRTs.
Available for inspection (it is set up in a coffee table configuration) and
pickup in the San Francisco Bay area (Oakland hills) $4,200
The purchaser of this projector will also have the opportunity to buy a
QuadScan with over two and a half years remaining on the warranty for $1,300
(I will not consider separate offers on the Quadscan until the projector is
sold).
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:02 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Good morning gang...
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.160 ) at 3:20 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hannibal
Rich F: "I guess it's the Brittish accent"
Oh, OK, I get it now. If you think Hopkins can get away with murder, try having a British GF - she can say anything she wants to and it still ends up sounding like music Are you guys aware that the whole Brit accent is phoney?
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 2:09 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Rich F: That sounds like a defective machine or some wierd problem with the source. The DLP is a single chip so alignment problems are almost unheard of. Hmmmmmm.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 2:07 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Later
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 2:05 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Goodnight, time to concentrate on South Park and then go to bed.
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 2:04 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Ron H: It was visibly out of alignment with about a 2" band of green on the left with the resulting ghosting across the entire screen.
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 2:00 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Scott "popcorn": I thought so.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 1:56 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Rich F: It seems to happen all too often that displays are not set up correctly. What was wrong with the DLP set up?
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 1:53 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Houston just moved up in the busiest freeyway listing from 3rd to second. The busiest was the Santa Monica in California followed by the West Loop in Houston.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.140 ) at 1:50 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Rich F: it equals a line that decreases in value as x increases, with a slope of rise versus run of 2 to 1, and crossing the y axis at 5 units above the x axis.
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 1:49 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Ron H: Hi Ron, my son is in town now and I took him over to Home Theater. We visited that room in the back with the Runco with the Krell setup. That Runco was so out of allignment it was rediculous and the half the other rooms were locked. With all the money in that room, you would think they would keep the video in top shape.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 1:44 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Rich F: LOL a few too many many scotches tonight.
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 1:40 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Ron H: and preety=pretty. but what does 2x=5-y equal
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 1:35 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
qullity=quality
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 1:34 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
here is a link to an photo from our international HT meet last year. the qullity is preety poor but...
http://content.communities.msn.com/isapi/fetch.dll?action=get_album&ID_Community=RonsHomeTheater&ID_Topic=8
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.19 ) at 1:29 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
"idea; feed tuna fish nothing but celery and mayonaisse. result; pre-made tuna salad in a can!"
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 1:27 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hannibal
CuRTis: I guess it's the Brittish accent. It didn't seem like standard off the shelf slasher film gore.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.19 ) at 1:26 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Wild Bill; Sure, make fun, but when you add the green plaid double knits, and the orange and black striped polo shirt to the total ensemble, I looked Koool! Just so I look hi-tech to the customers, every day I pull a cell phone and pager out of stock (don't own any), take the cordless handset and clip all three to my belt. Then I plug a nifty headset into the cordless, and I'm loaded for bear! For a touch of salesmanship, I drop a digital recorder, or microcassette into my pocket, and record my thoughts and ideas, then play them back for customers to impress them.
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 1:25 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
USB/Firewire
Here is a link for the Lacie which is USB/Firewrie but again, it doesn't seem to take advantage o fthe supposed speed.
http://www.pcconnection.com/scripts/productdetail.asp?product_id=231683
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.19 ) at 1:18 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
TonyC; Hey! That coax digital cable was only $49.99!
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.112 ) at 1:17 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hannibal
Rich F: High class gore?
Rich F ( 172.169.159.55 ) at 1:13 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Hannibal
Once again, I have learned not to listen to reviewers. I saw Hannibal tonight and thought it was pretty decent. It was suspenseful and gory in a sort of high class way where the victims seemed hard to feel sorry for. I thought Julianne Moore and Anthony Hopkins were both really good.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 12:54 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Toshibe price drop?
CuRTis:What tax refund??? No way will I let Uncle Sam hold my money interest free. wwhat a damn ripoff that is. I try to owe a few $K so I can be earning some interest on it during the year.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.2 ) at 12:50 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
oops -Plasma
CuRTis/Robert: If Plasma's were a little less expensive I would and my wife would be more than glad to get rid of the RP and the large entertainment center that is taking up about 33 square feet in my family/living room.
I would not do it for coolness but as a cosmetic upgrade and remove the intrusive entertainment center and RP from the room. I can deal with a little less quality, but at about 18 to 20 feet, I doubt that many of the short ccomings in video quality will show to the point of distraction.
If I want a big picture all I have to do is take a walk into another room. I bet ten years from now these monster size RPs will look like antiques.
I am now to the point that I am able to sit back and enjoy my equipment I no longer look and listen for defects or problems with my system (unless I have just added a new piece) once it is set up. Anyone who has visited my home will agree I do not tweak , point out every little problems or defect, nor overdrive my sub to impress. I just put a movie on or if requested parts of movies and sit back and enjoy. I do not know how anyone can enjoy their equipment if they spend all their time complaining about stuff.
I used to drive myself and anyone in the room crazy being anal about some of these things. Sometimes I think we forget why we spent all this money.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.117 ) at 12:46 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
BTW ... what's a "tax refund"? Haven't seen one of those in ages. One of the downsides of consulting.
CuRTis ( 206.170.7.192 ) at 12:39 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Toshibe price drop?
Eh - anybody here from north of the border? This is a cut n paste from another forum...
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective Friday, Toshiba Canada announed huge price cuts on all HDTV compatible televisions. The 65H80, 56H80 and CW343x92 all dropped $Can 1,000.00. This brings their list prices down to $Can 6,000.00, $Can 5,000.00 and $Can 3,000.00 respectively. The 40H80 and the various 4x3 sets all dropped in price $400.00-$600.00 depending on model.
If you have been looking for a reason to buy a new television you just found it.
For our American friends 1 $Canadian = $0.65. And for your trans-border shopping pleasure all Toshiba TVs except the CW34X92 are covered by NAFTA and are duty free.
Thought you all would like to know while you are starting to calculate you tax refunds.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.140 ) at 12:38 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Bikes
Kieran: You said you have a 37.5" inseam? I have a 36" inseam and I ride a 18" MTB...
CuRTis ( 206.170.7.192 ) at 12:31 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
JBC: You're welcome
Joe: Didn't meant to include the "your price" part. I recall paying over $300 the pair for the 900MHz version.
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 12:07 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
oops -Plasma
RickMTB: Cool rules, of course
I'm in the same boat as you are - a huge wall of windows that mean FP isn't even thinkable days is the reason I went with the 34" Shampoo 16:9 for day viewing. At night everything becomes possible. I would never pay more than $1K for the privelidge of a 9" CRT - but Gar found something I couldn't resist.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 12:07 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
Joe: SO what is your asking price on the WaveCom Senior. ANd Curtis, thanks for the info!
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 12:04 AM EST Sunday, February 11, 2001
oops -Plasma
cai: I couldn't agree with you maore about space being very important in a HT. That's why I'm getting rid of my 65" 16:9 RP. It just looks like a monolith taking over the entire room when it's off. The Shampoo will fit in much better.
My room would likely look even better with a plasma set, yet I would think having the speakers well in front of the screen would look odd. My particular speakers sound best at least 1 foot away from the rear wall, on stands. A direct view puts everything on the same plane.
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 11:57 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Tony C: Scientologists are very strange and powerful people. Thank good ness that most of them seem to be concentrated in LA with the rest of the oddballs! Harrison Ford is another follower I believe. Whatever floats your boat, yet this particular church has done some nasty things - such as the time when a D.A who had been looking into their finances went into his home mailbox only to be bitten by a very poisioness small snake planted there by the leader of the Santa Monica congregation, who gladly admitted to planting the snake.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I tend to distrust all organized religion, esp. this one who seems more interested in amassing all of the CA real estate they can as their Holy Grail.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 11:54 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
CuRTis: I guess you cannot discount the element of space. A 2 or 3 inch display is much easier to display than a big RPTV or even a direct view. In my case that was the reason that drove me to an LCD computer monitor. I would definitely like to get a plasma monitor for my home studio. At this time though, the issue of affordability, or lack of it to be more precise, looms very large.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.113 ) at 11:39 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
CuRTis: Actually Curtis, I don't care about the "cool" factor, but my room has way too much light for a FP (which I might argue is associated with a "cool factor" as well), and there is only one solid wall in the room to either put a full size couch or TV (either direct or RP). The "over the fireplace" proved to be a reasonable alternative. Sure, I *could* get the best FP and screen available (gee, Ron H, care to lend me your Sony and news screen ;-), but talk about wash out! But I would sure impress those in the know! Seriously, I am still sticking with my direct view, but if I had $5-6k burning a hole in my pocket I would track down a Fujitsu and be pretty darn happy...
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:32 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
RickMTB: Right. NOw I remember. My son told me he wouldn't watch it because it was written by "that cult guy, and Travolta was in the cult".
I thought it was silly fun.
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 11:10 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
RickMTB: That's the main thing generating the sales of plasme sets - they hang elegantly on any old wall in any room. I know that's what sold my ex on buying 2 of them.
Next time you're at a magazine rack take a look at the home decorating & design rags. Every single TeeVee is a plasma. The buyers buy them as much for how they look turned off as when they're on. FP's can be nearly hidden with motorized/recessed screens and projectors and provide far more visual impact than the largest/ best plasma. People don't care about quality, they just want something that looks cooler than what the Jone's have.
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 10:54 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
WaveCom Sr.
JBC: I can't find the manufacturers site, but dod catch this from an online dealer
=========================================================================
Wavecom Senior®
2.4 GHz Wireless Stereo Audio and Color Video Transmitter
System With Remote Extender
Item Number: WAVECOM-SR
Built-in remote control extender which allows
viewers to control the A/V source from the
viewing room using an existing remote
control
Sends and receives crisp color video and
stereo audio without having to run wires
Directional antenna transmits up to 300'
clear line of sight
2.4 GHz signal avoids interference from the
crowded 900 MHz band
4 separate channels allow up to 4
transmitter/receiver pairs to operate
simultaneously
Includes 12 volt power adapters and A/V
cables
Suggested Retail Price: $229.95
YOUR PRICE: $ 109.95
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.113 ) at 10:21 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
cai: I too considered a space above my fireplace for a plasma set. I think the Fujitsus look plenty good enough, especially considering a FP is completely of of the question in my house, and a RP would be a tough sell on the WAF scale. Since I live in Houston, the fireplace is strictly decorative anyway...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.113 ) at 10:19 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Tony C: Battleship Earth was written by L Ron Hubbard of Scientology fame I believe. Travolta is big into that church and supposedly tried for years to get the book made into a movie...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.113 ) at 10:17 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
Kieran: Click on design shop ("one-offs") where he does custom frames. I'd suggest calling him to talk about sizing anyway. I bet he would give you a lot of advice, even if you don't go with one of his frames. He is supposed to be a cool guy (versus Scot Nicol of Ibis, who has a rep for being, well, not a cool guy). BTW, OX-II is a great frame material... light enough and plenty strong. Same stuff Keith Bontrager used on his bikes (and KB used to tell people you can have things light or strong...
The fear I have about Reynolds 853 is that builders often fraw it out pretty thin to get the "titanium-like" characteristics of light and forgiving, without titanium's ability to survive it. The Sycip bike I tested was very noodly, and while it was really light (and had cool pennies at the tops of the seat stays), I was worried I would break the thing. Better to get something that will last, IMO. BTW, not all 853 bikes are built that way... GT made a great 853 steel frame that was typically GT tank-like".
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:30 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
First let me vent.
The reason I hate to leave the house on weekends is LINES.
Everyone in the world is out queing up to one thing or another.
Starts with the street traffic. The lights, the parking lots, the bank, the blockbuster, the grocery store, the car wash, nothing but lines and people.
That's why I do my errands to and from work.
OK, thanks.
So I watched Battle ship Earth (I think that's the name) tonight.
It was kind of fun. Stupid movie full of Hollywood holes, but the sound and the visuals were pretty cool. I think I'll buy it. Some great LFE effects. Or, I'm just noticing more with the new sub.
My son called tonight to thank me for the new receiver. He read the manual and got it all dialed in. He even relayed a story about a nightmare sales guy at Rat Shack who tried to sell him a coax digital cable for $50!
But it's great to see him following the old mans footsteps.
I gotta go to my brothers house now, where he'll be playing music on his Bose speakers.
Later.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 8:21 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
Robert: Thanks for shedding some engineering light into the plasma controversy. I will try to go and see a Pioneer set in this area tomorrow and try to compare it to direct views and RPs. A plasma is what would really look good in the space that I have reserved for a set.
By the way, I am already making plans for next year's CES.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.54 ) at 7:35 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
Robert: One was a Sony ad I do not remember for sure what the 3rd one was but it may have been a Pioneer as I have seen them in the same store. Maybe JBC can refresh my memory. Of course I can not testify as to how they are set up or who did it.
Speaking of Pioneer everytime I go into a store and they have their RPs set up with a HD feed everytime I find the Pioneeer Elite is by far the best looking. People with me always agree.
Gar ( 169.207.193.170 ) at 7:15 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Plasma TV
Robert: Sorry Robert, but this is what I read in couple trade mags about a year ago(Twice being one of them), I am not in the business of engineering these things and I was speaking in Generalized terms "oh my". Also I was agreeing with Curtis, because I have seen these things in action, Sony, Fujitsu,Panasonic and Pioneer. And I must say the Pioneer and
Fujitsu I saw looked the best, but there was alot of Digital Artifacting on actions scenes in certain movies like the Matrix etc.. So that being said I don't think they are prefected that well yet. So sorry for striking a Nerve just reporting what my Eyes saw and what I read. Accupuncture might do the trick for that bad nerve JK!..... Thanks for the concrete info though, greatly appreciated!!!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 7:00 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Robert: I did not get powered M&Ks. What I did was move from one set of "passive" M&Ks (i.e. S150s and SS-150s) to a second set of "passive" M&Ks (i.e. MPS-2550 and MPS-1625).
Joe: I am interested. What is the URL so I can check it our. Also, how much do you want?
Joe ( 64.12.102.171 ) at 6:22 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC: I have the Waveco Senior in the closet if you are interested.
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 6:14 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Paradigm
Robert: Yes I still have them and couldn't be more pleased with the sounds. Very easy on the eyes too in the gloss cherry finish, including the front & back. Ask Kieran if they can move some air without noticable distortion. The illuminated "P" logos in green are sweet but watch it when they turn to red - everything is approaching clipping but that level is so loud I rarely see red bet for the DTS demo CD's with space shuttle launches/ stream locomotives running through your room.
The replacement Active Refs are even nicer. Larger amps. I don't even have room for an external amp in my rack & don't want any more boxes in it. I have heard the powered M&K's and Meridan Digital Active$ - both sound and look dreamy. Run any of these with a high-end receivers' per-outs and they'll sound great. You won't need any amps of course if you go all-active, allowing a bit more for a dedicated pre-pro.
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 6:00 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Paradigm
Curtis, you still have the active 450's ?still you fav's. I like my M&K's, but I've got the urge to do something different, I may go JBC's way and get powered M&K's and step up to a preamp like the Proceed or Lexicon. But then again, I do like what's beeen going on in the high end receiver market, B&K, Denon, Pioneer will be there eventually, and Onkyo's Integra line. Seems to be more flexible in whole house situations.
And Curtis, you're right, looking up at a screen can be annoying unless you are far enough away (that axiom again)
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 5:50 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Fireplace plasmas
Robert: Worse, the people I know with them over the mantels like to have a roaring fire going while they watch stuff. Not only are the dancing flames totally annoying (takes attention away from the screen) it usually created a lot of srtange reflections on the glossy screen. Is it just me, or is any display way up high literally a pain in the neck to watch for extended periods?
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:46 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Fireplace plasmas
You're right about many getting mounted above the fireplace,,I too will have one "on the mantle", but by then Pioneer will incorporate the power supply OUTSIDE the unit.
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:42 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
CuRTis: GIGO, absolutely !!!
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:42 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
CuRTis: It's the doubler in MOST cases, the pixels are nothing but miniture CRT's, I've seen and have some great construction type stuff via a powerpoint presentation. The other trick is getting back far enough, Personally I think most people view them from too close. I was at a consumer event in Newport Beach a couple of years ago and most retailers were forced to allow the customer to get right on them for viewing, and not giving enough distance. After a few negative comments, someone finally got wise and put up a note saying "for best viewing, please watch from the chair in the back of the room" after everybody was three feet away and saying stuff like,,I can see the lines, etc. ewww. I'll put money on the fact that a HD feed will give you the color you are looking for on plasma,,or a computer generated image.
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 5:36 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
... the color field artifacts are much more noticeable with any NTSC signal, including anamorphic DVD. HD looks far better. GIGO?
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.30 ) at 5:35 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
Robert: No, you meant to single me out too
What about the problem with plasmas creating artifacts on large color fields, esp. in motion? At proper viewing distances (close because of the screen size, I have yet to see one that does a good job of simply displaying a true, solid color. Is this the result of a so-so internal doubler or is it the nature of the current state of plasma technology?
I notice exactly the same thing on every high-end notebook screen playing back DVD's.
Not only is heat a problem but most of the installations I have seen place the plasma disply right over fireplace mantles. Nothing like adding heat, soot, fumes to it, huh? Prices are coming down & that's always a good thing. Wasn't the original Pioneer 50"er around $25K? In this valley there's far too much disposable income & my dealer can't keep up with demand. Most of their clients don't even bother buying a $500 STB to do HD - duh!
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:21 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
Kieran: Don't like Cannondale? I had a 66 or 68 (can't remember) Criterium frame I used to race with,years ago, not good for long rides, but could corner great. How tall are you? I always went with Cannondale, because I am a big boy and thought the road frames were soft enough to prevent fatigue on my long rides (40m)bu tnot too soft that if I stood in the saddle and got on the cranks it didn't go south on me. I'm still lamenting the day I got rid of my road bike. Still have a Cannondale R700 (?) I haven't ridden in three years (so much accessability here in MN winters).
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:12 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Plasma
Ron H , what three Plasma vendor's did you and JBC see?
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:10 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
oops -Plasma
I didn't mean to single you out Gar, just putting up my thoughts regarding Plasma.
Robert ( 63.31.173.37 ) at 5:07 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Plasma TV
Gar : Don't go down that road with me,,,,,,Pixel half-life on these is 30,000+ hours and don't dropout like you are mentioning, and typically dead pixels are either inactive (obviously missing something when shown against something like a blue screen) or active (when On when it should be off)out of the chute, and rarely fail in use. Failures are usually the entire panel or power supply, and most are a result of too much heat. Pioneer's seen more cases of panel damage from moving than anything else.The biggest enemy of Plasma is certainly heat, yet people still put them in a cabinet with no airflow. Another thing to keep in mind, there are currently only four companies building Plasmas yet at CES there were at least 20 different vendors selling plasma, Mitsu got out when they couldn't even get the yield on a 40" VGA, sony doesn't make em, they oem from elsewhere, Runco is a tweaked Fujitsu, and Panasonic still can't deliver their higher end Plasma's. The other thing about Plasma is, they are designed for HD feeds or XGA Computer feed, show a basic doubled NTSC image and many think you can do better at this point in time, myself included, however a clean 480P image like the DV37 on it looks great, you can say all you want about black level and contrast, but that has steadily improved much like your 10ht, which doesn't have the best black level either, but I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Plasma (and LCD)will eventually replace the CRT market as the cost drives down to CRT levels, which isn't far off. I think the benefits will eventually outway anything the CRT has to offer once it gets to a apples to apples comparison. Right now, lets see, I can spend $5800 on a 58" PRo610 or $17,000 on a 50" Plasma, no contest, unless I've got the cash, I've got to go with the 610. Scary thing is,a ton of people have the cash and are spending it.
Sorry Gar, struck a nerve, maybe it's the paycheck coming out of me. But I feel Pioneer has everybody licked in this department, bar none.
Wild Bill ( 63.23.102.196 ) at 4:55 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BIG AL: You're working? In all that ice? So you're wearing the galoshes, pocket protectors and taped glasses today? LOL!! 
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 4:54 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC; Sorry, try #15-1971. There are 2 versions. In our computer 1972 is the current version, and 1971 is discontinued. On the website it's the other way around. Go figure.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 4:49 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC; No problem. I'm working anyway. That's the stock # here. It's possible that it's a store product only.
Kieran ( 172.152.172.6 ) at 3:45 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
RickMTB: Looks like the largest steel hardtail mtb Kelly makes is a paltry 19"!!!! Sorry... no can do. I didn't see anything on their site about custom sizing, either.
JBC ( 207.164.221.56 ) at 3:38 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BIG AL: Thanks. Hate to be a pain but the web shows not product with stock # 15-1972. Can you please double check!
Kieran ( 172.152.172.6 ) at 3:36 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
RickMTB: Ah, well of course! I always call it, "Bianchi Green" I didn't know it was called Celeste. Funny thing is, Cambridge University Rowing Team (England), are called the "light blues" and their blades and jerseys are the same color (or very close to it.)
I thought maybe you were getting at something else... other than the BIANCHI part of it.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.61 ) at 3:28 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
Kieran: Here you go: http://www.kellybike.com/
And of course, a Bianchi has to be the color celeste, a light blue-greenish color, which the Italians believe is the color of the sky, but others describe as "sea foam green".
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 3:08 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Curtis; It might be that my DSS dish is 6 feet from the phone, and the phone is directly between the dish and the receiver. I haven't tried moving the phone, cause it's kinda Koool.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 3:06 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC; DSL runs on a different freq than the phone, so does the sender. The odds of them being the same freq are slim. The stock # I posted was for the phoneline sender. The stock # for the 2.4 GHz clamshell model is 15-1972.
JBC ( 207.164.221.242 ) at 3:06 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Ron H: That is probably because that when watching a movie, the majority of the material passed through the Logos which is less demanding that the SL3s. Thus there is less strain on the amp.
Assuming it was a movie that you had seen before, what were the major differences between the Sunfire Cinema Grand and the Cinepro 3k6mkiii?
Ron H ( 63.44.228.43 ) at 2:45 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
AVB/JBC: I just watched a movie all the way through. With all 6 channels running the fan never hit high and the amp was just warm. It seems driving the MLs in stereo to reach even 10 db below reference levels, really draws a lot of current from the amp.
Kieran ( 172.152.172.6 ) at 2:35 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Palo Alto Visit
Curits: Slept later than intened, and the bike ride too longer than intended (flat at ~1.5 miles from home... fixed it but it took a while). I'll probably be closer to the 3-4 pm hour. Is that still okay? I'll call when I'm on the road, but just wanted to check.
Kieran ( 172.152.172.6 ) at 2:33 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
RickMTB: Cool... I just got back from a 16 mile road ride on my MTB (with slicks, of course). Still trying to get back in a bit of shape. You think I'm too big for an 853 tubeset? Huh... I didn't realize that there was that sort of concern with 853. I was actually hoping to get an 853 bike, but I guess I should reconsider. I thought 853 was very strong... but I guess they make it too thin-walled or something? I've always wondere'd what Ibis' "moron" tube set is made of... Mojos are very light yet very strong. Of course, a mojo is my dream bike, but they don't make them big enough (yet). They have talked about doing a custom thing with Mojos, but I doubt it will come to light before I want to buy a frame. I was considering Dean of Colorado, too... but they use 853 tubesets.... maybe I shouldn't. Plus it would be cool to ride a local brand custom frame. I'll have to check out Kelly bikes. Do they have a web site? Yes I'm Irish... and green is my fav. color.... but I'm thinking more a shade of blue. Anyway, it's all still about 3 months off at the soonest.
Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't guess the color of your Eros to be... fill me in!
JBC ( 207.164.221.215 ) at 2:11 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BOG AL: Thanks. What is the # for the one that does work through phone lines? Also will the one that works through phone lines screw up my ADSL connection?
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.40 ) at 2:08 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BIG AL: My wireless speakers have one dial control, to lock onto the transmitter, verified by an LED. I think that's what goes for "frequency adjustment". There's also a volume knob on both speakers.
I can't really complain as they were on a clearance table at about 25% of list. Very odd that your phone locks up your DSS - anyone care to take a stab at why this is happening?
Amazing. Most of my recent posts are actually on-topic.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.61 ) at 2:07 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Bikes
Kieran: Just came back from a 30 mile road ride on the recumbent. Easy ride, but just too slow to keep up with the uprights. Very cold out here. The steel custome bikes are all good... now that you are in NorCal you can check out Ibis and better yet Kelley in Oakland. There are two brothers in SF that make greats ones out of Reynolds 853 (Sycip) but I think you are too big for an 853-bike. Kelley, Ibis, and Rock Lobster would all be stiffer (less noodly). Kelley makes road bikes too... I think the url is www.kelleybikes.com but its would be easy to find (and again, they are in Oakland). Get it in Kelley green (your Irish, aren't ya?
BTW, the Eros and me... guess what color?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 2:01 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Curtis; My 2.4 GHz phone locks up my DSS picture for an instant a second before the phone rings. Your speakers should have a frequency adjustment. Maybe you could try a different sub frequency.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:57 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC; the phone line model is $149.00 #15-1975 You can get them on www.radioshack.com You can also get additional receivers there too $49.00 #930-0656 I'm not sure where you can get the wavecoms but I'm sure www.smarthome.com will have them.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.61 ) at 1:55 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Hannibal in theaters today... don't bother?
Tony C: The M300 is small and light. Most in my group have them but they occasionally have probs with them. Small, light and reliable... pick any two...
JBC ( 207.164.221.201 ) at 1:26 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Ron H: The question is -- do you like it? Are you still in nirvana?
AVB ( 64.41.33.146 ) at 1:17 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Ron H: Mine does thump but it seemed less if I waited until after all the source items were on for a few seconds. I've had my fan go to high many times. I've got 2" on each side, 2.5" on top and an totally open back.
Ron H ( 63.44.227.244 ) at 12:35 PM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC/AVB: Well after 30 minutes at -10dbs from reference in stereo the amp is getting pretty hot. Hot enough that the fan went from its normal low to high. It is in a cabinet with the back fully open 4 inches above the top, 3-4 inches from the sides and no glass or doors on the front. I did do part of the test with the infamous Jeff Beck CD that has shut down the sunfire due to overheating.
The amp does cause a thump or noise through my speakers whether I have the turn the pre-pro on before or after the amp.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.40 ) at 11:55 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Dead Pixels
cai: It's pretty easy to spot dead pixels. Put up a solid black field to look for white pixels that are stuck on. Conversly, put up an all white field to find any black pixels that are stuck off. It's a lot easier to do this with a magnifying glass.
Lots of people don't even notice dead pixels, but once I find some I can't seem to ignore them, esp. with a projected image. "Get that damned fly off of my window!"
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.233 ) at 11:38 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BIG AL: My WaveComs are the Senior variety. The IR passthrough is a terrific feature, meaning that you don't have to go into the other room (source) to change channels or mute the things when the phone rings.
Does this make any sense? My 900MHz Rat Shack wireless speakers in the workshop always get in trouble whenever any 2.4 GHz phones are used. I haven't tried them with the new B&O 2.4 phones yet however.
JBC ( 207.164.221.144 ) at 11:25 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BIG AL: Do you have a part #, a price and a URL? If so, please post them. TIA!!
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 11:12 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC; They're 2.4 GHz and if there's no interference, they're great. We sell another that sends audio video through the phone lines, and sends remote signals back. Wavecom also makes a senior that does the same thing.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:44 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Hannibal in theaters today... don't bother?
RickMTB: My Toshiba Libretto is what I use on the road. The M300 looks like a perfect replacement. The docking station is way cool.
I guess I'd take small and light.
They gave me a thinkpad to use. It weights about 7lbs. It's never left my office. I bought the Toshiba on my own and I'll probably buy the compaq on my own.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.233 ) at 10:42 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JAP joke
Q: What do you get when you cross a French hooker with a Jewish-American Princess?
A: Someone who can suck the numbers right off on an Amex card
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.233 ) at 10:40 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
RickMTB: In remarketing a bunch of IBM Netfinity 4000R servers I have received an earful about their reliability problems. I can't give these 6 month old things with 2 1/2 years of 27/7 onsite maintenance away!
The last thing people need to worry about is banks of servers going down.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.73 ) at 10:33 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Hannibal in theaters today... don't bother?
Tony C: The M300 is small and light. Most in my group have them but they occasionally have probs with them. Small, light and reliable... pick any two...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.73 ) at 10:32 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
CuRTis: Actually, SUn is a target (though an optimistic one). More realistically IBM is the competition since they offerv the breadth and service that we do (or at least aspire to). We do target the 10000 with our (oem'd, for now) 32-way CMP server, the ML770. Part of Sun's backlog with that server (a good server, btw) is memory problems that plagued the system for about a year now. They tried to hide it (even required customers to be quiet about it) but it got anyway and the press and analysts ate them up about it. Note their per share price isn't to far off from Dell's and ours right now. Other players in that space include IBM (natch) and HP.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 10:20 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Dead Pixels
I bought a 15" LCD computer screen a few months ago. How can I tell if I have dead pixels? What is the test to find these things?
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.233 ) at 10:20 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
JBC: I think I have something close to what you're describing, the WaveComs. Mine are older 900MHz frequency models. For something like a small kitchen display they work quite well yet do take a bit of tweaking. One major irritation is that everything turns to noise (A&V) whenever the microwave is running.
On a pair of 900MHz Rat Shack wireless speakers I have in the workshop I get noise everytime a 2.4GHz cordless phone is used.
JBC ( 207.164.221.124 ) at 10:10 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
BIG AL: Do you have any experience using the Rat Shack's wireless audio/video transmitters/receivers (sorry, no part #) that look like clam shells? Also, do you have the part number?
I am thinking of getting them as a means of getting cable recption in my kitchen for my wife without having to run wires all over the place.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 10:07 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
CuRTis; We've got a nice inch of ice covering everything.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 10:06 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
good morning everyone from the rat shack.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.233 ) at 10:02 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Good morning gents. Raining like crazy here.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.218 ) at 8:47 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Good Morning all.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:01 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Good morning...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.229 ) at 12:57 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
new DVD releases
CuRTis: *sigh* It was worth a try...
Gar ( 169.207.192.69 ) at 12:21 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Denon 2800 DVD
Anyone have a projected Release on this unit?
Gar ( 169.207.192.69 ) at 12:21 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Plasma TV
CuRTis: I agree with your assement on Plasma TVs, I heard that in 4 years of average use, that the pixel dropout is staggering... I will wait till these are perfected and been battle tested for awhile before I through my money away.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 12:10 AM EST Saturday, February 10, 2001
Ron H: Thanks!
Ron H ( 63.44.228.35 ) at 11:46 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
JBC: You have mail
Ron H ( 63.44.228.35 ) at 11:42 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Plasma TV
CuRTis: Was I talking to you? Are you talking to me???
LOL
Ron H ( 63.44.228.35 ) at 11:41 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Rednecks True Story
Speaking of Rednecks you know you are in Texas when......
I stopped in the grocery store on the way home last night. I am in the express lane as I only had a few items. In front of me is this very very large, read fat, lady in a tee-shirt. It was a fairly scary sight but at times too common.
Anyway the cashier rings up this ladys groceries. The next thing that happens is this lady, I use the term very loosly, reaches in the collar of her t-shirt, stuffs her arm in to about her elbow and pulls her wallet out of her bra. I thought I was going to be sick. She takes her money out gives it to the cashier waits for her change and repeats the process and stuffs it back in.
Welcome to Texas y'all.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.97 ) at 11:32 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Plasma TV
Ron H: Hey I never said the Fujitsu's looked bad, simply the $6K Sony's that I spent a few hours with. I suspect that I'm a lot pickier about vodeo quality vs. audio than most folks. If it looks great to you - go for it.
Ron H ( 63.44.228.35 ) at 11:31 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
A Redneck Letter
-- Dear Billy joe Bob,
I'm writting this slow because I know you can't read fast. We don't live where we did when you left home. Your Pa read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within 20 minutes of your home, so we moved. I won't be able to send you the address because the last family that lived here took the house numbers when they moved so they wouldn't have to change their address.
This place is really nice. I even has a washing machine. I'm not sure it works so well, though, Last week I put a load of clothes in and pulled the chain, we haven't seen it since.
The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice last week; the first time for three days and the second time for fourdays.
About that coat you wanted me to send; your Uncle Bubba said it would be too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.
Bubba locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.
Your sister had a baby this morning,but I haven't found out what it is yet so I don't know if you are an aunt or uncle. The baby looks just like your brother.
Uncle Bobby Ray fell into a whiskey vat last week. Some men tried to pull him out but he fought them off and drowned. We had him cremated; he burned for three days.
Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pickup truck. Butch was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two friends were in the back, they drowned because they couldn't get the tailgate down.
Your Favorite Aunt
Ron H ( 63.44.228.35 ) at 11:25 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Plasma TV
RickMTB: I agree the Fujitsu's look pretty darn nice. One of the places JBC and I visited had three diffent manufactures on one wall side by side and the Fujitsua was by far the best of all.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:24 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Hannibal in theaters today... don't bother?
CuRTis: That's why Jodi Foster turned it down.
RickMTB: Compaq? Is that who you work for?
My brother-in-law is an attorney for Compaq. I called him for a deal on the Armada M300. Really like that machine. But his deal is as good as the one I can get from my MIS guys. I may just sell my new M500 and buy one.
BIG AL: Wanna buy a laptop?
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.97 ) at 11:01 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Hannibal in theaters today... don't bother?
My favorite local reviewer panned this flick so badly that I suspect there's at least a grain of truth to what he writes. Suffice to say that it is nothing more than the goriest flick ever - no redeeming value whatsoever.
If that's your thing them pay the price of admission (& be sure to check in at the local nuthouse while you're at it). Hard to believe that a great actor like Anthony Hopkins would ever agree to this really terrible script.
It'll probably set new box office records this weekend, go figure.
Kieran ( 172.165.143.121 ) at 10:38 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
...nothing against Heidi Klum... I certainly wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers. But teaching her to mountain bike is a little bit of a stretch!
Kieran ( 172.165.143.121 ) at 10:20 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
Scott "popcorn": Shah! as if! With Heidi Klum (or any other waif) you could just have them sit on the handle bars... you'd hardly notice the extra weight!
Kieran ( 172.165.143.121 ) at 10:18 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Bikes
RickMTB: You know, I've been asking myself if I need a reality check in plunking down so much $$ for a computer right now, when I've been dreaming of a new custom steel MTB for YEARS... but, I've always wanted a really nice home PC, too... I think this spring will see the birth of a new very LARGE steel hardtail that has my name on it. I'd love to get a nice road bike like the Eros, but they just don't make them big enough... I might actually have to get a Cannondale (p'toey!) for a road frame, because they make some of their frames pretty big (66cm) and stiff (duh, it's cannondale). I was going to have a great ride this weekend, but it's raining like crazy!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.213 ) at 10:16 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new DVD releases
Scott "popcorn": Oh my, I didn't. Please forgive me one and all. Her is my official reply...
In your friggin' dreams boys!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.213 ) at 10:15 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
RickMTB: I feel your pain man. It's not Dell you guys are concerned about in the server marketplace, it's Sun, right? A long-time friend is a senior architec with them and tells me they currently have a $2 billion + backorder on the Enterprise 10000 servers. Then again you guys may not be targeting that market, as they simply own it.
It ain't the stress at work that gets to us, it's how we react to it.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.71 ) at 10:11 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new DVD releases
CuRTis: You haven't commented on your most recent penace suggestion...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.71 ) at 10:10 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new DVD releases
Chris L.: But there's an even bigger demographic saying "where's Indiana Jones Trilogy? Where's Star Wars Trilogy and Episode 1?"...
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.213 ) at 10:10 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new DVD releases
Chris L.: LOL! You're probably right. Can you just see some guy who has been waiting for these titles to come out as his MAIN reason for buying a DVD player?
There's no accounting for some peoples tastes.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.71 ) at 10:09 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
RickMTB: ahhh, heck... I'll just take Heidi Klum and teach her to mountain bike.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:01 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Ron H: Can you please e-mail me a copy of Bob's e-mail so I can keep a record in case there is ever a need. Thanks!
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 9:59 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new DVD releases
CuRTis: Just remember....there's probably a whole different demographic saying, "Oh COOL!! Porky's 2 is finally out!!"
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.200 ) at 9:56 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
CuRTis: BTW, Dell doesn't cut prices on laptops because people buy their laptops anyway. I use an Armada M700 because its built like a tank and I need it to work all the time (wireless), but our docking stations are problematic. Heck, the Sonys are the nice laptops IMO...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.200 ) at 9:54 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
CuRTis: Dell has been cutting desktop, workstation, and server prices in order to win market share from the market leader in each of those markets. They won some share, but now they need to cancel a number of temporary help contracts and rumors are that they will lay off anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 people.
Our frustration is that the majority of our revenues come from non-PC products like servers, storage, and services (all areas that Dell is weakest at). Since we are the largest PC company we get dragged down whenever a PC company has a bad report. I work in the industry standard server group... we are by far the market share leader and we grew over 20% last quarter (in both a competitive market and a tight financial quarter!) after growing 40% both quarters before. In one key growth market (the density rack server market) we have more market share than IBM, HP, and Dell COMBINED!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.213 ) at 9:44 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new DVD releases
More & more titles coming out is a good thing of course. Why is it that every week there are lots of titles with nearly nothing I care to own or rent. Case in point; these gems from todays emailing from Ken Cranes...
Porky's/ Porky's 2: The Next Day
Revenge Of The Nerds/ Revenge Of The Nerds 2
Star Trek TV: 19 The Changeling/ The Apple
Star Trek TV: 20 Mirror Mirror/ Deadly Years
Whatever happened to quality titles?
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.200 ) at 9:41 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
Scott "popcorn": I have always been more partial to Leslie Tomlinson, myself (less trashy, and a Canuck, to boot!).
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.213 ) at 9:38 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
RickMTB: They do? How come a new Latitude with docking station is still >$4K from Dell then?
As you know computers are going more & more into the commodity biz. Can you think of a more competitive industry?
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.213 ) at 9:35 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
RickMTB: how much for the bike?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.71 ) at 9:10 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
RickMTB: I'd rather have Paola Pezzo...
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 9:06 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
Boy, that's very TEMPTING... I'm about to plunk down almost $2k on a computer, though...
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.200 ) at 8:08 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
CuRTis: Gee, wish I had an extra $700, but I am focusing my frivolous spending on something light, fast, and Italian (no, not Paola Pezzo, but a Bianchi Eros http://www.bianchiusa.com/sections/bikes/road/index.html
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.200 ) at 8:04 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
ARRGGGH!!!
Dell undercuts everyone (pricing) in order to gain market share and now it has to cut administrative costs (and layoffs are being rumored) and the ENTIRE computer industry gets dragged down, including us. This on the heels of Cisco's slide (and the market drag down).
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.200 ) at 8:01 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Plasma TV
CuRTis: Hmm... we used two Fujitsu's at a show a few weeks ago (showed a loop of The Matrix stored in a clustered network-attached storage box we announced. Both Fujitsu's were extremely sharp, and while the lighting in the demo area wasn't the best for judging these sorts of things, the images looked good enough that I sure wouldn't walk, let alone run, away from one. I just couldn't figure a way to sneak one into my briefcase or I'd be watching one today!
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 7:40 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Or for just a bit more cash
... than my friends X5, I could get something newer and far sportier. Even gets better mileage out of the same engine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=556004383&r=0&t=0
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 7:28 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
AVB: I always knew that you were cool & know a ton more about 'puters than I.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 7:27 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA Outlaw 5 Ch Amp
This has been FS for 3 weeks. I suspect the seller will take any reasonable offer at this point.
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/002512.html
AVB ( 64.41.32.167 ) at 7:26 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
CuRTis: There are a few of us. All my drives (5 - 9.1 gig)are SCSI 3 10K.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 7:21 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Kieran: IDE isn't really all that bad. LIke anything, it all depends upon what the most demanding work you'll need from a computer & its periphs. In my case I need AV class drives to use Adobe Premier for DV non linear editing. By definition SCSI3 is the only thing that will work. 99.99% of all users (outside of CAD/CAM, 3D Modeling, animation) will never have these kinds of demands. I mean how much performance do you need to run AOL or a word processor?
I have used computers where 14 SCSI devices had to be running at all times.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 7:16 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
FP arrives Monday AM
staying on topic for once. My AmPro comes in Monday morning. I'll do a temporary table setup just to get familiar with it till a young & strond friend or two can help me ceiling mount it. The Shampoo arrives on Tuesday. Naturally I have a very heavy work schedule all of next week. Don't the HT gods ever check my schedule?
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 7:12 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Plasma TV
cai: My ex & her fiance just picked up 2 (count 'em) of these things. Run, don't walk away from them. Blacks are nowhere to be found even after running Avia & VE on both of them. They run very hot and that alone makes me wonder how long the projected lifespan is. BOth had several dead pixels (stuck on white at all times) that the dealer & Sony said is their tough luck, unless there are 4 or most contigous dead pixels (the same BS line that notebook makers have always handed consumers). Downright horrible artifacts dancing all over any solid field of color, even when fed through a prog.scan DVD player.
It's possible they they received bad samples, but 2 of them with exactly the same problems? The only thing I like about this particular product is the industrial design. It amazed me that the same company who makes the G90, perhaps the best FP on the market today, can come up with such a piece of junk. That's SOny for you - sometimes they nail a product, sometimes they produce duds.
For that kind of cash you have a world of superior display options availble to you. Sorry for the slamming but I can't recall being more dissapointed with Sony after spending a few hours with them.
The only 42" plasmas I have ever been impressed with are the Runco (tweaked/ rebadged from who knows what OEM) and the Pioneer Elite. Neither are cheap however.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.92 ) at 7:05 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
CuRTis: IDE sucks, SCSI3 rules!
You got it bud!
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.201 ) at 6:55 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Kieran: IDE sucks, SCSI3 rules!
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 6:45 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Plasma TV
Has anyone seen the new Sony PFM-42B1 plasma HDTV? It is a 42", 16x9 format, 1024x1024 resolution pixels, and 480p and 1080i. Supposed to be very good and cost about $6,000. Look it up here http://www.planetdtv.com/Plasma_Displays/Sony/PFM42B1.htm
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.92 ) at 6:35 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Kieran: Hmm... Nope, I haven't seen that before... But I don't have a DVD drive to test it I did download it, and I'll try to get my hands on a DVD drive...
As for IDE RAID, was it designed for multiple I/O transfers at one time, like SCSI? The thing about IDE is that the numbers look better than SCSI, but in the real world, the SCSI performs better.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.142 ) at 6:01 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
JBC: I received the email from Bob.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:48 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
RGB: Just checked w/ one of our EE/computer gurus here at work, and he confirmed exactly what Scott said.
It's kind of cool working here, because our main product is really just a snazzy specialized ATX based computer. Several of out EE's are constantly swapping out different mobo's, cpu's, RAM, etc.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:45 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Scott "popcorn": With RAID, your strong statement against IDE is somewhat dated. The only reason to really go to SCSI anymore is if you are building a HUGE server, with 10+ drives connected, for example. Anything up to 8, and RAID IDE is not only just as good as SCSI, it's a lot cheaper and easier, too.
BTW, Scott... have you seen this? http://www.bebits.com/app/1751
I'm surprised you haven't mentioned it before. Not exactly a full-featured DVD player, but it appears that it can be made to work. Let me know if you've tried it.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.182 ) at 5:29 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
RGB: No, the way RAM works is that if the chips are fast enough for the bus speed, they can be used... faster chips don't matter... so, you can mix PC66, PC100, and PC133 to your heart's content, as long as the bus speed is set for the slowest RAM you have. The same holds true for older SIMMs that were 70ns, 60ns, etc..
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.182 ) at 5:27 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Kieran, RGB: Nah, if IDE is used up, it is time for SCSI. If you're using that many drives on a system, IDE is definitely NOT the way to go, whether the motherboard can handle it or not.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.182 ) at 5:25 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Confession
CuRTis: nah, I don't like the pro HD camera idea... it's just too much... How about a better compromise? It would be much cheaper (and more useful) if you would provide better-than-NTSC displays for the HTOC members that don't yet have them. YOu could go searching through the member bios to find those not using better than NTSC (and who are active members), and then ask what *reasonable* display they would like..
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:10 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Kieran: Nah, just got the PC as part of PacBell's DSL/Compaq PC offer. Maybe after a while a new motherboard may be a possibility, but for now it stays. So I'm still looking for an external USB and/or Firewire CD burner. Any ideas out there??
Gar ( 169.207.194.27 ) at 4:55 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
CuRTis: Well since most of the Sony PS2 games are not even DVD based yet, I can see that being true.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:34 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
BC: The spec's are completely different from the DTC100, so I'd be surprised if the unit is an OEM RCA box. Toshiba ONLY does 1080i, whereas DTC does 540p also. Both sets will do downconverted 480i output, though. Toshiba reportedly has much better OTA tuning though, which is impressive, as I thought the DTC's OTA abilities were pretty good. Tosh apparently improves on multi-path filtering and such... good for people in the boonies trying to get far away sources. (like me)
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 4:34 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Rich F : I support Macs at work. Which model iMac does she have? If you want, email me at carlos7654321@aol.com.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:30 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
RGB: All you IDE's are used, huh? Sounds like it's time to get a new mobo, my friend! One with RAID support: up to 8 ATA/100 IDE devices supported! The board I'm buying is the Abit KT7A-RAID, with 266 MHz Front Side Bus, and PC133 support. This will solve your RAM problems, too.
Speaking of which, I'm 90% sure that PC133 will work for you in a PC100 mobo, but I'd recommend checking with somebody who's 100% sure first.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 4:27 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
A friend told me that a dealer he buys from told him that the toshiba box is made by RCA. I told him horseshit but he says this dealer knows his stuff. I told him I don't think so. You guys heard anything like that? Why would toshiba have RCA make there products?
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 4:23 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Toshiba HD box
Kieran: Thanks.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 3:58 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Rich F : Anyone got any info on this USB/Firewire burner? I'm looking for one as well, as all my IDE interfaces are already used. Hopefully, it's not too expensive and still not a turtle. I'd be willing to go with only Firewire or only USB as well - as long as it'll work on a PC.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.106 ) at 3:56 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Rich F : The USB model seems to work very quickly for my sis.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 3:38 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Firewire cd burner
Thanks for the input guys. I just found out that my daughters imac didn't come with firewire although it can be added. I was looking at the ones with both firewire and USB but they seem to be slow so I didn't see the advantage. I think I will just look at the USB ones and be done with it. I will look at that Yamaha CuRTis since you seem to have had luck with it.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.106 ) at 3:32 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Confession
Kieran: ROTF! Spoken like a true Choir Boy who has benn to confession more often than he would care to admit to.
Even after doing the things the Preist mentioned, it still doesn't fell like I have done enough. Perhaps I should go out and buy a bunch of professional HD cameras (at full retail of course) and donate them to all the local digital broadcasters in my area. Perhaps this way the entire congregation will benefit.
No how am I going to explain to my kids that we'll have to eat beans for the next year?
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.106 ) at 3:23 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Gar : Nice score Gar. Be awre that video game signals have always been at the bottom of the iScan priority list, it'll look better than non-doubled yet not as good as a DreamCast via the VGA box. Everything else should look great.
Gar ( 169.207.194.88 ) at 3:15 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Thanks for the input gents. I bought the unit for $600 bucks and he included a breakout cable and FedeX air frieght. It will be here on Tuesday. So for now I will run my PS2 through it and my LD and Sat.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:09 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Toshiba HD box
BC: I posted a link a couple days ago... do a search for dst3000... that should turn it up.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:09 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Confession
CuRTis: LOL! Relax my child, the HT financial abyss is all forgiving. Here is your atonment:
Say 1,080 Hail Dolby's (odd ones first, then the even ones.)
Burn $5000 as a sacrifice to the HT Abyss, to make up that for which you did not pay in purchasing your new displays.
Then pray dayly for guidance that you will not be tempted by NTSC and his evil ways.
Joe ( 152.163.194.211 ) at 3:00 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Gar
Go for the iScan. It's here and it's real.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 2:54 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Toshiba HD box
Anyone know where the best place is to order the toshiba HD box?
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.106 ) at 2:48 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Confession
Father, it has been a very long time since I was here in HD confession.
I coveted a non-HD display yesterday even though I know this is sin #1. It's just that I used to own one of this particular model years ago before our HD congregation was ever formed and I have regretted selling it for years now. Please help me wash away the shame, help me remove the NTSC devil from my heart & soul! I'll do anything to atone.
On a brighter note I do have 2 beautiful HD displays in trucks on their way to me as I speak. As long as I'm confessing, I may as well admit that I practically stole both of these from their owners. The poor lost souls on the HTOC Forum MADE me do it, Father! They FORCED me to look at sinfully beautiful equipment just ripe for the stealing!!
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 2:37 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Question?
Gar: I'd also agree about getting the iScan unit. This way you can also double other sources (LD, Sat, VCR, etc) as well - not just DVD.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 2:35 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Kieran: Are you sure PC133 RAM will work in a motherboard not designed for it? And I'd assume if I did, that all RAM would have to be at the same speed and not mixed?
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.106 ) at 2:29 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Question?
Gar : I'll 2nd the iScan Pro. Remember that you can also route LD, VCR & game console players through it, while the world's most perfect prog. scan DVD player will always be limited to just that - play DVDs & nothing else, at least on the video side of things. Even if you end up hating the iScan (I highly doubt this) you wouldn't lose much by selling it on eBay or more likely to one of us.
No, I'm not biting - I saw the ad for the new in box iScan Pro too My trusty iScan Plus is staying for now.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:17 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Question?
Gar: I'd go with the iScan right now. The only thing you risk loosing possibly to a high-end prog scan player, is a small amount of horizontal resolution. According the the Secrets prog-scan roundup review, the iScan with a high quality std.dvd source, was one of the top performers overall.
If you go with the iScan, you get great performance NOW, and can sit back for a while while the wrinkles get ironed out with prog scan players. If the Denon or some other vapor ware product turns out to be all you can dream of, you can always sell the iScan for a decent amount to somebody with a std. dvd player that they don't want to give up.
If I ever get an HD-capable display for my HT, I may be one of those people!
Gar ( 169.207.194.88 ) at 1:57 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Question?
I have a chance to get a iScan Pro for $600 or wait till the Denon unit or a better unit comes out as far as Progressive Scan players go.
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 1:36 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
Carlos: glad to hear you had a great time, I couldn't make it, I was hoping it was early (lunch not launch). Thanks anyway, any word from other NY area HTOC's about your meet ?
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 1:34 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
Carlos: glad to hear you had a great time, I couldn't make it, I was hoping it was early (launch). Thanks anyway, any word from other NY area HTOC's about your meet ?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:38 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
CuRTis: Yep! It'll sound as close to REAL garbage as you've ever heard before! A must-have for crappy sound afficianados.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.106 ) at 12:27 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Kieran: Ah yes good ole GIGO. "But it's pure digital garbage, so it must sound great, right?" ... a friend once told me.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:14 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Darian: As you pointed out, (I think) it's most likely not the fact that it's an HDCD, but rather the mixing/mastering of the source. As we say in the engineering world, garbage in, garbage out... no matter how many times you try to snazz it up in between.
My favorite example is the DD5.1 recording of the Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture on the DD demo disc dvd. While it may be a great example of DD, I wouldn't know because the performance, and recording of the piece is very poor, IMHO.
Maybe I've just heard the thing live in outdoor stadiums too many times, with live canons... but even the famous Telarc digital recording doesn't floor me the way I feel it should. However, the DD5.1 demo recording is MUCH worse than the Telarc one (which is admitedly not bad... just not awesome either)
AVB ( 64.41.32.122 ) at 12:03 PM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
H cards
Wild Bill: I have 2 H cards that work. The only HU is the one in the DTC100
JBC ( 207.164.221.58 ) at 11:32 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Ron H: I will call / e-mail him after lunch as I am on my way to back-toback meetings. Are you still loving the Cinepro?
Darian ( 66.44.0.7 ) at 11:26 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
HDCDs: anybody buying them? Bought my first one yesterday to comapre to my orignal CD. Hate buying 2 of the same CD but I just had to see if I heard a differance. A while back a guy brought over a Classical HDCS and I kid you not when I say it sounded like SHIT! The dynamics were awful and it had zero imaging. I was worried I had messed up something when I rewired my gear for his demo. Nope... put on the EAGLES and this guy was floored. It sounded leaps and bouds better than his HDCD that he thought sounded so good. I have a few classical CDs and they all have crummy micing. Sounds like you are listening form a football field away over a hill.
Ron H ( 63.61.205.7 ) at 11:24 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
JBC: No word from our friend yet.
Wild Bill ( 63.23.103.184 ) at 10:51 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
H cards
Tony C: I'm not sure how they survived. I can tell you that one TV or another is on most of the time around here. Just good clean living, I guess.
Wild Bill ( 63.23.103.184 ) at 10:49 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Scott "popcorn": Remember further back. I once bought a 40 megabyte hard drive for $400 and couldn't imagaine filling it up.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.227 ) at 10:49 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Saturday
Kieran: 2 to 3PM sounds good. Call on your way (my cell) just in case the kids & I space out.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:48 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
H cards
Wild Bill: Sorry Gar.
So how did those cards survive? Even if they're legit, they should have been fried.
Wild Bill ( 63.23.103.184 ) at 10:44 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
H cards
Tony C: I'm the one with the old receivers with H cards. I have two that function perfectly.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.177 ) at 10:43 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
new car that is
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.177 ) at 10:43 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
I feel so guilty
My "new" was driven in the rain this morning - 1st time in its 16-year life
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 10:31 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
mic: I dont' know how I missed posting the time. The party was from 6:30-9:30. I hope you made it! We had a great time.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 10:19 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Calling all PC minds
Rich F : At work we have done a little firewire stuff, hasn't really gone that smooth. For stuff you plug in and out it seems to work OK. We have a firewire hard drive enclosure that WILL NOT EVER be recognized on a reboot, have to unplug it and replug it in. Tech support from two different manufacturers say that this is just the way the add-on cards work. Wound up returning it.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.177 ) at 10:12 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
BC: Can you be more specific pls? What particular post struck you as amazing?
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.177 ) at 10:11 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
HD Prices
AVB: I got one of those early 20MB IBM drives ('82, right?)and my boss nearly passed out when she got the bill. I too was certain I would never use it all up.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 10:10 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Curtis, I just read the post from yesterday. That is amazing!
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.177 ) at 10:08 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Scott "popcorn": I can clearly recall when used hard drives went for $1/MB between dealers, who would retail them at $2/MB. In your 1GB drive (thet didn't even exist then) the price was about $2K.
A guy I know who peecialized in used RAM had more security in his home than a crack lab. He was hit by Asian gangs several times. News reports of "street value of millions" were reported all over Silicon Valley.
Joe ( 205.188.198.57 ) at 9:24 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Morning all, We went from the freezing rain last night to just plain rain now. I can see the backyard, after last years excavaction. I am so happy I have weeks of work outside to get the yard back in shape
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 9:23 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
good morning all!
AVB ( 64.41.32.2 ) at 7:48 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
HD Prices
Kieran: My first IBM 20 meg drive, right after they came out was almost $2K delivered. I knew I'd never be able to fill it up. Now I have 45 gig in my server. Who woulda thought?
JBC ( 207.164.221.66 ) at 7:14 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Morning guys...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 2:39 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
*sigh*... the good ol days... when programmers took pride in compactness and speed... When programmers would write self-modifying code, when they would take into account the latency of hard drives, so that the hard drive would write where the head was, rather than having to spin almost all the way around again... I miss those days.
Now it's just "buy a faster processor" "buy more RAM" "buy a bigger hard drive"... Programmers now just add as many features as they can dream up, whether they're useful or not... While we have come a long way, and we have improved many things, we have lost a lot in the process... That's one thing I like about Be... They are embracing those old ideas... BeIA is designed to fit in a smaller footprint than Linux or the other competing Internet Appliance OS's... and they did the same with the desktop... Without turning this into an advertisement, Be runs better on a 300Mhz K6 processor than Windows could hope to on a 750MHz P4. Where was I going with this rant? Oh yeah... I miss the old days, when programmers prided themselves on simplicity... getting the job done with the least amount of resources... That's the way it should be... With a *tiny bit* of extras thrown in for good measure.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 2:09 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Kieran: How about this... I have the two 5 1/4" platters from my first 32 meg hard drive hanging up on my bulletin board... In fact, that's the only hard drive I've ever owned that has failed (knock on wood)
Kieran ( 207.214.148.85 ) at 2:04 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Scott "popcorn": Oh come on, you can do better than that! I can remember when we bought our first hard drive... as an upgrade for out Compaq Portable... 30MB for an ungodly price... I think close to a grand... although I could be wrong.... maybe it was around $500. Still though...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 2:04 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
RGB: re: PC100/PC133... buy the best you can afford... RAM never goes out of style
Kieran ( 207.214.148.85 ) at 2:03 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
RGB: The site I'm at ( www.city-com.com ) isn't offering PC100, but the other site I've been at ( www.mwave.com ) has it for the same price as PC133. Might as well buy 133, RGB... it will work in your PC100-bus mobo, and PC100 is usually only $1 to $3 cheaper (if at all) for 256MB anyway... and harder to find at the big discount stores.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 1:59 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Kieran: I can remeber when a 1 gig hard drive was $325... and 1 gig of RAM was unheard of for a PC.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.127 ) at 1:57 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Kieran: Yup, I just put in Basilisk (dual boot family computer, 500MHz K6-2) a 128 meg stick of PC133 I bought last month for $48... Now it's 256 megs total. The 64 megger of PC100 that came out of it will go into Monolith (once I get to the point I can yank a few of the hard drives out of it) for a total of 196 megs... As for the hard drives... I have FOUR in Monolith... the IDE will find its way into Basilisk, the 545 meg SCSI into my old 486 (for a Linux or FreeBSD closet box to telnet into), and the other two 1 gig UW SCSI Hawks will be joined by a third 1 gig Hawk (and eventually a 4 or 9 gig Barracuda), with BeOS *only*... (the IDE drive still has a bootable DOS partition, the last remnants of Windblows 95)
RGB ( 63.206.235.246 ) at 1:55 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
Kieran: Got a price on 128MB PC100 memory?
Kieran ( 207.214.148.85 ) at 1:26 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
RAM bam, thankyou M'am
RAM is incredibly cheap right now... if any of y'all are looking to upgrade. $88/256MB PC133 SDRAM. 1GB for only $325!
Kieran ( 207.214.148.85 ) at 1:05 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Geeze, looks like I missed a party at the HTOC tonight! Pretty active. 'salright, I was yaking on the phone with a crew buddy from down south. Hadn't really talked in months.
Curtis: If it's still okay, I'm planning on stopping by Saturday, probably around 2-3pm. Should I call when I'm on my way, or just come by?
Kieran ( 207.214.148.85 ) at 1:02 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
CuRTis: Beating the Ferrari (depending on which Ferrari it was) was pure driving skill on your part. If it was one of the more common Ferrari's around your town, it most certainly has the ability to beat your car, in the right hands (like yours). You should have waved down the guy afterwards and asked if he wanted to trade cars!
On a more sombre note, I'm sorry to hear about your friend's parents. Makes me glad I have such a good relationship with mine, and that I live so close. I do wish I was closer to my Grandmother (mom's mom) though. She's the last of my grandparents alive, a GREAT lady, and she's in her last days. In a nursing home, in and out of ICU w/ Emphysema & Pnuemonia. She lives in MN.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.112 ) at 12:55 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
the final straw?
Gar : Fair market value on this old body won't fetch much - even with a valley full of rich lonely wives who never see their hubbies due to work!
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.112 ) at 12:52 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
BIG AL: If this cage didn't feel exactly like my old VFR 750-F with 4 wheels instead of 2 I might seriously consider your offer, I beat a Ferrari out of a stoplight today. The other guy couldn't believe it.
Kids: pls don't try this at home., I'm a (semi) trained professional driver.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:46 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Goodnight people, sweet HT dreams.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:44 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Robert; That's why I hardly ask any questions here. It seems like anytime I'm thinking about something, I get an answer here before I ask! I think the site's cookie function is linking our brains.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:41 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Curtis: I take it you don't want to trade then.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:39 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Gar; Nope, still raining, About 50 degrees. Supposed to rain till morning, change to freezing rain, then to snow. Should be nice and slick by noon. Gotta love Illinois weather. From -20 windchill, to 50 and rain, to 15 and snow, all in one week!
Gar ( 169.207.194.45 ) at 12:34 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
BIG AL: Hey Big Al, Are you guys getting any snow yet?
Gar ( 169.207.194.45 ) at 12:33 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
the final straw?
CuRTis: your on a buying spree....... Are you selling your body for money again? hahahahahaha JK!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:33 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
Curtis; Are you sure you don't want to get that G70 for your bedroom?
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:31 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
TonyC; The fog was real thick and spooky tonight! My subdivision has a couple spotlights on the entrance sign, and I almost drove right by. They looked like a couple penlight flashlights in the cornfield.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.69 ) at 12:29 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
ChrisL; I can see it now...."Hey BIG AL, how come you're always smiling?"
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.112 ) at 12:19 AM EST Friday, February 9, 2001
PSA: One fine FP
A Sony G70 for $5,500 http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/002764.html
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:44 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
the final straw?
CuRTis: gotta do it.
I gotta go. g'night guys.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 11:43 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
Tony C: No. The only connection needed for the entire phone network is a single phone line running to the (very small) base station, plus AC running to each of the individual cordeless phone chargers, of course. Your choice of wall or table mounts.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.112 ) at 11:37 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
the final straw?
A guy on AVS with a Sony 10HT is going for the the Gray Hawk member pricing offer. He's selling a 1 month old Stewart StudioTek 130 16:9 screen in exactly the size I want for cheap.
OK, brakes on now - I have more than enough stuff, all at killer prices.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:36 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
CuRTis: HD, even in the bedroom, eh? Even off those sets are pretty damn cool.
One more phone question. Would you have to wire all the phones together to get them to talk to each other?
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.112 ) at 11:34 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
Tony C: Listen to Cytotech and you'll hear the only reason I don't want to bite on the used B&O TV - not HD capable.
No I didn't pay list on the phones because the local store owners son bought a bunch of high-end servers from me & felt he got a great deal. I got away with 10% over cost pricing Even at list they're a great value though not cheap.
I can see being happy with these phones for 10 years, so if you ammortize the cost it's a good deal. Their answering system is too cool too - works with those 5 lb. solid aliminum brick remotes.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.103 ) at 11:24 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
CuRTis: Aside from the cash outlay, you're still giving complexes... When most of us poor sops are still using NTSC, and still in the direct view 4:3 arena (and some of us, but not I, stuck with RPTV's)
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:20 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
CuRTis: Yeah, it's a no-brainer, so buy it already. quit rationalizing.
So what did you pay for those B&O phones? List?
Cytotech ( 64.12.105.42 ) at 11:19 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
CuRTis: How can you even CONSIDER buying a non-HDTV?????? I don't care HOW GOOD it looks! I am appalled and ashamed.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 11:16 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Giving complexes
Tony C: The net-net of replacing the RP with both the Shampoo and the 9" (mine is LARGER) FP is -$200 as all shipping charges have been waived. The go-cart was dirt cheap, if fact my mechanic wants to buy it for 2 x what I paid. The X5 is serious money yet well below low blue book. If I don't like it I can at least break even quickly.
So the MB B&O is the only cash risk. They'll include an in-home 1 year service contract & 3 year picture tube replacement. No-brainer, huh?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.103 ) at 11:14 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Calling all PC minds
Rich F: Why don't you try to find a CD Burner that has both firewire and USB connections? Speaking of Curtis's firewire problems, it sounds a bit like my experience with SCSI cards years ago... the lesson I learned: Cheap cards are cheap and don't work right. ONLY USE ADAPTEC SCSI CARDS. I feel the same way about going with Firewire in a PC... I'd only use Adaptec.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:14 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H: LOL!
Hmmm, I wonder if I can keep working this guy....
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:13 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
it was quite balmy here today: 46
YOu should have seen the fog tonight. It was really spooky. I swear you could only see a few feet in front of you.
How 'bout it Big Al?
Ron H ( 63.44.227.148 ) at 11:12 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Tony C:Shush now!!!!!
Ron H ( 63.44.227.148 ) at 11:11 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar : Yeh we have rain coming in tommorow with a high ofn only 70.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:10 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Cordless phones
CuRTis: Oh yeah baby, I need those phones! How much?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:09 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar : didn't you say you had old receivers with working H cards?
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 11:08 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H: Big help YOU are! It has been simply perfect weather here the past 5 days. A storm is moving in tonight however. Weatherdude says to expect "extreme low teps - in the 40"s at night" for a few days.
Sheesh, now I'll have to a) put the T-Tops on & b) drive the go cart in the rain for the 1st time in its life.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:08 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H: You know Ron, I think it's really time for you to upgrade your display. How long has it been now? Maybe the DWIN? Think about it man. You know you want to. I'll be around to take the Sony off your hands, cheap of course.
Gar ( 169.207.193.214 ) at 11:07 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H:From the looks of the weather map you guys should be getting rain.
Gar ( 169.207.193.214 ) at 11:06 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Tony C: H Cards?
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 11:05 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
Tony C: OK Tony, I'll just buy it.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 11:05 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Cordless phones
Tony C: Yes, that's exactly what you can do with the communications between phones - they can be used as intercoms or you can broadcast to all phones something like "any family member who doesn't have their a** in the car within 10 minutes to visit Grandma is on my S-list". Think of the power a father could command!
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:04 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar: Yeah, I knew it was going to be a lousy drive tomorrow.
Well, when you do come down,(when you don't have germs) spend some time.
If you come down around the Ides of March, you can hook up with Robert, but not me as I will be in sunny Orlando.
So how many working H cards to you have????
Ron H ( 63.44.227.148 ) at 11:03 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar : It was 78 degrees here today.
Ron H ( 63.44.227.148 ) at 11:02 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
The Houston Connection
I meet JT and his lovely wife this evening. JT is a worthy member of the Houston HT Connection. He has the HT bug pretty bad and has a very good knowledge of our hobby. He is in the process of having a dedicated HT room constructed in his new home he is having built.
He has a Pre/Pro set up with very good quality speakers going into it. He also plans to add a GrayHawk screen with the Sony 10HT. He will have a awesome setup when completed.
I woiuld like to welcome the newest menber of the Houston connection.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:02 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
CuRTis: Just buy it.
Gar ( 169.207.193.214 ) at 11:00 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Tony C: Freezing rain as we speak now, and a blizard on its way. I was supposed to have a interview in Chicago on Friday afternoon, but between this cold and shitty weather I am going nowhere.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 10:55 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
Tony C: Slow down? ME?? I know only 2 speeds 1) all forward & 2) all stop.
At $400 THIS IS THE LAST PIECE OF ELECTRONICS I NEED (er, want).
The remotes also double as weapons in the event of a breakin. Very cool. You should see their whole house systems in use. All speakers are active & everything looks as if it belongs in a design museum. Most of it already is at MOMA-NYC
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:54 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Cordless phones
CuRTis: "communication between any or all phones is easy"
Meaning that if you have more B&O phones, you can use them as intercoms?
You can actually call your kids room and tell them to take the garbage out?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:51 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Kids new toy
Forgot to mention that I got my son's early gradutation gift.
See, he called me the other night to say that he can't get any level out of his effects channels. He wanted the old speakers I had in the basement. I told him that it's not the little Sony speakers he's got, it's just that the receiver has only 25 watts to send them and very little signal. He said, "that's cool", at least the girls think I got surround sound." Broke my heart.
So I went to a buddy. Remember that I had the go ahead to buy $175 worth of VCR for my office? I just told him to give me a receipt for the VCR and then sell me the Sony receiver. Oh, model 545. Not bad for the kids first NEW receiver. I"m bringing it up there tomorrow. with the better surround speakers. Almost bought him the Sony sub too, but I want to see if the old one is still working ok.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 10:50 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Cordless phones
I hate to sound like a conspicous consumer - yet. I picked up the worlds' nicest 2.4 GHz cordless phone the other day. B&O BeoCom 6000 series. One base station that is small and looks like a work of art in the shape of an angled pyramid handles up to 6 additional 2.4 GHz phones. It makes my Panasonic & Sony cordlesses look like Fred Flintstone used them. Audio clarity is amazing. No stupid pullup antenni on any of it. Full caller ID, 200 memories per phone & communication between any or all phones is easy.
Just what I needed - a way for my teens to want to run up the phone bill even higher. Check it out if you're able.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:46 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
CuRTis: pull the trigger? I don't get it. You got the CRT coming, you got the Sampo coming, you got a new X5 and a go cart! Slow down man, you're giving everyone a complex.
This TV is so awsome. It's really cool looking and the remote alone must weigh five pounds. Made out of a solid chunk of aluminum. Feel sorry for the putz. But at least I've still got the best HT in the neighborhood.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 10:45 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Phones
Tony C: My ex just got the same deal for her, fiance & our daughter. At the rate my daughter is yacking, she'll ring up an enormous bill right away. What do you expect from a 16 year-old?
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 10:42 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT (who me?) tires
cai: I knew you were a smart guy. Isn't it fun watching the UPS dude lugging 4 big, heavy tires out of his truck?
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 10:40 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
Tony C: and welcome all to The Tony C forum (want your name spray painted up there - just keep it up bud!
If nothing else your friend should find a very ready market for a 2 year-old B&O TV in the Netherlands. I'm not at all convinced that there is a fix to make it work here.
In my talking with the local B&O guys here in SF I stumbled upon yet another killer deal. A used/ refurbed 27" BeoVision display on a very elegant motorized stand for $400 from their service center. I owned one of these once upon a time ($4K retail) and couldn't believe how good the picture was. Film-like is the only way to describe it. I sold it to a pal only because it was simply too small for a HT display. The perfect display for the master bedroom however. Has a s-video in but is too old to do any type of HD of course.
Should I pull the trigger?
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 10:36 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT (who me?) tires
CuRTis: I have been buying exclusively from them for the last 10 years. I can usually save more than $20 per tire, after paying for freight, mounting, and balancing, than if I buy locally.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:31 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Phones
Big Al: Got three phones today. Wife, Mother-In-Law and son.
Got two phones free, paid only one activation fee, and two lines are just $10 a month. The main one is $49, but they all share the minutes, which are 500 prime and 1200 nights and weekends. Should work for me.
Of course it all goes should I get fired.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:28 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar Feel better. Is it pouring rain up there? Heard it's supposed to snow tomorrow. I was in Milwaukee yesterday, I'm going to Waukesha tomorrow and stopping in Kenosha on the way home.
Gotta eat some cheeze.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:26 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
SVS
Joe: Just go to www.svsubwoofers.com
You'll get all the info you need.
If you want to get hyped, just go to the hometheaterforum and search SVS.
The thing about those subs is that they really are cheap for the bass you get. I tested it next to a little Energy and a big NHT. The SVS kept right up with them but was hundred$ less.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:21 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
SVS
Cajun Mike: Yep, that's the one I got. It's working pretty well now. Did you read any of my posts about my ears hurting. Well it aint the sub. I've got some kind of ear infection or something going on. I'm ready to see a doctor.
Anyway, my only advice is to start out low. The directions tell you to start at 3/4 volume up. DON'T. Start at less than 5. Those guys have great customer service and will answer any question you have.
Good luck and enjoy.
Oh, the instructions also give you a list of bass heavy scenes from DVDs and CDs. Those are a lot of fun.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:14 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
CuRTis: Thanks for checking that out bud. And thanks for the good advice. He bought it in Amsterdam. He said that he may be able to send it back to Europe to get it fixed, but I like your idea better.
Sorry to hear about your friends parents.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 9:38 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT (who me?) tires
cai: Next time buy from www.tirerack.com same product at great discounts. I have used them for years with nothing but great results.
Cytotech ( 207.221.91.81 ) at 9:33 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Yamaha DLP
Cajun Mike: 10 Grand? Well.... I haven't heard much out of it, but would be willing to bet the DWIN's scaler is better(ie: does 3:2 pulldown, plus more aspect ratios). Not really sure, though. I AM sure that if it was a blockbuster DLP, I would have seen it mentioned more than just in passing over at AVS, or here for that matter. Post over there and I'm sure you will get opinions from someone who has actually SEEN it. Sorry I can't be of more help.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 9:31 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT (who me?) tires
CuRTis: I have shod my BMW and my Audi with the XGT-V4s. They both handle very well. They are not cheap, but well worth the margin of safety they provide in dry and wet pavement.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 9:13 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT (who me?) tires
I can't begin to say enough about the new tires on my ZX. They handle as well as any ultra high-performance tire I have driven (e.g., the Michelin Pilot super low profiles stock on BMW 540i sports package) yet come in standard sizes.
Best of all they're supossed to have long life, handle great in rain & snow. I can't begin to make these things squeel in hard cornering. If you want your car to behave as if on rails than check out the new Michelin XGT V4's
http://www.michelin-us.com/us/eng/tire/pilot/v4.htm
Cajun Mike ( 172.146.43.204 ) at 9:08 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Yamaha DLP
Cytotech: What about the Marantz DLP? VP8100
DLP PROJECTOR
Advanced DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology produces images of extraordinary resolution, brightness and an 800:1 contrast ratio, with exceptional gray scale and color accuracy
HDTV and DTV compatible
HD component video, component video, S-video, composite video and RGB inputs
Operates in either native progressive scan or upconverts video sources depending on the signal source
Displays progressive scan DVD movies in any aspect ratio with no aspect ratio conversion or loss of image quality
Displays computer images up to XGA resolution
Precision optics feature low-distortion, all-glass lens elements for super-sharp picture quality
Picture size is adjustable from 40 to 275 inches
Multiple aspect ratio control includes 4:3 standard, 16:9 widescreen and 16:9 anamorphic “unsqueezed” modes
Powerful P/VIP lamp system delivers 700 ANSI lumens brightness
Elapsed Time lamp life display with automatic Replace Lamp indicator
Adjustable color temperature control
Three viewing modes—Theater, Normal and Dynamic—provide maximum big-picture enjoyment
Full-function remote control
Lens Shift feature enables widescreen images to be projected through the optimum portion of the lens to achieve best picture geometry
Two 12V DC trigger inputs can trigger two different operations in custom installations with integrated system operation
D-BUS remote connection allows linkage to other Marantz components
Digital Zoom and Freeze function allows the user to zoom in on any of five points on the screen and magnify them to four times normal size
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 8:54 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Calling all PC minds
Rich F : I like 1394 (FireWire) yet have always had problems getting it to work properly as an add-on card to a PC. Mostly software issues in my case. I got my sister a good external Yamaha CD burner last week for her b-day. It's a USB device & seems to work quite well on both PC's & Macs.Plenty fast and solid software for both platforms. I'll try to dig up the model # if you like.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.114 ) at 8:45 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Survior
Joe: bith=lisped bitch
Cytotech ( 207.221.91.81 ) at 8:43 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Yamaha DLP
Cajun: You might want to check out the Dwin Transvision instead. For about $11,000(MSRP of 12k, I think) you get a 1024x768 DLP with a BIGGER(.9" instead of .7") color wheel, AND a scaler built to handle a panamorph lens(an option from DWIN) or not. The scaler is made specifically for the proj., and IT receives all the connections from your source equipment, leaving only a 5 wire run to the projector instead of 9, 10 or 11 wires. For me, though, the Sony is a much better value. You can read more about the DWIN over at www.avsforum.com.
Cytotech ( 207.221.91.81 ) at 8:38 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Genesis chipset
Gar: Nope... the Genesis is the same one in SEVERAL other players, including Toshiba, Panasonic, AND the Sony 9000. If Denon can get the bugs worked out on the 2800, it should be the winner for the price.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.114 ) at 8:18 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Survior
Joe: I hope it's that bith Jerri.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.114 ) at 8:08 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Dish with Dual LNB
Robert: What's a fair price plus shipping? Whatever is reasonable is fine by me. It's just taking up space here.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 7:53 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Calling all PC minds
Rich F : Yeah, it's pretty easy to add firewire to a PC. I just added a firewire card to my PC for the DV camera. Just make sure you have an available IRQ for it.
Joe ( 205.188.199.156 ) at 7:49 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Survior
Who goes tonight, I say the youngster Kimmi.
Joe ( 205.188.199.156 ) at 7:48 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Joe
Gar : I just read it quickly. I really like the thought of having firewire connections. It just sucks having a ton of wires running between equipment. I was impressed with the Integra recievers. I heard one running a mid size pair of VMPS speakers, with Dire Straits playing. IT seemed to power them babys right up and not a crackle to be heard. I will have to stop in the next couple days and talk to the supergeek that works at the dealer. I will ask about the chipset.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 7:39 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Flubug!
Gar: Last week I was so sick I spent three entire days in bed. I was coughing so hard that I was puking from the force of the cough. I hope you feel better.....quick!
Gar ( 169.207.194.181 ) at 7:34 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Joe
It says Genisis Chip set and I think this is the new one that is in the iScan Pro, I think?
Gar ( 169.207.194.181 ) at 7:33 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar
Joe: Thanks for the info on the DVD Player, my question is what chipset is it using? Hopefully a DVDO chipset.. If it does they might have a winner.
Gar ( 169.207.194.181 ) at 7:29 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Flubug!
Well gets, I got the worse case of Stomach Flu in history. Both Ends working overtimes since last night at 10pm. Right now I feel like a Semi hit me and it even hurts to type. Almost had to go to the ICU and have fluids pumped into me that's how bad it got.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 7:28 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Joe: I was thinking of the Plum, Flagstone , or Mulberry. I have a light colored berber carpet throughout the house with small specks of maroon,purple and a teal color. I think any of the above mentioned colors would do. One thing though...they seem kind of expensive. You might be able to go to Home Depot and get some of their cheap ass carpeting to do the same thing. Of course your color choices would be limited a bit and they wouldn't have those little channels running up them. ::Shrug::
JBC ( 207.164.221.215 ) at 7:25 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H: Looking forward to a full report on:
a) JT's visit; and
b) A first full evening with the Cinepro!
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 7:21 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Calling all PC minds
My daughter's birthday is coming up and I want to get her a cd burner. She has an imac so firewire is an option. I just want to make sure I can also put in a firewire card into a pc and also use it that way if she should change majors (the imac comes with her current major at college and she would not need it if she changed). Any thoughts on a good external burner that I could use on either a mac or pc? Is it easy to add firewire to a pc?
Joe ( 205.188.199.156 ) at 7:11 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Chris, I recieved the info from Accoustics first. The sound channel 2 looks like a strong possability. I would run it up the 33" and around the room. Are you going to use this material? My wife and I figure we will get a few samples of the colors close to what we want. Then I can pull a paint color from it.
The panels are just to much. I will just try to make some, like the ones listed on AVScience.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 6:50 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT yet important
CuRTis: It's amazing to me that older people know when their time has come and can somehow hold off a bit until they're ready to go. Your story reminds me of how much I loved my Grandfather and yet was unable to be there when he passed away and I couldn't get to the funeral. I will never forgive myself for that.
I remember visiting my sister a couple years ago and going to see his memorial. There was a small urn, a picture of him with my grandmother and a small American flag. I cried like a baby that day.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 6:41 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT yet important
CuRTis: Exactly why I am moving to AZ within the next five years. God forbid anything as tragic as that happens before I do, but I want to be closer to them. I know that my Mother wants both of her children in the same half of the country as her. She now lives about 3 hours from my sister and her family and I know she doesn't like me being here on the East Coast. Neither do I for that matter. I wasn't made for this cold weather shite!
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 6:39 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT yet important
BC: Good for her & you. One of the problems with my friends' Dad was that he really couldn't see going on without his wife. My grandfather who was 12 years older than his wife did the last thing he promissed he would do ... to outlive her. 2 weeks after she passed away I was staying with him, having a great time with a 92 y-o guy who's mind was still very sharp but the years were wearing on his body.
I swear this happened. At about midnight after we had a great dinner together (I was all of 17) and had talked forever he turned to me & said that he was just about done unless there was anything else we should discuss. I thought he meant it was time for bed (it was) he passed peacefully in his sleep 4 hours later with a smile on his face! I recall it like it was yesterday.
Chris L. ( 24.49.151.149 ) at 6:34 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Here ya go Big Al, this might help your back out a bit.
http://www.iwon.com/home/news/news_article/0,11746,97401|oddlyenough|02-07-2001::15:33|reuters,00.html
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 6:26 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
O/T
I just scored a great deal on some wheels for my truck. This young guy who works at discount tire just bought these wheels and now needs the money for repairs. They are enkei 16x8's, $250 and that includes mounting and balancing and giving him my stock wheels. Would cost me $670 to buy them outright. Why can't I find a deal like that on an FP?!!!
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 6:24 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT yet important
CuRTis: Sorry to hear that Curtis. I can relate. 10 months ago, my mom found out she had breast cancer. 2 operations, 10 chemo treatments and 28 radiation treatments later, and all appears to be well. She finished her last treatment on Tuesday. I am more thankful now than ever that both my parents are still around. It's important to get checked up. I never realized how strong willed and what a great attitude my mom had until I saw her battle this. She was like, bring it on, lets just do this and get it over with. She is suffering from the side effects of chemo and radiation but the outcome looks good which is great.
AVB ( 64.41.32.221 ) at 6:19 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
Wild Bill: I've got an extra RCA DRD515RB Dolby Digital model I can let you have but that isn't your problem. One sat is for HD and the other two are standard or the spanish stations. To get the Spanish you need a third LNB in the middle between the first two known as a "C" sat kit. TO get HD you'll need a DTC100. Maybe this will help. Be sure to look at the next page too. http://www.geocities.com/dbs_tech/dishes/twodish.htm
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 6:11 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
sorry about the typos -
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 6:09 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT yet important
For those of you lucky enough to still have pareants e too. http://www.geocities.com/dbs_tech/dishes/twodish.htm
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 6:11 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
sorry about the typos -
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 6:09 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
OT yet important
For those of you lucky enough to still have pareants around I have a message ... enjoy them while you still can.
I just got off the phone with a friend about my age. His Mom died very suddenly at 1:30PM this past New Years Eve. His Dad, who we always figgured would outlive all of us had been diagnosed a while ago with a non-life threatening form of cancer that should be operated on at some point just to be sure.
His parents had been married for 60 years and were one of those old couples who simply adored one another, when they weren't bickering of course. The old man (not that old at 78) decided recently that it was inviting trouble not to have his routine operation, so he scheduled it for this morning. Something went terribly wrong. He died durring surgery. Nobody saw this coming. You guys can imagine the shape my friend & the whole family is in right about now.
Sorry to bring y'all down. Gotta talk to someone about this kind of thing. The moral of the story is - spend the time with your parents, even if you don't even get along all that well. I have friends who are constantly fighting (I mean mean-spirited) with their seniors over god knows what from so many years ago that they avoid contact. While I can understand some of this, life really is too short to f*ck around. One of the hardest things I ever did was sit down with my old man for 3 straight weeks to iron things out between us. When he passed away I know that we both were at peace.
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 5:51 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
agebt is actually agent
CuRTis ( 64.161.25.185 ) at 5:50 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Wild Bill: "Have you priced health insurance for the self-employed? Yikes!!"
Tell me about it man. I used to pay a fortune, mostly because my agent is so easy on the eyes & that's the only time I will pay through the nose for anything! Then last month I got a bulk mailer from Blue Cross of CA for something called PlanScape. For $193 @ month I get what they call "HMO Saver" - not the best coverage in the world but it'll easily take care of any possible problems. With my former cutie I had basically the same coverage for twice the premium. I could get minimum coverage for $43 @ month.
Don't think for one minute that you can go on w/o insurance. I have free agebt friends with families who put a couple hundred a month away rather than have real coverage. Care to guess how much the average hospital emergency illness actually costs? Medical bills are still by far the #1 reason for personal bankrupcies filed by otherwise responsible people.
JBC ( 207.164.221.205 ) at 5:09 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H: just got off the phone with Bob who ..."had only a minute for me as he was working on a larger job". Anyway, he said he would get you the info tomorrow. In the event that he does not, could you please let me know so I can follow up with him.
Lucky for me I have a loaner amp as his inaction would extent the period of time I would be without a HT!
Ron H ( 63.28.252.164 ) at 4:51 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
Robert: LOL
Ron H ( 63.24.204.9 ) at 4:31 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
The company stock went up $9.90 a share which is good news. The bad news is the stock costs an amazing $333 a share. Not the large percentage of increase we think of when we look at a typical american stock that went up almost $10 a share.
I should not complain because up to a point they match or susidize my stock purchases.
Robert ( 63.11.56.204 ) at 4:18 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: JT, if you crosssed a big bridge where you think Ron's house is,,you've gone too far
Ron H ( 63.24.204.9 ) at 4:14 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT:You have mail.
Ron H ( 63.24.204.9 ) at 4:10 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: What addy can I send you my business phone number or my home number. My cell phone just starting beeping and now the battery is dead.
JT ( 209.184.244.247 ) at 4:09 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
Ron H : Great! Would you mind sending me an email at taylorj@kochind.com so we can get things setup?
Robert ( 63.11.56.204 ) at 4:08 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
psa
mic: sold his soul to grad school my ass, he's got every title but a few on DVD and it's time to get out !!!
Ron H ( 63.24.204.9 ) at 4:07 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
JBC: No Joy.
Ron H ( 63.24.204.9 ) at 4:06 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: I can make tonight work if you will excuse the house.
Ron H ( 63.24.204.9 ) at 4:03 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
JBC: I have not as yet heard from him. I will check all three of my email accounts now. Keep your fingers crossed.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.233.43 ) at 3:59 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Yamaha DLP Front Projector
I was thumbing through last month's hometheater magazine and they showed a new front DLP projector from Yamaha. I called Yammy and they hope to have some preliminary info in a few weeks. The guy says that it should be available in June. He added that he was at CES and he witnessed the demo. He said that everyone was floored by what the unit could do. According to this guy, it's an eclectic product for Yamaha but they really did their homework. .. He says the retail price will be in the 10-15k range. The model number is DPX-1
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 3:59 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
psa
Detailed Description:
- 75 titles including: Titanic DTS, Dragonheart DTS, Indpendence Day DD, True Lies DD, Braveheart DD,Star Wars Trilogy THX WS, Alien DD, Aliens DD, The Abyss Special Edition Box Set PS, Toy Story DD, Bambi, Cinderella, Snow White Box Set, Hunchback of Notre Dame DD, Pocohontas DD, and much more....
- Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition Box Set (rare, Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back,Return of the Jedi, 5.1 sound, viewed 2-3 times)
- Pioneer Elite CLD-59 Laserdisc/CD Player (original packaging, manual, & remote)
Hate to part with this great collection but I just don't have the time to enjoy it - sold my soul to grad school! Will sell as set only - do not want to break this up. Will double box and insure both collection and player.
E-mail me at rstone@unr.edu for complete list of titles or if you have any questions.
$649 + shipping (will deliver if not too far from Reno)
http://www.audioreview.com/market/messages/593.shtml
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.217 ) at 3:58 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Kieran: Ya know, it probably wouldn't be much work to simply make an adapter...
Robert ( 63.11.61.143 ) at 3:55 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(
Wild Bill: Actually I need a Dual LNB, what do you want $wise?
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:52 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
DTC100
CuRTis: Thanks for the heads up. I'm not even looking right now. Have you priced health insurance for the self-employed? Yikes!!
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:52 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: OK then, does HE have a sister?
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:51 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
DTC100
Wild Bill: There are at least 4 on eBay right now. Sometimes you have to think like a moron to find things there. Lookup the real model # DTC100 and it's slim pickin's. Look up DTC-100 and 4 pop up.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:47 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
CuRTis: LOL!! Tell the owner that I'll trade him straight up for the below mentioned dual LNB 18" dish.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:45 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(
CuRTis: Allright, I'll figure out a way to get the freaking DTC100. Anyone want to buy a perfectly good dual LNB 18" dish?
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 3:45 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
CuRTis: I will give you three guesses and the first two don't count (as we say in NYC). I work for a living, in a way they do not. Her husband has a terrific nose for business and good common sense.
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 3:44 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
Carlos: What time !
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:44 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
Wild Bill: Correct - you can't even read the signal meter on the 2nd bird without the right receiver.
Wait a minute! There's an extra DTC100 in my dining room that I'm SO SURE the owner will let you have for a song
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:42 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
Wild Bill: I think Robert's correct. The 2nd bird isn't going to do you much good without a HD receiver (Plus mdl, e.g., DTC100). Even with the right receiver locking both sats with the oval dish is almost always a challenge. The suggested Tilt angle was off by 5 degrees from what actually ended up working.
This is one reason that lots of people simply install 2 x 18" round dishes, then route their output to an external multiplexer. A side benefit is that your neighbors will think that you work for the CIA.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:38 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: An additional $5 bet that she ends up getting a full-blown Cre$tron system
JT ( 209.184.244.247 ) at 3:37 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
Ron H : Ron, I would love to come over with my wife to take a look. The problem is that I have to finalize things tomorrow. I hate to ask, but are you free anytime tonight? I will, of course, bring the libation of your choosing as a thank you for the demo.
Joe ( 205.188.198.22 ) at 3:37 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sorry about the topic...I have been painting in a closed room for a few hours.
Joe ( 205.188.198.22 ) at 3:36 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Integra GeaIntegra Gear
I have read several good reviews about this gear. Does anyone have any experiance with it? I know my local dealer sells it and I do like buying from him.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:35 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
Robert: I'm not using it for anything. I just want to know if the damned thing is pointed at both birds. Apparently there is no way for me to do this without the purchase of a new receiver.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:34 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: Any more at home like her or is it hubby's money?
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:34 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Kieran: Hosw current is the Soundblaster web site? For some time now, ALL SBLive! cards has had the digital output. Perhaps the web site is not quite up-to-date?
Joe ( 205.188.198.22 ) at 3:34 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar
Check this one out
http://www.integrahometheater.com/show_model.cfm?class=dvd&m=DPS-9.1
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:33 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: LOL! I'll take that $5 now please?
Robert ( 63.11.61.143 ) at 3:26 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
Wild Bill: Waht are you using the second sat for? It's my understanding that the second sat is for HD and Spanish language programming only.
JBC ( 207.164.221.168 ) at 3:26 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Ron H: Have you received any of the required infor from Bob or do I have to chase him. I will be real disappointed if he has yet to send you anything as it has been 4 days since I sent the e-mail!
Joe ( 205.188.198.22 ) at 3:25 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
SVS Subs
I aksed a few days ago, but I must of missed the answer. Where can I check out these subs at?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:24 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
BTW, thanks for your help, WB, and Scott...
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:24 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Wild Bill/Scott: I was looking on the "manuals" page for Creative (where you can d/l any of the current manuals in .pdf form) and it appears that there is a card called the SB Live! Value/digital. Believe it or not. This card differs from the std "value" only in that it has the digital out jack, as far as I can tell. I'm guessing that you both used this card.
Joe ( 205.188.198.22 ) at 3:23 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Gar Michael
Gar, I know you where asking about the Denon 2800. In this months Audio Video Interiors they have run down on new players. There is around 25 players listed and what they can do. The Intrega looks like a real nice player, but so does the Denon.
Anyways it's worth a couple bucks to pick up the mag.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.233.43 ) at 3:23 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Superman the Movie.
I'm fired up about this release. dvdpricesearch.com shows that buy.com is again the least expensive. ..However I go to the site and the price is a bit more... I just shot of an email to Buy.com to see what gives.
TonyC I should have my SVS 20-39PC next week according to the email I received.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 3:21 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
CuRTis: "It must be nice".
Tell me about it. It certainly must be. I think they must be thinking about roughly $200k.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:20 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
They get you coming...and going :-(They get you coming...and going :-(
I finally had the weather and the hea;th to hook up my elliptical dish today. I have older receivers with H cards that work perfectly. I aligned the elliptical dish as the web site stated and...no signal at all. I aligned the dish as my receiver indicated and...97 signal strength. My problem is a twofold. 1) I'm not pulling in the second satellite and 2) I don't have a newer receiver. The tech person at DirecTV is telling me that I must have new receivers (DirecTV Plus) to get the channels. Does anyone know anything about these issues? All help is appreciated. New receivers really aren't in the budget right now.
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 3:05 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: How big is your current screen? Yes, I'd suspect that an 8 FOOT WIDE screen will look "pretty big". My 92" wide screen certainly looks pretty big from 17 or 18 feet away when I'm at the computer.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 3:03 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: "a few extra dollars"
We're talking about piles & piles of extra dollars here! It all boils down to this ... how much disposable income does she really have? If it's a bunch, then it won't hurt in the least to write the big check for the new in box $40K FP + $20K Scaler. Bettcha $5 Theo insists this must be included if they're "really serious about HT"
She's looking at a 6 figure HT, must be nice
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 2:57 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
Tony C: Tell your neighbors to sit down when you give them this news about their beautiful PAL B&O TeeVee.
Per B&O America corporate (I spoke w/ 2 very smart engineers there today) there is no way they can use this display to see NTSC in America (or Japan or anywhere else NTSC is used). B&O doesn't make any type of converter for it, the picture tube itself not only shouldn't be used here, it's actually illegal to do so because Underwriters Labs has never blessed the thing for use.
This is a real shame, because I have seen this model in Europe and it has a stunning image in PAL. If I were he, this is what I would do ... call B&O America in Chicago area (lucky you) at (847) 586-1840 and start screaming that the original authorized B&O dealer in Europe ASSURRED him that he could use this in the US with a reasonably priced converter made by them. Rather than force him to ship the display back to Europe to sell it, demand that B&O take it in trade for a new or refurbed NTSC version.
BTW, there is such a converter box - confirmed by the local B&O repair depot here in SF. They refuse to sell it to anyone due to the UL legal dangers.
Good luck to your neighbors ... sent Ant-nee over there with a large crowbar to get their attention
Wild Bill ( 63.24.222.30 ) at 2:51 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Kieran: I installed the Live!VALUE card in JohnO's HTPC. It outputs to his receiver via a mini SPDIF output. I don't know what to tell you.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.217 ) at 2:37 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: A computer to hold thousands of songs, as in a whole-house jukebox? I highly suggest looking at Be Inc.'s HARP (Home Audio Reference Platform)... The same general idea can be done currently with BeOS and freeware, but devices incorporating HARP should be out before too long... Think of it as a CD player with a large built-in hard drive that can send various sound formats (MP3, CD audio, etc) to all networked devices on the home network... streaming audio throughout the house as it were.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.217 ) at 2:30 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Kieran: I bought my SB Live! Value as an OEM card... it has the jacks you mentioned, but it also has at the top a yellow digital out mini plug. I am reasonably certain that this is a Value version, but I can check later tonight if you'd like (I have another 128 meg stick to put in the computer anyway)... As for sound, it output the audio for Quicktime movies (The Star Wars Episode 1 trailers), MP3's, WAV's, MIDI's, and I played a few games on it too before moving the computer back to the computer room. So, I'd say it outputs any 2-channel PCM for certain.
Ron H ( 63.31.40.134 ) at 2:23 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: The offer still is open for you to take a look at my setup so you can get a real world feel to the quality and screen size.
Ron H ( 63.31.40.134 ) at 2:21 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: You are correct that is the exact frame I am using. I purchased the Sony mount. Gar used a different manufacture that seems to work fime for him.
Michael AKA "The Proud New Pappa" ( 129.239.3.55 ) at 2:15 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
I got my first demo of DVD-A this last weeked. What did I think of it? Let me put it this way, I do not want to run out and buy a DVD-A player. The unfortunate part is that a lot of new DVD players will be featuring the capability of playing DVD-A discs. There will be a time when you won't be able to buy a DVD player without the DVD-A capability. In fact, I wish a manufacturer would produce a DVD player that is strictly designed for video playback and will not play audio CDs let alone DVD-A. Yea, yea I know Joe-Six-Pack wants a player that can play everything.
Michael AKA "The Proud New Pappa" ( 129.239.3.55 ) at 1:59 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Looks like Toshiba is coming out with new DVD players again. "the $449 SD5700 and $399 SD4700, include progressive scan capabilities with 540 lines of resolution and a built-in 10-bit/54MHz video DAC". I definately want to check out the SD4700 for its 54MHz DACs. It will also be interesting to compared the scaler in the 4700 to the scaler in the Loewe Aconda TV.
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 1:57 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
I forgot to mention, the party is free. Free food, free liquor and they're giving away prizes and raffling a few cars.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 1:56 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
Joe: She did mention a computer that will hold thousands of songs and would be hooked up to the central system. I am not really clear on the concept she described. I did suggest to her mega-changers though.
Michael AKA: I am thinking about the color Pronto, but I may suggest it to her as an alternative.
Thank you.
JBC ( 207.164.221.166 ) at 1:55 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
cai: Note, the Crestron burner, unless you get one the way I did, runs approximately $1,000!
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 1:53 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
It would be cool to meet you guys. So you can look for me, I'm the dark guy wearing all black leather and I will have on a My Generation staff badge with CARLOS printed on the front.
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 1:51 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
My Generation Launch Party
I know this at the last minute but the magazine I'm working with is having a launch party tonight. It's at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, 311 west 34th Street, between 8th and 9th Ave. So far 2500 people are attending. If you would like to come just call this number to RSVP. 646-638-2001 The sooner you call the better. The website for the magazine is www.mygeneration.org
JT ( 209.184.244.247 ) at 1:41 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
Ron H : OK, so you have the 110 inch diagonal screen. I talked to Joaquin at Stewart and he recommended what I believe is exactly the screen you are using. The 54" x 96" GrayHawk Luxus Deluxe with Ve-Lux finish. My viewing area will be a few feet farther back. I guess the screen will still look plenty big. Which mount did you go with for the Sony?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:31 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Wild Bill/Scott P: Here's the URL for the SB Live! Value:
http://www.soundblaster.com/manuals/sblivevalue.pdf
Scroll to pg. 14 of 102. (pg 1-2 in the manual).
Michael AKA "The Proud New Pappa" ( 129.239.3.55 ) at 1:28 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
cai: Here is the information on the Color Pronto Pro.
Joe ( 152.163.213.199 ) at 1:23 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: If she is looking for whole house control she might also want to look at Elan. They have some nice looking stuff. Since you are all in the NY area you might alos want to check Cinemasource to see what they have for projectors. I believe they have Sony 10ht for 5k though Feburary. Niles make nice speakers for bathrooms and wet areas. Most of the reviews rank B&W speakers high for inwalls.
If she is going whole house a couple of Mega changers should be included for music. Almost every controller I looked at uses CAT-5 wiring. Russound has a new item out "A-Bus" that is worth looking at.
Michael AKA "The Proud New Pappa" ( 129.239.3.55 ) at 1:22 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
cai: I would suggest that you look into the new color Pronto Pro for your sisters system. It will be less money then the Creston and plus it is far easier to program. You could even teach/help your sister to program and maintain it through ProntoEdit. I am building a high budget music and HT system for my father in-law, similar to what you sister wants, and the color Pronto Pro or TSU2000 is what I am going to suggest that he uses.
Ron H ( 63.24.204.39 ) at 1:21 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: I am about 12-13 feet from the screen My screen size is 96"x54".
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 12:54 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
JBC:My sister and her family are not very computer savy, but I will recommend that they get a burner. Is the burner transportable, i.e. will I be able to bring it to my place and use it if my stocks go from $5.00 to $150.00 and I get a Crestron?
I have been encouraging her to get whole house control. This, in my opinion, is one of the big advantages and beauties of the Crestron. I appreciate your offer to look over the program and will keep you in mind if she decides for the Crestron. Thank you.
Curtis: I guess you are correct in the assessment of the situation. It is much easier for her to pay a few extra dollars, than have to go hunting for a good used unit. I will tell her, though, to look for dealer sales closeouts of demo units. That is an excellent idea.
Wild Bill: I mentioned the TAW to her. She is likely to buy local, NY/NJ area. I will try to have her take a look at those projectors and if there is a possibility for your friend I will certainly let you know.
Scott POP: I mentioned, and she took notes of the different types of FPs. I told her to compare them and see if she could live with a less expensive DLP or LCD. If she goes for those I will bring-up the issue of the resolution.
Thanks to all
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:46 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Wild Bill/Scott P: I don't want to sound like a jerk here, but I think you guys are wrong about he 1/8" mini jack for spdif digital output on the Live! VALUE card. I just d/l'd the manual in pdf form, and the schematic shows the following 1/8" jacks (four of them):
Line in Jack (blue)
Microphone in jack (red)
Line out jack (connects to powered speakers or an external amplifer, also supports headphones)(green)
Rear Out Jack (black) -Connects to powered speakers for rear (surround) audio.
There is a group of pins on the board itself labled:
SPDIF Extension (SPDIF Digital I/O) Connector -- Connects to a digital I/O device.
Then it gives the pinouts in a table.
Sounds like there needs to be an adapter for this to get a 1/8" minijack for SPDIF output.
Robert ( 63.11.57.206 ) at 12:36 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
HTPC's
At least with all the bantering about sound cards, I know which one to buy without asking That will probably all change when I do mine later this spring.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:22 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Wild Bill: Okay, okay, I get it! Thanks... it's just that this feature is not described on any review I've read of the Value, nor is it mentioned on the product web site.
Now, is LiveWare!3.0 a Creative Labs software, or also shareware? And, how does adding a software package to your hard drive, allow you to output DD from that pcm jack on the sound card? I would think it was more a hardware issue... since the digital audio out from the dvd player will hook directly to the sound card.... ??
Here's what I'm thinking of doing... I'm not going to have the Computer w/in a reasonable distance of my HT. However, it will be the centerpiece of the larger bedroom in the condo. So, I'm thinking of getting a cheap HTB package (5.1 speakers and a low-end dd/dts receiver) to drive the sound for the computer. Something like the Kenwood HTB503, maybe. I'll just use the 21" Sony g500 monitor for a display, for now anyway. This way if I want to watch a dvd on the computer, I can, and I'll have a really decent computer sound system for games, internet, etc. I might also get into making VCD's and messing around with mixing 2 channel digital sound.
Wild Bill ( 63.23.102.40 ) at 12:11 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Kieran: OK, I'll chime in. ALL of the current SBLive! cards have a digital output. As Scott indicated, it is a mini-jack. You just need a mini to RCA converter from Radio Shack. To get Dolby Digital output you will need LiveWare!3.0 or DVDGenie (freeware).
JBC ( 207.164.221.77 ) at 12:09 PM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
cai: The Crestrons are very tough to set up but a joy to use once done. A few quick points:
1. Programming starts with having someone else do it. The userface, the testing, the colour scheme and on and on and on. The point -- it is a huge project no matter who does it.
2. Installation... there are wires and/or RF repeaters everywhere as a) it is RF only b) some of the panels can only be hardwired c) you have to stay on top of these people to ensure it is labelled and neat otherwise you are dead at the slightest change.
3. Unless you have the burner (i.e. the learning unit which costs a gizillion dollars) they have you by the short and curlies. As the Crestron database is not as extensive or as up to date as they would have you think any, and I mean any change, requires the assistance of your installer at you got.. $US100 per hour! That is why I also snagged a burner!
4. One can also run into the problem of not being able to use the system at all. For example, if a macro is not properly coded you could find yourself without the ability to turn your system off (as I did) without digging up the original remotes. Luckily I am well enough versed with their software that I was able to fix it myself!
5. Assuming she is looking to automate her theater (and not her house) start with something simple like the STS-1550C package.
It goes without saying that I would be happy to provide any guidance as I probaly know more that most (given how I research things as you guys always rib me about) and would be happy to assist/check the programming!
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 11:58 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
Tony C: No problem man. Do you know what country they bought it in?
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 11:58 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: I don't know your sister from Eve of course, yet you know how a woman can be when she's already made up her mind, right? I getting that she just wants that "new car smell" (aka: all new equipment). I know people who are afraid of insulting their designers & end up paying through the nose in doing so. Just remind her that she's a lot smarter than to overpay
You might want to check with some of your local dealers to see if they have something like this available ... my Runco dealer is remodeling their main FP room & is selling their demo ultra high-end 9" Runco FP with full warranty/ installation for at least $10K off of list. Very low hours on it and I know it has never been over driven. My guy tells me that Sam Runco's business is so brisk at the moment that there is a minimum 2 month wait for all high-end FP's
Also remind her of all the nice things that $10's of thou$ands saved can buy her & hubby.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 11:57 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sound Blaster Live! Value pcm out...
Scott "popcorn": Very cool... what about .wav sound effects, and digital sound effects from games? Will it output those as PCM digital, too? And you're sure your card is the "value" version? I just haven't read this capability on any of the reviews or on the Creative website, for the "Live! Value" version.
JT ( 209.184.244.247 ) at 11:23 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
Ron H : I know you've posted this before, but how far back is your viewing area and what size screen are you using?
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 10:48 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
CuRTis: I just finished talking to my sister and told her about the secondary market for projectors. She is a bit apprehensive about warranties and such. Apparently, a relative of ours can get her a discount on new Runco equipment. I did tell her to go and view DLPs and LCDs and judge for herself about the difference in price and quality.
They will be meeting with Kalomirakis in the next few days, he already has her house plans. I told her to let me know of any suggestions that he may have.
JBC: I recall the birthing pains you endured during the programming of your Crestron. My sister will definitely pay to have something like this done. What she is wondering is whether special wiring is needed to thread all the room units together.
Thank you everyone for your input. I will keep you posted as this project continues developing.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:45 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
CuRTis: Thanks man, I really appreciate the help.
The model # is 1810002 and is a 26.5 inch TV.
I don't know how old it is, about 2yrs.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 10:21 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
AVB: I must agree with AVB and Wild Bill that a new 9" Runco or Vidikron is a very big ticket purchase. You won't lose much by searching the used market. My dream machine would be a Sony G90.
She'll also need to budget for a good scaler. The high-end designers are going to tell her that nothing short of a $20K Faroudja will do. There are other more affordable options available out there.
Ron H ( 63.24.14.11 ) at 10:14 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: Check with Stewart screen to see if a 120" GrayHawk image will be bright enough with the Sony 10HT.
Wild Bill ( 63.23.102.40 ) at 10:00 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: I can get you a demo of the TAW HD-800 CRT. It will run less than a new Runco or Vidikron and the image is startling. It only uses 8" CRTs but in all honesty it puts out the best image I've ever seen from a CRT projector. Deniz Mutlu sells them and lives about 1 mile from me. Let me know if you'd like the demo. I believe setup and installation comes with the projector.
JT ( 209.184.244.247 ) at 9:59 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
Ron H : I will be approx. 16 ft from the screen.
CuRTis ( 64.161.24.239 ) at 9:48 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
Tony C: I'll ask my B&O contact about the conversion. Pls furnish the model # and age.
AVB ( 64.41.33.98 ) at 9:05 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
cai: Rather then drop $40K for a Runco or Vidikron you should look at a refurb 9" Sony, Electrohome, or Barco. Look here http://www.etechvideo.com/prod01.htm , http://www.hometheater1.com/ or contact Henry Fu. He has some great deals on ultra low hour Sonys henryfu@aol.com. Also you may want to check TAW for their projector, www.tawinc.net look under products for a killer deal for the projector and video processor.
JBC ( 207.164.221.215 ) at 8:58 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
cai: I have a Cre$tron -- look out for the programming costs, they are very very steep, particularly when done using SIMPL Windows as opposed to using Vt-Pro. I am proficient in both and can tell you that SIMPL is a bitch!
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 8:52 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sister's HT & Music Room
Thank you guys for the input. I knew that they, sis and hub, were going to put a home theatre in their new house, but she hit me last night with a ton of questions. Apparently they did not heed my advice and accompany me to CES, or planned this thing far enough in advance.
I will definitely recommend the Stewart screen and since I do not think that they are not hurting too much, a 9" Runco or Vidikron FP. They should be wiring the house properly. They spoke about a central computer in the basement to handle all switching and connections. I believe they are getting an HT quote from Theo Kalomirakis, the main HT designer in NYC.
I will try to steer her towards a Crestron control system and not the Lutron. The Crestron looks better in the magazines. What do I know I can only afford a lowly Pronto.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:31 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
B&O TV
A repost.
A friend moved here from Europe with a B&O TV he bought there.
He now needs to convert it from PAL to NTSC.
Any ideas how to go about doing that?
What if he bought a VCR that did both PAL and NTSC, and then let that tuner do the converting? Would that work?
Ron H ( 63.24.183.94 ) at 8:31 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: How far from the screen will you be sitting?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:30 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
{b;Robert:] Congratulations on your audio nirvana. And good for you on getting the snow days. Sorry our timing wasn't better.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.94 ) at 8:26 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Sony 10HT
JT: I would not go past a 100" screen if possible, maybe 110".
Ron H ( 63.24.183.94 ) at 8:26 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
JBC: I was up at 5:15 am but did not crank the system up because I wanted tio be out of the house by 6:00 am.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.94 ) at 8:24 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
JBC: I stayed up till about two working on reviews for my supervisors and used the Cinepro for background music. I will have a free night tonight to really spend some time with it. It does seem that the bass is a little stronger from the SL3s. I will research it more tonight.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.94 ) at 8:07 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Good morning all.
JBC ( 207.164.221.232 ) at 7:19 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
cai: On the question of in wall speakers I have heard both the Niles and the Triads. My preference strongly leans towards the Triads. Although I have not heard them, M&K does make THX in-walss for whatever that is worth.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:16 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Good morning all...
Ron H: Knowing that you are a night owl, what time did you either go to bed or get up to listen to the Cinepro?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.91 ) at 2:26 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Oh yeah.. this is using a cheapo shielded mono-1/8" plug to RCA plug cable, about 6 feet long.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.91 ) at 2:25 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Kieran: Just tested the digital out on the SB Live Value card... yep, it works. I can't test DD, but oh well, live with it. I will tell you that it correctly outputs MIDI-based audio as PCM digital... So, I'm impressed.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.91 ) at 1:32 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Kieran: 10:20pm? ya wimp.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.49.91 ) at 1:29 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Home Theatre Set-Up
cai: A few things... First of all, I think 75dB is THX reference level... 105dB is "peak". This is measured as the white noise... Anyway, on to other things... Paradigm makes some in-wall speakers too, if you'd like to check those out as well. As for projectors, if they don't mind the "once a year calibration", 9" CRT is the way to go... On the other hand, if simple setup and small size (unobtrusive) is their goal, Stick with LCD or DLP, as for which type, it depends on the resolution. LCD seems to be in the lead for price per resolution, and I certainly wouldn't go for 800 by 600 (which is what the cheaper DLPs are)... DLP, as I have heard numerous times, has better black levels than LCD... If I were getting a projector, it would probably be a 1280 by 720 DLP, but I haven't seen an FP with that resolution yet. There are DLP RP's with that resolution. *whew* Now, one last choice is D-ILA. I don't know much about it, but I have heard that its picture quality falls between CRT and LCD/DLP. I think it's a bit pricier than LCD/DLP though.
be sure your sister makes provisions to run wiring later, and/or wires the house to the hilt to begin with. RG-6 or RG-59 and CAT-5 (two runs of each to one or two walls in each room), and design in a "media closet" if possible (where computer network hubs, telephone hub, video distribution, etc all reside)
Kieran ( 207.214.148.112 ) at 1:16 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
BIG AL: Look who's talkin'!!! It's only 10:20pm here! Speaking of which, I need MY beauty rest!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 1:11 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
You guys stay up too dang late! I need my beauty rest...good night.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 1:09 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Curtis; Wait! That's ZX car for ZX bike!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 1:08 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Curtis; I'd even be tempted to trade you even steven, Z car for ZX bike!
Kieran ( 207.214.148.112 ) at 1:07 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Big Al
CuRTis said:(trying to impress my chef lady friend)
And she is one who's DEFINITELY worth impressing! Very nice lady, and very easy on the eyes, too!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 1:04 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Curtis; In my single days I could impress a woman with a paper plate and a microwave. You're working too hard.
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.143 ) at 1:01 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
... and tired of cooking dinner for my kids on the stuff from WalMart!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.143 ) at 1:00 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Big Al
Robert: Anal readers will recall that I recently passed on the "crown" to AVB.
So where do I find this cookware deal? I need everything (trying to impress my chef lady friend)
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 12:58 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Robert; It's the old school. They want high profits on less sales. My boss buys 12 volt adapter cords for cell phones for $1.75, and sells for $29.99. I had a guy sign 3 $100/month contracts with 3 phones, and he wanted 3 cords. I discounted them to $19.99 each. When my boss found out he went ballistic. He only made $18.24 a cord!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.143 ) at 12:54 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
... go to products, then televisions, then BeoVision Avant ... then launch presentation. Pretty yuppie, but that's their market & they know how to capture it.
The picture on this thing via DVD was simply perfect. Nearly 3D, natural colors and clear as a bell. I owned one of their 27"ers years ago and loved it. I sold it to a friend who still insists he can't watch anything else.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 12:51 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Have a good night guys!
Robert ( 63.11.60.216 ) at 12:51 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Big Al
Big Al, you forget Curtis is the current king of "deals",, I just happen to sell to people that have other interests as well, Heck , even AVB gave me a lead of a guy that does Calphalon cookware,, why pay full retail if you can even get 20% off. I do know the struggle with retail and online, I used to have a dealer that refused to sell below MAP and generally tried to sell at full SRP, and he wondered why he did less and less each year and why it "seemed" his local competition was doing better.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 12:48 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Curtis; I forgot to ask, why does someone living in the land of sunshine need a 4x4 SUV? Is it in case of mudslides, or earthquake rubble? Why not just buy a station wagon? I also read an article that said too many oil changes is bad for an engine. It also said that rain is good for a car, and too much dryness is bad for the rubber parts. I think you'd better get rid of the Z car as soon as possible. I know someone in Illinois that would buy it!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.143 ) at 12:46 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
One sweet 16:9 direct view
Try to forget about the price. I saw a new B&O BeoVision Avant 30" 16:9 direct view earlier tonight and was simply blown away by the picture on anamorphic DVD & the industrial design. Simply elegant. Comes on a motorized stand.
Dream for a minute of the ultimate master BR HDTV system & go here ...
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/
Search for Televisions, then the Avant.
Robert ( 63.11.60.216 ) at 12:45 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Audio Nirvana
oops - M&K's for Movies,,I love them for Movies, but can do better for music in my opinion
Robert ( 63.11.60.216 ) at 12:44 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Audio Nirvana
Re adjusted the position and receiver set up of my Elite speakers last night and finally acdhieved something I hadn't done since Sept 99 and that was hear Sarah McLachlan and a couple of others like there were in my room. I love the M&K's for music, but they just don't hold a candle to my Elite Reference speakers when finally dialed in. I'll probably go to a record store tomorrow mid day since there is a TON of snow on the ground and seems like nobody's going to work and I cancelled two mtgs since they were coming in from LA and Chicago. We're supposed to get another 6" tomorrow. That's why I was asking about music the other day (yesterday?) My tunes is tuned in !!!!!
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 12:41 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Curtis,Robert; I agree, but what's available is limited here. This also makes it very difficult to get less than retail. I swung a good deal on the 9000, but still $200 over what I could get on the internet. An expensive way for someone with limited funds to support local businesses.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 12:38 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Curtis; Out here in hog heaven, I'm probably the only TIVO owner for miles. The closest dealer that had one was so far away, I'd have to mail order it from them. I think if the boss was there, ONECALL would've swapped right away. Bad timing I guess.
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.143 ) at 12:36 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
Robert: My point exactly. The amazing thing to me is that my best local dealers will meet the cheapest online prices I can find. You just have to present your case properly.
BIG AL ( 216.207.153.82 ) at 12:35 AM EST Thursday, February 8, 2001
9000 club
Sony 9000 owners; Is there anywhere online that you can get a list of all the modifications and additions to the 9000 from all the upgrades? How about instructions on how to use the additional functions?