Archive from 04-05-2002
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 2:24 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Wild Bill
Meridian: Some guy has a 557 Amp listed cheap, this Amp is a fantatic Amp for 2 channel, just as good as some Threshold gear I have had before.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:23 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Gar: Creative Labs since last August. The downside to most positions like mine is the pay, you'd have to take a serious paycut I'm sure. And you can't have mine 
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:20 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
distributed exclusively by Pioneer
Curtis: Looks like the listing got removed,sorry.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 2:13 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Diana Krall DVD
I picked up the new DVD last night and I'm very pleased. I went by Brian's store and listened to it on several of his systems. dts seemed to put too much of her piano in the right rear. When I got home and listened on my DD only system, it was much more balanced with the piano slightly outside the RF speaker. Sounds great.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 2:11 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Gar: It's not nice to fool poor old Curtis like that.
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 2:11 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Curtis
That was a late April fools for you 
Although the thought sounds like a good one
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 1:49 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Curtis: Diana Krall Naked in Playboy next month.... Wow, I am all over that. This sultry jazz singer will be posing for all the world to see. What a set of lungs she must have!!!!!!!!
Tony C ( 205.188.193.158 ) at 1:47 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
BC: Man that's harsh. But I'm very happy that you made the cut.
It's really unnerving isn't it.
Best of luck to us all.
Robert: Glad to hear you're ok too.
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 1:47 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Robert: Who are you working for? Are you still with Pioneer? I got booted out of a few clinics today. The Ultra liberals in this town are only going to make things worse for the consumer in the long run. This is my last time at a Pharm Rep, I been on boths sides of the fence and both look grim.
BC ( 166.35.220.132 ) at 1:26 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Robert: Thank you sir! Layoff's happened yesterday but I'm still here. Can't say that for half the people in the class I'm taking. They were told to come to a meeting yesterday at 11:30 and never came back.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 12:35 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
distributed exclusively by Pioneer
Robert: Then hook me up! Where shall I send my resume?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:29 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Chris L.: A hearty congratulations on your upcoming nuptuals. We're going on 9 years and to think if I wasn't so stupid, we'd be married sooner. Congrats,remember, no cameras at the bachelor party are allowed !
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:21 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
distributed exclusively by Pioneer
Curtis: PIoneer Entertainment actually has a rep job open for this side of the biz !! You Diana Krall groupie!!!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:18 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Gladitor in HD Sunday night
Curtis: I'm all over it !!!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:17 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
BC: Further good luck in avoiding the axe.
I think I'm ok now myself. Back to business as usual... whewww !!!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:11 PM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Mrs. C
Tony C: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
When you said you felt like Danny Glover, I could only assume you meant you got "picked apart by a sniper" errrr, your wife after reading this story. If you were a cat, you would not have too many lives left my friend.
Enjoy !!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 11:55 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New dedicatede HT room
Gar: Yes by all means I meant to include all high quality one lens FPs. The only 10HT I have ever seen was setup in what I can only describe as ultra-torch mode. The store refused to back off of the contrast & brightness controls while assuring me that their clients ALWAYS prefer the picture all F*&ked up. That was the last time I ever set foot in that store.
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 11:42 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New dedicatede HT room
Curtis: I second that, also take a look at the Sony 10/11HT and the new unit by Hatachi.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 11:37 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New dedicatede HT room
Kieran: When your eyes are tired of doing electro/mechanical focus of blue guns, geometery headaches and esp. convergence setup - do yourself and your friend a favor & check out the new Sharp 9000 DLP 16:9 FP. Point and shoot, do some minor tweaking and you're done.
A side benefit could be that you get to borrow the little thing when your friend is out of town to "fine tune" everything with exotic test equipment aka: your wall.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 11:08 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
WB to deliver 720p HD?
I'm not supposed to cut & paste this:
“One of my responsibilities at The WB is HDTV. While we are not ready for a formal announcement we hope to have some HDTV this fall and are making preparations to distribute it to our affiliates. We will use 720-P. Since our target audience is 12-34 and skews female, finding advertiser support is a little more challenging.”
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 11:01 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Tony C: http://www.moulinrougedvd.com/index_frames.html
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 10:55 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTV replacing all access cards again
Curtis: Well the only thing there going to cause is more confusion for exisiting customers. I do subscribe, but I don't like the amount of control
some of these companies have. I have even heard some DTV employees are telling about information and giving information out to these hackers, so I bet there is a way around there codes.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 10:51 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTV replacing all access cards again
Gar: Well the 1st thing that hackers will need is a bunch of the new generation cards. Owners dumb enough to hand over the ones that DTV issues to them may wind up with no cards if DTV was smart enough to disable the card the instant someone trys to modify it. That's what I would do if I were in their shoes.
Tony C ( 64.12.104.162 ) at 10:48 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Gar: LOL! I guess it is hard to think of TV Land or the Cartoon network as "intellectual".
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 10:48 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New Aragon Amps
Gasgeek: That is one of the things I liked about the Aragon piece is the easy way they have the pass through setup. The units have been delayed for sometime now, if this unit is allot better than my Anthem piece I can trade it in for full value.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 10:47 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Mrs. C
Tony C:ROTFLMAO! I can clearly imagine your panic. Huge congratulations on your new RP my friend. I suspect your work productivity today will stay at zero - enjoy.
You change aspect modes in a 2-step process 1) hit "Pic Size" (2nd button from the left top, it brings up a menu of 5 choices #'d 0-4. 2) hit the # of the mode you want.
For most 4:3 material I use TheaterWide 1. It keeps the center of the image in proportion while it stretches the left and right. The others zoom or stretch too much for my tastes. Full mode is for anamorphic DVD's.
Picture settings. Try these for starters.
Video Mode: Movie
Brightness: 50
Contrast:45
Tint: 0
Sharpness:20 to 30
ALF: Auto light trash: Off
Skin Tone Correction: Off
Video Noise Reduction: Off
Mode: Film (turns on 3:2 pulldown detection)
Convergence: Go ahead and do the 9 point conversion - it won't hurt anything but expect it to drift quite a bit for the 1St 100 or so hours
Remember to save all of your settings before shutting the RP off. Each input can be set/saved individually.
I'm doing this from memory. RTFM you lazyman!
If you want to wow Mrs C. than go pickup the Moulin Rouge DVD. I picked it up last night. Kieran is correct that the video on this disc is awesome. It also has some pretty good THX Video setting test screens at the intro - I think you go to Options or Setup to get there.
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 10:46 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTV replacing all access cards again
Tony C: It will be interesting to see if our Canadian friends think of this, I have cousins that receive DSS signals thats because they can't subscribe to it, so I hear. I bet as I write this some hacker already has a new card and is already working on a way to rewrite or overwrite these cards.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 10:44 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Aragon Amps
Gar: The 8 channel analog bypass on the Aragon Stage One is handled through the DB-25 input much like the new EAD Pre/Pros.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 10:42 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New Aragon Amps
Gar: Yeah, the look is cool. It appears that the 2000 series is an upgraded version of the Acurus line, but at an increased price. I'm still waiting on the Pre/pro to check it out. From everything I've read, the Anthem is a very nice piece. The specs on the Stage One look pretty impressive. The two channel is very similar to their two channel preamps. Basic straight pass through. We'll see. I can't get a deal on the Anthem as only one guy in our area has them and he works out of his house. Oh well. Still waiting to see about the new Arcam FMJ AV8 too. All this, and I'll probably end up with an EAD 8000 or 8000Pro when it's all said and done.
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 10:39 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
ldquo;By developing a new generation access card that strengthens the DIRECTV System’s security, we continue to take aggressive steps to curb piracy and protect our intellectual property as well as the interests of our customers, retailers and programmers,” said Roxanne Austin, president and COO, DIRECTV, Inc.
Yeah "intellectual property" give me a break!
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 10:36 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTV replacing all access cards again
Tony C: Most of these hackers are very good at what they do, I expect them to get around this problem too. If there is a way to reprogram a card there is a way to rewrite it.
Tony C ( 64.12.104.162 ) at 10:31 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTV replacing all access cards again
Curtis: Remember that I told you it was a matter of time for the pirates?
You can steal music, but you can't steal the air.
Tony C ( 64.12.104.162 ) at 10:28 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Mrs. C
I forgot to tell you guys this part.
Tweeter called my line while I was in the shower. I expected them to come after 9A, but at 7:45 I saw a message waiting for me on my line.
It was them saying that they would be here between 8 and 10A.
Well, I start to freak a little bit because the whole plan was to have the old tv out and the new one in while she was gone. She wouldn't even know till she sat down to watch a movie.
It's 10 to 8 and I'm getting a little antsy because she's still here.
"No early clietn this morning, Hon?"
"nope".
All I could think was GET OUT!
So, while she's finishing her coffee, I go down stairs to get ready.
I move all the furniture, I start to loosen the screws of the railings.
Then, I get on the phone so she won't question why I'm not leaving for work.
It's 5 after 8, I'm dying and she FINALLY puts her coat on.
Then, she looks at me and says, "Oh, I forgot my clippers." And down the stairs she goes.
I hear what was almost a hushed screem.
As you can imagine, there was a lot of questions and some explaining to do on my part.
Had I waited, 10 minutes, it would have worked perfectly. But I know she passed the truck as she headed out of the subdivision. Because they were there minutes after she left.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 10:27 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTV replacing all access cards again
This should fry the pirates for a while. DTV is mailing out new cards to all subscribers to enhance security. How much $ must this cost to do?
Expect swap out instructions to show up on ch. 222 most likely.
PR here: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/headline.jsp?id=04_02_2002A
Tony C ( 64.12.104.162 ) at 10:16 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
IT MADE IT!IT MADE IT!
Did you guys ever see that Vietnam War movie (I wish I could remember the name) with Danny Glover. And just before Danny gets picked apart by a sniper, the patrol encounters a Veitnamese prostitute. Danny is really into it, but the girl says, "no, no, black men too big!".
But Danny says, "No, wait, see...it's not too big".
The girl takes a look and Danny is relieved of some built up tension.
Well that's kind of what happened this morning.
I said KIND OF! (you sickos)
OK, the delivery truck pulls up the kid gets out to check out the situation. Looks down the stairs and says, "no way".
Boom. Nothing. Just dead-pan face, No Way.
Suddently I start thinking I'm going to have a Mits.
But I say WAIT! I built this box, see! And I bring him into the work room, which is in the basement, and tell him that it fits.
Still he's really not into busting his nuts so early in the day.
So he tells me to grab the box and we start to work it around to see how it fits.
He tells me that the problem is that they slide it down the stairs on it's side, not on the bottom because it's hollow.
I explain that the sides are square, 61x61 and he doesn't believe me till I get the measuring tape out.
He measures, looks it over and says, "OK, we'll give it a try".
I ask him about the old TV. "Will $40 get the old TV back up the stairs?"
He says, "We'll see how the first one goes. I may not feel like it."
So, we get it set up and with my help, and the most modest scratch in the wall, we get it in. Just like Danny Glover did!
It's working, I only did a quick set of contrast, sharpness, etc.
I did not do any convergence. I'm going to use Avia and stay home toady.
Curtis: Since I haven't even opened the manual yet, how do you adjust the video modes, not the inputs. I got that, but more specifically, the 4:3 fill modes.
Thanks eveyone, I'll get back to you in a few hours.
Gar ( 204.71.148.115 ) at 10:13 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New Aragon Amps
Gasgeek: I like the looks of there Amps, and I was going to buy there new Pre/Pro, but with Aragons track record on pre/pros I went with the Anthem. Plus from what I saw it had more to offer for the money.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 9:55 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
... I would have emailed this to you but my Outlook client is fried and needs reinstalling. Early bird gets the worm. There's a 2nd DTC on the same board with more use. Use the NYC price to bring this guy inline.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.240 ) at 9:39 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
DTC 100 ~$300
Kieran: Dude, maybe I'm just lucky but there's something you'll want to check out. Mint DTC, only used a few times, best offer >$300. HD dish is also available" In NYC. Reason for selling - landlord forcing everyone to remove dishes.
Now what's the guy going to do with the dish & no receiver? I would offer $301 for both. Good luck. http://www.avsforum.com/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?session_key=&search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=1985&query=retrieval
Rich ( 152.163.197.207 ) at 4:03 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Scott Pop, u have e-mail.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.85 ) at 2:46 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Scott "popcorn": Oops... guess it doesn't handle the semicolons... but it does handle commas and spaces
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.85 ) at 2:46 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Kieran: problem with parsing URLs in the SML code! That URL below has semi-colons in it, so the SML mistakenly recognized the first semi-colon as the end or the URL. Something to consider...
Already considered it long ago... if you just put quotes around the URL in the SML (the quotes work with any "parameter" of an SML function), it will take the whole bit. In this case, you get: f=60;t=000202";this link
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:04 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Curtis: It's definitely worth a try, to see if she can get some OTA channels from Sutro. BTW, the calibration wasn't free... well, I thought it was, as she's the mom of an old high school buddy, but she insisted on paying us. And, she was so impressed with our attitude, and knowledge, that she has asked us to help her contractors design her a dedicated HT room for her new ranch up in Mendocino County. This is tentative, but could be very fun. I'll keep the forum posted on details, if it comes to fruition. Her first indication was that the room will be a full blown HT, with theater seats, FP, the works. We'll see... it's still a ways off.
I didn't mean to sound touchy about the DTC100 price thing... I was teasing more than anything. It's just that I *have* been looking (for another friend who wants one... and less so for myself, since Dad has mine) and there are NONE for below $300. Not that I've seen anyway.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 1:48 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Anthony Gallo speakers
Cytotech: Yamaha RX-V430 ($299) or -V420 (less than $299, not sure how much tho') might do nicely... The 430 has dpl, dpl-II, dd5.1 and dts5.1.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.213.70 ) at 12:19 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
Winston. I was out of the office all day. I'll check the email when I get in tomorrow.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.213.70 ) at 12:19 AM EST Thursday, April 4, 2002
New Aragon Amps
Played with a new Aragon 2007 amp yesterday. Sounded pretty good. This is the 7 channel unit. It's all aluminum and lighter than it looks for it's size. It's big. This was a silver one with the blue light. Looked pretty cool. The Stage One pre/pro hasn't arrived yet. More later.
Cytotech ( 67.232.172.221 ) at 11:05 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Anthony Gallo speakers
I have a client(side job) that is in need of new speakers. I showed her pictures of the Gallo Nucleus Micro system(since it sounds better to me than Bose, and is still considered a "lifestyle" system. Any thoughts on these?
Also any thoughts on a receiver for under $300? I am thinking Denon or Yamaha. All input is welcome and appreciated.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.157 ) at 10:19 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Kieran: It seems that every other Wega or RP or whatever that I have taken the time to properly adjust picture settings on just end up back in torch mode. Users don't always want detail and clean images, they just want wow. I have given doing up free calibrations out of frustration with otherwise smart people who want that "really good bright picture back."
Of course you should do calibration w/ avia or VE. FYI you'll find the needle pulse pattern worthless (the line never bends). One thing users are reporting is that percieved detail goes way up when you set the contrast low. One dude over on htspot has his set at 15 for all inputs 7 swears by it!
Didn't know I was bombarding you with the last DCT price. My point is that if I can find a deal like this in 10 minutes then so should any other person with a Net connection. No other use for the box? What do you call HDNet and HBO/HD? You're welcome to borrow my OTA antenna when I'm in Chicago or the weekend of 5/10 while the house gets tented for termite gassing (ugh) For all you know she may be able to get 10+ digital OTA's.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.52 ) at 10:10 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
I hooked up the Toshiba SD3750 DVD player tonight. I pretty nice machine but nowhere near the quality of my old Sony. But it does have more features and has a very good picture.
I went to Remote Central to see if anyone had a cool ccf for it, but there were none.
While on Remote Central, I downloaded a ccf for a 65H81 which should be the same for my TV. It had the codes for the inputs as well as the codes for the service menus.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.52 ) at 10:08 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
White bass
BAGMAN: In this part of the country, it's the Wolf River.
I go to Freemont WI.
The fish this time of year in the cold water is very good and it stays fine if frozen.
However, if you catch them after early spring, just do it for fun because the meat gets mushy as the water temperature rises.
I catch alot in Illinois, but never eat them. In fact I don't keep any fish I catch in Illinois.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.182.95 ) at 8:05 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
White bass
Tony C: Where in the world does one go fishing for white bass. Do you remember the days when they would come in close to shore and boil the top of the water. Lake Erie still has white bass but not in the numbers that they were 10 to 30 years ago. They were,at best, fair eating. Good if eaten that evening but did not refridgerate or freeze good.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:01 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Scott Popcorn: problem with parsing URLs in the SML code! That URL below has semi-colons in it, so the SML mistakenly recognized the first semi-colon as the end or the URL. Something to consider...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:00 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Okay, instead, try checking out THIS thread:
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=60;t=000202
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:57 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
9" CRT rptv
Anyone who might be in the market for a truly high-end RPTV, check out f=60;t=000202;this thread.
Seems there's a line on some brand new (discontinued) Phillips 64"ers, with the 9" guns. That's probably the best HD-ready RPTV ever made. (without regard to the line doubler, about which I know nothing... just talking pure HD picture quality and resolution.)
BAGMAN ( 207.30.182.95 ) at 7:56 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Chris L.: Best of luck to both of you.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.182.95 ) at 7:53 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Bagman
Joe: Aztec Autumn was the name. I read it in about three days, it was good.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.34 ) at 7:45 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Big Al: YOu have mail.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:45 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Curtis:Thanks for the explanation about what you meant with Movie mode, versus sports/standard/etc. Come to think of it, what I was seeing could be the effect of SVM combined with normal pixelization that the line doubler adds anyway. I'll bet that with SVM off, the problem I saw will be much less objectionable. That was a brain fart on my part... I know better than to forget about disabling SVM. In fact for the set I cal'ed last night (a Sony WEGA) I made sure to turn it off.
40 Sharpness is excessive on my RP - try 20.
I'm not going to "try" any setting. I'm going to bring AVIA and calibrate it properly, and how ever it ends up, is how I'll leave it! Like I said, I only turned it down to 40 as an initial precaution against overdriving the CRTs. 40 may not be ideal for the best picture, but it is not going to overdrive the CRTs enough to damage them, unlike the 80 or so setting it was at initially! 
If you really want to know, here's my logic for choosing 40 for brightness, contrast, and sharpness... All three of these were WAY too high initially... like around 80 or 100 (contrast was at 100), as is normal out of the box. MOST average TV owners "think" that the extremely bright over driven picture is "good". Since I wasn't able to do a PROPER calibration using AVIA, but I wanted to turn down the settings from the "torch" mode, I chose a setting slightly higher than what I figured it would end up at after a proper calibration. This way, the owner will get used to a slightly dimmer (albeit more detailed) picture, and then when I bring it down even more after a proper calibration, they won't notice it so much, and will likely just notice the improved detail. Often, people who's set's I calibrate, complain after the fact that "it's too dark" and get so hung up on how "dark" the picture is they don't want to listen about how much more detail there is. So, since I knew I'd be coming back in about a month or less, I thought I'd "ease her into it" so to speak, especially since I had no calibration disc with me.
I only had a limited amount of time, and adjusting oversan and size would have taken too much time. The convergence was bad enough initially that it was worth the 5 minutes it took me to run a quick 56 pt convergence on Normal, Theaterwide2 and Full sizes. Glad to hear you can still turn off the blue gun... I'll use that next time.
As for feeding it an HD picture... well, you seem to forget where we ARE! If it were that simple, I'd be watching my DTC100 by now. And she doesn't have DSS, either. So, hooking up a dtc100 would not get her anything.
HOWEVER I would like to try puting up a big rooftop UHF antenna, like the mesh/bowtie one you have now, on her house... because she does live quite high on a ridge, and if anyone can get OTA signals from Sutro up here, the houses in her neighborhood are the ones. We'll see...
BTW, you keep touting your $250 purchase of a dtc100... next time you see one for $250 or less, let me know and I'll buy it. I've searched, and haven't seen ANY for that cheap anywhere. THAT was a true "Curtis-Deal" (TM) 
LOL!
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 5:28 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
BIG AL: Yeah and I got a pretty sweet price too.
I don't see a problem getting it donw the stairs. But you never know.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:09 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Interesting XBox article
I found this article to be interesting... especially the part where they say that DOA3 is not 1080i, and they verified it with the game's developer! Go figure.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.157 ) at 5:02 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Kieran: Maybe the edge noise problem is something I don't notice or have grown to ignore. I wasn't talking about 3:2 detection, I meant the 1st picture mode where the options are Sports/Standard/Movie/Pref. Movie turns SVM off. Pref is your last saved setting. All inputs can keep individual Prefs in memory. You probably know that you need to save all settings or they'll get lost on power-down. 40 Sharpness is excessive on my RP - try 20.
No harm in doing a 56 pointer early on as long as you plan to return. Duane & others told me there is far more drift early on. You should also do sizing, geometry and focus before the 56 pt. convergence. most overscan too much out of the box.
Here's a great way to disable the internal doubler: feed it a HD source! The last DTC-100 I bought was all of $250 (AVS classifieds). It's a crime how many HD ready sets never get put to their full use. Other than that I'm unaware of a way to bypass the 540p doubler.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:58 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
BIG AL: What's a USB cue cat?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:13 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Plenty of USB cue cats left for anyone interested. big_al6@yahoo.com
Tony C.; Koool! Toshiba has always been my fav. for the $$$. A few years back (when I was younger) I helped a buddy take a metal and wood framed 300 gal. aquarium out of his basement, and put his new all glass 300 gal. replacement in it's place. Had to brace the stairs with 6 4x4s! My tv was easy compared to that. Yours will be too!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 4:11 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
BC: Glad to hear you are not effected by today's news...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 3:42 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
New TV
Tony C: Good luck moving that 65HX81 downstairs! I'm sure it will go smoothly... I'm sure you'll love the set.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:17 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
New TV
The last couple of posts about the Toshiba were interesting since I just bought the 65HT81. Delivered tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have the old TV out and the new one in place before Mrs. C comes home from work.
If I do...she'll never notice untill we go downstairs to watch a movie.
Kieran, I read about the edging problem. An ISF guy told me about them. it was the only thing bad he had to say about the TV. Whereas, the fixes for the Mits were much more complicated.
So, I'll give you guys a shout tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:07 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Gladitor in HD Sunday night
Curtis: I try not to miss it. I tried to turn friends on to the show, but they say it's too depressing. I guess they're right.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:04 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
T-Man: I don't think it's the tree. I think it's ECMs that DTV is sending out. It's checking your card against your receiver.
Do the channels then mysteriously come back again?
This has been happening to me for about two weeks.
I get the same message, or the screen freezes or it just goes blank.
Next day, there it is.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:53 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Winston aka The Spleen: COOL! Looking forward to watching this dvd! How is the sound? Is it just mono, or did they re-mix it?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:48 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Curtis: Like I said, I tried both "video" and "movie" (I called it 'film') modes for all sources... and didn't see much of a difference. I did set it to the medium temp setting, not warm. I turned off all auto picture settings. I left Sharpness around 40 I think... maybe it was 30, but I think I left it at 40. Anyway, I didn't have a cal disc (AVIA or VE) with me, so I just wanted to get it down below 50 for the time being. You're preaching to the choir about sharpness adding noise and ringing, my friend. Yes the LD output is attached via a decent Monster s-vid cable.
I remembered your comments about the Sony looking better direct than through the iScan, which is why I posted here. I was expecting a pretty good picture for DVD.
I doubt it's GIGO for the dvd player... as what I'm seeing is the same effect for all sources, just not as bad on the DVD player (best quality source) so I'm thinking the dvd player is fine.
Re. the convergence... I disagree. I think it's well worthwhile to do a quick convergence even on a fairly new set (she's had it for a couple weeks anyway). Convergence will drift over time no matter what, and I'll be back there fairly soon anyway, to do a full AVIA cal, at which time I'll do the convergence again. In the mean time, her theaterwide and normal size modes look a lot better.
To elaborate on the bad picture... Maybe I'm just expecting too much?
What I saw looked to me like very small pixelization on edges... which is what made me think it was the line doubler, since I saw it on both DVD (digital source) and the analog sources (LD, cable, VHS).
I wonder are there any tests I can do to ensure that the line doubler is working properly? Is there a way to fully disable or bypass it, so I can check for a drastic difference? Switching from 'movie' to 'video' mode doesn't turn off the line doubler, it just changes how it does the doubling.
The owner was very pleased with the picture, so I didn't say anything, for now.
Thanks for any further input.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.2 ) at 2:39 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Gasgeek: You have mail.
Kieran: I have the GB&U dvd, it's and excellent transfer with some interesting extra scenes. Enjoy!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 1:58 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
BC: As one who spend many years in corporate America, I have found that sometimes forced staff reductions can be a good Thing (TM)... like ridding the deadwood who you always wondered ever got their job in the 1st place. There was tons of this back when I was in banking.
BYork ( 198.74.16.148 ) at 1:44 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Chris L -
CONGRATS!
BC ( 166.35.220.132 ) at 1:36 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Curtis: Yep, so far today we have only lost one person in our group and we all knew he was getting the ax (he did too). This guy was a total loser and sorry excuse for a human being, (liar, cheater, etc.)
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 1:30 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Kieran: Only thing I can think of is you may not have put it in Movie video mode. The WideScreen Review of this model also says that the medium color temperature is closer to D6500 than the warm setting.
Be sure that all of the auto picture settings are turned off (fleshtone, ALS, etc.) Sharpness shouldn't be set above 25 for any source or you're only introducing noise that never existed in the source material. Did you attach the DVD/LD player via S-video? Should look at least passable.
Owners on The HT Spot are reporting limited, if any benefit to using a progressive scan DVD player on this display. I haven't tried one so can't comment yet can tell you that a Sony DVP-S7000 connected direct via component cables looks better than it does going thru an iScan 1st.
It could be a bad set, good old GIGO (that's not the best DVD player on the planet) or a combination of both at work. There's no point in going into the 56 point convergence adjustment until it has gone through a good months' worth of being on. Anything you see today will drift quite a bit.
Yes you can turn off the blue gun. It's done with the "Ch Trn" button located below the volume button. Can you elaborate on the bad picture a bit more? Every sample I've seen in stores look pretty solid though none were properly setup as usual.
Rich ( 152.163.204.51 ) at 1:29 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Scott Pop, Got your e-mail, i'll get back to u tonite...
Rich ( 152.163.204.51 ) at 1:26 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
XL Big Al, You're The Mannnn
Rich ( 152.163.204.51 ) at 1:23 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Chris L, Congrats!!!!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 1:13 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Toshiba 57HX81
Am I missing something?
The other night, Dan and I went over to help a friend's mom setup her new 57HX81. It was delivered and installed by Good Guys, and of course they screwed up the wiring, and speakers (why they messed with her speakers is beyond me). Anyway, I didn't have AVIA with me, but did do a quick convergence on two video modes. Convergence was actually not too bad on the FULL mode out of the box. Since I didn't have AVIA with me, I just turned down the contrast, brightness, and sharpness to about 40% (they were all over 70%) and left the color and hue at 50%.
I didn't have time to really delve into the owners manual or explore the menus and settings, so I'm thinking that I might have missed something... because the picture REALLY didn't look all that great. Granted, the sources were analog cable, VHS, and LD/DVD from a Pioneer DVL-700 combi player (no-progressive scan dvd, and no HDTV source). However, I was expecting more than what I saw, based on Curtis' comments about the internal line doubler's quality. Curtis, do you think there's some setting that I missed in the menus to activate it or something? I tried switching it from 'film' mode to 'video' mode, for each source, but didn't notice much of a difference, if at all.
I'll be going back there eventually, possibly to install a new receiver (hers is an older Sony ES DPL unit) and a prog-scan dvd player. So, any suggestions will be welcome.
Also, I noticed in the convergence (the 64-point service one, not the 9 point user one) that you now can only turn off the red and green guns, but not the blue gun! That's messed up, big time, IMO. Have any of you tired this on one of the new Toshibas yet? Older Toshibas allowed you to turn off red and/or blue, but green was always on. Green is a much easier color to converge to than blue, since you can't SEE the blue very well against the black background.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:57 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
I picked up this DVD at Walmart last night for $9.50... for that price, and with anamorphic video, I figured a classic like would be a worthy addition. Has anyone watched this dvd?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 12:16 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
BC: Worldcom, right? http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020403/bs_nm/telecoms_worldcom_dc_7&cid=580
It must be a positive sign that you're in class. Why would they want to train you further just to give you a pink slip? Best of luck through it all.
Jeff S. ( 129.42.208.150 ) at 12:14 PM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
T-Man: Are you using a mutiswitch? Your symptoms sound like a bad multswitch, or at least one that is on it's way out. The reason for losing some channels and not others would be due to the way the multiswitch works. It splits even and odd number transponders into different voltage ranges. When the multiswitch malfunctions, you normall lose either your odd or even number transponders which accounts for you not receiving some programming but not others. But, if this is your problem, it would normally affect all receivers hooked to the multiswitch, so you should be missing the same programs on all your sets.
BC ( 166.35.220.132 ) at 11:58 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
I guess it's my lucky day. I'm in training today (all week actually) and just heard from co-workers in the office that layoffs are happening right now. I guess that mean's I'm ok since the pager hasn't gone off! hehe
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 10:36 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Gladitor in HD Sunday night
HBO/HD will air it at 8PM PST. While the aspect ratio isn't as good as the DVD, the resolution is far better. In DD 5.1 as well.
Now if I can only convince my GF not to watch Six Feet Under at that time "but honey, the Tivo will save that for you forever", I'll have to say. That show is strange but it really grows on you. Anyone else watch it?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 10:32 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
T-Man: If you have an easy alternate mounting location, I would do that. May as well upgrade (now where have I heard THAT word before?) to the elliptical dish while you're at it. Advantages are;
1) Includes a multiplexer giving you 4 outputs
2) Sees up to 3 sats
3) Allows HD content to come on down
I think American Sat in St. Louis has good mail order deals on the dish. Call them & say you saw a $100(ish) price posted on one of the AVS forums.
T-Man ( 209.166.149.228 ) at 10:19 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
BC: Regular dish, dual LNB. I think the tree may be the raeson for the freezing issue. But the channels being dropped is a mistery.
Curtis: I'd like to trim the top of the tree but its not in my yard. May have to move the dish, and upgrade to an elliptical while I'm at it.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 10:08 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
T-Man: If it's only happening on one receiver the idea of switching it out is a good one to narrow down the problem. Check your signal strength and try to get into the upper 70's/ low 80's. Trim the top of the tree - it can't be helping things.
If none of this does any good I suugest calling DTV's Customer Retention people. Tell them that you tried getting an EchoStar signal and that works flawlessly. i bet they offer to give you a new DirecTV receiver (or super low price) or two - just so you won't defect as a customer. This has happened in the past, but it depends upon who you get on the phone.
BC ( 166.35.220.132 ) at 10:06 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
T-Man: Are you using an elliptical dish or reg.? Are you using a splitter or multiplexer?
If you haven't changed anything, I'd guess it's the tree. I had a tree grow and had to move the dish. I don't recall it only blocking certain channels though.
A standard splitter will cause problems and block certian groups of channels. You have to use a multiplexer, at least with an elliptical dish.
T-Man ( 209.166.149.228 ) at 9:52 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Dish Reception Problem
Your thoughts please. For some time now (3 or 4 months) the the picture on my TV (both TVs, I have two receivers) will occasionally freeze up or "skatter". I thought, and still kind of do, that it was the top of a pine tree that had grown and the tip was blowing back and forth in the line of my dish. Now a new problem cropped up a few days ago. Some of the time, more often than not, I will not get a picture on some of the dish stations but will on others. On the ones I'm not getting a picture on it will periodically say it is searching for a signal. Sometimes I get all the stations again and later some are gone. It is the same channels I can't get everytime (at least halfof them BTW). The kicker is, I think I'm only having this problem with one of my TVs.
I called Directv just to see what they thought and they suggested switching the receivers to see if that was the problem (easier said than done!). If it wasn't the receiver then it was a cable problem or a dish problem. Any ideas or comments? TIA
Curtis ( 206.170.6.90 ) at 9:45 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
April stats
With one game down (Giants smoked the Dodgers in LA's home opener) Barry Bonds is currently on pace to hit 324 homers this season! I was there when he hit # 73 last season ... that's one strong human being.
Tony C ( 152.163.207.73 ) at 9:02 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Curtis: You have mail.
Chris L: If you're still getting used to saying that you're engaged, wait till you have to introduce her as your wife! Gets easier after the first 20 years. Congratulations!
JJ: Call Curtis! Or me. Time for a new TV.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:38 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Gar go to Yahoo and do a search for &*( offenders Wisconsin
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 5:31 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Congrats to you Chris!!!!!
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:55 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Congrats, Chris!!!! That's awesome.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.21 ) at 12:58 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
there!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.21 ) at 12:58 AM EST Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Batchelor Party!
Cytotech: I am so there1
Cytotech ( 67.232.190.170 ) at 11:37 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Batchelor Party!
Chris L.: Congrats dude! Let us know when the batch shindig comes around!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 11:32 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
distributed exclusively by Pioneer
Robert: That's what it says on the DK liner notes. If your current gig doesn't work out the way you want, you never burned any bridges with them. I vote you go back if for no other reason than to get into this side of their biz.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 11:29 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
why
JJ: Email me your short list and I promise to get you firm quotes for what can be had. i'm assuming you mean picts of the artwork, right? I may have to shoot those myself as the digital phots managed to get deleted (the only downside to digital photography - no negatives & people forget to archive stuff). The only White House photographer to find the shot of Clinton & Monica hugging was was one shooting with film.
JJ ( 165.247.35.229 ) at 10:49 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
why
Curtis: prices I could only dream of? send if you please. along with those pics so I can bounce off my friend...
I wonder what my bonus will be? tax refund not to the levels I expected, but then, we only paid 1/3 year of mortgage interest
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 10:32 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Joelc: BarBABEdos - now that beats the weather. My folks vacationed there several times way back when and loved it. The slideshows of it that my Dad forced anyone who entered our house to watch were the only ones that wouldn't put everyone to sleep. You shoulda seen all the exciting farm implements in the USSR slideshows.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 10:23 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
why
JJ: (in my best sympathetic Homer Simpson father voice)
Well son, sometimes the big guy upstairs takes away the things we love the most.
My opinion is that someone is trying to tell you to upgrade to a shiny new HD ready RPTV. Your pal Tony C can likely refer you to an authorized source with prices that you only dreamed of. If he won't then I will.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 10:19 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Chris L.: It's always the guy who INSISTS that he's never, ever going to get hitched that gets married next! Big congratulations dude. Put your future bride online so we can warn, er I mean congrat her.
If you don't like the DK DVD I will gladly buy it from you - lots of friends who would love to have it, especially the dates who saw her live.
BTW, I am NEVER EVER getting hitched again
JJ ( 165.247.35.229 ) at 9:44 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
why
why, oh why is my picture messed up??? aarrrggggghhhhh. it hasn't gotten better after being on for 2 hours. The washing machine is not running. I tried my other dvd player, same thing. f* f* f* f* f* f* !!!!
AVB ( 64.41.33.123 ) at 9:30 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Chris L.: Queen - The Game, Side one, Song 3.
AVB ( 64.41.33.123 ) at 9:25 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
DTC-10
Joe: Supposed to come out at the end of this month. List is $4K but will go up after the introductory period is over.
Gar ( 207.1.1.116 ) at 9:05 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Chris L.: Congrads Chris!!!!
Gar ( 207.1.1.116 ) at 9:04 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Sex Offenders
Joe: E-mail that site to me garman@tds.net
Thanks Joe
Chris L. ( 24.50.100.88 ) at 8:54 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Curtis: Thanks, dude! I'm going to buy this based on your recommendation, so if it sucks....
Joe: 23?? That's some scary shit, man. I don't even like thinking about that stuff.
Although I may have to seeing as I JUST PROPOSED TO MY GIRLFRIEND
I know, I know...it's almost as scary typing it as it was saying it.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:24 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
DVD Ram
Joe: Yeah, that'll be the day when we can buy affordable RPTV's with the same level of resolution as a good crt computer monitor. True 1280x720p (i.e. what you get with a 16:9 window on a computer set to 1280x1024 resolution)is amazing. The Phillips 64"er with 9 inch CRT's was the closest I've ever seen. (talking rptv's not FP's of course.)
Joe ( 152.163.195.176 ) at 8:09 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
DVD Ram
Man I watched some Farscape on the puter today. It's amazing how much better the detail is compared to the RPTV.
Joe ( 152.163.195.176 ) at 8:07 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Sex Offenders
So now that I have a child I looked up Sex Offenders in my town. I was shocked to see there wwere 23 listed. It is good to be able to look them up.
Joe ( 152.163.195.176 ) at 8:04 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
AVB
AVB: I seen you mentioned the DTC-10 the other day. When is it due out? I think that one will be out of my price bracket, but it's good to compare.
AVB ( 64.41.32.32 ) at 7:42 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
AVB
Joe: Just keeping up. I want to see the DTC-10 before I start getting serious about replacing the Sony.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 7:15 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Chris L.: FIne then, I'm a happy pig!
I picked it up (on sale @ Tower for $19.95) and spun it up. DD 5.1 as well as DTS 5.1. Enhanced for widescreen 16:9 disc.
Superb video, at least the lighting on DK is right-on. Lots of individual strands of hair are easily resolved. Other band members (a who's who of jazz BTW) get the mostly red stage lighting. Great high speed night photography of Paris streets in the intro.
DD 5.1 audio (this disc along may be reason enough to get a DTS DVD player if it possibly sounds any better than the DD). Holy F*&king Sh#t batman. This is one of the best live recordings I have ever heard. Turn your sub down 'cause the string bass will rattle the house off the foundation. The best use of LFE ever for bass, IMO.
The entire mix probably sounds better than being at the theater. Vocal is right where it should be. The percussion & piano (also a percussion) are simply amazing. Everyone else is in balance. Surround effects are mostly limited to crowd applause, as it should be.
17 songs performed with long improv riffs on many. She somehow manages to sneak piano from Day Tripper at the end of All OR Nothing. If you have ever played any kind of music with a group and know the feeling of nailing a song, then you'll understand the grins on all the musicians faces.
How will I tell my GF that I'm going to have to drop her in favor of Ms. Krall?!
Overall I'm still trying to decide if I really like this DVD ... NOT. It's a A/V demo keeper, check it out at least as a rental.
Joe ( 152.163.195.176 ) at 7:09 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
AVB
Are you considering the Anthem for your system?
Tony C ( 63.42.206.127 ) at 7:01 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Joelc: Take me with you...
Joelc ( 216.223.128.150 ) at 6:21 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Well... just thought that I would drop in to say hellow.
I have been home for a day and am now off to Barbados first thing tomorrow morning. Here is to hoping that everyone has a good few days.
later guys, and be well!
Chris L. ( 24.50.100.88 ) at 6:06 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Curtis: LMFAO!! You're a pig,man!
BTW...I'm gonna pick it up tomorrow. I haven't listened to any of her albums or anything but lately I've been getting into the musical side of DVDs.
It's gonna look funny sitting in the rack next to Metallica, Queensryche and Alice in Chains though.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.155 ) at 5:59 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
... answered my own question. It be a DVD.
http://www.towerrecords.com/product.asp?pfid=2632350
Let's see what's wrong with tis picture. DK performing live for 90 minutes in 5.1 in Paris.
"Diana Krall, the wildly popular jazz singer, takes her sultry voice to the Paris Olympia for this Dec. 1, 2001 performance. Mixing material from her first five albums with her favorite standards, this performance captures Ms. Krall in fine form.
-- (VideoLog Description)1226977"
It really should ship with a box of Klenex (tm);-) ... sorry lurking ladies.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.218 ) at 5:27 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
release due today
mic: Looks like a trip to Tower Records is in order then. I actually registered to win a trip for two to see the Paris performance.
Is this a CD or DVD?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:22 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
AVB; Beat you by 4 speakers! Of course if we counted drivers, your numbers would be astonomical!
Rich; Only rich people have that many DVD players!
Joe, & anyone else interested; I'm probably late, but if anyone wants a USB Cue Cat, I have a dozen or so I can give out. E-mail your address, and I'll send you one. big_al6@yahoo.com
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 2:37 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
release due today
For all you Krall fans:
Recorded live at the Paris Olympia on December 1, 2001, Krall's classic style blends equal parts artistic vision, hard work and determination. The British Columbia native began playing piano at the age of four and now has five stunning albums behind her. She made her debut with the critically acclaimed "Only Trust Your Heart" and the album topped the Billboard jazz charts for the most of 1998, earning Krall a Grammy nomination. She went on to win a Best Jazz Vocal Performance Grammy for 1999's platinum-selling "When I Look in Your Eyes" and became the first jazz artist in twenty-five years to be nominated in the Album of the Year category
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 2:11 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Meridian 568 auction
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?homeproc&1018059526
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.138 ) at 2:03 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Anthem
AVB & Joe: List on the AVM 20 is $3199.
Gar ( 204.71.148.182 ) at 1:08 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Anthem
Joe: None so far, I am using Alpha Cores Balanced cables. Very good bang for the buck.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.218 ) at 12:25 PM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
or how about Googles PigeonRank (TM) search technology?
http://www.google.com/technology/pigeonrank.html
Curtis ( 206.170.7.218 ) at 11:45 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
April Fool
The Netscape-backed Open Directory Project took an April Fool shot at Microsoft, creating a mock press release from Bill Gates' software company announcing the launch of the "Gates Open Directory", or GOD, which seeks "to simplify copyright on the Web by purchasing all copyrighted material."
I'll see if i can still find the URL.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 11:13 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Anthem
Gar: Have you found any flaws in the Anthem yet? What kind of Balanced cables are you using?
Gar ( 207.49.219.29 ) at 10:28 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Anthem
Joe:Bingo, I paid just a tad over $2400. But there new chip is coming out so that should raise the price another $300-$500.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 10:18 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
The Art of Zen and Moving RPTV's
Tony C: I decided about two rptv moves ago that the only way to go is to hire professional movers. Most of them actually have a set price depending on the size of the tv. They send three or four guys over and it's done. I believe it cost me $200 to have them move the Elite from the store to my place and to pick up my Toshiba and move it to the daughters house. This included insurance in case they dropped it. Well worth it in my book. I'm too damned old to be bent over trying to support 100+ pounds on an angle and drag them up and down stairs.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 10:03 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Anthem
AVB: I got a price from a store in Winsdor for list at $2700. They are only allowed to give out list over the phone. I am thinking less then $2500.
AVB ( 64.41.32.201 ) at 7:59 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Anthem
Wild Bill: Did you post the price for the Anthem? I can't find it if you did. If you didn't, could you?
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 7:40 AM EST Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Good morning guys.
I got an email from a fellow HTer with a pair of SVS 20-39 plus's that has offered to bring them over so we can see how they stack up to my M&K 5000. Should be interesting!
Wild Bill ( 12.78.122.76 ) at 11:22 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
Tony C: billl@alternativetheatersolutions.com
Wild Bill ( 12.78.122.76 ) at 11:21 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Fear The Turtle! I watched them all year. A deserving champion.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 9:44 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Tony C: You mean to tell us that you let a little white stuff stop you from your TV?! Where are your priorities?
Sally Jesse would be enough to turn anybody off, good thing you saw decent programming earlier. The Toshiba fills are the best I have seen. There are compromises associated with taking any 4:3 to 16:9. I watch most standard stuff in TW1 mode because the center of the screen stays more correctly balanced.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.168 ) at 9:43 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
I added braces to the cube I made. The height is actually 1" higher than needed, but the width is, at some points .25" smaller than needed.
Depth, is right on.
The Toshiba is thinner at the top. So, bottom line is - it will fit.
What about the future? How will I get it up the stairs again?
Well, either I sell it with the house or I hire movers. Right?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 9:34 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Opening Day?
Wild Bill: Well to be honest we're both right. The 1 or 2 games yesterday were jump the gun OD's. Today is when everyone else started. Time was that every team started on the same day. Check the title on www.mlb.com for today.
Same thing with the NFL. The 9er's open againt someone on Thursday - the rest start on the following Sunday/ Monday. What has this country come to when Opening Day doesn't mean anything?
Tony C ( 205.188.195.42 ) at 9:01 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
I did not buy a TV today. It was snowing so bad, that I drove with my wife to take Son #2 back to school. I did call the guy and told him I'd be in Wednesday to make up my mind.
I did visit two other stores today just to look.
There is no question that the Toshiba has a better 4:3 fill. And next to the Mits (well it was next to a 73" Mits, you could see how red the Mits was. Unfortunately, the Tosh was running Sally Jesse, and the Mits had some HD nature show. So the picture could not be compared well, but I saw enough last Friday.
Tony C ( 205.188.195.42 ) at 8:57 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
Wild Bill: Gragg isn't certified? Could be why he's cheaper than Craig Miller. Hmmm.
I still need your email address. You can find mine on the members page and email it to me.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:48 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEO V. (wherever you are...)
Joe ( 64.12.107.33 ) at 8:39 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
End of mini vaction
Well back to work in the morning. I have been off for the past 6 days and got very little done. It is going to suck @ 4 am when the alarm goes off.
I did get up to 188 DVDs inputed
Joe ( 64.12.107.33 ) at 8:37 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Bagman
Did you finish the Aztec sequal book you started a few weeks back? I was curious how it turned out.
JJ ( 165.247.58.223 ) at 8:26 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
double feature
Part 1
when last we left our Intrepid HT Fanatic®...
he was smiling broadly having just vanquished his crappy-picture-dragon.
we now join him as he wanders aimlessly about his home, head hung low, accompanied by an occasional side-to-side shake or shoulder shrug. Seems his efforts to destroy that pesky C-P-D were in vain. smudgy image is back, as well as the purple-y reds. What is he to do? project his trusty side-kick's (son) new miniature Toy Story (®Pixar and Disney, Inc.) basketball through his lenticular screen? No. he decides the better of it. His side-kick wants to go upstairs to put pyjamas on anyway.
Part 2
we rejoin or fanatic as he approaches the liar of the dragon once again. Hmmm. were is that dastardly beast? nowhere to be found. CPD is gone! hurray! sometimes patience is a virtue. But our fanatic is confused! is it a warm-up issue? was it the washing machine? stay tuned for further adventures...
Wild Bill ( 12.78.136.234 ) at 8:20 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
X-Box already dead?
Curtis: Ummm, yesterday was Opening Day and the Tribe, at least for a day, looks like they still have it. Bartolo Colon certainly still has it, whether he is 26 or 28.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.182.95 ) at 7:42 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
The Dance
Joe: I have the dvd, it WILL not play on the DVL-700. "Any Given Sunday" also will not play.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 5:07 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
bug SB big. I crack myself up with my typos.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 4:47 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
X-Box already dead?
Kieran, Gar: No, you really think that it's a gag?
I really thought all the snow talk was 100% April Fool stuff til I checked out the weather sites. Doesn't the bug guy upstairs know that today is baseball opening day? Anyone know if any games have been called off? I really feel for you guys. It's supposed to be "April showers", not April snow/ freezing rain/ slush.
Gar ( 207.1.1.103 ) at 4:13 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
X-Box already dead?
Curtis: Not sure if I believe that site. Seems like a bunch of Nintendo bastards spreading false rumors. Frankly I would rather see Nintendo go belly up since they never make there machines backwards compatible!!! 
Gar ( 207.1.1.103 ) at 4:07 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
Tony C: Snowing here Buy the Toshiba!
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 3:38 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Joe: If you're a Sheryl Crow fan, then you will definitely like this one. The guitar player/musical director is the same guy that Don Henley used on his "Live Inside Job" tour. It's also DD and dts.
Joe ( 152.163.204.76 ) at 3:26 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Well Gasgeek I ordered Sheryl Crow. I should ahve it by the end of the week.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 3:18 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
Tony C: Great news. On whatever RP you get the 1st thing you'll need to do is turn the contrast & brightness down. If it's the Toshiba, put it in Film mode. 30 days or about 100 hours should be about enough time for things to settle down enough for a full ISF session. Do not move it once the work is done. Make sure there are no static images left on for long periods (read: paused video games). Keep it in one of the full picture modes so the CRTs get a full workout.
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.138 ) at 3:18 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
Tony C: Not that it matters, but I'm pretty sure Greg L isn't ISF certified.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:14 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
April Fools
Tony C: 5-7" of snow at my house.
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.138 ) at 3:11 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
Tony C: Not that it matters, but I'm pretty sure Greg L isn't ISF certified.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 2:50 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Me again.
I'm going to buy a TV.
Today of tonight. Tosh or Mits.
I looked a little at a different store this morning.
I do like the Tosh better.
I'm going with my original plan.
Plus, a traveling ISF guy will be in my area end of April.
Gregg Loevwen. Lots of hype on HTF.
But... should I wait longer? Like three months or so?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 2:46 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
April Fools
Here's one for you.
It's snowing. I wish it was a prank.
don't know about Gar, But I hear there's 2" on the ground in MSP.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:28 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
X-Box already dead?
Curtis: Think of todays date, my friend.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 1:55 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
X-Box already dead?
Well that was quick.
http://www.nintendojo.com/infocus/view_item.php?1017640596
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 1:47 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
You fools!
RickMTB: Oh man, what a cold thing to do to a group of golfers! I'll bet your wife still cracks up over it.
Joe ( 152.163.194.178 ) at 1:44 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
DVDprofiler
Well I am 114 into the input process. This is going along ok. I have came across 5 so far not in the DataBase.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 1:39 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Joe: The DVL700 would most likely need a firmware upgrade.
Joe ( 152.163.194.178 ) at 1:25 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
I would like to get FLeetwood MAc, but read somewhere that it will not play on the Pioneer DVL-700.
Heres a question, since I have not heard DVD Audio does it sound like the Elton John DVD?
Joe ( 152.163.194.178 ) at 1:23 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Gasgeek
Kool, I have the AC/DC. I think I will pick up Chery Crow and The Who.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:21 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Concert DVD's
Kieran: Actually, The Dance was one of the first DVD concerts released and IMHO, still holds up well. The 5.1 mix is fairly well done. The rears are used for ambience and crowd as I feel they should be. Off hand, the only complaint I have about the 5.1 mix is that there's way to much bottom end. Mainly, Mick's kick drum. Number one, he has a kick drum with another kick drum attached to the front of it. Number two, it's a hollow riser and it was mixed a little hot. I turn down the lfe and it's quite enjoyable, but this is JMHO. The PCM is excellent although I listen to the 5.1.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 1:05 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
You fools!
Curtis: Sorry to double... I was had big time one year by a college friend that was getting back at me and a few other college friends with an elaborate prank. He used to be a teaching pro at Palo Alto Muni and he convinced me a few friends that he had gotten comps to play at Pebble. One friend went out and bought new clubs, we all took a day off work. Well, we played Pebble all right... at a golf course simulator in Sunnyvale. All our wives were in on it... i could still kill mine for keeping it a secret (though taking a rare day off to play golf wasn't so bad
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 1:02 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
You fools!
Curtis: Used to work there... the acquarium was called the Sharkstation launch (complete with live sharks). One year they built a golf course in his office, another year they decorated it like a day care center (the company had hired some president from Kinderphoto). The last year I was there they had a big squirt gun battle between buildings. Each event was celebrated by t-shirts (still have my Sharkstation t-shirt). Seems the gags are getting less "prankish", since the ones I have heard about recently seem to involve having him play hocket versus Shark players...
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 12:39 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
You fools!
Happy April 1st all. Watch your backside today. Anyone have a good AF story to tell?
Some of my favs are the antics that Sun Microsystems does to McNeally. One year they built an underwater platform in the middle of a man made lake on their main campus. They drove his Ferrari onto it, a very odd sight to see it hoving on the water. On another AF day one of the Sr. Engineers entire office was turned into an aquarium with all of his stuff still in it!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:08 PM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Concert DVD's
Gasgeek: My roommate Dan has Fleetwood Mac-"The Dance". What do you think of the dd5.1 track? vs. the PCM 2.0 track? Dan and I both prefer the 2.0 track, but I was wondering what you thought of it, being that you have such a large music-on-dvd collection, and have therefore listened to a lot of 5.1 music.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 11:36 AM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Concert DVD's
Joe: Good morning Joe. I've got lots of concert favorites, but I'll start you off with a couple of quickies. Some you may have, some you may not.
A must have in my opinion, is the "Music for Monserrat Live." It's all the British music royalty doing a benefit for the island of Monserrat that got beat up by the volcano. Most of them used to record there. Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Sting, Elton John, and Jimmy Buffet (I know he's not British, by neither was Carl Perkins who's also there) who wrote the Volcano blows song while working in Monserrat and looking at the volcano. The highlight is Paul McCartney doing Golden Slumbers with all the above playing as well as a full choir and orchestra directed by Sir George Martin. He also does Hey Jude, Yesterday and Kansas City. DD and dts.
Another must have if you're a Who fan is the The Who, Live at Albert Hall. Over two hours of their hits. Great audio and Zak Starky (Ringo's boy kicks ass) is their drummer. Very good.
Eric Clapton and Friends, A benefit for the Crossroads Center, is also classic. His version of Little Wing with Sheryl Crow and David Sanborn is unbelievable. Friends include the previous two along with Dylan and Mary K. Blige (which is what the skip arrows are for.)
Also love EC's Live at Hyde Park.
Bonnie Raitt, Road Tested
Keb Mo, Sessions at West 54th.
A sleeper that you might not know about is the Tribute to Brian Wilson (done for TV) Vince Gill doing "Warmth of the Sun," Ann and Nancy Wilson doing "Good Vibrations" with the Harlem Boys Choir and Carly Simon, David Crosby and Jimmy Webb doing "In My Room" are worth the price of the DVD alone. Other people including Elton John perform great versions of the Beach Boys classics.
If you're an AC/DC kinda guy, "Stiff Upper Lip" is killer.
Journey Live 2001 (Replacement for Steve Perry sounds better IMHO)
There's also the classics, John Fogerty's "Premonition", Tina Turner, "Live in Amersdam", James Taylor, "Live at the Beacon Theater", EC "Unplugged", Eagles, "Hell Freeze's Over". Joe Cocker, "Across From Midnight" (2 channel PCM but cooks). Rolling Stones, "Bridges to Babylon". Don Henley, "Live Inside Job". etc., etc. Roy Orbison, "Black and White Nights". Sheryl Crow, "Rockin' the Globe". Steely Dan, "Two Against Nature". And of course, Fleetwood Mac-"The Dance".
This should get you started. I've got some more suggestions if you're interested.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:29 AM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
Stewart Screens
Wild Bill: I'm helping my cousin build a dedicated HT in his basement. He has 9' ceilings. We're going to be doing a lot of work, and also contracting a lot of work.
He already bought a Sony 10HT and he paid $1,400+ for his Greyhawk. I told him to take it back. We really don't need the screen for some time as we are just getting started.
I could use your email address. We will need other supplies as we move along. Thanks.
AVB ( 64.41.32.202 ) at 6:09 AM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
then how about your favorite speakers?
Rich: I remember them well, they needed a lot of space around them to work they way they should. Obviously, VMPS has to be my favorite brand overall. Incredible bang for the buck at all price points.
Rich ( 205.188.195.26 ) at 1:37 AM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
then how about your favorite speakers?
Anyone remember the old Mirage M1si M3si bipolars from the mid 90's? i think AVB does, Well i have a pr of M5si's, they image quite well and because they're bipolar towers the sound stage is huge. As much as i like them sooner or later i'm gonna sell them, i got my eye and ears on the Vienna's.
Gar ( 204.71.148.161 ) at 1:10 AM EST Monday, April 1, 2002
then how about your favorite speakers?
Curtis: I would have to say "Dynaudio" no matter what speaker I tried I have always come back to these. Time and time again, I always seem to have a pair in my house. Also my current pair of Joesph Audio bookshelfs are very good. Here are the new ones I want....
http://www.dynaudio.com/products/confidence/c2/c2.htm
I want these in Rosewood
Robert ( 63.50.3.30 ) at 11:16 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
then how about your favorite speakers?
Curtis: I had two, the KEF C35 bookshelf with 8" woofer and the neodymium coincident/concentric tweeter (in the voicecoil of the 8") because, no matter where you stood/sat you were in the sweet spot, awesome!! The other was my ADS M-9's. I got three for $400 as a cosmetic damaged sample, they were $600 each if I recall. THey had a 7" woofer, 3" DOME midrange and 1" softdome tweeter. Absolutly smooth across the entire frequency range. I sold them for $1000 for all three and regret it to this day.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.142 ) at 11:04 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
then how about your favorite speakers?
Robert: Sounds as though we have all been through a lot of speakers.
What was your (everyone is welcome to chime in here) favorite speaker and why? Either pairs or arrays - current or past.
My answer is a no brainer. B&W 801's, Series II. Even with a modest receiver most everything sounded sooo sweet. When I finally hooked them up to a real amp/ preamp, they came to life. Female vocals and piano (two of the hardest things to get right, IMHO) were frightenly real sounding.
For some boneheaded reason I decided to trade them to my dealer for a pair of DefTech 2002's. The guy that bought them from the dealer still tells everyone how happy he is that he picked them up.
Gar ( 204.71.148.153 ) at 10:52 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Speakers
AVB: I believe you, you have about 15 years on me also, plus more experience in the speaker market.
Gar ( 204.71.148.153 ) at 10:50 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Tony C: The owner from University Audio and a friend of mine stopped by to help me tweek my system and he said Stewart is coming out with a newer screen version of the Grayhawk. Said it even had better blacks. hmmmmm, maybe I might bite...
Wild Bill ( 12.78.178.45 ) at 10:22 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Stewart Screens
Tony C: Tell me what you're looking for and I'll give you the cost.
Robert ( 63.53.2.147 ) at 9:36 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Tony C: Not many online sources for that one, try AVS forum for Draper though. THat's what I have. m1300
Tony C ( 205.188.193.182 ) at 9:10 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Does anyone have a link to where I can get an online quote for Stewart screens?
Joe ( 64.12.107.53 ) at 8:29 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
UHmmmmmmmmmmmm DVD planet close to the same price. Off to DVD express. I only have 1 LaBatt left so I must do this soon.
JJ ( 165.247.33.50 ) at 8:28 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Circuits
AVB: yes the heaters are on a seperate circuit. but, yes I believe the work was not doen by a pro. at least the dry-wall rough-in. things don't quite 'fit.' I also had a problem on the circuit the washer/dryer are on . they began to not work on occasion (bad sentence). I also made sure all connections were tight on those outlets too.
Scott has it right. there are 2 each hot and neutral. but I think one of those 4 was loose, and was active intermittently, thus causing my problems with the set.
Joe ( 64.12.107.53 ) at 8:17 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
I am getting disapointed in the prices on Amazon. I will have to try DVDplanet next.
Gasgeek, anymore concerts to suggest?
Joe ( 64.12.107.53 ) at 8:15 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Yes I knew about TNG coming out. I have about 50 eposides on LD so I am not sure If I am going to buy DVD or not.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.217.116 ) at 7:52 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Joe: You know that the first season of Star Trek: TNG came out last Tuesday, right?
Joe ( 64.12.107.26 ) at 7:26 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
The wifes family is gone, I think I will shop for some new movies. My Star Trek collection is not complete yet.
Joe ( 64.12.107.26 ) at 7:23 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Wild Bill
I was asking about the Rock+. I have been reseaching the Anthem and will get a local price on Monday. I was wanting to wait and pay cash, but there are a few places around that do 6 months same as cash.
Once I get the local price I will check with a new companey and then across the bridge. I was debating on if I should put the Pre/Pro on the left side, requiring 4 meter interconnects. The other choice is to put it on top of the amp ( seperate shelf ) and run .5meter balanced connections.
If I go with closer to the amp I will have to run 4 meter Digitial from the DVD player. However the Toslink for the Mega Changer and the 5 disc changer would be 1 meter.
So far the only thing that I can find on the Anthem is the lack of an RF demod input. But once I consider I only have 10 or so AC-3 LDs it's not that big of a deal. In fact most of them are still in the wrapper.
So unless I am missing someting I don't see a better deal then the Anthem. I am reading the manual for the second time. Of course I can just wait for you to install few and bombard you with questions 
Robert ( 63.53.3.85 ) at 4:36 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Curtis: That was car, I am north of 20 for home (and that pairs)
Robert ( 63.53.3.85 ) at 4:34 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Curtis: Speakers, have or HAD? I'm north of AVB if its had, I had two cars stolen/broken into with 28+ (rough guess but low/mid/high in four corners plus 2-8 subs plus a lon;y 3 1/2 center speaker PRIOR to surround sound for the car)in each when I was competing in car audio. I was FICKLE when I was younger and my system was always for sale, I'd sell speakers and amps right out of the car after a competition!!
Robert ( 63.53.3.85 ) at 4:30 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Tony C: Ok OK, but I did sell off my DVL700 AND a DV525 I had.
AVB ( 64.41.32.163 ) at 3:02 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Speakers
Gar: Over the years?? Jeez, I bet I could more than double my total if I thought of every speaker I had in the last 30 years. When I worked for HK I bet I went thru at least 10-12 pairs of JBL's alone
Gar ( 156.46.203.154 ) at 2:52 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Curtis
I lost count on how many speakers I have had over the years, but it is
over 40, thats because I used to work at a few stores and had access all
the time.
Gar ( 156.46.203.154 ) at 2:52 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Curtis
I lost count on how many speakers I have had over the years, but it is
over 40, thats because I used to work at a few stores and had access all
the time.
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.70.229 ) at 1:33 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
JJ: well, if there were two hots and two neutrals, it sounds like that outlet is part of a chain of outlets... this is very common... one hot and one neutral are from the circuit breaker panel, and the other pair go to another outlet. Though there should have been two grounds also.
AVB ( 64.41.32.163 ) at 12:53 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Speakers galore
Curtis: Well, that does include the 4 not in use
Wild Bill ( 12.78.178.133 ) at 12:47 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Wild Bill
Curtis: The HD Final Four feed was interesting to say the least. It did offer a good comparison between the worst and best that is available, all in one show. I'd guess the spot for your projector would be about 960p but you'd have to try a couple of different settings to see which you prefer.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.178.133 ) at 12:44 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Wild Bill
Joe: MSRP on which setup? The Rock+ lists for $5199 and the Digilink is $2795. Do you need Anthem list prices?
Rich ( 64.12.103.184 ) at 12:22 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Speakers galore
Curtis: lol
Rich ( 64.12.103.184 ) at 12:20 PM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Happy Easter!
Now i gotta get dressed and go to church
Curtis ( 206.170.6.219 ) at 11:19 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Speakers galore
AVB: On behalf of the International Speaker Manufacturers Association, let me just say thank you.
80 friggin' speakers man? Contest over.
Gar ( 207.49.219.40 ) at 9:50 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Rich: I have 8 but gave one away a few weeks ago to my Brother-in-law.
Joe ( 152.163.205.52 ) at 9:42 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
JJ
14/3 would commomnly be used in a fan / light combo. You use one leg to power the fan. You use the other leg to power the lights. This allows switchable controls for each one seperate.
So you could walk over to the wall and trun on you cieling fan and leave the light off, without having to pull the hanging cord.
It's good to hear you fixed it for under $10.
Joe ( 152.163.205.52 ) at 9:38 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
It is also possible that someone used 14/3 w ground instead of 14/2 with a ground. That would explain the exta wire.
Joe ( 152.163.205.52 ) at 9:36 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
JJ
If you had 2 hots and 1 nuetral in a gang box you could use a isolated plug. This would give you 1 circuit on the top and 1 circuit on the bottom.
It sounds more like you have some wiring done by smeone taking shortcuts.
AVB ( 64.41.32.67 ) at 9:01 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Circuits
JJ: The heaters should be a seperate circuit from your outlets unless your codes are drasticly different then here. 240 is 2 phases (usually) in the home so you do have 2 "hots" a neutral and a ground. This could be split using the outlet as a pass through for one phase but that really is not the normal way to do it. This would also mean that you'd have only one breaker for both the heat and the outlets. Since you have two breakers this is not the case.
JJ ( 165.247.33.50 ) at 7:57 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Happy
Happy /insert favorite religious holiday here/ everyone!
JJ ( 165.247.33.50 ) at 7:24 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Scott "popcorn": interesting. in the location of the outlet I replaced, there were two each hot and neutral, I stripped them with the 16ga notch, but I think the wires were 14. the breaker seems like a regular 15 amp.
side note: the room is wired for 240/20 amps to feed some electric baseboard heaters. never use 'em. Tho I don't think I would ever need the 20 amps for any system I'd have.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.53 ) at 3:01 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
JJ: what is the effect of say, two hots + 1 neutral? or one hot + 2 neutrals
The effect would be no gain. Electricity makes a loop, and the resistance of the whole loop is equal to the resistance of the most resistive part of the loop. Now, 2 hots and 2 neutrals would make a difference... if the circuit breaker was equally "beefed up" as well as the outlet, power cord, and internal power supply circutry was also "beefed up"... But then you have to think about the internal circuitry past the power supply, how much current it draws, etc. I choose not to even bother thinking about it and just use wire that is big enough for the rated current of the device
AVB ( 64.41.32.187 ) at 12:13 AM EST Sunday, March 31, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Curtis: OK, 18 speakers in 2 cars, 28 in home (counting subs too) 6 in boomboxes, 3 portable radios and 6 computer speakers. 3 clock radios and a whole house system with 10 speakers. Add 3 speakerphones and 3 intercoms and the total is 80.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.100 ) at 11:54 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
CBS really laid an egg tonight
Anyone who saw the Final Four in HD tonight must have thought something was wrong with their setup. What was wrong? They used at least 50% SD cameras stretched to fill a 16:9 frame. The ball looked more like an Easter Egg, the contrast was blinding and of course the detail and colors look terrible once they switched away from the main full court HD cameras.
Some fool also screwed up the audio, many locals had no audio at all while others had huge level differences between the game and the commercials. If this was the 1st HD broadcast I had ever watched, I would have passed on ever investing in it. The worst part is that the HD CBS games shown over the past weeks have been spectacular picture quality. What a time to f*ck it all up.
Let's hope they review the tapes tomorrow and make changes before Monday's final game. Someone really deserves to be fired over this - it was that badly done.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.100 ) at 11:37 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
T-Man: Tell me about it. I'm too lazy to even start to them them all. Surely someone has too much time on their hands & will offer up a tally. I'm guessing I must have a # in the dozens.
T-Man ( 216.151.66.207 ) at 11:18 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Curtis: Way too many. Last count, at least 3 full audio systems in the attic, not to mention many odds and ends.
Tony C ( 64.12.103.174 ) at 10:31 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Rich: No Rich, two of Robert's DVDs are NOT in the house!
Nonetheless, the man has a lot of DVD players!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.249 ) at 10:31 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Rich: Jeez, you guys are such geeks I have 4. Ht room, notebook, X-Box, and kitchen.
Want to see really high #'s? Let's see how many SPEAKERS everyone has. Both in use and in storage. Count everything incl. HT, boomboxes, clock radios, speakerphones, computer, intercoms and how many in your cars.
Rich ( 205.188.193.22 ) at 9:35 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Robert/Wild Bill, WOW Wild Bill ties me at 7 and Robert blows us away at 9! Nine DVD sources in one house! Thats Incredible!
"Rich hands Robert THX Cert DVD Trophy knowing that no one in here is gonna top 9
JJ ( 66.32.3.209 ) at 9:35 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Winston aka The Spleen: I don't think TAW rents the colorimeters any more.
maybe we should invest in one as a group?
how many people would be interested?
Rich ( 205.188.193.22 ) at 9:28 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Joe: LOL!!
Gar ( 208.166.200.246 ) at 8:51 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Busy Saturday morning...
Kieran: Ok is this a road bike or MTB? It it is a road bike, I am going to give you crap! 35 miles in one day, oh Nelly! back at ya.. jk
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.194 ) at 8:42 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Kieran: I always foreign language movies in their native language - I hate English-dubbed movies even more than I hate pan-and-scan. (Watch enough anime, hong kong films etc. and start getting fluent in Japanese/Chinese). So of course I watched Das Boot in Deutche.
I'll drop you mail tomorrow about your Star Wars LD. Awesome bike ride dude! You've shamed me, I need to get on my bike more often.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.194 ) at 8:32 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Curtis: My understanding is that people attending the ISF classes get about five minutes of hands-on calibration experience. If you don't know what you're doing going into the class you sure won't be an "expert" when you complete it. That's what I found to be true when I was looking for a local tech - I knew more about calibration than they did.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.194 ) at 8:29 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony C: Here you go... http://www.tawinc.net/trad.htm
Also try this site: http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/
Curtis ( 206.170.6.249 ) at 8:13 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
ISF calibration
Tony C: Back when Duane calibrated my 65"er RP, (8 plus hours) he told me that I already knew more than the ISF classes teach. It is not rocket science & anyone with an average IQ and the cash to take a 2 day course - *POOF* you're suddenly a "Certified ISF Expert!"
There are many weak ISFers out there. Always, always ask to see a display they have worked on before commiting - preferably an identical model to yours. Talk to the owner and ask how well problems were handled.
JJ ( 66.32.3.209 ) at 7:44 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
funny guys.
though now I find myself thinking: "maybe wire isn't just wire"
I mean, here I have an outlet. I am getting juice. it works, sort of. change it out/tighten it up -> totally different picture.
what is the effect of say, two hots + 1 neutral? or one hot + 2 neutrals
Tony C ( 152.163.201.84 ) at 6:54 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
JJ: I love happy endings. It's so Hollywood.
Joe ( 205.188.192.168 ) at 6:51 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
So you are telling us you had a screw loose 
JJ ( 66.32.3.209 ) at 6:25 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
when last we left our intrepid HT Fanatic:
he was having problems with the picture on his aging toshiba rptv. Colors didn't look right, apparent noise.
Last night he did another re-calibration, picture looked good. this morning, things look bad again. smearing, colors off. Watchable, but not right. for example, if you know To Story 2, Andy's room is blue with yellow stars on the wall. The bottom of the stars are sort of yellow, gradually getting red toward the top. weird. things don't seem to want to 'stick'.
He decides to install an 'industrial grade' outlet that feeds his system. Leviton Hospital grade it is. It appeared one of the white wires or one of the black wires was loose (he can't remember which). With no cahnges to the set, picture now is very good. reds are red (not purple) stars are yellow top to bottom :-). He is not sure if it was that loose wire or what. If the picture stays this way, he will be very happy...
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 6:18 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
And to those who don't celebrate Easter, Happy Vernal Equinox! (or Sabbath, or Sunday, or whatever you feel like being celebratory for!) Just have a good weekend, darnit!
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 6:15 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Busy Saturday morning...
Wow... quite a busy day today around here. Lots of good HT talk...
I rode a 35 miler with a couple of good climbs today on the new road bike. That makes 116 miles since I picked up the bike Wednesday night. Not too shabby for 3 days of riding. I'm taking Sunday and Monday off to rest my rear (and legs) and will ride to work again starting Tuesday.
Tony C: Wow, if a 10HT + screen + cables is w/in the budget (or close to it) I'd say go for it! That would be SUH-WEET!
Spleen: I picked up the new Tombstone, but have yet to watch it. I've got several DVD's to watch that I haven't had time to yet, including Tombstone, Tora! Tora! Tora!, and Pearl Harbor. Do you watch Das Boot in German or dubbed? I prefer German w/ the subtitles. That's one of my favorite dvd's for sure. I hate that so many of my favorite DVD's are 3 hours (or more!) long.
Happy Easter everyone, if I don't post before then.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.36 ) at 5:38 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
ISF calibration
Winston aka The Spleen: I always said that a guy could do any job, if he has the right tools.
So where do I get info on DIY calibration, including the rental of the analyzers?
Robert ( 63.53.1.198 ) at 5:22 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Rich: PS2, Laptop #1, Laptop #2, Desktop #1,Main HT, Secondary HT, ONe at neighbors, one at Cousins, portable w/ screen =9
Joe ( 152.163.194.176 ) at 5:10 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Curtis
If I sounded shitty, sorry.
Joe ( 152.163.194.176 ) at 5:07 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Rich
Only 2, but I do have a THX piece now
Joe ( 152.163.194.176 ) at 5:07 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Wild Bill
Wild Bill: Cool. I am about 80% sold on the AVM 20 at this time. I am still looking at a few months out. I think Monday we are going to look at carpet and 2 recliners. I have 2 rooms left to carpet and I need reclincers for tht HT room.
What did you say the MSRP was on that setup?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.249 ) at 5:06 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Wild Bill
Wild Bill: I hope you guys are able to watch the Final Four tonight in HD via OTA or E* CBS. I may as well ask the going rate for a Rock+ if I'm going to feed the FP something good. What range would you guess is the sweetspot for the 9" CRT AmPro?
It sure will be nice one of these days when all source material is native HD.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.222 ) at 4:53 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Rich: 7. Four standalone DVD players, an HTPC, the upstairs computer and the PS2.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.222 ) at 4:51 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Wild Bill
Joe: The Rock+ and Digilink combo are doing a superb job. I'm scaling everything except HD to 1440 x 720 with no trace of artifacts. JohnO is coming over tonight for the Final Four so maybe he'll post his impressions. I also hooked up an Anthem MCA 20 into my system last night. I haven't had a chance to put it through its' paces yet but so far so good. I hope this means my demo MCA 50 and AVM 20 will arrive soon. It would suck if the AVM 20 arrives and I don't have a 5 channel amp.
SDI is Serial Digital Interface. You have two connections from the DVD player to your processors. A single digital connection for audio and a single digital connection for video. I'm using two coaxial digital cables for the connections.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.246 ) at 4:15 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Ron H: Unfortunately, the threat of thunderstorms coming from the west (and poor BC is getting hammered in Dallas) with the threat of the "T" word. Though its just muggy and windy up here as I type...
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.88 ) at 3:34 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Curtis: I remember cheering Ron Santo from the bleachers at Wrigley when I was a kid.... those were great days, wish I was going with you guys!
PS - just kidding about the community college of course, you're lucky to have a daughter that understands the importance of a good education.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.88 ) at 3:22 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
ISF calibration
Tony C: I wasn't able to find an ISF tech in my area that I felt I could trust so I learned how to do a complete monitor calibration myself... it's not all that hard especially if you only need to learn about one particular model. Color analyzers are available for rent online and it's simple to make a color comparator yourself if you want to do things on the cheap. I was able to correct my set's greyscale to about +/- 200 degrees of D6500 at the dark end and perfect D6500 from the middle on up, tweek a slight geometry problem and disable red push on the color decoder. You might consider doing the job yourself, you'll save $$$ and have the satisfaction of knowing that your set is calibrated to perfection.
Gar ( 207.1.1.108 ) at 3:11 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Gar trivia ?
Curtis: Rich is pretty darn close.... Does this include computers and the Playstation 2 and the Xbox?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.88 ) at 3:11 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
G'day all. Stayed up until 3:00 am last nite watching movies including A.I. (terrible, I had to shut it off after an hour), Funeral in Berlin (a very good follow-up to the excellent Ipcress File) and the entire director's cut of Das Boot which I've seen several times and was in the mood to watch again. Up and out of bed by the crack of noon. "What's for breakfast?"... "Lunch."
I highly recommend the new release of Tombstone, it's excellent. Also recommended: K-Pax and the new Roger Waters concert disc.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.104 ) at 3:01 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Sony T60
BAGMAN: Yes I have had the T60 up for a week or so. Picture quality varies of course by the amount of compression DirecTV applies to a particular channel, and even that varies. HBO east seems to be the best.
The UI is great. I put in "tennis" on a wish list and it has recorded things I had no idea were being aired. The 8 second replay button is perfect for sports. My only complaint is that this thing runs fairly hot. It needs room to breathe and will no doubt force me to inclrease the AC volume going into the room this summer.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.57 ) at 2:44 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Me
I heard from an ISF guy (who I would hire to do my set) who gave me pros and cons on both Tosh and Mits. He likes both and can get a great picture on both.
I asked him what he owned...
Tony C ( 205.188.193.57 ) at 2:41 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Viva La Spring
BAGMAN: I've been planning my fishing trips. right now, two for the Wolf river. Soon for Walleye and then mid-May for white bass.
This summer, Lake Erie. don't forget the smallies they have there.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.104 ) at 2:27 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Joe: Hey I didn't mean to put you on the defensive, okay? For all I know Tony only requires 2 inputs. If the Mits or anything else has those ins then he's good to go. What I meant about "the only thing that matters" was matching the inputs with his source outputs - it was not a general statement.
Must have been my bad. Sorry if I offended you. I must have not read your "if I am correct" disclaimer before I posted. Tony and I visited several stores when he was in town. We looked at RPs, FPs, & plasmas in addition to 2 displays setup in my HT. I do think that I have a bit of a clue as to what he's looking for in a HD ready display yet would never claim to know everything.
Yes, I would steer any friend away from Mits products based only on my nightmare experiences with 4 of their products and the lame service/high repair costs I received. Another person may have had nothing but bliss with their Mits's. They can and should post their opinion here for Tony to weigh in his decision.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.182.51 ) at 2:26 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Viva La Spring
Robert: Thankyou for the sympathy. Let's just say we never had this kind of company in N.E. Ohio. Amazing what nice weather brings. What model of Tivo do you have and how do you like it? On a side note, we went fishing the other day and tonight we are having a fish fry, salt water fish... I don't know! I'm thinking that I already miss Lake Erie Walleye and Perch.
Rich ( 205.188.197.39 ) at 2:10 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Tony C: Welp i might of beat ya but it was a photo finish LOL
Tony C ( 205.188.193.57 ) at 2:07 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
Rich: You beat me. I have six.
A combie player in the HT, and the Sony 7700.
A combie player in the FR, and a samsung DVD.
A PS2
and a laptop.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.57 ) at 2:04 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Joe: What I was looking for was discreet IR codes for inputs. The remotes for both Mits and Toshiba scroll through. But I've learned that both can have direct selection of an input once you program the Pronto.
Robert: The deal my cousin got was an open box and the only one left. I guess I can try to find a store with the same deal. I thought a screen would cost much more. The last problem is that my circuit breaker panel is totally used up. And I don't want to spend any more money on another panel. So, the FP would have to get power from an existing circuit.
ALL: On Monday, I will begin a search for a 10HT, from a retailer who will give me 12 months dating and charge me $3,100.
Rich ( 205.188.197.39 ) at 1:55 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
More DVD Trivia
ALL, How many current devices in your home (DVD players/drives) anything that plays a DVD do you have?? I have 7.
DV-09, desktop pc, laptop pc, 2 ACI portable players (no flip up screen) in the kids bedrooms, Panasonic portable with 7" screen, playstation 2, can anybody top that or do i get the Koool blue ribbin lol
Joe ( 64.12.107.32 ) at 1:53 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Wild Bill
You mentioned the other day you had the Rcok and Digilink DVD player at your house. HOw does it look now that you have ahd a few days to play with it? The one cord interface is real interesting. What did you mean watching in SDI? I am not in the market but just out of curiousity what does this setup go for?
Joe ( 64.12.107.32 ) at 1:47 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Curtis: Actually Curtis I said " If I am correct the Mits has more inputs" But hey thanks for the correction. Also thanks for letting me know what the only thing that should matter to Tony is.
Maybe I misread the other day I thought Tony was asking for input, must be my bad.
Rich ( 205.188.197.39 ) at 1:36 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Gar trivia ?
Curtis:, here's a wild guess: 15
makes and models???? well i know he had a DV-37 and before that a Denon lol.
Rich ( 205.188.197.39 ) at 1:29 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
DV-47A
Robert, I will wait for the THX model
Rich ( 205.188.197.39 ) at 1:26 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Scott Pop, u have eeeeemail
Curtis ( 206.170.6.104 ) at 1:17 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Gar trivia ?
How many DVD players has our friend Gar owned over the years? Extra credit if you can recite the makes/models
Just having a little fun with you Gar!
Gar ( 204.71.148.165 ) at 12:55 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
DV-47A
Robert: Thanks for the info, I am keeping my eye out for a all purpose DVD Player. I can get a DV-47A for $750 shipped and I am tempted but I will hold off for awhile.
Robert ( 63.53.1.72 ) at 12:41 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony C's choice of Display
Gar: IF my crt ever goes out, I would probably get a 10ht or equal (11ht or sharp 9000) in a heartbeat. What I saw at Ron's was enough to convince me. Audio King here still has some work to do to demonstrate their LCD's well.I wouldn't buy one based on what they show, you need to see it in someones home (or your own for that matter) to truly tell if you like it.
Robert ( 63.53.1.72 ) at 12:38 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
DV-47A
Gar: I love it, beats my 37 perfromance wise. It takes a lot of bashing on the forums, but they don't know the whole story, just internet rumor and speculation. The 47a is NOT the same unit the euros and asia got a month or two prior. THe US version got an upgraded chipset. Granted it is based on a pioneer branded chassis, but it does have seperate power supllies for audio and video so weight doesn't mean a thing. It will beat a 38 hands down. There will be a THX version later down the road with a digital connection to future receiver (which I might have to trade for yet again!)for bass management control on the receiver rather than via the player. I'm off to BBY today for some more DVDA/SACD discs. A very kewl (as Rich would say) machine.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.104 ) at 12:32 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Joe: So you're saying that the Mits RP has more than 7 inputs? I doubt that. The only thing that really should matter to Tony is: does it have the inputs that he wants today and down the road?
The other thing I don't care for on the Mits's are their highly reflective screens. Even in a dark room this will reflect back unwanted stuff.
Robert ( 63.53.1.72 ) at 12:31 PM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: Hey I'm 72" tall and I can fit down your basement,,and no cracks about the width !!! What about the 10ht your cousin (?) looked at,not available? Cables cost me $45, screen $450,,,Remember, the Monster cable rep is in town !!!
Gar ( 207.0.81.232 ) at 10:39 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony C's choice of Display
Robert: I second the 10HT, this thing puts up a sweet picture for the money. Down the road I might buy a new LCD or a DLP depending on price and performance. By the way Robert how is that new Pioneer DVD working out for you?
Joe ( 64.12.105.29 ) at 10:35 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
I like this DVD Profiler. Tony 65" is my 2 cents...wait I have more. If I am correct the Mits has a larger selection of inputs. Since you are going to calibrate anyways go for the Mits.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:12 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
l8r
l8r
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:10 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: YEa but 100-106" vs 65" or 57"
Tony C ( 63.42.206.187 ) at 10:08 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Robert: THe Tosh 65HX81 is 61" tall.
The deal I saw on the HT10 was as low as what the TVs would cost, but then I'm looking at $1,200 or $1,000 for a screen and the cost of the cables.
I can not find an HT10 at retail. So the 11 is going to cost way more.
Buying from a retailer gives me 12 month or more in dating. That's the attractive part.
Don't gang up! Pitch in! Donations are graciously accepted!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:05 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony
Tony C: the latter, the wheels should not be touching wood or stairs, the 2x4's run in the center so the TV cabimet body slides on the 2x4's with teh wheels dangling free
Tony C ( 63.42.206.187 ) at 10:04 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony
Joe: I don't know.
Robert: Did you position the 2x4s so that the wheels were on the wood?
Or did you slide the body up on the wood with the wheels clearing the sides.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:01 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony
How much is the RPTV?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:00 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony C's choice of Display
I think we should all gang up on Tony for a Sony 10HT lcd projector, he can get a good deal and all he would need to deal with is running cable and getting a screen, heck Tony you could reclaim some space down there by removing a PTV !!!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:59 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: The TV is that tall? How tall is it, I think the 58" we moved up was 53-55" tall and it was much wider than a 4:3 set!
Tony C ( 63.42.206.187 ) at 9:58 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Curtis: The more I ponder the subject the more confused I get.
The dating is the reason to buy now. And the prices are good too.
Yes, the 57" will fit, but honestly, the size of the 57" isn't that much bigger than what I have now. About 25% bigger and widescreen, but the 65" is what will make a big difference.
FP for an over all cost of about $1,400 more...over time...Man I dunno.
Robert ( 63.53.1.27 ) at 9:32 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Joe: I understand, I went to bed at 3 and woke up at 7,,thanks son !!
Robert ( 63.53.1.27 ) at 9:31 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Viva La Spring
BAGMAN: Have had company for more than two weeks.
I FEEL YOUR PAIN !!!
Joe ( 64.12.107.41 ) at 8:37 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Robersts..Robert. Time for Coffee
Joe ( 64.12.107.41 ) at 8:36 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Tony
What if your use Robersts 2"x4" suggestion, but use thinner wood?
BAGMAN ( 209.26.112.86 ) at 6:19 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
Viva La Spring
Been in the 80s for three weeks. Have had company for more than two weeks. Had no time to look into the D'Tivo this week. Curtis, is your Sat60 up and running?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.7 ) at 12:20 AM EST Saturday, March 30, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: I can assure you that the real thing WILL stay quite square for the move. You may have to decide if you are willing to damage a little bit of sheetrock to get it in, or go for the 57"er that you know will fit.
That FP is looking better all the time, huh?
Tony C ( 205.188.193.44 ) at 11:59 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Robert: Yeah, but if I put 2x4s on the stairs, the TV will never clear the ceiling. the test cube is just making it now. And I have to admit that there is some play with the cube. It didn't stay so square in the experiments.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:45 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Curtis: LOL
Robert ( 63.53.2.35 ) at 11:33 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: as for someone who DREADED moving a 350 lb Pro 610 out of the basement, I must say wiht four guys it took all of five minutes. It was painlessly easy. IF you have carpet over your stairs down the basement (I can't remember), take several 2x4's and screw them into the stairs in the middle so the PTV can SLIDE along. YOu have to make sure the 2x4's allow the wheels of the PTV to move freely, lest you catch a wheel on the stair and break it off. I have to say, it was slick as snot. Piece o' cake
Tony C ( 205.188.193.44 ) at 11:02 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Curtis: Scott Popcorn emailed me with the same info about the inputs. So that clears that up.
Today, the guy buying my Sony called and asked if when the new TV is delivered that he come over and pay the guys to bring up the Sony.
That right there really makes me pause to think about moving the Tosh out of the basement again.
It still might be a good plan to see how easy it is to get the Tosh down the stairs and if it isn't making it, just say, "take it back and bring me the Mits". I've been reading lots of stuff about both sets and both have critics and fans. The Mits has a RED push, that they have easy tweaks for, but only with component inputs. The Tosh is sopposed to be really nice out of the box. Maybe I'll go shopping tomorrow again.
You know Sony has a new set coming out in July. Right in the same price range. I know I can get a good deal on Sony, but don't want to wait.
April 22nd? The week is open. Actually, I have a big travel week the following week so I have to stay home and save on my T&E.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.7 ) at 10:49 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Winston aka The Spleen:
Send the kids to junior college and treat yourself!!!
My daughter was just admitted to an exclu$ive college in MASS. "Oh Daddy, there's NOPLACE like North Hampton" There goes the upgrade budget for 4 years 'cause you have to take care of your kids. The good news is that she's taking a year off between HS and college.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.7 ) at 10:27 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Kieran: Earth to Kieran, come in please. Check my post of 6:51 for your answer.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.7 ) at 10:17 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Ron H: I thought I might hear from one of the Texas gang on that one. Well FYI it's going to be in the 80's all weekend here - so what do you have to say now I'm amazed at the positive effect the weather seems to have on everyone - or maybe it's just the summer dresses coming out. I'm sure there are now female lurkers sighing at that comment.
Viva la spring!
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 10:14 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Curtis: Can you comment to Tony C. on his questions about direct/discreet codes for the input selection on the new Toshiba sets?
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:51 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Curtis: Try in the 80's here in Houston. Spring is here.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.189 ) at 9:44 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
BC: Your Pioneer rep hasn't told you? The 53" sets aren't on backorder, they are gone! New models are coming out and there is nothing available except Elites untilt he new models hit the floor. I've been told June or later by our rep.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.189 ) at 9:42 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Movie Posters
Tony C: Thanks for the info but I already have the real thing. It's for lobby of our showrooms.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 7:34 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: Maybe it's just blind brand loyalty but I would go with the Toshiba over the Mits. Logic goes like this: I have owned 2 HD ready Tosh RP's, niether has had even a hickup (sp?). I also owned the big 40" and 36" Mits direct views and had many problems with them as well as 2 x Mits S-VHS VCR's.
Duane shoudl chime in here. I know he likes Sony's (I also owned a 61XBR RP that was sweet) and used to prefer the Toshibas over Mits because it was far more tweakable from the service menu. Wasn't there also a huge blue push issue a while back on Mits RP's? I'm sure they've solved it. Either way you win.
That Monday phone call may be well worth the wait but be sure to get a real ETA.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 7:08 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Sharp DLP
Winston aka The Spleen: Yeah, I already gushed about seeing one with Tony a few weeks ago. It was on a cheap 12 foot screen and it still looked great. I may be stretching the screen size a tad but it was huge.
Too bad you're gone for the weekend. I might be able to locate a group buy on these puppies at a VERY attractive price from an authorized source. Must .. not .. reach ... for ... checkbook.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 6:57 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Winston aka The Spleen:Send the kids to junior college and treat yourself!!!
ROTFLMAO!
BTW, the SW:SE box set I have is indeed the AC-3 version. It is the second LD release of the SE trilogy, which was a Japanese release. This is not the original US release that came in a nice Black box (instead it is in a nice box with the SE poster art on the front). It has Japanese subtitles, in the black bars of the letterboxing (so on a 16:9 screen, you can set it up so they are not visible, or just tolerate them). The audio though, is the original AC-3 5.1 English sound track. I have not even opened the box. After I bought this set, I found a really sweet deal on an unopened US release, and bought it instead, figureing I could recoup my money when episode2 came out. If you are interested, click my name and email me.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 6:51 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: Fear not Antny! The Toshiba 65H/HX81 does indeed have discrete inputs. it's a 2 step (button press) operation that goes like this: Hit "Input". A menu of 7 available inputs (numbered 0 thru 6)appears. Press the # corresponding to the input you want & you're there. Any macro capable learning remote can be taught to go directly to any input, regardless of what the last seleced input was. I can point you to an online user manual (I think) if you need confirmation.
Cold @ Wrigley in April? You mean it's not in the upper 70's there today like it is here I grew up there and used to sit in those seats in December watching Gayle Sayers. I can take it. Looks like I'll fly in on 4/22 for at least a few days. Are you free then?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 6:49 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: Well, I can't say with 100% certainty, but I am almost positive that the new H81/HX81's have discreet codes for inputs. Ask Curtis. I would say that it is an oversight on the part of the membership of RemoteCentral. I swear I recall people (including Curtis) making a big deal out of this when the sets came out.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.249 ) at 6:45 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
TGIF
Last post of the day.... best wishes to all for a good weekend. Cheers!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.249 ) at 6:42 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Tony C: The Sharp lists for $11K and I've seen them online for $8K. My guess is that you'll be able to buy one online this time next year for around $5K or $6K. Send the kids to junior college and treat yourself!!!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.249 ) at 6:39 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Tony C: Given your choices I would definitely take the Toshiba 65HX81 over the Mitsubishi. There are a lot of tweaks for the Toshiba and it can make an incredible picture when set up correctly. I also think the big Toe looks better out of the box (no color calibration) than the Mits. Just my opinion of course. Enjoy!
Tony C ( 63.42.204.126 ) at 6:28 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Sharp DLP
Winston aka The Spleen: Curtis and I saw one in a sweet set up.
My jaw just dropped. I don't think either of could take our eyes away from the screen.
Let's see... the last one graduates college in 7 years? Maybe then.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.249 ) at 6:24 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Sharp DLP
Don't know how many of you have had the chance to check out the new Sharp XV-Z9000 front projector.... I've seen it and it is awesome. It looks better than every CRP projector I've seen except for the Vidikron and in IMO the Sharp's white level uniformity and geometry is even better the Vidikron. (Not to mention size, weight, portability, ease of setup, quiet fan.... hey, maybe it truly is better than the Vidikron).
I watched about an hour of Star Wars: The Phantom Dentist with the Sharp on a nine foot Greyhawk screen and it literally looked like what I saw in the theater. The quality was just unbelievable and I have never been so tempted to make a five figure impulse purchase in my life. I will probably wait until the second generation Sharps come out (and the inevitable price drop) but I guarantee that it is only a matter of time before I get one of those little beauties in my greedy hands.
If you do go see one, bring cash, you'll need it!
Tony C ( 205.188.197.157 ) at 6:10 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
AVB: that's interesting. Thanks.
I think I will be buying a TV by Monday. I'm getting close...
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.249 ) at 6:09 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Gasgeek: Thanks for the mail, I'll check my HT back issues to see what the Denon is like and let you know.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.157 ) at 6:07 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Kieran: I checked Remote Central's file section and the only Discreet Codes for Toshibas, H81 or HX81 is for Power. No codes for inputs.
BC: Thanks for the offer and the advice.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.249 ) at 6:07 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Kieran: I appreciate the offer on the DDP-1, but I am looking for a stand-alone unit like the B&K (which I understand is a very fine decoder). Now repeat after me: Must... Sell... B&K... To... Winston.....
Out of curiousity, is your Star Wars trilogy the AC-3 version? I'm interested if it is.
AVB ( 64.41.32.160 ) at 6:07 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: Chuck Williams (Tech extrodinaire) thinks the Mits has the best color temps once they are adjusted but the Tosh is better out of the box. At least that was what he told me.
A long time ago I bought a 60" that wouldn't fit arounf the corner of where I was living so I had to go down to a 53". The delivery guys were pissed that they had to drag the 60" back to the store so when they delivered the 53" I gave them a case of beer. I was the last delivery of the day for them.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.157 ) at 6:00 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Kieran: I have to make one call on Monday to see about another price on the sets. If it's cheap enough, the dating won't matter.
What do you think about this? I buy the Tosh, and have them bring it down the stairs. But, if for some reason, they can't make it down, it goes back to the store and I have them deliver the Mits.
I've read as many reviews on both makes as I could and it's one extreme or the other.
BC ( 67.234.69.89 ) at 5:52 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: You know, I was gonna sell a pioneer 64" last week for $3300 and the moron backed out. His wife thought it was too good to be true and that maybe the deal was shady. I was practically gonna give it to him because he had been wanting a 53" and been waiting for awhile becuase they're on backorder. I had tried to talk him in to the 64" but he was at his budgets limit. I didn't want to lose a sale so I was giving him a good deal. And I lost the sale anyway! I'm seeing why Wild Bill won't deal with single item sales.
Anyway, the red push on the mits is a known problem and can be resolved easily with a slight modification to one of the boards inside the set (or something to that effect). A number of the isf guys are doing this mod with excellent results. Steve Martin (cheezmo) lives here in Plano and has somewhat of a dealing with rp's. He had a 65" toshiba and now has the 73" mits. He feels the mit's has a little more flexibility in tweaking which results in a better pic. If you go with the mit's, I can send you his URL and you can probably get what you need to fix the red push from him.
I think you can get a great pic from either set with a little tweaking. Personally, I'd go with Toshiba because I have had good look with toshiba and bad luck with mits.
All - I talked with Ron Fone of Sherbourn this afternoon because I would like to sell his stuff. He is coming out with some great stuff in the next few months. They are releasing an Outlaw 950 clone but they are adding some additional filtering to the video side to increase bandwidth capacity. They are also releasing a 7 channel amp that is designed similiar to their 5 channel (5/1500) amp. Basically 7 monoblock amplifiers in one chasis, much like Bryston does. 200x7 at 8 ohms and 300x7 at 4 ohms. 7 power supplies, 7 torroids, 2 power cords. If running 4 ohm speakers, he said you need to run off a dedicated 20 amp fuse or off 2 15 amp fuses. And I'm sure it will double as a space heater too!
They are also coming out with a 12 channel and 16 channel design that can be bridged to give you 7 channels and then an additional 2 channels for another room. They are incorporating an "ohm meter" feature into their amps to keep custom installers from frying the amp. The first time you plug it it, you turn a knob on the back (before turning it on) and it will power up the amp at low voltage and advise you via 3 leds whether there is a line fault or not. Pretty interesting.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:42 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Tony C: Buy a Pioneer.
Kidding.
Go for the Tosh, IMO. And, Curtis can verify this, but I'm almost positive that the new Tosh HX81 and H81 series TVs have direct codes for the inputs, and power on/off.
IMO the only thing going for the Mits is that it can be broken down into parts and reassemled, which eases install pains.
I've compared Mits's and Tosh's over the years, since they are both always very close price wise, and I've always liked the Tosh's better. I haven't done any critical viewing on the new HX81 series, but from what I've heard, they're better than previous models.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.157 ) at 5:34 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RPTV
Here's an update on the RP search.
Went to Tweeter today.
The guy was matching on-line prices for me. I would pay tax of course, but they have a 15 Month same-as-cash financing. That really catches my interest.
So, here's the deal boys...$3,100 + tax + $30 dilivery (which I think I'll get off)
The Mits WS65819 or the Toshiba 65HX81.
Both of these TVs were not in the original running as they were both priced higher than I wanted to spend, but this guy came down to where they are comfortable.
The Mits looked a little red compared to the Tosh, but the guy said that they were not tweaked at all.
The Tosh is a little big. The cube I made shows that it will just bearly fit down the stairs, but what about taking it back up in a few years?
Here's something that concerned me as well. Discreet codes for inputs. I found them on RC for the Mits, but I read that the Tosh does not have them? Is that right?
I took two sons with me to look. We all liked the full screen image of 4:3 material better on the Tosh. But admittedly, we watch very little regular TV in the HT.
Here's something else. Watching 4:3 material on the 65" widescreen as 4:3 (with the verticle bars) is almost exactly like watching it on my 53". Which to me is just fine.
Opinions are welcome.
But...please don't tell me to buy a Pioneer. I need all my body parts and can't afford to sell one.
As far as FP goes, well I'm not into the rewiring, or the cost of the screen. After all, I still have to buy a HD receiver.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:24 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: I'm sure you've seen this but check out this auction on EBay. It's for a Pioneer RFD-1 demodulator. From the description and pictures, I would not be surprised if the Pioneer RFD-1 is the same box internally as the B&K model I own. Same size, same connectors on the back, similar LED's on front, same features/functionality... Not cheap though...
Funny how all things to do with LD and especially AC-3 from LD's, go up in price when a Star Wars movie nears release...
Speaking of which, I have a new, still sealed LD box set of the SW:SE trilogy (w/ subtitles) I need to put up on Ebay. Question is, do I put it up before episode2 comes out or after? Hmmm....
Tony C ( 205.188.197.157 ) at 5:18 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Chicago Road Trip
Curtis: I'd love to join you for Ron Santo Pizza. As Harry used to say, "You can't be fun at the old ball park".
I would think that your 9:20AM start time is when it's on TV in SF. (?)
Because the earliest the Cubbies play is 12:20 or 1:00PM. Some games are at 3P and night games are at 7:15.
But April? Be prepared for some cold weather my friend. I used to go to opening days, but never stayed because its still too cold for baseball.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:08 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Winston: Incoming!!!!!!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:47 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
The Bourne Identity
While purusing the trailers on quicktime.com yesterday, I noticed that there's a link to a new movie version of Ludlum's "The Bourne Identity." All I can say is.... AWESOME. That was one of the first true spy thrillers I read as a kid, and I've always loved it. I hope they do well by it. This could make an AWESOME movie. I guess with the cold war all dried up, and people sensitive about the current international scene, the best thing to do is make movie versions of classic spy novels. No complaints here!
JohnO ( 140.183.155.5 ) at 4:25 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Road trip: Chicago
Curtis: Well, my wife is not an art appraiser, but she would love to own some of this stuff. However, she does work at a university library with an art acquisitions department, I will ask her to check with them to see who they would use for appraisals.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.130 ) at 4:24 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Sorry all - I'll take this artwork chat offline.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.130 ) at 4:19 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Road trip: Chicago
JohnO: No way? Your wife knows this stuff?? Unlimited budgets are our favorite kind. Maybe she can help out. The 1st thing needed is real world appraisals for insurance and resale data. If she could point me to an expert then that would be great. The early reports (values) are all over the board. I do not trust any of the people I have spoken with who say things like "I'll take them off your hands" for what's likely to be 10% of their value.
Email me if she's interested. I'll do something for you guys to reciprocate.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.130 ) at 4:12 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Cameras, XP burning, yada yada
Joe: It sounds as though JJ has been down this road before so I would follow his lead. One would think that Canon would post a patch on their site. DOublecheck the manual for the correct URL. FYI my daughter has a similar Canon digital camera. The SW works fine on her Win2000 pro notebook, a Win98 desktop and a PowerMac. If you want to get super-serious with the camera/computer then get PhotoShop. It sees the camera's media as a TWAIN resource. Lots of things are possible with this setup.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 3:31 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Cameras, XP burning, yada yada
Joe: just you. no bold for me. If you right click on the shortcut for the camedia software, chose properties. one of the tabs say 'compatibility' click on that and you should figure it out. A photo editor is built into xp. there is a way to tell XP that the folder you are looking in contains pictures. It will show all as thumbnails, or a large pic with tns on the bottom. I think they give you a button for editing. or you could right-click and choose 'edit' or 'edit with', and see what you got.
Joe ( 64.12.107.22 ) at 3:26 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
everthing on the forum is showing up in bold after I post is it jsut me?
Joe ( 64.12.107.22 ) at 3:25 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
What is a compability mode?
Joe ( 64.12.107.22 ) at 3:24 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Cameras, XP burning, yada yada
JJ: I have the C3000Zoom. I have been on the Olympus site, looking at new software. We are probabley going to get the 4.0 software.
What are you using for Photo editor? We ahve been running Win 95 and used Photo editor. I have not found it yet on XP.
I did watch Star Trek Insurrection on DVD. The picture is alot better then my RPTV. Now if I could get a big picture.:)
JohnO ( 140.183.155.5 ) at 2:46 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Road trip: Chicago
Curtis: Actually, 500 year old icon paintings would be right up my wifes alley if she had an unlimited budget. Our library is full of religion source and reference books from all corners of the globe.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 2:25 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Cameras, XP burning, yada yada
Joe: yes. I have that software too. which camera do you have? I got the same message. I have not used the software much. because: I have a problem with my usb smartcard reader. an OS crash is guaranteed when I use it. If I am lucky, I can off-load the pictures using win explorer, which sees it as just another drive, before the crash.
I am sure the problems have something to do with XPs 'built-in' support for cameras. You can try to use a compatability mode for that program, see if that helps.
I don't know what you mean by '... camera loading to the burner'
BYork ( 64.172.7.194 ) at 2:22 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
pop-
You have another reply headedyour way...let me know if this one gets through!
GasGeek-
I think it's horrid that the people responsible for our cinematic heritage have done so poorly protecting films
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 2:20 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Road trip: Chicago
Curtis: you have mail from me (alexandersdad)
Joe ( 205.188.196.26 ) at 2:13 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Cameras, XP burning, yada yada
JJ Curtis Anyone
I got a message when I loaded my Olympus Camedia software. It said it was not a windos XP program ( or something like that) I loaded it anyways. I am having problems with the camera loading to the burner.
Anyonme have problems close to this?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:52 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Blah.
"Warsa" should be "Warsaw" duh.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:48 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: I have a demodulator of sorts that I'd be willing to let go for a song for my friend the Spleen. The problem is, it is not a stand alone demodulator. It's a Yamaha DDP-1 which was their very first AC-3 decoder, and it has a built-in RF demodulator. It's an outboard decoder, and has 5.1 analog outputs to feed the decoded signal to your amp or processor. I know it's probably not what you're looking for, but let me know if you're interested.
If you're not interested, check out the B&K RF demodulator... I can't remember the exact model number... 202 something I think. Here's a picture of mine. (the small box on the top.) As Curtis said, I doubt the sound quality varies much from one demod to another, but if it does, this model is probably the best one. And, it has better features than any other, as it saves you one digital input on your processor... because it automagically senses and switches between coax ac-3, toslink, and RF inputs. So, you could theoretically have your dvd, ld, and dss digital inputs all sent through the B&K demod, and use only one digital input on the processor/receiver. Pretty slick. I picked mine up off ebay for about $120, I think... can't really remember. Yamaha and Sony units were going for just as much if not more at the time.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.21 ) at 1:31 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Gasgeek: Congrads on the new office. Very impressive area, judging by the scene in ID4. Have a good weekend!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:30 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Clancy
JohnO: RSR would not only be extremely expensive to produce as a movie, it would be way too long. You really couldn't cut it down to a movie length and have it have the same impact and meaning. It would become just another war movie. Most war movies get by on the fact that the story follows a central character. There were no central characters in RSR, just the war as a central theme, and several characters involved in different aspects of the war. Any one of the story threads in RSR could make a movie onto itself! I enjoyed RSR as a book, but not as a story. It wasn't as exciting to me as some of the earlier Ryan series novels. RSR was almost like reading a military history book, that might have been written 20 years after WWIII. One thing's for sure, no other single book can teach you more about the technical and strategic military and political capabilities of NATO and the Warsa Pact of the early- to mid- 80's.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 1:28 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: ronhtx@msn.com
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.21 ) at 1:26 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Curtis: Greetings my friend! Nice to hear from you. As a fan of all things Alchemy I have always been curious about the VRE. Do you have the time base correction option on yours? (I'm not even sure if AA ever did release the TBC option). I did own a CLD-99 for a while, as well as Gasgeek's old CLD-79 and three CLD-704's and liked them all very much, but overall I prefer the slightly lower noise/slightly higher resolution of my CLD-97. It would be interesting to see what the VRE does for the '97 - let me know how it performs with your FP (what happened to your Toshiba RPTV?).
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:56 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Milton Berle
BYork: That's the article I was referring to. For some reason I thought it was in The Digital Bits. Pretty scary when you realize that because they're not immediately profitable, many of the masters of the greatest movie works of all time are lost to neglect.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.130 ) at 12:48 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: It's good to know that there's a diehard LD fan out there still. I have a box that I'm not using that you may want to hookup ... an AA Visual Reality Engine (external comb filter)with the Ghost Elimination chip option. Feed it a composite video signal from a good LD player and nice things happen. The ? is does your LD player have a better filter. Only the Elite 99's tested as well as the VRE. I'll likely let it go for a song UNLESS it does a killer job with my FP. Something for you to ponder.
As far as differences between RF demod's go I would think that they all either decode things properly or not & wouldn't expect much difference between brands, performance-wise.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.130 ) at 12:32 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Road trip: Chicago
Tony C: My sister & I are planning to come to the windy city in April to pickup a bunch of stuff from our Mom's estate to sell. I don't suppose any of you guys are interested in acquiring some 500 year-old Russian Icon paintings? I didn't think so
Hmmm, my Giants are in the friendly confines 4/23,24 & 25 (do they really play at 9:20AM & how does one drink beer at that hour?!) Wanna catch a game with me? Hey Gar, Big Al & Robert - wanna join us?http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sf/schedule/sf_schedule_calendar.jsp
Feeling insecure about gainful employment is real. Don't fret too much and continue making yourself invaluable to your higher-ups.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.66.85 ) at 12:00 PM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Tony C: I checked ebay.... the Yamaha demodulators have an opening bid $40 over their list price, and almost all of them are selling for way more than retail.... yikes!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.66.85 ) at 11:56 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Ron H: Thanks for the reply, what's your e-mail addy? I'm open on price, and wondering if there's much difference sonically between the available demodulators. I have no experience listening to them. Any suggestions appreciated!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.66.85 ) at 11:53 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Kieran: Morning dude! Yup, I'm listening to quite a bit of AC-3 these days. I'm very, very happy with the sound I'm getting from the Angstrom processor on Dolby Digital. It's very musical-sounding and highly resolving. I still use the Citation 7.0's six-axis mode for DVDs and LDs that are not 5.1 surround and, for CDs, I run direct to my amp (no preamp) via a Camelot Uther dac's analog volume control. Sweet! It's a pain in the a** to have to switch interconnects all the time though. Oh well. Congrats on the new bike and TGIF!
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 11:02 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RonH!
RickMTB: LOL
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.151 ) at 9:37 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RonH!
Heading to Kemah (work-related) this AM... I will wave as I drive by
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:23 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Movie Posters
Tony C: That could be an option, the cheapest lighted box is $399. Teh only thing is that by buying a already built one, it should be UL listed (i.e. probably safer than I'd probably make it.)
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:20 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
SVS
Kieran,Tony C: Legally, let me talk about this next week. Let's just hope the lawyers and President see it my way (it's all about contracts, not personal, and my boss is on my side )or it's the highway (most likely).
JohnO ( 140.183.155.5 ) at 9:04 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Clancy
My favorite Clancy was Red Storm Rising which will probably never be made into a movie, too expensive.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:31 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Clancy
Tony C: I wish Paramount would release an anamorphic version of HFRO. I have the dvd, and the picture quality is irritating.
I remember when I first saw the trailer for this movie... in the theater. I was with two friends who weren't big Clancy fans, probably had never read one of his books, and hadn't heard of the movie. When the trailer started, I almost peed my pants I was soooo excited! I jumped out of my seat and yelled out, "OH, YES!" and banged my knee on the chair in front of me, then yelled out, "OUCH, SHIT!"
That got a fair amount of laughter from the audience....
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:27 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
SVS
Robert: Posted to quickly... meant to add, something to the effect of "best of luck/hang in there!" I know how it feels, I hope you come out unscathed.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:26 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
SVS
Robert: Did I miss something? I didn't realize you were in danger of losing your job.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:15 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: The sky is falling! The Spleen is looking to listen to AC-3 *digital* sound on his beloved analog laserdiscs!!!! The end must be near....
And a BIG to go along with that...
BYork ( 64.172.7.194 ) at 2:03 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
Milton Berle
Gasgeek: -
If you're an IAMMMMW fan(I AM!!), you gotta read Ron Epstein's article at HomeTheaterForum about his visit with Richard Harris. Here is a Link to it
BYork ( 64.172.7.194 ) at 1:38 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
popcorn...Incase you're still lurking about tonite, I tried to send that email back to you(very touching, by the way. MAN, did that guy make the right choice, or what??!), but your email ID is being rejected.....
JT ( 65.30.235.96 ) at 1:30 AM EST Friday, March 29, 2002
JT
Robert: Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post. I actually started moving into the new house on Monday and just got the computer at home hooked back up. The last couple of days have felt like spring. Very nice. I was ready for it to warm up. I'm very happy with the Final Four. Now I just hope my boys can edge out Maryland. I think they have a pretty good shot.
Tony C ( 63.42.205.196 ) at 11:34 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
SVS
Robert: Geeez, I hope you mean that you might be taking another job, not just loosing this one.
I've been embarassing myself with how insecure I've been lately.
Just sucks doesn't it?
Family weekend in Chicago? I spend a weekend in the city with the kids at least once a year. It's a lot of fun.
Tuesday night I went to Isaac Haye's new club. Nice place for a show,but not for the kids.
You should take a trip to the Friendly Confines. there may be some new construction going on there.
Tony C ( 63.42.205.196 ) at 11:19 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Clancy
Robert & Kieran: I agree that HFRO was a good movie and was almost as good as the book.
Robert ( 63.53.2.161 ) at 10:29 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
SVS
Tony C: We can go IF I still have a job, we'll see next week. Did I tell you we're taking a family weekend to Chicago this spring?
I was thinking about trying a SVS sub. I now know several who own them and like them.
Robert ( 63.53.2.161 ) at 10:27 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Clancy
Kieran: Hunt for Red October is one of my favorite books and was the movie. There were parts in the movie I liked better than the book and vis-versa. Now The Firm by what's his name was a great book !!! lousy movie.
Tony C ( 152.163.197.189 ) at 10:24 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Clancy
Kieran: Clear and Present Danger was my favorite of his books. I hated the movie.
Tony C ( 152.163.197.189 ) at 10:22 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Clancy
Kieran: Without Remorse is a really dark story if I recall. Is that the one where he revenges a hooker and kills every one with a .22?
Tony C ( 152.163.197.189 ) at 10:21 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: I got my second one on Ebay. Actually, from a guy in Israel. Believe that?
Tony C ( 152.163.197.189 ) at 10:19 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Movie Posters
Robert, Wild Bill: If you guys are building light boxes for your HTs, I can order you duratrans from a place in MSP. A duratrans is the plastic art that goes into light boxes. The cost for one would be between $75 and $100 (I think), depending on the size.
Tony C ( 152.163.197.189 ) at 10:17 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
SVS
Robert: I've got the 20-39PC
Hey, next time i'm up there we have to visit Kieran's Irish Pub in honor of you-konw-who.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 10:11 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
RF Demodulators
Winston aka The Spleen: Send me a email as to what you want to spend.
Tony C ( 152.163.197.189 ) at 10:09 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
DVDProfiler
Joe: I was using the pay version w/o the wand. I kinda stopped when I ran into some problems with it. Plus I haven't been buying very much lately.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 10:01 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Clancy
Speaking of Without Remorse, THAT is a book that would make a great movie. IIRC, it has nothing to do with international politics or war (except that the star is a Navy Seal Vietnam Vet.) I would love to see this book made into a film, if it is done well.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 9:58 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Clancy
Here's a quote from a review:
"While Clancy is, as always, chillingly up-to-date, he telegraphs too many plotlines here. Worse, Ryan has become something of a whiner, complaining at length about the miseries of living a political life. At almost 900 pages, the book includes too much minutiae and dwells overlong on Ryan's earlier adventures..."
The bold parts are exactly why I stopped reading Clancy's books. Hunt for Red October was and is, IMO, his best work ever, and incidentally, it is the shortest book he's had published. That said, even though they were way too long and wordy, I really enjoyed the stories of Patriot Games, The Cardinal of the Kremlin, Clear and Present Danger, and Without Remorse (the latter being a story before Ryan's time... he appears in one paragraph, mentioned as a midshipman at Annapolis.)
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 9:52 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Woops... apparently, Jack Ryan was VP when the jetliner took out the government. That's why he became president. My mistake.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 9:46 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
Robert: I haven't read any of the novels after Sum of All Fears. However, I know the general gist. Spoilers follow, highlight to read: At the end of Debt of Honor (a story about economic and military attack on the US by Japanese), a terrorist flies a jetliner into the capitol building (sound familiar?), killing the prez, v.prez, and nearly all the congress and senate. Ryan, as National Security Advisor, is next in line for the presidency. The next novel, "Executive Orders" is about Ryan becoming president. This happens a few to several years after Sum of All Fears. But, as I said before, Afleck is a little young to be playing Jack Ryan in Sum of All Fears. If this were Patriot Games they were making (the first of the series in Jack Ryan chronology) he'd be just about right, age-wise.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.98 ) at 9:31 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
RF Demodulators
Can anyone recommend a decent sounding outboard rf demodulator for LD->Dolby Digital? Or if you have one for sale let me know. Thanks!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 8:51 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Tony C
What SVS sub do you have?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 8:32 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
Kieran: Doesn't Ryan's character become President after the bomb in Denver? Affleck looks a littel young to be Prez!
JJ ( 66.32.3.188 ) at 7:13 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
Kieran: interesting. thanks
Gar ( 204.71.148.159 ) at 7:05 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Might = "My"
Gar ( 204.71.148.159 ) at 7:04 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Hey there All...
Back from NJ and New York... Got to see some major road rage on the way through from New Jersey to New York, best 6 bucks I spent, US Military was there along with the Port Authority. Got to see all of NY, I stayed one night at the Waldorf and saw Donald Trump etc... But I must say might flights on the way out there sucked as usual, but the way back wasn't bad. Just glad to have my feet on the ground, good thing I didn't fly out of Boston this morning.
AVB ( 64.41.33.150 ) at 6:46 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Jackie
Curtis: The first Jackie Gleason Show was on the Dumont network.
Joe ( 64.12.107.24 ) at 5:24 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
DVD Drive
Any suggestions on DVDs that have things to try on a DVD-ROM?
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 5:05 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Are you ready for some football?
Curtis: Go Texans!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.207 ) at 4:56 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Are you ready for some football?
Me either. ABC released the MNF shedule for '02 today: http://espn.go.com/abcsports/mnf/schedule/
No mention of HD, yet I would be astounded if they didn't cover at least the Super Bowl in HD (720p)
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:15 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
JJ: ALL of the stories required a younger Ryan. Ford, although one of my favorite actors, was WAY too old to play Jack Ryan. One of the most important aspects to the Ryan character, is that he is this very young guy who moved up through the CIA ranks because of A) his skills, and 
a lot of luck. As a result, he's constantly battling for respect with the older brass in the Pentagon and Langley. He makes friends with the top dogs quickly (i.e. director of CIA and the President) and all the other brass resent him for it. Alec Baldwin in HFRO, was barely young enough for the role. Also, in the books, Patriot Games takes place before HFRO. In Patriot Games, Ryan I believe is supposed to be in his very early 30's. Thus the comment in the movie that you often hear the brass saying of Ryan: "he's just an analyst!" An analyst being a fairly low level CIA desk (not field) job.
Now that we're already to Sum of All Fears, Afleck IMO is a little too young for the role. Oh well.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 3:57 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
Robert: I don't know much beyond the movies. it appears that this particular 'story' required a younger Ryan
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:39 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
JJ: Interesting that Affleck's Ryan in this one,,Harrison Ford signed on originally for three movies for $27M and did Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger, I wonder what happened to this being # 3,,too old?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:41 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Select an input
Curtis: the 16:9 choice is for the On Screen Display sizing/positioning
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 2:39 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
Robert: I watched it at www.quicktime.com
Curtis ( 206.170.7.207 ) at 2:13 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Select an input
Robert: Understood - thanks. I have noticed a DD logo on the program guide for some HBO shows.
I also now see the value of assignable inputs on a pre/pro. My GF just doesn't get why she needs to select DAT to get the best sound from the Tivo - nor do I.
One other ? In the Tivo setup menu there's an option for selecting a 16:9 display. Why? It doesn't seem to do anything though I have not tryed to record a widescreen program yet.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:09 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
JJ: Sum of all Fears, FINALLY, where's the link?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:04 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Select an input
Curtis: Because the Sony T60 isn't always sending out 5.1,,only if its in the show and if memory serves only a few StarZ movies and specified (ie letterboxed) PPV movies would have any 5.1 signal, otherwise, plain ol 2.0
Curtis ( 206.170.7.207 ) at 1:10 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Select an input
Anyone know if it makes a difference if I run the optical digital audio out from the Sony DirecTivo to either the CD or DAT ins on a TA-E9000ES? That's what I'm down to, only because my DAT deck is in the shop. Is there any reason why the pre/pro wouldn't see/properly decode a 5.1 signal?
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:45 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Arcam FMJ AV8 Flyer
Welcome to the Gasgeek Website. Here is a flyer and pictures of the new Arcam FMJ AV8 Pre/Pro and matching amp. Go to the site below and click on the one that works for you. This pre/pro was one of the three finalists for Tech TV's High End Audio Best in Show awards. The winner was VMPS Ribbon 40 and the other runner up was a high end Russian tube amp. Brian heard it at the show as was quite impressed.
I'm may wait the supposed three months until it's out to make my final pre/pro decision. The Aragon Stage One is supposed to ship next week. We'll see.
http://www.arcam.co.uk/news/#35
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:41 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
JJ: I did not know Sum of All Fears was coming out as a movie. I haven't seen the trailer, but I've read the book. I think that maybe now is not the best time for a movie like this. Although, who knows... I'll see it in any case, as I used to be a big Clancy fan. SoAF was the last book I read in the series, though. (Well, except for Without Remorse, which takes place much earlier.)
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:36 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Milton Berle
One of my all time favorite movies is "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Uncle Miltie was wonderful as well as all the other classic comics that they got for that movie. There's an article on "The Digital Bits" about the restoration project that is going on with that movie. Unfortunately, a lot of the original stuff has been allowed to deteriorate. I saw a little bit of it the other night on Bravo/or AMC. I'd forgotten how funny those people were in their prime. The one scene I clicked in on had Mickey Rooney, Jim Bacchus, and Buddy Hacket in an airplane. Funny stuff. I can't wait to see this in pristine shape.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:28 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Jackie
Duh, list the website now, "remember: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Park/1568/JackieGleason.html
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:27 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
rember. should have at least abbreviated it to'member.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:27 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Jackie
Curtis, AVB: I rember as a child growing up watching one Jackie Gleason show or the other for years. I spent almost every Saturday night at my grandmother's house from about 1959-1964 and have fond memeories of watching Jackie. Sometimes he had short segments where they revived the Honeymooner's in short segments with the original cast. I loved it. I wouldn't stake my life on it, but I think these shows were on CBS.
Here's a websight that lists his TV shows and movies where they say he was the original Riley in The Life of Riley in '49. I remember the 50's or 60's TV show that had William Bendix as Riley. Also shows him hosting the Cavalcade of Stars in '50.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 12:17 PM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
movies
theres a new SPIDERMAN Trailer up. I like the prior one better.
also, SUM of All Fears. Tom Clancy. People are going to have a problem with this one, I think.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.207 ) at 11:59 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Jackie
AVB: I think we're talking about The Jackie Gleason Show that ran from '66 through '70. Wasn't it from Miami with The June Taylor Dancers along with several of the "Glea Girls" who would pout out commercial breaks? I can't locate the network however.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 11:50 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Jackie
RickMTB: Yikes, shows you how tired and stressed I am... I am still talking about Uncle Miltie... sorry!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 11:48 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Jackie
AVB: Texaco Star Theater, which as also known as the Milton Berle Show was also on NBC. I am not really *that* old, and it was on '48-'56. Here is a link for those interested:
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0040041
Looks like it may have also been known (and sponsored) by The Buick-Berle Show for one year (53).
Joe ( 152.163.204.82 ) at 11:19 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Pronto Programming
Robert: No I was just wondering if there was a USB cable. I will have to leave the Pronto Serial cable hooked up. The USB I could just plug in the front.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 11:16 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
aol
Joe: oooh. still can't help ya. sounds like an aol problem. I use yahoo and yahoo companion. I get a little yellow bell indicating that I have mail. earlier this week, it wasn't working correctly. I always had a bell, it always says I had 2 new messages, no matter how many I actually had (even none). this at work on NT, and at home on XP.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 11:13 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Pronto Programming
Joe: You lost your Pronto serial cable? I think there are several sites that tell you how to make your own out of a serial cable, or probably for the same cost (shipping both ways) I can let you borrow mine.
No USB to my knowledge.
Joe ( 152.163.204.82 ) at 10:34 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
AVB
What about the Cinepro Pre/Pro make sit outstanding from other processors?
Joe ( 152.163.204.82 ) at 10:33 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Pronto Programming
Is there a USB cord I can use instead of a Serial cord?
How much should a Null Cord (9pin) cost me?
JJ, Thats what is throwing me I use AOL
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 10:02 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
JJ
Joe: oooh. that's one of the things I don't use, Outlook. sorry. Maybe someone else can chime in
Joe ( 152.163.204.71 ) at 8:56 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
JJ
In this Windows XP when I log on I am getting a message that says I have 19 messages. I check my E-Mail and only ahve 4. The wierd thing is I have not gottne any notices from HTF in the past day.
Could I have e-mails floating somewhere? IS that what the 19 messages means?
Joe ( 152.163.204.71 ) at 8:54 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
DVDProfiler
Morning all
Are you guys using the free or pay versions? How do you set up the cue cat? Has anyone used ther DVD -ROM to load information?
?
Tony C ( 63.30.252.9 ) at 8:41 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Robert: I knew about Tweeter/United Audio, and I have to say that the staff is a lot worse now.
I'll come by...call me when the drywall is up!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:04 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Tony C: Audio King was bought by Ultimate Electronics. Tweeter did buy out a Chicago chain though, hence the Tweeter center in Chicago (I think theres one in Chicago.
JD Hoyts huh !! come by and help swing a hammer !!
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 1:17 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
check this HT out Kieran!!
Robert: Pretty cool, allrighty. My kinda theater.
Tony C ( 63.30.251.195 ) at 12:53 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
Robert: J.D. Hoyts...Mmmmm
I stopped by an Audio King store by the office off of France.
nice store. I just can't seem to find a store that has Toshiba and Mits so i can do a comparison. Was Audio King also bought by Tweeter?
The new Sonys that are HD ready and in my price range won't be out till July.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:36 AM EST Thursday, March 28, 2002
check this HT out Kieran!!
http://photos.yahoo.com/acaciolo
Robert ( 63.53.1.233 ) at 11:16 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
double sided posters
Wild Bill: When you go to the movies and the posters are "lit up" in the marquee, they are double sided to provide "punch". Whe you light the rear of a single sided poster you will not get the impact as you would on a double sided as the image is the same (although reversed) so light transmits through easier for more impact. In my theater, I'll hang plain ole single sided as I don't want unneccesary lights in the theater, but in the hallway going to the theater I want a lighted poster. I ordered Saving Private Ryan earlier as well as Peter pan return to neverland to apease the kids. I don't know, I guess it adds more impact and ambiance, much like a popcorn popper and pepsi dispenser (anybody got a lead on a 2-4 slot soda dispencer? I've got a friend who can set me up with everything else,,no more going to the gas station for a 32 oz'r !!
AVB ( 64.41.33.19 ) at 10:49 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Jackie
Curtis: I'll refine it a bit to say the original Jackie Gleason Show. Colgate was on NBC but it was before my time.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.221 ) at 9:57 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Jackie
AVB: Would that by any chance be "The Colgate Comedy Hour"? He was the host from somewhere between 1950 - '55. Norman Lear was one of two writers.
NBC was the network.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.157 ) at 9:47 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
double sided posters
Robert: I know nothing about posters. What's the deal with the double sided posters?
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.157 ) at 9:33 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
double sided posters
Robert & Joe: Thanks. I think one of those will do.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.157 ) at 9:31 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Video Nirvana
The demo Rock+ Video Processor and TAW Digilink DVD players arrived today. I've put them into my system at home to burn-in and test and I have to say that I have never seen a better DVD image in my home. The DIgilink player is excellent and watching DVD via SDI is excellent. A single digital cable for audio, one for video and it's ready to go. The Rock+ is set at 1440 X 720 and I haven't found any fault with it. It offers amazing flexibility and shows none of the weaknesses that I've seen in other scalers that don't start with F. High marks for both products. They will sell.
AVB ( 64.41.33.19 ) at 9:22 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
Curtis & RickMTB: Ok, Here's a TV test for you fogies.....What network was Jackie Gleason origionaly on?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:21 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
double sided posters
Wild Bill:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39460&highlight=movie+poster
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.253 ) at 9:14 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
Chris L.: that was quite a good lineup of talent. Lewis's neurotic act would play well with Rudners deadpan. I like her a lot.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.204 ) at 9:06 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
Wild Bill: I saw him in L.A. in '95 when I took my gf to a comedy club for her birthday. It was a weeknight so we didn't expect anything too special. What we got was Rita Rudner, Richard Lewis and Milton Berle, none of whom were billed for that night.
Milton Berle was a genius. Still very, very funny.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.221 ) at 9:05 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
RickMTB: Very good.
"You can trust your car to the man who wears the star ... the BIG BRIGHT Texaco STAR!"
God I watched far too much TV as a kid.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.253 ) at 8:21 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
Curtis: Old enough? Texaco was his sponsor...
Joe ( 152.163.204.52 ) at 8:20 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Posters
WB allposters.com starlineposters.com
Curtis ( 206.170.6.221 ) at 8:00 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
RickMTB: A very funny talent who was able to cross from Vaudville to radio and then to TV. Are you guys even old enough to remember reruns of Uncle Miltie and his dressing in drag? Me either
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.253 ) at 7:47 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
Wild Bill: rumored to have dated Marilyn Monroe, who probably was curious about his large... never mind. So long, Mr. Television...
Wild Bill ( 12.78.135.203 ) at 7:38 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Milton Berle
Add him to todays list. Dead at 93. A funny man IMO and famous for his supposedly large...never mind. LOL!!
Wild Bill ( 12.78.135.203 ) at 7:34 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
double sided posters
Robert: That reminds me. We have a huge freaking marquee to hang in our lobby that takes 24" x 48" posters. Anyone know a a good reliable poster site online?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 6:11 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
double sided posters
allposters.com is selling the double sided poster of the next star wars movie for $99. not for me yet, $99, ouch !
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:03 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
LOTR:FOTR
Fans, check out the report on www.thedigitalbits.com about the dvd releases of the FOTR dvds. Can't wait!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.221 ) at 4:57 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
OT - Dudley Moore dies of pneumonia
RickMTB: It's fairly well documented that he also had a pretty bad liver from years of drinking.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 4:30 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
OT - Dudley Moore dies of pneumonia
I recall he had some horrible debilitating disease...
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 4:09 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
ford finally gets it right!
BC: I'll let you and RickMTB fight over this one.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 3:34 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
ford finally gets it right!
BC: You gotta keep things like this just between you and me, otherwise, there will be a long line of folks trying to buy these and we will have to spend more and wait longer. So ixney on the stangmusney talk, ok?
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 3:25 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
ford finally gets it right!
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=index&content_code=05159192
BIG AL ( 204.248.61.107 ) at 2:53 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Robert; The HT looks good so far!
BIG AL ( 204.248.61.107 ) at 2:51 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Prince; Glad to see you're still around! I miss all those late night IRC sessions.
BIG AL ( 204.248.61.107 ) at 2:48 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Since no one asked for my opinion, here it is....
Scott Pop; You have to realize that this is pretty sensitive stuff for Bill. He is staking his income and family support on this venture, and the website is a huge part of it. I'm sure he's fine with criticism, and yes, asked for it. He probably just didn't expect your full frontal assault, and went into defensive mode.
Wild Bill; You should know Scott by now. Ask him a question about computers , and you'll get more than you bargained for. He wasn't being nasty, just blunt. That's Scott. At least you know you get his honest opinion, right or wrong.
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.8.247 ) at 2:20 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
So, That's It, huh?
So, I guess that's it, huh? Am I to assume I don't get an apology? Gee... I didn't call any names. Admittedly, I might have been harsh in stating my opinion, but I attempted an apology several times (just read the posts)... But no one would let me stand behind my opinion. Everyone that commented about it thought that I should change my opinion to the "status quo", even if they didn't say it outright.
Even if an apology from me wasn't proffered, nothing I said deserved the attack on me personally for my medical condition (yes, it is a medical condition, ON RECORD), or for my living condition, neither of which I have very much control over at the present time. The attacks reminded me more of gradeschool children attacking the "unpopular kid" rather than grown men handling the situation.
Not only that, I was ganged up on for having my own opinion. I can see why we're losing members, and I can see why some of the members that are still here have wanted to leave over various discussions in the past. I think many of us have a lot of growning up to do, not just me.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:56 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
I'm a roadie
Kieran:I road the new road bike to work today
Heh... no pun intended... s/b " I RODE the new ROAD bike..."
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 1:48 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
RickMTB: Hehe, yea and the enron guy! I know, they can run for office!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 1:19 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
I'm a roadie
Kieran: Thats great... enjoy the ride (but be careful out there!)
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 1:18 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
BC: Well, I guess thats good news (hopefully for you at least). Maybe your CEO can start a new company with the CEO of Anderson (who offered up his resignation as a "too-late" last gasp way of saving Anderson)?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:14 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
OT: I guess she needed The Club?
Curtis: Loring told me about that this weekend. That really sucks. I wonder if she has any legal recourse? BASTARDS... thiefs and insurance companies both. Hmmm... maybe they're one and the same.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:12 PM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
I'm a roadie
Well, I road the new road bike to work today. SUH-WEET! It's light, fast, and smooth. BTW, Speedplay X pedals are KOOOL! Today is the first time I've ridden a road bike in... oh... about 14 years.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 11:23 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
OT: I guess she needed The Club?
Curtis: MAN I HATE THAT, You insure a car, butwhen you lease, you need gap insurance, what a crock of you know what !!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.23 ) at 11:21 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
FP heaven
Robert: I know, I know. I feel guilty every time I see the FP just sitting. For those of you following my FP saga, an update. It was damaged in shipping - turned out to be a convergence board. Ins. company is paying for a new board that I have located.
Once it's running I'm out of excuses! My room is built. The throw distance from projector mount to screen is the correct distance for a 96" 16:9 screen. I need to add a dedicated AC circuit. I'm toying w/ the idea of a perfed screen as the center channel speaker will be blocked by the screen unless I put the speaker on the floor.
BTW - a local lighting shop owner tells me that she should be able to get good deals on all Lutron stuff. If you want to send me a wish list I'll be glad to get firm quotes for you. Use it for local leverage if nothing else.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.23 ) at 11:11 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
OT: I guess she needed The Club?
A friends 540i was stolen a few days ago. It was parked in an upper middle class neighborhood with the doors locked & alarm on. It must have been towed from the rear (auto tranny) because no keys were around & the ignition has a pretty solid security system with a chip in the key that changes access codes every time you start it. I suppose any car can still be hotwired/ steering wheel lock broken - even a modern German techno-auto.
Insurance co. is balking about making good on the whole lease so in addition to nocar, my friend will likely have to make up the difference to BMW.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:56 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
FP heaven
Curtis: You should set up the ampro !! I'm Picking up 80 pcs of 2x4 today to get started, again !!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:54 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Robert
Cytotech: For the very reasons you mentioned is EXACTLY why I haven't really worked on the theater til now.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:54 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
BC: Good luck on that front.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:53 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Robert
Wild Bill: Whenever. I start the theater in earnest within two weeks. But the Lutron can be added later if I plan for it. Now I read that the 2000 series dims in 25% increments, the 3100 series 5% and the 3500 series in 1% increments,,sounds like a 3100 series for me now. One of my old dealers started dabbling in low voltage lighting originally as part of the theaters, but it had grown into 20% of their business for other low voltage projects other than theater use.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.23 ) at 10:48 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
prince: Okay I'll make a replacement DVD player one of the next upgrades. It could take some time if I need to get a FP screen and a scaler. 350 ZAR = a little over $30USD, right? That's pretty expensive for a DVD.
BC: Good luck today. Whatever happens has already been decided, so keep in mind that you're going to come out of it all in good shape.
Joe: The MGI SW should work fine for your needs. The only complaint I have is that they bombard you with spam once you register any product with them. The king of the hill in photo editing remains Adobe PhotoShop. The lite version (LE) is full of features and often comes bundled with inexpensive scanners. I may have a copy of it laying around that you're welcome to have. The full PS is incredible yet there is a steep learning curve involved.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 10:36 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Well, it looks like layoffs aren't going to happen today. The rumor is that they have been postponed until our CEO announces his resignation. It's gets more and more interesting every day!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 9:10 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
BC: Good luck Brian... out here, we wait to find out which company we will be before they start talking layoffs...
Joe ( 64.12.102.162 ) at 8:59 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
I now have...not know
Joe ( 64.12.102.162 ) at 8:59 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Morning all,
My 2 day training class was cancelled. This is too bad I know have a 6 day weekend
This morning I have to move the old computer out and set the new one in. I just have it setting on the dinning room table now.
Curtis how is the MGI software for pictures? I have the MGI Vidoeware that came with the cow, but was wondering about the photoware.
JohnO ( 140.183.155.5 ) at 8:23 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
BC: Good luck today, let us know what happens! My work has been a bear also, on my 4th boss in 6 weeks, hard to know who to respond to.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 7:45 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Good morning guys.
Today should be a morbid day here. Layoffs are rumored to begin at 10am today. I handcuffed myself to my desk so they won't be taking me!
Joelc ( 64.229.54.51 ) at 6:59 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Good morning gang...
I am back home for the day and off to Boston tomorrow and thought I would drop in for a second. A few things:
BC, Joe: I am thrilled that yuou guys are enjoying your new gear so much!
WildBill and Scott: The website rocks... it is that simple. I even showed it to a few of by travelling buds who had similar feelings. Not being one to normally enter a fray, allow me to say that we have been around this block a number of times gere... if you have a criticism, take it off line. End of rant!
Chris and Others: Sorry for the occasional off topic post, I meant no offence. That said, it is my view that the odd off topics place makes this place whaat it is... a home, more than just a bulettin board.
SPeak to everyone when I am baack on Monday. Have a good few days!
prince ( 198.54.202.4 ) at 6:44 AM EST Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Curtis - Hi my old buddy. Yes, I should think that I would be the first on your list with your famous Sony and those switches - I would take you up on it straight away!! As for discs available here, I think we must be on about 500 now with our latest releases being available in your neck of the woods about 6 months ago. I however still order all my discs from the USA but with our worthless currency, it's getting very expensive. A local disc costs about R 180 and I pay about R 350 for USA discs. Double the price but worth it because the quality of our discs are up to sh_t. We very seldom have extra's and the audio and video is just not what it should be.
Cytotech ( 67.232.190.119 ) at 10:17 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Robert
Robert: Nice pics of a very nice HT! Makes me itch for a bigger picture(still!). It's funny how your priorities change. Last year we had just moved in and I was wiring for a FP. Then all the unexpected expenses rolled in. Now this year seems to be YARD WORK!! Landscaping, a playset for the kids, new lawnmower, weedeater, blower, edger...etc. New rose bushes, new flowerbeds. Even talk of a small garden. Although I can't really complain, since the weather's been so great. It's great being outdoors.
Still, I'm getting that itch...
Joe: Congrats on the new PC. Mooooo!!
JJ ( 66.32.3.87 ) at 10:02 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Joe: if you want the look and some functionality like 95/98 start with
- right-clicking on the desktop
- properties
- Appearance tab
- set Windows Classic Style under 'Windows and Buttons'
I've been working with XP for a couple months now, I'd be happy to entertain any questions
AVB ( 64.41.33.254 ) at 10:00 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
New DTC-10 info
There is some new info on the Cinepro site. Looks sweet at $4K.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.70 ) at 9:31 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
FP heaven
Robert: Very sweet looking room. It almost makes me want to lug the AmPro out of the garage & set it up properly as soon as Kieran gets a free day to come down to help out.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.70 ) at 9:27 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
New Bike is IN!
You guys can always tell when the weather turns nice around the bay area 'cause Kieran talks bikes!
Congrats big K. Sounds like the next best thing to a motorcycle.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.178.212 ) at 9:22 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Robert
Robert: I'm not signed on with Lutron but I am considering it. What's your time frame?
Joe ( 205.188.195.41 ) at 7:12 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Anthem
Well I am overlooking something or I do not know what I ma looking at. So I will ask the experts. What can anyone find wrong with this unit? What would be a reason not to buy it? I asked.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 7:08 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
New Bike is IN!
Kieran: Sweet, get them up I wan tto see it
By the way, I saw a Cannondale R700 done in USA colors, over the weekend. On sale,,,,,,TRANNY TRANNY TRANNY, crud.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:02 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
New Bike is IN!
I pick up my new road bike tonight. I'll get pics up ASAP.
Joe ( 205.188.195.41 ) at 6:37 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Wow I can see the whole screen now. I am running 1280 x 1024 for a screen rate. I have been using Windows 95 all these years and now have to learn XP.
Robert / WB If you guys want to talk by E-Mail I would be interested in those light switches. ReallyJoe@aol.com
Actually I took soem ideals from your lighting sketch Robert
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 5:52 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Robert
joe: I think you've seen my lighting plans? My 4" cans will be eyeballs as well to highlight the discs and gear up front.
WB - you up for a cost + 10 deal on a lutron 2000 series 4 zone Grafik Eye?
I found out the 2000 series only does IR whereas the 3000 series , you can add extra keypads, etc. I only need IR.
I see our friend cai has a 3000 series GE..
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 5:48 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
joe: " We could run a front projector with that"
HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHE
joe ( 205.188.192.52 ) at 5:30 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Robert
I have 4 switches 1) 2 small eyeballs 2)6 cans 3) 4 wall sconces 4) cieling fan
joe ( 205.188.192.52 ) at 5:28 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Well I got the new computer today. It's sitting on the table. I am just trying a few things out. I put in the Fifth element. Its a better picture then my RPTV. I have burned some pictures and tried the media player.
I have not been able to log online yet, since I cannot remember my password
I looked at the computer desk and said screwit and ordered a pizza. After dinner I will start moving it.
Some of the first words out of my wife mouth was look at that picture. I responded with " We could run a front projector with that"
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 5:16 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Grafik Eye question
Wild Bill: Zone 1 (2) 4" cans Zone 2 (5) wall Sconces, Zone 3 (4) 6" Cans, Zone 4 Unknown, backlit poster case/rope lighting??? Spare?
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.250 ) at 4:53 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Grafik Eye question
Robert: The 3000 should be fine for your application. Just some low voltage, sconces, and rope?
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.250 ) at 4:47 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
prince: I agree with what you said. However, there is constructive criticism and there is just plain nastiness. To me, Scotts' posts were on the nasty side.
Many of the items Scott mentioned were already being addressed. We were trying to get the site live because our Yellow Pages get delivered at the end of March. The Meta keywords, a smoother Flash presentation and other items were already on a "to do" list. Instead of asking a question Scott made one of several invalid assumptions about our site and the area that I live in and came in with both barrels blazing. Then, knowing my last post indicated that I might leave the site he decided to come in and add more fuel to the fire by quoting me and attempting wordplay. Several members told Scott yesterday that he was wrong and out of line and he still persists in insisting that he is right and the rest of the world is wrong. At this point, I have nothing to say or post to him. I'll just bypass his posts as is they don't exist.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 4:02 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Grafik Eye question
So I'm going to have 3 or 4 zone lighting in the theater. Looking at the Lutron site, I'm a little confused as to which Graphik Eye unit I should get,,the 2000, 3000 or the 4000? The theater will be a mixture of can lighting and sconces, nothing major.
any ideas?
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.151 ) at 2:32 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
"Too many people in the IT business can't see that for themselves, and that's why the computer industry is so screwed up right now. "
Gee, I was wondering why the computer industry is so screwed up...
"If it weren't for people like me, the industry would continue to spiral downward unchecked until we wind up back in the stone age, because all the systems would crash and be unrecoverable."
Speaking for the computer industry, I offer our thanks...
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.133 ) at 1:58 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: For your information, I am working on leaving "mom and dad's little nest". as per you calling me an asshole... That's the pot calling the kettle black with your comment of not caring what type of antisocial behavior I have. Would you force a man with a broken leg to run a marathon? I deserve the same respect.
I am NOT wrong. Information posted on the web is meant to be SHARED, not restricted to certain individuals. Too many people in the IT business can't see that for themselves, and that's why the computer industry is so screwed up right now. If it weren't for people like me, the industry would continue to spiral downward unchecked until we wind up back in the stone age, because all the systems would crash and be unrecoverable.
I thought I replied to your e-mail and thanked you for the information... If I didn't, I apologize. It was an oversight. At least I didn't divulge what was said. As for the posts in the last day, they were my opinion. If I recall, I have the right to my own opinion. I looked at the HTML for your site, and it didn't look award-winning to me.
Yes, I am well aware that KPD offered me a projector last year. I would have liked to have taken him up on the offer, but I couldn't afford even the shipping. So, I kindly let it go, so he wouldn't be "out" any money.
I thanked Rich for the Star Wars LDs... I believe that I thanked Curtis for the SGI (even though I haven't put it to good use yet...) Gar sent me a DVD demo, and in return I sent Gar and Kieran a tape of Voyager's series finale... So, I'd kindly ask you to apologize for your "take take take" comment. Oh, if I ahven't convinced you yet that I don't just "take take take"... have a glimpse over this forum, the member bios, the user preferences, and the voting pages. I contributed ALL of them. You can just ask BYork... Before Ryan left, I wrote the SML, which everyone here uses. So, again, you need to rethink your "take take take" comment.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 1:36 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Tony C: alternate address is seenhear@hotmail.com
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:12 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Curtis: I got your last email and tried to reply, but it keeps coming back to me.
Thanks.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 12:19 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
prince: Well if it isn't the Prince of South Africa! Good to see you back. We are so utterly spoiled in the US with all of the great hardware and software selection. How many DVD titles are available in your Region Code these days? What is the going price?
If I ever decide to sell my DVD player with the infamous switches, you'll be the 1st to get a shot at it.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:15 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
prince: Well said.
prince ( 198.54.202.4 ) at 12:02 PM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: I'm really not one of you guys because I live a long way off from you guys. I also post very infrequently, mainly when I need some advice. I do however lurk everyday. I have been doing so for several years now and have got to know most of you by your posts. I have also seen war break out between some of you guys and I've seen some leave the forum. Everybody has their own opinions and that is what makes the forum lively. If Scott "popcorn" feels a certain way about your site, so what!! I think it's fine and so will many others. We all have opinions about each other and that's ok - it does not mean its time to leave or that one individuals opinion is that of the majority. just my 2 cents.
To all you others that I know, hello there. We are still about 10 years behind you guys but I'm sure we'll catch up in the next 50 years or so. hahaha
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 11:12 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: Just curious, are you still selling/consulting for the other guy or have yall severed your relationship and are own your own full time now?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:59 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
JJ: It's "all right", I get better sound using the DV47 dacs via tthe analog in, but hey, it's a $1000 DVD player vs a $249-299 receiver and it does have component inputs. I can't wait to get my VSX47, but now I have to wait, if you came out to my house, I'd tell you to follow the trail of transmission oil to my house. My tranny BLEW up. THere goes $2500, now why didn't I get that otehr car!!!
Tony C ( 63.42.204.70 ) at 9:58 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
AVB, Curtis and Kieran: Thanks for the comments on BNC connects.
I'm going to look at some TVs today. I don't have too much time. I've got a showcase at a club later tonight. then I'm gone for the rest of the week.
BEST BUY has the Tosh 65H81 on sale, free shipping and no payments for a year. The deal ends Saturday. So I got to get busy. Have to call Adrian today as well.
JJ: "A little bit of knowledge is dangerous". That's the problem with reading medical journals, etc. Just do what you're doing. Parenting is a scary thing. Nothing wrong with checking things out.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:54 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Robert
Joe: I've seen your colors !!!
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.250 ) at 9:54 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
Scott "popcorn": I'll put it in plain English. You are being an asshole.
The company that did my site is award winning and has done sites for corporations as large as SAIC. They are hardly learning as they go with off the shelf software.
As to your feeling about the demographics in my area, you could not be more wrong. I live in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and there are as many "computer geeks" here as there are in any area of the country.
YOU need to get a life and leave mom and dads little nest. I don't really care what type of antisocial problem you have. It doesn't warrant your behaviour or comments on this forum in the last day. Every comment made has been in my favor and you still can't simply admit that you are wrong.
So let's air a little dirty laundry.
You e-mailed me about my web site in January and I gave you a genuine reply with confidential information to help you understand what your competitors charge and offer. You repay the favor by your posts in the last day and never even gave me a thank you for the information.
KPD kindly offered you a CRT projector last year. You were so freaking cheap that you didn't even want to pay for the shipping for a free projector. Some gratitude!!
Every time someone has done something nice for you on this forum you simply take, take, take and never even offer up a word of thanks!!
Grow up Scott. It's about time!!!!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:53 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
AVB: My brother makes "art" using a welder and whatever he found on a 100 year old family ranch. I turned down the "seat/Chair", but I did get this little guy. And seeing how difficult it is to get an Oscar replica (there aren't any), this will do for know.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:51 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
Scott "popcorn": as, I have 10 sheets of drywall in the corner........
more work needs to be done first.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 8:23 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
Robert: nice. How do you like the Pio 810?
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 6:32 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Robert
You need help picking out paint colors
AVB ( 64.41.33.146 ) at 6:02 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
Robert: Looks good. I wish I had a clean space to build my theater when I started. On your equipment page, what is shown in the lower right picture?
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.150 ) at 3:13 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
Robert: Hey, that looks great except for the lack of drywall and paint...
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:05 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Making it public makes it motivational for me
Here's some "BEFORE" shots of the Keeler family theater, thought you guys might like to see the mess prior to the actual work getting done.
http://home.mchsi.com/~fourkeelers/index.html
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.150 ) at 3:01 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Ya know... Some, if not all, of you guys think I'm wrong here... Think I'm negative because of BeOS, etc... BeOS has nothing to do with it. Have you once thought that maybe I'm trying to keep someone I consider a friend from getting screwed? In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have asked ballpark figure for what he paid for the site several months back, because I was researching costs for Becky's and my business... But because I did, I have insight into exactly what's taken place. Sorry that you can't see what I'm trying to do.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.150 ) at 2:56 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Curtis: First off, Bill ASKED for comments on THIS forum. He should expect to get comments ON THIS FORUM. Second, when someone asks for comments, they should accept both positive and negative ones. If they don't, what's the purpose of asking in the first place?
As for not offering up any work, that's because we haven't done any yet. But that's more than can be said for Bill's web design team. They apparently bought an off-the-shelf web design kit and learned as they built his site. With the exception of Flash, (and only because I haven't learned it yet), *I* could have done a better job on Bill's site, taken less time, more people could view it, it would have looked just as good or better (could have made it look the same if that's what he wanted), and for less money.
Meta tags are important. They allow the search engine to pick out the site. If you were looking for an installer in your area, whouldn't you go to a search engine and type "California Theater Installers"? I would. Without the keywords, HOW are clients able to find the site? Not through a search engine, that's for sure.
As for criticizing other people's work... I agree that it's not a good idea... UNLESS they ask your opinion. Which is exactly what he did.
Re: "rich"; Nothing wrong with being successful. I'm saying "rich", because you have to be to afford a dedicated home theater. Your Average Joe isn't going to look to an installer for an HT. Also, "rich" people might be tech-savvy in your neck of the woods, but I bet the computer-geek ratio is MUCH lower in Bill's neck of the woods.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.150 ) at 2:45 AM EST Tuesday, March 26, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.20 ) at 9:13 PM CST Saturday, February 23, 2002
ATS Web Site
The company doing our web site has put up a test site. It's simply look
and feel right now, no content. Take a look and let me know what ya'll think. http://ats.testweb.gearboxx.net/ It will have a flash intro and the header will be a flash header. And
yes, Gar, the top of the site is modeled after an AVM 20.
So, did you revoke your "let me know what ya'll think" once it went live (considering it didn't work when in test phase), or did you mean to put a disclaimer "only positive comments welcome"?
Joe ( 205.188.192.42 ) at 8:58 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
JJ
Yes I know what you mean by the wifes reading something on the web. Hope all goes well.
JJ ( 165.247.57.85 ) at 7:42 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Joe: yes, the physical stuff is always fun to watch progress. being a pre-mie, she will tend to be on a different schedule than 'normal' infants/toddlers. I think things tend to equalize by 5 and school. which come to think of it, is why school age starts at five.
Curtis, Tony C: thanks for the words guys.
My son is now approaching 2. he is certainly delayed in speech. 'normal' is 50 word vocab, often combining to simple 2 word sentences.
There certainly is quite a bit of interesting reading available on the net. one is at www.latetalking.com, which explains about how some children are diagnosed with various and sundry things when in fact they are 'visual-spatial' learners, as opposed to 'auditory-sequential' which is more common, at least in the West. very interesting, even just thinking of how written languages are constructed. the west uses sequentially positioned letters to represent words and concepts, the east uses pictures!
If he is infact a visual learner which is indicated by what I read there, then there should be no problem with him talking eventually. tho, i'm no expert. this seems to be genetic, and I think he got it from me. I certainly have much aptitude in math than language (note my gramatical errors in near all my postes!)
then the other side of the coin, the bad part of the internet: my wife checks out www.autism-pdd.com, and sees a picture of a child who had built a sand castle composed of all columns lined up. my wife realizes alexander does the exact same thing with his blocks. she almost threw up. reading further down, we review the necessary symptoms, and he does not fit. this for the severe form of autism that people think of when they hear the word.
Anyway, we have his 2year doctor visit in a couple of weeks, we will discuss then. One thing we will try really hard to do is avoid allowing him to be 'labelled', at least until it is absolutely necessary. the other thing is not to go into to denial if problems persist.
thanks for listening folks.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 7:36 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Curtis:The bad news is that a big tug will break the cable.
... or yank the equipment off the shelf and on to the floor!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 7:35 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Tony C: The actual connectors don't matter; I'm assuming you're asking if a RGBHV input is valuable over just a component (Y/Cr/Cb) connection. RGBHV is useful if you plan on feeding the set a signal from a computer's graphics card, or a dtc100. AFAIK, most other HT sources these days have HD-component inputs.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.191 ) at 7:32 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Tony C: Most pro gear uses BNC connectors because a slight tug will not pull the plug out of its socket. The bad news is that a big tug will break the cable.
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 7:27 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Wild Bill: Yikes! I hope you don't leave here I know we have knocked heads once in a while, but I "value" your opinion!
AVB ( 64.41.33.146 ) at 7:16 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
BNC
Tony C: Not that important at all. If you ever really need BNC's you can get adapters.
Joe ( 152.163.205.82 ) at 6:51 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
JJ
I am still waiting on crawling. We schooch backwars on the head. Roll over and over and make turns. She is starting to get the foot in front of the other foot down. I have to help her balance. We are also learning about falling down.
But since she was 2lbs 2ozs 3 days after she was born I am being thankful and patient.
AVB ( 64.41.33.146 ) at 6:10 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Test your Knowledge
Gasgeek: THAT'S IT! Thank you. Now if I could only figure out how to DL the audio out of a Flash presentation I'd be set.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 6:05 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
As you guys know, I'm looking at new TVs.
Is it important to have BNC connections? Or will Component inputs do just as well for the future.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.191 ) at 5:19 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Sony Sat T60
BAGMAN: I'm in agreement w/ BC. You have to have 2 RG6 or better coax cables running from the dish into the directivo unit if you want both tuners to be active (trust me, you do). DSL should have zero impact as it doesn't use the voice portion of your phone line. I think that you're confusing diplexers with multiswitches. The former is used to combine antenna and sat signals while the latter will give you 4 x outputs.
Installing the tivo is a breeze once you have the coax (x2) coming in from the dish. If part of the install job is a new dish, be sure to get the Plus (oval shaped 18"x24") variety for 2 reasons; 1) it comes with a multiswitch & 2) It will see 2 sats now with the future provision for a 3rd later on.
The only downside to the directivo is that DirecTV is now requiring a 12 month programming commitment in order to activate the box. Doesn't matter if you're a new or existing customer. Flake out on them and they'll charge you back $150. Other items to consider are ... make sure you have an available optical digital input on your audio system.
Your wife will very likely be sold as soon as she sets up a few season passes. You won't believe how quickly the drive fills up.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 4:57 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
XXL AL: Thanks, I'm on it.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 3:51 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Test your Knowledge
AVB: Don't know if you ever got the information about the girl dancing in the front seat, but Mike Knapp asked the same question over on his website and here is a link to the song and a video. I think this is the one you're looking for.
http://www.dirtyvegas.com/
Curtis ( 206.170.6.170 ) at 3:22 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
JJ: My youngest son (now nearing 15) was quite late in talking. Once he did, we haven't been able to shut him up! There are simply late bloomers. He does have ADD (non-hyperactive). He has constantly tested several years above his age group in math & science. His IQ is highish yet I don't put a great deal of stock in those tests. Language arts come harder for him. He has a college kid tutor him these days and he's doing well in all subjects.
Tony C ( 63.42.206.234 ) at 3:00 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
JJ: Absolutely. My middle son spoke Chinese for about two years.
Only his older brother could understand him.
He does have a mild case of Terrets (sp) in that he has a tick. But today at 20 he's a very good college student and wonderful person to be around.
Have the baby checked out. Always trust your gut as a parent. If you're not convinced by what the doctors say, keep looking. Make sure in your heart you have exhausted all the answers. it's worth the peace of mind.
I'm sure everything will be fine.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 2:30 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
anybody here have a child that was speech delayed? aka late-talker
or any other developmental delay? disorder? etc?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.170 ) at 2:22 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Scott "popcorn": You seem to be hung up on the term "rich", as though there were something wrong with being successfull or that it was obtained at the expense of others. I suggest that you try to imagine a target market of a family who works hard to afford any other major home improvement such as a kitchen remodel. This can easily be more expensive than putting in a good HT.
In a kitchen remodel the client likely doesn't know all of the details of what goes into the finished product - nor do they have the time/energy/interest to become an expert in the field. Yet they do have a clear idea of what it should look like when the work is done.
"Smart" people use whatever the standard is. This holds true for OS's, appliances, or whatever. There are many, many excellent examples of outstanding work out there done entirely with MS products. Sure it may not be as elegant to build and it may not be terribly efficient. The truth is that nobody (users) care how something was made so long as it works.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 2:19 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Curtis; And that's just my "basement" list! I also have an inside house list, an exterior house list, a landscaping list, a car list, a motorcycle list, and a miscellaneous list. 
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 2:08 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Tony C; the ir extenders aren't discontinued, just not available at the stores. You should still be able to get them at radioshack.com. Stock #
930-0699
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.218.18 ) at 2:00 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
BIG AL: I saw a site last night while I was seraching that was obviously written by a PETA member... www.prariedogs.org What a crock. I find one paragraph near the end of the "not good pets" page irritating... about not domesticating animals for food, clothing, etc... If we hadn't done so centuries ago, we wouldn't be in the position we're in now.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:55 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Tony C.; Koool! I was still thinking, and probably would be for a while longer. .....What else was there....oh yeah, ir extenders! Be right back!
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.218.18 ) at 1:54 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Kieran: I stand by what I said... "rich" people are Bill's target audience... only they can afford such extravagant installs... As for choice of OS, someone in the IT field is not truly "smart" if they don't understand the strengths/weaknesses of the OS. If they understand this, they will either avoid Windows or curse it with every breath. If they do NOT undertand this, they cannot effectively produce quality product or service. Sure, they might be "well off"... But that is only because they are providing an inferior product to people who will buy it because they don't know any better (I give you Windows as the ultimate example)
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:16 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Scott Pop; You don't need a lot of info for prairie dogs. They're easy! A base diet low in protein and high in fiber(monkey biscuits are perfect), and throw in lots of greens, vegis, and such. Get if fixed/neutered/cut around 6 months, put it in at least a 4' cage w/corn cob litter, some pvc tubes, and be prepared to pet/scratch/rub constantly!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:15 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Curtis: Well said.
Popcorn: When I responded to your comment about "rich" people, I put "rich" in quotes because I thought using that term was inappropriate. Wealth has nothing to do with one's ability or desire to use a computer or a certain OS or web browser or whathaveyou. It doesn't take money to be clueless about computers and technology, nor does poverty imply astuteness to the same. I also don't like your statement that "if they were smart..." they'd be using Be or Linux or BSD. I consider myself to be a fairly intelligent individual. I've tried all three of those OS's and while I do still dabble with Linux for fun, I choose to use Winblows as my primary OS. Plus, I know and work with a LOT of extremely intelligent people, far beyond the intellect of either you or me, who choose to use MS products as well. These people also happen to be quite well-off, financially.
Regarding your and Becky's biz proposal to Bill, Curtis is right, first you should never insult previous decisions made by a prospective client, rather suggest that in the future it could be done better or some other diplomatic statement. Second, email or the phone is much more appropriate than a public forum for such things.
I think a big reason why Japanese companies are often so successful is that they understand the concept of pride and honor and/or "saving face". By insulting a person publicly, the only way they can save face is by somehow proving you wrong. Approach them in private, and they never have to save face in the first place.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 1:12 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
JT
JT, are you enjoying our spring yet?!?! How's the new house coming?
I'll bet you're pretty happy with the final 4 huh!
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:08 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
AVB; The calibers the frame will handle are .357, .44 mag, and .50. The full set; frame, 6 barrels, 3 clips all in blue, is around $3500. I just got the 6", the 10" will be a future upgrade. Any type of shooting that has no purpose but fun, I call plinking. I guess with this gun, it would be PLUNKING.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.170 ) at 12:27 PM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Chris L.: Best wishes to you in your outside interests.
DvnRbcc(Becky): With all due respect, Wild Bill does have an email address. Criticism of his firms' website, constructive or otherwise, can be directed to him there rather than boring the rest of us with your opinion. This is also a FAR more appropriate venue for drumming up business. I'm sure that you are a world class designer though you offer up zero work for anyone to judge your body of work by. I suppose the mention of being Pop's GF buys you a little credibility, but what does that have to do with anything?
One sales pointer for you: it is almost never a good idea to start off a conversation with a potential client by insulting his current work - particularly when he is proud of it (as WB should be in this case). It instantly puts him/her on the defensive. Everything else you after the insult is largly ignored. Sales is about building a trusting relationship.
Meta tags are probably of little importance in WB's case. Who cares if people in CA or England can quickly find his site via X search engine if he doesn't serve those markets? URL's are often just another way of letting others see what you have to offer. Publishing it in a local newspaper ad will likely have a far more positive effect on Bill's biz than all the geeks around the planet seeing it. You also run the risk of many competitors copying your site.
Re: "rich people". I'm in agreement with Tony that most of these people got their wealth by being smart and on top of things. If they can't figure out how to do something then they'll find someone who does. I know several people who fall into this category, though most of them are very savy with technology probably because I live in Silicon Valley.
Sorry for ranting gang. This is not the place for publicly putting down a fellow member.
AVB ( 64.41.32.84 ) at 11:13 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Chris L.: At least keep your email address up if anyone wants to contact you.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.170 ) at 10:38 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Tony C: Sorry man, I was far from computers this weekend. Call my cell or email about what you need.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 10:34 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Sony Sat T60
BAGMAN: I think you will need 2 runs of coax, one for each LNB, to use the dual tuner feature. I haven't heard of any issues with DSL interfering. That's a good price.
Chris - good to hear, take care.
Wild Bill - don't let the door hit you in the a**! (just kidding)
Chris L. ( 24.52.6.236 ) at 9:56 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Hey guys.
Just a quick note to let you know what's going on. I didn't mean to imply that I was being treated badly here. Hell, I haven't really posted anything in quite awhile anyway. It's just that my interests have gotten away from HT lately. I know Scott said that having my page up doesn't use up any space, but I don't really see the point in having it up if I'm not going to be around, although I do still lurk occasionally.
Don't take it personally though, guys. You're all a great group and I've had a great time hanging around and have learned alot from you.
I'm sure I'll be back and if you want to keep my (empty) bio up that's fine. Maybe I'll actually get around to taking some pics of the new setup someday and posting them.
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.250 ) at 9:33 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Count me among those who may take a break from this place. I think I've had it.
BAGMAN ( 205.245.16.213 ) at 9:20 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Sony Sat T60
I think I can get one installed,after rebates for $199. To use my existing cable coax I'll need two diplexers,correct? We have dsl,will this complicate any phone issues? Any other items that I need to consider? The wife isn't quite sold yet though. Have a great day.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 8:03 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Scott "popcorn": I don't understand what the problem is. Did Chris ask questions and not get answers?
This forum is different than all the others. It's a small group, many of whom have met each other. Sometimes it gets a little slow and the topic viers off of HT. Nothing wrong with that IMHO, especially since we all paid for the site. Our main focus is always on HT but we have other common interests and many of us have become friends. When you want advice or to chat about something, you go to your friends.
If somebody doesn't get an answer here, post it at AVS or HTF. There's alot more traffic over there, but there isn't the kind of friendships that are here.
Chris, take a break if you need to. No need to leave though.
DvnRbcc(Becky) ( 64.12.105.31 ) at 12:00 AM EST Monday, March 25, 2002
Wild Bill's WebSite
Hello all...You dont know me...I am Popcorn's/Scott's girlfriend AND business partner. And I am coming here to comment mostly to Wild Bill but also to anyone else about the subject. I use America Online version 7.0 that is the most current version of software for aol available. I am also a web designer, and I have little patience for web developers that use "flashy" techniques that only the newest softwares can see when the old standards could do the same thing OR when they leave no alternative for those who are not up to date with the rest of the world. Wild Bill, I have someting to say to you that is somewhat of a business proposition...The whole point of having a website for your business is to get YOUR info to as many people as possible...I had to attempt to load it THREE times with the newest aol software..aol has over 35 million members...that is the largest customer base of any online service out there...if THEY have trouble seeing it...where does that leave everybody else?...so here is my proposition...I dont know what kind of contracts you have with the designers that did your site...but if satisfaction was not a guarentee...it should have been...because it is to ours...the other promise we make is that we will make your information accessible FIRST...THEN we will add all the showy shebang to make them say "WOW!"..that way those who dont have that capability to view the newer technologies can still access your business, which I am sure is a priority to you. If you are not locked into a contract of some sort then I proprose that you give us a chance to show you what programming done right can do for YOU! Your website has a great idea behind it..but it lacks execution..I hope I have not overstepped my bounds by coming here to comment, but I felt I had to this time.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.34.61 ) at 11:23 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Wild Bill: This from viewing it in IE 5.0...
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.34.61 ) at 11:22 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Wild Bill: Man, I really am sorry to have to do this, but you got RIPPED... I don't mean to be mean, but I would have done a lot better job. There are no Meta keyword listings for search engines to use... They are using Javascript in places that a good programmer wouldn't need to use Javascript, and frankly, until the end of the Flash intro, looks like it was animation from 5 years ago... Sorry...
Wild Bill ( 12.78.136.234 ) at 8:56 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Scott "popcorn": I don't think anyone has treated Chris poorly. Many posts get no response on this board. It's become our nature. We all know each other many times I'll simply read a post and give no response. I can't tell you how many Home Theater posts I've made in the last 6 months that have received no response. I don't take it personally, the group has simply changed. I'm not crazy about the car and MTB posts myself but let's face it, without them there would be precious little content to read at times.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.151 ) at 8:21 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
By the way guys... I have a problem... Chris L has e-mailed me asking to be removed from the members list... First it was that he thought he was taking up our bandwidth by having a member page... I said he wasn't, and to not worry about it... Then I saw him post a few times, but then the following day I got an e-mail because no one answered him, and that he wasn't in the position to buy a new car or mountain bike...
Just wanted to let ya'll know what was going on, and wondering if you'd want to be treated the same...
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.151 ) at 8:19 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Tony C: In my experiences, the rich people want the computer to just work. They simply want to use it, not provide the upkeep for it. Unless you want to talk about those who got rich in the IT business... And in that field, it they're smart, they aren't going to be using Windows on their home computer... They'll be runing Linux, or BeOS, or FreeBSD....
BC ( 67.234.2.46 ) at 7:31 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
BC
Joe: I am enjoying the amp very much. I have been listening to music mostly as of late also. I watched the last castle last night which was the first movie I have watched with some action in it. The action at the end put a huge smile on my face! We haven't heard anything about B&K. They did talk to EAd about their new stuff and will bring in some once it ships. I think the parasound HALO stuff is still a few months out. I saw a letter with ship dates but can't remember what they were.
I was planning on trying out the Outlaw 950 but am pretty happy with the 3802 as a pre/pro. I'll decide for sure once people start getting the 950 and posting reports.
Simm, I am very happy with the ATI, even for music. HT is my main priority though. Onecall had the ATI's for $1099 with 12 months, no interest which makes it a best buy in my eyes!
JT ( 65.30.240.143 ) at 6:35 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Jayhawks
Well, my team is on a roll. I'm a happy guy today. Hopefully they can keep it coming. Go KU!!!
Tony C ( 205.188.193.56 ) at 6:25 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
OK, looks like I really do have the old TV sold this time.
Decision time is close at hand.
Curtis? Come in, Curtis.
Scott: My 2 cents. Most of the "rich" people I know are really smart. I guess that's how they got rich. ergo, they pretty much know thier way around a computer.
However, me...I'm pretty stupid.
Wild Bill ( 205.188.200.182 ) at 6:19 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Kieran: There is a skip button. Perhaps we should make it more prominent. Only the intro is Flash.
Wild Bill ( 205.188.200.182 ) at 6:19 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Kieran: There is a skip button. Perhaps we should make it more prominent. Only the intro is Flash.
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.10.41 ) at 4:29 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Dakota w/V10
Kieran: I wonder if he's got a manual or auto in it...
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:33 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Dakota w/V10
Robert: Wow... the kid's a regular grease monkey I gues, huh? Cool. I know I know I know... re. NASCAR truck racing... makes me sick, just SICK, I tell you!
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:31 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Popcorn: I think that "rich" people are more likely to have up to date software than anyone else, because they'll have computers with XP et al., and will blindly accept any suggestion for an "upgrade" to the latest and greatest.
Besides, Bill even admitted that it would be slow if you don't have high speed access, so his target audience is obviously VERY specific.
Bill: Pretty cool. I'd just suggest having an option at the start, like many other sites (htf, avs, etc.) have, that allows one to skip the flash intro, or, to go to a "non-flash" version of the site. Just a suggestion. Flash stuff is nifty, but if it's a site I will be visiting regularly or frequently (for example during the time period in which one is shopping/researching his/her HT purchases from ATS...) I personally, tire of it quickly. JMHO...
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:27 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Dakota w/V10
Kieran: The engine. PS don't tell what you said to the Nascar truck guys !!!
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:24 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Dakota w/V10
Robert: I assume the guy meant he got the V10 badge from the totalled truck, or did he take the actual V10 from his dad's totalled truck? THAT would be cool, and doable, from what I've heard. However the Dakota is not (yet?) available with a V10 as std or optional equipment. Although I still cringe/shudder when I see lowered/racing trucks. Who in their right mind would want to supe up and race a rear wheel drive vehicle with nearly no weight on its driving wheels???? Trucks are for hauling stuff and traversing rough roads/terrain. Cars are for racing! JMHO!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:13 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Now here's a stupid guy
Curtis: MORON
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:13 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Scott "popcorn": At least you said you were impressed. One step too far though. It's not about the browser, it's about his business, his lively-hood, the thing that puts food on his family's table.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:08 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
the WB
way to go Bill !! Has Pioneer started to ship you goods yet?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 3:07 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Dakota w/V10
Kieran, you have a dakota?
So I'm sitting at a stoplight and lowered dakota pulls up, I see the R/T logo and then I see a V10 logo. So I motion for the guy to roll down his window and stupid me I ask "if he's a poser or does he really have a V10 in it." reply was actually " got it from my dad's totalled truck". hind sight what it is, my first words out of my mouth was inflamitory,,great, what a way to start a road rage case. but none the less, way cool !!!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.161 ) at 2:00 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Now here's a stupid guy
WFAN personality brags on the air that he uses a test card for DirecTV. DTV sues him...
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/headline.jsp?id=03_21_2002A
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.10.230 ) at 1:55 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Joe: I'm going to ignore your post because you have obviously forgotten about my condition...
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.10.230 ) at 1:52 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: Hey, I'm simply stating my opinion... I apologize for being so harsh, but I just think you could have gotten better service. I did, in fact, go to the site last night after my posts, viewing it with Mozilla. It was pretty slow. Again, I'd like to ask you to think about your target audience. Most rich people that would be wanting a theater probably don't download new software and install it. Rich people just aren't like that with computers, in general.
Again, I apologize... I'm simply stating my opinion and my point of view.
simm ( 24.88.214.8 ) at 1:22 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill:Cool site. Congrats on the business, it looks like you are well on your way to something we would all probably enjoy doing.
BC/Joe: I haven't been online in a couple of weeks but it looks like both of you are happy with the amps you bought. I am still considering getting a seperate amp to power my DSP-A1 until I am able to move to a new processor. I just can't decide what kind to go for- ATI, Parasound, Outlaw, or maybe a Sunfire. There are pretty decent deals on some of these right now. I am looking for bang for the buck. I have spent most of my time listening to music lately and find myself less interested in movies so I don't know what to get. I can't decide if I should go with 5 or 7 channels even though the room I'm using now is only suited for 5.1 but I expect a transfer in the next 6-12 months. Decisions decisions........
Tony C ( 64.12.104.153 ) at 12:43 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: Looks good, but I'll have to wait till I'm at the office to really look around. It's too slow from home.
Wild Bill ( 64.12.105.184 ) at 12:31 PM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
BC & Joe: Thank you very much.
Joe ( 152.163.195.184 ) at 11:29 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
BC
How are you enjoying the new amp. I am really enjoying mine. I am spending most of the time listening to music. This morning I am listening to Fleetwood Mac Rumours. One unexpected advantage I ahve found is I do not have the urge to replace speakers now.
Did you decide if you are going to get an Outlaw 950? How about that inside information on B&K replacemant for the Ref 30. Does the dealer you sell for know?
I might have to try that Captain Beyod next. I bought it afterhearing Tony and AVB talk about it and have not listened to it yet.
BC ( 67.234.12.197 ) at 11:20 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: The site looks fantastic! Very professionsal and informative of what you do and can do.
Joe ( 205.188.192.169 ) at 10:24 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
I have tried to hold my tounge but will not
Bill Congrads on your endevors. You have a dream and the balls to go after it. Please do not let the neagative know it all comments of Popcorn stop you from posting here.
Scott. Why must you always have a anti microsoft, anti big corparation anti anything you don"t like stand? Lets talk about your life for awhile and see how it stacks up to someone trying something.
Lets see you just turned 30 a little ways back and what still live at home. I bet your parents are real impressed with that. What do you do for a living? Do you have a real job or do you just sit around and find fault with others? You talk about these big engineering things you are going to invent so you must have major companeys pounding down your door, right?
What is your marketing experiance? You must have a massive background in it to come up with a 70% figure? What is it like where Bill lives at? I don't know I have never been there have you? What kind of market does Bill live in? Are they (ATS) trying to attract customers or websire geeks? I have my money on customers.
Maybe I am all wrong and am taking this the wrong way, but it seems you always find fault.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.123.55 ) at 10:09 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Joelc: Rich lives in Boston. I'm sure he'd love to have you over.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 10:08 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Joelc:Be safe!!!
Wild Bill ( 12.78.123.55 ) at 9:41 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Scott "popcorn": As usual, your comments are not only rude, but...well, nuff said.
As to your 70% theory, you have no idea what the demographics are for people that buy a custom installed Home Theater. Didn't your parents tell you that if you don't have something nice to say then don't say anything at all. Thanks a lot for your great "comments".
Joelc ( 64.229.55.79 ) at 9:01 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
I am off on another two weeks of busines travel - albeit with two one day stops back at home. Anyways, I will have little time to check the boards so just wanted to wish everyone a good couple of weeks.
By the way anybody here living in Boston? I am going to be there on Thursday through Sunday.
AVB ( 64.41.32.78 ) at 8:12 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
Netscape 6
As Scott said, Netscape 6 has it's own set of doing things. When I upgraded I lost all the addresses I had for email. My complaints are that when you open it it never stays the way you had it set last so every time you have to resize the frames. Maybe I'm missing something but I can't find a way to make it look the way I want it too when it loads. The second major gripe is that if there is any hiccup it reverts to a default and you lose all of your email and newsgroup settings. I copy them into a folder just so I can dump them back into Netscape if this happens. It happens at least every other day too. Thirdly, You can't get ride of the sidebar even if you remove everything in it. Overall, it is not the best browser available anymore and I hope that they can fix it with some updates or another revision.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.191 ) at 2:49 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: Oh, as a side note, what do you want to bet that your site IS viewable with earlier browsers, but the web designers weren't smart enough to allow people to get there?
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.191 ) at 2:47 AM EST Sunday, March 24, 2002
ATS Web Site
Wild Bill: Wow! all that money for a site that 70% of internet users that would be looking for HT installation wouldn't view. I'm impressed. The web design company that I'm starting will offer all the gee-whiz-bang stuff, but will also allow anyone to view the information...
As for "upgrading browsers" I hear Netscape 6+ is a bear, and that most people are avoiding it and sticking to 4.79.
AVB ( 64.41.32.132 ) at 9:39 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Cheap DVD players
If anybody is looking for a cheap DVD player for a second or third system I found this on the Yahoo auction site. http://user.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/user/damian4960?
Joe ( 64.12.105.27 ) at 6:54 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Roger Waters
Good DVD, well mixed but I still give the edge to Frampton. It sure is sad that the band had to break up. I really wonder what kind of music they would be making today.
We put in the Sting DVD before the Roger Waters. Now I like Sting and most of his music but I am not impressed at all with the DVD.
My wife discovered DVD Empire and said " Whats DVD Audio" man I jumped at that one. Well I said.........
Tony C ( 152.163.201.79 ) at 4:37 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Joe: I think I'll be looking at the Anthem for my cousins HT that he's going to start building soon. Let me know what prices you find.
Please.
Tony C ( 152.163.201.79 ) at 4:36 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Curtis: you have mail.
Joe ( 205.188.192.44 ) at 4:27 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Wild Bill
Looks good. If I go with the Anthem I will probabley cross over to Winsdor or Sarnia to buy it. I talked to Live Wire Audio in Winsdor and they have them in stock. I may buy from a store in the states also. No matter what I do it won't be for a few months.
Joe ( 205.188.192.44 ) at 4:13 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Scott
You have mail
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.80 ) at 4:06 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
ATS Web Site
Just went live. www.alternativetheatersolutions.com
Warning, if you are one of those that refuses to update your web browser for one reason or another, it won't work. It has a Flash intro so those of you with slow connections will have to be patient. We think it's worth the wait.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.164 ) at 3:43 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
My TV
Tony C:If you have tight control over light, I would lean towards the FP. Nothing wrong with either the Tosh or Mits 65" RP's either - simply apples vs. oranges.
I might be able to tip the scales a bit towards one of them by hooking you up with the dude I bought my RP and friends plasma display from. If nothing else you can use his prices as leverage elsewhere. He's authorized to sell all of the displays on your list & recently picked up an Elite contract. Email me if interested.
AVB ( 64.41.32.132 ) at 3:37 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your knowledge
Curtis: I think you've got it! However, I still need the name of the song and artist. Now that I was looking for the ad I haven't seen it at all today.
Scott Veirs ( 216.174.54.200 ) at 3:37 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
NEW YORK
Gar: You can reach him on AOL at carlos654321@aol.com OR on AIM as carlos654321 - hes on everyday but not all day.
I'll let him know your looking for him.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 3:04 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Joe: Just remember the MC-1 is a dead end unit. It does not offer DPLII and will no loger have any updates available. If the price is very good on the MC-1 then you can get a great HT processor.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.123.152.88 ) at 2:22 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
BIG AL: Hey Really Big Al! Have you found more information on pet Prarie Dogs yet? I'm really curious and thirsting for more info... Not that I can get one right away...
Tony C ( 152.163.207.79 ) at 2:19 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
My TV
Well, I went across the street to see this guys house and there is no way that my TV will fit down his stairs. There's a real sharp turn.
So, my TV is still for sale.
I built a cube 61' X 61" X 28".
it actually fit down the stairs but was a tight fit at the bottom.
That is the size of a Toshiba 65HX81.
which means that a 65H81 will also fit because it's 2" less deep and one inch less in hight.
A Mits 65" would work fine because it comes apart.
Now, if the cost of each 65" is comparable to the Sony 10HT, ($3,100) I have to decide how to go. Except of course that there is a ton of work involed with wiring the FP and a lot more money for the screen.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.216 ) at 12:15 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
BIG AL: Man, I'm exhausted after just reading your list of chores! I too am goal oriented - when I decide to do something, sleep becomes optional. Good luck with it all and bend at the knees.
AVB:I can't name that tune off the top of my head yet I was under the impression that the woman was dancing with what was directly on both sides of her seatbelt.
Tony C ( 152.163.201.69 ) at 12:12 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Joe: I've been to Pine Knob many, many time. One of my favorite venues.
Tony C ( 152.163.201.69 ) at 12:12 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your Knowledge
AVB: Yes, if it's the one where the chick says, "turn it up baby",
That's the Wise Guys, "Start The Commotion".
Curtis ( 206.170.7.216 ) at 12:06 PM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Joe: Those are all wonderful pre/pros and well worth a look. As the resident tightwad I have to toss in the idea of looking at the Sony 9000ES. I know, it doesn't do all of the latest whiz-bang x.1 7,8 & 9 channel surround modes - yet what it does it does quite well. Think of the other toys you could buy with the savings vs. something like the TAG.
Tony C ( 152.163.201.69 ) at 11:56 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Looks like I sold my XBR today.
(unless Big Al wants to take a look at it first)
But the guy across the street wants it and he's in no hurry, which means I have all the time I need to decide what to do.
I bought a bunch of 1x2s today and will build my cube to see what will fit down the stairs.
Then again, I saw a 10HT on line for $3,100.
That means a lot of thinking to be done. I still have to figure out how I'm going to pay of it.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.123.151 ) at 11:54 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Joe: The only problem with the Anthem units is availability. I have three on order and I'm waiting with baited breath for the showroom model. My rep is trying to bump me to the top of the list. The MCA50 is also difficult to find. It looks like Sonic Frontiers didn't know what they had coming. What perplexes me is the discounting that is going on with the AVM20. It's a very hot item and there is no need for dealers to offer ridiculous discounts. Sonic Frontiers is now fully under the Audiostream (Paradigm) umbrella and the transition may have something to do with the availability problems.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 11:10 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Morning all,
I have been doing a little browsing this morning. I have looked at the MC-1 & The Tag-AVR-32. The tag is a bit more then I was thinking, but it was worth a look.
I am still curious about a new version of the Parasound and the B&K Ref 30, but that Anthem is looking really good.
AVB ( 64.41.32.251 ) at 10:57 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your Knowledge
Robert: Humm, The Wise Guys one is "Start the commotion get your body in motion..."? This is the other Techno one. I'll have to listen again and see if I can get some lyrics. Thanks for the help though.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:22 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your Knowledge
AVB: I'm wondering if it's The Wise Guys one. "Start the Commotion".
AVB ( 64.41.32.251 ) at 9:25 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your Knowledge
Robert: No, it's not BNL. This is Techno or some variation.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:20 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your Knowledge
AVB: I think the one you want is the bare naked ladies, I have the CD, I'll check. The other one I like is with The Wise Guys.
T-Man ( 208.40.137.51 ) at 8:25 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Locking Up
BIG AL: I don't post much these days but I knew I was sleeping better last night, just didn't know why. Now I do...you were making sure we got locked up. Very comforting. BTW, I say buy the TV and use the bricks from your wife to make a nice wall at one end of your HT room.
AVB ( 64.41.32.251 ) at 7:40 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Test your Knowledge
What is the song and artist played on the Mitsubishi Eclipse car commercial? It's the one where the girl is dancing (with her arms anyway) in the car. Not a trivia question, I just want to know.
AVB ( 64.41.32.251 ) at 7:18 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Plinking!?!?!?
BIG AL: A 50 cal Action Express for plinking at about a buck a round. Do you have a moose or bear problem to plink at? Or maybe a few cars you need to stop. Isn't there a 22 barrel you can get for the frame? Anyway, I'm jealous. If you have a chance, try a Thompson HandCannon with a 50 cal MI round. It's the same round used in a 50 cal machine gun and will really test how strong your wrists are. At 210 lbs I don't have enough mass to fire it standing up so I had to use a sitting position. The one guy was about 340 and it pushed him back a few steps.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 6:45 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Tony
The other day it was just Frampton Comes Alive CD. Lastnight it was Frampton DVD. It was recorded at Pine Knob in Clarkston. They say Detriot becasue no one ever heard of Clarkston.
We were actually supose to go to that show, but work interfered The venue is a 40 minute from drive from my house. When i went there for the first time in 1978 to see REO Speedwagon and Molly Hatchet, you could take pony kegs in. Anything was ok as long as it was not glass.
Now it's a big tourist thing, they even have a clock on the stage for the 11:00 local ordiance. It's still a nice outside place to see a show.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.31 ) at 3:17 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Looks like I get to lock up. Just like old times! I guess I could yak a while.....
A few months ago I took over the manager position at the store. It's not a company store, it's privately owned, so not a lot of prestige, or pay for that matter. The plusses are I get to order punks around, and I can sit a lot more. This has helped my back a lot, and I can exersize daily now. Not a huge step forward, but definately an improvement. The first real improvement in about 5 years. I'm still in pain about 70% of the time, but that's better than 100%, like last year.
My alligator has some kind of infection on his gums. It's starting to get bad, so tomorrow I start Neosporin treatments. The wife won't help, so I get to try to hold a thrashing 3.5' gator, and apply ointment to his gums, WITHOUT getting bit.....I hope.
More excitement tomorrow! I pick up another saltwater fish. Not a big deal to most, but I'm slowly building my collection back up. I lost about $5000 worth of fish to a viral infection about 10 years ago, and I'm just getting the nerve back to try again. I've got my old 4' Tessalotta moray eel back from my friend that was eel sitting, and a 6" Clown Trigger. Tomorrow, a 9" Emperator Angel. My goal is to build a new house for the gator, and give his 6' tank back to the fish.
Speaking of goals...... I have a tendency to create goals for myself that either require huge amounts of time, huge amounts of money, or both. When I have the time, I spend my cash on ways to waste time. When I decide to work towards a goal, I've already spent my cash, and wasted my time. It's fun, but not very efficient, goalwise speaking. I need to change that.
I really want to start work on a dedicated room for HT. Before I can, I need to insulate and panel the basement. Before I can, I need to build a display for the gator. Before I can, I need to put shelves up to organize the piles of junk in the way. Before I can, I have to move the huge pile of boxes containing my secondary sound system. Before I can, I have to set up the entertainment center so I can fill it, and store the emty boxes. Before I can, I have to insulate and panel the wall behind where the entertainment center will be. hmmmm....
I need to have a drink, and watch a movie! Of course that would be a complete waste of time.
nite all!
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.31 ) at 2:28 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
TonyC.; No, I didn't forget. I don't have a catalog here, but I'll be going past the store tomorrow. I'll stop in and see what I can find out about the IR extenders. Even if they're discontinued, I still may be able to snag a couple.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.31 ) at 2:24 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Tony C.; You're TV is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tempting, you wouldn't believe it. If I had a buyer for my 6 year old Toshiba, I'd be driving a truck to your house tomorrow. It would have to be tomorrow, cause the wife will be out of town. If she knew I was getting a new tv, she'd pass enough bricks for a BBQ! Why don't you e-mail me the specs,inputs,measurements, and particulars, and maybe it'll push me over the edge. I haven't kept up on tv specs over the last few years to avoid upgrade bugs. Especially the Sonys because of the $$$. My game room 10 year old Sony 27" just died though, and I was thinking of maybe an HDTV to replace it. hmmmmm..... big_al6@yahoo.com
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.31 ) at 2:10 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Ron H. There's a long thread on the whole Sovereign line on the AVS forum, mostly gripes. Just about all of their complaints won't affect me, as all I want is all my DVD's in one machine (or maybe 2), and a quality prog. scan output for future use. Plus there's already a software upgrade in the later batch of units. I'm thinking about the Entre, but since I probably won't use the internet features, I may go for the Yamaha 1000. It's a CD recorder with a hard drive, which is what I really want. Check out the AVS forum (DVD/LD hardware), and if that doesn't turn you off...the DVD megachanger is HUGE! It won't fit in any cabinet without some chainsaw use!
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.31 ) at 2:01 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Thanks for the "welcome backs" guys. It feels good.
AVB; Not really an upgrade. I've always wanted a DE .50, as it's the only gun I've found so far that fits my hand perfectly. A full Hogue grip with finger indents came with it, and it improved perfection. It's a custom finish. Kind of a two tone. The frame is brushed chrome, and the slide/barrell a lighter matte chrome. Really gorgeous, and done by the same plant that does the factory finishes. It looks like a satin stainless, but more durable. I haven't shot it yet, as I've only had it a week. What do I plan to do with it? It's just for "plinking"...beer cans and such. The "side of a barn" targets are on order.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.212.25 ) at 1:18 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Downtown LA, cont.
I love it downtown. It really is a vibrant and exciting place to work. There are parks, restaurants, and lots of activities to keep everyone happy. Several free concerts a week during the spring and summer at the California plaza with it's fountains and at Pershing Square. A park with an 8 story parking structure underneath it. Gotta love LA. I used to love the California Incline train until it broke loose and killed a hillbilly from back east. Oh well!! Like it or not, LA really is the center of the Universe!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!! 
Gasgeek ( 209.179.212.25 ) at 1:15 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Downtown LA
Yeah, yeah yeah!!!! LA didn't have a downtown, so they tore down some slums and put up a bunch of tall buildings. I'm back on the 28th floor of one of the tallest. I'm right next door to the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The one that was the first to be nuked by the aliens in ID4. Oh well. Today, I'm in a corner window office with one of my old buds and there's 4 helicopters pulling signs for a new movie. They didn't come close enough to see, but it's normal around here for a new premiere. He says, every since 9/11, everytime I see a plane, I think about running. Not for comedy, but for real. Oh well!!!!
Gasgeek ( 209.179.212.25 ) at 1:11 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Roger Waters
Ron H: Damn Ron. Say the word, I'll get you a copy tomorrow and send the damn thing to you immediately. I know you're good for it. Whatcha think? DVDPlanet was sold out of it the other day. Like I said, at least 8 copies at the Torrance Best Buy when I went with the wife to get the Turbo Tax program last week.
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 12:48 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
DVD 47
I can get one of these puppies for $750 shipped, at this price chroma bug or not its a good deal. But hey my RP-56 Panasonic uses a Faroudja chip for much less money and puts up a excellent picture with no chroma bug. I have seen it, and it is minor, but that being said a top notch Pioneer Elite player should use Elite parts not anything second rate.
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 12:45 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Joe
Try a cheater plug on the Amp sometimes that can fix the problem.
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 12:38 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
NEW YORK
Hey gents, in New Jersey, just got back from New York City! Will try to stay at the Waldorf tomorrow, big bucks but I always wanted to stay there for a evening. Carlos where are you dude!!!!!
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.72.134 ) at 12:23 AM EST Saturday, March 23, 2002
Ice Age
Movie to make you laugh so hard you pee.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:04 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Roger Waters
Gasgeek: It is funny you mentioned the RW DVD. I was looking for it tonight even Suncoast did not have it.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.114 ) at 10:59 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Rat Race
Silly movie. But some real laughs in there.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.114 ) at 10:58 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Training Day
Good movie. Bad ending.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.114 ) at 10:55 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
JOE: Anastasia? No clue.
Question for you though. You mentioned that you were listening to Framton when you first got the amp. Did you mean a DVD-A of the 70's Frampton Comes Alive, or the '90's DVD? The one recorded in Detroit.
Chris L. ( 24.52.6.236 ) at 9:25 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
we really need an edit post feature around here. ::grumble::
Chris L. ( 24.52.6.236 ) at 9:22 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Ahh yes...much too long. doh!
Chris L. ( 24.52.6.236 ) at 9:21 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Hey guys! Long time no type to!
Been pretty damn busy with other things and haven't had much time for anything HT related in much too long.
For one the tenants next door moved and we've been spending almost every free minute repainting and making the place presenatble in hopes of renting it out soon. We were a little scared to raise the rent from the previous $975 a month to $1250 but we got a ton of potential renters. We finally got some good ones though and they signed the lease today!
I wasn't home when they came over to sign but my GF said the guy was pretty impressed with the HT setup. He said his pride and joy was HIS)
ANYway...I hope to be able to hang around some more now that all that's taken care of.
Joe ( 205.188.196.41 ) at 8:19 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
For all those whom wished me a happy birhtday and congrads on the amp thanks. I have been busy and should have thank you all before.
Joe ( 205.188.196.41 ) at 8:18 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Tony C
Onthe EJ disc he has a guest, Anastacia what else does she have out?
Joe ( 205.188.196.41 ) at 8:16 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Roger Waters
Gasgeek: Well I found the hum in my system. AFter 2.5 hours of plugging and unplugging it came down to my DVD/LD player. Both the analog outs and the 5.1 to the decoder. If I unplug them bye bye hum. If I even plug one of the in the hum is back.
After all that I put the stuff back together and poped in the Frampton DVD. My wife is really amazed at how good it sounds. We jammed n him for quite awhile.
After Gasgeeks reviews a few weeks back I pened up the Elton John DVD. It started out really really good. Howeverit has taken a few songs to get use to the mix. When he started signing I was not ready for the forwardness ( is that a word) from the center speaker. As I type this my wife and daughter are danceing around the theater room to Crocidile Rock. So that is a big WAF
Also at the geeks reviews I have Roger Waters, but am not going to turn off the Elton at this time. I think that will be a no one home but me DVD.
I thougth I would spend $1500 or so on a Pre/Pro, but have changed my mind. If just a amp can make this differance I can see uping my budget. I might have to work a little more overtime, but thats ok. Seeing the enjoyment the wife and daughter are having is worth it.
Overall I am pleased with my purchase. Now UPS thats another story
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:08 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Wild Bill:Robert: "We all have more advanced HT's than 99.9% of the population "
I'm doing my part to get them to catch up to you.
LOL! And RickMTB and I are doing our parts to bring the curve down! Budget HT owners, UNITE!
Wild Bill ( 12.78.178.97 ) at 7:42 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Robert: "We all have more advanced HT's than 99.9% of the population "
I'm doing my part to get them to catch up to you.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.48 ) at 7:36 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Tony C: Sure there's a downtown LA. You can catch any Red Car trolley right to it.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:13 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Tony C: re. "downtown LA" ... LOL! So true...
BC ( 67.234.69.206 ) at 7:12 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
BC, did you get my email(s) yet?
Robert: Got it and sent you a reply.
Tony C ( 63.42.206.44 ) at 6:23 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Gasgeek: I think the new job sounds great. Good for you. Hope the commute isn't too bad.
But wait...LA doesn't have a "Downtown". Just a couple of buildings clumped together.
Tony C ( 63.42.206.44 ) at 6:18 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Ron H: Well that is especially true for those companies mentioned. If you want to keep your beer cold, just put it between to Capitol CDs.
And let's not forget the Mariah debacle. $23 million to walk away was still probably a better deal.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:04 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Roger Waters
Joe: Put on the Roger Waters DVD and blow the lid off the place with your new amp. Ron H. Did you ever get it. There were 8 copies at my Best Buy last time I went in. When I tried to buy it for my brother in law in Vegas last month, I couldn't find it anywhere. Still the best concert DVD out in quite awhile.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:02 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Hey Guys. I'm posting from my new office in downtown LA. I'm not officially here yet, but I came down to pick up my new IBM ThinkPad and to get my parking set up, etc. I'm leaving the field supervisor job and moving back downtown to a marketing consultant job. Gulp! A consultant is someone who uses your watch to tell you the time. Then keeps the watch.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 4:50 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
BC, did you get my email(s) yet?
BC, I sent it to the msn addy, let me know if you don't get it, I've had several calls today about not getting email.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 4:25 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Ron H: Here here, I won't tell friends or my wife about it, in fact I make no comments about picture quality and the like unless it's pointed out.(but I did have to point out my gaff for Super Bowl and right it with a "corrected" picture from the Olympics. We all have more advanced HT's than 99.9% of the population so I say, enjoy it.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 4:22 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A rant
Kieran: It's politics, manufacturers OEM all sorts of things, but it all boils down sometimes to allegences (sp). In fact the 64 point convergence on Mitsubishi PTV's is a Pioneer product, the 1bit digital technology coming soon is from Sharp, and the MPEG decoders Pioneer uses comes from Mitsubishi. And after seeing how much Pioneer is charged for the wiring in Car stereos and home stereos, somebody has GOT to be a billionare by now. Sometimes it partnerships that get in the way of a truly great product.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 3:44 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Robert: I have not noticed the chroma bug and the last thing I want to do is look for it!!!!!!
I have gone past the point of over analyzing the sound and video quality of my setup. I now just sit back and enjoy the show. If a glitch appears for a microsecond I forget about it a microsecond later.
It is so easy to forget just how great our systems really are.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 3:37 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Scott "popcorn": How about some major stars have had some huge busts as far as record sales go.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:14 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Scott "popcorn": you're right in a sense about the money, but I don't blame executives who can find talent for their companies and the masses.
I do however blame the corporate types (and shareholders) who contribute nothing but take all the profits they can. Furthermore, they insist that every quarter the stock goes up so they make more more money.
That's the problem with every major public company in the country today.
How do I protect my $2million a year job? Fire people.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:07 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Joelc: Prices in Canada as well as overseas are way higher than the States. But it's the downloading and pirating that has grown to unmeasurable porportions this year.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 2:19 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
New Amp
BC: No Cable, I have a Sat and tower antennea. IT runs into a Channelplus DA-550HHR distubution amp. There is a run going to the reciever. I will start there.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:05 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A rant
Gasgeek: I agree with you that the chroma bug is blown out of proportion for the most part. However, I can see it, and it does "bug" me. Unwatchable? Certainly not. My own Sony dvp-s7700 has the chroma bug. But you really have to look for it, as is the case with the Elite players.
A big, HOWEVER! What really pisses me off, is that the chroma bug is a very easy thing to fix. It is there because of lazyness on the part of the software engineers who designed the guilty MPEG2 decoders. Companies that use these "faulty" MPEG2 decoders put all this post processing in place that supposedly helps mask the chroma error. If they would just fix the problem instead of the symptoms, I bet things would be a lot cheaper. It's just poor engineering IMHO, and I therefore talk trash about the chroma bug based on principle alone! I mean, if a company like Pioneer can make such excellent products that are such high quality, and so highly reviewed, why can't they break down and REPLACE the darn MPEG decoder? They use a 3rd party decoder anyway, go to some OTHER 3rd party (like Matsushita for example, who's MPEG2 decoders are c-bug free.) Denon's new dvd players use Matsushita MPEG2 decoders, BTW.
Again, quality wise, I agree, the chroma bug is a minor gripe, and it is WAY over blown by critics on the forums. However, the fix is out there, and some companies seem resistant to incorporate it. It probably comes down to corporate politics, which bugs me even more!
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 2:00 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV37
Robert: Haven't seen it yet. You may also try becorr@msn.com
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.172 ) at 1:57 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Dangit
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.172 ) at 1:56 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Joelc: It's because the executives want more money, so they either have to raise prices (bad idea, they're too high already) or cut the work force.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.172 ) at 1:56 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Joelc: It's because the executives want more money, so they either have to raise prices (bad idea, they're too high already) or cut the work force.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 1:12 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
New Amp
Joe: Do you have cable?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:27 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV37
BC: Email heading your way.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 12:04 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
New Amp
Joe:I agree Frampton is a very good DVD.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 12:04 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
New Amp
Joe: What other problem???
You need to find the source of the buzz before the return policy expires.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 12:00 PM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
New Amp
I listened to some Frampton Comes Alive last night. It is sounding really good. It was the kind of full sound that grabs you right down in nads and fills your whole body. I am still limited on the movie testing. I might have to send the wife and baby shopping this weeknend for a few hours.
Now If I was posting on one of those other forums I could say " Man once those electrons got burned in and loosened up......
Besides the little buzz in the speakers I have found one other problem. It makes me want to say screw the budget and run out to buy a new Pre/Pro
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 11:36 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A rant
Robert: You could be right, but I think the reality of the situation is that most of the people who express their opinions on the internet don't have a clue what they're talking about. Granted, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it's just like reading something in the National Inquirer, you have no idea of the backgroud, source or knowledge level.
For instance, a couple of guys on AVS went down to their local dealer in Canada to test drive the 47-A against a 38-A. They reviewed the video quality, yet in their review they said they were using the S video out. Who cares about the S video out. This is a progressive machine, why in the world wouldn't you use the component out on an HD ready screen for testing. They also declared that the 38A was better for DVD audio. They listened to two discs and said that one disc sounded better on the 47 and one sounded much better on the 38. ????? They also weren't even sure if they were listening to 2 or 6 channel when they reviewed the 47A against the top of the line Sony SACD player. Their conclusion for the whole world to read was that the 47A was far inferior to the 38A. One of the yahoos even wrote a letter to Pioneers head guy in Canada saying that he was terribly disappointed in the 47A. Like I said, they're entitled to their opinion, but it's just that and yet people take it as gospel.
The Chroma bug issue is out of hand too, IMHO. SGHT rates the 37 and 38A as AA buys and strongly recommends them, yet if you got to some of our brothers on the net, they declare the Elites as totally unwatchable. I doubt if most of these Yahoos online have even seen the Elites in person, yet they're experts. I believe Kieran said in response to AVB's question about a good player around a grand that there isn't a machine made that isn't torn apart by the so called experts on the other forums. Screw em! No machine is perfect, but the Elites and my little old Toshiba 9000 gets the job done for me. I have yet to have a movie ruined for me because of a few minor glitches along the line.
End of rant.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 11:16 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Robert: Man, I'd love to pick up the DV37! I've never been thrilled with the JVC SA-75 I picked up. The audio/video is a notch lower than the RP91 it replaced but I hated the menu's and usability of the RP91.
I've got to go check and see how much this speeding ticket I got is gonna cost me.
Keep me posted on whether you sell it or not. If I can pay the ticket, sell my current player and have enough expendable cash left over, I'll buy it!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:39 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Gasgeek: I'd put money down that those who had an EARLY negative experience got one with the wrong firmware. JMO. I was told to wait a bit by my "friends" and that was the reason for the month delay. Now to go buy some sacd and more dvd a discs.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 10:32 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Tony C: Keep a firm hand on the rail my friend. Good luck!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.177 ) at 9:58 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Tony C: Semi-guilty as charged! I downloaded the super ccf's but still have a lot of customizing to do.
I hope your job stays safe there.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 9:58 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
Robert: Thanks for the report on the 47-A. It just verifies my feelings, not that I need verifying. I think it's a great machine, but I wanted the opinion of someone else that was familiar with the 37-38 machines. I agree, for the money, it's a great machine. When I finally get a pre/pro that will let me do DVD-A and SACD, I will definitely have one in my rack.
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 8:22 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
BC and Tony C: My thoughts are with you guys, as well as wishing you the best of luck.
On an unrelated note, why are so many layoffs in the music industry? The scene is Canada, at least at the retail end, would indicate that the industry is very healthy given that prices are on an upward spiral with no sign of a resulting decrease in demand. What gives?
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 7:31 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
More Layoffs
Tony C: Good luck.
I am in the same boat here at Worldcom. They laid off the contractors last week and supposedly the big round is happening next week sometime.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:07 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
Tony C: Re. Curtis' pronto... ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
Re. layoffs... good luck. I know how you feel.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:00 AM EST Friday, March 22, 2002
DV47A
If you are deciding on a new DVD player that is more than just a dvd player, run don't walk to get the DV47A. This machine is sweet. I currently have it hooked up to a Pioneer VSX810 6.1 receiver, and as such, the analog outs of the 47 are better than the DACs in the 810. OF course I've got to run analog out for DVD A, but I had it also running analog out for movies tonight,,the sonic qualities shot up many notches. I listened to Blue Man Group and Natalie Merchant as well as a Demo DVDA disc. Great sound even with limited bass management. I can't wait to get the VSX47 receiver now and use the dacs in that machine. The picture quality is better than my 37 as well. I watched a portion of the Mummy returns, the faces were much clearer and detailed in the dark scenes than on the 37. For $1000 I would totally recommend this unit. Now I have to purchase a couple of SACD's to test further. I could be biased, but I like this unit a lot better than the 37 in picture and sound (which I think can be attributed to the seperate power supplies for Video & Audio) and the DVDA/SACD seals the deal. Anybody want to buy my DV-37 for $375 + Shipping? ( it's still a great unit, honest !)
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 11:51 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
More Layoffs
Tony C: Good luck my friend
Cytotech ( 67.232.172.81 ) at 11:49 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ceiling fan
If anyone is in need of a ceiling fan, Home Depot has a hunter 52" WITH a light kit AND remote for $69. We installed ours tonight. Very sweet, and quite a deal.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:03 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
More Layoffs
Tony C: Wishing you good luck!!!!
Tony C ( 205.188.193.151 ) at 9:56 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
More Layoffs
More of my friends were layed off today. Virgin, Capitol and EMI had a blood bath. 1,500 people layed off.
Things are getting close. Real close.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.151 ) at 9:45 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Curtis: Maybe you should let your girlfriend take that Prontopro.
She might actually program it for you! HA-HA!
(now that's funny)
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 5:35 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Here's a cool thread to check out
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=94211d1a5e3ecb39cd34f835d398823c&threadid=125954&perpage=20&pagenumber=1
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 5:31 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Tile
It is simply amazing how fast the tile is being installed. They have almost finished the dining room, pantry, kitchen, utility room, a small strip in front of the patio doors from the pool area, and the entry foyer faster than it took me to lay the tile in a small master bath.
We went with porcelin (spl) in all the ares except for the entry and dining room which we did in slate.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:20 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
HDTV
Ron H: Good point... I sure hope so. HDTV is the ONLY thing that will get me to subscribe to cable. I currently don't have ANY television programming in my house. No OTA, no cable, no DSS... just DVD and LD, baby!
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 5:16 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H:Oh shit!! LOL
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 5:16 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Kieran: At $250.00 I would probably do it just to not have the monthly reminder.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 5:13 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
BAGMAN: I called you are tied up now!!! LOL
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 5:12 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Kieran: In my uneducated opinion, I think you are right, around $250.00
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 5:12 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
HDTV
Kieran: Maybe with Sat looking at expanding its HD programming and other cable companies staring to offer or expand it will get their attention.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 5:11 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H: Jeez, I hope it's not me yet!
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 5:09 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
BAGMAN: I think that it is a option. I believe it is around a $300 option. Keep in mind the lifetime deal is tied to the box not to you.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:07 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
BAGMAN: Yes, there is usually a lifetime Tivo subscription deal available. Last I checked it was $250. However, if they're raising rates, maybe they're doing away with the lifetime deal, too.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:02 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
HDTV
Ron H: Still waiting to hear news of AT&T cable jumping on the HD bandwagon...
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 4:56 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H: Is there a lifetime deal?
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 4:32 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
HDTV
"Cable's latest push into high-definition
television (HDTV), with announcements about
delivery of the digital TV technology coming
from Comcast and Charter within the last week,
is only the beginning, according to industry leaders.
"Broadcasters who offer any significant amount of
HDTV programming are more and more likely to find
receptive cable operators. Over the coming months,
you’ll see still more cable operators launch HDTV,"
Robert Sachs, president and CEO of the National
Cable and Telecommunications Association, said
this week.
"Cable operators are looking to add services that
bring the most value for consumers," he said.
Cable's HDTV efforts so far include Time Warner
Cable’s launch of high-def tiers in the 42 markets
it serves; Comcast’s debut of an HDTV tier in
Philadelphia to 1.3 million customers and plans to
offer HDTV in Washington, D.C., Detroit and
Indianapolis; and Charter's future launch of HDTV
tiers in seven of its markets, including Birmingham,
Ala.; South Miami, Fla.; and St. Louis.
Sachs said cable can help get HDTV products into
the home. "We believe that compelling high definition
digital programming will drive DTV sales up and
bring prices down to a range more consumers can
afford. And for the DTV transition ever to succeed,
this has to happen," he said."
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 4:12 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Curtis: I did not know about the price increase.
Joe ( 205.188.195.44 ) at 4:10 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
This is funny
http://koti.mbnet.fi/~soldier/towboat.htm
Curtis ( 206.170.6.105 ) at 4:00 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H: Or better yet a ProntoPro. There's no way my GF is taking that out of the main HT room however.
The only good news about the damned $9.95/month tivo charge is that DirecTivo's will stay at that price while all other Tivo subs increase to $12.95/month starting in April.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 3:42 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Curtis: Unless you have a Pronto to control it.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 3:41 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
BAGMAN: $10.00
T-Man ( 216.151.67.126 ) at 3:27 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Oh No !
BAGMAN: Corky Travolta? The image is forever etched in my mind.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.105 ) at 3:27 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
... just be sure that the remote comes w/ the Tivo. There was a remoteless T60 at the store yesterday for a whole $10 off. The box is nearly useless without it.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 3:23 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H: Gotcha on the monthly payment. Thankyou. Any idea how much Tivo adds to the fare?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.105 ) at 3:22 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H: You know my musical tastes too well. It's tough to select one best album however.
Bagman: That be she (the Sony SAT-T60) at $239 it's a no-brainer, go for it or I will for the master BR. Get the $100 rebate form and you'll get out for $139 + tax. I have a blank rebate mail in form if you need a copy. Valid for SAT-T60 and SVR-2000 purchased between 1/31/02 & 3/31/02.
You may have a small issue with activating the access card if the 1st owner already registered it w/ DTV. Press them & they'll send you a new card for cheap. Good luck & I'm serious about buying it if you don't want it.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 3:19 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Scott "popcorn": The new LCoS technology seems to have alot of potential. There did seem to some bugs/problems with some of the early FPs but they seem to be worked out. A RP Hmmmmmm.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 3:11 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Curtis: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=c7ef7ddcc14f0207edfb5e7f68f52c7f&threadid=126829
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 3:06 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Oh No !
T-Man: Day off. Thinking real hard on DirecTivo. Sitting here waiting for Cork-a-Dork and his wife. They are visiting and supposedly looking at houses around here. It had been so long since I bought any cds that I almost forgot how to program the titles in. Pathetic.
T-Man ( 216.151.67.126 ) at 3:00 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Oh No !
BAGMAN: Not working today Bagman? Get TiVo.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:40 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Cool
Nifty new keyboard
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 2:36 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Oh No !
Just bought the new issue of SGHT, an eclectic group of cds, the new Dwight Yokum,the new Diana Krall and the new Kid Rock. Also found an out of the box Sony Satt60 for $239.00. Is the Satt60 the one you just picked up Curtis? I feel a "bug" coming on. Oh yea, picked up Tombstone too
Curtis ( 206.170.6.167 ) at 2:29 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Plus dish
Wild Bill: Then yours will be one of a very few that can demo all kinds of high quality signals - good going. The popcorn won't hurt either.
I simply lucked out with a ChannelMaster 4228 8 bowtie OTA antenna. Getting 12 digital channels without the need for a rotor - one channel is broadcast 180 degrees from the others. How happy would I be with 8 additional HD channels?!
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.8.64 ) at 2:24 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Dang... last night (early morning) I posted about a Toshiba TV that was at CES that is shown in the April 2002 Popular Mechanics on page 86. LCoS technology, three chip, and only 17" deep cabinet... 57" screen.
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.250 ) at 2:23 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
If any of you are interested in getting a popcorn popper for yyour HT, here's a link.
Kieran & Robert: BTW, we already have the popcorn popper. It's in the storage room waiting to be uncrated.
Wild Bill ( 209.246.43.250 ) at 2:21 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Plus dish
Curtis: FYI: I'm hearing from the company that I sub out my satellite installs to that the 3rd LNB is due to go live within the next 6 months. Rumor is that up to 8 more high definition channels will be broadcast when the 3rd LNB goes live. I already have the 3rd LNB hooked up on the dish atop the office. I also have a rotor on my hi-def antenna to pick up the Baltimore stations and an FM antenna that works quite well. When our showrooms open we'll be able to demo any format the customer desires.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.167 ) at 1:49 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Plus dish
T-Man: It's the 18"x24" oval shaped dish that comes with 2 LNB's. You'll need it if you want HD programming from DirecTV because it sees 2 sats with the add-on option of seeing a 3rd, if & when that's needed.
It ships with a multiswich. This piggybacks on the dish and is fed the signals from both LNB's while providing 4 x coax outputs. Here's a description to the RCA brand Plus dish along with a link to the user manual if you want to find out more. All of the Plus dish OEMs seem to be ChannelMaster.
http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI783-CI344,00.html?
T-Man ( 216.151.67.126 ) at 1:36 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Curtis: What is a Plus dish w/ multiplexer?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:03 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
TiVo, Directv, HD Tuner
T-Man: The answer depends on how important Satellite-based HD material is for you. There's not much available now, compared to OTA (HDNet, Some HBO programs, some Showtime programs (only via Dish though), and some Pay-Per-View programs). HOwever, there will only be more as time goes on. Yes, there is a stand alone, OTA-only HD receiver, and it is considered the best HD tuner on the market, except for the fact that it won't bring you any DirecTV or Dish programing, ONLY off the air HD. It's a Samsung model, bur the model number escapes me right now.
If you are going to have DirecTV anyway, I'd get a DirecTivo unit, like Curtis just got, and a HD stb that also does DirecTV, like the latest Zenith or Panasonic models, both of which are very well reviewed. The Zenith is getting hard to find though, as they've discontinued it in prep for next years model (supposedly).
Curtis ( 206.170.6.167 ) at 1:03 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
... the one thing I am running out of is Toslink digital audio inputs on my pre/pro. I can't find a profile for you so don't know if this would be a problem for you. You'll also need a Plus dish w/ multiplexer and a ton of RG6 coax.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.167 ) at 12:53 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
TiVo, Directv, HD Tuner
T-Man: The Tivo type should be a no brainer, go with a DirecTivo UNLESS you want to record anything from an analog source (cable or OTA). DTivo's will not record anything other than DirecTV programming.
For HD you'll need to decide what you want to watch - OTA & DirecTV HD material, or only OTA ATSC stuff. There are STBs that only do OTA such as the Samsung unit.
At the moment DirecTVs HD offerings are limited to HDNet and HBO/HD. Mark Cuban has stated on the AVS HD programming forum that he will be adding additional HDNet channels sooner than later. Probably subscription based: HDNet Sports, Movies, etc. There's a good chance that Showtime HD will also be offered on DirecTV sooner than later.
I would (& have) opted to get all the HD programming I can without also going to Dish Network. Pricing isn't too bad as each additional DirecTV receiver runs $4.99/ month for the mirroring charge. Your RP can easily handle all of these inputs.
T-Man ( 216.151.67.126 ) at 12:33 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
TiVo, Directv, HD Tuner
Hi guys: All this talk about TiVo etc. has got me thinking. I currently have a stand alone Directv tuner and a stand alone TiVo. I've been wanting a new TiVo for some time now in that mine is one of the first units (ie. 14 hours). Now I recently added a Tosh. 57H81 to my HT room. So I'm wondering. I don't think anyone makes a 3 in 1 unit so should I get a Directv/TiVo unit and a separtae HD tuner (if they make a stand alone model). Should I get a HD tuner/Directv unit and a separate TiVo?(if they still make one). Or do I get a Directv/TiVo AND an HD tuner/Directv unit. How would this work with two Directv units involved. Any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated. I need a nap!!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:31 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
If any of you are interested in getting a popcorn popper for yyour HT, here's a link.
Kieran: She wants a new bed one of those Sleep Number jobs. There goes the tax refund.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.167 ) at 12:28 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
02 Masters in HD on CBS
From the release
CBS Sports will broadcast the Masters in HDTV on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12 (4:00-6:30 PM, ET, each day) and Saturday, April 13 (3:30-6:30 PM, ET) and Sunday, April 14 (2:30-7:00 PM, ET) live from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. The third and final rounds of the Masters will be broadcast simultaneously with CBS Sports’ regular analog coverage. Don Criqui, Jerry Pate and Mike Hulbert will provide commentary for the Masters in HDTV.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:24 PM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
If any of you are interested in getting a popcorn popper for yyour HT, here's a link.
Robert: Uhh... lest you forget my friend... MOTHER'S day comes first! Just a friendly reminder...
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 11:55 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
If any of you are interested in getting a popcorn popper for yyour HT, here's a link.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=8f7c0f43f3a56315dedab4f8c5f91aed&threadid=124426
Fathers day is around the corner,,at least that's the excuse I'm using,,but then again, I'm eyeing a Paslode cordless framing nailer as well.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 11:28 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Ron H: Lol.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:14 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Having the kitchen entry way and diningroom tiled so I am working from home today. I must be strong and ignore the call I am getting from the HT room.
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 10:20 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Joe: Sorry to hear about the bum/buzzing sound coming from your speakers. I must admit, youhave far more patience than I when it comes to this stuff. Perhaps we should rename you Jobe!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:14 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Sorry for the OT Post But Need Your Help....
Joelc: I'm a midnight blue kind a guy, but I'd say silver or capri,,,HAHAHAHAHA tough choices today.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:04 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Curtis: That's what I have, and when the warranty expires, hack it with a new larger hard drive and get 100+ hours. I'm too chicken still to do it, but I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 9:55 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Joe: screws huh? that is most likely. what effect does that have, btw?
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 9:44 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
JJ: You might want to check and see if the screws are loose on the outlet. You may also just want to spend $6 nad put in a commercial grade outlet, just to elimanate the outlet.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 9:29 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Sorry for the OT Post But Need Your Help....
Joelc: Tough choice, they all look good. I'd say silver, orion, then capri would be my choices.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 9:07 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Joelc: 8 months after buying a house, I am well away of that! since we moved: paint/equip for 4 rooms + labor, washer&dryer, deck furniture, refrig, 27" wega&stand, bedroom set + bedding + window treatments. to be fair, we probably would have gotten a bedroom set even if we didn't move. but all that stuff was over 10k. hmmm. that's actually not too bad for all that stuff. other things that we got since move, but would have gotten anyway: PC, car. We still need new couch (sooner), w-w carpeting for LR (later). and I wanted to upgrade my audio!
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 8:58 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
JJ: There is a reason that god invented Lines of Credit... so you can upgrade your RPTV!
Seriously, sorry to hear about your troubles!
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 8:46 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
rptv
...I did some sort of IC... ...call some service centers to se what a house call costs...
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 8:42 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Sorry for the OT Post But Need Your Help....
Joelc: I really like the silver, because it looks like it was sculpted from one piece of metal.
I really don't like the silver, because it seems to be so popular.
Anyway, to your question, I like the darker blue, Capri. I personally would stick with the grey interior (skip the blue)
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 8:37 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
rptv
oh man! My tv is acting up. After I did a killer convergence and geometry, my colors starting acting funny. I know my dvd player is not quite right which doesn't help me.
But I also have been noticing a lot of, how shall I say?, noise in the picture. Like in a plain blue screen, i see a lot of moving horizontal lines.
I think there is a problem with my monster powerstrip, or my house electrical. everytime I just touched the powerstrip, the tv power would cycle.
I did a ve calibration using my properly functioning player, and things seemed to be good.
then I plugged the tv directly into the wall, and the picture was transformed, much better. reds were a little saturated, but otherwise great. and at this point, some of the service mode parameters are not having an effect. I leave as is, since the pic is looking good.
then last night again all the colors are screwy. things that are supposed to be red are purple. things that are supposed to purple, are purple, but not quite right. browns are a washed out browny-grey.
I some sort of ic initialization (which is highly warned against in the SM, but that I have done before :-\, but I'm thinking maybe something got changed that I didn't realize) It doesn't help, but doesn't make things worse, except that I will have to redo all my geometry.
A new rptv is just not in the budget. I am going to call some service centers to see what a house costs. wish me luck.
Oh, can I do to check my house wiring?
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 8:21 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Sorry for the OT Post But Need Your Help....
The order for my car is in can be changed as it will not be built until June
That said here is the question..... go to http://www.mercedes-benz.ca , SELECT English, select Classes, SELECT C-Class, SELECT Configure, Select C32 AMG and then try out the following colours:
a) Orion Blue Metallic
b) Capri Blue metallic.
What do you think about either of these as an option to Brilliant Silver, particularly given the blue tinting in the windows, and possibly combined with two tone grey/blue interior?
Currently the car has been ordered as Brilliant Silver exterior with the two tone grey interior.
Look forward to your feedback!
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 8:18 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Good morning gang!
Curtis, and Joe: Big time congrats on the new toys... very cool!
JT: Everything Ron's says plus the following:
- Technical approach rather than a Gee Wiz approach. In other words they build equipment based on engineering fact, discounted snake oil theories and posting all their techinal research.
- Sonically the stuff sounds, at least to my ears, great!
- Open communication in that future plans are announced well in advance.
- Pricing in that other than the DVD it is far less costly than Lexicon.
- Full line of equipment.
Hope that helps!
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 7:58 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Joe: I would fisrt unplg every thing from the amp except the speakers to see if it is from the input, next I would try lifting the ground.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 7:42 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
DirecTivo
BAGMAN: It will all be on your DTV bill.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:22 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
I should add I cannot see ever going back to a reciever for the power
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:21 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Good Morning
I was tied up lastnight getting the amp hooked up. First I had no power problems with the dedicated 20 amp line. Second it made instant improvement that my wife noticed. The mains sounded so full and alive with music it was sweet. I have not heard them sound like that in years, if ever.
I only got a little time wiht it lastnight so the critical listening is yet to come. I did listen to The Cranberries and some Allam Brothers. The movie was the 5th Element.
Now the bad news. With just the amp on I have a low buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz coming from all speakers. You need to put you head 3" from the speakers. When I turn on the reciever it stays, but does not increase with volume. I do not have any 120vac line laying across the speaker wires. I am not using the reciever for any video switching. I am using Radio Shack Gold interconnects from reciever to amp. They are 12' long. I do have an antenea line hooked up to the reciever.
Any sugggestions.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 6:10 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
DirecTivo
Ron H:One charge from DirecTv and one charge from Tivo? Morning All.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 2:22 AM EST Thursday, March 21, 2002
Lexicon vs Tag
JT: I will give you a reply in the morning but formost I felt that the upgrade policy to the MC-12 was of the type that left me behind. The earlier promise of upgradability of the MC-1 seemed pretty hollow with no real upgrades coming forth except for a very early on EX upgrade. The upgrade cost of about $6K just did not set well with me.
Tag has shown they have a upgrade path that does not cost 3K to 6K everytime a new format comes along. For a price less than the original cost of a MC-1 I have all the current formats. Most upgrades are just a download away. You do not have to remove your Pre/Pro and bring it to the dealer or take it apart.
Tag also is very responsive in fixing bugs or meeting users request. Sometimes upgrades or software enhancements are weeks apart. I had a request related to the unit turning itself on after a power outage and in three weeks there was a fix. MC-12 users are still awating promised fixes for some pretty severe software glitches.
They do have a forum where the CEO will answer you questions and help you solve your problems. If you drop him a email he will respond directly to you sometimes within minutes. I know Joel has had many email and phone conversations with him.
I guess it comes down to Lexicon has changed and Tag filled the gap for me. Also the difference in net cost of going to the Tag is a big help. Look at what the value of a MC-1 is at this time and it will only go lower. Joel and I were very lucky we sold when we did. Within weeks of Joels sale the value of the MC-1s dropped a $1,000. Lexicons trade in program has its advantages over many other companies but it causes the market to be flooded with the traded in MC-1s which has caused the value to drop by two thirds. That is quite a hit in the pocket book if you decide to sell your old unit.
Tag's program is a recyle program. This keeps the value of the older units up and reduces the cost of the upgrade. What they do is recycle about 90% of you original unit into the new model coming out. No old units flood the market and your cost of the upgrade is keept under control. With the Tag program you are not looking at a specific time period for the trade in vs the Lexicons 3 month window upon the release of a new unit.
What you paid for your old Tag unit is what you will will receive towards recycling it for the new AVR192. So this means you can buy today and be assured that every penny you spent on the AVR32 will go toward the upcoming AV192 which will be released in various versions starting in about six months. Joel and I will more than likely wait about nine months so that all the new upgrades will be available so we will not have to send our units back more than once.
Well It seems that I covere dmany of the reasons and will not have to resond to you tommorow with a answer to your question. If have any other questions feel free to ask. I am sure Joel will chime in tommorow.
Ther are many very good Pre/Pro out there. You just need to determine which fits with your pocketbook, how important support is, what bells and whistles you are after, ease of use, upgrade program, etc., etc. I know you know the drill. Good luck in you search.
JT ( 65.30.240.143 ) at 11:12 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Lexicon vs Tag
Joel, Ron H: What were the deciding factors in your decision to go with the Tag rather than upgrade to the MC-12?
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 10:49 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Big Al: Nice to see you in here
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 10:48 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
Joe: Did you get your Amp yet?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 10:43 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Direct TiVo
Tony C: Don't I wish. A couple of HD PVR's were shown at this years CES. Only problem is these are intended for the cable & sat customers. Moxi has a box that EchoStar should be trying out soon. If the merger of DirecTV & E* happens, we may see HD sat receivers with integrated PVR's.
Gar ( 63.80.182.130 ) at 10:42 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Hey gents in good old NJ! Will be here for another week of training etc..
Heading in to New York this weekend. Got all my HT put together and haven't had a chance to look at it or hear it yet.
BC ( 67.234.69.62 ) at 10:36 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Curtis: I have the sony T60 and love it! Tivo is kooollllll.
Cytotech ( 67.232.200.227 ) at 10:19 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
New amp arrival
Joe: Well, have you hooked up the amp yet or are you still running the new wiring?
Details man, we need details. Sheesh!
Cytotech ( 67.232.200.227 ) at 10:17 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Gasgeek: Like Ron H, your story made me cringe too much! Thanks for the visual, man. I won't sleep for a week, constantly checking on my equipment. It's worse than a new baby!
Glad to hear everything ended up ok.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 10:16 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Direct TiVo
Tony C: No
Cytotech ( 67.232.200.227 ) at 10:16 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
I can't believe it!!!!!
I missed Joe's birthday!
Happy Birthday pal!
Tony C ( 63.42.207.107 ) at 10:14 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Direct TiVo
Does anyone make a HD reciever with built in TiVo or other disc recorder?
How much?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.240 ) at 9:59 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Curtis: Hey, how's it going? Nice to see you and the rest of the gang.
I'd love to get a tivo but I'm completely out of space - couldn't fit another box in our living room if I tried.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:42 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DirecTivo
BAGMAN:There is a monthly charge
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 9:31 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Curtis: According to the review I posted, MSRP is $450. Go figure...
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 9:02 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DirecTivo
Thanks guys, I wonder who sells them here in Fl. Is there one monthly charge or two or does the DirecTv charge cover them both. Thirtyfive hours seems cool.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:01 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
BAGMAN: Go to special offers.
http://www.tivo.com/flash.asp?page=get_index
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 8:47 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Kieran: "MSRP is $450"
It is? Good Guys had it at $399 saying they never discount them because they fly off the shelves. I told them Fry's was selling for $349 so they matched it without calling. Almost my kind of deal.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 8:41 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
BAGMAN: Read not ... want not, right? Believe it or not the model I wanted is so hard to find that I paid $50 below list (of $399). There's a $100 rebate as well so I net out at $250. It's the Sony SAT-T60.
Dual tuners and DD audio, the ability to hack, er I mean add a larger drive, UI, the ability to see all DTV sats and picture quality were my hot buttons. I have seen two of these in use and was fairly impressed. You can record 2 programs at once while watching a 3rd program as well as allow you to monitor any recording.
The writeup in Feb. WideScreen Review gushed about it. Sony site here:
http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/digitalsatellitereceiversandrecorders/digitalvideorecorders/sat-t60_specs.shtml
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 8:31 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
BAGMAN: I can't answer any of your questions directly, except to say that DirecTivo's are AWESOME. Because the system records the digital stream directly to hard-disc, w/o any conversion to analog, there is zero quality loss when you timeshift or pause live TV. Whereas with a standard Tivo unit, the input is analog, so there is an analog to digital conversion before the signal gets stored to hdd, then a digital to analog conversion when you want to watch what you saved. Plus DirecTivo has dual tuners, (as C pointed out) so you can watch one thing, and record another, which you can't do with a standard setup of one Tivo and one DirecTV receiver. I think the main feature to look for in a DirecTivo unit is just disc space. The more the merrier. Yes, most DirecTivo units do DD... in fact AFAIK, all of them do DD.
Check out this review of the Sony SAT-T60 directivo unit. MSRP is $450.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.237.37 ) at 8:14 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Curtis: Let me preface this by saying I have not read a HT mag in over a year. What is the going price for a DirecTivo for the average person;ie not a Curtis deal? What features should one look for? Who sells them and do they also do DD? Thinking we need to get back into DirecTv so that we can buy the packages and watch the Tribe and the Browns.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 8:03 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Kieran: Kevin's setup had the DirecTivo controlled by the DTC100. That created all sorts of problems. The introduction of wireless remote repeaters to another room didn't help matters.
I'll use the DTC for strictly HD and OTA viewing, connected direct to one of the component ins. The DTivo will have 2 RG6 lines (it has dual tuners) from the plus dish. It's output will be through the iScan (S-video or composite)then to the other component in of the RP. Analog audio also goes to the TV and digital audio will go from the DTivo to the pre/pro.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 7:20 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Curits:Oh, BTW, congrats on getting a DirecTivo! Those things are the coolest!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 7:19 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Curtis: Just curious how you're going to integrate the DirecTivo in with the rest of the system... i.e. dtc100. Two directv receivers connected to the same TV? If you get it working smoothly, you might try setting up Kevin's system that way next time you're there. Remember we had trouble making it all work easily with both the DirecTivo and the dtc100 in the system together.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.100 ) at 7:11 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Winston aka The Spleen: There he is. Hang around here long enough and everyone seems to check back in.
I picked up a Sony DirecTivo (T60 mdl) today as I'm sick of watching commercials/ being tied to network programming schedules ... unless a show is in HD.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.78.104 ) at 6:58 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Kieran: Good to see you too my friend!
Gasgeek: Incoming!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 5:32 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
New e-mail addy
Winston aka The Spleen: Good to see ya here, buddy! Don't be a stranger!
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 5:29 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
New e-mail addy
Winston aka The Spleen: Hey Spleen. You got mail!
BYork ( 198.74.16.148 ) at 5:16 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
I'm very close to breaking even...enough that it's not worth shoutin' about any more.
Thanks for asking!
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 4:02 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
finances
Byork: how did you make out with collections? do I need to call one of my cousins?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.211 ) at 4:00 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
New e-mail addy
Hi everybody. I haven't been lurking but wanted to stop by today to see what's been happening. Good to see you all!
Gasgeek: Sorry to hear about your disaster, but glad things turned out mostly okay for you!
Just a PSA: I'm no longer at my old job, and am getting e-mail at this address for the time being: dduval@worldnet.att.net
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.71.30 ) at 3:43 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Toshiba LCoS
er... page 86
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.71.30 ) at 3:43 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Toshiba LCoS
Hey guys... in the April 2002 issue of Popular Mechanics there is a 1/4 page blurb about the Toshiba LCoS Cinema Series TV from CES. Did any of you get to see this? 57", three chip LCoS, cabinet is 17 inches deep, with built-in storage (dunno what size storage though) No price available.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.217.83 ) at 2:33 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
Of course, I'm not including any future offshoots of DVD such as HD, because I want to make a "now" comparison.
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.217.83 ) at 2:31 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
Kieran: Consumers will make the ultimate choice... and what do you think Mr. Joe average would like better? a 480i DVD that is easy to use as a CD, or a pain in the butt but higher resolution VHS tape? Clearly current DVD will be the winner. They might as well bury D-VHS before it goes on life support.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 1:59 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
Kieran: A few things I dislike about the D-VHS idea.
1) It runs $2K (that's thousand, not million!)
2) Requires a 1394 FireWire HD STB. Add another thousand $
3) Will not record from DSS
4) Movie studios will implement security encryption. The same studios that were big fans of DIVX
5) Prerecorded HD tapes are likely to be very limited to big ticket blockbusters only
6) No extra features on tapes, just the movie
7) Tape & head wear. JVC's earlier D-VHS mdl 2000 has known playback & record head wear issues that are not cheap to repair
Even if you wanted one nobody has them in stock. OneCall has no idea when they'll be getting any
This very much reminds me of LD in that it requires a significant HW investment, titles will be more expensive & the market is/ will remain very limited. Then again if all 3 of the Raiders flicks were available in this format I might be tempted!
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 12:10 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
AVB: Seems like the pioneer 47 would be worth a look. Pioneer usally makes a decent unit. With the added benifit of SACD and DVD A I would give it a long look.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:08 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
Curtis: Here's the direct link to the 'bits article:
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/dvhs/index.html
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:07 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
Curtis: www.thedigitalbits.com has a good review of the Digital Theater d-vhs product. Check it out. I'm not to fond of hte concept, as it seems obvious that the supporters of d-vhs are going to push it as a replacement for dvd and/or hd-dvd, even though they make the divx claim of "the two formats can coexist".
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:03 PM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
AVB: The Panasonic dvd player that Ron refers to is the dvd-rp91. It has been VERY highly praised over the last 6 months or so. Of course it's not without its faults, but it IS *very* popular.
Check out the dvd benchmark articles over at www.hometheaterhifi.com their reviews are considered the final word by most people these days. Their reviews are very technical, and very impartial.
If your friend can wait, I'd hold out for the new Denon dvd players, the 3800 or the 1600. Both "promise" to be excellent machines, and initial talk about them is that they will debut much better than the fateful 2800 did.
http://del.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=4
The 3800 has an SRP of $1200, so it may be over budget, unless you have a dealer friend who'll cut you a good price. The 1600 is within your $1k budget.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 11:17 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
mic: Haven't read that review yet. D-VHS isn't all that new. Panasonic was forced to pull their US offering years ago under pressure from the MPAA. I'll take any way of recording 1080i I can get (within reason), so long as the signal isn't constrained down to something < HD. The selling of HD tapes is interesting. HDNet's Mark Cuban has already said they will be offering their most popular programming on D-VHS. Duplication prices are high at the moment & must be done in Japan.
I would rather timeshift with a HD DVD recorder than deal with any of the above.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 10:48 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
AVB: About 4 months ago everyone was praising the Pansonic DVD players. I can not remember any model numbers.
mic ( 172.146.163.146 ) at 10:41 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
D-Theater
The new HDTV video format D-VHS is reviewed in current issue of WS along with JVC player/recorder. 1080i prerecorded films also reviewed.
AVB ( 64.41.32.42 ) at 10:13 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
Ron H: It's not for me, I'm putting together a system for a co-worker and I haven't been paying much attention to DVD players for quite a while.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 9:41 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
AVB: Can't help you. It seems every DVD player that is out seems to be trashed on the AVS forum.
Have you looked at building a HTPC?
AVB ( 64.41.32.222 ) at 8:12 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
DVD Players
Need some quick and dirty opinions: What is the best buy in a DVD player for under $1200? HDCD or SACD or DVD-A would be a plus but not required.
BAGMAN ( 204.215.47.202 ) at 6:23 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
BIG AL: Nice to see you.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.34.199 ) at 2:27 AM EST Wednesday, March 20, 2002
THE BIGGEST BADDEST AL OF ALL: Hey, I resemble those remarks! (re: THX and dipoles)
Tony C ( 63.42.204.27 ) at 8:31 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Hey BIG AL:, I've been wanting to ask you a question.
When I bought my pyramid IR transmitter/receiver, I also ordered an extender so that I could hide the receiver. A buddy tried to do the same thing but was told that the $16 extender was no longer available.
Can you confirm that? Or better still, can you get me one?
One last question...want to buy a TV?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.42 ) at 8:18 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
BIG AL:It's great to see you back. Nice upgrades too.
Tony C: By all means go with the 65"er if you can fit it, I still miss those extra 8 inches yet there was no way to stuff it in the room without draing the pool and bording over the pit.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.135.157 ) at 8:10 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
THE BIGGEST BADDEST AL OF ALL: Glad to see you post! Stop lurking and hang with us!!!!!
AVB ( 64.41.32.222 ) at 7:15 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Joe: You can plug it in without speakers or inputs hooked up no problem.
Joe ( 205.188.199.32 ) at 7:08 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
No answers on my amp question..Can I plug it inand turn it on without inputs or speakers hooked up?
I won't have my line ran until tomorrow, maybe Thursday. I would like to test it on a 20 amp line before I put it in the shelf.
AVB ( 64.41.32.222 ) at 7:05 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Upgrades
BIG AL: What finish did you get on the 50AE? Did you go for the 10" barrel too?
AVB ( 64.41.32.222 ) at 6:53 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Upgrades
BIG AL: What did the Desert Eagle upgrade and what are you planing to do with that new monster?
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 6:43 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
BIG AL: Keep me filled in on the Sovereign. Any linke to current owners?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 6:19 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Chris L. "Hi, my name is AL, and I'm a lurker."
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 6:14 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Since it's slow here in the Shi...I mean Shackhole.....I guess I'll fill you guys in on my upgrades.
I switched all the speakers in my car to Infinity. 2) 8" woofers, 2) 4"mid/tweets, 2) 1" tweets, 2) 6.5" 3-ways, and a 10" boxed sub. The 5 channel Sony Xplod amp goes in next. 120watts x 4 and 300 to the sub. Hey, I need it loud with the top down!
A Desert Eagle .50 in brushed chrome.
A couple beautiful handmade Italian knives.
X-Box, and to keep it HT, the possibility of a Sovereign 400 DVD changer and Entre in a couple of weeks.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 6:12 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Curtis: i think the 57 is not a problem. I'm trying for the 65.
Chris L. ( 24.52.6.236 ) at 5:50 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
THE BIGGEST BADDEST AL OF ALL: Hey Big Al!! Glad to see you back again. Us lurkers have to stick together.
Joe ( 64.12.102.174 ) at 4:56 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
At Last
I found a box in my kitchen when I got home. Now I have to get that line done. I was starting to move out the RPTV to cut the wall, but now it's nap time.
Will it hurt if I just plug the amp not a outlet and turn it on? No inputs or speakers hooked up?
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:43 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Thanks All: I feel much better now. Maybe it's the rack of ribs I just ate at "Johnny Rebs" in Long Beach. or....
No, It's the heartfelt comforting from my pals regarding my near disaster. To say I was sick to my stomach on the way home, not knowing what I was going to see, would be an understatement.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 4:24 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Toshiba RP service manual
Curtis: If the variables are the same as they used to be, the ones you want to change are called "HIT" (height) and "WID" (width). It's a pretty easy fix. YOu just have to be sure that you're making adjustments for the HD input mode, not NTSC.
Check out the Keohi HDTV site also for a ton of great tips and guidelines for tweaking your TV.
THE BIGGEST BADDEST AL OF ALL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:23 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
A BIG hello to all you guys, gals, and fence sitters! I couldn't stay away any longer, and felt guilty just lurking, and not posting. To catch up on recent business....
Joe; Happy belated B-Day! That amp must be coming Fed-X, that would NEVER happen with UPS!
Gasman; OH MAN!! Reminded me of when my mom knocked one of my JBL speakers of it's shelf, and I found it with all 3 drivers hanging by the wires like eyeballs. You just wanna sit down and cry. ;(;( Glad your's turned out fine.
Gar,Joelc, and anyone else dealing with a wife/gf/live-in/X........
WOMEN ARE A PAIN IN THE ({)! But as long as my wife supports me, I'll put up with her.
All you guys shopping for new cars......You spend WAY too much money!! You should experience life without a car loan/lease payment. It's really Koool, and nobody laughs at my '92 Toyota convertible (in fact I get compliments all the time), or my '94 ZX11 as I zip by. Insurance is cheaper too.
Just to make up for lost time.......
Congrats to all you up-graders!
THX stands for Totally Hyped Xcrement!
Speakers with extra poles vacuum!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 4:06 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Toshiba RP service manual
Kieran: Thanks man, yet you may want to be careful about what you offer. I have already done a 56 point convergence with good results. The one thing bugging me is that I have an overscan issue with HD stuff coming in from the component ins. In NTSC mode/s the sizing is about dead-on.
No excuses any longer as I should simply sit down & RTFM.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 3:37 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Toshiba RP service manual
Curtis: I have the service manual for my Toshiba set too. Yes, definitely write everything down as soon as you get into service mode. If you need any help/advice, let me know... the menus have probably changed a lot with the new series of TV's, but might still be similar enough for me to help ya out. If you get to the point where you want to do a convergence, I can help you with the process. Attacking the convergence without a good process to follow leads to frustration.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 3:11 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Toshiba RP service manual
Just arrived. Everything for 19 different models is contained on one CD/ROM. Also includes 9 HUGE schematics on good old dead tree.
I should have time tonight to check it out. Probably not a bad idea to write down all current settings before I get into service & designer modes, huh? Wish me luck.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:45 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Gasgeek: I guess there's something to be said for shock and vibration testing, after all! (coming from a person who has spent several hours last week in the shock and vibe lab, and will spend several more hours next week!)
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:43 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Yamaha rx-v1200
My buddy at work just got this receiver, along with a set of Energy bookshelf speakers and a Velodyne FSX-12 sub. I must say, this receiver is a VERY fine piece of electronics. The sound quality is excellent, and the feature set is amazing for the money. The only thing it lacks, IMHO, is adjustable crossovers. However, this is not a big deal for my friend, since his speakers go down easily into the 50Hz range, and the Yammie crosses over at 90Hz, so it's a very smooth transition. Anyway, for $750.00, you can't go wrong with this receiver. It's about $100 more than the Denon 2802, which has three fixed crossovers (80, 100, 120Hz) But I prefer the Yamaha's sound, not to mention the looks and remote.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 2:27 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Gasgeek: Hmm... I am *hoping* that my HT rack gets tipped over. I have been leaving the door open and patch cords dangling... I may resort to rubbing dog food on the fronts of the components so that my lab retriever will pull the dumb thing down.
See what happens when your wife says "no more stereo equiment!"...
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 2:23 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Gasgeek: Hopefully my wisecrack didn't offend. 1st Kieran's rack broke, then yours. These things happen in 3's, so we had all best check how solid our racks are at the moment. I tighteden every nut on my Salamander rack right after reading about your misfortune.
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.70.16 ) at 2:17 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
sgi O2
Curtis: I plan to be dragged kicking and screaming into the future. However, don't misunderstand that statement. I'm perfectly happy with moving into the future... What I'm not happy about is the way we're going about it. Lousy operating systems with great marketing cause truly remarkable and future-ready operating systems to be tossed by the wayside. Incompatibilities, aka non-standardization, means that any new information sharing technology that comes along requires you to use the "status quo" OS, or wait for them to port the technology to your particular platform...if they ever do.
No, what I want to see is a standardized API so that anyone that wants to write an OS can incorporate their own API translation... which would allow any application to run on any OS without the need to port. For information-sharing, either the translator needs to be in a portable plug-in format, or the documentation available for programmers to write the translator for various OS's. This would level the playing field in the computer industry, and allow customers the choice of what they run without being limited by the applications available for their choice.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:07 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
47A First thoughts
So I hooked up the 47 into the system (movie only). I need borrow some discs to directly compare without switching discs between players, but initial thoughts are that the 47 has a little less noise and better black levels. I thought I had it at 7.5 IRE on the 37 when I switched it back to that, nope it was 0 IRE just like the 47. I watched clips from Shrek, Tombstone and Super Bit 5th Element. The colors seemed a bit punchier on Shrek, the green face stood out more in the scene where donkey meets Shrek and in tombstone, it was a bit better in black level. And in the 5th element the reconstruction scene had less "noise". I put all settings to mid or 0 to compare, but for $, no doubt for me I'll keep the 47. There may be other players that are a better than the 47 performance wise but since I'm just trading the 37 plus some $, it's a no brainer, I can see the difference. If I had to come up with $1000 I might evaluate it differentlyI'll play with the music later tonight. I will ask my wife about it though later, on Tombstone, it appeared a bit more "red", but then again Shrek appeared more "green" and it could be the movie because I don't think its the "chroma bug" that some talk about, but I'll run some more movies through.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 1:55 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Gasgeek: Most definatly a nightmare, I'll bet you've run a few movies through just to check it all out. Hopefully nothing will occur down the road. I'll bet most of us didn't say anything since you gave a pretty detailed account and suggested everything turned out alright.
I'll also bet those who have casters on tier racks are checking them or replacing them !!!!
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 1:54 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Gasgeek: When I thought of that happening to me and how I would feel I got sick to my stomach and then pushed the whole incident from my mind.
You are correct if any one should understand how you felt we should. I hope all is still functioning at this time.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 1:47 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
Gasgeek: Oh Man!! Had that been my rack, every single transistor would have somehow been destroyed. You are very lucky to come out of it in such good shape.
There - feel better now?!
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:38 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
HT Disaster
I can't believe that no one's said a word about my HT rack falling over last Friday. It all came out mostly unscathed, but Jeez! If I can't get an Oh Man!, from you guys, who can I get one from?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 1:05 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Tony C: So will a 57HX81 fit?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 12:53 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
I'm officially selling my Sony XBR53 TV. 4:3 screen. only three years old.
If you know anyone in the Chicagoland area, let them know.
Price $850. (HTOC price)
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 12:48 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
... I mean sgi
Curtis ( 206.170.7.172 ) at 12:47 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
sgo O2
Scott "popcorn": Glad to hear that you're putting it to good use.
Re: Flash. While I understand your gripe, you are missing out on a very well designed site with lots of interactive stuff. I would setup one PC that can run it rather than contunue to fight it. Everyone I know who owns a Mac also has a Windoze computer around for the inevitable times they must conform to 90+% of the world. BTW - no way the miniusa.com site will ever run on a PDA.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:05 PM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
DV-47
The DV-47A has arrived, the projector has been turned on, I'll be back in a while.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 10:00 AM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Looks like Its here after 13 days
PACKAGE PROGRESS
Date Time Location Activity
Mar 19, 2002
7:12 A.M. FLINT-NORTH, MI, US OUT FOR DELIVERY
7:11 A.M. FLINT-NORTH, MI, US ARRIVAL SCAN
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 9:36 AM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Joelc: You have mail.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 8:09 AM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Good morning guys.
Joe, if it makes you feel any better, I ordered my ATI last monday and got
it wed. (I'm typing this with a devilish grin) That really sucks though. I hope they are at least refunding you the shipping.
I stopped by the office yesterday becuase they took down the Studio Experience 13HD and replaced it with a Runco VX-1000. Yep, pretty much the best DLP picture I've seen to date.
Well, except for the commerical 3 chip DLP they have on loan. OMG.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:09 AM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Morning all amps within 80 miles today could be the day
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.0 ) at 12:48 AM EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Kieran: I mainly just like the fact that a manual gives you full control over the driveline. However, as I've said before, I'd prefer a handbrake over the foot-operated variety for the obvious reasons (did I mention that over-revving your engine is also a nasty regarding off-roading and autos?)
Gasgeek ( 209.179.211.194 ) at 9:36 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Another Belated Birthday Wish to You Joe
Add me to the list of late guys Joe. Hope your amp arrives in one piece soon. I'm sorry, but I'd be on the phone doing some heavy bithin' if I were you.
Tony C ( 63.42.207.253 ) at 8:26 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Joe: sorry I missed your Birthday. Hope you get the amp soon.
JJ ( 165.247.36.74 ) at 8:01 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
package
Joe: should be a sitcom!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 7:45 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Robert: No worries. If you stayed at the Hilton, then you also were right by my place of employment! Agilent's main plant in SR is just up the hill from the Hilton, off Fountain Grove Expwy. My office actually isn't there any more, but I'm there for meetings and machine shop work all the time. If you took hwy12 to Oakmont, then you drove right through my stomping grounds. Annadel is the mnt. ridge on your right as you head east on 12 towards Oakmont. To your left just as you leave town (Calistoga Rd) is my neighborhood where I grew up, and folks still live.
Back ways to Rohnert Park... must be referring to Petaluma Hill Rd, (or Crane Canyon?) both of which yes, are also common routes for me on my bicycle.
Next time...
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 6:09 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Sorry Kieran no time to stop by, I'm sure I probably drove right past your house too. Stayed at the Hilton in SR and drove the back ways to Oakmont and to Rohnert Park, saw Annadel on the map of course and thought of you and RickMTB tearing it up.
We should all have wakes when we pass (my wifes Grandma was Irish, so it was very fitting yesterday). There was a lot of crying, but a lot of laughter as well telling stories of the past. Enjoy each living moment boys and girls, we don't live nearly as well as we should.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 5:21 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Popcorn: I did think of another instance when a manual tranny is better than an auto for off-roading: Going down seriously steep inclines, when you want to use engine braking to aide the wheel brakes. The torque converter in an auto limits the amount of engine braking you get. A regular clutch gives you the whole effect. But, for the most part, I still think that an auto is usually nicer to have than a stick for off-roading, but I would use either, and probably prefer a stick just for the challenge!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 5:17 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
car invoice/holdback
Robert: There's a dealer in Newport Beach, CA (right at PCH and Jamboree, if you've been there) who sells Porches, BMW, Suburbans, Corvettes, and I think Jaguars. He doesn't sell any Luminas, and always has a ton of 'vettes on his lot. But then, that's so.cal for ya.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 5:01 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
car invoice/holdback
JohnO: So true, My wife's "family" business is a Chevy Dealership. He wanted more Corvettes, and had to get more Luminas, etc as a result.
I hate the fact they sold off the dealership. I haven't had to "buy" a car for almost 13 years, until now.
Joe ( 205.188.192.181 ) at 4:44 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
RickMTB
PACKAGE PROGRESS
Date Time Location Activity
Mar 18, 2002 1:59 P.M. CACH, IL, US UNLOAD SCAN
11:22 A.M. CACH, IL, US ARRIVAL SCAN
3:23 A.M. SAINT PAUL, MN, US DEPARTURE SCAN
2:40 A.M. SAINT PAUL, MN, US ARRIVAL SCAN
2:07 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US DEPARTURE SCAN
Mar 15, 2002 8:28 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US LOCATION SCAN
5:26 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US UNLOAD SCAN
12:31 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US ARRIVAL SCAN
6:00 A.M. FARGO, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
12:26 A.M. FARGO, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
Mar 14, 2002 9:00 P.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
6:07 P.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US ORIGIN SCAN
8:00 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US INCORRECT ZIP CODE, NOT DELIVERED;ADDRESS CORRECTED, DELIVERY RESCHEDULED
7:58 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US INCORRECT ZIP CODE, NOT DELIVERED
Mar 13, 2002 9:15 P.M. FARGO, ND, US UNLOAD SCAN
1:30 P.M. FARGO, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
5:38 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US DEPARTURE SCAN
2:54 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US LOCATION SCAN
1:55 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US UNLOAD SCAN
Mar 12, 2002 11:30 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US ARRIVAL SCAN
8:31 A.M. CACH, IL, US DEPARTURE SCAN
7:53 A.M. CACH, IL, US ARRIVAL SCAN
4:20 A.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US DEPARTURE SCAN
Mar 11, 2002 9:03 P.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US LOCATION SCAN
7:12 P.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US UNLOAD SCAN
4:21 P.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US ARRIVAL SCAN
Mar 8, 2002 7:29 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US DEPARTURE SCAN
6:11 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US LOCATION SCAN
5:31 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US UNLOAD SCAN
10:45 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US ARRIVAL SCAN
6:00 A.M. FARGO, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
12:21 A.M. FARGO, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
Mar 7, 2002 9:00 P.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
6:10 P.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US ORIGIN SCAN
9:11 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US INCORRECT ZIP CODE, NOT DELIVERED;ADDRESS CORRECTED, DELIVERY RESCHEDULED
9:10 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US INCORRECT ZIP CODE, NOT DELIVERED
5:45 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US UNLOAD SCAN
3:30 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
2:42 A.M. FARGO, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
Mar 6, 2002 8:27 P.M. FARGO, ND, US ORIGIN SCAN
1:31 P.M. US BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED
Joe ( 205.188.192.181 ) at 4:38 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
thanks for the birthday wishes
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 4:36 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Wow, it has been dead around here for the last four or five days. Sure hope it picks up a little!
BYork ( 198.74.16.148 ) at 3:58 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Joe - Sorry. I missed it too. Happy Happy! (hope it was)
Curtis ( 206.170.6.31 ) at 2:47 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
belated birthday
Joe: Oops - another late BD wish
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 1:08 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
belated birthday
Joe: A belated happy birthday to you!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 12:39 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Rotel Day 12
Joe: Sorry to come in late... you ordered a Rotel amp and its been 12 days since it supposedly shipped?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.31 ) at 12:23 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
... I mean all she'll get since it was her loss.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.31 ) at 12:01 PM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Panasonic and JVC DVD players
mic: I was wondering if there was some sort of suit for these junk players. A friend bought a Panny A110 on my suggestion only to have it freeze up (video) 1/2 though every DVD. I took it to be repaired. Natch it was a few weeks out of the 90 day warranty, so the fix ran about $125. Guess what? Same damned problem. She gave up and bought a Sony replacement while giving me the Panny. It now does CD duty in the kitchen.
I'll signup for the suit. Wanna bet all I get is a $50 credit for a future Panasonic purchase along with an endless stream of lawyer phone calls?
JohnO ( 140.183.155.5 ) at 11:41 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
car invoice/holdback
Kieran: Large dealerships can have one advantage over smaller ones. Often they will make deals with their factory reps to get extra allotments of popular selling models. The downside is usually that they have to accept more shipments of "undesireable" models to get these hot items, usually in pretty significant numbers, like at least 5 duds per hot ticket item.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 10:12 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Rotel Day 12
OK its left Minn, on its way to Ill, more to come.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 10:08 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
brickwall
Anyone familiar with the brickwall surge suppressors?
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 8:53 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
car invoice/Holdback
Kieran: Good info, I read all that on edmunds.com. I still contend that if you are leasing, all bets are off with this info. too many games can be played with money factors, residuals, etc.
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 8:14 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Panasonic and JVC DVD players
This class action and related lawsuits claimed that certain Panasonic and JVC DVD players caused pixelization, freezing of the viewing screen, or popping noises while a DVD was playing. The DVD models which are involved in the settlement are Panasonic brand model number A105, A110, A310, K510 and X410, and JVC brand model number XV-501BK, XV511-BK, and XV-D701BK. http://www.dvdsettlement.com/
AVB ( 64.41.32.167 ) at 5:40 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Surge
BC: I've had both and I'd go with Tripplite. I think their protection is better.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:02 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
car invoice/holdback
One more thing.... I hinted at this, but wanted to make a point of it:
The big dealerships that sell huge volumes of cars, want you to believe that their cost on cars (invoice cost) is in some way based on the volume of the cars they sell. Nothing could be further from the truth. NO dealerships ever get volume discount pricing on the invoice cost of the car. Every dealership, everywhere, pays the same invoice price for a car, no matter what their sales volume is. The invoice price ONLY varies by the advertising costs. (which, as I said, are USUALLY part of the invoice price, but not ALWAYS... depends on the make) Granted a large volume dealer is going to have relatively lower overhead costs, and will likely be keeping most of the holdback that they get plus anything over invoice that they charge, so they usually have more cushion to negotiate. But often the smaller dealerships are more EAGER to negotiate.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:57 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
car invoice/Holdback
Contrary to popular belief, holdback is actually not any kind of incentive, and is NOT based on the volume the dealer moves. Holdback is a term for the subsizing of the loans that dealers must take out from banks in order to stock their lots. A dealer must BUY the cars from the manufacturer, and they do in fact pay the full invoice cost to the manufacturer for each car. To pay this amount for what can be several hundred cars to fill their lots, they take out loans, often from LOCAL banks. These loans have an interest rate, just like any other loan. To help the dealers out, the manufacturers subsidize these loans for the dealers, by paying approximately the first few months of interest on the loans. This subsidizing is called holdback. The amount of the holdback, as AVB said, varies from about 2.5% to about 3.5% of total MSRP depending on the make. Some car makes (I think Saab is one, not sure) don't offer any holdback subsidizing to their dealers. Holdback is often paid to the dealership at the end of each quarter, in a lump based on the sales they made that quarter. So, they don't see the holdback until after they sell the car, and depending on where in the fiscal quarter they are, it may be 3 months after they sell the car until they see the holdback.
The thing to do, is to research your car's total invoice price, and negotiate UP from there. Most dealers want to negotiate DOWN from MSRP. This way they can offer you $5,000 off MSRP, and it sounds like a sweet deal, until you find out MSRP is marked up $7000 over invoice, and $5k off MSRP still gives the dealer at least $2k clear profit.
Again, holdback is a subsiziation of the loan interest by the manufacturer for the dealer. (Actually, it is intended to help cover other costs of having cars on their lots, like insurance, cleaning, etc.) It is not to cover advertising and such. Most makes include an advertising fee in the invoice, which is not a fee added by the dealer, but actually part of the invoice cost which the dealer must pay the manufacturer. The advertising fee often varies by region, however, so it is one aspect of the invoice cost which you can't look up online, or in a book. You can only find it out by actually seeing an invoice at a local dealer for a car similar to what you're looking to buy, and most dealers don't want to show you a real invoice. Some will, some won't. Those that will are probably better to deal with anyway.
Also, depending on loan interest rates, compared to car prices, the ~3% of MSRP often covers about 3 months of interest on the dealers loan for the car. So, a dealer has a lot of incentive to move the cars off their lots within the first three months of delivery. If they sell a car within the first week it arrives, they get to keep almost all of that holdback. If the car sits for 3 or 4 months, they don't get to keep any of that holdback, and so they're going to want to sell the car for more $ over invoice, to cover what they lost out of the holdback. On the other hand, a car that's been on the lot for 3 or 4 months is costing them money so they're going to be more anxious to move that car than one that just arrived. It's a fine line to walk. The big thing to take from this aspect though, is that if you ORDER a car, then you should negotiate for as clost to invoice cost or even UNDER invoice, because the dealer has to incur almost NO costs on that car, because it will never sit on their lot, and they get to keep ALL the holdback.
That's another thing. Before you even set foot on the ground of the dealership, do these things: 1) decide on every option you want. 2) calculate the exact invoice cost of the car (except for the advertising, which you can only find out from the dealer) 3) call the dealership and ask for the name of their FLEET MANAGER. (NOT their sales manager!)
When you get to the dealership, as soon as the sales dork walks up and tries to shake your hand, just say, "I'm here to see Mr/Ms soandso" (i.e. the fleet manager). You then go see the fleet manager, and deal directly with him or her. The F.M. is almost never on commission, and only wants to sell cars for the dealership, and USUALLY has full negotiating power, and NEVER has to "go talk to his boss" to negotiate price. You already know what you want, and what you're willing to pay, so there's no reason to waste your time with a commissioned salesperson who can't make deals without approval anyway.
Yes, I did a lot of research before buying my Dakota, and at the time, a very close friend of mine was a very successful sales rep at the local (Newport Beach) BMW dealership, so he gave me the inside scoop on how dealerships make their money. I special ordered my 2000 Dodge Dakota, and I paid exactly the invoice cost of the car. So, the dealer kept about $750 on that sale, and hardly had to do anything, because *I* did all the research. I had three of five local Dodge dealers offering me invoice price, so I could have gone lower, but invoice was my goal, and the dealer I wanted to buy from ('cause their Fleet Manager was very cool) made it clear that he just couldn't afford to go any lower, and he knew that if I went to one of the others offering invoice that they'd go lower. Besides, I figured their holdback was a decent amount of profit to offer them, and this dealer was one of the smaller dealerships in the area at the time.
SGI O2 (aka popcorn) ( 207.193.33.64 ) at 2:32 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
Curtis: You will be happy to hear that I am posting this from the SGI box you sent. I got lots of work to do on it yet, but I AM browsing the web with it
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.64 ) at 1:59 AM EST Monday, March 18, 2002
this one?
Wild Bill: A flash intro is ok... in fact, ANY gee-whiz technology is ok... as long as you provider for people that have such things disabled. And FYI, PDA web browsers are NOT "prehistoric". They are, instead, bandwidth-, processor-, and screen- efficient.
BC ( 67.234.69.193 ) at 10:35 PM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Anyone recommend a decent surge protector, noise filter. I need at least 8 outlets and would like to keep the price around $150. Anyone know anything about tripp lite or furman?
Joe ( 152.163.194.211 ) at 8:32 PM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
More free advice from the basement !
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.190 ) at 8:08 PM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
this one?
Scott "popcorn": I guess I run a "STUPID" company, then. We have a Flash intro and we don't let those with prehistoric web browsers view the site. Oh well.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.90 ) at 6:42 PM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
this one?
Curtis: I can't wait until all these STUPID companies figure out that the world doesn't run on Windows. "we require flash to view this site"... Ok, do you WANT to sell your product or would you rather use stupid gimmicks to make a non-functional but spiffy-looking web site?
I'm not against spiffy-looking web sites, and I'd like to point out also that I can get Flash for BeOS... The point that I *DO* want to make is that web sites, first and foremost, have a specific purpose to deliver INFORMATION. There are MANY ways to deliver information, while still having a good-looking web site without using "non-standard" methods.
One question I'd like to pose to these idiot web designers... What happens when someone wants to view the site using a connected PDA?
I think I'm done ranting for now
Curtis ( 206.170.6.191 ) at 2:45 PM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
this one?
My son is after me to get a new Mini, not going to happen but interesting. www.miniusa.com
It got great reviews locally and has some pretty techie options. Loaded up the S model w/ options it's still <$25K. Forget about deals as BMW is selling it.
AVB ( 64.41.32.87 ) at 12:39 PM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
car invoice
Curtis: There are 2 invoices for a car. One is the factory invoice that reflects the 2.6-3% holdback and the other is the dealer invoice. The holdback is money that the dealer is paid (not charged really)for advertising and promotional costs. If you pay $100 above dealer invoice on a $20K car they are making $700 on it approximately.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.191 ) at 11:52 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
... trade-ins are just as bad. The logic behind giving you squat for your trade goes like this. "We must invest heavily to inspect & repair 1,200 components/systems on your car before we can sell it and offer a warranty to the next owner." In reality if the car is still under transferrable warranty (and not abused) then the new owner gets coverage. If not, they'll be SOL, save for the very limited 3rd party pure profit plays called extended warranties. A pal who bought one of these just shelled out $>2K for a new transmittion on a 3 y-o Volvo. Many dealers pay a detailer about $75 to shine it up & that's about it.
The 1st thing a dealer will do with your trade is move it to another dealer. Why? So you won't see their asking price and want to go postal.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.191 ) at 11:43 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Joelc & JJ:I actually enjoy negotiating new car buys for friends. The entire process is so predictable with the sales droid being the good cop who (almost) promisses you the world until s/he talks to the sales manager, the bad cop. There is no discussion between the two of them other than "get more" orders from the manager. It's also a well-known tactic to make the customer wait forever for this bad news.
The "dealer invoice" for a car rarely reflects reality. There are many things that reduce the cost such as allocations, secret factory incentives, etc. , that materially reduce the price. Most people easily fall into the trap of paying x hundred $ above invoice. "Don't you think the dealership has the right to a very modest profit?" - Says the salesdork. Certainly, but not if I'm clueless about your end of the deal.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:14 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Joe: Happy B-Day!!!!!!!
Joelc ( 64.229.54.200 ) at 8:02 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Joe: Happy birthday dude! Have a great day!
Joelc ( 64.229.54.200 ) at 8:01 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Joe: Happy birthday dude! Have a great day!
JJ ( 165.247.33.118 ) at 7:28 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Cars
I forgot to say that the dent is not that bad. the contract seemed to indicate something close to list, and the trade was 2200.
JJ ( 165.247.33.118 ) at 7:25 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Cars
Joelc: It is so hard to figure out what is the best deal between trade-in allowance, tax plays, residuals, pricing, fiancing rates, etc
I learned this 2 years ago when buying the maxima, especially true on leases. So this time, I didn't even get into the particulars. for instance, I think on the maxima contract, the selling price is msrp (which of course you are never supposed to pay) but the money rate they had was extremely low. So negotiating selling price on a lease is pointless, they will just make money on the back-end with the financing.
Same with the subaru, the first dealer gave me a selling price of a couple Cs above invoice, the monthly was 340+tax, with 1340+fees upfront. they 1st said 2000 for the trade, without even seeing/driving it. that's 1500 less than kbb 'average' condition, I said no way, start walking. "So how much do you want for it?" "something a lot closer to 3," I say. a dude drives it around the block, comes back and says: 'okay 27, less 400 for the BIG (his emphasis) dent in the hood' so now I'm at 2300. I left. cooler heads prevailed at home (my wife). I realized I was doing myself a disservice by not trying another dealer.
Second dealer: "how much do you want for the trade?" "3000". So before going to get the lease number, he comes back with 2200, before seeing the car. after seeing the car and the dent he says "maybe 1000, the hood needs to be replaced" I wish I was like Mr. Potato head, and could remove my lips to press them repeatedly against my butt. So he comes back with 349 including tax, with about 22-2300 due. so I gotta fork over another 1300. then he says: "what if we run it so no money out-of-pocket for you, you leave the trade?" "run it" I say. 355/month including tax. I realized I wasn't going to getting out of the other dealer with any money in my pocket, this is a few bucks cheaper, with mildly more options, so I say okay. then this particular car is in the other lot, I can get monday. or today, in this lot they have this one for 357 which includes security system. OKAY! let me out of here! 1.5 hours later I'm on the highway. whew
BAGMAN ( 207.30.182.101 ) at 6:45 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
JOE, Top of the morning to you and have a ass kickin B'Day.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 4:49 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Gar: I just wanted to say, that it seems like you and the wife are still together, so apparently working things out. Glad to hear it, and I hope things continue to improve.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 4:48 AM EST Sunday, March 17, 2002
Gar: I told her to turn down here hearing Aid..
LOL! You go, DUDE!
Gar ( 208.166.200.165 ) at 9:00 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Joe: hehehehe, we where just at a family rest. And this old bag comes up to us and tells us to keep our kid quite. There where about 20 kids in this place and allot louder than my son. I told her to turn down here hearing Aid.. She said she comes there to get away from that, duh! It is a family Rest... you twit..
Joelc ( 64.229.59.117 ) at 8:46 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Cars
JJ: Congrats on the new ride.
I hear you on the car buying process. The complicated thing that really bugs me is that the sales associates (wow, how poltically correct), eerrr scum (hope no one is offended), play a frickin shell game on you.
It is so hard to figure out what is the best deal between trade-in allowance, tax plays, residuals, pricing, fiancing rates, etc. that they should just nail each item down and run with it. Instead you get well, if I give you an extra US$1,000 on the trade then I need charge you US$1,200 for the car which is actually better for you because... yada yada yada.
Case in point. The guy at Audi tried this on me today. I pointed out that his math had to be wrong becasue if something is better for me then I should be paying less, not more. Turnes out the point he forgot to mention was that the cost of the car is less but the added administration fee more than offsets the decreased cost, thereby making it more costly for me and more prifitable for Audi.
He then told me that I was the first to notice this and that he would now be more open with me by disclosing all costs. I was so pissed I aksed him whether he thought all customers were dumb or whether he thought that I was particularly smart. Answer, he did not know as he was, get this, a high school drop out who just followed a script and pushed buttons into a program -- now selling Audis and Porsches. I explained to him that next time an unshaven, jean and t-shirt wearing customer comes in (i.e. me) do not judge the book by the covers because most people buying such cars can work the numbers inside and out! I then got up and left. I was really pissed!
JJ ( 165.247.37.200 ) at 7:53 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Cars
Man, I hate the car buying process. What happened to Kelley Blue Book? That was the bible right? well, not anymore. Now that the average JJ has access to the info, the dealers don't use that anymore. Dealer trade-in values are $1,000 less than KBB, and i'm not talking 10k vs 11k, the car I was trading in was 2k instead of 3.
Anyway, got ourselves a Subaru Outback wagon. Auto, heated seats, cd player. nice. lease isn't too bad.
Joelc ( 64.229.59.117 ) at 7:51 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
DVD Profiler Databases
Joe: These suckers are stored locally on your PC.
Joelc ( 64.229.59.117 ) at 7:50 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Continuing Car Theme
For whatever it is worth I dropped into the local Audi dealer to drive the new A4Q, just in the event that my beloved and just ordered C32 does not materialize.
After driving the BMW 330i and MB 320C (i.e. not the C32) I have to admot that the AUdi is sweeeeeeeet. The new verion is much stiffer, much more powerful due to that new 3.0 engine and god... relatively speaking is it ever reasonably priced.
As an example, an A4Q with all the toys (i.e. xenon headlights, quattro, parking sonar, nav system, leather, cd etc.) tops out at US$34,000 which is SGNIFICANTLY cheaper than either the BMW 330Xi or C320 4-matic.
Where Audi kills themselves is in leasing, for their interested. The residuals are very low and the interest rates are very high which means that you can lease either a BMW or MB that costs roughly US$8,000 from either for the same monthly payment. Audi really needs to address this.
Bottom line... were I not getting a killer deal on the C32, it would have been another A4Q no questions asked, it was that good!
Joe ( 64.12.102.49 ) at 7:28 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
DVD tracker DVD profiler
Are these databases kept on your PC or are they online database?
Joe ( 64.12.105.152 ) at 6:28 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
ME AND BABY FOR LAST 4 HOURS SEND HELP
Gar ( 207.49.219.99 ) at 6:09 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Richard
Let us know how the new Pioneer stacks up on DVD-A and SACD Playback. Well lets not forget DVD Progressive playback also.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.252 ) at 5:42 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Thanks, Gasgeek and Joe for the info.
Joe, A few of us use dvdprofiler.com
it's a very nice system.
Trav ( 4.34.146.57 ) at 4:35 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Off Topic
Anyone here familiar with a couple Microsoft products such as Microsoft® Small Business Server 2000 or Microsoft® Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000? I have a couple questions regarding them.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:25 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Curtis
check your email
Gar ( 204.71.148.102 ) at 2:13 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Wild Bill
If I can come up with the cash I would love to use these in my new HT/Music Room. I will get them in Rosewood.
http://www.dynaudio.com/products/confidence/c2/c2.htm
Joe ( 205.188.199.59 ) at 12:22 PM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Super Ones
Gasgeek: Tony onecall.com had them on closeout. Since I was not to interested I did not pay much attention to the different modles.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.136.75 ) at 11:45 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Palm Springs
Going to Palm Springs for the night to meet some friends. Y'all have a great weekend.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.136.75 ) at 11:44 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Super Ones
Tony C: Sorry. It appears that Robert may have set you up although I didn't see any response. Actually, the replacements for the Super One's and Zero's have been out for almost a year even though NHT just changed their web site. The only stores that wold have them would probably be those that ordered large quantities before they were discontinued. Brian doesn't stock major inventory of anything, especially NHT since they are pretty close. I think I saw one white SuperOneXU in the warehouse last time I was looking for some Ones for a friend.
There was a place on line somewhere that I saw a few months ago that was selling SuperOnes for $99 a piece.
Sorry!
Gasgeek ( 209.179.136.75 ) at 11:37 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
HT/STEREO NIGHTMARE!!
Well I experienced all of our worst nightmare yesterday. My wife was at home on her day off. I get a call from her about 9AM. She's very somber and I thought someone had died. She says that she was in the other room and heard a tremendous crash. When she ran into the living room, she saw my equipment rack laying face down with about 15 Grand worth of gear on the floor.
I was actually quite calm. I took care of some business that was pending and excused myself from work. When I got home, I found that one of the threaded pieces for the castors, had just basically given way. The threads were separated from the shaft and the female side was bent.
I started unhooking everything and removing it piece by piece. Other than a very slight scratch on my pre/pro and a chip out of the rack itself, there were no physical signs of damage to any of the electronics. Thank God for carpet.
The terminations on the component cables from my DVD player had all been pulled off and the only other damage appears to be a cracked banana plug on one of my speaker cables. I spent all day cleaning examing and putting it back together. Minus the casters I might add.
The good news is that it all works and appears to be none the worse for wear. Gave me a chance to clean everything and reconnect. Hopefully nothing shows up down the road.
The wholesaler of the Vantage Point/Contours stands is a friend of Brian's, and I have been on his boat several times. He's very distraught over this. Says that it has never happened in the thousands they have sold. Leave it to me. He say's he'll make it up to me. Actually we're supposed to hang out on his 52 foot cabin cruiser in Long Beach harbor during the Long Beach Grand Prix next month. He's also the importer of Nordost Cables. Maybe I'll hit him up for an upgrade.
Joe ( 205.188.192.184 ) at 9:31 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Robert
Thanks, Did you get that Pioneer 47 yet?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:04 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Joe: HEre's one, but I'm not sure if Radio Shack has the Cue Cats anymore.
http://www.dvdtracker.com/
Joe ( 205.188.192.184 ) at 8:56 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Good Morning all
The wife is sleeping and I have JoAnna. We started our mornig with some Banana Otameal Peach yum yum. We are listening to a little Allman Brothers, Eat a Peach. Trying to stick to a Peach theme and keep introducing her to good music.
I know Tony and a few others have posted this before, but one more time. Where is the downloadable software for DVD tracking? Also do I just go to Rat Shack and get any scanner wand?
I know I have lent out mvies and have lost them. The new puter should be here next week and this is on the top of my list to do.
Joelc ( 64.229.53.153 ) at 6:29 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
Joelc
Morning gents.
Robert: I told you that there was a huge price difference between Canada and the US re: MB pricing. I would love to know why. Also, Scott's idea will not work for a new car but will wrk for as used car, as our governments have figured this out and established the appropriate taxing scheme. That said, might not be a bad idea for a used one.
Regarding the CTS she, my employee, has had it for approximately two weeks. I was in it the other day when we went to a meeting together. Another thing about the car, it appears to be very narrow, perhaps this is nothing more than an optical illusion given its beefy/wide looking headlights.
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.70.239 ) at 3:33 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
JoelC
Robert: You could always fly there and then drive back
Gar ( 204.71.148.84 ) at 12:47 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
NCAA
Yippe WI beat St. Johns.... Looks like Maryland is next... Which could be our demise!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:05 AM EST Saturday, March 16, 2002
JoelC
I checked the MB Canada site and ran a few models then converted currency,,,,sorry I have to leave now, I'm going to cry myself to sleep.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.147 ) at 10:58 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Robert: Given the budget I would look for a low mileage 540i 6 speed or an Audi A8 Quattro. They depreciate like crazy early on but should last many years.
Tony C ( 63.42.205.86 ) at 10:52 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Super Ones
Robert: thanks. I'll call you next week. If the speaks come from MN (which I doubt) I can pick them up.
As far as the car goes, I'm just as confused. I drove the GS300 and also was not impressed. A new GS430 comes out soon. I'd like to see it. But no matter what, I'm waiting for a few months.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:33 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Curtis: I didn't mean the Acuras were out of range, the Porsches are.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:31 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Joelc: Jaguar XJR = 375 supercharged ponies, yea haw
and as far as one of your employees driving a CTS, did they just get it, the CTS is a brand new car, released only this year (or this month). It retails for $34.5K in the luxury sport configuration. The STS's are a bit more $50K (+/-). My budget, when it's time will be about $30-35K so you can see where the used sedans fit in. Speed would be great, but not an absolute. I used to drive a modified VW Scirocco through the Sierra Nevadas in Northern Calif, I love the twists and turns, so suspension is a prerequisite.Plus in my neck of the woods, 4 wheel drive is a plus. As far as the A8, I know the update's coming so I should get a good deal on a used one. I ALMOST bought one (A8) last weekend for $23K but it had 60K+ miles on it. First thing my wife did when she got home from her trip was to look in the garage to see what cars were in there !!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:15 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Curtis: naw, my other option is Porsche with the new Cayenne soon to be available for $45K or a used 911. Don't get me wrong I like the Acura's, (3.2 w/ 6 spd ain't bad).But they are a bit out of range, I will have two car payments remember!! Plus a gas tank to fill (and gas just hit $1.39 here, it was $1.09 a couple of weeks ago) for the "Texas Cadillac". I drove the Lexus GS 300, not impressed, the new A4's weigh 500 lbs more than last year with no sizable increase in HP, the Lexus I300 nice, but for $30K, I can get more car used.
Joelc ( 64.229.53.34 ) at 10:14 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Well, I seem to have scared everybody away so until tomorrow... Good Night!
Joelc ( 64.229.53.34 ) at 10:12 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Robert: One, no make that two, more things:
1. There are, based on my research, no discounts on the C32 as less than 1000 ship to North America each year.
2. The XJR on the list... it is a racer. Check out the website, 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. This would make a reace between my C32 and your XJR a matter of skill, that is one fast sucker for a car that big!
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:06 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Tony C: I can help, but it will cost to ship unless they were able to drop ship
Joelc ( 64.229.53.34 ) at 10:00 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Robert: The A8 us due for a model cahnge next year, meaning the car will dip in retail value, and I would therefore shy away. The 325ix is a beauty but slow.. check the specs. Although I know nothng about Jags as they never tickled my fancy, I would opt for the 540i as it looks great, is a blast to drive, and is fast. According to BMW's website is only 1 second slower than the C32 in 0 to 60 times (i.e. 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds). This would be even better would it be available in standard.
On the issue of the C32, I want to be clear. I have ordered the car and have, due to past experienced, not consider it mine until it is parked in my driveway. The wait will be a long one and price aside, I just might get tired, after all 5 to 6 months is a long time when one want a new toy.
However, when I do get it, not only will I post a picture but will make an open offer. Anyone visiting me in Toronto will be offered the opportunity to drive it. There is one caveat... you are responsible for your own speeding tickets!
Joelc ( 64.229.53.34 ) at 9:51 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Robert: This is a real mystery to me. You need to boogey over to MBs Canadian site because the C32 comparably equipped retails in Canada for US$44,000. Given the car retails in the US for approximately US$10,000 more, someone is making MAJOR coin.
Cadillac CTS: One of my employees drives one of these -- we must be paying people way too much. Short summary of the car -- nice engine, nice European ride, terrible fit and finish. It is all plastic, and is a travesty -- it really ruins the car. IMHO, this car is still an "old folks" car, and the only Cadillac worth its price is an STS, and at that price, you can put me into a C32. That is correct in Canada the STS and C32 retail for the same $$$. So, who is crazy -- the person who buys the STS or the person who buys the C32?
End of rant!!!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.147 ) at 9:37 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Robert: It reminds me a lot of the 70's Eldorado for some reason. Stick shift is a plus. What else is on your short list, or is it all Bimmers and Audis?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 9:36 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Joe: Now why did I thinkyou would agree This car has 5 speeds with Rear wheel drive, granted it won't light up Joel's C32, but it's fast enough.
So now I'm confused like hell, choices for a new sedan are:
Audi A8Q (Used)
BMW 540 (used)
BMW 325IX w/ aero pkg and full options(wish I could get M3 paddle shifting)
Jaguar X Type 2.5
Jaguar XJR (used)
Cadillac CTS
Time to save for my birthday.
Joe ( 152.163.194.204 ) at 8:19 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Robert: I THINK THAT WOULD BE A FINE CHOICE
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:51 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Robert: I like it a lot except for the tail lights.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 7:45 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
Robert: I like the unique looks
Tony C ( 63.42.204.36 ) at 7:05 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Gar: waisted some time today doing some shopping. I saw your Anthem and a Lexicon amp made by Bryston. The guy said he can't keep the Anthems in stock.
Looked at some TVs too. I'm going to build a cube Sunday to see what will fit down the stairs.
Gasgeek: I really went to that store to see if they were dealing old NHT speakers. I'm thinking of replacing my rears (Super Zeros) with Super Ones. One of the stores Curtis and I went to had Super Ones on sale. Can you get a deal since the new speaker line came out? I'm matching VT2s and VSa Center.
Trav ( 4.34.146.57 ) at 6:47 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Shitty news
Ron H: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020315/ap_on_re_us/family_shot
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 6:25 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Any thoughts on the new Cadillac CTS?
http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/models/cts/index.jsp?hasFlash=true
I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a pretty big German car guy, but I like this car a lot.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 6:25 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Gar: "Man more shitty news..... 6 slain in Oregon, more children. Man some people need to get a grip!"
I have not heard about this yet. Do you have a link?.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:56 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Using an outboard mic with the RatShack spl meter would pose other problems though... like how to bias the mic properly to mimic your ear's natural bias towards sounds in front of you. Standard practice is to aim the spl meter at a 45 degree angle forward while holding or mounting it in the listening position. A better outboard mic would likely have less directional bias....
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:54 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
AVB: Which is why I find using the Rat Shack SPL meter for speaker level calibration so frustrating. I mean that entire thing only cost $30, the mic in it must be a piece o' cr@p. I especially wonder how accurate it is in the low frequency range, since AVIA has so many low frequency tests that require a SPL meter.
Anyone remember if the Rat shack analog spl meter has a mic input? I wonder how much improvement we'd see with a decent mic used... ?
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 5:53 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Joelc: You know Joel, I could give you $1000, and your firend who gave you the deal a $1000 and STILL save about $8,000 over what I was quoted initially on the same car ($54K).
Gar ( 207.1.1.25 ) at 5:38 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
PS Audio
Very impressed with this piece, I got a good deal on one and could pass it up, this is one of the best products I have put in my HT system in awhile. Well of course it comes in a close second to my Anthem and Bryston combo.
http://www.psaudio.com/products/powerdirector.asp
AVB ( 64.41.32.110 ) at 5:23 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
Joelc: Digital EQ is not new although this is half the size and price of the last one I saw. For HT use we really need a 3 channel version IMHO. If the mains were properly EQ'ed but the center wasn't I think there would be smearing between the speakers. Especially with the amount of information that the center channel handles.
For stereo it is a pretty good idea. With 120 bands I'm sure you'd be able to correct most response problems. What I didn't see was the mic that reads the room response. The system can only be as good as the mic reads and the ones that are flat 20-20Khz are damn few.
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 4:39 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
JJ: The point being that this is a GREAT starting price, and that after a while it will be very affordable. Just think... 18 months ago a PS DVD player was well over US$1,000, and now can be had for a few hundred. I suspect thatthis technology, like all others, will follow suit. This is why I am so geeked about this!!!
Now, where is that $%^*)*& C32 I ordered. I just can't wait to blow the dorrs off some less than 30 simething yuppie trying to impress his GF in his alledgedly fast car when he looses to what is nothing more than a 4 door sedan, albet a 350 HP powerhouse!
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 3:07 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
Joelc: I was interested until I read it's $2500
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 2:31 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Take off the pdc part at the end. Once your at the home page you can link from there to the article.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:15 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
Joelc: I can't open that link, either.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 2:01 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
Joelc: I can not open the link.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 1:18 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
Joelc: Looks interesting!
Joelc ( 216.223.140.14 ) at 1:13 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Interesting Product
Check this out... www.clarityeq.com/pdc26.htm
If true, this woudl certainly appear to be cheaper than physically changing a room to improve sound quality.
How about some feedback from the engineers around these parts?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.115 ) at 1:07 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
HD hoops all day today
Good old CBS. Here's the lineup for OTA. All times are EST.
Now. Michigan State vs. North Carolina State
2:45 Conn. vs. Hampton
7:40 Wisconsin vs. St. John's
10:05 Maryland vs. Sienna
The 1st game looks fantastic. 2.0 DD audio & Mitsu is even showing HD ads (I think). On days like this it's great to work from a home office though I doubt my productivity will soar.
Gar ( 207.1.1.25 ) at 12:15 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Man more shitty news..... 6 slain in Oregon, more children. Man some people
need to get a grip!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.115 ) at 12:10 PM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Plasma
Kieran: I guess that you never asked where it was going! She's the coolest boss anywhere as they are also good friends. Email coming your way about the plan for Sunday.
Gar ( 207.1.1.25 ) at 11:27 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Gar
Joe: I bought 10 pack from CompUSA, they had them missed marked I think. Got them for under $50 bucks. There Toshiba brand DVD-R
Joe ( 198.208.223.35 ) at 11:12 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Gar
Where are you buying blank DVD media from?
Gar ( 207.1.1.25 ) at 10:46 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Doh!!! That is "not"
Gar ( 207.1.1.25 ) at 9:58 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
BC: Just a FYI, quick on Radar is no very good at accurate speed. Even if you where speeding. You need to get a jammer.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 9:28 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Good morning gang.
I got nailed last night with radar doing 58 in a 40. It's a 3 lane service road to the highway and I should have known better. They are always hanging out there, just over a little hill. Of course, I was the first car in the pack so my Valentine went off about the same time I saw him! Oh well, I must say I deserve it as I pretty much speed all the time!
Joelc ( 64.229.52.157 ) at 6:22 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Morning gents....
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:05 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Plasma
Curtis: You didn't tell me that the plasma TV you had in your house was for Loring's BOSS! It came up in conversation that she just got a new HDTV, and oh yeah, Curtis got it for her... and I said "I know about that TV!"
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:07 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
I can't wait !!
I just read the manuals for the DV-47 AND the VSX47. Pioneer has the manuals on their website. Trick to getting them though is to right click on the file icon and select "save target as" and then you get the files. otherwise it appears like you don't get them (they don't show on the screen).
I should be able to set up my "music" speakers as speaker B and configure the DVD-A output to coincide with my listening position and speaker size. With movies, I like to be up close and have "small" speakers, but the way my "music" speakers (Large) are set up, I prefer to be further back with a wider sweet spot.
Gar ( 204.71.148.106 ) at 12:48 AM EST Friday, March 15, 2002
Amp
Robert: Well that would be there new DVD SACD/DVD-A units that is, not sure if I got the model number right.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:57 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Amp
Gar: Tempted for a 47?
Gar ( 208.166.200.130 ) at 9:37 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Amp
Robert: I got a call from the guys at Sound Pros, asking me if I wanted to buy one of these puppies. I was tempted!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.228 ) at 9:14 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Joelc: I hate it when you have to wait months for a new toy. Keep in mind that nearly every factory in Germany is shut down the entire month of August - make sure you know where you are in the que or July can quickly turn into Sept. Great price BTW.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:05 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Joelc: That is a great price!!!!!
Joelc ( 64.229.63.61 ) at 7:37 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Kieran and Ron H: It is not so much a matter of new features, which I doubt thaere will be any given this will only be second year of offering the new C32.
The issue is that it another another decidion point. I had decided that I wanted a new car to enjoy over the summer which meant go for the C32 as the 4-matic would not be availavle until Sept. 2002.
Now that there is only two months between recipt of either it is making me think all over again -- the damn thing is so expensive that I WILL drive it for many years and want to get it "right".
As Robertt said... we men will spend big $$$ for something that we will use everyday and for a lot of days! Heck, the firs car I owned I had for 9 years and my current car is going on 7, which is likley how long I will have this pup and even at my discounted price of BIG GULP US$37 to US$42 K this is BIG $$$!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 6:50 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
That below should be, "B )" not a smiley.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 6:49 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
There are two ways to look at buying a cusp model year car.
A) If I buy the 2002 at the end of the model year, (i.e. early summer) then it will have relatively low mileage on it for its model year, which might be good for resale value. However, it will be considered "a year old" in only a few months.
If I buy the 2003 at the beginning of the model year, (i.e. late summer) then it won't be considered a year old (relative to its model year)for well over a year. However, by spring 2003, you could have over 10,000 miles on a car that by its model year is "new".
Both A and B are only a concern for resale value, and even then, a savvy used car buyer is going to look at the MONTH of manufacture, not just the year, which makes both A and B above, moot.
Which brings you to the question, are you willing to wait for any new features that the new car will have?
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 6:14 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Joelc: I would wait for the 2003
Joe ( 152.163.195.198 ) at 5:52 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
BC
I heard you say the dealere you install for sells B&K and parasound. Would you find out if they are planning on releasing new Pre/Pro this year?
Joe ( 152.163.195.198 ) at 5:50 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Waiting for the Rotel Day 8
So where do we fins the amp package this morning? Trying to be delivered to the same location as on the 7th.
Remember that game "Wheres Carmen Sandiego"
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 5:49 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Polk Audio
Joe: That's cool. I have always heard that Polk does well by their costomers.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 5:48 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
I think this is very cool.
JohnO: I'm imagining speach for the mute would be amazing... For example, take Stephen Hawking, who uses synthesized speach to communicate. He has to watch a screen though, and use a push-paddle to construct sentances. Imagine if he could just think his thoughts and the computer would synthesize them for him.
Also is controlling mechanical devices of all sorts, be they bulldozers, tanks, aircraft, robotic soldiers, all controlled remotely, from a safe location, by thoughts.
Joe ( 152.163.195.198 ) at 5:48 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Polk Audio
I blewthe driver in my subwoofer last year. I have not used it with all the moving and improving work going on. So I finally get around to sending th driver back to Polk last Tuesday. Today when I get home there is a new driver sitting on my back deck. I bought the sub on March 15, 1997. I can live with that customer service.
Joelc ( 64.229.60.245 ) at 3:55 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
BC: Congrats on the amplifier, I knew that you would like. You got yourself a great deal!!
Gar: Congrats on the Anthem/Bryston combo, I am not surprised that they sound great. All I can say is... GO CANADA!!
Car Question: Okay now what... I ordered a C32 only to discover that I can notthe car until June/July. The questionis, am I better to order a 2003 which I can get late August/early September.
JohnO ( 140.183.155.5 ) at 3:48 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
I think this is very cool.
Kieran: The Cuberpunk neural jacks are getting closer and closer.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 3:39 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
I think this is very cool.
Kieran: next is microsoft collecting the info on how much fecal matter the monkey threw
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:21 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
I think this is very cool.
Imagine the possibilities...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21153-2002Mar13.html
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 2:02 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Interesting AMP PSA.
AVB: wow, that is interesting
AVB ( 64.41.33.114 ) at 12:53 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Interesting AMP PSA.
I found this for sale if anyone is interested.
AB International Sub 1850 3 channel amp. It is the same as this link http://www.abamps.com/sub2000.htm except the power is 250 for speakers and 500 for the sub. Asking price $500 with free shipping. Contact kevnel@cox.net
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:20 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Comcast cable to deploy HD in D.C. area
Curtis: That's good news... but I'll be happy when AT&T deploys HD via cable in the Bay Area! Is the SouthBay serviced by AT&T also?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.109 ) at 12:09 PM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Comcast cable to deploy HD in D.C. area
This is a step in the right direction. HD locals, HBO & Showtime. I didn't know that they already have these services up and running in Philadelphia.
Full story here: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020314/phth007_1.html
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 10:23 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
sucks
This morning when I left for work there was a car window laying in the grass. My neighbor was parked next to me and I noticed his window "down". Turns out it was his window and someone had broken in and ripped out all his stereo equipment. I'm glad the prick didn't see my valentine one radar detector! And I live in a pretty nice area, right on a golf course!
Guess it's time to buy that automatic assualt rifle I always wanted.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 10:17 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Amp
BC: The DV-47 Shipped on Tuesday. Fri or Mon is target date.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 9:59 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Joelc: Call after 09:30 AM.
Gar ( 204.71.148.127 ) at 9:53 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
HD/Adapter
Kieran: Actually you did discuss this, I couldn't remember who, but I think you listed a RCA Adapter but I can't seem to find that website. They were around $129 bucks I believe.
Gar ( 204.71.148.127 ) at 9:51 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Joelc: Yikes! Not good, I been sick for the past 2 weeks from a Antibiotic that a Doc gave me, basically screwed my stomach up to the point where I can't keep any food in me. Lets say I am over the 10lb mark for wieght loss, the problem I have is my Wife, boss etc could care less. I guess some people don't think your sick till your laying in a hospital bed.
Joelc ( 64.229.59.148 ) at 9:28 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Good morning gang.
And it really is good.... I had a wicked case of the stomach flu yesterday, and according to my scale lost 7 pounds in one day. Luckily I feel much better today.
Ron H: I will call you in a bit!
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 9:17 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Amp
I got the ATI in yesterday and hooked it up. I'm in sonic nirvana! The audio is now getting to where I am actually satisfied. I always felt things were lacking a little bit just using a receiver. It sounded good, just didn't have the impact I was looking for. Even 2 channel sounded much better, although the ATI and M&K's aren't usually considered "great" at 2 channel, I am happy.
Next step is a better DVD player, either pioneer 47 or Denon 3800.
Robert, you had a chance to play with yours yet? (the dvd player, that is)
The panasonic AE100 LCD projector has my attention also. Yea, that would pretty much do it. Well, and a house!
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 9:08 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
X-box
Jeff S.: $20 gets you the s-vid and you also get the optical digital out.
Halo is a great game, I have completed the game many time on all setting, it's even more fun in multy player, my 3 sons (21,19,17) and myself play on sat morn'n for hrs like a bunch of kids, it great.
I bought 2 of the cheaper knock off controllers only to return them for the xbox one which are a little more but worth it.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 8:45 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
X-box
Jeff S.: A S-Video hook up is a must and may be fine on a 25" TV for game playing. The component would offer the best picture but I am not sure how much of the difference would be seen. You can always try the different hookups and return the one that you do not want.
Jeff S. ( 32.97.110.72 ) at 7:46 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
X-box
I need some help/advice. My nephew got an X-box last X-mas as well as a Toshiba 25 inch television to use with it. I found out that he (12 yrs old) was connecting to the television using the composite input. What I was wondering was if I should get him one of the upgraded adapters that allow either s-video or component hookups. Since the televion is only 25 inches, there may not be a vast improvement in video pic quality. This tv does have s-video and component inputs (not HD ready though of course) and I think the resolution is something like 600 lines. What would you guys suggest? I was going to get the HD pack for component just because the tv has component inputs.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 6:27 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Gar
Sorry I should have said, I was curious about the Anthem price. After I posted lastnight it was play time, I did not check until this morning.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.120 ) at 4:25 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
Trucks!
Any of you interested in trucks (SUV types, off-road, etc)... Check out this site! Fill out the survey if you feel the urge http://www.myequator.net/
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.120 ) at 3:43 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
The neighbor's cat better watch out!
Kieran: Ya know, I had an idea many months ago (ok, more like a year) of making something quite similar to that machine gun... However, I wanted mine to have a chain that holds rubber bands, and as the crank is turned, the chain feeds through, the gun takes the rubber bands off the chain one by one, and stretches the rubber band as it rotates around, until it's in shooting position... Rather than loading up the barrels with a number of rubber bands. Thanks for posting that link though... It just might encourage me to make MY design
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 1:13 AM EST Thursday, March 14, 2002
HD/Adapter
Gar: The adapter for the DTC100 won't help you for the XBox... but you probably know that.
Either I'm having serious deja-vu, or a few weeks ago, we already had this discussion about getting a transcoder for your dtc100 vs. running a vga-breakout cable.... you say you don't have room to run more cable, I remember you saying that from before, too. Which kind of video cable do you already have installed? Component or VGA?
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 10:33 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Gar: I just used a breakout cable to hook up DTC-100to the Sony. You can pick one up at best buy for about $35.
Gar ( 207.49.219.50 ) at 10:01 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Ron H: I also need a Adapter for the DTC-100, currently don't have enough room to run anymore cable at the moment. So I am looking at a adapter for the Xbox and the DTC-100.
Gar ( 207.49.219.50 ) at 10:00 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Gar
Joe: What I paid for my current Amp, or the Rotel?
AVB ( 64.41.32.59 ) at 8:37 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Parasound
Joe: Can't help Joe, I've been out of their loop for almost a year now
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 8:09 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Gar: Kieran is correct. Jusyt buy the X-Box adaptor. I am lovoing HD and 5.1 DD on my Sony FP.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 7:34 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
The neighbor's cat better watch out!
Curtis: I sure wouldn't pay $395 for it, but it sure is nifty!
JT ( 65.30.252.119 ) at 7:32 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Joe: Let me know what you paid for it, too. If Kelly is giving you guys a better price than he gave me, I'll have to give him some hell!!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.10 ) at 7:25 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
The neighbor's cat better watch out!
Kieran: You mean to tell me that people actually buy that thing for $400? I always wondered how to shoot a gross of rubber bands more or less at once.
Joe ( 64.12.105.32 ) at 7:22 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Gar
I am curious what you paid if you don't mind. You can click on my name and keep it private if you prefer.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 7:22 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Guess where Joe's amp is today
Joe: Joe, I'd call a customer service rep ASAP, after all you do have the tracking #.
Joe ( 64.12.105.32 ) at 7:21 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Kieran
JT: I have been in contact with Kelly, pretty much everyday. He is also surprised.
Gar ( 204.71.148.165 ) at 7:09 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Gar
Joe: The Anthem is chip upgradable and software. Two good things, in fact there new chip should be out at the end of the month. I think it is a 299 upgrade.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 6:58 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
The neighbor's cat better watch out!
http://www.backyardartillery.com/machinegun/
JT ( 65.30.252.119 ) at 6:29 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Kieran
Joe: Do you know for sure that UPS has the proper address now? If so, what the hell are they thinking? Actually, I ordered a radar detector right before I moved from Houston. It was shipped from Illinois, through Washington state to arrive in Texas. Made no sense. I guess they just screw up sometimes.
Joe ( 205.188.192.186 ) at 6:14 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Kieran
I know, I can hardley wait to check it late tonight.
Joe ( 205.188.192.186 ) at 6:12 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Gar
The Anthem is looking better as I read. I am curious to see if Parasound, B&K and Marantz/Denon will be offering a new Pre/Pro this year.
I thought the parasound 2500 was really loaded when it came out and its been a few years. They should be due for a new release.
The Ref 30 is another piece that is due for a upgrade this year. I was considering looking at an MC-1, but felt that would be taking a bad step. The TAG is to much for me.
I have been assigned a couple projects today that will improve my Pre/Pro budget I am still looking at mid to late summer. So by then the inforamtion on new units should be out.
Now if someone knew someone at parasound...AVB any connections?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 6:08 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Guess where Joe's amp is today
Joe: LOL!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 6:08 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Gar: You shouldn't need a transcoder for your XBox, though. Are you sure that's what you want/need? For the XBox, you just need the XBox HD accessory kit. The only thing you need a transcoder for is if you have a RCA dtc100 hdtv box, and need to feed the output of the dtc100 to component jacks on your display.
Joe ( 205.188.192.186 ) at 5:58 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Guess where Joe's amp is today
PACKAGE PROGRESS
Date Time Location Activity
Mar 13, 2002 1:30 P.M. FARGO, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
5:38 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US DEPARTURE SCAN
2:54 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US LOCATION SCAN
1:55 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US UNLOAD SCAN
Mar 12, 2002 11:30 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US ARRIVAL SCAN
8:31 A.M. CACH, IL, US DEPARTURE SCAN
7:53 A.M. CACH, IL, US ARRIVAL SCAN
4:20 A.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US DEPARTURE SCAN
Mar 11, 2002 9:03 P.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US LOCATION SCAN
7:12 P.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US UNLOAD SCAN
4:21 P.M. GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US ARRIVAL SCAN
Mar 8, 2002 7:29 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US DEPARTURE SCAN
6:11 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US LOCATION SCAN
5:31 P.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US UNLOAD SCAN
10:45 A.M. MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US ARRIVAL SCAN
6:00 A.M. FARGO, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
12:21 A.M. FARGO, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
Mar 7, 2002 9:00 P.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
6:10 P.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US ORIGIN SCAN
9:11 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US INCORRECT ZIP CODE, NOT DELIVERED;ADDRESS CORRECTED, DELIVERY RESCHEDULED
9:10 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US INCORRECT ZIP CODE, NOT DELIVERED
5:45 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US UNLOAD SCAN
3:30 A.M. JAMESTOWN, ND, US ARRIVAL SCAN
2:42 A.M. FARGO, ND, US DEPARTURE SCAN
Mar 6, 2002 8:27 P.M. FARGO, ND, US ORIGIN SCAN
1:31 P.M. US BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED
Gar ( 204.71.148.85 ) at 4:42 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Curtis: Thanks Curtis
Curtis ( 206.170.7.10 ) at 4:29 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Gar: The RCA adaptor turns RGB on 15 pin into component. Audio Authority makes the same thing as well as one that converts component to RGB.
http://www.audioauthority.com/consumer.html
Gar ( 207.1.1.109 ) at 3:58 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
HD/Adapter
Someone sent me a site for a HD adapter, I believe RCA makes one that converts the Component over to HD. If someone has that site please post it, I thought I bookedmarked it. Thanks
Gar ( 207.1.1.109 ) at 3:56 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
I'm a helper, that's what I do.
BC: heheheh, thats funny! I need to buy toslink adapter and HD one also. I am on legendary on Halo and about half way through it. I finished it on all other levels.
Gar ( 207.1.1.109 ) at 3:54 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Anthem/Bryston Combo
Very impress with this setup, I will run all balanced cables once I get them in, it seems I get a few more db out of these cables. Using them on my front 2 channels and you can notice a difference. Also the Bryston/Anthem setup is very sweet, detailed in HT and 2 channel, but my favorite is "All Channel Stereo for music. This thing is packed full of ways to configure a system etc.. I will run a second room off this main system into my office by summer.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 3:54 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
I'm a helper, that's what I do.
Kieran: My buddy loaned me his Xbox while he is out of town.
I picked up the 5.1/HD adapter and HALO is awesome!!! I need to give it back to him soon. I haven't been to the gym since he brought it over last Thursday!
Gar ( 207.1.1.109 ) at 3:52 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Whew!
Curtis: Good news is always good to hear, especially that. My friend had a tumor also, in his inner ear and it also was Benign.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:42 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
I'm a helper, that's what I do.
Man, have I been busy setting up friends with HT's. My ex-boss, a buddy last week at work, and another buddy this week. This week's project, Mark, got an X-Box last week, and after playing HALO, immediately came to me to ask about getting a surround sound system.
So, after shopping around last night and listening to various speakers and receivers, here's what he's going to get:
From Soundscape, a local dealer, who pricematched Goodguys:
2x Energy e:XL-16 -- $250 (main speakers)
2x Energy e:XL-15 -- $180 (surround speakers)
1x Energy e:XL-C2 -- $200 (center channel)
1x Energy e:XL-C -- $180 (center back)
From www.soundpros.com:
Yamaha RX-V1200 -- $750
total taxable -- $1560 x 1.075 = $1677
From www.onecall.com:
Velodyne FSX12 -- $524 + ~$40 shipping
Total: -- $2241.
A little over his budget of $2000, but he's going to go for it anyway. Should be pretty sweet! We're going to Home Depot Saturday, and getting wires, patch panels, interconnects, and various sundries. Saturday afternoon, we'll run wires through his attic and walls, and install banana plug patch panels in the walls.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:35 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Whew!
Curtis: So glad to hear that buddy... very few types of news can be better than hearing that a loved one is going to be alright after a scare like that.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 2:20 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Whew!
Curtis: That's good to hear!
We had a scare this last week with my mom. She is a breast cancer survivor and someone misread the results on one of her last scans which led her to believe there was a growth on her liver. Turned out it was nothing and the scan was identical to one done awhile ago.
On a happier not, my amp was delivered a day early and is waiting at home for me!!!!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.134 ) at 1:27 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Whew!
My best friend since 7th grade discovered a few weeks ago that he had a large brain tumor. The 1st Dr. who saw him told his wife after CT scans that he likely had about 6 months to live. You can well imagine the whole scene.
After 9 hours of surgery on Monday to remove it, the outlook is about as rosy as possible - benign with little chance of future problems. There's no reason now that he can't watch his 6 y-o daughter grow up while he ages gratiously like the rest of us.
What a huge relief.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.134 ) at 1:12 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Projector Purchase
Kieran: It's probably a combination of both going blind & improving technology.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:39 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Gar: I got a stock Canondale CAAD3 frame, the frame that is used on their entry level R400 road racing bike. I special ordered it, and Canondale didn't have any in my size (66cm) so they had to weld one specially for me! I bought only the frame and fork so far... the rest of the bike will be custom picked parts... based on the Ultegra group, with Hand built wheels on Mavic Open-Pro rims.
Gar ( 208.166.200.130 ) at 12:32 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Bryston/Lex Amp and Athem AVM-20 Pre/Pro
Well got both units and will be putting them together today. Been home sick since Monday with sometype of stomach bacteria. Ironically the medication that I was taking for my (|) is what caused my stomach to get all screwed up
Gar ( 208.166.200.130 ) at 12:30 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
What kind of bike did you buy?
Gar ( 208.166.200.130 ) at 12:29 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
OT: New bike is in.
Kieran: My (|) is finally healed from my surgrey so I will be getting the Klein dusted off and ready to roll.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:28 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
OT: New bike is in.
The frame and fork for my new road bike arrived yesterday. I've decided to go with an Ultegra based build kit. The store offered me a great deal, so I figured what the heck. I'm going to the store today at lunch to pick out detail parts and get fit on a stem, seat and bars. Should be built up and ready to roll by Saturday!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:25 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Wow...
Slow morning.
???
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 12:24 PM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Projector Purchase
Scott "popcorn": I was surprised as well to hear Curtis "Mr. CRT" giving such high praise to a DLP projector... Just last year Curtis was telling me how Plasmas, LCD's, DLP's and the like just don't have the black level that he likes.
Either Curtis is going blind, or technology is improving... Hmmmm...
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.32.134 ) at 5:29 AM EST Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Projector Purchase
Curtis: Glad to hear your comments about the Sharp 9000 DLP. Especially with your eyes... I thought it looked good when I saw it, but wanted another opinion. hopefully I'll be able to afford one by the time SW:Episode 2 hits DVD.
Tony C ( 67.218.41.2 ) at 9:19 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Robert: Good thing I checked in one last time today.
I took it out of the trash.
I leave tomorrow (finally) I'll mail it when I get back.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 8:37 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Tony C: save it for me if you can.
Tony C ( 67.218.85.154 ) at 7:52 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Robert: Check today's Life section of USA Today.
Actually, everyone should.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.250 ) at 7:05 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
RGB
Have a Really Great Birthday
BYork ( 198.74.16.148 ) at 6:12 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Happy Birthday, RGB!
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 6:08 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Rotel
Joe: I think that is more of a design flaw, and I am surprised Rotel didn't correct it sooner.
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 6:07 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Gar
Gar: The new Bryston/Lexicon works on both the 15amp circut and the 20 without having to modify my house or call a electrician.
Gar ( 207.1.1.86 ) at 6:06 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Gar
Joe: That is interesting, but my option was much easier, get rid of the Amp.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.197 ) at 5:40 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Projector Purchase
cai: Well congratulations then on your Hitachi purchase. I have yet to see one in action. I'm sure you did your homework and will be a happy camper. Tony C & I saw a Sharp 9000 DLP last week while he was in town. I was VERY impressed with it. Solid image, whisper quiet and good blacks.
Joe ( 64.12.96.9 ) at 4:52 PM EST Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Gar
I just read this over at HTF. You might find it interesting
I figured i'd post my Rotel experience with yall....
I purchased an RB-1090 (400x2) and RMB-1095 (200x5) several months ago. Everything worked great! My entire theater was plugged into a 20amp dedicated outlet. Well, one day the 1090 just shuts down and doesn't turn on again (I.E. lights don't even turn on). I take the 1090 back to the dealer and they send it back to Rotel (No charge to me). Rotel has the amp for about three weeks, and they realize that in order to fix it, they will have to send it to Japan.
So what does Rotel d