Archive from 06-02-2002

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Gar ( 207.1.1.176 ) at 9:15 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
A New World Record

Winston aka The Spleen: No, I ordered one from Pioneer. It was free, no need to copy me one, but thanks it was appreciated. As for the Pioneer unit I might sell it might keep it still torn. I can rip CDs off my computer with easy and in 1/3 the time, so still wondering if I really need this unit. I haven't hooked it up through my Anthem unit yet, I would love to see what type of a recording I get if I run my Sony ES CD Player through my Dacs of the Anthem 192 bit to the Pioneer. I might try this first before I really decide to sell it.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.205 ) at 8:45 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Stranded vs Solid

Joe: I'm not a fan of Kimber or Tributaries. Both are "voiced" and Kimber tends to be bright (shrill to me). Gar suggested Cardas a while back. They are excellent cables and are priced fairly reasonably. I think you meant Analysis Plus cables. A friend swears by them. I personally just want a good solid cable with great connectors that *looks* expensive.

If you decide to go balanced you will find that there are no inexpensive balanced cables. They tend to be expensive.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:09 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Stranded vs Solid

RickMTB: Maybe "the hose" cables were MIT... just shows you that at the time wires were considered a science if they came out of the Massuchusetts Institute of Technology...
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:08 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Stranded vs Solid

Joe: My speaker cables are called Distech 312, and they are a stranded where each strand (of either silver or OF copper, I forgot what was sexier at the time) is individually insulated and different strands ahev different gauges... why? Mystery of the universe I suppose. A friend gave me a deal on a set (selling me a set for less than $100 a pair, throwing in a Aurial Symphonics interconnect). His reasoning at the time... "I can't let you use Monster Cable on those speakers..."

ANyway, now I have these fat and in my wife's eyes fat ugly cables snaking out behind my speakers. Every time she vacuums she complains. I know at the time there was a set of cables (VanderHull perhaps?) that was called "the hose"... I should have gotten that and really fixed her wagon.

Moral of the story... buy the most affordable speaker leads you can... worry more about the WAF than the science...
AVB ( 64.41.32.130 ) at 6:04 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Stranded vs Solid

Joe: Stranded are more flexible. Usually with a stranded cable you will get a larger equivelent gage then with a solid cable too. There is no electrical rason to choose one over the other. Such oddities as skin effect and transmissin leakage don't occur at the low frequencies audio uses. Noe if we were talking gigahertz it would be a different story.
Joe ( 64.12.105.152 ) at 5:48 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Music Topic

I have been rediscovering some of my older CDs. One that I picked up several years ago was Joan Osbourne, Relish. I have really taken a liking to this disc all over again.

I have heard anything by her in a few years, anyone else have a newer disc by her?
Joe ( 64.12.105.152 ) at 5:46 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002

No one around today?
Joe ( 205.188.200.184 ) at 5:00 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Stranded vs Solid

So since I am talkative. I have been reading about cables. I see there are different thoughts on which conductors to use. I noticed most of the stores around here are using Anaysis Cables. I believe that is because theya re a local merchant. The companey is based outside of Flint 15 miles or so.

I am a little confussed on why a person would want to use stranded or solid core interconnects. I read some of the claims, but of course each manufactures are the best. I was thinking of going to balanced to run between the Anthem and the Rotel, but have decieded not to. I have a gut feeling I would not hear a differance.

I am looking at Audioquest Diamondback. I have some AQ now and find them to be a well constructed cable. Then I started looking at Kimber and Tributiers. I see alot of postings about Better Cables, but am not going to spend that much.

So maybe someone here can explain the differnace between Solids and stranded?
Joe ( 205.188.200.184 ) at 4:51 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Winston

Gar:
Joe ( 205.188.200.184 ) at 4:46 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Rotel

I am still very pleased with this amp. I am home alone now so the volume has no restrictions. I am listening to the dvd Bruce Springsteen Live in NYC. It sounds really nice. The old Polks are sucking up that power and smiling.

I use to wonder if a seperates would really make that much of a differance, no turning back now
Joe ( 205.188.200.184 ) at 4:42 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002

Afternoon all, I went to a new store today. It had a RCA Selium 65", Toshiba 43" ( or close) and some Zentiht tubes. They also had a Toshiba Plasma and a Hitachi LCOS shooting onto a Da-lite 119" 16:9 screen They were all displaying HDTV. The source was HDNEt and Directtv.

I was not to impressed with the direct view sets so I skipped right past them. The Toshiba RPTV was just to small to look at and the picture was fading in and out. The owner said it was because it was a first generation decoder.

THe 65" RCA was not to bad. I watched some Peter Framton off HDNET. I also watched some Castaway both in HD and DirectTV. It was a nice picture, but I could see myself. Those screen protectors are a waste.

The LCOS was not very impressaive at all. The pixels were easy to see and the writing from the menu was jagged. I watched Castaway, Dish advertisment and Atlantis on DVD. I do not know if it was set up right or not, but I would not spend money on it.

Now to the Plasma display. It was last years 42" Toshiba. I have seen plasma several times before. Each time I see them the picture gets better looking. They have really improved from the first time 3 or 4 years back at the Toronto Hi-Fi Show.

I could see one of these in a few more years being the display of choice. If they continue to come down in price and go up in quality. I have yet to see a DLP set-up so I am still open minded.

I understand there are some problems with the Plasmas, but what are they again?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.86 ) at 4:39 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
A New World Record

Gar: You've had the Elite recorder how long... six days? A new world record for you!

Does this mean you don't want me to copy the manual for you next week?
LouV ( 68.36.15.176 ) at 3:55 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
HT Expo

Hey guys.. just wondering if anyone's going to the ht show at NYC. Can anyone just walk in or do I need to get tickets before hand. I was thinking about going on sunday.
Gar ( 208.166.200.250 ) at 3:39 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Winston

If you know of anyone that wants a Pioneer Recorder let me know I might sell the 19RW Elite Player/Recorder. I find I mostly do all of my recording on the computer where it is much faster.
Gar ( 208.166.200.250 ) at 3:33 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: I agree, but if you take a well recorded DVD and a well recorded LD, there pretty darn close. The Star Wars LD and the new Episode I DVD are almost identical, but the LD video transfer is a tad better. Compare LDs and DVDs in a few more years and it might be even more interesting.
Gar ( 208.166.200.250 ) at 3:31 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Gar

Joe: Score, that was a shelacking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never seen the Avalanche ever play that bad.
Gar ( 208.166.200.250 ) at 3:30 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Joy In Houston

Derb: I looked at that Sub a few weeks ago, cool looking and sounding.
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 2:05 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Joy In Houston

Derb: Congrats!!!!!
Derb ( 64.152.253.141 ) at 12:24 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Joy In Houston

Picked up my new sub last night. Martin-Logan Decent. I have no clue how to set this thing up. It now sits between the two main loudspeakers. Watched Pearl Harbor last night, well it does what I was missing, and that is shake my booty and everything else in the room. The impact of explosions is fantastic, I had alot of fun with it. Now it comes down to tweaking everything, I hate this part.
Derb ( 64.152.253.141 ) at 12:18 PM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Extended Warranties

I have never bought extended warranties on any product. I always deal direcly with the manufacture when something goes wrong. Adcom fixed both amps after ten years, Toshiba reimbused parts not labor to fix a seven year old tv. Sony replaced a 2 year old cordless phone. A well written letter expressing your concerns goes a long way, I have found. The last thing a good manufacture wants is a bad reputation being passed around. The only downside is it may take several months to get anyplace.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.39 ) at 11:51 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
SeenHear E-mail

Curtis: Took me a minute but I got it!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.39 ) at 11:49 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Dark City LD

BTW, if anyone has a copy of the Dark City LD that they want to sell or swap for LDs/DVDs, please let me know.... (Joe?)

.....also, I have a dozen or so DVDs that I would like to trade (even swap - one DVD for one DVD). If anyone wants a list of titles let me know, and send your list of trades.

E-mail: dduval@worldnet.att.net
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.39 ) at 11:45 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002

Morning everyone!

Gar, Joe, Curtis, AVB, Kieran, Robert: Thanx for your comments re: LD vs DVD sound. Some good discussion here and food for thought. Laserdisc (Iike vinyl) may be obsolete, but that doesn't mean that it is inferior in all ways to new technology - if nothing else you can skip past the FBI warning! As long as there is content on LD not available on DVD, keep spinning those big discs!
AVB ( 64.41.32.60 ) at 8:06 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
CLD 99/97

Winston aka The Spleen: While I've had both, I've never had them at the same time. My 97 is better then my 704 compaired side by side. You do know that there was onother 2 models sold in Japan that are thought to be even above the 99 but I've never seen them.
AVB ( 64.41.32.60 ) at 8:02 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Extended Warranties...

Cajun_Mike: In general, extended warrenties are not a good deal although I'm sure all of us have had one thing or another die just after the warrenty period. In my case it was an amp that shorted out a week after the 3 year warrenty ended. The problem is you don't know what item will die so if you cover everything you'll spend more then any repair or replacement cost.

One of the best ways to hedge the odds in your favor is to buy factory reconditioned items because the first point of failure has been found already. Statisticly reconditioned items will last longer then one brand new out of the box.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:24 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Gar

Did you catch that score lastnight
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:23 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Robert

Robert: I was thinking in a year or so, which would be the upgrade path in my room. If I look at the woodworking involved to switch the wall, Plasma would be the easy route. It only get tough when it comes to the coin. However a HD ready RPTV or a FP is still a considable investment


A nice 55" 16:9 Plasma would fit with 10 hours of woodworking
Curtis ( 12.234.154.211 ) at 2:24 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Extended Warranties...

Cajun_Mike: Toshiba includes forms to fill out/ mail in with all of their better displays. It's a part of the documentation that ships wit? the display along with the owners manual.

What's great about this is that you are buying a policy directly from the manufacturer - or if they use a 3rd party S.O., that party. You may or may not know that the extended warranties sold by retail stores are a pure profit biz. This is why they push them on consumers so aggressively. I never, ever buy them yet can understand your situation.

With the Tosh E.W. you don't have to signup or pay anything for a full year (the factory parts + labor warr.). Do not let day 366 pass or you lose the option of extending for 1 to 5 extra years. All is in-house, full parts and labor.

BTW you should have seen the manager of the store where I bought my Parasound pre/pro try to convince me that the factory 10 year warranty was not enough! Like this will be the centerpiece of my HT in the year 2013?
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 1:23 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Email

AVB: Again.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 12:41 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
PC games

Robert: Hmmm... interesting. Well then whatever hardware my room mate has for his surround system on his computer does a pretty good job of making the surrounds discreet, from a 2ch source.
Robert ( 12.218.4.18 ) at 12:17 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
PC games

Kieran: No, EAX is just environmental audio, not a logic 7 DPLII substitute. The idea that you can hear stuff on the other side of the wall or breathing behind you to add realism to the game.
Robert ( 12.218.4.18 ) at 12:14 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: Hindsight being what it is, I know a few at Pioneer that also agree that the 97 is superior to the 99!
Robert ( 12.218.4.18 ) at 12:10 AM EST Saturday, June 1, 2002
Robert

Joe: That response is spot on. That was the mantra about 3 years ago, of course that was the five year plan then. the $100/inch is accurate. Without trying to sound like a homer, I've seen the plasma facilities and the biz plan, do expect Pioneer to be the overall leader in the technology. There may be others at retail that will be stronger, but Pioneer is poised to be among the best. The resources that have ben committed to plasma is enormous. Virtually no resources are being used for PTV, why do you think the gap between an Elite and a regular branded units is slimmer than it ever was.
Gar ( 207.1.1.190 ) at 11:47 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Extended Warranties...

Cajun_Mike: I am telling you 3 years of non-stop porn will ruin any TV.
Cajun_Mike ( 216.78.183.43 ) at 11:11 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Extended Warranties...

How much is too much and how is the best way to purchase them? Can warranties be purchased from someone other than the dealer where you bought the television? I definitely want to buy a four or five year extended warranty that covers the picture tube plus in-home service and pickup after this fiasco.
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 11:09 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Email

AVB: Once more.
AVB ( 64.41.32.171 ) at 10:55 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Email

Ron H: Back to ya.
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 10:49 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Email

AVB: You have mail.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.228 ) at 10:49 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis: I think the corporate death of Be should be enough to sour Gassee... While he might have been an a$$h*le, he did have a hell of a vision. The world shouldn't be set back just because of personal problems. BeOS, is, still the most superior OS from a technology standpoint, and I have to admit that I'm a bit dubious to the OpenBeOS project (not sure an open-source project can pull off what Be, Inc. did), but if they can, they surely will add all the latest "updates" that have come since, and BeOS will again be a force to be reckoned with. If the community CAN pull it off, the surge that Linux got will look like a "good day", since BeOS is much better at being a user OS than a hacker OS.

To keep on-topic, I just got a Delta 6" jointer today. Will probably use it to make some speaker cabinets..
AVB ( 64.41.32.238 ) at 10:36 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Email

Curtis: Back at 'cha.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:22 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
DSS splitter

AVB: Very sorry for the delay. Email (the snotmail account) coming your way.
Joe ( 205.188.192.168 ) at 10:07 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Evening all.
Joe ( 205.188.192.168 ) at 10:07 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Evening all.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 9:42 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
EAD Demodulator: LD vs. DVD Dolby Digital

Winston aka The Spleen:"...I just call 'em as I see (hear) 'em..."

Aha, you have discovered the true nature of my many email address handles. Get it?
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 9:30 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

Ron H: I forgot to add "As I see it"
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 9:29 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

Kieran: The bigest problem is that the capital od Pakistan is only 150 miles from the India border. Even a minor conflict copuld place India troops near the capital of Pakistan. Needless to say if that should happen Nukes will be used!!!!!
Gar ( 207.1.1.104 ) at 9:06 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

Kieran: Actually Religion has allot to do with the situation with India and Pakistan. I call on these type of doctors all day long and there both giving me there side of the story, but they always say religion has a important role in what is going on. Lets not forget Pakistan has allot to do with the Muslim problems that are happening now and in the past and future. Allot of terrorist training camps where there and still are there..
Tony C ( 63.42.204.72 ) at 8:52 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

Kieran: I'm not sure that's entirely true. Kashmire is mostly Muslim. I think that plays a big part in it.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.72 ) at 8:50 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
DSS splitter

AVB: before I saw your post, I found one at Smarthome.com. Made by Monster.
It said 2Ghz. Not knowing any better, I just figured that 2Ghz was better than 1Ghz.
Thanks.
trav ( 4.34.146.57 ) at 8:26 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
EAD Demodulator: LD vs. DVD Dolby Digital

Kieran: The DD LD of top gun in my opinion is way too bass heavy. I was not the only one to think this when it was rereleased on laserdisc? Do any of you who own this have the same conclusion?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:53 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Errr... that should read Hindi, not Hundi.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:48 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

Tony C: No argument that it's a very volatile situation.
Musharraf said Friday that Pakistan will not initiate a conflict, but "I think you need to get assurances from the Indian side."

"All I can do is to give my own assurance that we will try to avoid conflict. It will be my utmost endeavor to avoid conflict," he said.
Sounds like Pakistan has at least some sort of no-first-strike policy.

As for the religion aspect... Granted Pakistan is Muslim, while India (primarily) Hundi. However the dispute over Kashmir is geopolitical, not religious, according to most of the stories and backround bits I've read.
AVB ( 64.41.32.121 ) at 7:43 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
DSS splitter

Tony C: First, I made a mistake, you need a 2 ghz bandwidth. RatShack does have them. Look here: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F002%5F018%5F000&product%5Fid=16%2D2578
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:42 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
EAD Demodulator: LD vs. DVD Dolby Digital

Tony C: The sound track of Top Gun on VHS sounds better than the DVD. That's not a valid comparison IMO, because the DVD of Top Gun has the worst sound track EVER. I do not believe that it is the same mix as was on the LD, or the VHS for that matter.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.54 ) at 7:41 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

Kieran: THe reason Pakistan was formed as a nation back in 1947 (I think) was because it wanted to be a wholey Muslim state. As you know India's main relegion is Hindu.

Gandi was successful in ridding India of British rule, but he couldn't stop the hatred between the two religions/regions.

Sting wrote that song about the bomb, saying something like "if the Russians love their children too." meaning that there would not be a first strike fron either side if they care for future generations. What we've learned recently is that some religions do not mind their children dying. India has a No-First-Strike policy. Pakistan does not.
It's a very volitle situation.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.54 ) at 7:35 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
DSS splitter

AVB, Gar, Robert: I checke Best Buy and Radio Shack. Both don't carry a splitter that has the DC by-pass (1Ghz). Any ideas where else I can look?
Tony C ( 63.42.204.54 ) at 7:34 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
EAD Demodulator: LD vs. DVD Dolby Digital

Kieran: I can easily say that the comparison I made on my two machines, Top Gun sounded better on LD, as did The Jackle.
However, I liked the video quality better on DVD.
Cajun_Mike ( 216.78.183.43 ) at 7:32 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
new Sony DVD player lineup...

Here's the info on the new sony DVD players that make their debut this summer. http://popularmechanics.com/technology/television/2002/3/sony_video_lineup/
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:31 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pakistan/India

It's a crazy situation, all right. However, Gar, I don't think religion has as much to do with this conflict as it does with the Israeli/Palistinian conflict.

What I'm wondering is what Pakistan thinks they will gain by having a blackout in Muzaffarabad. Hello? what, do they think India is going to by flying B-17 raids or something?
Cajun_Mike ( 216.78.183.43 ) at 7:28 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
New DVD Player too...

if I'm going to shell out for a new digital TV that's HDTV ready I'm going to need a new progressive scan DVD player. Sony has a new unit the DVP-NS755V that will be out next month. Plays SACD,DVD,CD,CDR,CDRW,MP3 with an unbeleivable list price of 299.95. Crutchfield is taking pre-orders already.. http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-cYcb491dYc6/ProdView.asp?s=0&g=54400&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=158DVP755V&display=XL
Cajun_Mike ( 216.78.183.43 ) at 6:46 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Sony XBR Heading To A Landfill Near You

Curtis: I spoke with Wally and he has a Princeton 36 inch TV that he ordered for someone but they didnt want it. Wants 2,300 for it. He's going to check prices on the other sets I'm looking at and will get back with me on Monday.
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:25 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
42 minutes

Joe: Wings fan!!! What!!! I love Brett Hull and Chelios played for the Badgers, but I am a Avalanche fan. Go Forsberg!!!! And Reinphrect, another recent UW Madison Hockey player long with Curtis Joseph etc.... Beer and food and HOCKEY!!
Joe ( 152.163.204.176 ) at 6:25 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Robert

I was in a local dealer yesterday and we were discussing RPTVs. He made the comment that Pioneer was phasing out there RPTV line. They are looking at 2 years to phase out. He also was saying that Pioneer was looking at conquering the Plasma market. They are looking at $100/inch displays. Any comments?
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:23 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Joe if you click on the resources map that gives you the number of troops they have along with weapons etc......
Joe ( 152.163.204.176 ) at 6:21 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
42 minutes

If you are any kind of sports fan game 7 is on tonight. Of course I am a Wings fan so I am sure they will win. I have my Becks beer and a Digiorno pizza ready to go
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:21 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

As I said before never mix religion and politics.... Look at these two nations and the middle east. Crazy MFs.......
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:20 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/05/31/kashmir.attack/index.html
Joe ( 152.163.204.176 ) at 6:18 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Yikes

Gar: Yes they may be that stupid.
Joe ( 152.163.204.176 ) at 6:18 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Winston

I did some comparison between DVD & LDs. I found that the picture was usally darker on the LDs. I do have several concert LD's that I think sound better then some of the concert DVDs. However the most recent concert dvds are sounding really good.

BTW which prized LDs are you looking for?
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:14 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Yikes

Are India and Pakistan really that flipping stupid? Looks like there going to be going to a full scale war.. I bet China is getting on edge, along with a few other countries.
Joe ( 152.163.204.176 ) at 6:12 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pioneer DVL-909 DVD/LD - Random Thoughts

Winston aka The Spleen: Thats why Bagman and myself are still using our DVL's. It's not because we are to cheap to buy new ones
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:11 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Sony XBR Heading To A Landfill Near You

Cajun_Mike: Sorry to hear that.....
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:10 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Robert: I figured that... Just thought it was ironic.
Gar ( 207.49.219.66 ) at 6:08 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: Compare apples to apples bud. The Pioneer units are using are top of the line. I disagree, I have the Star Wars Episode one Copy and the DVD version, the DVD version is slightly better. Also you have to remember DVDs are new and still haven't been perfected to a tee yet. LDs had there time but there a dying breed and falling fast, regaurdless if there "slightly" better. The 97/99/704 are all great players though, if I had more LDs I might own one of them.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:44 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
EAD Demodulator: LD vs. DVD Dolby Digital

Winston aka The Spleen:
Maybe it's system synergy, maybe it's the alignment of the stars.
It couldn't POSSIBLY be a placebo effect, of course...
Not trying to start any wars here, I just call 'em as I see (hear) 'em.... anyone else find that their LDs sound better on AC-3 than DVDs? I'd be interested to find out. You're not the first person I've heard say that. I don't have any LD's that I also have on DVD for comparison. The only LD's I own are 3x versions of the SW original trilogy (two never opened), the Indiana Jones trilogy, and Forest Gump, which I got for $5 from Curtis' favorite local dealer. Oh, and a damaged copy of the THX WOW disc... which only plays about 60% of the disc. I suppose I could rent Forrest Gump on DVD to do a comparison, but it's not that important to me, and my LD player, the CLD-504 -- a gift from Curtis, is not nearly up to the quality of my DVD player, the Sony DVP-S7700. So it wouldn't be a fair comparison anyway.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.222 ) at 5:42 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
TGIF

I'm outta here until tomorrow. Have a great weekend everyone!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.222 ) at 5:40 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Just a few more random comments to tie things up. (Sorry about the long posts, I'm buzzed on a Starbucks double latte). Regarding LD players, the Elite CLD-97 was released in 1992 and is generally regarded as the best of the LD players Pioneer released in the US. It weighs 38 lbs and has a massive die-cast chassis, internal copper RF shielding and extensive chassis dampening. There are 18 power regulation stages in the digital section and 12 in the analog section. It is known for its high resolution (some units have tested out at 440 horizontal lines of resolution) and low chroma noise. (You can most easily recognize chroma noise, or cross color noise, by freeze-framing a black and white CLD laserdisc.... you'll see red and green outlines throughout the picture. This is the timing delay error between color information). The CLD-97 excels in minimizing these errors.

Later Pioneer LD players, such as the venerable CLD-99/CLD-79/CLD-704 series (all basically alike) use extensive digital processing that gives a smoother picture than the CLD-97 in exchange for *slightly* more chroma noise and *slightly* less detail. The CLD-97's picture has a certain "raw" quality that some find pleasing in that it presents exactly what is encoded on the disc, without covering anything up. Others will certainly prefer the smoother look of the later series players, especially on marginal transfers. Having owned them all, my preference is for the CLD-97, with performance that is astonishing on the best transfers.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:32 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

I've heard that one of the multi-player maps of RtCW is a re-inactment of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. That might be interesting...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:31 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Chris L.: Friends' reviews of RtCW's multi-player mode is what made Dan (my condo-mate) and I buy it. We're big fans of multi-player Unreal Tournament, so when a good friend said how amazing RtCW mulit was, we decided to go for it. Turns out we both like the single player mode as well! Actually, we haven't yet tried the multi player mode, as we only bought one copy of the game for demoing... now that we both like it so much, we'll buy a second copy. You can't log on with two copies of the same registration number for multi-player. Each client has to be individual. Cudos to iD for finally implementing what seemed to me for years to be the most obvious form of copy protection.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.222 ) at 5:20 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
EAD Demodulator: LD vs. DVD Dolby Digital

Some thoughts on the EAD demodulator I got this week. I lucked out big time on this one, since I was able to get it from a local seller at a giveaway price ($100 - list is $699) and it also included a pair of hard-wired MIT digital interconnects and standard and optional large power supply. This is the same EAD that makes the Theatermaster Encore, Ovation etc. and their demod is almost impossible to find used (went out of production about three years ago). The guy who sold me mine told me he hardly ever used it as he got his EAD equipment just before the '97 launch of DVD and quickly made the change from LD. Judging by the looks of the unit I got, I believe him - looks all but unused to me.

The EAD demod needed about 24 hours to warm up to sound its best. Using the Pioneer DVL-909 as the source and my beloved Angstrom 100 as processor, the sound of this combination on LD/AC-3 proved far superior to DVD AC-3. I don't like to assign percentages to sound but I would have to say it sound about twice as good as DVD AC-3. I've listened to Dolby Digital though several different processors with built-in demodulators in my system including the Lexicon DC-1, Sony SDP-EP9ES, Pioneer SD99 Elite, Citation 5.0 to name a few and all of them sounded veiled or hazy on Dolby Digital compared to DVD. The EAD seems to be utterly transparent and sounds much smoother and more detailed than DVD. It's my understanding that LD has a somewhat higher AC-3 bit rate than DVD but I'm not sure if that completely accounts for the difference I'm hearing. Maybe it's system synergy, maybe it's the alignment of the stars. All I know is that the DVL/EAD/Angstrom combo sounds better on AC-3 than anything I have heard before. The downside is that the picture on LD still is not up to that of DVD, but even so, I'm kicking myself for selling off most of my prized DD laserdiscs to buy them on DVD.

Not trying to start any wars here, I just call 'em as I see (hear) 'em.... anyone else find that their LDs sound better on AC-3 than DVDs? I'd be interested to find out.
Cajun_Mike ( 206.124.219.239 ) at 5:20 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Sony XBR Heading To A Landfill Near You

Curtis: Thanks Curtis, I just left a message for Wally on his voice mail. The Sony's are not an option for me now because their cabinets are too wide for the slot in my cabinet. I have to choose between the Panasonic Tau CT-36HX41 and the Toshiba 36HF71. I am also interested slightly in the Hitachi Ultravision 36UDX105 but it does not have a flat screen.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 5:00 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Kieran: I liked RTCW okay...didn't really play the single player much, but the multi-player is un-freaking-believable!! Very immersive team playing against the Nazis (or whichever side you choose).
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.222 ) at 4:59 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pioneer DVL-909 DVD/LD - Random Thoughts

Forgot to mention.... The DVL's DVD performance is also very good. Compared to my Toshiba SD-9000, the DVL has better color saturation but slightly less detail in 16:9 and downconverion modes. The noise reduction feature on the Toshiba is helpful on some DVDs and is a feature the DVL lacks. Loading time is a little slow on the DVL and getting to the menu is a two button process instead of the Toshiba's one button. If you're not looking for progressive outputs the DVL is still a strong contender among today's non-progressive players, especially when you consider that LD play is thrown in for free.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.72.222 ) at 4:53 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Pioneer DVL-909 DVD/LD - Random Thoughts

Good afternoon all. For those that are interested, a few thoughts on the Pioneer DVL-909 LD/DVD player and EAD demodulator that I recently bought. The Pioneer has turned out to be somewhat of a surprise. I bought it because it has an AC-3 RF output (and got a great deal) but wasn't expecting that it would be much of an LD player. Couldn't have been more wrong. It's not as good as the CLD-97 as far as low chroma noise but equal to and in some ways much better than the CLD-704. The analog LD video on the 909 is processed in the digital domain by 10 bit dacs. As far as I can tell there seems to be a "noise threshold" that greatly affects performance. If the noise on an LD is bad (like many old pressing) the video dacs process the noise as though it were picture information - kind of like a line doubler on a TV - and the disc will look bad. But if the noise is above a certain level - and I've found that a good sampling of the discs in my 400+ collection are above that level - the disc will look terrific. Resolution is on par with the CLD-704, with lower cross color (chroma noisce) and much, much better color saturation. In fact, the DVL-909's color performance is the best I've yet seen from any Pioneer LD player in my experience. Yellows are absolutely pure, reds are clean and the hues on blues and greens exceed even that of DVD IMO. Clearly, using video dacs designed to process DVD (and the higher wavelength laser) has a very beneficial effect on analog LDs.

Soundwise, the DVL was also a surprise. The sound via internal dacs/analog out is only so-so. But both the coaxial PCM output and coaxial RF output sound terrific, with bags of air and detail but no edginess. Better than my Toshiba SD-9000 which is certainly no slouch in the sound department. The DVL is also surprisingly quiet in operation, ergonomically friendly and loaded to the gills when it comes to connectivity (component out, two S-video out, 2 coaxial video out, 2 DD/PCM out, one toslink DD out, one coaxial RF demod out).

Having owned at one time or another three CLD-704s, a CLD-99, CLD-79, and (currently) a CLD-97, I can say that the DVL is equal to or better than all of them but the '97, which is still IMO the player to beat for low noise/high resolution. (Although the color on the DVL is better than the 97).
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 4:49 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Sony XBR Heading To A Landfill Near You

Cajun_Mike: Dude, there's a dealer near you who you want to talk to. My email is acting up so I'll just post it here

Wally Poole III
www.customaudioandvideo.com

He's an awesome guy In Covington, LA (985) 892-4500. I told him about your dilema and he thinks he can get you a sweet deal on a replacement diplay. Great guy and a huge SEC football fan - I think he's an LSU fanatic, or was it Tulane?! He said that he may have met you at his store and I told him to take good care of you.

Worth checking out at least.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 4:43 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Cheap HDTVs

Kieran: FYI the same model is currently available from Fry's for $1,499 and Costco (Mountain View at least) for $1,399. The great thing about Costco of course is if within 1 year you decide to return it, they will give you 100% refund in cash.

I HATE the screen material that Panny uses. Really bad hot spotting and the frenel pattern is very obvious.

When it comes to HT, display size does matter. I would pass on the 47" in favor of this one. Fry's still has the 55" Sharp HD ready RP for $1599 or $1,579. They bought a zillion of them and I wouldn't be surprised to see them lower this price some more. I'm doing this from memory & could be wrong about the exact screen size &/or manufacturer. You'll recall it's the model that I price-matched your Dad on my nearly new Tosh 57HX81 (why? I'll never know!!) ... it feels great to keep it in the family at least.
Cajun_Mike ( 209.124.248.32 ) at 3:06 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Sony XBR Heading To A Landfill Near You

confirmed picture tube problem on a 3.5 year old Sony XBR.

I guess I will spend my weekend wheeling and dealing for a new TV.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:59 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Robert: Was I right in assuming that EAX technology is similar to DPL2 or Logic7, in that it creates discrete surround channels from a 2.0 source?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:54 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Cheap HDTVs

Check this out:
http://ww2.onecall.com/PID_12022.htm
$1399 for the 47" 16:9 Panasonic! Nice to see the prices coming down, and by the accounts on forums like hometheaterspot.com, the 47" Panny is a very decent TV.
Robert ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 2:37 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Kieran:
Surround sound is VERY active, too. It's not AC-3, but my room mate has a Creative Labs surround system with EAX surround sound (similar to DPL2, logic7, etc., I think) and its very cool. You really have to USE the sound to be effective sometimes, as you'll hear Nazi's talking in another room behind you, and that will cue you as to where to go next. Or you'll hear a creaking window swaying in the wind, or something... or a Zombie coming at you from behind...


BINGO!!!!
Robert ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 2:35 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Gar: The inserts were already printed,,thats why you saw the $299 PS2 price. Bummer, I was thinkg of selling my PS2,,no way now.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:26 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

woops... "Wolfenstein 3D" not "Wolfensteing"
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:24 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

RickMTB: Yes, "Wolfensteing 3D" by iD Games, was for all intents and purposes, the game that started the "first person shooter" craze. I believe it hit the market in... late 1991 or 1992 sometime. I got my first 486 based PC for Christmas of '92, and remember staying up ALL night playing "Wolfenstein 3D". It is definitely the grand-daddy of 3d-fps games.

Now... Does anyone remember the ORIGINAL "Castle Wolfenstein" video game for Commodore 64 and Atari PC's? THAT was a fun game, too!

Gar: Check out the wolfenstein home page... I think I remember reading that they were going to release it for XBox and/or PS2.
Gar ( 204.71.148.21 ) at 1:32 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PS2/Xbox

Anyone who has one of these check out the 007 game. Pretty darn good.
Gar ( 204.71.148.21 ) at 1:31 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Thanks for the heads up on Wolfenstein, I will have to check it out.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 1:30 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Kieran: Used to play Wolfenstein many years ago... I believe it pre-dated Doom and all of the other more graphic arcade games...
Gar ( 204.71.148.21 ) at 1:29 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Kieran: Yup, you where the one that told me that PS2 and Xbox where going to be cheaper. I was just reminding you Also ironically they roally screwed up in this weeks BB flyer and CC flyer. They both state a drop in the Xbox to $199 and still have the PS2 listed for $299. Also I bought a game console because it was much easier to look up to my FP instead of hauling my computer downstairs, also at the time I got into console games, PC games where running around $70 bucks a crack. Now since consoles have been hitting the market harder PC games have come down in price. There is still no beating a game console hooked up to a FP at 92" in DD 5.1 surround, I can never go back I have joined the Darkside..
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:24 PM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Gar: Yeah, I am aware that PS2 and XBox are both $199 now... VERRY tempting. In fact, I think I posted a link on this when they first announced the price drop. I will hold off for now, though. I've never owned a gaming console, and although the prospect of awesome first-person-shooters in 5.1 DD surround is extremely tempting, it's still hard to justify the expense. Especially when I have a great gaming machine already: my PC. What I'm more tempted to spend $199 on is an el-cheapo digital av receiver that has DPL-II decoding so I can play Wolfenstein, Jedi Knight2 (another SWEET new FPS game) and Unreal:Tournament in 5.1 surround.

Anyway, regarding Return to Castle Wolfenstein... they really scored with this game. The story is awesome, and the game play is freeking incredible. Not the kind of mad-dash-kill-em-all gameplay that most FPS games are like (e.g. Quake, Doom) but actually, more realistic. Granted, you can still carry way more weapons that would ever be possible in reality, but many of the weapons are real WWII era weapons... and like HALO, you have to reload your weapon when your clip empties (very frustrating when some of the baddies take more than one clip to put down.) The AI is incredible... I won't compare this game to HALO, as the story and play is totally different, but the AI I think it comparable. You end up doing a lot of sneaking around corners and sniping and being very stealthy. And, the graphics and surroundings are amazing. My room mate's computer can handle the ultimate resolution and detail, whereas mine I have to tone it down a bit. But it still looks incredible. Surround sound is VERY active, too. It's not AC-3, but my room mate has a Creative Labs surround system with EAX surround sound (similar to DPL2, logic7, etc., I think) and its very cool. You really have to USE the sound to be effective sometimes, as you'll hear Nazi's talking in another room behind you, and that will cue you as to where to go next. Or you'll hear a creaking window swaying in the wind, or something... or a Zombie coming at you from behind...
Gar ( 208.166.200.204 ) at 11:40 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Intl. CES on HDNET

Didn't know this was even on. Nice to see some of the actual products coming out. I guess HDNET will be airing it for awhile.
Gar ( 208.166.200.204 ) at 11:36 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Duane: mail on its way.........
Duane ( 192.128.167.68 ) at 11:33 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Gar: Never received your mail.I'll try sending you the info.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 11:32 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Harry Potter

Gar: The manufactures are making what is selling. To the best of my knowledge there is not a shortage of WideScreen TV's.
Gar ( 208.166.200.204 ) at 11:22 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Harry Potter

Ron H: That's why they need to sell more widescreen sets. Manufactuers should be making more of these and less 4:3 sets.
Gar ( 208.166.200.204 ) at 11:20 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Kieran: You had to go and post this! I used to play this all the time, the old version of course. I might buy it for the PC, and wait and see how it is on the Xbox etc... Also, just if you don't know already, the PS2 and Xbox are now $199
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 11:00 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Harry Potter

Curtis: Unfortunetly those of use who want widescreen are in the minority. The average Joe really dislikes the black bars on their 4:3 tvs. Block buster is just supplying what the customer asks for.
Gar ( 208.166.200.204 ) at 10:47 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Spiderman Game

Tony C: I have the PS2, but don't have Spiderman on that. I have it for the Xbox and it says Dolby Digital. I just bought the HD pack(finally) for the Xbox so I can tell you sometime today if it is 5.1.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:15 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Harry Potter

Tony C: Go to any BallBuster store and look closely at the vast majority of their rental DVD's. You will be lucky if you find even a few widescreen/anamorphic titles - they only push pan & scan 4:3 garbage, period.

At 1st this seems humorous but upon further reflection I & many others believe that this huge chain is doing a terrible injustice to the acceptance of the 16:9 and wider formats that ARE the future of software/hardware.

This is reason enough for my family & friends to boycot BlockBuster 'til they get it right. In my area (at least) there are many equally inexpen$ive mom/pop rental shops that I prefer to take my biz to.

Not too many typos for me on 4 hours sleep/ no java yet at 7am, huh?!
Tony C ( 63.42.204.82 ) at 8:26 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Harry Potter

AVB: Actually I was very surprised at there being two versions (wide-screen & Pan/Scan) I guess there are really a lot of people, like my friend Dave, who hates black bars!
But what really amazed me was that the inventory at the stores was 50/50.
Not how I would have allocated it.

I have another friend with a 4:3 TV who uses the zoom feature to fill the screen. I tried to tell him that he's missing a lot of the movie.
He said that it's impossible. After all, the whole screen is filled.

Gotta love it.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.82 ) at 8:23 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Spiderman Game

Gar: It's the new Spiderman game for PS2. Guess I should have mentioned that...
AVB ( 64.41.32.75 ) at 6:10 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
CI

Curtis: Reply email on the hotmail account.
AVB ( 64.41.32.75 ) at 6:09 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Harry Potter

Tony C: My wife picked this up. Not bad but I'm dissapointed that it is only widescreen and not anamorphic.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 4:35 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Kieran: Oh pllllease chill out my friend and his sister I lost my old man years ago, so you needn't lecture me on the finer points of being a good son. By all means do what you want/need to do.

The problem with this written communication is that it totally lacks all of the body english, vocal intonation, & general eye winking that happens in the real world.

I need help deciding what woman to date; there are 4 in contention. I won't go into details unless asked. (pleae ask)
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:46 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Curtis: "Kieran and his sis/ future bro-in-law just blew me off for a freebie luxury house..."

Oh now that's not fair, Curtis. Seriously you make my sister and me sound like A**holes for not joining you! I was truly bummed that we couldn't make it, but you know when you've got 5 tickets at $100 each to take your folks to the opera for Father's day... well, sorry but that's the way it goes. Besides, even if we were only having a backyard BBQ for Dad's day, I'd be hard pressed to miss it. I missed nearly every Dad's day of the 90's, and now that I live 10 minutes from him, I like to spend his day with him.

Sheesh.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 3:36 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Robert: Try keeping up with an average of 25 to 40 incoming biz emails per hour - then tell me I don't need a vacation!

Kieran and his sis/ future bro-in-law just blew me off for a freebie luxury house at north shore Lake Tahoe for Fathers DAy weekend! Any of you who can make it till we hit the limit of 8 people (beds) areinvited out west. 1st come 1st served.

The house includes 1st class catered gourmet food for 8 people x 3 days INCLUDING ALL BOOZE/CIGARS!!- in case you need incentive! Sushi to BBQ, it's all on the house. Why? This is the vacation place owned by the caterers to the baddest-ass $ilicon Valley venture capitialsts. My housemate was offered it 1st and decided to give it to me as a Fathers Dat gift.

Come on boys - wahat will it take to get you to one of the most beautiful spots on the planet for free/ in style? Lurking women are welcome too.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 2:56 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
Email reply

AVB: The LAST one I would expect to be reliable, @hotmail came through. Let me know where we stand pls.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 1:25 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
PC games

Any gamers here play "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" yet? Supposedly it's coming out on XBox and PS2 soon, too. I've got it on my PC, and it is AWESOME. Not your typical first person shooter. Check out the free demo downloads at the game's home page.
Robert ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 12:54 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Got to love the computer industry, I logged off work at 7, came back at 11:30 to find 10 emails.
Robert ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 12:53 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Ron H: yea yea yea
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:42 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002
digital photo tools

Scott "popcorn": Hey if you say so I trust your judgement. It may surprise you to know that I was one of Be OS biggest/loudest (who, me?) cheerleaders long before they unvieled Be OS 1.0. They are HQ'd not 10 minutes by bike up the road in Menlo, I've been a fan for the longest time (I'm a Mac user, right? Jean-Louis, the assh*ole Be CEO with the ego the size of freakin' France has more of my past dollars than I care to admit to, try >$20K- as the former "protector of the jewels for ages @ Apple", read; "we will NEVER EVER license the Mac OS to ANYONE EVER)

Be SHOULD be allowed to die if only to make Jean-Louis miserable!!!

Off soapbox now.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.116 ) at 12:06 AM EST Friday, May 31, 2002

Scott: Those 2 guys must be hard workers! JK
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.61 ) at 11:59 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis:
Be is SO dead.
I would suggest you get your facts straight before you post blatently. The BeOS community is hard at work on OpenBeOS, the "replacement" for BeOS. I hear they are coming along quickly too.
Gar ( 207.1.1.117 ) at 11:57 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Almost forgot!

The highlight of the day for me was watching a F-16 fighter jet dump its fuel tanks into Lake Mendota today. Happen right as I was driving on local county road right in front of me. From what it sounds like, he was loosing power and needed to dump the weight in order to gain control of plane. About 500 gallons of Jet fuel got dumped into lake but since it was so hot today most of it evaporated. Smart pilot I say!

http://www.captimes.com/news/local/26407.php
Gar ( 207.1.1.117 ) at 11:46 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Spiderman Game

Tony C: What game is it? Is it for the Xbox, if so I have that game. Very cool on a big screen. 007 is another one. The best game I have ever played was at the Mall of America in MN. Done by Sega, it was a Star Wars game and it felt as if you where really flying the different space ships. I can't remember then name but by far the best. I will check on Spiderman tonight. Also Ditto on Harry Potter, I need to finish watching it. Only time I get to watch movie now is when everyone else is asleep.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.187 ) at 11:14 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Harry Potter

Whatched Harry P tonight. Good movie and great effects both audio and visual. There were several times when I had to look behind me.
Fun movie, check it out.
Tony C ( 205.188.193.187 ) at 11:13 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Spiderman Game

Any of you have the Spiderman game?
My son called to tell me that the audio options are Stereo, Mono and Dolby Pro Logic II.
I told him that as far as I know, nothing is recorded in DLP II, but it only enhances anything in 2.0 or regular DPL.
Wondering if anyone of you has seen the same.
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 10:22 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Curtis: Have you installed that Sharp yet???
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 10:17 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
HT Carpet

Check out this link.

http://www.astroindustriesinc.com/VideoStore/VideoStore.html
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 9:49 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Robert: Fire up that business computer. You have mail.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.83.164.49 ) at 9:42 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

RickMTB: What's the skinny on the Panasonic Tau? I looked at it at C.C. last night briefly
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 8:28 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Cajun_Mike: Get a Toshiba or perhaps a Panasonic Tau...
AVB ( 64.41.32.130 ) at 7:47 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Email reply

Curtis: OK, Ive sent the same email to 3 of your addresses. You should get something now.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.83.164.49 ) at 7:41 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

What are the best places on the web to find discussion about direct view TVs? Please give me some links. I would really like to find information on what's due to come out this summer. I see Crutchfield is the first to post the new Sony TV's with their butt ugly cabinets that are four inches wider than the ones they are replacing. If I'm going to buy a Sony I better by the ones that are available now because the new 36 inch is in a 40 1/2 inch cabinet.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:06 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Email reply

Curtis: No wonder Mac users don't need to worry about security breeches... they can barely figure out how to send emails from their own systems, let alone hack into someone elses...
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 7:00 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis: Sorry Man! I never used a Mac so I didn't realize the keys were in different places. I hate when that happens!!!!
Gar ( 204.71.148.40 ) at 6:18 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
DSS question

Tony C:Channel Master makes such a device your looking for.
Gar ( 204.71.148.40 ) at 6:18 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Duane

Sent an e-mail to you, I need your Address so I can send you a check.
Gar ( 204.71.148.40 ) at 6:11 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Curtis: typing is not my forte'
Curtis ( 12.234.154.211 ) at 6:03 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

great ... SB you're. I'm beginning to type like Gar.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.211 ) at 6:02 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Email reply

AVB: Hey man, your the computer geek here, I'm just another dumb artist on a Mac Who knows how some messages got through while others didn't.

I simply hit the reply button (Office 2000 Pro, if that matters) from your incoming message.

Attention all spammers; here comes a 4th addy for me;

seenhear@mac.com

I know you'll dislike that domain! You're in luck ... all of the following free addys are available.

AVB@mac.com
TheAVB@mac.com
I_Have_More_Watts_ Than _ALL_of_East_LA@mac.com

Can you see my sleep deprivation yet? Doing biz with Japanese & Aussies firms means doing biz in the wee hours.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.211 ) at 5:54 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
digital photo tools

Gasgeek: !! You're killing me & of course you are right. ! I sprayed coffee all over my screen as soon as I hit the Post/Refresh button.

I don't suppose I can blame it on a brand new keyboard? It's a Apple branded one but maybe I got one of Ricks' B&O Danish ones? He's just jealous.

Hey Poppy - I'll give you a free sgi CPU & loads of software for it if you can put a speel chukcer in this place. No wait, I already did that so you owe me
Joe ( 152.163.194.191 ) at 5:09 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Afternoon all

Spent a few more dollars today. I ordered a Paradigm X-20 Crossover. I will use this between the pre-amp and power amp to control the TT's.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:39 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Email reply

AVB, Curtis: Maybe you two should tri Yahoo IM. Just a suggestion.
AVB ( 64.41.33.217 ) at 4:19 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Email reply

Curtis: Nothing on this end. I wonder how I got your first message? Send me a test if you can. Did you get my address in the email or should I try to send that again?
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 3:18 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis: Hey bud. Have you been drug tested lately. Probably sleep depravation now that I think of it. We do need that spell check.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 2:08 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: "...Yea, prolly because nobody cares to nosy into the few Mac people out there..."

One reason I'm movong everything over to my new Mac running 100% native OS X apps is because email viruses are rarely pointed at Macs. Prolly 'cause the kids writing the viruses do them on thei Macs.

Unix rules, Be is SO dead. They shoulda taken Apples zillion$ way back when it was on the table. CEO got exactly what he deserved - biggest jerk (okay Jobs is worse) I ever met.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:05 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Gasgeek: I thought that line was interesting, too. I agree with it. My room mate and I are currently in a I.M. debate over it though...
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 2:02 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
Email reply

AVB: Yes, I did get and reply to your email the night before last. Outlook sent items says it went out w/o problems. Doublecheck your inbox pls or let's try a 3rf addy for mr (are all your mass spammers paying close attention?!) seenhear@hotmail.com

I'm not ignoring you at all. I have actually been stuck in maratron meetings for > the past 36 hours. Sleep seems optional to my clients, but I have to pay for all of these expen$ive toys without knocking off the local 7-11
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:43 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

BC: I was wondering the same thing... but you never know how biz agreements like this can be hammered out with the fine print.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 1:32 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

If creative has a 60% share, than how is it Lucas retains the right to have the last word? hummmmmm

quote: It is said that under the new agreement between LucasFilm and Creative, that the former will retain the right to veto any representatives of the new company and any new technologies it develops. This affectively means that LucasFilm have the final say on the personnel heading up the new LucasFilm/Creative enterprise and any subsequent licensing arrangements.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:22 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Robert: Gotta Love this line:

If the news of a merger with Creative is true, and we have no reason to believe otherwise, consumers will undoubtedly further devalue the (THX) brand
????? ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 1:01 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Robert: Don't ask I don't know
????? ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 1:00 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

test
Robert ( 12.218.10.235 ) at 12:59 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=499199
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 12:46 PM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
DSS question

Gar: Thanks. I don’t need to have different channels on at the same time. Nor do I need cable and dish on the same line.
What I want to do is split the signal from the dish into two receivers. I have a multiswitch but it’s up on the dish and I don’t feel like running another cable to the basement.
I just want to spit it right at the receiver and have it go into two different receivers.
I tried to use an A/B switch backwards, but that doesn't seem to work.
I would only use one receiver at a time. In other words, if I spit it, I would only have one one receiver on. Chances of both being used at the same time are very slim.
Gar ( 207.1.1.64 ) at 8:39 AM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
DSS question

Tony C: Should be able to, did you want to use cable and the dish on the same line? If so you will need a Diplexer. Channel Master I believe also makes a device that might help.
AVB ( 64.41.32.204 ) at 8:30 AM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
DSS question

Tony C: Yes you can if you get a special splitter that has DC pass-thru and a min 1 ghz bandwidth.
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 8:21 AM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
XBR

Cajun_Mike: my set the same as yours, purchased around the same time, died about 6 months ago, I didn't see anything like you did, it just would turn on one day. It was a blown chip on one of the boards, lucky for me I bought the extended 5 yr in home plan. It took them 2 tries to fix it. The first time it worked for a day, the second time, so far so good. The guy's that worked on it, opened it up took out all the boards, left the tube and the case and left. They fixed the boards at the shop and came back in pluged them back in. Good luck.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.174 ) at 8:12 AM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002
DSS question

I can't split the feed from the dish, can I...
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:40 AM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

DId we all see the Colorado Detriot game lastnight? Friday nights gaame should be real good.
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:39 AM EST Thursday, May 30, 2002

Morning all.

I think I will stay with the parasound and the kenwood. That will give me 7 channels. I can use 6 for the whole house audio and 1 for the TT's. I will need to get a triggering device for the 2 channel kenwood. I will use that one for the speakers in the living room.
Gar ( 204.71.148.149 ) at 11:18 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Wild Bill: I agree with you. I just heard the new HK Amp and was impressed because most of the stuff they have produced as far as Amps go where not all that good in the past few years. There new Receivers I like along with this Amp I heard. It was the larger one out of the two.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.135.228 ) at 10:30 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Gar: I just wanted to give Joe some other options. A multi-channel amp that bridges is not a good thing when mutiple pairs of speakers will be driven in a multi-room configuration from bridged channels. You get better performance driving multiple speaker pairs with unbridged channels than with bridged.
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 10:03 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

diplicate=duplicate. I guess a little tired. I just got in from New Mexico.
Ron H ( 24.167.69.240 ) at 10:02 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
RonH

RickMTB: Back at you. Ignore the diplicate.
Gar ( 204.71.148.35 ) at 9:55 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Cajun, hopefully your set can be fixed. If it can't it is a toss up. I like the Toshibas for the money, but still like the XBR line a tad better. Plus they have the power button on top of there sets which helps me with a 2 year old
Gar ( 204.71.148.35 ) at 9:53 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

hmmm ditto and ditto
Gar ( 204.71.148.35 ) at 9:36 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Wild Bill: I have played with them and for the money there not bad for the money. Your right about them not being as configurable as you say. Friend bought one of these units and it sounds pretty good. Niles has been always good.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.83.165.81 ) at 9:35 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Toshiba

Gar: The Toshiba 36HF71 has a low price of 1,299.00 online whereas the best price for the Sony KV-36HS20 is 1,630.00. The 36XBR450 Has a best price of 1,767.00. If I'm going to spend 1,630 I might as well antee up for the XBR version at 1,767.00. If my XBR's picture tube is indded fried I'm going to have a hard time justifying the additional cash for the Sony over the Toshiba.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.122.44 ) at 9:22 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Joe: Got your message. Sorry I missed you. I had an install today and I have 4 meetings tomorrow. I'm not impressed with the HK multi-channel amps. They're not robust IMHO and not as configurable as I'd like to see. Look at the Niles SI-1230 or something like a Speakercraft BB835. Global inputs as well as individual channel inputs, stereo or mono switchable for any channel, etc. The other route is to get a really stable two channel amp and use a speaker selector. You can get a speaker selector with volume control or use volume controls in different rooms. If you want to use keypads then the two channel amp idea is out. You'll have to use a multi-channel amp such as the Niles or Speakercraft I mentioned. I've done a ton of research on these kind of amps and these two are hard to beat for what they do and how well they do it.
Gar ( 204.71.148.122 ) at 7:28 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Joe: there is a guy selling a couple of Chiro Amps cheap. $350 for the 2 channel Amp and $350 for the 3 channel. All run 140wpc. These are great Amps especially at that price.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:23 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
RonH

Another email coming your way!
Gar ( 204.71.148.122 ) at 6:42 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Doh!! Forgot a few.

Also:
Bridge mode 2: 4 x 100wpc
Gar ( 204.71.148.122 ) at 6:41 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

There upper end model allows you do do allot of different configurations.

8 x 45wpc
2 x 100wpc plus 4 x 45wpc
Gar ( 204.71.148.122 ) at 6:36 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Duane

E-mail back at ya!
Gar ( 204.71.148.122 ) at 6:35 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Joe: Take a look at these units for Multi-Zone...... You can find them cheaper on the net, J&R and Onecall have them etc...

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?status=C&cat=AMP&market=HOM
Gar ( 204.71.148.122 ) at 6:32 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Toshiba

Kieran: Yes and no. Good picture, not fond of there tuner. Could be just the luck of the draw. But I have triend several other of there direct view sets with same results.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 6:16 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Joe: Drop back and punt!!!!
Joe ( 64.12.107.33 ) at 6:05 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Gar I got the HCA-885. My intention was 4 channels for whole house audio, 2 zones. One zone would be Bed/bath and one zone would be kitchen/laundry room. The 5th channel would be used for Tactile Transducers.

However today, just this afternoon I hear " I want the living room to have speakers also" I could take several routes now. I could split the income Zone signal to the fifthe channel and combine it. Then I could hook up the speakers and it would probabley sound like shit. I could use the stereo amp I have for the front room and still split the incoming zone signal.

I could use some kind of speaker combiner and that would probabley sound like shit also.

I could ask if anyone here has a soulution??????????
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 5:47 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Cajun_Mike: Toshiba all the way... not the best hands down, but hands down the best bang for the buck!
Gar ( 204.71.148.109 ) at 5:06 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Cajun_Mike: I still think it what Duane was talking about. The power supply or cap problem. It was rare to see a Sony older than 10 years come into our store with a bad tube.
Gar ( 204.71.148.109 ) at 5:04 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Joe: What Parasound did you get?
Gar ( 204.71.148.109 ) at 5:04 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: hehehe, I new I missed your sense of humor..... Sold in Ikea stores hhahahahah... Hey I own a old Bang & Olufson CD Player that is still kicking with the cool popout tray.
Joe ( 64.12.105.169 ) at 5:02 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Afternoon all, The Parasound amp arrived today on my doorstep. Ebay it's like not even spending money
Cajun_Mike ( 204.252.238.2 ) at 4:49 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

I've spoke with two repair shops in Lafayette, One in Baton Rouge and one in New Orleans. All of them still said Sony was the best TV. I may end up going with the Sony HDTV ready 36 inch but I wont if its hundreds of dollars more than I can get the Toshiba for.
Cajun_Mike ( 204.252.238.2 ) at 4:40 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Kieran: I'm only looking at direct views because of my hometheater cabinet. I plan on removing the cabinet and selling it in a few years when the prices of DLP front projectors drop enough.

Last night I looked at the 32 inch Hitach Ultravision HDTV and I was impressed with it. I just wish it had a flat screen. Right now I'm leaning towards the Toshiba 36 inch HDTV ready if it is indeed the picture tube. I just found two guys to help me get it out of my cabinet and bring it over to the repair shop.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 4:35 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Cajun: I haven't used them much, nor know much about their reliability, but I really like the picture quality on Hitachi's Ultravision RP HDTV's. Very sharp.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:22 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Cajun; My Sony would flash red or white then go black with a tiny white dot in the center, that slowly disappeared.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:19 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Cajun; I forgot to chime in on that one. I'm with Duane. I had a Sony 27" that blew a power supply every 1.5 years after it hit 3 years old. After 2 power supplies I sold it. The new owner knew the problem and chanced it anyway. He put 2 more in. I've heard Hitachi is hell for repair out of warranty. The 3 repair guys I talked to won't touch them.
Cajun_Mike ( 204.252.238.2 ) at 4:18 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
XBR

Duane: The guy where I bought the set says he thinks it's the power supply. The place that does all their repair work says he's wrong and that it's the picture tube. Those guys are in New Orleans. Here locally they say it's the tube and the service center in Baton Rouge says it's likely the tube. The local guy doesn't know when he will be able to come get my TV because his back is hurting. This just sucks all the way around. I would love for it to be the power supply but when I describe exactly what it does they say it's the tube and they say the fact that my ES receiver went on the blink at the same time is coincidence. I'm beginning to have my doubts about these people.... However, we won't know what the deal is by talking about it over the phone. Someone has to open the thing up and I dont want some repair guy saying it's the tube and it's not just so he can get ahold of my TV, drop a 100 part in it and either keep it for himself or sell it to someone.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 3:55 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Gar: "kinda cool" in a spacy/kooky kinda a way. Its as if Bang & Olufson came out with their own line of computers, sold in Ikea stores...
Gar ( 207.1.1.18 ) at 3:47 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Scott "popcorn": Actually with all th software out there, this is the most stable version and fastest version of windows that I have ever used. I wouldn't mind trying a new Mac, I think there kinda cool.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 3:43 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

... so that's why direct rear speakers sound best?
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 3:29 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Scott "popcorn": Potenzas RE950s are made in Japan... far away from any Firestone plant...
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 3:28 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Scott "popcorn": BeOS? Is that the operating system on Gameboy Advances?
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.117 ) at 3:27 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: Ten years ago, I vowed I would never touch a Mac. But they now are the better choice.

My condolences on the Bridgestones... After the Firestone recall, I didn't think anyone would buy Bridgestone/Firestone again...
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.117 ) at 3:26 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Gar: Don't use it?
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 3:26 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Scott "popcorn": Yea, prolly because nobody cares to nosy into the few Mac people out there (just to find out what brand of granola they eat and Discovery channel shows they watch). 'Course, I don't use XP yet, so I reckon I am safe
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.117 ) at 3:26 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: I'm pretty sure you can find such a tool on Bebits.com for BeOS
Gar ( 207.1.1.18 ) at 3:24 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Scott "popcorn": There is a way to defeat that you know. XP privacy that is.....
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 3:23 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: The IRC Red Storms I currently ride are 110psi... thats a pretty low pressure for a road bike tire (and most racing tires go well above that). Looking at just the most popular tires: Continental Grand Prix 3000 130psi, Hutchinson Comps 125psi, Panaracer Stradius 150psi, Michelin Pro Race 110psi, Ritchey WCS Race 130psi, and Vittoria Open Corsa CX a listed 180 psi (must be like riding a steel hoop). I will probably back the Vredestein down a tad to something like 135psi, partly with hope it softens the ride a bit more and partly because I don't know if my floor pump can get to 140psi. But some believe the higher pressures avoid flats more.

BTW, my rims are Rolf Vectors... black, minimal spokes, pretty bulletproof (at least I haven't had to true them in a year so far).
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.218.216.117 ) at 3:21 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: Yeah, and XP PCs are for people who don't want ANY privacy...
Gar ( 207.1.1.18 ) at 3:12 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
OT - Rant

Well it looks like Gar might be looking for a new job if this keeps up. According to the AMA guidelines, which are changing 1st of July. I can't even take a doctor to dinner or golfing anymore. Geez talk about regulation! I feel like we are treated like the Tobacco industry, the main difference we help people. Peter Jennings is running a segment tonight on Pharmaceutical companies again, and they never or rarely give both sides of the story. Speaking to a guy who used to be on the other side of the fence working for the FDA and having a Public Health Degree. Maybe they should go after the food companies next since there the main problem with all the bad crap they put in there food I am in a place where I can't even see doctors(rarely) and now there taking away my last hope(Programs and golf outings.) Argh! So much for doing business.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.22 ) at 2:46 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: 140 PSI??????????? Damn... I ride at 110 on my Michelins... don't know what model/size. What rims are you on? I'm riding Mavic OpenPro rims.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 2:44 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: Road tires. I went back and forth between getting the 700-23 versus 700-25 tire size because I am pretty big, I have a bad baclk, and the roads out here are pretty rough. I ended up getting the slightly faster 700-23 size. The Vredesteins are pretty popular right now, described as being very "tubular" like in their ride... pretty soft, roll very fast. Sorta heavy, but so am I. Pump up to 140psi, so they roll fast. I opted for the Fortezzas versus the Tri-Fortezzas. They wil replace some IRC Red Storms that were slow (700-25) and had a few cuts that were getting large enough to cause leaks.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 2:13 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: from the www.download.com that *my* browser brings me to
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-10103745.html?tag=lst-0-8
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-10103730.html?tag=lst-0-7
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-10111644.html?tag=lst-0-3
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-10104634.html?tag=lst-0-1
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-9083102.html?tag=lst-0-18
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-8982723.html?tag=lst-0-21
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-8932286.html?tag=lst-0-23
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-8712808.html?tag=lst-0-6
http://download.com.com/3000-2192-6963185.html?tag=lst-0-5
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:07 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: Are those MTB tires or roadie ones? (the Vredsteins)
AVB ( 64.41.32.100 ) at 2:03 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Email reply

Curtis: Do you have an answer for my last email?
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 2:03 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: No worries... I use google all the time... I just had to get new tires for my car and researched the heck until getting Bridgestones (Potenza RE950). Same thing with new tires for the bike (Vredsteins Fortezzas)...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:53 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

RickMTB: Thanks dude... I shoulda tried google. I went to www.download.com and searched there, but didn't find anything good.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:51 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis: I'll never doubt you again! I didn't even ask my sister, just sent her the url so she could see the pictures, and she writes back, "Did you know that Photoshop can automate that whole thumbnail process? ..." So, since both of you say it's so, I guess it's so.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 1:44 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: Just did a quick search using www.google.com on batch, thumbnails, convert and here are a few to look at: www.cerious.com has a sharewar program called ThumbPlus; www.ulead.com has a batch converter; www.insyse.com has one called imagENGine; and www.acdsystems.com has one called ACDsee. Heck, even pansy Mac users can try one from www.amug.com called QuickNailer.

Again, using www.google.com (the old www.dejanews.com) can get you all sorts of cool info. And not afiliated with any company or product contained in this message. Your mileage may vary. And I don't even play a photographer on TV...
Duane ( 192.128.167.68 ) at 1:36 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
XBR

Cajun: I sure as hell don't want to stear you wrong,but Sony's are notorious for having the very problem you're explaining.I would not believe the tube is bad.It's not that old.My feeling it's probably somewhere in the power suplly/transformer area.If you took surges,it could be as simple as a blown cap .Most likely,since this has happened before,it's the power supply.That can be the cause of your description.Getting someone honest enough to admit is another story.Power supplies would be most likely around $200-300 with bench labor running at $60/hr.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 1:33 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis: Oh, and one more conversation starter... "Macs are for pansies..."
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:33 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Curtis: I have PhotoShop... or, at least my room mate does, so I have access to it... it's not installed on my computer, though. Anyway, I didn't think it would do a batch opperation like that. Are you sure? I'm not talking about re-sizing photos one at a time... What I mean is, give it a list of say, 100 photo image files, and have it convert them all to 60 x 80 thumbnails or so. I can do the one-at-a-time thing with just about any photo editing software.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:23 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Kieran: Piece of cake. Adobe PhotoShop 7 for Mac OS X. Does exactly what you're asking in no time.

Oh wait a minute, I forgot you're a PC guy Same thing is possible w/ PS on Windoze platform. This is only the full-blown version, not the LE edition that comes free with a $69 scanner. You're welcome to use my system for this.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:16 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Adcom

Duane: seenhear@attbi.com
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:12 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
digital photo tools

Hey all...

Does anyone know of a tool that will take a bunch of digital images and create thumbnail images from them? I just did a web page from my rafting trip this weekend (here if anyone is interested). There are 50 or so images, and it took me for EVER to convert them all to quick-loading thumbnails (which are hyperlinked to the full res images). I just think as common as it is to do photo pages like this, there's got to be a batch tool that will run and shrink a bunch of .jpg files for you. Anyone heard of such a thing? I just used MS Photoeditor, which while easy, was still tedious.
Duane ( 192.128.167.68 ) at 12:55 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Adcom

Curtis:What's your email address again?
Duane ( 192.128.167.68 ) at 12:51 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Gasser:Took delivery of an EAD Poweramster yesterday.Just 5x100w per channel,but very clean and robust sounding.With all channels now avail,I was able to run the AUTO calibration cycle.Pretty damn close.What that did was to reset what I had previously,And now the DD sountracks have the appropriate level.Have no clue what was changed.May have to read the manual a 4th time to find out.Bought Harry Potter for the granddaughters.Of course had to "screen" it to make sure it's ok for them,haha.Very good movie with a very active soundtrack.
The Powermaster 500 doesn't have the "slam" of the Krell.At this point,not sure if I'm willing to sell it.Will spend more time tweaking the bass.
Duane ( 192.128.167.68 ) at 12:41 PM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Gar: Mail your way.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 11:48 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

BIG AL: I hate when that happens. Worse, when my mother-in-law picked out a romance film with Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie to watch... talk about wishing you could hide while grandma started up the porno...
AVB ( 64.41.32.153 ) at 11:43 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
bass mgmt

BC: I can't speak for the Rotel but a number of processors only allow a pass-thru for SACD/DVDA. Since the input is 6 channel analog I would think that whatever is hooked up to the LFE input would go to the sub.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 11:06 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Gar; yep! I thought it was funny too. The wife however....... Of course she doesn't have that fine sense of humor that I have.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 11:02 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002

RickMTB; Cruz's breast would've made interesting conversation anyway. "Well you're the one that picked the porn dear!"
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 10:57 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
bass mgmt

AVB: humm, so if the multi inputs can be set with, say, a 80hz crossover point, but there is no bass mgmt, then where do the freq. below the cutoff point go?
Gar ( 207.49.219.65 ) at 10:25 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
bass mgmt

BC: You would think Cross over settings would have sometype of bass management. Maybe you got some Tech who didn't know what he was talking about. That would be great if it had bass management.
AVB ( 64.41.33.143 ) at 10:17 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
bass mgmt

BC: A crossover is not usually considered bass management. Management would include the ability to send freqs to the fronts (large no sub) the LFE only, LFE and fronts etc etc. Most SACD players have a set 80 or 100HZ crossover built in but no other ability to manage bass. Perhaps Rotel means that it can take the 80 or 100hz output of the player without the ability to change it.
AVB ( 64.41.33.143 ) at 10:13 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
bass mgmt

BC:
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 9:44 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
bass mgmt

Maybe you guys can help clear something up for me. I was inquiring with Rotel about bass mgmt. for DVD audio on their 1066 pre/pro and here is what they said:

"There is no bass management for the multi-channel input for DVD A or SACD. There are, however, independent crossover settings for the multi-channel inputs separate from the other processing formats within the processor."

Maybe I am confusing a simple crossover with bass mgmt but I didn't really think there was a difference. Rotel says there is no bass mgmt on the 1066 but that there are independent crossover settings. Wouldn't having crossover settings be a form of bass mgmt?
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:27 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
High End Shop Article

Wild Bill, JohnO, Darian, and the rest of the NOVA crowd: Today's Washington Times has an article on section 2's front page, about DVD audio and high end video installations. It is featuring a company from Laurel, Md and Soundworks from Kensington, Md. I found it interesting and perhaps of more relevance to those of you that do installations.
AVB ( 64.41.32.172 ) at 5:46 AM EST Wednesday, May 29, 2002
RP on line

Cajun_Mike: I can't say I know that model exactly but I do like some of the hitachi's I've seen. I'm not really in the market with the FP installed so I don't keep up as much.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 11:14 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
RP on line

AVB: what do you think of the Hitachi HDTV Ultravision set? I was impressed with the 32 inch version I played with at Circuit Shitty... It was next to a Sony WEga 32 and it more than held its own.. The 36UDX105
AVB ( 64.41.32.39 ) at 11:08 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
RP on line

Cajun_Mike: I bought an RP online years ago in '92 and didn't have any problem. The $375 shipping few was tough to take though. It still cane out much cheaper then I could get locally and there was a factory warrenty in case anything happened. I didn't have any problems.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 10:54 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Gar: Well, as far as the picture tube goes? I'm going to see what a ton of phone calls is going to do for me. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and I'm going to be doing some sqeauking tomorrow. I'm calling Sony, I'm going to find out who the local territory rep is. I'm going to call his regional manager and I'm going to tell them about how my whole house is filled with Sony and how disappointed I am in this problem. The I will proceed to go down the line and name every Sony product that is here and in my office... If it's the picture tube I'm going to push for a sweetheart deal on the part or an allowance towards the purchase of a new one. The tube has a two year warranty and it started doing this at the beginning of the third year. I might just be wasting my time but I'm going to give it my best.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:52 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Got to fly, chat with you later!
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:52 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Cajun_Mike: I hear you , when my Sony LCD fries out I will buy a DLP unit. By then they will have cheaper 2 or 3 chip units. And hopefully Plasmas will be less.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:51 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Cajun_Mike: It is most likely just a digital feed. A true HD feed you will be blown away buy the clarity of the picture. As Curtis would say there is no comparisons. Once you watch true HDTV it is very hard to go back.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 10:50 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Gar: I'm not interested in an RPTV.. when I yank that big furniture cabinet out in a few years it's going to be for a DLP front projector and screen. I'm just sitting back and watching the prices fall.... which isnt fast enough. ;(
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 10:48 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Gar: You know what I'm just realizing.. All the Sets that were hdtv ready were playing hdtv recorded programming. CBS stuff, the super bowl, some tournament with Tiger Woods giving his uppercut fist. Now, what is the quality of that recording that best buy was using and what was playing it? do they have a dvd demo disc or something? How much of the original quality of a HDTV broadcast can you retain with a recording and what do you use to record it? Hard disc technology? If there is a Toshiba non HDTV flat screen set sitting next to a Toshiba HDTV set and they are both being fed with a DVD movie or dish network signal how big of a difference is there then?
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:47 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Cajun_Mike: See if any of the repair shops will give you money for parts. Also stop back in there store in a few weeks and see if the bastards try to resell your set. I have seen this happen before. Your one of the few people I ever heard of this happening to a XBR this early, usually they last 10 years or more before they fry.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:45 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Cajun_Mike: Choke the chicken and buy a RP.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:44 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

You might get a great deal online, but there going to nail your ass to the wall with shipping.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 10:43 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Gar: I talked to three sony authorized repair dealers here in Louisiana. All of them pointed to it being the picture tube. The price of the picture tube for that set is 900 bucks plus labor. The local shop is going to come pick it up but they didnt tell me when. I'm aggravated as hell. I cant stand having to watch the 27 inch Hitachi in my bedroom. I have new DVD's I cant watch, DAMN! Got Harry Potter today...can't do anything with it.. I am not going to buy a TV until I know for sure it's the picture tube.. I'm just getting my ducks in-a-row if it is.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 10:41 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Has anyone purchased a TV online? I read a lot of posts on the hometheater forum about people choosing not too due to being scared about breakage during shipment. The great thing is that if Sears carries what you are looking for you can bring them a printout from the cheapest online retailer and they will match the price. Unfortunately I don't think sears carries too much of the Toshiba line... or at least not on their website.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:41 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Cajun, check and see if Toshiba improved there channel changing. Meaning the Toshiba 36" I have puts up a great pic and is HDTV ready but it is one of the slowest sets I have ever had changing channels.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:39 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Cajun_Mike: What the hell? Your XBR is fried or did you try to get it really repaired. Sounds like your jumping the gun, I would see if it is possible to repair that puppy isn't that old. You been watching the porn channel 24-7, no wonder why you fried your tube!!
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 10:37 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Cytotech: I was only there to see the gear. No intentions of buying anything there. I then went directly across the street to Best Buy, looked at the Toshiba and then walked out with the new Rush CD... good stuff by the way.
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:35 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Happy B-Day!!!

Cytotech:
Gar ( 207.1.1.187 ) at 10:35 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Bad Gar!

RickMTB:Bad Gar? hahahaha I like it when my wife puts up the toilet seats when she finished. Wait, I think I am fricking dreaming.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 10:05 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Cytotech: Veggie tales... my kids love 'em.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 10:04 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Bad Gar!

Winston aka The Spleen: "Bad Gar. Bad, baaaad Gar." Anyone up for a discussion on religion? How about politics? Political religions? Religious politicians? Howsabout toilet seats, up or down?
Cytotech ( 67.24.162.102 ) at 10:02 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Cajun_Mike: "Circuit City," Ewwwww!!!! What are you thinking!
Cytotech ( 67.24.162.102 ) at 10:01 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Thanks for all the birthday wishes guys. Picked up a few goodies tonight...
Harry Potter(Just gotta check this one out, see what all the hubbub is about)
The Others(sounds creepy, right up my alley)
and 2 Veggie Tales DVD's(for the sick li'l one, of course!).
Anyway, here's hoping the digital camera I want drops in price soon.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.164 ) at 9:53 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Wild bill

Joe: Back at ya.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.66.144 ) at 9:49 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Bad Gar!

Gar: "Tubes lack the dynamics of modern solid state gear."

Please add to this list: All cables sound the same. And all amps that measure the same sound the same.

Also, George Lucas was right, Jar-Jar Binks really isn't an annoying little SOB.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.66.144 ) at 9:41 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
E-mail

Tony C: ROTFLMAO!!!
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.242.237 ) at 9:41 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
TV Shopping...

Well, I went to Circuit city and Best Buy.. Looked at the Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, Hitachi and Panasonic Tau..... It looks like I am going to be spending more for a 36 inch than I wanted because I have to have the HDTV capable set. Big difference in my eyes.. Anyways.. The best one I saw was the Toshiba 36HF71.. Best Buy wanted 1800 bucks... panwebi electronics online wants 1,299 plus shipping... The best price on the Sony 36 Wega non hidef was 1,099.00. I think I can spend a few hundred dollars more and get a Hidef capable set.. As soon as I get the word that it is indeed my picture tube I'll be pulling the trigger... After seeing those hidef sets I'm almost wanting the picture tube to be fried.... that's a whacked out thought!
AVB ( 64.41.33.58 ) at 9:15 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

RickMTB: Everybody knows that the 1-5% distortion and constant degradation of tubes is better. Where have you been? hahahaha
AVB ( 64.41.33.58 ) at 9:13 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Key Digital Leeza

I just closed the deal on the Leeza. Not the best I've ever had but not bad. $6200 video processor and an SDI modified DVD player ($800) for $2500 delivered. Current model 2 months old with warrenty. I need to pat myself on the back.
AVB ( 64.41.33.58 ) at 9:06 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Had to share this

Tony C: Perceived hell.....I give classes
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 8:58 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Gar: "Tubes lack the dynamics of modern solid state gear."

Gee, we haven't had a good discussion like this since the myth of THX was finally debunked, once and for all...
Gar ( 204.71.148.97 ) at 8:26 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: What's a tube? hehehehehe.
Joe ( 205.188.192.187 ) at 8:19 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Wild bill

You have mail
Joe ( 205.188.192.187 ) at 8:19 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
cyto

Happy Birthday
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 8:13 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Winston: Congrats on the demod. EAD, whew!@! Looking forward to the snail mail.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 8:12 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYTO! I've been on the road all day and just got a chance to check in. Hope all your birthday wishes come true.
Joe ( 205.188.192.187 ) at 7:33 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
AVB

I have forgotten to send your mail. It will go in the box in the am.
Joe ( 205.188.192.187 ) at 7:33 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Sherly Crow

I found this disc to be different from her other ones. I still have it in the truck for trhe morning ride.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:12 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Ron H...

... email coming your way...
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 7:00 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Had to share this

I sent an email to my NY counterpart giving him shit about how short his report was and that he filled it with fluff.
Here was his reply:

Good news!!! I just got home and the first issue of the magazine you recommended, "Technology Geeks with No Lives", just arrived. I see what you mean, this is riveting stuff. I'll do what you said and read it cover to cover twenty times while making notes on little index cards. Hopefully, I'll be able to write 12 pages on the pros and cons of encoding bitmap files and their impact on Soviet society and file-sharing in general. I'm so excited. When do you think "Surround Sound Dork" should arrive? I subscribed the same day.

My response was that he meant to say bit-rate, not bitmap, etc, etc.
and the fight goes on.
I just thought that maybe YOU TOO may be percieved as a geek to co-workers.
think about it.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.163 ) at 6:44 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Gasgeek: Snail mail is on its way to you.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.163 ) at 6:42 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Gar: I don't know about about DVD record quality... but I have found that when recording on the Elite burner (with Hi-bit Legato link) the disc sounds best when replayed on the Elite. The new Legato link has some resolution enhancement that I've found audible on non-Legato players. Makes the highs sound a tad brittle.

BTW, the Elite makes an excellent CD player - I run mine into a tube headphone amp/Grado setup via Straightwire Maestro II interconnects. Sweet!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.163 ) at 6:34 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Curtis: Yup, I saw that adcom demod on ebay.... someone got a great deal on that piece.
Gar ( 207.49.219.74 ) at 6:30 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: NP, thanks! The question I have for you on recording. I took a CD I made on my computer and then one made on the Pioneer unit. I must say, very hard to tell the difference, also the computer only took me 5 minutes to create a disc. Also a DVD Recorder from what I hear will record 16 hours of music on better quality. I haven't tried this yet, but I heard it works well.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 6:29 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
You've got DealMail (tm)

AVB:Coming your way.
Gar ( 207.49.219.74 ) at 6:27 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Duane

E-mail me about that player you have: garman@tds.net
Gar ( 207.49.219.74 ) at 6:18 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

BIG AL: hahahaha, ear plugs thats funny!!!!
AVB ( 64.41.33.86 ) at 5:21 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
KPD you out there?

Curtis: Yes the CI will do 720P all day long. If I got the Lezza I wouldn't be able to do a Curtis deal on the CI, I'd need to get $800 for it. Let me know if that is still in your range.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 5:06 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
KPD you out there?

AVB: I vote you go for the Leeza at that killer price and make me a good deal (tm) on your Crystal Image - if it'll do 720p for all souces. Seriously.

I have been following the Leeza threads on AVS and must admit to scaler envy. Not in the budget for a while as you might well imagine due to the flurry of recent upgrades. ??Besides if the AmPro can be brought back from the dead the CI should work great with it at about 960p - right?

Email me if interested. BTW, that other CI got sold to someone else even though the seller promissed me 1st shot. I always prefer to keep the good components in the family.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 5:02 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
RF Demodulator

Winston aka The Spleen: The ball is passed to Winston ... he dribbles around THREE defenders ... he leaps and the ball leaves his hands just after the buzzer in triple overtime ... and ... he SCORES!!!

Nice one Winston, a true Robert Deal (tm). Be on the lookout for a Parasound RF demodulator for me? List is $400, I missed a new one on eBay for $65 (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr).
AVB ( 64.41.33.86 ) at 5:01 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
KPD you out there?

I can get a LEZZA for about 60% off. Any thoughts good or bad?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 4:57 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

In honor of Cyto's birthday, I went shopping. Only, I get to keep the presents.

Got Harry Potter, Behind Enemy Lines, Ocean's 11, The Last WAltz, Momento, and Apocolypse Now Reduex.
On CD, I got Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Weezer, Spiderman, and Vanessa Carlton.

Not a bad day overall.
Happy Birthday Coytotech!
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 4:03 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYTO!!!
BYork ( 204.151.114.20 ) at 3:42 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Cytotech!
RickMTB ( 161.114.1.181 ) at 3:08 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

BIG AL: Speaking of good movies... we rented a movie (first in a long time) that was really entertaining... Behind Enemy Lines. Natch *I* chose it (she chose some smaltzie love story/war pic called Captain Somebodies Mandolin starring Penelope Cruz's left breast).
Cajun_Mike ( 209.124.228.67 ) at 2:29 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

What about this JVC flat screen? http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL026759
Cajun_Mike ( 209.124.228.67 ) at 2:09 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
36 inch direct view recommendations?

Everyone is partial to Sony WegaXBR but that Wega cabinet is too wide and after having my picture tube start acting up in the third year I dont think I want to go with Sony again. How would the Samsung (TXL3676) compare with a Toshiba and is there any advantage to going with a Toshiba Cinema Series? Any other brands or options should I consider in a 36inch? Also, keep in mind that I dont want to spend a ton of money on this TV because I plan on going to a DLP projector up the road. Here's a link to the Samsung... it's not their flat screen version http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1407778536.1022608697@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadcffeehfgkcfejceefdfggdhgk.0&prod_id=TXL3676X%2fXAA
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:56 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Tony C; Yeah I know! I've been planning for years. That's what I do. I plan for 3-4 years, then change all my plans as I build. First I really need to build a new home for my gator. He's outgrown the 200 gal. tank, and needs something bigger. Once that's built, then I'll start on the theater. I've only been planning the gator's display for a year or so though.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:52 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Cytotech: Happy B-Day!
AVB; You and a few billion others were in my thoughts yesterday. Thanks!
Winston the spleen-o-reeno; Good score! I have yet to score a good Curtis/AVB/Robert deal. Probably the day after I win the lottery.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:45 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

ChrisL,Ron H, Gar; Funny thing is we used to watch movies together! Now the only movie she'll watch with me is one she picked out (boring). Her excuse is that I only want to watch loud movies. The part that's really weird is that when her friends come over, she wants me to show them the system, and how loud it will play. She has no problem with 4 huge tower speakers an enormous subwoofer, 50" tv, etc... in the living room. What does she expect me to do with all that? I was prepared monday though. I put in Saving Private Ryan, and cranked it. When she complained, I handed her a pair of earplugs. I watched 3 movies in a row, and didn't hear a peep.
Cajun_Mike ( 209.124.228.67 ) at 1:42 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Happy Birthday Cyto...

hope you have a good one.
Cajun_Mike ( 209.124.228.67 ) at 1:41 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Television specialists certification?

I know there are a lot of truly talented individuals that work on CRTs etc... but is there some sort of website that shows who the top notch or certified people are for direct views? I want to get someone that knows his stuff to diagnose what's wrong with my XBR.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 12:34 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Birthday wishes

Cytotech: Hope your lil' guy gets better soon (and then you can have a happy birthday)...
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.4 ) at 12:06 PM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
RF Demodulator

The Spleen scores! Yesterday I lucked out and found a guy who was selling an EAD SmartCable RF demodulator. This is a very nice piece, small and compact, and has MIT cables hard wired at both ends so you don't need to supply your own digital cables. List was a whopping $699, but dealers usually sold them for $500. Very rare to find one used these days, and his was in like new condition.

Turns out the seller lives about ten minutes away from me and was getting rid of most of his system in preparation for moving. We got together, shot the HT breeze, and I wound up buying the EAD demod (with stock and opptional larger power supply) and three pairs of Kimber interconnects. My total cost out of pocket: $100. Another CurtisDeal (TM) for the Spleen!!!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.4 ) at 11:56 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Morning all.

Gar: I'll be happy to copy the manual for you, but I won't have access to a copy machine until next Monday. Okay to wait that long?
Cytotech ( 67.24.161.177 ) at 11:49 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Birthday wishes

Thanks for the well wishes guys. As luck(?) would have it, my 20 month old is sick today, so I'm at home keeping him. He's had a fever for 3 days, but I think it's about to break. Poor guy, slept till 8, thne fell asleep at 10.

Not sure about the new toys though. I have my eye on the Minolta DiMAGE 7i digital camera, but it's barely out and is too expensive right now. Maybe in a couple of months...
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 9:49 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Tony C: Sounds like a Murphy's Law hookup. Glad everything came out as you intended.

The whole thing had me scratching my hollow head.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.91 ) at 9:28 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Curtis: That DSS problem I had was all my fault. The A/B switch I was using was bad. And when I went to go direct to the dish, I used the wrong cable. Hey it happens.
Hooked it up this morning. I get the 101 sat at 91.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 8:57 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

good - (pre-java too!)
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 8:57 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Godd pre-6am from the left coast.

Have a terrific b-day Cytotech. Get some toys.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 8:38 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Happy Birthday CytoTech!
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 8:00 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Good morning gang. Hope all had a great weekend!
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 7:13 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Good Morning all
Joelc: ( 64.229.55.44 ) at 7:01 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Good morning gentlemen...
Gar ( 204.71.148.154 ) at 2:31 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Line level or speaker wire run?

Curtis: Depending the thickness of the speaker wire, it could be about the same either way you do it. Sounds like fun though. Anything happen yet on the Ampro project?
Gar ( 204.71.148.154 ) at 2:29 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Curtis

Curtis: I agree, just didn't see where or why you where posting to pop? Since he hasn't been on here in awhile. I was wondering where or what your post was refering to. A free CRT FP? Man someone does need a reality check.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.97 ) at 1:45 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Line level or speaker wire run?

Curtis: If people would PAY me for my services, then maybe I could afford to buy things... As I recall, you wanted to get rid of those SGI boxes...
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:26 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Curtis

Gar: I suppose a gentleman might have! I seem to recall someone expecting a freebie CRT FP from KPD a while back too, so as I said as long as he's posting that people expect something for nothing (on a public forum), I would do a public reality check.

Most of us have to work hard to acquire our toys the last time I checked.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:23 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Line level or speaker wire run?

Sorry gang, a nerve got hit. Not my intent to bring everyone down. We'll learn lessons from life and get over it.

Back to so HT chatter pls. Should I make a long pre-out wire run or a long speaker wire run to get juice to my 2nd zone speakers? I have bulk wire for both. My guess is line level, as it should lose less signal.
Gar ( 207.1.1.159 ) at 12:21 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Curtis

Was that last post to Popcorn supposed to be on e-mail?
Gar ( 207.1.1.159 ) at 12:18 AM EST Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Winston AKA "The Spleen"

Let me know if you can copy me the manual for the Pioneer PDR-19RW CD recorder. I will send you a DVD for doing it. Thanks my E-mail is:
garman@tds.net
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 11:27 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Scott "popcorn": This from the guy who I gave a sgi Unix box to?! I also footed the >$40 shipping without reimbursement. Then your friend writes me saying that he wants the other CPU I own at more or less the same deal?

Sorry man, look in the mirror now and then. Ask Kieran's entire family what I give away (for god only know what reason). Having been a starving student myself once, I go out of my way to help the ones I know - as well as strangers- out when I can.

Okay, it didn't fire up when you opened it. It was working great when it left CA.

Sorry all but this has been eating at me for ages. Lesson learned. Let everyone else go out and buy stuff like the rest of us. I'll put my stuff up on eBay and elsewhere.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 11:18 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Tony C: Oh man have I ever been in exactly the same situation in the past. " Lemme get this straight ... You won't pay $30 for a $100 cable that I know will improve things, but you had no problem writing out a check this morning for $5K (list price) for your new tennis bracelet?"

I had something like this happen yesterday. A local pal from way back in Chicago who is an engineer at Sun Micro and a musician. He has sunk at least $50K into an all digital 48-track audio recording studio in his home office. So you can see he has disposablr income and is a true believer in all things digital - except for video.

He's just one of these really smart/competitive guys who MUST win every argument/ tennis game/ whatever. Our sons are the same age and he goes out of his way to compare them. I couldn't help but interject that my boy just got his IQ test results back ... 170. He said there must be some mistake - you get the idea.
Scott "popcorn" ( 207.193.33.97 ) at 11:16 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Tony C: I think most people have "cheap" families... Actually, it seems as though lots of people these days expect something for nothing ("My computer isn't working, can you come fix it?" But they don't want to PAY for my time)...

Though, the real reason I replied is that my parents think the picture from the DTV through the modulator on antenna channel 20 looks better than the S-video hookup. Mind you, the S-video hookup looks like film (a bit soft, but clear) and the modulated signal looks VERY grainy... I just don't understand people...
Cytotech ( 67.24.161.168 ) at 11:02 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Tony C: The nerve! Don't even get me started about my(wife's) family! LOL!!!
Tony C ( 63.42.206.224 ) at 10:26 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

So my sister-in-law buys the receiver and calls me over to make the switch.
Seems that my old Hitachi is working fine. I hooked it up to the Sony in the main room to the Second Audio Source on the Sony. Well, seems that someone moved the Second Audio Source to VCR2 and so, they thought it no longer worked.
No problem, they had the new one, time for a change.
Ah, but there was a problem. I pointed out that the new receiver didn't have a Phono input. So, I had to move the turntable into the living room and hook it up to the Sony.

Since I had to get to the back of the Sony, I asked my sister-in-law if she wanted to buy a component cable from me cheap. You see the reason they did not use a component cable from the DVD player to the 53 inch XBR was because the cable cost too much.

So, I said that $30 was a good price for this Audio Source component cable. She said she doesn't see the value. (honest)
I said, of course you don't see the value, you have to hook it up to SEE the value.
No. I just spent $70 on a new receiver.
(My brother and sister ARE NOT destitute. She would easily spend boatloads of money on stupid stuff)

So my nephew who's lurking around asks, well what if Uncle Tony hooks it up and we see how it looks?
She said, no.
I asked my nephew why he even thought he could convince her.
I murmured something about the Bose speakers. That set her off. End of discussion.

If I was to say, Hey here's a new $30 cable but you can have it for free she'd take it in a heartbeat. Just like she took my old receiver and just like she took the TV that they're still using from 1988.
Family.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.56 ) at 9:34 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Tony C: "A man needs a basement or a garage, a separate room or a cave to hide in."

Funny, my wife calls the basement HT my cave. Now that I'm in the business she seems to have more understanding although most of what I now do down here is work related. For instance, in one room I have a Niles multi-zone receiver setup, and Anthem running a second zone via a programmed Intellipad and I'm running the demo system for one of our rooms. There are wires, black boxes and keypads everywhere.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.120.56 ) at 9:31 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Big Weekend

simm: Unless you *know* an Anthem dealer you'll have no choice but to buy locally. Audiostream is very protective of their dealer base. There are no Internet sales. If and when they occur and Audiostream finds out, the axe is swift and painful for the dealer in question.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 9:11 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Tony C: Yeah...hoping for some comforting words from the more experienced among us.
Anyway...we're planning on moving to AZ after we get hitched. From what I've seen of AZ (and I lived there for about 4 years), there's not a lot of basements available. Hopefully I can convert a garage or something.
::sighhhh::
Tony C ( 63.42.204.153 ) at 8:17 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
DTV help

Curtis: I'll call your cell in a couple of hours...say 9P God's time.

I talked my brother into buying the $70 Sherwood stereo receiver that Circuit City had on sale for two days. this is to replace the one Hitachi I GAVE him in 1990 (which I bought in 1982).
So of course, I have to go over and set it up.
Thanks.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.153 ) at 8:15 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Chris L.: Looking for validation from some friends?
Lot's of things change my friend. For example, her movie night may last for a long time and harmony may rule the land.
Until that first baby comes along. Then they get pretty weird.

A man needs a basement or a garage, a separate room or a cave to hide in.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.153 ) at 8:12 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

Cajun_Mike: I read some good things about Samsung TVs. I would still try to find someone you trust to look at the XBR first.
simm ( 24.28.244.246 ) at 7:41 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Big Weekend

Hope all had a good Memorial Day weekend. My oldest son graduated from high school Friday and turned 18 today. Lot's of family in town for the big event. Friday night at 0100 we got a call from the police, seems Josh had passed a policeman on I-40 at 90 mph. Nothing like getting a call in the early morning hours asking if this is your childs parents- ice water in the veins kind of feeling. Fortunately we mentioned that he was going in the Air Force and they let him off with a warning. We took his car from him. Not sure when he'll get it back.

To make this HT related I am going to check out an Anthem AVM-20 sometime this week. I just found out there is a local dealer although I have never bought from them. What is the going rate for this unit? I would like to get the best price I can but I do want to buy local for various reasons.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 6:08 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Big Al, Gar, Ron H: I guess I'm lucky so far. If the wife-to-be doesn't feel like watching what I'm watching, she'll either go upstairs to read or head over to her parents house 4 minutes away. She's only asked me to turn it down once and that was at about 1am the night that Alice in Chains' singer Layne Staley died and I was watching the MTV unplugged DVD a bit too loud. I looked at her and said "yeah right" and turned it up a couple more notches (BAM!).
I'm pretty sure she knows that my HT is a big part of my life. She uses it herself on Tuesday when I have to work until 7pm. It's become her "movie night" and I love it.
Maybe you should set up a night or two during the week that she can have as her own "movie night". That way you will have the rest of the week to watch whatever you want as loud as you damn well please. Right?

Anyone??

please??
Gar ( 208.166.200.185 ) at 2:26 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Ron H: You are lucky, because that is they way my wife was before I got married.
Gar ( 208.166.200.185 ) at 2:25 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

Curtis: Ditto to that! I have a 61XBR and a 53XBR in the past and no problems. Also a 27XBR which is now in my bedroom, no problems with any of them and very few problems with Sony or there XBR brand when I worked for Audiophiles.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 2:11 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

Cajun_Mike: Over the years I think I have owned 2 x XBR direct views znd a XBR 61" RP. Never had a problem with any of them, in fact friends who bought them from me say they're still going strong.

I would plead your case with your closest Sony Service Center. They already have flat repair rates for everything, most are surprisingly low.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.241.10 ) at 2:11 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

Tony C: The problem is that I'm not too confident in the knowledge and ability of the TV repair people in my area. I want an expert to come to my home and see what it's doing before he takes it off to his shop. Everyone said last summer that it was the picture tube. The repair shop here locally said the tube was fine and they kept it on all day while they worked on other sets.. they were upset to have to bring it back to me because they enjoyed the picture. I have been surfing the net for 36 inch direct views and I like the looks of the Samsung. Especially the fact that it's only 34 1/8 inches wide and the slot in my cabinet is 39 3/4.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 2:10 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Gar: I guess I am lucky. My wife has only asked me to turn it down once and that was at 2:30 am. My time is my time to enjoy and other than a few things once in awhile I am never pushed to do things. It could be that I try to stay on top of things so I do not end up with a honey to do list. I tend to be ahead of here when it comes to doing things around the house.

Of ourse the final solution if time is tight is to pay somneone else to do it. Figure out what you make a hour and then decide if it is worth your time to do the yard work, clean the pool, paint the family room etc.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 2:08 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
DTV help

Tony C: I think I know what your problem is. Email me seenhear@attbi.com and I'll walk you through it. Or call my cell.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 2:04 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

Cajun_Mike:Sorry to hear the bad news.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.199 ) at 1:56 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

Cajun_Mike: I had an old XBR that went out on me twice, and it was fixed twice. The third time, I through it out.
I would bring it back to the repair shop and have them take a look at it again. At least this time it's bound to go out again. It's too new to replace.
Cajun_Mike ( 65.81.241.10 ) at 1:43 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Damn XBR crap...

I think the picture tube has gone out on my 35XBR48... I purchased the thing in May of 98. Is this how long these things are supposed to last? I dont think so. I turn my HT receiver on, click power on the TV, turn on dish network or whatever video source... begin watching something and then it flashes red and turns off... It did this last summer and I had the TV picked up by a local repair company.. they kept it at their shop for a month and could not get it to duplicate my problem... got the TV back and it didnt do it for awhile and then started to do it only occasion... now it does it everytime I turn it on.. The same time that this TV started doing it I had to send my sony receiver to Dallas for repair and they replaced a diode.. I dont know if I had a power spike or something but nothing has been the same since. I dont think it's the receiver anymore because when I unplug all my cables from the back of the TV is still flashes red and turns off. Damn I'm pissed. Right after I purchased my 35XBR they came out with the 36WEgaXBR which is too wide for the slot in my cabinet... well it will fit by a half inch but I would have to lift the tv completely out and have two bodybuilders there to hold it up while I wire it... I guess I'm too look at a Toshiba if the picture tube is out.. CRAP!
Tony C ( 205.188.197.34 ) at 12:36 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
DTV help

Tony C: injoying = enjoying.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.34 ) at 12:34 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
DTV help

I've been injoying my HTC100 ever since Curtis and I hooked it up.
But since yesterday, I've been trying to get another receiver to work as well. The receiver A 515RR keeps telling me that it can't get a satelite signal.

I tried to go into the menu to tell it that the dish has changed, but there isn't an option for that. shouldn't it still be able to get one of the satelites? I've tried changing the Transponders, but there is no signal. None at all.

Any ideas?
Gar ( 207.1.1.78 ) at 12:17 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Memorial Day

AVB: Ditto, and Thank You!!!!
Gar ( 207.1.1.78 ) at 12:17 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Portable DVD Players

T-Man: I say Laptop! Thats what I use. But if you don't have one, I heard the Pioneer is good.
Gar ( 207.1.1.78 ) at 12:16 PM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

BIG AL: Typical women ploy! Heaven forbid if we have any fun. Wife is yelling at me right now to do things. I take this a day for remembering friends and family that served and staying in touch with them and relaxing.
I would tell her to go to the local library or Book Store. I get the too loud thing all the time, because of where my sons room is located and I barely use my Sub Woofer any more As for my fish, just like plenty of my pictures, there gone. I have 1 15gal tank left out of 5 large tanks. So the only hobby I have left is HT/Audio. Maybe I should take up drinking and womenizing at the local bar
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 11:46 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Joelc:: Guess what I drove yesterday? A clone of your new AMG in Brilliant Silver. It looks good parked on a polo field (owner is the wife of one of the players.

She tossed me the key (fool!) and I drove it around the 'bubrs for 20 minutes. Jesus Christ that thing will fool EVERYONE!! It is very fast Her husband thinks she saved a lot of $$ by trading in her larger 430e, and still hasn't asked how much the check was for (full list). Must be nice, huh?
Tony C ( 63.42.204.58 ) at 11:38 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Joe: Nice move.

Big Al: Serves you right! Build the room!
Tony C ( 63.42.204.58 ) at 11:34 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Memorial Day

AVB: Well said.
Joelc ( 216.223.128.150 ) at 11:27 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Curtis: Wow.. just read your post on the Toshiba 57HX81. I am shocked -- whenyou got taht set you thought that it was "the cat's ass". What changed?
Joelc ( 216.223.128.155 ) at 11:21 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Curtis: Glad to hear that you approve of my taste in automobiles. Two questions...

1. How did you like using SpeedShift?

2. How did you like the "stealth" nature of that pup. I can't wait until a 20 something in a 'stang tries to take me on. Look out!

Here is a mind twister for you. Just got a call from a dealer in Montreal (i.e. 4 hours from Toronto) who has a brand new model 2002 C32 for sale. The car is identical to the one I ordered other than

a) No upgraded stereo
b) No navigation system
c) No theft alarm (i.e. it does have keyless entry)
d) Wrong color -- it is silver whereas the one I ordered is Pewter
e) Xenon headlights as opposed to bi-xenon headlights

So what do I do? Do I jump on it and get a new car ealier and at a lower interest rate as rates in Canada, like the US, are likely to increase OR do I wait for the latest and gretest at possibly higher interest rates?

On pricing... a decked aut C32 is more than a 430E, unless of course she got the 4-Matic.

Lastly...I am jealous that you got to drive one!
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 11:02 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Joelc:: Guess what I drove yesterday? A clone of your new AMG in Brilliant Silver. It looks good parked on a polo field (owner is the wife of one of the players.

She tossed me the key (fool!) and I drove it around the 'bubrs for 20 minutes. Jesus Christ that thing will fool EVERYONE!! It is very fast Her husband thinks she saved a lot of $$ by trading in her larger 430e, and still hasn't asked how much the check was for (full list). Must be nice, huh?
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 10:56 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Gushing Tosh 57HX81 review

T-Man: I meant to add that review could have been written by Toshiba's marketing department because it sounded a little TOO good.

I owned the 57HX81 and frankly thought the 1st generation Tosh RP's put up a better image - at least my former TW65H80. That's why Kierans' dad owns it today at a Robert Deal (tm) steal.
T-Man ( 208.40.136.18 ) at 9:15 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Gushing Tosh 57HX81 review

Curtis: Interesting review. I have the Tosh 57H81 and am enjoying it thoroughly and it hasn't even been ISF calibrated yet. However, when I look at the Home Theater Spot forum on Toshiba, there is an amazing amount of dissatisfaction and notorious problems. Granted, I haven't looked at the other brand name forums, but would likely see the same type of posts. (ie. people tent to post negative comments more readily than positive).

The only infamous problem I have had is the so called arcing (SP?) that shuts the TV down and turns it right back on. Happened maybe three times in the first six weeks. Anyway, I love my set and am looking forward to further refinement of the picture.
T-Man ( 208.40.136.18 ) at 9:06 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Portable DVD Players

Good Morning Guys: Can anyone fill me in on the latest with portable DVD players? Good brands? Decent prices? I went into BB and they had two off brands and an RCA. I seem to remember Pioneer and Toshiba (I think)having brands a few years ago. Anyway, any input would be appreciated.
AVB ( 64.41.32.113 ) at 7:54 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002
Memorial Day

To all my Brothers who allow me to enjoy the fruits of their blood, I thank you. One day is not enough.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:39 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Ron H: Oh, I suspect Curtis has found himself placed on many ISP block lists... he is pretty well known by now.
Joelc: ( 64.229.53.122 ) at 6:13 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

Good morning everyone.

Hope all my AMercan Friends have a great Memorial Day.

Gar: Agreed re: owning the DVD.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.74 ) at 1:20 AM EST Monday, May 27, 2002

I really need build my HT room! I rented 2 movies for the holiday weekend. I got movies for me, because the wife had tons of studying to do, and said she didn't want to watch any movies. I had to run a few errands today, and when I got back, around 6 pm, the wife is watching one of her movies. I didn't say a word, just went downstairs to work on a fish related project. When her movie was about done, I went upstairs, and watched the end with her. She said she was going to study some more, and suggested I watch my movies. Well, duh! I swear, 2 minutes into the movie, she comes back in and tells me it's too loud. She can't concentrate. I turn it down. I already had it quieter than I normally do, so now I'm down to half the volume I like. She yells out that she still can't concentrate. I just shut off the movie. Now this normally wouldn't bother me, but I'd been gone for hours. I asked her if she was studying while I was gone, and she said no, she was watching movies, took the dogs for a walk, and talked to a friend on the phone. She knew I had movies to watch, and I'd told her I wanted to watch them tonight. Needless to say, I'm pissed. I haven't watched a movie without interuption, at full volume, all the way through, for years. I'm thinking of trying a new hobby. Maybe needlepoint.
Gar ( 208.166.200.162 ) at 11:32 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Episode II

Joelc:: Not going to get in this discussion, either you liked it or not, I for one enjoyed it. And as I said before even the people who didn't like it that own HT systems, will most likely buy it.
Gar ( 208.166.200.162 ) at 11:31 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
MN

Robert:Just got back from Minnetonka, great time, weather sucked to a certain extent today, but yesterday was great boating on the lake.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:27 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Curtis: Back to you not to me. LOl
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:25 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: Back at you.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 11:11 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: Done
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 10:57 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Curtis: Hmmm I do not know why MSN block you. I just checked my block list and you are not on it. Try ronh@wt.net
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 10:50 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Pls translate this ...

On Ti's latest/greatest DLP work.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020522/222203_1.html
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 10:08 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

or was it to hotmail.msn.com?
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 10:07 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: Yeah, I got a bounce notice. I sent it to your ronhtx@msn.com account listed on your bio
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:56 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Curtis: No joy!!
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 9:55 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

RickMTB: I hear ya!! I am involved in so many projects I do not know how I am going to find enough hours in the day. But as you said in this day and age what ever it will take. Plus it is that many more things to add to the resume'

Best of luck on the job.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 9:05 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: Did you receive my email?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.16 ) at 8:35 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
HT Mags

Robert: Thanks! Can you give me some idea of what you've got? I'm just looking for issues that I'm missing, or oddball stuff that might make good reading.
Joe ( 152.163.195.196 ) at 7:26 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Cool I won the auction. A new Parasound HCA-885 in unopened box for $360. I can pay the shipping fee or drive across state to pickit up.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 7:19 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: Well, I am still working... but nowadays, you can't take nothing for granted. As such I have been working more nights and weekends.
Joe ( 205.188.192.51 ) at 6:59 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
HCa-885

Well I have 26 minutes to go. Looks like I have a HCA-885 for the whole house Audio portion. Next I have to look at controllers in the rooms. If I go with keypads or just repeaters.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 6:52 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

RickMTB: How is the job situation now that the merger is official??
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 5:59 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: Yup... of course, can't spend anything right now, but its always good to see sales... I would love to get: a new RP set (the Toshiba Curtis was touting would be a great target), a new receiver, and hey, while I am dreaming, new speakers too. Unfortunately, I can't even buy a new DVD or CD...
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 4:10 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: oh sure, make me fire up the work pc,,hehehehe
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 4:09 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
ol' mags

Winston aka The Spleen:Cover postage and they are on their way !! rkeeler@creativelabs.com
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 3:29 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Curtis: You have mail.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 3:25 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: I havc a great contact for you but seem to have outgoing email problems with this new Office X emailer.

Please send me a message to seenhear@attbi.com so I can send back the contact info.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 2:33 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Robert: You have mail.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 2:33 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

RickMTB:Did you see my post about the sale at Audio Concepts?
Joe ( 205.188.198.167 ) at 1:44 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Laserdisc

I will have a few of these for sale if anyone is interested drop me a E-Mail Reallyjoe@aol.com
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 1:39 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Ron H: I would be curious as well... sure seems there are a lot of expensive receivers out there. I'd be curious how the next level (or maybe more accurately the second level down) of receivers compare (eg. the Onkyo 898)). Also the lower powered stuff from Arcam and NAD. And Kenwood's Sovereign in that price range ($1000-1500).
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 1:33 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Episode II

Joelc:: Recently someone on one of the golf web sites posted a link to a web site with some topless pics of Ms. Portman. I mistakenly clicked on the link, since I had never seen Natatie without a hat. Boy, was I surprised...
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 1:21 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Does any one have the link to the guy who sets up group buys. I seem to remember that he was a med student. I have lost mine. It seems thjat I got it from Gar or Darian at one time.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.194 ) at 1:19 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Morning everyone.

Joe, Robert: Too bad you pitched those old mags, I'm sure there were some I would have liked to buy from you.

The old HT-related mags are very interesting compared to today's mags... I still have some Video Reviews from 1985 when VHS vcr's were the hot thing (and cost around $1200-$1500).

There was a real focus back then on quality movie reviews (like eight pages devoted to discussing DW Griffith's "Intolerance"). Much better than today's "what dvd will best show off my system" type review.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 1:00 PM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

Rich: Did you ever pick up the Denon AVR-5803?
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 10:36 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Ladies? & Gentlemen, start your engines

The only race consisting of zillions of left turns I ever watch starts in 1/2 hour. It would be cool in HD but I highly doubt Eisner would pony up.
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 10:31 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Episode II

Tony C: I think they're the 36"w x 72"high. Very elegant and an upgrade from the junk oak venier Costco case.
Tony C ( 63.42.204.34 ) at 9:42 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Episode II

Robert: Yeah, I did. But it was a marathon session. And after all, I could recite the lines.

Curtis: What size did you get? Same as mine? They make some really huge ones. I've also seen ads for their equipment and TV racks. They look cool too.
Joe ( 152.163.195.198 ) at 9:32 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

I started bidding, but someone has a auto bid setup. I will wait until this afternoon. I talked to the seller and he is willing to meet me halfway and do a face to face exchange.
Joe ( 152.163.195.198 ) at 9:02 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002

As I watch the baby and let my wife sleep I decided to do some ebay bidding. I can't recall my wifes password. I don't want to wake her up to ask.
Joe ( 152.163.195.198 ) at 9:01 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Episode II

Joelc:: Morning Joel, did you see her on Letterman
JJ ( 209.165.117.178 ) at 8:44 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Ep II DVD

Curtis: 'cept, there won't be a better disc for showing off your rig than this one...
Joelc: ( 64.229.53.119 ) at 6:05 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
Episode II

Yawn... only good things were a) Natalie Portman's body and b) Yoda doing his thing!

Sorry if I have offended any lurking women!
Curtis ( 12.234.154.164 ) at 3:31 AM EST Sunday, May 26, 2002
My ultimate goal is to be as cool as Tony C

Tony C: I picked up a pair of the Boltz DVD racks that I admired at your place. 50% off sale, so what excuse did I have? Same color as yours. I semi-paniced when I thought I would have to asemble those 100's of Boltz myself. What a great surprise to find them fully assembled in the box. Great California outfit.

I agree with your SW review, on fact I too fell asleep 30 minutes into it. No booze, just sleep deprivation. Still I expected much more and have to agree with the original newspaper review that generally booed/ hissed/panned it. I won't even consider buying the DVD.

There are so many other deserving films out there. George has had his 15 years of fame.
JJ ( 209.165.117.178 ) at 10:31 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Episode II

oops
JJ ( 209.165.117.178 ) at 10:31 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Episode II

Chris L.: that part is about to go thru the encoder.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 10:09 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Episode II

Tony C: I almost fell asleep too, and I'm a huge SW fan. The second half kind of woke me up again. Although I REALLY like seeing Anakin getting really pissed off and pretty much turning to the dark side. And if anyone's to blame for that it's Obi Wan. He put him down, called him inexperienced, and patronized him through the whole movie.
I loved the shadow Anakin cast on the dwelling when he was on Tatooine. I think I almost wet myself.
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 9:51 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Episode II

Tony C: Say didn't you fall asleep during the Trilogy SE as well at home?
Tony C ( 63.42.204.68 ) at 9:18 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Episode II

Saw it today. Fell asleep. Well that could have been the three beers I had before hand.
Still, the movie was very slow. Kids in the audience started to get bored and run around.
It had it's moments, but no real intensity or emotion like the original series.
AVB ( 64.41.32.16 ) at 4:53 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Parasound

Joe: Correction, the 855 will do 125 wpc into a 4 ohm load. I was thinking of the 1205 when I said 200 wpc.
AVB ( 64.41.32.16 ) at 4:45 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
PArasound

Joe: There's one on Audiogon for $430 delivered. http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampsmult&1027300299
AVB ( 64.41.32.16 ) at 4:40 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
AVB

Joe: Anything $500 or less is a great price for the HCA-855. It will handle 4 ohm speakers and do 200 wpc into that load. Read the specs here: http://www.parasound.com/service_information/owners_manuals/ownersmanuals.html
JJ ( 209.165.117.178 ) at 3:59 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
AVB

Joe: They have these at ubid.com currently....
Joe ( 64.12.102.167 ) at 3:39 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
AVB

What is a good price for a HCA-885? Are the channels bridgable? Can speakers of loads ( 4 or be hooked up at the same time?

I was thinking this amp would work for the Kitchen/ laundry room and Bedroom/bath. Wiring the spekars in parrell ot would see a 4ohm load. I could then use the other channels for the TT's I could go in series for 8 ohm's if I can bridge or use 1 channel for each at 4 ohms?

There is a new one on Ebay a few hours from me. It's @ $310 with a day remaining.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.213.202 ) at 2:59 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
The Last Waltz

Curtis: You're probably right about the age thing, but I think history has proven that even 25 years later, these people are all still proven legends of rock. It's really great to see them and hear them when they were so young. The commentary stuff is priceless like the reason that Muddy Waters is all shot from the side.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.122.56 ) at 2:44 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Upgrade time...

AVB: The PRO900X only scans to 50khz. 720p is the max and it is quite soft. I'd stick to around 600p with it.
Gasgeek ( 209.179.213.202 ) at 2:41 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Bad Co.

Ron H: I'm sure you meant the DVD but you will like it. My friends saw the Bad Co. concert in Tahoe during this tour and he thinks the DVD is great. Ironically, the drummer for the Paul Rodgers Band, that Paul tours with most of the time, is an old high school friend of mine.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 2:36 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Houston Connection

RickMTB/Derb/Others: Audio Concepts is having their Annual demo sale June 11th-june 15th. This is the sale where everything I mean everything in the store including racks are sold at 30% to 50% off I missed out on some racks last year that I wanted. I need to check my schedule to see if I will be home the first day of the sale. f so I will be there bright and early.

Hmmmm Vanr 3A Sigs at 30% to 50% off........
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 2:21 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
PSA: Bay Area folks, Laser City SSF sale

RickMTB: Thanks man ... I think. Adangerous sale to walk into when you have just decided to put the brakes on upgrading.

Good thing I'm a single guy, ain't it? I can just hear Mrs. Curtis "You spent HOW MUCH on even MORE electronics?!"
Joe ( 152.163.195.208 ) at 1:20 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Blast from the past

Robert: I have been cleaning all weekend. ON Wednseday I hauled out my mags of AVI, HT, SGHT and Audio. There were a lot from 1998 and up. I kept about 6 issues took the rest to the roadside.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 1:14 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
PSA: Bay Area folks, Laser City SSF sale

http://www.lasercity.com/md2002_clearancelist.htm

Obviously I have no connection with this, but Curtis and Brian York (and Kieren when he returns from the river) might be...
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 12:29 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Blast from the past

So I'm cleaning up this morning and came across a few (more than a few) OLD AVI magazines dating back to '94. In HT land, thats the day of the dinosaurs !!!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:13 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Gushing Tosh 57HX81 review

From the July AV Interiors mag... summary section;

"In the end, it all comes down to picture quality, which is nothing short of spectacular on this exceptional Toshiba set. Both broadcast and satellite HDTV images (they used a Tosh DST3000 STB) were simply stunning, among the best I've seen to date. I watched many prime time HDTV shows, and the images from my rooftop antenna and satellite dish came in perfectly clear and crisp. The colors were vibrant and very lifelike, giving you the feeling that "you are there." I especially enjoyed watching this year's Winter Olympics on the 57HX81; I could discern individual snowflakes on the slopes and the glistening of the ice on the bobsled runs and ice rinks. It's almost like watching the world through a clear pane of glass.

Using this set as a video monitor for a DVD player, the images were just as compelling. I watched a # of films, including Shrek, Phamton DEntist, Snow White, Jurassic Park III, & Tomb Raider, all of which were presented with vibrant, compelling colors as well as subtle color shading & hues.

The Toshiba Cinema SeriesHD 57HX81 presents some of the best video images possible, regardless of the source. This is a set that has to be seen to be fully appreciated. It ushers in a new era of TV watching even though it uses old-fashioned CRT technology, bridging the gap between today's analog NTSC signals and tomorrow's HDTV images. If your not ready to spend the kind of money required for a next-generation DLP, LCD, LCOS or plasma display, the 57HX81 will fill the bill for today and tomorrow, and it will not break the bank in the process."
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 12:11 PM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Can you guess what these similar sounding product names are?

Curtis: Actually, the sandal is called Teva...
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 11:37 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Can you guess what these similar sounding product names are?

Check it out

- 2 Teeva's
- A dual-tuner Tivo
- A Treo

Okay, so you already know the 1st 2 are rafting sandals and a PVR. The Treo is HandSprings' latest product; a combination Palm Pilot PDA and full cell phone. This thing ROCKS, about time somone integrated the 2 boxes well (the Samsung is too big, the color screen washed out in sunlight & isn't made by my pals @ HandSpring)
Joe ( 152.163.194.192 ) at 9:42 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002

Morning all

Gar I would like to talk to you about this gear you sold. I have some stuff to get rid of.
What to do today, I could go to a few HT stores. My wife wants to go, but that means taking the baby. That makes it hard to listen to gear. THere is a new HDTV store a 40 minute drive from here. A visit there could expidite the new RPTV or projector.

I cold install fans today and fix the 110 volt outlets I F*(&^% up a few weeks back. I do hate to drive anywhere on this weekend.
AVB ( 64.41.32.16 ) at 8:52 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: If you liked 1080i then when you see a 720p or 960p picture you'll be blown away. I usually run my FP at line tripled but if I have a really good transfer then I switch to line quad. With the memories in the Electrohome it is just a matter of pushing 3 buttons on the remote. I don't think the Zenith will do 960p well because it is only 7" CRT unit and it would be a little soft. Also, be sure to look at many differnt screen gains in your search. While a 1.3 or 1.4 gain seems to be the norm I've always had better luck with 2.0 or even 2.5 gain screens if they are setup correctly. To me and some of my friends the display is much more vivid and the brightness is improved at a slightly higher gain. YMMV.
NewDoug ( 216.196.149.13 ) at 8:25 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Upgrade time...

Curtis: I understand what you're saying on the 9000. I actually tend to do a little reading, searching, forum lurking, etc. and get somewhat educated on new subjects, before I go out and look too dumb in front of real people. I had read so much about the Sharp 9000, I fully expected it to be the one I'd get. It wasn't the clarity that bothered me. DLP isn't the problem. Even with my nose to the screen. It was the "brightness?" I guess. Both shops (and one is a very high end shop.) They (everyone) seemed to brag on how well it would do with lights on in the room, and yet, that was the very thing that dissapointed me. It was fine, as long as it was totally dark. Open the door, and it was gone. Plus, I guess where I was coming from, was NOT good or bad. Just that is something, anything, that cost 2X, actually "twice" as good as something that costs X. I'll certainly be back in that shop again, and will spend more time with it. This is ALL very good info. Thanks, guys.
NewDoug ( 216.196.149.13 ) at 8:10 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Upgrade time...

AVB: Sorry, I was not more clear: When I said, here's a little "history" and that CRT "was" out, I was refering to the "beginning" of my FP search a few weeks ago. I "had" assumed that it would be too expensive, so "originally" looked at LCD and DLP only. However, when I came upon the Runco, that was actually "as cheap" as the diggy's, that's when CRT became a viable option again, not knowing if that was a good deal or not. Now that you all have confirmed that it could be, and that there are actually other options to get into CRT less expensivly, you are absolutely right.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 8:03 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: I own perhaps the world's least expensive 9" CRT FP that you can take on as a project. Anyone here will tell you that it needs some work yet when it's done, it should have a pristine picture.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 7:59 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002

Ron H: Bummer, Azusa is near LA putting you 500 miles away. Texas isn't the only big state. I once drove from San Diego to the Oregon border and thought I would never get out of California.

If you can swing a side trip the airfare is cheap.
AVB ( 64.41.32.16 ) at 7:33 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: I can't believe that CRT is out because of the expense. I gave 2 examples of really good deals with the new Zenith and a used Electrohome and both can come in at under $6K with calibration and a decent processor. Both Curtis and myself found a Crystal Image for under $1K and it will do 1080i too. Nothing looks as good as a CRT, anything else is second best.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 5:06 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002

Curtis: Is Azusa near you??
Gar ( 207.49.219.5 ) at 2:56 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Ironic

Well I posted a ad for a Marantz 2245 vintage receiver that I bought at a sale for $25 bucks, I just posted it for sale for $150, there where so many E-mails I had guys willing to give me $300 bucks for it. So what the hell, I also sold a vintage 1984 Harmon Kardon CD Player for $200 bucks, that my friend gave me.... Geesh at this rate I should open up a discount Gar store with Curtis Prices Have a good weekend all, heading the Mpls in the morning, ah doh! It is morning....
Gar ( 207.49.219.5 ) at 2:55 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Ironic

Well I posted a ad for a Marantz 2245 vintage receiver that I bought a sale for $25 bucks, I just posted it for sale for $150, there where so many E-mails I had guys willing to give me $300 bucks for it. So what the hell, I also sold a vintage 1984 Harmon Kardon CD Player for $200 bucks, that my friend gave me.... Geesh at this rate I should open up a discount Gar store with Curtis Prices Have a good weekend all, heading the Mpls in the morning, ah doh! It is morning....
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:02 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
The Last Waltz

Gasgeek: I think you have to be about our age to really appreciate this one. Robbie Robertson is one of the great lead guitarists/ vocalists. Love the 1st graphic that states " You must play this movie LOUD!" So true.

Best line in the interviews has to be in The Band's early days where they were stealing food from supermarkets and got a gig. The proprietor says "Boys I'll be honest with you. You won't make much money but you'll get more P* than Frank Sinatra!"

They don't make rock & roll bands like this any more. What I like is the roackabilly mixed in. I had tickets to this WinterLand concert but was sick as a dog that night. Glad that Martin saved it for all of us.
Gar ( 207.1.1.162 ) at 12:49 AM EST Saturday, May 25, 2002
Curtis

I love the Sharp unit and would love to have one, but just like the Sony if it isn't tweeked it can look washed out. The one at our local American TV store looks like crap. It could have been the source or something else, but I saw another at a smaller local shop and it looked fantastic.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 11:58 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: I find it very, very hard to nelieve that any Sharp 9000 looked washed out - but if you say so. Go to a real dealer who has properly set one of these pups up (takes all of about 10 minutes) and look again ... look very closely with your nose on the screen!

Don't take my word for it. Ask Tony C or Kieran (I think) what their eyes saw when I was with them. I was frankly prepaired to hate DLP as I had seen several generations of Sharp LCD products that left me cold. I was on the lookout for grey blacks and rainbows galore but was disapointed. YMMV of course. I can hook you up with the same price I got if you change your mind.

I'm not a big fan of the Sharp DLP or anything like that however
NewDoug ( 216.196.149.13 ) at 11:15 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

All: Thx. (and yes, last b-day of my life, 39.9, just a few weeks ago. wow, you guys are good. Wife "let me get" Vette Convertible; hey, had to fit the stereotype, right?) Here's a little more history. First, I figured, again, that CRT was out, (too much $$, big, need more light control, but mostly $$.) So, LCD, and DLP, here we go. Honestly, have seen two Sharp 9000's here in town, and both appeared very washed out. Maybe bad lighting, or any number of things, but my first impression, was not worth twice the cost (still $10K here) of many others. Then, friend put in the Sanyo HT60. Very bright, hi-res. Then saw the Infocus DLP 110 I think. Also, very nice, perhaps even better than that Sanyo; both $4-5K. THAT's when the demo Runco came up, and I just though, heck, $8K for the unit AND the video processor? Everything pushed through at 1080i. Awesome. But then, the extra $4K could go for some other kool stuff, too, and frankly the DLP SE SF12 (infocus) really is a great pic especially at $4K. I'm 30 day's away from the first 2x4 in new basement, and then 30 more days to move. I'm sure we'll be chatting much over the next few weeks. Thanks for the welcome back!
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:13 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Bad Co.

Gasgeek: I saw Paul Rodgers two years ago at a local music festivel and he sounded as great as ever. I may look into the new CD.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:10 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
re-painting speaker

BC: Check with M$K I believe they can supply the paint and give you some suggestions about painting them.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 11:08 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Curtis: I m scheduled to go to Azusa were ever that is the end of June. I do have a conflict with a meeting in FL and a 3 day vacation I had planned earlier. So am trying o get it changed but.......
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:28 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
OT: You have to feel for the guy

Think what you may of Bill Walsh, who made his name by taking my local NFL team from loveable losers to the team of the 80's.

10 days ago his Mom passed away. Yesterday his 46 year-old son died. Ask any mental health pro what the toughest thing to go through is & they'll tell you - outliving your child.

Sometimes I think people really do make deals with the devil, know what I mean?
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 10:25 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: Hey should we say happy belated bday?

I'm with AVB, a good crt if mobility like Curtis is not an issue. I too picked up a used crt with 2K hours. I'll have it calibrated this upcoming CEDIA in Sept, but like AVB, it will last YEARS. I'd take the Runco since you'll probably want a processor. I'm trying to remember why the Zenith wasout for me. (I had a dealer that carried it, but for the life of me, I can't recall what the issue with it was?). If you are going LCD, I think the consensus is the Sanyo or SOny 11HT. and if you go lcos, Hitachi has a sweet machine.

good luck deciding!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 9:44 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: I agree with AVB that CRTs still rule for PQ, but the race has gotten much closer recently than most people are aware of. In my case I need my FP to be portable (or more like the original Compaq "Luggable"), so that rules out all CRTs.

Keep in mind that if fan noise becomes an issue in your room running a CRT that you may want to build a hush-box for it. Much easier to build & install it initially than after the FP is up. Good luck & let us know how to best spend YOUR money!

Processors are ultra important, unless you plan on watching 100% 1080i. We will get there some day.
Gar ( 207.1.1.170 ) at 9:39 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

AVB: Ditto on KPD, I would drop you a line before you decide. That is who I bought my Sony LCD FP from.
AVB ( 64.41.33.25 ) at 9:36 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: It has been a long time. You can find the same Zenith for $4K here: http://www.projectorspecs.com/page29.html Also, Hi-Rez (www.hometheater1.com) has good deals on Electrohome rebuilt projectors which I feel are better then any you listed and about the same $9K price point. You can also contact KPD on this forum and he will have some good deals availeable . I got a used Ehome 8501 with 2 K hours on it for $3200 delivered. And a pro cal job and I was still under $4K. It should easily last 10K+ hours so that allows me to watch a 2 hour movie every day for the next 11 years or so. I figure there will be something new out by then

For your size room a 110-119" screen is a little large. You'd be better off with a 92x54 (106") so there is some room on the sides for the speakers to be away from the side walls a bit. Video processors can cost as much as the projo but there are some good buys at around the $2K price point (Crystal Image, Quadscan or HTPC). If you wanted, you could even spend extra and get one with an SDI input and modified player for the ultimate in DVD playback for $5-6K (Leeza, Rock or Vigatec processor, Immersive modified player)
We will help you spend all the money you want, just point us to your needs. Be sure to talk to KPD before you spend anything as he has the most knowledge here about CRT FP's.
Gar ( 207.1.1.170 ) at 9:33 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: Sanyo is suppose to be good. I like the Projector Curtis is getting the Sharp 9000. Also try the Sony 11HT with a Stweart Greayhawk screen that thing still looks almost as good as the Sharp except the blacks. The blacks are a tad better and the Sharp is newer of course, but don't rule them out. A Sony 11 or 10 HT mated with a good screen produce a fantastic picture for the money. But if you want to spend the cash the Sharp is a good buy. Also the Runco is a very good buy. I would take a few good DVDs and demo them before I would buy. Good Luck and have a good weekend.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 9:22 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

NewDoug: An interesting short list. You may want to check out the latest crop of DLP FPs that use the Texas Instruments HD1 MMD. I did and decided on the Sharp XV-Z9000U mated with a 106" 16:9 screen. Supposed to arrive any minute but with the holiday weekend that likely means next Tuesday at the earliest.

MSRP is $11K, I located a new-in-box US model from an authorized dealer for ~$6K including a spare bulb and ceiling mount. Nothing new even comes close to this picture at this price IMHO. The June Sound & Vision reviews it along side the pricier Runco and Seleco DLPs.

I have a very difficult time distingushing it from a good CRT, period. 20lbs beats 200 lbs any day and light output/ picture quality is fantastic. No rainbow effects, good black levels ... you get the idea.
NewDoug ( 66.161.166.237 ) at 9:05 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

Oh yeah: room 16 x 20, light IS controlable, HD is important, and probably 110 - 119 size 16x9 screen. thx.
NewDoug ( 66.161.166.237 ) at 9:03 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Upgrade time...

Long time no chat. So long, many of you might say, "who?" Anyway, many others here did me many great favors in the past, helping me build my first system, and now, its time for the sequel. HT2-The Front Projector. I'm moving to a new house, and a FP is in the bag. Now, just which one. Don't ask me my budget, 'cause I'd love to spend $5K, but will spend $10-12K if at the end of day, that's what it takes. Here's my short list, in no particular order: Demo (1 yr and 300hrs) Runco 943 WITH video processor ($23K list?) for $8K; Zenith PRO 900 new in box, for $6K; or the StudioExperience 12SF (infocus); or StudioExperience 13HD (Sanyo.) Yes, these are all over the board, but close in price. Any ideas off the top of your head? Thanks in advance!
JJ ( 165.247.53.245 ) at 8:05 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Happy Birthday Jmzr55. Lurking? say Hi
Joelc ( 216.223.128.150 ) at 4:41 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Later guys... have agreat weekend!!
Gar ( 207.1.1.112 ) at 3:03 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Also Winston I have friend who has the new Panasonic DVD recorder and he likes it better. He said he records up to 16 hours on a DVD and still can play them in his car on his CD Player. First time I ever heard of this. I might try burning a DVD with just audio on it and try to play it back on a CD Player. Says its better than buying a CD recorder since the media is finally coming down to a affordable price.
Gar ( 207.1.1.112 ) at 2:54 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: When you get time, please Copy me the owners manual for the Pioneer PD-R19RW.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.120 ) at 2:31 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

BTW, I'm passing on the Sony demodulator, it only has toslink out and I need coax.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.120 ) at 2:31 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Gar: The Alesis article is in the new Stereophile - I just got it a couple days ago. No way to copy it for you though, I won't be anywhere near a copy machine for more than a week.
Gar ( 207.49.219.3 ) at 1:22 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Winston

Hell I can sell this Pioneer I have and go down the street and almost pick this unit up for about $100 bills more. Unit looks fricking cool, do you have the article Stereophile did on this unit?
Gar ( 207.49.219.3 ) at 1:19 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

All bands I like.... Thanks
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:12 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
The Last Waltz

Gar: The Last Waltz is a full length movie released in 78 of the '76 final concert by "The Band." The movie was directed by a young Martin Scorcese. It's a classic. Guests included Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Paul Butterfield, Paul Butterfield, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr and more. It's anamorphic 16:9 and remixed in DD 5.1.

The Band toured for 16 years before this final concert. They started as a back up band for Ronnie Hawkins and were snatched up as the touring band for Bob Dylan for many years before they went on their own. More info here.

http://www.dvdplanet.com/product_listing.asp?productid=22890&format=DVD
Gar ( 207.49.219.3 ) at 1:12 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Hey Winston: That unit goes for $995 new. They have a couple of restock ones for $796.00 Still seems a TAD expensive, when you can go out and pop a 83 dollar CD burner into your computer and come up with similar results. Exception of the balanced ins and outs which would be nice.
Gar ( 207.49.219.3 ) at 1:01 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: Wonder how much this puppy is, there is a dealer right in my backyard(2miles) that carries this puppy. Looks expensive but its made in China, go figure.
Gar ( 207.49.219.3 ) at 12:56 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Hey Winston, are you after that demodulator posted on HT forum?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.74.36 ) at 12:48 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Gasgeek: Here's the link to the Alesis CDR hard drive/burner:

http://www.alesis.com/products/ml9600/index.html

Unreal machine!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:46 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
The Last Waltz

Gasgeek: I picked it up 2 days ago but haven't spun it up yet. Tower has it on sale here for $15.99, list is $24.95 & worth it.
Gar ( 207.1.1.64 ) at 12:20 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
The Last Waltz

Gasgeek: Movie?
Gar ( 207.1.1.64 ) at 12:19 PM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Minnetonka

Robert: I am from there, so I will be up there this weekend. Crusing as you say it, I just hope it stays warm..
Joe ( 152.163.197.73 ) at 11:52 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Bad Co.

Gasgeek: Cool, I was going to be @ Bst Buy this weekend. You have any thoughts on Audioquest Cables? I was looking at replacing all my monster cables as I swap in gear.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 11:37 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
The Last Waltz

This is a must have. Nuff said.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 11:35 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Bad Co.

If there are any Bad Co. fans out there, the new Bad Co. DVD released on Tuesday is very good. Paul Rodgers teamed with original Free and Bad Co. drummer Simon Kirke for a few concert dates recently and this DVD is from two shows. One in Denver and one in Anaheim. All the hits done extremely well. Paul's voice is still remarkable.
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 11:15 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Minnetonka

Tony C: YOu know the next time your out we are cruising Minnetonka!!!
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 11:14 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
re-painting speaker

BC: Joe's idea should work great.
Robert ( 12.218.6.114 ) at 11:13 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
My 2 cents - Copying

I would argue that if I owned the Star Wars Trilogy on LD, but asked BC to make DVD copies of his set rather than ship mine to him, I would be fine under the spirit and letter of the law.
Gar ( 204.71.148.8 ) at 11:03 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

BC: Frankly I would never question anyone in here to make copies of anything. Hey I do, its the guy over in Hong Kong making digital copies of stuff and mass selling them that the RIAA should really worry about and everyone else. Frankly ask the Europeans about the Natile Imbruglia CD that they test marketed in Europe, you couldn't copy it, till someone found out a green pen could defeat it. How Ironic...
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:05 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

AVB: No argument from me that the law allows for making copies of software you purchased for your own private use. I thought I read someone say they could make x copies of Tar Whores trilogy or something like that. Even if you don't charge someone for the copies, I'm fairly certain that is a copyright violation.

Then again look at the commercial computer software piracy at just about any university on the planet. The Software Publishers Ass'n. isn't about to go serve mass warrants on campuses. They're after the 20 seat CAD firm that is using a single serial number for a given expensive piece of software.

My ex works at the main law firm that reps the SPA. You should hear some of the huge abuse stories. They walk into an office with the cops/ warrant in hand. Everyone is ordered to step away from their computers. Every program serial # on every machine is noted. The firm then has to produce reciepts for everything. If they can't show ownership there are 2 options;

1) Pay retail prices for everything on the spot that have no reciept for, or
2) Get sued and work it out in court. The last time I checked nobody had elected to try option #2.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 9:09 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Don't you people sleep?

Winston aka The Spleen: Greetings at 6:08am. It seems optional these days.
Joe ( 152.163.195.211 ) at 8:33 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Duane Curtis

I am looking for a multichannel amp. I need to power Zone 2 & 3 and have the available channels for TT's and side speakers. I have a extra stereo amp now, but it has seen it's better days.

Thanks for answering, but I do not believe the Adcom would fit my needs.
Joe ( 152.163.195.211 ) at 8:28 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Well I am off to look at some stuff this morning. My babysitter backed out so y ATOC trip is off. It looks like the next time I will have a chance is the wek of June 17th.

I was going to get one of my nieces to watch her, but this is a big paty weekend. Everyone that can goes up north.
Joe ( 152.163.195.211 ) at 8:24 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
re-painting speaker

BC: Try using a scoth pad, You should be able to find them anywhere. They are green and knd of rough. It will break the finish on the orginal paint and not smooth it out.

Sandpaper will change the "feel " of the speaker.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 7:53 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
re-painting speaker

I am going to re-paint my M&K SS150 tripoles to make them black instead of white. They currently have a textured finish (kind of rough). Do you guys think I should just paint over them to maintain the textured finish or do I need to rough them up with sandpaper?
I'd kind of like to keep the texture but am worried that if I don't sand them a little, the paint may not stick. And I don't know how to get a textured finish after I sand them.
I did sand a little square on the back of one of the speakers and painted it and the finish looks good, but is smooth due to the sanding. Maybe if I use a coarser sandpaper??
The reason I'm painting them black instead of white is I knocked one of the speakers down and broke the grille. Luckily Ron had given me an extra grille when I bought the speakers. The white fabric has gotten a little discolored over the years so I just decided to do them in black to a.)match the other speakers and b) not show dust/dirt.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 7:42 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

Curtis: Just to clarify, I am only making backups of movies I already own. And I offered to make backups for you guys here, for movies that you already own and I'm not selling them so I think under the current law I'm well within the legal parameters.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.67.70 ) at 6:45 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002

Don't you people sleep?!?

Curtis: You have a point.... so let the Spleen state for the record, that I have no intention of making copies of any CDs that I have purchased for anything other than my own personal use.
AVB ( 64.41.32.209 ) at 6:16 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

The courts have upheld the right of a private individual to make copies for his own use. While DVD hasn't been specificly ruled on, it should fall into the same legal nitche as CD, VHS, LP et al.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.121.9 ) at 6:02 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

Kieran: Making copies for your own use is OK as long as you don't bypass any copy protection schemes. Using CladDVD as you mentioned in a post is definitely a copyright violation unless the DVD has no copyright protection like Video Essentials. You don't "own" the source. You own the right to view or listen to the source for your own enjoyment.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 2:12 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

Curtis: I'm pretty sure that most of those comments were made with the pretense of making dvd BACKUPS of laserdiscs, CD bakcups of LP's, etc. If you own the original source, I'm pretty sure you have the right to make copies for your own use.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:45 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Copyright infringement?

I hate to bring you guys down yet you may want to do a reality check right about now while you are talking in a public forum about making copies of VERY copyrighted material.

I for one wouldn't want to go on record with my exact location/time as saying I would be glad to burn DVds for all my pals. Maybe it's just the $ilicon Valley paranoia I have lived/worked in for the past 20+ years ... or perhaps it really isn't too smart to post such things in public places?
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:19 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
DVD burners

Kieran: I'm having my Mac G4 tower upgraded to the SuperDive next week, in addition to upping RAM to >1.5GB, 4 x SCSI 160 AV drives, the $1K iDVD authoring SW and I forget what else ... maybe a turbo or supercharger?

Several ultra-geeks I know tell me that the Pioneer drive will not just work out of the box an ANY computer. Firmwarwe matching to OS is time consuming and critical - else all you have is a really nice CD burner.

I'm going to use this system to burn 480p 16:9 anamorphic DVDs from DV video source material. In theory it should look fantastic. I'll let y'all know how it does in the real world.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:10 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Duane

Duane: Well if Joe doesn't take it then I'll buy the Adcom from you. I need an amp to power a pair a Tannoy Saturn S6's from the 2nd zone of my Parasound pre/pro. Without listening, it should be a great match.
Gar ( 208.166.200.216 ) at 12:30 AM EST Friday, May 24, 2002
Winston

If you have the manual for this model Elite PDR-19RW please send it via E-mail if you can or just copy it and mail it to me I will gladly pay you for it. As far as drink coasters I have made a few out of DVD-Rs, and those at one time where 10 bucks a pop, now there much cheaper.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.162 ) at 10:40 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Gasgeek: Incoming!!!

(And post some alt selections if you already have the CD titles I mentioned)
Tony C ( 205.188.197.56 ) at 10:00 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Minnetonka

Kieran: I was just there and Robert and I were just talking about Minnetonka.

Robert: Every hear of a restaurant called Al & Alma's?
We'll have to take your boat there this summer.
I like having friends with boats!
Joe ( 64.12.105.23 ) at 9:53 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Flat Monitors

Gar: I have a 18" and I am pleased. The detail in a the few DVDs I have watched is incredable. Of course I am not use to watching HD, so there may be faults but it's ok.

I watched Star Trek Insurrection, some of 5th Element, and The Blue Planet.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.162 ) at 9:51 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Gar: I got the '509 used, mint condition, for $120 delivered.

BTW, pick up a couple blank CD-RWs (I like Maxell best) to practice with before you start burning to CD-Rs unless you're in need of "drink coasters".
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.162 ) at 9:47 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Gar: I've got the manual for both the Elite PDR-19RW and PDR-509. You'll really like the '19RW; it is an awesome piece of gear. If you're a bass freak you'll wet your pants when you hear it - nothing short of a Krell CD player has bass to equal the Pioneer's in my experience. Excellent build quality with copper shielded circuit boards and chassis. And it is beautiful to look at; I love the rosewood side panels and Urushi finish.

The downside of the Elite player is that it's lacking some of the control features of the standard '509 model - probably to make it easier to use. It definitely sounds better than the '509.

Be interested to hear your listening impressions of the player after you spin a few discs.
Tony C ( 205.188.197.56 ) at 9:43 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Robert: LOL! I was reading that post and thought, Geez, if Rob sees that, he's gonna be pissed! Ha-ha!
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 9:25 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Kieran: Thanks for the heads up, my current machine takes about 5 min, but ironically it works even faster now with XP.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 9:08 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Outta HERE!!!!!!!!!

I'm leaving the office FINALLY. Off to the river for some Memorial Day WHITEWATER fun. I may check in tonight if I finish packing and get bored. Otherwise, have a good weekend everyone!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 9:05 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Gar: I never *lived* there. But my mom's sister's family grew up in Minnetonka, so we used to spend summers and holidays there a lot.

I don't know about a firewire version. My drive is an internal drive. Are you talking about burning a CD from an analog source, or just copying an audio CD? For just copying, DAC's shouldn't matter as it's all digital bits. As I said before, this drive will burn a full CD (audio or data) in about 2 minutes with 40X rated media. I used 24X rated media (I think) and it burned a full CD in 2.5 minutes... which works out to about 30X speed. Amazing.

There shouldn't be any problem installing a cd-rw drive in the same computer as a dvd-rw drive. Most burning software allows you to choose which burner you want to use.

This morning before work, I burned an audio CD from a set of .mp3 files. Nero was slick: all I had to do was drag and drop the .mp3 files into the cd-r window, and then click 'burn'. It automagically converted the .mp3 files to .cda and still burned the disc (about 55 minutes worth of audio) in under 3 minutes.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 9:04 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: Best part about ripping your own CDs is when you say to the significant other, "Honey, I think I'll go burn one".... "Okay, have fun!"

LMAO!! Gives new meaning to the phrase, eh?
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 8:56 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Kieran, is it possible to put that unit into a computer that has a DVD-RW also? Or not?
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 8:56 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Curtis: When I get back home tommorow I will check exactly where all the labs I will be visting are located. You can bet I will stop by to see that Sharp in action if I am any where close to you.
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 8:54 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: How much for that burner? Also I have the Pioneer Elite PDR-19RW, do you have the Manual for this, or is it the same for the new unit you just got.
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 8:50 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Kieran: I forget you used to live there. I grew up there also and played Hockey in High School and College. Let me know how fast that burner is at making a Audio CD. This Pioneer unit is fast and it sounds a hellofa lot better than my Pioneer DVD Burner, must be the Dacs. Also do they make a fire wire version of the new unit you got?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.168 ) at 8:49 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

There's an excellent review of the Alesis professional CD hard drive burner in the new Stereophile.... you can copy hundreds of songs to hard drive, compress/limit/equalize/re-arrange in any order and quickly burn to disc.... just a fantastic unit.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:40 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: LOL! Well, I fortunately (or unfortunately depending on the perspective) don't have a Sig.O. right now. I had what I thought was a great burner (Ricoh 7120A) but it done died on me. Wouldn't take a rom flash, either. Worked fine as a CD-ROM drive though! So, I started looking at prices of new ones... 83 bucks for the very fastest available???? SOLD!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.68.168 ) at 8:29 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Good afternoon everyone.

Gasgeek: Just got home and received your mail, will reply asap!

Gar: You're in luck... the PDR-509 I bought used just arrived today. I might be able to scan the manual and send it to you - let me work on it. If you have any questions in the meantime, post 'em here.

Joe: Many thanks for the heads-up on the demodulator!

Kieran: Congrads on the new CD-RW. Best part about ripping your own CDs is when you say to the significant other, "Honey, I think I'll go burn one".... "Okay, have fun!"
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:15 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Gar: Lake Minnetonka, perhaps? If so, I know the area and lake well. Spent many a summer there, growing up... and a few winters, too!
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 8:14 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Flat Monitors

Anyone see any good prices yet? I saw a couple of Sony Flat monitors yesterday and they looked fantastic. I wouldn't mind a 18" or 19" for my new office.
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 8:07 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

it = I
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 7:56 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Winston

Slight problem, I need a copy of the manual for the Pioneer unit. The guy I bought this from said it was new, and it looks new but no manual. If you could copy yours it would greatly rewarded you with a life size statue of JARJAR Binks!!!!
Gar ( 207.0.81.238 ) at 7:49 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Kieran: Have fun, we are heading to Minneapolis to my friends lake house.
Joe ( 205.188.195.56 ) at 6:35 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Winston

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=71914

AC_3 Demod
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 6:02 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Kieran: Thanks for the info. I don't need it too flat. I just didn't want one of those "swirly" type fronts.
Thanks again, I'll pick one up soon. I have a pretty old Motley Crue first edition album that I'd like to get on disc before it deteriorates.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:55 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Chris L.: Well, I never considered the noise much. It didn't bother me at all. Put it this way, I wouldn't say it was loud, but I wouldn't say it was silent either. I'll try to pay better attention next time I burn a disc.

The front panel of the drive is fairly flat. It's not like some Plextors or HP drives of old that had molded plastic bumps and crap like that. How flat do you need it to be? I would say it's about average for a plain-jane cd drive.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 5:42 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Kieran: I've been looking at the 40X CDRWs and want to know one thing about the Lite On. How loud is it? Is there much vibration. Like you, I thought a high speed burner at that price was too good to be true without having any noise issues or anything. I don't care about any front panel controls as I'll be stealthing the drive anyway. Oh..that reminds me. Does it have a somewhat flat drive door panel? Thx!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 5:14 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Gar: I got the Lite-On cd-rw drive from www.newegg.com for $83.

I don't know about DVD-r/rw support for Roxio or Nero. If I were you, I'd check out their web sites. I'm at work now, so don't have the software & manuals with me, and I won't have time to look at it until I get back Tuesday night from my whitewater trip this weekend.
Gar ( 204.71.148.154 ) at 4:52 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Kieran: Hey, I agree, but I saw one awhile back go for that on Ebay. It still amazes me on how much people will pay for something. It was new still in wrapper. This was about 2 months ago, I saw this auction.
Gar ( 204.71.148.154 ) at 4:49 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Kieran: I have some Prassi Primo software, but it was created for DVD-RW drives. The question I have for you does the Roxio5.0 have drivers for DVD-RW drives, and how about the Nero5.1? This Prassi Primo software isn't as good. Also where did you get the Yodi Kick ass drive? hahahha
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:45 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

So... the math says that 3.5 minutes for 650MB is about 30X... which makes sense as the media was rated to 24X I think... so the drive goes as fast as the media will allow w/o errors. With full 40X rated cd-r media, it would burn a full disc in 1 minute, 50 seconds.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:40 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
CD-RW

Well, I am blown away by my new CD-RW drive. I got the Lite On 40X12X48X CDRW Model: RTL40125S for a paltry $83.00.

By the way, this is currently THE FASTEST CD burner on the market... for only $83!!!!! It burns at 40X, and has buffer underrun protection, too. I put in some old blank cdr media, which was NOT rated to 40X by any means, and it flew through the burn... an entire 650MB cd in about 2.5 minutes. NO ERRORS. This thing kicks ASS. In fact, I might just call it my Yoda drive...

Oh, and I've said it before, but Nero5.1 is the SHEET, man! I have Roxio5.0 (bought it in January) and WAY prefer Nero.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 4:40 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Kieran: Thanks, interesting. My brother-in-law said he can copy the laserdisc's with 2 channel audio and add some basic menu's features and chapters. He did think that you could get the 5.1 if you just burned DVD to DVD, although he hasn't tried it.
I figure 2 channel is fine, since I can always use DTS NEO or DPL II.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 4:37 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Kieran: My brother-in-law is investigating as we speak. (AC-3 to 5.1)
look at www.bubbleny.com, 'What's New' He's Rick O. Click on video you can see his latest 'fun' project...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:35 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
DVD burners

Out of curiosity, I checked how much Pioneer's DVR-104 (called the "superdrive" in the new Macintosh computers) goes for... www.mwave.com has it for $355:
http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/a17010.html
Prices here.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:24 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Robert: Copying the AC-3 track from a LD is very complicated. I don't know how it would be done. Copying a DVD itself though, is pretty easy. There are plenty of dvd ripping tools out there, and you just rip the files to your hard drive, then burn them to a blank DVD, and presto, you have the DVD w/ 5.1 sound. That is assuming of course, that you are only copying one layer's worth of files from the source DVD, as DVD-R media is only 4.7GB (i.e. equivalent to one layer of a multi-layer dvd). If you want to copy more than 4.7GB from the source DVD, then you'll have to span discs... this can be done, but I don't know how. Copying the menu structure gets complicated when you have mulitple layers, too.

There may be some utility out there for creating MPEG2/VOB dvd files from an analog video source, with digital audio (e.g. transfering an AC3 laserdisc to dvd-r) but I don't know of any.
Robert ( 63.53.2.16 ) at 4:08 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

BC: The last generation did not record 5.1, in fact I have the Star Wars SE trilogy on DVD, but in 2.0. I figured "Hey, that's what Logic 7 or DPII is for." I'm not so soure about this generation though.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 4:02 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Robert: Do you know much about the dvd burners that are out?
When using a freestanding A/V type dvd burner and you burn a dvd, is the 5.1 audio track also copied?
Duane ( 192.128.133.68 ) at 2:01 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Duane

Joe: I have 1 Adcom 545II (100w/ch) which was modified back when I bought it.Upgraded with Cardas binding posts,new caps and Cardas internal wiring.Made the soudstage wider.Not the greatest amp,but did well with the Thiels I had.If the EAD Powermaster I ordered sounds good enough,then I'll sell off one Krell KAV-150A.This little puppy is one kick ass amp for the money.I haven't set any price on the Adcom,but it appears most are selling in the $200-250 range.The Krell is another story.Most are around the $1200-1300 range.
Robert ( 63.53.2.16 ) at 2:01 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Kieran: I agree, I had the set myself and checked Ebay for almost a year and it never got above $150,more like $75-100. I know timing has some element to the price, but if it can go for $350, I want it back Tony
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 1:47 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Laser Disk Players

Gar: I just got a pioneer 704 for my buddy. $150 and it's still in the box with wrapping, manual, etc. Of course, he doesn't get in until I use it to make copies of the LD's.
Joe ( 205.188.198.157 ) at 1:39 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Duane

What kind of amps do you have laying around?
Joe ( 205.188.198.157 ) at 1:39 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

well it's fianally nice here. That sucks, because my babysitter is out at the lake. Looks like ATOC is off until Friday.
Joe ( 205.188.198.157 ) at 1:37 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Micorsoft Actimates

Anyone ever use these? I have some Telltubies that use these. I hace the tapes and the tranmitters, just not the Radio Cartridge.

I have not been able to find them on Ebay, any thoughts?
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 1:23 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Winston

Incoming!!!!!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:13 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Gar: No way the Star Wars SE LD box set is worth $350. Maybe every once in a while one will go for that much on ebay, but I haven't seen one go for too much over $200 in a while. I thought the value would spike around now, with the release of ep.2, but it hasn't seemed to.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:03 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
NFLX

Curtis: ... now it's at $17. Sheesh, I shoulda bought. Oh well.
Gar ( 204.71.148.53 ) at 1:03 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Laser Disk Players

Duane: Hey there is a guy I haven't seen in awhile. Nice to see you back in here. Also E-mail on its way...
Duane ( 192.128.133.68 ) at 12:59 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Laser Disk Players

Gar: Yes,I happen to have one in it's box doing nothing.It's a CLD-S406.Nothing too elaborate about it.But it has AC-3.Funny,I was thinking of putting it on Ebay this morning.I'm cleaning out and ridding myself of equipment that's collecting dust.Have not used it much.If you're interested,email me at duanespe@ems.att.com.
Johnbr ( 24.112.61.139 ) at 12:47 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Unwrap

Have guy's ever unwraped 300 dvd's it is not fun.Cinepro says that there av/pro is looking at coming out in about three to four weeks.
Gar ( 204.71.148.53 ) at 12:38 PM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Laser Disk Players

Anyone see a good used one cheap with AC3 let me know. I wouldn't mind trying to do a copy of the THX Wow Disc and the Star Wars Trilogy... Then basically sell the damn thing.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:22 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
NFLX

No, the topic isn't about pro football players performing in pornos.

Netflix actually pulled off their IPO yesterday, raising ~$85 million. It was offered up at the top of the expected range - $15/share. Hmmm, maybe I should have taken that distribution mgr. job with them a few years ago that I interviewed for. Damn I have 20/20 hindsight.

I wish them well. Great/smart people who work their butts off and include a free DVD player for all employees. Would I buy an unprofitable dot.com stock at $15 or higher today? ... no way.
Gar ( 204.71.148.53 ) at 9:41 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Curtis: Geez Curtis, that means your paying double for a Lucas product, when you can see it on the big screen for $7.50 in these parts and even for less for a morning show. Ironically people that don't like his movies still pay for them to be shown on there HT systems. I guess they make great demo pieces, so he must be doing something right. Lets try this again with coffee in my veins.. The THX Wow Disc is something I would like to Burn onto a DVD. BC you listening, if I can't get it to work I will send it your way.
Gar ( 204.71.148.53 ) at 9:33 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Curtis: Geez Curtis, that means your paying double for a Lucas product, when you can see it on the big screen for $7:50 in these parts and even for less for a morning show. Ironically people that don't like his movies still pay for them to be show on there HT systems. I guess they make demo pieces, so he must be doing something right.
Gar ( 204.71.148.53 ) at 9:29 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

BC: I got two sets. The THX one with DD is still worth over $200 -$350 bucks I believe maybe even more.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 7:44 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
star wars trilogy on laserdisc

Got an extra set of the Star Wars SE trilogy on laserdisc. Anybody know what they are worth and is anyone here interested?
Joe ( 205.188.198.174 ) at 6:32 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Time for class, we have 2 chapters and thena lac and thats that. Should be ATOC this afternoon
Joe ( 205.188.198.174 ) at 6:31 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Gap Song

Does someone know the name of the song in the gap spot. They are running and singin about loving this and loving that.
Joe ( 205.188.198.174 ) at 6:24 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Good Morning Joel
Joelc: ( 64.229.53.79 ) at 6:10 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Good morning gang...
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 4:03 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Scott "popcorn": Sorry...
http://download.theforce.net/episode2/aotc_yoda_greatwarrior.mpeg
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.123.152.12 ) at 3:41 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Kieran: wanna try that link again? and how about the R2-D2 TV spot movie too?
Scott "popcorn" ( 64.123.152.12 ) at 3:33 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Ordered a Treo

Curtis:
Forget whatever rumors you have heard, they're not getting out of the PDA biz at all, just blowing out some inventory.
That's good to hear... I really want a Visor Prism before long... But ya know, you really gotta get that light saber out of your craw... It's making you crotchety.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 3:27 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: If you really don't want to see the new SW movie, but are curious about Yoda's badassness... check this out:

http://download.theforce.net/episod...eatwarrior.mpeg

But download it soon, as these things don't stay online very long for some reason. It's the latest character commercial for episode2, and it's all about Yoda.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 12:52 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Construction Progress

Man is it slow going, got two walls studded out in my office, but I should be able to get inspections done next week or the next. The guy comes back tomorrow. Darn work got in the way today big time.

Next is to remove all the CRAP we have accumulated over the years that I shoved into the theater room.

It will look sweet when it's done though,,I can picture it in my head and that's all I need to sustain me for now.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:35 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002
Yoda in the SF earthquake

I nearly got in a car crash the day after the quake we had here last week. KFOG asked peole to call in doing their best Yoda impression durring an earthquake.

(In best Grover/Yoda voice) ...

"Oh! The force is VERY strong from within now ... must call my broker to be sure stocks haven't slid along with the surface of our planet."

or

"Sorry you'll be, if this keeps on shakin' much more"

or...

"Take off for another planet I must do this instant"
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:29 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: You crack me up man! Phantom Dentist? Well put. Some people will pay for anything Luca$$$$ puts out. I may buy it on DVD for $16 but that's about as far as my passion goes.

There are SO many much more important films out there people - go see them.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.74.227 ) at 12:11 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Gar: BTW, I already have LOTR on pre-order.... can't wait!!!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.74.227 ) at 12:10 AM EST Thursday, May 23, 2002

Gar: Hey Dude! Why aren't you plugged into music or movies? I picked up a Pioneer PDR0509 to back up my PDR-19Rw. The Elite machine is a bass freaks wet dream; the Hi-bit Legato Link function is unbelievable for pulling the bass line out of even the worst CD. The '509 runs a hot laser - it is more accurate (leaner/cleaner) than the Elite but not as rich and full sounding. The lady of the house (more audiophile than me) said get both, depending on what we plan to record/listen to.

When you're living with an audiophile lady -- It's good to be king!!!
Gar ( 207.49.219.70 ) at 11:41 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: What other buner did you buy? The JarJar binks special from Pioneer? I am a huge fan of the Old Star Wars, even the new ones. Just give me "Two Towers" in the fall and I will be very happy! The DVD of "Lord of the Rings" will be out in Aug.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.74.227 ) at 11:39 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Joe: Not sure if we've chatted before, I am Winston aka the Spleen, the most pungent member of this forum. You have some interesting equipment: I am familiar with the Joseph Audio RM7 (but not the Si series) and it is a tremendous performer. I also owned a Forte amp for a while, it was a five-channel HT amp that I greatly enjoyed (and found to be one of the very best solid state amps before I went to an all-tube surround system). I also understand that the Anthem is a fantastic piece of gear. Anyway, nice to make your acquaintence, enjoy the music (and movie!).
Cytotech ( 67.24.162.206 ) at 11:35 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Wall plate help

JT: Leviton makes everything you need. Not sure if you can order directly from their website, but here it is...
www.leviton.com
Model no. for black hispital grade 20A receptacle... 8300 E

No, I see you can't order directly, but you can get Home Depot to special order anything you need. Do a little research yourself and make not of all the model numbers and color codes. Hope this helps.
Gar ( 207.49.219.70 ) at 11:30 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Gar

Joe: Using the Parasound Halo love this piece, currently with the Halo Pre/Amp but will be moving that system up stairs and using the 50watt class A Forte to run my Joseph Audio RM7si in my office along with my Anthem. You can also run balanced mode to a second Zone, I might try this, but haven't yet. If the Aragon piece that Gassgeek talked about had balanced it would have been a consideration, but there track record hasn't been very good, so I am glad I went the Anthem route.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:57 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Ron H: Do you make a Bay Area swing on all of the upcoming road trips? You're in trouble if I find out you were as close as RickMTB was last week without stopping by for an hour!
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 10:51 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Well heading to the hotel Excercise room to burn off some of the Mortons beef.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 10:45 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Wall plate help

BC: I am sorry I have not called you. Unfortunetly business has continued through dinner time every evening.

I do expect to be back in the big "D" in a few weeks and should have some free time. This will be the lul before the storm. At the end of June I will starting on a tour of the country traning our varios operations on the use of the new operation sysytem we are installing this year.

Nicky does not yet know that I am scheduled to be away for four straight weeks starting in July!!!!!! The project should be finished sometime in November. I tell you sometimes I wonder why I have so many dollars invested in my HT room that I hsve not had time to watch hardly more than one movie in the past month and a half. I have managed to catch a few Sienfeld re-runs as of late on the big screen. What a waste!!!!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:37 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Ordered a Treo

I really like the founders of HandSpring and thier view of how things should work. Forget whatever rumors you have heard, they're not getting out of the PDA biz at all, just blowing out some inventory.

I'm tired of carting around a PDA and a cell phone, so I ordered of of these pups ... http://www.handspring.com/products/treo/details.jhtml?sub_nav_section=Details&prod_cat_name=Treo

The G model with Grafiti vs the impossibly tiny QWERTY keyboard. After discounts the price was $99. I can sell my Visor Edge on eBay for that much. Check it out.

Downside is that my current cell service provider isn'y hooked up w/ HandSpring yet, so I'll have to get a new cell #, biz cards & all that. Fine with me as too many people have had my cell # for eons.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 10:32 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Wall plate help

JT: I had to make my own black plates.
Joelc: ( 64.229.56.104 ) at 10:31 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug..

Kieran: Sheesh... all that education and you never learnt how to spell!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:13 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Duane: 6 coats of stian rubbed down with 0000 steel wool? You sure SOUND a like like a master woodworker. Plan B is to contact Paradigm. They may be able to send me the stain they used on my speakers. Thanks a million for all the great pointers.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.183 ) at 10:12 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran: You are so funny... I saw the original Star Wars opening night in May 1977 and saw it 32 times (honestly) in the theater before I quit counting. (You have to remember, those were the days before VCRs, never mind DVD, SACD and etcD).

Back then, the opening crawl just said "STAR WARS".... there wasn't anything about "A New Hope".
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.183 ) at 10:09 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Gasgeek: Realtime! Go kat go!!!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.183 ) at 10:09 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Gar: Good job on the burner! You'll be pleased (or pissed!) to know that I bought another burner and, according to UPS, it should be here tomorrow.

Three best words found on the UPS tracking website: "Out for Delivery".
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.77.183 ) at 10:07 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Gasgeek: Good to hear from you sir! And delighted to know that you have access to a DTI Pro. I'd like to burn a compliation music CD for you using my Pro so you can properly decode it. Send me your address in the next week or so and I'll get it in the mail to you.

Let me know if you have any particular groups/genres you're interested in, otherwise, you'll get the stuff I like!
Gasgeek ( 209.178.179.26 ) at 10:05 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Stage One

The Aragon Stage One is back after the recall. This one is black. Good looking piece. Spent a little time with it tonight at the store. Same setup as before. Big Tannoy's with Super Tweeters up front, Tannoy center, Surrounds and rears in the 7.1 setup. Elite DV-38A and the 7 channel Aragon 2007 amp. There is a DWIN CRT in this room and it's treated acoustically. I watched an anime 7.1. to start. Soundstage was huge. Completely surrounded with detailed sound. Watched the Diva scene plus a few more chapters of "The Fifth Element" and then listened to Paul McCartney's "Golden Slumbers" in dts with a full symphony orchestra on the "Music for Monserrat" DVD. Finished up with the opening of Austin Powers, the Spy Who Shagged Me. I also listened to about three different tracks of two channel CD music.

My overall impression was much better than the first time I heard it. I don't know if it was the software bug that was fixed, or if it was just different material and more time to play with it. Mind you this was right out of the box with just the initial setup. The overall sound quality is very good. It is detailed and clean with good dynamics and space. The two channel was also very nice. I was using the 38A as a transport and the DACs were in the Aragon. I was pleasantly surprised. I don't think it was quite up to an EAD Theatermaster, but it's not that bad. I want to listen to straight analog from something like an Arcam CD player to hear how the straight pass through sounds, but I can't say anything bad about it during this initial short audition. No way to AB against another unit in this room at this time.
Joe ( 64.12.107.34 ) at 9:43 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

This is going to be a long few weeks waiting
Joe ( 64.12.107.34 ) at 9:42 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Hell I bet the Parasound would run the sperate zones and power side speakers in the futher for 7.1
Joe ( 64.12.107.34 ) at 9:39 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Gar

HOw is the heat coming off the Anthem? I am trying to decide how to place it in the wall. I think I am going to remove my 5 disc changer and place it there. I have 7" of hieght and plenty of depth and side room.

I have a Kenwood amp under it on a spereate shelf. I might use that as a temp amp for the kitchen zone. It is suppose to be for the Tactile Transducers.

I suppose a nice little amp like the Parasound 885 would work for the zones, what do you think?
Joe ( 64.12.107.34 ) at 9:34 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

I am suppose to go to ATOC tommorrow. However I have not heard fomr the babysitter (mother-in-law) tonight:(
Joe ( 64.12.107.34 ) at 9:33 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Gar

What are you using for your Zone 2 amp?
Gar ( 207.1.1.170 ) at 9:32 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: ahahahaha.... Too many freaking muppets!!!! I missed your sense of humor! Actually in Jedi, it was supposed to be Chubackas(sp)planet and they where supposed to be wookies, not fricking teddy bears! Lucas got talked into this one so he could basically sell it more to younger kids and rake in the cash on the merchandise. And he did. CGI is good if it is done right, take a look at Final Fantasy pretty cool looking for a movie created just by a computer. Models make things look better IMHOP, but it cost way too flipping much, so CGI came about and the cost went down, and the CGI is getting better. Cool CGI, even though the movie kinda sucked was "The Mummy Returns" the Mummy sceen where there getting chased on the bus is pretty cool. The Burner will be here tomorrow
Gar ( 207.1.1.170 ) at 9:25 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug...

Joelc:: New color copiers are even better, so I am sure it won't make it harder to counterfeit. And who you calling a Yank? hahahaha jk! Hey Hockey fan here and my Grandfather is from Canada...
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 9:10 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran: Miss Piggy, Grover, the cop in Trading Places. What's the difference?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:16 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug...

Joelc:: Yeah... AS IF Canada was the first to think of colORED money... SHEESH!

Actually, I don't know... I wonder who was the first to use colored currency?
Joelc: ( 64.229.63.15 ) at 7:59 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug...

AVB: You should be nicer to us Canadians as you Yanks are now copying us... I heard that the US mint is going to "coloured money" just like we have in Canada. Took you guys long enough to figure out it is harder to counterfeit.

Before you flame me, remember that I am American and carry a US passport!!
Joe ( 152.163.197.83 ) at 7:07 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran: As a kid, I watched Seasame Street a few hours ago
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 6:37 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: Interesting... I actually think Empire is a better movie overall than ANH. If it weren't for the small fact that it can't really stand alone story wise, w/o ANH, it would be a MUCH better movie than ANH, IMHO.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 6:36 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Chris L.: MISS PIGGY????????? Not even close, dude! I can't believe you blasphemed Yoda like that!
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 6:16 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran: LOL! I can't watch Yoda without thinking of Miss Piggy.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 6:04 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug...

AVB: LOL!! You're bad dude!! Correct, but bad!!
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 6:02 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston: Hey good buddy. Not ignoring you lately. Just been too busy to properly correspond. I owe you and email, and will get one to you soon. I believe you posted that you knew someone to repair my AA. I'm using a borrowed AA Pro right now. Don't have to give it back. My plan and hope is to go straight from the PS Audio Lambda II transport to the built in DAC in my new pre/pro be it EAD or Arcam. We'll see. The old EAD's had a digital flywheel reclocking device built in, but the new ones don't. We'll see how it sounds and go from there. In the back of my mind, I've been thinking about the Perpetual Technology P1A, but then that's a little more than I want to spend at this time.
AVB ( 64.41.33.242 ) at 5:37 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug...

Joelc: Canuck dollars? Isn't that about $1.53 USD on a good day? JKJK
Joelc ( 216.223.128.155 ) at 5:33 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug...

Chris L: Yes, it is a KEWL blue! Mine cost $12,500!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.74.228 ) at 5:16 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Scott P: Like Gar I am a fan of the original Star Wars (and kinda-sorta like Empire). I hated Jedi - too many freakin' muppets. I must be getting old since I am completely clueless about the appeal of the new SW movies. The entire "film" is nothing but phony-looking CGI spfx, and what little human acting there is in the movies sucks. But then I basically feel that most of the CGI-based movies being made in the past ten years are worthless garbage (Pearl Harbor, Titanic, etc). YMMV.

Gar: I agree with you, the THX theater program is excellent. BTW, congrats on the new burner! How do you like it so far?

Kieran: There were some promos that ran each day before the opening of Phantom Dentist that showed two nerds camping out in front of the theater - one threated to open a can of "Jedi Whoop-ass" on his buddy when he got some nerdy trivia question wrong. I think they only ran locally, but they were funny as hell.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:58 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran; get it not I do. :p
AVB ( 64.41.33.242 ) at 4:55 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Wild Bill: Incomming!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:53 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

BIG AL: Didn't you watch Sesame Street as a kid? Yoda-speak is just Grover-speak with the words mixed up. (Remember Grover? He's the skinny, shaggy blue monster muppet on Sesame Street. Frank Oz used the same voice for Yoda as he did for Grover.)

"To the words, you should carefully listen, and sense the sentences will make. Matter, the order of the words, will not."

As for Jar-Jar, thankfully he has only about 3 lines in the entire movie.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:48 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran; but I can't understand yobonics. and jabonics are even worse.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:45 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug..

Chris L.: LOL!!!! I have a Meadowlark Speaker Mug that is worth just about as much.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:42 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Errr... I should say, "Lord Tyranus"... I assume he carries the "Darth" nomiker, but he was never actually called "DARTH" Tyranus in the movie. Mostly, he was called "Count Dooku."
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 4:42 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Chris L; Yeah, but you got that Koool mug, so it was worth it!
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 4:40 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: After Obi-Wan and Anakin get their butts kicked by Darth Tyranus (aka Count Dooku, admittedly a lame name) Yoda hobbles in to save their asses. The little green gimp opens up a can of Force-powered whoop-ass on Tyranus, and it is a sight to behold. I was hooting and chearing and laughing out loud during this scene. It was REALLY, cool, fun, awesome and silly all at the same time. Possibly the best part of the movie, and worth the price of admission alone, especially if you're a Yoda fan.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 4:18 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug..

Joelc: Is yours blue? I left mine at work over the weekend and when I got in this morning and went to fill it, it was GONE! I searched all over the building and was getting plenty pissed. It turns out that my fiancee (who I work with) had put it in a bag in the back seat of my truck. Everyone was asking me what the big deal was. I told them that this coffee mug cost me $3600!
Gar ( 204.71.148.36 ) at 3:58 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
CD Burners

Winston aka The Spleen: Thanks I will give it a shot. As far as Star Wars goes, I like the orginal much better than anything else. That being said, Lucas has done wonders for sound in films in general. The Wow factor alone is impressive, also the sound and picture is done so well that this will be good on any HT.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 3:32 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
New speakers

I just accidentally (sort of) won an auction for speaker at ubid. This after I swore them off. They are 'Michaura M55' bookshelves. They seem to be kissing cousins of Axiom M22s, which I am interested in. $95 shipped for the pair, I guess isn't too much pain. People at Audio Asylum have been talking about these, and upgrading the parts in the x-overs.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 3:28 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

.
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.10.108 ) at 3:00 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen:
(I'm still trying to figure out what those Japanese lizards in business suits were doing in the opening scenes)
In Phantom Menace? Ok, were you actually listening to the dialoge?
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.31 ) at 2:51 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Robert: Count Dooku? Oy-vey! He could be fighting Count Chocula for all I know.
Derb ( 208.134.148.17 ) at 2:50 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Ovation+

Duane, Gasgeek: I am in complete agreement in regards to the overall sound quality of the EAD. The sound stage and clarity of the pre-pro brought out new improvements in all my CD's. Matched with the ability for the Krell Amps to grab each piece of muscial information and reproduce it with such impact and great bass extention, made listening to music fun again. Along with Martin-Logan Quest's are able to take what ever you could through at them and make it blossom with little to know effort.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:39 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: I thought the scene whereby Yoda is fighting with Count Dooku looked liked Yoda was buzzing around like a bumblebee.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.31 ) at 2:33 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Kieran: No offence to you or any other SW fans, but I hated Phantom Dentist and have no interest in seeing the sequel. (I'm still trying to figure out what those Japanese lizards in business suits were doing in the opening scenes).

Everything Lucas has done since the original Star Wars, IMO, s-u-u-u-cks.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 2:28 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston aka The Spleen: Ya gotta see the movie.
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.31 ) at 2:20 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
CD Burners

Gar: I tried recording a 96kHz source with my Elite burner but it downsampled it to 44.1kHz. But give it a try, should sound awesome if you are able to record at a higher bit rate!
Winston aka The Spleen ( 12.83.76.31 ) at 2:19 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Good day all.

Robert: What the heck is a "Yoda bumblebee" scene?
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 2:03 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Duane: Good site! My cabinet is pretty close in appearance to the Theater Tech TT-300 (the one with the door on the left side). Doesn't have the casters unfortunately and its a bear to move (to get to the back). Also doesn't have the "chimney air flow design".
Duane ( 12.20.58.68 ) at 1:34 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Curtis: Well,if you have a source for wood,then you're in biz.If your source is a carpenter,maybe there's a source for design too.If it were me,I wouldn't make the 7' wide box as a single unit.I'd probably do three separate boxes.The center box could hold the center channel with some kind of grille cloth and the speaker sitting inside (plus damping to tame the "boxy sound") and the outer two boxes for equipment.If you went 18" deep,you could recess the back baffle to allow for wires,etc.Staining..that's another issue.If you want too come close or match exactly,then you'll need trial and error.Off the shelf stains generally don't match.Take some scrap pieces of the wood you choose or even go as far as picking up different species (most wood suppliers have scrap heaps) and try different colors/shades.Practice with rubbing down the stain with 0000 steel wool or 400grit wet/dry sand paper.Put a couple of coats of stain,sanding between each coat.With a flat poly or varnish,do the same thing. 0000 steel wool is the best to rub down between coats.When the final coat is applied (this could be up to six coats) a final rubdown will take the sheen away.The darker the stain and the lesser sheen on the final coat will not reflect as much light.But there will be some reflections.Unless it's flat matte black in color or a textured material,like carpet,you'll have some reflections.
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.10.108 ) at 1:28 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Icky

cai: We filed with the Secretary of State.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 1:26 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Curtis: HERE is an example of just how far one can take the whole "flexy rack" concept.
Duane ( 12.20.58.68 ) at 1:16 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
EAD

Gasgeek:It's only been a few weeks that I've had this unit.This is the third proc I've had running in the last 6 months.The Sony 9000ES replaced an old but decent Fosgate.It was very good,but for some reason to me,it sounded a bit congested.When I saw a used Citation locally,I jumped on it because I remembered from years past the 6Axis mode.Still a Fosgate in disguise.Well,it opened up the congetion a whole lot.Using the same Krells with the Aerials,it was another dimension for me.But,the quirkiness of the Citation and that it sounded a tad bit too bright for my taste,the search was on.I have read many reviews about the EADs.Not having the ability to hear one personally,I made a leap of faith on the Ovation.It was immediate.The soudstage was better,it removed the brightness and the Krells seem to exhibit even more base slam than I had before.Anything that is thrown at it is notches above anything I've heard.Even basic cable sounds dynamic.It is one special preamp.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:57 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Curtis: If you want something very easy to build, and fairly inexpensive, why not build a "flexy" style rack, like your Salamander? I've seen all sorts of variations on this design, and a 'wide & low' version would probably work quite well. You could stain the wood any shade you like, and paint the threaded rods and bolts black or dark grey. I've seen some like this and it's pretty nice. Looks as good or better than what Salamander sells for 5x the price. Let me know if you want some links to pages with pictures of some very creative "flexy" style based racks.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:47 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
EAD

Duane: Hey Duane. Glad to see you around. No, I have never had an EAD in my apartment. Only listened and played with them at the store, and never really set one up. There is a customer's upgraded Ovation in the store now with with NHT VT-3 speakers using a Marantz 9000 five channel amp. The amp is not that great, but the overall detail is good, just not very dynamic. Brian had an original Signature 5.1 with an EAD 2000 (I believe that was the designation), for quite awhile in the Theater room. That was one dynamic system no matter what the speakers were (Ranged from NHT 3.3's, VT-3's, James, Tannoy and Mirage)

As I said, I haven't done any of the set up functions and I'm not really familiar with the different volume levels between DD and dts, but I will run a dts vs DD comparison on the Ovation next time I'm in the store.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:40 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Duane: Great tips, thanks. It turns out that I have a freebie source for cabinet-quality wood. My sons best friends' Dad works for the city as a carpenter. They over-order very fancy stuff and he's bringing home sheet after sheet of the >$100 stuff regularaly. My tax dollars hard(ly) at work, huh?

I would like to match the Paradigm cherry gloss finish of my mains. The gloss may be a bad idea as you pointed out 'cause it would reflect light from the FP all over the room. I could go with satin.

Approx. dimensions of the cabinet are; 7' wide 30" tall whatever depth needed (18" enough?). Casters are a must as it'll sit atop some fairly thick wall-to-wall carpeting.
Duane ( 12.20.58.68 ) at 12:39 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
EAD

Gasgeek:Hey there young man,hahah...I'm pretty sure I'm doing something wrong.With the EAD,you can't do the auto setup without all speakers running.In the manual mode,which I did,the levels seem to change.What I'm going to do is wait for the new amp and repaired center channel.Then go thru the manual again from step one and do the auto setup.Hopefully I'll find the errors of my ways.

I hope you find the unit that works for you.If and when you hear the 8000 series,let us know what your impressions are.Have you had any EAD units running at your place,maybe a loaner?
Duane ( 12.20.58.68 ) at 12:28 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Woodworking

Curtis: I am by no means a master woodworker.Yes I could probably build something,but,without going into details,I have given that up.The unit I found will work nicely.All walnut with cherry finish.If anyone cares,the url is http://www.diamondcase.com.

Now onto your situation.If your plans are to either paint or stain this low rider cabinet,then birch would most likely be the best choice.You obviously need to know the exact height this would be.Without knowing the configuration,it's next to impossible to elaborate.However,if all you plan is just a box,then birch plywood would be good.There is also veneer on MDF that could work.MDF is heavy.What ever you design,make sure you use casters of some type.Makes it easy to move.Wood is expensive.I would find a good wood supplier that caters to cabinetmakers,etc.They have a good supply vs. the crap you'd see from Home Depot or Loewe's.Plus,most of these places will even deliver if you can't pick it up yourself.
If you plan to make this cabinet a showcase item,and if you're good at finishes,then maple,cherry or rosewood would look outstanding.Sheets of 4x8 3/4" could run to ever $110/per sheet.I would suggest that you make a couple of designs,buy some cheap plywood (even cdx) or even mdf and build a mockup.Make sure it's what you want before you go with the expensive stuff.besides,with a mockup,you can make changes you need before building the final unit.Keep in mind.If you place this box below the screen,the finish of the box will determine how much reflection will be directed back to the screen itself.
JT ( 167.136.246.65 ) at 12:22 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Wall plate help

I need to find black plug-ins, wall plates for the plug-ins, wall plates for light switches, wall plates with speaker binding posts, etc. All of these need to be in black. I haven't been able to find them. Home Depot has a small assortment, but not the right configuration. For example I need a plate for four light switches, standard style. They don't carry it in black. Anyone have any ideas for online places where I can order? I figure the black speaker binding post plates will be the hardest to find. Thoughts?
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 12:03 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Gar: I'll let you know when we get to it. Hopefully in the next week.
JJ: I don't think having an AC-3 output is that big a deal since you can't record in 5.1. I'm not sure if you can record in 2 channel though from a digital out with the Avid set up.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 12:01 PM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
EAD

Derb: Congratulations on the upgrade. I haven't had a chance to respond in awhile, but glad that it does what you were hoping. The EAD's just sound right IMHO.

Duane: You sound very satisfied. Again, the EAD line is just plain great sounding. EAD started their whole business on the premise of making digital sound as good as if not better than analog. Brian still has one of their 9000 DACs in the store and it sounds incredible. For an original msrp of I believe about $7K, it should.

I'm leaning toward the new EAD 8000PRO (still waiting for the demo to arrive). I'm also still waiting to hear the Arcam FMJ AV8, but I have a gut feeling that I'm going to want to go with the EAD even though the Arcam will probably be more flexible.

Brian and I were talking last night about the EAD. His warehouse guy said to me, are you getting the EAD or the Arcam. I said to Brian, you heard the prototype of the Arcam at CES, what did you think. He said, it sounded great. I said "as good as the EAD?" His comment. "Nothing's as good as the EAD." Obviously, just at opinion, and biased at that, but I'm leaning that way too.

Glad you are both happy with your new toys. Just a thought about the volume differences. I have not played with the set up alot on the EAD's, but the Marantz SR7000 receivers that I set up for a couple of buddies had a volume ceiling problem similar to what you guys are talking about. I went into the set up and calibrated the speaker levels to 80 instead of 75, which gave me a little more headroom so to speak. With the different memory settings in the EAD, couldn't you set the levels for DD a little higher and save that memory just for DD playback? I may be way off base on this, but just a thought.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 11:52 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

EW ICKY!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 11:51 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Icky

RickMTB: There are many good reasons why 90%+ US corporations are incorporated in Delaware. It took H-P what, a whole week to go to trial over the shareholder vote there because regarless of people thinking they're a Palo Alto firm, they are inc'd in DE.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 11:49 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Duane: You mean to tell me that the master woodworker went out and bought ready-made furniture?!

I want to buy or build a low/ wide rack to fit everything just below my 106" diag. 16:9 screen. I have 8 x standard width components and a largish active center channel speaker that should go - well in the center just below the screen. I can't find anything like this anywhere and really don't want to pay the kings ransome that a custom cabinet shop would charge.

Do you know of any good resources for designing something like this & building it myself? I'm pretty good with a table saw and < perfect dovetail joints. Have you seen the current prices of good quality cabinet-grade veneered 3/4" plywood?! TIA for any enlightenment anyone can give.
RickMTB ( 161.114.1.181 ) at 11:27 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Icky

cai: I would also check into the differences in corporate liability... incorporation may change the liability you and your partner have (and you would be better off making sure whatever designation you take protects you two the best)
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 11:10 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Gar: Well, I'm pretty sure he can handle 5.1 mixing. So either direct bit-stream or 6 analog signals. He has the SE set, I have a Dolby Surround THX non-SE set. I also have the Denon AVD-2000, which has RF-Dig, and Digital output or 5 analog outputs.
Gar ( 207.1.1.60 ) at 10:49 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Joelc: do they make toilet seat covers? hahahaha JK... Cool, I want a THX Logo for my HT room!!
Duane ( 12.20.58.68 ) at 10:49 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Derb: Thanks for responding.Yeah,as far as I can tell,the level issue is only relative to DD.There is a user forum that is for EAD users.I may post this there.I have seen Darian pop in every so often.I hate to say this,but I am somewhat glad to hear yours does the same.This is ammunition,so to speak.Other than that little glitch,this is by far the best sounding pre amp these old ears have heard.I mean the first time I played anything thru it I know I sat there in a state of euphoria.I hear things that were never present before.I have never had a center channel running in my sytem.I recently bought an Aerial CC3B used.I had an old integrated amp in a closet,so decided to bring it out to run the center channel.This was when I was using the Citation.Well,the old amp had problems and before I knew what hit me,it started to make all kinds of noise and blew out the tweeter.I literally threw this old piece of crap amp in the trash.So now I'm back to just L and R imaging.It was good but the depth and wideness of the front stage wasn't there.When I got the Ovation,with the same configuration,the front stage is huge.Very wide and open and the dialog for the phantom center is right on.I wonder how much better it's going to be when I get the center speaker back from repair and another amp for the center.I am absolutely loving this preamp.Music is just the best I've heard.Female voices are so good you'd think they were there with you.

I have also taken a chance on EAD Powermaster amps.I have ordered a PM500.I couldn't find a 1000 so again,I bit the bullet.If it doesn't work out,I still have the Krells.But if it does,well the Krells wil go.I am actually downsizing my equipment.With grandaughters running amok around my place,they sometimes bump into the equip rack.So I decided to buy a piece of actual furniture from a place in the L.A. area.Very nice line of furniture for home theaters.The one I decided on is very limited in space,so the PM500 fits nicely.The Krells are 19" wide and won't fit.I will say this,with the Ovation in the front,the Krell sound soooooo smoothe.I know this is lengthy,but I just love the EAD.
Joelc ( 216.223.128.150 ) at 10:44 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
M&K Mug..

Just got my mug. Very very cool, not to mention the nicest one I have seen in some time.
Gar ( 207.1.1.60 ) at 10:41 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

JJ: The question is will the DVD Recorder, record the AC3 Signal? I guess it depends on the recorder?
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:21 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
June Sound & Vision DLP roundup

Scott "popcorn": As you know all 3 FPs are based upon the same TI HD1 16:9 DMM device. Aside from pricing, there are differences in how each designer implemented scalers/fans/light output, and esp. the general flexability & control that the UI allows the user.

He seems to like the least expensive - my Sharp XV-Z9000U. It doesn't have the Faroudja DCDI circuit that the Seleco does but has much better light output. Runco is always expensive but I like their idea of having a seperate box that lives in your rack that does all switching. Allows for a single wire run to the projector.

A NRS improved things a bit on the Sharp, but it was a modest gain for a lot of cash - in other words, he liked the internal scaler.
JJ ( 209.208.201.146 ) at 10:18 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

BC: My soon-to-be-brother-in-law is in a similiar situation. He does video editing for a living AVID, all that jazz. We discussed that very idea on the way home from DLP on Saturday. We need to get our hands on an LD player that does AC-3...
Gar ( 204.71.148.188 ) at 9:14 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Winston, I have a Pioneer CD Recorder now, I was wondering if I could run my Sony ES CD Player through the 192bit Dacs on my Anthem Pre/Pro to the Pioneer? Not sure if I can do this but I will try. Hopefully the results will be good!
Gar ( 204.71.148.188 ) at 9:11 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

BC: I would be interested in a Copy I have a DVD Burner myself, but been too lazy to use it, or too busy.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 8:50 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Icky

Scott "popcorn": I am not faciliar with what a C corporation is. But, the designation of a schedule C corporation is for tax purposes on businesses that have incorporated and operate under certain financial limitations. The filing of a schedule C tax form does not necessarily mean that you are incorporated. The incorporation process is a process that has to be specifically filed with your state.

Just my recollection of when I was running my own company. Things may have changed.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 8:37 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Speaking of Star Wars, my brother-in-law runs a video editing business from home as a side job. He now has an Avid editing set-up, with a DVD burner. We're going to try and burn the SW trilogy off of laserdisc (the SE versions) since I currently only have the VHS versions and recently gave my last VCR to my sister.
I'll let you guys know how they turn out. If any of you are interested in getting copies, let me know. If so, I'll ask him what he would charge to convert to DVD. (disclaimer: I should clarify that we would be copying to DVD only movies that you have already purchased and only for your own personal use)
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 8:14 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Good morning.

Robert, I think most of the acting was pretty weak also. But it always has been with the SW movies. The concept, special effects and overall story is what keeps me going.

Speaking of season premiere's, does anyone watch Jag? What a cliffhanger....
Joelc: ( 64.229.53.124 ) at 6:52 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Morning gents...
Joe ( 64.12.107.39 ) at 6:25 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
24

Gar: I had to tape mine. We have most of the season, so we can watch it during nap time. I have a class today so I will get home during the afternoon nap.
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.70.187 ) at 3:10 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
June Sound & Vision DLP roundup

Curtis: So, which one did the reviewer like best?
Scott "popcorn" ( 66.137.70.187 ) at 3:10 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Icky

AVB: We are a C Corporation. If that doesn't make us Incorporated, I don't know what does.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:44 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
June Sound & Vision DLP roundup

They ran the Seleco, Sharp and Runco DLP FP against each other. The reviewer came from a high-end CRT background with disapointments form earlier generations of DLPs. MSRP in order is $15K, $11K & $17K, respectively. Here's the last paragraph of the article.

"After spending many hours with these three state-of-the-art DLP projectors, I've come to two conclusions. The first is that has come a long way since the first Texas Instruments demonstrations of the technology that I caught back in 1998. The second is that I desparately want one - and the sooner the better! Life doesn't get much better than watching a DVD movie blown up to near-theater size in the comfort of your own home.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:16 AM EST Wednesday, May 22, 2002
DVD-A

Joe: Don't forget that I have the Panasonic RP91. It looks like I have time tomorrow to install the volume control card in the Parasound pre/pro, then a quick 6 cable connection between the DVD player and the pre/pro.

Picked up DVD-Audio discs tonight of Natalie Merchants' Tiger Lilly and Joni Mitchells' Both Sides Now. Tower Records had a good 70+ DVD-A titles in it's own section - right next to SACD with about the same # of available titles.

Stay tuned for my impressions. In the case of Jonis' effort it includes on screen real time sheet music - a great way to play along.
Gar ( 208.166.200.250 ) at 11:49 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Lone dissenter for Star Wars?

Robert: I agree, there wasn't enough dialogue to even give the actors a fair shake, relies more on eye candy. But the eye candy is so good, I enjoyed it without a doubt.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 11:42 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
DVD-A

Joe: I might have my DV-47A up for sale end of June maybe July, depending on production schedules
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 11:38 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Lone dissenter for Star Wars?

I went to see Star Wars tonight,,let me say this,,my wife took a grenade for the squad, she took a bullet for the Prez.

WHAT WAS THAT? The best line was,"This party's over now" - Mace Windu

The only good actor was Ewin McGregor, everybody else , well let's say if anybody has those lifesize cardboard cutouts,,you get the picture. And don't get me started on that bumblebee Yoda, I found myself laughing at that scene. Too bad Hayden and Natalie didn't have the chemistry like Ford & Fisher.

It was good to see the story get fleshed out like the scene from Tantooine showing Luke's uncle, and Boba Fett. It was cool to see Yoda all CGI, a lot more emotion in his face.

All that said,,it's part of the story line, and I know I'll buy the DVD.
Gar ( 207.1.1.60 ) at 10:23 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
24

Great seasons ending show. Totally blown away by this show. Won't give any spoilers away, but it was very good. Dennis Hopper plays the main bad guy.
Joe ( 152.163.197.49 ) at 9:23 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Yamaha CDC-765

I have a nice 5 disc changer if anyone is interested. I also have a Yamaha t-1020 tuner. Drop me a E-Mail.
Joe ( 152.163.197.49 ) at 9:21 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
DVD-A

Well I guess this is the next piece to start looking for. What are we thinking is the favorite around here? I know Robert is the DV-47A. I have not done to much research yet. I recall Gasgeek saying something about a Marantz, any news on that yet?

I seen the Rotel but did not get to demo it. I am thinking around mid to late July for this one. I would like to stay around the $800 price tag on the high end.
JJ ( 66.245.20.102 ) at 8:13 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
SW2 DVD official

Kieran: I got my sub. Now I need a bigger screen! I don't think that is going to happen tho...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 7:46 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
SW2 DVD official

It's official: the street date for SW ep.2: AOTC on DVD is set for 11/26/02. Two days before Thanksgiving... Leaves plenty of time to view all those extras!
AVB ( 64.41.32.143 ) at 7:45 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Icky

Scott "popcorn": I agree with the others about the speed of the forklift. I don't have DSL or frame relay where I live so it was pretty slow on a 48K connection. Also, are you really incorporated? I think it is an FTC violation to have Incorporated in your name if you are not.
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.160 ) at 7:30 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Icky

BYork, BIG AL: Thanks for the comments... Bah humbug about the company name though. Even if people call us "Icky", we'll know that they mean it in fun, not in disrespect

BIG AL: I don't like being in a cage.
AVB ( 64.41.32.143 ) at 6:34 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Wild Bill: Actually, I'll be on the road most of tomorrow. It would have to be tonight or tomorrow night. Let me know.
Derb ( 208.134.148.48 ) at 6:32 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
OvationOvation

Duane: I have the same problem. I asked them to look into it when I sent it back for the up-grade to Ovation+ and they said everything checked ok. I get the same result when I used my Adcoms and now with the Krells, so I don't think it's the amps.
I can sometimes max it out on CD's and still be looking for maybe just a tad more. I have not tried to look into differences between DD or DTS
I'll look into it and see next time I rent some DVD's on the long weekend
Glad in a way knowing that I wasn't loosing my mind.
Other than that how well do you like the Pre-Pro
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 6:22 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

GRRRRRRRR!!!!! The one huge drawback of this job (besides the pay) is working with these irresponsible punks! He's supposed to start at 4 pm. I start calling his house every 10 min. from 4:30, no answer. I use *67 and make a private call to his house, and his brother answers (who also works here). He says his brother's still at work. I tell him he hasn't shown yet. He says no, his other job, he gets off at 4:15. He thought he could get out by then anyway. So now it's 5:15, and still no peep. He could call because his other job is in an office, and he could've told me this ahead of time. Now I'm stuck here till 9, or until he drags his worthless ass in here.
Wild Bill ( 66.170.102.143 ) at 5:22 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

AVB: Sorry, the Internet access at work has been down all day and just came back up. I got your message and would like to talk. Can you call me in the AM? Around 9:30 - 10:00 AM?
AVB ( 64.41.32.95 ) at 2:43 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Wild Bill: If you're goofing off I've left you a voice mail.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 2:04 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Scott pop; nice job on the site. Looks like you have a good balance of design and technical knowledge between the 2 of you. good luck!
Duane ( 12.20.58.68 ) at 1:55 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
OvationOvation

Derb: I now own an Ovation also.I have not had enough time to go thru everything.One thing that has been puzzling me is on the digital end.If I play a disc with a DD soundtrack,I really have to crank the volume up.In some cases all the way up.With DTS,i can have the setting at a -20 or so.Analog is ok. Is there something I should look at,to your knowlege?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.21 ) at 1:40 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Scott "popcorn": Well of course! That's why we're in cages!
BYork ( 198.74.16.148 ) at 1:12 PM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Icky

Scott "popcorn" -

Nice starting point! Good luck to you...hope you get more work thatn you know what to do with!

(Curtis may be right about the abbreviation of your company name, though...)
Derb ( 208.134.148.198 ) at 10:57 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

RonH, Joelc: Bring your set-up discs and your SPL meter, looking for a little help in tweeking the system.
Finally programmed my Proton remote, now I need to save some settings on the EAD and set-up some macro's.
Anytime is good. Only weekend spoken for now is June 19 - 24
trav ( 4.34.146.57 ) at 7:51 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Shipping to Canada

Joelc:: Will do, busy day at work today, will fire it off towards the evening hours.
Joelc: ( 64.229.54.58 ) at 7:26 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Shipping to Canada

trav: I am the master at this having done this many many times. E-mail me your telephione number and I will call you. My e-mail addy is joelc@dion-durrell.com
Joelc: ( 64.229.54.58 ) at 7:23 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Good morning gang..
trav ( 4.34.146.57 ) at 1:21 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
shipping to Canada

Hey guys. When shipping a piece of audio gear to Canada, what all do I have to fill out? When I go to UPS, the are recommending that I fill out and Invoice form, U.S. shippers declaration form, and a Nafta certification of origin form. Man, what did I get myself into when I agreed to ship up there. Cant I just call UPS or FEDEX for a pickup and ship it the old fashioned way?
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:53 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

I have a nasty cold - seems to mass-multiply the typos. With some luck the last post was readable.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 12:51 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Ron H: Got it. SO you have had the smell of burning rubber stuck in your sinus since your youth? Outstanding.

Good idea to hone those twisty slalom skills. Bad things can happen with all the power is working in the wrong directions. The 1st thing Iplan to do with Big Al's ZX11 (aka: Darth's 2 wheeler) is rent some track time at Laguna Seca, hopfully at Kieth Code's CA Superbike school, and take it very easy the 1st day. There's only one real straightaway and it's short, terminating in a highly banked hairpin left turn.

If I can flip this monster around this track with confidence, then I can make it handle any way I need to out the the frightening (read: cars & deer) world. Have a blast and be safe.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 12:29 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Lucas and The Media

CNN's ticket out of Lucas land ...

The day after CNN's Connie Chung did a live show from "Star Wars" auteur George Lucas' famed Skywalker Ranch, CNN was asked not to attend a "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" press junket on the property. The Insider's tipsters said CNN was tossed off the ranch, but CNN says that's an exaggeration, that there was "no physical removal" of anyone, that there was a "conversation" and that "as conversations like that go, it was fairly cordial."

The tipsters also say that what apparently rubbed Mr. Lucas the wrong way was that Ms. Chung, in a taped piece that set up her live May 7 interview with the moviemaker, ever so lightly suggested that "Episode One: The Phantom Menace" was, "to most, a disappointment."

"For all its special effects, critics complained about stereotyping, stale plot lines, even racism," Ms. Chung summed up, followed by a sound bite from controversial "Phantom Menace" character Jar Jar Binks saying, "Oh, this is going to get messy."

At CNN, the stance is that Mr. Lucas expected a one-hour love letter and a wet kiss in return for the access CNN was allowed and didn't feel he got that.

A Lucasfilm spokeswoman, holding down the fort while principals spread out for "Clones" premieres around the world, said she could not comment on conversations with which she was unfamiliar, but added that "Clones"-inspired interviews still scheduled for CNN include a piece on Mr. Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 12:23 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Joelc:: As you know you are always wecome to my home. I will be out in FL for about a week at the end of June.
Early July should be fine.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 12:20 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Curtis: Our local Vette club also sets up road courses using pylons to measure speed and handling. I will start out doung the 1/4 mile thing. Running on a road course takes a nother set of skills that will take me some time to learn.

Back in the late 60's and early 7o's I spent many a weekend at the track running 1/4 miles so my addaption once I figure out how to best launch the car(not a easy task with a stick) will be fairly fast.

If you compare the net horses of todays cars vs the gross numers they used in the 60's you will find that most (not all) of todays high performance cars are much faster than the cars of the 60's. Not only is the horse power less but they did not have the tires to get the power to the road.

This ic coming from someone who had a miss spent youth street racing my own cars that includes Rat Chevys, GTO's and many differnt versions of the mouse motor including the LT1 with solid lifters and rock crusher transmissions.

360 gross hoses of the 60's barely eaquals about 260 net horses of today.
Joelc: ( 64.229.53.71 ) at 12:18 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Morning gang...

Derb: Very very cool. Betweeen your sub and Ron' s vette I am feeling another Houston trip -- sooner rather than later to avoid that terrible humidity. ANytimes towards the end of June/early July that work. Let me know!!
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.48 ) at 12:17 AM EST Tuesday, May 21, 2002

JJ, Kieran, Wild Bill, and Curtis: Thanks for all the comments. A few points: First, the forklift. I have had the hardest time getting it to run right. Once you put web download into the scene, it mucks up everything. The long pause at the start is to allow it to load so that the animation doesn't look choppy (I don't know why Curtis said it did)... I think I will remove the pause in there though...

Kieran: You should see some of the web designer's sites that are local... VERY plain. I think the "wave" effect in the background really picked things up a lot... It was a plain blue background.

Wild Bill: Yes, the red is a concern of ours. We are deciding what we want to do about it. Either change the letters to black (and keep the red lines/bullets), or make the background a lighter shade. No, your comments aren't what I expected.

Curtis: 1920 by 1080??? GEEZ MAN! Actually, most of the pages had to be made to scroll sideways in 640 by 480, but also are designed to scale to the width of the browser window. Again, the forklift shouldn't be jerky once it's loaded... I'm going to work on a more optimized animation and hopefully I can fix the problem with the jerkiness/download time. as for Icky... it's I.C.I. not ICKY.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 10:29 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Icky?

Scott "popcorn": You might want to rename your outfit?
Gar ( 204.71.148.90 ) at 10:00 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Ah, sorry for the post but someone just supercharged my computer. Used to take 10 secs or more to see a post go to the page now it is under a second.
Gar ( 204.71.148.90 ) at 9:59 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Wow....... My Netscape even works faster....
Gar ( 204.71.148.90 ) at 9:59 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

hmmmm, this looks different... I got XP eyes now...... Still says I have a few things to update some drivers, we will see if they work. HP Printer copyer Scanner says there is a conflict but I haven't tried it yet.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 9:12 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Scott "popcorn": A good 1st run. I'm on a very fast connection and the forklift took quite a while to appear - gave the whole page a bit of a dull "text only, nothin' happening here so move on" kind of feel.

The forklift animation is way too jerky - looks like 4 stills rather than a smooth transition. On a 21" monitor running at 1,920 x 1,080 the page looks very small. I know you're going for a non-scrolling 640 x 480 page but isn't the standard these days considered 800 x 600 at least? People are quite used to scrolling down to get additional info and are happy to do so.

Best of luck to you and your partner/s.
Joe ( 64.12.102.39 ) at 9:05 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Well I have one more day of work. On Wednesday and Thursday I have to attend a 2 day class. That makes for a easy day. We take long lunches so I think I will visit the music store.

Friday is a vacation day that starts a long weekend. The weather is crappy so it might be long movie weekend.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.137.139 ) at 8:30 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Scott "popcorn": Sorry, one other thing. Lose the PO Box address as quickly as you can. People like to see that there is a physical address, even if it is one that is out of their area.
Wild Bill ( 12.78.137.139 ) at 8:28 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Scott "popcorn": I'll bet my comments weren't what you expected. LOL!!
Wild Bill ( 12.78.137.139 ) at 8:25 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
ICI

Scott "popcorn": Good luck to you.

Two comments. The red is very difficult to read against a blue background. Not easy on the eyes.

Secondly, your hourly rates are way too low. If you deliver an outstanding product you deserve to be well compensated for your time. If you are willing to do the work for a fixed cost and will (possibly) bear repeated reworks to get it just right for the customer then you should charge an initial fee that takes this into consideration. $35 to $75 an hour for your services is at the low end of the scale. Act as if you have the right to charge for each and every aspect of your business. As my partner likes to say, "Don't be afraid to make money". Good luck.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:23 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Scott "popcorn": I also agree w/ JJ on your mission statement. Maybe add to that first bullet item, something like, "within the scope of your contract" or something. Otherwise people will want you to add features they never asked for in the first place, for free. Just a suggestion.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 8:22 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Scott "popcorn": Nice site. A little subdued, but if that's your style, go for it. The "I" "C" "I" take way too long to come up. Eventually the little fork lift truck came out and delivered (very nifty) but it should happen ASAP after the page loads. For me it took, oh, about 2 minutes! I too thought that the images just weren't loading.
JJ ( 66.245.20.102 ) at 8:06 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Scott "popcorn": Nice site, concept, plan. the I C and I at the top don't show for me.
Great having a mission statement. It is a good one, however, your 1st bullet point is a wide opening for someone to take advantage of. I'd suggest you tighten that up somehow.
Joe ( 205.188.200.157 ) at 7:59 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Rush Vapor Trails

Chris L.: I had tickets on the Moving Pictures Show and sold them. They were shitty seats at Cobo Hall in the top row. I figured I could get better ones and never did
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 7:53 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Ron H:Track time is the most fun. Forget the 1/4 mile "watch me burn through a set of tires in 5 seconds" kids stuff. Rent time on a nice F1-style track such as Laguna Sega or Sear Point near Kieran.

Ovals=BORING, IMHO. What's the point of making 4,000 left turns?
60's muscle cars can beat most modern stuff in a straight line. In when you get into the twisties that the modern designs shine.
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.48 ) at 7:43 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

I know it might open a can of worms, but I'm going to post anyway... My company web site is up now. There are a couple of pages yet to complete (and there are no links to them yet, don't want any "Under construction" pages), most notably a set of pages for customers to select things they like, regarding layout, colors, etc. so that we will know where to start with their custom page.

Anyway, here is the link: http://www.iciwebdesign.com
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.48 ) at 7:40 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

cai: Well, I haven't done COBOL (and plan to avoid it)... But I started with BASIC on the old TRS-80, did some Fortran, Pascal, C, IRCii scripting, DOS Batch files, Unix scripting, HTML, Perl... and now PHP. I'm sure I'm leaving a few out. I have so far avoided OOP, but I need to get into that soon.

By the way, I don't call it "geek". I am decidedly a "nerd". A nerd is a techie that actually gets stuff done. A geek is a wannabe that tries to do things right, but doesn't succeed. The leader of the geeks is the former head of MS.
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 7:32 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
MOVIE ALERT FOR WILD BILL

Wild Bill: Ah then that 'splains it. I was begining to wonder about your movie tastes there for a moment
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.48 ) at 7:30 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

Chris L.:
The thing I like probably the most about XP is not having to reboot EVERY time I install the tiniest piece of software.
You mean to tell me Microsoft has finally adopted that technology? about time. It seems to me that MS adopts new technology about 5 years (or more) after something else has been using it glitch-free... And they say MS "innovates"...
Scott "popcorn" ( 209.184.9.48 ) at 7:28 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

BIG AL: Ok, I'll buy that... However, while roads were created for cars, bikes are certainly capable of using them... It's not the problem with the bike, car, or road... it's user error that's the problem. Cagers can't handle sharing the road... Even with other cagers in a lot of cases.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:25 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Well I have a dinner meeting. Off to work.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:24 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Gar:We were in a parade a few weeks ago with about 30 Vettes. We will also be in one July 4th and expect over 60. It is a fun time and a great way to meet people.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:22 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Gar: I find I actually, when driving, behave myself more than before. I just get to speed a lot faster. It is a 160 mph uato and I have not been above 80 yet. Too many crazy drivers to really wring it out on the highway.

I have a few more mods including a computerized Dyno tune (the computer in my Vette can be programmed vs just putting in a special chip) and then I am heading for the 1/4 mile track.
Gar ( 207.1.1.155 ) at 6:19 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
"Copy-proof" CDs cracked with 99-cent marker pen

Ron H: That is funny I think! Frankly if I think a CD is worth buying I will buy it. If I want to make a mix CD I should be allowed to in my own home. They should make the Media more expensive that would correct the problem, and keep CDs under 10 bucks and the media just a few dollars under 10. Consumers already have a right to do this in the states, to take it away should be illegal.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:17 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Robert/Gar: here is a link on the Miata/V8 monster.
Gar ( 207.1.1.155 ) at 6:15 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Ron H: I love Vettes!! There was just a huge Vette show here a few weeks ago, had them all parked around our State Capital. A 58 Convertible would be nice if I can find one cheap, or heck a new one would be sweet, but something tells me I would be getting in trouble.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:14 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

RickMTB: I believe it will be priced in the upper thirties. I would not be suprised to see thenm hitting the 40s with dealer markup and gouging.

A lot of money for a mustang any way I look at it. however I wouldn't mind driving one. LOL
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 6:13 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Ron H: The comapny that did the factory approved version was in Escondido,,they also made the Laforza,,a SUV with a Ferrari V8 or V-12 !!
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:12 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Gar: Yep I do now own a Vette.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:11 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

RickMTB: Yes the new upcoming SVO Cobra will have around 400 horses.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:11 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
"Copy-proof" CDs cracked with 99-cent marker pen

LONDON (Reuters) - Technology buffs have cracked music publishing giant Sony Music's elaborate disc copy-protection technology with a decidedly low-tech method: scribbling around the rim of a disk with a felt-tip marker.

Internet newsgroups have been circulating news of the discovery for the past week, and in typical newsgroup style, users have pilloried Sony for deploying "hi-tech" copy protection that can be defeated by paying a visit to a stationery store.

"I wonder what type of copy protection will come next?" one posting on alt.music.prince read. "Maybe they'll ban markers."

Sony did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Major music labels, including Sony and Universal Music, have begun selling the "copy-proof" discs as a means of tackling the rampant spread of music piracy, which they claim is eating into sales.

The new technology aims to prevent consumers from copying, or "burning," music onto recordable CDs or onto their computer hard drives, which can then be shared with other users over file-sharing Internet services such as Kazaa or Morpheus MusicCity.

SONY AGGRESSIVE ANTI-PIRACY PUSH

Monday, Reuters obtained an ordinary copy of Celine Dion's newest release "A New Day Has Come," which comes embedded with Sony's "Key2Audio" technology.

After an initial attempt to play the disc on a PC resulted in failure, the edge of the shiny side of the disc was blackened out with a felt tip marker. The second attempt with the marked-up CD played and copied to the hard drive without a hitch.

Internet postings claim that tape or even a sticky note can also be used to cover the security track, typically located on the outer rim of the disc. And there are suggestions that copy protection schemes used by other music labels can also be circumvented in a similar way.

Sony's proprietary technology, deployed on many recent releases, works by adding a track to the copy-protected disc that contains bogus data.

Because computer hard drives are programmed to read data files first, the computer will continuously try to play the bogus track first. It never gets to play the music tracks located elsewhere on the compact disc.

The effect is that the copy-protected disc will play on standard CD players but not on computer CD-Rom drives, some portable devices and even some car stereo systems.

Some Apple Macintosh users have reported that playing the disc in the computer's CD drive causes the computer to crash. The cover of the copy-protected discs contain a warning that the album will not play on Macintoshes or other personal computers.
RickMTB ( 66.25.38.103 ) at 6:10 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Ron H: Ford just came out with a new SVO Mustang (think it carries the Cobra label). While someone I know that is very picky about cars claims it has a poor chassis design the thing sounds like the rocket that some of you are looking to ride...
Gar ( 207.1.1.155 ) at 6:08 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Ron: Don't you have a Vett now?
Gar ( 207.1.1.155 ) at 6:07 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Ron H: I am sure there are faster convertibles, just stated this one I got a ride in was fast, not the fastest or cheapest one on the market. I was talking about the Miata with the Mustang GT engine in it, and it was turbo charge to boot. The Thunderbird, well that is a whole different story, more for looks, but 0-60 in 7 sec isn't bad. I would really love a old Vett.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 6:07 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Gar: A miata with a V8? Yikes!!!!
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 5:53 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Rush Vapor Trails

Joe: I think Rush kinda started going downhill right about Moving Pictures. I like MP alot but it was definately a different direction for them and was probably what really got them popular (besides 2 songs from Permanent Waves).
A Farewell to Kings is one of their best, along with 2112, Hemispheres (my favorite), and Caress of Steel. I saw them live during the Moving Pictures tour and they were amazing. I wanted to go see them when they get to Boston but I may not make it. Too bad too because I think they may be winding down.
Gar ( 204.71.148.30 ) at 5:52 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Should repharase that, I am a buy American guy when I can. I love the BMW M5 and allot of the new Acuras, and a few others. Never had a need for a extra car, always had a company one, which means more money for HT.
Gar ( 204.71.148.30 ) at 5:48 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Curtis: Are you taking about the Thunderbird or Miata? I think the new Thunderbird is nice inside and out. Sorry, but I am a buy American guy, hence that is why I want the Thunderbird.
Gar ( 204.71.148.30 ) at 5:45 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Ron: I think he read too many issues of Car and Driver, because awhile back ago they had one that was done in there.
Gar ( 204.71.148.30 ) at 5:41 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Ron H: I guy I know who is a big Miata fan and Ford dealer got one of these specially made. Pocket Rocket to the extreame!
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 5:40 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Hello All

Derb: Cool on the sub. We need to set a time for me to hear your awesome system.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 5:39 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Gar: To put it in perspective a Toyota Tundra weighs 3795 lbs and runs 245 horses.Oh well we can ony hope they wake up at Forn and turn it into a true performanc vehicle vs a nice cruiser.
Derb ( 208.134.148.57 ) at 5:28 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Hello All

Long time no post. Been having problems with computers and now internet connections.
Happy B-day to all those I missed
Get Well Soon to all those folks that are feeling bad
Best of luck to those who still have Jobs
I'll try and check in more often

Gasgeek: Had my Ovation upgraded not to long ago to the Ovation+ sounds wonderful.

Ron H, JoelC: They have put in a new Tweeters store not 5 miles away from me and I could not resist. At the end of the month I get my Martin-Logan Descent Subwoofer.
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 5:25 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

heaper=cheaper
Ron H ( 208.195.242.212 ) at 5:25 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Gar: "very fast for a convertible" It only has 252 horses. In this day and age this is not very much for a performance car. It also is no lightweight at 3700 lbs. Even the Mustang GT Conv. weighs less and has more horepower.

It does to appear to be a nice car and hpoefully over the next few years they will put the HP up in the 300 plus area. This would turn it from a pretty face to a real performer. Until then there are many cars that are even heaper that will blow its doors off.
Wild Bill ( 66.170.102.143 ) at 4:56 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
MOVIE ALERT FOR WILD BILL

Curtis: I have the dual tuner TIVO. My comments were tongue in cheek because CAI knows The Thin Red Line is my least favorite movie of all time.
BYork ( 204.151.114.9 ) at 4:08 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

cai: -

Don't feel bad, you're not alone...

I spent 17 years coding in Nomad, PL/1, Visual Basic, some Cobol, some Basic....

Besides, when the richest guy in the wolrd is an Uber-Geek, it's no longer so bad to be one, too!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 3:39 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Gar: Look closely at the interior materials, workmanship. Cheap plastic everywhere. Otherwise a head turner but most experts say they laid an egg with the int. Ford mentioned they will redo it next model year.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 2:43 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
kinda funny

BC: Hey, man,don't bogart the reefer!!
Gar ( 207.49.219.69 ) at 1:54 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

BC: I test drove one, but as that review stated there hard to come by. Sometime next year if I have the Cash I wouldn't mind one, very fast for a convertible. Only thing I test drove that was faster was a Mazda Miata with a 5.0 Mustang Engine stuffed into it. WOW!, I thought my head was going to snap in that thing.
Robert ( 12.218.8.211 ) at 1:22 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

Kieran: Watch it now,,you're showing your Geekness !!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:05 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
MOVIE ALERT FOR WILD BILL

Wild Bill: "and Anamaria has the TIVO tied up"

This evokes an image of the cute little Tivo char. being bound and gagged! The dual tuner Tivo would solve your problem, of course and I think that the $100 rebate is still going on - just in case you have to go to an actual store to get a Sony T-60.
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:23 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Rush Vapor Trails

Joe: I don't think I have a favorite album by them, although I really like Counterparts and TFE a lot. 2112 is also a big fav of mine. I really love their live albums though. Probably my favorite Rush disc in my collection is a mix that I made of all my favorite tracks from all my Rush CDs...
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:12 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

Chris L.: I think Win2k was pretty much the same in that regard, wasn't it?
Kieran ( 192.25.142.23 ) at 12:11 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

BC: Yeah, it does look a lot like the original 'vette, but I think the goal was to look something like the old t-bird... I think it does look like the old t-bird too.
Gar ( 207.1.1.159 ) at 12:10 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Curtis

Forgot the link......


http://demens.proboards6.com/index.cgi?board=002b&action=display&num=1021809449
Gar ( 207.1.1.159 ) at 12:09 PM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Curtis

If you really want spoilers you can go to this page. Much more detailed than one wants.
Gar ( 207.1.1.159 ) at 11:58 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
X-Files

Curtis: Duh! There wasn't a spoiler amongst my reply about the X-Files.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 11:54 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
interesting

Ok, I'm bored. Does anyone else notice that the new thunderbird seems to resemble the 50's vette's?
http://www.corvetteinternet.com/pictures/1950s/1953/
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/Thunderbird/Index.htm
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 11:48 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
kinda funny

Look at the homepage for excite under news about president Bush not lifting the embargo on Cuba. I'm wondering how long it will be before that pic is used with some interesting captions!
Wild Bill ( 66.170.102.143 ) at 9:41 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
MOVIE ALERT FOR WILD BILL

cai: LOL!!! Bummer, I have to take the kids to swimming tonight and Anamaria has the TIVO tied up. I guess I'll just have to miss this snoozer...errr...classic once again. I simply adore war movies that attempt to be artsy fartsy.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:32 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
MOVIE ALERT FOR WILD BILL

Wild Bill: Your favourite movie is on tonight at 8:00 PM on the USA channel - The Thin Red Line.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:29 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

Kieran: I guess by your definition I will have to wear the Geekdom crown. I did coding and programming in FORTRAN, COBOL, Pascal, and Basic, plus took some systems analysis courses.
BC ( 166.50.65.3 ) at 9:02 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

Ron H: YGM
Joelc: ( 64.229.56.47 ) at 8:52 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
RushRush

Kieran, Tony C, etc.: No joking but Getty Lee of Rush lives in Toronto and belongs to the same tennis club that I do. As he always plays at the same time on weekends when in town, we could definitely "accidently" run into to him.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 8:08 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
For What Its Worth

"Say good bye to the lame ass elevator music that serenades you at a select number of your local Cineplex for a screening of the latest blockbuster film. A group including Warner Music Group, 5.1 Entertainment, Century Theaters and Dolby are teaming up to bring a 5.1 channel DVD-Audio demonstration to waiting movie goers who have bought tickets for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. The music will include tunes from Eric Clapton, Buena Vista Social Club, Barenaked Ladies and Dishwalla. The first theater to start such demos will be in Corte Madera, California and the demos will start May 16, 2002."
Joe ( 198.208.6.35 ) at 8:06 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
Rush Vapor Trails

Kieran: A Farewell to Kings is my favorite.
Ron H ( 24.167.68.198 ) at 8:05 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

I am on my way to the big "D" for a week. BC drop me your number at ronhtx@msn.com. Lets see if we can get together.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.220 ) at 7:26 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

Kieran: The thing I like probably the most about XP is not having to reboot EVERY time I install the tiniest piece of software.
Kieran ( 209.204.144.50 ) at 1:30 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002
XP

I don't deny my geekness. However, I think I fall short of ultimate geekdome, since I never got into coding/programming. Yeah, I learned a bit of BASIC, and .bat files, and had to take FORTRAN in college, but that's IT!
Curtis ( 12.234.135.107 ) at 1:30 AM EST Monday, May 20, 2002

BIG AL: Oh what the hell, let's just end all the drama and spill the beans. Nothing be be jinxed, word-o-honor.

'02 Acura 3.2 TL Type S sold to a dealer nets me this...

- a pristine '95 toyota 4Runner 4x4 SUV, 3 litre V6, with an expensive trailer reciever with bike mounts. This from a former Cub Scout leader Dad back when our boys were in 2nd grade together.

- a new in box Sharp DLP FP 9000U

- a like new Canon digital SLR body with 6 x ultra hi-res lenses tossed in

... and $10K in cash left in my pocket

Oh yeah, forgot 1 thing. I'm trading my 300ZX Turbo car to Big Al for his ZX11 motorcycle, aka; :the machine that can land you in jail in < 10 seconds.

Has all the markings of a Robert Deal (tm) to me. What do you guys think?
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