Archive from 12-27-2000
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:49 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Curtis: "probably illegal"???? They are most CERTAINLY illegal! Not that I'm condemning them, but the law's the law. After all, I'm very close to someone who uses one in Mexico (where its more GREY than really illegal).
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 2:26 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Kieran: ... unless you have a "test card, then you get all locals from every city. They aren't worth the trouble though because 1) they WILL be fried by ECM's eventually and 2) they're probably illegal to use
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 2:18 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Kieran: It depends upon where you live with directv. In SF there's no WB or UPN, However in Chicago they list a WB station
Lookup by zipcode here: http://www.directv.com/Other/lil/1,1187,,00.html
So you can't receive the local OTA digitals for these? Man, you have to move out of the sticks! 
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:10 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
UPN/WB
DiSH network has the Superstation package. It's like 5 bucks. And I get a couple UPN's and a couple Warner Brothers; at least one of them is a California feed.
Warner Brothers and UPN only produce 4:3 material currently. Our UPN doesn't go digital until 2002. Thank you very much to the assholes who shut down our tower.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:05 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
BTW, are any UPN affiliates anywhere in the country broadcasting Voyager in widescreen on their digital broadcasts yet? I know that the Los Angeles channel was still 4:3.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:03 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Curtis:P/T Cruiser being considered. Looks like it faired poorly in crash tests so I would steer clear of it.
No pun intended, eh? Several local stores picked up on his advice. Signs reading "DirecTV installed in your home for $94.28, including tax" I hope thousands of people do this.
Very cool. The only problem with that in the Bay Area is that you can't get UPN or WB from DirecTV or Dish right now. So, that would leave a lot of people who can't use antennas (apartment complexes, etc.) w/o two major networks... A BIG reason why I'm so pissed about not being able to use an antenna on my condo when I get there.
Ron H ( 63.26.184.180 ) at 1:56 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Curtis: No we have not done anything on her auto yet. I think she just needs to keep her Bug.
Miked ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 1:53 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Joe:
I think they are a bit cheaper here in Canada, example, I got a new 4B-ST with the 17 inch silver faceplacte for Xmas, was 1700 USD tax included. How much would it cost in your area, might be even cheaper because you would get the tax back too I think.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 1:47 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Ron H: Really.
BTW, did you ever get your wife a new car? I seem to recall the P/T Cruiser being considered. Looks like it faired poorly in crash tests so I would steer clear of it.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 1:46 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Cable car accident
... duh, I forgot to mention that the woman fell off of the cable car, rolled around a bit, got some road rash & a cracked rib.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 1:43 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Free DBS from cable
The only cheap aspect of the town I live in is the utilities. It's the only part of all of California that runs their own electric, gas and until recently cable co-op. We are immune from any electric or gas rate hikes for at least 3 years because the town bought shares of hydroelectric juice that can not fluctuate with demand or any other external forces.
The cable company sold out a year ago to AT&T for big bucks. The service predicably went to pot. Because it's a cooperative all subscribers will soon be receiving checks for $94.28 per, as part of the financial gain. One of the co-ops directors who was passionately opposed to the sale is advising everyone to put this refund right into an installed DirecTV/ Dish Network sat. receiver, then cancel cable forever.
Several local stores picked up on his advice. Signs reading "DirecTV installed in your home for $94.28, including tax" I hope thousands of people do this.
Ron H ( 63.26.184.180 ) at 1:40 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
You got to be kidding. It takes $3500 to $10,000 to get a DVD player with a watchable image. I shall continue to live in my ignorant bliss and be happy with my $350 one.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 1:31 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Curtis
Joe: Didn't see that story about the ballet kid. Nothing surprises me any longer with lawsuit-happy Americans or even trans-gender parents.
One of the more bizarre lawsuits won years ago in SF was a looloo. A woman who was hanging off of a cable car (as many stupid tourists do) fell into the street while the car was taking a corner, despite the driver screaming at her to sit down and hold on. She sued the City & County of SF and won millions. Her whole case was that the accident caused her to go from something of a very active sexual person to not being interested in sex at all, post accident. There was almost no physical evidence to support her claim but she hired the best lawyers she could find who nabbed 40% of the award.
I like Devitto's line in Other People's Money when he told a roudy crowd that he hoped the Communists DID take over the US because the 1st thing they would do is line up all the lawyers and shoot them!
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.79 ) at 1:24 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Curtis
Joe: >>I seen the mother on TV and am really not sure if it was a man or woman.<<
LOL!! That's San Francisco all right. 
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 1:22 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Kieran: I have been reading Secrets for eons. Always nice to know that my very old 1st generation 7000 is still considered the ref. standard. My eyes agree. The only thing I lack is the ability to playback DTS DVD's - and I still see no compelling reason to have this feature because good old DD sounds just fine in my HT. I do playback PCM DTS on LD's/ CD's and it does sound nice, but not nice enough to pull the 7000 out of my rack.
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.79 ) at 1:19 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Netflix
Joe: I cancelled Netflix a few months ago. Not due to any lack in service, but mainly because I think I rented everything they had! 
Joe ( 205.188.199.174 ) at 1:16 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Netflix
Is anyone else using this? I signed back up a few months ago and am really disappointed in the service. Every movie I have picked is out of stock. I have been waiting for Anna and the King for a month.
I believe it is time to cancell. I was just curious if anyone else is having a bad time with Netflix.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 1:15 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
RickMTB
Rich F: You have mail!
Joe ( 205.188.199.174 ) at 1:08 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Curtis
I seen on TV the other day a news report from your town. It seems that a 9 year old girl did not make the SF Ballet. THe mother is suing using some local ordinance.
I seen the mother on TV and am really not sure if it was a man or woman. But I was curious what was goin on n the case. Charley Gibson was calling it the way it is on TV and the mother was getting pissed. It sparked my interest.
Joe ( 205.188.199.174 ) at 1:05 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Miked
Where you the one that was saying how cheap Bryston amps were in Canada? What is the going prices?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:31 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Curtis: I don't know if you read the Secrets of Home Theater and Hifi site much, but they are one of the best, most impartial online magazines that I've found. The site is www.hometheaterhifi.com in case you're interested. Anyway, they've done some EXTREMELY exhaustive benchmarking of several dvd players. They use test patterns and test&measurement equipment (signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc.) to actually quatifiably measure the video and audio performance of many, many different players. Anyway, you'll be happy to know that even with all the new "top of the line," "flagship," "progressive scan," and "reference standard" players that have hit the market since, they have YET to find one that tops the Sony DVP-S7000 for standard NTSC dvd performance, there have been players that they've ranked as equal to the 7000, but IIRC, none that exceed it.
Miked ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 12:10 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
DACs
Anyone using an MSB Link DAC or Perpetual Tech P3A DAC?? Good performance boost??
Gar:
Have you received your Anthem amp yet. Here are the new specs for the Series II:
The MCA-3 Series II amplifier has the following improvements:
1)- lower distortion.
2)-wider bandwidth.
3)-better channel to channel matching.
4)-less noise across the frequency spectrum.
5)-unconditionally stable at low impedance; drive down to 2 Ohm loads
without difficulty.
6)-better binding posts.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 12:03 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Wild Bill: It stands to reason that an iScan and a HTPC could both do good jobs and are different approaches to get to the same end result. Don't forget that all the engineers/ designers who founded DVDO were Apple video guys.
Rich F ( 165.247.16.174 ) at 12:00 PM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
RickMTB
Hi Rick,
I understand you live in the Woodlands. Please email me (hit name) with your email address. I am moving to your neck of the woods soon.
Rich
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.239 ) at 11:42 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Curtis: Darian's iScan is the closest (outside of Faroudja, which is clearly superior) that I've seen to HTPC. On certain DVDs I couldn't tell the difference between the two. It is a remarkable product.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:40 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
JBC: Oh.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.239 ) at 11:39 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Gar: I reread the reviews on progressive scan players and it was clear that with an exception or two that WinDVD and PowerDVD delivered superior images. The reviewer didn't like the way the HTPC handled video (I already know that it is inferior with video) and the way it handled some trailers. I don't watch trailers, I watch movies so that is not an issue for me either. YMMV, but his issues with HTPC seemed to be semantic issues rather than image quality issues. Unfortunately, I don't know what computer was used and what the components were.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 11:37 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Wild Bill: Maybe Darian's right - JohnO is WB's yes man since he obviously agrres with everything
Just pullin' your chain man. I'm sure a properly setup HTPC looks great. I'm feeling better about my old $400 iScan every day. I always wondered what kind of major buyers remorse kicked in for the people who shelled out $10K + for Faroudja doublers way back when.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.239 ) at 11:29 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Gar: The Denon DVDO chipset that you are referring to is and iScan in a DVD player. Expect its' performance to be comparable to the iScan.
As for HTPC, I can only tell you what my eyes see and on film-based material (which is what we watch) the HTPC is VASTLY superior to a progressive scan player. The image is rock-solid with none of the associated problems that I saw yesterday. JohnO can confirm this. The problem with HTPC is that you have to be willing to add a computer into your system. If you are and you have patience there are tremendous benefits to be gained.
JBC ( 207.164.221.176 ) at 11:27 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Tony C: I did not get the Patriot loaded. The reason being that my version of the Patriot is not the one will Mel Gibson. Rather it is the one Steven Segal.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 11:26 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Scott: A good 35MM camera is useable for light readings too. Just put the meter in manual mode, open the lens all the way up (lowest f-stop #) and a film speed of 200/ stutter speed of 1/15th second. If the meter reports anywhere near enough light to property expose a shot, the room won't work for a FP.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.239 ) at 11:25 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive DVD
Darian: OK, OK, I hear you on the SVS issue. Don't worry, I think there will be SVS subs in JohnO's house or my house in the not-so-distant future.
JBC ( 207.164.221.176 ) at 11:25 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Sopranos: The First Season
Curtis: Here is the status update so let me know what you want me to do...
a) I went back to The Future Shop. No surprise, they arte sold out. That said, they have more on order and claim that they will honour the price. They expect shipment within the next 10 business days as I am number 22 on the list. Their price is US$50 + tax + shipping to you.
b) I wnet to another local retailer who now has inventory in stock. Their price is US$65 + shipping to you.
Let me know how you want me to proceed. Also, there are no further discounts for multiple orders.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:24 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Profiler
JBC: Yes, I believe that you can contribute to the data base by emailing the information in. I ignored it. Just wasn't that important to me.
Did you get The Patriot loaded yet? It went in fine for me.
SVS: I ordered a sub because they were getting great reviews and they were cheap. I also has a small footprint although much taller than a conventional cube. Since I don't have any money now, I can stand the wait.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.116 ) at 11:23 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
ScottVeirs: Ah those holes in the ground that do not exist on the left coast. Good idea.
BYork: I hate it when work gets in the way of play. Sorry you'll miss it. If you can't make the next 3 then I'll have to assume the problem is my breath!
Gar ( 169.207.193.176 ) at 10:18 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
DVDO
I like the layout of there site very helpful.
http://www.dvdo.com/system/compat_fp1.html
Gar ( 169.207.193.176 ) at 10:08 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Wild Bill: Bill I agree most of the new stand alone progressive units aren't that good yet. But then again the HTPC units didn't fair any better. And although the "iscan" unit did the best on all the test the main thing that bugged me was the loss of resoulution something that I want in a unit. Although it seems like it could be a Chipset that is causing alot of these problems, and Denon new unit uses a better chipset(DVDO), so they say. Same one in the Camelot and EAD units if I remember correctly. Darian I think you were right on all along I have the Pioneer unit and it is a very nice player but it has a few quirks much like the rest of the players out there, including the HTPC units. I think much like regular DVD Players the progressive scan DVD are and will keep on getting better..
Ron H ( 63.28.252.138 ) at 9:49 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
JBC: I do not know much about the SVS except some people have been pretty impressed with it. Once I heard it was a backorder situation I stopped considering it. I decided that if the VMPS was good enough for AVB's monster speaker system it will be fine for mine. The last piece of the equation was the fact that VMPS was involved with ML designing the bass portions of their larger speakers. I felt and VMPS agreed that I will get a good match with the MLs for that reason.
JBC ( 207.164.221.176 ) at 9:34 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Ron H: What is the difference between the SVS sub and the VMPS sub you ordered. I know, I know.... I could look this up on the web but, since I am at work and I figure that you already know, that you could drop me a line.
BYork ( 63.208.128.213 ) at 9:24 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
To BYork, Bay Area get together
Curtis: -
I'm unfortunately not going to be available. Starting with 1/6 (...at least they gave us Xmas and New Year's off...) through the end of January, I have every weekend committed to server hardware and software upgrades at work.
I'm beginning to feel like I live there instead of at home...
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 9:07 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive DVD
WildBill: Forutnatly for me the Camelot and the EAD DVD players use DVDO chips. We still have 2 of the EAD units here and the one that we have been waiting to test out.
As for the meeting at an install.... There has been so much hub bub about the SVS, it would be criminal not to demo it for us! you took John didn't you??? Or is he now on the payroll? hehehe
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 9:03 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
To FP or not to FP, THAT...is the question
Curtis: Good idea about the light meter, but I think I am going to keep the theater in a finished basment. (no windows)
Ron H ( 63.24.14.27 ) at 8:17 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Good Morning all
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:44 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
cai: Thanks for the suggestion. Been there and done that with no results.
All Good morning everyone.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.211 ) at 4:54 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Progressive Scan DVD Players
Gar: Your link verifies what I've heard from Darian and seen (through the Toshiba 6200) with my own eyes. Progressive scan DVD players aren't very impressive currently. I was appalled at the image that the Toshiba 6200 put out. I'm going to go over the manuals for the Mitsubishi TV and Toshiba 6200 in the next week to see if JohnO and I missed anything but frnakly, I think we got it right. There was major combing and the image output by the Toshiba 6200 was leagues behind the image of the iScan that Darian owns or my HTPC. Definitely not ready for primetime. No offense intended to any progressive scan DVD player owners out there. On a better note, there are some reports over at AVScience that Sony 10HT owners have been able to use HTPCs with their projectors. I can research the workarounds for you and RonH if you'd like.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.211 ) at 4:47 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
OUCH!
Darian: Do you do group meetings at your installs? LOL!!
He purchased his NHT speakers from Audio Buys. Yeah, I know the 2.9s are a big step up. I was a bit underwhelmed by the 2.5i speakers. I thought that they imaged like crap.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.211 ) at 4:45 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
DVD Profiler
cai: Nope, I'm using the free version. All the paid version does is give you better looking cover art.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.211 ) at 4:44 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
OT but on TeeVee, in HD of course
Curtis: Oakland MAY (and it's a big may) be able to beat the Titans. The Ravens defense will eat the Raiders up. I've never seen a defense that pursues or tackles as strongly as the Ravens. Instead of offenses wearing them down, they wear down the offense.
Gar ( 169.207.194.28 ) at 12:23 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Still looks like the Genesis Chip set doesn't stack up all that well. And most of the manufactuers are using it. But it seems that Denon is coming out with http://www.del.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=4
Gar ( 169.207.194.28 ) at 12:21 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Doh! that addy didn't work..... Damn!
Gar ( 169.207.194.28 ) at 12:21 AM EST Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Still looks like the Genesis Chip set doesn't stack up all that well. And most of the manufactuers are using it. But it seems that Denon is coming out with this unit>>>>>>Http://www.del.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=4
Gar ( 169.207.194.28 ) at 11:58 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_4/dvd-benchmark-progressive-shootout-12-2000.html
Hopefully this site addy works. Great information and a ton of testing they did on various units.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:57 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
OUCH!
Bill & John: You didn't even invite me and Sonic? Whats up with that?
The 2.9s are a big step up from the 2.5is. Bill who are you using for NHT?
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 11:55 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
DVD Profiler
Wild Bill: If I remember correctly you paid the registration fee for this program. Does this give you access to a better database than that with which the rest of us mortals have to contend? What privileges does paying the fee give you?
JBC: Try in-putting the DVDs by title as I have noticed that the UPC codes in the boxes sometimes do not match those of the database. When you go to names you can see a complete list of all the films that are in the database.
Personally, I think that Wild Bill has a separate arrangement with the program owners and that is how he gets his stuff in before anyone else.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.39 ) at 10:49 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
... and you're quite right about that defense
Curtis ( 206.170.6.39 ) at 10:49 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
hipix
Rich F:same here. A P2/333 Dell sitting in the garage is suddenly my new best friend. FYI, HD recording takes up about 7.5 GB per hour with a 7200 rpm disk. The hardware is so cheap this seems like a no-brainer.
Rich F ( 165.247.16.31 ) at 10:37 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
OT but on TeeVee, in HD of course
Wild Bill: repare to suffer for the Ravens will take it all this year. Every team sucks in one way or another but this year, defense will matter more than anything else and the Ravens have less points scored against them than any team in the last 20 years.
Curtis Thanks for the info on HiPix. It definitely looks like the way to go with my spare Server.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.39 ) at 10:29 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
OT but on TeeVee, in HD of course
Wild Bill: In your dreams Mild Boy! Oakland in a walk. Who cares who the NFC brings on, anyone but the LA, not wait St. Louis Lambs. (9er fans have been taught to hate all things LA early on)
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.116 ) at 10:21 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
SVS Sub
Tony C: It's placed in the front left corner. There seemed to be a hump due to the room from 50hz down to about 40hz. The owner wasn't worried about it and the placement is not negotiable due to WAF. I talked with JohnO tonight and we are both thinking of ordering the 25-31 nonpowered subs. At $399 each they are a no-brainer and I think the 25-31 will have no problem pressurizing my 13' X 22' HT. I have a spare 125 watt amp channel thanks to JohnO so I don't have to purchase an amp. Would anyone like to purchase an M&K V-125? Sonic? Want to take it back home?
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.116 ) at 10:04 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
OT but on TeeVee, in HD of course
Curtis: Titans, maybe Ravens. The team from the NFC doesn't matter this year. It's definitely the inferior conference. JMHO, of course. Since I'm a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan it would really suck for me if the Ravens make it to (let alone win) the Super Bowl.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.119 ) at 10:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
PC Problem solved...
... using the QuickRestore CD, selectively reinstalling all of the audio-related drivers. I can play CDs and DVDs again! Hooray! BTW, the QuickRestore has a cool diagnostic tool in there as well. Plus it allows you to selectively reinstall drivers, install all drivers (but doesn't reformat hard drive or lose data, or a total restore (things must be dire to do that, since it reformats the hard drive!).
Curtis ( 206.170.6.129 ) at 9:28 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
OT but on TeeVee, in HD of course
Ok you know-it-alls. What two teams will be in the Super Bowl and who wins it all/ goes to Di$neyLand?
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.66 ) at 9:12 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Calling all PC experts!
Gar: First, thanks to Gar and Curtis for responding. And no, the Mute button was not depressed. Nor was the volume turned all the way down either. As a Compaq customer (as well as an employee I did two things... searched the web site and found a bulletin board (forum) for customer problems and their recommended fixes as advised by Compaq support folks. Saw a couple of similar probs and their suggested fixes (check connections, check Mute, then reinstall multimedia components). I also saw an "email a tech person" form and fired off an email. Got back an answer within four hours, advising me to remove all of the multimedia devices under "safe mode" then starting up will automatically reinstall them. Or I can restore the audio drivers from the Quick Rstore CD (oh, is that what *that* is for!). Anyway, I will try the remove/reinstall route. Thanks again! BTW, I just picked up the Sound and Vision Buyers Guide. Looks just like the old Audio annual that I would buy every couple of years. Still thinking about reintroducing my Vandies to my system and getting the Vandersteen center channel (a reasonable $500), then someday buying the Vandie wall mounts (sheesh, they are more expensive than Vandersteen 1C floorstanders)!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:59 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
DVD Profiler
WIldBill: I could not get any of my music DVDs of the three aforemention video DVDs to load. I am using the most current version of the software (i.e. version 1.0.2) and the most recent database (i.e. build 372).
Tony C: I understand what you mean by "added by hand". However, is there anu method of submitting, via e-mail, this information to the powers that be so that it can be incorporataed in the next database.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.149 ) at 7:18 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
DVD Profiler
JBC: The Patriot loaded into DVD Profiler fine on my computer and so did my meager collection of music DVDs (Sheryl Crow, The Eagles and Roy Orbison). Have you done an update of the DVD Profiler datasbase while online? It's been awhile so I don't remember the exact procedure.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.10 ) at 6:28 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
In the spirit of fair reporting-the downside!!
The negatives of the Keys are rearing their ugly heads. Item one,for 150k you can buy a three or four room shack that may or may not smell like dog shit,maybe,800 sq. ft.This seems to be the rule,not the exception. Item two, it is the day after Christmas and the traffic heading south towards Key West is unreal,stop and go,bumper to bumper,it takes forever to move in and out of the flow.Item three, some asshole,probably in a pickup, put a nice ding in my car today. I'm sure it didn't even cause him or her(asshole knows no gender)the slightest pause.Tommorow we are heading north to a town called North Port,outside of Venice, to look at homes.Anybody know this area?(at least up there our HT room will be bigger than a carport)
Goodnight Chet...Goodnight David
JohnO ( 63.140.34.31 ) at 5:54 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
SVS Sub
Went with Wild Bill to check out a new HT install. The system was an Outlaw receiver, SVS powered sub, NHT 2.5/1.5 speakers, a Toshiba (6200?) progressive DVD player and a Mitsubishi 65" RPTV that was HDTV capable.
The Outlaw receiver was excellent for the money, solid power and clean.
The SVS sub was the standout of the system. This was a very large room, probably 14 x 28, and the sub had no trouble filling it with ear crushing bass. Was pretty flat response down to about 25 hz.
NHT 2.5/1.5 speakers, sounded solid, weren't ideally placed and had some trouble filling in the middle for image, but not really their fault. Like all NHT (to my ear) they were on the unforgiving/accurate side of sound reproduction, the Outlaw seemed a decent match for them. They blended very well with the sub, crossed over with the receiver at 80 hz.
The Toshiba/Mitsubishi combo was having some trouble, whatever was doing the line doubling/progressive output was not doing it very well. Wild Bill will have to go back and recheck that part. The picture from the Mitsubishi showed a lot of promise, but the upconversion was definitely not as good as I have seen. The TV also has a VERY reflective protective screen that would drive me crazy in no time at all. But with a proper ISF calibration and removal of that protective screen this will be a great set.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 5:53 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
SVS Sub
Wild Bill: Thanks for the feedback. I do have a long time to wait, still. And I was beginning to wonder if it would be worth it.
That is the same sub I have on order. Where in the room do you have it placed?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 5:50 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
DVD Profiler
JBC: I had the same problem with my music videos.
I just input them "by hand". They show up on the data base, but of course all the cool stuff like art and copy are not there.
The Patriot is probably just getting put into their system and will be in soon.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Curtis: WIll do tomorrow. I will need to find that f^%%^* truck first!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 4:57 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
DVD Profiler
I finally broke down and started using this program. Two problems:
a) I have three video DVDs that are notr in the database (i.e. Undercurrent, The Sopranos and The Patriot )
b) No "music DVDs" are in the database.
Any thoughts or work arounds?
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:53 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Ron H: Congrats on the Stewart Screen. I drive by their facilities in Torrance on my way home a couple of times a week.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:40 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
My dealer buddy is finally finishing up the install he did for my wife's work that I turned him on to. Was waiting on the final pieces before billing. Total will be around 80 grand. He should be ordering my EAD "Signature" in the next few weeks. Nice commission, huh?
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:38 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
RGB: Ron, please send me your home address to my home email address again. The virus knocked out a lot of stuff and we finally switched back to Netscape from the phony Earthlink/Sprint browser that we downloaded. Lost a lot of stuff including your address. I will send that DVD, I promise.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:36 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Got nine DVD's for Christmas including the "Sopranos." I told my wife about it at Costco. I believe it was $59. Cheapest I have seen in locally.
Gasgeek ( 4.21.3.3 ) at 4:35 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Hope everyone had a happy holiday. I've been extremely busy and haven't had a chance to post in weeks. Starting a new position with the same company next week so I've been going crazy writing appraisals and finishing my performance plan for the year before I leave. Also had a virus at work with a relapse because of moronic TI people. Kept getting quarantined. I also got a virus at home that shut me down for about a week. Got to practice safe computer. Anyone know of a good computer condom. Updated my Norton, but it just quarantines.
Ron H ( 63.28.253.143 ) at 4:18 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
JBC:If you picked it up for $50 US you got a steal. I have not found it that low. Is it in anamorphic?
Ron H ( 63.28.253.143 ) at 4:16 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
VMPS Sub
BIG AL: The VMPS will be set up for mono no crossover. Thanks for the effort.
Wild Bill ( 206.214.1.102 ) at 3:52 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
SVS Sub
Tony C: I know you have a while to go but it is worth the wait. Once we dialed it into the system it blended seamlessly but when the tank attacked at the end of Saving Private Ryan, the tank ATTACKED! The sub was the SVS 20-39 powered sub. Very, very impressive performance. Ummm...did I mention that the volume control on the sub is set to about 2 1/2? It would have cracked plaster if it was cranked. JohnO went with me and I'll let him post his impressions on the other equipment in the system. I will give an Outlaw nugget. For $599 the Outlaw receiver is a steal.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 3:52 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
JBC: Well then if that's the price, as Tony Soprano would say "it must have fallen off the back of a f&%#ing truck". Please find me a copy at that price.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 3:46 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
T-MAN,Curtis: I purchased it at The Future Shop (i.e. the Canadian Equivalent of Circuit City) for Cnd$75.00 which is equivalent, plus or minus a few pennies, to US$50. There is a store near my office -- anybody want me to check for other copies?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 3:30 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Alone=Anyone
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 3:29 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Calling all PC experts!
Rick's silence is deafening! Alone wanna lay odds that the problem was the mute was on and now he's trying to break something much more sophisticated so he looks more like he works at a major computer company?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 2:59 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
T-Man: I'm curios aboput that Soprano's price too. The best I found was $69 at www.kencranes.com Tower shows list of $99 & they sell for $75
T-Man ( 24.48.226.206 ) at 2:41 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
JBC: Where did you get it for $50 if you don't mind me asking. I put the Sopranos on as a late addition to my Chrismas list, but no luck.
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 2:35 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
NUON
Joe: Check out this link, it explains NUON. http://www.dvdreview.com/html/the_mysteries_about_nuon_revealed.html
Joe ( 152.163.197.76 ) at 1:37 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Well beer break over, it's time for Chair Rail.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 1:37 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Ron H: I broke down today and purchased the Sopranos four pack first season on DVD. Just finished watching the first episode and it was great. You get approximately 12 hours of viewing for US$50 -- Not a bad deal in my books.
I think that you will like it a great deal.
Joe ( 152.163.197.76 ) at 1:35 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
What is this NUON feature on DVD players?
Joe ( 152.163.197.76 ) at 1:34 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Tony C: Yes, I do need some switches. Send me a note on what you have.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:32 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
AVB must have posted while I was typing.....
Joe ( 152.163.197.76 ) at 1:32 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Of course now I am on a Biere break. I try not to have a beer and Pnumatic nailers in the same room. I was going to go shopping today, but chickened out.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:31 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Joe: The answer to AVB's actor question was Eddie Furlong.
I won.
However, I blew the answer by giving the characters name instead of the actor's real name. I was so excited I figured it out.
AVB, was shocked too, because he caved before he noticed the technicality.
Eddie Furlong played John Connor in T2.
So AVB did a real easy one yesterday. Wish I would have checked.
Hey Joe, do you need any X10 switches? I have a few that I can get rid of. All working properly.
Joe ( 152.163.197.76 ) at 1:27 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Oh, Terminator. I was thinking Home Alone, oh well.
I am finishing up the trim in the half bath. I have to say, one of the best tools made in the past few years, Pnumatic Nailer
AVB ( 64.41.33.30 ) at 1:23 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Joe: The actor was Edward Furlong and the character was John Conner (age 10)
BIG AL ( 216.207.149.133 ) at 1:08 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
RonH; Oh Sure! After I search through all my paperwork! How are you having them set up your sub? Mono, stereo, without x-over?
Gar ( 169.207.193.47 ) at 1:05 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Calling all PC experts!
RickMTB:I agree with Curtis start with the simplest, and then down the list. With a Sound card it could be anything from software to hardware. Also check your system properties and under device manager check and see if your Soundcard is working properly. You might want to open the unit up and clean it and take out soundcard and put it back in and see if it is a connection problem.... I am having similar problems with my VideoCard, but the problem is my Power supply is so full of Dust it is pulsating and causing all sorts of problems, did this once before, pulled it out took it apart and there must have been a 1/2 inch of dust in the thing. Need to do that again....
Ron H ( 63.24.204.42 ) at 1:01 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Never mind I found it.
Ron H ( 63.24.204.42 ) at 12:58 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Does anyone have a phone number for VMPS? Their site is down or something. I want to check on my order and since the site is done or gone I am a bit nervous.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 12:51 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Calling all PC experts!
RickMTB: Always start with the obviuos. Open the speaker icon in your system tray and tell me that the Mute box is not checked.
Ron H ( 63.28.252.250 ) at 12:26 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
HiPix
Rich F: Great reception and I am farther away than you will be from the towers which by the way are all in almost one location. We get ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. Others are to follow over the next few years.
Ron H ( 63.28.252.250 ) at 12:24 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Wild Bill
Rich F: You can pick up new PSL's for Houstons new stadium and team.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:22 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Funny SW Christmas Card
check it out:
http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/news/2000/51/LAC.html
Joe ( 205.188.195.32 ) at 12:19 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
So what was the answer?
Joe ( 205.188.195.32 ) at 12:11 PM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
AVB:
I have your addy, I was just comsumed with Christmas. I will drop it in the mail today, you should have it no later then Friday.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.160 ) at 11:18 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Calling all PC experts!
I have lost all sound in my PC. I am in a quandary how... and everything I have tried to restore it or even determine the cause has failed. Before I suck it up and call the support line I thought I'd see if anyone can offer up some advice on where to look. I have checked under Multimedia, under sounds, and sunder systems in my settings file. Don't see any conflicts, but nothing works... can't get a CD to play, can't get any of the Microsoft sounds to play, can't get any sound out of the speakers (JBLs that hang off the monitor, which seem to be plugged in correctly). Again, any and all help would be much appreciated!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 11:08 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Sick of hearing about HD yet?
OK I'll shutup for now. Plan to get to a store showing one the CBS games and you'll understand in an instant what I'm talking about. This is easily one of the killer apps for the format and should create a lot of new interest. Remember when the public didn't think DVD was ever going places?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 10:57 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Jan 6th
Kieran: Time your visit so that we can see the HD game on the very expensive systems at the stores we'll visit. They'll look better than my HT, but not 10 X (the price diff.) It wouldn't surprise me if the $200K HT demo room we'll visit lacks a $550 DTC100 and they can't get the game.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 10:53 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
HiPix
Rich F: I should think your Dell would work well but you'll want to do your homework before taking the plunge. Wild Bill's the HTPC guru around here. There's a significant amount of user discussion on the avs forum under Home Theater Computers ... http://www.avsforum.com
It's amazing that the manufacturer says min. system requirements are a PII/333MHz, 32 MB RAM for what the thing has to do! I did a quick search for places to buy and found this place ... http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/hipix.htm
Rich F ( 165.247.20.14 ) at 10:38 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
HiPix
Curtis: I have been trying to check out the HiPix card but the site is really difficult to navigate. I couldn't see any ordering info or discussion on their forum from users. Do you know anyone who has trieed this card? I have a Dell Poweredge 450 PIII that I would like to try and turn into an HDPC.
Ron H: How is the HDTV reception in Houston??
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 10:31 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Upcoming eye candy
CBS HDTV Specials
CBS will be broadcasting the following five post
season NFL games in HDTV. These high definition
broadcasts will be sponsored by RCA/Thomson:
Wild Card - 12/31/2000
AFC Divisional Playoff - 1/6/2001
AFC Divisional Playoff - 1/7/2001
AFC Championship - 1/14/2001
Super Bowl - 1/28/2001
Curtis ( 206.170.6.110 ) at 10:25 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Charity
I split mine between Alzheimer's research/ Parkinson's disease (what my mom died of 5 months ago/ dad 4 years ago) and a youth environmental group that my daughter volunteers a great deal of her time and energy to.
Rich F ( 165.247.17.11 ) at 10:09 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Wild Bill
I live in Central PA and the closest team is Baltimore which is about 80 minutes from my house. I have 8 PSLs that I will have to sell because of the move. Thank God they are in the playoffs. Should make the sale easier.
Wild Bill ( 206.214.105.144 ) at 9:56 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Charity
Ron H: You picked a worthy cause. You're right about animals. Those men disgust me.
I was on the fence about the donation because my wife's mother died from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) 4 years ago this coming February. This is where our charity/research dollars go and we'd rather make a larger donation there than spread it out in 50 different places. I'm sure you get the same number of phone calls from the charities du jour in Houston that we do here.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 9:05 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
good morning all, hope all had a great christmas!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:02 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Good morning everyone....
Ron H ( 63.24.183.205 ) at 8:27 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Good Morning all.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.107 ) at 5:49 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
JBC: My choice was a Battered Women Shelter. In my office and Lab we are 80% women and I would not want to twell you the things I have seen and been told. It is disgusting the animals that are allowed to walk oin this earth.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 4:50 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Hope you all had a great Christmas
Rich F: Ravens? Are you in Balmer or just passing through?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.167 ) at 1:31 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
To BYork, Bay Area get together
BYork: Kieran is coming to Palo Alto on Sat 1/6 for some fun. 1st we'll hit some great HT/audio stores on the peninsula then give my HT a good workout. BBQ included. Are you in?
All other Bay Area lurkers are welcome as well, but you'll have to come out of hiding (George Lucas, come on man, mingle with the little people!)
Curtis ( 206.170.7.167 ) at 1:22 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
HiPix
I'm really getting the itch to be able to record HD, esp with the CBS playoffs starting in only 6 days. Looks like the best/ cheapest option is to get the HiPix card. Details here:
http://www.telemann.com/products/dtv200.html
User reviews are mixed but certaqinly positive since you can't tell the recorded image/audio from the live broadcast. I have as P3/500 with dual large drives and Voodoo 5500 video card that should easily work. While I'm at it I should probably make this a HDPC for DVD playback at some point.
Rich F ( 165.247.17.5 ) at 1:08 AM EST Tuesday, December 26, 2000
Hope you all had a great Christmas
Wild Bill: I wouldn't count AVB in the DC metro area. I think he is in York PA which is a two hour drive out of DC. On a growth percentage basis, Houston is coming on very strong.
I got a Fuji 2400 digital camera with a flash media card that you cna use in any standard floppy drive. I can't wait to read the book and see how this thing works. Damn Cowboys couldn't get the job done but at least I get to see a playoff game at Ravens stadium next Sunday before I head off to Houston.
Can't wait for the next HHTOC meeting especially since I won't have my HT till I permanently move and that could take 6 months.
Rich
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:04 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Kieran and Ron H: I took the Ron H approach and made a donation towards underpriviledged children to help ensure more kids have Christmas loot!
AVB ( 64.41.32.212 ) at 10:29 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Trivia Winner!
Miked: Well, that didn't take long. The name Clarence Odbody (AS2, angel second class) isn't even listed in IMDB. Click on my name to send me an email with your name and address so I can send you the screener. Merry Christmas!
Miked ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 10:09 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Trivia
AVB:
I believe Clarence Odbody was James Stewart's guardian angel ("angel second class"), in Frank Capra's 'It's a Wonderful Life'
AVB ( 64.41.32.253 ) at 8:27 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Christmas Trivia
Who is Clarence Odbody? Normal rules and a screener to the winner!
Ron H ( 63.26.171.78 ) at 7:51 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Charity
Kieran:I had decided to make my own personal donation. It seemed that ir was just going to be too much trouble to make the donation and keep eveyone happy. Also the interest was suprisingly low and that sort of upset me so I felt it was best to do my own thing and keep quiet.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.211 ) at 7:00 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
gifts given and received
Kieran: I bet he's REALLY cute... My sister gave her Ex boyfriend (boyfriend at the time) a yellow lab about 10 years ago... just adorable as can be!!! (I wish they didn't grow up!)
Kieran ( 172.135.95.97 ) at 6:28 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
gifts given and received
Well the best gift I gave this year I think was to my g/f... she got a Yellow Labrador Retriever puppy named Utah. He's 7 weeks old, and sharp as a tack. I think she's very happy, but a little nervous, as she's never raised a puppy before. No problem, as I'm from a family of dog lovers, with no shortage of puppy experience.
I asked for a JVC 3800 svhs vcr, but didn't get it. As that was the only techno gift I really asked for, my loot is mostly non-tech toys and clothes. I did get a soldering iron though... kinda techy. And a pretty nice tool box, which I needed... sick of keeping tools in shoeboxes and such. And I got some great Eddie Bauer clothes, which I love, because they have good stuff in tall sizes!
Kieran ( 172.135.95.97 ) at 6:20 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Charity
Well, Nobody has responded. Honestly, I'm surprised. Anyway, I'll be giving a bit to a charity this year, don't know which one yet. So, if any of you ARE interested in making a group donation, email me (click my name) and I'll see what I can do. If the number of people is too few, then we may as well just make personal donations on our own, but if there's enough interest, I'll organize it, unless somebody else steps up who wants to help too.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.44 ) at 5:52 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Nordstrom
Wild Bill: Yep, they know how to treat customers better than Tiffany's. A friend was so happy with the service he got from an Asian beauty at a local Nordstroms that he ended up marrying her. Talk about complete customer satisfaction!!
A few years ago when my dad passed away I had what seemed like 10 minutes to buy a suit, shirt & tie, shoes ... everything. Nordies are allowed to take customers anywhere in the store. The woman who helped me was amazing. They were out of the shoes I liked but FedEx'd a pair to Chicago where they arrived before I even got there.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.44 ) at 4:25 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Merry Christmas
Ron H: True enough. Make that "what did kids of all ages score today?" You must be between the ages of 1 and 150.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 3:43 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
FELIZNAVIDAD and happy HTOC to everyone.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.19 ) at 3:09 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Joe: Rubbing it in a little bit,just had a couple of cocktails and lunch at little place where we sat outside, right on the ocean. Drove home with the top down on the car.Not bad!!
AVB ( 64.41.32.45 ) at 2:41 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Joe: Yes it was answered. Don't forget to send me an email from your last guess please.
Joe ( 152.163.204.184 ) at 12:43 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Did anyone get AVB's last trivia?
Joe ( 152.163.204.184 ) at 12:42 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Good morning all,
Merry Christmas to all.
johnbr ( 24.112.158.228 ) at 12:30 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
HAPPY HOLIDAY'S TO ALL
Hope you all what you wanted.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.91 ) at 12:10 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Merry Christmas
Curtis: Not all of us have kids or any that live around home any more so we have to get kool gifyts for ourselfs.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.91 ) at 12:08 PM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Gifts
Gar: I have cats and agree 100% on the dirt Devil
Gar ( 169.207.194.21 ) at 11:52 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Forum
Darian: Ditto on that one for me, also.
Gar ( 169.207.194.21 ) at 11:52 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Gifts
Ron H: Cool Gifts, My Son scored big, first Christmas for him, so the Toys were all over the place. I got a ESQ Watch from my Wife and a couple of DVDs along with a 64 Meg Lexar Card for my New Digital Nikon camera, it came with 2 8meg cards. The cool and practical gift for me was the Dirt Devil Spot cleaner.... Great if you have a Dog/Cats or a little one.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:46 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Forum
I have been having a lot of problems getting in here. I surf the net and ever 20 mins or so I try to go here but I get a server is not responding...
Curtis ( 206.170.6.96 ) at 11:01 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Merry Christmas
Forget about what you guys got ... what did your KIDS get?
My daughter got a trumpet and a TV for her room (her mothers idea, not mine)
MP3 player and computer for my youngest son
Notebook for my oldest son
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.138 ) at 9:29 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Merry Christmas!/Happy Holidays!
KPD: Merry Christmas buddy. I'll talk to you later this week.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.138 ) at 9:28 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Kieran: Happy everything to you also, EXCEPT for Kwanza. Kwanza was made up by a professor at a California University. If you go to Africa and ask about Kwanza you'll get nothing but blank stares. It simply doesn't exist!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:25 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Ron H: Look forward to your reviews. How many DVDs are in the pack?
Ron H ( 63.26.163.148 ) at 8:31 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Gifts
JBC: Good Morning to you. I received the Sopranos first season for a Christmas gift. I will let you know how the quality is. Nicky did get me a Digital Camera as I was wishing for. It is the Cannon S100 digital ELPH. This thing is tiny. It is exactly the same size as my standard film ELPH. She also picked up a couple of extra 16 meg CF cards. The battery is now charging I will have a report later. I do know it has had excellent reviews.
I also got a Matrix movie poster for my and a Lava lamp for my room. I also got the normal clothes and that sort of stuff.
AVB ( 64.41.32.104 ) at 6:53 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Subs
JBC: The back corner is probably one of the worst places to put a sub, any corner really for most rooms. Have you thought of TTs to increase the feel of bass?
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:17 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Good morning gang. I guess that AVB and I are the first up to open our presents.
Tony C: The one I now have, as you know from your visit, puts out a good amount of bass and pressure. What I am looking for is not so much more bass but more energy/pressure. With respect to location, I think that I can fit one in in the back corner of the room (i.e. at the other side of the sliding glass door). Any thoughts?
Sopranos DVD: Was at a local DVD retailer and saw the first year of the Sopranos DVDs for sale. The price was a little steep -- US$75. Has anybody seen these or have comments on whether I should buy them?
AVB ( 64.41.32.75 ) at 6:12 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Storage
JBC: I guess it depends on how much you need to store. I'd run out of wall space for racks with my collection. I do have a rack that holds 500 CDs that I use for overflow until I get another Cube and am amazed every time I clear it out and move it how much territory it occupied.
AVB ( 64.41.32.66 ) at 6:07 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Merry Xmas
Happy Holidays to all my HT friends around the world.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:49 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
JBC: Can your room possibly handle another one of those monsters?
Where would you put it?
Doesn't the one put out enough bass for your room?
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 12:37 AM EST Monday, December 25, 2000
Sampo
Curtis: Both E-Town and The Perfect Vision have excellent reviews of the Sampo up currently.
Gar ( 169.207.194.50 ) at 11:14 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Merry Christmas!/Happy Holidays!
KPD:Ditto on that one KPD, thanks for all the help. And Happy Holidays to All....................!!!
KPD ( 216.67.73.111 ) at 10:51 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Merry Christmas!/Happy Holidays!
Although I lurk from time to time and don't get here very much lately, just wanted to wish everyone the best during the holiday season. Cheers!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:48 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Merry Christmas andHappy Holidays to All
AVB: On a separate note I do like your cubes. I also like the idea that they can be moved with as well as can be stacked. Here is my issue -- I want something cheap that I can give away and not take with me because I am hoping and praying that I will have sufficient budget for Middle Atlantic racks for both my hardware and media. The only way I will be able to get this past the wife (as I have learnt after 6 short months of marriage) is to not spend a lot now.
Kieran ( 172.170.100.107 ) at 10:09 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
MerryChristmas!!!!
And a happy Haunaka, Kwaanza, Solstice, and Winter Holiday Break!
Hope you all have a great one.
Wild Bill ( 205.187.255.33 ) at 9:53 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Superlative Customer Service
With the amount of griping that we do at times about companies and how they treat their customers I thought that I should give credit where credit is due.
The company I'm talking about? Nordstrom. I know, I know, they charge a premium and they are known for exceptional service but they've done some things over the years to keep my business and hey, I like their merchandise.
Yesterday I ordered a couple of last minute gifts from Nordstrom.Com. They had a last minute deal that stated if you ordered by 10:00 AM (I'm not sure where) and paid for next day delivery you'd ahve your gifts on the 24th. I ordered at 12:45PM EST and although I did pay for next day delivery I didn't expect the delivery today. Sure enough, there were no packages from Nordstrom today. No biggie, I didn't expect them. When we got home from Mass tonight there was a message on my recorder from Nordstrom.Com. In their opinion, I did order in time for the package to be delivered today and they dd not deliver. They have waived $33.00 in shipping fees, $5.00 in wrapping fees and have given a miscellaneous credit of $50.00 to my account for their error. This was completely unprompted and shows why I'm willing to pay more for exceptional service. Happy Holidays to everyone.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.82 ) at 9:15 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
To All
Have a Merry and safe Christmas.
T-Man ( 24.48.226.206 ) at 9:12 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Hello all: As I have done numerous years in the past, allow me to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Gear. Bagman, nice talking with you earlier this evening.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.65 ) at 8:43 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all my HTOC pals. A safe and happy holiday to each and every one of you.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.193 ) at 8:35 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
MerryChristmas!!!
I just couldn't hold it in any longer, even though it is still a few hours early (evern for you east coasters), but I wanted to wish every one of you and your families a Merry Christmas (or your own choice of merriment at this time of year) and may you all remember what this time of year is really all about as you're getting all your goodies!!!
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.193 ) at 8:25 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Charity
Curtis: Yeah, I saw it... you should have some e-mail...
Curtis ( 206.170.6.102 ) at 8:24 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Subs & storage
BAGMAN: It took me a year to get to that point with my BP2000's. You're right, that's the fix. I ran the internal subs very modestly and had a standalone sub doing real LFE duty. So depending upon how you look at it I was either using 3 or 1. I did introduce a 2nd standalone sub - that's when things got hopelessly out of control. Didn't help that the room dimensions were a nightmare for HT to begin with.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.10 ) at 8:17 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Subs & storage
Kieran: First of all Merry Christmas to everyone. Kieran, under normal conditions, we run two Def.Tech. BP2000s and a Paradigm Servo 15 sub across the front and it is no problem. I run the BP2000s with subduded settings,ie: as very capable woofers but not as subwoofers. I think that is where the Def.Techs get the bad rap,they are not subwoofers. To use them as subwoofers would make them boomy as hell,plus they take very careful placement and positioning. JBC,If I end up with the space,I would like to try two subs. On the note of space,we have expanded our search for a house to the west coast of Fla. and find that you can buy a lot more house for the bucks there than down here in the Keys. What, in your guys opinion, would be a perfect/very good size HT/stereo room? Again,Happy holidays to all you guys and gals.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.102 ) at 8:04 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Storage
AVB: I like your cubes. They won't work in my space though. Here's what I plan to do soon. A client runs a custom cabinet shop who will build a largeish wall rack to house all media; DVD's CD's, LD's, DV tapes, 8MM tapes, VHS tapes. Best of all he's certain he can match the wood and finish of my Paradigm gloss cherry speakers. It's kind of a high maintence finish but I love it.
No wait, the best part is that he'll make it for his cost from veneers. I found him a 1 year-old ultra 14 foot (laser equiped, vacuum hold downs) barely used production table saw that saved him 50% over getting a new one. I need to let his guys work on it piecemeal as they have lulls in business. He has some great design software that we'll sit down together soon to create a plan.
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.76 ) at 7:57 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Merry Christmas
Here's a toast to all my HT pals! May your Christmas bring you all the joy and happiness you deserve. I've had a wonderful time hanging out with you bunch for the past several years. Although we all don't always agree on everything all the time, we all have that one thing in common...the love of home theater. You guys have taught me more about life and HT than I could ever learn from any book, and I'm proud to call you my friends.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.102 ) at 7:50 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Cheap DVD racks
JBC: I'm using this stuff for now. http://www.hy-qenterprises.com/admedbookcol.html Cheap but solid oak in natural, cherry or black. Found it at Costco. The shelves adjust to hold DVD's, but not elegantly. Leaves about 1 1/2" from the top of a DVD to the bottom of the shelf above it.
AVB ( 64.41.33.42 ) at 7:30 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Storage continued
JBC: The same Cube can also store your CD collection. I have 6 of them now, 3 smaller 3 drawer and 3 larger 4 drawer ones. The are stacked with the bigger ones on the bottom and hold all 1050+ of my CDs, 280 DVDs, 40 video tapes and 70 cassettes too. I have almost 2 drawers empty for some room to grow.
AVB ( 64.41.33.42 ) at 7:26 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Storage
AVB:
AVB ( 64.41.33.42 ) at 7:25 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Storage
JBC: The Cubes can move with you. I bought my first one 4 moves ago and it still looks new. I used to have a rack but like anything else left out it and the DVDs got dusty. The Cubes eliminate the DVDs getting dusty and are easier to keep clean compared to a rack.
AVB ( 64.41.33.42 ) at 7:21 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Subs & storage
Kieran: At one time I had 2 VMPS larger subs, and 5 fullrange towers in the system for a total of 7 active 15", 7 active 12", and 7 15" passives so I do know about the interaction they can cause. I also had 6 channels of EQ going to try to balance it all out (subs had the same signal). It is a problem that has to be worked at with towers and sometimes involves changing the orientation in the room to get the best response. Once the fronts are setup as best as your room will allow the rears aren't too bad because until very recently there wasn't alot of bass info going to them. To set mine rears up I hooked them up as if they were fronts and tried to find the best spot and orientation within the confines of where they needed to be.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.102 ) at 6:39 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
snooty party update
I'm relieved to say that both parties this weekend had to be cancelled at the last minute. One hostess was stressed enough that she had to go to the hospital with bleeding ulcers. The other was health related as well.
You see? Money can't buy happiness or good health. Have heard both women are recovering well.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.102 ) at 6:26 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Charity
Scott "popcorn": Scroll down to 12:35 today and you'll find your Christmas gift if you want it.
My way of saying thanks for all your efforts here this year.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.193 ) at 5:41 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
The 12 Days of (HT) Christmas
Curtis: That's cute... but 7 days late to get posted on a "holiday extras" of the site 
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.193 ) at 5:40 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Charity
Kieran: Seems we got a lot of Scrooges here this year... I didn't get anything Christmas/holidays related in e-mail to post on the site... (remember the call for it almost 2 weeks ago?) At least Curtis did a 12 days of Christmas 
Curtis ( 206.170.7.123 ) at 5:26 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
The 12 Days of (HT) Christmas
Here's a early gift for all my pals. If I do it right maybe it'll put a smile on your face. Just the last verse so nobody gets bored.
On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
12 CD's Playing
11 Movies Screening
10 Interconnects all Matching
9 Pronto's Dancing
8 THX Logo's (okay it doesn't fit, but George may be lurking!)
7 Matching Speakers
6 Racks for Storage
5 DVD's!!!
4 Crestron Remotes Pre-programmed
3 Subsonic Subs
2 Pre/Pro's
AND A FRONT PROJECTION TEEVEE!
Merry Christmas y'all. I love you man (er, men & lurking women)
Curtis
Kieran ( 172.135.95.130 ) at 5:25 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
FREQUENCY
Watched this movie last night. EXCELLENT! I thoroughly enjoyed this flick. Very well done, and they (mostly) handled the time travel paradox very well (in fact the paradox was a major aspect of the plot).
The DVD itself was excellent too. LOTS of very cool extra features. I may just buy this disc. One very nice little feature that is normally not even mentioned... most if not all of the extra features were in anamorphic widescreen, even the scenes shot on video (interviews, etc.) THAT was a HUGE deal to me! I hate when I have to switch back and forth from std. to anamorphic on my TV to watch the extras.
I highly recommend at LEAST renting this disc, if you haven't seen the movie already.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:24 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
AVB: Thanks for the lead on the DVD storage units. I am looking more for "racks" as opposed to "cabinates" that I can use for the next year or so until I move. The problem with most of the ones I have seen is that they were really made for CDs and the slightly larger width of DVDs make them non-funtional.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:21 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
AVB: So you are a strong no vote for a second sub. Any others?
Kieran ( 172.135.95.130 ) at 5:21 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Subs & storage
AVB: I've never had two subs to deal with, so I don't have any real experience with it. However, I've read over and over exactly what you just said, about multiple subs causing interaction problems and all that. From a physics standpoint, it makes sense, and I fully understand it. What bugs me about the argument though, is this: What do people do who have two (or more) truly full range speakers in their system? You don't hear them worrying about or complaining about nodes and interference, etc.
Is it really that much of a problem? Have you ever delt with this (either two subs or two full range speakers or a combination of both?)
Just curious...
AVB ( 64.41.32.80 ) at 4:56 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Subs & storage
JBC: 2 subs can be a pain because there is only one "best place to put a sub in any given room. This means stacking them or going side by side. If you split them then you have to deal with how they react to the room differently and that almost always means EQ of some type to get it right. When I took the 2nd sub out of the room I also was able to pull all of my EQs and still have it sound pretty good.
For storage that even the wife will like look at the Cube www.lorentzdesign.com I just bought 3 of the CD-400 boxes 2 weeks ago.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.126 ) at 4:55 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
JBC: I also have been looking for something to store the DVDs in. I have not found anything that caught my eye yet.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 4:42 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
All Looking for some racks, preferably cheap, in which to store my DVDs. Anybody have any ideas or links to point me to?
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 4:42 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Darian: My ICQ # is 102420218. Would love to try it out with some of you later on. Gotta take a shower and go to the outlaws house tonight. Perhaps tomorrow sometime?
Curtis: Two quick follow up points:
a) I did tell my wife and her friends to bug off. Bad strategy -- they only bothered me more. SOmetimes I think it is a woman's dream to come between man and the NFL!
b) The setup is what scares me. Do I need an equalizer to smooth things over as well?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.123 ) at 4:34 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
JBC: If your room is right, 2 subs can be a very worthwhile thing to do. I have done it twice in the past. Just don't point them towards each other or you'll know exactly what a standing wave is.
Takes a lot of tweaking and moving around to get them to sing together just the way you want them to.
Tell your wife and her friends to go out and play in the snow!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.123 ) at 4:32 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Sampo 34" 16:9
Darian: You certainly have my attention now. Can you point me to reviews, specs on the Net?
I don't suppose you have one you could ship to CA at a good price for all, do you? Hell, I'll toss in the other SGI computer for you!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 4:24 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
All: Thinking about adding a second M&K MX350THX subwoofer. Any thoughts, whether good, bad or indifferent. Also, what are the setup problems, if any, with respect to adding a second sub?
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 4:12 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
JBC: What is your ICQ number?
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 4:09 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Curtis: I am with you. Not that I am anti-social but man... I want to watch a football game in peace. I just left the Jets vs Ravens because my wife and hear friends were bugging the shit out of me. Ron H and others with a deidicated room... more power to you folks.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:49 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Curtis: We just got the Sampos in at work and I have been lusting after the 34" widescreen. There is also a 32" 4:3 that people seem to like. The Widescreen has tons of adjustemnts that can be made and the reviews so far are stellar!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 3:30 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Darian: Tell me about the Sampo model you're talking about. If it's what I think it is, I have the perfect spot for it in the master BR, and unused outputs on the Plus dish. Suppose I would need another HD receiver too. Did you notice that the new Panasonic HD/DirecTV receiver looks like it will hit the stores in the nest few days?
How tired am I of converving RP/FP's? I can get things very close yet it always seems that perfectly one part of the screen screws up another part. Even the best calibraters will tell you that their goal is to get the best possible compromise. If I have to stare at just blues grids once more I will surely go blind and mad.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:04 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
If I had a chocie in the matter... I might go with the Sampo for the Day to day stuff and a FP. That way I could have the best possible picture with easy connections on the Sampo. Plus have that big screen experiance on MOVIE NIGHT! The other idea is to go with the Philips 64" HD Ready set. This has all the connections I could need, and 9" guns in a 64FP. That could be so sweet! It is rather nice to have the deep blacks of the Direct View and never having to converge it is a wonderfull thing.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 2:32 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
... having just read my post, maybe I wouldn't always opt for an FP if it was the only system in the house. Love my TW65, so take THAT all you FP snobs
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 2:31 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
To FP or not to FP, THAT...is the question
ScottVeirs: Given the choice I would always opt for FP over RP. You're lucky that you already know your room requirements in advance of finding your next house. So why do I currently have an RP? Light control. My left side wall is 27 feet of floor to ceiling windows, except for about a 5 foot section. Totally blacking these out is more trouble than it's worth. There are also some high windows on the right wall over the doorway.
An FP during the daytime would be hopelessly washed out at my place. Another thing I'm not wild about is being forced to be in near total darkness every time I want to watch something. My kids and many of my guests don't like this, even though they should be used to it from movie theaters. Darkness can kill the social communication between folks in an instant. Reminds me of all the painful times my dad would force guests to watch slideshows of his most recent trips abroad. Sure it was exciting for him but when the lights can back on they was always at least one person sound asleep!
How do I know these things? I used to own a FP with all the goodies. While it was fantastic for having the boys over it created real friction with my then GF for the quickest way to kill a party!
YMMV. My goal is for a future dedicated FPHT room and perhaps a 34" 16:9 direct view display in the living room so I can still watch football games while not being antisocial.
This may sound anal yet I suggest that you take a good light meter with you to all prospective new houses. You need to see the room in the worst possible conditions such as a sunny day with lots of snow on the ground (can't recall if you're in the snowbelt). If your readings are anywhere near bright with all the blinds closed, you could have a big problem living with a FP or at least a major expense of investing in blackout covering.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 1:49 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Darian: wait, no thats not the question, FP is the answer! MUAHAHAHA
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 1:48 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
To FP or not to FP, THAT...is the question
Darian: Without a doubt im emotionally ready for HiDef FPTV. How ever, since this was a borrowed system, I am not THAT close to buying one. I'm trying to determine what I will be doing for a home (buy, rent, stay here, etc) when this lease is up. I would like a place of my own so I dont have roomates putting their rather lack of stylish furniture in MY HT room.
Well see where it goes. But in any case, yes, I do want one, and I think the RPTV is out.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 1:38 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
ScottV: Well it looks as though you are now hooked. You need to get a DiSH 6000 receiver box and a sat aimed at 61.5. Showtime in HD is awesome and you are plenty close enough to DC to get HDTV off air. The DiSH 6000 requires the elusive 8VSB module (read archives for my post about what you need to make a DiSH 6000 work.)
As for projectors... There is a New one from Sony that is called the PX-20 or something like that. It si HD compatable LCD. But it is a 4:3 pannel. My partner in crime tells me its like a 4:3 10HT. I thnk it is less expensive too.
Kieran ( 172.147.202.11 ) at 1:11 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Nor Cal HTOC
Curtis: So, what do you have in mind for Saturday 1/6? Do you want to get together in the evening, afternoon, morning? Are you going to the car auction that day? Do you want me to go with you? I have to pick up my sister that night at SFO, somewhere around 8-10pm... so, would it be okay if I hang at your place until it's time to get her?
Re. the car auction, if you want me to join you, I can... however if you plan on looking up VIN numbers on certain cars, you really need to go the day before the auction, on Friday, and I couldn't make it for that.
Anyway, let me know... click my name for email.
Rich ( 152.163.207.77 ) at 1:03 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Merry Christmas!!
Wishing all a safe and belated Christmas and New Year... Merry Christmas
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 1:01 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
got the shopping done today
Kieran: LOL! Agreed. The limiter on the 540i kicks in at 155 mph, that would have beaten the guy to the store. Of course I would have been jailed for doing 3 x the speed limit (45) there. Not worth it.
Sounds like a good selling point for a Silicon Valley car salesperson ... "and this little number here will do Fry's to CompUSA in under 2 minutes! Takes at least 10 in anything else"
Kieran ( 172.147.202.11 ) at 1:00 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Charity
Speaking of playing Santa Claus...
Whatever happened to our idea of giving to a charity? Scott V. I think asked a while ago, and nobody said anything. It's not too late, as long as we do it before the new year. Well, we could do it anytime, but usually people like to make gifts before the end of the tax year. For me it doesn't matter, as I don't itemize (yet).
I really think we should do this. If somebody wants me to take over the operation, I can. Lets get this ball rolling, people. I think we had somewhere around 8 or 10 people interested.
Kieran ( 172.147.202.11 ) at 12:51 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
got the shopping done today
Curtis: I'm not a terribly religious man. I firmly believe in Karma however. My doing good things will someday come back to me & the jerks will get what they dished out.
Agreed, 100%.
BTW, another thing you should have learned from this is... you need a faster car!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 12:35 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
As long as I'm playing Santa...
Scott "popcorn": Yo Pop, where've you been?
I don't have the time. patience nor expertise to setup these sgi boxes - but I'm willing to bet that you do.
So SantaCurtis will send you one of the sgi systems gratis, along with a bunch of older s/e CD/ROMS that go with it. I'll ship (whenever I actually get out to UPS) the CPU, keyboard & mouse. You'll need at least a VGA monitor.
Want it? Send your snail address to seenhear@pacbell.net
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 12:31 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
9000ES Owners
Gar: Sure, why not? If the new DSP modes are accessable via the front panel I don't have to have the new mini-remote, right? I'll shoot you an email w/ my snailmail address. Thanks dude.
Gar ( 169.207.193.185 ) at 12:04 PM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
9000ES Owners
Curtis: Rock On Curtis!! Yes, it plays louder at lower volumes, before you would have to crank the volume up to get it up to reference level, now you don't So do you want a copy of the software, of course it will be the english version :)........
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 11:57 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
9000ES Owners
Gar: It plays louder after the upgrade? Hot dawg! Now we can turn our systems up to 11 while the rest of you turkeys are forever stuck at 10.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.197 ) at 11:55 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
FPTV at Scott's house!
ScottVeirs: Pretty Kool page.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 11:48 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
FPTV at Scott's house!
Well, it was only temporary (as you will see by the pics) and the projector wasnt the best but it was HiDef (and no we coulnt use that function) but, I did get the idea of FPTV.
I ask myself now, "WHY, would I ever want to buy RPTV??"
Check out my pics of what we did this weekend. Pretty funny actually. Reading the notes will tell you why things look the way they do.
PS: They are at the bottom of the page.
www.sysnetix.com/sdveirs/theater.html
Gar ( 169.207.193.185 ) at 11:42 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
9000ES Owners
AVB: Well whatever language it was the Upgrade worked. I do like the quickness of the new remote, just wish it was backlight. Also the new sound field mods do sound very good, gave T2 a run through, sounded more 3D like and the soundfield sounded bigger. Also it seemed the unit could play louder at less of a volume. The new format is accessible through the New remote or the menu on the front pannel of system, you would think that they would have made it at least upgrade your remote in the process so you can use the old remote. Also how do you check the software version on your unit again? Thanks and Happy Holidays to All!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.171 ) at 11:28 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Let's see. In the burbs of SF there's me, BYork, Kieran and the new lurker guy BYork mentioned a while ago.
AVB ( 64.41.32.117 ) at 11:23 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
FP owners
Tony C: You can buy up to 50' S-video cables so I would do that rather then try to make them. For component, they are just like any other 75 ohm coax. You can buy bulk wire and make them to any length you want within reason.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:15 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
FP owners
Could you guys explain to me how you make the long runs for S and component cables?
Just thinking ahead.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 11:04 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
:(
everyone forgets lonely scott veirs in my little corner of sterling.
hehe j/k.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.148 ) at 10:52 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
Ron H: So we have the most on the outskirts of DC. Not that I'm counting or anything. LOL!!
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.148 ) at 10:52 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
Ron H: Sorry, we're not tied. I forgot Scott Veirs. He lives about 5 miles from me. And also DanW who used to frequent the forum lives in Georgetown. DanW works on The Hill if memory serves me correctly so I'm not sure if he will have a job here after January 22. So, I guess we're at 7 plus AVB.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.148 ) at 10:50 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
AVB: Yep, you count. We just need to get you and the Babe down here for a HT visit. Or we could come your way? Happy Holidays.
Derb ( 199.174.1.157 ) at 10:05 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
AVB: Can we have the top half for Houston? We need some new recruits, we are lagging behind
Ron H ( 63.26.171.71 ) at 9:43 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
ICQ
JBC: http://www.icq.com/download/step-by-step.html
Ron H ( 63.26.171.71 ) at 9:33 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
AVB: All five of us are all are within 25 miles of Downtown Houston. I think Houston has the largest number of members who actually live in the city or on the outskirts.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.71 ) at 9:25 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
Wild Bill: Well now we are tied with you. We expect to pull ahead shortly based upon the rate of transfers to Houston lately.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:59 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
ICQ
Now that I have a separate home PC how do I setup ICQ (i.e. where do I get the software, where do we meet, etc.)
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:59 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Good morning gang.
I suspect tomorrow will be a quiet day around here, it being Christmas and all. With that in mind I would like to take this oppotunity to wish all my HTOC friends abd their families A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.
For those that are around tomorrow, I will be as well.
AVB ( 64.41.32.216 ) at 7:48 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
9000ES Owners
Gar: The software version should be the first thing on the Sony's display after you power it up.
AVB ( 64.41.32.216 ) at 7:47 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
Wild Bill: Five and a half if you count me at about 110 miles away from DC.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.68 ) at 2:51 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
another one. A few days ago I wnet to get my bagel/ coffee fix. The place was mobbed. I was running late & at the end of a long line. The customer at the front of the line was holding things up. I went up and left my money on the counter & noticed the yuppie looking customer only brought a credit card to pay for his office holiday bagels. The store can only take ATM cards. The Cambodian women who run the shop weren't going to cut him any slack. He was really embarrassed.
Nobody was budging so I asked the girl how much he owed, it was about $20. So I put a $20 on the counter & said Merry Christmas. It felt great. Everybofy looked at me like I was nuts. The customer was SO happy. He said he would be sure to leave money the next day. Was sure to get my name & all that. I didn't expect anything. You know what? He never did come back to make good on it.
Gar ( 169.207.193.191 ) at 1:54 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
got the shopping done today
Curtis: if you would like a copy of the new software let me know, I will put one in the mail for you. It works, just need a CD Key, which I will include, not sure if you need the remote to access the specific sound formats will do a follow up and see what this unit does now with this new upgrade.
Gar ( 169.207.193.191 ) at 1:50 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
AVB
Wild Bill: The Japaneese is for you anal people who love to spell correctly, hahahahaha. Sorry Bill insomnia kicking in..... Oh did I spell that right?
Gar ( 169.207.193.191 ) at 1:47 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
9000ES Owners
Did the software upgrade via the Laptop went well, one question? How do you tell what current software version you have, if I remember correctly there is a way on the unit itself, if you do something it will display the current version.
Wild Bill ( 206.214.105.38 ) at 1:10 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
AVB
Gar: Well, you gotta do what the company wants. BTW, what is Japaneese? I've heard of Japanese but no "eese".
Wild Bill ( 206.214.105.38 ) at 1:09 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
got the shopping done today
Curtis: Yeah, I agree that "doing the right thing" will pay off in the end. It sure does suck that the jerks that don't do the right thing are the ones that always seem to get ahead. 
Gar ( 169.207.194.235 ) at 12:55 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
AVB
Wild Bill: Would love to upgrade it to Win98, but Novartis won't let us, and since I don't own the damn thing, I must conceed to there lack of intelligence on this one. I think it is binary symbols, and not Japaneese.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.68 ) at 12:52 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
got the shopping done today
Wild Bill: I agree with you, particularly since he knew I was shopping for a kid and he his wife. Remember his young daughter witnessed all of it. I have often been accused of being too nice of a guy, yet if the roles were reversed where one of my kids were with me, I wouldn't hesitate for an instant to hand over the goods. My kids would have been proud of me, I'm sure.
Just doing the right thing is worth it even if it means an inconvenience to me. There are so many jerks in California these days who only care about themselves that I hardly recognize the place any more.
I'm not a terribly religious man. I firmly believe in Karma however. My doing good things will someday come back to me & the jerks will get what they dished out.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.250 ) at 12:30 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Jenglish
Gar: ... is the techie term for what you're experiencing. Take a close look at the owners manual for most Japanese products you may own & I'll bet you find at least two silly looking typos. My favorite was the owners manual for my Acura Legend. There are 12+ refs to "your sanroof"
Is your notebook giving you Kanji?
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.1 ) at 12:23 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
AVB
Gar: Why don't you upgrade the laptop to Win98. It's more stable than 95 IMHO anyway. Maybe then your Japanese language problem will go away.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.1 ) at 12:21 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
got the shopping done today
Curtis: That guy was certainly a d--k. It's one thing to get the last one, and another thing altogether to kick you when you were the person that gave him the directions.
Speaking of Christmas, it's 12:20 AM here and I've been wrapping presents with my wife since 9:30 PM. She just crashed and I'm finishing up. Damn, are my kids goind to be happy on Monday morning.
We watched American Pie together last night. I wasn't sure she'd like it. I haven't seen her laugh so hard at a movie in a long time.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.1 ) at 12:16 AM EST Sunday, December 24, 2000
Moving to Houston
Derb: Nope, there are 5 of us in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. So sorry.
Gar ( 169.207.194.224 ) at 11:15 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
9000ES Owners.
The upgrade software can be copied and all you need is the CD Key number and your good to go, tried this on my desktop and it worked.
Gar ( 169.207.194.224 ) at 11:13 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Houston we have a problem
Ron H: Ron , nice chatting with you on the phone, thanks for the info and have a great holiday.
Gar ( 169.207.194.224 ) at 11:12 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB
When I put the CD Rom in my laptop the menu comes up right away, on the top it says Sony AV-AMP Updater Ver.1.0 the rest of the screen should read Com 1 Com 2 and the baud rates on right hand side. It isn't Japannese it is binary form meaning if I put my mouse cursor on the wierd icons it says Port No.1 and so on, same with the right hand side if I put the cursor on the right side on the wierd icons it says choose communication speed. Since this Computer is used to input and output tons of data I think the computer is reading this software in binary form even the menu. This is a guess of course.
Rich ( 64.12.104.164 ) at 11:00 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
BOSE
Curtis, LOL
Ron H ( 63.26.164.228 ) at 10:42 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Houston we have a problem
I did have one more small peroblem related to the GrayHawk beta test. The GrayHawk screen was just enough larger than my original screen that I could not quite fill it all the way. This meant I had to move the Projector back. I moved it back about 15" and this would put it in the middle of the adjustment vs just about all the way zoomed out as I was before.
This meant getting in the attick to add on some 2x4s to secure the mounting plate to. All went well, I got the projector up with no problem. I hooked up the cables for the HDTV and the component feed with no problem. I then tried to plug in the S-video and it was a little difficult well one thing led to another and I boke off one of the pins. Now I have no standard Sat feed. I will have to borrow one from somewhere while I get this one repaired if it can be.
Gar ( 169.207.194.224 ) at 10:31 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB
Help!! hahahahaha I tried everything this damn laptop is outputing the Software in Japaneese, once I stick Disc in it goes right to the setup menu and it is in Japaneese. Go figure, looks like I migh have to move the Desktop downstairs for a few minutes. Oh well needs a cleaning anyway.
AVB ( 64.41.32.239 ) at 10:28 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
NJMike: You have it correct.
NJMike ( 141.150.204.61 ) at 9:55 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Can anyone confirm this for me...when wiring dual voice coils in parallel, I will connect the pos (+) to pos (+) and neg (-) to neg (-), correct? Sometimes the simple things escape you....
Gar ( 169.207.194.224 ) at 9:53 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
I am just wondering if I use the Laptop in Japaneese mode if it will affect anything in a different way?
Gar ( 169.207.194.224 ) at 9:52 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB 9000ES Upgrade
AVB: Won't run in my Laptop without going Japaneese, there has to be something on there causing it to do this, works perfectly fine on my Desktop. The Laptop has Windows 95 on it where the Desktop has Windows 98. The Laptop is a Toshiba Satellite Pro 4200, and is a company computer.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 9:29 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Tony C: I have heard the term "rents" also used by native Vermonters.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:14 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
got the shopping done today
Curtis: THat's what you get for waiting.
But I got yelled at by Mrs. C (not Claus) because the youngest wanted the Rocky movies. VHS would have been fine. But you can't find them anywhere.
Finally, I find a guy on ebay selling LDs. I figure if he doesn't want the LDs I can tape them. I send in the PayPal on the 17th, and I send him an email saying I need them for Christmas. He replies, no problem.
I get an email TODAY saying they shipped on the 21st. What a jerk.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.250 ) at 8:01 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
got the shopping done today
whew! Do you all have any idea how hard it is to find a good MP3 player? RickMTB will be glad to know my 1st choice was the Compaq Ipaq based on rave reviews. Here's all it took:
7am: to Fry's Palo Alto. Nothing but junk left. The salesdork checks and says they have no Ipaq's anywhere but will hold a Creative NomadII at their Sunnyvale store for me.
7:45am: to Fry's Sunnyvale. They have no idea what I'm talking about and have an even worse seletion that the P.A. store. "I'll check our computer for the other 2 stores for you ... yep, Campbell has 2 Nomads"
8:30am: at Fry's Campbell. Nope, nothing. Screw Fry's
9:30am: To Band new Best Buy in P.A, store I didn't even know existed. I asked about MP3's and the staff got a pretty good laugh. "Haven't seen them in weeks, you're dead but try the office megastores"
10 to 2: visit a half dozen OfficeMax type stores. Nothin' but junk.
2:30pm: getting desperate, I visit the last local Fry's & decide I have to have something under the tree for my son, he can exchange of get refund after Xmas. Get the crappy 32MB MP3 that the dude says I can pickup a 32MB card in their components dept. I go over there and the staff tells me they haven't been able to get memory cards for my brand for months - nobody can.
Another guy with his daughter was going through exactly the same nightmare that I was. They had been looking for hours without luck for exactly the same thing I was. The man said "I wish I had just bought the one I saw yesterday at CompUSA in Sacramento." He lives in Lake Tahoe and was spending Christmas with family in the Bay Area.
"Now why didn't I think of that store?", said I. "There's one just 2 miles up the road." I even gave the guy directions. I jump into my car with the turbo pumping and go straight to CompUSA. Guess who's standing there with the last Ipaq MP3 player in his hands? Yep, the guy from the last store and his daughter!
He was feeling very smug and just had to mention that there's a $50 rebate on the thing as well. He had no intention of letting me have it, so I bought the Nomad II (my 2nd choice) for $100 more than his box.
Bah humbug
Curtis ( 206.170.6.250 ) at 7:13 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
HTPC cont.
Wild Bill: Yes, I'm having major problems the past 2 days with hangs, non-posts & error messages on both notebook running IE and desktop with Nutscrape.
Derb ( 199.174.5.125 ) at 7:06 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Moving to Houston
Rich F: Welcome to Houston. Do we have a majority rule's in Houston? Might have to change this to the HHTOC
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.81 ) at 6:27 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Moving to Houston
Rich F: Congrats on the new opportunity here in Houston. I moved from the Bay Area (California) to Houston last May. Very happy here, despite the summer weather (hot, humid. Did I mention humid? BTW, its humid here). Let me know if there is anything I can help with (info about Houston, info on humidity, etc).
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.254 ) at 4:56 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
HTPC cont.
AVB: I use a 10ft VGA to 4BNC breakout cable and then a BNC to BNC cable from the Extron to the projector. I'm using a 4BNC because that's the version of the Extron that I purchased.
BTW, is anyone else having forum problems. Slow loads, can't post, won't reload, etc.?
Ron H ( 63.26.171.231 ) at 4:56 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Tony C: Whwen I was a kid I had lots ofg things I called my parents but rents was not one of them.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.231 ) at 4:54 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Greyhawk
Cytotech: I did have to take the Logo off the wall but I just love the screeen and its size. I will start shopping for some 16" stands to sit the
Logos on. It should just fit under the screen. I will be posting some more info on the screen this weekend.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.231 ) at 4:54 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Greyhawk
Cytotech: I did have to take the Logo off the wall but I just love the screeen and its size. I will start shopping for some 16" stands to sit the
Logos on. It should just fit under the screen. I will be posting some more info on the screen this weekend.
AVB ( 64.41.33.89 ) at 4:35 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Cinepro
Darian: The new prices are on the Cinepro site if you go to the order section. You're right though, if you just look at the product page they do have the old prices. They don't list an upgraded version of the 1K2 but there may be some dealers with the "old" price models in stock.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:21 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
What Kitten Wants....
It sure ain't BOSE!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:17 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Cinepro
As most of you know... we carry Cinepro here at work. About 2 weeks ago we get a referal from Cinepro. This is turely a rare thing. The last referal they gave us was the worst custome you could imagine.
I talked to the guy on the phone and he seemed like a nice enough person. He did have one strike against him from the word go. "I have Bose 901s and really like the sound of them." (At least it is a real sized speaker. HE was looking for a musical amp that owuld replace the bad match he had made with other brands. Finding out that he worked 3 blocks from my house my coworker told him to just stop by and listen to my rig. I was wartned that they guy was comming over.
He was absolutely floored by the 1k2se. He claimed it sounded much better than the 3k6seIII it was next to. He listened to a bunch of HDCDs on my 2.9s and EAD combo. Personally I thought the music was poorly mic'ed and pretty bad on the mixing. I convinced him to give Hotel California a listen... jaw dropped to the floor. "The image on that type of recording is incredible! But its a lot different then a life performance." Ahhh it is a live recording of the Eagles Hell Freezes Over tour. "Well I like the fuller effect of my Bose. The sound seems to come from everywhere." Well you do have 16 drivers per inclosure pointing every which-a-way. "Is there anything you can do on the price of this?" Thats really not my thing... you have tech issues I am your man. Wan't to haggel... talk to Joe. "Well one way or another I want to try this amp out on my speakers. I will pick it up next week."
Well a week goes by and there are about 15 calls between Cinepro, Joe, and this guy. The customer was less than pleased at the idea of Cinepro just increasing the price of the 1k2se without any changes. "Hey look at it this way... it is one of those rare pieces of HT gear that appertiates as it gets older!" After a few conversations with Cinepro about getting a new one, getting a MKIII, hell getting a straight answer... he decided not to buy the amp. He was very happy with my company but less than impressed with Cinepro as a company. Or so he told me. I doubt I will ever know what really happened with it but I can tell you this... HE WAS 100% SOLD ON THE AMP UNTILL HE TALKED WITH CINEPRO ABOUT THE WRONG PRICES ON THE WEBSITE AND NO SUCH THING AS A MKIII 1k2se!
"So what does that extra $300 buy me?" Ahh one that isn't broken in yet?
AVB ( 64.41.32.141 ) at 3:04 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB 9000ES Upgrade
Gar: I don't have the disk available to check as it is buried behind the stuff for my rebuild but try this. Shut down everything...complete power off on the PC. Start the PC and let it get to the normal desktop, then put the upgrade disk in. You should see a choice of what file you want. I don't remember if that is before or after the communication screen.
Gar ( 169.207.194.214 ) at 2:58 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB
I took the old version and loaded it on to this Toshiba and it does the samething goes to the Japaneese language and it doesn't even have one listed in the old program.
Gar ( 169.207.194.214 ) at 2:50 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB 9000ES Upgrade
AVB: I put it in the DVD Rom Drive on my Laptop and it automatically goes to Japaneese. On the Desktop it is fine?
AVB ( 64.41.32.141 ) at 2:32 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB 9000ES Upgrade
Gar: Make sure you are selecting the correct file. It has both English and Japanese on the disk.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.66 ) at 2:22 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
BOSE
Rich: Several women have commented how attractive and smallish my Para Refrs look. They're less than half the size of my old DefTech BP-2000's and sound better. Cheaper than what they replaced too 'cause I didn't have to buy an amp (well not for the front 3 speakers at least)
Of course nothing looks too large next to a TW65! Some girls seem to have a problem with the monolith in my living room. "Gee, and to think I was really beginning to like you ... next girl please"
Gar ( 169.207.193.43 ) at 1:33 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB 9000ES Upgrade
AVB: well for some weird reason, it reads out Japaneese on my laptop, but in perfect english on my Desktop? Can't figure this one out?
Gar ( 169.207.194.6 ) at 1:04 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
AVB 9000ES Upgrade
Don't know about you but this software is in Japaneese? This should make things interesting...... Doh!
Rich ( 152.163.207.84 ) at 1:01 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
BOSE
Tony C/Big Al/Kieran, u guys r right, Bose will always have it's appeal, When have u ever seen your speakers advertized on tv? And speaking of the WAF my wife loves our HT but i don't think she would be upset if our large towers were a little bit smaller. i think my biggest complaint is their price structure, If the Lifestyle's were priced competivaly with all the other HT's in a box (cuz thats what they are) instead of a high end system that defies the law of physics then people in the know (us) would probobly be less critical because the rule you get what you pay for would apply. My $300 PC speakers will easily out perform the Bose Cubes... It's a shame so many people are throwing $$$ away...
Curtis ( 206.170.6.66 ) at 12:44 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
no it was only 3 moves this year. Felt more like 10
Rich ( 152.163.207.72 ) at 12:15 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Big Al, LOL !!
Rich ( 152.163.207.72 ) at 12:14 PM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Rich F, Congrats!! looks like you'll be hanging out with Ron instead of me, but i know u Lex guys gotta stick together
Curtis ( 206.170.6.66 ) at 10:57 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Moving to Houston
Rich F: 2000 has been a crazy year here too. Ended up moving 4 times within 6 months. Don't let anybody tell you that the big TW Toshiba RP's don't travel well. Good luck with your new gig in Houston.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:28 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
In an earlier post, Curtis uses the term 'rents in place of the word "parents". Curtis is from Chicago.
I used that term ('rents) all the time as a kid. Is that a midwest term only or has anyone else used that slang. Just wondering.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:24 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Bose
Wild Bill: Now you know what women want....Bose.
It is interesting isn't it that my brothers wife insisted on Bose and my brother-in-law blames my sister for buying Bose. Kieran's friends mom bought the system for dad. And so it goes.
I think it's wonderful that women like small things...
Cytotech ( 4.16.74.1 ) at 9:54 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Greyhawk
Ron H: Well... can't blame a guy for trying! Actually, I thought this screen was too tall, causing you to have to dismount your Logo from the wall. Wasn't that correct? That's why I thought you might be jonesing for a slightly shorter Greyhawk. How about another update?
Ron H ( 63.26.171.95 ) at 9:51 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Moving to Houston
Rich F: It seems there is a steady move of HTOC members to Houston. You are the third one in about six months. It is great to have another Lex owner nearby. Also another daring soul who uses Martin logans for HT. That makes three of us here that are using MLs for HT (Derb, you and myself).
You have mail.
AVB ( 64.41.32.133 ) at 9:50 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
HTPC cont.
Wild Bill: What are you using to connect to the FP from the HTPC. Do you have a long VGA to BNC cable or a short one to the switchbox and then a longer BNC to BNC to the FP?
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.129 ) at 9:39 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
I just realized that Rich and I did the same thing. Dot.Com is a bit redundant, isn't it? I guess it should simply be dotcom.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.129 ) at 9:38 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Moving to Houston
Rich F: Congrats on your new opportunity. I hope it works out for you. I've heard grumblings about a "corporate restructuring" in my company. It is supposed to happen right after the ist of the year and the sales staff is rumored to be involved. Dot.Com doesn't seem to be a great place to work starting the (real) new millenium.
Rich F ( 165.247.19.11 ) at 9:04 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Ron H
You have mail.
Rich F ( 165.247.19.11 ) at 8:54 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Moving to Houston
Hi all. It has been a crazy year for me. I lost 2 jobs, one went out of business and the other - a dot.com - changed strategies and cut the business unit. I got offered 3 jobs and was on my way to start one in Boston with a stop in NY when some Venture Capital guys there made me a stronger offer in Houston. On the first day of the new millennium I will start my drive to my new life in the Texas. I hope to meet Ron H when I get there and any other locals.
On the HT front I got a neat switching device from Xantech that allowed me to convert a constant signal from the Lexicon, or any other power switch box, to my Proceed Amps which have a pulse remote switch. With this capability I could finally have a single turn on switch so I bought a Pronto. I can now sit my very lazy butt in the sofa and be entertained with a single push of the Pronto. I found out about it on the SMR forum thanks to Nigel Pond.
JBC: That was an excellant list of info on the MC1. I think it is an awesome unit and the SMR Forum was one of the big reasons I chose the Lex. I have not had a single moment of second guessing that decision and it has been a spectacular unit.
Happy Birthday to all those I missed while I was away.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.30 ) at 7:00 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Cytotech: I am sorry to say but the GrayHawk screen will be staying screen will be staying. I will have two other screens for sale at a very good price.
AVB ( 64.41.32.23 ) at 6:17 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Cinepro
JBC: As I said, Eric knew that I would be sending in the amp to get the faceplate and trigger upgrade as long as it was in for repair. He told me that he would try to ship it out back to me by the 20th of January so I could have it in time for the Super Bowl.
Kieran ( 172.152.234.183 ) at 2:09 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
hdtv on kqed
Curtis: I'm sure you get the newsletter from kqed, but I just wanted to say that, if you haven't seen "Boenhoffer: Agent of Grace" already, don't miss it. I saw it in digital widescreen when I lived down south, and it's a great movie. It's playing on 1/14.
Kieran ( 172.152.234.183 ) at 1:45 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
BOSE
Another interesting thing about Bose... they never mention specifications! No where can you see how much power their systems supply, no where do they mention frequency response of their speakers... Just amazing what people will buy into. I think the only place I've ever seen the frequency response of a Bose speaker is in a magazine review.
Kieran ( 172.152.234.183 ) at 1:41 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
BOSE
Curtis: Actually, my friend didn't buy them for his parents, his Mom bought them for his Dad. So, I was fairly straigh up with my friend, and made him promise me that when HE is ready to buy A/V stuff, that he let me help him.
Yeah, I know that Bose is all about marketing. And, I know that this system will do fine for his parents. It still bugs me though. For $1600, they got the 5 dual cubes, one bass module, and the little Lifestyle cd player/receiver. For less than $1600, I got my Dad his Yamaha 595 receiver, Energy Take5+es8 speakers, and a Sony dvps300 dvd player. SIGH... they could have done so much better than BOSE!!!
Anyhooo... anybody know what the deal is with the "digital 5.1" decoding on the Lifestyle system? I went to the web site, and there's NO information on what it is... I assume that it acually can decode Dolby Digital 5.1, at least that's what they implied, but they never used the word "Dolby" so I'm assuming it is some sort of proprietary system they've got. Can it accept the ac-3 digital output from a dvd player?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.191 ) at 12:45 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
bad keybord! Try SUN stock & today
Curtis ( 206.170.6.191 ) at 12:36 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
stock uppers
Certainly glad I didn't sell my Sin yesterdat. Up 18% taday. Should have bought more. Damn, I have to remember my dads advice "buy low, sell high" I keep getting it backwards!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.191 ) at 12:19 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
BOSE
Kieran: It's all about what they call in the dot-com biz, Branding. It doesn't matter that Bose speakers suck. Most people have the perspective that Bose is the best because they don't know any better and Bose does a great job of marketing their name. Most folks do not dig deep into what sounds the best the way that we do. Don't believe it? What's the ultimate sound system available on most luxury cars/ SUV's?
Your friend probably thought you would be very impressed with the stuff he bought for his 'rents. Good job of biting your tongue. The older I get, the less BS I'm willing to put up with. I would have told him to get his money back and get smart.
Gar ( 169.207.192.92 ) at 12:03 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
9000ES Upgrade time
Well just loading the software onto the laptop as I write this. Will upload
the new software an give the system a good go around in the morning.
Gar ( 169.207.192.92 ) at 12:01 AM EST Saturday, December 23, 2000
Big Al: good one nothing like good old Conditioning. Wife does that to me, excuse me please put toilet seat up when you pee, glady, but could you put it up after you pee then I will put it down....hahahahaha
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.42 ) at 11:31 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
The Bose cubes are good for one thing, and that's getting an uninitiated wife used to the idea of speakers in the living room. My scenerio went like this. "I'd like to put a surround system upstairs." "No way are you putting those huge speakers in my living room!" "How about these little tiny cubes?" "Oh, those would be alright." Upgrade time a few months later, "Dear, I'd like to put larger speakers in the front for music. You like loud classical, and they'd be better for that. I'll leave the tiny cubes in back." "No way! No big speakers!" "How about these skinny towers? I'll put them right up against the TV, and you'll hardly notice them" "Ok, they're not bad, and they sound really good." After inching them out little by little over time, upgrade time. "Dear, I'd like to get a bigger center channel." and so on, and so on. I now have 4 towers, a huge center, an enormous sub, tactile transducers, and a big screen, all in "her" living room. I've taken over the entire entertainment center, and not one complaint from her. She doesn't even notice the couch inching out away from the back wall, little by little.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.42 ) at 11:16 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
BOSE
Kieran, TonyC; When Bose first came out with the little cubes, there was nothing like them on the market. They were marketed towards the segment of people that like their audio systems heard and not seen. At this they were great. The problem is there are huge holes in their frequency response. On their own they sound good at best. Compare them to larger speakers, and they sound terrible. Now there are quite a few competitors with little cubes, but none advertise like Bose. The unwashed masses don't even know about the others. I probably have 2 to 3 people a week ask me about the Bose Wave radio. They want it, till they hear the price. Bose never advertises that. Friends of mine took a tour of the factory down south somewhere. There was a demo room that was quite large, about 75-100 seats. There were no speakers visible. They start playing music at very high levels, for quite a while. Then they reveal the speakers, about 10 of the little cubes. The audience is in awe. Of course they don't show the 10 bass modules, or tell them how much power is driving them. My friends told me about the demo, and knowing how much I'm into audio, thought these were speakers I just had to hear. If they were looking for speakers, I'm sure they would've bought them on the spot, and bragged about them to everyone.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:09 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
AVB: Just out of curiosity, did you get a different story from Cinepro? When is your amp coming back?
Wild Bill ( 206.215.14.132 ) at 9:45 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
What Women Want
I scored points by taking my wife to see this movie this afternoon. It's definitely a chick flick. I still don't know what they want.
Wild Bill ( 206.215.14.132 ) at 9:35 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
BOSE
Kieran: I set one up for a guy that moved and had no clue how to do the setup. I charged $150 for about 2 hours work. It sounds OK for what it is. The setup is quite simple and it comes with oversized diagrams and everything is color-coded. RTFM, because to get 5.1 sound you have to make a couple of changes. It's all in the manual. Oh, earmuffs help.
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.8 ) at 8:55 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Civilizing the Beast
AVB: Want some sauce with that spaghetti??
AVB ( 64.41.32.239 ) at 8:14 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Civilizing the Beast
Spent all day taking apart the armoire, cutting a giant hole on the back of it, bracing the supports, and getting it ready for whenever the rack rails show up. I dread the thought of disconnecting the entire system and putting back together again.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 7:47 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Gar: Good move. Glad you're happy.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 7:45 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
BOSE
Kieran: I am embarassed to say that both my brother and sister have the Bose system..Not the elctronics, just the speakers.
Here's the deal for them. You see, you have to go by their point of reference. If you saw my post below, you know that my brother-in-law was blown away by my system. But if they don't have anything or have real bad set ups, then what ever they get will be an improvement.
Bose, is expensive, therefore it must be good.
That's the logic you're dealing with. You can't get around it and you can't change their minds.
I set up my brothers system. It's real easy. It's like a propriatory computer where the components MUST go together. All the cables (speaker wires with RCA plugs) come with the unit. If you need something longer, you will have to improvise. But I found that I had plenty of wire to deal with and sometimes, too much.
The speaker outs go to the bass module and the speakers run off of that. Once you get it all hooked up, you just calibrate them like you would any other speaker system. BUT, here's what I don't get.
How do you point those little cubes. I mean they move! And there is no direction or philosophy on why or how they would work best in your room by pointing them this way or that! What a scam.
I drilled holes and ran wire under floors and set up stands,and I was still finished in 2 hours.
ONce you get them set up, you'll listen and you'll say "not bad".
But you will also tell them that they paid to much. But it doesn't matter, because the got THE BEST!
Kieran ( 172.140.31.59 ) at 7:02 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
BOSE
Well, it has to happen to every HT afficianado eventually, and it just happened to me.
I was visiting a good friend of my today. Knowing my enthusiasm for HT, he was eager to show me what his Mom had bought for his Dad for Christmas. He was keeping it at his place so his Dad wouldn't find it. Out from his closet he pulled a Bose Lifestyle 12 sound system. I was speachless, but only because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. Eventually, I told him that while I'm sure his parents would enjoy this system, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about it, because I'm not a fan of Bose stuff. He asked why, and I told him, that, "well, it's not that Bose stuff really sucks (liying through my teeth), it's more that they are just so overpriced for what you get." So, I wasn't totally liying. Anyway, I told him that if he wanted help seting it up for his parents on Christmas afternoon, I'd be happy to stop by. I'm actually curious to set it up and listen to it, as I've never actually heard one of these Bose cube systems in a home before.
I'm not even going to try to tell them that they should get something else, or that I could get them a better system for less money. I told my friend as much (in not the same words) and made him promise that if/when he's ready to buy home theater gear of any sort, to let me help him.
So, anybody have any experience setting one of these systems up? Any suggestions/anecdotes/etc.?
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.177 ) at 6:23 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Gar: Back to flaws.... I ABSOLUTELY would have done the same as you. I like to get the most and best for my money. Certain things are forgiveable, but yours haven't been, IMO. I stand behind you 100%. I was just lucky with the LCD screen on my Pioneer portable DVD player.
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.177 ) at 6:21 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Gar: Speaking of Ron and his screen dilemma.... when they go public with the screens, if he needs a different size, I would be glad to talk with him about purchasing HIS screen. Especially since that is the size I am looking for(of course, I have to get into the house first... )
You listening RON?
Gar ( 169.207.194.79 ) at 6:14 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Cytotech: I have had very little problems for all the gear I have had over the years. It's easy to find flaws when your a Cytotech or a Techead like myself. I am sure we have all had some problem somewhere, Ron and his screen delema, Darian blowing up a Sub, Wild Bills CRT needing a facelift etc... Haven't had any major ones to worry about, most of the ones that I have had where very quick fixes.. Also I believe in using the new Toys, no good to me in boxes.
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.177 ) at 5:56 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Gar: Oh yeah... forgot the
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.177 ) at 5:54 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Gar: Cool. Hey! You know, with the problems you've had, perhaps that's why Rich keeps all his new HT toys IN THE BOXES! Maybe he can't bear to find flaws! Just a thought. LOL.
Gar ( 169.207.194.164 ) at 5:27 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Hey Tony. Got a new Nikon Sent to me via FedEx, and no pixel problems on the screen. Very good company to deal with so far, that being bhphotovideo.com/ Great prices also..
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:50 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Forgot to say that I had my brother-in-law down to check out the system last night and he was really impressed. My sister and family came in from N.J. My sister made him buy the Bose system, and I"ve been giving him shit for it ever since. Finally got to prove my point.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:48 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Titan A.E.
Just finished watching this movie.
It's animated with 2D and 3D mixed together.
The story is hoky, the animation is cool at times.
BUT! The 5.1 affects are some of the best I've heard. Furthermore, the LFE is awesome. What a workout for your sub.
I have to take apart my 8mm deck. Popped a tape in last night and it ate it. Gotta pull it out of the rack and take it apart. What a drag.
Kieran ( 172.136.91.243 ) at 3:34 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
What I want for Christmas
That McLaren F1 auction is almost over... 20 minutes
Ron H ( 63.26.163.68 ) at 2:31 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
JBC Sounds like you made a smart move on the Cisco. I can not believe Cinepro is so late. It has been two months since we talked about me picking it up.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 1:51 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Ron H, AVB: I just received an e-mail indicating that the faceplates are at least one week away. I hate to admit but Cinepro has really missed the boat on delivery of the new cosmetics.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.20 ) at 1:05 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Sorry
Gar: Yep.
Gar ( 169.207.194.71 ) at 12:20 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Sorry
Anyone else having problems logging on?
Gar ( 169.207.194.71 ) at 12:20 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Rotel Amps
Well I am very impressed with this Amp I picked up used, needed a Amp this week for the relatives that our coming into town and I wanted my HT system up and running. A Anthem Amp I just ordered won't be here till sometime after christmas, so I picked up a Rotel RB-976, it can do 6/5/4/3 channels depending on configuration. It will do 150Wpc x 3 or 60wpc X 6 and so on.
Has level adjustments on front, so far this thing sounds excellent, picked it up used for $315.00. Also another great application is running sound to all parts of your house. Here is the info Link>>> http://www.rotel.com/html/rb976mk2.html
Gar ( 169.207.194.71 ) at 12:15 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Rotel Amps
Well I am very impressed with this Amp I picked up used, needed a Amp this week for the relatives that our coming into town and I wanted my HT system up and running. A Anthem Amp I just ordered won't be here till sometime after christmas, so I picked up a Rotel RB-976, it can do 6/5/4/3 channels depending on configuration. It will do 150Wpc x 3 or 60wpc X 6 and so on.
Has level adjustments on front, so far this thing sound excellent, picked it up used for $315.00. Also another great application is running sound to all parts of your house. Here is the info Link>>> http://www.rotel.com/html/rb976mk2.html
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 12:08 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Ron H: Not only did I hang on but I picked up another 150.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.201 ) at 12:01 PM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
JBC: Did you hang onto your Cisco? I bought 100 shares first thing Thursday. Needless to say my timeing at this point seems great. Lets hope the rebound continues.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.201 ) at 11:56 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
SE7EN (Seven)
ScottVeirs: Great movie. It is a must to own.
NJMike ( 141.150.203.90 ) at 11:39 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
SE7EN (Seven)
ScottVeirs: Se7en is OUTSTANDING....anyone who doesn't like this movie just does not appreciate the acting talents of Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman and last but certainly not least....Brad Pitt! This is a must own DVD IMO.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 11:35 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Ron H: Yiiiiiikes! IBM up $8. The market is flying. People must be drinking too much egg nog! As an aside, do you have any new DVDs to trade as you are "up three"?
SCottVeirs:} I would have to agree with Chris L... it is a great flick.
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.74 ) at 11:19 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
SE7EN (Seven)
ScottVeirs: Seven is one of my all time favorite movies. Scary as hell too. It's surprising to me that everyone hasn't seen it.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 11:17 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
SE7EN (Seven)
Anyone heard of this movie? I keep seeing posts about it on DVDFile.com:
Description - The most viscerally frightening and disturbing homicidal maniac picture since The Silence of the Lambs, Seven is based on an idea that's both gruesome and ingenious. A serial killer forces each of his victims to die by acting out one of the seven deadly sins. The murder scene is then artfully arranged into a grotesque tableau, a graphic illustration of each mortal vice. From the jittery opening credits to the horrifying (and seemingly inescapable) concluding twist, director David Fincher immerses us in a murky urban twilight where everything seems to be rotting, rusting, or molding; the air is cold and heavy with dread. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt are the detectives who skillfully track down the killer--all the while unaware that he has been closing in on them, as well. Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey are also featured, but it is director Fincher and the ominous, overwhelmingly oppressive atmosphere of doom that he creates that are the real stars of the film. It's a terrific date movie--for vampires.
Sounds good, just wondering if anyon has seen it.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 10:23 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Civilizing the Beast
AVB: As Ron H says, welcome to married bliss. Just to prepare you for the future... "Gee, why do we have to have all those ugly fat wires running all over the place?" "I don't care about the sound... I don't want those speakers boxes out in the middle of the room." "Please turn down the stereo, the baby is asleep." AVB, I hate to say it, start looking for a new hobby...
NJMike ( 141.150.203.90 ) at 10:12 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Shorting Amp Channels
I "fat fingered" wiring up a new sub last night and some wires shorted on the left amp channel, now the yellow clipping lamp is blinking and the thermal protection lamp is blinking along with it. Anyone have Adcom amps and want to offer a course of action? I can't find my manual and have yet to call Adcom.
Gar ( 169.207.194.56 ) at 9:36 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Civilizing the Beast
AVB:Do I know what your going through. Had to do the samething Armoires
are a royal pain in the (|) when it comes to equipment. Also is it me or is the site loading very very slowly?
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 9:20 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
B.D.: Early versions of the 3108 (which I also have) had to have a upgrade to handle seamless branching, at this point it is probably easier to buy a new player if that is your problem.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.124 ) at 8:55 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Civilizing the Beast
AVB: welcome to married life.
AVB ( 64.41.32.233 ) at 8:31 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Civilizing the Beast
For years I've had equipment mounted in braced relay racks. Now The AVBabe thinks that it doesn't look as good as it should so she has decided to take my giant armoire and load everything in that. Of course, I get to do all of the work to do this. Rack rails are on order, wood for extra support, screw covers for the rack screws, corner braces and I have to take the thing apart to modify it to do all of this. It's gonna be a long Xmas holiday.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.147 ) at 7:47 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
VAMPS=VMPS
LOL
I would not mind having a VAMP arrive at the house for the week I am off. Nicky may have other thoughts.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.147 ) at 7:11 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
R&R
Good Morning all. Other than going in for a few hours on tuesday I am off work till the 2nd. Lots of HT play time ahead for me.
With the GrayHawk screen review and the upcoming arrival of the VAMPS sub I am looking forward to the play time away from the office. Oh and Christmas is mixed in this time off also.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:29 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
Good morning gang.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.39 ) at 3:48 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
B.D.: I have a Toshiba 5108 and it has no problem with those discs. I have not heard of any compatability problems with them but ......
B.D. ( 158.252.141.200 ) at 1:19 AM EST Friday, December 22, 2000
I have a Toshiba 3108 DVD player. Just got Alien and Gladiator, neither one will load and cause the machine to hang up! ANY ideas????
Gar ( 169.207.194.243 ) at 11:12 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wisconsin Governor Goes to the White House.
Gar: Double Doh! I give up.. Can you say hooked on phonics......
Gar ( 169.207.194.243 ) at 11:12 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wisconsin Governor Goes to the White House.
Gar: DOH! That is "Be ont Been"
Gar ( 169.207.194.243 ) at 11:11 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Under the tree???
Darian: Ah, lets see? How about the new Sony Progressive DVD Player? Or
a new Lexicon MC-1 or Gabrielle Reece naked on a beach in St.Lucia serving more than just here killer sets. A Dream, but what a good one.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:08 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
John O: There is no doubt that the Pronto is sweeeeeeeeeet. Unless you have the $$$ or the luck I had (for once in my life) it is the best thing under the sun save for a Crestron!
Gar ( 169.207.194.243 ) at 11:08 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wisconsin Governor Goes to the White House.
He's been a pretty good Governor for us, but guess what? He makes Clinton look like a Saint! Hopefully he won't been in too much of the public eye, because if the Media gets ahold of his personal life it is going to be along 4 years....
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:07 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Under the tree???
Ok boys, with in reason, what would you like to find under your tree (HT RELATED YOU SICKOS!) Monday morning. Or what is it you plan to get with your holiday cash?
Gar ( 169.207.194.243 ) at 11:04 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian, good point.. I guess there sales are bad and Technics and Panasonic are offer big rebates. $100 on the Technics player and $75 on the Panasonic
DV-7.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 10:57 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Gar: I was just about to point that out. I noticed it has a MSRP of $1000. At $375 for a unit that is a deal any way you look at it! Plus you could get an iScan for it amd make it progressive!
Gar ( 169.207.194.179 ) at 10:43 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Doh! The DVD-A7 will not do progressive scan..... Bummer.
Gar ( 169.207.194.179 ) at 10:35 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Panasonic DVD-A7
J&R quoted me $450 for the unit that is progressive and plays DVD Audio. They Also have a $75 dollar rebate, not bad for $375
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.156 ) at 10:35 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis; e-mail headed your way. By the way, in OK. "ladies" = sheep
(sorry Scott, JK no self control)
Curtis ( 206.170.6.84 ) at 10:34 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
.. and AVBabe can't go for a ride because it's a one-seater, in the center.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.84 ) at 10:29 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
What I want for Christmas
AVB: Things are tough all over, huh? Ask the seller if the last owner was named Elon Musk of Palo Alto, founder Zip2 and X.Com. I know he had one - how many can there be in the SF area?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.84 ) at 10:25 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Bay Area Stables
cai: Ah yes, Walnut Creek. It's due east from SF (the north of part threw me off). I hardly ever get over there. That entire area has been built out like crazy in the last 20 years. The stables may well be gone today.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 10:21 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Early this Year I did some work for TaraLabs out in Oregon. The President of the company had me up to his house. He has his own stables on the property and a dresage(sp) instructor flown in once a month. He is big time into horses with a staff that lives there. I think there were 4 horses. I like animals but not ones that can hurt me without meaning too. I shyed away from his horses.
While I was at the facilites they left me in TaraLabs all by my lonesome to work on the computer. I was sitting above the manufacturing plant. I think they have since moved manufacturing to another facility. When noone was around I had to run down there and check it all out. Man was I tempted to grab some stuff. I could just imagine the scene at the airport. It would be like in the Matrix when they ask him to remove any metalic objects. Open my coat and KiloBuck cales would be dangeling all over the inside!
I also snuck a peak at the Zero. This was a $10,000 a 1 meter pair interconnect. I couldn't believe it. The cable was not yet in production and the prototype was in a hardened travel case. They told me they already had orders for 50 pair of those! $10,000 for one pair??? DD and dts anyone??? OUCH!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 10:14 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Be The Ball
Wild Bill: A picture of a 15 year old girl with a tennis ball kissing her butt? Nah, I can't think of a wife in the world that would mind!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 10:13 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JohnO:
Pronto TSU-2000
The latest Pronto with 2MB
(Twice!) the memory PLUS an
internal universal manufacturer
IR code database!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.84 ) at 10:11 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: I did checkout the auction site.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 10:10 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Bay Area Stables
Curtis: I think that the place where I went riding was in Walnut Creek. All I remember is an area that had lots of trees, brooks, and grass, as opposed to desert like features. It also had a cross country trail with natural water and fence obstacles for jumping. I found the place in the yellow pages. Mind you this was back in 1980 or 1981.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 10:06 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JohnO: I sent you an email about Prontos. We will be getting some in on the 28th according to our reps.
Wild Bill ( 205.187.255.137 ) at 10:01 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Be The Ball
Kieran AKA PaddyWarbucks: You should see the wallpaper on my monitor now. Do you think my wife will mind?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 9:55 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
What I want for Christmas
AVB: Of course, we all know that you don't want that for driving... you're going to just park it and put a brick on the accellerator (to 7600 rpm) so you can supply 467,600 W of power to your HT!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 9:51 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
What I want for Christmas
AVB: DAMN!!! I can't believe that there are actually 20 bids on that thing!!! Impressive indeed. I'm surprised the lateral g-loading is only .86 g. I think a LOWLY Corvette can out-do that. I know an Acura NSX can. Not that .86 g isn't good, I just thought that the F1 would be better.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 9:45 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Progressive DVD players
For those interested, this is a very informative thread, over at htf:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/Forum14/HTML/028925.html
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.211 ) at 9:07 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran AKA PaddyWarbucks: Now that's what I call a LUCKY ball...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.211 ) at 9:04 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Unix boxes / what are ladies?
Curtis: 2) This is a lady http://www.ixpres.com/ffforvm/anna/ak-si1.jpg
Oh, you mean a picture of a curvy thing on the computer screen? I know about that... Or is it something other than a computer screen?
JohnO ( 128.190.9.22 ) at 9:04 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Pronto's
Gar: Thanks, this is for another coworker. Anyone know how much different the new pronto is from the old?
AVB ( 64.41.33.168 ) at 8:56 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
What I want for Christmas
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=525185349
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:48 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: Did you check out the web site for the car auction? I think you might not have, seeing as how the auction is the day we just agreed to get together. Were you planning on checking out that auction, or not? They occur the first Saturday of every month.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:45 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
VCD Playback
Wild Bill: In case you missed it... the green "paddy" part of the name was a play-on-words at my Irish heritage.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.192 ) at 8:41 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
VCD Playback
Kieran AKA DaddyWarbucks: I still have my Toshiba 3109 and a 1st generation Marantz DD player. I think the Marantz is based on the 3106 chassis. I'll give them a try. Thanks for the suggestions.
Kieran AKA PaddyWarbucks ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:18 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: Oh, the VRE's a loaner? Good... I feel less guilty now!
Others: BE the ball...
http://www.ixpres.com/ffforvm/anna/ak-si2.jpg
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 8:14 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
... and yes, I have all 3 IJ movies on LD. Don't return those and you're dead. The weekend of 1/6 looks open at this point. Let's get together then.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 8:12 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: Now when did I ever say the VRE was a freebie? You're going to work off all this stuff by helping me find a barely used car at a great price. Even if I can afford a new one, who wants to wait 3 months for them to build one, then have to pay an extra $1,300 in luxury tax?
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.28 ) at 8:11 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Anna Kornikova
Curtis:Do another Lude! Remember,it's her portfolio,not her tennis.
Kieran AKA PaddyWarbucks ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:07 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
VCD Playback
Wild Bill: LOL! I wish I could live up to the name!
Re. the VCDs... I'm stumped. Almost any dvd player should be able to play VCD's. It's just an MPEG1 movie file. It should be especially easy to play on a computer.... I've never tried it, but I thought most media player software could play VCDs. Do you still have a stand alone DVD player to try it on, or do you only have the dvd drive in the HTPC.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:02 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: Hey dude, I'm in no position to complain! Ship it whenever you get a chance, alright? No worries. And thanks for the VRE thingy too! Damn, dude, with all these gifts I'm gonna really owe you! You're not part of the witness protection plan, are you? Did you used to go by the name of Vinny and make a habit of wearing five-fingered rings?
re. you son w/ 2 girls... HMMMM.... like father like son? So, what about the weekend of 1/6/00? Feel like having an HT get together?
BTW, you mentioned if I wanted to borrow any LDs... do you have Raiders and/or Indy3 on LD? Wouldn't mind watching those in widescreen.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.192 ) at 7:52 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
VCD Playback
Kieran: You rich young engineer you! LOL!
My new neighbors are from South Africa and they have an extensive collection of VCDs. I borrowed one but it won't play on the HTPC. I haven't tried it through a regular CD-ROM yet. How do I get it to play or what do I need to get it to play. I wanted to compare the video and sound quality to DVD. These are not bootlegs (AFAIK). The families last post was in Kuala Lumpur. TIA.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 7:46 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Unix boxes / what are ladies?
Scott "popcorn":
1) I'll keep my eyes out. My SGI's were being thrown away for no good reason.
2) This is a lady http://www.ixpres.com/ffforvm/anna/ak-si1.jpg
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 7:38 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Cable HDTV in Houston
Ron H:
I thought I'd copy/paste this from one of the HD newsgroups from a guy who actually has HD up & running in Houston:
Posted by Kabong in Houston at alt.tv.tech.hdtv ===>
"Okay, got my HD converter in from the nice folks at Time Warner. A few things I found out:
The coax digital input needed a little fiddling, and still is twitchy. "Basic broadcast" stations never get to it, so you also need an analog
audio output connected to whatever you're using for sound. The cable box needed to be set to "advanced audio" before it worked at all.
The box has selectable output modes (rgbhv & component), as well as a format selection switch - 480p, 720p, 1080i, and native. The
latter setting means "my studly HDTV can handle any format you can throw at it".
"regular" cable:
All of it gets upconverted to whatever format you select. It looks pretty good to me. Compared side-by-side with DirecTV (standard, not
HD - didn't want to spring for the new box) the cable is significantly sharper and more detailed, with fewer noticeable artifacts. Only
problem is that my set won't let me tweak with stretched/zoomed formats when in 1080i mode - so I can't blow up 4x3 pictures to fill up
the screen. I'm tough to please.
HDTV:
The colors sometimes seem just a touch "off". Sometimes it seems like there's too much green. Other times, too much red. Not enough to
really be noticable, but it just seems a little inconsistent. I'm using a Mits 65" diamond set.
Pictures are VERY nice. Just watched part of "Tuskeegee Airmen" on HBO, and it looked NICE. I was kinda holding onto the seat extra
tight during some of the action sequences. Motion is smooth, very little in the way of artifacts, aside from a bit that looks like signal
noise now and then.
When you select an HD channel, there's about a five-second delay before the picture locks in, and the sound usually arrives a bit later,
usually when it's an AC3 track.
Programming, here in Houston, is Fox, CBS (most of the time runs a bunch of HD demo material), ABC (supposedly - all I've seen is "please
wait, this station will be on momentarily"), and PBS (listed in TW's guide, but I can't tune it in??). Premium channels are HBO and HBOW,
SHO and SHO west.
Fox broadcasts with bars at the sides. This will likely continue until the first local fox exec has to shell out $2 grand to replace the tubes
in his own set. CBS has a big "KHOU-HD" logo on the top left - the same one you've seen burned into the demo sets of Best Buy. ABC,
well, I haven't seem them broadcast anything yet. Ditto PBS.
The guys who set it up for me did a great job, were really helpful about hooking it up and running cable through my nightmarish attic
without complaint. They mentioned that they've been hooking these boxes up as fast as they can get from one customer to the next.
Altogether, I'm pretty happy. I'd like to see them getting the two "lost" stations back on, and MEMO TO CBS AND FOX: REPLACEMENT
CRT'S ARE EXPENSIVE. GET THOSE DAMN LOGOS OFF THE SCREEN. /soapbox."
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.211 ) at 7:28 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Curtis: I can't really afford one, but hey, if you can find some older official Unix beast for cheap, I could use one as a file/net server... I've been eyeing som Sun Sparcs at the 4th saturday meet the past few months, but even $350 is out of budget for me for such a device (they've also had a couple of Dec Alphas and a Sun Java Box...) oh well, I guess one can dream, eh?
hmmm... Tell your son to pass the other girl to me (re: what are "ladies" post )
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 7:15 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Sports subcultures & fatherly advice
RickMTB & Kieran: One of the reasons I enjoy tennis so much is that unless you're a pro, it doesn't take over your whole life as some competitive team sports can. Everyone plays up or down to their competition. When the match is over most people just go about normal/ healthy lives.
Speaking of tennis. My 22 year-old son has a real problem. He currently has 2 girlfriends. Worse, they live about 2 blocks apart from each other in SF. He has decided that he can't handle the stress of 2 girls any longer and plans to say goodbye to the one that I PREFER! Why? She's a ranked pro tennis player who has recently returned to Stanford to complete her undergrad work. One of her better friends on the tour was Anna Kornikova. She always visits my son's GF when she's in town.
"Could you hold off on this breakup thing til Anna can come over for dinner along with my tennis pals who will surely have heart attacks on the spot. Maybe we could hit a few balls with her?
There I go with the name thing again. All true I swear.
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.112 ) at 7:10 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.112 ) at 7:09 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wild Billette
Curtis: LOL!!!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 7:06 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
PBS HD Nova
RGB: I love macrophotography. Thanks for the tip, I'll look for that LD.
I mean the image on the Nova show was better than looking through the veiwfind of a megabuck Hasselblad. More like viewing a 2 1/4" format slide shown through a Leitz lens - but everything was moving in this show.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 7:02 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wild Billette
Wild Bill: I'm sure your HTPC looks great. You're quite right though - she's gonna die when she sees a good HD feed. Next big event is all AFC playoff games followed by Super Bowl XXXIIIVVVCCC!
cai's right, I'm no math major. I make up big numbers for the sheer drama.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 6:58 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Scott "popcorn": Yes sir, count 'em. Also tossed in a few brand new spare H-P 9GB SCSI drives. To be fair both systems were headless. I had a Sony GDMSE2 in the garage that looks great on them. Same monitor SGI rebadges with their name & that cute crhome cube logo.
What, you want me to try to find you one?
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.82 ) at 6:56 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
BC: What resolutions will your Toshiba display? You're more limited with an RPTV because you can't just decide what resolution to display. You're stuck with the resolutions that it will accept. I believe you still have a few choices. 540p comes to mind. If it will do 1080i then it will do 540p because the timings are exactly the same.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.254 ) at 6:50 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: "good TeeVee's like my Tosh tw40h80 perchance?"
No doubt in my mind at all. Try it with and without the VRE in place. This is where I have to break the news to you that I haven't had a spare moment to ship the player to you but will ASAP. I'll toss the VRE in the box and see what you think. These things were included in many snooty "Reference Systems" for a long time (when LD was the best source there was) in Widescreen Review.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.211 ) at 6:49 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Curtis: TWO MACHINES???
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:48 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Joy in Toronto
Well... blew off this afternoon to tweak the Crestron. After a painstaking amount of time it is done. While there is no doubt that it offers features and capabilities that the Pronto does not (and probably never will), it should be noted that the extra features are not worth the difference in retail price and the difference in programability.
If anyone is interested in seeing the panels and the wrokings of it (and you have a high speed modem) let me know and I will e-mail you both the programming software and the configuration file.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.211 ) at 6:37 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: You anywhere near Tulsa?
About a two hour drive, in OKC... They tell me the ladies are very friendly there - true or false?
First off, what are "ladies"? Second, most people are friendly around here.
JT ( 24.160.99.140 ) at 6:24 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wireless network
For any of you who would like to be able to take the laptop wherever you want in the house to surf the net, I recently purchased Intel's AnyPoint wireless networking kit. It was a piece of cake to setup and now I have net access anywhere within 150ft of my desktop. The speed seems to be really good. I have Road Runner cable modem service and I'm not noticing much of a slowdown over the wireless connection. I just think it's pretty sweet, so I thought I'd pass it along. I'm headed back to Kansas City tomorrow, so if I don't get a chance to post later, Happy Holidays everyone!!
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.47 ) at 5:43 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
cai: I've had the ASUS V6800 since June. I'll have to check the back. I only use the VGA output. I know that it does have an S-Video output but that would be a huge step backwards in image quality. I got dTV from the HTPC forum at AVScience. Some guys over there developed it and it is free. I'm using v2.0 and I need to download and install v2.02. I understand that it has a couple of improvements that I can take advantage of.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.47 ) at 5:39 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
AVB: Right. You got it...except...you'd use the HTPC as your DVD player also. Pure, progressive scan output at whatever resolution you want to scale it to. My wife commented this morning that when I play a DVD it is the clearest and best image she has ever seen. This includes movie theaters. Wait until she sees HDTV.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:00 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
PBS HD Nova
Curtis: If you like macrophotography, you owe it to yourself to get Microcosmos. I have the LD, and its got some of the most beautiful closeups you've ever seen - insects, plant life, and raindrops that look like giant balls of water from the sky. Don't know if they ever made a DVD out of it though.
Gar ( 169.207.194.73 ) at 4:10 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Pronto's
JohnO try Stereo Trading Outlet. http://www.tsto.com/
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:25 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian: I have followed Extron on E-bay for about 6 months now, you will pay less than $100 for a $500-600 switcher.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.31 ) at 3:24 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian: Old age is showing itself. LOL
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:23 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian: Extron: E-bay all the way baby! They currently seem to have a glut of 4x1 switchers.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 3:19 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
New Pronto
Anyone know where to find the best price for the new pronto, TSU2000? Anyone, Beuller, Darian!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:17 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian: BTW, I did play 2 on 2 grass volleyball for about 2.5 years from the age of 17 to 19, pretty seriously. But my back couldn't really take the punishment, and I found rowing, which well... pretty much took over my life!
On another note, Darian, since you're a dealer of sorts, might you be able to find me an RF-demodulator? I know its not really up your alley of product types, but the things are damn hard to find!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:15 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
RonH: Don't you remember... you told me you were getting the mega woofers about 1 week ago. I asked you if the 15" woud be a mega now and you told me how much the upgrade it would be.
Actually when you first were concidering the Larger Sub... I pointed out that the kit might be a good idea. It would lessen the chance of damage durring shipping to have the drivers out of the abinate and packaged up.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:14 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian: Agreed! As I said, mtb'ing and rowing don't have the "competing against each other" factor to worry about. I was mostly commenting on the subculture, etc.
Ron H ( 63.24.183.31 ) at 3:08 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
VMPS
Darian:I am expecting to recieve a VMPS Large sub next week. It will have the upgraded Mega woofer for the 12 and 15" drivers. I am getting the kit. I thiought it might be fun to assemble it.
I sure hope I do not have all the problems you had. Yikes!!!!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:59 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
BNC that is.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:56 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Anyone know where to buy Extron Stuff? I saw something on Extron's site that look like it might fit the bill. I mean aside from the DAMNED NC CONNECTORS!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:54 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: Then there is that one thing you left out. In rowing do you ever take the oar and smack your signifigant other in the head with it? In Volleyball from time to time players get HIT with the ball. I have come real close to hitting Kitten a few times in warm ups. In games I would do it from time to time to remind her to go to the other court. It give a whole new meaning to the term... "hitting on" someone.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 2:50 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Curtis: I can see you were never a math major; 1000 x 20 = 20,000 sqft.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:48 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Volleyball
Darian/Kitten:
Sounds a lot like MANY sports, really. I mean, as far as the subculture, clique's, how to show interest w/o coming off as an idiot, relationships, etc. I could almost replace every occurrance of "volleyball" in that post with "rowing" or "mountain biking" and it would have the same meaning. Well, maybe not the relationships part, because co-ed rowing isn't really serious ever, and MTB'ing is mostly a solo thing. Anytime a group of people who are very serious about a sport get together, a culture develops.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:38 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis:BTW, use the composite out on all but the high-end LD players. The comb filters in them is inferior to those in good TeeVee's
good TeeVee's like my Tosh tw40h80 perchance?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 2:38 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Volleyball
Darian/Kitten: Thanks dude/ dudette. Now all I have to do is figure out when to say those things. I probably won't have to worry about the "you're so red" line because she's black.
The social thing sounds a lot like polo. No lack of drinkers there but everyone seems to party together. The preferred hangover burn-off is early morning matches with a beer chaser. Glad I'm away from it a lot more these days.
Darian/Kitten ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:28 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Volleyball
Curtis: First thing... you have to determine how serious a ball player she is. If you make the mistake of going to a game or open gym DO NOT PLAY ON WHAT EVER COURT SHE DOES! Ask her if there is a court for beginers or a "Just for fun" court. Good player or bad player she will recognize this as a statement that you are interested but you don't think you are going to dominate the floor.
NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE USE THE FOLLOWING TERMS:
"SMASH IT!"
"BUMP IT UP!"
"SET ME UP!"
"ARE YOU OK... YOUR ARMS/FACE IS ALL RED!"
Try comments like...
"Nice KILL!" "NICE SWING!"
"SWEET DIG!" "GREAT PASS!"
"Outside" "Middle" "Back" (Depends where you are when you call for the ball.)
"Ohhh FACIAL!" "Six Pack!"
As someone who had been playing competativly for 10 years, I can say Volleyball has a sub culture. I have friends who play Volleyball and ones that don't. I can choose to be with one group or the other. They don't seem to mix well. The other problem being that there are sub cultures between the players too. Better players tend to have somethng of a click and the lower players have the same. Lower players are often held bakc by the problem that they like to play with their friends. Strongr players tend to compete with friends. The one thing that holds true...
Couples that play together don't stay together. The inability to "leave it on the court" causes problems on and off. I can point to many married couples who have divorced over the time I have known them. It works far better if the 2 of you don't play in the same leagues or same teams.
The Mere mention of the movie... Side Out, might get you killed in a gym where the players are serious. Spectators are always welcome. Never ever smack upwards at a ball from your waist with 2 open hands. (If you do, delcare it a "Gator Dig" ASAP.
The best step would be to ask when she is playing. Show up at the gym in casual clothes near the end time for what ever it is: match, open gym, whatever. Ask if anyone is up for a beer. Proceed to the local watering hole and meet up with her and the volleyball players. You can get an idea of how they talk there. You can also learn a bit about her here. Fact is... volleyall players drink!
Best jersey at National's said, "My drinking team has a volleyball problem."
Kitten looks more like Paltrow.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:26 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: Hmmm... $1325 for a 9000es, or $100 for a ddp-1... I know tough decision, especially with all the greenbacks that keep falling out of my pockets.
For personal financial reasons, I need to limit my spending big time for about 3 or 4 months.
BTW, how busy will you be the weekend of 1/6/01? I might be able to swing down for a visit that weekend. Since I can't mountain bike, I don't have much to occupy my weekends.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 2:23 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
... it also has the "Ghost Elimination" upgrade chip in it. Same kinda technology that Gar or someone was recently talking about in a different stand alone box.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 2:22 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: Hey moneybags - I found something else you'll want to improve the video output from the LD. A classic Audio Alchemy VRE (Visual Reality Engine). It's an external digital comb filter that works wonders on LD sources. I removed it from my rack when the iScan arrived and forgot all about it. Has 2 x Composite in's/ 1 S in. Output is via S-video.
BTW, use the composite out on all but the high-end LD players. The comb filters in them is inferior to those in good TeeVee's
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 2:21 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
Wild Bill: You have peaked my interest! If I have a toshiba TN61X81 (4:3) HD ready set, what could I upconvert a DSS signal to using an HTPC?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:55 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Help... decision time
Kieran: Just buy a 9000ES and get a free demodulator tossed in.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:50 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Calistoga, CA
Curtis: Cool! What do I get? I know... how about an LD player?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:49 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Help... decision time
Okay, as you all know, I'm in need of an RF-demodulator for ac-3 from LD.
There's a Yamaha DDP1 DD decoder for sale right now, which has a built in rf-demodulator. I could buy it for $100.00, which would be a fair deal, since a new demodulator used to go (when they still made them) for about $90 - $110 depending on brand.
The problem is that you can't bypass the DD decoder, so I'd have to use the 5-channel external decoder inputs on my Yammie 995.
So, should I go ahead and get it, or wait and try to find a regular stand alone rf-demodulator (which have been going for ungodly amounts of money on ebay lately).
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:46 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Calistoga, CA
Kieran: Congratulations you win! The plan was to name it the same resort name as Saratoga Springs, NY. It was none other than the mayor (a known lush & what he drank was likely much harder stuff than wine) from a podium giving the name-christening before a large crowd.
Rather than saying "welcome to Saratoga, California", he uttered "welcome to Calistoga, Sarafornia". The media made sure that it stuck forever much to his chagrin.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:43 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
RickMTB: I'm living with my folks for the moment... about 2 miles from the north gate (Warren Richardson) of Annadel!!! Unfortunately, right now, I'm out of action due to the Lung problem I had last week, and will be out for another 6 weeks.
End of January or so, I'll be moving to Rohnert Park, and yes I was aware of the Cambria store there... looking forward to spending all my extra money that Curtis thinks I have there!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:40 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kitten: OK we'll stop thinking of Darian as the DellDude. If you think he's closer to Tom Cruise does that mean you look/ act like Nicole Kidman? She and I share the same birthday so I think she's cool.
BTW, a woman who's a serious VB player wants to go out sometime. Knowing next to nothing about the sport except that it looks like great fun to play, what should I talk about to show some interest yet not sound totally lame? I welcome a womans opinion, esp. around this mens locker room!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:40 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Calistoga, CA
Curtis: It was supposed to be named Saritoga (or was it Sarisota), California. From the story I heard, the guest celebrity there to "break ground" or what ever, was so drunk on the local Napa wine, that he slurred it and said "Calistoga" instead, and it stuck.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:34 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Carlos: Good to hear that. Square shaped is much mor manageable. We used to call my sis's loft the world's longest bowling alley.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 1:33 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Note to self...
You are a bad enough typer and speller. Don't attempt to help Kitten write something else while posting.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 1:31 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ron H: I am jealous... green with envy!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:29 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
this'll make your stock picks look better
If y'all think NASDAQ, MSFT, CSCO and SUNW have performed poorly, then graph them vs. CMGI
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=sunw&d=3m&c=csco+msft+cmgi&y=on
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 1:27 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
VMPS
RONH: Technically speakeing.... the only blowing up was done between Brian and me. I felt I was being mistreated and he thought I was just griping. Never did one of us decide to just ask... :"What will it take to fix this situation." Brian kept telling me that he would only do so much. I fetly that it wasn't enough. I thought the dman thing should work and all problems should be solved for me to a certain degree.
What actually happened... according to Brian's autopsy of the sub... was UPS dropped the ball, err sub. When the sub showed up the frame that needs to be attached to the sub was smashed. I was supprised to have a low wide sub after looking at a picture on the web site that showed me a vertical orentation. When I Glued the frame in place and fired the sub up I was shocked that my NHT 2.9s were beating the daylights out of theis beast for output. The sub had no power and not very good extention. I tried everything to make it work. All I was doing was kicking a dead horse.
The 15inch woofer was destroyed by a bent pole piece. I then burned up the 12" mega woofer by trying to get the sub to function with 1/2 the drivers. After a brief time I was psitive the drivers were in someway damaged / not working. Keep inmind, I ordered the sub as an assembled unit. Brian kept trying to tell me he didn't think I could have damaged the drivers. I requested new drivers. Brian then informed me that I needed to send back the current drivers. This was unheard of to me. How was I supposed to ship the drivers? I didn't have a box to put them in and I was worried my 30day return might run out and I would be stuck with a piece of JUNK.
The situation between Brian and I ecsalated out of control quickly. Brian beacame less and less helpfull. So I decided to tell the world about my experiances. It degenerated into a big pissing contest. Legal threats were the final straw and i malled Brian in a forum he frequents. I made him sound like a truely awful person and one that couldn't care less once he had the money. My account of events was the most damaging of all. He demanded that I write out an explination of what happened and did I ever!
Later we found that there were very easy ways for us to have avoided the situation.
When the unit arrived broken...
Brian could have sent me the replacement drivers.
This is the very least he could do and has no reason not to do this. I would have packaged up the DOA drivers and mailed them back to him. Having me pull out the drivers, send them in, and wait for him to make a return is completly unacceptable. The unit should work when it is delievered, if it does not the manufacture should take steps to make sure it does. I deal with manufactures all the time and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAS HANDELED A SIMILAR PROBLEM TO WHAT HAPPENED TO ME FAR BETTER THAN BRIAN DID.
The horizontal vs vertical orentation thing.
Brian told a looker on of my vituberations, that he could provide a board to attach to the sub so it could be used standing upright. This board was never offered to me. Telling NJMike, "I could take care of Darian's problem by sending him a board to attach to the slot."
I did not need to fly off the handel with Brian.
My feeling that I was going to be stuck and screewed over really bothered me. Brian had no idea that I had received dead drivers. There was no statement at VMPS's site saying that I needed to return the drivers to get new ones. Infact there was only a statement that pointed out that damaged drivers could be charged to the purchaser for replacement. I was not going to give VMPS another dollar untill I got some sort of satisfaction from this sub.
Ohh well... I am sure you remember the rest. I really wish I could have gotten a good larger sub. At work we need passive subs to pair with the Cinepro amps we sell. If the VMPS performed like I had heard I would probably have 2 now and have sold about 7 to clients who have 3k6s. Insted I have HSU TN1220s. These subs provide some incredible output. They do, however, require a $450 active crossover to be flat below 40 hz. My EAD provides all the processing and volume control. This $450 is noting more than a eq to me. One that induces a slight his into my subs I might add.
One VMPS Larger Sub ran me about $900. The pair of TN 1220s and crossover cost closer to $1300. The vertical Larger sub would have been a perfect fit in my system. The 1220s are jammed into the corner than the VMPS would have called home. I still regret the experiance. I would like to have the best that a low amount of cash could buy. Everytime I see... "Anyone heard a VMPS Larger Sub" I wish things could have gone better,
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 1:25 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Curtis: The loft is more square shape. I'm thinking of a way to section off half of the space to use for an HT setup. Maybe wall mounting my rear speakers. Now that I have the room I could upgrade to a 7.1 setup.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:23 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: Joe Montana can afford to live anywhere he wants. He moved from Atherton (the most expensive town in the country a couple miles uproad from here) to his ranch in Sonoma. He recently sold that and now has a spread in Calistoga. I even have a piece of schmany green Italian slate in my little fish pond from his Atherton entryway. Aren't you impressed? I wonder if the fish want it autographed??
CA trivia question: The town of Calistoga was named by mistake. How did this happen and who was responsible for the blunder?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 1:18 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: No, I'm pretty sure the definition of "grossly overpaid CA engineer" doesn't kick in til you have at least a few hundred thousand shares of your company's stock.
Can you tell I come from a long line of engineers on both sides of the family? I may not have known what I wanted to do when I grew up but I did know there's no way I would be an engineer!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.151 ) at 1:03 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: Heck, given the choice between living in Sonoma County and living in Palo Alto, I would take Sonoma County any time. So Kieran, where did you move to (better yet, how far from Annadel?)? I understand Cambria Bicycle Outfitters now has a store location in Rohnert Park or Santa Rosa. That would be a cool place to spend a day...
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:57 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis:I don't need to move to the PA hq for Agilent, heck! Since I'm so overpaid, I'll just buy a mountain top mansion here in Sonoma County, where I'll have a straight view of Sutro Tower... That should do the trick... yep, alrighty! 
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:55 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Stewart Screens
Ron H : I'm sorry... I couldn't quite hear you... did you say "first class" or was that "kiss ass"???
Just kidding of course!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:54 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: LOL! I was an engineer working in CA before for Boeing, too... I make more now... does that mean that I'm now grossly overpaid or something???
Ron H ( 63.24.183.89 ) at 12:28 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Stewart Screens
I just received a package from Stewart Screens. I opened it up and inside is a jacket with the Stewart Filmscreen embrodered on it. They are one first class company.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 12:23 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Kieran: Well of course you are You're an engineer working in CA aren't you?
Not only are the Dell's back on (almost) I now have an additional 100+ notebooks and another 100+ Dell's to sell. The fact that Dell dropped pricing on the Latitudes yesterday by 20% is helping the buyers cause ... expect for overpaid engineers with free LD players!
AVB ( 64.41.33.221 ) at 12:22 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Curtis: I agree that you need wall covering but not completely. Some hanging rugs, Pictures and fat furniture will help. I'd leave the front end pretty live and worry more about the space from about 10' out of the front speakers to 10' from the back wall. This area should be well broken up with the rugs, pictures etc etc.
AVB ( 64.41.33.221 ) at 12:15 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
Wild Bill: OK, So let me get this straight. If I used the Sony 9000 as my switcher it's output would feed in to the WinTV card by S-video, the PC software would do it's thing and output via the vga port of the video card to the FP. Right?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:10 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: I'm overpaid??? Damn, I didn't realize that! Thanks for letting me know! Gosh... now I'm going to have to go out and spend all this extra money... what to buy, what to buy....
So, the Dell deal is back on, eh? Am I still in? What's the cost now, and are the systems the same? Email me details.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 12:08 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wild Bill: Hey that gave me an idea. SGI should make HTPC's! The best performing machines on the planet that only cost $50K per unit.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 12:07 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Scott Veirs: For sheer graphics horsepower, these things are awesome. Can someone please tell me why a Unix version of PhotoShop is so much more expensive than Windoze/Mac counterparts. I have a great SCSI film scanner I want to hook up to the SGI but it won't do much good w/o software.
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 12:05 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Purchase Problems
Ron H : hehehehe Mention the word problem and it follows you. Nope, never owned a VMPS sub. No problems with JA Speakers, Toshiba TV problems was a stupid one, a surge protector that was causing it, and the Sony 10HT, I was just being picky along with the Nikon Camera. We aren't your normal consumers and we have a hard time even with the smallest problem that would never show up on a normal consumers radar.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 12:04 PM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
riding place
cai: I forgot to reply to your riding place north and east of SF. I can't figure out where you were riding. Was it jumping, dressage, point-to-point (aka: how to die quickly)?? About how far from the city was it?
Ron H ( 63.28.252.119 ) at 11:58 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Purchase Problems
Gar: Was it you who blew up a VMPS sub this year??
Scott Veirs ( 146.135.120.124 ) at 11:57 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
RickMTB: My friend actually has 2 SGI 550's the same ones that were used to make Toy Story.
For sale to boot.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 11:56 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Carlos: Years ago my sister lived in a NY loft in the Village. I hope your space isn't like hers. 2,000sf but measured about 20 feet wide x 1,000 feet long. 16' ceilings & hardwood floors ... you're basic echo chamber. It was once a zipper factory. We spent about a week prying tiny metal zipper teeth from between the seams of the flooring.
I would start by covering all of the walls with carpeting, honest. Go into the place when nothing's in it and clap as loud as you can, you hear what I mean. Most of the people I knew in these places divided them into front studios (NYC AIR rents can't be beat) and rear living space. I would not try to use the whole space as one giant HT because the room acoustics will never work. Think smaller/intimate HT.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 11:54 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
Wild Bill: I see you broke down and bought an ASUS 6800 board. Does yours have a dual front and back output, or better yet what is the difference between the 6800 and the 6600?
Also, where did you get the dTV program?
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 11:53 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ok, then I want Hedi Klum for a night.... hahahahahahaha I can pay you with broken Audio equipment, hahahaha Wait she worth more than that, do you take plasitc?
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.52 ) at 11:49 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Gar: Oh, you'd be surprised at what I might have for sale, my friend. 
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.52 ) at 11:48 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
The Elliptical Dish has Landed!
Now I'm sure the betting pool will begin with the odds on how long it will be before there is HDTV in the Lucas household.
The $300 deal for the DTC-100 disappeared. The guy was from in driving distance and when I offered to meet to consumate the deal he pulled the ad and never responded to my e-mail. Fishy, eh? I thought it was interesting that he had the DTC-100 at all since there is no HDTV in West-By-God-Virginia expect for the demo channel and HBO HD via DirecTV. Looks like it may have been a scam.
Ron H ( 63.28.252.119 ) at 11:47 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC:Well so far I do not look too stupid for purchasing some Cisco theis morning.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.151 ) at 11:38 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Curtis: SGI's last four FY's were $3.7b, $3.1b, 2.7b, and the latest was $2.3b. Again, its a shame, since their graphics workstations were among the first to be used in Hollywood to make some of the great special effects and animated films we now enjoy.
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 11:37 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Carlos: Hey Carlos, you might want to try some accoustic treatments and
you might try a bigger sub, like a 15"
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 11:33 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Wild Bill: No problems whatsoever with the JA Speakers. And I was joking back to you. Don't worry there is nothing your selling that I want. hahahahahaha
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 11:31 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Loft HT setup
Hey guys! I'm moving to a loft apartment... 16 foot ceilings, wood floors, 1 wall is all brick and it's approximately 1500-2000 square ft. Is this going to be a HT nightmare? Is it time to upgrade to a bigger sub? I have a velodyne HGS10. I know when I viewed the apartment there was a serious ECHO!!!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.111 ) at 11:30 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Super Bowl haltime show
Wild Bill: LOL - probably will be.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.52 ) at 11:27 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Super Bowl haltime show
Curtis: Just tell me this won't be the freaking Aerosmith/N'Sync version of Walk This Way. Ugghhhhh!
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.52 ) at 11:24 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Gar: Relax, it was definitely a joke.
I've just noticed that the Joseph Audio speakers had problems, the Sony 10HT had problems, the Toshiba TV had problems, the digital camera has problems...
Just don't buy anything from me, OK? LOL!!
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.52 ) at 11:19 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
AVB: The HTPC outputs a progressive scan signal. Computers are progressive by nature. Use of S-Video defeats the purpose. The VGA output from a video card is an RGBHV ouput. If you need to convert it to a component signal you can accomplish this with the Audio Authority converter. I think it's about $100.
I sold my line doubler because the HTPC now processes all my video signals and I have an Extron RGBHV switcher to handle multiple sources. Right now I don't even need the switcher in the chain because everything comes from the HTPC. So, you can go straight from the HTPC to the projector if you'd like but in a complex system a switcher may be needed. The Extron has more bandwidth than I'll ever need. No limitations at all to my setup. I use a freeware program called dTV to deinterlace LD, S-VHS and DirecTV signals. The signal is input into a Hauppagge WinTV card via an S-Video or composite connection, delinterlaced by dTV and output through the VGA output of my ASUS V6800 Deluxe video card. It makes DirecTV bearable to watch (I upconvert it to 720p) and the good feeds (like ESPN Sunday Night Football) look surprisingly good. Hope this helped. Feel free to ask away. This is one subject I don't get tired of.
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 11:18 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC: Boy does that sound familiar.. Went to Cabo San Lucas Mexico and the rooms where awesome but they had the AC on the ceiling and it was either full blast or nothing. Last day of trip started getting sick and had a cold for about a month after I got back.
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.9 ) at 11:17 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Cytotechquestion.
Gar: Sure. Send it on!
Scott Veirs ( 146.135.120.124 ) at 11:06 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
christmas fund?
Did we ever come up with an idea for this or was it kinda, put aside?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.246 ) at 11:00 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Super Bowl haltime show
Not sure I want to see the older band in HD/GeezerVision.
""Aerosmith and 'N Sync, two of music's biggest acts, will headline the halftime show of the Super Bowl on Jan. 28 in Tampa, Fla.
The game will be broadcast on CBS and is expected to draw 130 million viewers in the United States and 750 million worldwide.
The halftime show will be produced by MTV. "
Curtis ( 206.170.6.246 ) at 10:56 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC: Hmmm, I wonder if my ex would mind if I borrowed her new twin turbo Quattro A6 for a few days to see if I can wrap it around a tree in the mountains? Nah.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 10:52 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Gar: The tan is fading the cold/cough remains. The idiots who designed the hotel put the AC units on the ceiling directly on top of the beds. So, after 7 nights of sleeping with 60 degree air blowing in me I have a killer cold. Ah yes, the only choices with the AC were on or off and off was not an option given the heat.
Otherwise Jamaica was "very erie mon".
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 10:50 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ron H: You have e-mail...
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 10:48 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Cytotechquestion.
Double Doh!!!!! I did the same thing.. Didn't refresh. I can send you some snow if you want it, plenty of that here.
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 10:46 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC: Good to see you back, how is the the tan..........
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 10:44 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: I hear you buddy. I zipped down the road today with everyone else swearing and giving me the finger. In fact, one of my co-workers could not get his BMW up a steep hill that I blew right through. Take that you BMW freaks!!!
Ron H: I think you have things backwards. The ML stay, the GrayHawk goes back for a perforated screen and the 10HT goes and gets replaced by a Sony G90! Come on man... get in the game!
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 10:41 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Cytotech: I take it you didn't read my last post. I stated that.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.246 ) at 10:40 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
a poor performer?
CMGI was at $163 in January and is now under $6. They had enough of a run the past few years to still have $1.8 billion in cash & saleable assets. I know a couple of the founding partners of their @Ventures who left early on to do other things. Would I buy this stock today? No.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.246 ) at 10:34 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
RickMTB: Well SGI's colorfull buildings about a mile from me are still standing and there are cars in the parking lot, so I guess they still have a pulse. My pal actually gave me 2 machines in case I either wanted to use both or keep one for a spare.
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.91 ) at 10:22 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ice
Iced in here in Birmingham. No work today. Wish it was snow, though!
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.91 ) at 10:21 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Purchase Problems
Gar: Ooops. I should have refreshed before I posted! Doh!
Cytotech ( 4.48.145.91 ) at 10:19 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Gar: Don't forget about your Toshiba HD TV problems!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.246 ) at 10:15 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
quattro
JBC: I used to have a mini quattro (80) and loved going to Tahoe in the winter. The chain cops would always stop you only to shake their heads once they saw the Q badge, as if to say "get outta here you lucky turd - don't speed too much"
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 10:05 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Purchase Problems
Here you go Billo, 10HT Pixel problem, had a couple pixels out. Told it was new it had 50 hours on it. Tosiba 36"HD set(New) had problems with turn on, it was a surge protector problem wasn't getting enough juice to turn the set on(Problem solved by me). Nikon Camera(New)2 pixels one stuck on bottom part of screen and one off on LCD Display. The reason for my post was the Nikon camera, I could order another one, but I could get another one just like this since LCD are inherent to pixel dropouts etc. So my statement was I was just being picky, since most normal customers would have never noticed this.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 10:01 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Curtis: Gee, is SGI still in business. Talk about a good engineering product crippled by poor marketing (and even worse strategic direction). After succeeding in the graphics and the growing entertainment market, of course they decided they could grow into a commercial server company. Then blew a lot of money on Cray. Then someone thought they could be a web server company. Ooops, no they go back to their roots. No, they go back to the internet. Meanwhile, Sun and the NT world swallows whatever market they had left.
Gar ( 169.207.194.66 ) at 9:57 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Wild Bill: Problems? I have very few, with all the gear I have hear. The only Problem I have had before was with the Sony 10HT, and I was told it was new, it wasn't it was a refurbished unit. How could I tell, the amount of hours on the unit. I have had 3 problems in the past year, and like my statement says, we are all more picky on this forum about the gear we own. Meaning we see flaws faster than most comsumers can read the price on a package. So being a "open bargain boy" is far from the truth.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 9:57 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ron H : I am the worlds worst when it comes to stocks but I have tobelieve itys a great time to pick up such undervalued tech stocks as Cisco, Nortel, and Sun. Heck, even Microsoft.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 9:56 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
AVB: Let me take a crack at this, since Wild Bill isn't up yet. The HTPC is either outputting to the svideo, which I think is just 480i, or to the VGA, which is actually RGB. When Wild Bill is using the VGA out, he sets the software to 480p, 540p, 600p, 720p, anything he wants, any numbers in between even. The only need for a switcher is so that you can switch between other sources, such as a line doubler, and the HTPC. What the HTPC does not do yet is component out, but since most front projectors use RGB and don't have component in, this is not a problem. The VGA to BNC cable is literally that, a breakout cable with no electronics at all. The HTPC is replacing the function of the doubler(actually it is an infinitely flexible scaler!).
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 9:55 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
To CAI and Sonic
SonicBit: I also had it bad for Tasha Yar. I used to love when she would use martial arts on aliens. I quit watching the show after she left. Tried to name our cat after her but my wife thought that was just too weird (of course, I was able to name my oldest daughter after Marisa Tomei).
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:33 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
CDs
Wild Bill: Thanks. I wonder which one really is best.
Also, from what I read, none of them are capable of using a wand.
That means about 3,000 CDs have to go through my Rom drive. How many hours will that take?
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 9:29 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Darian: Component video switcher: The cheapest and probably best quality would be to look on e-bay, they sell Extron RGBS 4x1 switchers all the time for around $70. That would give you four RGBS BNC connectors into one RGBS BNC out. Bandwidth is at least 250 Mhz.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:17 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
OT: Not dropping names or nothin'
Curtis: You drop a Lude, and slip them some X.
All morals and scruples gone.
Ron H ( 63.24.14.4 ) at 9:04 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
With the combination of the screen being a few inches larger and the frame being wider I had to move my logo from it position wall mounted just below the screen. I am unable to place it back due to recepticles are now in the way. I am not happy with the sound of the speaker sitting as low as it is now.
I think there is some room effect from the floor and also from the table in front of the seating area. The damn speaker is so huge it will not fit above the screen either. A Stewart peferated screen is not a option because there seems to be a moire problem that occurs due to the pixels of the projector and the size and spacing of the perferations in the screen. Besides I now have three damn screens in the house. My wife is having a hard time understanding that now. One more screen and .......
Are new speakers on the horizon????
Ron H ( 63.24.14.4 ) at 8:43 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC: well I may follow my gut and step in it today.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 8:10 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ron H: Been badly burnt by Cisco. You may get my shares as I am thinking of exiting. After yesterday's report byt Merrill Lynch and the Feds action I am strongly thinking of shifting some of my posistion in techs to financial services which are doing very well. One stock I own, Fairfax Financial, went up 10% yesterday.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 8:08 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Wow... another 8 inches of the white stuff in Toronto. Great drive to work in my Audi Quattro -- love it for this weather!
Ron H ( 63.24.14.4 ) at 8:07 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC: I am real close to picking up a 100 shares of Cisco. I am starting to feel it is way under valued and may be at or near the bottom. I am looking at least holding for 1 year to 18 months minimum.
Thoughts.
Ron H ( 63.24.14.4 ) at 8:05 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Good Morning all.
AVB ( 64.41.32.202 ) at 7:57 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
HTPC
Wild Bill: A few questions. Does the ability to tune the HTPC to native and the software that you use make up for the lack of progressive outputs on the HTPC? Do you feel any limitation of only being able to use S-video or the SVGA out of your video card? Where does the doubler hook up in the chain...HTPC>Switcher (prepro)>doubler>FP? Or am I just confused totally on how this hooks all together.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.30 ) at 7:47 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
OT: Not dropping names or nothin'
Curtis:Do the Lude. Morning everyone.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.57 ) at 5:40 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Tony C and Gar: Ask and ye shall receive (maybe). Here's a thread about cataloging (sp?) CDs on your computer. I think there are a few possibilities in here. Regards. http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/Forum15/HTML/021257.html
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.57 ) at 5:38 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
JBC: Good night?
Good morning all.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:19 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Good night guys...
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.57 ) at 5:11 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Gar: What ever makes YOU happy.
Here's what I'm wondering. Do you EVER buy anything that's in good shape? It seems that every purchase you make has a problem. Are you an open box bargain boy? LOL!!
Ron H ( 63.26.164.127 ) at 3:44 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Stewart Screens
Curtis: That story will bring tears to your eyes.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 2:12 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
PBS HD Nova
Kieran: Forgive this but I just have to tell it like it is about the Nova HD broadcast last night.
The HD macro photography was simply jaw-dropping, IMHO. When is the last time you could clearly make out individual segments of an insects eye on TeeVee? Seeing this on a larger screen is almost too intense, too big & detailed. The colors, depth and contrast were equally impressive on my HT. I would gladly use this as a demo loop to show what HD is today and would likely snag at least a few new converts.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 1:09 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Scott "popcorn": Maybe. I hung out today with a couple of engineers from a Tulsa based Aerospace Composites company who bought a ton of strange high tech gear from me. Really nice, smart guys. I may need to go visit them when the equipment gets shipped next month. You anywhere near Tulsa? They tell me the ladies are very friendly there - true or false?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 1:05 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: maybe I should instead advertise myself as a "favorite charity"
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 1:05 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Curtis: The only problem with the Be's is that they don't yet have all the javacrap etc... However, Opera 3.62 is now available to buy, and it DOES have Javashit built-in, plus there is a Flash player that you can plug in (but it's beta) Realannoying is in the R5 Pro edition.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 1:03 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Ah! Other life forms!! Good idea at least for making the SGI the Net router/firewall/file server. It may take me a while to turn the other puters into Be's though. Give me a little time & I'll see what I can come up with.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 1:02 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
OT: Not dropping names or nothin'
Curtis: heh... sure... but unless they want a forum or some sort of database, I'm probably outta luck... I'm not too fond of using all those new gee-whiz-bang things... Javascript is highly overused (and mostly useless) except in a few cases, and has the potential of being a security risk... Schmuckwave and RealAnnoying are just bandwidth hogs... I guess I'm just an old fart when it comes to computers... Actually, I have a story (but I'll probably tell it wrong) that proves that I am an engineer at heart...
A computer scientist and an electrical engineer were each given a toaster to improve upon. The computer scientist said that the toaster needed to have a Pentium III processor, 256 megs of RAM, an LCD touchscreen... and it should become a "whole breakfast machine", providing scrambled, poached, or sunny-side up eggs, hash browns, sauage, toast, and coffee, all controlled by a clock so that the user could roll out of bed and eat breakfast.
The engineer, on the other hand, gave the toaster a 4-bit microcontroller with a sensor to measure the darkness of the toast, a knob for the user to select the darkness of the toast, and that was that.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 12:55 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Curtis: I'm awake! I'm awake! Actually, what I'd do if I were you is make the SGI the end-all be-all Unix do-it-all machine (including internet router/firewall/file server) and then get several cheapie AMD K6 machines to network to it, install BeOS on the K6 machines as GUI terms
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 12:55 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
OT: Not dropping names or nothin'
Scott "popcorn": I'll let them know that your web services are available for only a few hundred thou.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 12:52 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
... and welcome to the Curtis forum! Wake up you lardbutts
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 12:51 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
More OT: any sgi/Unix geeks out there?
Ever since Jurassic Park I have loved the SGI implementation of UNIX. Today I was gifted an sgi system, along with a bunch of software. I think it'll make a great Net surfing machine for the family. Only problem I have is - where do I start?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 12:51 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
OT: Not dropping names or nothin'
Curtis: maybe you should use some makeup to put on some zits like Ace Ventura in Pet Detective, and jump up and down like a raving fanboy teenager... As a side note, if they aren't an HT addict, I don't see how people can't get by on $50K to $75K PER YEAR... heck, I'd be happy to provide them with a web page for one month's salary you say they're getting..
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 12:48 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Stewart Screens
Curtis: you forgot "in a pear tree"
Speaking of which, I never got any holiday-ish type stuff from anyone, so I guess no christmasy look to the site this year... We gotta do better than that next year guys!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 12:45 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
OT: Not dropping names or nothin'
I'm not even sure I really want to go to these parties this weekend, so you guys need to tell me what kind of conversations I can possibly come up with.
Friday: Sun Bonds/ Barry of baseball's EX. Word is that Barry always shows up to hugt his kids. Do I act cool or jump up & down and ask for an autograph?
Saturday: Barbara Ellison/ EX of Larry. Supposed to be known as the wildest parties ever.
The major probem with both of these beautiful (did I mention available?) women is that they are both of the mind that they are somehow entitled to their EX's fortunes, post divorce. I have a moral scrupple with them. Why they can't get by on $50K to $75K per month is beyond me. Short of me taking a Quaalude before the parties, what's the proper attitide to go in with?
I'll be sure to give y'all a full report by Christmas Eve.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 12:13 AM EST Thursday, December 21, 2000
Stewart Screens
Ron H : Glad to hear it's working well for you. Lemme tell you about my Stewaart that got away. My local dealer who owed me for a few dozen referrals had a top-line motorized, tensioned screen made in a custom zebra hardwwood enclosure that he custom ordered. MSRP was almost $2K. For whatever reason his customer cancelled after it came in. He offered it to me at his price - like $700, so I said DUH, let's do it. We were set to do the deal the next day. I showed up all smiles. The dealer wasn't smilng at all. Someone had hit their warehouse the night before with very good tastes. All they took was:
Theta CaqsaBlanca pre/pro
several Classe amps
5 x Theil top-model speakers
2 x Velo subs
Vidikron top-line FP
Faroudja Quad
Power Wedges
10 x roomtunes acoustic things
AND A ZEBRA ENCASED STEWART FP SCREEN!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 11:56 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kieran: I think you need to transfer to Aligent's P.A. HQ. Sure the rents are through the roof but you're an overpaid enginner I can assure you you'll get at least 10 clear OTA digital channels. Where are your priorities man!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.214 ) at 11:47 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
BIG AL: A VERY big check burning a hole in your pocket, eh? The Dell Notebook deal looks like it's back for real this time. I also have killer desktops and servers. I think you aslso need a Sun Enterprise server & Cisco equipment for you. Email if interested.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:29 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Gar: Take it back. As much as a hassle as it may be. You'll be happier in the long run.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:28 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
BIG AL: Package arrived today. Thanks. You've got mail.
Great snow plow story! And congratulations on only having one mortgage.
Good luck on tracking down your buzz.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:19 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Good night guys...
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 10:57 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
BIG AL: Well, she is short like Tom Cruise...but come to think of it...so is Darian.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.65 ) at 10:51 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
My house closing was today. I am now back to a single dwelling guy. I also have a VERY big check in my pocket. must.....resist......urge......to......spend...........money.
burning...........sensation.......in.........pocket.
pain.......too.......much.
too......many........zeros.
aaaaaaaaaaagh.....
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.65 ) at 10:44 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
I always thought of myself as Spock-like. We have the same sense of humor.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.65 ) at 10:42 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kitten; I'm picturing Darian wearing a corset, and a toupe. I'm trying hard not to picture you as Tom Cruise, cause that would be too wierd!
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.65 ) at 10:38 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Funny snowplow story; A friend of mine drove a plow for the state, and since he was low on the seniority list, he got the worst roads. One is a desolate 2 laner through nothing but cornfields, but a lot of traffic. One night he's plowing through his 12th hour, and getting tired. It's blizzard conditions, so he's got a line of cars behind him. He always told me he watches the fence line and utility poles, to keep straight. Suddenly he realizes he's lost sight of the fence, and no poles in sight either. Then he spies them about 30 yards to his left, and figures out he's been plowing through a cornfield for at least a half mile. He looks in his mirror, and sees a line of cars following. He slowly turns toward the road, through the fence, and back on the road. All the cars followed, and apparently nobody caught on. The next day, when he went back to plow through again, all the cars were using his detour. They had to, because the road was blocked with a 6 foot drift.
Gar ( 169.207.194.214 ) at 10:32 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI and Sonic
cai: I would have picked Q also, he can have whatever he wants and whenever he wants it.
Gar ( 169.207.194.214 ) at 10:32 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
BIG AL: That Bites!! I got mine a few days after I ordered it. They should have called you ASAP. It all depends on who is taking care of it. Oades has been a very good place so far, so I am surprised that they didn't at least call, but this time of year everyone is looking to make the fast buck.
Gar ( 169.207.194.214 ) at 10:30 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Too be picky or not to be picky, that is the question.
Well just got Digital camera and I love it. Nikon Coolpix 880, came with a ton of goodies. Problem I have is on the back of this unit it has a display(LCD) and it has one pixel stuck on blue on bottom right hand corner of screen and one dead one in the middle of screen. I know LCD are far from
perfect but you would thing something this small wouldn't show up as much. Should I get a new one or just keep the unit? I had similar problem with my Sony 10HT, it had a couple of pixels stuck on, but I wasn't going to settle on that especially after forking out over 5 grand. I guess that is one of the few drawbacks to being a Audio/Videophile....
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.65 ) at 10:22 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Hi gang! Still on the buzz hunt. I'm going to try replacing the interconnect from the sub out to the amp next.
TonyC; You should be receiving a package very soon.
Gar; I called Oade to find out why you received your upgrade kit before me. They said my card was denied. I was at work, so I swiped it, and it was fine. They said it wouldn't go through there. I asked why I wasn't notified, and they said they sent an e-mail. I asked if they held one for me, and they said no. Now I have to wait till another shipment comes in a week or 2 from now. I asked why they didn't call me, since they took my phone number, he said it would be too expensive. Why take my # then??!!
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 10:09 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI and Sonic
cai: Wow, I forgot about Tasha Yar! I hear you there. Heck, even when she "came back" as an alien. Earth girls are boring. :p
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 9:56 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI and Sonic
Gar: The one I have always had the hots for is Denise Crosby, she played Tasha Yar in the original series episodes. But if I had to be someone in the series, I guess it would have to be "Q". He is the mischievous god that can get into 7 of 9's pants and caress Tasha to sleep without them minding it.
Joe ( 152.163.197.68 ) at 9:51 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Tony C: We have passed 30" so far this month
Gar ( 169.207.194.122 ) at 9:16 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI and Sonic
Ah, I wouldn't mind 7 of 9 cooking me breakfast in the morning with nothing
on but her comunicator.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.187 ) at 9:08 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI
Kieran: I'd be the person that helps Seven get in that outfit!
Heh... I'd be Seven's OUTFIT
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 8:53 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Bluebook numbers from audiogon
Anyone actually signed up for this? They want $19.95 for 30 days or $39.95 for a years service. http://audiogo2.iserver.net/cgi-bin/bb.pl
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 8:53 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI
Kieran: YOU help here get in. I'll help her get out...uh...nevermind.
This is one of those conversations that can go south quickly. I'm not going there.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:46 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
I'd wouldn't = I wouldn't
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:46 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI
SonicBit: YIKES!!! you want to sleep with a Klingon??? You call that fringe benefits? Okay, so she's hot for a Klingon, but damn, that bony forehead!
Hmmm... I'd wouldn't be a character, I'd be the person that helps Seven get in that outfit!
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 8:25 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI
cai: Now you've started it...which Star Trek character would people be?
Personally, I'd be Tom Paris. Not so much to be like him..but for the..uh..fringe benefits.
Gar ( 169.207.194.19 ) at 8:10 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
RGB: Got a great price on the Nikon 880, same pixel ratio as there 990.
Similar features. It takes fantastic pix, but the LCD has way too many drop outs in it so there sending me a new one. Well they better!!:)
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.191 ) at 7:07 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Tony C: Reminds me of a couple years ago when I was driving a plow for my boss a few nights during heavy storms. I was bringing the truck back in one morning at about 7:30am through a residential neighborhood. I see a kid sliding on a saucer down the hill in his front yard toward the street in front of me. I instinctively hit the brakes but a bit too hard...I start into a slide. I'm sure I'm going to either hit this kid with the plow or run him over. My heart's pounding and I'm saying "Oh shit!" over and over. The kid slams into a huge pile of snow that had been made by last night's plow as I slide right past. I finally regained control and pulled over to catch my breath. I look in the rear view mirror and watch as the kid climbs the hill with his saucer and does the whole thing again.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 6:50 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Gar: we got about a foot last monday, then another 6 inches.
But this week only 2" on Monday and they're talking another 2" for tonight.
The hardest part about driving is not being able to SEE over the mountains piled up on every corner.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 6:41 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Alemeda County Auction (OT)
Curtis:
Here's the website for the auto auction my Dad and I went to last month: www.acauction.com
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 6:21 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Gar: Which digital camera did you buy?
Gar ( 169.207.194.87 ) at 6:02 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Wild Bill:Sounds like your in the same snow belt we are, got 6 inches first storm, second one we got 8" and the Third we got 8" and it is snowing as I type this with another 5 on the way. I think Tony got a ton all in one shot and I bet he is still digging out. Will take some Pictures of this, first time in awhile where I have seen drifts taller than me "6.2".
Gar ( 169.207.194.87 ) at 6:00 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
trav1: Just got Digital Camera, so I will be taken alot of Pics in the next couple of weeks. BHAudioVideo.com is a great place to buy Digital Cameras and Camcorders, and they even carry the Sony 10HT and have a few in stock.
Gar ( 169.207.194.87 ) at 5:56 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kieran: Its on the Sony 10HT forum, I think Ron listed it somewhere below if not I will list it.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:48 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Video Switcher
Darian: The cheapest way to go would be a VGA switchbox using VGA to BNC breakout cables. All depends on how much you want to spend.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 5:42 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI
Kitten: Captain Kirk it shall be. Who might then Katheryn Janeway be, or need I ask?
Ron H ( 63.24.14.58 ) at 5:35 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kieran: I agree with you on your thoughts. However some companys such as Oracle have beet the market projections in the past month and still take it on the chin. I guess the other factor is that if a few of the big boys ie msft report bad news it drags all the tech stocks down.
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.144 ) at 5:10 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kieran: YIKES! Thanks Kieran.
johnbr: Thanks to you too.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 4:53 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Hey boys... Component Video Switcher. 4 sources HD, iSCAN, and ProDVD. Suggestions?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:35 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Happy Birthday Chris L.!!!!!!!!!!!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:35 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Gar: What thread are you reading that Ron Epstein was messing with? Can you post a link?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:31 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Curtis: What the HECK! Are you trying to tease me or something!?!?!
You know I don't have any DTV access right now! Ugh, the withdrawl symptoms are almost unbearable on their own... let alone when you tell me how much I'm missing! And to have the necessary hardware just sitting in the garage too... With no reception to tune. What's worse, is that while I can't get a signal in Santa Rosa, even though I might get one in Rohnert Park, when I move there, I won't be able to put an antenna up anyway!!!
johnbr ( 24.112.158.247 ) at 4:30 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Happy B day Chris L
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:26 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
popcorn: It's the Jan '01 issue of Sound & Vision, BTW.
John O: If you read what they say about choosing the Bose system for an editor's award, it might make you feel less dirty. They do point out that it is terribly overpriced. I got the subscription for free, so its no big deal, but I definitley take all their reviews w/ a grain of salt.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:24 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Scott "popcorn": Nope, no scanner... Why don't you pick one up at your local bookstore? To give you a hint on which of your computers, the article is about the fact that we're entering the year "2001". As soon as I saw the cartoon, I thought, "popcorn's gotta see this!"
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:10 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Ron H : I'm only commenting on this because I just had lunch with my boss's boss, and the current market was a topic of discussion (otherwise I usually stay out of market talk, as I'm not much of an investor ... yet.) Agilent is down quite a bit today, too. (-5+ or so this morning)
Anyway, the thing we have to keep in mind, is there's a big difference between performance, and expectations. If a company shows profit/growth in the range of 10-20%, that's great news for the company, but if the market expected it to show numbers in the 30% range, then investors will punish the company for not fulfilling expectations. Agilent is still crawling out of the hole we dug for ourselves last summer when we announced that we'd miss our projections for q4. Thanks to a phenominal q3 and q4, we ended up not only meeting our projections for FY00, but exceeding them beyond even our own initial goals. It was a 4th quater for the record books. Did the market care, though? Not really. Before the dive we were around $160/share. We went down into the $30's and now we're in the $50's. It'll be another several quaters before we're back where we should be, I think.
It's a fine line to be walked, for a company making predictions about their projected growth & performance. On the one hand, you don't want to overestimate things, because if you fall short, you get pummelled on Wall St. However, you don't want to be too conservative, either because then if you DO meet those ambitious goals, and surpass your conservative estimates, you've missed out on a lot of potential investors that might have thrown their money your way, had you told them what you were capable of.
Just to give you an idea of how confident people here (at Agilent) are about the company's potential, when our stock goes down (like today) lots of people are almost happy, because they see it as a good opportunity to buy more stocks! I gotta tell you, that in and of itself is a HUGE improvement in attitude from what I saw with Boeing!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.124 ) at 3:40 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
OT - computers
Curtis: No worries... and I will be the first to point out a less than good design from Compaq (eg, the docking stations, of which I went through three before getting one that worked). I just bought a 633mhz Celeron with 20gb hard disk, CDRW, and 15" monitor for a little over $700. Damn thing has a faster processor and larger hard disk than my system at home, and all my daughter will do with it is play games (she is seven, so I guess I can cut her some slack).
Ron H ( 63.28.253.115 ) at 3:12 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
JBC: I am glad I didn't pick this orning to increase my holdings. Go figure9 monthe ago people were buying stock in companies that had never made penny one and now after reality finaly hit everyone has gone to some strange extreme that makes no sense to me.
Ron H ( 63.28.253.115 ) at 2:32 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
JBC: I just can not believe this is happening with companies that are profitable.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:26 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Were you looking into the upgrade for the front pannel of a TheaterMaster.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 2:04 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Ron H: Yikes... Cisco is down US$5.50.
Kitten ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 2:03 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
To CAI
Darian is NOT the Dell kid. In fact, he openly mocks our friend who looks and sounds like the Dell kid, using such colorful terms as "Butterball." He prefers that you call him "Captain Kirk." This is because, as a child, his parents once asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. The little tyke replied, "Captain Kirk. Because he always tries to do the right thing, he saves the universe every week, and he can solve any problem in under an hour!" Promotion from tech officer wearing red on the away mission? I offer as evidence: the other day he was mounting an antenna for our OTA hi-def. After easily completing the task, he said, "I can't believe it took ProVideo 3 days to mount one of those things! It took me less than an hour" to which I replied, "You're Captain Kirk!"
I, on the other hand, have always compared him to Tom Cruise's character, Daniel Caffey, in A Few Good Men...you know...the bitter sarcasm, the overwhelming desire to make people admit (under oath) that they're wrong, and constantly being told to wear matching socks by his female counterpart.
Ron H ( 63.28.253.72 ) at 2:02 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
GrayHawk Screen Review
Part 2
Now on to my first impressions of the image. This test is being done in a dedicated home theater room with total light control that has quite dark blue/gray walls and ceiling. . My first look will be with the projector setup as it had been with the Dalite High Power Screen. The Sony 10HT is mounted on a 8 foot high ceiling and is about fourteen feet from the screen. My viewing position is about 13 feet from the screen. The room measures 17.5” long by 14.5 feet wide. The screen is on the 14.5-foot wall.
The first DVD I reviewed was The Fifth Element. My first impression is that the colors seem to jump out a little more. The colors seem to be more CRT looking and there seems to be, the best I can describe, a smoothness in the colors that was not there before. There definitely seems to be an improvement in the black level with no loss in the white level.
The picture itself may be a little darker than before but no enough to be a issue. In fact, it seems obvious that the settings I used for my previous screen will need adjusting. The one change I need to make is the brightness level. The blacks are so much better that it appears I will have to increase the brightness to regain the shadow detail. The picture seems to have taken on a more 3-D look to it.
There definitely seems to be a increased depth of image. I left the Cinema Black turned on and see no need to turn it off. One little side note is that I have a stuck on blue pixel that shows up when it is in a black part of the picture. Its brightness seems to be reduced about 50% and is not a issue any longer. The color of the screen seems to help hide the pixel structure. I can walk up much closer to the screen before the pixels become noticeable. I am not quite certain of the reason for this effect.
I was able to turn the wall sconces and the lights in the rear of the room and still maintain a viewable picture. One of the large differences I noticed with the GrayHawk Vs the High Power, is how little the picture changes when viewed off center. The colors and brightness remained quite strong and consistent at an angle well beyond one would use for viewing. One of the problems I ran into is the movies so much better that I become involved watching then instead of jumping to different scenes to review.
I had used the Avia disc to set up the Sony for the High Power screen and have now done the same for the GrayHawk.
My settings are:
High Power GrayHawk
Contrast 92 99
Brightness 42 52
Color 54 53
Hue 50 50
Sharpness 50 54
Cinema Black On On
More to follow.
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 1:34 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Gar: Take some pics. For us people who don't get any it might be nice to see. If we get 2" a year, let alone in a day, people around here call it a snowstorm. :p
Wild Bill ( 206.214.105.87 ) at 1:26 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Gar: Well, we got almost 4 inches and we may see the same amount tomorrow night and Friday morning. haha!!
Gar ( 169.207.193.191 ) at 1:10 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Snow!!!!!!!!
Ok this is getting redundant....... I think we must have 4 feet by now. And it keeps coming.... Thank God For Toro...........
Joe ( 205.188.199.166 ) at 12:59 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Hey guys
Been real busy this week. The Kitchen should be completed tonight. We just have to trim out. My appliances are a week out.
Luandry room just needs trim today.
They have to cut apart my tile to get to a kinked hose in the masterbath
We have been working to almost 10 everynight. I am looking forward to Christmas a day to sleep in.
Whats new around here?
Gar ( 169.207.193.198 ) at 12:36 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
GrayHawk Screen Review
Ron H : I am drooling with antisipation!!!!!!. Also if you could put a good word in for me with Stewart, that would be great because there looking for more Sony 10HT owners to test these.
Gar ( 169.207.193.198 ) at 12:34 PM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
9000ES Owners
Carlos: Same place as AVB, I have used Oade alot when it comes to buying Sony products. Also many members gave them a thumbs up to me when I was looking for Sony products a few years back ago.
Ron H ( 63.28.252.135 ) at 11:47 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
GrayHawk Screen Review
The GrayHawk screen arrived at my office on 12/19 at 10:00AM. The box weighed 58 lbs., was about 9 feet long and 10” wide top to bottom and front to back. The box was a little banged up. The staples at the ends had been pulled out and the box has a few dents. This did raise a concern as to what the condition of the material inside may be. The Fed Ex guys need to be more careful
Upon opening the box my concerns about the possible damage to the material inside was relieved. Everything was packed in an extraordinary manner. Lots of bubble wrap with everything was secure
and tight. The time and care that put into the packaging heightened my expectations to the quality of the screen.
Inside the box was a Snapper Deluxe Screen 54”X 96” with a felt covered frame. I decided to tackle the assembly and install on my own with no assistance. If anyone wonders why Stewart screens are considered the top of the line they need to see how even the small things are done. From the packing to the workmanship of the frame, it speaks quality. The difference in the care and finish between the Stewart and my other screens is quite noticeable. Even the three wooden frame braces that run vertical on the inside of the frame, which will not show once the screen is inserted, have a very light gloss black finish. The black finish on these braces is as good as that I have seen on many subs.
Each piece of the frame is color coded and numbered. Assembly is almost goof proof. The frame itself has a wide velvet covered border. Once the frame is assembled, the screen is mounted using snaps. One caution is that the screen itself is marked top and bottom so be sure you have it oriented correctly before you start snapping it into the frame. This should be mentioned in the directions.
Snapping the screen into the frame was not near as difficult as the Dalite screen was. With the Dalite, I had to resort to pliers to pull the screen over the last few snaps. When completed the screen is quite taut with no wrinkles. Total mounting and assembly time was one and half-hours. This is the third screen I have mounted in my home theater room so I am aware of some of the pitfalls that arise when you mount a projector screen.
The screen material itself seems to be made of some type of vinyl material that appears to be quite durable. It has a light gray cast, maybe about a 20% tint and appears to be somewhat reflective. Once mounted in the black felt wrapped frame and placed on the wall it appears to be white. My wife did not notice a difference in color.
A review of the Sony 10HT image projected on the GrayHawk will follow shortly.
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 11:29 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
9000ES Owners
AVB: The new remote controls all of the sound field settings?
AVB ( 64.41.33.45 ) at 11:13 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
9000ES Owners
Carlos: I bought mine from Oade. www.oade.com
Carlos ( 204.254.118.1 ) at 11:03 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
9000ES Owners
Gar: Where did you buy the upgrade kit?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.208 ) at 10:54 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Time-Warner HD Cable in Houston
Ron H : Are you following the thread on avs about the guys trying to get T-W to install HD cable? One guy actually has it up and running. He posted this funny conversation he had with them
"...I called TWC again trying to find someone who had a "clue" as to what was going on.
Spoke to a customer service rep named Ms. Guidry. I told her that a guy I knew
had his installed by TWC yesterday and it was working. He was now getting
HBO East and West and Showtime East and West, etc, etc. she then stopped me and told me "Ah Ha!! Now I know that he couldn't have
gotten that service from us because you can't get both HBO East and West. You only get one of them depending on which side of town
you live on. If you're on the east side of town you only get HBO-East. If you're on the west side of town you only get HBO-West and the
same thing for Showtime."
She was serious. I was stunned. I told her that it's right there in your
channel lineup...you get HBO East and West and Showtime East and West. I
even told her the channel numbers. I told her that the East and West don't
refer to the side of town you live on, but they refer to East Coast Feed and West Coast Feed. She then informed me that it was
technically impossible on the Time Warner Cable network to get an East and West feed of any channel because you couldn't live in the
East and the West at the same time.
No Wonder I'm having a hard time trying to find someone who isn't totally clueless at TWC. And I thought that Dish CRS's didn't know
what they were doing. Silly me!!"
Ron H ( 63.23.241.162 ) at 10:29 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Ron H:
Gar: They moved the GrayHawk postings to a new Stewart Screen forum. It would have been nice if they posted something to let us know.
Gar ( 169.207.194.9 ) at 10:15 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
JohnO: hehehe that's funny. I did the samething. Opened it up laughed a bit and put it back. HT magazine is nothing but over exaggerated Ads.
Gar ( 169.207.194.9 ) at 10:13 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Ron H:
I replied to you post on the Sony Forum. How much you want to make a bet it
is gone in the next day or so.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 10:11 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Was at Borders Books over the weekend, looking at HT magazines. Saw a bunch with "Editor's Choice" and "Best Products of 2000", picked up one, (90% sure it was Sound and Vision) an lo and behold th Editor's Choice included a Bose Lifestyle 50 system. Carefully holding the magazine with only two fingers I put it back on the stand and went to wash my hands.
Gar ( 169.207.194.9 ) at 10:08 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Ron H : You got it Ron Epstein is a Nazi! You mention any subject that he doesn't want to hear about and it is gone.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.208 ) at 9:59 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
OT - computers
RickMTB: I didn't mean to slam compaq, sorry if that hit a nerve. They make a great deal of solid products. I saw the original portable presentation where the thing was accidently on purpose knocked hard off of a pedistal and still worked perfectly. It's pretty amazing that current notebooks work as well as they do considering the ultra-mini components they have to use. Can you imagine telling someone 10 years ago that 20GB drives and 256MB of RAM along with video drivers that outperform desktop video cards that cost $10K+ at that time would be pretty standard stuff in a computer the size of a notebook?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.208 ) at 9:49 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Why do I get the feeling that a whole lot of folks are going to only get margin calls for the holidays? I vote that all markets shut down till the new year to save the pain. Then again this could be a great time to be buying.
Someone please pass me the crystal ball?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.208 ) at 9:45 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Holiday Movies
AVB: Don't think it was. I have it on LD and DVD. I think that most of my LD collection isn't long for this world.
AVB ( 64.41.32.135 ) at 9:40 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Holiday Movies
Curtis: Did this get mentioned already? Nightmare Before Christmas
Curtis ( 206.170.6.208 ) at 9:27 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Holiday Movies
Tony C: If you don't mind tossing a comedy about dysfunctional families in the mix, then you have to include National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It's one of my kids all time favorite flicks period.
Chris L: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 36 is old? Just wait.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 9:14 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
OT - computers
Wild Bill: Have you tried contacting Compaq? I had one minor prob with the Presario I bought well before taking a job here and the poeple on the 800 support line quickly solved the problem (also helped me walk through a cable modem issue). I use an Armada (a M700 with a Pentium III processor) that has worked flawlessly (now, the docking station's LAN card, thats another matter!) since I got it (including running DVDs). Today I am heading down to the Outlet store to pick up a Celeron-based desktop for my older daughter for Xmas to play games on. Oh, and a small nit about the *other* company's laptops... when I worked for Hitachi Data Systems we stopped using the Hitachi laptops and replaced them with "the other guys". They were lighter, but they also failed a lot. I would recommend Sony's if you want to switch from the Armada (but they costs a lot more).
Ron H ( 63.23.241.162 ) at 9:10 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Gar: They removed all post that referenced to the GrayHawk Beta test from the Sony VPL-VW10HT Projector Forum. Did not you have a problem with that forum also.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 8:52 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
good morning all.
Happy B-day Chris!
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.109 ) at 8:49 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Thanks so much for all the B-Day wishes guys!
Never thought I'd see 36.
Ron H ( 63.23.241.162 ) at 8:39 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Chris L: Happy B-Day guy.
Good Morning all.
Ron H ( 63.23.241.162 ) at 8:38 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
DirecTV
.RGB: Ooops I did not read all the replys before I responded.
Ron H ( 63.23.241.162 ) at 8:34 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
DirecTV
RGB: I was trying to say that the only option if you would like to pick and choose your programming was a BUD. A BUD is just another option as Dish or Direct TV is. They have their own receivers and their own programing options.
MikeD ( 24.112.158.232 ) at 7:57 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Amp for Gar
Good Morning
Gar:
Are you still looking for a 5 channel to hold you over until your Anthem arrives. Someone on the Home Theater forum is selling a PA5800 for 300 USD that includes overnight Fedex shipping. Just one note on the Anthems, I ordered an MCA-3, my dealer informed me that Sonic Frontiers was now producing the Version 2 of these amps, with a beefed up power supply. He expected a slight increase in price, but was kind enough not to pass it on to me. You may want to contact your dealer to see if that is what you will be receiving. By the way, more snow in Ontario again overnight, more shovelling to do later today.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.18 ) at 7:51 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Chris L,Happy B'Day!
Morning Folks: 60 degrees this morning and the people are bundled up like Eskimos. I suppose it'll happen to us.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.230 ) at 5:31 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
My New Neighbor
Works for Spacenet and he's director of implimentation of the V-Sat system for the entire US. Most of what he said was way over my head but maybe I can get hooked with a seriously fast satellite Internet connection. I had no problem lending him a snow shovel and helping to shovel his drive. Sometimes it's who you know! LOL!
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.230 ) at 5:28 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Happy Birthday Chris L!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:21 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Chris L: Happy birthday dude....
Good morning to everyone else
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.230 ) at 5:16 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Oh, good morning everyone.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.230 ) at 5:15 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
DirecTV
RGB: It's not DirecTV programming. You can buy C-Band programming ala carte and add channel by channel. They're two separate creatures.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.230 ) at 5:12 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Holiday Movies
Tony C: Die Hard. Definitely a Christmas spirit movie.
Gar ( 169.207.194.106 ) at 3:34 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Oade Brothers
Anyone interested in the new Sony Progressive Scan DVD players there getting a shipment of 20 of them tomorrow. There priced at just alittle over $1000, not too bad.
Gar ( 169.207.194.106 ) at 3:33 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
9000ES Owners
Got the Upgrade kit, will install sometime on Thursday. Remote looks like my remote for my Sony Mini System, but I heard it works well. Also checking out this new P-9000ES Piece, it seems they will hit the states soon.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.85 ) at 1:33 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
DirecTV
RGB: With a large C band dish/ receiver (BUD) you get a tremendous selection of a la carte programming packages direct from the content provider at prices along the lines of what a DSS or cable provider would pay. Find a store that carries Sat. Times magazine and you'll be blown away at the choices and reasonable prices available. This thing is tabloid sized and one weeks listings cover a huge amount of pages.
Piracy used to be a huge issue. No longer as the receivers have tight security built-in that all but makes swiping premium signals impossible. If you can fit the dish, this is the only way to fly. One cool design covers the entire dish with a canvass-like fabric making it look like a big patio umbrella.
Gar ( 169.207.194.120 ) at 1:24 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Shoveling Ho Ho Ho
Well shoveled my roof for the second time, last time I did that was in 78 and I was living in Minneapolis. At this rate my house is going to look like a igloo............. Plenty time for HT when your freezing your (|) off.
Gar ( 169.207.194.120 ) at 1:21 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
GrayHawk Beta Test
Ron H: Keep us posted. Sounds like it could improve alot of things, hopefully you will see it.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.40 ) at 1:01 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
OT - computers
Curtis: HAHAHA! I'm waiting for a Transmeta Crusoe before I get a notebook computer... Plus verification that BeOS will run on it (PERFECT OS for a portable...)
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.40 ) at 1:00 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kieran: Dang... do you happen to have a scanner? you could e-mail it
RGB ( 64.165.142.101 ) at 12:44 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
DirecTV
Ron H: I assume from Wild Bill's comment that BUD means Big Ugly Dish? Why does the type of dish have anything to do with programming selection from DirecTV?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.85 ) at 12:08 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Kieran: If you're around, tune into channel 30-1 for some awesome eye candy. Nova on the Japanese rice plantations. Wish I could record it in HD - soon.
Kieran ( 172.164.226.178 ) at 12:08 AM EST Wednesday, December 20, 2000
Huh! AOL go figure
AOL is now offering DSL service. $19.95 on top of the $19.95 monthly fee you pay for normal AOL. That's $40/month. Won't there then be additional fees from the phone company?
Don't get me wrong, I hate AOL, but it's what my parents have, and my Mom refuses to change. So, this may be an interesting option for them.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.85 ) at 11:27 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Sat. programming choices/ lack of
If you think DirecTV's options are limited/ expensive now, just wait till AOL buys them. Don't laugh, rumor has it that this could actually happen soon.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.85 ) at 11:23 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
OT - computers
Tony C: Whatsamatta Tony - you don't like your kid or sopin? Celerons in general & Armadas with them in particular have a less than loyal following. I can't believe that WB thinks a Dell is better!
Ron H ( 63.26.174.186 ) at 11:02 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
GrayHawk Beta Test
Ron H : The Dalite Hi-Power is down off the wall and has been replaced with the GrayHawk. Info to follow.
Ron H ( 63.26.174.186 ) at 10:59 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
JBC: I think it would be a great time to buy, butI have felt that for almost the last month. Damn if I know. I am very tempted to pick up a 100 more shares of Oracle and maybe a 100 shares of Microsoft also.
DDDderb: Yes the GrayHawk is quite a nice Christmas present.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:58 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
OT - computers
Wild Bill: From my first impressions I fear that you are right.
I did get to watch some of the DVD and that was cool. So, I'll try it for a while. If it sucks I'll give it to my kid to take to school.
I did try to post on here from that box on AOL, and it didn't work.
Was there a brief glitch in the forum?
Ron H ( 63.26.174.186 ) at 10:54 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
RGB: I said if you got a BUD you could pick and choose.
Derb ( 199.174.7.126 ) at 9:55 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Merry X-Mas From Stewart
RonH: Just in time for the x-mas movies.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:34 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Holiday Movies
Been trying to watch a holiday themed movie every night.
Started off with How The Grinch..., then did It's a Wonderful Life,
last night was A Christmas Story and tonight is The Ref.
I need more suggestions. I think I own The Preachers Wife.
Anything else?
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.222 ) at 9:28 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
OT - computers
Tony C: Sorry to say this but I have a Compaq Armada laptop through work and it is the biggest piece of shit I've ever had to work with. It locks up contiuously, has been back to Compaq twice for repairs and will not do the basic things that computers do (like open folders). I can't wait for the day that it dies its' final death and I can get a good laptop like a Dell. Sorry, those are my feelings about the Armada laptops. I'd return it if I were you. YMMV.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:24 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
OT - computers
I just recieved today a new laptop that I was able to buy through work.
It's a Compaq Armada. It has a celeron instead of pentium.
I already managed to lock it up!
The first thing I wanted to try was the DVD player. I put in Titan A.E. and just when I was really excited about how it looked and the fact that I have a portable DVD player, it froze up on me.
Work only charged me $875 and they take it out of my check over a year. Can't be bad.
Derb ( 199.174.7.126 ) at 9:08 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
bZZZZZZZ
BIG AL: Try changing the length of the leads to your sub, this may be acting like a wire antena, stray RF being picked up.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.222 ) at 8:46 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Absurd...Not! haha
BAGMAN: We have 2000 icicle lights hanging from the gutters with a wreath bathed in light and 3 inches of fresh snow to make it look right.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.222 ) at 8:44 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
RGB: Ron said you could go ala carte if you have a BUD (Big Ugly Dish). That's the 8 foot wide variety. They don't allow them n my neck of the woods. Nope, no C-Band dishes here.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:24 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Cytotech: I can't find it... I've looked. Do you know where to find it on their site?
Cytotech ( 4.16.73.242 ) at 8:07 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Kieran: DISH has a superstation package, I believe.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:20 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Darian:I get UPN and WB from the SuperStations package. I will be going to off air more and more to catch UPN now I can tell.
What DSS system are you using that gives you upn and wb on a superstation package? I didn't see a "superstation package" on either DirecTV or Dish websites.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:18 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Darian:Mt frelling HS10 looks more and more like a deal when I look at these NEW GREAT THINGS!
"Mt frelling" ???? say what? Just curious what you meant there.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 7:02 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Travis.. it sure took care of a lot of them. Depends on the transports.
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 7:01 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
JBC: pic coming your way.
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 6:54 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Darian: Does the ovation still emit "pops and clicks" like the encore? Some have said the tm2k will solve this. I find it hard to believe though as I have been through several eprom changes and no luck. I sort of gave up...
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:53 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Look at the picture of the TheaterVision P. Its display is pretty much the same. All the lettering and so forth is the same "font".
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:48 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Darian: The pics on the EAD website are of the old display. Do you know of any links that have good pics of the VFD display?
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:38 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
It is an extra charge. Do you want to get an upgrade? I can set that up for you.
If you get TM2K you get: Latest Firmware, VFD Display, and a new remote. If you don't want the remote and are having your unit upgraded there is a deal we offer.
cnichol@rcn.com
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 6:33 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
ead
Darian: Does moving from an encore up to an ovation include the latest software and the new display? Or is an extra $500 on top of the upgrade charge?
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:29 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Holy Shiite. The new sony 57inch 16:9 is exactly 1 inch bigger diagnoaly. The price of the TV is $4500. It still has only one HD input too. Mt frelling HS10 looks more and more like a deal when I look at these NEW GREAT THINGS!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:01 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
I get UPN and WB from the SuperStations package. I will be going to off air more and more to catch UPN now I can tell.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.31 ) at 5:49 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
UPN & WB
Kieran: When we left Ohio we had WB as part of the local programing on DirecTv. We lived sixty miles east of Cleveland and we got NBC,CBS,FOX,ABC,and right before we left WB.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:41 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
UPN & WB
Why aren't UPN and WB affiliates included on either DirecTV or Dish's local programing packages??
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:39 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DiSH
RGB/Darian: Agreed... $9/month for just the HD programing sounds too good to be true. I didn't see this anywhere on their site. If true, this would be a good deal: get just the HD programing, and my local programing (San Fran feeds of abc, cbs, nbc, fox & pbs national) for a total of $15.00/month. Now THAT I could live with!
RGB: their normal "a la carte" menu is VERY limited. It's under programing on their web site.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.31 ) at 5:37 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Absurd
Christmas lights around fibreglass sailfish on peoples condos,we have a Dean Martin Christmas cd on,cooking the stuff for taco salad,and for you Joe, a pitcher of Pina Coladas.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:22 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DiSH
Darian: That $9/month HD package from DiSH sounds intriging though.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:20 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DiSH
Darian: Hmmm... shelling out $600 more dollars just for the HW when I already have a DTC-100 is a bit much. I'd like to stick with the DTC-100, but I also want HBO and Showtime HD channels, in addition to OTA HD channels which I currently get with the DTC-100. Thanks for the info.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:18 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Ron H : You said you were able to pick and choose the DirecTV channels you wanted? Well, according to their web site, if you want Speedvision, you either have to get the sports package or total choice package - neither of which I wanted. Do you know anything different?
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 5:16 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
RGB: DiSH 6000 = $500 8VSB module(OTA) = $100
All the channels? Well there is programming on 2 sats for the standard def channels... DISH 500 package will get you a dual feed DiSH that looks at both sat 110 and 119. To get the HiDef HBOS SHOWTIME.. etc. you need a second DiSH aimed at 61.5 and some sort of switch. The switch is determined by how many receivers you have and how many DiSHes. Any old dish will do it for one DiSH 6000.
It also seems that you can just get the HD material from DiSH with a monthly fee of like $9 and one DiSH aimed at 61.5. I saw mention of this before.
johnbr ( 24.112.158.228 ) at 5:10 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Happy Birthday LouV
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 5:05 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DISH 6000
Darian: What does the DISH 6000 unit run, and do you need multiple dishes to receive all channels?
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Ron H: Better get the new toys while you can. The market took another ass kickin' today! MSFT is down another $3. A point do we buy? Rememebr, not more than a month ago all the "gurus" were saying it would hit $115!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 4:47 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Scott "popcorn": There's a cartoon picture of your computer in the latest Sound & Vision magazine. I can't remember which page, right now, but you'll know it when you see it. It's near the beginning of the mag.
Robert ( 63.11.58.197 ) at 4:31 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA re. DTS ES discreet 6.1
Kieran: I too can corroborate (sp?) there are no exclusive agreements.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.143 ) at 4:23 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
30 Degrees in Houston
Ron H : Well, we're getting dumped on bigtime here in Northern Virginia. I started home at 2Pm from Laurel, Maryland and it was barely snowing there. When I crossed the river into Virginia it got worse and the further west I went the harder it snowed. We have about 2 inches so far and it's still snowing like a banshee. The weather is supposed to be quite cold for the next several days so it looks like we'll have a white Christmas. My new next door neighbors must be freaking. THey just moved here from South Africa on Tuesday and they've never seen winter weather. Oh, there's another snowstorm that is supposed to hit here on Friday or Saturday. I have a 10AM appointment on Thursday and then I'm off until January 2, 2001.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.143 ) at 4:12 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVS Post
Ron H: Thanks. I think Don Stewart is a class act. I've never seen someone of his stature in the Home Theater industry do what he's doing with the Grayhawk screen. I saw that yours has landed. Enjoy.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.143 ) at 4:10 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DTC-100
I wasn't going to do it, I wasn't going to do it, but I may have. I just found a DTC-100 for sale at AVScience with the latest software update for $300. It's in West Virginia and I may be able to pick it up. I sent the guy an e-mail 3 minutes after he posted it for sale so I think my odds are good.
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.250 ) at 3:58 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
BTW....where is Lou V.?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:54 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Holy cheap speaker wire, Batman!
Check this out:
http://www.recotondirect.com/cgi-bin/recotondirect.storefront
30 feet coil of 12 ga standard copper speaker wire for... $3.00!!!
Such a deal. If you buy more than $25.00 worth of merchandise, the shipping is free!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 3:52 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Arrrgh!
So its Xmas time with all the pressure to have lots of lights out in front. Plugged about a million of the little ba#$%^&rds into a GFCI-protected outlet in front (outside light = GFCI). Anyway, two day ago no lights. Looked at the circuit breaker panel... nothing tripped, but for good measure reset the breakers. Still doesn't work. Since I didn't have time to work on it, I shrugged the shoulders and went on. Then, we find out that the guest room bathroom outlet (also GFCI) isn't working. Back to the garage... no breaker tripped. At this point I remember that on the inspection the house was determined not to have sufficient GFCIs installed. Grumble. Then it occurs to me to search out other GFCI outlets in the house. Yup, one has the "reset" button popped out. Important lesson to Rick... to save cost I guess builders install a GFCI outlet at the start of a circuit so that it will pop and the rest of the outlets on that circuit all go down. Argggh!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 3:46 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
RGB: I havea DiSH 6000. Right out of the box it can do Showtime HD and HBO HD with a 61.5 sat aimed dish. It will upconvert other channels to 1080i in various stretch modes. See my earlier posts about moving the RGB plug back and forth.
To get over the air channesl you will need to locate the elusive 8VSB module. This is a $100 additional to the price of the DiSH 6000. On Jan 1 the price goes up to $150. The hardest thing is actually getting a hold of one. They were way undershipped.
If you have questions specificaly not addressed let me know.
Ron H ( 63.26.205.203 ) at 3:20 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
RGB: I believe either Darian or Gar has the 6000.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.46 ) at 2:58 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
T-Man: Please don't call me Shirly. I jest not. One of the houses that we looked at Sat. there is no way we'll get the tv in there. If Baglady wants to not use the main living area for the ht/stereo there is no way I can fit/use the speakers effectivly. Rest assured though that if I downsize it will be in a quality manner. I'm not using the Krell/Theta combo right now here at the condo.Also not using the big speakers either,I am however using the Servo 15 sub and that makes the situation tolerable.
I beieve that we will spend Christmas here in the Keys. We were invited to Bradenton but I do not feel like driving five hours both ways after our recent twenty two hour trek down here.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 2:56 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Best place to buy a Pronto
RickMTB: BTW, the place was ASI that had it for $299 (see :http://store.yahoo.com/asihome/phpronphilpr.html)
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 2:55 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Best place to buy a Pronto
A co-worker just gor a B&K receiver and is frustrated by the remore. I suggested a Pronto. best price I have seen is $299 mail order. Any suggestions on sources?
Gar ( 169.207.193.137 ) at 2:47 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA: Sony TA-E9000ES owners...
Kieran: Doh!!! I was looking at the members list. On the left hand side of screen there is a date, but that's when they became members.
Doh!
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 2:34 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Ron H: I was looking at the "Total Choice" packages for both providers. Dish has theirs for about $10 less. I want both HBO and Showtime HD feeds, and in order to get this I guess Dish is currently the only option. I couldn't find too much information on Dish's site regarding their new 6000 receiver which is supposed to have it's own HDTV decoder. Anyone know anything about this?
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 2:24 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Ron H : If you want to pick and choose you need to get a BUD. You can just about hand pick every channel. I am suprised you found DTV $10 higher than Dish. To me it comes down to if you like sports Direct TV is your one and only option. Other than that it is a toss up. I do prefer DTV's guide much better and now they have added Wink. I am waiting for a HDTV, Direct TV, Wink, with TVIO. Right now I can get all the above but no HDTV.
You have to subscribe to HBO to get the HBO HD feed. That is true for both Direct TV and Dish.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 2:14 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Chris L.: I agree that sucks.
T-Man ( 209.114.177.242 ) at 2:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
BAGMAN: Tanman, er I mean Bagman, what kind of downsizing? Surely you jest. BTW, where are you spending Xmas?
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.70 ) at 2:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Whew.
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.70 ) at 2:00 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOU V!
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.70 ) at 1:54 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Kieran: I'm with you on this one. I called to see what I needed to do to get The DIY Channel. They said I had to get all these freakin' kiddie channels along with it. I don't have no friggin' kids! I told them to just forget it.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:38 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA re. DTS ES discreet 6.1
mic: Hmmm... good point.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:37 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA: Sony TA-E9000ES owners...
Gar: A year old??? Uh, the date of the first post is 12/18/2000.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:35 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
RickMTB: Why do you think I want OLN???? Asside from the MTB races, there's also a lot of whitewater stuff, too. Great channel! Bad DSS!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 1:25 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Kieran: I may be wrong, but I believe The Outdoor Network shows a lot of MTB races. If so, its worth putting up with all the other shopping and romamce movie networks they make you get...
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 1:12 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA re. DTS ES discreet 6.1
Kieran: If Onkyo could release it sooner they would, but they can't.
Gar ( 169.207.194.60 ) at 1:11 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA: Sony TA-E9000ES owners...
Kieran: Looks like those Posts are about a year old. Frankly I think the guy got ahold of Overseas version of that unit. I heard they where supposed to be release here, but only black.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:11 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Happy Birthday LouV!!!!!!!!!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:09 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
DirecTV
Man, what's the deal with Outdoor Life Network? Its only available on DirecTV's platinum choice option. SHEESH! It's a friggin commercial channel! WHASSUP with that?
So, what does it take to get HBO-HD from DirecTV? Do you have to subscribe to one of the HBO packages, or do you have to subscribe to a different package?
Man, I don't see how DSS is so much better than cable, except for the image and sound quality. They stick it to you the same way as cable, with all the "packages" that you have to choose from. "TOTAL CHOICE" my ass! Why can't I just select any 10 or 20 or 30 or whatever number of channels from their lineup for a flat rate? I really don't want the BET channel (no offense to those that do) nor do I want any religous channels, nor do I want MTV, VH1, or Nickelodeon. One of the few channels I DO want, (Outdoor Life) requires that I get EVERY SINGLE CHANNEL THEY OFFER!
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 1:08 PM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Showtime/HD on DirecTeeTee
Curtis: So you know exactly what's required to get the regular Dish and HD channels. After doing a comparison, DISH is about $10 cheaper a month than DirecTV.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 11:50 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA re. DTS ES discreet 6.1
Somebody the other day said that Denon had some exclusive agreement with dts for their dts-es discreet 6.1 format... seems not to be so:
— Following the recent announcement by DTS of a discrete-rear-channel variant of its DTS-ES surround sound format, the Onkyo Corporation today announced plans for upgrade software that would allow several of its products to process music and movies encoded for the new format. These products are already compatible with the derived rear-channel variant of DTS-ES. Unlike competing products, which are rendered obsolescent by the introduction of this new format, Onkyo Corporation's products' unique 'future-proof' DSP processor architecture allows them to be upgraded for the new format. As a long-time DTS licensee, Onkyo's engineers are working with DTS engineers to translate this new format into an easy-to-use installer program for all upgradeable products from Onkyo. The upgrade programs can be installed via a common RS-232 cable connecting the component to a personal computer. "This is exactly why we developed our future-proof upgradeable processor," said Mark Friedman, Senior Vice President, Onkyo USA. "We introduced the Onkyo TX-DS989 receiver in the Spring, and if they didn’t have an upgradeable processor they would already be obsolete in the minds of many home theater enthusiasts We were selling products that will be able to use this format even before it was introduced. No other company can make that claim." Onkyo anticipates it will have its DTS-ES installer upgrade program available in the first quarter of the next year.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 11:30 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
PSA: Sony TA-E9000ES owners...
Check this out:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/Forum14/HTML/031091.html
Don't know if this is of interest to any of you, but I thought I might bring it to your attention, since there are so many of you here.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.48 ) at 11:10 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
Wild Bill: A resounding no,I don't miss it. As for Manny,I am torn on that issue. The Tribe offered the same money as Boston but alot of it was deferred while Boston's was up front. Manny is not the brightest guy in the world and I think he really wanted to stay in Cleveland but his agent convinced him that he would look foolish in not accepting Boston's offer. In my opinion Manny kind of knows his limitations and tries very hard not to ever look foolish. The Cleveland managment,media, and players protected Manny,wait until the Boston players find their new 160 million dollar man going through their lockers to "borrow" underwear.It has happened in Cleveland. On another Tribe note, I think they were really less than classy in their dealings with Sandy Alomar.
On a HT note, I think I may be facing some downsizing considering the size of some of the houses that we have looked at.
Good morning all.
Ron H ( 63.23.243.98 ) at 10:53 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
GrayHawk ScreenGrayHawk Beta Test
JBC/BC More than likely I will put the screen together tonight. I will set it on the floor against the current screen. This should give me sort of a split screen running horizontal so I can do a one on one comparison for a couple of evenings. Of course the projector is set for the best image for my current Hi Power screen so the GrayHawk may be at a disavantage. I will keep all of you posted.
Ron H ( 63.23.243.98 ) at 10:47 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
JBC/BC: LOL. You all know me too well.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 10:36 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Ron H: I will bet dollars to doghnuts that that pup will up before you go to work tomorro morning.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 10:30 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Joy in Houston
Ron H : I think we all know the answer to that!
Ron H ( 63.23.243.98 ) at 10:23 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Joy in Houston
The GreyHawk screen just arrived. The question is will I be able to wait till the weekend to set it up? Or will it be "Sleepless in Houston"
AVB ( 64.41.32.166 ) at 9:47 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
Gar: Just one of those things Gar. In my system 2 beeps mean everything is OK. Once the card is in I doubt if dust would case the problem unless you removed it and reinstalled it. Most likely the startup voltage was low and that can depend on the AC going into the house, if the fridge turns on at the same time etc etc. Just a gremlin that pops up from time to time in most cases.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.182 ) at 9:21 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
AVB: Yeah if you're not running Win98/2000 the DC software is pretty useless. I find the Mac versions usually really lame for most as well.
Gar ( 169.207.194.105 ) at 9:04 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
AVB: Morning AVB/All. No problem just would love to see this system, especially that GMAS. Also computer question, for some reason my Video Cards isn't being read all the time, meaning when I start up my computer I get two beeps, which is basically my computer is telling me it isn't readin g the Video Card... This happen a couple of times when I first got it, but hasn't happened in over a year. I might have the Dust bug again. Last time I cleaned out my Computer it was full of dust..
AVB ( 64.41.32.86 ) at 8:58 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
Gar: The problem I have is the software for my digital camera doesn't work with NT. I do have a work-around but it is a real pain. Plus, the system is now apart waiting for my amp to return.
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 8:44 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
another view of 7.1 channels
Once you setup a Meridian for 7.1 channels (size, delay, levels, phase, crossover) they are always applied to any multy channel mode, be it DD/DTS/MPEG/DPL with or without THX post processing or AMBSONIC or 2 channel priority dsp's like Trifield & Music apply 7.1 to 2 channel sources, but you always have the option under each mode to use either the sides, rears or both, each with level and delay adjustemts and you can save these settings as a new mode with your own name. DPL logic modes also give a choice of mono or steered surrounds. DD/DTS/MPEG 5.1 are always stereo sides/rears except for THX-EX which gives the mono rears, they do not have DTS-ES mono rear or 6.1 discreet yet. I would like to see them add these and Prologic II soon.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.248 ) at 8:41 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
it's the UHF frequencies you want to capture. If you can't see the analogs with a decent antenna, you probably won't get the digitals. The cliff effect and all that means perfect reception till it just vanishes.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.248 ) at 8:38 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
RCA DTC PSA
AVB: That's reason enough. I'll put in a call to the FCC to see how soon they can move the towers to about 1 mile from your place.
AVB ( 64.41.32.86 ) at 8:35 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
RCA DTC PSA
Curtis: I can't get the OTA stations very well out of Baltimore and I don't get HBO, just Showtime. I've been thinking about putting up a 60' tower but the money goes to other places right now.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 8:33 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
High end speaker deal PSA
Curtis: That's classic.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.138 ) at 8:31 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
They are talking 30 degrees in Houston tonight. Winter is here.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.138 ) at 8:30 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Good Morning all.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:44 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Good morning gang.... another 6 inches of snow in Toronto. Time to give the quattro a workout!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 1:57 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Know-it-all teens & Tony C's Xmas gift
Tony C: Right you are about not letting my Brian near my office. Only problem is that I do most of my work from my home office and I find him downloading everything he can get his hands on (his older sis is guilty too) on both my work desktop & notebook computers.
I go to show a new client a Power Point presentation the other day and Dope Wars starts up all by itself. All you have to say is "sorry, I have teenagers who're Net savy" and everyone understands.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 1:52 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
er, spilt milk
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 1:51 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Know-it-all teens & Tony C's Xmas gift
Tony C: Thanks for being such a good sport man. Nothing I can do about spilt mile after the fact but laugh & hope to learn something from the experience, right?
OakFreakingBrook snooty riding lessons? No way! You must have been one of the rich kids 'cause I was from the wrong side of the tracks just there to swipe the free polo balls. My ridind lessons were in Memphis where I'm pretty sure I was the only white kid there. When horses get pissed/ spooked they can do frightening things - part of the allure I suppose, like jumping out of an airplane or doing Big Al speeds on a motorcycle. You have to get back on the beast just to show them who's boss of course. FYI the unofficial but strictly enforced rule in polo is that if you fall off your horse you have to buy a case of beer for everyone else. Most of the players I know are hard working folks who do not fit the preconceived notion people have of Prince Charles and stuff.
Robert ( 63.11.56.61 ) at 1:44 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
New toy's and it's not even xmas
Picked up the Sony Sat-T60 Direct TV Receiver with Tivo tonight, Should be fun over the holidays, not to mention I pick up the rest of my Monster Cable cables in the morning. I also got a HTS 2500 power center. Will say this,,,locked up the image on the PTV right off, I'll be damned if that voodoo actually works. I have GOT to work on the audio cabinet to fit all this gear in.......... OK OK I hear those violin strings playing...
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:33 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
I just use PayPal for the first time. I bought LDs of Rocky, 1,2,3,&4.
My youngest loves the movies. And LD was the only way I could find a set.
At least for now.
BUT anyway, the reason for the post was PayPal. Kind of a pain to get it started, but it looks like it could be a cool way to do transactions easy and quickly.
Now should any of you jamokes sign up for it, make sure you use my name so I get the $5 kick back.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:29 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Help Post(Revised)
Gar: I can call a buddy. He carries Adcom. Won't get that deal like the HK, but he can do ok. I run my sides and rears with an adcom.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 1:27 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Know-it-all teens & Tony C's Xmas gift
Curtis: Great story. Don't bring Brian to the office with you!!
You're right, I understand. And afterall, it is indeed the thought. Thank you so much for the effort you put in.
It's funny, but I never did tape the second season. I guess because the first didn't come out so good, as you pointed out. Well, next year, I'll get it on DVD.
P.S. I wanted to tell you that I took aquestrian and polo lessons at Oakbrook when I was a kid. Got the ribbons and trophies to prove it.
I quit when I fell off while going over a 4' fence. The horse was pissed, came around and smashed my helmet which had fallen just above my head (loose strap). It was my mother who really freaked out. My dad always wanted me to be a jockey. I'm only 5'4"(and a half). He had a couple of horses, because it was cool. But I lost interest. He lost money. I saw girls scream for guitar players, not polo players/jockeys. Little did I know.
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 1:04 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Help Post(Revised)
Looking for a inexpensive 5 channel Amp, anyone know where I can find one cheap. Need one for the Holidays for a backup since my other Amp won't be here till after the holidays now. I saw a HK Citation 2.1 at OneCall for $567 shipped, not too bad of a deal considering it lists out at $1500. Go figure there out of Stock.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.138 ) at 1:03 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Man, I'm BUMMED!!!
Kieran: but if you own the tights, ya gotta wear 'em
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 1:02 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Darian: Friend had it for awhile and then went with the new Mits 65"
I didn't like either of them that much, but then again I have been sucked into the Darkside of the "Big Screens" now.......
Kieran ( 172.129.6.90 ) at 12:59 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Man, I'm BUMMED!!!
Scott "popcorn": LOL! A phrase comes to mind... something like "the pot calling the kettle black..."
I would do it, but I'm too lazy to even add an email link to my name on a consistant basis, let alone type out all THAT muck! Besides, my first name is unique on its own...
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 12:59 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Saw the New Sony 57"xbr. Looks kind of small. They even put it up on a riser to get it to eye level. 1 HD input... That is unforgivable! At least my HS10 was sort of cheap.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.138 ) at 12:55 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Man, I'm BUMMED!!!
Kieran AKA HT-Nerd-Boy: Just thought you should extend your name...
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 12:55 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
JohnO: tell him to hit the * key a few times and see what will fill the screen. Try Zoom mode for Digital chanels on a 4:3 set. Picture will fill the screen.
Kieran ( 172.129.6.90 ) at 12:53 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
dtc100 on ebay
Curtis: Hmmm... I couldn't find the vga to component converter on their website. Oh well... I don't need one, I was just curious.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 12:51 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Showtime/HD on DirecTeeTee
RGB: It's one of these stupid political tug-o-wars. Showtime & HBO couldn't hate each other more so for now ST/HD is conspiculously missing. It will happen sooner than later simply because of the huge installed base (even the HD part) of DirecTV osubscribers - this is all just my opinion & perhaps a dash of wishful thinking.
This is why the REAL HD nuts opt for the Dish 6000. Both HBO & ST HD are already active there. I may even join them if this OTA module really seems to work.
Kieran ( 172.129.6.90 ) at 12:50 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Man, I'm BUMMED!!!
The DTC100 in Los Angeles spoiled me!!!
The more research I do, the more it seems that I'm going to be LUCKY to get any OTA DTV signals at my new place in Rohnert Park. CRAP!!!! Granted, I could get DirecTV, and watch HBO-HD, but I'd really rather avoid having to pay cable OR DSS for my tv programing. Plus, my Dad gets HBO on Dish, and I really don't care for their programing much. Maybe when Discovery HD comes out I'll like that.
But I'm going to miss my OTA DTV of the primetime networks!!!!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 12:46 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
dtc100 on ebay
Kieran: Answers
1) Yes, $80 for the Plus dish is excellent. $149 everywhere else
2) About 6 months ago when they decided they had a much larger market if they could satisfy the Component HD crowd while putting the screws to Audio Alchemy's TransCoder.
BTW, I have an AA for sale cheap if anyone here needs it. Otherwise eBay here I come.
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 12:24 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
hehehehehehe.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.138 ) at 12:23 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
Gar: His wife is probably keeping him too worn out and bedridden (heh... pun!) for him to have time or energy to update his bio.
RGB ( 64.165.142.115 ) at 12:12 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
dtc100 on ebay
Curtis: Any word on when/if HD-Showtime will be coming to DirecTV?
Kieran ( 172.129.6.90 ) at 12:08 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
dtc100 on ebay
Curtis: Did you look at the ebay ad AVB posted? The guy is selling several, as it's a dutch auction. He's also got the elliptical dish for $79.99, and an "RCA vga to component converter" for $89.99...
Two questions:
Is $80 a good price for the elliptical dish?
Since when did RCA start making & selling a vga to component converter? That's pretty sweet if it's for real!
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 12:05 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
You need to finish you bio and keep us out of suspense! Put some Pictures up of your system.
Kieran ( 172.129.6.90 ) at 12:03 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
RCA DTC PSA
AVB: You dog! Congrats on the beautiful wife. Didn't she live with you for a few months last year? I seem to remember that picture from before. If I recall correctly, you told us that she was on some sort of cultural education/exchange thing or something... and she was from somewhere in the former USSR? Hmmm... and you were gone for a few months last year to Russia, weren't you??? Ahh... the pieces are starting to fall into place! Wow! You're a lucky man.
BTW, for $450, you should pick up a dtc100!
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 12:01 AM EST Tuesday, December 19, 2000
AVB
Wife is very pretty. If memory serves me right she is from Russia?
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 11:57 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Curtis: Double Ditto on that Curtis.
Gar ( 169.207.194.131 ) at 11:57 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
BIG AL: I calmly told Sony that they needed to use there RM-2000 remote with this damn thing. Lights up like a Christmas tree and can read just about anything from 30 feet away no matter the angle. Sony However did replace my old 9000ES remote and it does a decent job. AVB can go into more detail since he got the new remote with the new upgrade.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 11:56 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
BIG AL: If you like the 9000ES/ Cinepro on CD's just wait till you spin up a good DD5.1 DVD. I have yet to find a single 9000 unhappy owner.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.39 ) at 11:48 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
I also found out last night that I have a connection at the Legacy speaker factory, and can get Legacy speakers at cost (me only, sorry guys). Even at cost, I can't afford 5 Legacy speakers though. Kinda like finding out you can buy a $180,000 Lamboughini for half price. "I'll take 2 for that price, sell one for full price, and have a free car!"
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.39 ) at 11:41 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Curtis; Way too obvious! That was the first thing I tried.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.39 ) at 11:39 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
HOWEVER! The 9000/CinemaGrand combo sounds fantastic! I am so happy I did this. I haven't even put a DVD in to check 5.1 yet! I've been listening to all my CDs, just amazed at the improvement. The only darkside so far is the piece-O-shit remote. I thought you guys were exaggerating about how bad it is. The wife thought I was nuts trying to adjust speaker levels by test tones. I looked like a drunken sailor trying to put the BB in the clowns eye during a gail! No matter what angle I put the thing, I got reflections, or it was too dark. Then when I found an angle I thought I could read, the 10 seconds was up, and it blanked out. If I had an alternative, I would've tossed it in the backyard for the dog to eat. Do I remember you other 9000 owners mentioning a replacement remote from Sony?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 11:35 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
BIG AL: This is too obvious. Did you try a cheater AC plug? You know, those stupid gray things that take a 3 conductor male AC cord and eliminate the ground on the other side.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 11:32 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Wow!
AVB: When did you sneak in that photo of your bride on your bio? She really is a babe. I'm officially jealous & please tell her an old bachelor pal said so. Good for you.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.39 ) at 11:28 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Derb; Thanks for the suggestions. I tried those and a couple more, but still a slight buzz or hum. Since it only comes out of the sub, the source has me baffled.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 11:26 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
RCA DTC PSA
AVB: I have to ask why you aren't interested in this item. Your system can't handle HD? I'm sure it can. Can't get any OTA channels? OK then. HBO/HD alone is worth the modest price of entry for me, if you enjoy movies. Showtime & Discovery HD are coming as well.
This item is a lot less bucks for a major upgrade than what you were seriously considering putting some serious bucks down for a couple of days ago. Then again I'm a video guy & I suspect your focus is more in the audio realm.
AVB ( 64.41.32.118 ) at 11:01 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
RCA DTC PSA
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1201769276 Dealer selling at $450 plus $20 shipping
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 10:57 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
AVB: Some guys have prenup agreements, AVB has a "hands off my main system" agreement firmly in place. Good idea. A little trickier with your own kids though as they just dream up creative things all the time - like the time the same son decided to "improve things" by rewiring most of my HT. No damage done thank god. This is another reason I don't drop the really big bucks in my HT. I don't want it to get fried.
Ron H ( 63.26.205.108 ) at 10:50 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Wild Bill: Nice post on the AVS forum. Shows alot of class.
AVB ( 64.41.32.118 ) at 10:46 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Know-it-all teens & Tony C's Xmas gift
Curtis: Much more trusting then I. I don't let the wife play with any buttons on the main system without me there.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 10:31 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
High end speaker deal PSA
AVB: Sounds like the perfect surround upgrade for me Just kidding. I've heard them and they are amazing. Still trying to get over the Nazi sounding name though.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.193 ) at 10:26 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Know-it-all teens & Tony C's Xmas gift
I was going to just email this to Tony C but it's actually kinda funny so I plaster it here.
Two seasons ago Tony was kind enough to loan me a full set of (crappy VHS!) tapes of the 1st season of the Sopranos 1st season. I might add that I kept them far longer than I should have but finally did return them. I went from cynic to fan in no time.
As a thank you I taped all of last season's Sopranos on (less crappy) S-VHS tape from a DSS signal via a DCT100. Much better, right. As I was packing them up last night with my 13 y-o son, I decided that I should check a random tape just to feel good about my gift. Popped in episode 5 & 6 and hear wonderful sound, but NO picture. I went through every tape - exact same result.
"Jeez dad, they should look great becuase they're off HBO/HD, right?" I remember every Wed. night we made sure a new tape was loaded up for your friend. Feeling very proud that my boy clearly knows his HT I said "yes, but the broadcasts were in SD, not HD till the coming season." I'll place a S for what son said & a D for me.
S:"You really should thank me"
D:"OK, why should I thank you"
S:"Because you had it setup wrong every Wednesday for taping"
D:"I did?"
S:"Yep - you turned off the HD light on the DTC100 while recording. Everybody knows that gives the best possible picture - duh. So I always bailed you out without telling you. I turned on the HD light on the receiver before the VCR fired up"
D:"Thank you very much for doing your best to help out, Brian. Only one problem with your fix: the VCR records the S-Video output. Turning on the HD video output disables all S-Video. Your heart was in the right place but the result is that Tony C's videos have no video to them at all"
S: "Oh sh*t. Why didn't you tell me that? I'm really sorry! (He really was/is)
D: "Why didn't you ask?"
So Tony please remember that it's the thought that counts, unless you want a S-VHS full season soundtrack for Christmas. It was one of those rare cases where a very smart teenager who thinks he knows it all was caught not knowing. I gave him a big hug and told him that it was nice of him to try to do a good thing and that Tony's a dad and will understand it was an accident.
AVB ( 64.41.32.118 ) at 10:21 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
High end speaker deal PSA
FS: Von Schweirkert VR-8 Speakers, contact dougsrob@aol.com (DougSRob) Schweirkert VR-8 Reference Loudspeakers $8,500 (18,500+?)
A large 6 driver speaker using Albert Von Schweirkert's "Global Axis" crossover technology, incredible efficiency (96 dB 1w/1m) and huge dynamic capability (1000 watts power handling). World class imaging with electrostatic-like speed and bass power. Cherry finish.
JohnO ( 128.190.9.25 ) at 9:38 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darian: I know what you mean about some of the 12-15" subs, but $800 (list, I know I didn't pay that ), doesn't that put this thing up against some of the HSU subs? Thanks for the 6000 info, I will pass it along. Can you think of any reason that he is now getting cropped 4x3 instead of letterboxed 4x3 from the 6000? He is using the s-video out, only has a standard non-hdtv set.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.240 ) at 8:22 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC: No e-mail yet.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.240 ) at 8:17 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: No I mean that if I set the processor for the THX mode I am unable to apply logic 7 or anything else. Lucus will not allow any additions or subtractions to his GOD LIKE ideas on how movies should be played back in your home. Just another reason I dislike the guy.
I use Logic 7 which when it is a DD source and will in my case produce 7 channels of discrete sound plus the LFE.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:06 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Ron H: I don't think I follow you here: it does its stuff on anything except for reg THX. They are not allowed to mess with it.
What do you mean by "reg THX."? Do you mean that if you have a sound track that is encoded with THX Surround EX (aka DD-EX) that the Lex's Logic7 can't be applied to that sound track? That sounds hard to believe.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.134.23 ) at 8:05 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
BAGMAN: Rain, sleet and snow 2 out of the next 5 days in Northern Virginia. Do you miss it yet? BTW, the Indians blew it big time by letting Manny Ramirez go!
Ron H ( 63.26.171.240 ) at 8:01 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: Yes it does its stuff on anything except for reg THX. They are not allowed to mess with it. You are not even able to use the other crossovers except for the THX standard. You do have the option of choosing stereo rears which Lex creates vs the THX standard decorolation (spl) circuit.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.31 ) at 7:57 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
Kieran: In the blink of an eye, HT-nerd-boy quickly changes back into his civilian clothes, and
assume his day-time role of "normal movie theater customer."
Outstanding LOL
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:40 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
Chris L.: Actually, the manager WAS the guy in the projection booth...
All this, and I've never even BEEN in a projection booth! LOL!
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.190 ) at 7:35 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
Kieran: >>HT-nerd-boy to the rescue!<< LMAO!!
I bet the manager and the guy in the booth were both scratching their heads wondering how (and why) this guy knew what was wrong.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.45 ) at 6:59 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC: Double turds. I actually put in a buy for CSCO the same day as Sun but was able to cancel at the last possible moment. The frightening thing is that these are all solid/ profitable firms who OWN their respective markets.
The best thing that came of all of this is I had to sell all of my Mom's stocks 12 weeks ago as part of her estate distribution. My brothers & sisters would have been bummed to the tune of 40%+ less distribution.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 6:59 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Men of Honor... or adventures at the Cineplex
Men of Honor is filmed anamorphically!
How do I know? Well, when I went to watch it at a "THX" certified theater, the anamorphic lense fell off the projector during the 20th Century Fox fanfare! All of a sudden it looked like we were watching an anamorphic dvd on a 4:3 TV, with the DVD player set up for a 16:9 tv! Everything was tall and thin. I knew right away what had happened and off I went, on a mission to save the movie (HT-nerd-boy to the rescue!) First I climbed up the stadium-style theater to the projection room glass, and knocked really hard on the window... nobody home (didn't think so, but thought it was worth a try). So, down I went to the lobby. "Hey popcorn lady! Is there a manager nearby?" She calls over a 19-year old kid who asks if he can help me... I think (yeah! go get your boss for me!) but realize that this guy is the senior employee on staff at the moment. "Yeah, man, the anamorphic lens just fell off the projector for theater 14 playing 'Men of Honor'." With an incredulous look on his face, he says, "the anamorphic LENS fell off? Really?" sez he. "yep!" sez I. "Alright (curses under breath) I'll get somebody to fix it... thanks." and he heads off in a slight jogging not quite running, gate, to an "employees only" stairwell entrance. So, I head back into the theater, and wait at the bottom of the stairs until I see somebody up in the projection booth. The "manager" appears, and I walk up to the top row and peer in to see what he's doing. After he fumbles about for a minute, I knock on the window, and point to the front of the projector where I think the problem is, and yell again to him "the anamorphic lens!" He nods as though he'd forgotten and I jogged his memory, and then pushes some buttons on the back of the projector. The film stops, the anamorphic lens slowly moves back up (apparently it hadn't "fallen off" but the projector was just in "spherical" mode) and the movie restarts with the proper aspect ratio. I give a thumbs up to the guy in the booth, and the audience applauds as I return to my seat.
In the blink of an eye, HT-nerd-boy quickly changes back into his civilian clothes, and assume his day-time role of "normal movie theater customer."
Incidentally, the rest of the presentation was not up to THX standards, either. About half way through the movie, the image started flickering... going from normal brightness to a quite dim condition. This lasted for about 5 minutes, then went away. Also, during the entire movie, there was a band of purple along the entire left side of the picture, from top to bottom. I don't know how wide it was, but it was pretty bad... maybe 2 feet wide on a large movie screen? So, after the film, I found the "manager" again, and told him about it. He wasn't very receptive to the remarks, but eventually offered some vouchers for us to come back some time. This wasn't what I was trying to get (although I accepted); I just wanted to let him know that it wasn't up to THX standards, and that for a new cineplex that advertises ALL THX STADIUM THEATERS, this was a big blunder, IMHO. Oh well, I'll take the free tix anyway.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.45 ) at 6:53 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
... worse a good friend who's a senior architech at Sun Micro told all of his friends to buy, buy, buy a few months ago. 2 nights ago all of those people were at the same party giving the poor guy both barrells, esp. the wives. Not a pretty sight.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:51 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Curtis: Take a look at Cisco....or better yet, take a look at Nortel...
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:51 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Curtis: It gets worse. My EAD Progressive DVD player is VGA out too. I have everything hooked up to an iScan for when I don't want to mess with it. If I want the best quality picture I need to move the onnection of my break out cable back and forth.
I may just make that change from the HS10 even sooner. SAMPO!!! Then I just need a projector for when I have people over. I don't think they will be willing to go back to my little screens. BUT DIRECT VIEWS SETS LOOK SO FRIGGEN SWEET!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:50 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: "Does this mean that the Lexicons ONLY do Logic7 and the like? Meaning they don't do Dolby Digital and/or DTS? Not that I'm saying this is bad (I've never heard Logic7) but sounds kinda weird to me." No Logic 7 is an enhabcement to all other processing -- DPL, DD, THX, dts, etc.
"Or when you say "proprietary software" are you talking about dsp modes that are applied to formats like DD and DTS? " Yes
Also, you need to hear a Lex to undestand and "feel the force".
Ron H: You have e-mail. Also, I will call you soon.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.45 ) at 6:48 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
what's wrong with this graph?
Ron H and JBC: How wonderfull do I feel owning this piece of heaven?
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=SUNW&d=3m
Curtis ( 206.170.6.45 ) at 6:41 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
your HD connections
Darian: Dude, that daily switching of your 6000 output would drive me nuts. Get a good VGA switchbox and let it do the work.
Glad your crap-tenna pulls in all the OTA digital channels so well. My "aiming" procedure consisted of 1) well, SF should be somewhere north and SJO should be somewhere south" so I pointed them 180 degrees away from one another & was amazed how well everything came in. Haven't touched them since Sept.1st and they're just sitting on a tripod mount that isn't even secured at the base.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 6:26 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: I listened to T2 on dts ES on my DC-2 and thought it did a great job.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.45 ) at 6:25 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Taste
Ron H : ROTFLMAO!! Now I'm thinking I should visit there out of my own pocket even though I don't have the time just to see what you're talking about!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:16 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SW-2... Sorry John: I really think the SuperZeros and the SW-2 are a great match. But take into account that I am an audio guy and I listen to music critcally. Those 12 in subs with limiters eqs and tiny amps on big drivers sound awful to me. I never reccomend them. We have 15" and 12" subs at work with 300-500 watt amps. They do a good job with booms and crashes, however then sound like big woofers, wishing they were subwoofers. There is just something missing with those cheap powered subs that the passive ones can do so much better. That churning and deep powerful bass that isn't flapping.
BTW: I did not charge you $800 for that combo!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 6:09 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JohnO: As for the 27-2 not working... that is a CONDITIONAL ACCESS problem. HDTV contains a spec for conditional access. It is litteraly a switch that someone can throw at the station. Give them a call and tell the engineer to "Turn off the Conditional Access feature please." DiSH is working on a software to get around this problem.
As for the 4:3 thing. The picture on the HD channel around here is transmitted with those black bars. The 4:3 image is upconverted then letterboxed for transmition. The conversions can make the picture pretty ugly. I have a 4:3 TV that has a 16:9 mode for Anamorphic and HD. Durring the day I connect the S-Video out of the DiSH 6000 to my iScan. I have the iScan in RGB mode and the TV too. The picture is 4:3 and one press of the * key sets the DiSH 6000 to full zoom. This only is applied to DTV channels. This zooms into the 4:3 part of the frame. Therefore the picture fills the entire 4:3 screen. In the evening when there is actual HD being shown I move the plug over to the DiSH 6000's RGB out. This forces my TV to a letterboxed 16:9 1080i image. When the program is in HD this is the way I watch. I am not impressed with the 6000's abilites to upconvert standard DiSH channels to 1080i. feeding the picture to the iScan then to the TV is far superior to all the distortions imposed by leaving the dish 6000 in HD mode.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 5:54 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
I have an ugly metal antenna up there on the roof. Singal on HD channels just went through the roof. I never got above say 85 for a singal and it would fluctuate back and forth. Now I have a solid 95-93 on NBC digital. It also now alows me to have PBS and the good channels without reaiming anything. NO amps, No modualtor... NO nothing. Straight feed from antenna to a ground block then in the wall and to the DiSH 6000. Not seeing those digital break ups is a big improvement.
Gar ( 169.207.194.60 ) at 5:41 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Help!
Anyone know where I can get ahold of a 5 channel Amp cheap? Like a HK-5800
or a inexpensive 3 channel. I sold off my Haflers to get the Anthem and it seems that the assholes sold the demo that was mine. Good news is I get a new one for cheap.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:39 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Ron H : I assume Logic7 does its magic on DTS-ES encoded discs, too?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:38 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
The Messenger: The story of Joan of Arc
ScottVeirs: Didn't like the ending? Hey, man, that's history! You can't really complain! That would be like walking out of Titanic and saying, "man! the ship actually sunk??? I can't believe they let that happen! I liked that movie until the ending!"
Or did you just not like the way the director presented it?
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 5:29 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
The Messenger: The story of Joan of Arc
Chris L.: LOL Gotta see it, I didn't like the ending.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 5:26 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: Logic 7 is one of the main reasons I purchased the Lex.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 5:24 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: You are just about correct. I found this at the Lex site.
Question: How does Logic 7 work with a 5.1 input?
Answer: The processor uses cues from the front and rear audio information and makes logical descisions as to what to place in the side channels.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 5:13 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: Yes and at times better because it creates a discrete R/L rear vs the mono rear of EX.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 5:12 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC: Somehow Oracle has been bucking the trend lately. It had a real strong day today and has a steady improvement in general. I think we may be past the change in the upper management. It also helps that the profits are very stong.
Cisco looked a little frightning today.
I did not think AOL would take another big drop but.... I guess it is releated to the bad news about profits from Time Warner but a 13.7% drop???
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:06 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Let's try that last sentence again...
So, when you apply L7 to a DD-EX track, when you say it is incredibly accurate, you mean that it sounds very much like the same source decoded in THX EX mode?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:04 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Ron H : Thanks... sounds very cool.
I wonder how it works? (famous last words of the engineer) Obviously I've never heard it, but it would make sense to me that with DPL, it takes the mono surround channel, compares it to the L & R front channels, and then predicts where a rear to front pan will go (to either the front R or L) and then fills in the gaps (i.e. side speakers) accordingly.
So, when you say it is incredibly accurate, you mean that it sounds very much like the same source decoded in THX EX mode?
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 4:56 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Kieran:To call it a DSP mode as we think of woth other processers would not quite be a true statement but yes. One of the things it does is take DPL and creates discrete R and L rears. It is uncanny how accurate it can be.
When Robert visited here we compared a THX EX to DD with Logic 7. The disc we used was the special demo THX disc. It was simply amazing how accurate the Lopgic 7 was. The main difference was that the logic 7 seemed a little more agressive with the channel seperation in the sides and rear.
After this test I no longer switch my processor to THX EX when the source has been EX encoded I just leave it in the Logic 7 mode all the time.
Gar ( 169.207.194.60 ) at 4:55 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa": Good to see you in here again. I got a Nikon Digital at a very good price, and the pixel rating on it wasn't too bad 3.34. I must tell you also, the NAD Silver Series along with the Joesph Audios is sonic heaven so far.......
Ron H ( 63.26.171.91 ) at 4:48 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Wild Bill: "Darian can blow things up real good" LOL
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.25 ) at 4:40 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
The Messenger: The story of Joan of Arc
Scott Veirs: What do you mean "then when I finished it I didn't like it?"
I'm so confused.
AVB ( 64.41.33.250 ) at 4:20 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
RGB: That is one question I can't give a firm answer too because I don't have dipoles. For directs it is a no-brainer and I would lean toward saying the same would be true for dipoles.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:45 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Ron H : So, is "Logic7" essentially a dsp mode that is applied to dpl, dd, and dts?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:44 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Taste
Ron H : They both also taste good.
LOL!
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 3:42 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
looking for an upscale pre/pro
Kieran: If your looking for "discreet" DTS 6.1 you'll have to go Denon or wait. They have an exclusive deal for awhile, don't know how long. Many new upscale pre/pro just comming out or soon to be.
I'm a 568 Meridian man, and believe Meridian sounds the best, they have a free software upgrade for THX-EX which you download from the net, but nothing for DTS yet.
Wild Bill ( 206.214.105.18 ) at 3:33 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Ron H : I think Darian had problems with one of the Pioneer progressive scan models. He said it was artifacting like crazy. JohnO was telling me about another player that Darian was testing that had some weird problems also. Then again, Darian can blow things up real good so maybe he's part of the issue? I haven't heard anything bad about the Toshiba players.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 3:21 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Taste
Curtis: Hey!!!! whether the 18 year old is female or Scotch I think I have excellent taste. LOL
They both also taste good.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 3:18 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC:Have you heard from Bob? Since I sold my sub I am getting slightly antsy for this to get completed. Not crazy or anything yet just thinking about it a little more. LOL
Curtis ( 206.170.7.177 ) at 3:15 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Ron H : Agreed. I'll just make a blanket "I agree with Ron's excellent tastes" statement here - though I'm not yet certain of where his taste in 18 year-olds comes in.
BTW, it looks like I won't be making the trip to Houston. Too much to do here. Yet another failed dot-com company with $2.5 million of equipment I must sell quickly.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 3:14 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: All the Lexs will do the normal DPL DD and DTS sound formats.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 3:12 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Curtis: No conversation about home theater speakers is complete without mentioning the M&K 150 system and the M&K line of subs. Many many of ther movies you watch are mixed and mastered using this setup. I think they are fantastic HT speakers.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.177 ) at 3:09 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Ron H : You're right, the Cine's belong way up on the list as do the Parasounds. Too many Christmas parties for brain to properly function.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 3:08 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Kieran:The Lex does incorperate the THX EX and I believe it will also handle the DTS version. Now there is a new version of the DTS that has discrete rears which only at this time is incoperated in the Denon 5800. If it seems to be a viable product Lex will offer the chip upgrade. It is not a problem as the Lex is designed for 7.1 discrete channels.
Does you client have the room/will they fit for 7 speakers? That means one set on the side and another at least 5 or more feet behind his sitting position. So many wives do not want the couch out in the middle of the room. Of corse this will depend upon the size of the room.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:05 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC: To the best of my knowledge the DC-2 and MC-1 use the same algorithms/processing. All software is proprietary to Lexicon -- that is developed in-house for their exclusive use.
Does this mean that the Lexicons ONLY do Logic7 and the like? Meaning they don't do Dolby Digital and/or DTS? Not that I'm saying this is bad (I've never heard Logic7) but sounds kinda weird to me.
Or when you say "proprietary software" are you talking about dsp modes that are applied to formats like DD and DTS?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:02 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
RGB: The Denon AVR 3801 does DTS discreet ES also... don't know of any others.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 3:00 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Curtis: Don't forget in you list of serious amps the Cinepro. I think it is one serious mother.
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 2:58 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Kieran: I believe the new Denon AVR5800 receiver is the only processor to incorporate DTS' new discrete 6.1 format. I'm sure other processors and receivers will catch up soon.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.177 ) at 2:55 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Kieran: I'm fairly certain that all the pre/pro's I listed will do DTS EX & THX EX, as well as the European MPEG MultiChannel audio format (the Sony does this last item as well).
Find out if the guy wants to look at 7.whatever speakers in his room 1st of all. There are some good quality in walls for effects channels, but are you willing to rip up sheetrock/ do inwall wiring?
Ron H ( 63.26.185.99 ) at 2:51 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Wild Bill: I hear what you are saying. Maybe it is unique to the 10HT but everone who has changed over to a progressive scan player has been extreamly happy.
In my case I have not noticed any strange artifacts or problems with the Tosh. The picture is definetly a improvement over the DV-05. I will say the DV-05 is slightly better in straight component output.
What sort of playback, or unusual imagery problems, are some people having? Are they having them with a certain manufacture or model of player? If you can give me a problem and the DVD it shows itself on I would like to test my player.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.177 ) at 2:47 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Kieran: then there is the highly subjective speaker decision. My ears like the following for HT:
Paradigm Actives
B&W anything
Martin Logan
Thiel (sp?)
Monitor Audio
and of course subs...
Velodyne
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:43 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
jbc: quick note, my last post was written before I read yours
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:42 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Curtis, others: Okay, maybe I need to qualify "wealthy"... Actually I have no idea what he might want to spend, and I don't think this will be a dedicated HT room, rather a living room with nice HT gear, if you get my drift. I know the guy is fairly well off, but he's no gazillionare or anything...
Right now, I just want to educate myself on what pre/pros are out there, and what they can do, features-wise.
I really like the fact that the Sony has adjustable crossovers. This is definitely a KEY feature, IMO. However, I also would like to find a pre/pro that can do DTS ES, and THX EX.
If I'm going to help somebody build a modern HT, I think it should include all the major sound formats for movies currently available. This is just my oppinion, but putting together a new system that is only 5.1, is sort of short-sighted. I realize that a lot of the nicer pre/pros out there have proprietary 6.1 or 7.1 dsp formats, but I'm wondering if any of them have actually incorporated DTS ES and THX EX.
Also, what other processors aside from Sony, have adjustable crossovers?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.177 ) at 2:39 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC: Oh no you didn't! I started the ball rolling; aka mouths watering. Great info you provided on the Lex options. I have long lusted for a Lex but have denied these feelings because I know I'll want one once I hear it.
That's why the top of my list simply stated "Lex".
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 2:32 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran I will start the ball rolling, at least on the Lexicon front.
1. Lexicon provides a wealth of information and support, not only via telephone but also via the SMR forum. Check out http://discussion.iland.com/~smr-forums/login
2. Lexicon currently provides two flavors of pre/pros. The DC-2 and the MC-1. Theoretically the MC-1 is a beefed up version of the DC-2. From what I understand the biggest differences between the two are in a) 2 channel audio b) number of inputs/expansion ports and c) video switching. I have the MC-1 and have not heard the DC-2 so I can not comment on the relative difference. The thought on SMR is that the difference is minimal, whatever that means.
3. To the best of my knowledge the DC-2 and MC-1 use the same algorithms/processing. All software is proprietary to Lexicon -- that is developed in-house for their exclusive use.
4. One of the biggest benefits of Lexicon are Logic 7 and a "derivative" called Base Enhancement. The amount of research is staggering. Those who have heard either are sold on Lexicon.
5. Lexicon has the best record of providing a trade-in allowance on new products. For example, $2,000 or more was credited to Lexicon owners who upgraded from the DC-1 to the MC-1 when the MC-1 was released. Lexicon has ALWAYS had such a policy from the ints first pre/pro. This differs from Meridian which has not provided upgrades (i.e. owners of 565 got no allowance when moving to a 561, 568 or 861).
6. Lexicon pre/pros are hardware upgradeable via new EEPROM and/or motherboards. Meridian is BOTH hardware and software, via an RS 232 port, upgreadable.
7. The Lexicon, acording to reviews, is much more intuitive to use and dial-in. Recent reviews of Meridian products indicate the need for a PC.
8. Cost is an issue the list for the MC-1 is the same (or damn close) to the list for the Meridian 561. Thye Meridian 568 is, I believe, more expensive than the Lexicon MC-1 AND unlike the MC-1 which purports to have "broadcast quality video switching" has no include video switching.
9. The differences between the Lexicon and Meridian units are, in my opinion, subtle at best. Both are great pre/pros and he should be happy with either. Do not let anyone tell you one blows the other away as all top pre/pros are very good and it is a matter of preference and what matters more.
10. For what it is worth, I opted for the Lexicon due to a) trade-in program b) stellar support -- both by Lexicon and SMR c) limitless configurability and ease of use -- I know this sounds like a strange combionation but it is true and d) Logic 7.
I will leave it to others (i.e. Ron H, Tony C, et al) to take it from here.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.177 ) at 2:31 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
Kieran: For the money my opinion is Sony has no competition to the 9000ES yet, period. Then again I'm baised.
If money's not an issue this would be my short list:
Lex
Proceed AVP
Meridian 568 with their DSP 8000 Digital Theater active speakers all around (you did say he was wealthy, right? These speakers run only $45K a pair)
Theta Casa Blanca or CasaNova
Parasound
The next thing you'll need is serious amps, except in the case of the active Meridian system. My A list:
Outlaw
Classe
Proceed
NAD (good enough for Roger Ebert's HT)
Adcom
Or forget all about seperate amps and look into Active speakers. A simple & elegant solution. Come over and listem to my Paradigm 450's & I bet I can make a believer out of you.
And then you'll need a good FP. My A list:
Sony VHP-D90
Top line Runco, Vidikron 9" CRT
Wild Bill can help you put together a killer HTPC for DVD playback. You'll want a HD receiver, top-notch CD player, and HD digital VCR as well.
Then there's a great FP motorized screen (you have to have it behind a motorized curtain of course. A popcorn machine, theater seating and a killer customized Crestron Color LCD screen remote.
Isn't it fun spending other people's money. I could easily blow $200K on a killer HT. The law of diminishing returns applies however. I could also pull together a very nice HT for 10% of that amount.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 2:30 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darian: A co-worker just got a 6000 with the HDTV module. When he first tried it, everything was OK, letterbx 16x9 on his NTSC TV. Now he says that everything is coming out 4x3 with the sides cropped. He says there is no setting for this on the 6000. (I know that on the DTC100 you can choose between the two). 2nd problem, when he tunes to 27.2, he gets a crazy error message that says something like "Attention 05: You have not subscribed or are not eligable for this service". He is also having lockups about twice a day where the receiver says "Atttention 15: Acquiring sattelite signal". He has tried resetting the 6000 to factory defaults, no help. He is subscribed to Dish for sattelite service and has all that installed. Any thoughts?
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.210 ) at 2:22 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Calibration
Curtis: I think there is *some* break-in to speakers. I'll recheck his speaker calibration when I go back for the second go-round on the TV. I'm pretty psyched to setup his system. He can be a great source of referrals for me.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 2:09 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Pre/Pro's
I might be helping the wealthy father of a friend put together an HT for his new house. So, I'm starting to think about what sort of hardware I want to suggest to him.
I know how great the Sony 9000es pre/pro is, especially for the money. But, what else is out there that is similar or better in the way of features? Are there any high-end pre/pros available yet that have THX Surround EX and DTS ES capabilities? I know the new upgrade for the Sony includes these processing abilities, but the 9000es doesn't have the hard outputs for the new rear channels.
Anyway, I'm just curious what's out there, and what the features are. You guys talk a lot about Meridian and Lexicon... what are the latest incarnations of these pre/pros like?
RGB ( 64.18.6.191 ) at 1:33 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
AVB: I guess my real question is, do you think the upgrade is worth even for those with dipole surrounds? I do use the DSP settings once in a while.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 1:31 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Calibration
Wild Bill: Not sure if the speakers all all new as well. Do you subscribe to the theory they most speakers should also be broken in? My Para Actives really needed this before they sounded great. You may recall when they were new I loaned them to a drummer for a week. One look at his neighbor when I returned to pick them up told me they were well broken in.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 1:31 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darkroom Stuff
Curtis: Back at ya!
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 1:27 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Calibration
Curtis: I was more concerned with calibrating his sound. I'd hate for his first experience with his HT to be skeapers that aren't calibrated and a sub that's poorly placed and boomy.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 1:27 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darkroom Stuff
Wild Bill:Tks. Email back to you.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 1:26 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Calibration
Curtis: OK Tonto. BTW, please respond to my e-mail at AVLucas@aol.com. The MSN Hotmail server in my area has been down since Saturday. They claim it's a priority and they are working hard to get it fixed.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 1:03 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Calibration
Wild Bill: Ah, me see now Kimosabe. Sound likeum good idea. (no slamming me for being un-PC please). I'll bet the youngun's here don't even know what charictor I am mimicing.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 12:59 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darkroom Stuff
Curtis: I sent the e-mail listing my darkroom equipment. Thanks again!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 12:59 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
OTA antenna
Darian: Try out the little Channel Master "Stealth Tenna" antenna for your attic if it'll fit for you. Mine pulls in everything great. Small, cheap and the option of adding a preamp if needed. Info here:
http://www.channelmaster.com/pages/s1.htm
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 12:37 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Ron H : Darian can probably give you some more input on progressive scan nightmares. I believe he's seen at least a couple already and they exhibited some major problems.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 12:35 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Curtis: I'm just going to do the brightness, contrast, sharpness thing and check the easy convergence. I'll go back in a month and do further convergence.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 12:34 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darian: What is missing from the NHT sub: Well, it is a 10" sub with a 125 watt mono amp and crossover for $800. Probably not competitive pricewise. Definitive Technologies 10" sub with 125 watts and a similar infinitely variable crossover is either $450 or $500, don't remember exactly. It's not that there is anything wrong with this sub/amp, just that for $800 (list) you could easily find other quality name brands that were 250 amps and 12" which could probably move a lot more air. For this guy it ws fine, more than he needs. If you were trying to squeeze the most sound for the dollar, I would probably match the SuperZeros to another sub.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 12:33 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darian: The TV is one of the new Mitsubishi HD ready sets. It wouldn't have been my choice but then again, it's not my money.
Wild Bill ( 206.216.87.40 ) at 12:32 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Ron H : I've heard reports of artifacts, unusual imagery and playback issues on some players. I understand that the progressive image is better than non-progressive scan players. It has to be. There is more to DVD playback than just the image however. The other problem that I see is that these players (with 1 or maybe 2 exceptions) are limited to 480p output. That's OK for RPTV but doesn't cut the mustard for FPTV use. This is, of course, all MHO and YMMV.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.76 ) at 12:20 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Wild Bill: "The reports I've heard so far about progressive scan DVD players are not impressive." ??????? Maybe I have not fully understood your comment.
I replaced my DV-05, which was no slouch, with a Progressive Scan player and have not looked back. Most posts I have read have mentioned a nice improvement in picture with a Progressive Scan Player over a standard player.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 12:18 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Need to stop into the Shack and get an Antenna. My one in the attic doesn't cut it in the rain.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.76 ) at 12:08 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Joy in Dallas
BC: It sounds like you worked out a great deal. Enjoy your new toy.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 12:01 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa": Doing great, thanks. I have taken on far too many work projects and somehow have to wrap them up this week so I can spend all of next week off with my teenagers. Weather here has been perfect so life is good.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 12:01 PM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Cajun Mike: Correct, the VCD's do not have any sort of 5.1 sound track: neither dd or dts.
As for the pirate DVD's... I have no idea where to find them. You could start by reading about them on www.thedigitalbits.com where the site owner Bill Hunt has reviewed several of the pirate versions. He doesn't condone piracy, though, and therefore won't tell you where to get them. He probably doesn't know anyway, because things like that are just given to well known editors like him. However, reading his reviews would give you an idea as to WHICH pirate dvd's you want. Then you can search for them... I really don't want them myself. Try doing a search of the newsgroups on dejanews.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 11:59 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
Wild Bill: I would let your client's TV break-in for a month before doing any calibration work on it because it's going to drift. Or is that not part of the work?
That Tosh DVD player was seen yesterday stacked in the checkout lanes at a local Safeway grocery store for $179! Talk about DVD going mainstream.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 11:52 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Wild Bill/Darian - would you guys mind giving me an idea of how you charge for consulting, installations, etc. A friend of mine who is a home builder wants me to do some consulting for him. He knows I love this stuff and I set up his system for him. He has a number of customers who want media rooms or HT's set up. He has told them about me and they would rather have someone like me tell them what they should do rather than go to a brick and mortar. You can email me brian.corr@wcom.com
thanks.
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa" ( 209.180.135.79 ) at 11:33 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
oops, Casio QV-300EX+ = Casio QV-3000EX+
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:33 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Wild Bill: What is the TV? That makes a big differance in what sort of picture you are gonna get from the Pro DVD players. Some TVS actually lack the nesessary video amps to do progressive well.
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa" ( 209.180.135.79 ) at 11:32 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Curtis: Hey, how's things with you? Sarah is keeping me pretty busy.
Wild Bill ( 206.217.144.149 ) at 11:30 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
SVS Subwoofer
My clients SVS sub has arrived. His TV is being delivered on Friday. I'm going out on December 26 to go over the system. I suspect that he'll hook everything up over the weekend to take a look at it. On Tuesday I'll calibrate the system and make sure that he got it all right. I'll post my impressions of the sub and the Outlaw receiver next week. He also got a Toshiba 6200 DVD player and I'm interested in how it looks through its progressive scan outputs. The reports I've heard so far about progressive scan DVD players are not impressive.
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa" ( 209.180.135.79 ) at 11:30 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Gar: One of the reasons I bought the Casio QV-300EX+ digital camera was because it included the IBM 320MB hard drive for basically $200. I love the fact that I can store 245 3.34 higher res mega pixel images. And now Casio is giving a $100 rebate when you buy the QV-300EX+ camera.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.5 ) at 11:30 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa": Hey stranger, good to see you. I'm guessing that a lot of us have big chunks of time off. That usually means a lot less posts ... you figure it out.
Michael AKA "the Proud New Pappa" ( 209.180.135.79 ) at 11:21 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Howdy all! Just thought I would stop in and say hello to everyone. Got the next two weeks off so I have some time to actually post. Hope everyone is well and you have a great holidays. Just remember to get your shopping done before it is too late. BTW, Sarah says hello as well.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:13 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JohnO: Whats missing from the sub that yuo think we should improve on?
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 10:49 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Ron H - I picked it up friday night (traded the jeep in). The deal ended up being a grand off sticker and 19000 for the jeep. I am loving it! Amazing how they cost about the same new, yet the toyota has more room, more power, electric locks and windows, is smoother riding and quieter. I think it was a smart move (for me anyway). Happiness in Big D.
Cajun Mike ( 206.124.219.216 ) at 10:46 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Kieran: Lets see if we can find those high quality DVD's... I went into the Star Wars chatroom on irc and got banned when I posed the question.... LOL
Ron H ( 63.26.123.67 ) at 10:41 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
BC: When do you pick up your truck?
Ron H ( 63.26.123.67 ) at 10:40 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
How Fitting
Circuit City has losses and part of the reason is due to a format they tried to kill.
Circuit City Stores Inc. on Monday before the opening bell reported a third quarter loss for its Circuit City home electronic stores that was smaller than Wall Street’s lowered expectations, as profit margins were crunched by discounts on products like DVD players.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.161 ) at 10:18 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
BC:I am sad. One less Jeep person.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 10:05 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
good morning gang!
Ron - the jeep is gone!
Ron H ( 63.23.243.219 ) at 10:04 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Cinepro
JBC: I spoke with Bob last week on a different matter and he said he was conident that we would have this amp thing done by the holidays. Since I did not hear back from him I guess the news is not going to be good.
Let me know what you find out.
JohnO ( 140.183.114.30 ) at 9:59 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Darian: Hooked the little NHT system up late last week, then went out of town. It sounded really good! The Yamaha receiver sounded fine, but was a bear to set up. It took over half an hour to set the rear surround levels. Had the manual open to the right page, following the directions exactly, just didn't work. The ergonomics on the Yamaha receiver suck! If I had it to do over, I might go with a different subwoofer/sub amp. This one worked good, probably not the biggest bang for the buck though. SuperZeros are tough to beat for the money.
Scott Veirs ( 146.135.120.124 ) at 9:39 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
The Messenger: The story of Joan of Arc
GREAT MOVIE...then after I finished it, I didn't like it. Wish I could talk about it but some people have not seen it.
Worth seeing!
Scott Veirs ( 146.135.120.124 ) at 9:36 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Good morning
Gar ( 169.207.194.159 ) at 8:49 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
AVB
AVB: Was tempting especially at the price he had it for. Seems like most are selling between $2700 and $3500. There are a couple more selling at $2900. Tempting, but not the right time of the year for me. I thought of selling a few items off, but will wait.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 8:49 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
AVB: When I last spoke to Cinepro on December 10, no new faceplates were available. That is the reason why amps are still being shipped with the MKII plates.
Gar ( 169.207.194.159 ) at 8:47 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Snow(Yikes!!)
More snow..... I just shoveled my roof yesterday, we have these huge skylights and there was a 5 foot drift sitting on them. Didn't want a Winter cave in since there new windows. Well now thats done, more keeps on falling and falling and falling. Thank God I got my Grandfathers Toro.....
AVB ( 64.41.33.186 ) at 8:38 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
JBC: When I emailed Eric and said I wanted the new faceplate installed as long as it was at their shop he told me it would be $155. I assume they have a faceplate to give me.
JBC ( 207.164.221.55 ) at 8:23 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
AVB: A few quick points:
a) Am I to understand that the new faceplates are now available? Please confirm as I need to speak to Cinepro.
b) Not really selliong my amp. The faceplate and trigger upgrade for me is going to be a little different; specifically, I am getting a direct from factory new amp while Ron H is getting my current amp.
Ron H: I will follow up w/i Bob.
AVB ( 64.41.32.78 ) at 6:58 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Selling your Cinepro?
JBC: What's the story about selling your amp JBC? I just sent mine in to Eric for the trigger upgrade, faceplate and a fix of channel 5. I might have it back by 15 January.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:54 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Morning guys...
Ron H: Been catching up on my reading (which sure does make riding the stationary bike a whole lot more enjoyable). Three quick points:
a) The Cinepro amp which I will be shipping you is a MKIII (not a MKII) for those who might have been confused;
b) On the digital camera front, take a look at the Fuji. Beth loves hers as well as the less expensive version which is in your price range which her brother purchased; and
c) Any new DVDs for trade?
AVB ( 64.41.32.78 ) at 6:24 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
AVB
Gar: No, I didn't buy the MC-1. Funny thing was he put it up on ebay for $300 more and it sold at $3100.
AVB ( 64.41.32.78 ) at 6:21 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
RGB: If you use the DSP settings then the upgrade is worth it. If you only use the standard 5.1 settings then I don't think it is.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.119 ) at 1:46 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
this computer sucks. Her parting gift was his 4 week old BMW 4.4 fully loaded X5 to ease his guilt. Good for her!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.119 ) at 1:45 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Parting gifts, new economy style
So this friend of a friend who's CEO of a local dot-com was engaged to a very wonderfull woman. At nearly the last moment he decicides he doesn't want to get married.
He still has wheels though. A 2000 M5 and a 2001 ultra Porsche that ran a cool $170K. I'm looking forward the day when he loses both his drivers licence and insurance. Some things money can't buy.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.119 ) at 1:38 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Ouch!
cai: I Never traveled the NYC polo scene myself, though my ex gf certainly did about 6 years ago, even though she HATED living in the city, even the cushy upper east side Manhattan stuff.
Picture this: she used to tow 10+ ponies each Friday afternoon at rush hour in a 30 foot trailer pulled by a huge 1 ton ford dullie named Tinkerbell, frequently running over pedestrian filled corners!
I saw a lot of world class polo at Oak Brook, IL as a kid at the Butler (Aviation fortune) fields outside Chicago. All I knew was that when a ball was hit out-o-bounds, I got to keep it. I would take 20+ home daily and use tham as baseballs.
You wanna see babes at polo matches? Go to Buenos Areis for the Open championships in November, or for that matter any time of year. I have several polo pro Argie pals who will arrange 7 or 8 beauties with an hour's notice. One dangerous sport allright!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.119 ) at 1:20 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Ouch!
cai: I Never traveled the NYC polo scene myself, though my ex gf certainly did about 6 years ago, even though she HATED living in the city, even the cushy upper east side Manhattan stuff.
Picture this: she used to tow 10+ ponies each Friday afternoon at rush hour in a 30 foot trailer pulled by a huge 1 ton ford dullie named Tinkerbell, frequently running over pedestrian filled corners!
I saw a lot of world class polo at Oak Brook, IL as a kid at the Butler (Aviation fortune) fields outside Chicago. All I knew was that when a ball was hit out-o-bounds, I got to keep it. I would take 20+ home daily and use tham as baseballs.
You wanna see babes at polo matches? Go to Buenos Areis for the Open championships in November, or for that matter any time of year. I have several polo pro Argie pals who will arrange 7 or 8 beauties with an hour's notice. One dangerous sport allright!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.119 ) at 1:19 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Ouch!
cai: I Never traveled the NYC polo scene myself, though my ex gf certainly did about 6 years ago, even though she HATED living in the city, even the cushy upper east side Manhattan stuff.
Picture this: she used to tow 10+ ponies each Friday afternoon at rush hour in a 30 foot trailer pulled by a huge 1 ton ford dullie named Tinkerbell, frequently running over pedestrian filled corners!
I saw a lot of world class polo at Oak Brook, IL as a kid at the Butler (Aviation fortune) fields outside Chicago. All I knew was that when a ball was hit out-o-bounds, I got to keep it. I would take 20+ home daily and use tham as baseballs.
You wanna see babes at polo matches? Go to Buenos Areis for the Open championships in November, or for that matter any time of year. I have several polo pro Argie pals who will arrange 7 or 8 beauties with an hour's notice. One dangerous sport allright!
Gar ( 169.207.192.205 ) at 1:10 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
RGB: Well if you want to borrow the Disc it is yours, just waiting to receive it. I was thinking of the Lexicon MC-1 and selling this unit, but I have a hard time parting with it since it has preformed flawlessly.
RGB ( 64.165.142.145 ) at 1:06 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
Gar: Yes, I've been reading AVB's reports. He also has direct surround speakers which would make better use of the new upgrade's enhancements I think. I may get it eventually, but I'm in no hurry unless someone can point out benifits that I can use with my current equipment.
Gar ( 169.207.192.205 ) at 12:37 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
AVB
Thanks for the input on the guy selling the Lex MC-1. He sold it. Just wondering if it was you?
Gar ( 169.207.192.205 ) at 12:36 AM EST Monday, December 18, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
RGB: I think it would make a upgrade in sound overall. At least that's what the early reports are coming in from AVB. He got the Upgrade about a week ago.
RGB ( 64.165.142.145 ) at 11:59 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
Gar: No I haven't gotten the upgrade. I don't know if it would be worthwhile for me, since I have dipole surrounds. I understand the upgrade's enhancements are in it's ES surround emulation capabilities. I don't think dipole surrounds could make good use of those features.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.223.182 ) at 11:47 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Tomb Raider(The Movie)
Kieran: Yes, Angelina Jolie is totally fine, but when I think about Billy Bob Thornton's hands being all over her it makes my skin crawl.... ugh...
Gar ( 169.207.192.205 ) at 11:41 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
RGB: Like I stated in my post before, I was one of the first, but not thee first. It's just someone thought I was the most recent, and I wasn't. No biggie. Great piece for the money, have you bought the new upgrade yet?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.73 ) at 11:26 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Kieran: I was on a horse at a very young age (sister used to barrel race), and I ahven't been on one in a long long time... my motto is, "I'll stick with my handlebars, shifters, and brakes, thank you"
RGB ( 64.165.142.145 ) at 11:22 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Sony Pre/Pro
Gar: I think (could be mistaken) I was the first here to get the Sony pre/pro. I think you followed suit shortly after I, and then Curtis and finally AVB.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.228.89 ) at 10:08 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Kieran: So the offically liscensed VCD's are not DD 5.1? Only pro logic or stereo?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.226 ) at 10:01 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Kieran: If you discount the very lame riding lessons I took when I was 7 years-old, I learned to both ride and play polo at the same time. Scarey as that may sound it's actually the easiest way of learning both. You are so focussed on getting to the ball properly that you hardly notice that you are riding very fast (and well assuming you haven't fallen off yet) on an expensive thouroghbred race horse.
I could give you guys some detailed stories about polo the way that Kieran can get into every nuance of rowing. WInston Churchill once said "a polo handicap is your passport to the world" and it's still true.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:13 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
All: Hi guys.... I am abck from a really relaxing trip to Jamaica. I see that I have some 140 pages of posting to leaf through over the next couple of days. Just wanted to drop in and say hello. More tomorrow.
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 8:52 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Curtis: You get no simpathy from me. I used to ride at Claremont Stables in Central Park, when I lived in NYC. That is where I met my wife. What a gold mine for women. I never played polo, but grew up watching it in the old country. I do not know if you remember the old Trujillo gang that used to have strings of poloponies (as pronounced by Norton of the Honeymooners), until the old Generalissimo got offed.
I rode in California at a cross-country course north-east of San Francisco and at Malibu Stables near Los Angeles. The cross country course had all kinds of obstacles and from what I remember there was really lush vegetation around this stable. Maybe you know such a place.
MikeD ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 8:19 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Tombraider Movie
For any interested, you can check out the trailer at www.tombraidermovie.com
Kieran ( 172.147.184.154 ) at 7:30 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Curtis: I was just joking... I've always thought polo looked like fun. Never tried it though... Heck, I've never even been on a horse before. I'd love to learn to ride a horse, though. BTW, isn't polo extremely expensive?
Curtis ( 206.170.7.76 ) at 6:08 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Kieran: Some people swear that playing polo is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It's a blast.
Kieran ( 172.142.229.155 ) at 5:33 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Curtis: Geez, didn't know you played polo! Darn, Curtis... a Bimmer, Polo, Tennis... the 80's are OVER, man!
(s -1;just kidding, buddy!)
Curtis ( 206.170.6.62 ) at 5:11 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!
Jeez - some help I get from you guys for a hangover remedy 4 hours of intense tennis did the trick, FYI. I managed to break 3 rackets in the process. In 2 hours I'm expected to give some polo instruction. Wonder if this old body will even be able to get on a horse, no less whack a ball in full gallup!
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.219 ) at 4:56 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Tomb Raider(The Movie)
Gar: They should have used Gwen Stefani. She's pretty...um...athletic.
Sorry...I'm listening to No Doubt at the moment.
Kieran ( 172.146.50.179 ) at 4:46 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Tomb Raider(The Movie)
Gar: I've never seen A.J. when she didn't look might fine!!!
Gar ( 169.207.192.175 ) at 4:21 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Tomb Raider(The Movie)
Well saw a preview last night of this movie a good 4 minutes long. Looks and sounds fantastic, a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Matrix. Plus Angelina Jollie(sp) has Laura Crofts voice down, and she looks
mighty fine from what I saw of her.
Kieran ( 172.146.68.147 ) at 4:21 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Gar: They already are burned on to DVD and available on the net. That's not the point. The DVD versions are all pirated, the VCD's are not. They are actual Lucasfilm releases of the movies. I have read several reviews of the pirate DVDs, and apparently there is ONE pirate version that's really pretty good, (professionally mastered from the LD's, with the DD5.1 sound) but you just can't find them.... you can find adds for them on the net, but you never know which ones are the good version.
Anyway, Cajun bought the VCDs, and I was just trying to inform him about what he bought.
Gar ( 169.207.192.175 ) at 4:15 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Kieran:(Star Wars etc.) Give it about 6 months these will be burned onto some DVD somewhere and sold on the Net.
Kieran ( 172.146.68.147 ) at 4:14 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Gar: No argument... I'm just saying that VCD's can look better than VHS. Granted it's rare. According to the guy at TFN the VCD of The Empire Strikes Back is pretty darn good.
Gar ( 169.207.192.175 ) at 4:09 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Kieran: Most of the VCD I have seen look horrible. I have about 10 a friend gave me and there all bad. Digital artifact flying all over the place.
Kieran ( 172.146.68.147 ) at 3:58 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
VCD's
Here's the site where the movies are available, NOT pirate versions, but official releases of many movies: www.allvcd.com
The SW trilogy is $27.50, and Episode I is $11.50. So, you'd pay $39.00 + tax + shipping and handling.
Kieran ( 172.146.68.147 ) at 3:46 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Cajun: If you can get out of buying those discs from ebay, I would. Check out this review of the official VCD release:
http://www.theforce.net/holonet/trilogy_vcd_review/vcd_review.htm
They are apparently available online for about $25.00 from several VCD vendors. I'd check some to see if they're still in stock, then buy it from there instead.
Kieran ( 172.146.68.147 ) at 3:31 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Gar: Not always... I've seen some VCD's that are better than VHS. MPEG1 video can be really pretty good. Better than VHS for sure, but not close to LD in video quality. It can be very bad, though too... it just depends on how much compression was used, and what the source was. If this is the rumored "official" release on VCD by Lucasfilm, then the quality might not be that bad. If it's just a back-room pirate of the VHS onto VCD, then it will suck royally!
Kieran ( 172.146.68.147 ) at 3:27 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Star Wars Trilogy VCD's
Cajun Mike: What you won, as you said, are VCD's not DVD's. They will play on your dvd player, but they are MPEG1 video quality, not MPEG2, like DVD, and each movie is on two seperate cd discs. If what you won is what I think it is, it's not all bad. Apparently with the latest release of the trilogy in Japan (on LD and VHS) and in the US (on VHS only) Lucasfilm also released an actual official VCD release of the movies. So, the VCD's are NOT pirated (if this new release is what you actually bought). They absolutely do NOT have 5.1 digital sound on them though. There just isn't enough bandwidth on the VCD format for 5.1 digital surround sound. However, apparently (I've heard) these VCD's aren't a bad purchase... better video quality than VHS (slightly) and digital stereo/dolby pro logic sound. Also, they're on disc, so they won't erode with multiple plays like VHS. Not that I've seen them, but from what I've heard, I'd liken these VCD's to what you would get if you watched the movies on DSS -- better video and sound than VHS, but not quite as good as LD or DVD.
Do give us a full report when you get them, and see if you can figure out if they are pirate versions or not. It's really easy to pick out pirate versions, because they make all sorts of mistakes on the box art & text, the disc label, and even on the disc menus (don't know if vcd's have menus, but the priate dvd menus often have mistakes). The mistakes are like, having the wrong studio label on the box or disc (like Universal instead of Fox) or having the DTS logo on a disc that only contains stereo, etc. The ebay ad you posted has a few mistakes, but that doesn't mean the discs they're sending your are pirated, many times the sellers in east asia don't know/don't care what is really on the disc, so they just throw every buzz word in the book onto the ebay ad. (THX! DTS! DD5.1! AC-3!) you get the idea.
Gar ( 169.207.194.225 ) at 3:10 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Cajun Mike: Hey Cajun. Sorry to say but the image quality on the VCD suck royally.... Look worse then VHS.....
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.223.149 ) at 2:17 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
I wont the DVD's... 51.00 for all four...they are DVD/VCD's that supposedly work on my Toshiba.... I sure hope so. This is the product...
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=520754308
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.223.149 ) at 2:13 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
SVS
Tony C: #134
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 1:48 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Young Darian on TV Commercial
For those of you who do not know Darian in person, look at a Dell commercial that is running on TV now. It shows a young college kid asking his parents to buy him a computer. I guess this must have been how a younger Darian looked and the eager beaver earnestness of the kid will give you an idea of his demeanor. I always have a chuckle when I see it.
Gar ( 169.207.193.87 ) at 12:44 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Digital Cameras
ScottVeirs: Cool Camera, was going to get that one but decided to go with the higer pixel rating of 3.34.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 12:40 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Digital Cameras
Gar: sorry, I thought i posted that, the CoolPix950
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 12:36 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Tony C: By the time I'm in position to buy, I'm sure it will be gone. Somewhat tempting, though.
Gar ( 169.207.193.87 ) at 12:13 PM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Digital Cameras
ScottVeirs: What one did you buy again? I was going to get the 990, but with Christmas here I need to buy a few gifts yet. The 880 will take just as good of pictures but lacks a few minor features that the 990 has.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.62 ) at 11:53 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Ouch!!
OK guys, I need the ultimate hangover remedy this morning. The party last night was mostly Swedish AquaVie (sp?). An annual ritual is to go out and play 3 hours of hart tennis. It's going to be like 70 degrees today so if I don't die in the process, I should be fine!
AVB ( 64.41.32.73 ) at 11:32 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
MikeD: Terminator 2 to be exact.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 11:32 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Digital Cameras
Gar: That's a pretty decent camera as well. After playing with mine and taking some close ups of my speakers and determined I need to dust more often lol. I can see dust in the pictures that I cant just by looking at the speaker....weird.
Gar ( 169.207.194.222 ) at 11:12 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Digital Cameras
Well got the Nikon 880 Digital with a 64meg Card. Was going to go with the Sony, but you have to buy everything from them, memory/Batteries etc...... So I passed on that one....
MikeD ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 11:08 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
AVB:
Never mind, it is from Terminator, thanks anyway.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:03 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
I'm getting off. I have two house guests. Cute girls, that the boys brought home. Hey I can live vicariously can't I?
Anyway, the seven of us are heading downtown to look around, See BLUE MAN GROUP, and then lunch at ESPN Zone.
Wish me luck.
(God, I hope I have enough cash!)
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:00 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Trivia
AVB: Doh! You're right. You did want the actor's name. I was just so excited that I thought I was on the right track.
Keep it for the next one. Fair is fair.
I still feel good about kinda winning so, that's enough.
MikeD ( 24.112.158.233 ) at 10:56 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
AVB:
What movie was the trivia question from??
AVB ( 64.41.33.35 ) at 10:51 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Trivia
Tony C: ARGH! I gave it away. I was asking for the actors name not the character. You just got a free one Tony. Merry Christmas.
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 10:51 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Don't feel bad Tony.. I have been online watching as you put up each of those posts. I think that makes me worse.
AVB ( 64.41.33.35 ) at 10:49 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Trivia WINNER!
Tony C: I can see you didn't need another hint. What clue gave it away? As always, click on my name to send me your address. Congrats!
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:47 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Four posts in a row should automatically kick you off the site, so that one may recoup a life.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:46 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
TOP TEN LISTS
Gentlemen,
As we approach the end of the year 2,000 I was thinking that it might be a good time to reflect, as many news papers and other media types do, on the last years best and worse.
I'm suggesting the first HTOC BEST OF/WORSE OF List, and what better year to start us off than 2000!
Catagories I would suggest include:
Best/Worse new Movie of 2000
Best/Worse new DVD of 2000
Best/Worse new audio CD
Best/Worse concert
Best/Worse new inovation in HT
Best/Worse web site non HT related
Best/Worse web site HT related
Well, there's a start. We can set it up on the voting site, or whatever our boys Scott and BYork can think of.
Well?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:40 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Trivia
AVB: The charactor is John Connor.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:56 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
SonicBit: You should bypass the Sony and go right for the MC-1 that AVB and Gar are passing on.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:54 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Trivia
AVB: Another HINT, would help even more.....
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 9:53 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Scott "popcorn": "God doesn't need money"....Niether does Lucas.
It's good that our conversation on Sunday should turn to theology.
Ron H ( 63.26.163.238 ) at 8:19 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Chris L.:Hey guy.
AVB ( 64.41.32.36 ) at 8:05 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Trivia
Kieran, Tony C: You are tying to guess the actors name. The character was born in 1985. Hope this helps.
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.54 ) at 7:53 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Morning Ron.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.237 ) at 7:13 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Good Morning all.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.163 ) at 2:55 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
SonicBit: Congrats on the new Amp. I will be adding a Cinepro to my system shortly.
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 2:37 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Darian: You know those Hertz rental car commercials? Well, when I read your post...I thought, not exactly.
I actually didn't get back until 1am and...well...had that mutha hooked up and running by 1:15(should have the interconnects ready instead of having to search for them).
Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks on me, but I SWEAR I hear a big difference already. Okay, make the jokes. Of COURSE the Cinepro is going to sound better than the amps in my $900 receiver. WHAT was I thinking?
Anyway, for those who haven't a clue what Darian is talking about, I am the proud owner of a new(to me) Cinepro 3K6. It is the original model, but WOW! Now I just need to get a new pre/pro as I found out after I made the deal that my Denon 3200 only has preouts for L/C/R and sub.
I'm seeing a Sony TA-E9000ES in my future "Real Soon Now".
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 1:54 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
EVERYONE'S HAPPY
Ron H: works for me
Gar ( 169.207.194.211 ) at 1:27 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Vertical Limit
Pretty intense movie, will sound and look good on our systems. Looked great on the new Ultra THX screen I saw it on. I still think my blood Pressure is up.....
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.177 ) at 12:33 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Tony C: "What does God need with a starship?" -Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek 5, The Final Frontier
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 12:24 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Sonic is glued to his new Cinepro!
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 12:23 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
JohnO: How is the little system panning out?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.177 ) at 12:14 AM EST Sunday, December 17, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Tony C: God doesn't need money.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:58 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Scott "popcorn": We've done this Lucas thing to death, haven't we?
I think we all agree that he has more money than God. If 2 billion Chinese make/buy crappy knockoffs, he will still have more money than God.
Buying those knockoffs only reinforces the contempt the Chinese have for IP laws.
And to be honest, that's the problem I have with it.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.169 ) at 11:21 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
EVERYONE'S HAPPY
Clinton, Bush, and Gore are on a long flight in Air Force One. Gore
pulls out a $100 bill and says, "I'm going to throw this $100 bill out
the window and make someone down below happy."
Bush, not wanting to be outdone, says, "If that was my $100, I would
split it into two $50 bills and make two people down below happy."
Of course Clinton doesn't want to be outdone, so he pipes in, "I would
take 100 $1 bills and throw them out the window to make 100 people just
a little happier."
At this point the pilot, who has overheard all this bragging and can't
stand it anymore, comes out and says, "I think I'll throw all three of
you out of this plane and make 250 million people happy."
Ron H ( 63.26.171.169 ) at 11:17 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Scott "popcorn": I repeat it is illegal. They are his movies and he can do as he darn well pleases with them. Whether we agree with him is another story. If you feel it is OK to give your money to thiefs go right ahead. It is a little easier for me to be objective because I do not have a crazy desire to buy someones movies who has put the screws to people like you who think the movies are some kind of religious experience.
If I was you I woiuld not spend one penny of my money forn his products. Money is the one thing people like him understand. But as long as so many keep buying all these rehashed versions of the same movie .......
IMHO
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.177 ) at 11:06 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Scott "popcorn": to expound just a wee bit farther... if he'd put the LD out all over the world, then I wouldn't condone the piracy... if he'd put out a movie-only DVD all over the world, then I wouldn't condone the piracy... but no... he gives everyone except for Japan "watch-twice-then-throw-away" VHS.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.177 ) at 11:04 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Tony C: What I'm getting at is that Lucas is releasing the LD's in Japan only, and VHS crap to the rest of the world. VHS is crap, and it costs $$ to get the LD from Japan... If he's going to put content out to be copied, but not put decent quality media out anywhere but Japan, it's his own damn fault it's being pirated... Does that make sense? I think it does.
Kieran ( 172.147.135.159 ) at 9:15 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
OT: 1 man's trash is another's treasure
Curtis: The other day I was telling some online friends that I was looking for a used LaserDisc player, and lo and behold, this one guy says...
Oh, wait... you know this story already, don't you?
Just thought I'd say thanks again.
others: Still looking for an RF-demodulator, if anybody has a lead on one!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.83 ) at 9:11 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
OT: 1 man's trash is another's treasure
On Saturday mornings you'll find my (cheap) butt cruising the SF Peninsula in a huge Ram 1 tom dullie truck checking out the year round garage sales, usually with a friend. I have been putting off getting a much needed washer/ dryer for my house because even the cheapest new stuff is >$600. I wasn't even going to any GS's today but noticed my neighbor putting up signs. Sure enough he has an expensive Maytag set for $100. Seems his wife HAD to have the latest. I bought them and he helped me get them home on handtrucks.
I have this crappy old matching sofa, loveseat & chair taking up space in my garage so I ask the dude if I could put it in his sale "not problem", said he. I told him to sell cheap or give it away at the end of day.
3:00 rolls around and I stroll over noticing that all my stuff is gone. "Yes" I said. Guess what? He got $250 for my stuff. I gave him $100 and still ended up $50 ahead with a new (to me) W/D set that works great. Gotta love this country.
Kieran ( 172.147.135.159 ) at 8:57 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Trivia
AVB: Are we trying to guess the character, or the actor? Your question is slightly ambiguous in this regard (maybe intentionally?)
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:56 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Trivia
AVB: How 'bout one more hint?
was the character "born" in 1985 or "created" in 1985?
Curtis ( 206.170.6.83 ) at 8:44 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Wanna lose some fillings?
If you happen to listen to CD's utilizing your sub & mains and have the CD "The Sopranos, Music fron the Orig. HBO Series" (Sony/ Play-Tone Columbia Catalog #CK63911) ... try cranking up track #1 by A3.
When I just did this the neighbors came over saying I was rattling THEIR windows.
Kieran ( 172.147.135.159 ) at 8:43 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
I forgot to mention, Cajun: be careful what you bid on with the pirate dvds. There are a few versions out there (according to Bill Hunt) that are actually pretty good... as good as the LD releases anyway. But you never know what these shady characters are going to actually DELIVER to you!
Kieran ( 172.147.135.159 ) at 8:41 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Cajun, Scott, et al: I don't condone piracy, but I might make an exception in this case. I think that Lucas needs to take a few stabs to wake up. Not that I really believe that this piracy will make him release the dvd's tomorrow, but he might get to releasing them in 2004 instead of 2005, or something like that. Maybe not... if not, then oh well. The point is, IMHO, that if there were even a SIMPLE movie only release of the four movies on dvd, no one would even bother buying the pirate versions. As for pirate versions of movies that are available on dvd... well that's absurd, and I don't know why people buy them... well I do actually: because they only cost $4.00 in Chinatown.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.83 ) at 8:19 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Funny Site
AVB: ROTF! I particularly enjoyed The Unstraightened Wire "Interconnect"
The description is so close to the audiophile writings that it's not funny.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.83 ) at 8:15 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Gar: That shouldn't be a problem on my end as I can receive up 3MB files at once. I suspect that your ISP imposes a limit on you/ Try zipping it & try again, or dumb it down to lower rez in PhotoShop if you can.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.83 ) at 8:13 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Tony C: Even ignoring piracy issues (which I don't) you wouldn't want to watch the product anyway. Several friends have picked up these kinds of DVD in Hong Kong and Seoul. The worst quality crap you have ever seen. Makes standard VHS look perfect.
BTW the Koreans are even worse at ripping off copyrights. There are, in fact no such laws on the books. When the Nike and Polo factories shut down for the day making real clothing, the 3rd shift starts cranking out stuff that falls apart the minute you wear them - complete with Swooshes & Polo ponies.
Derb ( 199.174.3.156 ) at 7:30 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Well that sucked.... sorry about the double post
Derb ( 199.174.1.131 ) at 7:27 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
bzzzzzzzzz
BIG AL: I had hell with a ground loop problem when I first moved into my new home. Turns out it was being piggy backed on the cable. Pulling the ground from the cable and having the dedicated circuits with it's own ground did not solve the problem. MAGIC from Mondial ground isolater circuit did the trick. You may try running an extension cord to another circuit to see if this helps, or you could try cheater plugs. Find that distortion and kill it man....
Derb ( 199.174.6.38 ) at 7:24 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
bzzzzzzzzz
BIG AL: I had hell with a ground loop problem when I first moved into my new home. Turns out it was being piggy backed on the cable. Pulling the ground from the cable and having the dedicated circuits with it's own ground did not solve the problem. MAGIC from Mondial ground isolater circuit did the trick. You may try running an extension cord to another circuit to see if this helps, or you could try cheater plugs. Find that distortion and kill it man....
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 6:12 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Funny Site
AVB: THat was pretty funny. I bet I could sell some of those to my brother-in-law.
Ron H ( 63.26.164.7 ) at 6:03 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Scott "popcorn": The key word here is pirated. Do what you want but it still is illegal. How legal it is does not change based upon your thoughts, wants or needs.
Gar ( 169.207.194.160 ) at 6:03 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Curtis: Nope, won't except the file I am sending you. Its a Picture.
AVB ( 64.41.32.215 ) at 5:46 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Funny Site
Good for a laugh if you have a few minutes. http://members.bellatlantic.net/~pcor/Pages/hiendhaven.html
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 5:36 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
SVS
Cajun Mike: Me too. What order number are you?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 5:35 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Scott "popcorn": What do you mean??
Lucas isn't "distributing" anything on any format. Good Quality or bad!
The discs are counterfeit. Only the counterfieters are making money.
I'm not following that logic.
Once again, I'm the last to throw stones, but call it what it is.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.228.175 ) at 5:26 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
SVS
I'm told another 8 weeks (approx.) til my 20-39pc ships.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 5:13 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Gar: Oh that old address? Try this one: seenhear@pacbell.net
Chris L. ( 198.144.141.166 ) at 4:58 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Evening gents. A customer at work today handed one of our guys half a box of Cuban cigars. Maunel Lopez "Punch Habanas", the big ol' Churchills. Gave me 4 of them. Not too bad at all but not the holy grail of all cigars that I was expecting.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.228.175 ) at 4:51 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Ron H: Well, I never smoked pot in high school or college so I guess I'm allowed to do something daring....
Gar ( 169.207.194.211 ) at 4:49 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Ah, well maybe not.. Getting a returned address... hmmm Have you changed you E-mail on your bio? Seems you have reached you disc quota, It was a 888k file I was sending you.
AVB ( 64.41.32.215 ) at 4:46 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
Ron H: It would be an involved process. I couldn't put 2 more towers in the room so I would sell off the rears, get 4 smaller speakers and run dual subs with the rear out of phase with the front. It still is another few G's on top of the MC-1.
Gar ( 169.207.194.211 ) at 4:45 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Curtis: E-mail on its way to you in regards to the Sony Upgrade.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.177 ) at 4:24 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Ron H: legal or not, I think that if someone chooses not to distribute their content on quality media, but distribute it in other areas of the world on a semi-quality format, then they shouldn't whine one bit about someone taking that semi-quality and providing it to others.
Gar ( 169.207.194.4 ) at 4:18 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Curtis: I never stated anything about being closer than anyone just stated I was one of the first not thee first person to buy this unit. In fact I heard many good things about it from you. My Wife sees alot of things go through this house and the receipts as far as Audio equipment goes. So not sure where your going with that post? I can see your in the Holiday spirit though You Grinch hahahahahaha Tell my wife...
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 3:22 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Gar: OK so you were closer than I was. I wonder if Mrs> Gar would be interested in learning about the "fine pieces you pick up for $1,000"!!
Gar ( 169.207.194.170 ) at 3:14 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Easy mistake, because I remember buying it in 98, just not the exact month till I pulled out the receipt.
Gar ( 169.207.194.170 ) at 3:12 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
No, just a guess at first. I have the reciept in front of me, if know one believes me I would be gladly to E-mail it to them!
Ron H ( 63.26.171.177 ) at 3:10 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Gar: Sounds like fuzzy math.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.177 ) at 3:09 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
AVB: It can get real expensive considering the monster speakers and amps you have.
Gar ( 169.207.194.170 ) at 3:07 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Curtis let me check the reciept, I was guessing Well guess what, not far off, how about 11/5/98......... From Pro Systems Corporation, Price $1000
includng shipping.. I believe I was one of the first to own this fine piece, and it still is a fine piece.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.177 ) at 3:07 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Cajun Mike: The difference is one is legal and the other is not. Pretty simple. The decision is yours.
Ron H ( 63.26.171.177 ) at 3:05 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Tony C:JBC is on vacation.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 2:56 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
Gar: I think you sense of time is a little tispy as well. You bought you 9000ES 3 years ago? They haven't been out that long and I recall you being one of the more recent buyers amoung us. You must mean dog years.
Gar ( 169.207.192.208 ) at 1:00 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
AVB: AVB: only reason I sell my 9000ES for that price is I only paid $1000 for it and its around 3 years old. And I hear you on the MC-1 more speakers, I don't have the room and another Amp... Argh!! At that point I might as well buy a Cineplex!!!
AVB ( 64.41.32.144 ) at 12:47 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
Curtis: Gar must be in the holiday spirit more then I am. I was going to ask for $925 if I went with the MC-1. The real problem isn't just paying for the Lex, it is buying 2 more speakers and another amp. This can get expensive!
Gar ( 169.207.194.153 ) at 12:34 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
Tony C: I got paid early this year, meaning we get paid the 25th of every month, but Novartis shuts down for 10 days over the holidays and they paid us on the 15th this month, so it seems I have a ton of extra cash. So the MC-1 popped into my mind... But with the holidays here and a ton of bills to pay, it will wait. I think I can swing a $600 dollar Digital Camera, but not $2800 bucks for a MC-1 right now. And I would sell my Sony to your friend for $850 with mod, if I can come up with the cash for the MC-1.
Gar ( 169.207.194.153 ) at 12:29 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
Curtis: My wife reads my E-mails so I can sneak anything past her. Things change in this house alot with her furniture and my HT and Audio equipment she is very used to it, so she doesn't check prices anymore.
Gar ( 169.207.194.153 ) at 12:27 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
BIG AL: hahahaha, that is funny. You mean at 1am with 5 drinks in you and a women you have no clue on who she is sitting next to you? That would be really bad. I hear you.. AVB at $2500, that is getting better. Alot of Cash still for a pre/pro even used. But I am tempted also,I find it Odd that there are so many MC-1 for sale. They sound great but I think people are having buyers remorse, which I would at this time of the year. I think I am going to wait till my next bonus.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 12:04 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Imeant to say hey I was as guilty as anyone
Curtis ( 206.170.7.220 ) at 12:03 PM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
AVB: Good luck in your negotiations my friend. Don't do anything to terminate the honeymoon prematurely! You two are certainly getting off on the right foot by openly discussing HT upgrades unlike some people around here (who shall remain nameless) who simply try to sneak stuff in. Hey, was as guilty as anyone.
"No honey, that 18" Velodyne, extra pair of speakers and new looking pre/pro have always been here (along with their huge boxes in the garage - you just didn't notice them til now"
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:21 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Cajun Mike: THat's like asking who's worse, Bush or Gore!
But I still have to go with China being worse.
Just me, man. I don't judge.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:19 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
dot-com Christmas
cai: It had tear off sheets? You mean the words didn't appear at the bottom of the screen?
Watching those commercials brings back some memories.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:17 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
Gar - AVB:
Should either one of you jump on the Lex, Please let me know if you are selling the Sony. I have a friend who wants one but can't afford it.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.230.184 ) at 11:10 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Tony C: What's worse...Lucas' disregard for the public or China's disregard for copywrite laws?
cai ( 24.163.106.111 ) at 11:06 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
dot-com Christmas
Tony C: For $0.50 could not pass-up an LP of Mitch Miller and the gang, with hits such as: By the light of the silvery moon, You are my sunshine, I've been working on the railroad, Don't fence me in,
She wore a yellow ribbon, among others. This album has four tear-off sheets with the song lyrics so that one can have a real sing-a-long. Bought it at the local library a few months ago.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:02 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Can anyone tell me where JBC has been?
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 11:01 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Cajun Mike: I was looking long and hard at the Japanese import of the Lazer discs with DD. I already have the THX box set. I just couldn't do the subtitles.
Anyway, about the Chinese import...I wouldn't do it.
I have issues with thier disregard for our copyright laws.
Cajun Mike ( 209.124.230.184 ) at 10:39 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Star Wars DVD's...Pirated
Have any of you seen or own any of the China-made Star Wars DVD's? Im currently the high bidder on EBay for all four movies. Supposedly these were all made off of laser discs by sound engineers in China. The quality is not top notch but it's supposed be much better than VHS.
AVB ( 64.41.33.180 ) at 9:23 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
AVB
Joe: Sorry Joe but that is not correct. Click on my name to send me an email and I'll tell you where to send your donation. Thanks for playing!
Joe ( 205.188.192.56 ) at 9:04 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Morning Bagman,
After the blizzard it's raining this morning. You outa have some steamed crab and cold beer for us stuck up here
Joe ( 205.188.192.56 ) at 9:02 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
AVB
OK I will take a shot .... Kevin 'Kev' McCallister
Joe ( 205.188.192.56 ) at 8:59 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Lex MC-1
Gar: Think of how much fun you will have taking pictures of your kid.
BAGMAN ( 216.77.2.22 ) at 8:32 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Morning All: I'm able to communicate again,the keyboard took a dump last weekend and just got a new one yesterday.
1. I remember Mitch.
2. I read hdtv this,hdtv that,and I'm stuck with plain old cable down here.
3. One universal truth,cable sucks no matter where you are!
4. Hello Rudy.
5. T-Man,you lurking?
6. Son of bitch,yet another day of sun,slight breeze and low eightys.Do not send help,I'll be fine.
AVB ( 64.41.32.246 ) at 8:26 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
TRIVIA with another hint!!!
My most famous character was in one of the top 100 grossing films of all time and lived at 9828 S. Almond Ave. Hint 1: The star of the film has been a major box office draw for 15 years. Hint 2: My character was born in Feb. 1985. Who am I? Normal rules and a Screener to the winner!
AVB ( 64.41.32.246 ) at 8:23 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
MC-1
This is getting tough now. I just had an offer of $2500 for an MC-1. I might have to talk to the wife seriously about this.
Ron H ( 63.46.43.146 ) at 7:32 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Testing the new dig camera tonight
RickMTB: I gotn the pictures. They look pretty darn good.
Ron H ( 63.46.43.146 ) at 7:09 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Good Morning all.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.136 ) at 2:37 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
here = hear time for bed, I think.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.136 ) at 2:35 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Gar; Have you received your 9000 upgrade from Oade yet? I called Monday, and the shipment hadn't arrived there yet.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.136 ) at 2:34 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
bzzzzzzzzz
I finally have the system all hooked up, except for the TTs. Something strange though. At the old house, the sub ran off my SAE amp, and was dead silent with no signal. This house it had an annoying buzz, but only if the receiver was on. Now it's hooked up to 2 Marantz mono amps powered off the Monster 5000 powercenter, and the Sony 9000, and I still get buzzing. The buzzing is about 80% better, but still there. The HT is on 2 seperate dedicated 20a circuits. Tomorrow I will try backing off the input level controls on the Marantz amps, and see if that helps. I'm sure the buzzing won't be heard with a source playing, but I'll probably THINK I here it.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.136 ) at 2:21 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Gar, If this helps, I usually try not to make purchase decisions at 1 AM.
Gar ( 169.207.194.161 ) at 2:02 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Lex MC-1
Ok someone stop me!!!!!!!! There are about 5 of them for sale on Audioreview for various prices ranging from $2800 to $4500.... Very tempted to say screw the camera and get the MC-1, but it is hard to give up a great product like the Sony........
Gar ( 169.207.194.161 ) at 1:45 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Digital Cameras
Well going to buy one tomorrow, and it seems that BhAudioVideo has some of the best price that I have seen. Looking at a Fuji FinePix 4700 which is a 4.3 megapixel or a Nikon 880 which is a 3.34 Megapixel and both have a ton of features... Open to any other suggestions.....
Curtis ( 206.170.6.65 ) at 1:15 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
dot-com Christmas
Tony C: You beat me to your question to Sonic. I knew he wouldn't know who Mitch Miller was.
RickMTB ( 216.119.145.21 ) at 1:10 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Ron H
You've got mail!
RickMTB ( 216.119.145.21 ) at 12:31 AM EST Saturday, December 16, 2000
Testing the new dig camera tonight
Gar: and RonH, Its a Fuji FinePix 1400 Zoom. Its only a 1.3Mp camera but it has 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom. It has gotten a lot of favorable reviews. The bad parts... the 1.3MP and it only comes with a 4mb smart media card (I will get a 16mb). I will email you a picture or two.
ScottVeirs ( 64.0.251.176 ) at 11:54 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Specs
Kieran: thats a Pio -LD player, roomates.
The bottom is the Monster Cable Power conditioner
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:46 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
DUH RF RF RF .
Darian ( 207.172.11.148 ) at 11:46 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Curtis:The 8VSB module only has one RV in. There are no other connectors to it.
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 11:17 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
dot-com Christmas
Tony C: Nope, haven't a clue what you're talking about.
Tony C ( 152.163.213.176 ) at 11:05 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
DVD Profiler
Gar & Wild Bill: Just finished loading 159 DVDs into the Profiler.
I did it by UPC. the hardest part was the music videos that aren't listed.
Had to do those "by hand".
Gar, if you find a program for CDs let me know too. I would definetely get a wand for that!
Tony C ( 152.163.213.176 ) at 11:03 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
dot-com Christmas
SonicBit: Maybe you're too young to remember Sing Along With Mitch.
Those commercials are right out of Mitch's text book.
Gar ( 169.207.194.110 ) at 10:44 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
GrayHawk on its way
Ron H: Thanks for the info Ron...... Greatly appreciated...
Gar ( 169.207.194.110 ) at 10:44 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
The FinePix 40i is $600 which is the least expensive price I have found with a pixel rating like that.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.235 ) at 10:42 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
GrayHawk on its way
Gar: I saw a post that said unless you put it beside a conventional screen it looks white. Who knows at this point for sure.
Gar ( 169.207.194.110 ) at 10:39 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Testing the new dig camera tonight
RickMTB: Cool, I was thinking about getting a Nikon or a Canon of Toshiba, and of course I have been looking at the Fuji Fine Pix for $279 isn't too bad of a price. Also I have been looking at there new FinePix
40i 4.3 Megpixel which I heard takes some pretty cool pictures..
Gar ( 169.207.194.110 ) at 10:28 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
GrayHawk on its way
Ron H: Keep me posted Ron.. Also I heard this thing looks very different, if it is a Grey screen material, I think I will be ok, but if it is silver or something wacky, it won't fly with the wife.
Gar ( 169.207.194.110 ) at 10:26 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
DVD Profiler
Wild Bill: Thanks for the info Bill will do. Do they have these for CD? You would think by now they would.
Gar ( 169.207.194.110 ) at 10:25 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Dish/Cable Question
I am using a Diplexer for my cable/Dish, basically switching using same cable line but switching using a Diplexer. But it seems like I need a Diplexer for each TV? Is this correct? Also does using this method reduce my cable or Dish Signal, the only time I think it would is when you have both on at the sametime.. Thanks
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 10:25 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
dot-com Christmas
Curtis: I love the intentionally cheesy Amazon.com ads.
Curtis ( 206.170.7.95 ) at 10:21 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Batteries
RickMTB: BS. Li-IONs don't run that hot and they last at least twicew as long. Almost all contemporary notebooks use them and what's more prone to heat damage than a computer?
Keep the LCD screen off as much as possible or you'll be changing batts every other day.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.235 ) at 10:17 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Batteries
RickMTB: What model DC was it you have? Woulkd you e-mail me a picture so I can see it out.
Ron H ( 63.26.185.235 ) at 10:15 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Ron H
Kieran: Sorry I did not get back to you. It completly slipped my mind. I got a little sidetracked with the VMPS Sub and GrayHawk thing. I will hang onto the Demod untill I sell the LD players. Sorry if my delay in answering has caused you a inconvenience.
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.48 ) at 10:15 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Batteries
Kieran: Just played with my new camera and I noticed that it warns against using Lithium batteries in it due to heat buildup. Glad to see you are on the road to recovery. I have to admit that when I read the part about the predisposition due to be tall and thin I felt almost glad I am short and stocky (well, almost glad). Take things easy and get better!
Curtis ( 206.170.7.95 ) at 10:10 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
dot-com Christmas
I must say it's refreshing to see so few TV ads for dot-com this & that. This years marketing tack seems to be spamming. I'm getting more junk email from places I'm sure didn't have my address than ever before.
Unless one of you wiseguys has been posting it all over the planet!
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 10:08 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Servo Drive sub
Kieran: I knew my post was missing something!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 9:26 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Ron H
Ron Did you decide whether or not you feel like selling your RF-Demodulator to me? Either way is okay, but if do think you might sell it to me, I don't want to worry about looking elsewhere. Thanks.
trav1 ( 4.34.141.88 ) at 9:25 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
NJMIKE
You have mail.....
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:44 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Servo Drive sub
SonicBit: Did you just win the lotto or something??? $2995 is outrageous! I'm guessing you were joking, but no smiley attached made me go... "HUH?"
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 8:43 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Health
Chris L.: No... nothing except that I probably had a predisposition for it... being tall and thin, and active. The Pulmonary Dr said it could be congenital.
Ron H ( 63.26.174.204 ) at 8:18 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
GrayHawk on its way
Notice To Beta Testers
Torrance, CA. 12-15-00 5:00 PST
The following Beta Units shipped today,12-15-00 to the following persons.
Ron H.
Tony H.
Phil O.
Dean M.
Jeff S.
Carey P.
The following units shipped yesterday 12-14-00.
Alan G.
John T.
Cooper R.
Thomas S.
Jay M.
Allow 2 to 4 working days to arrive.
Regards,
Don
Chris L. ( 198.144.140.110 ) at 8:14 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Health
Kieran: Good news! Any info on what caused it?
SonicBit ( 4.3.227.78 ) at 8:02 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Servo Drive sub
Kieran: It only costs a mere $2995 MSRP. I'm sure you can find it cheaper at the store. Heck, buy a pair for stereo LFE!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:14 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Health
BTW, for those that are wondering... I'm still recovering from the lung problem, but today's x-ray (my fourth this week) showed that the air pocket is getting smaller, so that's good news. Doc thinks it will most likely go away on it's own... it will just take a while. So, no physical activity for 2-3 weeks! >:(
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:13 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Batteries
RickMTB: Thanks for the info.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:13 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Scott "popcorn": Refreshing the archive page did the trick... stupid browser!
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 7:12 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Specs
Scott Veirs: Okay, so what's below the Yamaha? Looks like a Marantz something or other... And, what's on the bottom shelf... it's got shiny lights!
RickMTB ( 216.119.135.204 ) at 6:47 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Batteries
Kieran: I believe there are three types: NICADS, NIMHs, and the newest I believe are called Lithium ions. I believe that last type is the one you want (doesn't have "memory", allowing you to charge and discharge at will.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.43 ) at 6:37 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Kieran: Ok... according to this, there are three archives listed since 11/4, so you need to reload the archive page (make your browser update the page)... blame this on an ignorant browser Also, the last archive is up to 11:45 am EST, and since you're PST, that would figure in correctly as well.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.43 ) at 6:35 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Kieran: ""8:45 am this morning" duh... I'm repeating myself and saying things that are repetetive, sort of like saying the same thing twice in a row, back to back"
HAHAHAHAHA! let me look into the posts, but I think you just need to reload the archive page or something... IE or Netscape? whichever isn't working "the way it should"
By the way, the name of the batteries you don't want is "rechargeable" hehehe no, kidding... I think they have improved NiCads or their chargers, because they don't seem to have the "memory" problems they used to... NiMH and Lithium Ion batteries are both better than NiCads at not retaining memory.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.43 ) at 6:29 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Missing posts (again)
Kieran: I just archived it before my last post!
Curtis ( 206.170.6.136 ) at 6:11 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
oops, they're obviously the same
Curtis ( 206.170.6.136 ) at 6:09 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
DiSH
Darian: If you want to point to the other digital local channels (assumes you have dual ant ins like a DTC and you don't mind another small UHF antenna), use these amazing resources to find them.
http://bsexton.addr.com/tvdb.html
http://bsexton.addr.com/tvdb.html
Scott Veirs ( 146.135.120.124 ) at 5:32 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Specs
Kieran: lol, I put in there and wrote over it! lmao.
Its the same as yours 995 yammi. putting it in now...
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:22 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Specs
Scott Veirs: Better make it 1001 pardons, dude... You haven't listed all your components yet. (ummm.... processor? amplifier? How do those signals get from the dvd to the speakers and tv?) If I can see it in the picture... you'd better tell me what it is!!!!
Nice setup, BTW. Did you build the flexy yourself?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:18 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Batteries
What's the type of rechargable battery one wants to look for in home accessories? The old type that I don't want is the kind that has a "memory", meaning if you don't fully deplete the battery before re-charging, you loose some of the full capacity. I hate this. I've had to replace my cordless phone battery twice in 2 years because of it. I heard that the latest type of batteries for things like cordless phones, PDA's, etc, don't care when you put them back on the chargin cradle... they don't loose their max charge capacity.
What is the kind of battery I want, and what is the name of the type I don't want?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 5:12 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
Servo Drive sub
Darian: How much does that ContraBass sub cost? I can't believe those specs!!!! -3dB at 14Hz! Pretty cool mechanical design, too.
Wild Bill ( 64.12.102.159 ) at 5:03 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
DVD Profiler
Gar: DVD Profiler doesn't do CDs. Get the Cue:Cat from Radio Shack like I suggested and you can simply do a barcode scan of the DVD titles. It's a simple procedure.
Wild Bill ( 64.12.102.159 ) at 5:01 PM EST Friday, December 15, 2000
HD dish install
Curtis: Thanks for the info but the WAF on dishes is 1 per household.
BTW, I'll have that list out to you this weekend for the darkroom stuff. We're hammered with