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 )