Who???
Jared.....Deuces....had twin girls...MIL moved in to help...they must be a year old by now :)

BTW, for those who may not read DBS, Echo is supposed to be spooling a new s/w version to the 622/722's beginning tonight.
I'm fairly certain it's mostly a fix-it version...I wouldn't expect to see much in the way of anything new.

Jared.....Deuces....had twin girls...MIL moved in to help...they must be a year old by now :)

I think they are older than that. I thought they were born around the time my son was born 19 months ago....now I have a one month old daughter for him to play with. I definitely don't have the time I used to have.

I still need to bury my HDMI cable from my livingroom to kitchen in the walls. I was planning on running up into the attic, but I guess I could run down to the basement instead. Any reason why I should run one way or the other?

I think they are older than that. I thought they were born around the time my son was born 19 months ago....now I have a one month old daughter for him to play with. I definitely don't have the time I used to have.

I still need to bury my HDMI cable from my livingroom to kitchen in the walls. I was planning on running up into the attic, but I guess I could run down to the basement instead. Any reason why I should run one way or the other?
I think you're correct...I was just estimating. You're headed into some great years, Kurt. It's cool watching them discover and learn.

Other than, the shorter distance of the two, none I can think of.
Remember to attach a string to it, in the event you ever need to pull another :)

I still have no clue who/what you guys are talking about.

I still have no clue who/what you guys are talking about.
deuces (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/member.php?u=7554175)

The new release candidate (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-rc.html) for Firefox 3 is out now. They've plugged memory leaks and added many improvements. It's also a LOT faster than Firefox 2, which I've been using for some time now.

deuces (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/member.php?u=7554175)

I missed the boat completely on that one.

I'm still around, just not often. The girls are 13 months old now. My family has been dealing with the cancer diagnosis of my father for the past few weeks. He is 59, we are all in a fog. All prayers would be greatly appreciated

On topic, my EHDD (with E*) will not replay archived events regularly. I have a MyBook 500GB drive. I see there are some problems on other forums. Anyone have suggestions? I just rebooted and a CSI appears to be starting ok, it is a few minutes in. Normally after 30 seconds or one or two mintues the playback stops like it is the end of the event. I haven't even been able to restore the event to the DVR. I will keep my fingers crossed that this CSI plays through.

I know I haven't been around as much, but neither have you guys. Just look above, if Tim had been just a LITTLE more patient it would have been over 2 days without a post.

Update: CSI just quit at the first commercial break. GRRRRR! It quit while I was using 30 second skip during commercial. Any advice is welcome.

I'm still around, just not often. The girls are 13 months old now. My family has been dealing with the cancer diagnosis of my father for the past few weeks. He is 59, we are all in a fog. All prayers would be greatly appreciated

On topic, my EHDD (with E*) will not replay archived events regularly. I have a MyBook 500GB drive. I see there are some problems on other forums. Anyone have suggestions? I just rebooted and a CSI appears to be starting ok, it is a few minutes in. Normally after 30 seconds or one or two mintues the playback stops like it is the end of the event. I haven't even been able to restore the event to the DVR. I will keep my fingers crossed that this CSI plays through.

I know I haven't been around as much, but neither have you guys. Just look above, if Tim had been just a LITTLE more patient it would have been over 2 days without a post.

Update: CSI just quit at the first commercial break. GRRRRR! It quit while I was using 30 second skip during commercial. Any advice is welcome.

I have a MyBook, too, and I was having issues with fast forward and resume not working properly on the USB drive. I got another dirve, since the first was almost full. After I unplugged the first drive and used the new one for a while, I plugged the first one back in and my issues were gone. I had rebooted the 622 a number of times, but that didn't help. Try unplugging your external drive and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, try unplugging it, reboot your DVR and then plug it back in. Don't know if this will help at all, but it's worth a shot.

My family has been dealing with the cancer diagnosis of my father for the past few weeks. He is 59, we are all in a fog. All prayers would be greatly appreciated

My sincerest sympathies. Our prayers are with you and your family at such a difficult time.

I'm still around, just not often. The girls are 13 months old now. My family has been dealing with the cancer diagnosis of my father for the past few weeks. He is 59, we are all in a fog. All prayers would be greatly appreciated

On topic, my EHDD (with E*) will not replay archived events regularly. I have a MyBook 500GB drive. I see there are some problems on other forums. Anyone have suggestions? I just rebooted and a CSI appears to be starting ok, it is a few minutes in. Normally after 30 seconds or one or two mintues the playback stops like it is the end of the event. I haven't even been able to restore the event to the DVR. I will keep my fingers crossed that this CSI plays through.

I know I haven't been around as much, but neither have you guys. Just look above, if Tim had been just a LITTLE more patient it would have been over 2 days without a post.

Update: CSI just quit at the first commercial break. GRRRRR! It quit while I was using 30 second skip during commercial. Any advice is welcome.
Software Version 4.49 or 5.10?
Found by pressing Menu twice.

Software Version 4.49 or 5.10?
Found by pressing Menu twice.

4.49

4.49
If 4.49, it is most likely as Joe said, EHDD related, rather than 622 related.
Since you cannot currently move the EHDD to another receiver without it formatting, if you can get your hands on another EHDD to test, that's probably the best place to begin troubleshooting the issue, or wait until HHKey is enabled, and move it then.
OTOH, reformatting the EHDD may be just what the Dr ordered.

If 4.49, it is most likely as Joe said, EHDD related, rather than 622 related.
Since you cannot currently move the EHDD to another receiver without it formatting, if you can get your hands on another EHDD to test, that's probably the best place to begin troubleshooting the issue, or wait until HHKey is enabled, and move it then.
OTOH, reformatting the EHDD may be just what the Dr ordered.

So how am I supposed to watch the last 4-5 episodes of all these shows? lol

Looks like the EHDD was a bad idea for us. But then we didn't have time to watch all our shows at that time so guess we were just outta luck.

So how am I supposed to watch the last 4-5 episodes of all these shows? lol

Looks like the EHDD was a bad idea for us. But then we didn't have time to watch all our shows at that time so guess we were just outta luck.
They won't restore back to the receiver HDD?

A couple of tricks....
-start one event, once it begins, FF x300 about 2/3 thru the event, press play, and then REW back to the beginning...try to watch.
-At the point of the first break-up, press skip-back 4x and then skip-forward once.
-Be sure no other events are recording, and both buffers are dumped when trying to view one of the EHDD playbacks.

But then we didn't have time to watch all our shows at that time so guess we were just outta luck.
Not to worry, after June 30th, they will ALL be on again!!

They won't restore back to the receiver HDD?

A couple of tricks....
-start one event, once it begins, FF x300 about 2/3 thru the event, press play, and then REW back to the beginning...try to watch.
-At the point of the first break-up, press skip-back 4x and then skip-forward once.
-Be sure no other events are recording, and both buffers are dumped when trying to view one of the EHDD playbacks.

They will begin restoring, but then an error comes up so it will not go back to the receiver.

Tried your 300x FF trick, works some, but stopped once. Then skipped past the breakup point. Then the playback stopped again a few minutes later. Nothing else is recording but how do I dump both buffers?

I was under the impression I could move the hard drive up to three times even without the household key. I have never moved it, can I put it on my other 622 without the drive reformatting?

I was under the impression I could move the hard drive up to three times even without the household key. I have never moved it, can I put it on my other 622 without the drive reformatting?
Since the time they released some of the HHKey's, I don't know if that still works or not. But, you do get a warning prior to formatting, and the option to leave the drive intact, so you can safely try it.

Well, I got one program to Restore back to the receiver. Tried another and after a very long time it threw up an error as well. Then when going back to the EHDD 15 of the previously stored events are now missing.

Well, I got one program to Restore back to the receiver. Tried another and after a very long time it threw up an error as well. Then when going back to the EHDD 15 of the previously stored events are now missing.
That's a bad drive, or FAT. A reformat may cure it, but it does not at all sound receiver related.
If everything on the EHDD is no longer usable, I'd suggest you connect the EHDD to a PC, run the setup/formatting s/w it came with, confirm it is working correctly, and then reconnect it to the 622, and allow the receiver to format it again.
If it's still under warranty, take it back, and swap it out.

I just rebooted the receiver and the missing files are showing again. I am gonna try to salvage what I can from the drive then have my brother in law look at it on a PC. This is very frustrating.

I just rebooted the receiver and the missing files are showing again. I am gonna try to salvage what I can from the drive then have my brother in law look at it on a PC. This is very frustrating.
OK, good luck...JIC you're not aware, as soon as you connect it to a PC, anything DISH related on the drive is toast.
I'm guessing you've also restarted the EHDD, yes?

Want some HD DVD's (http://www.inetvideo.com/store/search.aspx?sck=5216812&Page=1&Sort=1&sp=5.98&ep=7.90&scat=16311)for $5.99 each? These aren't the greatest titles ever, but they have a pretty good selection that starts at $6 and goes up.

OK, good luck...JIC you're not aware, as soon as you connect it to a PC, anything DISH related on the drive is toast.
I'm guessing you've also restarted the EHDD, yes?

Do you know how this works, Ken? Seems sorta strange that the act of looking at a drive's contents on a PC would destroy the data. I know it's encrypted, so looking at it on a PC (even if the PC understood the file system Dish uses) wouldn't let you see the movies (barring some kind of hack).

OK, here comes an unsolicited testimonial. I've owned a lot of printers over the years - Epson, HP and, most recently, Brother, along with a few others. I've had major problems with Epson (inkjet heads) and HP (mechanical issues and ink expiration). Over the past couple of years, I bought a Brother inkjet (MFC-440CN) and and a Brother multi-function laser (MFC9840-CDW). Not only have these printers been the easiest installs ever for me, they both have performed beautifully. I finished major projects recently with the laser MFC and it has been a workhorse. I've done over a thousand DVD/CD labels/jackets and several hundred booklets, and the Brother has been great.

This good experience has been just the opposite of my HP experience, in which software installation was a huge headache and didn't work properly half the time. And the HP's I owned failed with light use after less than 2 years (one in less than a year and neither one a cheap multi-function). The Brothers also operate flawlessly with all my computers across my network (even the cheapie 440).

If you're in the market for a printer/multi-function device, Brother deserves a look.

Has anyone around here ever opened up a MyBook external USB drive enclosure? I have an older 160GB MyBook and I'd like to replace the drive with a larger 500GB, but I can't figure out how to get into the plastic case without breaking it to pieces. I don't see any screws.

Hope this helps, I didn't get into details, but appears it may help.

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/65604/

Thanks. I actually found that article, but it doesn't seem to be the same MyBook. Not only do they make it difficult to get in, they do it in different ways for different MyBook's.

Here's a question for those of you still going out to the movies a lot: do you think going out to movies offers a better sound/vision experience than what you get with your home theater?

Me first.

I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull last week, the first film I've been to see at the theater in a long time. I went to the Ronnie's on south Lindbergh. I had the choice of seeing the movie on film or digital projection, and I chose digital. Once again, I found the theater experience far inferior to what I experience at home. I like my projector and my sound system much better than what the Ronnie's had to offer. Also, I had forgotten just how uncomfortable even good stadium theater seating is compared to my leather recliner.

The last movie I saw at a theater before this was Superman in 3D, also in digital. Before that (maybe 2 years ago), it was true film projection (can't remember the movie). As far as I'm concerned, not even the newer theaters in St. Louis compare to what I get at home. And it cost me $7 for a matinee ticket!

Since I was a kid and saw my first film, I've been hooked on movies. I think we're very fortunate to have the quality accessible to us in HD sources like cable and satellite, and especially Blu-ray movies.

As to the value of the latest Indie movie, don't get me started. My stomach is still sour.

It's certainly not worth $14, but I would be interested in an A-B comparison between film and digital versions at the same theater.

Hey Joe, Have to disagree with ya on the new Indy flick. It ain't Lawrence of Arabia, but I enjoyed it enough with my buds opening weekend that I brought my girlfriend and her grandson with me to see it AGAIN a few days later.

I didn't have a digital option... St. Louis Mills only has one digital screen and the Narnia sequel was showing on it. :(

But admittedly after putting my brain on hold, I loved it both times!

I have a MyBook, too, and I was having issues with fast forward and resume not working properly on the USB drive. I got another dirve, since the first was almost full. After I unplugged the first drive and used the new one for a while, I plugged the first one back in and my issues were gone. I had rebooted the 622 a number of times, but that didn't help. Try unplugging your external drive and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, try unplugging it, reboot your DVR and then plug it back in. Don't know if this will help at all, but it's worth a shot.

I have occasional issues with a MyBook 750 that started with 4.49. Unplugging the MyBook cures the problems for a bit. I'm convinced 4.49 is the cause.

Hey Joe, Have to disagree with ya on the new Indy flick. It ain't Lawrence of Arabia, but I enjoyed it enough with my buds opening weekend that I brought my girlfriend and her grandson with me to see it AGAIN a few days later.

I didn't have a digital option... St. Louis Mills only has one digital screen and the Narnia sequel was showing on it. :(

But admittedly after putting my brain on hold, I loved it both times!

Maybe it's just me. I saw Spiderman 3 for the first time the other night and was thoroughly bored. All the more recent effects-laden films have left me cold - all but (maybe) Batman Begins, which I think was far and away the best of that franchise to date. I was a great comic book fan as a kid, but I always loved the stories as much or more than the sci-fi/fantasy elements. I just didn't believe the story in the latest Indy movie as much as I did in the others. Like I said, it's probably more me than the movies themselves.

One thing I did notice about the digital projection experience at the Ronnie's was a pronounced aliasing on some of the trailer intro text screens. The next time I go, I'm going to try to find someone who can talk to me about the format and resolution of their digital projectors. Maybe someone here knows about that?

Do you know how this works, Ken? Seems sorta strange that the act of looking at a drive's contents on a PC would destroy the data. I know it's encrypted, so looking at it on a PC (even if the PC understood the file system Dish uses) wouldn't let you see the movies (barring some kind of hack).
To the best of my knowledge, which, believe me, is vastly limited, it is because of the proprietary formatting Echo uses when formatting the EHDD for use with the ViP receivers, the PC cannot access the drive without first reformatting it, thus....Poof!

Those that have tried this have reported that XP and Vista do not recognize any drive being connected to the PC.

I would imagine with sophisticated forensic type software, viewing the contents would be possible. As you know, only a full format with wipe actually removes the data from the sectors. A quick-format only adds the 2 ?? marks to the beginning of the file name in the FAT, making it so the OS cannot "see" the file(s).

OK, here comes an unsolicited testimonial. I've owned a lot of printers over the years - Epson, HP and, most recently, Brother, along with a few others. I've had major problems with Epson (inkjet heads) and HP (mechanical issues and ink expiration). Over the past couple of years, I bought a Brother inkjet (MFC-440CN) and and a Brother multi-function laser (MFC9840-CDW). Not only have these printers been the easiest installs ever for me, they both have performed beautifully. I finished major projects recently with the laser MFC and it has been a workhorse. I've done over a thousand DVD/CD labels/jackets and several hundred booklets, and the Brother has been great.

This good experience has been just the opposite of my HP experience, in which software installation was a huge headache and didn't work properly half the time. And the HP's I owned failed with light use after less than 2 years (one in less than a year and neither one a cheap multi-function). The Brothers also operate flawlessly with all my computers across my network (even the cheapie 440).

If you're in the market for a printer/multi-function device, Brother deserves a look.
Funny...we have a 440CN and 2 MFC8500CN's...best printers I've ever owned. One of our 8500 is now 6 years old which is used constantly for fax and legal/letter printing (has the 2nd tray).
We now have added a Xerox PFE because of its ability to perform high-speed pdf scans, but we still use the 8500's for mostly all fax/print jobs.

If someone gave me a HP, I'd throw it away!

I'm going to try to find someone who can talk to me about the format and resolution of their digital projectors. Maybe someone here knows about that?
Perhaps start with finding someone who knows they have a digital projector :D

If someone gave me a HP, I'd throw it away!
My color HP printer has been going strong for at least 8 years. It doesn't get a ton of use, but it hasn't failed me yet (knock on wood) and the ink is still available. I will be getting a better photo-quality printer in the future, but I haven't started researching yet.

Maybe it's just me. I saw Spiderman 3 for the first time the other night and was thoroughly bored. All the more recent effects-laden films have left me cold - all but (maybe) Batman Begins, which I think was far and away the best of that franchise to date. I was a great comic book fan as a kid, but I always loved the stories as much or more than the sci-fi/fantasy elements. I just didn't believe the story in the latest Indy movie as much as I did in the others. Like I said, it's probably more me than the movies themselves.



I'll agree with you on Spider-Man 3. Any of the three elements (Sandman, Venom, Harry's revenge) would have been a great movie by itself. But they crammed all three into one movie and didn't do any of them any justice. Plus I didn't care for the way they "humanized" the Sandman... in the comics he had no redeeming qualities at all and I liked him that way.

Batman Begins was the best comic book movie ever made. Period. Can't wait for the new one next month!

Here's a question for those of you still going out to the movies a lot: do you think going out to movies offers a better sound/vision experience than what you get with your home theater?



I went for the first time in 2 years on Sunday. We went to see Kung Foo Panda at Winghaven. I enjoyed the movie, but I did notice that the picture would be fine for some time, then the image would become a bit blurry during stills or action. The sound seemed good, although I would have like more "punch" during some scenes. I did find myself trying to "recline" back many times. Luckily we got in for a deep discount, the boys Martial Arts school did a 3 hour demo Saturday evening in the lobby. I am still feeling the pain of the concessions. :o

My color HP printer has been going strong for at least 8 years. It doesn't get a ton of use, but it hasn't failed me yet (knock on wood) and the ink is still available. I will be getting a better photo-quality printer in the future, but I haven't started researching yet.


I have a big old HP laser printer I got for free from a past employer. It's a 4000 and has a jet direct card so I can plug it right into my router. It's fast and a workhorse. I have a color Lexmark that was free with a monitor purchase and a Brother fax/copier that I have had for years. Typical YMMV. :)

For anybody that missed an episode....

Newsgroups: rec.arts.tv,rec.arts.sf.tv
Subject: FOX repeating "Terminator" season 1 over two weeks
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:01:38 -0400

"TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES" REBOOTS WITH SEASON ONE
MARATHON BEGINNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, ON FOX

Take back the first season of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES
(T:SCC) this August on FOX. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM
ET/PT), encore episodes of the entire first season of T:SCC will air
Sunday through Wednesday from 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT. The action-packed
season finale cliff-hanger that left Cameron's fate unknown will air
Sunday, Aug. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

The Season One reboot kicks off the countdown to the Season Two
premiere Monday, Sept. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES reveals what happens when
Sarah (Lena Headey) stops running and goes on the offensive against an
ever-evolving technological enemy bent on destroying her life, and
perhaps the world. Her son, 16-year-old John Connor (Thomas Dekker),
is only now taking steps towards embracing his destiny as the future
savior of mankind. John finds himself caught between his fearless
protector, the sexy but sweet cyborg CAMERON (Summer Glau), and his
uncle DEREK REESE (Brian Austin Green) who refuses to accept Cameron
as an ally. Former FBI agent JAMES ELLISON (Richard T. Jones) has been
transformed into a believer. Accepting Sarah's reality that "no one is
ever safe," he's now bent on figuring out his role in this
ever-evolving fate.

The T:SCC marathon will feature the following episodes in original air
order:

Sunday, Aug. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"Pilot"

In the series premiere, Sarah Connor struggles to keep her son John
Connor safe from an enemy Terminator from the future and John makes a
surprising discovery about his new friend Cameron.

Monday, Aug. 11 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"Gnothi Seauton"

Sarah makes contact with an old friend to ask a favor, while John
decides to pay a visit to Sarah's ex and Cameron makes a new friend.
Together they infiltrate a resistance safe house and discover they are
not alone.

Tuesday, Aug. 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"The Turk"

Sarah pays a visit to Miles Dyson's widow looking for Skynet's
creators. Her search leads her to Andy Goode, a cell phone salesman
who also happens to also be the inventor of a chess playing computer
known as "The Turk."

Wednesday, Aug. 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"Heavy Metal"

When Sarah, Cameron and John track down stolen cargo, they become
separated from John leading him to discover the future isn't as safe
as he had hoped.

Sunday, Aug. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"Queen's Gambit"

When Sarah's friend submits his computer into a chess competition, she
revaluates his computer's capabilities and worries where it could all
lead. During the chess match, Sarah comes face-to-face with a stranger
whose history is closely tied to hers.

Monday, Aug. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"Dungeons and Dragons"

While fighting for his life and moving in and out of consciousness,
Derek Reese remembers life in the future and his personal battle
against the machines.

Tuesday, Aug. 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"The Demon Hand"

When Sarah breaks into Agent Ellison's apartment looking for a missing
endo-arm, she discovers dossiers, files and video from her stay in the
mental hospital. The files lead her to hospital psychiatrist Dr.
Silberman, a doomsday convert who made Sarah's hospital stay
unbearable.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"Vick's Chip"

John defends Cameron against a damning accusation by Derek while Sarah
gets too close to a Terminator.

Sunday, Aug. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

"What He Beheld"

Sarah and Derek attempt a business transaction with a questionable
man, while John and Cameron find themselves in a precarious situation
during a school trip. Meanwhile, Agent Ellison discovers a nemesis at
the agency.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This schedule replaces previous scheduling
announcements regarding these dates.]


----- End forwarded message -----

I have a big old HP laser printer I got for free from a past employer. It's a 4000 and has a jet direct card so I can plug it right into my router. It's fast and a workhorse. I have a color Lexmark that was free with a monitor purchase and a Brother fax/copier that I have had for years. Typical YMMV. :)

I also had a much older HP laserjet printer that was really reliable. That's why I got the (pricey) multi-function HP's. There the ones I had horrible installation and reliability issues with. Given that, I was shocked at how easy and consistent the install was with the Brother. Not a single glitch ever with any of my networked computers.

You're right though - YMMV does apply. But I had enough trouble with the HP's not to want to get burned again.

I went for the first time in 2 years on Sunday. We went to see Kung Foo Panda at Winghaven. I enjoyed the movie, but I did notice that the picture would be fine for some time, then the image would become a bit blurry during stills or action. The sound seemed good, although I would have like more "punch" during some scenes. I did find myself trying to "recline" back many times. Luckily we got in for a deep discount, the boys Martial Arts school did a 3 hour demo Saturday evening in the lobby. I am still feeling the pain of the concessions. :o

I used to spend more on concessions than the ticket. Now, I make sure I go when I'm not the least hungry and take along a few mints. :D

Here's a question for those of you still going out to the movies a lot: do you think going out to movies offers a better sound/vision experience than what you get with your home theater?

The last time I was in a movie house was to see Gladiator. Good movie, bad experience. The price of admission and theater experience is not worth the trouble. I like to sit in my underware with a beer and pass gas whenever I want.:)

Walt

I also had a much older HP laserjet printer that was really reliable. That's why I got the (pricey) multi-function HP's. There the ones I had horrible installation and reliability issues with. Given that, I was shocked at how easy and consistent the install was with the Brother. Not a single glitch ever with any of my networked computers.

You're right though - YMMV does apply. But I had enough trouble with the HP's not to want to get burned again.
My sentiments also. I've installed at least 8 HP printers in the past 5 years, and can only thing of one that went off without a hitch. I have 2 now, sitting unplugged, collecting dust. I have no desire to spend 2 hours uninstalling and reinstalling their proprietary software to get them to work again.
I think the thing that sets me off the most is, when an HP printer is installed, it sets itself to the default printer, without asking....How Rude! :mad:
I have 2 color laser MF's, why on earth would I want a $59 HP to be my default printer??

The last time I was in a movie house was to see Gladiator. Good movie, bad experience. The price of admission and theater experience is not worth the trouble. I like to sit in my underware with a beer and pass gas whenever I want.:)

Walt

If you factor in the cost of gas, ticket and admission prices, and the level of discomfort of theater seats, good home theater wins most of the time. The next big thing to differentiate the theater experience from the home experience may just be 3D. That's what some of my ex-students predict (the ones working in the industry). Even that, though, may be coming into the home sooner rather than later. Already, you can get a Sensio system that will give you 3D in the home, and HD versions of that are being developed, too. 3D can be really good in the theater. I saw some great 3D films in Washington, DC in 2003. My most recent experience with 3D at the Ronnie's was with Superman Returns. That wasn't nearly as satisfying, but it can be done well. 3D moves the viewing experience to a whole new level of immersion.

If you factor in the cost of gas, ticket and admission prices, and the level of discomfort of theater seats, good home theater wins most of the time. The next big thing to differentiate the theater experience from the home experience may just be 3D. That's what some of my ex-students predict (the ones working in the industry). Even that, though, may be coming into the home sooner rather than later. Already, you can get a Sensio system that will give you 3D in the home, and HD versions of that are being developed, too. 3D can be really good in the theater. I saw some great 3D films in Washington, DC in 2003. My most recent experience with 3D at the Ronnie's was with Superman Returns. That wasn't nearly as satisfying, but it can be done well. 3D moves the viewing experience to a whole new level of immersion.

Yeah, the 3d thing is pretty sweet. The last movie I "went" to BTW, was the U23D concert film at Ronnies and was suitably impressed. Could have been louder, though.

-Matt

Here's a question for those of you still going out to the movies a lot: do you think going out to movies offers a better sound/vision experience than what you get with your home theater?



Even though I only have a low-to-mid range sound system (a Sony DVD-dream HTIB), I haven't been impressed by the sound system in a movie theater in years. Movie theaters are loud, and that's about it. Their new digital projectors, however, are impressive compared to my 60" HD RPTV, but sadly for the theaters, that makes their non-digital screens almost unwatchable for most mainstream movies.

The only time I feel like I'm getting any enjoyment from the movie theaters is at Plaza Frontenac, where they have lower prices and better quality of concession items (yay real butter in the butter popcorn topping!). However, sound and picture quality really aren't things you care too much about when watching a movie at Plaza Frontenac.

The last time I was in a movie house was to see Gladiator. Good movie, bad experience. The price of admission and theater experience is not worth the trouble. I like to sit in my underware with a beer and pass gas whenever I want.:)

Walt

TMI! But with that said, I have experienced sub-humans at the show doing all three of the items you mention. :(

That's why I too, prefer the comfort and control of my own theatre.

The last time I was in a movie house was to see Gladiator. Good movie, bad experience. The price of admission and theater experience is not worth the trouble. I like to sit in my underware with a beer and pass gas whenever I want.:)

Walt

Oh, so it was YOU in front of me when I saw Gladiator.....

I love going to the movies. Me and the wife go approximately twice a month. For me I like that big screen. The sound although not that impressive in most movies. Still does the job for me. I enjoy the snacks and popcorn. Although in most theaters the popcorn is really bad but I will eat it anyway. I think it might have some thing to do with childhood memories. The only thing I really hate about the whole experience is those commercials. What about drive-ins? Now that does bring back some memories. :)

TMI! But with that said, I have experienced sub-humans at the show doing all three of the items you mention. :(


Let me suggest that if the people in front of you are in their underware, you need to avoid the XXX films.:)

Walt

Oh, so it was YOU in front of me when I saw Gladiator.....

I saw Gladiator in Michigan. All you could smell was Mary Jane.:) Other than the movie, it was the best part.

Walt

And now why I am here at this time. Is it Charter, or are The Open break ups from some other source?

Walt

And now why I am here at this time. Is it Charter, or are The Open break ups from some other source?

Walt


While I was watching on D*, I didn't have any breakups, although I only watched for about 30 mins after work today.

How many are watching The Open in wonderful HD. Mine is totally pixelated. Same as yesterday. The NBA finals last night were fine.

Walt

Dish is offering the new Matthew Broderick film (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish061308.htm), "Finding Amanda," in HD before the theatrical release. It's $11.99. Here's a quote from a Dish exec:

"...said Dish Network’s Andy Karofsky. “We continue to look for ways to offer our customers a unique TV viewing experience, including affordable alternatives to taking the entire family out to the movies.”

Just what we've been talking about here the last couple of days. $11.99 sounds pretty expensive until you factor in a few $10 tickets and refreshments for your group - easily $50+ for the night. Do that a couple of times a month for 2 years and you start to get close to the cost of a front projection system. Now you have the big screen, too, and chairs as comfortable as you want.

Heaven.

Yeah, the 3d thing is pretty sweet. The last movie I "went" to BTW, was the U23D concert film at Ronnies and was suitably impressed. Could have been louder, though.

-Matt

Superman Returns in 3D there was strange. Only a small part of the film was shot in 3D, so they had a little message at the bottom of the screen that flashed to let you know a 3D scene was coming. What a pain, flipping those glasses off and on. It pulled me out of the film more than immersing me in it. Of course, with that turkey of a movie, it was probably a good thing. (Sorry, Bob, if you liked that one, too. :))

Forgot to mention that Dish just added WGN America (Cubs and White Sox games in HD).

Superman Returns in 3D there was strange. Only a small part of the film was shot in 3D, so they had a little message at the bottom of the screen that flashed to let you know a 3D scene was coming. What a pain, flipping those glasses off and on. It pulled me out of the film more than immersing me in it. Of course, with that turkey of a movie, it was probably a good thing. (Sorry, Bob, if you liked that one, too. :))

Nope, I didn't. :(

How many are watching The Open in wonderful HD. Mine is totally pixelated. Same as yesterday. The NBA finals last night were fine.

Walt
The Open was fine here, watched it on DISH SAT Local.
I didn't watch the NBA finals....isn't it on ABC?
What source Walt?
My OTA was a bit touch and go today, with the storms.

The Open was fine here, watched it on DISH SAT Local.
I didn't watch the NBA finals....isn't it on ABC?
What source Walt?
My OTA was a bit touch and go today, with the storms.

Did you watch it in the morning from ESPN. The NBC feed was fine. The NBA finals were replayed on ESPN late at night after sports center.

My source for ESPN is Charter. ESPN and ESPN2 always seem to be pixelated. Charter is just ignoring the issue. I will have access to Uverse when I return from Texas next month. 30 years with Charter.

The feed switched to NBC later in the day. No pixelation. I have called an written several times to Charter and they just don't seem to get it. They blame it on the construction in our area but ALL other channels are fine. I suggested they take the weather channel and MHD and apply the bandwidth to ESPN and 2.

I hope the rest of the event is carried by NBC.

Walt

This morning I was scanning my channels and I got KOMU the Missouri college station and a digital feed out of springfield Il. I am in Saint Peters. Has anyone else been able to recieve those channels on a consitant basis? I would run another cable if I could get WCIU out of Champaign consistantly.

This morning I was scanning my channels and I got KOMU the Missouri college station and a digital feed out of springfield Il. I am in Saint Peters. Has anyone else been able to recieve those channels on a consitant basis? I would run another cable if I could get WCIU out of Champaign consistantly.

It sounds like you were experiencing a phenomenon known as SKIP. Conditions in the upper atmosphere allowed the distant signals to bounce or skip over greater-than-normal distances. This usually occurs in the morning and will probably fade as the day goes on.

This morning I was scanning my channels and I got KOMU the Missouri college station and a digital feed out of springfield Il. I am in Saint Peters. Has anyone else been able to recieve those channels on a consitant basis? I would run another cable if I could get WCIU out of Champaign consistantly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospheric_ducting#Tropospheric_ducting

"Skip" is actually a different phenomenon which only impacts channels 2-6 and FM.

- Trip

Picked up a couple of Insignia NS-DXA1's (aka Zenith DTT900) From BestBuy. With the FCC Coupons, were 19.99 apiece.

Thus far, very pleased. They don't quite stack up to the older Samsung STB I've got (2002 vintage), but are solid performers with existing VHF/UHF antennas.

Some snags, however: KNLC-DT will not receive (consistently, anyway) in my room on an old 13" Emerson (1993 vintage). Works perfectly with the LXI set from 1988 (that the Samsung is connected to) with attached Zenith Silver Sensor.

46 will not come in with an amplified antenna, comes in decently with Silver Sensor, pointed in a Southwesterly direction.

A great receiver is the Samsung; A solid performer is the Insignia/Zenith.

Any tips on stabilizing KNLC/WRBU? KNLC is trying to lock, but multipaths horribly. WRBU's signal never gets out of the "Bad" Signal category.

For the plain old STB's I prefer my Samsung, but for the older TV's the Insignia/Zenith's are great.

Although, I'd prefer if the EPG was a little better than it is. the Samsung has them beat hands down.

This morning I was scanning my channels and I got KOMU the Missouri college station and a digital feed out of springfield Il. I am in Saint Peters. Has anyone else been able to recieve those channels on a consitant basis? I would run another cable if I could get WCIU out of Champaign consistantly.

I think WCIU was the station I picked up ONCE while doing a channel rescan. The next time I tried to watch, it was gone again.

From today's SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com):

BREAKING NEWS: Reports Say Martin to Support Sat Radio Merger

News reports out of Washington said Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is ready to support a merger between XM and Sirius.

The Washington Post reported this morning that Martin will endorse the merger given that the companies have agreed on a handful of conditions, including no price increase for a period of time and opening up competition among radio manufacturers.

The Post said Martin will circulate among other commissioners an order approving the merger this week. At least two other commissioners must also agree to the order.

"As I have indicated before, this is an unusual situation," Martin said in a statement released to the media. "I am recommending that with the voluntary commitments (Sirius and XM) have offered, on balance, this transaction would be in the public interest."

I think I like this idea. I've never taken the plunge with sat radio before, because the programming I wanted was split between the providers. Now, that should change.

Does anyone know if there are any local radio stations covering the US Open playoff live? The internet feed sucks here at work. And I don't have a TV available....

I want to donate 4 window unit air conditioners (FINALLY got central air! Woohoo!) in Webster Groves and I want them gone pretty quick.

Does anyone know who can pick them up?

-Matt

I want to donate 4 window unit air conditioners (FINALLY got central air! Woohoo!) in Webster Groves and I want them gone pretty quick.

Does anyone know who can pick them up?

-Matt

I think Missouri Council for the Blind is a charity with a pick-up service. Enjoy the central air.

Political comments removed.

I want to donate 4 window unit air conditioners (FINALLY got central air! Woohoo!) in Webster Groves and I want them gone pretty quick.

Does anyone know who can pick them up?

-Matt

This means your renovations are pretty much finished, yes? Must feel good to be out from under all that. :)

This means your renovations are pretty much finished, yes? Must feel good to be out from under all that. :)

Ask me after TUesday. All windows being replaced, cleaning out some of the last air ducts, and drywalling over a new air return we installed.

Apparently air returns were optional for furnaces in the late 30's:eek:

After that, we're refinishing the hardwood floors upstairs, and then, THEN we'll be done.

-Matt

MORE political comments removed. Stop it, guys. Please.

The next political comment will result in suspensions.

If you're an HDNet subscriber, its on this coming WED nite for free:


http://www.hdnetmovies.com/movies_search_results.html?keyword=finding%20amanda&wheretosearch=title

Has any HD owner here had their flat panel "calibrated" yet from a local service?? I've been reading the rave reviews from the very satisfied owners on the forum from all over the country. I want to capture the best possible picture my displays (KURO 4280 & 5080) are capable of. Right now, both panels have fantastic pictures using DNice's recommended settings. I've never seen a pro calibrated display in person, the Sound Room on Olive may have one (?), I should call to check. The fact that a pro calibration cost $300+ for each display is a lil steep for my pocket right now - yes I own 2 KURO's, but I bought them both at terrific prices ($2999 TOTAL for both, long story), I guess you could say I enjoy the quality but only at a great price. I'm just looking for some local feedback from display owners and their experience with a pro calibration.


Thanks in advance,

Tony - St Charles

I think I like this idea. I've never taken the plunge with sat radio before, because the programming I wanted was split between the providers. Now, that should change.

I experimented with sat rad about three years ago. My experience was OK, but not worth the monthly fee for me.

Back on the air again after a system crash. Restoring 500 GB of data is lots of fun.

Has any HD owner here had their flat panel "calibrated" yet from a local service?? I've been reading the rave reviews from the very satisfied owners on the forum from all over the country. I want to capture the best possible picture my displays (KURO 4280 & 5080) are capable of. Right now, both panels have fantastic pictures using DNice's recommended settings. I've never seen a pro calibrated display in person, the Sound Room on Olive may have one (?), I should call to check. The fact that a pro calibration cost $300+ for each display is a lil steep for my pocket right now - yes I own 2 KURO's, but I bought them both at terrific prices ($2999 TOTAL for both, long story), I guess you could say I enjoy the quality but only at a great price. I'm just looking for some local feedback from display owners and their experience with a pro calibration.


Thanks in advance,

Tony - St CharlesTony,

Congratulations on the new Kuros.

I'm a professional calibrator, based in St. Louis and traveling throughout the Midwest and Southeast US, and I'd be happy to tell you more about calibration. You can give me a call on 314-495-2993 if you would like to talk, and I can also provide you with local references.

You can read more about my services, background and experience here:

http://www.isfforum.com/Details/ISF-Forum-Calibrators/Americas/United-States/Missouri/Clearly-Resolved.html

In addition, here's some basic questions/answers about video calibration:

http://www.isfforum.com/FAQs/.html

From today's SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com):


NAB Pushes for Satellite Dual-Carriage

As expected, broadcasters lobbied the Federal Communications Commission about a dual-carriage regime for satellite TV and its delivery of local TV channels.

The FCC is taking comments on whether DBS services should be required to carry the signals of all local broadcast stations both in HD and standard definition if they carry the signals of any local station in the same market. In its comments on the issue, the National Association of Broadcasters said such dual-carriage rules would ensure the continued availability of over-the-air channels.

Also, a dual-carriage rule would prevent the local-into-local compulsory license from interfering with competition among TV stations in each local market, the association said.

"This careful balance would be upset if satellite subscribers without HD capable set-top boxes are unable to watch the programming of some stations in a market because the carrier discriminates in its carriage of digital signals," NAB said in its comments on the issue.

Also, the NAB pushed for satellite "viewability" rules to ensure that stations will be received in the analog sets of satellite TV subscribers.

Satellite TV interests are fighting the dual-carriage rules, citing capacity constraints and an earlier move by the FCC requiring DBS delivery of all local HD signals in markets where small dish services offer local high-def signals, among other factors.

From today's SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com):


NAB Pushes for Satellite Dual-Carriage

As expected, broadcasters lobbied the Federal Communications Commission about a dual-carriage regime for satellite TV and its delivery of local TV channels.

Yes, by all means increase the required bandwidth by forcing dual carraige and protect the unfortuneates who don't have HD capabillity. This is what the broadcasters need to continue charging for HD. Why aren't set top boxes designed to down convert to 480i? Oh, I forgot, the broadcasters can't make any money doing it that way.

Not sure I follow the logic here.

In fact, most satellite HD set-top boxes will downconvert HD content to SD via S-Video/composite outputs -- you don't even need to futz around with menu settings. The problem is if you don't have an HD receiver and an antenna, you won't receive HD channels, so there's nothing to downconvert to begin with.

But you're right -- the broadcasters are angling for a free ride on satellite so that they can maximize their potential viewing audience. The solution should be market-driven -- if DISH and DirecTV don't place a priority on providing SD signals to its SD-only customers in certain markets, then those customers can decide to either do without, upgrade to HD equipment or move to cable or teleco services.

Or, they can go out and get a coupon and converter box. How many options do they need?

This whole obsession with the digital transition going off the rails is ludicrous. First of all, it's only TV (and take note this is written by someone who makes his living, indirectly, from TV). If someone is caught unaware or unprepared for the switchover, they will quickly figure it out and there will be plenty of woe-is-us media coverage about the unfortunates, so determining their after-the-fact options will be easy to find.

But really, there shouldn't be any problem with people being caught unaware. The NAB recently surveyed the public and found that roughly 90% of the US viewers are aware of the coming analog shutdown, though I think less than half were clear on what they needed to do to keep receiving local broadcasts. I think once you get to 90%, your chances of registering any sort of information with the remaining 10% is close to hopeless (or only achieved at massively disproportionate cost). The public service ads aren't great, but they are getting the message out; if someone chooses not to follow up and find more information, I think you have to assume they don't care enough to make it a priority, or they are just waiting around from someone to take them by the hand and do it for them (relatives, neighbors, government). Some people have simply forgotten how to help themselves.

Lots of groups are trying to make the analog shutdown into a looming combo Y2K/Katrina catastrophe, because there's either money or political capital to be made from doing so. Business as usual.

Here's a Swanni link (http://www.tvpredictions.com/3d062408.htm) on the coming 3D wave in HDTV. You can actually walk into an American or other big box dealer here in St. Louis today and buy a 3D capable set, but finding something to watch on it is the problem. However, do note the number of 3D films in development - 40. Movie makers are starting to embrace the idea. It's a question of standardizing the technology and figuring out the best way to deliver it. He!!, I might even buy a Hannah Montana Blu-ray disc if it was 3D. (I didn't just say that, did I?)

Here's a Swanni link (http://www.tvpredictions.com/3d062408.htm) on the coming 3D wave in HDTV. You can actually walk into an American or other big box dealer here in St. Louis today and buy a 3D capable set, but finding something to watch on it is the problem. However, do note the number of 3D films in development - 40. Movie makers are starting to embrace the idea. It's a question of standardizing the technology and figuring out the best way to deliver it. He!!, I might even buy a Hannah Montana Blu-ray disc if it was 3D. (I didn't just say that, did I?)

Make that a SHANIA TWAIN 3-D BluRay and I'll be in front of you in line!

As it turns out, I will not be needing digital converter boxes.
I had already ordered, and received the 2 coupons.
If anyone here needs/wants them, send me a PM....free, of course :)
They are fully transferable.

EDIT: That was fast...all gone.

Make that a SHANIA TWAIN 3-D BluRay and I'll be in front of you in line!

I'm sorry about the accident with Mr. Simandl, judge. I just turned and the 2x4 I was holding happened to come into contact with his head. As soon as I left the store with my Shania Twain 3D Blu-ray disc, I called the paramedics. :confused:

Here's a dumb question (but that has never stopped me before).

My kids have a TV in the basement where the Charter cable feeds directly into the set without a convertor box. Do I need to hook this up via a convertor box before the transition takes place?

Here's a dumb question (but that has never stopped me before).

My kids have a TV in the basement where the Charter cable feeds directly into the set without a convertor box. Do I need to hook this up via a convertor box before the transition takes place?

Not a dumb question at all.

The answer is no. The analog signal Charter sends to your home via cable will not be affected by the broadcast transition.

At some point, the Cable Company will likely want to discontinue their analog service and give you a set top box, but they will do that on their own schedule and communicate that to you in the usual way.

FYI -- Charter backs down on inserting web page ads based on personal click data:

From Techdirt (http://techdirt.com/articles/20080624/1650511503.shtml):
_________________________________________________________

Last month, cable broadband provider Charter Communications said it was going to test the clickstream tracking/behavioral ad injection service NebuAd, claiming (hilariously) that snooping on you as you surf in order to present ads to you enhances your web surfing experience.

It turns out that many Charter customers did not agree -- and they weren't made any happier when independent research into NebuAd's system discovered many, many problems with it, including the fact that you couldn't really opt-out. Also, Congress got involved, asking Charter to explain itself. That's never a good sign.

Charter has now agreed to back off plans to implement this clickstream tracking. However, the most hilarious part is Charter's explanation of why it went forward with this plan in the first place: Focus groups apparently indicated that "most broadband consumers would look upon this service favorably."

Well, when you describe it as "enhancing" the broadband experience, rather than spying on your every action to present you with more targeted ads, people might say that. In the future, though, it may help to be a bit more straightforward with focus groups.
_________________________________________________________

Now that the XM-Sirius merger seems to be on its way to FCC approval, radio network Clear Channel is demanding some additional conditions.

An excerpt from the Morning Bridge newsletter:
_________________________________________________

Radio giant Clear Channel Communications, in a filing detailing meetings company representatives held at the Portals about the deal, argued that the satellite radio merger should not win approval from the FCC. Given that the transaction will likely win an OK, Clear Channel said conditions should be tied to any final approval, including a requirement that all future satellite radio receivers contain integrated HD Radio reception capabilities.
_________________________________________________


You gotta love how radio and TV broadcasters are so through-and-through arrogant that they believe that every company peripherally related to their own virtuous business must be compelled to support their own aged and rickety business model.

But it actually gets better. In a perplexing who-do-we-hate-more standoff, the Recording Industry Association of America or the National Association of Broadcasters, the RIAA claims that radio is piracy.

Granted, it was difficult before, but how can we possibly take anything the record industry says in future as evenly remotely truthful? No, there's a complete lack of "truthiness" here.

An excerpt from Techdirt (http://techdirt.com/articles/20080624/0254081491.shtml):
___________________________________________________

Recording Industry Calls Radio "a Kind of Piracy"

It would appear that the recording industry now likes to call any sort of business model it doesn't like "piracy." At least that's the only explanation I can come up with in its latest battle, where it has referred to traditional radio as "a form of piracy." It's almost too bizarre to be true, and that's before we even explain how this involves a (literal) can of herring.

It's difficult to pick a side to cheer for in a dispute between the RIAA and the NAB -- as we're talking about two organizations with a history of saying the most outrageously incorrect things in misguided attempts to "protect" the industries they represent (which almost always ends up backfiring and hurting the industry). However, in the latest battle between the two, it seems pretty clear that it's the RIAA that's being more ridiculous. This is the latest skirmish in the battle that the RIAA started last year, in trying to get radio stations to pay royalties to musicians.

If you're not familiar with the details, as it stands now, radio stations have to pay royalties only to songwriters and publishers for the music they play. The musicians themselves don't get royalties, with the (very reasonable) explanation that having songs on the radio acts as a strong promotion for the musicians. This explanation is supported by the history of radio, in which "payola" has almost always played a large role. The record labels have always paid the radio stations to play their bands -- a rather overt admission that radio helps promote new artists.

But with the recording industry confused and struggling to adopt new business models, it wants to force radio stations to pay it, rather than the other way around. What's funny is that, normally, it's the party that has more leverage that gets to demand payment. Yet, here we have a case where it's the weakest party demanding payment because it's so weak. Despite all those years of payola as proof that radio is a promotional vehicle, the RIAA actually tried to put out a totally bogus study claiming that radio play decreased the demand for recorded music. Apparently, that wasn't convincing enough, so now it's claiming that radio is actually a "form of piracy."
___________________________________________________

What's amazing to me is that they seem to be forgetting the biggest piracy organization the world has ever seen - the public library!!! Think about it. These outrageous groups allow ANYONE to read without having to pay a penny of compensation. Not to writers, not to publishers, not to loggers (paper isn't free, you know). I think library cards ought to have Jolly Rogers blazoned across the front.

What's amazing to me is that they seem to be forgetting the biggest piracy organization the world has ever seen - the public library!!! Think about it. These outrageous groups allow ANYONE to read without having to pay a penny of compensation. Not to writers, not to publishers, not to loggers (paper isn't free, you know). I think library cards ought to have Jolly Rogers blazoned across the front.
Be careful what you wish for....FOX will start advertising on them :D

Be careful what you wish for....FOX will start advertising on them :D

Library cards with OLED screens and WiFi, featuring targeted advertising based on the books you check out. I like it. (But it could mean porn pop-ups because of that copy of Lady Chatterley's Lover.)

I just found out a slick feature of my new Canon HF10 HD camcorder and Playstation 3. I can take the SDHC memory card out of the camera, put it into the USB memory card reader plugged into the Playstation 3 and watch all the footage I just shot. Tapeless is great. I'm still working through the process for a new tapeless/Firewireless workflow, but so far I love it.

Question for ATT DSL users: my nephew is having DSL installed next week. They're charging him $80 for a DSL modem. Is this a normal charge and, if so, does anyone have such a modem lying around from an old install that's you're not using (and willing to sell cheaper)?

Question for ATT DSL users: my nephew is having DSL installed next week. They're charging him $80 for a DSL modem. Is this a normal charge and, if so, does anyone have such a modem lying around from an old install that's you're not using (and willing to sell cheaper)?

I believe it is a normal charge, although most of the time I find those things to be negotiable. If they are charging him, he must be getting basic or express level service, because for pro and higher the modem is free after rebate. The $80 modem is a wireless gateway, the $50 modem is a standard high speed modem. I think I have an older speedstream standard modem (I think it's a 5260). It's probably 8 years old, should work fine unless they changed the equipment compatibility standards. Free if he wants it - if it doesn't work he can toss it. I don't have an extra wireless gateway laying around though. Still using my 6 year old HomePortal wireless gateway, the thing is solid as a rock, never had an issue with it.

(But it could mean porn pop-ups because of that copy of Lady Chatterley's Lover.)
Wasn't her first name Brenda?

I believe it is a normal charge, although most of the time I find those things to be negotiable. If they are charging him, he must be getting basic or express level service, because for pro and higher the modem is free after rebate. The $80 modem is a wireless gateway, the $50 modem is a standard high speed modem. I think I have an older speedstream standard modem (I think it's a 5260). It's probably 8 years old, should work fine unless they changed the equipment compatibility standards. Free if he wants it - if it doesn't work he can toss it. I don't have an extra wireless gateway laying around though. Still using my 6 year old HomePortal wireless gateway, the thing is solid as a rock, never had an issue with it.

Thanks. Much appreciated. I'll let him know he can call ATT and ask if a speedstream standard modem (model 5260) will work. I'll let you know what he finds out.

I know that Windows XP is headed to the guillotine at the end of the month. Will Microsoft (or vendors like Newegg or TigerDirect) continue to sell OEM versions of XP to those who might want to buy it for a build?

I want to donate 4 window unit air conditioners (FINALLY got central air! Woohoo!) in Webster Groves and I want them gone pretty quick.

Does anyone know who can pick them up?

-Matt

Habitat for Humanity came out within an hour of my call and grabbed 'em...Warm fuzzies all around. Of course, with central air and non-drafty windows, COOL warm fuzzies...:D

-Matt

When you blow all the drywall dust out of your nose, let us know. Can't remember if you told us about what you'll have in the way of home theater.

Good for Habitat for Humanity. They do important work.

I know that Windows XP is headed to the guillotine at the end of the month. Will Microsoft (or vendors like Newegg or TigerDirect) continue to sell OEM versions of XP to those who might want to buy it for a build?

It's my understanding that Microsoft won't. Newegg, TD, etc., will continue to sell both OEM and retail copies as long as their inventories hold out.

It's my understanding that Microsoft won't. Newegg, TD, etc., will continue to sell both OEM and retail copies as long as their inventories hold out.

Do you use a combination of Vista and XP at your place, Bob? One of the biggest concerns I've had is the reports of how slow file copies are between XP and Vista, and the networking issues of getting the machines to talk. A good thing about XP is how easy and fast both of those things are if you're using just XP in a networking environment.

Do you use a combination of Vista and XP at your place, Bob? One of the biggest concerns I've had is the reports of how slow file copies are between XP and Vista, and the networking issues of getting the machines to talk. A good thing about XP is how easy and fast both of those things are if you're using just XP in a networking environment.Joe,

I'm a relative newcomer to Vista, but I understand that the initial version of the OS was very bad in terms of network file operations. However, from everything I've read, this has been addressed in Service Pack 1, and I see no issues, at least based on relatively small exposure to moving files around the network.

FWIW, I recently hooked up an ancient PC (Pentium III 500 Mhz running W2K) to my network and moved roughly 10 GB of files to my Vista machine, all in just over an hour. The only problem I had in networking was configuring my router to include the network card's ID so that it would be allowed to access the network (not Vista's fault; it was user error). That said, I have had occasional problems with my notebook PC (running XP) suddenly becoming invisible to my Vista PC; but then, I occasionally had the same problem when both machines were XP. Removing the Printer and File Sharing service on the notebook, rebooting and then re-installing File/Print Sharing fixes this when it does happen.

In fact, the reason I moved to Vista is that I bought a new PC, and I was entirely ready to fall back to XP in event all the Vista horror stories were true. My machine came pre-loaded with Vista SP1, and so far it's been a very positive experience. It's fast, looks great (recognizing that XP was the world's ugliest UI) and seems more secure than XP.

While I don't think there's any major benefit in moving to Vista, I also see no major drawbacks. Even the UAC security stuff isn't too bad if you have your account set up with admin privileges.

FWIW, I highly recommend Firefox 3, especially now that my favorite extensions are all supported. Biggest gain here is no more memory leaks, or at least none that I've seen going back to Beta 3, two Release Candidates and now a week or so of the final version.

My neighbor came over last night and told me that Microsoft has committed to support XP through 2013. I don't know where he got the information.

Walt

Joe,

I'm a relative newcomer to Vista, but I understand that the initial version of the OS was very bad in terms of network file operations. However, from everything I've read, this has been addressed in Service Pack 1, and I see no issues, at least based on relatively small exposure to moving files around the network.

FWIW, I recently hooked up an ancient PC (Pentium III 500 Mhz running W2K) to my network and moved roughly 10 GB of files to my Vista machine, all in just over an hour. The only problem I had in networking was configuring my router to include the network card's ID so that it would be allowed to access the network (not Vista's fault; it was user error). That said, I have had occasional problems with my notebook PC (running XP) suddenly becoming invisible to my Vista PC; but then, I occasionally had the same problem when both machines were XP. Removing the Printer and File Sharing service on the notebook, rebooting and then re-installing File/Print Sharing fixes this when it does happen.

In fact, the reason I moved to Vista is that I bought a new PC, and I was entirely ready to fall back to XP in event all the Vista horror stories were true. My machine came pre-loaded with Vista SP1, and so far it's been a very positive experience. It's fast, looks great (recognizing that XP was the world's ugliest UI) and seems more secure than XP.

While I don't think there's any major benefit in moving to Vista, I also see no major drawbacks. Even the UAC security stuff isn't too bad if you have your account set up with admin privileges.

FWIW, I highly recommend Firefox 3, especially now that my favorite extensions are all supported. Biggest gain here is no more memory leaks, or at least none that I've seen going back to Beta 3, two Release Candidates and now a week or so of the final version.

Thanks, Doug. I'll have to get into Vista (or Windows 7) one of these days. I'm using Firefox 3 and have been since RC3. The memory leak fixes are very noticeable, as is the speed increase. And Google Toolbar works with it now.

I look forward to getting together with you soon for a calibration session. I'm thinking the new Radeon 4xxx series cards should be out in April. That's when I'd like to do it.

Edit: My bad. I just checked Newegg and the Radeon 4850 is out NOW.

My neighbor came over last night and told me that Microsoft has committed to support XP through 2013. I don't know where he got the information.

Walt

I think that's for business support. I really wanted to know if I should buy another license for XP before the end of June. MS won't be selling XP anymore. Bob pointed out that vendors like Newegg will until their stock runs out.

One of the main things for me is that I have a few pieces of hardware that work fine under XP (mainly for my home theater), but I'm not so sure about Vista.

One of the difficult things right now is playing back H.264 files (and their variations). The codec situation for playback is confusing, especially when I factor in normal playback against having to be able to edit my HD videos with Adobe Premiere. The codecs seem to conflict with one another. It's come to a head since I moved to AVCHD (a version of MPEG4) in the Canon HF10. I'll get it worked out - just a matter of time.

I can't remember if it was here or elsewhere that someone mentioned waiting for 8-channel LPCM audio over HDMI in a video card. I found this article (http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3338&p=2) on that topic on Anandtech. That's what I've wanted, too - HD audio (Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio) over HDMI, to take advantage of the highest quality audio on Blu-ray discs. The new ATI/AMD Radeon 4850 is supposed to offer that. Apparently, there are some serious cooling issues with the cards, though. I may wait for the companies to solve those (so I don't have to add a third-party cooler).

I think that's for business support.That's correct -- here's a blog entry from today's ZDNet site that sums this up in the first paragraph:
___________________________________________________

You’ve heard it all before — the bell tolls for Windows XP. The governor isn’t calling to give it a reprieve — Microsoft is officially declaring it end of life for system OEMs on June 30. On April 14, 2009, mainstream support dies. Enterprises with extended support contracts can keep trundling along until April of 2014.
___________________________________________________

And here's a link to the complete blog, which is actually arguing in favor of sticking with Windows XP with Service Pack 3:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=9191&tag=nl.e539http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=9191&tag=nl.e539

And here's the other side of the argument (switch to Vista) from another ZDNet blogger:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=2132&tag=nl.e539

Hey Joe,

Doug is correct. Vista SP1 fixed the slow file copy issue.

BTW, SP1 apparently also fixed the Media Center (lack of) hardware decoding for H.264 video files... at least for me, it did... no guarantees on those R5000 Dish Network recordings of yours. 1080p files play flawlessly in Vista Media Center for me now, while before I had to exit Media Center and play them in PowerDVD Ultra.

Either ZDnet or Cnet did a competition of antivirus software and found that the best was... Windows Vista UAC! Seems the UAC prompt came up every time they tried to put malware into their test PC's... After they shut UAC off so they could actually run their tests, NONE of the antivirus software caught every piece of malware!

XP will continue to get bug fixes and security updates through April 2009, security updates only through April 2014, IIRC.

Microsoft's policy is an OS gets security updates for seven years after its replacement OS becomes available.

BTW, SP1 apparently also fixed the Media Center (lack of) hardware decoding for H.264 video files... at least for me, it did... no guarantees on those R5000 Dish Network recordings of yours. 1080p files play flawlessly in Vista Media Center for me now, while before I had to exit Media Center and play them in PowerDVD Ultra.

I'd like to put that to the test with your system, Bob. Why don't I come over with a Dish H.264 file and try it out in Media Center. If all goes well, I might just cave.

For anyone who wants a MIMO router, Woot has one for $29 today. (http://www.woot.com/) I don't need a MIMO router, but I love the incentive they offer for those who might want to consider buying:

"Our profit is the same whether our customers need video-quality speeds throughout their homes—or just any old piece of hardware to keep on their desks so they’ve got something to smash into pieces when they get frustrated with technology."

Gotta love Woot marketing.

For anyone who wants a MIMO router, Woot has one for $29 today. (http://www.woot.com/) I don't need a MIMO router, but I love the incentive they offer for those who might want to consider buying:

"Our profit is the same whether our customers need video-quality speeds throughout their homes—or just any old piece of hardware to keep on their desks so they’ve got something to smash into pieces when they get frustrated with technology."

Gotta love Woot marketing.

Hey Joe........

Woot must get its internet access from Charter! :D

I'll send ya an email about trying a Dish file over here....

WTF, I've been recording the U.S. Women's Open on KSDK, but today they are showing Baseball. Anyone know what channel is showing the golf in HD?

WTF, I've been recording the U.S. Women's Open on KSDK, but today they are showing Baseball. Anyone know what channel is showing the golf in HD?

Nevermind, I found it on 46-1.

Why don't they move the Cardinal game to 46-1? :mad:

Nevermind, I found it on 46-1.

Why don't they move the Cardinal game to 46-1? :mad:Maybe because it would be flushing advertising money down the toilet? Maybe because the only the thing more boring than golf on TV is golf on radio? Hmmm...too close to call. :D

Nevermind, I found it on 46-1.

Why don't they move the Cardinal game to 46-1? :mad:

Scott, I feel your pain. Not so much for golf, but for me it was when the Stanely Cup playoffs were moved to 46-1 several times this year to accomodate Cardinal games.

Maybe because it would be flushing advertising money down the toilet? Maybe because the only the thing more boring than golf on TV is golf on radio? Hmmm...too close to call. :D

Why do you always have to bring rational thought to the discussion Doug?

I like baseball. I just can't handle the senseless spitting for 3 hours straight.

just wondering, has anyone heard anything about that "dot 2 network" coming to st. louis?

just wondering, has anyone heard anything about that "dot 2 network" coming to st. louis?

Not so far.... and let's KEEP it that way!

Well, I guess if it comes to WRBU or KNLC, then it'll be okay. But let's keep it away from the real HD stations!

For you Battlestar Galactica fans, here's some news (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37277) about BSG movies that are in the works.

Anyone who thinks golf is boring didn't watch this years OPEN.

Golf, the only sport where the players call penalties on themselves because anyone watching, live, can call a penalty on them.

Walt

The only thing Womens golf is better than is the WNBA...

Did anyone happen to compare the FSNMW-HD and ESPN-HD Cards broadcast last night?

Did anyone happen to compare the FSNMW-HD and ESPN-HD Cards broadcast last night?

I could not see a difference in PQ, but the FS centerfield camera was a much better angle. Still had to watch ESPN as any alternative to the FS announcers.

In watching the SD broadcasts from KC Fri-Sat, those had to be the worst all season. The centerfield shots were horrible with the mist from the fountains in front of the cameras or on the lens. Even picture from other cameras was horrible. Am I spoiled by most games in HD? Of course--but both those games had horrible pq.

...Still had to watch ESPN as any alternative to the FS announcers.Amen.

And that goes double for the three innings each Sunday (though seems like "a hard nine") in which Jay Randolph and Mike Shannon take turns trying to deep throat the microphone. :(

Amen.

And that goes double for the three innings each Sunday (though seems like "a hard nine") in which Jay Randolph and Mike Shannon take turns trying to deep throat the microphone. :(
Clearly you're not aware Mr. Randolph's father used to be a US Senator :D

Trivia question:
Who knows the cost of the heater Dan and Al bought for the road-trip to San Francisco last season?

Trivia question:
Who knows the cost of the heater Dan and Al bought for the road-trip to San Francisco last season?

A better question is "Does anyone really care what those two idiots do"?

A better question is "Does anyone really care what those two idiots do"?
Good Point!

Al is hard to stomach, but I think Dan with a different partner could be pretty good. Jay Randolph should stick to golf - whispers and slow motion speech don't work well with baseball. And, although I used to be a big Mike Shannon fan (loved his insider stories), it's really hard to listen to him and John Rooney. Shannon seems more interested in flower gardens and crop reports these days than baseball, not to mention how irritating that high pitched "Heeeee-heeee" is. Rooney is to my ears what peanut butter is to the roof of my mouth. And I still don't quite know if that fly ball to left is a ho-hum out or a home run. His energy level is the same for either. Oh, how I yearn for those Jack Buck days. Jack was so well respected that he could ask fans to give umpires a standing ovation and they'd respond, "Yes, Mr. Buck."

The current Cardinals broadcaster that I think has the most potential is Rick Horton. Give him a few years to season and his could become the voice I identify with Cardinals baseball the way I did Jack Buck's. He's bright, personable and self deprecating. He knows baseball and has good rapport with whomever they pair him. That could lead, I think, to his gaining and keeping the respect of those around him. He's knowledgeable and genuine and could develop the level of trust with listeners that Jack Buck enjoyed. Although some might see him as too "plain vanilla," I think he shows more promise than any of the others in the local sports arena.

Unfortunately, I didn't see the Cards-Mets game on ESPN the other day. I would have liked a direct comparison of picture quality between ESPN and Fox Midwest. I can say that as a general rule ESPN broadcasts are clean and sharp, with good depth of field, while Fox games in HD look as though they were shot through wax paper (relatively speaking, of course). I'm sure this has to do with the cameras and, especially, the lenses they use. The ESPN broadcast, for instance, typically has great depth of field in the center field camera. Things in the same Fox camera have shallow depth of field, and all the cameras look soft compared to the their ESPN counterparts. I was struck last night while watching a little of the WGN America broadcast of the Cubs-Giants game from San Francisco. That game had the ESPN look, unlike the Cards-Mets game on FSN.

I really do think both Dan and Al are worthless. In fact, they have negative value -- we should actually be paid an hourly rate to listen to either one. McLaughlin just seems like an obsequious frat boy, Joe Buck wannabe, without any genuine personality or talent.

Yeah, I REALLY don't like him.

On the other hand, I do like Rooney, though I don't hear him often enough to know how I'd like him in large doses. I think he deserves a lot of credit (or conversely should have his head examined) for agreeing to Mike Shannon being the lead broadcaster. It's also pretty clear that these guys do not like each other very much -- there's a very real tension between them and the harder they try to hide it the more obvious it seems. And has anyone noticed the distance between them in the broadcast booth? At home, at least, they are separated by at least 20 feet.

Or maybe it's just that Shannon wreaks of eau de Budweiser.

While I share your unconditional love for Jack Buck, I think we also have to recognize that it was Buck who thought he could make Mike Shannon into a credible baseball broadcaster. Not only was he wrong, but he has inflicted long-term suffering on so many, and that suffering seems to have no apparent end.

I also like Rick Horton, though I think his play-by-play needs a lot of work. As a color guy, though, I think he's very good and is getting better. He does seem somewhat tentative in stepping forward and taking strong positions, but I think he could thrive with the right sort of partner. In fact, he and Rooney would probably be quite good -- it's hard to argue that they would not be better than any other currently available pairings.

I also liked Bob Carpenter, but I think that a lot of that was in the context of the weaker choices available when he was here.

Anyway, I think the nicest thing you can say about the FOX Sports Network broadcasts is that they are STALE. I think a change is way overdue. I have no doubt that there's plenty of talent around that could do much, much better. On the other hand, I doubt there's any ratings-driven cause for change. No matter who does the FSN broadcasts, the ratings will be there, simply because of the product on the field and the Cardinal tradition.

Too bad.

I think Jack Buck kept Mike Shannon in check, with the occasional "Why do you do that to me?" response to one of Shannon's left-field comments. Without Buck, Shannon had no checks and balances and he descended to his own level pretty quickly. I thought the person Shannon really didn't like was Wayne Hagen, although I don't sense any great amount of animosity between Shannon and Rooney in their broadcasts. Shannon was quite cold to Hagen (who's now with the Mets). I liked Hagen a little more than Rooney, but that's comparable to saying I like a cold more than pneumonia.

Man, ya'll need to mute the TV and just watch the game.

The performance of the players has so far surpassed all early expectations that they could have the Trey Parker and Matt Stone doing commentary in South Park voices and I'd still watch.


-Matt

For all of you D* customers that still have an HD TIVO, now is the time to call and get a new D* HD DVR (HR20/21) for free. More information here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=131774. I called last night and had the order placed withing 5 minutes, no muss no fuss.

Did anyone happen to compare the FSNMW-HD and ESPN-HD Cards broadcast last night?

Yes, and I thought the spit was much more yummy looking on ESPN. :)

My picks for all time worst Cardinal broadcaster... Ozzie Smith and Ken Wilson.

To this day, I still remember that (in)famous line from Ozzie....

"Well, the key to his success has always been his pitching." I would hope so, considering he was talking about... wait for it... a *pitcher*!!!!!!

As for Ken Wilson... as a baseball announcer, he was quite a hockey announcer.

Hockey > Baseball :P

I have to believe, Randolph was the cheapest deal Beall could get.
There's no other logical explanation.

Hockey > Baseball :P

Wasn't implying otherwise (though I'm not a Hockey fan)... just observing Ken Wilson didn't fit in a baseball broadcast booth.

I have to believe, Randolph was the cheapest deal Beall could get.
There's no other logical explanation.Who's Beall? If you mean the company that owns KSDK, it's Gannett. KMOV (CBS affiliate) is owned by Belo.

Just want to make sure that collectively we're shorting the right stock (Gannett). ;)

Who's Beall? If you mean the company that owns KSDK, it's Gannett. KMOV (CBS affiliate) is owned by Belo.

Just want to make sure that collectively we're shorting the right stock (Gannett). ;)

I think the reference is to Lynn Beall - KSDK GM.

I think the reference is to Lynn Beall - KSDK GM.I think you're right -- that definitely rings a bell. Thanks.

From today's STLtoday.com notes section for the Cardinals:
__________________________________________________

A equipment failure at FSN's master control center in Houston led to some viewers being unable to hear the broadcasters' commentary during early portions of FSN Midwest's telecast of Wednesday's game.

FSN Midwest spokesman Geoff Goldman said some cable customers, not those watching on satellite, were affected. Viewers impacted could hear sounds from other microphones, such as crowd noise, the bat hitting the ball and umpires' bellows, but not commentary from the broadcast booth.
__________________________________________________

Could we make this SOP?

From today's STLtoday.com notes section for the Cardinals:
__________________________________________________

A equipment failure at FSN's master control center in Houston led to some viewers being unable to hear the broadcasters' commentary during early portions of FSN Midwest's telecast of Wednesday's game.

FSN Midwest spokesman Geoff Goldman said some cable customers, not those watching on satellite, were affected. Viewers impacted could hear sounds from other microphones, such as crowd noise, the bat hitting the ball and umpires' bellows, but not commentary from the broadcast booth.
__________________________________________________

Could we make this SOP?

Where were you on Wednesday night, Doug? ;)

Where were you on Wednesday night, Doug? ;)
Doug's got satellite, so he must've pulled the wrong plug.

I think you're right -- that definitely rings a bell. Thanks.

;)

Unfortunately, I didn't see the Cards-Mets game on ESPN the other day. I would have liked a direct comparison of picture quality between ESPN and Fox Midwest. I can say that as a general rule ESPN broadcasts are clean and sharp, with good depth of field, while Fox games in HD look as though they were shot through wax paper (relatively speaking, of course). I'm sure this has to do with the cameras and, especially, the lenses they use. The ESPN broadcast, for instance, typically has great depth of field in the center field camera. Things in the same Fox camera have shallow depth of field, and all the cameras look soft compared to the their ESPN counterparts. I was struck last night while watching a little of the WGN America broadcast of the Cubs-Giants game from San Francisco. That game had the ESPN look, unlike the Cards-Mets game on FSN.

I watched the game on ESPN for a change of pace. (I get sick of Al). The images were brighter and more crisp. The Fox cameras seemed like they were in shadows but the whole picture was darker and a little muddy compared to ESPN.

Given the current talent around, I'd like to see Rick Horton team up with Dan. I cannot stand Jay Randolph.

Dan and Rick - sounds like a good team to me.

Dan and Rick - sounds like a good team to me.
Given the available options, I'd be on-board with that.
Not likely we're going to get Skully and Hershiser :(

We don't have many details yet, but here's some exciting news about laser projection TV (http://www.tvpredictions.com/mitsubishi070308.htm) that's generating a lot of interest. The sooner I can get away from projection lamps (really expensive, hot, and don't last very long), the better. LED based TVs are already here, and LED front projection apparently is coming within the year, too.

I plan to use Windows Viasta voice recognition in my next computer build. If you want to see just how good this technology can be, check out this video. (http://www.geekologie.com/2007/07/perl_scripting_with_microsoft.php)

Inspiring, isn't it.

The thing that kills me about Jay Randolph is the guy sits there and reads the media guide to us in between pitches. It is so obvious what he is doing. Horton is solid the rest of them are mind numbing to say the least.

The thing that kills me about Jay Randolph is the guy sits there and reads the media guide to us in between pitches. It is so obvious what he is doing.
I think you're giving him too much credit.
The 8 yr old guest announcers in San Fran are better than him.

I plan to use Windows Viasta voice recognition in my next computer build. If you want to see just how good this technology can be, check out this video. (http://www.geekologie.com/2007/07/perl_scripting_with_microsoft.php)

Inspiring, isn't it.

Its a young OPsys and it acts just like a young kid. What did you expect?

Walt

I've seen other videos of people using Vista speech recognition and they were quite impressive. I think the key is that you have to maintain an even tone. (People have told me I'm monotonous, so I should be OK there.)

I liked the video so much, though, because it reminded me of my first attempts at using speech recognition. It was a great technology back then, but mainly because of its entertainment value. I saw sentence after sentence of the most hilarious interpretations of what I had just said. I laughed so hard, I doubled up and cried.

The Cards game last night on FSMW may have been the worst picture quality I've ever seen. Horrendous.

The Cards game last night on FSMW may have been the worst picture quality I've ever seen. Horrendous.
Joe,
That may be a DISH compression issue. Did you watch it on 418 (5418)?

Did you Direct and Charter subs see the same poor PQ?

Yes, I did. I meant to ask that question, too. Compression artifacts were awful.

Despite what my previous post might imply, I really am going to try to make use of Vista's speech recognition capabilities. Here's a video (http://www.istartedsomething.com/uploads/vistavoicerec.mov) that actually gives me hope that it will be usable if I approach it correctly.

I'll be interested in your results...

Last week at work somebody returned a laptop because their existing voice recognition software wouldn't work under Vista. I wasn't even aware Vista had its own!

Way to go HD leader by NOT using your 5-2 subchannel to show us one of the greatest Wimbledon Men's finals in history. Instead, we get to see the 9-7 fifth set in a PIP screen with no audio and no interviews afterward.

I'm a huge Cards fan, but come on, it was only the early innings of the game, they could have at least switched the audio to the tennis match during commercials or something.

Way to go HD leader by NOT using your 5-2 subchannel to show us one of the greatest Wimbledon Men's finals in history. Instead, we get to see the 9-7 fifth set in a PIP screen with no audio and no interviews afterward.

I'm a huge Cards fan, but come on, it was only the early innings of the game, they could have at least switched the audio to the tennis match during commercials or something.

Agreed that was pathetic.

Way to go HD leader by NOT using your 5-2 subchannel to show us one of the greatest Wimbledon Men's finals in history. Instead, we get to see the 9-7 fifth set in a PIP screen with no audio and no interviews afterward.

I'm a huge Cards fan, but come on, it was only the early innings of the game, they could have at least switched the audio to the tennis match during commercials or something.

Agreed that was pathetic.

Hey, I got no sympathy for KSDK screwing up on US OPEN Golf coverage, so you guys are porobably out of luck. I do agree totally. I'm only glad I have channel 383, so I could watch the whole match without seeing baseball. Greatest match I've ever seen.

I know I'm re-opening an old argument, but would it not have been better to use 720P (ABC, Fox), and have two SD sub-channels for use? The 720P seems favored for high speed action over 1080i.

I know I'm re-opening an old argument, but would it not have been better to use 720P (ABC, Fox), and have two SD sub-channels for use? The 720P seems favored for high speed action over 1080i.Yes, you are correct. But much of the equipment purchased to do 1080i would need to be upgraded to do 720p, incurring additional infrastructure cost. In addition, making a change would require broadcasters to admit to making a mistake, when most of them argued vehemently against progressive (720p) video when the ATSC (HD broadcast) spec was first developed.

So, no chance.

Way to go HD leader by NOT using your 5-2 subchannel to show us one of the greatest Wimbledon Men's finals in history. Instead, we get to see the 9-7 fifth set in a PIP screen with no audio and no interviews afterward.

I'm a huge Cards fan, but come on, it was only the early innings of the game, they could have at least switched the audio to the tennis match during commercials or something.I think the reason that kSDk windowed both events is this approach presented a unique opportunity to piss off all of its viewers. Mission accomplished.

It's even better than not flipping the switch.

Onward and Upward. ;)

Clearly you're not aware Mr. Randolph's father used to be a US Senator :DBut did you know he was a local champion golfer, too?

I'm thinking in a week or two it will be revealed that Randolph Senior was actually the world's first astronaut.

I posted this in the HC-4900 owner forum, but wanted to add it here with another unsolicited plug for Doug's great calibration work (aka DropThe Remote). I finally feel comfortable showing guests my new theater!

A couple of months ago I posted my disappointment with skin tones, etc. and general lack of "WOW! factor" my unit was having compared to most other reports on this thread.

I finally had my projector calibrated this weekend and am MUCH happier with the results. The gamma and color temp were way off! Watching the Cardinals game with before and after settings showed the sea of reds in the stands much more pronounced, the grass looking a more natural green, and the flesh tones on-the-mark.

Can't wait to view the next Blu Ray!

Mike

Looks like the tennis match was an "instant classic" and will be replaying on ESPN Classic tonight. Hopefully they'll replay the interviews at the end and the presentation stuff, that's the stuff I wanted to see to see the reaction of both players.

Here's some news (http://www.tvpredictions.com/showtime070708.htm) for football fans. Inside the NFL will air in HD next year on Showtime (it's moving over from HBO with some new hosts).

But did you know he was a local champion golfer, too?

I'm thinking in a week or two it will be revealed that Randolph Senior was actually the world's first astronaut.
Isn't he also that guy that invented the Interwebs?

Don't know if you're still looking for a GPS, Mo, but Woot has the Navigon 2100 with text to speech (http://www.woot.com/) for $90.

Just had an automated message left on my machine from DirecTV.

Effective August 7, channel 88 Fox East HD will go away because local KTVI is in HD through DirecTV.

Anybody who has DVR recordings scheduled from channel 88 might as well change/delete them now..........

An interesting link (http://www.neatorama.com/2008/07/07/who-owns-what-on-television) that shows which media companies own what.

Just had an automated message left on my machine from DirecTV.

Effective August 7, channel 88 Fox East HD will go away because local KTVI is in HD through DirecTV.

Anybody who has DVR recordings scheduled from channel 88 might as well change/delete them now..........

I received the same message tonight.

Some more not-terrific DirecTV news...

According to Engadget, there won't be DirecTV support in Microsoft Media Centers 'til 2010. And then it will be OEM-only, no DIY allowed. Can't really say I'm surprised, since that's the way it's always been with CableCard support, but it's disappointing nonetheless.

And since that's the main reason I switched to Media Center from MediaPortal when I built my current HTPC, I'm probably gonna at least look at MediaPortal again now.

Hello?.....Hello?.....Hello?.....Hello?

Hello?.....Hello?.....Hello?.....Hello?
where's jimglobe when we need him?

where's jimglobe when we need him?
He may still be here, but we all have him on ignore...

Dish will be adding 17 new HD channels (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish071008.htm) on August 1, including 12 movie channels.

I posted here 4 days ago and nobody else posted til now? What, is it my breath?????

No, your breath is fine. I haven't been able to watch TV because I was displaced downstairs while the floors were being refinished (one week! no TV!). I feel like I was grounded or something. I was so bored I went and bought a motorcycle. Anyway, we're cleared get back into the upstairs this afternoon, so I can't wait to see what surprises are waiting on my DVR.

-Matt

Does anyone with D* have a Single Wire Multiswitch (FTM) installation yet?

D* just left my house this morning (my annual freebie HD-DVR upgrade when I renew Sunday Ticket) and I have a shiny new HR-21 for the kid's room. I have only one coax running to that room and a 2nd line would be a complete nightmare. When I ordered the HR-21 the CSR said that the installer would make the determination if I needed the SWM and that she couldn't put it on the order.

When the guy showed up this morning, I asked him about it, and he said that it's not available yet in this area and is still in beta testing. I thought that was done last year and that they had rolled it out to everyone by now. So, I'm stuck with one tuner for this HR-21 until they can upgrade my switch, I just wanted to see if the installer was blowing smoke up my ass. I thought for sure the new switch was available to us.

I was so bored I went and bought a motorcycle.
-Matt


What did you get?

Tim

What did you get?

Tim

Triumph Street Triple 675 :D

Won't pick it up until after 1st week of August though:(

-Matt

OTA-only report-

So last February I went went OTA only. I use a TivoHD. I posted pics of my pathetically old and unimpressive attic antenna. I don't use a pre-amp. I have an in-line amplifier, purchase from Wal-Mart. Ilive 30-ish miles from the towers.

I'm happy to say that nearly six months into this expiriment I can sum it up as my wife said the other week "It messes up way less than Charter or Directv did".

She's right. A few exceptions aside, we've always had a picture that was flawless. Sure there would be some breakups here and there. Once or twice PBS went out (farthest away that I receive)...and with the exception of summertime mornings, I've never locked in wrbu. Other than that, perfect reception.

I can't believe I haven't buckled and at least picked up basic cable to watch the Cardinals. I'm a huge baseball fan and its been hard. Listening to Mike Shannon is "surreal" to say the least. I imagine it to the first time I saw a Dali painting or watched the Beatles movie "Magical Mystery Tour".

Newegg has 750GB hard drives (http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/July-0-2008/Promo071508in/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL071508&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL071508-_-email-_-E0D-_-Moredeals) on sale for 24 hours at $100 (you have to use the promo code). I remember being surprised and pleased when I read that 1GB hard drives had fallen to the $300 mark. My first hard drive was 80MB and cost $600. At this rate, petabyte (1,000 TB) drives should cost 50 cents in a couple of years. (That estimate might be off. My math isn't always flawless.)

Does that story say something about my age? I won't tell you the one about when my horse Phil died and I bought my first horseless carriage.

I sincerely hope that the new Dish satellite (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish071508.htm) goes up without a hitch today. More HD for one provider means more pressure on the others. More quantity today means more quality tomorrow. Competition is great.

I remember when we had only a few OTA stations here in St. Louis. Then we got cable and a lot more choices. I'm trying to remember if that was before or after my horse Phil died.

Newegg has 750GB hard drives (http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/July-0-2008/Promo071508in/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL071508&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL071508-_-email-_-E0D-_-Moredeals) on sale for 24 hours at $100 (you have to use the promo code). I remember being surprised and pleased when I read that 1GB hard drives had fallen to the $300 mark. My first hard drive was 80MB and cost $600. At this rate, petabyte (1,000 TB) drives should cost 50 cents in a couple of years. (That estimate might be off. My math isn't always flawless.)

Does that story say something about my age? I won't tell you the one about when my horse Phil died and I bought my first horseless carriage.

We had a computer that we upgraded the ram from 64kb to 128kb by sticking something on the outside of the computer case. I also remember programming centipede onto a cassette tape from computer magazine.

Don't feel old Joe. My first hard drive was a 20MB Seagate that cost me the same as your 80. Within the year I upgraded to a 40MB that I ran RLL and gave me a whopping 77MB. The first hard drive we got at work was 10MB and cost 1K. It was in a new computer. It allowed us to stop swapping those 8" floppies.

Walt

Newegg has 750GB hard drives (http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/July-0-2008/Promo071508in/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL071508&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL071508-_-email-_-E0D-_-Moredeals) on sale for 24 hours at $100 (you have to use the promo code). I remember being surprised and pleased when I read that 1GB hard drives had fallen to the $300 mark. My first hard drive was 80MB and cost $600. At this rate, petabyte (1,000 TB) drives should cost 50 cents in a couple of years. (That estimate might be off. My math isn't always flawless.)

Does that story say something about my age? I won't tell you the one about when my horse Phil died and I bought my first horseless carriage.

My first media was cassette tape. I was thrilled when I upgraded to 51/4" floppy disk. My brother had it worse. His first media at Rolla was punch cards.

Thanks, guys. I feel a little better now. My last 2 posts had me feeling my age. One more storage story and I promise to drop the off-topic topic. I worked with an educational tech group for a while (RCET - Regional Consortium for Education and Technology) and I remember that they were selling refurbished 5MB hard drives for $450. It wasn't a bad deal at the time. :)

In case you SciFi fans missed it, last week was the season premiere of Stargate Atlantis. Since Dish added SciFi in HD, I've started watching the show again. The show isn't any better, I suppose, than it was when I gave up on it in SD. In HD, though, the lighting is really good and it's real eye candy. Monk's season premiere is on USA just before Stargate, at 8:00.

I upgraded my 5-year-old PDA phone last week to the new Samsung Instinct (wanted to avoid being trampled by the iPhone 3G mobs this week). The Instinct isn't exactly a PDA phone, but my needs have changed since I bought my older Samsung SPH-i330 Palm-based phone. The Instinct is a very cool device that has a lot of very useful features, including good text-to-speech-guided GPS. It isn't quite as easy to use as my Garmin Nuvi, but I would have thought twice about getting the Nuvi if I'd had the Instinct first. It even has real time traffic updates and a very reasonable set of monthly fees.

I feel comfortable now selling my MP3 player and the old phone.

Sadly, I may take the old-timer award.

My first 8086 didn't have a HD, just one 5 1/4. I remember my jubilation when I figured out I could add a second 5 1/4 and how to use A:\ diskcopy a: b:

Uh Joe, we all know you still have those Sinatra 8 tracks stored somewhere in your basement :D

Sadly, I may take the old-timer award.

My first 8086 didn't have a HD, just one 5 1/4. I remember my jubilation when I figured out I could add a second 5 1/4 and how to use A:\ diskcopy a: b:

Uh Joe, we all know you still have those Sinatra 8 tracks stored somewhere in your basement :D

Well, I've never been a Sinatra fan, although I could probably find a few 8-tracks if I combed the basement hard enough. My first programming experience stored the program on cassette tape. I wrote an intelligence test that I gave to a couple of my high school students. It was designed to give them three attempts at answering multiple choice questions, telling them that the one answer they didn't choose was the correct one, and accusing someone of letting a chimp loose at the computer. It was inspired by an issue of National Lampoon, from which I lifted a few of the IQ questions. I still remember one girl's reaction - she was red with anger. I chose to think of it as a valuable lesson in sarcasm that would help her later in life. (She still loved me, BTW, after she cooled off. :))

I worked with an educational tech group for a while (RCET - Regional Consortium for Education and Technology)
Ah, yes. My first email address was "rcet013@umsl.something.or.another."

First media was punched cards, and the computer used vacuum tubes and a spinning magnetic drum memory.

Sorry for straying back near being on topic guys, ;) but does anyone know where I can find last seasons reruns to watch? Will they be re-aired or have they already been re-aired? I will watch Lost online, but we also have a lot of CBS shows to catch up on. As Ken knows I lost some recorded shows on an external drive and am looking for somewhere to see them so I can reformat the drive and see if it will work or not. Thanks in advance. And I'm only kidding about being on topic, the off topic stuff is always as much fun or MORE fun than the real reason we are here.

Jared

Sorry for straying back near being on topic guys, ;) but does anyone know where I can find last seasons reruns to watch? Will they be re-aired or have they already been re-aired? I will watch Lost online, but we also have a lot of CBS shows to catch up on. As Ken knows I lost some recorded shows on an external drive and am looking for somewhere to see them so I can reformat the drive and see if it will work or not. Thanks in advance. And I'm only kidding about being on topic, the off topic stuff is always as much fun or MORE fun than the real reason we are here.

Jared


Most network shows can be watched online, however there are more "dubious" ways to watch. You may be able to search the network site for upcoming showings as well.
Dug

Most network shows can be watched online, however there are more "dubious" ways to watch. You may be able to search the network site for upcoming showings as well.
Dug

Or try the OnDemand. It's hit or miss.

or usenet .... its not dubious (much) :)

Hip-hip...

Dish Network's launch (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish071608.htm) yesterday was apparently a success. Cigars for everyone.

Hip-hip...

Dish Network's launch (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish071608.htm) yesterday was apparently a success. Cigars for everyone.

This is good news! My son and I watched it last night. :)

Unfortunately they lost Echostar II yesterday. :( This was at 148, it had just received approval to move to 77 to be part of a new all mpeg 4 service Dish was going to roll out shortly. We will have to wait and see what they do now..:confused:

or usenet .... its not dubious (much) :)

Hey Macleod,

Have you forgotten, the first rule about Usenet is, you don't talk about Usenet!

:D

Hey Macleod,

Have you forgotten, the first rule about Usenet is, you don't talk about Usenet!

:D

LOL

:p;)

This is good news! My son and I watched it last night. :)

Unfortunately they lost Echostar II yesterday. :( This was at 148, it had just received approval to move to 77 to be part of a new all mpeg 4 service Dish was going to roll out shortly. We will have to wait and see what they do now..:confused:

So all their bad launches and lost satellites .... do they just end up as space junk for the Shuttle to avoid, or do the fall back into orbit and burn up?

Has it been 18 months already? My DISH contract is up next month...who's got the best deals these days? e*, D*, or AT&T*?

-Matt

Has it been 18 months already? My DISH contract is up next month...who's got the best deals these days? e*, D*, or AT&T*?

-Matt

My opinion is that D* is the best out of all three.

I don't know how many others on this site have U-verse these days, but AT&T added Bravo HD, CNBC HD, SciFi HD and USA HD last week. People have been asking for those for a while, but with that and the 2 HD streams update they rolled out a couple months ago I have been pretty happy. Not too many reasons left to watch SD now.

Has it been 18 months already? My DISH contract is up next month...who's got the best deals these days? e*, D*, or AT&T*?

-Matt

Here's a vote for E*. I still like the 622/722 more than the D* HD box. It's an extremely reliable performer and you can record up to 3 programs while watching a 4th, all in HD (something I end up doing more frequently than you might think, especially during the regular TV season). Dish's satellite launch was successful the other day and you can expect even more HD programming soon.

Gotta brag... I've got tickets for opening night of THE DARK KNIGHT at the Galaxy tonight. At the risk of sounding about a third of my real age, this movie's gonna RULE.

Gotta brag... I've got tickets for opening night of THE DARK KNIGHT at the Galaxy tonight. At the risk of sounding about a third of my real age, this movie's gonna RULE.

Seriously, Bob, that's not what a 6 year old sounds like. :confused:

If I were 18 years old, that'd make my CAR almost as old as ME!

I don't know how many others on this site have U-verse these days, but AT&T added Bravo HD, CNBC HD, SciFi HD and USA HD last week. People have been asking for those for a while, but with that and the 2 HD streams update they rolled out a couple months ago I have been pretty happy. Not too many reasons left to watch SD now.

With U-verse, I see you mentioned that they now have 2 HD streams. Does the ATT DVR allow you to record shows using your antenna as well (ala E*)? If so, how many things can you record/watch at once? With my E* 622 I can record up to 3 HD (or SD) programs at once (assuming one of them is OTA) while watching a recorded program.

With U-verse, I see you mentioned that they now have 2 HD streams. Does the ATT DVR allow you to record shows using your antenna as well (ala E*)? If so, how many things can you record/watch at once? With my E* 622 I can record up to 3 HD (or SD) programs at once (assuming one of them is OTA) while watching a recorded program.

The AT&T DVR doesn't have an OTA tuner like the 622, but right now the service will allow you to record or watch up to four live "streams" (two of which can be HD) while watching a recorded program in HD or SD. The DVR, however, can get a little slow doing all that at once!

The strange thing (when compared to satellite or cable) is that the number of streams applies to the entire household so that means adding additional receivers doesn't really increase capacity, they just give you more viewing locations. If someone else wants to watch a program in another room it uses up one of the available streams. That has not been an issue at all for me, but could be for some.

Here's a vote for E*. I still like the 622/722 more than the D* HD box. It's an extremely reliable performer and you can record up to 3 programs while watching a 4th, all in HD (something I end up doing more frequently than you might think, especially during the regular TV season). Dish's satellite launch was successful the other day and you can expect even more HD programming soon.

Add another vote for this one. As pissed as I am about loosing Voom, I still love the 622/722 DVR's. There is not a better unit out there(personal opinion of course). I have never had a stand alone HD Tivo so I guess I can't compare with that one but I do like it much better than the HD Directv unit that I had. I use all 3 tuners on a regular basis while watching a fourth, I couldn't imagine not having that option any more.

As pissed as I am about loosing Voom...

I was wondering about VOOM recently. I rarely watched those channels, but couldn't find them the other night while flipping through the HD guide. Has anyone attemped to get their monthly HD programming fee reduced due to losing these channels? Just wondering if it's worth making the phone call.

I haven't been around much this year, so I thought I'd check in. Good to see you all still haven't figured anything out.:D

I was wondering about VOOM recently. I rarely watched those channels, but couldn't find them the other night while flipping through the HD guide. Has anyone attemped to get their monthly HD programming fee reduced due to losing these channels? Just wondering if it's worth making the phone call.

I doubt you'd get very far, since they did add other channels when they deleted Voom. I find myself missing the Voom channels, too, although I have to say that the constant reruns made it increasingly difficult to find something new to watch on them.

I used to have an HD favorites section (still do), but I've started using my other 3 favorites listings for various HD categories, because the choices have increased so much. Having just one HD listing doesn't work well anymore.

I haven't been around much this year, so I thought I'd check in. Good to see you all still haven't figured anything out.:D

And we've missed your contributions to the confusion. :D

Been thinking pretty hard about the u-verse thing. Does anyone know anything about the hardware? I want to know if I can use the DVR receiver as an ethernet hub. For example, my X360 and PS3 are way over by my TV, so if a u-verse box is there, too, can I run an ethernet cable out into a switch to connect the game consoles? Anyone know or have a link to a users manual that may clarify?

-Matt

Been thinking pretty hard about the u-verse thing. Does anyone know anything about the hardware? I want to know if I can use the DVR receiver as an ethernet hub. For example, my X360 and PS3 are way over by my TV, so if a u-verse box is there, too, can I run an ethernet cable out into a switch to connect the game consoles? Anyone know or have a link to a users manual that may clarify?

-Matt


eh? I think you get your internet through a DSL modem like normal, if you use ATT's service. If not, you can use Cable internet, etc. The TV service is seperate, and while it operates via an IP address, you can't use it as a router for your internet service.

It was my understanding that they add a gateway somewhere's in the house and then run either coax or ethernet to the actual DVR connected to your TV. If they use the coax to the DVR, then that leaves an open ethernet jack on the DVR. The question then becomes how usable is the open ethernet jack. Can it be used to access the network? Specifically using a switch to connect a Xbox360 and PS3?

-Matt

It was my understanding that they add a gateway somewhere's in the house and then run either coax or ethernet to the actual DVR connected to your TV. If they use the coax to the DVR, then that leaves an open ethernet jack on the DVR. The question then becomes how usable is the open ethernet jack. Can it be used to access the network? Specifically using a switch to connect a Xbox360 and PS3?

-Matt

I have read this somewhere also. I would check either uverseusers or maybe the uverse forum on dslreports?

confirmed:http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19900298-

I have read this somewhere also. I would check either uverseusers or maybe the uverse forum on dslreports?

confirmed:http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19900298-

Huh, cool.

Been thinking pretty hard about the u-verse thing. Does anyone know anything about the hardware? I want to know if I can use the DVR receiver as an ethernet hub. For example, my X360 and PS3 are way over by my TV, so if a u-verse box is there, too, can I run an ethernet cable out into a switch to connect the game consoles? Anyone know or have a link to a users manual that may clarify?

-Matt

The receiver is a COAX connection. If they were to take the Modem and install it via a COAX near the rest of your stuff, then yes, you could attach your XBOX and anything else via the wired hub that is built in. But the Receiver, I don't believe I would have to look again, does not do Ethernet.

(I am out of town until Friday)

I do have Uverse along with DirecTV, so any other questions, fire away.

EDIT: I just called home and yes, there is a NETWORK port on the back of the box. But if you have a COAX connection that they could use to connect the MODEM to near the rest of your stuff, then have them use that COAX connection for the modem and then use the ethernet ports on the back of the modem (gateway) for your wired items. Then run another short COAX connection for the DVR from the MODEM.

Oy, now I'm confused.

I want to put the gateway (which is really the modem, i believe) in a closet where it can't be seen, then run RG6 coax from that gateway to the TV about 25 feet away (pre-existing run, good quality RG6). At the TV, that coax would plug into the U-verse DVR. The DVR hooks to the TV via HDMI. Then I want to run a short ethernet cable FROM the DVR network jack to a 4-port switch, and from the switch to the XBOX and PS3, all with the intention of getting the game devices online without having to run ethernet cables from the gateway to the TV area.

I hope that clarifies what I'm trying to do...from the satellite guys forum link it appears it's plausable, but I haven't found anyone who has actually done what I'm trying to do with the 4-port switch and all.

My U-verse install is a few weeks away and I want to pre-wire as much as possible (I don't trust the installers). If I can use the existing RG6 then that's great.

Hope I've clarified!

-Matt

Oy, now I'm confused.

I want to put the gateway (which is really the modem, i believe) in a closet where it can't be seen, then run RG6 coax from that gateway to the TV about 25 feet away (pre-existing run, good quality RG6). At the TV, that coax would plug into the U-verse DVR. The DVR hooks to the TV via HDMI. Then I want to run a short ethernet cable FROM the DVR network jack to a 4-port switch, and from the switch to the XBOX and PS3, all with the intention of getting the game devices online without having to run ethernet cables from the gateway to the TV area.

I hope that clarifies what I'm trying to do...from the satellite guys forum link it appears it's plausable, but I haven't found anyone who has actually done what I'm trying to do with the 4-port switch and all.

My U-verse install is a few weeks away and I want to pre-wire as much as possible (I don't trust the installers). If I can use the existing RG6 then that's great.

Hope I've clarified!

-Matt

I don't think, from what I've read, that the wiring you're planning is a problem. However, all those devices need IP addresses, so the question is ... can you access any of the UVerse equipment to setup internal DCHP for those devices, just like any other home router.

Unless ATT is giving you enough static IP's for all those.

Here are links to the user guides.

It looks like the Cisco model you might have been able to do what you are
talking about, but the Motorola model, which you will get, you can not.

Motorola Model (http://helpme.att.net/rtrack.php?http%3A%2F%2Fhelp.sbcglobal.net%2Fpdf%2Fuverse%2F motorola_vip_1200_receiver.pdf)

Cisco Model (http://helpme.att.net/rtrack.php?http%3A%2F%2Fhelpme.att.net%2Fpdf%2Fuverse%2Fatt_ series_receiver_install_manual.pdf)

So do you have a phone line in this closet or something? Is that why you
are having them run the Gateway there?

I don't think, from what I've read, that the wiring you're planning is a problem. However, all those devices need IP addresses, so the question is ... can you access any of the UVerse equipment to setup internal DCHP for those devices, just like any other home router.

Unless ATT is giving you enough static IP's for all those.

Yes. The gateway is a firewall and a router. It is set up for DHCP.

I have 10 or so devices on my Gateway. Internal IPs are 192.168.1.XX

Here are links to the user guides.

It looks like the Cisco model you might have been able to do what you are
talking about, but the Motorola model, which you will get, you can not.

Motorola Model (http://helpme.att.net/rtrack.php?http%3A%2F%2Fhelp.sbcglobal.net%2Fpdf%2Fuverse%2F motorola_vip_1200_receiver.pdf)

Cisco Model (http://helpme.att.net/rtrack.php?http%3A%2F%2Fhelpme.att.net%2Fpdf%2Fuverse%2Fatt_ series_receiver_install_manual.pdf)

So do you have a phone line in this closet or something? Is that why you
are having them run the Gateway there?


Thanks for the users guides, I'll peruse them and see what's up.

Actually, the building has not had landline phone service for close to a decade, and I can't seem to find a working line (must have been cut somewhere...:eek::confused:) I don't really need a land line, my wife and I have been all cellular for years.

I want the ATT guy to run the phone line to the closet so the gateway can hide there. Nothing chaffes me more than having unneccessary equipment visible:mad:. The gateway, wireless router, and network printer all hide in the closet. My desktop and laptop are both wireless, so I'm covered there. The 360 needs to wired unless I spring for an adapter, an I've never gotten my PS3 to connect to my wireless network so I'd rather wire it if possible.

AT the end of the day, I can run some extra ethernet cables through the basement if I have to, but if the coax solution works, then that means less work for me!:D

-Matt

I don't think, from what I've read, that the wiring you're planning is a problem. However, all those devices need IP addresses, so the question is ... can you access any of the UVerse equipment to setup internal DCHP for those devices, just like any other home router.

Unless ATT is giving you enough static IP's for all those.

The gateway can supply the IP addresses, I think I'm wondering if the actual DVR can supply the IP addresses...

-Matt

Ah, yes. My first email address was "rcet013@umsl.something.or.another."

First media was punched cards, and the computer used vacuum tubes and a spinning magnetic drum memory.

What computer was it? I worked on an old Bendix G-15 for awhile. The programmble memory was a rotating magnetic drum. Instructions were executed direct from the drum, and each instruction contained the address of the next instruction.

tenholde

What computer was it?IBM 650 located in the former women's gym at Washington U. It took the memory drum speed 15 minutes to stabilize when it was turned on, and 10 tons of air conditioning to cool.

FORTRAN at that time looked a lot like BASICA or GWBASIC looked in the 1980's.

Thanks for the users guides, I'll peruse them and see what's up.

Actually, the building has not had landline phone service for close to a decade, and I can't seem to find a working line (must have been cut somewhere...:eek::confused:) I don't really need a land line, my wife and I have been all cellular for years.

I want the ATT guy to run the phone line to the closet so the gateway can hide there. Nothing chaffes me more than having unneccessary equipment visible:mad:. The gateway, wireless router, and network printer all hide in the closet. My desktop and laptop are both wireless, so I'm covered there. The 360 needs to wired unless I spring for an adapter, an I've never gotten my PS3 to connect to my wireless network so I'd rather wire it if possible.

AT the end of the day, I can run some extra ethernet cables through the basement if I have to, but if the coax solution works, then that means less work for me!:D

-Matt

You do know that they can run this via COAX to the Gateway instead of CAT3 or CAT5, correct?

You do know that they can run this via COAX to the Gateway instead of CAT3 or CAT5, correct?

from the street to inside the house as coax?

-Matt

from the street to inside the house as coax?

-Matt

From the phone box on the side of your house, yes. They have an adapter
for the 2 lines to COAX. Then they put it back to RJ45 at the other end when
they plug it into the Gateway.

These were the options they gave me. But I had run CAT5 out to my phone
box when I finished my basement, so they used that instead, which is what
I wanted them to use.

I just got u-verse hooked up last Friday after many years of Charter. I didn't even know about the ability to connect a pc to the receivers until I read it above. Here are my pros and cons for the u-verse:
Pro
Picture quality seems to be better in both hd and sd
all tv's can get all the channels
No lag when changing the channels
Can hook up a pc to any of the receivers
10 MB down, 1.5 MB up
HD DVR can record 4 things at one time
Price slightly less than Charter

Cons
DVR is not as good as TivoHD with cablecards
Limited to two HD sources at a time in the house
Must have a receiver for every tv

Another real positive with the install was the amazing job the AT&T guy did. He replaced every rg6 or rg59 connection in the house with new ones and checked every line for quality. He also programmed every remote to work with the individual tv. I have 7 tv's hooked up so this was no small feat. He was actually at my house for about 7 hours.

That's reassuring Mookie, I may not be able to be home for the install, so I'll report back afterwards...

-Matt

From Skyreport (http://www.skyreport.com):

BREAKING NEWS: FCC Clears XM/Sirius Merger

As expected, by a 3-2 vote, commissioners at the Federal Communications Commission late Friday approved the merger between satellite radio companies XM and Sirius, with conditions.

In a statement, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said, "The merger is in the public interest and will provide consumers with greater flexibility and choices. Consumers will enjoy a variety of programming at reduced prices and more diversified programming choices. It will also spur innovation and advance the development and use of interoperable radios, bringing more flexible programming options to all subscribers."

Conditions tied to the FCC merger approval include requiring a combined satellite radio entity to provide a la carte programming choices to consumers. There's also a three-year cap on prices. In addition, a combined satellite radio entity must eventually offer interoperable receivers capable of obtaining both satellite radio services.

Also, the FCC is requiring a set-aside of 8 percent of channel capacity for minority and public access channels. That would amount to 24 channels, with 12 dedicated to minority programming and the remaining 12 to public access streams.

On another matter, the FCC will conduct a notice of inquiry into whether future satellite radio receivers should include HD Radio chipsets that would allow for reception of the competing digital audio technology from AM and FM stations. That move would allow interested parties to comment on the proposal.

I have D*. 647-1 was not showing the game in HD tonight (saturday). I could view the game on 647 in SD, but 647-1 gave me a 721 message until the game was scheduled to be over then I got a message asking if I wanted to purchase the channel for $4.99.

I reset my receiver 2 times during the game trying to correct the issue. Did anyone else have issues viewing the game in HD?

Thanks

Brad

I have D*. 647-1 was not showing the game in HD tonight (saturday). I could view the game on 647 in SD, but 647-1 gave me a 721 message until the game was scheduled to be over then I got a message asking if I wanted to purchase the channel for $4.99.

I reset my receiver 2 times during the game trying to correct the issue. Did anyone else have issues viewing the game in HD?

Thanks

Brad

Nope, worked fine on my receivers.

Spotted in the HDTV Programming forum:

The Business of Television

MGM Launching New Digital Channel

Joint venture with Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting to launch “This TV” nationwide this fall

By Ben Grossman, Broadcasting & Cable - July 28, 2008

Stations are getting another option for the post-digital switchover world as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is rolling out “This TV,” a new ad-supported around-the-clock linear digital channel designed for broadcast stations’ digital spectrum.

The new network, a partnership with Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting, will launch this fall. It gets immediate carriage with Weigel stations in Chicago, Milwaukee and South Bend, Ind.

The idea is for MGM is to leverage its library of more than 4,100 films and 10,000 hours of television programming, but also to give stations the chance to localize the look.

This TV will offer stations programming all day every day, but stations signing on have the right to a certain number of pre-emptions so that they can localize the channel with sports, news and weather if they want.

The lineup will be film-heavy, with possible titles including 12 Angry Men and Class, starring Rob Lowe. It also will have classic television shows ranging from The Addams Family to Thirtysomething.

“This is counterprogramming to some of the digital offerings you are seeing out there like news and weather,” said Jim Packer, co-president of MGM Worldwide Television. “We do have some competitors out there, but we feel that we have the backing of the MGM library with titles that are local-station-centric [and] have proved that they work on free TV -- that are the kinds of titles we feel are uniquely positioned to help out a station.”

Also crafted into the plan is that stations can take a certain amount of programming off the service and plug it into their regular analog station lineup.

MGM also partnered with Cookie Jar Entertainment to handle all Federal Communications Commission-approved educational programming for the new network. This TV will offer a kids’ block every day of the week.

Weigel executive vice president Neal Sabin will oversee programming for the new outfit. He previously launched independent stations and formats such as “The U” at WCIU Chicago and “Me TV” and Me-Too,” which are digital formats featuring classic TV on WCIU’s analog and digital multicast channels.

“We’ve built a number of successful stations in competitive markets, and having MGM’s rich library of quality entertainment will provide our broadcast partners with a distinctive advantage,” Sabin said. “The ‘This TV’ name also gives us a number of on-air marketing opportunities such as: ‘This is the place for movies,’ ‘This is the channel!’ ‘Stay here for This’ and ‘This is what you’re watching.’”

Kim Bryson, MGM senior VP of ad sales, will handle ad sales for This TV out of MGM’s New York office. Packer’s goal is to get at least 40% clearance across the country within the first year.

The network will be entirely in standard-definition and will forego the use of infomercials, which Packer noted can present challenges for stations trying to gain local cable coverage.

Online plans are still being formulated, but at launch, the service will have a central Web site and then work with local stations for localized enhancements on station sites.

The network will launch without any talent, but Packer said MGM is not opposed to using a hosted-movie format, which Sabin has done on some of his stations.

**********************************************************

Hopefully this channel will NOT be showing up as 11-2, 4-2, or 5-3 anytime soon!

.......MGM Launching New Digital Channel.......

Hopefully this channel will NOT be showing up as 11-2, 4-2, or 5-3 anytime soon!

I'm with you, but sadly, that's the intent. Just what we need: More bit robbing from the main HD channel so that they can make room for still another SD channel of old sitcom reruns and edited-for-TV-movies with commercial breaks :(

Actually, I wouldn't mind if this channel showed up as 24-2 or 46-2. Both of those channels are SD anyway, so a subchannel wouldn't hurt them a bit.

Big news from DirecTV.................


DIRECTV Remains Clear HD Leader with 130 HD Channels on Tap for Mid-August
Jul 28 at 10:26


DIRECTV Adding More Than 30 New HD Channels and is First to Offer All HD
Programming in MPEG-4 AVC and Dolby Digital; Will Offer HD Movies in 1080p Later
This Year

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider,
continues to dominate the HD landscape by delivering significantly more quality
national HD channels than any other television provider in the nation via the
most advanced technology. Beginning August 14, DIRECTV will launch more than 30
additional HD channels, bringing the total HD channel lineup to 130.

DIRECTV will also transmit all of its HD programming in the MPEG-4
Advanced Video Coding standard, by the end of this month - the first to do so in
the industry. All HD programming will also be available in the Dolby Digital
audio format, and later this year, DIRECTV will begin offering movies in 1080p,
the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts and the same
format used by Blu-Ray HD DVDs.

Among the new HD channels that DIRECTV will launch next month are Showtime
Extreme HD, Showtime Showcase HD, Planet Green HD, ABC Family HD, additional
DIRECTV HD pay per view channels and an additional 23 Regional Sports Networks
(RSNs) in HD 24 hours a day.

"Despite all the sound and fury of confusing HD claims from our
competitors, our customers understand that DIRECTV is the destination for the
most compelling and complete lineup of HD content," said Derek Chang, executive
vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our message is
clear - DIRECTV is the content leader, and our delivery of the best quality HD
via the most advanced technology is one way we continue to dominate this
category and offer our more than 17 million customers nationwide an unparalleled
entertainment experience."

In addition to its full lineup of linear HD channels, DIRECTV continues to
lead the industry with the most sports HD programming available, by broadcasting
exclusive, interactive sports packages like NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM), NCAA(R) MEGA
MARCH MADNESS(TM) and NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) all in crystal-clear HD. DIRECTV will
also continue to add HD content to its newly launched DIRECTV on Demand
platform.

The full DIRECTV HD programming lineup, including the new channels, and
details on receiving equipment needed for the new DIRECTV HD services, are
available by calling 1-800-DIRECTV or visiting directv.com.

With the DIRECTV 11 satellite now part of the fleet and the launch of the
DIRECTV 12 satellite next year, DIRECTV will have the capacity to deliver 200
national HD channels and 1,500 local HD and digital channels in addition to new
advanced programming services for customers nationwide.


About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc. (DTV), the nation's leading satellite television
service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more
than 17 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution
with 95 national HD channels - more quality HD channels than any other
television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265
channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming,
industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed all national cable
companies for eight years running) and superior technologies that include
advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive
sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on
DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.

Source: DIRECTV, Inc.
Contact: DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683
or
Darris Gringeri, 212-462-5136

************************************************
My own comments:

Bring on Alysin Camerota, Courtney Friel, and Julie Banderas, I mean Fox News, in HD!!!!!

I'm assuming the 1080p content will require new receivers and DVR's (again) since the current ones only do 1080i and 720p and have had no reason to do otherwise 'til now. And I assume the 1080p content will be strictly PPV movies for quite a while.

Knowing you have one, Mr. Clark, how's this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04482748000P?vName=Jewelry&cName=Men'sJewelry&sName=Watches&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a) thing work? :D

Knowing you have one, Mr. Clark, how's this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04482748000P?vName=Jewelry&cName=Men'sJewelry&sName=Watches&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a) thing work? :D

Well, Mr. Green, I did have a Casio Databank watch at one time, although I got mine before they had remote control capabilities. :mad: Oh, the disappointment of being an early adopter. I fear, though, that my arm might have been contorted into a pretzel shape trying to aim the watch at my VCR.

Does anyone here have any experience with DVD duplication equipment? I have a partially assembled CD/DVD duplication tower, but the manual for the card that controls it all must have been translated by computer from the original Mandarin Chinese. I think it's instructing me to push my right big toe into my left ear until my intestines extrude from my belly button. Does that sound right?

Actually that sounds like the required procedure to ask for a raise at my previous job.....