Wireless or dialup in London/UK
 

It's so crazy, it just might work!

Thanks. It never occurred to me that it would be the same network as the Starbucks downstairs. And across the street. And down the street. And down the street the other way, etc.

World's largest subwoofer
 

TiVo Q
 

Got tivo. Question: I want to record teh simpsons sunday night. But a season pass insists on recording it sunday, and monday, and tuesday, and wednesday, etc., at 6 and 11, because fox has the syndicated version. Much as I like the show, that's more than enough. Is there a way to get a season pass just to the sunday night show?

And "first run only" doesn't work, because the listings dont' designate the syndicated version as "repeats".

TiVo Q
 

I have the same problem with The Daily Show. Only want the 10 pm show on Monday - Thursday because otherwise it records it constantly. The show runs like 4 times per day. And it just keeps recording the same episode over and over again. Stupid tivo.

TiVo Q
 

Burger's problem: One of the Season Pass options is "First Run Only." Try that. Anything flagged as a repeat will not be recorded. Of course, the Tivo can only be as good as the guide info provided by the stations, so YMMV. [Edited to add: Doh! I somehow missed that you already tried this. Ignore prior advice and continue.] If this fails, try a manual recording, and be careful when Fox reschedules its Sunday nights. BTW, there's no such thing as too much Simpsons. You should have just gotten a bigger Tivo.

ncs's problem: I have this problem too. The problem is that Comedy Central doesn't identify individual TDS episodes with discrete codes, so the Tivo has no way of knowing which episode is which. Stupid Comedy Central. Solution: change Season Pass options to "Episodes to keep: 1" and it will record over the last airing, meaning your Tivo won't fill up with repeats. Or, alternatively, just set up a manual recording for the airing you want; this is better b/c you don't want your tuner constantly tied up recording the latest airing of the same episode. Ignore this last piece of advice if you have the Directivo with dual tuners; tying up one tuner is less likely to matter to you.

TiVo Q
 

Board motto, but I may try the season pass and keep 2, and then just aggressively check for episodes I don't need.

While there's no such thing as too much simpsons, there is such a thing as too little time. But I had a rather harrowing experience last night. I thought I had seen every episode. I further thought I had every episode committed to memory. Yet I had no recollection of the second half of the episode last night where the Simpsons were in Japan and needed to win tickets back. I didn't even remember the "Oh, why did you have to seat us in Taxachusetts" line. The horror!

Attention Moneyed Class!
 

Place your pre-orders for the HD DirecTivo.

30 hours of HD content; 250 hours of standard res. Note the $999 price is for new DirecTV subscribers only; no word on the street price for current subscribers.

dvd player problem
 

I can't get the dvd player to recognize that any dvd is in it. anyone ever had this problem and fixed it? I'm willing to give up the player as dead if it isn't worth salvaging, but if there is an easy fix, that would be nice. the worst thing about this problem is that I was planning to watch Lost In Translation today in advance of tomorrow's Oscars. crap.

dvd player problem
 

This happened to me when I bought Scene It last summer. I had to buy a new dvd player. Sorry about LiT, but surely you know an audiophile with a newer generation of dvd player that will let you watch it at his place.

dvd player problem
 

Does it sound like it's trying to read the disc, but it isn't working? If so a) try another disc, to see if it's the disc b) try cleaning the current disc that won't work c) get some compressed air and blow it in the slot, since maybe some dust is on the lens.

But absent that, the diagnosis cost is usually half the price of a new one, and that's before the actual fix.

dvd player problem
 

I think its dead. I tried a few discs and it does make sounds like it is trying to read, but then it gives up. That DVD player might win out for all time as the biggest piece of junk appliance I ever purchased. Fucking SONY. It is now three years old or so and it has already been fixed by my mechanically inclined friend when it stopped turning on. One day it just decided it was done and it couldn't be bothered any longer. I'd rant some more but since it was only $200 or something initially, I think I'm done.

dvd player problem
 

Do yourself a favor and go out and buy a decent DVD player. Chuck that one out the window. Suffice it to say that if you spent less than $200 for the one you currently own and got 3 years out of it, then you got your money's worth. 3 years is about average on a player in the lower end price range with average use. If you paid more than $200 then you should at least chuck it through the window of the place where you bought it - that will give you some pleasure at least.

dvd player problem
 

I agree in principle that it's time to move on, although I'd be a bit pissed if a 200 unit crapped out in three years. Of course, I stole your Sonywang, because I've bought a lot of their stuff. The only things, in 20 years or so of purchasing, that've gone bad (well, Walkman aside) is the first CD player I bought, which lasted 10 years, and a VCR, which lasted 9. A couple things were stolen, but that doesn't count.

Virtual Keyboard
 

Ok, the idea is pretty cool. I don't know about pounding my fingers on a flat surface for a long time though. ouch.

http://store5.yimg.com/I/ibizpda_1782_186048

The Virtual Laser Keyboard leverages the power of laser and infrared technology and projects a full-size keyboard onto any flat surface. As you type on the laser projection; it analyzes what you're typing by the coordinates of that location.

Unlike many small snap-on keyboards for PDAs, the Virtual Laser Keyboard provides a full-size QWERTY keyboard. It is also smaller and more convenient to use than the folding-type keyboards made by some manufacturers and similar to them in functionality.

There are no mechanical moving parts whatsoever in the Virtual Laser Keyboard. It provides a projected image that is the perfect portable input device for PDAs. It's similar in responsiveness to regular keyboards, but extremely futuristic looking.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard requires no special training. The light weight device weighs two ounces and is similar in size to a disposable cigarette lighter. The Virtual Laser Keyboard includes a self-contained, rechargeable lithium ion battery. It provides the Virtual Laser Keyboard with its own internal power supply, so it doesn't drain any battery power from the PDA or PC. The battery lasts three to four hours, more than enough time to do some instant messaging and SMS messaging from the handheld device or to update calendar and phone book entries.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard is ideal for well-lit offices.

Cost-effective - eliminates the cost of maintaining mechanical keyboards in volatile locations.

Applications: home, office, clean rooms, medical & dental facilities, dirt-free environments, classrooms, etc.

Pre-order cost is $99.99

http://store.yahoo.com/ibizpda/vike.html

aV

Virtual Keyboard
 

Two things.

1. The sales pitch totally reminded me of Happy Fun Ball (good times). I think because of the unnecessary name repetition thing.

2. If it is the size of a disposable cigarette lighter, I hope it is easier to hold onto than one. I guess if you don't whip it out at bars all the time, the risk of loss decreases greatly.

Interesting idea. Sort of reminds me of the flat keyboard that was supposed to be all the rage in the 1980s (on our Atari 400 "computer"), but that ultimately was a piece of crap and never replicated.

Virtual Keyboard
 

I think that I've been an early adopter enough to know that this means:

"If you absolutely can't have a keyboard in your office, as long as it's bright, clean and volatile, this product will work 98% of the time. The rest of the time you'll be reyping keystrokes."

I can't imagine typing without some force feedback.

dvd player problem
 

And yet I'm right about the lifespan. It's all about the plastics, man.

In other news - for some of you it may be time to get a new satellite provider.

NEW YORK - EchoStar Communications Corp. on Tuesday pulled from service 16 of Viacom's local CBS stations and 10 of its national channels after the companies failed to agree on contract terms and prices. Viacom said in a statement it was "dismayed and disappointed" by the action, which affected channels like MTV and Nickelodeon, after a deadline expired early on Tuesday.
I called a friend in another market who foolishly purchased the Dish after I recommended Direct. She says she still has CBS. Still, what good is satellite if you can't get Letterman?

dvd player problem
 

I was shocked (SHOCKED!) that my cable company (Comcast) does not carry The Travel Channel in the Dallas market. This was discovered 5 minutes into the time slot for the first World Poker Tour of the new season. Thankfully my boyfriend (and the Tivo) is on Direct TV. I called Comcast and requested that they add it to the lineup. Shit, I have over 25 channels that are spanish language. Not to mention all the VH-1 and History Channel specialty channels. Can't you get me the Travel Channel?

And not to get back into the stupid DVD player thing, but there is no reason that a DVD player should last only 3 years (and be broken once during that period). I don't care how much you pay for the thing (frankly I'm not sure what I paid for it, but I'm sure it was less than $400). It says SONY on it, it should last longer than that. Particularly since I don't even use it once a month. I'm not a big movie watcher. Only answer is that SONY makes POS DVD players.

dvd player problem
 

Ding ding ding. We have a winner.

Remember that Sony is one of the largest distributors of electronics in the world. They make good stuff and they make cheap stuff. 3-5 years is AVERAGE lifespan of an inexpensive player. Believe it or not, average use is under 8 hours/week. You people with kids are on borrowed time. Also remember that Sony did a cost/benefit analysis that determined that 9 screws holding down the circuit board rather than 12 screws was going to save them millions of dollars. Never mind that it was going to increase the numbers of defects. Also remember that your DVD player travelled a long long way - probably from Malaysia or China and you'll never know how the player was treated. Hell, I've seen delivery guys drop them. Many many many times. Salespeople drop them. Sometimes on purpose. Were you nice to the salesman?

You just never know. Environmental factors also figure in - number of pets, amount of dust, heat, humidity, etc. Remember that the laser reading your disc is less than the width of a human hair. And now the lenses are predominantly plastic. The bearings are plastic. The gears are plastic.

You pay your money, you takes your chances. Shit happens.

dvd player problem
 

Are there non-POS DVD players?

dvd player problem
 

Just for starters.

Krell

Meridian

Pioneer Elite

McIntosh

Hell, even some Denon

But if you're really interested in a more in-depth discussion, you'll have to buy me drinks.

dvd player problem
 

Fair enough, but for those prices I can buy Sony by the case. and once I've gone through 10 of them, a better technology will have come along.

dvd player problem
 

Jesus dude, what do you drive a Kia too? It's not all about the durability - otherwise you'd be wearing those shoes from Payless Shoe Source - like Star Jones.

Seriously. Start stepping up. A piece at a time. You'll love yourself for it.

dvd player problem
 

I do. But I can't justify replacing my pretty good Sony until it breaks. I don't have McIntosh level stuff, but it's also well above home theatre in a box. Don't worry.

dvd player problem
 

Yeah but for a DVD player, unlike speakers or an amplifier, since it's just transmitting digital signals, is there any real difference in quality?. I realize that some of the moving parts are probably better-made, but what else can be?

dvd player problem
 

There are many differences, just like your computer doesn't just process digital information. Some processors are inherently faster than others. Better processors have a better filtering systems. All digital processors add noise to the music and picture. Filtering makes a big difference in picture quality and sound quality. You should just go check it out sometime - some retailers have an A/B system set up where you can see the differences. Also, vibration from the motors translates through the optics system and through the digital processors. That's one reason why the better units are heavier. Even the tightness of the seal on the sliding doors makes some difference. Granted, you get to a point where the differences become miniscule, but the difference between a $200 player and a $600 are very very visible on the right set. I've never understood why people will fork out $10k for an HD set and then use a piece of crap DVD player. It makes no sense.

dvd player problem
 

How does that explain my dead Vandersteen subwoofer and fritzing Classe Audio CD player?

Certainly no guarantee of ultimate reliability because the unit was assembled by elves in Jim Fosgate's basement. I've always put the cash on the upper level stuff for the higher quality components, converters, etc. Doesn't necessarily improve reliability (but should, considering my Classe Audio remotes are 1/8 steel bad boys that weigh a ton).

dvd player problem
 

...or Audioquest speaker cables...

In other news, the Straight Wire Maestro's are finally getting to move into a properly treated room. I can't wait to hear the unmasked beauty of the car horn in the beginning Runnin' With The Devil in a proper fashion once again. That is value for the money.

dvd player problem
 

What you should do is go out and buy some DVD audio discs. The sound is incredible. The Luther Vandross DVD audio recording is amazing, so is the Fleetwood Mac (even though the music is meh).

The Straight Wire has always sounded a little too harsh to me. But, with the right equipment, I guess it would be the right choice. As for the Classe, you know those Canadians!!

dvd player problem
 

Prefer the SACD, but point taken. My problem is two-fold -- first, the format war thing is drag so I am not doing too much yet, and second, the catalog is shit. Other than a handful of titles, there is not much I like listening to, even if some of them sound great. All this adds up to waiting a bit before getting too many.

On the dvd front, I have to say I don't like spending very much on video. Sure the picture looks better, but I need to see World Poker Tour in increasing accuracy? Given the prices, I prefer to use most funds on two channel audio, some on 6 channel audio, and as little as reasonable on video. DVD video is all compressed to heck anyway. Now if they came out with an uncompressed video format Rock Star file...

TiVo +++?
 

Has anyone here added a second drive or otherwise upgraded their TiVo? It almost seems to good to be true: send away for a relatively cheap upgrade, prefomatted and with all the tools and instructions, add a fan while you're at it, and it lasts even longer with 4x the storage.

TiVo +++?
 

I have an Ultimate TV (no longer sold, but still supported by M$oft), and I immediately removed the original 40GB drive and installed a 120GB one, giving me about 120 hours of high quality recording time, instead of the stock 40. Also put a laptop cooling fan under the unit to help cool it. I imagine it's just as easy on a Tivo, which is more popular, and probably been hacked even more. Not sure if you can just add a second drive (you can't on the UTV), or just use a bigger disk drive. I would think that keeping it all on a big drive is preferable, less to go wrong. Let me know if it works...someday I will be forced to switch to Tivo.

TiVo +++?
 

We did the same thing to our Tivo. I could not tell you anything about the installation process, but it works quite well now. And we have more memory than we could ever use. 120 hours sounds about right. All on one big drive. Now we are awaiting the Tivo HDTV model trade-up, along with satellite HDTV upgrade. I have been told this will all be fully operational in time for NFL season this year.

PS. for the spinster couple-haters, I use "we" as a clarification in this context in that it really wasn't me yet I have some knowledge of what "we" have done. and I hope to reap the benefits.

Tivo + + +
 

If you're techie enough to have done a DIY upgrade (Flinty), don't even *think* of switching to Tivo; you should clearly be a Replay customer (much better hacks, opensource software tools, etc. available). You should still be able to snag one of the good 4500/5000 models with commercial advance on eBay.

For mmm, I've never done one, but based on descriptions, I would think the prepackaged upgrades would be easily manageable.

Tivo + + +
 

Heh, I am a geek. I have an upgraded ReplayTV too, but not the model with commercial advance, I just have the model that has no subscription fee. But when I switched to DirecTV, only UltimateTV and Tivo were "suppported", meaning, my ReplayTV guide isn't able to update itself with the DTV channels. I still run it upstairs on the bedroom tv, but I still need to use two remotes. What good cracks are available for the newer Replay models?

Best,

Flinty

Will all you TiVo upgrading cats mention what places you used? There seem to be a ton, and I'd prefer to buy from a place where at least some anonymous lawyer on some internet board had a good experience.

Weaknees.com

You can do it yourself. Just check out www.avsforum.com and read up on it. It's just like switching a hard drive from your computer, with a few twists. Or the site that ncs suggests can do it for you too. But it's really easy to find a cheap disk drive and install it. Much less than $149.00, but no warranty.

Fun with small electronics that don't get you off
 

Let's say that I want to install some sort of motorized door on a cabinet I have, and I think that I want to try to do it myself. I used to be pretty handy with shit like that, and I think that it might be a fun project. What websites and/or books would I look to to teach me to do stuff like that? Where could I buy the parts? Is this completely out of my league? It seems like it could be a simple small chain drive motor with a remote control, and I would just have to figure out all the engineering and design issues.

Ordered. Thanks! Now I'll never have to delete old episodes of "Two Guys and a Girl"!!