Inara: You don't have to die alone. Mal: Everybody dies alone.

'Out Of Gas'


Buffistechnology 3: "Press Some Buttons, See What Happens."

Got a question about technology? Ask it here. Discussion of hardware, software, TiVos, multi-region DVDs, Windows, Macs, LINUX, hand-helds, iPods, anything tech related. Better than any helpdesk!


Theodosia - Jan 26, 2007 9:43:52 am PST #413 of 25496
'we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn't end any time soon"

On my iBook running OSX 10.3, I noticed that iDVD is taking up more than a gig of room... yet I can't use it for anything because it requires a Superdrive, which I don't have. Is there any downside to deleting it? If I get around to upgrading to a newer OS, is it likely to cause me trouble down the road?


Tom Scola - Jan 26, 2007 9:44:44 am PST #414 of 25496
Mr. Scola’s wardrobe by Botany 500

LCD TVs that are cheaper, but say something to the effect of not having a tuner. Does that just mean it will only work with cable, and not, like, and antenna?

You are correct. A monitor will require a cable box or a TiVO or an external tuner.


Theodosia - Jan 26, 2007 9:45:02 am PST #415 of 25496
'we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn't end any time soon"

Flea, IIRC, you might have to get a converter box. I'm betting a lot of cable systems will be just fine, since they're already digital and stepping the signal down to regular TVs.


bon bon - Jan 26, 2007 9:46:36 am PST #416 of 25496
It's five thousand for kissing, ten thousand for snuggling... End of list.

I believe that that law was originally to go into effect this year, yes? They pushed it into 2009 to deal with the slow adoption of HD sets. So it might be pushed forward again, I'd assume.


Jessica - Jan 26, 2007 9:47:49 am PST #417 of 25496
And then Ortus came and said "It's Ortin' time" and they all Orted off into the sunset

Speaking as a longtime VIP corporate customer, I'd recommend against B&H for nonprofessional equipment. Their selection and prices on consumer products is pretty crappy, and their customer service is on the obligatory side.


Tom Scola - Jan 26, 2007 9:49:28 am PST #418 of 25496
Mr. Scola’s wardrobe by Botany 500

A recent issue of Scientific American said that all TV broadcasts would be digital-only as of this time in 2009. Does that sound right? I mean, we'd have to get a new TV (ours is ca. 1990), and get cable, to get any TV at all at that point, right?

You will be able to get an external ditigal tuner (which would presumably be cheaper than a whole new TV), or again, use a cable box or a TiVO, and keep your existing TV.


Jessica - Jan 26, 2007 9:50:12 am PST #419 of 25496
And then Ortus came and said "It's Ortin' time" and they all Orted off into the sunset

A recent issue of Scientific American said that all TV broadcasts would be digital-only as of this time in 2009. Does that sound right? I mean, we'd have to get a new TV (ours is ca. 1990), and get cable, to get any TV at all at that point, right? That would kinda suck.

This date has already been pushed back so many times, I wouldn't worry about it too much.


NoiseDesign - Jan 26, 2007 9:51:12 am PST #420 of 25496
Our wings are not tired

I'd say avoid the tube TV's. They really are obsolete technology at this point. The LCD's also run cooler and use less energy.


Sean K - Jan 26, 2007 9:53:46 am PST #421 of 25496
You can't leave me to my own devices; my devices are Nap and Eat. -Zenkitty

Thanks for the input, everyone. I feel I can make a slightly more informed purchase now.


Maria - Jan 26, 2007 10:01:05 am PST #422 of 25496
Not so nice is that I'm about to ruin a Friday morning for a bunch of people because of a series of unfortunate events and an upset foreign government. - shrift

Sean, also check Costco. The 32" LCD from VIZIO is $699. I just bought the 37" and you can't beat the features and picture quality for the money. It's got 2 HDMI inputs, 2 Component, 1 DTV, and a bunch of lesser quality hookups.

You also can't beat their return policy, if you decide you don't like it once you get home.