http://carltonbale.com My personal take on tech Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:21:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I was performing a search on Google Images and noticed a picture of my flat panel TV install, which I detailed in this post. The funny thing was that the image wasn't hosted on my server. I was surprised that the installer not only was using a copy of my ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/09/professional-installer-takes-credit-for-my-work/ The Album: For the past couple of weeks, I anticipated the arrival of the latest Dave Matthews Band album: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. For the first time since I was in college, I sat down in a dark room and listened to an entire album, start to finish, ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/06/dave-matthews-band-big-whiskey-and-the-groogrux-king/ I've created stand-alone clips for demos in my home theater.  Instead of switching discs and skipping chapters, I've created/edited video files that are stored on my media server and played-back using a Home Theater Personal Computer. I think the ideal demo scene is comprised of the following: lots of action some setup ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/05/the-best-home-theater-demo-scenes/ I've been a TiVo user since 2001 and I've owned 7 TiVos. It's a great product because it is extremely easy to use yet offers an impressive array of features.  However, I think TiVo can offer even more functionality without compromising, and perhaps improving, the simplicity of the user experience.  ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/05/my-tivo-features-wish-list-series-3-and-series-4-hd-tivos/ I purchased a MSI Wind netbook (i.e. small, cheap laptop) for my wife to use as her personal surfing-the-internet device. Overall, I'm very pleased with the performace and size, making it perfect for casual use.  Here are my pros and cons lists: Pros: Small Size: I knew this was going to be ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/04/review-of-msi-wind-u100-netbook/ I received an e-mail from Netflix today informing me of yet another price increase, due to the fact that I rent Blu-ray movies. I was paying $11.99 for 2-discs-at-a-time and 4 rentals per month. And this did include the Watch Now online viewing. But over the past few months, Netflix ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/03/netflix-raises-blu-ray-prices-i-move-to-cheaper-plan/ I just implemented a new theme on my WordPress website. I've been wanting a new design for well over a year but couldn't find what I wanted: a simple design with lots of subtle transparency, rounded corners, and a simple color pallet. Then I found the Aeros theme (created by ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/03/a-new-design-for-carltonbalecom/ I just unboxed and installed my Vudu XL evaluation unit, connected it to the flat panel TV in my family room, and started played around with it.  Here are my initial thoughts: This is a very nice looking set top box; possibly the most attractive design I've seen, with lots of ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/02/vudu-xl-unboxing-and-first-impressions/ I installed the Windows 7 beta (32-bit) on my wife's MSI Wind netbook with great success.  In fact, it was flawless.  So I decided to give it a try on the second Media Center computer (HTPC) that I just finished building using the 64-bit version.  My results were as positive ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/02/windows-7-not-ready-for-daily-home-theater-use-yet/ I was sitting at work wishing I could go somewhere for lunch and watch the inauguration. Then I went to CNN.com to see if I could catch a live stream. I was surprised that a Facebook application popped up beside the video and I was able to view my friend's ... http://carltonbale.com/2009/01/watching-the-inauguration-on-cnncom-with-live-facebook-like-watching-with-friends/ After a couple of years of searching for a great deal on HermanMiller Aeron chairs, my wife finally found one, and we've been enjoying them for the past 8 months.  Unfortunately, her chair developed a crack in the back (most likely due to mis-assembly by the store.) I feared an ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/12/review-chairmdcom-herman-miller-warranty-repair/ Baja, a.k.a. Mr. Kitty, was gentle, kind, and had the unique ability of befriending anyone he met.  When visitor would come to our front door, he was there to meet them. When guest would sit down, he would make his way over to say hello.  When a guest would spend ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/12/baja-the-cat-aka-mr-kitty/ Like Dave Zatz and Matt Miller, I made the leap into the netbook pool with a new MSI Wind. Technically, I guess I really made my wife take the leap. She has been in disparate need of her own personal laptop as I am just too overprotective of and particular ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/11/joining-the-netbook-frenzy-msi-wind/ I think Microsoft should be given credit for single-handedly stimulating the economy. Consumer spending is down, most of the Black Friday deals are lame, but I'm purchasing things that have been on my Wish List for years.  Why?  Because I can get 25% cash back if I purchase an Ebay ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/11/livecom-25-off-ebay-buy-it-now-items/ To get the best video quality playback possible for movies in a home theater, it's necessary for the refresh rate of the source component to match the refresh rate of the display. One of the most common problems stems from the fact that most movies are 24 frames per second ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/11/the-state-of-24p-playback-on-a-home-theater-computer/ If you're a home theater enthusiast, you want the highest-quality audio and video possible, and that means Blu-ray with lossless audio (Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio) and the best video compression codec (VC-1 or MPEG-4 H.264 AVC HP.) Most people would choose a Sony PlayStation 3 or stand-alone Blu-ray player ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/11/the-state-of-blu-ray-lossless-hd-audio-in-home-theater-computers/ I just finished reading an interesting article by Amir Majidimehr (former Microsoft VP, video compression) in Oct 2008 issue of Widescreen Review.  I was surprised that there are 4 different, incompatible versions of MPEG-4! Here are some facts from the article; I recommending picking up a copy of the magazine ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/11/some-facts-about-hd-video-compression-codecs-used-in-blu-ray/ I've been searching for some wireless headphone to use while watching video on my iPhone when on the treadmill. My objective is to not have a cord connected between me and my iPhone - I don't want to accidentally knock off my iPhone and damage it. After comparing options, I ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/09/jaybird-jb200-bluetooth-headphone-review/ About a year ago, I somehow happened upon a request from computer case manufacturer CoolerMaster to browse their new website and provide feedback on areas where improvements were needed.  In short, the site was terrible, with coding errors, navigation issues, and worthless search capabilities. I provided feedback thinking that they ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/09/coolermastercom-and-their-spam-newsletter/ About 6 months ago, I started my search for a wireless network camera that would allow us to watch our little girl while she slept (or didn't sleep) in her crib.  My list of requirements were pretty simple: I wanted it to work in complete darkness and I wanted it ... http://carltonbale.com/2008/08/review-of-zonet-zvc7630w-ip-network-camera/