I just got a new plasma tv. Blue-Ray is next on the agenda.

I think it's time I bought one of those myself...

H!D!
H!D!

:( So sad...

Any suggestions from the Lizard army on the best Blu-ray player to buy?

Blue-ray? Dark glasses?

re: #4 rabidsquirrel

No clue. I assume they are backward compatible and will play regular DVDs...

re: #5 pat

Blue-ray? Dark glasses?

Blu-Blockers? ;)

Is this blue ray the next generation of joo ray or some such?

re: #3 alexwest

Love that avatar...

I've two HDTVs, just need the Blu-Ray players now.

re: #4 rabidsquirrel

Any suggestions from the Lizard army on the best Blu-ray player to buy?

I have one of these.

I got a better deal on it at Best Buy, though.

re: #6 christheprofessor

No clue. I assume they are backward compatible and will play regular DVDs...

Yes.

OMG! THERE'S A SALE AT PENNEY'S

re: #6 christheprofessor

Yes, BluRay players will play regular DVDs.

But not HD-DVDs.

I have to admit I'm curious, Charles, in light of another similar post... Do you have a deal with Amazon?

I'm waiting for HD-DVD to breakthrough.
/

re: #4 rabidsquirrel

Any suggestions from the Lizard army on the best Blu-ray player to buy?

Yeah, the one that is embedded in the Sony Playstation 3!

Is that with or without the Joo Tax?

re: #14 lobo91

Yes, BluRay players will play regular DVDs.

But not HD-DVDs.

Best Buy is going to offer a trade-in program for its customers that bought HD-DVD players.

re: #15 Cognito

Pretty much anyone who has a website can get a "deal" with Amazon. You get a small percentage of what customers buy if they use your link to get there.

re: #11 lobo91

I have one of these.

I got a better deal on it at Best Buy, though.

Thanks lobo; just bought a Panasonic plasma (at Best Buy, strangely enough).

Yawn. I'll keep buying regular (not HD, not Blu-Ray) DVDs. I'm not changing formats every effen 10 years or so to line some jackass's pocket.

re: #15 Cognito

I responded on the last thread that it was just a joke, BTW.

THough I'm sure you knew that.

Carry on.

re: #13 Peacekeeper

Lovin' the Airplane! references. thanks.

re: #12 Ward Cleaver

re: #14 lobo91

Gracias...

And speaking of movies, yikes! Wasn't the one pointing to the sign a Munchkin? And a few of the others Flying Monkeys?

BTW, I see the Caliphate is advertised here. I just read the first chapter. Looks interesting.

re: #19 Ward Cleaver

Best Buy is going to offer a trade-in program for its customers that bought HD-DVD players.

Circuit City already has one.

Oh, and yes, the Blue Ray player will play standard DVDs, as well as CDs, (CD-Roms, etc).

The name comes from the blue wavelength laser that reads them.

I believe they hold more data than the competing (now defeated) HD-DVD format, though the discs themselves are supposedly somewhat more fragile and susceptible to scratching.

Time to buy the White Album again.

re: #15 Cognito

I have to admit I'm curious, Charles, in light of another similar post... Do you have a deal with Amazon?

A deal with Amazon? Well, I do have an affiliate ID, but the income from it is pretty tiny. I post these things because people are interested in them, not to make money.

re: #15 Cognito

I have to admit I'm bicurious, Charles, in light of another similar post... Do you have a deal with Amazon?

re: #20 lobo91

Pretty much anyone who has a website can get a "deal" with Amazon. You get a small percentage of what customers buy if they use your link to get there.

Hm. Interesting.

I can see the logic of that, in an advertisement. But when it creeps into the actual content, it strikes me as a credibility issue.

Maybe that's an old-fashioned way of thinking.

Anybody can sign up for an affiliate ID at Amazon, by the way. No special deal needed.

So, I have a question. Will blue ray dvd's play in a regular dvd player?

I really don't want to shell out 300 bucks at the moment, but if all I can get are blue ray, what's a girl supposed to do?

re: #16 jcm

I'm waiting for HD-DVD to breakthrough.
/

Just this past weekend, I talked a friend out of buying one. He insisted he could get a great deal on one.

I explained to him why.

It looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.

BIG AMAZON IS RIPPING US OFF!

Speaking of BigMac, time to order my cheeseburger delux with mushrooms.

re: #33 Cognito

Not a problem here.

re: #36 rabidsquirrel

Just this past weekend, I talked a friend out of buying one. He insisted he could get a great deal on one.

I explained to him why.

Tell him I've got a LaserDisc laying around, really cheap.

re: #33 CognitoOh fer cryin out loud you twit.

re: #33 Cognito

Hm. Interesting.

I can see the logic of that, in an advertisement. But when it creeps into the actual content, it strikes me as a credibility issue.

Maybe that's an old-fashioned way of thinking.

A great deal is a great deal. If that's not credible, show me a better deal.

re: #30 Charles

A deal with Amazon? Well, I do have an affiliate ID, but the income from it is pretty tiny. I post these things because people are interested in them, not to make money.

Aw, come now.

Didn't I recognize you in Zombie's billionaire report? ;)

I still think that DVD picture quality is astounding. Does that make me a caveman?

re: #22 Honorary Yooper

Yawn. I'll keep buying regular (not HD, not Blu-Ray) DVDs. I'm not changing formats every effen 10 years or so to line some jackass's pocket.

How are your phonograph records holding up? ;-)

Seriously, at some point in the next 5-10 years, you're probably not going to be able to buy (new) movies on "regular" DVDs anymore.

The argument towards buying Blu-ray is simply that they really DO look a lot better on good high-def TVs. If you want nice sharp picture on a big screen it really IS the way to go.

But if you're a still watching TV on your 12" CRT black and white (with vacuum tubes), there would be no point in switching over to Blu-ray!

Blue Ray it is then.

I've been waiting.

I need a player that is PAL compatible.

I think that's the term.

To play DVDs from overseas.

I have a foreign wife, in my life.

OK. That's annoying.

re: #43 Charles

A great deal is a great deal. If that's not credible, show me a better deal.

Hey, like I said, maybe I'm just looking at things in an outdated way. Not a big deal.

re: #48 Cognito

Hey, like I said, maybe I'm just looking at things in an outdated way. Not a big deal.

Is the doll used to indicate where the bad man touched you?

re: #45 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I still think that DVD picture quality is astounding. Does that make me a caveman?

Your modern DVD's frighten and confuse me.

re: #33 Cognito

Hm. Interesting.

I can see the logic of that, in an advertisement. But when it creeps into the actual content, it strikes me as a credibility issue.

Maybe that's an old-fashioned way of thinking.

As Charles noted above, the amount of money you get is negligible. I don't remember the percentages offhand, but I think he might get about 20 cents if someone buys one of those movies through this link.

Every single page on IMDB has links to Amazon in the upper right corner. That's a little different.

re: #45 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I still think that DVD picture quality is astounding. Does that make me a caveman?

No... a luddite.
/

re: #28 looking closely

Oh, and yes, the Blue Ray player will play standard DVDs, as well as CDs, (CD-Roms, etc).

The name comes from the blue wavelength laser that reads them.

I believe they hold more data than the competing (now defeated) HD-DVD format, though the discs themselves are supposedly somewhat more fragile and susceptible to scratching.

Supposedly, manufacturers are using a variety of hard-coat technologies that make the discs as durable as DVDs/HD-DVDs.

re: #17 looking closely

Yeah, the one that is embedded in the Sony Playstation 3!

Yes, very good suggestion, if one is going Blu-Ray.

Cheaper, and you get the video game system too.

Myself, I am looking at a cheep up-converting DVD player and waiting a while.

re: #48 Cognito

Hey, like I said, maybe I'm just looking at things in an outdated way. Not a big deal.

I get it - you think Amazon.com might be influencing my posts on the threat from radical Islam.

I have no comment on that.

I've got an HD DVR with my satellite system.

Any way to transfer and burn a saved HD program onto a recordable HD DVD (Blu-ray?). 35 hours worth of HD space on my DVR just ain't going to cut it long term.

re: #45 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I still think that DVD picture quality is astounding. Does that make me a caveman?

Not at all.

DVD picture quality *IS* pretty good, especially if you are comparing to videotape (even high def Betamax), or usual low medium bandwidth internet videos.

Still, I think if you would see Blu-ray and regular DVD versions of the same movie side by side on large-screen high-def TVs, you'd concede that Blu-Ray really is noticeably better.

re: #33 Cognito

LGF has had tech posts since the beginning. This is a tech post, not political content.

You still bangin' Gordon?

Nice find!

I'm a luke-warm gamer, but bought a PS3 for the blu-ray player. Turns out both gaming and the films are pretty great! I recommend the 40 GB PS3 for your blu-ray needs.

And it's actually not a bad idea to pick up an HD player on the sly. I got one for $90 - with 3 HD movies thrown in, plus another 5 when the proof of purchase was mailed to Toshiba. Plus HD DVDs are as much as half the price of blu-ray ones now. Your TV and your eyes won't know the difference. I suggest HD DVD to build your current library, and Blu-ray for all future releases.

re: #47 Ben Hur

Well, I just found our (recently) that dvd's from England (for example) don't play on my American dvd player. I was quite incensed, let me tell you.

I really am not a tech nerd. I'm just happy that things work when I plug them in and turn them on (although I can set the clock on my dvd player and was able to properly set a record feature on my old vcr. No I don't have dvr.).

re: #49 taxfreekiller

kettle wears black face
makes an ugly face at Rev. Wright

not so smart some would say
to the dumb ass kettle

Here's a t-shirt you might like...

[Link: www.tshirthell.com...]

I have the PlayStation 3 myself - works great as a Blu-ray player, with optical audio and component video output. Beautiful display.

For those with PC's - Blu-Ray readers / DVD Burner combo drives have really dropped in price as well - LG and Pioneer have models that Newegg.com sells for around $180. If your PC / Monitor can support HD protected content, this might be an alternative to consider. BluRay burners, capable of burning BluRay disks, still run in the $300 range for PC's.

re: #46 looking closely

How are your phonograph records holding up? ;-)

Seriously, at some point in the next 5-10 years, you're probably not going to be able to buy (new) movies on "regular" DVDs anymore.

The argument towards buying Blu-ray is simply that they really DO look a lot better on good high-def TVs. If you want nice sharp picture on a big screen it really IS the way to go.

But if you're a still watching TV on your 12" CRT black and white (with vacuum tubes), there would be no point in switching over to Blu-ray!

By that time, something far superior to Blu-Ray will be around, and it'll be worth it. At this juncture, while normal DVDs are being sold, and sold cheap, it's pointless. Why should I invest in the next Laserdisc or Minidisc until it's proven to last?

/BTW, vinyl records are still out there, being made mostly for djs and clubs, but 8-Tracks have not been made in a long-ass time, if you want a technology that's gone by the wayside.

re: #46 looking closely

"How are your phonograph records holding up? ;-)"

R -Quite nicely, thank you. All 5,000+ of them.

12
INCH
RECORD,
R

re: #35 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

So, I have a question. Will blue ray dvd's play in a regular dvd player?

I really don't want to shell out 300 bucks at the moment, but if all I can get are blue ray, what's a girl supposed to do?

No, BluRays won't play in a regular DVD player.

Sorry.

It is good to know the press is uninfluenced in America./

re: #50 Peacekeeper

Is the doll used to indicate where the bad man touched you?

Do you find yourself clever?re: #56 Charles

I get it - you think Amazon.com might be influencing my posts on the threat from radical Islam.

I have no comment on that.

No, not at all. There's a traditional line between content and advertising in ye olde media, and that's all I was trying to sort out -- whether it's the same with blogs. No Amazon-Islam conspiracy required.

re: #35 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

So, I have a question. Will blue ray dvd's play in a regular dvd player?

I really don't want to shell out 300 bucks at the moment, but if all I can get are blue ray, what's a girl supposed to do?

Blu-Ray will not play in a regular DVD player. It's a different laser.

DVDs will be around for a while longer. Blu-Ray players are still too expensive to compete effectively, and DVD has a large "installed" base.

re: #59 Sol Roth

LGF has had tech posts since the beginning. This is a tech post, not political content.

You still bangin' Gordon?

ROFL!

re: #59 Sol Roth

You still bangin' Gordon?

That's a keyboard and monitor you me.

re: #35 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

So, I have a question. Will blue ray dvd's play in a regular dvd player?

I really don't want to shell out 300 bucks at the moment, but if all I can get are blue ray, what's a girl supposed to do?

Er,....will they play 45rpms and LPs?

re: #41 jcm

Tell him I've got a LaserDisc laying around, really cheap.

All I said was...."you ever hear of Betamax?"

BTW, Amazon is an excellent marketer. No ID theft, prompt. The second hand and out of print books are fantastic buys.

re: #63 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Here's a t-shirt you might like...

[Link: www.tshirthell.com...]

LOL. I love it...I couldn't wear it anywhere, but I love it.

re: #33 Cognito

But when it creeps into the actual content, it strikes me as a credibility issue.

Charles doesn't have a credibility issue. Bilal Hussein has a credibility issue...

re: #48 Cognito

Hey, like I said, maybe I'm just looking at things in an outdated extremely biased way. Not a big deal.

Clarified.

re: #64 Charles

I have the PlayStation 3 myself - works great as a Blu-ray player, with optical audio and component video output. Beautiful display.

Charles what are your ties to SONY? Hmmm?

Wow. Some real humdinger comments here today.

(No, I don't have a deal with Sony.)

Quite honestly Charles, I've wondered what happened to the "Cycle of Violence" threads. I miss the fascist headwinds.

re: #45 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I still think that DVD picture quality is astounding. Does that make me a caveman?

No. Plato specifically said that men in the cave saw only shadowy forms.

re: #82 Charles

(No, I don't have a deal with Sony.)

Beat me to it.

re: #82 Charles

(No, I don't have a deal with Sony.)

shucks

re: #64 Charles

You be gaming?

OMI!,
R

re: #75 rabidsquirrel

All I said was...."you ever hear of Betamax?"

re: #76 pat

BTW, Amazon is an excellent marketer. No ID theft, prompt. The second hand and out of print books are fantastic buys.

I've Amazon through it's affiliates a great one stop shop, a huge variety of stuff from multiple vendors with a single checkout and payment.

re: #70 Cognito

I'm going to go take a nap now. For some odd reason I woke up way too early and it's been a long day.

I'm wondering whether or not you'll be around later on cog? We're guests here. I haven't seen any lines getting crossed, but it's in bad taste to tweek your host. Hell, it's rude.

Be back in a while Lizards!

re: #57 mike(in)savage

I've got an HD DVR with my satellite system.

Any way to transfer and burn a saved HD program onto a recordable HD DVD (Blu-ray?). 35 hours worth of HD space on my DVR just ain't going to cut it long term.

There are BluRay burners out there, but the drives are pretty pricey. The blank discs are worse (~$15-20 apiece).

If you have a Dish Network receiver, you should be able to transfer the DVR contents onto an external hard drive, though. Not sure if DirecTV lets you do that with theirs.

re: #55 OldLineTexan

Yes, very good suggestion [get a PS3 video game system], if one is going Blu-Ray.

Cheaper, and you get the video game system too.

Myself, I am looking at a cheep up-converting DVD player and waiting a while.

I'm not sure the game system *is* that much cheaper, but given that you get a pretty good Blu-Ray player AND a cutting edge video game system, its a good buy.

If you have even the smallest level of technical savvy you can upgrade the hard drive on the PS3 to a bigger one, so that you can cram more stuff in there cheaper than shelling out for the big hard-drive version.

The new PS3 operating system will also play AVI files, as well as Windows media and MP3 files, meaning all your favorite movie rips (legal ones, of course!) will play on the system.

The biggest boon to the PS3 is that it contains a wireless internet card, and will interface with your computer wireless link. Windows Media player will let you access your library of videos AND audio MP3s directly from your COMPUTER harddrive, and play them on the Playstation.

So the thing really can become the center of a multimedia entertainment system very easily.

re: #84 wolfie

No. Plato specifically said that men in the cave saw only shadowy forms.

Can a DVD not cast such a shadow?

re: #83 Sol Roth

Quite honestly Charles, I've wondered what happened to the "Cycle of Violence" threads. I miss the fascist headwinds.

Had to stop posting about rides, after threats.

re: #68 lobo91

No, BluRays won't play in a regular DVD player.

Sorry.

Damn it! Oh well...I guess I'll have to start saving up the dollars.

Still, I'm just a bit miffed.

Lest anyone think I'm completely cavemannish, I just bought my first HD TV in December. I didn't get a plasma or an LCD (really, the prices!) but I got a nice Samsung slim fit for about 300 dollars. The picture and sound is awesome!

Let's see if I have this straight:
Charles is being held captive by Amazons?

re: #88 Render

You be gaming?

That's why he needed Monitor Lizards.

re: #80 Peacekeeper

Charles what are your ties to SONY? Hmmm?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAA

re: #94 Charles

Had to stop posting about rides, after threats.

I'll ride escort for ya'!

The latest (and dumbest) MSM story about global warming........
Olympic Torch Emits 5,500 Tons of CO2

If people are looking for another reason to be pissed at China, how about this: By the time this pyro parade is over, it will have produced about 11 million pounds of carbon emissions.

With pic that would make the Gorcle cry.

re: #91 lobo91

There are BluRay burners out there, but the drives are pretty pricey. The blank discs are worse (~$15-20 apiece).

If you have a Dish Network receiver, you should be able to transfer the DVR contents onto an external hard drive, though. Not sure if DirecTV lets you do that with theirs.

I do indeed have Dish Network and I hadn't thought of the external hard drive option! I've got one laying around, in fact.

Muchos gracias!

re: #92 looking closely

Basic PS3 (40Gb) is about $100 cheaper than the low-end Blu-Ray players USUAL price. Sony is giving away money with every one they sell, at present. Blu-Ray's "win" over HD-DVD is mainly attributable to the PS3, not the minor technical differences or supposed advantages. Sony stuck the Blu-Ray player in from the beginning; Microsoft waffled and made HD-DVD a tack-on for the XBOX 360. Sony won.

re: #92 looking closely

I'm not sure the game system *is* that much cheaper, but given that you get a pretty good Blu-Ray player AND a cutting edge video game system, its a good buy.

If you have even the smallest level of technical savvy you can upgrade the hard drive on the PS3 to a bigger one, so that you can cram more stuff in there cheaper than shelling out for the big hard-drive version.

The new PS3 operating system will also play AVI files, as well as Windows media and MP3 files, meaning all your favorite movie rips (legal ones, of course!) will play on the system.

The biggest boon to the PS3 is that it contains a wireless internet card, and will interface with your computer wireless link. Windows Media player will let you access your library of videos AND audio MP3s directly from your COMPUTER harddrive, and play them on the Playstation.

So the thing really can become the center of a multimedia entertainment system very easily.

OldLine, my eyes started crossing at the words technical savvy. When I get my new blue ray later this year, I'll cook dinner for you and the spouse if you come hook it up. Of course we'll actually have to meet first, but the first round of margueritas is on me!

re: #90 BulgarWheat

I'm going to go take a nap now. For some odd reason I woke up way too early and it's been a long day.

I'm wondering whether or not you'll be around later on cog? We're guests here. I haven't seen any lines getting crossed, but it's in bad taste to tweek your host. Hell, it's rude.

Be back in a while Lizards!

I haven't said anything even slightly rude. Unless asking how the content/advertising mix works is rude. In which case, consider me rude.

If you don't wonder about those things, you'll find yourself amazed by the quality of that shiny new bauble you read about elsewhere.

Are you guy's watching this Torch Relay? It's hysterical. We need a torch thread.

THE MISSING TORCH!

re: #96 zmdavid

Let's see if I have this straight:
Charles is being held captive by Amazons?

Yes, and one named "Sonya" has him tied up!

I'm glad Blu-Ray won but it will probably be some time before I jump on the bandwagon if I don't give it a pass entirely. Discs are basically obsolete already. Why wait for my favorite titles to be released on blu-ray when I'll be able to download anything ever put to film in the next few years?

re: #96 zmdavid

Let's see if I have this straight:
Charles is being held captive by Amazons?

Your speed-reading course was a magnificent success.

re: #101 Killgore Trout
The torch is on a bus! So funny!

BBL. Daughter need internet for homework research...and this is the only compy in the house (none of that computer in the kids room crap in my house, no sir. I monitor them. Too many pervs out there!)

Serious question here.

I'm sure HD makes a difference on a large screen, of the type you'd normally find in a living room -- but how noticeable would the difference be on a small (15") screen at about 36" viewing distance? I'm not a TV connoisseur -- what's on isn't worth it! -- so I'm not too enthused about paying extra for HD reception or disks/player unless it's a really major improvement.

Thanks for any advice!

-- Ann

re: #92 looking closely

We have a PS3 connected to our living room TV (50" Samsung plasma). I just recently got the Panasonic stand-alone player for the home theater in the basement (ceiling-mounted projector w/a 92" screen).

re: #94 Charles

Charles,
Have you been following the torch run in SF? Hopefully Zombie is there!

The torch run is taking place on a bus!

Too funny!

re: #94 Charles

I was afraid of that. I missed the details, but it's not at all surprising.

Be safe.

re: #93 Creeping Eruption

Can a DVD not cast such a shadow?

I stand corrected.
You are absolutely on target.

re: #115 CatsPaw

Charles,
Have you been following the torch run in SF? Hopefully Zombie is there!

The torch run is taking place on a bus!

Too funny!

Sounds like a "Benny Hill" skit.

Israeli air strike targets Nahal Oz terrorists

Is this the Jew-ray thread?

hamster likes cat

re: #102 mike(in)savage

I do indeed have Dish Network and I hadn't thought of the external hard drive option! I've got one laying around, in fact.

Muchos gracias!

One word of warning: They charge you a $39 setup fee to enable the external connection, but it's a one-time charge.

If you get a PS3, you have to get the Assassin's Creed game. Amazing realism.

Must Vacuum...

Later all.

re: #119 Ben Hur

Israeli air strike targets Nahal Oz terrorists

Is this the Jew-ray thread?

Oz is a terrible place. I saw it on TV, once.

/stay out of the showers

If you like video games and like high def movies, then buying a PS3 is a no-brainer.

The PS3 "cell" processor is simply amazing. Its literally the power of a supercomputer devoted to desktop gaming!

Unfortunately, like all the new high-def games, PS3 titles are relatively expensive, about $60 each, new, though used ones are proportionately cheaper.

The PS3 will play most of the older PS2 games as well, which is a boon because up until 2 years ago, that was the most popular system out there and good used PS2 games are cheap and plentiful.

I say "most" because apparently some of the third party PS2 titles won't run properly on the PS3 *if* you have one of the newer model PS3s that contain a digital PS2 emulator. The early model PS3s apparently contain an actual hard PS2 circuit inside, and will play anything.

(No, I don't have a deal with Ubisoft.)

re: #126 Charles

(No, I don't have a deal with Ubisoft.)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAA

re: #115 CatsPaw

I'm watching it on a streaming Fox feed. You can hear people talking about trying to find out where the hell it is.

re: #122 Charles

If you get a PS3, you have to get the Assassin's Creed game. Amazing realism.

Cognito asking whether UBISOFT gives you kickbacks in 3. . . . 2. . . . .1. . .

re: #106 ethanxxx

Are you guy's watching this Torch Relay? It's hysterical. We need a torch thread.

THE MISSING TORCH!

I just saw the Torch bumming a ride on a tugboat...

This morning on the radio I heard that, when the Torch travels, it gets its own hotel room. The host speculated that Torch would probably get some macadamia nuts and a beer out of the fridge, since it has way more money behind it than most normal travelers do.

I'd like to have Torch's miles - I'd get several free first-class flights, I betcha.

re: #123 Oh no...Sand People!

Must Vacuum...

Later all.

Can you stop by my house? Keys under the stone gargoyle. While your there the window need some help. Thanks.

re: #66 Honorary Yooper

but 8-Tracks have not been made in a long-ass time, if you want a technology that's gone by the wayside.

You mean I can't get the new release from Willie & Waylon?

The last DVD player I bought was $27. What are Blu-ray players going for?

re: #119 Ben Hur

Variation on a theme: Motorcycle swarm

re: #126 Charles

(No, I don't have a deal with Ubisoft.)

Apple, yah, that's it Apple!
/

re: #129 Creeping Eruption

Snappy, that.

Lets see, in blu-ray I'll be able to see the zippers on the rubber monsters in my favorite schlock-horror flicks with crystal clarity. If they ever bother to release them on blu-ray at all, that is...

re: #136 Cognito

Snappy, that.

I thought so.

re: #122 Charles

GTA IV come out next month. I don't have a deal with Rockstar.

re: #33 Cognito

I can see the logic of that, in an advertisement. But when it creeps into the actual content, it strikes me as a credibility issue.

Maybe that's an old-fashioned way of thinking.

Credibility issue? Oh, for the love of pete, it's a dvd player, not a political issue. The Amazonians aren't looking to decapitate you while chanting, "Bezos Akbar!"

re: #132 Squirrelguy

You mean I can't get the new release from Willie & Waylon?

How about "Conway Twitty Goes Disco"? I actually own that 8 track. I keep it in my safe. We only take it out when we cruise around in my pal's '72 Corvette.

re: #141 rawmuse

How about "Conway Twitty Goes Disco"? I actually own that 8 track. I keep it in my safe. We only take it out when we cruise around in my pal's '72 Corvette.

Jump in the "Way-Back" machine. :-)

re: #104 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

OldLine, my eyes started crossing at the words technical savvy. When I get my new blue ray later this year, I'll cook dinner for you and the spouse if you come hook it up. Of course we'll actually have to meet first, but the first round of margueritas is on me!

That was my post, not Oldline.

Hooking up the PS3 is easy. You plug it in, then connect one HDMI cable (not included) from the PS3 to your TV.

You're basically done.

To operate the thing you connect the controller to the system with its cable. Once the controller is charged (it has its own internal battery) you can detach it and use it as a remote control (its wireless).

If you want a standard "looking" remote instead of a video game controller, you can buy one separately for about $20 or $30, but it isn't absolutely necessary.

PS3 itself is basically a computer and it has its own internal wireless network card, so you can connect it to your home wireless computer network.

Other bit, after doing this, you might have to update the operating system (Sony upgrades it every few months). You go through the menu and click a few buttons. . .it downloads itself over your internet connection, and its pretty simple.

Im still stewing over my now worthless HD-DVD player,

F**k BD.

I friend of mine says Sony is working on BD#2, and I wonder if BD#1 players will still work, maybe every three years its new player time, I hate Sony, there IR codes suck and are the biggest pain in the ass to program into a URC remote.

Rant-off.

I think the PS3 upconverts regular DVDs already - it certainly makes mine look better.

Another aspect of the Amazon deal - if you only order 3 of the blu-ray discs at a time, you can save yourself a few bucks. Otherwise it'll just always give you the cheapest one as free. (i.e., purchase three $27 discs and get $27 off one, instead of buying 2 @ $27 and one at $19 and only getting $19 off). If you plan on snapping up a bunch, bundle the orders in such a way as to optimize the discounted amounts (i.e. all expensive ones in one order, all cheap ones in another). This works best with Amazon prime since there's free shipping on each individual order and no penalty for multiple orders rather than one big one.

re: #50 Peacekeeper

Fuck, PK. I just spat spit all over my monitor, keyboard, mouse, mouse pad and tax documents. If one line of numbers runs, I'm gonna' bounce my calculator off of your head.

re: #133 rawmuse

The last DVD player I bought was $27. What are Blu-ray players going for?

I got my Panasonic for right around $400 from Best Buy, with a combination of a 12% off Reward Zone coupon and a clerk who didn't know better than to apply it to a sale item.

re: #143 looking closely

That was my post, not Oldline.

I would've shared the leftovers with you.

;)

/she left right after that, so I did not correct her. Sorry.

re: #140 Milk Toast Intolerant

Credibility issue? Oh, for the love of pete, it's a dvd player, not a political issue. The Amazonians aren't looking to decapitate you while chanting, "Bezos Akbar!"

For what it's worth, that doesn't really matter, where I come from. If my local paper prints a news story that's really an advertisement for, say, Willy Wonka's new Chewy Gobstopper, then it changes the way I look at that paper. Even if it never, ever covers the Willy Wonka company on its business pages.

I am, apparently, the only person who feels that way, and that's fine.

But there's nothing wrong with skepticism, even toward things you enjoy.

re: #126 Charles

(No, I don't have a deal with Ubisoft.)

Ubiagra.

re: #119 Ben Hur

Israeli air strike targets Nahal Oz terrorists

Is this the Jew-ray thread?

Bravo, Omelet!

Er,....Joooo rays? Does that have somethng to do with the mystical powers of the Elders of Zion? Or...OHMIGOD!....Are we supposed to blame the Joooooos for global warming now?....skin cancer?....heatstroke?

re: #122 Charles

If you get a PS3, you have to get the Assassin's Creed game. Amazing realism.

X-Box 360, has a slightly better picture and Assassin's Creed looks great on a 52" rear-projection LCD, or a 42" Pioneer Elite Plasma and a 5.1 surround system.

re: #128 ethanxxx

SF Channel 11 nbc if you can get that is totally given over to it. They're dropping them off two by two on Van Ness a block and a half apart

re: #141 rawmuse

There was such a thing?!

Good lord, his career must have been sunk!

Sorry for the OT -

Dick Morris on Fox now saying that Bill Clinton was the one who got Mark Penn his lobbying job for Uribe in Columbia, because Bill thought Bush had no power on capitol hill anymore, and if Uribe wanted that trade agreement between Columbia and the US, he'd need democrats on his side.

This is the very bill (not Bill, hee) Hillary vehemently opposes.

Yikes - Bill has tanked his wife's chances at the big brass ring!

re: #150 Ben Hur

Ubiagra.

And, now YOU!

That's it. I'm gonna' hafta' stuff cotton in my mouth before I read here.

re: #122 Charles

If you get a PS3, you have to get the Assassin's Creed game. Amazing realism.

Your endorsement is noted ;-) I'll try that soon. . .

I've recently been playing this game "Oblivion: Elder Scrolls IV", which is a title that had earlier been released for PCs and the Xbox, and it is simply outstanding. To my knowledge its the best (or certainly one of the best) titles for the system, and it won several "best game of year" awards for 2006 when it was released.

Its basically 80s era Dungeons and Dragons only set into video game form. Unbelievable graphics in this game. . .I've literally never seen anything like it.

The game models an entire miniature world estimated at a real-life scale of 14 square miles, with its own geography, seasons, weather, flora and fauna. The 100+ internal characters are 3D and have a crude artificial intelligence.

/Oh yeah, I have no endorsement deal with Bethesda Software!

re: #154 Dianna

It is a real collector's item. I am holding off selling it until I arrive at my autumn years (read "next month").

What do you think, Christie's or Sotheby's?

If the torch comes this way, I'm taking cover under my desk.

re: #149 Cognito

OH, GO PISS UP A ROPE.

(And, yes. I get paid by the ACME rope company.)

re: #155 Intrepid

Sorry for the OT -

Dick Morris on Fox now saying that Bill Clinton was the one who got Mark Penn his lobbying job for Uribe in Columbia, because Bill thought Bush had no power on capitol hill anymore, and if Uribe wanted that trade agreement between Columbia and the US, he'd need democrats on his side.

This is the very bill (not Bill, hee) Hillary vehemently opposes.

Yikes - Bill has tanked his wife's chances at the big brass ring!

I howl with laughter!
(Especially since her opposition to the bill is stupid and vicious. No wonder FARC loves the Democrats.)

re: #130 Intrepid

The torch run has begun. Headed towards Broadway. The torch is passed.

That's why they call it 'the city that knows how'!

Not much news from Adam Goddam lately. CNN must be sorely disappointed.

re: #158 rawmuse

Not a clue.

Wait, you mean that people will pay for horror?

Southeby's, certainly; I hear that they actually can squeeze more money out of bidders.

re: #162 CatsPaw

No, this bloody city doesn't. Have you heard the latest? SF owes the Justice Department about $5.4 million.

re: #144 DownRightMeanAmerican

Im still stewing over my now worthless HD-DVD player,

F**k BD.

I friend of mine says Sony is working on BD#2, and I wonder if BD#1 players will still work, maybe every three years its new player time, I hate Sony, there IR codes suck and are the biggest pain in the ass to program into a URC remote.

Rant-off.

No, no, please keep ranting. I hate Sony as well, and will never buy anything with that name on it ever again. I have had trouble with:

Sony Trinitron color TV - sides bowed inward a year after purchase.
Sony 19" TV - After a few years it needed to be taked back to Wards for repair after repair.
Sony 13" TV - Held up slightly better than the 19", but died suddenly one day after needing repair after repair.
Sony Discman - Worked well for about 3 years then died.
Sony Discman - Replaced previous player. Died a year and a half after pruchase.
Sony Clock Radio with CD Player - Worked well for 4 years, then CD player stopped working.
We also purchased a Sony VCR once, but had to return it due to the fact that it was too complex to use.

How that's for a track record.

"Not so much a torch run as a torch walk..."

re: #149 Cognito

For what it's worth, that doesn't really matter, where I come from. If my local paper prints a news story that's really an advertisement for, say, Willy Wonka's new Chewy Gobstopper, then it changes the way I look at that paper. Even if it never, ever covers the Willy Wonka company on its business pages.

I am, apparently, the only person who feels that way, and that's fine.

But there's nothing wrong with skepticism, even toward things you enjoy.

Here you go. Try this......unbeknownst to the Lizard critics, Amazon is run by a group of super secret Zionists who made an under the table deal with Charles. He promotes their products, they increase their revenues, and in turn use that money to further their agenda of alienating Western knuckle-dragging warmongers from peaceful pacifist Muslims.

/enough skepticism without logic will get you there

re: #163 pat

Not much news from Adam Goddam lately. CNN must be sorely disappointed.

Unless they have some tarot cards and a Ouija board, I don't think anyone is going to hear from him. I think he has been sent to meet his maker.

"It Burst Into Flames! OHhhhh the Humanity!"

re: #162 CatsPaw

The torch run has begun. Headed towards Broadway. The torch is passed.

That's why they call it 'the city that knows how'!

I guess that was a decoy torch getting on that boat. Smart and sneaky, that torch. McCain (by faith) should consider Torch for a Homeland Security gig.

re: #168 Milk Toast Intolerant

Quite easy to write fiction, isn't it?

re: #165 Dianna

No, this bloody city doesn't. Have you heard the latest? SF owes the Justice Department about $5.4 million.

No doubt to pay for Tleilaxu eyes for the victims of Code Pink boob-ins.

/it burns! I am blind!

re: #149 Cognito

If you want a juicier blog scandal I noticed banner ads for the creationist movie Expelled over at Hot Air the other day. After a few hours they were taken down and haven't shown up again. Other PJM sites are running the same ad. It hasn't shown up here yet.

re: #172 Cognito

Quite easy to write fiction, isn't it?

Hey, I should ask you that question.

re: #152 DownRightMeanAmerican

X-Box 360, has a slightly better picture and Assassin's Creed looks great on a 52" rear-projection LCD, or a 42" Pioneer Elite Plasma and a 5.1 surround system.

I don't want to re-hash the PS3 vs Xbox debate again here (they are both great), but this depends on the game in question.

In the case of Oblivion, the newer version released on PS3 has had it graphics routines upgraded in the translation, and by all accounts is better looking on the PS3 with faster loading and drawing times.

But this is somewhat of an exception. Most of the games originally designed for the Xbox/Microsoft operating system aren't going to look *quite* as good ported to the PS3, though they are still quite good.

One advantage of the PS3 over the Xbox is that the faster Blu-Ray disc reader generally speeds up loading times a hair (the PS3 games are on Blu-Ray discs). Disadvantage of the PS3 is that it uses its own (non-standard) operating system, making it more difficult to design games.

re: #155 Intrepid

Sorry for the OT -

Dick Morris on Fox now saying that Bill Clinton was the one who got Mark Penn his lobbying job for Uribe in Columbia, because Bill thought Bush had no power on capitol hill anymore, and if Uribe wanted that trade agreement between Columbia and the US, he'd need democrats on his side.

This is the very bill (not Bill, hee) Hillary vehemently opposes.

Yikes - Bill has tanked his wife's chances at the big brass ring!

Doesn't Dick Morris like to wear women's shoes?

Didn't Bill get $600,000 from a Colombia to lobby for the deal?

Here's a headline you don't see every day.....
Man charged after teen bashed with hedgehog

re: #165 Dianna

No, this bloody city doesn't. Have you heard the latest? SF owes the Justice Department about $5.4 million.

Sorry, I should have said 'sarc off'!

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Here's a headline you don't see every day.....
Man charged after teen bashed with hedgehog

Ban hedgehogs!

Do it for the cheeeel-drun!

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Here's a headline you don't see every day.....
Man charged after teen bashed with hedgehog

I'll bet the hedgehog wasn't too happy with being thrown and the results of the throw either.

/Sonic is dead, man.

re: #171 Intrepid

Haha!

re: #176 looking closely

I'm a pretty unashamed gamer but I refuse to buy a gaming system. It just seems like a silly expense. The unfortunate thing is the game companies have these exclusivity deals with these gaming platforms so I have to wait up to a year for them to come out on PC.

re: #178 Killgore Trout

It was obviously an assault style hedgehog. Bayonet lug, pistol grip, flash suppressor.

re: #174 Killgore Trout

If you want a juicier blog scandal I noticed banner ads for the creationist movie Expelled over at Hot Air the other day. After a few hours they were taken down and haven't shown up again. Other PJM sites are running the same ad. It hasn't shown up here yet.

Interesting.

Just be happy it wasn't a semi-automatic badger.

/nobody needs one of those

re: #181 Honorary Yooper

It was not known whether the hedgehog was dead or alive when thrown on February 19, but it was dead when collected as evidence.

Heh.

re: #47 Ben Hur

Blue Ray it is then.

I've been waiting.

I need a player that is PAL compatible.

I think that's the term.

To play DVDs from overseas.

I have a foreign wife, in my life.

OK. That's annoying.

The Phillips manufactured DVD players are all "zone-free" (that's the term you are looking for), and can, therefore, play ANY disc from anywhere in the world.

You can find these cheap on Ebay, if you can't find one in a local store.

I don't know if the PS3 blu-ray player is zone free, though I actually DOUBT it.

re: #185 debutaunt

Interesting.

but schtupidt!

/Arte Johnson

re: #174 Killgore Trout

If you want a juicier blog scandal I noticed banner ads for the creationist movie Expelled over at Hot Air the other day. After a few hours they were taken down and haven't shown up again. Other PJM sites are running the same ad. It hasn't shown up here yet.

Why is that a "scandal?" (Serious question, because I don't really understand the protocol. I just assumed blog ads were like magazine ads, etc.)

re: #184 rawmuse

They can have my hedgehog when they pry it from my cold dead hand.

re: #177 Ben Hur

Doesn't Dick Morris like to wear women's shoes?

Didn't Bill get $600,000 from a Colombia to lobby for the deal?

Dunno if Morris likes to slip on a Jimmy Choo slingback or not, but he sure does attribute most if not all of society's ills to the Clintons, that's for sure.

Is there more than one Columbia? Well, we have one down here in my home state, and they just had their annual Mule Day festival last week. Maybe he was lobbying for the mules? They are part donkey, ya know.

re: #166 Honorary Yooper

Just last Saturday I was in Malibu programming a few URC remote’s for a client, the family room has a 50" Sony rear-projection DLP with a Sony camera card slot, I could not for the life of me get the lady of the house to understand unless she uses a Sony camera, its not going to work, because that how Sony works.

re: #190 wolfie

Well it a movie about how creationist ideas are being suppressed. I think some people would find it interesting if certain right wing blogs were refusing ads for the movie.

So Charles, how long have you been on the take from the Amazons?!

This explains your constant bashing of Hercules.

re: #190 wolfie
Addendum: The reviews so far (even from Fox) are terrible. It's shaping up to be a big flop.

re: #196 Killgore Trout

re: #190 wolfie
Addendum: The reviews so far (even from Fox) are terrible. It's shaping up to be a big flop.

Does Fox have a creationist agenda that I have somehow missed?

re: #195 Occasional Reader

So Charles, how long have you been on the take from the Amazons?!

This explains your constant bashing of Hercules.

And who has to pay the bill? We do!

re: #192 Intrepid

Is there more than one Columbia?

Yes, but there is only one Colombia.

re: #188 looking closely

The Phillips manufactured DVD players are all "zone-free" (that's the term you are looking for), and can, therefore, play ANY disc from anywhere in the world.

You can find these cheap on Ebay, if you can't find one in a local store.

I don't know if the PS3 blu-ray player is zone free, though I actually DOUBT it.

Thanks!

I'm looking for a SONY blue-ray one.

re: #194 Killgore Trout

Well it a movie about how creationist ideas are being suppressed. I think some people would find it interesting if certain right wing blogs were refusing ads for the movie.

To be honest I literally just don't know how the blog/advertising thing works. (See the twisted-knicker comments from my best friends, above.) Is it possible that there's no suppression, but rather that the production company just bought ads that didn't run very long on some sites?

re: #199 Occasional Reader

Yes, but there is only one Colombia.

Yet another careless speller pisses off Juan Valdez.

/that donkey can carry things up the mountain, too, you know

re: #199 Occasional Reader

Yes, but there is only one Colombia.

Ah, how true. Not only PIMF, but also TIMF (Thinking....)

re: #176 looking closely

If I remember correctly, most games are designed for X-Box then converted over to PS3, so the graphics are not being totally used by the games on PS3 and like you said different OS, now most companies wont write just for PS3, to costly when you can hack the 360 version over.

My mom of all people has a new PS3 and Assassin’s Creed playing on a Toshiba 65" rear-projection DLP, so its hard to compare to my 360 playing on a smaller 52" rear-projection LCD, but mine does look better, the PS3 looks more washed out.

re: #197 OldLineTexan

No but there's no denial that they are a conservative network. I would have guessed they'd be kinder. They really smashed it. Fox reviews Ben Stein's movie Expelled

Also in the interest of saving money. When you go looking for HDMI cables get them on Ebay. I paid $10.00 for 3 each 6 footers. They retail for anywhere from $45.00 to $65.00 each.

FYI: I have a Sony Blu-Ray and a Mitsubishi 65" DLP HD.

What is this Assassin's Creed? Is it too mature for The Kid?

re: #202 OldLineTexan

Yet another careless speller pisses off Juan Valdez.

/that donkey can carry things up the mountain, too, you know

So what are the Colombian Coffee Growers paying you for this stealth advertising, bucko? BUSTED! I is speaking troof to power!

re: #183 Killgore Trout

I'm a pretty unashamed gamer but I refuse to buy a gaming system. It just seems like a silly expense. The unfortunate thing is the game companies have these exclusivity deals with these gaming platforms so I have to wait up to a year for them to come out on PC.

Its a question of where you want to spend your money, really. $400 could be a lot, or a little depending on how often you use the thing, and how deep your pockets are.

I can see why, if you like playing them on PCs, that you wouldn't need a console gaming system.

The game-platforms ARE better for kids (easier to use), and can use the big TVs in your living room to get the nice big fat image and killer surround sound. I'm using the PS3 as my main entertainment DVD-player, so it works out well. The ability to play Mp3s on it, or play video clips is also a boon.

Sure, you could connect your computer to that TV and stereo, but its a bit more complicated, and you might want it in a different part of the house.

This is even funnier. They are having to continually run over and re-light the torch...it does get a bit windy here

re: #201 Cognito

The ad is still running on other PJM sites. I'm not sure if bloggers can reject specific ads.

re: #211 Killgore Trout

The ad is still running on other PJM sites. I'm not sure if bloggers can reject specific ads.

Advertisers can likely reject specific blogs, though.

re: #210 CatsPaw

This is even funnier. They are having to continually run over and re-light the torch...it does get a bit windy here

It's a regular cluster-torch-wander.

re: #205 Killgore Trout

No but there's no denial that they are a conservative network. I would have guessed they'd be kinder. They really smashed it. Fox reviews Ben Stein's movie Expelled

I wouldn't be surprised. Their movie critic on the foxnews.com* web site is not exactly a raging conservative.

*no endorsement contract

If you want a $5000/hr escort for cheap.......

re: #202 OldLineTexan

Yet another careless speller pisses off Juan Valdez.

/that donkey can carry things up the mountain, too, you know

Yikes! Must avoid pissing off Mr Valdez, as he must keep picking that glorious bean and shipping them to us! That stuff keeps our murder rate down, at least at my house. :0

re: #174 Killgore Trout

I've been happy to see Kratman's book being advertised, particularly with John Ringo's blurb about it. Of course, I like Tom and John, both.

re: #205 Killgore Trout

Even conservatives don't like bad movies, after all.

re: #214 OldLineTexan

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

re: #200 Ben Hur

I'm looking for a SONY blue-ray one.

Stay away from the low-end Sony Blu Ray players. Every review I've read of them said they had problems, and the firmware updates aren't being put out the way they should be.

After hooking up my Panasonic, it took me 5 minutes to downlaod the latest firmware update and install it, and it's never had a hitch playing anything.

re: #205 Killgore Trout

No but there's no denial that they are a conservative network. I would have guessed they'd be kinder. They really smashed it. Fox reviews Ben Stein's movie Expelled

Just because they're conservative doesn't mean they're going to give tripe a pass.

re: #209 looking closely

Yeah, it's mostly the money. Even if it was $100 I'd still balk at getting a game system.

re: #208 Occasional Reader

So what are the Colombian Coffee Growers paying you for this stealth advertising, bucko? BUSTED! I is speaking troof to power!

Who said COFFEE? Eh? Say hello to my little friend!

re: #213 debutaunt

Yeah, for some reason it kinda militates against the whole symbology of the event...

re: #179 CatsPaw

It's OK. I just saw that today, and felt a crushing weight of despair.

What time is it? Say, I think I'll look at my Tissot watch... because Tissot means accurate timekeeping! Look at that, it's 17:30. Don't you wish YOU had a Tissot watch? They're available at fine jewelers everywhere, you know.

re: #1 rabidsquirrel

I got a bluray at the same time. At amazon search for bluray players and I bet you'll find a good price. I did and got
this refurbished for $289

re: #224 CatsPaw

huh?

re: #221 Honorary Yooper

Just because they're conservative doesn't mean they're going to give tripe a pass.

I guess that's why there isn't a right wing Mikey Moore.

Is it gone yet?

re: #220 lobo91

Stay away from the low-end Sony Blu Ray players. Every review I've read of them said they had problems, and the firmware updates aren't being put out the way they should be.

After hooking up my Panasonic, it took me 5 minutes to downlaod the latest firmware update and install it, and it's never had a hitch playing anything.

THis is going to be a stupid question.

I have a 42" Sony rear projection "it's the mirrors" HDTV.

WOuldn't it be the case that a Sony DVD player would play better on a Sony TV, cause, well, they probably plugged the thing into a Sony TV when they were making it?

If that's not the case, what is the absolute BEST blue-ray machine out there?

re: #223 OldLineTexan

Who said COFFEE? Eh? Say hello to my little friend!

One of the first business meetings I went to in Colombia (Medellin), we were escorted from one meeting to another in a bulletproofed car, with two cops riding alongside on a motorcycle, one carrying an Uzi. It... gets your attention.

(Things have gotten a lot better since then)

re: #226 Occasional Reader

What time is it? Say, I think I'll look at my Tissot watch... because Tissot means accurate timekeeping! Look at that, it's 17:30. Don't you wish YOU had a Tissot watch? They're available at fine jewelers everywhere, you know.

Can you get me a nice discount?

I have a red Sony Betamax. invaluable for playing old beta format tapes.
Otherwise a great doorstop.

Rudy should have paid me for shilling for him here. It was pretty much a full time job and I didn't get anything out of it.

re: #225 Dianna

It's OK. I just saw that today, and felt a crushing weight of despair.

Hey, what's money?

blu-ray?

BLU-RAY?

*sigh*

I just got an HD Television for the first time and a 5 disc dvd player.

Don't be hopping me up on this blu-ray stuff.

(I SO don't jump on bandwagons... any time that I do, I pay dearly)

re: #176 looking closely

Oh, and a another thing, PS3 does not have IR codes that can be programmed into a URC remote, you have to purchase a separate IR module and it is limited to only a few commands, with a remote power on/off not available.

The 360, does not have those issues, I have remote power on/ off and all other fuctions in both of my URC remotes.

re: #222 Killgore Trout

Yeah, it's mostly the money. Even if it was $100 I'd still balk at getting a game system.

I'm just the opposite. We actually have all three consoles in our house (PS3, 360 and Wii), but I rarely use any of them. About the only thing I've spent any significant time playing is Burnout Paradise on the PS3. My wife collects games, though, and plays them all.

I'm still a PC gamer. Never could get used to the controls on the console games.

re: #237 LanceKates

blu-ray?

BLU-RAY?

*sigh*

I just got an HD Television for the first time and a 5 disc dvd player.

Don't be hopping me up on this blu-ray stuff.

(I SO don't jump on bandwagons... any time that I do, I pay dearly)

Shoot the DVD player.

Then get a blue-ray.

re: #235 Killgore Trout

Rudy should have paid me for shilling for him here. It was pretty much a full time job and I didn't get anything out of it.

The boss didn't offer you a cut?

re: #229 Killgore Trout

I guess that's why there isn't a right wing Mikey Moore.

There isn't a right wing mikey moore because, even though we do put things in a conservative perspective, we don't randomly make stuff up for the sake of swaying sheep.

re: #225 Dianna

The shortage of Police here is so bad, that I applied. I took the written test. I got 100 percent. I have an appointment to take the physical soon.

I am 52 years old! But I am in pretty decent condition. Plus I have all my firearm qualifications.

I am stunned, really. What the hell. I won't be bored.

re: #229 Killgore Trout

I guess that's why there isn't a right wing Mikey Moore.

Now there is an unexplored business opportunity.

Follow a CEO around and kiss his butt in a movie.
Go to foreign countries and lie that their healthcare systems all suck.
Make a documentary claiming that the USFedGov never lies about anything.

Sorry, I had to take a phone call... on my genuine Ericsson brand telephone. Ericsson! It's Swedish for "telecommunications quality".

(just funnin' ya Charles)

re: #240 Ben Hur

Shoot the DVD player.

Then get a blue-ray.

Well, it would be neat to see a 7.62x54r round go through a dvd player at 100 yards....

*ponders*

re: #239 lobo91

You should play Portals (if you haven't already). One of the few games recently that I really enjoyed. The wife might like it too. I think it was originally designed for a female audience.

re: #241 debutaunt

Not a damn thing.

re: #244 OldLineTexan

sarc?

THis is going to be a stupid question.

I have a 42" Sony rear projection "it's the mirrors" HDTV.

WOuldn't it be the case that a Sony DVD player would play better on a Sony TV, cause, well, they probably plugged the thing into a Sony TV when they were making it?

If that's not the case, what is the absolute BEST blue-ray machine out there?

re: #220 lobo91

Stay away from the low-end Sony Blu Ray players. Every review I've read of them said they had problems, and the firmware updates aren't being put out the way they should be.

After hooking up my Panasonic, it took me 5 minutes to downlaod the latest firmware update and install it, and it's never had a hitch playing anything.

Only the earliest entry-level SONY player sucked. This years two models (BDPS-350 and 550) both look excellent. The 350 ships as a 1.1 profile player but is upgradeable to profile 2.0 via a free firmware upgrade when available, and it can bitstream all advanced audio formats and internally decodes all Dolby formats. When the 550 ships (a couple months later) it will be 2.0 out of the box and will be able to bitstream and internally decode all advanced audio formats.

But if you don't go with Sony, Panasonic is the next best bet. If you want to spend more for dubious improvements, you can get Denon or Pioneer Elite. Just stay away from Samsung. They haven't ironed their blu-ray bugs out yet.

re: #236 CatsPaw

I'm still waiting for San Francisco to go into receivership. It may be the only thing that saves it.

re: #228 mikeymom

huh?

Well, the Olympics are supposed to symbolize the brotherhood of man, etc., and here we are driving down a hidden route with every policeman in the city on foot, bicycle and motorcycle pushing their way through. In the most liberal city in America...go figure.

re: #235 Killgore Trout

Rudy should have paid me for shilling for him here. It was pretty much a full time job and I didn't get anything out of it.

So, Killgore goes up to Rudy and says, "how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness."

/

re: #231 Ben Hur

No.

1080p is 1080p and 1080i is 1080i, now the quality of parts inside the machine is what makes it better, so a good rule is, the more you spend the more better the players is.

re: #249 paint-right

sarc?

I thought so, but you can never tell these days.

re: #243 rawmuse

Upgrade your body armor!

re: #248 Killgore Trout

Not a damn thing.

Heck, I thought that the investigative reporter might have been on to something.

re: #255 DownRightMeanAmerican

No.

1080p is 1080p and 1080i is 1080i, now the quality of parts inside the machine is what makes it better, so a good rule is, the more you spend the more better the players is.

Thank you!

1080p is 1080p and 1080i is 1080i

Wasn't that a poem by Kipling?

re: #200 Ben Hur

Thanks!

I'm looking for a SONY blue-ray one.

Whoa. . .we have wires crossed here.

The PS3 is a gaming system manufactured by Sony. . .its called the "Sony PS3" and the drive of this video game system happens to be a Blu-Ray player. So you can use it as an ordinary DVD player if you like (and I do, all the time), or as a Blu-Ray DVD player.

Now many (though not all) Blu-Ray MOVIE discs are zone-encoded.

[Link: www.blu-raydisc.com...]

Supposely the ones from the major American studios are NOT zone-encoded, but I would suspect that smaller European releases probably ARE. . .meaning you probably would NOT be able to play them on an ordinary machine you bought at the store. You *might* be able to buy a European-zoned blu-ray, but still use it to play unzoned American movie discs.

Next issue, I also don't know if Blu-Ray PLAYERS are "zone free", for regular DVD purposes, but again I think NOT. In other words, your typical Blu-Ray probably will NOT play "any" movie DVD from Europe or Asia.

If you *JUST* want a REGULAR DVD player that is zone-free, the Phillips ones are cheap and readily available.

If you need a zone-free Blu-Ray, I can't help you, but Google may give you an answer in a few minutes.

re: #250 Ben Hur

THis is going to be a stupid question.

I have a 42" Sony rear projection "it's the mirrors" HDTV.

WOuldn't it be the case that a Sony DVD player would play better on a Sony TV, cause, well, they probably plugged the thing into a Sony TV when they were making it?

If that's not the case, what is the absolute BEST blue-ray machine out there?

Stupid questions come from liberals. (which is why they try to push the idea that there is no such thing as a stupid question.)

Yours is just uneducated, which is not a bad thing, as we can't all be educated about everything all the time.

I can't think of a reason as to why one brand of player would 'look better' on any certain brand of television. If you're very worried about getting totally high end quality, get hdmi cables that have gold connectors.

Of course, you'll pay through the nose for them..... but if you have a uber-high end hdtv and a blu-ray disc player, you're used to that.

re: #194 Killgore Trout

Well it a movie about how creationist ideas are being suppressed. I think some people would find it interesting if certain right wing blogs were refusing ads for the movie.

Oh! I was thinking along the "conflict of intere$t" line, and that seemed to mean all ads would a problem! (Duh.)
Who knows why HotAir took the ad off? Maybe, if the movie's so bad, the company just ran out of bux!
I do find internet advertising weird, though. For example, Frontpage had ads for Muslim dating services. That strikes me as odd. Don't think it would happen w/ print media.....perhaps because you have to shell out money for print, thus discouraging all but the precise target. (?)

re: #231 Ben Hur

I have a 42" Sony rear projection "it's the mirrors" HDTV.

WOuldn't it be the case that a Sony DVD player would play better on a Sony TV, cause, well, they probably plugged the thing into a Sony TV when they were making it?

Not necessarily. Sometimes they build in features that only work if all your equipment's from the same manufacturer, such as letting you push one button on the remote to get everything turned on and switched over automatically, but I doubt that you'll see a difference in picture quality.

If that's not the case, what is the absolute BEST blue-ray machine out there?

I think the jury's still out on that one. The higher-priced Sonys are fine, from what I've seen. It's just the low-end ones that have issues.

I've heard the same about low-end Samsungs, as well.