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  1. MarkDesMarais

    I want a glass box for my PJ, anyone know where to turn?

    For that matter, building a glass aquarium type box is very well understood- take a look at an aquarium site (or BOOK ;-). Basically, you get a glass shop to cut the glass to your specs, tape the panels in position, run a bead of silicone down the joints, and wait a bit. Peel off the tape...
  2. MarkDesMarais

    HDMI connector

    Ok, I'm embarassed- thats what I get for trying to read too quickly. ;-) I did look at the HDMI spec- mostly to see how they were transmitting all the "other" stuff. Good use of porch times. Not really related to video quality or data rates. What is the pixel rate for 1080p? Isn't 4:4:4...
  3. MarkDesMarais

    HDMI connector

    Interesting. . . check this out on their website- http://www.siliconimage.com/products...p#transmitters Looks like HDMI is limited to a much lower BW than DVI. . . look at the SiI 9190, which is the HDMI transmitter- max of 85MHz pixel rate, vs 165MHz for the other transmitters. They could...
  4. MarkDesMarais

    HDMI connector

    Richard- This is interesting- where does this come from? The HDMI standard is using the identical TMDS transport medium as DVI. (Same chips from Silicon Image) I don't see how it could work any differently. . . can you provide a reference? Thanks Markd
  5. MarkDesMarais

    sheilding wirers from interferance?

    Keep in mind that speaker runs are large swing- they won't pick up interference the way small swing lines (like video or line level audio) will. Or, to be more precise, they will pick up the interference, but it is such a small percentage of the overall signal that you won't hear it. That...
  6. MarkDesMarais

    Cable hdtv vs satellite?

    I've read that Direct TV is compressing their HD channels more than Dish (or cable or OTA) due to transponder limitations (ie, they have too many channels). Markd
  7. MarkDesMarais

    Opinions on espeakers PHL kit and fishies

    Well, I dunno about the speakers, but if you aren't sure how often a tank needs to be cleaned, I'd say this may not be the best place for you to start an aquarium habit. ;-) Small tanks (less than 5 gallons) generally are harder to keep than large tanks- less stable. (I'm guessing that the...
  8. MarkDesMarais

    DVI retro-fit feasible?

    I AM an electronics expert. ;-) I used to design LCD monitors, and I've used DVI. PC- You are not going to be able to capture HD video from your STB, DVI or component. The data rates are just too high. DVI is not bi-directional- those two ports on the video card are OUTPUTS. Projector-...
  9. MarkDesMarais

    DIY Woodworking: Source for Odd Hardware?

    I like these guys- they have a ton of stuff, and very good technical support people too. http://www.wwhardware.com/ Markd
  10. MarkDesMarais

    finishing the wood...

    Bummer. Maybe bring a drawing? Or see if there is a more sales-minded guy. Good luck Markd
  11. MarkDesMarais

    MDF Sawdust and Shopvac filter

    A cheap way to reduce the cleaning chore on a paper cartridge filter is to stretch a chunk of nylons (the kind women throw away regularly ;-) over the filter. Then you can just peel it off and much of the dust comes off with it. Dunno how much MDF dust it would stop though. Markd
  12. MarkDesMarais

    finishing the wood...

    Dave- are you located somewhere really remote? Otherwise, I'm sure your local cabinet shop could handle a job like this. . . by the time you factor in shipping, probably a cheaper option too.. (not less than Chris' HD option above though. ;-) Markd
  13. MarkDesMarais

    finishing the wood...

    I suppose you could attach with silicone. . .the usual way to attach wide table tops would be with a mechanical joint- ie a screw. ;-) If you have access from the bottom of the piece, you make a slotted hole so the screw can move, or you can use whats called a button- basically a little cleat...
  14. MarkDesMarais

    A few Samsung DLP questions

    No problem- thats why I said it (too much misinformation). I'm not sure of the RPM off the top of my head, I just know that the engines are the same. There are some new threads on AVSforum with better tweak info for the HLN. There are also some early reports from upgraders, a couple negative...
  15. MarkDesMarais

    A few Samsung DLP questions

    HLN does NOT have a faster color wheel- the optical engines are identical. Electronics-wise, the HLNs have DNIE, and a newer Faroudja chip. I have yet to see a good comparison as to whether this is a good or bad thing- reportedly OOTB experience is better with HLN, but noboday has managed to...
  16. MarkDesMarais

    Samsung DLP

    No damage can be done (burnin, etc) with the user settings of the DLPs. There is some debate as to whether or not any damage can be done even from the service menu- I tend to think not. Nobody (who is sharing) has really cracked into the HLN service menu. You can get a phone calibration from...
  17. MarkDesMarais

    Samsung DLP TV problems?

    1) Glare- I've never owned an RPTV before, but I find the anti-glare on my 507 to be very good- better than the old 27 tube we had. 2)Blacks- I have an HLM507, the earlier model. The tweakers quickly figured out how to turn off the black expansion circuits, which greatly improved the black...
  18. MarkDesMarais

    Samsung HLN617W vs Sony 61" LCD?

    The new Samsung DLP RPTV bulbs are rated at 8000 hrs, and current replacement costs are about $260. The 61 does use the bigger (120W?) bulb, so it might be a little more. I have a 507, and I love it. Markd
  19. MarkDesMarais

    Samsung 507W - DLP Television

    http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=132125
  20. MarkDesMarais

    Pictures of the newest DIY speaker project (Usher 2-ways)

    Yup- I've seen that a lot of people veneer after the box is built. Just speaking from my experience. Your pre-laminated MDF is how I'd feel best doing it. On furniture, I usually make up all the panels oversize, then cut and make joints. Never built speakers though- I get the feeling that some...
  21. MarkDesMarais

    Pictures of the newest DIY speaker project (Usher 2-ways)

    Putting a finish on will slow the transfer of moisture in and out, but won't block it. Key is to finish all sides- especially large flat one in opposition. Otherwise you invite even cupping and warping instead of just overall expansion. Most veneer furniture is veneered on both sides of large...
  22. MarkDesMarais

    Pictures of the newest DIY speaker project (Usher 2-ways)

    I hope he didn't glue to the bed liner! ;-) Raw MDF in a flexy won't cause a problem for two reasons- 1) All MDF- all expands/contracts at the same rate. 2) Compliant joints- unless the holes are drilled REALLY close, you have some slop. Here is a basic article-...
  23. MarkDesMarais

    Pictures of the newest DIY speaker project (Usher 2-ways)

    Be a careful gluing wide expanses of solid woods to engineered substrates. The solid wood will move as the humidity changes, sometimes quite a lot (varys by species as well as cut), while the MDF or plywood or chipboard will move at a different rate (usually much lower). For instance in a...
  24. MarkDesMarais

    Turning a television on its side

    That wasn't really what I meant- if you are looking for a new TV, it makes sense to take burnin into consideration. I held onto a 27" direct view for 3 years saving my pennies so I could get something without burnin worries. I don't think thats elitist- just realistic. I don't have a dedicated...
  25. MarkDesMarais

    Turning a television on its side

    Or get a DLP and don't worry about it at all.
  26. MarkDesMarais

    DLP, what is everyone's opinion?

    Like any technology, there are plusses and minuses. I have a Samsung 507 (about two months old now). + Super sharp Bright Decent colors NO BURNIN (can watch in OAR no matter what it is) Works great as a PC monitor Light Great form factor for small room - Yes, rainbows do exist, at...
  27. MarkDesMarais

    replace bulbs for dlp rptvs?

    Current quote for that Samsung bulb is around $250. Limited availability is probably keeping it there. Seems like most people expect it to drop to the $200 range once the pipeline is set up. Markd
  28. MarkDesMarais

    Advice sought ... thinking about drilling two small holes in my VCR

    Sounds like you are on your way! I don't know how big you wanted to make it, but what I was visualizing was more like a plate that would go under at least two of the vcrs feet- maybe even all four, before running up the side. Might be overkill, but it would sure be stable! Markd
  29. MarkDesMarais

    Advice sought ... thinking about drilling two small holes in my VCR

    How about an L bracket where the VCR sits on the long leg, with the short leg sticking up where you want to mount your switch?
  30. MarkDesMarais

    New Samsung 43 or 50" DLP rear projector in stores NOW!!

    I've been following the discussions on this set over on AVSforums, and I haven't heard any mention of this problem. . . maybe a defective unit?? Markd
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