Hey Austin Texas Buddies? Can anyone help me out? (1 Viewer)

[Hank Frankenberg]

Meet? New projectors? Shoot-out? Cigars?

It's a damn good think I happened to take time to open this thread (haven't been on HTF for a while) and not rely on my buds to call or send an e-mail.
So, two new AE900's eh? Doc, this mibht tempt you to go over to the (semi)Dark LCD side

 

[Chad Anson]

My AE900/screen/oppo/ and mount arrived tonight. Haven't had a chance to do anything other than take everything out and screw around with the mount.

My 1.0 gain DIY screen is still up, so I'm going to try it out on that before switching to the HC Gray ~ 1.0 gain Severtson Screen.

I'm glad I ordered (and received) my HDMI cable from Blue Jeans. My Monoprice shipment of stuff (shorter HDMI cables, DVI-HDMI adapter, etc.) hasn't shipped yet.

 

[Chad Anson]

Another fun project - I'm modding my old XBOX to turn into a media server using the open-source Xbox Media Center software. Supposed to be really slick. Does everything but play high definition content. I'll keep yall posted how that goes and may have it done in time for the meet.

 

[Humphrey]

Mine showed up about 30 minutes after I posted yesterday afternoon. It's 5 AM here. I put 2 hours of prime time HDTV on it, did my midnight grocery trip (self employment does have some perks), then came back and put another 5 on it. Shows the grainyness of my SharpVision glass beaded screen to an extent but the black level are pretty dang good.

 

[Bob Yarbrough]

Hank,

It's 3 new AE900 if you count the one I will receive tomorrow. I bought it for a bedroom setup where the throw/lens shift/1.5X viewing distance makes it the best choice. I'm anxious to compare the AE900's with my Mits HC3000 that I will be bringing saturday.

Also what screen(s) will we have?

 

[James Phung]

Hmmm..... my email subscriptions haven't been working...

Chad, I recently modded my xbox and I wish I had done it sooner. I must say you guys should definitely see what can be done with XBMC because it's quite cool. I have some pics up on AVS but I'll post them here while we are at it.

I'm also interested in attending the shootout, I'd like to see the Mits hc3000.

More Info:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=635294

 

[Chad Anson]

Does anyone want my ~ 120" 16x9 1.0 gain white screen? It's matte white screen material from ebay on a DIY fixed wooden-framed screen. I also put on a pretty nice (if I do say so myself) masked border.

It'll be a bear to move, but is free to any takers. I'd rather it go to a good home than dismantle it.

 

[Humphrey]

Talked to Chad about the screen. Assuming I can get a trailer and get it out of Chad's way reliably.

 

[Jonathan DA]

Bob,

My screen is a DIY blackout cloth screen, which is basically a matte white 1.0 gain fabric. If you're interested in a high grain screen, Mark Hayenga has a high gain DaLite instatheater screen you might be able to talk him into bringing over for comparison.

 

[Mark Hayenga]

Does anybody own a SLAPPA CD case? I am thinking about getting one but apprehensive since I can't see/touch one in person. Thanks!

Oh and I can bring the screen if anyone wants. Though I don't really recommend any high-gain screens unless you have ambient light problems (which I normally do in apartments).

 

[Mark Hayenga]

Also, I am looking for a job in Austin. I have a BS in Electrical Engineering from UT Austin (3.7 GPA), love anything A/V, and have a good undergraduate work history (two co-op terms at AMD). I also have a rudimentary understanding of Japanese and am not opposed to travel.

If you have anything you think I might be interested in, let me know! Thanks!

 

[Nils Luehrmann]

Does anybody own a SLAPPA CD case? I am thinking about getting one but apprehensive since I can't see/touch one in person. Thanks!

Mark, I don't, but I did come across one of the more entertaining reviews on the web:




Live Digitally's Slappa CD/DVD Case Review

 

[James Phung]

Nils,
Thanks for the interest. I should be going to the meet tomorrow and we can talk about it then.

 

[Bob Yarbrough]

Need information:

Need directions for saturday meet. My email is DOWN so please call me at 750-2751

Bob

 

[Steve Stogel]

Speaking of helping an Austinite brother out....

I'm looking to buy a laptop for as inexpensively as possible. Looling for something in the 1.5Mhz range, 512+ RAM, Wireless internet. I was hoping one of our Dell bretheren would have some connections on some older laptops.

Is my best bet for an "older" new(ish) laptop Dell's factory outlet? Seems they have some decent deals (Inspiron 1300/B130 laptops Celeron 1.4 w/ 512 RAM and a couple of Pentium M 1.7s for about $500ish), and I'm not opposed to refurbs or previously ordered computers. They also have some Inspiron 6000s in the mid-$500s that are Pent.M 1700s w/ 512 RAM. I may lean towards the 6000s as they just look better unless someone can give me some info as to why not to go with that model.

So, anywho, if any of you Dellites can get better deals than on the Outlet page and are willing to hook a brother up, please let me know.

SS

 

[Steve Stogel]

Bumpsidaisy. I know this thread has died down a bit, but I figured it's the right spot for this post. Little help.

SS

 

[Jonathan DA]

Steve, if you haven't already purchased, here are a few tips (sorry this isn't more specific):

1. Find the notebook with the longest battery life
2. Get a gig of RAM. If the refurbs don't have it standard, get it aftermarket. RAM is more important than CPU speed.
3. Do you need a dedicated graphics card? The lower priced notebooks have integrated graphics which is battery friendly but not powerful enough to use for any kind of games or 3D apps.
4. I haven't used many of the newer Inspirons, but I use a Latitude D600 for work, and it's a workhorse, never had a problem. The Inspiron 600m is basically the same computer.

Oh, I almost forget, the best way to get a deal is surf fatwallet.com. Dell will post special coupon codes on the coupon sites that give pretty big discounts for very short periods of time. If you can get in on a deal, you'll save a bundle.

 

[James Phung]

You can also find additional coupons off of ebay, maybe spend a dollar or 2 for a $25-35 off coupon.

 

[Nils Luehrmann]

I stumbled across the following site and thought you all would get a kick out of it:

Lasik@Home

As it happens I am thinking about having laser eye correction surgery and would appreciate any insights (couldn't resist), suggestions, and recommendations.

I started a thread specifically for this topic in the general forum area so please post there if you have anything to add or just give me a call.

Considering Vision Corrective Surgery

Thanks!

 

[mike_frontier]

Hey all!!! How's things been?

Sorry I have not be active lately. I had allot of things going on lately. Helping my wife's mom with financial needs (out in mexico) had me slow down allot on spending.

But I just wanted to say I am here and planning to do some overhaul on my theater setup.

Just recently I sold my PJ. I kind of had to b/c our dining area looked messy b/c of my computer equipt.

So I relocated my PC stuff to the theater room. So now, I really don't have a 100% theater room anymore. Its basically a Media/theaterroom

I had to cut my theater room short. Basically I had to move up my theater seats foward 4 1/2 feet. So now my screen view from the new seating position is a little over 8'

My PJ ceiling mount is 13' back from the screen. so I am thinking that a PJ is not the choice.

So I got to looking and was thinking about a Samsung 50" DLP 5087W.
Since we plan to use this unit more of an all day viewing. I think this probably be the more likely choice. I am not sure if there is a PJ that can give me great picture and only sitting 8' away from the screen, or is there?

So help me fellas. What's the best choice to go with? :frowning:



Hey also anyone here ride motorcycles? I just got one and be cool to ride with other forum members

Laters