Recent content by David WS

Paul, thanks for answering Ronneil questions. I've been MIA for a few weeks, busy at work. ;-) BTW. Comcast and Tivo have finally signed a deal. The belief is that in late 2006 Comcast will roll out software supplied by Tivo for the Moto boxes. If they get it right, it will be the best of...

I'll second Paul's statements! I switched from 6 years of DirecTV (4 with DirecTivo) to Comcast a few weeks ago. The deal breaker was when Comcast released the Motorola 6214 (Dual Tuner HD DVR). The interface is not as nice as Tivo but it does perform all the basic functions and many of the...

Thanks for the response Andrew! Since my kids have basically taken over my DirecTivo with copies of The wiggles, oobi, sesame street, power rangers and pokemon, I'll probably end up upgrading the HD reciever connected to my PJ to a HD dvr once I decide if I like the comcast HD DVR. :D I...

I just ordered a HD PVR for my "family" system (as well as a HD tuner for my theater in the basement) from Comcast. I've been using a DirecTivo for the last 4 years or so. I love it but with three HD ready systems I wanted more HD options. I have a used Samsung SIR T150 STB that works great when...

That "hold your breath" feeling you get whenever you do firmware upgrades is a strange thing. I just upgraded a Samsung SIR t150 HDTV STB last weekend. I had to make a serial (db-9) to stereo phono plug cable and run the update. Once it started, the STB emitted a very high pitched squeal. Talk...

Thanks! I hope my BS in computer science will be enough to get me through... :D

Chuck Solo I have the same Sammy and love it but have not heard about this firmware upgrade. Where can I get it? Is it via CD/DVD? thanks, Dave

I used CL3 (in wall rated) 14 gauge 4 conductor (when twisted together = 11 gauge) from here. Home Theater Direct

They have it at Home Depots up here in the northland.

The Home Depot stuff is just fine. There are some people that would suggest higher quality cables. Since you have done all the install work, leave them in. They will work just fine. Worry about something else, spend your money on something else. Just my $.02 Dave

In my city you are required to have a vapor barrier. XPS is a insulator and vapor barrier in one. Hence the need for foil tape to seal the joints between sheets. I can see the issue with mold growing inside of fiberglass insulation. The thing that I don't understand is why mold won't grow BEHIND...

I used a product from Menards call UGL (?) dry-lock. (I think that was the name) It comes in a 5 gal bucket and goes on real thick. It is designed to soak in a 1/8 inch or so and then seal up. It really did the job.

The studs are right up against the wall. The vapor barrier is between the studs and the drywall. bloack Wall -> paint/sealer - > studs -> insulation(between studs) -> vapor barrier - > drywall. I didn't leave a space between the blocks and the studs for two reasons. 1) I didn't want to...

I'd put the insulation in. I'm working on the doors and trim in my basement/theater right now. (Hung the doors last night.) I insulated the ceiling in my basement and can already hear the difference. The sounds from upstairs are MUCH quieter. I used r-13 unfaced which left a small space in the...

I used a paint/concrete sealer on my block walls first, then I framed with 2x4 studs, insulation, vaporbarrior (8 mil poly) and finally drywall. My basement is noticably more comfortable. I've read that as much as 1/5 of your heating costs can escape through cinderblock basement walls. Do what...