Saturday, October 04, 2008

Playing Your Most Coveted Games On An LCD Flat Screen

Gamers around the world want the best television possible in order to play their games. Think about it for a bit. Most new gaming systems such as the Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and the Playstation 3 cost well over three hundred dollars. Why would you pay that much money for a gaming system only to have to play it on a small television? Especially a small television that has a distorted picture and cloudy color. A LCD flat screen is the way to go when looking for a new television set on which to play your video games.

A huge flat screen television is a great way to enjoy the gaming experience. Most new LCD flat screen TVs offer a decided advantage when compared to older televisions. When plugging in DVD players, VCRs or gaming systems, you must have AV cords that come with the equipment. The AV cords plug into the AV inputs. Stereo televisions have three of these inputs that combine to allow the sound and picture signals to travel from the gaming device to the television. Some older models, specifically the non-stereo versions, may only have one set of ports.

New LCD flat screen TVs offer AV ports in the rear and on the sides of the screen. This allows for more electronic equipment to be run through the television. For gamers, this is absolutely essential. Game AV cables take up one set of AV ports and there are still ports available for surround sound, DVD players and another gaming system. Every gamer knows that one gaming system is never enough.

The size of the flat screen television used is entirely up to you. A larger screen does impress the friends. It is not going to impress your wallet. You are looking at paying over $4000 for a 52 inch flat screen television. Is it worth it? Should you go with the LCD flat screen over a standard big screen television? Without a doubt you should always go for the LCD over the big screen. Big screen televisions distort the picture and are not worth the price. A further disadvantage is that they take up a huge amount of floor space. If you can afford the LCD, then go for it. You will not regret the gaming experience it offers.


Saturday, September 27, 2008

Plasma TV Buying Guides - Making The Right Informed Buying Decision

Depending on the people that you talk to, there are specific aspects of plasma TV's that need to be checked out before coming to a final buying decision. One of the common mistakes that numerous potential purchasers end up making is in researching and reading through various plasma TV buying guides and then coming to a decision as to what they want. A good starting point is for you to list all the things you are looking for in your new television set and at that point you should take that information that is available in the plasma TV buying guides to locate the one that matches your list.

To start with, you are going to need to know the amount that you can afford to spend because there are numerous different types of models out there with functions that are similar that also vary in their prices. In some instances, one or two features might need to be overlooked in exchange for a better priced unit. Even then, wait to go through the plasma TV buying guides, you have other considerations to dwell on prior looking at your options.

Another important factor is the type of input that your television has as there are some plasmas that do not have the right connection for your needs. Even though a set-top box will enable you to get cable hooked up, by getting a cable ready set with your plasma TV you will save an extra monthly fee on the box from the cable company. Also take a look at the types and quantity of the inputs that are available on the different types of models that are within your price range for CD players, DVD players, games and even an old VCR if you happen to have one.

Make No Assumption That Prices Equals Quality

It is basically understood that plasma television costs are higher than the majority of other types of monitors. Even though this might be true to a certain extent, the prices have come down substantially in recent years and some now equal the costs of LCD televisions. In the majority of cases, a unit that is priced higher might have additional features, but the plasma TV buying guides can furnish you with the right information in regards to what is available with newer plasma monitors.

Does the plasma unit come with back light capability, normally found with LCD televisions or does it have the capacity to connect up to your newer surround sound system, are some of the considerations that you will want to check out in the plasma TV buying guides. In addition, are there mounting brackets for both ceiling or wall mounts incorporated or do they have to be bought as an addition separately?

Once you have gone through your plasma TV buying guides and have purchased the unit that has all the options bells and whistles etc., that you were looking for in a new television, and the cost is around your price point to your budget, you can start to look for an outlet for your new monitor.

To learn more go to Panasonic Plasma Tv and at Plasma Tv Buying Guides

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Preventing Computer Security Attacks


Coming up with online sources for her law school thesis on money laundering was a task that was made simpler for a certain student with the help of Google. As you can imagine, this was definitely a great tool to her in the process of writing her thesis. Soon, she began to have the problem of her search terms taking her to pages completely unrelated to money laundering.

Her hopes of it being an easy to repair problem with the internet or the search engine were dashed as the glitch refused to go away, and she was forced to concede that she had likely been bugged. We all hate bugging people us but people we can fend of. What this law student is confronted with is a computer bug that she cannot fend off: she had been infected with adware and spyware. The student does not have advanced technology training and like most average students, she uses her laptop only for basic research and the writing of her papers.

The case above is eerily similar to that of an increasing number of individuals who find their computers malfunctioning after being infected with spyware and adware. In 1995, 'spyware' premiered as a phrase to describe an especially nasty type of computer infection, and that term gained increased popularity in 2000. Unbeknownst to many users, these software programs and scripts that comprise this particular computer bug allow access to personal information about the computer user.

Keystrokes, browsing history, and the contents of a hard drive all provide this valuable information. With the advent of spyware, infiltration moved off the big screen of Hollywood movies and into the homes of millions of unsuspecting individuals that can be taken advantage of at any time. Infiltrations such as these are basic privacy violations and the people targeted are indeed innocent victims. Spying on criminals with spyware makes sense because it can help society for the greater good, but too often this program is used to track sensitive personal information, such as credit card information. Because of the hostile nature of these potential infiltrations, every computer should have an updated anti-spyware program.

In attempting to protect yourself, you should block not only spyware, but adware and malware, which are similar programs, as well. Online adware and spyware blocker programs are easily available to help in this endeavor. By not only eliminating the current infiltration programs on a computer system, but by preventing any future ones to be unknowingly installed, these blockers live up to their name. Both the individual programs and the computer itself can experience a drastic decline in speed after the computer has been infected with these programs.

Sadly, many times spyware is such a good 'spy' that it can evade detection as the root of the crime. The best step is always a good offense, in this case a blocker, to prevent your system from becoming infected with the malicious programs.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Sony Vaio Notebook Computer

Information On The Sony Vaio Notebook Computer

Sony has always made news when they introduce a new product. When they first came out with the Sony Vaio notebook computer they were again making headlines. This notebook computer was and still is considered the best in the notebook computer world.

Even with top of the line technology the Sony Vaio notebook computer remains easy to use and yet still powerful. One is able to perform intricate tasks as easily as they can read their e-mail.

The Sony Vaio notebook computer, with all its high quality features, is consistent with other trusted Sony products. The power and features keep it at the top of the list in notebook computers.


The Sony Vaio notebook computer has always prided itself on its features and its ability to stay up with whatever state of the art components are being offered for notebook computers. One of the things that Sony was the first company to integrate into their Sony Vaio notebook computer was wireless networking without adding an extra card or using a separate interface device. Now the wireless networking connection is standard as the rest of the field tries to keep up with Sony.

Sony was also one of the first companies to offer CD-ROM drives in their notebook computers which made transferring data from one machine to another that much easier. They continue to stay ahead of the curve with state of the art security features for their new line of notebook computers.

Customize Your notebook computer With Color

The fashion forward Sony company stays on top with custom colors for your notebook computer. The sorority girl can have her pink notebook computer, the football player can have his team's colors, and the visionary company can have their logo on the top of their notebook computer.

It is just another way that Sony makes the customer feel like they are just as much a part of the design process of their own notebook computer as the company building it is and it is something that customers have readily responded to.

With the stronger carbon fiber casing the new Sony notebook computers are able to travel to and from work or the office without a concern of damage. They can withstand and occasional bump or other contact.

Sony is always trying to stay ahead of the curve. By owning one of these great machines you will also be ahead of the rest.


Sunday, August 10, 2008

Well things are back on track

Well I think things are back on track for now. I am all healed up from my sinus surgery and been feeling pretty good. I still have a headache here and there but nothing like before. But I am back on the boat and it is time to get up some more daily post. So check back everyday as I will be pretty busy posting up news and tech stories. Tomorrow my focus will be on the technology behind this years Olympic events.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Posting will be slow here the next couple of weeks

I will not be making many post over the next couple of weeks, due to my sinus surgery. I had the Surgery yesterday Saturday May 31st. I have created a new blog to document my healing process, and to give some information to other individuals looking to have Sinus Surgery. Be sure to visit my new blog and leave me comments, especially if you have had this type of surgery.

www.postsinussurgery.blogspot.com

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Just a quick note

Just wanted to let all my readers know I have (well my son has) a new flash arcade site that is free to play and there are some great games there. He adds new games everyday so be sure to subscribe to the feed at the bottom of the page.

Play free flash games at Throttlegames.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sony HandyCam c31.23 , 31.23 error easy fix

Ok this might be old knowledge but I just found out about it and wanted to share this bit of knowledge with someone that may have had the same problem as me. Here is the scenrio, I was at my son's first Motocross race. I decided it would be cool to video tape his first race, since the way my nerves were that day it might have been his last race. Anyway I proceded to video tape his holeshot with my Sony DCR-TRV250 I have had this camera a while but really only used it a couple of times. All of a sudden I got a small arrow type icon similar to the eject icon, and the error code c31.23. What a crappy thing to have happen while it was a milestone of my sons racing career.

Well I manage to find a quick fix, the technical tap or rather smack. In my frustrations I smacked the camera pretty hard and low and behold it worked. Well it was a big pain to wack my camera all the time, so it pretty much retired to its bag. Where I did not pull it out very often except to see if it by some miracle was working normal again.

Today I decided to throw it on the charger and try to see if I could find a fix, and I found this Thread after alot of reading about how everyone wacks their handycam, I found a post from a user named Meredith. The suggestion was to open the tape deck of the camera and look to the right. Below are the steps to follow.

Open tape deck, make sure there is not a tape in it....

About midway back there is a black rubber roller in the middle of 2 metal guides.

In the center of this black roller you should see a white plastic tube, this is a bushing to allow the roller to move with out wobbling.

If you do not see this white tube yours has fallen out, so the search for a new one begins. Don't freak out a straw for a can of compressed air will work, or from a can of WD-40 will aswell. Simply push the new straw firmly into the center of the black roller.

If you see the straw take a small flat head screwdriver and press down on the top of the bushing firmly, I heard a click but you may not it just depends. Anyway this should fix the problem it did mine, and I am happy one my camera works and two I am smarter than Sony :)

Note if this does not fix the problem your bushing may be cracked find a pair of needle nose pliers and pull out the old bushing and replace it using the straw from a can of compressed air.

I hope this fixed your Sony Handycam 31.23 error code, now you are free to archive your lifes great adventures.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

My thoughts on Ubuntu 8.04

Well I installed 8.04 today, and I thought I would share some of my first impressions with you. First off my hardware, it is a out of the box Compaq Presario v6000 Running Amd Turion 64 processor with 1gb ram (yea I know I need more)

I chose to install 64bit version and since I have always had trouble with the live cd, I downloaded the alternate install disk. I am running a Windows free Laptop so I decided to just install Ubuntu on the whole disk. I popped in the install disk and let it work its magic. Installation was smooth, it took about 20 mins. First booting into Ubuntu I had to run a couple of restricted drivers one for my video card, the other for my Broadcom wireless adapter.

After a quick reboot, I have full wifi and full use of my video card. I tweaked a few settings in Compiz after installing Compizmanager ( I always wondered why that is not installed out of the box). I ran through and installed what was about 60 updates for various software etc.. Then installed my favorite apps like Thunderbird, Deluge, the new Gtwitter, and a few more.

Well everything is great, I have to say I really enjoy Ubuntu and always have. There appears to be less bugs with the display than there was in Gutsy. So I highly recommend that you download Ubuntu 8.04 and install it. Liberate your desktop, run opensource.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

PSP Custom Firmware 3.93 ** warning ** Use at your own risk

This just recently popped on the scene, by an anonomous party. It appears to be based off of Dark Alex's m33 firmware, I am basing this solely on the implementation of the recovery menu with some extras and some other cues. I have not personally tried out this release yet (no charger for my psp thanks dog), but many have and said it works, but there are some complaints of bricking so I must insist use this at your own risk.

Here is an awesome new feature
VSH Recovery

The principal innovation of this Custom Firmware is the VSH Recovery. This tool is formidable is. It enables you to launch the Recovery instantaneously, to make the changes, and to return to the VSH as if nothing were not.
  • No reboot is necessary, the changes are made "one the fly" (except for activation/deactivation of the plugin of the VSH.TXT, which requires a reboot).

  • To start the VSH Recovery since the VSH, support simply on Select. To leave it, choose exit to VSH or press on R.
You can even hide your MAC address on the system information screen.

To be able to change the MAC address, it is necessary that the plugin Sysconf is changed. For that, go in your parameters systems (for example), that will change it plug-in, and thus will allow you to activate, or not, MAC protection. If you do not do it, that will not function (but will not make plant the PSP).

Note: this warning has come from PSP-Hacks.com
!WARNING! Press “X” when the official updater finishes; if not, you will have a brick.

You can learn more here (note: Language is French)
You can get all the files over at psp-hacks.com

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Getting a Beta Test Invite

Becoming a Beta tester for video games, software and even hardware is not as difficult as you might think. There are a few things that you need to know before you will even be in the running to beta test the latest video games or software.

First you need to know what a beta is, it is really the second release of the software but it is not the official final release. This is for example a game designer creates a video game, but his first draft would be considered the Alpha release. Most developers will not release the Alpha due to the multitude of bugs. When the developer decides that his or her release is stable enough for testers, this is named Beta.

Most beta releases are either Open or Private. To join in a private beta you have to be chosen. This can be as easy as putting your name on a mailing list, or as difficult as being a major player in the gaming or software industry. But start with the easiest, put your name on the list. Go to the sign-up page of the software or gaming company and sign up. If you are wanting to be part of the more difficult version. Try to participate in forums, and other communities. This will help build your reputation as an individual who is reliable to test their software and give your trusted opinion of the game or software you are testing.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Psystar Selling Not so Mac's OpenMac

Looks like a rather creative vendor was discovered selling a desktop computer that it labeled open Mac. Though it is not an Apple endorsed machine. The site was down shortly after the discovery. Lets take a look at what you would have gotten if you purchased and Open Mac.

Psystar Corp

  • Intel 2.2 Ghz Core 2 Processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 250 GB HardDrive
  • Nvidia Gforce 8600
  • DVD +/- R
  • Copy of OS X Leopard (already installed)
All that for only $714.99 (what a deal right)

Quote from their site:
Options You can buy it in black without having to pay more. You can buy it with Firewire. You can buy it with a GeForce 8600, if you like. Psystar gives you options that Apple does not. If you want something different then let us know and we'll work it out for you.
There are some problems with this company and what they are doing. For starters it is against Apples TOS to install OS X on any hardware other than Apples. So what the company is doing is borderline illegal. They can sell you all of the hardware, and even sell you a copy of OS X, but they are not allowed to sell you all the hardware with OS X already installed. According to their site you can get it already installed.

If you are not familiar with the OSX86 Project it is where users run OS X on software that is not supported by apple, with a couple of patches and trial and error it is very possible to intall OS X on an Intel, and even some AMD based machines. Why Apple has not acted on what is obviously a cry for help from the PC community?

If apple won't offer affordable computers that users want, then we will have to find other ways to get our OS X fix.

Enjoy this little video of OS X Leopard running on a PC



Sunday, April 13, 2008

Are we ever going to see 3.95 m33?

With the release of Sony PSP firmware version 3.95 the m33 team has been absent with the a m33 version of the last update. Does this mean that Dark Alex and the team are finished? I doubt that, if you have notice that the recent updates have not been anything spectacular to warrant DA from spending his precious time working to liberate the latest release.

As I have mentioned in a previous post I believe that Sony still has a few tricks up it's sleeve for firmware version 4.00 I just hope that they do not leave us fatty owners out. Then again my dog ate my PSP charger so have not been able to charge my PSP for about a month, the battery is dead. I had better get this fixed soon before some cool new features pop up.

PS3 Firmware V 2.30

With the release of 2.30 firmware for the PS3, there are some great new features of the Playstation store. The interface has been updated and the Playstation store has been completely redone. Making the whole experience much more enjoyable with an easy to navigate user interface.
The update will also add DTS-HD master audio for Blue-ray movies, giving the already high quality movies excellent high quality audio to match.

DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless audio codec created by Digital Theater System. It was previously known as DTS++ and DTS-HD. It is an extension of DTS which, when played back on devices which do not support the Master Audio extension, degrades to a 1.5 Mbit/s "core" track which is lossy. DTS-HD Master Audio is an optional audio format for both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.

So it looks like the Sony is starting to do things right and literally making the ultimate console. Giving users the best gaming, video and now excellent studio quality audio.

For the complete walk thru check out the video below.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

What in the World Is Webkinz?

Ok call me slow or just not checking up on this phenomenon, well my child has discovered Webkinz. So I started on my research I was amazed at how popular these little toys are. If you are not familiar with what Webkinz are. They are simply a stuffed animal that has a special tag that you use to register your Webkin online. The kid or playful adult can adopt their Webkin online and play with their new friend in the virtual world. You child can play games, listen to songs and much more.

I have to say that this is a wonderful idea, kids and even many adults love Webkinz. It is a simple and entertaining way to keep your child occupied, and the site is simple for your young child to navigate. You child can earn Kinzcash that is used to build your Webkin a home, purchase clothing and food. If you have a small child in the age range of say 3-5 they are sure to enjoy one of these toys.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

End of the week update.

This post is going to be on a bit more of a personal note. I am again contemplating a move to Florida. Just time for a change in my life and to live as much as I can. You never know when it will be your last day to live. I have a lot of projects going on that will probably have to be put on hold for a bit. Not to mention I have a strange spot on my head that my wife thinks is Melanoma, but I have tried to tell here it is nothing. Still she is making me go get it checked. I guess better safe than sorry.

On a better note I am going to get back on the news posting kick again this week coming up. I will be doing a new post everyday. So be sure to check back often, or better yet subscribe to my feed so you won't be left out of the loop.

Until then good day.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Welcome The OpenSocial Foundation


Looks like there's a trouble stirring for Microsoft, with the creation of OpenSocial Foundation. Yahoo, Google and even Myspace have banned together to create The OpenSocial Foundation. Created to promote opensource programs that will work accross many websites. Giving the users an experience that is seamless and non-cumbersome. The Non-Profit is scheduled to ofically start within 90 Days.

You can read the whole story here

Sunday, March 23, 2008

T-mobile SDA running Windows Mobile 6.1

Here is a video I made of my T-Mobile running Windows Mobile 6.1 the video is also posted on my other site http://www.geekvideo.org where I will be posting a new video Tuesday showing step by step how I installed WM6.1, this process will work for any HTC Tornado Devices. So be sure to hop over to the site and check it out I will post up here when I get it finished.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Should Dark Alex make a psp 3.93 custom firmware?

I know this is an upgrade many custom PSP owners are waiting for, but do you need it? I myself am not real excited for a 3.93 m33 version. I will probably skip this upgrade, and wait for a more significant update with some use full features. Like my previous post I don't really use the PSP radio, and well I sure as the hell don't want the security update.

Personally I am still pissed that they left us fatty owners out of the mix on the Skype deal but I guess I have complained enough about that. I am in the market though for another GPS unit for the PSP I had one a while back and really did not use it all that much, but I have decided to get another.

Well enough of my ramblings for today. I will be posting on a more regular basis so besure to subscribe or check back often.

Mesothelioma

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Sony PSP Firmware 3.93 released *Please read before upgrading*

There is an offical Sony Firmware release today.

Firmware version 3.93

There are not many changes to mention, but if you are a fan of PSP internet radio you will be happy to hear 20 new channels have been added. Also the players are arranged in a more specific genre making it easier to find you favorite station. Also some upgrades and improvements on expanding support for the Playstation network titles.

Now I do not see much reason in updating unless you just can't live with out the 20 extra stations. I personally have not used PSP internet radio that much so it is not going to help me much. Be aware that if you are running a custom firmware like m33 firmwares this will break your psp's ability to play homebrew software and games.

I hope that Sony has some big plans for version 4.0 and that they do not leave us fatty owners out of the mix like they have with skype for the slim versions. Sony listen up if you want more users, buyers, money etc.. Just give us what we want, and don't leave us early adopters out of the mix. It just manages to piss us off.

Download the official update here.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

PSP Firmware 3.90

Well we now have a new firmware from Sony for our beloved PSP. There is nothing real exciting in this update atleast for us fatty users, but the slim owners get a small treat. You get Skype, thats right you get Skype on your PSP. Why Sony has left us fatty owners out in the cold with this feature. We won't be left in the dark though, as one of my earlier post eludes there is a PSP Sip client called Furikup. You can learn more about that below. Other than some worthless security fixes that is all there is in this update. I am anxiously waiting for 4.0 I am sure there will be some cool new features atleast for PSP Slim owners. Damn you Sony I will not give you anymore of my cash to buy a new PSP Slim so just release these goodies for both versions.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Fix Windows Errors and Speed up your Computer

I have been using vista for about a year now, and I have noticed like all Windows operating systems that my performance has decreased and really really slowed down. Due to regular use Vista, and XP gets errors which really makes the computer run slow and even crash often. I went on a searching mission to find a software that will fix these errors and increase my ccmputers speed. Well I found it, the software is from a company called ErrorSmart the software worked great. It was easy to install and get running, the scanning process was fast and simple. You would not believe the errors that came up after the scan. Not to mention you do not have to be a computer genius to fix the errors ErrorSmart does all the work for you. So I thought I would share this bit of information with you.

So if you are having some performance issues with your computer and need a fix up and do not want to loose all your valuable information by doing a complete reinstall. Then ErrorSmart is the software for you.

Monday, January 07, 2008

PSP Voip Phone Sip

It is finally here, Noobz has released in beta a voip software for the PSP. Looks like sony has been beatin to the puch by the PSP community (Again)

It is in Beta so it is still a bit buggy, but has been confirmed to work though I could not get mine working as of this writing. The UI is a bit basic but functional. They have released the source so I am sure over the next couple of days we will see a new easier to use UI. I have been asking, begging, searching for almost 2 years for the ability to make phone calls from my PSP. Now it is a reality. I can see a shortage on PSP Socom Headsets...

I will post up some more updates as they come available. As well as a full tutorial that will explain how to set this up and make calls from your PSP.

In the mean time you can download FuriKup Here
Visit the Noobz Forum and join the fun.