posted on August 29, 2008 06:18:25 PM new
I just got my new laptop delivered by DHL,i heard the doorbell ,then a load noise ,i thought surely they did not drop my new computer.Oh yes ,before i could get the door open she is back in her truck .Well the laptop works but no thanks to DHL ,i hear they are loosing there ground contracts .i knew they were a 3rd rate carrier 2 years ago .....can not wait to see them go out of business.
Dell saved at least 1.00 by having my china made computer delivered by dhl.
not to mention the great asian customer service,
what happened to (born in the usa)
posted on August 29, 2008 07:29:42 PM new
If you think you have problems?
I just got my Sony flat panel tv ,Sony offers free shipping and $129 if I want installation.
The driver who works for the company I have never heard of said he is too old to read the maps so it took him a long time to find my place despite calling me several times for instruction .
He is strong enough to carry a 40 inches TV into my house with no problem.
But I am glad I did not pay for installation as I doubt he wants to go through what I went through-
I have dishnetwork and this would be the second tv set in my den,the Dishnetwork receiver box is hooked up to the main TV(a RCA) in another room.
I called Sony and they dont know how satellite works and how to download the channels etc.
I called Dishnetwork and they said set it to channel 60 or 73 first but the Sony does not go up so high in number.
Sony thought satellite channels are analog channels so they want me to download analog channels but the pictures are terrible.
Then they suggested I played around with the dishnetwork receiver box and the cables behind it,switching it back and forth.
So I ran back and forth from one room to another and without a cell phone or a cord phone ,I have to drop the phone and go to the TV set to do as they asked me to do/
I spent the whole evening switching from talking to SONY to Dishnetwork,running from room to room,RCA to Sony,and 3 receivers and 2 sets of operation manuals.
Finally it is the Dishnetwork guy who solved the problem for me.
Tomorrow there would be a new monkey in the wrench-the sony dvd/vcr player with its own remote would be connected to the Sony.
wish me luck.
BTW,for all you digital and flat panel fans out there,since I dont subscribe to high definition programming,the pictures actually look worse.
I miss my Toshiba combo!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
Using a high definition set with analog standard definition signals is a bit like buying a Nikon D3 camera ($5000) and using cheap plastic lenses with it. The end result will look worse than if you had stuck with cheapo throughout; the new TV/camera will resolve every bit of noise/distortion rather than leaving it vague.
You should have one HDMI cable from your receiver and one HDMI cable from your DVD player (unless it's old). Couldn't be easier if you're using equipment from the past 3-4 years.
BTW, any of the Sony TV remotes I've received in the past few years manage their TVs and any Sony DVD, VCR, etc. all in one remote. It can usually be trained to handle receivers, non-Sony DVDs, etc. also.
[ edited by cashinyourcloset on Aug 30, 2008 06:16 AM ]
posted on August 30, 2008 07:05:12 AM new
cash,you said-
You should have one HDMI cable from your receiver ......
/////////////////////////////////////
I think we have to subscribe to high definition programming with Dishnetwork which I do not have,I will call today,I think it costs 20 dollars more?
It is my own fault / sheer ignorance to buy this Sony without subscribing to High definition programming.But now question for you-
my other TV set is a plain old tube RCA which works fine with regular Dishnetwork programming,what happens if I upgrade to high definition ,it would affect both TV sets?
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on August 30, 2008 08:43:47 AM new
I'm not specifically aware of what Dishnetwork does, but I know that with both cable and later Verizon, their set-top-boxes (STB) could output in a format compatible with both high definition (HD) sets and standard definition (SD). You should double-check on how many HDMI inputs you have on your TV, but I don't know of any recent Sonys that have less than 2 or 3. HDMI will carry both audio and video in one convenient cable.
Obviously, it won't turn your SD set into a HD, but IMHO, the picture will still look better. Typically you have to tell the STB what to do with the wide format of HD when showing it on the more squarish SD TV, and you typically get 3 options: 1) you want your picture to be letterboxed (i.e., the bottom and top will be black) to account for the different screen shapes, 2) you want it panned (i.e., it selects the center of the wider scene and makes it cover the SD screen, or 3) you want it zoomed (this can be done by squishing everything so that people are short and fat, or more intelligently, the center of the screen is normal and the edges are hyper zoomed). I think either 1 or 2 are sensible options, in large part depending on how large the screen is and the value of the composition to you. For most TV fare, the director keeps "important" information out of the horizontal edges, and just seeing the center is fine (option 2). For films, especially where composition is important, I would go for option 1. Option 3 is, IMHO, unwatchable, but it might just be a personal quirk of mine. There is discussion of this on avsforum.com, but their site is doing weekly maintenance right now, so I can't point you to an easy description of it (if I remember, I'll get back to you). Try going to http://www.cnet.com/1990-7874_1-5140690-3.html for a description with pictures that show the options.
Having decided that, you should have all of the channels, including HD ones, available to you on both TVs. They will of course look better on the HD set, but the SD set will probably look better than it ever has (unless you go for option 3 above ).
One other thing: DO NOT pay a lot for an HDMI cable at Best Buy or the equivalent. They charge unconscionable amounts for those cables. I'm someone who has happily paid hundreds of dollars for some analog audio cables, especially speaker cable. They make a difference. HDMI cables, as long as they are reasonably well made, are perfectly fine even when "cheaper." Buy them online. See http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/deals/hdmi-cable-price-gouging-180281.php
BTW, a price difference of $20 for HD is one of the true bargains available in 2008. I would go for it and never look back.
If you've never used a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), I would seriously consider choosing that option rather than a regular STB. We've used one for well over a decade (before they became available from your service provider), and they fundamentally change your relationship with TV. You no longer have to be present in front of your TV when your shows are on. You create virtual channels to record the shows you're interested in, and watch them whenever YOU'RE ready. I don't even know what day of week or time my shows air; it doesn't matter. Additionally, you can skip commercials (at least on my DVR) with a 30-second skip, which on a typical network show will recover around 20 minutes per hour. I can't watch "live" TV any more, the commercials make me insane. Even if I want to watch something that's on now (e.g., sports), I start watching the show 20 minutes in, and am caught up by the end after skipping commercials.
posted on August 30, 2008 02:52:05 PM new
I went to Dishnetwork website and they are offering 100 channels under High Definition turbo for 32.99,throw in 5 dollars more and you get local channels as well,which is what I am paying now without high definition.
Sounds too good to be true,so may be I have to pay rental on the receiver box?
HDMI cable for my dvd/vcr player,is that the so called ' component video cord ' with three prongs in colors of blue,red and green??
If so,then Sony sells it for 24.95,as for HDMI CABLE FOR my tv set,I think once I subscribe to Dishnetwork HD programming,it will furnish those cables.
I will let you know how it turns out.
I dont record any Tv show,too much to learn!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on August 30, 2008 03:24:39 PM new
No, the 3-colored wires are called "component cables." They are analog, and are probably correct if your DVD/VCR is Standard Definition. Your TV should have at least one input for it. You will additionally require some kind of cabling for the audio portion; most likely a red&white cable for stereo audio (it doesn't matter, but to connect them correctly I usually do Red for Right, White for Wleft(!)).
The HDMI cable will look a bit like a USB cable (for lack of something common to compare it against). IT WILL NOT have RCA jacks at the end (as on the component cables, audio cables, and old-fashioned stereo cables).
You will probably be paying $5-$10/month for the STB, but see if they'll give you a free year rental for upgrading.
Regarding the recording of shows on DVRs, it is actually very easy. My kids have been doing it since they were 4, and my step-mother (who is 82) does it also. It's not complicated like VCR recordings. You search for the show you want (via a relatively intuitive menu), click on the show, indicate whether you want only new or also reruns, how many maximum to save (i.e., to avoid running out of space) and you're done. When you want to watch something, you go to "Recorded Shows" and select what you want to watch. You can pause, fast forward, rewind, etc., and it will remember where you were if you decide to watch something else. Once you're done with a show, you delete it (or have it deleted automatically to make room for other shows). Its complexity falls closer to a toaster than a VCR (actually, I never get my toast to come out right, but that's another thread (Eddie Izzard?)).
posted on August 31, 2008 06:22:42 AM new
I called Dish Network - for current subscribers,there is an upgrade fee of $150 to switch from standard to high definition programming,while for new subscriber,it is not only free,but you get 50 dollars for a 24 months commitment.
Monthly subscription for high definition is 10 dollars more than standard.
So that takes care of the TV channels,as for the dvd/vcr player,I called SONY technical support and they suggested sharpening the image which helps but still not great.
So it looks like I will be getting a blue ray player someday when prices come down.
I wish I have never heard of all that craps about high definition,all I want is a second TV to watch some DVD/VCR movies and exercise and play couch potato flipping channels on weekend and evenings,now I am suck into spending more and more money and looking like a fool with all those remotes and wires .
Like I told the BestBuy salesman,I am the kind of person who drink $7 supermarket wine and eat processed cheese,I would be very happy with my 27 inches Toshiba combo if it has not blown its fuse and my refurbished 27 inches RCA TV,the colors look fine to me and it is so easy to operate.
Oh well,may be it will pay off someday!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on August 31, 2008 07:18:49 AM new
we upgraded our TV to a LCD 52" Sharp Aquos and DH decided he HAD to have HD programming. IMHO it's not worth it. He swears it is but I don't see that much of a difference.
Before we got the HD box from Knology I had the greatest on screen closed captioning I'd ever seen with the Sharp. Once you have an HD box you no longer get to use the TV closed captioning - your stuck with the converter box closed captioning. And if you use HDMI cables you don't get any closed captioning.
I can't get the website to come up right now but Monoprice has the best prices for cables etc. for stuff. Better than eBay even.
If you're really happy with $7 wine and processed cheese, there is no law that you MUST upgrade to HD. I think that it's worth it to do so, but then again, I'm not paying for it.
The remotes problem is, IMHO, a non-problem if you stick with Sony products... in my experience any of their remotes handles all of their equipment.
If you don't want a BluRay player, there are SD DVD players that upconvert to 720p/1080i (HD). For the benefits of this, read http://www.oppodigital.com/Getting-Most-out-of-DVD-on-HDTV-Display.html. DVD/VCR combo refurbs can be had for ~$150, new for ~$250. If you're ready to give up the VCR, prices are a lot lower.
posted on August 31, 2008 08:58:21 AM new
interesting article,I did see some upconvert DVD players at Bestbuy and some blue ray !
My Sony LCD digital tv,the so called Bravia line is full HD 1080 with 1920x1080 pixels and right now it looks horrible without HD programming,in fact SONY said in its set up instructions one must get HD programming to see an HD picture,so I really dont have much of a choice.
Dish Network will give me two receiver boxes,one for standard and one for HD.
of course it would be nice if my Toshiba comes back alive ,then I will watch movies on the Toshiba,I can stack the Sony on top of the Toshiba to save room.
Or I can get to the back of my RCA and hook up the DVD player but it is in a different room,OR I can simplify my life and sell my house and move into one large room warehouse style!
I wish I have never heard of this SONY Style crap and get a reguLAR TV set !
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on August 31, 2008 01:45:47 PM new
You pretty much CAN'T get a "regular" TV any more. After Feb 2009, they'll be one step removed from boat anchors.
posted on August 31, 2008 02:48:33 PM new
GREAT,those of us who have cable or satelite can feast on cheap and good old style TV until the price of LCD tv,blue rays and fancy cables come down in price!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on August 31, 2008 05:54:31 PM new
Glassgrl,
Those Oppo players are pretty good, aren't they? I have a BluRay player also, and obviously the Oppo isn't like "real" HD, but it sure makes regular DVDs look better than you thought possible.
posted on September 3, 2008 09:22:56 AM new
updates on my Dishnetwork/HD programming saga for those of you who may subscribe to HD programming in the future-
Dishnetwork contracted with some local dudes to install HD programming.
Well,it turns out the work order said I should keep my old standard receiver on the standard Tv set and the new HD receiver will go on my HD Tv set,and it will be $5 more per month .
We both called Dishnetwork and the rep changed the order to a dual processor so I wont be charged $5 extra a month,so the 2 workers would have to come back next day.
Then I called again and talk to India and this time an Indian rep said my monthly bill would be 20 dollars more for having a DVR and protection plan.
I started screaming at him and told him I dont have this on my old plan so why should I have them on the new plan,they have no right to pile more charges on me without my permission?
So the Indian removed both charges and said my appt will be tomorrow.
Call me Ms Suspicious,I called again and probably talk to someone in Philipines or Bongoland,it turns out that they cannot remove the protection plan without cancelling my appt for tomorrow.
Ms Bongoland suggested I called back to remove the plan after installation tomorrow,this is the only way she knows best to keep my appt and remove the extra charge.
SO stay tuned,who knows what will happen tomorrow?
Thanks God,the two local guys are used to abuse,they have better disposition than I do,they just left!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on September 3, 2008 09:42:56 AM new
agmay - My Dell laptop is scheduled for delivery tomorrow via DHL. Think I'll wait downstairs all day for it. When I hear the truck I'll run out and grab it before he has a chance to toss it onto the porch!
Cheryl
Whitman said she and McCain share a philosophy of scaling back the role of government. a point of view partly shaped by her EBay experience. "The EBay model is very Republican in its essence -- it's about making a small number of rules and getting out of the way while not overtaxing the community," she said.
posted on September 3, 2008 10:08:18 AM new
"The EBay model is very Republican in its essence -- it's about making a small number of rules and getting out of the way while not overtaxing the community," she said.
what what what?
In court with Tiffany,the Ebay spokesman said Ebay has 13,000 rules!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on September 3, 2008 11:57:11 AM new
hwahwwa - I said the same thing. . .WHAT?????
Cheryl
Whitman said she and McCain share a philosophy of scaling back the role of government. a point of view partly shaped by her EBay experience. "The EBay model is very Republican in its essence -- it's about making a small number of rules and getting out of the way while not overtaxing the community," she said.
posted on September 3, 2008 04:08:14 PM new
Cheryl,
Whitman cant be serious about Ebay with few rules?
You know they recently lost to Tiffany in court for allowing sellers to sell Tiffany knockoffs,Ebay defended itself by saying Ebay has 13,000 rules!
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY with 13,000 rules.
posted on September 3, 2008 04:52:33 PM new
The fastest way to get anything done with Dish Network or Direct TV is call to cancel. My sister did that after multiple appointments in which no one showed up, bad equipment, run arounds.
They credited her for 2 months service and sent a technician on a Sunday afternoon.
Personally everything I want to see is on a local station or available on my computer. Some stuff I purchase and download on i-tunes.
Real fun was watching 7 episodes of Project Runway on youtube on my laptop in bed.
Beth
).