The Movies! The Music! has opened

As some of you may have read (in a previous post) I'm in a performance with the Phoenix Ensemble at the moment. Vanessa has been along and reviewed the show which you can read here.

There are only 2 weeks of the show left running so it's almost your last chance to see me as:

• A Ghostbuster
• Rocky
• A Cowboy
• A Matador

Plus various other things.... I might even post up some photos shortly.

DVD Audit Chaos

Well after finally getting my full audit done I went to log into on Monday DVD Tracker only to find the site down. To my horror it's still down today!

Obviously I hadn't decided to export my newly created list to keep a backup...

Hopefully it's just down for some maintenance.

Mario gets a home away from home

Nintendo has joined with Namco to release an Arcade version of Mario Kart. Mario Kart: Arcade GP has been shown off at the Amusement Operators' Union (AOU) show, taking place February 18 and 19 in Japan. Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto released a video message on the game "The Mario Kart series has been enjoyed by a much wider age range than we had originally anticipated," Miyamoto said in the address. "It's a racing game, but it plays a lot like a party game... I was worried about how Mario Kart: Arcade GP would turn out [since it's based on a home console game], but it's very well balanced for the arcades."

Miyamoto addressed some of the ways in which Mario Kart was adapted for arcade gameplay. "Players take their time [and play over and over] when they're enjoying Mario Kart at home, but it's different for arcade games, and it's not ideal for anyone to be seriously lagging behind. The Mario Kart series features an item system so that players can catch up by using them when they're trailing behind, but with the new rubber-band system that Namco implemented [in Mario Kart Arcade GP], the races become a really close-pitched match,"

The game also gets a special guest from Namco. Pac-Man has been included as a driver on the game. This is probably as a result of Miyamoto recent work on a Pacman game for Nintendo and his revelation that he was a big fan of the original game.

Foxtel gets some iQ

Yesterday was the big release day for Foxtel's PDR (see PDR for Foxtel to be released ) nick named Foxtel iQ.

It was revealed yesterday that the Foxtel iQ set-top box controls a normal TV like a DVD player -- but with more applications. The PDR allows viewers to pause and replay live TV from any station. Using Foxtel Digital's on-screen seven-day program guide, it can record up to 60 hours of shows on a hard drive with just one button press a show.
The system contains a 160Gb harddisk for storing all your program information. Still not an archival system with the number of channels available on Fox. Standard PVRs for digital network can be filled up in a matter of weeks just with 4 channels.

The system isn't all that cheap though there is a $395 installation fee and $5.95 monthly charge on top of your existing Foxtel Digital packages.

Smarthouse have a review here

KISS doesn't stand for keep it simple when you're looking at DVDs

To keep me entertained on my trip to Sydney I picked up a copy of Smarthouse magazine. (It's basically a cheap Austalian knock off of WhatHifi) It's often disappointing but at 4:30am at an airport your options are limited. It was useful however for bringing a new DVD player to my attention.

The KiSS DP-558

This DVD player is as close to an all in one solution as you'll get at the moment. As well as being DVD Player capable of playing DivX, it incorporates an 80GB HD recorder and Ethernet connection for Online Program Guide, Online Web Radio and FTP access to your recorded programs.

Digital Video Recorder from the next generation, the DP-558 proves to be
more than what is first expected from such a product. What if you could watch
live television, then pause it for a while and start it again when you are ready
to watch more. What if you could browse through an electronic program guide,
find the desired program, press Record and the schedule for the next recording
would be set. What now if you could have online services directly available from
your television screen, be able to see the weather forecast or just play games.

The specifications are nothing less than impressive.

There is no information around if the Web Guides etc are available for Austalian content and at $1499 it something you might want to find out before you take it home.

Everyone Loves Fantales.

But who knew just how informational they were:-

In the Lord of the Rings:Fellowship of the Ring when Frodo and Sam are in the field with the scarecrow, a car in the distance moves from right to left.

In Gladiator when Macimus feeds an apple to his hourse, a crew member in blue jeans is glimpsed between them.

I'm in Sydney at the moment so I haven't been able to confirm but I admit I'm keen to confirm it.

ABC to bring in a new channel but it's not Fly!

One of the things I used to love about being and early adopter of digital TV was FlyTV. It was an ABC run station focused on Youth programming. Basically it was like having triple j on your television 24-7. However, on June 30 2003 the programming (along with the dedicated abckids channel) were axed due to budget cuts. (detailed here in an article from The Sydney Morning Herald)

ABC takes the buzz out of digital TV

The ABC has pulled the plug on its digital multichannels, ABC Kids and Fly TV, making them the first casualties of the Government's decision not to boost the ABC's budget.

The 35 staff who work on Kids and Fly were told at 10am yesterday that the channels would be shut down on June 30. The ABC is negotiating with the union how many staff will lose their jobs and how many will be redeployed to other areas.

It was truly a sad day for Digital TV (let's face it apart from the better quality of the transmission this was the only thing you had to show off to your friends about Digital TV). The only dedicated Digital Channels gone forever.

But all is not lost. The ABC has announced that is will have a new Digital Sibling ABC2. Although it won't be a dedicated youth or kids station it's a step in the right direction for the digital network.

ABC television will have a younger sibling from March 7 in the form of ABC2, the broadcaster's new free-to-air digital channel. It's the second bite of the cherry for the ABC following the demise of its multichannel digital services ABC Kids and Fly TV in 2003, after the ABC was unable to secure additional funding for the channels. But ABC2 is assured of a longer life, with a business plan in place through to the 2009 financial year.

So don't despair early adopters you will soon be watching a new dedicated Digital Channel

New Stuff - Test DVDs (Part 1)

As I've been updating my blog page, I've added a list in the Sidebar of my Favourite DVDs for testing new componentry and also my list of Favourite CDs.

Star Wars Trilogy, The (4 Disc Box Set)

The release of this box set was highly anticipated. Thankfully the digital and audio transfer was amazing, almost no artifacts and the picture is just gorgeous. Possibly the only disappointment is that the movies are not the original theatrical release but with new material and digital enhancements. That aside the discs are great for showing of your home cinema kit and if you want a great moment to show off your sub 112:31 on A New Hope but beware if you sub isn't up to the job you'll know all about it...

(to be continued....)

The Movies, The Music

As some of you may know I'm in another performance with Phoenix Ensemble. The current production is a showcase of songs from the movies. It is Brett Coates' Directing debut

"I wanted to do a variety show that would capture the interest of people who might not necessarily be interested in other musical genres, while still creating a show that complements Phoenix's musical program," Brett said.

"The final collection of songs is a mixture of personal favourites, songs of interest to others at Phoenix, and those that we knew would be well known."

I personally get to do a Cowboy Number and a couple of duets. It's going to be my last show for a little bit as I'm going to have a break and concentrate on my singing.

Performance Dates - February 18, 19, 25 and 26, and March 4, 5, 11 and 12.
Bookings Contact Phone 0738055274

You can see the full details of the show here.

PDR for Foxtel to be released

News was released to today of Foxtel's PDR (or PVR). It's to be unveiled in Sydney on Tuesday (as detailed below) fortunately I will be in Sydney next week and will try and peek a look. The device is basically a PVR for your Foxtel Digital subscription ans is likely to be based on one of the models already available in the UK for cable subscriptions.

Pay TV operator Foxtel will unveil its personal digital recorder (PDR) next week
at special showings at Myer stores.

The PDR, billed as the next "must have" in home entertainment accessories, is tipped to end forever the dilemma over what to watch and what to record when two enticing programs are on at the same time.

Details of just how many programs the soon-to-be-launched Foxtel PDR can record, or store, will be revealed next Monday (February 21).

The following day, Foxtel's clients will get their first glimpse of the new technology that will allow them to skip advertisements and record multiple programs simultaneously.

Select viewings of the PDRs will kick off next Tuesday night at Myer's Sydney city and Parramatta stores between 6pm and 8pm.
Entry is reserved for Foxtel subscribers and Myer One cardholders who will be offered discounts on sales of the PDRs.

The general public will also get their chance to check them.

Dedicated demonstration areas will be set up in 46 Myer stores to show off Foxtel's digital services and the new PDR - which will be available for sale in a few weeks.

(Source:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=37785)

8 day's until we can get Touching

"Touching is good" the catch phrase of the NintendoDS (which is due out here on the 24th of February) is visible just about everywhere. It is one of the most anticipated gaming releases of the year. Nintendo (which has held the crown for the most popular handheld ever since there has been one) has managed to get the jump on possibly it's biggest rival ever in this market, Sony. The DS (which will be released ahead of the Sony PSP) has a huge existing game base from the preceding Gameboy consoles, something the PSP lacks. The DS ironically is in the same position as the PS2 when sony secured the current generation title.

Well although I haven't pre-ordered a console, I'm still confident of picking up one close to the release date. Let's Face it when the thing's name ends in "DS" I just have to own one!

What Hifi Time

On Friday I picked up the latest (well the latest that wasn't airshiped and wasn't twice the price of a normal issue... which means the December issue) What Hifi.

Unfortunately it has revived the thought of a projector although the reviews in this issue are for models that are $60K+ so I'm unlikely to be picking up one any time soon.

It has highlighted a new speaker choice if I was to upgrade. KEF have release a new Q Series Compact surround package using their unique Uni-Q that wouldn't dominate my loungeroom as much as the Wharfedales.

No More Frames

Some of you may have noticed that I've moved my site from http://members.ozemail.com.au/~camds/ to http://camds.blogspot.com/. Thanks to Mandy berating me about using frames and not CSS. As my Web development was extremely rusty I did a bit of study on CSS on my holidays and Voila. I've de-commissioned my old site and have moved most of the content over to the blogspot site with CSS.

Hope you're happy now! (look no blue lines on the images!)

More Release delays

It seems to be the week of delays, (after Microsoft announced a delay from the upcoming CRM release) Activision reported that the Xbox version of Doom 3 and the PC expansion pack for the PC game would both be pushed back until the company's next financial year.

Fortunately their financial year starts in April and the release date will be April 4th.

I've been anticipating the release of this for the X-box. As I've been out of the PC game race for quite some time and have relived the orginal Doom and Doom2 on my GBA, Doom3 was one of my justifications for the X-box.

Here's to another thing for my birthday list!

ABC Classic 100

This weekend the Classic 100 Piano on ABC Classic FM concluded with
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (Piano Sonata No.14 in C-sharp minor Op.27/2) voted Australia's No.1 Classical Piano piece. This lastest countdown was the followup to the Previous Classic 100 which asked the question "What was the one piece of classical music they couldn't live without?" which occured 3 years ago and voted Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A, K.622 No.1 (Which is my favourite piece of Classical Music)

The reason for the post is they have released both countdowns on CD box sets. The Classic 100 Piano Complete box set and The Classic 100 Complete Box Set are definately a worthy addition to anyone's collection (and will be making their way onto my wish list) especially when they are only $89.95.

If you are looking for some classical music, let's face it you can't go past the top 100!

How would you feel if you could use your old Nintendo 64 cartridges on your GameCube?

Great if I hadn't already sold them all!

This was a question posted late last year on Nintendo's website. (although games magazine has only just caught on) The theory on the player is the same as that of the Gameboy Player that has already been release for the GameCube. At Last I'd be able to play NBA Hangtime on my 'Cube!

Bring on the N64 Player!

Confusion on Connection Speeds

This post is probably just as at home on my Techie Blog, but as it was prompted by x-box live issues I added it up here.

Valavien, TomNS and I (CamDS) have been playing a fair bit on X-box Live. The question on connections comes up when hosting (and sometimes playing). Valavien and I can host for 4 players in Counterstrike (which ususally means 2 players, 2 bots). TomNS can host for 3 players and 6 bots (but I'm not sure of his maximum). TomNS runs Optus Cable, I run a 512/128 Ozemail ADSL and Valavien is on a 512/128 on Netspace. Our main question is what is the required for us to get good hosting on ADSL? Our other issue is that we often loose our X-box live Communicator (talking over the mics) which is due to lag avoidance. So we're posting up our Connection Speed Tests to start a comparison.

To start this is my work connection
----------------------------------------------
Test run on 11/2/2005 @ 4:45 P.M.

Mirror: aaNet
Test type: Cable

Your connection speed:

kbps: 725.4
KB/s: 90.675
Mbps: 0.7083984375

This is my home connection
----------------------------------------------
Test run on 12/2/2005 @ 1:28 P.M.

Mirror: OzEmail
Test type: ADSL

Your connection speed:

kbps: 415.4
KB/s: 51.925
Mbps: 0.4056640625

Digital TV Broadcast delayed versus Analogue

I was asked the other day why Digital TV was delayed when compared to the same Analogue program. This is particularly noticable when you are trying to watch something teamed with a simulcast FM broadcast (eg Roy and HG on triple J during the State of Origin). Basically it is due to the decompression and decoding required to convert the signal received to a viewable picture on your TV. This decompression can take between 1/50 of a second up to 1 and a half seconds. The longest decompression/decoding time is found on HD signals.

Bargin Speaker Upgrade anyone?

I'm on a mailing list for an Australian auction house graysoline. Alot of the time they are just moving fairly ordinary goods that haven't been moved at a retail store etc. Yesterday however I got an update about some Accusound Speakers. I looked at this set of speakers a fair while ago when I was looking for my current set of wharfedales. When I looked at them they had a retail price of around $2499.

The series they are selling are the Eclipse ES-55 (although at the time they only came in black) in silver. Overall they are a pretty impressive speaker system. They come in a piano finish, all drivers are the same size in every unit, the front towers hold 3 drivers can handle 150W and have a range of 40Hz-21kHz.

They were reviewed by Sound and Image Magazine concluding

The Accusound Eclipse ES-55 surround speaker package provides an attractive dynamic performance in a set of beautifully made cabinets. For their budget price, they are well worth inspecting

(you can find the full article here).

The best thing is that at gray's online at the moment they have 15 pairs and they are around $350 including a subwoofer. If I wasn't on a technology ban I'd be buying a set for sure. Happy Bidding (BTW the auction is LOT 327839)

The DVD audit..... continues

Well after starting the Great DVD Audit I've managed to catalogue a few of the DVDs. I managed to finish the first shelf and all the extras (the ones that don't fit in the shelf). So far I've got to 84 DVDs and with a quick count of the shelf I have 145 to go. Which takes my total to 229 a little higher than my last count. I've also discovered a few other missing ones in the process, hopefully I can also find them :)

Oh well better get back to counting

The Great DVD Audit

Although I've been keeping a DVD list for some time I have come to a point where I know there are some DVDs that have slipped of the list. I've decided that an audit is the only way to go. As part of the audit I've also started transfering my list to http://dvdtracker.com/. The list has the advantage of having a DVD list that I can select new DVDs from other than entering all the information by hand.

My new list (which is slowly growing) can be found at http://dvdtracker.com/~camds

When MMORPG turn bad...

I stumbled across this amusing news article this morning...

According to Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shunbun, a woman in Toyama prefecture, Japan, was arrested for wiping her former boyfriend's MMORPG character. The ex-girlfriend purportedly logged into his Lineage account and deleted all of his game data, including weapons, items and clothes he amassed.

The woman admitted that vengeance was the motive, saying to police that she "did it as revenge for breaking up."

In an ironic example of online relationships going awry, the couple met through playing the game.
(See Full Aricle here)

Now surely as this was a crime committed in the MMORPG world surely a MMORPG court should decide the woman's punishment :) ... I'm sure if you killed a MMORPG character you wouldn't be arrested for murder??

Nothing worse than a Slippery Nipple at work

Being a Friday afternoon and bitten by the Junk Food bug I've wandered down to the vending machine in the staff room and got a packet of chips. Although the chips were quite satisfying, I couldn't just eat the chips without trying to do things on my laptop.

I hate glide pads and I can never be bothered plugging in a mouse to my laptop so I always use the pointer situated between the G, H and B keys affectionately nicknamed at my workplace as a nipple. I've managed to grease up it with my chip binge to the point of being completely useless.

Looks like beer o'clock might have to come early today.

TV Time (GMT+RND())

Have you ever noticed how often a program on TV tends to start on time?
From current observations I would come up with almost never.

As I've started recording more shows (see PVR hits its Prime) the number of times when a show actually starts when it's supposed to is negligable. The comercial networks seem to be the worst. I've noticed most of the time Channel 9 is late, Channel 10 is early and Channel 7 is REALLY Late. They usually don't even get it to match up with the electronic guides they broadcast on the Digital Network aren't in the right spot. For example, On Monday the premier of Starstruck ran about 10 mins past 8:29 the scheduled start time of Cold Case on channel 9. The digital guide said Cold Case for about 10 mins but it was clearly Catrina Rowntree on my TV. Why do they do this? Do they just want to annoy those of us trying to record it? Are they trying to boost their ratings for that slot? Who knows... but I wish they'd stop!

PVR hits its prime

It's been quite a few months since I managed to get my Topfield PVR5000t at a bargain basement price and I'll be the first to admit it didn't exactly 'Change the way I would watch TV forever'. However now that ratings period has come around again it has started to come into its own.
During the holidays the only real differences that I noticed over my last STB was the better picture quality and the upgrade to dolby digital. With most shows on repeat the only time the PVR side came in useful was the occasional pausing or rewinding of a program.
Usually the start of a new series would result in me missing the first few vital episodes while I was at rehearsal or indoor. Trying to get into show later on (usually after battering from friends or workmates "have you seen , it's great you've got to watch it") would result in confusion on 'who's that?', 'why are they?' and giving up on catching up.

Finally that has all begun to change. After the ads for 'Desperate Housewives' I added it to the Record list on the PVR a week and a half in advance. So after our last Handball game and watching my Cricket Team crush their opposition, I was able to come home and watch the opening episode in my own time.
So now I have the PVR setup to record the New Episodes of Cold Case, The Simpsons, CSI, CSI:Miami, CSI:New York, Lost, Desperate Housewives and Malcom in the Middle. No need to worry about being out or forgetting it's on.

I just have to rely on the Stations putting the show on within a 30min window of when they plan to but that's another story.

Yay, Capitalism!

Well there is nothing like a bit of consuming to help you come to grips with going back to work. I admit I did go a little crazy with DVDs but THEY WERE ON SALE!

I managed to pick them all up pretty cheaply from the blockbuster ex-rental sale.

For those of you who haven't seen Eternal Sunshine on the spotless mind I would highly recommend getting a copy. I was one of the best movies that I saw last year.