tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195441752024-03-26T03:48:48.254-05:00The SPoTSentinel Point occasional Theatre: Devoted to the Home Theater Experience!BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-81443030920380435682014-09-21T12:43:00.003-05:002014-09-21T12:43:50.614-05:00Upgrading the MFW-15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While the MFW-15 has been relatively problem free, I did have to replace the caps in on the amp board some time ago. After much deliberation about buying a replacement sub, I decided to give the Turbo Kit a shot. Should have the parts and be ready to put it all back together in a couple of weeks if all goes well.<script type="text/javascript">
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BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-81721718346179170712012-11-01T09:15:00.002-05:002012-11-01T09:15:06.693-05:00New Lamp ELPLP49<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Like slowly raising the temperature on a frog in a pot of water, I didn't realize that the lamp on my Epson 6500UB was slowly growing dim. We were playing some Borderlands 2, and I switched from XY mode to Dynamic. Immediately, I saw just how dim the projected image had become. <div>
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Searching the Web, I found lamps for a low as $70, but with reviews that they were junky knock-offs that could explode or catch fire. Not wanting to risk that, I keep digging until I found a coupon for 20% off and free overnight shipping at the Epson store. Click...buy. Picked up a filter as well while I was at it.</div>
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The lamp should arrive today, and I will be very curious to find out how much brighter it is. I have had the same lamp since the fall of 2008, so I did get my 4 yrs of use out of it. I don't really know how many hours is on it since the lamp counter was reset each time I did a firmware update and I didn't write down the numbers beforehand. If I get another 4 years out of this projector and lamp I will consider myself lucky and be ready for whatever 'new' technology comes along. Hopefully it will be something a little more useful than 3-D.</div>
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BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-27868428830007296842012-04-03T14:03:00.002-05:002012-11-01T09:30:42.909-05:00New Carpet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The new carpet was completed after the flood. The guys did a fantastic job making sure all the seams were perfectly aligned. Should last for many, many years.<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script><script type="text/javascript">var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();</script></div>
BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-321470206236387422011-09-10T10:51:00.003-05:002011-09-10T10:53:10.784-05:00The FloodA bit of a setback, but a chance to move forward to something even better. Torrential rains fell last week and the theater was slightly flooded. Only carptet deep, but that means it has to be replaced. The search begins for something new to replace it. <script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script><script type="text/javascript">var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();</script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-75250893063956147792009-11-15T17:41:00.007-05:002009-11-15T18:07:15.888-05:00Paragon Butter Warmer<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Below is a summary and some pictures/ video of the Paragon Butter warmer with both the old and new container.<br />I added enough water (2.5 cups) to the inside unit to make the container float. It does wobble when empty. I then added 1 cup of water to the container. No more floating, and plenty steady when pumping.<br /><br />I then set the thermostat as high as it would go, and put a candy thermometer in the container water. The ambient temp was 70 F. After 4 minutes, the temperature reached 75 F (as low as my thermometer would go). I took readings every 5 minutes for 1 hour. The voltage was 122 VAC, and the unit drew 1.67 Amps (203.75 Watts) as measured by a Kill A Watt EZ P3 gauge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1rOVslNkT4TnQiNULI9RXUAqhn40VsJzbtVNI-zA3F6q8f-5RrOO-eFBERFuBT4-uJymiPPD_EYrVyAd5WukKrcVb3m4w-U5G0q1XkUb0S-aZb5TIJl6UP7SX2spH2ddYC8Y/s1600-h/IMGP0576.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1rOVslNkT4TnQiNULI9RXUAqhn40VsJzbtVNI-zA3F6q8f-5RrOO-eFBERFuBT4-uJymiPPD_EYrVyAd5WukKrcVb3m4w-U5G0q1XkUb0S-aZb5TIJl6UP7SX2spH2ddYC8Y/s320/IMGP0576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404470218498446194" border="0" /></a><br />5 min = 85 F<br />10 min = 110 F<br />15 min = 125 F<br />20 min = 150 F<br />25 min = 165 F<br />30 min = 175 F<br />35 min = 185 F<br />40 min = 190 F<br />45 min = 195 F<br />50 min = 200 F<br />60 min = 200 F<br /><br />So far I like the new design, but all I have heated is water. Steam does escape around the outer ring, and the water in the heated section barely reaches a boil at 1 hour which seems reasonable.<br /><br />The bottle and holder for the original design was begining to rust and the bottle had deformed (bulged) on the bottom and would no longer stand upright without holding.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyQ8ENj32rNnjg2f4P7Ljz0F2Itj7Q1gZMLrBGsWa9KWaecAFgL0Nq9HZGurByY4ZLV7Tp7VdpMdw_UiKjkGfonCkXXdwLBET7MM19esl8JQuaLoXPgztNo_QhT7ScCfGE0q0/s1600-h/IMGP0568.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyQ8ENj32rNnjg2f4P7Ljz0F2Itj7Q1gZMLrBGsWa9KWaecAFgL0Nq9HZGurByY4ZLV7Tp7VdpMdw_UiKjkGfonCkXXdwLBET7MM19esl8JQuaLoXPgztNo_QhT7ScCfGE0q0/s320/IMGP0568.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404465744373888658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The new design is much cleaner and easier to work with.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB4446kcLiJLw6zjR2K2_vy7H3r6XA3CygjHD2T36-YSMHnM54oJse3FMY6VezDoU0Zx02zyVdBzX1NRcwYgQAL7XQlAsxHul2C8YYtsw-bjriuoh-dLfxk3qqI5NkN6zQz1P/s1600-h/IMGP0571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB4446kcLiJLw6zjR2K2_vy7H3r6XA3CygjHD2T36-YSMHnM54oJse3FMY6VezDoU0Zx02zyVdBzX1NRcwYgQAL7XQlAsxHul2C8YYtsw-bjriuoh-dLfxk3qqI5NkN6zQz1P/s320/IMGP0571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404466136954513362" border="0" /></a><br />Below is a quick video of the container when inserted empty. In the second video 1 cup of liquid was added to the inner cup making the unit stable with no bobbing and very little movement when pumping. You can also freely rotate the pump in any direction since it is not attached to the container.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhOoK-kcNgqQoCmLGCBShxLPnXSQ4CfWUjNgKTrWA2ZNNfdu_j4koNMOW9bGGpTgz3Nd4f205lH3c' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzloRFrjRSOuEQXdlZUWYCZLHvcfOJUU73Bjsr6xNPPlSRTbg7BhZpAw77rB-NUBxISmZhV5GG4n-s' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-89159040340955853192009-05-01T12:55:00.002-05:002009-05-01T12:58:32.969-05:00Another Update to the 6500UB<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Just finished adding the new firmware 1.09 to the Epson 6500UB, along with an improvement to the Frame Interpolation module. The projector is much smoother with FI on LOW now, though I didn't notice any changes to Normal and High. I use LOW for normal TV viewing, and Normal or High for sports and animated dvd's. I still prefer the1080p24 4:4 pull-down for viewing film based material.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-36093757326359523132009-03-20T21:23:00.004-05:002009-03-20T21:26:05.291-05:00Updating the 6500<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Finally, an improvement in the HDMI handshaking on the Epson 6500. This projector has been painfully slow when changing resolutions or sources. With firmware 1.08, the handshake time has been reduced to a more manageable time, though still not as speedy as my old AE700. At least not changes can be made to the menu items without having to wait 25 seconds or more for the picture to return.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-3506578839448767282009-01-04T12:02:00.010-05:002009-01-04T14:31:48.499-05:00Some Videos of the 6500<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>I captured some videos today of the 6500. The first shows the cold startup time. The 6500 had been off all night, the BD-35 was already started and on the main menu screen of Kill Bill 2. The video chain is as follows:<br />BD-35 --> DVDO Edge --> SR805 --> 6500<br /><br />The power on occurs approxiamately 5 seconds after the start of the video.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzepbfSQSulAbS9gB7wWLGpk3249OcBDiUcxJbJsgsHgjE61I43QG6s2pyNcHNXn2axRLDOw7Qz0lw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The second video shows the time it takes to start playing "Iron Man" after the projector has been started.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw-FPqiDX8ocFrivCxW2lE92dC0F59nKCi36um2pxfNirVvwAl-UTRhD0jGFm_f-O9UOqXSZC_fhUU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />The third video is High an Low lamp, and the auto iris function. The basic idea was to capture the fan noise and shutter noise. Unfortunately, the Pentax Optio A20 has a very poor microphone. The auto color balance of the camera is also quite poor in low lighting, so these videos do not represent the image quality of the 6500.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQlbRpL4wJ61N6iDUX_KIBsFJelrNo-DW-rkd3dS5v9NBEYY7BG3NKp8eyOXFvCFeyXVAKqRUOqwE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-21046275617688472362008-12-31T15:33:00.005-05:002008-12-31T16:06:30.118-05:00The Epson 6500UB Arrives<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRnlnIDsWO-R_-NivffDqZhH46Y4GT8r-AKeYk3Kk2GnCU6Mf54G_g2ATJ9xw05iS_hGz1WkxwTOF7uRJrtJ6G0Cj7MfqwcgVP1yhNuGRe6Q_q8RcdqlSBF0dWxDGTpaOGYRr/s1600-h/IMGP1222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRnlnIDsWO-R_-NivffDqZhH46Y4GT8r-AKeYk3Kk2GnCU6Mf54G_g2ATJ9xw05iS_hGz1WkxwTOF7uRJrtJ6G0Cj7MfqwcgVP1yhNuGRe6Q_q8RcdqlSBF0dWxDGTpaOGYRr/s320/IMGP1222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286063513724832994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pr-Rm8VfuVo6HNdhXPhh55m-p3LdAgD-nQmMVQwq5yCWhMp5taBsh5JZnUBciQPVpfRwx2NdkUH40dytS1NktLsFp4PkUXOaTVt181xvOOOvHFiTnSCT3FZncsY4vmDdKA-U/s1600-h/IMGP1230.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pr-Rm8VfuVo6HNdhXPhh55m-p3LdAgD-nQmMVQwq5yCWhMp5taBsh5JZnUBciQPVpfRwx2NdkUH40dytS1NktLsFp4PkUXOaTVt181xvOOOvHFiTnSCT3FZncsY4vmDdKA-U/s320/IMGP1230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286063029288240050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-I1fBcgx2kKUzZF5Ug-QCbVAmXDXFefHLrcpC79fQRRpoQ5kVvpzyWfR4AzxsBqJiRhZv_fWMJ9hsA7kHCGX-7-xlYfKoaWnJo4jLF_jxCIcxLK8HHG87NM4Z81wq0O3Ymt_/s1600-h/IMGP1235.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-I1fBcgx2kKUzZF5Ug-QCbVAmXDXFefHLrcpC79fQRRpoQ5kVvpzyWfR4AzxsBqJiRhZv_fWMJ9hsA7kHCGX-7-xlYfKoaWnJo4jLF_jxCIcxLK8HHG87NM4Z81wq0O3Ymt_/s320/IMGP1235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286063254063568802" border="0" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>The Epson 6500UB arrived this morning around 10 am. By 10:15 I had it mounted, and by 10:30 I was ready to test it out. So far, so good! No dead pixels, no convergence issues, no stuck focus ring, and no dust blobs. The image is stunning compared to my old Panasonic AE700. So far it has exceeded my expectations in everything but the Frame Interpolation feature is very 'freaky'. It is one of those things you just have to see to understand, as it is difficult to describe in words.<br /><br />Not only does this projector throw an extremely sharp, and bright image, but it is also quiet in the "Theatre" modes. I am not sure how it compares to the Panasonic AE-3000, but it is only audible in very quiet scenes. In fact, I now can hear the Panasonic BD-35 fan which I didn't hear before. This projector shows every flaw in the source material, dust, scratches, noise, you name it.<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-14628865806350709152008-12-29T22:47:00.005-05:002008-12-29T22:56:58.279-05:00The Epson 6500UB is on the way<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2guGzLL5ygv58ZjGhwjDKSRuhlheNDpPtjsk_anBAdanbAydbWBTmfiK9yXJuQQkXI1jrYRM239UA5_ZuBfJXuP08k-DW8-49jEerb0ybiFt0Hfm2dPVHai3j5iabQhtcrp1F/s1600-h/6500UB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2guGzLL5ygv58ZjGhwjDKSRuhlheNDpPtjsk_anBAdanbAydbWBTmfiK9yXJuQQkXI1jrYRM239UA5_ZuBfJXuP08k-DW8-49jEerb0ybiFt0Hfm2dPVHai3j5iabQhtcrp1F/s320/6500UB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285426912082175138" border="0" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>I got the phone call tonight from AVS, my projector is shipping tomorrow. I am hopeful that it gets here by Friday, but it is difficult to say with NYE holiday. A very good review was posted on <a href="http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6500ub/index.php">Projector Reviews </a><br /><br />This will complete the upgrades for the year, and I think I finally have everything in place. I have converted from HD DVD to Blu-Ray, from a 720p to 1080p projector, and upgraded my receiver. I think I can finally relax and not think about any more changes for now.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-29842967153666879342008-12-19T11:42:00.001-05:002008-12-19T11:43:29.100-05:00Onkyo TX-SR805<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Decision time is over. I went with the Onkyo TX-SR-805. Should be here sometime next week. Until then, I am without sound...<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-65577257678935521212008-12-18T15:09:00.002-05:002008-12-18T15:13:46.140-05:00HK-635 and Panny V2600 GONE!<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>I am now without a receiver to power my theater. I recently sold both the Harman Kardon and Yamaha receivers. I thought it was time to move up to HDMI 1.3 and the new audio decoders (True-HD, DTS-MA) to use with my BD-35. Perhaps it is time to try another brand, like the Onkyo TX-SR805? It seems to do all the things I want, and without all the video processing that I do not need.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-11000716328714686982008-12-11T10:11:00.002-05:002008-12-11T10:13:25.915-05:00On the Wait List<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><br /><br />The decision is over, I went with the Epson 6500UB. I am on the wait list, and the first batch of these projectors should ship out next week. Whether or not I make the cut for the first shipment is still unknown. At best I could have the projector by Dec. 19th. More realistically, it will be mid-January. A lot depends on how many Epson is actually able to ship to the distributors, and how many people are ahead of me on the list.<br /><br />In the meantime, I can practice taking measurements with HCFR software and the Spider 2 sensor on the old AE-700. The more I practice, the easier it will be to calibrate the Epson when it arrives. If rumors are correct, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">a similar </span><a href="http://cine4home.de/news/TW5000/TW5000Preview.htm#Update">projector </a>is almost spot on right out of the boxBakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-86697636342302474182008-12-08T08:23:00.004-05:002008-12-08T08:38:40.204-05:00DMP-BD35 Player<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Well I finally took a swig of the blu-ray kool-aid, and so far it is not too bad. This weekend Costco was having an $80 off sale on their two BD players (BD-30 and BD-35). I stopped by 3 stores trying to locate the BD-35, but all they had was the BD-30 (which I did not want). At the last store, I had one of the employees look up the sku for the BD-35 and he came back with some interesting news. They did have several of these players, but they would not put them out until all the BD-30's were sold. It seems there was a note that indicated that the BD-35 were meant to be a replacement for the BD-30's so they were not bringing them out. That sort of frosted me, so I thanked the guy for his help and left. When I got home, I grabbed the Costco Connection magazine that had the ad, and headed by to the second store (which had 72 units). There I spoke to another employee, who was very knowledgeable about the BD-35. He knew where they were, but also gave me the same story about having to sell all the BD-30's before they could bring them out. I showed him the ad, and pointed out that the sale specifically mentioned the BD-35. I also explained to him that they had different sku numbers, and even a different price. After a little more small talk, I was able to convience him.<script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div><div>I had to wait 30 minutes or so for the forklift to make it to the far end of the store where the prized BD-35's were sitting in wait. When they were finally lowered, I snatched one up and headed home. I had also picked up a copy of Iron Man in BD to test it out (since they were $5 off). A neighbor and his friend stopped over to give the player its first showing. There was some issue getting the PCM channel working through my receiver, but after about 5 false starts, we finally had full audio. Something still seems a bit odd about that experience, but I didn't have time to figure out what component was at fault. </div><div><br /></div><div>The BD-35 is quite nice, from the time I have had to play with it. It loads fast, has a very nice menu layout, and was easy to update the firmware over the internet (took about 10 minutes to load V 1.5). It is hooked up through my DVDO Edge, so it is hard to judge the picture quality without bypassing this processor. Everything seems to look good hooked up through Edge.</div><div><br /></div><div>This definitely pushes me one step closer to purchasing the 1080p projector. Just need the first user reports to start rolling in on the 6500UB. </div>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-52330880431739073302008-11-26T10:07:00.005-05:002008-11-26T21:31:39.485-05:00Ceiling Mounting the AE-700<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fLkYFTyIhtZZhobmCiBrxDd3coJ8QI9wTsxuWIaUAUL-F3QuuCMFzImzXzevhC0RoX0sNcELdFjtT3YVyPwBQ76EXAyJH3gzwggZ8HA7Q-LQRL8C9Lc3g5U6VtWNonaN5okz/s1600-h/ceiling+mount.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fLkYFTyIhtZZhobmCiBrxDd3coJ8QI9wTsxuWIaUAUL-F3QuuCMFzImzXzevhC0RoX0sNcELdFjtT3YVyPwBQ76EXAyJH3gzwggZ8HA7Q-LQRL8C9Lc3g5U6VtWNonaN5okz/s320/ceiling+mount.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273159402075577186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ4_QNc3J0Ppfwv_nFtFDyS48Fu50mIJ7x1lfBjekV4LLNsoiJOsIfVtvoO6Ljnt9NYiVneFulGOs9s0nDEAsXWddCYMR5AUOwyKovljh5NNoxzUh8N15KDVtHfupZsG9g7gy/s1600-h/monomount1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ4_QNc3J0Ppfwv_nFtFDyS48Fu50mIJ7x1lfBjekV4LLNsoiJOsIfVtvoO6Ljnt9NYiVneFulGOs9s0nDEAsXWddCYMR5AUOwyKovljh5NNoxzUh8N15KDVtHfupZsG9g7gy/s320/monomount1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273159214635598658" border="0" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>In preparation for the purchase of either an AE-3000 or 6500UB, I have been moving around my 4+ yo AE-700. This past weekend, I purchased a universal mount from Monoprice and moved the AE-700 from ~20 ft (back of room shelf mount) to ~10.5 ft ceiling mount. My screen is 106" High Contrast Cinema Vision (HCCV), a gray screen rated at 1.1 gain, so I am just a tad too close to fill the entire screen. (Oddly it seems to fill horizontally but is a sliver too narrow vertically). This is my first attempt at ceiling mounting and alignment, and I would rather learn on the old than on a brand new one. The learning curve has been steep, but I am finally getting the hang of it and better understand how everything works.<br /><br />What I have noticed is that the picture is definitely much brighter and has an apparent increase in sharpness. So far I am liking this change in mounting location, and I had someone ask me last night if I had purchased a new projector since it looked so much better. (I know I was stretching it to have the old projector that far from the screen).<br /><br />Bottom line is that I can wait just a little bit longer now before the upgrade, and I don't think I would ever go back to shelf mount. Hopefully it will be an easy swap out when the new projector gets here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-72166950960623272722008-11-17T11:34:00.002-05:002008-11-17T11:42:43.686-05:00What will it be: Panny 3000 or Epson 6500<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>The purchase of a new 1080p projector has been on hold all summer. The two main contenders are the Panasonic AE-3000 and the soon to be released Epson 6500U. The reviews of the 3000 are slowly rolling in, and they are mixed. They have made improvements in brightness and contrast, but it appears they haven't solved the dust blob issue. I have never had a dust blob on my SE-700, so I don't know if I have a cleaner environment, or if it is just luck of the draw.<br /><br />The 3000 seems to have more user features, like the waveform monitor, zoom memory for 2:35 zooming, and color correction features. Some of these I would use, other features -not so much. If the Epson is quieter, less prone to dust blobs, and has a better brightness and contrast, I may be swayed to go that route. Predictions are that the Epson may be a few hundred more, but no street prices are available yet.<br /><br />There is also the "Dark Knight" factor. I would like to have the projector installed and calibrated by the second week of December for the 'Dark Knight" movie night. The Epson looks like it will be delayed until around that time frame or longer. That might just be the thing that gets me to confirm the Panny purchase.<br /><br />Until then, I keep reading and watching as all the information trickles in.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-78952281462145689552008-10-22T14:38:00.002-05:002008-10-22T14:45:56.428-05:00Goodbye 805<script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Well as much as I loved the Onkyo HD-805, it was no longer needed in the rack. I recently purchased a DVDO Edge video processor, and I have been using that for upconverting SD disks from my Oppo. The REON chip in the 805 did an excellent job, but I was running out of space and trying to make an effort to get rid of redundency. I also was not using the 805 as much as I thought I would, with barely 10 hours of use since I got it.<br /><br />So what is next? I have been keeping my eye on the Panasonic AE-3000, and so far it looks like the projector for me. I will wait until the first user reports come out, and then purchase it around Christmas. It will make a nice gift to myself.<br /><br />I was also quite impressed with the PS3 that a couple of my friends brought over last weekend. We watched "The Fall" on Blu-Ray, and it was a very enjoyable movie. Afterwards, we tried some of the games. As much as I hate Sony, this does seem to be a very nice system. Is it worth $399? That is the ultimate question, especially with cheaper standalone BD players coming out. Now if they dropped the price like MS did on the XB360, I might be more tempted.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-67740746425087288752008-08-27T19:45:00.007-05:002008-08-28T15:09:50.069-05:00The MFW-15 Arrives<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yfC7CMy3E9KJ_y8xb0mdiqYUDfZoCZtoKt5oU2kWDbC2yy_WqbFOOezo5LE83EtqEakXQgp-dc5i6J3JlUmjXgUOQ5qjHv9CUKuY8aataOWLc9XpWDFfQ3ZFFHFp_MgLa8b3/s1600-h/IMGP1111.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yfC7CMy3E9KJ_y8xb0mdiqYUDfZoCZtoKt5oU2kWDbC2yy_WqbFOOezo5LE83EtqEakXQgp-dc5i6J3JlUmjXgUOQ5qjHv9CUKuY8aataOWLc9XpWDFfQ3ZFFHFp_MgLa8b3/s320/IMGP1111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239366071253291906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0IStg5Z8qiNh6RfkK2IXyf4c-NLwaB-z8BiXcpuhgjVaOhfb048P0oTr9JGwkK0MscB5heW-PPhmhRxtXqzL80xzOY6XznfQUitFrF_cirMr3mk8AgBZOuaH23yl36gz-kCO/s1600-h/IMGP1115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0IStg5Z8qiNh6RfkK2IXyf4c-NLwaB-z8BiXcpuhgjVaOhfb048P0oTr9JGwkK0MscB5heW-PPhmhRxtXqzL80xzOY6XznfQUitFrF_cirMr3mk8AgBZOuaH23yl36gz-kCO/s320/IMGP1115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239366629996131874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODGXbeUqO6d9A0MUgBvqZmHkvMN3bfiXX6K_ZjKP93EjpM1eRKCDZNGPT1j2LvjNFDvn3reUUfto36y0emwCMpV2dknnuHXnA2LvYYVdGBTbL3IzyQpmUOMmJjJODg78kiRWH/s1600-h/IMGP1116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODGXbeUqO6d9A0MUgBvqZmHkvMN3bfiXX6K_ZjKP93EjpM1eRKCDZNGPT1j2LvjNFDvn3reUUfto36y0emwCMpV2dknnuHXnA2LvYYVdGBTbL3IzyQpmUOMmJjJODg78kiRWH/s320/IMGP1116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239365780989052610" border="0" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>After many months of pacing the floor, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MFW</span> arrived last Friday. I wasted no time in dragging it down the stairs and ripping it out of the shipping box. I plugged it in, connected it to my system, and listened for the dreaded 60Hz hum. It was there, so I started to track down the source. Without the coax cable connected, the sub was nearly silent so I knew the source of the hum was either coming from the wall power or from the input. A cheater plug was added, and that had a small impact on the hum. As soon as I bypassed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BFD</span> 1124, the hum went away. I had found the source. I added an RS 250-054 line filter to the output of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BFD</span> and once again the hum was eliminated. Problem solved. With the ground loop <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">isolator</span> in place, I ran the Yamaha equalization routine and balance the sub with the rest of the speakers. All was good.<br /><br />Now came the true test, how would it sound? I popped in my demo discs and ran through the clips one by one. With each clip, the smile grew wider. This is what was missing from my setup, the low end was extremely impressive. The clip of Darla tapping on the fish tank from "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nemo</span>" made the whole room rumble! "Flight of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Phoenix</span>" never sounded more realistic. Musical clips were also impressive, the sub was tight and deep at the same time.<br /><br />I am very pleased with this sub and look forward to the next Theater Night to show off the new toy!<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5356438-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-16872701935756918182008-08-11T12:35:00.005-05:002008-08-11T20:42:38.609-05:00Deadening the Front Wall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnheI_YTCst5mfjqWkqYZe22U-LZ0Nzb4WYkuwJ8iitnpkgaL9c0RLbte7jGbE9f-LL1CmszZW8GqG0QYVVzlF8GuwTO39kawX8bfYRRoTXIC_VYHvp3wOlOgyTAhCnmgjzlSb/s1600-h/IMGP1109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnheI_YTCst5mfjqWkqYZe22U-LZ0Nzb4WYkuwJ8iitnpkgaL9c0RLbte7jGbE9f-LL1CmszZW8GqG0QYVVzlF8GuwTO39kawX8bfYRRoTXIC_VYHvp3wOlOgyTAhCnmgjzlSb/s320/IMGP1109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233440604932203042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7cbSiS_xJFx_i7OYy8KelEopo_6FRbWMVvQUbnchO_KD7WKhLSoXOZK33b2AkYp8hE7_PQLgjoeGH1kRI8QYaruLm5RJ64eEHl9mRYvU3ukbQUK-ifGpnvtbcGh7jDJHcin4/s1600-h/IMGP1107.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7cbSiS_xJFx_i7OYy8KelEopo_6FRbWMVvQUbnchO_KD7WKhLSoXOZK33b2AkYp8hE7_PQLgjoeGH1kRI8QYaruLm5RJ64eEHl9mRYvU3ukbQUK-ifGpnvtbcGh7jDJHcin4/s320/IMGP1107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233436898775261890" border="0" /></a><br />I had a very enjoyable phone call with Bryan from GiK last week. After reviewing my theater layout he made some suggestions.<br /><br />First, he recommended that the side surrounds be at least 38% of the total room length from the rear wall. With my room being about 20 ft long, that would mean that my rear seating should be around 7 ft from the back wall. Currently I am only at 4 ft. This would take some major adjustment to the seating to make this happen, but I will consider it.<br /><br />Second, he suggested that all speakers should be set to SMALL, except the mains, with a cross-over of 80 Hz. By doing this, I could use the two Pro-Subs in the rear for the redirected bass and LFE. That may help balance the room once the MFW arrives as I was planning on putting that up front.<br /><br />Third, he suggested that the front wall should be deadened. We discussed the need for some reflective area directly behind the bi-pole towers (7001's). The reasoning is to absorb any of the center sound that may be bouncing off the front row. This reflection can cause a muddy sound, especially during dialog.<br /><br />After giving it some consideration, I decided to go half-way and add 2 inch cotton baffles behind the screen. This will absorb much of the reflected sound, but still give the towers some area to bounce. I spend last evening mounting the panels and moving the screen out from the wall by 2 inches. Tonight I will recalibrate the room and see if this was helpful or if it deadened the room too much. The front surface of the screen should allow some reflectance, and the insulation behind the screen will absorb most of the mid-high that passes through. This seemed like a fair compromise to me. A diffuser could be added behind the towers, but that is something for another day. The Tri-Traps should ship the end of this week, and arrive the following week. I plan on placing them in the corners of the rear wall.BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-87622499060525214042008-08-06T09:28:00.002-05:002008-08-06T09:35:21.664-05:00The Tri-Traps are Coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SLJW6IUaOPMPYpKtAHuReVejI2mjmfAbCLKi_A6karw_vWLnWgSXOaweevKsj_R-T6wYGxwNdouVVmTSY5nQ1FFUpt1Zp5ZCs1AGVNi9rlLQLk0SlvLa9_7N2CNS-TZIZelX/s1600-h/tritraps.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SLJW6IUaOPMPYpKtAHuReVejI2mjmfAbCLKi_A6karw_vWLnWgSXOaweevKsj_R-T6wYGxwNdouVVmTSY5nQ1FFUpt1Zp5ZCs1AGVNi9rlLQLk0SlvLa9_7N2CNS-TZIZelX/s320/tritraps.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231413232916615106" border="0" /></a><br />GiK is having a limited time 10% off sale on their Tri-Traps, making them even more affordable. I picked up a pair to try in the rear corners of my room. I may have to build my own for the front corners because of the limited space I have between the wall and screen.BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-27931048755150203932008-08-04T19:04:00.006-05:002008-08-06T23:38:37.079-05:00Theater Layout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOyBJJWxbrJupPHukhMY6siIVCmppagAOqPnhZSWMMtDot5w2u-VZ-9oFRP_qFXm9wBRfQHa6El7ADSW43xDokreOrIpueR9JNeoVMP8tIcceIBHqczNQsXru3ZIYY5Aj94aO/s1600-h/theater+layout+equip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOyBJJWxbrJupPHukhMY6siIVCmppagAOqPnhZSWMMtDot5w2u-VZ-9oFRP_qFXm9wBRfQHa6El7ADSW43xDokreOrIpueR9JNeoVMP8tIcceIBHqczNQsXru3ZIYY5Aj94aO/s320/theater+layout+equip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231630562602324530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I finished the theater layout, just in time to change it all around again. I will be moving all the A/V equipment from the built-in shelving at the rear of the room to the area outside the theater. I am waiting on my 40 ft HDMI cable to get here from Monoprice before I move everything. The projector will stay on the back shelf, but all the other gear will be moved out of the room. When I get around to buying a new projector (after CEDIA), I will mount it on the ceiling behind the rear seating. I am very anxious to see what comes out of Panasonic AE3000? or Epson 1080UB+?<br /><br />Still waiting anxiously on the MFW-15 sub, and it should be 'coming soon'! At least I have a serial number for it now, just need a shipping invoice and I will be all set!BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-77530637277146724122008-07-17T14:41:00.002-05:002008-07-17T14:46:23.926-05:00Scored a pair of BPX's !!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PCPHac0tEKIHw6Wv39F8APht7-fDhpexc0LlmDcWg14Km9WkedEII73oL0VUivq2n_298fTl91aUxotcsiJhAr844SfyKwRrNWnlnI-UuxV78ICdrEX97djnJkATndnzXLdW/s1600-h/bpx.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PCPHac0tEKIHw6Wv39F8APht7-fDhpexc0LlmDcWg14Km9WkedEII73oL0VUivq2n_298fTl91aUxotcsiJhAr844SfyKwRrNWnlnI-UuxV78ICdrEX97djnJkATndnzXLdW/s320/bpx.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224071678003941346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Myer-Emco is having another warehouse sale, so I thought I would at least give them a call to see if they had the BPX surrounds. They don't normally carry them, but when they have their warehouse sale, sometimes the have items that were ordered but never picked up. It was my lucky day, and they had a brand new pair for $249 ea. Now I can finally finish my 7.1 surround system!BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-4035015767855996602008-07-10T09:20:00.003-05:002008-08-04T19:21:14.977-05:00The Onkyo DV-805 Arrives!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySeq-LE3JiczOUTzw1mu8UZ05VHm8ZP5eNIdTqEe2dCKrd7Y6B7GoqBDcwsYS1dca0Kg3KyPPWR0v6HHzjDfTNwQo8mIn1SFsKPO1pqYasg1NX0wOH5MOLCcSJAD30yqeyBGe/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySeq-LE3JiczOUTzw1mu8UZ05VHm8ZP5eNIdTqEe2dCKrd7Y6B7GoqBDcwsYS1dca0Kg3KyPPWR0v6HHzjDfTNwQo8mIn1SFsKPO1pqYasg1NX0wOH5MOLCcSJAD30yqeyBGe/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221409528095334002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well after my experience with the Toshiba XA2 and the fan noise, I decided to give the Onkyo clone a try. I really couldn't pass up the price of $106 shipped for a REON-VX upconverter. I really liked the picture of the XA2, and I am expecting the 805 to be just as good. The guts of these players are the same, but the Onkyo has a different case design and remote. This dvd player should last me a while longer until the Blu-ray players and discs are finalized and become more reasonably priced. I do like HiDef discs, but I refuse to pay $35 for them, nor will I pay $500 for a half finished 1.1 profile player.<br /><br />Until then, I will be happily upconverting SD discs that I can get at the corner grocery for 99 cents!BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-56391404418849923952008-06-29T13:45:00.002-05:002008-06-29T14:03:49.950-05:00Swapping out the HK 635<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjser0vh11Mhne3uk71XQZNdaEqppu3f9Nuaz3Tf_ntYoGekn4q3btF0Zrya6FyrssX_0vczXHP77bDFKCkMJUA7fZovCAMmm2c9YL_s6tq61ZLBUgHm3OZxQmUXdmir_gcVASD/s1600-h/FP_RX-V2600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjser0vh11Mhne3uk71XQZNdaEqppu3f9Nuaz3Tf_ntYoGekn4q3btF0Zrya6FyrssX_0vczXHP77bDFKCkMJUA7fZovCAMmm2c9YL_s6tq61ZLBUgHm3OZxQmUXdmir_gcVASD/s200/FP_RX-V2600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217381186342402162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I picked up a second hand Yamaha RX-V2600 and swapped out my HK 635. I couldn't pass up the sale price. My Hk635 doesn't have HDMI inputs, so in order to use the new sound formats (True HD, DTS-HD, etc. ) I was using the 5.1 analog outputs. The Yammy does have HDMI 1.1, so I can now send the multichannel PCM straight to the receiver when using the HD DVD player. This should hold me over for a few more months until I replace it with a receiver that has HDMI 1.3.<br /><br />One advantage to the Yammy is that it is THX 2 certified and has the surround options for THX cinema. I have only had a chance to play a couple of movies, and so far I can not tell that much of a difference in the two receivers.<br /><br />Another difference is that the Yammy has the ability to be configured as a bi-amp for the front speakers. My Def Tech towers could be wired for bi-amping if I decided to go that route. It is something to consider when I am bored one afternoon.BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19544175.post-28502791600293664342008-06-04T09:32:00.005-05:002008-06-04T10:20:35.685-05:00The New Toys for CalibrationI ordered an MFW-15 Sub from AV123 on May 7. Not sure when it will be delivered, as they are backorder because of their popularity right now. This will allow me to have a dedicated LFE channel instead of using the SuperCubes built into the DefTech 7001's. The DT's will then be free to handle the main fronts on their own. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmywQpIxXGIS9KkOlfRSq3XkIooN2mml4LY5hJ17mbah7bmEV12ZTQvziuOXSDjP8fvtjzDi75fEvUCuADagdw_SAdmTTYoIEj49viNwltdF-qP_joWbO-m61CpJ6fRu3CC9K1/s1600-h/MFW-15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmywQpIxXGIS9KkOlfRSq3XkIooN2mml4LY5hJ17mbah7bmEV12ZTQvziuOXSDjP8fvtjzDi75fEvUCuADagdw_SAdmTTYoIEj49viNwltdF-qP_joWbO-m61CpJ6fRu3CC9K1/s200/MFW-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208045207429427698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In preparation for the arrival of the MFW-15 sub, I started reading and learning more about tools for sub calibration. After doing some research at a couple of the forums, I downloaded Room Equalization Wizard software and purchased an external CreativeLabs Live24 USB soundcard for my old laptop. I tinkered around with the software long enough to know I really liked it and decided to take the next step and purchase a Behringer SSP 1124P Equalizer (BFD) and M-Audio USB to Midi dongle last night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1ksZ30vwSHxV2TINoieSd3_NzaPt07_fRvDxBb79TBf7TKrW811pAyo2sWVKyGTHKCQdNH7noWacSZsCMOf_YBJ6vEWaADDeHsDgJ5EfKYuchQR5vc95DdwmYrigJKzz1DhP/s1600-h/bfd.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1ksZ30vwSHxV2TINoieSd3_NzaPt07_fRvDxBb79TBf7TKrW811pAyo2sWVKyGTHKCQdNH7noWacSZsCMOf_YBJ6vEWaADDeHsDgJ5EfKYuchQR5vc95DdwmYrigJKzz1DhP/s320/bfd.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208040228246755922" border="0" /></a><br />I got everything set up last night and started taking measurements and downloading filters to the BFD through the Midi device. Amazing what you learn from looking at the graphs and playing with the filter combinations.<br /><br />I think I have it figured out well enough that when the MFW-15 arrives I will be able to tune it in. Right now I am just playing around with the front tower subs to get a feel for how everything works. This is going to be a very valuable tool in positioning the sub and knocking down some of the room modes.<br /><br />From what I have gathered so far, there are 3 room frequencies that will be problematic. The first occurs down around 28 Hz. This is a huge bump in the graph of almost 15 dB. The next two occurs further up and are more on the magnitude of 6-7 dB. Definitely need to get the corner bass traps in place to tame things down and smooth out the response.BakPakVahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322724634084476143noreply@blogger.com0