1080 my "i"

The more time I spend reading up on home theater equipment, the more I seem to be falling back into an old and expensive hobby. For a while, building a home theater system that suited me was a neverending saga. I couldn't tell you how many TVs, receivers, speakers, and other gear I have gone through. But recently I fell back into love with my old dear friend. With my recent plasma TV purchase, I have been forced to look into what other goodies I need. YES, I NEED THEM.

• BLU-RAY or HD-DVD? - By now, most of you know about the recent hi-def DVD format war. Already, Blu-Ray software is outselling HD-DVD software, and with the more and more studios jumping aboard, and the fact that PS3 hasn't even begun to significantly penetrate the U.S. market, it's only a matter of time before someone bites the dust. I'm guessing, it will be HD-DVD.
  
• LCD or Plasma? - It's really a personal preference. There is a nice chart here, which explains the advantages and disadvantages of both. I prefer the plasma because it's better at reproducing "theater" quality images, but you can't go wrong with either.
  
• Cable/DirecTV? - DirecTV will be adding numerous HD channels this year. Meanwhile, cable is limited in it's pipeline bandwidth for more HD channels. I'm forced to have cable because of my apartment, but if given the choice, DirecTV is where I would stand.

Speaking of TV broadcasts, I was shocked to learn that not all networks broadcast in 1080i. I learned that some broadcast in 720p. Why? That's like buying a Ferrari and never driving it above 65. There is a very tech-friendly article here for those that want to read more on the difference between the two.

That's it for now...out.

Learning Curves and Switchbacks.

So far, so good. Still learning the ins and outs of this thing. It's pretty basic with this template, and it's alot easier then the last time I was working on a web site *cough cough* UT BOOTY *cough cough*. Anyway, how was your weekend?

• Mine, you ask? Well it started off with Friday Night Bowling. I joined a Hawaiian Club a few months ago. It gives me the opportunity to bowl again, and it opens the doors to making new friends and acquaitences. We bowl on Friday nights at 9 at the Linbrook Bowling Alley. It's been really fun so far. I grew up in the bowling alley as a kid. My parents were part of a league back in the day, so my sister and I would spend our Friday nights in those old urine-stained, smoke-filled alleys from the 80's.
  
  
• Saturdays are usually my Frank and Son days. It's a collectible show that's been around for years now. I like their selection of really odd collectibles. It's not as mainstream as the L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, but it is FREE and held every Wednesday and Saturday.
  
  
• Later that Saturday was USC/UCLA game. Eh. I thought the game would be more entertaining than it was. Congrats to UCLA for their HUGE win. I thought for sure USC would run them over, but that's why we play the game.
  
  
• The Lakers won that night as well. Showing once and for all there is only one team worthy of LA in their name, and that's the Lakers. I really can't stand the Clippers. They are like that pesky, annoying, little brother your buddy has that ALWAYS wants to hang out with you guys.
  
  
• Sunday, Adrienne and I went to Universal Studios. I have always had a fondness for Universal. It tries really hard to be one of the big boy amusement parks, but you can pretty much wrap up the whole park in half a day. But I do enjoy the Hollywood aspect of it. The Citywalk has changed since it first opened back in '93. One of my favorite memories was watching Jurassic Park at the Citywalk on opening night. They had a bunch of set decorations and the placed was jammed pack. KWGB!
  
  
• Sunday Night was interesting. I have been playing with my new plasma ever since I got it. I have been reading up on configurations relating to getting the most out of my TV. I bought an HDMI cable for about 150 bucks (yeah, tell me about it). I also purchased a composite video cable for my PS2 for about 70 bucks. I don't have a higher end DVD player because I have used the same DVD player since I bought it in 1997, 2 months after DVD was launched. So my PS2 is actually my best DVD player. It's progressive scan, so picture quality is good, but it would be better with a newer DVD player.
  
  The problem is that HD-DVD and Blu-Ray have appeared, and my dilema is now twofold. A PS3 would be the ultimate option, giving me both a new player and an even superior format. But I may settle to wait. Who knows?
  
  Anyway, last night I was watching an Elvis Costello concert and was completely blown away. It looked absolutely amazing. The picture was crisp, and given that "black" on a plasma is so absent of light, the color backgrounds just "pop". HD is the way to go when it comes to live events.
  
  
• That's it for now. Have a good week and check back for other topics. And remember, TONIGHT is the last "Heroes" until 2007.

Episode 1 - The Phantom Pat

"What is this about?", some of you may ask. This is my first attempt at jumping aboard this Blog-Centered world we have embraced. It's sort of like a public diary of my personal life, thoughts, and ideas. Now, normally I really don't spend enough time in front of a computer for something like this, but it is popular form of communication within some circles, so I figured "Why not?". And, it will give me a chance to "voice" an opinion or two.

Now, some questions that some may be asking themselves:

What should we expect? Anything my mind feels like wrapping a thought around. It could range from movies to motor oil.

What's new in your life that you can talk about?

• Well, I just bought a new TV this past Black Friday.
• I went gambling in San Diego on Saturday.
• Of course, Sunday is football. Being a Ram's fan in LA has it's disadvantages, with having to watch Chargers and Raiders games locally being the biggest burden. But, since I do not have DirecTV at my apartment, I was faced with having to find a place to watch my team play. Fortunately, such a place has been provided. Nationals in Torrance has just re-opened after a HUGE makeover. This place was always the step-child of the Nationals chain, but it looks outstanding now. Every TV is a flat-panel, the bar looks like something from Miami Beach, their VIP section, an idea they took from ESPN Sportzone, is layed out with about 20 recliners and a wall full of widescreen plasmas with each game. It really looks amazing.