George L. Schmauch Jr.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

Perhaps Tivo has gotten better since my last foray into that realm with the DirecTivo, but I found the reliability to be lacking… from a hardware standpoint.  I found this with the DirecTivo, as well as the standalone models.  The software was pretty darn solid, but between hard drive failures, power supply failures (overheating?), and card readers failing, the Tivo hardware was a major issue for me over the years.  That was the #2 reason (right behind DRM) why I built my own HTPC, followed shortly afterward by the server.

I do find it a little surprising that the same day they posted that comparison they also posted a poll about the [url=http://hd.engadget.com/2010/08/08/poll-whats-the-most-important-feature-in-a-hd-dvr/]”most important feature” for a DVR[/url] and the only thing they assumed was “connected to an HDTV” and listed “reliability” as an “extra feature”.  How is that “extra”?!?!  I don’t care how great everything else is if the thing can’t reliably record and play back my shows!

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

It’s probably not something as simple as this, but did you try beta 13 or 14 yet?

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

I just got through SG:U a month or two ago.  I read reviews/comments which said that it started out slow and that you needed to give it a chance.  I definitely agree and I’m very glad that I gave it a chance.  The later episodes were very well done.  It is certainly a completely different animal from SG-1 and SG:A, but you just need to accept the show for what it is and enjoy the ride.

BTW, speaking about addictive…  I got through the entire SG:A series in about 2 months.  I simply couldn’t wait to watch the next episode.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

[quote=”captain_video”]
[quote=”Skirge01″]
We’re [url=http://www.virtusphere.com/]getting closer[/url], though.  I really would love to try this thing out!
[/quote]
Holy Hamster Wheel, Batman!  I hope that sucker has some sort of ventilation system. 😮
[/quote]

LOL!  It’s mesh, not solid.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

It’s certainly interesting and boasts quite a few features.  I haven’t read everything about it, but since I’m a SageTV user, Placeshifter and/or their HD200 would be my choice.  I do wonder how well it works as a DVR, though.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

We’re [url=http://www.virtusphere.com/]getting closer[/url], though.  I really would love to try this thing out!

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

I have to agree that GI Joe: The Movie is a huge, notstalgic part of my childhood.  I wasn’t into it as much as Transformers, but man did this movie leave a mark on my childhood… in a good way.  Talk about a show that instilled pride and responsibility.  But, man…  Serpentor was one awesome looking dude!

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

I realize most of the people around these parts (excluding myself, that is) don’t believe 3D is going to catch on, but it would seem that, every single day, I’m reading a study about the rapid growth of 3D adoption rates in homes, as well as TV manufacturers projecting huge leaps in 3D TV sales over the next few years.

Personally (i.e.  I have no data to back this up), I think 3D is taking a foothold significantly faster than Blu-ray.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

Definitely not what we want or should be allowed to do, but I agree with other reactions I’ve read in that this is definitely a good sign.  Hopefully this is the first step in the undoing of the DMCA.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

While I have no experience with the Slim X3, I’m currently using 3 other Thermaltake HSFs in my computers and absolutely love them.  My sole complaint is the way they mount the fans.  They’re just not always easy to attach.  The Slim looks like it might be an easier one to mount, though.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

We watched the preview for Losers and it did have its moments, so I’m definitely open to it.  The remade A-Team, on the other hand, I have my doubts about, but also did hear/read some good things about it, so I may need to suck it up and give it a chance.  My biggest issue with that is my disdain for Rampage Jackson (B.A.).

If you can watch Tin Man with an open mind, I can watch Losers with an open mind.  ;D

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

[quote=”kataleen”]
And a brief review: http://www.techpowerup.com/126500/SilverStone_Intros_Nitrogon_NT07-1156_CPU_Cooler.html
[/quote]

Did you happen to read through any of the comments?  They’re essentially saying this is a stock Intel cooler rebranded by Silverstone.  It does bare a striking resemblance to Intel’s heatsink designs.  Based on that, personally, I’d stay away.  Stock Intel coolers aren’t exactly known for their performance.  It might be just fine for your application, but I’d just as soon go with a non-stock design for, hopefully, better performance.

I also agree with Mikinho that push-pins should be retired by the industry.  I don’t think any aftermarket heatsinks use them anymore.  At least, none of the ones I’ve seen or used recently.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

[quote=”kataleen”]
Thanks Skirge01. Talk about refreshing, it’s been a while since I’ve been “Welcomed” on a forum.[/quote]

Yeah, that’s just sad.  Most folks around here are pretty friendly.  Anytime I notice a single digit post I’m responding to, I try to welcome the person.

[quote]So what’s your two cents on this? Do I stand a chance with an i3 or am I going to fall into the “more functional than pretty” camp, with another case?[/quote]

It’s a tough call.  It’s all based on what your objectives are.  As long as the CPU is powerful enough for what you’re going to do and you can fit everything into it, it’s a pretty impressive case.  Personally, I went a very different route with a server and client setup, so my HTPC has just a single drive, but the case (Antec Fusion… linked in signature) is still quite large because I use it as a regular desktop PC, as well.  It’s used for web browsing and (less demanding) gaming, just as much as for TV.

[quote]BTW, care to share how you came across the installation manual? Or maybe just post it?
[/quote]

Sure thing.  If you click the download button on the page you linked to, it brings you to a page which has the PDF link.

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

First, welcome to the board!  I have to admit it was refreshing to hear someone refer to a case as “pretty” for a change.  Most of the time, you just hear, “does it look like all my other equipment?”  A valid question is definitely whether the case is aesthetically appealing and I have to agree with you.  The multi-colored lights behind the semi-transparent panel definitely add some character.

I also have to agree that the PCI slot looks small and I’d venture to say it’s a half-height.  In fact, I managed to confirm it when I looked much closer at the specs.  They do say that it has a single expansion slot, listed as “LP”, which mean “low profile”.  I pulled up the installation manual and it specifically reads, “low profile”.  Wow…  talk about making you work to find this stuff out!  🙂

I love the removable mobo cage, too!  Definitely a necessary addition to a small case like this.

Assuming I’m reading correctly, as far as space above the mobo, the case is stated to be just 5.51″ in width, which would mean a max (not counting the metal sides or mobo tray) of 2.75″ per side.  That’s pretty narrow.  The specs also note that the heatsink is a “special size” of 45mm.  Assuming that’s the height, it’s just 1.77″.

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