Posted 12/18/2008 at 07:20:15am

I just built a new system, and I must say it's pretty impressive. For under $900 you can't beat it. Starting with

• MSI X-58 Eclipse Platinum Motherboard MS-7522      $220
• Core I7 920 2.66GHz                                               $309
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 512MB             $145
• 1x Kingston 2GB stick of DDR3 10600                     $68
• Generic Case and a decent 500Watt PSU             $45
• Western Digital 80GB 3.0 Gb/s             $36
• LG 20x SATA DVD+-R Burner             $24

Newegg Total $847 plus $30 shipping

 I've got it overclocked to 3Ghz with the stock cooler and it's as solid as a rock. It doesn't get hotter than 45 degrees C even when playing Far Cry 2 maxxed out.  Granted the hard drive is small, it's a generic case and I've only got 2GB of RAM all of that stuff can be upgraded really easily later on. All in all the price to performance ratio is pretty much outstanding.

Posted 10/23/2008 at 04:02:37pm

This is a very robust camera for $300 bones. It's got more options than the higher end Sony IPELAs that I've been using and honestly the quality isn't any worse than the Sonys. If you paired this up with a good security DVR software solution such as ONSSI and possibly an external enclosure you'd be hard pressed to find a cheaper more effective security solution.

Posted 09/21/2008 at 07:15:05pm

Hopefully it will have better luck than Sealab 2021 which explodes in every episode.

Posted 08/28/2008 at 07:57:41pm

The best way I've found to manage movies especially if you're using your PC as a HTPC. It has a nice cover flow effect, and a lot of great features. If you're thinking of putting together a Home Theatre PC This is definitely the way to go.

Posted 08/14/2008 at 02:30:43pm

That's exactly what I'm looking for in an HTPC. 

Posted 07/09/2008 at 10:09:08pm

My company bought a bunch of Dell optiplex desktops with realtek HD integrated sound a year ago and they've all got the stereo mix disabled. I did some searching on google for a solution and found what you need to do.

1. Download the SoundMax driver from Dell's website and extract it somewhere. Then open up ADIHDAUD.INF located in SMAXWDM folder in the driver folder.
2. Find the line HKR,AD1984\\Disable, OutR, 1, 01 ;; Disable Stereo Mix Capture Node
3. Change the "01" to 00 and save it
4. Run "setup" and select "uninstall" existing driver - reboot
5. Run "setup" and select "install" new driver - ignore the Windows XP auto install setting and ignore the "non certified" driver warning - reboot
6. Go to start menu > run > type: "regedit" [enter] (without quotes)
7. Click on "edit > search" and look for AD1984.
8. For each registry key/folder of AD1984, find the subfolder/key that says MicBP and OutR and change their associated binary values from 01 to 00. For some people, re-installing the driver in this fashion already produces a 00 while for others, the change must be made manually.
9. Reboot

That should allow you to use Stereo Mix like normal. 

Posted 07/08/2008 at 10:40:46pm

Very nice my Dell Axim has been collecting dust for quite some time now and I was about to buy one of those programable LCD displays to show my temps during gaming sessions. Finding a new use for an old tool is one of the most satisfying feelings. Thanks Norm

Posted 04/05/2008 at 05:00:00pm

I've got a Motorola DCT6416 and there are drivers available so you can utilize the Firewire port. Your PC will pick it up as a TVtuner device and it's $14 a month from your cable provider. Check this link http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/post/154082.aspx It's little bit complicated but it seems to work.