Kuro

The Kuro is probably the best TV ever.

Here are the settings for the break in period:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1053444

.AVI files on zune

Here is a registry hack to allow .avi files to be viewed on Zune:

http://www.zunescene.com/zune-divx/

EDIT: This no longer works in the Zune software. Oh well.

Bulk rename

This appears to be a good program to bulk rename

http://lifehacker.com/5100037/bulk-rename-utility-blasts-through-your-file-naming-tasks

http://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk

Gmail drag and drop

This is a great update for Google mail. Works great in Google Apps as well.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2190

Change settings for DVDDecrypter

Norton Labs UAC is the best:

http://www.nortonlabs.com/inthelab/uac.php

Then run DVD Decrypter as an Admin!

(1) Click Start
(2) Click Control Panel
(3) Be sure to choose the regular Vista screen, not the "CLASSIC VIEW"
(4) Click "PROGRAM"
(5) Click on the small subheading "making softwares working in an older window version" (compatibility verification)
(6) Follow the steps to choose DVD Decrpter to work in an older environment: window 98, 2000, XP, etc.
(7) Once you finish, follow the same procedures to turn softwares that do not work in the vista, e.g. DVD Shrink
Good Luck!

Upgrdaing Home Server RAM

Here is some info on upgrading the ram on Windows home server.

http://www.homeserverhacks.com/2007/12/upgrade-memory-in-your-hp-ex470.html

I purchased 2GB for just $22

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231119&ATT=20-231-119&CMP=AFC-C8Junction&nm_mc=&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-G.SKILL-_-20231119

I may upgrade the processor:

http://www.homeserverhacks.com/2008/03/add-performance-to-your-hp-ex470-with.html

Video converters for the Xbox

Here are some Video converters for the xbox:

1. Videora- may work, but only does conversion to DIVX and MP4, not WMV

http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/Xbox360/

2. Super
Seems to work ok, but settings are confusing. My first WMV conversion came out bad.

3. Format Factory
Trying now.
http://www.formatoz.com/

Resume on Windows Mobile

Maybe I can use my phone for podcasts.

http://solsie.com/2008/07/resume-on-windows-media-player-possible/

Media Monkey

MediaMonkey might enable me to organize my music folders:

http://www.mediamonkey.com/

Verizon problems

I ended up spending an hour on the phone with Verizon on Saturday. This was after I did the upgrade, but it could have just been a coincidence. I was able to get data (web, e-mail) but not texts or voice. Every time I made a call I got the message that "Your account has been temporarily disabled." The Verizon support guy ended up deleting and then re-adding my account. That fixed it.

New computer

This is my new computer. Only $250 with tax!!

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=ie〈=en&product=3752882#

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883109021

* Model Number: Compaq Presario SR5518F Refurbished
* CPU: Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2180, 2.0GHz
* Memory: 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM
* Video: Integrated Graphics
* Hard Drive: 250GB, SATA, 7200rpm
* Optical Drive: DVDRW DL RAM Drive
* Network: 10/100 ethernet connection
* Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit
* Warranty: 90 day limited warranty

Fast shutter speed cameras

This shows cameras shutter speeds.

http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/shutter-lag-comparisons.cfm

Sony Cybershot DSCW130/B 8.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot 

5800 links

Here are some more 5800 links

http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/htc-libra-verizon-smt5800/104645-what-your-5800-libra-

quirks-what-works-what-doesn-t-why.html

Here are some tips:

1. Change the homepage by using regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AboutURLs

(the old page was start.vzw.com)

2. In settings change "Key Lock" to never to prevent quick returns to the home screen. 

Ideally there would be more optiAons than just 7 seconds.

Windows Mobile 6.1 for the 5800

I never thought this would come, but it's out!

http://www.pcdphones.com/phone_downloads.aspx?bid=81&cid=1&mid=292&carrier=Verizon%20Wireless

I installed it. The install went very smooth. Just be aware that it will wipe your entire phone clean. The changes aren't dramatic. I like the new homescreen. I suppose IE is a little better, but I prefer quick access to favorites vs the zoom button. Rev A doesn't seem to be much faster. The task manager is much improved. This solved an IMAP mail problem I was having, but this might have been fixed by the re-install.

Grill

I have the Genesis silver a. This is a fantastic grill, but it's not available any more.

hard drive recovery

spinwrite may recover.

New video convertors

Format Factory

http://www.formatoz.com/

Super

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/01/05/super-video-player-and-encoder-releases-2009-version/

Samsung 52" LCD

This TV looks awesome

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-ln52a650/4505-6482_7-32887597.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

$1947 at Amazon

Reviews

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/25/samsung-ln52a650-review/

Energy consumption for TVs

This article shows the power consumption for some TVs. I've been looking at the Vizio VXT plasma, which it turns out is a real energy hog.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-3.html