Monday, April 25, 2011
HP dv6000 Vista re-install - PC not recognizing networking hardware
Freezing problem
so i must manually reboot !!
is there any prob with my GPU or any other???
Reply 1 : Freezing problem
Reply 2 : Freezing problem
Things to try are clean installing new drivers, disabling hardware acceleration (like The Rev said), making sure you have the system up to date (Windows + BIOS)...
Reply 3 : Freezing problem
and latest 270.51 beta Drivers .
but i think i may be avictim of windows genuine software counterfeiting..
that should not be causing as i think?
am i right?
M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Hello all, I'm looking to upgrade the GPU on my M15x laptop and I have several questions regarding how mobile GPU's work (or GPUs in general) as I don't know very much about them at all.
First, I understand how CPUs of a certain socket require a motherboard of a matching socket to work, are GPUs similar in this respect? For example, will a certain motherboard only support certain GPUs or does the motherboard just need a PCI(e) slot?
What about mobile GPUs? Can any discrete mobile GPU be swapped for another discrete mobile GPU? If that is not the case, what restrictions are in place to prevent this from happening. From the mobile GPUs that I've seen, the only thing that seems drastically different are the heatsinks, and I understand this as there are many different laptop designs out there and therefore there must be many different, form-fitting, heatsinks.
What upgrade possibilities are there with an Alienware M15x equipped with an NVIDIA GT 240M?
Where can one buy mobile GPUs? I cannot seem to find any retailer who sells them and I have a strong distrust for Ebay. Does Dell/Alienware sell parts to owners of Dell/Alienware systems and would I be able to order from them?
If instead you know of a good source of information on mobile GPUs that may answer many of these questions, please let me know (I like to read).
Thanks!
Reply 1 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Yes Alienware machines are highly upgradable. You can upgrade to (listed in order of performance):
5730, 260m GTX, 280m GTX, 285m GTX, 460m GTX, 5850, 5870 and 6970m although the last one is still experimental.
Places you can get them: the market place has them every now and them, ebay and phoning up Dell and requesting for one, the only options provided by Dell are the 460m GTX and 5850, 5870 and 6970m cards are hard to get if you tell them that you have a M15x as Dell offer them in other laptops. You can also go to mxm-upgrade.com for the 6970m.
Like desktops, the graphics cards you buy must be in MXM 3.0 type B format. I have basically listed all the cards that are offered in that format besides the 470m GTX (which had some problems) and the 480m and 485m cards which are too demanding in terms of power draw.
Heatsinks should fit fine. If you want to change, remember to have thermal paste and pads
Hope this helps
Reply 2 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Reply 3 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Reply 4 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
One last question then, where can I find Dell's phone number to call and inquire about an upgrade to, for example, a 460M?
Again, thank you. I had searched for this information for quite some time (I must've just not really know what to search for) and had come up empty, this was quite helpful.
Reply 5 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Try 1-800-254-3692 and just ask for what you want
Reply 6 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
@Kicki I've never called Dell and even if I did I'm in the UK so the number is different. There are plenty other people in this forums that have done so. I think it's just the customer service number you call to make a purchase.
Reply 7 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Reply 8 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
Reply 9 : M15x GPU Upgrade Questions/GPU Questions
ObamaCare: UK Style
In several areas routine surgery was put on hold for months, while in many others new thresholds for hip and knee replacements have been introduced.
The moves are part of the NHS drive to find 20bn efficiency savings by 2015.
The government said performance should be measured by outcomes not numbers....
Is forced socialized medicine that depends on such health care rationing to make it affordable really moral?
Reply 1 : ObamaCare: UK Style
The thing is that Health Care in the US prior to Congress's Health Care (it's not what Obama was talking about during the campaign, it was messed about ferociously) was rationed through the large number of people without insurance, or with insufficient insurance, or those people whose insurance was cut off in mid treatment by their insurance companies. There are significant waits for various surgeries at Public Hospitals, which means the US already has the same problems you are remarking upon as applying to Britain. When I see people talking about the US Health Care system, they just skip over the people who don't have generous Health Insurance Plans as if they don't exist. They have always existed in the US.
People may have to wait for treatment, but they get it eventually. Additionally this is as I understand it, a move put in place by the Conservative government requiring the NHS to save 20 billion by 2015. Allocation of funds in this case is a political decision, and the average Conservative voter probably already has a private plan anyway. However I would like to hear what Mark Flax has to say on the issue.
My personal experience working for the NHS was extremely positive, and the services offered were far greater than those in either the US or Canada in both of whose Health Care Systems I have worked.
Rob
Reply 2 : ObamaCare: UK Style
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Total_health_expenditure_per_capita,_US_Dollars_PPP.png
Somebody should smack David Cameron around the lug hole for that.
Rob
Reply 3 : ObamaCare: UK Style
I saw a TV report a few years ago, (no links), A team of dentists visited various places in the southern US states offering free dental treatment for those without insurance. They were over-subscribed by thousands and couldn't treat them all. The queues were hundreds of yards down the streets for those who had never been able to afford dental treatment in their lives.
Is forced capitalist {lack of} treatment on such uninsured really moral?
To Rob. No, most businesses do not offer private health insurance. The private industry has tried for decades to get a foothold into the UK with little success.
Mark
Reply 4 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 5 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 6 : ObamaCare: UK Style
I've never said our NHS system is perfect.
Seems you think yours is?
Mark
Reply 7 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 8 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 9 : ObamaCare: UK Style
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Reply 13 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Rob
Reply 14 : ObamaCare: UK Style
He, or rather his clinic/employer, gets paid for an office visit.
He orders testing to verify what he thinks (perhaps to cover himself in case of a lawsuit also) and his employer has it's own testing, there is more fees.
I'm not saying the doctors are ordering unneeded tests. I'm saying there are pressures from the way the systems works, both financially and liability wise, to run two test instead on one.
The payment scheme for advising you on what to eat and what exercise you need isn't very rewarding. That is unless you're referred to a clinical dietitian and a rehabilitation expert.
Reply 15 : ObamaCare: UK Style
I can't speak for the other countries on the list, but the US has multiple health care systems that all end up lumped together in that list. We 'benefit' from: the VA/military system that does a fair/poor job, the indigent care system that offers abysmal care, Medicaid that varies from state to state but is probably fair/poor overall, commercial insurance that mostly offers good (if expensive) care, and care for the wealthy that is completely unrestricted that offers excellent but very expensive care.
Some critics look only at the low end of that care spectrum. Some enthusiasts look only at the high end of the spectrum. I don't think either of those approaches is very meaningful.
Reply 16 : ObamaCare: UK Style
The World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems was last produced in 2000, and the WHO no longer produces such a ranking table, because of the complexity of the task.
Best for one person may not be good enough for their fellow countryman.
Reply 17 : ObamaCare: UK Style
An odd thing from my experience and unfamiliar to most of you save Dr. Bill, Total Parenteral Nutrition, for people whose stomach and intestines have been removed for any of a number of reasons, was pioneered in Sweden, and the lipid solution is still made there, though perhaps there are now US manufacturers (there weren't when I first encountered it in the US).
TPN must be kept fresh in a Hospital grade refrigerator, and supplied about every two weeks to the patients (i.e. a two week supply is delivered). Not only does the NHS supply these I.V. solutions, but it supplies the rather expensive fridge to store them. I used to deliver them once a week to two lists of patients on alternate weeks, meaning the Hospital must have a delivery van too. I don't know how it's done in Canada, though I have encountered it here, but I don't know that it's available for home use as it is in the UK.
So why is the Health Care delivered in the US "the best". Do you have the lowest infant mortality? No. Do you have the longest average life spans? No. Do you have the cheapest Health Care? No, US Health Care is the most expensive in the world while leaving 50 million uninsured and probably another 100 million under-insured.
I came up here somewhat reluctantly, unhappy to leave all that was familiar behind. It took me 10 years to get to the point where I could see that the Canadian system was not merely better but far better, and far fairer, and when I went to Britain 7 years after that, I was astonished at how much more comprehensive the British system was than the Canadian.
I still think the solution to underfunding in the UK and Canada is to funnel all the taxes on liquor and cigarettes directly into the health care budget. Those are the two things that cause the most health problems. That would likely end all the problems, but of course government has been spending those revenues on just about everything else but Health Care. But that wouldn't help in the US where "sin taxes" aren't much in evidence.
Rob
Reply 18 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Rob
Reply 19 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1369753/One-hard-dentist.html#ixzz1J3QVKaZN
Reply 20 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 21 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 22 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Actually, there's a lot about government medical or government insurance I don't think I like. But when I look around sometimes, I wonder which list of deficiencies is worse.
So far I've been lucky, I've only had a few periods since I entered the work force full time I wasn't working. And they were all less than 3 months so I could carry COBRA. Expensive, but I managed it. If it had been more than 3 months, I'd probably have been without insurance.
I had a couple of crowns before I had any dental insurance. Even with a steady fair paying job for the time, covering them was a hassle. It helped a lot my dentist was willing to spread part of it out over a few paychecks.
But if I had had an abscess without insurance or a job, I would have had to lose the tooth. Root canals and crowns have never been inexpensive.
While some people are out of work because they won't put forth enough effort, I know some personally that are out in spite of what they're willing to do. I know some working part-time with no insurance because they can't afford it. In the last year, I barely kept my job. The cutoff was actually above me, but three older workers volunteered for layoff to collect their severance, draw unemployment or work part-time for a few months until they officially retired.
Reply 23 : ObamaCare: UK Style
FWIW, Medicare does cover hip replacement in the U.S...
Reply 24 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Who do you believe 'doesn't' deserve health care?
Mark
Reply 25 : ObamaCare: UK Style
Reply 26 : ObamaCare: UK Style
I have no difficulty with that definition and I see no moral reason to refuse anyone health care simply because they are poor and cannot afford it or cannot afford private insurance.
Big differences there.
Mark
Reply 27 : ObamaCare: UK Style
This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
As you can see in the video, the webpage is completely loaded, fast scrolling or slow scrolling it doesnt matter. Doesnt matter what site, it happens on all, all the time. For a $700 device, you would think it wouldnt do this. I mean do our computers do it? Maybe ones from 1992 running Pentium 2 CPUs.
YouTube - MVI 4027
Im actually considering getting a playbook, cause from the time i was in the store yesterday playing with playbook it was seamlessly faster and smoother.
Proof
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s72rGDUn2uo
Reply 1 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Reply 2 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Keeping a whole webpage loaded requires usage of resources, so instead they only load the content that is viewed and leave the rest unloaded.
This is pretty much an easy way to optimize, and honestly one of the worst ways. I am not surprised to see iOS utilize this type of optimization, it is pretty typical of Apple to use easy optimization that sacrifice other areas.
Reply 3 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Reply 4 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Reply 5 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
here is a more up to date speed test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOrm0TlaLkg
Reply 6 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Reply 7 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Originally Posted by kornchild2002 I guess I don't see the issue. My Droid X does the same exact thing when loading websites. Also, if you are going to show a "proof" video, the least you can do is link one that is an accurate test. The PlayBook vs iPad is an unfair comparison as that it the original iPad. Of course the dual-core PlayBook (which has more RAM) is going to load content faster. That would be like me comparing the boot times of a PowerBook G4 to a new quad-core Dell XPS 15 with SSD only to make the claim that Apple is teh sucksorz and Windows is teh ba-bomb! The videos comparing the PlayBook to the iPad 2 still put the iPad 2 ahead, you might want to take a look at them instead of posting a video that was made way before the iPad came out and is clearly comparing a first generation product to a second generation release.
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Im gonna head out to my local best buy right now and get a playbook. I need to spend a good week with it to test it out fully to my liking. If not ill just return it but im sure ill like it more than ipad 2.
Reply 8 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
Originally Posted by Helpmyfriend Im gonna head out to my local best buy right now and get a playbook. I need to spend a good week with it to test it out fully to my liking. If not ill just return it but im sure ill like it more than ipad 2.
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Reply 9 : This is why I got rid of my ipad 2 (video)
However I wasn't that impressed with the ipad 2. thus, the MBP I purchased instead.
http://www.businessinsider.com/black...reviews-2011-4
What I don't get is why people don't do a little research before they blow their money. I see the OP has already run out to grab a playbook, he'll get it home, and be pissed off that it's not what he thought it would be, and he'll have no one to blame but himself.
And the biggest issue with the playbook? lack of 3rd party app support. For years developers asked RIM to make it easier to develop on the platform, and RIM ignored them, so now RIM is trying to scramble, but the developers have already bailed out and moved on to IOS and Android.
False Positive Report
Reply 1 : False Positive Report
you can follow this sticky post about reporting false positive detections with sending sample to virus@avg.com . Or you can use our (anonymous) portal at http://samplesubmit.avg.com/false-detection - I have already sent this sample to our virus specialists.
Thank you for your report
Help me decide
Please don't recommend a desktop, as i do need portability on ocassion, just not enough to warrant a M11x.
Reply 1 : Help me decide
Still I do recommend getting a M15x if you want the portability provided you only game with it plugged in.
Reply 2 : Help me decide
The M15x is great and has plenty of power but I almost always have the ac adapter connected. Installing an SSD improved the battery life but the time on battery is still quite limited.
Reply 3 : Help me decide
Sunday, April 24, 2011
eMail Marketing Software Setup..pls help
I have purchased an eMail SMTP Relay service which use for the eMail software but still seems to conflict with the co's email server...
My intention is to completely 'by-pass' the co's email server to send out marketing mailshots.
Thanks - Mave
where do i get the windows media services plugin?
while trying to add to my music library i found that i couldn't play back some tracks without a license for those tracks. when i tried to get a license i was told that i didn't have the 'windows media services plugin' installed.
i went to Microsoft and tried to find it and i couldn't. i tried to find a way to contact them directly and couldn't.
does anyone know where i can get this plugin?
Reply 1 : where do i get the windows media services plugin?
And what program to get the license?
Kees
Reply 2 : where do i get the windows media services plugin?
Sony PS-LX350H record player installation
Any idea what's going on? Help would be greatly appreciated.
Reply 1 : Sony PS-LX350H record player installation
Comodo Defense + or Threatfire?
Windows Live Mesh ActiveX
Miki
Reply 1 : Windows Live Mesh ActiveX
"If you have two or more computers running Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you can use Windows Live Mesh to sync program settings between them. You can sync your favorites in Internet Explorer, and if you have Microsoft Office installed, you can sync your styles, templates, custom dictionary, and email signatures. When you sync your program settings
between two computers, they will stay the same on both. Any changes you make on one computer will be made on the other".
Since you only have the one computer this does not seem appropriate to you.
Where is it listed, in "Programs and Features"? If so, then uninstalling should not harm anything else.
Mark
Reply 2 : Windows Live Mesh ActiveX
The Windows Live Mesh activeX control is in Programs and Features, but is separate from Windows Live Essentials.
Miki
Dual Monitoring
Reply 1 : Dual Monitoring
Reply 2 : Dual Monitoring
Reply 3 : Dual Monitoring
Matrox ran their older multi-monitor cards on win2k alongside of their own multi-monitor software, but who knows if you can still get those products and drivers/software.
Reply 4 : Dual Monitoring
Originally Posted by newsposter It's been a while but I don't think that win2k offers any kind of support for multiple monitor setups.
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--L.
Strange program "[" in usr/bin, what is it?
Here's a screenshot I made of it.
Reply 1 : Strange program "[" in usr/bin, what is it?
apt-file search '/usr/bin/['
coreutils: /usr/bin/[
http://git.savannah.gnu.org/gitweb/?...7ffd712fdd8a3f
via comments in http://www.screenage.de/blog/2008/01...srbin-anymore/
Reply 2 : Strange program "[" in usr/bin, what is it?
Hamster Free Video Converter
Reply 1 : Hamster Free Video Converter
What size is this .exe file you downloaded? If it is under 20MB, upload it to http://virusscan.jotti.org/en-gb and use that site to run a scan with 20 or so Anti-Virus scanners. See what results are displayed.
Sometimes our AV's give us what are called "False Positives". They wrongly mark files as holding viruses when the files are clean. See what Jotti says, and if the scans come up clean, then it is more likely that Nod has given you a false positive.
If you are still not comfortable, visit Nod's web site to see how to send the file to them to check.
Hope that helps.
Mark
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
Reply 1 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
How do I Uninstall SecurityCenter?
Summary: This article provides the steps to remove SecurityCenter from your computer.
Note: Before uninstalling SecurityCenter, you must uninstall VirusScan, Personal Firewall, Privacy Service, and SpamKiller.
1. Click on the Start button.
2. Point to Settings (XP users skip this step).
3. Click on Control Panel.
4. Double click Add or Remove Programs.
5. Locate McAfee SecurityCenter in the list of installed programs.
6. Single click on SecurityCenter so that it is highlighted.
7. Click the Add/Remove or Change/Remove button.
8. Follow the prompts to remove SecurityCenter.
9. Restart your computer.
McAfee SecurityCenter has been removed from your computer.
If for some reason, you have removed all of your other McAfee programs and SecurityCenter will still not uninstall, do the following:
1. Double-click on My Computer (on some XP systems, click Start My Computer).
2. Double-click on drive C:
3. Double-click on the Program Files folder
4. Double-click on the mcafee.com folder
5. Double-click on the agent folder
6. Double-click on the app folder
7. Delete any files that end with .adf by right-clicking the file and selecting Delete
8. Use the Control Panel to remove SecurityCenter, as listed above.
Reply 2 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
Any help MUCH appreciated.
Reply 3 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
Disable all the functions that you can and then try to uninstall from Control Panel.
Reply 4 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
download this
after literally months of searching and downloading 'removal' tools i finally found one that worked.
GOOD LUCK!
Reply 5 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
Reply 6 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
Reply 7 : Can't uninstall McAfee Security Center!
Registry Cleaner
Reply 1 : Registry Cleaner
Plenty out there, but I'll write you should make a backup before the changes, just in case.
Bob
Reply 2 : Registry Cleaner
Reply 3 : Registry Cleaner
If I were to run a cleaner the only one I'll use is CCLEANER in it's stock settings.
Bob in 2011
Reply 4 : Registry Cleaner
Here is a link, you can read about it.
http://www.ccleaner.com/
HTH
Larry
Reply 5 : Registry Cleaner
Reply 6 : Registry Cleaner
Good Luck!
Larry
Reply 7 : Registry Cleaner
Reply 8 : Registry Cleaner
Thanks,
Joe
Reply 9 : Registry Cleaner
The two links are for File Hippo and Piriform. They are the free versions.
Hope that helps.
Mark
Reply 10 : Registry Cleaner
Nvidia WHQL 250.61 drivers out
Reply 1 : Nvidia WHQL 250.61 drivers out
Reply 2 : Nvidia WHQL 250.61 drivers out
Reply 3 : Nvidia WHQL 250.61 drivers out
Originally Posted by svl7 You mean 270.61
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AVG 2011 Server Edition and IIS 6.0
Does anyone have any ideas why this would happen or if there is a solution? We run a IIS 6. on a Windows server 2003. We send emails out via Exchange Server 2005. Mostly ASP and ASP.NET pages.
Thanks
Reply 1 : AVG 2011 Server Edition and IIS 6.0
please accept our apologies for any inconveniences caused by this situation.
I would like to ask you to contact our AVG technical support, which have enough tools to help you with this situation, on address:
http://www.avg.com/support
Or use the option in AVG, open menu Help and Get Help Online.
In the meantime, please check also this FAQ.
Thank you
Failed DVD Burn still in finder
Thanks.
Reply 1 : Failed DVD Burn still in finder
Reply 2 : Failed DVD Burn still in finder
Best camcorder for slow motion playback
PS3 HD display/audio for somewhat niche user
Pretty much I want to buy a 1080P display and external speakers; but without paying for internal speakers/tuners that I'm not going to use. I want the display to look great, so I'm worried about buying a display which is flawed or that I'm not looking enough into other characteristics outside of resolution. I also am at a total loss for speaker selection, I just want some serious quality there, and not some tinny integrated airwaves. I want to think the money I'm spending is all going into exactly what I want to use it for, without any bells or whistles.
I don't watch TV; it's not my thing, so I don't care about the tuner. (If, somehow, a TV was better looking and cheaper than a speakerless monitor of the same caliber, I'd head in that direction. It doesn't logically add up to me - but I wouldn't be on this forum if I didn't expect to be told I'm wrong!)
I'm also looking to shell out on some actual speakers, too, so if the best display is just a monitor and thus, has no speakers, I'm already cool with that. My problem there is that I don't know what to do about my HDMI cable, which will go directly into the display, leaving nothing left to hook into the speakers. I think there's ways around it, but I think they need to be considered WHILE choosing the speakers and display.
Honestly, I know nothing of audio. I just find it awesome when it all works out - I want to get into that. I'm not looking to run wires everywhere - I'm certainly not handy and cringe at the appearance of cruddy wiring jobs I've seen, but I thought a couple of towers for speakers might have decent aesthetic and still give some decent quality. I'm really open on this - what say you?
What speakers can still work, even if the monitor eats up the ps3's HDMI cable; assuming I buy whatever cables/other equipment necessary for the solution.
Overall, I'm looking for near the state of the art, right where it's all great notch, but right before the advances in tech start making those exponential leaps in price.
My roommate's not going anywhere until June/July, and I've got a small, tinny TV which could easily hold me over for months if it needed to, something I'd be fine with if you think there's some advance in tech or major drop in price or both coming to the market this year. Black Friday?
Ultimately, what's the best way to go here for something I'm going to use for a long while and remain satisfied with? I feel like I'm being pretty picky, so thanks for digesting all of this. Any feedback on any or all of these concerns would be great ~
-Kando
Reply 1 : PS3 HD display/audio for somewhat niche user
First off, with the TV, response rate, viewing angle, and contrast ratio are the primary things you want to look for. Don't get suckered in by all this 240Hz garbage, since it's a bunch of funny math how they get to that figure anyway. Look for the response rate. This is how fast any given pixel can change from black to white (all other colors are somewhere between those two). THAT will have the biggest impact on the overall fluidity of the image. Viewing angle should be pretty self-explanatory. It's mostly good for a tie breaker sort of thing. If two TV sets are identical in pretty much every way, but one has a bigger viewing angle, then go for that one. Contrast ratio is also important, since that basically tells you the range of colors the TV is capable of displaying.
HOWEVER, and I really cannot stress this enough, DO NOT buy a TV without having seen it for yourself first. Not all display panels used in TVs are created equal. So some TV set may look really good on Amazon, but if you compared it to some others with seemingly lesser specs, it would be blown out of the water. You can certainly buy the TV off a place like Amazon AFTER you've seen it in a store, but on physically large items, and also big ticket type items, buying from a local retail store is generally the better option. If something's wrong with the thing, it's far less hassle to take it back. Some place like Amazon, you'll probably have to eat about $50 just shipping it back to them, then waiting a week or two to get a replacement. Local retail you'll be in, out, and done probably within the hour.
Now, onto the audio part of things, where basically you will absolutely need some kind of a receiver. There's just no getting around this if you're planning to use HDMI for video. You could potentially go component video, but then you still only have composite audio, and it sounds like you want the full experience with this. If you want the full surround sound experience the PS3 is capable of (and on games like FFXIII where it's mixed in full surround sound, it sounds AWESOME), you absolutely need a receiver, and you probably shouldn't skimp on this either.
Everyone has their favorite brand, Onkyo has always served me well, but plenty of people speak highly of Yamaha and even Sony. Point is, you want a receiver capable of 7.2 audio. Even if you only end up going with stereo speakers, you may as well have the potential for the full surround sound experience if you decide later on you want that. And good luck finding a receiver that doesn't do at least 5.1 these days. But if you're going to use HDMI for video, then the PS3 is going to send the audio signal over HDMI as well, and take it from someone who's tried a bunch of alternate solutions, a receiver is both cheaper, easier to set up, and gives far superior sound quality.
Now, when you're looking for speakers, you want to look primarily at the frequency range. The bigger the range the better. That means that they will be able to more accurately represent sounds, and they won't come off sounding tinny or hollow. You want at least 2-way speakers, 3-way is better. The number of "ways" refers to the number of speakers in each speaker assembly. A 2-way speaker typically has the main speaker and a tweeter for high frequency sounds. A 3-way speaker tends to add a small subwoofer to the speaker -- as well as a tweeter -- for lower frequency sounds. A good sub can help make up for this, but the broader the range of frequencies the speakers themselves can handle the better, since the sub is only one giant speaker. The physical size of the speaker does play some part in things, since it's easier to put bigger, more powerful, magnets in a larger housing, but pay more attention to frequency range and the number of ways a speaker is.
The subwoofer is kind of a matter of taste. Some people like big booming bass, others are like me, and like to hear something OTHER than the thudding of the sub. Again, frequency range is key. You'd be surprised at the subtle impact a good sub can have on sound quality. If you like the big booming sounds, get a sub with a lot of watts behind it.
But again, as I've already mentioned, make sure you factor into your budget the cost of a good receiver. This is going to be an unavoidable component of your setup unless you want to use the crappy speakers in the TV.
Reply 2 : PS3 HD display/audio for somewhat niche user
Is there a chart somewhere that compares all the current monitors by specs, that I could compare what's out there side by side according to response times, viewing angles, and contrast ratios, and obviously res? I'd like to go into a retail store and have a couple models in mind when I get there, or at least see what the ranges and averages are as rules of thumb for these values. What's typical?, what's above average?, etcetera. (Do you have any pointers for these vales?)
7.2 noted and a go-go on the receiver, but I've got more questions about a receiver in general. How will the receiver work? If I connect the HDMI from the PS3 to the monitor, what will I connect to the audio receiver? Or will I buy an AV receiver and connect the HDMI from the PS3 to the receiver and then another HDMI from the receiver to the monitor? If that's the case, I'll need 2 HDMI cables; will I need any special cables for the audio? Will it just be the red/black wires I've caught a glimpse of in other people's homes?
As a side note, what do you think of wireless speakers? Is there loss in quality due to the lack of a hard line? I'm typically skeptical of wireless, especially because of the possibility of this notion, but it is nice to not run lines everywhere if I do go surround ... (you made a pretty presentable case, haha.) Either way, large 3-ways don't seem so bad at all. Any pointers if I did go surround?
I'm with you entirely when you say you're nonplussed by large woofs just for a large thud, so I think I'm in agreement with your tastes. Are you saying, however, that a sub with a large frequency range is entirely worth it? For speakers and subs and tweets, what constitutes as necessity (wouldn't want to go below this point) for frequency ranges? Like the displays, I can compare prices between shifts in specs, but I want to make sure I'm not stinting in a certain category without knowing it.
This is really helpful, all-forms; thanks again, Jim
Reply 3 : PS3 HD display/audio for somewhat niche user
The resolution part don't worry about, because HDTVs only have 3 resolutions: 640x480 (480p), 1280x720 (720p), and 1920x1080 (1080p). Doesn't matter how big the screen size is, maximum resolution is going to be 1920x1080. The only thing that changes is either the size of the individual pixels or the space between them.
As for the rest... All other things equal, wider viewing angles, lower response rates, and higher contrast ratios are what you want to go for. The higher or lower the better, depending on the metric. Honestly, I have a pretty standard 32" 1080p set and it works just fine for all my gaming needs. I don't play a lot of FPS type games, what I play is probably a lot closer to WoW than a FPS, so I would imagine virtually any TV will be fine. But obviously if it comes down to 2-3 sets, and it's a tossup on the major factors like price and display quality, lower response rates, wider viewing angles, and higher contrast ratios should help pick a winner.
On to the audio side of things...
Any HDMI capable receiver will have what's known as HDMI passthrough abilities. So you'd take the HDMI cable from your PS3, plug it into the receiver, and it would then strip out just the audio portion sending the video on to the TV through another HDMI cable. Some higher end receivers can even do signal conversion, so you could take an HDMI input and have the output be component video or even composite. Or the other way around, so let's say you decided to get a Wii some day, which only has component video, you could take that component video, and have the receiver send the output signal over HDMI. A lot of this stuff will be a lot easier to figure out when you have the actual receiver in front of you, assuming you can think in a fairly logical way.
As for wireless speakers, I've never used them, so it would really probably depend on what kind of wireless tech they're using. If it's some kind of Ir based setup, run for the hills. You have a friend over, and they need to use the bathroom or something, it might cause one speaker to cut out momentarily as they broke the line of sight. If it's some kind of RF signal, then you'd have to be aware of things like cordless phones, wireless routers, etc. Those could potentially cause interference depending on their respective frequencies. So, while you should probably take this with a grain of salt, since I've never personally used them, I'd say that they should be lumped in with most wireless networking. Better in theory than practice. Do like with the TVs, and check some of the reviews for them on sites like NewEgg and Amazon. If some set has hundreds, even thousands, of largely positive reviews, then you can probably assume they'll work well.
And subs also do what is called LFE (Low Frequency Effects) which really more than anything helps create the sound field that creates the surround sound illusion. Think of it like a person who can throw their voice. The more precise the sub is, the better it can make it really sound like there's some explosion happening right behind you. The better it can compliment the sounds coming from any individual speaker, the more realistic the sound. And obviously a sub is only one speaker, so can only generate one frequency tone at any given moment, which is why 3-way speakers can make a difference. Each speaker having something of a dedicated sub can help make up for some of the limitations of the main sub. They're not a replacement, but more an augmentation.
Again, this is an all other things being equal. Get the sub and speakers with the greatest frequency range that you can afford, and do a little cost-benefit analysis of your own. It's probably not worth paying 1.5-2X more for a speaker and sub set that has an extra 4-5Hz range for example. If it's only an extra $50, and you can afford the $50, then maybe.
Like any major purchase, the research phase takes a long time if you want to do it right. You need to become something of an expert in your own right. Lucky for you, you have at least 2-3 months to wrap your head around all of this and you can even get started on the TV end of things now. Hit some local stores, see what there is to see, and start looking for reviews.
And I will say that one thing I like about Onkyo is their Club Onkyo site where they sell refurb units. They're labeled as refurb, and so they say may contain missing cables or have minor cosmetic damage, but I think 90% of the stuff is just models they've discontinued and are looking to clear out of their warehouses, so they sell them at a discount. I've bought two off of them, both looked like they could have come right from a retail store. One had a bum IR sensor, but Onkyo's CS dept got me set up with a replacement pretty quickly and painlessly. But don't buy an Onkyo just because that's what I've used. Look around, read reviews, make a decision based on what you think sounds good.
USB/Sound Issue
When I plug in a USB device, such as a flash drive or my cell phone, my computer will freeze for a couple of seconds, and I will often have sound issues.
One such issue is my system sound becoming very quiet for no reason, even though all volume settings are correct. I have to restart the computer for the sound to normalize.
Another issue I had was when I unplug a flash drive, if I am listening to music from my hard drive, it will pause for no apparent reason.
I have never experienced issues quite like this before, and I would welcome any suggestions as to what may be causing the issues, or how I might fix them. Thanks!
A little bit about my system:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400
8 GB RAM
1 TB SATA HDD + 1 GB External USB drive
Sound Blaster Xtreme Audio card
GeForce GTX 285 video
Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
If you need any more info, just let me know.
Thank you in advance!
Reply 1 : USB/Sound Issue
1. The 1 TB HDD had a firmware update. That was scary but helped, but no cure.
2. Turns out the Intel Rapid Storage Technology app was not optional.
Hope this helps,
Bob
Reply 2 : USB/Sound Issue
Reply 3 : USB/Sound Issue
Bob
Reply 4 : USB/Sound Issue
Reply 5 : USB/Sound Issue
Intel changes the name of this software over time so you get to roll with it.
You can choose to ignore this one but on a very very very similar system, it didn't work right until.
Bob
Reply 6 : USB/Sound Issue
Serial ATA (SATA) RAID 5 arrays and high-performance &
fault-tolerant SATA RAID 10 arrays".
Reference: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=18859
=-) Perhaps you were referring to something else?
At any rate, this has nothing to do with the original problem I mentioned. Does anyone have any ideas, or some constructive input? Thanks again.
Reply 7 : USB/Sound Issue
I'm unsure why you need more about this. After dozens of installs this has helped in every case.
I can only share and wish you well, good luck, hope you find it and will let you be.
Bob
Reply 8 : USB/Sound Issue
http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/CS-020784.htm has Intel writing:
" Whether using one or multiple hard drives, users can take advantage of enhanced performance and lower power consumption. "
Again, your choice. But I fear you're passing up a possible fix.
Bob
Reply 9 : USB/Sound Issue
For anyone else having this issue, here is the solution:
Right-click the speaker icon in the task tray. Click Sounds, then click on the Communications tab.
Next, select the Do Nothing radio button to set Windows to not reduce system sounds when communications activity is detected.
Mine was set to reduce volume by 80%, and this is what it was doing when I was plugging in my phone, or other devices.
I hope this can help someone else with the same issue!
Get error "unexpected error occured in AVG"
AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011
I tried to update or open the program on my hubby's computer and everytime I do, I get: 'unexpected error occured in AVG. Would you like to send diagnostic data to the AVG Tech Support department for further analysis?'
I can scan but cannot open its interface and update nothing. Can someone please help?
Reply 1 : Get error "unexpected error occured in AVG"
Please provide us with the following so we can investigate the error:
- Few recent AVG dump files from this folder:
C:ProgramDataAVG10Dumps
- All AVG log files located here:
C:ProgramDataAVG10log
- MSinfo output.
Upload requested files and outputs to your favourite online storage service and provide us with link.
Afterwards you could try to perform full reinstallation and inform us if the issue was resolved.
Thank you
Different revisions?
Let's say I buy the new-upcoming 14-inch model, it will be revision 1 obviously? Am I able to get it upgraded every time a revision comes out?
How does this whole thing work?
Reply 1 : Different revisions?
Reply 2 : Different revisions?
Originally Posted by BNHabs So I see with many Alienware laptops that they go threw different revisions?
Let's say I buy the new-upcoming 14-inch model, it will be revision 1 obviously? Am I able to get it upgraded every time a revision comes out? How does this whole thing work? |
Dell USA has a buy back plan which one could purchase with a laptop for $54.
It works like this:
0-6 months after purchase they buy it for %50 its price
6-12 40%
12-18 30%
18-24 20%
I am not aware of any other upgrade plans through dell.
Reply 3 : Different revisions?
Reply 4 : Different revisions?
Reply 5 : Different revisions?
Reply 6 : Different revisions?
Originally Posted by Serephucus No-one knows. Probably a new CPU architecture, if there's one out by then, and probably an upgraded GPU, maybe 1TB HDD option, if they're aroundt by then.
|
Reply 7 : Different revisions?
The exception really was the M17x R3; while it was still a revision, it was a massive one, with significant changes to both case and components.
If you get an M14x, it would be the R1. When a new model comes out you would actually have to purchase the new model to upgrade to it; there's no way to upgrade one machine to a newer revision (even if it was, the cost of a new motherboard, CPU, etc. would be prohibitive).
Reply 8 : Different revisions?
A better word for the models would be "version" instead of "revision."
Reply 9 : Different revisions?
Data lost from Documents Area
Note: This post was edited by forum moderator to remove email address on 04/09/2011 on 10:07 PM PT
Reply 1 : Data lost from Documents Area
It is never a good idea to post your email address in a public forum.
I have asked for it to be removed
P
Keyboard shortcut triggered screen capture software
P.S. My operating system is Windows 7 professional 32 bit.
Anything better than Slingbox?
Thanks,
Tech newbie
Reply 1 : Anything better than Slingbox?
Service. I'm reading, hearing and more about service. What folk often don't realize is the support is not going to teach networking and other basic skills. This is where folk get upset fast. They buy a technically challenging product and then need help to get it working.
This is not a toaster and the support is not free so you can see where folk will get upset.
-> After all that, even I am not sure how a sling box would help.
Bob
Reply 2 : Anything better than Slingbox?
Reply 3 : Anything better than Slingbox?
HOWEVER. Imagine the new user without network experience and they hit a roadblock (a firewall.) Those will call it junk and flame over the support costs.
Bob
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
http://www.your-free-satellite.com/index-4.html
I have to think something smells here but do not know enough about this one way or another......you opinion but preferably experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
C-man
Reply 1 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
If it is ligitamant....they are talking about MPEG-2 Satellite reception. But they are failing to tell you a lot.
If you want to receive all of those channels they stated:
You would need a large satellite dish (6 or 8 foot) for C-band and Ku-band.
You would need a controller to move the satellite dish.
You would need a special satellite modem.
You would need their special software.
If you just happen to have a large dish satellite system (with C band and Ku band capability) , you can buy a MPEG-2 receiver for $200 and hook it up to your Television Set.
And you would have all of those free channels they mentioned.
You can get more details here:
http://www.skyvision.com/store/mpeg_store.html
...
..
.
Reply 2 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
The hype is that only $67 gets you the software to watch a bazillion movies or so...yeah I realize if it's to good to be true...blah..blah..blah....but I am on an educational hunt also.....
I'll follow your link and get up to speed thanks a lot..appreciate it...C-man
Reply 3 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
So does that mean they are legit..?
I will try to copy and paste the ads here:
So here they are they must have about 5 different domain names but all lead up to the same site for a mere $67 bucks....so guess my questions is are these folks legit and the services legal....if I can watch the Longhorn play while on line that would be sweet...!
Secret Satellite TV on PC
Shocking discovery they don't Want you to know.
www.secretsatellite.com
Visit Web Site
How To Get Free Satellite
New website shows you how to watch Satellite TV on your PC for free!
www.undergroundsatellite.com
Reply 4 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
Personally, the website looks fishy and I can't find any reviews of them aside from their own marketing so I'd pass.
John
Reply 5 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
C-man...outtah heah........
Reply 6 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
Secret Satellite- Satellite TV on your computer http://www.secretsatellite.com/index-2.html
Why spend over $90 a month on Satellite or Cable service?
Sick of fighting for the remote with other people in your house?
Why spend $400+ on a new TV when you can download one now!
With this newly developed technology, it's SUPER easy.
1. You will be watching over ONE THOUSAND channels of Sports, Movies, and TV shows within minutes.
Don't miss out on that big game because it is not broadcasted in your area ...or even country! With Satellite PC you can virtually watch any sport imaginable right from your PC or Laptop ...FOR FREE!
Satellite PC is your all access pass to TV Stations in almost any language you can imagine.
We've made it SUPER easy to sort by Country OR Genre... so you can quickly find the TV Channel you want to watch.
See how easy it is to sort through all 1000 Channels with Satellite PC:
ONLY $ 67
Reply 7 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
Ifg it's too good to be true, it is.
Reply 8 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
The most interesting part is at the end. They are looking for people to advertise the software in forums, blogs etc. and benefit when eventually someone buys the software from their link.
That's what's really behind it.
SecretSatellite or Free Satellite PC or Undergroundsatellite or whatever is merely a collection of links to open webstreams of TV stations from all over the world. You may easily find it elsewhere. Also, the package includes TVAnts from Zhejiang University, officially available for free from their own homepage.
PS: As usual still, many streams are absolutely small and low-quality, or not even available anytime and anywhere.
Reply 9 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
that was promised(but no one)
Boris grinberg
Message was edited by: admin to remove email address to prevent spam harvesters from picking it up.
Reply 10 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
http://download.snapstream.com/trial/BTV_V461.exe
Reply 11 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
itdid deliver what it was promissed on the website.
Now I enjoy watching all this channels for free, I can watch on my pc or I can hook up the pc to the Tv.
My friends can't bealive it's from the internet.
Reply 12 : What's the deal with this new sat-tv software?
Please be careful about that site. I DO NOT trust it!!!
Portable Scanning/Archival Solution?
A colleague of mine has a problem which I will list hereunder. I did not quite know where exactly to put it, so I am posting here. Mods, please move this to appropriate section. Thanks.
The problem:
A colleague needs a secondary portable laptop (which is easily taken care of). She also does a lot of archival work which requires her to make copies - either by scanning or by photocopying. This last bit is posing a problem for her. When she is in the archives, she copies about 50-75 pages per day. While some of the locations she visits have in-house copying facilities, others do not. She is thus looking for a portable copying solution. Some of the options that we have discussed are:
(1) A portable scanner - I don't know if this would hoild up to her scanning requirements. But a possibility?
(2) Using a digital camera to take pics of the documents and then to convert them to PDF or another readable and editable format. Problem with this is that the output of this option leaves much to be desired for. Moreover, I am not sure the conversion of images into text would work well. However, if the conversion is indeed possible to so smoothly (if necessary by buying the necessary software), then this may be a viable option. She has tried doing this with one of the low end digital point-and-shoot cams, but as I mentioned earlier, the output is horrible.
Are there any other options or suggestions that you can make? The key is portability.
She is in a bit of a hurry so...please...thanks.
Cheers!
Reply 1 : Portable Scanning/Archival Solution?
From my experience, at least, you're definitely want to use some sort of specialized scanner. A digital camera is not going to cut it, even if it is a DSLR, since it results in huge file sizes but very variable quality unless you have a rig that's built to make sure the output is consistent every time (and in that case, it may be faster--see the Google Book and other similar projects).
Reply 2 : Portable Scanning/Archival Solution?
Originally Posted by MidnightSun Moved and retitled.
From my experience, at least, you're definitely want to use some sort of specialized scanner. A digital camera is not going to cut it, even if it is a DSLR, since it results in huge file sizes but very variable quality unless you have a rig that's built to make sure the output is consistent every time (and in that case, it may be faster--see the Google Book and other similar projects). |
6300 cooling
- My 6300's Go 6100 GPU cannot be upgraded (MXM thread).
- I'm suffering regular, no-warning, instant power-off's.
- Getting the occasional Blue screen, all attributed (according to Win logs) to the nVidia graphics chip.
- There are apparently no driver updates available for the Go 6100 - nVidia site.
- Graphics failures at boot (although it does recover itself).
Other than completely giving up and binning this monstrosity, would anyone have any other suggestions for cooling it down please?
Currently (Piriform Speccy):
- CPU - AMD Turion 64 Mobile MK-36
- Motherboard - Acer Myallm (U1)
- Graphics - 256MB GeForce Go 6100 (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
I'm considering drilling a few holes in the base of my case in order to get more airflow around the system and I've aslo bought a small fan setup which will sit under my laptop, but it's all a bit clunky and difficult to perch to the arm of my chair (too hot for my lap!).
Thanks in advance.
Reply 1 : 6300 cooling
Do not drill holes in the pc, that will make things worse. Get a good laptop cooler and it will probably fix the issue.
I use Zamlan nc2000 and it is GREAT!
You should also spray the vents with compressed air to get rid of some dust.
Reply 2 : 6300 cooling
Take it apart.
Remove the heatsink.
Clean the heatsink with a can of compressed air.
Wipe away old thermal paste (but keep any thermal pads)
Appply fresh thermal pads.
Drill holes if neccesary.
If those don't work, bin it.
Reply 3 : 6300 cooling
Originally Posted by Simplified Those temps are really high!
Do not drill holes in the pc, that will make things worse. |
Originally Posted by Simplified Get a good laptop cooler and it will probably fix the issue. I use Zamlan nc2000 and it is GREAT!
|
Originally Posted by Simplified You should also spray the vents with compressed air to get rid of some dust.
|
Originally Posted by Meaker If you feel up to it:
Take it apart. Remove the heatsink. Clean the heatsink with a can of compressed air. Wipe away old thermal paste (but keep any thermal pads) Appply fresh thermal pads. |
Originally Posted by Meaker Drill holes if neccesary.
If those don't work, bin it. |
Thanks
Reply 4 : 6300 cooling
I can't remember if you could undervolt Turion 64 Mk36 but I suppose it's possible- I had a Turion 64 and RMClock worked.
Best results would be achieved by thorough cleaning and new thermal paste.
Undervolting CPU is just an added benefit if it works.
Notebook cooler is also an added benefit however it with temperatures as high as yours it won't be enough on its own.
EDIT: Apparently I type really slow
Reply 5 : 6300 cooling
One thing I have noticed; my fan never gets noisy. I guess I shouldn't complain but if it was working hard at any time, I'm sure I'd know it, but it never seems to.
Reply 6 : 6300 cooling
Originally Posted by cyberdyne How? The more air flow the better, surely. As long as they're narrow enough to not let anything substantial into the system, surely they can only help?
Thanks for the recommendation, will look into it. Now I've always read this is bad practice and can actually force air into componenets, causing shorts. I have considered this and think I probably will. Yup! lol Thanks |
Another way to do this is to cut up a big "vent" at the bottom of the computer and cover it with a net. Note a net cover is needed if you want to stop strange things from getting in.
Reply 7 : 6300 cooling
Reply 8 : 6300 cooling
I'm now wondering if ACER want people to have problems with overheating!
Granted, I've only been running the system again for 15 minutes, but I've had quite a few app's running and it already looks much better:
CPU - AMD Turion 64 Mobile MK-36
Motherboard - Acer Myallm (U1)
Graphics - 256MB GeForce Go 6100 (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
I've also noticed the fan is spinning up and down (slow and faster) for the first time I can recall. Previously it was just one, constant - fairly low - speed.
Reply 9 : 6300 cooling