"Dads With Kids" on XboxLive

Blizzard of 2008 3/7-8/2008

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:14:41 GMT

SVS SBS-01 5.1 Speaker System

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:40:59 GMT

Howdy Everyone, It has been a while since I last posted any thing here. After having done a lot of research on speakers, the SVS system is the one I have chosen to install in my HT. Below are pictures of the SBS-01 system w/ the 10" and 12" subwoofers. Due to my room size I have gone with the 10" sub.

Description

Model: SBS-01 bookshelf speaker
Price: $225 USD per pair
Dimensions: 12"H x 7"W x 9.5"D
Weight: 11 pounds each

Model: SCS-01 center-channel speaker
Price: $185 USD
Dimensions: 20"W x 7"H x 8.5"D
Weight: 19 pounds

Model: PB10-NSD subwoofer
Price: $429 USD
Dimensions: 19"H x 15"W x 21"D
Weight: 60 pounds

Warranty: 45-day money-back guarantee (shipping costs not refundable); three-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

System Price: $999 USD

Features

Speakers:

Removable grilles with metal pin retainers
ClearSilk tweeter
NBS woofer
Braced MDF cabinet
Wall-mountable design
Five-way binding posts

Subwoofer:

Proprietary, SVS-designed, long-throw 10" woofer
300W BASH digital switching amp (manufacturer’s rating)
Computer-aided cabinet design with 1"-thick front baffle and internal bracing
Front-firing design with flush-fit woofer and vent
Patented 3"-wide flared port fittings
Six removable, compliant floor-isolation points
Four finish choices
Color-keyed fabric grille with chromed steel mounting pins

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Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:33:12 GMT

test

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:17:57 GMT

hi , this is just a test

E3 2007 News

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:39:14 GMT

E3 2007
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/e32007/articles/halo3console.htm

Halo 3
Console Announced

Published July 10, 2007

In anticipation of this year's largest blockbuster game launch, Microsoft will offer the Xbox 360™ Halo® 3 Special Edition Console in September 2007. The console features an exclusive "Spartan green and gold" finish and comes bundled with a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 20GB Hard Drive, Headset, Play & Charge Kit, and exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Theme (available via Xbox LIVE® download).

Join the Halo Nation with the Special Edition Console.

Look for this new console in September. This new Special Edition contains these components:

Halo 3 Special Edition Console
Halo 3 Special Edition Wireless Controller
Halo 3 Special Edition 20GB Hard Drive
Halo 3 Special Edition Wired Headset
Halo 3 Special Edition Gamer Pics and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
Component HD AV Cable
Ethernet Cable
HDMI Port
Play & Charge Kit
Xbox LIVE Silver Membership
One-month Lbox LIVE Gold Membership
Halo 3 game not included—sold separately

Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:09:00 GMT

Microsoft announced that it expects to pay out over $1 billion in expenditures to take care of new and existing Xbox 360 owners who have been experiencing the "Red Ring of Death" errors on their gaming consoles. Microsoft has decided to extend the warranty on the Xbox 360 to three years after too many of the gaming systems incurred system failures. While the company wasn't specific about the problems, it is assumed that the primary culprit was related to the known overheating issues.

An open letter from Peter Moore:

To our Xbox Community:

You've spoken, and we’ve heard you. Good service and a good customer experience are areas of the business that we care deeply about. And frankly, we've not been doing a good enough job.

Some of you have expressed frustration with the customer experiences you have had with Xbox 360; frustration with having to return your console for service after receiving the general hardware error message on the console.

The majority of customers who own Xbox 360 consoles have had a terrific experience from their first day, and continue to, day in and day out. But when anyone questions the reliability of our product, or our commitment to our customers, it's something I take very seriously.

We have been following this issue closely, and with on-going testing have identified several factors that can cause a general hardware failure indicated by three flashing red lights on the console. To address this issue, and as part of our ongoing work, we have already made certain improvements to the console.

We are also implementing some important policy changes intended to keep you in the game, worry-free.

As of today, all Xbox 360 consoles are covered by an enhanced warranty program to address specifically the general hardware failures indicated by the three flashing red lights on the console. This applies to new and previously-sold consoles. While we will still have a general one year console warranty (two years in some countries), we are announcing today a three-year warranty that covers any console that displays a three flashing red lights error message. If a customer has an issue indicated by the three flashing red lights, Microsoft will repair the console free of charge—including shipping—for three years from the console’s purchase date. We will also retroactively reimburse any of you who paid for repairs related to problems indicated by this error message in the past. In doing so, Microsoft stands behind its products and takes responsibility to ensure that every Xbox 360 console owner continues to have a fantastic gaming experience.

If we have let any of you down in the experience you have had with your Xbox 360, we sincerely apologize. We are taking responsibility and are making these changes to ensure that every Xbox 360 owner continues to have a great experience.

This will take a few days to roll out globally, and I appreciate your continued patience as we launch this program. I've posted an FAQ that should address some additional questions, and we'll update it over the next few days.

I want to thank you, on behalf of all us at Microsoft, for your loyalty.

REDMOND, Wash. — July 5, 2007

Microsoft Corp. today announced that it will expand its global Xbox 360™ warranty coverage. Any Xbox 360 customer who experiences a general hardware failure indicated by three flashing red lights will now be covered by a three year warranty from date of purchase. All other existing Xbox 360 warranty policies remain in place.

As a result of what Microsoft views as an unacceptable number of repairs to Xbox 360 consoles, the company conducted extensive investigations into potential sources of general hardware failures. Having identified a number of factors which can cause general hardware failures indicated by three red flashing lights on the console, Microsoft has made improvements to the console and is enhancing its Xbox 360 warranty policy for existing and new customers.

Microsoft stands behind its products and is taking responsibility to repair or replace any Xbox 360 console that experiences the “three flashing red lights” error message within three years from time of purchase free of charge, including shipping costs. Microsoft will take a $1.05 billion to $1.15 billion pre-tax charge to earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 for anticipated costs under its current and enhanced Xbox 360 policies.

"The majority of Xbox 360 owners are having a great experience with their console and have from day one. But, this problem has caused frustration for some of our customers and for that, we sincerely apologize," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division. "We value our community tremendously and look at this as an investment in our customer base. We look forward to great things to come."

For any customer who has previously paid for repair expenses related to the three flashing lights error message on the Xbox 360 console, Microsoft will retroactively reimburse them.

At 2:30 p.m. PDT today, Microsoft will hold a teleconference for financial analysts and investors with Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices, Chris Liddell, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Frank Brod, corporate vice president and chief accounting officer to discuss today’s announcement. To participate, U.S. residents can dial +1-888-459-9165, and those outside the United States can dial +1-773-799-3324. The passcode is MSFT. The call will be available for playback beginning approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call through 5 p.m. PDT on Thursday, July 12. To access the playback, U.S. residents can dial +1-866-363-4143, and those outside the United States can dial +1-203-369-0210. An audio webcast of the conference call will also be made available at the Investor Relations site at http://www.microsoft.com/msft.

Xbox 360 customers with questions should visit www.xbox.com.

Cedar Point Vacation w/ family

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:09:11 GMT

My family vacation to Cedar Point was great, the Roller Coasters were AWESOME and I managed to get in some lap time for preparation of the 1st Overlord Meeting where I challenged Yotdugie and RacerX to a Go-Kart race.

We arrived on Thursday night and checked into our room at the Breakers Express Hotel, then drove over to Cedar Points Challenge Park to wind down before going to bed. I don't think any of us got much sleep though. Friday morning we woke up early and ate a big breakfast outside the park to save a little money then drove over to Cedar Point (gates opened at 9am). We got to enter 1hr. early because we stayed at a Cedar Point resort Hotel the general public had to wait until 10am to enter the park which gave us time to ride the newest coaster in the park before the line got long (our wait time in the line was still 45min.). The first drop on the Maverick is a 95 deg. death drop and the rest of the ride continues with neck breaking speed.

The rest of the day we rode many more rides along with my wife and I consuming lots of Beer (it was hot), well not that many beers because they were selling for about $6.oo a cup (20oz.). To end the day we watched the Hot Summer Lights "Fire Up the Night" show.

On our last day at Cedar Point we went back to Callenge Park, my oldest son wanted another chance on the Grand Prix track after getting beat there on our first visit. This time however it was just him and myself. Our cars were equally fast this day and his only chance was to start in the front, which he did. I was only able to get around him twice but could never close the door before the next turn, where he would retake the lead and held on to it to win. I'll never forget the big grin on his face as we walked off the track that day.

You can see all the pictures from our trip in the photo album.

The Bill of Rights

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:06:09 GMT

All Hail the Happy Switch.

My brother's visit is almost over. We went shooting today and I brought yet another reason to the table that it's good to be me. Being a PD armorer and weapons instructor gets me access to all kinds of cool shit. Possibly the coolest item is a select fire M14.

I don't care what anybody says, "Why does anyone need one of those?" Obviously, those people have never shot full-auto. That's happiness in a magical way. One flick of the switch and ...... what was that?.... Was I worried about something?........Bills, what bills?...... *CLICK*... Crap, time to reload, AGAIN. Damn but those things are pigs.

Greedy ammo hogs each and every one but hilarious oodles of grin inducing fun. I know that not everybody likes firearms. Some people HATE them. I call those people stupid. What makes firearms important to Americans is what they represent. Freedom and an absolute right to self-determination. As long as private citizens maintain a heavy arsenal, we cannot be oppressed if we choose not to be.

I may have said it before, the only reason people obey the law is due to either a respect for the law and how it helps maintain an orderly society or fear of the consequences for breaking the law. The ability to bring those consequences is what gives government it's authority. While the people maintain the ability to take that authority away the government cannot abuse it.

When the individual holds that ability the government only has authority. That authority becomes power when the individual no longer holds that ability.

Whether we like it or not, human nature dictates the old adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely. As much as we may wish that the power of the spoken word would be enough to quell such abuses, the reality is that without firepower behind our words those in power would not care. They would simply ship the speakers to where they could no longer speak and burn the text created to express opposing views. That has been proven time and time again throughout human history.

We need our intellectuals. We need people who can express intelligently what we feel. The rousing speeches that are part of our Nation's history were written and delivered by such people. What is also true is the silent image of the Minute Man and the weapon that he holds. His will and courage to enforce the intellectuals words with action are what gives those words their authority and power.

Governments are composed of people. For the same reason that citizens obey law so do Governments obey the people they allegedly represent. They either have respect for those they serve or they fear the consequences brought if they do not.

The problem is that far too many intellectuals have forgotten that paper cuts don't stop armor. They forget that they will cease to exist the moment the powers that be decide they don't need them anymore. An act made all the more easy thanks to the efforts of those who would have our society an unarmed society.

The Bill of Rights has 10 amendments. All ten are equally important. Your book is no more or less important than my gun. In fact, my gun may keep some thug from one day taking your book. Your book should be announcing to the masses the importance of my gun and the power in the free individual.

Make peace with your fears. Peace through superior firepower.

Now, I have to go clean that M14.

Posted by cmoth @ 10:59 pm EDT | Permalink | 6 Comments

2 or more Xboxes on XboxLive at the same time

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 17:31:06 GMT

Networking and Multi xboxes on XboxLive

I am writing this in hopes of helping friends and clan members who want or need to have more than one xbox on XboxLive at the same time. Let me start out saying that I was in the same boat not too long ago. We had two original xboxes and two GT's but couldn't ever get both xboxes on XboxLive at the same time. Every time I had the 1st xbox signed into XboxLive then signed the 2nd xbox into XboxLive the 1st xbox would get disconnected and if I singed the 1st back into XboxLive the 2nd xbox would get disconnected ! So after buying a Xbox 360 I decided to change that, had to!

I started my journey by going to the forums on Xbox.com and searching the threads. I never found any solid answers or clues as to how to get'er done (it's a secret IMO). After much reading I did learn quite a bit about Routers, Modems (port-fowarding, NAT, DNS settings and IP addresses / Gateway addresses) and how they affect connecting to XboxLive.

With my new knowledge in hand I set out to get'er done. I first went into my Router and looked around (be careful, just look) and get familiar with it, I also did the same with my Modem too. More reading was needed after that adventure! So I'm going to give a list of links with more info that may help you (must read). Then I will try to explain what I did to allow both of my xboxes on XboxLive at the same time.

Technical Issues FAQ
Port Forwarding
An Explanation of NAT for the Xbox
Dads With Kids (This is our clan forum page over at Bungie.net.) Go here to ask questions to your specific problem. If you are not a member yet, just apply and send me a message via Halo 2 on XboxLive or from the 360 dashboard. (membership must be approved)

I can now have both (2) xboxes on XboxLive at the same time.

Now here comes the part where I tell you how I got both of my xboxes able to sign into XboxLive at the same time without the first being disconnected. I honestly don't know ! I just kept trying different things(settings) with my Router and the IP address on both of my xboxes. I can tell you however I do have my IP and DNS setting set to Manual and I opened the ports on my router for the 360. My 360 NAT is open but my org. xbox NAT is strict.

IP addresses need to be different for each xbox!

To set IP adresses, go to the dashboard of either system.

(See * Below)

360 - go to your system blade, click on Network Setting, click on Edit Settings, this will show you your Basic Settings.

Your IP Settings should be set to Manual, if not you will need to copy all the info (IP address, Subnet Mask and Gateway) then push the A button on your controller and switch it to Manual and enter the info you just copied. Do the same for DNS Settings (just below IP Settings).

Original Xbox - start up your Xbox w/o any disc in it.
Click on Settings, this will take you to Network Settings, click on IP adresses here is where you will see if your IP address is set to Automatic or Manual.
If it is set to Auto, you will need to copy all the info (IP address, Subnet Mask and Gateway) then click on Configuration and change it to Manual and enter the info you just copied.
Now push B button to take you back to Network Sttings and click on DNS Servers.
If it is set to Auto, you will need to copy all the info (Primary DNS, Alternate DNS) then click on Confiuration and change it to Manual and enter the info you just copied.

Now if everything works,

you should be able to get two (2) or more Xboxes online at the same time.

* Don't worry about these changes you are making to the settings.

If it doesn't work, you can always switch the settings back to Automatic!

Overlords Meeting in Memphis, Tn.

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:11:19 GMT

1st Overlord Meeting

Memphis, Tn.

(scheduled for August 3rd thru the 6th, 2007)

This is officially the first Dads With Kids clan meeting w/ hopes of many more to follow. Overlords Yotdugie, Racer X and myself (hyghwayman) will be getting together in August to share thoughts (get drunk), discuss future of the clan (play Halo 2 via system link) and race Worthogs (ok, Go-Karts).

Check back often for updated info and pictures!

Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 01:26:17 GMT

This info is from the Xbox.com web site!

Product Information

Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset

Manufacturer:

Category:
Accessories

Console:
Xbox 360

$59.99

Description

Be Master Chief. Now you can practically be Master Chief with the Xbox 360™ Limited Edition Halo® 3 Wireless Headset. For the Halo® fanatic who is looking for an untethered and immersive gaming experience, the ergonomically designed wireless headset sports a Halo 3 logo with a visor gold power button, all in Master Chief green. The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset is only available for a limited time and can be paired up with the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Wireless Controller for the ultimate Halo 3 gaming experience. The headset utilizes the same 2.4 GHz radio technology employed by the award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Experience unparalleled clarity and performance without wires to tie you down. Take command wirelessly, and show the world your gaming loyalty with the Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset.

Features

Limited edition graphics with a Halo 3 logo and color scheme
Enhanced audio and voice quality over Xbox LIVE®
Up to eight hours of battery life with a built in rechargeable battery and charging cable
Removable ear grips with two size options for maximum comfort and stability
Communicate wirelessly with a range of up to 30 feet
Hook up to four Wireless Controllers and four Wireless Headsets simultaneously per Xbox 360 console
Available for only a limited time

Halo 3 Beta Friends and the Ranks they Achieved!

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:42:08 GMT

I am dedicating this blog space to all my friends (New and Old) who played in the Halo 3 Beta.

Thank you Bungie !

1. baaa420 Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 2

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2. battle field92 Sergeant - Grade 3

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3. Bizarro Fett Lieutenant - Grade 1

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4. BusyTHe KiD Corporal - Grade 2

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5. C Moth Sergeant - Grade 3

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6. ChucklesMcNasty Captain - Grade 2

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7. COB Stephen Mit Lieutenant - Grade 1

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8. CreamandPeaches Apprentice - Grade 1

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9. CushionyGoblin Major - Grade 1

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10. DeerHunter07 Private - Grade 1

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11. DIRTY TAURO1071 Corporal - Grade 2

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12. Dorknstine78 Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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13. Dread Dragon Lieutenant - Grade 1

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14. DRUNK DIABETIC Lieutenant - Grade 1

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15. Et Targ Et Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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16. Everhart Lieutenant - Grade 1

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17. EysDevlin Sergeant - Grade 2

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18. FDub1001 Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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19. fwfd2008 Lieutenant - Grade 1

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20. Harrier88 Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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21. HeLlFiRe 336 Lieutenant - Grade 1

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22. Highlindar Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 2

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23. hyghwayman Lieutenant - Grade 2

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24. iii Racer X ii Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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25. ILUV GOYA BEANS Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 2

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26. inkbanger Sergeant - Grade 3

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27. KILLER CRAWFISH Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 2

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28. King Welshy Lieutenant - Grade 1

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29. Lady KaHann Sergeant - Grade 2

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30. Lohannes Major - Grade 1

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31. Loquacious C Corporal - Grade 1

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32. Lord KaHann Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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33. LT BLANTON Recruit - Grade 1

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34. MaNnUtS420 Sergeant - Grade 2

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35. Marcenary Captain - Grade 1

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36. MPS MILKY Captain - Grade 1

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37. MrBono Lieutenant - Grade 1

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38. Mystikal2002 Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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39. Napolino Major - Grade 2

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40. narcispy Corporal - Grade 1

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41. NicksRageIssues Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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42. Odla Recruit - Grade 1

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43. portland sniper Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 1

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44. prophecy 6 Sergeant - Grade 2

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45. SmokedYeti General - Grade 2

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46. solar angel Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 2

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47. The Dirtman Lieutenant - Grade 1

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48. Tonen1234 Sergeant - Grade 3

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49. topcop63 Sergeant - Grade 2

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50. Uber Tyler Lieutenant - Grade 1

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51. Umbrella CEO Sergeant - Grade 1

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52. VFTS Captain - Grade 1

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53. wolverine2099 Gunnery Sergeant - Grade 2

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54. xLocal Motionx Corporal - Grade 2

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55. xx Old Fart xxl Lieutenant

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56. xXsircookieXx Corporal - Grade 1

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Buying The Right TV: What Every Gamer Should Know!

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 01:45:18 GMT

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Buying the Right TV: What Every Consumer Should Know!

The Digital Television Transition - What is it?

The DTV transition refers to the switch from analog to digital television. Digital technology will provide improved picture quality and sound quality like that experienced at the movies. Congress set the deadline of February 17, 2009 for the DTV transition. This means that on that date all U.S. television stations will stop broadcasting in analog format as they do now, and will transmit only in digital instead.

What Consumers Considering the Purchase of a TV Set Should Know

When buying television sets and other TV equipment such as DVD players, consumers should know whether or not the equipment includes a digital tuner. (TV equipment that includes a digital tuner is sometimes referred to as a "digital receiver.") Digital tuners are needed to watch local broadcast stations that will be sent in digital format after February 17, 2009. Consumers who want to continue to receive their local broadcast television stations after February 17, 2009 must either purchase a TV set equipped with a digital tuner or purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that will convert those over-the-air digital signals into analog so that they can be displayed on an analog device. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services.

Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. As described above, these converter boxes are designed to make over-the-air digital television signals viewable on analog-only TVs, and thus are not intended for analog-only TVs hooked up to cable or satellite service. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is running the coupon program. For more information, visit the NTIA website at http://www.ntia.doc.gov.

Some Sets Being Sold May Have Analog Tuners Only - Look for the Label

Although, by law, the manufacture, import or interstate shipment of any TV device containing an analog tuner is now prohibited, unless it also contains a digital tuner, some stores may still have in their inventory TV equipment with analog tuners only. A television set or other TV equipment with only an analog tuner will not receive over-the-air local broadcast programming after February 17, 2009, unless it is connected to a digital-to-analog converter box.

The Commission has required that retailers fully inform consumers by prominently displaying the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner:

This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air-broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.dtv.gov.

Consumers are urged to look for this label when shopping for a new TV set or other TV equipment and to take into consideration the limitations of analog-only TVs when making purchasing decisions. For more information about the DTV transition, go to www.dtv.gov or contact the FCC's Consumer Center by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554.

For this or any other consumer publication in an accessible format
(electronic ASCII text, Braille, large print, or audio) please write or call us
at the address or phone number below, or send an e-mail to FCC504@fcc.gov.

To receive information on this and other FCC consumer topics through the Commission's
electronic subscriber service, click on http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/contacts/.

This document is for consumer education purposes only and is not intended to
affect any proceeding or cases involving this subject matter or related issues.

06/06/07

	Federal Communications Commission · Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau · 445 12th St. S.W. · Washington, DC 20554
	1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) · TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) · Fax: 1-866-418-0232 · www.fcc.gov/cgb/