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TechTV is also doing a lot of coverage, albeit on TV. They will have their best-of awards again this year, and will post the award winners.

On last night's Screensavers, I think I heard Leo LaPorte say something about how Jay Leno was unmercifully ribbing Bill Gates throughout the keynote speech. I'd love to see a video clip or even a transcript of that. Any links?

Touche, kind of. Pioneer's actually has a street price $41 dollors cheaper than the PSX. My arguement agaisn't the PSX applies to products like the Pioneer as well (to a lesser degree), the Pioneer at basically just adding 1 function to an existing device though whereas this monster from Sony is attempting something much more delicate. Price wise though, I do have to admit you got me.

Official PS2 Specs:
CPU: 128 Bit "Emotion Engine"
System Clock: 300 MHz
System Memory: 32 MB Direct Rambus
Memory Bus Bandwidth: 3.2 GB per second
Co-Processor: FPU (Floating Point Multiply Accumulator x 1, Floating Point Divider x 1)
Vector Units: VU0 and VU1 (Floating Point Multiply Accumulator x 9, Floating Point Divider x 1)
Floating Point Performance: 6.2 GFLOPS
3D CG Geometric Transformation: 66 million Polygons Per Second
Compressed Image Decoder: MPEG2
Graphics: "Graphics Synthesizer"
Clock Frequency: 150MHz
DRAM Bus bandwidth: 48 GB Per Second
DRAM Bus width: 2560 bits
Pixel Configuration: RGB:Alpha:Z Buffer (24:8:32)
Maximum Polygon Rate: 75 Million Polygons Per Second
Sound: "SPU2+CPU"
Number of voices: ADPCM: 48 channel on SPU2 plus definable by software
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 KHz or 48 KHz (selectable)
I/O Processor
CPU Core: Current PlayStation CPU
Clock Frequency: 33.8 MHz or 37.5 MHz (selectable)
Sub Bus: 32 Bit
Interface Types: IEEE1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Communication via PC-Card PCMCIA
Disc Media: DVD-ROM (CD-ROM compatible)

Official name: Nintendo GameCube
MPU (microprocessor unit): IBM Power PC "Gekko" (The Gekko MPU integrates the power PC CPU into a custom, game-centric chip.)
Manufacturing process: .18-micron copper-wire technology
Clock frequency: 485 MHz
CPU capacity: 1125 Dmips (Dhrystone 2.1)
Internal data precision: 32-bit integer and 64-bit floating-point
External bus bandwidth: 1.3GB/second peak bandwidth (32-bit address space, 64-bit data bus 162 MHz clock)
Internal cache:
* L1: Instruction 32KB, Data 32KB (8 way) L2: 256KB (2 way)
System LSI: "Flipper"
Manufacturing process: .18-micron NEC-embedded DRAM process
Clock frequency: 162 MHz
Embedded frame buffer: Approx. 2MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T-SRAM)
Sustainable latency: 5 ns (1T-SRAM)
Embedded texture cache: Approximately 1MB
Texture read bandwidth: 10.4GB/second (peak)
Main memory bandwidth: 2.6GB/second (peak)
Color, Z buffer: Each is 24 bits
Image processing function: 2.6GB/second (Peak)
Other: Real-time decompression of display list, HW motion compensation capability
The following sound-related functions are all incorporated into the System LSI:
Sound processor: custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
Instruction memory: 8KB RAM + 8KB ROM
Data memory: 8KB RAM + 4KB ROM
Clock frequency: 81 MHz
Maximum number of simultaneously produced sounds: ADPCM: 64CH
Sampling Frequency: 48 KHz
System floating-point arithmetic capability: 10.5 GFlops (peak) MPU, geometry engine, HW lighting total
Actual display capability: 6 million to 12 million polygons/second (display capability assuming actual game with complexity model, texture, etc.)
System main memory: 24MB sustainable latency 10 ns or lower (1T-SRAM)
A-Memory: 16MB (100 MHz DRAM)
Disc Drive: CAV (constant angular velocity) s

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/supergeek/story /0,24330,3381725,00.html
The following systems are installed in the Boxx:
Atari 2600
Nintendo Entertainment System (8-bit)
Microsoft Xbox
Nintendo GameCube
Sony PlayStation 2
A custom PC

TechTV did a story on building your own access point:

Build a Wireless Access Point

-CB

I've been using one of their older models, the Net4501, for over a year now as an OpenBSD firewall. It's nice to have a configurable firewall in my home office that makes zero noise whatsoever.

iPod Battery FAQ

http://ipodbatteryfaq.com/

Q: Is the iPod's battery replaceable?

A: Yes. Apple has an official battery replacement program for $99. You send your iPod in (any model iPod), and Apple will replace the battery for $99. AppleCare programs for iPod will also soon be available in Europe.

Q: Is the iPod's battery user-replaceable?

A1: Yes and no. The iPod's case is not designed to be opened, so, in that respect, it's not what would generally be referred to as "user-replaceable". But, the case can be opened, and there are several third parties that offer replacement batteries for the iPod, such as iPodBattery.com (instructions, with pictures: original, non-"dockable" iPod, new, slim "dockable" iPod) and PDASmart, for as low as $49. Some will even do the replacement for you if you send it in.

A2: TechTV's Call for Help has a story, with video , discussing and demonstrating replacing an iPod battery (the video was produced before the Apple service options were available).

Q: What is the iPod's warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?

A1: The iPod warranty is one year. It does cover the battery.

A2: You can extend the iPod's warranty, including battery coverage, to two years with AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod. Numerous retailers, such as Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc., also have very inexpensive extended warranty coverage available for iPod. Often these plans simply replace the product with a comparable new unit.

Q: What's the deal? Does Apple think the iPod is disposable?

A: No. Like all Apple products, the iPod is engineered to last. This is why Apple is consistently ranked number one in product quality and support by leading consumer groups, such as Consumer Reports.

Q: I heard that the iPod's battery only lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! Is that true?

A1: NO! The vast, vast majority of even the earliest iPods, now over two years old, continue to function just fine. Some iPods, however, have had issues with batteries. Lithium ion batteries are only good for 300 to 500 charge/discharge cycles (more). For this reason, certain customers' usage patterns may cause the batteries to degrade, or fail, sooner than others.

A2: If the battery does fail, and the iPod is no longer under its original one year warranty or $59 AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, or any of numerous third party service plans, you don't have to buy a new iPod. You may replace the battery yourself for as little as $49, or have Apple perform the replacement for $99.

Q: Why didn't Apple use better batteries?

A: Apple uses the best lithium ion battery technology available from leading battery manufacturers. This is the best, most cost effective battery technology available given the requirements of the device.

iPod Battery FAQ

http://ipodbatteryfaq.com/

Q: Is the iPod's battery replaceable?

A: Yes. Apple has an official battery replacement program for $99. You send your iPod in (any model iPod), and Apple will replace the battery for $99. AppleCare programs for iPod will also soon be available in Europe.

Q: Is the iPod's battery user-replaceable?

A1: Yes and no. The iPod's case is not designed to be opened, so, in that respect, it's not what would generally be referred to as "user-replaceable". But, the case can be opened, and there are several third parties that offer replacement batteries for the iPod, such as iPodBattery.com (instructions, with pictures: original, non-"dockable" iPod, new, slim "dockable" iPod) and PDASmart, for as low as $49. Some will even do the replacement for you if you send it in.

A2: TechTV's Call for Help has a story, with video , discussing and demonstrating replacing an iPod battery (the video was produced before the Apple service options were available).

Q: What is the iPod's warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?

A1: The iPod warranty is one year. It does cover the battery.

A2: You can extend the iPod's warranty, including battery coverage, to two years with AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod. Numerous retailers, such as Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc., also have very inexpensive extended warranty coverage available for iPod. Often these plans simply replace the product with a comparable new unit.

Q: What's the deal? Does Apple think the iPod is disposable?

A: No. Like all Apple products, the iPod is engineered to last. This is why Apple is consistently ranked number one in product quality and support by leading consumer groups, such as Consumer Reports.

Q: I heard that the iPod's battery only lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! Is that true?

A1: NO! The vast, vast majority of even the earliest iPods, now over two years old, continue to function just fine. Some iPods, however, have had issues with batteries. Lithium ion batteries are only good for 300 to 500 charge/discharge cycles (more). For this reason, certain customers' usage patterns may cause the batteries to degrade, or fail, sooner than others.

A2: If the battery does fail, and the iPod is no longer under its original one year warranty or $59 AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, or any of numerous third party service plans, you don't have to buy a new iPod. You may replace the battery yourself for as little as $49, or have Apple perform the replacement for $99.

Q: Why didn't Apple use better batteries?

A: Apple uses the best lithium ion battery technology available from leading battery manufacturers. This is the best, most cost effective battery technology available given the requirements of the device.

Bill Nye was on TechTV a couple weeks ago talking about this. It was pretty interesting. They have a video of it on the TechTV site. http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/howto/story/0,2 4330,3587881,00.html

--
I have 12 server room Clappers(TM) for sale.
Used just once, prior to my own redeployment.

I don't care about Twin Snakes. Strike #1: It's for Gamecube. Strike #2: It has only one addition I really wanted to see. Strike #3: I've already seen it.

I'm looking forward to MGS3, though. I actually hope it's a remake of one of the Metal Gear games. A remake of Metal Gear 2 for the American audience would be awesome.

Rob

My question is does the poster violate TechTv's Fung Shui guide for cubicles? Feng Shui for Cubicles.

Rule #6 is: Make sure your workspace is pleasing to your eye, uncluttered, and comfortable to work in.

I agree. TechTV (channel #294 on Comcat Digital in San Francisco) is really an outstanding channel.

As you mentioned, "X-Play" (video game reviews), "Screen Savers" (kind of like the TV version of Slashdot), and "Unscrewed" (wacky tech stuff with sexual edge and a ridiculously hot co-host) are all great shows.

Other good shows are "Big Thinkers" (profiles on big people in tech), "Future Fighting Machines" (aircraft carriers, battlefield tech, etc.), and more. The occasional Robot Wars (generally minus the obnoxious audio) provides nice background video.

Overall, it's great and generally stimulating TV. That being said, this is different from the subject of this article, which is more of a CSPAN-esque channel, kind of like being at a tech conference without having to smell all the dirty nerds (you know who you are, just take a shower in the morning for crying out loud, you can still be smart for the rest of the day, and smell smart too).

Nope. It's TechTV!

You don't get TechTV? I'm sure some would say it is a channel for nerds.

What I, as a gamer, want to see is the Roger and Ebert (or, I guess, Ebert and Roeper now) version of game reviews.

TechTV's X-Play is a pretty good version of that. The hosts actually play the games and are willing to say when games suck.

Gee, this is the most exciting idea for a game since they started making games based on... fishing!!!

But why stop there? I hear EA is working on something even more groundbreaking: SimPaint!! That's right, a realtime simulation of actual paint a wall, first drying, then aging, and finally flaking and peeling off!

Can you stand the EXCITEMENT?

Price normally would, but do you remember those stereo component CD recorders that can burn CDs off of tape, radio or other CDs without a computer? Those will only record on Music CD-R's.

This article explains it better than I can.

Forget the iPod. It's overpriced, and not up to par. There are plenty of iPod killers out there now. Take the Rio Karma as an example. I've had mine for atleast a month now and I love it. It plays oggs, has an ethernet port, rca jacks, and a VU meter. It also plays mp3s a lot better than even the newest iPods. When a track is finished and it goes to the next track there is 0 skip. On the iPod there is about a 1 to 2 second pause. You might wonder why this is important. If you listen to electronic dance music and you have mixed CDs this is very important so you don't mess up the flow of the music.

Can the iPod.

I have used IE's security settings to prevent malicious web code from killing me.

When I checkout the link that puts the false URL (www.microsoft.com) it wasn't treated as a trusted site, even thought *.micorsoft.com was in the trusted site list. At least this is still working in IE!

Here are two website on how to implement this:

• http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=htt p://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/Q 174/3/60.ASP&NoWebContent=1
• http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/windowstips/sto ry/0,24330,3382393,00.html

If any one find this to be false I would like to know.

...might want to try this:-

Xshok

Sorry if its been posted before, I didn't find anything in the search.

Check it out.

Tao Feng? Get with the times.

Dolemite
___________________

So, what? He made ONE blatantly stupid mistake (though I'm sure people will jump to their guns and show me all the other mistakes he has ever made, too). I still read his column every week, and I still enjoy it. I even enjoyed reading the one in question, even if it wasn't accurate.

It's just a tech column. Nothing to get one's panties in a wad over. There are other people saying worse things in other places, like once upon a time on tech tv.

And cleaning up the heads would get kind of messy..

And your server is zippy :O)

Fox Trot did a great sunday strip a few weeks ago where Jason was watching "Queer Eye for the Database Guy" on TV

There's a copy of it here at techtv.com

Tamper protected like this!
http://www.techtv.com/unscrewed/ihateyou/story/0,2 4682,3527597,00.html

Then you can be really sure no one will copy your preview copy!

Well you could always wire your case like they did at TechTV with thermite, that should destory any, uh, "sensitive" material. TechTV

If people started responding to just 1% of the spam we received, spammers would drown in the responses, and the mortage spam responses wouldn't be worth an email, much less $50.

As someone who has suffered through multiple Joe-jobs, receiving tens of thousands of bounces from just the incorrect addresses, I sincerely hope that no one takes this suggestion seriously.

TechTV also had a review of projectors under $1000 in September. It featured the Epson PowerLite S1, the Toshiba TLP-S10, and the Gateway 205 Projector. The Gateway came out on top but check out the full review here.

Yoshi did this on TechTV. Projector, HTS, Screen with Microperf, very nice setup indeed (and for cheap, well, relatively speaking). You can check it out here

TechTV: As a scientist, did you like "The Matrix" movie?
Kaku: Yes, because sometimes it's better for us scientists to suspend the laws of physics and let our imaginations roam!

Techtv's x-play did a segment on this a little while back if someone wants to check out another article about it.

The ipod is NOT THAT EXPENSIVE.

If you actually compare the price per megabyte with other hard-drive based players, the ipod does very well.

If I'm going to be spending 8-hours-of-my-life somewhere, I want it to be a plesant experience. Spending a third of my life in an environment that's just a "means to an end" sounds depressing.

There are good work environments out there, where people actually enjoy the culture, the company, and the experience while getting paid:

• Google
• Pixar
• Joel's company

Why not make work plesant enough that people enjoy it.

This guy was recently on Invent This! on TechTV.

He talked about some system to distill 50% peroxide into 90%. Didn't Carmack say that wasn't feasible to do in the volume he needed?

x-play was much better when it was Extended Play. It was more about the games back then and I didn't have to listen to Adam and Morgan's moronic banter. I know Morgan has big ta-tas, but her voice is quite annoying and her and Adam don't have very good on-screen chemistry.

Yeah... until the viewers start spontaneously exploding.

(first aired c. 1987).

TechTV last month had a case mod contest where the grand prize was a versalaser. The guy who won is one lucky SOB. The article about it can be found here:

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/supergeek/story /0,24330,3536290,00.html

I've been playing this a little and it has the same stuttery feel that Max Payne 1 has. I actually just got Max Payne 1 after reading about the excellent Kung Fu mod. My graphics card is pretty new though, so it should be able to run either game easily. Anyway, it seems like the major feature of this sequel is the higher system requirements. The gameplay is only slightly different, maybe the presentation is a little slicker. I don't really see new features in the graphics engine (more complex shadows, self-shadows, improved transparency, something) but I do see higher poly models. It looks like Remedy thought "don't change the game, just make it so they'll want a new graphics card to play it."

Ravi

DUDE!@ you totally ripped that idea off from the screen savers last night!

For over a year now, Leo Laporte from TechTV's The Screensavers has been saying that Messenger Service is a security hole but Microsoft kept saying, "It's not a hole; it's a feature." Guess now Microsoft will turn off Messenger Service by default. Or, maybe not.

For over a year now, Leo Laporte from TechTV's The Screensavers has been saying that Messenger Service is a security hole but Microsoft kept saying, "It's not a hole; it's a feature." Guess now Microsoft will turn off Messenger Service by default. Or, maybe not.

The capacity of a DVD-18 is 17 GB. So, our Ford Expedition has the capability of hauling 230,656 GBytes or 1,845,248 Gbits of data. Assuming we drive the SUV 65 mph over a one mile course, we can use a factor of 1.08 mi/sec & arrive at an estimate of 1,992,868 Gbps.

Of course, we might decide to put the DVDs on spindles, which would increase the capacity of the SUV, but we'd also have to factor in latency due to stoplights or traffic flow... And I think we'd have to have Ford install some heavy duty overload springs on that Expedition...

Right because the IT department ensures their jobs by constantly recovering Windows installs that get fubarred by corrupt OS updates and application updates that erase your entire hard drive. They really should switch to Apple and put themselves out of a job.

I agree completely. How much research is needed to find out that autoplay is a feature which you can disable? And what kind of clusterfuck pile of dumbasses bases a security feature off of something you can disable with a keystroke in the first place???

Research. It only took me 5 seconds to find the above link. Well - thank God I'm still allowed to.

Weaselmancer

Oh you mean like the painstation or the Xshock controller? Nice to see that even artists aren't above using someone else's idea.

Well, maybe if they could rig up one of these electric shock devices in a mobile phone.

Blend two of the dots together and you get the TechTV logo