SB Issue

KraZyKat — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:03:48 -0400

Having an issue with Swampbubbles. Ever since this article was posted "SNL Parody of Press Bias, Obama vs Hillary Debate" I have not been able to complete loading of the site. My side bars will not load and I cannot see any comments unless I work my way around it by going to an article posted after the above forementioned. Still, if I click the HOME button I get the same load failure. Anybody else experiencing this? I have IE6 because it's what loaded by the Co. on my PC and Laptop. Also, I have experienced this on several computers.

Geek Speak

Digital Converter boxes

KraZyKat — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:39:30 -0400

I finally received my $40.00 coupons towards purchase of the digital converter boxes to receive digital signals on my analog tv.

WHAT you say? You mean you do not have cable?

Nope. Being that I am away a good portion of the day and there is no one home to watch TV, and when I am home I spend most of my time on the computer; it is a waste of $'s to spend on cable tv for a few minutes of viewing each day. So I opted for the FREE cable they call on-air broadcasting. LOL

After research I choose the Insignia model from Best Buy. This unit had great reviews and it doesn't disappoint. The box is small and good looking with a nice ambient blue light when powered on. Set up was really simple and the auto tuning picked up 14 station including sub-stations from my previous 6 using just my unamplified rabbit-ears. I plan on buying an amplified antenna this weekend and hopefully picking up more stations.

The picture quality is a dramtic improvement over the weak analog signals I was receiving previously. The picture is so clear it rivals cable. The only beef I have is that when the signal tends to fade. In the analog reception the picture may get fuzzy or the volume may fade but you always had a picture. With the digital it tends to pixelate and if the signal is lost the screen goes black. I notice this most with channel 24 but it could be caused by my unamplified antenna.

The remote is handy if not somewhat fragile looking. It is tiny and lightweight. If I accidentally sit on it it may break in two. But, it does program to my Toshiba TV. I can turn the TV on/off and adjust the volume. Plus it has an on-screen signal meter and program guide similar to cable allbeit a condensed version. Still, ore then I had with analog.

I understand that the Zenith brand offered at Circuit City is an identical unit with a different name badge and case color. Walmart offers a Magnavox brand but with limited features but it only will cost you an additional $9.00 over the coupon value.

Overall I rate the Insignia brand a 4 out of 5 stars.

Geek Speak