Back again…and catching up

After a bit of a hiatus over the last few months, I’m back.  Thanks to who have checked in and asked me to restart the blog…your wish is my command.

Since digital tech is changing all the time, I’ll relaunch with a quick rundown of the equipment/approaches I’m using these days.

Computing:

I’m using four different computers daily – main desktop, kitchen desktop, tablet/laptop, and netbook.

I added the netbook (8.5-inch ASUS) over the summer, and I’ve come to love it. Long battery life (5-6 hours) and small size means it goes everywhere with me.

On the main computer, I’ve added a fourth monitor. I’m thinking about adding a fifth next year, if I can find an external video device at a reasonable price.

Mobile computing:

Late last year, I switched to an HTC Verizon Touch Pro as my PDA phone.  It does most of the things I want, but none of them well. (Not enough RAM or a fast enough processor.) 

After toying with the idea of getting a Mi-Fi last summer, I decided to stick with using my Touch Pro as a wireless hotspot instead. Not as convenient, since I can’t talk and be online simultaneously, but much cheaper. (Free versus $60/month contract.)

Software:

Firefox, Outlook, and OneNote account for probably 99% of my activity these days. Functions associated with all three sync automatically, which makes working on multiple systems seamless.

Over the summer, I made the big shift from MS Money to Quicken.  Switching was brutal – tough to transfer 10 years of data and thousands of transactions, but it had to happen. I’m still not a fan of Quicken, though.

I also upgraded to PaperPort Pro 12 recently.  Not worth the money – stick with 11.

Home video/entertainment:

Replaced all four TVs with HDs this year, which prompted a switch from my beloved Tivos to Comcast’s DVR boxes. The Comcast DVR service can’t hold a candle to Tivo, but it wins on economics: While Comcast’s $9.95/month per box is $3 more than Tivo, I don’t have to spend $2,400 to buy four HD Tivos.

I’m still toying with switching to Verizon FIOS, although Verizon’s failure to be able to answer some of my basic questions about installation have made me wary.  Given Comcast’s continued bad and expensive service, though, it’s tempting.

I also traded my Slingbox Pro for a Slingbox Pro HD.  Streaming in HD is great – an excellent device.

So, that catches me up on tech.  What’s everyone else using these days?

CNN HD v. CNN

I just noticed that the commercials – and even some coverage -- CNN is showing on CNN HD and the regular CNN during the Inaugural coverage are different. 

HD is getting slightly more coverage, returning to commentary earlier, and fewer local commercials.

Interesting.

Will I ever hear, "Caps win, story at 11?"

This morning, Caps owner Ted Leonsis ran a piece on his blog urging a local radio sports host to program more Caps coverage.  Leonsis points out that the Caps have the highest level of "engagement" in the league right now, with strong attendance, a hit-magnet website, and TV ratings up 140% on Comcast alone.  (I'm telling you the HD thing is making it work!)

Leonsis makes a case that if local outlets will run more Caps coverage, fans will tune in.  I agree.  In fact, my bet is that one of the reasons the Caps' website gets so many hits is because fans can't find Caps info easily enough in the local media.  The other day, my Tivo cut off the end of a game that ran long, so I missed the outcome.  Rather than getting a little analysis -- or even a quick highlights reel -- the local 11 o'clock news relegated the Caps to a P.S. after post-season Redskins coverage, NFL playoffs, college basketball, NBA coverage, golf notes, and who-knows-what else. 

How can anyone follow the team when the best the local media does is "...and the Caps lost tonight in Montreal?" 

Caps fever

Apparently, it’s not just me.  In today’s Washington Post, sportswriter Tom Boswell talks about the sudden surge of enthusiasm for the NHL’s Washington Capitals. 

Boswell chalks up the interest to the Caps strong performance this year, which has them owning the fourth-best record in hockey. 

Maybe.  But don’t discount HD TV.

Either way, Go Caps!

HD on Ice

I’ve written about hockey, attended hockey games,  but I’ve never been a big fan of watching hockey on TV.  Here in my native Washington, D.C., hockey doesn’t get much attention competing with Redskins football, Orioles (and now Nats) baseball, ACC basketball, Wizards basketball, and even Hopkins lacrosse.  (Go Blue Jays!)

But, now that I have HD TV, my priorities may be changing.  After watching the thrilling (and well-broadcast) NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, I’ve caught several Caps games – and I feel a new obsession coming on.

Couldn’t come at a better time.  The Caps are off to their best season ever, and they have the best player in the NHL with Alexander Ovechkin. 

At this minute, they’re about to go into an overtime shootout with the Flyers.  Now that I can see the puck, maybe I’ll even be able to tell who won without checking online.

Goin’ digital (and HD)

The post-Christmas sale prices for electronics didn’t strike me as being all that good this year – especially in light of the sluggish retail sales – but I took the plunge anyway and picked up an HD, widescreen TV last week:  Samsung Series 5 32-inch 1080 LCD. 

I had wanted to a new TV in my bedroom, and this sleek, unobtrusive, full HD set seemed to fit the bill without breaking the bank.

I hadn’t been especially gung-ho about going to HD TV, since switching basically makes my Tivos and Slingboxes all but obsolete.  But, after having this set for a few days – and watching HD broadcasts like the NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day – I was sold.  In fact, I went out the other day and picked up a second Samsung (same model), so I could watch HD without having to sit in the bedroom all the time.

I’m using the second Samsung as my main TV right now, but I can see already that I’m going to want to move that to my office and get a 46-inch as my primary viewing.

When I get some time to play, I also want to try hooking a computer to these sets.  Aside from the appeal of being able to use them as additional computer access, I’m thinking more and more that direct streaming from a PC may make more sense than media sharing through Tivo.