And again

OK, getting this going again now. I'm now part of a group called Crash Space. Awesome stuff. Anyway, I'm in charge of the "media room". Basically, right now, this is a tiny bedroom-like-space with a futon-couch and some bookshelves. I need to make it more "media".

So, equipment is an old Dell desktop computer, donated 19" and 21" monitors, a dual-port DVI PCI video card, and a Hauppauge TV PCI card. I also bought a digital TV tuner from RadioShack and *cough* borrowed one of the tables someone left stacked in the room. I assume they meant to just get it out of the way, the fools.

Final objective: wall of monitors (at least 4), broadcast TV, DVD, console video games, internet video, and awesome. Future posts will work back in time to show some of the things I tried (and failed (and succeeded)) to do. I'll list parts, software, configs, just about everything anyone could possibly care about and more, unfortunately.

But again, I'm planning on working back in time with stuff I've already prepared. So some information might have been lost before I make this post, but at least it will get done. Then, once I'm caught-up to the present day, I'll start posting plans for things before I actually do them. And now the pics (because it did happen):

 

This is the current state of the build. Three monitors, antenna, one giant TV, non-working speakers, desktop, PS2, webcam, all on a small table. Another shot from the side:

Yeah, need to remember to pick up one of those <$20 wireless mouse/keyboard combos from Fry's someday. Anyway, this is it for now. Oh, and ignore the stupid camera timestamps. I had to reset my stupid little keychain camera and lost settings. Didn't see it had reset until I took the pics. Here is the offending device:

Also, self-note on the format for settings this:

• Root dir of the USB drive
• Name "tag.txt"
  [date]
  2009/12/29
  16:58:00  

Hazy sky in L.A.

Smoke from the fires around L.A. Not very dramatic but I thought I'd post it anyway. This picture was taken facing north out a window, about dead center of Playa del Rey, just north of Manchester Ave. Might have more later.

Kitten Pictures

Louise's new Maine Coon kitten. The first two pictues are about a week older than the last two.


Kitten-in-a-bag rates about a "7" on the cute scale.


 

Blog Link: TV In Japan

Wow, been a while, huh? Anyway, this was worth the time to post.

Part of this URL says, "the best kids show ever". And it looks like it might be.

Aside: I really love what the site calls the "buffer"; you know, the part right after a commercial break but before the show starts again?

Anyway, it starts off a weird little couple of animated things. But the last third is the best, starting at a skit called “Algorithm March”. Best thing I’ve ever seen on kids TV. Just…wow. So simple, yet so cool. Make sure to watch “Individual March” first, if you skip ahead.

Late addition (pre-posting): For the terminally lazy (or busy, like I should have been) here is a link directly to the YouTube video of just the best skit.

Plane taking off at Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey, CA on or about 11/12/05. Picture taken while facing just about SSE. FYI, this area of the beach is directly under a flight path for LAX, so there is usually a regular whoosh and roar of planes. Note also the setting sun glinting off of the plane's wings and the palm tree (from the right side of the picture).

Strange Plant

 

I have no idea what this is. But it looks really cool. 

The Dilbert Blog

No time today. Quick entry. Enjoy The Dilbert Blog.