Updated 1/2/07 to fix PocketBreeze beta link.
A brand new year and it looks like I have lined myself up for a bunch of projects:
- I have finally decided to take the plunge into HDTV with a purchase of a Sony KDL-46XB2 46" LCD television. Even though the unit is on back order, the end of year specials were too good to pass up, I have waited a long time for LCD technology to come of age and pricing to be fairly reasonable, although I have to say that the price was still hard to swallow. This is the most by far that I have ever spent on any piece of audio/video gear or computer gear. This television will replace my 17 year old 32" XBR which is tube based and has been great, I hope I am satisfied with the quality of the LCD picture, with HD I think I should be. Moving to HD involves a slew of other decisions for my setup; such as staying with Directv or going with Comcast. Unfortunately Verizon FIOS is not yet an option down my street. Then there is the remote control issue, I have built an infrared network to all my components and generate IR signals with a HomeVision controller. I never bought a multifunction remote, I just use my Sony T-60 Directv DVR remote and generate the appropriate IR signals for all my A/V components with the Homevision controller. It has worked pretty well although it was not perfect, which begs the question on whether I should go with a multi function remote like the Logitech Harmony series. Lots of questions to be answered and much more blogging on the subject...
- I received a Slingbox Pro for Christmas. It was fairly painless to install and configure. So far I am quite impressed and will write up my experience.
- I decided to upgrade my CD based MKIII GPS navigation computer in my BMW to a newer faster MKIV DVD navigation computer. The BMW I-Bus infrastructure has been great, it has allowed me to add iPod integration with steering wheel controls/song display and Bluetooth for my phone. The GPS upgrade will be a simple plug and play. BMW has been ahead of the game when it comes to in car electronics integration, the fact that I can upgrade my 2002 to current technology, that is just becoming available on other cars, has allowed me to continue getting value out of a great vehicle.
- Phatware released Phatpad 4.0 on December 19th, I will be upgrading my PhatPad 3.0 this week. It looks like they made a lot of enhancement for Tablet use.
Reviews I am working on:
- I need to finish a review of the latest version of the Bluetooth Hands Free extension by Jetware Mobile which works well with my BMW Bluetooth ULF module.
- I will be reviewing the new sunnysoft Backup Manager, I have been using Sprite Backup 5.1, it will be interesting to see how sunnysoft stacks up.
- Spectec is about to release an SDIO GPS receiver with an additional slot which I will be reviewing.
- SBSH Mobile Software is about to release a new version of Pocket Breeze. A public beta of version 5.2 is available here. I will be installing this week.
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