We’ve been using Windows Media Center for about 5 years. At first, we were stuck with standard definition recorded via s-video from our set top box. Later, a friend told me about this solution that records HD via firewire in a very hacky way. A new solution allows us to use a cable card-based digital tuner to record and watch live TV on all of our extenders in HD. Comcast came out and had us set up very quickly with a working digital tuner in our media center PC.
For the sake of over information: the digital tuner is hooked up to my Windows Media Center server in my basement which feeds my extenders. Nobody actually watched TV on that monitor (it’s an old 17″ Dell) and runs at 1280×1024… to VGA works just dandy for this purpose. Before I was using the FireSTB hack that John told me about. The catch was … Read Morethat I couldn’t watch live TV in HD because of the weird way it recorded SD and HD in parallel, then deleted the SD file after it was done recording, replacing it with the HD version. The hack also let me change channels (usually) via firewire instead of IR blasting. Unfortunately, the hack also turned the volume on my cable set top box down one “click” each time it changed channels, effectively muting SD recordings after a few days. The digital tuner solution fixes all of these issues. The catch? Technically, you’re supposed to have an OEM media center PC with “supported” DRM-friendly bios. There are now workarounds for this…
- Duane
Tags: cable, drm, media center, windows
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Cincinnati Region SCCA is hosting the IT SPECtacular at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course this weekend. It’s the biggest Improved Touring/Spec Race/Spec Miata event in the midwest. I’ll be Tweeting updates throughout the weekend (#it_spectacular). Props to Chris at Angry Sheep Motorsports for helping me get ready and coaching me! Go ITA Neons!
- Duane
Tags: ITA, Mid-Ohio, MidOhio, racing, spec neon
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July 31st – August 2nd is the IT SPECtacular at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course and I’m racing this year. I’m both excited and terrified: over 30 IT cars have registered, including some of the fastest guys cars in the nation. I’ve never raced at Mid-Ohio before. Luckily, Chris from Angry Sheep Motorsports set up my Neon yesterday, which always makes me feel better.
As noted in previous news updates, Gina and I have been working on a mini-remodel of our den and kitchen. I’ve installed new recessed lighting, other lighting fixtures, run some complicated a/v wiring, and significant drywall work to prepare for our first experience with professional painters. I hate painting… hopefully seeing how easily the pros do it will make it easier to decide to go this route more often.
In other news, I celebrated my 34th birthday last Saturday. Gina made an awesome coconut cream cake, bourbon-glazed ribs and cheesy potatoes. I was able to relax a bit, play some games (finishing Ghostbusters and House of the Dead: Overkill), and get some work done on my race car and around the house.
- Duane
Tags: racing, remodeling
Posted in news | Comments Off on Mid-Ohio Race Approaches, Mini-remodeling project nears completion…
Gina and I have been working on hiding the wiring for the TV we mounted above our den fireplace last winter and changing to the split system heat pump by Goodman. The process of hiding the wiring involves making several strategic openings in the drywall on several floors of the house, drilling through headers, floors, etc. inside of the wall, crawling around in the (incredibly itchy) insulation in our attic, snaking wires through the walls, and… inevitably… swearing. We’re trying to re-paint our kitchen/den area, and need to get the TV wiring done before doing so, as well replacing our kitchen light with a series of recessed (can) fixtures. Ah, the joy of home ownership.
- Duane
Tags: remodeling
Posted in news | Comments Off on Adventures in wiring… and home improvement…
I called Brighton Chrysler to order some parts for my ITA Neon (race car) and found out that they’re in short supply. In fact, some of the parts that we replace as part of preventative maintenance are outright unavailable (ACR hub and bearing kits). I hope that Chrysler LLC comes out of this reorganization soon and starts getting parts back in stock. I’d hate to have to switch cars or classes just because I can’t get a $70 part…
In related news, I’ll be racing at Grattan Raceway this weekend. It’s my first race of the season and apart from a few maintenance parts missing (ahem), I’m just about ready to head out on my old tires and get on the track!
- Duane
Tags: Chrysler, Dodge, ITA, Neon, Plymouth, racing, spec neon
Posted in news | Comments Off on Neon parts get harder to find. First race of the season this weekend.
Pictures