Railven's Rant Thread

I'm just going to keep this thread since I usually post something stupid and it's just me venting, I mean it is the Internet - am I right? :thumbsup:

After accepting my poor work ethics (:angel) I came across an article about Blizzard Banning Linux users, supposedly, for using WINE, which Blizzard denies and whatever - being neither a Linux user nor a WINE user in this situation - I personally don't care. Reading some of the posts in the threads really makes me question if people are genuinely upset because "the big mean company is exploiting the little consumer" or because "the little consumer is lying and trying to exploit the big company." Whatever, I found this gem:

Spoiler: Quote: I have a Dell Studio 1737, in which the ATi HD 3650 video card is somewhat dated. (since there is the HD 6xxx series out).

I contacted Battle.net for support due to Artifact/Glitching/Graphical issues, and I was informed 'obviously your video card is bad, or your drivers are out of date.' But in which case, I had the latest drivers for my laptop 2012.0405b, meanwhile Battle.net support tells me the latest driver is 2012.0425. After multiple attempts at updating to the latest drivers, (ATi Driver Verification tool wouldn't download any new drivers because it kept telling me I was running fully up to date. (I've even applied the ATi Hot-fixes relating to said issues, in my case nothing resolved after applying the patches)

Now, lets get back to Customer Support telling me, 'Tough cookies, your computer is broke, nothing we can do about it, update your drivers you fool'. Even after CS disregarded my initial trouble ticket with diag/reports. They nitpicked previous crashes unrelated to D3 as the root cause of the game not playing correctly. Thus, "obviously your video card is bad'.

CS ignored my points about being able to play everything else on my machine without problems (Like HF2, Portal 2, Alice, GuildWars, Combat Arms, SC2, D2, Fear, SS2, etc etc. Having never had a single problem with the rest of these games, I'm told "Obviously your problem is faulting hardware". Okay, I thought, to hell with it, I'll just uninstall all the drivers to see if I could make a last ditch effort.

Sure enough, Uninstalling all the Catalyst drivers and just going with the Microsoft's Win7 included ATi driver 2010.0625. Diablo 3 plays fine. Yup, Not a dang thing wrong now.

However I can't do any productivity work anymore because without the 'latest' drivers installed I can't run MATLAB, or other engineering software installed because I can't process some of the tasks without latest video drivers. (efficiency)

So now I'm stuck. If I update my drivers (again) I'll have a unplayable game. If I don't update, then I can continue to play D3, but I can't play my other games with the same performance I had when I have the latest drivers.

Sound to me, D3 is actually screwed up. And Customer Service is only trained to follow a script. Sure some of them are probably very intelligent people and quite able to help troubleshoot, but its like they just don't have the time to care. When I can go into nearly extreme detail as to my own process of troubleshooting issues, and narrowing down everything to just one program having issues, doesn't that say a lot about finding the faults. D3 and ATi drivers of certain machines just don't work right. Battle.net CS just closes the ticket. Today I'm still not resolved in my issue.

For now, I have to only get work done AT WORK (fine by me) but it really hampers my Telecommute opportunity. Especially when School starts I won't be able to have D3 installed on my machine due to work reasons. I'm not about to go out and buy another machine to play D3. I'm not within my 5 year turn around period yet.

CS @ Battle.net You better damn-well resolve this issue soon. If throughout all these years the only time I've needed customer support, I get nothing but the "Its your problem not ours" excuses, that's really telling of how you've changed. I really wish Linux was supported better. I'd be through with Windows entirely if it weren't for the games. Now for my Rant, in spoiler tag of course :D
Spoiler:
You have got to be kidding me? Are people really this stupid? Really? The guy followed trouble-shooting steps WHICH SOLVED HIS ISSUE. What does that tell you? THE FUCKING ISSUE ISN'T RELATED TO THE GAME. <Inser Kammie LOL here about ATI drivers being garbage.>

Hey, end user - have you tried a different software set? Or perhaps, MANUALLY DOWNLOAD THE FUCKING DRIVERS. You know, ATI/AMD uses a unified installer which WILL INSTALL THE LATEST DRIVERS FOR YOUR PRODUCT FROM THE CURRENT INSTALLER.

WWW.AMD.COM, little "fill in the blank" search - BAM, updated drivers. "The auto-updater wouldn't install the newest drivers" well fuck man, Creative put out new drivers for my sound card in 2011, they haven't updated the auto-updater since 2010, guess what version the auto-updater tells me is the most recent? Yeah, the 2010 driver set.

This is the shit that pisses me off about the masses. They got general intelligence to log onto a forum and bitch but have not the same intelligence to use search? I trouble shoot like 99% of most people's issues with Google and that is before I get into advance registry tweaks and what not. Most of the time it is a user error causing a conflict.

I'd wager my left nut the problem is on the user's end, be it he has another program that causes instability or he isn't properly applying the driver fix AMD released to address this exact issue on pre-HD 5k series. Then for them to claim Blizzard has to fix their computer because they can't go out and buy a new one for one game (which in itself is just a mind-numbly fucking recourse) is just the icing.

And my GF keeps wondering why I don't want to open my own shop. This is the majority of the users, and I don't have the patience to tell someone to stop pressing shift so many times and the Sticky prompt won't pop up!
Railven's Rant Thread

help me choose a tv

Hllo all,I'm trying to decide between 3 tv's that i will be using for tailgating outside at college football games during daylight hours.

We will be sitting at least 6' to 8' from the tv at diffeent angles.
I will not be hooking any dvd players to it,just watching sports.
My price range will be around $700 to $900 on the tv's im looking at.

The 3 models i'm looking at,I have not found any info at all on them.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me choose out of these 3 and why you would choose that particular model tv.Now on to the tv's.

Samsung LN46E550 LCD
Samsung UN46EH5050 LED
Sony Bravia KDL-46BX450 LCD
help me choose a tv

read this if you are thinking of switching

Been with DTV since 91. Have had no serious issues until recently. I cannot go into details as it would be unethical to do so.
But, I want to tell everyone how good they treated my issue! Without hesitation, addressed it, discussed it calmly and without asking gave me a huge-HUGE comp. All I want to say is, I have never-ever seen a company do anything like that before! They made the offer to resolve my problem. I was all ready to drop them, pay the early term. fee, in fact I had my CC ready to do so, when all of a sudden! bam! They gave in and made my whole year! again, cannot tell you specifics, but it was an enormous move on thier part.
So, if you are thinking about the move, do it! Never mind all the Bells and whistles and the kangaroos, It all boils down to service, customer appreciation and understanding!
It was a serous issue also. Thats about all I can say. I will stress the value of the issue was tremdous. I'm totally blown away here. Like I always say, you get more flies with honey then salt!
read this if you are thinking of switching

Helping people move from cable to satellite

Was always disappointed with cable tv, so switched to satellite tv and have never been happier. Now mfsmedia . com helps everyone make the better choice. All of the satellite channels are digitial quality, far better deal, and with most packages get a dvr to rewind, pause, or record live tv.
Helping people move from cable to satellite

re dvr

i have the 7232-2 dvr box does anybody know the size of the HD
re dvr

Halo 4 MP - 8Gb install needed to play

Link
Quote: If your Xbox 360 hard drive is full to bursting, you might consider clearing a bit of space in anticipation of Halo 4's impending release later this year. Why? Because you'll need at least 8GB to play Halo 4's multiplayer according to Microsoft.

That means either having the required space on your hard drive or on a compatible 8GB (or bigger) USB Flash memory stick. Chances are most of you will have more than the required space, but it's worth noting if your hard drive space is reaching critical mass or if you have an old 20GB HDD or 4GB console.

"At a minimum, you'll need at least an 8GB USB Flash Drive or an Xbox 360 Hard Drive to play Multiplayer mode in Halo 4," a Halo 4 Xbox.com product page highlights. "For an optimal experience playing with an Xbox 360 Hard Drive is highly recommended."

It's possible that the substantial Spartan Ops mode will eat up some of that 8GB, as new episodes are released frequently alongside additional maps for competitive modes. So while an 8GB install might seem like bad news, the sliver lining is that Halo 4's multiplayer is going to be absolutely ma-hoo-sive. Read our Spartan Ops preview for more Halo 4. Hmmm, I have plenty of space to play this but this might be tricky for others who only have an Arcade. I have always said so long as installs are not required its not a bad thing, this sounds like its required though..

I am still in, the game looks great and I cant wait to see what the MP will look and play like..
Halo 4 MP - 8Gb install needed to play

Samsung HLS6187W - Weird Problem Occuring - In Need Tech Expert For This One

I woke up this morning and turned on my Samsung HLS6187W DLP HDTV, and some weird things are happening. When I turn on the TV, in the front panel of the TV the "Lamp" light comes on, fine there, but when I press any button on the remote control, volume, source, menu, and even the power button, nothing functions. I even tried the buttons on the front TV panel, and still nothing functions. The only thing that happens is, each time I tap a button either on the remote or front panel, the front panel "Timer" light blinks with each tap of a button. Also, what is happening on the TV is, the picture freezes for about 1 second every 20-30 seconds followed by a 1/2 second black screen, then after about 5 minutes of the TV being on, it then shuts itself down completely.

Is there anyone that knows what is causing these problems?

To me I think it might be some kind of computer malfunction in the TV, but then I am no TV tech.



Any and all help will be deeply appreciated.
Samsung HLS6187W - Weird Problem Occuring - In Need Tech Expert For This One

HD Calibration Blu-ray DYI disc's Reviews from HTM

I hope this helps answer a few questions.

In response to a readers request for calibration disc information and recommendations:
Home Theater Magazine's Scott Wilkinson ( Home theater.com web editor and video reviewer) provided this informative reply:

"I really like the Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark disc
which has some of my favorite test patterns for setting basic picture controls of any video display. It also includes many patterns and short clips that let you see how well a display performs various video processing tasks such as deinterlacing and scaling. Each image is explained in the accompanying booklet and in a 'pop-up' window on the screen, but there are no beginner tutorials, which makes this disc more appropriate for experienced users.

Another popular blu-ray is Digital Video Essentials HD Basics Blu-ray and DVD edition from Joe Kane Productions. Like High Definition Benchmark, HD Basics includes many setup and evaluation images and clips. and it also provides audio signals to set up your sound system. An explanation of each item can be found in the included booklet and on the screen. There is some tutorial material on the basics of high-def and calibration, but it's also a bit more advanced than some beginners might be comfortable with.

If your a newbie to Home Theater hobby, I would recommend Disney's World of Wonder (WOW), which is available on Blu-ray or DVD. It includes lots of tutorials about home theater as well as specific instructions on how to set each picture control. Once you feel comfortable at the beginning level, there are many more advanced setup and evaluation patterns. This disc also provides audio setup signals.
Yet another option is found on many THX-certified DVD's, including the Indiana Jones box set and some PIXAR movies such as Toy Story. Called the THX Optimizer it provides several video and audio signals to help setup your system. Each item starts with a brief explanation of how to use it, although some of the explanations and tests themselves are a little dated and more appropriate for older picture tube televisions.

Courtesy Home Theater Magazine publications.
HD Calibration Blu-ray DYI disc's Reviews from HTM

TCMHD coming soon, maybe...

Over at DBS talk it showed up in test, wonder if that means we will see it tomorrow, or in the next coming weeks.
TCMHD coming soon, maybe...

U-Verse loss of signal

I keep losing the u-verse signal to my gateway. This happens at least once a day. I have had a tech at my house 4 times and He can't seem to find out what is wrong. This is very disturbing since I can't use the phone or the internet or the T.V. when this happens. Is there anyone I can call to fix this problem?
U-Verse loss of signal

Panasonic VIERA 50" 1080p 600Hz (Right Choice?)

I haven't owned a TV in over 5 years and have finally decided to give in and pick one up. The TV will be used mostly for HD movies (1080p). I attached a picture of the room so you can see a bit better how I plan to set it up. The TV will be wall mounted above the aquarium you see. That aquarium is 47 inches wide and 55" from the floor to the top. We will be siting fairly low on the bean bag couch so the wall mount will need to be able to tilt down.



-Distance we will be sitting from the TV- 6-7 ft
-We will not have cable TV. I plan to play all movies from a older computer I plan to turn into a media center for the tv.
- Quality is a priority but need to stay in the $1000 range and have enough size to get full benefit of 1080p at 6-7ft.
- Lighting in the room can be controlled.

--- I am also looking for recommendations on a good sound system for this. It doesn't need to be earth shaking as I have neighbors on 2 sides and very thin walls but I do want very good quality surround sound and enough base to shake things a bit if I like.

Here is the TV I am considering- http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...ca8f7be0e1en02

As I said I am really out of the loops and have started considering this TV after reading some of the stickies here. Any advice or recommendations is appreciated!

Thanks
Dradden
Panasonic VIERA 50" 1080p 600Hz (Right Choice?)

Dish HD DVR folder limits shows recorded to 20-21

I'm a newbie to HD. Only about four months with the DISH HD Dvr. I'm recording an non-HD show, very old one actually, and would like to have as many on there as I record to pick and choose from. For some reason, when the number of shows gets to around 20-21 (because I've been unable to watch any that week), it must 'delete' the older ones, because the new ones are showing they are being recorded, but the number of shows doesn't increase. How can I change that to KEEP all my recorded shows until I delete them? :)
Dish HD DVR folder limits shows recorded to 20-21

Best 24" TV for Office/Gaming setup?

I recently picked up the Playstation 3D Display due to the $199. I set it up in my office and primarily connects to my PS3 for gaming, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and MLB.TV. I really like this display, but it's the second one in less than a week (first one had dead/stuck pixels) and I am afraid I may have to return this one as well (screen blackout issue). So, instead of messing with another exchange I was thinking about returning it and getting a regular LED TV instead.

It's been awhile since I shopped for a new TV, but have always found this community a great source of information. I've tried to research some of the models in my price range but a lot of what I find is pretty similar, so It's hard to determine which is the better buy. I have been looking at the following models, but have no experience which brands/models are generally better and not sure which to go with.

Toshiba 24" 24L4200U - $229 @ Best Buy
Panasonic 24" TC-L24X5 - $249 @ Best Buy

Looking at both "on paper", the Toshiba "appears" to be the better option... It's cheaper, has 2 HDMI (Panasonic only has 1), and More speaker wattage (I realize this doesn't mean the sound is better)... I probably need to see them both in person and will try to do that today, but was wondering if anyone had input on either TV or suggestions for another? I would like to get it from Best Buy only because that's where I got the PS Display (would make it easier), but am not limited to them if a recommended display is at another store.

Thanks in advance.

JD
Best 24" TV for Office/Gaming setup?

Dell 1100MP Projector Not Working

Please help I have a Dell Projector 1100mp projector, I turn it on and it does the following:

1) I turn on the projector as normal using the top on button
2) The unit powers on and does a kind of self test as the temp and lamp flash on then off
3) The projector gives the dell projection as normal and then the display goes, then the lamp and temp lights flash then turns off. Then it reboots and makes a crackle sound?
Dell 1100MP Projector Not Working

Just got my TC-P60ST50 today!

Could anyone help me with the picture settings? I used the ones from TweakTv but they seem very dull, I need a little pop! Thank you in advance! :)))
Just got my TC-P60ST50 today!

Is it really gone, or moved

Unless they settled the dispute and moved AMC to a more favorable position, it is gone, and that means, as we all know from experience, that it is never coming back.

Since most subscribers probably haven't a clue about what is going on, the real fun will start on July 15, as the calls start coming in about, Where is AMC and "Breaking Bad".

If you're thinking about canceling DISH. better to do it now than wait.

The good news may be that not that many will switch, and with DISH not being the only ones to drop AMC, their ratings for shows like "The Walking Dead" and "Mad Men" will take a dramatic turn downward and be cancelled. We may actually only miss the Final season of "Breaking Bad" and one season, or less, of "Mad Men" and "The Walking Dead".

For those who want to switch you should know that DISH still has more channels people care about than Direct TV. They don't have, and never plan on having any EPIX channels. They also don't have LMN or HUB or Blockbuster at home, and others.

I myself would switch if they just had EPIX, and I'm beginning to hate DISH, but the limited amount of choices to get everything we want makes it hard to justify having anything.

Well that's just my take on this mess, what is yours?
Is it really gone, or moved

I Am So Sick of R* Garbage DRM

Decided to play the other half of Max Payne 3 tonight...cannot run the fucking game although (after many hours of work) I got it to run when I first bought it. :banghead:

R* has deemed it appropriate to not let you play your game - that you bought on disc - without connecting to their Social Club thing online, and nobody can connect to it.

I've been looking for fixes, all I see is people having the same problem and reviewers saying that the game is unplayable. R*'s website support is atrocious and wrong. Reinstalled the 4-disc game and let it update itself for hours...still cannot play it.

Anyone running ICEnhancer GTA4 knows how bad R* DRM is...remember trying to get that shit to work? Well now it's even worse.

This is good for the consumer HOW? To not let us play the games we payed for? :what:

I am going to pirate GTA5 out of disgust...I don't want R* to have any more of my money.
I Am So Sick of R* Garbage DRM

Eff you Minecraft

Finally gave into the GF's pleas to play with her...

4 hours later...and all I can think about was mining to the center of the Earth.

Game is fun, everything else aside. I don't get why though, but it is haha.
Eff you Minecraft

To all Panasonic Plasma owners

I have been the owner of Panasonic plasmas for quite some time. I never agreed with the reviews on cnet until now. They always said the cinema setting was best, but it was dreaded to my eyes. I have played around with settings, and then did a sde by side and lo and behold, the cinema setting won. I raised he color/contrast etc.. It came in. Do you use this setting?
To all Panasonic Plasma owners

This for my Lean-to's flooring????

My dad bought a pickup bout 5 yrs ago and it had this rubber matting in bed and i was wondering where might i get this from? It's nice and thick and i think it would be perfect in my lean-to's for the flooring, laying on bare ground.

thoughts?
Attached Images rubber mat 2.jpg (48.8 KB) rubber mat.jpg (41.3 KB)
This for my Lean-to's flooring????

HD Cable to HDDVR

Can I buy a HDDVR and use it with my Cable HD Box instead of paying extra to rent the Cable HDDVR?
HD Cable to HDDVR