Yes, it's nice to have another popular McGrath. I was watching the show Merlin a few years back when I saw that one of the actrices was named Katie McGrath. She is a beautiful young lady plus, of course, a McGrath.

Just for fun, I wanted to know the McGrath searches being done on Google and found that her name was #1. At first I did not remember her name so I used Google and saw that she was indeed in the show Merlin. I saw season 1 but being in Internet Marketing and passing less  time in front of the TV, I missed season 2. Season 3 is expected to start next September.

Also the wife of JJ Abram is also named Katie McGrath.

Anyway, here are photo's of Katie McGrath and DVD's season after:

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Stress, Katie McGrath, Lucy Liu, Morgan Freeman - Jan. 13-15, 2012 USA Weekend    US $4.99

Scotland - SP - KATHERINE JENKINS / Katie McGrath / Chris Hollins - 2011    US $6.31

KATIE MCGRATH MERLIN SIGNED 10X8 PP PHOTO    US $7.89

D6019 Merlin Colin Morgan Katie McGrath Morgana TV Series Print 32x24 POSTER    US $12.95

GALAXIE MAGGIE Q NIKITA KATIE MCGRATH ADAM LAMBERT ADELE AVRIL LAVIGNE JESSIE J    US $17.99

A Christmas Princess NEW PAL Kids & Family DVD Michael Damian Katie McGrath    US $31.99

KATIE McGRATH AUTOGRAPH DISPLAY MERLIN MORGANA    US $35.54

British Arena 11/2008 Tyson Ballou Tamsin Egerton Olga Kurylenko Katie McGrath    US $46.61

KATIE MCGRATH Signed SEXY Photo MERLIN    US $59.49

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The DVD version of Merlin.

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Merlin: The Complete Third Season (DVD, 2012, 5-Disc Set)    US $.01

Merlin: The Complete Second Season (DVD, 2011, 5-Disc Set)    US $.99

Merlin: The Complete First Season (DVD, 2010, 5-Disc Set)    US $.99

MERLIN'S PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 2007 X 40 LOOSE STICKERS    US $1.56

Merlin: The Complete Third Season 3 (DVD, 2012, 5-Discs) Sealed SHIPS SAME DAY    US $6.01

Merlin Series Season 1 Pilot Episode Script. Colin Morgan.    US $14.18

Merlin Series Season 1 Script Ep9. Colin Morgan.    US $14.18

5th MERLIN SEASON CAP~Sponsored by Miami Herald~Sz L/XL    US $14.99

Merlin: The Complete First Season (DVD, 2010, 5-Disc Set) *    US $16.49

Merlin: The Complete Third Season    US $17.00

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I was watching a French-Canadian channel with my dad when we saw the Tweeze TV ad. Instead of using French speaking Quebec actors, they only dub in French the audio of the English TV ad. For Tweeze,  it's a cheap way to gain access to the Quebec market. Up to this point, I understand the reasoning to cut cost and be able to offer a cheap Tweeze hair remover across Canada too.

If some of you don't know, I'm from Quebec City(French speaking city) and English is not my first language. I do make mistakes in both Canadian official languages. Since I have a PVR, I can skip most ads on recorded movies or shows but this time around, it was live. So, I never took the time to watch it. That's when my father pointed to the funny translation they had done on the Tweeze French ad.

You see, they used the French word "Tondeuse" which mean for Quebecer's "Lawnmower". I don't think the ladies would used a lawnmower to remove their facial hairs. It would be painful but at least, permanent.

Tweeze should had used a better word like "Rasoir" instead.

I'm sure that Spanish translation of American ad's got some funny translation too.

You find cheap Tweeze hair remover(US/Canada) below:

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Automatic Tweeze System Epilator Hair Remover    US $.97

Automatic Epilator Tweezer Tweeze Hair Remover System    US $1.55

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Automatic Tweeze System Epilator Hair Remover    C $.99

Automatic Epilator Tweezer Tweeze Hair Remover System    C $1.58

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But what is Tweeze if you don't know?

It's a breakthrough in hair removing. The Tweeze hair remover system has amazing features:

• Pinpoint precision in any direction
• Easily removes even the shortest, finest hair
• Leaves skin soft & stubble free
• Ideal for all skin types
• No cuts or nicks
• Use on lip, chin, knees, cheeks, toes, bikini, underarms

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In part 2, I described most of the troubles I had so far with the Expressvu External Hard Drive 9242 HD PVR. Since my EHD(LaCie 750GB) was full of recordings(test only), I was not able to access the EHD. It would always reboot when I wanted to access the EHD.

BellTV has released v183 of the firmware since yesterday.

In my case, I had to:

• connect my EHD to my computer
• remove the 3 partitions(1.01GB, 500.01GB, 197.62GB)
• make a quick reformat
• then reconnect the drive to the 9242 HD PVR
• let it reformat again by the 9242 HD PVR

If you are lucky, you will only have the make the last 2 steps.

So far, I only archived 4 recordings for a total of 5 hours. I did not have any problem. Even the playback worked from the EHD when I was fast forwarding at 300x. In the previous version, I had the "drive disconnected" bug.

Since I don't completely trust the new v183, I'm only archiving already seen HD shows/movies until it's full again. I suggest you do the same. But If your drive is smaller, full and you don't have problems, please leave a comment for the others.

But l hope it work and does not give me problems when it's full too.

F.A.Q.:

You can't just connect the drive to a Windows PC and copy the movies from the EHD. Hollywood would not allow that in the first place. If you do connect the drive to you PC and later connect it to the 9242 HD PVR, you will be force to reformat the EHD.

I did not test using the EHD and connect it to another 9242 HD PVR without losing anything with the new version.

If you want to transfer movies to your PC, it won't be in HD. You could record the movie using a standalone DVD recorder and then copy the movie to your PC. That's the easiest way.

I don't know of any software that will read directly from the EHD to copy the HD movie to the PC.

P.S. It's BellTV now.

Edit 2008-11-08: After filling the 750GB, I still have the same rebooting problem when accessing the EHD. I had more than 100 hours in HD recorded.  v183 is more stable but still bugging when full.

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When I bought my first HTDV(PT-50LC13) in October 2003, LCDs and plasmas were way out of range so I bought a LCD rear projection HDTV(Panasonic PT-50LC13). Like the number indicate it's a 50 inches HDTV(720P/1080i and cost me an arm and a leg back then.

I'm always looking at the number of connectors out. The Panasonic PT-50LC13 was also a multimedia HDTV since I was able to connect 2 computers(VGA) at the same time. I used one for my HTPC(Home Theater PC) using my own MIS Info Video for front end.At that time, the standard digital connection was DVI(video). HDMI(video/audio) was not available then.

DLPs were also available and I was looking at them. One thing I looked for was the lamp life.  The TY-LA1000/TYLA1000 for the Panasonic PT-50LC13 was rated at 10000 hours and DLPs were 8000 hours. Having 2000 hours more sealed the deal.

Btw, I noticed that 60 inches rear projection HTDV(LCD, DLP) are still sold in Costco for example. They are next generation(1080P) and cost less than plasmas.

Tip: For lower size HDTV, look at: plasmas or LCDs, 1080P, 3 HDMI(v1.3) for Blu-Ray, PS3 and Cable/Sat

Burn, Baby, Burn!

In 5 years, I burned 3 TY-LA1000 lamps(4400, 1300, 6200). The 4th one is still going on. Like you can read, it's far from the 10000 hours. Talking to the technicians when I replaced my first lamp, he told me the real life is more like 5000-6000 hours. That is for almost all LCDs and DLPs. The sellers were mentioning those new numbers to clients by then.

Anyway, I had bought the extended warranty believing that the lamp was covered but it was not. After talking to the manager, I was able to purchase the lamp for 50%  off or $225CAD(2005).  The second lamp died in the first year after just 1300 hours of use so the third one(6200 hours) was free.

Tip: Leave the TV on and only close it after you really have finished watching TV for the day. Don't do on/off like a normal TV because the lamp need 45 minutes to cool down.  Tell your visitors too!

I had to buy a new TY-LA1000 lamp at the start of the year. Wow! the price dropped to $400(being sarcastic here). Panasonic did not lower the price like other manufacturers in Canada. I had enough gift certificates to buy the lamp. I was planning something but ...

Seeing the price of my local retailer, I will be looking for alternative to get my next TY-LA1000 for Panasonic PT-50LC13 below instead. Plus, it's cheaper.  My brother in law has a later generation. The TY-LA1000/TYL1000 was used for those other models below. I hope it help others save some money if they have to replace their lamps. I wrote the model 3 ways to make it easier for other seeking cheap.

Replacement lamp/bulb for: PT-43LC14, PT-43LCX64, PT-44LCX65, PT-50LC13, PT-50LC14, PT-50LCX63, PT-52LCX15B, PT-52LCX65, PT-60LC13, PT-60LC14, PT-60LCX63, PT-60LCX64, PT-61LCX65

PT43-LC14, PT43-LCX64, PT44-LCX65, PT50-LC13, PT50-LC14, PT50-LCX63, PT52-LCX15B, PT52-LCX65, PT60-LC13, PT60-LC14, PT60-LCX63, PT60-LCX64, PT61-LCX65

PT43LC14, PT43LCX64, PT44LCX65, PT50LC13, PT50LC14, PT50LCX63, PT52LCX15B, PT52LCX65, PT60LC13, PT60-LC14, PT60LCX63, PT60LCX64, PT61LCX65

If you click on TY-LA1000, you will see the price on a well known US site. That's on the high end for the price.

Select the country first. They do have other models like the TY-LA1500/TYL1500. Just click on one of the lamp and do a search after. For US, it is after.

For Canada

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PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-50LCX64 PT-52LC15 & PT-52LCX15B    C $39.80

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-60LC14 PT-60LCX63 & PT-60LCX64    C $39.80

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-43LC14 PT-43LCX64 & PT-44LCX65    C $39.80

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-52LCX35 PT-52LC65 & PT-60LC13    C $39.80

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR MODELS PT-61LCX35 & PT-61LCX65    C $39.80

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-50LC13 PT-50LC14 & PT-50LCX63    C $39.80

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Electrified TY-LA1000 Replacement Lamp with Housing for Panasonic TVs    US $9.99

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-43LC14 PT-43LCX64 & PT-44LCX65    US $38.95

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-50LC13 PT-50LC14 & PT-50LCX63    US $38.95

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-50LCX64 PT-52LC15 & PT-52LCX15B    US $38.95

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-52LCX35 PT-52LC65 & PT-60LC13    US $38.95

PANASONIC TY-LA1000 TYLA1000 69374 BULB FOR PT-60LC14 PT-60LCX63 & PT-60LCX64    US $38.95

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Ballast Kit

For Canada(Ballast Kit)

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New 9006 5000K AC Car Slim 12V 35W HID Ballast Xenon Conversion Bulbs Light Kit    C $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 6000K 880 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    C $.01

H1 H7 9005 9006 Focus 6000K AC Slim 12V 35W HID Ballast Xenon Bulbs Light Kit    C $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 6000K 9006 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    C $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 8000K H1 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    C $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 4300K H3 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    C $.01

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Car Xenon Spare HID Ballast Replacement Slim 35W for H1 H4 H7 H9 H10 H13Lamp Kit    US $.01

New 9006 5000K AC Car Slim 12V 35W HID Ballast Xenon Conversion Bulbs Light Kit    US $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 8000K H1 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    US $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 4300K H3 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    US $.01

Car Xenon Spare HID Ballast Replacement Slim 35W for H3 H4 H7 H9 H10 H13Lamp Kit    US $.01

New CAN-BUS AC 12V 35W 6000K H7 Hid Xenon Light Slim Decode Ballast Kit    US $.01

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The software v182 is now out for 1 month. It's clear that the Expressvu External Hard Drive 9242 HD PVR is not stable at all in this first version. Many reported on having troubles including me. Here are a few bugs reported:

• Unable to play from the EHD
• Unable to restore back program to the 9242 HD PVR from the EHD
• The EHD becomes disconnected. Must do a reset(press power 10 sec.  on the 9242 HD PVR) to be able to see it again

Even with all this bugs, I decided anyway to fill my LaCie 750GB with programs/movies(mostly HD). Since it was a test, I did not mind losing the content.  The theoretical hours in HD was 100hrs.

The last time I checked the number of hours in HD, I already had 99h30 or so of programing on it excluding the SD(20hrs+).  I had to select all and then deselect the SD to see how much hours I had. I recorded more since because I had 150+ hours in my last select all. I did not check for HD or SD at that time.

Today, I finally was able to reach that goal by filling the EHD to capacity with maybe 15 minutes still left.

But here is the kicker: I can't see my recording because the 9242 HD PVR is rebooting every time I try to access the EHD menu. Now, I'm stuck with a EHD that's fill to capacity or a brick.

So, even if it's Sunday, I decided to call Bell and at least report this possible new problem.  While I was talking to the tech, he confirmed that a new version was being tested because I asked him. It was not a surprise to me. Hopefully, this will correct the previous bugs and my new bug too. I will update this post if I get news from them.

Don't be shy to report problems too. That's the only way for them to get corrections done. It's my programmer side talking here but If I don't know  that something is wrong, how can I fix it?

If you have filled your hard drive to capacity(any size), you may want to leave a comment if it worked or not. This may help others and the tech to discover a pattern. .

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One of the most anticipated feature, at least for me, on the 9242 HD PVR was the addition of an external hard drive. When Expressvu made the 9242 HD PVR available in Canada, the hours were lower than the original version with 30 hours vs 50 hours(Dishnet). But unlike Dishnet, the feature is being offered via a firmware upgrade(v182) to anyone without the need to call to activate it. The maximum size is 750GB.

My mini-review

I used an old internal 200GB(Barracuda 7200.7 model ST3200822A IDE) and a kit to convert the hard drive for external use. It's just 2 cables: one to power the hard drive and the other for the IDE to USB2. So, no external enclosure is being used. Of course, it's better to use one with an enclosure.

I first plugged the external hard drive(EHD) in USB 2 on the back of the 9242 HD PVR.

-Went into the 9242 HD PVR

From Bell.ca:

Press the MENU button on your remote, then press 4 for the Multimedia option.

You can then access the External Hard Drive by choosing Option #3 (External USB Device/External Hard Drive) on the Multimedia screen. The External Hard Drive must be connected to select it.

From the External Hard Drive menu, you have 2 options:

• Select Manage Recordings to see a list of programs stored on the EHD.
• Select Archive Recordings to transfer PVR events from the My Recordings list to the EHD.

- I was prompted 2 times to format the drive since it will erase everything on it.

- The formating started and then I lost the picture(snow on TV) and lastly, the 9242 HD PVR rebooted. The process took only a few minutes.

Once formatted, my 200gig gave me 26 hours in HD and 200 hours in SD.

I archived a 16 minute HD show and it took an estimated 3m15s(menu) to copy to the hard drive. The show was then deleted from the 9242 HD PVR menu. I went into the main PVR menu and it was indeed deleted. For now, I'm not sure if I like this or not.

The first choice in the PVR list was the external hard drive. So, I selected it and my recording was there. By default, you can't play the archived show. You must select it if you want to play it from the hard drive. You can also select many programs at the same time to restore or delete them. That, I can understand.

My 16 minute show used 59 minutes on the hard drive(HD: 25h 1min). The Time Left counter is not perfect for now.

I decided to play it from the EHD. I could resume or start over the show. When I stopped the show, I was in the External Hard Drive menu and not the PVR menu from where I came from initially.

I disconnect the drive and was shown a message on screen about that fact. I had to press Ok.

Since I have a second 9242 HD PVR(only renting them), I wanted to know if my recording was going to work on the other receiver. In preparation, I had recorded a 17 minutes HD program. So, when I connected the EHD, I was greeted with message(Manage recordings) that the EHD was to be used for one TV at a time. I was able to playback my first recording.

I archived a second show from the second receiver to EHD. This time, it took 7min to copy it the 17min show. On the first try, I pressed on the View TV and my drive was disconnected at 50-60%. I had to unplugged the EHD from the receiver to recognized it again. Even then, it said the TV was in used when I tried to playback things from it. I turn off the receiver a few times. I finally tried again but I did not watched the TV this time. I did this a 2-3 times.

But since I did not write the first message, I reconnected the EHD to the first receiver and got this:

The attached USB storage device is currently configured for use with another Bell TV receiver. USB storage devices may only be used with one receiver at a time. To use this device with this receiver, all existing events will be deleted. Do you want to delete all existing events?

I'm not sure if that was the message I got because it reformatted the EHD, again, while the other times I was able to access both programs on EHD. The message was similar. This could be a bug or a time limited feature. For example, if a person had 5-6 EHD containing many movies, shows, sports, events ... and the receiver was not working, the person would not have to loose all the recordings on the other EHD. Hopefully, a client won't have a series of lemon receivers causing to loose all recordings. I had 4-5 5100 receivers during the last 7 years. The 5800 is more robust even if it's the hard drive that's bigger.

And no, you can't view the content on your computer. It's a proprietary formating and encrypted. If it was going to be accessible, the MPAA would had been calling for the termination of that feature the first second that Dishnet had launched it last year.

Conclusion

So, if you have a hard drive drive laying around, test to see if it work for you but try it with stuff you have already seen. That's a good way to recycle hard drives.

Overall, it's a good new feature with some "possible" bugs. Only time and usage will give us the limitation on this new feature. Back when I had my first 5100, I often called them for suggestion and bugs(many).

Edit 2008-08-08: According to here, since I connected the EHD to my computer, it formated it the next time it was connected to the receiver.

Edit 2008-08-10: Archiving 2 HD movies(4h08) was possible while switching to TV mode. It took about 1h15 to copy them.

Edit 2008-08-11: I had to return the 9242 HD PVR(Error 061). I had the same error the same morning and only had to unplugged it for 3 minutes after talking to the tech(level 1). Tonight, this tips did not work thus I lost all the recordings. So, the tech(Level 2) had no choice to send me a new one.

Edit 2008-08-15: When I installed the replacement 9242 HD PVR, I tried to play the 2 recordings on it. I could see them but had trouble playing them(jumping video) from the EHD and even restoring to the new 9242 HD PVR would ahd taken 3+ hours for a 2 hours movies. Since my EHD was old and "only" 200GB, I decided to buy LaCie 750GB for $129 from Futureshop. Now, I have: HD 100hrs and SD: 750hrs. I will be recording stuff to archive them.

Review: Expressvu External Hard Drive 9242 HD PVR (Part 2)

Review: Expressvu External Hard Drive 9242 HD PVR (Part 3)

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9242 HD PVR and accessories

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Dish Network Bell ExpressVU 5.0 Remote Control 118575 DVR 522 625 9200 9242 TV1    C $2.03

Dish Network Bell ExpressVU 5.3 IR #1 Remote Control 148784 DVR 6131 9241 9242    C $3.05

CB or Ham Radio Crystal - 276 - 9.2722 MHZ - 9272.2 KC - FT-243 Type 43    C $4.09

DISH NETWORK 5.0 #1 IR 522 625 DVR REMOTE CONTROL Bell Expressvu 942 9242 9200    C $6.12

BELL EXPRESSVU 5.0 IR REMOTE CONTROL 9200 9242 PVR HDTV    C $8.16

New Dish Network Bell ExpressVU 5.4 IR #1 Remote Control 153636 6141 9241 9242    C $10.21

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"LG BD300 is the first Blu-Ray player to stream Netflix"

Wow, it's like a PS3 minus the games but instead of Sony's streaming service, it's Netflix. Personally, I would not bother streaming a movie. It's a Blu-Ray player after all. But if you missed an episode of a TV show, then this could be a great second backup. Then again, a HD-PVR would be the first backup by setting a timer in the first place.

You will need a wired broadband connection so one more wire. Women don't like wires in the living room so you must hide it. The Netflix streaming will start 30 seconds after the movie or show is selected. I would expect that HD programs would take longer considering the bigger size.

If Netflix do many deals like with the LG BD300, they could become the defacto standard. Of course, it depends on how many manufacturers want to add this feature and at what cost to them if any.

The LG BD300 will be available this fall and no price was given.

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Without a doubt, iBigBrother oops Apple is somewhat good at iMarketing. That is an iFact.

Before they launched the iPod other mp3 media players existed and they were only playing catch up by launching the hardware(catch up) and software(ie Apple Store). That's what made them different and yes, that worked great for iBigBrother. Most consumers will say an "iPod" instead of "mp3 player" to designate the product category.

They also have the Apple TV. Since I don't use Apple products much(except Quicktime), I was not sure of the full name or if they used the iSomething. I was surprise that it was "hidden" in the iTune section unlike the other products. It no wonder that it's less popular than the other product on the main page. Maybe a new name should be given with an "i" and more publicity on TV.

Last year, they launched the iPhone but did a mistake with the price by lowering it a few months later. Some were iPi**ed at them with a good reason. This week, they launched the iPhone 3G but world wide this time around. Yes, even in Canada you can now legally own a iPhone 3G.

The sad point in all of this is that consumers are now getting all there iStuff from iBigBrother. Would had be a better deal for iBigBrother fan to be able to select their own telephone, music provider or at least get a second choices?

I won't argue that having all from the same place can be very convenient but it also limit the consumer choices and they are now "media hostages" of iBigBrother. "Can I play my movie elsewhere?"

Yes, iProducts did saved the financial future of iBigBrother. Will iBigBrother be like Microsoft was in 1990s but in 2010s if it becomes bigger?

iBigBrother fan: Would you prefer an open media standard with more competition or are you fine the way it is now and locked into iBigBrother?

Do you use iBigBrother products(except for Quicktime)?

P.S. I used some humor in the text and teased you Apple fans. But I would still like the feedback from you.

In a gesture of goodwill, you might find a good deal in Apple products(used or new) below:
(Clicking on any link will give you more choices)

iPhone is first if you want to pickup a cheap first generation.

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Nintendo Gameboy Controller Hard Back Case Cover Skin For Apple iphone 4 4G 4S    US $.01

Executive Armor Apple iPhone 4 4G 4S Defender Combo Hard Soft Case Cover Hot P    US $.01

Pink & Blue 3D Melt ice-Cream Hard Case Skin Cover FOR IPHONE 4G 4 G 4S    US $.01

New Soft TPU GEL Silicone Skin Case Cover Skin for Apple iPhone 4 4G 4S HOT PINK    US $.01

Ultra Thin 0.5 mm Electroplate Hard Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4 4G 4S Pink    US $.01

5X New USB Sync Data Charger Cable Cord For iPod iPhone    US $.01

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iPod

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5X New USB Sync Data Charger Cable Cord For iPod iPhone    US $.01

3M 10FT USB Date Sync Charger Cable Cord For Apple iphone 4 4S 3G 3GS ipad Ipod    US $.01

3M 10FT USB Date Sync Cord Cable+AC Charger For Apple iphone 4 4S 3G 3GS Ipod    US $.01

FM Transmitter+Car Charger for Apple iPod Touch iPhone 3G 3GS 4G 4S    US $.01

USB Cable+Car charger+ Wall Home Charger For Apple iPhone 3G 3GS 4 4G 4S ipod    US $.01

Guita/Bass Adapter Cable for iPad 2 iPhone 3G 4 4S iPod Touch Play Guitar New    US $.01

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iTune

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Family Guy - Volume 1: Seasons 1 & 2 (DVD, 2009, 4-Disc Set, iTunes Sampler)    US $.01

activate iphone w/ AT&T ATT No Pin Sim Card! Restore itunes 2g 3g 3gs 4g Micro    US $.01

$25 Itunes gift card    US $.01

STARBUCKS--iTUNES-SONGS PICK OF THE WEEK-THE VOICE PLAYLIST    US $.49

EZ SOURCE - GENERAL INTREST SERIES: iPOD & iTUNES FOR PC/MAC - REFERENCE GUIDE    US $.97

New Starbucks BBC Planet Earth TV Episode Pole to Pole iTunes card Apple App    US $.99

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Apple TV

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Apple Remote for iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook, Apple TVs & Docked iPod    US $25.00

6 FT HDMI CABLE for APPLE TV VIDEO HI DEF HDTV 6' 2M    US $1.99

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HDMI to Component Video Adapter - Netflix, AppleTV, etc    US $.99

Dock for Apple iPod Panasonic Universal TV TNM2AX0012    US $.99

for Apple iPhone iPod AV TV RCA Cable Converter Adapter    US $.99

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The first post I did on this blog was: Blu-ray/HD-DVD vs downloading or streaming movies?. At that time the war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD was just starting. I still believe what I wrote back then about the trouble of going medialess.

Recently,  Warner decided to go with Blu-Ray, I can say that the war is almost over but Toshiba don't accept it yet as Universal and Paramount. Since, I participated in many interesting discussions on the many forums and blogs. Many commented that they were sitting this war out and will turn to streaming or downloading movies or shows in HD. I always replied that it will open a whole new can of worms. You may read my original post about that.

Best quality?

Another downside is that the quality will be much lower than Blu-Ray(winner). I'm not the only one to say so and you should read: ZDNet: HD Downloads Not Really HD

Many cable/satellite subscribers complain that they are receiving HD Light signal because of the over compression(mpg2 and mpg4) of the HD signal with their services. And you want a lesser quality product via the Internet?

Conclusion

It's still your choice but consider to go with Blu-Ray(70% of HD market) instead if you want to watch real movies in real HD. Buying into HD-DVD will only prolong the war that nobody wanted in the first place. You can still rent HD movies if you want to go online or don't want to buy them.

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Seagate announced it's 1TB(1000Gig) drive to compete against Hitachi and Samsung. What would you do with that kind of space? Is it too much?

Let me tell you how it could be use:

• Transfer your DVD collections without additional compression(around 150 DVDs.)
• Compress all movies(DVD, Recorded from tuner card) using DivX(around 1400 movies)
• Record without additional compression(MPG2) with your media PC (around 500 movies or 1000 TV series)

This is one way to have an easy access to a movie collection. And for those with small kids, protect the original DVD from harm

Notes:

• You could have more or less depending on the compression level
• I think DivX is in sale now(I paid more than $19.99USD in 2005) and take also the MPG2 plugin. I needed it when I wanted to convert a DVD and video(MPG2) I had captured with my Hauppauge WinTV-250
• Get Dr. DivX(free) to make it simple to convert your movies and play them on standalone DVD/Divx player. Just rename movie.divx to movie.avi

If you want to see what you could do with a bunch of movies converted to .AVI(DivX) and with a .MIS, .JPG

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