Info and forum posts by 'Issac Hunt'

RE: Love film v Blockbuster

Don`t know about that scheme. Mine is £12.99 per month and you get as many films as you want for as long as you want so long as it`s no more than two at a time, so the quicker you get one watched and sent back the quicker you get a new one. I reckon it works out about £1.50-£1.70 per film (bluray usually) which is pretty good. Blockbuster is the same but seemingly with more choice of films (and without the annoying people in shopping centres shouting "Sir, you look like you watch movies" !

Love film v Blockbuster

I joined Love Film almost a year ago but am thinking of moving over to Blockbuster who do the same kind of thing (Love Film have the advantage of streaming films but I`m not too bothered about this. Blockbuster do instore deals as a `bonus` to the online rental).
The main reason is the number of films at Lovefilm that are unavailable to rent but which are available on the Blockbuster scheme (I could list a dozen off the top of my head, all of which are fairly mainstream). I know they have a dispute with Universal but this doesn`t explain why some of them are unavailable (The Lion King?!). So has anyone else experienced this and would anyone recommend the Blockbuster online rental scheme?

This item was edited on Thursday, 7th July 2011, 16:14

Ethernet cables

Is there such a thing as an ethernet cable with detachable `ends`?
Why? Cos I need to stick a cable through a hole in the wall to connect the TV to the router in the room next door. I can`t make the hole bigger (BTW, the cable for the virgin box also comes through here). I don`t want to spend £60 on a Sony dongle so how can I get the cable through the hole when the `end` is too chubby to get through?

What laptop shall I get?

I can`t stand the thought of having to go to a shop and glaze over while talking to some herbert about how I need this and that. And I don`t know enough to just buy one online. So, do the hard work for me and tell me what I should get.... please! (makes, memory, software, etc). It will be used mostly for internet, emails, skype and music and photo stuff. And school work for our 8-year-old, so needs to be sturdy! (Or maybe get a another cheapo one for him?!) Need printer too.
Budget-wise, we don`t have to skimp (this will be instead of a `proper` computer rather than as well as), so maybe a `good-value` option and a `for just a bit more you can get this` option. Thanks

Doofus telly questions

1. On `settings` what is the difference between `backlight` and `brightness`?
2. Is a dead pixel easy to spot and is it such an issue?
3. We`ve all seen the little diagrams for viewing distances for watching HD on different sized tellies. What are they for SD?
4. When setting up the picture for TV (rather than Blu-ray/HD) what is a good channel or programme to use for the settings, cos the picture seems to vary a lot between progs and channels?
5. When recording stuff off Freeview onto PVR, how much memory does it use? For example: 1/2 programme or 2 hour film?
Thanks!

RE: Internet through the telly

Yes, still it trundles on!
Spoke to helpful chap in RS (who sold me the thing in the first place). Having to do it over the phone as the shop is 20 miles away but getting through on the phone is very tricky (always busy in the shop, so after a few rings it diverts to head office who can`t help me on this one). Anyway he said he could replace the telly but wanted to try a few `technical networky things` first to make sure(my words not his!). So am ringing on Wednesday when he is back in and will probably get bamboozled.  
Anyhoo, I initially tried auto set up for the network settings, and then inputting the info manually (info taken from PC when I set the router up) and got Gateway Ping error. Also tried inputting info from Blu-ray (as this works) and that info (IP address etc) is different from router/PC info, is that correct?? But this didn`t work either. I always get a `network interference` message. It would be more straightforward (to me) if I hadn`t initially been able to set it up successfully without the router and then it decided not to work (if you get me) and has been that way since.

LCD screens question

Having only recently gone over to LCD from CRT, I was wondering...
While most of the time the quality is great (Samsung C650 as you`re asking) I often notice differences in picture quality between channels (compared to CRT where they seem quite consistant) and even difference between scenes in the same prog (eg: last weeks Spooks. Exteriors fine, inside the boat the pic is very flat and uncontrasty like it`s trying to compensate for the darkness. And The Libertine on Film 4 was really washed out and `flat`). Surely I shouldn`t have to adjust picture settings when I change channel? Or is the TV just `too good` and showing up disparities in the signals?!
Also, Dark Knight on Blu-Ray.... looks great but skin tones vary a lot. Sometimes Gary Olman`s face is really bright orange then he nips outside and looks pale and poorly!
And this supposed wide viewing angle thing... mmmmm not sure and it`s certainly not 178 degrees. I find you have to be quite bang on centre (widthwise and heightwise to get the best picture. And when turning it on the picture seems to need a couple of minutes to get to the proper brightness (bit dark at first)
So in a nutshell. Is this all normal?  If not, are there settings I should be setting (or unsetting)?
I obviously did all the usual set up business when I first got it to get the `best` picture.
Ta

RE: What Great movies/Tv shows would you like to see released on dvd?

Just found out Private Shulz IS out on DVD! (£6.99 at Play, as I`m sure you wanted to know)
It was repeated ages ago on BBC4 and unlike a lot of the disappointing, nostalgic, rose-tinted-glasses, culty toss mentioned (!).. it was a good as I remembered. Ian Richardson.. say no more.

RE: Internet through the telly

Here we go again!
I manually input the network info (IP, DNS etc) and that was fine. When I did a `network test` it came up with "Not connected to Gateway" and  a cross appeared against `Gateway Ping` in the network list (tick against IP, DNS etc).
I just want to be sure that I`ve tried everything (I must have done by now) before I take it back, especially as I will then be without a HD telly during my LoveFilm free trial period! (unless Richer Sounds give you a `courtesy telly` while it`s being mended?).
Thanks

RE: Internet through the telly

I did try same port and cable with both telly and Blu-ray. No light with telly, light with Blu-ray which points towards the telly but surely the input there wouldn`t be FUBAR would it?? 
I`ll start from scratch with the telly tonight (I can still do the internet business through the blu-ray but if there was a fault with the telly I`d obviously want it fixing, especially as it is new)

RE: Internet through the telly

OK I`ll try that later (I`m at work at mo`). Is the light on the router not illuminating when the telly is connected a clue to anything?? (Lights are fine when PC or Blu-Ray are connected).

RE: Internet through the telly

Telly is a Samsung (Blu-ray is Sony). I didn`t have to input any numbers, addresses etc, the telly `found` them and just displayed them when it had finished (same with the router). The router is DHCP (or at least when i was setting it up some options came up and it more or less said `if you don`t know what you`re doing then click DHCP option`, so I did!). And no, I didn`t get any ferrite cores with my cables.

RE: Internet through the telly

You didn`t think you`d heard the last from me did you?!
Anyway, got the router and set-up was surprisingly doddlesome. Internet through the Blu-ray is now working (although when I tried iPlayer I got a message saying it needed a software update, but didn`t direct me anywhere to do this. Any clues?)
However, when I tried it through the telly I got the same message as before - something about network interference. And the led on the router where I had plugged in the cable from the telly does not illuminate, but it does illuminate when the Blu-ray is connected. Does it sound like there`s something wrong with the internet connection on the TV (it`s less than a month old), although I have had the internet working through the telly before (no router). Is it worth setting up the internet connection in the TV again (IP addresses etc). Thanks

RE: Internet through the telly

Thanks Admars
Sorted (I hope). I went for the Tenda on the link you sent and, before the above reply arrived, I ordered what turned out to be the right cables! (stupid question time: what`s the difference between these and ethernet cables?).
Should arrive next week, so watch this space as I`m easy baffled by this sort of thing (in case you hadn`t noticed).

RE: Internet through the telly

Thanks. What cables would I need as there aren`t any included?

RE: Internet through the telly

Thanks lads, it`s been very helpful. (BTW, When I rang the person I spoke to surprisingly wasn`t Indian but Welsh. Still difficult to understand, though!). I`m not too bothered about going wireless at the moment, and I would need to get a Dongle (wouldn`t I?)
Not sure of the actual Broadband size, but it is the `Medium` one. On the telly I intend to use it mostly for watching  iPlayer, LoveFilm and You Tube.

RE: What Great movies/Tv shows would you like to see released on dvd?

Private Schultz
Duckman
Big Babies

RE: Internet through the telly

Sorry, it`s a cable job NOT phone socket (ADSL).

RE: Internet through the telly

The unplugging-and-switching-on-and-off business didn`t work.
So I rang Virgin and they would supply a router for £60 (not free!). Is that the best option for a novice like me? I had a look at the Novatech website and got techy overload!
(BTW, If I went with Virgin is the router `mine` or is it still the property of Virgin?)

RE: Internet through the telly

Thanks I`ll try that tonight.
If I do need a router, is that something I can get over the counter (or web) and connect it to the Modem OR do I have to get it from Virgin?

Internet through the telly

I`m wanting to access internet sites (iplayer, Love Film etc) through my new telly and Blu-ray (wired not dongle). It worked initially (once or twice) on the telly and was able to watch Iplayer etc. Now it won`t work and neither will the Blu-ray access. The sites come up (at least on the telly) but I get a `network interference` message every time I try. I was told by the fella at the shop that this is because I have a modem and need to get a router. Is this correct? I just thought I`d check with you lot before I have to ring Virgin in India and have the usual confusing conversation. Thanks.

RE: Got Racially Discriminated against by the Co-Op on Friday

"The last time something like this happened was in 1996"

Two `racist` incidents in forteen years? I think you`ve got off very lightly compared to some people.

RE: New what are you reading thread

Not read much fiction lately, so am currently reading `Pink Flag by Wire` in the Continuum 33 1/3 series. And dipping in and out of Charlie Brooker....

Telly guarantees

Just wondered.... do some TV manufacturers have longer standard guarantees than others or are they all 1 year? (frinstance: Sebo vaccuum cleaners are 5 years, Bosch washers 2 years). I know Sony were doing 3 years last year (was that just at their shop?)
Are some brands more reliable than others and would a (sensibly priced, say 10%!) extended warantee be worth it? (We had one on our last telly (Toshiba CRT) and used it after 13 months!)

RE: Another

Change of plan! Now after a 32" (can`t accomodate anything bigger) as our `second telly" first (for me to retreat to, to watch films (Blu-ray imminent) and `decent` programmes (so needs to be good with SD and HD) Will also be next to Broadband connection so can do all that internet stuff without dongle). Main telly to come later (37" or 40" max).
So am looking at Sony EX403 (or NX503 both at £400) or Samsung C650 at £470 (C530 at £320 as budget option, but no Freeview HD). Just noticed two of these were originally recommended above!
Also impressed by picture and size of Philips 7404 (?) but no Freeview HD. Or what about Panasonic S20B (and get internet access through blu-ray player instead?). Should I be worrying about 100hz at this size??
So..... what would you go for out of above options?

This item was edited on Tuesday, 24th August 2010, 20:04

RE: 40" samsung £299

It`s just at the Teesside Park branch (Currys can`t spell `Teesside`!).
Haven`t had a chance to get over there yet and there`s no way of checking over the phone (I`ve tried). Anyone reckon there`ll still be some left??

40" samsung £299

It`s the c530 lcd and is the opening offer at the new look Currys/PC World at Teesside Park Stockton. Started this morning at 6am (maybe I should have mentioned it earlier!) and is on til Sunday, if there`s any left. Great price anyway.

RE: Big Babies

The first time I saw it I thought it was quite amusing, but if you watch a few they get much better. Similar things happen in each episode (kids like repetition, apparently) such as bumping into the Gonch when they go out, Budge escaping out the chimney, the driving song, Heebie and Geebie never getting to see their own show etc. And the end song/credits are done in different styles depending on what happened in that episode. One even features the Only Fools and Horses feem toon. I think I`m addicted!

Newspaper howlers

This from the local paper today about a man gored by a bull:

"Daniel Earl, of Stockton, is recovering in hospital after the animal rammed its horns into his groin, leaving him with a deep gash."   Instant sex change!

I also liked the restaurant review in which the meal was described as "scrummy", but unfortunately the R was missing.

Big Babies

Anyone else out there watching this on CBBC?
Brilliant stuff. Really well put together, too good for kids!  It`s on at 6.15pm on Sat and Sun, and 9.00am Sun on Beeb2. Or on iPlayer, of course.

"You should cut down on your strawberry milk, get some exercise"