Looking at LCD Monitors (Home Theatre PC)

I’ve had a couple of comments that trying to use our ancient CRT TV with the HTPC is not a great plan. So I’ve been doing some additional research into buying a new TV. The criteria I’ve been using include:

• Less than $1,000
• Full high definition
• At least as large as the current CRT (~52cm/20”)
• HDMI input
• Not overly power hungry
• Decent colour and contrast
• Audio support
• Good WAF

The first big choice seems to come down to plasma or LCD. I’m leaning towards LCD at the moment, as I don’t want a ridiculously large display (which the plasmas seem better suited to) and and would prefer something that doesn’t suck heaps of power (and consequently $$$).

The next thing is that many manufacturers sell both LCD TVs and LCD Monitors. Now unless I’m missing something obvious, it doesn’t look like there’s that much difference between the two categories. Some of the “TV” models have in-built tuners, but as the HTPC will have that I’d rather buy one without and save a few dollars.

Contrast ratio is also important, and here bigger is generally better.

Response time is also apparently relevant, as that determines how well it can display fast moving images. Smaller (faster) is better.

So here’s some of the models I’ve come across so far:

I still haven’t made a decision and it would be good to actually have a look at some of the candidates in person. I’m open to any other suggestions too.

SQL Replication talk

Browsing the Australian SQL Server User Group site today I noticed there’s a talk on SQL Server 2008 Replication in Sydney next week.

I then wondered what might happen if the replication got out of hand…

Barleys!

My contract with DECS finishes this Friday. I hadn’t heard if they were planning to renew, and in the meantime I was asked to interview for a contract position with ABB Grain. I’ve accepted a 6 month contract position with them beginning next week.

ABB (which in a previous life was the Australian Barley Board) are located in the Adelaide CBD,though down on South Tce so I’ll have to investigate some different public transport options.

Apparently I’ll be working on some WPF applications. This will be new to me, so I hope it will be a good “learning on the job” experience.

So it’s farewell to DECS and the nice people that I’ve had the privilege of working with, and looking forward to finding out what my next workplace will be like.

Candle (as my first agency) have been good, and I really appreciated the unexpected present and card from them on the birth of our new baby. The new position however is through Icon. One difference I’ve noticed already - they have online timesheets.

Every workplace has its own unique attributes - I wonder what ABB’s will be?

• Playing chasey, and anyone can be barleys!
• Drink lemon barley water
• Sing variations of “I’ve been to Barley too”
• Write XML Cerealisers.

I guess I’ll find out next week :-)