HTPC update... a guy from the Atlanta Home Theater Forum helped me spec all of the parts and offered to help me get this box put together, but once all of the parts came in and I read the manuals, I decided to build it myself... Everything went really well and the parts came together with no problems. The only issue that I

New aquisitons... Proscan version of the RCA DTC100 HDTV STB and a VGA to Component transcoder, Audio Authority 1177 digital optical and coax autosensing switcher.

I registered a domain name and started construction of a website to feature the theater and act as sort of an online showroom. We call the theater The Oasis and the URL for the site is http://www.oasisavi.com/theoasis

Been working a lot more on building my ccf file for my Marantz RC5200 Remote (like a Pronto). Getting the right configuration built is really both art and science in terms of locating the graphics you want to use, programming / learning the codes from all of your other remotes, and writing the macros to make it easy enough for a human to use. But, I think I am getting close to a configuration that will control all of my equipment. The reamining remotes to learn are the cable box, MyHD - HDTV decoder card, receiver and new VCR.

HDTV antenna update... I purchased a double bow tie antenna and a 20db amplifier from Radio Shack and my DTV/HDTV reception has improved quite a bit. I can receive all of the Atlanta DTV channels now (when they are broadcasting) except for Fox. If I switch back to the bigger Yagi antenna I can get Fox again. I guess I need to run another wire down from the attic and add an A/B switch.

Most of the parts for my HTPC have arrived accept for one of the most important parts - the case. Looks like we are on hold on the HTPC for another week or so. I did install and the SVHS VCR last night in between innings of the MLB All Star Game. I have to say that I was really impressed with the image from tape once it comes through the iScan scaler and out of the projector. Of course when compared to DVD or HDTV there is no comparison, but it is very watchable. I pulled out some old video tapes that I still had from my college days. These were videotape copies of Laserdiscs that were made in late 1991 and early 1992 when I was taking some film classes at Georgia Tech. I am really looking forward to watching some of these soft of obscure movies again on a big screen in my house. It will bring back movies of screening them at the Tech theater.

I was working on cleaning out my basement two days ago and realized that I has a lot of videotapes that I would still like to see. A lot of them are personal tapes (graduation videos, kids at Santa) and local events (the 1991 Atlanta Braves - our first year in the NLCS in forever). These things are never going to be on DVD. So I did some research on AVS Forum and ordered a SVHS VCR for the theater. Got a good deal on a JVC HR-S7800 SVHS from Crutchfield.

Working on building a new HTPC now. Purchased a new motherboard, processor and RAM. Purchased a new black slot load DVD drive. Purchased a low profile sound dampened case for installation in a future equipment rack. The parts should be in in a few weeks.

New additions since the last post. Added a MyHD HDTV decoder card to my HTPC. KVM switch to control the output from three sources - iScan DVDO Plus (v2), HTPC, and MyHD HDTV Decoder card in the HTPC. Purchased a big VHF/UHF/FM antenna. Installed and wired it from the attic to the basement. Purchased a smaller double bow tie antenna for reception of some channels that I am not getting from the attic mounted antenna. I am working hard to get the available DTV channel in the Atlanta area. The only channels that I can tune in so far are NBC and Fox.