<![CDATA[Overclock.net - Overclocking.net - Blogs - ♫ by Chipp]]> http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/ An overclocking forum devoted to maximizing the performance of graphics cards, CPUs, motherboards, RAM and everything else found inside your computer case. en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:32:07 GMT vBulletin 1 http://static.overclock.net/images/oc/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Overclock.net - Overclocking.net - Blogs - ♫ by Chipp]]> http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/ On the Water http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/833-water.html Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:38:58 GMT This is one of a few shots I like from a recent little trip.... We don't get too much tree color change down here in Florida, so what you see in this shot is about as drastic as it gets (granted, it is now almost February compared to the October or November changes of everywhere else). Anyways, enjoy. :)

]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/833-water.html Playlist: 4-7-08 http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/436-playlist-4-7-08.html Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:49:37 GMT I've added Nexuiz to the games bin - think of it as a (very) graphically impressive Unreal Tournament clone that runs natively on linux. Gameplay is pretty balanced from what I've seen, though it is missing some UT-esque things such as dodging. But, a heck of a cool way to kill some time when don't feel like a reboot to Windows. :drunken:

And echoing the attitude of the above smiley, I recently stumbled upon my collection of Sublime albums, and they promptly replaced Jack Johnson as my personal chillout-music extraordinares. Though growing in the California-punk scene popularized by Greenday and the likes of The Offspring, Sublime kept true to their roots and the almost-trademark distorted beach-stoner sound that is a brilliant mix of funk, ska and reggae. I dig it - and thats all I've got to say. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/436-playlist-4-7-08.html Friday Night (or perhaps Saturday morning) - Quotified http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/410-friday-night-perhaps-saturday-morning-quotified.html Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:37:12 GMT I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell. -Harry Truman This brings up the classic debate of feelings versus force - the school of thought where the means are more important than the ends contrasting with the end result being more important than the... I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.

-Harry Truman

This brings up the classic debate of feelings versus force - the school of thought where the means are more important than the ends contrasting with the end result being more important than the means of attaining it. Personally, I'm a believer in the second philosophy - where the greater good takes precedence over the individual's concerns. For every person like myself, however, there is at least one who feels quite differently. This is the balance that keeps us all in some semblance of sanity and function, and as such I'm interested in hearing some opinions on this one before I delve into depth on my own personal views. Timeless issue? Moot point? Please do share. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/410-friday-night-perhaps-saturday-morning-quotified.html Friday Night - Quoteified http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/385-friday-night-quoteified.html Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:55:27 GMT We control matter because we control the mind. Reality is inside the skull.

--George Orwell's Obrien, 1984.

Just a little something to think about. Your own thoughts are the only thing you always have with you; treasure them. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/385-friday-night-quoteified.html Friday Night - Quoteified http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/362-friday-night-quoteified.html Sat, 08 Mar 2008 03:41:05 GMT Starting tonight I'll be posting a quote or selection of quotes every Friday that I find to be particularly meaningful, inspiring, a cause for reflection, or simply funny. I hope that you enjoy them - I'll try to avoid the cliches that everybody knows. ;) And, to get started...

I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.

--Lily Tomlin ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/362-friday-night-quoteified.html <![CDATA[The universal band-aid? I'm sorry, that does not exist.]]> http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/352-universal-band-aid-im-sorry-does.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:58:59 GMT I am a lazy person. Let's get that out in the open right from the get-go with this entry. I do not like to pour hours into research much of the time, I tend to be impatient, and generally I like to use the experiences of others to base my own decisions upon.

When I'm looking for a new information about a product I might want to purchase, this attitude often works well - really well. For new computer parts it's almost perfect. I can look at other people's hardware and overclocking results, see what kind of performance they net from that given hardware, and go from there. Brilliant!

But...

There are a few sectors of the market where I can't fathom why somebody would want to make a decision almost blind, especially based on a list. Best CPU under $100? Pretty easy - go look at some performance charts, and you've got your answer. Maybe you decide to factor in other hardware requirements or things like TDP and brand preference. But, what about the best sound card under $100? I really can't go look at performance charts - most everything will say 24 bit, 192khz, SNR >100dB, etc. Much the same for speakers, or headphones, a new DAC. So, that would mean it's best to draw on the experience of others, right? Of course - but with limits.

I listen to a lot of progressive music - much of it is quite busy. I would consider myself a detail nut moreso than a bass head. This does not necessarily mean I'll like the same speakers as Johnie who is a huge fan of all things Jay-Z and Kanye. (Actually, I love Kanye, but that's a different post entirely :p).

I digress - apologies.

Remember that bit on perception a few days ago? It's an incredibly personal thing. Everybody is different. So, listen to what you want. If that's not at all possible, try to get advice from people who share tastes with you. A list is a outstanding tool to get started - but it should be no more than that; a starting point. The overuse of simplistic means of conveying information can lead to misconceptions of how to decide what is ultimately the best decision for the purchase-ee to make. Two eyes, two eyes, and one mouth - with one very important reason for that ratio. ;) ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/352-universal-band-aid-im-sorry-does.html I see your red, and call it blue http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/336-i-see-your-red-call-blue.html Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:13:19 GMT I got to thinking tonight about perception, specifically that related to sound, but it's pretty universal when you zoom out. I was wondering why people (myself included) can feel the need to do things that are anywhere from relatively unsubstantiated to obviously made up. Placebo effect didn't seem to cover it - nobody ever said the given changes were going to make a difference at all, or how much change they would make. That led to the broader thought about perception in general.

Suppose you're very young - 3 or 4 or however old you were when you began to learn colors. You're playing with your toys, one of which happens to be a fire truck. Somebody points out to you that the truck is "red". Now, you have no concept of naming colors, but now that somebody has done it for you you can identify that the fire truck and this text and the stop sign are all red. But, what if the color your eyes are actually seeing is not the same color that the other person's eyes are seeing? That is, what if what you call black is actually the what I see when you say red? And interesting notion, isn't it?

Something like that would be totally unprovable. Nobody can use anybody else's eyes and brain - but think about all that it would explain. Preferences in color? I think so. Now apply that same concept to sound - and while you're at it, pardon my mindless ideas. I'm just thinking out loud. Dangerous stuff, isn't it? ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/336-i-see-your-red-call-blue.html Playlist: 2-29-09 http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/334-playlist-2-29-09.html Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:31:39 GMT I've stripped down my games collection to Supreme Commander and Unreal Tournament 3. Minimalist, I know, but I never really played anything else.

On the music front, I bought a second Modest Mouse album - the Moon and Antarctica. I don't think I care for it as much as Good News for Bad News; it takes their already abstract sound and pushed it over the edge. This one might find its way back to the CD store's Used bin. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/334-playlist-2-29-09.html Crysis Saga; part 2 http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/287-crysis-saga-part-2.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:59:24 GMT Having spent quite some time swimming through caverns, flying hellishly uncontrollable VTOLS, running around defending a warship, and then blowing up something bearing striking resemblance to many a Supreme Commander unit, I am still a happy Nomad.

I's becoming clear to me that the script writers at Crytek are fans of the tragic hero - both the good man from Idaho and the Admiral have made the decision to go down with their ship,for one of them literally.

And I really want a guass rifle. Too bad they're not consumer-grade. Yet.

The game - for the first half-ish I've played - has managed to captivate my attention for 8 hours out of the last week; something quite impressive given the schedule I keep. I've never been so pleased with and so unbelievably pissed off at a video game at the same time. Crytek, my hat comes off to you. If the second half is as good as the first I'll have a very enjoyable weekend. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/287-crysis-saga-part-2.html Borrowed Crysis - quite impressed http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/272-borrowed-crysis-quite-impressed.html Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:41:56 GMT A very generous amigo allowed my to borrow hos copy of Crysis the other day so I could play through the campaign. Thus far, I enjoy it immensely. Probably have not had this much fun with a single player FPS since Half Life 2 - and that says a lot. The AI is great, they don't seem to have that "I am programmed to find you and kill you regardless of circumstance" feel that so many other games do, even if they mess something up occasionally. The soundtrack is outstanding - keeps me on the edge of my chair when I need to be, but is never intrusive or interrupting to whatever is currently going on. Graphics are pretty self explanatory - not that I pay too much attention to them while playing. I'm running everything on Medium except textures at 1280x1024. I've currently blown up about 10 AA guns, so that's getting just a bit repetitive, but the tools I have access to change enough to keep it interesting, and the full day/night cycles are a godsend. It's like having two different games, two different strategies to use.

I'll keep you guys posted as I play through the rest of the campaign; but so far this one's got the Chipp Seal of Approval. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/272-borrowed-crysis-quite-impressed.html Oh, how the time flies http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/199-oh-how-time-flies.html Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:30:23 GMT We're steadily approaching the 1st of December, right now only about 40 minutes away. December means a few things to me. The weather finally starts to cool down a little bit, I can hole up with my tuba and do a lot of playing. I get to be a lot more active here. But, this December I get to celebrate an anniversary. I've been at Overclock.net for 3 years.

It's a long time, when I think on it. Gosh, I was 13 when I joined. I've spent a lot of time doing a lot of things. I founded and ran the first incarnations of our GPU overclock database. I've admined in CS:S and BF2. I spent a little over a year now as a moderator. And I keep coming back for more, even after breaking 10,000 posts and countless hours spent.

These forums have become an integral part of my life. An opportunity to learn some and read some and teach some and scold some and be happy some and be pissed some. I am member of other forums; I don't think any compare to this one. Who else is better than instant messaging at times?

So, my hat is off to you Overclock.net. And my hat is also off to the members here who keep me wanting to come back day after day to learn from and with, to assist and be assisted by, and to enjoy the pursuit of performance with. Lilly Tomlin has a famous quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Well, you guys are thoughtful, and you're committed, and you've certainly changed my world. Thank you.

Here's to 3 years, and here's hoping for many more after that! I can't wait to take some of you along on the journey and ride the OCN train to wherever it goes. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/199-oh-how-time-flies.html Playlist: 11-24-07 http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/195-playlist-11-24-07.html Sat, 24 Nov 2007 18:20:20 GMT *Games: * Age of Empires III CS:S HL2: DM Company of Heroes Unreal Tournament 3 Demo Unreal Tournament 2004 *Music:* I picked up another Mark Knopfler album recently, Kill to Get Crimson. Great stuff, simmilar sound to the Dire Straits but with a more laid back attitude. I recommend... Games:
Age of Empires III
CS:S
HL2: DM
Company of Heroes
Unreal Tournament 3 Demo
Unreal Tournament 2004

Music:
I picked up another Mark Knopfler album recently, Kill to Get Crimson. Great stuff, simmilar sound to the Dire Straits but with a more laid back attitude. I recommend everybody check it out. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/195-playlist-11-24-07.html <![CDATA[The vintage audio nut's setup]]> http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/193-vintage-audio-nuts-setup.html Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:48:16 GMT So most of you guys know I'm relatively interested in audio. :) I've got a particular sweet spot for vintage equipment, especially wood gear. And since most of you have not seen my rig, I figured I'd post it up for all to enjoy. Some of these pics are quite old, and since they were taken the Kenwood receiver has been killed, but the Sansui's are still crankin strong, even if I do need to recap the crossovers. :o The Sui's are SP-3000s, 5 way 6 speaker 60lb monsters circa 1980.

http://www.rigshowcase.com/img/54UCagi/7832.jpg



I'll try to take more pictures tommorow, and get in some of the Yamaha gear. I have a matching tuner/integrated amp combo. CA-800 and CT-800, respectively. Solid wood cabinets and brushed aluminum faceplates? Heck yea. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/193-vintage-audio-nuts-setup.html The Comptetition Season http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/151-comptetition-season.html Mon, 15 Oct 2007 02:50:06 GMT As many of you probably know, I spend most of my summer/fall busy with high school marching band, busy working the BOA circuit. This year has been a little more tedious than most, we lost a large incredibly talented senior class and brought in even more freshman, so it's been interesting to say the least. Yesterday was the first major show, the BOA Florida Regional. We ended up taking second by just 15/100's of a point to one of the large programs from the Atlanta area, though they're cool people so it's OK. :)

My schedule is incredibly busy which is why I'm not around a lot. I go to school from 7am to 1pm, have about 2 hours off for lunch, then start rehearsals. Practice is officially over at 9pm, but there's always work to be done after that so I'm home by 10 to do homework, grab some sleep, and start again the next morning. I love it. :D I'm not trying to justufy my not being around a lot for you guys, but that's whats up for a few more weeks. We start some major traveling next weekend, heading up to Atlanta.

Another thing on my plate which I'm considering doing is marching drum and bugle corps. For those of you that don't know, DCI is like high school marching band, only on some major steroids. Check out DCI.org for some examples. ;) If I do well on auditions, I hope to join up with the 2008 Blue Stars, which would mean I'd spend my summer practicing and touring the country for DCI competitions. It'll be a blast. And probably the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life.

Thats the down-low folks. I should be back soon-ish. :p ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/151-comptetition-season.html To remember, when leading (or trying to) http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/118-remember-when-leading-trying.html Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:29:13 GMT We all find ourselves in a position requiring leadership of some degree. Whether you're responsible for your kid brother, or a group of several hundred, I like this little story as a reminder of how a manager does things right. A leader does right things.

This is a story about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.
Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody
wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when actually Nobody asked Anybody. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/118-remember-when-leading-trying.html Poking Through http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/95-poking-through.html Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:07:22 GMT

This one I can't figure out if I like or not. It's certainly more interesting at full size, but there is something about it I just can't put my finger on... ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/95-poking-through.html Remembrance http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/91-remembrance.html Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:45:46 GMT As I look back on the infamous Monday morning of September 11th, 2001, I remember seeing the events taking place that morning from the perspective of a 5th grader, who was just doing worksheets in his once a week Gifted class. That morning, all seemed to be going as normal, until the TV was turned... As I look back on the infamous Monday morning of September 11th, 2001, I remember seeing the events taking place that morning from the perspective of a 5th grader, who was just doing worksheets in his once a week Gifted class. That morning, all seemed to be going as normal, until the TV was turned on and we saw smoking buildings on the screen. They were some faraway buildings in some faraway place, and nobody really thought much of it. We’d all seen fires before. We were 5th-graders, the kings of the hill. We knew everything.

As time continued to pass, we kept working on our assignments. We noticed the lady in the office between the two connected classrooms was watching her own TV, only she was crying. I was puzzled by this. Why would a flaming building make a lady cry?

More time passed. The TV stayed on, more different men were giving their reports about what was happening. Then the unexpected happened: A plane flew into a different building, right next to the first. Now they were both on fire, and we had a hunch why. It still did not mean anything to me, just another far away building in that same far away place. The lady next door was crying louder.

An announcement came over the intercom from the main office. All teachers who had their TV’s on should now turn them off. We kept ours on. Yet again, the assignment for that morning was returned to. I remember glancing up at the TV after some time passed, looking at it for a few moments. Then I yelled “It’s collapsing!” The lady in the classroom next door was now hysterical. Mrs. Welch turned the TV off.

Looking back, as a 5th grader I probably didn’t understand what in the world was happening in that far away place to those far away buildings. They were just that; far away and not seemingly related to me. But also, looking back I can see the sense of confusion that occupied everybody’s minds that day. Nobody really knew what was happening, or why it was happening, let alone how big it would end up becoming. I now know how devastating the attacks that day were, and how the related to me, as an American citizen that fateful Tuesday morning, and I can much better understand just why that teacher next door kept crying, and understand why, as naive 5th graders, we did not know everything. I do not remember much from elementary school, but that morning is one string of images that shall remain burned into my mind forever.

Let us not debate the how or the why, but let us never forget those who perished that morning, or those who gave their own lives to help save them. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/91-remembrance.html Comprehensive Audio/Video Guide http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/87-comprehensive-audio-video-guide.html Sun, 09 Sep 2007 03:58:38 GMT TV Resolutions 480p - While not considered high-definition, 480p is a good...]]> *this is mostly here as storage due to the fact that PVRs.net is being taken down* *it is raw, unformatted info to be added to a further compilation soon* *all below content authored by myself*


Addition to Video > TV Resolutions

480p - While not considered high-definition, 480p is a good bit better looking than standard TV. It comes in two varieties, 480p30 and 480p60. While 480p30 is still considered standard definition, 480p60 gets it own catagory, know as EDTV, or enhanced-definition TV, which offers 60 vertical lines instead of an interlaced 30. The standard resolution of DVD, VCD, and SVCD is 480p. 480p has a non-widescreen apsect ratio of 4:3.

720p - 720p is considered to be an HDTV video mode, featuring 720 vertical lines of resolution, and a non-interlaced, or progressive scan, signal. 720p is also a widescreen format, with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The actual resolution of 720p is 1280 x 720.

1080i - 1080i's basic design is somewhat similar to that of 720p, but it features 1080 lines of vertical resolution, while the letter i stands for interlaced, or non-progressive scan. 1080i is considered to be an HDTV format. The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, with a actual resolution of 1920 × 1080. Until recently, 1080i was the top standard for big-screen HDTV's.

1080p - 1080p is the new top standard in HDTV, featuring 1080 lines of vertical resolution, with the letter p representing progressive scan, or non-interlaced. 1080p is considered to be an HDTV format. 1080p has a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, with a total resolution of 1920 × 1080. Blu-Ray and HD-DVD both have uncompressed 1080p video onboard.

Addition to Audio > Connectivity

RCA Cable - Perhaps the most popular connection type to date, RCA cables can carry a huge variety of signal types, from video to digital audio to industrial machine networks. The name is taken from creator the RCA Company, who developed the connector in the early 1940's to connect turntables to radios. One of the chief downsides of the RCA cable is the fact that it can only carry one channel of anolog audio. Thus, for each channel, a seperate cable is required (the famed red and white jacks). RCA cables can also carry digital audio signals, and is often called coaxial digital when doing so. However, when carrying digital data, only one cable is required (usualy for up to 7 channels). An RCA connector looks like this.

TosLink - Developed by Toshiba to connect thier CD players to recievers, TosLink, or optical digital, quickly expanded into most other CD players regardless of manufacturer. TosLink is an optical cable, meaning it uses pulses of light to carry data. TosLink originaly carried raw data bitstreams, but the S/PDIF standard was later adopted as the standard format carried on TosLink cables, even though many DVD players or TV's use the cable to carry Dolby Digital or DTS signals. There are many end-connectors for TosLink, but by far the most popular for consumer devices is the JIS F05 type. This is what a TosLink connector looks like.


Addition to Audio > Surround Sound Formats


Dolby ProLogic/II - ProLogic is a psuedo-surrund encoding technology that is found in almost every Dolby Digital reciever. ProLogic will take any two-channel stereo mix and encode into a four-channel playback: Left, Center, and Right, plus a mono surround channel that's usually split between two rear speakers, with the addition of a subwoofer channel driven by the reciever. ProLogic is very popular for program material such as analog TV signals that are brodcasted in 2-channel.

Dolby Digital - Also know as AC-3, Dolby Digital is the most commonly used surround format for consumer products. As it's name suggests, Dolby Digital is a fully digital sound format that can be transmitted in any number of methods, the most commonly a RCA cable (also called coaxial digital) or by an optical cable (also called TosLink). Dolby Digital is also an adaptive format, meaning that it adjusts itself based on playback hardware and other factors. Most HDTV prodcasts or digital cable TV have Dolby Digital signals imbedded for consumers. Dolby Digital is also extremely popular in movie theaters, even though it is gradualy being replaced by DTS.
Dolby Digital is also the standard sound format for DVD movies.

DTS - A pioneering surround sound format, DTS, like Dolby Digital, can be transmitted in a variety of ways, including RCA or TosLink. DTS provides enhanced 6.1 matrix and DTS 6.1 discrete decoding. DTS technology is featured in a wide section of receiver/pre-amplifiers, DVD players and add-on components. DTS is an abbreviation for Digital Theater Systems.

For addition to Video > Connectivity:

HDMI - HDMI, short for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a full-digital cable that is capable of carrying high-definition video at either 720p, 1080i, or 1080p and uncompressed digital audio with up to 8 channels. HDMI is also used on Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players because of it's ability to transmit HDCP-encoded data. The benifits of HDMI include support for new formats in digital audio and full support for 1080p video, in addition to the simplicity of having one cable carry all of your signals. Disadvantages include a realativly high price-tag, and difficult wiring for those who have thier audio componets placed seperately from video componets. This is what an HDMI connector looks like.

Component Video - Component video, an anologe video format, uses three RCA-type cables to transmit standard or high-definition video from one source to anther. Componet video cables differ from standard RCA video cables in that each color of the spectrum (red, green, and blue) has it's own cable, for much increased bandwidth over standard anologe cables, in which all three colors are sent in one cable. Before component video, VGA was the only anologe method of transmitting high-definition video in a home theater. The advantages of component-video include a very low cost, and high availability of devices using the interface. Disadvantages include required use of a seperate cable for audio, and additional cable jumble in a cramped home theater setup. This is what a component-video connector looks like.

EDITS for Video > Connectivity


VGA (Video Grid Array) - An analog video connection often used for CRT displays. It uses a 15-pin D-Sub connector. Before component-video, VGA was the only anolog method of transmitting high-definition video. Newer display devices use DVI as an alternative connectivity option. VGA is primarily a computer interface, and is not found on many home-theater devices. This is what a VGA connector looks like.

DVI (Digital Video/Visual Interface) - An anolog or dgital video connection often used for LCD displays. The DVI connector on a device is given one of three names, depending on which signals it implements:

* DVI-D (digital only)
* DVI-A (analog only)
* DVI-I (digital & analog)

DVI is the only widespread standard that includes analog and digital transmission options in the same connector. The main application of DVI to a home theater is in componets dealing in video, suck as DVD players or HDTV's. Since DVI is capable of carrying a digital signal, it is often used in a home theater to transmit content enocded with HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection). The advantages of DVI include a relativly low cost compared to other digital cables, and easy conectivity. Disadvantages include decreased recording ability of HDCP-encoded content, and a bulky connector. This is what a DVI connector looks like. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/87-comprehensive-audio-video-guide.html Please be sure to rate blogs and the posts in them http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/68-please-sure-rate-blogs-posts-them.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:37:34 GMT As I'm sure you've noticed (or maybe not noticed :p) each and every blog and blog entry on this sub-site can rated on a 5-star system. You can view blog entries sorted by rating here, and you can view entire blogs sorted by rating here. The more diligent we are about rating entries that we like or dislike, the better and more useful the system becomes. So please, after you get your daily dose of bloggage, remember to reflect on how you enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) what you just read, for both the community and the author.

Enjoy your evening. :thumb: ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/68-please-sure-rate-blogs-posts-them.html Fever? http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/67-fever.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:41:04 GMT I've got a fever, and the only cure is more driftwood.

]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/67-fever.html Insane spasms, or magnificent moves? http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/65-insane-spasms-magnificent-moves.html Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:13:44 GMT Reading through some quotes today looking for something that I could possibly use in an English essay, I found a phrase coined by Angela Monet that I thought was simply amazing. It's so simple, yet so utterly true, and it applies to everybody.

“Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.”

Think about it. Our modern society is so quick to alienate and ridicule a perceived "outsider" for having their own beliefs or motives behind a action they decide to do. If you, as an observer, are not made aware of these motives or reasons, why would you have any reason at all to criticize? To use Monet's analogy, those who are dancing probably have a reason to do so. They might have gotten a raise recently, agreed to marry a longtime friend, won the lottery, or heck, they might really actually be insane; all of which are for them to know, and for others not to make a mockery of.

We, as in humans across the globe, generally are not nice to each other. And, as a person whom is reading this, most likely you're not a member of the populous that would be so brash in your thought process. However, next time to want to write somebody off, try to listen to their music. You might just learn something useful. Or, at the least pick up a decent beat. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/65-insane-spasms-magnificent-moves.html A nightcap http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/43-nightcap.html Tue, 04 Sep 2007 01:28:08 GMT No more pics for a few days, I need to take more. ;) I wanted to end on a strong note, so here you have Mammoth Springs.

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]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/43-nightcap.html More close-perspective work http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/34-more-close-perspective-work.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:31:57 GMT

I'm a rather large fan of driftwood, as I post more pictures you'll see quite a few that have driftwood as the subject.
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]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/34-more-close-perspective-work.html Update to Mr. Mastering Engineer http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/27-update-mr-mastering-engineer.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:33:47 GMT Alas, here are the charts. I felt they were a needed visual aid to help explain further what I'm talking about in this post. On the top, we have a "traditional" recording of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. You can see the soft sections of the piece and, clearly distinct, the loud sections (particularly the cannons firing at the end).



The second image is another song from my collection, Doomsday Clock, by Smashing Pumpkins. Neither of these files have been touched by ReplayGain or any other leveling program, this is how they look straight off the CD.

]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/27-update-mr-mastering-engineer.html The Playlist http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/25-playlist.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:03:37 GMT Installed:

Battlefield 1942 Gold Edition
Battlefield 2
Company of Hero's
Supreme Commander
CS:S / DOD:S / GM9
ETQW Beta 2
Age of Empires 2
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Company of Hero's: Opposing Fronts Beta
----------

Played recently:

Battlefield 2
Company of Hero's
ETQW Beta 2
Company of Hero's: Opposing Fronts Beta
----------


All-time favs:
Tribes 2
Battlefield 2
Age of Empires 2
Gran Turismo 3
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
---------- ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/25-playlist.html Reflections of a different kind http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/23-reflections-different-kind.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:37:48 GMT Image: http://sethhochberg.com/storage/reflector 3.jpg
]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/23-reflections-different-kind.html Mr. mastering engineer, please turn it down. http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/13-mr-mastering-engineer-please-turn-down.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 03:56:17 GMT About a year ago, maybe a bit more, a band called the Red Hot Chili Peppers was releasing a new album, entitled Stadium Arcadium. Myself, being a Chili Pepers fan, grabbed it off of Amazon as soon as it was available. I'd always liked their work. Once the CD got here, I popped it in and started listening. Musically, it was a masterpiece. However, I was appalled.

Why, might you ask? My amplifier was indicating clipping, which is something usually not wanted. I started checking around, made sure the volume on the CD player was not set too high, some other settings had not been changed, but nada. I couldn't explain it.

As it turns out, Stadium Arcadium is part of a long sting of recent albums that have taken to the advertising approach of "MAKE IT LOUD". Producers, in the ever-constant battle to make a song stand out on the radio or TV, have resorted to altering the mastering levels of tracks for that extra punch. It sounds fun at first, but makes for a much less enjoyable listening experiance in the long haul. I hardly ever listen to Stadium Arcadium anymore.

The concept is simple. In every piece of music, there are loud sections and soft sections. No self-respecting songwriter likes monotony, and dynamics are one way to change things up. However, what happens when somebody is tuning through radio channels and happens to pass by on one of the softer sections of a song? It won't stand out. In the incessant battle with advertising and outside noise, music has become dynamically compressed. Soft sections get loud. And the loud sections stay loud, too. There is little, if any, contrast. The CD is capable of over 90db of dynamic contrast, yet I estimate that on most modern recordings 15% is used. Don't quote me on that.

I won't bother with specifics, or fancy charts, plenty of other much more qualified persons who could share those with you. But please: Keep an ear out for the soft stuff. Nobody likes being yelled at. Especially not by their music. ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/13-mr-mastering-engineer-please-turn-down.html <![CDATA[I did mention pictures, didn't I?]]> http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/6-i-did-mention-pictures-didnt-i.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 02:52:05 GMT This one is entitled Dusk Hearth. Sun setting through the smoke and ash of a brushfire in rural Montana. Camera used was an Olympus C-4000.

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]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/6-i-did-mention-pictures-didnt-i.html Nirvana? Please elaborate. http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/5-nirvana-please-elaborate.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 02:44:22 GMT Hardcore (oh my, how I despise that word) photoblogger here, glad to see a blog feature incorporated into Overclock.net! :D Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my (second) corner of the web. Nice to meet you. May I kiss your infant? Hardcore (oh my, how I despise that word) photoblogger here, glad to see a blog feature incorporated into Overclock.net! :D Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my (second) corner of the web. Nice to meet you. May I kiss your infant? ]]> Chipp http://www.overclock.net/blogs/chipp/5-nirvana-please-elaborate.html