Welcome Back

It's been so long... I feel a bit like Rip Van Winkle.

High Definition TV is not news anymore but much of the digital television issues are still issues. The CableCard remains stale although still more alive than Tru2way. The availabliltiy of CableCard devices is loosening up as shown by some new products introduced at this year's CES. How about a 4-tuner card for your desktop computer? Get two and record up to 8 channels at a time. That, of course, assumes you can find 8 programs worth recording. Also, Hauppauge is due to release a CableCard tuner device.

Have you been considering any of the new less-than-$100 portable digital TVs now on the market? Target has one on sale for about $80 but try before you buy. Although digital television over the air can produce excellent picture quality, reception is tricky. Moving the built-in antenna a fraction of an inch can make a difference.

And speaking of antennae... Over-the-air television is excellent in the Odessa-Midland area when an outside antenna is used. The lack of The History Channel, The Science Channel and ESPN make it a moot point for me, though.

And finally, if you enjoy photography, check out this local photographer's work. The Stanton, TX series is informative and excellent work. Also, see his Saturday project at PhotoSaturdays.