deucedriver's blog

Step 1 of the HTPC upgrade is complete - the addition of another 512 meg of RAM to bring the total to 1 Gig.  I ran the Vista upgrade wizard and according to MS I should have no problems -- riiiight.  We'll see.  I have to go out of town for a few days, so I'm waiting to do the heavy lifting until I return.  I hate leaving something halfway finished and then having to leave.

I've decided to make a valiant attempt to streamline my home theater/gaming setup after the Superbowl.  The release of Vista has added another option that may be user friendly for my wife and myself, leading to more use of the system.  If you are interested in following my trials and tribulations with a X-box 360 and a HTPC, read on.  I'd also like to hear any comments suggestions as I go along.

Here is the background along with some challenges:

The folks have gone back home so I should have some more time in the evenings to do some gaming.


I pulled out my copy of PGR3 after playing Gran Turismo HD  on the PS3.  I forgot what a fun game this was, and how good it looks.  The graphics are a little better on GT:HD, but not so much that it makes the PS3 a must have.  Also, it's a demo, so the gameplay is limited.

The folks have gone back home so I should have some more time in the evenings to do some gaming.


I pulled out my copy of PGR3 after playing Gran Turismo HD  on the PS3.  I forgot what a fun game this was, and how good it looks.  The graphics are a little better on GT:HD, but not so much that it makes the PS3 a must have.  Also, it's a demo, so the gameplay is limited.

Last night was 2old2play appreciation night for me.  I played a little "Cars" since it has to go back today, and then decided to play one round of RB6:V Sharpshooter so I could unlock the next rank.  It was a mistake (or a blessing, depending on how you look at it).

Last night was 2old2play appreciation night for me.  I played a little "Cars" since it has to go back today, and then decided to play one round of RB6:V Sharpshooter so I could unlock the next rank.  It was a mistake (or a blessing, depending on how you look at it).

I've been lazy and haven't touched one of my websites featuring photos I took when flying the U-2, but I'm getting motivated and I'll be changing it soon.  Before I make some large scale changes I thought I'd share a couple of videos. 

Lockheed U-2 Takeoff from chase car

Lockheed U-2 landing from chase car

I've been lazy and haven't touched one of my websites featuring photos I took when flying the U-2, but I'm getting motivated and I'll be changing it soon.  Before I make some large scale changes I thought I'd share a couple of videos. 

Lockheed U-2 Takeoff from chase car

Lockheed U-2 landing from chase car

Shortly after receiving the initial Halo 3 Beta information e-mail I received another e-mail that I was selected to participate in the Beta.

I'm looking forward to it, and I'm happy because I wasn't going to  qualify for the beta by the other methods.

Sorry, but there are too many games out for me to pay $60.00 to participate in a test and I don't want the free game they are throwing in (Crackdown).

I also wouldn't do the equivalent of waiting in line for a console and play Halo 2 for hours just hoping to get my golden ticket.

Shortly after receiving the initial Halo 3 Beta information e-mail I received another e-mail that I was selected to participate in the Beta.

I'm looking forward to it, and I'm happy because I wasn't going to  qualify for the beta by the other methods.

Sorry, but there are too many games out for me to pay $60.00 to participate in a test and I don't want the free game they are throwing in (Crackdown).

I also wouldn't do the equivalent of waiting in line for a console and play Halo 2 for hours just hoping to get my golden ticket.