Wired

Over the last couple days, Jeff, our audio-video geek, got us hooked up to satellite on three TVs. There's the big one in the basement media room which is also equiped with a TIVO digital video recorder, one in Joy's sewing/craft/spare bedroom, and one in our nook area between the kitchen and great room. I'd never used a TIVO before and have a little bit of learning to do. The TV in the nook and the one in the media room are high definition capable. DirecTV puts out a few HD channels now with more promised as the industry moves more and more to HDTV. I am usually happy just renting DVDs and watching a movie when I want, although this TIVO records HD so that opens up more possibilities. The funny thing is right now I'd probably get a couple hours on a Sunday to enjoy anything during the week. So having all these entertainment options is nice but not so great if you're never home to enjoy them. I have a seven speaker set-up including a subwoofer for what Joy calls "wrap-around" sound. That will come in handy for effects and sound-driven movies. Still waiting for the movie chairs, so the rooms not complete yet. One sad note was discovering my 20-year-old record player (that's right, a turntable that plays record albums) bit the dust. In this digital world it's still nice to throw on an old album from the late 70's or 80's, pops and hisses and all. Having the belt replaced and who knows what else repaired on this relic would cost as much as a new no-frills player.