Wintermute

So I bought Matrix Reloaded and watched it on my Xbox. After I was finished I just happened to glance at the back and was shocked. It looked worn and with these circular (I don't want to say scratches because thats too harsh a word) "markings" very reminiscent of scratches. What the hell? Where did these markings come from? I thought your DVD was only physically touched by the laser? Can anyone fill me in what the hell happened to my pristine DVD? Much obliged. Thanks

I am hoping someone from this learned forum might be able shed some light on some inane questions. First, is there a difference between American VCR/Tapes and European VCR/Tapes. Second, Does switching the region on DVD player have any adverse effects? Thanks in advance for any and all help in these matters. Cheers, Wintermute

Mr. Middle, Have you tried the expansion pack,"Spearhead?" I would like to but I have heard some not so good things about it plus its kind've of expensive for an expansion pack! Just wondering. Cheers, Wintermute

Every game I have ever played needs the CD in the drive: Half-Life, MOHAA, NOLF, Return to Wolfenstein, Deus Ex, Age of Mythology, Age of Empires, etc. I thought it was standard and indeed a necessary element of the games. Is this not so? Thanks for any info. Cheers, Wintermute

Silly question: do gaming consoles (Xbox, PS2, etc.) suffer from the Chroma Bug? Just wondering, Wintermute

I know I am completely new to this HT game but I was wondering why not just have four SF-2's (money permitting) instead of going with some smaller bookshelf speakers (plus a center and sub)? Is there some inherent audio faux paus in doing so? Thanks for the info, Wintermute

First Question(s): What is the difference betweeen a receiver and amplifier? What is the difference between a amplifier and a preamplifier? Thanks for any help and info, Wintermute

Greetings All, I am trying to take my first steps into the audio/visual labyrinth. What are the "Bibles" of the industry? Are there certain magazines which everyone reads? Possibly even books? Thanks for any info. Cheers, Wintermute

My ignorance knows no bounds. What are these "willamette or the northwood" you speak of Herr Chaser? Age of Empires is a RTS so you are correct in your supposition about this game being CPU intensive. If you don't know it you should really check it out. It is a classic the stature of Half-Life. Thanks for any info. Cheers, Wintermute

I hadn't played Ages of Empire Conquerors since I got my Radeon 9700 Pro late last year. On my old card my pop. limit was about 150 before my computer started to slow down and the graphics would get jerky, etc. When I played today, thinking my Radeon could handle pretty much anything I could throw at it, I upped my population to 200 but my computer still slowed down about 150. What is up? I have a P4 1.3 and 768 MB of RAM. Ideas? Suggestions? Cheers, Wintermute

Here's a silly newbie question for you: which drive do I use to get the best results my DVD or CD-R drive? Just wondering, Wintermute

I just bought my first DVD-Audio disc, REM's Document. And I guess my question is........really? Why? I am utterly nonplussed by this disc. There is absolutely no difference between the disc I bought back in the 1980s and the disc I bought this very evening. I am using my PowerDVD player to play the disc. Any suggestions? Or is this DVD-Audio thing just hype? Thanks and cheers, Wintermute

I have heard many, many audiophiles talk about their favorite mp3 player: Foobar? What is so gosh darn special about this player? Does anyone know about this player? Any info would be much obliged. Cheers, Wintermute

Greetings All, What do you use to rip tunes from a CD? Everytime I do it (regardless of the program CDex, Sonic Foundry, etc)it never sounds as good as when I download a tune from the 'Net. Tips? Pointers? Better programs to use? Much obliged and cheers. Wintermute

Greetings All, I watch my DVDs on my computer. I use Intervideo's Windvd. What does everybody else use? What's the best PC DVD player? I would appreciate all the suggestions and info. Thanks and cheers. Wintermute