danackerman

Hey gang -- Don't worry -- your old buddy Dan is here to clear all this up. I literally did a ton of research before I purchased my plasma last year (plus I do a little freelance writing for tech mags like Sync and PC Magazine). The short story is: Plasma is the way to go now for displays 42" and up. Within five years, however, LCD displays will replace plasmas as the cost of making larger LCD screens goes down, and companies can churn out enough to meet consumer demand. The following is far more information than you really need, so feel free to stop reading here. Burn-in is largely a myth with plasmas (and LCDs) -- early models had some issues, but it's not anything to get worked up about now. Dead pixels are a still aproblem to some extent -- make sure you buy from a retailer that will let you return or exchange a unit with even one dead pixel. Contrast ratios are often listed with sets -- 1500:1, 2000:1, etc. These are totally useless, as there is not a set measurment for contrast. Also, don't go by what the display looks like in a store. Most of the plasmas in stores have their brightness and contract kicked all the way up so they stand out under the bright neon lights and other sets. You can get an ED plasma for under $2k now. That means it has a 420p (p="progressive") resolution (420 lines of vertical resolution). Regular tube TVs are 420i, which means they also have 420 lines, but only draw every other line each time the screen is refreshed (all odd, then all even). True HD plasmas are more expensive, $3500 and up, but have either 720P or 1080i (i="interlaced") resolution. The catch is that DVDs, cable TV and most video game consoles top out at 420p. The only time you'd be able to appreciate the difference between an ED and HD plama is when you're watching HD channels (right now, Time Warner Cable has about 7 or 8). So, if you're itching to buy a display now (and who isn't?) -- I'd get a 42" ED for around $2K, then replace it with a LCD in a few years when that technology matures. The model I bought has been discontinued, so it won't help you, but it was a Daewoo 42" EDTV plasma -- not a big brand for electronics, but it was among the best-reviewed of sets in the $2-3K range, and was a little lighter than most, which made it easier to hang.

Someone's already figured out how to unlock the hidden web browser built into the new Sony PSP (actually, the software is in the Wipeout Pure game). Check out the photo below, and read the article for more info: http://www.clubplanet.com/content/article.asp?i=611&t=14

I'm glad someone finally noticed those! --Dan

Well, since someone mentioned Hunter, I'll plug the article I wrote for USA Today two weeks ago on Best Ski Resorts for Nightlife. Link: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/ski/2004-11-04-best-partying-and-nightlife_x.htm Rock on, Dan

Clearly a parody...but a good one.

Here's a handy article about the Dance Music Hall of Fame on Clubplanet! http://www.clubplanet.com/content/article.asp?i=494&t=14

I *never* get around to posting on the BBS, but I actually wrote to those guys inquiring about the lineup. Here's the response I just got this morning: Dear Dan, Apologies for the delayed response to your query. I have just returned from my summer holiday.At this time we are not programming music. Our task is to simply secure the permit's and set the tone of the event. Those entering floats will provide the programming. If an lineup becomes available we shall post it to our website and include the infos to our newsletter subscribers. Joshua Smith Love Parade S.F. Board President Make of that what you will. Dan (P.S. Remember to read the Clubplanet column in AM New York every Friday!)

Hey guys -- I need someone to take over my half of a very groovy LES loft space. This is a great space, and I hate to move out. But I'm (finally) moving in with my girlfriend, so I need to sublet it out for the remainder of the lease (2 years left, and you can renew). You'll be sharing with my roommate, a 28-year-old art director. The loft has turntables, cool retro-modern furniture, etc. Available March 1st. Here's the basic info: Rent is currently $1300 plus utilities. There's a minimal 5% increase written into the lease for April 2004 and April 2005. There is a three-month deposit required (that's what the landlord got from us because it was originally a commercial space, but it's less than a broker's fee -- and you eventually get it all back). Total move-in costs (first month's rent plus three-month deposit): $5200 Contact: Dan loft@helpermonkey.com or call 646.279.1062

Yup. AJ (and Artie) over at Exclusive do almost all of Clubplanet's printing. 973.779.1919. Tell 'em CP sent ya.... Dan

We did something on it a little while ago: http://clubplanet.com/content/popup/cover337.asp --d.