“Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here.”
// December 14th, 2011 // No Comments » // news, rant
You know, I just shake my head everytime I hear some unnamed source quoting some unnamed supply chain expert claiming that once again, Apple is FER SURE shipping a TV.
People…let’s try this again.
What kind of markets does Apple enter with new products? Profitable ones.
What kind of market is the consumer TV business? A craptastic one.
// October 6th, 2011 // No Comments » // news
“The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.”
– Dr. Eldon Tyrell, in Blade Runner
// September 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // news, rant
This week’s Pimp Bag of Hurt comes to the doorstep of Google, in the form of a merger that has all the Fandroids drooling. Now, don’t get me wrong, as an official iFanBoy, I don’t hate Android at all. The marketplace ain’t some episode of The Highlander, so there can be room for many. It’s a democracy. Choose for yourself.
Now, the proposed purchase of Motorola brings more than handset manufacturing and patents, it also means Google would own the largest maker of traditional digital cable set top boxes. Well, that little bit of news made all the Android lovers dream of the possibilities. GoogleTV in set top boxes! Android Marketplace on TV! Holographic 4D interfaces with Google+ brainwave control!
Ok, so maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. Dreams often run ahead of reality, so let The ‘Pimp lay it down proper.
// August 31st, 2011 // No Comments » // mac, rant
Well, the ‘Pimp has been away for a long time, so you know it would take something monumental to end his uncharacteristically long silence. Steve Jobs’ resignation is just that.
Monumental, but not at all surprising. Anyone who saw his last keynote could tell you that this day was coming soon. He looked frail. His voice was weak. And those of us who pay attention worried about this day coming. Would the stock tank? Would there be a power struggle? Will the company lose its edge?
There’s been more than enough punditry on these points, but that won’t stop The ‘Pimp from adding his voice to the sound of the crowd.
// April 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // content, Movies, news, rant, TV
No Joke, “Premium” Movie VOD To Run $30.
I think this decade will see the theme of “Content vs. Distribution” replayed over and over as the Internet continues to destroy tried-and-true markets.
First was the battle between TV affiliates wanting more money from cable distributors, leading to embarrassing channel outages while disputes unfolded in the courts. (more…)
// April 5th, 2011 // No Comments » // news
Ask Engadget HD: When is it better to let a custom installer do all the work? — Engadget HD.
You might think that The ‘Pimp would simply say “real pimps DIY.” But no, my children. That’s not the case here.
If you want it quick, and you want it right, pay someone. I had the luxury of time since A) MBW wasn’t in any hurry to have the room finished, and B) our room was already pre-wired with speaker outlets, conduit, and power near the projector mounting location.
Ok, so I cheated. Guilty as charged.
But even then, it took a lot of sweat equity to get things done, if you’ve been following this blog from the start. I worked on the space off and on for about a year. In total, it only took 2-3 months. Your actual mileage may vary.
If you don’t have the patience and skill, dig deep and pay. Trust the ‘Pimp on this one.
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// April 1st, 2011 // No Comments » // rant
You know. I’ve had it with Apple.
I have so many Apple products, I’m just sick of the golden handcuffs. The slick hardware. The hipster-cool design. I’ve been using Macs since 1985, and it’s time for a change.
So folks, I want to announce today that I am switching to Windows 8 as soon as it ships. Why? I saw this killer Windows 8 desktop, and it epitomizes the fresh new direction Microsoft is taking. The dynamic design, the eco-friendly theme, and, the fish! It is so beautiful, I just can’t stick with Apple and their “space” themes that are so passe now that the Hubble is geriatric.
And I just can’t WAIT until I replace my aging Mac Mini with a cooler mini PC I build on my own, spending hours buying the parts and getting all the drivers just right so it can drive my home theater. It’s gonna be so frickin’ cool, I just can’t wait.
I’m gonna get started on this today!
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// March 29th, 2011 // No Comments » // gear, news, rant
More Signs Apple Working on ‘Smart TV’ | Cult of Mac.
Let me say it again.
WHEN HELL ICES OVER AND I GET A SLURPEE BRAIN FREEZE DRINKING FROM ITS EVIL DEPTHS.
There. Now, do the math.
TV = low margin business. How low? Mitsubishi is getting out of the LCD TV business for starters, and not many are generating huge profits. Hence the push for Smart TVs, 3D TVs, Microwave TVs…um…you get the picture. Anything to get you to buy a new TV with the latest doodad built-in.
Apple = High-Margin Tight-Rope Artist. How high? Try 30% plus. Now, with tens of billions in the bank, Apple could absorb losses for years if they so chose. But why?
I just don’t see how bringing out yet another Smart TV, even with an Apple logo, makes any sense. People shop for TVs on price. You think Apple will be cheaper?
Doubt it.
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// March 8th, 2011 // No Comments » // construction, rant
Just like Picard in the series finale, this post moves back and forth in time. Why, because The ‘Pimp was SO disgusted at this portion of the job, he couldn’t bring himself to write about it until now. This portion of the story happened before the riser construction got started.
Those stupid doors.
If you remember, in a previous episode, I mentioned that the doors would have to be flipped to keep from hitting the riser. Well, this project was SUCH A PAIN IN THE ASS. Why?
// March 5th, 2011 // No Comments » // mac, news, rant
Apple Dropping Front Row HTPC Experience?
The Digital Pimp will gladly say good riddance if this is true. It seems that early builds of their upcoming update to Mac OS X leaves out their very dated Front Row experience. Some time ago, they even stopped bundling the Apple Remote with their computers. So I have serious hope that they will bring over the very slick interface from the Apple TV.
So long, Front Row. We hardly knew ya. And that’s a good thing.
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