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I finally did it. I finally dumped by vinyl purist attitude. For Christmas, I purchased M-Audio’s Torq digital DJing software. Actually, I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. I live in Dallas and the DJ friendly record stores here are sparse and not conveniently located. So, from a keeping up with the latest tracks, going digital makes sense. By converting my existing vinyl to digital it will help preserve my collection, too. Besides vinyl preservation, the Torq software offers sampling, looping and effects options that can enhance my mixes. I can also record my mixes directly in Torq without using a 3rd party software. I’m sure there are many more features I haven’t discovered, too. The one obstacle I’m having trouble overcoming is organising my files and picking tracks while in the mix. In vinyl, I’m used to having the visual cue of the record labels for remembering what is what. Now I have to remember the artist and name for each track. It’s difficult. I’m definitely open to suggestions on how to organize my music so it’s easily accessible.
And, yes, I realize that’s a stack of vinyl in the background of my site.
Slingbox AV
purchased for $130 @ Circuit City
Slingbox is a box you plug in to your satellite or cable box and your high-speed router, and with a sprinkle of fairy dust, magically transports your TV signal to any computer via the internet (provided you install the Slingbox software on said computer).
Reason for purchasing Slingbox, football.
The good news, I can watch football on any computer with internet connection and Slingbox software (which is worth the price alone).  About the price, the $130 price tag is all you pay, no subscription fee!
Now the bad, which isn’t real bad just minor inconveniences, I did get the thing up and running in a bout 30 minutes after all.
But first off, I didn’t consider there is not a wireless option to connected the it to my router. After some brainstorming at the store, I decided my best option was to move my router and modem to the living room, behind the TV/entertainment hub. It does add more cords to an already complex mix-master of wire highways and access roads.
Next, unless you have a dual-tuner receiver you must watch the same thing on the regular TV and on the Slingbox. I have a dual-tuner DVR receiver (which if you have the means I highly recommend getting one, it is so choice) so I can watch football on Slingbox/TV2 while fiancé watches Mission: Man Band crap.
Those are the only real downers, the signal is on my laptop at home (around 4000kbps) but diminishes significantly on the road (around 300kbps).
Between Slingbox and nothing, I’ll take Slingbox.