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I have a D-Link DIR-655 router which is located on the first floor of my 3 story townhouse.

My laptop, in my room on the third floor, usually shows 4 bars. I tried getting 5, but to no avail. My PlayStation 3, in the same room as my laptop, shows 82% to 85% signal strength most of the time. I can't seem to get it to go any higher either. Gaming doesn't lag on my PS3, it does on my laptop (but that's because of my really crappy graphics card =P)

Is 85% just considered an average signal or a pretty good signal? My modem is on the first floor, so I can't move the router anywhere. I can't put ethernet cables all over the house either, so that's not an option for me.

Am I losing out, or does that 20% to 25% not really make much of a difference? Just curious, thanks.

Beating the Cavaliers by 20 points right now at halftime. Been playing aggressive offensive and decent defense, something we haven't seen in a long time from them.

Will continue they be a strong team all season and play up to the hype, or fade halfway through? Opinions. :)

Opinions: Do you think the PS3 is catching up with the Xbox 360?

Before we get started let me just say if you are a fanboy with nothing more to say than "360 owns" or "PS3 is the best", then DO NOT ANSWER. I want constructive discussion and opinions.

Many, including myself, think that the 360's era of domination over the PlayStation 3 is slowly coming to a close. Here are the reasons:

- The game selection superiority of the 360 is now dwindling with outstanding exclusive PS3 titles being released, while the 360 is getting less and less blockbuster exclusives

- With the recent price drop to $299 (leveling the playing field with the Elite), the PS3 has become a much more competitive console economically

- The PS3 has a lot packed into the console (blu-ray, integrated Wi-Fi, bluetooth, etc), meaning the consumer will not have to dish out big bucks for accessories like the 360

- The PS3 exclusives now have graphics that are superior to those of the 360 due to the PS3's hardware (multi-platform games however, still go in favour of the 360 because it is easier to program for, this may change with more and more developers switching to the PS3 as its main platform)

- The PS3 yet to be used to its full potential, whereas Gears of War 2 has already neared the limits of the 360 hardware

- Free PSN that is constantly being improved BUT is still a lesser experience when compared to Xbox Live

- Superior reliability (the 360's hardware problems has scared off many would-be 360 owners)

Everything seems to indicate that Sony is slowly but surely turning the tables on Microsoft. Do you think that the Xbox 360 will be able to hold it's ground with its superior online service and popularity? Or will the PS3 dominate the market 2-3 years from now with the 360 slowly being rendered obsolete?

Your thoughts and opinions are more than welcome.

Before we get started let me just say if you are a fanboy with nothing more to say than "360 owns" or "PS3 is the best", then DO NOT ANSWER. I want constructive discussion and opinions.

Many, including myself, think that the 360's era of domination over the PlayStation 3 is slowly coming to a close. Here are the reasons:

- The game selection superiority of the 360 is now dwindling with outstanding exclusive PS3 titles being released, while the 360 is getting less and less blockbuster exclusives

- With the recent price drop to $299 (leveling the playing field with the Elite), the PS3 has become a much more competitive console economically

- The PS3 has a lot packed into the console (blu-ray, integrated Wi-Fi, bluetooth, etc), meaning the consumer will not have to dish out big bucks for accessories like the 360

- The PS3 exclusives now have graphics that are superior to those of the 360 due to the PS3's hardware (multi-platform games however, still go in favour of the 360 because it is easier to program for, this may change with more and more developers switching to the PS3 as its main platform)

- The PS3 yet to be used to its full potential, whereas Gears of War 2 has already neared the limits of the 360 hardware

- Free PSN that is constantly being improved BUT is still a lesser experience when compared to Xbox Live

- Superior reliability (the 360's hardware problems has scared off many would-be 360 owners)

Everything seems to indicate that Sony is slowly but surely turning the tables on Microsoft. Do you think that the Xbox 360 will be able to hold it's ground with its superior online service and popularity? Or will the PS3 dominate the market 2-3 years from now with the 360 slowly being rendered obsolete?

Your thoughts and opinions are more than welcome.

My PSN hasn't been working properly since last night. I tried going into the PlayStation Store to download a video this morning, and it keeps saying "This service is not available in your country/region."

That's non-sense because I live in Toronto, Canada and there's PS Store service here. I've been using the PlayStation Store to download demos and stuff since day 1.

I also tried going to account management to see is "An error has occured." The error code is 80023017.

Anyone know what the problem is here?

Well when I play GTA4, my PS3 freezes. It will say "Loading" and then stay like that. If I try to quit the game, my PS3 will make 3 continuous beeps and then show a blank screen. Ejecting the disc after the 3 beeps will cause my PS3 to restart.

I'm just wondering if any of you have experienced the same thing or if you know how to fix it?

So my Xbox 360 has audio but no video. I'm suspcting it's my A/V cable, so I've already ordered a HDMI cable but then I tried flicking it to "non-HD" and it still didn't work. Since HD and non-HD video are different cables (yellow for non-HD as opposed to the green, red and blue) and it still didn't work, I'm starting to think it might be the console's problem. Which means I'm going to have to break my bank.

If anyone knows how to fix the problem above then please tell me. Also, I cannot send it back to Microsoft as my warrenty has been voided by modding. Sucks I know, but by doing so I saved a whopping $450 on games (enough to buy an whole new console with some $ leftover).

If I buy a new console, I won't be modding again because the PS3 cannot be modded and XBL is just too big a part of the 360 experience to give up on. Not to mention I was breaking copyright laws, and isn't fair to the producers who spent so much time and effort on the games. =P

So from what I've established so far, it seems to be a deadlock between the 2 consoles. Here they are:

ONLINE GAMING AND FEATURES:

Yeah, I felt the need to capitalize that. I've heard great things about XBL, not so much of PSN. I just wanted to know from you lucky multi-console owners out there, if the difference is actually THAT BIG between the two networks. This along with the game library will be a HUGE factor, so all opinions wanted. =D

Games & Exclusives:

I like the 360 games a little more, and this is a huge point - the console is nothing without great games. I really don't want to miss out on the ending of the Gears of War series. Aside from a one or two exclusives however, what I like on the 360 can be played on the PS3 as well.

Controller:

The Xbox 360 controller beats Dualshock hands down. I'm playing my PS2 since my 360 is broken, and the 360 controller is a lot more comfortable.

DVD & Blu-Ray playback:

Well... the 360 drops out without a fight here. The PS3 was designed to be a multi-media device with a built-in Blu-Ray player. I won't be buying a seperate blu-ray player if I choose the 360 because.... heh I'll be broke from buying the console and the games. So PS3 wins.

Reliability:

Well, my faith in the 360 has obviously taken a beating with this incident. Add it up with the RROD scares, the Sony masterpiece easily comes out victorious.

FINAL SCORE: 2-2

So as you can all see, I'm stuck. I'm leaning towards the 360 at the moment because I already have all the hardware for it (barring the wireless internet adapter). On the other hand, the PS3 is pretty much an all-in-one package and likely will not need any extra hardware (notice I stated that I ordered an HDMI cable to replace my presumably broken A/V cable, so I'll have it for the PS3 if I buy one).

So tell me any factors I've missed out on, and your personal preference. No lousy, one dimensional fanboy responses please.

THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ALL THOSE WHO BOTHERED TO READ THIS LONG QUESTION AND POST AN ANSWER!

So my Xbox 360 has audio but no video. I'm suspcting it's my A/V cable, so I've already ordered a HDMI cable but then I tried flicking it to "non-HD" and it still didn't work. Since HD and non-HD video are different cables (yellow for non-HD as opposed to the green, red and blue) and it still didn't work, I'm starting to think it might be the console's problem. Which means I'm going to have to break my bank.

If anyone knows how to fix the problem above then please tell me. Also, I cannot send it back to Microsoft as my warrenty has been voided by modding. Sucks I know, but by doing so I saved a whopping $450 on games (enough to buy an whole new console with some $ leftover).

If I buy a new console, I won't be modding again because the PS3 cannot be modded and XBL is just too big a part of the 360 experience to give up on. Not to mention I was breaking copyright laws, and isn't fair to the producers who spent so much time and effort on the games. =P

So from what I've established so far, it seems to be a deadlock between the 2 consoles. Here they are:

ONLINE GAMING AND FEATURES:

Yeah, I felt the need to capitalize that. I've heard great things about XBL, not so much of PSN. I just wanted to know from you lucky multi-console owners out there, if the difference is actually THAT BIG between the two networks. This along with the game library will be a HUGE factor, so all opinions wanted. =D

Games & Exclusives:

I like the 360 games a little more, and this is a huge point - the console is nothing without great games. I really don't want to miss out on the ending of the Gears of War series. Aside from a one or two exclusives however, what I like on the 360 can be played on the PS3 as well.

Controller:

The Xbox 360 controller beats Dualshock hands down. I'm playing my PS2 since my 360 is broken, and the 360 controller is a lot more comfortable.

DVD & Blu-Ray playback:

Well... the 360 drops out without a fight here. The PS3 was designed to be a multi-media device with a built-in Blu-Ray player. I won't be buying a seperate blu-ray player if I choose the 360 because.... heh I'll be broke from buying the console and the games. So PS3 wins.

Reliability:

Well, my faith in the 360 has obviously taken a beating with this incident. Add it up with the RROD scares, the Sony masterpiece easily comes out victorious.

FINAL SCORE: 2-2

So as you can all see, I'm stuck. I'm leaning towards the 360 at the moment because I already have all the hardware for it (barring the wireless internet adapter). On the other hand, the PS3 is pretty much an all-in-one package and likely will not need any extra hardware (notice I stated that I ordered an HDMI cable to replace my presumably broken A/V cable, so I'll have it for the PS3 if I buy one).

So tell me any factors I've missed out on, and your personal preference. No lousy, one dimensional fanboy responses please.

THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ALL THOSE WHO BOTHERED TO READ THIS LONG QUESTION AND POST AN ANSWER!

While I was playing on my 360, there was a rainstorm (no thunder) and then a blackout.When the power finally came back on 5 hours later and I turned on my 360, my jaw dropped seeing 3 red lights. I unplugged everything and let the console sit for about a hour, and replugged everything. My 360 turned out to be in perfect working order.

I am wondering if this just increased my chances of getting an actual RROD? And did any of you get the 3 red lights after a blackout?

I'm about 5'3" and 90 lbs.

I have a youth medium that doesn't fit me anymore. Youth XL and adult S are sold out, so I'm in a bad situation. The size chart said adult medium is 78 cm in length on the front, which is too long.

What do you think? Would a youth large do?

I'm considering Brandon Roy jerseys because he's simply amazing. Gets it done without constantly dishing out big flashy tricks and dunks, plus he's a team player.

So I was wondering what you guys (and girls) think is the better looking jersey. Please DO NOT tell me to buy some other jersey (example: KG or Kobe). I am merely showing you the pictures in the links, and not necessarily buying from these sources, so the prices can be ignored for this question.

2009 West All-Star jersey:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item...

Portland Home Jersey:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRANDON-ROY-NBA-Trailblazers-S...

Portland Away Jersey:

http://cgi.ebay.com/TRAILBLAZERS-Brandon-Roy-Black...

Portland Red Alternate Jersey:

http://fans.blazers.com/campusstore/detail.aspx?ID...

Also, do you guys think they might swap jerseys soon?

Thanks in advance.

Players to give:

Jeff Carter

Dion Phaneuf

Jordan Staal

Vesa Toskala

Players to gain:

Jonathan Teows

Joe Corvo

Peter Mueller

Steve Mason

I really do not want to trade away Jeff Carter because of his spectacular stats. On the other hand I currently lack a good goaltender and Toews has put up some great stats. I only have Vesa Toskala, Craig Anderson and Martin Brodeur (currently an IR) as goalies.

I have altered many offers, but they have all been rejected, what offer would you suggest out of the following rosters?

I must:

- give away Dion Phaneuf

- give away Vesa Toskala

- bring in a new goalie

- bring in a goal scorer

My roster:

Jeff Carter

Derek Roy

Jordan Staal

Ryane Clowe

Jason Blake

Ray Whitney

Nik Antropov

Jonathan Cheechoo

Bobby Ryan

Dion Phaneuf

John-Michael Liles

Mark Streit

Ed Jovanovski

Vesa Toskala

Craig Anderson

Martin Brodeur

His roster:

Marc Savard

Jonathan Toews

Shane Doan

Somin Gagne

Teemu Selanne

Dustin Brown

Zdeno Chara

Chris Pronger

Scott Neidermayer

Joe Corvo

Alexei Kovalev

Peter Mueller

Paul Stastny

Ty Conklin

Jean-Sebastien Giguere

Evgeni Nabokov

Steve Mason

The draft obviously did me no good, so any and all help appreciated!

Well, I've been playing for quite a while now, and the lack of controls is really starting to bother me.

I use a laptop, and so I do not have access to the + and - of the numeric keypad, surprisingly the ones beside "backspace" does not work.

The slash "/" is supposed to make the camera drop to "eye level" of my troops, so I can actually see them fighting and stuff, which is cool when you have nothing to do except watch your troops fight. However the "/" beside Shift doesn't work, and so I can't do that either! Once in a while I manage to do this with the mouse somehow without meaning to. Anyone know how I did that?

I am not going to buy a USB numeric keypad just for the game, as they're are not cheap. Is there any way for me to get around this?

Here are my notebook's specifications (I use Vista Home Edition w/ SP1) :

Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-57 1.90 GHz

RAM: 2.50 GB

System Type: 32-bit Operating System

Graphics: ATI Radeon X1200

Are there any other significant specs I missed?

I usually use my notebook for gaming and regular net surfing, but I would like to play games like Empire: Total War which is coming out in March 2009 and other games that might be released in the near future. I'm thinking of buying Medieval II: Total War to keep myself busy during the Christmas holidays, surely I can run a game from 2006?

Any opinions are welcome, thanks in advance.

I use Rogers Cable (in Canada) and standard definition looks horrible on my HDTV (which I primarily bought for Xbox 360) even if I display 4:3 ratio on it. I was wondering if anybody has a rough estimate on when they will switch all broadcasts to HD.

We have 2 HDTVs (one in my room and one in my grandmother's room lol) but both my parents have old CRTs and so they refuse to pay for the HD box, therefore installing a HD box is not an option.

I know of the February 2009 switch down in the US (which only affects antenna and not cable anyway) but it has nothing to do with me. It would be great if anyone has a rough estimate. 2012? 2010?

Thanks in advance.

I'm debating between 2 televisions at the moment.

The Sony Bravia KDL32M4000 and KDL32L4000. The first one has Bravia 2 Engine while the latter only has the Bravia Engine. The contrast ratio is 2500:1 on the first but the latter only has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, is the extra 500:1 noticable?

The KDL32M4000 is $680 and KDL32L4000 is $600. Is it worth paying the extra $800 just for Bravia 2 Engine and a slightly higher contrast ratio?

Thanks

Players Offered (getting):

- Tracy McGrady

- Travis Outlaw

- Ben Gordon

Player Requsted (giving away):

- Paul Pierce

The rest of my team (so you can see if it's a good addition):

- Jose Calderon

- Brandon Roy

- Peja Stojakovic

- ***PAUL PIERCE***

- Zach Randolph

- Richard Jefferson

- Dwight Howard

- Linas Kleiza

- Luis Scola

- Brook Lopez

- Delonte West

- Paul Millsap

- David West

I'm playing Yahoo! Fantasy (8 team league) if it matters to any of you. Although I watch and play basketball a lot, this is my first time playing Fantasy Basketball, so any tips on trades and stuff for this rookie here are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Many people have recommended this converter, and I can see why with such good quality (both visuals and sound).

However it's running at a mere 6 fps to 10 fps (frames per second), is this normal? At this rate it'll take about 2-3 times as long as the movie itself...

Is there any solution to this or is this how it's supposed to be?

Thanks in advance

Can someone please tell me the differences between:

Royal Mail 2nd Class Standard

Royal Mail 2nd Class Recorded

Royal Mail Airmail (Small Packets)

Royal Mail International Signed-for

Mozart and Beethoven both had numerous hardships during their lives from childhood to death, but who do you think had the harder life? give reasons/examples plz. =)