Linksys needs to fix the DNS problem on their WRT160Nv2 router and they need to do it now. I haven't used this blog to gripe much,  the fact is I have been very lucky and my equipment functions with little or no problem. Now I have a big problem and a major gripe with Linksys, a company whose products I have used for years without a hitch.

I decided to step up to a wireless N router about 6 months ago even though all of my wireless apps are b and g. The router was an amazing upgrade to the system. It extended the range and speed on all of my laptops and other devises. I could even stream HD effortlessly from the DirecTV DVR on the other side of the house. I was one happy camper. Then I got the news that there was a DNS security risk associated with the routers firmware. I was running 2.0.0.2, build 8. Being the security nut that I am I immediately updated my firmware to 2.0.0.2, build 11. This turned out to be a huge mistake.

Web pages started throwing 404 errors, I had to refresh pages over and over before they would come up. I hated it, it was a serious time suck for me as I spend most of my time working on the internet and God help me if I wanted to order something online or pay a bill. the 404 errors made it almost impossible to make it through a multi-page process.

I quickly jumped online and researched the problem to find this is a well documented issue in the Linksys forum. One of the threads I found had 17 pages of complaints and thankfully a fix. Unfortunately when I attempted to downgrade my firmware to the version I had previously, it failed and the router did nothing but flash at me, nearly lifeless and unable to reset itself to the factory defaults.

After 90 minutes of attempting to revive the WRT160Nv2, I gave in and contacted tech support. Of course they ignored the fact that I had attempted everything and made me do it all again before starting the RMA process. The router was dead and Linksys is replacing it. After receiving all the information and filling out the forms, mailing it back to them, at my expense I now await my replacement which will undoubtedly have the new firmware version and most likely the same problem that everyone else is having with this build.

The issue with the Linksys WRT160Nv2 firmware has been around since October and Linksys has failed to acknowledge the problem and worse, fix it. Linksys, I have spent tens of thousands of dollars with you between my home and my business. If this is not fixed, you can kiss my future business goodbye. I understand that shit happens and errors take place, I accept and am happy to work with any vendor while they correct the problem. You won't even admit there is a problem even though there are hundreds of documented cases on your own website. This is an issue and you need to fix it.

If you have the WRT160Nv2 router and are experiencing the DNS problem, here is a fix. I bricked my router attempting it but many have downgraded their firmware successfully. I intend to try again if my new unit has the problem. Good luck!

*** UPDATE! ***  Linksys does not have a fix yet but they did take care of me by replacing the router I killed with a new one. Read more here.

The HDMI confusion is exasperating for everyone. How did something designed to make things easier become a simmering caldron of confusion? Lets try to sort out the facts from the myths.

As I look behind my component stand, I slowly lower my head in shame. The rat’s nest of cables is beyond comprehension and the worst thing is that I did my 6 month rewire just a week ago. I dream of the day I finally step up to a complete HDMI system that uses a single cable between every component, a magic cable that send both the video and audio. I could go from what looks like hundreds of cables down to less than 10. That my friends, would be a miracle.

Every time I step into an electronics store, I am confronted with $60, $70, even $150 HDMI cables, and that is for a 2-meter one. How is it that the HDMI cables I use and cherish are less than half that and the fact is you can get them much, much cheaper… Like for under $15 and it will work just as well as the marketing marvel from Monster Cable that sells for well over $100.

Part of the problem comes from the early versions of HDMI, version 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 are all capable of transmitting 1080p video at the same time as the lossless DTS and Dolby formats. This is more than enough for 95% of the people, in fact is well beyond their systems capability.  That brings us to version 1.3.

HDMI version 1.3 comes in 3 flavors, 1.3a, 1.3b, and the top of the line 1.3c. They all do the same great job of handling HDCP, 1080p and lossless audio, not a bit better than the previous versions however. Where you do want to consider the 1.3c cables is if you wish to pass a DVD-A, SACD or uncompressed audio signal to your receiver. Keep in mind that both the source and the receiver must meet 1.3c requirements, if anything in the system is less than 1.3c, you lose all benefits of having that cable version.

In addition to the audio formats I mentioned, 1.3c is also capable of passing the new extended color formats, Deep Color and x.v.YCC. Currently neither of these is built into the Blu-Ray spec. and although a number of players claim to have the capability, it is wasted since the discs don’t carry the additional color signals. Several HD camcorders do record in this format however so the capability may be useful if you have one of these and a TV that is capable.

 The bottom line is that getting a higher version cable won’t hurt you, it just won’t help you except in a very small number of circumstances, if you have the equipment that matches from source to Receiver and TV, or you just want to pay more for a cable.

Don’t fall for the Monster marketing system that grades each cable based on bandwidth. Every one of their cables does a great job of passing every possible format, their grading system is an all out lie and one you will pay for if you purchase the more expensive cables. An HDMI cable can’t change the quality of the image like a processor in a receiver or TV, it just passes along a digital signal. Do your wallet a favor and find the less expensive cables and spend the rest on a few new movies.

My love affair with concert albums, and now concert DVD and Blu-Ray discs started back in the 70s with Frampton Comes Alive and Journey:  Captured. Since then I have listened to far more disappointing concert albums than good, but there are a handful of concerts I consider great in every way.

With the advent of concert DVDs and Blu-Rays, I am now able to place myself in the front row and let the experience envelope me. Based on my age I know many of these concerts will not appeal to the younger crowd but they are without doubt fantastic examples of what can be done when magic strikes on concert night.

When it comes to DVD and Blu-Ray concerts, I have a strict criteria for whether a disc gets my love or not. The disc must be a concert, not a documentary that continually breaks up the experience.

I found Peter Gabriel while I was going through my MTV, New Wave phase back in the 80s. Shock the Monkey received a lot of airplay and opened the door for me to experience what a master of epic concert drama is capable of. When I first popped Growing Up Live into my DVD player I had not given Peter a serious listen for several years. While I appreciate his work in the later 80s and early 90s, it was not something I listened to often. Growing Up Live changed that when I was blown away by not only the complexity of the music, but also the theatrical powerhouse of a show that unfolded.

Growing Up Live

became my reference DVD immediately, the picture quality is outstanding and the DTS 5.1 track is mind blowing. I have found few DVDs that can provide as quality a test for speakers. I take this along every time I look for speakers and can tell immediately if they meet my requirements. The music, the show, and the quality make this my number one pick.

Neil Young’s Live Rust is a powerful set that begins with an all-acoustic set before blasting off when Crazy Horse walks onto the stage. There is no denying the otherworldly, artistic talent that flows from the mind and heart of Neil Young and this is one of his best moments.

U2 caught my attention way back with their first two albums but lost me afterward. I was never offended by their music, it certainly was impressive but the rebel magic of Sunday Bloody Sunday was gone in my mind. I was lucky enough to live in Denver and see Under a Blood Red Sky but that isn’t my pick here despite being an amazing concert. My pick is U2 Go Home - Live from Slane Castle, it is a perfect evening that makes me understand what I was missing when I dismissed U2 during the 90s.

My wife is a huge Elvis Costello fan and while I have always enjoyed his music it wasn’t until she got front row tickets for an Austin show that I really gave him a serious listen. While that show was amazing the Blu-Ray, Elvis Costello & the Imposters: Club Date - Live in Memphis has the master in a very small venue and at his best. This one is not to be missed.

Tom Petty has been dragging my heart around for years and his music has only gotten better with each passing year. Tom Petty and The heartbreakers: Live in Concert catches Tom and the band doing what they do best for two discs. Blues and rock from his career and a selection of work from other artists make this an evening to enjoy. The sound and picture quality are superb. This disc deserves a night in your theater.

I know I am going to be hammered for leaving out the Eagles, Peter Frampton and many other fine bands. I can only say that this is my current top 5 and while it evolves with time, you can’t go wrong with any of these concerts.