MojoLists

Tiered pricing for internet access based on your bandwidth usage is right around the corner for many, already in place for some, and bringing big changes for everyone. Time Warner is the largest ISP I have heard of going this route so far but more will follow soon.

If you are currently or have been planning on streaming video from online sources such as Netflix or Hulu.com, you better think again. The pricing I have seen from Time Warner has 40Gb of downloads costing $40 - $50 per month. That sounds like a lot of bandwidth but if you stream video you are going to blast past your limit in the first week of  the month.

I always said streaming video wasn't going to take off for years to come and this is one good reason why. The kind of bandwidth required means your ISP is going to need to make some dramatic changes. As pricing goes up, streaming is quickly going to return to the back of the bus.

If you are using the DirecTV On Demand service, as I am, you will have a problem under this new pricing. I for one will be unhappy, but that is pretty much my normal state. I am not using Tine Warner but AT&T will likely follow suit if Time Warner is successful in putting this new pricing in place.

If you are currently experiencing a change to pay per byte internet access speak loud and clear when you dump your ISP. Time Warner is in the awkward position of losing cable customers and watching its bandwidth use climb but is that really my problem? I dumped Time Warner years ago because of terrible customer service, outrageous prices and the final nail, they could never get me a reliable internet connection. Make a stand for progress and fair business practices and find another ISP.

Best Buy has been a part of my life for a long time, not because they always had the best prices or even the best selection. I could count on them to have most of the little computer parts, electronic accessories and other bits and pieces I needed, which made them handy when I was already on my way to pick up a new DVD.

In the last two months this has changed, they have cut way back on the computer parts they sell, even the electronics area, with the HDTV's, DVD and Blu-Ray players seem to be short on selection and inventory of many items they do stock.

Out of stock on popular movies is more common than in the past and I have walked out empty handed several times now when I had a fairly long list or purchases with me. I didn't cry when Circuit City went under, I never really forgave them for supporting DiVX in the early days of DVD and they were my last resort for purchasing.

I guess I should have mourned the loss from the beginning, I certainly am now. Best Buy and the other competition have for the most part decreased their weekly sales on movies and music. I am also seeing an increase in release week pricing across the board. I know times are tough but is it really wise to begin alienating your core customer base. I spend thousands a year in Best Buy but lately all of my money has been going to Fry's.

Fry's has always had a great selection of everything, I always know I am going to find even the most obscure computer part, movie or electronic adapter. It is just a hassle to get in and out, not because they are slow but because I can't help but wander the aisles to see what's new, on sale, or just plain cool.

I know Best Buy (Target has also followed suit but has never been on my go to list) feels a lot safer with Circuit City out of the way but they should be more worried about their core customers. I am already debating on whether to hit Fry's to pick up the latest James Bond because I also need an IDE to SATA adapter, something Best Buy is unlikely to carry anymore.

Movies are designed to place you deep inside their world, well good movies are. Watching a movie on a large television or even projector is a wonderful experience but the picture only tells half the story. Movie soundtracks envelope you, they bring out emotions, surround you in their make believe world, and complete the fantasy.

If you are listening to movies on the speakers in your television or on a cheap, uncalibrated sound system you are missing the movie. From the explosive sound effects to the softest whisper, a good sound system brings the movie to life.

Films are NOT a visual medium, they are a combination of video and audio. If you haven't watched your favorite films, no matter what the genre, in the theater or a home theater with a full 5.1 sound system, then you need to do so, right now. The difference is night and day. The importance of the sound track to telling a story on film was known even before talkies came out. Music was always played during the showing, music designed specifically for the film and timed to elicit the emotion, the action, the laughter being displayed on the screen.

Don't cheat yourself by cutting out the second half of a film, bring them to life in a whole new way. Experience the entire artistic vision of the director and invest in a sound system worthy of the movies you love.