DVRs are a wonderful invention. Thanks to their trusty features, TV viewers are now free to watch their favorite programming with frivolous abandon. But, as a very wise, very fictional, and sadly very dead man once said, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and so few of us seem to be up to that lofty challenge.

Is there actually a downside to watching shows on a DVR? Might you actually be better off tuning into TV live? Could there even be a reason to dust off that old VCR? OK, that last one might be a bit extreme, but there really are a few notable hitches to DVR watching that counterbalance the practice’s many advantages. Here’s a rundown of all the pros and cons, leaving the ultimate choice in your remote clutching hands.

 Pros

• Watch When You Want – This is one of the most obvious benefits of DVR use. Since your desired programming is being recorded, you’re given the freedom to watch whenever you want. This gives you the flexibility to control your own schedule, and might even free up primetime for more important activities… like spending quality time with your family. You know, the one you forgot you had.
• Fast Forwarding – While some companies are experimenting with ways to put the kibosh on this popular practice, for now, most DVRs grant their users the ability to fast forward through commercials on recorded programming. This lets you focus on the actual shows and spares you the frustration of having to watch random celebrities talk to their iPhones. (When Siri eventually becomes self-aware and rebels against the human race, she’s definitely going after Zooey Deschanel first.)
• Instant Replay – Along with fast forwarding also comes the option to rewind, giving sports enthusiasts the ability to re-watch and analyze every play during games, and non-sports enthusiasts the ability to re-watch and analyze every scene during Game of Thrones. Forget touchdowns, I just want to see Daenerys sic her dragons on those slave traders again.
• Full Seasons All in One Go – DVRs allow you to save entire seasons of shows as they air, eventually giving you the option to watch every episode in one massive marathon. This instant gratification on cliffhangers can reduce the terrible withdrawal that usually comes between episodes of Breaking Bad. Warning: binge watching should always been done in groups of friends. (Without proper supervision, Mad Men overdoses are known to be fatal.)
• Record Multiple Shows at the Same Time  – Many DVRs now give users the option to record multiple programs simultaneously, making scheduling conflicts between different series a thing of the past. This means viewers no longer have to pull a Sophie’s Choice between their favorite shows.

Cons

• Late-to-the-game Spoilers – Having the freedom to watch episodes after they’ve aired is great, but it also means that you’re now behind the times on any important plot developments, putting you at a dangerous risk for unwanted spoilers. This could send many into a neurotic, crazy spiral as they desperately try to avoid conversations at the water cooler.
• Fast Forwarding is Tricky – Yes, it might seem like an easy task, but fast forwarding through commercials can be a surprisingly risky endeavor, requiring just the right timing. Go too slow and you’ll find yourself stuck in the middle of an Allstate advertisement. Go too fast and you could skip right through portions of the show, and suddenly find yourself racing to cover your eyes with one hand as you frantically try to rewind with the other.

• Last Minute Scheduling Changes – I think we’ve all had this one happen to us.  Every now and then eleventh hour schedule shifts or extended running times end up wreaking havoc on DVRs. There’s nothing worse than getting sucked into the latest episode of Justified only for the recording to abruptly cut off right in the middle of one of Raylan’s trademark quips.
• Hoarding – With the option to stockpile on shows that you can watch at anytime, also comes the option to constantly put off actually watching them. This can lead to TV show hoarding — which is no laughing matter and is the number one cause of receiving the dreaded “Out of Recording Space” message. Basically, if you still have first-run episodes of Lost sitting on your DVR, then I think it’s time to admit that you have a problem.
• Addiction – Going along with the hoarding of shows you never watch, DVRs can also lead to television viewing addiction. With a whole world of programming at your fingertips, it can become impossible to say no to any show — even those you wouldn’t normally watch. “What’s that, TV guide?  A Swamp People marathon is airing on Saturday? Well, the premise doesn’t exactly appeal to me, but what the hell — season pass!” It’s a slippery slope, folks. A very slippery, marshy, alligator-infested slope.

The Pros and Cons of Watching TV Shows on Your DVR

So you’ve finally ponied up the money for that big, flat screen HDTV, invested in a surround sound speaker system, and amassed a solid collection of Blu-rays on your shelf — but at what point do you go from being a casual home theater owner to a full-blown, unashamedly proud audiovisual geek? You see, true home theater enthusiasm is about more than just the gear. It’s about an entire frame of mind, complete with a few key quirks, habits, and obsessions. If you’re unsure whether or not you fit the bill, here’s a handy list of 5 major signs that you should look out for.

1. You Have a “Sweet Spot”

Once thought to be only a myth, this term refers to the specific seat in your home theater room where the speakers perfectly align and the TV is perfectly centered. This miraculous spot gives the lucky individual who inhabits it the absolute best listening and viewing position, enhancing the full surround sound experience while eliminating any potential off-angle flaws in your HD display.

If you have one of these sweet spots, and find yourself racing over to seize it like a rabid animal claiming its territory whenever company comes over — then you’re already well on your way to true A/V obsession! Note to girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, and husbands: if your significant other is willing to give up their sweet spot for you, then it really is true love.

2. You Measured Angles

Going along with sign #1, properly setting up a home theater system requires a great level of precision when it comes to speaker placement. Various guidelines call for exact angles, heights, and distances between the speakers and primary listening position, which necessitates tools that go far beyond mere “eye-balling” it.

Basically, if you used any kind of chart, diagram, ruler, protractor, complicated algorithm, mounted laser beam, specially programmed robot, or ancient mystical incantation to help perfectly align your audio equipment, then I think it’s safe to say that you’re a real enthusiast… and possibly a super villain. Now God help anyone who accidentally bumps into something.

3. Light Has Become Your Enemy

It turns out that vampires aren’t the only creatures with a natural aversion to sunlight. In order to mimic the true theater experience, the best way to watch movies is in a completely dark environment. Not only does the lack of light help to immerse the audience in the film, but many TVs are prone to troublesome glare that can make daytime watching a nightmare.

To alleviate this problem, true home theater enthusiasts will go to any lengths to help cut down the light. From installing black-out drapes to enacting diabolical plots to permanently snuff out the sun, there is no real right or wrong strategy as long as it gets the job done. After all, an eternal globe-spanning ice age is but a small price to pay for the perfect movie watching environment. Those with the space and cash can even invest in a dedicated light-proof home theater area, creating the only situation where it’s socially acceptable to trap your guests in a dark, windowless room.

4. You’ve Invested in ISF Calibration

If those initials don’t mean anything to you, then you haven’t quite crossed the barrier into true home theater passion. The Imaging Science Foundation has developed a standardized system to properly calibrate video displays, ensuring the most accurate picture possible through the use of specifically designed test patterns and equipment. Without proper ISF calibration, many home theater owners can gradually grow suspicious of their displays, leading to paranoia and insecurity.

While manufacturer settings often feature high contrast, exaggerated sharpness, and impossibly vibrant colors, all that flash is really nothing more than an eye-straining lie! And since you’ve already bought and committed to your TV, who exactly is your display trying to doll itself up for with that “Vivid” setting anyway?! The first step toward any long lasting relationship is always trust, and until one can fully trust their TV’s picture settings, you might as well be strangers. Real home theater lovers realize this, and choose to alleviate any concerns through ISF calibration. It’s the only way to rest easy at night.

5. You Have Movie Watching Rules… and Consequences

Taking the home theater experience to the final level requires employing the same rules that any actual professional theater chain would — namely no talking or texting during the show. While the casual movie watcher might enjoy a laid back discussion during a film, for the A/V enthusiast, silence and full attention are non-negotiable stipulations.

Some might even go so far as to monitor their home audience like an amateur usher, escorting guests out who don’t follow the rules. In other words, you talk or text during the film — no movie for you!

So, there you have it. If you fit all of the criteria above, congratulations and welcome to the club! You are now officially a home theater enthusiast. If you haven’t experienced all five signs yet, then just give it some time, I’m sure you’ll come around. We’ll be waiting…

5 Signs That You’ve Become a True Home Theater Enthusiast

While human beings have long since enjoyed the luxury of getting to prance around as Star Wars Stormtroopers, Sith Lords, and Jedi Knights during Sci-Fi conventions, Halloween, and casual Fridays, for years man’s best friend has been unjustly ignored. Thankfully, this gross oversight has finally been rectified!

Costume Craze has a new batch of Star Wars inspired dog costumes. Joining the already available Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and Yoda get-ups, the upcoming assortment features Bantha, Dewback, Tauntaun, and AT-AT options. Whether your pet aligns itself with the Sith or Jedi, these Star Wars costumes prove that there’s really only one side of the Force that matters: the adorable one.

Classic Jedi Robe for Dogs

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Star Wars R2-D2 Costume

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Star Wars Bantha Costume

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Dewback Costume

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Ewok Costume

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AT-AT Costume

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Princess Leia Costume

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Darth Vader Costume

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Yoda Costume

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Four-legged Fanboys Rejoice! 9 Star Wars Halloween Costumes for Dogs

Rejoice, fellow gamers. Thanks to French blogger Guiz de Pessemier, we can finally watch Donkey Kong being played the way it was always meant to played… as an intricate frame-by-frame stop-motion reenactment!

Using custom made pixel art constructed out of Perler beads, the dedicated Kong-thusiast recreated all the original 8-bit characters and backgrounds. He then painstakingly animated three levels from the game with such flawless precision that you’d think he must have been wearing a Power Glove while doing so. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself!

I’ve seen impressive high scores and speed runs and perfect games before, but even the likes of Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell, and that creepy little kid from The Wizard can’t compete with this. No, I think it’s safe to say Guiz is the real “King of Kong” now.

And it turns out, he doesn’t just stop there.

As an added bonus, here’s some Final Fantasy stop-motion for your viewing pleasure as well. Watching characters politely taking turns to attack their enemy has never been more exciting!

And be sure to check out Guiz’s website and YouTube channel for more cool video game related videos, news, and reviews. I can’t wait to see what 8-bit classic he tackles next. My suggestion: the NES version of Hudson Hawk. Why? Because, somehow, that’s a thing that exists.

Out of Quarters? Watch this Amazing Stop Motion Version of the Original Donkey Kong

Though most famous for playing everybody’s favorite feral mutant, Wolverine, Hugh Jackman is also a Tony award winning Broadway performer. In other words, just as Andy Samberg and SNL have so amusingly revealed, he’s the best of both worlds — able to sing, dance, and mercilessly slash his enemies to pieces. While each side of Jackman has had its fair share of success, the two have never truly shared the spotlight together… until now. Watch as worlds collide in Wolverine: The Musical!

The YouTube short by “Glove and Boots” offers a lovingly hilarious parody of Broadway classics starring a puppet version of Wolverine. It’s like Les Miserables, but with felt… and claws! (And mercifully less Russell Crowe.) Yes, we’ve all seen the character kick ass on the big screen, but have you ever heard him longingly reminisce about his time in Alpha Flight through the gift of song? Did I mention that the video also features a cameo from The Hulk and a chorus of singing Multiple Men? How have you not clicked play already?!

I don’t know about you, but I’m now even more pumped for James Mangold’s The Wolverine — though, I’ll be mightily disappointed if Logan and the Silver Samurai don’t share a duet. I mean, their chemistry together in the trailer was palpable. I can’t be the only one who noticed that, can I?

Forget that Big Budget Hollywood Sequel, Wolverine: The Musical is Here!

With San Diego Comic-Con just around the corner (seems like it comes around faster every year!), comic books and graphic novels are now on everyone’s mind. To help gear up for the big event, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at some of the four-colored medium’s greatest achievements, chronicling ten of the most essential graphic novels and trade paperbacks (in no particular order).

These ten graphic novels are not only ideal gift ideas for any veteran comic book lover, but also equally enticing gateway gifts for those just starting their love affair with comics. As some of the best stories the art form has to offer, they prove that in addition to “BAMS!” and “POWS!”, the so called funny pages can also pack a super-powered literary punch.

1. Watchmen ($15, Amazon)

More than just the source material for that flashy Zach Snyder movie with that tall blue naked guy, Alan Moore’s Watchmen is an endlessly praised, brilliant deconstructionist work that still stands tall (and blue and naked) as one of the medium’s true masterpieces. Even beyond its groundbreaking reinvention of superhero storytelling, like Citizen Kane is to cinema, the book is essentially an encyclopedia of everything comics are capable of. And beneath all that artistic depth, is just a genuinely engaging superhero mystery full of fascinating characters — including some who actually do wear clothes.

2. Marvels ($22, Amazon)

A nostalgic trip through Marvel Comic’s golden and silver ages as seen through the eyes of a Regular Joe, Kurt Busiek’s Marvels is a stirring love letter to superhero wonder. Tracing several classic milestones throughout the company’s history, including the arrival of Galactus and the death of Gwen Stacy, the limited series offers a new perspective on the larger-than-life events — revealing the simultaneous fear, uncertainty, and awe of the everyman, as he is gradually surrounded by giants… in spandex. Featuring beautiful painted artwork by Alex Ross, the book is a perfect introduction to Marvel’s rich universe of characters.

3. Preacher ($14, Amazon)

From writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon, this 66 issue series (collected in 9 trade paperbacks) is an irreverent explosion of pure comic book awesomeness. Subversive, controversial, blasphemous, disturbing, sexy, hilarious, and a whole lot of fun, the book is one of the medium’s most provocative works. Through the story of a Texas preacher possessed by a supernatural entity, Ennis creates a contemporary western like no other. While some might not take kindly to the series’ treatment of religious ideas, beneath all the defiant content is a genuinely affecting story about loyalty and friendship. Well, loyalty and friendship and drug addicted vampires, killer saints, absentee deities, and an imaginary apparition of John Wayne. Like I said, pure comic book awesomeness.

4. The Dark Knight Returns ($13, Amazon)

Frank Miller’s dark and violent reinvention of the Batman mythos is a truly defining piece of superhero fiction, tackling similar deconstructionist themes and subject matter as Watchmen, but this time with one of the industry’s most iconic characters. Highly influential, Miller’s decidedly grown up take on the Dark Knight has gone on to inform every subsequent version of the Caped Crusader. Also, the book finally answers that age old geek question: who would win in a fight, Batman or Superman?

5. Blankets ($20, Amazon)

Though this list is more geared toward superheroes and genre work, that’s far from all the medium has to offer. Blankets represents sensitive, honest, deeply personal storytelling at its best. Writer Craig Thompson’s autobiographical illustrated novel recounts the author’s coming of age into adulthood, chronicling family conflicts, religious crisis, first love, and dwindling faith. Delicate, raw, and graceful, the book proves to be universally relatable and emotionally resonant, revealing all the bittersweet pangs of youth. In other words, this is likely to make grown men cry.

6. Saga of the Swamp Thing ($16, Amazon)

Alan Moore’s legendary run on Swamp Thing (now collected in 6 trade paperbacks) brought new life into the fading monster and helped pave the way for DC’s Vertigo line of adult targeted comics. By reinventing a key component of the character’s origin, Moore added new layers of intrigue to the story, creating a gothic horror setting that would grow increasingly ambitious in scope as the series continued. Spine tingling and full of aching pathos for its tormented protagonist, the book features many techniques that Moore would later refine in works like Watchmen. But above all, Swamp Thing deserves a spot on this list for the sheer fact that it somehow turns a walking, talking mass of vegetables into a compelling and intimidating hero. The Jolly Green Giant, this is not.

7. Daredevil: Born Again ($15, Amazon)

Much like he did with Batman, Frank Miller also had a large hand in defining Marvel’s famous blind superhero. After a much celebrated stint on the book throughout the early 80s, Miller returned to the character in full force with this storyline, crafting one of the series’ most acclaimed arcs. When the villainous Kingpin discovers Daredevil’s true identity, he systematically attempts to destroy the hero’s life. Taken to new lows, Matt Murdoch is stripped of everything, leaving only a “man without fear.” Though most famous for Sin City and his Dark Knight Tales, this actually remains my favorite work from Miller as a writer — besides his cinematic classics RoboCop 3 and The Spirit, of course. 

8. The Sandman ($14, Amazon)

When people scoff at the notion that comic books can be viable pieces of literature, one of the first works I always point to is Neil Gaiman’s Sandman. First published in 75 issues (now collected in 10 trade paperbacks), the sprawling dark fantasy tale about the trials and tribulations of the lord of dreams features an endlessly rich tapestry of ideas — blending fables, history, and religion into a cohesive, all-encompassing mythology. Filled with lyrical beauty, Gaiman weaves an epic and intimate story about stories, celebrating the art of narrative through wonder, horror, and the most infectiously irresistible personification of death in all of fiction.

9. The Compleat Moonshadow (around $37, Amazon)

Though relatively obscure compared to many of the other titles on this list, J. M. DeMatteis’ bittersweet science fiction coming of age story is an incredible artistic achievement that deserves much more attention than it gets. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Jon J. Muth, Kent Williams, and George Pratt, the series offers a hauntingly affecting examination of adolescence and growth set amidst an appropriately bizarre sci-fi/fantasy backdrop. Tearfully melancholic, potently funny, and utterly heartbreaking, it just might be my favorite comic of all time. While the book sadly appears to be out of print, this is one title that’s definitely worth hunting down.

10. Maus ($13, Amazon)

Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize winning Maus has become the quintessential example of graphic storytelling as art, and for very good reason. A powerful recount of the author’s father’s experiences in the Holocaust, the comic examines unspeakable horrors with powerful insight and deceptively simple allegory, representing Jews as mice and Nazis as cats. A story about hardship and trauma, and fathers and sons, the book continues to be an enlightening and utterly devastating illustrated memoir, revealing the limitless versatility of the comic book medium to tell stories of all kinds, creating a world where Maus can sit comfortably on a shelf right next to a collected edition of Howard the Duck.

10 Essential Graphic Novels Worth Reading This Week

Want to see the quickest and coolest way to get carpal tunnel syndrome without button mashing? Of course you do.

In his stop motion animated short, Maker vs Marker, artist Jonny Lawrence has pitted his Street Fighter inspired drawing against the only opponent that stands a chance: his own hand.

Also taking inspiration from Dragon Ball Z and Super Smash Bros., the video features a full on battle of creator versus creation, complete with punches, kicks, special moves and hadoukens!

But will unusually nimble dexterity be enough to overcome the deadly doodle? Find out for yourself below…

It may be less than two minutes long, but it’s still easily better than either Hollywood Street Fighter flick, proving that even disembodied hands have more charisma and acting prowess than poor Chris Klein.

Be sure to check out Jonny Lawrence’s website for more animated shorts and illustrations from the talented artist. Maybe the next round will feature a new challenger. My suggestion: his foot. After all, even an animated black belt is no match for the mighty big toe!

An Animated Warrior Takes on his Creator in Street Fighter Inspired Short

Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the tiny plastic starship Enterprise. Its 1-day mission: to explore the farthest reaches of our atmosphere, to hover about awkwardly while attached to a big balloon, to boldly go where no geek has gone before! Beating Archer, Pike, and Kirk to the punch, Steve Schnier has officially become the first man to guide Star Trek’s USS Enterprise into space. Sure, it may only have been a model of the legendary starship, but I’m still mightily impressed.

Schnier was looking at his Star Trek Limited Edition USS Enterprise Packaging Blu-ray about six months ago when the thought hit him, “This would look REALLY cool in space.” Using a  weather balloon and carefully mounted GoPro cameras, the intrepid adventurer launched his Enterprise on April 28th, recording every second of the voyage. “The little spacecraft that could” reached 95,568 feet and traveled at a top speed of 63 knots. Hmm, I wonder how many warp factors that is. You can check out the amazing footage for yourself below (complete with obligatory lens flare), but be warned, it might cause sudden fits of childlike wonder. And be sure to visit Schnier’s blog for more details on how he made his geeky dream a reality.

Now that Schnier’s model has technically become the first USS Enterprise starship to fly in space — effectively rewriting the entire Star Trek canon — has he inadvertently created yet another new timeline? Will we now be treated to revisionist adventures of a miniature Kirk and Spock? Well, I think I speak for all Trekkies when I say… bring it on!

The USS Enterprise Launches into Space… Sort of

Sure, we’ve all heard of short films, but how about a microscopic one? Using individual carbon monoxide molecules, the geniuses at IBM have made the first atom-ic movie and despite all the heady scientific implications… it’s adorable!

Though the team’s primary research uses atoms to explore more efficient forms of computation and data storage, the group channeled their inner Spielberg to help demonstrate their work to the masses. By moving isolated molecules frame by frame through a device called a scanning tunneling microscope, the scientists-turned-filmmakers captured atom images at one hundred million times their size. While carbon monoxide molecules were used to create the film, only the oxygen atoms are visible in the finished shots. The result?  A piece of stop motion animation like no other.

Comprised of 242 animated frames and running about a minute long, A Boy And His Atom chronicles the age old tale of boy meets atom, boy falls in love with atom, and boy jumps on atom like a trampoline. Like I said, a classic story. And while IBM might not be ready to give Pixar a true run for their money, the sheer technical feat here is mightily impressive and the animation rather charming. But please, don’t just take my word for it. Check out the full movie below!

How long do you think it will take before Disney co-opts the technology, re-brands the oxygen atom as “Molly the Molecule” and casts Selena Gomez as the voice? My guess: calls are already being made.

For more information about the the film’s incredible production, check out the “making of” featurette:

Of course, the IBM researchers didn’t stop there. No, sir. If you’d just pioneered the absolute geekiest way to create images, then there’s really only one place left to explore: The Final Frontier.

That’s right, the team also used the same technology to create several images for an upcoming mobile app set to coincide with the release of Star Trek Into Darkness —  proving that, as far as I’m concerned, the world’s top minds clearly have their priorities straight.

IBM Creates the World’s Tiniest Movie Using Atoms

Precious gems might be flashy and pricey, but any true geek knows that there’s nothing more valuable than a Corellian smuggler frozen in carbonite. And now thanks to Jess Firsoff’s “Oh My Geekness” collection, you can wear one around your neck!

Available for purchase at Etsy, the assortment includes a variety of video game- and movie-inspired jewelry, offering stylish accessories based on Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Wars, Back to the Future and more. With rings, necklaces, earrings, and even cuff links accounted for, just about every human appendage can now be transformed into a showcase of geek pride. Check out some of my favorites below; be sure to click the above link to browse through the entire “Oh My Geekness” selection.

The Legend of Zelda Heart Container Earrings

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a pair of hard-earned heart containers!

Flux Capacitor Cuff links

Not only do they make time travel possible, but they also hold your sleeves together!

Super Mario Mushroom Necklace

Warning: Ingesting this will not grant you an extra life.

Triforce Rings

Who needs diamonds when you can have the legendary sacred relic of Hyrule?!

Millennium Falcon Earrings

Now your ears will be able to make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs!

The Legend of Zelda Cartridge Ring

The only kind of gold that matters.

Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite Necklace

There’s nothing sexier than wearing the galaxy’s most sought-after smuggler around your neck, and you’re guaranteed to become the envy of all your bounty hunter friends!

Geek Bling Reaches New Heights with ‘Oh My Geekness’ collection