del.icio.us
A little off-topic here. We'll get back to regularly scheduled programming with news of the new HTC WM6 device...

We bought an Insignia-branded high-definition HD LCD TV from Best Buy and couldn't locate the proper remote code for use with the big button Sony RM-EZ2 universal remote control. After trying the following:

Samsung 026, 012, 013, 003, 055
Toshiba 060, 019, 014, 052, 059, 075
LG 003, 013, 012, 030, 046, 050, 051, 049
Zenith 009, 010

We had read a few websites that gave out 4-digit codes and those who claimed that the Insignia TV was made by the above manufacturers. Well, we still don't know who makes them, but here's the code: 042. Thank goodness it wasn't 099. We still had to sit through and try each code starting from 001. The only problem with the TV is the lag time between remote entries.

Here are the instructions from Sony on how to program the little remote.

1. Turn on the component to be programmed.
2. On the remote control, press and hold the SET button.
3. While holding the SET button, press and release the POWER button
4. Release the SET button.
5. Press the appropriate component button for the component being set up.
6. Using the number pad, enter the component's manufacturer code.

NOTE: If more than one code number is listed for the manufacturer, repeat the procedure, entering one code at a time until you find one that works.
7. Press the ENT button.
8. Point the remote control at the component.
9. Press the POWER button to verify operation.

As for the TV. It's a great bargain and has an integrated tuner. It's a flat panel TV that lets you hook up your computer via the DB15 port VGA and stuff through its two HDMI ports (on the 32" model).

From the Best Buy website:

* Built-in HDTV tuner for free over-the-air reception of HDTV signals
* Crystal-clear 720p resolution, with support for all HDTV broadcast formats
* Comprehensive analog and digital connectivity (including HDMI and PC video) for compatibility with a wide variety of sources
* SRS TruSurround processing for a convincing surround-sound experience with no additional equipment

They make plasma and LCD models. We bought the 32" LCD model: Model: NS-LCD32 SKU: 8274379

Here are the LCD models available:

InsigniaŽ - 15" 720p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD15 SKU: 8205417

InsigniaŽ - 42" 1080p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD42HD SKU: 8463076

InsigniaŽ - 19" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD19 SKU: 8205435

InsigniaŽ - 37" 720p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD37 SKU: 8274672

InsigniaŽ - 32" 720p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD32 SKU: 8274379

InsigniaŽ - 26" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD26 SKU: 8205818

InsigniaŽ - 22" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Model: NS-LCD22 SKU: 8205854

InsigniaŽ - 19" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV/DVD Combo
Model: NS-LTDVD19 SKU: 8398405

InsigniaŽ - 26" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV/DVD Combo
Model: NS-LTDVD26 SKU: 8205872

And the Plasma models available:

InsigniaŽ - 42" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV
Model: NS-PDP42 SKU: 8453648

InsigniaŽ - 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV
Model: NS-PDP50 SKU: 8454996

del.icio.us
So, once you've switched over to Cingular with your T-Mobile MDA, you realize that you've been branded.

With a little strong solvent like acetone, you can easily remove the T-Mobile logo that imprinted onto the front of the phone. Once you've done that you need to change the splash screen. To do that you'll need to flash the phone (yet again) with Cingular's updated ROM.

But, if what you really want to do is to get online browsing websites from your MDA on the Cingular network, you'll need to change the settings:

Start -> Settings
Click the Connections tab
Click the Connections icon
Click the Add a new modem connection link
Enter any name for the connection (Default is "My Connection") like CingularGPRS
Under the "Select a modem" drop-down menu, select "Cellular Line (GPRS)"
Click Next
Under "Access point name:" enter "wap.cingular"
Under "User name:" enter "WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM" (Case sensitive?)
Under "Password:" enter "cingular1" (Case sensitive?)
Leave the "Domain:" section blank
Click the "Advanced" button and make sure you have "Use server-assigned IP address"
Click "Finish"

Voila! Now you'll note that either "G" or "E" will be present. Browse away!

Oh yeah, and if you're confused by Cingular's pricing and "bundles", don't worry, so are we. Start with the MEdia Net basic package and go from there. As for the PDA Connect service, what does it do?

Take a look at Cingular's menu:

Data
Media Net
MEdia Net 1 mb $4.99

Data Connect for PDAs
PDA Connect Unlimited $39.99

Smart Phone Connect
Smartphone Connect Unlimited $19.99
Smartphone Connect 5MB $9.99

Messaging Packages
Messaging Unlimited $19.99
Messaging Starter+Unlimited M2M Messages $9.99
Messaging Starter $4.99

Media Bundles
MEdia Max Unlimited $39.99
MEdia Max 1500+Unlimited M2M Messages $34.99
MEdia Max 1500 Bundle $29.99
MEdia Max 200 + Unlimited M2M Messages $24.99
MEdia Works 1500+Unlimited M2M Messages $19.99
MEdia Max 200 Bundle $19.99
MEdia Works 1500 Bundle $14.99
MEdia Basic + Unlimited M2M Messages $14.99
MEDIA BASIC BUNDLE $9.99

Are you even more confused now?