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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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the Plasma models available:

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

Insignia® - 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV
Model: NS-PDP50 SKU: 8454996
]]> General http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=107 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:47:21 -0500 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=106
What do you get for a whopping $599 plus $100/month or so on one of the slowest data networks in the US?

A black phone that looks neat (like the iPod when it was introduced) and that has some whizbang internal gyro sensor that can sense portrait and landscape modes. Oh, yeah.. and entrance into the gates of Jobs' ego-world. You have bragging rights. Hey, it's your money after all.

Now, here's the $64,000 question. Do you really want to watch YouTube videos on a slower-than-molasses network? Probably not. What else is there, really? iPod + phone. You probably already have both. So, what they are in essence doing is merging the two together. But, if you already have an MP3 phone, you have an iPhone. It just doesn't look as cool, right?

It's a funny thing to watch this media frenzy over such a device. Granted, the iPod really did change how things work. But that's mostly a consumer-Apple relationship (you buy an iPod, you rip your music at home, you upload (or buy from iTunes)). Now that a carrier (in this case, AT&T) is put in the mix, things change quite a bit. The carrier is the intermediary in this relationship and that's not so good. Carriers have historically been the beast bullying the consumer around while taking their money. In return, the consumer had little control over what they got. Dropped calls. Spotty service. Regardless, you pay everymonth. And the carriers love it.

With Apple changing the rules of the hardware vendor/carrier relationship, this signals Apple's dependance on its iPod success to dictate terms. Exclusive rights to one carrier? Boo. No hardware subsidies? Boo.

Who will get the iPhone? Those early adopters (but they're not the norm, so we won't count them) and the Apple fanatics. Will the iPhone get the same traction as the iPod? No. Mainly because of the up-front consumer expense and limited carrier choice. Apple boxed themselves in a corner to rot on this deal.

If and only if the hackers figure out the way to hack an unlock so that at least consumers can have some choice to go to T-Mobile (but who would?) can Apple gain some traction. What happens when iPhone Nano appears on the market? Will the original iPhone continue to sell, albeit at a displaced number due to the launch of a new sibling? Will we see those silly MAC/PC commercials making fun of all mobile phones?

Does the world need another whiz-bang phone? Not really. We just need a phone that doesn't crash that delivers on the carriers' promises of "no dropped calls" and "reliable service" so that we don't always ask "can you hear me?". Since it's running on an "Apple OS", we may just solve part of the problem inherent with mobile communications.]]> iPhone http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=106 Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:02:00 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=105
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?]]> MDA / 8125 / 6700 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=105 Thu, 10 May 2007 18:37:41 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=104
That's why, after logging hours with support, customer service, and being promised that they'd "look into the problem", we just fell short of obtaining an attorney to cancel the service without paying the early termination penalty. Well, seing that getting one of those would surely cost more than just paying T-Mo off, we let the 1-year contract come close to expiring before calling them again and saying something to the effect of "hey, you guys suck!".

Off we went to AT&T/Cingular/SBC/PacBell, the other behemoth of a telco. Good news is that the MDA works as it should. Now we're happy.

Did you know that you can still get a 1-year contract? Don't be fooled by everyone, resellers and corporate stores telling you that 2-year contracts are the only option out there. Phooey. It's more than likely that you'd only have success with 1-year contracts at the corporate stores since resellers don't make as much commission on signing up the 1-year contract customers. So, buy a used MDA/8125/8525 (or a refurb) and then get on with AT&T. T-Mo's a lost cause.]]> MDA / 8125 / 6700 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=104 Mon, 7 May 2007 23:04:31 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=103
If you're in San Francisco, you can view the new iPhone and be dazzled by Steve Jobs' dog and pony show where he gave everyone a demonstration of its capabilities.

What we like/dislike/are neutral about (it) are the following:
1. Touch screen, or as they call it the "Multi-touch". As usual, they make it look nice, but really, the hardware is no more than "just" a capacitive touch screen.
2. Widescreen, but more importantly, the higher pixel count. For us present generation HTC devices (MDA, Varios, etc..), the screen res is just 320x240. The iPhone has 320x480. This is quite nice. And you can be sure that Apple will make it look good.
3. Storage capacity. Choose between the 4GB or 8GB models. In keeping with their iPod tradition, they're going this route. What about expandable memory? Not available.
4. Camera. Well, It's our opinion that they should have started off with a 3 Megapixel camera. Instead they started with a 2 MP. Oh well.. This means that the iPhone Nano will only have a VGA camera ;)
5. GSM quadband. Travel around the world and wow your friends! Here in the USA, they've inked a deal with Cingular for a multi-year exclusive contract. According to SFGate.com MacWorld blog: "Cingular CEO Stan Sigman says he agreed to the deal without ever seeing the phone, testimony to how badly carriers want Apple's mojo."Oh boy, let the lovefest begin..
6. Operating system is OSX. We don't care, actually, as long as it isn't slow and doesn't crash.. *Cough*Windows Mobile 5*Cough* It could run on hamsters for all we care..
7. Wi-Fi, EDGE, Bluetooth. Thank god no GPS. Then we'd have mobile dating apps galore. Nothing special here. The older gen phones had this.

Luckily for those who want one, you'll have to practice self-meditative yoga and breathing exercises. It's not even FCC approved yet and is slated for launch in June 2007. Oh yeah, price is $499 and $599 for the 4GB and 8GB models respectively.

Read more at SFGate.com]]> News and Rumors http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=103 Tue, 9 Jan 2007 13:06:45 -0500 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=102
What's seemingly great about this is that they now have a 1.3 megapixel camera (no doubt it'll suck, but hey, at least there is one!), "real" web browsing (this means HTML y'all - no WAP pages and the like). It's a quad-band, looks pretty good, BUT it has the quasi-keyboard akin to the 7105t (from T-Mobile).

Stay tuned for more details...Specs (from the T-Mobile website):

Size: 4.2 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Included battery: Li-Ion
Talk time: Up to 3.5 hours
Standby time: Up to 15 days
Band (frequency): 850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz

Top Phone Features
Messaging
AOL®, Yahoo!®, MSN®, and ICQ® Instant Messenger®*
Text messaging*
Fun
1.3 Megapixel camera
Music player

Communication
E-mail*
Quad-band world phone (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Speakerphone
SureType™ QWERTY Keyboard
Information
Real web browsing*
]]> BlackBerry http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=102 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:44:35 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=101
It's the 2.26.10.2 software upgrade

Messaging & Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0:

-Available for use with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 with SP2.
-Direct Push e mail.
-Contact lookup in the Exchange Server Global Address List.
-Increased enterprise security options for managing and enforcing corporate IT policies over-the-air.

Additional Features:

-Enhanced multi-media features for improved user convenience.
-Reduced network auto rescan delay for shorter waits for network access.
-Stereo Bluetooth® profile for great stereo sound.
-Ringtone preview for confidence in ringtone selection.
-Animated battery charging icon for confidence in charging connection.
-WAP browser with access only the Help and My Account to manage your T-Mobile account directly from device.
-Connect to more Wi-Fi networks for greater freedom in Wi-Fi access.


QUOTED:
Download For: T-Mobile MDA

Download: T-Mobile MDA Software Version (2.26.10.2)

Date Updated: 07/28/06

Size: 55 MB

Notes: To find the Handheld Software version:
From the Today screen, press "Start".
Select "Settings".
Select the "System" tab.
Select the "Device Information" icon.
Check the ROM version. If your device software version is not 2.26.10.2, it is highly recommended that you download and install this software.


Please be aware that installing this update will erase all data stored on the device and will restore the MDA to factory default. Be sure to back up any important files from your MDA to your desktop or a storage card to preserve your data.


UPDATE...

Comparing this ROM (phone1) with the default (phone2), we've noticed some difference in signal acquisition times. While a bit faster (not fast like the Cingular SIM in the MDA method), it's still mind numbingly slooooow. We hate to say this but if you're looking at getting the MDA in hopes that this ROM takes care of the "endless searching" issue, it doesn't. We'll be posting another article on how to perform the ROM upgrade shortly, but in the meantime, what it offers is a nicer control panel for communications (not the three that you see by default) and finally it shows the "E" for edge network connectivity. Is the connection any faster, stronger, better? Probably not.

The biggest deal with the ROM upgrade is push email, really.

The problem is NOT with the MDA, t809 or other phones.. The problem is with T-Mobile's network in some regions (like SFO for example). Are you listening T-Mobile? Oh yeah, no signal... Can't hear a thing ;)]]> MDA / 8125 / 6700 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=101 Thu, 3 Aug 2006 17:11:44 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=100
Live in San Francisco and want to party like it's 1999 (Prince)? Here are some upcoming events (there are also events in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, LA (like, of course!), Miami, New York (New Yaawk!), Palm Beach County (where?), Philadelphia (can someone email us a picture of a Philly cheesesteak sandwhich with their Sidekick camera phone?), Seattle, and Washington D.C.:

August 5, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Loft 11: 316 11th St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.

October 26, 2006: Girls' Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
Nob Hill Masonic Center: 1111 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.

Specs from the T-Mobile website:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Your social lifeline – now in a sleeker, sexier package. The Sidekick 3 lets you stay connected the way you want, when you want. Talk, text, IM, e-mail – it’s up to you. You can even surf the real Internet – not watered-down Web sites. Bring your music with you everywhere thanks to the built-in MP3 player – and capture the action with the 1.3 megapixel camera.

The Sidekick 3 always stands out in a crowd – and you can really make it your own with crystals from NYC Peach.


BASIC INFO:
Size: 5.1 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 7 ounces
Included battery: Lithium Ion
Talk time: up to 4.5 hours
Standby time: up to 3 days


ACCESSORIES:
64MB SD Card
Battery
Charger
Carrying case
Hands-Free Headset
Wrist Strap
USB Cable



FEATURES:
Always have a camera with you to capture those important moments.
Get more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Sidekick rate plan required).
Send and receive e-mail messages on your phone (Sidekick rate plan required).
Copy your favorite MP3s to your phone and take them with you.
Connect your phone to your headset without any wires.
With the built-in keypad, you can type messages easily.
Put down the phone and keep talking with a convenient speakerphone.
Send and receive instant messages with Yahoo!, MSN, or AOL.
Send and receive text messages quickly and easily.
Access your address book, contacts, calendar, and more on your desktop after you synchronize.
Send and receive messages with electronic signature attachments.
Enjoy your down time more with fun games on your phone.
Mini SD slot allows you to add extra memory for photos, files, and more.
Access up to eight of your work and personal e-mail accounts from your T-Mobile phone.
]]> SideKick / Hip-Top http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=100 Wed, 12 Jul 2006 21:18:47 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=99
As luck would have it, timing came into play and AgileMobile launched beta version of their new IM app.

Have a try!

Here's the zipped CAB file (click to download from site)

Here's the EXE file (for ActiveSync installs)]]> Software / Apps http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=99 Sat, 1 Jul 2006 19:39:35 -0400 http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=98
It seems that HTC may be going out on its own with two new handsets - the TyTN and MTeor (yes, the names could use some re-working).

The MTeor is a slim candybar-style smartphone while the TyTN is more tailored to the enterprise crowd (BlackBerry, here we come?) with tri-band UTMS for roaming on the various carriers' networks from GSM to even Wi-Fi.

This looks interesting...]]> News and Rumors http://www.mdahacks.com/index.php?itemid=98 Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:38:27 -0400