1,000 post contest: win an Xbox 360 Universal Remote
By Kevin C. Tofel 
posted Nov 14th 2005 1:53PM
posted Nov 14th 2005 1:53PM
Wow, can you believe we're at our 1,000th post with this very one?
If memory serves, we started this very "niche" blog back on June 25th
of this year. In less than 5 short months we're celebrating post 1,000,
so why not join in the party with a little contest? We don't have an HDTV set to give you, but we'll see what we can do on a future milestone. Since everyone seems to have Xbox 360 and HDTV fever, how about we give you a shot at the new Harmony 360 Universal Remote that was just announced today? The new remote will retail for $129 when it hits the streets at the end of this month. Right out of the box you can control your Xbox 360 and add another 12 IR-controlled devices via your PC. Sweet! All of the juicy deets are after the jump...
So here's what you great HD Beat readers have to do. Create one (and only one) comment to this post. In your comment:
- Pick your favorite one of the previous 999 posts we have
- Paste the URL of the post in your comment
- Tell us why it's your favorite
- Be sure to fill out your e-mail address in the comment form; we can't give you something if we don't know how to reach you!
There's a nice benefit to this for everyone who participates as you'll get a chance to see some great posts you might have missed! We'll take entries for the next two weeks, so you have until midnight on November 28th to post your one comment. Duplicate entries aren't allowed, so if we see 'em, you're out! We'll pick one random entry and award the remote as soon as we can after the contest closes, but hey, it wouldn't hurt to make your comment as compelling as possible.
Thank you for your support, comments and feedback over the first 1,000 posts. Our team is most appreciative that you're will to spend a few minutes every day with us. OK, enough of the "campfire Kumbaya" stuff: go find your favorite post and get those comments going!
My favorite post to date is the recent one on the Xbox360 HDTV guide
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
I say its my favorite because it explains a lot of things I wanted to know about HDTVs in one post and it's helped me decide to wait and see if my small standard definition TV is good enough for the Xbox360 for now until I can save enough money for a nicer and bigger HDTV sometime next year
PICK ME TO WIN..lol
I'd have to say that the "My Name is Earl" in HD ROCKS post is my favorite for a couple of reasons:
1. I love the fact that they're placing Easter Eggs in shows for HD viewers
2. It was the first post that I read on HD Beat (and I've been hooked ever since).
OK, I know that 2nd one sounds like I was sucking up. And, even though sucking up shouldn't play a factor in a random drawing, I figure it can't hurt.
"Don't make these HDTV mistakes"
http://ww2.abc11tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4091404
This was definately my favorite post, as it helped me greatly in choosing my HDTV. I probably would be kicking myself right now because I probably would have gotten a much worse TV for my money. Thanks a lot, you guys rock.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
The HDTV Buying Guide: Xbox 360 Edition helped me narrow down my choices and pull the trigger on my new Xbox 360-ready HDTV.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/04/diy-windows-media-center/
This post regarding a build of a Media Center PC had perfect timing for me since I was doing exactly that. Now I got the MPC in my daugther's room recording almost everything on Disney and Cartoon Network.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/17/102-inch-samsung-plasma-pic/
The 102" plasma one definitely because whats cooler than a 102" hdtv?
My favorite post was your Xbox 360 HDTV Buyer's guide (http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/). This was an excellent piece, so much so that I had to link to it in my Xbox 360 Uber-Post on my own blog.
My wife and I have been planning to make the jump for a while now, and this post gave us enough information to make the plunge. Of course, it helps that my 30th birthday is coming up. But even more useful than the post was some of the comments, with the recommendation of the Westinghouse 37" LCD, which can do 1080p at a ridiculously low price. The Xbox 360 might not look it's absolute best, but it'll make a great complement for my HTPC.
Thanks, HD Beat!
There have been so many great post, it's hard to pick just one. So, I go with my favorite most recent post:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
This is my favorite most recent post because I love your humor and wit. I always get a laugh out of reading your posts. And I also appreciate and enjoy how informative your posts are. This post is just great information!
Thank you for your dedication and keep up the great work!
Favorite was confirmation of Halo's in High def.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/10/halo-2-on-the-xbox-360-now-in-720p-w-aa/
We love to play Halo 2 and the rumors of it being in High Def on the 360 were confirmed here. Can't wait to try it out. (The "My Name is Earl" Easter Egg is a close second since it is what brought me to this site)
Keep up the good work...
My favorite post was:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
I'm a college student and the post really showed me that its possible to buy a HDTV without having to spend a gazillion bucks on it.
Random??? Sure hope so. No witty comments here. Just appreciation.
HDTV calibration on the cheap
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/07/29/hdtv-calibration-done-dirt-cheap/
This really helped clear the cloudiness after my first HDTV purchase. All of the "true" calibration DVDs and techniques were way over my head. Thanks!
This post made me smile:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/08/15/crts-not-quite-dead-yet/
because it vindicated my unwavering support for CRTs.
I'm certainly no fanboy, and I an willing and hopeful of being convinced otherwise, but I am yet to see an _affordable_ LCD/Plasma/whatever to rival a quality CRT.
Now that manufacturers have begun to concentrate on CRTs again, I can't wait for the next generation of tube TVs to come along. What with their superior dot pitch, matchless colour and contrast flexibility, increased viewing angle, the ease with which higher resolutions can be achieved, almost maintenance-free ownership and much, much better affordability, I have no doubt that they will kick the abovementioned young pretenders' butts! (Well, maybe not, but stranger things have happened.)
Not that I have anything against LCDs, you understand, but I really love my Samsung SlimFit, and it only cost me £650! Can't wait to plug my Xbox 360 into it in approximately 17 days, 13 hours, 59 minutes and 24 seconds (yes, the UK has to wait...again).
(All that said, I am fully prepared to reign my neck in when OLED HD screens become available and if they don't cost the earth. Epson's recent 40-inch OLED HDTV is quite something to behold! Everone _must_ see this TV in real life. Dazzling.)
XBOX360 720p Game Trailers
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/25/720p-xbox-360-trailers
A Microsoft MVP contacted HD Beat and finally made it clear that hi-def downloads of XBOX360 game trailers ARE available. Sheesh. I mean, we would have thought they would be in the XBOX.com website?
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/15/hd-beat-review-sony-kds-r50xbr1/
This is (one of) your reviews of the Sony 50" XBR (KDSR50XBR1). I had been toying with the idea of buying an HDTV for a while, but this review sent me over the edge. I used this review as the major piece of research for what is for me, a HUGE purchase. If that's not a testament to a great post I don't know what is!
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/14/project-gothem/
While I have been a fan of PGR, I was wondering if I would buy this off the start, wait for Test Drive:Unlimited, or other games that will be true HD for my Xbox 360. Honestly your posts have helped me prepare for the wonderful journey to 360.
I don't know if this qualifies, but I would have to say that the "what's on HDTV today" daily post which I have come to rely on a daily basis to see what to record each night.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/13/nov-13-whats-on-hdtv-today/
Hope I win - I have been trying to talk the wife into a Harmony remote but I lost that battle when I convinced her to let me get the 360. This would be the best of both worlds!
My favorite post is probably the HDBeat Sony SXRD review:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/15/hd-beat-review-sony-kds-r50xbr1/
I'm planning on getting a new HD set soon and it's nice to have a TV that I can trust is top of the line in its segment.
I want a large set but for a reasonable price, and I figured that DLP/LCOS is the way for me to go, but I've always heard that you are giving up some picture quality.
I can now feel comfortable with my choices when these kinds of reviews are posted. I hope more are to come.
Brian
I chose this one because I love my NHL in HD and HDNet does very well on there broadcasting of the sport.
So with that said, we have to have more HD NHL out here in the wild and fast!
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/09/20/nhl-schedule-on-hdnet-announced/
As I have a limited spending options at this time, my favorite posts are those that highlight falling prices, like the 37" Westinghouse for under $2000.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/10/sub-2k-1080p-set-reviewed-by-pc-mag/
Keep those low prices coming!
Jay
My vote is also for the "My Name is Earl" HD spot. I found it quite amuzing.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/04/my-name-is-earl-in-hd-rocks/
My favorite post was the announcement that all Xbox 1 titles that are backwards compatible with the 360 would be displayed in 720p/1080i.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/11/xbox-360-backwards-compatibility/
This is my favorite post because I was anticipating Halo 1 and 2 would be in HD, but not EVERY backwards compatible Xbox 1 title. I'm really going to enjoy re-playing some of my old Xbox 1 favorites on the 360.
Develitate@Gmail.com
My favorite post was Top ten celebs in high-def:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/09/29/top-10-celebs-in-high-def/
Why? Jessica Alba, of course! ;)
Seriously though, I liked that one because it becomes obvious in the comments section how willing people who visit the site are when it comes to helping others with their questions. That's always great to see in any community.
I came to this site after my fianc?old me that if I want to buy a HD TV I was going to have to figure out what the specs mean so we get a good one. By the time I read this post I had already found most of the info I needed, and had learned enough to be annoyed by the misleading hype. This post seemed to summarize a lot of my feelings on the matter.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/06/truth-in-hdtv-advertising/
What made the post even better where the comments. The readers of HD Beat really stepped up and got an informative dialog with a very good summery of what a HD TV is good for.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
I want my XBOX 360 and an HDTV... money is an issue though. Maybe if you put a post about how to get a deal on an HDTV...
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/14/poll-results-on-xbox-360-purchase-plans/ was a very intesting post. I was really beginning to think I was behind the times because I didn't have a WMC PC. Looks like I'm in good company. I don't have an HD TV as part of my main entertainment setup, but I'm on the watch for a good 32" LCD. I do have a 20" LCD in my bedroom that I may have to hook the 360 up to just to see the difference in the games. Great contest and site guys. Keep it up.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
I loved this post because I was not thinking of getting HDTV intill the 360, and I'm one of those ppl that like to know what he is buying for his money. So with this information I'm able to go to my local electronic shop and make them look like fools while they try and give me the best and expencive HDTV they have and find a good medium that fits my buget. thanks HDBeat
This is too easy:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/09/28/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-kind/
Yes, there's probably a hundreds of these articles floating on the net...but the beauty lies in the fact that this one is so utterly simply and straightforward.
Added linkage to examples equals instant win!
My favorite post-
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
This current post is my favorite (although my favorite post changes from one day to the next). I guess it is my favorite because it hits close to home- I want a HDTV, and I want an XBOX 360... the challenge is being able to afford both :)
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/03/home-theater-reviewed-infocus-777/
Because I wish I could have one... Oh god life would be beautiful with one of those bad boys in here!
HD on the go? Woot!
I think my favorite post would also have to be the "HDTV Buying Guide: Xbox 360 Edition". I guess this seems to be the popular answer here, but this article is/was really helpful.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition
Almost as soon as the 360 was available for preorder from my local stores, I ran out and preordered it. And I knew that if I wanted the full experience, I would need to invest in a HD set.
Being that I'm a college student with a dwindling budget, I figured this would be an impossibility. However, once I saw the article, I realized that it may actually be possible for me to get one. I've since began saving up, and am looking at a few of the low end models.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/05/hd-beat-poll-are-you-buying-an-xbox-360/
It's my favorite because I made a fairly snide comment about why nobody is giving the "360 + WMC" combo any love, only to discover that you can't stream video using WMC. Between this post and a series about this post on Joystiq, I made myself look like a bit of an ass!
Wow, I don't think I remember a post with this many comments before.
Then again, I can't really remember what I had for dinner last nite... ;p
My favorite post is about the world's largest HDTV. Here's the post: http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/08/worlds-largest-and-by-a-lot-high-def-screen/
How do you get better than a HD picture thats 50 feet high by 137 feet across. Everyone loves the biggest and best. I am waiting for Best Buy or Circuit City to get one in stock before I order one. I mean the reviews have been decent, but I won't order something sight unseen...thats just silly. Man its going to be awesome playing XBOX 360 on this bad boy. Master Chief is going to be like 40 feet tall!
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
This post was very informative and helped me with my HD TV search. Keep up the good work guys!
kubla5000@gmail.com
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/nov-12-whats-on-hdtv-today/
This is one of my favorites simply because it shows some support for my alma-mater.
In my eyes the best post has been My Name is Earl Rocks in HD. This was great because a great site talks about a great show on a great setup. Thank you guys for bringing the ordnairy public up to a higher standrd of living. You guys rock!
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/04/my-name-is-earl-in-hd-rocks/
My favorite post was the story on HP asking the BDA to add managed copy and iHD: http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/19/newsbreak-hp-formally-asks-blu-ray-group-to-add-managed-copy/
I've been totally bummed out about the XBox360 supporting HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray is clearly the superior technology. This article shows that with a little nudge, the Blu-Ray camp can win over the movie studios and be the dominant format. I don't want a long drawn-out format war.
waldeniv@hotmail.com
The Xbox 360 HDTV Guide did it for me.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
Kind of made me think that I didn't really NEED an HDTV right away, which made me decide to save on a few HDTVs that were 'the one' that everyone needed. I was also more influenced that I don't need an LCD or Plasma screen, because the more I thought about it, as long as the picture is great, it doesn't matter what the size is.
My favorite *series* of posts is the "What's on HD today" - http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/14/nov-14-whats-on-hdtv-today/
It's a single post where I can decide which shows to watch. Thanks HDBeat!
My favorite post is the one on the XBOX360 HDTV buying guide. The reason behind it is because I was really interested in buying A 360 and I was also hoping I didnt need to spend all the money buying a HDTV. The post ws really helpfull and now I have no worries.
My favorite post is the one on the XBOX360 HDTV buying guide.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
The reason behind it is because I was really interested in buying A 360 and I was also hoping I didnt need to spend all the money buying a HDTV. The post ws really helpfull and now I have no worries.
I posted before but forgot to post the URL
I would have to say that this is my favorite post:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition/
This was the first post that I had read because I wanted to try and find out what I would be missing because my 3 year old samsung does not present in 720p. I was so impressed that I have been coming back for the last two days. Thanks and keep up the good work.
For me, the most helpful post has been the hdtv buying guide. I am going to get an xbox 360 and I want to get the fullest experience from it. the thing is, I don't know jack about hdtv's, but I now have a pretty good idea of what to look for. Thanks.
My favorite is this one, about the frivolous government spending on plasmas:
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/09/become-a-representative-and-get-a-plasma/
I just really like it because it made be laugh. And because it shows just how frivolous government representatives can be... With our tax money, no less. You know, the more that I think about it the more I think it isn't so funny...
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/07/25/brighten-up-your-front-projector-hdtv/
Nothing special about the article, but this was the first one I read when I first found this site.
My favorite is "The ultimate home theater PC? The one you build of course"
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/10/03/the-ultimate-home-theater-pc-the-one-you-build-of-course/
I like it because I would love to see a slim home theater pc with great features like hd dvr and store some music etc.
HDTV calibration on the cheap
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/07/29/hdtv-calibration-done-dirt-cheap/
Hey extra money is hard to come by (at least for most people) and after spending my leftover college money on ummm something educational like an Xbox 360 Ultimate Bundle from EBgames .... I didn’t have any money left to make sure my HDTV has the best picture .... So what do I do? Follow a great article and do it myself. Nuf Said
Become a US Rep. and get a plasma?
by Matt Burns
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/09/become-a-representative-and-get-a-plasma/
Mostly because he is very down to earth about the expenditures. It is very true that many offices have flat panels, heck we have 2 or 3 in our office...and now I know I have something too look forward to when I win my election running for State Representative...when I run in 7 years!!! Ya, ya, that's the TICKET!!!
My favorite is the first, for which all others follow.
http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/06/10/some-tvs-to-get-digital-tuners-sooner/
Also, whats with the article I linked being from the 10th when the article above states the 25th?
My favorite post is also the most relevant to my current situation: the HDTV Buying Guide XBox 360 edition (http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/11/12/hdtv-buying-guide-xbox-360-edition), simply because I've been wanting to get an HDTV for a while. Fortunately, the prices keep dropping and the quality keeps improving, but then there's just too many choices. This post breaks it into budget ranges and even gives some model recommendations, which I always appreciate.