Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I've found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I'm also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I'm hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I'll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I'd like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!"
Why only one CableCard tuner Ben? Are you going to grab a 360 to use as an extender? The 360 is still loud, but I feel that unless you're really listening for it or watching something with a lot of quiet parts you're not going to notice. As far as the processor inside the 360 goes it's 65nm now with a 90nm GPU.
Don't worry, it'll work. It'll take all day, but it'll work.
FIOS' HD lineup *is* not great right now but at least we know that by fall we should be having large smiles on our faces and laughing at everyone else (Read: Comcast customers) because our HD won't be touched by Mr. Bandwidth-Saver with most every other carrier. But yeah, the billing department doesn't know left from right.
As far as your podcast volume is concerned have you guys tried using Soundforge? If you use the Wave Hammer or iZotope Multiband Compressor you should be able to get some good volume. It's much better than hitting "normalize."
My name is pronounced "E-Echo" by the way. Steve, you're asian I don't know how you got this one wrong. I would've totally given a pass to Ben though haha.
Only 10% of my programming is on cable -- except during football season -- and the content that is on Cable is repeated alot, so if there is a conflict at 9pm, then I can just catch it when it's on in 3 hours. I'll have 2 ATSC tuners from my HDHomeRun and I might add a third integrated ATSC tuner or another HDHomeRun.
The 360 is too loud to watch movies or TV on, period. Also, the 360 has IR issues with repeaters which I use. So the extenders with their slower performance is a better option for me. As for games, I might play 10 hours a year, which isn't worth $400 to me. If I was going to get a console for games, I'd get a PS3, as my favorite game is Gran Tourismo and only available on the PS3.
Haha, thanks for the tips and the pronunciation of your name.