I have no problem with the software, have actually found one, free but limited, only 36 pics. allowed, and it re-codes,formats,etc, and plays in our 2 DVD players, however would like one that allows more pics. and also don't know how long, I can use this one before they bug me to pay for full version.. so figured someone here knew of a total free one? this one also erases or formats and writes over a DVD-RW, has very kewl transitions too, seems ashame to burn 15 mins. on a 2 hr. DVD..wish they made shorter length DVD's??

buyorsell888 It is hard to say if the hardware will work for sure with vista. One way to check would be to go to the manufacturer's site for each piece that you have and see if they have drivers for vista. Most things like the hub and speakers work with everything. I do have an option that may work out even better. Have you ever heard of Ubuntu? It is a flavor of Linux that is very powerful and easy to use. It is free and will run rather nice on that hardware that you mentioned. I have set up a dozen people on it and all but one stayed on it. She only left it because her motherboard went bad and bought a new computer. A mac. I included a link to either download and burn a copy or to ask them to send you a free cd. If it is your original hard drive, you may want to go buy another one because that might be at the root of your problem, or it could just be spyware or virus problems. I tried Ubuntu after beta testing vista and have to say that I am happy that I decided not to switch to vista. My camera that wouldn't work with windows unless I downloaded the garbage software works with Linux flawlessly. It is also a good bit faster as well. It comes with a fully compatible word office suite as well. Let me know if you have any more questions. What is there to lose except a little time? If you don't like it, then you can spend the money and buy a new machine. I have to admit that it isn't for everyone. Some people have a need to spend money on things to think that it is a worthy solution. Either way, you have an option if you choose to take a look at it. Good luck with your choice Here is a link that might be useful: alternative solution

You know, years ago consumer electronics were built like appliances - hardware that was designed to work as specified when built and sold. Occasionally, after the hardware design and release, problems would arise and "technical service bulletins" would be issued by the manufacturer and problems would be fixed, usually under warranty. Later on, with firmware (computer software) now controlling products, manufactures could make fixes with a firmware upgrade and avoid costly hardware changes. Next came, "why should we wait on releasing this product, when we can do it now and finish it up in firmware upgrades later that the customer can/has to do later on?" So now, with Blu-ray, we have both hardware manufactures and Blu-ray DVD authoring facilities and replicators, all taking the same approach - make the customer figure it out and try to correct it with firmware upgrades. It's the same mentality used in the computer industry to make their failings your responsibility to figure out and resolve. OK! Off my soapbox now! Sushipup, try doing a firmware upgrade from the onscreen menus, with an internet connection, and see if the manufacturer has not already addressed the hardware/software conflict. If, when trying to perform an upgrade, it fails, try downloading the appropriate file to a USB thumb drive or CD-R instead and installing that way - the mfg website will usually provide a text file describing how to do this.

Well, you point the remote at the device you wish to control, however, human nature always makes you want to point it at the television. If the cable box and television are roughly in the same area, the cable box will hopefully "see" the remote control's IR (infrared) signal. If they are too far away, or if the A/V components are in a cabinet, you can purchase an "IR repeater". The repeater consists of a IR receiver which you discreetly place near the television. It then sends the IR signal to small IR emitters that you place near your A/V components. They come in both wired and wireless versions between the receiver and emitters. You may need some help from somebody that can look at the outputs available on your A/V components: Cable Box, DVD player, etc, and the input options of the television to determine what types of connection/cables you will need between the two. You may also want to add some additional cables for "future components." Additionally, Ethernet wiring (for an internet connection) should be run to the television and also another to where your A/V components are located. If you're installing a home theater sound system, the wiring for that needs to be figured out as well. The single HDMI cable reference I made earlier refers to connecting all you A/V components to the receiver for the sound system, and using it to control which source is displayed on the television. Many people end up preferring to send the signals to both the receiver and the television. That way, if you are "just watching TV" you can use just the TV. If you are watching a movie on DVD and want the full surround sound, then you turn on the receiver as well. By the way, the cables/wiring used in-wall to the television (and speakers wiring if done in-wall) need to be in-wall rated. That refers to the type of insulation used in the cable for safety purposes.