Samsung SyncMaster 215TW

My monitor is in the early stages of failure. The symptoms include a high pitch ring that changes in frequency with respect to power usage; and, as of today, flickering when the lamps are powered on. Internet searches have reaffirmed what experience has already told me: a capacitor on the power supply unit has reached the end of its expected life span. My options are to either replace the power supply unit or, if I have the dexterity, replace the failing capacitor with one of higher quality and a higher rating.

• Replacement Power Supply Unit
• Related Problems and Solutions at FixYa
• RIP SyncMaster 215TW
  

Next Generation Cintiq

Is there a bun in the oven? Could it be true? When will Wacom give birth to its next generation of Cintiq tablets and release them in all their beauty and wondrous glory to be cradled in the arms of endearing artists world round?

Someone seems to think there is, and that it'll be released sometime this next year. That is, if the rumor is true. An anonymous constituent leaked word of it last month in a reply to a forum thread at ConceptArt.org. In light of this information and some wishful thinking, I plan to save my money and wait to see if it's true. If it is, then it'll probably be expensive as hell, and well worth every penny.

I'm selling my Cintiq 12wx this weekend. It was a difficult decision to make, but a necessary one since times have been tough for me with this floundering economy. Although, if any time were best to sell, the time would probably be now.

Gnomon Master Classes Are In Full Swing

Tonight was the first time I logged in to the Gnomon Master Classes hosted by The Gnomon Workshop. Unfortunately, it appears as though the instructors will only be available for this first week of class. Late to the show, I have little time left to ask questions and get feedback from some of these veteran industry professionals. These are exciting times, with long and busy days ahead.

I love my new job. Working as a Game Test Analyst, I find myself looking forward to each workday with driven purpose and enjoyment in what I do. This is the beginning of my dream career.

NVIDIA 3D Vision

I'm really surprise I hadn't learned of this earlier. Beginning with the GeForce 8 Series graphics cards, Nvidia offers a stereoscopic imaging feature for games, applications, pictures, and movies with a product they've labeled as NVIDIA 3D Vision. Owners of supported cards can easily begin taking advantage, or at least begin to discover the possibilities, of this feature simply by enabling the 3D Vision option with Nvidia's configuration utility and donning a pair of inexpensive red and blue anaglyph glasses.

• NVIDIA 3D Vision Discover (anaglyph)
  
• 3D Vision Discover System Requirements

Unfortunately, the Quadro FX 3000 that I have is too old to support 3D Vision. My friend, on the other hand, has a GeForce 8800 GTS, which was one of the first cards to support this feature. We tried it out on his system with Team Fortress 2 and were blown away by the eye-popping results. The only adverse issues we had were increased latency due to the system rendering three overlapping images -- red, blue, and true color -- and the adjustment time our eyes needed to see true color through red and blue lenses. Unable to distinguish true color can be somewhat problematic, especially in a game with red and blue teams. Luckily teammates don't suffer from friendly fire.

The other option is buy the NVIDIA 3D Vision wireless shutter glasses and upgrade to a monitor with refresh rates of 120Hz. Of which, there are only a hand full available on the market. Because the shutter glasses alternately show every other refresh cycle for each eye, the effective refresh rate for each eye is 60Hz, which is the typical refresh rate for most LCD displays. A display capable of refresh rates of 120Hz is absolutely necessary for this setup. The exciting news is that there are large-screen high-definition TVs being produced that offer refresh rates of 120Hz and 240Hz, including low-profile high-contrast LED television sets. This means highly immersive in-home entertainment.

• NVIDIA 3D Vision (shutter)
• 3D Vision System Requirements
• 3D Vision for Quadro
• Quadro Quad Buffered Stereo Technology
• Quadro Ultra-High End Product Solutions
• LED TVs with 120Hz refresh rates on NewEgg.com

Maybe someday. For now I dream.

Champions vs. Quadro FX 3000

Downloaded and installed Champions Online: Bloodmoon with Cryptic Studio's Free Weekend offer through Steam. When attempting to launch the game from the Champions Online: Bloodmoon launcher window, a "Failed System Specs Check" warning window appears with regards to outdated video drivers.



After selecting "Yes, with lowered settings" to launch the application with reduced settings, the game promptly crashes and generates an error report.

Yet another game I am unable to play due to obsolete or unsupported video hardware.

Trials of the Job Hunt: Part 4

I was just offered to work full-time on a project at SCEA starting Monday! So excited! So happy! So very much looking forward to this. It's going to be awesome. It also couldn't have come at a better time. This is really going to save my butt.

Special thanks goes out to all those who recommended me for the position. You can be sure I won't let you down.

L4D2 Demo vs. Quadro FX 3000

The Left 4 Dead 2 Demo for PC made its belated debut yesterday. After installing the demo and starting the game, I was promptly presented with the following error message window:



Continuing anyway yielded the following in-game results:





Drivers are up to date. I downloaded and installed the latest Quadro Graphics Driver (ver. 169.96; 6 June 2008), as well as the Quadro Performance Driver (ver. 176.04; 11 July 2008). Both driver sets yield the same results as before.

For the following screen shots, the Aspect Ratio, Resolution, Display Mode, and Model/Texture Detail options were modified in the Advanced Video Options menu. In-game video option settings are as follows for the following screen shots:



It appears as if some in-game environment asset textures are corrupt, and the clustering of polygonal planes appear to be player characters. Any prerendered content -- such as cut-scenes and menus -- appears to be displaying properly.







The following Windows error message occurs upon exiting the game if any game level was initiated while the game was open:



The error report contains the following information:



The technical information about the report is as follows:



Click to view the attached report file: 8317_appcompat.txt

Update 2009-10-29 18:04
Ran a system analysis check at SystemRequirementsLab.com for Left 4 Dead. Results of the analysis are as follows:

Looks like my only option is to replace this workstation graphics card with a supported gaming card in order to run L4D and L4D2.

Update 2009-10-30 10:28
The NV35 chip set used in the Quadro FX 3000 is also used in the GeForce FX 5900, released in May 2003 (Source: Wikipedia.org).

• Nvidia Quadro
  
• Comparison of Nvidia Graphics Processing Units

The chip set in the Quadro FX 3000 is apparently too old to run L4D or L4D2. The minimum video requirement for the game specifies the GeForce 6600, released in 2004, which uses the NV43 chip set.

Rope's End

I'm completely out of cash. Everything is up for sale. Am I destined to live the life of a vagabond?

For the past year, it's as if I've been in the grip of a constrictor. Every month I seem to have just squeaked by, while each consecutive month there after I have fewer and fewer resources to work with. Due to a bear economy, I'm more consistently getting fewer hours at my Sport Chalet job where even initially my earnings were barely enough to get by on. As a result, my credit to debt ratio has steadily slipped toward whole number status. With almost no credit left to my name and my monthly expenses exceeding my income, I've had little choice other than to begin selling my belongings. Now even that resource is approaching exhaustion.

I've been searching for a real job for more than a year now. I should say my first honest, or at least dedicated, efforts where made in June after completing my education and graduating from UCSD. I'm still waiting for my diploma to arrive in the mail. After applying to various positions with Blizzard Entertainment -- ranging from Tech Support Rep to Systems Admin -- and not hearing back about any, I reconsidered the scope of positions I should be applying for. Having made the decision to leave the IT industry a long time ago, I knew any effort to find a job in that industry would only ever be half-hearted. If I were to start my career, I needed to work toward my discipline of choice: an artist in the entertainment industry. However, I haven't yet any marketable skills as an artist that could land me a position with a reputable employer, and am not yet ready to continue my education with Gnomon. Lucky for me, as I came to this realization, I met someone who opened me up to another option.

Many game developers, including artists and programmers, start out as quality assurance testers in the video game industry. It allows them to establish work experience, and to network with others already working in their field of interest. I found and applied to two positions: a Quality Assurance Tester position at High Moon Studios, and a Game Tester Analyst position with Nelson Staffing at Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA). I was promptly turned down by High Moon Studios, but was interviewed and got the job with Nelson Staffing! I have since successfully completed training with SCEA, was recommended by the instructor as one of the top performers in the class, and have already assisted in testing one of their software titles. I have yet to be placed on a project though, so there's still no steady work or income.

It's been difficult letting go. The only thing that eases my mind is fear of not being able to fulfill my financial responsibilities. I'm so tired of living with this fear; it's wearing me out. I'm letting go of everything, and subsequently am reaching the end of my rope. I have already sold my Intuos3. My Cintiq is now up for sale. Today I will also be posting my JVC GZ-HD7 prosumer camcorder, Olympus E-10 digital SLR camera, FreeAgent AirStrike BMX bicycle, and my LeMond Zurich road bike. It hurts to let go, but I can't afford otherwise.

Minimizing Overhead to Simplify Life

I vacated my storage unit in Point Loma this weekend. In the process of doing so I donated most of my computer equipment to Goodwill. The quantity of which filled the back half of my car, and weighed so much that the tires sank into the wheel wells. The decision to do so was a difficult one to make. I came to realize that sorting through obsolete components and attempting to selling them off piecemeal would only serve as a distraction and ultimately a waste of time. To remain steadfast in the pursuit of my goals, I had to simply let go. I'm confident it was the best thing to do.

The remainder of my personal items were moved to a larger, less-expensive unit closer to home. I'm slowly going through everything, deciding what to keep and what to let go of. Since my financial situation hasn't improved any yet, I'm still in the process of liquidating assets as a means of supplementing my income. Another factor motivating me to minimize my overhead is the idea that less attachment allows me to more easily move forward with my plans.

In the simplest scenario, I would have no storage unit or apartment and would live out of my car or even just a backpack. I can only imagine this as a temporary solution though, until I could afford otherwise. Ideally I would have the financial means to own a studio space large enough to live in and practice all of my art making.

Trials of the Job Hunt: Part 3

I got the job! The exciting news came Wednesday evening when I received a call from the on-site coordinator at Nelson Staffing. She asked for me to come in today in order to finalize all the paperwork for employment. Tomorrow will be the first day of training.

Before leaving today, I spoke with her about the discrepancy in the proposed rate of compensation. When I showed her the printout of the job listing I applied to, she said it was a typo and was meant to be for the Game Tester Analyst (GTA) position in Foster City. The rate specified for San Diego should have been [an undisclosed lesser amount.] Nelson Staffing's job site currently has both positions listed with a compensation rate of twelve dollars per hour.

Something tells me I'm a little too gullible for my own good. Still, the job serves as an opportunity and has the potential to be a launch point for my career. Like she said, there are ways to move up.

While I was there, I also asked about any benefits that might be available, how many hours we would be permitted to work, if there would be regular overtime, and if purchase discounts would be available to us as employees. Apparently there is some sort of benefits program available through Sony, the details of which will be made available tomorrow in training. The number of regular work hours each week should only amount to thirty-seven, so overtime will most likely not be commonplace. As project deadlines approach though, we may be required to work longer hours. As employees, the only purchase discounts we get are for games we help test.

All things considered, it may be best to keep my job at Sport Chalet for now and try to work out a schedule that allows me to work at both jobs. For instance, working at Sony from 7AM to 3PM, and at Sport Chalet from 4PM to 10PM weekdays. I have to work weekends as well, but I'm not sure yet how that schedule is going to work out.

The Gnomon Workshop: Master Classes

The Gnomon Workshop is hosting it's second annual Master Classes series to be held over the course of two weeks, begining November 9^th and lasting through November 23^rd. Register for the event by November 1^st to take advantage of early registration rates.

This is an interactive online event is made up of sixteen different classes, each focusing on a different element of the entertainment industry, and are exclusively available to event participants with purchase of a ticket. Each class contains two to three hours of video instruction and is associated with a private forum in which students can ask questions and discuss related topics with the instructor.

Trials of the Job Hunt: Part 2

Today I interviewed with Nelson Staffing for a Game Tester Analyst position at Sony Computer Entertainment America. Although the interview process went well and the prospects of winning a position appear promising, I'm not totally satisfied with the job I'm pursuing.

Stability is one of the primary reasons for this job hunt. A game tester position isn't stable by any means. Work is project based and is mostly seasonal. With any luck I would be working full time through January. The hours would be odd, though, requiring overtime and weekends. Then I will most likely be out of work for a few weeks, possibly a few months.

Better compensation is another reason for this job hunt. Benefits such as health care and paid time off are not offered through this temporary contract position. Also, the rate of pay that was offered to me in the interview was [an undisclosed lesser amount,] whereas on the website it was listed as twelve. I have a print out of the listing and will attempt to negotiate a rate increase when I meet with them next to sign a contract.

What started this job hunt in the first place was the desire to pursue a dream. I want to be an artist. However, I think my current approach fails to best facilitate this goal. Instead of going directly after what I want, I keep pursuing my interests in a round about manner. At least I'm looking for jobs in the entertainment industry. Any job would be a foot in the door. I should be making more art and striving to attend the High End CG Certificate program at Gnomon.

Trials of the Job Hunt: Part 1

On Tuesday, I showed up at Sony well prepared and eager to attend an interview with Nelson Staffing. However, when I arrived at the door there was a sign stating that "interviews would not be held today," and that they will continue next week. At first I was a little disappointed, but I was so enthusiastic about the position the feeling didn't linger very long.

On Thursday, I received a letter from High Moon Studios with regards to my application:

Thank you for expressing interest in career opportunities with Activision. Your resume has been reviewed by several members of our company.

We have given careful consideration to your credentials in relation to our staffing needs. Although your background and experience demonstrate a strong record of achievement, we regret to inform you that we do not have a position available for you at this time.

We will keep your resume on file and will certainly give it further consideration if any appropriate opportunities arise. Thank you for your interest in Activision and good luck in your job search.

The hunt continues.

A New Path Emerges

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune of meeting a very helpful and encouraging soul. He came into Sport Chalet shopping for bicycles with his wife. As I sometimes do when explaining the quality and reputation of certain bicycle components, namely by Sram and Shimano, I related them to the competing microprocessor manufacturers AMD and Intel. This sparked a conversation about computers and system administration that apparently impressed my new found friend. When I mentioned I was looking for a job at Blizzard, he prompted, "You know Sony is right here in San Diego. Why not apply with them?" When I told him my reasons for pursuing Blizzard were that I liked their business plan and that they took care of their employees, he responded by saying with a little smile, "I think Sony takes care of us pretty well." He handed me his business card and asked that I send him a copy of my resume. As it turns out, he's a Systems Engineer for Sony Computer Entertainment America!

My new friend has been very kind in helping me find a new job. When I told him of my interests in moving away from the IT industry in favor of artistic passion in the entertainment industry, he told me about game tester positions available with Sony and sent me a flier detailing the job description and application requirements. I had known about the positions before through a couple friends who have worked as game testers, but until now I hadn't considered applying. When I sent him my resume, he was more than happy to comment on it and even offered to send it out to a few other people if the game testing position didn't work out.

I also applied for a Quality Assurance Tester position with High Moon Studios. As of today they are no longer accepting applications. I'm very excited and eager to start my career.

Finding my way back into the world of video games. Knew nowhere near the extent of what I was missing out on before now. Thoroughly impressed with the quality of games produced at Valve. Very much looking forward to many more hours of game play.

This was a birthday gift from my sweetheart of a girlfriend. I first expressed an interest in The Orange Box a couple weeks ago as the Comicon Challenge at GameArtisans.org drew to a close. What sparked this interest was the idea of taking something that I had made and placing it into one of these games with use of an editor like Valve's Source SDK.

Ultimately, I'd like to build an entirely new environment within Maya, complete with assets and characters, and then bring it all to life with a game engine. The two I've been looking at are, of course, Valve's Source engine and Unreal Technology's Unreal Engine 3, which comes packaged with Gears of War for PC and Unreal Tournament 3. Others I have in the list include id Software's id Tech engine and Terminal Reality's Infernal Engine.

In looking for jobs, I've opened my search up to quality assurance game testing positions, too. Bonus skills they're looking for is experience working with game engines and editors. I feel like I'm on the right path, and it feels great! It's nice knowing that I'm working toward something while I'm having fun.