Fighting Obsolescence : Stereo System

If you've got a spare computer sitting around and/or you've got a stereo system that you're not using very often, you can put together a music jukebox.  The great thing about a computer controlled jukebox is that you can remote control it via Remote Desktop (RDP), leave the audio output at the computer and, viola, centralized control over music.

Components:

• Stereo System.  I've got the Sony CMT-RB5, a 3 piece stereo system.
• Any laptop that can still decode MP3s, play CDs, etc.  The good thing about this, is that the major hurdle in this case isn't the MP3 decoding.  That's a low CPU overhead task for any Pentium generation processor.  In my case, I've got an HP Compaq Evo N410c.
• 3.5 mm Male to 2 RCA Male Audio Cable
• Software:  Windows Media Player, Foobar2000, Winamp, Musicmatch Jukebox, etc.
• Or service:  Pandora, Spotify, Last.fm, etc.

Fighting Obsolescence : CRT TV

The digital age has made obsolete the CRT TV, and I'm not even talking about the HD CRT TV.  I'm referring to standard definition CRT TV with only 3 types of input:  S-Video, RCA, and RF coaxial.  Consumers are throwing out (hopefully recycling) CRT TVs and replacing them with high definition flat screen TVs (plasma, LCD, LED, etc) with the purpose of watching high definition television programs over air, cable, fiber optic, etc.  However, the internet age is changing the landscape of traditional TV.  Instead of watching TV when the broadcaster wants you to watch the program, consumers are watching TV when they want to watch the program.  Content providers such as Hulu, Crackle, TV.com, YouTube, Netflix, etc, allow consumers to watch content on their own schedule.

What does this have to do with obsolescence?  To accomodate the largest number of internet users, online content is generally 240p (320x240) or 360p (640x360).  This is lower than the lowest definition flat screen HDTV (480p).  Now, the question I ask is, if you want to watch internet content in the comfort of your living room couch, why do you even need an HDTV?

The answer, you don't.