New Telly

LG OLED55CX5LB 

So I bought myself a new tv after moving the plasma to the lounge (to aid in viewing angles and windows reflecting on the older LCD). I thus had permission to indulge myself and while I thought the 65" looked magnificent I couldn't really justify the cost so bought the 55" OLED instead along with a UHD Blu-ray player.

The TV has Freeview and Freesat (so finally getting to use the dish for the first time in years) but so far 99% of its use is for streaming content off the net or via the NAS or DVD/Blu-ray content. I do have to say that the TV is really making a huge difference in terms of picture quality on older content so much so I would if I would even bother double dipping some existing blu-rays for their UHD version. I also watched an episode of Legend ripped from my DVD copy and that also looked better than it ever had.

The interface on the telly is very nice although I don't like the cursor, much easier using the standard navigation keys but the streaming apps and media server are top notch, fast and responsive.

On a side not I had my first dud Blu-ray disc (may have been my first dud optical disc ever) with the newly purchased Spider-Man Home Coming, got a replacement and that's ok but bit of a let down at the time. Pacific Rim on UHD is freaking stunning and Once Upon A Time streaming in HD (not UHD) via Netflix really stands out.

Was it worth it, probably not since there are lots of 55" panels mainly QLED which have great reviews and are cheaper but can't argue with the quality as I watch the tv at home.

Shockwave by Lindsay Buroker

Shockwave by Lindsay Buroker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Casmir Dabrowski was a mild mannered scientist on the world of Odin part of the Kingdom which was one of twelve worlds seeded by a long lost Earth and then one day the world took notice. Soon he was being chased by almost indestructible robots, knights of the kingdom and general security forces system wide. His roommate Kim Sato gets dragged along with him as he flees Odin and merges paths with the Captain of the Stellar Dragon a small freightner which is involved in some bounty hunting and minor smuggling. To say his world has been turned upside down is an understatement but wait for it a merciless pirate and scourge of the twelve systems takes an interest in the Stellar Dragon and her passengers, could things get worse, yes they could....

Shockwave is the first novel I've read by Lindsay Buroker bought on the strength of the blurb and artwork vis the kindle store and I enjoyed every page. The characters are interesting and interactions between them fun and both add to their development and drive the plot forward which now finding out this is a long running series of novels I am truly appreciating.



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Hal Junior Omnibus One by Simon Haynes

Hal Junior Omnibus One by Simon Haynes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of the writings of Simon Haynes so even though this series of books are aimed a much younger reader I expected to be entertained and I was. The exploits of Hal Junior and his friends were at times juvenile (which many will appreciate) but the characters are strong and the stories made sense.



The Secret Signal
Hal and his school class are invited to tour a spaceship that has docked with the station, unbeknown to all this is a disguised pirate vessel intent on theft and kidnapping.
The Missing Case
A VIP visits the station to discuss funding for the research facilities and Hal is asked to entertain his kid. A brief tour of the station doesn't go as planned and together the youngsters battle recycling robots, self aware serving trolleys and adults.
The Gyris Mission
A school visit to the nearby world of Gyris for a camping trip is driving Hal to distraction with the excitement but alas when the shuttle develops engine problems and crashes Hal, Stinky and the Pilot have to deal with the real wilderness.

Three entertaining stories aimed at young readers but still a pleasant diversion for the older reader.

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