Multiple sources I spoke with at Comic-Con have also confirmed our report from earlier this year that CBS is hard at work on Star Trek: The Next Generation – Remastered for Blu-ray release starting sometime in 2012. The latest word is that 4 test episodes are currently being worked on for release as a sampler/demo BD disc of the project, and that sampler disc will somehow be available to fans by the end of this year.

Since the original Star Trek series was remastered and revamped a few years ago, there has been a clamor for CBS to give the same treatment to The Next Generation.  One of the biggest hurdles in getting TNG the HD upgrade has been the fact that although the series was shot in 35mm, the special effects were done on video – and there is no way to upgrade video once it is rendered to tape.  Since classic Trek’s remaster saw the series get all new digital effects, replacing the old shots, the question now is will TNG get the same?  Seems to me if CBS is announcing some test episodes, they’ve decided to do just that, and we’ll see all-new digital shots of the Enterprise-D, and other Next-Gen ships, anamolies, spacial rifts, and more.

Will we finally see the Borg battle in stunning HighDef-O-Vision?

Personally, I’d love to see an HD version of Picard’s Enterprise.  Given the classy job CBS did on restoring the original series, I have full faith that TNG will look spectacular.  The idea of going back in and updating the effects work on most of the 1st and 2nd season episodes is exciting, and I think would help those installments reach a much wider audience of new Trek fans without the “snicker factor” that so often prevents folks from checking the show out.

Of course, this is still a rumor, and it’s not clear that any upgrade to HD would include re-done effects, but it seems likely that it will given the horrible mismatch and issues presented if they don’t.  Cross your fingers, Trek fans – this could be huge!

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Post tags: CBS, Enterprise, geek, HD, High-Definition, Next Generation, Remastered, Star Trek, TNG, Trek

a giant Avengers mural!

I know that this is just promotional art for the film, and does not represent actual poster, or theater display art – but how awesome would it be if it was either?  How mind blowingly geektastic would it feel to stroll into your local multiplex and see a 20ft by 6ft wall mural of the Avengers heroes?  Most films these days rely on photographic montages or logo work to sell audiences, but it wasn’t too long ago that most movies had creative, richly illustrated, painted posters – artwork that not only sold the movie (usually in a vastly over-dramatized way for the flick in question), but also was something that, as a fan of the film, would be a collectible – worthy of framing. More than any photo montage, the fully painted  imagery created a world, a mood, and a style for the film – it drew you in, and usually depicted not only the main characters but also key scenes, battles, romances, and plot devices.

Here’s to hoping that the Avengers will bring back some of that old school style with an epic painted poster.  My vote goes to artist Drew Struzan, or comics favorite Alex Ross.

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Post tags: Avengers, film, geek, Marvel

Send some feedback and say what you think a geek is. Write a comment here, send an email to feedback@geekistry.com, or send a voice mail to the Geekistry Skype line, ID: geekistry.

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: geek, what is a geek

Here’s some information about IRC and our chat channel. Please contact us if you have questions or need help (or want to offer a “how to” write-up on a specific IRC client not listed below).

What is IRC?

In essence, IRC, which stands for “Internet Relay Chat,” was the first instant messaging service on the internet. IRC is an open protocol that uses TCP and TLS and was originally a plain text protocol. You can read more about IRC history here.

Why did you choose IRC instead of an AIM or Yahoo chat room?

IRC is free, universally accessible, and provides a group chat space capable of interaction between two, to hundreds of individuals at one time in one “channel”. IRC doesn’t require you to enter any personally identifiable information, not even an email address, to join the #geekistry conversation.

Who hosts is Geekistry’s IRC channel?

We use irc.GeekShed.net and can be found in the registered chat channel #geekistry. GeekShed.net is “a free to use and family-friendly Internet Relay Chat network, capable of hosting chat rooms for a variety of purposes.” Once logged in, you can register your nickname with a password to avoid other people using it – in fact, you might already have a registered nickname, already! Popular websites, videocasts, and podcasts like CNET / Buzz Out Loud and Chris Pirillo use GeekShed’s IRC network for their live chat during broadcasting.

Where can I find more information about how to use IRC and it’s commands?

IRC is very easy to use, so don’t panic if you’ve never used it or aren’t familiar with it. You can log in and chat just like any other group chat-channel or you can learn a few of the basic or more advanced commands by visiting GeekShed.net’s user commands FAQ. Also, after you login if you want to register your nickname check out GeekShed’s NicServ FAQ.

How can I geek-out with you on IRC?

Hey, glad you asked! Follow the instructions below to add #geekistry to your IM client…

PC/Windows IRC client set-up

• Pidgin (Free) – Pidgin is an open-source and ad-free chat program which lets you log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously… Pidgin is compatible with AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Jabber/XMPP, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, QQ, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, MXit, MySpaceIM, and Zephyr. It can support many more with plugins.

1. Accounts>Manage Accounts>Add
2. Basic Tab
   1. Protocol: IRC
   2. Username: Your nickname
   3. Server: irc.geekshed.net
   4. Password: Leave blank unless your nick is already registered
   5. Local alias: IRC Geekistry
3. Advanced Tab
   1. Username: Your nickname
   2. Real Name: Enter your real name or nickname
   3. Leave the other options set to default
4. Proxy Tab
   1. Leave the options set to default
5. Click “save” and you will be automatically logged into the IRC server.
6. Join/add the #geekistry channel to your favorites:
   1. Buddies>Add Chat
   2. Account: Select irc.geekshed.net
   3. Channel: #geekistry
   4. Group: Chats
   5. Select “Autojoin when account connects”
   6. Click “Add”

Mac IRC client set-up

• Adium Beta (Free) – Adium is a free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that can connect to AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more. Currently, the beta version is the only release that supports IRC. However I consider it very stable and have been using it on my Macbook for a year.

1. File>Add Account>IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
2. Account Tab
   1. Nickname: Your nickname
   2. Host name: irc.geekshed.net
   3. Password: Leave blank unless your nick is already registered
   4. Check “connect when Adium opens”
3. Personal Tab
   1. Icon: Use your global icon or choose a different one to use.
   2. Realname: Your real name or nickname
   3. Username (Ident): Your nickname
4. The other two tabs do not need to be changed, but can be configured depending on your personal preference.
5. File>Join Group Chat
   1. Account: Select irc.geekshed.net
   2. Channel: #geekistry (make sure you include the ‘#’)
   3. After the channel opens, click on the tab and select “add to bookmarks”. The chat window will now appear under your “bookmarks” in your contact list.

Additional PC / Windows IRC clients

• XChat (Windows/Linux) – XChat is an IRC chat program for both Linux and Windows. It allows you to join multiple IRC channels (chat rooms) at the same time, talk publicly, private one-on-one conversations etc. Even file transfers are possible.

• Trillian (Free and paid versions) – Since 2000, Trillian has been a powerful part of the effort to bring interoperability to IM. Trillian lets you connect to multiple IM and social networks at the same time, managing contacts and real time status feeds efficiently.

• mIRC (Free 30-day trial / $20 license) – mIRC is a full featured IRC client for Windows and has been in development for over a decade. Downloading it gives you a free 30-day trial and costs $20 to register after the trial period expires.

Additional Mac IRC clients

• Colloquy (Free) – Traditionally, chat clients on the Mac have been anything but glamorous. Colloquy is an advanced IRC, SILC & ICB client which aims to fill this void. By adhering to Mac OS X interface conventions, Colloquy has the look and feel of a quality Mac application.

• Trillian for Mac Alpha (Free) – While Trillian for Windows has been around a long time, Trillian for Mac alpha is not feature complete and should not be relied upon. However, if you’re the type who likes testing the latest releases for new services please let us know your thoughts about this product.

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: chat, chat with Michael, chat with us, contact, featured, geek, geekshed.net, IM, internet relay chat, IRC, IRC how to, IRC Mac, IRC PC

Grats, Kriseb! Thanks for being our #1 Fan!

Contest Entries show how YOU consider yourself a ‘unique geek’

• candrie: What is @geekistry ?? Well literally it is what geeks do…. But really - it is Awesome sauce! Check it out http://bit.ly/geekistryftw

• DeeGee13: I am geeky & create a budget sheet each month which includes “Entertainment” aka Dark Horse Comics purchases http://bit.ly/geekftw #delOmni

• jaminbee: I’m a totally geeky for anything history, especially egyptian and roman http://bit.ly/geekistryftw
• jaminbee: (Twitter RT): From the @delOmni blog: Win $25 iTunes, $10 Starbucks + 1 yr of WIRED in our Epic Name Change contest! http://bit.ly/geekftw (Plz RT)
• jaminbee:Last call people, Mike and Krissi are giving this stuff away tonight http://bit.ly/geekistryftw
• jaminbee:in my attempts to get in late entries, all geeky for my little pink haird gnome warlock! http://bit.ly/geekistryftw
• jaminbee: I’m all geeky for glee… or rather i’m a gleek… so confused… http://bit.ly/geekftw

• joerbailey (Twitter RT): RT @geekistry: Psst! This is delOmni’s new name! We’re LIVE now @ http://bit.ly/geekistry-live

• Kriseb_Krunkle: Im kinda geeky about friendships (via GoogleBuzz)
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Im a Phillies geek (via GoogleBuzz)
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Geekistry contest. Win $25 iTunes gift card, $10 Starbucks card, 1 year to Wired. http://bit.ly/geekistryftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: I really like the number nine. (via GoogleBuzz)
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Im geeky about tv themes, and video game music. I dont really follow bands but particular songs I like. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Im geeky about the number 9. When numbers are involved, I try to get 9. It was the first time my father helped me, http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: I use to write and draw my own comic books. I had 50 some issues before I didnt have time. Will continue again soon. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Im kinda geeky about cats. I own a cat, I have a hero character named The Cat ©. Plus most cats take a liking to me. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Epic Name Change Giveaway (FTW!) DelOmni is changing its name, all happening tomorrow! Don’t miss out! #DelOmni http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Geekistry contest. Win $25 iTunes gift card, $10 Starbucks card, 1 year to Wired. http://bit.ly/geekistryftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle: Geekistry, what geeks do. Join Michael Gaines and Krissi B Sun,Tues,Thu, nights. If you’re a geek, you’ll enjoy. http://bit.ly/geekistryftw
• Kriseb_Krunkle (Twitter RT) Jun 7, 2010 09:54 PM: RT @geekistry: Psst! This is delOmni’s new name! We’re LIVE now @ http://bit.ly/geekistry-live

• Learn2Fly (blog comment)

• MrsLilreader: Crocheting another cthulu while watching Star Trek Voyager. Can’t get much geekier! http://bit.ly/geekistryftw

• Rishal_BP: I’m really geeky when it comes to anime. My friends and I used to style ourselves as characters from the shows. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: Music turns me into a major geek. I love knowing the artist and song title so I’m prepared to talk about it later. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: So, I just realized, I’m becoming rather geeky about my writing blog. Not sure how I feel about this yet.
• Rishal_BP: I don’t normally geek out about television shows. But Dr. Who brings out my geek flag hardcore. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: In the ongoing saga of all things that make me go geek, we find ourselves coming to Farscape. Aliens and romance? Yes. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: You know, this may seem just a bit odd, but I’m geeky about Origami. There’s just something so relaxing about it. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: I’m not normally a sports fan, but I’m having a geek out about #Blackhawks. One game from winning the Stanley Cup! http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: @jaminbee I think it’s probably a MILD understatement to say I’m geeky about history. Ancient history is win. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: I’m also quite geeky about mythology. I love learning about the myths and gods of ancient religions. http://bit.ly/geekftw
• Rishal_BP: Geekistry dot com, the home for geeks. They’re running a contest, win sweet prizes! $25 iTunes, $10SB, 1yr WIRED. http://bit.ly/geekftw

• strumpet101: Like @Jaminbee I am all geeky about my pink-haired gnome! http://bit.ly/geekistryftw

• ZokaHuntress: What is @geekistry ?? Well literally it is what geeks do…. But really – it is Awesome sauce! Check it out http://bit.ly/geekistryftw

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: contest, epic name change, geek, geekftw, geekistry, geekistryftw, Kriseb_Krunkle

Taurus - You have been ousted as the mayor of your man cave.

Gemini - Wearing a red shirt to a Star Trek convention is probably a bad idea.

Cancer - Remember “He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake”? That’s because you didn’t set your Facebook privacy properly.

Leo - He who hesitates resorts to a web site without a vowel.

Virgo - Pretty soon we’ll be wearing “Like” buttons.

Libra - That degree in Simlish won’t get you very far.

Scorpio - Counting the number of times Spock says “fascinating” is a waste of time. Get a life!

Sagittarius - Don’t tweet about work.

Capricorn - Thinking about deleting your Facebook account? Who will harvest your crops?

Aquarius - #include <peaceloveunderstanding.h>

Pisces - Here’s a fun way to spend your weekend: divide 0 by itself.

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: delomni, geek, horscope

Taurus - “Follow Friday” does not mean “stalker Friday”.

Gemini - That really cool thing you bought will be obsolete in three weeks.

Cancer - Spice up your life, change your WiFi name.

Leo - Having post-Avatar depression? Buy a season of Smurfs on DVD.

Virgo - Your ringtone of yourself covering Lady Gaga isn’t cool.

Libra - Did you check your Facebook privacy settings? Are you SURE?

Scorpio - Your lucky numbers are 1, 6, 3, 0, 9. Well, not if your name is Khan.

Sagittarius - The last Terms of Service you skipped and agreed to grants your property to the stranger to your immediate left.

Capricorn - Sensors have detected another quarter in your pocket.

Aquarius - 4,391 cosmic rays just passed through you. Feel loved.

Pisces - Bring a towel. And a Babel fish.

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: delomni, geek, horoscope

Taurus - Back it up.

Gemini - You’re still using IE6?

Cancer - Don’t open attachments.

Leo - Live long and prosper.

Virgo - Go ahead and use the Game Shark. Nobody’s looking.

Libra - Behind you!

Scorpio - Your lucky code is Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start

Sagittarius - When someone asks you if you’re a god, you say “YES!”.

Capricorn - Ra ra ra-ah-ah-, ra-ma, ra-ma-ma, ga-ga, ooh-la-la.

Aquarius - The owls are not what they seem.

Pisces - The Apple Store going down is not a cause for alarm.

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: delomni, geek, horoscope, starman

Taurus - The artist that created the album you downloaded illegally will haunt your dreams.

Gemini - Your warranty will expire the day before something breaks.

Cancer - That video will not be available in your country.

Leo - You are passionate and loving. That won’t matter to the person that unfollows your ass.

Virgo - I’d set a second alarm.

Libra - Your career of hurtful Youtube comments will warrant a visit.

Scorpio - Your lucky numbers are 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

Sagittarius - Somewhere in the world is an arcade machine with your quarter still in it.

Capricorn - You may want to reconsider that stalking gig.

Aquarius - The Avatar cosplay costume looks like shit. Reconsider.

Pisces - Your princess is in another castle.

© June Sixth Productions for Geekistry: It's all geek to us, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: delomni, geek, horoscope, starman