A few weeks ago, we replaced the television in the living room. The last television was a rear-projection model, and the bulb simply wore out. The bulb is affordable and easy to replace at home (you just have your husband do it, duh). I will admit that I wanted a new television, and have for awhile, but I needed a reason. I am rather (make that VERY) particular about images, and I thought the television was a little lacking.

I mean, the picture was vibrant and displayed such high-definition that I could count eyelashes and see dust motes on sitcom sets…but I was disappointed in the blacks. They just weren't…black enough. I love the "true black" of an image. It isn't the absence of light that intrigues me, but the prominence that the contrast gives to the rest of the picture.

Anyway, I saw the bulb burning out as a big thumbs up from above to bring a new television home. (And it's beautiful, but that's not for this post.)



So now we were left with an extra 42-inch, rear-projection, high definition television that would be operational with minimal effort. (There are pictures of the TV in this old post.) What to do with it? It's hard finding random places for a 42-inch television. In the hallway next to the shoe tray? In the kitchen sharing the same outlet with the toaster? In the bathroom under the towel rack? The darn thing did not work anywhere.

Anywhere, that is, until I thought of my revived love affair with exercise DVDs. The big rear-projection beast would totally kick the 19-inch tube's butt. I wasn't concerned with my frustration on the "true black" thing because I know that sweat mellows me…or is it that I am concentrating so hard on just surviving that I can't find the energy to care about inadequate contrast?

I used the new resident in our home gym area last night. I kept debating between Billy and Jillian. I told Nick, "I'd burn a lot more calories with Jillian, but I'd have a lot more fun with Billy." Since I told Nick earlier that I felt a twinge in my low back, he piped in that I should go with Billy.

Ta da! Decision made: I grabbed Jillian's DVD.

Immediately, it was obvious that the DVD was not formatted for a wide screen. When she appeared on the screen, I had to say aloud, "Oh, Jill…you don't look so good." I will admit that I got a kick out of her stretched image for a handful of seconds. This is the woman, after all, that brings me to complete muscle failure every time. Once, she even made me cry because I was just at the end of all the energy I had…no more to give. She could stand a little good-natured distortion. You know what they say: a widescreen TV adds 30 pounds! (I did update the view eventually).

It took me extra long to all asleep last night. I am going to have to get used to life-sized Jillian in my basement, that's all I can say right now.

I still have chills.