North London is mostly a horrible place mate! 
The most "horrible" thing you'd probably find at our place is the sight of 3,000 or more grown men sobbing like babies! :lol:
That's why I live in West london

I should hope so too, he wouldn't be much of an academic if he didn't. 
Indeed, and I would lose all respect for him.
Anyway... back on topic, I am also thinking about the Replay board now... I'm really not keen on VHDL, but FPGAs are starting to make my development gland itch!