3/20/2011

Sonos S5 Zone Player Starter Kit with BR100 ZoneBridge(Black) Review

Sonos S5 Zone Player Starter Kit with BR100 ZoneBridge(Black)
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Just got the S5 about an hour ago. Setup couldn't be easier. Step 1 - connect the power cord to an power outlet. Step 2 - hit the Mute and + button to get the S5 added as a new zone, Step 3 - hmmm....I don't think there is one. Just hit play and enjoy pure bliss.
This is my 4th Zone player (see my other gushing review of the Sonos system on the Sonos bundle page), and anytime my wife asks, "how many of these white boxes you really need?", the answer is always "one more".
Portability is the key feature of S5. Moving it from Kitchen to backdeck is just a matter of unplugging the power cord and replugging at the new location. It's all in one box. And the sound quality is not bad either. With all 4 zone players on party mode - some connected to very expensive Klipsch towers - I have ran around to compare the sound quality at various locations. The verdict - this little guy stacks up nicely against the big boys.
And the iPhone controller is not too shabby either. Don't see the need to buy the new touch controller (CR200).
Awesome product. Pure genius. Just get it.

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Wirelessly play any song, in any room.

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3/19/2011

Philips DVP5990 HDMI 1080p Upscaling DVD Player Review

Philips DVP5990 HDMI 1080p Upscaling DVD Player
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This DVD player is a great bargain at $55. It works perfectly fine. Here's what you really want to know:
1) Make this DVD player region-free. Press Setup on the remote and go to Preferences. Press 1, 3, 8, 9, 3, 1 on the remote. Use the up and down buttons to select Region 0 (region-free).
2) Go to the General Setup page. Press 1, 3, 7, 9. This will display the firmware information. If the last two digits of Version aren't "31," then go to the Philips website and update to the most recent firmware (31).
3) For US users, the first two digits of Version will be "37." Go to http://vb6rocod.euracks.com/dvp5990_37.php and download "DVP5990_37_vb6_v32_All_Logo.rar" and follow the upgrading instructions (http://vb6rocod.euracks.com/upgrade.html). It really is as simple as it sounds, and it can be done in less than 60 seconds. I recommend the USB method. Upgrading to this firmware will give the USB capabilities of the DVD player increased functionality and usability (there are a couple dozen changes and fixes; I won't list them here).
Random notes: The DVD player will only recognize jump drives and USB hard drives that are formatted in FAT32, so you will need to do that. Now, the manual says there is a limit of 300 folders and 648 files. This is not exactly true. There IS a limit of 648 files PER folder. So what reads as a limit of 648 files is actually a limit of 648 * 300 = 194,400 files. So this is NOT a limiting factor.
I tested a variety of files and the DVD player can read everything I threw at it, with the exception of Quicktime files and Real files. It is equally as capable in the realm of audio files. It also has a slideshow feature for pictures. In case you are curious, it can't read PDF files.
When one video or audio file finishes, it automatically goes on to the next one. It could be great for background music when hosting a party.
The DVD player can access .srt subtitle files that have multiple tracks and you can flip through them while watching a foreign Divx movie. I was extremely pleased by this. The modified firmware I linked will also allow you to change the color, size, and location of the subtitles while you're watching the movie. Extremely nifty.
Watching Divx movies on my TV looks perfectly sharp, and now I don't have to store or swap discs. This DVD player is a sign of the future. Get out and buy one (and a USB hard drive... if you catch a deal they're as cheap as ten cents/GB). $100 can create a total multimedia collection that changes with you.
Also, the remote does feel a little cheap. But who cares? It is cheap.

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Philips HDMI 1080p DVD player with true high definition video upscaling, D/A converter: 12 bit, 108 MHz progressive Scan, High Def (720p, 1080i, 1080p), Video Upscaling(720p, 1080i/p)192kHz/24 bit audio DAC enhances analogue sound input, High definition JPEG playback for images in true resolution, Brings your PC to your living room with Windows Media Video playback, DivX Ultra for enhanced playback of DivX media files, Plays DivX, MP3, WMA and JPEG digital camera photos, Plays CD, (S)VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, Direct conversion from CD to MP3, USB Direct plays DivX movies, photos and music from USB flash drives

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3/18/2011

Verbatim 94554 700 MB 52x 80 Minute Branded Recordable Disc CD-R, 100-Disc Spindle Review

Verbatim 94554 700 MB 52x 80 Minute Branded Recordable Disc CD-R, 100-Disc Spindle
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I bought these after buying TDK for the past 5 years and now only being able to get Memorex at a low price (I've had very bad experiences with Memorex CDRs in the past). These were surprisingly cheap as Verbatim is one of the highest quality blank media brands. Not surprisingly, the discs lived up to expectations on my Plextor-716A drive. I haven't tested a whole lot yet, but the ones I did test, burn flawlessly and when disc scans were run, there were no errors. You really can't go wrong with Verbatim. Just buy them.

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VER94554High-quality media delivers reliable recording at high speeds. Use for sharing business files, storing documents, making personal music mixes, and more. Record a full-length CD in two minutes at maximum speed. Works in most standard CD-ROM drives and CD players for added convenience. Permanent, write-once format prevents accidental overwrites and erasures. Disk Type: CD-R; Global Product Type: CDs/DVDs; Capacity (HD Video): N/A; Capacity (Video): N/A.PRODUCT DETAILS: -Protective Coating: No. -Lightscribe: No. -Maximum Recording Speed: 52x. -Capacity Range (Data) : 700.00 MB. -Disk Type: CD-R. -Post-Consumer Recycled Content Percent : 0 pct. -Branded Surface: Yes. -Pre-Consumer Recycled Content Percent : 0 pct. -Surface Type: Branded. -Recordable Format:Write Onceformat may not be altered once data is written to the disc.. -Packing Type: Spindle. -Surface Color: Silver. -Packaging Details: Jewel case packaging includes jewel case and insert., Spindle product is packaged in a plastic container and does not include jewel cases or inserts.. -Capacity (Music) : 80.0 min. -Single/Double Sided: Single. -Global Product Type: CDs/DVDs-CD-R. -Total Recycled Content Percent : 0 pct. -Disclaimer Statement(s): The capability to write standard CD/DVD formats is drive dependent, Recorders, players and drives will play standard CD/DVD disc. -Hub Printable: No. Warranty: Manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.

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GSI Super Quality In-Car Wireless Hands-Free FM Modulator-Transmitter for MP3/MP4/iPod/CD/DVD Players - SD/Memory Card/Flash Slot/USB Port - LCD Display - Cigarette Lighter Plug - Includes Remote Control Review

GSI Super Quality In-Car Wireless Hands-Free FM Modulator-Transmitter for MP3/MP4/iPod/CD/DVD Players - SD/Memory Card/Flash Slot/USB Port - LCD Display - Cigarette Lighter Plug - Includes Remote Control
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If you like your SD to be fried( Damaged irreparably) pls buy it. I got this item and used a 16 GB Kingston SD card to try to play music from the car. For 15 mins the lcd said 'waiting' and finally said ' no device'. I ran inside to check the card and behold nor my pc neither my 2 camera's recognize the SD card. I contacted them right away and after 4 days, they refunded my payment. Duh ! What a nice gesture! I should be happy right? Wrong - I lost precious memories of my little one (pics) not to mention the $ 80 card WTF? Jack Sheng if you read this, you ought to better test a product before pushing it out to consumers. I have taken a better route to resolve this besides posting feedback. The customer support is terrible - One email reply in a day! ridiculous! So people pl save your SD cards( thankfully I didn't try the 1 TB portable drive) and don't go diving for this useless device which will set you back. I can be contacted at harrys_27@yahoo.ca

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This newest Item from GSI Features a High Quality 4-in-1 FM Transmitter, with 206 FM Channels and USB, MP3 and SD Card Functions. It is a Great and Affordable Alternative to other High-Priced Transmitters and guarantees Quality of Sound.

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3/17/2011

Philips NP2500/37 WiFi Internet Radio Network Music Player with Rhapsody (Black) Review

Philips NP2500/37 WiFi Internet Radio Network Music Player with Rhapsody (Black)
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The entire problem with this player is that it does one thing really well, but has a couple of other features thrown in addition that don't work as advertised.
As a player for Rhapsody, this really rocks. The songs come up quickly, the interface is easy to navigate, and all the songs feature artwork that looks great on the small but crisp LCD. The only downside is that it requires a paid Rhapsody account, although the free month is a nice introduction.
When it comes to internet radio and streaming music as an UPnP device, this player really falls apart. The internet radio functions work well, but the connectivity is very slow compared to the Rhapsody service, and it is unable to display song information from every station. Some stations work, some don't. Also, to find radio stations you are limited to either browsing the menus, or using the number pad to enter the station's name or a serach keyword. The number pad works about as well as using a cell phone without T9, so it is functional but very, very slow.
The UPnP service for streaming music from your home computer never worked for me. I installed the bundled software, updated it from the company's website, but the music never started. I was able to find my music library, even my iTunes playlists, but when I hit "Play," the player just hung forever and never started the music. FYI, I'm running a Macbook Pro with iTunes, and I keep my music on an external network hard drive, so that may have been the issue. A search through the forums of the Twonky Media Player(used for streaming) revealed nothing helpful, and I was unable to resolve it in the time I had to review the item.
As far as the player itself, the design is attractive and should fit well with most home electronics. The screen is bright and clear, and the remote works as well as can be expected. There are no on device controls, so the remote is essential to any use of the player, but I had no problems. It was also easy to connect to the internet, although entering a wireless network password using the number pad was time-consuming.
Bottom line, don't expect it to work seamlessly as a streaming media center from your PC or Mac's music collection. If you want it mainly for internet radio, it works, but is a bit hard to use. Rhapsody works great, but again, it requires a subscription.

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Wirelessly access 10,000+ Internet stations FREE, your music library, and Music On-Demand with a free trial from Rhapsody. Streamium is your Home Jukebox. You can access Internet music from your home country or hometown, by musical genre (rock, pop, news, sports, 80's, etc.). Your digital music is easily accessed by Streamium so you are always connected to music you already own (in addition you can leverage music from multiple PCs/Macs). Finally, you can get music-on-demand with Rhapsody (free trial included). Search thousands of titles and artists for music of your choice or play "name-that-tune" with your friends and family (by preferred genre). This network music player allows you to "free your music" from MP3 players and your computer. With easy setup you can hook-up to your home theater or home audio system so you can experience seamless entertainment with quality you are used to hearing. FullSound is a great feature built-in that brings back high-quality CD sound from your digitally compressed MP3 files. Enjoy album art from your favorite artists (from your PC/Mac, or from Rhapsody) and enjoy radio station logos and pictures that can be shown on your player. A remote allows easy music management from a distance.

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3/16/2011

Kidz Gear Wired Headphones For Kids Review

Kidz Gear Wired Headphones For Kids
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After researching headsets for my 5.5 yr old, I bought this set and the Griffin myphones. I thought we could compare them, and if we liked both, one set could be for my 17 month old, too. After two weeks, my 5 yr old and I both prefer this set. It has a wider adjustment range, (fits the toddler AND fits me, an avg.-headed woman, but doesn't fit larger-headed husband) The sound quality is excellent, the plastic seems durable and flexible, and should withstand moderately rough use.
The options for two ways of controlling volume is particularly nice, b/c my son mostly listens to audio books, but also listens to music sometimes. The flexibility is great, b/c other headsets "volume limiters" just lower the overall volume, thus causing the spoken word or quieter songs, soft music (esp. lullaby style music) to not get loud enough to hear.
Before purchasing this headset, I called Kidz Gear on the phone to ask specifically about the decibel restriction issue above. I was promptly answered by a friendly, polite man with plenty of good information and the willingness to explain it all. Customer service seemed excellent, should I need help in the future.
I am a research-nut and not very easy to please. Despite these qualities, I would buy this again and would recommend it to others.

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Introducing the first adult-featured stereo headphones made specifically for kids. Manufactured with the same high quality components as those used in standard adult headphones, the Kidz Gear CH68KG01 stereo headphones deliver extremely rich sound quality for a variety of audio content - DVDs, MP3s, Game Players, Television, Radio and more. Featuring BOTH a built-in Volume Control knob as well as a FREE independent Volume Control Cable, the Kidz Gear Wired Headphones are also safe for the little ones. They are a must for children in the car, on the plane or hanging out at home.

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GSI Super Quality Wireless Hands-Free 5-in-1 Dock-Mount-Charger-FM Transmitter-Car Kit, with Goose-neck Mount for Ipod, IPhone 4G/3G/S, MP3, MP4, CD, DVD Players - Includes Audio Cable, LCD Display - Cigarette Lighter Plug-In Review

GSI Super Quality Wireless Hands-Free 5-in-1 Dock-Mount-Charger-FM Transmitter-Car Kit, with Goose-neck Mount for Ipod, IPhone 4G/3G/S, MP3, MP4, CD, DVD Players - Includes Audio Cable, LCD Display - Cigarette Lighter Plug-In
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This thing sucks. I plugged it into my cigarette lighter and tried every possible way to get it to stay in place. It kept falling to the right or left. It would come out of the cigarette lighter. Piece O' crap.

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This newest Item from GSI Features a High Quality, Super-Range 5-in-1 FM Transmitter. It is a Great and Affordable Alternative to other High-Priced Transmitters and guarantees Quality of Sound.

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