Thursday, September 24, 2009

Pioneer VSX-918V 5.1-Channel AV Receiver

Home-Theater surround is an entirely new, wondrous world meshing TV, Video, and Sound. Enter a world of pristine sound and flawless technology. Enjoy a world with more connectivity options. It's a realm of engineering beyond anything previously imagined. Where Advanced Sound Retriever brings near CD quality to your compressed music files. It's a world where you listen with your eyes. See with your hands and hear with your heart. It's a world designed to connect to your iPod® player. An out of this world destination, where XM HD Surround Sound and SIRIUS Satellite Radio have been elevated to a whole new level of acoustic enlightenment. It's a universe of things never seen or heard before. Where abundant HDMI connectivity, 1080p compatibility, 120 watts of audio and 5.1 surround all come together to ensure the highest quality home audio experience possible. It's a world so completely intelligent, so absolutely brilliant, an auto MCACC room calibration system with 5-band EQ now makes it possible for you to create the ultimate listening environment at the touch of a switch in any environment you choose. Connecting to this world is easy with Pioneer VSX-918V A/V receiver. 5 A/V (4 in/1 out), 6 audio (5 in/ 1 out), 1 headphone out connections 12+2 Advanced Surround Modes, including Virtual Surround Back Luminous preset remote control for use in any light condition - SR (Smart Remote) terminal output SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio ready (XM-HD With Neural Sound) with OSD (subscription and antenna required) Front A/V in/iPod Direct in Sound Retriever for enhanced portable audio playback Dialogue Enhancement AM/FM radio tuner with 30 random station presets Bass Management System Large Banana Speaker Terminals Display Dimmer control Unit Dimensions - 16.56 W x 6.25 H x 13.88 D; Weight - 17.9 lbs
Customer Review: sirius hook up
I like the pioneer system I purchased. I need someone to tell me how you hooked up the sirius connection. I already called and have it turned on to sirius but need better reception. Does anyone know who I can call to install an outdoor home antenna?
Customer Review: Excellent Purchase
This receiver was perfect for what I needed. I noted older Pioneer models elsewhere for more than the Amazon price of this one. I am completely happy with this receiver and may actually buy a second one for the basement.


Samsung LN46A650

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Sharp Aquos LC52D65U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The AQUOS LC52D65U sets a new standard for large-screen flat panel TVs. With Full HD 1080p resolution and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The LC52D65U utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine, providing high Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles (176H x 176V). The LC52D65U is HDTV with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 5 HDMI inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD 1080p component video inputs. The LC52D65U features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers. The included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.
Customer Review: Stopped working after 6 mths
This seemed like the best deal for the size tv I wanted. I first had a problem with the delivery. I was told the tv would be set up for me as long as I had the tv stand, but the delivery men said they were not authorized to do that and just brought the box inside. After having the tv for 6 mths, the picture went out. I called the customer service # and the rep said to hold down 2 buttons at the same time. When I did this, smoke started coming out of the back of the tv. They said they would send someone out to fix it in a wk, but no one showed up. When they finally did come they said they had to order a part and would be back in a wk. It has been over a week and still have not heard from them.
Customer Review: Great TV
I bought this television after looking at all the other options out there and I am really happy with it. The screen is great and the pictures are incredible. I use this with my PS3 and the games look good and the screen works great with all the fast action of the PS3.


Surround Sound Home Theater

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Alpine IVA-W205 2-DIN DVD/CD/MP3/WMA Receiver/AV Head Unit (Black)

A powerful, sleek double-DIN head unit solution. Designed to easily mount flush in your dash, the Alpine IVA-W205 boasts a brilliant 6.5-inch large display for a clean, slick feel. Stay connected to multiple sources with an abundance of convenient features that give you full control from one central screen. Your IVA-W205 is the perfect starting point to expand your system. Feel free to add on, as you like. Whether you want to connect to your iPod, get all the great features of your SIRIUS Plug-n-Play device or even enjoy hands-free conversations in your car, this is the unit that is ready for multiple sources. Now it¿s all up to you.
Customer Review: Alpine IVA-W205
This is the third Dvd unit i have used, tried Clarion before and that was ok, tried the Jensen 9021ts and it is actually a really good unit for the price, but nothing comes close to the clarity delivered by the Alpine in both sound and video. Have no reason to use the navigation feature, so cannot comment, but can guarantee if you are looking for a head unit to build around. Alpine does not dissapoint
Customer Review: Amazing Unit
I have had the Alpine IVA W205 for about 8 months now and I couldn't be happier. The controls are very easy and put right where they should be. I have never once had it skip or not read a disc. Screen works perfect in sub-zero temps. It fits perfectly in my 2005 F150. I have had several people ask me if it is factory because of how clean the install looks. I am unable to come up with any downside. I would highly reccomend this unit to anyone considering it.


Etymotic HF5

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Cambridge - 340R - 5.1 HDMI AV Receiver - Silver

The Cambridge Audio Azur 340R is a budget home theater receiver without compromise. Sound like a contradiction in terms? Nope. It sounds superb, and it looks like a million bucks. It's what you would expect, and a whole lot more, from the design wizards at Cambridge Audio. The 340R is engineered to offer enviable sound and picture quality for anywhere near its price. It will deliver 50-watts-per-channel in 5.1-channel mode, making it a star performer for an exciting surround sound experience. The Azur is one of the best ways we know to get maximum home theater excitement for a minimum investment. Discrete amplifier design with high current transistors give the Azur plenty of muscle to resolve the most complex soundtrack passage or orchestra climax into beautiful audio.


HP M9500F

Saturday, August 1, 2009

ViewSonic PJD6220-3D 720p DLP Home Theater Projector

Built with Brilliant Color technology, The PJD6220¿3D delivers 2200 lumens at an amazing 120Hz refresh rate with a 1024 x 768 XGA native resolution. When combined with the nVidia 3D Vision shutter glass/emitter combination, the PJD6220¿3D delivers an immersive 3D visual experience, compatible with over 350 gaming, education, and entertainment titles on the market. It offers a variety of features such as RJ¿45 for remote network control and closed captioning for the hearing impaired. The PJD6220¿3D is the lightweight 120Hz 3D Ready DLP powerhouse that delivers sharp and bright images for virtually any environment. Flicker¿free 120Hz BrilliantColor technology produces more vibrant colors, while the high brightness and contrast ratios make this projector shine in virtually any lighting situation. This projector is designed for table¿top use or can be mounted on the ceiling for classrooms and meeting rooms. RJ¿45 connectivity enables remote network control, while the extensive input options and integrated 2x5¿watt stereo speakers deliver a truly dynamic multimedia experience. This projector also features closed captioning for the hearing impaired.


HP G60-230US

Samsung UN46B7000WFZXA 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV




Epson V700

Friday, July 31, 2009

Sony STR-DA4400ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver

The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel AV receiver continues Sony's heritage in providing an ES AV receiver that will distribute high definition content to a 2nd room of the home. Its multi-room capabilities don't stop with HD; this model also can distribute audio to multiple rooms (up to 3). These multi-room features are accompanied by custom control connections (i.e. RS-232C, 12 volt triggers and IR in/out) necessary for full home integration. Now, you can start a HD movie in the living room and finish it in the bedroom or listen to your favorites songs from your iPod player, Walkman player or PC (accessories sold separately), located in the living room, on the patio in the backyard. The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel AV receiver utilizes Sony's xross media bar inspired GUI with Faroudja DCDi cinema technology that can upscale all video sources to 1080p in an intuitive environment for even novice AV enthusiasts. This new model will be able to reproduce the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and dts (dts HD/dts high resolution audio). In true ES fashion, this model incorporates new audio technology by having the ability to decode direct stream digital (DSD) audio sources. So, the abundant HDMI connections (6 Inputs) provide ample room to incorporate a SACD Player with a HDMI output (SACD Player sold separately). This new model is compatible with 1080 60p/24p, deep color and x.v.color video signals. Finally, the STR-DA4400ES features BRAVIA sync for theater with one touch control, digital media port input for use with MP3 portable players or personal computer (accessories sold separately) and is XM and Sirius Satellite Radio ready.
Customer Review: Great Product but know its limitations.
I have spent about a week with the 4400es and it is without a doubt a great and versatile product. I have my cable box, pc, wii, ps3, xbox, and hd dvd all hooked up to it. It all sounds and looks great. There are however some limitations you must be aware about. For one, you cannot use a hdmi to dvi cable for output. If you use such a cable to plug into your tv the receiver WILL NOT ouput sound for any Hdmi connected devices, in any way. period. (non hdmi connected devices will still work in video and sound) If you have an old DVI TV you will have to connect the video through the component inputs/ouputs and assign the HDMI connection to component video. (you cannot assign hdmi to any other audio input!) You will still get full dolby hd, dts hd, or linear pcm, but your video will be coming through component. Got it? good! (if you have an hdtv with hdmi you dont even have to worry about this) Also there are some limitations with the GUI interface with component video. If you have resolution set to direct, meaning you are disabling the video upsaler, the gui interface will not work. It will come up but the scaler has to "turn on" while you make changes, and then turn off to resume direct connection. Furthermore, if you connect hdmi for audio and component for video, the GUI interface will have to scale to 480p to work. Basically you will see and hear flickering and clicking as the resolution changes from one format top another. Sounds confusing but you will see what I mean if you connect it this way. You can avoid all this if you just set GUI interface to OFF, and there will be no issues with the scaler kicking in on and off. Last but not least, the second zone hd connections offer no scaling or digital options. Make sure whatever you are sending the signals to can actually accept them. Furthermore, the second zone option must match your input. Component RCA output from the 2nd zone must match a Component RCA input. No mix and match with any other connections. hope this info helps future buyers out there.
Customer Review: Very versatile receiver
I bought this receiver because it covers all the bases. Almost every audio option is supported (Logic 7 would be nice but Lexicon/Harmon Karden keep that one on a tight leash). The GUI is very PS3 like which is okay with me however I find that it's integration with the remote to be less than desirable. The biggest disappointment is the lack of a switched AC outlet. I have a powered sub and the lack of the AC outlet requires me to manually turn the sub on. Oh and the calibration mic claims that my speakers are not in phase when I know for a fact that they are. I use a PS3 for blue-ray and it works well with the receiver but I can't get the multichannel audio programs to work when I stream the audio using the PS3 from my PC. I think that this is a limitation of the PS3.


Motorola SBG900