Guy Low Price Electronic

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Flatbed Scanners - photo scanner, scanner

This scanner uses LEDs as a light source and so has zero warm-up time. The paper feeding system is very fast and and handles irregular sheets and ragged corners with no trouble. The scanner itself beats the HP 5550C I've been using.

Epson's scanner interface is not to my taste but has presets for office and graphic professional scanning needs. What keeps it from getting highest marks is the abysmal customer service.

I couldn't get the twain driver to work under Windows Vista. The WIA driver did work, but doesn't support acquisition from the sheet feeder (which defeats the whole purpose of buying this scanner). Lack of sheet feeder support is a crippling blow to the usability of Paperport (which I have used for years). Epson should not be bundling software that their own product does not support.

I spent hours on the phone with three levels of Epson's technical support to no avail. They tried to pawn me off on Nuance to get Paperport support (Nuance's policy is that software bundled with hardware is supported by the manufacturer of the hardware!)

One of the technicians I spoke to did not even know that twain and WIA were different drivers. How can they possibly address my problem when they have such poor background in the product?

The answer of course, is that Epson's support is provided by a call center in India or some such place and the support people are reading canned responses off a computer screen.

The level two technicians knew nothing more that the level one technicians. After a lengthy conversation with a level three technician I was promised a resolution and a return phone call, which as you might guess, never happened.

In the end, I was left to my own devices and discovered a workaround. Scan using the Epson interface (which does support the document feeder) and set its destination directory to the main Paperport directory.

Then open Paperport and manage your documents from there. Not as good as scanning directly from within Paperport, but it gets the job done. Epson WorkForce GT-1500 B11B190011 Document Imaging Scanner (White)

After many false starts with several scanners the Epson GT-1500 has earned a permanent place in this book scanner's office (until the prices on commercial units come down). Most of the reviews for the Epson GT-1500 are, quite reasonably, predicated on the idea that most customers will use the product in a small or home office environment. This review is from the perspective of one who wishes to use the GT-1500 as a book scanner or archival tool.

Pros:

- The GT-1500 is extremely fast. Much faster than any of the Canon or Brother scanners that I tried and faster even than Epson's own multipurpose scanner/printer/fax machines.

- Document handing on the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) is remarkably reliable. From glossy magazine papers to heavily milled 32lb papers to newsprint-quality paperback paper the ADF seldom jammed and never grabbed two sheets of paper.

- Resolution is great for OCR (Optical Character Recognition.

Cons:

- Epson Scan software is clunky and far from convenient. More on this later...

- For a Mac user, the scan to PDF function does not allow for an editable text layer behind an optical scan. In fact, it does not even seen to allow for editable text at all.

- No duplex functionality and worse yet, very limited naming option makes recreating double-sided documents (like the pages in a book) a real pain.

- Included Abby FineReader Software is a joke unless you plan to scan only a few documents or are willing to take whatever the scanner spits out with its auto "scan to PDF functionality."

On the pros, the scanner is remarkably well built and seems to handle automatic document feeding well with a minimum of hassles. While the scanner is able to scan at a native 1200 ppi its ability to perform OCR and automatic deskew is capped at only 600 ppi. Functionally then, the scanner is only useful for document archival up to 600 ppi unless one wishes to run through each page with Photoshop and manually correct the image before sending it through a second round of OCR conversion. However, 600 ppi is sufficient for OCR with all but the most demanding (Hebrew or Sanskrit) documents so this is not a huge issue. Also, this is not a fault of the scanner itself but Epson's included software. This note will be struck again and again: the scanner is great but the included software hobbles it.

On the cons, book scanning means being able to handle a high volume of pages in an orderly and efficient manner that does not suck your life away. My first couple days with the GT-1500 were mind numbing, soul stealing excercises in document renaming and workflow headaches. This was due, largely, to two oversights on the part of Epson's software: 1) the scan naming functionality is weak. Documents may be named with a re-occuring string of alphanumeric character plus a strip of ascending numbers beginning with 001 and topping out at 999. While this is fine for single sided documents, it makes for frustrating dual sided scans. The workable solution is to scan a book's first 40 odd pages that will be labeled something like "Book 001" and so one and then rename them all so that they read "Book 001b, Book 002b, etc." Then scan all the even pages with the normal "Book 001, Book 002, etc. so that they fall into the correct order. This batch renaming can be accomplished in Photoshop for PC users or in Mac's Automator program that resides in OSX. Would it have killed Epson to include the ability to name files with multiple fields, descending numbering, or just the ability to designate a batch of pages as "odd" and the other "even?"

This brings us to the joys of Epson's included Abbey FineReader software. First, unlike the IRIS software included with Canon's scanners, the the FineReader software is largely a stand-alone product. The exception is in the automatic "scan to PDF" functionality. However, as a stand alone product it reveals itself to be a cheesy sut rate version of Abbey's otherwise outstanding OCR products. First off, the software does NOT for the creation of editable text. Thus, whatever the OCR reads on the page is what will be included in your PDF or stripped out as a text document mistakes and all. For PC users, one can opt to buy the full software for an additional $500 and actually get something that does the job. For Mac users, the only option is to pay an additional $100 and get the "Express" version which does at least allow for batch processing of file folders (something that Epson's included version of the Abbey software does not). This is nearly unforgivable in my opinion. If one wants images that are straight beyond the narrow abilities of Epson's automatic deskew they must manually correct the skew in a program like Photoshop and then sit and manually open each individual file and save it as a converted OCR'ed PDF while manually typing in the name of the new document. NO, Abbey's software can't even be bothered to default to the name of the original file. Instead ever file is called "TEXT" until you manually enter in its proper name. So, for a person scanning books the included software is a joke unless you are willing accept wonky text angles and mistakes in your searchable PDF files. The only complete solution is to buy Abbey's full version of the FineReader OCR software that includes the ability to batch process and edit the resulting text before resaving the whole document as a converted PDF file. The work-around solution for MAC users is to pay an additional chunk of change for the "Express" version to get batch processing and just deal with the mistakes that the OCR software throws-up periodically.

That brings us to the most easily fixed broken-link in Epson's "Epson Scan" software: there is no manual de-skew. The auto de-skew is barely functional in general--far less so than Canon's script to do the same-- and without manual control some pages are bound to wind up a bit wonky. Fortunately, Epson's ADF is quite competent at pulling the pages in relatively straight as long as the feed arms are kept tight to the edges of the stack. However, generally first and last pages tend to get pulled a few degrees (or thirty) off of straight.

For those who are unwilling to pony up thousands for camera based book-scanning solutions or unable to build DIY projects that do the same, the Epson GT-1500 can turn an average book into an archival string of bits in about four hours start to finish. This is fast enough to equal cheap college text books (borrowed from friends or libraries and digitized) and easy enough to allow for a person to convert often used reference books into searchable digital PDFs. However, for those with deeper pockets there are better camera based options available. So while the Epson's scanning software greatly limits the scanner's native abilities there are no other options available in the sub $500 range that turn a book into a file as easily. The duplexing abilities of Fuji's Scansnap series of scanners would be a great step up for those willing to pay $500 (and sacrifice a document table) or so but the reality is that most people are still going to pay an additional fee to buy scanning software capable of producing editable text.

The final words on Epson's GT-1500 is "good enough" and worthy of five stars only in that it does the job that very few others do--even while it does it poorly. - Document Scanner - Scanner - Photo Scanner - Flatbed Scanners'

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Popular Science - dark energy, popular science

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...I have waited impatiently for this book, waited filled with questions that have not been answered by the press coverage on the Harvard supernova team's work. So much of the story is not sound-bite-able, but requires some exposition. Closing the book, I feel like I've completed a 5 course Thanksgiving dinner. I feel great satisfaction. I still have lots of questions, but most of the remaining ones are for the theoretical physicists who are now working to explain what the Harvard team found. On behalf of the astronomers, Kirshner unhesitatingly gives up the family jewels in his book. This is a two-part book. Part one, chapters 1 - 7, is a well-crafted primer on astronomy and physics, with an overview of the cosmological mass density problem that addresses the geometry of space-time and the ultimate fate of the universe. The rest of the book covers the story of the Harvard high-z supernova research team and the remarkably creative and clever way they tried to solve the mass density problem. I became a little restless reading chapters 1 - 7. I have spent years reading about and pondering the information in this part of the book, and I believe that some readers of "The Extravagant Universe" may have, too. A lot of good books have been written on various aspects of modern astronomy and physics and on the personalities who pushed us along toward our current understanding of where the universe came from and how it works. Most of these books delve more deeply into smaller chunks of the big picture. By contrast, Kirshner goes hard and fast, presenting the material in such a way as to be entertaining and comprehensible to a reader who has never read a book on astronomy, physics or cosmology. It was probably a good idea to do this, as the overview is necessary if the average lay reader is to understand what the Harvard supernova team was doing, and why.I had nothing to worry about, though, because turning the page and starting Chapter 8... well, let me make a Kirshner-style analogy here. You know the rush you feel when a roller coaster engages the clanking lift chain and begins ascending the first giant hill? That's what you experience when Kirshner begins telling his unique story. From Chapter 8 on, there is no messing around. Kirshner goes into fine and careful detail describing the Harvard CfA team's work applying supernova measurements to a solution for Omega. In the process, he conveys a picture of the tedium and exhausting commitment required to accomplish anything useful in astronomy. "The Extravagant Universe" is a saga of hard work and hard thinking by a bunch of brilliant people. The story is fraught with as many difficulties and setbacks as Admiral Byrd faced in his winter alone in Antarctica, and it is filled with colorful and distinctive personalities, each of whose participation played a part in a true scientific triumph. Kirshner is generous in giving credit to his many associates, but his folksy and self-deprecating style can't hide his central role in guiding and fault-checking the procedures employed to examine high-z supernovae and in applying a fierce questioning logic to interpreting the results. When it became clear that the Harvard team's findings were going to raise eyebrows (to put it terribly,terribly mildly), he did a great job of conveying the predicament this put the team in - to what an extreme extent they had maneuvered themselves into a position to become either figures of historical importance in our understanding of the universe or, by one slip or lack of vigilance, becoming some of history's "village idiots" (a term Kirshner uses repeatedly and well.) The coverage of the competing supernova team at Berkeley is a bit less than fraternal and compassionate. This is a big part of the story. There was a real horse race going on between the two teams, and Kirshner's account gives you some rich things to ponder in this regard. I had long wondered about the dynamics between the Harvard and Berkeley teams - were they working together, working against one another, or something in between? The answer is, they were not sabotaging one another or devoting a lot of time to spying, but they were in definite competition and hoping to reach a solid conclusion in time to scoop their opponents. They were approaching the problems in very different ways. There was a high priority on the part of the Harvard team to out-do the Berkeley team when it came to rigorous thinking and cleverness. The Berkeley group had the technology to find and measure more supernovae faster, so it fell to Harvard to maximize the accuracy of their measurements so that a smaller sampling could yield superior statistical accuracy. They pulled this off and were able to get papers published first with more substantial claims and the facts to back them up. Kirshner's account makes the Berkeley team seem a little reckless and in a big hurry, and suggests that the Harvard team was ultimately able to out-think their opponents in a number of important ways. Reading about the competition between teams is a lesson in the virtues and benefits of squaring off in a potential winner/loser scenario. It brought out the best in a group of people who had a lot to offer in the first place. Without violating Amazon review policy by giving away the "punch line" of this book, I can assure you that Kirshner does indeed spill the beans on the inside workings of a research team engaged in an extraordinarily ambitious scientific quest. The narrative is richly human. The author's wit, curiosity and zeal for discovery is contagious."The Extravagant Universe" and the research that it describes deserve that most carefully rationed of all accolades given in the scientific world: "nice work!" The Extravagant Universe: Exploding Stars, Dark Energy, and the Accelerating Cosmos (Princeton Science Library)

In early 1998, scientist Robert Kirshner and his team published the astonishing claim that the universe's expansion was accelerating due to the power of dark energy. Subsequent research has not been able to disprove the results obtained by Kirshner's "high-z supernova search team." This book is Kirshner's discussion of that finding and its importance to cosmology.The first half of the book is essentially a crash course in the basics of cosmology, with many anecdotes and background from earlier research since Einstein or even before. Kirshner's witty style keeps this section entertaining even for those familiar with the information. He compares several distance indicators, such as Cepheid variables, redshifts, and supernovae. We learn how supernovae can be used to measure distances to remote galaxies due to their incredible brightness. We also become familiar with the pitfalls of using supernovae as standard candles, because there are a few different types.Then the author gets into the real purpose of his book: to describe his research team's methods, results, and road to success with the press. The subtitle of the book is somewhat misleading; it should have been something like "The Story of the High-Z Supernova Search Team". Though the information wasn't presented in quite the way I was expecting, Kirshner gets the job done. He patiently educates the layman reader in many aspects of astronomy and cosmology. Towards the end it becomes a race between two supernova search teams using different methods. Though I found this yarn interesting, I would have preferred a general discourse to the narrative presented here.Overall, this book is probably one of the most well-written and absorbing reads on this specific subject. Science and astronomy buffs should enjoy it greatly. - Dark Energy - Hard Science - Popular Science - Astrophysics'

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Colored Pencils - scented pencils

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Corporate trainers and teachers have been noticing for two years that the quality of Mr.Sketch markers has dropped significantly. The tips do not write well and they are not "juicy" enough, so letters on a flip chart can no longer be seen at a distance. Calling the company (contact information below) just confirms that they know they have a problem and are "working on it" but there is no solution yet. Very disappointing for us very loyal customers who have insisted on what were the best writing, non-toxic, brilliant colored markers out there at a reasonable price. Please join in and urge them to return to their prior quality. Newell Rubbermaid Office Products Group (formerly Sanford)

2707 Butterfield Road

Oakbrook, IL 60523

(800) 323-0749 SAN20071 - Mr. Sketch Scented 18 Color Set - Scented Pencils'

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Universal Remote Control - elderly, simple remote

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The Flipper LLC works great and I really appreciate someone finally pulling together basic remote control commands while maintaining programming technology for such a vast array of AV component options. The ability to control two separate components simultaneously is unique. I have never seen this feature before and hope you guys applied for a patient.

Our Mother has mid-stage Alzheimer's and is in a nursing home. The remote that came with her new 32" flat screen TV would challenge even the youngest and brightest. After researching and trying several remotes the Flipper LLC was the only one found that would not only operate the new TV, but simultaneously operate the existing (circa 1997) DIRECTV control box. Most amazing and certainly most important, the colors, size and simplicity of the 4-button design allowed her to immediately use the Flipper without any problems. Even in her confused state using the Flipper LLC was intuitive. Flipper Big Button Remote for 2-Devices

This is the perfect remote for anyone having trouble with the remote from their cable company or the TV remote. After reading the other reviews, I ordered this remote for my 91 year old mother-in-law. She couldn't use the cable remote, so we first purchased a remote with large numbers. However, she could not figure out how to turn the TV and cable box off without touching other buttons which then changed the cable box set-up. We went through that for 2 years. It was a nightmare. She has been using the Flipper for 2 months now with no problem. We haven't received any more phone calls that she can't get a picture on her TV. I programmed her favorite channels into the remote and she just presses the forward arrow to decide which channel she wants to watch. No more numbers to find and press. It was so easy to program for her. I have never written a review before, but I am so pleased with this remote that I had to write this review. I highly recommend this remote for anyone who just needs a remote to turn on the TV and cable box at the same time with no problem. The channel numbers are small but the arrows to advance the favorite channels are large. I think the price is high for a remote control, but it has been worth every penny in just the last two months. Therefore, this TV/cable remote is well worth the extra money.

My mother has mid stage Alzheimers and just can't learn new things. Before we knew that she had Alzheimer's and before she came to live with us, we tried changing her cable TV over to AT&T U-Verse. After 2 weeks of struggling to teach her the U-Verse remote, we had to disconnect it and go back to the service she was used to. She came to live with us and we really, really wanted U-Verse which had just come available in our area. I found the Flipper and I wrote to them to ask if it would work with the AT&T U-Verse and they wrote back that they knew it would work with the Motorola set top boxes but that AT&T uses a variety of boxes. They also said that they would provide customer support during the setup if we needed it. The AT&T Tech could get the remote to work with the set top box to change the channels but he could not get it to work in "dual mode" where it would turn off and on both the tv and the set top box nor could he get it to change the volume. He left me with my problem so I wrote back to Flipper and they promptly sent me a phone # to call. I called, they picked right up(no sitting on hold) and within 5 minutes it was working beautifully. To find this wonderful product that works great AND has awesome customer support is a delight. My Mom is just happy as can be with it and to me, the caregiver, it is priceless. I highly recommend it.

I bought this for my 86-year-old mother who was having problems with the standard remote that came with her Verizon FIOS cable service (too many buttons, small buttons, etc.) I had a little trouble at first programming the favorite channels because I was pushing the buttons too fast. But once I figured that out it worked as advertised. My only complaint is that it transmits the IR signals for the channels with a somewhat long gap in between digits. Her cable service uses 4-digit channel numbers so it takes a while for all 4 digits to get transmitted. My mother sometimes thinks pressing the button didn't work so she presses it again. But I think the advantages with this remote outweigh this issue so I do recommend it.

Update (1/31/2010) - The drawback that I mentioned in my initial review can be mitigated by using the Flipper's feature that allows it to learn the "enter" signal from your TV's or STB's remote. So, for example, if a favorite channel is only one digit you can program the remote to transmit the signal for that single digit followed by the "enter" signal which will result in the channel change taking less time.

Prior to purchasing the FLIPPER, I had purchased and returned several big button remotes from local retailers. They worked only with cable boxes, not the new digital tv converter boxes.

FLIPPER has big buttons, stores up to 30 channels, and operates (both channels and volume) by scrolling up or down. You do not punch in a station to go directly to it. No problem - my 91 year old mother, who could NEVER figure out the dual remote system after the digital conversion, can operate this remote. We programmed it for her five favorite channels and two more PBS channels. This remote simultaneously turns on/off both the TV and the Digital Converter Box. It does NOT interfere with use of other remotes for VCR, DVD player/recorder.

Set-up was a bit of a challenge: instruction book is not 100% clear. Unfortunately there is NO 800 number for customer help listed in the operating manual. The manual refers customers to the company website and requests questions by email - not a good option for a senior who does not use a computer. After several emails, I received the direct phone number of the inventor of this product, (310) 266-6933 (9am - 3pm Pacific Standard Time)and, during a five minute phone call, set up the system.

This product is BRILLIANT for seniors. I wish it was available in local retail stores such as Target, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. But, the order on Amazon was very easy, included free shipping and a 30 day trial period! - Simple Remote - Easy To Use - Seniors - Elderly'

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Chiminey Cleaning Brush - pellet stove brush, pellet stove cleaning

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The shaft on the long pellet brush is too flexible. I tried to push it up a straight pipe and when it got to a slightly tight spot, the handle wasn't stiff enough to push it through. I would try another brand. Brushtech B67C Pellet Stove Cleaning Kit

Bush worked well. Droped down form top of chiminey, worked up and down and that was it. Just wished the line was a little longer because the brush didn't reach the bottom of my stove pipe. The little brush works well cleaning out the inside of stove.sd

I could only clean the first 3' of my vent pipe with this product coming in from the top. After working it in about 3' the rod binds up. Coming in from the bottom the rod wads up as soon as the brush reaches the 45 degree dogleg. The flex rod needs to be a lot more rigid for this product to work properly.

This brush "out of the box" did not work at all in cleaning my Dura Vent 3" pellet stove pipe. At best I got it to feed in about 3 feet and doing that was a real struggle.The shaft is WAY too flexible, the brush too long and the brush nose is too sharp.I got this to work by taping a piece of flexible steel fish strap (for fishing electric wire through walls) along the whole length of the shaft, cutting the length of the brush down by half (while keeping the original brush diameter) and gluing a wood ball to the nose. It now does what it is supposed to do and will now go around 90 degree bends and clean a 10' length of 3" pipe with no trouble. - Pellet Stove Cleaning - Chimney Brush - Pellet Stove Brush'

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Please Put This On Dvd - kristy mcnichol, country music

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I was obsessed with Kristy McNichol as a kid. At 37, I have found old obsessions die hard. I loved this movie when it was released in 1981, but I wasn't quite so sure it would still hold my attention in 2004. I recently purchased one of those VHS transfers to DVD and I am surprised to find this movie still as captivating today as I did when I was a kid. The thing I am most surprised by is how entertaining it is.

It is a total B movie, but it's incredibly rich in its character development, or maybe that is just the acting, which is great. The editing is really amazing too; there are a lot of subtleties to this and a lot of sensitivity and I find that really surprising, when most media today is so flat, crude and one-dimensional. It is easy to tell that that this film was made by some very talented people. And I have to say, in all honesty, I really think that Kristy McNichol and Dennis Quaid can sing. This is just all-around wonderful entertainment.

I hope this gets an offical DVD release sometime soon. But until then I will just enjoy my Ebay counterfit. The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia [VHS]

I really hope that this movie is put into dvd form soon. I think this was Dennis Quaid's first movie or was it Caveman? Anyway he is really talented and I always liked Kristy McNichol since the show "Family", which also starred James Broderick (Matthew's father). She has the charm of a little waif and who could forget Mark Hamil from Star Wars fame. Please bring this movie out soon.

A Fan

I have heard and read that when this movie was released in movie theaters that the critics trashed it and I have heard people saying that it was a box office flop but I remember watching The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia on cable and liking it. The Title of the movie is taken from a song from the 70s sung by Vicki Lawrence (Yes the same Vicki Lawrence from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family). The movie stars Dennis Quaid as a country singer and Kristy McNichol as his teenaged sister who travel to Nashville when he gets in trouble with the law and there Kristy's character falls in love with a cop played by Mark Hamill. This movie in my opinion is much better then what the critics said and I think that Dennis Quaid, Kristy McNichol and Mark Hamill were all very good and I wish this movie would be transferred to DVD because since I got my DVD player and have seen how much better DVDs are then video tapes I don't buy movies on video anymore!

This has been out of print for quite a long time. There are counterfeits out there which are very bad quality. Beware the brand new, factory fresh smelling black clambshell box, complete with the original artwork. Chances are very good it is one of those lousy fakes. Used 20th century fox editions will prove to be a safer bet, and theirs is stereo compatible.

I have been waiting for years for you to put this on DVD legitimately. I know sometimes you can find this on Ebay on DVD. But I am not sure I trust those copies. PLEASE work with me on this and put this out. I had the VHS but can't find it anywhere. This movie makes me think of my close relationship to my brother. It is sentimental to me and I LOVE the movie.

I will definately purchase it when it comes out! I would also be interested in the series "FAMILY" on DVD.

Thank you,

Angie

BEING A BIG FAN OF KRISTY MCNICHOL WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, I SEENTHIS MOVIE WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUT IN THEATERS! IT HAS ACTION, ADVENTURE AND SOME GREAT MUSIC TO BOOT!! I USED TO OWN MY OWN COPY OF THIS ON VHS AND HOPE TO PURCHASE ONE AGAIN SOON! TRUST ME, YOU WILL REALLY ENJOY THIS MOVIE; NOT JUST ONCE, BUT OVER & OVER AGAIN!!

This is a movie that I saw in the theater when it came out. Dennis Quaid is sexy and talented and Kristy McNichol was so sweet and innocent. I loved this movie then and I love it now. I would love to get my hands on a CD of just the music. It brings tears and laughter and frustration all together in a way that makes it worth the time and attention it takes to watch it.

this movie is a wonderful film. i loved this movie so much that i even named my daughter amanda.

please beware of the cheap copies that are sold on ebay. unfortately, i was one of those people that did buy one.you can definately tell the difference in quality. i wish that i would have seen the review from BEWARE before.

i really wish that this movie was on dvd. the picture quality i think would be great!

Just watch it if you get a chance, you will not be sorry. This goes with the likes of Little Darlings, Foxes, Carny and Times Square. Those were also underrated, little type of films. No more needs to be said.

A great action-packed movie. The explosive chemistry between Dennis Quaid (the womanizer big brother) and Kristy McNichol (The business manager little sister)as a musical team in route to Nashville for a recording contract, and their troubles with love and the law along the way. - Dennis Quaid - Country Music - Kristy Mcnichol - Ought To Be On Dvd'

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Miniplug To Rca Adapter - cable, audio

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For those who are not sure what this product does...it connects a single headphone jack (found on portable audio equipment) to right/left audio jack connectors on an audio receiver. So if your looking to hook up say your mp3 player or portable cd player to the receiver of your home stereo system look no further, you've found the right product.

I use this Belkin splitter to attach my muvo (mp3 flash player) and ,sometimes, my mp3 portable iriver cd player to my stereo system. Works great. I don't have a problem with the connection being loose, but I don't have an ipod to test this out with. My mp3 cd players and the few flash mp3 players I've tried work fine with this. Belkin, as usual, offers a quality product.

Cheap, works well, recommended. Belkin Audio Y Cable Splitter 1-Mini Plug/2-RCA Plugs (6ft)

I purchased this splitter because I have tv shows on my laptop that I would rather watch on my 42'' Plasma HDTV, and unfortunately S-video cables don't transmit sound as well as video. So I bought this, plugged it into the headphone jack on my laptop and into the Audio inputs on my tv, and low and behold it worked like a charm! Finally I don't have to watch on a big screen while listening to the speakers on my laptop...

Don't let them fool you.

I love those endearing geeks at the Apple store as much as the next guy, but- I swear- they'll look you straight in the eye and try to convince you that you need to spend lots of cash if you want to play your iPod through your stereo.

And you do need to play your iPod through your stereo. Once you've gotten into the spirit of things, once you've spent those lonely hours crafting your playlists, you can't go back to shuffling CDs for your guests. At this point I have my "Warming Up" playlist, which transitions to the "Early Happening" list, then "Now We're Cooking" and finally the "Cooling Down" playlist. I even got carried away and made my Shiva playlist. In the completely unexpected and unfortunate event of my premature death ["God forbid! Khas Vesholem!" then spitting three times], please check my iPod for a list to play on shuffle mode during the nights of intense mourning. Enjoy the tunes. Some are meant to tug at the heart strings but others are a rollicking good time. Turn to each other and remark on what a shame it is, "of all people, Marc would have enjoyed this the most."

I got off topic there, sorry, but the point is, you need these cords to play your iPod or MP3 player through your stereo, but that's all you need. Now I know there are audiophiles out there who will argue the importance of spending a lot more money on a product that is better sound quality. I have a buddy who talks about this stuff all the time. He told me that, even the overtones that are out of the range of human hearing need to be transmitted faithfully because your body can feel the difference in the vibrations. He said it with such authority that I believed him. You know the type. He takes over the bar at parties because he knows the exact right way to mix drinks. He can talk endlessly about barbecue sauce. But, one day, he told me he really likes that really insipid James Blunt song. He even argued that it was well written. I try not to be judgmental but I just can't take him seriously anymore. Anyway, I don't get worked up about sound quality. It wasn't that long ago that we all listened to music on tapes with that hissing background noise, or listened to LPs with their pops and scratches, and it was fine. Just tune into the music and don't worry about the other stuff, take some breaths, work on your radical acceptance skills and you should be okay.

Cable works great and the length is just right for what I intended to use it for. With most cable purchases, it is strongly recommended that the buyer know exactly what length is needed. Too long and it gets bulky and cumbersome, not to mention it doesn't look great to have cables tangled everywhere. Too short and you'll be buying yet another cable.

I found this cable to be really useful for connecting my PC to a home theater TV system. Most PC's come with the standard DVI port and that hooks up to a flat-screen via a DVI/HDMI connector. HDMI can transmit/receive both digital video and audio. Unfortunately, the PC DVI port only transmits digital video.

This cable will solve that conundrum by allowing the audio from the PC to go to a home theater system that has the Red/White (also called the L/R or R/L, I don't recall) port to be connected. Just hook up the black 3.5 mm jack to the PC audio-out and the Red/White to the sound system and the connection's done.

Some work on the home theater or flat-screen settings may need to happen. This does take some thinking of and visualisation of the setup to be done, preferably before any work's done. Once it's done, you've got an internet TV setup w/o buying any special electronics besides the PC, flat-screen and maybe the home theater sound system.

This cable is good for connecting the headphone port into regular Left and Right RCA analog inputs of stereos, TV's, etc. BTW, RCA inputs are the usual jacks that almost all stereos and TV's have nowadays; most DVD players, etc. come with some kind of cheap RCA cable (yeah, that yellow, red, white one). This cable is especially good for connecting portable music devices and computer sound cards to regular stereos. This cable is good at what it does, and for a good price.

Works perfectly to connect my G4 iPod to my stereo receiver. After reading reviews (good and bad) of other products (Apple, Monster) I decided to try the cheapest method, and I'm glad that I did.

It may be a little loose in the iPod outlet, but I think this is a flaw in the iPod, not this cable. I have a couple of other cables and they are loose in the iPod, but not in other devices. Here's the best work around:

1 start the iPod

2 insert cable into iPod

3 turn on stereo - Audio - Ipod Accessories - Cable - Y Cable'

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