Saturday, 19 December 2009
Sound Bar
First, Amazon is one of the best out there for price, selection and shipping!
The HT-D6730w is very good for the price and seems to have corrected the problems that you may have read about by the end users of the HT-C6930W.
The sound is as good as my 8 year old Onkyo system which cost $1500. Although my Onkyo is better built with polished aluminum speakers/AV and a AC power sub (the Samsung is high gloss piano finished plastic) the processing for surround seems to work better with this Samsung system. (Modern technology) at it best ;-)
The system is very well packed in its box and took me as much time to unpack it as it did to set up, about an hour from start to finish and looks/sounds great with my 65 DLP TV.
I was a little confused looking at the picture and only counting 5 speakers plus sub; how could it be 7.1 The two front tower speakers is 2 separate speakers in 1. Therefore by counting them twice you come up with 7 plus the sub. The 2 rear wireless speakers have wires that go to the wireless AC power module and then it communicates with the AV receiver wireless across the room. The sub does not require a separate AC plug-in, which was surprising to me, however works very well.
The blue-ray player does not have a pop out tray, but direct feed like a CD player in a car. The up scaling works great and standard DVD's looks as good as HD. The 2D to 3D is not bad either. I put in Polar Express (standard DVD) movie and clicked on 2D to 3D along with the 3D sounds and my kids just loved it ;-). One button push on the remote to get to Netflix is another plus.
Again, for the price this is a very good system! Samsung Electronics HT-D6730W Home Theater System
Overall it is an awesome unit and a good price. I agree with most everyone's 5 star reviews. The user interface is great, the online features are awesome (go Netflix!), 3D movies are spectacular, and the sound quality is good. I especially like the form factor. It is a thin receiver with built in 3D blu-ray. I like the small footprint. My only gripe and the reason why I gave it only 4 stars is that I found that the tower speakers look and feel cheap. They did not stand up perfectly strait (leaned forward a bit) and event though they were on level ground they had some give/sway to them. It is all very plastic. Mine may have been damaged in shipping but it is hard to tell. Either way, overall I would recommend these for the price and user experience. It works great with Samsung TVs.
Bought this mostly for three reasons:
1. So I wouldn't have any compatibility problems with my Samsung TV
2. Rear wireless speakers (although not true wireless, sure beats having wires or having to running wires across the living room)
3. Tallboy front speakers. (I have my TV mounted on the wall, so having these tall speakers helps the room look proportional. And I don't have to buy speaker stands for them)
Obviously if you are looking for a system with the best sound quality there are better products out there in this price range, but I was looking for a specific set of features.
During my research to find a stereo system that had the perfect blend of qualities, features, and price I came to the conclusion that this was the perfect one for what I was looking for.
I've had this product now for about a month, and have no complaints. The 3D blu-ray works well with my TV, I like the Ipod/Iphone cradle that it comes with to play my tunes, the sounds are rich and full, and am impressed with all the little online features the system offers.
The only thing I didn't like about this was the depth of the blu-ray player/receiver. I had to cut out the back of my display case/shelf, that I use to place all my electronics on, more than usual for this device. I thought drilling a hold in the back for all the wires would suffice, but had to cut a lot more to provide enough space for the device.
All in all, I would recommend this product for those looking for the above features.
It's a Really good system. I had to turn off my HDMI Deep Color off to work with my Projector. I thought it was the system. So i sent it back Amazon sent me another one real quick. That one did the same thing, so I called Samsung customer service they said I had a another defective system. I turned off that HDMI Deep Color Off and Presto, It works like a Charm. I always order my stuff through Beach Audio or JR Audio and it comes with in 3 to 5 days, but I save like about 1 to 2 Hundred every purchase. The Sound isn't all that loud but My wife kinda likes it that way. I have my 360 and computer hooked up but I always need 1 more HDMI Input, but nothing a splitter wouldn't Fix. Very Nice System Overall. A must buy if you like all kinds of cool features Like AllShare,NetFlix and YouTUBE.
We love the sound of the system but the wireless speakers would not work after many attempts and calling Samsung. We sent the receiver and wireless speakers back to Samsung per their instructions, received them back two weeks later. Hooked it all up and they worked for about two minutes. Very disappointing. Now we have to send it back again. When you spend that much for a system and what you think is a quality brand it is very upsetting. We had a panasonic wireless system in the past and wish we would have done that route again, never had these issues with it.
For the middle $600 range I expected more than I got, particularly since it was highly rated in Consumer Reports. I am going to send this unit back.
The stereo effect is good but otherwise the sound quality is what you would expect of a $250 boom box. Sibilants are a bit hissy, distortion at the mid-range is higher than I would like. Woofer adds good bass, but it is muddy on the low notes of a stand-up bass or a pipe organ.
It detects when you turn the TV off (presumably through a signal in the HDMI cable) and it turns itself off. But it DOESN'T automatically turn itself back on. You have to switch it on separately. It is a real effort to avoid sarcasm when looking at this glaring omission.
The product seems more designed to sell Samsung Internet services and other devices than to fit well into an ad hoc collection of TV, DVR and sound system.
If you are a Tivo user be aware that there is no remote control code available for this Samsung unit, so you need to juggle one remote control for volume and mute and another to control the TiVo.
Finally it came as a surprise to me that the "wireless" rear speakers are not truly wireless although they do use less wire. There is a wireless receiver that plugs into the wall at a distance and then feeds the speakers through speaker wires. I guess this is par for the course for home theater systems, but I wish it were better described.
On the plus side, it was easy to connect the Samsung built=in wireless to my Airport Express wireless router.'
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Swimming
These goggles lack anti-fog coating. Ok what do expect for low price. But I also find them really uncomfotable. The suction cup thing that goes against your eye doesn't really bend that much it's like this flat piece of foam, (neoprene?) pressing against your whole head. The band is easy to adjust. They're usable. sort of. I do like the speedo vanquisher although I only tried them on a few times, they certainly didn't make me feel like tearing them off my face as these do. I wouldn't buy these again. Speedo Sprint Swim Goggles (Black/Clear)
... I needed goggles urgently and got these ones. They were cheap, so I didn't expect too much. But still, they are speedos and I expected a somehow better rubber. Unless you wear them really tight, water will come in. Wearing them tight will make you some nice rings around the eyes...
Whatever, the are probably ok for their price ...
I've owned many Speedo goggles and never had an issue.. well, these leak water unless you crank them tight on your head causing you to see double ..can't even tell when I'm coming up on a turn. Terrible product. They may fit some heads but not mine. Only problem I've ever had with a goggle. Terrible product.
I love Speedo Sprint goggles and have used them for years. I have tried several different brands and models of googles, and Sprint is the only one that fits me without leaking. It's a bonus that they are also cheap. If Speedo ever discontinues this line, I'm in trouble.
I still prefer "old-school" goggles and the Speedo Sprint has been my go-to model for the past decade or so. The neoprene gasket is more comfortable on my deep-set eyes than newer silicone gaskets. The fogging doesn't bother me--I'm used to it and as another reviewer said, I keep a drop of water in the lens by long habit. Unfortunately the Sprints I've purchased over the past 1-2 years have had a quality problem with the gasket--they've started separating after only 1-3 months of limited use--my most recent pair also developed a tear after 2 months. I will probably continue to purchase them because I haven't yet found another model that I'm as comfortable with, but I know what I'm getting myself in to. If you want a reliable pair of goggles that will stand up to some use, I don't recommend getting the Speedo Sprint until Speedo renews the quality.'
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Versa Pak - charger, black and decker
Product came without any kind of packing slip and of course...didn't work. My husband thought that maybe his batteries were bad so he purchased new batteries, used them and then when they needed recharging, tried the charger again...no luck. The first time he purchased this item (from a major do-it-yourself store) the charger port only lasted 6 months. Black & Decker Versapak VP130 Dual Port Charger (Batteries not Included)
If you're replacing the one that came with your drill, this is it. Right or left light is dim according to battery I guess. Came very fast (very, very fast).
Charges the batteries the same as the one which came with your drill/driver. - Black Decker - Black And Decker - Vp 130 - Charger'
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Peter Loftin
Unfortunately for consumers, the industry has not standardized on the length of a 2-inch nail. Some are 50 mm (just under 2 inches) and some are 51 mm (just over 2 inches).
Some nail guns listed as "up to 2 inches" are made to accept 51 mm nails, others accept up to 50 mm. For example, my WEN 61720 nail gun will NOT accept these Porter Cable 2 inch nails (but it WILL accept 50mm nails, such as Bostitch).
Suggestion: before buying nails for your gun,
1) take note of your gun's gauge size (and get only that type)
2) take note of your gun's maximum nail length IN METRIC (mm) and get that length (or less)
Porter Cable makes decent nails that are widely available (e.g. Home Depot carries them too), but they would do their customers a favor if they made them 50mm so they would fit ALL nail guns. Porter-Cable BN18125-1 1-1/4-Inch 18 Gauge Brad Nail (1000 per Box)'
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Jabbawockeez Mask - jabbawockeez mask
good masks. me and my friends are going to use them for hallween.they are great ...................................................................................................though i would wear glasses when airsofting with these. made of cheap plastic but ya know what isn't now a days 12-pack Plastic Halloween White Drama Party Kids Face Masks - Jabbawockeez Mask'
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Panasonic Plasma - 720p, panasonic
The Panasonic Plasma TC-P46X3 is a great entry level Plasma HDTV. You will be extremely hard pressed to find anything close to the picture quality of this set for the money (the only real contender is the Samsung D450 series). Coming from LCD's, I was a bit nervous about moving to Plasma due to stories of burn-in. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to go with the Panasonic TC-P46X3.
Pros:
1. Great contrast ratio, nice deep blacks and rich colors. The screen is never too dark or too bright or washed out.
2. Great panel response time, little to no ghosting.
3. Price!
Cons:
1. Reflective screen (if you have a lot of light in the room while you're watching, it can be distracting as it reflects off of the darker areas of the picture).
2. Image retention (NOT burn-in) does occur, but disappears when you use the screen wipe white bar feature. I'm also still in the first few hundred hours of pixel life, so this may become less and less of an issue as the phosphors age. Panasonic VIERA TC-P46X3 46-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
One of the first to receive this new model Panasonic TV ordered from Amazon.com. Wanted a 46-50 inch plasma TV to be able to view at all angles; with HD capability; no movement shadowing; and able to connect to various media. Also chosen since our home viewing area was not subject to window or other bright light effects.
Am very satisfied with this product. The VIERA Menu makes it very easy to setup for viewing and for connecting to various media. Bright light areas would probably not be suitable for good viewing; however, it does have a "vivid" image control which helps brighten the screen. It looks great and seems to be smudge-proof so far.
This is the first plasma that I have purchased and I must say I am impressed. I own a few LCD's for the other rooms of the house, and immediately the vibrant color renderings and refresh rate become an obvious difference. I have always read that plasma televisions were ideal for sports and movies with fast moving sequences and now owning one i see why. The deeper black levels, the 600hz refresh rate, internet connectivity, and oh yes, the price point, make this Panasonic a bargain well worth looking at. The display does reflect surfaces more than the LCD screen so glare is an issue if placed facing a window, however that is a minimal issue that dark curtains or blinds can resolve. Plasma televisions also consume more power, however with advances in technology that gap has closed a bit, as is the case with this set. For being a plasma and a 46" one at that, it is no power hog. It is only a 720p display, however when mated to HD sources the difference between 720p and 1080p is negligible at this screen size. If you are in the market for a budget minded yet feature abundant set, look no further. Streams services such as Netflix with fantastic picture quality. I love this plasma television, and Panasonic is one of the best. - 720p - Hdtv - Panasonic Plasma - Panasonic'
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Dvd - 20th Century Fox - lost in space, science fiction
I just wanted to express my appreciation to everyone who has posted a review here. I'm really flattered and happy to see the first season LIS DVD box doing so well. Of course I can't be objective about it, but the first season is definitely my favorite. It was a wonderful experience for me to make the show as a kid and it's a wonderful experience now to watch it with my kids and to see that it still excites and pleases people all over our woe begotten beautiful planet. So, on behalf of my fellow LIS cast members (who are still in touch with each other regularly and are still very much a "family") Thank you all for the kind words. Enjoy! Bill Mumy Lost in Space - The Complete First Season
I'm 44 years old and was 5 years old when this series ran on TV. I can still remember the horror and fascination of space in the mid-1960s, which at the time was completely new terrain. Giant blobs, tentacled creatures, plastic ray guns, laser beams - it didn't matter what tricks the producers employed, it was all NEW STUFF as far as I was concerned. Of course, if you compare the props, effects and plots with today's sci-fi, you'd probably burst out laughing and scoff at how primitive it was back then. Then again, you don't buy this DVD set for realism, or for cutting-edge special effects or even for the acting. Neither do you buy it because it pioneered the scores of space adventures that came later, like The Invaders, Flash Gordon or Star Trek. Instead, you buy it because you want to remember how it was when you were 5 years old and you sat in your parents' living room, hunched over a black-and-white TV set, scared out of your wits, yet thrilled to bits at the harrowing adventures of the Robinsons. You buy it because maybe even at that young age, you had a crush on Penny Robinson (Angela Cartwright) and you want to try and grasp that feeling again, which at the time was also NEW STUFF to you. So this is first and foremost a trip down memory lane and it won't appeal to anyone who never watched the show as a kid. For fellow reviewers who have expressed disappointment and have said they felt let down, I ask you - what the hell did you expect?
Like many of the posts here, I was about 8 when I first saw 'Lost in Space' and it opened up my imagination like nothing ever had. 'Star Trek' at the time didn't interest me as much as the adventures of the Space Family Robinson, the reluctant stowaway Dr. Smith, and the faithful Robot, who any boy (or girl) would have wanted as a best friend. It remained my favorite shows for years and I taped most of the episodes in reruns and also spent quite a fortune with Columbia House buying the better quality videos they offered. Season One is by far the best of the 3 seasons, but even though the series went campy ('The Great Vegetable Rebellion' anyone?) I'm looking forward to rewatching some episodes of Seasons 2 and 3 that I never did get to tape and haven't seen for many years. I think Fox will make a nice profit off this series, so hopefully seasons 2 and 3 won't be too far along.
"Lost in Space" (1965-68) told the story of the space family Robinson, who left Earth aboard their Jupiter II spacecraft on a five-year voyage to explore a planet in the Alpha Centauri system, our nearest neighbor in the galaxy. But then Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), an enemy spy, sabotaged the control system but did not get off the ship before it took off. "Lost in Space" were Dr. John Robinson (Guy Williams of "Zorro"), his wife Maureen (June Lockhart from "Lassie"), daughters Judy (Marta Kristen from "Beach Blanket Bingo") and Penny (Angela Cartwright from "Make Room for Daddy" and "The Sound of Music"), and son Will (Billy Mumy from a memorable episode of "The Twilight Zone"). The ship's pilot was Major Don West (Mark Goddard from "The Detectives Starring Robert Taylor) and completing the crew was the Robot (Bob May in the suit but Dick Tufeld providing the voice).
To be clear from the start, even though the first season of "Lost in Space" was in black & white it was the best season. That is because when the Robinsons first blasted off in the Jupiter II this was a dramatic science fiction show. By the end of that first season it was starting to change into more of a situation comedy and the last two seasons all too often involved the comedy team of Dr. Smith, Will and the Robot. But the first five episodes are classic science fiction that hold up to "The Twilight Zone," "The Outer Limits," or "Star Trek" in terms of 1960s television. There are also enough solid episodes to make up for the lame ones, plus the pure nostalgic value of this particular series for those of us who grew up on 1960s television, to justify rounding up to a five star rating.
A lot of the credit for the strong start goes to Shimon Wincelberg, who began writing television scripts for the "Kraft Television Theater" and ended with "Law & Order." In between he did scripts for "Voyage to the Bottom fo the Sea," "The Time Tunnel," "Star Trek" ("Dagger of the Mind" and "The Galileo Seven"), and the stories for the first five episodes of "Lost in Space": (1) "The Reluctant Stowaway" show how Dr. Smith's presence caused the Jupiter II to go astray; (2) "The Derelict" is where the Jupiter II is taken aboard an alien spaceship; (3) "Island in the Sky" is the one where the Jupiter II makes a spectacular crash landing on an alien world; (4) "There Were Giants in the Earth" is where the Robinsons explore Priplanus and encounter the giant cyclops; and (5) "The Hungry Sea" has the planet showing the crew a rough time. If you accept the premise of an American family blasting off into space and having to survive on an alien world, what happens is certainly more realistic than idealistic.
Unfortunately, after that point "Lost in Space" because a show of weekly guest stars as aliens stop by for a visit, beginning with Warren Oates as space cowboy Jimmy Hapgood in (6) "Welcome Stranger." There would also be Albert Salmi as Alonzo P. Tucker (18) "The Sky Pirate" and in the first season low point Mercedes McCambridge as Sybilla, the head of (25) "The Share Croppers." The other constant theme is that Dr. Smith causes trouble in his desperate attempts to get back to Earth, which means everything from giving an alien Will's brain in (8) "Invaders from the Fifth Dimension" and trading the Robot for food in (23) "The Space Trade" to becoming ruler of an alien world in (24) "His Majesty Smith" and getting the power to turn anything he touches into platinum in (26) "All That Glitters." Notice that Smith becomes the pivotal player in more episodes at the end of the season.
This is not to suggest there are not some solid episodes after the first five. The first season offered several episodes that played on classic science fiction films. The show's only two-part episode, (16-17) "The Keeper," had guest star Michael Rennie as the title character in a memorable performance. Rennie played Klatuu, the strange visitor from another planet in the science fiction classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still." When I first saw these episodes way back when I had not yet seen that film, but Rennie brings the same sense of intelligence and dignity to this role, which makes it the standout performance in the history of the series. In (20) "War of the Robots" the Robot has to save the Robinsons from Robotoid, played by Robbie the Robot of "Forbidden Planet" fame. No wonder the "Lost in Space" robot remains the coolest robot of all time for so many fans of science fiction.
The eight DVDs in this collection have the 29 episodes of the first season plus the unaired pilot. If you are looking for extras, you are going to be disappointed, but since many fans have been waiting since childhood to see these episodes again the complaints will be minor (besides, it is not like the cast members are seeing any money off of this to encourage them to do commentary tracks, interviews or anything else). Minor complaint: If they put the unaired pilot on the first disc instead of the last disc the two parts of "The Keeper" would be on the same disc. "No Place to Hide" (Episode 0) is fascinating because the unaired pilot has neither the Robot nor Dr. Smith, which is a big surprise given how they become the most beloved and pivotal character (respectively) on the show there is a website that lists all of Dr. Smith's insults of the robot, from "Adlepated Amateur" to "Wrong Way Computer"). At this point the show was going to be called "Space Family Robinson," but the Walt Disney people would have none of that. - 1960s - Tv Series - Science Fiction - Lost In Space'
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